1/11/10
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)

Hemet, Ca


One thing that has changed since I started cycling is I started watching the weather closer than I used to. I had been looking at the weekly forecasts for a while and it sure looked like today was going to be a good day for a ride. When I got up and looked outside of my front window it was a beautiful morning. I was looking forward to riding with my friends and I was looking forward to meeting some new riders that were planning on joining us. With that in mind I had breakfast and a cup of coffee before putting on my kit and shoes. I loaded my back pockets with gel and a granola bar and my keys and some money and headed out of the door.

I got to the meeting place about 8:40 and was greeted by Duramax, Deacon and Parky. Soon we were joined by Rocket, Highlander, Red Rabbit, Cossack, Hitman, Raptor, Von Richthofen, Quicksticks and a new rider named Gerry. Counting me we had 13 riders. We planned to ride west and maybe break into two groups with Rocket leading one group back east to the ranger station for a longer ride. As we started out of the parking lot we lost Raptor because he was having trouble with a tire and decided to go home. The rest of us motored on towards Acacia.


After warming up a bit on Acacia we all made the turn onto Kirby and settled into an easy pace. Looking back I could see we were all in two lines and the group seemed to be having a good time. I have to admit it is hard not to have a good time when the weather is as nice as it was. The temperature was about 65 degrees and the sky was a beautiful Robin’s egg color with just a few wisps of cloud here and there. My obvious reverie was interrupted by a low riding dark blot closing on me at something in excess of 18 MPH. I looked carefully and noticed it was Parky as he passed and told me he was in a hurry because he needed to make a quick stop before heading on towards Winchester. I had to put the hammer down a bit just to catch up to him and get a picture.

Once we turned onto Sanderson Rocket took the lead as we headed for Domenigoni. We all made a smooth right hand turn and got ready for the slow increase in speed that always comes as we start the run towards Winchester. It was about here that our plans changed. Rocket cut his tire and flatted. He decided to replace the tube and limp home. He wished as well and sent us on our way.

Red Rabbit took off and the rest of us soon followed. We caught him just before Warren and I pulled the group all the way to Winchester. We took turns pulling from Winchester to the base of the Domenigoni Saddle where Hitman chased down Cossack with Gerry in close tow. We regrouped at the top of the Saddle and then rode down to Menifee to make a left.

We started to spread out a bit heading for the short hill on Menifee. Hitman took off and scampered over the little hill and the rest of us followed only to regroup and take off a few layers before going on to Scott Road. As we turned onto Haun we got split up a bit but we soon were all heading for Holland Road. Shortly after we turned towards Murrieta Road Cossack decided to head for home. As I looked around to make sure we had everyone else lined up Highlander and Duramax started pulling away going up the grade on Holland. We all caught up with them on Murrieta but it was only a sign of things to come. Duramax was running strong on cruise control and Highlander seemed to have more energy the longer the ride lasted.

Once on Macall we were all back together and heading towards the freeway. We were catching all of the lights red as we left the last light before the freeway. Highlander pulled past me at the top of the overpass and managed to get through the light just as the rest of us had to stop. It was here the first chase was on and we attempted to reel him in as he started up the hill. We never caught him but at least he waited at the top of the hill on till we all got there. Red Rabbit rode right on passed and we started another chase. As we worked our way through the housing tract Hitman pulled in front and set a pretty quick pace and once turned onto Simpson we noticed the group was split again. We could see Red Rabbit in the distance but Hit man and I turned back to make sure everyone made the light. Highlander decided to take up the pursuit of Red Rabbit and by the t me we had a pace line going he was several hundred yards ahead of us. He had been lined up ready for a break all morning and this looked like a perfect time.

We did manage to close the gap quite a bit as first I pulled and then Hitman till we were well passed Leon. It was clear however we weren’t going to haul him in even if we were cruising along at a comfortable 22 MPH. True to form we caught the light at Winchester and we all made the turn together as we rode over to Chris’s. Buy the time we pulled into the parking lot Highlander and Red Rabbit had already parked their bikes and were heading inside for coffee.

We always have a good time at the coffee shop stop because we get a chance to talk, laugh and joke about the ride. After about 20 minutes we headed for home riding past the airport. Yes it was a great ride and a great day. I had 43 miles in by the time I got home and I had met a new friend. Does it get any better?