By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was cold and there were not a lot of us but the ones that showed up at the parking lot were ready to ride and seemed eager to hit the road right at 9am. We were all bundled up pretty good except for Sasquatch. It seems as if he wanted to test himself against the cold and he showed up like it was a warm summer day. It was cold, less than 40 degrees, as we headed down Gilmore and towards Acacia. We made it to the corner and then over to Kirby to catch the light before heading south towards Cypress.

We headed west on Johnston with Bloodhound well ahead of the rest of us and all got caught at the Light on Sanderson. As we waited for a green I noticed Sasquatch was shivering a bit. It must be understood that while typically a Sasquatch is kept warm by massive amounts of hair our Sasquatch has shaved much of his hair off and so is less adept at fending off the cold. Still he took off with us towards Stetson and followed us as we headed west towards the airport. It didn’t get any warmer as we rolled by the airport and came to the stop sign on Warren. Sasquatch at first started to chase Bloodhound while I followed in Dragon Slayer’s draft. By the time Digger and Rocky tagged up behind Hacker and me Sasquatch decided he had enough and turned for home. Bloodhound took off on us and we came to the stop sign on California to head south. As we got to the stop sign a car pulled up on out left and rolled around the corner without stopping. A discussion then took place between the driver and our group that took us a few minutes to settle before we headed for Stowe and then regrouped at Winchester Farms.

My camera was still taking pictures but my protein bar was like eating a frozen snickers. Once I was able to eat the bar and wash it down with electrolyte we were back on our way south on Winchester. I pulled us to the dump road and started us west again. Bloodhound left us again and Hacker pulled Dragon Slayer and the rest of us to the Wild West Saloon before we made our way to the rise and headed for Leon. We found Bloodhound waiting on Leon where we all came back together and headed for Simpson.

We got to Simpson and headed west towards Lindenburger where once again we met Bloodhound. We rolled through the light and headed up the grade to Menifee and north to McCall. Bloodhound was well ahead of us as Hacker chased me other the crest of the back side of McCall and we dropped down hospital hill and headed to the Chevron Station to collect everyone.

Once we were back in line we moved west towards Murrieta. We times the light just right so we didn’t have to stop and headed up the grade to the end of the street before turning south and heading for Honeyrun. Hacker, Dragon Slayer and I got to Honey run and turned towards La Ladera. As we got to the park we made sure Digger and Rocky could see us and then we headed for Normandy to make a run at Goetz. I pulled us to Goetz and headed us towards Newport with everyone but Bloodhound in tow.

We got down to Newport and headed west on Railroad Canyon and I crested the first roller well ahead of Dragon Slayer and Hacker and they were well ahead of Rocky and Digger as we got to the Stater Brothers mall and headed south east. We got separated a bit before we got back to Holland and Murrieta but we were all together heading towards Haun. Hacker, Dragon Slayer and I got to Haun first and Dragon Slayer stopped by the Breakfast Club to make sure they would be open on New Year’s Day. Three of us stopped at Jack In the Box while Bloodhound headed for home. Digger and Rocky didn’t see us stop so the continued on to Winchester Farms. Once the three of us had coffee we headed stratght down Newport to Domenigoni and decided to stay on Domenigoni all the way to Sanderson. We started to take 30 second pulls right after the saddle and we held that all the way to Sanderson where Hacker continued on for home and Dragon Slayer and I headed back to his truck before I headed for home. Hot coffee and a hot shower revived me far more than most can imagine. But cold or not it was a great ride.

After christmas dinner wallow

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Yesterday was a day of celebration. Yesterday was Christmas where we gave gifts and thanks for what God has given us. Yesterday was a day of mass calorie consumption by most if not all of our cycling group. Now the question has to be asked what happens to Mammals, or Mamils when talking about most of our cyclists, after consuming mass calories. The answer is we crawl off and hibernate till the calories wear off like a lion or a wolf or even a bear might. That idea made the prospect of a 50 mile ride the day after Christmas questionable even to me as I got dressed and headed for the parking lot. Digger most have felt the need to burn a few calories as did Rocky, Dragon Slayer and Sidewinder. ME 109 showed up with his fixed gear. Rocky, Bloodhound and RCMP looked ready to burn some calories. Minotaur, Hacker and Sasquatch were the last to arrive and Sasquatch was on his new machine. We now have a Samurai Sasquatch. Not a bad group for a cold December morning.

