Friends Make it Happen

Elisa had a scenic Poulsbo - Port Gamble loop route planned out for us this afternoon. As a bonus we got a nice surprise: the sun. Aahhh, sun in March, yes, we will take it. We had a couple guest Adventure Chics with us today, our triathlete friends Stella and Audrey. Our ride began at the Poulsbo Athletic Club and headed out towards Poulsbo's ever bustling Front Street and onto Lemolo Drive, which meanders along the shores of Liberty Bay. Crossing Highway 305 we then pedaled along the rolling, woodsy roads of Totten, Widme, Lincoln, and Port Gamble, which took us all the way to the quaint little waterfront town of Port Gamble itself. There are numerous picnic tables in town along the grassy bluff, overlooking the canal and Port Gamble Bay, so we took a short break to enjoy the views, the company and snap a few photos for the ol' blogspot. I woke up this morning with a killer headache, in addition to the stuffy head, itchy throat, sneezing cold I already had, but pedaling along in the fresh air allowed me to forget about my pounding head for an hour or two, and I was glad I decided to ride anyway.

   

Continuing on our loop we pedaled along Highway 3 past the Hood Canal Bridge, eventually turning onto Big Valley Road. Big Valley Road is a favorite of cyclists in the area, as it is a quiet, flat country road that extends just over 4.5 miles from end to end, connecting Bond Road to Highway 3. There are many farms and old cabins nestled in along the wooded hills that rise up quickly on either side. Too, it makes for a good out and back run, which is exactly what Elisa and I did last Thursday, as she is ramping up her long runs in preparation for the Wenatchee Half Marathon in April. She didn't have any problem covering the miles on our run last Thursday, at least from my perspective, so I'd say her training is going along just great for that event. She is hitting all kinds of important running milestones, e.g. first double digit run, and will soon be confidently striding across the finish line in Wenatchee. I plan to be there too, running or cheering-hopefully both.

I'm still dealing with my injury from last year, osteitis pubis, and it keeps coming back to haunt me everytime I try to get back into running. I finally decided to go to the doc and ask for help. She said she would advise me to quit running, duh, but she is not a runner and she knows how committed I am to it, so she referred me to a sports doctor. We'll see what they say. I hope they can give me a detailed, specific regimen of exercises and treatments that will help me move past this yo-yo injury, 'cuz I'm already in for the New York Marathon in November and I need to be ready to train for that sucker starting this summer.  

In the meantime, we still have the STP to think about in July, as well as the Blue Lake Triathlon coming up in June. Audrey will be competing there as well. If I can keep Audrey and Elisa in my sights during the swim leg come June, I will be very pleased. With all of that in mind, we need to make sure to get our saddle time and pool time in before the events sneak up on us. Also, we both feel the pressure of the needs of our families and want to make sure those needs are always a priority.  Elisa was struggling with just such issues this morning. After calling all the gals to set an earlier meeting time, lo and behold, her babysitter was late! She tried numerous times to get a hold of me on my cell phone, which is not always an easy task as anybody in my family can tell you (turn it on, charge it, bring it with me....it's all too easy, or so you would think). Yet, she did reach me and we agreed to meet along the way. Sure enough, a gal in a bright yellow jacket was spinning our way as we headed down Lemolo. She cycled past, hung a u-turn, looped right into our group without missing a beat, and off we went. As all parents with young children know, it's a lot to juggle, and sometimes it's hard to find the energy and time to fit the necessary workouts into our days, so having a good friend to say, "Hey, let's go for a 25 mile bike ride tomorrow afternoon!" is really key. I guarantee I would not have ridden my bike today had it not been for Elisa, and I think that's true for Audrey and Stella as well. Thanks Elisa, you rock!

 

Stella and Audrey, Port Gamble, WA

Directions for Bicyclists Across the Country

Great news!

Google Maps now has routes specifically for bicyclists all across the U.S.A. With the help of the Rails-to-Trails people they have put together routes that will avoid major hills, intersections and dangerous roadways, and direct you to bicycle paths where available. They are also encouraging people to add their own routes to share with others.

You can use the Google Maps widget here on our blogspot or go to http://maps.google.com/biking to find a route in your area. Just type in your starting location and destination location and you will have a route mapped out for you. Routes are color coded, with green, of course, being the indicator for routes with out motor vehicles. If you are looking specifically for a rails-to-trails route in your area go to http://www.traillink.com/home.aspx You can find interactive maps for many great biking trails on this site, which is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. I'm excited put it to work; tomorrow is looking good....hmmm, where do we want to go Elisa?? Let's ride!

