The weather was supposed to be fabulous today--all summerlike. So, I thought a nice long ride was in order. I ended up not leaving until 10:45. My plan was to ride north following the RAPSODY route (2nd day). I figured I'd ride to Steilacoom then along the water and up Chamber's Canyon Rd. From there I would depart from the RAPSODY route and pick up two short bike paths (Grandview and Soundview Trails) then ride home. I didn't really know how many miles it would be, but it was supposed to be nice so, no matter.
My first change of plans came when the RAPSODY route turned right onto Washington Blvd. Instead of left as it had the year I did it. I thought, oh well, I'll see where it went this year. I remained on Washington Blvd. until a left onto, I think, Interlaken. I followed Interlaken as it wound around and went over the Interlaken Bridge (kinda cool actually). It finally spit me out onto Mt. Tacoma Dr. Which took me toward Bridgeport Way and Gravelly Lake Dr. At this point, the route took another left. Since I was hungry and I'd already ridden 25 miles, I decided lunch would be good. I used a new app on my phone to find a Subway ( .36 miles away on Gravelly Lake Dr.) and rode there. After lunch I decided to head home. Besides, it was stil overcast and only about 55 degrees. So much for the nice weather!
I rode Gravelly Lake Dr. to 112th then cut over to Bridgeport Way (don't ask me why I got off Gravelly Lake. I knew it would take me to the exact same place. There was no bike lane on Bridgeport (cyclists are allowed the full lane on Gravelly Lake). There was, however, a newly paved bike lane on Pacific (which I turned onto from Bridgeport). Anyway, I got on I-5 at Gravelly Lake. Got off at Thorne and rode Union Ave. to Berkeley and got back on I-5. I rode past Ft. Lewis (now the JBLM) and got off at the Dupont/Steilacoom exit. After eating an ice cream cone (chocolate dipped, of course) in Dupont (or is it called Northwest Landing) the sun finally came out and I was able to switch to the sunglass lens and take off my jacket. I rode all the way in on Pacific to the trailhead at Woodland Park. Then I took the Woodland Trail to Chehalis Western and rode home for a total of 54.4 miles. I didn't quite make it to the two trails. Guess I'll save that for another day (perhaps one where I start a little earlier and the weather is a little nicer).
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Why I Love Riding
I was going to call today's post "I Wore My Sunglasses Today" to the tune of that song that starts with "I wear my sunglasses at night". I think it's by Corey Hart (a One-Hit Wonder). Anyway, I changed it because of lunch. It had nothing to do with the food (although, pretty much eating whatever you want on a bike tour is definately a plus). No, it had to do with a couple I met. Their names were Florence and Jim. Florence is 91 and Jim can't be too far behind.
I pulled into the Subway in Tenino. When I walked in this older couple was standing at the cash register end of the counter. Of course, at Subway, you start at the other end, order your sandwich and work your way to the register. Once the couple understood this they came down to the other end where I was standing waiting to order. I told them they could go in front of me as they were there first. They said no, they were in no hurry. Then they were trying to decide what to have. They mentioned the ham. I told them they could get a footlong ham for $5. They said that would be too much to eat. They just wanted a 6". I ordered my footlong Veggie Delight. Jim (although, at this time I did not know his name) says to me, "You going to eat all of that?". I told him I was and he said that would feed him for a week. In my defense, I told him I had already ridden 30 miles on my bike to get there. When they were trying to order, the sandwich gal was having a hard time understanding what they wanted. I told her they just wanted a 6" sandwich cut in half (you know, Subway is not a good restaurant for the indecisive--6" or footlong? Kind of bread? What kind of cheese? Toasted? Veggies? Sauce? Wanna make that a meal?). Anyway, they got their order and were looking for a place to sit. As I was sitting alone, I asked if they would like to join me. They did and we had a very nice conversation. Turns out Florence and Jim are just friends. They used to be neighbors until Florence's kids put her in a "nursing home" (really an Assisted Living facility). She is still not happy about that. Jim has 6 kids and, he thinks, at least a couple of grandkids. So now that they are no longer neighbors, Jim periodically picks up Florence and they go for a drive and lunch.
So, I titled this blog "Why I Love Riding". It is meeting people like Jim and Florence that make riding so enjoyable. It is also the advantage of riding alone. If I had been with someone, I would probably not have engaged them in conversation let alone invite them to eat with me. It is something I noticed while solo touring this summer. People were much more likely to approach me and ask me questions then when I was with someone. Plus, as a solo tourist, I am more inclined to seek people out.
