I suspect there will be hundreds (if not thousands) of cyclists on these roads tomorrow. Now you know. See some of you out there!

This year’s theme is He Au Hou i ka ‘Eheu o ka Noio (or “A New Era on the Wings of a Noio”).

According to Diana Bertsch, the theme is about “embracing change and welcoming new beginnings.” She wrote, “The Noio was an important bird to the Native Hawaiian sailor. The Noio is a land bird and typically travels no more than 40 miles offshore. If a Noio bird was sighted at sea, it was understood that new beginnings were ahead — land meant a new life. During times of change and new beginnings there is always hope in the wind and in the currents that carry us …”

After being forced to go digital in order to maintain access to broadcast TV, I found a new favorite station — Universal Sports. Through their ever-changing lineup, I have been able to watch coverage of a few of the past Ironman World Championships. Hearing the reasons the athletes compete, watching their incredible physical endurance, and bearing witness to their mental fortitude is almost always inspirational … and very often quite humbling.

My favorite athletes going into this year’s Worlds are Normann Stadler (38/MPRO) and Sister Madonna Buder (79/W75-79). To me, Normann Stadler represents the quintessential athlete. (It doesn’t hurt that he’s pretty easy on the eyes either.) Sister Madonna is a 79-year-old nun who hails from Spokane, WA, and the oldest woman ever to finish an Ironman.

The Ironman World Championship is this Saturday. Watch. And be inspired.

Universal Sports will broadcast live from Kona on October 10, 2009.

As seen from Union Bay … (It looked better in person, but this was about the best shot I could manage with my little point-and-shoot.)

I’ve lived in the same spot for 9 years now, and I don’t ever remember being able to see the Lake Union fireworks as well as this year. (Thanks, CHASE!) If nothing else, it made me really happy I didn’t venture out into the madness of the Gasworks crowd … as I’d surely still be battling traffic to get home as I write this.

CHASE Family 4th on Lake Union:
Formerly known as the WaMu Family 4th … and the only surviving Seattle fireworks display.

Read more:
16th Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts in Port Angeles (May 22-25, 2009)

Read more:
38th Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle (May 22-25, 2009)

Read more:
35th Seattle International Film Festival (May 21 – June 14, 2009)

The 3-course-for-$30 trend continues with a newly-titled Seattle Times promotion and a host of new restaurants. This round of bargain dining is called “Urban Eats,” and is offered by 49 participating restaurants, including such Seattle classics as 13 Coins and The Georgian, to relative newcomers on the King County dining scene such as the Boka Kitchen & Bar (Seattle), Pearl (in Bellevue), and Ama Ama (West Seattle).

It’s comforting to know that in today’s suffering economy, Seattle realizes the importance of still being able to eat well. And $30 for a three-course meal at most of these restaurants is quite a bargain.

This promotion runs Sunday-Thursday nights, May 3-31, 2009. (Mother’s Day not included.) See the Urban Eats website for details, restrictions, a list of the participating restaurants, and links to menus, reviews, and chef bios.