Bike Ride - 7 HillZ of Kirkland

Today was the 7 Hills of Kirkland. A slog up (and down) a number of the hills in the area. Most people do it on (very) expensive road bikes, but I decided again - maybe because it is the only bike I've got - to go for the mountain bike route.

It was cold in the morning, just north of 45F, but the forecast was for the sun to peak out in late morning. John, just back from a few days in Chicago, called early to ensure that we were still "on". After some quick snacks at home, I met john down at the start around 8.30AM.
As on all other events like this, the food/snacks are almost better before the race, and no different today. Munched on cookies, bagels, and all other types of bad stuff before taking off.

I had my trusted GPS in my bag and with some other "hardware" I was likely carrying a few pounds extra, on top of the already heavier mountain bike. Well, road bikes are for sissies anyway. Isn't it all about getting a good workout, and the more friction/rolling resistance, the better....?
It was said to be somewhere close to a thousand bikers, and I only saw five or so other "fat tire" riders. Small group of "hard core" bikers. Especially the guy with a soft tail and seated very low. He did OK on the uphills, against all conventional wisdom.

The ride was chilly on one of the first long downhills towards Kenmore, but soon it was actually a really nice day. Met up with wife and Jan at the intermediate "pit" stop, and got another load of unnecessary (but oh so good) food and snacks. The hated Winery Hill was taken in stride this year. No stopping and no jumping off the bike, but a bit disappointed since the bag piper on top of the hill must have had a flat since he was out of commission when we passed.

John (on a VERY nice road bike) was way too nice and waited for me after every serious downhill. We split up at 116th since he had decided to go for the longer loop up in the Eastern hills of Redmond.

Arrived back to Marina Park after a little more than 3 hours and 15 minutes. Think that was better than last year, and it also felt much better overall. Waited at Marina Park about an hour and a half, munching on cookies and coffee, until the others arrived (and managed to get annoyed at the boaters who still run "open pipes", just sitting idling down at the dock, is the off button so hard to find?).

All in all, felt great, with only a small amount of butt "itch" which follows any longer ride, but it faded quickly after a brew and a nice dip in the hot tub.