By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It isn’t as if I don’t care about the Friday rides it is just that I have learned you can’t plan or predict them. I have posted easy ride, recovery rides and even hard rides and the ride hardly ever develops as I have planned. It reminds me a bit like music. There is commercial music with strong planned notes and exacting tempo. You can hear that kind of music on the radio all the time. Then there is what is called organic, tribal, natural music. Music that comes from inside and is played as the different people play it. That is what our Friday rides are like. By 9am I was going to see just how organic our ride was going to be. There were only a few of us heading down Gilmore towards Acacia. Ray, Gambler, Minotaur, ME-109, Ferret, Sasquatch and Rooster followed me to Acacia before we could turn west.

We turned west towards Kirby and I let Gambler know that I didn’t expect the A group to wait for us and they were free to go anytime they liked. However they stayed with me as we turned on Kirby and Ray led the way down to Cypress and made the turn heading west to Johnston. Ray was in front all the way to the light at Sanderson where we waited to head up to Stetson. The light changed and I got a bit of a head start to get us to Stetson and another turn west.

I was still feeling pretty tentative about the pace as we headed for the airport but everyone was still in line and no one had fallen back. Just then a big truck past us and ME-109 tried to jump into the draft. It didn’t do much good however because the truck was making a turn at the airport road and slowed considerably as we caught up and headed for Warren. As we rolled west past Warren Ferret pulled to the front with Minotaur and Gambler came up to pull me onto the back of Minotaur. We made the turn south on California heading to Stowe.

Ferret made a strong pull to Stowe and headed west again. The group strained a bit to hang onto the pull but most of us were holding up well as Ferret took us almost to the metal barn before Minotaur pulled past him. Gambler and I fell in behind Ferret and watch Minotaur pull away while we pulled up to see if Ferret needed a pull. He didn’t so we followed him to Winchester Farms for a regroup. This time it took a bit longer because we were spread out so badly. But finally we were all together and ready to head south towards the dump road.

I started us off by pulling down to the dump road and making the turn west. Ray had left early so we would have to catch him. We didn’t get far before ME-109, Gambler, Sasquatch, Minotaur and Ferret pulled to the front and I slotted in before Rooster. By the time we were even with the Wild West Arena I noticed Sasquatch pull out of line and fall back. I fell out and went back to get him and ended up pulling Sasquatch and watching Minotaur fall off of the group at the rise on the dump road. I then worked on pulling Sasquatch and gaining on Minotaur. We didn’t catch him on Leon but we were gaining and were close as we turned west on Simpson. We were close as we rolled by Briggs and managed to roll up next to him at Lindenburger. We past Minotaur and caught Ray going up the hill to Menifee. We were all four back together as we turned north and made our way to McCall. Minotaur started us towards the back side of Hospital hill. I pulled up next to Sasquatch and started to coach him on taking the hill. We found a good gear and first closed on Ray and then Minotaur to crest the hill first and regroup at the top before heading down the other side towards the end of McCall and south to Honeyrun. We made a quick run to La Ladera and then over to Goetz to head south to Railroad canyon and up the hill to the Stater Brothers Parking lot before heading left towards Holland and down the hill to Murrieta.

We finally caught Minotaur again at Holland and Murrieta and then followed him back to Haun and Newport. We then turned east towards Antelope and finally I pulled us back to Menifee and Minotaur took us to the saddle. I crested the saddle and regrouped everyone at Leon before we made the long run back towards the dry wash. By the time we got back to Warren Sasquatch was pretty much tapped out and simply couldn’t hold Minotaur’s wheel. Minotaur left us at Sanderson and I pulled us back to Lowes and onto Acacia where Ray left us. I followed Sasquatch part way home before heading home myself and kicking back for lunch and a hot Shower. Yes I would say the ride was very organic.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Every so often the Sirens Song comes from the east of town and we as a group are drawn to Bautista Canyon. Today was just that sort of day. As I left the house I had no idea just how many would be joining us but I knew Digger and I would be riding Bautista. I got to the parking lot after Digger and grabbed a cup of coffee and waited for other riders to arrive. Soon Minotaur rode up followed by Ray and Bulldozer. The next thing I knew ME-109 rolled up followed by Sasquatch on a Giant Defy. The Bike was a test ride from Shooter and we were all worried that Sasquatch on a light weight bike could be quite a challenge on the climb into Bautista Canyon. It was a small group but it looked like a good one for this ride. Digger and Ray would be the B group and I had a chance to ride after the A group. I pulled out onto Latham at 9am and led the group to Lyon to start the day. We were joined by Rooster before we got to Florida and headed for Acacia. We stayed together and rolled on towards Whittier on what was turning into a great morning.

