We decided to call it the Lead Butt 1000. One thousand miles around Washington State in three days. Long rides are often called "Iron Butt" something, because you need an iron butt. Given that this was not a ride of such magnitude as to warrant the name Iron Butt, we thought Lead Butt was a great name - lead is softer than iron, and heavier. Made total sense.

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The morning was quite cold. I felt guilty about warming up my motorcycle at 7:30 in the morning, but such things are necessary. I considered sticking around and puttering, but realized that if I left early, there might be coffee and a pastry waiting for me at the Orcas Hotel.

Mt. Constitution was misty, and the whole island was quiet as I rode around the horseshoe. My bike was still making that odd clacking noise, which someone had suggested was a detonation problem. Gonna get that all checked out in Anacortes when the ride is over.

I stopped in Seattle for lunch with Ruben. If you get a chance to head to the Lynnwood area, there is a decent, and very cheap, Chinese restaurant at 200th and Highway 99, called Szechuan 99. The Mongolian Beef is flavorful and satisfying.

Will I really be seeing Cajun in just a few hours?

It was a big old hugfest at the Cajun’s place, and I unpacked the bike, hugged his kids, and hung out, ready to do the official portion of the Lead Butt 1000 in the morning.

Next entry: First day on the road!