I'm surprised to see how many folks have been out running and cycling during the recent smoky weather. It's as if the rest of us need to HTFU. Current AQI: Exercising in unhealthy air isn't like lifting weights: it's not going to make your lungs "stronger." And, just because you don't feel irritation or soreness doesn't mean you aren't doing damage. If you are … [Read more...] about Smoke Season Weather Window
GPS
Newcastle Climb
The climb to Newcastle Golf Course is a short .65 mile spur that frequently gets added to rides up and over Cougar Mt. The entrance to the climb is easy to identify if you are coming from the Coal Creek (west) side of Lakemont Blvd. The straightaway up to the top of the climb is steeper than it looks. Even on a cloudy June-uary day, the view from the top of the … [Read more...] about Newcastle Climb
Cycling the North Cascades Highway
By this time of year, I've usually cycled the North Cascades Hwy (WA State Hwy 20) out-and-back to Mazama at least twice. Unfortunately asthma has delayed my usual hit list of ambitious summertime rides. It's usually too hot in July to do a long ride with minimal water and shade, but last weekend high temps were only in the mid-80s so it was a go: A friend and I did the … [Read more...] about Cycling the North Cascades Highway
Annette Lake Trail
Sad to say, as far as area hikes go, I tend to replay my "greatest hits" list over and over. I've lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1994 and only just got around to the Annette Lake Trail last weekend. Last Saturday I volunteered to help at the mile 10.4 aid station of the Cascade Super Series' Super Marathon. The Super Marathon is unique in that it is a Boston … [Read more...] about Annette Lake Trail
The Double Grind | Trombley Begins
In this episode of The Double Grind Michael and Craig chat with Seattle-area gravel veteran Robert Trombley about Dirty Kanza, gravel and endurance rides, and gear. Other discussion topics include: condom colored chain wax, comebacks, what we rode, what we gonna ride, and Chef Craig tolerates the Oddly Incompetent Middle-Aged Man and maybe teaches us how to cook some carrots … [Read more...] about The Double Grind | Trombley Begins