The whole lake!

Seattle, Washington

On the last two weekends I tried some trail riding along the Cascades to Palouse Trail, but this week it was back to city riding. Weather was a bit iffy, but it was a lovely ride anyhow: Lake Washington CCW! Oh, and everywhere SO green...

More "books on bikes:

• "All the Devils are Here" by Louise Penny (set in Paris and very good!)

51.2 miles

Hyak to Rattlesnake Lake: Cascades to Palouse Trail

Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

After last weekend's serious workout on a different section of the Cascades to Palouse Trail, I thought I'd try for an easier ride today--and that elevation graph says it all. It was a gorgeous afternoon and riding the Snoqualmie Tunnel (all 2.5 miles of it) was a trip! Do NOT forget your headlamp! I also really enjoyed the trestles. Things got less fun 5 miles from the end of my ride when I got a flat tire--but all part of the adventure. 

Thanks to F for the ride up to Hyak and for meeting me at Rattlesnake Lake--what a circus that was!

22.7 miles

Along the new Eastlink & more

Seattle, Washington

Imagine that wherever you live, you're kind of at the center of web of possible bike rides. The more time that goes by, it seems like there are fewer unexplored routes. And yet. Options do present themselves. As the Eastlink Extension continues to be built, I recently discovered a very pleasant alternative to riding east along the Mercer Slough.

Gorgeous morning, perfect biking weather. I am blessed!

More "books on bikes":

• "Klara and the Sun" (wow!) by Kazuo Ishiguro 
• "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
• "28 Summers" by Elin Hilderbrand

45 miles

Vantage to Kittitas: Cascades to Palouse Trail

Vantage, Washington

It was 5 easy miles from the Wanapum State Campground to the start of the Cascades to Palouse Trail (formerly the John Wayne Trail) south of Vantage. Miles 6 to 23 were brutal: uphill, into the wind, with trail either too rocky or small-gravelly. And when the head wind abated, the side wind was enough to knock me off my bike. Finally reached the closed Boylston tunnel and headed onto the detour. It was so rocky I had to walk most of it. 

Joyously, I reached the other side of the detour and saw DOWNHILL for the first time in 3.5 hours. But, no, the trail was so sandy that I could only manage about 5 mph DOWNHILL! The flowers are amazing this time of year and crossing the railroad trestle over I-5 was trippy. Then another 4 or 5 miles into Kittitas where I got some water at Baileys Bookstore -- I am grateful! Rejoined the trail at Kittitas but only made it another mile before giving up: the headwind was fierce and the gravel too awful. And despite the sun, the wind made things COLD.

But what a glorious adventure! I look forward to doing more of this Cascades to Palouse Trail, but I will NEVER ride this section again!

35.7 miles

Magnolia & Ballard wander

Seattle, Washington

Today I met with my quilt group for the first time in well over a year. Of course, I had no sewing to show for the last year (though there was that one baby quilt), but I sure enjoyed the ride over and home. And such gorgeous weather! But, my, it will take time getting used to being INDOORS with other people! Thanks, L, for hosting--that was some kind of wonderful flan...

25.2 miles