By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I felt a bit recovered today and found getting out of bed as an almost natural action. I had a light breakfast, downed two glasses of crystal light and dressed for our ride. I only had one false start as I started to leave the house without my camera. I arrived at Burger King to find Digger and Dragon Slayer waiting. Highlander and Rocky arrived right after I did and Minotaur wasn’t far behind. Gambler and Bulldozer joined us as did Rocky, Rooster and Quicksilver. I was talking to Gambler and Bulldozer about the A group just taking off at Doemnigoni and taking Minotaur with them when Alex, (RacerX) and his Steve drove up. We were giving introductions all around when ME-109 arrived on his fixed gear completing the group. I explained that we would have two groups and I would be leading the B group once we got to Domenigoni and the group choice would be up to the rider. We headed out onto Gilmor and started towards Acacia.

As we turned onto Acacia and headed towards Kirby I was impressed to see so many riders with us while it was still winter. We caught the light just as it turned green and I started us towards the Railroad Tracks riding side by side with Gambler till he fell back and had to give up my wheel to Highlander. We managed to make our way to Cypress and headed west through the housing tract towards Johnston. The group up to this point was very cohesive and we all made the turn onto Sanderson heading south towards Stetson and Wally World.

We easily made it to Mustang and once again got a green light that took us to Domenigoni where I started us west and got ready to give the lead up just as Bulldozer, Gambler, Steve, Minotaur, Racer X, Dragon slayer and ME-109 rolled by and pulled away from the rest of us. I thought about giving chase but at that point it was a 50/50 split so I stayed with the B group and gave the lead to Rocky and Rooster as we headed to Warren and then over the dry wash. Once we got pointed at Winchester we rotated through the group with Highlander taking the lead at the last. We pulled through the light and soon Rooster and Rocky were back in front heading for Leon. We had picked up Minotaur and pulled him to the bottom of the saddle and went onto our sprint to the top for our regroup.

We realized Minotaur wasn’t going to stay with us and Dragon Slayer would be leaving us at Murrieta so we decided to make our way down the back side of the saddle and head towards Carl’s for a nature break and a parting of the ways between us and the two leaving us. Highlander took us to Lindenburger and towards Menifee before Rooster and I took over and got us to Antelope and followed Dragon Slayer over the freeway and down to Haun where we only had to pause for the light and then head for Bradley. Dragon Slayer and I played tag as we pulled away from Bradley and ended up pushing each other all the way to Carl’s with Dragon Slayer edging me out at the Carl’s driveway. Racer X had to go have a tire checked out at the local Bike Shop and once he was ready we all headed for Murrieta and parted ways with Dragon Slayer and Minotaur. Highlander pulled us to the next stop light where I got out front and headed us to Railroad Canyon.

Highlander was in front again as we got to Goetz and I had already shifted into the small ring to start the climb into the canyon. Highlander dropped off and Rooster closed on my wheel followed by Racer X then Rocky and Quicksilver. Quicksilverwas staying in sight as Rooster and I crested and I picked up the pace to try and make the light at Canyon Lakes. For the first time in a long time we made it and headed for the next light well ahead of the rest of the group. We stopped at the top of the last hill crest and waited for a regroup. Quicksilver rolled over the top first and I followed with Racer X and Rooster as we started downhill. About halfway down the hill I got by Quicksilver and Racer X came with me. He pulled around and I fell in on his wheel till he got us up to speed before coming back around and pulling him to Mickey Ds and a waiting Steve and ME-109. All that was left of Gambler and Bulldozer was a silver bullet and the sound of the William Tell overture in the back ground. As we were sitting together talking and rehydrating Highlander, Digger and Quicksilver started to leave saying they wanted a head start. Rocky left with them and I finished my coffee before joining them. Highlander, Quicksilver and Rocky were long gone by the time I pulled out onto the street. Rooster, Steve, ME-109 and Racer X made the light and I didn’t. I realized I was going to have to chase the whole group through the canyon. But just as I was about to cross the last stop light I saw Rooster waiting for me and he worked with me trying to run down the rest of the group. We caught digger before the top of the first hill and we caught Racer X at the fire station. We could see the fleeing group as we started the second climb and after we crested the last climb it was Rooster, Racer X and me chasing hard to catch Quicksilver. We did catch her by the time we got to Murrieta and joined the rest of the group, sans ME-109, across from the Bike Shop. Quicksilver took us to Haun and Highlander took us to Antelope where I regained the lead and led the group towards Menifee with Steve right behind me.

