A ride with fitting along the way. The end result seems good.
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Outbound
I started at 05:00 like usual. Unlike usual, however, I went along the Burke-Gilman Trail, up Stone Way, and around Green Lake to eventually start heading north. Since I wanted to focus on fitting the bike, the climb straight up from my place didn't seem like the best idea.
Once I got to the Interurban Trail, I went on my typical route along it to Lynnwood, then continued on back roads as usual to Everett.
I'm at Echo Lake Park in Shoreline, WA https://t.co/aGO065KaOl
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
I stopped in Everett for water and some hot chocolate, then continued north along SR-529.
No coffee for me yet. (at @SilverCupCoffee in Everett, WA) https://t.co/TDaC72KjC0
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
In my fit adventures, I've learned that the pain spots need to be matched to pedal stroke position for proper analysis.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
When there's a constant northerly wind, it means clear skies. For me today, it also means #headwind.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
When I got to the Pioneer Highway, I made a left and headed out along the Stillaguamish River. Out here, I passed through Silvana.
From there, I continued along the valley, but left the highway in favor of Normal Road in order to escape traffic. The northerly winds were getting pretty strong out here, as there aren't many hills between the valley and wide, open water.
Strong, gusting wind + busy traffic + no shoulders = scary! #Cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Good thing my bike is so heavy and loaded down with gear!
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
I got to Stanwood, and passed right through without dealing with much traffic.
I also found a road that seemed to have been cut in two by a railroad.
When I got to 'Milltown,' I was reminded of the lady who lives in the upper part of a building that is largely falling apart, who I met on a ride in the area a while back.
While eating there, I saw a few others ride through. Some said they were from Burlington, so I knew I was near another area of civilization.
Some other cyclists are riding around here. @wabikes
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
The fit is so amazingly close now. It's to the point where I can't tell that from normal leg wear.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Being out here means I don't have to deal with people's problems back in the city.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
I just have to deal with the noise of passing BNSF trains.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Continuing north against the winds, I passed through Conway.
While there, I realized that there were two 76 gas stations there: one on either side of I-5.
Not to be confused with Conwy. (@ Conway in Conway, WA) https://t.co/V5mj66iuJ0
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
It was here where I started heading east, up and over the big hill that is SR-534. The winds basically blew me over the hill, so it was rather easy.
As usual, I stopped in Lake McMurray.
I'm at Lake McMurray in Lake McMurray, WA https://t.co/d6hVe6VaQb
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
When a strong tailwind blows you up a steep hill. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Inbound
I to head home, I simply went along SR-9 for the few miles, then along the Centennial Trail.
I'm at legion park in Arlington, WA https://t.co/s0IR5zq74w
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
When I got to Legion Park, I chatted with some other cyclists who were there.
I chatted with a guy who was riding a Gunnar at Legion Park. He was headed to Conway and needed directions.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Oddly enough, I had just been through there and was easily able to help.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
A 'slow' bike is only as slow as the engine driving it. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Then I continued south, and after I had gone through Lake Stevens I ended up riding with a group of three or so people. It was pretty easy since there was still a strong northerly wind and my panniers acted as sails.
I ended up in something of a paceline with a father and his two adult sons. The father kept dropping the rest of us. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
One guy wasn't paying attention and had a little scrape with the guy riding beside him, but they were only slowed down a bit. They did eventually drop me, though, as the bike fit still was a tiny bit off.
When I got to downtown Snohomish, I stopped for coffee. In the middle of drinking it, I chatted with one guy who was riding a nice steel bike with a bunch of others on carbon. He really knew his stuff!
I'm at Rock City Cafe in Snohomish, WA https://t.co/Z2OAwniipV
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 2, 2015
Lots of cool cyclists all over today!
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
An iced latte is kind of like iced milk tea (the stuff in bubble tea other than the tapioca balls).
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
From Snohomish, I went straight over SR-9 to Woodinville, then got onto the Sammamish River Trail without stopping. Rather than using my typical connection between the Sammamish River Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail, however, I used one a bit further west. It was nice because I didn't have to deal with any car traffic.
The fit was just so close, but my knees still hurt a tad. I thought it was just wear, but it got me to thinking.
Still sometimes getting a little too much reach resulting in a twinge at the lower rear quarter of the pedal stroke.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
Can't really do anything about it because my legs are already all loopy.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
As expected, folks riding poorly-maintained bikes were all over the place.
Full kit and aero bars, but your bike still squeaks like a rusty gate? Your priorities are in the wrong order. #cycling
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
I eventually ended up making a couple tiny adjustments when near the high point of the Burke-Gilman Trail in Lake City, which completed the fit from what I could tell.
I think I figured out the issue: it just needed to be opened up the tiniest bit. 1mm back, then 1mm up and it worked very well.
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
The rest of the way home was rather uneventful, but I did make it home before dark.
That was a fun ride!
— 竹下憲二 (@takeshita_kenji) May 3, 2015
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