Chance and luck of the draw will determine the exact ride we do that day. What I can tell you for sure is that we will start at Heather Farms Park at 9am, do something around 60 miles with probably less than 3,000 feet of climbing, return to Heather Farms Park, and then have a party at the Sports Basement across the street from 2 – 4pm. They will provide food, (party platters,) and drink (soda, juices, wine and beer). June and I will supply bubbly and dessert. Sports Basement will offer a 10% discount on all purchases that day, and will donate 10% of what we spend to a non-profit organization of our choice. Since we’re not a non-profit, I’ve chosen the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association.

Here’s how the ride will work. When we gather at HFP, I’ll have 3-4 mystery envelopes. A club member will choose one of them. Inside, it will tell us where the first regroup is, Danville, Alhambra Valley, Moraga Commons, who knows? There will also be an assortment of 3-4 possible rides radiating out from that regroup spot. When we get there, luck and chance will determine the next regroup, and so on until we run out of time and gas. In other words, we won’t know which way we’re going until we get there.

I’ve got the routes planned so that any combination will ultimately get us back to HFP with somewhere between 55 and 65 miles. The longer routes will have less climbing, and vice versa. It’s quite possible that we’ll end up doing one of our typical Saturday rides, or merely string the usual roads together in a slightly different way. Of course, anyone is free to turn around and head back at any time, and just meet us at Sports Basement around 2pm for the party.

Speaking of which, we need to give Sport Basement some idea of numbers for the party, so if you plan to come over after the ride, please RSVP by email to Stephen at sherrick at athenian dot org by Wednesday, Jan 18.

As always in the winter, weather is a factor. 30% chance of rain for Walnut Creek on www.weather.com cancels the mystery tour and the party. If you still want to ride, it becomes a show and go. Check the web site for cancellation notice if things are looking iffy.