Yesterday's post was about three days of rides on three different bikes. Today it was three rides on three different bikes in ONE day! It's like a triathlon, only all bike (frankly, that's my kind of triathlon!)...a...Bike-Athlon!
I didn't plan to do a bike-athlon today, it just worked out that way. This morning I hooked up Mr. Ives to Stella and rode to the grocery store. When I was in the store with my usual full shopping cart, two people asked me if I was going to be able to carry all that on my bike. Usually, no one bats an eye--no matter how full the cart is.
After I got home, I was finishing lunch when my friend, Amy, texted me that she was going for a short ride. I quickly changed into my Super Biker Woman costume (okay, not really a costume, just shorts and a jersey--sounds more exciting that way though...), grabbed Star and met Amy on the trail. We did a short 26 miles down the trail and back. Nice average speed of 15.9 (amazing, actually, considering there were tons of people on the trail taking advantage of the brief sunshine).
When I returned to the house, I remembered I had wanted to call the clinic to see if my new bike glasses were in. Hooray! They were in! So, I changed out of my Super Biker Woman costume and into my mild-mannered bike-commuter clothing, and hopped on Betsy (Stella was still hooked up to Mr. Ives, and these new bike glasses come in a monstrosity of a case that I wouldn't be able to carry on Star).
I rode over to Group Health and picked up my new glasses. I finally broke down and got bifocals in the prescription adapter. It will be so nice to be able to read my map! That ride was a roundtrip of about 12 miles.
Total I rode 40 miles today. I'd say that's a decent bike-athlon!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
3 Days, 3 Rides, 3 Different Bikes...
Or...Spreading the Love!
Betsy, Stella, and Star. Those are my three bikes. I'd like to say I ride them all equally, but that's not really true...except for the past three days.
On Tuesday, I hopped on Betsy to ride with Daniel out of Olympia (see previous post). I was just going to ride with him to Hwy 8, but decided to give Betsy a good long ride. I rode as far as McCleary with Daniel, then sent him on his way. I looped back home via Hwy 108 and 101 for a total of 57 miles. It's been awhile since I've done that many miles on Betsy. My legs were feeling it a bit that evening (fine the next day).
Wednesday, the weather was looking suitable. I arranged to meet Leandra (my NZ cycling pal) for a post-work (for her) evening ride on the trail to Tenino and back. We met at 6:00, rode to Tenino, had dinner at Subway, and rode back. I rode Stella as she is the only one with a headlight (she is my official "night bike"). By the time we returned to our meeting place, darkness was descending quickly. Total miles: just under 40.
Today, Thursday, Lorraine and I met at The Valley for a 50 miler down south. It was Star's turn to go. It's always nice when I switch bikes from Stella to either of the other two. Stella is the heavyweight of the group (but also the best workhorse). However, today's average (due to more hills and wind, I'm sure) was the same as last night's.
So, all three girls got some miles in this week! Star will probably get to go out again on Saturday. Betsy will be the bike of choice on Monday/Tuesday as Carol and I are doing an overnight to Vashon Island. Then, come June 24th, it'll be all Betsy, all the time, for two weeks around the Olympic Peninsula. It's gonna be great!
Betsy, Stella, and Star. Those are my three bikes. I'd like to say I ride them all equally, but that's not really true...except for the past three days.
On Tuesday, I hopped on Betsy to ride with Daniel out of Olympia (see previous post). I was just going to ride with him to Hwy 8, but decided to give Betsy a good long ride. I rode as far as McCleary with Daniel, then sent him on his way. I looped back home via Hwy 108 and 101 for a total of 57 miles. It's been awhile since I've done that many miles on Betsy. My legs were feeling it a bit that evening (fine the next day).
Wednesday, the weather was looking suitable. I arranged to meet Leandra (my NZ cycling pal) for a post-work (for her) evening ride on the trail to Tenino and back. We met at 6:00, rode to Tenino, had dinner at Subway, and rode back. I rode Stella as she is the only one with a headlight (she is my official "night bike"). By the time we returned to our meeting place, darkness was descending quickly. Total miles: just under 40.
