4/30/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After the hard fast ride we had Friday I wanted to back it down a bit for Monday I also wanted to shorten it a bit so I picked a 30 mile west ride. I slept well Sunday night and got up without the alarm this morning. It was a little overcast so I decided on Leg and arm warmers and hit the door right after breakfast to head for Burger King. I pulled into the parking lot to see Coyote with the fit kits we were trying for out new club uniforms. It looks like they are true to size so I ordered a Jersey, bibs and wind jacket as Highlander, Dura Max, Tax Man, and Surgeon were trying on jerseys. Before they were done Rocket rode up followed by Snow Goose. We talked until 8:30 and headed out to start the ride. However Snow Goose must have decided to ride somewhere else because she didn’t come down Gilmore with the rest of us. We headed over to Kirby and then turned north towards Cypress.

We were in no great hurry as we moved down Kirby and didn’t rush the ride west on Cypress to Johnston and then back out onto Sanderson. Coyote and Surgeon led us onto Sanderson and back north to Wentworth and towards the Airport. It was good to see Rocket with us again and I felt pretty relaxed as we made the jog onto the airport road and towards Stetson.

It was my turn to take the lead so I tried to spin it up a bit as we headed towards Warren Road. No one seemed to have a problem with 20 mph and we made it to Warren in pretty short order. After stopping at the street and crossing over I fell back to ride with Dura Max and stayed there till we made it to California and turned south towards Stowe. We watch the rest of the group line up and pace line it down Stowe with Rocket and Coyote pushing the pace. We regrouped at Winchester and got ready to head for the dump road.

Once we caught our breath Highlander started to get antsy so we got back on the road and headed south towards the dump road. We had to wait a while for traffic but once it was clear Highlander took the lead followed by Surgeon and we were moving along at about 20 MPH once again. I took the opportunity to close on Surgeon and grab all of the draft I could. I felt pretty good about my energy level but still a bit nervous having someone close enough to be a trailer on my back wheel. Whenever I even think about dropping the hammer on one of these rides I get a cold chill when I see this picture in my Mirror.

Still I stayed on Surgeon till Highlander turned us onto the dump road and Rocket continued on to Domenigoni and home. Highlander gave the lead to Surgeon and we started towards Leon. By the time we got to the cowboy bar Tax Man was leading and backed off to confirm that we would be turning onto Leon and heading down to Simpson. I ended up getting the lead back at the rise and pulled the group to Leon and down to Simpson.

I put the camera away and took the lead to Briggs and then turned it over to Highlander and Surgeon. As we made our way to Heritage and headed towards McCall Coyote took the lead and pulled us to McCall. As we made it through the light I got just a bit of a jump on the group and managed to catch the light just right while everyone got stuck at a red. I made it to the second Stop Light before they got started again and climbed over the hill and down to the light where we made a left to head towards Antelope. I ended up waiting for Dura Max ad Highlander. We crested the hill on Antelope and set a very fast pace down to Jack in the Box where the rest of the group. Coffee and conversation only took about 15 minutes and we were back on the road. The ride home turned into a fast one. As we pulled out onto Domenigoni Coyote set a good pace heading back to Menifee. Those of us on Strava knew a TT section was coming and as we crossed the light at Menifee the pace moved up considerable. I got back to the front and started the run at the back side of the saddle. Surgeon was right on my back wheel as we past Lindenburger and I left it in the big ring and pushed for all I was worth. I got up to speed about halfway up the hill and then jumped on the pedals and crested the hill in first. I thought Surgeon was on my back wheel as I crested and dropped down the front side and kept the RPMs up on my way to Leon. I looked back to see I was alone. I wanted to tag up with Surgeon to make the TT run to Winchester but it looked like I was going to have to do it all by myself. I moved my time up and jumped three positions on the list but I had to work so hard my teeth and gums hurt. I waited at Winchester and when the group came by I was simply too spent to catch a draft. I managed to tag up with dura Max and we rode to Sanderson together. I didn’t catch the rest of the group till we got back to Burger King. We talked for a few minutes and I headed for home. I got there with a fast 34 miles on the computer and a great need for a hot shower. But I felt good.