I got us back to the saddle and started up the back side only to have Steve pull around and pull away from me before we crested. Rooster joined me and we managed to catch Steve just as we got to Leon and waited for the rest of the group. Once we were back together we waited for Digger but while we were waiting Quicksilver and Highlaner got a early start just as Digger rolled by. Steve, Racer X, Rooster and I gave chase a few moments later and managed to catch the threesome at Winchester. As we headed for the dry wash Racer X started to have a problem with his tire and we at first stopped to help. He just needed more air but while he was adding it Highlander and Quicksilver left. As we started rolling we took turns till we got to the dry wash and Racer X stopped again only this time he had to add some Stan’s sealant before getting back on the road. I didn’t notice Racer X and Steve fall off as we crested the dry wash and headed for Warren but we did manage to catch Rocky. Quicksilver must have dropped the hammer because I was doing 24 and only closing slightly. Then they got the light green at Domenigoni and Sanderson and we got it red. In fact every time we closed they made it through a light that we got stopped at. Once we got to the light at Johnston I knew the chase was all up to Rooster and I so we tucked in behind a slow moving Chevy Compact and a lady doing maybe 26 and cased them all the way past Kirby and then Gilmore. We just caught them at the light on Florida before riding over to the parking lot and spending a few minutes reliving the ride. Once everyone started to drive off Rooster and I headed back to Acacia and I parted ways with him at State to head for home and a hot Shower after a Protein Shake. I believe it was a great day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a strange feeling as I woke up this morning. Much like the Frankenstein monster I felt like that my legs weren’t my own. The alarm was going off in my ear, I have one of those high pitched sonic alarms like you might head on a sports watch, and it might best be described as what I think the moment of awareness was for Frankenstein when the lightning shocked him to life. I slowly reached for the alarm and shut it off only to find myself just staring at the ceiling in the dark. To be honest I was listening for the rain I halfway expected to come in the night and save me from having to get up. Not hearing any rain I slowly got out of bed and headed stiff legged down the hall towards the kitchen to take a look outside. It wasn’t raining in fact it wasn’t even wet so I had to go to plan B. If I had electrodes I would have checked to see if I had a full charge after 8 hours of sleep. I fueled up with breakfast and drank some extra water with my Vitamin I and D before taking a shower and getting dressed. By 8:10 I was on my porch and ready to head for the parking lot to join my friends on what I hoped would be an easy recovery ride. I am pretty sure by the time I got to Florida and Lyon I could speak English at least enough to be understood and decided I would order a cup of coffee when I met Digger. I got my coffee and met them outside with a body slowly coming to life. We all stood there till Rocky and Quicksilver arrived and we were ready to take our small group out to Lyon and Latham to head south past Florida.

I didn’t notice Rooster closing in on us from behind as we moved to Acacia and on to Johnston. Highlander wanted to avoid the torn up part of Lyon on the other side of Stetson so I turned everyone left on Johnston and headed for Palm. Once past Palm I turned us on Gilbert and headed south. By now I knew we had Rooster and were going to make our way to Thornton before cutting over to State. Highlander was impressed with how much smoother this route was and told me so just before we turned south on State street and headed for Chambers. I grunted something back at him in Frankenstein and headed us through the light and towards Domenigoni where we picked up Doug, (Prosecutor), adding one more to our small group.

As we turned onto Domenigoni I went into Cruise control and took us towards Searl. Before I got there Rooster pulled in front and gave me a break. Quicksilver rotated to the front as did Rocky and then I had another turn just as Prosecutor pulled by and headed off in the distance for Warren. I resisted the temptation to give chase and kept the group at 20-21 Mph as we got close to the dry wash with Rocky taking us over the top and towards Winchester. We all went through another rotation before Rocky led the way to the bottom of the saddle. Then some force, like the violin in the Frankenstein movie, pulled me up into a sprint like I was fleeing from the villagers waving their torches only to be running from Quicksilver and Rooster. We regrouped at the top and got ready to drop off of the backside towards Lindenburger.

Highlander led us off of the saddle and down to the light at Lindenburger. It managed to turn green just as we got there and we all pulled in behind him at the next light as we got to Laguna Vista. Traffic was a bit heavy so it took some extra effort to make the turn and head for Rockport and turn back towards Briggs and the Turkey ranch.

Prosecutor was riding a lot stronger than the rest of us but he didn’t just take off and leave us. He waited till Quicksilver took the lead heading south on Briggs towards Holland. Highlander was drafting her till Prosecutor pulled out front and quicksilver tagged up on his back wheel. As soon as the grade started when we past Holland Rooster pulled up on us and I got behind the three of them followed by Rocky and Digger. Prosecutor started to pull away and I pulled up next to Quicksilver as she tried to follow him. Quicksilver got the spin going and made it to Garbani right behind me and Rooster. We met up with Prosecutor just past Menifee for a regroup and made arrangements to stop briefly at Jack in the Box before continuing on.

Highlander took us back out onto Newport/Domenigoni and we headed back towards Menifee. Once we got to Menifee we turned north and I headed us towards Simpson. Quicksilver, Rooster and Highlander lined up behind me and I started to spin up as we headed for the rise to the light in Simpson. Quicksilver and Rooster stuck to me like a trailer as we turned east on Simpson and coasted down to Lindenburger to cross at the light and then regroup before heading towards Leon with Quicksilver taking the lead. Once again Prosecutor simply pulled away from us but we took turns and got through the trees as one group. I had just taken the lead as we came up on the last stand of trees and Quicksilver tried to catch me napping and out sprint me to Winchester. I saw he way too early and managed to get to the light first. Quicksilver decided to set the pace north to Stowe and a short nature break at Winchester Farms. We decided not to take a coffee break and headed east on Stowe to get home before the rain.

