Steve's voice shook with the DT's. Had I indicated the slightest interest in riding, Steve would have had me on the road in yesterday's drizzle. He had Guard last weekend and hadn't had a ride all week. This left him in a state of withdrawal that just wasn't pretty. He agreed however, that starting off in the rain would not be a good idea. Claimed, however, that he didn't object to being rained upon while out. I heard the unspoken invitation but didn't take the bait.

I've also suffered a bit from lack of cycling time but I'm taking it somewhat better being quite content to revert to couch potatoe form with a good book. Still, when no rain fell, I ignored the wet roads and headed out for the boatlaunch this morning confident Steve would be there and secure in the knowledge that Chris, who had called to confirm, would put in an appearance.

We had the unexpected company of Mike Warnock for the first half up the grade. The evident snowline failed to discourage any of us. I suspect we are all addicted to the bike. No interventions please.

By the time we we past the "oasis" corner the patch of blue sky in the west had spread over Lewiston and we were treated the bright sunshine. Lewiston's wet streets glistened brightly below and Craig Mt. peaked from behind bank of fog or snow. By the time we started down fog bank was lifting revealing snowcovered hills. We had a mostly sunny ride the rest of the day.

Chris had complained about his meager breakfast almost before we started the grade, so, he wanted to stop for something to eat before the second half Lewiston Loop. Steve maintained he was saving himself for the Christmas Dinner tonight and I kept my counsel to myself. Chris got quick take out from Taco Johns but let us start off without him.

Linda joined us too. She had promised to ride last week but ended up working instead.

Dave Denblaker showed up on his mountain bike headed to Devil's Slide to play in the mud which he said he really liked. Linda, Steve, and I headed up Lindsay Creek with an eye out for fast moving Wendts in our rearview mirrors.

Chance would have it that Dave finished just as we were returning through Hell's Gate. He look suspiciously clean and accused him of holing up some place drinking coffee. He denied all charges and challenged Steve for another turn on Devil's Slide.

We had a bit of a headwind down Tammany but not bad. Back at the boat launch I found I had nearly 56 miles. I chose to ride home and make it a 60 mile day. I still felt good but I didn't think I wanted to do Critchfield so I took Fleshman to 13th to Peasly. I felt really strong in the last of the day's light. I like a strong finish to a day's ride. The only downer was having to clean up my muddy Bianchi.