It's a sad state of affairs when I am pleased to reach 900 biked miles in a month, but that's where I'm at.
Late today I got on the bike and rode 53 miles, that, coupled with the 3 miles I had ridden earlier in the day brought me to 900 miles for the month.
The ride itself was nothing spectacular, just miles, starting and ending in Tualatin.
Today.................56...........0..............0..........0..............56 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............900...............0...............0.........0.............900
Total...........2756.............0...............0..........0.............2756
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Fixated
I am working on the video files from the last few days of riding. It takes a lot of time.
While one of the files was uploading I took the opportunity to ride the fixie into town for a quick lunch.
Today..................3...........0..............0..........0...............3 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............844...............0...............0.........0.............844
Total...........2700.............0...............0..........0.............2700
While one of the files was uploading I took the opportunity to ride the fixie into town for a quick lunch.
Today..................3...........0..............0..........0...............3 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............844...............0...............0.........0.............844
Total...........2700.............0...............0..........0.............2700
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
A modified birthday ride
Ken and I made a last minute plan to do some riding today. We started out on my birthday ride route from last February. We modified it a bit by starting from his home near Mall 205. There was a real threat of rain so we were both riding in rain gear. We rode west to reach the I-205 Path then followed it south to the Springwater Corridor and followed it toward the Willamette River.
Once at the Willamette River we turned north and enjoyed a brisk tailwind.
We reached OMSI, took the detour around the new Willamette River transit bridge construction, then proceeded on the Eastbank Esplanade.
We eventually made our way out to Kelly Point then turned eastward along the Marine Drive path. Ken showed me a nice work around for the narrow bridge over the railroad tracks. It took a car free route from Smith and Bybee Lakes over to the Peninsula Crossing trail then took that north back to the Marine Drive path. Having got that bit of business taken care of we were back on our way.
When we reached the Interstate Bridge we rode across the Columbia River and entered Washington.
We got on the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail and followed it east. It seems to change names back and forth between the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail and the Discovery Trail but no matter the name on it, we continued to follow it.
We took a bit of a detour in East Vancouver to ride past where Ken lived some 40 years ago. After paying homage to the shrine we continued on. We rode across the Glenn Jackson Bridge then back down the I-205 path closing our loop. We had talked of also riding to Multnomah Falls today, but being that close to home for Ken, and to my pickup for me, we decided that 58 miles was just about enough today.
Today.................58...........0..............0..........0..............58 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............841...............0...............0.........0.............841
Total...........2697.............0...............0..........0.............2697
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Mt Constitution repeats
No internet here, posting via text message. More details to follow but rode up Mt Constitution in the San Juan Islands twice. 32 miles, over 5000 ft of climbing. Yes, it rained the entire time.
UPDATE:
I was spending the weekend at the Doe Bay Resort on Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington State's Puget Sound. As luck would have it, I was very near Mt Constitution and it's fabled climb. As luck would also have it, it rained pretty much nonstop, and certainly for every minute I was on the bike today.
I could easily have made excuses to not ride in the rain, and was doing my best to do so, but I knew I had to ride if I was going to have any hope of being prepared to Race Across Oregon in 7 weeks.
I put on my rain gear and hopped on the rain bike and out the door I went.
On the way up I noted with some bewilderment as well as amusement, that there were designated bike pullouts from time to time. Was I required to pull into the grass at these locations and allow cars to pass or to grab a bar from my pocket? Was it illegal for me to do so if there was not a sign in a particular location?
As I made my climb up I was passed by several cars coming down the hill. There was a distinct aroma of hot brakes. That told me that 1) there was a long climb ahead of me, and 2) there was going to be a fun run down!
I made it to the top, and as expected there was no view to be had. I walked around the summit tower, gasping and snorting the entire time following the hot and steamy climb. (remember that I was in rain gear!) The tower, as well as many other structures in Moran State Park, was built by the CCC in the 1930's. It had that look so familiar with us raised in the Pacific Northwest and visiting places like Mt Rainier, Crater Lake, and Timberline Lodge.
I was the object of interest for the tourists there. Most were amazed that some nut would ride a bike up to the top of this hill in this weather. I had a good visit with many of them. Soon it was time for me to get going, I planned to ride the hill twice today. I hopped back on the bike and took off.
Here's the descent. Wet and debris littered roads required both keeping the speed down, and the brakes warm!
Once on the bottom I turned around and went back up again, not because I expected a better view, just because I needed the training.
Today.................32...........0..............0..........0..............32 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............783...............0...............0.........0.............783
Total...........2639.............0...............0..........0.............2639
UPDATE:
I was spending the weekend at the Doe Bay Resort on Orcas Island, one of the San Juan Islands in Washington State's Puget Sound. As luck would have it, I was very near Mt Constitution and it's fabled climb. As luck would also have it, it rained pretty much nonstop, and certainly for every minute I was on the bike today.
