Thursday morning I got out early for a ride to one of my favorite places, the Mexican Grill near the border crossing in Blaine. Unfortunately, I got such an early start that they weren't open when I arrived. Fortunately, I wasn't really hungry yet and just had iced coffee and pastry from the Starbuck's next door.
For one worried moment I thought maybe they had closed down because of slow tourist traffic due to the tariff situation. The Mexican Grill has opened a second shop to the south in Bellingham, but I think I'll visit Blaine another time later in the day for brunch.
The weather started out coolish, with variable breezes from various directions, though it was warm and sunny later in the day. I was riding my Synapse road bike because my touring bike is in the shop for some routine maintenance, and was feeling light, fast and frisky. On the way home at about 30 miles, I was speeding along so easily that I decided to try to keep my average speed above 13mph, in spite of the wind and rolling hills.
On a winding back road somewhere around Hoier Road, I got chased by a couple of dogs who appeared to be waiting to ambush me, but I was able to out-sprint them and they gave up after a short chase. That old saying about how you only have to be faster than your slowest companion doesn't apply when you're riding alone.
By the time I was within five miles of home my legs and shoulders were aching and I was starting to feel sore spots in the balls of my feet. The last couple of miles in Ferndale were pretty painful, but I held out and finished strong. This was a 42 or 43 mile ride, depending on the accuracy of Map My Ride vs. my bike computer. The longest ride I've done so far this summer, and it was a lovely day. Maybe I'll be able to manage 66 miles for my 66th year sometime before fall.
Today is the Independence Day holiday, and I'm resting and rehydrating at home. Tomorrow is the first day of the Tour de France.
