By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Thanksgiving has two distinct purposes. It gives us time to be grateful for all we have and it gives us an excuse to eat like Roman aristocrats and wallow around the TV set like Lions after a kill. So when the route for Friday was planned it had to be planned on Monday or we might have ended up just riding to Starbucks for coffee and then go home. As it was we had a 42 mile trip to Elsinore in the works and I knew I needed every one of those miles to burn off the turkey and stuffing I had Thursday. I was a little slow getting out of bed but once I had breakfast and shaved I felt better. I put on my kit and headed to the parking lot to find out how many others wanted to get a ride in on a beautiful day. I got all the way to Lyon and Florida when I realize I forgot my camera so went back to get it and got back to Burger King about 8:45. Digger, Highlander, Dragon Slayer and Metric Man were already there and RCMP rode up a few minutes after me. Socrates joined us about the same time as Rocky. We were joined by a new rider from out of town named Lin. By 9am we were ready to leave and we saw Papillion waiting at Gilmore and Florida as we pulled out of the parking lot. We crossed the street and headed for Acacia.

We moved west towards Kirby and I started the pull after the light south towards Cypress. It was good to see Metric Man back with us and riding strong after recovering from his accident. We made the turn on Cypress and headed west towards Johnston and again to Sanderson and the stop light there. By the time the light changed and we headed south on Sanderson Dragon Slayer was on my wheel and we were headed for Stetson.

When we finally crossed the light at Stetson Dragon Slayer and I set our sights on Mustang and the segment to Domenigoni. It looked like we were going to catch the light green and I got ready to jump on it just as the light turned red thwarting any plans on the segment. Dragon Slayer did pull us to Domenigoni and got us started west. We took turns pulling to Warren and over the dry wash to Winchester. I found myself in third after Winchester and at Leon Metric Man took the lead, making him the sacrificial lamb heading for the Saddle sprint. After getting us to the bottom of the Saddle I stuck my wheel out to the right expecting Dragon Slayer to mount a attack on the hill. I moved into a sprint and caught Dragon Slayer off guard but not RCMP. I only got to the top first because RCMP came from too far back to get me at the fence. I would come to regret this sprint later in the ride.

We regrouped and got ready to drop off of the saddle to head for Carl’s and a nature break. The front four from left to right were Papillion, RCMP, Dragon slayer and Metric Man. The back five from left to right were Rocky, Digger, Highlander, Lin and Socrates. We dropped off the saddle together and headed for Menifee. Once past that light we made our way to Antelope and over the freeway.

I ended up chasing Dragon Slayer all the way to Carl’s and into the parking lot. After a short break we got back on the road and headed for Railroad canyon. I led us past Murrieta and Metric Man informed me that he would be turning around before Rairoad canyon and heading for home. As we got past Berea Metric Man took off heading for Goetz while the rest of us jockeyed for position before the first climb through the canyon. Picture 36

We took off on the first hill and I got a reasonable jump but ran out of sprint and was caught by RCMP and Papillion. I almost caught them at the next light but we ended up having to stop and everyone caught us. We took off again and I got out front again only to be run down by RCMP and Papillion again before topping the last roller before the drop into Elsinore. RCMP and Papillion turned for home at the light just before the freeway and Dragon Slayer past me and led us to Mickey Ds for coffee and a break. Once back on the road and heading east Highlander took the lead and pulled us to the first climb. After the climb started Dragon Slayer Pulled by Highlander and I took off and tried to gap the both of them. I got away and made it over the climb but caught the light at Stater Brothers red. Still I was leading after the light and made it up the next climb in the lead. I got that light red as well and Dragon Slayer finally caught me just before we dropped down the hill towards Goetz. I finally caught Dragon Slayer just past Goetz and we rode together to Murrieta and waited for another regroup. We decided to try and keep the group together as we headed back to the freeway and then towards the saddle again.

