By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was the kind of day cyclists always wish for. It had some of everything, fast sections, small hill, bigger hills, beautiful scenery and a bit of distance. It was also the last training ride for D V V before the Tour de Palm Springs. And to be honest this metric century is harder than the imperial century in Palm Springs. If anyone can ride through wine country in Temecula they can easily do the short climb at the beginning of the TDPS and race down Dillon. Anyway I had posted the ride on Monday and let everyone know to wear one of their D V V jerseys. I planned on wearing one of the new ones and so put on the Fearless Biker Kits and headed for Burger King to start the day. Like many days before Digger and Sasquatch were already there when I arrived. In fact Highlander was there as well. Quicksilver pulled up looking pretty eager followed closely by Phil and Scott. Bloodhound and Gambler were the first two A riders to show up but they were joined by MacGyver so there were at least three of them if they didn’t want to ride a more sedate century pace. I promised the B group a 15 to 16 mph average for the day and I knew it would stretch it a bit for Gambler as far as a time frame went. Huntress and Newsboy were the last to arrive before we hit the street and headed for Acacia.

True to my word I tried to keep the pace easy and refused to chase Bloodhound as he headed for Kirby and then turned towards Cypress to start us west. He was the first into the housing tract and the first out onto Johnston before rounding the corner onto Sanderson north tom get to Wentworth and west once more towards the airport. Only three of us made the light at Wentworth but we waited for the rest of the group till they got trough the light. We then headed for Cawston and then onto the Airport road to make or way back to Stetson.

Bloodhound was still pushing us a bit as we came out onto Stetson and traditionally we would ramp it up to Warren to avoid some of the traffic in the morning. Still I tried so save the pace a bit so people might have some energy left for east Benton. As we crossed Warren Bloodhound started to move forward but at lease the A riders stayed back and allowed us to cruise to California and then south to Stowe.

He pulled away as we headed west on Stowe and the rest of the group stayed with me till we rolled into the parking lot at Winchester Farms. We took a short break there so I cold inform the new riders about hydrating and eating on this ride. I also mentioned the last stop to take on water and food would be on Winchester and Nichols.

I took the lead on our way south on Winchester and pulled us down to 9th Street. As we turned west and headed towards the Wild West Show grounds Bloodhound pulled away again. Gambler pulled up next to me and confirmed the route over McCall and the Murrieta before taking off after Bloodhound with MacGyver in tow. We watched them go and kept the pace to 16 and 18 mph all the way to Leon and then over to Simpson before turning west ourselves and making our way to Heritage so we could make it to McCall. We crested the hospital hill and headed down to the Chevron Station for a regroup before headed off again to Murrieta and south to get back to Newport.

I pulled most of the way to Newport and then fell back as we made the turn east towards Antelope. We managed to get together at Haun and took the lane over the freeway before turning south towards the college. Huntress and Quicksilver took over the lead and pulled us past the college and over the hill to Scott road. It was here that Scott left us not feeling he was ready for the metric. We waved as he left and then continued on towards Keller to make or way south. Finally we turned over to Whitewood and started the fast downhill to Murrieta Hot springs before moving east to Winchester to get to our last fuel stop.

The ride up Nichols was about as easy as it has ever been and soon we were turning on Wilcott and over the hill to make our way to Butterfield Stage. Sasquatch tossed a chain at the bottom of the hill but we got him back on the road and caught everyone by the time they got to Rancho California.

Shortly after we started towards the Wineries Newsboy pulled away and we had to let him go or drop two riders off of the back of the group. It took me a while to move from the back to catch Huntress and Quicksilver. I closed slightly on Newsboy with Quicksilver right on my wheel. To my surprise Sasquatch was still right behind us as we turned onto Glen oaks Road and headed for Mesa. I could just see Newsboy making the turn but I didn’t know if he was going to regroup with us or not. He didn’t so we regrouped and then headed for Mesa Hill and I managed to just catch Huntress and Quicksilver at the top before the short downhill.

Quicksilver and I rode together towards De Portola and we ran into a patch of rather bad road. It reminded me of the stories of the Roubaix during the TDF and I was glad I had my 25 mm tires on. As we bounced and vibrated down the road I decided to pull over and wait for the rest of the group before hitting the long grade on Benton.

