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.