By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I watched the wind patterns all day Tuesday and thought that if Wednesday was the same pattern we should change the ride from north up Lambs Canyon to west to Goetz hill on the short side. The original plan was for a long run down Ramona and then we would have the wind at our back from Perris all the way to Newport Road. When I got up this morning it was still windy but not as bad as Tuesday so I headed for Burger king ready to do the ride even if I had to do it all by myself. I pulled up to the parking lot and was the only one there. I got coffee and by 8:30 I was still the only one there. By 8:45 I was thinking it was going to be a lonely ride when Quicksilver arrived. She was by no means sure she wanted to attempt a long ride on a windy day. As we talked about it MacGyver, Minotaur and Rooster rode up. Quicksilver decided to give it a try if we shortened the ride a bit so I agreed and we headed down Gilmore and headed for Acacia.

The ride to Acacia was about as easy as it gets and the turn west proved to us it was going to be a memorable ride. In fact as we made the turn at the light on Kirby we were hitting 19 mph with little or no effort. In fact Quicksilver had commented that she hardly had to pedal to get us to Cypress. Once we turned onto Cypress we were really moving as we headed to Johnston. I could tell I might not get many pictures because taking a hand off of the bars was not the best idea in such a wind as was demonstrated as I turned into the wind on Sanderson and headed to Wentworth. We could hardly see the traffic on Sanderson as we got ready for the next turn west and headed for the airport. But once we did make the turn we easily made our way towards Stetson.

Once out on Stetson and heading west again I took the lead and got us to Warren before changing places with McGyver and making our way to California. I had us slow down to get everyone in line so we could take Stowe together but the rest of the group couldn’t match MacGyvers acceleration and soon we had gapped the group and were heading for the old barn. I took my turn at the front before swallowing a mouth full of dust off of one of the fields and feeling like I had clogged a carburetor. I held on as best as I could but lost the draft just before the barn. I pulled in behind him at Winchester Farms and waited till we had a chance to regroup and down a snack. Finally we headed down Winchester to get to Grand and head west again. The plan was to get to Leon and jog over to Simpson the make our way to McCall.

We rounded the corner onto Menifee and made it to McCall separated into groups of two, two and one. Once we were all back together we attacked the back side of Hospital hill and drop down to the gas station on Bradley for another regroup. Our next stop was Murrieta and the turn into the wind heading for Ethernic. Once again we were all together heading to Goetz and the light where we would turn left. The first half of the climb was going well and I pulled as hard as I could till things kicked up closer to 8 percent when MacGyver and Rooster pulled around me and headed for the top. At the top I waited for Quicksilver as Rooster went back to look for Minotaur. I checked my messages and discovered I had to get home to move my travel trailer due to the wind knocking down a wall were we store it so I left the group with MacGyver and headed for home. The ride back on Newport was a killer with the wind seeming to be in my face all the way to Lindenburger. I took a chance and headed over to Simpson and it seemed a bit better. Pushing my luck I took Leon to Grand and things only got worse. The turn onto Winchester almost slowed me to a stop as I dropped into my small ring and headed for Stowe. Stowe was fine till I got to the open space past the barn and it got better as I entered the wind shadow of the last little section of hills. California was just as bad as Winchester and Stetson seemed like a relief until I crossed Warren where the wind seemed to change and tried to drive me into the dirt. My next mistake was taking the airport road. Yes there was less traffic but when I pulled onto Wentworth it was like getting sand blasted. I couldn’t see the light at Sanderson when I got there and had to stop at the corner and wait till the dust cleared a bit before heading to Johnston and home. When I walked in the door of my house my wife said I looked like someone from the Africa Corps as I removed my glasses and headed for the shower. Dirt rolled off of me for three or four minutes before I started to feel clean. In fact I took a brush to my legs to clean off what might have looked to some people as a tan. It was a hard ride but worth doing, at least once just for the experience.

Always share what you learn at School

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Sometimes a ride can surprise you and today was one of those sometimes. I thought I would be tired after the long beach ride Saturday and I had promised to make the Monday relatively easy and short so I picked an old flat ride to Garboni and back to Winchester farms for coffee. It was supposed to be warm to I dressed light and had breakfast before heading to Burger King to meet the group. I got there early and went in to get some coffee before other riders started showing up. Highlander pulled up, much to my surprise, and was followed closely by Dragon Slayer and then by Digger. Then I saw Bloodhound and Sasquatch parking their bikes. Pony Express pulled up just before Surgeon and Jackal. I was also surprised to see Bulldozer and even Newsboy get there before 9am. Rooster and Tax Man rounded out the group before we got ready to head out onto Latham to start the day. Bloodhound took us to Lyon and headed south towards Acacia.

