By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) To tell the truth my legs were real tight after the ride Saturday and I had a ride planned to take it easy on those legs today. I knew many wouldn’t complain because Monday’s are supposed to be our easy day anyway, at least that was my plan. I got to the parking lot well before Digger and had half of my coffee finished before he arrived. We were there by ourselves before Highlander arrived followed by Surgeon, Tax Man and Jackal. They last one to arrive before we left was Centaur and so we hit the road right at 8am. We rode down Gilmore and then west on Acacia only to catch the Light at Kirby red for a short wait. Once we were on our way south we started out smoothly and headed for the Railroad tracks.

Somewhere along the way we picked up Sasquatch as we made our way west on Cypress and south again on Sanderson. Surgeon led us to Stetson and made the turn west. I came around and pulled us as we headed for the Airport. We stayed together as a pack all the way to Warren and I stayed in front all the way to California where we turned south towards Stowe.

Surgeon took over the pull and I fell into third as we headed for Stowe. Surgeon was moving us smoothly and quickly west and pulled more than halfway to Winchester. At the three quarter mark Sasquatch and Jackal came around and raced towards Winchester. No one gave chase and I simply pulled around Surgeon to take my turn at the front. It took a few more moments for us to reach Winchester Farms for a short regroup before headed south once more to the dump road. I took the lead and safely got us to the turn and headed west towards Leon.

Surgeon once again started to run towards the Wild West Bar and I slotted into second place keeping an eye on Sasquatch and Jackal, expecting them to make a break by the time we got to the rise. Sasquatch caught me looking back at him and tried to pull back in line as if they weren’t moving up on me so I took that opportunity to make a break for it. I got quite a jump on both of them and made it to the top of the rise first with Jackal on my back wheel. The only problem was my sprint broke the group up and I had to go back and get Tax Man and Digger. I pulled the two stragglers to Briggs Street and headed north only to watch the lead group fade into the distance. Fortunately they stopped to regroup on Mapes, well all except Surgeon and Centaur who had turned at the elementary school. We moved down Mapes to Menifee and regrouped with Surgeon and Centaur at the AM/PM before heading back towards McCall.

Surgeon once again was leading us as we headed towards the back side of Hospital Hill and as we turned at McCall Tax Man left us. At the stop light Surgeon picked up the pace and I stood up to take the lead and Centaur came after me. Sasquatch and Jackal were too far back to catch me and I was able to hold Centaur off till I crossed the crest of the hill and started down the other side. We regrouped at the Gas Station on Bradley before heading to the top of McCall and cut over to Cherry Hill to get back to Bradley.

We turned south on Bradley and once again Jackal made a run for it. Sasquatch couldn’t let that happen and chased him down and passed him before the Seventh day Adventist Church. We caught them at Newport and followed them to Jack in the Box for coffee. Surgeon left first while I still had coffee left and we followed him about 10 minutes later as Jackal and Centaur moved us east towards Menifee again. I fell back to work with Sasquatch on his spin at the saddle while Jackal and Centaur decided not to regroup at the top so we had to chase them to Winchester. In fact I ended up pulling from Leon all the way to Sanderson and back to Lowes with the group. We parted ways at Acacia and Gilmore and headed for home. My legs held up better than I thought they would and I was even up to taking the dog for a walk after I got home.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a Friday before I had a metric Century planned in Redondo Beach and I decided to ride anyway. What, you might ask, makes that any different from any other Friday? Well for one thing I tend to not ride the day before any long out of town rides because I always end up chasing the big dogs and paying for it the next day. Today I was determined to take it easy and make it a short ride so I would be rested for Saturday. It remained to be seen if I would be successful. I was so eager that I got to the parking lot 10 minutes before Digger. By 8 am we had our group ready, 11 riders with 11 different ideas of what the Friday ride should be.

Ferret was with us today and we spent some time talking and catching up as we moved east on Latham and then North on Lyon with the other riders behind. Today’s big guns were Bulldozer and MacGyver and Ferret if he was up to it. Bloodhound would try to stay ahead of the other riders as long as he could and so I expected a fractured group almost from the start. Sure enough Bloodhound took off but we caught him at Esplanade where he took off again but with Ferret following him. The rest of the group followed me as we worked our way towards Ramona Boulevard.

As we worked our way to Seventh Street we started to close a bit on Bloodhound and Ferret but we got slowed at Cottonwood where a car almost rolled the Blind Spot with the trees when a car coming from the other direction tried to wave us through. It is a long straight street as we got to De Anza and made the jog onto Savoy. Behind me as we got to the corner were Highlander, Digger, Huntress, Surgeon, Closer, Minotaur, Centaur, MacGyver and Bulldozer. Surgeon pulled up to take the corner at Ramona first.