Anyway, the weather was perfect as was my lunch company!
I pulled into the Subway in Tenino. When I walked in this older couple was standing at the cash register end of the counter. Of course, at Subway, you start at the other end, order your sandwich and work your way to the register. Once the couple understood this they came down to the other end where I was standing waiting to order. I told them they could go in front of me as they were there first. They said no, they were in no hurry. Then they were trying to decide what to have. They mentioned the ham. I told them they could get a footlong ham for $5. They said that would be too much to eat. They just wanted a 6". I ordered my footlong Veggie Delight. Jim (although, at this time I did not know his name) says to me, "You going to eat all of that?". I told him I was and he said that would feed him for a week. In my defense, I told him I had already ridden 30 miles on my bike to get there. When they were trying to order, the sandwich gal was having a hard time understanding what they wanted. I told her they just wanted a 6" sandwich cut in half (you know, Subway is not a good restaurant for the indecisive--6" or footlong? Kind of bread? What kind of cheese? Toasted? Veggies? Sauce? Wanna make that a meal?). Anyway, they got their order and were looking for a place to sit. As I was sitting alone, I asked if they would like to join me. They did and we had a very nice conversation. Turns out Florence and Jim are just friends. They used to be neighbors until Florence's kids put her in a "nursing home" (really an Assisted Living facility). She is still not happy about that. Jim has 6 kids and, he thinks, at least a couple of grandkids. So now that they are no longer neighbors, Jim periodically picks up Florence and they go for a drive and lunch.
So, I titled this blog "Why I Love Riding". It is meeting people like Jim and Florence that make riding so enjoyable. It is also the advantage of riding alone. If I had been with someone, I would probably not have engaged them in conversation let alone invite them to eat with me. It is something I noticed while solo touring this summer. People were much more likely to approach me and ask me questions then when I was with someone. Plus, as a solo tourist, I am more inclined to seek people out.
Anyway, the weather was perfect as was my lunch company!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wet Day 2 of MS Ride and Pics
Day 2 of the MS ride started and ended with rain. Oh, and with rain in the middle too! There were only about 5 miles in the last 10 miles where it had stopped raining for a short time. I, however, was prepared for the rain with full raingear so I was just fine. Others were not so outfitted. Amy was riding in shorts. Brrrrr!! Jill sagged with Tony's wife Dawn after the second rest stop. She was freezing.
After the lunch stop at Larrabe State Park, Tony commented that Chuckanut Dr. should really be called...well, substitute another letter for the "Ch" and...you get the picture. Still, I could see how the scenic the road would be if it weren't for the rain. Guess I'll just have to do it again on a nicer day.
At the last rest stop Jill rejoined us for the last 10 miles. I finished before everyone else (just ready to be done and I guess not that much of a team player).
Weather aside, it was a good two days on a VERY well supported ride.
Here's some pictures. Most from the first day since my camera doesn't like to get wet.
Just a few people at the start of Day 1
Tony and I before the Deception Pass Bridge
One of the "Biking Vikings"
Guy on the ElliptiGo--a stand up, 8 speed bike.
The view from Chuckanut Dr.
The Day 2 Finishers Amy, Anne, Jill and Tony
After the lunch stop at Larrabe State Park, Tony commented that Chuckanut Dr. should really be called...well, substitute another letter for the "Ch" and...you get the picture. Still, I could see how the scenic the road would be if it weren't for the rain. Guess I'll just have to do it again on a nicer day.
At the last rest stop Jill rejoined us for the last 10 miles. I finished before everyone else (just ready to be done and I guess not that much of a team player).
Weather aside, it was a good two days on a VERY well supported ride.
Here's some pictures. Most from the first day since my camera doesn't like to get wet.
Just a few people at the start of Day 1
Tony and I before the Deception Pass Bridge
One of the "Biking Vikings"
Guy on the ElliptiGo--a stand up, 8 speed bike.
The view from Chuckanut Dr.
The Day 2 Finishers Amy, Anne, Jill and Tony
Saturday, September 11, 2010
MS 150 Day 1--The Long One
Day 1 of the MS 150 is complete. It was 92 miles of reasonably decent weather. There was even some sunshine. The rain jacket came off at the second stop (we didn't stop at the first rest stop--it had only been 10 miles). The leg warmers came off at the lunch stop and the arm warmers were off at the second to last stop.
