Jeff

From the Sugar Creek Rail Station to Stewart Creek Greenway with a stop at Smelly Cat Coffee House for a quick biscuit before starting our Saturday morning adventure.

Today was the maiden voyage for my Brooks England B17... my goto 15 mile Beer Run, but this time on a saddle with a reputation big enough to make you nervous. Some riders call it the gold standard for commuting and touring. Others… well, let’s just say their sit bones filed complaints. I’ve been both excited and a little anxious about this first ride, but early into the ride, the feel clicked and I found myself officially in the “this thing is worth it” camp. The first couple of miles were slick and firmer than I’m used to, but once I settled in, it felt natural. By the halfway point, I knew I could’ve kept going. Feels good to start the break‑in journey on such a high note.

Rode the entire length of Charlotte’s Blue Line by bike today with my nephew — 22 miles from the 485/South Blvd terminus to UNC Charlotte Main. We pieced it together through greenways, side streets, and the neighborhoods that parallel the line, watching the city shift as we moved north. It’s wild how much of Charlotte you can feel when you trace its spine this way — skyline angles changing, pockets of the city unfolding one by one. We capped it off by hopping on the light rail and letting the train carry us right back to where it all began. A perfect CLT point‑to‑point adventure.

I gave a family member a ride to her doctor's appointment an then enjoyed a simple walk in the park.

A beautiful ride starting with the Lower McAlpine Creek Boardwalk and making a nice loop around The Bowl and Ballantyne.

A nice afternoon hike through Doughton Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Windy and brisk, but beautiful!

Our long awaited hike to see the Dam Mural was more beautiful than we imagined. This is our first time on a trail designated as a Forest Bathing on a trail and it did not disappoint.

A brisk morning walk on my own to start a beautiful day. My intent was to go to the waterfall, but the trail was closed. So, instead, I enjoyed a nice quiet walk along the mountainside of Stone Mountain.

Starting with another perfect taco at a different Tacos4Life location, I rolled out through quiet neighborhoods and onto the shady, beautiful McAlpine Creek Greenway. From there I connected to the Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway for a relaxed loop. The highlight was riding the brand‑new one‑mile extension of the Lower McAlpine section, which now continues all the way to the new trailhead and parking area at Hwy 51. The trailhead parking opened in early 2026 and officially pushes the Lower McAlpine route beyond its previous endpoint, including a beautiful half‑mile stretch of paved, elevated boardwalk. Gliding across that beautiful new boardwalk was the most peaceful moment of the ride. Perfect weather, peaceful paths, and one perfect taco!,,, hard to beat!

Back out for another day of getting back into the swing of things. I had to nudge myself to step away from the usual routine, load the bike onto the rack, and head out for a ride. But it’s funny... the moment my feet hit the pedals and the wheels start turning, I always feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I need to be doing.