I could ride forever listening to his books

Seattle, Washington

Made it aroung the whole lake both this Saturday and last listening to David Mitchell's "Utopia Avenue." I think I could ride forever listening to his books. Although this one is not my favorite so far, it's a wonderful listen. The miles literally disappear. It's only too bad I can't listen when the traffic's heavier--for that, Spotify has to do. I think "Bone Clocks" and "The Cloud Atlas" are still my favorites...

More "books on bikes":

• "Utopia Aveneue" by David Mitchell

50.7 miles

Saturday and the whole lake (again)

Seattle, Washington

Saturday mornings are my new regular riding time, but fall has its weather challenges. Nonetheless, the weather held today, and I had a great ride around the lake, stopping for a lovely coffee at Cafe Ladro in Kirkland. A good day for elevation gain (2185 feet), and some crazy listening, too. Life is good.

More "book on bikes":

• "All the Frequent Troubles of our Days" by Rebecca Donner
• "The Secret Talker" by Geling Yan

50.2 miles

HUB Coffee

Seattle, Washington

This morning I had my first HUB coffee in 19 months. Now, I rarely even drink coffee but going into the HUB (things are open!) this morning made me so giddy, I ordered a drip coffee to go with my scone. It's funny how HAPPY it made me to recognize the server behind the counter at ETC. Welcome back, Huskies!

Fall riding

Seattle, Washington

Summertime Thursday morning rides are fast disappearing the rear view mirror (of my bicycle helmet), but fall can be a lovely time to ride. Today was just such a day--cool and crisp to start but warm by the time I got home six hours later. Some fall colors but mostly the blue blue of the sky and lake. Made it all the way around Lake Washington including the Cross Kirkland Corridor up to the Sammamish River Trail. AND I have a great new book to listen to. Heaven.

More "books on bikes":

• "The Quiet Boy" by Ben Winters

55.1 miles

Retreat

Seattle, Washington

Back in Seattle after a lovely weekend at Lopez, I headed out for a medium-length (I hoped) ride. Barely four miles into my ride, the heavens opened up. Undeterred, I rode on--until I realized that this was quite possibly the hardest rain I have EVER ridden in. Turned around at six miles but even before that, I was wet through and through. Incredible rain. Retreat!

12.1 miles

Repast

Lopez Island, Washington

This afternoon I went down to the old, old plum trees in the field to see if there might be any plums. One tree had shed all its fruit, but the other still had plums. I picked as many as I could reach and headed back to the house to make my first plum galette. The joys of fall!

Repose

Lopez Island, Washington

Made it up to the island late last night and looking forward to a weekend with friends. Lovely morning despite the rain. In these crazy times, every time I get a chance to spend time with friends or do something "normal," I feel grateful. We are not out of this pandemic yet, but glimpses of my old life make me hopeful. So happy to be here.