By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Ok let us get to how I really feel about the weather wizards. I have been watching the weather predictions from everyone from the national weather service to the local weather wizards on TV. Early in the week they said it would rain Thursday and maybe Friday and so I planned our big ride for Wednesday and thought I might sleep in Friday, or do some shopping. Then Wednesday night the weather predictions kept bouncing back and forth from sixty percent chance on Thursday and fifty percent on Friday to zero. Sure enough it didn’t rain Thursday so I accepted their word that Friday would be as clear as Thursday. I debated on what jersey to wear and seeing that it was going to be rather cold I picked my White wool Peugeot team jersey and headed to Burger King for coffee. I got to Burger King and had coffee with Digger while we talked about how warm my jersey was and why I wouldn’t be wearing it in the summer. We also talked about all of the clouds moving in and rechecked the weather channel with another prediction of zero percent chance of rain. While I was talking Bloodhound and Highlander showed up followed by Papillon. RCMP arrived just before Phil from Beaumont and we were about ready to ride. I got a call from Daredevil that said he would meet us on our way to Domenigoni and we headed for Acacia on Gilmore. I was thinking about how nice it was having Highlander back in the fold as we moved onto Kirby and finally the turn onto Cypress where we picked up Barracuda.

Like many days Bloodhound was pushing the pace a bit and I was a touch concerned because Phil and Highlander hadn’t been with us over the last few days when the whole pace had been pressed from the beginning to the end of the ride. Today didn’t look like it was going to be a slow break in or welcome back ride for either Highlander or Phil. But as we moved onto Johnston and to the light at Sanderson I could see that Digger would keep track of Phil and all I had to do was keep Highlander on my wheel and I could try to keep the big dogs in sight. At least that was my thought as we headed south on Sanderson and picked up Daredevil in front of Wally World.

Once we turned onto Domenigoni things got interesting. Bloodhound started to move out and Daredevil moved up with him. I looked back and saw Highlander was with me and soon Phil and Digger were off the back and being swallowed by RCMP, Barracuda and Papillon. Daredevil pulled us to Warren and headed for the dry wash over pass. As we crossed the overpass and started down the back side we had a seven rider pace line just cruising at 24 MPH like we could do that all day long. Daredevil gave to lead to Bloodhound and I stuck to his wheel like a trailer. We stayed that was till we were halfway to Leon where I got a chance to pull. I figured they would all draft me to the saddle climb and then I would get smoked but they allowed me to lead them to the regroup on top.

Our next move was down the back side of the Saddle and past the light on Lindenburger. We made it through that light and headed for the light at Menifee. As we turned south again Bloodhound started to pull away a bit but Daredevil quickly pulled him in and I followed them past the elementary school and onto Holland and the hill just after it. Daredevil and Bloodhound started the climb first and I jumped out to see how quickly I could get up the hill myself. I got the lead briefly only to have Daredevil shut me down and pull away before we got to the stop sign. Still it was one of my better efforts and we waited for everyone to regroup before heading towards Scott.

We were still all together as we rode by Antelope and over the freeway. To my surprise the lead group turned on Haun as we got to the light. It may have worked out for the best because Highlander wasn’t interested in going up Scott to Murrieta so he got on my wheel as I gave chase to a group of three and they closed in on Daredevil and Bloodhound. The group turned onto Holland and headed west and I stopped to collect Highlander, Digger and Phil. We made our way to Murrieta and then jogged over to Holland again and worked our way out to Railroad Canyon before headed east. Once again we split into two groups but we managed to regroup once again at Murrieta in front of the Jack in the Box.

