By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I had taken a few days off and relaxed down in Chula Vista camping in my RV with my wife. It was one of the times when you just unplug and kick back, and in my case read. Three days of sleeping till I felt like getting up, talking a walk if I felt like is and even a short bike ride to no place special. So when I got home I thought it would be a good time to change our ride a bit and do a pre-ride up to the turn out before the big climb heading to Idyllwild. Sure it was a bit longer than the Soboba to Cranston Station and sure there were some little climbs but my memory must have faded a bit I thought it was just a short 3 miles past Cranston and it would be an easy day. I posted the ride but I had no idea how it would be accepted by the group. Only Friday morning would tell the story so I looked forward to the group meet up just to see. I had nothing to fear because we had a pretty good turn out by 9am. Once I pulled out onto Latham I really lost contact with just who was with us. Dura Max, Ruby Tuesday and T-3 seemed to have left before I got out onto the street. Looking back I was missing Gambler, Bulldozer, Kevin, (Macgyver) and D’Artagnon but they knew where we were going and where we were going to pick up Huntress so I didn’t worry much. I still had Surgeon, Highlander, Bloodhound, Centaur and Ferret so I knew we would run into the others sooner or later. I was feeling pretty strong as I pulled us towards Esplanade all the while talking to Surgeon. Soon Highlander pulled up next to me to let me know we were short a few riders but as I said I already knew about part of them. He fell back and I stay in front all the way to Ramona Boulevard and headed east. Far off in the distance I could see three riders moving ahead of us and I had to assume it was Dura Max, Ruby Tuesday and T-3. They were waiting at the light on State about a quarter of a mile in front of us and just made it through the green before we got there. By the time we headed north we were only two lights behind them. By the time I noticed them Gambler, Bulldozer and D’Artagnon had joined us and we turned into Mickey Ds to see if Huntress was there. She wasn’t and it turned out she was waiting at Taco Bell and while we were trying to connect Dura Max and his group was pulling away from us. Once we picked up Huntress we went into full chase mode heading north towards the College. Somehow Bloodhound let me pull as we rolled past the lights at the college and headed through the shadows of the trees just before the bridge over the dry wash. Normally I don’t pull this long and I am surprised how well I felt as we moved to the bridge and finally headed east on Soboba start the run towards the Golf course. Normally I fall off and ride sweep on Soboba but today I pulled us over the first roller and then the second before giving up the lead to Bloodhound. Only four riders past me before Surgeon offered to let me back in line behind Bloodhound, Highlander, Gambler and D’Artagnon. Bloodhound pulled like a freight train but I was in the draft between Gambler and D’Artagnon and was almost cruising along with the group. I knew as soon as we crested the little rise past the driving range Gambler and D’Artagnon would go after Highlander and Bloodhound so I simply rolled around them when they went. Surgeon, Ferret and Centaur came by as well and we could see Dura Max, T-3 and Ruby Tuesday leaving the shade of the trees as we pulled up for a quick regroup. I realized that I had been pushing my heart rate just a bit coming down Soboba and I couldn’t hit the climb past Cranston if it was much over 150. As soon as everyone was ready to go I took off at a bit slower pace heading for the dry wash bridge with Macgyver and Highlander on my wheel. For a change I was determined not to attack the bridge and just watched as several of the other riders rode by me and up to the light at Main. We headed east on Ramona and I started to gear down to save myself for Fairview and the climb east. I let the group pull away as I set it on cruise control heading for Cedar and then to Florida. I caught Dura Max and his group at the light on Fairview and followed them up to Cranston where Bloodhound, Huntress and Macgyver surprised us after we rode by. Ruby Tuesday flatted so she, Dura Max and T-3 decided to head back home while Huntress, Bloodhound, Macgyver and I headed towards the regroup turnout about 7 miles up the road. I ended up being the last to the regroup spot but at least I kept the heart rate under 150 most of the way. The group let me rest for a few minutes before we dropped off of the mountain and raced back to Carl’s. I could have used a few more minutes rest but still I did much better heading for Carl’s than I did climbing to the turn out. Most of us stopped for coffee except for Surgeon and Highlander who had left when we first started the climb. Bulldozer first stopped at casino and then we saw him sprint by as we had coffee. After about 15 minutes we got ready to leave. D’Artagnon, Bloodhound and Centaur were heading in another direction than Gambler, Huntress and I so we said our goodbyes and pulled out of the parking lot headed north and south to start our separate ride home. I rode with Gambler and Huntress for just a few blocks before they turned off for home leaving me to head pack to Palm by myself. I got home with a few more miles than my map seemed to indicate we had gone but still I felt good even in a bit dehydrated. 