We casually worked our way east after I pulled out front again. At this point the ride has been what I call a cruise. Just fast enough to keep the leaders in sight but not so fast as to burn out my legs. It seemed as if everyone but Bloodhound and Ferret were pleased with the pace even if we just missed those tow at State Street and closed in on them at every light from Ramona Boulevard to the college. After the last light at the College Bulldozer launched like a heat seeking missile and started after Bloodhound and Ferret. They had already made the turn on Soboba before we entered the trees but it was clear Bulldozer was on track to shoot them down. Minotaur started to give chase but there was no closing on either Bulldozer or the other two by the time the rest of us got to Soboba and headed east.

I did all I could to keep the group together but shortly after turning onto Soboba MacGyver took off after Minotaur and after the first roller Surgeon took off after them both. I managed to keep it steady and we did pull back up to Surgeon by the driving range. Huntress chased me up the last rise to regroup at the end of the golf course before heading to Ramona Expressway over the bridge.

Things fell apart a bit as we turned east once more to make our way to Cranston Station. We didn’t make it a block before Centaur got a flat. We waited for that one to get fixed before heading towards Hemet Street. Bloodhound stopped thinking he had a flat as well but it seems as if he decided it was ok and we started off again. Before we got to Cedar Bloodhound did have a flat and the group split again with Bulldozer, Ferret, MacGyver and Centaur stopping to help while I pulled the rest of the group after Digger and Minotaur. After we turned east on Florida I pulled for about a mile before stopping to take a message from MacGyver. It seems as if everyone in their group was heading home except for Centaur who would be meeting us. He did meet us just as we were getting ready to head back to Carl’s for coffee. Surgeon left first and Minotaur followed after him. It took me a little while to get the rest of our group lined up but by the time we got into the trees we were closing on Surgeon who was about to be passed by Minotaur. We hauled in Surgeon and went after Minotaur only to get hauled up short when Highlander got a flat. We had to wait till we got to Carl’s to catch the other two.

After a short break with lots of conversation we were ready to head back west to finish the ride. I still had Huntress, Highlander, Minotaur, Digger, Surgeon and Centaur with me and we pulled out of the parking lot together and moved north on New Chicago only to turn left and west on Lincoln. We only went a few blocks before we dropped off Huntress at her street.

We continued on Lincoln past Lake and Hemet streets and Surgeon left us at Park. I then pulled us around Park to the jog for Devonshire where Digger left us to ride home. About a block Later Minotaur left us at Yale. Highlander, Centaur and I made our way to Santa Fe and down to Latham. I stayed with the other two till I got to Lyon and then left for home myself. By the time I got home I was still feeling pretty good and knew I had been successful at saving myself for the ride Saturday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I have mentioned before that if I am going to get a play day in while cycling it will be on a Wednesday. So we were going to do one of my favorite rides and head west on what we call Dutch treat. I knew the Bling Team would be riding today I just didn’t know who else might be there. I had breakfast, got dressed and headed for the parking lot with a lot of positive energy in my legs. Digger pulled in just before me and we talked for a few minutes before Highlander arrived. I thought it might be an easy ride until Dragon Slayer and Magic Man rode up. I then new the pace would be energetic to say the least once we got to Domenigoni. Surgeon joined us followed by Bulldozer, Erik and Sasquatch. At that point I knew a great chase would take place once we were headed west. Huntress and Quicksilver drove up as did red Rabbit. I told Rabbit where we were going and he left knowing he would need a head start to stay in front of us to the Saddle. The icing on the Cake was when MacGyver arrived. I now knew at least half of the group would have to run hard from Sanderson all the way to the saddle. By the time we were all ready it was just after 8am and we headed for Gilmore and Acacia.

For a change I was out front all the way to Kirby and stayed there as we pulled up to the light. I expected Bulldozer and MacGyver to head off down Kirby to Cypress way in front of us but they didn’t and I still was doing the pulling as we got to Cypress and started us west towards Johnston.

We made it to Johnston and Sanderson to once again catch the light red. We had just missed it so we had a long wait before we could turn and head for Stetson. This time we made it through the light while it was green. We rolled by Wally World and headed for Mustang with Bulldozer moving closer to the front and Sasquatch not far behind. I know they would let me lead to Domenigoni and maybe even the first few hundred yards but I expected Bulldozer to pass and leave me like a starship in warp drive. He did pull past me but only to take the pull from me and head us towards Warren. We had a slight rearrangement at Warren and I found myself in fifth behind Bulldozer, MacGyver, Dragon Slayer and Magic Man. The pace picked up as we headed for the dry wash and soon the lead group had changed again. Bulldozer, MacGyver, Sasquatch and Erik were in front of me with Highlander and Surgeon right behind me. Bulldozer pushed the pace up a few more notches and at Winchester the group changed again with Bulldozer, MacGyver right in front of me and Sasquatch, Erik and Surgeon right behind. Erik pulled by to take a turn pulling, a task I knew I couldn’t do at this pace, but was soon falling back as we closed on Leon. I figured I was toast for the Saddle climb with MacGyver in front and Sasquatch right behind me. But MacGyver bailed out and a rider we had passed before Leon pulled by me to get me up to Bulldozer and I got around and to the top without being passed by Sasquatch. We regrouped and waited for the stragglers.