Soon Huntress and Sasquatch pulled up to us and we rode together till we got to De Portola where I waited for Phil and Digger. Highlander went after Huntress, Quicksilver and Sasquatch and I let Phil and digger pass me before heading after the group up Benton Grade. I caught Highlander just as we crested the grade and watched Sasquatch start over the top and down the hill towards Sage. I stopped again and Phil passed followed closely by Digger. Both of them began to chase Highlander and as we crossed the top of the grade I gave chase as well. They passed me again at Sage and I chased them to the Fire Station where Newsboy, Huntress, Quicksilver and Sasquatch were waiting. Phil and Digger stopped with us and Highlander kept going. All we had left was a short climb and the drop down Saint John’s grade to Cactus Valley. Huntress got a jump on me heading up the hill but caught her just before Red Mountain.

As we dropped off of Saint John’s I got by Huntress and made it almost to the Diamond Valley market before she caught me. I then had to keep the pressure up so as to not get “chicked” before I made it to Cactus Valley and rejoined Highlander. He then informed me he was tired and needed me to pull him at between 16 and 18 mph all the way back to Domenigoni. As I got to 16 he said kick it up. At 18 he said kick it up again and as we rounded onto State we kicked it up again to an easy 24 all the way to Newport before cutting back to 20 after McSweeney.

I still had enough energy to pull us west on Domenigoni but for some reason the Monster energy drink wasn’t setting well with my stomach and Huntress had to take over for me until Newsboy and Sasquatch pulled by and made the turn onto Sanderson. They kept getting caught at red lights till we got to Stetson and I got t the light first. I them managed to pull us to Lowes and finally over to Acacia and back to Kirby. Highlander took off at the light on Kirby and got us to Gilmore before taking us back to Burger King where we visited for a few minutes before I headed for home for a snack and a shower. All in all I would say we all made the ride and we were all ready for whatever the TDPS can toss at us.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was the start of another week and one week closer to the Tour de Palm Springs. Wednesdays will be the big ride days but there was no reason we couldn’t put in a few miles to Lake Perris and back. I posted the ride and got out the Klein because it was going to be a rather flat ride. I headed for Burger King for some coffee on a rather cool but clear day. As Digger and I had coffee the rest of the riders started to show up. Sasquatch, Bloodhound, Daredevil, MacGyver, Akira, Dragon Slayer, Highlander and Newsboy were all there by 9am and ready to head down Gilmore to Acacia and then to Kirby and turn south.

Truthfully I was just a bit tired and wasn’t ready for a quick take off before warming as we seemed to be doing this morning by the time we turned onto Cypress. Bloodhound made the turn onto Sanderson with Dragon Slayer in tow while the rest of us got caught at the light. We found Dragon slayer waiting for us right past Wally World and caught up to Bloodhound by the time we got to Mustang. Bloodhound took off at the light and Newsboy followed him and Daredevil. When we rounded the corner onto Domenigoni Daredevil slowed everything down till we were all in line and then we chased Bloodhound to the rise before starting a pace line at Warren. We more or less held together to Winchester before starting the final run at the saddle. We were rolling along pretty well until Leon where I kicked it up a notch till we got to the base of the saddle and pulled off to watch the sprint to the top for a regroup.

The Lake Perris ride is a bit longer than some of our rides but it is also uncomplicated. We had Highlander lead us off of the back side of the saddle and onto Lindenburger. As we headed towards Simpson first MacGyver took off to run the segment. Soon Newsboy chased him followed by Bloodhound and Akira. Finally Daredevil took off after them. In fact Sasquatch started to chase them as well so I just pulled Higlander and Digger up to his back wheel and we caug everyone else at the light on Simpson. Next we made our way to McCall and out onto Menifee to head north to the AM/PM for a quick break.

There would be no stopping again till we got to Nuevo. Once we were ready to head north on Menifee you could almost feel the energy in the riders knowing the pace was going to get hectic once we got past Mapes. Bloodhound started us out running uphill at about 20 and right after Mapes Dragon slayer took over the pull. As we dropped off of the rise the run was on and soon we were moving rapidly north towards Central. I took my turn at the front and soon MacGyver, Dragon Slayer, Bloodhound and Daredevil rolled by me as well. I got back on and went threw the stop sign to reclose on Daredevil and follow him to Central. It was a mass sprint from Central to Nuevo with us five abreast at times. We had once short regroup at Nuevo and then headed for Evans and another regroup at the stop sign on Orange.

