Notices
Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

Seattle

Old 03-27-16, 08:32 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Retro Grouch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 642 Times in 363 Posts
Seattle

By this time tomorrow I will have been retired for one week. Mrs. Grouch wants to move to Seattle (actually Lynnwood). I'm not so sure.

Seattle would mean developing all new friends, a whole new riding environment, new everything. I don't even know how to throw out the trash in Seattle because there's 3 bins. Also, there would be MAJOR downsizing involved. I'm thinking I'd have to make do with only 1 bike and I'd have to hold a "tool garage sale" for my sons and grand sons. Our Missouri family doesn't want us to go which actually makes me feel pretty good.

On the other hand, we have 3 grand kids in Seattle who are all unusually smart and who are all unusually needy. My daughter and blind son-in-law are in over their heads. I really would enjoy some one-on-one time with the grand kids, particularly the middle school boy who loves bicycling.

I thought that retirement would make life simpler.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 08:47 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Kindaslow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Seattlish
Posts: 2,751

Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 514 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Lynnwood is not Seattle.

Once we get past that, and the garbage cans, this area is great.

Fight for two bikes, though, because we have awesome MTBing out here.
Kindaslow is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 08:50 AM
  #3  
Beicwyr Hapus
 
Gerryattrick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Caerdydd
Posts: 1,527

Bikes: Genesis Equilibrium, Genesis Datum, Whyte 901 Dawes 701,1973 Harry Hall

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 152 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 16 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
I thought that retirement would make life simpler.


Only if you have no family
Gerryattrick is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 08:53 AM
  #4  
Fred For Life
 
dougmon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: California
Posts: 239

Bikes: Kona Big Rove AL, Surly Straggler

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch

I thought that retirement would make life simpler.
I'm only thinking about retirement right now, and more I think, the more complex it gets. Especially the downsizing part -- after living in the same place for more than 20 years, the amount of stuff you have that you don't need -- it's huge.
__________________
Training? For Racing? Not me, man -- I'm having fun.
dougmon is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 08:54 AM
  #5  
Partially Sane.
 
stardognine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sunny Sacramento.
Posts: 3,562

Bikes: Soma Saga, pre-disc

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 643 Times in 468 Posts
A move seems kinda drastic, why not an extended visit?
stardognine is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 09:02 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Retro Grouch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 642 Times in 363 Posts
Originally Posted by Kindaslow
Fight for two bikes, though, because we have awesome MTBing out here.
Doubt I'm going to need a mountain bike - at least not a real mountain bike. Retro Grouch has broken too many things for him to huck the singletrack anymore. 2 bikes for me would be one of my SWB recumbents and my venerable Marin rigid fork beater bike. Can't decide which SWB. The Retro Rocket has wider tires for the crushed limestone Katy Trail, and is designed for more leisurely riding. The Retro Racket has a Chris King rear hub and is definitely faster on pavement.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 09:06 AM
  #7  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Retro Grouch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 642 Times in 363 Posts
Originally Posted by Gerryattrick


Only if you have no family
This board needs a thumbs up button.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 09:09 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Kindaslow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Seattlish
Posts: 2,751

Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 514 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
Doubt I'm going to need a mountain bike - at least not a real mountain bike. Retro Grouch has broken too many things for him to huck the singletrack anymore. 2 bikes for me would be one of my SWB recumbents and my venerable Marin rigid fork beater bike. Can't decide which SWB. The Retro Rocket has wider tires for the crushed limestone Katy Trail, and is designed for more leisurely riding. The Retro Racket has a Chris King rear hub and is definitely faster on pavement.
How close are you planning on living from the kids? If you could be 10 ish miles away, you could live next to the Burke Gilman trail. However, you would need to plan for non-traffic driving times. Traffic can be tough around here.
Kindaslow is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 09:20 AM
  #9  
just another gosling
 
Carbonfiberboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,486

Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3866 Post(s)
Liked 1,911 Times in 1,362 Posts
The cycling scene here is great. We have the largest cycling club in the US: www.cascade.org. Have a look - multiple free group rides every day plus many event rides. And that's just one club. There are several in the area: RCC (Redmond Cycling Club), COGS (Cyclists of Greater Seattle), SIR (Seattle International Randonneurs), B.I.K.E.S. Club of Snohomish County. Seattle and other local cities have master bike plans in place to improve road conditions for cyclists. There are lots of rural, low traffic roads, and yes, hills. Redmond is particularly popular with cyclists as it's closest to rural areas.
__________________
Results matter
Carbonfiberboy is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 09:42 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Retro Grouch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 642 Times in 363 Posts
Originally Posted by Kindaslow
How close are you planning on living from the kids? If you could be 10 ish miles away, you could live next to the Burke Gilman trail. However, you would need to plan for non-traffic driving times. Traffic can be tough around here.
One of the apartment complexes that we've looked into is right on some paved trail that's adjacent to I-5. It's only around 3 miles from their house. Another complex is around 5 miles from their house and is adjacent to some trail but I don't know the name. That part sounds good to me. The 700 sq ft apartment with limited storage part doesn't appeal to me at all.

The roads to their house look do-able to me but a little iffy during high traffic times. More rolling hilly than I'm used to but nothing that I couldn't manage.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 10:10 AM
  #11  
Veteran, Pacifist
 
Wildwood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Seattle area
Posts: 13,295

Bikes: Bikes??? Thought this was social media?!?

Mentioned: 284 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 4,766 Times in 2,199 Posts
Get ready for grey - we have more than 50 shades.
Hey, once you start this moving around the country thing - it gets mentally easier after the 1st, for subsequent moves. California, Nevada, Missouri, Washington. We may be chasing toward a daughter in Portland, OR soon. Or an 80 year old father in Grand Junction, CO.

Hold on to roots or get ready to be blown by the wind. I'm the windy type.

edit: 2 bikes, good boots and a kayak (seaworthy) and you are set to teach those grandkids about the wonders of the area around where they live. Kayak with the orcas just off the shore from Lynnwood area.

Can't say enough good about PNW in general - except Puget Sound traffic and crowded roads. The local cycling around Wildwood, MO was better than here (IMHO). Hiking the Cascades is glory-full. No summer swelter.
__________________
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.

Last edited by Wildwood; 03-27-16 at 10:42 AM.
Wildwood is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 12:07 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Tucson Az
Posts: 1,652

Bikes: 2015 Ridley Fenix, 1983 Team Fuji, 2019 Marin Nail Trail 6

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 332 Post(s)
Liked 201 Times in 124 Posts
I lived there for 40+ years (born and raised), and there's a lot to like about the Seattle area, the cost of living isn't one of them.

Seattle used to be pretty bike friendly, but based on my last trip up there, I'd doubt that it's as friendly as it was 30 or 40 yrs ago.

Buy breathable rain gear, buy good sun glasses.

If you decide it's too wet to ride in the wet season, do what I did, learn to ski and fish. Putting a fresh salmon or steelhead on the dinner table is at least as good a substitution for not riding.

Last edited by Wileyrat; 03-27-16 at 12:11 PM.
Wileyrat is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 01:27 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Kindaslow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Seattlish
Posts: 2,751

Bikes: SWorks Stumpy, Haibike Xduro RX, Crave SS

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 514 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times in 8 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
One of the apartment complexes that we've looked into is right on some paved trail that's adjacent to I-5. It's only around 3 miles from their house. Another complex is around 5 miles from their house and is adjacent to some trail but I don't know the name. That part sounds good to me. The 700 sq ft apartment with limited storage part doesn't appeal to me at all.

The roads to their house look do-able to me but a little iffy during high traffic times. More rolling hilly than I'm used to but nothing that I couldn't manage.
would you consider a storage unit to keep some stuff in? For under $100 per month you and the misses could keep a lot of extra stuff out of the apartment. Just a thought, and a place for an extra bike!!!
Kindaslow is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 02:00 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Retro Grouch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 642 Times in 363 Posts
Originally Posted by Kindaslow
would you consider a storage unit to keep some stuff in? For under $100 per month you and the misses could keep a lot of extra stuff out of the apartment. Just a thought, and a place for an extra bike!!!
May buy a used panel van and park it in the complex parking lot. Doesn't even have to run as long as it's license-able.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 02:14 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
Velocivixen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Posts: 4,525
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 400 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times in 26 Posts
If you're satisfied in your comfort zone then stay where you are. If you want to stretch your "comfort zone" (isn't that what they're meant for?), then move to Lynnwood. Looking at all the logistics, in the beginning, seems daunting, but if you break it into smaller steps it's totally doable. Regarding a small apartment....move here then once you learn the area, etc. move to a different place you like better.

