May 1 was the kickoff of Cascade Bicycle Club’s “Bike to Work” event, a month-long effort to commute at least eight times. I haven’t done this in about five years, so it was good time to revisit it, even though I haven’t quite figured out the Seattle portion of my trek. The ride in was fabulous and I was looking forward to the same going home. Unfortunately, having rarely frequented downtown prior to my new job, I was unaware of the May Day protests scheduled for today.
When I left, crowds were peacefully marching through the streets I’d normally bike through on the way to the I-90 trail. Traffic was gridlocked. The drunken bumblebee route above represents my riding up sidewalks, walking between buses blocking intersections, and cutting through parking lots in my attempt to get to the I-90 trail. What would normally take me about 20 minutes was closer to an hour in the most vigorous, least enjoyable workout I’ve had this year.
Next May 1, I’m telecommuting.
