The sky has lost its threatening aspect. Black clouds no longer loom above us. Jagged stokes of lightening no longer cut through the clouds. My jacket is on for the first time today. It is raining. Dave Tibbals and I are descending Anatone grade. Chris is, as usual, ahead of us. We three are the remnants of a dozen riders to start the Three Peaks Ride this morning.

Lightning and darkest clouds allowed by law sent some of the riders scurrying for home.

Today's Riders: Chris, Corrie, Dave, Linda, Mike, Nicky, Carol, Sean, Helen, Bill and Kathy Coombs, and Debbie.

We started under sunny skies though a bank of clouds lurked just above the western horizon, it was not these clouds that eventually showered us.

We lost Helen when we passed the boat launch on our way to Cloverland. Chris, Dave, and I headed into Asotin for a bite to eat and a bathroom break. The rest of the group skipped that stop and rode on up Asotin Creek. After we had given up waiting, we started up only to find Nicky returning on her own. At least we knew where everyone had gone.

At the top the group had put on their jackets were already started back down. We took a short break and headed after them.

Everyone decided to turn back. The wind had come up fiercely, lightning flashed, and Nicky reported heavy rain in the Orchards. But Chris wanted a 60 mile day and Dave had never ridden Anatone grade. We three headed off. I knew we'd get wet but tried to tell myself the improving sky meant the storm might miss us.

Dave promised I wouldn't have to race him on this third hill. He and I ride at much the same pace. However, he has stronger legs (have you seen those calves) and when he is fresh tends to pull me harder than I like to go on hills. And then there was Chris. Climbing the Grade became not a leisurely club ride but an unannounced challenge. Chris scooted off leaving me trying to hang on to Dave and Dave thinking I wanted to play.

Since we were behind on Cloverland we had to ride faster to catch up and that left Dave and I trading the lead again, neither willing to ask quarter, neither giving any quarter.

On Anatone we found our pace and Dave even stayed with me going back down. I'm cautious to begin with and that wet pavement looked treacherous.

Always time for meaningful conversation.

Carol does this sort of thing for fun. Cliff does it to annoy the rest of us real bikes.

Snacks.

We had a great turnout for this popular ride.

Visions of Past and Future Climbs.

Really, Linda hadn't been drinking.

Strangers abound. Steve was in town for the Ride Sean to Work day, but the weather scared us off. Instead we did Lapwai Loop and enjoyed Bill and Kathy's company. Who'd have though we see these two again so soon?