By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got up this morning to a clear blue sky. Clear blue it might have been but it was also only 47 degrees and I had a 41 or 42 mile ride planned. The bad part was I would have to dress warmly but the good part was I had a wool jersey I wanted to try out. I put on a base layer anyway thinking I wouldn’t need a jacket. As I headed for the door I was regaled in tights, base layer shirt, bibs and my new Wool jersey. I walked out onto my front porch and went right back into the house to get my jacket. I headed out to Burger King not really ready for the change in weather. I got to Burger King first and was joined for coffee by Digger. Soon we were joined by Dura Max and then Bloodhound. Daredevil pulled into the parking lot just as Dura Max was heading out to join T-3. By the time Huntress, Gambler and MacGyver arrived we were ready to go and moved out onto Latham to make our way to Lyon and North. Because it was so cold I was hoping we would start out slow but with Bloodhound leading the group there was no such luck. Soon we were headed to Cottonwood and Bloodhound was in the lead.

By the time we turned onto Ramona and headed towards Sanderson all hope of a slow start were dashed as Bloodhound kept that pace at 20+ all the way. Once we got to the expressway I had to shed my jacket. Wool is a lot warmer than my new jerseys and my jacket sure wasn’t letting it breath. Once back heading west we quickly bumped it up to 21 or 22 before Digger lost the draft and I went back to get him. We couldn’t close with the group but we stayed about the same distance back all the way to Lakeview. We regrouped and headed over the rollers towards Rider. I pulled as well as I could to Bernasconi and then tried to hold onto the big dogs to the second roller. I couldn’t hang with them so I saved a little for the ride down the hill and onto Rider for the sprint to Evans. I did manage to hit the light at Rider perfectly and was under full steam trying to catch the A group by Evans. After the regroup on Evans we took off again and made our way towards Nuevo.

By this point I was warming up pretty well. Bloodhound was playing nice and Gambler and Daredevil were busy talking as we rounded the corner onto the last straight before coming out at the light on Nuevo. I had been testing out a new saddle and up t this point it was working pretty well. As I was thinking about the saddle Huntress commented that my Jersey made me look like a bee and having seen myself in the mirror I had to agree.

Once on Nuevo the group started to spread out and soon I was in the back talking to Digger as Gambler left for home and Daredevil took everyone else to Menifee and headed for Florida. Somehow Huntress got separated from the lead group and turned on Mapes and Digger and I were too far back to see her. We continued on to the AM/PM station and then worked our way to McCall and then to Simpson. Bloodhound and Daredevil got s down to Winchester and we headed North towards Stowe. MacGyver left for home and the remainder of us caught Huntress just before she headed for home herself.

Digger and I fell back and chatted away as Daredevil took Huntress and Bloodhound back to Burger King. I rode with Digger to the airport road and then to Sanderson where I turned for home and a hot shower. I got home with 43 miles on the books and a surprising good ride.

Dodging rain, Fighting the wind

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I didn’t expect to get in a ride today because I was sure it was going to rain. In fact it did rain when I first got up and then it stopped and more or less dried out. I put on leg warmers, and a long sleeve jersey with a base layer and headed for Burger King just in case there was a chance to get in some easy miles before the rain. Digger was there but not dressed for riding so we sat inside and talked till Tax Man arrived. Papillon stopped by on his way home and asked about his new name. But by 8:30 am only Tax Man and I were heading down Gilmore to Acacia to start our free ride west. We were accosted by wind right out of the box and made our way to Kirby before heading south and moving through the housing tract to Johnston. Tax Man pulled us to Sanderson and then down to Wentworth. He was still pulling by the time we made it past the airport and back onto Stetson. He was still in the lead when we got to Warren and I took us to California. I gave up the lead as we rolled around the corner onto Stowe and we took turns leading to Winchester Farms.

We didn’t need much of a break on Winchester and so we headed for Simpson to go north to Leon. After fighting the wind all morning we still had it in our face as we moved south on Winchester. We had to take turns once we headed west again and the intervals kept getting shorter. Finally we made it to Leon and headed north to the Dump Road. The ride back east was much easier even if there was a drop now and then falling from the sky. We finally made it back to Winchester and I pulled us to Stowe once more.