Things didn’t realize all that much as we headed north again to get to Ramona. After making the turn we headed for the lake entrance where Newsboy and I stopped to wait for Highlander, Digger and Sasquatch. We still had the climb to the marina and we gave Highlander a head start while Newsboy and I rode with Digger and Sasquatch up to the frontage road. Only six of us stopped at the Marina for a break and it seemed as if Bloodhound, Dragon Slayer, Daredevil and MacGyver had headed for home. My group with Highlander, Akira, Newsboy, Digger and Sasquatch headed for the bike path and out to Ramona.

Highlander and I a big jump on the rest of the group getting out onto the Expressway and so we had to wait at Lakeview till they caught up. Once back on the road heading east I started a pull that took us all the way back to Bridge where Akira and Newsboy jumped around me in a sprint. They got caught at the light on Warren and I pulled again to Sanderson and south. We stayed on Sanderson till it looked like Highlander had a flat. But it must have been a small hole because he just added some air and we were back on our way to Cottonwood. Newsboy and Akira kept jumping off at the stoplights and sprinting ahead. Finally at Esplanade they jumped off and I dropped in on their wheel till I could get a big gear spinning and pulled out front. I left everyone at Devonshire and headed for my bank before heading home for hot shower and a dag walk. It was a bit faster than a Century pace but it was a good ride none the less.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Sometimes the plans you make work out and sometimes they do not. Today was one of those do not days. We didn’t plan it that way and it didn’t start that way but as the day went on the planning slipped away from me. I put together a medium distance ride on a reasonably nice day over fairly easy roads and posted it on Thursday night. I had no idea who would show up, I never do on Friday, but I didn’t care because I was looking forward to it. I got to Burger King and had coffee with Digger while other riders arrived. We had Sasquatch, Bloodhound, Scott show up almost at the same time. Once Quicksilver, Huntress and Newsboy drove up we had about as many riders as we were going to get. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do once we got started because my knees were a bit sore but once we got rolling down Gilmore I felt better. We made it to Acacia and headed west on an overcast morning that was none the less relatively warm.

We all pulled up to Kirby and waited for the light to turn green, I was chatting with Huntress just as we got the green light and headed south on Kirby. She quickly would up her Ruby to a fast spin and kept pace with Bloodhound who as normal was already running hot by the time we got to Cypress. As we turned the corner I could see we weren’t that far apart so I could only hope we would be able to hold the pace to Sanderson and then south towards Stetson.

We finally rounded the corner onto Johnston and headed for Sanderson. Only Bloodhound and I made the light s we had to soft pedal and then wait in front of Wally world for the group to catch us. We then headed to first Mustang where Newsboy tagged up on Bloodhounds back wheel and then to Domenigoni where we headed west. Bloodhound waited till we regrouped and then slowly ramped it up till we were in a pace line with just five of us, Bloodhound, Newsboy, Huntress, Quicksilver and me. We started rotating to the front by Warren road and Huntress made a powerful pull halfway to Winchester. But she may have pulled just a few yards too long because she fell off the back of the line and had to wait till we got to Winchester to close on the back again. This time Huntress was right in the mix of things as we headed for the bottom of the saddle and I found myself in the sacrifice spot. I pulled off as soon as we started up the saddle and waited till Bloodhound and Newsboy rode by. Newsboy let a gap develop and I got by him to take Bloodhounds draft all the way to the top of the saddle. I was concerned I might have burned too many matches on the saddle but I had plenty of time to compose myself before we would be ready to start up Scott to Murrieta.

We took a few minutes to collect everyone and have a morning snack as the women teased us about taking it easy on Domenigoni. Quicksilver was delighted with the 25+mph run at the saddle. It was here I should have realized the Women were out to get me and had something planned for when we turned onto Menifee and headed for Holland and Revive hill. Huntress decided to take a close up of me jersey only so I could get photo bombed by Quicksilver. That was just the first of their double teaming of me for the day.

We finally dropped off of the back side of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger where we pick up Newsboy. He then fell in line with the rest of us as we worked our way over to Menifee and south. Like most days Bloodhound was setting the pace as we headed for Holland and I fell back to talk with Digger. The problem was neither of the two women trusted my motives and so soon I found myself being blocked by both Huntress and Quicksilver. They were just close enough together that I had to fall back to be comfortable and if I moved to the right or left they simply moved over to block me. They were even willing to let Digger, Scott and Newsboy get part way up the hill as long as they could keep me pinned in. I finally managed to catch Quicksilver napping and got by her only to have Newsboy believe I was coming after him. I was way too far back to give chase but I knew I would get another shot at him before we got to Scott. We regrouped at the wide spot on top of the hill before getting ready to run down to Scott.