As usual when riding with Bloodhound we had to follow him to Lyon before starting north. We started to string out a bit and I for one was far too cold, or at least my legs were too cold, to participate in any spirited riding towards Devonshire. Stretched out or not we got in a loose pace line and quickly closing in on Esplanade where we would close in on each other and start out in a bit tighter pace line. That movement repeated itself as we past Seventh Street and continued north.

After Cottonwood the group started to split up and I fell back to pick up the back half of the group. We were about fifty yards behind the lead group as we turned onto Ramona Boulevard and head west for the first time of the day. We did manage to close a bit as we got to Sanderson but got caught at the light and didn’t regroup till after the right turn onto the Expressway. Things weren’t working just as we had planned because Sasquatch had a seat bolt come loose so only Rocky and I stopped to assist him. Digger was in-between the lead group and us when we got back on the road but we managed to catch him before we got to the Valero station on Lakeview. We made a quick regroup while Digger kept going. After a quick head count we took off after Digger believing we could catch Digger before he crested Bernasconi. As we got to the first part of the climb I got behind RCMP and Bloodhound and chased them most of the way to Bernasconi. I tried to save some energy thinking I could make a hard push towards the top and maybe get a PR for the climb to the top. It didn’t work however because just as I was about to get up to sprint I noticed the gate was closed and locked so there would be no PR today. Rocky and I rode together to the bike trail and managed to finally catch digger just before the Marina where we were going to regroup.

It was rather impressive thinking that while people living in states to the east of us were getting rain, sleet and snow we were riding to a Lake park white clear blue skies. Sill we didn’t have all day so we got back on the bikes and headed for the north gate and Coffee at Mickey Ds. We didn’t get very far before Sasquatch broke a chain. By chance several of us had a master link and Dragon Slayer was elected to the task of getting Sasquatch back on the road.

Once the chain we fixed we headed for the climb before the last drop down to Iris and then west to Mickey Ds for coffee. We were all together as we turned left onto Lasalle and started south. It didn’t take long before we were picking up speed and Bloodhound had us at over 20 on the upslope. Soon RCMP past Bloodhound on the grade and dragon Slayer, Sasquatch and I followed. After the final drop to Ramona expressway there was just five of us but ME-109 caught us at the light on Rider were we regrouped and waited for everyone t join us before heading back towards Ramona.

Bloodhound and ME-109 decided to leave early and were almost to Ramona before Minotaur took off on a run of his own. RCMP decided to leave us as well while the rest of us reeled in Minotaur and then Sasquatch followed by Side Winder and Dragon Slayer rolled on to the corner at Ramona. I got a jump on them climbing the roller and made an east run back towards Bernasconi. Sasquatch, Dragon Slayer and Hacker caught me before the last roller and we rode together over the bridge. We regrouped again at the Valero Station and Dragon Slayer headed for home before we got back and headed east as well.

Once on the expressway we decided to do everything we could to keep the whole group in a pace line. Minotaur took the first pull and took us all the way to Bridge. I pulled us to Warren and gave the lead back to Minotaur and Sasquatch. They pulled us back to Sanderson where we turned south. I opted not to attack the segment today for several reasons. The greatest reason we I was simply too tired to burn any more matches. So I pulled part way to the water department and Rocky pulled us to Cottonwood. We lost Sidewinder as he moved over to Lyon and we continued on to Fruitvale.

I still had enough left to pull us back to Menlo where Digger left us. I then pulled us to Devonshire and started us on the eastward ride back towards Kirby. Minotaur took over and got us to Kirby where we got the light and head to wait to head for Gilmore. Sasquatch took off for Lyon while the rest of us stopped at Burger King to check on Sidewinder. Sidewinder had already picked up his truck so we rode over to the bike shop only to find Sasquatch having his ride checked out and smiling like a kid at Christmas.

