How the Other Half Lives – The Godfather Rides Road

I know that Mike, Lance, Jack, Denise and others actually enjoy road riding, so – since I was in Bellevue hanging with my grandsons this weekend and unable to get on single-track – I decided to climb on my Niner hardtail and give it a try on the posh pavement of Yarrow Point, Clyde Hill, and Medina (which, loosely translated, means “big money; multiple gardeners”).

There was some good news. First, the area I rode has incredible views, and the weather on both Saturday and Sunday was very nice. Head south and you were looking at Mount Rainier. To the west, Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline and the Olympics. To the north, Mount Baker.

Second, I only rode for about 90 minutes each day but about 60 of it was climbing. The hills on NE 20th and NE 24th are hors categories for a fat boy and an excellent test.

I ran into all kinds of road bikers on what looked to be very light and spendy rides. I think my wide tires and baggy shorts made me a curiosity in this world because no one asked me to join their pelaton.

I hit each of the tough hills multiple times, but I never saw a single road dude on those climbs. This is when I realized that the guys I’d run into must have been some sordid breed of poser roadies, happy to stick to the flat stuff while discussing the benefits of titanium.

Even though I was hugging the right side when in traffic, several drivers of Beamers and Lexi honked at me. I learned that I don’t like being honked at. Besides, it’s dangerous. It’s not that easy to ride with one hand while providing finger communication with the other.

Any more time on road and I’d have developed Dave’s reputation for volatility.

Sher said I overreacted. Perhaps the honking was a way for drivers to welcome me to the community. Okay, probably not. Maybe they could somehow tell that I was a former educator who was well out of his financial and cultural element.

Things are just so much simpler on trail. All you have to remember is that elk always have the right of way and it’s okay to stop to throw up at the top of Bitter Bitch.