We held together pretty well and only had to modify our pace once or twice as we rode over the saddle and past Winchester. We took turns again rolling over the dry wash and then past Warren. I got the lead back and took us all the way to Sanderson and north. Dragon Slayer, Socrates and I were going to stop at Healthy Pub and the rest of the group was headed for home. When the three of us pulled into the pub we all had a healthy shake before getting back on the road and heading for home. I got home with 50m miles on the computer after leaving Socrates at Palm and Acacia. I am pretty sure I burned at least the turkey and most of the stuffing off in that 50 miles.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The day before Thanksgiving was not the more well attended ride day we ever had but I was surprised by the number than did show up. Digger, Gambler, Highlander, Bulldozer, Tax Man, Rocky, MacGyver, Minotaur and I left the parking lot right at 9am and headed towards Lyon on Latham. I started us north on Lyon and moved us on our way towards Ramona.

There was no way I would describe the ride north as fast or even energetic. The ride was simply an expression of our commitment to riding a bicycle. I don’t know if I would go as far as describing cycling as being like flying but it does clear your mind and put you in contact with your body. You can feel the road through your hands and feet. You can feel the torque applied to the drive train and the friction against your tires. You can even feel the hole in the air the rider in front of you is punching as you draft them into the wind. I have heard often about a runner’s high that runners get but there are moments in almost every ride we do that I feel almost like I have become part of the machine we call a bicycle. About then I snap out of my revelry and realize we had to turn east onto Ramona.

I still found myself out front and pulling as we got ready to turn off of Lyon and take the jog on Savory and over the speed bumps onto Ramona and east to State Street. In fact I was allowed the lead all the way to the light at State and a chance to wait for a green before heading north on State Street towards the Expressway and then the college. We were catching the lights almost perfectly and rolling along at a cruising speed of about 70 percent. I managed to lead us to the river bridge and made the turn onto Soboba. Now we had the Soboba Rollers ahead of us and the question of if we were going to run them or cruise them.

I started us out at a reasonable pace only to have first Gambler and then MacGyver pass me. I jumped on MacGyver’s back wheel and things started to get wound up a bit. Minotaur blew by us and made a run at the second roller. Gambler closed on him and soon the three of us had pulled by him and were headed for the driving range. As we flattened out I considered backing off after we past Minotaur but Bulldozer pulled up to me and pushed me on. I got back up to speed and soon Bulldozer had me up to MacGyver’s back wheel. Once by MacGyver I once again considered backing down rather than push to get up to Gambler but once again Bulldozer wouldn’t have it and had me back up to speed and onto Gambler’s back wheel. I even went by to take a turn at the front only to burn out and have to fight keep MacGyver from running me down before the last hill and the end of the golf course. I stopped at the top of the hill while Gambler, Bulldozer, MacGyver and Minotaur continued on to Lake and Ramona. Once I had the rest of the group together we joined them at the light before heading east towards Cedar.

Minotaur pulled by us and made a run for Cedar but no one gave chase as we all rolled up to the light before turning left and heading towards the Fairview Fire station. While Minotaur was out front he was well in reach of the big dogs as was shown when MacGyver, Gambler and Bulldozer went after him. We got to the light on Florida and picked up Rocky I pulled for a while and then Rocky took over and we started to close on Minotaur. By the time we got to the trees it was just Rocky and me. Minotaur was halfway to Cranston as we came out of the trees and I relieved Rocky and we got to within about 30 yards as Minotaur turned into the Cranston driveway. We were taking a break when Centaur and a friend of his pulled up on their motorcycles and visited. We then started back down to Carl’s for coffee. Digger had a pretty big head start but we caught him before Fairview where Gambler, Bulldozer and MacGyver left us. We stopped for coffee before heading back up to Lincoln and west towards Park. Once on park Digger was going to leave us and we needed to make the jog onto Devonshire.

