New Year!

Last day of 2011, but first ride after Winter Solstice and 6 weeks off the bike, for holidays, sick, tired, recovering, antibiotics and reaction thereto. 26 miles on the familiar Magnolia Loop, now upgraded with the extension of the Ship Canal Trail under the Ballard Bridge. Took things nice and slow, and the Bleriot performed well after the annual tune at EBB.

Saw another Rivendell, a Rambouillet, and then met up with Russ from the loosely formed Seattle Rivendell Riders group for the last few miles up the BGT. We pledged to make some of those rides happen again soon, another great resolution for 2012!

Back on the Bike

Thirty miles yesterday a.m. on a warm fall afternoon. Nothing special about the Golden Gardens>Locks>Magnolia loop, as I've done it many times, but it seems like years since I've been on the bike. Given the crazy schedule and travel this year, the miles have not come as easily as before.

The ride felt great, the Bleriot rode well, and I turned off the head phones for the return to listen to the world and to join the Commuting Peloton.

Nice to be back.

Landslide

Rode up the BGT to Sheridan Beach to check out the damage and destruction wrought by Mother Nature (or property owners with inadequate drainage systems) at about 145th and the BGT, where a landslide blocked the trail. Riding north, the whole hillside to the west of the well-traveled trail seemed saturated, with numerous little slides noticeable since last week's spin.
Took some photos, and turned around, heading out to Ballard to see more effects of the daily rain that we've experienced since New Year's.

On the return, along Shilshole, I stopped to snap a few photos of the Ballard Terminal Railroad locomotive, the Lil' Beaver.

The engineer remarked that they had come out to the Salmon Bay Cafe for a cup of coffee. I smiled, waved, and headed on, wondering if this was another one of the reasons that the BGT Missing Link was being delayed, along with the lawsuit from Ballard Business Owners.

Cumulative mileage in first two weeks of January is up to 150 miles, remarkable given the lousy wet weather this winter and no commute rides. But 2010 is off to a productive start.

Boxing Day Ride

The taggers celebrate the holiday in Loyal Heights!

Took a short (22.9-mile) loop out to Golden Gardens on Boxing Day to test out the new equipment and the old legs. The new shoes worked well, and after 4 years with the last pair, they represent a reasonable replacement after I got full use from the old ones. Less satisfied with new pump, too short for the frame and so I get to check Rivendell's replacement policy for that unit as well as the bike bag which is simply too small to justify the price.

So far in the past six months, the log totals 1,267 miles per the Garmin, and I'll probably finish the year with a bit more, given the weather forecast of dry, clear and cold for the remaining days of 2009.

The sundial indicated noon on the return on BGT at the U of W. We've passed the solstice, and now the days are getting longer!

November Loop

Rain, wind, and hail in the convergence zone on Friday, plus similar weather on Sunday meant I needed to grab my ride on Saturday a.m. if a ride was going to be grabbed at all this weekend. Pedaled 30 miles on a clockwise loop down to Leschi, through the I-90 tunnel, Pioneer Square and the Stadiums, for another break at Zeitgeist. I've actually stopped there enough to fill the coffee card!

The I-90 tunnel seemed unusually yellow and bright this a.m., uncrowded without the weekday commuters and weekend recreation cyclists. I noticed how much more pleasant the trails seem now that the weather has driven many of the riders inside, out of the wet, cold and dark.



Unusual placement for a Greenway Trail sign, but it looks like the Mountains-to-Sound trail ends along the first base side of Safeco Field, along Edgar Martinez Drive.



No hassle crossing at the Locks, and then snapped this photo of the Fremont and Aurora Bridges along the BGT, noting that the leaves are almost gone from the alder trees. We're about 5 weeks from the Winter Solstice, and I'm looking forward already to sunnier, warmer days.