After watching Sasquatch drool over his machine, like an old cowboy movie where the cowboy kisses his horse and leaves the girl in the background, we left the shop and headed for home and I left Sasquatch at Palm and headed for home and a hot shower. Just over 50 miles today pushing me to just over 7500 miles for the year.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here we were the day before Christmas and we had to decide if we were going to ride or take the day off. Well my friends we are cyclists and not riding was not an option, at least not for me. So a ride was posted and I headed out to the parking lot on my old Klein to join the party. Digger was there talking with Sasquatch and after a long hiatus Side Winder joined us. We were there for a few minutes before Minotaur and Dragon Slayer arrived. A few minutes after that Gambler pulled up with his son Maverick. I didn’t expect to see Bulldozer or RCMP but they arrived before 9am. Another surprise was Surgeon and Huntress. It was beginning to look like a pretty good sized group. Rocky was there and once Hacker pulled into the parking lot it was a pretty good sized group. Even Red Rabbit was there for the start. I took them out onto Gilmore right at 9AM.

It was almost effortless getting down to Acacia and heading west. We pulled up to the light on Kirby and had to wait to head south towards the railroad tracks. Side winder was right behind me as we finally headed south and the group strung out behind us. It was good to see this size group for a day before Christmas. I had expected more people to be out of town so 14 was a great number as we turned onto Cypress and started south west towards Johnston with me in the lead.

Absolutely everyone was in a group as we turned on Johnston and stopped at the light on Sanderson. I was still leading as we turned south and headed for Mustang. For a change we had no intention of jumping the Mustang to Domenigoni sprint and so I took us to Domenigoni and started us west. It started as an easy past of about 20 with everyone in a nice line. Then Bulldozer pulled by me and I dropped onto his back wheel. Next thing I knew we were rolling along at 24 then 25. By the time we past Warren we were doing 26 and then 27. We only slowed back to 25 as we rode over the dry wash. After the dry wash the group broke up and Gambler past us with RCMP in tow. I simply couldn’t hold the pace and fell back to 25 as Bulldozer, RCMP and Gambler pulled away. For a while Dragon Slayer, Hacker and I gave chase but by Winchester it was clear we couldn’t close. Hacker fell off and Dragon Slayer and I worked together till we joined Bulldozer and RCMP at the saddle for a regroup.

When we dropped down the backside of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger Surgeon requested we stop at a gas station so he could get a snack and electrolytes. I think everyone past me before we got to Laguna Vista and then we all stopped because Minotaur got a flat. Once back on the road I took us to Antelope and over the freeway. We stopped at the gas station on Haun and waited for Bulldozer, Gambler and Minotaur who had to reseat his tire. Digger had gone ahead and I thought he was waiting for us at the Chevron. I told Sasquatch to ride ahead and let him know we were on the way but when he got there Digger was gone. We stopped after turning onto La Ladera and discovered Digger was almost to McCall. We got back on the road and started a long chase to see if we could catch him before Winchester Farms.

We stayed together till we got to McCall and headed east. I was in the lead group all the way to Bradley and over the freeway. For the first time all day Sidewinder and Sasquatch took off on us and made the light by the Valero Station while the rest of us waited for a green. I stayed with the big dogs most of the way up Hospital Hill but decided to save my legs for the run I knew was coming when we got to Simpson. Unfortunately Sidewinder turned on Menifee and we went to Heritage coming out onto Lindenburger and Simpson before Sidewinder could make the light. We started east and Gambler took the pull and got us to Leon before RCMP and Bulldozer joined him. Sasquatch took over the chase and we rotated through a rotation till I got the lead again and tried to close. I simply didn’t have the matches to get us up to the fast three so first Dragon Slayer and then Sasquatch gave it a shot. Sasquatch flamed out coming out of the trees and I took over again but we never got closer and only caught them at the stop light. Gambler, Bulldozer and Maverick headed over to Domenigoni and the rest of us headed for Winchester farms for a quick regroup. As soon as we were all together we headed back east on Stowe towards California and it was here that Minotaur took off to create a gap. We were going to let him go but RCMP couldn’t resist and took after him followed by Sidewinder.

Once we turned on California I told the rest of the group that it was time to reel Minotaur in and we closed on him at Stetson. We then worked together as a group till Surgeon left us at Warren and we continued on to the Airport. Dragon Slayer took us past the airport road and all the way to Cawston before leading us to Sanderson. We made it to the turn lane and waited for a green. Once the light changed Hacker took us to Johnston where Rocky left us and I got us to Wentworth. Dragon Slayer past me and made a run at Lowes while I kept Sasquatch, Sidewinder and Hintress with me. At least till we got to Lowes and around to Acacia they were with me.

