By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It looked like a good day for the last road ride of the year and how could we end it but with a simple ride with training climb. Juniper flats has always been a challenge not because of the difficulty but because it lets you push yourself or cruise depending on how you feel Plus you get a good speed run west on Ramona. So I posted the ride the night before and got a good night’s rest. The next morning I had breakfast and got dressed before heading to meet Digger for coffee. I got there just a few minutes later than normal and Digger, Highlander, Doug and Dragon Slayer were already there. Bloodhound arrived after I got coffee and Sue, “Tonto”, pulled up just before Phil arrived. A new rider named Nathan arrived; he is a friend of Mantis, as did MacGyver and Albert. 11 of us were ready to head out onto Latham and north on Lyon to meet up with Mantis.

We were stretched out over two blocks before we even got to Fruitvale so I pulled the group over and regrouped and then sent Phil to chase Bloodhound towards Cottonwood. Soon Dragon Slayer and Doug went after them. By Ramona Boulevard I had the rest of the group up to the fleeing foursome. We headed west to Sanderson and finally were all turning at the light on the Expressway. I managed to take the lead and pull us down to Warren and then fell back to take up a place as sweep. The group held together till we got to Bridge Street and I took over the pull for second but smaller group. We all made it to the stop light Hansen and regrouped on the corner.

We gave everyone the option of taking the bypass down Lake to Menifee but only one took the offer and the rest of us headed for Contour to zero in on the Juniper Flats run. I regrouped everyone on the corner of Hansen and Contour and promised to wait for everyone to regroup at the top of the climb. As soon as we were on our way Bloodhound took off followed by Mantis and he was followed by Dragon Slayer. I was planning on just cruising the hill till Doug rolled by on his way to close on Mantis. I moved off after him with Dragon Slayer tossing out encouragement as I pulled away. I knew I wasn’t going to catch the young guns but I also knew I had a possible PR if I could keep my spin up. About halfway up the flats I noticed a rider closing on me and was pretty side it was Dragon slayer making one of his last half of the hill charges. I kept the spin going and tried to keep my distance till I was closing in on the last kick up before the stop sign. By then I knew the closing rider was MacGyver and I also knew he was faster than me so I pushed ever harder to make sure he didn’t run over me before the stop. I just made it before he caught me.

It didn’t take long for everyone to regroup and we were happy to see Digger was not the last one up the hill. It was the first time up the Flats for some of the riders but they all looked pretty good at the top of the hill. As soon as everyone was ready we started down the backside of Juniper and Bloodhound dropped like a rock down the hill. It was all I could do to stay with him to the last turn. We made our way to Florida and then west to Briggs for another regroup.

It is a rather quick trip from the High School on Briggs through the housing track and out onto the dump road. I wanted to work of a pace line was we headed east to Leon but we had too many new riders and it fell apart every time I got us back in line. Finally we split in two and I dropped back to ride sweep as we neared the DVV sprint area. We were not all that far apart as we got to Winchester before heading north to Stowe and our coffee break. We talked for a while and Bloodhound had to leave early. Once the rest of us were ready we headed east on Stowe towards California.

We took turns pulling north to Stetson and then east back to Warren. We were all going to head back past the airport and out onto Sanderson. As we past Hanger 1 Highlander seemed to get the old heading for the barn feeling and started to head for Wentworth and to the light at Sanderson. Dragon slayer and I started to sprint to the light with the intention of catching Highlander but it turned green for Highlander and Doug and red for the rest of us. We finally made it to Burger King as Highlander was loading his bike in the van and we all headed for home for lunch and a hot shower. Maybe it was the last road ride for 2013 but it was a good one and I felt great about the effort.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was strange being off of the bike for four days but with all the things around Christmas I simply haven’t had time to get out. Add to that I had my son and daughter in law coming to the house today so I had to pop in a short ride for today. At least my legs were rested and it felt good to be back on the bike. I got to Burger King and Digger was the only one there. It took a while before Highlander arrived followed by Bloodhound and then Mantis with one of his friends Joe. Newsboy rode up as Ranger was unloading his car and just before Quicksilver drove up. Just before we started to leave Red Rabbit arrived to show off his Christmas Jersey, he now has one of the new jerseys we are getting for the Palm Springs ride. Ranger was wearing the new kit he had ordered as well. Bloodhound and Newsboy decided to ride Dutch treat and headed in the other direction as we made our way to Latham and then north on Lyon.