We didn’t need a break this time and so we made for California with a slight breeze at our back. I took us to California and then Down to Stetson. Tax Man took us on Stetson past Warren and then back to the airport. I got us to Sanderson and Tax Man got us to Acacia. We then decided to stop at Hemet Cycle to visit with Robert before heading for home and a hot shower. It wasn’t a long ride but it got the blood flowing and maybe worked some of the Lactic Acid out of my legs. It never did rain real hard but maybe it was a good day to stay home and drink coffee.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) When I got up this morning and looked outside I couldn’t help but think of a Horror or Science Fiction movie. There was a layer of fog outside that looked like something the zombies or space aliens would come walking out of to capture the unwary. I considered wearing a long sleeve jersey and a long sleeve base layer. But I also expected the fog to lift and it was supposed to be in the 80s. So it was arm warmers, leg warmers, a sleeveless base layer under my kit and a small vest over it as I left the house. On the way over to the parking lot I was glad I remembered to turn on my rear blinker because if I could only see a block or so in front of me I was sure drivers would have a hard time seeing me when I got to Florida. Still I made it safely to have coffee wit Digger and spend some time with Dura Max before he left to ride with T-3. Still Huntress, MacGyver, Bloodhound, Highlander and Red Rabbit pulled out of Pep Boy’s parking lot and down to Lyon in front of me. I caught up by the time we got to Devonshire and took us up to Fruitvale.

I fell back to pick up Rabbit and the rest of the group started to fade into the distance. I slowly tried to pull Rabbit back to the group but it seemed like it was more effort than he could muster when it was this cool and overcast. Looking towards the east it looked like the sun was burning through but looking to the west it looked like a fog bank waiting to swallow us up. By the time I had Rabbit past Cottonwood I could tell we were never going to catch up but soon I saw there was some kind of mishap about a block before Ramona and I stopped to see if it was a flat. Rabbit continued on while we worked on the problem. A few minutes later we were turning onto Ramona and heading towards Sanderson.

As we headed was we had to stop and adjust the bars on Huntress’s bike and that let Rabbit get farther ahead. Once we had the bards adjusted we were on our way and quickly got to Sanderson and finally onto the expressway. Bloodhound took us to Warren and I took over heading past the first two dairies and then towards Bridge. Just before we got to Bridge we caught Rabbit and I thought about drafting him but he fell of rather quickly and we had to go around. I took us north on Bridge and we pulled away from Rabbit and past the cows and sheep.

As we got near the bend in the road on Bridge MacGyver, Blood Hound, Highlander and Huntress started a rather fast pace line that quickly dropped Digger. About 150 yards later Huntress dropped off and I moved up behind Highlander. As MacGyver picked up the pace a bit more Highlander pulled off and I had to close with Bloodhound. Just before Gilman Bloodhound pulled around to snipe the segment from MacGyver and I went with him. We all laughed as we waited for everyone to regroup at Gilman. Sometimes it feels good to just run yourself and test your stamina. That is at least how I felt. After a few minutes I took the lead and headed for Sanderson. About halfway there everyone fell off and I headed for Sanderson alone until Bloodhound ran me down. We got to Sanderson together and waited for everyone else. MacGyver flatted and decided to call it a day and called for a ride. The rest of us headed for Ramona and the turn towards state. Bloodhound didn’t slow down much till we got to State and stopped for a nature break. We then pulled back out onto State and headed towards Soboba.

When we started down Soboba Bloodhound once again set the pace and by the second roller I had to close on his back wheel and hang on as we moved away from the rest of the group. He sure wasn’t acting like this was a training cruise but then he is going to La Quinta. I stayed with him to the rise at the golf course and then I passed him on the hill before the last green where we will regroup. He caught me again just before we stopped.