Bloodhound and Scott looked a lot fresher than I would have expected after the Revive climb but then I can never judge if Bloodhound is tired or not. Scott was doing well but once again I didn’t know him as well so I could only assume he was going to be up for a rather fast run down Menifee to Scott.

I was also impressed with Sasquatch and Newsboy as new additions to the group. Sasquatch is getting stronger every ride and Newsboy is pretty quick as a climber and a new rider to the group.

As we headed out again Bloodhound headed for Garboni followed by Newsboy with a gap of about 50 yards back to me. I had Huntress and Quicksilver right behind me and Digger was with Scott not far behind them. Newsboy was in Cruise mode after the stop sign on Garboni and so I zeroed in on him and closed on him before he ever saw me coming. I think Huntress and Quicksilver got by him as well but I wasn’t sure because they fell off after the rise and they hadn’t caught me at the corner. But they didn’t stop while I waited around the corner with Bloodhound so we had to chase them over to Antelope and caught the light there. I made sure to tell Bloodhound that we were going all the way to Menifee but he turned on Haun anyway taking Newsboy and Sasquatch with him. I shouted at them as I followed the women up Scott and soon Bloodhound was giving chase as we moved to Murrieta. Quicksilver, Bloodhound and I turned onto Murrieta first and I pulled over to wait. Next thing I knew Huntress went flying by followed by Newsboy and Sasquatch. Quicksilver and Bloodhound went after them as I waited for Digger and Scott.

They rolled by me as well so I ended up chasing everyone most of the way to Holland where I thought everyone would be waiting. That didn’t happen so I headed west on Holland and gave chase through the rollers. At first Scott stayed with me and I thought he might beat me up the hill to the housing tract. However he fell back to ride with Digger and I ended up chasing down Quicksilver at the construction zone. Quicksilver and I got to Railroad Canyon and I sent her ahead to meet up with the rest of the group while I waited to see what happened to Scott and Digger. Turns out Scott had a problem with some left knee pain after the two long grades and we had to gear down to get home. Huntress took the rest of the group back to Burger King while Digger, Scott and I worked our way back east on Railroad Canyon. We worked our way back to Murrieta where I adjusted Scott’s saddle a bit and it seemed to give him some relief. I was prepared to pull us all the way back to Burger King but Scott decided to pull most of the way from Lindenburger to Leon on Simpson. He started to have some pain again so I pulled to Winchester and then to Winchester Farms for coffee and an ice pack.

When we left on Stowe I pulled us to California and then to Stetson. Scott seemed to be moving better and I stayed in front all the way to the airport road. I let Digger take Scott back and checked with Huntress to make sure she got everyone else back before heading for home as well. It wasn’t the ride I expected and it will be my last one for the week but it was a good ride none the less.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a day made for a half century and I for one was looking forward to it. I wanted to be sure everyone was ready for our next century and figured today would be a good test for our pace and stamina. Nothing Palm Springs can toss at us would be any harder than today and as it turned out we rode a lot faster than the planned ride for that Saturday. I put on my new kit and headed for coffee with Digger just a bit early because I was so eager. Once I got to Burger King Digger and I talked briefly as Sasquatch arrived and I went in for coffee. Gambler texted me that he would be late and I noticed Phil was there and I knew he was going to leave early. Huntress was running late as well but Bloodhound pulled up with Dragon slayer. Daredevil, Quicksilver and Newsboy arrived just before Bulldozer and Gambler pulled up. Huntress made it just before 9am and we were just about ready to head out. Newsboy had to grab breakfast as we headed for Latham to start our day. Bloodhound and I made it to Lyon first and we took the group north towards Devonshire. Bloodhound got away from us and we just barely caught up to him at Esplanade.

As soon as we were through the light Bloodhound once again pulled away from us on a more or less solo run towards Ramona. We weren’t really loafing at this point but we had decided to stay together at least till we got to the Expressway. But our plans shattered when Digger cut a tire. We stopped as a group to watch him fix it and he had to boot it to make the ride.

