By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Well we all knew the weather was about to change so I suggested a shorter ride with a bit of climbing and some hot coffee in the middle. Today we were going to ride through Lamb’s Canyon and head to Beaumont. Because Monday had been so nice I was thinking today would be close to the same. How wrong I turned out to be. I got up and looked outside and all I saw was clouds and a light fog like mist handing over the street. So I put on arm and leg warmers and my D V V jersey and shorts and headed for the door. I didn’t make it to the street before I went back for my Jacket. Still I left for Burger King early and managed to get there first. Digger pulled up just as I was getting ready to walk in to get coffee and we decided to sit inside where it was warm to see if anyone else would be joining us. Papillon sent me a text saying he was on his way. At first I thought that maybe it was going to be just digger and me but a new rider, Daniel, rode up and joined us. A few minutes later Huntress arrived followed by Papillon, and Phil and that looked like all we were going to get. So we got ready and headed out to Latham and went over to Lyon and headed north.

There wasn’t much going on as we headed for Ramona Boulevard and the new rider, Daniel was have little or no difficulty staying with us as we passed Esplanade, Seventh and Cottonwood. Daniel and I got caught by some traffic at Cottonwood and the group had to wait for us just before Ramona Boulevard. To my surprise the one leading the front group was Digger. Digger Huntress and Papillon led us west on Ramona all the way to Sanderson before we headed north again. I regrouped us again just past Gilman Springs and let Huntress and Digger leave first followed by Phil and Daniel and last but not least Papillon and me. I got call and had to stop for a moment and Papillon got away passing Phil and Daniel. It took me most of the way to the top of the first climb to catch Digger and half way down to the dump to catch Huntress. I never had a chance to catch Papillon and he joined me at the top of the last climb and circled back to follow Huntress for a regroup at 1st Street. I had to send Papillon back down to check on Phil and Daniel. Phil caught up to us and we waited not knowing that Daniela was having a problem with his read derailleur. Huntress and I headed for Starbucks and by the time we had ordered coffee the rest of the group arrived.

It was still a bit cool to go without a jacket but we sat outside and talked for a while getting to know each other better or catching up on the last week’s events for each household. Phil had to leave first and once the rest of us finished our coffee, or Cocoa in Huntress’s case we got ready to head back down the hill.

In effect the ride is pretty much over once we leave Starbucks. All we have to do is go west on 1st street and turn south on Lamb’s canyon and we have a long downhill that takes us almost all the way back to the expressway. I pulled down the first hill and Huntress pulled to the last hill where I took over again and dropped like a rock back down to Gilman. Huntress left us at Gilman and we had a short regroup at the expressway and Sanderson. We rode down to Ramona Boulevard towards State to get back to where we started.

This was a ride of first for Daniel. It was his longest ride since getting his bike. It was the first bike ride up Lambs Canyon and one of his few group rides. For all of that he was doing pretty good even if he was showing himself to be a bit tired as we turned onto Lyon and heading for home. Digger stayed to pace him and Papillon and I moved on down to Menlo where I stopped to wait for Digger and Daniel. Papillon had an appointment so we said goodbye and he headed off. I waited till Digger turned on Menlo and Daniel and I rode to the Bike shop on my way home. Daniel decided to have some adjustments made so I headed for home. I was pleased with the ride and glad the rain never materialized.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We have finally gotten predictions of rain but not till late in the week so it was important to plan some good rides for Monday and Wednesday. It was clear and cool so I decided on three climbs east and headed to Burger King eagerly. My eagerness took a bit of a shock when I got to Burger King first and no one was there. I bought coffee and still no one showed up. By 8:40 I was getting worried when at least Sasquatch arrived and we talked for a while before Digger rode up. It seems as if Digger had a flat on the way over and had to change it on the road. By 9am it was still just the three of us. So we decided to take it easy and instead of going to Cranston we would add Bautista to the other two climbs. We headed down Gilmore and turned onto Acacia. Once on Kirby Digger got another flat and I gave him one of my tubes so we could get back on our way. We made it to Cypress and turned west. As we traveled through the housing tract we decided to head south on Sanderson and go to Domenigoni to attack the Marina hill sooner.

It was pretty much a relaxed pace as we were able to carry on a conversation all the way to the light past Mustang. As we moved past Mustang Digger and I moved over to the left to get into the turn lane with Sasquatch right behind us. We turned east and moved quickly to Searl to make the turn towards Seven Dollar hill. Both Sasquatch and Digger stayed with me as we started up the hill and they were still with me going through the lower gate. I shifted into a spin gear and started to pull away but Sasquatch stayed with me almost all the way to the bug left turn before falling off. Digger was about the same distance behind Sasquatch as Sasquatch was behind me. And it stayed that way all the way to the top of the hill where we stopped for a nutrition break. We dropped down the hill together and headed back out to Domenigoni to head for our next little climb.