Hacker and Dragon Slayer made the light at Kirby and turned on Gilmore before we even left Kirby. The rest of us made the turn to the parking lot and stopped to talk for a few minutes before heading for home ourselves. I rode down to Acacia with Sasquatch and broke for home on Palm. I got home feeling like I had a good workout and was ready for Christmas Eve.

The TV Show Grimm is real

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) There are only five group ride days left in this year. It was requested that I make Wednesday an easier ride so we had some longer rides planned for Monday and Friday. In fact I almost felt cheated because we had a short week last week due to rain so today was going to be a relief day. I headed to the parking lot eager to do Dutch Treat and see who would be joining me. It turned out to be a small but energetic group this morning. Digger and Sasquatch were there first followed by Hacker and Highlander. Surgeon surprised us by showing up just before Dragon Slayer. With me we had seven riders and headed onto Gilmore and south towards Acacia. I was still a bit cold and tried to keep things in the easy gears as we turned onto Kirby and then through the Light on Kirby to head south towards Cypress.

I got us started towards the railroad tracks and then turned west on Cypress and through the housing tract and towards Johnston. The goal was to pull the group north on Sanderson. We caught the light on Sanderson and once it turned green I got us pointed towards Stetson and then by Wally World only to watch Sasquatch launch an Attack on the Mustang Segment. Dragon Slayer and I was a half of a beat off as we rolled through Mustang but we didn’t quite reel him in before Domenigoni.

We got into a nice little pace line right after making the turn west and soon we had Hacker and then Dragon Slayer pulling us to the Dry wash. We dropped Digger on the upslope to the dry wash and pulled away from him as we headed for Winchester. We switched off leads as we headed for Leon and Dragon Slayer asked if we were planning a Saddle sprint or just pull the group to the top. I opted for pulling but as we got to the bottom of the saddle Sasquatch pulled away from Dragon Slayer and gapped us by about 10 or 15 yards. I tried to drag the group up but that wasn’t going to work so I chased Sasquatch down and we all regrouped on the Saddle and had a snack.

Once we had a snack we got ready to drop down the back side of the Saddle and head for Lindenburg. We made it easily to Menifee and turned south once more. Hacker need to stop by the park so Dragon Slayer, Sasquatch and I stopped with him while Surgeon, Highlander and Digger headed for revive to climb the little hill and wait till we got there. The four of us followed a few minutes later and made our way to Holland and got ready for the Revival climb. I was climbing next to Hacker with Dragon Slayer and Sasquatch chatting away behind me. As we got to the place where the hill kicks up I noticed the chatting stopped and Sasquatch was out of the saddle and closing on me. I pushed myself and managed to run in front of him till his rockets burned out and Hacker caught him at the stop sign. We regrouped and headed for Garboni and then to Scott.

Once on Scott I pulled us to Antelope and started us over the freeway and through the light on Haun. After we past Haun Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us all the way uphill to Murrieta where we regrouped again before heading north back towards Holland. I got us started and soon we were ramped up to about 30 mph before I hit a hole and popped out of a pedal. Sasquatch and Hacker past me and I had to tag on to Dragon Slayer before getting back out front just before Holland and I made the turn north west. Surgeon stayed on Murrieta while I attacked the rollers. Dragon Slayer and Sasquatch were on my wheel and Hacker wasn’t far behind. I started to gap them as we went through the rollers and started the little climb up the hill. I could hear them yelling something at me and it sounded a bit like stop or flat so I stopped and they ended rolling by me and heading for Railroad Canyon. We worked together till we got to the shopping center before heading back east towards Murrieta and a waiting Surgeon. Sasquatch took off on us and it took Dragon Slayer and I most of the way to Berea before we caught him and regrouped at the Jack in the Box.

We were all back together as we headed east once more and I pulled us back to Haun and started over the freeway. We had to take the lane and finally Highlander and Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us to Antelope. All of us made the light except Digger so we rode on till we got to Menifee and waited for Digger.

