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.