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!

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.

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.