After a record pull from Bulldozer we dropped off of the saddle and headed past Lindenburger to make our way to Menifee. Some had to stop at the park for a nature break and some continued on to wait for us on top of Revive. Once we were back on the road Highlander and Quicksilver led the way to Holland and part way to the small climb. Sasquatch pulled up next to me and picked up the pace as the road tilted up. When he stood to attack I stood with him and we pushed each other to the top with Sasquatch giving up about fifteen yards to me just before the stop sign. We regrouped at the top of Revive and split into two groups as we headed for Scott and the turn west. I had Highlander, Digger, Huntress, Sasquatch and Quicksilver with me and Bulldozer had MacGyver, Dragon Slayer, Magic Man, Erik and Surgeon with him well ahead of us. When we turned on Murrieta In waited for Digger while everyone else made a run for Holland.

Once Digger rolled by I started to chase my fleeing group. I was almost up to Highlander when he turned onto Holland and I could see sasquatch, Huntress and Quicksilver when I made the turn. I pulled up next to a rider names Angela and talked to her about joining our group and gave her the time and place of our starting point. I stayed with her all the way to Railroad Canyon and then east to Murrieta where I got her number and promised to send her our E-mail address. I then pulled Digger up to Haun where we caught Highlander, Huntress, Quicksilver and Sasquatch. We then headed for the back side of the saddle and I broke for Winchester and tried to close on Surgeon but her turned on Winchester and the rest of the group wanted to go back to Sanderson. So I waited for a regroup. Highlander pulled most of the way to the dry wash and I pulled us most of the way to Sanderson with Huntress taking us the last mile.

I took over the pull again at Mustang and got us down to Johnston where I lost about half of the group at the light. We had picked up MacGyver at Sanderson and he took Highlander, Huntress and I to Lowes and then all the way back to the parking lot where we regrouped and talked for a few minutes before heading for home and a much needed rest.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Monday is supposed to be the easy ride day. The plan for today was just that an easy ride planned for an easy day. I expected a few returning riders and good weather but other than that it was a free day to ride as you like just to get in the miles. It was a small but energetic group that showed up by 8am and as predicted many were returning riders. we hit the road heading south right at 8am, well closer to 8:05 so Closer could pump up his rear tire.

As Bloodhound took off down Gilmore and onto Acacia I had commented that at least today no one would be chasing him and true to form he left us on Kirby and was gone before we got to Cypress and headed west. We followed at a good clip but he came flying back at us before we got halfway to Johnston and then circled back to lead us to Sanderson and south to Stetson. I let him go again but we kept catching him at the lights till we were next to the airport and heading towards Warren. By then we were on his wheel till we crossed Warren and headed for California Street. He started to push harder and soon he and I were well in front of the rest of the group so I fell back to pull them to Stowe and let him go again.

Once on Stowe Surgeon gave up the lead to Closer, followed by Quicksilver, Metric Man, Highlander, and me. Tax Man and Digger were in the back. Closer pulled way too long so I jumped to the front followed by Quicksilver and took the group to Winchester Farms where Bloodhound was waiting. We took a short break and started to head out onto Winchester when I noticed Closer was still setting in the parking lot. He was out of gas and planned on going home. He admitted to having way too much too eat the night before and had pushed too hard too early in the ride. I promised to keep the pace down and we would pull him all day if we had to if it would make it easier. So we took off south on Winchester towards the dump road.

Once headed west again we split up a bit and Quicksilver pulled us to the Wild West bar. As we started towards the rise I took the lead but some weren’t able to hold the pace so I had to fall back and make sure Closer and Tax Man joined us on Leon. I continued to lead the smaller group till we got to Briggs Street and regrouped with Quicksilver, Metric Man, Bloodhound and Surgeon. Tax Man left us when we got to Lindenburger and we headed to Heritage to work our way over to Menifee and the AM/PM for a water break. Once we were back on our way we got separated at the light on Florida and had to wait to regroup at the first paved road. Bloodhound rode right by us and headed for Mapes alone. I took everyone else to the top of the grade where we would pick up the pace and head for Central.

Once we were headed on the down slope Surgeon took the lead and pulled almost all the way to the stop sign. I took a short lead and he jumped back in front till we crossed Central and I took us the rest of the way to Lakeview. When we got to the corner of Lakeview and Nuevo Bloodhound was waiting. We then headed north towards Ramona expressway with first Quicksilver and then Metric Man leading. We rounded the corner onto the Expressway as soon as Digger caught us and headed back east. Bloodhound never waited with us for Digger and so we were way behind him heading east. When it was my turn to pull I tried to close on him but while cutting the distance between us to about 30 yards was easy enough the rest of the group simply faded off of my back wheel. I shut down the pursuit and the group caught me by Warren while Bloodhound faded into the distance.