Red Rabbit had agreed to meet us at Carl’s so I knew he wouldn’t stay with us all the way to Soboba but he did hang in there till we got to Esplanade, but after that he fell off as the rest of the group closed in on Ranger and Quicksilver as they moved us to Cottonwood and beyond. I took over about two blocks before Ramona Boulevard and started us east.

I felt pretty good pulling east and soon we were moving along in a long smooth pace line. There really wasn’t that much traffic and we were moving rather quickly so I wasn’t all that surprised as we rolled by the houses and to the stop sign on Young Street. Not much traffic and the car at the stop sign waved us through. It was maybe less than a minute later when we pulled into the turn lane to head north towards the Expressway. Highlander had to stop for a call so we pulled over at Starbucks. Once everything was taken care of we were back on state heading towards the college.

I took over the pull again and soon had us passing the college and headed for the bridge just before Soboba. About then a friend both Quicksilver and I knew rode by on his Motorcycle and waved on his way to Joshua Tree Monument while we were getting close to Soboba. I stopped everyone on Soboba and told them were the regroup point was and started an easy pull towards the rollers on Soboba. I thought we were doing pretty good as we closed in on the first roller until Mantic flew by me and yelled back at me to try and hold on. So hold on I did and followed him like a heat seeking missile and refused to turn loose. Once over the last roller I had to come around and take my turn on the front. I figured I was toast because Mantic is younger and stronger than me and if I had to pull all the way to the last rise he could sprint around me and drop me like a bad habit. To my surprise Mantis passed me about 200 yards before the driving range putting me back in the draft as we started the slight climb at the driving range. I decided to take a chance and jump first about 25 yards before the top of the rise and got a gap heading to the last little hill before the regroup. I held on till we had to stop at the trees and wait for the rest of the group. Once all back together we headed for Ramona and Main before heading east towards Cedar. Joe headed for home and I fell to the back to catch my breath. Hioghlander and Quicksilver got us to Cedar and most of the way to Fairview before Ranger pulled ahead. Somewhere just before the Fire Station Highlander and Quicksilver seemed to run out of gas and I caught a draft off of a toy hauler to catch up to Ranger. We turned east on Florida with Digger and Albert while Highlander and Quicksilver headed for Carl’s. Mantis joined us and we headed for Cranston and another regroup.

Once back on the road Ranger took us to the trees and most of the way to the Baptist Church and then to Fairview. Albert headed for home on Fairview and I took over to pull us back to Ramona and then Carl’s for coffee and conversation. Quicksilver, Highlander and Rabbit were already there and we joined them. Rabbit left first and then Ranger said he had to leave so he took Quicksilver, Digger and Highlander with him. I stayed with Albert and Mantis till they were ready and rode home with them. Albert headed for home as soon as we got to Lincoln and Mantis left me at San Jacinto. I managed to get home just after my son and his wife arrived and just had time to get in a quick shower before going out to lunch. I was a great day all in all and a day people learned the lesson of what you can and can’t eat before a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I knew it would be a short week for riding so I wanted a good ride for Monday. Oh sure I was planning a ride for Wednesday but I was informed that Wednesday was Christmas and we had people coming over. SO I checked with the weather wizards and got a pretty good report on the weather being clear, reasonably warm with light winds. Trouble is weather wizards are a lot like politicians, they hardly ever tell the truth. Today that would prove to be an understatement. By the time I got to Burger King Digger and Dragon Slayer were already waiting and having coffee. Bloodhound, Highlander, and RCMP arrived just a little later. The last one there was MacGyver and we were ready to head out onto Latham and north on Lyon.

We moved easily past Devonshire and all the way to Fruitvale and across Esplanade heading to Cottonwood in a rather smooth pace line. As happens in many of our rides Bloodhound took over and pulled us around the corner on Ramona Boulevard and headed us west towards Sanderson. So far the whole group was together and that is how it stayed as we pulled out onto the expressway. Bloodhound took us almost to Warren where I took over and took us to Bridge. Dragon Slayer took over at Bridge and we realized that somehow we had dropped Digger. MacGyver had dropped back to sweep and was dragging digger back to the group so we stopped to wait. By this point a light wind had started but nothing serious. Digger and MacGyver rolled by and we decided to give them a head start before giving chase. We didn’t catch them till we got to the light on Hansen and turned to stop at the Valero Station.

