Four laps, ~24mi, around Detroit's Belle Isle. On the fourth circuit, I got adventurous, and took the old Peugeot off road. 28mm slicks in wet clay and mud do not work well!
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516483

Another great batch of pictures. My camera is currently in need of repair, so none from me. (no great loss). Happy birthday young Neal!

46 miles out to Grenada Lake this weekend, and another 20 mile round trip to Camp McCain.

Great pictures everyone! The scenery and weather are finally improving! This weekend was alumni weekend for my fraternity in at Binghamton University in upstate NY. A great time was had and the weather was sunny, breezy and 73 degrees on Saturday when I went out for a recovery ride with my brother. I rode my U08 and he was on his '81 Fuji Royale for a 35 mile spin through the Triple Cities area. Downtown Binghamton is seeing a rebirth with plenty of investment, businesses and refurbishment of historic architecture along with the growth of the university. Other outlying areas seem to have been lost in time unfortunately. A lovely area to cycle through. We stopped at a church's chicken bbq fundraiser for lunch too where we chatted with some very friendly, kind people. http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516509http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516510http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516511http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516512http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516513http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516514http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516515http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=516516

Great pics indeed, g3. Nice architectural studies of your own too.

I just rode my commute again, took the Gazelle. Normally the Gazelle gets me to work faster but the commute took a few minutes longer this morning because I stopped to watch a flock of half a dozen chickens pecking away at the shoulder of a very busy road in suburban Lexington. I wanted to get a pic but my phone complained that its memory was full. That turned out to be due to the dozens of pictures it took of the inside of my handlebar bag. Eventually the chickens wandered around to the back of the house, presumably back to their coop. Chickens? Whodathunkit?

I want to refurbish that big empty pile of red brick into a hotel/brewery like McMenamins Edgefield down in Troutdale. But I'm guessing the neighborhood wouldn't support it :(

Don't leave us hanging here, Jim! Did they or did they not cross the road?!

I took a tourist's turn through Seattle yesterday, starting in my old nabe of Loyal Heights where my wife and I shared a house shortly before we were married. We usually had two or three other roomies there, quite often with an artistic or musical bent. Sorta like living in a Lynn Shelton movie; which is appropriate because "Seattle," and also Lynn and my wife were good buds back in middle school. Modest place, but a lot of fun memories. I drove/cycled past three other places where I lived in North Seattle; none of them are there any more. This place hasn't changed a bit, though. That may even be the Weber dome grill on the front stoop I left behind when we moved out in '92

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0081.jpg

Viewpoint about a half mile west of the old place, looking over the Puget Sound at Olympic mountains with Shilshole Bay Marina down on the left.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0082.jpg

At the marina: this place was a plywood shack last time I bought fish n' chips there:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0083.jpg

View from the footbridge that crosses over the Ballard locks connecting Lake Union to Puget Sound:
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0085.jpg

And the salmon ladders viewing area under the locks. Do you see the salmon? Neither did I. I guess they're not in season.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0086.jpghttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

More Seattle pics:

I ended up climbing to the top of Magnolia hill to visit Discovery Park, which has the remains of Fort Lawton, an old military base dating back to WWI. Many of the old buildings still stand in pretty good repair and some at least are being converted for civilian use.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0087.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0088.jpg

There's still some military looking hardware lying about, most notably this big X-Gamma-Sonar-Radar-Secret-Death-Ray thingee. Our resident military communictions expert @Drillium Dude could tell you all about it. What it is, how it operates, how to hack the signal, etc. (But then he'd have to kill you.)
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0089.jpg

I spent most of the morning just criss-crossin the lovely neighborhoods of Magnolia, sort of reluctant to lose my hard-won altitude, but eventually headed down the the Interbay bike trail which quickly enough dumped me into Myrtle Edwards Park, with the big sculpture garden.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0094.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0095.jpg

Then through Seattle Center:

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0096.jpg

Up the steeps of Queen Anne Hill. If you approach it from the south, there is no easy way to the top, just stuff like this: probably about 18% grade on that first block in the pic, then 23% or better on the second. This is after a half mile or more of 12-14% stuff to get this far. I made it about as far as the white truck and then hoofed the rest of the way, puffing and wheezing the whole time. Warm day! In the 80's by this time. I suppose I like climbing as much as the next guy, but this is ridiculous.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0097.jpg

But then you get another view from the top, Kerry Park looking over downtown. There's a famous mod sculpture there, but it was swarmed with a busload of Asian tourist queueing up to get their pics taken in front of it, so I handed my camera to one of them and had him shoot me with downtown in the background instead.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSCF0098.jpghttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

Tim, I heard the Ballard Bridge got stuck in the open position yesterday - did that hold you up at all?

