Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[PowerflyLee formerly known as CheetahLee]

Mmmmmm!

 

[PatriciaK]

Absolutely stunning, warm, cloudless sunny (after the morning fog burned off) day to ride Lopez Island! My "mechanic" again borrowed his buddy's Rad City, so there would be no need of waiting for him at him tops of hills . It's not the greatest bike in the world, but, it got the job done!

It seemed like every cyclist and their mother was going to the San Juans today - I'd hate to see what it's like on a summer weekend! Lots of ebikes too - a little more than half, from what I could see. They ran the gamut from fancy high-end Bulls to a Fuji e-cross city, a couple of Gocycle folders, the Rad City, and other assorted brands. It was wonderful to see the variety of ebikes and riders out enjoying this spectacular day!

The ferry out of Anacortes was a little over an hour late departing, due to said fog, but, finally, after some willy-nilly loading ("Bikers! Use your kick stands if you got 'em! Otherwise, tie up somewhere!), We were on our way. Sadly, masks are required everywhere except on the car deck again, due to our rising Delta variant Covid numbers. Thanks a LOT, antivaxxers .





The ferry landing on Lopez is a lonely little spot on the north end of the island; nothing else around for miles. Our first stop after a steep-ish uphill off the landing and a nice downhill coast after, was Odlin Park, about a mile from the dock:



After enjoying the view, we hit the road again, heading south and east to Spencer Spit State Park. We carried our Park Pass with us, so we wouldn't have to pay the $10 daily use fee. At $30 per year, it's a great deal! After parking and locking the bikes, we hiked the short trail down through the woods and out to the end of the spit:



This is all the room boats have to pass between the end of the spit and the little Island (and, that's my "mechanic", providing perspective ). Unfortunately, though we did see some pretty big ones plowing through as we walked out, there were none while we were at water's edge:


Here's the view back across the spit. There are a decent amount of boat moorings available offshore (you need a dinghy to land), and it's a very popular spot:



Back on the road, continuing south, we spotted some "wildlife":



They did NOT like having their photo taken, and trundled away, all in a huff, right after I got this shot!

We continued south for a bit more, then crossed the island and turned back north again along Fisherman Bay Road, towards Lopez Village, the only town in the island.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot open in the village, which was surprising, considering the number of cyclists and cars about. Thank goodness, the ice cream shop was open, though masks are required inside again:



Pretty views up the west coast and towards the village at the mouth of Fisherman Bay:




After walking around the village a bit and enjoying a toffee coffee ice cream, it was time to head back to the ferry dock. We had been watching the Washington State Ferry website and knew the boat was still running nearly an hour late, so we took our time getting back to our starting point.

Loaded with the same precision ("Come on, people, let's go! To the right! Stack 'em up! Stack 'em up!") by the same deck hand as our outbound journey, we scooched in, waited for the vehicles to load, and were on our way back to Anacortes:
.
This is just the front "row" - the rest of us were squeezed in amongst the cars.

A vehicle shot - quarters were quite tight, and many cars and trucks were left waiting at least 2 hours for the next boat! :



Here's the ride:

20.63 miles, according to Mi Fit. The Giant Ride Control app lost contact with the bike at the beginning of the ride, and failed to record! Always have a back up recorder!!!

The great PNW is such a jewel of a place, especially on sunny summer days! So grateful we get to live here!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

How about your pedals? Are the studs long enough?

Thank you for asking! Stamp 1 Large are one of the largest pedals available. It is only me often taking my feet too closely to the crank (and then I'm correcting their position when my shoes squeak against the cranks). I'd welcome a narrower Q-factor...

 

[reed scott]

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Mmmmmm!

Pickle Juice. It's like a miracle cure. Been using it for years. I am very susceptible to muscle cramps. Always starts with my hands. If I don't drink some pickle juice at that point it goes to my feet and legs. One time I woke up with my legs so cramped I had to crawl to the fridge to get the pickle juice. The stuff literally works in seconds. ( gotta be DILL pickle juice ) If I go on a long bike ride I have to take some with.

I just buy larger jars of dill pickles and throw away the pickles. Cheaper.

 

[kahn]

Absolutely stunning, warm, cloudless sunny (after the morning fog burned off) day to ride Lopez Island! My "mechanic" again borrowed his buddy's Rad City, so there would be no need of waiting for him at him tops of hills . It's not the greatest bike in the world, but, it got the job done!

