Riding the Goat Man

We got some much needed rain this week, but that didn't bode well for our scheduled "Goat Man" ride. Overnight we got more than three inches of rain and by 9 a.m. (just an hour and a half before our meet up time), the pouring rain was just starting to slack off.

By 10 a.m. the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to peak through. We gassed up the scoots and headed to the ride meet up point.

We were a small group, but that always makes it easier to keep everyone together. It turned out to be a great ride through some scenic country. The seven inches or so of rain that had fallen in the past few days left a few road hazards, including tree debris, high water and gravel, behind, but everyone made it through just fine.

The abandoned buildings at Glenn Dale Hospital were spookier than usual as someone has cleared off all the overgrowth in time for Halloween hauntings.

We stopped in for some lunch at Rip's in Bowie at the mid-way point, then headed on our way. High water took out part of Governor's Bridge Road, but Ryan navigated us around it and we rejoined the road later on.

By ride's end, we'd traveled about 70 miles round trip and the sun was out for most of it. Maybe we'll spot the goat man next year.

Exploring on two wheels

Today Ryan and I explored Baltimore on two wheels--but we left the two-stroke exhaust fumes at home. We joined hundreds of other cyclists and walkers in the 14th annual Tour du Port. The event takes you on a great tour of Baltimore's waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods while raising awareness of the benefits of bicycling, walking and mass transit in our communities.

While Ryan was ready for the 22-mile loop, I've only recently returned to the bicycle scene. In rides around our own neighborhood in recent weeks, I'd made it to six miles in one shot, so the 10-mile loop was more my speed. He was a good sport and took the shorter route with me.

The ride started over near Fell's Point and traveled around the harbor to the top of Federal Hill--a lovely spot for taking in a view of the Harbor.

From there, we traveled out to Fort McHenry (birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner) and hit the six mile point as we circled the fort along the water's edge.

The trip back to our starting point included a drive by of the American Visionary Art Museum. Not wanting to cause a traffic jam of cyclists, I didn't pause to snap a pic. But, if the inside of the museum is anywhere near as spectacular as the outside, I'll definitely be stopping by soon!

The return trip took us past the Maryland Science Center, Harbor Place and the National Aquarium en route to our final destination. Before reaching the end, we stopped for a closer look at the Seven Foot Knoll Light (I'm a sucker for lighthouses).


At ride's end, Ryan's odometer topped 12 miles, but mine read a little under--good to know that my scooter isn't the only thing with wonky technology! Anyway, it turned out to be a lovely day for a ride and I'm happy to say I successfully reached the end.


Ryan's already talking about taking on the 22-mile loop next year--we shall see!

Gearing Up

I'm a little obsessive about wearing suitable riding gear--you'll very rarely catch me out for a quick spin without a jacket, gloves and full face helmet. Sure it takes a little more time to suit up and I'll have a few more things to carry or stow when I get to my destination, but it's much better than the alternative. Even a minor spill can result in some painful road rash. And who really wants all the random things that hit you while riding (from bugs to small rocks) bashing you in the knuckles, eye or arm and tarnishing an otherwise delightful ride.

For some local jaunts this weekend, I traded my armoured jacket for a leather one--much more stylish and less bulky for walking around town. And it was the perfect temperature for it--not too hot, not too cold--gotta enjoy these lovely fall days while we can.

A blustery day

Well, it's a good thing I spent some time earlier this week cutting out the backdrops for some new scarves. I just returned from a ride into the city on this, a very blustery day indeed. I was oh so happy to have a fuzzy fleece scarf wrapped snuggly around my neck.

I've got a new idea or two in mind for the applique and plan to get stitching soon. Look for them on Polly Scoots soon!

Ride Invite--Washington, D.C./Baltimore Metro area

Chasing down the Goat Man – Saturday Oct. 27.

What: Come ride through the haunts of the Goat Man, a homespun legend of the Prince George’s County, Md. Our satyr may be escaped from a government farm, a science experiment gone awry. Or he may just be a human wildman, displaced from a now abandoned sanitarium and left to roam the countryside. Does he hide under the Crybaby Bridge? If you scooter stalls there, it may never start again. Travel the scenic and sometimes surreal backroads of Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties tracking down Goat Man sightings and pieces of the legend. The 60-mile ride will take 2-3 hours depending on what the groups wants to do for lunch. It includes a few stretches of country highway, but is mostly winding back roads.

Who: Motorized two-wheeled enthusiasts of old and new stock are welcome. Your rides should be able to maintain 45 mph. Many 50 cc scooters may be inappropriate. Maryland has a helmet law so please abide by it.

Where: IKEA in College Park. Ride will meet up near the Starbucks in the new condo-strip mall at the front of the IKEA complex on Route 1. It is just north of the Beltway interchange and south of Beltsville. It will end there as well (though feel free to peel off for home where you wish). If you would like to trailer or van your scooter, please drop a line for directions to an appropriate side street or driveway, not far away. From D.C. drive straight out Rhode Island Avenue for just over 10 miles.

When: Meet up beginning at 10:30. Ride leaves at 11 a.m. sharp.

good morning

It doesn't take too much anymore to make my day--so it was great to start up the computer, do my first check of Etsy and see my button gracing the front page. But really, who wouldn't want to look at scooters?

Thanks to CMEscout for making such a stellar list!

Savoring the seasons

Autumn is the perfect to time to explore the great outdoors. On Saturdays, it's fun to load the kids (our dogs) into the back seat and find a park before it gets too crowded with people. We're lucky enough to have a nature preserve not too far from our house--it has become a favorite destination.

We've been sadly lacking in rain this summer and it shows. The picture above was taken about a month ago. The one below was taken just last Saturday. The lake, already crowded with vegetation, is getting even harder to find.

Despite the weather, there's still lots to explore. Wonder what happened to this tree??

The holidays are coming

Time flies when you're having fun. That means, while you're riding around town enjoying some awesome fall weather, the holidays are steadily drawing nearer. I know, October is WAY to early for many to start making their list and checking it twice, but if you're in the market for a custom scooter something, it's the perfect time to put your thinking cap on.

Many items from Polly Scoots can be created or customized just for you--don't be afraid to ask! Want a scarf in polka dots and black? Looking for wine glass charms featuring your Vino 125? Have a burning desire for an ornament to match your scoot? Need a few buttons for your club? It's all possible--just drop me a line with the details and we'll go from there.

Ornaments are just one example of custom goodness. Let me know what colors you have in mind and I'll do a mock up with some options for you to choose from (samples in red and green below).

In five days or less, your ornament will be in the mail to you (during October that is). Things will probably take a little longer as the holidays draw closer, so get your order in today! Or, check out a few ornaments already completed and in need of a good home.