Summits of Bothell... More Rain, More Hills

I wouldn't be complaining if this was February. Or even March. But this is June. This is spring. This is two weeks from the start of summer. Someone apparently hasn't informed those in the weather factory.

Our day began with five of us in the Eastside Church parking lot contemplating the impending ride and the current weather. We decided to take it on, bravely confronting whatever rain or wind would come our way. I knew we were doomed when my wife called in the middle of our pre-ride devotion and prayer to inform me it was dumping buckets at our home seven miles away.

Ironically, our devotional thought for the day was about resisting discouragement! “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up …” (Galatians 6:9 NLT). The closing thought was "...great people are really just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. Great people don’t know how to quit." After reading that, I turned to the others and said, "I guess we can't bag out on this ride now!" However, only three of us would finish this ride. One rider didn't make it out of the parking lot. Well, technically she did, but it was in her car driving away. No bike ride today for her. A second rider, who shall remain nameless, (but who's first name is the same as mine and last name rhymes with "stir,") also turned away after about four miles, remarking something about warmer, drier weather in the South... like Bellevue.

So Jim, Ken, and myself pressed on. Our route was the Summits of Bothell, which covers eight summits in 38 miles with 3,250 ft. of vertical elevation gain. "More per mile than RAMROD," the website says. We began our ascent of Norway Hill and stayed fairly dry all the way until our climb up Brickyard Road. The scandinavian theme stayed with us. In our heaviest rainfall, Ken said, "The Scandinavians say there's no such thing as bad weather, only BAD CLOTHING!" How true. This was a day for the winter rain gear. But I've also learned over the years that when your clothing and body reach the saturation point, you really can't get any wetter.

One of the funniest moments was when Jim asked us to stop under the 405 overpass. He then proceeded to pull out a cheap, disposable hotel shower cap and placed it over his bike helmet. I've seen ugly helmet covers, but this takes the cake. But fair to say Jim's head stayed warm and dry for the remainder of the ride.

So up and down the hills we went. Getting wetter, climbing harder, riding faster. After 25 miles, I deemed our ride ready to conclude. We turned back toward downtown Bothell and climbed our final hill to Eastside Foursquare Church. Upon arriving in the parking lot, the skies dried up and the rain abated. But we had succeeded in resisting discouragement and not quitting. We're not extraordinary people. We're just ordinary cyclists with an extraordinary amount of determination. We don't know how to give up. Or maybe... we just don't have enough sense to come in from out of the rain.

Riders: Jim, Ken, Bob
Dist: 28.48
Time: 2:21
Avg: 12.0
Max: 32.7

The Five Trails... and Three Rain Squalls

"The Five Trails Ride" is one of my favorite routes. It takes you on five King County Regional Trails and through at least ten different communities. It's the one ride we do that covers more of Seattle and more touristy spots than any other.

Our group of nine started at Eastside Foursquare Church in Bothell and headed south through Kirkland, and Bellevue. Our first hill was just south of Carillon Point where a narrow pathway through a line of landscape trees leads you out of a cul-de-sac. It was just barely wide enough for Don on his tricycle recumbent.

As we rode through Medina and Clyde Hill, we hit our first rain squall. The rain shower was cold and fell heavy as we rolled onto Main Street. It lingered only briefly as we turned west on the I-90 Bike Trail (trail #1) and crossed Mercer Island stopping at the restrooms across from some ballfields where several little league teams were warming up. As we crossed the I-90 span into Seattle and were met by rain squall number two, I saw a kayaker paddling along with a swimmer in a wetsuit. Looked to me like another long-distance athlete on a morning workout. As I thought about my 2009 bike ride across America, it occurred to me that you can't swim across the U.S.

Upon reaching the other side of the bridge, we stopped to enjoy the view and then entered the I-90 bike tunnel. This tunnel is a treat for the first-timer. It's brightly decorated with children's murals and well lit. You can't tell that hundred of cars are hurtling along at 70 mph just over your head.

As we turned west along Dearborn toward SoDo, we passed MC Electric cars. This dealership has probably seen quite an uptick in business with gas costing more than $4.20 a gallon. I've thought about trading my car for an electric. But, then again... I could also make a strong case to trade it for a new bike!

