Spring Now!

The front passed through, the sun came out, and it was a good Sunday for a ride. Cycled over to QA where C was working, had a snack and conversation, circled back via Interbay, through Ballard and the north side of Green Lake, down Ravenna and then home. 27 miles, and 400 YTD.


While crossing the Fremont Bridge, the drawbridge was raised and the M/V Sikumi glided underneath, headed back into Lake Union. This looks like a leisurely way to visit SE Alaska!

Is it Spring yet?

Is it Spring yet? There is loads of green moss on the trees along Interlaken Drive.

But, the forsythia are starting to bloom.

And, the buds are opening on the crabapples along the BGT.

20 miles downtown for coffee and then back, a Lake Union Loop.

March in Seattle

A post BBD&A Sunday ride, amidst the drizzle and wind, was a great way to clear the cobwebs and release the tension from a successful, big event. Headed out on the BGT, and rode 37 miles through Ballard, around the Magnolia Loop and down into Pioneer Square, before returning. The ride south was into the prevaling wind, while the return, after lunch at Noodle Zen and purchasing dinner at Uwajimaya, the best market on the planet, was helped by the strong tailwind. Got home just before the rain stopped being sporadic.


Coming up Ballard Avenue, I ran into my first public market of the new year. Lots of organic produce, seafood such as oysters and salmon, fresh cut flowers, and of course, street treats like pizza, falafel, and other goodies were for sale.



After a Zeitgeist stop, I coasted over to Qwest Field, all decked out for the Sounders who earned a victory in their first MLS match, versus the New York Red Bulls, not to be confused with the Firebulls of LVR infamy.

Look who is back in town! Spring can't be far away, but, as is typical here, the long damp continues and will turn into warmth sometime, hopefully soon. 350 miles, or so, YTD.

Magnolia Loop

25 miles in about 2 hours, including hydration stops and gear tinkering, not bad for a finals week spin and clear-out-the-cobwebs jaunt. Saw this fine looking motor-sailer on the Ship Canal.

Three classes in the books, and one to go, then on to the completion of the BBD&A activities, do the taxes and then get ready for spring.

Also had some high-tech medical exam stuff going on this week, with a CAT scan (my first!) to see if any more action is warranted with what's been going on in my nose.

Bike Expo and More

Finally retrieved the Bleriot from EBB after its annual check up and a reconfiguration. I dumped the STI shifters as they had problems going to the big cog at times, and substituted some good old-fashioned bar end jobs, which work just fine, although this user still is clunky with them.

Visited the CBC annual Bike Expo, gathered way too much swag and fliers for rides and adventures, ate my first festival food of the new year, then headed out onto the BGT into a headwind, rain and 40 degree temps. Made it to Interbay and as a came around the corner under the Ballard Bridge, the south wind picked up, the cold hard rain came in sideways, and I decided to beat it back home, via Stone Way, Peet's Coffee at Green Lake, and then Ravenna Blvd.

24 miles, but good to be back in the saddle after three weeks and several out-of-town trips. Even though I've been consistent on the gym bike, there's no substitute for saddle time. And, I'm going to need lots of saddle time to get ready for Livestrong.

Do You Believe in Miracles?

The Dutch do it again!

Other famous Dutch baseball players.....

Johnny Vander Meer

Honus Wagner

Bert Blyleven

Darren Daulton

Dutch Schultz

Ronald "Dutch" Reagan

Okay, Dutch Schultz probably went to a baseball game once or twice, and Dutch Reagan was known to be a baseball announcer.

World Baseball Classic

Attended Game 1 of the 2009 World Baseball Classic at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan Puerto Rico.

More enthusiasm in the stands at Hiram Bithorn Stadium for one game between Netherlands and Dominican Republic than in 81 games played at Safeco Field. DR flags everywhere. Bands on the dugout between innings. Beer girls and pina coladas. Sunshine bright and hot.

Pedro Martinez pitched 3 scoreless innings. Biggest cheers for David "Big Papi" Ortiz, and most jerseys in the stands. Miguel Tejada homers. Jose Guillen. Julian Tavarez. Miguel Olivo. Moises Alou. Felipe Alou, manager.

And, DR lost to Netherlands, 3-2!