9/28/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Once again we had reached the end of the week and it had been a hard one. In fact we had two hard weeks in a row getting ready for the Perris Century. Two weeks ago I bonked on the second half of the ride but last week I did better. This week I had a good day on the traditional Lake Parris ride and I was looking forward to shorter less energetic ride for today. We planned the Backwards Soboba ride and left it open as to how hard we would push. I got to Burger King and waited till we had 8 riders before we headed down Gilmore to start our day.

I managed to move out rather quickly and made it onto Acacia and then to the light at Kirby ahead of everyone. Once heading south on Kirby I once again took the lead and pulled us towards Cypress. I was pleased when I noticed that Gambler, Centaur and Huntress weren’t all that interested in chasing me down because I was thinking the ride would turn into an easy cruise. I took us to Sanderson and Johnston and ended up dropping Dura Max, Huntress, T-3 and Centaur at the light and had to wait for them in front of Wally World. Once they caught up we headed for Domenigoni to start a short run east to State Street.

As we moved east I gave up the lead and fell back with Dura Max and T-3 only to follow Huntress, Gambler, Centaur, Digger and Highlander all the way to State and made the turn South about 50 yards after they did. The extended their lead as they approached McSweeney and started the ride through the housing tract. They soft pedaled enough that we caught them on the way out and back to State Street and north.

No the strategy started. I knew that once we got to Domenigoni and State Street someone might break out to run the State TT segment. Gambler was on his TT bike but he was at the back of the pack I just didn’t know where he would be if we caught the light red at Domenigoni and catch it red we did. So when we took off I fell back into the number 4 position and waited to see if someone was going to make a break for it. As I kept an eye on Highlander, Huntress and Centaur I heard the tell tale sound of Gambler’s Aero wheels coming up on the outside so before he could build up a good head of steam I jumped on his back wheel. We rolled by the rest of the group at close to 30 MPH and I held on till I knew I would have anything left so I backed off, and kept an eye on the group behind me. Not long before the rise I noticed Highlander, Centaur and Huntress gaining on me. About 50 yards back Huntress came out standing on her pedals. I kicked it up and gear and held her attack off till we got to Chambers and started east again to get to Stetson. We quickly made our way to Columbia and turned to ride down Crest while Highlander stayed on Stetson and headed for Fairview. We continued on working our way towards Lake to get back to Stetson.

We came up on Lake and Gambler left us to go home. He will be riding a Century Saturday so he didn’t want to tire his legs. We turned down Stetson looking to meet up with Highlander at Fairview. But by the time we got there he had left with Dura Max and T-3. Centaur had to change a flat so we would have to hammer down if we had any chance of catching them before they got through Soboba to State. But we gave it a try as I pulled as long as I could till we were almost to Ramona. Centaur pulled from there all the way through Soboba road and back to north State Street.

We were a bit tired after that hard run to State and so I pulled again till we got to Ramona again to head back east. I had no idea of we were catching up to Highlander, Dura Max and T-3 but we were pushing as hard as we could and still holding the group together. We knew that if we dropped anyone it would be very hard for them to hold the pace by themselves so we had to modulate the pace a bit but still we had a reasonable average as we got back to the light at Main and stayed on Ramona trying to get back to Carl’s.

I began to feel like it was getting harder to pedal so I gave up the lead once again to let Huntress and Centaur pull us back Past Lake, Esplanade and Hemet Street. Now we were on the final stretch before stopping for coffee and conversation at Carl’s. As we pulled up only Highlander’s bike was parked outside because Dura Max and T-3 left so she could go to an appointment. We took the time to refresh ourselves and talk about the ride and the upcoming Century. We headed back out to the bikes only to discover I had a flat waiting for me. I changed the tube and we rode down Lincoln to Park before working our way to Devonshire.

We set our minds to it and worked our way down Devonshire all the way to Santa Fe and south to Latham. Once on our way west I knew we would all stay together all the way back to Burger King because Huntress had to pick up her back pack and Digger was collecting a chain cleaning tool.

Once Digger and Huntress removed their supplies from Highlander’s van the three of us moved back out onto Latham to head east and home. Digger left us at Lyon and I stayed with Huntress till we got to Palm where I headed for home. It had turned out to be perfect weather for a ride and I was in no hurry to get home. But at last I did and noticed I had 42 miles on the computer. Not a bad day when you feel disappointed that the ride is over.

