Slowpokes
at Tapeworm on Feb 16th 2003
Seven STM riders turned out to attack (or be attacked by) the technical trails
at the Towers of Power fun trail system amid some brief rain showers. The trails
were muddy and the numerous slick roots and logs added to the fun. A
well-built roller coaster bridge has been recently added to Tapeworm. Arold
Aguon and Todd Petrie (new Heckler) were first timers, and seemed to have a
blast conquering the many obstacles easily. Dave and Jim Goulet, Melissa Rogers,
and Capt "Hoo-haw" Monroe rounded out the up-beat group. Crop Circles,
The Worm, Parasite, and Mr DNA were ridden making for a 2 hour 6+ miles
FUN-fest .
Dino Rick.
Slowpokes
at Victor Falls, Feb 2, 2003
I don't know if the 15 riders who turned out on this overcast Sunday were
attracted by the slow riding pace, or if they just wanted to get together and
ride with STM (after a winter of " couch potato-ing") We had regulars,
new members, and riders out of STM's past. including 3 former club presidents
Ralph Loewen, Kevin Collier, and Steve Merriam( who was also our first
Webmaster) We also had twice club treasurer, Don Swanson. New faces were Brian
Gagne & Lisa. Regulars Kay Oliver, Roy & Andy Edick, Alex Schell, Todd
Petrie, Ken "Samurai" Lawson, Capt. Monroe, Bob Hollander, and myself
rounded out the group of eager mudslinging slowpokes.
Our first loop of 2 hours got fragmented at the "Rusty Truck" trail when Capt "wrong way" Monroe took a wrong turn and lead a group of ten down the bridge infested "College Trail". After a futile search in the tangle of Victor Falls trails, the remainder of us followed the leader's chosen loop back to the 2 hour destination point at the cars. Coach Don volunteered to continue the search for the lost brigade who had followed the wayward Capt. (He was successful.) While we waited there for signs of the wayward, a few straggled in. After waiting until 1:00 pm, 6 of us ventured onto the Eastside, as planned, to enjoy an hour of riding to finish off the day. Arriving back at the cars at 2:20 (and 10 miles) we noted that all of the "Captain Waywards" followers had already gone home. Don and Brian arrived a few minutes later, after doing an hour search and rescue ride, and advised me that everyone had gotten back to the cars OK!
Comment: Slow-paced rides have been requested by a lot of our members this year. Everyone there was advised that the first 2 hour loop was to be at a "slowpoke" pace, lead by me (a perennial slowpoke). The 3rd hour was designated for those who wanted to "hammer" as a separate group. For some reason our slowpoke session got spread out on Rusty Truck and some left the leader's route unannounced. As the designated ride leader, I had a responsibility to plan and organize a route; and see that everyone got back safely. I know it was a large turnout (sometimes split up into slow and fast groups), but on a Slowpoke Ride everyone should be able to stay fairly close together (and be comfortable) without the usual "gather-up and rest" stops (often cold). This pace also allows you to practice slow riding skills...like track stands, ratcheting, static wheelies, etc. I'm sorry if this incident upset any of our group.
Dino Rick
OFS
Ride at Ft. Steilacoom Jan 26,2003
Kurt
Kurtz had the up-beat company of Joe & Sue Krezelak, Don Swanson, and Dino
Rick on his ride at Ft. Steilacoom Park They rode for 2 hours on the
fun trails there. They had blue skies, except for a brief rainsquall during the
ride. Lots of hikers and dogs were encountered as usual...and returned in plenty
of time to see the Super Bowl blowout.
Randy's Urban Adventure Road Ride: Nov 9, 2002.
In answer to repeated requests, another I-90 Bridge Trail Ride was added on our Website Ride Schedule. Despite several
calls, only 3 eager riders turned out on this brisk and sunny autumn morning at Newcastle Beach Park in Bellevue. After
Danish and coffee, Don Swanson, Randy Nikolai (on road bikes), and me were rewarded with clear skies and glorious autumn
colors on these scenic paved trails.
After crossing Lake Washington and enjoying a fish & chips lunch on the Elliot Bay waterfront, Randy led us on a guided
tour of city sights (Randy knows Seattle). Our leisurely tour on streets and trails included historic Pioneer Square (& the
rebuilt Pergola), Myrtle Edwards Park, cruising along with yachts on the Ship Canal, the always funky Fremont District and
its VW crushing Troll, historic Gasworks Park, the U-Dub campus, across the Montlake Bridge to the Arboretum, a stop at
Randy's home (to drool over his bright red '99 Corvette and two catamarans), thru Leschi, and onto the I-90 Bridge Trail
back across Lake Washington for a 34 mile, 6 hour epic adventure. Yes wimps, it did rain...but only during the last mile to
the cars!
Thanks Randy...for a very scenic and interesting tour.
Dino Rick.
Dino Rick Russell’s response to the recent article in the newsletter
I don't know whether to be flattered or embarrassed by the story about me in the Nov newsletter. (What's an STM elder
statesman?) It was fairly accurate account of some of my experiences, but I am not sure it came out like Julia and I
discussed in her phone interview. My habit of doing a particular activity 52 times a year was not so much to stay in shape,
but because I loved an activity enough to do it that often...and felt I'd improve my performance and thus my enjoyment by
making a commitment to it. (Maybe it's my stubborn Scandinavian heritage?) The conditioning is just part of this
commitment. I think another benefit from any recreational activity is the way it can relieve everyday stress. A lot of
recreational activities rely on weather or seasonal circumstances (i.e.: snow, wind, etc.), but mountain biking has no such
limitations...and we are lucky to have such a sport come along. So, I get out and enjoy our sport...and stay somewhat in
shape while I'm having FUN (and live a little longer, too?). Sometimes the reality of 71 years is a little tough, but I
sure love mountain biking!! So, I hope you don't mind me tagging along for a while longer! (As part of my 52 rides a year?)
The Dinosaur.
Ps: Incidentally, I was born & raised on the East Coast; served in the Air Force during the Korean War; have 5 grown sons
and 7 grandchildren; retired from residential construction in 1998. Besides the activities mentioned: I skied for 16 years;
was a M/C dirt biker for 12; coached Little League baseball and youth soccer for over 12 years.
Pps: Looking for Older, Fatter, and/or slower people to ride with? Call me at 253-631-3861. We don't ride the easy stuff...
we just ride a little slower!