Congratulations to Matt finishing first. No body or equipment failure, to quote Bill Wycoff.

But Matt wasn't the only one to get by without the usual problems; There was Chris.

Chris broke his jinx. He rode new skinny tires and new components and yet had no flats. Though we looked in vane at the bottom of the grade fully expecting to find him glumly changing a flat, he was not to be found. Instead he finished in fine form. I think his luck held because I had ridden in the Palouse this week and took his flat. So, Chris, you owe me.

Chris oh so casually displays his finish number.

Part way up the hill I found myself gaining on a bizarre figure. No helmet; toe clips, and no lycra shorts. Clearly this guy was a cycling nerd. He had the old style racing cap with the bill turned up. I spoke to him as I went by but didnt' recognize him. Low and behold. Who should it turn out to be but Dave.

The mystery cyclist.

Linda keeps complaining about her knee. She wants to run on it. She wants to play tennis on it. But when she rides, why, it doesn't hurt anymore. What does that seem to suggest? Yes. Linda had a great ride today. That's two big happy finishes in a row.

Helen and Linda Celebrate.

Steve was in town for the ride. The big discussion there, of course, is when to start our Sunday century. Sorry, Steve, but the web site clearly says 8 am. So that means there are two starts tomorrow. Steve and Wendy are starting at 6. The rest of the world is starting at 8. Well, Chris may start later and give chase. Can we call this a double century?

Conspicuous by her absence, Nicky made a cameo appearance at the picnic rising from the waters Venus-like: Well, clothed in life-jacket and her half-shell a kayak. But you're going to have to visit the gallery to see this picture and several more from I Made The Grade: 2004.

For the Ride of it.