As we moved south past Florida Bloodhound pulled us and I was once again worried that he was setting up too fast of a warm up pace. We were quickly getting up to 19 or 20 well before Johnston. What may have surprised me even more was as I looked back over my shoulder everyone was keeping up very well. It seemed to me we were going to have a rather quick ride down to Thornton and over to State.

Bloodhound once again started to pull away from us as we headed east. Surgeon wasn’t far behind him and we started to string out a bit and we got to each stop sign. It seemed as if everyone came awake as we got to the light on State and headed south again. By Chambers I was back on Bloodhounds back wheel and we were starting towards Domenigoni and a very reasonable cruising speed. We just dropped down the little grade leading to the flat section of State when someone yelled “flat”. This time it was Dragon Slayer and we all stopped to watch him change the tube.

Once he had everything back together we headed for Domenigoni again and soon turned west to begin the run at the Saddle. It didn’t take long before the pace picked up and Bulldozer took over pulling and I almost got blown out of the back of the pack. Still it was early in the ride and I felt rather fresh so I gave chase with Bloodhound and we finally closed on Dragon Slayer as he drafted Jackal, Newsboy, Sasquatch and Bulldozer. Pony express, Rooster, Highlander, Surgeon and Tax Man formed a group behind me with Digger riding sweep. Somewhere close to Searl we ran into what looked like a lot of broken dry wall causing the pace line to break up a bit. Dragon Slayer fell off not wanting to get a second flat and I moved up to the forth position and tried to hold on. Soon Bulldozer pulled off and let Newsboy pull. When newsboy started to slow down a bit Bulldozer came from the back and as he passed by me I fell in on his wheel and then completed the double pass to get us back up to 26 and to my amazement we were off all by ourselves. I took my turn at the front a time or two but Bulldozer did most of the pulling till we got caught at the light on Winchester. Bloodhound had pulled newsboy and Jackal within a few hundred yards of us before the light changed to green but we had enough of a lead to get to the Saddle for the regroup without being reeled in.

Bulldozer had to leave as did Highlander and Tax Man. Digger was under the weather so he left at Lindenburger. After we turned into the housing tract on Laguna Vista the rest of the group rode off and left Rooster and I and we had to follow them all the way to Garboni for a quick regroup just before Antelope and a short sprint before the college. We were spread out quite a bit as we turned onto Newport and worked our way back to Lindenburger. I was a bit disappointed in the leaders running the red light at Laguna Vista but we will have to review 4 way red lights next meeting. The soft pedaled till we caught them at Simpson and turned east again. Bloodhound was leading just as several of the other riders rolled by. I told him to go play but he wanted to give them a head start and slowly reel them in before Winchester. By Leon he was moving pretty good and we were closing pretty fast. Coming out of the trees he had me moving smoothly in the big ring and I made a run at the group picking them off as I drafted by everyone well to the outside left of the line. I held them off till the end of the segment and they rolled by me heading north on Winchester heading to Stowe and coffee. Bloodhound left first and we had a good conversation till it was time for us to head back east as well. We didn’t stay together long because Rooster flatted and only sasquatch and I stopped to help. Once the tire was fixed we were on our way again.

We had no trouble cruising to California and then up to Stetson and east to Warren and onward to the airport road and back to Sanderson where Sasquatch left us as we turned towards Lowes and back to Acacia. By the time we got to Florida it was clear everyone else had left so we stopped by Hemet Bike to see if Newsboy and Jackal were there. We found them there and we visited for a while before heading home ourselves. For a planned easy day it turned into a lesson on sprints and long runs but a good ride none the less.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another free for all Friday and we were ready for a short simple ride. Besides we had a ride planned for Saturday and I thought I would give the riders a break. So we were going to do Soboba to Cranston. I had breakfast and got dressed before heading to meet Digger for coffee and see who would be riding. It was a bit smaller group than I expected but it was a good one none the less. Daredevil brought a friend and Highlander arrived just about the same time as Bloodhound. Dragon Slayer, Rooster, Pony express and Sasquatch pulled up about the same time as well. While we waited for Huntress Barracuda Showed up so I knew we had a good group. Like most days Bloodhound had good intentions but as soon as we got ready to leave I knew we were going to be split into two groups.

We turned onto Lyon and headed for Menlo were Highlander made it through the stop sign and the rest of us didn’t. By extending the lead he simply caused Bloodhound to give chase followed by Daredevil and his friend. Soon Dragon slayer went after him as well and I joined him till we passed Esplanade and I looked back to see half of the group falling back. I slowed down and picked up Huntress, Pony repress, Rooster, Digger and Barracuda. The lead group was completely out of sight as we took the jog over to Ramona and headed towards State.

