What's Chilly Hilly like?

Chilly Hilly is like this:

http://vimeo.com/37670425

and this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/awilliams53/sets/72157629097958376/

Only, colder....

Bicycling opens a window on Seattle's genius as an urban center | Crosscut.com

Bicycling opens a window on Seattle's genius as an urban center | Crosscut.com:

Good description of biking in Seattle along a route that I ride frequently.  Key phrase, 'thin places....'

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BGT Reopens

After an 8-month closure and renovation, two miles of the Burke Gilman Trail reopened this week. Lots of riders, walkers, walkers with dogs, and others ventured out on this cool, damp Saturday morning to check it out, including yours truly.  The highlight of the 28 miles was the buttery-smooth pavement, as well as the reduction in the number of stop signs from many to just one in Lake Forest Park.  No doubt, come summer, a local law enforcement officials will be present to cite the scofflaws and collect revenue for LFP at that one stop sign.

Bob Marley Birthday Ride

44 flat Kent Valley miles on a rare 55 degree February day from Renton to Sumner and back.  This was another Cascade Bike Club ride organized by Jenny and Julie, who organized the Seattle loop ride a couple of weeks before.  About 20 riders rode the route, down the West Valley Highway, same route for the first leg of the STP.   Much to my surprise and delight, the Cave Man Kitchen was open, and the smoker on as we pedaled past about 11 a.m.   After the ride, I returned and obtained necessary provisions for the Super Bowl meal

The return route included the Interurban Trail, back up the Valley, underneath power lines and with an absence of hills, plus a view of Emerald Downs, the backs of office parks and the rest of the development of what,  maybe 75 years ago, was farm and wetland.

Still, good to explore routes where I hadn't been before and the Cascade rides provide good company and friendly conversation to keep me coming back.

Stuff Overheard at FanFest 2012

Is this next year?  Will the youngsters deliver on their promise?   Will the fans return?  Will Ichiro come back from a disappointing 2011?   Is Jesus Montero the second coming of Albert Pujols?  All these questions, and many more, were asked and considered, but not answered at the Mariners' FanFest 2012.

Here are some things I overheard...

"I'll let you in on a secret.  We didn't have much offense last year."

"That pitcher has gotta miss more bats than he did last year."

"Montero has a high ceiling."

"Smoak is this close."

"The devil is in the backend of the contract.  The Tigers and Angels overpaid."

"The information is only as good as the person giving that information.  And, no, I haven't seen Moneyball."

"The athlete must understand the urgency and responsibility of playing major league baseball, but they have to play tension-free."

"If I had guts, I'd make Figgins my leadoff hitter."

"He brings a lot of moxie to the team."

Maybe this is next year.  Maybe 2013 is next year.

Alliance for Biking & Walking: PeoplePoweredMovement.org

It's good to bike and walk, per this report...

Alliance for Biking & Walking: PeoplePoweredMovement.org:

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Ride Around Seattle with Cascade Bike Club

40 miles on an unusually warm and dry January Sunday morning with the Cascade Bike Club.    The loop included an extension over the Jose Rizal Bridge and down Beacon Avenue South past the Jefferson golf course, somewhere I had not ridden!   Fun to ride with Julie, Leo, Eric and about 20 others.   I missed the beginning at Gas Works, but caught up with the group in Discovery Park.  As their route did not include the scenic overlook at the Magnolia Bluff, I split off and then stopped at Zeitgeist for some sustenance.  While sipping coffee, I watched Leo lead the peloton up Jackson, causing a hurry-up and catch-up, accomplished in plenty of time.   Good to ride in a group again, and hope to do more.