just laura

Saturday we rode the first 98 miles from Seattle to Portland with 10,000 other cyclists. It was hot, in the 80s, and gorgeous with mountain views. Yesterday we rode the remaining 104 miles on a cold (60F), rainy, thundering, lightening, hilly second half.

I was so proud to finish I rode the last 10-15 miles very strong. I was so happy at the finish line, especially when I saw Lee and met up with everyone. Six of us finished within 10 minutes… Me, Mez, Noah, Caroline, Jess, and Suzanne. Stefan, Brian, Zoe, Leo, and Mae also did the ride as part of our group. Good times!

Not sure what the next adventure will, but this one was super fun and with awesome friends! Yay team! Photos to come after I bus back to Seattle and collect my bike. :)

Here are a handful of pictures from riding the STP last weekend. It was my first time, I convinced 11 other friends to do it for their first time too, and I had a great time! 209 miles over two days. Most excellent!

Noah, Suzanne, Mez, Caroline, Jess, Mae, Leo, me, Zoe, Stefan. (Brian did it too, but in one day instead of 2! Turns out he’s hardcore like that!)

Noah got 4 flats in 24 hours… happily ensuring I got zero!

Loving my new wicker bike basket. Awesome!

It was wet, thundering, lightening, cold, and hilly… but it sure was pretty!

Embracing the spandex

Welcome to Oregon! Crossing the state border!

Deliriously happy at the finish line with Mez. So very proud of us, and our entire great group, for doing the training and riding the ride! It was definitely a fun summer adventure!

I’m proud to report I ate the first of my cherry tomatoes this week! So, so tasty! Yay!! Success so far: strawberries, arugula, lettuce, tomatoes, sugar snap peas, and broccoli. We’ll see what comes next… maybe beets or onions!

Thursday: I got to see two former coworkers Katie and Lauren for grilling and conversation at my place. So great to just sit on the blanket, eat, and relax in the gorgeous Seattle night.

Friday: I’m excited to go camping this weekend and hit Critical Massive with a bunch of friends! The weather is gorgeous and it’s just too nice to stay indoors. It’s 1am and I’m not packed yet, but I hope to pack and do some last minute shopping in the early morning hours. Wahoo!

On the bright side, I did finish the very last of my unpacking in my new house tonight! My curtains are hung, my boxes are unpacked, clothes are all on hangers, kitchen is stocked, and my desk is setup. Yay! Housewarming should be sometime soon. :)