So Salsa, when are we going to do our next TE get together?

[mimitabby]

Now that I have the smoothie maker, when are we going to do the next Seattle TE get together?
Maybe a pot luck? With smoothies?

[Wahine]

I like smoothies.:D

[MM_QFC!]

I like smoothies.:D

Drambuie smoothies, right Wahine? :D Yum - me too!

[Wahine]

I had a smoothie with tequila in it tonight. I'd be willing to try Drambuie.

[salsabike]

We are up for it! Pot luck and smoothies. We can put the trainer/bike/blender right on the porch, which will be a hoot and entertain the neighbors.

[mimitabby]

fantastic. now all we need to do is pick a date!

[bikerHen]

My daughter and I are venturing to the west side again Feb. 8 - 10. She's dancing on Sunday, but we are, as usual, up for some fun Friday and/or Saturday night. We're staying right across from the Seattle Center. Smoothies you have to work for sound like great fun. bikerHen

[KnottedYet]

Works for me.

[salsabike]

Works for me too, I think, but I think it would be more fun to do in partial daylight, like maybe starting around 2-3 and going to early evening. That way we really CAN entertain the neighbors, and maybe the crocuses will even be up by then. What do y'all think about that time?

[mimitabby]

How about the Afternoon of Feb 9th???

YAY!

RaleighdonSon made a blueberry smoothie last night. He was so cute, he put the bike up on the highest possible gear and spun for all he was worth (he rides a fixie) and it was a great smoothie. yum.

[KnottedYet]

Feb 9 sounds good to me!

I'll be gone most of that week, at a bike fitting course. It just happens to be in San Francisco, my what a nice coincidence! :D I love my job...

[Xrayted]

Sounds like it will be another great time. :cool: Just wanted to remind those of you that were contemplating going to the handmade bike show in Portland. It's Feb 8-10 as well. Don't know if that will make a difference, just a friendly reminder though.

So Mimi, do you keep it hooked up like that all the time or is there some kind of easy disconnect thingy for when you just want to spin on the trainer?

[bikerHen]

Feb 9 sounds good to me!

I'll be gone most of that week, at a bike fitting course. It just happens to be in San Francisco, my what a nice coincidence! :D I love my job...

Does that mean we can bring our bikes and get a professional bike fit? :D

Anytime on the 9th will work for us. Saturday is our playing around day. bikerHen

[mimitabby]

X, you know, I never thought of that. Right now it's hooked up all the time.

hmmm. Right now, not using the trainer for anything else. It is great exercise. I could take the blender off if i'm not using it, but not the generator, which does, after all, provide a decent resistance.

[Xrayted]

Does that mean we can bring our bikes and get a professional bike fit? :D


Oooh, I missed that. Good catch bikerhen. :p

[KnottedYet]

Does that mean we can bring our bikes and get a professional bike fit? :D

Anytime on the 9th will work for us. Saturday is our playing around day. bikerHen

No, the course is a few days later. Kinda mixed up my dates, there. But it would be kinda fun to have a potluck/smoothie/let-the-newbie-mess-up-your-bike-fit party! :D

[bikerHen]

Oh sure! Get us all excited, then say the dates are wrong! :D

We'll just have to settle for the smoothies and potluck part. bikerHen

[Xrayted]

Honestly, I'd let you ladies do a fit for me before some of my LBS guys.

For Knot - California (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnyOg5LGdSw) :D

[KnottedYet]

Honestly, I'd let you ladies do a fit for me before some of my LBS guys.

For Knot - California (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnyOg5LGdSw) :D

Well, when I'm done with this course we should have another party! Actually, I'll be down in Portland for some more bike fit education after the SF course.

[crazycanuck]

Can we have a bike smoothie party when i visit? Umm actually, if we don't do seattle we can do it in Vic!

[crazycanuck]

Mmmm..can't wait to try them smoothies :D

be afraid be very afraid...

[mimitabby]

cc, it might be easier to do the Smoothie party in Seattle, since that's where the Smoothie maker is. :cool::cool:

about Feb 9, Raleighdon sounds like he wants to go to the bike show. :(:( which isn't really a bad thing, but it screws up our plans.

[salsabike]

So bikerHen, when's your NEXT dancing daughter trip across the mountains--any idea?

[bikerHen]

Well Bummer! :( I don't think we'll be making the trip over again till summer. I guess we'll just entertain ourselves. I've never been to the Pikes Market area so we'll spend the day exploring. I'm even planing to use the buses again. :D bikerHen

[shootingstar]

Well, might be a real remote chance I might end up Seattle on Feb. 9, from that foreign country north of you. :)

And IF I did, wouldn't bringing my bike. No time and wrong time of year to cycle from Vancouver BC..without risk of rain.

so is this get-together still in Seattle on that date? Judging from some people's schedules in post...? :confused:

[bikerHen]

Well, we'll be there! And are up for some fun or get together on Saturday. And we are easily entertained with just about anything.:D bikerHen

[mimitabby]

okay. Finally got my ducks in a row. Talked to poor Raleighdon who had already made other plans. HOWEVER, he would rather go to Deena's house for our party; so mimitabby and Raleighdon are in, plus bike/smoothie maker.