9/26/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The Lake Perris ride is always one of our favorites even if it can be a bit longer than some of the riders want. Still the morning started out cool and clear and I headed to Burger King in anticipation of a great ride. I got to the parking lot a few minutes before Coyote and we were still talking when Dura Max rode up followed by Highlander. It only took a few more minutes before Centaur, Surgeon, Digger, Bloodhound, Gambler and D’Artagnon arrived. I looked around to see T-3 was with us and no one else showed up by 7:30 so we got ready to go. Starting with 11 people we headed for Acacia only to hear from Huntress that she was late. She ended up not riding with us but at least she gave it a try. We scooted down Acacia and South on Kirby to Cypress and through the housing tract.

This time of the year the sun is pretty low in the east as we head out and it get hard to get a picture with the sun in the back ground. I knew I would have take pictures as we turned more south on Cypress or wait till we were heading north if I had any hope to avoid the bright sun. So I waited till we were out on Johnston waiting for the light at Sanderson to move back towards the front so I would be in position once we past Stetson and headed towards Mustang and then Domenigoni.

I told Gambler that he would have to take the A riders west on Domenigoni and I would pull the B riders to the Saddle. We could regroup at the AM/PM on Florida. We rounded the corner and headed west and a gap soon developed but I couldn’t keep Rabbit with the group so soon he was dropped and I pulled the rest of the Bs to the saddle where we all took a break together.

As soon as we were all ready we dropped down the back side of the saddle and turned the corner at Lindenburger. We still hadn’t a clue as to where Rabbit was but the rest of us were together so we headed north on Lindenburger to Heritage as we worked our way out to Menifee.

As we got to the AM/PM Dura Max and T-3 decided not to stop and continued on. We took a nature break and refueled at the gas station and before we were ready to leave Rabbit showed up. He got a minute or two before we got back on the road. I pulled to Mapes and Gambler took over. After we crested the rise Gambler picked up the pace and it was a hard fast run heading towards Nuevo.The pace was a bit too fast for Rabbit and he was spit off the back. About a quarter mile later we dropped Digger and I was pushing hard to stay with Gambler and D’Artagnon. Highlander was on my wheel and I simply couldn’t tell who was behind him. Still I tried to make a jump as we past Central and took the lead for a short period of time before D’Artagnon, Coyote and Centaur came by as well. When we rounded the corner on Nuevo Highlander and I pulled over to collect Digger and Rabbit before making it to Evans and turning north again.

I was still feeling pretty good as we worked our way to Ramona and came back east towards the entrance of Lake Perris. I was still feeling refreshed as we turned towards the entrance turn styles. Highlander, Digger and Rabbit were hot on my wheel so I took it up a notch and got ready to use some of those gears I spent so much time getting for my bike. It turned out to be one of my better runs up the Marina hill towards the dam and Highlander was my closest pursuit ride but Rabbit wasn’t all that far behind him. We all made it easily up the hill and regrouped at the Marina Store and Boat storage.

Almost as soon as my group got there Dura Max and T-3 had to leave for an appointment. Surgeon and Bloodhound left with them while the rest of us had something cold to drink and shared war stories. Then we got ready to leave and Rabbit left first to ride at his pace. We took off through the parking lot and down the trail.

Now a small problem raised it ugly head. I have become so over confident about taking pictures that I spent too much time focusing when the guys came through the trees. I didn’t count on the slight turn to the left so naturally I drifted to the right only to find myself on the edge of the paved path. I almost saved it but after a few feet I rode off into the dirt. I worked so hard to stay upright and slow down that by the time I came to a stop I realized I hadn’t unclipped. Like someone from a cartoon my front wheel sunk into the soft dirt and I fell over. My friends almost couldn’t stop laughing but still managed to get a picture of me flat on my back.

After Gambler picked my bike off of me I got dusted off from all of the pepper tree leaves and pepper corns we were back on the trail and headed around the east end of the lake with me too embarrassed to let anyone lead. It might not have been one of my fastest runs but I kept the pace up all the way to the little hill and then east out the back gate.