We headed for State Street and kept it to cruising speed all the way to the light. Once we were headed back north Sasquatch stayed on my wheel all the way over the rise and to Chambers. Digger wasn’t that far behind and by the time we had turned onto Buena Vista he had caught us. We turned on Thornton and again on Santa Fe to get to Stetson. At this point we started thinking about Ramona Bowl. I don’t think Sasquatch had ever been up the Bowl road on a bike so he had a treat coming to him. As we turned onto Girard Sasquatch headed for the climb with plenty of steam and I had to chase him for about 50 yards at the beginning of the climb before I got by and headed up the hill. I got to the top of the hill first and waited till first Sasquatch and then Digger pulled up. We took a short break to catch our breath and then dropped off the bowl to ride down to Crest Street and then to the old houses towards Lake.

They let me pull all the way to lake and then out onto Stetson towards Fairview and lastly south to Bautista where I waited for Digger before starting up the canyon. Then I ran over a Michelin thorn, piece of wire, and had to use my second tube. I wasn’t that worried but between the three of us all we had was one little container of Scabs in case we flatted again. As it has been said no guts no glory so we started off again and I stayed with the two of them till the dam where Digger faded and Sasquatch stayed with me till we got by the white picket fence where I pulled away. I got out front and stayed there till I got to the decreasing radius double turn and stopped to point it out to Sasquatch so he would know not to try and take either of the turns wide with any speed. We then continued on to the end of the canyon. Digger wasn’t that far behind us.

We stood around for a while and discussed how great of a day this had been for Bautista. It was one of the easier trips up the canyon any of us had. Digger was out of water and planned on heading straight down the hill and to Carl’s while Sasquatch and I would more or less cruise down the hill and maybe catch him or maybe not.

Once we got rolling both Sasquatch and I caught up to Digger and I led us through the off camber decreasing radius turn and towards the picket fence. We took turns pulling to the fence and I tried to explain positioning in the group for the dam sprint to Sasquatch. If he keeps getting stronger like he has been he will become a force in flat sprints and he has already shown a tendency to give sprints a try. We hit the dam together and he was just a bit slow on the jump as we crested the hill and headed for the sharp right turn and then the left towards Fairview. We stopped at the corner of Fairview and Bautista and waited for Digger who rode by. We had to chase him all the way to Stetson and then he drafted us to Mayberry and finally out to Florida where I stopped to get a spare tube before heading to Carl’s for coffee. We split up as we started home and Digger and I went west while Sasquatch went east. Digger stayed with me to Palm where we split for home and I got there looking forward to a hot shower. But most of all I was sorry so many missed a great ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Friday and like all Friday’s what was planned was not always what happens. I wanted a little climbing and a little mileage and was planning on a cruise more or less. I got to Burger King to see Digger talking with our long lost friend Double Time and his friend David. As I conversed with Double Time Bloodhound arrived followed by Gambler. A new rider, Tim, followed a few minutes later by Barracuda and Sasquatch. It looked like we were all there were so we headed out onto Gilmore. As we got close to Acacia Gambler told me he was a bit short on time and that he wouldn’t be stopping to regroup today and Bloodhound said he wanted to go with him. I felt that could make the run west on Domenigoni more than interesting. Bloodhound seemed more than eager to push the pace from the very beginning.

As we headed towards Kirby it was all we could do to keep Bloodhound in sight. So far Gambler and Barracuda were simply cruising along in the back talking to Tim and Digger. We managed to catch Bloodhound at the light on Kirby and then follow him south to the railroad tracks and turn onto Cypress. As we settled into a casual cruise on Cypress Bloodhound headed for Johnston but stopped to wait for us at Sanderson. I got the light just as it turned green and took us past Stetson and Wally World before giving the lead back to Bloodhound as we closed on Mustang and spotted Papillon.

Once Bloodhound caught Papillon we were headed west on Domenigoni and I figured that would be the last we saw on Gambler and Bloodhound. Still I closed on Papillon and told him that two of the riders wouldn’t be stopping at the saddle and I would be regrouping but even though he acknowledged what I said he held onto Bloodhounds wheel as Gambler pulled up to join us. We were already pulling away from the rest of the group so I thought what the heck I would stay with them as well. We were slowly but surely picking up speed and somewhere around the dry river crossing Barracuda caught us and the pace went up again. We took turns pulling but Gambler kicked it up to just over 30 and it was all I could do to hand on. By the time we rolled over Winchester I started thinking about the saddle sprint, (Yes Virginia I had enough left for the sprint). I was sitting in 4th as we hit the bottom of the saddle and I watch Bloodhound make his move so I passed on the outside and got to the fence first. Yes I had sucked wheel for at least a half mile but a sprint is a sprint and all is fair in love and bicycle sprinting. We regrouped at the top where Coyote was waiting while Gambler and Bloodhound kept going.

I told the remaining riders that the pace would be more reasonable as we dropped off of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger and I would have been except that Coyote was leading the group with fresh lags and he was heading towards Antelope at about 20. No that wasn’t the power move like Gambler but still was enough to string the group out till we caught the light at Haun and they caught up. But we were spread out again as we pulled into Carl’s to see how everyone was doing. It wasn’t till that stop that Double Time agreed to climb Goetz. So as soon as we were all ready we started back out onto Newport and over Murrieta.