We followed Gambler, Daredevil and Bulldozer to Ramona Boulevard and headed west when we had to stop again to add air to Digger’s back wheel. By the time we restarted Gambler, Daredevil, Dragon Slayer, Newsboy and Bulldozer were long gone. I took off after Bloodhound heading to Sanderson and we just missed catching the fleeing A group as they turned onto the Expressway. Bloodhound looked over his shoulder and said he was going to hammer the Expressway and anyone wishing to hang on could. I took him up on it and he pulled to Bridge where I came around to give him some relief and watch Huntress, Quicksilver, Sasquatch and Digger fall off the back. I got him most of the way to the light at Hansen where he took over again and got us to the Valero and a regroup. Bandit and Wolf were there as was another CAS rider adding to our group. Digger passed us as we waited for two riders making a quick stop at the real estate office. Once they were back with us we headed west on the expressway once again.

I made the mistake of trying to pull up the first rise to Burnesconi and blew up. Gambler, Daredevil and Bulldozer turned around after passing me. I managed to recover enough to keep from being caught by Dragon Slayer before I got to the entrance to Lake Perris to find Digger waiting. Digger, Dragon Slayer and I waited quite a while before Sasquatch pulled up to say Quicksilver had a flat but Huntress, Bloodhound and Wolf were there to help her. When they came over the hill we expected them to stop but they didn’t so we had to chase them all the way to Perris Boulevard and South.

I think Bloodhound thought we were chasing the CAS group but they weren’t planning on doing the same ride we were. Still Bloodhound had us rolling south at about 23 or 24 MPH and that spread us out quite a bit until Digger fell off of the back. I had to slow us down at 4th street so we could all get back into one line and head for the turn for Goetz.

I got us over to Goetz and lined up for the final run to Goetz hill. I started out leading but soon Bloodhound and Newsboy rolled by heading towards Ethenic. I fell back giving Dragon Slayer the lead about the time we pulled up across from the indoor Sky diving tower.

Soon Dragon Slayer, Bloodhound and Newsboy were sitting at the light on Ethernic as we all pulled up. When we took off from the light I expected Quicksilver, Wolf and Huntress to target me as if I were a runaway convict. I was well behind Bloodhound, Dragon Slayer and Newsboy so I found a comfortable gear and pulled up on their back wheel. As the hill first kicked up Dragon Slayer seemed to run out of air and waved me by. I then closed on Newsboy and got by him at the first up kick on the hill. But I couldn’t hold the gear and had to downshift and Newsboy caught me as Bloodhound pulled away. I topped the hill well behind Newsboy but I managed to close on him by the time we got to the Fire station. I got by him and ran with Bloodhound all the way to Normandy where I stopped to make sure everyone made the turn to head for the park on LaLadera. Once Digger arrived we regrouped at the park before heading to Honeyrun and east.

As we headed towards Cherry Hill Bloodhound and Dragon Slayer led the way. Newsboy was on my wheel and finally I pulled around to give Dragon Slayer relief. At Cherry Hill Newsboy pulled around and hooked up with Bloodhound. At that point Dragon Slayer and I decided to burn some of the matches we had been saving and sprint to McCall. Dragon Slayer beat me by at least a bike length and we turned east back towards Murrieta. Digger and Sasquatch were in cruise mode as we headed towards Bradley and I saved every bit of energy I had left to make a respectable run at Hospital Hill. As we crossed the freeway Newsboy latched onto my wheel and I had a feeling of doom as we headed for Hillpoint. But we caught the light green and Bloodhound was at least 50 yards in front of us so I just kept the spin going and waited for Newsboy to come by. But he didn’t come by and I pulled away at the first false crest and over the hill in second place. We started down the hill on MaCall and I almost became a road pizza whem a big Suburban made a sudden right turn at the first stop light. I should have known it was going to happen because so many cars were parked on the side of the road and the truck probably was looking for a parking spot and didn’t see me coming but at least I didn’t hit the side of his car. We regrouped just past Menifee. I followed the rest of the group to Heritage and then to Lindenburger where Wolf left us. We then started east on Simpson with Dragon slayer in the lead before I rotated to the front and pulled to Leon. Bloodhound, Newsboy and Huntress pulled by me and Dragon Slayer fell off to ride with Quicksilver. I waited till we got to the last stand of trees and made a sprint for Winchester. Bloodhound was cooked and Newsboy missed the move so for a change I got to the light first. Was it a hollow victory? It might seem hollow to one of the faster riders but to me a victory is where you find it. We then turned north to Stowe were we didn’t stop but headed towards California and home.

Dragon slayer was down on power because of his breathing so I had no trouble staying in front all the way to California and then Stetson. We worked our way down the Airport road and finally came out on Sanderson where we headed north to Lowes. The group now was smaller but still in good spirits as we rode behind Lowes to get to Acacia.