Highlander and I made it out onto the expressway first and dropped down the hill towards Lakeview well ahead of the group. Coasting down the hill towards the bridge gave my legs some rest and so I was able to keep up 22 or 23 all the way to Lakeview and past the light. Before we were past the second light Gambler pulled in front to give me a break. We didn’t get far however because just as soon as we were up to speed D’Artagnon got a flat. Like any good friends we stood around while he changed it before heading east again.

Once we were finally headed back east towards Sanderson we set the pace at 20-21 and cruised in a very well organized pace line all the way to Warren. At the light on Warren I informed everyone that there was a segment to Sanderson and dropped the hammer. I stayed out front about half way before Gambler, D’Artagnon, Coyote and Centaur past me. I got back past Centaur but couldn’t catch the three leaders. As we got to Sanderson and dropped over to Ramona Boulevard we waited for Digger and three of us followed the rest of the group to Lyon and back to Burger King. I stopped to talk with Highlander and Coyote before heading for home myself. It was a good ride and faster than I expected, even with the little mishap under the pepper trees.

9/24/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The plan today was to have an easy recovery type of Monday ride. We had some hard rides last week and Friday was a drag race so why push it today? So I got up, had a good breakfast put on my kit and headed out of the door with great expectations. I even felt pretty strong on the ride to Burger King. I even got there first and waited to see everyone arrive. Dura Max pulled up shortly after I stopped and turned off my heart rate monitor. We were still shaking hands when Surgeon and then Digger arrived. We were talking as Tax man and Highlander drove up. Bloodhound rolled up next just about the time Coyote pulled into the parking lot. The Red Rabbit rode over from the Mall Parking lot and we were about ready to go. We headed down Gilmore rather than Lyon to State and then Domenigoni because we needed to meet up with T-3. She was waiting for us just as we crossed Florida. We dropped down to Acacia and headed north on Kirby.

I decided to start drafting pretty early so I was more than willing to give up any lead I had when we rounded the corner onto Cypress and headed west towards Johnston. I pulled up to the stop light in Second behind the Rabbit at Sanderson and we all waited for a green so we could make a run at Stetson. There was some traffic at the light as we got close to Stetson and I moved out just a bit to take the lane. However a School bus decided they needed the lane more than me so I had to dive back to the curb rather the challenge a bus. Still we safely made it across Stetson and headed towards Mustang and then Domenigoni.

Once we got to Domenigoni we formed up into a pace line and headed west. Bloodhound got out front and held it to a constant pace that we all seemed fine with. I didn’t notice that we had dropped the Rabbit until we were almost to Warren Road. Bloodhound asked if the pace was fine and we all said it was until the light turned green. Bloodhound almost sprinted off of the green and soon created a gap between the front 5 and back 4. I got in front of the second group and managed to keep us at pace but we weren’t closing and no one caught a red light all the way to the saddle. We just caught the back markers at the hill and then regrouped and waited for the Rabbit.

It took a while for Rabbit to make it to the saddle so we had time to hydrate and eat some Shot Blocks. While sitting there I was thinking of how much better Digger had been riding today. He stayed with the lead group without being dropped and was not the last one to the top of the saddle today. It was a great improvement for someone that has only been with us a few weeks. If he continues at this pace he will be an A rider by early next year. I drank some more electrolytes and watched as Rabbit joined us just before we headed down the hill towards Lindenburger.

I coasted through the Light at Lindenburger as Highlander pulled up next to me. We rode together till we got to Laguna Vista and made the left to work our way to Briggs and south. Somehow we had lost Rabbit and he doesn’t have a cell phone so I never know if he is taking a short cut or heading for home and stopping for coffee early. I learned later that he flatted but he told Digger not to wait and he wasn’t there by the time we circled back to Lindenburger. The rest of us made it to Briggs and headed south past the Turkey ranch on the left and dairy on the right. Highlander and Bloodhound started to pick up the pace one once again the pack split in two and I was forced to give chase all the way to Gaboni before turning west again to see the lead group pilling away. This time we decided to hold it steady and follow at a more comfortable pace. We got to Antelope and headed north.

