By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another clear Wednesday and it was supposed to be hot. We however live in Diamond Valley and if there is one thing we are used to it is heat. We try to make our big rides on Wednesday so I put a half century together and pointed us west towards the City of Perris. All I need to know now was how many and who would be riding with me. I got to the parking lot first and had to wait for Digger to arrive. Dragon Slayer and Surgeon got there about the same time and we watched Bloodhound pull into the parking lot right after Minotaur. MacGyver joined us just before Bill, Huntress and Quicksilver pulled up. Red Rabbit decided to visit us even if he wasn’t going to make the ride. It was a bit after 8 am as we headed for Latham and then Lyon to get started on a Half Century.

I was planning on letting Bloodhound pull us to Ramona but he got so far ahead and set the pace too fast for most of the group to hold for 50 miles let alone the short climbs ahead of us. I ended being the Virtual lead as we moved to Esplanade and caught the light red. Dragon slayer came up to relieve me and got us to Ramona where we headed west and slowly closed on Bloodhound as he moved towards Sanderson. Quicksilver was hooked onto my back wheel pretty much like a trailer for camping and she stayed there till we got to the light on the Expressway.

Just as soon as we started towards Warren Bloodhound took the lead and stayed there to the light. MacGyver and Dragon Slayer took over and kept us at a steady 20 or 21 MPH all the way from Bridge to Nuevo. Because the whole group had stayed together we were going ride right by Lakeview and head over the hill. As we past Lakeview Digger told me we had lost two riders so we pulled over just past the bridge and waited for what turned out to be a flat tire on Surgeon’s bike. Once they caught up to us we were on our way again to ride over the two rollers and then to Rider and the left turn towards Evans.

We got separated on the rollers and had to watch Bloodhound, MacGyver and Dragon Slayer pull away as we waited for the stragglers on the corner of Rider and Ramona. We got rolling again and I fell in on the back as Huntress and the others headed down to Evans and turned south towards Nuevo. We moved quickly through the houses on Evans and soon we making a right on Nuevo to head over to Redlands and south again.

At first Huntress, Quicksilver and Dragon slayer led the way west on Nuevo and finally I pulled up to help him pull to Redlands. By this time several of the riders had hydrated so well that they were looking for a service station like a puppy trying to get outside rather than wetting in the house. Dragon Slayer scheduled a stop at the Shell Station on Redlands just before the freeway and he rode up to make sure Bloodhound knew to stop. We also heeded to refill any empty water bottles before the next leg of the ride because the Goetz climb was going to be hot and dry.

We headed south once more and Quicksilver pretty much tossed the gauntlet down at my feet for the climb up Goetz. Now I know that if the bling team is riding together then they are working together so I also knew I had to watch both of them. After all I didn’t want to get chicked. Still I had my wingman Dragon Slayer with me so I felt confident they wouldn’t pull anything off on me without giving me a chance to respond.

After we made the turn to Goetz the real excitement started. I asked MacGyver to ride with Bloodhound and I would take the middle group while Dragon slayer had everyone else. Surgeon bailed on Ethanic as we rolled through the light. We noticed Quicksilver had an open seat bag so we stopped to make sure she hadn’t lost anything. While I was stopped I looked up the road to see Bloodhound and MacGyver climbing the steep part of Goetz and to my surprise Huntress was halfway between us and them. I felt like a dog watching a rabbit running away and gave chase as soon as we were rolling again. I don’t know what got into me because I hadn’t intended on attacking the short side of Goetz but I did and caught Huntress before the last kick towards the top. Bill caught me about 100 yards from the top and hacker was closing as I geared down to save my legs so I could attack the downhill and head to Newport. I was about 300 yards behind Bill but I dropped off of the hill like a falcon on a field mouse and blew by Bill and stayed there all the way to the last light before we got off of the hill. Bill, Hacker and I waited for the rest of the group on Newport and Goetz. I got a call from Dragon Slayer saying he was collecting the rest of the group and he would meet us at the Chevron on Murrieta. Out three riders headed for Murrieta only to be cut off by Dragon Slayers group at Berea. My thought was “et tu Brute?”, because in effect Dragon Slayer helped the bling team chick me before we could make it to the Chevon Station. We did see MacGyver and Bloodhound but they left as we were getting water and we had to follow then back to McCall and head over the hill. Coming off of the hill we opted for a ride through the park on Heritage and made our way to Simpson to head east back towards Winchester. This time Dragon Slayer assisted Minotaur in an attempted sprint attack before Winchester. Minotaur caught me after I made a break but we had t shut down at the turn lane. Minotaur was cooked from the sprint so Bill, Dragon Slayer and I raced off to Stowe to find MacGyver and Bloodhound.