Once in the Rainier Valley, we turned south along Airport Way and then east through SoDo to make our way towards Alki. One of the things I really enjoy about cycling is the ability to smell the environment around me. Sometimes that's a disadvantage. But today, our olfactory senses caught a whiff of a nearby barbecue restaurant. It got me thinking... what if I planned a "progressive dinner" on bike?! Pedal from restaurant to restaurant. Might be good to purchase an extra large pair of cycling shorts for the occasion.

We successfully made it to bike trail #2: Alki Bike Trail. This was not only a great day for cycling but apparently an equally good day for diving. Scores of divers waited along the waterfront for their turn to raise the red and white diagonalled flag and submerge in the cold dark waters of Elliott Bay. The view of Seattle from Alki makes a great backdrop for a cyclist's action photo as we cruised along the trail avoiding dogwalkers, rollerbladers, and families on bikes. We didn't spot Warren's favorite scene on this route--female volleyball players.

All of us rolled into Tullys' along Alki to enjoy some refreshments and coffee. The sun was shining amid a blue sky dappled with white clouds. Our coffee and conversation ended in time for us to remount our bikes and head west and then south along Fauntleroy past the ferry terminal and then uphill through White Center. Our favorite wild-haired descent was just ahead. We flew down Highland Park and dropped down to the Duwamish River Trail (trail #3 if you're keeping track).

We turned north along Elliott Bay and passed a couple of cruise ships heading for Alaska as well as carload after carload of cruise ship passengers making their way to the terminal. We rode trail number four on the Elliott Bay Trail taking us along Alaskan Way, the Seattle waterfront, and past the Olympic Sculpture Park as we pressed toward the Ballard Locks. My favorite part of this ride is the hidden pedestrian bridge crossing the railroad that is tucked between W. Government Way and W. Commodore Way. It's a little-known gem that surprised several of our riders that were new to this route. After bumping across it, we rolled out into the Ballard Locks. Stopped for a photo or two and then walked across the Locks amid the out-of-towners and their Seattle hosts showing them the sights.

Our return route along the Burke-Gilman trail--fifth and final trail--was greeted by our third, and fortunately final, rain squall. We dried out as we reached the University of Washington and then hit our stride and stepped on the gas keeping a fast pace through University Village, Sandpoint, Sheridan Beach, Lake Forest Park, and Kenmore. As our group returned to EFC, Ken commented that this ride was like a vacation around Seattle. He had seen more of Seattle today by bike than he had over most of his years living in the area! Hey, every day on a bike is a vacation for me!

Riders: Jim, Brenda, Warren, David, Ken, Don, Bob, Bryant, Cary
Dist: 68.8
Time: 5:08
Avg: 13.4
Max: 37.0
Total Ascent: 3318 ft
Max Elev: 411

Seven Hills of Kirkland

The Seven Hills of Kirkland has become an annual ride every Memorial Day. In talking with other cyclists, this is either an "I love it" or "I hate it" kind of ride. The short route covers 40 miles and seven hills in and around Kirkland. The metric century is 58 miles and adds about 4 more hills. The full century (100 miles) extends out to Carnation, Duvall, and Monroe and adds even more hillwork. Although I usually take on the century, this year I chose to ride the metric century with riding partners Jay, Jim, and David.

We started out around 8 a.m. and made quick work of the first set of hills around Juanita, Kenmore and Bothell. The weather was cloudy and cool. I called it Goldilocks weather... just right. Our first rest stop was around 20 or so miles at an LDS church in Kirkland. We stopped very briefly there before taking on the challenging Winery Hill.

Winery Hill is notable for the Scottish bagpiper at the top of the climb playing encouraging notes to beckon the cyclists onward. As we reached the top of the hill, the rain began. Fortunately it was brief.

We stopped a bit longer at the LDS church and partook of the best chocolate chip cookies we've had. Then it was time to head east toward Redmond and off the shorter 7 Hills route for the longer metric century. The rain began again and I pulled over to don my bright yellow jacket. The jacket didn't stay on for long as once we reached the top of Novelty Hill, I was warm enough and the rain had stopped again. There are days like that as a cyclist... clothes on, clothes off.

