Rain! The paper and Klew promised me rain on Friday, so I did 110 miles over three days anticipating a day off.

But Friday morning the thermometer said 49 degrees when I got up at 6. By 9 the sun and light wind persuaded me to go out to beat the wind.

You've tried that haven't you. You know what happened. I fought a wind down to 10 miles but counted on and got a great tail wind back to the Corps. I had hoped it was a southwind and I wouldn't face a head wind headed toward Evans.

No such luck. Even truning back Southeast to go up Evans didn't get me the anticipated help.

Saturday was calm and sunny. I had to go out once more time. This time I ran into Roy on the bypass near the railroad bridge and turned around to ride back to his place up Tammmany. Beautiful day. Good Ride.

But Sunday dawned grey and stayed that way. The promised 53 degrees probably never happened. At ride time, I doubted anyone would show.

But Gary and Donna showed up in their red pickup followed by The Riddles and their Tandem--Nicki complaining and wearing her Joseph Booties--and on bikes, Jim McCracken and Bill Arnold.

Couse Creek near Buffallo Eddy became the goal. I'd taken off my wind-breaker and stayed pretty comfortable though on the edge of chilly.

A drop of rain fell in Asotin but no one suggested we turn back.

We had a lively health-care discussion to make the mmiles go by.

No flats for the day unless you count the front on my bike in the garage before I left.

Next Sunday? Weather permitting, we'll ride from Nicki's place. She doesn't want to ride, but she promises oven-fresh cookies. And she says rain cancels but cold doesn't. Put it on your calendar.--Yum.

Corrie