We decided to ride as two groups heading for home as I watched Bloodhound, Daredevil, Papillon, RCMP and Barracuda disappear around the corner on Antelope to get around the construction work on Newport. Highlander, Phil, Digger and I lost sight of them well before we got back to Menifee. We had been dodging small raindrops most of the morning so I had reason to question the wisdom of all of the weather wizards and there zero rain prediction. I took us to Lindenburger and then offered to pull the group to Winchester on Simpson. Highlander and I got to Winchester first and then headed to the Winchester market for coffee. We sat inside t talk because it was warmer but when we came out is was raining cats and dogs and the zero chance was busted big time. We tried to wait it out but it wasn’t letting up so Phil and I made trash bag ponchos and followed Highlander and Digger back to Burger King. I got home with soaking feet and 49 miles on the computer. I also had a grudge against the weather wizards.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I am beginning to believe the weather people are predicting weather for some place other than where we live. I knew it was supposed to be a bit warmer than Monday but when I got up this morning it didn’t look all that warm. Still I had breakfast, took a shower and started out with a base layer under my kit before heading for Burger King. I got there and had some coffee and conversation with Digger before Bloodhound arrived. Next Gambler pulled up followed by Huntress. Soon Tate, who I called Mike last week, joined us and just as we were getting ready to leave I let Isaac know we were on our way. As we moved out onto Latham MacGyver joined us and we headed north on Lyon.

We managed to move quickly past one street after another till we were past Cottonwood and in the distance we could see Isaac coming our way. I don’t know if I mentioned it before but Isaac has been keeping up with us riding a Track Bike. For the uninitiated a track bike is a fixed gear and still he was willing to come out and tackle a long fast run west on Ramona and climb over Juniper Flats and a planned ride over McCall and then Antelope. Anyway he joined us before we turned onto Ramona and headed for Sanderson.

Once Bloodhound took over the lead we quickly moved west to Sanderson and turned north to the expressway for a long run west towards Nuevo. As Bloodhound started us west I noticed Digger and Isaac were talking off of the back of the pace line so I asked for a 19 to 20 mph pace. Bloodhound let me pull and I kept it down till we past Bridge. Gambler started a run by pulling out around me. I was willing to let him go until Bloodhound, Huntress, Tate and MacGyver gave chase and like a dog chasing a cat I went with them. Soon people started to drop off and I was on Bloodhounds wheel. MacGyver pulled us about a third of the way to Nuevo and gave to lead to me for a few hundred yards before taking it back from Bloodhound and taking us to the light. We regrouped on Hansen before heading for Contour. From Contour we all headed up Juniper Flats and I fell back to sweep only to rejoin the group waiting for me at the Stop Sign on Juniper.

Once over the last little rise we had a swift decent down the south side of Juniper towards Florida. Bloodhound and MacGyver got an early lead and I started to close on them when Huntress almost flew by me followed by a Mini Van. I got on the Mini Van as it passed Huntress and closed on Bloodhound and MacGyver. I had a chance to pass but I was pretty sure that the Mini Van would try to pass them after the last turn of the hill and sure enough it did with me drafting it to sling shot by and take the lead. MacGyver and Gambler headed straight for Florida while Huntress, Bloodhound, Tate and I zig zaged over to Leon and then Florida. Huntress, Gambler and MacGyver turned left on Bridge while Bloodhound, Tate and I turned right and headed for the Stop Sign at the Elementary school. We made our way to Menifee while Isaac and Digger went back to Winchester to wait for us at Stowe. The three of us made it up McCall and over Hospital hill to Highpoint and then Sumner as it turned to Antelope. We crossed Newport and turned at the college to avoid the traffic on Newport. We came back down Menifee and then headed for Lindenburger and finally Simpson. We were joined by the wind in our face all the way to Leon and then headed towards the dump road.

We made the run east on grand and dropped onto the DVV sprint. I followed on Bloodhound’s wheel and started to plan a last minute spring around him to get to the flag first. However Bloodhound missed a shift making my job a bit easier and we laughed about me taking advantage of him when he was in the wrong gear to fight back, age and treachery as they say, and we all rejoined and road together to Winchester and up to Stowe to meet Digger and Isaac. Bloodhound couldn’t stop so it was just four of us for coffee, snacks and conversation and Winchester market. When we got back on the road it was time to wind down and head back to California and then Stetson to head east back to the airport. I decided to stay with them as we got to the airport road rather than take Stetson and Johnston home. We caught the light on Sanderson green allowing us a run north to Lowes to ride around to Acacia.

Digger left us at Gilmore and Isaac a few blocks later. Tate and I stayed together till we got to Palm and I headed for home. I got there with just a tick over 49 miles on the computer and the knowledge that I needed a hot shower and some lunch as soon as possible. It sure wasn’t a rest day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got up this morning to a clear blue sky and a temperature of about 46 degrees. It wasn’t like Friday with clouds hanging over us. I can take cold a lot better than I can rain or even drizzle.

