Some very careful prognosticating must have gone into Ron Brown's planning for this year's edition of the famous Guerneville Zodiac, because the weather could not have been better, the rides were all down hill (Frank G. are you listening) and the evenings were delightful happy hours.

Most of us arrived Monday for a little 25 mile round trip spin down to the coast to make sure Jenner was still in place, in case we needed it for rain shelter and a warming hut. I remember last year's little soaking on the trip down the coast. Meanwhile, the mountain monkeys headed up the hill toward Occidental to try out their off-road legs.

Monday evening the Fern Grove Cottage inn keepers, Margaret and Mike, hosted the Wheelmen to a most gracious happy hour. Local Russian River valley wines and some wonderful cheeses got the group together to decide which part of the planned rides were they brave enough to attempt over the next three days.

After the carbo loading breakfast at Fern Grove, most of the group headed up a nicely wooded lane (rural highway) to Occidental. Most riders were too anxious to get on to the beauty of Coleman Canyon to make the traditional bakery rest stop in Occidental. That would have to wait for the return trip later in the afternoon when "carbo bonks" made Occidental an ideal regroup point.

Coleman Canyon is almost too much spring-time scenery in too short a distance. Lush fruit tree farms, small cattle ranches, spectacular views of the coast and ocean and this year – due to careful advance planning – a gentle breeze instead of a roaring gale as we headed toward Bodega Bay. Many of us just coasted along in silence enjoying the beautiful day, thankful that we were there and nowhere else.

When the regrouped Wheelmen headed down the coast, all thoughts turned to Luca's Warf in Bodega Bay where their famous bread bowls of clam chowder awaited the hungry carbo "unloaded" riders. Once again, careful planning assured us of a nice tail wind for the hungry man's 25mph spin into Bodega Bay.

After reloading the carbo buckets, we headed inland to Freestone and then up the hill to regroup in Occidental. Knowing that Rich Zeisler's happy hour was awaiting, little time was spared in making tracks back to Guerneville. Rich knows Wheemen! Feed 'em and wine 'em and they're happy campers.

Meanwhile, the Shopper Chicks found a new adventure destination, courtesy of Suzie Brown's hair dresser in Armstrong Woods. Just a short drive from Guerneville, they experienced a miniature Muir Woods and didn't have to huff and puff getting there either.

Wednesday was decision day. Ride the hills and more hills up to Stewarts Point or cut off some parts to save the legs for another day. We were expecting the usual roaring headwind on top of the coast ridge mountains, but once again... you guessed it, just enough breeze to keep the legs cool while hammering (or slogging) up King Ridge and Tin Barn. The cut offs may have taken some miles off the ride, but the drops down into the canyons and climbs back out before the coast highway kept the difficulty pretty high. The spin down the coast from Stewarts Point to Jenner was such joy (in comparison to last year's little gully washer) that we were able to view the seals enjoying their lazy afternoon in the sun on Goat Rock Beach before our turn inland to Guerneville.

After another round of Rich (and now Linda) Zeisler's happy hour goodies, we held the traditional BBQ at Fern Grove. The Shopper Chicks got the supplies while we were off conquering one mountain after another. BBQ chicken and sausages, prepared by master chef Ralph LeMeur in honor of his own birthday, satisfied even the most ravenous riders (Paul are you there?).

Thursday we headed inland towards Healdsburg with lots of short cuts and turn arounds available. Just one stop at a winery that has gained somewhat of a Zodiac reputation – Rabbit Ridge. The Shopper Chicks just happened by at the precise moment we needed them – for pictures only, no tasting! This quick 50 miler was all most of us needed in order to get back to Fern Grove Cottages for our late check out.

Another fun, exhilarating, scenic, carbo loaded Zodiac, superbly planned and coordinated by Ron and Rich (with the help of Suzie and Linda, of course). Our thanks. By the way, we understand next year the same delightful weather has been guaranteed?

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