2/29/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


I have discovered I am a creature of the sun. I may not like cold and I don’t like the wind but if it is sunny some of that discomfort goes away. I looked outside and it was clear and sunny, not yet warm but not overcast. Automatically my attitude picked up and I put on a base layer under my kit and downed a cup of hot cocoa before heading out to ride over to Burger King and see if anyone was going to join me for a quick easy 38 mile ride west.

I got there and Wolf was unloading his bike and talking to Centaur. Chinook arrived a few minutes later along with Rick. Next Al and Traveler arrived and Gambler pulled up. Rain turned into the parking lot and we all talked and waited for Huntress to pull around the corner. As soon as she unloaded and rode over to the group we got ready to leave just as Raptor arrived.


Once we got down to Acacia and turned towards Kirby I knew it was going to be a pretty good day. I was spinning well and I think my bike is just about dialed in for comfort and cruising. The test might be once we got out onto Domenigoni and headed for the saddle. After the light changed on Kirby we headed south towards Cypress so we could work our way over to Sanderson. We turned on Cypress and headed west.

We caught the light at Sanderson and waited till it turned green. Once it did I took the lead and started us south again towards Stetson. We managed to roll through that light green and I stayed in front as we past Wal-Mart and then Mustang. We started to pick up the pace as we past the High School and I was still in front when we turned west and started the run towards Warren

We formed a pace line and started a rotation as we moved first to Warren and then over the dry wash. Wolf and then Huntress took turns till we got to Winchester where we picked up Bandit and Gambler took over the pull. By this time I was second in line and decided to try and stick to his back wheel. Before I knew it we were passing Leon and heading for the foot of the saddle. A quick check of my heart rate monitor showed I was getting close to 170 beats a minute so I thought it would be beast to pull out of line and see if it would drop back to normal. As soon as I got to the saddle it was back to 135 so I could hit it again and regroup with everyone else at the top.

We headed down the back side of the saddle and made it to Menifee and turned south again. We all stayed together till the little hill after Holland. The A group pulled away leaving 4 of us to follow as best as we could. We could still see them as we turned on Scott but they were almost out of sight when we turned onto Haun. Once we were headed back north Wolf took the lead till the road widened and Huntress dropped the hammer. Because I was still feeling pretty good I gave chase and managed to catch her wheel after about a quarter of a mile. I let her pull me almost all the way back to Holland before passing just before the stop sign. We regrouped and rode together all the way to Newport where Wolf took us to Bradley and part way to McCall before Huntress once more took the lead. We didn’t find the lead group till we crossed the freeway and saw them parked at the Valero Station. The two big dogs hammered the hill and continued on while the rest of us stopped on top of Hospital hill to regroup.

Once down McCall we turned onto Heritage and made our way back to Lindenburger. The light cycled twice before we could turn left and head down Simpson where once again we got in a pace line and rode all the way to Leon where we turned towards the dump road. We were bunched up as we turned east again and made it as a group to the ride with Huntress pulling. I waited to the last minute to start the jump for the sprint and managed to get a good jump till wolf and Chinook caught me at the Flags at the Coral and bar. We waited for the rest of the group and rode to Winchester before turning north to Stowe.

Once onto Stowe we headed for California at a steady pace but looking for the dogs that have chased us the last few times. Just before we got to the last dirt road sure enough the dogs came running out to meet us. With much yelling we stopped them before they came into the street and continued on to California and then down to Stetson. It was a smooth trip down Stetson with Al in the front all the way to Warren and then Wolf and Huntress took us to the airport road where we decided to stop at Hanger One. Gambler and Centaur were waiting for us. Thank goodness Bambi still had fresh apple pie in the oven so I couldn’t order any. While most of us just had coffee the Canadians and Wolf opted for Apple Fritters. Yes, those hub caps sized pastries topped with whipped cream. But some of us didn’t give in to temptation.

We left Hanger One and headed for home. Once we were back of the road heading back on the road towards Sanderson we got to experience what riding the Roubaix section of the TDF because the street is so cracked and uneven.


Unfortunately Huntress lost her Garmin as it popped off of its mount and to add insult to injury a car rolled over it. Just between you and me it looked like road kill when she picked it up and rejoined us at the Lowes parking lot. We rode around the back of the building and out onto Acacia where we all more or less split up with only 4 of us heading back to Burger King and then to our separate homes. I got home about noon with just over 40 miles on the computer. It was a good day even if it was pretty cool. Thank goodness for the sun.