The ride started in Mount Vernon and went over the Deception Pass Bridge...twice! Many of the roads I had been on with Kyle last summer. However, the hills were much faster this time without all the panniers! There were all kinds of team costumes and jerseys. The Biking Vikings all had Viking horns on their helmets. The Garden Gnome team had fake beards (even the women) and little red pointy hats on top of their helmets. Favorite jersey has to be the Free Beer team. They are a drinking club with a
cycling problem. Also saw a new form of bicycle called an Elliptigo. Basically, the rider stands up on a sort of Elliptical machine with wheels. It looks like running.
As I am writing this, I am sitting in my van (note to self: next time bring a chair). Soon I will retire to my tent and promptly fall asleep. Except for the large number of trains that go by, the tent "city" is pretty good. The gal next to me has an even bigger tent than mine and she is the only one in it.
Today, Tony and I pretty much stuck together. Amy and Jill did the 74 mile route and Anne did 59. Tomorrow we are all supposed to be doing the 70 mile route which will take us along Chuckanut Drive near Bellingham. Could be pretty if it doesn't rain. Weather forecast says 50% chance of rain (that's a failing grade if you ask me). It is starting to rain now. 70 miles in raingear--what a treat!
The ride started in Mount Vernon and went over the Deception Pass Bridge...twice! Many of the roads I had been on with Kyle last summer. However, the hills were much faster this time without all the panniers! There were all kinds of team costumes and jerseys. The Biking Vikings all had Viking horns on their helmets. The Garden Gnome team had fake beards (even the women) and little red pointy hats on top of their helmets. Favorite jersey has to be the Free Beer team. They are a drinking club with a
cycling problem. Also saw a new form of bicycle called an Elliptigo. Basically, the rider stands up on a sort of Elliptical machine with wheels. It looks like running.
As I am writing this, I am sitting in my van (note to self: next time bring a chair). Soon I will retire to my tent and promptly fall asleep. Except for the large number of trains that go by, the tent "city" is pretty good. The gal next to me has an even bigger tent than mine and she is the only one in it.
Today, Tony and I pretty much stuck together. Amy and Jill did the 74 mile route and Anne did 59. Tomorrow we are all supposed to be doing the 70 mile route which will take us along Chuckanut Drive near Bellingham. Could be pretty if it doesn't rain. Weather forecast says 50% chance of rain (that's a failing grade if you ask me). It is starting to rain now. 70 miles in raingear--what a treat!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Super Stealth Biker Woman!
This day's ride started very early. I met Amy at 6:30 then we rode to her friend's house where we added another rider. So, four of us. Incidently, on the way to Jill's house, we went past Twisted Donuts. How did I not know about this place??? Unfortunately, we didn't stop. Sure smelled good!
The four of us did Boston Harbor, Fishtrap Loop and the trail back. Jill and Kevin departed at the junction of Chehalis Western and the Woodland Trail. Amy and I continued on the Chehalis Western to the bridge where I saw my friend Bonnie walking her dogs. Said goodbye to Amy and stopped to talk to Bonnie. After awhile Bonnie and I continued on the trail, her walking, me riding slowly. We got to Horizons where I was going to turn for home and she was going to turn around. As we were talking, Tim came onto the trail without so much as a headnod. So, of course, I decided to follow him and see how long I could go before he noticed me. He was going the same way I had just come from. I caught up to him at the bridge and, for much of the time, was right on his rear wheel. When we got to the junction, I thought for sure he would look back and see me. Nope. When we got to the hairpin turn up to the I-5 bridge, I thought for sure he would see me behind him. Nope. We got all the way to Woodard Bay where he pulls over and eats lunch (Really? After 10 miles? Time for lunch? It was 11:00am.). I'm just hanging back about 20 feet. Still doesn't know it's me. He goes into the potty shack. I move so I'm directly in his line of sight. Still doesn't notice. Now he heads out on the road. I follow. Once again, I am about 18 inches off his rear wheel. It was nice drafting! We end up on Woodard Bay Road. I'm still following right behind him. He has glanced back a couple of times, but still doesn't know it's me. Even when we stopped at Boston Harbor Rd., he doesn't look back to see who is following him.
I followed him all the way to Eastbay Dr. As I was coming up to the turn to go around the bay to the Farmers' Market, I heard some Soba noodles call my name so I turned and went to the market. Tim continued on, oblivious.