[salsabike]

Hey! We're on again. Awesome.

Will Raleighdon really be okay with this? Don't want to make that good guy unhappy...and besides, those pies...

[mimitabby]

I wouldn't have written if he wasn't okay with it.

what about the pies? Won't they go well with our smoothies?

[MM_QFC!]

anyone up for a TE ride too - weather permitting?

[mimitabby]

Weather permitting, yes, we're up for a ride...

[Xrayted]

Looks like we will be able to make it up there for the day. If we can get our butts moving early enough, we may make it for the ride too. When/where/how far/kind of terrain? Kit will probably bring her Kona, I'm not sure which bike I will bring.

Salsa - pot luck?

Anyone have a floor for us to unroll some sleeping bags on? Otherwise, I will try to get a hotel room nearby. Thanks. :)

[Bruno28]

Will there be Drambuie smoothies? :D:D:D

[bikerHen]

OK! Now I have to start thinking and planning. :eek: Do I bring my bike? Do I bring a bike for my daughter? Just the thought of riding a bike that's not on a trainer sounds devine. My DH has been all worried about my wanting to ride outside, and it's easier to use the trainer than listen to his minute by minute weather reports and road conditions!

Not sure about the pie reference, but if it would help, daughter and I are expert pie makers and would be happy to bring a couple over the mountains with us.

Basically I/we are up for just about anything planned. Like I said, we're pretty easy. :eek: :D All I need is a map and the time. bikerHen

[salsabike]

Yes, pot luck. Raleighdon's pies will go WONDERFULLY with, uh, pretty much anything.

How about a morning ride, and the potluck/smoothie thing around 2-3 pm? I think daytime would be nice.

[salsabike]

Mimi, what are the smoothie ingredients?

PS We will DEFINITELY have to post TE pictures of this. Trainer smoothies. I love it.

PPS Now if we could just get Pansy here...

[Xrayted]

PPS Now if we could just get Pansy here...

**In my best Howard Cosell voice**
In the corner to my right, wearing black shorts, a gaudy bike jersey and weighing in at 150 lbs soaking wet, Raleighdon! He's a bit of a scraper. Pretty wirey. We'll see if he can hold up.
In the other corner, wearing red lipstick, full red kit, a boa (constrictor) and weighing in at *bleep* lbs, PansyPalmetto! I wouldn't put anything past her. She's a tough cookie.
Place yer bets ladies and germs. This is going to be one wild cage match. Loser to pedal the smoothie machine...

:eek: :eek: :cool: :D :eek:

[mimitabby]

smoothie ingredients
bananas
frozen fruit (whatever you like)
yogurt
vanilla extract
sweetener. (so far, we've used Pineapple juice, jam & maple syrup) you just need a little.

also a bit of milk to change consistency if necessary.

We could probably make a non-dairy kind too, so if any non-dairy types are interested, bring your milk substitutes.


ps no losers are allowed to pedal the smoothie machine

[MM_QFC!]

Yes, pot luck. Raleighdon's pies will go WONDERFULLY with, uh, pretty much anything.

How about a morning ride, and the potluck/smoothie thing around 2-3 pm? I think daytime would be nice.

Hey Salsa,
Sounds great...we might want to start late morning, in order to let any sun we get, have a chance to get a bit higher in the sky and burn off frost on the trail/in corners, eh?
DGF Linda and I are in for bringing potluck and smoothie ingredients...when do you expect the imported Drambuie aka gift from Bruno to arrive? :D
Mary

[mimitabby]

From Sir Raleighdon

Well ladies (and gentlemen), it looks like we're on for February 9th for a TE potluck/smoothie party. I am willing to bake one, two or three ..... or howevermany salsabike, Wahine and Mimitabby convince me I should make and bring them along. There was some mention of a ride. I would suggest, given the time of year and most folks conditioning at this point in the season, that we meet at Gasworks Park for a 9:30 am start and do one of my favorite "Alki-Out-N-Bak" routes. It is mostly flat, primarily on either bike trail, bike lane or low traffic streets. I generally ride to Tully's, though the Alki Bakery is always a good choice, as well. I have ridden all of the streets on this course recently, and aside from a couple of new winter potholes, they're in good shape. On the way back, if anyone wants, we can always do a little detour (since we go right past it) to the recently opened sculpture park at ME Park. Especially if anyone is coming from out of town, this is an awesome exhibit and fun diversion.

Signed,
Pieboy

[mimitabby]

and there's a map on the bikejournal TE thread of our ride.

[MM_QFC!]

