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December 4, 2006

Oh, Say - What Should We See?

Dad was in town this weekend, swooping in from Spokanistan to attend the 2006 International Motorcycle Show here in Seattle. It's a big, big event, taking the majority of the Qwest Field Event Center. Just about every big bike manufacturer is there - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, BMW, Harley, you name it. It's a trade show, so it's got a good blend of both these big companies and the small firms (glass cleaners, bike stand makers) and nonprofits (cycle clubs, lobbying organizations) that make the industry work.

We hit the show nice and early on Saturday morning, and proceeded to wander around in a daze for the next few hours.

Our visit to the show was precipitated, in no small part, by our upcoming 2008 road trip, which is getting more real by the day.

I'm on a bit of an equipment quest for my Shadow. Right now, it's not modified or encumbered by any non-standard equipment; the bike I ride is as Honda made it, in all its maroon glory. Problem is, that's not going to cut it on a 5-week road trip. I need places to store my clothes, shoes, tent, food, water, tools (and on and on), as well as some good, old-fashioned technology help (like a GPS with integrated map, so we don't get lost).

Oh, and an iPod connection kit.

To that end, the show was perfect, just perfect - lots of companies selling their wares, lots of knowledgeable people to talk to about cycling, lots of tips and tricks and warm, fuzzy vibes.

We're starting the mapping/planning process in earnest next month (um, er, next year), and this, dear reader, is where I need your help.

See, this trip isn't about getting from A to B; rather, it's about seeing the country, taking it in, meeting people and seeing great stuff from the vantage of two wheels at 55 mph.

(And yes, riding the occasional roller coaster.)

So we want to see the good stuff. The scenic byways, the long way 'round, the vistas (no, not that one - I see that at work) and views and the things that you think make your region, well, your region.

For instance. If someone were cycling through Seattle, I would want them to see the following:

• Drive on I-5 north. Start at the airport and head toward the city. As you round the bend just south of town, the entire downtown core makes this fantastic reveal and you see the Emerald City in all its resplendent glory. It's best at night.
• Check out the view of Mount Rainier from the I-90 floating bridge, eastbound, between Seattle and Mercer Island. Best at 8:30 AM on a sunny Sunday morning.
• The view of Puget Sound from the Viaduct (get it while you can, folks!) is spectacular as you head north from Safeco Field. Again, a sunny morning is best - you still get fog and mist on the water.
• Finally, there's an awesome view of the city and Mount Rainier from the Aurora Bridge (Highway 99) as you head south from 45th.

So, dear reader, what do you suggest? What should we see as we see the country? National monuments? Small, favorite winding roads? We're planning now, so use the comments thread to throw your suggestions in the hat!

Posted by Gavin Shearer at December 4, 2006 10:27 PM. Posted to Cool | Travel.

Comments

Posted by: Allie at December 5, 2006 2:40 PM

Posted by: E.Chen at December 6, 2006 11:50 PM

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