Tax Man and I lost Rocky and Highlander while we waited to make the turn to Devonshire and just as we were about to catch them I flatted. Tax Man stayed with me during the repair and we rode together till we got to Santa Fe and then on Latham. We parted ways at Palm where I went home and started my shopping before Thanksgiving. I got home tired and took a shower before going to the store and getting home to meet the just in time t meet the UPS man before dinner. It was a long day but one where I got a lot accomplished.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Even on Thanksgiving week the question is not if we will ride but rather how many will ride and how far. Today broke looking almost perfect. Cool but not so cool as to keed a jacket. And it was clear for a ride to Lake Perris and back. I got dressed and had breakfast and headed for the parking lot to find out who was still in town and would be joining me for the days ride. Digger was already there while I arrived and Highlander pulled into the parking lot right after me. Art and Rocky got there at the same time as did Closer and Jackal. It wasn’t a large group but it was about perfect for the ride we had planned for today. At 9am we headed out onto Latham and north on Lyon to get the ride started.

I had the privilege of pulling as we headed north and past one street and stop sign after another till we caught the light red at Esplanade. For some reason my breakfast wasn’t sticking with me and I was more than tired as we started off again. Still I had the lead as we headed for Ramona and made the turn west. As e looked towards Sanderson we noticed two riders in front of us. I picked up the pace a bit and our pace line reeled them in only to discover that it was Updraft and Shockwave heading for Beaumont. We chatted briefly before turning onto Sanderson and waiting at the expressway to head west again.

I got us started heading to Warren but before we got there Art took the lead and picked up the pace. By the time we got to bridge the pace line was stretched pretty tight so I pulled the group over to reorganize and get back on the road. When we started back west I kept the pace down till Art once again took over and we slowly picked things up till we got to Hansen and cut over to the Valero station to regroup. As soon as everyone was back together we were back on the road and headed for the climb to Barnesconi and the back gate into Lake Perris.

I couldn’t figure how to get out of the lead heading to the first roller before Barnesconi and I was a sitting duck for Art and then Jackal. But Jackal missed Art’s break and had to react to my attempt to pull art back in. I closed a bit and because I was closing on Art Jackal was not closing on me. I got to Barnesconi right behind Art and past him when he paused to make sure he had the right turn. He caught me and I chased him to the closed back gate into Lake Perris. Jackal never caught me but I was in need of some Benadryl from sucking in pollen on the climb. Once we were on the bike path we backed it down while I suffered a coughing fit and we headed for the north side of the lake and the Marina.

As we stopped to refresh ourselves at the Marina we met and talked to another cyclist from that area who was out riding the trails around the lake. We hydrated a bit and added some fuel to our system before heading back out onto the park road and headed for the south west gate leaving the park. Jackal started feeling frisky and ran things pretty hard to the light on Ramona. We waited at the light and slowly made our way east. I have to wonder why we can ride all the way to Lake Perris with the wind in our face only to turn back to Hemet with the wind in our face. And now the wind was much stronger. We were willing to keep the pace down till Jackal started to make a run at the hill just past Rider. Art was leading and I was in third. When Jackal got up and went around Art I got up to come around him. He wasn’t paying much attention and came out on me forcing me out int the right lane. I fell off and followed Jackal and Art to Lakeview where we stopped once more to organize the last long ride for home.

I followed Jackal and Art as far as the Nutrilite warehouse and noticed the Rocky, Closer and Digger had been dropped. I fell back to pick them up and Highlander came back with me. Closer decided to ride at his own pace so Rocky, Highlander and I took turns pulling all the way to Sanderson where we found Jackal waiting. Art was gone so we turned onto Sanderson and made a run for Devonshire. Digger cut over to Lyon and headed for home. I lulled to Cottonwood and we all took turns pulling to Devonshire before heading back to the parking lot. Once I knew everyone was safe I headed for home and the Benadryl I was in need of earlier. You know what happens when you take two Benadryl right after lunch? Yes I took a nap right in my easy chair.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We had no idea if we were going to get to ride Friday because it was supposed to rain. It did rain but it rained at 3am in the morning and stopped by 4:30. From 4:30 to 9:00 am was plenty of time for the streets to dry so not only did I want to ride I wanted to ride to Bautista. I dressed warmly and headed for the parking lot not expecting many would join me. Digger and I were the only ones there for the longest time and for a while we figured it would be a two man ride. Gambler showed up followed by Bulldozer and Quicksilver. After another few minutes and just before we got ready to leave Ferret pulled up. Gambler said MacGyver was on his way so they told us to go on and they could catch up on the way. I took Digger, Quicksilver and Bulldozer out onto Latham and over to Lyon to start our trip south.

