Running, pushing a wheelchair?

Data and technology to track said data drives my fitness goals as much as anything. I've toyed with the more automatic forms of electronic fitness trackers like phone pedometer apps. While not the most accurate, Google Fit won out for its style and simple interface.  

The advantage of Google Fit lies in its claim to automatically determine if you are walking, running, or riding a bike. No other app does this to my knowledge. It usually works pretty well, with the exception of missing any movements when I ride with my phone in my pannier.

Then things got wacky. I synced Google Fit with myfitnesspal, a food tracker. It seemed simple enough, and convenient to have the 2 pair. However, neither app imported the other's info with any accuracy. Google fit would seemingly randomly read calories, and myfitnesspal would import activities that in no way matched what Google Fit tracked. The funniest import was myfitnesspal translated a normal day (about 95 minutes of bike riding and some odd 40 minutes of walking) to "4 minutes of running, pushing a wheelchair". What is that? Do they have a division for pushing a stroller too? How did the app turn biking into running with a wheelchair? How would it even discern that? Does it consider the vast differences in effort between pushing an empty wheelchair and one with an average, or a heavyset person sitting in it? And lastly, who runs while pushing wheelchairs? Ahh! Questions abound! This hilarity of this recording actually encouraged me to stop syncing Google Fit and myfitnesspal, and I eventually stopped using myfitnesspal all together. 

Business, business

photo credit: www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/02/24/will-ferrell-lego-movie-man-upstairs/5770727/

Unlike yesterday’s reflective ride, today’s ride was all business. First I spent a long time draining, washing, hanging, and adjusting fans on every bike accessory last night to ensure I would have dry everything this morning. The sheen of the water on the black roads and twilight and first light make it difficult to see. The road become one giant reflective path making everything on it indistinct. I perfected every hand signal, every turn, every pace, making myself as visible as possible. My eyes scanned the horizon above me in rapid, mouse-like rotation, ensuring nothing missed my awareness. The potholes, filled with water made black puddles like little black holes dappled across the mirror that was the road. A flock of school children crossing the road appeared to be mere shiny pixels on the road-mirror. Today was all business, business. I often times these days identify with the Will Ferrell character in The Lego Movie, making what once was fun into work. I especially feel that way these days, comparing the feel and nature of bike commuting to the recreational riding of years past.

Fremont Bridge Bike Counter: 167

A wake honoring those before me

So much rain fell that my wheels made a wake in all the standing water. This morning’s city-sized puddle made for a new record of standing water I’ve seen in Seattle. Even on inclines I passed through enough water for my wheels to spray and ripple through like one giant puddle. For miles I could see a water line in the bike lanes as the curvature of the roads created edge puddles inches deeper than that in the middle. I pedaled along in joy, as the rain beaded up on my jacket and smothered my pants. Even though the drops pounded my face like little daggers falling from the heavens, for the most part it created the feeling of freedom, knowing I could penetrate the wet shield and move forward. It wasn’t until the 7th mile that I felt the cool water seep in through the tiny opening between shoe and pant leg at my ankle. I felt the wet trickle down my ankle to be absorbed by my fleece sock at the bottom of my foot. I felt the fleece sock slowly growing bigger, wetter, and more water logged. When the sock could take no more, I felt the water squish out from under the bottom of my feet with every down stroke. It was the same time that I felt water sneak in to the tiny gap between my gloves and the wrist of my jacket. I felt the water stream down my hand and pool into my palms. Braking distance multiplied by four even though the pressure of my hand squeeze doubled. Other than braking and that last soggy mile, I remained dry, warm, and comfortable the entire ride.

