By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I know I missed Monday and at first I was glad because it was so cold. However Highlander is on vacation for a week or two and I am back to try and recover from Last Wednesday. I have almost no real stamina and after two hours I am about through. Wednesday I had pushed it and the group has insisted I cut back and build up more slowly. So I headed to Burger King determined to just ride as much as was comfortable and let someone else lead if I broke off and headed for home. When I got to Burger King Dragon Slayer and Digger were already there. Earth Dog was held up with car trouble but ME-109 joined us just before 9am as we headed out onto Gilmore and headed south.

I wanted to see how far I could go and if possible I would make the decision to finish the ride or not once we got to Fairview and Florida. I knew I could count on Dragon Slayer to lead those that wanted to side Soboba to State and I could wait for them at Carl’s. I followed Dragon Slayer and ME-109 to Acacia and over to Kirby thinking that this was the first ride on my Tarmac in almost three months. The drop was a bit more than the Klein but I felt pretty good as we turned onto Kirby and worked our way down to Cypress to start west towards Johnston.

We made it to Johnston and got caught at the light on Sanderson for just a moment before turning south towards Stetson. Dragon Slayer led us to Wally World and headed for Mustang where spotted Earth Dog driving north. He flipped a turn and pulled us over so we made arrangements to meet him at Searl and he would ride with us east. Dragon Slayer took us to Domenigoni and started us east till we got to the light at Searl where ME-109 took off for the marina climb and Dragon Slayer went to pick up Earth Dog. We left and headed for State Street before ME-109 got back but we figured he would catch us before we got to McSweeney. Only problem was he didn’t realize we were headed for McSweeney. Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog took us to State and then to McSweeney, through the housing tract and back to State to head north.

Dragon slayer thought he could see ME-109 about a mile in front of us but we were in no condition to give chase, at least I wasn’t so were cruised over Domenigoni and headed for Chambers to start the move east again. I hooked onto Dragon Slayer’s back wheel and he pulled me to Chamber then Buena Vista before turning on Thornton and heading to Santa Fe. I was still hanging on as we got to Columbia and headed for Thornton again and finally Crest to ride past the old neighborhood there. We ended up Chasing Earth Dog to Lake before heading north again towards Stetson once more.

We were getting close to decision time by the time we were headed east on Stetson. I was coming up on 20 miles and over an hour so I started thinking about how much I had left in the tank. This time I remember to eat and drink so my energy level seemed up but I was still concerned with stamina as we turned on Fairview and headed for Florida. I decided to forget Soboba and head for Cranston and the group decided to stay with me. Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog pulled us east towards the trees and the fruit stand and once again I did the best I could to stick on Dragon Slayer’s wheel. He had to slow a bit when bee got in his helmet through an air hole but he stayed in front and got us to the Cranston parking lot and a short break.

Once we were ready we headed back west towards Fairview and Carl’s. Dragon slayer pulled most of the way with Earth Dog taking a turn till we got down to Casino where Dragon Slayer saw ME-109 standing on the parking lot. He stopped while the rest of us headed for Carl’s and a coffee break. Dragon Slayer joined us a few minutes later while we enjoyed coffee and conversation. Once we were refreshed we headed back to Lincoln but we stopped to see Huntress on our way back home. After a quick stop and a few hugs we headed for Park and home. Digger left us at Devonshire and Dragon slayer had to pull me up to the fleeing Earth Dog and we caught him at San Jacinto. We stayed with him to State where he left us to go pick up his car at the Museum. I left Dragon Slayer at Lyon and headed for home and lunch. Yes I was tired and a bit sore but I had made it over 2 hours and could still walk pretty well, which I had to do once I got home and was greeted by my little dog. So far 30 miles and two hours and fifteen minutes seem to be my limit for a group ride but I will have to do better than that if I plan on doing the fifty at the TDPS.

A hill too far

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Many will tell you I may not know my limits but I tend to test my limits either for the good or the bad. Today might be just such a test. My longest ride to this point after my surgery has been Monday. That ride lasted 23miles and just over an hour and a half. Today I plugged in a 38 mile ride with two or three little climbs in it just to see if I could stay with the group. I got to Burger King not knowing just who that group might be. My hope was to see if I could do the whole ride but I didn’t want to hold up the group in doing so. I got to Berger King in time to see Digger and Dragon Slayer talking. We visited till Highlander and Earth Dog arrived and then spent less than five minutes waiting before heading out onto Gilmore and pointed towards Acacia. It was still pretty cold, at least for me, as we got to Acacia and headed west. There was more traffic than I had expected but as I said I haven’t been riding much since October. We all caught the light at Kirby and had to wait before we could head south towards the railroad tracks.

