Pedaling in Skagit Valley

Now I am writing, sore back and tired legs- smile stronger then ever. What a two day adventure on my Raleigh that gave it all to the end. Crisp chilly September mornings burning off to brilliant sunshine. Day one began with excitement and anticipation of biking with a team. Wonderful pace keepers all of us together. Fresh legs peddle peddle strong but not too hard, keeping steam for the two day event. What a joy drafting is! At times it was difficult to keep a constant pace and stay together, part of me screaming out to power up hills instead of the tedious 1-1 gear ratio. Day one turn around was just a bit further then deception pass. My youthful fears of the bridge and turbulant waters beneath has subsided it seems. I trust the structural integrity of the bridge in my older self. Perhaps my childish innocence is departed- wonders and fears turned into logical ways of life. Impressions seeped with judgement rather then simply taking in the senuous world, as is. Splended screnry all through the Skagit valley. The ride was wonderfully supported. Rest stops spaced out but close enough. Carbohydrate overdose at every stop-bananas, apples and peanut butter, granola bars and all the drinks needed. My hat tips off to Alison Delong. The organization and effort put forth to keep all the riders happy was orchestrated to perfection. I was impressed during the ride, little did I know that free massage, spaghetti dinner and a beer garden awaited at the end of day one. The live music as well! U2 cover band AND a Police cover band. Same group, but I think the change of clothes may have fooled some. I was a cheap date on the local hefeweizen. Team bunnie love, tired and well fed headed back to home base of Dick n Kathy's on Samish island. A futon was warmed up and me sleeping in it before the sun was down. A well spent day, unsure of the health I would feel in the morning. Morning started pre dawn with fresh eyes and remarkably ready body. Stretched out a bit and off we went to get the bikers breakfast. Such fog. In the ocean of white, trees and houses were etched atop clouds on our way into Mount Vernon. My one dismay awaited, coffee was not up to par. Far from the snobbery of black bean lovers at the Mack house. But its function was served. Chilly mornings were remedied by constant movement and stretching. Biking jerseys sheilding nothing of the morning elements. Wind ripping through, cold all the way into my lungs. 20 miles later and a non designated rest stop at the farm to market bakery in Edison set me right. Real cup of coffee and a cookie then peddleing off to Samish to do the loop. Had a bit of bike mal function, but eager to help bikers chipped in necessary tools and away I peddled on a five speed. I only use about three gears anyway so made no difference. I knew my bike was on its last legs. To the finish line it carried me well, but little further. About two miles out from the Sunday ride finish, my back break clamps down with no releasing. Coming into the finish line, pushing through the back break and no front derailer-huge smile on my face. We had done it. A final send off tour for my Raleigh 502. The bicycle I fell in love with. Embracing the passion of seat in the saddle feet atop peddles. Crossing the finish line I was thinking of the giving tree story, a well known literature of my youth. My trusted friend had given all its road worthyness in the end. Perhaps now a new walk of life awaits it. A water wheel is rolling in my head. Day two complete! Hamburgers and tube steaks were on the menu, as for dessert-laying in the shaded grass. Cool, crisp and so refreshing, it still felt dew ridden from the morning even. Exhaustion was setting in now. Just one more burst of wind was needed, to get me into my bed at home. Mama Mack had such delacicies at home, meatloaf, pesto pasta, apple crisp. I do wonder how Mack boys get along without her loving kitchen. It certainly does keep us close!