I thought Surgeon would head for home on warren but he stayed with us as we headed to Sanderson and decided to take that street down to Devonshire to get back to the parking lot. That moved caused us to lose Digger and we ended up0 following Surgeon back to Esplanade where he left us. I then took over the lead and got us past Menlo before Highlander took us to Devonshire and Metric Man took us back to Gilmore and finally the parking lot where Quicksilver was all smiles and said, “it is all in a days work.”

We talked for a few minutes before Metric Man, Closer, Quicksilver and Highlander packed up their cars and headed for home. I then rode over to the bike shop and checked on a new cassette before leaving for home myself. All in all it was a great ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) There is never a normal Friday bike ride. I can post whatever I want but the ride will develop itself so you just might as well go with the flow. It also was a day when I couldn’t predict the weather at all. It had been hot both Monday and Wednesday and this morning it was just shy of arm warmer cool. I also knew we would have fewer riders today because Digger was at a conference and Quicksilver was painting a room. So I got up, had breakfast and headed for the parking lot. As I was predicting we had a small group of about eight as 8am rolled around and only half of the Bling Team with Huntress being the last to arrive. We headed down Gilmore to Acacia and true to form Bloodhound started out faster than the group seemed willing to follow. But before we got to Kirby Erik and Minotaur were with Bloodhound heading for the light. The rest of us followed at our own pace.

Our own pace picked up as we turned south on Kirby and we were rolling along at a pretty good clip when we got to Cypress. I rode next to Highlander about 50 yards behind Erik and Minotaur and 100 yards behind Bloodhound. I expected to catch then at the light on Johnston and Sanderson but even that turned green before we got there. We chased Minotaur, Erik and Bloodhound past Wally World and only caught them at the light on Mustang. We stayed together pretty well till we turned onto Domenigoni and formed a pace line. While the line was forming Bloodhound and Erik pulled away buy I got the group back up to them just as Erik took over at the front. Bloodhound got back in front after Warren and got past back before Winchester. Bloodhound was pulling as we past Leon and I pulled around to give Erik a break just before we hit the saddle. To my surprise Centaur started the sprint blocking me in and we followed by several other riders before we got to the top and regrouped.

Things started to pick up again as we moved down the back side of the saddle and headed for Lindenburger. Once again Bloodhound and Minotaur started out rather quickly taking Erik and Highlander with them. I was a bit concerned when Highlander tried to merge into the left turn lane and two cars came up rather quickly behind him. But he made it and we were pointed south on Menifee and headed for Holland.

This time I stayed with Centaur as Bloodhound, Erik and Bill pulled away from us. I had no intention of getting blocked in on Revive. Minotaur pulled up on us indicating he planned to challenge for the climb. Centaur missed a shift and I hit the climb first. As I started to pull away I noticed Minotaur was coming after me and he got pretty close till his rockets burned out about 50 yards from the top of Revive. But still Bloodhound, Bill and Erik we long gone as we got over the climb. We had a short regroup before Minotaur started us south on Menifee and past Garboni. Minotaur once again tried to drop the hammer and ride me off of his wheel but I was stuck like glue and simply waited till we hit the rise before going around him and heading for Scott with Huntress chasing me. As we turned west on Scott I let everyone reform a pace line and pulled them to Antelope and through the light going over the freeway. Highlander pulled by me and took Minotaur and Surgeon with him to Haun. They rounded the corner and headed north about 25 yards in front of me and once again Minotaur took off. Surgeon went after him just as he got by Highlander. I chased them down and dropped in on Minotaur’s wheel. When his pace dropped off I finally got by him and made it to Holland and Haun about ten yards in front.

We regrouped at Circle K and Highlander continued on without us. After some rehydration we headed west on Newport and turned north on Bradley. I fell back to talk with Huntress and Centaur while Surgeon and Minotaur made a run on Bradley’s Golf Cart Racing segment. We turned east on McCall and rode together towards Hospital Hill. I pulled away after Hillpoint and could just see Surgeon cresting the hill. Centaur rolled by me after the crest and we regrouped on McCall and Menifee. Minotaur took us through the park and the little lake as we moved towards Lindenburger and Simpson.

As we turned east on Simpson Bloodhound, Eric and Minotaur took off before we could form a pace line and we never closed on then as they headed towards Winchester. I took us onto Leon and over to Winchester to regroup at Winchester Farms. Huntress and Bloodhound headed for home while the remainder of us took a break before heading for home ourselves. Minotaur made a hard run at Stowe and I didn’t catch him till we were almost to California. He then attacked again on California and beat me to Stetson where I attacked back and left him on my way to Warren. Surgeon went home on Warren and we lost Centaur at the airport when I stayed on Stetson. Minotaur and I parted ways at Johnston where I headed for home and got ready for a long quiet weekend. https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=B111US756D20140811&p=huey+lewis+couple+days+off

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) In the Movie and Book “The Wizard of OZ” Dorothy is picked up by a tornado and dropped into the land of OZ. When I got outside to ride to the parking lot this morning I thought something similar had happened to me. I went to sleep in California and woke up in Florida. It was hot and humid and the air was heavy as I pulled into the parking lot and waited for Digger to arrive. By 8am we had a rather small group consisting of Gambler, Bulldozer, Dragon Slayer, Magic Man, Digger, Highlander, Red Rabbit and me. Still we were eager to get going so we pulled out onto Latham and over to Lyon before turning north and chasing Rabbit towards Esplanade.

