By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/28/13 I knew it was going to be hot today and I had a shorter ride planned just because of it. My hope was to make it shorter but with just a bit of climbing and trying to get back before 11am. When I got up and took the dog out first thing it was already in the seventies and clear as a bell. I decided to add a few carbohydrates to my breakfast to try and avoid another bonk and then got dressed and headed for Burger King. The group assembled slowly but by 8 am just about everyone was there and we got ready to head out onto Gilmore and head to Acacia.

My plan for the day was rather simple, I was going to stay in my aerobic zone as much as possible and only pull when it was my turn. My goal is to make this new diet work and make it better for me in cycling in the future. As we turned onto Acacia I thought I had more energy today then Wednesday so it was my hope I could keep my head in the ride all the way out and back. I also wanted to work with Quicksilver on her climbing and spinning so there was a lot to do as we worked our way onto Kirby and into the housing tract on Cypress where Shadow joined us. He turned around and followed Dragon Slayer and Daredevil out onto Sanderson and north to Wentworth before turning west towards the airport.

True to my plan I didn’t follow Bulldozer or even Surgeon out onto Stetson. I did manage to Catch up to Surgeon and Highlander at Warren and then watch Daredevil and Dragon Slayer take off with Surgeon not far behind them. I fell back to talk with Quicksilver only to have her pick up the pace and head for California. Once we got there I dropped back again and rode with Dura Max as Highlander, Quicksilver, Surgeon, and Digger headed for Winchester. We ended up regrouping at the Country Store parking lot on Winchester. We did wait long before Highlander motioned for us to head out and I led us to the Dump Road and west again.

The dump road is always an interesting run because it allows for some sprinting and grade acceleration. As we came onto the straight heading for the Wild West bar Quicksilver started to pick up the pace. By that point Dragon Slayer and Shadow had already gotten away and surgeon was halfway between them and us. I pulled to the front and thought Quicksilver was on my wheel. As we hit the rise I noticed the shadow on a helmet rolling up on my right and figured Quicksilver was on an attack. I thought, to heck with aerobic heart rate and picked up the pace again. But I didn’t lose the shadow and as we caught up to Surgeon I realized it was Highlander on my wheel all the way to Leon and south.

While I didn’t want to pull I ended up out front on Simpson and pulled us to Heritage where I expected to see the rest of the group. However Daredevil and Bulldozer must have sprinted up Simpson to Menifee and over the hill at McCall well before we worked our way through the housing tract and out onto McCall ourselves. Surgeon and Dragon Slayer headed for the hill first followed by Highlander. I dropped back to suggest some gear choices for Quicksilver and then took off to try and overhaul Highlander. I crested the hill just before he did and stopped to wait for the ones behind me. Highlander, dragon Slayer and Surgeon didn’t stop. I took what was left of the group down to Hillpoint and found everyone but Highlander waiting under a shade tree as we turned south towards Sumner and up to the top of Antelope. Quicksilver found a gear she could spin at least 85 rpm easily to the top of the hill and down towards Newport.

We stopped at Jack in the Box for a short break. It was short because none of us wanted to wait till it got any hotter before heading for home. I took us out onto Newport and headed back to Menifee.

As we got back to Laguna Vista the A group started to line up for a rush at the Saddle I told Quicksilver to grab Dragon Slayer’s wheel and try to stay with them. It looked like she lost them at the top but she made it over the hill very well. We caught her when she pulled over to wait for us at Leon. All that was left of the B group was Highlander, Quicksilver, Digger, Dura Max and me. But we worked together and got back east on Domenigoni to Warren. We continued on to Sanderson where Dura Max left us. I got us back north to Mustang where Highlander once again took over and pulled us to Johnston where I headed for home.

It was closing in on 100 by the time I got to Kirby and I guess it was the same for Quicksilver, Highlander and Digger. I has tossed it into the small ring and hit cruise mode myself while finishing off another bottle of water. It didn’t take long for me to get to my street and head for my house, lunch, a shower and air conditioning. For me it was only 32 miles but I felt better than I had Wednesday so for me it was a good day.

Climbing, Spinning and Bonking

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/26/13 I didn’t really know what to expect today. Monday was rather cool even if it got better after I got home. Today was predicted to be pretty much of the same as Monday so I expected to see overcast skies and was surprised not to see a cloud in the sky. I went back into the kitchen and fixed a low carbohydrate breakfast before getting dressed and heading for Burger King. When I got to the parking lot I knew it was going to be hot because Digger and Dura Max were already standing in the shade. I parked next to them and we talked while we waited for everyone else to arrive. Highlander got there just before Surgeon followed by Quicksilver, Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer. More riders than I expected on what could be a hot hilly day. Still we hit the road eight strong and crossed over Florida a little after 8am.