Coyote and Double Time took off on us and rounded onto Goetz well before I got there. Digger went back to keep track of Tim and I finally caught the rest of the group at the stop light just before Normandy. We formed a double line as we started up the hill and I decided to latch onto Barracuda and Papillon. Of course there is no drafting Papillon but I held on as best as I could and on my back wheel over the first rise. He fell of just a bit and Barracuda started to pull away so I had to work to stay on Papillon’s back wheel. It did allow me to create a gap on everyone else and I finally had to let Barracuda and Papillon go on the second rise. I got to the top of the hill about 75 yards after the two leaders and dropped down the back side on Goetz to regroup at Ethernic.

As we started east on Ethernac we soon split a bit and Digger fell back with Tim and the rest of us moved onto Murrieta. I got the lead and took us around the corner onto Murrieta and headed south. I am never sure of the street name where we turn to head to Bradley. I made one false move to turn too early but corrected and got us to the cemetery road and headed east.

I was surprised at how fresh I felt after just climbing over Goetz and knowing we still had Hospital hill to deal with. I got us onto McCall and was leading as we rolled by the Valero station. This was not a good spot for me with Barracuda, Papillon and Coyote behind me heading the light at Antelope and then Hillpoint. But I caught the second light perfect and was in the right gear to pull all the way to the false flat when Papillon pulled up next to me. He let me crest the hill first and followed me down to Heritage where we regrouped once more. When we got to Lindenburger and Simpson Coyote left us and headed for home. We told Double Time he would have to pull us all the way to Winchester but he declined and I started us off and pulled till we got to Leon. First Barracuda pulled but David decided to take a turn and pulled us to Winchester. We headed north towards Stowe to have coffee at Winchester Farms and I happened to be leading till we had about 100 yards to go. Sasquatch sprinted by and I ramped it up to catch him only to have Barracuda draft off of me and roll by just before the corner. We pulled in for one final regroup and coffee. When we got ready to leave Double Time got away first and was halfway to California before we were even formed up to give chase.

However give chase we did and we started to reel in his lead and rounded the corner onto California and closed even more before we got to Stetson. We had him zeroed in before he got to Warren and David led us to the airport road before we worked our way to Sanderson and north to Leon. Barracuda led us around Lowes and out onto Acacia we followed him to Gilmore and north back to Florida and the parking lot at Burger King. We talked for a while at the vehicles before we all headed for our own homes. I will admit the hot shower felt real good after today’s fast pace ride and climb, at least fast for me.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It has become a tradition for winter riding that Wednesday is one of our more challenging ride days. Our Bling Team had asked for a bit of a climb and they wanted to go to Strawberry creek and back. So I posted the ride and got plenty of rest so I could be fresh and ready for the assault that both Quicksilver and Huntress more than likely hit me with. So I got up early and had a good breakfast and put on my club kit before heading to Burger King. Digger was waiting and much to my surprise Highlander showed up. Next Bloodhound and Sasquatch rode up. Gambler and Bulldozer arrived followed by Quicksilver and Huntress. Last but not least Red Rabbit joined us and we were ready to head out to Latham and make our way north on Lyon to work our way east towards the mountains.

I knew we wouldn’t get many pictures today because once we were on the hill either going up or coming down I wouldn’t have much time to take any. So I sat back and simply enjoyed the ride up Lyon and followed Bloodhound and some of the others past esplanade and towards Cottonwood. Finally we made the jog onto Ramona Boulevard and started towards State Street.

It didn’t take us long to work our way east towards State and the A group was taking it easy as we did so. Finally we got to the light on State and got ready to head north again to make our way to Soboba. We did have to make a quick stop at Mickey Ds before we got back on the road and Bloodhound left with Highlander on his wheel as we crossed the Expressway. I found myself at the back of the pack as we rode by the college and was almost dropped when Quicksilver increased their spin going over the bridge before the turn onto Soboba. Highlander pulled out of the pace line and was going to Go back and pull Highlander and Digger up to the Bling team and Sasquatch. The A group was long gone by then and I didn’t think it was going to be worth the matches to catch them. But soon I pulled in on the Bling team and by the second roller we caught Sasquatch. I went around him before the top of the roller and Huntress hooked on like a trailer as I headed for the Golf Course. Huntress stayed with me till I got to the very last little climb. We regrouped at the end of the golf course and collected the stragglers.

It didn’t take long for Highlander, Sasquatch and Digger to catch us and we took a little time to shed some jackets and arm warmers before we headed off again towards the turn at the river crossing.

The A group was long gone by this point so I took over pulling duties and got us over the river bridge and onto Ramona to head back to Cedar and then onto Fairview to make our way to Florida and east to the fire Station. We caught Red Rabbit just before Cranston where we regrouped. Somehow the girls talked both Highlander and Rabbit into heading to Strawberry Creek so they went with us as Quicksilver started up the hill. We didn’t get more than a mile or two up the road before Quicksilver opened a gap on the rest of the group. It took a while buy I caught up to her and just as we got to the passing lane I went by and headed for Strawberry alone. As I rounder the corner at the passing lane I noticed the A group plus Papillon heading back down the hill. I settled into an easy cruise and got to the turn out by 11:20 to wait for the rest of the B group. The Bling Team arrived first.