I went hiking yesterday. Nice to do a climb during which I actually felt like I was improving my pace :)

DD

Boy I miss the PNW! Anybody know of Job opening for a Program Manager/Quality Manager without significant IT expereince, just Technical?

I decided to go for a ride today. Expected an uneventful journey and wasn't sure how far it was but there is a 19 mile-ish loop composed of the WO&D, Curtis and Mt Vernon trails around Arlington VA. There is a small climb and the MUP is not that great but it is without cars. For me, I have to ride along the Mt Vernon trail to get to 4 mile run that becomes part of the WO&D. The junction is just south of DCA or Ronald Reagan Airport. I live in southwest of Alexandria.

I took the Pinarello which has some newly installed used shoes, Specialized Pro Roubaix in 25 size. The tires have to forced between the brakes with them released when installing. 23's were on there before and were replaced because cord was showing on the rear tire for too many close calls with Peds and cars. The ride is a little more plush. Can't say that it is any slower either.

Anyway, there is a slight climb from WO&D to the top of the hill on the Curtis trail before the decent to the Mt Vernon trial. When I got to the bottom of the hill, I maneuvered around a ped and just as I was turning right to get to the right side, the front end almost washed out. The steering was really different and I could not determine what was going on. the next right turn did the same. I stopped, checked the tire and it was way low on pressure. The tube was removed and checked by pumping it up without an obvious hole. The tire was check both inside and out for any protrusion, none. I didn't want to wast the spare tube, so I assembled it and pumped it up. Looked fine. Continued on my ride.

A little while later the steering started behaving the same as the last stop. I checked pressure and pumped. Did this several times before getting home. Haven't investigated yet. I am sure if your got this far, you really don't care what happened!

Great ride though, especially along the Potomac looking at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Memorial behind it in the sun. Should have taken the camera!

I went back to my car in Loyal Heights by that route (instead of the locks), once I saw how late it was getting. It was down and open for business when I passed through. Guess I lucked out; I was worried if I went back over the locks, I might get stuck waiting for a ship to go through :)
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No, they did not. They were there again this morning, same side of the road. I guess they figured they had already proven it could be done.

Today's commute was on the Ironman. A pic from last year:

http://world.std.com/~muller/pics/At...rionAtWork.jpg

The weather was beautiful and I had a full day in front of me with no obligations before dinner time. Perfect for goofing off and playing tourist in San Francisco.

I live about 15 miles from the Larkspur Ferry which runs several times a day to downtown San Francisco. It has bike racks and is used by quite a few cycle commuters and the occasional tourist like myself.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0917-XL.jpg


The views from the ferry during the 45 minute crossing are spectacular. Angel Island and this Civil-War era fort are maintained by the California State Park Service. There is a ferry that runs to the island for beachgoers, hikers, and school kids who do overnight re-enactments of life as a soldier during the 19th century.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0913-XL.jpg


Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0914-XL.jpg


Approaching the dock in San Francisco.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0915-XL.jpg


I restricted my tour to the waterfront between the Ferry Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a lively part of town, full of tourists and locals alike enjoying the attractions. It is all very walkable and, for the most part, bike friendly. This Cruise Line Terminal was new since my last visit.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0922-XL.jpg


My bike.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0923-XL.jpg


I finally headed home across the Golden Gate Bridge. A very leisurely 50 miles. With all the stops and sightseeing it didn't feel that long.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Bik...DSC0928-XL.jpg

Brent

As on most days I just rode to work. No grandiose bridges, no vast expanse of water, no great historical site. But today's bike made up for all that! Smooth, fast, easy to ride. Absolutely my favorite.

http://world.std.com/~muller/pics/Co...016/towers.jpg

http://world.std.com/~muller/pics/Co....2016/work.jpg

I had a Close Encounter Of the "Cool Bike" Kind today. On the way to work I was passed by a cyclist very much taller, chunkier, and more powerful than I (except in my dreams). I hate being passed but what the heck, we weren't racing. I noticed the bonded seat lug on his bike but otherwise didn't have time to see much. We pulled up to a stoplight and he turned around and said "Cool bike!" I thanked him and we spoke for a few minutes. While stopped I could see his bike was a Seven, so I said "That's pretty cool too. Is that titanium?" He said "Ti and carbon, but it's isn't as cool as your. Man, that bike is beautiful." We advanced to another light, spoke for a few more seconds, the light changed, he turned right and I continued straight.

I'll take "Cool bike!" over not being passed any time.

He was right Jim: That's a VERY cool bike!
Brent

Love those San Francisco pics Brent.

Here are a couple from my last 2 Rides on the 3Rensho and Riv

If you look hard, you will see the guy on the Kayak.
http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/...pshb43mmyy.jpg
Purple rain
http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/...psoz26kskc.jpg
Lunch time ride on the Delaware & Raritan canal path
http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/...pslkxi2igb.jpg

Great pics. Purple rain.......