2/27/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)



I wasn’t sure we were even going to get a ride in today so I tried to plan one that was more or less protected from the weather and had several break off points in case we had to make a quick run for home. When I got up it was cold and overcast and I didn’t know if the rain would hold off or not. When I got to the parking lot only wolf was there sitting in his truck staying warm. By 8:30 am there were only three of us set for the longer ride and four for the shorter one. Al decided to switch side and join Wolf, Chinook and I leaving Traveler, Rick and Raptor for the other ride. We took off down Gilmore and then turned on Acacia to Kirby to begin our ride west towards Winchester.


We worked our way through the housing tract on Cypress and out to Sanderson before making the jog past the airport to come out on Stetson and head towards California. From the first turn of the pedals it was cold and windy and the ride down Stetson wasn’t much fun. When we made it to California I tried to pull into the wind and it was even less fun making our way to Stowe. After making the turn towards Winchester Al pulled up front and started us west again with a cross wind that had a bite. About a third of the way down Stowe two large dogs came running off their property and decided to give chase, almost causing Chinook to hit them. But we all escaped unharmed and stopped at Winchester to debate the rest of the ride.

I wanted to cut the ride short and head directly to Domenigoni and back east so I persuaded everyone to loin me. I pulled out onto Winchester and pulled directly into the wind all the way past Simpson and then to the light at Domenigoni. After making the turn Wolf took the lead and started us at a much faster pace east. We didn’t get far before we noticed Raptor, Traveler and Rick heading the other way. We stopped to see if they were going to turn around and join us but they went straight past Winchester so we continued on towards Warren. Al took over pulling and we were cruising along till we past Sanderson and my heart rate started up so I back off a bit and they had to wait for me at Searl before we continued on to State. I recovered enough to pull to Chambers and then Thornton with Wolf following along being the character we have all come to expect him to be.

As long as we were running east the wind didn’t bother us too much but it wasn’t getting any warmer and I for one was looking forward to making it to Fairview and down to Florida and over to Carl’s for some hot coffee and an energy bar. By the time we got to Fairview I got the horse heading for the barn syndrome and we quickly made it past Mayberry and to the light at Florida. The light take the longest time of just about any light we have to wait for but soon we were on our way again and Wolf took the lead to Carl’s where we stopped to get warm before heading home. It was no warmer heading home as we rode down Lincoln to Park and felt the wind shift again. At least on Devonshire we had some downhill to offset the wind.

We worked our way west almost as if we were rushing to get in out of the cold and wind. It took us a little while to pass San Jacinto and Santa Fe. We cut down to Latham and headed towards State Street. We rode past Buena Vista and the Police Station and the Library before catching the light at State Street. No we were on the home stretch and Al and I planned on turning on Palm and letting Wolf and Chinook make their way back by themselves.

Al and I broke off at Palm and headed back down to Florida. We stayed together with the headwind now hitting us right in the face till we got back to Mayberry and Al headed for home while I continued on to Whittier and home. I got back home with a little fewer miles than I had planned but with a great desire for a hot shower. Maybe we will have better luck Wednesday.

2/24/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)



Today was supposed to be a Friday light ride I was planning on joining the C group when they said they wanted to do Lake Paris. So I posted the short Lake Paris ride and left the house expecting a casual ride to the lake. As an added bonus it was starting out to be a warm morning as I headed for the parking lot to see who was going to go for a ride. I got there and Traveler was already waiting. Rick showed up next and Chinook rode in right after him. To my surprise I noticed Wart riding in and Sea Lion drove up. Barracuda dropped by heading out for a climb somewhere and we all stayed around talking for a few minutes till Raptor rode up. While Wart went in to use the restroom the rest of the C group loaded up their bikes in Rick’s truck and headed out for a part way ride to Lake Paris. Wart Decided to leave a bit early and we gave him about a 10 minute head start when Ferret arrived. At 8:30 Chinook, Ferret and I gave chase.


We quickly made our way down Lyon with me pulling most of the way. I made the turn onto Ramona and took us to Sanderson and Ramona Expressway. Chinook took over and pulled us along towards Bridge Street. We could see Wart in the distance and caught him about the time he got to Bridge. He told me he would be turning back early so not to wait for him and Ferret took over and pulled us towards Lake View and the back gate to Lake Paris. Ferret must have been feeling his oats because I started the climb to the Lake with an average of 18.2 MPH. It fell off a bit on the climb to the back gate but picked up a bit heading around the lake towards the Marina.

It turns out Chinook isn’t fond of bike paths because he had a bad accident on one once. Still he handled the path well and we quickly made our way around the lake to the boat ramp. Once we got there we pulled into the back of the recreation area and took a break looking at the lake and telling stories. After an energy bar or two and something to drink we noticed the C group wasn’t anywhere in the area. I am not sure where they were but we figured we missed them. So we decided to head back around the lake on the bike path and head for home. The first part of the path heading east was pleasant as we entered the trees before coming out on the east side of the trail.

