Jim Conrad of Moscow who plotted a Trail ride last weekend had expressed an interest in riding up Old Winchester Grade. Cliff and I were up for it. Though I confess to some doubts until Cliff called Saturday morning claiming he could see some blue. If Cliff wasn't hiding under the bed, it must be safe, I thought.

Yeah. Right. We saw some blue to the south but part way up Tammany we entered a fog bank soaking our bodies and leaving my glasses foggy and wet. My toes were getting cold and the sky wasn't looking any better.

At Sweetwater, I begged off. "We can get home by noon and do something else today." If I'd had any idea we could rise above the fog into sunshine I'd have insisted we try, but it just looked too ugly. Cliff, to his credit, said he could go either way. For the record I called this one off.

We saw Arrow Bridge in sunlight from a distance and spots of blue sky but by the time we got back to town it was dark and dreary again.

Debbie had arranged to ride with Chris at one though Cliff and I hadn't been informed. We did manage to join Chris, Debbie, Lance, and Jan at Polar Bear for a send off for Chris who is facing surgery in Arizona this week.

Chris was a presence on Sunday as well. Our hopes and wishes are with you Chris.

It was good to have Ben and Tamera with us today. We've seen more of Tamera than Ben this year but he claims to have been a member for several years. Hope to see more of you Ben.

Dan cruised along most of the ride today in his aerobars. We figured he and Debbie were responsible for stealing the last plate marking a checkpoint on our "Turkey" ride. Guess not, though. Mike hid that last set in his back yard.

Lance and Jim engaged in shop talk until they almost missed dinner. Actually Lance used his late start as an opportunity to clean up after everyone had finished. He laid claim to the last piece of Linda's apple pie.

Good thing too, since Linda managed to break the pie plate in the driveway. Would have been a shame for that last piece to have gone to waste. Well it did go to waist--Lance's.

Jan cleverly arranged to be last female. This way she was assured of a prize. Jim seemed more excited about the tag that came with his package than the contents. Just like a kid.

Jim shows up when there's food and there was plenty today. Thanks to the Nicky for letting is into her home and cooking the chili. Debbie brought a great lentil soup and we had sald and cornbread.

We kept Chris with us on this one.

Jim actually liked the tag: No. 2 male better than his prize.

It's hard to take you seriously in pigtales, Nicky.

The Reverend Mike perfomed Initiation Rites before we started..

We missed some of our regulars: Chris, Sherry, Helen but enjoyed having Dan, Ben, and Tamera with us.

Here's too many more rides. Good Luck Chris.