3/29/2013 I downed a bottle of sugar free punch and started lunch before taking my shower and putting on my street clothes. If this weather holds we will have a terrific spring and it should be a great ride for the Amgen tour when they come through.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was looking forward to the ride today because it was supposed to be another beautiful day without much wind. But it was a little sad as well because Chinook and Artemis would be returning to the great white north like snow geese. We would miss them and can only hope they will be back again next year. One of the things I enjoy about our group is that we tend to be friends as much as just someone to ride with. I for one will be looking forward to them returning next year. Still after breakfast I got dressed and headed for Burger King to start the day. Once again Digger was already there followed shortly by Dura Max and then Highlander. Dare Devil pulled up while we were talking and Bloodhound and Kevin were close after that. Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer were next followed by Artemis and Chinook. D’Artagnon and Huntress were the last to arrive before we were ready to head north out of the parking lot and over to Lyon. Bloodhound started out setting a little brisk of a pace while we warmed up but then what did I expect? Still everyone stayed together past Devonshire as Bloodhound slowly pushed us up in speed. It wasn’t long before we rolled past Esplanade and came up on the blind intersection At Cottonwood which for a change didn’t have a string of cars hiding behind the trees talking on cell phones and not really looking to their right, the direction we were coming from. So with luck being with us we kept going till we got to Ramona Boulevard and headed west towards Sanderson. The line started to stretch just a bit as we moved west and Highlander pulled up next to me to let me know people were beginning to slow at the back to I pulled out of line and went back to support the people that might lose the draft. I knew we wouldn’t be able to stay with the group over about 19 but at least I could pull at that speed all the way to the stop light. Once we were headed west on the Expressway I fell into my pace and watched the group pull away past Warren. We couldn’t even see them by the time we got to bridge but still we weren’t that far behind time wise. We got to Hansen to regroup with everyone about two minutes after they did. In fact they didn’t have time to get out of their warmers before we got there. Some quick hydration and a shot block or two and we were on our way. I started out easy heading south towards Contour. I always remember my first ride up Juniper Flats and delighting in the idea that at long last we had a short ride that was flat. Imagine my surprise the first time I hit the climb on Juniper only to not see the top till I got past the stop sign at the false top. I knew Chinook had made the ride before but not Artemis. I thought she would enjoy it however because it was a beautiful day and not too hot. Besides the real challenge isn’t the climb it is the descent. We are talking a fast 35 or 40 mph drop down a road that curves like a snake. The drop down the hill was as advertised and from the conversation at the bottom I take it that Artemis must have almost tossed it away at least once on the way down. The road hasn’t survived the winter as well as we might have wished because there were times a Cyclocross bike might have been a better choice because of how ruff the road has become. So any crash at speed would be like sliding across sandpaper so I was pretty happy that on her last day here she didn’t deposit a pound of flesh on Juniper Flats Road. We regrouped at the High School before heading south to the dump road. After we rode through the housing through the housing tract to avoid the dirt part of Briggs the bid dogs started stretching their legs. We broke up into at least three groups as we turned onto the dump road and were stretch out almost from Leon to Winchester by the time the fast guys finished their run. After a discussion about the speed of the A riders and a lot of laughter we were back out onto Winchester heading north. I pulled till we got to Stowe and turned east. I will be honest I was almost as happy to think about stopping at Hanger 1 for pie and coffee as I was sad to see Artemis and Chinook having to go back to Canada. 3/22/2013 Maybe I wasn’t as excited as some other about Hanger 1 because no sooner had I snapped a picture than Bulldozer dropped the hammer followed shortly by Dare Devil. Soon D’Artagnon, Dragon Slayer, and Chinook. They pulled away rather quickly and were almost to Stetson by the time I got to California Street. As I rounder the corner at Stetson they were well past Warren and heading left at the airport road. Dura Max wasn’t planning on stopping so I was the last to arrive at Hanger one to join everyone else. We had a good time visiting and reliving some of our rides together before having to mount up and head back to Burger King and home. I got back to Burger King with a few of the riders and talked briefly before heading for home myself. It wasn’t the longest or fastest ride we have had with our two departing friends but it was a good ride anyway. Sorry to see them go and I will be glad when they come back.