It seemed like every cyclist and their mother was going to the San Juans today - I'd hate to see what it's like on a summer weekend! Lots of ebikes too - a little more than half, from what I could see. They ran the gamut from fancy high-end Bulls to a Fuji e-cross city, a couple of Gocycle folders, the Rad City, and other assorted brands. It was wonderful to see the variety of ebikes and riders out enjoying this spectacular day!

The ferry out of Anacortes was a little over an hour late departing, due to said fog, but, finally, after some willy-nilly loading ("Bikers! Use your kick stands if you got 'em! Otherwise, tie up somewhere!), We were on our way. Sadly, masks are required everywhere except on the car deck again, due to our rising Delta variant Covid numbers. Thanks a LOT, antivaxxers .

View attachment 94847

View attachment 94848

The ferry landing on Lopez is a lonely little spot on the north end of the island; nothing else around for miles. Our first stop after a steep-ish uphill off the landing and a nice downhill coast after, was Odlin Park, about a mile from the dock:

View attachment 94849

After enjoying the view, we hit the road again, heading south and east to Spencer Spit State Park. We carried our Park Pass with us, so we wouldn't have to pay the $10 daily use fee. At $30 per year, it's a great deal! After parking and locking the bikes, we hiked the short trail down through the woods and out to the end of the spit:

View attachment 94850

This is all the room boats have to pass between the end of the spit and the little Island (and, that's my "mechanic", providing perspective ). Unfortunately, though we did see some pretty big ones plowing through as we walked out, there were none while we were at water's edge:

View attachment 94851
Here's the view back across the spit. There are a decent amount of boat moorings available offshore (you need a dinghy to land), and it's a very popular spot:

View attachment 94853

Back on the road, continuing south, we spotted some "wildlife":

View attachment 94854

They did NOT like having their photo taken, and trundled away, all in a huff, right after I got this shot!

We continued south for a bit more, then crossed the island and turned back north again along Fisherman Bay Road, towards Lopez Village, the only town in the island.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot open in the village, which was surprising, considering the number of cyclists and cars about. Thank goodness, the ice cream shop was open, though masks are required inside again:

View attachment 94855

Pretty views up the west coast and towards the village at the mouth of Fisherman Bay:

View attachment 94856
View attachment 94857

After walking around the village a bit and enjoying a toffee coffee ice cream, it was time to head back to the ferry dock. We had been watching the Washington State Ferry website and knew the boat was still running nearly an hour late, so we took our time getting back to our starting point.

Loaded with the same precision ("Come on, people, let's go! To the right! Stack 'em up! Stack 'em up!") by the same deck hand as our outbound journey, we scooched in, waited for the vehicles to load, and were on our way back to Anacortes:
.View attachment 94858
This is just the front "row" - the rest of us were squeezed in amongst the cars.

A vehicle shot - quarters were quite tight, and many cars and trucks were left waiting at least 2 hours for the next boat! :

View attachment 94859

Here's the ride:

View attachment 94861
20.63 miles, according to Mi Fit. The Giant Ride Control app lost contact with the bike at the beginning of the ride, and failed to record! Always have a back up recorder!!!

The great PNW is such a jewel of a place, especially on sunny summer days! So grateful we get to live here!

Great report and pictures. I've only been to Lopez once about 40 years ago and it was by bike. I've been to Orcas and San Juan a number of times always with a bike.

 

[Dallant]

Pickle Juice. It's like a miracle cure. Been using it for years. I am very susceptible to muscle cramps. Always starts with my hands. If I don't drink some pickle juice at that point it goes to my feet and legs. One time I woke up with my legs so cramped I had to crawl to the fridge to get the pickle juice. The stuff literally works in seconds. ( gotta be DILL pickle juice ) If I go on a long bike ride I have to take some with.

I just buy larger jars of dill pickles and throw away the pickles. Cheaper.

My fav summertime sandwich is a cold pickle and chunky peanut butter! So I love dill pickles but cannot imagine drinking straight pickle juice!

 

[reed scott]

My fav summertime sandwich is a cold pickle and chunky peanut butter! So I love dill pickles but cannot imagine drinking straight pickle juice!

I admit, it's nasty but when you can't close your fingers and then your legs quit on you ... it's fine.

Pickles and peanut butter !?!? Surely you jest sir.

 

[Dallant]

I admit, it's nasty but when you can't close your fingers and then your legs quit on you ... it's fine.

Pickles and peanut butter !?!? Surely you jest sir.