From Sir Raleighdon

Well ladies (and gentlemen), it looks like we're on for February 9th for a TE potluck/smoothie party. I am willing to bake one, two or three ..... or howevermany salsabike, Wahine and Mimitabby convince me I should make and bring them along. There was some mention of a ride. I would suggest, given the time of year and most folks conditioning at this point in the season, that we meet at Gasworks Park for a 9:30 am start and do one of my favorite "Alki-Out-N-Bak" routes. It is mostly flat, primarily on either bike trail, bike lane or low traffic streets. I generally ride to Tully's, though the Alki Bakery is always a good choice, as well. I have ridden all of the streets on this course recently, and aside from a couple of new winter potholes, they're in good shape. On the way back, if anyone wants, we can always do a little detour (since we go right past it) to the recently opened sculpture park at ME Park. Especially if anyone is coming from out of town, this is an awesome exhibit and fun diversion.

Signed,
Pieboy

Sounds great, RD! Although, if the temps are anything like this morning - brrrrrrrrr - could we push the start time to a bit later?
Mary

[mimitabby]

I'm sure we can do that. I'm answering for him because he isn't checking TE threads.

[Wahine]

I'm not going to make it this time ladies. I forgot that we have a local commitment that weekend. :(

Next time.

[MM_QFC!]

I'm not going to make it this time ladies. I forgot that we have a local commitment that weekend. :(

Next time.

ahhhhhh, too bad...MM perks up immediately tho - um, can I have Wahine's smoothies?! ;)

[teigyr]

I know I've been pretty much out of this thread but if it's ok, could DH and I attend? It's iffy...I bid for my new shift next monday and it takes effect on the 9th. I THINK I'll still be able to hold full weekends but we will see :D I haven't ridden since, er, I honestly can't remember. I've been running though and hopefully won't have any problems.

[MM_QFC!]

I know I've been pretty much out of this thread but if it's ok, could DH and I attend? It's iffy...I bid for my new shift next monday and it takes effect on the 9th. I THINK I'll still be able to hold full weekends but we will see :D I haven't ridden since, er, I honestly can't remember. I've been running though and hopefully won't have any problems.

Aw, Teigyr, you're a gnarly girl - of course you won't have any problems! And bring DH, f'sure...
Good luck on the shift bid - hang onto those weekends or maybe pitch a hissy fit?! :rolleyes:

[salsabike]

I know I've been pretty much out of this thread but if it's ok, could DH and I attend? It's iffy...I bid for my new shift next monday and it takes effect on the 9th. I THINK I'll still be able to hold full weekends but we will see :D I haven't ridden since, er, I honestly can't remember. I've been running though and hopefully won't have any problems.

Of course you guys are welcome!

And the ride is optional, you know...

[MM_QFC!]

Yep, I was responding about riding, so that you know I wasn't trying to step all over your tootsies, Salsa!

[salsabike]

Yep, I was responding about riding, so that you know I wasn't trying to step all over your tootsies, Salsa!

Honey, my toes are not nervous types, so not to worry about that at all, okay? Not a problem.

[salsabike]

And all TE folks are welcome---I just assumed that you all knew that, I guess.

Wahine, you'll be missed, girl.

[teigyr]

Thanks :D

Am anxiously awaiting monday. Can I say I have to have full weekends off due to my "lifestyle choices"? Actually it's looking pretty good but we'll see.

Wahine, you will be missed indeed. DH asked if vodka can go into smoothies. I assured him it probably could.

of course he is the person who mixed vodka with cytomax once just to see if it was good. he said it was.

[bikerHen]

Are your streets road bike w/narrow tires safe? Or do I bring my Surly with the studded tires? If my daughter wants to ride, would anyone have a bike she could use? I hate transporting bikes on the rack in the winter and if we only bring one bike it can go inside the car. She's long legged and would ride around a 54cm? She prefers a straight bar over drops.

This is shaping up to be a great day! :D bikerHen

[bikerHen]

DH asked if vodka can go into smoothies. I assured him it probably could.

of course he is the person who mixed vodka with cytomax once just to see if it was good. he said it was.

We have a new micro distillery here in Spokane. :D I'll bring a bottle of their Vodka . . . it's really good. :rolleyes: bikerHen

[salsabike]

Mimi and I would like to get a vague head count. Who thinks they'll be coming?

The streets are road bike safe, BikerHen. Wish I had a 54 to offer, but I'm shorter than that, myself.

[KnottedYet]

Me!

[teigyr]

I'll know on monday....

OH how the fingers and toes are crossed. It looks promising. We obsessed for at least an hour today. It's almost like playing poker...who's going to take what and who will change their mind at the last minute, etc. It wasn't quite as bad when I was junior and knew every shift would suck but now it's there just right almost at my reach. Oh the joys of shiftwork!

[mimitabby]

Bikerhen, if you're coming, this ride will DEFINITELY be accessible for bikes with skinny tires. That's what i have. And if you're worried, it's almost completely FLAT FLAT FLAT and much of it is on a bike trail.
and it's scenic too.
TEigyr, you can SO do this ride.