When I got home, I told Nolan and Dillon. Nolan immediately told Tim. He said, "I knew someone was behind me." The question I have is: if you know someone is following you (for a rather lengthy time), wouldn't you turn around and say something? Or, at least get a good look at them? Maybe I am just Super Stealth Biker Woman!
The four of us did Boston Harbor, Fishtrap Loop and the trail back. Jill and Kevin departed at the junction of Chehalis Western and the Woodland Trail. Amy and I continued on the Chehalis Western to the bridge where I saw my friend Bonnie walking her dogs. Said goodbye to Amy and stopped to talk to Bonnie. After awhile Bonnie and I continued on the trail, her walking, me riding slowly. We got to Horizons where I was going to turn for home and she was going to turn around. As we were talking, Tim came onto the trail without so much as a headnod. So, of course, I decided to follow him and see how long I could go before he noticed me. He was going the same way I had just come from. I caught up to him at the bridge and, for much of the time, was right on his rear wheel. When we got to the junction, I thought for sure he would look back and see me. Nope. When we got to the hairpin turn up to the I-5 bridge, I thought for sure he would see me behind him. Nope. We got all the way to Woodard Bay where he pulls over and eats lunch (Really? After 10 miles? Time for lunch? It was 11:00am.). I'm just hanging back about 20 feet. Still doesn't know it's me. He goes into the potty shack. I move so I'm directly in his line of sight. Still doesn't notice. Now he heads out on the road. I follow. Once again, I am about 18 inches off his rear wheel. It was nice drafting! We end up on Woodard Bay Road. I'm still following right behind him. He has glanced back a couple of times, but still doesn't know it's me. Even when we stopped at Boston Harbor Rd., he doesn't look back to see who is following him.
I followed him all the way to Eastbay Dr. As I was coming up to the turn to go around the bay to the Farmers' Market, I heard some Soba noodles call my name so I turned and went to the market. Tim continued on, oblivious.
When I got home, I told Nolan and Dillon. Nolan immediately told Tim. He said, "I knew someone was behind me." The question I have is: if you know someone is following you (for a rather lengthy time), wouldn't you turn around and say something? Or, at least get a good look at them? Maybe I am just Super Stealth Biker Woman!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Super Tuber Women!
Okay, so it's not a bike tour, but it was an adventure nonetheless. Annette, Lorraine and I are at Lorraine's cabin north of Leavenworth by the whopping metropolis of Plain. Today the weather was forecast to be 82 and partly cloudy. Sounded like a good day to float the river (the Wenatchee that is). Since we neglected to bring our own tubes, we rented from Rob of "Let's Go Tubing!" (kind of sounds like a bike team).
We got our tubes (very nice with nylon covers complete with back rests and beverage holders). We also were provided with paddles (aka frisbees). We decided to float from the headwaters at Lake Wenatchee to the bridge at Plain. Rob would have picked us up, but we parked the van at the bridge and drove Annette's car to the tube place. Rob said it would be about a 4 hour float.
Off we went down the river. It was warm with clouds (just as forecasted). Well, we floated along for awhile. Annette decided we should play frisbee with the paddles. I was NOT for that idea and neither was Lorraine! But still, Annette threw the frisbees at us! When I threw it back she didn't catch it and had to flail after it.
As we continued to float, more clouds rolled in and in the distance we could hear thunder. GREAT!!! Then, it rained abit. ALSO GREAT! After we got past the tubing company take out place the river had moments of picking up speed. The tubes we were in were pretty stable. What was also nice was the fact that our butts weren't sitting in the river. Don't get quite so cold (the river was 62 degrees according to Rob).
As we were floating, Annette angered the rain gods by saying it would probably come pouring down right as we got to the van. BUT NO! It decided to pour right then and there! Did make the fish jump though. Annette was for pulling off for abit, but I just wanted to keep going (WHAT! Was I afraid of getting wet?).
Soon enough it stopped raining, but the thunder continued (fortunately, never saw lightening). As we got closer to the bridge, the water got more rapiddy (that's a word right?). As I was manuevering my way through some fast water, I didn't see this big dip coming until it was too late to go around it. I was saying, "No, no, no!" then, SWOOSH! Down the dip I went and due to the stability of the tube, managed to stay on it (albeit with a good soaking wave washing over me). I paddled over to the side of the river at the bridge and hauled myself and my tube out of the river (most important to flip the tube over and empty the water out of it). Lorraine came in next and got out without problems. Annette came in and, having lost one of her paddles, had to flail madly to make it over to the bank. It was touch and go, but she did it. Of course it was raining again, but we were done after 3 1/2 hours on the river.
