Great ride report Rolls, glad you got the bike back together.
High 5 on the solo ride, Riding with a group is fun, but nothing like a ride by yourself to clear the cobwebs outta your head and be one with nature. A little dangerous, but so is sky diving. No risk, no reward.
And roost for setting the little guy free from the cup.
I do like a solo ride sometimes. I go slower when alone, and stay on easier trails. Just kinda cruise around and do some sight seeing. The part I like best is that my goggles stay clean. Usually I'm eating Tim's dust all day long.