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July 11, 2005
Sunday 
Yesterday was a day of super productivity! I went through half the drawers in the bedroom and got rid of half the stuff! I then started washing stuff—laundry, dishes, animals that got in the way. It was great!
After brunch, I stopped by the finish line of STP (that's Seattle to Portland, a bike event involving 8000 cyclists and over 200 miles [30 of those uphill]). I am so throughly proud of people who can do this sort of thing, and I hope someday to join their ranks.
Though, to be honest, it was all a bit daunting. The crowd was overwhelmingly male and overwhelmingly expensive bike and expensive bike clothes, and of course, overwhelmingly bike physiqued. So I wandered around, the fat lady wearing an empire-waist dress (wu, way to look unattractive, VJ!), enjoying looking at the tents and cyclists and stuff.
A ride down Hawthorne revealed a painted outline where a pedestrian was hit and killed last week. There have been 8 pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Portland this year, and the last couple weeks have been bad: a bike messenger downtown, a cyclist crossing a street to ride on the Springwater corridor, and now this visiting pedestrian. I was glad someone had stenciled the spot, but I admit, I learn about these things and part of me just never wants to leave the house again.
Anyways. Then in the evening, Sweetie and I put together the spot for the strawbale raised bed. I've even taken a picture, which if I can ever get it out of my camera, I'll post. Exciting stuff!
Posted at July 11, 2005
Comments
One of these days (next year, perhaps?) I intend to do the STP as well.
You mentioned how bike-physiqued most of the riders looked, and I sometimes think that, too, when I look at a group of cyclists (or runners or whatever the event brings out). Then I take a second, closer look and see the diversity in athletes' body shapes. I think that this is especially true in cycling. I've been on a lot of Cascade club rides with riders of all sizes and ages, most of whom have ridden the STP numerous times.
Perhaps part of what you saw at the finish line was determined by the time that you stopped there: those finishing around noon are going to be the speedier types. After all, many of the riders are cycling 100 miles that second day, and won't roll in until late afternoon. A friend of mine who rode the STP a few years ago spoke of riders who came in as late as 10 pm the first night!
I'm glad that you had a productive day. And glad that you keep getting out there and inspiring us with what you're doing and writing!
Posted by: Tricia at July 11, 2005 1:05 PM
The amount of bike fatalities really freaks me out. It's definitely impacted my riding, in that I just don't anymore. I used to go out a lot, but now I cant go without taking the baby trailer, and there's NO WAY I'm taking my kids on the road. I'm not sure I'd take even just me on the road. Everywhere Greg and I drive, I count half a dozen people in just a few minutes who are talking on their cell phones. Scares me to death.
Posted by: Cheesepuppet at July 12, 2005 1:03 PM