4/27/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was still very overcast as I looked outside this morning but I expected it to clear up a bit as the day went on. I had slept well and felt rested after the ride we had Friday and was looking forward to a nice cruise to Lake Paris today. I got to Burger King first but I was soon joined by Ocelot and Dura Max. We were talking as Highlander pulled into the parking lot and Surgeon drove up as well. Snow Goose and Gambler were the next to arrive and that looked like that would be all that were riding today. But by 8:30 Dura Max, Ocelot and Snow Goose went one way while Gambler, Surgeon, Highlander and I went over to Lyon to head north.

I was thinking we might just take an easy cruise up to Ramona and head out the Expressway to Lake Paris but everyone seemed to want to stay in close formation and not back down much. Every time I tried to back it down either Highlander or Surgeon would take the lead and pick the pace back up. It worked that way all the way to Sanderson and finally onto the Expressway. I took over for Highlander after the turn and pulled us to Warren and Gambler pulled us first to Lakeview and then to the back gate at Lake Paris. We regrouped at the top of the hill before the bike trail and headed for the park.

We had been hammering it all the way down Ramona Expressway and we had a 18 MPH average at Lakeview. I was thinking we would take it down a notch as we turned onto the bike path and headed for the east end of Lake Paris. But it soon picked up again and we were setting a pace faster than I did in the Paris century last year. I finally took my turn and pulled us to the north end of the lake and to the Marina where we took a break and told stories while looking over the lake and rehydrating.

By the time we were ready to leave the sky had cleared quite a bit and I took us back out the same what we had come in. We started out pretty easily and dodged quite a few well fed squirrels heading back towards the east end of the lake. There were a few runners and a cyclist or two coming in our direction but we were pretty much all by ourselves heading out bound.

Highlander pulled up next to me and mentioned that a Strava TT segment was coming up but I didn’t pay much attention till Gambler flashed by me picking up the rest of the group with him. I had to sprint to catch the back of the pack and hang on for dear life as we headed back towards the South side of the lake and the back gate. As we got to the south side Gambler started to ride away from us and I tried to give chase. I closed for a brief moment just before the hill at the exit but couldn’t keep it up and he waited for us at the top of the hill. I rolled down the hill to Ramona and managed to hit the road when it was clear of cars and headed for Lakeview like my shirt was on fire. We regroup one last time at the traffic light and store. Once more Gator aid was procured we were on our way and set a blistering pace line all the way back to Sanderson. After making the turn at Sanderson and then back onto Ramona Road we got in line again and headed for Lyon.

Gambler stayed with us and pulled back to Cottonwood and I took over and pulled us back to Latham. Gambler left us at Latham and three of us made it back to the Pep Boys driveway a few minutes later. When we were talking by the cars my computer was reading 17.8 MPH and it was one of the fastest rides I have had to Lake Paris and back. I lost a few tenths on the way home and when I did get home my legs knew I had just done a fast 44 miles. Good day, good ride, good friends what more do you need?

4/25/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I expected it to rain today so I was surprised when I looked outside this morning and the street was dry. It was heavily overcast but it wasn’t even misting and it was over 50 degrees. Still I put on a base layer and headed out to Burger King to see who else wanted to try and get in a ride before the predicted rain. I got there t see Snow Goose, Dura Max, Coyote ad Centaur had already arrived. However they hadn’t bothered to unload their vehicles. Only Snow Goose was sitting on her bike. At 8:30 just the two of us headed for Acacia while the rest looked at the sky debating if they wanted to ride. The two of us made it down Acacia to Kirby and up to Cypress before coming out onto Sanderson.

By the time we got to Domenigoni Snow Goose started to overheat so we stopped to unzip the winter jacket and headed for Warren. Being her first road ride in quite a while we did push the pace at all heading past Warren and over the dry wash. The wind started to pick up coming directly from the west and right in my face. Snow Goose left me at Winchester and I continued on towards Leon and the Saddle. Even by myself I wasn’t setting any land speed records and more or less cruised to the saddle where I decided to try to get the whole LaLadera ride in before the expected rain. I started down the saddle and didn’t stop till I got to LaLadera. The turn north felt a bit better and my speed picked up just a bit as I turned in front of the Owl Sanctuary. I decide to get in a few pictures before leaving.

