night loop

I was intensely focused. My shadow stretched far in front of me, far out of proportion with me or my bike. My friend behind me was nervous about the gravel trail in the dark. I was focused on keeping strong in front of her until we were out of the park. Her light was casting my shadow on the pitch dark trail along the edge of Puget Sound. The wind was so strong, waves were breaking over the edge of the trail. I concentrated on the cone of light from my generator, kept the bike a solid wind break moving forward. My mind was clear, so rare in today's hyper distracted world. I was focused on the shaddow, on the trail, on the waves, on the bike. Keeping straight down the trail. And enjoying every second of it!

Lincoln Park is a favorite ride of mine. I had been looking forward to riding it at night. It started as a very calm ride. Auri wanted some miles after work and suggested dinner in White Center. That's an area that i have spent very little time and i was excited about seeing it. We left downtown on Airport Way.

Auri on Airport Way

LINK light-rail car shop

The 'R' in Rail is actually the 'R' in the 'Rainier' sign for so many years on the Rainier Brewery across the street. (Not the giant 'R' that was on top of the building).

attempt to get a photo of Aurilee with the fabulously blooming cherry trees in White Center

We rode a few loops of downtown White Center and then had a huge meal at a Cambodian restaurant.

a lot of food

After dinner, and after dark, we took a nice looping ride along Marine Drive towards Fauntleroy. It was a peaceful night as we entered Lincoln Park and casually rode up to the point. We started to feel a few droplets, but we could see stars. It was a nice night. But as soon as we came around the point, we came around into the wind, and it was a very strong wind. The droplets were not wind, but sea spray. The trail is along the seawall, for the length of the park. It was high tide and there was no beach exposed. The waves were not crossing the trail, but they were spraying onto it. Quite suddenly it became a very intense ride. I enjoyed it. I really liked the focus, the work, and i liked being able to handle it.

I found a moment of self awareness, seeing myself pulling through the wind, almost from outside, but most of that stretch i was focused and very present. I love the feeling of the sea spray, the experience of being out in the weather, of doing something. It felt real.

After the park is a cute little alley with tightly packed waterfront houses, and at the end of that alley was a brightly lit house. We were surprised to see Christmas lights this far into spring, but upon closer inspection, we saw they were for EASTER! I had never seen Easter lights before.

Easter Lights

We were somewhat sheltered from the wind along Beach Ave, but once we got to Alki, where we were hoping to have coffee, or dessert, the wind was full force.

strong wind at Alki

a ferry in the distance

Unfortunately nothing was open on this blustery night. But once we made the turn around Duwamish head, that screaming wind was at our backs, pushing us towards home!

Seattle skyline

Seattle skyline

Seattle skyline

SCUBA divers at Seacrest Park

SCUBA divers at Seacrest Park