Once we were ready to hit the road again the wind started to pick up a bit. I found myself in the second slot right behind Bloodhound and followed by Highlander and the rest. Bloodhound was pushing the pace a bit as we crossed the bridge and started the little climb. I stayed with Bloodhound till we got to about 100 yards from Bernasconi and up the last grade. RCMP took off after Bloodhound. I had to back down and throw it into a lower gear I could spin and was passed before the gate by Macgyver. We waited for Dragon Slayer, Highlander and Digger to catch up as we entered the bike path to start around the lake. Most of us had agreed to take it easy going over to the Marina but Bloodhound left us as we hit the little hill and dropped down the other side just as the rest of us were cresting. Problem was there was a slow moving cyclist on an old cruiser around the first corner and Bloodhound misjudge his speed and clearance and ran into the Cruiser on the right side, they both went down with the Cruiser landing on top of Bloodhound. Dragon Slayer performed first aid as a Forest service truck stopped to see if they could help. We ended up riding to the Marina anyway with Bloodhound leading the way, bloody had and all.

Bloodhound decided t finish the ride so after a short break we got back on the bikes and headed for the North gate to leave the park. We climbed the hill to the summit and dropped down the rather steep hill and regrouped on the corner of Del Lago before heading west and for the very first time getting the wind we weren’t supposed to have to deal with someplace other than in our face.

Once we were rolling I started a hard pull to get to the light that would lead us to Evans and south. For a change it was easy to roll along at 30 without ng the 11 gear. Dragon Slayer shared the pulling duties with me till we made the turn and once again we waited to everyone made the turn and headed south. By the time we turned onto Ramona and headed east the wind was at least 15 knots and was right in out face. We held together pretty well till we got to the motorcycle park and then Digger started to struggle in the wind. It wasn’t that he couldn’t put out the effort it was the fact that with his relaxed setup he is almost like riding a flat bar and takes the wind full on in his face and chest. I pulled him till we got to the regroup on top of the first roller past Rider.

Once we started down the hill and headed back to Barnesconi digger and I soon lost the draft and watched the rest of the riders pull away. I told Digger to just stay on my wheel and we would more than likely regroup at Lakeview. Dragon slayer waited for us at Barnesconi and helped pull us to Lakeview and left us to regroup with RCMP, Bloodhound, Highlander and MacGyver. However we were no able to stay with them when we got back on the Expressway because the wind was brutal. Digger and I stayed together and just picked a gear we could push easily into the wind all the way to Warren were we took a break to give Digger a soft tissue break from his new saddle. I took him to Sanderson and then south to Menlo. I left him at Lyon and headed for home and a hot shower. Yes I had 51 miles in but it felt like 35 of those miles were into the wind. The same effort as a 35 mile climb.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I wasn’t sure how today would turn out. It rained pretty much all day Thursday and it was originally supposed to be raining today according to the weather wizards. So I put together a rather simple ride over McCall and headed for Burger King to see how many were interested in putting in a quick 40 miles. I wasn’t expecting many riders because of the holidays but you never know until it is time to leave. I got to the parking lot and saw Digger and Highlander already there. We stood around talking and drinking till Bloodhound arrived. He was followed shortly by RCMP and Mantis. It didn’t take long till Gambler, somewhat bruised and battered, rode up with Bulldozer. Rob, (Pony express) pulled up just before a new rider, Albert joined us. Next to arrive was Ferret and Tinker Bell followed by Huntress. It was a good group for a ride that was never supposed to happen. We checked our watches and headed down Gilmore to Acacia before turning again on Kirby and heading south.

All in all we moved rather rapidly up to Cypress and turned to head west towards Johnston and Sanderson. Like many times before we headed north to Wentworth before once again catching the light and making the left towards the airport road. This time I led the way past Hanger 1 and took us out to Stetson.

I was feeling pretty good for a Friday and pulled steadily all the way to Warren where Bloodhound past me and took us to California and started us south. We were soon past by Bulldozer and he turned up the pace as we started west on Stowe. I got on his wheel and by the time we were halfway to the metal barn I wondered to myself how in the world did I get into such a hot run towards Winchester? I pulled out of the line and soon was joined by Gambler. We all stopped to regroup at Winchester ranch and took a break.