-Michelle

Auntie Em! Auntie Em!

Port Gamble Trails. Gate 4. Stottlemeyer Road. I met my husband for a 6 mile run through the woods. This was his lunch hour and is often the only time I see him on too many days. The sun was shining and the weather was warm for a March day. We set out on an out and back course, staying mostly on the single track trails that meander through the forest, creating short cuts between the many logging roads. We both felt good and were keeping our pace easy and enjoying the time together. Cobwebs were the only thing we encountered in our path, and we took turns leading the way and thereby clearing them for eachother.

On our way back to the car, however, things started getting interesting as the wind began to pick up and the roar of it through the trees became louder and louder. We began to get battered with pine and fir needles, then pine cones and branches began flying about, landing all around us. We picked up our pace and as we headed through the final trail to the parking lot, we heard whole trees creaking and crashing down. I couldn't help myself and sprinted out ahead of my husband, yelling, "Auntie Em! Auntie Em!", which gave him a chuckle, 'cause really, where are you safe? I had the feelling that maybe a witch on a bicycle might come flying by at any moment. And where was Toto? You don't need a tornado to do a lot of damage in the middle of a forest, just a really good wind storm.

At the car we witnessed numerous trees crashing down in the woods next to the dirt parking lot, and as we drove up Stottlemeyer Road to the traffic light at Bond Road, the 100+feet tall evergreens were swaying dangerously over the road, then a small tree crashed in the road just ahead of us, blocking our lane. We went around it and continued to dodge the numerous large branches in the road, only to come upon another large tree, this time blocking the entire road and tangled up in the power lines as well. Having no choice, we hung a u-turn and headed back through the swaying trees and maze of fallen branches to the other end of Stottlemeyer. Whew! We didn't see that coming at all. I didn't feel safe until I was inside my house, where the power was out for many hours that afternoon. What a wild afternoon jaunt. Jeez.

-Michelle

Tumwater Pipeline Trail

Sunday - March 14, 2010

I was going to take the boys hiking.  My husband was off  boondoggling again; on a motorized snow machine and I did not think that the boys (or I) would survive if we remained at the home front for the day.  I had one boy who was roaring to go, one that doesn't have a voice (yet) and one NOT going at all.  Apparently, the last family hike (Mt. Walker) did Sam in - for good, so he said.  WHOA!

Damage control.  I needed to take Sam somewhere that he would enjoy.  I knew of just the right place.  But, how do I get him out of the house?  The challenge was further complicated with one more thing.  For those that know Sam, he is a fashionisto. He is very particular in his selection of attire.  As we have hundreds of jackets and coats all size ranges - he is only interested in a very, very select few - and they were both in the wash.  Not just laying in mt. laundry with the possibility of salvage - but completely submerged in the soapy suds cycle.  I was not waiting two hours to leave.  I'll just drum up one of Max's old hoadies from the closet, stuff them in the bag and when Sam is cold enough, he'll wear it.

I get Max & Eli loaded in the car and head back in where Sam is still playing legos and hasn't even budged, nevermind that I'd been telling him for the past 20-minutes that we were leaving.  He was not going.  Thankfully my four year old is a whoping 36 pounds (fully clothed & soaking wet) I picked him up, grabbed his shoes and tossed him in his seat.   Hooray!  A hoodie (that he'll wear) right next to his seat.  Thank goodness, because his stubborness always overplays my plan.  Now he'll get out of the car!

The Tumwater Pipeline trail is located along Hwy 2, between milepost 97 & 98.  If you are heading east and you hit the town of Leavenworth, you've gone too far.   Look for a steel bridge structure on the south side of the road, past 'The Alps' candy store a couple of miles - the driveway is just past the bridge on the right hand side.  From Leavenworth, head out of town and look to for the steel bridge on the left hand side of the road.  The driveway to the parking area is off to the left, before the bridge.  There are multiple trailheads and turnouts on the right hand side of the road, in the event you make it to the candy store without making the left-hand turn.

As I suspected, Sam took off with a shot upon putting the vehicle in park.

The trail is 3 miles round trip and maintains elevation 1,400 feet.  From the parking lot, you first cross the Wenatchee River via the old pipeline bridge.  The pipeline is actually cut in half and the walkway is the bottom half of the abandoned pipe.  It is currently filled with snowmelt and some kind souls have strategically placed rocks along the side to assist in a dry crossing.  Don't slip!  A huge thanks to whomever took the time to put the rocks in place.

The trail is an easy level hike with a couple of creek crossings thrown in.  There are rocks and downed trees to assist in the navagation across.  In many places there are makeshift trails down to the river.  In the summer, there are many locations available to spend multiple hours basking in the sun and throwing rocks into the river.  The latter is a favorite of the boys. 

