I woke up to a spectacular rainstorm this morning. I moved my car just in time (sort of) and lay about in my apartment listening to the drops pelting my tin roof. It was all very nice and such, but it rained all day yesterday, too, and I needed it slow up so I could ride my bike. I mean, two days without riding in a whole week? I get too itchy too fast for that sort of thing. And New Orleans weather changed it up just in time, as it sometimes does. I hopped on the Surly and headed downtown to the bike shoppe to drop her off for a check up and rode off on a cute little Schwinn rental to check out the scene by the river. Continue reading
Mississippi River
Ship, Train, and Car at Poland and Chartres
It was a beautiful day in New Orleans today, perfect for riding around, which is exactly what I did after meeting D. for lunch in the Marigny. I rode out on St. Claude. That bike lane is still my favorite place to ride in the city. I turned on Poland and rode up and down, trying to figure out what that building was (Poland Scrap Metal) and marveling at the strangely out of place post office. Continue reading
Train Tracks and Ships on Chartres and Louisa
Today was one of those perfect New Orleans Sundays, surprisingly cool and dry, blue sky, light breeze. It started with a lazy morning at home followed by a ride down to the Treme for brunch with friends, sipping champagne on the balcony in J. and S.’s newly-installed hammock. I lay there, staring up at the sky, listening to friends chatter and laugh, and felt damn lucky to be alive. Continue reading
Waterfront Employment Center at Chippewa and Orange
Today’s ride took me down to the Mississippi River to watch the sun go down over Jackson Square and the light change colors over the water. I started the ride without a plan and, I must admit, a little bit sad that I wasn’t riding around Austin. Continue reading
Drawbridge Over the Industrial Canal at St. Claude
Yep, another beautiful day in New Orleans, as evidenced by the sky in this picture. I decided to take an easy ride today, as I’m a little sore from the past week of near-constant riding. After work I took Jack down to the Marigny to do a little writing at the coffee shop. Then we tooled over to a bar for the infamous Tater Tachos (nachos, but with tater tots instead of chips) and a beer. I was going to head home, but as the sun started to wane, just a little bit, it was a touch cooler and I decided to zip up the St. Claude bike lane over to the Lower Ninth. Continue reading
Heron Nest Building in Audubon Park
I read myself to sleep last night with a bike repair book, so woke up with an urgent need to clean and maintain my bikes. Rhoda’s chain has been skipping a lot lately, and even the pedaling has felt off. So I treated her to a new chain, and she feels so, so much better. After riding to and from work I decided to meet K. to take Jack out for a spin on the levee. Continue reading
Overgrown Lot and Decaying Fence at St. Philip and St. Claude
Today was hot and humid, a little reminder of what we’ll be in for as summer gets here. I love summertime in New Orleans, so I was happy to get out on a bike ride. I headed to Mid-City to meet up with a friend for a ride to the Bywater for lunch. I could feel the sun baking my back, and it sure was. I’ve got a bit of a sunburn, unfortunately. Continue reading
Picnicking at the Fly
It’s the first full day of my spring break, and I couldn’t be more pleased. The weather was fantastic, so I went for a long ride along the Mississippi after a day of basketball, lunch, coffee, and reading. Yeah, rough life, eh? I was not the only person who thought the levee would be a nice place to toast this first day of spring (and my mom’s birthday–happy birthday, ma! Love you!). Continue reading
Railroad Crossing at Royal and Press Streets
This picture captures, I think, the crazy sun of today. It was absolutely beautiful, again. And I was in the mood to celebrate outside, because today marks the third anniversary of quitting smoking. Three years ago today I was a quivering mess, crying between mouthfuls of Fritos or M&Ms, not sure why I’d made the terrible decision to quit smoking, and feeling quite certain that I’d never be ok again. Continue reading
Sunset on the Mississippi
Oh yeah, it’s springtime in New Orleans. Today was ridiculously beautiful. I took advantage with a nice ride on the levee late this afternoon. So many people were out riding around, running, walking dogs. The folks with horses had them out, trotting around. Other folks were engaging in archery practice, shooting on the banks of the Mississippi at hay bales draped with vinyl targets. There were even golfers practicing chip shots. This is what I love about public space–it’s for the public. Continue reading
What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today 