I got out onto Winchester first and was almost all the way to the dump road before I was captured by the group and we headed west again. This time I decided to stay with the leaders as we moved towards Leon, first led by Bloodhound and then Ferret. Ferret kicked it up a bit as we moved towards Briggs and rounded the corner. I stopped to pick up the stragglers and went back to get Albert. This was only his second ride in several weeks and he had never tried a group ride before. By the time he got to Briggs he was running on pure will power and he still had more than half of the ride to do. I decided to stay with him and let the rest of the group leave without us. We rode to Mapes and then to Minifee before riding south back to Florida. Mantis joined us before we got to McCall and we rode together to McCall Hill. We didn’t come close to the rest of the group till we got to Murrieta. But we caught the light red and they were already through. Out little group of three made our way to Cherry Hill before coming back to Bradley. We made short work of Bradley and turned east on Newport to join the rest of the group, sans Ferret and Tinker Bell.

We talked about splitting up the group on the ride home with half going straight east on Domenigoni and half taking Lindenburger to Simpson and heading towards Warren. We had to take a detour up to the college first before heading to Menifee.

By this time Albert was working a lot harder than he was used to but still hanging with the group. He was right with us as we turned towards Domenigoni. He was at the back of the group when we turned onto Lindenburger and watched Gambler, Bloodhound, Bulldozer and Mantis ride over the Saddle. Huntress, RCMP, Digger, Highlander, Pony Express and I made it to Simpson and set an easy pace line all the way past Winchester. At least it seemed like an easy pace line but it was just fast enough to bring Albert into the bonk zone. An early lesson I am afraid, learn to eat and hydrate or chance a bonk.

Highlander was working with Albert as he fell off the back and started to struggle just to keep moving forward. I turned back to assist and pull to warren as the rest of the group headed for home. We slowly managed to make it to Mustang by getting Albert to eat some shot blocks and drink something. I stayed with them to and we worked our way back to Acacia and then to Gilmore and finally to Burger King. I left them there and Highlander gave Albert a ride home. I got home with 45 miles on the computer and had to take the dog for a walk first thing. Second thing was a hot shower and lunch. But it was once again a great day.

It was time for a little climbing today and I for one was looking forwards to it. Quicksilver and Huntress both had been pushing for chance to test their climbing legs and we needed a ride east anyway. It also was one of the last warm days the weather wizards said we would have this week. So I dressed a bit lighter than Monday and headed for Burger King to have coffee with Digger. Once I got to the parking I noticed that both Digger and Dragon Slayer were already there and Highlander was right behind them. Bloodhound, Quicksilver and Daredevil arrived next followed by Bulldozer, Newsboy, Rob and MacGyver. It turned out that Huntress wasn’t able to make it today so the eleven of us headed down Gilmore to Acacia before turning south again and heading towards the railroad tracks.

Everyone was moving along easily and Bloodhound pulled away a bit on our way towards the Tracks. He often sets a pretty quick warm up pace but then he doesn’t have to warm up legs that are 50, 60 or 70 years old. Still he crossed the tracks and turned west so we could follow him to Johnston and then Sanderson to head for the airport road.

We had to stop after turning onto Johnston because Dragon Slayer had to stop and clean glass off of his tires after running into a big patch of it on the corner. Once back on our way we ran into a lot of traffic heading north towards Wentworth and caught the light there. We managed to all make a left turn without being run over by any cars and rode west to the airport road and past Hanger 1 to get back to Stetson.

Once again Bloodhound took the lead and pulled us out onto Stetson and towards Warren. We were all in one group till we rolled through the intersection at Warren and several of the big dogs moved by us. Bulldozer, Daredevil, Newsboy and Bloodhound were in the lead group with Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver not far behind. I had a much smaller group behind me and tried to bring them up to Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver only to lose then on California and tag up with Quicksilver before they rounded the corner onto Stowe. Dragon slayer and I broke away and tried to close, unsuccessfully, on the fleeing group of big dogs as moved west and then stopped at Winchester Market for a regroup.

We had to modify the route slightly as we headed south and had to turn onto Simpron to head east because of construction on Domenigoni. We got into a pretty nice pace line heading east with only a few hiccups before we got back to Warren and regrouped at Warren and Domenigoni. We had a quick discussion on pace lines before heading east again towards Searl and the Marina. We reformed the pace line and soon were split into rotating and single line. The faster being the rotating pace line. However we ran into a bad patch of wood in the bike lane and by the time we reformed and were on our way again the single line had caught the lead group and everyone joined the rotating line. Everyone took their turn in the line including Digger, maybe the new bike had something to do with it but he put in a great effort today. The effort did seem to take something out of some of the riders, maybe even caused them to burn more matches than they had intended before hitting Seven Dollar Hill. Most of us made it up the hill including Digger.

