Message

It being Independence Day, I am taking the liberty of recycling Steve's excellent tale of our ride. I am simply providing a few photos and captions. I have to hurry because my wife is angry that I am late for a barbeque....take it away, Uncle Louie.....

On a perfectly splendid July 4th morning a cadre of men showed up at Cheseboro for a splintered RCY mountain bike ride. Yes, in true RCY fashion, the group immediately split on virtually the very first pedal stroke! Lead by a bare chested George, several sheep (including Robco, Jamshyd, Bill, Mitch, Tal, Roger and maybe one or two others) headed on up the Modelo trail, while those with a stronger sense of independence (i.e., me, Reuben and David R) took the main canyon road out to Sulphur Springs and Shepherds Flat.

Just before getting to Shepherds Flat we met up with most of the rest of our crew, but once again, staying with tradition, we split again at Shepherds Flat with about half the group heading on towards what I imagine turned out to be a predictable ride while the rest of us - the best of the best - headed on towards Palo Comado and up to China Flats.

Now don't tell my mom because she worries so, but it was decided that we would head on back down a trail called "Dead Cow." If that sounds a bit gruesome, that's because it is. And Dead Cow did claim a victim today when Robco did a face plant on a nice, soft rock, leaving drips of blood in the dirt and an extra hole in his nose that he can breathe through.

Bill--joining us all the way from the South Bay--figures that if you can't ride thru the rocks, try riding over them

Uncle Louie shot this photo of Robco showing off the improvements to his mug provided by the first aid of Doctor J

Despite the injury, Robco pressed on with me, Jamshyd, Bill, Mitch and George along for company. Jamshyd took charge of leading us out of the Palo Camado/Cheseboro area in typical manly style. That is to say, he showed great confidence and had no idea where he was going. But it did make for a lovely adventure as we tooled around Oak Park looking for the right trail head to take us back home.

Reaching deep into our collective feminine sides, we found the courage to stop a couple of women to ask for directions, and as is so often the case, the women saved the day despite our best efforts to thwart a happy ending. The worst that could have happened, I suppose, is that we could have followed the trail of Robco's blood back the way we came, but that disgusting tracking method became unnecessary.

After the ride, Bill, George, Jamshyd, Robco and I went to the Corner Bakery to refuel and chat. Robco's remodeled nose looked better and most of the red was from some medication Jamshyd had administered on the trail. See mom? You don't have to worry. I ride with doctors, all of whom take my insurance, so I am well covered.

It was fun playing with the boys today and its a shame it had to end so soon. I hope we all have an enjoyable 4th with family and friends. I know I will. Until next time . . .