Friday’s ride only had 5 riders to start a run to Nuevo and back on Ramona and two of them left us before Winchester. Still Huntress, Isaac and I made the ride and made it home safely.

I got to Burger King bundled like I might be heading for the slopes and some skiing. I had on long fingered gloves, a Balaclava, a base layer and long sleeve jersey, plus heavy weight tights and a wind proof jacket. However the warmest spot outside in Hemet must be the windows at the east side of Burger King and while having coffee with Digger I decided to remove my jacket. Later on that would prove to be a bad move. By the time we were ready to leave there were six of us heading down Gilmore to Acacia. Bloodhound was out in front like many days and pushing the pace even with a new rider, Mike, a friend of the new rider from the Hemet bike shop named Isaac that was with us Friday. We lucked out and made the light green on Kirby and headed south.

We made our way around the corner onto Cypress and headed for Johnston before turning north on Sanderson and then west on Wentworth heading for the airport. Bloodhound continued to push the pace and soon Daredevil was going after him. Shortly after we rolled by Warren Papillon passed me as did Mike and hooked up on the fleeing Bloodhound and Daredevil. By the time we got to California the gap between the front three and Mile was growing and Digger and I were closing on the slowing Mike. We caught him on Stowe and I pulled Mike and Digger to the regroup at Winchester. I know we had extended the original ride and I told Mike to stock close to the faster three once we were headed towards Domenigoni. He did fine and was with them after I dropped off of the original pull east back towards Warren. As digger and I rode by Sanderson we noticed Mike on the side of the road with a flat. We helped him change it before joining the rest of the group on Searl. We also picked up bandit and one of the CAS riders and rode up the Marina Hill together. We regrouped once again back on Searl and Bandit and his friend headed for home while Bloodhound, Mike and I headed for Domenigoni and towards State.

Daredevil flatted coming off of Searl and Digger told us that he wanted us to go on while he fixed it. Turned out he didn’t say exactly that and once he got the tire fixed he in hot pursuit all the way to State and then to Sage where he caught Digger and pulled his group past digger and onto the end of Cactus Valley road where Bloodhound and I were waiting.

Once we were all ready to go we started back towards Sage and a drag race was on. Bloodhound started down the hill at Sage. Daredevil started to give chase and I caught his wheel. The next thing I knew Papillon was on my wheel and we had closed half of the distance to Bloodhound. I took over the pull when we were about 150 yards back and got us to within 50 yards. Papillon got us to within about 20 yards and Daredevil helped us catch Bloodhound before he could get to McSweeney. Daredevil and Bloodhound continued on to Domenigoni and once we were all back together we joined then for the ride to Chambers. We worked our way over to Santa Fe and then east on Stetson where Mike left us and shortly thereafter Daredevil headed for home. I only noticed when I turned to get a picture and only saw Bloodhound.