I could easily have made excuses to not ride in the rain, and was doing my best to do so, but I knew I had to ride if I was going to have any hope of being prepared to Race Across Oregon in 7 weeks.
I put on my rain gear and hopped on the rain bike and out the door I went.
On the way up I noted with some bewilderment as well as amusement, that there were designated bike pullouts from time to time. Was I required to pull into the grass at these locations and allow cars to pass or to grab a bar from my pocket? Was it illegal for me to do so if there was not a sign in a particular location?
As I made my climb up I was passed by several cars coming down the hill. There was a distinct aroma of hot brakes. That told me that 1) there was a long climb ahead of me, and 2) there was going to be a fun run down!
I made it to the top, and as expected there was no view to be had. I walked around the summit tower, gasping and snorting the entire time following the hot and steamy climb. (remember that I was in rain gear!) The tower, as well as many other structures in Moran State Park, was built by the CCC in the 1930's. It had that look so familiar with us raised in the Pacific Northwest and visiting places like Mt Rainier, Crater Lake, and Timberline Lodge.
I was the object of interest for the tourists there. Most were amazed that some nut would ride a bike up to the top of this hill in this weather. I had a good visit with many of them. Soon it was time for me to get going, I planned to ride the hill twice today. I hopped back on the bike and took off.
Here's the descent. Wet and debris littered roads required both keeping the speed down, and the brakes warm!
Once on the bottom I turned around and went back up again, not because I expected a better view, just because I needed the training.
Today.................32...........0..............0..........0..............32 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............783...............0...............0.........0.............783
Total...........2639.............0...............0..........0.............2639
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The calm before the storm
I had some business to attend to in Salem, the forecast was for a chance of rain. I looked out the window, the roadway was dry, the sky was more bright than dark. I left the rain bike home and brought my carbon bike with me, though I did attach one of those seatpost mounted fenders to keep me from getting a stripe up my back should a stray shower happen.
I took care of business then took off on the bike. I didn't get far before the sky darkened. There was rain threatening, I high tailed back to my pickup. I almost made it before the skies opened up.
12 miles, about 9 of them in dry weather.
Today.................12...........0..............0..........0..............12 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............751...............0...............0.........0.............751
Total...........2607.............0...............0..........0.............2607
I took care of business then took off on the bike. I didn't get far before the sky darkened. There was rain threatening, I high tailed back to my pickup. I almost made it before the skies opened up.
12 miles, about 9 of them in dry weather.
Today.................12...........0..............0..........0..............12 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............751...............0...............0.........0.............751
Total...........2607.............0...............0..........0.............2607
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Dog Days of Summer?
My niece's dog loves to run. That is not normally an issue unless he makes a successful dash for freedom. He doesn't get out often, but when he does the neighbors quickly tire of him.
After a few days of good weather I was preparing to take off for a short ride on the fixie tonight before the predicted wet few days predicted when I was pressed into service to retrieve the dog. I grabbed his favorite squeak toy and pedaled around the neighborhood making funny squeaky sounds. He wasn't falling for it. He'd run by, look, and keep right on running. The game finally ended when he spotted a neighbor's cat. The cat and dog played cat and mouse until the cat was cornered. The dog lost some blood via a scratch to the nose in the close encounter before treeing the cat..... and pausing just long enough looking up for me to grab his collar. The dog was wishing I hadn't caught him, the cat was wishing he had a few friends to help him out, and I got 4 miles in.
Today..................4...........0..............0..........0...............4 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............739...............0...............0.........0.............739
Total...........2595.............0...............0..........0.............2595
After a few days of good weather I was preparing to take off for a short ride on the fixie tonight before the predicted wet few days predicted when I was pressed into service to retrieve the dog. I grabbed his favorite squeak toy and pedaled around the neighborhood making funny squeaky sounds. He wasn't falling for it. He'd run by, look, and keep right on running. The game finally ended when he spotted a neighbor's cat. The cat and dog played cat and mouse until the cat was cornered. The dog lost some blood via a scratch to the nose in the close encounter before treeing the cat..... and pausing just long enough looking up for me to grab his collar. The dog was wishing I hadn't caught him, the cat was wishing he had a few friends to help him out, and I got 4 miles in.
Today..................4...........0..............0..........0...............4 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............739...............0...............0.........0.............739
Total...........2595.............0...............0..........0.............2595
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Alki
Took a ride to Alki with a couple of friends and had lunch.
Julie and I rode from Queen Ann to Gasworks Park, the starting location for today's ride. Once gathered, our little group made our way along the Ship Canal.
It is cruise season and there were several cruise ships berthed.
We crossed the Duwamish River. The Duwamish, at least on this reach looks less like a river and more like a watery commercial transportation corridor.
We made the turn and were now riding along Alki, with views back across the water at Seattle.
As we neared our intended rest stop we found ourselves in the midst of a street fair. If it weren't for the grey skies, and bundled up people,and lack of palm trees, you might think this was Southern California.