RogerM and I rode the North Cascades Hwy yesterday - the day before it opens to car traffic.
Roger passes by one of the many waterfalls cascading over the rocks beside the roadway
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1542/...041f1a00_b.jpgRoger, up ahead of me, rides thru the mist by NBend, on Flickr


Summoning the spirit of Fausto, Roger rode strong all day, clearly the faster of us up and down.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/...4fa1109b_k.jpgRoger does a good Coppi impression by NBend, on Flickr


Thanks WDOT
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1582/...7a126539_k.jpgWe rode by several of these at work.. by NBend, on Flickr


We stop at Rainy Pass for some photos
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1445/...d4279048_k.jpgRoger n I on Rainy Pass by NBend, on Flickr


Our whiteboard. You can clearly see a thick layer of blue ice in the snow - Avalanche concerns over Washington Pass are well founded.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1478/...bd825ab7_k.jpgOur whiteboard by NBend, on Flickr


So it was understandable why this WDOT worker turn us around just below Washington Pass. They were going to begin blasting Liberty Bell and we were told to turn back.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1604/...6a0e0469_k.jpgTurned around just below Washington Pass by this guy by NBend, on Flickr


We had a great day. Riding back up to Rainy Pass, we stopped and sat down on a dry spot in the middle of the highway for lunch. For me, it was some wine and dry sausage. After eating, we got back on the bikes and enjoyed the fruit of our labor. some 20 miles of downhill…

Hopped on the Stumpjumper drop bar conversion yesterday.

Went up this hill:

http://i.imgur.com/JI3JVrR.jpg

The last bit is very steep, the gravel is extremely loose when dry, it's pitted with irregular washboarding, and it's covered in larger pebbles that deflect steering all over the place. Even on a 22" gear and 2" gravel tires, I had to mash hard and was slipping around quite a bit.

The roads at the top were much easier...

http://i.imgur.com/WqO2gX7.jpg

...and included nice views of a lake.

http://i.imgur.com/1VAKt4K.jpg

Looks like a great ride, Sam - where was this?

I'm always on the lookout for some cool MTB trails myself. This looks like fun :)

DD

Lake Cavanaugh. I went up the Lake Cavanaugh Road from Highway 530 near Oso.

The first picture is from the Lake Cavanaugh Road looking at Highway 530 in the valley, with Whitehorse Mountain and whatnot in back.

The other pictures are on the loop around the lake.

Heh, I'm not sure that my route qualified as "cool MTB trails", and actually the gravel bike may have been overkill; the only non-pavement was the gravel section of the Lake Cavanaugh Road, which is a few miles long. Actually, there's a road a few feet behind the third picture.

The gravel climb is mostly manageable, if bumpy, even on a road bike. The spot right below where I took the first photo is where road bikes sometimes get defeated due to tires and/or gearing, lots of people walk that part.

I made my descent on the Lake Cavanaugh Road on the opposite side. Eventually you get to Highway 9, and a few miles south on that gets you to the Centennial Trail.

Thanks for the detailed response. That isn't all that far from me and the views look spectacular. I'm going to have to stick with the MTB on that stuff because I'm getting older and slower by the day and need the gears! I'll be doing this ride in the next week or so if the weather gets back to something similar to what we had in the past two weeks.

DD

50 miles on the Rossin. Starting to really add in the hills.

Did a small portion of the Delaware & Raritan canal towpath. I was really haulin' today. Left these guys (&ladies) in my dust.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=517480

Lol, small world...saw these guys yesterday between Princeton and Griggstown. Snapped a pic as well,,they were big boys.

http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/...psp9gv0ymd.jpg

I took a relaxing 60km (40mi) ride through the countryside today. I came across this little pond, spillway and creek that I'd seen before but didn't have the camera with me then.

The pond. The spillway is at the upper right.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/...2f639a03_o.jpg#1 by Miele Man, on Flickr

The spillway.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1702/...774d6a00_o.jpg#2 by Miele Man, on Flickr

My Giant BUTTE MTB/dropbar conversion in front of the spillway.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1535/...081ec291_o.jpg#2a by Miele Man, on Flickr

A closer/lower angle view of it.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1628/...87402547_o.jpg#2b by Miele Man, on Flickr

The creek from the spilway after the creek passes under the road.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1710/...8540af7e_o.jpg#4 by Miele Man, on Flickr

Another view of that creek.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1653/...4d603b07_o.jpg#3 by Miele Man, on Flickr

Some curious critters wondering what that strange 2-wheeled object with the human on it is.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1445/...22be4ccc_o.jpg#6 by Miele Man, on Flickr

Another creek I saw later on that ride.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1502/...dd2239c2_o.jpg#5 by Miele Man, on Flickr

Cheers