By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The year had started out pretty good and I could see no reason that today wouldn’t simply be a continuation of the same thing. I put together a moderate ride and planned for a good breakfast to make sure my energy level was up. After getting dressed I headed off to Burger King for coffee with Digger and whoever happened to get there before me. Digger was there as was Highlander and Dragon Slayer, along with his friend Thomas, who after one ride I have decided to call the Pinball wizard. Bloodhound arrived along with Quicksilver and Daredevil. Albert and Akira were there as well and we got stated just after 9am and headed to the light on Florida.

Once the light changed we were headed south on Gilmore and west on Acacia till we got to the light on Kirby. Absolutely everyone seemed full of energy and was ready for this ride. I knew Daredevil could keep the A riders in line and I would have to energy to keep the B group going so it was no surprise as Bloodhound, Pinball Wizard, Dragon Slayer and Daredevil led the way out onto Johnston and were waiting at the light on Sanderson. Once the light changed Bloodhound got us to Stetson and then past Wally World. At that point the faster riders got ready to make a run at Domenigoni as we pulled even with the High School.

I took the B group with me and we watched as the faster riders started to create a gap. It didn’t matter much because the B group was setting a pretty good pace on their own. We took turns pulling past Warren and then to Winchester. We knew half of the group would be waiting at the saddle and we were getting there as well. By Leon it was my turn t pull again and I took us to the regroup point at the saddle where we only had a minute or two to wait for everyone to regroup.

We dropped off of the back side of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger. Some of the riders got caught at the light but we knew we would be waiting for them at Menifee so we simply soft pedaled till we got to the light and by the time it turned green we were all back together. We headed south on Menifee but Bloodhound was on a mission of his own and pulled out about 50 yards in front of the rest of us. Some of us slowed down fro a car at Holland Street when Highlander made it through and he was between us and Bloodhound. Daredevil lined us up in a double pace line and pulled us up to Highlander and up the little hill. We did a quick regroup where the road gets with and headed for Garboni and the hard run to Scott.

Once again Highlander made it through the Stop sign and we had to set up behind Daredevil in a pace line to run him down. Daredevil was pulling like a freight train as we caught and passed Highlander and headed up the slight grade towards Scott. I managed to hang on with a great effort and rounder the corner to regroup once more before heading to Haun for the run back to Holland. We once again split into two groups and Quicksilver started the pace north. I finally rolled by her and managed to hold off the rest of the riders till we got to Holland and made the turn west towards Murrieta. The fast group was already on Murrieta by this time so I pulled us over the next little hill and back north on Murrieta till we regrouped at the Chevron on Newport and Murrieta.

As we pulled into the Gas Station parking lot the lead group was waiting around and telling stories. I was a good time for a break because Quicksilver and Bloodhound were almost out of water and of course some needed a nature break. We noticed as we were standing there we noticed they had removed the Bicycle shop on Murrieta. It is a shame because it was a good little shop and had pretty good deals on tires and things. I hope they are just moving and not closing for good. Still we got ready and pulled out onto Murrieta and headed for McCall.

Daredevil pretty much pulled us all the way to McCall and I didn’t get much of a chance to relax when Quicksilver went with the big dogs and turned the corner onto McCall and headed back east towards Bradley. We didn’t catch Daredevil and Bloodhound till the caught the light at Bradley. Once we were back on our way I decided to try and stay with Pinball wizard, Daredevil and Bloodhound and did pretty well till we almost made it to the flat section just before the top of the hill. I started to try to pass but realized I didn’t have the matches so I backed off to save my lags for what I knew would be the hard run on Simpson. We rolled over the hill and made our way to Heritage and out to Simpson. Once we headed east on Simpson we stayed together till Daredevil took the lead just before Leon. We moved into the trees with Daredevil in front followed by Bloodhound, me, Dragon Slayer and Pinball Wizard. Highlander fell off and I didn’t see Quicksilver pull up on the back end of the line. We were running out of room and I could see the sprint to Winchester was close. I didn’t think I had to steam to out sprint Daredevil even if I knew I had to give it a try. Then a miracle happened and Dragon Slayer decided to pull out and take the lead to pull Daredevil taking Pinball wizard with him. I got in on the back wheel of a triple pass opportunity that would sling shot me to the front and box in Daredevil. Would I take advantage of such an opportunity? Yes I would and I headed for Winchester without even a look back to see if anyone was after me. And I got to the light first. We then headed north to Stowe and coffee. One or two riders had to leave and once the rest of us had coffee and conversation to our heart’s content we headed for home on Stowe as well.

We played a little bit once we got to California Street and were still playing all the way to Stetson and Warren. Quicksilver took us to the airport and we quickly made it to Sanderson to head north one more time. I took the opportunity to jump passed Dragon Slayer and head for Lowes. I started too early and managed to get run down before the driveway. We then made it around the building and out onto Acacia to get back to Gilmore and Burger King. I stopped for a few minutes and then headed home myself and had a hot shower and lunch. It was a great day and we had a great ride. Yes this is why we live here.