Instead of the normal stop at a Tully's Coffee, I twisted some arms and we went to a quaint little hamburger joint.
It had pretty good food!
We mounted our wheeled steeds and began our return trip.
While on the ride we noted that the Fremont neighborhood was having a street fair too. After riding our friend back to Gasworks we detoured to Fremont to take in that street fair too. What the heck, the sun was out!
The fair wasn't quite what we had hoped for so we didn't spend much time there. We pointed the bikes back up Queen Ann hill and in short order today's ride was done.
A good day!
Today.................41...........0..............0..........0..............41 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............735...............0...............0.........0.............735
Total...........2591.............0...............0..........0.............2591
Julie and I rode from Queen Ann to Gasworks Park, the starting location for today's ride. Once gathered, our little group made our way along the Ship Canal.
It is cruise season and there were several cruise ships berthed.
We crossed the Duwamish River. The Duwamish, at least on this reach looks less like a river and more like a watery commercial transportation corridor.
We made the turn and were now riding along Alki, with views back across the water at Seattle.
As we neared our intended rest stop we found ourselves in the midst of a street fair. If it weren't for the grey skies, and bundled up people,and lack of palm trees, you might think this was Southern California.
Instead of the normal stop at a Tully's Coffee, I twisted some arms and we went to a quaint little hamburger joint.
It had pretty good food!
We mounted our wheeled steeds and began our return trip.
While on the ride we noted that the Fremont neighborhood was having a street fair too. After riding our friend back to Gasworks we detoured to Fremont to take in that street fair too. What the heck, the sun was out!
The fair wasn't quite what we had hoped for so we didn't spend much time there. We pointed the bikes back up Queen Ann hill and in short order today's ride was done.
A good day!
Today.................41...........0..............0..........0..............41 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............735...............0...............0.........0.............735
Total...........2591.............0...............0..........0.............2591
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Hauling Ash
I rode Redhook Brewery's Haul Ash ride today.
Friend Julie and I rode about 23 miles to the ride. It was a nice morning for a ride along the Burke-Gilman Trail. Here we are near Logboom Park.
We turned onto the Sammamish River Trail and continued our way around the north end of Lake Washington.
We arrived at Red Hook Brewery, the sponsor of Haul Ash, and the starting location with about 30 minutes to spare.
We were meeting several other friends.
Craig showed up on skates. He said he got up in the morning undecided as to whether to bike the 40 miles or skate it. The skates won! He said he had never skated more than 30 miles so wasn't sure he could do it.
Craig took off a few minutes before the throng of bikes, hoping to avoid the congestion.
Before too long our little group of 4 took off, along with hundreds of others, back along the Sammamish River Trail. Julie likes to ride her bike. She enjoys the social aspects of the ride as where I like the social aspects of the after ride party. Today we rode her pace.
She says "I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I AM the brightest bulb in the chandelier", and she was doing her best to live up to the last half of that statement today. Multi-colored dreadlocks, a necklace of "herbs", flowers all around her helmet, and topped off with a canary standing on the edge of a nest. On her posterior was a sign "I'm Riding My Ash Off".
Me? I just pedaled along and smiled at all the comments she got.
About 7 miles into the ride we reached a rest stop.
There was water and a nice assortment of rider kibble. After a bit of time there, we continued on. We reached the Burke-Gilman Trail and took it to Fremont where we exited the trail and rode the last 3 blocks to the LTD Brewery, our turnaround point today.
There wasn't much there, what action was going on was in the brewery and it was way too crowded to be enjoyable. We milled around in the parking lot, and soon ran into Craig. He had skated the full 20 miles, and now barring a phone call, would be skating the full 40 miles!
Our little entourage munched on snacks we were carrying and visited for a bit. We finally hopped on the bikes and started back toward Red Hook. We arrived back at the rest stop and scarfed down more goodies.
After leaving the rest stop I got hooked up with a faster group and hung with them for awhile. We pedaled along about 18-20 mph, not a bad pace considering the bike traffic on the trail.
After a bit I noticed a skater ahead of me, sure enough, it was Craig!
Looks like one has to pedal a bit to stay ahead of a guy on skates! He was skating along about 16 mph.
Craig and I rolled into Red Hook within minutes of each other, my other riding buddies were not too far behind. For most, this was the post ride party. Live music, two complimentary beers, barbecue, fun and games. For Julie and I, this was just an extended rest stop, for we had to ride back to Queen Ann yet, but not before enjoying the party for several hours.
It was time to continue pedaling and make our way back to Queen Ann. There was some discussion among our group on how Julie would do. She and I would end up with over 80 miles, and would end the day with a 500 ft in 3 mile climb. It was a far longer ride than she normally does. I guessed it about right, she did fine for the first 12 miles or so, then the fun drained away. She struggled the last few miles to Fremont, then really struggled riding the hill. ....but she finished.
It was a good day. While not sunny, we didn't get any rain while riding. There was one good rain shower while we were at the Red Hook party, but we were under cover so no biggy.