The rest of the group headed for home while Minotaur and I waited for Bloodhound’s aunt to come and pick him up. He was a bit overheated and needed to take it easy. After the group had been gone for about five or ten minutes when Minotaur and I headed for home ourselves. We dialed in to about 21 MPH and rode to California and then Stetson. We decided to stay on Stetson all the way to Sanderson and then rolled at 24 all the way to Lowes. We popped over to Kirby and ended up having coffee with Dragon Slayer at Starbucks before heading home ourselves. I managed to roll up 55 more miles for the week and was still able to take the dog for a walk before kicking back and downloading my ride to my computer.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another Monday and another day when the weather was better than I expected. I was sorry I had to plan a short ride today because of a doctor’s appointment but I knew I could push a bit more if I wanted to simply because we only had just over 30 miles to go and that was just enough time to get warmed up. I took a bit longer than normal to get ready to leave the house but I still got to the parking lot just after Dragon Slayer and Digger. Bloodhound had returned to us and we were joined by Bill, a rider we met last week. Gambler and Bulldozer rode up together just about the same time as Tax Man pulled up in his Jeep. Minotaur, Hacker and Surgeon soon arrived and Quicksilver pulled into the parking lot ready for this little ride. Jackal rounded out the group as we all got ready to ride out to Latham to head to Lyon.

It only took us a few minutes to make it to Lyon and head north to start our day. I wasn’t planning on pulling all that much but noticed that we had split up quite a bit by Devonshire. At first I tried to slow things down a bit and allow the group to close back up but that just wasn’t happening until Bloodhound caught the light at Esplanade and we all had to wait for the red to turn green. We were soon headed north again towards Ramona.

Knowing that we had a long way to go before we got to Ramona and made the turn east I was simply looking for a way to fall towards the back and rest my legs for what I expected to be one of those rides where the pace picks up seriously without warning. And I wasn’t to be disappointed. I didn’t get a chance to fall back on Lyon so I led through the jog from Lyon onto Ramona and started us headed east towards State Street.

As we headed east no one else seemed interested in leading the group so I stayed out front almost all the way to State. I kept looking over my shoulder expecting Jackal or Hacker to come blasting by any moment. I did managed to hold onto the lead all the way to State and was only able to give up the lead after we headed north towards the Expressway. By the Expressway Quicksilver had pulled up to the rest of the group with Digger and we crossed the light together.

I was finally in the back and cruising along talking to Quicksilver when the leaders pulled away gapping me before I realized it. Hacker took off after them but was quickly being outdistanced by the fleeing Bulldozer, Gambler and Bloodhound. Quicksilver turned me loose from pulling duties and said I could go play so that is what I did and soon I had run up on the back of Hackers wheel and rounded the corner onto Soboba. The leaders were fading into the distance as I started my pursuit. Dragon slayer and Bill were soon the only riders with me and we were closing in on Hacker. Hacker was on our wheel for a few moments but gave it up on the second roller and had to wait for Jackal to join him. They chased Bill, dragon slayer and me to the driving range but couldn’t close. We found the leaders waiting at Ramona and Main and we waited to regroup there as well. We started off as two new groups as we headed towards Cedar and the cut over to Florida and Fairview.

In this case I found myself with the chase group but I was in good company with Gambler and Bulldozer.

When Bloodhound and Gambler started to make a run to Cedar, Jackal and Bloodhound whet with them. I started to give chase again only to ride up on Jackal who had a flat tire. I stopped to help only to have him insist that we go on and he would meet us at Cranston. I gave him a tube and headed off with Digger in tow. Tax Man and Minotaur stayed with him while he changed the tire. Except for the tire changing crew we were all together on Fairview and Florida. I started us east and soon Bloodhound took over. He pulled for the longest time till Bulldozer rolled by with several riders in his slipstream. I managed to just get on the last back wheel as we headed for the trees and the last little climb to Cranston Station. Bill had left us back at Cedar so it was down to Bulldozer, Gambler, Dragon slayer, Hacker and me to make it to Cranston first. I made a break for it but was hauled in by Bulldozer just before the driveway to Cranston station. We took a very short break and headed back to Carl’s for coffee. Bloodhound was way out front going into the trees and I started a chase to see if I culd catch him. As I entered the trees Gambler, Bulldozer, Dragon Slayer and Jackal flew by me and started to pull away. I simply could close on them all by myself so I settled into a 85 percent run that had me rolling along about 30 till I did catch Bloodhound but he caught my wheel and followed to the gas station where I attempted t draft a truck and horse trailer to catch the leaders. I did get it up to 33 or 34 before the truck changed lanes and that was enough to catch up when the leaders backed down a bit at Fairview. A few of us stayed for coffee and conversation before heading for the west side together. We didn’t get far before Jackal had another flat.