After we left and headed for the bridge a burnt my last match for the day and got to the hill sprint first. From then on I just followed Bloodhound back on Ramona till we got to the light at Hemet Street and headed for Cedar. Once we made the turn I was ready to cool down before we got to Florida but Bloodhound kept on going and I had to follow him to Carl’s. When we got there Rabbit joined us for coffee. We didn’t seem to stay all that long before we had to get back on the road and head back to the west side of town. Bloodhound left us first and then Highlander made a run for the barn while Huntress, Digger and I followed back to Palm. Digger turned for home and I dropped Huntress off at her car and headed for home myself. It was just over 40 easy miles and I was ready for a shower and lunch, but first our dog was ready for a walk. At least I got a second cool down.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Time is ticking down to the Patriot ride and we have backed off for the next two rides just to make sure we aren’t overly tired. So it is pretty simple to put together two simple rides and more or less take it easy. What isn’t so easy is to hold yourself back when someone takes off on a ride you have planned on cruising. I was going to learn a lesson that assured me I am not riding the Friday before the Century. I headed out to Burger King and had coffee with Digger as usual. Dura Max stopped by on his way to ride with T-3 and we talked while MacGyver, Highlander, Tax Man and Quicksilver arrived. It wasn’t a big group but it should be easy to keep together over the whole ride. We pulled out onto Latham and moved over to Lyon to start north towards Ramona and the ride west. We only had two stops planned before we stopped for coffee and we planned to hold the pace to just enough for the slowest rider to have to work to stay up and not too slow so the faster riders would get bored. I knew I wouldn’t get any pictures on Ramona so I got one before we turned off of Lyon and onto Ramona.

I was a bit surprised to see Tax Man take the lead once we got to the Expressway and pulled us almost to Warren. I took us to the driveway where the dogs normally come out and chase us; they didn’t come out to play today. Shortly after passing that dairy MacGyver pulled up front and set the pace for the rest of us as we crossed Bridge. We were moving a bit faster than I plan on setting the pace for the new riders when we do the century but as long as everyone was in the pace line I was happy. MacGyver was pulling like a machine and mile after mile we stayed on pace as we got close to Lakeview. We got a break in traffic just as we came to the light and popped over to the frontage road to make a stop at the Valero Station.

Tax Man and Highlander pulled us most of the way to Nuevo after we left the gas station. As we turned onto Nuevo Highlander pulled away and headed for Central and then down to Menifee. We all rounded the corner onto Menifee and then through the stop sign and towards the Nursery. Once again MacGyver tool the lead and pulled us to Mapes. Only Digger had a little trouble with the pace up to the nursery and by Mapes I pulled around and made a run for Florida. We had a slight headwind so I didn’t expect any great top speed but I did lead us to the light at Florida and a quick stop before heading south again. Once back on Menifee we only had to make it to Simpson before could turn east. After we rolled by McCall MacGyver jumped the segment heading for Simpson. I planned on watching him go and stayed with the group. Comfortable as the pace was Quicksilver couldn’t resist pulling away on the hill. Highlander tried to tell me she had too big of a lead but I wouldn’t listen and I took off after her and chased her all the way to Simpson. Once heading east it took us a moment to regroup before we headed for Leon. Quicksilver and Highlander left us and it took almost all the way to Leon before the rest of us could catch them. Next we headed for the DVV sprint and Quicksilver managed to turn in a very respectable time before we had to continue on to Winchester before stopping at the Winchester Market for coffee. We met Dura Max and T-3 at the market and then headed for home once the coffee had done its job. Quicksilver and I had to chase Highlander and Tax man all the way to California and then Digger took over and pulled us around the corner and halfway to Warren again. I got back up front and took us to the airport road where I left for home. I got home about 10 minutes later. I took a shower, had lunch and took the dog for a walk. My legs felt fine but if I were to ride Friday I know taking it easy would be hard to do. So After my shower I sat back and watched some TV and had lunch and started think of an easy ride for Wednesday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was looking to today’s ride and plotted one of our nicer looking rides with a climb profile a lot like a small version of the Patriot Ride on the 26th. It should be noted I didn’t advertise today’s ride as an easy ride because that only incites some riders to push harder. I have tried to make riders like Dutch Treat a Century pace only to have most of the group leave me riding sweep by the time we get to Domenigoni. So I had breakfast, Put on my kit, checked my tires and turned on the Garmin as I headed to Burger King. Digger and I had coffee while waiting for the others to arrive. By 8:30 we had a good A group with MacGyver, Gambler, Bulldozer, Bloodhound and Shadow (Who has convinced me he has a cultural problem with the name Shadow so I have changed it to Papillon.) The B group would consist of Highlander, Digger, Huntress, Quicksilver and me. Dura Max and Von Richtofen but they left to ride with T-3. A few minutes later we hit the road on Gilmore and made our way to Kirby and south.