3/20/2013 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was the first day of spring and I was up before the sun. The weather wizards said it would be overcast all day with a slight wind and because it was dark I had to believe them. I turned on the coffee and had breakfast and watched some news before taking a shower and getting dressed. When I got back out and looked outside it was a surprise to me to see clear skies and sun. I already had on arm and leg warmers but there would be no need for a jacket or long fingered gloves. I loaded up my bike with water and food and headed for Burger King to see how many would be joining me for the spring ride. Once again Digger was already there getting coffee when I pulled up. By the time I got back outside Dura Max was there. One by one the riders arrived, Dragon Slayer, Chinook, Artemis, Bloodhound, and Surgeon. Last but not least T-3 rolled in and we got ready to leave. We rode down Gilmore to Acacia and finally up to Kirby to start the day. It was warming up quickly and I was sure we would be stopping to remove layers well before the halfway point of this ride. We turned onto Cypress and headed west through the housing tract towards Johnston. Bloodhound lead us to Sanderson and then to the light and Whitworth before heading west again to Cawston Street before riding past the airport back to Stetson. I started the pull and took us slowly to Warren before Bloodhound got out front and pulled hard to California where I dropped back to get Two stragglers. Even Digger was sticking with the pack as they turned onto Stowe. The group faded into the distance as we followed at a moderate cruising speed. We were about 45 seconds behind everyone else as we got to the regroup point at Stowe and Winchester. I got us rolling again heading South on Winchester but at first it was just Highlander, Bloodhound, Dragon Slayer and I. But the time we got to the dump road everyone else had finally closed up and Kevin joined us. Once he was with us we continued west towards Leon with Dura Max and T-3 moving towards the front before the Wild west Show bar. The ride down the Dump road to Leon built up speed until once again we were spread out and I called for a regroup and Briggs. Once we were all back together T-3 and Dura Max led us through the housing tract and back to Florida and Briggs. Surgeon wanted to turn early on Watson so I agreed and informed Dura Max and T-3. Half of the group didn’t get the message and only Dura Max, Surgeon, Highlander, Digger, T-3 and I made the turn. Chinook, Artemis, Bloodhound, Dragon Slayer and Kevin all went up to Mapes so we got to Menifee first. Highlander dragged us to Florida and I got ready to stop and wait for the rest but only Surgeon and I stopped while the other four continued on. Once everyone was ready to give chase Bloodhound pulled like a demon towards McCall. We had to stop and make an adjustment to Artemis’ Handel Bars and the chase continued on to McCall and over Hospital hill. The chase intensified all the way to Murrieta. We just missed catching the fleeing four who had been joined by Bloodhound at the light. As soon as it turned green the chase was on again. Finally we caught them at Cherry Hill and started to catch our breath at the light when we got back to Murrieta. The rest didn’t last as Bloodhound started hitting the pace again as soon as the light changed and Highlander joined him as he pulled ahead. At the golf course parking lot Dragon Slayer pulled off to dump some trash and I stopped to help pull him back to the group. As we got close to Bradley Dragon Slayer decided to kick it up and see if we could run down Bloodhound and Highlander. I pulled for about half of a mile and Dragon Slayer took over and got us up to and past the fleeing duo. But the time we got to the light at Newport the group was back together. It was just a short run to Jack in the Box and coffee. Dura Max and T-3 didn’t stop so we were down to eight as we got back onto Newport and headed east towards the saddle. Bloodhound and Surgeon were the first two over the saddle and I had told Dragon Slayer to have everyone regroup at Leon. Surgeon and Bloodhound didn’t stop so the rest of us grouped up and started east to form a pace line heading to Winchester. We caught Bloodhound at Winchester after starting a 19-20 mph rotating pace line. As soon as we restarted we cycled through one rotation and Kevin gave chase after Surgeon. Bloodhound was like a puppy on a leash and it was hard to keep him with us. Finally before the dry wash he couldn’t take it anymore and he pulled away from us. Everyone else played nice and so it was an easy ride as we reeled in Kevin just after Warren. He fell in with us and we just missed Bloodhound as we topped the rise about a quarter of a mile before Sanderson. We got to the lot and headed north a lot more rested than a normal ride. I stayed with the group as we got back to Stetson and then turned for home on Johnston and headed east. It was a great day and finally what little wind we would get came up. To my advantage it seemed to be coming from the west so I had it at my back all the way past Palm till I turned for home. I rolled up to my front door with 40 miles on the clock and a working Garmin. All in all a good day.