As far as "stuff"? It's easy, in our society, to become "attached" to things...hard physical objects. It's not so easy to become detatched either. Studies on happiness report that it's the experiences we have, not so much the material possessions. It sounds, like either way, you'll be rich with family. It could be the opening to a life you've never known. An adventure.

Edit: just heard a story last Friday on NPR regarding small towns in Washington who are encouraging fat biking in the snow for income for the town. They have a special piece on the ski track groomer that grooms a seperate track meant for fat bikes. Also due to changes in the climate, when there is no snow, the snow park places are getting into fat biking for income.

Here's the link to the story:
https://ijpr.org/post/fat-bikes-gain-...ort-0#stream/0

Last edited by Velocivixen; 03-27-16 at 02:19 PM.
Velocivixen is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 02:47 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 148

Bikes: Holding steady at N

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
One of the apartment complexes that we've looked into is right on some paved trail that's adjacent to I-5. It's only around 3 miles from their house.
That's the Interurban North, which runs from Everett to Shoreline, where it turns into roads in Seattle. It doesn't hook up with any other trails. I've honestly never gotten around to riding it so I can't given an opinion.



Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
Another complex is around 5 miles from their house and is adjacent to some trail but I don't know the name. That part sounds good to me. The 700 sq ft apartment with limited storage part doesn't appeal to me at all.
I'm not sure about this one. It might be a section of the Interurban or a short paved trail that hooks up with it.


Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
The roads to their house look do-able to me but a little iffy during high traffic times. More rolling hilly than I'm used to but nothing that I couldn't manage.
I lived in Lynnwood for several months (in the not-so-nice section of Picnic Point along Aurora/99). I didn't find Lynnwood bike-friendly, but I didn't explore as much as I should have when I lived there. Do you prefer paved trails (especially with kids)? There are a ton if you're willing to drive a bit. There are a few trails that connect in a way that makes it possible to ride from the Sound, around Lake Washington, to Lake Sammamish mostly on paved, separated trails. There's also a very active community of cyclists with kids that can help you with route planning.

While I don't know your situation, I will say this: I got rid of about 75% of what I owned when I moved here. It was difficult for me, but once I got settled I felt really liberated. I found the cultural and weather adjustment difficult, but after several years I love it here and would hate to move elsewhere. Cost of living is a real problem, but less so the further you get from the city.
RandomEncounter is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 03:59 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,771
Mentioned: 125 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1454 Post(s)
Liked 85 Times in 40 Posts
It exists:



Two things:

A happy wife is a happy life. If Mrs RG says so...

And adventure is one of the spices of life. Do the research, set out a plan with a realistic time scale, and go for it.

You thought you had retired, Ha! You"ll be busier than full-time working for, oh, a year just doing this.
Rowan is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 04:01 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
bikemig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,505

Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones

Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5876 Post(s)
Liked 3,445 Times in 2,066 Posts
My mother in law lives on Vashon Island; Seattle and the area around it is beautiful. If you want more space, why not consider living farther away from Seattle?
bikemig is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 04:44 PM
  #19  
just another gosling
 
Carbonfiberboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,486

Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3866 Post(s)
Liked 1,911 Times in 1,362 Posts
As those of us who've slowly downsized our parents' domiciles know, it will happen to us, too. So look at getting rid of stuff as doing your kids a favor. Less stuff is better. Smaller is better as long as you have room for your bikes, trainer, workstand, etc. My wife an I have lived comfortably in 1100 sq. ft. for over 40 years. Most folks who bike around here have automobiles with bike racks, even if they can ride nicely right out their door. There are too many wonderful places to ride around here to be hard-core about not putting the bike on a car.
__________________
Results matter
Carbonfiberboy is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 06:06 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
trackhub's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Watching all of you on O.B.I.T.
Posts: 2,023