We quickly made it to Acacia and then over to Kirby to wait at the light. Quicksilver was very eager to practice spinning on the hills today and I could see the delight in her eyes. We chatted as we moved south on Kirby and then turned onto Cypress to make a move west. We were still talking as I took us around onto Johnston and north on Sanderson to Wentworth before heading west again to the airport.

Now I have to side track a bit here and explain how I got on this low carbohydrate kick. The simply answer is my doctor suggested it to trick my body into a more fat burning mode. It would also require that I learn to eat six times a day rather than three. I just started this thing last week and yes it seems to have broken the plateau I have been on for months. But as I will talk about later it has side effects. In any case I didn’t intend on pulling much today and I made it clear as we got ready to pull onto Stetson and head west to Warren Road. Highlander took us to Warren and started us towards California. Bulldozer rolled by with Dragon Slayer chasing and soon Surgeon started after them. He pulled up on California and let them go leaving six of us to make it to Stowe.

We picked up Coyote as we rounded the corner onto Stowe and I pulled us at a moderate pace west towards Winchester. I was a bit surprised that the group wasn’t pushing me but they held together well as we past the only houses on the left and closed in on the first houses on the right before the big old metal barn. We regrouped at the Country Store parking lot and tried to hydrate before starting off again.

Highlander seemed to get a bit antsy and motioned for us to get back on the road and then led us onto Winchester and headed south. Only Highlander and I made it onto Winchester before a whole flock of cars kept the rest of the group on the corner back at Stowe. I followed Highlander all the way to Chris’s where he pulled over to wait for the group and I soft pedaled till I got to Simpson till they caught me. We made our way by the elementary school and to the light on Domenigoni to get ready for the run east to the Marina road. Once again I ended up out front till Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer started a speed run and once again I decided not to give chase. Surgeon went around me and closed onto Dragon Slayer while the rest of the group seemed content to follow me to the dry wash. Picture 71

As I turned over the lead to Highlander and fell to the back I ended up with Coyote and Dura Max. We watched as Highlander, Quicksilver and Digger pulled away but rounded the corner onto Searle Road not far behind them. Most of the group were already on the hill when Dura Max and I rolled through the gate and I had to close the gap up to Quicksilver who was being coached on her spin by Coyote who is one of the better climbers in our group. As I pulled up next to Quicksilver my ride started to take a different turn. They say that the person is the engine on a bicycle and for the most part that seems true. But unlike most engines my body doesn’t have a fuel gage. I was riding easy I thought but I was burning fuel I couldn’t replace. That would come back to bite me later. I stayed with Quicksilver to watch her spin rate till we got to the last big right turn and then started to spin myself to get to the top and start back down. Coyote was pushing Quicksilver to attack me and I could hear her gaining on me like a Hawk chasing a rabbit. However I started down the hill first only to ride back up with Dura Max and then try to catch Quicksilver and Digger on the way down. Once we were all regrouped we headed back out onto Domenigoni and over to State Street. Coyote left us there and headed for home. I kept telling Quicksilver to conserve her energy for the climb up to Ramona Bowl but what I didn’t realize was my low fuel light was about to come on. We moved north on State and Surgeon left us at Chambers. We then moved through the neighborhoods back out onto Stetson to get ready to make the turn on Girard. I started up the hill towards Ramona Bowl pretty well and suddenly my low fuel light came on. I quickly started down shifting and got in my lowest gear to make it to the top when Quicksilver rolled by me hot on Dragon Slayers back wheel. When we were all at the top and in the shade I rehydrated and wolfed down a protein bar. I headed back down the back side of Ramona Bowl and headed for Crest to start east. Well before we got to Lake Digger asked me how I was feeling and I admitted I was starting to bonk. He stayed with me till the regroup at Fairview and I turned the group over to Dragon Slayer and started to head back to Florida and Carl’s while they went east towards Cranston Station. I got to Carl’s about 10 minutes before Dura Max joined me with everyone but Bulldozer following. I rehydrated till I felt better and assured Dragon Slayer that I was sure I could ride my bike home. Dragon Slayer had to leave for an appointment and the rest of us headed for home a few minutes later.