Today, Thursday, Lorraine and I met at The Valley for a 50 miler down south. It was Star's turn to go. It's always nice when I switch bikes from Stella to either of the other two. Stella is the heavyweight of the group (but also the best workhorse). However, today's average (due to more hills and wind, I'm sure) was the same as last night's.
So, all three girls got some miles in this week! Star will probably get to go out again on Saturday. Betsy will be the bike of choice on Monday/Tuesday as Carol and I are doing an overnight to Vashon Island. Then, come June 24th, it'll be all Betsy, all the time, for two weeks around the Olympic Peninsula. It's gonna be great!
Monday, June 11, 2012
Picking up Strays
I was out for a quick ride on the bike trail today on my way to Tenino when I spotted a cyclist on the highway that parallels the trail. He saw me as I rode by and hollered, "Is that a bike path?" I hollered back, "Yeah!" and kept going at my quick pace. I did glance into my rear view mirror and noticed that he got on the trail.
As I continued riding, I thought to myself, I wonder where he is from that he doesn't know about this trail? So, when I came to the next street crossing, I stopped and waited for him to catch up. When he did, I asked him where he was from. Turns out he's from Vancouver, BC and is riding his bike to San Francisco. I told him I had ridden from home to Mexico a couple of summers ago.
I asked him where he was headed tonight. He said Centralia. I asked where he was staying in Centralia. He said he would stay in a campground. Well, there are no campgrounds in or around Centralia. I told him as much and then suggested he could come home with me and stay at my house (I also told him I was on CouchSurfing and Warmshowers--not sure he knows about them). I introduced myself and found out his name is Daniel. He is all of 21 years old and decided a week ago to ride his bike to San Francisco then hop a bus to Sacramento to visit some friends.
He took me up on my offer and we rode the trail home. I told him of an easier way to get out to the Coast. He will head that way tomorrow.
I have been fortunate in my bike tours to have complete strangers invite me into their homes. Some have been through CouchSurfing and Warmshowers. Others have been just like today with Daniel. People often ask me if I'm afraid a stranger who invites me into their home is going to try to harm me. The answer is always a resounding NO! MOST people in this world are kind and generous--we just don't hear about them. We only hear about the few "bad apples". Really, this world is an apple tree loaded with good apples!
I have been grateful of the kindness and generosity shown to me on my various bike tours. I welcome an opportunity to pay some of that kindness forward! I have had what I call my "Dog of the Moment Program" for quite some time now. I guess I also have a "Person of the Moment Program" as well.
As I continued riding, I thought to myself, I wonder where he is from that he doesn't know about this trail? So, when I came to the next street crossing, I stopped and waited for him to catch up. When he did, I asked him where he was from. Turns out he's from Vancouver, BC and is riding his bike to San Francisco. I told him I had ridden from home to Mexico a couple of summers ago.
I asked him where he was headed tonight. He said Centralia. I asked where he was staying in Centralia. He said he would stay in a campground. Well, there are no campgrounds in or around Centralia. I told him as much and then suggested he could come home with me and stay at my house (I also told him I was on CouchSurfing and Warmshowers--not sure he knows about them). I introduced myself and found out his name is Daniel. He is all of 21 years old and decided a week ago to ride his bike to San Francisco then hop a bus to Sacramento to visit some friends.
He took me up on my offer and we rode the trail home. I told him of an easier way to get out to the Coast. He will head that way tomorrow.
I have been fortunate in my bike tours to have complete strangers invite me into their homes. Some have been through CouchSurfing and Warmshowers. Others have been just like today with Daniel. People often ask me if I'm afraid a stranger who invites me into their home is going to try to harm me. The answer is always a resounding NO! MOST people in this world are kind and generous--we just don't hear about them. We only hear about the few "bad apples". Really, this world is an apple tree loaded with good apples!