3/18/2013 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I looked outside my window this morning and wondered what had happened to our sunny skies? It was still 50 degrees but it was foggy and overcast. Where was the sun or the warm weather we enjoyed Friday? I might not need my jacket but there was no way I was leaving the house without arm and leg warmers. I had breakfast and got dressed and even took my time getting the bike ready before leaving the house. Still I got to Burger King just after Digger and we had coffee together. We were standing there and talking when Highlander drove up. I was surprised that Dura Max wasn’t there because while it was overcast it didn’t look like rain. Chinook and Artemis rode up along with a new rider, Kevin. Bulldozer joined us with Bloodhound, Dragon Slayer and Steve. Red Rabbit was one of the last to arrive before we got ready to leave. 11 of us left the parking lot and headed for Acacia. We turned west to Kirby to start our move south. I knew as we moved toward the railroad tracks that it was going to take a lot more to warm up my legs today than it did Friday but at least I had a hope the sun would come out and I could shed some warmers before we got to the east side of town. I did lead us to Cypress and started us west as Bloodhound took over and several others followed him out onto Johnston and out to the light at Sanderson. Once the light changed we were back on our way and headed for Domenigoni. Once we made it by Mustang we started to look at moving to the left so we could get to the light at Domenigoni and Sanderson. Once the light changed we headed east towards Searl and then to State Street. Rabbit and Digger were a bit slow getting started so I tried to pull them up to the group before State Street. I couldn’t do it so we had to follow the group south on State and through the housing tract at McSweeney and back out onto State for a regroup. I decided to give Rabbit a head start heading back north on State and waited until he almost made it to the light at Domenigoni before we gave chase. Mush to his bad luck he got the light red and Dragon Slayer was almost on him before it turned green. We all caught him about 50 yards later and took off for Chambers. We worked our way out to Stetson and started towards Columbia. The problem was we dropped Rabbit and so I sent the rest of the group to Fairview and I waited for Rabbit. He was struggling a bit today so I pulled him to the regroup at Fairview and then gave him a head start once more heading north towards Florida. This time Rabbit stayed ahead of us even after the mad sprint over the bat bridge and to Mulberry. We could see him as we rolled by Florida and Bloodhound mad a strong run at him all the way past the fire station. We caught him shortly afterwards and strung out a bit as we regrouped at Ramona. Once again we had Rabbit take off and I intended to have Steve lead the group after him but Bloodhound got the jump and then Dragon Slayer and we caught him before we got to Hemet Street. We were cruising at a pretty good clip as we past the light at Lake Street and we on our way to the turn over the dry riverbed and over to Soboba to head back west. We had dropped a rider or two so we regrouped at the light and waited for a full regroup. Bulldozer had already left us when we past his street on Ramona so we were ready to attack the canyon as soon as Rabbit was ready to go. Dragon Slayer started the pull and had us past the driving range in no time. Before we zeroed in on the last two rollers Steve pulled up front to assist but that only pulled Bloodhound to the front where he slowly extended a lead. As he started up the last roller I took off in a closing sprint and managed to catch him just before the topped out. We regrouped again at the Temple on State. Rabbit decided to call it a day and headed back to his car as we started south on State. We followed him a few minutes later and made the light at Ramona in short order. Once we started back east the lead group slowly started to pull away from the back markers and I could see they were spread out a bit when I dropped back to get Digger. We could still see them as we got back to Main Street but it looked like they were strung out even more. By Hemet Street we could no longer see them and Digger and I got to the coffee shop after everyone else had parked. However somehow they had lost Kevin and it turned out he had to ride back to Burger King by himself. We had our coffee and conversation before heading back out to start home ourselves. We still had 9 of the original riders and I was looking forward to the ride home as a group. Before we could get started Steve decided to give us a tire changing demonstration. While I will admit he had some new twist on our normal tire changing such as the Russian tube mount, something he seemed very proud of but don’t ask me how it is done because I use the traditional Dura Max approved American tube mounting system. Still he did a fine job giving the demonstration before we had to leave for Burger King. Once we got back out onto new Chicago it was more or less all downhill to Lincoln. Lincoln seems like it is downhill as well all the way to Park. We have to be careful at Park because many times it seems as if Highlander started to smell the barn as we close in on Devonshire and if he gets a lead we have to chase him all the way back to the cars. It didn’t happen today and digger and I split off at Palm heading to our respective homes. I got home feeling pretty good and ready for lunch and a shower. The good news was that Garmin had a fix for my sick Garmin Edge that seems to have worked. So all in all it turned out to be a good day and a good ride.

