Perfect weather, although I was a little cold on my second descent of Mt. Wilson after sitting around so long for the others. I rode hard with a fair amount of extra credit. Rode from home and played catch-up as usual. I was surprised to catch everyone except TJ at Clear Creek, but Sybil had a flat before they even started, so they were late starting, too. Richard Markham was there and we spoke for a while, and I was looking forward to chatting with him more at the post-ride party, but it didn't work out that way. I saw TJ descending Mt. Wilson while I was on my way up, and then he was riding back up with some others as I descended, so I went all the way down to Red Box and did a repeat. I saw Richard Markahm on my way down to Red Box, and then again on my repeat as he was descending. I found all the others at the Cosmic Cafe where Brandt and a PAA friend of his had ordered chili dogs, which took FOREVER to be served. TJ and I waited while the rest got moving, but Sybil asked me to make sure she did not get left behind on Big T; I think she was nervous about getting a second flat, so I told her I would ride drag and make sure everyone got it. TJ, Brant and I left together, but I went on by at Red Box to ride hard to Upper Big T and warm up some; I caught Terri Boykins, Kevin Walsh, and Sybil Gray at the turn for Upper Big T. Kevin and I passed each other back and forth most of the way to Angeles Forest until I snuck by him at the last roller. I turned back from Angeles Forest to ride sweep, so to speak, but the ladies were not far behind TJ. We regrouped at Monte Cristo, and Brandt had a flat so I stuck with him while he fixed the tire so he could use my pump. I took off again and caught the ladies on the roller after the second bridge, and I kept going to Mt. Gleason before turning back again. They were not far behind, and I was worried that Brandt had another flat, but he was just spinning a little easier towards the finish and we rode in together. I took us off-route by going up Mt. Gleason, whereas Charlie's offical route was evidently to take Oro Vista in both directions this year, so the ladies were not back yet. I started to head out to check on them just as they rolled up. Charlie had the usual pizza, chips, soda and cup cakes, but a buddy of his had bought a six pack and gave me one, which really hit the spot. Carrie was also riding, and Kieth was at the party. With the delays due to the food order at Mt. Wilson and the flat and such, Richard had already left by the time I finally made it to Charlie's. I'll have to follow up and see if he'll lead me on a mtn bike ride up througn the Monrovia area.