First Half Over

My Seattle Salute 

The Lobby of the Famous Edgewater Hotel 

Someone bought all 17 of us breakfast on the last day.

Our arrival at the rocky shoreline in Seattle 

The first part of my last day on the Northern Tier was hillier than I expected. At mile 15 though we got onto a series of trails that led us to the end of the ride in Seattle. On this day we rode in larger groups than usual until we arrived at the Gas Works Parks. There all 27 riders assembled and we rode parade like for 5 miles through some of the seediest places in Seattle. Some of the people in a homeless encampment didn’t know whether to grab their belongings and run or to welcome us into the camp. Rusting rail cars and the city’s garbage truck fleet don’t make a great impression. Only the last mile did the trail run along the water to where there was a celebration. The Northern Tier riders’ families were there to greet their loved ones. Pictures were taken at the bay and then everyone proceeded to the Famous Edgewater Hotel, everyone but me. I quickly made my exit and rode my bike to a Seattle bike shop where I had made arrangements to have my bike tuned up for my second half, Seattle to San Diego. I got back to the celebration at the hotel and enjoyed delicious food and cocktails. I had a chance to meet many of the riders’ families and share stories of life on the road. It was a great afternoon. I’ll miss the Northern Tier Riders. They’re a great group of people who rode 4,295 miles for a very worthwhile cause. Now, I’ll have a day in Seattle to reorganize, do laundry and then meet the new team. Tomorrow a new adventure begins!