As we moved south we crossed Florida and then Acacia just as some school buses were pulling into the Hemet School district yard. I then pulled us to Whittier with Quicksilver and Bulldozer easily chatting along as we moved south. I stayed out front and got us across Johnston and then to Stetson only to have to wait at the light. After the light changed we started for Thornton picking up Papillion along the way. We turned east on Thornton I started the pull only to have Digger take it away from me.

We continued on past State Street and headed towards Santa Fe to head north back to Stetson. I got back out front just before Gambler and Ferret caught us. We headed for San Jacinto only to see MacGyver coming west right at us. I continued on towards Columbia. We weren’t pushing it much and in my case it was because I wanted to do well on the east end of town once we got to Bautista.

Somewhere well before Columbia we lost the A group and only Digger, Quicksilver and I made it to Crest together. Quicksilver picked up the pace heading east and soon we had distanced ourselves from Digger and made the turn north on Lake to head back to Stetson. I pulled Quicksilver to Fairview and headed south only to stop and wait for Digger. It looked like somehow the A group was in front of us and Quicksilver wanted me to give chase.

But by the time I got to Bautista I realized the riders in front were not part of our group. I slowed a bit and Quicksilver caught me as we headed towards the first big right hand turn on Bautista. There was a lot of mud on the road so we had to be careful. We made the right turn and were soon overtaken by the A group. Bulldozer pulled up next to us and said he was taking an easy day and I should chase the fleeing A group. I burned a lot of matches catching them, all being better climbers than me, and shortly after the dam I started to fall off. Just as we were crossing the stream cut I heard the birds singing and noticed that Gambler had a flat and they all stopped while he fixed it. I paused to see if he had what he needed and then made a run up the canyon by myself. With all the dirt and mud on the road the push to the top was hard and at first I thought I had pulled a groin muscle. But after a few minutes rest I was fine as Ferret, and the rest of the A arrived and we waited for Quicksilver and Digger. Quicksilver was short on time so she headed back down the hill and I went with her. We past Digger shortly after starting back down and soon we were captured by Ferret and Papillion. Bulldozer rolled by a moment later. About halfway down Bautista Gambler and MacGyver passed us and started to pull away.

We didn’t fall back all that quickly and it looked like Quicksilver was up for trying to close back on the two riders. We picked up the pace a bit and followed them down the hill.

As we got back to the parts of the road with the most dirt and mud we managed to get back on the wheel of Gambler and MacGyver. At this point they were not in a big hurry so we got through the worst part of the mud and made it to the white picket fence right behind them. We stayed with the over the dam and then back to the big turn before heading back towards Fairview. Just before we got out of the canyon we pulled over because we had two more flats. We got them fixer and were back on our way.

I told Digger that we would be heading back on Stetson to get Quicksilver back to her car so she could get home and he said he would go with us. As we got onto Fairview and headed north Ferret pulled in front of us and Papillion pulled in behind us. Ferret started to pick up the pace and soon rolled by Digger and I pulling Quicksilver behind him towards Stetson.

When we turned west on Stetson only Digger and Papillion went with us. Quicksilver pulled us all the way to the stop sign at Soboba and I took over and pulled us to Girard Street and north to Johnston and west again. We took Digger to Palm and he headed for home and we lost Papillion at Lyon. I stayed with Quicksilver till she got back to her car and then rode home myself. Not a bad day considering we thought it was going to rain.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got up this morning and looked out on a beautiful clear sky even if it was just a bit cool. But it didn’t matter because I was feeling good and was looking forward to one of my favorite rides to Murrieta and Los Alamos road. I had a good breakfast and got dressed in my kit and headed for the parking lot to meet the group. Digger was already there having coffee and I told him I thought it was a window day. If we wait by the windows of Burger King we are treated to the reflected heat on cool mornings. It took a long time before Highlander arrived followed by Gambler, Bulldozer and Rocky. I noticed Closer pulling up just before Sasquatch arrived and lastly MacGyver pulled into the parking lot rounding out our group. Because it was 9am we headed out onto Gilmore and started towards Acacia.