Once the tire was repaired we started off again only to have to return when someone tried to run off with Minotaur’s phone. Once that we retrieved we were back on the road and headed back to Lincoln where Quicksilver, Surgeon and Hacker were waiting for us. Dragon Slayer and I set the pace towards Park and home.

We got back to Park and over to Devonshire with little or no problems and soon had rolled by Yale and made our way to San Jacinto and caught the light just as it turned green. Quicksilver started to pick up the pace as we headed to Santa Fe and started our final run as we left State Street. She pulled all the way to Lyon only got get blitzed as an impromptu sprint started heading for the parking lot. We only stopped to talk for a moment before I had to head for home for a quick Shower and Lunch before heading to the doctor’s office. All in all I had a great day.

Tour de DVV Last Day

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We were coming into the last day of the tour and so far the battle for the Maillot Jaune has been frantic. The teams pressed had for first place on day one with its long flat and short thee cat 1 climbs of the Col de Goetz and the Col de McCall. Day two was the climbing day with the attack of Col de sage and Col de Red Mountain. The race has taken its toll from the peloton and several riders have fallen by the wayside. Bloodhound has abandoned with illness, some have suggested that team Superman may have spiked his water but there is no proof. Gambler abandoned, Bulldozer missed the race all together and several others have gone home or gone to other endeavors leaving only four in real contention for the yellow jersey. Superman was leading on points with 17 followed by Quicksilver with 11 and Hacker with 11. Minotaur had 8 points as did Newsboy and everyone else was starting with zero on their scorecard. As they lined up for the start a report came in that Quicksilver was suffering with heat exhaustion and the team doctors pulled her from the race. It was bad news for Quicksilver because today is double point day. That didn’t mean there was no more drama because the rules committee decided to allow new riders into the ride to make up for all the riders that fell out. In a move full of intrigue Hacker and Minotaur hired ringers to try and burn Superman out so they could move up in the standings. Barracuda and a young rider named Brian were in the starting line just to try and burn out Superman. Highlander and Digger had shown no love for the position Superman was in so it looked like it would be a case of the whole peloton against Superman. But in a great counter move Superman got two domestiques, Magic Man and Dragon Slayer, to ride with him and keep the pressure up. The group pulled out onto Latham and headed to Lyon and north towards Ramona with Superman setting the pace while Highlander nipped at his wheel pushing for a mistake. It was on Lyon that the Domestiques showed who they were working for as they moved towards the front to support their lead rider.

It was very important that Superman set the pace as they headed north because he didn’t want barracuda or Brian to blow out the peloton too early and maybe take Hacker and or Minotaur with them. Every time someone moved up as it to take the lead Superman picked up the pace just a bit and held them off not planning on giving up the lead at least till they got to Ramona and headed west. As luck would have it Superman did make it to Ramona first and did start the group west.

As they headed west another shark entered the picture as Surgeon moved up on Superman’s right and took the lead. It didn’t last long because soon Brian, the one Superman suspected of riding for team Minotaur, headed for Sanderson. Minotaur went with him and made a small break. Both Domestiques for Superman whet after the breakaway and left Superman with Hacker to try to close to the leaders himself. And close they did as they were all back together at the Expressway waiting for the light. Superman took the lead again and pulled to Warren before giving up the lead. Superman was too far back at Bridge Street and had to give up 2 points to Minotaur and 2 points to Hacker. Brian had 6 points and Barracuda had five but Dragon Slayer picked up three so Superman was still in the lead for Yellow. That moved Hacker into Second and Minotaur into fourth. The peloton stayed together almost all the way to Lakeview and the feed station and by the time they stopped to grab a bite you could have covered the group with a blanket. As they watched Digger bypassed the feed station and headed for the two climbs and the move to enter Perris. With Digger making the break Superman took up the chase and headed for the climb to Col de Ramona 1 and Col de Bernasconi. Brian took the first climb for 6 points but Superman got 5 with Barracuda getting 4 and Magic Man getting 3. Hacker got 2 points and the rest of the group got 1. In effect Hacker was second but Brian was third and Minotaur was tied for fourth. The last climb saw Barracuda with Six Points and Brian with 5 but Superman got 4. Magic man got 3 with Hacker taking 2 and Dragon Slayer taking 1. As we entered Perris the race was on.