Turning south the wind decided to come visit. It wasn’t bad but it slowed me down a bit as we worked our way to the back gate and headed back down to Ramona expressway. I know the instant we topped the hill heading out of the park that we had a long ride east into the wind all down Ramona expressway. I pulled as long as I could and soon Chinook then Ferret past me and by Lakeview I dropped off and they had to slow down to pull me back to town. I recovered a bit by Bridge Street and pulled for a little while before Ferret and Chinook took over again. Thank goodness they were there or the ride would have taken me much longer. Chinook to Cottonwood and I turned for home. By the time I got there I had 44 miles on the computer. It was a bit windy for my taste but the company was good and I am glad the group is willing to pull together.

2/22/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


Finally we had a pretty good chance at a nice warm day for a ride and it looked like a perfect day to head for Bautista. I had posted the ride the afternoon of the 21st and was looking forward to a good ride that was well attended. I dressed, had breakfast and headed out to meet with the rest of the group to head east.

There were about ten of us as we pulled out of the parking lot and headed over to Lyon to turn south and head towards Johnston. Rocket pulled ahead of us and sprinted for home to get his phone and meet us as we past his street while the rest of us caught the light at Stetson. It only took a few minutes till we were at Thornton and heading east towards Santa Fe.


We worked our way past State Street and over to Santa Fe and turned north to Stetson. Within about a block we picked Rocket back up and started for Columbia. The whole group was back together as we rode down to Thornton and back on Crest heading towards Lake Street.

As we moved east I thought of the surprise I was planning for the A group and the better climbers in our group. Once we turned north on Lake I told everyone we would be regrouping at Stetson and once we pulled over I introduced my surprise plan on everyone. Gambler, Rocket, Centaur, Wolf and Chinook would ride down Lake to Mulberry and the rest of us would make the turn on Stetson and run straight to Fairview. While I was explaining the plan to everyone I told Dura Max and Ocelot to take off first and the rest of us would follow. Ocelot was off in a flash and Dura Max had to wait for a truck before giving chase. We never saw Ocelot again. We did catch Dura Max about halfway up Fairview to Bautista and were only a little ahead of him as we started the climb.

I stayed with Al and Huntress for the first two or three miles until we dropped Highlander and Rein. In dropped back to pull up Rain but decided to go back for Highlander. By the time I got to him, or should I say he got up to me Gambler and Centaur was coming on fast. Only a few feet behind them was Chinook and I could only hope that Huntress and Al had a big enough lead. Turns out they didn’t and Gambler got to the top first. Wolf pulled Dura Max up to Highlander and me and we followed them to the top ourselves. I ended up last. We rested a few minutes and met a new rider that joined up for the ride back down.


What a drag race the ride down turned out to be. Just about everyone took a turn pulling at full speed on the rind back down the Canyon. Huntress got us up to speed shortly after the big off camber turn and Gambler took over right after her. The new rider pulled for a while and finally Wolf caught us and took his turn at the front just as we past the white fence. As we headed for the short rise I found myself in third with Wolf in the lead. For me this was pure gravy as I took off and hammered the sprint over the hill. However that split the group and I fell back again to see where everyone went. Everyone else went down Fairview without stopping and I went back to get Highlander and Dura Max. We just caught Wolf and Centaur at Florida. We all rode together to Carl’s for coffee and conversation. Highlander had to leave early but the rest of us headed up to Lincoln to start the ride home.

We worked our way down Lincoln towards Park and Dura Max decided hang with us till we got back to the turn to Devonshire. We made the turn onto Park and past the property where they keep the Zebras and other animals and made it to the short turn onto Devonshire as a group. Dura Max left us at the turn and headed for home. Everyone kept saying what a great day and a great ride it had been as we started the final run for home.

After we pulled back into the parking lot from the Pep Boys driveway we stopped and chatted for a few minutes before every headed for their own homes. I moved back over to Lyon and headed for home myself. I got back with just shy of 39 miles and was hardly ever tired. Absolutely the kind of day I like.

2/20/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


Today looked like it was going to be clear and warm much like Friday but when I walked outside with the dog this morning it was cold. So I went back into the house and added arm and leg warmers. I tossed on my jacket and headed for Burger King.

Wolf, Chinook, Rick, and Blood Hound were already there and Highlander and Tax Man were unloading their bikes. D’Artagnon pulled up at the same time as Gambler and Al wasn’t far behind. The last guy to arrive was Rein and we were ready to go. Raptor arrived to lead the C group and while they were discussing their route we headed out onto Gilmore and down to Acacia.


