Hey everyone, in past years there have been "best of" conversations on OlyBlog. I am thinking about the best parts of 2009, and there are quite a few ideas that come to mind for me. How about for you?

What's your "best of" 2009? (either OlyBlog related, or not)

Peace,
Berd

Looking good so far... Ref 71 is a bit close for comfort, but I'm happy with the margin on position 5.

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Wow. How about the weather the last couple of days. Heavenly if you ask me. Kind of sad to be losing the long sunlit days, but the 12 and 12 is pretty nice too. Anyway, here are some photos from the past few days. Included is a slide show with 48 photos from the last couple days, including photos from the Peace Vigil at Percival Landing today, September 11th, 2009, as well as some photos from yesterday and the day before.

After the slideshow will be some more non-slideshow photos, including a mouseover, and some from Harbor Days.

Have a Good Weekend, and Be Well. My Best to All, Berd

2009090920090911 slideshow

The slideshow may show the photos randomly (not chronologically (neither as they were made, nor uploaded,) because it is driven by tags (which are chronologically unruly in slideshows - for some reason unbeknownst to me.)

Here's the "highlights" (I know that less is more. I think I need an editor.):

Four percent of Olympia's population gave up their pollution-spewing vehicles and hopped onto their bicycles to compete in the annual bike commuter contest in Thurston county.  Winners were announced on June 20th and stakes were high.  Results from cycling logs were kept from the public beyond the normal timeframe of announcement.  As you might imagine, there are many competing elements to this annual contest like the daunting task of cycling through the miles needed to win and the cyclists who have been involved in it for years.

June 20th bestowed a rich-blue sky with the salty smells of the Puget accompanying a sunshine suitable for any winner's glorious moment.  The award ceremony took place in Olympia's farmers' market amongst the vendors and the bustle of local consumers.  A fitting scene for a man who peddled his share of 1.7% of the total mileage of Thurston County participants!

This is the first time Jonathon has entered the contest and upset the balance of expectations.  I had a chance to interview Jonathon at his home at the Yello Haus, west side of Olympia:

Jonathon, what was the number one thing running, or shall I say, peddling through your mind while trying to win the contest?

Jon-"I wanted to beat my own record and get passed the 1,600 mark."

 Do you normally record and track your progress while biking?

Jon-"I have been, yes."

How did you manage to beat the hardcore cyclists who are in it to win it every year?

Jon-"I didn't really think about them that much.  I didn't see too many people along my route.  It was just me."

What route did you take?