I fell back to see where everyone went and Digger let me know that Papillon, Daredevil and Mike had headed for home. We lost Bloodhound in the distance and by the time we had moved to Lake we couldn’t see him any longer. Digger and I headed for Fairview and then to Wilson Mesa before we realized we were alone. We decided that with 40 miles on the computer heading t Carl’s sounded pretty good so we rode back to Florida and then to Carl’s for coffee and then headed for home for a hot shower and lunch. It may have been a cold day but it was a great ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another cold day and there was even a chance of rain. I got up and looked outside and decided it was worth a try. So I layered up and got ready to head for Burger King for coffee. As usual Digger was there before me and we had a few minutes talking before Bloodhound showed up. Not long after that we had Gambler, Quicksilver and MacGyver show up. The next one to arrive was Papillon and that seemed to be about it. Our goal was to head north towards Ramona and then climb through Lamb’s Canyon to first street and then over to Starbucks in Beaumont. I started us off by moving us out onto Latham and then north on Lyon. Bloodhound took off a bit as if he was eager to make it to the climb. The rest of us kept our pace and slowly built up speed the farther north we went. By Seventh Street we had started running in cruise mode of about 20 mph and were a lot closer to catching Bloodhounds back wheel. We did catch him just before Ramona and turned west towards Sanderson only to pick up Bandit on our way. This would be Quicksilver’s first ride up Lamb’s Canyon and Digger was willing to give it a shot even if it was only his second time. As we made it to Sanderson I was in a bit of a quandary because I knew Bandit, Gambler, MacGyver and Papillon would attack the hill but I also knew I should keep and eye on Digger and Quicksilver, at least this time so I ended up about two hundred yards behind the leaders and one hundred yards in front of the followers. Things stayed that way till Quicksilver closed on me just to let me know she had hit her stride and I pulled away again. Before we got the last rise leading to the dump I saw a rider pulled over to the side and ended up stopping to assist MacGyver fix a flat caused by a rather long finishing staple. We let digger and Quicksilver go on and gave chase a few minutes later. As we got to the last hill I could see we were gaining on Digger and Quicksilver was out of sight. I told MacGyver to go ahead just as we saw Gambler and Bandit heading back down the hill. The rest of the group was waiting at First Street and we had a small regroup there. MacGyver had to head home leaving Quicksilver, Bloodhound, Papillon, Digger and me to ride south to Commerce and then up to second street to head over to Starbucks and some hot coffee. There was just a drop or two of rain on our way there so we were concerned that it might rain. It was colder than it had been in Hemet. We had out hot coffee, except for Papillon with his cold Frapichino and decided to head for home before it got any colder.

We were led back to the main road down Lamb’s canyon by Bloodhound before started the log decent back to Ramona. Bloodhound was long gone by the time we got back to the dump. I took us to the last fast downhill and picked up Bloodhound at Gilman before we were all back in line and crossing the Expressway before turning on Ramona and heading to Lyon before heading south to get back to home. I left the group at Latham and headed for home myself. I decided to get a new chain and ended up with 32 miles by the time I got home. All in all it was a great ride, even if I forgot my Camera.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another Monday morning had rolled around and for some reason I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was cold and I think my body remembered Saturday morning and the cold rain at the start of the ride. Still I got up and had breakfast before hitting the shower and getting dressed for a morning ride. It was an easy one on paper and I decided to break out the Klein and give the freshly cleaned Tarmac a day off. A few moments later I was on my way to Burger King and coffee. Digger was already there when I got there and we stood around having coffee together. I knew Quicksilver wasn’t going to be there today but I was surprised not to see Tax Man. In fact by 8:30 it was just Daredevil, Red Rabbit, Digger and me. We moved out onto Gilmore and headed to Acacia picking up Bloodhound along the way.

After Bloodhound spun around and joined us we headed west to Kirby and pretty quickly made our way to Cypress. We moved rapidly west and south to Johnston and Sanderson before heading due south towards Stetson and then Mustang trying to make our way to Domenigoni. Bloodhound and Daredevel made the light on Domenigoni and Digger and I got caught. They waited for us and we all headed for Searl. After rolling through the light at Searl we made our way to State and turned towards McSweeney. We, more or less, regrouped as we moved through the housing tract heading back to State.

Once headed back to Domenigoni Daredevil started us moving pretty quickly to the light. He continued on till we were halfway down State before sitting up to let Digger catch up. We all hit the rise and rounded onto Chambers before regrouping once more and finding out Rabbit was going to go up Bautista. We moved back out onto Stetson before heading for Columbia and running through the Crest Street housing tract.

We made our way to Lake and then Stetson before running down to Fairview and heading north towards Florida and over past the Fire station and out onto Ramona to make our way to the river crossing and onto Soboba. Daredevil and Bloodhound headed into the canyon first followed by Digger and me. I was in no hurry today and so Digger and I chatted pretty much all of the way back to State and the stop sign where we headed south towards Ramona once more.

Once on Ramona Daredevil and Bloodhound moved quickly east and Digger and I moved not nearly as quickly east till we got back to Main and regrouped. After starting out again Digger and I quickly fell behind and were at least 200 yards behind as we got to Cedar. They were already at Carl’s by the time we got to New Chicago. Daredevil had to head back before we got there but Bloodhound stayed to have coffee with us. Rabbit showed up and as we got ready to leave Bloodhound headed home first. We started north on New Chicago towards Lincoln with Rabbit in tow.