It seems strange to not be pulling the group even as we moved towards Cypress. Just the effort of taking pictures puts be in the back of the group and it is all I can do to catch back up and work my way into a good drafting position. I was too far back to work my way up to Dragon Slayer and Highlander but I did hook onto Digger and Earth Dog. We worked our way over to Johnston and across Sanderson to get to Industry and work our way to Cawston. Highlander took us onto Stetson and we headed for the airport. As we crossed Warren we picked up MacGyver and headed for California Street. I did my best to stay with everyone but it seemed had to hold on. I am simply not used to pushing into a head wind and my legs aren’t used to pushing for more than 30 minutes anyway. But I did stay with them as we turned onto California and was still with them as we got to Stowe. Dragon Slayer and MacGyver led us all the way to Winchester and we stopped to catch our, read my breath, before continuing on with the ride.

After we were rested a bit Dragon Slayer, Earth Dog and MacGyver took us south again, this time into the wind and pilled us all the way to the dump road. After as turned west Earth Dog sort of took off on us but the rest of the group held back for me and pulled me west with them. We passed the Wild West Arena and up the little rise towards Leon. We knew I was fading a bit already so we didn’t got to Briggs and north to Mapes but rather took Leon to Simpson and headed back to Briggs and then north to McCall. Earth Dog took us to Heritage and we finally caught up to him at Menifee. The back side of McCall has always been a test for me and I was interested to see how today went. I hit the hill well and was riding next to MacGyver. I began to tire rather quickly and MacGyver mentioned I was in my big ring. A shift into the small ring made my life much easier and I made it to the top and was at least not the last one up. We dropped down the front side of McCall and I was able to get uo to just over 30 mph but I had little or no spin getting me there. We all caught the next two lights and made it to the Gas Station for a regroup before heading in.

We had already cut the rode short but we agreed to shorten it again by turning on Murrieta and heading south to Newport. By this time I was starting to tire and we were almost at the point where I had in as many miles and I had for the whole ride Monday. We were also once again heading into the wind and I was struggling just to hold on. I did hold on however and made it to Newport with the group. we separated a bit heading to Haun and Digger led us over the overpass and into the parking lot at Jack in the Box. I was allowed to rest and rehydrate for about 20 minutes before we were back on the road heading east on Newport with a quartering wind. I was fine as we crossed Antelope but started to fade a bit by the time we got to Menifee. By now the group had the shepherd me a bit like an old elephant as we got close to the Saddle. I hit the saddle well but by the time I crested I was almost out of energy. I had forgotten to bring anything to eat because I was out of practice and so my energy store was almost gone when we got to Leon. Now drafting had become imperative and I followed Dragon Slayer and MacGyver all the way to Winchester. We had one short stop while Highlander fixed a flat while Digger and Earth Dog left a bit early because they were getting a chill. MacGyver and Dragon Slayer pulled away from Highlander and I so they could attempt a PR on California. Highlander pulled me to Stowe and then to California where my tank was running on red. Highlander was concerned enough than he pulled me to Warren where we picked up Dragon Slayer and got back to Cawston and finally to Sanderson where Dragon Slayer left us and Highlander escorted me back to my neighborhood. I had errands to run so I took a hot Shower and had lunch to refuel plus hydrate some more while feeling more or less exhausted. I will stay with it but I may have to work my way back slower than I thought if I have any hope of making half of the TDPS on the 23rd.

A New Beginning

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I know it has been a while since I posted a ride report but I have been restricted from riding since October and have just now felt good enough to get back out there and join the group. Highlander let me post the ride and I picked a short easy one to get back at it. I showed up at Burger King just after Dragon Slayer and Digger. While we waited Minotaur and Highlander arrived just ahead of Earth Dog. Just as we got ready to leave Anaconda drove up for the first ride since her crash. With that we were ready to go and headed out onto Latham before turning north on Lyon pointed toward Ramona.

I had already informed the rest of the group that they didn’t have to wait for me but everyone insisted on riding at my pace as we moved by Devonshire and headed to Esplanade. I even got to pull for a few blocks but that didn’t last long before Minotaur and Dragon Slayer took over pulling work. Minotaur was leading as we turned east on Ramona Expressway and headed for State Street. I stayed in the middle of the pack all the way to State and stayed there till we rode past the college and headed for Soboba. As we rounded the corner after the bridge we took a break so everyone could ask me if I was doing OK. I was and took the opportunity to take a drink before we headed east again towards the Golf Course.

We held it together as we got to the first little roller and I stayed with the leaders as we crested and headed for the second one. As we started up the second one Digger, Earth Dog and Anaconda fell off a bit before we crested but caught us before we made it to the driving range. I drafted Dragon Slayer and Minotaur past the driving range and up the hill towards the trees and the last green where we normally stop. Dragon slayer and Minotaur continued on to Ramona and Main while the rest of us took another break at the trees. We then headed for the River Bridge and met Dragon Slayer and Minotaur after the light on Ramona. We were all back together as we headed for Hemet Street and on to Cedar.

