Yesterday I decided to bike to Montlake and meet Brianne and Danielle for a ride to our soccer game. I didn't think it would take long, but I wanted to be safe and allowed 30 minutes. 15 minutes later, I was there. Good to know!
Biking is a bit light this week. The weather's nice, but we had our 3rd v. 4th place game for Go Green and Go Blind, and there's a tournament for the other team I've played with this weekend (4 to 5 games over 2 days). I guess this counts as cross-training. Right?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
We finally remembered the camera!
This past weekend was fantastic because for the first time in several weeks my calendar was relatively open. After working a bit on Saturday morning, Dave and I took a short ride to Green Lake and on to Wallingford (with the intention of making a visit to Molly Moon for ice cream). Instead I saw Jamba Juice and got really excited. We all have our vices.
On the way back we made the first of two trips to Gregg's Cycle over the weekend. Finding the right equipment has proven to be an even more time consuming and expensive process than I initially imagined, and I wanted to do some research while Dave took a look at new bikes and asked some questions. I should note that the previous weekend when Dave and I were biking to Ballard his pedal was falling off. He took this as a sign, along with the loud noises his bike makes and the fact that he has to pedal much more than I do, that he needed a new bike. I guess we won't get to make any more jokes about his bike not being stealthy (loud sounds) and he'll probably be a lot faster now...it's good for my training, right?
We stopped in at a great vegetarian restaurant on 65th - Sunlight Cafe. It was a great way to finish out the day, and it was nice to discover that it's really easy to continue on 65th and get to other neighborhoods. By the way, I recommend the veggie burger at Sunlight. Dave's burrito was so huge I truly was concerned about him making it back up the hill to my house. Good thing his eyes were bigger than his stomach.
After a lovely Saturday evening at Honeybear / Third Place Books and playing games with Dana and Blake, Dave and I started out Sunday on a bike ride with my dad and Cathy. We took the Burke-Gilman down to Fremont and went to the Fremont Fair. It was hoping, and the sun came out while we were there. I bought some truly fabulous pants and Cathy found a kid's mini guitar for my niece Noelle. Then we considered how we would transport the guitar...
This is what we came up with. As I mentioned earlier, Dave's mountain bike starting falling apart, so he borrowed Blake's bike for the weekend. Luckily it had a rack on the back. Since we didn't have bungees, we used bike locks to strap the guitar to the rack. Now that's clever, eh? Many thanks to Dave for supporting the happiness of my adorable niece!
And we did make it to Molly Moon. We biked up Stone Way from Fremont and stopped for ice cream (delicious even though they were out of strawberry). Then we continued north past Green Lake and to Gregg's Cycle for visit number two. We asked more questions, I bought new gloves, and my parents both got new helmets. As it turns out, bike helmets are supposed to be replaced every 3 to 5 year. The styrofoam becomes brittle, and will no longer perform. The woman helping us smashed my dad's helmet with her foot - not a good sign.
From there we made our third visit of the weekend to Honeybear (yes, we went for breakfast on Sunday, too). We ended the adventure with a walk back to 65th for pizza. All in all, a great way to spend a Sunday. And we didn't use any gas while visiting all kinds of fun places!
On the way back we made the first of two trips to Gregg's Cycle over the weekend. Finding the right equipment has proven to be an even more time consuming and expensive process than I initially imagined, and I wanted to do some research while Dave took a look at new bikes and asked some questions. I should note that the previous weekend when Dave and I were biking to Ballard his pedal was falling off. He took this as a sign, along with the loud noises his bike makes and the fact that he has to pedal much more than I do, that he needed a new bike. I guess we won't get to make any more jokes about his bike not being stealthy (loud sounds) and he'll probably be a lot faster now...it's good for my training, right?
We stopped in at a great vegetarian restaurant on 65th - Sunlight Cafe. It was a great way to finish out the day, and it was nice to discover that it's really easy to continue on 65th and get to other neighborhoods. By the way, I recommend the veggie burger at Sunlight. Dave's burrito was so huge I truly was concerned about him making it back up the hill to my house. Good thing his eyes were bigger than his stomach.
After a lovely Saturday evening at Honeybear / Third Place Books and playing games with Dana and Blake, Dave and I started out Sunday on a bike ride with my dad and Cathy. We took the Burke-Gilman down to Fremont and went to the Fremont Fair. It was hoping, and the sun came out while we were there. I bought some truly fabulous pants and Cathy found a kid's mini guitar for my niece Noelle. Then we considered how we would transport the guitar...
