10/04/2010
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)



The magnificent Seven minus two.

The attack began the day before when the enemy, code named “Overcast” fell into position over our area. Cyclists all over the Hemet area were deep in sleep when the first invasion attempt started and the enemy code named “Marine layer” started to move into our valley. Little did we know that the little place called Wilson Mesa would soon be cut off from the sound of rear cassettes clicking passed their door. Something had to be done and so the call went out for a few brave people to come and save Wilson Mesa. The call went out and several brave people showed up to take the challenge and attempt to participate in the Monday ride and defy the advances of “Marine Layer.” Of the seven that showed up at to attempt the ride five decide to fly in the face of the enemy, Valkyrie, Wolf, Duramax, Centaur and me.


Bravely Duramax took us down Gilmore to Acacia and then over to Lyon with the threat of “Marine Layer” calling in reinforcements from the shock troops, drizzle and light rain. With little or no real fear we turned onto Thornton and headed east. Our display of unity must have had its effect on “Marine Layer” because the threat of drizzle and rain seems to decrease as we got closer to State Street. We got up to Stetson and over to Columbia determined to beat any rain or drizzle if it was at all possible. We talked strategy and were full of good cheer as we got ready to cut over to Crest and passed the homes and horses.

We quickly sprinted up Lake Street working our way back to Stetson where I managed to crest the small hill first with the other four close behind. It was at that point the Valkyrie started an attack that pointed to “Marine Layers” Achilles’ heel; the air support from “Overcast” was weaker the farther east we traveled. Valkyrie rounded the corner on Stetson and pulled us almost all the way to Fairview.

I got back in front as we traveled in attack formation down Fairview and set our sights on Wilson Mesa’s hill. Slowly but surely we were picking up speed as we got closer and closer to the turn for Bautista. The enemy “Marine Layer” Hadn’t planned on five cyclists being so determined that they would ascend the little hill and make then turn on Citrus View and through the neighborhood on Wilson Mesa so they could have to joy of seeing cyclists and hearing the clicking of cassettes on a Monday morning. We knew full well the enemy had been beaten and we were heading to a refueling station for coffee and cold drinks. A quick stop at Château de Carl’s and we were ready to head back to our secret launching place on the west end of town. Duramax led us most of the way back to Park before leaving for home.

I continued on west with Valkyrie, Wolf and Centaur to Devonshire and then crossed over to Latham for the final run back to Gilmore. The weather turned out to be much better than expected. By defying “Marine Layer” we had managed to bring cheer to Wilson Mesa and get a good ride in with dry streets and 62 to 68 degrees. It is the kind of weather that makes you feel you could ride all day so we were sad to see it come to an end.

In the battle with fall and winter weather our group struck a blow for cyclists everywhere. I am sure if more of our group would have realized how important this ride was for the peace and joy of Wilson Mesa more might joined us. But for now the magnificent seven minus two were proud to strike a 25 mile blow for truth, justice and the American way.