Rabbit didn’t stay with us all the way and Digger and I rode back to Lyon together and stopped to look at a bike and talk to people at the Hemet Bike shop. After looking at some saddles and an old steel framed Nashiki we headed for home and I got a few extra miles in. It started out as a cold slow day but ended up being just the kind of ride I needed to start the week.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was Quicksilver’s birthday. It should be easy to remember because it was also Veterans Day. Picking my kit was easy as well because the Army Jersey and shorts just made sense. The only concern I had was the predictions that it would be rather cool. I don’t like wearing a jacket on a long ride unless it will be cool for the whole ride. So I risked only arm and leg warmers with my kit and headed for coffee with Digger. We were standing having coffee when Dura Max stopped by on his way to ride with T-3. As we talked Tax Man drove up followed by Dragon Slayer and Steve, well Steve came a bit later after fixing a flat tire. Barracuda and Papillon joined us just as Dura Max left. MacGyver and Quicksilver got there about the same time and just before Red Rabbit. As they all pulled over to the windows we were ready to head out to Latham and then north on Lyon. We didn’t get far before I had to stop and set the date on my camera and Rabbit kept rolling. But we caught him at Esplanade and continued north.

It didn’t take long before we were back up to speed and headed north again. We started to string out just a bit and I noticed Quicksilver and Tax Man were moving up to keep pace with me. I kept waiting for MacGyver or Barracuda to go by but they stayed with the group right up to the point where I heard quicksilver yell, “flat” and watched as Steve once again had to pull over to fix a tire.

As soon as we were back on the road I took us to Ramona and started us west towards Sanderson. At that point there was almost no wind so we were moving rather quickly to Sanderson and the Expressway. Steve decided to take the lead on the Expressway and pulled us to Warren where Dragon Slayer relieved him and picked the pace up. Once Barracuda pulled by the pace got crazy but I was enjoying it. I stayed with them till the wind got to Quicksilver and she was shelled off the back. I dropped back to get her and watched as everyone on the Barracuda train pulled away. We started to close a bit as someone got dropped in front of us. We lost them when some turned at the light and some went straight. We took a short break at Valero and then chased Digger towards the back gate, except he went to the front gate. I then chased MacGyver and Dragon slayer towards the gate on Bernasconi and finally to the ticket box just before the bike path.

In fact I spent a good portion of the day chasing MacGyver and was chased most of the day by Quicksilver and Dragon Slayer with Tax Man not that far behind.

As soon as we started down the bike path Dragon Slayer and MacGyver started to pull away. I followed Tax Man and Quicksilver over the little hill and then took the pull to give chase to the quickly fleeing duo of MacGyver and Dragon Slayer. We did reasonably well on the east end of the lake and could still see the two riders going onto the trees. But it was obvious we would catch them before they made it to the Marina where I was sure the resting Barracuda and Papillon would be waiting. But we didn’t care because it was a beautiful day and we were having fun.

After our break we got ready to head out of the front gate of the park while Digger, who came in that way, headed for the back gate with Tax Man. They got on the bike path while we worked our way to the exit road and headed for the Expressway.

As we left the park Dragon Slayer and MacGyver once again pulled away leaving Barracuda, Papillon, Quicksilver and I to roll over the two little hills and try to catch Tax Man and Digger. We got to Lakeview where Dragon Slayer headed for home and hooked up with Tax Man and MacGyver. Once we were past the stop light Barracuda offered to pull us back to Sanderson at a reasonable 18mph. We actually rode two wide almost all the way to Bridge Street where we spotted Digger and closed on him at the light on Warren where MacGyver left us. I pulled us from Warren to Sanderson and Barracuda took over again on the Boulevard and took us towards Lyon.

When we rounded the corner at Lyon Barracuda hardly slowed down and I was the only one on his wheel almost all the way to Cottonwood. I finally let Papillon by me and went back to get Quicksilver and Tax Man. Then Barracuda and Papillon pulled up a bit and let us catch up so we could ride back to Burger King together.