Dura Max left us at Park and we continued on to Devonshire together. Once on Devonshire we were on the downhill run back to Santa Fe and down to Latham. I rode with them back to Palm where Digger turned for home. I stayed with Highlander and Quicksilver till we got back to the cars and then bummed a ride home in Highlander’s van. I was feeling better but thought it was better to take it easy in the heat and get home to have lunch and sit in an air conditioned room till I had time for a Shower. At least I know what to look for after all of these years riding with the group. And the beast part might be the group look out after me as well.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/24/13 I thought it was going to be a rather warm day and expected light winds so it seemed like it would be a good day to ride Juniper Flats. Because climbing would be involved I decided to take the Tarmac rather than the Klein and see how much my new low carb diet would effect me. So far the energy level has been pretty close to the same but now that the weight loss has started again I wasn’t sure if that would keep up. I had a low carb breakfast and got dressed before heading to Burger King to start the day. With many of the A team gone on a trip to Yosemite I didn’t expect a big group. I was glad to see six riders as we headed out of the driveway and onto Latham before turning onto Lyon and heading north.

We were rolling along at a good pace as we past Menlo, and even Esplanade making our way towards Ramona. Dragon Slayer was with us so I knew we would have someone to pull us north. Not that Quicksilver, Digger, Highlander or Tax Man needed that much help getting to Ramona Boulevard. We made it to the corner and headed west when I took over and started the pull to Sanderson.

When we got to Ramona expressway we developed a plan for the ride by the Dairy where the two big dogs often come out to chase us. We would stick together as close as we could so we could get by before the dogs spotted us. I will admit that to my surprise the plan worked and we made it all the way to Hansen for a regroup. Once we were all ready we headed south towards Condor with a planned stop at Dragon Slayer’s for a nature break.

Our next move was to get back to Condor and start back east towards Hansen. We let Dragon Slayer lead us through some of his neighborhoods and ended up riding past Les’s house and out onto Condor.

Once we crossed over Hansen Highlander started his run at the hill we know as Juniper Flats. As he gapped some of us at the School Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver started to close on him and I closed on their back wheel. Digger and Tax Man were falling back as I closed the gap and then I heard the fateful words, flat, and attempted to pass the call up. I turned around and returned to see Tax Man changing a flat. It took us about five minutes before we were back on our way and I have no idea how long it took for us to rejoin Dragon Slayer and his group at the top of the hill. This was Quicksilver’s first trip up Juniper flats and her time was only .4 or .5 mph slower than my best time on the same hill.

Once we were ready to drop off of the Hill Highlander and Dragon Slayer took off at a pretty good clip and even at 33 MPH I wasn’t closing on them. It wasn’t till the very last turn till I felt I was close enough to spin up to the two fleeing speedsters. We made one more regroup before heading to Ramona and west to Briggs. We all commented on the new construction at what we all knew were a relatively new High School. But that is what governments do when they are low on funds, they spend more money. Still we moved through the housing tract and back out to Briggs only to split in two as we headed to the Dump road.

Highlander and Tax Man took off and headed for the sprint zone and the first to give chase was Quicksilver. Dragon Slayer decided to go after them and I managed to just catch Quicksilver before she got to Winchester and turned to Chris’s for a break. Once we were ready to head for home Highlander and Dragon Slayer took off for Stowe first leaving the rest of us to get up the road by ourselves. I tried to pull the rest of the group up to tem but there is a fine line between closing and dropping part of your group. I simply couldn’t do both. But they did wait for us on Stowe and we all started east towards California together.

Dragon Slayer and I tried a sprint towards the end of Stowe and rounded the corner onto California first. As we got down to Stetson I couldn’t understand why we seemed to be in such a hurry. Normally we use Stetson as part of our cool down but today we simply strung out the group. Finally I left them at the airport and headed for home. By Sanderson I managed t drop into my small ring and start my spin for Johnston and back to Palm. I got home with most of the lactic acid worked out of my legs and finished off the rest of my water bottle before pulling up to my house with 39 miles on the computer. Yes it felt more like fall then summer but still it was a good ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/21/13 Another Friday has arrived and another easy Friday ride had been planned. I thought it might be hot and I didn’t know if any of the A group has a race this weekend so it seemed like a good idea to start west and end up on the east side of town. It was also the first day of my low carb meal replacement program so I had some scrambled egg beaters and vegetables for breakfast got dressed and headed out of the door on my backup bike to start the day. It would be the first group ride on the Klein since I switched over from my old Dura Ace to SRAM. I made it to Burger King for coffee with Digger and found Dura Max waiting for me as well. I also got a text saying that most of the A group was heading for La Cresta so the B group would pretty much be on our own. Highlander and Quicksilver drove up about the same time as Surgeon and that pretty much made our group. About 8 am we took off through the Pep Boys parking lot and onto Latham before turning north onto Lyon to start our ride.