Today.................87...........0..............0..........0..............87 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............694...............0...............0.........0.............694 Total...........2550.............0...............0..........0.............2550
Friend Julie and I rode about 23 miles to the ride. It was a nice morning for a ride along the Burke-Gilman Trail. Here we are near Logboom Park.
We turned onto the Sammamish River Trail and continued our way around the north end of Lake Washington.
We arrived at Red Hook Brewery, the sponsor of Haul Ash, and the starting location with about 30 minutes to spare.
We were meeting several other friends.
Craig showed up on skates. He said he got up in the morning undecided as to whether to bike the 40 miles or skate it. The skates won! He said he had never skated more than 30 miles so wasn't sure he could do it.
Craig took off a few minutes before the throng of bikes, hoping to avoid the congestion.
Before too long our little group of 4 took off, along with hundreds of others, back along the Sammamish River Trail. Julie likes to ride her bike. She enjoys the social aspects of the ride as where I like the social aspects of the after ride party. Today we rode her pace.
She says "I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I AM the brightest bulb in the chandelier", and she was doing her best to live up to the last half of that statement today. Multi-colored dreadlocks, a necklace of "herbs", flowers all around her helmet, and topped off with a canary standing on the edge of a nest. On her posterior was a sign "I'm Riding My Ash Off".
Me? I just pedaled along and smiled at all the comments she got.
About 7 miles into the ride we reached a rest stop.
There was water and a nice assortment of rider kibble. After a bit of time there, we continued on. We reached the Burke-Gilman Trail and took it to Fremont where we exited the trail and rode the last 3 blocks to the LTD Brewery, our turnaround point today.
There wasn't much there, what action was going on was in the brewery and it was way too crowded to be enjoyable. We milled around in the parking lot, and soon ran into Craig. He had skated the full 20 miles, and now barring a phone call, would be skating the full 40 miles!
Our little entourage munched on snacks we were carrying and visited for a bit. We finally hopped on the bikes and started back toward Red Hook. We arrived back at the rest stop and scarfed down more goodies.
After leaving the rest stop I got hooked up with a faster group and hung with them for awhile. We pedaled along about 18-20 mph, not a bad pace considering the bike traffic on the trail.
After a bit I noticed a skater ahead of me, sure enough, it was Craig!
Looks like one has to pedal a bit to stay ahead of a guy on skates! He was skating along about 16 mph.
Craig and I rolled into Red Hook within minutes of each other, my other riding buddies were not too far behind. For most, this was the post ride party. Live music, two complimentary beers, barbecue, fun and games. For Julie and I, this was just an extended rest stop, for we had to ride back to Queen Ann yet, but not before enjoying the party for several hours.
It was time to continue pedaling and make our way back to Queen Ann. There was some discussion among our group on how Julie would do. She and I would end up with over 80 miles, and would end the day with a 500 ft in 3 mile climb. It was a far longer ride than she normally does. I guessed it about right, she did fine for the first 12 miles or so, then the fun drained away. She struggled the last few miles to Fremont, then really struggled riding the hill. ....but she finished.
It was a good day. While not sunny, we didn't get any rain while riding. There was one good rain shower while we were at the Red Hook party, but we were under cover so no biggy.
Today.................87...........0..............0..........0..............87 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............694...............0...............0.........0.............694 Total...........2550.............0...............0..........0.............2550
Friday, May 17, 2013
Bike to Work Day
Today is Bike to Work Day, and Cascade Bicycle Club does Bike to Work Day big. It's too bad that CBC doesn't put at least some of that energy into the Ride of Silence, but it is what it is.
I volunteered to help out with Bike to Work Day and was assigned to help check supplies back in following numerous stations passing out treats and information on commute routes.
I rode to the job, because that's what I do and after all, it was Bike to Work Day!
I passed 4 stations along my short commute to Cascade headquarters. I guess that isn't surprising considering there were rumored to be over 80 stations throughout the city. Despite the light rain there were many smiling faces.
I smiled and waved but did not stop as I passed. Finally, one station was offering donuts. I pulled in, had a maple bar, thanked them, then continued on my way.
I arrived at the storage unit where my duties were to take place. I met my fellow volunteer and went about our work. After 4 hours our shift was over and I made my way back. I pedaled back up Queen Ann much easier than yesterday's suffer fest.
In a couple of hours Julie and I ride back to the Ballard neighborhood where we will meet at a new bike centric brewery with some fellow ride refs from Chilly Hilly. I'll get back on here and give an update after we finish up.
19 miles so far.
Evening update:
7 of us met in Ballard tonight. It was a bikey group and a bikey venue. We met at a freshly opened brewery named "The Peddler Brewing Company". We sampled their brew and talked bike, bike safety, bike lanes, bike tracks, and bike laws..........and we had fun.
Following our little meeting and socialization time we rode back to Queen Anne.
I added 9 miles to the daily total.