I waxed poetic at length, mesmerized by the wake around my front tire. I considered the alternate concept of wake; the morbid but celebratory vigil for the dead. I decided today’s wake would honor those ancestors who died and provided the fossil fuels to create all the things that made this ride in a downpour so pleasant. I felt so much gratitude for the plastic fender that kept the wake low. I reveled in amazement at how my Title 9 “ColdKiller” nylon/polyester/spandex pants and Pearl Izumi softshell and thinsulate gloves kept me dry and warm without leaving me hot and sweaty. I thanked the stars for my Showers Pass Artex rispstop  jacket that kept all water from touching my skin and somehow kept the sweat out too. I felt gratitude for my Salomon Gore-Tex shoes and Dana-made fleece socks keeping my feet cozy and dry most of the time. I thanked my Pearl Izumi fleece headband, plastic helmet, and plastic helmet cover for keeping my head dry, warm and safe. My lunch and workwear stayed dry thanks to my Ortlieb plastic and 3M Scotchlite panniers. With the exception of the aluminum frame of my bike, I was nearly entirely sounded in materials originated from fossil fuels.

With each ribbon of water I contemplated the circular nature of things. In some small way, the manufacture of each of these helpful items contributed to the global climate change that made today’s rain more like a Rocky Mountain rain than the Northwestern rain the earth here is accustomed to. It is the fact that I work for a living that requires me to purchase all these items, yet the expense of all these items is why I settle for a (higher-paying) job that requires such a commute in a major city. It all comes around. 

Fremont Bridge Bike Counter: 154

Unscathed!

Wednesdays have been bus days lately because I have an evening class in a neighborhood sketchy enough to make me want to avoid parking my bike outside. However, major construction started on the Aurora bridge this week. All north-to-downtown transit buses depend on this bridge and with it being shrunken down to one lane, I worry that commute time would double. Needless to say, Wednesday has become a bike day!

One of the potholes on my route vomited this morning. I dodge several potholes on Fremont Ave on the way to work. It’s a scary road for potholes because in the dark of night I cannot see them until my bike light illuminates them a mere few feet in front of my wheel. No street lights illuminate the little landmines. Also, the road is so steep that one could probably coast to 50 mph without using the brakes (I haven’t tried it, but I have gotten up in the high 30’s some early mornings by just braking a little). Lucky for me, I am so familiar with this road that I have every lump, bump, and pothole memorized. I could weave through the landmines in my sleep. However, today, it appears there was an attempt to fill one of the potholes as a spray of rubble poured out from the hole. It looked like the hole was filled, but someone forgot to seal the gravel or something. The little black pebbles sprayed out of the hole like broken glass on the road. Obviously, there is no hazard to my tires, but with the rain pouring down I could have slipped and slid all around. Luckily, I did not.

Closer in, I caught up to a tall gentleman riding with his bike rack seated behind his rear wheel at a 45-degree angle. I noted the rack wasn’t secured to the frame or seat post at all the way most racks are. It was only secured at the rear hub. He had 2 very full panniers strapped to it. While the rack wasn’t shaking, the precarious positioning of it made me want to stay clear of his trail!

Once again, I survived all threats to my commute and arrived to work unscathed!

Fremont Bridge Bike Counter: 158

2015 Year in review

2015 was a fantastic year for riding. I rode 2744 miles. I didn’t make my riding goal, but I did ride more than I did last year. I rode 1784 miles in 2014 and 3048 in 2013. I think with 2744 miles this year, making a goal for 3000 in 2016 sounds very reachable.

Miles aside, this was a great year. I rode in the Flying Wheels Century last May, and clocked in tons of miles during bike month in May. I did a few interesting rides around greater Seattle and got to see some paths I’ve never been on before. I rode all the way to Port Angeles via ferry for an overnight adventure. I rode my first Bike MS with Team SlugFish and raised more money for MS than I ever raised before. I rode in my first ever week long bike tour, Cycle Oregon. It proved to be an epic year for the ride, but a wonderful time for me.

Chilly Hilly

In celebration of the first year I've had Sundays off work, I am going to ride the Chilly Hilly this year in Seattle. This ride, sponsored by Cascade Bicycle Club (aren't they all?) takes place on the last Sunday in February (the 28th this year) and tours Bainbridge Island. 

