Wow, it is just sinking in that Lance is leaving. Even when he pulled out of his parking space at Pat's place and drove off down the street it really didn't sink in until now. For those of you who never rode with or met Lance he really is one of thee nicest guys around. Always has something positive to say and always has such a great attitude. I'll miss ya man.
Now for the ride. We all met up at the WaMu parking lot and headed out around 8:30ish, like craig said, we had about 15 riders. We all cruised through Whiting, regrouped before the extra credit s/t of Upper Cattle Pond then made our way up Mustard and regrouped again. We all shot the sh!t for about 10-15 minutes before heading out the back to Modjeska and up to the gate to the Santiago Truck Trail. Regrouped again just inside the gate and started our climb. I wish I had a camera, as we all took off everyone was pretty much tire to tire, single file going up the STT, would have been a bitchin' picture to see 15 riders so close like that. We made our way to the flagpole and Andy (sprockethead) had gotten lodged in a rut and went down (i think on the downhill section before the luge) and had some mean trail burger on the outside of his right leg...Gouge got a pic I believe. So we all talked and hungout at the flagpole for another 15 minutes or so, had another rider take a group pic of us and then we were ready to jam down the Luge. A few of us hit that gap jump, (me, rob, craig, and dale) while we waited for the others to start heading down. In honor of this being Lance's last ride here (for awhile, hoping he'll be back to visit) we voiced that he lead us all down the Luge. At first he was hesitant to go first, but then we said, "Come on you pussy" j/k. So, he took off then I did, and Rob was behind me. I hope you didn't feel any pressure to go faster than normal Lance, it was nice to go down at a more mellow pace for once. For those few minutes of descending the Luge, I was eating Lance's dust, lol. We all regrouped at the bottom of the Luge, headed out to Live Oak where we had a mtb pelaton going down the road, lots of drafting and passing going on, it was fun. Back into Whiting via the horse stables and we finished out the backside of it without incident. Regrouped at WaMu, said our goodbyes only temporarily as we were soon to reconvien at the all might Mcgrath residence.
Pat had grilled up some burgers and brats and made a salad too and even had a platter drizzled with Trisquits and Ritz, tastey times!!! After about an hour and a half Gonz busted out his DVD. All I can say is "wow", that was really cool of him to do. A nicely pieced together STR compilation with a really touching tribute to Lance during the last few minutes of it. Not to be a pussy, but it did kind of choke me up on the inside as the song choice was right on the money and the text that appeared on screen was heartfelt. The DVD ended, the time was nearly 4 p.m. and Lance had to hit the road to pick up his moving truck. We all walked him out, Craig gave him a special "wave" and we all watched as he drove away down the street. Right after he gets out of site, Aldo breaks through the front door with a brat in one hand and a beer in the other and says, "is he gone?", followed up with an "awwwman!"
Like Lance said, it was a great ride for a great final ride."
Best of luck to you and your wife Lance!
