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.

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.

October North End Loop

Neighbor Rob sent out the call for a Sunday ride, and I responded, inviting CAL along for the spin.

North on the BGT and up Brookside and Perkins to upper Shoreline, down to 155th and over to Greenwood, Sunset Hill and back on the BGT. Damp leaves, drizzle, wet pavement, ah, back in the real Pacific NW after a couple of weeks away from the bike or so it seemed.

Rob got a flat on of his 23 cm tires (another reason to appreciate the fatty Schwalbe marathons) just north of Gas Works. We stopped so he could fumble with his patch kit as the piece of glass punctured both sides of his tube, resulting in the need for two patches. I snapped photos while waiting. Most of the subjects were friendly, offering help, waving, saying hello. But one, this one, was riding hands free on her fixie while yakking on the phone. Just after a snapped the picture, she flipped me the bird, scowled, rolled on, and continued with her cell phone conversation. I guess you don't have to drive an SUV to be a jerk.

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.

Memorial Day Ride

46 miles around the north end of Lake Washington on a sunny Memorial Day, hoping to build some seat team in preparation for Livestrong. It being a holiday, once again the masses were out on the popular trails, although I timed this photo of the SRT to not include the families riding two and three abreast.

Took a right off the SRT at Marymoor and headed up the 520 trail through Nintendo and Microsoft Land, where I saw this sign at an intersection. What does it mean? If a car turns right and a bike proceeds straight ahead, apparently some sort of fusion-induced catastrophe will occur, perhaps rendering all the hardware and software in the surrounding area inoperable.


Stopped at Enatai Park under the I-90 bridge for a fluid exchange, and caught this summer scene. Fishing was probably lousy, but given the sunshine, I doubt if they really cared.

On the Seattle side, as I crossed 520 at Montlake, traffic westbound was completely stopped as some autos had tried to occupy the same space at the same time, just west of the overpass. And, traffic crossing the Montlake Bridge was backed up, probably as the drawspan was open. A glorious day not to be in a car!

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.

Whispers

No riding for over a week now, as the snow and ice present a formidable barrier. But, lots of walks with the Brown Dog, including the trek down the hill to the OLA. Recently, I was walking up the trail to Kite Hill in the snow, and noticed a man with a long beard and two dogs descending. All dogs were off leash. As is the custom, we both stopped to make sure that the impending canine convention would be friendly. When we met, we talked about the weather and the snow, remarking that such a snowfall was uncommon in Seattle. The other dog owner mentioned that he was from Corvallis, Oregon, and in town to go to Fred Hutch. Yes, another cancer patient. He said that this had ‘not been on the radar,’ and was truly grateful just to walk his dogs on a snowy day at Magnuson.

Matt wrote that Dana was starting her chemotherapy early.

C told me that one of the beloved Moms in our group had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

I can't help but wonder who is next. Is this the plague that we endure for living in these times?

The list goes on and on. I’m glad that I’ve signed up for Livestrong, and am so thankful for the friends and family who’ve donated so far.

Now, for the melt sometime soon so getting back on the bike doesn’t mean dodging the ice and snow.

No riding today?

Snow, ice and cold temps were the order of the day, and not many were out on the BGT this morning when the Brown Dog and I hiked down to the OLA.

Instead of riding today, I added to my 2009 goals by signing up as a member of Team Fatty for the Livestrong Challenge next June 21. Lisa and Mallory's participation in the Breast Cancer walk, as well as Tony, Mary-Pat, Lynn, Dana, and many others all inspired my decision to raise a bit of money and ride 100 miles next Father's Day.

Fall Rides, Fall Down, Computer on the Fritz

Crisp fall ride out to the Locks, across the bridge, and out to Golden Gardens. It was a sunny afternoon ride after a couple of days of classes plus a Monday workout at the Learning Factory gym. I've been on the go since the previous week with the trip to Ohio, Sunday in Tacoma, no bike time, run down, eating poorly, and grrrrrrr........

So after dinner, a quick and intense headache led to me to lie down, and lights out for 10+ hours, and I'm a new man.

At the end of the Tuesday ride, the bike computer was on the fritz still, despite new batteries. Coupled with a pressing need to exchange fluids, a stop at Counterbalance on the BGT was warranted. They shimmied up the sensor, while talking bikes and business, and sent me on my way.


Three days later, back on the bike to the Learning Factory, fine commute with RPD, but the #*!$%&! thing still doesn't work. Time to activate the warranty!

Magnolia Loop

From last time.....no, I never hit 65.9 MPH......the bike computer went a little nuts while I was waiting for a light.

Warm, sunny September day at Golden Gardens, where I went to extend the Magnolia Loop. Finally, I'm beginning to feel like there's some distance between the now and summer quarter.


And, a stop at Gas Works provided an opportunity to watch a couple of landings on Lake Union.

Witnessed a young woman take a header at the end of the BGT in Ballard, just west of the Fred Meyer. She tried to cross the railroad tracks, got caught and fell. Took the opportunity to distribute one of the many Group Health Ouch Pouches collected from various rides. And, reminded her and her BF that helmets were good ideas.

Cascade Training Series 2008 - Part 1

Did the Mercer Island Loop today as part of the CTS 2008.    More participants than last year, many familiar faces, and was better conditioned as well.   We got snow on Friday, and a bit Saturday night as well, so the headwind and the temps had a certain bite to them as we headed down the BGT and Leschi toward the I-90 bridge.

At the rest stop at the ballfields, looking east Tiger Mountain and the Newport Hills were covered with snow!

Circumnavigated MI, returned via the bridge, and the broke off from the crowd to head to Uwajimaya for a big bowl of Won Ton Soup from Noodle Zen, an espresso at Zeitgeist, and then looked in at Safeco Field to watch a bit of Texas Ranger BP.    Up Alaska Way, under the viaduct, passed the OSP, and then out to the Locks before heading home on the BGT.  50 miles today, and about 390 year to date.   Those miles should be piling up now with the weekly rides, and as we finally get some real spring.