Well, the Vixens had another beautiful, crash-free and scenic ride.

Riders were:

Elsa, Shadow 600 Deluxe
Liz, Yamaha FJR 1300
Barb and Sandy, V-Star 1100
Peggy, BMW R1200C

The day started crisp and cold in Arlington, where yours truly scraped frozen dewdrops from her saddle and windscreen. Clothing included long johns (top and bottom), a worn-out but still warm cashmere sweater, fleece pants, two pairs of socks in the boots, a neck gaiter, winter gloves and the FirstGear insulated suit over it all. I needed every bit of insulation I could get!

Fog set in as I rode south to Lake Stevens and the usual Starbucks meeting place. I gassed up and waited for the gals with my coffee. I met a guy who had a KLR, and we chatted about road safety and KLRs vs BMW 1200 GS Adventures. He was cool. I think his name was Larry.

Liz arrived first. She rode down from Bellingham to meet us. Apparently she knew about the club from a chance meeting with Denita and Wanda at a restaurant up north a few weeks ago. Very cool to have a new rider with us! Welcome, Liz.

Denita and Peggy then showed up. Denita just came for the coffee, as her bike is still in the shop, she hasn't replaced her helmet, and her left thumb wants to feel just a little bit better before it has to grip the clutch lever. I'm glad she was there to meet Liz. Peggy arrived ready to put some miles under her BMW. Everyone was geared up for the chilly but sunny day.

We bid farewell to Denita and headed north on Highway 9. What a great piece of road on a clear, sunny morning. But for the temperature, it could have been any summer day: clear blue sky, shimmering water on the lakes, and a mantle of peace on our shoulders. And because it was cold, there were no squids around. Just mellowness from everyone on the road. What a treat.

At Sedro-Woolley, we picked up Barb and Sandy, also somewhat new to our group. They have a great house in the woods! Back to Highway 9 and north through Wickersham, Saxon and Acme. The view of Mt. Baker and The Sisters was amazing! Here's a map to look at; the mountains are east and a little north of Saxon.

After Acme, we took a right onto Mosquito Lake Road. This road is a wonderful, winding road with river, mountain and farmland scenery. The Nooksack River is crossed twice; the one-lane bridge has good clear views of the river to both the north and south. Just past the bridge, an older black lab was enjoying his day in the sun in the middle of the lane! We slowed, said hi, and kept on going. The dog never moved anything but his head. At another point, a black dog ran out between Liz and Peggy, who was able to avoid sending the dog to doggy heaven. All was well.

We headed west on the Mt. Baker Highway, taking the Y Road and Northshore Drive around the north end of Lake Whatcom. Lots of turns and hills out here, with sandstone cliffs at one point. Just a treat.

We finally arrived at La Fiamma Pizza in downtown Bellingham. They advertise their puttanesca as "harlot style"; Liz told the waiter, "we'll take everything harlot style." She's going to fit in just fine.

This restaurant is adjacent to the Bellingham Farmers' Market, which is a great place to hang out after a ride. We had some caramel corn that was out of this world.

Liz said goodbye, since she lives in Bellingham, and the four remaining riders took Chuckanut Drive to Bow Hill, where we gassed up after nearly 100 miles together. I went straight home down I-5 so I could have pot roast at my mom's house. Barb and Sandy were near home and went there, and Peggy met her husband for burgers at Bob's Burgers and Brews.

Great day! We decided that this ride is a keeper, to be done perhaps in conjunction with a BBQ at Liz's house, or at the Barb 'n' Sandy homestead. Heck, we could do it twice and get in two barbecues. No harm in that.

Thanks, ladies, for a great ride and your confidence in my leading you all around. I love riding with you!