There were no points for the short hill but there was a short sprint just before the TT that Minotaur won for 6 more points. Barracuda and Brian had missed the official check in at the gate so neither their Sprint or TT times count. The problem was Dragon Slayer picked up the 5 points and Superman got the 4 with Magic Man Snapping up the 3 only leaving 2 for Hacker. But now Hacker and Minotaur were tied for second. Superman still had a commanding lead.

At the TT Minotaur started out well but was soon run down by Magic Man and dragon Slayer. Superman followed Dragon Slayer till they closed in on Minotaur’s wheel and then pulled Dragon Slayer up to Magic Man and past Minotaur. Hacker locked onto Superman’s wheel and followed him into the trees and closed in on Magic Man. Magic Man made a wrong turn giving Superman the win to the marina and 6 points while Hacker got 5 and Magic Man got 4. Minotaur got 3 while Surgeon picked up 2 and the rest of the group got 1. As we left the Marina we had to wait for Barracuda to fix a flat, somehow the team car was missing. The points leaders were Superman with 36. Hacker with 22. Minotaur with 21. Brian with 17. Magic Man with 17. Barracuda with 15. Dragon Slayer with 11. Everyone else had 2.

Magic Man and Dragon Slayer left the race at this point leaving Superman with no Domestiques. The rest of the race would be the peloton against Superman. As we started down the hill to the front gate Minotaur attacked the decent and got to Ramona first for 6 points. Superman got 5 and Hacker got 3. Barracuda got 2 and everyone else got 1. We pulled onto Ramona and headed east with Surgeon pulling. Soon Minotaur latched onto his wheel and Superman protected himself by following his wheel even with Hacker following Superman. Minotaur attacked at Rider but was soon past by Brian. This time Superman stayed with Brian to crest the hill second. Brian got the 6 points but Superman go 5 with Barracuda and Hacker getting 4 and 3 respectively. That left Minotaur with 2 and everyone else with 1. That moved Minotaur into Second as we crested the hill. Superman took his fate in his own hands and attacked all the way to the bridge getting the 6 points with barracuda getting 5. Hacker got 4 and Brian got 3 and Minotaur got 2. Everyone else got 1. We then headed east towards Warren where we would lose Surgeon. I took over the pull to Bridge and pulled us to warren where Surgeon did leave us.

Once again Brian and Barracuda missed a check point where to team doctors had to check on Digger and send him to the medical van on Menlo and Palm. There rest of us stayed together till it was down to Highlander, Minotaur, Hacker and Superman heading south towards Devonshire. When they past Devonshire Minotaur lined up for the last sprint and hit to corner right behind Hacker. Soon as they headed west towards the Pep Boy’s driveway. Minotaur took the lead but couldn’t hold it and lost the last sprint giving Superman the only win for a Stage in three days. After a disappointing loss to Gambler in the 2013 DVV tour Superman took a commanding win the Tour and wear the Maillot Jaune. On the podium it was Superman first with 53 points, Minotaur second with 41 points and Hacker with 36 points. Superman got a follow request on Strava from some guy named Nibali but he isn’t sure he wants to get into that whole winners patting each other on the back thing.

Stage two Tour de DVV

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Stage two came after a rest day on Tuesday. It was also a day to check and prepare the equipment and review the route in our heads. We had a two part climb coming after a long flat approach. I for one was looking forward to it but I am not sure the other teams were as eager. The two climbs were the Col de Saint John’s and the Col de Red Mountain. We then had a two part decent and a fast run back to start finish line. Even if some riders were starting with a huge disadvantage we had new competitors joining us with a points disadvantage and at least two riders that were starting with a DNF from stage one. That gave team Superman and lead over the rest of the field. Only team Bloodhound was a big threat to the Yellow jersey. We staged at Gilmore and Florida waiting for the start light.