It is very important to note, if wading/swimming in the river, please use EXTREME caution.  The current of the Wenatchee River is unpredictable and strong.  A reminder of this is located about a quarter of the way down the hike.  A memorial is in place for two girls that were swimming in the river and were swept downstream by the current.  It made for an important discussion on our hike.  The boys were both touched by the crosses that are placed in the girls memory.  They were very curious about how it happened and how their families must have felt.  It was a pretty touching experience.

They were equally intriqued to accidentally come upon a geo-cache.  They have expressed great interest in finding more.  Check out the geocache website for more information.

Views of Castle Rock, a rock climbers domain, from the Tumwater Pipeline Trail are visible about half-way down the down and back trail.  This is the first time we've hiked this trail and not witnessed anyone tied to the rock and manuevering their way up.  I must admit, it's pretty cool to watch these folks hanging by their fingertips and working their way up the cracks. 

"Look Mom!  A sling-shot!"  Yes, that piece of nature has made it's way back to Max's wall of wood.  He seems to collect interesting wood pieces on our hikes.  I am probably a very bad mother by allowing my son to take bits of the environment for his own imaginative function.  I call it future firewood preservation. 

Eli making the most out of his confined space.  Boredom sets in and the hair pulling begins.  Turkey.

Remnants of the old pipeline are evident through out the walk as shown by the embedded bolts in the dirt.  The boys enjoy climbing and exploring off trail as well.  Sam enjoyed the last bits of snow he encountered.  It is extremely comforting to know that the boys can go off and explore, touch, feel, smell and talk (yell) with little or no fear that they will harm or offend something or someone.  There is a respect that they put forth while exploring that seems to come naturally.   

A little lunch on a rock near (or in) the river brought an end to our excursion.  This hike is one we visit throughout the year and have yet to tire from the enjoyment the river brings.

Milestones

Question:  How do you eat an elephant?

Answer:  One bite at a time.

This time a year ago, I could barely run a single mile without stopping.  I was preparing to SIGN-UP for my first triathlon.  Training for one was still in, what seemed like, the distant future. 

The first bite was diving in and actually committing (by signing up and paying for) a triathlon.  The next bite,  waiting for the 16 week - pre-race training to start.  One by one, the bites became managable.  I was able to organize mine and my kids schedule to fit my training schedule.  I took a fitness swimming class twice a week, to LEARN how to swim.  I got on my bike for the first time in 8 years (another story in itself).  Open water swimming was introduced.  A five-mile run was accomplished (not well - but completed).

As the bites became palatable and ENJOYABLE, I needed a bigger bite.  The 16-week training time proved to be too long.  The only way to learn sometimes is by actually stepping out and taking a huge bite.  You may end up spitting some of it out, but most likely you can get it down.  It's those big bites that I enjoy most.  The challenge.  I completed my first tri three weeks earlier than the scheduled first tri.  Boy am I happy I did.  The confidence I gained carried me through those - I've been training for 3 months and I have NO idea if I am ready for this - thoughts.   I finished my first elephant.  What's next? 

The next elephant was just getting through the season and learning more and more about the triathlon world.  I continued to train through the winter (thankfully Michelle was there to keep me company) by running and biking which allow me to outline the next big goals or elephants on my horizon.

I am scheduled to complete my first 1/2 marathon in less than 40 days.  Thanks to Michelle for adding a little countdown reminder.  13.1 miles.  Longer than I have ever thought of running, until recently.  I bit off and swallowed my first double digit run a few days ago.  Wow.  That bite tasted good.  Having completed that, I now know what I need to do differently and what I need to do the same on my next long run.  But most importantly, I know that I can do it.

The Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride is just that, a ride from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR - 200 miles, in either one or two days.  Michelle & I are signed up to complete that ride in July - countdown forthcoming.  Our recent 1/2 century (50-miles) is the longest one day ride I have ever completed.  Again, 100 miles in one day is getting more realistic.

It is the little elephants that I chew up and consume which makes the big elephants seem achievable... 

...one bite at a time.

-Elisa

Running the Duckabush River Trail

Olympic National Forest - Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Duckabush River trail covers just over 21 miles to it's end at Marmot Lake (elev. 4300). My husband and I chose to run the rolling, rocky trail to the Five Mile Campground, which is situated amid gigantic, river smoothed boulders right at the river's edge. It is a beautiful campground and has room for at least three camping parties. For those of you who run trails, this is a very runable route, just make sure you wear your trail running shoes, and prepare to get your feet wet in the many creek crossings! If you would like to go further, yet not all the way to Marmot Lake, there is also a Ten Mile Campground.

