Elements of Erin 337

Back in February, Tim and I took part in the Chilly Hilly cycling event put on by the Cascade Bike Club.  The Chilly Hilly is a 33mile (52km) ride around Bainbridge Island, WA.  It is a short and inexpensive ride from downtown Seattle.   Many cyclist ride over from Seattle on the ferry the day of the event but we chose to drive to Seattle on Saturday afternoon and stay on Bainbridge for the night.  The Best Western hotel close to the event start is clean, comfortable, affordable, bike friendly and includes breakfast.  What more could you ask for?  They also have a noon check out time which enabled us to complete the event onSunday morning (starting at 8am) ,enjoy the post ride food and still have plenty of time to shower and check out before noon. The event is all inclusive.  All levels of riders and styles of bikes were seen on the route.  In addition, it is VERY AFFORDABLE.   Here is a link to the event for this year.  ...

Last weekend I ran the Bellingham Bay Half Marathon .   This was my 3rd time running the half in Bellingham and by far the best.   This race is a small, very well organized and beautiful marathon and half marathon.  If you live in the area and haven't done it, put it on your calendar for 2013.   The past 2 years, the weather was more fall-like than this year.  Last year the winds were high and I had to hold onto my hat (literally) for the last 5kms.   This year, the weather was PERFECT for running.  Sunny, no wind and about 15C. 200m to go and feeling great Note Tim on the right side of the photo behind the fence (black shirt with red sleeves). Keep your eye on him . And now... And now...Perfect execution of the PHOTO BOMB.   I suppose when you have travelled to as many races as we have, you need to think of creative ways to entertain yourself.   I was completely oblivious to a...

Weeks ago, Ellen and I made plans to ride to Lynden, Washington.  We set the date for Sunday since it both worked for our schedules.  Every fall, The SAA rides to from Whiterock, BC to Lynden, WA for Dutch Apple Pie.  Both Ellen and I missed the club ride so we thought we would venture out on our own. Here is the route we took  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/226227805  Lynden, WA has a large Dutch population. Windmill and Bikes View down Front Street in Lynden, WA at 10am on Sunday  Another view of bikes and windmill  So, if you go to Lynden for pie, make sure you do it on Saturday.   On Sunday, EVERYTHING is closed Thank goodness we packed enough food and drink for the 85km round trip.  And thank goodness for ABC Family Restaurant in Whiterock for a BIG brunch.