Two Seattle cyclists getting, um, wild…er, mild…
Anyway, it’s kinda fun and only a few minutes long. Go, give it a watch!
Tag: bicycling
Near My House: A Cyclist Hit By Van
Deeply alarming news for me:
From the Everett Herald: “Cyclist hospitalized after van driver hits her in Lynnwood“
So, though glad no “serious” injuries occurred, I feel a bit dis-ease. This happened a very short drive, and rather short walk from my house. With that, I pass by this exact spot several times a week as part of my regular walking/exercise regimen. As an avid cyclist (though a rather fair-weathered one right now) I ride past here quite often, too. From middle-school through high-school, I walked and rode past this intersection at least twice a day. Thus, my connection to this stretch of asphalt runs deep.
For me to see something as senseless as DUI/injury accident this deep into my personal geography unsettles. Reminds me of the tenuous nature of life, the randomness that permeates all our days. The great line “there but for the grace of God go I” captures my current feeling.
Watch “I Just Want To Ride – Lael Wilcox and the 2019 Tour Divide” on YouTube
I adore cycling. Its been key part of my life since my mid-tweens. I’ve ridden in many states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Florida amongst others). For most of my twenties I refused to own a car. At one point my bike was the most important thing in my life. Now, things have changed. But I still love life with two wheels.
As a younger chap, a two week ride from Canada to Mexico would’ve seemed awesome. So, discovering Tour Divide captivated me. Discovering Lael Wilcox, the star of the video below, also delights me. I’m looking forward to exploring more of her riding life.
So, this is a great story and ride. I recommend the video below. And I’ll have more to say I’ve watched her other stuff. But go ahead and started. Don’t wait for me! Oh, and let me know what you think, any other riders out there you think I should check out, any suggestions would be very welcome.
A few thoughts on cycling this Saturday morning
Was just reading through a bunch of articles about cycling, all centered in the Pacific NorthWest. Urban cycling, bicycle touring, city planning, healthy living and how cycling fits into a sustainable culture; filling my brain with ideas. A big thing: I need to get out and ride more. Of course, it’s been been quite chilly here around Puget Sound. And such things challenge my desire to ride.
I’ve become much more of a fair weathered cyclist. At one point, the notion of being such horrified me. I was committed to riding, bike commuting, cycling as urban transport. A few accidents with cars (with broken bones and other fun) and myriad close calls, my tolerance for urban riding waned. Plus, moving back home to Seattle’s suburbs threw me deep into car culture. Riding became a weekend hobby. I hate this.
The desire to return to deep immersion into bike culture hits me regularly. It rebounds off of the suburban car culture, but bounces back. The overcommitted life, which is only manageable with a car, my 20 mile commute, the geographic spread of suburban life all factor in.
I’m also weary of the challenge of getting exercise. I need to block time to get to the gym, versus just walking/riding all the time. There’s a community around cycling that’s pretty amazing. So many benefits to the cycle-centric life, and I miss them.
Back on My Bike
The past week I’ve finally had time to ride. It’s been a zany summer without much time for my favorite things. My, I feel the lack of miles! But I am feeling a recommitment to riding. Plus, my son has the riding bug and pushes me to be on my bike more. So much goodness.
One thing we did this weekend: rode to a local donut place. Lynnwood’s Donut Factory delights us so very much. Since they don’t have a bike rack, I showed my son some bicyclist hacks (like locking the bikes together, in opposite directions,).
That got me thinking about bike security. Besides simply enjoying riding, I spent a number of years with my bike as my sole, owned transportation (biking, my feet and the bus were the main modes of transportation). It’s rather important, as an avid and not wealthy cyclist, to maintain possession of my wheels. With that in mind, check out “How to prevent your bike from being stolen“. Good advice about both preventing the theft, but also what to do if it’s stolen and ways to ensure it’ll get back to you if it is.
I hope you have great two-wheeled fun and also remain safe and secure.
Happy riding!
Bike Exchange At Seaview Elementary June 6
Are your kids in need of a bigger bike? Need to get a bike out of your garage? You may be able to find one at the GayLynne Ullerich Bicycle Extravaganza at Seaview Elementary on Saturday June 6th from 10:00 – 1:00PM. GayLynne was a friend who loved the outdoors, especially cycling. Besides teaching, she taught all kinds of classes at REI. This is a perfect way to honor her. So, bring in a ‘too small’ bike to exchange for a bigger bike, if available. This fun event includes a bicycle rodeo, bike tune ups and helmets for sale. Please see below
for details.
Summer’s Coming: What To Do?
School breaks close upon me, causing me to wonder: what shall we do with this gift? Trails to bike and hike, beaches to gaze out from, museums, festivals…so very much to consider.
This year I plan to, well, plan better. Instead of, in September, wondering about all the stuff undone. I’m starting a list, but am not sure what shall end up on it just yet. Here’s where my brain is now:
- The Hibulb Cultural Center on the Tulalip reservation. Nearby, yet I’ve never visited there.
- Seattle Center cultural events. Always something interesting going on.
- More hikes! Just some day hikes. More fleshing out needs to be done.
- Mountain bike trails. More research needed, but I’d like to include Steven’s Pass’ Bike Park and the Burlington bike park.
- I probably should plan to head to the San Juans…finally.
The basics of a start. We’ll have fun enriching this list. Let me know your ideas.