We finally made our way back down to Latham and turned for Burger King. We pulled in and wished Quicksilver Happy Birthday before heading for our separate homes. I got home about 15 minutes later looking forward to a hot shower and lunch. It had turned out much warmer than I planned but not some warm that I was over dressed. Still my dog needed a walk before I got my shower so I guess my cool down was a walking cool down. But as we have said before, today was one of those days that tell us why we live where we do.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It had been a while since I had a ride planned for Bautista so this Friday seemed like a perfect day for it. I know we did a climb last Friday and we might do another one next Friday but that is simply what happens when you live in a valley, sooner or later you have to climb out. So I showered and dressed and had breakfast before heading for Burger King to see how many were heading our way. Digger got to the parking lot just before me so we walked in for coffee at the same time. We had a little while to talk before Dura Max arrived even if he would be leaving again to join T-3. MacGyver and Bloodhound were meeting at Carl’s and heading for Idyllwild so they wouldn’t be joining us. Dragon Slayer showed up and Centaur came by with Phoenix for the first time in a very long time. Ferret and Tinker Bell drove up and that was about it. Centaur and Phoenix were going on their own ride so they left just before us and we headed to Latham to start our ride to Lyon.

I already knew it was going to be warmer than the weather wizards had predicted and realized I would have to stop somewhere before Bautista to remove arm and leg warmers or I would melt like an ice cream cone. I mentioned that to Dragon Slayer and he agreed to lead us to Fairview and stop so we could strip off the extra gear. We Moved down Lyon past Florida and Acacia to zero in on Johnston and then Stetson.

Stetson to Thornton was like riding on cobblestone but it smoothed out a bit once we were heading east. We soon passed State and stayed on Thornton all the way to Santa Fe before returning to Stetson and heading east again. Dragon Slayer started to pull away and Ferret went with him. The rest of us followed at a more sedate pace and made a turn onto Columbia heading to Crest Street to ride through the old neighborhood. As we headed towards Lake we spotted Centaur and Phoenix cruising along in our direction.

We soon pulled away a bit and I rode with Digger and Tinker Bell over to Lake and started north towards Thornton and then Stetson. Up to that point Digger has stayed with us pretty well managing to keep a good spin going only to be slowed down on the little rise on Lake. Tinker Bell and I rounded the corner onto Stetson with Digger right behind us. I placed myself between Digger and Tinker Bell and we all got to Fairview to regroup with Dragon Slayer and Ferret. Ferret and Tinker Bell headed towards Florida while we took off our arm and leg warmers and before they got back to us Phoenix and Centaur rolled by heading for Wilson Mesa. They would be turning back at the corner leading to Bautista and Dragon Slayer, Digger and I would start up Bautista without Ferret and Tinker Bell.

I started out between Dragon Slayer and Digger with about 30 yards separating each of us. My plan was to more or less cruise up the canyon and watch to see how digger was doing but soon I was closing on Dragon Slayer and made that first big right and started to pull Dragon Slayer towards the dam. We stood the crest the rise and I pulled away on a run for the top. I had quite a gap till I hit the last three hills and Dragon Slayer caught me. Getting caught gave me a second wind and I got my spin back and pulled as hard as I could to the top of the Canyon. We sat down and waited for Digger.

As Digger made it to the top we were surprised to see Ferret closing on his back wheel with Tinker Bell only a few feet behind. Everyone seemed to have a good climb up Bautista and so we rehydrated a bit and had a snack while getting ready for the ride back down to Fairview. It had turned into a beautiful morning and we were enjoying the sun so we got a county worker to take our picture before starting back.

The ride down the hill was harder than I expected. We didn’t make it to the first corner before we realized the wind was in our face and we would have to pedal every foot of the hill all the way to Fairview. Dragon Slayer and I took turns pulling back to the white Picket fence and then Ferret took the lead and pulled to the dam. I jumped him at the hill and made it most of the way to the sharp right before Ferret got by us again and this time there was no catching him. We stopped briefly at Fairview till Digger and Tinker Bell rolled by and then chased them to the bridge and all of us rode together to Florida and then to Carl’s. Dragon slayer had to leave as did Ferret and Tinker Bell so Digger and I sat down to have coffee just in time to see MacGyver and Bloodhound coming back from Idyllwild. They couldn’t stay either so we headed for home with Digger and I taking a detour back to State by way of old San Jacinto. We dropped down to Esplanade and rode home on Palm. I got back with just over 40 miles. I am glad we live where we can ride all year long.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We took it easy Monday so that we could get in a half century today. MacGyver had a route in mind so I simply brought it up and posted it. I had no idea how many wanted that long of a ride but it didn’t matter because I knew Huntress and MacGyver at least would be looking forward to it. It was Club Jersey day so I dressed in my kit and headed for Burger King and Coffee with Digger. Once again Dura Max left us to ride with T-3 but by 8:30 Bloodhound, MacGyver, Huntress, Digger, Papillon. Dragon Slayer and I headed south on Gilmore heading for Acacia.