I took the lead and started the pull east wondering if Daredevil and his group were planning on stopping at Mickey Ds or if they were going to head for Cranston without stopping. Everyone seemed content with my pace as we headed towards State and at the stop sign about a block before the light on state we picked up Highlander waiting. We caught the light at State red but soon were heading north and working our way to the Expressway and then towards the College with me still pulling.

It was time to put in an honest effort and hold a steady pace as we rolled by the College and zeroed in on the bridge leading to Soboba. As I took us around the corner I brought us to a stop to down my snack bar and some hydration. It was also a good time to shed some of the extra clothing we had on from the cool morning. As soon as we were all ready I led us out again and tried to keep the tempo steady as we headed for the rollers.

We held our pace pretty well and I was able to pull over the rollers to the driving range and finally the last little rise towards the end of the golf course where we would regroup. As we turned the corner and headed for the river crossing I was just in front of Huntress and decided to pick up speed a bit heading for the over pass. The thing about the Klein is it rides faster than if feels and soon I was pulling away going up the hill. It must be the difference in gearing that makes it seem like I am always at least one gear higher than on my Specialized. As we headed down Ramona towards Cedar I managed to draft off of a big truck only to find myself spun out at 29 and realizing I was in the small ring. Barracuda and Pony express soon caught me and Huntress was far back. When we turned on Cedar Highlander left us and headed for home and we headed for Florida and the turn east to Cranston. Once there we only found Dragon Slayer and Sasquatch waiting because Bloodhound, Daredevil and Brian had left. It was then time to make a quick run back to Carl’s and Coffee. When we came back out I noticed that everyone was on a different brand of bicycle and a mix of carbon, Steel, Ti and Aluminum.

Finally it was time to head for home so we came back outside and headed for Lincoln on New Chicago. Pony express left us just as we turned on Lincoln. We then made our way past Lake and headed for Park. We turned left on Park and headed for the jog leading to Devonshire where Digger left us and we continued on towards San Jacento.

Barracuda was the next to leave and the rest of us rode with dragon Slayer till we got to Lyon and headed south while Dragon Slayer headed back to his car. Sasquatch left us at Acacia while Rooster and I rode to State together and I finally headed for home. I had to get in a quick shower before heading back out to get my hair cut. Get day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here we are on another Wednesday and another play day for me. That means I get to ride however I feel like and the group pretty much takes care of itself. The plan today however was to work with the Bling Team and see if I could help them with their climbing spin. That meant I would have to keep in sight of them all the way to Lakeview and over the rollers past Lake Perris. So I was not all that disappointed with the overcast sky when I woke up because I knew it would burn off but we would have a cool start to get us to Nuevo. I got to Burger King to see Digger waiting as usual and Highlander was already pulling into the parking lot. By the time I had my coffee Bloodhound, MacGyver and Bulldozer where waiting. A few minutes later Quicksilver and Huntress drove up followed by Sasquatch. Soon Gambler and Pony Expressed arrived. Willy, “Orca” and Daniel, “Minotaur” followed close behind. Mark, “Rooster” and Surgeon rounded out the group, at least when we started out. We headed for Latham and headed for Lyon to start the day.

First think Bloodhound told me was he was planning on trying to keep the group together and with that thought in mind we turned north on Lyon only to have Bloodhound and Minotaur pull away from us. It looked for all of the world like a two man break away. I set a more reasonable pace and scratched off one block after another slowly building up speed and warming up our legs getting ready for the hard run on the Expressway to Burnasconi. We were well behind Bloodhound and Minotaur as we came to the corner on Ramona Boulevard.

We did get close to Bloodhound and Minotaur as we headed for Sanderson and turned just behind them as we headed for the light on the Expressway. Only a few riders made it through on the first light but we were all together as we headed for Warren Road. At least till Gambler, Bulldozer and MacGyver picked up the pace and Sasquatch went with them. By the time we got to Warren Bloodhound joined them and Rooster took over the pull and led the rest of us towards Bridge Street. I knew the A group was not going to be with us for the whole ride so I could see no reason to try and pull the rest of the group any faster to try and keep up with the A group. It worked pretty well because we more or less all got to the light at Hansen together and picked up Dragon Slayer and Ben. When we got ready to head for Evans over the Lake Perris Rollers Surgeon got a flat and several riders stayed with him to get it changed. Highlander and Digger headed out onto the Expressway and a little later the Bling Team and I gave chase. We caught Digger just as we past the waiting A group on Bernasconi and set our sights on Highlander heading for the second roller. We caught Highlander just at the crest of the last roller and past him as we started the downhill. Spinning over two rollers was new for both Huntress and Quicksilver but they took the yelling well and seemed happy with the results as we stopped on Evans to regroup.