While it wasn't an option for me to do this ride before without using a precious vacation day, I never really wanted to. Major Cascade rides have a tendency to be over-attended and under-fun. However, last year's Flying Wheels Century was so much fun that my views are changing a bit. I expect this one to be a blast.

Of note, the Cascade website states that this ride tends to be 25% female and 75% male. I have seen more female riders in Washington than any other state I've ridden in, so I find this statistic a little startling. As a female, I feel obligated to represent..and try to figure out why it is so unbalanced.

On a side note, the website also claimed Bicycling Magazine named the Chilly Hilly "One of Four Classic Rides in the Nation." This is a pretty impressive label, and, being a fan of Bicycling magazine, I followed the link. Sadly, the link took me to a landing page of click-bait, albeit bicycling-themed, not unlike the worst of the worst website out there. First I saw an article about Justin Beiber "nearly causing a whole cycling team to crash", when I fell for the click bait I read that it was merely a photo op for the team. Really, Bicycling? This is what you have reduced yourself to? To make it worse, on the bottom of the page were tons of links that I have to assume were sponsored ads and not things actually reviewed and approved by the magazine. First was an article about how women over 35 are bound to gain fat around their waists more than any other group of people, and how most exercises (including cardio!) will only make it worse for these doomed old women. Next to that was an article of nothing more than provocative photographs of healthy and fit women advertised for no other reason than being "hot/beautiful/sexy." There is nothing the media won't stop at trying to exploit women for their physical features. Bicycling, I was just starting to respect you as a magazine that strove to serve cyclists. Now, your website takes me back to your image of instead serving "men who like to bike." Do you see the difference there? But I digress.  

Back to the subject at hand, I am excited to ride in the Chilly Hilly! I'm excited to be a part of the 25% gender bracket and pull through those climbs and brave the temperatures. Maybe I'll be sexy while I'm doing, maybe I won't. I'll leave that up for the media to squabble over.

Emerald City Bike Ride

On April 3rd Cascade Bicycle Club is hosting the first-ever Emerald City Bike Ride. It boasts the first-ever ability for cyclists to cross the SR520 bridge and the I5 Express Lanes here in Seattle. Honestly, the ride sounds kind of terrible. The 20-mile urban bridge ride reminds me of the Portland Bridge Pedal. I rode the Bridge Pedal several times, with each year getting worse that the last. You simply can't fit 15,000 cyclists on Portland's streets. The last year I rode it I started later in the morning at peak ride time. I don't think both feet left the ground once. I had to keep stopping and balancing on my bike to avoid swerving kids and overly congested riders being pushed in my way. On top of that, I can't really support an event that closes down Seattle's major traffic ways. Sure, I love biking. The advertisements for this event say:

"Ever imagine biking through a car-free Seattle? You’ll have your chance in 2016! "

The problem is, Seattle isn't a car-free place. And Seattle seems more than willing to shut down major highways willy-nilly at the expense of it's thousands of commuters who depend on the roads to get around. Sure, the sports event closures only happen on Sundays, but there are still plenty of people who work on Sundays. A part of me feels like the city's eagerness to close down its roads is a form of wage discrimination. Closing roads discriminates those who can't afford to live close in. The farther you live away from downtown the lower the rent and the more people depend on roads to get to where they need to go. Also, people at lower incomes are more likely to work on weekends and less likely to have the option to telecommute. 

I just couldn't say no. This is the first time there is a ride like this in Seattle. I feel like its a part of history, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it. I may never do a thing like this again. Also, I have never intentionally ridden across the 520 bridge. This toll bridge costs $4 to cross, and me being the cheapskate that I am would rather drive an extra hour than pay that amount. Sadly, I have found myself accidentally driving across the bridge those few times I got lost and disoriented downtown and next thing I know, there I am DRIVING ACROSS TOWN ON AN EXPENSIVE BRIDGE WITH NO WAY TO TURN BACK! So, I'm kind of excited to explore this area by bike. I imagine riding the express lanes on the freeway (which are shouldered on both sides by actual freeway) will be louder than all damnation, but it will be an epic experience I will remember and think about every time I go on the freeway afterward. 

