Maple Valley Ride

We did it...we changed our first tire! Ok, so we didn't actually change a tire by ourselves, but we intently watched two fellow cyclists change Hillary's tire. So here's the deal, we left Hillary's house with high hopes of completing our ride in no more than two hours. We took off and within minutes we both were running over rubbish in the road. Seriously...it was like a tool box exploded and we both hit every tool possible. We were riding on flat ground and all of a sudden Hillary asked, "does it feel like we are riding up hill?" Uh oh....sounds like the infamous Seattle ride where I was ready to quit STP. Then all of a sudden we realized Hillary had a flat. We pulled off to the side of Highway 167 and confidently preceded to change Hillary's tire. That is until we realized we had no idea how to use either one of our bike pumps. Fortunately, two cyclists stopped by to assist. Might I add they were wonderful, kind, and looked great in their bike shorts!

Our heroes who saved the day or at least our ride!

Hillary attempting to change her own tire

With a new tube in place we continued on with our ride. The ride was awesome. Hilly at times, or as Hillary would say "rolling hills". I like to call them just "hills". Needless to say we both rocked and never once had to walk our bikes up the hills. Actually, I think Hillary and I perfected the art of biking uphill while standing. Very impressive I must say! About 2 hours later we pulled into Hillary's neighborhood to end a great ride. I must admit I did have to walk my bike once we hit the short bike path between streets in Hillary's neighborhood. I don't know what it is about this one spot, but I freaked out, so I dismounted and walked the ten feet to the end of the path. I think I even shocked Hillary, who reminded me that it was literally 3 pedals of road. I promise next time I will ignore my nerves and bike up the path.

Here's a brief summary of the ride:

1. We managed to return home by the time we promised Hillary's husband and ourselves...even with a flat tire.
2. We rocked the hills.
3. Hillary is working on a game plan for me to overcome my fear of my clipless pedals...I have faith she will succeed.
   
4. I DIDN'T FALL!
5. The bruise from my last fall is officially green and I think may be growing a tumor now.
   
6. Both mine and Hillary's wrists were hurting from our ride...what does this mean? You got it...another trip to Gregg's to get new handlebars. Any excuse to see our fave employees at Gregg's!

You may be wondering, "where was Leo?" Great question. We have no idea. He bailed on us that morning. My guess....he partied too hard the night before and wasn't able to get up early enough to make the long trek from Everett to Maple Valley.

And a shout out to Kirk, Tom, and Rebecca who showed me how to use my bike pump, changed out my handlebars, convinced me to keep my super pricey bike knickers, providing some tips on clipping out, and for showing me their Veladrome race videos.

Two weeks until our long ride...we are thinking the Bainbridge Island loop, aka Chilly Hilly.