Once we were all back together we headed north on Evans and headed for Iris and the Mickey Ds for coffee and a quick regroup. After everyone was refreshed we started to head back out to Iris and headed for Alessandro but when I got to the light with the rest of the group Rooster yelled at me that Sasquatch had a flat. I went back with Rooster and we helped Sasquatch get back on the road. When we got to Iris the group was gone so we set out a chase that lasted more than 20 miles to see if we could catch them.

I pulled for all I was worth on Alessandro and tried to get us to Gilman to see if we could even see the group in the distance. We couldn’t see anyone as we turned east and I started to run out of steam so Rooster took over pulling and we closed in on Bridge. We had to stop twice to fix Sasquatch’s chain. I got my second wind and pulled us to Sanderson and Sasquatch left us and headed for State Street. Rooster and I headed south on Sanderson and just missed Digger turning on Ramona as we continued on south. We spotted Minotaur and caught him before we got to Cottonwood then pulled him to Devonshire and headed east. Looks like we missed Orca crashing into the curb and closed on Highlander and the Bling Team as they headed for Gilmore. We hit Gilmore just as they were pulling into the Burger King parking lot. We stopped to talk and found out about Orca.

Rooster and I headed for the Hemet Bike Shop to take Jackal’s water bottle back to him and we ran into several other riders there before heading for home ourselves. I ended up riding east on Whittier with Jackal and Rooster before heading for home myself. A hot shower and I was set for the day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another Monday ride and I believe another success. It may have been a bit longer than the last few Mondays but there wasn’t much climbing and only a few sprints. SO I figured it would make everyone happy. But you never know how riders will feel from one day to the next. So I got dressed and had breakfast before heading out of the door and starting off towards Burger King. Like most days Digger was already there and so was Dragon Slayer. Sasquatch and Surgeon rode up and Highlander pulled into the parking lot just before Tax Man and Quicksilver. Mark and Pony Express finished off the group as we got ready to pull out onto Gilmore and ride down to Acacia and over to Kirby to start the ride.

As we moved south I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and was glad I had applied sun screen this morning. It wasn’t supposed to be horribly hot but with the kind of sun we were going to get today. I also felt that for a change my legs were much rested and if there was any way to stay with the lead group once we got to Domenigini I was pretty sure I would give it a try. Dragon Slayer pulled up next to me on Cypress and I knew he was feeling pretty good as well. I also believe we were both thinking of attacking the Mustang to Domenigoni segment if we got a chance and maybe even started to plan the run as soon as we made it to Sanderson and started south past Wally World.

Just as we were ramping it up to make a run at the Segment after Mustang we caught a red light. Knowing we needed a running start at the segment we slowed the pull down and headed for Domenigoni at a normal pace. True to my expectation we started out as a group headed west and slowly but surely Dragon Slayer had us at a steady 23 or 24. I took over just before Warren and tried to keep that pace going, I gave up the lead and fell back with Dragon Slayer and we started thinking about the saddle sprint. We had rotated about halfway through the group when we got to Winchester. As the light changed we reshuffled a bit and I ended up about three riders back with Dragon Slayer right behind me. Not long before Leon Pony Express took the lead and I breath a sigh of relief. I wouldn’t get the lead till just before the hill and by then I had a good shot at a good start up the saddle. Dragon Slayer sprinted past me But I managed to stay close and get the lead back just before we got to the end of the fence and the top of the saddle for a regroup.

I waited till we were refreshed, refueled and rehydrated before deciding to drop off of the back side and head for Lindenburger and towards Menifee. What had impressed me up to this point was that the whole group more or less stayed together almost all the way to the saddle and it looked like we would stay together for the rest of the ride. We got to Menifee and headed for Holland and the hill listed as Revive with Dragon slayer in the lead and Quicksilver breathing down ma neck. She said she was going to attack the hill so I fell in behind her and waited for her move. Dragon Slayer was well up front and Mark was in my blind spot. Never the less I got by Quicksilver before the stop sign and regrouped with everyone but Dragon Slayer at the turnout on top of the hill.