I plan to mount the go pro on my bike or helmet to capture the experience on video. The views one gets on a bike are so incredibly different than in a car it's worth capturing. Check back in April for a full report!

Super clean bike

This week I had a flat that I kept not finding time to repair. Each day I went to bed without fixing the flat was another day I didn’t ride. To my rescue, a certain special someone took it upon themselves to fix my flat and then clean my bike while they were at it. What a treat! Every nook and cranny was scrubbed and shined, from the rubber on my tires to the cranks to the fenders! Even my saddle got a conditioning (Whee!) I think the bike looks better than it did when it was new!

The only odd thing about my ride this morning was that I hit 4 red lights on 5th avenue. Since I usually hit one, this was a little alarming.

Fremont Bridge Bike Counter: 168

New Year, new plans

I am not a fan of New Year's resolutions. It's not that I am against goal setting and the quest to improve oneself, because I love that stuff (I am American, after all). I'm against what "New Year's Resolutions" specifically mean. For everyone I know, they seem to be a vehicle to induce guilt and self-loathing. That sounds strong, but I have never had anyone say to me, “My New Year’s resolutions worked! I am so proud of myself!” Unless of course, they mean it as a joke and they’ve resolved to drink a case of beer every night or something that they well know is destructive. New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity for people to expose where they think they’ve failed and set a goal to become successful. When it comes to health especially, these goals tend to fall apart by the end of January. The term “resolutions” itself ignore the habitual behavior required to achieve a health-related goal. Mind you, I’ve had friends create attainable goals that require a change in one specific small daily behavior to their great benefit. This is a great idea, and starting at the new year make it easy to measure success by the end of the year.

Needless to say, about a month ago I set some new training and fitness goals for myself. I am going to share them here, because, well,  this is the time of the year to start anew. Overall, I am more satisfied with my health than I have been most of my life, but it still feels good to work toward improvement. I also know that if I continue on the same path, I will begin to see more and more diminished strength, comfort and ability.

My 2016 goal is to:

• Gain 5 lbs of muscle
• Loose 5 lbs of fat
• thereby bringing me from 72% lean mass (28% fat) to 78% lean mass (22% fat))

My daily plan to meet this goal is to:

• track food every day
• eat with awareness/ know that everything I eat is a choice/focus on choosing foods that "healthiest, most successful me" would choose
• pay attention to how hungry I feel when eating
• stop eating when I am 80% full
• meditate for 5 minutes
• focus on consistent time to bed and time to wake
• disregard/not dwell on the times I don't follow my plan, just focus on the next time

My weekly plan to meet this goal is to:

• lift weights at the health club 3 times a week
• ride bike aerobically for 6+ hours a week (already been doing this for years commuting to work)
• one other activity (walk, hike, ski, yoga, Zumba, or other)

As a result I will:

• Be a stronger cyclist!
• Be ready to tackle any adventure!
• Know that I am making the healthiest, most holistic choices possible to combat my existing health issues
• Feel my best to the benefit of those around me and those I influence

The Ministry of Silly Walks

image from http://www.thetimes.co.uk/

The day started out even colder, in the high 20s. I doubled up hats and had to keep wiggling my fingers. One of the problems with chilled fingers on a bike, compared to skiing, is the fingers are depended on to brake. If your fingers are too numb to move, braking doesn't happen.

I met with my trainer this morning at the health club and added some pieces to my workout routine. We started out walking with straight legs kicked up as high as I could go. I instantly felt like a part of the Ministry of Silly Walks and this thought entertained me for the rest of the morning.

I passed a few stretches of ice, but nothing slippery. In one spot, a street light illuminated a huge stretch of fuzzy frost over the bike lane. In it I could see the tire tracks of the 77 cyclists before me. The contrast of the white frost over black pavement and the random placing of the straight lines looked artistic and beautiful. I wanted to take a photo. I am glad I didn't stop and try however, because my photo app took several minutes updating firmware when I tried to take a photo later in the morning.

