| Date | October 29, 2006 |
| Hosts | Deb and Al Cudworth |
| Where | Loantaka Brook Park, Morristown; Morris, Somerset Counties |
| Who (else) | Helen and Bob Bird, Julie and Stu Conway, Brenda, Larry, and Barkley Isherwood, Jane and Paul Kimmel, Susan Nicolich and Dave Snope, Cheryl Prudhomme and Mark Cook; Sue, Greg, and Emily Adams (after the ride) |
After debating the prudence of riding on a day for which 20 to 30 mph winds were forecast, with gusts of up to 50mph, we decided not to cancel the Halloween ride. We were thrilled to find we were joined by: Larry, Brenda & Barkley Isherwood, Mark Cook & Cheryl Prudhomme, Dave Snope & Sue Nicolich, Stu & Julie Conway, Paul & Jane Kimmel, Bob & Helen Bird, and an after-ride visit from Greg, Susan & Emily Adams.
The consensus of opinion was to opt for a 24-mile loop instead of the planned 38-mile ride. Barkley (attired in his yellow jersey and helmet) was neutral on the issue since his humans would tow him in his comfortable trailer, equipped with his bed and toys. The group started out together, bundled up and fighting the strong gusts that just would not stop the entire day. A few miles into the ride Barkley's humans passed us on the first small hill and stayed ahead for the rest of the ride. Several other teams followed them. We came upon a flat tire repair in progress a few miles from the finish. After being assured they were fine we continued to the finish and got the after ride snacks ready.
It was impossible to keep anything on the table as the winds were fierce. Mark & Cheryl heated up apple cider and served it to the group, a wonderful treat after the cool ride. In spite of the harsh conditions the usual post-ride conversation and refueling was good-humored. Shortly after we started, Greg and Sue, with Emily, also in her yellow jersey, stopped over to visit. Apologies to everyone for not having a camera with us to provide pictures. [Brenda took a few before her camera's batteries died. -- webmaster]