I was glad I kept my jacket on because it didn’t get any warmer heading towards Kirby. Highlander pulled up next to me and looked about as strong as ever. I guess when you give a guy the group trophy he gets energized. Anyway he looked like he was eager to do Goetz today and I figured I would have a hard time keeping up with him. At the very least I knew he would be on my wheel like a heat seeking missile. We turned down Kirby and over on Cypress before turning on Johnston to catch the light at sanderson.

I pulled everyone up to Mustang before we caught the light again and as we took off D’Artagnon pulled in front with Gambler following. We discussed the pace line speed once we were on Domenigoni and Gambler moved up to tell D’Artagnon. Gambler ended up taking the lead on Domenigoni and pulled up most of the way to Warren. He dropped off and D’Artagnon pulled us to Winchester. After we crossed at the light and got started Gambler took over again but before Leon he dropped the hammer and the group started to split apart. They knew we were going to stop at Carl’s so they weren’t going to stop at the saddle but several of us did and we regrouped to start the run to Carl’s.

When we got to Carl’s the big dogs were waiting for us. I discussed alternate routes with Tax Man because he wasn’t positive he wanted to climb Goetz but after assuring him I would stay with him he agreed to finish the route with the rest of us. We left Carl’s and headed down Newport and then over towards Goetz following Bandit, who we had picked up along the way. When we started the climb the big dogs took off and several of the B group gave chase. Tax Man did pretty well on the first climb and fell off only slightly as Highlander and Rein pulled away from us. Tax Man and I got to the top of Goetz about a minute behind Highlander and then headed down to Ethernic to regroup with everyone else. I took off first and we turned onto Murrieta heading south.

We took the short cut to McCall that Full Throttle had shown us and worked our way over to the light and had to wait quite a while before we got to head for Hospital hill. The A group hit the hill hard and continued on to Chris’s while the B group regrouped at the top of the hill and headed for Simpson. Wolf and Al pulled us all the way to Winchester where we turned and regrouped at Chris’s.

When it was time to leave I forgot to remove my cleat covers and everyone left me. I had to chase all the way to Stowe and half way to California. As I started to gain on the group D’Artagnon fell back to pull me up but I had enough steam to get there myself. But as I caught up Tax Man fell off and I had to back down to stay with him. We weren’t far behind as they turned towards Stetson.


Tax Man and I watched the group pull away as Gambler and D’Artagnon took off on a sprint and Blood Hound tried to give chase. Wolf and Highlander took off after them as did Rein, Chinook and Al. Once Tax Man and I turned in front of the airport we picked up Rein after he missed the turn and stayed with him all the way to Lowes. It only took us another 5 or 6 minutes to get back to Burger King where Highlander and Wolf were waiting. I took off for home and got there with 44 miles under my belt. It was a good day even if it never warmed up.

2/17/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)

Looking outside this morning was almost as if I had been asleep for the winter and woke up in the spring. The sky was clear and blue and it was warmer than it had been all week. It wasn’t yet toasty s I started out with a jacket and rode over to meet everyone at Burger King.

Highlander and Chinook were waiting for me when I pulled into the parking lot. Barracuda and D’Artagnon arrived next. Traveler and Rick showed up for the C ride. Dura Max and Ocelot got there just before Huntress and we were ready to go. We quickly made our way to Kirby and headed south.


We were supposed to make this an easy Friday ride and as we turned onto Cypress everyone we chatting easily and no one seemed to be pushing the pace. Highlander pulled up next to me and took us to Johnston and Sanderson. Once the light changed we all made a quick turn towards Stetson where I took over the pull and took us to Mustang and then Domenigoni.

Once I dropped off on Domenigoni Highlander took a turn and got us past Warren. I normally worry that Domenigoni will turn into a drag race and when D’Artagnon got up front that was the thought that ran through my head. But D’Artagnon kept us at an easy 21-24 MPH all the way to Winchester where we were joined by another strong rider I didn’t know. When we got to Leon we could just see Traveler heading up the saddle and the pace picked up a bit so I attached myself to D’Artagnon’s back wheel and cruised to the top with hardly any effort. Huntress attacked the hill for one of the best rides I have ever seen her do. We regrouped at the top till everyone arrived.

Highlander got out in front and dropped the hammer heading for Carl’s for a nature break. We were almost to Bradley before I caught up to his back wheel. D’Artagnon pulled past us and took us all the way to Carl’s. We took a break there before heading across Murrieta and up to La Ladera following Dura Max. Once we turned on La Ladera we more or less closed ranks and headed north to work our way to McCall.

