It's 8:36 and Mike's on his bike circling his hand in the air. "Time to Go" is what he's saying.

We're a bit past our 8:30 start time 'cause Wanda, Carol, Debbie, Nicky, and Linda are still squabbling over how to arrange sag rides and driving. Turns out all of these ladies probably wanted to ride more than they got to. They wanted to use just one vehicle but two was just perfect. There's something comforting about seeing that sag vehicle cruising by and knowing there's water and a ride if you need it.

The forecast for Deary on Accuweather called for a high of 84 this morning. They didn't mention the head wind we'd have going north, but the cool temps, gorgeous views, company made all the difference.

Sean hung back waiting for friends from work. They soon caught up with us in Boville where we stopped for the first regroup. Evan, Chris, Kelly, and Dan gave a youthful touch to our group--something sorely missing--and they hung around and rode with us old folks. True Chris had started in Moscow and planned to ride back. He'll end up with 130 miles.

Doug Goodenough joined us for his longest ride of the year. He needed to be home by 4 and had no trouble scooting off after we climbed the back side of the White Pine. Mike, Nicky, Debbie, Scott (riding the right direction for a change), Linda, Corrie, Jim McCracken, Jim and Wanda, Sean made up the rest of the group.

Ashley riding toward Clarkia

A young man, Wazoo student named Ashely, also joined us. He was from Alabama and didn't get it when we described the rollers on the course. His ususal distance is around 25 miles. His new specialized bike was on its second trip today. I'm not sure what attracts folks we've never seen before to these rides like the Huckleberry ride out to Elk River. Ashley did fine but he was slow and soon became another sag driver. Good thing we had those cars today.

The backside of the WhitePine Scenic wilderness is almost 3 miles long but it was in shadow with a cool breeze today.

Here's Dan thinking this is much better than the hill repeats his Vandal cycling team does on Wawwawai Canyon.

Sometimes it all comes together and everyon has a good experience. This was a great day to be on a bicycle.