At the front of the starting line were Digger, Newsboy and Highlander. They were followed by Minotaur, Huntress, Socrates and Hacker. The next row had Dragon slayer, Gambler and Magic Man and the back row had Quicksilver and Surgeon. The second place rider, Bloodhound had abandoned and will not be back for the last stage on Friday. Today was a 15 point day and team Superman had a big lead heading for Acacia and the first turn west, at least a big lead in points. As we headed south on Kirby team Superman was controlling the pace. It was important not let anyone close in points set the pace in case something bad happened, like dropping Superman before the climb ever started. So it was a easy pace to Cypress and then Johnston before heading south again on Rue de Sanderson.

There was almost a disaster for team Superman at Mustang when stopped at the light when a front tire went flat with a report that sounded like a gun shot. The tube split and blew the tire right off of the rim. But the tire was changed and Superman led the group to Rue de Domenigoni and made it to the light to head east for the run to Rue de State and Rue de Sage. Superman started out pulling towards Searl and had the whole Peloton Chasing as he got close to the light.

Shortly after the light Magic Man pulled up next to Superman and started to pick up the pace. However the pace only succeeded to breaking up the peloton and causing some of the new contenders to break off from the stage itself. Socrates, Magic Man, Highlander, Huntress, Dragon Slayer and Surgeon turned left at rue de State while Gambler pulled around for a breakaway when the rest of the group headed right towards Rue de Sage. Gambler was close to Newport before Newsboy moved off to close the gap. Minotaur pulled most of the way to Newport before Superman moved to the front only to drop the group at the Cactus Valley Curve. The breakaway was working as the peloton turned onto Rue de Sage and headed for the Col de Sage climb. The peloton quickly passed a wrecked news car (looked like an F-350 on its side) and headed for the first kick on Col de Sage. Shortly after passing the Diamond Valley market we came upon a sign the chilled Superman’s blood. Bulldozer looks like he has become a mercenary and is willing to sell his considerable climbing talents to the highest bidder.

Still the climb had to be made and Superman decided not to chase the breakaway because neither Gambler of Newsboy were points contenders and all he wanted to do was keep Quicksilver and Hacker in sight and not give up many points to them. It would remain to be seen in this plan worked. As we started the climb Minotaur started taunting Quicksilver and talking smack about dropping her like a bad habit before the end of the climb. Quicksilver took it in stride and only laughed feeling she had this climb in the bag.

As they continued the Climb Digger made a short break but Superman and Hacker soon shut that break down. Minotaur made the next break but he was reeled in as well. All during this time Quicksilver had been on Superman’s wheel but soon the heat started to get to her and the team doctor had to pour cold water over her head till she cooled off enough to finish the climb of Rue de Sage. Newsboy had made the hill first and Gambler had abandoned due to illness. Hacker was second and Superman was third with Quicksilver and Minotaur shortly behind. That gave Hacker 2 more points and Newsboy got the 3 points for first. Superman got 1 for third. The climb up Rue de Red Mountain took its toll on Minotaur but he pressed forward. Newsboy flatted before the top but Hacker made another break. Hacker got another 3 points for first and 3 points for KOM, while Minotaur got 2 and 2 more for best rookie Newsboy got 1. Quicksilver got 5 bonus points for being the first woman to the top of Red Mountain and 2 for Sage. While Digger abandoned leaving Superman with a big goose egg for Red Mountain.

The decent was not good for Quicksilver and Superman had no good reason to Chase Minotaur and Newsboy off of the hill. In fact it was hard not to attack the decent for Superman but he wanted to play it safe. Soon he had caught up to Hacker and was at least 50 yards ahead of Quicksilver. Superman came off of Red Mountain in third getting another point and was third to the Diamond Valley Market for another point Newsboy and Minotaur split the points for Red Mountain and Sage so the race was getting tighter.

The peloton headed north on Rue de Sage and headed back to Cactus Valley. Supermen stayed on Newsboys’s back wheel all the way to Newport and then to Domenigoni where Newsboy had to leave for a family emergency. That left only three riders heading back to the start finish line. The group stayed together till we got back to Latham and Lyon where Quicksilver started a sprint for the start finish and managed to beat Superman by such a small margin that it was a photo finish. None the less she crossed the line first and got another 3 points while Superman got 2 and Hacker got 1 point.

The tree finishers had to stand around for the awards ceremony and to talk to fans and sign autographs and that took maybe 15 minutes. But soon they had to part their ways and go back and train for the last stage on Friday. Superman has held onto his Yellow Jersey butat least two riders are within striking distance. But Friday is another day and who knows what that day brings? At the end of Stage two the standings are. 1. Superman 17 points 2. Quicksilver 11 points 3. Hacker 11 points 4. Newsboy 8 points 5. Minotaur 8 points 6. Highlander DNF 7. Surgeon DNF 8. Digger DNF 9. Gambler DNF 10. Dragon Slayer DNF 11. Magic Man DNF 12. Huntress DNF

The Mini Tour de DVV

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was the first day of a three day Tour de DVV. This stage started out somewhat flat with one little bump, a sprint, a big climb plus a small climb. It was a perfect morning for it but not everyone made the starting line putting some of the favored riders at a great time disadvantage. As the Tour started we headed south on Gilmore the Peloton consisted of Surgeon, Digger, Highlander, Quicksilver, Forrest, (Hacker) Bloodhound and me. Bloodhound made an early break but the peloton wasn’t far behind.

We caught Bloodhound at Kirby and headed south. We came upon a rider from another team and soon we had run him down. (Truth is it was a touring rider heading for Oceanside.) But getting back to the story we made our way to Cypress and headed for Johnson. Once again we were even with Bloodhound as we headed south once more headed for Domenigoni and the long run to the saddle.

Bloodhound was controlling the pace as we headed west on Domenigoni and soon Surgeon was in second place while I fell back to third. Highlander, Quicksilver, Hacker and Digger were behind me but holding onto the peloton pretty well. We crossed Warren and the dry wash and still Bloodhound wouldn’t give up the pull. It didn’t matter to me because two chances for points were coming up, the first climb and later the Sprint. The fact that I am the only one that knew about the points is not germane to the story so I will ignore it. We had to pause at Winchester and we reset the line heading to Leon. Bloodhound was still pulling strong but Highlander had given his position to Quicksilver and I was still third behind Surgeon. At the bottom of the saddle Bloodhound picked up the pace but soon Surgeon downshifted and went into a spin. I jumped to the outside in a full sprint and pulled in front. I gapped both Surgeon and Bloodhound and thought I could cruise to the top but there was no such luck as Surgeon pulled up on my right. However I wasn’t even close to being out of gas so I was back up dancing on the pedals and finished the climb and sprint first. Those gave me six points, three for the sprint and three for the climb and a good chance at the next sprint and climb as we dropped down the hill and headed for Carl’s.

We were spread out a bit as we came up to Antelope and we just got a green as we got to the light. Surgeon, Bloodhound and Highlander attacked the ramp and headed over the freeway making the light green at Haun. When the light turned green I started a chase pulling Quicksilver with me. By Bradley I could see Highlander passing information on my progress to Bloodhound and their pace picked up. I still closed and soon had Quicksilver within three or four bikes lengths at the last side street. Another warneing went to Bloodhound but it was too late. I came through the draft and won the second sprint for another three points. I now sat at nine to Bloodhounds 2 for third on the saddle climb and sprint and 2 more for the Newport Sprint. We pulled into Carl’s for a nature break before moving on to the second Climb of the day. Surgeon pulled off and Murrieta for no points and Highlander left at Normandy for no points.

Bloodhound headed up Goetz while I paced the group to Normandy before giving chase. I knew I didn’t have to push hard because I had two more points in the bag as long as no one passed between me and Bloodhound. No one did and Quicksilver took third. That put the score at 11 points for me, 7 points for Bloodhound, 2 points for Surgeon, and I point for Quicksilver. I didn’t mention the score to anyone at the top of Goetz either but that is just the way I am.

We met at the bottom of the hill only to discover that Surgeon had rejoined us and Highlander had abandoned the stage. We started east then and headed for Murrieta to continue the stage and the search for points in this exciting event. Bloodhound pulled us to the Mortuary corner and headed us east to Bradley. The smooth pavement on Bradley sure made the ride feel nice after the strain on the legs from the climb.

Quicksilver took that opportunity to try and make a breakaway but was caught before McCall and the turn east. We all made the light and made it over the freeway except that Hacker and Bloodhound were way out front when Quicksilver and I caught the light over the freeway with Surgeon. The last chance for any points was on McCall and once again Bloodhound got 3. Surgeon was disqualified for taking a shortcut so I got 1 point for third and Hacker got 2 points for second. The finish for the stage was at the top of McCall so all we had to do was cruise to Simpson and east to Winchester before heading up to Winchester Farms for coffee.

