Hard to imagine that last night was my last night in the tent (my Ritz-Carlin on grass). Tonight I am sleeping in a dorm room in Willow Hall on the University of Washington campus. As I write the blog tonight, I think I’m breaking out in a rash just sitting here (Go Cougs!)
The ride today was OK. I haven’t done a great job of setting up routes on calm rural roads. I’ve been in a lot of traffic most of the trip. But I’ll get to that in a moment.
The morning started great. I’m getting pretty good at packing up. As I was finishing up, one of the Pete’s next to me came over and said “Hey Mate, (they are British) our Garmin needs to be rebooted, do you happen to have a computer?” I hope I didn’t offend him with my look of astonishment from hearing the question. I wanted to say “Sorry I don’t, but I brought a toaster oven if you want a breakfast sandwich.” Of course I didn’t bring a computer. I can barely get down the road with what I got! Anyway, I thought that was funny. We looked up the local library. They should have one. With that, I’m off to Shelton to “Ts” for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. I know they have a toaster oven!
While at Ts, I took great care in creating a route that was not on the main highway. In this case, Hwy 3. I determine gravel/no gravel using Google Maps but it’s not an exact science. The route I chose did appear to have a short stretch of gravel but other than that looked great. After I finished my breakfast I headed out. 10 miles in I hit Chavez Road which was the gravel stretch. I take the corner, it looks like a driveway with a sign that says in BOLD RED letters, “ride passed this point at your on risk. Not responsible for injury or vehicle damage.” WTF! What’s back there?
I was too scared to take a picture when I was close enough to read it thinking Jethro might come out and shoot me. The sign was in front of the bridge. I think you get the idea.
Anyway, I decided to backtrack a little and intersect Hwy 3. On the way, I decided to play with my new selfie stick. Probably not the safest thing I’ll do today but it won’t be the first time I’ve done something stupid. I’m on this ride aren’t I?
There wasn’t a lot to see on the ride. There was quite a lot of traffic. Even if I did see something it would be tough to stop and restart. I did get a couple.
I finally made it safe to the Southworth Ferry terminal. Final tally this far, 52 miles, 3000 ft of climb.
The first section is text book “rolling hills.” Never been a fan of that term. “Rolling” is such soothing term it makes them seem easy. Maybe in that air conditioned car, not on a bike loaded with gear!
The Southworth Ferry was a nice break. Nice to sit on a soft seat and have a burger instead of the pavement with a Clif bar.
I disembarked in south Seattle. Unfortunately I need to get to NORTH Seattle. It was 14 miles through the heart of the city. Took over 2 hours!
I must say, though, Seattle has done a good job with the bike lanes through the city. Sure it’s not perfect but pretty darn good. It was a little daunting to know I have to ride through those far buildings and a few miles beyond.
For those familiar with Seattle, you know there are a few hills. Well, the bike route takes you up Virginia Street! One of the steepest grades in the city at 18-20%!! I can barely walk up that street, let alone ride it. What to d what to do. Time to put on the shoes and push!
Hey, I am not complaining, it’s a mattress which I have not slept on in 3 days! Also no tent to setup, no pad to blow up, sleeping bag, and I even have a private bathroom. Thinking about this, why the hell did I do this to myself anyway!
A nice dinner (well, Chipotle, but I love Chipotle) some shopping and now I’m ready for bed. 4:20 am (not a misprint) wake up. STP starts tomorrow!!
Until then…
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