We were all working pretty well heading towards California and made the turn north. The wind had started to pick up and my body almost went into shock reliving the punishment I had suffered Saturday. As we turned east on Stetson I got up to follow Prosecutor and Rooster when I looked back to see Rocky falling back to stay with Quicksilver. The wind is never kind to Quicksilver and we had just caught Digger so I dropped back to assist Rocky and Rooster joined me. We made our way to Sanderson after watching Highlander disappear down the road with Prosecutor. We finally made it to Sanderson and turned north again.

Rocky left us at Johnston and we got a tail wind heading back past Wentworth with Quicksilver in the lead. Once again I pulled up next to her and we started a spin contest to see who would get to the Lowes parking lot first. I wouldn’t want to be in a spin class with Quicksilver. None the less we made it to Lowes with Rooster and then back to Acacia with Quicksilver pulling us all the way back to Gilmore and then the Burger King parking lot. As we sat there talking we felt a few drops of rain so Rooster and I headed for home and parted company at Palm. I got home just as the rain started but before I had a chance to get wet. I guess you could say it was just in the nick of time because it really started to rain by the time I had lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a good looking Friday morning when I looked outside. We had a good week so far and I was looking forward to today being just as good. I had a big breakfast and got dressed for the ride before selecting my Klein and heading for the Parking lot to get the show on the road. Digger and I were alone for quite a while before Highlander drove up. It took a while longer before Rocky arrived. We were joined by Gambler, Bulldozer and ME-109. Quicksilver and Mark, (Rooster). Minotaur, Sasquatch and Sidewinder were with us as the clock moved to 9am and we headed out onto Latham and over to Lyon.

For some reason I got out front and started a pace line past Devonshire and then Menlo. Highlander fell in behind me and we strung out heading for Fruitvale and I slowly picked it up and we headed towards Esplanade. We bunched up at the light on Esplanade and had to wait for the green light before we continued on towards Seventh. As we started past Seventh and got close to Cottonwood I got ready to get down on the aero bars and drive the pace to Ramona.

When we made it past Cottonwood I started to pick it up and at the same time ran into a slight headwind. Highlander lost the draft and Gambler pulled up next to me to let me know that once he got to the Expressway he and Bulldozer would not be stopping to regroup so I would have the group to pull and regroup at Lakeview. It didn’t quite work that way but I was ready. We made it to Ramona Boulevard with Gambler leading and headed west.

We made it to Sanderson with Sasquatch leading and of course caught the light at the Expressway red. After it turned green I started us west until Gambler and Minotaur rolled by and pulled us to Warren. Minotaur fell off before Bridge and Rooster flatted. I didn’t see the flat but Digger stopped to assist him while the rest of us made a run for the Valero on Lakeview. I took the pull from Gambler and Sasquatch took it from me before I got it back and to take us to Lakeview while Gambler and Bulldozer continued on. We saw Rocky and Minotaur heading for the rollers while we waited to regroup. Dragon Slayer met us at the Valero and decided to chase Minotaur. I told him we would pick them up at Mickey Ds and we followed them just as they topped the first roller. Sidewinder took us over the rollers and crested first. Rooster almost caught them on the second roller and I dropped down the back side of the roller like a rock and caught them before Rider. I took us to the park entrance and then to Evans for a regroup. We then headed to Mickey Ds for one last regroup. Dragon Slayer and Minotaur were not there so we headed east towards Gilman. By the time we turned onto Alessandro we were in a face on headwind. We waited at Gilman to regroup and make sure everyone was still doing well.

We followed Quicksilver east till she ran low on power and Sidewinder took over and pulled away. Once again I relied on the aero bars to get under the wind and pull the group up to Sidewinder. We followed a him for a while before Sasquatch took off on us and once again I closed on him and followed him till t wind picked up and he slowed down. I ran by him and pulled away and stayed away till we got to Bridge where I waited for the group. When Highlander pulled Quicksilver and Rocky to Bridge and turned right I took my group with Sasquatch, Sidewinder, ME-109 and Rooster straight to Sanderson and caught a tail wind that took us all the way to Ramona where Rooster finally showed up with another flat tire. We changed it while waiting for Highlander’s group. While we were waiting Digger arrived just before Highlander and we decided to ride straight down Sanderson to Devonshire to get back to the parking lot.

Considering the wind and the number of stops we made I was surprised at the average speed we had heading back to Devonshire. I was showing 17.5 even with riding from home to the parking lot and back. None the less it was a pleasant ride and a good workout for 50 miles. And everyone got home safe.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got up this morning and looked outside to see enough fog to warrant a fog horn. I got a text telling me one or two of our riders were staying home till the fog lifted. It didn’t matter to me but I thought it might be a small group because of the weather. I got dressed, put on some warm gear and headed for the Parking lot. At first it was just Digger and I waiting to see if we were the only ones making the ride to Beaumont. Soon Dragon Slayer drove up and Bulldozer arrived so I knew we had at least four riders. Things continued to get better when MacGyver and ME-109 joined us followed by Minotaur. Once Closer and Mark pulled up and Gambler arrived we were more or less ready to go. I took us out onto Latham with just four of us leading the way.