We were going to stop at the gas station on Antelope and get water for Surgeon and Quicksilver so Dragon slayer and I followed everyone west towards Antelope but only found Sasquatch and Surgeon at the station. The rest of the group was at the light and getting ready to head for Haun, Dragon Slayer went in to get Quicksilver water and I chased he down to get her to wait at Haun. Tax Man a Highlander turned for home while the rest of us headed for Murrieta after Quicksilver refilled her bottles. We headed to Murrieta and then down the hill to Holland only to find Pony Express coming back towards us. Turns out the road had been torn up and only Digger rode on the hard pack towards Railroad Canyon.

The rest of us turned around and went back to Murrieta and over to Newport. We waited at the corner for Digger but soon Dragon Slayer said he had to get back and he took everyone but Sasquatch with him. While we were waiting for Digger sasquatch showed me where he Welgo pedals had started to break and I offered to give him a spare pair of my looks when we got back. As we talked Digger showed up so we all headed east back towards the saddle. Once over the saddle we worked our way past Winchester and then Warren heading for Sanderson. We headed north on Sanderson and stayed together to Johnston before heading east again. Digger left us at Lyon and Sasquatch and I went to my house to change pedals. Once that was done he headed for home and I took the dog for a walk before getting a hot shower and a cold drink to finish the day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I looked out this morning and was a little disappointed to see overcast skies. It wasn’t all that cold and there was no wind but it wasn’t as nice as Wednesday. It didn’t matter much to me because we were heading for Bautista today and I was looking forwards to the climb. I tossed on my retro kit and headed for Burger King to start the day. Digger and Bloodhound were waiting for me and Highlander was already unloading his van when I pulled up. Mark arrived along with Pony Express and Jackal. Next Huntress and Sasquatch rode up and we were about ready to go and to our surprise Surgeon showed up. By that time we were ready to go so I took them out to Latham and over to Lyon to start the ride.

The goal as I saw it was to keep the pace down so all of the riders could get to Bautista fresh and then they might enjoy the climb much more. That didn’t seem to hold true for Bloodhound because he simply kept pulling away and soon Sasquatch followed him. We were back together on Lyon and Stetson and Bloodhound took us to Thornton and west towards State Street.

Once again Bloodhound took the lead and by the time we were out to Columbia he has pulled away from us and once again Sasquatch went with him. By the high school Jackal took off after them and left the rest of us to ride over speed bump ourselves. We stayed close together over speed bump and were riding as a group when we past Lake. We were losing Bloodhound, Sasquatch and Jackal but we didn’t care because we still had the turn at Fairview ahead of us and I thought the leaders might wait at Bautista till we got there.

There was no one waiting for us as we got to Fairview so we stopped and regrouped before Jackal came back to check on us. Once we got ready to leave Digger took a head start and headed for Bautista while some of us shed jackets and leggings. As soon as everyone was ready we gave chase to Digger and headed for Bautista led by Highlander. Huntress and I chatted as he led us to the turn and headed east up the canyon to start the run. Jackal made a break first and I started to chase him at the first hard right turn. However I heard a terrible squeak and pulled over to discover it was my cleat. Once fixed I headed for the rise at the Dam and soon crossed the dry wash and headed for the Picket fence before Jackal once again made a run for it.

We watched Jackal pull away and then slow ever so slightly before I started to close. I had mark with me and soon he had his cadence down and pulled around me. I decided to pick it up a bit even if it was a Friday and followed Mark as we continued on closing on Jackal. We caught him just before we entered the last stand of shade trees and just before the beginning of the last three climbs and I stayed with Mark till we had a 100 yard gap before letting him go and down shifting to a slightly easier gear. We caught a new rider, Ben on the way up the second hill and Mark started to pull away from me. I got into a stead spin and soon noticed Jackal trying to recover some of his lost distance. I made it to the end of the road first and noticed Bulldozer, Gambler, Daredevil and MacGyver were already waiting to make their second run down and back up the Hill. Once they left we got ready for the downhill ourselves.

The ride back down the canyon was an E ticket ride with Jackal starting things off and changing places with Sasquatch and I. Soon we had separated ourselves from everyone but Pony Express and were carving the corners like we knew what we were doing. But the time we got back down to the white wooden fence I started thinking about the sprint to the dam. I kept cornering wide with the thought that Jackal of Sasquatch would take the lead at the river bed and sure enough Jackal past me and I dropped in on his wheel as we headed for the dam. I wasn’t in the best position however because Pony Express was right on my wheel in the perfect position for a double pass. When I made a move to sprint around Jackal Pony express went with me and my Garmin picked that moment to break fee of its mount and fly over my shoulder and almost took both Sasquatch and Pony express out. Sasquatch stopped and picked up the Garmin and it was still working so I put it in my pocket and rode down to Fairview to join the other riders. We headed for Florida and had us up to about 30 by the time we crossed the bridge and had to slow for the stop sign. We then all turned onto Florida and made our way to Carl’s. We met MacGyver, Gambler and Daredevil at Carl’s but they didn’t stay. In fact only a few of us had coffee along with our new friend Ben. Soon we were ready to head for home and headed down Lincoln to Park.