Dragon slayer had enough juice to pull us onto Acacia and east back to Kirby. I then got us to Gilmore and back to Florida where Dragon Slayer headed for his truck and the rest of us regrouped at the cars at Burger King. After saying our farewells I headed for home and a hot shower. I looked at my Garmin and saw we had covered 55 miles, or at least I had and we had traveled a lot faster than I plan on leading the B group at the Tour de Palm Springs. It turns out Digger and Sasquatch had stopped at Winchester farms and got home about 15 minutes after we did.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It is another week closer to the Tour de Palm Springs and it is another chance to turn up our training for a group effort at that ride. I had planned on making Wednesdays the training days but this Monday seemed ideal for a bit longer ride to Bautista and back. It was supposed to be about 46 miles and I wasn’t sure how many would be coming out on MLK day but plan the ride I did and headed out to Burger King and coffee about 8:15. Digger and Sasquatch were talking when I pulled up and shortly after that Bloodhound arrived. Daredevil and Scott arrived about the same time followed closely by Gambler, Bulldozer and MacGyver. To my surprise RCMP showed up with Papillon. Bandit drove up with a CAS rider and we waited around to see if anyone else was coming. No one was so we headed to Latham and moved over to Lyon where Mantis caught us and headed north towards Menlo.

At first Bloodhound pulled away from us as if anyone was interested in chasing him. However this early in the ride most people were more interested in conversation than chasing so we simply watched as he faded into the distance and we formed into a loose pace line once we were past Esplanade. Bulldozer, Daredevil and Gambler took over pulling and the rest of us followed them to Ramona where Bloodhound rejoined us and headed east.

Once again Bulldozer, Gambler and Daredevil took over pulling duties and we were rolling along pretty well as we came up to State Street and started north towards the Expressway. We decided to take a quick break at Del Taco before heading back out onto State towards the college.

My plan at this point was to pull to the college and then let someone else take over till we got to Soboba. Originally I thought about trying to run Soboba with the Big Dogs knowing that the B group only had once exit point if I did. But I also worried that if I did run with them I worried about the new riders feeling left out and we are a more social group than a racing one. So I decided to let the fast guys go and save my energy for later.

I ended up tagging onto Mantis as we started over the rollers and at first we had Scott with us. As we crossed over the second roller Mantis picked up the pace and we pulled away a bit till we closed in on the driving range where I took over the pull to give Mantis a break. I didn’t make it to the top of the rise before Mantis had to stop and clear his ear phone wire from his rear cassette. Scott passed us while we cleared the wheel and we managed t get back on the road before Digger and Sasquatch caught us. Mantis and I stopped at the top of the hill and Scott went on to regroup with everyone else on river crossing and Ramona. Once we turned east again the A group stopped by the Indian Health clinic for a nature break and I took the B group towards Lake Street. Just before Hemet street the A group caught us and we moved to Cedar together.

Once again Bloodhound pulled out front and was long gone as we turned onto Cedar. I led us to Florida where we found Bloodhound waiting. We rolled by and he joined the group heading south. This time Mantis set the pace and was well ahead of us passing Stetson when Gambler decided to close. I was going to drop back but Bandit wanted me to run up Bautista with the group so I stayed behind MacGyver and Gambler till the caught Mantis. As we turned onto Bautista Mantis once again took off first and Gambler fell back till he regrouped with Bulldozer and the rest of the Big Dogs and came flying by before I reached the sharp right hand turn. I did manage to hold onto MacGyver and we caught Daredevil’s wheel. Daredevil put it on cruise control and I took off and gave chase to the quickly fading A group. After crossing the dam I caught sight of Mantis and chased him most of the way to the last climb where we caught RCMP. When I slowed to say hello Mantis kicked it up and started to pull away again and RCMP caught my wheel as I gave chase. This time I couldn’t catch Mantis and RCMP beat me in the final sprint to the top of Bautista where the A group was waiting.

As we talked at the top of the hill I expected the As were going to leave to do hill repeats but Gambler and Bulldozer said they were heading for home and Daredevil wasn’t interested in a repeat run so I watched them leave to head home. I said I would wait for the B group and sat there for quite a while before making the mistake of riding back down the hill to look for them. It wouldn’t have been a mistake except it messed up my Strava time for the Bautista climb because I rode back up the hill with th at a bit slower pace. Still it was worth it because this was Scott’s first time up Bautista.