I have been grateful of the kindness and generosity shown to me on my various bike tours. I welcome an opportunity to pay some of that kindness forward! I have had what I call my "Dog of the Moment Program" for quite some time now. I guess I also have a "Person of the Moment Program" as well.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Lorraine Breaks Through the 100 Mile Barrier...
And Keeps Going!
This morning I left my house at nearly the butt-crack-of-dawn. Okay, okay, maybe I'm exaggerating just a little BUUUUTTTT, it was 6:40. On a Sunday, I think that qualifies as the butt-crack-of-dawn!
I met Lorraine at Blue Heron Bakery (I bet the bakers there had to get even EARLIER than the butt-crack-of-dawn! Probably O' Dark Hundred! I digress...).
Lorraine thought, perhaps, we would just go to Aberdeen and back. The only problem with that plan is that it would not have been 100 miles for her. So she said she would see how she felt at Aberdeen. Off we went.
The great thing about this ride to Westport is its similarity in terrain to the STP. It is not overly hilly, but there are a couple of moderately longish hills--most notably the hill after crossing the Wynoochee River just beyond Montesano (and, of course, the climb up Old Hwy 410, but that one comes pretty early in the ride).
We made good time taking short rest breaks including a potty stop at the fire station just off the exit to Brady. We got into Aberdeen at approximately 11:00. It was too early for lunch at Subway and we hadn't gone 50 miles yet. In my mind, the only choice was to go to the next nearest Subway on Hwy 105 (the "on 105" being important here because I'm sure there was a closer one in Hoquiam). That Subway JUST HAPPENED to be at the turn-off to go the last 4 miles to Westport! How convenient! Besides, it was only another 20 miles...
I must say, that particular 20 miles always seems kind of long! There are more hills, but nothing too terrible. As we went past the Ocean Spray plant, we could smell the cranberries and sugar. It smelled like jam to me (which, of course, smelled delicious...could have had something to do with the fact that I was getting pretty hungry).
Finally, we passed the sign saying 3/4 mile to Twin Harbors State Park. The gas-station Subway was about 1/4 mile BEFORE that. Woo Hoo! Lunch was near!!! Even though it was a gas-station Subway, there were two tables to "dine-in" (the fact that they were directly across the aisle from the pharmaceuticals made for an interesting ambience).
We ordered our sandwiches. Lorraine usually orders a 6 inch Turkey (I usually go for the Footlong Veggie Delight). This time Lorraine ordered a Footlong Turkey. She said she would just eat what she could. That turned out to be the whole thing (she seemed surprised at her level of hunger). We refilled out water bottles, re-chamoised and turned back for home. In hindsight, I should have asked Lorraine if she wanted to ride the last 1/2 mile or so to the beach access so she could say she rode her bike to the ocean. Oh well, close enough!
The ride back to Aberdeen on 105 was was pretty pleasant with just an occasional side wind. Back in Aberdeen, we successfully negotiated the streets and bridges, including a grated bridge deck (never fun) and returned to US 12.
We took a short break in Montesano. I asked Lorraine how close she was to breaking 100 miles (I had already done so about 8 miles earlier). She had about 4 miles to go. We decided to stop when she hit 100 and commemorate it with a photo. That moment came just after the Satsop Exit. In the photo below of Lorraine (making a 100 with her hands and mouth), you can see the cooling towers of the never-operational Satsop Power Plant in the background.
Of course, the ride didn't end there! We still had another 27 miles to go to get back to Lorraine's car at Blue Heron.
We made reasonable time with a couple more short rest breaks. Even though the sun was shining, we got caught in a short bit of spitting rain. It wasn't enough to get too wet, but I did stow away my Rocket 2.0 (it doesn't like getting any water on it). Back at Blue Heron, Lorraine's odometer said 127 miles! I calculated with the 12 miles I had left to go, I was going to finish at 149.6 miles. It was so close to 150 that I opted for a slightly longer route home for a grand total of 150.3 miles. This was also the longest one-day ride I have done since my previous one-day STP ride in 2009. I feel confident that I have another 50 miles in me to complete the 204 mile STP on July 14 this summer.
