1/06/2012
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)

After two days of feeling a bit like a sickly boat anchor I didn’t know how I was going to survive today’s ride. Still I got up, got the paper, had breakfast and got dressed for the ride. I got to the parking lot in time to see Blood Hound waiting for everyone to arrive. It only took a few minutes before Highlander pulled up. Everyone seemed to be running just a bit late. Gambler had a flat on the way and Huntress rolled in right at 8:30. Vortex decided to meet us at Warren so once everyone was there and ready we hit the road.


A quick trip down Gilmore and a turn west onto Acacia and we were moving pretty well. For some reason I felt a lot stronger today and a lot warmer than it seemed to be. I got to the light first and made the turn south on Kirby with the whole group still talking and warming up. It was an easy cruise to Cypress and we made a turn west once again to head to Johnston and Sanderson.

Normally it is when we turn on Sanderson that I know how much energy I am going to have once we get to Domenigoni. Today we caught the light at Stetson green and it was smooth sailing as the whole group passed the Wally World driveway. We settled in to a easy cruising 17 MPH as we headed for Mustang and I looked back to see the comforting view of Highlander following me.

We rounded the corner onto Domenigoni and I pulled for a little while before giving the lead to Highlander. As I fell back Rocket and I talked for a while and he mentioned that he was pretty sure it was going to turn into a drag race and I assured him I had no intention of giving chase if the Big Dogs started to run. As we got close to Warren we caught the light red and the group noticed Vortex had turned the corner and started to make a run for Winchester. It was like waving a pork chop at a German Shepherd because the group came off of the light and quickly were rolling along at 24 or 25 as we got close to the dry wash. It was at that point I decided to let the group go and Highlander and I settled into a more relaxed 22 or 23. The group caught Vortex and by Winchester I noticed they were dropping riders. We noticed Rocket had dropped back to ride with Huntress and then he left us before we met up with Vortex on the saddle and regrouped at Carl’s.

The ride to Railroad Canyon was a fast one and I pulled all the way to the bottom of the climb. I decided to test my legs and attacked the bottom of the hill. I only managed to make about ¾ of the hill before the big dogs caught me. I did catch them at the last light before the big downhill and then stopped to wait for Huntress and Highlander and watch Blood Hound turn around and head for home. From there we regrouped at Micky Ds for coffee and conversation.


I felt like I needed the rest as we talked and relived parts of the ride. A hot cup of coffee calmed my coughing as we sat and watched the children play and recovered for the ride home. On the way back I was sure the A group was going to make a hard push for home running through the canyon. I rode at a more moderate pace with Highlander and we watched as Vortex drafted Torpedo starting up the first hill. Soon the rest of the group gave chase and we watched them fade over the hill as Huntress closed with Vortex. Highlander and I met up with them at Murrieta.

We waited for Highlander to recover his water bottle and then took off on a pace line towards Antelope. Once we got there Vortex started a pull towards the back side of the saddle. As we got to Menifee I could see Huntress was settling in for a charge at the saddle. Vortex kept the pace steady and I pulled out around him after about 30 yards of the hill. I got a very good jump and then noticed Huntress came out around as well. I am not sure but it looked like she closed with me quite a bit as we topped the saddle. We ended up pulling most of the way to Winchester and Vortex took over and pulled us back to Warren where he turned for home. Highlander, Huntress and I kept a comfortable cruise up till we got Sanderson. I was still feeling pretty good even if I was starting to get tired.

I stayed with Huntress and Highlander all the way back to Johnston where I decided to head for home. I looked down as I made the turn and realized we had an average speed for the 45 mile ride of about 17.5 MPH. At least that was my average from door to door. Not bad for someone who 4 days before couldn’t cruise at more than 14 but it was a good day and a good ride.