The owl wasn’t about to just sit there as I tried to get closer to the fence but I got two or three reasonable pictures with the zoom before deciding that the owls had a natural camouflage that made them hard to see against the dirt and gravel. I took a drink of electrolytes or two before heading on to get over to McCall.

Once I made it to McCall the wind was at my back and stayed that way all the way t the Hospital Hill. I managed to make all the lights green and hit the last light at the hill about 150 yards behind of a young guy on a Mountain Bike. I decided to give chase and closed on him just before the place where the road narrows. After I passed him the decided to give chase himself and only fell back about 20 yards as I topped the hill. I gained another 30 or 40 yards and left him at Menifee. I headed over to Simpson and headed back to Winchester. I did feel a few drops of rain so I decided to stay on Simpson all the way to Warren. When I got to the curve on Warren the wind had shifted from the north so once again it was in my face. I then turned at the light on Mustang and headed to Sanderson where I saw Centaur and Highlander heading north towards Stetson. They let me catch them and we rode back to Lowes together.

We stayed together till we got to Acacia ad Highlander pulled us back to Gilmore before heading north again to Burger King. We stopped and talked for a few minutes and noticed that the predicted rain wasn’t even close to getting here. I then left for home and got to my front door with 38 miles on the computer. My legs were a lot tighter than they have been in at least a month and after lunch I knew I would be taking a nap. It is much better to ride in a group than to ride alone.

Cool running

4/23/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It used to be hot; at least it was hot last week and last weekend. But all that faded as I looked outside this morning. I thought it might even rain but I got dressed, had breakfast and headed for Burger King just in case anyone else wanted to ride. Little did I know it would end up being just Coyote, Dura Max and me. We left Burger King and headed over to Lyon to start the ride towards Ramona.

With just three of us it was easy to keep things down to a recovery ride. We didn’t hammer it as we cruised north past Devonshire and then Seventh working our way to Esplanade and finally making the turn east on Ramona to State Street. We each took turns pulling to State and caught the light waiting to turn north again. The humidity was close to 90 percent and it almost felt like it might start to drizzle. It held off and there was just a hint of sun as we got to Soboba and turned east again.

For one of the first times all of us rode in a pace line all the way to the golf course and managed to pull up to the tree together. A quick drink or two and Dura Max was ready to continue on. We crossed the riverbed and headed east on Ramona till we past Hemet Street and finally turned onto Cedar. It wasn’t getting any warmer so I was glad I had a jacket and knee warmers.

Dura Max took us on one of the old shortcuts to Florida and we finally made our turn towards the mountains and the ranger station. Coyote pulled most of the way into the trees and I pulled around to give him a break as we left the trees and headed up the hill to Cranston Station. This time no one made a break for it and we all pulled into the parking lot together. It was a bit too cool to stay long at the table under the trees so we headed back down to Carl’s for coffee and conversation.

Hot coffee sure hit the spot today and after warming up a bit we headed for home. There really wasn’t much traffic on Lincoln today but we did have quite a few people crossing at side streets. Still we quickly made our way to Park where Dura Max left for home. Coyote and I made our way over to Devonshire and started the run to Santa Fe. It still hadn’t rained or even drizzled as we got back to State Street and I only stayed with Coyote till we got to Lyon before I headed for home myself. It ended up only being 31 miles but it got the blood flowing. Sorry so many missed it.

4/20/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


I really don’t know why I think a flat Friday ride would be easy. I plan on it being easy and relaxing just in case one member of our group is racing on the weekend. But today was one of those days where nothing was all that normal. I looked outside and it was clear and warm and so I started to Burger King on my rebuild hand built. I didn’t get two blocks before I noticed the cassette was loose so I had to ride back home and change wheels. I really had to kick it in gear to get to the meeting place in time so I was very warmed up as we got ready to leave to start the ride. Gilmore and Acacia were past quickly and we were on Kirby before we knew it


Looking behind me I could see an eager group ready for some speed work. It could make for a long hard day. Highlander and Surgeon were closest to me but right behind them were D’Artagnon, Gambler, Torpedo, Barracuda and Ferret. We also had a new rider visiting the area Tom. Following then were Dura Max and Ocelot. Not a bad group for so early in the year. They were all still right behind me as we turned on Cypress heading west.

