Scout Ride, May 4, 2023

 Leaving aside the inevitable Star Wars comments on this date, 6 of us (7 if you count Winray who joined for a short bit...and I guess we should count her as she did the Mercer Island section of the ride with us) pre-rode a route planned for a group ride on May 9.  Unfortunately, a family issue has arisen which prevents me from leading the ride as planned. Fortunately, 5 of the 6 of us are ride leaders...so two have volunteered to lead and sweep the ride for me. It is nice to be part of a supportive community! 

Since it wasn't an "official" ride, there was no pace restrictions so I was able to just ride at whatever intensity suited me which was a great feeling today!  All the other riders are very capable and equally speedy (or speedier!) than me so I wasn't worried about offending anyone's sensibilities.

Looks like a great route which could be easily expanded! 

 

Dayle shot this next one so my Bride could be sure I was actually riding and not goofing off somewhere!

TREATS Cascade Group Ride, May 2, 2023

 15 of us joined the weekly Free Group Ride, TREATS*, which departed from Pine Lake Park in Sammamish to head into the Snoqualmie Valley and Carnation. While our initial routing was largely downhill or flat, our return route gave us good challenges as we climbed both Tolt Hill and Duthie Hill. Everyone survived the climbs on this day which ended in sunshine!

 

McClinchy Mile, aka Camano Island Climb, April 30, 2023

 On a cool and generally cloudy day (with only the slightest hint of raindrops!), 8 of us gathered to ride the McClinchy Mile put on by the B.I.K.E.S. cycling club in Snohomish County, Washington. I would guess there were several hundred riders overall spread out over a couple of courses available (15, 35, 65, and 100 mile options). Many of us considered the 65 mile option but opted in the end to do the 50 mile option which realistically had all the hill work in it anyway.

We sort of spread out and rode in groups of 2 to 4 depending on the terrain and the how folks felt at the time. Rest Stops (there were two) were gathering places to touch base and see if everyone was hanging in there.  

Overall, it was a fun ride and I got to push myself a bit which gives me more confidence in leading our Sunday rides as they are now around 45-50 miles long. Also it should set me up well for the trip to Montana and Alberta this July.

 

And who doesn't like a ride that ends with tacos!!