As we headed east on Cedar to where it curved around to meet Fairview Highlander started to question if I should hold out for the run up to Cranston Station but I told him I was feeling fine. We past the Fire station and I was questioned again. Finally they stopped me at Fairview and Florida to see if I wouldn’t consider turning west for coffee at Carl’s. I relented and decided that discretion was the better part of valor so we cut the ride short and headed for coffee. After we visited for a few minutes we got back on the road and headed for Lincoln and home.

I still felt pretty good and the riding position in the Klein was relaxed enough that I didn’t feel sore or uncomfortable as we rode by lake and headed back towards Hemet Street to get to Park and head around to Devonshire.

We finally turned on Park and headed towards Devonshire where Digger left us. Earth Dog headed for the barn and Minotaur had to get back to he left us as well. I road back to the car with Anaconda, Highlander and Dragon Slayer and caught up to Earth Dog just before he loaded up and headed for home. We said our farewells and headed our separate ways. Dragon Slayer and I went to The Healthy Pub and had lunch before he took me home and I headed to the dentist office. I was slower and the ride was shorter but I felt good to be back.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It looked like the perfect Wednesday for a ride at least weather wise. I knew my doctor had a test scheduled for me Thursday and I wouldn’t be riding Friday so I thought we needed a good route. Double Dutch came it and I posted it so that was where we were going. I got to Burger King just after Digger and we had coffee while waiting for ME-109, Minotaur, Brian, Highlander, and Bugler so we could take off on Gilmore and ride down to Acacia. I did lead to Kirby but we caught the light and Digger took over with Minotaur to get us to Cypress and west towards Johnston. We caught the light at Sanderson and waited till we could ride to Industrial and head towards Cawston.

Brain and Minotaur led us out onto Stetson and headed us west towards Warren. The whole group stayed together pretty well till we crossed Warren and headed for California. Minotaur led us as we rounded the corner onto California and pointed us towards Stowe. Normally Stowe turns into a sprint but Minotaur kept us in line and we made our way to Winchester and the parking lot on the corner. We took a short break before ME-109 was ready to lead us out onto Winchester.

As soon as we could we started south with ME-109 leading and I was slotted in behind cruising in the draft and enjoying the day. Cruising has become relative because now 21 to 22 mph is cruising. ME-109 was taking it easy on me and the rest of us because he is one of our A riders and maybe to only one with us today. He got us to Grand and made the turn west when we noticed ME-109 had a skipping cassette and so Minotaur took over the pull and headed for the Wild West arena. Bugler took over as we past the Arena and headed us towards the slight rise. Brian rode by and we made our way to Leon and south.

Once again we followed Minotaur to Simpson and started west. Once again were took turns with Bugler and Brian assisting in moving the group towards Briggs and heading towards Lindenburger. We decided to reroute and bit and turn on Lindenburger and head for Heritage to cut back on at least one little climb. With ME-109s defective cassette he didn’t object all that much. We rode north on Heritage and headed for McCall and the turn towards the back side of hospital hill. Minotaur was looking forward to attacking on his new back and I was concerned about being dropped if I couldn’t keep up and keep my heart rate down to make my doctor happy. Bugler attacked the hill first but Minotaur closed and passed him. I held onto Minotaur’s wheel but in a lower gear and higher rpm. Once Minotaur closed on Bugler and got by he powered down just a bit giving me a chance to roll by and head for the top just as I was nearing zone 4. I got to just before the top before I hit zone 4 but the beta blockers shut me down. Not enough to get caught by Minotaur but I was caught by Brian and at the very top by Bugler. We dropped of of the hill and made our way to the gas station on Bradley for a regroup before heading to the end of McCall and down to Honey run and finally to LaLadera.

As we got past the park Minotaur took us onto Normandy and over to Goetz. We then turned south and headed for Newport and the first of two climbs on Railroad Canyon. Minotaur left us and I noticed ME-109 was gone as well. Once again Bugler hit the first hill first but this time I ran him down all by myself and held off a counter attack by Bugler and Bryan. And this time zone 4 came right after I crested. I made it to the Stater Brother’s mall and turned south east to wait for another regroup. By the time Digger got to us he and Highlander took off while Bugler, Brian and I got stuck at a light. The three of us chased them almost all the way to the middle school before heading down the rollers towards Murrieta. I got there first and took us left back to Holland and right towards Haun. We regrouped once more before making it to Haun and heading north towards Newport.

Highlander took us to Newport and east to Jack in the Box on antelope where we stopped for coffee and a break. Digger was dragging a bit and was the last to pull into jack in the Box but we went inside and spent some time telling storied before packing up and heading back out onto Newport and heading east. I pulled to Menifee and there Bugler started to think about the next two segments on the saddle and all the way to Winchester. He hit the saddle hard but once on top realized the wind had turned into our face so he thought better of attacking the next segment. We had to wait for digger at Leon because he flatted. He joined us but his flats experiences were not over.

