Well, today's ride was The StinkySpoke ride in Woodinville, WA.  The ride (Poker Run) begins at Redhook Brewery and is scheduled for the worst day in January.  Fortunately, while it wasn't super-cold and only a tiny bit misty, it didn't rain and, rumor has it, nearly 600 people came out and rode the 15 mile route.  The route includes very little single track and isn't technically challenging, but it does have around 1500 feet of elevation so the recreational riders that came out did have a challenge.  Think we all get a little spoiled with the great gear and the bikes that we have so it was awesome to be reminded that "it ain't the gear".  Plenty of  folks that don't usually do those types of climbs and with no clipless pedals got out there and got the job done.  Also saw a few younger kids and thought, 'yeah - sturdy'. Nice work. 

So, aside from putting out a good challenge early in the year, it is also a fundraiser for Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center.   Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center provides therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities who live in the Puget Sound area. Classes take place in an environment that emphasizes abilities rather than disabilities. Red Hook is the primary sponsor of the The Stinky Spoke Ride and all participants recd a pint glass, a hat, miscellaneous schwag, and if you were 21 or over, you recd a coupon for a free beverage of choice afterwards.  Post-ride there was a big tent with a band and announcements were made for winning poker hands and winning race#s and prizes were given out to participants.

Was also really great to hook up and hang out with some of the gals from the Team LUNA Chix Seattle Cycling & Triathlon chapters.  Though the band was a bit too loud to talk, Katie, Virginia and I did get to relax, drink a beer and catch up with the Team LUNA Chix gals and it sounds like we'll be doing some mountain bike rides together throughout the year.  Love to bring road riders over to the dark & dirty side, that is really just good stuff.

Katie and I got a little 'extra credit' in when she, Robyn and I headed out at 7 for lap 1 of 2 for the day.  Unfortunately Robyn got 2 flats (hope you got that fixed sister!) so we missed her company for the actual poker run/second lap.  We did see many Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance members in the crowd as well and it was great to see lots of familiar faces on the trail and in the tent afterwards.  Another great day on the trails and it was great to be part of raising $$ for a worthy cause.