As we came up on Newport I knew some were going to stop for a nature break at Jack in the Box so we rode right on by and headed for Newport and Lindenburger. That was how I knew Rabbit must have fixed his flat and gone on. Tax man pulled us to Lindenburger and Simpson and I pulled from Simpson to Leon. Dura Max took over at Leon and pulled us through the Eucalyptus trees before giving the lead back to Tax Man who took us through the light at Winchester and over to Chris’s to wait for the rest of the group. We had some coffee and conversation before we got back on Winchester and headed north towards Stowe.

We cruised around the corner at Stowe and stayed in a pace line till we were once again in excess of 19 heading towards California. Surgeon pulled most of the way before I took over at California and I took us to Stetson where Surgeon took it back and headed east. Soon Bloodhound slipped by and kicked it up a little. He managed to gap us slightly but I decided I had enough left to make sure he didn’t get away. Surgeon pulled up on my left but had to back off at Warren where he broke for home.

Highlander took over at Warren and took us onto the airport road. Everyone but Dura Max and T-3 stayed with him as we dodged speed bumps and past the Hanger 1 coffee shop and made the turn at Crawston. Once we got to Sanderson Bloodhound left us and I pulled us to Lowes and around to Acacia and back to Kirby. We got to Gilmore and headed back to Burger King where Highlander and Tax man had their Van parked. We chatted for a few minutes before Digger and I left and pulled back out onto Latham and headed for Palm before splitting for home. I got back with about 36 miles on the computer and a good feeling about having a successful ride.

9/21/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We have been putting some good miles over the last two weeks and I wanted to ease it up a bit this Friday. The thing is we are getting stronger as a group and everyone seems to want to put in the extra miles. Huntress had us doing Half Centuries and Metric Centuries for the last two Wednesdays and Highlander has been pushing for west rides all week. SO today I tried to make a big square going first west and then east so we could have a rather flat ride. There is a drawback to flat rides however in that sometimes the group picks up the pace when it is flat and sprints pop up when you least expect it. So with that in mind I headed for Burger King with only slightly tired legs, two bottles of water and a pocket full of Shot Blocks. The whole group showed up on time so we had Huntress, Gambler, Highlander, Bloodhound, Dura Ace, T-3 and Digger pulling out onto Gilmore and down to Acacia to start the ride.

I knew it would be a fast ride as soon as we turned onto Kirby and started towards Cypress. Gambler and Bloodhound would both be pushing the pace on the sprint points and it looked like Huntress and Highlander planned on chasing them leaving me back in the pack with Dura Ace. T-3 and Digger as the B group. As we turned west on Cypress Bloodhound pulled up next to me but didn’t pass so I knew everyone was just waiting for the right time to make their move when the first sprint popped up. We turned north on Sanderson and headed back west at the first light to ride past the Airport and back out onto Stetson but they were still willing to let me lead.

It wasn’t till we were past Warren and almost to California that Gambler rolled by me with Huntress on his back wheel. Half way to Stowe Highlander sprinted around me and the three of them started to pull away from the group. I decided I had enough steam left to close on Highlander and Bloodhound followed me to the back of the breakaway. I was still testing my legs and heart rate from the week before but I felt pretty good as we turned west on Stowe and Gambler started to increase the pace heading for Winchester. Highlander and Huntress stayed with him until he hit about 26 and one of them pulled off and I had t try and close. That only pulled Bloodhound up to Gambler and then he pulled around me and I got dropped until we regrouped at Winchester. We turned south on Winchester and quickly made our way to the Dump road and headed west again.

As we moved west on the Dump Road Dura Max took over the lead and started a run at Leon. We past the Western Arena and Dura Max was holding a pretty good pace as we came up to the rise before Leon. Neither Dura Max nor T-3 slowed down for the rise at all and son we were over it and coming up on Leon. I felt well enough to take the lead and dropped down to pull us to Briggs and head north towards Florida.