I will admit it felt like one of my better climbs. I started out waiting for Quicksilver but she decided to take a short break before hitting the hill and I worked hard to close on Newsboy and Dragon Slayer. I ended up making the top between the two of them and joined Daredevil, Bloodhound and Bulldozer waiting for the rest of the group. Once we were all at the top we dropped back down the hill to regroup on Searl before heading back out to Domenigoni.

Rob decided to head for home as we headed for State Street. It took two cycles before we all made it through the light at State and then Bloodhound and MacGyver started us north towards Chambers. Quicksilver pulled out front for a bit till Daredevil pulled up next to her and I split the two riders to stay with him till we started up the rise. He picked up the pace and I tried to stay with him only to have Newsboy sprint by and cause Daredevil to kick it up and leave me. We then turned east on Chambers and worked our way to Santa Fe and Stetson. I told Quicksilver to save her legs for the Ramona Bowl but she was right with the A group as they turned on Girard to attack the Hill. Bloodhound hit it first followed by MacGyver and for a few minutes by Quicksilver. I got by her and tried to pace MacGyver only to be run down by Bulldozer and following him around the top and down the backside to Crest Street for another regroup. We then headed east some more t try to get to Lake and join Highlander on Fairview.

We finally did make it to Lake and move to Stetson where Quicksilver pulled us as far and the fenced yards with the big, fast, German Shepherds where I took over and finally Dragon slayer and then Daredevil finished it off till we got to Fairview and headed north. We were quickly back up to Florida and heading east towards Cranston. Bloodhound pulled us all the way to the trees and then we had a hard rush up the grade to the parking lot where Highlander was waiting and we took a short break, told stories and got ready to head back west towards Carl’s.

Quicksilver and I didn’t have time to stop and have coffee so we didn’t push it too hard on our way back to Fairview and then waved at the rest of the group as we rounded the corner onto New Chicago with Highlander and headed for Lincoln and west to Park. We kept the pace steady as we worked our way to Devonshire and then to the light at San Jacinto. I stayed with them till we got to Palm and headed for home and a hot shower. I may get rained out the rest of the week but today was a great ride with great friends.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) There were some very good reasons to look forward to riding today. The weather wizards said it was going to be one of the warmest days of the weak. We were also going to get two of our riders back from sick leave and there would be little or no wind. Now all I needed was t get to Burger King and see who would be joining me. Digger was already there when I pulled up and there were two new riders waiting with him. I had met them at the Hemet bike shop and was glad they decided to join us. Bloodhound arrived as did Highlander and Quicksilver. Mantis and Tate, (Newsboy) arrived as well. Dragon Slayer and Rob were with us as well plus Daredevil making it a pretty good sized group for a winter ride, at least winter for this area. We pulled out of the Burger King parking lot and headed for Lyon and made the turn towards Ramona.

We moved north rather quickly and were soon rolling by Fruitvale and headed for the light at Esplanade. I found it pretty easy going at first at least till Daredevil rolled by with Bloodhound and Dragon Slayer in Tow. I keep the rest of the group in mind and continued the pull till we got to Ramona Boulevard and headed west.

I kept us at a easy but reasonable pace as we moved to Sanderson and watched the faster three rides make the light at Sanderson and Ramona Expressway. They waited for us around the corner and Bloodhound began the pull west. We stayed together reasonable well most of the way to Warren before the two new riders, Alex and Akaria began to lose the draft so I went back to get them as the main group move away. By Bridge street Digger seemed to lose the draft and was only about 75 yards ahead of us. Things stayed that way till we got about halfway to the light at Hansen and I pulled the other two up to Digger so we could all pull into the Valero station together.

As we got ready to head south on Lakeview Dragon Slayer told us he was heading for home. He had already done the trip from Lakeview to Burger King to start with so he wasn’t going to miss out on many miles. I took us out onto Lakeview and pulled till Dragon Slayer left us at the stop sign. I took us to the Elementary school and Bloodhound took us to Nuevo and then over to Central and towards Menifee.