We moved easily to Lyon and headed north towards Menlo with the rest of the group a block or two behind us. It was clear as we rolled by Menlo and Fruitvale that the bigger group wasn’t interested in catching us and they let us lead the way to Esplanade were everyone finally joined us and moved with us to Seventh street and headed for Cottonwood. By now we were beginning to warm up and it seemed as if the Sun was trying to burn through the Fog. That made it look like we might have a nice climb when we got to the Canyon.

At this point we started riding as a group and I was still pulling as we crossed Cottonwood heading towards Ramona. I had been allowed to pull all the way as we headed north with the exception of a few times till we rolled by De Anza Dr. where I took over again and pulled us around the corner and onto Ramona Boulevard to get us headed towards Sanderson.

As we got to Sanderson I expected things to start to pick up and to see the big dogs take off and leave me but they didn’t. It wasn’t till we got to Gilman that Dragon Slayer took the lead and I fell in on his wheel. We were all still pretty much together as we past the Gilman on ramp when Minotaur started to pull to the front. I looked back to see Closer, Digger and Quicksilver falling back. I dropped out of place and went back to get them and soon we were dropped heading to the top of the first climb. As we crested the first climb and started towards the dump Quicksilver got a flat after having to ride through all the debris from the flairs on the side of the road. I had a spare tube I had already patched handy and quickly started to change the tire. It needed a boot so I put one in and replaced the tube as Digger rode by. Once we inflated the tire Closer, Quicksilver and I gave chase and tried to see if we could catch Digger by First Street. We rolled by the Dump just as Digger crested the last hill. We crested the last hill and Quicksilver came from behind and caught me, and even managed to get a wheel in front of me, before falling off before the downhill heading to First Street. Digger waited till we crossed the light and we all rode together to Live Oak and headed east. We made the big loop and came back to Second Street and met the rest of our group at Starbucks.

The lead group left first as we finished our coffee and we followed them about ten minutes later. By the time we started for home the sun was out and the sky was clear. It was time to shed our jackets and head back to Lamb’s Canyon. Once we turned the corner off of First Street and headed for home Quicksilver hooked onto my wheel as we crested the rise before the long downhill towards the dump.

I was surprised to see Quicksilver stay with me as long as she did on the downhill. She has never been fond of fast downhill. Unlike Huntress who delights in them. I ended up running shoulder to shoulder with Closer down to the dump and to the second downhill to do it all over again. Just before we got to Gilman Closer caught a draft off of a bus and I thought he had a shot of Nitro. But I caught him again and we waited for the rest of the group at the light on Ramona Expressway.

Closer had to ride across town to pick up his car so we turned on Ramona Boulevard and headed for Lyon together. Only Quicksilver seemed to have the recovery to push back towards Lyon and soon she had pulled me quite a distance in front of Digger, Mark and Closer. She looked back thinking they we right behind us as they had been shortly after we turned east. Closer did leave us at Lion and we headed back south past Cottonwood and the Seventh to get back to the parking lot.

Digger finally left us at Menlo and Mark, Quicksilver and I rode back to Latham and headed to Burger King. When we got there Dragon Slayer and Minotaur were still there so we stopped to talk with them and finally Quicksilver left us and I rode with Minotaur and Mark to Acacia and headed east. I felt good and needed the extra miles.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I know Mondays normally start out slow and easy but this was a different Monday. We had a free hand to do a little climbing. In Fact people had asked for some climbing and Bautista had been calling our name for some time. So I got up had a bigger breakfast and got dressed for the ride. I headed to the parking lot with a light jacket and a positive attitude. Once again Digger was already getting coffee when I arrived. We were outside talking when riders started showing up. Sidewinder and Sasquatch were the first two followed by Bandit and his dad. Bulldozer pulled up on his TT bike just before Rocky. Kevin and Teresa joined us just before Quicksilver. MacGyver got there just before Gambler and Maverick. Mark returned after a long layoff. Hacker and Dave rounded things out to 17 riders as we got ready to leave. We headed out onto Latham before turning south on Lyon and heading past Acacia towards Johnston.

I may have been out front and pulling but that was more to set the pace and keep it down so the group would stay together. Add to that the fact that my legs were still a bit tight and I just felt better leading. It was my luck that no one wanted to push it much and Sidewinder was happy to stay back and let me lead everyone past Johnston and then to the light at Stetson. I was pretty impressed with the size of the group today considering it is still winter. But then it was a holiday so some may have had the day off so they could join us. We also had a strong A group and two or three strong young riders. The climb up Bautista should be interesting. I was still day dreaming as we turned on Thornton and Quicksilver pulled up on my right with Sasquatch on my left. By the time we crossed State Street Sidewinder started to move towards the front.

We moved east on Thornton and made our way past Buena Vista and to Santa Fe to head north back up to Stetson with Quicksilver leading us east towards Girard. She stayed out front till we got to the light and then I pulled in front and took us east towards Columbia. This group was going to stay together so everyone turned onto Columbia with me as we headed towards Thornton again.