Bloodhound took us through the housing tract and then back out onto Briggs and north. He was still in the lead at Florida were we all caught the light and had to wait till a car came and tripped it so we could continue on towards the elementary school and then Mapes. Bloodhound pushed it just a bit but I couldn’t relax and let him go because Highlander and Huntress were right behind me like hungry dogs looking at a steak. So I kept the spin up and made it to Mapes just behind Bloodhound. I pushed it till I got on Bloodhounds back wheel and followed him as he tried to drop the hammer on me. It didn’t work this time because I had the draft going for me and managed to out drag race him on the way to Menifee. Highlander, Bloodhound and Huntress were in front of me and Gambler was way back as we picked up speed heading for Florida. Gambler started to drop the hammer but I saw him coming and managed to catch him just before we got the AM/PM. We refueled and rehydrated while Dura Max and T-3 kept going. We left a few minutes later and started a chase that lasted for more than 15 miles. Gambler, Bloodhound, Huntress and Digger were well out in front as we pulled away from the light at McCall and Highlander and I took a bit longer to get rolling. However I caught Digger and ended up rounding the corner on Simpson just behind Huntress. We all caught Gambler and Bloodhound at Lindenburger before we dropped down to Domenigone and over the saddle to begin the long pull east. We past Winchester with Gambler in the lead and we followed him all the way past the dry wash and Warren. Our next regroup would be at Searl but we were pretty much on a group all the way there.

While we regrouped we hydrated some more and I downed some more shot blocks to keep the blood sugar up took off for State Street side by side with Huntress. She wasn’t going to give me any rest today and she kept the pressure on all the way to State and made the turn north to start the State mile sprint. However things didn’t go as some had planned. Highlander was planning on me pulling all the way to the rise where Gambler, Highlander and Huntress would have swooped by me like I was rolling backwards as I would have been out of gas. But I fell back in the pack to talk with Gambler. Highlander tried t cover for Huntress as she got ready to make a breakaway But Gambler noticed her getting up on the pedals and started a chase. She was off the front way too early and gambler was quickly on her back wheel and building speed. But this time I was in a good position to stay in his draft all the way to the rise where I could pull around and pull away. By the time we turned onto Chambers I was getting pretty tired and wasn’t looking forward to any more sprints.

We moved out onto Stetson and stayed on that street as we past Columbia and then past the High school. Huntress tried to jump past me on the little hill and caused me to burn another of limited number of matches. As we closed in on Lake Gambler must have spotted T-3 and Dura Max well down Stetson and heading for Fairview. He pushed the pace in pursuit and I managed to hang on till we had dropped Highlander and Digger. As we rounded the corner onto Fairview Gambler continued on the chase and Huntress followed soft pedaling. I waited for Highlander and Digger and towed them to Florida where we gave chase to Gambler and the fleeing Dura Max ad T-3. T-3 flatted at the Carl’s driveway but she pushed the bike to the restaurant and we had cold drinks before fixing it and heading home.

We finally pulled out of the parking lot once we got a good tube on T-3s wheel and headed up New Chicago to Lincoln to start home. After about a block on Lincoln Gambler broke off and headed for home but everyone else stayed with us and headed back towards Park chatting away about what a good ride it had been and what kind of ride people wanted for next week.

We moved around Park and made the jog onto Devonshire and west towards Santa Fe. For a change Highlander didn’t get a chance to pull away from the rest of us at a light or stop sign so we made the turn on Santa Fe together and rolled up onto State at the red light. We cruised to Palm where Digger and I left the group heading for our homes. I got home with 46 miles on the computer and some rather tired legs. But I felt good and was happy to have been with good friends, even the ones faster than me.

9/19/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was really looking forward to today’s ride. It had been a week since my bout with Heat Exhaustion and slowly but surely I seemed to be getting stronger and had a bit more energy. So today we would be doing the first half of the Paris Century and we would be leaving right at 7:30 to try and beat any heat. We pulled out onto Latham right at 7:30 with Dura Max, Highlander, Bloodhound, Digger, Red Rabbit, Coyote , Huntress and I.

As we turned onto Lyon I started to test my legs and lungs out to see how well I thought I might do once we got to the fast run on Ramona. As I looked back I could see D’Artagnon had joined us making the total 9 riders. Not bad for a hot day with a half century in front of us. What I didn’t notice was somewhere along the line Dura Max left us to meet up with T-3. I managed to pull us up to Ramona so we could make the turn and head for Sanderson.