We pulled him most of the way to the dry wash where first Brian pulled away and then Bugler left us. Digger dropped back while Highlander and I chased Bugler all the way to Sanderson. Highlander and I chased Bugler all the way to Stetson before we caught him and then we rode together to Acacia and back to Gilmore. Digger flatted again at Gilmore and walked his bike to the bike shop to see what the problem was. We left for home from the parking lot and I enjoyed lunch and a hot shower. I will be looking forward to getting a clean bill of health from my doctor after this Thursday but till I do my riding may suffer.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I know the Friday ride report is late but I have discovered that sometimes I just need my sleep. After getting home from the ride I had shopping to do and then took the dog for a walk. After dinner I watched a movie and then just felt like I need to go to bed. I had a simple easy Friday ride planned and by 8am we had a small but eager group ready to do Bridge to Soboba. We Started with Digger, ME-109, Highlander, Tax Man, Anaconda, Dave, Karl and Me and headed off on Latham to Lyon and north.

We were lucky as we got started because the weather was being very cooperative by being cool and clear. Soon after we started north on Lyon Digger and Highlander moved to the front and pulled us towards Fruitvale. I did take the lead temporarily and pulled us to Esplanade but it was still a cruise more or less till we caught the red light. Highlander and Digger and Dave took over and pulled us past Seventh and then Cottonwood. They picked up the pace ever so slowly as we got close to Ramona and made the turn west towards Sanderson.

The ride west on Ramona to Sanderson is almost always a pretty easy one with a reasonable pace of 20 mph for everyone in the group. Today was no different and Highlander took us all the way to Sanderson. All we had to do was make the turn and wait at the light on the Expressway to make the next leg of our ride, the trip to Bridge. Tax Man started the first pull towards Warren and managed to keep us all together as we moved west. He kept the pace steady till we got to the slight rise just before Warren and slowed slightly before giving the lead to Highlander who took us past the first of the driveways before giving the lead to Digger. Just before digger got us to Bridge out of nowhere Ferret caught and pulled in front. He had been chasing us all the way from Latham. He then took over and moved us north east on Bridge.

From that point on Ferret and ME-109 took over doing most of the pulling until we rounded the big right turn and headed directly for Gilman. At that point they picked up the pace and left us to follow as best as we could. I decided the energy level was low enough that I could pull the group all the way to Gilman where we rejoined Ferret and ME-109. We talked it over and decided to modify the route a bit and head all the way east on Gilman to Soboba rather than make the turn on Sanderson. ME-109 and Ferret left us and we took turns following at a distance. Once again we took turns pulling till I fell back to pick up Dave after he fell off on a little hill. Highlander took over pulling him as I rolled forward to join Tax Man and Anaconda and led them to Soboba to join Ferret and ME-109.

The ride east on Soboba started out more or less much like the first part of Gilman with Ferret and ME-109 leading us till after the first roller. After that they once again left us and I took over the pull till we got to the golf course driving range and Dave sprinted by me and headed for the last little rise where he blew up and we rolled back past him. We took everyone to the turn at Main and Ramona where we picked up Ferret and ME-109. We then rode east to Hemet Street where Highlander and Tax Man left us. I then pulled everyone else to Cedar and around to Florida to get back to Carl’s for coffee and conversation. Both ME-109 and Ferret left before we got back to Lincoln to make the ride home. Digger left us at Park and Devonshire. Anaconda, Dave, Karl and I rode back to Burger King to get there just as Tax Man was pulling out of the parking lot. All in all it wasn’t a bad day and even if I still have several doctor appointments left I will enjoy such days.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Wednesday and I was able to join the group for a ride. I have been spending so much time with the doctor and tests it seems like weeks since I have been with the group. I posted an old favorite ride to Lake Perris and was really looking forward to it. After I got up and had breakfast I showered and put on my D V V jersey before heading to Burger King and coffee. I got there first but soon Digger arrived even if he wasn’t feeling very well. Huntress and Highlander drove up just before ME-109 and Tax Man. To our surprise Sasquatch rode up as well. It was a small group but we were ready to go almost as soon as Huntress got her flat fixed.

From the very beginning it was clear everyone realized that I can no longer take a long turn at pulling so someone was always getting in front of me and giving me someone to draft. Digger started it off as we turned on Acacia and headed to Kirby catching the light red. Once it was green Huntress pulled up next to me and we talked as we headed for Cypress and west through the housing tract towards Johnston.