I didn’t think the pace was all that fast as we made our way towards the railroad tracks and up to Cypress. Somehow I made it to the corner of Cypress first and as I headed west I expected to be swallowed up by the group behind me. It didn’t happen however and I made it almost to Johnston before they rolled up on me.

As I was absorbed by the group I more or less fell in with Bloodhound and rounded onto Johnston and stopped at the light on Sanderson where we all had to sprint for a green before turning south on Sanderson. It looked like everyone had made it so we headed for Stetson to see if we could make that light before it turned red. Soon we were passing Wally World and making our way towards Domenigoni.

Bloodhound took the lead as we rounded the corner onto Domanigoni and west. He slowly picked up speed till we were moving along about 22 or 23 MPH. When Bloodhound gave up the lead I took over but didn’t get far before MacGyver came up and took over for me. The rest of the A group caught us by the time we got to Winchester where Gambler and Bulldozer pulled us side by side about halfway to Leon. Gambler started to pull away and Bloodhound went with him followed by Bloodhound, Papillon and me. Gambler pulled hard almost all the way to the saddle when Bloodhound took over followed by Papillon. When Bloodhound mis-shifted I got past him but not in time to catch Papillon dancing on his pedals. Still I chased him to the top of the Saddle where we waited to regroup.

Once we were ready to drop off of the Saddle I followed everyone down to Menifee and we got ready to head south once again. Just as soon as we made the turn Highlander and Quicksilver started trying to psyche me out about the climb up the hill on the other side of Holland. However this is not the first time we have played this game. Highlander will try and bate me and as I watch for him to make a move the lets Quicksilver or Huntress roll by him on his right and see if I have enough steam to catch them. Today was not going to be one of those days. But instead of Highlander plotting my demise Quicksilver started making false sprints as she passed Holland and closing on Bloodhound. I dropped into the small ring and jumped the hill way too soon. In fact part way up the hill I just spun out. Did I mention I went way too soon? None the less only Bloodhound caught me and we regrouped once more at the flat on top of the hill. It was time to remove arm warmers while we all got back together and got ready to head for Scott. This time I waited till Highlander took the lead and Bloodhound was following before I started to pick up speed. Bloodhound pulled around Highlander and I had Quicksilver on my wheel till we hit the little rise about a quarter of a mile from Scott. I jumped around Bloodhound on the rise and we pulled away and made the turn onto Scott and west.

Now we had to start thinking about the long grade up Scott to Murrieta. Normally I just set a pace and stick with it but shortly after we got by Haun Bulldozer, Bloodhound and Papillon rolled by and for reasons only known to my unconscious mind I went with them. That was not going to be my last example of foolishness as we got closer and closer to Murrieta. Bulldozer got up on the pedals and started to pull away from Bloodhound. Papillon went with him and I got up to give chase. Well I didn’t catch him and soon was very short on matches as we topped the last rise and fell off the back before we turned north on Murrieta. I had to watch as Bulldozer, Bloodhound, Papillon and MacGyver got away and headed north. I did get to Holland shortly after they did but I waited till the group caught up before following Quicksilver, Huntress, Papillon and Digger up the rollers towards Railroad canyon. As we got close to the homes about halfway up the hill I pulled forward and got a shot of half of our “Girl Power” team talking, ( Translate that to plotting) as we got to the shade of the young trees.