I also learned that my feelings of bonking yesterday were false. Today I rode with certainty that I was on top of my game. Other cars drove along with me as well. I still hit the red light in the same spot, so the light timing is off again. It does this from time to time. I am often startled. The nice thing about this version of timing is that I don't have to wait at the Coach store. Funny I didn't notice it yesterday and assumed I bonked. Fremont Bridge Bike count: 78

The cold never bothered me anyway

The weather report read 30 degrees and light snow when I woke up this morning. I  never saw the “snow” symbol on my weather report before. Because my usually amazing toasty pants don’t keep me warm below 35, and the first 4 miles of my commute is downhill, I added a fleece face mask to my attire. I felt comfy as a kitten! I didn’t see any snow, but every parked car I passed was completely white with frost.

I didn’t get to see the baby-cradle pothole this morning as the whole lane where it was, for several blocks, was blocked off for road construction. I couldn’t quite tell what they were doing, they certainly had more equipment than needed to repair a pothole, but I hope they do repair it while they are at it.

I started to bonk by the time I got to downtown. That hasn’t happened in a long time, not since the heavy physical labor at work days. I pedaled so slowly I couldn’t keep up with the timed lights on 5th avenue. The lights are timed at 25 mph, and without traffic, you can go 10 blocks without stopping. I usually make 7 blocks before my lungs give out. Today I tuckered out before the 4th block! Either my tire is too flat (my front tire has a slow leak that is too slow to deal with), I got too cold (possible!), or I didn’t have enough fuel left in my blood (I did nearly faint during yoga and had to stop to regain my balance). Needless to say, I felt more gratitude for the hot shower at work than ever before. They even installed a new shower head that is far better than before. Now, I am all better.

Fremont Bridge Bike Count: 95

New route = fun route

The new route I take to work to include a side trip to the health club is a mile longer and more fun. I wasn’t looking forward to riding that extra mile, but the route is so much better it takes the same amount of time. This new route cuts out several traffic lights, is on a smoother road, and avoids the steepest hill of my commute. All these things make for a faster ride. There is one 6-way intersection where I have to wait FOR EVER if I hit a red light, but so far I’ve only hit the light about 50% of the time. There is also one unmarked pothole in the bike lane large enough to fit a newborn baby into, so I have to stay on guard to avoid that. And watch out for babies.

Today, as I was turning left from the health club, across the road and onto the bike lane, a cyclist zooming downhill at about 40 mph yelled “HEADS UP!” I am glad he did, because it was perfectly timed, and I did not even see him when I started turning. To my credit, he was probably in another county when I looked.

And just for fun, I updated my Monkey Light from red and green Christmas stars to blue and green Seahawks stars. Cause, why not? I am waiting for the inevitable chorus of drunken cheers as I pass fans on game day.

Fremont Bridge bike count: 69 

Last Monday of the year, best Monday of the year

Today's ride, devoid of most traffic and activity, felt like riding through an idyllic small town. The time nestled between Christmas and New Year's must be a week of vacation for so many people that is completely transformed the roads. I noticed a drastic decrease in traffic on the roads last week. It was enough that even pedestrians noticed, but a difference enough to notice is nothing compared to a difference enough to completely change the experience. I started my ride at 5am so I could enjoy an hour of yoga before work, and at first I assumed the stark drop in traffic due to the hour of the day, but when I finally arrived downtown at my normal time, it still felt like 5am.

I also had a driver in an SUV pause before making a right hand turn across the bike lane I was crossing. I waved a crazed THANK YOU at him- this particular setup scares me the most on a bike.

By the way, yoga felt amazing. I think yoga and cycling fits together just as good as cycling and beer. And, since I don't care for beer, this is a very good thing.

Fremont Bridge Bike count: 78

Merry Christmas!

Last weekend I rode with the bike group from work to view the Christmas lights around town. We dressed up our bikes in Christmas cheer and horrayed as passers by cheered us on like we were also part of the show. 