We started to string out quite a bit once we were on Menifee and I stayed with Alex till we caught up to Highlander and Digger and then I started to follow Newsboy as he closed in on Quicksilver. We made it over the rise and past the Nursery to close on Mantis. Once by him I worked with Newsboy till we tagged up to Bloodhound, Daredevil and Rob. We all made it through the light on Florida and waited till the group caught up across from the AM/PM.

We decided to go straight south on Menifee all the way to Simpson giving Quicksilver and Newsboy one more little climb to try and tire me out on. Daredevil started us out and slowly but surely had us up to speed and headed for McCall. Once we started through the intersection Quicksilver hooked up onto Daredevil’s back wheel and was stuck like glue as he started the push up the grade. I took off after her and waited till she shifted before I jumped out and tried to pass Daredevil. I was unsuccessful getting by Daredevil but it did shake Quicksilver loose and let me slot in and follow him to the stop sign before heading east on Simpson. Bloodhound wasn’t with us because he left before we did back at the AM/PM but Newsboy and Daredevil did move away from us as we headed for Leon. Quicksilver pulled the rest of us by Leon and I took over somewhere into the trees.

We were headed to Winchester so we could head north towards Stowe and coffee. Quicksilver wasn’t going to be able to join us because she had to get back to pick up her kids and Daredevil offered to ride back with her while the rest of us stopped at Winchester Market. After some coffee and conversation we were ready to head for home by going east on Stowe and making our way to California. Digger took us most of the way till we started up the ever so slight of a grade and I got us to California. Rob took us to Stetson and we headed to Warren with everyone in tow. We turned onto the Airport road and somehow dropped Digger. We soft pedaled to Wentworth and stopped, except for Highlander, and rode together to Sanderson and then Lowes. All we had left was to make it to Gilmore and the parking lot.

I left the group at Florida and headed to Hemet Bikes just in front of Mantis and Newsboy. We talked for a while before I headed for home and a hot shower. It turned out to be a pretty well attended and easy ride to Nuevo and back and I think I enjoyed every mile of it.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another beautiful day today as I looked outside. Yes it was cold and yes we would have a divided group going in two different directions but that is just how it is now and then. Several people would be out sick or just staying home because it was cold. But I didn’t care because I was looking forward to riding Bautista and watching Huntress apply her spinning skills. I left for Burger King only knowing that at least Huntress and I would be heading east today and if that was all there was I would still be OK with that. But we had six just like we did Wednesday with only a slight change. Digger replaced Bloodhound and Barracuda replaced Tate so that Huntress, Rob, Dragon slayer and right at 9am we headed to Latham before turning onto Lyon and heading south towards Florida and then Johnston.

The ride to Bautista is an easy one that we can almost do on auto pilot. Once past Johnston we simply cross Stetson and make our way to Thornton and head east. Today was no different except Dragon slayer was riding point where Bloodhound normally rides, about a block in front of the rest of us. He did have to hold up at the light on State Street and we more or less regrouped and followed him to Santa Fe and back to Stetson where he took off again. The rest of us stayed together and headed for Columbia.

We all turned south on Columbia to make our way to Crest and through the old homes located on that street. For some reason that is beyond me we have riders that don’t like the Crest Thornton section of the ride. I like it because it is quiet and has less traffic. I rode side by side with Huntress and we talked while watching Dragon Slayer pull away into the distance. Finally we lost sight of him as he turned onto Lake and by the time we got there he was gone.

Up to this point it had been rather cool without much wind. Digger was suffering with cold legs and kept falling back so as we headed north on Lake and got by Thornton we decided to slow down and regroup on Lake and Stetson. Huntress took over the photo selection as we got ready to head east towards Fairview.

