May 23

Ride Report - May 23, 2007 Phillips - Mark and Patti Wenzel

The uncertain weather kept most of the out-of-towners away this evening. Bryan was the lone representative from the southern contingent. Thirteen riders from the Phillips area showed up; Scott and Nancy, Shayne and Vickie, Joe, John, Marc and Meagan, Jaimie and Lukas, Mark, Martin, and Wally.

It was decided to head out towards the approaching storm and hopefully be on the return trip before it hit. We rode out the beautiful, winding, Cty W heading for S and the loop around Soo Lake. A sense of urgency kept the pace lively. As we came to a clearing just before Hwy S, we could see the solid clouds ahead, and the rain pelting the road. First came rain, then wind, then all of it with ferocity. John was heard to say, "I knew I should have brought my mountain bike." We put the storm to our backs and soldiered on, sometimes pushed from behind, sometimes pushed from the side. Soon we were dodging debris scattered over the road, visibility plummeting as rain pushed sweat into the eyes and road spray covered glasses.

After Lukas dropped from the point to meet up with the trailing group, Shayne took over, pushing the pace up. John, Marc, Vickie, Joe, and Wally rose to the challenge. As numerous people turned off to head for home and dry clothes, there was no real sprint to the end, or I just couldn't see it in the rain.

Back at the Wenzel house, the drowned rats were given warm towels in the garage to dry off. Then inside to a tasty Italian meal. When Scott and Nancy arrived, we learned that Nancy flatted twice and road home on the last flat. Into every life a little rain must fall. Onion and cheese tarts, fresh salad, pasta with Italian sausage and chicken sauce, warm garlic bread, good beverages, and rhubarb-strawberry cobbler managed to chase away the rain clouds from the now dry adventurers.

Thank you Mark and Patti, Martin, Wally, and Katie

See everyone in Medford at the Harris' on the 30th!