A Blustery, Beautiful Day

 My partner (with his new bike), a friend, and I headed out yesterday to try to go 50 miles, to Marymoor and back, plus a little bit extra on the Burke Gilman to reach the 50-mile goal.   We wanted to keep up a fairly good speed (for us), but the headwinds were throwing themselves at our bikes.  Will Iowa have that much of a headwind?

But it was an enjoyable ride, nevertheless.  Our friend's rear tube blew within about a mile from our starting point, and he capably and quickly fixed it.  His rear tire itself was bad, so we rode on gently, and in Kenmore found Bothell Ski and Bike, which replaced his tire (also capably and quickly), so we were on our way. 

Not too much to report, other than the beauty of Lake Washington on our right and on our left, a great blue heron rookery, and about a mile farther, some eagles soaring and swooping (probably having just eaten some great blue heron eggs or babies).

On to Redmond we went, where we tried Hancock's Bakery--the roll-ups and fruit tarts are yummy.  After our mechanical problems earlier in the day, we actually arrived at the bakery late enough that some of their goodies were sold out, so we'll have to go back earlier, next time.

Then we rode onto the 520 Trail (so that I would know where it is) and towards Marymoor (so that I would know exactly where it is--last week when I tried to get to the park itself, I got lost).  Turned around and headed home.  And you'd think that since there were lots of headwinds on the way out, there would've been tailwinds on the way back.  No such luck.  There were showers interspersed with sunshine, but no tailwinds to ease our journey.

Ride total--39 miles.

Looking forward to the Iowa ride!  And, speaking of Iowa, did  you know that Kingsley, Iowa's motto is
"Some bigger....none better"?  Sounds like a good place!