Once we got back on the road Surgeon pulled us almost all the way to Lindenburger. We got to the light just as a slow truck was making the turn in front of us. He caught the draft leaving the rest of us to catch Surgeon and then ride together to Stetson and turn east. Dragon Slayer once again started the pull and was still in the lead as we rolled by Leon and headed into the trees. For all of the people here that watch the series Grimm this is where things got weird. Dragon Slayer was still pulling as we entered the tree line and then something must have made him angry because we discovered that he was a Wesen Creature like they have on Grimm. I believe he changed or Vogued into a Cracher-Mortel, a puffer creature that spits poison. Anyway I managed to get a picture of the change in Dragon Slayer.

Ok that was poetic license because what really happened was Dragon Slayer got stuck by a bee right in his lip. He decided to finish the ride and was even going to join us at the healthy pub but once got there he decided to head for home and ended up at urgent care where they treated him to make sure he didn’t go into anaphylactic shock. Anyway he told me he was doing much better. Still we had made our way to Winchester and Dragon Slayer took us to Winchester Farms for a quick break before heading back out onto Stowe and heading for home.

I got us back to California Street before Sasquatch decided to make a Strava run to Stetson. We caught him about halfway back to Warren where I took over again and pulled us back to Sanderson. Once heading north I worked with Dragon Slayer and Highlander as we headed to Lowes where they would turn for home. I took Surgeon, Hacker, Sasquatch and Digger to Healthy Pub where we waited for Dragon Slayer. As I said earlier he stopped by but left before the bee sting could incapacitate him. After the rest of us had a smoothie we headed for home and I left Hacker and Sasquatch at Devonshire and Palm. It was a great ride but I was thankful for a hot shower to warm me up when I got home.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We had our second rain out Wednesday and once again I was looking forward to riding on Friday. The predicted weather was for little or no wind and cool but not cold temperatures. I was eager to get up for breakfast and ready to head for the parking lot a bit early to meet Digger and Dragon Slayer and found Sasquatch waiting as well. Highlander, Bulldozer and Rocky all got there about the same time and we all stood around talking till 9am. No one else seemed to be willing to join us so like the magnificent seven we mounted our steeds and headed south to start our adventure.

We made it easily to Acacia and over to Kirby before heading south again towards the railroad tracks and Cypress. I led us to the housing tract and took us west for the second time. I was still leading as we got to Sanderson and had to wait at the light. We were doing a new modified ride today so when the light changed I took us to Stetson and got us started on our longest section of going west to this point. We were soon past the light at Cawston and heading for the airport.

I took us past the airport and then to Warren so we could make our way to California. On California Sasquatch took the lead and pulled us to Stowe. I was sitting in second and planned on sitting there all the way to Winchester if no one picked up the pace. That idea went to pot as soon as Bulldozer rolled by me followed by Dragon Slayer. I dropped in one Dragon Slayer’s wheel and Bulldozer dragged us west towards Winchester farms and broke the group in two. The four of us held together till we got to the parking lot and a short regroup before heading back south on Winchester. Dragon Slayer took us to the dump road and west towards the Wild West Saloon and Leon.

The group split again and I fell in with Highlander, Rocky and Digger while Bulldozer took Dragon Slayer and Sasquatch with him towards Menifee. Rocky and I pulled Highlander to Leon and Digger slowly dropped off the back and we turned towards Simpson and west to follow Bulldozer and his group. We tried to regroup just past Briggs and Highlander continued on till Digger caught Rocky and me. We did finally regroup on Simpson and Menifee before heading south again towards Domenigoni where Bulldozer left us and we decided to head for Revival rather than turn on Holland.

Dragon Slayer was the one that suggested we stay on Menifee all the way to Keller and I am pretty sure that route was not the favorite plan of Highlander. Still he was game and we continued on past the park and towards Holland. As we crossed the intersection Sasquatch started to pick up the pace and got ready to attack the hill so I dropped on his back wheel and stayed with him. He mistakenly attacked a bit early and had to fall off before the top but still in was an impressive effort and he was second. Once we were all together we headed for Gaboni with Dragon Slayer pulling.

We made it to Scott and had to wait for the light before heading to Keller and making the turn towards Antelope. We were strung out a bit was we headed south towards Baxter and the turn over to White Wood and the long downhill. We caught the light at Clinton Keith and started the long fast downhill run towards Murrieta Hot Springs. We got there pretty much together and headed east towards Winchester. Digger caught up to us at Margarita and we all headed to Winchester. We headed to Benton and regrouped at the Gas Station before heading north to head for home.