3/15/2013 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was going to be another warm day according to the weather wizards and they weren’t expecting much wind. All reasons to expect a good day for a ride and a good group for that ride. I had been in contact with Dare Devil and was expecting that he would join us. We had been running 11 to 13 riders for the last few rides so I didn’t expect any fewer today. It also seems like a good day for a little climb so we were headed to the Little Pyrenees better known as Goetz road. I got out of bed eagerly and had breakfast and a shower before putting on my kit and heading for the door. On the way down Palm I noticed my new chain made the bike seem far livelier and it was easy to keep my pace up as I rode to Florida. I was two miles an hour fast getting to Burger King but it still didn’t get there before Digger. By 9am there were 16 of us ready to head down to Acacia. I had talked to Gambler about splitting the A and B group and figured once we were out on Domanigoni that was what would happen. I was thinking that Digger, Dura Max, Double Time, T-3, Highlander, Surgeon and I would make up the B group and Gambler, Dare Devil, Dragon Slayer, Chinook, Bulldozer, D’Artagnon, Artemis, Barracuda and Bloodhound would make up the A group. As we made our way to Acacia and then to Cypress that was pretty much how things were shaping up except several of the B group were still up front as we moved around the corner onto Cypress. I was still pretty impressed with how much easier the new chain and tune up made my bike feel. My legs felt light and ready to spin, but then we could credit the warmer weather as well. I fell back to take a head count and it was then when I discovered we had 16 riders and how impressive that was for this early in the year. Double Time can only make it on every other Friday and Dare Devil was getting ready to join us on Fridays as well. Barracuda normally only gets with us when he can so seems that the stares were aligned just right to get this group today. It was still surprising that we were still together as we left the light at Sanderson and even more that we were heading to Mustang together. Soon we rounded the corner onto Domenigoni and I expected the A group to explode any moment. Bloodhound started the pull and slowly built it to 20 mph and the whole group stayed together. By Warren we started to kick it up a bit but it looked like everyone was still together. Crossing the dry wash Bloodhound accelerated again and we were now rolling along at about 24. I didn’t notice if anyone had fallen off because I couldn’t see back past Digger and Highlander. By Winchester I kept looking back to see the A group make a break for it but they didn’t. In fact they let Bloodhound pull all the way to the Saddle were I was going to let him stay in front because of all of his hard work. However Double Time and several others attacked the Saddle and regrouped at the top. Once what few stragglers arrived on the saddle we got ready to drop off of the back side and head west on Newport. As we rolled past Lindenburger Dare Devil past me and started to lay down a faster pace. It was foolish for me to go with him but I did and by Menifee we had split the group and I had to pull out of line and stop till the group caught up. However the group rolled right past me and I didn’t catch back up till we got to the light at Haun. From Haun it was a fast pace to Carl’s for a water and nature break before we were ready to jump back on Newport and head west. As we crossed Murrieta I was following Bloodhound when Dragon Slayer pulled