We didn’t have any better luck with the light on Sanderson but we also didn’t have long to wait before we were heading south towards Stetson. As we past Wally’s World Huntress moved towards the front and I fell into the third slot behind Tax Man as we headed for Domenigoni. Tax Man started the run west on Domenigoni and we all took turns as we got to Warren. Highlander pulled us over the dry wash and Huntress was right in front of me as we headed for Winchester. Digger left was we past Winchester and Sasquatch took the lead as we approached Leon. I was in the forth slot as we started up the saddle and when Sasquatch and Highlander fell behind Huntress I stayed on her wheel and followed her to the gas station at Menifee were ME-109 was waiting. Up to this point we were making pretty good time so we got back out onto Menifee and headed north. Highlander and Tax Man opted for the flatter route off of Lindenburger to Heritage while we were pass their bypass and head up the rise at Simpson and down to the AM/PM.

After we split Huntress and ME-109 pushed us up the grade to Simpson and down to McCall wondering if we were going to be ahead or behind Highlander and Tax Man. We got up to the AM/PM and only had t wait for a minute or so before Highlander pulled up behind Tax Man and we continued north towards Mapes. ME-109 got us over the rise and past the nursery and down the long grade to Central. Once through the stop sign we made our way to Nuevo and then turned west to Dunlop to make a little detour to Evans. We stayed together as we headed past Rider and finally made it to Ramona and east to the Lake Perris entrance. ME-109 took off for the hill at the Dam. I followed at the gate and we all climber the hill till we got to the frontage road to the Marina and finally stopped for a break. As soon as we had refreshed ourselves it was back on the road and head back to Ramona and home.

As we came out onto Ramona and headed east Tax Man and Highlander pulled us all the way to Rider where ME-109 took over and I followed him to the top of the first roller. Me-109 took off for home and I waited for Highlander, Tax Man and Huntress to join me. Somehow we had lost Sasquatch but he texted me and said he had called for a ride. By the time I had gone back up the hill from looking for him Huntress had left and just Highlander, Tax Man and I headed for home ourselves. We took turned pulling east but Tax Man and I did most of the pulling till we got back to Warren and headed south to Cottonwood. Tax Man pulled to Sanderson and I pulled to Menlo before Tax Man took over again and pulled us all the way back to the cars and the final trip home. For the first ride this week I felt pretty good.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday took a long time to get here for me. It will be weeks before I am done with doctors visits and tests so I missed Monday and Wednesday this week and I was getting antsy. I put together a flat ride as requested and was looking forward to getting out and stretching my legs even if I had to watch my output more than I like. After a light breakfast I headed over to Burger king and got a cup of coffee. Digger showed up well after I did and we were still talking when Earth Dog arrived. Dave drove up next just before Highlander and Tax Man. Anaconda arrived about the same time as Ferret. Bugler drove up just before Quicksilver and Huntress arrived just before we were ready to leave. It was just after 8am as we pulled out onto Gilmore and headed for Acacia.

The group already knew I was no longer able to lead the B group so I didn’t expect to pull much after we got to Acacia and Kirby. Digger and Tax Man did pull in front and got us to the turn on Cypress and headed west through the housing tract. I was surprised at how strong Tax Man has become as he took the lead and got us around the corner on Johnston and headed for Sanderson. As we followed him Digger pulled up next to him and they both made the light at Sanderson while the rest of us got caught at the red. They were long gone before we got a green and started a slow chase.

Now it was time for our only A rider to move to the front and get us to Cawston so we could jog over to Stetson and head west towards Warren. As we left the corner on Cawston Ferret slowly picked up the pace and I switched my Garmin to heart rate to draft him towards the airport. At this point we had everyone in tow and to me surprise we were gaining on one lone ride way ahead of us. Once we got to Warren Quicksilver pulled in front of me and I started to draft off of her. She took us almost all the way to California and made the turn south to get to Stowe. Ferret moved up to give Quicksilver a break and I jumped up front long enough to get a picture before falling in behind Huntress and just in front of Dave and Anaconda.

Ferret got us heading west on Stowe and slowly we were reeling in Tax Man but we couldn’t see Digger. Quicksilver and Huntress were right on Ferrets wheel and I was trying to get all the draft I could from Huntress as Highlander moved up on my right when I pulled out into the wind to not overlap her wheel. I found myself out of the draft and watching a gap develop between Quicksilver and Ferret so I jumped in front of her and caught his wheel. Ferret pulled away and I followed till we got to Tax Man and I drafted him till we got to Winchester Farms. I felt pretty good about the ride down Stowe because even at the pace set by Ferret was only running in zone three and I had plenty of power and energy left. That would be put to the test on the next leg of the ride. As we left Winchester Farms Earth Dog and Highlander took the lead and dropped us as we pulled out of the parking lot. Ferret tried to form us up for a chase but by the time we were all in line we were pretty far behind the two of them. They made it throught the light at Simpson and we didn’t but Ferret kept us moving forward after the light changed for us. But by the time we were passing the Liquor store Highlander and Earth Dog were almost to Domenigoni.

