BlaringSmelly

Record-breaking day in my short cycling history. Today we started from Seattle, Gas Work Park near Fremont to be exact. We started after a late lunch, I didn’t think we’d have enough time to reach Woodinville then with remaining strength still make it back before the day turned dark. But once we started, I was determined to make it all the way.

Getting there was fairly easy, today was no exception. Thinking I will probably stop for breaks in the returning journey, I asked to get a head start. Paddling and breathing took more efforts, the gear was adjusted so I can conserve energy. I was making progress surly and steadily. I didn’t make any stop to rest except one time I stop to wait for ktula. After a while I got tired of waiting so I hopped back on the road.

I got pretty hungry when I reached UW. Likely Ivar’s Salmon House was just off the trail. Fish and Chips were the kind of hearty grub I was looking for. Docked my bike at the rack, I joined group of hungry people in the chaotic scene of ordering and picking up food at the fish bar.

As I was enjoying my satisfying meal, I saw a mini van pulled into the parking lot, trying to squeeze into the space in front of the bicycle rack. Two people came out of the van to guide the van getting as close to our bikes as possible. Pardon my French, what were these fuckers thinking? By parking there, the van was blocking the bikes from getting out and other cyclists to use the rack.

That was clearly not a parking space for cars, still the mini van tenaciously inched its way in. I threw down a half-eaten fish piece to rescue my bike. I stopped the van before it physically about to touch my bike. I told them I’m moving my bike before they blocked me in. I didn’t hide my disapproval of what they were doing. I told them this is not a parking space.

The woman came out of the van agreed but sounded like there’s nothing she can do about it. I checked out the driver, an older man was behind the wheel. Probably stressed out from having to drive the family around unfamiliar city. Still, that was no excuse to be disregard of others. If you ever see this Oregon plate green van on the street, don’t forget to wave at it with your middle finger.

On a brighter note, my returning time was about the same as getting there. At first I thought I came back in a much shorter time. Turned out it was just a human error.

I wanted to try Burke-Gilman Trail again ever since we did our first ride few months ago. Last time we ran short on time and had to head back half way. This time I pushed to bring our bicycles to lunch. So when we are done eating, we can go straight to cycling.

Lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant Aqua Verde, which is conveniently located not far from Sand Point, our starting point. We changed and unloaded the bikes at ktula’s workplace. Just half-block from there we hopped on the trail route.

This stretch of ride from Sand Point to Woodinville is quite scenic and pleasant. We rode mostly on cyclists and pedestrians only roads. There were only 2 busy traffic lights in the Lake City area. We got a little confused when Burke-Gilman Trail turned into Sammamish River Trail. Eventually we figured it out and all went well.

The trail ended at Woodinville’s luxurious Willows Lodge spa and resort, also home of the fine dinning Barking Frog Restaurant. Herbfarm’s charming garden is just across the street. My first impression of Woodinville was Napa valley like green field, fine dinning, premier spa services, and yes, tasty beverages.

Ktula was dying for a cold drink and he wanted to get his refreshment at Chateau Ste Michelle. His iPhone couldn’t pinpoint the exact location. A fellow cyclist told us we weren’t far but sadly the winery closed at 5pm. We were 10 minutes too late. Before Ktula attempted to consult his iPhone to another search, I stop him and told him we should just ride around and we’ll find it. Surely enough, Red Hook Ale was next to Herbfarm, behind a tall tree hedge.

Men, must they explore the world through the rose-colored glasses of techy gadgets?

Red Hook is traditionally where cyclists stop after a long and hot ride to Woodinville. Strangely it may sound, a glass of cold beer is a perfect match with cycling. Upon our arrival, already there were dozen bicycles on the bike rack outside Red Hook.

We came out Red Hook tipsy and ready to head back. Going back took longer time and required us pushing our limits. As much as I tried to pace ourselves to reserve strength for the returning journey, we were still struggling to keep up with each other.

29.8 miles total in less than 3 hours, I’m quite happy with the result. Although we ‘cheated’ by starting at Sand Point instead of the trail starting point in Ballard, it was challenging but not unreasonable for us. And we had lots of fun doing it.