This morning I left my house at nearly the butt-crack-of-dawn. Okay, okay, maybe I'm exaggerating just a little BUUUUTTTT, it was 6:40. On a Sunday, I think that qualifies as the butt-crack-of-dawn!
I met Lorraine at Blue Heron Bakery (I bet the bakers there had to get even EARLIER than the butt-crack-of-dawn! Probably O' Dark Hundred! I digress...).
Lorraine thought, perhaps, we would just go to Aberdeen and back. The only problem with that plan is that it would not have been 100 miles for her. So she said she would see how she felt at Aberdeen. Off we went.
The great thing about this ride to Westport is its similarity in terrain to the STP. It is not overly hilly, but there are a couple of moderately longish hills--most notably the hill after crossing the Wynoochee River just beyond Montesano (and, of course, the climb up Old Hwy 410, but that one comes pretty early in the ride).
We made good time taking short rest breaks including a potty stop at the fire station just off the exit to Brady. We got into Aberdeen at approximately 11:00. It was too early for lunch at Subway and we hadn't gone 50 miles yet. In my mind, the only choice was to go to the next nearest Subway on Hwy 105 (the "on 105" being important here because I'm sure there was a closer one in Hoquiam). That Subway JUST HAPPENED to be at the turn-off to go the last 4 miles to Westport! How convenient! Besides, it was only another 20 miles...
I must say, that particular 20 miles always seems kind of long! There are more hills, but nothing too terrible. As we went past the Ocean Spray plant, we could smell the cranberries and sugar. It smelled like jam to me (which, of course, smelled delicious...could have had something to do with the fact that I was getting pretty hungry).
Finally, we passed the sign saying 3/4 mile to Twin Harbors State Park. The gas-station Subway was about 1/4 mile BEFORE that. Woo Hoo! Lunch was near!!! Even though it was a gas-station Subway, there were two tables to "dine-in" (the fact that they were directly across the aisle from the pharmaceuticals made for an interesting ambience).
We ordered our sandwiches. Lorraine usually orders a 6 inch Turkey (I usually go for the Footlong Veggie Delight). This time Lorraine ordered a Footlong Turkey. She said she would just eat what she could. That turned out to be the whole thing (she seemed surprised at her level of hunger). We refilled out water bottles, re-chamoised and turned back for home. In hindsight, I should have asked Lorraine if she wanted to ride the last 1/2 mile or so to the beach access so she could say she rode her bike to the ocean. Oh well, close enough!
The ride back to Aberdeen on 105 was was pretty pleasant with just an occasional side wind. Back in Aberdeen, we successfully negotiated the streets and bridges, including a grated bridge deck (never fun) and returned to US 12.
We took a short break in Montesano. I asked Lorraine how close she was to breaking 100 miles (I had already done so about 8 miles earlier). She had about 4 miles to go. We decided to stop when she hit 100 and commemorate it with a photo. That moment came just after the Satsop Exit. In the photo below of Lorraine (making a 100 with her hands and mouth), you can see the cooling towers of the never-operational Satsop Power Plant in the background.
Of course, the ride didn't end there! We still had another 27 miles to go to get back to Lorraine's car at Blue Heron.
We made reasonable time with a couple more short rest breaks. Even though the sun was shining, we got caught in a short bit of spitting rain. It wasn't enough to get too wet, but I did stow away my Rocket 2.0 (it doesn't like getting any water on it). Back at Blue Heron, Lorraine's odometer said 127 miles! I calculated with the 12 miles I had left to go, I was going to finish at 149.6 miles. It was so close to 150 that I opted for a slightly longer route home for a grand total of 150.3 miles. This was also the longest one-day ride I have done since my previous one-day STP ride in 2009. I feel confident that I have another 50 miles in me to complete the 204 mile STP on July 14 this summer.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
What a Nice Flagger Guy!
