I’m really starting to get hooked on this bike riding thing.
Hubby met me after work and we loaded up the bikes and headed to the Lake Forest Park section of the Burke Gilman trail. I’ve been feeling a bit out of shape this past week from missing a few of my workouts, so this was a great option for a date.
The last time we went on a serious bike ride, I ran out of steam because I had no water. This time, I brought my hydration pack. As our oldest daughter loves to say: “always be prepared.”
We parked right between the Baskin Robbins and a froyo shop in the Lake Forest Park shopping center. As long as we could make it through the cross walk across busy Bothell Way NE, we were set for a fun time. (If you’re familiar with this area, you know what I’m talking about.)
Once we got on the trail, we were surprised to find it wasn’t busy at all for a Friday evening. A few speedster bikers passed us, but we mostly rode by families, couples and the lone jogger pounding away at the trail.
This was our first time biking this section of the Burke Gilman trail and, oh man, there are some amazing houses. We were oohing and aahing at all the gigantic mediterranean red tile roofed villas situated right on Lake Washington.
“Whoa. Honey-look at this one!” Hubby would yell to me, and we’d both gawk as we rode by.
This was a nice little perk I hadn’t expected. We got a chance to visualize our dream home, while also getting in a decent workout. Not bad.
Then, we found another unexpected treasure.
Just as we were getting to the point that we needed to turn around and head back home, we saw a beach and kids playing in the water. Then, we spotted a killer playground. Oh boy.
“Matthews Beach Park” the sign read.
“Did you know this was here?” Hubby was just a bit excited about our new find.
“Nope” I replied as we followed the trail into the park.
It was like entering happy land. We watched as a handful of children splashed in the lake water, and families picnicked on the grass.
As we rode up to the shore, I reached in and touched the water to feel the temperature.
“This is like bath water. Not bad for a September day.” I told Hubby.
“Oh, just wait till we tell the kids about this!”
Then, Hubby looked at his watch and said “We better get back home before it gets dark.”
So, we hopped back on our bikes and headed back. The evening turned to night and Hubby was a bit worried.
“We don’t have a light on our bikes, and people won’t see us. I don’t want to crash into anyone.”
Then, guess what?
i-Phone to the rescue! A few seconds later, Hubby had a solution: the flashlight app.
We rode back, as he lit our way into the dark, winding trail. It was spooky, but in a good way. No part of the trail was exactly alike. Some parts were wooded, other sections wide-open with row after row of expansive lake homes.
Lance Armstrong look-alikes zoomed past us, some of them with obnoxious flashing lights. What’s up with that? It was like being hypnotized by a disco ball on wheels.
As we finished the last leg of our journey of our 12 mile ride, Hubby said it was a ten star date night.
I agreed.
Atmosphere (romantic appeal): 5. How can you beat a neatly groomed trail, alongside dream homes, with Lake Washington right by your side? I LOVE that we live close by the Burke Gilman trail.
Budget: 5! Talk about a high-class, endorphin rush date for a screamin’ deal: no money at all! and hardly any gas to get there.
Food: Not applicable on this date, but next time we’re planning to work in a picnic or sub sandwich on the go.
Memorable: 5. Aside from the amazing scenery, I felt really close to hubby on this date. As different as we are, it was fun to see the common things that we both get excited about.
Details:
Burke Gilman Trail, Lake Forest Park
Matthews Beach Park, Seattle