up next to me and asked if we were heading straight to Goetz before heading north. I assured him we were and said we would regroup at Ethernac and I would bring the B group down after they all topped the hill. I fell to the back to check on Dura Max and T-3 and they had Double Time was with them. Digger, Highlander, Artemis, Surgeon were following Gambler, D’Artagnon, Dragon Slayer, Barracuda, Chinook, Dare Devil and Bloodhound about 50 yards ahead of them. Bulldozer had dropped down to another street to challenge a segment on the old road and was ahead of us all. As Artemis soon past Highlander and Surgeon followed her a few steps behind. At the first hill I followed and started what was going to be a good climb for me. I kept looking back to see if Double time was closing or if Highlander had kicked it up a gear and soon I could see if I tried to catch Artemis I would lose sight of the B group all together. I waited at the top of the hill till everyone had topped out and then regrouped at Ethanac before heading back towards Murrieta. I took us to Murrieta and then started us south towards McCall. We decided to take the alternate road past the cemetery and Animal Park and down to Bradley next to the freeway. It is always interesting to see the Llamas and Emus at the little park before coming out onto the freshly paved road on Bradley. We turned south again and soon were coming up on the light at McCall. When we turned east on McCall we stayed together as a group right up until we started the climb on Hospital Hill. I was impressed because I was pulling the hill in my big ring and soon closed on Highlander right behind the A group. The best part was I was having one of my best climbs on McCall hill to date and was sure I would have a Personal Best when I downloaded my Garmin at home. We regrouped at the top and then dropped down to Heritage and over to Simpson. Simpson turned into a drag race from the start with Dare Devil picking it up right off the bat. Dragon Slayer went after him but dropped back before Leon. Once we caught Dragon Slayer he started to try and pull us to Dare Devil. D’Artagnon took over and the pace got hectic. I was behind Highlander and Surgeon when Gambler came by with several of the A group. I grabbed a wheel and soon gaped part of the group but couldn’t catch the A train. I got caught by Artemis and we worked together till we got to Winchester and turned towards Chris’s to regroup and have coffee. When we got back on our way Surgeon took us to Stowe and started us towards California. Things simply didn’t slack off and once again Dare Devil jumped on it as we headed down Stowe. I grabbed his wheel after he past Bloodhound and held on while he pushed us pretty hard to the yard where the Weimaraner lives. I made a foolish move to go around and help pull but that only resulted into a sprint where several riders rolled by before I had a chance to fall in line. I caught back up after we turned onto California and rounder the corner onto Stetson before I noticed I had lost two riders. Digger and Double Time had been dropped and the group never slowed enough for them to get back on. I pulled them to the airport and then continued on to Johnston by myself. I picked up Dura Max at T-3’s gate and we rode together to my street before parting. I got to my house with an average speed of 17.3 and shut off my Garmin and went inside for lunch. I was looking for some good Strava times for today only to have the Garmin turn up DOA when I tried to upload to the computer. It doesn’t matter all that much because I still had fun but I was just a touch disappointed.

