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First Day Ride
Tuesday, June 7th Seattle to Everett - 35.5 Miles We got an early start by 7am we were up, already packed we headed out the door just as our hosts were getting ready to head out to work.
We crossed the bridge into Fremont where we stopped for some coffee and scrambled eggs before getting on the Inter Urban trail to head north. The trail took us through the University of Washington where we stopped at a bike shop just of the trail to get some air in the tires and Carmen's handlebar straighten, I also ended up getting a couple of CO2 cartridges just in case of a flat. We did not go straight on the Inter-Urban trail because we wanted a more scenic ride along Lake Washington, but it also meant we would be doing additional miles, we both agreed it would be more fun and memorable. We had a few tough hills, in fact one steeper than what Jessy and I had done in Spain. I tried to stop to help Carmen but she was determined to do it by herself even if it meant having to push the bike for the last 50 yards. During our ride this young guy rode up beside us and asked us if we were on tour, when we said yes, He said that was so cool, he also asked us if we needed any help of any kind, that he was a bike mechanic. We thanked him but didn't tell him it was our first day of riding so we did not have any bike issues. Carmen bought some cherries from a road side vendor before we stopped to lunch on pizza and spaghetti at about 1 pm in a small shop were the clerk went out of his way to make sure we were happy, he ended up making pizzas larger that what we had ordered and we ended up giving one away to a homeless man on the way out of the parking lot. |
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Next to the pizzeria there was a Russian Pastry shop, we picked up some chocolates for our self and a pastry which we took to our host for the night, Drew and Becky. The homeless man wanted to talk, he told us to be very careful, that just a couple of weeks earlier in that very same corner some lady had been run over 3 times on her bike one night and no one stopped to help her. On the way to Everett we were on and off the Burke Gilman trail with some beautiful scenery along the lake.
We rode up to their house and were very welcomed , Drew gave us a small tour of the house and his bicycle shop where he has many bikes and all the tools and equipment of a bike shop along with cycling memorabilia on the walls. We had dinner with them that night and had a chance to relax after a long day on the road.
We rode up to their house and were very welcomed , Drew gave us a small tour of the house and his bicycle shop where he has many bikes and all the tools and equipment of a bike shop along with cycling memorabilia on the walls. We had dinner with them that night and had a chance to relax after a long day on the road.
Carmen - Today was our first day of riding and I was so ready, yet nervous about how I would handle everything. I am so Thankful for our hosts, who made us feel welcome and also filled me with encouragement and positive thoughts. Kristen impressed on me that it was my ride and I would set my own pace. I love that Women can relate to each other without too many words being used. I was totally on my own, on this ride - so different from being in a car. Robert can encourage me but not peddle for me. When we stopped at the bike shop before going into Washington State University - the young guy, Sebastian, was so helpful. He will never know that his smile and joke about Robert probably purposefully leaving my tires with less air was his way of getting an advantage on me made me feel at home. I love that these young adults so full of life and positive energy would be encouraging me to go on my ride. His words - "Don't worry about the bike - It will get you there, you will get there, just enjoy the ride." We constantly hear - enjoy the ride! I guess it is like what Jessica said about her Camino trip - everyone cheered her on with "Buen Camino". I was so glad we took the senic route ....the homes were beautiful, the flowers everywhere! I love the gardens because they are open and appear to be wild - but every homeowner has put lots of thought and work to their planting and care of the gardens. They are few gardens that are contained....most are free flowing with some boarders of shrubs between homes. Every plant that is flowering a flower I recognize as something that grows in Texas - looks bigger with bigger blooms.
One big surprise has been seeing one of my favorite trees in blooms - there are so many Dogwood trees in full bloom! This takes me back to my first year of being married and living in Palestine, Texas with Robert....where the Dogwood Trails are. I am so glad to know that I don't feel unsafe on the trails, there are so many people out riding and walking. I am impressed with the number of people on the road riding to work in the morning and on the trail with us. When we arrive at our 2nd Host's home - I am amazed at the beautiful gardens that surround the house. I contain myself from going out to the back yard to sit and admire her flowers. We sit for dinner at their table with with the beautiful view of pine trees and flowers outside. What a beautiful end to my first day of riding.
One big surprise has been seeing one of my favorite trees in blooms - there are so many Dogwood trees in full bloom! This takes me back to my first year of being married and living in Palestine, Texas with Robert....where the Dogwood Trails are. I am so glad to know that I don't feel unsafe on the trails, there are so many people out riding and walking. I am impressed with the number of people on the road riding to work in the morning and on the trail with us. When we arrive at our 2nd Host's home - I am amazed at the beautiful gardens that surround the house. I contain myself from going out to the back yard to sit and admire her flowers. We sit for dinner at their table with with the beautiful view of pine trees and flowers outside. What a beautiful end to my first day of riding.