This morning I hooked up Mr. Ives to Stella for a shopping trip to Costco. As I was riding down Yelm Hwy, there was a tiny bit of construction blocking one of the two westbound lanes. As I got closer, the flagger turned the sign to stop, but waved me through. I couldn't see any reason why he was stopping traffic. Then it occurred to me, he was stopping the cars behind me so I could ride through without any traffic breathing down my neck. What a nice flagger guy!
Below is a photo of my Costco purchases. Among the not-so-heavy stuff there is a 10 lb. bag of chicken, a large bottle of laundry detergent, and 2 gallons of milk. It was a rather slow slog home.
Below is a photo of my Costco purchases. Among the not-so-heavy stuff there is a 10 lb. bag of chicken, a large bottle of laundry detergent, and 2 gallons of milk. It was a rather slow slog home.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Another Almost Century or...
Good Thing We Didn't Take the Ferry Today!
In our continuing quest to prepare ourselves for the STP in one day, I planned a route that would give Lorraine her first century ride, and me about 78 miles (having just done 97.5 on Saturday, I didn't really need to do another century so soon). Due to weather, Lorraine ended up driving to my house. From there we headed to Gig Harbor. Yes, I just was up that way on Saturday, but I have ridden north far fewer times than any other direction, so I'm okay going again. Besides, Saturday was to Vashon, today was Gig Harbor (totally different...rrriiiiggghhhttt!).
We did the Steilacoom, then up Chambers Creek Canyon route. The ride across the Narrows Bridge was windy, but beautiful as always. We rode past the Gig Harbor Subway as it was a little early for lunch. We rode to the end of the Cushman trail (yes, up and down all the 8 and even 10% hills!). At the end, instead of coming back on the trail like I had done before, we came down to the road and rode into Historic Gig Harbor along the water. The plan was to come back up Pioneer Way and go to Subway for lunch. I mistakenly thought I had ridden up Pioneer before (back in December 2011). Not only was I mistaken, but it was a mistake to go up Pioneer. That was one extremely steep hill! I was out of the saddle for about 1/3 of it! It was just plain nasty!!! But, I made it without walking (barely).
We got to Subway (checked another one off the list!) and had lunch. As we were doing pretty good on time, I suggested we add the ride to Point Defiance (and the 5 mile loop) to increase Lorraine's mileage for the day (did I not realize it would increase mine too???).
We came back across the bridge and rode down to Point Defiance. This time there was alot more people driving the 5 Mile Drive (semi-sunny Memorial Day so not surprising). As we were nearing the last couple of miles of the loop, we rode past a raccoon having a snack of crackers someone had dropped on the ground by the side of the road. He (or maybe she) didn't even budge from the crackers as we rode by. So, of course, I had to turn around and get a couple of photos. As I got closer, he acted like he was going to take off. I would just stop moving and he would go back to his snacking. Then I would move closer until he noticed me again. Then, I'd stop again. I finally got as close as I wanted and snapped a couple of photos. About that time a gal was walking up with two big dogs. The raccoon wisely gave up on the crackers and waddled into the bushes.
Later on down the road, another raccoon went strolling across the street in no great hurry. Did I mention there we're alot of cars on the 5 Mile Drive? The masked bandit managed to make it to the other side safely.
Lorraine and I finished the 5 Mile Loop and headed back up Pearl. We returned the same way we had come through Chambers Creek Canyon and Steilacoom. We found a little rain in Steilacoom; enough for me to put the sleeves back on my jacket and put my leg warmers back on.
As we returned to Lacey, I, again, offered a longer option to get home so she could get closer to 100 miles. By the time we finally pulled into my driveway, we had gone 92.5 miles--so much for my 78 mile day!