Here is a picture of my bike all decked out for Christmas: 

That moment when...

 ....you get to the health club for some off-season cross training and realize that you packed your bag the way a half-awake sleey person would (and did). No matter, mismatched shoes won't stop this girl! At least I had one for each foot!

Fremont Bridge Bike Counter

Photo from Puget Sound Business Journal

I try to note my count every time I pass the bike counter on the Fremont Bridge. It occurred to me that you, dear reader, might not know what this is all about. The summer after I moved to Seattle, grant money supported the installation of this counter that is said to resemble counters in Copenhagen. The counter is a pillar that electronically counts every bike that passes via ground sensor. It was installed on one of the most, if not the most, bicycle traveled bridge in all of Seattle. The little pillar has been counting cyclists ever since. I am not sure how accurate it is, if it counts strollers and power chairs that sort of thing. Also, several cyclists ignore the narrow bike and pedestrian passage for the road, or bike on the wrong side of the bridge, not being counted. These are small numbers compared to those who cross the counter, so I expect it to be mostly accurate. Being that I love data, I get a kick out of this counter every time I cause the number to tick. It fascinates me how the numbers triple, quadruple, every May during bike month, only to drop back down to regular numbers in June, even if the weather is still good. It also fascinates me how, at any given time I ride, and am within 50 (and usually less) counts of where I was the day before. This tells me that most cyclists in the city are commuters. 

Headwinds

Today's warm morning (50 degrees!) was offset by a headwind. Ug! Headwind. The winds pounded strongest right at a construction area where bikes have to merge with cars. I usually sprint here so the cars don't get angry that some slow biker is bringing their commute down, but I just couldn't crack it with the wind blowing so hard. Fremont bridge bike count: 128

Chocolate skunks in jeans

That distinctive ripe, pungent smell of skunk filled my nostrils while riding down Phinney. It’s not often one gets the opportunity to “experience” the odors of wildlife, even roadkill, in the city. While repugnant, I still enjoyed the experience. At any rate, the nostrils cleared nicely by the time I got to Fremont and I can only assume I was treated by the hard-working chocolatiers at Theo Chocolate brewing up a fresh batch of their rich, bitter chocolate. The intoxicating scent covers several blocks of Fremont. I usually only smell it in the late evening, so this morning batch came as a welcome treat.

After looking at so many riders today, I announce today the day of biking in jeans. I saw at least 6 jeans-clad men. I still say biking in jeans is just OK. Biking in jeans in the rain is miserable.

I also announce today the day for other cyclists to speed past me with all they’ve got, even running red lights where they could, only for me to meet up with them again at a traffic light a few blocks later. I shaved a good 15 minutes off my commute time learning the light patterns, learning when it’s a good time to push the pedals and beat the lights, and when it’s better to save your lungs for the next block.

Fremont bike count: 16

Confusing day

The light on Fremont at 85th responds to a sensor. For the past year the sensor has been working quickly and reliably. When I approached the intersection and saw a car and a bike waiting and the light not already changing, I knew something was wrong. I sat and watched the pedestrian crosswalk cycle through- this is how you know the sensor is not triggered. By this time, a trail of cars and bikes wait behind us. I see that the car is in the cross walk, far ahead of the sensor. I see that the bike is near the bike sensor, but not on it. He looks agitated, like he expected to go already. I walk up to him, and tell him to put his bike over the sensor, pointing. He looks at me, confused, but follows. I want to explain to him that the sensor must be triggered in order for the light to change, but the light changes as soon as he puts his bike on the sensor, and I, having grown impatient, ride off instead. I feel bad. Does this guy understand how the sensors work? What a great opportunity to help someone learn, except I let my impatience get the better of me.