Today.................28...........0..............0..........0..............28 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............607...............0...............0.........0.............607 Total...........2463.............0...............0..........0.............2463
I volunteered to help out with Bike to Work Day and was assigned to help check supplies back in following numerous stations passing out treats and information on commute routes.
I rode to the job, because that's what I do and after all, it was Bike to Work Day!
I passed 4 stations along my short commute to Cascade headquarters. I guess that isn't surprising considering there were rumored to be over 80 stations throughout the city. Despite the light rain there were many smiling faces.
I smiled and waved but did not stop as I passed. Finally, one station was offering donuts. I pulled in, had a maple bar, thanked them, then continued on my way.
I arrived at the storage unit where my duties were to take place. I met my fellow volunteer and went about our work. After 4 hours our shift was over and I made my way back. I pedaled back up Queen Ann much easier than yesterday's suffer fest.
In a couple of hours Julie and I ride back to the Ballard neighborhood where we will meet at a new bike centric brewery with some fellow ride refs from Chilly Hilly. I'll get back on here and give an update after we finish up.
19 miles so far.
Evening update:
7 of us met in Ballard tonight. It was a bikey group and a bikey venue. We met at a freshly opened brewery named "The Peddler Brewing Company". We sampled their brew and talked bike, bike safety, bike lanes, bike tracks, and bike laws..........and we had fun.
Following our little meeting and socialization time we rode back to Queen Anne.
I added 9 miles to the daily total.
Today.................28...........0..............0..........0..............28 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............607...............0...............0.........0.............607 Total...........2463.............0...............0..........0.............2463
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A Run to Redmond REI
The forecast today was for unsettled weather with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. I wanted to get to REI in Redmond to pick up rider packets for Saturday's Haul Ash ride. I spent the morning working on details for my crew chief duties on the upcoming Race Across the West, but finally at noon with weather looking better than expected I started out by bike to Redmond.
I was in a bit of time constraint as I had evening plans. I rolled down Queen Ann via the most direct (and steepest) way. I was surprised to see about a dozen sheriff deputies toiling up the 26% grade on mtn bikes. Not all made it. ;-)
I got on the Burke-Gilman trail and pedaled along. When I got about 15 miles out I made a refueling stop at McDonalds, then continued. The longer I pedaled the more I became concerned about my time. I was pedaling 17-18 mph on the trail, but I was taking much longer to pedal the 27 miles than I had planned.
I rolled into REI just after 3PM. Luckily, the packet pickup process went smoothly and I was back on the road by 3:15 PM. I kept the pace up near 20 mph, knowing that I had to be back no later than 5PM, and at the very end of the trip I'd have a 400 ft climb. I ran into a bit of heavy bike/pedestrian traffic near U of W, but it didn't last long. By 4:50 O was pm the Fremont Bridge and at the base of that nasty climb back up Queen Ann. I knew I had no time to ponder, I just started up. I have a 4 mile easy route up the hill that stays below 10%, but knew I could not cover that distance in 15 minutes. Instead I went straight up 4th, with it's 26% grades. I pushed as hard as I could on the hill. My heart was pounding, my lungs were bursting, my legs were screaming, but I made it up in 9 minutes! .....and we made it to our evening appointment on time. :-)
Today.................54...........0..............0..........0..............54 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............579...............0...............0.........0.............579 Total...........2435.............0...............0..........0.............2435
I was in a bit of time constraint as I had evening plans. I rolled down Queen Ann via the most direct (and steepest) way. I was surprised to see about a dozen sheriff deputies toiling up the 26% grade on mtn bikes. Not all made it. ;-)
I got on the Burke-Gilman trail and pedaled along. When I got about 15 miles out I made a refueling stop at McDonalds, then continued. The longer I pedaled the more I became concerned about my time. I was pedaling 17-18 mph on the trail, but I was taking much longer to pedal the 27 miles than I had planned.
I rolled into REI just after 3PM. Luckily, the packet pickup process went smoothly and I was back on the road by 3:15 PM. I kept the pace up near 20 mph, knowing that I had to be back no later than 5PM, and at the very end of the trip I'd have a 400 ft climb. I ran into a bit of heavy bike/pedestrian traffic near U of W, but it didn't last long. By 4:50 O was pm the Fremont Bridge and at the base of that nasty climb back up Queen Ann. I knew I had no time to ponder, I just started up. I have a 4 mile easy route up the hill that stays below 10%, but knew I could not cover that distance in 15 minutes. Instead I went straight up 4th, with it's 26% grades. I pushed as hard as I could on the hill. My heart was pounding, my lungs were bursting, my legs were screaming, but I made it up in 9 minutes! .....and we made it to our evening appointment on time. :-)
Today.................54...........0..............0..........0..............54 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............579...............0...............0.........0.............579 Total...........2435.............0...............0..........0.............2435
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A ride, and a Ride of Silence
I am still in Seattle. The forecast was for cloudy skies with an increasing chance of showers as the day progressed. I had originally hoped to ride to Woodinville to pick up my rider packet and swag for an upcoming ride that I will be participating in, but timing wasn't going to work out with evening plans. It wasn't raining in the morning, and I didn't want to miss a chance to ride, so I hopped on the bike and rode out the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails to Redhook Brewery and back. I made it back in plenty of time to make preparations for tonight's Ride of Silence.