It only took us a few moments till we were at the light on Kirby and waiting to make the turn. After turning and heading towards the railroad tracks I started a conversation with Highlander and didn’t notice when half of the group pulled over. Highlander, Sasquatch and I rolled around the corner onto Cypress before we noticed that we had lost some riders. When Rocky and Closer came onto Cypress we learned that one of the big dogs, MacGyver or Gambler had a flat and Bulldozer had stopped with them. We knew they could easily catch us and Highlander suggested we continue on towards Winchester and wait for them at Winchester Farms. I took the lead and kept the pace down so the chase group wouldn’t have to burn all their matches catching us. I pulled at that steady pace all the way down Stetson and then on California to Stowe.

Looking way back in the range finder of my camera you could just see the A group turning onto California as we turned onto Stowe. After the first few yards Sasquatch came flying past me almost talking to no one in particular as he gave a good imitation of Paul Revere proclaiming that the Red Coats were coming. He decided to make a run for it and while I was just as determined not to burn and extra matches I fell in behind him and was pulled on as easily as if I had been behind a UPS truck. He was running in overdrive and we could see Bulldozer closing like a greyhound. All I could hear from Sasquatch was, “we aren’t going to make it because they will catch us.” I pulled around him and burned at least two matches pulling us to the parking lot not fifty yards in front of Bulldozer. We regrouped and recovered before heading back onto Winchester.

Once I got out front once again to keep the pace reasonable. At this point the A group was being reasonable and only Highlander was pushing me with his new hot rod Fuji. As we rounded the corner onto the dump road Highlander and Sasquatch pulled in front and headed for the Wild West bar. Closer and I fell into second place with the rest of the group strung out behind us. I stayed close to the front without expending too much energy and made the turn onto Leon to get down to Simpson.

I still had the lead as we headed west on Simpson and pulled us all the way to Briggs and tried to give up the lead before we got to Lindenburger. While no one else seemed interested in pulling we weren’t moving that fast and we caught the light red at Lindenburger allowing Digger to close on us. We then got a long red as we got to Menifee and shortly after turning south Digger caught us and headed for the front of the pack. We bunched up a bit as we got to Domenigoni and MacGyver pulled up front to begin the ride to Revival hill. I had no choice but to stay with MacGyver as we headed for Holland and the short climb. At the time I was just a tic in front of MacGyver on Strava and I knew he had to power to take my lead away from me.

I stayed on MacGyvers wheel wound tighter than a two dollar pocket watch knowing he was going to attack the climb and not feeling I had enough to respond if he did. Then I made up my mind that no matter what happened I was going to give the climb all I had. As MacGyver started to pick up the pace and pass Sasquatch I not only lit a match but I set the book on fire. I took off and managed to get a PR on the hill because I could feel MacGyver breathing down my neck. Only he wasn’t breathing down my neck and the race was only in my mind because he let me go. Still I moved up on the segment and headed for Scott with the group to wait for the stragglers at the corner. We decided that we would split into two groups as we made our way on Leon to Briggs and finally onto Los Alamos. I watched as the lead group pulled away leaving Highlander, Closer, Digger and I followed all the way to Max Gillis. I led us onto Los Alamos and made a run out of heading west towards Whitewood where the B group would regroup. I finally got away from Highlander and topped out on Los Alamos and headed down towards Whitewood. I picked up Rocky at the stop sign where the road splits and he followed me to Whitewood and we waited for the rest of the group. Sasquatch, Highlander, Closer, Digger, Rocky and I made our way to the Hospital and headed back down to Domenigoni to head for home.