Bloodhound was once again a bit like a puppy left off of the leash as he took off ahead of the rest of us and made it to Acacia. I followed him around the corner and headed west towards Kirby. We were in luck in that the light was red and Bloodhound had to wait for the rest of us. Once the light changed he was off again and headed for Cypress way ahead of the rest of us. At least he waited till we got on Cypress before heading for Johnston.

We stopped again at Sanderson and when we had a chance we were headed south towards Stetson where I passed Bloodhound at the light. We moved quickly past Wally world and zeroed in on Mustang before moving on to Domenigoni. My goal was to keep it at an easy 20 MPH heading for Warren even if that meant letting Bloodhound go. Bloodhound decided to soft pedal till we caught him and he offered to pull us all the way to the saddle just for practice. He had some trouble holding the pace down so everyone could hang on. We made it to Warren together and even over the dry wash together but we dropped one on the downhill side. However we caught the light at Winchester and were once again all together. That lasted to Leon where we started getting lined up for the Saddle Sprint. Dragon Slayer got the jump on all of us and I chased him to the top. It felt pretty good if I do say so myself. We regrouped and grabbed some hydration before dropping off the hill and heading for Menifee.

We did head down the backside of the saddle and rolled past Lindenburger as a group. And once again Bloodhound was well out front. However once again we got the light at Menifee and were all regrouped getting ready to head south towards Holland. As we were heading south Bloodhound started a run at the hill past Holland and at first everyone else stayed with the rest of us. But by Holland Papillon MacGyver and Dragon Slayer closed on Bloodhound leaving Huntress and I to battle it out running up the hill and Digger following.

As we headed for Scott Road Huntress, Digger, Papillon and I were left behind as Bloodhound took MacGyver and Dragon slayer with him heading east towards Leon. The leading group was well out of sight by the time Huntress and I made the light on Scott and headed east ourselves. Papillon brought Digger up as we crossed Leon and headed for Winchester. Digger fell back on the hill but we planned on him catching us at the Winchester Light.

Once Digger past us at Winchester we dropped down Washington like a freight train with Huntress and I taking turns pulling as much as we could. We made it to Benton just before Digger and we all headed west to meet up with the fleet three that had left us earlier. To tell the truth I wasn’t sure they would be waiting for us but they were still there as we pulled into the Station on the corner of Winchester and Benton. After a short break we were back on the road moving up Winchester and turning on Max Gillis to make our way to Los Alamos.

We broke into pairs as we headed west on Los Alamos. Papillon was with Bloodhound and I rode with MacGyver while Dragon Slayer and Huntress followed with Digger. We made rather short work of the rollers and as we crested the last big roller I pulled over for a regroup while Papillon chased down Bloodhound.

Once Digger has past us and headed for Whitewood we followed and caught him just as we got to the light and found Papillon and Bloodhound waiting. Dragon slayer and I started up the hill only to be past by Papillon as if he was on the flats and then soom Bloodhound came chugging along trying to give chase. But catching Papillon on a hill is like catching a Butterfly without a net. Dragon Slayer and I stopped at the light and waited till Huntress, MacGyver and Digger caught us. We then headed for the Hospital and over to Antelope where Bloodhound was waiting for us. Papillon had left, more than likely to go pick up his kids at school, and we headed north for the second time today. MacGyver, Huntress and Bloodhound missed the turn at Keller and so headed for home without dragon Slayer, Digger and me. We headed over to Menifee and north to Newport/Domenigoni and east. Dragon slayer and I rolled over the hill without missing a beat and waited for Digger at Leon.