We were still moving along pretty quickly as we got to Johnston and turned towards Sanderson. Then it was back down to the railroad tracks and the stop light for a left turn towards the Airport. Highlander pulled up next to me and teased me about how much energy I was expending so early in the ride. We made the turn in front of the airport and got ready to go back out onto Stetson.

I pushed the pace a bit as we headed for Warren Road and soon we were pushing 21 MPH. For some reason it was easy to keep the pace going all the way to the stop sign. I we dropped back just a bit as we continued on Stetson leaving Warren. I really don’t like being out front on this part of Stetson. Once we get to California things get a bit hectic and whoever hits Stowe in front of the pack has to run hard to keep from getting run over by the group behind him.

I took my turn heading for Stowe and Torpedo flew by men to make a speed run towards Winchester. About half way down Stowe Gambler pulled up next to me and let me draft him and recover a bit before we got to the old barn. We were spread out quite a bit at that point but for the most part we pulled into the parking lot on Winchester as a group behind Torpedo. Dura Max and Ocelot were the last ones in and we regrouped to get ready to head down to the dump road.

Ocelot flatted just as we were getting ready to leave and decided to send us on their way because here and Dura max had to get back early. I took us down to the dump road and headed west towards Leon. It was about here the drag race started. I held on till we got to Briggs and then cooled my jets as we headed north to the housing tract and just missed catching the lead group at Florida. We made our way to Mapes and then over to Menifee and back down to the AM/PM at Florida for a regroup.

From there things sort of went downhill for me at least. I was out front till we got to McCall and then we caught the light red. Torpedo left the light rather quickly and I tried to stay in the small ring and spin. Highlander and Surgeon past me and I had to kick it up just stay with them. Highlander, Surgeon and I missed the light on Domenigoni and had to give chase all the way to Winchester. Surgeon and I were almost up to the last riders in the lead group when we caught the light and Highlander joined us before I changed back to green. He stayed with us to Sanderson and then to my surprise left us and headed for home. Surgeon and I were joined by Gambler and D’Artagnon coming out of the Marina. We regrouped on Thornton and headed for Stetson to make the long run to Fairview. I ran out of water before we got to Columbia and started to fade well before Fairview. I pulled into Carl’s last and quickly got something to drink. Thirty minutes later we headed for home.


Gambler and D’Artagnon left us well before lake and Surgeon, Tom, Ferret, Torpedo and I more or less did a fast cruise towards Park where we planned to scamper over to Devonshire and head for home.

I stayed with the group all the way to Santa Fe and then to State Street. I decided to leave everyone at Palm and make a run for home myself. I finally had enough fluids in me to stop the cramps and restore some of my energy so I kept the pace up all the way home to end the ride with 45 miles and a slight sun burn. Still it was a great ride even if it wasn’t an easy ride.

4/18/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


What a great day for a ride this morning was. I looked out and it was clear with little or no wind and I had a new ride planned for Juniper Flats. Normally the climb is in the middle of one of our shorter rides but today I put it a lot closer to the end. More challenging I think. I headed for Burger King just a bit early and only saw Blood Hound waiting for me as I arrived. But soon two riders that were destined to push me all day drove up and started to unload their vehicles. Surgeon and Highlander were looking ready for bear this morning.



It took a while for everyone to get there but soon we had Gambler, Vortex, D’Artagnon, Dura Max, Coyote, and Paul. We gathered ourselves together and headed out of the parking lot onto Gilmore and down to Acacia to head west to Kirby. Yes it was going to start out as a west ride. Different from a normal Juniper Flats because we would be coming at it from Menifee. Once we made the light at Kirby we headed south at a pretty good clip.

We didn’t take long to cross the railroad tracks and got ready to make out turn on Cypress to ride through the sleepy housing tract and make our way over to Johnston. We only came across one car on Cypress and a very slight head wind.