I decided to try and give up the lead at this point and it took more than one try. Finally Highlander took over and I fell back to enjoy a bit of the draft the pace line created. At this point things were looking pretty good and I was both relaxed and feeling strong. All down Ramona to Sanderson everyone stayed in line pretty well. I was in mid pack and pulled around the corner heading north onto Sanderson only to catch the light red at the Expressway. When the light finally turned green we were on our way west and averaging 20 to 21 MPH. Still we held together till we got to Warren where Red Rabbit’s straps and traps slowed him down and he fell off the back of the line. We were scooting along pretty fast and Digger was drafting like an old pro till we got to Bridge. I fell back to get Red Rabbit and we followed at a distance all the way to Lakeview and the Valero station.

As we got back on the road the plan was to regroup at the Motorcycle Park before heading into the City of Paris. As we eased our way towards the bridge with D’Artagnon in the lead suddenly he swerved in front of me and called out “Flat”. Huntress, Coyote and I stopped to help him while Rabbit continued on. Soon Bloodhound left to keep the Rabbit company and then Highlander and Digger left to get a head start on the two climbs. Dura Max and T-3 came by next and I realized he had made a detour to pick her up. Just as D’Artagnon fixed his tire Huntress took off and we had to chase her to Burnisconi where I just slipped by. On the way to the next hill she tagged up with D’Artagnon and caught me about half way to the top. She tried to “chick” me but I had just enough to hold her off and we laughed as we topped the hill and raced down the other side. We picked up the rest of the group and headed for Paris Boulevard.

Now things would start to get interesting as we headed south on Paris and got ready to jump over onto Goetz. The plan was that Dura Max would lead Highlander, Digger, T-3 and Rabbit around Goetz hill and meet us at LaLadera park. However as we rolled up on Ethanec I pulled up next to Coyote to score some extra shot blocks and then fell back into an easy spin to start up the hill. We were spread out for about a quarter of a mile and as I got to the top I noticed someone was behind me. Turned out it was Rabbit and Highlander and digger was behind him with Dura Max and T-3 behind them. I didn’t realize that everyone had climbed Goetz till we turned towards LaLadera. Finally Highlander and I followed Dura Max and T-3 to the park.

The Rabbit was heading for home on Domenigoni so the took Digger the wrong way but we called and had him wait on McCall and Murrieta while we worked our way to Honeyrun. It didn’t take long before we were on McCall and heading east. We saw Digger waiting for us at the light on Murrieta and we all headed for Hospital Hill. Coyote broke for home at Antelope and trying to chase down Highlander when he got a one stop head start. We regrouped on top of hospital hill before heading down to Heritage and south towards Lindenburger.

We managed to put together another pace line when we got to Simpson and headed east towards Leon. D’Artagnon pulled to Leon and I took over when he got a Phone call. Slowly we creeped up to about 20 as we slid past the Eucalyptus trees and next to the open fields between Simpson and Domenigoni. I kept waiting for Huntress to attack me but she had mercy on me and followed me to Winchester and then to Chris’s for some coffee and conversation. Highlander led us up Winchester to Stowe to start our way home.

We were cruising as we got to California and dropped down to Stetson heading east. For some reason we were still running hard as if we had just started the ride even as we past Warren and we broke up once more when Highlander and Huntress headed off on the airport road and the rest of us stayed on Stetson till we got to Sanderson when Digger and I jumped down to Johnston and headed back to Palm. I left digger before he got to Wilshire. It was a good 52 miles and a great day to be on a bike.

9/17/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a great morning for a ride today, clear blue skies, moderate weather and no wind so we had a nice easy ride planned and I was thinking we would have a pretty good turnout. At least both T-3 and Dura Max would be starting from the same place as the rest of us so we could keep track of each other. By 7:30 however we were down two riders because Highlander had a doctor’s appointment and Tax Man was no where t be seen. However Blood Hound was back with us and showed up right after Digger and Surgeon. Just as I was about to give up hope that anyone else would arrive Red Rabbit pulled in and we were ready to go. It was a quick turn out onto Gilmore and down to Acacia. Our plan was to pick up T-3 on Kirby when heading for Cypress.