I started out in the lead as we moved through the intersection at Devonshire and then Menlo. I was impressed at how well the SRAM set up was shifting and how quiet the Klein was. Unlike the Hope Hubs on the Tarmac the cup and cone hubs on the Klein are quiet. And while I know you shouldn’t cross chain with this set up I have all the gears on my rear cassette available without any rubbing in any gear. However my day dreaming about the equipment changes had to take a back seat as we came up to Ramona Boulevard and headed west.

Highlander and Quicksilver moved to the front and took us all the way to Sanderson and north to the Expressway. I was a bit worried about the ride towards Bridge Street because getting there meant we had to pass the driveway with the two dogs that had a fifty, fifty chance of coming out and chasing us. However before we got there we got to see a farm or ranch hand delivering a calf out in the open field. It didn’t look very gentile either. Still when we got to the driveway where I expected the dogs it turned out they didn’t notice us in time and we were well by before they could make it past the gate. We simply pedaled on to Bridge and headed north.

As most of us know Bridge heads north until we pass the dairy and the sheep and then it slowly turns a bit east as we have about a mile or maybe a bit more to get to Gilman. We were moving along pretty good as a group before Quicksilver had to stop for a batch of e-mails. Soon we were back on the road and at the corner of Bridge and Gilman. Surgeon took us back to Sanderson and started us south back towards Ramona before giving the lead to Highlander at the bridge. I pulled the last few yards through the light and Surgeon took over again on Ramona. We all took turns leading till we got to State and stopped for water at Mickey D’s. Once back on the road we headed for State and Soboba.

I started us out over the first two rollers and Surgeon took over after we started towards the driving range. Highlander and Surgeon started to gap Quicksilver and Digger so I jumped around and caught a wheel till we got to the last climb before the end of the golf course. I noticed someone had just left the trees as we were about to regroup and had everyone follow me till we caught them at the river overpass. They were on Hybrids and didn’t talk much as we pulled up to and past them only to catch the light green on Ramona. Not much happened as we moved west towards Lake Street then Hemet Street and finally got ready to make the turn onto Cedar. Surgeon didn’t turn with us and Highlander started us towards Fairview. As we closed in on the fire station Highlander picked up the pace and Quicksilver went with him. Digger, Dura Max and I more or less cruised till Dura Max took off as well leaving Digger and I to ride in the back till we got back to Carl’s for coffee and a break. We laughed and joked about how hard Highlander tried to shake Quicksilver of his back wheel. For only being with the group for such a short time Quicksilver is coming along quite well. It will not be long before we are trying to catch her when she drops the hammer. After we were refreshed we headed for home on New Chicago and then Lincoln. Picture 55

Like many days we stayed together till Dura Max and Surgeon left on Park. Highlander started to get that I can smell the barn look and pushed us onto Deveonshire. Once we were headed west again he kept us rolling along at a pretty good clip till we came to Santa Fe and had to drop down to Latham. We headed for Burger King and the pace picked up again as Highlander made it through the light on State. We dropped Digger off at Palm and I stayed with Highlander and Quicksilver all the way back to Lyon and then to Pep Boys to turn back to the vehicles. All in all it was a very good ride today and the group held together well. I felt better than I have in a long time and was pleased with my Klein upgrades. What can you say on a day like that? Only that we are lucky to live where we live.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/19/13 What a great looking morning it was as I looked out my front window today. It looked like it would be better then Monday even if it was a touch hotter. The only question was that I had planned a new route because of some construction on Leon that would keep us from coming home on Leon after going to French Valley. So it seemed like a perfect time to make a new loop. After breakfast I got dressed and headed coffee with Digger. Highlander was already there when I pulled up and Surgeon arrived a few minutes later. Shadow, Bulldozer, Gambler, Coyote and Dragon slayer pulled up next. Quicksilver, Red Rabbit, Daredevil arrived along with a two new riders Alan and Scott. Fourteen of us left the parking lot at 8am heading for Acacia.

Rabbit was looking pretty energetic as we made our way to Acacia but Quicksilver led us around the corner and up to the light on Kirby. I think Rabbit was a bit nervous about what would happen when we got to Domenigoni. For some reason he never seems to warm up before we turn west towards Warren. As we headed south on Kirby Surgeon moved up and closed on me when we got to the railroad tracks.

