We can’t seem to get enough of Whidbey Island, so we headed back on Labor Day for a little 68-mile jaunt (5,600 feet of elevation gain, give or take). This time we joined our friends Bob and John, and along the way picked up new friends Paul and Ken and, for awhile, the amazing Scott.

Several stretches made for some terrifically fun pacelining, and the climbs and wide-open descents were a blast too. And of course, the Whidbey scenery.

Scenery at the start of the ride.

Even better.

Riders gather at the start.

Ride leader Alexa, far left, gives some pre-ride instructions.

More of the group.

Paul, far right, joined our group partway through.

Bob, John, Paul and Ken

John and Bob

Bob

Hey, it’s hard to shoot backwards while riding.

John hams it up

John and Bob again

And again.

Paul, Ken and Timothy

Great paceline, guys!

And from the side.

Long and unwinding road.

Shadows.

More shadows, winding down the ride.

We were delighted when Bob happened upon the Timbuktu Java Bar & Gallery in Freeland — featuring a nicely attired stuffed giraffe, terrific proprietors, the ultimate in smoothie lusciousness, and a just-right chicken-and-rice concoction.

Ken, Tim and Berry Berry Smoothies

John, Paul and not-Ringo.

This place is a delight. We will make it a destination in the future.

Proprietor of Timbuktu, and his great chicken dish.

And serving as a true inspiration was Scott, a relatively new rider who dropped from 260 pounds to 170 since January by eating well and exercising.

Scott kept his old driver’s license as a “souvenir.”

The NEW Scott.

Scott on the road.

He’s amazing!

Of course, any time you get to go home via ferry, it’s a very good day indeed.