cycling

Orcas Island – Trying Mount Constitution Again

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So, we’d made it up Mount Constitution (and more significantly given the weather, made it back down again).  But while climbing perhaps should be a noble end unto itself, we did still wish to savor the view from the top.

So we did it all again.

We were amused to find this sign, pointing to one of our favorite NYC-area destinations

This time around the skies threatened as we headed out, and got downright ominous by the time we reached Moran State Park. Would the drizzle once again turn to snow? Descending a second time in nasty weather was not appealing.  But neither was missing a chance at the view. So we took our chances and pedaled onward.

Great decision!

After some maddening indecision, the weather gods opted to come over to our side (maybe they just wanted to give us some moody photo opps first). By the time we made our way back to the top, the skies were clear and the view spectacular.  And we could claim credit for that climb not once, but twice.

Here’s our route.

Chilly Hilly and Camano Island (and Hampsten)

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Our first major event with the Cascade Bicycle Club was its well known Chilly Hilly — which, in fact, isn’t all that hilly and this year wasn’t very chilly (until it came time to wait an hour for the ferry in damp bike clothes …)

This was a great introduction to beautiful Bainbridge Island. And though we didn’t know it at the time, it also kicked off our unofficial Tour de Islands, still in progress. We did know that we’d return to Bainbridge, as the route was just gorgeous. Even on an overcast February day. And even though we didn’t manage to take pictures.

But: The most notable moments came after we finished pedaling.  Big events such as the Chilly Hilly are more than just rides. They’re also unofficial bike expos. Timothy had spent much of the ride, and the pre- and post-ride gatherings, ogling other bikes. Paula largely ignored this.

Until, that is, she emerged from a Port-a-John to discover Tim examining what was propped on the other side.  And it was love at first sight. And second and third and fourth.  It was a spectacular Hampsten Strada Bianca. Just luscious. She couldn’t stop gazing at it.

Then Timothy explained the Hampsten story.  And she got home and read more.  One week later …  well, stay tuned.

A month later we did Island No. 2 (or No. 3, if you count Mercer Island).  This time, we drove a little more than an hour north of Seattle to Camano. This ride was led by our new friend Bob, who’s been fabulous in making us feet at home and happy in the Seattle cycling scene. He’s a great person and a great ride leader, and we’re very lucky to have met him on one of our very first club rides.

The route was a loop of the island, and another little slice of heaven.  Too bad we didn’t linger long enough to get any photos, either here or on Bainbridge. We shall return!