We had time to visit for a few minutes and catch our breath waiting for whoever was going to be next. It was a beautiful morning and for a brief moment I considered heading to Mountain Center before heading home. But before I could put my thoughts into action Highlander arrived.

He was a lot faster than the last time we made this ride. Still he informed Huntress that this was not his favorite ride and he had a new formula for determining time up the hill. Huntress would have to add one minute per year difference in age. By his calculations she had to spot him 30 minutes for the nine mile climb. Huntress took the suggestion under consideration and then replied she thought it would make better fertilizer than a math process. As a smile broke across our faces Digger rode up and he was still smiling.

Huntress had to get back early so she turned for home and Highlander went with her. Digger and I followed with Quicksilver a few minutes later and set up a slow cruise downhill. About 2 miles below Strawberry Creek I noticed Sasquatch on the side of the road with a flat so I had Digger stay with Quicksilver and I stopped to help Sasquatch. Once the tube was replaced we rode to Carl’s to meet Quicksilver and Digger. Sasquatch headed back to Fairview and Digger headed for home with Quicksilver and I heading back to Park and then over to Devonshire and the back to Burger King. Once quicksilver was safely back into her car I headed for home for lunch and a shower. I have to admit I do like that ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) All I knew was it was Monday and a Holiday. I didn’t know it was Bulldozer’s birthday. Still I had planned an easy flat ride so that Barracuda could bring his restored Lejuene Sprint bike and we could see he restored wooden rims. I headed to Burger King and had coffee with Digger and Highlander waiting to see just who would show up. Soon Bloodhound and Bulldozer arrived with Dragon Slayer and Sasquatch. While we were talking RCMP rode up as did Newsboy and Barracuda on the promised Blue Lejuene.

We were waiting for Papillon when Phil. (Huffnpuff) pulled up. Finally, better late than never Papillon arrived. We stood around and fully inspected the Lejuene before getting ready to head out on our flat ride to Domenigoni, Lindenburger, Menifee and back on Ramona expressway. It was just after 9am as we pulled out onto Latham and headed to Lyon.

We needed to get south on Lyon and cross Florida to work our way down to Johnston and then Stetson. Bloodhound was out in front by quite a bit when Highlander asked if we could get to State Street by some other street other than Thornton. I figured because it was a holiday we could give Chambers a try so I pulled up to Bloodhound and told him to head to the end of Lyon and turn left towards State. I forgot the Chambers is one wat for three blocks after we turned off of Lyon but once again because of the holiday there were no cars coming at us. We made it to State and started to Domenigoni with Bloodhound in the lead again.

Shortly after turning on Domenigoni someone told me we had lost two riders so I turned back and found Newsboy changing a flat tire. I helped him change it ad we used my pump to get him back on the road before trying to join the some of the group waiting for us. Bloodhound never stopped and Highlander and Digger he left before Newboy and I rounded the corner onto Domenigoni. They were followed by Huffnpuff and Sasquatch. Newsboy and I worked hard to catch up to Barracuda, RCMP, Papillon, Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer and once we did catch them Newsboy followed Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer while I stayed with Barracuda, RCMP and Papillon. That was the way it stayed as we crossed Warren and over the dry wash. I was very impressed with Barracuda and the Lejuene as we headed for Winchester. We had been holding 22 MPH because he was on a Fixie and he passed me doing 23 or 24. I fell in behind RCMP and we followed them to Winchester where Barracuda and RCMP turned for Simpson and Papillon and I worked our way to the Saddle to pick up the rest of the group. I planned on a short regroup and then a quick cruise to Lindenburger to catch Barracuda and RCMP at Simpson. We got to the light just before they did and then rode on to Heritage and finally to the AM/PM for a water break and regroup.

When it was time to leave I noticed Bloodhound wasn’t with us and he sent me a text that he had taken a different route and would see us Wednesday. Highlander left first and was through the light before the rest of us even pulled out onto Menifee. Only three of us made it through the light before everyone else caught a red. Newsboy, Digger and I waited while Highlander faded into the distance. Soon we were joined by the rest of the group and Dragon Slayer, Bulldozer and Sasquatch pulled by me and picked up the pace. I hooked up on Sasquatch’s wheel and followed the fleeing threesome past Mapes and got ready for the fast down slope run to Central. I pulled by Dragon Slayer and stayed there most of the way to the stop sign where Newsboy pulled by followed by Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer with RCMP not far behind. I had to play catch up almost all of the way to Central where I took the pull again and finally Newsboy pulled around once more. Bulldozer ran him down and we all turned onto Nuevo just ahead of Huffnpuff and Digger. Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer were onto Lakeview at least 100 yards before the rest of us so we waited for Huffnpuff and digger before heading north towards the Valero station. We passed Dragon slayer fixing a flat but he waved us on so we went to the Valero and waited for Bulldozer.

