OK, let's get the bad part out of the way so I can get back in the zone. I rode 80 tough miles today, a lot of it wet. The kind of rain Washington is known for: drizzle. I got through the riding party tired, but fine. The walking my bike part? Not so good.
I was running late all day after screwing around too much in Annacortes. Then I miscalculated the distance to the Port Townsend ferry. With 10 miles of pushing it hard, I just made it to the 3:00 ferry. I took off my shoes and put on my flip flops while waiting to board. Then when I grabbed my bike, it tipped over because of all the weight near the rear in my panniers (something I repeatedly forget). I tried to keep my bike from tipping and in the process, I went down on top of it.
Net result? Cut toe, cut elbow, big hematoma bruise on my hip, and four staples in my knee to close a nasty cut.
I was running late all day after screwing around too much in Annacortes. Then I miscalculated the distance to the Port Townsend ferry. With 10 miles of pushing it hard, I just made it to the 3:00 ferry. I took off my shoes and put on my flip flops while waiting to board. Then when I grabbed my bike, it tipped over because of all the weight near the rear in my panniers (something I repeatedly forget). I tried to keep my bike from tipping and in the process, I went down on top of it.
Net result? Cut toe, cut elbow, big hematoma bruise on my hip, and four staples in my knee to close a nasty cut.
Classic Fredericks, get hurt WALKING his bike
Bottom line, I'm OK. It doesn't even hurt much. We'll see how I feel in the morning. Short day tomorrow, fortunately. Now let's get to the good stuff, starting with Cathy, the owner of the place I'm staying, the Mt. Walker Inn. After getting bandaged up on the ferry, I knew I needed stitches and there was a hospital in Fort Townsend, but I decided to ride the last 25 miles to Quilcene instead, where I was pretty sure there wasn't one, based on their population of 851.
I called Kelley while riding. She called the Mt. Walker Inn, talked to Cathy, the amazing owner of this oasis (more about Cathy to follow later on my blog) and asked about any medical services in town. As expected, there wasn't much in a place this size. Cathy was very concerned and she drove out to meet me when I rolled into town. She immediately took me to the fire station, where I was bandaged up again, and strongly advised to get stitches. Afterwards, Cathy drove me BACK those same 25 miles to Port Townsend, and waited for me for 2 hours while they cleaned me up, took x-rays, and finally stapled my knee. Who does that? I'm so grateful!
I was pretty depressed while riding those last 25 miles into Quilcene. But I feel the Mojo coming back now. And if it weren't for that one, stupid, self-inflicted thing, it was a good day, in spite of the weather. I met a lot of people and had many chances to talk about Lindsey, and give away several of her donation cards. I'll post some of those pictures now, but it's late and I need sleep. So I'll blog more about the day tomorrow
I called Kelley while riding. She called the Mt. Walker Inn, talked to Cathy, the amazing owner of this oasis (more about Cathy to follow later on my blog) and asked about any medical services in town. As expected, there wasn't much in a place this size. Cathy was very concerned and she drove out to meet me when I rolled into town. She immediately took me to the fire station, where I was bandaged up again, and strongly advised to get stitches. Afterwards, Cathy drove me BACK those same 25 miles to Port Townsend, and waited for me for 2 hours while they cleaned me up, took x-rays, and finally stapled my knee. Who does that? I'm so grateful!
I was pretty depressed while riding those last 25 miles into Quilcene. But I feel the Mojo coming back now. And if it weren't for that one, stupid, self-inflicted thing, it was a good day, in spite of the weather. I met a lot of people and had many chances to talk about Lindsey, and give away several of her donation cards. I'll post some of those pictures now, but it's late and I need sleep. So I'll blog more about the day tomorrow
Overlooking Anacortes
The above picture is overlooking Anacortes and was taken by Kathi (a Cannondale rider) and her dad, Dave, visiting from Santa Monica area.
Prudence from Quebec
Met Prudence about 10 miles before Oak Harbor. She's been cycling the coast of Oregon and Canada quite awhile already. I think she said she was headed back to Seattle.
Friendly Texans
Met this family at the Deception Pass Bridge. They drove all the way out from Waco, Texas. Asked a lot of questions about my ride and Lindsey. Very kind and sincere.
Don From Vancouver and his Big Rig Trek
Don has been riding with a group down in Oregon. He gave me the lowdown on a great place to stop in South Bend, where I stay after Day 4. Don was headed the other way, to the San Juans.
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