Saturday, November 2, 2013

Coffeeneuring # 2 - A Trans-West Hills Divide Cultural Exchange - Sunday, October 6th

As a result of a long (44!) post thread on the Oregon Randonneurs Facebook Page, a nine person-strong group of coffeeneurs descended on Blend Coffee Lounge on a fabulously sunny morning.  We came from all points on the Portland compass.   Bill, Lynne & I from the west side, Ken from Multnomah Village, Jeff from southeast, Theo & Asta from close-in to town, Steph & Ryan from North Portland.  Bridging the Trans-West Hills Cultural Divide for coffee!


Some interesting menu choices.

Best dressed barista in town.  Pretty pleated dress and all!

I ordered a Harvest Moon Latte, which was a delightful combination of espresso and Chai Tea.  Beautiful latte art by the barista.  And of course, I couldn't resist a peanut butter cookie.


Harvest Moon Latte & Peanut Butter Cookie

Documenting the documentation.
One of the great things about Portland is the proliferation of bike corrals.  I read that the city just installed it's 100th corral!   They really are a boon to bike friendly businesses.  And as a cyclist, I love having my bike nearby where I can keep an eye on it.  With the rampant bike theft in pdx, it was awfully nice to not have to worry about it.


Conveniently located bike corrals
The locals have a sense of humor too.   At least, I'm assuming they are joking....

I dare you to jump on this wifi network.  Go ahead.  I'm sure it will be fine.

Put this many cyclists in one place, and the conversation is sure to meander.  We sat gabbing at the coffee shop for three or four hours!

Coffeeneurs

Jeff brought along reading material to share.

Asta's star-struck bicycle

Asta & Theo

Eventually, we decamped to a nearby restaurant and had an early dinner.   By the time I got home, it was nearly dark, and I'd been gone the entire day on this coffeeneuring adventure.

Total distance ridden: 13.3 miles, courtesy of using MAX for the lumpy commute over the west hills.


Coffeeneuring # 1 - Jim & Patty's Coffee - Saturday, October 5th

Lynne has been raving about Jim & Patty's Coffee ever since they re-opened in in June.  Seemed like it was time for a visit.

I rode over to Jim & Patty's prior to the ORRando Scavenger Hunt 200K.   Lots of randos were around early, getting coffee and socializing.
Narayan, enjoying his morning java.

Bill, uber-coffeeneur

It's a cute little shop, in the same location they were in Umpteen Million Years Ago when they started Coffee People.   Despite all the years that have passed and tenants that have occupied the space, the original murals still grace the walls.



A quick review of the menu revealed the calorie bomb known as a Chocolate Peanut Butter Mocha.  OK, sign me up!



Absolutely yummy.  Good thing there was a brevet planned that day, because the 2.7 mile ride to the coffee shop definitely did not earn me that many calories...


Post script:  Pretty sure that mocha carried me at least 100K on the day's brevet!   We were graced by amazing weather; sunshine and clear blue skies.  A few photos: