The Osprey and the Rando

Sez the Rando to the Osprey:
You don't remember?

The summer skies hue,
Or the the symphony in blue.

Osprey:
I was not there friend,
Everything comes to an end.

Rando:
Then fly to your tomorrow,
Leave me to my sorrow.

Thanx to Ralph "eagle eyes" Nussbaum

Ring The Bell Twice

Canadian poet Leonard Cohen admonishes us in a song to do the things we love to do, never mind the imperfections. It is from these imperfections that enlightenment comes.
Due largely to the clemency of the weather the weekend before the Ephrata 400K. I loaded Hatsumomo and her new gearing (now a double instead of a triple) unto my Pogo Stick and we were off towards Canada.
The Bell, Bellingham for back to back 200k permanents, first to Elger Bay, Camano Island and back and day two to Fort Casey, Whidbey island and back.
Most impressive was in between. After the return from Elger Bay it was a no-brainer not to drive to Federal way and back.
Found an Econolodge a little north of town.

I convinced them to an extra $2 discount and took a ground floor room, perfect for the bike. After shower I rode into town, and the natives were loving the weather, people, free live music, lots of Margaritas and Canadian flags.
I kept thinking that this would be a great caper with a group of friends, me! I must be insufferable.
Finally settled on a Mexican restaurant called Jalapenos.

Extra salt with the chips please.
I highly recommend if you have a sweet tooth like me, Ice Cream at Mallard
Ran into the Captain on the way there, no blood relative I presume.

As soon as I had the Vanilla, (next time I must try the Rhubarb) my mind became fixed on Fort Casey so I hit the sack. But not before gathering with a few natives.

To validate this sunset.

Within 36 hours I rode Chuckanut Drive four times (as well as the Skagit Flats). On the final return I thought the "Drive" must be ready to "chuck this nut" but the feeling was not mutual. I really love it especially in the early morning.
Mark Thomas once told me that a flat tire has more to do with your karma than the tire that you were last heard extolling its virtues. What I am saying is that it is not in my karma to retain salt and water like a camel in the Sahara, nor will I ever win the "David Zabriskie award" for cutting through wind.
Winds in the Skagit, I could pass.

Thanx to "Meester Secret Control Man", I learn something every time our paths cross.

Jumbo Mambo

Be careful what you wish, it may come true.
I was invited by a friend to ride the Jumbo Mambo
Another friend joined in, this is synchronicity for in my "kitchen Swahili" (perhaps because Africans patronize their friends by calling them "chief") I would call my friends Jumbo.
Also these guys are tall and good to hide behind in the Skagit.
They rode quick by my standards.



But still had time to break Mambo bread.
Geoff thinks this one is a winner.

Gratitude for permanents AT seattlerando DOT org

Mambo-jumbo

I am sure that is what I sound like quite often.
I ramble on:
After poking fun, the fleche got me thinking, 360 km that is the distance you must cover every 24hrs to remain in the in the good one of the 2 columns. If it was a brevet how long would it have taken.
This is of significance specially in the multi-day rides. If you cover the 360 in 24hrs or more then you must ride on with no stop. I am also thinking that the only place that a 200k helps (in a multi-day ride) is in the second day of a 600k.
As these multi-day rides loom, is the 200k permanent still good training.
Tell me.
I am thinking that to be comfortable, if such a state is possible, with the 1000, 1200, and higher.
At least mix in and be somewhat comfortable with the 300 to 400k permanents.
What are those? Where? How many?
Well! battle innoculation, start with a 250k
Whidbey Mambo!
How did I do? I cut off 3hrs from last years time, mostly from better navigation, this is very important, I think, and skipping the Mambo. Yes there were winds in the Skagit and Traffic lights in Everett just when you really don't care to race them.
Running half awake and wide alive, ran into unprecedented traffic.

And Tulips

And still Daffodils

Daylight from start to the finish.


Thanks to Ward who stopped to chat as we crossed on Whidbey.