I followed Surgeon through the housing tract on Cypress and out onto Johnston where once again we got stuck at the light. When the light turned green Surgeon and Rabbit jumped off to a lead and headed for Stetson a few yards in front of the rest of us. We hit the light at Stetson and Sanderson just as it turned green and I managed to close on the front two riders. They pulled away slightly but we reeled them back in just before we got to Mustang with Alan on my wheel.

We followed Surgeon onto Domenigoni and we stayed together pretty well as we caught the rise about a quarter of a mile west of Sanderson. Three of the A group rolled out to the front and the group started to break apart. I noticed Scott and Rabbit had been dropped and fell back to see if they needed a tow but when Gambler pulled up next to me we slowed to talk and the leaders dropped the hammer. Once gambler had the route in his head he gave chase and I decided to close on Digger and Quicksilver. Rabbit and Scott would just have to regroup when we got to the Saddle. I ended up pulling Digger and quicksilver all the way to the Saddle and just barely managed to hold off a charging Quicksilver before we got to the regroup point.

Rabbit wasn’t as far behind as normal and he rolled on by just a few short minutes after we stopped. We had picked up MacGyver and were talking when Scott finally caught up with us. We gave him a minute to catch his breath before dropping off of the Saddle and heading for Lindenburger. We caught Rabbit at Menifee before turning south to the hill just past Holland. Daredevil, Coyote and Surgeon were the first to hit the hill but soon most of us had closed up on them before Shadow and some of the A group jumped on it. I was cruising on Coyote’s back wheel when Quicksilver attacked me once again. She got a bike or two on me before gassing out and I got by her to keep from getting “Chicked” by the new girl. I waited for Highlander, Digger and Quicksilver and pulled them all the way to Scott road and Menifee.

The rest of the group was at least a quarter of a mile in front of us as we headed west past the freeway and up the slow climb on Scott. We rolled through the green on Haun together and I pulled over the first roller and headed for the second on the back of Coyote’s wheel. I didn’t get a chance to enjoy it because I noticed Digger dropping off so I fell back to get him as Highlander followed Coyote and slowly dropped Quicksilver. It took Digger and I at least another mile to close on Quicksilver and finally make the turn on Holland west where the group was waiting. I took one look at the rollers in front of me and just continued on with a smile on my face. We spread out for more than a mile and somewhere in there we lost Surgeon. But we regrouped on Newport and headed back east towards Murrieta. Not everyone in the group had planned on stopping at Chris’s and so once again we split into smaller groups and headed back to Lindenburger to connect with Simpson and head east once more.

We still had two of the As with us and soon they rolled by to try and chase two other As off in the distance. I pulled to Briggs and Highlander pulled back to Winchester before we could turn north and meet up at Chris’s. We took a short break before some of the faster riders headed for home followed a few minutes later by Shadow, Highlander, Quicksilver, Digger and me. Highlander had to wait for three of us to make our way to Stowe and then we all headed towards California.

I managed to lead us north on California and east on Stetson as we got back to Warren Road. Highlander took us to the airport and out to Sanderson and I got us to Lowes. Highlander took off again when we got back on Acacia where we caught Rabbit once more. We made it back to Burger King only to find Daredevil locked out of his car and waiting for a key. We talked for a few minutes and I headed to my house for lunch and a shower. The new route seemed to be a hit with everyone so I will leave it in the rotation for another day. Good day, good friends and a good ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/17/13 Getting ready to start the week it is hard to beat a clear blue sky and a temperature of 64 degrees. That is just what I woke up to this morning. There was a lot to like about this day. I was pretty sure Dragon Slayer would be back from vacation and that Quicksilver would be taking her first group ride clipless. There was nothing left to do but plan a ride with just a few climbs and lots of roads with light traffic. A quick breakfast and a selection of my kit and I was dressed and on my way to have coffee with Digger. It was too warm to stand by the windows at Burger King so we moved to the shade to wait for everyone to arrive. By 7:50 there were ten of us, Digger, Dura Max, Quicksilver, Surgeon, Highlander, Tax Man, Dragon Slayer, Bulldozer, Daredevil and me. We took off right at 8am and headed for Acacia.

As we headed to Kirby and turned south it seems we added MacGyver to our group making a strong A group and a reasonable B group. Surgeon took the lead as we turned on Cypress and stayed there till we got to Johnston and rounder the corner to head over to Sanderson and north. Traffic was a bit heavier on Sanderson than I expected but we made the light on Wentworth with very little trouble. So far Quicksilver seemed to be doing fine with her cleats and shoes and when I asked he she was overjoyed with how much easier they seemed to make riding. Little did I realize how that was going to come back and bite me later in the ride.