Then again, if this 28 degree garbage continues, I won't be riding.
brr grr brrr grrrr

[Bruno28]

Mimi and I would like to get a vague head count. Who thinks they'll be coming?



Not me:mad:

I'm inconsolable. Guess I'll just have to drink Drambuie and reminisce on my lonesome ownsome. Try not to let it get in the way of you all having a good time.

It's been raining for two days here. I'm upstairs with my wellies on just in case.

[mimitabby]

Not me:mad:

I'm inconsolable. Guess I'll just have to drink Drambuie and reminisce on my lonesome ownsome. Try not to let it get in the way of you all having a good time.

It's been raining for two days here. I'm upstairs with my wellies on just in case.

Bruno, you will be missed. I'm glad you've got your wellies. You ought to teach a class on Scottishisms (not to be confused with Schottisches) it would really be fun!

[Bruno28]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SguYlpm3ffQ

:D:D:D

[MM_QFC!]

count me in...DGF too

Awwwww, Bruno, don't sulk; it's so unbecoming! Besides, Wahine was gracious and mature about it and we'll miss her a ton too...she also said that I could have her share of the (Drambuie or Vodka or whatever we're making) smoothies...such a sweetie! :D

[bikerHen]

Riding in 28 degrees sounds down right balmy. :D I'm not too worried about the terrain, or weather. Anything is better than riding the trainer and the sub zero temps we have been enjoying. :rolleyes: It will be great to get the road bike onto pavement even for one ride. Streets and paths here are still very much in the grip of ice and winter.

I will be coming and the daughter has decided she can ride as long as there's a stop that includes food and beverage. If it's too cold, she'll be more than happy to sit out the ride with you mimi. Preferably in a coffee house, pub or wherever it's warm. And of course count us in for the smoothie party.

We're trying to figure how to fit both bikes inside a Mazda Protage. Anyone with creative packing skills? Two bikes, luggage, dance bag and Irish Dancing dress and of course bike gear for two. Oh, and tire chains and stuff in case the pass is bad. :eek: bikerHen

[salsabike]

So here's the general plan so far. We are thinking of this as a pretty casual, uncomplicated sort of get-together.

-Ride for those who wish to, leaving 9:30-ish. Mimi and RD, since he volunteered to lead, can post final ride details.

-Smoothie party at our house from around 2 pm to around 6 pm. We will provide smoothie ingredients, and maybe some post-ride thing like pretzel sticks. Mimi and RD are bringing the magic smoothie equipment and a couple of RD pies (yay!). Everyone else can bring a potluck dish of their choosing. You pot-luck contributors can decide whether you want to just bring anything you like, or if you want to organize it in any way.

Sound workable?

[KnottedYet]

Sounds groovy!
I'm tentative on the ride (pending SKnot care) and positive on the smoothie party (SKnot may be in tow).

I wanna bring something bad to the potluck, like deviled eggs or cheese stuffed mushrooms.

[mimitabby]

no, Knot, both of those are GOOD things. Nutritious food.

and rain cancels the ride.

[salsabike]

Right, those ARE both good things. SKnot is too.

[Xrayted]

Mmmm sounds good.

I'm not so sure we will be able to come afterall. A few too many things to deal with on our end these days. :( We hope y'all have a great time though. :cool: Maybe next time.

Please take pics.

[crazycanuck]

X-keep May in mind..

[Xrayted]

Absolutely CC. Just give us a date and we are there. Can't wait! :D

[teigyr]

Ok, DH and I are in :D The new bid is fri-sun off. I am hoping for good weather for the ride. And I'll scroll back to see what we should bring.

bikerhen, I told Sean about the vodka and he looked downright chipper about the possibility! That would be lovely.

[salsabike]

Oh, how nice, Teigyr--good deal.

So far we have us and Mimi/RD providing smoothie works and RD pie(s). Hoping Knot will bring one of those two things she mentioned! And that's all we know so far. Could someone please bring a nice big green salad? And someone else bring something with a little more substance to it, since post-ride we will, I expect, want some real food?

[bikerHen]

Well, put me down for Vodka! :D Not sure what we can bring food wise. The only thing we can think of that travels well are my daughters famous mint brownies. But we'll try to think of something a little healthier.

Of course if the snow keeps falling we may not be able to dig ourselves out of Spokane. Or make it over the pass. :eek: I spent most of yesterday afternoon shoveling snow off the roof of my sewing studio and garage. It was quite the workout. My arms and back are feeling it today!

They are talking about another 4 to 7" of snow starting tonight and into tomorrow. So I may have to tackle the house roof today. We already have a good two feet of snow on the ground. :eek: I don't think I'll be riding outside anytime soon! The roads are so bad driving is even questionable! bikerHen

[salsabike]

Out-of-towners are exempt from pot luck worries!