We got to Whittier and moved on to Johnston with Bulldozer and Minotaur leading the way. As we crossed Stetson and headed towards Thornton we all commented on how the road reminded us of the bad section on road on Dillon before the Double A truck stop during the TDPS. That section has been bad on Lyon for as many years as I have been riding in Hemet. We turned onto Thornton and started east with the group happily allowing me to lead them across State and to the Golf Course between Buena Vista and Santa Fe.

As we turned onto Santa Fe and again at Stetson I was still leading the pack and the group was still in visiting mode. We made our way past San Jacinto and continued on to Columbia where for a change all of us turned south to make our way to Thornton and then over to Crest. I always like this little side trip because the old neighborhood seems so peaceful and traffic is so very light.

Looking back I could see Sasquatch was playing it cool and not pushing at this pace so I figured he was saving the effort for the Canyon. I was also expecting Minotaur to move up front to pick up the pace even if it seemed a bit early to me. As we moved east on Crest we turned right on Hemet Street and then left to continue on Crest. It was not a surprise to me to see Shooter and Bulldozer pull to the front as we turned north on Lake. It also wasn’t surprising to see Minotaur and Sasquatch picking up the pace as ME-109 moved up to close on the fleeing first two.

We all closed on the leaders as we turned east on Stetson and headed for Fairview. I was sitting in fifth behind Bulldozer, Shooter, ME-109 and Minotaur as the pace kept increasing and finally Minotaur broke off and I started to close on ME-109. I backed off a bit to pull Minotaur and Sasquatch pulled away from me following the lead three just as we saw Bandit and His Father coming at us from Fairview. Bandit caught us and took off after the lead group while I tried to stay with Rooster and pull Minotaur. We were about 200 yards behind the lead group heading south on Fairview. Bandits father past me just as I noticed Sasquatch being spit out of the lead pack. Rooster and I closed on Bandits Dad but we dropped Minotaur. Bandit and Ray were behind us about as far as we were behind Sasquatch. Bandits Dad stayed with us as we turned onto Bautista Canyon and made our way to the hard right turn at the Orange Trees. Seeing that we were closing on Sasquatch Rooster pulled by me and pulled till we got to the back side of the dam. We caught Sasquatch at the top of the dam dropping Bandits dad in the process. Sasquatch fell back and let us get to the river cut before catching back up to us and making a run for the next corner. He was pushing too big of a gear so I talked him int down shifting as I rolled by so he could get his pace back. By the time we made it to the trees Sasquatch was back up with us and pushing hard to pull away from me. Rooster went with him and I settled into a easy spin keeping pace with Sasquatch and watching how he took any of the short climbs. He pulled away from me again but I kept pace again and waited for the last two climbs towards the end of Bautista. When we started the last double climb I pulled up to Sasquatch’s wheel and on the second part managed to get by and crest first giving me a break at getting up to speed before he could make another run at me. The A group was on the way down as we crested the last climb. We waited till Minotaur, Ray and Digger arrived before heading back down the hill towards Fairview. The wind was in our face so we were taking it pretty easy for the first mile or so and after the first off camber turn. The pace picked up again and we were on our way to a pace line run downhill till we saw Bulldozer on the side of the road. He had an equipment problem and was waiting for a ride back to Casino. We knew to keep an eye out for the truck coming to get him and started back down to try and catch Digger and Ray.