We made our way west on Wentworth and then past the airport and Hanger one. I had dropped back to talk with Quicksilver and Highlander took off towards the front with Tax Man to follow Surgeon out onto Stetson. I came out onto Stetson several bike lengths behind the fleeing threesome with the rest of the group in tow. I managed to pull us up to the back of Tax Man and we all got to Warren more or less at the same time. The A group started to pull away rather quickly and were already to California before we were yards past Warren. We rounded the corner and headed for Stowe behind Surgeon and formed a pace line.

We were on our way west again on Stowe and with the A group gone we had no reason to try and crush it so we held the pace line at just about 21 or 22 with Surgeon pulling all the way to the parking lot on Winchester.

It took a few minutes for me to replace the batteries in my camera before we were ready to get back on the road and head south on Winchester towards the dump road. Tax Man took us out onto Winchester and pulled all the way to the Dump road before we were once again headed west. The A group would leave the B group shortly after we made it to the Wild West Show grounds.

As Daredevil, Bulldozer, Dragon Slayer and MacGyver started to ramp it up past the Wild West place Surgeon increased the pace a bit and several of us followed till I noticed the group was breaking up and I fell back to get the stragglers. The B group ended up being Highlander, Tax Man, Quicksilver, Dura Max and me. Surgeon was somewhere between the two groups. The A group pulled through the housing tract and up to the light on Florida well before we got back onto Briggs. We finally made it through the light on Florida and headed for Mapes. We noticed Surgeon sitting on the corner by the school and I thought he was going to join us. It seems as if he turned around and headed to Menifee to catch the A group. The rest of us made it to Mapes and then made a speed run back to Florida and headed past the AM/PM the get to McCall.

The A group was taking a break at the AM/PM as we rolled by but I was pretty sure they could catch us before we got over McCall hill. We made it to the corner of Menifee and McCall and headed west to the hill with Tax man in the front and Highlander on his wheel. I started to ramp it up a bit and was pulling Highlander past Tax Man and towards the top of the hill when I looked back to see the rest of the B group fading a bit. Highlander continued on and I could see Daredevil and Bulldozer coming on like a freight train. Dragon Slayer and MacGyver weren’t far behind and they more or less rolled by us in short order. I looked back just in time to see Quicksilver closing on me. I still have enough of a gap to jump on it a bit and get away but she was close to passing me. We crossed over the hill and headed down to the Chevron Station for a regroup. Quicksilver rehydrated and fueled and I should have realized she was feeling pretty good with her new found power from her cleats. We started back out onto McCall and once again all got caught at the light on Murrieta. As we started the little grade up to Valley Boulevard Highlander and Surgeon were in front of me when Daredevil rolled by. I was tempted the give chase but figured I would take it easy when out of the corner of my eye I saw Quicksilver dropping the hammer and closing at warp speed on my back wheel. She screamed and laughed as she got by me and her smile was worth it. I got back in front of her by Cherry Hill and we all headed for Bradley together and headed to Newport.

We got to the light at Newport and all made the turn east back towards the freeway. My plan was for us all to get to Haun together so we could take the lane when the light changed and cross over the freeway overpass without being pushed into the curb by a line of cars. Sure enough it worked and with Quicksilver planted between Dragon Slayer and me. We got past the second light and Dura Max continued on for home while the rest of us headed for Jack in the Box. We stopped for coffee and conversation but the A group decided to head for home early taking Surgeon with them. The rest of the B group had our energy bars and something to drink before making the run back east on Newport/Domenigoni. Somehow I managed to get over the saddle first with Quicksilver trying to catch me all the way to the top. I stopped us till everyone was together and we dropped down the saddle and headed for Leon. I gave the lead to Highlander and he pulled us most of the way to Winchester. Quicksilver got the lead just before Winchester and pulled us back to almost to Warren. I started us towards Sanderson but Tax Man pulled around and ended up taking us to Sanderson and then north towards Stetson. I found myself in the position between Highlander and Tax Man and the trailing Quicksilver and Digger.

The tree of us caught Tax Man and Highlander at Stetson and then worked our way through the construction to Johnston where I turned for home leaving Quicksilver entrusted to three of my friends. I headed east past Kirby and finally Palm to turn for home. I had to take a quick shower and have lunch because I had a doctor’s appointment later in the day. I felt pretty good however after doing 40 miles with an average heart rate of 134. I was also very proud of Quicksilver’s progression in the few short weeks she has been riding in our group.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/14/13 Fridays are always unpredictable and this Friday wasn’t much different. All I knew for sure was it was supposed to be clear and warm. Other than that I had no clue how many riders we would have or what kind of pace we would have. So I got up, had breakfast, put on my kit and headed for coffee. I was standing there with Digger and Dura Max when Highlander arrived followed by Ruby Tuesday and T-3. Huntress called me and said she would meet us at Wally World and Dragon Slayer sent a text that he was in town but wouldn’t be riding today. Gambler and Bulldozer got there at the same time and we realize that we were about all that wanted to ride today. Right about 8am we headed south on Gilmore and west on Acacia to turn on Kirby.

