Say hello again to the afore-mentioned, Keith, Maria's soon-to-be fiancé. We caught up with Keith thirteen miles in to day three's ride, enjoying a "Bloody Martha" for breakfast in the now infamous Systemware Mug.

While day three was flat, there was no lack of miles, heat, humidity and headwinds. Reaching Ventura towards the end of the day's ride, Mike Carrie, Kevin and I were overjoyed to find that the town had one AIR CONTITIONED bar. Meet our host for an extended stay at the Ventura Bar & Grill that afternoon. I don't remember her name, but I have it on good authority that one in our group is still in love with her - it's not me, and Carrie doesn't swing that way!

During our extended stay, Kevin obliged me with a Systemware "Mug" shot.

Carrie may kill me when she sees this picture, but it does prove two things.

1. Carrie DOES tan.
2. Like her brother, Eric, she does develop "Raccoon" eyes during these week-long rides.

Although it was well past time to head for our overnight stay in Clear Lake, upon leaving the Ventura Bar & Grill, we couldn't pass up a stop at the Beer Garden set up on the outskirts of Ventura. I mean, how bad could it be, we could SEE Clear Lake on the opposite shore of the lake in the background.

I have "feelers" out to get this man's name and that of his "traveling" companion. He's a Des Moines resident, and we see him every year at RAGBRAI. If you pass him on the road (or he you) you can usually find his companion standing on three legs, observing all around. What you can't see in this picture are the beads the dog was wearing. I asked if the dog had "earned" the beads. The story that followed can't be repeated here!