We pulled up to the A group at the corner leading to Railroad Canyon and then headed east to find Highlander who was supposed to be waiting at the real-estate parking lot just before the exit from the canyon. We would have to make a stop at Murrieta because Quicksilver was out of water but in effect we were on our way home. The As took us east on Newport till we got t Antelope and then we had to go a jog over to the college to get back to Menifee and get around the construction on Newport. We then headed east to Lindenburger where we split into two groups with the Bs heading towards Simpson and the As heading for Sanderson on Domenigoni. I pulled us to Simpson and started us east towards Leon. By Bridge I gave up the lead and we took turns pulling to Leon. Huntress had the lead about halfway through the first stand of trees and I came up to relieve her after we came out and were headed for the last stand of trees. As I pulled towards Winchester I got this feeling that I may be setting myself up for a sprint attack by Huntress and Quicksilver when we got to the last stand of trees but I must have looked fresh enough that they waited and followed me to Winchester and then North to Winchester Market and Coffee. T-3, Von Richthofen and Dura Max were there just as we pulled up and they left just before we did, but after a short break we were back out onto Stowe and headed east ourselves.

I still had some fuel in the tank as we got to California and headed for Stetson. Highlander and Quicksilver stayed on my wheel and followed me part way down Stetson. However when I sat up to let them pass they stayed behind me and followed me to Warren. I decided to go back with them to Burger King to follow the course map on the Garmin to the end before heading home. We made it past the Airport and then to Wentworth riding towards the light at Sanderson.

Once we got back to the parking lot we spent a few minutes talking before I headed for home and a hot shower and lunch. I was just short of 50 miles on the computer and my map on the Garmin was cleared and easy to ride for the whole ride. Yes it was a good day to be on my bike with friends.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Because Monday was such a windy day both going and coming a easier day was requested for today. Well I have found out that calling something easier and flatter may make it flatter but not necessarily easier. Quite often a flat ride turns into a rather fast ride. As I made my way to Burger King to have coffee I could only hope the ride would be as advertised. By 8:30 Dura Max had left to ride with T-3 and the rest of us headed for Acacia on Gilmore.

We had a good social group today and an addition of a CAS rider Ciocc. He was kept company by Gambler and Bulldozer. Girl power was out in force with Huntress and Quicksilver. Centaur had joined us after a long absence and Bloodhound and Shadow was with us as well. Highlander and Digger rounded out the group as we made our way over to Kirby and then to Johnston to head over to the Airport to get back to Stetson.

Highlander took us off of the Airport road and out onto Stetson and headed west towards Warren. We had a little traffic at the corner but soon were picking up speed heading towards California. Bulldozer pulled out front followed by Bloodhound and at first I thought Highlander was going to give chase with Quicksilver and Huntress in tow but he didn’t. I fell in line and kept an eye on the back of the pack. As we rounded the corner onto California everyone but Bloodhound and Bulldozer were pretty much together and I ended up taking up the front position as we got ready to turn onto Stowe.

I settled into a steady pace of about 20 or 21 to makes sure we all stayed together and got in the tuck position to get out of a slight head wind. As I did I heard a mumble coming from Highlander that he had lost his draft so I ended sitting back up and pulling all the way to Winchester and the parking lot for another regroup.

We added Bandit to our group as we got to the corner and after taking a short nature break we were back out onto the road and headed south on Winchester towards the dump road. I started the pull and stayed up front till Simpson where Bloodhound and Bulldozer once again moved off and pulled away from us. Still we all got to Domenigni at the light and waited for the ride east. After making the turn several of the big dogs passed me and I started to go with them. I looked up to see a big gap between me and the rest of the B group so I backed off and worked with them as we headed for the dry wash and Warren. Bloodhound did most of the pulling and I only gave his a brief bit of help twice maybe three times before dropping back to sweep. Our next regroup was at State and Domenigoni.

We had dropped Digger back on Domenigoni well before the dry wash so we had time to shed arm and leg warmers if we wanted to. By the time he pulled up we were ready to go because we had a green light and Highlander was getting antsy.

I decided to fall in behind Bloodhound and get a free ride north on State. I noticed none of the big dogs we pulling up so I figured I could follow Bloodhound almost all the way to the rise before jumping out and making a run to Chambers. I did in fact get away with my plan and made it to Chambers first only to have Bloodhound roll by me and make it to Buena Vista in front. He then took us out onto Stetson and towards Columbia. However he decided to head for home before we got there. Everyone else other than Highlander and Digger turned on Columbia and headed for Thornton to get to Crest.