Riders started dropping off as we got to their streets and by the time we were back to Latham it was down to Highlander, Surgeon, Sasquatch, Mark and I. Three of us turned on Lyon and stopped in to look at a bike frame sasquatch was interested in before heading for home ourselves. I got home with just over 40 miles on my Computer and looking forward to a hot shower. I can’t think of a better way to end the week than a bike ride with friends.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Wednesday and the weather was perfect as I looked outside first thing in the morning. If you are a cyclist it doesn’t get much better than living in southern. You can pretty much cycle twelve months a year and ride either in the mountains or down by the beach plus everything in-between. And to put icing on the cake Wednesday is my play day. One in which I can go out and play with the big dogs if I can hold on. Or if I wish I can sit in the middle of the pack and let someone else pull all day. With those thoughts in my head I had breakfast, put on my kit and headed out the door to meet my friends. I wasn’t the first to arrive but I was there to see most of the others pull up before we got ready to leave. As we pulled out onto Gilmore I looked behind me to see Jackal, Sasquatch, Highlander, Quicksilver, Digger, Willy a new rider, Huntress and Mark, Surgeon was out in front of me. But it wasn’t a bad group for a Wednesday.

We quickly made our way to Acacia and over to Kirby only to catch the light red. Everyone seemed to be in a pretty good mood and was very chatty as we turned onto Kirby and headed for the railroad tracks. Surgeon seemed to be channeling Bloodhound because he was still well in front of us as we turned onto Cypress and headed for Johnston. However we finally caught up to him just before Johnston and were all in one group as we waited at the light on Sanderson. As we crossed Stetson and the driveway to Wally World I had to kick it up just to get in front for a picture before we got to Mustang.

I took the lead leading to Domenigoni and led us west at about 20 over the rise before giving up the lead and falling to the back. I don’t know who was pulling as we crossed Warren but we held the pace well crossing the dry wash. Huntress must have hit something and received a pinch flat because we soon had to stop and repair her back tire. Most of us waited around while she worked on the back wheel and about halfway through digger left to get a head start.

I am not sure who might have gone with him but I do know I ended up chasing the lead four or five rides almost all the way to Leon and was almost out of gas as we hit the bottom of the saddle. But we all made it and regrouped at the top of the saddle where we picked up The Closer.

Once everyone was ready we dropped off of the saddle and followed Closer and Highlander past Lindenburger and towards Antelope. After we crossed the freeway we were strung out a bit and only half of us made it through the light on Haun. Once it changed there was no way we were going to catch the lead group so we set it on Cruise and regrouped at Carl’s for a nature break. I thought Surgeon was going to take the Murrieta bypass to Goetz and Jackal had left with him so I thought we were down two before we started off towards Murrieta.

As we rode out onto Newport and rolled by Murrieta I started a conversation with Quicksilver about the climb coming up on Goetz. She couldn’t remember the last time she was with us and I explained it was the longer but easier side on the hill. Once we made the turn north on Goetz I was pretty sure Quicksilver and Huntress would zero in on me like a laser guided missile. I thought Jackal and Surgeon were gone and didn’t know how well Willy could climb. So as I turned the corner onto Goetz I think I got a glimpse of what a fox feels like when being chased by hounds and horses.

After I turned back around and headed for Normandy I started to make my run and pull away from the group. Willy caught my wheel and Mark was right behind him. I pulled over the first hill and headed for the Fire station and stop sign at the store. Somewhere after the stop sign Jackal came out of nowhere and left me. Not long after than Mark went after him. I was still pulling Willy so I didn’t change my pace but I didn’t lose any more distance to Mark and Jackal. After the Elk or Moose hall both Mark and Jackal pulled away a bit but I came back and closed on them on the next climb. Mark saw me coming but it was too late for Jackal and I got him with no matches to spare. Willy got by me just as we crested the hill and waited for the rest of the group to ride by. After the last rider crested the hill Jackal, Sasquatch and I dropped down the back side on Goetz and regrouped with everyone at Ethernac. I then led the way back to Murrieta and took the short cut over to Bradley at the cemetery.

We made our way to McCall and headed east with some of us stopping for water at the Valero and then onto the climb at Hospital Hill. I decided to stay and pace Huntress and Quicksilver as we rolled by Antelope and then Hillpoint waiting for an attack that never came. As long as they knew I was watching them they stayed in my draft and followed me to the top of the hill and then down the back side and to Heritage for a, cell phone call, regroup.