3/13/2013 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I had high hopes for today. The weather was supposed to be nice and sunny with little or no wind. I couldn’t even imagine not having a good turn out and a good ride. The only slight distraction might be that I was that I would be on my backup bike and even that isn’t a bad thing because I like my backup bike. I had a quick breakfast, put on my kit and headed for Burger King. I must have left the house early or I must have been pushing it because I got there well before anyone else. I could feel the warm sun bouncing off of the windows and it was clear to me I didn’t need arm or leg warmers. This was almost like summer weather and I felt like a plant must feel after a long winter. I started to walk inside to get a cup of coffee I noticed two riders pulling up, Digger and Dura Max. When I walked back outside Bloodhound and Highlander were waiting. I noticed Surgeon had come out of hibernation and was going to ride with us today along with Bulldozer, Gambler and D’Artagnon. Next thing I knew Huntress was pulling into the parking lot followed by Chinook and Artemis. The last rider to join the group was T-3 giving us 13 riders ready to leave by 9am. It was good to see Surgeon and Highlander following me north on Lyon with the rest of the group stringing out behind. I was also surprised at how quickly we were ramping up heading past Devonshire. By Fruitvale Street we were almost at Pace Line speed and everyone was rolling along easily. Bloodhound got out front at Esplanade and stayed there till we got to Cottonwood and started to move onto single file to get ready for the left on Ramona towards Sanderson. I had to sprint past Bloodhound to get a picture as we started the first leg west. Bloodhound pulled us to Sanderson and then to the light on the expressway before we turned west towards Bridge. As we got close to Warren we started to break into two groups and I pulled out of the front ranks to pick up the B group. The A group started to separate from us and were far enough ahead to distract the dogs at that second dairy so that by the time we got there the Golden was tired and only barked as we rolled by. Still we were at least a quarter of a mile back when we turned on Bridge and almost that far back as we raced to catch the As who were parked at Gilman. We only had a few moments before Highlander was pushing me to get us started east back toward Sanderson. I always hate the first pull east on Gilman because it always tires me out before I get to the flat spot but today it didn’t bother me so much. I gave up the lead as we leveled off and fell in about five riders back to stay on Gambler’s wheel till I could get back in front and make sure we stayed on Gilman rather than the traditional run down Sanderson. It seems as if there was some serious construction at State and Ramona and Digger wanted to avoid it We regrouped under Lamb’s Canyon overpass and then started east on Gilman with me still pulling. I gave up the pull in front to Golden Productions and fell back to pick up and stragglers. They weren’t that far back so we were still within sight of the lead group as we rolled over the little incline at the entrance to the Scientology center and started down the little grade that would turn into State at Soboba. We rounded the corner and met the rest of the group on the side of the road before continuing on towards the two big rollers and the golf course. I managed to hang on over the rollers and caught Huntress’s back wheel heading for the driving range. I let her wear herself out pulling me to the last hill before the regroup and then passed her. It should be noted that I am not too proud to hide behind the wheel of a woman riding stronger than me. And I rejoined the group just in front of her. Once we were back on our way I managed to gap the group, ok they didn’t realize I was gaping them but I got far enough ahead that I could cross the dry wash and get to the Stop Light without being challenged. I did get caught at the light and was sitting there as everyone else pulled up next to or behind me but that didn’t matter because I knew we didn’t have far to go before coffee. I took off at the light change and headed for Hemet Street. I didn’t stay in front and soon Bloodhound took the lead and pulled away. At that point we broke into groups of three or four and chatted away as we moved past Hemet Street and came up on Cedar. Bloodhound made it through but the rest of us got caught at the light. Soon we were on our way and I got a chance to try and pull the group up the Bloodhound. He didn’t know which way we were going at Fairview and Florida so we caught him at the turn and followed him to Carl’s for coffee and conversation. As we walked in D’Artagnon debated on having a Hamburger and looked to be discussing it with another customer as I walked in. Some of us got coffee and other just something cold to drink and we sat down to discuss and solve the pressing questions of the world, or at least the problems of the US and Canada. By the time I downed my Odwalla bar Huntress had to leave to get her hair down and Bloodhound had an appointment. Chinook and Artemis were going to ride Bautista Canyon and I guess Bulldozer, Gambler and D’Artagnon went with them. Dura Max and T-3 headed for the west end of town on Acacia while Digger, Surgeon, Highlander and I headed for Lincoln and home. The four of us stayed together all the way back to Palm where Digger and I split to go north and south and Surgeon and Highlander headed back to their cars at Burger King. I may have just a touch of sun burn when I stepped into my shower but it felt good and I had a great day with great people.