We made our way to Crest and cruised by the old homes on a quiet street without even one car passing us. We made a quick right and then a left and were now riding past old Horse property. Huntress started pushing the pace a bit as we got to the next right and moved us quickly towards Lake. Quicksilver had been stalking me to out sprint me on anything that even looked like a hill so I was careful to watch her as we got to the turn and rolled over the little bump before she could try and sprint by me. We were all then on our way back to Stetson.

Huntress got out front on Stetson and pulled all the way to Fairview. The group split up at Fairview with half going to Bautista and half going to Cranston on Florida. Highlander, Huntress, Quicksilver, Digger, Centaur and I pulled out onto Florida and made our way to Cranston before turning around and coming back to Carl’s. After some coffee and conversation we headed for home and had to chase Highlander almost all the way. We stayed and visited at the cars for a moment and I headed for home and a hot shower. Yes it was a flat ride and yes it was very social but at times it was a bit faster than I had planned. Still it was a great day to be with friends.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a new year for me with my birthday being Friday. I had a new kit I got for my birthday. I planned a new ride to celebrate all of those things. I got up, had breakfast, took the dog for a walk and came home to get ready for the ride. It was cool but I chanced not wearing a jacket and headed for Burger King. I got to Burger King and had coffee with Digger and watched a small group assemble to start our ride. By 8:30 we had Highlander, Tax Man, Bloodhound, Shadow and MacGyver heading out on Latham to Lyon and going north. It was still a bit cold as we rolled on past Seventh Street heading for Cottonwood.

Slowly we picked up the pace a bit and I was still leading as we got to Ramona Boulevard and headed for Sanderson. There was a light breeze running into us as we moved west and I the lead as we closed in on Sanderson. We rolled around the corner and headed for the light but didn’t make it before it turned red.

Once on the expressway Bloodhound took over the pull and got us headed towards Warren. We stayed in a pretty nice pace line past the first two gates and weren’t even chased by dogs. Shortly after getting past the last gate Bloodhound gave up the pull and I took over again. Just before Bridge MacGyver pulled in front and I fell to the back to ride sweep. It took us a while before we stopped at the Valero and Digger continued on. After a short break we headed for the back gate of Lake Perris. As soon as we climbed the hill and dropped down onto the bike path we started to spread out as Bloodhound put the pressure on the backside TT.

It was turning into a beautiful morning as we navigated the east end of the lake and started to curve around to head west through the trees, past the day camps and onto the path heading to the Marina. Shadow and Bloodhound got to the Marina while MacGyver and I pulled out onto the street heading to the Transition road and waited for everyone. There was some debate when one or two riders realized we would be leaving through the north end of the park but soon we were on our way and crested the small hill leading to the North Gate.

The ride down the hill out of the north gate is rather quick but we all made it through the light and headed west towards Lasalle and south as it turned into Evans. One of our riders needed a nature stop so when we got to Ramona again most of us headed west to Mickey Ds while MacGyver went east and headed for home. When we were headed back east we moved over to Rider and then back onto Ramona only the climb over the two little hills and straight into the wind. We picked up Shadow and Bloodhound at Lakeview and slugged our way back towards Bridge.

Finally shadow rolled to the front and offered to pull us back to Sanderson. There is a reason we call him Shadow even if he wants to be called “Big Ben” because you can’t draft a Shadow. And we couldn’t draft him either. We finally got to Sanderson and he was waiting for us. We decided to stay on Sanderson as long as we could to avoid more head winds.

Digger turned off before we got to Devonshire and I managed to catch everyone as they turned the corner onto Devonshire and we headed back towards Gilmore. Soon we were by Kirby and then making the turn towards the parking lot. We all stopped to talk for a few minutes before I headed for home and a shower. I rolled up to my door with 53 miles on the computer and a feeling that even with the wind we had a good ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got this up morning wondering if I was feeling any older than I did Thursday. I wondered if I was up to riding my age and I wondered if anyone was interested in doing the ride with me. After all riding Bloodhound’s age is pretty easy but mine would be a metric and then some. It was also cold when I left the house, about 47 degrees. Still when I pulled into the parking lot Digger was already there. While we had coffee Bloodhound rode up as did Gambler and Highlander. Gambler had his new built up BH with him dressed in seasonal Black and Green. Highlander and Huntress arrived. I was surprised with a birthday card and a gift before we headed for Latham and east to Lyon.