We wasted no time getting by Max Gillis and heading for the long haul to Scott road. Dragon Slayer, Rocky, Sasquatch and I took turns to Scott and then back to Holland. I will admit we were moving at a pretty good pace and at times we stretched the group a bit and had to reel in back together but we did a pretty good job of getting back to Domenigoni as a group. Digger as a little bit behind but only by maybe 45 seconds as we got ready to head east towards Sanderson. Once again we worked together to get back to Sanderson and head north back to the parking lot.

We dropped Rocky off on Johnston where he headed for home and I stayed out front till we got by Johnston and then to the Railroad tracks in front of Wentworth. We had to stop for a moment when Sasquatch tossed a chain before he was rolling again and we got to Lowes and around to Acacia.

Dragon Slayer led us out onto Acacia and we followed him back to Kirby to catch another light. Once we were rolling again I got us to Gilmore and we rolled over to Burger King and regrouped at the cars. Sasquatch and I rode over to Hemet Bike to look at a bike build for Sasquatch and the two of us rode back to Acacia and Palm together where I left for home. I pulled up to the house with 49 miles on the computer and tired legs for either the mileage or the cool weather. Either way it was a good ride and I had fun.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was still a bit sore from the ride on Saturday but I got up to ride today anyway. It was supposed to be clear and a bit cool so I took my time and selected clothes a bit warmer that I normally do. I had breakfast and headed to Burger King to see who would be riding with me. By 9am we were ready to go and about nine riders followed me onto Gilmore and headed for Acacia. We had Sasquatch, Highlander, Digger, MacGyver, Gambler, Bulldozer, Bloodhound, Dragon Slayer, Rocky, Jackal and me. At least that was what I saw as we turned onto Kirby and headed south.

We decided to take the short route to Domenigoni so that the A group could climb the Marina hill while the B group continued on to Cactus Valley. When we go all the way to Winchester before heading to Seven Dollar hill the A group has a chance to get far enough ahead of us so that the B group has to push pretty hard to beat them to Cactus Valley. If we took Sanderson it was harder to create that gap so we were interested in staying close to them all the way to Sanderson and then past the High School.

We were right behind the A group as we turned east on Domenigoni and made our way to Searl. All but four riders turned on Searl while the rest of us headed for State Street. I pulled us till we got to Newport and the stop sign and Highlander took us around the corner onto Cactus Valley Road and headed towards the Golf Course. Sasquatch took over for Highlander while I followed about three back. Jackal was tucked in the draft and had stayed there through two rotations; I knew he was up to something. Digger lost the draft at the corner but was still in sight as we crossed Sage and hit the little hill. Jackal jumped the climb and past Sasquatch in a sprint. I went with him and we simply waited till one of us gave up before crossing the top of the climb. I had enough juice to make it to the top without sitting down. We all regrouped at the end of the road.

We took time to hydrate and wolf down a snack while waiting for the A group. The first one to get to us was Bloodhound followed by MacGyver, Bulldozer and Gambler. Dragon Slayer and Rocky arrived next once we had collected everyone we got ready to head back towards Sage just in time to be joined by Socrates. We moved at a gentle steady pace back to the same little hill before sage where Bloodhound and Jackal dropped off first followed by Dragon Slayer and Highlander. I was on MacGyver’s wheel as we caught Digger and closed in on Highlander and Dragon Slayer. Once MacGyver pulled us to those two I took over and pulled the group up to the fleeing Jackal and Bloodhound. I caught them just before the turn and then fell in on the back of the pace line as we quickly made our way back to Newport. We made our way to McSweeney and regrouped back on State. Once again we headed north with Bloodhound and Socrates leaving first after Digger rolled by.

The whole group was together as we made the turn onto Stetson and Rocky took turns with Dragon Slayer pulling us east. Bloodhound stopped on Girard to see if anyone wanted to run up to Ramona Bowl but no one did. Dragon Slayer pulled us to Columbia and headed for Crest while Highlander stayed on Stetson and headed for Fairview. Sasquatch led us through the old homes on Crest and we all admired the quaintness of the neighborhood.

