Sunday, April 11, 2010

Ride at Woodland Park with the Erbeck Men


Erbeck Men: Luca, Aaron and True ready for action.

True, climbing machine.


True, working the downhill.

Pit stop.

Yes Luca, both your Dad and your Brother are completely crazy.

Urban obstacles.

True, showcasing the BMX skills.

Who needs brakes when you have feet.


True listening intently to Dad's instructions for the
last big downhill of the day.

No bike adventure is complete without proper re-hydration. Uber has a fine selection of craft ales and the charm that only Aurora Ave can offer.


Cedar, the friendly Rotweiler I met at the bar.

Don't anyone worry, True's got it!



Post crash interview.

I had the pleasure of joining my neighbor Aaron and his boys True and Luca at Woodland Park for a beautiful spring bike ride. True was absolutely unstoppable on his Specialized Hotwalk as he pushed, coasted, jumped, and crashed his bike all over Woodland Park and was ready for more when it was time to go home. I think the world of the Erbecks' parenting and was really impressed by with the way Aaron balanced teaching True skills and safety on the bike while leaving him enough space to be in charge of his own adventure and learn through the experience. I feel privileged for being included, and look forward to further adventures with the Erbeck men!

Kla-Ha-Ya

Matt

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Buffy's Big Adventure


Buffy loading up for the big ride.

First stop is Neptune Coffee in Greenwood for the Quad Americano. Jet Fuel...except the part where I go fast. My favorite coffee shop in Greenwood.
Buffy had a deluxe ride in the Ortlieb Pannier. I mean if they can haul a Buffalo from Seattle to Snohomish, what can't they do?

Where the Hell is Cathcart WA? Buffy outside the now defunct Cathcart Store outside of Snohomish, WA. Cathcart is near where I went to Jr. High School. It turns out the Issac Cathcart was instrumental in the development of the town of Snohomish in the late 1800's. This little piece is from the Snohomish Visitor Information Center Website:
1869
Isaac Cathcart comes to Snohomish
Isaac Cathcart emigrated from Ireland to Michigan when he was quite young. He came to Snohomish in 1869 and worked as a chopper in a logging camp. By 1872 he had earned enough to erect the Snohomish Exchange Hotel, a large, two story building costing $6,300. He made it a first class hotel and ran it for sixteen years.

Buffy at a nice view point on Springhetti Road above the Snohomish Valley.

Coffee stop at Harvey's Airfield in Snohomish, WA.

The Snohomish Visitor Information Center on Historic 1st Street.

Buffy visiting the grave of Great Grandma and Grandapa Ruth & Carl (Great, Great Grandma & Grandpa to Sadie, Madeline, Carter, and Taylor). Ruth Alford (Manary) was born February 23, 1908 in Camas, WA, one of 11 children of Bertha and Robert Manary. Ruth married Carl Alford on June 28th, 1928.
Great Grandma died on March 12, 1994, when I was 16 years old. Buffy was a gift from Great Grandma when I was 4 or 5 years old.

Carter testing out Buffy's new tail at Mom and Dad's house.


Sadie and a very pregnant Kim with Buffy.

Buffy was my childhood buddy and many adventures has Buffy been on. Buffy no doubt has endured his fair share of abuse in the form dirt, slobber, and any other bodily fluid a 4-8 year old me could dish out. Many a 'basement clean-outs' has Buffy survived at Mom and Dad's house over the years, only recently to be discovered by my niece Sadie Rose. I received a very sincere phone call from Sadie asking if she could take Buffy to her house if she promised to take care of him. Uncle Matt gladly obliged. For Sadie's 4th Birthday Aunt Jenny sewed Buffy a new tail (lost somewhere along the way) and I delivered Buffy back on Easter Day. I do believe that this is first recorded bike transport of a Buffalo from Seattle to Snohomish in the history of man.
Buffy gained a little more magic today on an excellent Front Door Adventure!

Kla-Ha-Ya

Matt


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Dance Show at the Erickson

Beer Bike. This late 70's Shwinn Continental spent many years under the deck of the Bruya's Derby House in Pullman. Jesse gifted it me and Aaron Erbeck helped me trick it out a bit. I spend a ton of time on the Beer Bike and it is my choice ride for local adventures.

Jen rollin' the University Bridge.

The hood on Capital Hill.

Volunteer Park on Capital Hill.

Dolphin in the park.