When I got home there was an interesting text from my friend Carol (who I rode with to Vashon on Saturday). She rode to Vashon again today. While Lorraine and I were enjoying the 5 Mile Loop around Point Defiance, Carol was stuck over on Vashon waiting for a ferry that never came. Apparently, the ferry she and I had taken Saturday was having problems. She waited at the ferry dock on Vashon for 5 hours before they finally said there would be no ferry tonight. She was on her Bike Friday and had panniers, but all she had in them was weights to simulate a load. She didn't even have any food (she had planned to buy some lunch in town, but had instead decided to catch the 1:00 ferry home). When the ferry dock worker told everyone there would be no ferry, a kind gentleman offered to give her and her bike a ride to a motel where Carol managed to get a discounted room for $100. She dropped off her weighted panniers and the gentleman then gave her a ride to the grocery store so she could get some food and at least a toothbrush and toothpaste. She rode her bike back to the motel and will spend the night, hoping there will be a ferry tomorrow. I told her to keep her receipts and send a copy to the Washington State Ferry System for reimbursement. During the loading of her bike into the guy's car, somehow the front derailleur got messed up (wouldn't shift into the smallest ring--quite necessary on hilly Vashon). I was able to talk her through finding the problem (the cable was hung up) and fixing it over the phone. She was very grateful.
I guess I'm glad the ferry debacle didn't happen Saturday. However, it would have been an adventure!
Here's a couple photos of the raccoon and another one of the crazy hilly Cushman trail signs.
In our continuing quest to prepare ourselves for the STP in one day, I planned a route that would give Lorraine her first century ride, and me about 78 miles (having just done 97.5 on Saturday, I didn't really need to do another century so soon). Due to weather, Lorraine ended up driving to my house. From there we headed to Gig Harbor. Yes, I just was up that way on Saturday, but I have ridden north far fewer times than any other direction, so I'm okay going again. Besides, Saturday was to Vashon, today was Gig Harbor (totally different...rrriiiiggghhhttt!).
We did the Steilacoom, then up Chambers Creek Canyon route. The ride across the Narrows Bridge was windy, but beautiful as always. We rode past the Gig Harbor Subway as it was a little early for lunch. We rode to the end of the Cushman trail (yes, up and down all the 8 and even 10% hills!). At the end, instead of coming back on the trail like I had done before, we came down to the road and rode into Historic Gig Harbor along the water. The plan was to come back up Pioneer Way and go to Subway for lunch. I mistakenly thought I had ridden up Pioneer before (back in December 2011). Not only was I mistaken, but it was a mistake to go up Pioneer. That was one extremely steep hill! I was out of the saddle for about 1/3 of it! It was just plain nasty!!! But, I made it without walking (barely).
We got to Subway (checked another one off the list!) and had lunch. As we were doing pretty good on time, I suggested we add the ride to Point Defiance (and the 5 mile loop) to increase Lorraine's mileage for the day (did I not realize it would increase mine too???).
We came back across the bridge and rode down to Point Defiance. This time there was alot more people driving the 5 Mile Drive (semi-sunny Memorial Day so not surprising). As we were nearing the last couple of miles of the loop, we rode past a raccoon having a snack of crackers someone had dropped on the ground by the side of the road. He (or maybe she) didn't even budge from the crackers as we rode by. So, of course, I had to turn around and get a couple of photos. As I got closer, he acted like he was going to take off. I would just stop moving and he would go back to his snacking. Then I would move closer until he noticed me again. Then, I'd stop again. I finally got as close as I wanted and snapped a couple of photos. About that time a gal was walking up with two big dogs. The raccoon wisely gave up on the crackers and waddled into the bushes.
Later on down the road, another raccoon went strolling across the street in no great hurry. Did I mention there we're alot of cars on the 5 Mile Drive? The masked bandit managed to make it to the other side safely.
Lorraine and I finished the 5 Mile Loop and headed back up Pearl. We returned the same way we had come through Chambers Creek Canyon and Steilacoom. We found a little rain in Steilacoom; enough for me to put the sleeves back on my jacket and put my leg warmers back on.
As we returned to Lacey, I, again, offered a longer option to get home so she could get closer to 100 miles. By the time we finally pulled into my driveway, we had gone 92.5 miles--so much for my 78 mile day!