I don’t know why Highlander doesn’t like the ride through Crest but most of us rather enjoy it as we more or less just cruise by the houses chatting away like old friends reliving old days. I fell back to ride with Socrates and the A group got away from us. Rocky fell back to join us and stayed with us to Lake and then out onto Stetson again. We had managed to beat Digger to Lake and Stetson and he had to chase us all the way to Fairview and the turn to Wilson Mesa.

Once through the housing track we regrouped and decided to send Digger toward Florida with a reasonable head start. We gave chase a few moments later and it took us almost all the way to Stetson to catch him. Then we went into a mass sprint at the bridge. We made our way to Florida and Bulldozer left us for home. Bloodhound had left earlier so we made our way to Carl’s for coffee. Highlander didn’t stop because he had an appointment. After coffee we headed back for home and the Burger King parking lot.

Gambler left us first because he lives close to Carl’s and the rest of us headed for Park. Digger left us at Devonshire. We made our way to Santa Fe and west on Latham. Jackal left us at Buena Vista and we caught the light at State. Rocky left us at Palm and I stayed with MacGyver and Dragon Slayer all the way back to the parking lot. I then rode over to the Healthy Pub for a Herbalife Shake with Dragon Slayer before heading for home myself.

Then There were Three

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) And then there were three We have only had two rain out days this year and Friday was one of them. We had originally planned on a Beach ride Saturday but the rain cancelled that idea so I agreed to a ride closer to town. I posted the six lakes ride to Toms Farm after 3 riders requested it and figured I would just ride with whoever showed up. When I got up Saturday and looked outside the street was wet but the sky was clearing to the west of Hemet and that is the direction we would be going. I dressed warm and headed for Starbucks looking forward to lunch with a few friends. I got to Starbucks right after Brian and Just before Digger and Closer. I was surprised to see Huntress parking her SUV and then I noticed Quicksilver meaning the Bling Team would be out in force. I was also surprised to see Ranger pull up and he had a new rider, Josh, with him. Counting me we had 8 riders (The Great 8) heading for Lyon and towards Ramona. I had promised the group I would keep them together and they let me pull them all the way to Sanderson and the Expressway before heading west. Then Digger pulled us to Bridge and I took over again. There was no real drafting at that point because the tires were slinging water. Brian took the lead and pulled for a while and Closer finished took us to Lakeview and a short break.

As we got ready to head west again our most troublesome enemy, The Time bandit, attacked us as Huntress and Quicksilver left us. Now we were down to the (Stalwart Six) The rest of the group plugged along over the two rollers in front of Lake Perris and then moved on for a quick nature break at Mickey D just before Perris Boulevard. We got back on the road and I pulled us to the 215 overpass where Ranger came by me t take the lead. He asked where the next cut off point was and I informed him he would have had to take the Perris Boulevard turn if he wanted one of the shorter rides. He decided that, The Time Bandit, had struck again and they would be turning back by the time we got to wood Street. Now we were down to four. ( Fantastic 4) Brian and I took turns pulling the group all the way to La Sierra before starting down the hill. Closer proved to be the downhill King and beat me to Temescal Canyon road and south. We had to stop at B-Rads to get Closers bike looked at because of a squeak that was driving him nuts. We left B-Rads and made our way to Toms Farm for a quick Lunch. After leaving B-Rads I pulled till we had to make the right at the freeway and headed for Elsinore. I pulled for the whole climb till we got ready to turn on Lake. Closer and Brian pulled us to the lake and I took over again till we made the turn towards Railroad Canyon. The “Time Bandit”, attacked Brian and he left us as he had to race home. I made it to Murrieta and waited till Closer and Digger caught up. We now had to try and keep a steady pace all the way to Sanderson so Closer could get home to get to a party. However Closer flatted around Warren and we had to change a tire before we could ride back to Starbucks. By the time the Thrilling Threesome got home we had 80 plus miles on the computer and some great weather all the way from Nuevo to Elsinore and back to Sanderson. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It looked like we were going to have a spotty week of riding at beast this week but so far Monday was good and Wednesday looked like it could be just as nice. I was looking forward to a good ride knowing we may have a rain out Friday and our Saturday ride would be at the very least modified. So I had breakfast, dresses semi warmly and headed for the parking lot. As I had coffee with Digger we realized we were going to have a rather small group as Highlander pulled up right after Closer. Gambler and Bulldozer arrived with Bulldozer on his new CX bike. I think you would call it glow in the dark green. Whatever it was you couldn’t say you didn’t see him. But it was also rather clean looking with the disk brakes and all. Bloodhound and Rocky were the last to arrive before we headed out onto Gilmore and rode down to Acacia and over to Kirby.