I had the lights charged and attached to Julie's and my bikes. Tires were aired, fenders attached, helmet ready to go. It started to rain lightly. Drat, that was enough to put the kabash on Julie's plans.
I'm an Oregonian, a little rain isn't going to stop me from a ride as important as the Ride of Silence. I put on my rain gear and rolled down Queen Ann to Gasworks Park. I was one of the first to arrive at the park. In short order there were 40 of us. The organizer of the event, J Steve Mayo, handed out signage, black armbands, and spoke briefly, then we were on our way.
Our group stayed together pretty well. Traffic signals would inevitably break us up, but the leaders kept aware of the back of the group and would slow, or stop, waiting for a regroup.
At the conclusion of the ride a reporter for a local paper milled around with notepad in hand taking statements.
The ride itself was about 10 miles, I had a 4 mile ride down to the event, and a 4 mile ride back UP from the event. Added to the morning ride in the dry weather I totaled 66 for the day.
Today.................66...........0..............0..........0..............66 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............525...............0...............0.........0.............525 Total...........2381.............0...............0..........0.............2381
I had the lights charged and attached to Julie's and my bikes. Tires were aired, fenders attached, helmet ready to go. It started to rain lightly. Drat, that was enough to put the kabash on Julie's plans.
I'm an Oregonian, a little rain isn't going to stop me from a ride as important as the Ride of Silence. I put on my rain gear and rolled down Queen Ann to Gasworks Park. I was one of the first to arrive at the park. In short order there were 40 of us. The organizer of the event, J Steve Mayo, handed out signage, black armbands, and spoke briefly, then we were on our way.
Our group stayed together pretty well. Traffic signals would inevitably break us up, but the leaders kept aware of the back of the group and would slow, or stop, waiting for a regroup.
At the conclusion of the ride a reporter for a local paper milled around with notepad in hand taking statements.
The ride itself was about 10 miles, I had a 4 mile ride down to the event, and a 4 mile ride back UP from the event. Added to the morning ride in the dry weather I totaled 66 for the day.
Today.................66...........0..............0..........0..............66 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............525...............0...............0.........0.............525 Total...........2381.............0...............0..........0.............2381
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
CTS 7..... sort of
I had planned on riding with some Cascade Bicycle Club folks as they prerode the CTS 7 route from Renton. As per usual when possible, I planned to ride to the ride. As I was preparing to ride I noted on my phone's calendar that the ride started at 9AM, instead of the 10AM I had planned on. Even if I were to load the bike and drive there, I wouldn't make it in time. I hopped on the bike and planned on a solo ride.
After a stormy wet day yesterday, today wasn't too bad. I pedaled to Renton via Beacon Hill. I arrived at Old City Hall, and sure enough there were cars with bike racks, but no bike riders to be seen. I opened the CTS 7 route on the Garmin and continued on. When I got to Mercer Island I decided to not ride a loop around the south end as the official route does, instead staying on the north end. After crossing the I-90 Floating Bridge I exited the route and made my way back to Queen Anne. I'd still get a couple more miles than the official CTS 7 route.
Today.................62...........0..............0..........0..............62 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............459...............0...............0.........0.............459 Total...........2315.............0...............0..........0.............2315
After a stormy wet day yesterday, today wasn't too bad. I pedaled to Renton via Beacon Hill. I arrived at Old City Hall, and sure enough there were cars with bike racks, but no bike riders to be seen. I opened the CTS 7 route on the Garmin and continued on. When I got to Mercer Island I decided to not ride a loop around the south end as the official route does, instead staying on the north end. After crossing the I-90 Floating Bridge I exited the route and made my way back to Queen Anne. I'd still get a couple more miles than the official CTS 7 route.
Today.................62...........0..............0..........0..............62 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............459...............0...............0.........0.............459 Total...........2315.............0...............0..........0.............2315
Saturday, May 11, 2013
No Levee or Points
I rode the Cascade Bicycle Club's "Two Points and a Levee" ride today. Yes, the same route I had been painting the turns on the last few weeks.
Today several hundred Cascade Training Series riders took to the road. The crowd was broken down into several smaller groups of 15-25 riders, depending on speed/fitness. I was riding with friends in the "red 1" group.
 |
| Red 1 |
I was planning on riding the route with them and then going to a RAAM rider Chris Ragsdale event later in the day. The route was 66 miles. We started out of Renton.