Several miles later, a short school bus stopped in the middle of the road. Even though I am in a bike lane, a stopped vehicle is cause for alarm. Should I stop too, or should I go? A stopped school bus usually means we stop too. But, I’d never seen a school bus at this time before. What was it doing? Was it “in operation”? There was a crosswalk ahead of the bus, but I could see no people at it. If the bus was letting people off, I should stop. But, why not use the bus stop? And where would the people be going? There were no schools or retirement or care homes nearby. An older couple was walking on the sidewalk, but they weren’t particularly close to the bus or the crosswalk. Even so, there are tons of “connector” vans around town that pick up elderly and disabled folk. I regularly see at least one of them at the retirement homes I ride by. If the bus was turning, then I should go. The problem with me stopping for a turning vehicle that’s already stopped, is I run the risk of the “Seattle standoff”; I wait for them, they wait for me. No one moves. It had no turn signal on. Perhaps it was letting an oncoming car turn ahead of him? I saw none. Utterly confused as to why the bus stopped in the middle of the street, I decided to proceed.

A few blocks later, the bus passes me and stops in front of a crosswalk. Again, no cars, no people. Not even an intersection or bus stop this time. And, as the bus just passed me, I am sure there is nothing in the road causing the bus to stop. I wonder, do school buses have to stop at every crosswalk like they have to stop at all railroad tracks? I am not sure. If that’s the case, I feel bad for the bus driver, since there are numerous crosswalks on this road that rarely get used. I pass confidently this time. Just as I am passing, the doors open and the driver loudly yells out at me “MHRSHGHROGHTSOFOPPTOOO!” After years of biking, I can say that drivers do not know how poorly sound travels from a car. From the last bit, I decide she was telling me to “STOP TOO!” Which means I made the wrong choice. I feel bad now. I want to be the example; the cyclist who does things the correct way. After I pass, the doors close and the bus proceeds again. It appears she stopped just to yell at me. I need to check a rule book somewhere. It appears that every time a school bus stops I have to stop too (makes sense). It also appears that school buses have to stop at every crosswalk. This is where I am confused. There are crosswalks at nearly every intersection, but I am sure they don’t have to stop at intersections with green lights. If anybody has any answers, please comment below.

Fremont Bridge count: 197

Haven't you always wanted a monkey?

picture from http://seattle.findwell.com/event/holiday-monkey-lights/

For several blocks, 200 LED-lit monkeys dazzle the streets of Greenwood and Phinney neighborhoods. I remember seeing them around Christmas time last year, and didn’t think anything of them this year until the question was asked…”why?” I didn’t really think about it, but nearly every business, and even some apartments windows display these cheerful dancing monkeys. The monkeys wear tutus in front of the dance studio, ride bikes at the bike shop, eat in front of the grocery store, and so on.

It’s really neat. I guess there isn’t a particular reason they are monkeys, just that they are cool. The monkeywood website says that they complement the zoo’s holiday light display. Considering I got to see the Wildlights last night, this is very fitting. Making the monkeys even more fitting, I live in the Greenwood neighborhood and ride with a MonkeyLight on my bike (like, whoa dude. We'll be syncing the lights to Pink Floyd songs next). The monkeys have a secret (or not so secret) goal of driving sales at the small local business that dominate these neighborhoods. For instance, on Wednesday all the businesses with red monkeys in the window have a certain sale. There is even a scavenger hunt.

Here is a video of the monkeys being made from http://www.monkeywood.org/:

Today’s ride brought on another ice cream headache, even though I dressed a little too warmly. I thought cheerfully of the monkeys for most of my ride. Downtown there is a stretch of flat road with timed lights where I can keep up with the speed limit. This is important as there are often few enough cars in the lane that I need to keep up. I can only do it because shortly after the road becomes congested with traffic and I can catch my breath. Today an angry driver made an illegal lane change to speed past me. I guess he couldn’t handle the thought of driving behind a bike, even though I was going the same pace as any car. I met up with him again just blocks later when the road congested. I shake my head at this silliness. Why do people feel the need to be so angry. Why do I let this get me angry? Luckily, I will soon forget all about the drivers and remember only the cute monkeys.

Fremont Bridge count: 198