I pulled most of the way to Esplanade when we caught Rabbit and by the time we crossed Seventh Bulldozer, Gambler and Dragon Slayer pulled by and headed for Ramona. I decided to keep the B riders together and pulled them to Ramona Boulevard and west tp Sanderson where we just managed to catch Bulldozer, Gambler and Dragon Slayer before the light ob Sanderson and the Expressway changed. Bulldozer flatted right after the turn and we were waved by as he fixed it with Gambler, Magic Man and Dragon slayer in attendance. My group found MacGyver waiting on Warren and we all headed for Lakeview knowing Bulldozer would be coming after us as soon as he was back on the road. Sure enough about halfway between Bridge and Lakeview Bulldozer and Gambler caught us so I told MacGyver to go with them and I would pull the Bs with me to Lakeview. Dragon Slayer and Magic Man left us at Lakeview and I took over leading the Bs over the rollers and onto Rider before getting to Evans and heading south towards Nuevo.

We seemed to be slowing a bit once we got to Nuevo so I pulled to Menifee and we stopped for a short Hydration break and a discussion on the pace we should have on Menifee all the way to Florida and the AM/PM. We had no idea where Gambler and MacGyver were but we knew Bulldozer had returned home. So I didn’t expect to see anyone waiting for us at the AM/PM. We stopped and got a hydration refill before heading back south to McCall and through the housing tract to Lindenburger.

I had settled into a comfortable pace to hold things together on Simpson and the move east. I pulled us steadily past Briggs and headed for Leon. Digger fell back ever so slightly but was still able to get back in the draft before we got to Winchester and headed north. It only took a few minutes before we were at Winchester Farms and more hydration. After a short break we headed down Stowe and the California where we moved to Stetson and headed east again.

I stayed with Digger and Highlander all the way past Warren and then past the airport and to the light at Sanderson. I broke for home on Johnston and headed east past Lyon and finally Palm and home. With enough electrolyte and nutrition I was not tired when I got home. So I downloaded to Strava and got ready to post to the blog before kicking back to watch some TV. At least I discovered I wasn’t in Florida even if the humidity was about 50 percent.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was a test of our fitness and stamina. Some of us did better than others but we all did better than any that spent the day on the Sofa watching TV. When I got up I knew it would be hot so I dressed light with light colors and headed for the parking lot. I was thinking it would be a small group but it didn’t matter because I just wanted to ride and even if it were just three or four of us I would be heading out for the day. Still by 8am we had nine riders and were headed south on Gilmore to start the ride.

Like in times past Bloodhound was on his own ride and with today’s heat there was very little interest in chasing him on the early part of the ride. We turned onto Acacia and moved to Kirby as a group when I got the message that Huntress was riding the route backwards to meet us out on Domenigoni on the way back east. We turned off of Kirby and headed west on Cypress where I chatted with Highlander as we headed for Johnston. Once we made it to the light on Sanderson we decided to head up to Stetson before heading west towards Warren. The connecting road on Wentworth is just too much like a cobble road and it shakes your fillings almost out of your mouth.

Once on Stetson Bloodhound led us to Warren and then stayed in front as we headed for California. We picked up the pace pretty much as we got to the stop sign and then followed him to California and lined up for the run on Stowe. I was riding easy in third spot all the way to Stowe and fell into Second till Dragon Slayer came by and took me to the front. After the rise Sasquatch came up to Challenge Dragon Slayer for the lead. However he ran into the slight head wind and was stuck on the outside front with Bloodhound yelling at him to push to the front. I split the lane between Sasquatch and Dragon Slayer and took my turn at the front and pulled hard almost to the steel barn when Jackal sprinted by taking Bloodhound with him. It was a good run none the less. We took a long time at Winchester Farms because we had to go back and look for the mounting hardware for Dragon slayer’s saddle. Once we got back on the way we found out that Huntress was already at Winchester and heading our way. We met her at Grand and headed west.

The dump road was one of the last times we were all together because this is where the younger riders started picking up the pace and some of the other riders started to fade. Shortly after we got on Grand Dragon Slayer, Surgeon and Digger formed the front of the group and pointed us towards the Wild West Bar. They didn’t stay there long because Jackal and Sasquatch picked up the pace again, hot or not, and headed for Leon.

