Decided to take advantage of the cloudy and cooler weather for a longer ride, the Ritner Covered Bridge Loop. Start from Riverview Park in Independence, then ride west through Monmouth and on Highway 194 to the Kings Valley Highway junction. A couple of decent hills in the first 8 miles. Turn left at the junction and ride generally south on Highway 223 through Pedee with a stop at the Pedee fire station. Note that HIGH fire danger despite the recent rain. Mile 21 is the Ritner Covered Bridge and wayside. Continue another 2.5 miles to the Maxfield Creek Rd junction and Kings Valley Charter School. Typically, there is a north or headwind on Maxfield Creek Rd. Today was a southwest wind day. There is about a 3.5 mile gradual climb followed by a nice descent past Arlie Winery and to the Arlie Rd junction. Got stung by something on the descent. The Arlie Rd section usually has a crosswind, but today was more of a tailwind. Made record time from Maxfield Creek to the finish. Brief stop at the little honey market at Highway 99W. The final 15 miles consisted of 2.2 miles of headwind on Corvallis Rd then a general tailwind from NW Springhill Rd to Buena Vista Rd and up the hill to Prather Rd. Finish with a few rollers on Corvallis Rd then 3.5 miles of flat back to the park.