It was a great ride - Sorry again, Litespeed, that you weren't feeling well.
ChrisW (map-reader extraordinaire!) actually ended up doing the leading around, and we discovered some really great back-roads. After this plus riding with Yokine and Mblume this week, I feel I've learned lots of good biking routes on this side. Also I am relieved to have a day or two of rest coming up!
Hope you feel better, Litespeed, by this weekend... Those hills are out there calling your name!