It was defiantly jacket time as we rounded the corner onto Lyon and started south. I knew we might pick up Daredevil once we got to Domenigoni and Sanderson. I didn’t know if he realized we would be taking State Street to get there. Still we made our way down Lyon and past Johnston to start our trip.

As we crossed Johnston and headed for Thornton I wondered how in the world anyone ever managed to race a bicycle on the roads of Roubaix France. Lyon past Johnston is a mess and riding on it makes your bike vibrate like one of those beds in the movies where you had to put coins in to make it move. Thornton was better but the cracks across the street in the beginning are a bit like little curbs. However soon we were off of Thornton and onto State heading for Domenigoni.

Bloodhound took us west on Domenigoni and I stuck to his wheel like a trailer. Sure enough we cruised past Searl and headed for Sanderson to see Daredevil waiting at the corner. As we past the light he joined in and was followed by Shadow as we headed for Warren. I expected to have to help Bloodhound pull by the time we got to the dry wash but Gambler took care of that and started a pull that would take the whole group to the Saddle for a short break.

Gambler, daredevil and Bloodhound would be leaving early because they were doing a century ride Saturday but they stayed with us as we turned on Menifee to avoid the construction between Menifee and Antelope. That left Shadow, Huntress, Highlander, Digger and me to ride up to the elementary school and over to Antelope to cut back onto Newport and west again. We rode over the freeway and past Haun and then Bradley. By the time we got to Carl’s we decided we didn’t need to stop and so moved on towards Railroad Canyon.

To be honest in years past I did not look forward to Railroad Canyon but today I hit the bottom of the hill just past Goetz pretty hard and pulled it almost to the top in a full spin. The problem was Shadow was in the group and my two legs weigh more than he does. It didn’t take long for him to close with me and once over the first hill he simply fell in on my back wheel. The second problem with Shadow is I can’t draft him uphill. Well in fact drafting Shadow is like; ok I’ll say it, drafting a Shadow. We traded places all the way through the canyon and waited for the rest of our group at the turn past Mickey Ds. Our next move was down to Coradon and then over to Grand to start around the lake. Highlander put his head down and made a run for Ortega that all in all was pretty respectful. Huntress and I caught his after about a mile and she and Shadow pulled away to round the corner and head for Jack in the Box.

We couldn’t stay long because Huntress had to get back by 1pm so after a quick cup of coffee we were headed for Lake and south to Elsinore proper. I got us moving and south on Lake and pulled against a small head wind back to the Lake and onto Graham.

We had no trouble getting to Main and started to move back to Lake and head for Mickey Ds and the run at the canyon. This time last year I would be tired by this point in the ride and dreading the climb back through the canyon. Today I thought I could pull Huntress up the hill and give her a better shot at getting home on time. However I didn’t pace myself correctly and dropped her so I just continued on and dropped down to the next hill and got caught at the last light by Shadow. Shadow and I decided to wait and canyon Lakes estates to regroup one last time.

We dropped down out of the Canyon and past Goetz where Huntress took over the pull to set a pace that would get her home on time. At first I was going to have Shadow ride with her and I would go back to pick up Digger but we realized even she couldn’t draft off of Shadow. So as we got to Murrieta I decided to pull her home but we picked up Barracuda so I felt he would be a better choice and both he and Shadow could set a pace back to Sanderson.

Just as Barracuda started to pull towards Bradley Shadow flatted and so we set Huntress and Barracuda free and Digger, Highlander and I stopped to help Shadow. It didn’t take long before we were back on the road and headed to the Freeway and Antelope. We decided to stay on Newport past Antelope and while we made it safely we agreed the road is in bad shape and should be avoided. Finally we were back over the saddle and headed for Winchester. We took turns pulling till we got to Winchester and somehow we got the light green. We ran in twos all the way back to the dry wash. Shadow and I sprinted to the top of the wash, he beat me, and then soft pedaled till we were all back together and Shadow pulled away a bit before we caught him at the light on Sanderson. Shadow left us at Mustang while Digger Highlander and I made our way to Lowes and around back to get to Acacia.