At Union Hill, we reached the fork in the road. Century riders turned left and Metric Century riders turned right. I was actually glad to turn right. I knew I'd be home and in the shower before the 100 mile riders even reached the finish line!

Our final rest stop was at an Episcopal church in Redmond. This gave us one more chance to refuel with moist chocolate brownies and to refill our water bottles. Then we were off to rejoin the 7 Hills route and make our last climb of the day.

As we reached the Bridle Trails neighborhood, we were now in the last 6 miles of the ride--and it was all downhill! Returning to Kirkland, we rode under the 7 Hills of Kirkland banner, and turned into the Kirkland Marina to be greeted by the best strawberry shortcake, hot coffee, and a place to sit and rest before heading back to the car. I looked at my watch. Yep, if I was on the 100 mile route, not only would I still be riding, but I'd be out there for at least two more hours. I wasn't complaining about my early finish... not at all. Think I'll take another bite of shortcake!

Riders: Jim, David, Jay, Bob
Dist: 58.8
Time: 4:24
Avg: 13.3
Max: 39.3

Phantom Lake: Don't Forget Your Cycling Shoes

Our Saturday morning ride began with our group of cyclists disrobing. Well, not entirely. But, as the sun climbed higher the temperature in the parking lot got warmer. And together we realized that the extra jacket, or tights, or arm warmers weren't needed today! It was a moment of rejoicing since so many of our Spring riding days thus far had felt like winter. Jim, David, Kurt, and I had gathered when Gary pulled up ready to ride. This was only his third ride since having knee surgery. We were glad to have him back.

As we prepared to ride, Kurt came over to our group to say we'll be riding without him. He had left his cycling shoes at home. The leather moccasins he was wearing weren't gonna work by any stretch. I encouraged him to get his shoes and meet up with us in Bellevue. Our route would take us south through Kirkland and down 140th through Bellevue to Phantom Lake near the Eastgate area of southeast Bellevue.

After our devotions and prayer, we hit the road. Today was going to be a shorter ride since Monday, Memorial Day, was the 7 Hills of Kirkland ride and is a ride that's loaded with climbing and around 60 miles. This also motivated me to try a new route through Kirkland since we'd be riding along our usual Market Street route on Monday. From Juanita, We took 116th east to 405, rode under 405 and turned south on 124th. And from there, I discovered my new favorite road--80th. This quiet, tree-lined avenue parallels the busy 85th just to its south. On this beautiful, sunny Saturday morning, this was a wonderfully breezy slight descent. We turned right onto 140th which would take us all the way into Bellevue. The sun streamed through the treetops as we rode in and out of the shade.

Around NE 24th, I got a phone call from Kurt. He now had his cycling shoes and was going to try to catch up with us. After a few more minutes of riding, he called again. He had rode in the opposite direction, away from us. Realized he wasn't going to catch us and called it a day. I'll bet he remembers his shoes next time.

As we neared Bellevue Community College, we turned east onto SE 22nd Street. On this corner is now Eastside Christian School. This school was formerly Eastside Free Methodist Church where my wife grew up and where we were married 15 years ago. Next, we passed Robinswood Park and then began to round Phantom Lake. A crazy-fast descent down SE 24th took us along the southern edge of the lake and then we circled to the north through this quiet sunny residential area. Our route back along 156th took us past another notable church in my life--Cross of Christ Lutheran. This is where I first heard the gospel and fully understood it and decided to follow Christ. And of all places, it was during a friend's father's funeral. That was 19 years ago.

After riding through Crossroads Mall, we decided to make a stop at Performance Bike and do a little shopping. Jim bought himself some new cycling shades--the kind with interchangeable lenses. The yellow lenses will make even the grayest Seattle day appear sunny. A must have in our region!

On our return stretch along 140th, we all heard what sounded like a gunshot. The loud blast didn't leave anyone lying on the pavement, but it did bring David to a stop. The explosion was the sound of 100psi leaving through a 3 inch gash in his tube. I commented on how quickly he replaced his tube--no tire levers needed, all by hand, and with the efficiency and speed of someone who has had a lot of practice. David nodded. Apparently he gets a lot of flats and is well-acquainted with this task!