By the time we got to Dominigoni Highlander and Earth Dog were long gone. I told Ferret he could chase them if he wanted and I would stay with the rest of the group and meet them at State Street. Little did I know the ride was going to go downhill from there. Ferret took off after the fleeing twosome and Quicksilver pulled in front of me to pull and after a while Huntress took over from her. Bugler and Anaconda pulled by on the right and I drafted the four of them to the dry wash with Dave and Digger on my wheel. Digger and Dave fell off at the dry wash and I went back to get them while the four continued on towards Warren. Quicksilver came back to pull for me and we all followed here to Searl where I picked up a big sheet metal screw and flatted. That turned out to be the end of the group ride more or less for the day. Digger had a flat at the same time and while we both got our tires back on abou the same time Diggers went flat again. I gave him my extra tube but he flatted once more and quicksilver had to leave. I stayed till Digger called for a ride and then pulled Dave to State and north towards Chambers where we picked up Earth Dog. He said Highlander and Tax Man had gone ahead and we were about ten minutes behind the rest of the group. The three of us worked our way onto Stetson and east to Fairview before turning north towards Florida where we found Huntress with a flat. Dave flatted at the same time and we changed two more tires before heading towards Cranston to meet up with Ferret and Bugler. We saw them coming back west and turned around to go back to Carl’s for a water refill. A quick break and we were headed for home.

Ferret left after we turned towards Lincoln and Huntress headed for home about a block later. I stayed with Earth Dog, Bugler and Dave till we had to take a detour before we got to Park. We finally made our way to Devonshire and pushed towards San Jacinto and the Hospital. Earth Dog Pulled me to State Street and all the way back to Burger King before we seperated and I headed for home and lunch. It looks like I have at least a month where my riding will be hit and miss but I hope and pray the doctors can give me a clean bill of health by the Tour de Palm Spirngs.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was going to be a short and easy ride. Some of us had things to do after lunch and we had already had two long rides earlier in the week. Cactus Valley seemed like a good choice so we posted it and started planning the ride. I got us and took my time getting ready before heading to the parking lot to get some coffee and wait for the rest of the group to arrive. Digger was already there and Bugler had arrived before me. Minotaur and Gambler rode up a minute or two apart just before Quicksilver and Anaconda. Ferret and Huntress rode up about the same time as ME-109 and we still had a few minutes before we had to leave. Right about 8am we headed out onto Gilmore and headed towards Acacia.

Like a flight of birds we rode in a flock west to Kirby and caught the light. I had already told the group I wouldn’t do much pulling unless they were ready to kick it back a bit and every0ne seemed to agree. We headed to Cypress and Digger took the lead to pull us towards Johnston. We made it to Sanderson and once again had to wait for the light. When we got started again Digger took point once more. We crossed over Stetson and the flock started to break up. Huntress got a call and the Bling Team stopped to wait with her. The A group had to ride up to let me know.

We kept going with the understanding that the B group would wait at Searl for the Bling Team while Gambler took the A up to the marina. I got a text saying Huntress had to leave and a few minutes later Quicksilver and Anaconda pulled up to Digger and I, somehow Bugler and Minotaur decided to chase Gambler, Ferret and ME-109 up the marina hill, at the light and rolled by so we could chase them towards State. Quicksilver pulled us all the way to State and started us south towards Newport. I drafted he till she gave up the lead and then I did pull till we rounded the corner onto Cactus Valley and headed east. Anaconda pulled us to Sage and I did get back in front as we rolled over the hill and past the Baptist Church. Anaconda and Quicksilver made it to the end of Cactus Valley and met Sea Lion while we waited for the rest of the group. Ferret and Gambler arrived next with ME-109 not far behind. Digger got there just before Bugler and Minotaur for a quick break.

The girls decided to leave first because Digger had to fill his tire before we were ready to go. The flock thinned a bit more because they were headed for home. The A group lead the way back west on Cactus Valley and dropped off of the hill and crossed Sage first. I chased as best as I could till I ran up against the zone my doctor wanted me to stay under while Sea Lion pulled Minotaur and Bugler up to me and we headed back to Newport and through the Housing tract. Sea Lion headed for home when we got back to State and met up with Gambler, Ferret and ME-109. Once digger joined us we were ready to go but decided to wait while Digger replaced his rear tube because the tire was low again. Once he got that fixed we headed north again and made a run towards Domenigoni.

ME-109 took us north past Domenigoni and all the way to Chambers where we turned east towards Buena Vista. I told Gambler to take his group and head to Fairview while I waited for Digger and Minotaur. By the time they got to us Diggers tire was low again and he decided to fix it and head for home.