Bloodhound left while we were having coffee but we followed not long afterward. Quicksilver and Surgeon led us east on Stowe and soon had us back up to about 20 mph even for the cruise home. We made the turn onto California Street and worked our way down to Stetson.

I got out front with Hacker on Stetson and pulled us back to Warren for where Surgeon left for home. The remaining riders made our way to the Airport and back to Sanderson for the Lowes run and then to Acacia. I pulled on to Acacia and then to Kirby before leading the group back to the parking lot. I rode back to Hackers street before heading home myself to check the standing for the first stage on the Tour de D V V. At the end of the first day the standings are as follows. Me……………12 points Bloodhound.…10 points Hacker………..2 points Quicksilver……1 point Digger…………0 points Surgeon………..DNF Highlander…….DNF Don’t even ask about points for Wednesday because I am still not telling.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another Friday and another perfect day for a bike ride. I got up to a clear, cool, morning with just the right amount of sun and almost no wind, perfect for cycling. I headed for the parking lot with just a bit of extra spring in my legs and a knowledge that I was about to enjoy myself. Digger, Minotaur and I arrived at almost the same time and to my surprise Highlander drove up only a moment after we parked our bikes. Both of the bling team riders, Huntress and Quicksilver pulled up early while Forrest, Gambler and Bulldozer rode in. Once MacGyver and Barracuda arrived we were ready to go. So it was out onto Gilmore and down to Acacia before moving onto Kirby.

We were moving as a team today but I didn’t know how long that would last because traditionally things fall apart once we zero in on Domenigoni and head west. It is even worse when we have a strong A team riding with us because they push a bit fast for the solid Bs and yet the Bs try to keep up only to rocket out before we get to Winchester. So I tried to take the lead on Cypress and hold things down as we headed for Johnston. After the light onto Sanderson I jumped out front again and took us to Domenigoni and west.

After we made the turn Gambler pulled by me and started the pull. I was worried because he is so strong that he can blow up the group in the first 300 yards. Then I got even more worried when MacGyver rolled by thinking Bulldozer would be coming up next and the Hammer would get dropped. Quicksilver was riding right to me and Huntress was close behind. To my surprise they held the group at a steady 22 or 23 mph and everyone stayed together. Bulldozer was chasing after fixing a flat and we were on Cruise control all the way past Warren to Winchester. Bulldozer caught us by Winchester and instead of blowing by us he joined the group and we headed for the Saddle. We were still together as we started up the saddle and we had already decided not to stop at the top but rather keep on going all the way to Carl’s for a nature break. Yes we broke up a bit going over the saddle and we got split up by the light at Haun but all in all the group held together well and we pulled into Carl’s not that far apart. Once we were all ready we headed out to continue west.

As we headed west I was once again out front riding next to Forrest and watching Quicksilver and Huntress closing on me. Highlander was planning on turning around at Goetz so he was up front as well and stayed there. I had to move up to get a picture before falling back to ride with the rest of the group and watching to see who was ready for the climb Railroad Canyon.

Gambler led the group as we rolled by the light on Goetz and I was at the back of the line of five or six. At the beginning of the climb I started to make of run of it and pulled to the front only to be caught by Gambler before I could get to the top of the first climb. Bulldozer and MacGyver past me next and by the last climb Barracuda got by me and dropped down the last hill before I could get there. Forrest caught me at the first stop light and we pulled into the parking lot as the lead group was parking their bikes. The rest of group got there a few minutes later.

We took the time to have coffee and conversation and talk about how great the ride had been so far. I was just getting into my coffee when I noticed the A group was starting to move around a bit. They decided to leave first and the B group decided to wait a few minutes more. We said our good byes and watched them head back east and fade into the distance.

As soon as the rest of us were ready we got back on the road. I promised to pull the group over the hill and to the turn at Stater Brothers to get to Holland and drop down to Murrieta before making the jog over to Holland again and heading east to Haun. We headed north towards Newport for the last turn towards home. Yes I know looking back Quicksilver and Huntress look innocent and friendly but in truth they predators just waiting to drop you the minute you lower your guard.