For whatever reason I followed them west on Grand and pulled by Jackal on the slight climb. I decided to hold my pace and leave it in the small ring as Sasquatch chose that time to roll by me. Jackal took the lead again just as we crested the hill and I dropped it into the 11 gear and pulled away while both of them recovered and chased me to Leon. We moved over to Simpson and headed west to Briggs for one last regroup before turning on Lindenburger and heading to Domenigoni. We had planned on stopping at the Ghost bike but several kept going and the group started to fracture. Several riders seemed to be having a problem with the heat and I lost sight of Tax Man and Digger. As we re-passed Leon Sasquatch and Jackal took off after Bloodhound and Surgeon followed by Dragon Slayer. I started pulling Huntress and Highlander east towards Winchester. We missed the leaders at the light and Dragon Slayer fell back to help me pull the others. It was almost like the pavement was getting hot and slowing the group down. We went from 21 to 20 to 18 to 17 trying to keep everyone together but finally Highlander broke off at Sanderson and I got a call from Digger saying he was heading for home as well. Dragon Slayer, Huntress and I headed for State Street and turned onto Chamber to get over to Stetson. We rehydrated at the golf course and then made our way to Stetson. Huntress flatted putting us farther behind the leaders but we finally made it to Fairview and down to Florida. We picked up Sasquatch and he stayed with us to Lincoln and Ramona. We dropped Huntress off at her street and headed west to where Dragon Slayer was having his RV worked on before having lunch at the Healthy Pub on Sanderson and Florida. After a refreshing chilled smoothie dragon slayer dropped me off at my place before heading home himself. Yes it was hot and we had a high attrition rate but it was a good ride anyway.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another good looking morning as I looked out onto the street first thing this morning. I had slept well, had a good breakfast and got ready to ride to the parking lot for a shorter ride because of the predicted heat. I was really looking forward to seeing Quicksilver after she had missed a week and wondered how many others would show up for a short flat ride. I got to the parking lot first and got a cup of coffee before Digger and Highlander arrived. They were soon followed by Minotaur and Surgeon. We visited for a while before Gambler and Bulldozer rode up followed by Quicksilver and Dragon Slayer. Not a big group but it was an energetic one. We left the parking lot and headed over to Lyon on Latham to start the day. It didn’t take long before we were across Florida and then Acacia headed for Johnston.

I knew this was going to be a good day because I was willing to pull all the way down Lyon past Whittier without anyone pushing me to go faster. Digger and Highlander stayed right with me as we headed for Johnston and everyone was there as we caught the light red at Stetson. When the light changed I was surprised to see Digger jump out to a lead and pull us all the way to Thornton for the turn east. He was surprised as well and gave the lead back to me as we moved towards State for the turn south.

Once we were on State I pulled us to Chambers before Dragon Slayer took over and got us to Domenigoni. As the pace picked up Gambler moved forward and pulled us to Sanderson and through a green light heading towards Warren. We reshuffled a bit and Dragon Slayer pulled onto Gambler’s back wheel with me in third and Highlander on my wheel. Gambler got us to the dry wash and I pulled by to take us most of the way to Winchester. Surgeon Pulled into second at Winchester behind Gambler and I took up residence at third with Highlander and Dragon Slayer behind me. We moved around a bit but by Leon it was just Gambler, me and Dragon Slayer moving like a real team. At the bottom of the Saddle I thought Gambler gave the sign to ride by and as I did Dragon Slayer came with me. Turns out Gamble was saying he was through and Dragon Slayer beat me to the top of the saddle where we stopped to regroup and wait for stragglers.

It turned out that Quicksilver had Bonked and had to be escorted to the saddle by Bulldozer and Minotaur. After talking with quicksilver it was decided she was going to break off and head for home. Highlander decided to go with her leaving the rest of us to drop off of the saddle and past Lindenburger to turn into the housing tract and start our run to Briggs and south.

I started us off south and pulled past the RV park and all the way to Holland where Dragon Slayer pulled by shortly before Minotaur took off on us. Dragon Slayer closed on Minotaur’s wheel and I played trailer as we moved towards the rise. Once Minotaur shifted Dragon Slayer pulled by and once again I was his shadow. Once Dragon Slayer shifted I went by and took off for Garboni. I was about halfway up the rise before I noticed Gambler and Bulldozer chasing me and was caught right at the corner as we turned west on Garboni. As I followed Gambler and Bulldozer towards Menifee I noticed Dragon Slayer closing so I made another run for it over the rise and to the regroup point just past Menifee. Dragon Slayer took us to Antelope after the regroup and we turn north towards Newport looking for MacGyver.

We never did find MacGyver and I rounder the corner onto Newport first and headed back to Menifee. I managed to get to the turn on Menifee first only to see Minotaur, Gambler and Bulldozer head straight for the saddle and home. Surgeon, Digger, Dragon slayer and I headed north to Simpson and made the turn east towards Leon. We worked well taking turns pulling past Leon and then all the way to Winchester where we stopped to refill the water bottles before heading off to Stowe for the run home.