Try it! Ice cold, thick sliced, dill pickles on a thick layer of chunky (room temperature) PB on your basic wheat bread. Yummmm!
FWIW, I never get cramps!

 

[PatriciaK]

I admit, it's nasty but when you can't close your fingers and then your legs quit on you ... it's fine.

Pickles and peanut butter !?!? Surely you jest sir.

How much do you need to drink? I like dill pickles and I get leg cramps - I'll try it!

 

[reed scott]

How much do you need to drink? I like dill pickles and I get leg cramps - I'll try it!

I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs and 2 or 3 ounces is all it takes.

 

[PatriciaK]

I'm 6'2" and 200 lbs and 2 or 3 ounces is all it takes.

I'll give it a try, thanks !

 

[PowerflyLee formerly known as CheetahLee]

I'll give it a try, thanks !

Yes, it works great and quickly too. Giant foods sells the shot size like I had, it's with the gatorade drinks. I always carry one or two with me now. The shot size is about 2 ounces or so, perfect size for carrying in one of the pouches.

 

[PowerflyLee formerly known as CheetahLee]

First ride of the day.

Had to wait for the Rangers to open up! Someone overslept hahahaha


New attraction at Benjies's Drive-In


This little guy was crossing the road, had to goad him along, he was, ummm, well, being a turtle once he started moving though he was pretty fast!

Patiently waiting for breakfast.

If you closely see, mama is holding a fish, guess I was too close to the nest for her comfort, cause she flew off to a nearby tree to wait for me to move along.

Time for some lunch, craving some chinese! Then back home for a nice little nap. I love retirement

 

[reed scott]

First ride of the day.
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Had to wait for the Rangers to open up! Someone overslept hahahaha

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New attraction at Benjies's Drive-In

View attachment 94887View attachment 94886
This little guy was crossing the road, had to goad him along, he was, ummm, well, being a turtle once he started moving though he was pretty fast!
View attachment 94889
Patiently waiting for breakfast.
View attachment 94884View attachment 94885
If you closely see, mama is holding a fish, guess I was too close to the nest for her comfort, cause she flew off to a nearby tree to wait for me to move along.

Time for some lunch, craving some chinese! Then back home for a nice little nap. I love retirement

Oh thank goodness. I was afraid you were going to tell us mama snatched the turtle. I love those kind of turtles cause we used to keep them as pets when we were kids. Had one for a bit that was only about 2 inches long. Little bastage latched onto the web between my thumb and forefinger and wouldn't let go. Guess he didn't fancy being a pet turtle.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Pickle Juice. It's like a miracle cure.

Could you someone enlighten me what is understood by "pickle" in NA? We actually have two distinct varieties of pickles in Poland: preservatives made with vinegar; and the fermented stuff. For instance, cucumber can be preserved in vinegar; OR, it can be fermented. The juice from fermented cucumber (or cabbage = sauerkraut) is extremely effective against hangover. (Or, people here think so).

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ice-cream in Grójec

Having no better idea where to ride (to test my latest Vado setup and especially riding in low power mode), I set off to Grójec via Tarczyn. Both towns compete for the title of the "Poland's Capital City of Apple", and I think Grójec fares better. Area southward of Tarczyn is pretty interesting for a cyclist, for its rolling hills and a lot of greenery.

The main square of Grójec is decorated with the brass monument of the apple, and that looks far better than the "rotten apple" of Tarczyn

There is something I'd call "the Polish town Main Square vice". It is the paving of main squares in so many Polish towns and cities. Poland's got a lot of EU money to make her towns look better. Unfortunately, the local authorities typically thought paving the main square would make the city look good. With this year's violent thunderstorms leading to flooding said main squares, there is some hope aldermen would rethink the whole idea for the future.

There is some hope for Grójec, too. Several big trees in the main square have been preserved, new trees planted, and fountains have been built around the square. Typically for this Summer, I could find a public water-curtain to cool down and wash my face and hands. And I ate the most delicious ice-cream: mint and blueberry!

Horses, Thinlinden, and Petersgoats (Frogsville borough)

I made a route-planning mistake for my return trip, and had to ride with traffic on Hwy #50 for 17 km, upwind and over rolling hills. The Hwy #50 is scary even if you drive a small car there. The road has the most heavy traffic, with the large lorries dominating it. I had a narrow shoulder for riding it, and the slipstream of the big trucks combined with headwind was trying to throw me into the ditch! I was so happy when I could leave the 50 for a side road that was so perfect any road-cyclist would cry from happiness!