I rounded the corner onto Johnston right behind Blood Hound with Surgeon at my side and we easily made it to Sanderson where we turn to head back to the railroad tracks and a left turn towards the little Hemet airport. Blood Hound was still in the lead as we made our way down to the jog left and then right to pass in front of Hanger One. He stayed there till we got close to the end of the road and back out onto Stetson.

I got a chance to start the pull past the airport and headed to Warren and at that point I was feeling pretty good. I slowly took us up to about 19 MPH but no sooner had we settled into the pace we had to stop for cross traffic on Warren and I started out in front again.
We only made it about halfway to California before we had to stop for one of our riders for a few minutes before we could continue. We took the time to tell stories and laugh until we were ready to hit the road again. Highlander and Vortex started out in the lead and I was more than happy to let them set the pace once we turned towards Stowe. However neither one seemed interested in being in front once we got to Stowe so it was very easy to slide past them to get a picture before we made the right onto Stowe.

Somehow everyone seems very willing to let me go once I turned on Stowe and in truth I wasn’t going all that fast as I got close to the dreaded dog house. As I looked behind me no one was closing, and I was about to drop over the short rise all by myself. Just about then I saw D’Artagnon pull around the group and I knew the chase was on. I decided to make a run for it and pushed it into another gear. But I just couldn’t get a real spin going and had a feeling I wasn’t going to hold the chase group off all the way to the parking lot on Winchester. I did hold them off till we past the barn but D’Artagnon and Coyote ran me down before I got to the parking lot.

I took us down to the dump road and started us towards Briggs. Well before Leon I had to fall back to make sure we didn’t drop anyone and lost touch with the main group. We were always just one step behind the main group as the past through the houses and one step behind before we crossed Florida. However we regrouped at Mapes. Next we were headed down to Menifee and started the fast run north. D’Artagnon took us most of the way till Gambler came flying around and pulled up to Central where he went into a full sprint. He had us over 30 mph before we got to Nuevo and headed east to get ready for the climb towards Juniper Flats. Coyote and Dura Max passed the group as they rehydrated on Nuevo at a food mart and we had to give chase all the way to Juniper Flats and to the top of the hill.

We took a little time to regroup at the top of the hill and got ourselves prepared for the ride down hill and back out onto Florida. The two big dogs we itching to get started as we waited for some of the riders to finish a Clark bar on down some electrolytes. As soon as we were all ready Gambler and D’Artagnon were off like a shot heading down hill.

Coyote, Dura Max and I got caught at the light on Briggs and Florida and the rest of the group pulled way headed for the dump road. Coyote left Dura Max and I at Leon to go home and the two of us joined the rest of the group for coffee and conversation. Blood Hound decided to take some extra time at Chris’s while the rest of us headed for Domenigoni and back to Sanderson. Dura Max and I set it on cruise while the rest of the group picked overdrive and dropped us well before the dry wash. Still we enjoyed the good weather and split up at Sanderson where Dura Max continued on to state and home and I turned down to Johnston and home myself. I got home with 44 miles and some new aches and pains from a different pedal stroke. But still I had a good time and enjoy being with a good group of friends.

4/16/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


After the long ride Saturday I wasn’t sure how I would feel today as I got up. After all my legs were still a bit sore ad I didn’t get in a recovery ride Sunday. Not that I ride Sunday anyway. But I got out of bed and got some oatmeal before getting ready to meet everyone for a 40 miles easy ride today. It was clear and relatively warm so I decided to forgo arm and leg warmers and left the house. I got to Burger King to see Coyote unloaded and putting his shoes on. We moved over to the big glass window to gather some morning sun and waited to see who else was going to give the ride a chance. Highlander and Tax Man were the next to arrive. Surgeon, Dura Max, Ocelot, Blood Hound all arrived within a few minutes of each other and we got ready to go. We even got a visit from Red Rabbit before we hit the road, after a tire clinic on Ocelot’s bike.


It didn’t take long to get to Acacia and not much longer to catch the light at Kirby as we started today’s ride. Personally I started out rather sore and stiff but for the first time in weeks I could shift with my right hand and that made today special. We finally got a green light and headed south on Kirby to Cypress. I was a bit surprised at how quickly we made it to Cypress and then to Johnston and Sanderson. Then once we turned south on Sanderson it was obvious everyone was feeling eager to get out onto Domenigoni. We got the light green on Stetson and were on our way to Mustang.

