ngateguy

So we had another unofficial forum ride here in the great PNW yesterday. Khuon and I are doing the STP (and maybe the RSVP) again this year so it is time to start getting in shape to ride it. Sunday was the first ride we have done together since our Kitsap ride last September. To round out the day I invited Xythen to join us since she is thinking of doing the STP as well.

We decided that a quick (and flat) 20 mile ride on the Sammamish Slough Trail was the way to go. Since my car is still crippled I asked that we set a late morning start and we all agreed on 11:00. My adventure was getting the bike and me to Redmond by mass transit on a Sunday. Which turned out to be a lot easier and quicker than anticipated. I arrived at Marymoor Park in Redmond just before 11, Xythen pulled in a couple of minutes later. And yes guys she is even better looking than her picture and just as nice.

She had a flat taking her bike of the trainer at home, so I finally got a chance to try out the speed tire lever I got for Xmas. So we started to change the tire when Khuon pulled up. The tire change turned into a 3 person job and ngateguy managed to pinch the first tube so he gave up his tube and after much struggling we finally go the tire on

The rest of the trip was great we took the trail north out of Marymoor following the slough. About three miles into the trip the trail was closed for construction so after looking at our options we decided to head over to hwy 202 and take that north for a bit then cut back over to the trail. We had to walk through a couple of blocks of mud so I had to clean my cleats before I could clip in. Even then I couldn’t get a good bite with my right foot, but it was doable so Xythen and I went to catch up with khuon who was waiting at the hwy.

After a mile or so we cut back over to the trail and continued on to Woodinville where we stopped to do more pedal and cleat maintenance. I finally got the right pedal to work properly and we continued on to Bothell landing were we took a quick break then headed back.

This was the first time in a while I had the Softride out for a few weeks so about a mile before we got to the detour I sped a head to give the girl a work out. I took off ahead of the pack for a quick speed fix. While waiting for Xythen and Jake I noticed a couple of bikes coming up the trail from the construction area. So after a quick discussion we decide to chance it and continued up the trail. The only barrier that was on the trail was the one we came upon earlier so we walked around it and continued our ride.

Once back in Redmond Khuon suggested lunch and knew of a Cajun/Irish brewpub (interesting combo great hush puppies) we had a good lunch and chatted about biking and stuff for a while then split up Xythen and Jake went back to their cars I went off to look for a bus. I had not taken the bus all the way there when I arrived in Bellevue in the morning there was a ½ hour wait for the bus to Redmond so I opted to ride. I did not have a schedule nor did I know where to catch it in Redmond Khuon pointed me in the direction of Downtown Redmond.

After searching for awhile I ended up by the trail again and I knew if I went back north to Bothell I could catch my bus there so I jumped back on the trail for another 9 miles and after a quick stop in Woodinville to get change for the bus (and a momentary panic thinking I had lost my wallet but I had pocketed in my coat instead of putting it back in my bag whew!) I pulled into the bus stop with 10 minutes to spare. I actually caught an earlier bus than I would of if I had taken the bus the whole way. It also turned out the driver was one that used to work the route I take to work and a cyclist as well. So we caught up on old times. There was this guy Jim on the bus a 78 year old retired Boeing Engineer who used to race after the war (WWII) talked up a storm about old bikes and snobby French and Italian racers.

A little OT but living without the car has been much easier than anticipated and since the break down last fall I have only had to rent one for Christmas so I could cover all my family and friend obligations. However I still haven’t figured out how to get the bikes over to Eastern Washington for riding so know that the holidays are over I need to put some serious time and money to get it up and running again.

Anyway you couldn’t of asked for better weather not really to cold and after a foggy start the sun came out. Another fine Sunday with good people and a good time. I hope to continue to meet for forum people as time goes on I have had such good luck with the two I have met so far. Any of you PNW riders that would like to join us for a ride PM me and we will hook up.

You all have a good week and keep the rubber side down

Oh yeah Khuon snapped some shots so I am sure he will be posting a link soon.

David

RonH

Sounds something like a "Chinese fire drill".


Cajun/Irish???


Can't wait to see khuon's pictures.

ngateguy

Yep it would of ben humorous to watch from the side lines


My comments exactly great stuff though

Xythen

If *you* had trouble with that tire- I would have had a complete meltdown had I tried it alone! I'm very grateful for your help. (Note to self:don't try to inflate a tire while it's still in the trainer.)