Once we were all back together Bulldozer led us out onto Ramona expressway and east towards Sanderson. I was on his wheel until Highlander informed me we were dropping everyone so I backed off only to have RCMP, Newsboy, Barracuda, Papillon and Sasquatch pass me. I got back on again only to see three riders fall off the back. I pulled over to collect them just before Bridge and pulled them to Sanderson for another regroup.

We headed for Ramona Boulevard and Bulldozer pulled us back to Lyon where he left us to go home. As we rounded the corner to head south on Lyon Sasquatch started the pull for home. When he slowed a bit I took over the pull and commented that somehow we had managed to run into a head wind from every direction we had gone today. But as Dragon Slayer says it is only a training aid. We could still manage 16 or 17 even with the wind in my face so we continued on towards Esplanade.

Digger must have left us before we rolled by Esplanade because I didn’t see him when I looked back to see who was following me. I knew I still had Newsboy, Highlander, Sasquatch, Huffnpuff, Papillon, RCMP and Barracuda. So I stayed out front till we got to Fruitvale and gave things up to Newsboy and Highlander. A few minutes later we turned onto Latham and back to Burger King to break up and head for home. I got back in time to take my dog for a walk and a hot shower. All I can say now is Happy Birthday Bulldozer.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Tale of two bike rides It looked like it was going to a great day for a bike ride. Because it was supposed to be a great day I expected a large group so I cheerfully got dressed and headed for Burger King. I pulled into the parking lot to see Digger waiting and Highlander pulling up. A good start I thought to myself. Soon Bloodhound, Gambler and Bulldozer arrived making me think we had a even A and B group. Daredevil drove up and I thought Huntress was on her way. Huntress called and said she broke a spoke and wouldn’t be there just as Ferret and MacGyver rolled in. At that point I knew the B group was well outnumbered and it could turn into a fast day. We pulled out onto Latham and started north on Lyon to start our journey.

Highlander, Digger and I got a head start and made it to Lyon first and managed to cross Devonshire well in front of the rest of the group. Next we were by Menlo and still hadn’t been run down so we felt pretty good about our pace. As we pulled up to Esplanade I could see someone was closing fast but it wasn’t till we had to stop for the light that the rest of the group caught us. Not bad, I thought, for a Friday. Once we were back on our way I took the lead shortly till Bulldozer picked up the pace followed by Gambler and Ferret. I jumped onto their back wheel I decided to see if I could stay with the A group.

However I soon realized the B group could never hold the pace we were getting to so I dropped back to get Digger only to watch Highlander leave with the big dogs. I didn’t care much because Friday can be a kick back day if we want it to be and shortly after Cottonwood we rolled up on Highlander and our little group of three took off in the direction of the large group. After the turn onto Ramona Boulevard I could see Bloodhound had been blown off of the back of his group and we were gaining on him.. We rounded onto Sanderson and just missed him at the light. I then pulled the little group west to Bridge where Bloodhound waited for us and gave me a break pulling to Gilman to regroup with part of the A group.

Somehow Gambler had lost Daredevil and Bulldozer was nowhere to be seen. It didn’t matter except I had no clue if they had gone ahead or went on a different ride. Still there was no way we were going to stay with them at their pace so we let them go and I pulled my little group of three down Gilmore to Sanderson. We decided to stay on Gilman and rode all the way to Soboba to see how well the repaved Gilman. It turns out the road is much improved even if it gets a bit narrow in places. Still we made it to Soboba and headed to the golf course. I pulled all the way down Soboba and then over the bridge to Ramona before turning onto Cedar to make our way to Florida and stop by Casino. After a short stop we headed to Carl’s for coffee. After some coffee and conversation we headed for home not having seen anyone by MacGyver since Bridge and Gilman.

We made our way to Lincoln and over to Park and then lost Digger so he could ride to Menlo and Home. I rode back to Burger King with Highlander and then took the long way home to get in a few extra miles before getting home for lunch and a Shower. The A group got to burn it up and the B group took their time but I am sure we all enjoyed the ride in our own way.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) One of the things Wednesdays are good for is letting both the A and B groups have a little fun. There is normally a bit longer and has some small climbing in it. And the A group is free to run as hard as they want B group and the B group will test themselves at their own pace. It also was the first Wednesday of the D V V jersey every Wednesday change. With all of that in mind I headed for coffee at Burger King. Like most days Digger was already there and Highlander got there shortly after him. Bloodhound arrived. Next to drive up was Quicksilver followed by Gambler and Bulldozer. Scott and Sasquatch arrived as did Huntress. The last one to arrive was Ferret and we were ready to head out onto Gilmore.

It was a simple start to Acacia and finally the turn onto Kirby. Bloodhound was out in front like normal but for a change we weren’t that far behind. For me I chalk it up to what I call the riders had their century legs. Almost all of them had been to Palm Springs Saturday and most of them had put 100 miles on their legs. It may be true or may be bologna but I think for a few weeks after such an event the legs have a muscle memory of how to pedal efficiently using just enough energy to keep up our speed. Looking back I could see absolutely no one was struggling with the pace. We turned on Cypress and quickly made it to Johnston and Sanderson before heading up to Wentworth and heading west to the Airport and Stetson.

