Early start to the day as I chose to drive to Tucson the morning of the ride. What a great bike ride! Yes rain for ~20 miles with a downpour for 4 miles, great pace line with the 2 Canadiens and Mike, until they dropped me like a stone in water going up Kitt Peak. Funny how it was clear to see the observatories when we arrived at 3-Points at mile 35. Then by the time I got to the top, it was shrouded in clouds, cold, and spitting a few drops! Donned by gloves, vest and down the hill I went. Very windy at top. I was descending by myself as I had just seen the other 3 riders descending as I was about 3/4 mile from top. I took it at moderate speed as there were plenty of asphalt filled freeze-cracks, plus the wind and chilly air. Then as i had 2 miles left the deluge started. I glanced around for a place to hide, tried to guess which way the storm was heading. I decided to ride it out. When I got back to Ajo Hwy, I was so happy to feel the wind and rain on my back instead of face! There was also an awesome shoulder to ride. Yes it was still raining and continued almost to the ICE station about 10 miles away. Then ran into Mike and Canadiens and 3-points. Quickly refilled my water, used bathroom, and off we 4 went. Pretty easy riding back along Ajo Way, until we turned north where we had quartering head winds. THe lengh of turns at the front decreased in this 10 mile stretch up to Mile-Wide Rd. There on Mile-Wide Rd I again detached from the 3 as I knew they would crush me on Gates Pass, plus I needed to stop and get some electrolytes tabs in my system. Now with the rain done and the roadway pretty dry, I could enjoy the Saguaro Park West NP scenery and look forward to the 12% climb up Gates. What a great time! Not real busy with cars. Then as I got back to town and riding in near the UofA, the football game had finished and there were many folks walking the streets all in UofA Red and some blue. Thank you Stephen for the use of your house. With this ride I completed 12,000 miles for the year! The first time ever for me! Time to pack up and drive back to Phx.