This is what we came up with. As I mentioned earlier, Dave's mountain bike starting falling apart, so he borrowed Blake's bike for the weekend. Luckily it had a rack on the back. Since we didn't have bungees, we used bike locks to strap the guitar to the rack. Now that's clever, eh? Many thanks to Dave for supporting the happiness of my adorable niece!
And we did make it to Molly Moon. We biked up Stone Way from Fremont and stopped for ice cream (delicious even though they were out of strawberry). Then we continued north past Green Lake and to Gregg's Cycle for visit number two. We asked more questions, I bought new gloves, and my parents both got new helmets. As it turns out, bike helmets are supposed to be replaced every 3 to 5 year. The styrofoam becomes brittle, and will no longer perform. The woman helping us smashed my dad's helmet with her foot - not a good sign.
From there we made our third visit of the weekend to Honeybear (yes, we went for breakfast on Sunday, too). We ended the adventure with a walk back to 65th for pizza. All in all, a great way to spend a Sunday. And we didn't use any gas while visiting all kinds of fun places!
Monday, June 16, 2008
The sun has finally arrived!
The weather has been...less than ideal...here in Washington. Between the rain/cold and being busy at work, I didn't get in a lot of riding at the beginning of June. The sun has finally arrived, though, and I'm ready to kick my summer into gear. Dave and I took a quick ride to Ballard along the Burke-Gilman yesterday. I was hoping to ride to Redmond today, but I have a sore throat. Tomorrow Erin and I have our bike maintenance class at REI, so I'll be riding to that!
Yesterday was Father's Day and I visited with both sides of the family. It was reassuring to talk to my dad and Cathy about the bike ride. Whenever I talk to experienced bike riders I feel better. I was trying to talk Cathy into coming on the ride, too (hint, hint). We also talked about biking equipment.
I've been upgrading and acquiring all the things I need in increments. A lot of components require testing. I think I've finally resigned to getting a new seat for my bike. I keep trying different options to make mine work, but it's time to upgrade. I also need to buy clipless pedals and shoes so that I can start practicing with them. I'm also in the market for clear bike glasses and thicker gloves. My Camelbak sprung a leak yesterday, so I have to figure that out, too. Sigh. It adds up, but I like working towards something like this.
Yesterday was Father's Day and I visited with both sides of the family. It was reassuring to talk to my dad and Cathy about the bike ride. Whenever I talk to experienced bike riders I feel better. I was trying to talk Cathy into coming on the ride, too (hint, hint). We also talked about biking equipment.
I've been upgrading and acquiring all the things I need in increments. A lot of components require testing. I think I've finally resigned to getting a new seat for my bike. I keep trying different options to make mine work, but it's time to upgrade. I also need to buy clipless pedals and shoes so that I can start practicing with them. I'm also in the market for clear bike glasses and thicker gloves. My Camelbak sprung a leak yesterday, so I have to figure that out, too. Sigh. It adds up, but I like working towards something like this.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
First update from Climate Ride staff!
I received my first e-mail update from Climate Ride staff. Here are the highlights:
- I can receive discounts at a bike shop in NY and DC to assist with getting supplies ready. The NY shop can receive shipped bikes if I go that route (probably will just check on the plane a pay extra).
- Climate Ride has a Facebook page! I've joined and others can join to show their support. It is a place for the full group to post stories, photos, etc.
- They are putting out a travel planner at the end of June, so I'll likely make most of my arrangements then. They will have help for bike transport, hotels, etc.
And my new favorite quote: "Never underestimate the power of a bicycle trip to change your life."
I'm getting really excited!
- I can receive discounts at a bike shop in NY and DC to assist with getting supplies ready. The NY shop can receive shipped bikes if I go that route (probably will just check on the plane a pay extra).
- Climate Ride has a Facebook page! I've joined and others can join to show their support. It is a place for the full group to post stories, photos, etc.
- They are putting out a travel planner at the end of June, so I'll likely make most of my arrangements then. They will have help for bike transport, hotels, etc.
And my new favorite quote: "Never underestimate the power of a bicycle trip to change your life."
I'm getting really excited!
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