As we got to Stetson they let me lead to Warren where the A group pulled up and said they were going to make the ride without stopping and they would see us Friday. Ferret, Gambler, Bulldozer and Bloodhound pulled away and the B group settled into a steady pace as we watched them go. Then team bling, Quicksilver and Huntress, started to pick it up and I followed for a while till I noticed Digger, Sasquatch and Scott were well off of the back. I fell off out and went back to get them while Highlander caught their wheel and left with them. I led Digger at a slower pace till Sasquatch and Scott caught us and we regrouped on Stowe and Winchester. To my surprise the A group was there and they had added Papillon and MacGyver. It seemed as if Bloodhound had a flat and they were changing it.

Because we knew they weren’t planning on riding at our pace anyway I took the group down Winchester towards the dump road knowing that they would catch us sooner or later. As I turned onto 9th the group formed behind me and we traveled west towards the Wild West coral and Leon.

We didn’t get that far before Huntress pulled up on my right and Quicksilver moved up on my left. Despite Quicksilver’s assurances otherwise I was sure they were up to something and as we got close to the little rise I thought a sprint might be forthcoming. As we started up the rise Quicksilver spun up quickly and took the lead briefly but fell off just before the top and had to fall in behind me as we moved towards Leon. Things settled down a bit as we turned to Simpson and then towards Lindenburger. I knew we had another rise coming and I knew Quicksilver would take off again and sure enough she did but I beat her to the corner and headed to McCall not so much to stay ahead of her but knowing the A group would be coming like gangbusters I I wanted to get over McCall before the caught us. We turned at the light on McCall and I got to the top just before Ferret, Gambler, Bulldozer, Bloodhound, MacGyver and Papillon got bu me. The rest of us regrouped at the gas station just past Bradley before heading to the end of McCall and turning to Hunnyrun. Scott took us to LaLadera and Huntress got us to the Park where Quicksilver pulled us to Goetz on Normandy before we made our way to Newport and Railroad canyon for the climb to Canyon Hills road for a short regroup. It was here that Highlander did some light hearted smack talking about beating Huntress to Canyon Hills. The Bling team took up the gauntlet and chased Highlander as he left to head towards Holland and Murrieta. After the second light the Girls dropped the Hammer, a B group Hammer but a hammer none the less and made quite a gap. There was no way they were going to be caught before Murrieta and even the stop lights seemed to be working with them. We made it to Murrieta but got split up when some of us made the quick turn on Murrieta and then Holland again and some went all the way to Newport. Quicksilver, Highland, and I made the Holland turn and I waited for Digger at the top of the little rise. Highlander and Quicksilver went on to Haun to meet Huntress and the rest on Newport while Digger and I followed until we turned onto Haun ourselves and I got a flat. Once my tire was changed I met the rest of the group at Jack In the box for coffee. We headed back out onto Newport with the intention of going all the way to Sanderson to make it home.

We were moving towards the Saddle with Sasquatch and Highlander in front and Huntress and Quicksilver right behind them. I promised to wait at the top but I followed Quicksilver closely so she wouldn’t just drop me on the climb. I did wait at the top for Digger and we collected Highlander on the downhill heading for Leon. We caught Huntress about halfway to Winchester and regrouped with the rest at the light. Once it changed Quicksilver pulled us towards the dry wash for quite a while till I realized we had a tailwind and pulled around to pick up the pace a bit. I had Huntress, Highlander, and Quicksilver on my wheel and finally got in the drops and slowly moved us up a bit faster. At about 25 mph it was just Quicksilver and me. But I couldn’t shake her. We slowed for the dry river crossing. I thought Huntress and Highlander were back on as we started down the grade towards Warren but soon it was Quicksilver and me once more. No matter how fast I went she just held on and smiled. We turned onto Sanderson and headed north back to Lowes where Highlander, Huntress and Sasquatch all caught us and followed us around the building to Acacia.

All we had left was to turn onto Acacia and cross Kirby to Gilmore and back to Burger King. We talked for a few minutes and I headed for home myself to have lunch and a hot shower. It was a great ride for a Wednesday and we had a chance to get a great workout at the same time. It sure beats freezing on the east coast.

Only the strong survive

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was only one day after our successful Century on Saturday and I had a rather simply recovery ride planned. Nothing challenging for most riders and after the turn out Saturday I more or less expected some of the same riders would show up for a short Lake Perris ride today. Digger was there and as I walked in to get my coffee Highlander pulled up. The only other rider to join us was Bloodhound and we waited till 9am just to make sure it was just the four of us. At least with such a small group we could realistically make this a recovery ride so we pulled out onto Latham and headed north on Lyon for a little cruise to Lake Perris.