Bikes: Bridgestone RB-1. Nicely restored

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times in 6 Posts
I keep hearing that it rains a lot, but the place is packed with young techno-nerd types.
I've also heard that Seattle has some great restaurants.
trackhub is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 06:17 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 4,671

Bikes: N+1=5

Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 875 Post(s)
Liked 243 Times in 180 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
One of the apartment complexes that we've looked into is right on some paved trail that's adjacent to I-5. It's only around 3 miles from their house. Another complex is around 5 miles from their house and is adjacent to some trail but I don't know the name. That part sounds good to me. The 700 sq ft apartment with limited storage part doesn't appeal to me at all.

The roads to their house look do-able to me but a little iffy during high traffic times. More rolling hilly than I'm used to but nothing that I couldn't manage.
A good friend of mine did the downsizing thing from a big ole Victorian house to a condo with the same issue. He found a garage condo arrangement that allows him to keep his boat there, his bikes, workshop and ski tune bench. He's in hog heaven and, frankly, it sound like a way better man cave than an attached garage.

The thing for me with Seattle is the g*****ss. Nope. That wouldn't work for me.

J.
JohnJ80 is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 06:23 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,719
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I chose where we now live in 1993, after 32 years of roaming the earth, living and doing business in many places experience, as somewhere I'd most likely be good with living out the rest of my/our life. With 23 years now invested and being embedded in our community there ain't no frigging way I'd consider moving and starting all over again. Your situation, Retro, may be different but I'd at least think long and hard.
ltxi is offline  
Old 03-27-16, 10:17 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Posts: 7,048
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 509 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times in 8 Posts
Nothing could keep me from living near my grandchildren. If I were you I would be moving ASAP. They're only young for a wee while, and you're not getting any younger yourself. Go west and make some lovely memories for those precocious kids while you still can and they still want to play with you.

Of course, that's easy for me to say. My grandchildren live four miles away and spend at least one day each week playing with me, so no one's asking me to pick up and move across the country.
B. Carfree is offline  
Old 03-28-16, 06:00 AM
  #24  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Retro Grouch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225

Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 642 Times in 363 Posts
Originally Posted by ltxi
I chose where we now live in 1993, after 32 years of roaming the earth, living and doing business in many places experience, as somewhere I'd most likely be good with living out the rest of my/our life. With 23 years now invested and being embedded in our community there ain't no frigging way I'd consider moving and starting all over again. Your situation, Retro, may be different but I'd at least think long and hard.
Originally Posted by B. Carfree
Nothing could keep me from living near my grandchildren. If I were you I would be moving ASAP. They're only young for a wee while, and you're not getting any younger yourself. Go west and make some lovely memories for those precocious kids while you still can and they still want to play with you.

Of course, that's easy for me to say. My grandchildren live four miles away and spend at least one day each week playing with me, so no one's asking me to pick up and move across the country.
Halfway in between: We have 4 families, with 13 grandchildren and 4 greats all living in the St Peters, Missouri area. We have 3 grandchildren in Lynnwood, Washington but those are the ones with the greatest needs. The first question is: If we were to move, would we be any actual help? Right now we're thinking about driving out for a month or so and bringing some bikes with us. That's an expense, but not nearly as bad as making a poorly advised move. I'm thinking bicycling in Washington would be more pleasant than Missouri during July and August.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
Retro Grouch is offline  
Old 03-28-16, 03:57 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,719
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 258 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
Halfway in between: We have 4 families, with 13 grandchildren and 4 greats all living in the St Peters, Missouri area. We have 3 grandchildren in Lynnwood, Washington but those are the ones with the greatest needs. The first question is: If we were to move, would we be any actual help? Right now we're thinking about driving out for a month or so and bringing some bikes with us. That's an expense, but not nearly as bad as making a poorly advised move. I'm thinking bicycling in Washington would be more pleasant than Missouri during July and August.
Without a doubt!

I think that go for an extended visit first bit is a great idea. And if you do, please follow up post about it.

Last edited by ltxi; 03-28-16 at 04:15 PM.
ltxi is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.