Early Autumn Rides

Two September weekends and two rides to remember. Last weekend, rode across I-90 and then out to Issaquah, using much of the same route that I rode on Livestrong last June. After a great and quiet ride through farmland on May Valley Road, I crossed a newly-constructed bridge and then turned north on Issaquah-Hobart into Issaquah, where Suburbia begins. Found the Starbucks at one of the universe of Strip Malls, refueled, then over Newport Hills, around Factoria and down to Coal Creek Parkway. Is there any easier way to find the I-90 trail from the Eastside south of the freeway? Maybe, but I've yet to find it. Entire route was about 60 miles on an 80 degree day, and well worth repeating.

The second ride should be labeled the Salmon Ride. While not riding the Cascade Spawning Cycle, there sure was enough overlap, as I rode much of the course in reverse. Coming up the Duwamish Trail, I watched one get landed in a boat adrift on the Duwamish. I watched two pulled in at the Duwamish Fishing Pier. Stopping at the Cascade Bike Club's spot at Myrtle Edwards Park, I ate a Ballard Brothers Blackened Salmon Burger, and then headed out the Locks to watch salmon heading up the fish ladder on their way home. Another 45 mile ride, and also worthy of a repeat.

RSVP - 2009

A great two days of riding. Here are some of the highlights.

Stopped to take pictures of cows after Lynden, before the border. Soft shoulder and before I knew it, was headed down into the mud filled ditch. Caught my fall, soaked my arm, jacket and glove in muck, and amused the cows and several riders who at first were alarmed (is he still clipped in? Father of three drowns in ditch on RSVP!) and then laughed.
Day One started out inauspiciously. First, the Garmin didn’t hold a charge, so no electronic data, speed, map, elevation, etc. Second, clip needed adjustment right at the start as I couldn’t get foot in the pedal. Was this how it was going to be? So, commenced up the BGT with trepidation, but all well, including a relatively easy climb up the Woodinville Hill. Weather was autumn in Seattle, chilly, damp (rain shower just as I left the house @ 6:10 a.m.) But a south breeze, and tailwinds are good. Crossed into farmland, with cows, horses, llamas, goats, chicken squawks and made it to Snohomish, where I caught up with Shaun and Claudia, riding partners from last year.

For me the first 50 miles of this ride, to Arlington, are pretty easy, a few climbs but a great long descent into town. Marty caught up with us on the trail, peddling hard and setting a brisk pace. I insisted on lunch at the Blue Bird Café, remembering last year’s bonk on Lake Cavanaugh rode. That’s where Shaun’s stomach caught up with him, and we called for the sweep team. C and Max were coming up I-5, and picked him up, delivered him to Bellingham. Shaun was too sick to ride day two, and he took the train back to Seattle from there.

No bonk on Lake Cavanaugh Rd this year, but there was a shower, so picked up more road grime. And, there was no getting lost in the Skagit Delta this year, either. But, Chuckanut, with great views and hills to match those views, was still a bear. Stopped for a rest and a few pix, looked at the time and it was 6:00! Time to book it into B’ham, settle into the Rodeway Inn (Shaun described as a Motel 3), tacos rice and beans and then up the next a.m. @ 5:30 for Day 2!

The morning began with a meander through Lynden farmland to brunch at the Dutch Mother, where they hold an annual buffet for the RSVP’ers. Best meal on the trip! Eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit, mucho coffee, and up to the border, with a slight detour into the mud. Border crossing was more bureaucratic this year. Long line, showed passports, guard checked my name on list (you go by any other name, perhaps?), photo ops, then into Canada! Horse farms, berry farms, small orchards, organic farms, gentleman’s estates, and beautiful countryside.

Heading north, you hit the infamous Wall of Day Two, which, frankly, is less than old 70th Street in Seattle, and all that complaining about living on top of a hill turns into some gratification for the training. Last year, Albion Ferry, including a long wait in the sun and a guessing game of Will This Old Wreck Capsize on the Fraser? This year, new, ultra modern sleek and slick Golden Ears Bridge with wide bike lanes, spectacular views after more gorgeous country side! Much improved.