We pulled around the corner on Cypress and waited to see what had happened to T-3 and Dura Max. While we waited the Rabbit took off and headed for Sanderson. Digger and I soft pedaled waiting to see how far back Dura Max was while Surgeon and Blood Hound were ahead of us. We were still too far to see and trailing riders after we turned onto Sanderson and in a very little time we were out on Domenigoni heading west. Bloodhound must have recovered from his time off pretty well because he had us rolling along about 24 or 25 shortly after we made the turn west and he held the lead till we got close to warren and we were closing on the Rabbit like a freight train. By the dry wash we knew Dura Max and T-3 at Warren to Digger and I stopped to wait till the caught up and we formed a pace line till we caught Surgeon and regrouped at the Saddle.

We dropped down the back side of the saddle and Surgeon left us at Lindenburger. Little did we know that Tax Man was chasing us on Simpson and past Surgeon heading back towards Hemet. We must have turned on Menifee about time Tax Man came out onto Newport. We got a short light on Menifee and headed south not knowing Tax Man was chasing. We talked easily and we got close to Holland and the little hill and Blood Hound led us up and over to regroup once more at the turn out between the hill and Garboni.

Our next goal was to get to Scott Street and head west all the way to Murrieta. Bloodhound was leading as we made our way to Antelope and got the light green. We made it up and over the freeway and past Haun as a group and Bloodhound dropped it into a stead pull starting up the long grade to Murrieta. I stayed with him for a while watching my heart rate carefully and soon we had separated ourselves from the rest of the group by about 100 yards. I looked up and downshifted to keep my effort down a bit and to my surprise the rabbit was gaining on me. I picked up the spin a bit and held him off but he must have burned all of his matches trying to catch me because as we turned north he dropped back almost a quarter of a mile behind the rest of us.

I fell back and picked the Rabbit up at Holland and pulled him to the group at Newport. We took the opportunity to stop by Carl’s for a rest stop and I called Tax Man to see where he was. I only got his voice mail but least we knew he was out there somewhere. Once we were back on the road we took Murrieta all the way to Cherry Hill and turned east. We more or less cruised down Cherry Hill and got to Bradley to make the turn south again. It is easy to tell when you are in Sun City because there are so many gold carts running down the street. I also noticed the farther we had gone the stronger Digger seemed to be getting. It is good to see new riders advancing like Digger.

As we continued south Bloodhound picked up the pace a bit as we got close to Newport and he caught the light before the rest of us could get there. He got started around the corner heading east and I got through the intersection just before it turned red. Everyone else had to wait so Bloodhound and I soft pedaled to Haun where they managed to catch us at a red light before heading over the freeway and turning into the parking lot to stop at Jack in the Box. Dura Max and T-3 three decided to continue on while the rest of us took a break and had something cold to drink.

All that was left after our break was the run back home. We pulled out at Newport and Antelope and headed east to Menifee and the Lindenburger where it changes to Domenigoni. I took us up and over the saddle and followed Bloodhound back to Leon. Bloodhound pulled away a bit as neither Digger nor I wanted to try and hold 23 MPH all the way to Winchester but we caught him at the light and waited just east of Winchester for Red Rabbit. As soon as he caught up we headed east again and for the most part stayed in a pace line all the way to the dry wash.

Rabbit was going to break off at Warren so Digger and I stayed with him till he stopped to make the turn. Once he was gone we knuckled down and chased Bloodhound all the way to Sanderson. He beat us there by at least 75 yards but had to wait at a red till we pulled up. It took a minute or two before we got to turn north and make our dash for home.

When we got back to Stetson Bloodhound turned and headed for home while Digger and I waited for the light. Once it changed we rode down to Johnston and turned towards Kirby. We talked casually about today’s ride and if I thought he was ready for the ride Wednesday. I was sure he was strong enough for the ride and told him so. Last Wednesday’s ride was much harder and longer so this Wednesday should be no problem for him. We noticed Dura Max on the side of the road talking to T-3 and he joined us on our way back to Palm where digger left and San Francisco where I turned for home. All in all it was a great day and a good ride.

9/14/2012 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We made it through another hectic week and it was time for a simple Friday ride. I was a little worried after my taste of heat exhaustion Wednesday that I might get a bit overheated today. So I took two bottles of electrolytes out of the freezer and put on my Cool Gear hat and got ready to head over to Burger King. I kept it in the small ring and gently spun my way up Palm and west on Florida. I pulled into the parking lot first just ahead of Digger and Dura Max. By 7:30 I was surprised to see we had more than 10 riders ready to head out and start the ride up Lyon to Ramona. We also had Huntress running the route in reverse to meet us somewhere on the way.

