Every ride a gift

Renton, Washington 

Last Friday after nearly a week of dreadful wildfire smoke, I was more than ready to get on my bike. In fact, I did get on my bike on that last afternoon as the smoke began to clear here in Seattle--with help from the rain. But then the rain started in earnest. Another week later, when I finally got on my bike late this afternoon, the skies were blue, early fall was in the air, and all I could think was "every ride is a gift." It's funny how things get more precious when they are taken away.

Rode south to Renton and then north up along the east side of Lake Washington to SR 520. Down at the Renton Municipal Airport I found the flags flying at half-staff for RGB. We shall miss her.

31.5 miles

The sky an evil color

Seattle, Washington

The past 48 hours or so have reminded me a great deal of Mongolia: wildfires burning all over the west and the air unsafe to breathe up and down the coast. Makes me wonder (seriously) how we managed three winters in Mongolia. I have no doubt that the experience left me more cavalier (in some ways) and more appreciative (in others) of the amazingly wonderful place we live in here in the Northwest. Here's the Montlake Cut looking east...scary stuff.

Green breakfast

Renton, Washington

I headed out south this morning for a medium-length ride that would combine the southern and middle loops of Lake Washington. Got down to Renton and decided I needed a green tea latte. It wasn't terribly picturesque, but I found a Starbucks outlet in the Target at The Landing, and enjoyed a fine green breakfast in the parking lot where the trees are starting to turn. Such a lovely morning, I hardly noticed the cars...

33.3 miles

Thursdays are mine! (End-of-summer edition)

Seattle, Washington

Headed out early-ish this morning on my "final" Thursday ride of the summer. Coolish but promising to be warm by the time I got home. When I left the house I hadn't quite decided which way I'd go but somehow I wanted it to be a Big Ride. I've never done Lake Washington CCW and this was the day. Down to Seward Park, Renton and then north again all the way to SR 520 and the Sammamish River Trail. And on to Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, and south again. Fall in the air and yet blue skies and sun. Glorious finish to a wonderful summer of riding.

Oh, and my audio book version of "The Great Influenza" by John Barry came through yesterday so I started listening to that (no ear buds!) on my final 10+ miles. Lots to learn!

55.5 miles