Wow - what a great report and beautiful photos!! Too bad about the whole lightning/derailleur thing, but sometimes it just isn't meant to be. Glad you had fun.

Was that the Denise I met on Ebbetts? Big bummer!! 8 weeks! I have to say from personal experience, sometimes being ordered off the bike can improve your cycling and your attitude in the long run. But it's tough while it's going on.