Once we were headed back east we stayed in a pace line to the saddle and regrouped at the white Bike. We then cruised to Winchester and Highlander took us towards Warren. He decided to fall back with Digger and Rocky and I stayed with Sasquatch and Closer. We were going to wait for the trailing riders at Warren but just as we pulled over we noticed Sasquatch had a broken spoke. We removed the offending spoke. Opened the brakes and started after the others but only made it a few feet before Closer had a flat. Once we were back on the road I stayed with Closer and Sasquatch till we got to Stetson where we parted as Closer promised to get Sasquatch a ride home. I headed back to parking lot but everyone had left so I headed for home and a well deserved rest.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) A new week has started and we needed to get the group into the mood for energetic week. So we normally start with a shorter flatter ride and work up from there for Wednesday and Friday. It was much easier for me to get up and get dressed this morning knowing the ride was supposed to be the easiest of the week. That idea only partially turned out to be true. I got to the parking lot right after Digger and before Highlander and Closer. After a few minutes Sasquatch and Bloodhound arrived. I was surprised when one of our Canadian riders Rocky pulled up just ahead of Tax Man. MacGyver rode up shortly before we were ready to leave. We were supposed to meet Jackal out on State Street so we left Burger King and headed over to Lyon to begin the ride. The group let me lead till we got past Acacia and part way to Whittier.

Once again Bloodhound was way ahead of us and headed for Johnston before we ever crossed Whittier. He came back to check on us and rode back to Stetson with us. Because of the broken pavement Bloodhound didn’t drop us on our way to Thornton but he did lead us east towards State Street. We were supposed to pick up Jackal somewhere before we got to Domenigoni. I pulled in behind Bloodhound and planned on following him to Domenigoni and planned on drafting him west towards the Saddle. Before we got to the stop light we heard the dreaded, “Flat” from back in the pack.

When Closer started to change the tire Jackal rode up to assist him and we waited till he finished before starting out again and heading west and a long drawn out pace line. Bloodhound pulled all the way to the dry wash and I took over and headed us to Winchester. Somewhere along the line the group split and I gave the lead to MacGyver. The lead group turned into MacGyver, Sasquatch, Jackal, Bloodhound and me. I decided to leave the pack after Leon so I could save some energy Briggs after the regroup on the saddle.

The wind had been in our face all the way to the saddle and I was looking for maybe a side wind once we turned through Laguna Vista and made our way over to Briggs. So when we dropped off of the saddle I kept my fingers crossed. Digger decided not to fight the wind so he left us and went to Menifee to cut over to Simpson while we continued to Laguna Vista and turned south. I sat up to look at the flags wishing that just maybe they would be blowing from the north giving us a push but there was no such luck as we worked our way over to Briggs and a slight wind.

Wind or no wind I decided to take a crack at the segment on Briggs to Garbani and pulled away from the group and closed on Bloodhound. I knew I didn’t have the time to catch him but still I was closing. Everything felt fine as I passed Holland and zeroed in on Garbani. Before I got to the grade I could see MacGyver closing on me but by then the wind had worn me down so I just kept my pave steady and headed for the stop sign. MacGyver and I started to follow Bloodhound and Sasquatch finally caught up to us as we headed back to Menifee to pass Bloodhound at the stop sign and regroup at the turn out. Once we were back on the road I took us to Antelope. Sasquatch and I made it through the light first and headed towards the college. We got caught at the last light before Newport and pulled everyone to Newport.

