With Pete out of town, the litter pickup was sparcely attended. I got the item on the calendar but I don't have Pete's list of folks receiving the updates by email.

Bill and his daughter, Lance and Jan, Debbie, Nicky, and Cliff, and I handled the job ourselves. The bags seemed over full this season not just because we each worked alone on our section. We finished up in an hour and half, but no one seemed to want to go to Polar Bear or even to consider an afternoon ride. Steve was in town, but had already left for Lapwai Loop probably at 8? Maybe 7? I was so demoralized, I spent the afternoon watching Mel Gibson in the Patriot on TV. I could see the trees swaying violently in the wind and I told myself, I was doing the righ thing.

The longer I sit in that chair, the less inclined to get out of it, I get. By 10:30 this morning, I couldn't take it any longer. I saddled up and headed out to Evans Road, Red Wolf, Rose Garden, Casino and back on the frontage roads. That west wind was great going out. I averaged over 19mph. Of course, then I had to come back. I was at the Zip Trip on Southway by 12. I really didn't expect anyone to ride today and had already resigned myself to just riding home. I'd have over 30 miiles, I explained to myself.

But at the boat launch high spirits were the rule despite the wind. Debbie had shown up with Halloween treats for all and a bad habit.

Debbie Possessed by the Good Witch of the West.

Cliff said he'd never ridden so late in the year and claims he's hanging up the recumbent for the winter. He's feeling doubly bumbed since he expects to miss out on some skiing action too. Three weeks recovery from shoulder surgery are in his future. Good Luck, Cliff.

Scott was in shirt sleeves while everyone else wore wind-breakers. I had cooled off at Taco John's and now was shivering. Scott did bundle up after a bit, though not before threatening to take off his shirt. There really wasn't that much sun until late. A particularly recalcitrant cloud darkened the first half of the ride but gave up once we'd conquered MacIntosh.

Speaking of congquering MacIntosh, Joy pedaled up to the boat launch saying her entire being objected to the very idea of this ride. However, she made it all the way to the top of MacIntosh without stopping or dismounting. Congratulations.

Mike pulled up a bit late giving this ride a better showing than many of the summer rides. But the star of the day was Debbie.

Debbie shows her true colors.

Her playfulness wore off on Mike because at the Thrift shop, it was Mike who first had to try the trike with training wheels. Alas the tires were flat. That didn't keep Debbie from trying a ride. Joy got a picture.

Chris wanted 30 miles for the day. This would give him a century for the week. He started back tracking and Scott joined up. Scott disappeared up Lapwai Road for a time but Chris went back and got him: Two puppies at play, romping about in the chill air.

Chris brought his digital camera. It's a bit large for carriyng in a shirt pocket, but boy does it take sharp pictures. Thanks for these pics,

Chris. Chris promises to join me next Sunday for the first official dual Sunday start of the season. Join us for a ride up the Grade at 10 or join us at 1 for a ride around the valley.