On to the rest stop, through the suburbs, and then crossing a scenic footbridge over a stream in Port Coquitlam. As I was riding with a small group over the bridge, we saw two brown bear cubs scamper across the trail! Some remarked at how wonderful and cute they were, until I pointed out that where there were cubs, there was also Mama Bear, and she was likely not to be either cute or cuddly! Stopped for lemonade right there, and the locals offered that bears were common along the stream, and they had to be careful with their garbage and other food in the area.

One more fluid exchange in Port Moody, in from East Van, through Chinatown, past the junkies on Hastings, Gastown tourists, and then up to the Coast Plaza for the reception and party. Well done, Cascade!

Oh yes, after a charge, the Garmin now worked, and here are the details of RSVP, Day Two.

My photos are here.

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!

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.

February, so far....

Wanted to get a long ride in over the weekend, before traveling for several weeks in a row to points south and east. Started in the sunshine up the BGT to Kenmore, over the top of the lake and down the eastside toward Juanita, where these snow geese were resting on a log boom. After a Ladro stop, continued through Bellevue, across I-90 to Mercer Island, and took a left at the Mercer Island JCC to do the MI Loop. When I made the turn from E. Mercer Way to W. Mercer Way, the cold north wind hit my face and my lack of training became apparent. It was a schlep the rest of the way home. 47 miles, chilled, tired, tight hamstrings. Being sick with cold/flu for about a week and still taking the antibiotics, just not ready for it, but am ready for some warm weather.

I should get that in San Diego next weekend, and maybe even in San Juan in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, more trips to the gym, more stretching, and maybe even some regular sleep will have to suffice.



When I first started out up the BGT, I noticed this plaque by the poisoned trees that I wrote about last August. Now there's a permanent market, courtesy of Seattle Parks and Recreation, to acknowledge the crime.

Been listening to a lot of Theme Time Radio, hosted by Bob Dylan. Great mix of tunes, plus Bob's banter, emails and phone calls. "Here's an email from Johnny Depp in Paris, France. Johnny wants to know, who is the father of modern communism?" Hijinks ensue. I think that Jim D would have enjoyed the show. He was writing a book on Dylan when he passed away two years ago, and no doubt would have collected them all.

Bad Behavior

Encountered several examples of bad behavior today. As it was the last day of the quarter and all assignments and exams were due, the whining started. There were two, count ‘em, two different incidents of students asking me to increase their grades simply so they could have higher marks. They didn’t question whether exam answers could have been interpreted differently, or if a homework grade was too harsh. No, they believed that I would raise their grades simply because they had asked, and that they deserved it. Out and out gall to ask me, in essence, to commit fraud on their behalf.

Another student was able to ignore announcements for two weeks, an assignment due date and an exam for a week, and then claimed that I was ruining his life and I was ‘mean’ for insisting that he be subject to the same deadlines and schedules as the rest of the class.

Unbelievable.

Glad that I'm on vacation.

And, then on the way home on the BGT, I stopped to see the seven trees that were victims of deliberate poisoning. Unbelievably brazen behavior. These trees blocked the view from a deck directly to the west, and its obvious that the homeowner is the perpetrator.

Back In the Saddle, Again

So, after a bit of a layover, got back on the bike again this week and did about 55 miles, including a commute, more of that to come, given the price of gasoline, and a Sunday excursion around North Seattle.

Visited C who was sitting on a house on Sand Point (lots of good ideas there for the downsizing to come in several years), then went over 155th to Greenwood, headed into Blue Ridge and down to the road to Golden Gardens. That road is still closed because of the slides last winter. Made it into Sunset Hill, down to Shilshole, BGT extension to GG, and then back home. 745 miles YTD.

Decided to bag the STP this year. Not really up for it, haven't been training, schedule conflicts, etc, and will concentrate on RSVP instead. Life gets in the way of the cycling adventures, but that's fine.

BTW, the M's suck, and maybe Ross Anderson says it best.