The ride back down Bautista was uneventful and I led Scott back to Fairview where we waited for Digger and Sasquatch. Once we were all back together I took us back down to Florida and then west to Carl’s for coffee. Once we were back on our way Sasquatch decided tom just head for home so Scott, Digger and I rode up to Lincoln and over to Park together. digger left us when we turned onto Devonshire and Scott and I finished the ride back to Burger King before I headed for home and a hot shower. I got 50 miles in by the time I parked my bike so I can see some high mileage by the end of this week.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another week was coming to an end and I wanted to take it easy for a Friday ride. I didn’t know who would be riding for sure but I wanted a little extra distance for the Cactus Valley ride so I added Cranston Station and planned on 40 miles to finish the week. Digger was waiting for me but I expected that. I knew he had a new tire after cutting one on Wednesday. I expected Sasquatch because he got a new crank after fragging his old one on the Elsinore ride. Bloodhound was almost a given but I was surprised to see Ferret and Tinker Bell drive up just before Phil. Scott joined us again as did Newsboy and that looked like about all we were going to have. Huntress called and said she would meet us on State Street so we headed south on Gilmore to Acacia. We made the turn onto Acacia and down to Kirby and South again.

I knew Bloodhound would push the pace even on a flat Friday so I asked Ferret to lead the A group and expected them to pull away for us. What I didn’t expect was for them to leave us right after we turned onto Cypress. I wasn’t all that concerned except we were already running about 19 mph before we even got to Sanderson and Johnston. I gather that Gambler joined then at Domenigoni and Sanderson and headed for the Marina with Scott in tow. We rounded the corner and headed for State Street where we caught up to Scott and headed towards Cactus valley while Gambler, Bloodhound, Newsboy Ferret and Tinker Bell climbed seven dollar hill. I turned the lead over when digger and Scott passed me at Newport. Just before the rise at the Cactus Valley turn Sasquatch pulled around Digger and made a run at the hill. I spun up to him when he bogged just before the turn itself and took off for the Golf Course. Sasquatch caught me where the road got wide.

I got a slight draft off of a water truck just as Scott and Digger caught our back wheel and only Pill was with me as we rolled by Sage and started into Cactus Valley. I was feeling real good and managed to stand all the way to the Baptist Church and headed for the end of the road till Phil called me back thinking the rest of the group had stalled. They were still coming however so we rode to the end of the pavement and waited for the A group. Huntress caught us before the A group arrived. Bloodhound was the first a rider to arrive followed by Ferret, Gambler, Newsboy and Tinker Bell.

Once everyone had regrouped and refueled we got ready to head back to State Street. Bloodhound and Ferret took off first and I gave chase at Sage with Newsboy to help me close. And close we did till we made the turn on State and headed for Newport. I got us close but not quite fast enough to catch them before McSweeney and the right turn through the houses there. Once again re regrouped on State and got ready for the State Street mile sprint.

I stuck to Bloodhound’s wheel till the last 50 yards looking over my shoulder to see if Newsboy was going to jump and then I hit it and kept the spin going all the way to the mobile home park. Once again I released the A group and this time Huntress, Newsboy and Tinker bell went with them. I had Digger, Scott, and Sasquatch with me and we cruised through the old homes on Crest.

We worked out way over to Lake and headed north back to Stetson. Phil and I broke away from Digger and Scott and headed east to Fairview. Once again I was feeling pretty strong so I did most of the pulling and finally turned south on Fairview towards Wilson Mesa. I could see the A group regrouping on top of the Mesa and moved quickly up the hill and around the houses to join them. Phil and Scott stopped with the a group and Digger followed my example and joined us at the regroup point.

I notified Newsboy that more than likely there would be a sprint from Stetson to just before Mayberry and he made the mistake of dropping off of the hill first. I say the mistake because that allowed Bloodhound and I to work together and catch him. Once Bloodhound had the lead I settled into the second position only to have Gambler fly by in full sprint mode. I started to go after him and for reasons only known to him Bloodhound fell off. I never caught Gambler and he turned for home on Florida as did Huntress and Scott. I went with Bloodhound and Newsboy towards Cranston and ended up pulling as we left the trees. I happened to be in the right gear and managed to run hard to Cranston and waited for the rest of the group to arrive. As we returned down the hill towards Carl’s only four of us stopped for coffee and conversation. Sasquatch left first while Digger, Newsboy and I headed to Lincoln and west towards Park.

