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On the Centennial Trail
Wednesday, June 22th Mt Vernon to Marysville - 38 miles riding For some reason this morning Carmen wanted a Mexican breakfast, or something like it, I think she had seen the Mexican restaurant just a couple of doors down form the Motel. I also thought it would be nice to have some eggs and meat, maybe chorizo to go on our ride with a content stomach. We saw two restaurants and neither was open so early in the morning, we saw one other place but they were still about 15 minutes from opening, which meant we would not be out of there for at least 45 minutes. We did not get the breakfast we wanted. Now on Highway 9 after riding alongside the logger trucks we came to a point on the road where we had to make a decision on which route to take towards the Centennial Trail, when we saw a restaurant which said it was open but the only person there, a lady which would open the restaurant said they were still closed. She said it would take her a while to set up, but we told her we only wanted coffee, she ended up serving us the coffee from the pot she had made for herself.
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The total cost was $4 for 2 coffees and I ended up tipping her $2 for taking care of us while she was still trying to prep for the lunch opening.
Soon after we found the Centennial Trail at the Japanese Farm and started a conversation with an older rider who was there resting after just riding up from Arlington. We told him we were headed down to Arlington to have lunch and he invited himself to join us for the ride. He rode down at a fast pace compared to the pace we were used to carrying the panniers and our equipment. I was able to ride beside him all the way to Arlington, with Carmen either even with us or barely behind, it was by far one of the fastest paces we had done all trip, but it was on the trail , meaning no hills and very little traffic. His name was also Robert, we talked about tours done and future tours in the planning. I told him about my bent wheel and he told us he would take us to the bike shop in Arlington which he knew well.
The wheel had been slightly bent for about a week, from having it on a rack and falling over with all the stress on the wheel. At Arlington's Velo Sport Bike shop they took care of us right away, the wheel was straightened as much as it could be and I bought a couple of CO2 cartridges. We had lunch at a small restaurant and rode towards Everett. We had a WS confirmation in Marysville, which is just north of Everett from a couple of serious lady riders name Kristin and Kristi. I texted them ahead of time and asked them if they like red or while wine, so we stopped by a liquor store and got one of each to share with the dinner. These ladies have done some serious riding tours in the past both on their own bikes and on tandem bikes. Their garage was a serious bike repair shop. They told us during dinner that we inspired them to get back out and ride again, but it was us who were inspired by all they had done and by the trips they had taken. Their complement gave us inspiration to take challenges as well as gave us confidence to continue our current tour.
Soon after we found the Centennial Trail at the Japanese Farm and started a conversation with an older rider who was there resting after just riding up from Arlington. We told him we were headed down to Arlington to have lunch and he invited himself to join us for the ride. He rode down at a fast pace compared to the pace we were used to carrying the panniers and our equipment. I was able to ride beside him all the way to Arlington, with Carmen either even with us or barely behind, it was by far one of the fastest paces we had done all trip, but it was on the trail , meaning no hills and very little traffic. His name was also Robert, we talked about tours done and future tours in the planning. I told him about my bent wheel and he told us he would take us to the bike shop in Arlington which he knew well.
The wheel had been slightly bent for about a week, from having it on a rack and falling over with all the stress on the wheel. At Arlington's Velo Sport Bike shop they took care of us right away, the wheel was straightened as much as it could be and I bought a couple of CO2 cartridges. We had lunch at a small restaurant and rode towards Everett. We had a WS confirmation in Marysville, which is just north of Everett from a couple of serious lady riders name Kristin and Kristi. I texted them ahead of time and asked them if they like red or while wine, so we stopped by a liquor store and got one of each to share with the dinner. These ladies have done some serious riding tours in the past both on their own bikes and on tandem bikes. Their garage was a serious bike repair shop. They told us during dinner that we inspired them to get back out and ride again, but it was us who were inspired by all they had done and by the trips they had taken. Their complement gave us inspiration to take challenges as well as gave us confidence to continue our current tour.
Carmen - We arrived so late last night that I did not eat much for dinner, so I woke wanting a breakfast taco. We stopped at three Mexican restaurants and a small bakery but non of them were open. I wondered what the early bird working men did - I guess they all cook at home or eat McD. In my mind I was thinking how what I could say to get the lady that opened up the restaurant to make me a taco... . I know that I made her feel bad when I asked her - "ni cafe tienen?" It's a cultural thing to not let a traveler be hungry...and I sensed she felt at odds. I quickly moved to get a juice,then I settled for pan dulce/ mexican bread so that all would be OK. We continued to ride and finally found a place that had great coffee. I took a picture of Robert drinking his coffee coffee....with the pine trees in the background. This pub/bar place had a designated smoking area - with a sign posted.... No Service to this Area - waitress will not enter. The coffee helped to get me energized enough to continue on the ride. Stopping in Arlington to get the tire fixed was a big relief.... We also enjoyed lunch and then went to a book store, since I could not find a place that sold Ice-cream cones. At the bookstore I met a dog that asked to shake hands....he was sneaky. Each time he got a customer to shake hands he had to get a cookie from his owner. The owner was trying to get him to stop shaking hands, but new customers were tricked by the cute face to shake hands.
When we arrived at our destination for the night, I was very tired, but after a warm shower I felt like new. I think it was the excitement of sharing about our travels. We had great conversation with Kristy and Kristin and stayed up late talking. They shared great advice and were so excited about cycling! Robert had the best time sharing stories and discussing the Tour de France with them. I am a novice to riding.....but I am happy to see all of their excitement. The cycling community shares a bond....and shares dreams.
When we arrived at our destination for the night, I was very tired, but after a warm shower I felt like new. I think it was the excitement of sharing about our travels. We had great conversation with Kristy and Kristin and stayed up late talking. They shared great advice and were so excited about cycling! Robert had the best time sharing stories and discussing the Tour de France with them. I am a novice to riding.....but I am happy to see all of their excitement. The cycling community shares a bond....and shares dreams.