Chuckanut Drive

For the past month I've been riding my Cannondale road bike while my Specialized Tricross touring bike has been in the shop for an overhaul. I enjoy riding the Synapse road bike because it makes me significantly faster and gives me delusions of raciness. But the lower, more stretched out riding position also gives me a stiff neck, headaches and numb hands and feet. Now that I'm back on the touring bike I'm finding that it's much more comfortable, and probably healthier in the long run, even if I am slower on it.

I bought the TriCross touring bike just at the tail end of the pandemic shut-down, five years ago now, from Earl's Bike Shop in Bellingham. I felt it was a lucky find since at the time it had proved to be near impossible to find a bike in my size with the features I wanted. And it was only about $300 on consignment - too good to pass up.

The tune up and overhaul cost only a little less than what I'd paid for the bike, but it was worth the price considering the original low cost. Although I was disappointed that it took a month to complete the job - I could have replaced the brake pads and chain at home myself. But as it turned out, the shop needed to rebuild the rear wheel to replace the hub. Then there was a delay in getting the right part, and some miscommunication in getting my authorization. It almost seemed the shop people were worried that I wouldn't agree to pay (I might have a reputation for cheapness). But I still say it's worth the expense to maintain a comfortable, functional bike.

Last winter some large boulders broke off the cliff near the south end of Chuckanut Drive, completely blocking the road for a few months. In June the highway department finished removing the fallen rock and stabilizing the cliff face. I celebrated with a test ride down the Interurban Trail to view the rock slide area. It was fun to get back on the gravel Interurban rail trail, which was shady and cool on a warmish day. I had to walk on a couple of very steep road crossing gaps in the trail that I used to ride up and down in my early days, but I had no neck and shoulder pain or numbness in my hands and feet.

Chuckanut Manor, at the south end of Chuckanut Drive

Oyster flats at Samish Bay

When I stepped across the road to look back, it was a little alarming to see how tiny my bike looked at the bottom of the rock fall. For a moment I thought it might be dangerous to stay too long. In fact, it could be dangerous to walk around on the roadway here as there isn't much shoulder-space and cars like to cruise through fast, without looking out for sight-seeing cyclists and pedestrians.