It didn’t take long before Bloodhound took off and left us. This time Bulldozer went after him followed by Gambler. They were setting a pace way above comfortable for most of us so we waited to catch up on Cypress and all hit the stop light on Sanderson together. It was a long light but soon we made the turn south and once again Bloodhound left us as we rode by Wally World and headed for Mustang.

At first I thought it would be up to me to pull the group to Warren and try to close on Bloodhound but thankfully Bulldozer and Gambler took over pulling duties and started reeling in Bloodhound slowly but surely. We lost some distance at warren but got it back by Winchester and soon were pulling up to the light where Bloodhound was waiting. Once again Bulldozer and Gambler took the lead and soon they had us in a long pace line moving about 24 or 25 mph. Bulldozer fell back to let Gambler take the lead while he rotated through the line. By Leon it was down to Gambler, me, Dragon Slayer and Closer with Rocky just off of the back. Bloodhound and had a flat and Bulldozer stopped with him. Highlander was following Rocky with Digger some distance in the back. Gambler turned the lead over to me and that is how we finished the Saddle and the regroup.

We dropped off of the saddle as soon as Bulldozer had pulled Bloodhound up to the group and Highlander led us past Lindenburger and toward Antelope. We jockeyed for position as we past Menifee lakes and soon caught the light once more at Antelope. When the light changed I got us to the freeway overpass and got passed on the downhill side as Bulldozer tried to pick up speed to use before hard braking to try and seat his brake pads.

Our next move would be to get to Carl’s for a nature break before heading for Goetz. Rocky and I got caught at the light on Bradley and lost the group heading for Murrieta. We were never able to close with them so we more or less cruised towards Carl’s where we stopped to join everyone in a short break before getting back on the road.

We had a quick snack and refilled some water bottles before getting ready to head back out onto Newport and west over Murrieta. We didn’t get far because I noticed a low rear tire and decided to fix it before trying to make the climb on Goetz. It only took a few minutes and while I was working on it some of the group stopped by the Menifee bike shop before coming back and joining me on our move towards Goetz.

As we moved west we got behind Dragon Slayer and chased Bloodhound all the way to the light before turning north on Goetz and heading for Normandy. Dragon slayer and I lead the group to Normandy before Bloodhound pulled around us. Bulldozer and Gambler pulled around as well just as I took over from Dragon Slayer and I tried to catch one of the big dog’s back wheels. I did pull away from Dragon Slayer but couldn’t get far enough in front of him to not feel like he could close anytime he wanted. I did crest Goetz just after the fleeing a group but it was the last I saw of them as I dropped down to Ethanic to regroup with what was left of the group. Once Digger joined us we all headed east to Murrieta and then south to Rouse where we ended up chasing Digger all the way to Bradley and McCall.

As we turned east on McCall Highlander took the lead and gapped us by a car length or two at the Valero. I took me all the way to Antelope to catch him and as I did Dragon Shouted that he wanted to go for a PR on Hospital Hill. I tried to make a steady pull of it and we crested the hill together. Once the rest of our group joined us we headed first to Heritage and then Lindenburger and Simpson before heading east. We had a nice little pace line going all the way to Winchester before heading north to Winchester Farms and some coffee. After we all had a chance to recover we got back on the road and headed east on Stowe towards California.

We stayed together all the way to California and again to Stetson before heading east towards Warren. Closer and Dragon Slayer took turns pulling and I took the last pull from the Airport to Sanderson. We turned north on Sanderson and Rocky left us at Johnston. Dragon Slayer and Highlander past me at Wentworth and led us to Lowes. I got back in front on Acacia and got us to Gilmore where Dragon Slayer jumped out front causing a drag race all the way to Florida before we stopped at the parking lot and split up for home. I got there with about 45 miles on the computer and a good feeling of being tired.