When I got home there was an interesting text from my friend Carol (who I rode with to Vashon on Saturday). She rode to Vashon again today. While Lorraine and I were enjoying the 5 Mile Loop around Point Defiance, Carol was stuck over on Vashon waiting for a ferry that never came. Apparently, the ferry she and I had taken Saturday was having problems. She waited at the ferry dock on Vashon for 5 hours before they finally said there would be no ferry tonight. She was on her Bike Friday and had panniers, but all she had in them was weights to simulate a load. She didn't even have any food (she had planned to buy some lunch in town, but had instead decided to catch the 1:00 ferry home). When the ferry dock worker told everyone there would be no ferry, a kind gentleman offered to give her and her bike a ride to a motel where Carol managed to get a discounted room for $100. She dropped off her weighted panniers and the gentleman then gave her a ride to the grocery store so she could get some food and at least a toothbrush and toothpaste. She rode her bike back to the motel and will spend the night, hoping there will be a ferry tomorrow. I told her to keep her receipts and send a copy to the Washington State Ferry System for reimbursement. During the loading of her bike into the guy's car, somehow the front derailleur got messed up (wouldn't shift into the smallest ring--quite necessary on hilly Vashon). I was able to talk her through finding the problem (the cable was hung up) and fixing it over the phone. She was very grateful.
I guess I'm glad the ferry debacle didn't happen Saturday. However, it would have been an adventure!
Here's a couple photos of the raccoon and another one of the crazy hilly Cushman trail signs.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
A Nice Island Ride With Carol, But...
First I had to get there!
I've ridden Vashon Island twice. Both times I've driven to the ferry dock with the bike on the bike rack. The first time was a supported ride called the Ride for US (Ultrasound) a number of years ago. The second was the fateful December ride when I crashed on the way back (not while on Vashon). Both of those rides were not the best weather. The Ride for US was a very foggy morning in September. The December ride was, well...December. Today's weather was perfect!
But, as I said, first I had to get there. I mapped the shortest route which was basically the hop-on-hop-off the freeway route to Gravelly Lake, then to Bridgeport Way. I rode Bridgeport/ Jackson to 6th, then over to Pearl St. where I met Carol (she rode from her house. It was 31 miles from my house to 6th and Pearl. It only took me 2 hours--even with all the traffic lights.
Carol and I made it to the ferry dock at Pt. Defiance with plenty of time before the 10:55 ferry. Nice friend that Carol is, she brought me a banana which I happily scarfed down while waiting for the ferry.
They have a new ferry on this route. It's called the Chetzemoka. There are the usual ties for bikes on the vehicle deck, but on the second level, there is indoor space for about 30 more bikes! There is even a ramp along the stairs to wheel the bikes up! The ferry personnel seem to think it is a waste of space. I think it beats stacking the bikes umpteen deep on the vehicle deck!
On Vashon, we rode some of the many hills, past beautiful views of the sound, past sweet farms, and to the heart of "Downtown Vashon". The downtown area was bustling with people enjoying the nice weather and holiday weekend. There were bikes parked everywhere and cyclists sampling the goods of the various shops. Carol and I pulled in for tea (for Carol) and lavender lemonade (for me) and huge delicious brownies (so much for my "no sugar" plan) at Luna Café. After that, we literally went around the corner to Thriftway and had panini sandwiches (I have no problem with eating dessert first!).
After lunch, Carol went into the Ace Hardware store next to Thriftway to buy electrician's tape. She got a roll of black and a roll of yellow. I only mention this because we were both on our road bikes, thus, not alot of space to carry things (like rolls of tape!). She managed to tuck them in somewhere.
As we were working our way back to the ferry, we pulled into the seemingly one and only camping place on Vashon. It is part of YHA (Youth Hostel Assoc.). They have cute little cabins, tepees, and plenty of tent space. There is a remodeled barn with a full kitchen, restroom/shower facilities, TV lounge, and pool table. We decided we should do a bike overnight there. For me it was 50 miles from home--totally doable for a touring day.