CTS 6, Red Roll Out
Our group's ride leader did an excellent job of keeping the group together, a daunting job with riders of this caliber. We climbed a 2 mile long hill at about 5% into Federal Way, followed shortly by a rest stop at a park,
It was a nice day, and the best views were just a few short miles away, but alas, after nearly 3 hours the group had only covered 20 miles. I was out of time and turned around finding my own way back.
I made good time back to my pickup, covering the distance in just over an hour. I loaded my bike, made my way to Sumner where I picked up friend Julie and her bike, then drove to Burien where we took in the Chris Ragsdale event. It was good to see him again and wish him well on RAAM.
He spoke about his preparations, introduced his crew, thanked his sponsors, and showed us a bike movie!
You can hear about some of his plans and preparations in this recent interview with George Thomas.
Today...............40.............0..............0..........0..............40 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............397...............0...............0.........0.............397 Total...........2253.............0...............0..........0.............2253
Friday, May 10, 2013
McKenzie Pass
Sorry for the delay in getting this post finished up, video takes a lot of time to process.
Dave, Joe, and I took advantage of the weather forecast (possible rain showers on Saturday but sunny and dry today) and favorable work schedules (It's Friday, some are stuck at work) and one lane plowed through the 20ft drifts to ride McKenzie Pass today.
We started at 6AM today for our 144 mile automobile commute to the Blue River Ranger Station where we parked Joe's van and hopped on the bikes.
We had a few miles of relatively flat riding before beginning the climb up "Dead Horse Grade", a sinuous roadway that climbs over 1200 ft in less than 4 miles.
As we made our way up the hill we chatted about how nice it was to have no cars and the road to ourselves. We wondered if the recent designation as a scenic bikeway had anything to do with the early opening only for bikes and pedestrians the last few years. Whatever the reason, it sure made for a nice day.
Once we passed the snow gate we had the road to ourselves.
We continued to climb after the snow gate. As we climbed high enough to have snow covering the ground we'd note cold rivers of air flowing down the side canyons. The ambient air was so mild that this cold air was quite noticeable, and was even visible at times.
It flattens out a bit near the top and we eventually crossed the Cascade Crest at over 5300ft elevation.
The road has been open to bikes and pedestrians since May 1st but there is less snow this year than I've seen in any of the last 5 years in May. It looks like ODOT could open the road with very little work if they so choose.
We rolled down the eastern slope and rode into Sisters where there was a nice view of the Three Sisters.
We took the opportunity while there to refill water bottles and grab a bite to eat.
We didn't dally long, as I have a long drive yet today. (It will be a 500 mile automobile day plus a 78 mile biking day for me!)
Following our lunch stop we made our way up the 2000 ft in elevation back toward the summit.
At the summit we stopped briefly to put some warmer clothes on for the descent.
We dropped just a bit in elevation then rode along a relatively flat section before dropping over the edge of Dead Horse Grade.
Here's Joe pedaling westward
Here's Dave pedaling along
It is a fun run down Dead Horse Grade. There was just a bit of winter debris still on the road so judicious use of brakes was wise. We regrouped at the western snow gate.
Below the snow gate there is still plenty of fun descending. The only difference is now we share the road with a few cars.
It was a fun ride!
We rolled back into the Blue River Ranger Station and loaded up the bikes. It had been a great day on the bikes.
What better way to wrap it up than with a stop for burgers and beer!
It was a perfect day.
With the two mile commute to meet Joe, it ended up being 80 glorious miles.
And as added bonus, here's what it looks like when ODOT plows the road:
..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............80.............0..............0..........0..............80 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............357...............0...............0.........0.............357 Total...........2213.............0...............0..........0.............2213
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Riding with the Salem Bicycle Club
I joined the Salem Bicycle Club on their Wednesday ride late today. I am participating in Race Across Oregon this year as part of a two man team, and my teammate and I planned to meet following the ride.
The ride was not long, only 19 miles, but it was a nice evening to ride. There were ten of us.
I didn't have the route so I hung pretty close to the ride leader. I didn't have any problems doing so tonight, the pace was comfortable.
On the team meeting front, John Henry and I talked a bit about logistics, but more importantly, we talked about our choices for crew members. We talked a bit with one prospective crew member and liked what we saw. We've agreed on our other "invitees" as well.
..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............19.............0..............0..........0..............19 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............277...............0...............0.........0.............277 Total...........2133.............0...............0..........0.............2133
The ride was not long, only 19 miles, but it was a nice evening to ride. There were ten of us.
I didn't have the route so I hung pretty close to the ride leader. I didn't have any problems doing so tonight, the pace was comfortable.
On the team meeting front, John Henry and I talked a bit about logistics, but more importantly, we talked about our choices for crew members. We talked a bit with one prospective crew member and liked what we saw. We've agreed on our other "invitees" as well.
..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............19.............0..............0..........0..............19 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............277...............0...............0.........0.............277 Total...........2133.............0...............0..........0.............2133
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
2 Hills
Seattle dawned grey and cool. I had some paint left, and my marks for the preferred route up Queen Ann were getting quite faded. I took off to get rid of some paint. I remarked most of the route before running out of paint. I rode the remaining few blocks to the bottom then turned around and rode back up. I had so much fun, I repeated it one more time, minus the painting part.