Now the flock was down to three. We headed for Columbia and worked our way over to Lake and back south to Stetson to get to Fairview. Minotaur took us to Wilson Mesa and once again I got to the top first and took us around the houses and back to the top of the hill overlooking the long run north on Fairview. The weather was about perfect as we headed off of the hill and easily rode back towards Stetson and onto the bridge before Mayberry Minotaur needed a gold drink so we stopped at Carl’s and Gambler met us there just about the time we sat down. We spent a few minutes solving the problems of the world before heading for home and dropping Gambler off at his street on the way.

I rode with Bugler and Minotaur back to Park and over to the jog onto Devonshire and west again. We made our way to San Jacinto and caught the light red. When it changed we made our way to Santa Fe and turned west once more on Latham. I stayed with the two of them back to State and all the way to Palm where I had to leave for home and get ready for the visit to the doctor. I took a quick shower and made it to the office in plenty of time. It was a perfect day for a ride that never really got together.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The weather wizards were wrong and it didn’t rain today. Yes we got a minute or two of drizzle but not rain and so it was looking like a good day for a few flat miles around Lake Perris. I had breakfast and ran a razor over my face before heading to Burger King. Digger and I stood by the warming window, the big plate glass one facing east at Burger King, and had some coffee while people started to arrive. Bugler showed up about the same time as Highlander but he forgot his shoes and had to run home. Huntress and Anaconda arrived early just before ME-109 and Tax Man. That made eight of us once Bugler got back to head out to Latham and turn north on Lyon.

We didn’t get far and we were just picking up momentum when someone yelled flat and we saw ME-109 pull off of the road. Highlander returned to assist in the repair and I played with my Garmin trying to get it to pair after the new software upgrade. I talked with Digger for a while or at least till ME-109 was rolling again before following Digger north and coming up to Esplanade. We just got out feet down when the light turned green and we were back on our way. I followed almost all the way to old Ramona for the turn west.

Some of us were dreading the ride on the Expressway because it so often turns into a drag race. So I kept thinking about that as we got to Sanderson and hit the light on the Expressway. There was nothing to worry about however because Digger got us started and Bugler took over after ME-109 rolled by with Huntress on his wheel. For a change no one chased then and they quickly pulled away. Bugler pulled the rest of us towards Bridge where ME-109 and Huntress waited for us. After we past them ME-109 rolled by us again and took off for Lakeview. Huntress stayed with us and relieved me after I took my turn at the front. Bugler took the last pull as we got to Hansen and took a break. Digger rolled on by heading for the rollers. After getting some water we headed west again it chase of Digger with me starting the pull.

I took the lead and got us most of the way to the bridge with the whole group right on my wheel. After the bridge Huntress slipped by and attacked the first roller with Bugler in hot pursuit. I pulled in behind Bugler and let him pull me by Huntress and then pulled by just before the top of the first roller. I backed off a bit and Bugler caught and past me while I waited for Huntress and Anaconda to tag up on my wheel and then fell in behind them as the chased Bugler. Before we hit the second roller I got back in front and started a chase of Bugler. He crested first and I wasn’t going to catch him on the downhill. Tax Man did catch me on the downhill and I followed him till we caught Digger and then Bugler and headed to a regroup with ME-109 on Evans. We then headed north towards Iris so we could head back east.

The plan was to bypass Mickey Ds and head towards Alessandro but it turned out a bathroom break was necessary. The women wanted it known the stop wasn’t because of them just for our information so they stayed outside and talked with me while we waited for everyone to be ready to start east again. We didn’t all make it through the light so some of us had to wait for Anaconda and Huntress but it didn’t take long. Tax Man then took off and gapped the group by about a block as we made the slight climb to the north gate of Lake Perris. Tax Man was way out front as we started down the grade towards the last two lights where Iris curved north east. We caught him at the first light but he pulled in front again and was pulling away again when all of us but Highlander had to stop for the red light at the last stop light. Picture 09

Tax Man soft pedaled a bit as we first met up with Highlander and made the turn on Alessandro to head north east. Huntress finally pulled in front as we hit the second turn onto Alessandro and headed for Gilman. I was on her wheel for a log time before ME-109 pulled by and pulled away. The road seemed to be a bit rough for Huntress and I got by her by pulling out into the middle of the road where it was smoother. I was pulling fine till the wind shifted and I got a five bike gap that only Bugler tried to close. He just caught me as we pull up to ME-109 on Gilman and made another regroup. When we were ready to start again Huntress tagged up on ME-109’s wheel and set a pretty good pace. Finally Tax Man and Highlander Tagged up on Huntress and started to follow ME-109 till he pushed the throttle forward and pulled away. I was back with Bugler and Anaconda while Tax Man and Highlander pulled away and Huntress started to drop back behind them. As Anaconda slowed I pulled by and closed on Huntress and followed Tax Man and Highlander to the next little roller. When Tax Man slowed I pulled by and tried to pull but they had lost momentum and I had to wait till the next down grade for them to catch me.