As we headed for Lindenburger and Simpson we planned the ride towards Winchester. We decided to a practice pace line at 20 with 20 second pulls once we were past Briggs. I started the pull till we got by the Briggs stop sign and watched as we rotated through the lead several times before Leon. I had not ruled out the sprint at the last stand of trees before Winchester. As we got close to the trees I warned everyone the sprint was coming up and started my move forward just as Jackal and Sasquatch ramped it up. I held them off t the stop light and started us north towards Stowe. I pulled till we only had about 50 yards left when Jackal and Sasquatch attacked and I opted to ride Sasquatch’s wheel to the corned and into the parking lot for coffee. Half of the group left for home and the rest of us followed about 10 minutes later. Jackal kept coming up with sprints where no segments existed and finally we made our way to Stetson and Warren. Jackal took off again but we didn’t go with him. we caught him and the airport and followed him to Sanderson where he set up another sprint to Lowes.

We rode around the back of Lowes and out onto Acacia before heading to Kirby where Sasquatch left us and then to Gilmore and Florida where Mark left us. I stopped at the parking lot and saw Jackal off before heading for home and a hot shower. I don’t know everyone else but I enjoyed the ride today. I am also looking forwards to some more climbing Friday. Yes life is good.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was really looking forward to today’s ride. It was supposed to be warm and hardly any wind and it was going to be a short day. I even tossed in the Marina just to add some miles and climbing. All I needed was a good group and I would be ready. I got dressed, had breakfast and headed for Burger King. I got to the parking lot first and had already bought my coffee before Digger arrived. After Digger had his coffee other started to arrive. First we had MacGyver then Bulldozer and Jackal. Then Highlander, Tax Man and Sasquatch arrived followed by Mark, Daniel and Pony Express. Lastly Newsboy rolled in and we were ready to go. Just as we got ready to leave Bulldozer got a flat on one of his aero wheels on his TT bike. I offered to wait but he said he had it covered and even told MacGyver to go with us. We headed down Gilmore and got the ride started.

As we moved to Acacia it looked like we were going to set a easy pace and this might be a restful Monday ride. At least everyone was staying together and they let me lead to Acacia the Kirby and up to Cyress. As we pulled through the Housing tract Highlander pulled up next to me and said he was thinking about climbing seven dollar hill to the Marina when we got there. I figured he must be felling pretty good today because the marina hill is not his favorite. We made it Johnston and Sanderson before heading south past Wally world the zero in on Domenigoni.

We turned east on Domenigoni after everyone made it through the light and headed for Searl. I soft pedaled to try and get everyone in line when Newsboy and Sasquatch rolled by me heading for the marina. When the two of them we about 50 yards in front Bulldozer came out of nowhere and rolled by giving chase even after changing a tire. We rounded the corner on Searl and watched as Sasquatch and Newsboy headed for Seven Dollar hill. Bulldozer was pushing some big gears but I still couldn’t catch him as we headed for the first big left and closed on Sasquatch. Mark was with me and he even stood up and took off from me at the last big right hander and we turned around and headed back down after everyone climbing the hill made it to the top. We regrouped at the bottom and learned that Tax Man, Digger and Daniel had headed for Cactus Valley.

Bulldozer took MacGyver, Newsboy and Sasquatch with him as he headed for State Street while I pulled Highlander, Mark, and Pony express in the same direction. Jackal was chasing the lead group as we rounded the corner onto State and we had to chase him all the way to Sherpa’s old house before turning onto Cactus Valley and heading for the Golf Course. Mark and I caught Jackal at Sage and I beat him to the Baptist church before being joined by Mark as we regrouped at the end of the road.

The ride back started to shape up as anything but a cruise. Sasquatch and Jackal pulled by Highlander and I and I realized they were simply setting up an early run at the Cactus Valley run. I had Highlander and Mark on my wheel and wasn’t intending on letting them get away so I kicked it up a bit and got on Sasquatches wheel. Sasquatch dropped down the little hill like a rock with me following like I had a van in front of me while Jackal and Mark were right with us. I thought we would smoke the segment but I also thought it was longer than it was so we pushed all the way around the corner onto State and started a run at Newport. However Bulldozer ran us down and kept going all the way to Domenigoni. When we got there MacGyver and Bulldozer left for home and we headed for chambers. It was a very fast run but we did have a small sprint at the rise and turned on Chambers and worked our way to Stetson and Santa Fe. We decided to stay on Stetson rather than turn on Columbia, I know Highlander hates the old houses on Crest, and moved on to the High School. About a block later I stopped to take some electrolytes and the headed for the little hill and east to Fairview. Mark and I had to wait for the group at Lake when Newsboy and Sasquatch pulled up to us and headed for Fairview. We then saw Tax Man, who we thought we had lost, waiting at the corner and Highlander left with him as we headed for Wilson Mesa. One more regroup and we were prepared for a fast ride down Fairview to Florida.