BikerHen, can you tell us a little about the dance stuff?

[MM_QFC!]

Oh, how nice, Teigyr--good deal.

So far we have us and Mimi/RD providing smoothie works and RD pie(s). Hoping Knot will bring one of those two things she mentioned! And that's all we know so far. Could someone please bring a nice big green salad? And someone else bring something with a little more substance to it, since post-ride we will, I expect, want some real food?

Linda asked me to relay that she'll "make a layered polenta dish with sun dried tomato, pesto and cheese - a perfect post-ride dish". We can also stop and bring some softdrinks and even the salad, if no one else can...it'll all work out and no doubt be very yummy and fun - just gotta get Teigyr's DH to share some o' that vodka, methinks! I guess that first - BikerHen and daughter will need to be able to traverse the still-closed pass, eh?

[mimitabby]

Mary, that sounds delicious. Some of us, including our host and hostess, won't miss the Vodka at all, because we don't drink. On the other hand, I will be really bummed if the MOUNTAINS of snow being dumped prevent us from seeing Bikerhen, who I already missed last trip because I was leaving town the same day she was arriving.

[salsabike]

Oh my God, polenta----I LOVE POLENTA. Love it love it love it. Thank you, Mary and Linda.

[MM_QFC!]

Oh my God, polenta----I LOVE POLENTA. Love it love it love it. Thank you, Mary and Linda.

hey, Salsa - could you please share with us how you REALLY feel? :D

[salsabike]

I am the polenta FIEND.

[teigyr]

Polenta :D:D:D

What else do you think we need? I was thinking appetizers but maybe something salad-like? Any preferences? What about beverages?

[MM_QFC!]

Yep, I think that Salsa put in a request for salad...and I figured that I'd stop for some bread and soft drinks enroute also (MM's offering as you'll be enjoying Linda's culinary gift of polenta!

[KnottedYet]

I can bring some pop, too. And some cookies if I remember to make them...

I'll bring stuffed mushrooms, unless I decide to make devilled eggs at the last minute.

[salsabike]

We'll have lemonade and ginger ale and maybe some bottled green tea. We obviously (remembering last time...) don't mind at all if people want alcohol as long as they bring their own.

Truthfully, I am not a serious potluck food legislator. I think people should bring whatever they want to buy/love to make. Honest.

[MM_QFC!]

We'll have lemonade and ginger ale and maybe some bottled green tea. We obviously (remembering last time...) don't mind at all if people want alcohol as long as they bring their own.

Truthfully, I am not a serious potluck food legislator. I think people should bring whatever they want to buy/love to make. Honest.


I full-on agree with ya, Salsa; that's the best way to be. Besides, it usually turns out perfectly, so it's easier to just anticipate it, right?

[bikerHen]

Well provided the pass is open, we're still coming. And daughter says, even if it's closed we're GOING. Somehow! I don't think we'll be bringing the bikes. No room inside, way to messy outside! Besides, I wouldn't want to lose my bike in an avalanche. :eek: :D We'll be bring saucy meatball to the potluck and of course Spokane's finest Vodka.

Salsa, could you PM me directions to your house please. We are staying across the street from the Seattle Center. Daughter says we're on the opposite side of the Space Needle. Hope that makes sense to you.

If some of you are still planning on a morning ride is there someplace we can meet up with you for coffee or something? We plan to just hangout and be tourists in the morning. bikerHen and Chick

[mimitabby]

great!!! glad to hear you are coming.
I am sorry you're going to miss our innercity bike ride. D & I did part of it on Saturday and it's a great fun ride.

[teigyr]

bikerhen, be careful please!!! That mountain pass driving stuff scares me but then again I am a self-admitted wuss.

There's always a chance of bad weather canceling the ride and if that's the case, we would love to meet up with you!

Salsa, could you please PM me directions to your house also? I asked Sean if he remembered how to get there and he didn't. Thank you so much for doing this again. You have an absolutely beautiful house though I feel artistically inferior when I look at what you've done :o

I look forward to seeing everyone again :D

[MM_QFC!]

Salsa, I'm with Teigyr in needing a PM with refresher directions please?
Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

Me too, on the directions, please.

I didn't hang on to them last time, sorry!:o

[trickytiger]

Annnndddd, I'm working that whole day. And it's my birthday, too. Bummer! I really really really really wanted to meet y'all (so far have only met the delightful Knotted)! Ride one for me! Drink one for me! (Knotted, say a little prayer for me, I should hear from UW PT by then).

Till next time, then. :(

[salsabike]

Oh, TrickyTiger, that's too bad! You need to come see the rock collection.

The rest of you, I promise to PM with directions tomorrow.

Teigyr, I hope it will in some goofy way reassure you to know that I had a nightmare last week in which my weaving buddies (some really talented professional weavers, to whom I am as naught ability-wise) informed me that we really couldn't be friends anymore because I just wasn't creative enough.

But I can have a good time with the best of 'em!