I pulled for a long time and switched my Garmin to HR and Speed as we closed in on the next grade. I looked at our speed and dropped a gear to fall from 20-21 to 18 the 17 and averaged 16.5 wit Huntress right on my wheel. We stopped at Bridge to regroup where Tax Man and Highlander decided to continue on while Huntress and I waited for Bugler, Anaconda and Digger. Digger got to us and said Bugler was helping anaconda with a flat. He then continued on when Huntress and I went back to assist in the flat repair. Turned out they had the wrong CO-2 cartridges and had to use a hand pump. We then headed for Bridge again with Huntress in the lead. Anaconda didn’t have enough air in the tire so we lost Huntress after Bridge when we stopped to top off her tire with my CO-2 cartridge. I pulled us to Sanderson and then down to Ramona before Bugler took over and pulled us back past Esplanade and the way home.

We wondered why it seems like every time we head south on Sanderson the wind is in out face. But we settled into a three person pace line and continued on to Menlo where I took the lead and pulled us to Devonshire. We were talking about what a great day this had been for a ride as we headed to Gilmore and into the Burger King parking lot. I grabbed another cold drink and headed home for a showed and a birthday lunch with my wife and her sister.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) With the predictions of the weather wizards it seemed like we needed to get in a good ride with some distance today because it was supposed to rain Wednesday. I know Mondays are normally lightly attended but it didn’t matter all that mattered was getting in a ride. So I headed over to Burger King and had some coffee with Digger. No one showed up till about fifteen minutes later when Earth Dog joined us and finally Bugler and Dave pulled up. Highlander and Huntress arrived and it looked like a bigger group than I had planned. So we headed down Gilmore to get the ride started. Quickly we made it to Acacia and then to Kirby to catch the light. We made the turn south into a slightly cool breeze and hoping it would stay that way.

It was one of those days when we were less than faithful to the mapped ride so we headed to Cypress and west not too worried about the route. Huntress pulled up next to me and we talked till we got to Johnston and caught the light at Sanderson. When it turned green we headed south again towards Stetson where we picked up Papillion and rolled by Wally World. It has been a while since he has ridden with us but it was good to have him along in case of any chasing duty necessary. After all I wasn’t planning on pulling much today so he could do some of that as well.

Once we got to Domenigoni I pulled shortly before turning it over to Highlander and fell back. We took turned leading as we headed for Warren and then over the dry wash towards Winchester. We didn’t get that far till Earth Dog had a flat and we stopped while he fixed it . Just before he finished fixing the flat Dave and Digger took off and after another five minutes we followed. Papillion tried to pull us to catch up but 21 to 23 was move than we could hold as a group. We gave the lead to Bugler and he pulled us to the saddle and part way up- before I pulled aroung followed by Papillion. We crossed the saddle and headed for the gas station on Menifee to meet Dave and Digger. It was there we learned Dave and Highlander would be leaving at Scott and that Shooter had been waiting for us at Winchester. We were already back on Menifee when Shooter called so we knew he would be chasing hard.

We made our way over Revival and headed for Scott where Highlander and Dave broke off and Huntress pulled us up to Keller and over to Antelope. We all made the turn at the Hospital together and headed for the big downhill on Whitewood. Huntress and I started the decent and quickly pulled away from the group but we got caught at the first stop light and they caught us. Earth Dog got the jump when the light turned but I pulled around with Huntress on my wheel followed by Papillion. We got all the way to Murrieta Hot Springs and stopped to wait for a regroup. Once again Earth Dog pulled away and only Huntress chased him. We kept getting stuck at red lights but finally Huntress and Papillion waited for us and we made it to Winchester together. Earth Dog was close to the top of the climb when Papillion took off and gave chase. Half way up the climb Shooter showed up and turned back to ride up the hill with Papillion and head for the gas station at Benton where we took a short nature break. Earth Dog and Digger started north on Winchester and we almost at Thomson before we started to close on them. Bugler, Huntress and I caught a red light and the rest of the group seemed to get away until Bugler decided to work hard at catching them. We ended up catching Digger and Huntress gapped me for a mile or two. Watching my heart rate closely I slowly caught back up and the two of us chased the fleeing foursome past Holland and towards the last rise before Domenigoni. The group was caught at the Domenigoni and Winchester light and Huntress and I crossed after them in a full roll after dropping off of the rise and crossing Domenigoni. Shooter left us at Ninth Street and I pulled us to Stowe. I decided to wait for Digger while Earth Dog continued on. Huntress, Bugler and Papillion waited with me and once digger joined us we headed for California. We split up into twos and I road with Bigler till we finally caught Digger at Cawston. The three of us rode to Burger King together and found Huntress and Papillion waiting for us. After a few minutes of talking we all headed for our homes and I got home in time for lunch and a hot showed with 49 miles on the computer. It was a perfect day for a ride.