I set off at 7:00 on Tuesday, September 20, and snapped this picture of the sunrise from my

I've ridden to Snohomish many times to meet Kent at the Twin Eagles Café before setting off on rides of various lengths, but it has been awhile. I've been riding less since June of  '04 and spending more time at home. Maybe you can figure out why from this picture.

Just in case we weren't properly warned before about the dangers of the Monte Cristo road, we encounter two more dire warning signs. Kent makes vague promises about the road deteriorating, but sheesh!

There are two short, steep sections where I use my granny gear, and a few places where the river has narrowed the road and left an abrupt edge, but it's an easy ride. The only risk is getting our feet wet riding through the ford rather than dismounting and walking on the narrow footbridge. I guess the warning signs are aimed at the few people who have keys to drive vehicles through the gate.