This wasn’t going to be a long ride and except for the A group climbing the Marina hill there wouldn’t be much climbing. But it is always a nice ride. In fact for a Friday it is just about perfect. Heading south on Kirby no one was pushing it and we smoothly rounded the corner on Cypress.

We simply cruised through the housing tract on Cypress and turned onto Johnston to catch the light at Sanderson. As soon as it turned green we headed for Stetson to cross the light. I noticed Huntress waiting at the driveway to Wally World and she waited till we passed before dropping in on the back of the group as we headed for Mustang.

Our next move would be down to Domenigoni and east towards State Street. I was still in the lead as we rolled by Searl where Gambler and Bulldozer headed for the seven dollar hill and we continued on to State. I turned the lead over to Highlander who took us the Newport and gave it to Huntress. As we got to the hill where State turns to Cactus Valley Huntress rode the group off of her wheel and Highlander grabbed her wheel as they headed east towards Sage. Digger tried to close but they were getting away so I gave chase and managed to catch them by the Golf course and made it to the hill at the same time they did. After the Baptist church we all more or less kicked it into cruise and regrouped at the end of the road.

We met Gambler and Bulldozer on the way back to Sage and they turned to try a segment between Sage and Chambers on State. I told anyone interested that they could chase them and I fell back to ride with Dura Max. As predicted the two A riders hit it hard and the rest of the group was spread out between them and Dura Max and me. We followed the group through MacSweeney and regrouped on State.

A short break and we were headed north to Chambers. Huntress jumped on it as we left Domenigoni and I drafted her all the way to the rise. We had to bypass Chambers because of Construction and made our way to Thornton before getting back to Stetson and heading for Fairview. I ended up being one of the last ones to get to Wilson Mesa.

Our last challenge was the ride back down Fairview to Florida and then to Carl’s. Highlander suggested that I pull the group all the way back and I thought he was kidding. So I dropped off of Wilson Mesa before anyone else was ready. I had to back it off a bit for the group to grab a wheel and slowly I started to pick it up on our way to Stetson. Ruby Tuesday and T-3 left us before I crossed Stetson with Highlander and Huntress on my wheel like heat seeking missiles. I kept it in zone 4 all the way to the bridge and stayed in zone 4 about halfway between the bridge and Mayberry. Highlander, Huntress and I made it through the light on Florida and to Carl’s first. Digger and Dura Max pulled up as we were walking into Carl’s and so we sat down to coffee and conversation for about 15 minutes. We moved back out to the bikes and headed west to go home.

We dropped Dura Max off on Park and the four of us continued on to Devonshire. We had to pick up the pace a bit as Highlander’s horse could smell the barn. We got caught at the light on San Jacinto. We headed for Santa Fe and down to Latham and west again. Digger and I split for home at Palm while Huntress and Highlander continued west back to Burger King and Wally World. I got home feeling pretty good and had lunch and a shower. I didn’t even need a nap today.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) 6/12/13 Today was set up to be a bit longer ride and one that many consider a favorite ride. We were headed for Lake Perris after going through Winchester and Menifee. I was also expecting a lot of morning overcast and some light winds. To my surprise when I looked out of my windows this morning it was clear and bright and would require sun screen at the very least on my nose and ears. I had breakfast, put on my kit and headed for coffee with Digger and Dura Max. Starting at 8am may make it easier to get home by noon on a normal day but it also seemed we had to wait till the last minute for everyone to show up to start the ride. Surgeon and Highlander soon joined us followed a few minutes later by Gambler, Bulldozer and D’Artagnon. The last to arrive was Quicksilver and so we were ready to ride down Gilmore and head to Acacia.

We moved onto Acacia and over to Kirby in reverse order with the A group cruising in the back and the B group moving the pace in the front. We pulled up to the light on Kirby and finally turned towards the Railroad staying in the same order. Quicksilver pulled up next to me as we rounded the corner on Cypress and stayed there till we were out onto Johnston and at the light on Sanderson. Once we made the turn South I got us to Sanderson where Surgeon jumped to the front and pulled us towards Mustang.