As we headed east Dragon Slayer took us to California and I got us to Stetson before Dragon slayer took over again and got us to Warren where Surgeon left us and we waited for Digger. While we were waiting Papillion pulled up after dropping his car off at the Honda dealer. We asked him if he wanted to join us for coffee at Starbucks and headed for Sanderson rather than take the airport road. We turned north on Sanderson and made it to Lowes to take the short cut to Acacia.

Once heading east on Acacia Dragon Slayer dropped the hammer to keep his average speed up and headed for his truck while Papillion and I went to Starbucks. We all met a few minutes later and had some iced tea before heading for home and the end of a good week of cycling.

Never Give up

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) As I sit here getting ready to report on today’s ride I am exhausted. At times I guess physical exhaustion is a good sign that a person put out a good effort at whatever activity they were doing but today a whole series of decisions I believe got me to this state. I will insert the decisions into the ride report just to let you know how I got here knowing that many of you might simply nod in understanding or shake your heads. My first decision came from vanity as much as anything. After Monday’s ride and my shower I noticed I was one pound heavier than I have been for the last six months. One pound might not seem like much and in fact it isn’t but when or if you have been like me and packed sixty-eight extra pounds with you while trying to cycle with this group you might understand my concern. Anyway I decided to go back on my low calorie low carb program for a week or two to drop a few pounds and get ready for the Rat Beach Ride later this month. Anyway I left the house after consuming a protein shake and less than 200 calories for breakfast. As I rode to the parking lot to meet with Digger I felt pretty good. By 8am we had a small group with just a few A riders and a few B riders heading south on Gilmore in pursuit of Red Rabbit who had left early. We just missed him at the light on Florida and again at the light on Acacia. By the time we were on Acacia Rabbit was out of sight.

I figured Gambler, Bulldozer, Newsboy and Dragon slayer would pick up the pace leaving Highlander, Closer, Digger and me to form the B group and follow them to the regroup points along the way. Still no one past me as we turned onto Cypress and I was allowed the lead all the way to Johnston and Sanderson where we found Red Rabbit stuck at the light. Catching him so early in the ride meant he more than likely would be with us all the way to Lake Perris but at least he was out giving it a try. We turned onto Sanderson and headed for Domenigoni for the run west.

I started the pull and gave it over to Dragon slayer after the rise. I noticed as I fell to the back that we had picked up another rider, Erick, somewhere along the way. He looked like a strong rider and I fell in behind the group as we headed towards Warren. As we headed for the dry wash I was impressed with the pace and the fact that everyone was still in the pace line. As we crested the bridge Gambler picked up a piece on metal that wedged between his wheel and brake set so we stopped while he cleared it. As soon as we were back on the road I led Digger to Winchester before the rest of the group caught us. As we waited at the light Bandit came at us from the west and hooked a U turn before we got the green. I chased Gambler as he closed on Bandit and the rest of the group closed on us well before we got to the trees past Winchester. Gambler took the lead and kicked the pace up as we speeded towards Leon. As we got to the climb up the saddle Bandit started a sprint followed by Bulldozer and Newsboy. Dragon slayer looked mad as he went by and I only heard him say he may have to hurt the boy. Seems as if Newsboy cut him off at the beginning of the sprint and he wanted to discuss the transgression at the first opportunity. I on the other hand was out of sprint and I knew just why. A low calorie low carb breakfast has run out and I was operating on stored energy. Maybe this was not the best day to cut back because of one pound. I followed the fast group over the saddle and stopped on Lindenburger to collect Highlander, Closer and Digger. I decided to eat my protein bar a bit early knowing I better start refueling or I might be in trouble by the time we got to Lake Perris. Once we were all together, and Digger had past us while I ate, we headed towards the Am/Pm and a regroup before the long run north on Menifee towards Nuevo. I may have started the pull north bu I knew I lacked the steam to build up and pace on the incline heading to Mapes. Dragon Slayer saved me by pulling by and taking the lead and pulling us over the rise on Menifee just past the Nursery. I started to come back around as he faded slightly but Bandit came by right after I took the lead and pulled us to the stop sign. I started feeling a bit like I was closing in on bonk city so I took a few shot blocks after the second surge and followed Dragon Slayer to Nuevo where we exchanged leads till we got to Evans and waited for our small group. Next we headed north towards Ramona and Lake Perris.