To get to the trail head, follow Highway 101 south from Quilcene about 15 miles to the turn off onto Duckabush River Road. Follow Duckabush River Road (FS Road 2510) about 5 1/2 miles and veer right at the brown signpost marked 060 (2510-060). If you pass it you will cross a concrete bridge over the river and you need to turn around. We did just that this morning and went well past the bridge as well, as the directions that we received weren't so hot. By the time we figured out our mistake, we were really getting anxious to get out of the car and get moving! Once on 2510-060 the trail head is just a tenth of a mile up the road. We had hoped to reach the trail head by 7:30 a.m., but didn't get started until round about 8:30.

But, what a jewel of a day! Though still technically winter, the brilliant, green beauty of spring seemed to already be upon us, and we soaked in every ray of morning sunshine that made it's way through the dense forest. The trail starts out with a very easy grade which becomes rockier after the first mile. At about 2 1/2 miles the trail begins to climb the Big Hump, which is a rocky outcropping that, once over, you will descend back down to the river just before reaching Five Mile Campground.

Running along under a canopy of trees, under a deep blue sky, surrounded by velvety moss covered rocks and branches dripping with dew, the gurgle of brooks running across the path on their way to the big river below, and the roar of the Duckabush, now closer, now further, what more could we possibly ask for on a trail run? Nothing, that's what. So our first five miles out were filled with stops for viewing and picture taking and general jawing about how great a day we were having together. As it is early March, we encountered numerous, recently fallen trees which had yet to be cleared on this well maintained trail. There are a couple of spacious, rocky overhangs along the trail leading up to the Big Hump that offer spectacular views of the valley below, as well as Mt. Jupiter and The Dome.



The campground is a nice destination in itself, and we both immediately thought of bringing our kids there for an afternoon, or possibly an overnight backpacking trip. After soaking in the sights and sounds, and the serenity, I might add, we headed back toward the switchbacks to the Hump. We took a more ambitious pace on the way back to the car though, and my mind kept drifting to Starbucks soy lattes and pumpkin scones....mmmm, yeah, hungry. That always gets me motivated to pick up my pace. No, there isn't a Starbucks anywhere nearby this trail, but there was a turkey sandwich and an apple waiting for me in the car, and that was good enough for me.

-Michelle

Point No Point Cycle Loop

Friday - March 5, 2010

The Point No Point Lighthouse, built in 1879, is said to be the oldest lighthouse in Puget Sound.  It is located on Point No Point Road off of Hansville Road in Hansville, WA.  The Keeper's house next to the lighthouse is available year round as a vacation rental and the lighthouse is open in the spring and summer for afternoon tours (weekends only).  Point No Point beach is one of Kitsap County's only 'sandy' beaches as most shoreline beaches in Kitsap County are comprised of rocks, barnicles and shells with very little sandy components.  In the summer, a visit to this beach needs to be on the family to-do list. 

Point No Point was our 35 mile pit-stop on our 1/2 century ride on Friday.  With the sun shining and very little breeze, it was a nice place to view Mt. Baker while admiring a pleasure boat passing through Puget Sound. 

Having only a Hammer Gel as my mid-day snack, I was wishing for a full picnic lunch.  Point No Point was definitely a spot I could spend a bit of time basking in the sun and watching the sights.

Our route started at Poulsbo Athletic Club and headed toward Indianola, via Lincoln. 


I had my written route taped to my top tube, but had a pretty good idea in my head how the ride was to go.  Having lived in the Poulsbo/Kingston area for 9 years I have never actually explored the neighborhoods north of the Kingston ferry terminal - I was going to conquere this area on this ride!  The issue is, I struggle with written map directions.  I don't trust them.  They are too literal.  I like visual maps, so I know that the end point is what I expect and can actually SEE that I am making the right turns.  So, I need to practice this.  When the road said 'no outlet' that what I thought.  In reality, we were going to make a loop - so we didn't need an outlet.  Oh well.  Some other time.  (Maybe when I am the first one in line for the next ferry the kids and I can WALK up the hill and see....)

Yet again, I am reminded - how much WE LOVE HILLS!  Kitsap County hills ROCK!

A half-century; from Poulso to Indianola, to Kingston, to Hansville and back, a true North Kitsap tour.  Looking forward to more sunny rides as the weather continues to change from winter to spring.  I'll just let Michelle continue to map the rides....

Michelle & Elisa

NW Adventure Chics at Point No Point

March 5, 2010