shopping … no problem

​Not only does the Brompton fit in our overhead bins and through tsa conveyor belts for security screening, but it also has a great functional shopping cart. 

 I just collapse the bike and then lift the seat so it becomes a handle. I open the bag and fill it up. It also limits me of how much I want to carry. 

Then at the check stand I purchase the items and then reload the bag. Warning, people often want to ask questions so it’s not the fastest shopping experience.

Since I knew I was going to Los Angeles, I was eager to bring Freedom again. This time when I got to the beach I took a right or north and enjoyed riding on a jetty. It was a short layover 12 hours-after an all nighter, so I didn’t do any museums or extra hikes. It was a fun easy ride 14.86 miles with a shopping stop to fill my fridge.

The recent storm washed in a lot of trash and sand to cover the trail. I had to walk a small section of the bike path. I love this photo of bikes and a plane. Bike Fly Bike

quick rides near SeaTac

​Seattle turned out to be a very bike friendly area. Albeit with some rough edges. My first few bike rides around the hotel roads I was greeted by some unfriendly “f bombs”. I noticed that it was when I was riding on a sidewalk with NO PEDESTRIANS. I thought there was a rule about riding on the sidewalks but, bikes are allowed on the sidewalk but they must yield to pedestrians. 

Highland SeaTac Botanical Garden

After my initial shock of a few grumpy people, I did find a few favorite rides near the airport. The first one is a bit tricky to navigate to because of the frontage road near the north end. However I found you can bypass that congested section by cycling through on the roads through the cemetery. 

This serene place had some bunnies plus actual dirt to ride on. I loved seeing the red blooming trees that reminded me of bottlebrush in South Africa.

Des Moines Creek Trail

This was a fun first time on the LIGHT RAIL directly at the SeaTac airport. It was just a few stops south to Angel Lake to begin this ride. However, Brompton bike  must be folded to ride the escalator or you can take a elevator up to the platform. Take the south bound train headed to Angel lake. Although this trail is only 4 miles round trip, I added some miles in town and got me some boba. 

Bahamas Brompton

​I had researched and knew the Brompton would be my sanity during classes, but I also was motivated to purchase the bike prior to going overseas. I never even unpacked the bike until I arrived across the country in the Bahamas.

No extra baggage fee because it’s just a small. Box with lots of padding. Interestingly, American lost my luggage but not the bike (for 7 days). 

The airbnb we stayed at had an extra bike for Bronwyn, so we headed to a beach nearby. It has a cute bell and was easy to maneuver. The beach had a little trail that was overgrown but we just walked our bikes to this lovely beach. We had it to ourselves.

The next Airbnb also has a bike for Hannah, it was a fun way to explore the area.

There is definitely a learning curve to quickly fold and unfold. But I can do it in 10 seconds now!

She the bike was named Freedom on this trip because she is red and give me freedom to explore. Also, I’m passionate about anti-human trafficking and every time I ride this bike I remember those who have no freedom.

The Backstory

​I was thrilled to get a “CJO” which means a contingent job offer from Alaska Airlines. I had spent the past three years in the fast-paced Anchorage Lounge. The coworkers and supervisors were incredible but my dream was to become a flight attendant. After making it to the final live interview, there were many obstacles to overcome before getting my wings. 

1) background checks

2) 6 week training in Seattle (6 days a week from 4:30 am to 3 pm)

3) written tests

4) evacuation and equipment tests

5) 6 months probation with supervisor review and more

For my mental health, I knew I couldn’t sit inside without going stir crazy. Thankfully, James agreed. I found a Brompton folding bike that was a demo used at a bike shop that they were liquidating. I got a fabulous low price. My dear friend Suzy in Portland picked it up and I was united with my new to me bike on my way to the Bahamas. (Post later).

During my time living in a hotel for 6 weeks, it was exactly what I needed. I would get out of class and would do a short ride. Also, on the one day off, Sunday I would take longer trips to islands and places that I would do a combo trip. 

A combo trip is my favorite. This is extremely easy with either a tram, ferry, car trunk, or bus first then riding. The 5 second folding makes it simple and able to have no additional tickets or hassle. I just fold the bike and sit next to it. I was able to see so many fun sites around Seattle that helped me unwind. Sometimes, I actually listened to class work while riding or I remember distinctly memorizing my evacuation drills while riding and yelling my commands. I actually haven’t locked the bike up because when I go to a restaurant I just fold it up and put it under my table. I will in the future when I ride to a trailhead to go hiking. 

Freedom in Los Angeles

My trip to Los Angeles had some high expectations after our all nighter from Anchorage. I was able to bring my Brompton folding bike. Her name is Freedom. 

Surprisingly, she fit into the overhead bin with no issues.  I quickly slept for a few hours and partook into navigating to the beach. I usually use the bike overlay app on google maps to display where they think it’s bike friendly. Today it worked perfectly. Being so close to thee airport, I was concerned that it would be a nightmare of traffic. It wasn’t bad and a short 20 minutes I was on the most perfect bike path ever.

This is a great two lane bike path that weave its way around the coast and its many beaches. I picked going South. I forgot it was a Saturday and the amount of people enjoying the outdoors was increased. Fishing, surfing, rollerblading, ebikes, volleyball, running, pickle ball, and walkers all enjoyed the coast.

At the end of the path, I journaled and read my Bible and just rested on the warm table. Food is always a fun way to see new places so I found Just Poke in Redondo beach. Absolutely my top poke place I have ever found. So flavorful and delicious. Thinking about it makes my mouth water. 

I meandered back but here is where I learned a few things. 

1: always bring a light

2: bring gloves

3:if you are out after dark stay off the road

4: carry a backup battery because navigating drains the battery of my cellphone

I went and got Trader Joe’s for dinner and picked up some needed shopping at the MAXX. I love the basket in the front because the Brompton turns into a shopping cart in the stores.

The next morning I tried going North. Headwinds made it harder, but I made it to Venice beach. 

My heart and my body feels so good when I get outside. It is a huge gift. 

Absolutely a wonderful crew!!

Venice Mural

Goodby Peloton hello Freedom (a little bike chat in the workout room)