Took the A. Homer Hilsen out Monday for the same Golden Gardens / Ballard Locks loop I rode on the Miyata Triplecross a couple weeks ago — Maple Leaf west through Greenwood, down to Golden Gardens, south to the Locks, South Ship Canal Trail to Fremont, Burke-Gilman past the U-District and Ravenna, then the climb back up to Maple Leaf.

Biggest difference right away: the Hilsen’s lower bottom bracket. At lights and stop signs I can put a foot down while still sitting on the seat. On the Miyata I’m up off the saddle more often for the same stops. Small thing on paper, real comfort on a city loop.

Parked at my usual Golden Gardens rest spot looking out toward the Shilshole breakwater. One harbor seal at the marina. None at the Locks later, so the salmon run is over.

South to the Ballard Locks. Last time on the Miyata there were two harbor seals and a California sea lion working the tail end of the salmon run. Today: empty, and the main channel was completely drained for maintenance. Lots going on down in the basin — crane, lifts, tanks, scaffolding. I took a few pics.

It was starting to rain on the way back, but I was fine in a woolly warm vest over a merino undershirt. No drama — just Seattle November.

After the Locks I picked up the South Ship Canal Trail toward Fremont, then the Burke-Gilman past the UW. Busy through campus — lots of kids back in school. Steady climb through Ravenna back up to Maple Leaf and home.

The Hilsen is dialed in and shifts well overall. Had a few skipped cogs when I started out, so I may need to look at drivetrain wear. Copper lugged steel, rim brakes, hand-taped drops, friction shifting — still the same quiet, predictable feel I wrote about years ago. Good contrast to the Miyata loop: same route, different bike under me, and a very different scene at the Locks.

Photos on Flickr: Hilsen Golden Gardens Ride.