We got our tubes (very nice with nylon covers complete with back rests and beverage holders). We also were provided with paddles (aka frisbees). We decided to float from the headwaters at Lake Wenatchee to the bridge at Plain. Rob would have picked us up, but we parked the van at the bridge and drove Annette's car to the tube place. Rob said it would be about a 4 hour float.
Off we went down the river. It was warm with clouds (just as forecasted). Well, we floated along for awhile. Annette decided we should play frisbee with the paddles. I was NOT for that idea and neither was Lorraine! But still, Annette threw the frisbees at us! When I threw it back she didn't catch it and had to flail after it.
As we continued to float, more clouds rolled in and in the distance we could hear thunder. GREAT!!! Then, it rained abit. ALSO GREAT! After we got past the tubing company take out place the river had moments of picking up speed. The tubes we were in were pretty stable. What was also nice was the fact that our butts weren't sitting in the river. Don't get quite so cold (the river was 62 degrees according to Rob).
As we were floating, Annette angered the rain gods by saying it would probably come pouring down right as we got to the van. BUT NO! It decided to pour right then and there! Did make the fish jump though. Annette was for pulling off for abit, but I just wanted to keep going (WHAT! Was I afraid of getting wet?).
Soon enough it stopped raining, but the thunder continued (fortunately, never saw lightening). As we got closer to the bridge, the water got more rapiddy (that's a word right?). As I was manuevering my way through some fast water, I didn't see this big dip coming until it was too late to go around it. I was saying, "No, no, no!" then, SWOOSH! Down the dip I went and due to the stability of the tube, managed to stay on it (albeit with a good soaking wave washing over me). I paddled over to the side of the river at the bridge and hauled myself and my tube out of the river (most important to flip the tube over and empty the water out of it). Lorraine came in next and got out without problems. Annette came in and, having lost one of her paddles, had to flail madly to make it over to the bank. It was touch and go, but she did it. Of course it was raining again, but we were done after 3 1/2 hours on the river.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Photos from CA to Mexico and train back
California!!!
Heading toward the redwoods and into the fog out of Crescent City.
Now that's a big tree! Avenue of the Giants. Burlington Campground
The gang at dinner. Carling, Mike, Werner, Joan, Christian and Jess. Burgers across the street from Standish-Hickey State Park.
Woo Hoo! Top of Leggett!
This market had a little bit of everything! I had a slice of carrot cake there!That's Stella and Carling's bike. Christian was there too.
Seaweed Dancers in the Mendocino 4th of July parade
More beautiful scenery (south of Mendocino).
Which way do the other deer go?
My first attempt to cross Golden Gate (I found a better way).All the rules
Before going across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Hang glider at Fort Funston outside of San Francisco
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
At the end of the boardwalk in Santa Cruz I had to walk my bike across this trestle. Two local guys had told me about this short cut to New Brighten. It really was a short cut!
"Catch a wave and you're sittin' on top of the world!" Santa Cruz surfers.
The beach at New Brighton in Capitola (just south of Santa Cruz).
California Strawberries!
Just "a few" sealions next to Fisherman's Wharf.
Fisherman's Wharf. Had a great lunch at Crab Louie's on the wharf.
Cannery Row in Monterey
Moon Jellies at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
My favorite, the green turtles!
The Carmel Bakery
Cannolis at the Carmel Bakery
Moss hanging from the trees like tinsel at Point Lobos Natural Reserve
The area they call Big Sur
Stella and the marigolds
Palm trees at Refugio State Beach 
Tar on the beach from Carpinteria. It just oozes out of the ground.
Tomcat anyone?
The Beach Zamboni
Soooooo California!
Santa Monica Pier
Stella on the Coronado Ferry
Border Field State Park. The end of the Adventure Cycling route.
Across the big fence...MEXICO!
Mexico!!! End of the line!
You can't go any further Stella!
At the Santa Fe station in San Diego after going to the border.The day and a half train ride to Vancouver then home via my dad.
Stella waiting for her box in San Diego.
The massive LA train station.
Mt. Shasta from the train.
Home again
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