As we returned to EFC and braked to a stop, I congratulated Gary for his good post-knee surgery riding. The sun was out today and it looks like summer is nearly here. I'm ready for more warm weather riding. And I'll be sure to bring my shoes.

Riders: Jim, David, Bob T., Bob H., Gary, Kurt (almost)
Dist: 29.3
Time: 2.09
Avg: 13.5
Max: 38.9
Total Ascent: 2022 ft
Max Elev: 468 ft

The Hidden Lakes of Woodinville

Our Saturday morning started off under grey skies and a light drizzle. Hard to believe we're into May and still experiencing weather that looks more like March. Jim Nelson led our devotional and prayer, which is our usual beginning to our Saturday rides. I enjoy our time gathered around our bikes in this informal and brief time of prayer before we ride. Many times, this short devo gets our conversation for the ride started. And many more times, our prayer has proven to be heard by Heaven when we return free of flats or mechanical problems.

After rolling down to the Sammamish River Trail, we reached Woodinville and made a quick stop at Bryant Sabandal's home. We don't typically stop at the home of missing riders to hassle them, but couldn't help ourselves today since our route when right past his street. He wished us well... in the rain... and about to climb the hardest hill of the day. I referred to it as "The Wall." This climb parallels NE 171st Street--a busy road east of Woodinville--and goes through the Reinwood neighborhood.

We huffed and puffed our way to the top and soon downhilled past Lake Leota, our first hidden lake of the day. Next, we passed Bassett Pond--not officially a lake, but a hidden body of water at least--and then turned into the Cottage Lake Beach Club passed Cottage Lake (our third lake for the day.)

A brief ride down busy Woodinville Duvall Road took us to W. Snoqualmie Valley Road where we turned north. This stretch of road is popular with cyclists and takes you past dairy farms (advertising "aged cow manure") and rural homes overlooking the valley. After passing Crescent Lake (#4 if you're keeping track), we took High Bridge Road around to the northwest which offered a few more climbs until we turned south on Welch Rd. toward Lost Lake--also known as Devil's Lake (Lake #5).

Here we stopped for a rest break while we watched a dump truck and trailer navigate a hairpin turn, back up over a hill, and drive in reverse all while the driver talked on his cellphone. Impressive. Couldn't do that on a bike...

After Lost Lake, we rode west toward Echo Lake (Lake #6). This hidden neighborhood loops in a circle around the lake, which we did as well. Then rode north in the increasing drizzle toward Hwy. 522 and the remainder of our route. Most of this route so far was brand new territory for us. But, now we where coming into more familiar roads as we continued west toward Woodinville proper.

Our last lake of the day was Crystal Lake (#7). Crystal Lake sits at the end of a long, quiet stretch of roadway--past the "End of county maintained road" sign--where a lovely log-built community club sits and homes dot the banks of the shore. The rain increased as we finished our ride. When we reached downtown Woodinville, we were soaked.

Our ride covered plenty of new roads and neighborhoods, seven hidden lakes, not a single flat, but too much rain. We need to make sure we add that to our pre-ride prayers next time... "Lord, keep us dry... Amen."

Riders: Jim, Kristin, Brenda, Bruce, Jay, Bob

Green River Trail, Interurban Trail, oh... and a Couple of Parking Lots

There's an interesting phenomenon among cyclists on a sunny Saturday following several weekends of rain and even snow... they all turn out for a ride! This Saturday we had 20 cyclists show up at Eastside Foursquare Church for our morning ride to Renton, Tukwila, and Kent and back again. The day was beautiful if a little cold. We headed south through Kirkland and Bellevue stopping occasionally to corral all our riders. We picked up two more at the Bellevue Way Park and Ride and then headed to the Lake Washington Loop Bike Trail. Lots of riders out today which sometimes made it difficult to make sure we stayed with the right group and didn't start following a different group, or coax other riders into our group!


