First Flat

Warm afternoon and enough time to do the 25 mile Magnolia Loop, where I stopped along the bluff to snap a few photos.



On the descent on the back side of the hill, the front wheel started to wobble. At first I thought the wind was blowing me around, but then I realized that the front tire was out of air! After some 3000 miles and about nine months, the Bleriot had its first flat. Easy enough to replace the tube and get back on the road, but my little Blackburn pump could only so much pressure. Still it was enough to get back to the trail and on to Counterbalance Cycles, who kindly provide free air to those who need it along the BGT.

Ospreys along the SRT

50 miles on the short loop for the Seattle (Half) Century. These two ospreys were resting above the Sammamish River, waiting for a snack.


With the weather finally turning warm, the dandelions were in bloom along the route, and especially at the entrance to Marymoor Park.

Other than the need to get more saddle time and miles in, plus to enjoy the day amidst a new and crazy spring schedule was the desire to see what Claire has been writing about the condition of West Lake Sammamish Pkwy. While I have mucho respect for Claire, I didn't find much out of the ordinary on the route. Sure, there were some rough spots, but after dealing with Lake Washington Blvd at Leschi, the rough route through Frink Park, and even the bumps and holes on the BGT due to tree roots, the Parkway was nothing special, IMHO.

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.

North Lake Loop

First 70 degree day in months and a great time to head out on the North Lake Loop to clear the cobwebs and get ready for another quarter at the Learning Factory. Ongoing construction at Log Boom Park and along the BGT in Kenmore was mildly inconvenient, but kept a good pace and cruised down into Juanita Bay, where the cormorants were keeping watch on the old pilings.

And, in the beaver pond on the other side, I saw this heron concentrating on some brunch.

Stopped at the Mercer Island Lid for a snack and watched a bit of Little League baseball. The Mercer Island select team was in the field, with the Seattle Select Team at bat. I watched them load the bases and then the MI pitcher walked three batters in a row. This kid had a good curve and fastball but couldn't get it over the plate, as he started to fall apart. Pitching without confidence and trying to pinpoint the ball is one of the toughest things that these young players can do. It's truly a spot where failure breeds more failure as things spiral out of control. We've all been there, and it was difficult to watch, so on to the I-90 bridge and then up the Leschi side toward home.

On the Seattle side I had three separate run-ins with potential wrecks due to idiot drivers attempting to turn in front of me while talking on their cell phones. As Click and Clack advise, "Hang Up and Drive!"

37 miles, 438 YTD, and let's hope that we've turned the corner on the weather so I can rack up more miles.

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.