I'm looking forward to our next ride. That was fun!

SamDaBikinMan

Two guys and one girl... hmmm...

SLAP!

ouch CB that hurt!

Xythen

Thanks, CB! My reputation is ruint enough already!

ngateguy

aw shucks ma'am it was our pleasure

If I had been alone I wouldn't of been able to do it. I would of just bagged it and gone to the brewpub early

CB go lightly on Sam now he's just jealous

khuon

I'll second that...



I hereby nominate ngateguy for Tyre-change Master of 2003 and it looks like he's well on his way to taking top-honours for 2004 already.



Actually my cleats were also quite clogged and I rode all the way to the intersection without being clipped in and used my water bottle to wash stuff out of the cleats while I was waiting. The one thing I do like about the Speedplay Zeros is that because they have a deep pocket for the pedal body to fit into, they're quite ridable even when not engaged.


I went into the restroom at the park and washed out my cleats in the sink. They were still a bit hard to work so I added some lube from the small bottle of chain lube I carry with in my seat-pack. This seemed to help a bit. When we got to Bothell, I suggested we go over the bridge to Bothell Landing Park and attempted to ride up the slick wood-slats. This didn't work out to well and my rear end started sliding out from under me. Luckily I was able to unclip in time and put my foot down. I guess it was a good thing I cleaned out the cleats in Woodinville.

I figured ngateguy could get too far ahead since he was bound to hit that roadblock we came upon earlier.

Here's a few shots of ngateguy's back as he left us behind...





Luckily I had xythen to keep me company... Doesn't she look all warm bundled up like that?



I feel really bad for having made us detour around that roadblock the first time instead of just chancing it.

[QUOTE=ngateguy]Once back in Redmond Khuon suggested lunch and knew of a Cajun/Irish brewpub (interesting combo great hush puppies) we had a good lunch and chatted about biking and stuff for a while then split up Xythen and Jake went back to their cars I went off to look for a bus.

The Irish seafood chowder was also quite yummy. and here's the obligatory post-ride (or nearly so) group shot) at the brewpub.




I admit that I was quite cold when we first started out. The weather report lied a bit and I don't think it ever got over 45F. However, I was fairly well warmed up after a half-hour. I still should remember to bring my full-finger gloves for rides like these. The only problem I have with them is that they tend to get stuck between my dual-control shift levers.


Seconded... getting together with BikeForum members from around the area for these rides has been great.

In addition to the pictures I posted here, you can find more at:

https://www.neebu.net/~khuon/gallery/srt-20040112

Zin

Hey ngate,
Thanks for the story. I really enjoy reading stories like this.

Perhaps we should have a bikeforums ride over the GOING TO THE SUN ROAD this summer! Wonder how many would be interested?

khuon, Great pics. Thanks for sharing them!

Ya'll keep having fun out there!

Bob

Xythen

Oh goodness, no. You're being blinded by the glory that is my bicycle. Gotta love those celeste sidewalls. Yeah, baby!

Sure... *you're* noodling along, taking pictures over your shoulder while I'm gasping and panting to catch up. Wheeze!
Holy Cow! That's what I look like? No wonder no one will talk to me on the trail! I look like a uni-bomber with bad fashion sense. oy! At least I'm warm!


Nah, we got our Cyclocross training in for the day. Builds character.


Here here!

Thanks, Khuon! The photos are terrific!

ngateguy

You know I am game for that!

BlastRadius

That weather looks like Cyclocross weather for sure. Great story and pictorial, nice looking trail, and it's nice to put a face to a handle. If I make it up for STP I'll definitely get in touch with this BikeForums Gang (BFG, I like that).
Henry

RonH

Great pictures and thanks for the story.

SamDaBikinMan

Ngateguy, you need a haircut....badly

ngateguy

I Know, I'm going to I just haven't been able to decide which one

I will have to dig out a photo of my from a few years ago the one I have now is GI compared to that one.

SamDaBikinMan

The hair is actually perfect for digging out the old LP's and your Mood ring or Party ring.

slotibartfast

Ok, I'm officially jealous. Our biketrails over here in Spokane are still clogged with a couple feet of snow. I'd love to get out for a ride, but it looks like it's still a couple of months away Ngateguy, if you manage to get over this way when the weather gets better and you need a slow guy to ride with, shoot me a message and we'll go.