As we moved North Huntress decided to pick it up and Highlander went with her. No one else gave chase till the last stretch between Cherry Hill and McCall. By the time we rounded the corner and headed east again we closed with the leaders and caught the light at Murrieta. Barracuda took over with D’Artagnon. We caught the last light past the freeway green and made a run at the McCall hill. I stayed with the two leaders for about half of the hill and shortly after I dropped off the back Chinook caught me. When I hit the spot where the hill tapers off Huntress made a charge at me but I was lucky enough to have too much of a lead for her to cover. We met up with Barracuda and D’Artagnon just before Heritage and once we got to Simpson Chinook took the lead for a pace line that lasted well past Leon where D’Artagnon took over followed by Barracuda and Highlander. The pace got a bit hectic just before Winchester but we all held together and made it to Chris’s for coffee and conversation.

We had time for one or two cups of coffee before we decided to head for home. We waited for D’Artagnon to finish a phone call while Highlander rode on to Stowe and waited for us. As soon as we rounded the corner we set a steady pace and headed for California.

As we turned one more towards Stetson Highlander and I got to the front and made the turn towards Warren Road. The weather at that point was close to perfect and finally Barracuda got in front and pulled us to the Airport Road where he continued on and we turned to work our way over to Sanderson. Somehow Highlander and I made it through the light at Sanderson and got a good lead on the remainder of the group. We turned onto Gilmore just before D’Artagnon and Huntress caught us. The three of us made it back to Burger King before leaving for our separate homes and lunch. I had 39 miles on the computer as I walked in my front door. There is a good reason we live in California and the weather is a big part of it.

2/15/2012
TDPS
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


We just barely dodged a bullet as they say Monday when we beat the rain by about an hour and a half. Today we were going to have to play roulette again because the weatherman said we had a good chance of getting rain by noon. When I got up and looked outside it was very overcast and cold. It even had the smell of rain, that wet dirt and ozone smell. Still I got dressed, had breakfast and headed out of the door to see just who was interested in a short ride. When I pulled into the parking lot Wolf was sitting in his truck staying warm and Chinook was just pulling up so I knew we had at least three riders. By 8:30 we had three regular group members and six Canadians counting Chinook. When headed out of the parking lot Chinook, Rein and Al joined Highlander, Wolf and I as we headed north on Lyon in a cool breeze. We picked up Dura Max on the way and headed for Ramona.


We took turns pulling past Menlo and then Esplanade with little or no traffic and then took a quick jog through the housing tract before coming out on Ramona and heading east. Wolf got out in front and pulled us all the way to State Street where we caught the light and let everyone catch up waiting to make the left to go north towards the College. We were lucky because we managed to trip the light and make the left on an arrow. Highlander started the pull and took us all the way to the Expressway.

I pulled to just past the College and then once again Wolf and Rein pulled to Soboba. Once we made the turn towards the Reservation we started to spread out a bit and I decided to push it up a bit on the second roller. My goal was to see how quickly my heart rate went back to normal after a good effort and was pleased that is seemed to be easing quickly. After cresting the roller Chinook and Al ran me down and I waited till Highlander caught me as well and soft pedaled till they all pulled away towards the golf course. It didn’t take long before we all regrouped by the big tree and got ready to push on towards the Ranger Station.

We started again and I followed Highlander all the way to Main where we headed for the river crossing overpass. Highlander dropped the hammer at the bottom of the hill but I was right on his back wheel and managed to catch him and hold off the ever charging Canadians. Chinook pull even with me at the top of the hill and we all turned on Washington/Ramona heading east. Dura Max and I dropped back as we turned onto Cedar but we went through the light at Florida with the rest of the group. We didn’t try to stay with them and finally regrouped with everyone at the Ranger station for a brief break.

It wasn’t getting any warmer and there are no restrooms at the Station so we headed back towards Carl’s for a snack and some conversation. Highlander had been riding very strong lately and leaving the parking lot was no different from the last three rides. I decided to close with him and before I knew it he was pulling away from the rest of the group at about 22 MPH. Highlander jumped into a full sprint just before we entered the trees. I stayed with him and we managed to stay out in front most of the way to the first gas station where we were joined by Chinook and Al. We formed a pace line and Fairview and into the parking lot at Carl’s. Wolf didn’t stop but the rest of us did and got warm while waiting for Traveler and another Canadian to join us from the C group. Chinook was going to wait and have coffee with Traveler and Rick but it started to rain so he decided to head for home with Highlander and me.

Highlander must have thought he would melt because he took off like he was racing in the TDF and was more than two blocks ahead of us then Dura Max turned for home. Chinook and I didn’t catch him till we got to Santa Fe. I stayed with Highlander and Chinook till we got back to Lyon and then stopped by BSC to check on some bar tape. By the time I got back out Highlander had pulled into the parking lot and we talked for a few minutes before I headed for home. As I rounded the last corner on my street it started to sprinkle. I only had 32 miles on the computer but from the time I got home till well after dark it poured. I made it again, if only by inches.

