Great ride with TJ, Pete, Judy and Anthony. They were all in good form and motored on in impressive form. TJ was rocketing up the mountain with Anthony chasing him, while Pete and Judy chatted and rode a good pace. I slugged along as best I could to keep in contact with Pete and Judy as much as possible. I understand I was about 5 minutes behind them reaching Wrightwood, so I made it a quick stop and took off to get a head start and made it to Dawson Saddle just a few yards ahead of them. I was passing Islip Saddle when I had a mechanical, my chain dropped and was wedged in my crank. As soon as I untangled it, Judy came by and everyone gave chase while I wiped some grease off my hands before restarting so, by the time I was going again, they were all gone. ;'-( They stopped at Newcomb's for water and maybe a Coke or snack and I had to go in to tell them I would go on and would stop for a Coke at Red Box. So, they raced out to give chase before I could get very far ahead. With friends like these...! LOL I made it down to the climb between Upper Big T and Red Box and they all passed me, but I was not far behind Judy as I topped that climb and the chain dropped and jammed again, so I coasted down to Red Box, but none of them had stopped. So I got my Coke and fixed the chain, and rode on in to find everyone in TJ's back yard for the post-ride repast, a great barbecue that TJ's family had prepared for us. I guess I can't blame these guys for wanting a head start on the food. ;-/ This is a nice, challenging little route and made for a nice day of riding! I think everyone had a good time. Btw, Jansen's market for a few pieces of barbecue meat has become my "go to" stop in Wrightwood when I don't want to spend the hour-plus dining at the Grizzly Cafe. =============== Over 30 minutes of time lost near the end of the ride starting with the beginning of my descent towards Red Box, when my chain dropped and was jammed. Then, I decided to check on the ranger at Clear Creek who lost her home in the fire at Bear Divide and filled my Camel Bak while I was there. And, finally, I stopped at the 7-Eleven when I made it to Foothill in order to text TJ that I was OK, and I went in to get a chocolate milk. Earlier, leaving Islip on the way back, I lost about 7 minutes when I had the same mechanical problem for the first time today. 6:46 Islip 20:16 Red Box 2:32 Clear Creek 2:59 7-Eleven on Foothill