[MM_QFC!]

Annnndddd, I'm working that whole day. And it's my birthday, too. Bummer! I really really really really wanted to meet y'all (so far have only met the delightful Knotted)! Ride one for me! Drink one for me! (Knotted, say a little prayer for me, I should hear from UW PT by then).

Till next time, then. :(

Happy birthday in advance to a fellow Aquarian! Also, I'll look forward to meeting you some other time - cheers!

[mimitabby]

what an awful dream! (that's the kind i have too; dreams of inadequacy)

Tricky, sorry you're not coming.

sounds like we have a great group (even without the birthday girl)

[salsabike]

OK---I have PMed Teigyr, MM_QFC, BikerHen, Knot, and Mimi with directions to our house. If I missed anyone, please PM me and I'll send 'em out to you.

[salsabike]

Guys, if it isn't already too late, I have a question for y'all. MM_QFC is wanting to go to her neighborhood caucus, so she and Linda will be arriving late for the smoothie party. Is anyone else wanting to be able to go to the caucuses, and if so, do you want to push the starting time out a little?

So--Teigyr, Knot, Mimi? Do you guys feel strongly about this? BikerHen, you'll be a little too far from the hood to worry about that...

[teigyr]

It doesn't matter to me. Are we riding in the a.m.? We have no plans that day but I've worked a couple of back-to-back all-night flights so sleep is looking really nice right about now :D I'm sure I'll be recovered by then though.

[KnottedYet]

I'm doing the primary thing Tuesday, but not the caucus. (heck, I don't even know what I'm doing, just doing the ballot that came in the mail)

[bikerHen]

At this point, we're just hoping to get over the pass. Any pass! They have all been closed on and off today. :eek: Daughter will not accept a closed pass as a reason not to go. She missed the last competition in October due to a injury.

Whenever works for us. We're just hanging out that day. I'm taking my laptop so I can stay abreast of any changes. We scoped out the directions last night on googlemaps and Salsa, we know what your rooftop looks like! :D bikerHen and Chick

[salsabike]

As far as I know, the ride is on unless it rains. Leaving from Gasworks right at 9:30, going to Alki and back. We may skip the coffee stop on Alki to be sure we're back here in plenty of time. The forecast looks a little better and I would love to get outside. But it's definitely optional, so we'll be glad to see you guys at 2 pm-ish if you don't ride.

[MM_QFC!]

I'm doing the primary thing Tuesday, but not the caucus. (heck, I don't even know what I'm doing, just doing the ballot that came in the mail)


Knot, that was my plan too, until I learned yesterday that our primary ballots actually will have NO bearing on our state delegates or towards selecting a presidential nominee - it all happens during the caucuses tomorrow.
I wanted to give Salsa the heads' up, as I didn't know this when we first made the TE plans and I absolutely plan to participate in the caucus.
It should be done by around 2ish, so I expect that Linda and I'll be late arrivals @ 3ish - with polenta in hand!

[Bruno28]

Have a great time guys!!!!

[mimitabby]

what do you mean the primary doesn't count???

Oh Bikerhen, the weather is certainly not being very helpful!!!

[MM_QFC!]

http://www.wa-democrats.org/caucusfinder
what do you mean the primary doesn't count???

Oh Bikerhen, the weather is certainly not being very helpful!!!

Hey Mimi - I'll post what my son sent me by way of explanation; also embedded in it is a link to find your caucus site. First, I'll regretfully agree with you re: the weather, as I've seen numerous reports that show frightful pictures of heavy snow up at Snoqualmie and all of the major passes keep getting closed, so I'd be cautioning you, BikerHen to maybe reconsider the safety of trying to get over here...it isn't as though we'll never get together again and it really seems like dicey driving...

here's the caucus vs. primary explanation:

What's with Washington State having both a caucus and primary? Do they both count?

As we know, state parties usually choose to assign their Presidential delegates with either a caucus (like Iowa) or a primary (New Hampshire). Washington and several other states, for various historical reasons, have ended up with both. The important thing for Democrats to know is that only the caucus on February 9 will count in the Presidential nominating race.

The state's primary is essentially an after-the-fact beauty contest, and has been since it was created by voter initiative in 1989. If you want to participate in the voting on Saturday, you can use this caucus finder to find the one closest to your home.

"So what is the particular nature of Washington State's situation of having both a primary and caucus, if only one of them matters?"

The drama saga behind it is essentially a dispute over who should get to choose a political party's Presidential nominee. Many Independents hold the perfectly reasonable belief that they should get to participate in the nominating contest without having to declare (via ballot checkbox) that they are a member of either party. The political parties, on the other hand, feel as though only members of the party should choose the party's nominee. I don't get to vote for the governor of California, after all, or team captain of the Mariners.

Yet because it was enacted by voter initiative, we still have a statewide primary. But the parties either pay no attention to it (Democrats) or change their mind every four years (Republicans).

