Back to the Seattle Center today for Bumbershoot. I thought we wouldn’t have to worry about rain today, but it started drizzling as soon as we stepped out the door so we quickly shoved rain gear in with all our other junk. Thankfully the rain stopped after a few minutes and I’m glad I got my first [partial] rain ride under my belt this month. And thank goodness for the free bike gear storage provided by Clif Bar. We completely overpacked (extra kid outfits, swim suits, rain gear, toys, snacks, water, stroller, extra Ergo) knowing we could leave our crap safely behind and get to it if needed.

The VIB (Very Important Biker) section was great. Cyclists received free coffee, water, water bottles, cookies, Clif Bars, and could make smoothies with the blender bike. Our other favorite area was the Cyclecide heavy pedal bike rodeo stuff. Turns out the kids love tall bikes. And anyone could take a spin (“Fun first, safety third”) on the show bikes. I wasn’t about to try a tall bike, but I test drove the broom bike. It had a little propane tank attached to the frame so I think it might even shoot flames or sparks during the show.

We took Dexter home again. Dan thought the grade towards downtown was easier than Stone Way, my old nemesis. I’m not so sure about that, but I can always give it a try and turn back if it doesn’t work out. Speaking of Stone, that hill just gets harder every time. Granted, I had all that extra gear in the trailer today. By the time I finally reached the top Dan turned to me and said, “Does that thing have a triple crank on it? Oh, you do have a granny. Hmm. Well, I was thinking of getting you one if you didn’t already have it.” Harrumph. I knew we should have filled his messenger bag with bricks to slow him down a bit.