Pacific Northwest - Pacific Nor'westers - Log in Here

Wenatchee Wa. here. Glad to meet all of you :) If anyone has any info on bike clubs, I would be very interested.

Wait a minute--you've been a member since January of 2005, and you've only just checked in with us!

:roflmao:

East Hill

I think he did it to one up me <-Joined 3/2k5 checked in just ahead of him:(

Technically I'm further from the coast than most of you, I suppose, but interior Alaska has to fit in here somewhere. :p

velocity here Portland area

Hey velocity, great to hear from you, Monster Cookie in just a few weeks, time to train!

I know! I am looking forward to it.
M

Should have checked in before....coming to you from Seattle - Children's Hospital/UW area. Back riding after a long hiatus - never a racer but did lots of triathlons and credit card touring in 80's. Kids are just about out of the nest so needed to find some productive way to slow old age. On a program through CycleU with a coach - riding 5 days a week with plenty o' intervals and hills. Started off w/Chilly Hilly in 1:45 (it was darn chilly and wet). Planning on lots of interesting rides this summer (STP one day, Ramrod [hopefully], Flying Wheels Century, Tour de Blast, Mt. Baker Hill Climb and starting off with Olympic Cycling Classic - 112 miles, 6,500 feet elevation). Love to know about other long, hilly, hard rides - especially to support worthy causes. Ypu'll catch me on a Merlin Extralight. Also ride a fixed gear around area when weather is nice in lieu of car (a mid 80's Schwinn Voyageur) and have a bunch of other bikes my boys are lusting after to take to college and ride to school. Spend most of my rides around Lake Washington, out to Marymoor on Burke Gilman, and weekend rides out to eastside hills. Very glad the temp is improving - I don't mind the rain but am getting a little tired of the 40 degrees and rain scenario. cheers,

Lynden WA. here

I think he did it to one up me <-Joined 3/2k5 checked in just ahead of him:(

Nah, he just wanted to get you to post to this thread, you bum!

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest check in thread, though :D .

East Hill

Should have checked in before....Very glad the temp is improving - I don't mind the rain but am getting a little tired of the 40 degrees and rain scenario. cheers,

It's all right, we don't mind late, as long as we get to say hello!

You are right about the rain/40 degrees--it's the combination most likely to put me off going out. Oddly, I can handle going out colder (snow is ok!), and warmer rain is actually fun, but I don't do hypothermia.

East Hill

I'm here! Man, it's been a long time guys (and girls). Sorry that I've been away for so long. I've finally started riding again (lost motivation during the winter months) and very unhappily over-weight. I'm motivated again though. Just got done getting the new bike built and I'm getting used to riding "normal" handlebars after having been riding aerobars for the better part of 15-years. Very strange indeed. Hope to get to some rides with y'all soon. Maybe when I feel a little more comfortable with my riding and... my weight. LOL!

Coming up from SF this week on Amtrak-- bringing my bike to ride with some friends that recently got into cycling. Holla if you wanna goof around downtown with me. Also down for the Seward Park goodness.

Checking in from Marysville, WA. Trying to get my butt in gear for Native Planet North Cascades Classic and STP. Wx'man says 60s and possibly near 70 for tomorrow. Let's all hope...

tim

Hello tloft--so far the weather predictions look good. It's sunny out at the moment, perhaps it will stay that way for the next few days.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

How many of you guys are doing the STP? How are you training for it? It will be my first one this year so I appreciate some comments about it.

doing STP in one day. be sure to check out cascade.org for their training plans through CycleU. Craig Undem has posted a good training plan for 1 and 2 day riders (including suggested mileage). CyleU also offers on their website the ability to pay for an online training program for STP.

doing STP in one day. be sure to check out cascade.org for their training plans through CycleU. Craig Undem has posted a good training plan for 1 and 2 day riders (including suggested mileage). CyleU also offers on their website the ability to pay for an online training program for STP.


Thanks - I'm doing it in one day for sure. I will check out those links.

Mark checking in here from Portland. As mentioned in the community intro forum, I'm looking to use my bike for a regular commute but I also look forward to getting out and riding for the fun of it.

CyleU also offers on their website the ability to pay for an online training program for STP.

the cycleu program is great. it'll have a cool training schedule including a weight training routine for the first few weeks ... i swear that really made a difference for a fast one day'er (the group i rode with was tops too).

Found a good link for STP noobs.

Read me. (http://www.cascade.org/Community/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=7&threadid=2840&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=)

the cycleu program is great. it'll have a cool training schedule including a weight training routine for the first few weeks ... i swear that really made a difference for a fast one day'er (the group i rode with was tops too).


I just don't understand why it's $75. I can't be that hard to put together a training schedule. Unless it offers something else that I'm missing...?

people are lazy - this way you get a daily email blast telling you want to do that day and next. Theoretically it is ";customized" to meet your training objectives (time). They use the Training Peaks software that many online coaches use.