3/11/2013 By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) What a glorious morning it was as I looked outside after the sun came up. I was feeling very relaxed after a long weekend and was looking forward to getting in a longer ride than normal. I casually had breakfast and got my kit on and pockets stocked with shot blocks and fiber bars. I stuck the Heed in a bottle and put in the freezer and sat down to watch the news. By a bit after 8am I moved out to put my shoes on and snapped the Garmin in place and made sure the camera was ready and headed to Burger King. I got there to find Digger walking out with a cup of coffee. He took one look at my bike and commented on my lack of a water bottle. That turned into a sprint home and back to meet with the group by 8:15am. By 9am there were 11 of us heading out of the parking lot and down Gilmore to Acacia. As we crossed Florida we picked up Shadow dressed like it was the middle of winter. He fell in on the back of the group and we turned west to Kirby. Heading towards the railroad tracks I could see Bloodhound, Digger, Dura Max and Bulldozer following right behind me. We made it to Cypress and turned west so I could get a look at the rest of the group. Highlander seemed to be trying to move up on the far right as we rode through the housing tract and I could see Chinook, Artemis and Rocky just ahead of Red Rabbit. Behind then were Shadow and Dragon Slayer. We had a good sized group for so early in the year. However on a sad note it was about the last week we would have the Canadians with us. Still we were moving at a pretty good clip and we came out onto Johnston and stopped at the light on Sanderson. At the green we hit it hard towards Stetson but got stopped once again. It was going to be interesting to see if the group could stay together on Domenigoni because for the last few weeks we have blown apart like a watermelon at a Gallagher show. Some of you will have to look up Gallagher but take my word for it the watermelon explodes. However for some reason we stuck together like glue past Warren and over the dry wash. Bloodhound made a run for it but I held back to save the pace line and before he made a big gap Shadow went by me giving chase. Bulldozer went next and Dragon Slayer started to follow. He held up however and ended up pulling us most of the way to Winchester. I came around him with Highlander on my wheel just before Winchester where I noticed Coyote was waiting for us. We caught Bloodhound and Shadow at Winchester because they caught the red and I hit it perfectly to blow by them and started to close on Bulldozer who looked to be soft pedaling. The group stayed together till the sprint up the saddle. We started to regroup and wait for any stragglers but three or four riders went ahead to the park on Menifee for a nature break. As soon as we were all back together we dropped off the back side of the saddle and turned onto Menifee to regroup at the park. Bloodhound and Dura Max continued on towards Scott. Once over the hill past Holland and up to Scott we broke into smaller groups and I ended up with Digger and Red Rabbit. We were following Highlander and Dragon Slayer by about 200 yards but I couldn’t chance losing Red Rabbit like I did the past time we did this ride so I didn’t push closing on the people leading us. We made it to Max Gillis and crossed Winchester and more or less cruised to Pouroy before dropping down to Benton and regrouping at the Chevron on Winchester. We found Dura Max waiting for us. We thought the rest of the group had left without us but Coyote, known to the Navajo as the trickster, took them on an extra little jaunt before bringing them back to the Chevron. After everyone had downed a energy bar or shot block we were back on our way to Max Gillis and over to Leon. We once again got separated at a stop light and once again I had Digger, Dura Max and Red Rabbit in my group heading north on Leon. Knowing that we were riding into whatever wind we did have I was very surprised at the pace we were able to set chasing the faster group to Scott again. To my surprise they were waiting for us at the corner before we turned west toward Menifee and then Antelope. We collected everyone but Shadow because he had extended his ride south when we left him. I started us off west and picked up Highlander as we crested the rise and got back on the flat. Red Rabbit turned onto Menifee and I pulled our small group to Antelope and started us north. Highlander took over the pull and took us to the light starting the downhill towards the College. I got us back to Newport and then to Lindenburger where Dura Max left us. I took us to Simpson and then to Leon where Highlander took over and took us to Winchester. As we got to Chris’s I noticed some of our group had stopped so I signaled for a turn but Highlander had to continue on while Digger and I stopped to visit with Rocky, Shadow, Chinook, and Artemis. We took a quick break before heading to Stowe and home. I was still impressed with how much energy I seemed to have left after 40 plus miles. We let the speed build slowly as we moved east and soon as I got out front and started the pull. Several cars past us as we rolled along and I had to move to the far right every few moments. Riding on the shoulder didn’t seem to bother me because I still felt like I had another 25 miles left in my legs. So I was still leading as we rounder the corner onto California. We got onto Stetson and headed for Warren with Chinook and Rocky leading the way. They got us past the intersection and to the airport road where Rocky and I stayed on Stetson and the rest of the group went past the airport to Sanderson and home. Rocky and I worked our way to Johnston and headed east towards Lyon where Rocky said goodbye and I continued on to my street and home. 53 good miles on the clock and one of the first days in months I got to ride without arm and leg warmers, at least half of the ride.