more photos

It's 4 pm and Linda and I are almost back to Lewiston when I reach over and crank up the intensity on the air conditioning. It's hot in the valley.

The idea of heading to the mountains during the hottest weeks of the year is a good one but too often it seems we hit the mountains during an extended period of genralized heat throughout the west. 10 degrees cooler doesn't help much when the temperatures are still in the high 90s. Last year's Huckleberry riders endured pretty high temperatures.

But today was different. A slight overcast and a breeze kept us cool all day long. In addition Debbie's knee kept her off the bike so we not only had cooler temperatures but a highly trained sag driver. Thanks for doing that, Debbie. It can't be much fun sitting on the tailgate watching us go by.

Sean made an appearance. Last year he and Eric rode out from Lewiston. This year he parked in Lapwai cutting off perhaps 15 miles. However, he rode all the way back to Lapwai too. At least I didn't see him off in the ditch anywhere so I assume he made it.

Tamra reported that he was losing salt at a furious rate--those lycra shorts were black weren't they? But he loaded up on water at the Convenience store in Deary and headed out. He didn't want to wait around for us slow pokes. He had places to go. At least he got to ride down that nasty hill out of Deary.

But he missed Chris having a beer in the park.

The ride went without incident except for Hammerin' Helen breaking a chain. "I generate tons and tons of wattage," she reported later in the park. Sherry had a chain tool and Lee packed along a quick-link. Now I suppose we'll all have to add one of those to our bags.

Wonder how the STP crew did? Jim, how about a blog?