looking back and forth

This last summer, August 2010, I went on an amazing camping trip with some old guy friends from college: Matt, Jeff and their friend Michael. It was amazing!! We hiked almost everyday, and did the full Enchantment Loop (up and over Asgaard pass!!! beautifully epic).

As a result of the high I experienced conquering those many miles in the beauteous outdoors; I have been, since that trip, looking towards the next big adventure!! And it shall be the Wonderland Trail on Ranier of course! I am in the process of planning it with my friend Al, and we have to submit an application for a pass soon... so much planning, but sooo worth it. These kind of adventures stay with you for a lifetime. :)

Maggie, my fancy bicycle :)

So, I have named my dear cycle "Maggie." The thought process behind this choice of name is simple, if you know how I received the bike...

one day, I was wishing that I had a bicycle to ride the Seattle to Portland bike race with and I happened to mention this dream to my Uncle Troy. My Uncle Troy, being the awesome cycling uncle that he is, offered to make me a bike!! Not only did he give me a frame, and put everything together (clips, etc.) but he also gave me a very cool jersey (which I have received multiple compliments about) and cycling shoes as well! And so, I was able to make my dream happen thanks to the generosity of my awesome Uncle Troy (and thanks to Aunt Debbie for the socks!).

I felt the need to honor the origins of my awesome bike in some way, and I name everything (my snow shoes are named Charlie (left foot) and Lola (right foot)) so I dubbed my bike Maggie, after my Aunt and Uncle's dog :)

I have since gone on three rides with Maggie and it is so much fun! There is nothing like cycling, you are moving so quickly, I feel like a human bullet!! The scenery is beautiful around the Seattle area, and I have a feeling that by the time StP rolls around I will have seen all of it.

My most recent ride was across the I-90 bridge (fear not, there is a separated bike area) which was terrifying!!!

It was terribly windy and you could see the water below you through the spaces in the railing... oye, I was focusing so hard on not going towards the rails while simultaneously avoiding oncoming bike traffic, that I almost didn't notice the frost bite in my hands (almost)... definitely an experience. After the bridge I rode the Mercer Island loop; so far this is the longest ride I have gone on (until this coming Sunday of course).

StP Update: last night I purchased my ticket at 12:06pm!!! (7min after they opened for public sale) My intention was to avoid missing out on a ticket, apparently I was over-excited about the lack of availability because others I know purchased their tickets late today... in any case I am hoping to have a cool number. And I can't help but be excited!!! July 9th & 10th here I come!!!