Things would get interesting soon enough as we headed for Fairview with Huntress in the lead. She managed to pull us all the way to Fairview and I took over as we moved south towards Bautista and a regroup. As we got to the foot of Wilson Mesa and turned east to start the climb we stopped to shed some jackets and give digger a head start up the canyon. I took off and started my spin up the hill as soon as we made the hard right turn on Bautista heading towards the dam. In fact I managed to catch Digger at the dam and headed for the river crossing and Picket fence trying to hold 90 rpm and using my gears a lot. Just before we got to the last three little climbs Barracuda caught me and I followed in his draft to the last two miles. I had to down shift to keep my RPM up but was cruising along real well till I crested the last hill and headed for the little drop just before the end of the road. Dragon Slayer caught me and I took off in a sprint trying to get away. He was on my wheel as we climbed out of the dip and disaster almost struck. My left foot came unclipped and I almost lost it. However I saved it and managed to stop with nothing more than a sore left calf muscle. I ended up limping to the finish and rested till it was time to drop back down the hill. Naturally we were riding into a head wind and it was almost as hard as riding up the hill. Still we easily made it back to Fairview and took off towards Florida and coffee at Carl’s. Barracuda left us at Stetson and the rest of us hurried on to Carl’s. Huntress didn’t stop so there was just four of us having coffee and joking about my near disaster. We finished our coffee and headed to Lincoln to head for home. Digger left on Palm and I followed Dragon Slayer and Rob to Burger King before heading home for a hot shower and lunch. Like I said, it was a great day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Sure it was cold this morning and sure I have a few people out sick but that was no reason to stay home. It was a great looking day and hardly any wind or predicted wind so even if I ended up being the only rider today I was looking forward to putting in a good 40 miles today. I knew Quicksilver was sick and that Digger was on Jury Duty but didn’t know Highlander was sick or some of the other riders had a CAS ride so I wasn’t really surprised when I got to Burger King first. But by 9am I was joined by Dragon Slayer, Bloodhound, Huntress and a new rider Rob. We headed out onto Latham and north on Lyon to head for Ramona.

If truth be told Bloodhound wasn’t supposed to ride today. At least his doctor didn’t think he was up to riding but he simply couldn’t stay home. We were going to learn how hard it was going to be to keep him at a more reasonable pace for the whole ride. With just the five of us the move to Ramona Boulevard was a quick and easy one. We made it to Ramona Boulevard and headed west when I got a text saying Tate was on his way and had missed us by a few moments. He then had to ride a more or less reverse course in hopes of meeting up before we had goon too far. We worked on keeping a steady pace and had Huntress practice spinning all the way to Bridge and then to Gilman. I stopped us on the corner while I had my morning snack and we headed as a group towards Sanderson. We picked up Tate before we made it back to Sanderson. He turned around and joined our pace line and we all made it to Sanderson and south towards Ramona together.

The whole group seemed rather well matched and we headed east on the Boulevard back towards Lyon. As cold as it was it still seemed almost effortless as we took turns pulling past Lyon and then set our sights on State Street. That too didn’t take long and soon we were sitting at the light on State and Ramona Boulevard.

We headed north towards Soboba and the run towards the Golf Course. Rob, Bloodhound and Tate split into one group and Dragon Slayer, Huntress and I made up another. While the first three took off Dragon Slayer and I worked with Huntress on taking the rollers smoothly and having something left for the last climb. She managed a pretty smooth run and we met up with the other three before heading for the river crossing sprint. We decided to extend the ride to Cranston Station but Huntress had to leave us at Ramona and Lake to meet her daughter for some Christmas Shopping. The rest of us made it to Cedar and then out onto Florida to make our way to Cranston. I made it to Cranston first but that was only because I drafted two Motorcycles like the commercial for Mark Cavendish and sprinted around them at the driveway for a victory.

Ok maybe that wasn’t the whole truth but it sounded good and I would have loved to have pulled it off. But we did meet two motorcycle riders at Cranston and spent some time talking to them before heading back to Carl’s for coffee and conversation. We decided to do a practice pace line all the way back to Ramona and the light before turning the last 200 yards into a sprint and a stop for coffee. Except Bloodhound who had to go home. Once we were all rested we headed up to Lincoln and west towards home. Tate left us after we got back to Devonshire and Yale.

I stayed with Dragon Slayer and Rob as we crossed one street after another and finally caught the light at San Jacinto. We made it to Santa Fe and I took us back down to Latham. We rode by the police Station and the Library and finally caught the Light at State. We were together till we got to Palm and I left for home leaving Dragon Slayer and Rob to get back to Burger king by themselves.