2/13/2012
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)



After a long hard windy ride Saturday I wasn’t sure how I would feel about getting back on the bike for a cold windy Bike ride today. My legs needed a recovery ride and my sit bones were a bit sore as well. But I got up anyway and fixed breakfast. The only problem was it was still dark outside and I didn’t know why. It wasn’t till I sat down to eat breakfast and looked at the clock. I had set the alarm Saturday and forgot to change it for today so I was up two hours early. Still I got dressed and simply watched the history channel for a while before heading to Burger King. I got there and only Highlander was waiting for me. However one of our new Canadian visitors was inside and he came out when Highlander road over to talk to me. Traveler pulled in next with another Canadian and finally another new Canadian rider, Rein, joined us. Last to arrive was Torpedo and we were ready to go. Down Gilmore and onto Acacia before turning on Kirby and we were well on our way with one eye on the gloomy grey sky looking for all the world like rain.


Once we turned on Cypress it was a quick ride to Sanderson and then Torpedo started a pull that took us all the way to Mustang and then to Domanigoni. Once heading west Torpedo pulled us all the way past Warren before we were overtaken by another group from behind. I told Torpedo he could go and play but he stayed with us till Winchester before taking off for the saddle. Highlander and I took turns pulling to the saddle where we regrouped and then headed past Linderburger to the next light and through the housing tract and over to Briggs. From there it was a cold but steady ride into the wind to Garboni and then over to Antelope. The wind was finally at our back and we almost had to curse the stop lights for slowing us down from a great run

Torpedo sprinted down Antelope all the way to Newport/Domenigoni and then he slowed to let us catch him as we moved back towards Lindenburger. The cross wind wasn’t bad considering what some of us has seen Saturday but it was still cold and seemed to be getting colder. More than likely it seemed toasty to our northern brothers with us today but for this Southern California native it was cold and I wasn’t all that thrilled about it. Highlander started us off down Simpson and by the time we got back to Briggs Torpedo took over the pull again. By the time we got close to Leon he had us cruising at 23 and I was getting close to red line.

It was time to back off and Al and Highlander fell back to pull me to Winchester and then over to Chris’s. I was looking forward to a break and something hot to drink. I wolfed down a energy bar and two shot blocks and talked with the other riders about how much I enjoy riding even if physically I am down on Horsepower lately. Too soon it was time to head for home but at least we were ahead of the rain.

I did manage to recover enough to pull us back up Winchester towards Stowe. By now my saddle was feeling just fine and my legs had most of the Lactic Acid pushed out but I wanted to keep it light till I got home. We chatted as we turned onto Stowe and headed towards California and once again got hit with a cold side wind. As we headed for Stetson Highlander got caught up with the old heading for the barn syndrome and the pace picked up drastically. Still Rein and Al held their own and were right with us as we were closing on Warren for the second time.

After we crossed over Warren and closed on the Airport Road I said my farewells and stayed on Stetson with Torpedo till we got to Sanderson and then turned north to Johnston and headed for home. Torpedo stayed with me till we got back to Kirby where he turned to get back to his truck. I got home a few minutes later with 35 miles on the computer. Not bad for a recovery ride and a good time spent with old and new friends. About an hour after I got home it rained so we just got in under the wire.

2/11/2012
TDPS
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


I always look forward to the Tour De Palm Springs. It is one of the best supported century rides we do. So I was not surprised when I learned that several riders from our club were planning on doing the ride. My plan was to stay on my diet and to ride my own pace for the whole ride, or just have fun as they say. We were all supposed to meet at Starbucks in Hemet and then car pool and caravan to Palm Springs at 4:45 in the morning. As we left Starbucks Huntress, Wolf and I were in my truck with Sea Lion, Blood Hound, Highlander, Centaur, Phoenix and two of their family visiting from Pennsylvania following us. When we got to Palm Springs we moved to where we planned to form up and were joined by D’Artagnon.


It was almost 6:30am and the first group was getting ready to start when I got a call from Back draft saying he and Gazelle were on the way. I wanted to get the group to wait but once they let the first riders go they were a bit like trying to herd cats and so I told them to leave and I waited till the last two riders arrived. At that point the chase was on and my plan for the first stage went out of the door. I tried to pull Back Draft and Gazelle up to the group as best as I could but after about two miles going up Indian Canyon we ran into a cross wind. Here is where the men, and women, were separated from the boys and girls. People started to abandon the ride way before we got to Garnet. People were being blasted by wind and sand and some looked to be leaning about 15 to 20 degrees into the wind. People were even getting off their bikes and walking over the dry wash to keep from being blown over. Back Draft and I blocked for Gazelle as best as we could and arrived at Garnet together. The left turn however was dead into a hard head wind.

