You're still too early, Christmas tree.

Point State Park

SNOW! PANIC!

The first snow of the season: as usual everyone panicked and traffic was snarled everywhere. Why? The snow hadn't even coated the roads! It coated the trees and grass very well. Gorgeous.

I finally patronize the Enrico Biscotti Company

Coffeeneuring trip #6
6.6 miles
Enrico Biscotti Company
http://www.enricobiscotti.com/

Forced to take surface streets to the Strip as the trail there is under construction until Feb. Took a wrong turn as I'm not used to taking roads over there. I backtracked to Smallman instead of walking my bike down a one-way street.
I steered clear of this place because 'biscotti' frightens me: what if it tastes like anise? Yuck, I hate anise ever since an unfortunate episode with Jagermeister early in my life. *shudder* The kind woman behind the counter assured me there were many varieties anise-free. I picked up an oatmeal raisin pecan biscotti in the bakery, but had to go next door for the coffee. An odd place... one of the bakers pleasantly stopped his work to help me and wasn't even sure how much to charge for a mug refill. He decided $1.50 was fair and I told him to keep the .50 change due to his pleasant nature.

A history lesson with your coffee?

Coffeeneuring trip #5
4.4 miles
Buon Giorno Cafe
http://www.buongiornopittsburgh.com/
Having never cycled in this part of town, I learned that I need to attack this area from a different angle. The bus lane along Smithfield is restricted and I had to walk my bike several blocks to get there. I dashed in quickly as I hadn't allowed time for the slow pace of walking. 

I also found a tag of the plaque marking the 1845 Fire that destroyed much of downtown for the Tag-O-Rama game.

You are too early, Christmas tree!

I found the Heinz Field workers putting the finishing touches on a Christmas tree. ON-NOVEMBER-FIFTH.

My bike needs a disco ball!

11/4/13
Crazy Mocha, Cultural District, Liberty Ave
Coffeeneuring trip #4
4.2 miles
http://www.crazymocha.com/contact-us/

In a twist of coincidences, the Cell Phone Disco is cataloged in Vannevar Bush's (fellow Coffeeneur-er) website www.pghmurals.com

There's no such thing as 'too reflective'

Can you see me now? I like to glow. The mornings are getting darker and I felt the need to up my visibility. The crappy light I bought for my handle bars did nothing but illuminate the inside of my basket, so I took the advice of fellow cyclists and bought a Busch & Muller Ixon headlamp. This thing is awesome. Thank you German engineers! I can actually see where I'm going *and* drivers can see me. 
The reflectors are from 3M, FIKS and RydeSafe. Too much?