Back at the ferry dock we watched some good size crabs scuttling along in the water near the beach. There were also a couple of huge purple sea stars attached to the pilings of the ferry dock. We boarded the ferry and had a very nice, but short sailing back to Point Defiance. At that point, Carol and I parted--she for the 20 minute or so ride to her home and me for the 35 mile or so ride back to my house.
Since I didn't feel like going the freeway route again, I went down Chambers Canyon (soooo much more fun to go down than up) and along the water to Steilacoom. Of course, I had to climb the hill up from Steilacoom, but I just put it in granny gear and listened to music from the Rock It.
I made it back home by 6:30. It was 97.5 miles and a whole lot of beautiful scenery! Here's some photos. Saw three bald eagles today! Not that you can really see, but in the photo of the flag pole, there are two bald eagles sitting on top!
I've ridden Vashon Island twice. Both times I've driven to the ferry dock with the bike on the bike rack. The first time was a supported ride called the Ride for US (Ultrasound) a number of years ago. The second was the fateful December ride when I crashed on the way back (not while on Vashon). Both of those rides were not the best weather. The Ride for US was a very foggy morning in September. The December ride was, well...December. Today's weather was perfect!
But, as I said, first I had to get there. I mapped the shortest route which was basically the hop-on-hop-off the freeway route to Gravelly Lake, then to Bridgeport Way. I rode Bridgeport/ Jackson to 6th, then over to Pearl St. where I met Carol (she rode from her house. It was 31 miles from my house to 6th and Pearl. It only took me 2 hours--even with all the traffic lights.
Carol and I made it to the ferry dock at Pt. Defiance with plenty of time before the 10:55 ferry. Nice friend that Carol is, she brought me a banana which I happily scarfed down while waiting for the ferry.
They have a new ferry on this route. It's called the Chetzemoka. There are the usual ties for bikes on the vehicle deck, but on the second level, there is indoor space for about 30 more bikes! There is even a ramp along the stairs to wheel the bikes up! The ferry personnel seem to think it is a waste of space. I think it beats stacking the bikes umpteen deep on the vehicle deck!
On Vashon, we rode some of the many hills, past beautiful views of the sound, past sweet farms, and to the heart of "Downtown Vashon". The downtown area was bustling with people enjoying the nice weather and holiday weekend. There were bikes parked everywhere and cyclists sampling the goods of the various shops. Carol and I pulled in for tea (for Carol) and lavender lemonade (for me) and huge delicious brownies (so much for my "no sugar" plan) at Luna Café. After that, we literally went around the corner to Thriftway and had panini sandwiches (I have no problem with eating dessert first!).
After lunch, Carol went into the Ace Hardware store next to Thriftway to buy electrician's tape. She got a roll of black and a roll of yellow. I only mention this because we were both on our road bikes, thus, not alot of space to carry things (like rolls of tape!). She managed to tuck them in somewhere.
As we were working our way back to the ferry, we pulled into the seemingly one and only camping place on Vashon. It is part of YHA (Youth Hostel Assoc.). They have cute little cabins, tepees, and plenty of tent space. There is a remodeled barn with a full kitchen, restroom/shower facilities, TV lounge, and pool table. We decided we should do a bike overnight there. For me it was 50 miles from home--totally doable for a touring day.
Back at the ferry dock we watched some good size crabs scuttling along in the water near the beach. There were also a couple of huge purple sea stars attached to the pilings of the ferry dock. We boarded the ferry and had a very nice, but short sailing back to Point Defiance. At that point, Carol and I parted--she for the 20 minute or so ride to her home and me for the 35 mile or so ride back to my house.
Since I didn't feel like going the freeway route again, I went down Chambers Canyon (soooo much more fun to go down than up) and along the water to Steilacoom. Of course, I had to climb the hill up from Steilacoom, but I just put it in granny gear and listened to music from the Rock It.
I made it back home by 6:30. It was 97.5 miles and a whole lot of beautiful scenery! Here's some photos. Saw three bald eagles today! Not that you can really see, but in the photo of the flag pole, there are two bald eagles sitting on top!
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