Surgeon got the best jump at the light on Mustang pulled us to Dominigoni and gave the lead to me. I pulled most of the way to the rise before Warren and gave the lead to Highlander. Blood Hound took over before the dry wash and pulled us all the way to Winchester and then past Leon to make the last run to the Saddle. I pulled out the hit the hill and Surgeon got by me before we crested. It took a minute or two before we all regrouped and had something to drink.

Once we started down the back side of the Saddle we could see the Snake waiting at Lindenburger. As the light turned green he jumped in line and followed us to Menifee. As we started towards Holland Hill Highlander, Surgeon, Tax Man and Blood Hound pulled ahead of the rest of us most of the way to Holland. I managed to catch Snakes back wheel and he pulled me up to everyone but Blood Hound. I jumped the hill pretty well and managed to top out in third place. We then regrouped and continued on to Scott where we met up with Snake and Blood Hound and followed them to Haun and headed North back towards Holland.

We stayed together pretty well till we got back to Holland and Snake took off to do a hill repeat with Highlander in tow. We spread out in a long line going up the hill towards Murrieta and headed back north till we hit a detour and had to work our way back to Newport and then up to Carl’s for a nature break. After a short break we moved back onto Murrieta and headed north to McCall. I fell back to check on Dura Max and Ocelot but Coyote got back there before me so I pulled Tax man back to the lead group when they caught the light at Bradley. We hit Hospital Hill pretty hard and once again I topped the hill in third to see Snake and Blood Hound waiting for me.

We took off down Hospital Hill and Snake left us once we got to Heritage. We made good time working our way over to Simpson and Lindenburger where Coyote pulled us all the way past Leon and part way to the trees where he let Blood Hound have it. I was in third as we got close to the trees and Winchester. Blood Hound started to drop the hammer and I had to gap around Surgeon to cover. Highlander had my draft and was closing fast just as I caught Blood Hounds wheel. For a change I held off trying to make a break till the last 100 yards and just managed to get in front before we started our move to the left lane. Wonder of wonders we caught the turn signal and headed to Chris’s for Coffee.

We finished our coffee and conversation and headed back to Winchester and Stowe. It took a while for the group to reassemble on Stowe and start a pace line towards California.


Before we got to California the dogs came after us but were dissuaded from chasing because we kept yelling at them. Highlander started to pick up the pace as we headed for Stetson and I didn’t catch up to his group till half way to Warren. After we made it through the stop sign and pulled to the front to tell everyone I was heading for home. Blood Hound joined me at Sanderson and we rode down Johnston together till we got to my street and he headed east towards Yale. I got home with 42 miles and much better feeling legs.

4/13/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


I know it was supposed to rain and I know there is the Hemet Century Saturday but I was getting cabin fever and when it looked clear this morning I decided to give a ride a try. I got to Burger King and no one was there. After about five minutes Dura Max rode up and we talked for a while. Soon Torpedo pulled up and right at 8:30 Ferret pulled into the parking lot. We decided to head for Cactus Valley for an easy spin.


It didn’t take long to get down Gilmore and over on Acacia to Kirby. It was cold and damp and three of us were on our back up bikes because they are easier to clean if they get wet. We talked a bit as we rode down Cypress to Sanderson and headed south to Domenigoni. We didn’t mash it much as we made the turn towards State Street and Barracuda was kind enough to pull all the way till we turned south again towards Cactus

It wasn’t getting any warmer and the clouds were moving in fast so we didn’t waste any time passing Newport and making the corner and turn to the Golf Course. As we got close to Sage we got ready to attack the little hill and made our way down to the end of the road. We decided not to spend much time on the regroup so we grabbed a quick drink of electrolytes and headed back to State Street. I ended up pulling back to McSweeney and then down to Domenigoni.

I stayed in front as we left the light at Domenigni and made a steady pull all the way to Chambers before heading east to end up on Buena Vista and Thornton. A quick right past the old Golf Course and we were o Santa Fe heading to Stetson.

