Soul Cycle, Williamsburg, a happy place

Not only did I sweat my balls off during a modified spin session (ride as a pack!) at Soul Cycle in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but I left feeling GREAT and not the slightest bit abused. A staff member named Ryan was super friendly in taking time to explain everything (their no-brainer combo lockers and squeaky-clean showers) to me. They leave all the grime and grit to the rest of Brooklyn, providing sanctuary and serious training (at $34 a pop... with packages available).

Their Williamsburg, Brooklyn location (pictured here) is at 196 Kent Ave. It's not really near any subways, but you probably won't be going there if you don't already live in Williamsburg. You could always ride your bike there... but if you've got a bike, do you really need to pay $34 for someone else to make you sweat? If yes is your answer to that question, then THIS is the place for you.

http://www.soul-cycle.com/soul-east/soul-williamsburg.cfm

Good Luck, Rochester

What more can you ask for when coming to a new town than a hearty meal made with the best local ingredients? The restaurant Good Luck in Rochester, NY delivers on all fronts, dishing up familiar but remarkable food with rustic flare.  

Each element of the meals seemed carefully considered and then served in large portions meant for sharing. The burger is enough to feed a family alone. The atmosphere is casual and bubbly, and the decor suggests the farm table concept with a good dose of fun. I left happy and satisfied, wondering what other gems Rochester has to offer.

Get some Good Luck at 50 Anderson Ave. in Rochester, NY. Ask your waiter how the restaurant got its name.

http://www.restaurantgoodluck.com/

Alison Zeller

While visiting my friends in Rochester, I was impressed by their art collection: numerous charming paintings and an array of fine art photography. I thought, "Wow! These guys must be doing pretty well for themselves!" 

And they are, but what I didn't realize was that much of the work was crafted by the hands of one of my hosts. I was super impressed. Check her out!

http://www.alisonzeller.com/

          

Homeless loner

Last night was the first that I spent by myself since moving out of Brooklyn. Even Pickle had to sleep in the car as the Ramada Inn in Wilkes-Berre, PA "is not pet friendly" (please, never stay there). As I lay alone in my non-smoking room that stank like cigarettes and cotton candy, I had to keep reminding myself that I am not wandering aimlessly--that this might feel difficult but there is ultimately a point.

And today I am grateful to have a set destination: Rochester, NY to visit my old friend Kurt and his wife Ali. Kurt and I were abroad together in New Zealand during college. Kurt vibbed to Nora Jones and wrote philosophical reflections in a spiral notebook; I was enthusiastic but closeted and tough. We traveled and made fun of the other people in our program. We were cool to ourselves. Although our communications have become biannual at best, I will always value his friendship, and I look forward to seeing him.

Tip: guesting

Arriving empty-handed as a houseguest is a no-no. To insure a happy welcome (and an invite back) make sure you show up with SOMETHING... For my next stop I'm bringing a baby aloe from me and a some farm-fresh cucumbers from Pickle. Easy.

Everywhere has something

Ever heard of Wilkes-Berre? Neither had I, and I was fully prepared to write it off as a do-nothing town near a third-rate city with nothing to offer other than a place to rest my head. But as I left my hotel, resigned to finding some sort of fast-food breakfast and get out of Dodge, I found that a bustling farmer's market had popped up over night.

The Wilke-Berre Farmer's Market is full of cheap, fresh produce, vibrant vendors, and has a live entertainment schedule all summer. I ended up spending the morning wandering the stalls and meeting lots of friendly people (with Pickle's help).

Instead of departing Wikes-Berre with a grumbly tummy, I had a locally farmed breakfast and a dose of understanding that sometimes just a little patience is needed before a place will reveal itself. Visit http://www.wilkes-barre.pa.us/farmersm.php for the Wilkes-Berre, PA Farmer's Market and live entertainment schedule.

Now that I carry my belongings in the back of my station wagon, I feel like a hoarding turtle.

Tip: road running

Remember: when on a road without a sidewalk, runners stay left, facing oncoming traffic... 'Cause it's better to look your fate in the eyes than be taken by surprise from the back.

Help me help you

Part of my mission in staying with people who are happy to host me is to help out in any way that I can. So, if you have some kind of job that needs doing around the house, yard, basement, garage, or otherwise, and you have a place to sleep for a guy and his dog, don't be afraid to let it be known.

Tip: Biking

For a wet ride, choose a dark color shirt if you hope to ever wear it again.

DO

DON'T 

Welcome to Reho run and ride

For the next week in Rehoboth beach I am Nathan's training buddy (and motivation) as he trains for the NYC Triathlon. So far we've had two exploratory ventures to get the lay of the land.

Run around the neighborhood, to the beach and past the rich people houses at Silver Lake:

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Bike to Gordon's pond, Dewey Beach, and back

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