We worked our way east on Thornton and quicksilver took us around the corner onto Crest. At this point we still had just one massive group following us with Dave, Hacker and Bulldozer moving towards the front. As we weaved our way right and left on Crest Sidewinder asked for a regroup so he could remove his leg warmers. We finally turned north on Lake and headed for the corner of Stetson and Lake for a regroup. Quicksilver had to leave early so I had Digger ride back with her and the rest of us headed east towards Fairview. I started the pull and turned it over to Hacker who got us to Fairview and headed south towards Bautista. As we got to Bautista the Big dogs laid back till we got to the big right turn and then the pace picked up. I stayed in the lead group hanging on for dear life. It looked like Hacker, Sasquatch, Dave and Sidewinder were looking to drop me. All of a sudden Hacker dropped off and I was left handing in the wind and out of the draft. Sasquatch and Sidewinder were pulling away and Dave dropped back to ride with Hacker. I settled into a pace and slowly closed on Sidewinder and Sasquatch just as Maverick past me heading for the Dam. Sidewinder pulled me back up to Maverick and I pulled around to try and pull Sidewinder up to Sasquatch. Sidewinder and Maverick fell off and I chased Sasquatch over the Dam and to the wash where I jumped by him and headed for the picket fence. I looked back only to see Sasquatch was mashing too big of a gear and falling off so I down shifted and when he pulled up to I had him select a different gear and pick up his spin a bit. Once he had his pace going I looked back to see Sidewinder and Maverick closing. I got Sasquatch back up to speed and as soon as we made a big left curve and lost sight of the young pups chasing us I told him to make a run for it and I placed myself between the chasers and Sasquatch. He held his pace all the way to the top and I managed to hold off a late attack by Sidewinder to got to the regroup point a few yards before getting caught.

We waited till everyone but Kevin and Teresa got to the top and started back towards Fairview. We may have started off slowly but soon Sidewinder and Bulldozer started to pull away. Sasquatch started after them and I started after him. I was still following him till we got to the off camber double right turn and finally we started to close on Sidewinder and Bulldozer. However just as we did the pace went crazy and Bandit passed us and the race was on. We took turns pulling as we past Sidewinder and Bulldozer. That held through several rotations till Bulldozer dropped the hammer and left us with two others following him, MacGyver and Gambler. We were heading back towards the river wash with Bulldozer and I can only assume Bandit fading in the distance. I say assume because I had no real clue as to who was in our group. I jumped ahead at the dam and Sasquatch blew up and MacGyver pulled by me with Dave on his wheel. We pulled up to Gambler and I took over again after the hard left. I got us to Fairview just as MacGyver took over and we headed north. We could see Bulldozer heading back towards us but I was too concerned with stocking to MacGyver’s wheel and followed him to Stetson and then the bridge before I took my turn and got us to Fairview and then Carl’s. Only a few of us stopped and had coffee before heading home on New Chicago to Lincoln.

It had turned into a beautiful day as we headed back towards Lake Street and worked our way over to Park. We had picked up Kevin and Teresa on Lincoln. MacGyver pulled them to Park and then to Devonshire after losing Hacker and Dave before we made our turn. The five of us rode back to Lyon where MacGyver left us then to the parking lot at Burger King where Kevin and Teresa left. I rode back to Dartmouth with Mark and headed for home on Stetson just to get in a few extra miles. It was a great way to start the week.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The only thing that is normal about Friday rides is they are unpredictable. Much of the ride depends on who shows up and how they feel. I planned an easy 38 mile ride west as a send off for Highlander’s trip and Huntress’s last ride for 4 to 8 weeks. I got dressed and headed out to the parking not knowing what to expect. Digger was already there and we watched everyone else arrive as we had coffee. By 9am we had 13 riders ready to head south and work our way to Domenigoni. Two of those 13 were our visitors from South Carolina, Kevin and Teresa. The A group showed up with Gambler, Bulldozer and MacGyver. The young Bulls were there with Sasquatch and Sidewinder. Huntress and Minotaur were there along with ME-109 and Highlander.

We quickly got to Acacia and made the turn towards Kirby where we managed to make the light as it was green and headed for the railroad tracks. At this point we had kept the pace easy and I had high hopes we could stay together as a group and turn the ride into a recovery ride. I had spent the day before working on a clogged drain and the strange positions you have to get in to work under the sink left me stiff and sore. We got through the housing tract on Cypress and made our way to Sanderson and south again to get to Domenigoni.

As we moved towards Mustang I noticed a rider looking back at us and soft pedaling so we could catch up, It turned out to be Doug and he fell into line as we rounded the corner on Domenigoni and headed west. I pulled for a short while before giving the lead to Highlander. He pulled most of the way to Warren before letting Huntress take over. Shortly after the light on Warren MacGyver got out front and pulled us all the way to Winchester. I thought he would give it up when the light changed but he pulled us all the way to the Saddle. Doug went onto the sprint first and I chased only to get caught by ME-109 and just holding off Sidewinder. We stopped on top and regrouped only to discover I had lost Kevin and Teresa. That was my first loss of a rider in a very long time and it bothered me I hadn’t noticed them falling off of the back.