"What do the Republicans do differently than the Democrats? Why does this get less local media attention?"

This year the Republicans, bitterly divided over a possible McCain nomination, have decided that 49% of their delegates will be determined from the GOP-only caucus, 51% from the general primary.

[salsabike]

Yes, the primary thing is REALLY annoying. The Dems will not assign ANY delegates from the primary, only from the caucuses. Arrrr.

Yeah, BikerHen, I sure hope one of the passes opens! Please be careful. Like you need me to tell you that...(but somehow I still need to say it!)

Re the ride: We plan to go although may turn around a little early if we think we need to to make sure we're here before 2 pm. Please know that you all are more than welcome to take hot showers here after the ride!

So given MM_QFC's info, I repeat--if anyone feels they need to go to their caucus, just let us know.

[salsabike]

Have a great time guys!!!!

Bruno, we'll miss you!

WHAT, less than two weeks??? Did you get your leave??? Spill it, girl.

[KnottedYet]

I won't be able to ride tomorrow, family duties.

Smoothie party, though! We'll be there!

[mimitabby]

the way it looks outside i don't think any of us is going to ride. Raleighdon already knows we are "fair weather" riders.

[Trek420]

the way it looks outside i don't think any of us is going to ride. Raleighdon already knows we are "fair weather" riders.

Then you should all be living here, nice weather this weekend :D

[KnottedYet]

How 'bout next weekend? :D

[MM_QFC!]

the way it looks outside i don't think any of us is going to ride. Raleighdon already knows we are "fair weather" riders.

Yeah, I was going to let you know that I am going to opt out of riding...too bad to have to cancel, but the weather is supposed to continue pretty harshly all weekend.

Trek - make sure that good weather hangs around for the Tour starting next weekend...amazingly, there's been great weather for the northern stages so far...

[Trek420]

How 'bout next weekend? :D

All of you :eek: In that case, Mimi bring the blender, everyone else bring a vacuum cleaner and duster. :D

MM_QFC, I'll see what I can do about the weather. But those guys don't mind riding in the rain :)

[MM_QFC!]

All of you :eek: In that case, Mimi bring the blender, everyone else bring a vacuum cleaner and duster. :D

MM_QFC, I'll see what I can do about the weather. But those guys don't mind riding in the rain :)

I wasn't asking for the riders!

[salsabike]

Mimi, we'll get up around 7:30, look at the weather and the forecast, and decide then whether to ride or not.

Do the berries need to be frozen or thawed? I'm thinking frozen but I don't honestly know...

[salsabike]

OK, you guys, this ride is officially called due to incessant rain.

Smoothie party/pot luck full on this afternoon! Obsessive checking of Danskin registration site part of the festivities.

[teigyr]

We'll see you then :D

And thank you all for encouraging and understanding this obsession.

Bikerhen, did you make it over?

[kelownagirl]

Have fun you guys!!!!

[KnottedYet]

MMMM, got the mushrooms, the blue cheese, the Neufchatel...

Stuffed mushrooms, coming up! :D

(hey, what time do we start? 2:00? 3:00?)

[salsabike]

Yay!

We'll be open for biz from 2 pm on. MM-QFC is going to her caucus first, so they may not get here till about 3.

Thanks, KG!

[salsabike]

[QUOTE=teigyr;285225

Bikerhen, did you make it over?[/QUOTE]

She is here! They came through Portland.

[Wahine]

It seems to me that the party is just starting. Have fun!! Mmmmmm, smoothies.

[Bruno28]

Hey guys - I'm there in 'spirit'! Enjoy:D:D:D

[Eden]

Have fun gals - I just got back from my ride and I'm having waffles :D

[sgtiger]

Hope you all are having fun! :D:cool:

Eden - Yum... waffles! I have to dig out my recipe for flax waffles now. The ground flax gives them a wonderful nutty flavor that goes very well with berry syrup.

[Trek420]

Hey guys - I'm there in 'spirit'! Enjoy:D:D:D

me too! :)

[Susan126]

Don't forget to take pictures! :)

[kelownagirl]

How about a laptop with a webcam on Skype or something?

[KnottedYet]

Wheeeeee!

The party was great fun! Thank you to Salsa and Mr. Salsa for hosting! And thank you to Mimi and RD for bringing the smoothie bike!

As we left, SKnot announced that my friends are "all crazy" but they are "all cool." He had a good time, and liked being there. (me, too!:D)

We had a bottle of Drambuie for ya, Bruno!

[mimitabby]

It was fun. Good people and good food. Works for me.

still waiting for pictures though. Poor Salsa and Mr Salsa are probably house cleaning now (or still entertaining guests so i don't imagine we'll see any pictures until tomorrow. :(

[salsabike]

Poor, nada. Clean-up was easy.