We didn’t really press it heading to Ramona and I was pretty impressed with how well Digger was doing. If he is anything like me after my first good century my cycling improved and my pedal stroke was much better the very next ride. Maybe it is muscle memory or just knowing you can make 100 miles in a day and still have some juice left. Whatever it is it improved my riding and it seemed to improve Digger’s. Bloodhound pulled all the way to Ramona and then to Sanderson and started us west on the expressway. The only problem was Bloodhound couldn’t read Diggers pace requirements and keep pressing it till Digger fell out of the draft. Finally Highlander and I let Bloodhound go and we slowed to about 21 and held it there all the way to Lakeview. We took a break at the Valero Station before heading back out to Ramona and heading towards the hill at the back gate to Lake Perris. Bloodhound took off at the first sign of the hill and I tried to hold a pace that would allow both Highlander and Digger to hold on to my wheel but we still dropped Digger and had to wait for him at the crest.

Bloodhound was long gone by the time we hit the bike path and went through the posts at the beginning of it. This time Highlander and I keep the pace smooth and we were soon over the little hill and rounded the east end of the lake. For some reason it seemed rather deserted till we came upon another cyclist or two and a runner. But the over cast day made it seem quiet and peaceful. The three of us stayed on our little pack all the way to the Marina for a snack and a break. It turned out that both Bloodhound and Digger had to get home early so we headed back out the same way we came in and headed towards the east end of the lake. Once again Bloodhound took off while the three of us tried to stay together and we did pretty well till we got back to the exit of the park and Bloodhound had to leave.

Because digger had an appointment Highlander and I took turns pulling back past Lakeview. Once the wind kicked up a bit I took over and started the pull to Bridge. By the time we were going past the dairy on Bridge I was feeling pretty good about my spin so I kept going to Warren. We caught the light at Warren and the wind more or less stopped so we continued on to Sanderson and Made the jog over to Ramona Boulevard and towards Lyon.

As we turned south on Lyon it looked like we would get Digger back to his street in time for his appointment and Highlander and I would ride to Latham before I took off for home. I was looking forward to a hot shower and lunch. My legs were still a bit sore but they felt better than I did when I started this morning. I will be looking forward to Wednesday as well.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Tour de Palm Springs Just about every year our group is committed to riding the TDPS. We almost always have new and first time century riders at this event and this year was no different. We trained for three weeks with our new riders and got ready for the Century with an easy two rides the week of the TDPS. Some us went to the vendor show on Friday and then planned for the 4:30 am car pool from Starbucks to Palm Springs. When we got there weld we were told we couldn’t use the over flow parking lot for the resort. It really didn’t matter because we were early enough that we found street parking only about a block away from our planned starting point on Alejo and Indian Canyon. Digger, Quicksilver and I were in one vehicle with Dragon Slayer and Macgyver in another. Sea Lion drove himself as did Sasquatch and Daredevil. Highlander rode down with his grandson, Eric, and our new team manager Randi. Huntress was already staying in Palm Springs. We didn’t know that Bulldozer and Gambler were driving down as well and Phil came down with his family in support. Highlanders nephew, Ivan, and his daughter, Christine, came down as well as did one of Ivan’s friends, Doug. It was a pretty good group for our little cycling tribe. We took some time to get ready and we started discussing the ride and making our plan of attack, or maybe Quicksilver was planning on how she was going to dust me on the climbs and was enlisting two A riders in a conspiracy.

It was still dark and we were waiting for Huntress to pick up her wrist band so we still had time to pace and wonder if it would warm up enough to shed jackets. There is always to methods to getting ready for rides like this. Over dress and stay warm in the beginning but overheat and wish for the SAG vehicle by the first SAG stop or tuff it out and start out cool and let the workout of the first climb warm you up. Quicksilver, Dragon Slayer, Ivan, Christine, Highlander and Huntress fall into the first Group while MacGyver, Daredevil, Sasquatch and I were willing to start out on the cool side.

It was finally time for us to start rolling and we got to Alejo and Indian Canyon just as the Motorcycles led the first of the 100 mile rides around the corner. The ride down Indian Canyon was starting out pretty easy and we slowly started to get up to Speed. Dragon Slayer and Digger soon pulled out to the front and the rest of us followed a few yards back. We were soon joined by a side wind that is very typical for Palm Springs early in the morning. It seemed a bit stiffer than last year but it was nowhere near what it had been two years ago. Still if you didn’t pay attention you could find yourself in the dirt. Quicksilver and Huntress quickly moved up to the off wind side of some of us to keep from taking the full brunt of the wind. There stayed there till we turned into the teeth of the wind and headed north on Garnet. Sea Lion, Dragon Slayer and Sasquatch formed a wind wedge and helped pull the group to the freeway and over Wall Road to start the long Climb towards Dillon. As we made the turn where the road becomes Worsley we got some relief from the cut in the hill and when we came out of the cut the wind started to ease leaving only the long climb to Indian. Gambler, Daredevil and Bulldozer took the climb in stride while several of us followed as best as we could. Soon we spread out a bit and I found myself more or less alone for a while. Then I looked back and saw Huntress reveling in the climb. She caught me and then complained that her brake pad was dragging. We stopped to fix it only to discover it wasn’t the front brake and we had to stop again to adjust the rear. We were passed by MacGyver, Huntress and Dragon Slayer so once I got the rear brake adjusted I had to chase Quicksilver till she caught up to Huntress. Thank goodness the climb is steady and early in the ride.

