Commute

Once again, it's back in the saddle after a lay off. What with schedule changes, weather, and a myriad of other excuses, I haven't been putting in the miles like I used to. (Plus, truth to be told, I get tired more easily!)

But, that may change, after yesterday's return to the bike commute option to TLF. Fine ride up in the summer drizzle, about 70 minutes, and arrived fresh for a day in the life of MMM. But, the key was the ride home, pedaling to digest the impending tough conversations on budgets, reporting requirements, etc. Longer hours may mean less gym time, for which I should substitute the saddle time.

IPad helps with staying plugged in. Maybe I should get one of these.

STP Packet-pick up at starting line tomorrow. Decided not to RSVP this year after being online forever and dealing with the CBC hassles, and am comfortable with that decision. I'm not in shape and was not looking forward to the ride or the weekend away, especially after Minneapolis, LA, SF and now a trip to Ashland next week for OSF.

Interurban Trail

At the end of Week 1, Spring Quarter, I commuted to and fro the Learning Factory into the teeth of the PSCZ to attend a division meeting and listen to colleagues bicker and pick nits. But the highlight was the return via the Interurban Trail in North Seattle.

Along the trail are several art installations, meant to resemble a flip book, created by Jennifer Dixon.

These are great pieces that added some color and fun to an otherwise grey and drizzly commute.
About 30 miles round trip, including a side trip along the south side of Green Lake at a reasonably slow pace, having been influenced by Kent's piece on hypermiling.

I just need to get there. I don't necessarily need to get there quickly.

First commute of the year...

Cliff Mass and Jeff Renner said it was going to be dry, and by golly, they were right! As I shoved off from Mt. View Ridge this a.m., the sky to the east was beginning to get light, with no clouds, and the moon was still above the horizon to the west. Cold, but dry. In Seattle, the major arterials had been swept so there was little sand and grit left over from the Great Christmas Blizzard and Freeze. But, once I crossed 145th, leaving the land of the Pillsbury Doughboy and entering Shoreline toward points north, flotsam, jetsam and detritus became abundant along the road side.

Still, made it to the Factory in normal time. The afternoon return, backtracking along the morning route, meaning an ascent up the Meadowbrook Hill on 35th NE, was under gray and colder skies. Nothing unusual, but much more pleasant than the auto commute.

13 miles each way....

Confronting the Cars

Great post about bikes and traffic......

Confronting the Cars

Great post about bikes and traffic......