Digger left us as we turned onto Devonshire and Newsboy and I rode together back to Lion where I broke off and headed for home. I did stop by the bike shop to check on Newsboy and some adjustments he wanted to make on his bike before going home for a hot shower and Lunch. It turned out to be a great day for a Friday ride and the end of a good week.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Training for the Tour de Palm Spring has officially started and we have started with a Metric Century going around Lake Elsinore and will end with a Metric Century going through wine country and bake down Sage with a Half Century through Perris in the middle. So I got out one of my DVV jerseys and headed for coffee with Digger and Highlander. It didn’t take long for the group to arrive. Huntress and Quicksilver were eager to ride as were Daredevil, Bulldozer and Gambler. Pony Express and Bloodhound were mounted up as was Albert, (Sasquatch) and MacGyver. It was a pretty good group for a Winter Wednesday. Right up front I tried to let the A group know they were free to set their own pace because I intended to pace the B group at something close to what I planned on as a century pace and I was willing to pull all the way if necessary to keep them together. We headed down Gilmore to Acacia and headed west towards Kirby and Bloodhound already started to pick up the pace.

As we turned onto Kirby Bulldozer picked up the pace and I could see Bloodhound go after him. Papillion had just turned around to join us and Gambler started after the fleeing two A riders. By the time we got to Cypress MacGyver and Daredevil had left to chase the other three riders and The B group was left to me. We got to Johnston and Sanderson just after the A group made the turn and disappeared into the distance. I moved us past Stetson and then towards Mustang to begin the ride west on Domenigoni.

Once on Domenigoni I pulled till we reached the rise and gave it over to Highlander. He pulled to Warren and Huntress then Quicksilver pulled to Winchester. Pony Express and Digger pulled to Leon and we started to line up for the saddle sprint. I noticed Quicksilver and Huntress were zeroed in on my back wheel and I expected one or both of them to attack me on the saddle. However quicksilver was not going to commit to the sprint until I went and as soon as I pulled out to pass she became my shadow. She stayed with me almost all the way to the top of the saddle. All she said was one of these days she will beat me up the hill. To tell the truth I believe she will and the day she does I will be about as proud as I can be. Once the entire B group was together we dropped down the back side of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger. Highlander, Huntress and Quicksilver were already on their way so they could stop at the park and we could see the A group on the side of the road and we thought they were waiting for us. Turns out MacGyver had a flat and they had to chase us to Menifee and head south to the park.

We made a rather short pit stop at the park and while we waited for the two women one male after another decided to take advantage of the stop as well. Just as we got ready to leave an exercise class must have finished and we had to thread our way out of the parking lot and back out onto Menifee to head around the corner and towards Antelope.

When we turned west again on Newport the A group took off and for reasons only known to my bicycle I went with them. We managed to catch the light on Haun green and separated from the B group and rolled on to Bradley. I stayed with them till we got close to Carl’s Jr. and they said they were going to head straight through Railroad Canyon. I decided to wait for the B group and stay with them to the lake. The A group was limited on time and most of them were planning on turning back at Mickey Ds anyway.

Daredevil turned for home early and we watched the A group head for the Canyon well in front of us. We followed at a much more sedate pace and stayed pretty much together all the way to the last downhill before the freeway where we picked up Bloodhound and the rest of the a group headed for home. Then we regrouped on the corner after Mickey Ds before heading south towards the turn on the south side of the lake. We got up to the west side of the lake and Bloodhound left us was we tried to keep a steady pace line going north.

We started to spread out a bit as we moved to the north end of the lake and headed east. I fell back to get Sasquatch and Digger but Sasquatch rode by and chased the rest of the B group to Jack in the Box while digger and I followed. As we left jack in the Box disaster reared its ugly head and Digger sliced a tire. We had to boot it before we could get back on our way and made it to the east side of the lake and headed south again towards Elsinore proper.

Once we got back to Railroad Canyon and headed east it looked like we would have a smooth run to Murrieta. But it simply wasn’t meant to be. As I planned on waiting for the group at the Fire Station I watched as Bloodhound continued on for home. Pony express stopped with me until Quicksilver and Huntress arrived. They had to get back home so they let as well taking Pony express with them. Highlander pulled up and headed towards Murrieta as well. Finally Digger pulled up and told me that Sasquatch had tossed a chain and after fixing it his pedal pulled out of his crank arm taking the threads with it. We called Highlander and he headed for his van to come back and pick him up. I ended up pulling Digger all the way back to the parking lot before heading for home myself. It may not have gone according to plan but it was a good ride anyway.