I passed Centaur and Blood Hound just before we made the turn and Phoenix wasn’t far ahead of them. I spotted Huntress and started to gain on her. Once I caught her I noticed Highlander about a quarter of a mile in front of us. I lost sight of him till we crossed Wall at the freeway and hit the first little hill on Worsley. I could just see his jacket as he topped the climb and pulled to the first camera shot at 7:30. I started to fall back because I lost contact with Back draft and Gazelle and Huntress pulled away. I watched her turn on Pierson about 300 yards ahead of me and I was about 100 yards ahead of Back Draft. When I got to the turn myself I was relieved to see a long smooth downhill with a cyclists dream, a tail wind. I took off for the first SAG stop where we regrouped at least in part before heading off again.


Highlander, Sea Lion, Huntress, Blood Hound, Centaur, Phoenix and I took a quick break and got ready to get back on Two Branch Palms. Highlander got a bit of a jump on us because he took off to check in with his wife who was driving one of our SAG vehicles. As I left to try and catch him I noticed Attack Cat pulling into the SAG stop. That was the last time I saw him that day. Huntress checked in with her Husband, John and made arrangements to meet him at the next SAG to take off our extra arm and leg warmers.

When I got back on the road I noticed Highlander’s wife, Randy, pulling away from the curb and Highlander was nowhere to be seen. I decided to give chase and soon saw him pulling up to a stop light ahead of me. I was going to have him wait for the rest of the group but D’Artagnon and Wolf were already well ahead of us and there was no real reason to stay together because there were so many cyclists we could hardly miss a turn on the new course. We still had a bit of a tail wind and the weather was warming up.

So far my diet wasn’t hurting me and I was well hydrated and fueled with shot blocks, sports beans, and Cliff Bars. We had to make a turn to go through a housing tract to get some miles back from the loss of the original climb to Dillon but we ended up coming back out onto Dillon not far from where the big rollers start. Then just as we got going good to my surprise we came to another SAG stop. I learned later on they put it in so that anyone that missed the first turn or misread the map would have food and water before heading for the TA truck stop. I stopped and shed my arm and knee warmers and Highlander took off heading for the rollers. I took off after him and within a mile or two Huntress and Sea Lion caught me. After the first hill Huntress caught a draft with a long pace line and dropped the hammer on Sea Lion and I.

The wind was still at our back as I started down the first hill after the rollers and I got a jump on Sea Lion. Highlander and Huntress were well out in front of me but I was still keeping my own pace and enjoying the ride. As we started up the hill on the last roller on Dillon a got past by a big rider and he looked like he was intent on making up some serious distance on a group that had just past us. Think of my quandary, a long downhill, good person to draft, a tail wind and my legs felt strong. So, yes, I dropped onto his back wheel and we started to close with the pace line that had dropped us on the climb. Soon we were joined by another rider and we were moving like a 3 man freight train. I am so glad I had the 11 gear on because as we past 35 Mph I had to drop into 50x11 and start to spin. We hit 40 and he didn’t show any sign of slowing down. We past the pace line with a on your left shout and were holding a steady 45.

When the head of our train looked like he was starting to tire I pulled out and shouted as I past that I would take a turn. He ended up falling behind the other rider we were pulling and I decided to drop the hammer and give it my best shot for as long as I could pull. I got into the drops and spun like I knew what I was doing and noticed that I had caught Highlander and past without notice. Just before I pulled over to let someone else take the lead I looked at my computer and noticed we had hit 49 MPH. No, I didn’t look at my heart rate but I knew I felt great as we hit the rather bad patch of the road just before the TA truck stop.



I found John and soon met up with Sea Lion, Huntress and Highlander. I grabbed a soda from John and wolfed down a Cliff bar. John and Huntress tried to get me to eat a sandwich but I didn’t think I needed it yet and the ride to the park for Sag 4 is normally pretty easy. I would pay for that mistake later.

Sea Lion was itchy to get back on the road so he left as I waited till Highlander got back from making a nature call. Huntress, Highlander and I left about 10 minutes after Sea Lion and we stayed together till the overpass onto 48th. On the downhill Huntress and Highlander picked up speed and soon were well ahead of me. By the time we turned onto Grapefruit I didn’t see either of them but finally caught Huntress at a light. She took off at the light change and I didn’t catch her again till I caught a draft on a short pace line and caught her just before Airport. As we made the turn we hit a side wind and I began to feel the effects of not eating that PB&J at the TA stop. The only people in our group behind me were Centaur, Phoenix and their relatives from Pennsylvania. I thought Highlander was behind me but it turns out he was in front.