We were all back together by the time we were over the freeway and stopped at the light on Antelope. Forrest took over pulling and got us to Menifee and then back to the saddle. I hit the saddle hard but it blew up the group so I stopped at the top sending everyone on while I waited till I saw ever one make it to the top. I then gave chase and closed in on the group at Winchester only to lose then when I caught the red. I chased again till I got to Warren where I only made it about another quarter of a mile before running over a small piece of glass and flatting. The group was long gone as I fixed the flat and booted the tire. Digger stopped to help and we rode back to the parking lot together just in time to catch the other riders of the B group still loading their cars. I got home in time for lunch and a hot shower, and yes maybe a short nap. Yes Virginia there is a great land for cyclists and we live here.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was supposed to be another cool morning with the sun breaking through about 10am. I for one was looking forward to a longer ride to Juniper Flats and back to Winchester. It would require some climbing but nothing we couldn’t take so once we were all assembled at 8am I took us out onto Gilmore and south towards Acacia. There were 9 of us when we left and made the turn on Acacia and the light at Kirby. Once the light changed we headed towards the Railroad tracks and the turn onto Cypress and headed for Johnston.

As we closed in on Johnston Digger asked if I knew where some of our riders had gone because we were down to five. I decided to pull us over as we made the turn and wait for the rest of the group. One of them had a flat so Quicksilver, Surgeon, Digger, Highlander and I waited till we saw Bulldozer, MacGyver, Newsboy and Minotaur come around the corner and head for Sanderson. We made the turn and followed Bulldozer north till we got to Wentworth. Digger took us onto Wentworth and towards the airport.

To be honest I don’t do well when it is cool in the morning because my legs seem to stay tight for at least the first 10 miles. Today was no different so I was perfectly happy to let someone else pull us out onto Stetson and towards Warren. Digger and Surgeon took up the cause and got us to Warren before giving the lead to me as I struggled to get us to California and made the turn south towards Stowe.

As we closed in he on Stowe Surgeon pulled away a bit and rounded the corner first. I pulled the group after him and soon past just as Newsboy, MacGyver and Bulldozer rolled away. I kept the pace easy for the rest of the group and we slowly lost ground to the three of them as the pulled away to the parking lot where we stopped to regroup.

I started us out onto Winchester and moved us south towards the Dump road. At first it looked like we would cruise the Dump Road until Minotaur got out front and slowly picked up the pace. MacGyver pulled up next to him and soon we were in a double pace line and heading past the Wild West bar. As we got close to the rise it seemed as if Minotaur was picking up the pace and soon part of the group dropped off of the back and I fell out of line to go back and get them. I pulled them up as well as I could and when the leaders started to soft pedal on Briggs we finally caught them. By the time we got through the housing tract and back out onto Briggs we were all back together and ready to head north to Florida.

It took at least two cycles before we got through the light at the High School but once we did we quickly made our way to the elementary school and then up to Mapes where Quicksilver had to refuel. It didn’t take long before we were back on our way to Menifee and headed north again. I led the way to the top of the rise and started the hard run towards Central. Before I got to the first stop sign MacGyver pulled by me and jumped the pace up again so I was running almost flat out chasing him. I sat up at the stop sign and the rest of the group caught up and we rode to Central and then Nuevo together. Surgeon left us on Lakeview and the rest of us continued on Nuevo. We were spread out quite a bit on Nuevo and didn’t fully regroup till we got to Contour and headed for Juniper. It was here that I got a lot of help from MacGyver and Bulldozer. We started the climb with Newsboy and were doing well till a car forced us into single file. It was then I commented to MacGyver that we were getting a wind in our face and it was taking a toll on me. Between MacGyver and Bulldozer talking me through it I managed to pull through the pain and push to the top of the climb. It wasn’t a PR but it was satisfying in that I had not quit till we got to the top for a regroup. I took it easy on the downhill and had an informal regroup at the high school except for Bulldozer who had gone on. We rode back through the Housing tract and back out Onto the Dump Road and headed for Leon.

I simply didn’t have the steam to hang with MacGyver on the Flag sprint and by the time we hit Winchester I was pretty much out of gas. Stoll I followed Newsboy and MacGyver north to Winchester Farms for coffee and conversation. Once everyone had rested and refueled we were back on the road and headed east on Stowe.

We moved pretty quickly to California street and almost as quickly to Stetson before riding back to the airport and over to Sanderson. Once again we had to sit through two cycles before we turned north to Lowes and around back to get to Acacia and then to Kirby. I rode with the group till we got to Gilmore and then stopped to talk at the parking lot before heading for home and a hot shower. I have to say it was a great ride and a pleasure to ride with the group.