When my missing riders failed to show up I decided to take us off of the Saddle and headed for Lindenburger. Highlander dropped off the hill and took the lead to pull us the Menifee and make the next turn south. As soon as we made the turn onto Menifee MacGyver and Gambler picked up the pace with Minotaur and me drafting them. I had Sidewinder and Doug next to me followed by ME-109. We separated from the main group as we got close to Holland. Gambler stopped us because of a car heading east At the stop sign and Minotaur cruised behind it to keep from stopping. Once we started rolling after Minotaur I fell in behind Doug and we started for Revival. Just as we got ready for the sprint up the hill ME-109 came flying by on his fixed gear and to be honest it took the wind out of my sails. I decided to try and pace Doug and Sidewinder took off after ME-109. He past Doug but ME-109 crested first. We did a quick regroup before heading south again towards Scott.

We were pretty much together heading to Scott but started to string out before the corner. Gambler and Bulldozer took the A group and young bulls with them and headed for Haun. We followed with the B group about 100 yards back and finally made the turn onto Haun. We took turns pulling north on Haun with Huntress getting us to Holland and I took us to Newport and the gas station for a regroup with the A group. We were not only united with the A group we found our lost riders waiting for us as well. The A group decided to leave first, well first if you consider Digger didn’t stop.

Kevin and Teresa left second and I took the B group after them as soon as Huntress got off of the phone. We got up to Bradley and had to stop again while Highlander continued on trying to close with Kevin and Teresa. Huntress, Sasquatch and I made our way to McCall and headed for the Hospital Hill. We could just see Teresa as we past Hillpoint and once again regrouped on top to find Highlander and Kevin talking with Racer X. We only had one or two rides with Racer X and it was good to see him back on the road. We made introductions before dropping off of the hill and rolled over Menifee heading for Heritage.

We worked our way through the houses on Heritage and soon were moving east on Simpson. When we got to Briggs it was clear Teresa wasn’t going to be able to hold the pace so I dropped back to ride with Kevin and her till we got to Winchester where we found Huntress waiting for us. After making the light we headed north and I pulled all the way to Stowe and Winchester Farms where I found several of the group waiting for us. Sidewinder once again took off first and the rest of us followed a few minutes later. I was planning on keeping the pace down heading to California.

My plan fell apart well before we got to Stowe when Minotaur took off on us. Sasquatch decided to go after him and Racer X went with him. Then Highlander took off as well leaving Digger, Huntress, Kevin, Teresa and I to follow at our own pace to California. I took us most of the way to Stetson when Huntress pulled by us and I followed her to Stetson before turning towards Warren. Digger stayed with us as I took over again at Warren and Kevin fell back with Teresa. We then made our way to Sanderson and turned for Lowes. Once around the corner onto Acacia I took us to Gilmore and back to Burger King. We talked for a few minutes with Highlander, Sidewinder, Sasquatch and Minotaur. I rode with Huntress to the car wash on State before heading for home and a hot shower. It was a typical Friday, unpredictable.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We had a rather small group Monday and I had no reason to believe it would be much different today. Wednesdays can be unpredictable and sometimes a bit more energetic than the first day of the week. So I put together about 40 miles of west ride and submitted it for the consideration of the group. After I had breakfast and got dressed I headed for Burger King only knowing I was heading for coffee but not knowing how many would join me for the ride. Digger was already there when I pulled up and went in for coffee. Highlander arrived just about the time Gambler rode in followed by Minotaur. We were joined by Kevin and Sidewinder as well as Huntress and things were looking pretty good. Sidewinder had a flat he had to fix and Sasquatch showed up just in time to help him. Quicksilver arrived as well and now we had a pretty good group. We got a visit from Red Rabbit but he didn’t stay. As soon as Sidewinder got his tire fixed we headed down Gilmore to begin the day.

It was cooler than Monday and that never works to the benefit of my legs. I had a warm base layer on but had decided against a jacket. Still I was relatively warm as I turned us on Acacia and got us to Kirby to head south towards Cypress. I took us west through the housing tract on Cypress towards Johnston and around the corner to Sanderson where I caught a green light for the turn on Sanderson and go up to Stetson.

As we headed west again I took the lead and pulled us to Warren where things started to shape up to get interesting. As we crossed Warren I started the pull but soon Sidewinder and Sasquatch took over. Sasquatch pulled us to California and got us pointed south. We didn’t get far before Minotaur rolled by followed by Highlander. Sasquatch dropped in on Minotaur’s back and Sidewinder dropped in on mine as we got to Stowe and turned west again. Minotaur picked up the pace and Sasquatch stayed with him when Gambler started to give chase. I took advantage of the draft and followed Gambler as he pulled up to Minotaur and Sasquatch. When he went by and pulled away I went with him and soon we were clocking at 27 mph. The break was made by Gambler, me and Sidewinder. I stayed on his wheel till just before the metal Barn where I waved Sidewinder by and looked back to see how far we had pulled away from the rest of the group. The three of us stopped as everyone else pulled in after us at Winchester farms.

