First rando ride of 2025! I had been off the bike for over a month as I completed the hugh work FVTGE project. Decided to only do the 100km ride. There were 3 of us on the 100k and about 5 on the 200k. We had 1 new rando rider doing his first ride. Turns out as we left the parking lot the new rider and 1 other rider were still not ready to go and got left behind. After about 6 miles I decided to fall back and see if they caught up. Slow pedalled a few miles and finally 1 of them, the new guy reached me. We talked about Rando etiquette and group riding as we had a beautify, chilly morning ride. The air was so cold my face was actually cold. The rest of the body was ok. I had the usual kit of blue woolie, vest, and orange windbreaker. Wore the holey gloves, they were plenty warm. Heading up to the towers, the new guy had a bit of challenge, yet did really well. By the time I was starting the descent from end-of-pavement he was really close to being there. Nice job. We went back down to Sear Kay Ruins rest stop where Cindy and friend had some snacks and fluids. Very nice of them. There the new guy arrived just a minute or so after me. And finally the last rider arrived. So all were accounted for. The new guy left the SAG just ahead of me. I descended into Cave Creek and stopped at The Grotto for breakfast with my brother and his wife. Nice time. Then time for second half only this time we could not use the usual Dove Valley road due to construction and went down 19th Ave. It had been years since I had been on that part. In the old days 19th was very rough, now it is smooth. Crossed the 101 on 15th and down to Union Hills and to the end. Nice cool, breezy day in the saddle.