After a rest stop at Gene Coulon Beach, we weaved our way through Renton. This is where our group took on more of a collaborative leadership facet. Those more familiar with the south end helped us get through the crazy streets of Renton and make it to Tukwila. There, we worked our way south to the Green River Trail. One wrong turn took us into our first parking lot of the day, but we figured out where we needed to be and found the GRT shortly thereafter.
The Green River Trail winds more than 19 miles from Cecil Moses Park near Seattle’s south boundary to North Green River Park in south Kent near Auburn. Office buildings and suburban warehouse landscapes give way to open fields and hedgerows as the trail winds its way along the river.

When we reached Kent, we planned to turn east on 212th and return via the Interurban Trail. But before we could make the turn, Warren and another rider overshot the turn and continued on the GRT. We phoned him, told him to turn around, and then headed east to the Interurban. Upon reaching the Interurban Trail, someone in the back of the 20+ pack shouted to stop. I could see Warren on his phone about 100 yards away. Soon, my phone rang. It was Warren calling to make sure I had made the turn.
I had removed my yellow jacket and that must have thrown him. I waved to him and said, "Warren! I'm right here at the front of the pack!" I laughed, told him this was a "blog-worthy" move, and we continued on the Interurban. The Interurban Trail links Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Algona, and Pacific along a near-straight 14 mile-long alignment following the historic Interurban Rail Line.

When we reached Tukwila again, we continued a bit further on the Interurban and soon found ourselves in a second parking lot near Fort Dent. I remarked later to another rider, "I lead like this--occasionally making wrong turns--so other riders will say, 'I could lead a ride... I could lead better than Bob!'" We backtracked to Grady Way and returned through Renton, stopping once more at Gene Coulon and then back through Bellevue and Kirkland, reaching Eastside Foursquare Church with 57 miles behind us.

Hey, I'll take a beautiful day of riding on trails like these even with a couple wrong turns. It sure beats staying home watching the snow!

Dist: 57.07
Time: 4:06:48
Avg: 13.8
Max: 33.8
Riders: 20 of them!

Our Own Paris-Roubaix... With Slightly Fewer Cobblestones

Created in 1896, Paris-Roubaix is a spring classic road race over the muddy cobbled roads of France. Known as the "Hell of The North" this is the most rugged of the spring classics as the racers make their way over 21 sections of "pave"--cobblestones--in typically horrible early spring weather. If the road conditions and teeth-rattling pave don't take you out, then one of the frequent crashes will. As we set out on this Saturday morning, our intent wasn't to duplicate the Paris-Roubaix experience, but to merely have a taste of it.

Leaving Eastside Foursquare Church's parking lot, Kristin, Jay, David, and I headed toward Woodinville and soon climbed over 124th to Avondale. At the corner on the other side, we encountered a training team of Group Health women riders in a pack of nearly 20 riding two across. While they were headed in the same direction as our group, we never caught them. Shortly after turning north toward W. Snoqualmie Valley Rd., I passed a new home and noticed a grandmotherly lady looking out her window toward the road. I gave a friendly wave and she waved back. Just checking out the morning cyclists, I guess.

The weather in the Snoqualmie valley was grey skies but dry. In the far distance to the east, I could still see snow on the Cascade foothills. I was glad it wasn't snowing today... or raining. The sun was even beginning to peek out as we began our climb over Ames Lake-Carnation Road and headed to Redmond.

Our ride on Rt. 202 brought us to the Red Brick Road, our Paris-Roubaix equivalent for the day. This historical road contains the longest stretch of exposed historic red brick highway in King County. Kristin said it best when we began to bounce over the bricks, "Thank the Lord for sports bras!"



After completing our red brick stretch, Kristin learned that our friend Brenda was in Redmond shopping for a new road bike at Gerk's Alpine Hut. We decided to try and meet up with her. We found her in the back parking lot about to take a test ride on... none other than a Specialized Roubaix! Nice work, Brenda. Glad you could keep your bike shopping consistent with the day's theme!

Dist: 46.31
Time: 3:31:18
Avg: 13.1
Max: 36.3
Max Elev: 554 ft.
Total Ascent: 2339 ft.
Riders: Kristin, Jay, David, Bob