My favorite watering hole on Capital Hill, the Hopvine.

Jen, giving her best Donald Hurst nod of approval. Must be a decent beer.

Erickson Theater off Broadway

Jen is not very excited about the ride home in the rain.

Larry Bruya is a a friend of mine. If you know Larry, then you know what I mean. Larry was my major professor at WSU, and outside my parents likely the most influential mentor in my life. Larry and Lorna's daughter lives and works in Seattle and has been very involved in the dance community here for a number of years. Larry and Lorna called and said they were coming to town for a performance that Gabby had choreographed and invited Jen and I to come watch.

Jen and I made an afternoon of it and biked up to Capital Hill. I took pictures of my hot wife doing Yoga at Volunteer Park and then we were off to the Hopvine Pub for a beer or two. Jen and I toodled about Capital Hill for a bit and met the crew at the Erickson Theater off Broadway.

Jen and I were treated to a night of modern dance and the company of the entire Bruya clan. Great Front Door Adventure!

Kla-Ha-Ya

Matt

Monday, April 5, 2010

Happy Birthday Sadie Rose!

Happy 4th Birthday Sadie. You're looking good!

The Trek 520 loaded and ready to roll.

Best Toy Store in Seattle. Top Ten Toys in Greenwood. Great selection and service by folk who know kids and toys!

Spring blossoms. Woodinville.

Maltby Cafe. Home of one of Washington's best cinnamon rolls!

View of Mnt. Pilchuck, Three Fingers, and White Horse from Springhetti Road above the Snohomish Valley.

Fred's Tavern in Snohomish. I have been frequenting this fine establishment for over a decade. Great selection of NW Beers and good eats. Chewy is the new owner and a very friendly guy.

Lunch of Champions. Fueled up for another 25 miles!


Machias Station on the Centennial Trail on the way from Snohomish to Arlington.

17 miles of this. I am not very stressed.

Destination at Jeff's House near Silvana.

Birthday Girl and Uncle Matt!

Carter Skip in the Bouncy House.
Taylor in on the Bouncy House action.
Can we say static electricity?

Sadie Rose was turning four the weather looked awesome. Why wouldn't I want to ride from Seattle to Arlington for a Birthday Party?
The day started with a trip to Top Ten Toys in Greenwood where they had a book on American Native Wildlife waiting at the front counter following a phone call. Sadie has taken a interest in America Buffalo lately and I have an issue buying cheap plastic crap for birthday presents for the kids, so a book it was. The best service I have had anywhere in a long while.
On to Woodinville and down north through Malty and past the Maltby Cafe. I was tempted by one of the best cinnamon roll in Washington, but the lure of a burger and beer kept me rolling.
Down though the Snohomish Valley and past my old stomping grounds found me at Fred's Tavern on First Street for a refuel. I ran into an old friend working the bar that day and felt good that I still had a connection to this place.
Back on the bike and north on the Centennial Trail for almost 20 miles of traffic and stress free spinning. If you get 1 mile away from the parking lots on this trail, and it really clears out.
Out past the Arlington Airport and over I-5 to my brothers house.
An hour in the bouncy house and I was spent.
A great day spent exploring and ended with some great family time. Thank you Sadie and happy birthday. Someday I will drag you along on an adventure of some sort!

Kla-Ha-Ya

Matt

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Big Al Brewery

Movie star glasses and bike socks....hot!
Fueled up with some good eats at The Dish.
Action Shot Elliot Bay Bike Path
Our destination, Big Al Brewery, White Center Seattle.
Waiting for beverages.

Refueled

Eric and Jessica joined us for a beverage.

Riding bikes makes a happy couple.

Jenny and I frequent the Naked City Brewery near our home in Greenwood. The Naked City does and excellent job of featuring some the best local brewery's beer on tap. Throughout the summer, fall and winter I have drank enough of Big Al's beer to know that these guys interpretation of a good NW mircobrew aligns pretty close to mine.

Jen and I had a great Front Door Adventure to White Center and back by bike with a couple of beverages in the middle. My good friend Eric and his friend Jessica biked from Leschi to join us for a beer and conversation. Eric spends good part of the year guiding for the Alpine Ascents International and it is always good to see him.

Jen is great partner for any adventure and almost always has a smile and a great attitude. I am lucky to be married to her and thankful for the companion in the adventure of life!

Kla Ha Ya

Matt