I just don't understand why it's $75. I can't be that hard to put together a training schedule. Unless it offers something else that I'm missing...?sorry, it was only sixty dollars last year. it's so you peak at stp. it kept me on track and in training and accountable. not having the experience to design my own program to waste miles and time guessing what i should be doing; i finished fast and strong and that's what my goal was and it got me there (again we had a strong group too).

and i'm lazy too i guess. geez.

I sent this email to my friends who are riding the STP with me. Maybe some of you can benefit from the links:

July 14, 2007
One day riders' start time 4:45 AM to 5:15 AM.
Last call is 7:30 AM for 2-day riders.

Detailed 24-page Route Map (PDF Format)
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_routemap.cfm (http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_routemap.cfm)

Map of STP altitude.
http://www.jimcarson.com/i/stp_2004.jpg (http://www.jimcarson.com/i/stp_2004.jpg)


Tips from a 11-time veteran.
http://www.cascade.org/Community/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=7&threadid=2840&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE (http://www.cascade.org/Community/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=7&threadid=2840&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE)=

Training Tips
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_mileage.cfm (http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_mileage.cfm)

Registration Link
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/STP_Registration.cfm (http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/STP_Registration.cfm)

Continuing this thread here, I was curious how most packed for the one day venture (my first STP by the way). I have a post mounted rack and pack that I'm considering using. I bought it when I got ambitious and thought I was going to be able to do more riding with the randonneuring club. Anyhow, in order to carry my on bike nutrition, room to stash a little foul weather gear, etc., I thought it would be prudent. I like to use Cytomax, Clif Shot Bloks, and nuun electrolyte tabs as my primary on-bike nutrition, with plans to graze a little on solid foods at the less busier food stops or at convenience stores. I guess weather will dictate consumption and usage as well as use of rain gear. Is it reasonable for a first timer to take a little more than might be needed, or just stuff a Hefty bag in a jersey pocket in case of rain, and grab-and-go from the food stops/stores in an effort to travel lighter. I have a feeling if I put the rackpack on that I will take advantage of its ample storage and overdo it. I'm thinking of training with the pack on the bike in order to get used to the extra weight and if I decide not to use it, that would be a nice bonus of traveling lighter. Input/thoughts greatly appreciated,

tim

Enumclaw, WA here. Wifey and I just got our first bikes and are pedaling strong.

Enumclaw, WA here. Wifey and I just got our first bikes and are pedaling strong.

Well, we must have some other members from Enumclaw, but I don't remember seeing any post here before.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Guess I should check in here. My normal haunt has been the MTB forum . . . only recently discovered there is a regional board. I hail from outside Spokane (I like to call it the "Greater TumTum" area ;) ) I'm a 50+ downhill racer for the most part; but I enjoy trail riding, XC racing, MTB duathlons and the Hood-to-Coast Relay (satisfies my inner masochist).

...only recently discovered there is a regional board. I hail from outside Spokane (I like to call it the "Greater TumTum" area ;) )

Hi dminor, you need to get out of the mountain bike forum more!

I haven't seen mail going to Tum Tum in ages...yeah, I know, it's not a big place. Nine Mile Falls, on the other hand--all that mail must be going to you :) .

East Hill

Bellevue, WA 52yo I've been riding seriously for over 20 years.

I usually ride by myself - it is my get away from it all. Have never participated in an organized ride. That would mean I would have to confine myself to a schedule :-) Never raced except for that young guy who always tries to draft me. he he (and those who pass me - there are plenty...)

During the winter I usually ride 2-3 days a week min 30 miles - take a bag full of gear for rain, cold, darkness. But Thursday was too nice so I finally rode into Seattle for my first longer ride of the year for 52 miles - 52 for a 52yo. Not sure how that worked out. But it felt great! Spring is here summer is coming - time to step it up!

Sorry to be long winded, really don't like to talk about myself but I love biking! I will never tire of it. :-)

Elbe Washington just outside of Mt Raineer National Park

Elbe Washington just outside of Mt Raineer National Park

Oh man, with those bikes you need to be posting photos in the Classic & Vintage section.

Scaleburgers! I haven't had one of those in a while--not that I need one that badly :( .

East Hill

Hello from Chehalis.

Recently relocated from the SF Bayarea. I haven't had time to ride much lately, but have been taking in the beauty of the area.

Hi there!

Just checking in now... better late than never. :D

Living now in Tacoma. Previously... Minneapolis MN, Kennewick WA, Karlsruhe Germany, Shelton OR, Vancouver WA, and now in T-Town. Im an ex-racer from the midwest who turned commuter / "rose-smelling" rider and I still ride a 1985 Bianchi Supperleggera 8sp with downtube shifters! Been riding for almost 175 years, or so it seems.

