ride report

[tyler blake davis]

Gang,

	When the sun rose upon the University of Washington
this morning it shone down upon only three riders boldly
carrying the purple and gold banner of husky cycle.  What
this motley gang lacked in number it made up in biking
passion; as will be recounted...


	Mike, Brian and myself, Blake, shook our heads in
disbelief at eight fifteen when nobody else had arrived,
then turned our wheels northward to Snohomish.  An hour and
a half later, upon the descent into the valley just south of
our destination, we were rewarded with a snow frosted vision
of Glacier Peak and the Cascade boys to the east.
	We briefly stopped in Snohomish where Mike and Brian
sampled marrionberry delights at the local bakery, then
began the return home via Monroe, Duvall, Redmond and a
return around the north end.
	Early in the afternoon Mike introduced the very Texan
concept of a "Smell Sprint" for our bicycling pleasure.  A
Smell Sprint consists of one smelling a stench, often
provided by cows, then sprinting until one can smell the
stench no more.
	Another notable moment came upon the approach to
Novelty hill, whereupon one rider was heard to say "sweet
Jesus pray for us sinners."
	The ride ended with high drama and high mileage.  Just
at the north end the clouds that had been gathering for a
few hours began to look more and more threatening.  The
drama began as the three of us formed a pace line and began
a sprint home to beat the rain.  We arrived back at the UW
at about 3:15, just ahead of the serious deluge, having
covered around 85 miles.


	...Each of those bikers will sleep soundly tonight,
content in their accomplishments.  However, the careful
observer may note a secret smile each carries with them; an
allusion to tomorrow's ride.... cougar.


					Blake