I returned home very tired. Bought some fermented cucumber (alas without the juice), "low-salt" shortly fermented cucumber, and excellent cheese!

 

[PowerflyLee formerly known as CheetahLee]

Beverage not pickle juice hahaha

Stefan, a "pickle" is just a smallish cucumber that has been preserved in vinegar. I also have heard that fermented cabbage is a hangover cure but have not tested that theory yet.

Good Night Ladies and Gentlemen
Gute Nacht meine Damen und Herren
Dobranoc panie i panowie
Satyricon nobilium dominarum
Usiku mwema mabibi na mabwana

 

[PatriciaK]

View attachment 94916
Beverage not pickle juice hahaha

Stefan, a "pickle" is just a smallish cucumber that has been preserved in vinegar. I also have heard that fermented cabbage is a hangover cure but have not tested that theory yet.

Good Night Ladies and Gentlemen
Gute Nacht meine Damen und Herren
Dobranoc panie i panowie
Satyricon nobilium dominarum
Usiku mwema mabibi na mabwana

Buona notte signore e signori!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Smoked Out.

It was a lacklustre day along the Icefields Parkway yesterday as we cycled our way from Saskatchewan River Crossing to Bow Lake. Smoke blown in from the BC wildfires hung heavy in the air and was especially noticeable as we struggled on the long climb up to Bow Summit. To make matters worse, the amount of summer traffic was quite alarming as everyone was anxious to hit the road and get an early start before the civic holiday weekend.

Despite the smoke, it was still a nice day to be out on the water. I was quite envious of these paddlers as they seemed to be enjoying themselves on the calm waters of Waterfowl Lake.

Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. It’s closed for the season but there are plans to re-open it in 2022. It would make for a nice layover for anyone interested in cycling the entire length of the Icefields Parkway.

The climb towards the Summit took upwards of an hour by the time we reached the Peyto Lake turnoff road. The road up to the lookout, however, was closed due to construction up at the site so we pushed on toward the summit but the views there were just as obscured.

As we reversed our direction back to the start, the 10-minute descent from Bow Summit seemed to last an eternity and was a bit sketchy at times. Rumble strips to the left of us, a narrow section of shoulder part way down and highway cones placed hastily along the side of the road were distractions we didn’t count on. We were thankful though that traffic at the time was light.

Our often hazy but completed video tribute to Bow Lake and the Icefields Parkway below. Sorry that we couldn’t quite capture the true essence of the ride due to conditions beyond our control. I remain hopeful that things will be more pleasant the next time out.

 

[kahn]

Smoked Out.

It was a lacklustre day along the Icefields Parkway yesterday as we cycled our way from Saskatchewan River Crossing to Bow Lake. Smoke blown in from the BC wildfires hung heavy in the air and was especially noticeable as we struggled on the long climb up to Bow Summit. To make matters worse, the amount of summer traffic was quite alarming as everyone was anxious to hit the road and get an early start before the civic holiday weekend.

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Despite the smoke, it was still a nice day to be out on the water. I was quite envious of these paddlers as they seemed to be enjoying themselves on the calm waters of Waterfowl Lake.

View attachment 94946

Num-Ti-Jah Lodge. It’s closed for the season but there are plans to re-open it in 2022. It would make for a nice layover for anyone interested in cycling the entire length of the Icefields Parkway.

View attachment 94947

The climb towards the Summit took upwards of an hour by the time we reached the Peyto Lake turnoff road. The road up to the lookout, however, was closed due to construction up at the site so we pushed on toward the summit but the views there were just as obscured.

View attachment 94948
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As we reversed our direction back to the start, the 10-minute descent from Bow Summit seemed to last an eternity and was a bit sketchy at times. Rumble strips to the left of us, a narrow section of shoulder part way down and highway cones placed hastily along the side of the road were distractions we didn’t count on. We were thankful though that traffic at the time was light.

Our often hazy but completed video tribute to Bow Lake and the Icefields Parkway below. Sorry that we couldn’t quite capture the true essence of the ride due to conditions beyond our control. I remain hopeful that things will be more pleasant the next time out.

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Nice report and the scenery along the route is sublime although obviously impaired. But what were you doing to your lungs??? I regret pushing it on my trip to Glacier National Park a few years ago - "I CAN DO IT" in spite of the smoke!

I've skied across Bow Lake a number of times. Speaking of rumble strips, its frozen surface occasionally felt like that.

Stay safe while enjoying.