As soon as everyone was ready we pulled out onto Winchester and Highlander pulled us south towards the Dump road. As we turned the corner Quicksilver took off and got out front with Highlander and Huntress following. Soon Gambler came by with Sasquatch and Sidewinder just as I got in front of Huntress and Quicksilver. I was going to let them go but Huntress encouraged me to take off after them and I caught them at the rise and rolled over it before shutting down to pick up the rest of the group. I then pulled Huntress and Quicksilver up to where Highlander was waiting and we joined the rest of the group at Florida and Briggs. Sasquatch, Sidewinder and I made our way to Mapes followed by Highlander, Huntress, Kevin and Quicksilver. Huntress made a run for Menifee and I took us around the corner and south towards Florida again.

Sidewinder, Sasquatch and I got to the light first and then pulled into the AM/PM for one last break before heading to McCall. The plan from there was to head south to McCall and head over the hill to the end of McCall and then over to Cherry Hill. I didn’t plan on any stopping till we got back home because I knew the Bling Team was on a tight schedule. What I didn’t know was the Bling Team had plans of their own and would be leaving us at Bradley while we headed to Murrieta and beyond.

True to form we made our way to McCall and started west over the hill. I did tell Sidewinder to wait on top for everyone before we dropped down Hospital Hill but one Gambler made the hill he decided to continue on and then make his way home. The Bling Team passed us at the top of the hill and we didn’t see them again till we got to Bradley and they were heading south. We stayed on the road and went to the end of McCall and made the turn to Cherry Hill before cutting back to Bradley for the ride south to Newport. I thought if we kept a good pace we might catch the Bling Team but had to reconsider when Highlander wanted to stop at Jack In the Box before heading home. A quick bathroom stop and we were back on the road heading east on Newport to Domenigoni. This time Digger was with us.

We made our way to Menifee where is seemed we lost Minotaur and Sasquatch. I stayed to pick them up and sent everyone else to the top of the saddle. It turned out Sasquatch picked up a Goat Head and had to change a tube. We rejoined everyone but Digger and Kevin at the saddle and then dropped down off of the saddle and headed for Leon. It was now we started to work as a pace line and took turn pulling to Winchester. We started off with Sidewinder pulling and soon we had changed lead several times as we got to the dry wash and then Warren. Both Sasquatch and Sidewinder did a great job of pulling as we got back to Sanderson and headed north towards Lowes. Minotaur and I got to Kirby and were joined by Sidewinder just after the light. We got back to Burger King after Quicksilver and Huntress had already left and after a bit of conversation we headed home ourselves. It had turned into a great day and a fun ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another week was about to start and I was hoping for the best. I knew it would be cool but at least it wasn’t supposed to be cold. It was also supposed to clear up by the time we were to start the ride so I got dressed and took a look outside. The street was relatively dry but there was fog drifting a few feet off of the ground. So I went back inside and put on a jacket before heading to the parking lot to get some coffee. Digger was waiting as I rode up and we got coffee just as Highlander arrived. Highlander didn’t like the look of the pavement one little and I was at all sure he was going to ride. I knew it was a hard choice for him because today’s ride was one of his favorites. As we stood there talking Quicksilver pulled up and we all walked over to greet her and help change a tire. While that was taking place Sidewinder arrived and started to unload his bike. I thought we had seen about all of the riders for today when two people visiting the area pulled up and joined us. Both Kevin and Teresa had found us on the net and decided we had a group much like theirs in their state. We got ready and left the parking lot and pulled out onto Latham to start our ride.

We made it to the corner on Lyon and headed north. Once we were around the corner we headed past Devonshire and then Menlo. As we moved on we saw a rider sitting by the side of the road and realized it was Sasquatch waiting for us. Now I had two young bulls that were going to want to run at some point. I realized pretty early that I wouldn’t be getting any help with the group once we got to the Expressway.

The only question I had as I pulled us toward Esplanade was when the young bulls would take off and how far behind would the rest of the group be. But it doesn’t do much good to worry about things before they happen so I simply settled into a easy cruise and pulled us past Seventh and then Cottonwood. Sidewinder pulled up next to me to get instructions for where we were going after we got on the Expressway and then I pulled them around the corner onto Ramona and towards Sanderson.

The fog was pretty thick as we got closer to Sanderson and even thicker when we got to the Expressway. As we sat at the light on Sanderson it was hard to see much past the intersection. Once the light changed Sidewinder took off on a run by himself. I pulled everyone to Warren and shortly after that Sasquatch took off after Sidewinder. I was hard to keep for chasing them myself but I didn’t want to lose Quicksilver, Highlander, Kevin, Teresa and Digger. I did have to pull over at Bridge because Quicksilver’s glasses were fogging up. I them pulled them to the Valero on Lakeview and we regrouped with Sidewinder and Sasquatch. Once we got back on the road I pulled everyone south on Lakeview towards Nuevo. We had pulled away from three of the riders and looking back made me think of a Science Fiction Movie where the pirates came out of the fog to attack the fort.