It was a ton of fun! We don't have any pix, by the way (dead batteries), but I think it's BikerHen's camera that has THE GOOD PIC. Wait till you guys see...:D

Really--to the folks who came---what a blast! To those who didn't make it this time---you were missed. The smoothie bike/trainer/blender thing is a hoot. Works great. Who would believe it?

Polenta...stuffed mushrooms...meatballs...baked brie...great bread...RD pies. Boy, that guy makes a mean pie.

Knot, I'm so glad SKnot likes to be here. We like him a lot.

We laugh LOUDLY, don't we?

Till next time....and that pic from BikerHen...

[KnottedYet]

Oh, and let us not forget: http://www.poleforthesoul.com/default.html

[salsabike]

Oh, and let us not forget: http://www.poleforthesoul.com/default.html

Yeah, at the next TE party, Teigyr needs to teach us how to crawl...

[KnottedYet]

I wanna learn to lap dance. :D

[teigyr]

She does the classes :D I'll go.

Salsa, thank you SO much for hosting again. Mimi and Raleighdon, thanks for the smoothie bike! It was so great seeing everyone again and yes, the food was incredible.

BikerHen and Chick, you are oh-so-tenacious!

[Wahine]

I'm sorry I missed it but I was already hooked into hosting a potluck at my place. Doesn't sound nearly as crazy as yours tho,

Now, if y'all had a pole party, I'd definitely have to be there!!

[Bruno28]

We had a bottle of Drambuie for ya, Bruno!

I'm so relieved.

We want pictures!

[MM_QFC!]

It was tons o' fun...thank you again Salsa and DH Salsa...Mimi and RaleighDon for yummy smoothies and pies, oh my!
Great to meet BikerHen and her dancing Chick too! BikerChick had the camera, so we all made sure to assemble for pic before leaving...Wahine and Bruno (not to slight anyone else who couldn't attend this time) - you will see that you were with us in spirit, f'sure...wait and see...:D
Not sure if the BikerHen and Chick had to take the "scenic route via Portland" again to return home; if so, maybe they stopped at the Handmade bike show?
Next time, hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can all ride together...
Tailwinds!

[Wahine]

...Wahine and Bruno (not to slight anyone else who couldn't attend this time) - you will see that you were with us in spirit, f'sure...wait and see...:D


Oooooo, I can't wait to see what kind of debauchery occured.

[MM_QFC!]

Oooooo, I can't wait to see what kind of debauchery occured.


He-he-he...well, you'll just have to practice your patience quotient...I will have to say that it reeeeeeeally felt like we had you, right there in our midst, Wahine! :D

[Trek420]

Pictures?

[Starfish]

He-he-he...well, you'll just have to practice your patience quotient...I will have to say that it reeeeeeeally felt like we had you, right there in our midst, Wahine! :D

A movie sized cardboard cut out of Yoda? Pic-tures! Pic-tures!

[salsabike]

We had many Wahines and some Brunos in the picture. But we sort of zoned on picture-taking, so we only have, like...one...and it all rests on BikerHen and BikerChick to post it.

[crazycanuck]

Pics will be welcome @ any time of the day ;)

Umm starfish-are you in the Seattle area?

[Starfish]

CC, about 3 hours (driving & ferry) west/northwest of Seattle, out on the Olympic Peninsula. Also a 1.5 hour ferry ride from Victoria BC.

[mimitabby]

and we hope that BikerHen and Chick get back home safely!!!! and soon!!

[MM_QFC!]

and we hope that BikerHen and Chick get back home safely!!!! and soon!!


You bet we do...hope that you were able to take the more um direct route home...will be glad when you check in to say that you're safely back on the dry side...

[MM_QFC!]

where oh where are BikerHen and Chick? Come on girls, please let us know that you're safely home?

[salsabike]

to hear from BikerHen/Chick, here's some good news--

http://www.komotv.com/weather

[Wahine]

Yeah, where are they? I need to see these pictures, I'm starting to get a bit concerned.... about them of course.;)

[Susan126]

Still no word from bikerhen and chick? Oh I hope they are okay. I wish they would pop in and say that they are back home safe and sound.

And the weather is supposed to be nice Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and maybe even into Monday! Oh I do hope so! We ladies (and gents) in the pacific northwest need a break! I get so depressed looking at all the wonderful sunny pictures posted in bike journal.

[bikerHen]

We did get to go over the pass on the way home, much quicker than detouring through Portland! :p The snow at the top of the Pass was quite impressive, clear up to the bottom of the big highway signs and totally covering the smaller roadway signs. A few of the offramps looked like tunnels. We took some pictures but had a big semi on our tail so couldn't slow down too much.

Haven't had a chance to download any of the photos. The chick is in charge of photos and she wasn't home last night and is going out again tonight. But I promise I'll nail her down either in the morning or tomorrow night for sure. Sorry to be so photo posting challenged. The chick has walked me through the process but I do it so infrequetly I forget. :D bikerHen

[MM_QFC!]

Thanks for posting, BikerHen...glad you guys got home safely and via the um more direct way!