I told Dragon Slayer and MacGyver to regroup us on Indian and wait till I had the entire group back together before the big downhill to Pierson. We had to wait for Christine and Ivan and of course Gambler, Bulldozer and Daredevil were long gone to the first SAG stop. Phil was concerned about cooling down so he headed for the SAG stop before Christine and Ivan caught us. Then Huntress and Quicksilver left to get a head start and once we were ready I started to give chase. I pulled up next to two riders on TT bikes and offered to work with them for the run down the hill. They weren’t interested and so I continued on by myself till Dragon Slayer and MacGyver joined me and we worked the hill passing a lot of the riders that went by us at the top of the hill. We didn’t catch Huntress till we got to the bottom of the hill and turned at the light. Finally we were pretty much all together as we were headed to the first SAG stop.

As I looked back at the group following me and see that everyone was having fun. This wasn’t just a ride we had to do but it was a ride we wanted to do together. What makes our group different is we are held together by friendship and a love of cycling. I almost believe we feed off of each other’s energy. But all I really know is they energize me. But I didn’t have that much time to think about things because before long the SAG stop was in front and it was time to hydrate and refuel. Well except for one girl from another group that couldn’t wait for a Port Potty to be open and decided to drop her shorts and relieve herself of some liquid waste right in front of Mother Nature and several hundred cyclists. But that is a story for another time. Daredevil, Gambler and Bulldozer decided to take MacGyver and Dragon Slayer with them after the SAG stop leaving the bulk of the group with me to cover the new riders. As soon as we had a chance we deposited our extra outer wear with Randi and collected the rest of the group, except for Phil who must have left early, we got ready to head out towards Hacienda.

As we started out we held together pretty well and my original plan was to keep the group together all the way to Dillon. We were doing pretty well till we past the last light before the climb where Hacienda heads towards Long Canyon. Quicksilver loves hills and this was no different. I was in a quandary because I didn’t want to let Quicksilver go off to Dillon by herself and I didn’t want to leave the group spread out behind me. There is a time when you have to trust the rest of the group to work together and I knew Sea Lion and Huntress were able to keep everyone rolling so I left with Quicksilver and admittedly looked forward to getting to Dillon myself. Quicksilver and I headed to Dillon and then the first of the rollers. As long as we were climbing Quicksilver was on my wheel like white on rice. However when we crested the first downhill she fell back a bit. Still she was doing at least 31mph at times till finally Huntress caught us and told me to go play. I found a rider from Oregon that seemed interested in drag racing and we headed for the Truck Stop flat out. We took a break at the truck stop where I got some extra vitamin I, (Motrin) and we headed towards the flat part of the ride and the next SAG stop. As we headed down 48th towards Jackson I looked back again I thought how nice the new club jerseys looked. Maybe more to the point Huntress and Quicksilver have become the bling brigade. Still we look distinctive and stylish at the same time.

The whole course had been changed at the last minute so the last three SAG stops were spaced pretty close together. Making it to Airport was still about the same even if it seemed longer than in years past. However having Huntress and Quicksilver setting the pace made short work of it and with Sea Lion and Sasquatch in the mix any head wind seemed hardly worth mentioning. The girls seemed to be feeding off of each other’s energy and soon were pulling away from the rest of the group. They stayed that way till we got to the Sherriff’s Station for the SAG. It was there we decided Randi should be our team manager.

When we got back on the road the girls once again started to pick up the pace and the new riders simply couldn’t keep up. This time we let them go and headed for Polk as a more relaxed pace with Sea Lion in the lead. Doug and I played in the front now and then as we were heading for 60th and another turn. We were getting close to the wall for the new riders and had to dial it back again as we came 60th and Harrison and noticed a lot of police action on the corner but at the time had no idea that a rider had been hit by a truck at that intersection. In ignorant bliss we rode a few hundred yards more before once again stopping to regroup before heading to the next sad stop.

By the time we got to the elementary school the girls were already there and already refreshed. As the rest of us refueled Huntress, Quicksilver and Sasquatch decided to hit the road. There would be no catching them so we took our time before getting back on the road ourselves and heading back out on the modified, by the organizers, course to go to Lowes. Once you make it to Lowes you can almost walk your bike to the start finish line. It is only 11 more miles and it is pretty flat. It is also energizing and it even caused Highlander to get the heading for the barn burst of speed as Sea Lion and I started the final push for the start and finish line.

It didn’t take long to cove that last 11 miles and we were soon turning off of Dinah Shore onto El Ceilo road. There was almost a magnetic pull as we headed for Baristo road and turned again. We were catching and passing far less enthusiastic riders that had passed us earlier. By the time we turned onto Caballeros I felt as fresh as we had when we started the ride. I took the lead on Tahquitz and finally over Indian Canyon to the last turn onto Palm Canyon and the rest of the group. Within a few minutes the rest of our group arrived including Christine and Eric who finished their first century in less than 7 hours riding time. We got out T-shirts and headed back to the cars to load up and head for home. To a degree I was still pumped from the ride but I was looking forward to a shower and dinner to replenish some of the 5000 calories I burned today. I also felt a warm glow for getting to ride with such a fine group of people. We will have to do this again.