I lead us back to Menifee and headed for Simpson. I pulled most of the way up the hill, well behind the solo Bloodhound, till Jackal decided to chase Bloodhound to the corner. We regrouped after the turn and everyo0ne except Bloodhound headed for Lindenburger together. Several of us caught the light at Lindenburger and were sitting there just as it turned green and Closer flew by. That move set the pace and he pulled most of the way to Leon before MacGyver took over. I gave MacGyver a break and pulled through the first stand of trees when MacGyver tried to return the favor. Just as he passed and I called “clear” Jackal came by. But when I said “clear” to him he simply went wide and made a break for it. MacGyver wasn’t going to let him run free and he gave chase. We were already doing 27 when Jackal made his break and it took 32 for me to close on them just as MacGyver rolled by the exhausted Jackal. When I went by and got a 25 yards lead I backed down and Sasquatch went by as well. We regrouped at Winchester and I pulled us to Winchester Farms where Tax man, Highlander, MacGyver, Rocky and Bloodhound headed for home. Digger, closer, Jackal, Sasquatch and I stopped for coffee. All civilizer rides need a coffee break.

We decided not to make a sprint out of the run back to California or on California itself. We stayed together all the way to Stetson and I took the lead at Warren and pulled us all the way back to Sanderson before turning north and making our way to Lowes to come around the back and get on Acacia.

Sasquatch and Jackal picked up the pace heading towards Kirby but got caught at the light and I caught it just as it turned green and blasted through to make it to Gilmore and up to Florida way ahead of the rest of the group. I pulled into the parking lot to find Highlander was still there and Centaur was there with him. The rest of us pulled up and we visited for another half of an hour before finally heading for home for a well deserved rest.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was time to get up and I wasn’t ready. The alarm hadn’t gone off but it was close enough that I got out of bed and headed for the kitchen. I looked outside and saw that is was over cast but not raining and felt myself saddened by the visual. For the first time in a very long time I was tired and sore and wanted to stay home in bed. But I knew that if I stayed home I would regret it all day long so I got dressed and had breakfast. It was just warm enough to forgo a jacket as I got on my bike and headed for Burger King with just a slight grunt from moving my sore legs. Digger and Sasquatch were already there when I pulled up but the restaurant was closed so there was no coffee. I needed coffee and I knew once Highlander got there he would need the little boy’s room. Bloodhound, Art, Tax Man and Minotaur arrived followed by Gambler, Bulldozer and McGyver. Just as we were getting ready to leave Papillion rode up leaving me to believe there would be two groups today. I started us off on Latham and headed for Lyon before Bloodhound tried to pick the pace up. I had absolutely no desire to chase him and it looked like no one else was interested either.

For reasons only known to fate I started pulling us north and stayed out front till I go to Esplanade and had to wait for the light to change. Sitting on the other side of the street from us was Mantis. It turns out it was his birthday and he decided to take the day off and join us for a ride. There was no sign of Bloodhound and the A group was following at a respectable distance as we got to Ramona and headed west.

I was still leading the group as we moved all the way to Sanderson and went north to the light at the Expressway where Bloodhound was waiting. When the light changed I gave up the lead and soon the whole A group plus Minotaur, Sasquatch and Highlander pulled away form me leaving me to pull Digger, Mantis and Tax man to Nuevo. To his credit Tax Man relieved me when he could and worked with me all the way to Hansen where we found Bloodhound, Papillion, Minotaur, Sasquatch and Highlander waiting. The rest of the group didn’t stop. Highlander decided to take his leg warmers off and we all got ready to head south towards Condor and Juniper Flats.

Once we decided to head to the Flats Bloodhound and Papillion left first and I followed with Sasquatch, Minotaur and Mantis with Digger riding in the back. Sasquatch rounded onto Condor first and we waited for Minotaur while Highlander and Tax Man headed for Nuevo Road and a way around the climb. Once Minotaur rolled by us we chased him to the elementary school and got ready to head up Juniper Flats road. I decided to kick it up a bit and we dropped Minotaur.

Mantis stayed back at first so only Sasquatch was with me as we crested the first little rise and headed for the second. As we crested I made a push of it and broke away from Sasquatch and Mantis. The problem was my heart rate monitor hit the red zone and I had to back off. I was pulled in and had to spin till my Heart Rate dropped back into the 140s before I could attack again. This time it stuck and I got to the stop sign first and waited for everyone to get to the top. As soon as Digger arrived we dropped off of the hill and headed for Briggs to meet up with Highlander and Tax Man. Once back on our way we were surprised to find Briggs paved all the way to the dump road. Minotaur pulled us almost to Leon where I took over and pulled us to the rise heading for the flag sprint. But the wind was in our face so there was no real effort at sprinting for the flag. We continued on to Winchester where we headed north towards Stowe with Highlander stretching the pace out and holding me off from an attempted pass. I think he likes his new bike. We had a quick cup of coffee before heading back east on Stowe and heading for home.