When I got to Fritz Burns Park I was pretty much on my own but I did refill both water bottles and ate a banana, orange and another Cliff bar. Drank the last of my Gator aid and waited till it started to take effect before hitting the road again. Eisenhower was a bit of a drag because while the wind was light it was right in my face. But I started to attach myself to any large group I could find and felt pretty good as we closed in on Lowes. Well I felt good except for the fact my saddle had started to make its position known. Time wise the Lowes sag stop was one of the longer ones but it didn’t feel bad. I got there, re-fueled again and got a case of horse heading for the barn heading back into downtown Palm Springs. I got to the finish line to see Huntress and John waiting for me after I picked up my tee-shirt. Not my fastest century and I may be digging sand out of my ears for weeks but still I wouldn’t miss this ride if I can help it.

2/8/2012
By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


I was a little surprised when the rain missed us Tuesday. It was so late getting here I was afraid it would drizzle Wednesday morning. I got up and looked outside this morning and it was clear and beautiful. It was once again almost warm enough to go without a jacket but not quite. So I tossed on my kit and a windbreaker on and headed for Burger King. I got there to meet Highlander, Blood Hound and Wolf. D’Artagnon pulled up just before Dura Max and Raptor and we got ready to head for a short ride to Cactus Valley. Dura Max decided to join us


Because it was such a small group we took it pretty easy and got to Acacia and Kirby with hardly any effort. We pulled up to the light Kirby and didn’t trip the light so we say through two cycles before turning and running up Kirby to Cypress and the turn towards Johnston. The housing tract was quiet and peaceful as we moved west and the sky was pretty clear.

I fell into line and Blood Hound pulled us to Johnston and around the corner to Sanderson where we once again caught the light red. We didn’t have to wait long before we were headed south towards Stetson. We managed to make it past Stetson on the green but caught the light at Wally World. It was only a few seconds and we were on our way towards Mustang.

Blood Hound lead the way past Mustang and to the light at Domenigoni where we had a short wait before heading back east towards State Street. I got out in front and gently pulled all the way to the road leading to the Marina. I wasn’t setting any land speed records but I was feeling pretty good and felt like I was warming up just fine. After the past the Marina road I gave the lead to Blood Hound.

We made our way down to state Street and then headed south once more to run up to Cactus Valley. Dura Max was hanging with us quite well and I was surprised how strong he looked. In fact at time I thought he was riding stronger than me. He held right with us till we started the left hand climb to the golf course. I fell back and joined him as the rest of the group headed for Sage and the short climb. I believe he was about as fast as I was climbing the hill and I know he was as fast or faster moving down the road to regroup with everyone at the end of Cactus Valley.

We started back towards State Street and the fast downhill just before Sage. I tried to take it easy on the downhill so I wouldn’t just blow the stop sign at the bottom so I guess you can say it was one of the slower runs on that hill for me. It took me a minute to catch Dura Max and finally I got in front of him and pulled till we got back to McSweeney. Wolf and I followed Dura Max through the housing loop and met up with the rest of the group as we came back out onto State Street.

Once back out onto State Street I got a chance to pull and did so all the way to Domenigoni. We made the light there I stayed in front and slowly picked up speed. Highlander pulled up next to me to inform me he wasn’t going to challenge for the sprint and then fell back. No one else attacked so I pulled all the way to Chambers and then to Buena Vista before turning on Thornton towards Santa Fe.

We moved back out onto Stetson and started our way east towards Columbia. We were still running pretty light speed wise and it was getting warmer. At least time to remove any windbreakers we had and we caught both lights before Columbia green. I was pulling as we made the turn towards Crest and we worked our way through the old homes and horse ranches all the way to Lake. Highlander out sprinted me up the hill on Lake and most of the way back to Stetson.

We lost Blood Hound at Lake and Stetson and Wolf and I stayed with Dura Max as Highlander and D’Artagnon pulled away to Fairview. When I got to Fairview I forgot that we were heading to Wilson Mesa and turned the wrong way. Dura Max and I had to chase everyone else all the way to Wilson Mesa. Once we were all back together we started back down Fairview and D’Artagnon decided to make a speed run out or it right away. Wolf caught his back wheel and followed him all the way to Mulberry. I pulled Highlander and Dura Max some distance behind them until they got caught at the light on Florida. We made the turn west and stopped at Carl’s for coffee and conversation. D’Artagnon headed for home as we left Carl’s and the rest of us rode back to Burger King. I left wolf and Highlander as the loaded their car and rode home with 36 miles on the computer. Once again it is good to be a California boy.