I sure do miss the rides up to Mt. Hood when I lived in Vancouver... or perhaps its from too many years riding without a helmet... eitherway HELLO ALL!

Cheers,
Tom

Just checking in now... better late than never. :D


No doubt!

Where do you ride in Tacoma? I've been trying to figure out the best way to get through Tacoma on the way down to Olympia from Kent, and it just doesn't seem as if there's any easy way :( .

East Hill

No doubt!

Where do you ride in Tacoma? I've been trying to figure out the best way to get through Tacoma on the way down to Olympia from Kent, and it just doesn't seem as if there's any easy way :( .

East Hill

Youre, right... there is no easy way. Depending on how you get into Tacoma from Kent... and thats the first question.

When I used to work in Fife near Milton I would ride (going from Fife) Pac Hwy which turns into Puyallup Ave and ride that into Pacific Ave., then there are a few different routes you could take from there but I dont recommend staying on Pacific Ave heading south. Too much crap, in all forms. Now that I work in south Tacoma (south of the Tacoma Mall) I end up getting dumped onto South Tacoma Way. Not bad in the morning but sucks in the afternoon.

As far as where I ride when not commuting... a couple different areas. I either ride across the bridge out to my relatives in Horsehead bay past Gig Harbor or if I ride around Tacoma its down 21st toward Wright Park then up and down the hills in downtown Tacoma and then shoot over to old town and down to Ruston way out towards Pearl and then thread my way back to the Proctor area and then home. But I will be trying a different area this spring/summer riding out the back side of University Place and take the backway into Steillacomb... looks like a nice scenic route.

But back to your other question... check it this site and hopefully it helps.
http://www.twbc.org/routes/commute.htm#downtown

The easiest way to get south, naturally, is to get to the end of the Interurban. So start point would be the Supermall.

It does sound as if there's no easy way :( . I'll study the directions a bit more closely, and perhaps drive it once.

East Hill

Sorry I couldnt be more help. If I find something out Ill let you know.

Cheers,
Tom

Sorry I couldnt be more help. If I find something out Ill let you know.

Cheers,
Tom

Thanks! I actually want to ride from Rainier back home to Kent...I know I don't have problems getting from Rainier to Olympia, but the way through Tacoma has got me stumped.

East Hill

Hey

Bothell resident here just checkin in.

Residing in Spokane – partake in all types of riding – mountain biking (up, down, or flat) being my true love – competing in my second Ironman this year – often ride Beacon, Tower mountain, or Liberty lake with my 12 year old son. Company always welcome.

Residing in Spokane – partake in all types of riding – mountain biking (up, down, or flat) being my true love – competing in my second Ironman this year – often ride Beacon, Tower mountain, or Liberty lake with my 12 year old son. Company always welcome.You should join us on the Bicycle Butler Wednesday night rides (locations vary between 5-mile/Riverside and Beacon depending). A great group of folks and some really good rides.

I'm in Milwaukie. Just .75 mile off the 205 bike path and a couple of miles south of the Springwater. On most Saturday mornings (unless it's really really raining) you can see me on one of those paths. I'm the old guy on the sun ez sport recumbent. Say Hi to me as you pass me, or better yet stop me and let's talk. If we're near a coffee shop I'll even buy you a cup.

Ravenna/U district xc'er here. Bombruns through the park on the way to campus are the best way to start a day!

I grew up in Indianapolis and went to college in Bloomington, Indiana. Moved to Portland when I was about 22....and haven't looked back once! I was surprised how quickly the northwest became home to me and the friends I moved here with.


I too grew up in Indy, with a 3-year detour in Honolulu, and went to IU in Bloomo where I became an avid cyclist in the hills and hollers around there. Now in Eugene, OR, a great cycling town.

I'm in Portland - Montavilla neighborhood on the East side of Mount Tabor and I commute daily 10 miles east to the far side of Gresham.

I too grew up in Indy, with a 3-year detour in Honolulu, and went to IU in Bloomo where I became an avid cyclist in the hills and hollers around there. Now in Eugene, OR, a great cycling town.

Aaaah Bloomington... home of the cutters! :D

Checking this for the first time. live in Seattle, Ballard. Training for a 1 day STP.

Rode 115 mi. on Sat. Furthest this year and my butt sure was feeling it.

Checking this for the first time. live in Seattle, Ballard. Training for a 1 day STP.

Rode 115 mi. on Sat. Furthest this year and my butt sure was feeling it.

Beautiful Ballard...I used to live just a block away from Ballard Hospital.

Where did you go for your 115 miles?

East Hill

Rode from my house north around the lake to Marymoor. We hooked up with a 55 mile Cascade ride and rode alot quicker. Rode back on the trail nice and easy.