Sasquatch had been attacking the Bunch Sprint and gave every indication he was going to attack it again today. So I noticed he was picking up the pace on Stowe just before we got to California. I managed to get the jump on him coming out of the corner and beat him to Stetson. It still wasn’t an improvement on his best time but as I said we never seemed to get a favorable wind today. We regrouped and headed for Warren with Minotaur leading the way. We just didn’t let him turn this part of the ride into a drag race. We all got back to the cars and visited for a while before heading for home and starting our weekend of rest. Good day even if I was sore all day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Yes it is fall and yes we had our climb to Idyllwild with the only caveat that we wouldn’t go if it rained. Anything short of rain and we would be heading for a climb to Mile High Café. When I looked outside this morning I could see it would be cool but I never realized how cool it might get in Idyllwild. I rode over to meet Digger and we headed for Carl’s in Val Vista to meet the rest of the group. By 9am we had Gambler, Bulldozer, Bloodhound, Art, Quicksilver, Sasquatch Digger and me ready to go. MacGyver was running a little late so once Huntress joined us I started the B group a bit early and headed for Cranston with the Bling team, Digger and Sasquatch in tow. By the time we got to the construction past Cranston the A group caught us and we watched them fade up the hill as we rode to the jeep trail and toward Strawberry creek. We were pretty much together till the road kicked up and then Sasquatch and I started to pull away. Whenever I lost sight of the Bling team I would pull over and wait. That was slowing down Sasquatch so I told him to go ahead while I tried to place myself between the two from the Bling team and did that almost all the way to the regroup at the turn out just before the big part of the climb.

Once the A group was ready to leave Quicksilver and Huntress pulled up and four of us followed the trail of the lead group up the big climb. Sasquatch was a little too quick for the Bling team so once again we watched him go as we followed in a long line towards Mountain Center. I fell in behind Quicksilver and was just able to see Huntress as we made our way to the 4444 sign and stopped at the post office to see if Digger was close behind us. It was cool as we stood in the sun but it was about to get much cooler.

When it was clear that Digger wasn’t close behind and Sasquatch had gone on to Idyllwild we decided to head on for the last five miles to get to the restaurant and see who might be there. I started the pull and both Bling teamers stayed close to me for the first mile. By the time we were passing the Art Shop the motorcycle stuck in the logs Quicksilver looked like she was might be moving up to pass me so I up shifted just to stay in front and managed to get to the Idyllwild sign first. The Bling team was only a few yards behind me so we stopped for a picture.

We only had a mile to go and I got a text from Digger saying he was stopping at Mountain Center Café and would wait for us. We continued to the top of the climb and I led us down the slight drop to Mile High Café and a meeting with Art and Sasquatch for some hot coffee and something sweet. We stayed long enough to eat and warm up before Digger said he was on his way back down the hill. Something the A group had done about an hour before. We finished our coffee and got ready to put on jackets because it was way colder than we had been for a very long time back in Hemet.

As I crested the hill before the long drop back down the hill I had our group right behind me. As we started down I was ready to throw it into warp drive whenI looked back and saw Art and Sasquatch closing on me. Huntress was getting in the tuck position and I knew she would be hard to stay in front of but Quicksilver was gripping the bars and hoods so hard I could see the white knuckles from 50 yards away. I dropped back to ride with her all the way back to Cranston where we finally caught up with Huntress at the road construction. The three of us rode to Casino and then quicksilver and I rode to Carl’s where I joined Sasquatch and Digger while Quicksilver went home. Digger and I rode back to Palm where he went north and I went south to finish our rides and kick for the rest of the afternoon.