Doug's email wasn't firm. "I'll try to be at the boat launch at 11," he wrote.

My reply was even more ambiguous. "Watch out for wet weather." I really had meant to confirm that I'd ride Saturday morning. Honest.

After a week of cold, clear days, the weather turned threatening. In retrospect I'd probably have been better off cycling in the sunshine. The wind had been minimal. By 11 am the wind was significant.

Doug had brought along his friends Scott and Jen. This was perhaps Scotts second ride with the club and Jen's first. Doug wanted to stay close in to town in case the weather delivered on its rainy promise. Scott suggested reverse Lapwai but thought better of it when he learned it was 42 miles. "Too far to go on a cold day." Yeah, it is 31 degrees on the reader board on Southway. And then there was the wind chill.

We headed out to the Casino into a strong east wind. The return trip on the frontage roads was great and we went on around Red Wolf. I decided to ride back to the boat launch with the group before riding home for about 34 miles.

My toes were cold inside my wool socks and booties. But we had a good ride. Companions can keep you warm.