We headed east again and Barracuda broke for home by Girard. I took the group to Columbia and we headed for Crest and working our way to Lake and then to Stetson again and finally to Fairview before going north to Florida and heading for Carl’s. However it started to rain a bit so we decided not to for coffee and made the run for home. Once on Lincoln we started to put the hammer down running back to Park.

Dura Max left for home on Park while Ferret and I headed for Devonshire and back West towards Burger King. I picked up at least a mile an hour average heading back to State. Ferret and I broke up at Palm and I made the dash for home trying to keep from getting too wet. I rolled into my neighborhood just as the rain started to get serious buy before I was in danger of getting soaked. Only 30 miles or so but it felt good to get out and have a real easy spin recovery or pre-ride.

4/09/2012

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman)


This week is shaping up as a strange weather week. So not knowing what kind of weather we would have for Wednesday or Friday I wanted to get in a good ride today. Lake Paris is always a favorite and it was going to be sunny and warm so I was looking forward to about 50 miles and fast paced ride. I pulled into the parking lot to see Coyote and Blood Hound talking. To our surprise Surgeon pulled up just as I did. Highlander and Tax Man were next and at first I thought that would be the whole group. But no sooner had that thought entered my head than Dura Max and Ocelot rode up. Eight of us rode down Gilmore to Acacia and made the turn onto Kirby.


I was a bit surprised at how quickly we were moving down Kirby knowing how long the ride would be. But shortly after snapping a picture Blood Hound pulled in front of me and took us past the railroad track and onto Cypress. We didn’t slow down much heading towards Johnston and like most days we caught the light red at Sanderson and waited till it turned green. Once it did we took off at a pretty good clip in order to catch the light green at Stetson and head past Wally World and south towards Domenigoni.

Once out onto Domenigoni and headed west I was impressed with the steady pace line we established. I got the lead and pulled the group past Warren Road and over the dry wash. I gave it over to Highlander and he took us towards Winchester. Blood Hound pulled away by himself and we decided to hold back and not give chase. Dura Max, Ocelot and Coyote took their turn and Coyote was pulling with Surgeon second as we hit the saddle. We regrouped at the Saddle and discussed the rest of the ride.

The next leg was a run down the Saddle to Lindenburger and over to Heritage and through the housing tract there till we made a quick turn on McCall and then the turn north on Menifee to ride up to the AM/PM and a quick refueling break. As soon as we could we were back on Menifee and I took a long pull all the way to Nuevo. We soft pedaled till everyone was back in line and then rode up to Evans and north again towards Ramona expressway.

Once we got ready to turn onto Ramona Dura Max and Ocelot told us they would not be going up to the lake and would be heading straight down Ramona towards home. We waved good-bye and headed towards the entrance to the park and the west end dam. I wasn’t as concerned with the climb today because my hand felt good enough to allow me to shift and I knew I would have more choices than I have had for the last two weeks. Highlander, Surgeon, Tax Man and I took the most direct to the Marina and Coyote and Blood Hound took the main road to the marina entrance. We took a break overlooking the lake before getting back on the bike trail and heading around the east end of the lake.

Once out onto Ramona Expressway we made a long hard run back to Sanderson. I caught Highlander and Tax man on the downhill coming out of Lake Paris and pulled all the way past Lakeview and the next stop light. Surgeon took the lead at that light and pulled for about two miles before I got back in front and got us back to Bridge before giving up the lead again. We got the light red at Warren and I got the lead back abd pulled us most of the way back to Sanderson. Highlander and Surgeon finished off the pull and once again we regrouped under the trees on Ramona before cutting the pace back a bit and heading for Lyon. We were on the last leg and heading for home as we past one street after the other heading back to Latham.

Blood Hound left us at Latham and the rest of us made the last right turn heading back to the Pep Boys driveway and the end of the ride at Burger King. Surgeon and Coyote still had enough energy for a final sprint but none of the rest of us felt the least bit like joining them. I talked with the group for a few minutes before heading for home myself where I had over 50 miles with a 17 MPH average. Not bad for an old guy with a sore hand.