Based on a close examination of hundreds of kilometers of the Iceland Ring Road, I don't expect to return to Iceland for a biking adventure any time soon. I need a serious road shoulder, at the very least. However, I noted with envy the dedicated bikes lines throughout Reykjavík. And then, of course, these fantastic less rideable bikes...
Today I attended a workshop south of Seattle which I enjoyed. However, the best part of the whole thing was the fantastic bike ride down to Tukwila on a sunny (but cold) spring morning. And then the ride home. And I am listening to an absolutely FANTASTIC book called "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese. Not only are the writing and story itself a joy, the audiobook version is read by the author and that is another delight. I absolutely recommend it both for the story and the fascinating history lesson in South Indian history.
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Days are getting longer though the weather is still as unpredictable as ever. But peak riding season is coming, and I am excited! Finished two "lite" thrillers in the past week or so--doesn't do much for the brain but the miles fly...oh, and a 3rd which I definitely enjoyed, but not a thriller...
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It's been a bad few weeks for riding between the weather, flat tires, and other life events. But today I had both the time and the good weather to ride around the entire lake. Wow, did that feel good! And I'm in the final chapters of "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett. Mom recommended it, and it's fantastic.
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After days of rain, freezing temperatures, and not feeling so well, I finally got out today for 30+ miles. Unfortunately, my more ambitious plans were foiled by road work at the Montlake intersection and the closure of the SR-520 the bike lane. But anyhow, there WAS sunshine and NO rain (or ice), and I am grateful. Finished the book below last week--it's an odd one recommended by one of the Economist's writers. Science fiction set in the Los Angeles of 2047 (almost the dawn of the binary millennium) and written in 1990; parts of it were fascinating.
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Seattle, Washington
Out on a lovely long ride today and I have discovered a new podcast: Empire! I decided to start with the Russian Empire, which feels especially pertinent today. Some pretty gory stuff and way too chatty for my preference, but perfectly fascinating! And good for long bike rides.
And interspersing the Russian Empire with a totally silly book that is a parody of the "wellness industry" which I am thoroughly enjoying in a light and frothy way: "The Glow."
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Seattle, Washington
The weather has not been cooperating for bike rides over the past two weeks but today, at last, the clouds parted and I got in a good ride--even as SR 520 was completely closed for the weekend. Grateful am I!
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44 miles
Hadn't been around the whole lake in a long time. Most of the ride was great except a serious downpour at the end. But the book I am listening to is FANTASTIC! Not that I would ever even want to undertake that kind of bike ride (along the length of the Silk Road) but it was glorious to take the trip with the author! And what writing!
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Seattle, Washington
Had a lovely ride today up Juanita Hill. Weather wasn't spectacular but fall is in the air. I feel SO incredibly lucky to be out riding!
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Seattle, Washington
Back on my bike after 3.5 weeks--and it feels great despite the heat. Just finished another fun book on my bike, but the highlight of the ride was spotting a familiar face as I hustled along the Burke Gilman. I turned around to introduce myself this this fellow and, indeed, it was a gentleman that my family travelled with to China 41 years ago. That's pretty good face recognition after 40+ years!
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Had a lovely all-day adventure including visiting a friend in Issaquah (lunch and a walk!). Warm, but a fantastic day for a long ride!
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On the way to my quilt group in Magnolia, I took a long meandering ride around Seattle--and then sat down to enjoy the company of fellow quilters, their lovely work, and some delicious flan. Thanks, L!
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It was my 3rd Thursday morning ride of the summer and a big adventure, even if not such a long ride. Started out over Capitol Hill to say hi to the folks--then off to the Ballard Locks and Golden Gardens. The absolute highlight of the ride, however, was running into old friends that I hadn't seen in at least 14 years. Wonderful!
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31 miles
Seattle, Washington
Summer is NOT quite here, but the weather IS, and I decided it was time to start taking some time off for riding. Not a huge ride today, but it was lovely--and I just finished an amazing book: "Hungry Ghosts" by Kevin Jared Hosein. It was not an easy listen (some of the content is HARD), but the writing and story-telling were both amazing.
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After being "grounded" from my bike for a week, I headed out on a trial run this afternoon. Didn't go too far, but it felt great to be out again--but, ooh, where did the heat go? It was cold!
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With a break in the rain, it seemed finally time to try a new ride. Well, not completely new--but at least a new combination: north along the Cross Kirkland Corridor, west, and then south UP Juanita Hill. Stopped for my favorite coffee in Kirkland. And a great new book, too! Bliss.
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Seattle, Washington
It may be Easter but the weather has not been very nice the last few days. Nonetheless, I headed out twice in the last two days for a ride on the BG. At least it wasn't cold and I got to finish one book, listen to several great podcasts and start a new book, too. April showers and all that!
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Real riding weather again at last--so gorgeous! Finishing up another great book, too.
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Getting out on the rainy days is hard but I've had some wonderful books lately to keep me going.
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