We made short work out of Evans and soon were headed towards the west entrance to Lake Perris. I stuck to Dragon Slayer’s wheel till we past the ticket booth and then attempted to attack the hill heading to the Marina road. I did fine about two thirds of the way to the top only to feel like I was running out of gas before we turned off of the main road. I was relieved when we pulled into the marina and regrouped with the rest of the riders. Hindsight allows me to see my next mistake was not to have electrolytes in at least one of my water bottles. Normally when we stop at the marina I get an electrolyte drink or I take some electrolyte capsules while we rest. I didn’t do that today and spent my rest time talking to Erick before heading out for the east side of the lake on the bike path with the group. Dragon Slayer and Digger were the first on the trail and it took me quite a while to catch them. I caught Dragon Slayer and we began the run at the east side TT. Bulldozer pulled the group up to us and I faded to the back and had to work my way forward just to run with the big boys. After the rest I was feeling pretty good and managed to stay with Gambler till we crested the little hill leaving the bike trail. When we crested I backed down again to pick up the B group while Gambler and Bulldozer took everyone else out of the park and headed home on Ramona. I regrouped the B group at the crest of Barnasconi before heading for Ramona.

When we were headed east on Ramona I started the pull and took everyone to Lakeview before I realize I was running out of gas. At least it is a different feeling than it is when I tried to be a vegetarian. When I tried that I found the when you run low on energy you are through, done, finished. At least this time I was able to keep pushing at a bit lower pace most of the way to Bridge before Closer and Highlander had to give me a breather to Warren. I got us to Sanderson and decided to take it straight down to Devonshire. Digger left us to move over to Lyon and closer to his home. Highlander and Closer said they were about shot so I pulled all the way back to Devonshire and then the parking lot. We talked for a few minutes and I headed for home. As I turned onto my street I was running on fumes and looking forward to a shower and food. After eating something and downing some more water I took the dog for a walk and come home to download my Garmin to STRAVA. I was going to download the pictures as well but I was overcome with being tired. I was falling asleep at the keyboard so I shut everything down and took a nap to about an hour and a half. I may have to rethink the small breakfast on days I think I can chase the young guys for 50 miles.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) When we started to plan for the Monday ride it was touch and go wondering if it was going to rain. It had poured Sunday and there was a chance we could get some showers again today. When I got up and looked outside it was very overcast but the street was dry so I got dressed and headed for the parking lot to see if we could get in a short easy ride before the sky opened up. Digger and Highlander were already there when I arrived and we all agreed it more than likely would be a small group that decided to risk a ride today. At times a small group is a good thing because it is easier to control. Today looked to be about perfect with all of the B riders and a short and easy ride planned. We had two of the young guns in Newsboy and Sasquatch and we had Closer plus Highlander, Digger and me. At 8AM we headed out onto Latham to start the day.

We were moving at a moderate pace as we turned onto Lyon and headed north and I found myself pulling once we got past Devonshire. It was very easy to hold it to 18 mph or so and with the small group we had fewer near misses with cars coming from our left and right. In fact I normally dread the blind corner at Cottonwood because so many times one of our riders will roll the stop sign just as a car is ready to leave from the left or west side. Today the intersection was clear and I continued to lead all the way to the jog at Savory Lane heading to Ramona Boulevard.

For some reason I found myself in front again as we turned east on Ramona but before I got to the stop sign Newsboy and Sasquatch pulled by me and took us all to the stop light on State Street. Once we were headed north Newsboy took the lead again and pulled us to the expressway before he and Sasquatch pulled away and headed for Soboba without us. I had found it best to let them burn their matches early and stayed with Highlander, Digger and Closer and soon was headed onto Soboba myself.

I pulled the small group over the first roller before dropping Closer and Digger. Highlander stuck to me like glue all the way to the driving range at the golf course and only fell back at the last little hill. We regrouped with Newsboy and Sasquatch and rode back over the bridge to Ramona and headed east towards Cedar. We were going to lose Sasquatch on Fairview so we would be down one rider before we got to Florida.

After Sasquatch dropped out Newsboy left us again and we strung out heading to Florida and a turn east towards Cranston Station. I started the pull but soon Newsboy came up to take over. I was impressed with how he kept the group together but by the time we got the Eucalyptus trees he had managed to drop all but Highlander and me. I stayed on his wheel as he started to pick up the pace and stayed in my small ring to spin as we started up the slight climb after the trees. Newsboy pushed the pace up and up till finally he flamed out and I got by to take the lead and get to Cranston first. If he had started the run 100 yards later I never would have passed him. We had a quick regroup at Cranston before heading back down towards Fairview. I took us back into the trees and Newsboy pulled by before the Baptist Church. I took over again and we soon found ourselves alone and heading for Fairview. We stopped at Ramona to make sure everyone would see us turn towards Lincoln and ended up regrouping on the corner of Ramona and Lincoln. We were back on our way and headed for Park where I expected to head for Devonshire and Digger would break off for home.

After we turned onto Devonshire and Digger left we stayed together till Newsboy headed for home somewhere around Yale. Highlander, Closer and I rode back to Santa Fe and down to Latham to ride back to Burger King and the parked cars. I then had to head for home to meet with a friend that was leaving for Florida in a few days. I got home only to discover our friend stayed home because of a flash flood warning and the fear that their new Pony Car would get stuck in the water. Oh well I made the effort.