It looked like Surgeon was feeling pretty strong as he got out front and started the pull north. Cross traffic seemed a bit sketchy as we got to one stop sign after another. Sometimes it looked like people wanted to split our line and others looked like they would wait all day even if it was their turn to go through the intersection. Still we were making good time when I finally got out front long enough to lead us around the corner onto Ramona heading west.

Up to this point I had been feeling pretty good so I decided to take a pull and head for Sanderson. My goal for the day was to stay in a spin all day and simply not push any big gears or jump my heart rate over 150. So I relaxed and put my hands on the hoods and rolled us up to a bit over 18 and leveled off. Highlander was on my back wheel and I started to drop down and pick up the pace when Barracuda pulled up to say that Mary, (Tinkerbelle) had a flat. So we stopped to wait while Ferret fixed it.

As we waited for the tire repair Dura Max and T-3 rolled by heading for Sanderson. That would be the last we saw of them till the end of the ride. As soon as we noticed D’Artagnon, Gambler, Ferret and Tinkerbelle heading in our direction we were off headed towards Sanderson ourselves. I took us to the expressway and started us towards Warren. Gambler and D’Artagnon pulled around me and offered to pull but as soon as I fell back I ended up getting dropped while trying to pull Digger up to the back of the pack. We ended up chasing the group all the way to Bridge and Gilman.

After a total regroup I took off again and pulled us half way back to Sanderson where Gambler and D’Artagnon once again took over and pulled us till we saw Huntress on the other side of the road. She flipped around and started to lead us the rest of the way to Sanderson but gave up the lead to me on the downhill. I ended up pulling us down Sanderson to the Expressway and then onto Ramona Boulevard to regroup and make the run to State Street. I knew I could never pull all the way to State so I was glad when once again someone took over the pull.

I managed to stay to my plan on pushing easier gears and keeping my pace down a bit. I might not have been as fast as I had been in the past but I was more relaxed and I managed to keep hydrated so the ride felt comfortable. I fell in on D’Artagnon’s back wheel and let the group pull me to State Street for a quick nature stop at Mickey Ds before heading north towards Soboba.

I knew the group would split up when we made the run east on Soboba so I wasn’t surprised to see Surgeon pull away well before the bridge. Barracuda and Huntress went after him and soon they had gapped the rest of us. We turned onto Soboba and Gambler, D’Artagnon, Ferret, and Tinkerbelle formed a pace line to give chase. I held a steady pace till we got to the rollers and Highlander and I pulled away a bit from Digger. Highlander pulled me to the driving range and I pulled him to the regroup point under the Eucalyptus trees.

Our next stop was going to be Carl’s so we headed to Ramona and turned southeast where we picked up the rest of the group waiting for us. We held together as a group pretty well till we got to Hemet Street and then we broke up a bit before regrouping at Carl’s Junior for coffee and conversation. As we sat down to visit T-3 and Dura Max arrived and stayed with us for a few minutes. Surgeon left first and when we got ready to leave D’Artagnon, Dura Max and T-3 headed south while the rest of us headed north to Lincoln and the west towards home.

Huntress left us first to head home followed by Gambler leaving the rest of us to make our way to park. I was still feeling pretty good as we made our way to Devonshire and started towards Santa Fe. When we got to San Jacinto the light started to change and Highlander decided to push it and rolled through while it was pink. The rest of us stopped and waited for the next cycle. Highlander faded into the distance and the rest of us finally made it to Santa Fe and down to Latham. We rounded the corner just about the time Highlander crossed State Street. Barracuda broke off by the time we got to Buena Vista and Digger and I left at Palm.

It didn’t take long for me to get back to Florida where I caught the light and has to wait while it started to get pretty warm. Up to this point it had been reasonable cool but now it was getting hot and I was glad to be going home. I rolled in with about 38 miles on the computer and a reasonable average speed. But the best part was I wasn’t sore or suffering from the ride. I can’t tell you how glad I am to be part of this group.