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I spent my 2018 REI dividend today and celebrated my new Wahoo Elemnt Bolt with a pistachio croissant and coffee at Pluma by Bluebird near Union Market. Can’t say the place had any character worth speaking of but the croissant was quite good!

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@Steve O 187930 wrote:

Not sure what the advantage of getting rid of it is.

My frame pump doesn’t spark joy

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@mstone 187927 wrote:

Is that an artisanal leather cover?

Proudly made in Portland, USA

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My first CO2 inflator, so I can leave my frame pump at home (and pray I don’t get more flats than I have cartridges):

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Spotted at the PNC Bank building across from the White House yesterday, on my way to the Team 15 happy hour. Presumably it belongs to the person sleeping beside it.

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@bikedavid 186992 wrote:

Some members from Flurrious Team 15 will be at Union Trust tomorrow night (Wed 6th) for happy hour. Come join us to celebrate the brief respite in flurries and arctic weather.

Union Trust
740 15th St NW (between H St and Penn/New York)
From 6 PM onwards

I tentatively plan to stop by — a friend who might need moving help has dibs, but otherwise I’ll see you all in a bit!

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The colder it gets the more I find myself wearing ordinary winter clothes rather than “biking” clothes.

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Beers were had, plans were hatched! Small group but a fun one.

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@secstate 186717 wrote:

3. I want to invite my under-21 gremlins or friends. Can I?

My understanding is that the basement of Meridian Pint enforces a 21+ policy but the upstairs dining room does not. I’m not too familiar with the layout of the establishment, but if anyone under 21 wants to join I’m sure we’ll all be glad to move upstairs!

Because of the 21+ issue, we will try to meet at the upstairs bar. Hope to see you this evening!

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@Dewey 186640 wrote:

NBD almost turned into NPD ‘No Pants Day’ as I forgot to pack my work trousers so today at work I’m wearing the 4ucycling winter pants that arrived at the weekend (thanks Amazon!).

Pants are never a problem for me. Underwear, on the other hand…!

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@secstate 186409 wrote:

Frosty Mugs with Squadra Frosty

Team 5 will host happy hour in the basement of Meridian Pint (3400 11th Street NW 20010) this coming Wednesday (1/30). I’ll plan to arrive at 6pm and am told that the bar has a fine selection of taps that will surely keep me entertained until at least 8.

11th Street is a great strip of bars, restaurants, and row houses, and is very cycling-friendly. I think of it as a low-key version of U Street.

This is a great chance to meet the riders behind the team that will be gradually ascending past yours in the rankings.

Frosty Mugs with Squadra Frosty FAQ

1. How frosty will this event be? I heard it is going to be 8 degrees.

First, this is Freezing Saddles. We don’t cancel events for winter weather.* Second, the forecast high in St. Johns, MI tomorrow is 0 degrees F. I promise you our teammate Bob James will be riding in that. You can deal, snowflake. Finally, no, it won’t be 8 degrees. It is forecast to be 21 at 6pm and a still balmy 16 degrees at 8pm. Meridian Pint is pleased to feature indoor heating.

2. I also heard that Meridian Pint hates cyclists.

Rumor has it the owner of Meridian Pint prefers street parking to the CaBi station across the street. I can’t find any reference to this, but I invite you to join me in taking Capital Bikeshare to the event.

3. I want to invite my under-21 gremlins or friends. Can I?

My understanding is that the basement of Meridian Pint enforces a 21+ policy but the upstairs dining room does not. I’m not too familiar with the layout of the establishment, but if anyone under 21 wants to join I’m sure we’ll all be glad to move upstairs!

4. I’m in! Remind me: where and when?

Meridian Pint. 3400 11th Street NW 20010. 6pm onward. We’ll finish when trivia night starts at 8pm but you’re welcome to stay!

* mmm, well, apart from last year’s closing happy hour

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@Christob50 186520 wrote:

I decided to pick up a Park Tool PCS 10.

Thanks — this is now on my wish list. I especially like how neatly it folds up for storage.

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Thanks, Bob! Will try quaff a Michigan pint in your honor!

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@bentbike33 186499 wrote:

You don’t need to wait for a new bike, all you need is a new front wheel.

Thanks for pointing this out. You’re giving me ideas.

bikedavid fed me too much beer and convinced me to sign up for the tri club. So, it seems my Space Horse — currently in super commuter mode — is going to have to convert to a sleek steel racer for a brief period this summer. But, after that, it might be dynamo time.

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One sad part about the Cygolites is that their battery is not replaceable. Once it doesn’t hold a charge long enough to get you through your rides, you have little choice but to toss it and spend $50-$80 for a replacement. That might take as little as two years depending on your riding habits. I’m on my second Cygolite and expect that I’ll need to replace it by next winter.

My dream bike includes a dynamo hub, but for my next purchase I might consider a German light with good beam pattern in order to be more considerate on the trails. A couple of these have good brightness and runtime on rechargeable AAs:

https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.php

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