We turned onto Central and headed down to Menifee to once more turn south. At first Sidewinder and Sasquatch started the pull but by the stop sign I was out front again and Highlander was on my wheel. I pulled to the nursery and over the rise before turning it over to Highlander on the down slope. Sasquatch made a hole for me so I ended up in the second slot with Sasquatch and Sidewinder right behind me. I took things back from Highlander at Mapes and started a hard run towards Florida and the AM/PM. I did manage to stay in front all the way to the stop light and we stopped at the AM/PM. We changed the route a bit so we could take the new riders to Winchester Farms for coffee so we cut over to Heritage and made our way to Simpson. Once headed east Quicksilver started the pull and I missed the signal so Highlander had to take it from her. As we past Leon Sasquatch rolled by followed by Sidewinder. I caught a back wheel and stayed with them through the trees as Sasquatch ramped it up. By the time he was running low on matches I had recovered and was ready to take my turn and I pulled by Sasquatch and got ready to take my turn in the lead. Sidewinder decided to attack as I pulled to my right but I was still building speed and held him off as we hit a slight head wind. We finally pulled onto Winchester and regrouped. I waited for the last rider and then joined everyone at Winchester Farms. Highlander, Quicksilver, Kevin and Teresa left first and a few minutes later Sidewinder gave chase. I cruised east on Stowe with Digger and Sasquatch. We stayed together all the way to Sanderson and then north to Lowes.

It didn’t take long before we were pulling back into the parking lot to find the rest of the group still loading their cars. We talked to them for a while before Digger left for home and they drove off. Sasquatch and I rode east and I stayed with him till we got to Lake Street before heading for home myself. It felt good to out on the bike today. At least it felt good once the fog burned off.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The Friday rides are supposed to be easier but then that is something that can never be counted on. We had already had two days of energetic riding and I already knew most of the group wanted to take it easy today. So I put together an easy flat ride and posted it to the group Thursday night. On Friday morning I got dressed and headed to the parking lot to see who would be riding. Digger and I were the first to arrive and we waited till Highlander and Huntress drove up. I thought it was just going to be the four of us as we got ready to leave the parking lot but just as we were pulling out onto the street to head south Ferret joined us. We rode down to Acacia to head west to Kirby.

We were moving at a very reasonable pace as we turned onto Kirby and I followed Ferret south to the railroad tracks before he took us to Cypress and headed us west towards Johnston. As we got to the corner and headed over to Sanderson I told Ferret where we were headed and he let me take us to Stetson and head west again. I got us past the airport and to the stop sign at Warren where first Highlander and then Ferret took over and headed for California.

I fell in behind Highlander and Ferret and they took me onto California and toward Stowe. Ferret was leading when we turned onto Stowe and started towards Winchester. Slowly but surely Ferret ramped it up and soon I had get out of my small ring and into my big ring just to keep up. About halfway to Winchester Highlander pulled out of line and I had to close onto Ferret and chase him to the parking lot. The hard part about that is Ferret doesn’t create much of a draft so I had to do a lot more work than I was prepared for. The rest of group was only a few moments behind us as regrouped for a snack and headed south on Winchester with Ferret pulling one more. We followed Ferret all the way to Domenigoni before turning east and getting in line behind him once more for the longest straight run of the day.

Once pointed east Ferret settled into a nice little cruise of about 22 or 23 mph and Highlander got on his wheel followed by Huntress with me tailing in third. Digger was having trouble with his knee so he fell off early while the rest of us changed places behind Ferret till we got to the dry wash. I fell back to see if Digger was in sight and then followed Highlander, Huntress and Ferret till we got close to Sanderson and the slight upslope to Searl. Highlander fell off and Huntress fell off leaving me hanging onto Ferrets wheel till we got to State Street to regroup. As soon as Digger joined us I pulled us north towards Chambers and started us east to Buena Vista before going to Thornton.

Our next move was north on Santa Fe before I took us east on Stetson. I finally got us to Columbia and turned south as Highlander continued on towards the High School. Huntress took us to Crest and then Ferret took us back to Lake before we cut back to Stetson t give chase t digger and Highlander.

We regrouped on Fairview and then digger headed for Florida and made the turn towards Carl’s. Ferret took us to Florida and we turned towards Cranston. Once again I found myself behind Huntress and Ferret as we headed east. Ferret had us moving at a good clip as we past the gas station where Highlander backed off and I followed Huntress and Ferret and Huntress past the pottery shack where Huntress fell off once again leaving me to follow Ferret like a trailer. I tried to save as much energy as I could as we rolled through the trees and got ready to make the last climb to Cranston. 200 yards from the parking lot I tried to sprint around Ferret but couldn’t hold it and he got by and away from me. We only waited till Huntress and Highlander got there before heading back towards Carl’s ourselves. We made a pretty good run as a group back through the trees and down to Fairview where Ferret left us and then down to Ramona where Huntress left us. Highlander and I stopped at Carl’s just as Digger was leaving. We had coffee and then headed for home on New Chicago and then Lincoln. When we pulled onto Park and headed west I was looking at the animals behind the fence when Highlander had to yell at me to keep me from running into someone on a Cruised riding on the wrong side of the street. I wasn’t expecting that so I made a detour into the dirt to avoid hitting the guy head on. The rest of the ride was uneventful as we rode back to Palm where I left for home and got home for lunch and a hot shower. All in all it was a great week.