I drove back to Portland in search of warmer weather, and another hill to climb. I stopped at Rocky Butte, with the temperature at 76 degrees, to ride a few repeats with friends.
Following my 5 repeats in about 70 minutes I accepted an invitation to join a friend for pizza and brew.
It was a good day!
..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............29.............0..............0..........0..............29 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............258...............0...............0.........0.............258 Total...........2114.............0...............0..........0.............2114
I drove back to Portland in search of warmer weather, and another hill to climb. I stopped at Rocky Butte, with the temperature at 76 degrees, to ride a few repeats with friends.
Following my 5 repeats in about 70 minutes I accepted an invitation to join a friend for pizza and brew.
It was a good day!
..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............29.............0..............0..........0..............29 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............258...............0...............0.........0.............258 Total...........2114.............0...............0..........0.............2114
Monday, May 6, 2013
A Lunch Run
It is another beautiful day in Seattle, unseasonably warm and sunny. I notice that my Southern California Facebook friends are "enjoying" rain. You would think with weather like this plus this being my last full day in Seattle, that I'd be out riding all day. Alas, I had to update the blog after a weekend of riding and had a few chores to do. I have plans for this evening, so there were just a few hours to ride. That's okay, I probably needed a recovery day anyway.
My little sojourn by bike today took me first to Kidd Valley, home to a rather tasty burger, then a gravel road exploration of Kinnear Park before riding back along Elliot Ave and Nickerson St and then climbing back up Queen Anne hill.
As usual, things are all relative. With just over 700 ft of climbing in 8 miles some would not consider this a recovery day. It is if you ride it easy!
...............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today................8.............0..............0..........0...............8 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............229...............0...............0.........0.............229 Total...........2085.............0...............0..........0..........2085
As usual, things are all relative. With just over 700 ft of climbing in 8 miles some would not consider this a recovery day. It is if you ride it easy!
...............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today................8.............0..............0..........0...............8 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............229...............0...............0.........0.............229 Total...........2085.............0...............0..........0..........2085
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Brews Cruise
I rode Cascade Bicycle Club's inaugural Brews Cruise event as a ride referee today.
The weather was stupendous. Julie and I rode to the ride, a distance of about 7 miles.
There were many less than experienced riders on this event, as one would expect given the distance, the terrain, and the weather.
There were 5 ride refs for today's ride, and following a little planning meeting we pedaled off. Julie and I were taking up the back end of the group. We helped a few with navigation (I guess not everyone knows what a "Dan Henry" marking is, or how to read it!) The weather was just great. We commented that if it were 52 degrees and raining, instead of 80 and sunny it would have been a much different ride. The route was mostly on paths but quite scenic.
The midpoint of the route was at Airways Brewery. There was the usual rider kibble AND 2-4oz tasters of beer.
After the midpoint rest we got back on the bikes and turned back northward. There was a bit of wind, but I could hold 16-18 mph into it. It was a long wide open run along Boeing Field, and a good workout! There were some other riders struggling along at much slower speeds. I picked them off one by one.
I arrived back at our start/finish, The Schooner Exact Brewery. Waiting for us was live music and another sampling of beer!
Following a little after party, we pedaled back 7 miles and up Taylor Street, a good way to end the day.
;..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............44.............0..............0..........0..............44 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............221...............0...............0.........0.............221 Total...........2077.............0...............0..........0..........2077
There were many less than experienced riders on this event, as one would expect given the distance, the terrain, and the weather.
There were 5 ride refs for today's ride, and following a little planning meeting we pedaled off. Julie and I were taking up the back end of the group. We helped a few with navigation (I guess not everyone knows what a "Dan Henry" marking is, or how to read it!) The weather was just great. We commented that if it were 52 degrees and raining, instead of 80 and sunny it would have been a much different ride. The route was mostly on paths but quite scenic.
The midpoint of the route was at Airways Brewery. There was the usual rider kibble AND 2-4oz tasters of beer.
After the midpoint rest we got back on the bikes and turned back northward. There was a bit of wind, but I could hold 16-18 mph into it. It was a long wide open run along Boeing Field, and a good workout! There were some other riders struggling along at much slower speeds. I picked them off one by one.
I arrived back at our start/finish, The Schooner Exact Brewery. Waiting for us was live music and another sampling of beer!
Following a little after party, we pedaled back 7 miles and up Taylor Street, a good way to end the day.
;..............road bike.......rollers.........mtb.....lifecycle.....total Today...............44.............0..............0..........0..............44 Jan..................93..............0...............0.........0..............93 Feb................411..............0..............0.........0............411 March.............653.............0..............0.........0............653 April..............696..............0...............0.........0............696 May...............221...............0...............0.........0.............221 Total...........2077.............0...............0..........0..........2077
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