We did a reasonable job of cruising Acacia till we got to Gilmore and headed for the parking lot. Digger stopped for a moment before heading home. I stayed for a few minutes talking to Highlander before heading for home myself. I rolled by 66 miles as I got back to Lyon and made it to 67 by the time I got to my front door. Not bad for a birthday ride and to be honest I enjoyed the company as much as I enjoy the ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another week and another chance to get in a good ride before bad weather sets in later in the week. The only drawback I could see was some of the A group had done the Perris century and I was worried they might stay home and recover. But to my surprise some of them showed up and joined us. I got to the parking lot in time to have coffee with Digger and Dura Max and wait till others arrived. At first I thought only Bloodhound would be joining us and we would have to draft him all the way down Domenigoni. However Gambler and Daredevil pulled up and I knew it could be a good group leading out on our ride. That left Highlander, Tax Man, Surgeon, Digger and me. Dura Max left us to ride with T-3 and the rest of us took off down Gilmore and onto Acacia before turning south on Kirby.

Bloodhound was moving at a rather rapid pace and I could see no reason to ride sweep so early in the ride so I pulled up on his back wheel and followed him to Cypress and made the turn west. It was just about a perfect morning and up to this point there was no wind. Bloodhound had us separated by about 25 yards as we got to Johnston and turned right. As we got to the light on Sanderson I was worried that we would make it and leave most of the group behind. But the light stayed green and we all made it and headed for Stetson and Wally World.

As we got close to Mustang Bloodhound started to pick up the pace. Once again I closed on his back wheel and followed him around the corner and west on Domenigoni. As we got in a pace line Bloodhound turned the power up a bit like turning on a faucet. I was very surprised the whole group held together as we rolled on towards Warren and I was still hanging in there as we rolled by the light. Bloodhound stumbled just a bit going up the overpass at the dry wash so I pulled around and took over as we headed for Winchester. The A group came by when we got by Winchester and in a moment of confusion I gave chase. We had picked up both Coyote and Bandit before we got to Winchester. Coyote went Back to work with the B group and I chased the As to the saddle and over to Lindenburger.

We waited for everyone to make it over the saddle but Bloodhound and Surgeon rode on to Menifee while we waited. As soon as we were all together we moved on to Menifee and headed south once more. As we got to the park I expected to see Bloodhound and Surgeon but they had gone on to the climb on the other side of Holland. I managed to stay with Gambler, Bandit and Daredevil as we climbed the hill and regrouped at the top where the road widens. Bloodhound and Surgeon were waiting for us there. We headed for Scott road together but right after passing Garboni the A group took off again and again I chased and we managed to once more break the group in two. After turning west on Scott I pulled over the wait for the B group and stayed with them till we got back to Antelope. The A group was long gone and headed for the gas station on Murrieta and Newport. I figured I would pull the B group down Haun and back to Holland.

Sure enough I took the lead and pulled the group to Holland, where Highlander, Surgeon, Tax Man and Digger headed for Newport and Coyote and I rolled on to the little hill on Holland. Coyote and I headed for Murrieta and easily rolled over the hill and north towards Newport. We got there just before Highlander and his group. Once again we had a quick regroup before heading to McCall and Hospital hill.

I chased the big dogs most of the way up the hill and then down to Menifee where I waited for the B group and watched the A group head for home. Once the B group was back together we rode down Heritage to Lindenburger where Coyote broke for home and I took the lead and pulled us all the way to Winchester and then up to Winchester Market for coffee and conversation.

Once we were ready to get back on the road Tax Man and Digger were a little slow getting out to Stowe and Surgeon simply slipped away while Highlander and I waited to pull them to California.

We were quite a way behind Surgeon when we got to California and more than likely he had already made it to Warren before we turned onto Stetson. Highlander was getting his second wind when we got to Stetson and took over the pull all the way to Warren and then again to the airport road where I left them to ride to Sanderson and then Johnston before getting back to my house with 41 miles on the computer. I have to admit getting to play once in a while is a lot of fun even if later on my legs complain.