Jackal thought we would have a tail wind but as soon as we got to Bautista I could tell we had wind right on our nose. Daniel had taken an early lead and it took quite a while for us to catch him before Sasquatch picked things up and past me. As we rolled by Stetson the pace flattened out and either Newsboy or Sasquatch seemed about to pull away. But they ran out of gas before the bridge and I was still able to kick it up enough to hold everyone off to the water district driveway. Mark and I finished the run to Mayberry and led everyone to Florida and then to Carl’s. we had a brief meeting with Tax Man and Highlander before they had to leave and we followed a few minutes later after something cold to drink and conversation.

Riders started peeling off as we moved west towards park and continued on to the Devonshire jog and finally Sasquatch, Newsboy, Jackal and I were about the only ones left. I headed for home on Lyon and was looking forward to a hot shower and a something cold to drink. A great ride that would only be better if we didn’t have wind in our face on some of the segments.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was free for all Friday and the predicted weather was about as nice as it could get. Warm and very little wind is the kind of riding weather I like the most. On Friday the A group is free to ride as they please and the B group can do the same. So I put on an old jersey and shorts before heading to Burger King for coffee. I got to the parking lot after Digger and Dragon Slayer. Just as Highlander drove up I headed in for coffee and when I came back out Pony Express was just getting there. Ferret, Sasquatch and Mark rode up and Newsboy drove in just before 9 am. Yes it was a light day number wise but we had a good group to start down Acacia, go to Kirby and head south.

Ferret was pushing the pace just a bit as we moved west on Cypress and I was talking to Highlander about whether I wanted to go play or just ride this Friday. I was thinking at first of just getting in a good ride and was still thinking about it as we caught the light at Sanderson and again at Stetson. I considered running with the big dogs if Ferret wanted to make a run out of Domenigoni but I also thought about Digger and Mark slowly warming up at the back of the pack.

By the time we got to Mustang Ferret and Dragon Slayer started off rather quickly and soon Newsboy, Pony express and Sasquatch were chasing them past the High School. I started to close on the back and had Highlander with me but soon noticed Digger and Mark were lagging off of the back. I thought about slowing down for them but had Highlander in tow so I headed west in a slow chase of the fleeing group on Ferret, Pony express, Dragon Slayer, Sasquatch and Newsboy. We joined them on the saddle for a regroup.

All we had to do next was drop off of the backside of the saddle and head for Carl’s were I expected Ferret and Dragon to leave us and cut the ride short. Ferret led us down to Menifee and then Highlander and Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us to Haun. Dragon Slayer got the lead and took us just past Bradley where I got the front and took us to Carl’s for a nature break.

We did not stay at Carl’s that long before Dragon Slayer and Ferret left and the rest of us headed for Murrieta and Railroad Canyon. I got us to Dailey drive when Newsboy rolled by asking if we had a climb coming. When I said yes he took off for Goetz and Mark went with him.

I kept the rest of the group together till we started the climb before I decided to try and give chase through the canyon. I just couldn’t catch a light green and never managed to close on the fleeing twosome. Finally I pulled up to them at the light just before the freeway and led them to Mickey D’s. Highlander and Digger headed back to Railroad Canyon first and the rest of us chased them. When we caught up to Digger I fell off of the train and was going to pull him but he said go ahead so I took Pony express and headed east to see if we could catch Highlander. We didn’t catch him but he was waiting at the real-estate driveway and we rode together to Murrieta where Newsboy was waiting.

Turns out Digger cut a tire back on Dailey so Highlander, Mark and I went back to help him while Newsboy and Sasquatch and Pony express headed for home. We got back to Digger and noticed a large slash in his tire. One boot wasn’t going to fix it so we had to add three boots and promise to slowly head for home to be sure to make it.

We cruised at Digger’s speed all the way back to the saddle and then over it to Winchester. We took turns pulling all the way to warren and the tire was still holding as we got to the turn on Sanderson. I got us to Lowes and over to Acacia as we headed to Kirby. Three of us headed straight to the Bike shop and Highlander joined us just before I headed for home. By the time I walked in my door I had 50 miles on the computer and a feeling of being on a good ride on a good day.