Once we got to Domenigoni I figured the A group would pull away from the B group but they held back almost all the way to Warren road. Once they took the lead the true maturity of the two groups showed itself. The As took two of the Bs with them and so didn’t simply drop the hammer. The B group formed up and took turns cruising along and close to 21 in a pretty tight pace line. In fact the B group managed to reach the bottom of the Saddle just as the lead group stopped to regroup. We joined them about a minute later. After a short rest we dropped off of the back side of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger.

I dropped down the hill a little behind D’Artagnon and Gambler and followed them around the corner on Lindenburger. Gambler must have decided to try for a Segment on Lindenburger so he quickly left us and soon some of the others followed. I fell back t ride with Dura Max and we had to work to close on the group before they reached Simpson. But Dura Max persisted and we joined up with Quicksilver, Highlander and Digger just before catching the rest of the group at the Stop Light.

Once we were across the light Gambler and Surgeon took over the pull and took us up to Heritage and then through the housing tract towards McCall. As we came to McCall Gambler and D’Artagnon decided to roll by Bandit’s house and see if he was ready to join us. Bulldozer stayed with the rest of us as we cut over to Menifee and headed north again. We talked about Strava and other things as we moved towards the AM/PM and a break.

As we waited at the AM/PM Gambler sent me a text saying he had Bandit and two others. It seems he picked up Ted, Bandit’s father and a friend Neil. We suddenly were thirty three percent bigger as a group and both Ted and Neil were strong enough riders to help us along once we were back on Menifee and heading towards Nuevo. Gambler, D’Artagnon and Bulldozer hit it hard before we got to Mapes and faded into the distance before we crested the rise. Bandit stayed with his dad as we dropped down the hill to Central where I broke away and made a run for Nuevo and west towards Evans. I get managed to get to the breakaway group just before Bandit and his dad chased me down. We regrouped and headed for Evans and North together.

Once again Dura Max and I found ourselves chasing the group till they got caught at the light on Ryder and then we all made the ride to Ramona and finally the road to Lake Perris park together. The As took off and made a run at the Hill followed by Highlander and Surgeon. Ted and Neil took the rest of us to the check in gate and I stayed with Quicksilver, Digger and Dura Max. Quicksilver pushed me on the first part of the Hill till she had to shift and I got away to make it to the top just in front of her and Dura Max before taking the frontage road towards the Marina.

Quicksilver seemed pretty pleased with herself with her climb and was just as happy with the downhill heading to the Marina where we all regrouped for a nutrition break. We did some bench racing and got to know each other a bit better before getting ready to head for home. This would be Quicksilver’s first trip on the bike path around the lake and I was pretty sure she would be impressed. We all mounted up and headed for the east end of the lake.

Once again we split into two groups with the A group taking the majority of the riders with them, with Digger, Quicksilver, Dura Max and me following at a reasonable pace a bit behind. We made the big turn at the east end of the lake and headed slightly back towards the Dam. Quicksilver stayed with me all the way to the little hill sprint and then back through the steel bars and east to the top of the Bernasconi hill for one last regroup.

I knew this would be one of the last times we were all together because Bandit and his group would be leaving by the time they got to Lakeview and the A group would be pushing for home as soon as they got to Ramona. Once we were all out onto Ramona I tried to stay with Bulldozer and he headed for the bridge. I had just shifter into my 11 gear when we hit a bump and my chain tossed itself and wedged between the chainstay and cassette. The sudden stop of my spin shot pain from my foot all the way to my hip and if I hadn’t been able to coast to a stop and fix the problem I might have been hurt even more. The group I was with took pity on me and nursed me home all the way back to Sanderson and then Ramona Boulevard.

As we worked our way back to Lyon in a confusing wind I realized one of the things that makes our group special to me is how well we work together. Like I have said before we are more like a tribe and a bike club. We enjoy watching someone like Quicksilver improve even if it means one day she will be faster than many of us. We try and take care of those that aren’t firing on all cylinders or that are having trouble keeping up for any other reason. I was interrupted in my thoughts as I noticed one of our locals had a pen with American Buffalo in it before we headed into the wind and back to Burger King on Lyon.

We rode together till we got back to Menlo where Digger and Dura Max left us and Highlander decided to expend some of his excess energy and sprint down to Latham while Quicksilver and I took our time and cruised back to the parking lot before heading for home. I had Highlander give me a ride home to save my knee and was glad to sit down and have lunch before my shower. 50 miles was a good day and the weather was close to perfect. Yes I am glad to be part of this group.