As I pointed myself south back to Florida I kept thinking how lucky we were to live where we do. I often talk to people on the Bicycling Forums that live back east who talk about mounting studded tires to ride in the snow and ice and realized than more than likely I wouldn’t be riding if I needed studded tires.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was freezing, yes I said freezing. When I looked outside this morning it was clear and 29 degrees. I knew it was going to be cold and I had the gear for it but living in the desert it is hard to come to grips with sub freezing weather. Still with several layers, shoe warmers, a wind proof jacket, Balaclava and long finger gloves I felt I was ready for a ride. All I needed to know was who many would be riding with me. I got to Burger King a bit surprised to see both Digger and Highlander. Digger was a surprise because he was supposed to have jury duty. Highlander hardly ever gets to Burger King before me. But we had coffee together and waited to see if anyone else showed up to ride. By 9am no one else did so we headed south on Gilmore and across Florida only to have to stop and let Highlander add a Balaclava as we watched Papillon coming from the other direction.

It only took a moment before we were down to Acacia and heading west. It was still cold and I was glad to be as layered as I was. Everyone else was pretty layered as well as I noticed sitting at the light on Kirby. Just as we turned the corner I got a call from Mantis saying he was just a short distance behind us so we agreed to wait for him on Cypress. We pulled over as soon as we turned the corner.

It didn’t take long for Mantis to catch up and he for one was not layered. And it almost made my legs sting just watching him arrive in what for me would be summer gear. Once he caught up with us we followed Papillon to Johnston and once again found ourselves waiting to make a turn south. We made good time moving to Domenigoni and I started us west towards Warren. Highlander took a pull as did Digger before Highlander took over again and finally gave to lead to me. I gave it up to Mantis and he increased the cruising speed as we headed past Winchester. As we got to Leon we lined up for the run up the saddle. Once on top we regrouped, had a snack and headed down the backside towards Menifee,

It didn’t seem to have warmed up one bit as we passed Lindenburger. At least traffic was light as we crossed into the left turn lane at Menifee and Highlander started us south once more. He had us moving at a pretty good clip as we crossed Holland and I was sitting behind Highlander and Digger with both Papillon and Mantis on my back wheel. I felt a bit like cyclists starting a climb with a Pit-bull and a Rottweiler chasing me. I pulled steadily by Digger and Highander and was climbing well when Papillon jumped by me. For reasons not even known to me I gave chase even knowing I could never hope to catch him before we topped the hill. But chase I did followed shortly by Mantis.

I pulled over to wait for the riders behind me and soon noticed Highlander not far behind Mantis. Digger topped the hill a few moments later and soon we were all sitting by the side of the road catching our breath.

Highlander and Digger started towards Scott first followed by Mantis and me only to be joined by Papillon sitting on the side of the road waiting for us. We crossed Garbini and I got in the drops to try and close with Highlander and Digger. Before I could close on them Papillon zipped by me and I dropped onto his wheel till we had chased them down. Out little dash had spit Digger off the back of the group and the rest of us rounded the corner onto Scott at least 50 yards in front him. Digger could see us and where we were going so we decided to ride to Haun and wait for him there.

We had Digger set the pace starting north on Haun and once the speed was established I took over the pull and headed for Holland. I really didn’t get far before a light wind started to slow me down. I simply pushed harder to get the speed back up but the wind simply increased to eat up any extra effort I put in. The closer I got to Newport the harder the wind blew and the slower I went. Soon the wind was head on and I was lucky to hold 12 MPH. At least when we turned west on Newport it was a side wind that was blocked a bit by the buildings. I took us up to Bradley and started north once again. Now the wind was almost howling in my face and it was all I could do to spin my cranks onto it. By the time I hit Golf Cart racing it was hard to even hold 9 mph. Highlander stayed in my draft almost all the way to the last stop sign until the wind got all mixed up and no one could tell where the best place to draft was. We rounded the corner onto McCall first and then waited for the rest of the group at the Valero Station. We let Digger and Highlander start up the hill first while Papillon let Mantis has and extra pair of leg warmers. We met them at the top and dropped off the hill and got our one and only tail wind heading for the park on Heritage and Lindenburger. We then took turns pulling east on Simpson in a crosswind all the way to Winchester. All we had left was to make it into the wind once more for coffee at Winchester and Stowe.

While we were talking and having coffee the wind started to die down. It didn’t stop but at least it let us keep a reasonable pace. I took us to California and then north to Stetson to start us on the last leg towards home. We took turns pulling till we got to warren and headed for the Airport road.

I stayed on Stetson along with Papillon while the other three headed past the airport. Papillon and I split at Sanderson and I took it up to Johnston before headed east and worked my way home looking forward to a hot lunch and a hot shower. Just over 40 miles on a cold windy day is pretty good I think.