One step closer to departure. I picked up the bike after dropping it off for a pre- trip tune up. Also ordered a few parts to have as spare. A new chain, Disc Brake pads, Brake Rotor, Brake and Shifter Cable, 6 spokes. Not that i'm expecting to rebuild the bike along the way but, why be stuck on the side of the road when you do not need to.
 I'm at the point now where picking the date to begin is the only thing left to do. The week of August 12th looks like it.

 After months of researching and thinking about weather to use a trailer I decided to get one and give it a try. The Extrawheel Voyager seem to be the best for my needs. After riding it around for a day I have to say that the trailer is very nice. I had to keep looking in the rearview mirror to see if the thing was still connected.

 The I will use it. On the trailer left side pannier will be Camping gear. Right Pannier Cooking gear and some bike tools.

I like the trailer so far. Its only 13.9 pounds and I'm not carrying anymore gear than i did without the trailer. Now the load is much more stable because its sitting lower on the bike.

I planned to ride up to Bellevue, WA but at the last minute i decided to finish the section of Soos Trail that i didn't ride a few weeks ago. It was about a mile and a half. Then i turned around and rode the whole trail. There are some nice inclines to make the legs burn. Practice for what lies ahead.

 Me at the top of the Hill

 The good thing about pedaling up hill is- there is sometimes a bigger downgrade.

 Taking a short break and relaxing to the sound of flowing water.

After I took this picture I dropped my good Fuji Camera. Its a gonna!

Riding the Interurban/ Green River Trail from Kent, WA to Seattle, WA. The bike was almost fully loaded all the bags were on just didn't have them fully packed.
The Kona Sutra is Handling the weight just fine.

 Almost fully Loaded

The Green River in Seattle, WA

 This Rabbit didn't move the whole time i was there. I guess when you live under the interstate not much distrubs you!

 I-5 over the Green River in Seattle. And where the little rabbit lives. Very Loud!

 Sign for the park in Tukwila, WA. I'll have to see what is means.

 Keeping Pace with the train.

 Good reason to slow down at railroad crossings.

 The Mill was somewhere down there about 50+ feet

 Taking a back at halfway point of steep grade. It was better than the 20+ grade on Hwy 240 i had to push up last week.

 Seems like all my trips end up being around 30 miles. That will change when i Leave on the tour.

Refueling Home made BBQ pulled chicken on whole wheat.

Ride to Seward Park Seattle, WA

Ride to Seward Park Seattle, WA

July 5, 2012

 Picture of Mercer Island



 Seward Park South Seattle, WA

 View of Mt. Rainier from Seward Park

 Mercer Island from Seward Park

 Seattle Skyline from Seward Park

 Olympic Mountains from Seward Park, WA

 Looks like fun. Many boaters were out enjoy the perfect weather

 Now i could live on that boat

 32 mile ride

And this is how you end a day of riding. Home made pulled pork and eggs.



 July 2, 2012 ride to Saltwater state park in Des Moines, WA. It was about a 20 mile round trip from Jason House. 20 miles of alot of Big Hills.

 Most of the park waterfront amenities were closed till July 4th.

 Tsunami Warning Sign. First time i've seen one. The water was low. There was a earth quake north of here the night before. Not from the quake! Just low tide.

 View to the South toward Federal Way, WA

 Oylmpic mountains behind Vashon Island, WA

 View to the North toward Seattle, WA

 Clam fishing area. Closed for the season.

 The Disc brakes got a real workout on the many big hills.

 It was 10 dollars to get into the park. A few people at the gate turned around because they didn't want to pay. I paid so i could see the shoreline.

The bags are 1/2 full or 1/2 empty depending on weather i'm going uphill or downhill. :-)