Digger rolled by us and we started after him only to both get phone calls and have to pull over. Once we were back on our way Dragon Slayer and I started working together to see is we could run down Digger even if we couldn’t see him in the distance. Once we saw the overpass at the dry wash we could just see Digger passing over it. It was like two hounds spotting a rabbit and we worked even harder to run him down. We did finally catch him at Warren and ended up riding to Sanderson together. I stayed with them till we crossed Stetson and then headed east on Johnston towards home.

After we separated I easily made my way past Kirby and then Lyon and Elk with the wind at my back. All I had left was Palm and my home street and I was safely back at my house getting ready for a shower and lunch. 54 miles of a great ride and great fellowship is hard to beat. But them why try to beat it, just do it again Friday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a cold and cloud covered day as I looked outside this morning. It didn’t stop me dog from insisting on a walk first thing this morning but I was concerned it would keep people home from our bike ride. It didn’t really matter however because I was ready to ride even if I was the only one to get to Burger King. I got there and had coffee wit Digger and finally Dura Max while waiting for the rest of our riders. By 8:30 we had Daredevil, Bloodhound, MacGyver and Tax Man added to the mix. We hit the road 8:30 and headed South.

We had no trouble making it down to Acacia and then over to Kirby and once again south towards Cypress. My goal, as if my goal is ever accomplished, was to try and make this ride a simple slow recovery ride. I didn’t think I could control Bloodhound and wasn’t sure how fast Daredevil wanted to go so my plan was to take turns with MacGyver and pull Tax Man, Digger and Dura Max to the saddle at about 18 MPH. At least that was the theory as we made it to Johnston and then turned south again on Sanderson.

As we got to Domenigoni Daredevil decided to help us by pulling all the way to the saddle at about 19 or 20. The problem was that was too fast for some and Digger decided to fall back and ride sweep. Still everything was pretty good till we got to the dry wash where we had to back down just a touch and gather in Tax Man, but once back on he stayed with us all the way to Winchester where we were more or less back together. It broke up a bit before Leon where we started to gain on Bloodhound before regrouping at the saddle.

Dura Max and Tax Man decided to shorten the ride by going west on Newport while the rest of us went south on Menifee. As we moved towards Holland Daredevil fell back to give Digger some pointers on shifting, Spinning and climbing small hills. Bloodhound, MacGyver and I moved on to Scott after climbing the little hill just past Holland and Daredevil had Digger on Scott shortly after that. We all moved west on Scott to the Light at Antelope where we waited after Bloodhound made the light. Bloodhound was soft pedaling as MacGyver and I made it to Haun and then he started the run back to Holland. I went with him and MacGyver fell back to assist Daredevil, and Digger close on us by the time we got back to Newport and headed West again. Picture 35

Bloodhound missed the turn at Bradley and we had to call him back as we headed north. While Digger and I waited for him MacGyver and Daredevil made a run at Golf Cart Racing. Bloodhound hardly paused as he passed digger and me and headed off in chase of MacGyver and Daredevil. When Digger and I made our way to McCall and back over the freeway we saw the other three riders sitting at the Valero. We didn’t stop and that caused Bloodhound to give chase like a puppy chasing a cat. Daredevil and MacGyver pulled up to us at Hillpoint and then we all went after bloodhound waiting at the top of Hospital Hill. As we dropped down the backside of McCall Bloodhound decided to turn on Menifee while the rest of us continued on to Heritage and south towards Lindenburger.

We watched at the light on Simpson as Bloodhound rolled by and as soon as we turned east, Daredevil started to ramp it up and was overhauling Bloodhound. I held on to his wheel for dear life and watched as Bloodhound pulled over at Leon. We didn’t miss a beat as we continued on towards Winchester and ended up watching Bloodhound give chase once more. Daredevil didn’t slack off at all and we made it to Winchester well ahead of any pursuing riders. We soft pedaled heading north on Winchester till Bloodhound and MacGyver caught up. We all rode to Winchester Market and stopped for coffee. The ride was in effect over and Daredevil, Bloodhound and MacGyver headed for home. Finally we took it easy till we got back to Acacia and I headed for home myself. A cool day for sure but an enjoyable one none the less.