Biking 04Apr'09 - Ballard

Being newbies to biking here, we are not comfortable with riding on the roads here. We got to know about this group called Spokespeople which organizes easy rides to neighborhoods nearby on the first Saturday of every month. So we decided to join them and meet other bikers as well.

After the first ride last Sun, we ended up with aching legs and sore butts that lasted for a week ! (Ouch!) To play safe this time, we hopped into a sports store to get bike shorts for ourselves before the ride.

The ride starts at 2:30pm. Being first timers we are advised to arrive earlier to ensure our gears are properly fitted. On our way back, there was a heavy traffic jam. Damn ! We are going to be late. Quickly, we raced our bikes to the meeting point, which was pretty near our house with a couple of slopes to climb. We arrived just as the group was about to set off. Phew ! Lucky !

So off we go ! Our route today passes through one of the popular trails - Burke Gilman to the first neighborhood Fremont, followed by Ballard, where we take a short break before heading back, not forgetting to grab a fruit (compliments from Spokespeople, thanks!) from the nearby PCC organics supermarket.

We were awed by Ballard neighborhood, with its architectural buildings and cobblestone streets, attributed to its Nordic origins. No wonder ! We silently told ourselves we would be back again for a second visit.



During the break, we chatted up with one of our fellow cyclists, who happened to be teaching ESL for non-native students at the local college. Interesting ! And she commented that my English level is high. Boy, was so happy to hear that! We also got to know one of the leaders Cindy who also has a separate biking group. But she hasn't been biking for some time after her left hand contracted tendonitis and some spine problem (Sorry to hear that). So she came to this ride to re-familiarize herself again.

On the way back we were struck by a funny-looking bike on display in a Dutch bike shop. As we gathered around, we got more and more curious on how this machine works. One of us couldn't stand it anymore and popped the first question to the owner.

"What is this ? Can it be ridden? "
"Yeah, Its a bike that can seat 7 people", answered the owner.
"Can we try it?"
"Sure"



And some of us hopped on the bike, but no one can start it moving! So the owner hopped on as well, and start to pedal.

It moves ! And how it moves ! You've got to see this, simply awesome !



After thanking the owner, we made our way back to the starting point. By and by, there were fewer and fewer of us, as more and more people break from the group. Little did we know the last hurdle is the toughest, which is a hill spanning at least 5 blocks. I had to dismount at one time to relieve the soreness in my legs. Boy, are we glad we make it back ! I strongly felt that our stamina has improved after climbing that hill, but CH doesn't seem to think so. Oh well, nevermind.