Riding the Tommy Thompson trail link  in Anacortes.  Beautiful  Leisure ride with many possibilities for wild life. We looked for seals, Blue heron, Cormorants, Eagles, Otters, Salmon, sea gulls, and the elusive Kingfisher.  The route took us by boat yards,  Murals Painted by many different artists.  The were also Sculptures beside the trail.

 

Here in Washington State feeling the heat and have great concerns about the first ride.  I can honestly say I do not enjoy heat when riding.  The weather looks solid for warm sunny days.  I stopped by the bike shop and dropped off a Key lime pie.  The bike techs have had to work hard getting all the woman tour bikes assembled and tuned up.  Skagit cycling center is a busy place.  Mount Baker.

So ends one adventure and begins a new one.  Two days from now I begin the western half of the Northern Tier.  There are 25 plus women all heading out on a new adventure.  We will cycle to Fargo, ND from Anacortes.  We begin with a frightening 77 miles. The next day we do over 90 miles.  I fear I cannot do it but have faith I will give it my all.  I had a major breakdown on my bike to which the bike shop had to replace all my gear head sets.  It was stressful but Skagit cycling center pulled a rabbit out of their hat and saved me. I will look for a new de-railer while in route.  I rode up a hill and the gears changed fine.

 34 mile round trip today riding along the Bridger mountain range.  One of my favorite rides, over 900 feet of climbing.  Was pretty tired on the way home so I stopped at the coffee shop for a little pick me up.  

 Time is speeding up some much to get done before my next epic tour.  Just around the corner.  Training daily fighting heat.

Day after day I dream of the open road.   What lies around the next bend,  what are the new sights, what are the new smells.  The air flowing and bending around my body cradling me comfortably on the bike.