Minotaur took the lead after the river crossing and we set up behind him thinking about the sprint from the Dam to the Orange groves. Rooster moved into Second position and I offered a pull to Sasquatch when I planned the uphill pass at the Dam. The pass was successful and Sasquatch and I made it to the turn at the Orange grove well in front. We had a quick regroup before heading back down Fairview and to the Stetson to the water company sprint. Minotaur had the bad luck to be in the lead as we got to the bridge and Sasquatch pulled around. I caught his wheel and got to the water company first only to see Sasquatch continue on for the old Fairview spring to Mayberry. Our next stop was Carl’s and Coffee. After a few minutes of conversation and we were headed for home. Sasquatch left us as we moved up on New Chicago to Lincoln and back to Park. Minotaur left us at Yale while the three remaining riders headed back to Lyon before heading for home. I was very satisfied wit the ride today, it was fun.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) To tell truth I didn’t expect to ride at all today. After I went to bed last night it rained hard and was still raining till early morning. The sky didn’t start to clear till after 7am and I got a text from Digger saying he would meet me at the parking lot. I quickly got dressed and headed to meet Digger and see if anyone else was riding. As we had to both of our surprises Highlander showed up. I knew he had asked for the ride but normally he is somewhat reticent to ridt the when the streets are damp. MacGyver rode up with Rooster and last but not least Jackal drove up. Just six of us but it was going to be a long ride and we could only hope we beat the rain. We finally pulled out onto Gilmore to Acacia and then to Kirby to get the ride started.

MacGyver and I decided to do most of the pulling for the day in the hope of making the ride as easy as possible. We chatted easily as we turned on Cypress and headed towards Johnston. We started to catch the lights red as we stopped on Sanderson. We headed south towards Stetson and soon we headed past Wally World. I pulled to Mustang and MacGyver took over when we got onto Domenigoni. We held a steady 18 to 20 all the way to Warren and headed for the dry wash. As we crested the overpass Digger fell off of the back while I followed MacGyver towards Winchester. I looked back and noticed Digger falling back so I went back to get him as Highlander, Jackal and Rooster faded into the distance behind MacGyver. Soon they were out of site and Digger and I could no longer see them when we got to Winchester. We got to the Saddle for a regroup a few minutes after the main group and had a snack.

When we started down the back side of the saddle Highlander informed us we needed to stop at Carl’s for a nature break and the small store at the Chevron for Highlander’s food. Jackal needed some vitamin I for some leg pain and we waited for Highlander to come out of the store before heading out onto Murrieta and over to Newport to head west. Digger started early so we knew we would be chasing him all the way through Railroad Canyon. Before we got to Goetz Jackal told me he wanted to stop to help Rooster with a flat tire and Highlander told me he would meet MacGyver and I at the end of the Canyon where we expected to find Digger.

MacGyver pulled me all the way up the rollers and over to the big downhill. We dropped down to the Mickey D’s and found Digger waiting for us. A few minutes after we stopped Highlander arrived and I planned to wait for Rooster and Jackal. Highlander was pretty sure they had turned around and we were about to leave when they both showed up.

I pulled us down to Corydon and made the turn west to get to the back side of Lake Elsinore and head north. I took turns pulling with MacGyver and we kept the pace steady at between 18 and 20 mph with everyone following till digger fell off. We were still together till we had to stop when I sounded like and got a flat going over a pot hole. I don’t know about the noise we heard but my tire was fine and we continued heading into a slight side wind all the way to where the Ortega highway spills out into Elsinore. Rooster had passed us and picked the pace up slightly and Highlander fell back with Jackal and MacGyver and I chased Rooster east towards Lake. Finally we got a tail wind and all I could think about was fish Tacos at the place Huntress and I had found the last time we made this ride. MacGyver, Rooster and Jackal went all the way to Jack in the Box while I turned onto the north side of the street. I waved at them and MacGyver waved back but headed for home. Jackal came over to see me and I tried to wave Highlander down but he continued on to Jack in the Box. Rooster had gone with MacGyver but came back with a flat tire. Jackal saw Highlander leave and head east and chased him down only to find he was heading for home as well. I did manage to wave down Digger when he got to us and the three of us had fish tacos and changed Roosters tire, three times. After we finished lunch we headed back out to Lake Drive and headed towards Downtown Elsinore. We got back to Railroad Canyon and headed for Murrieta giving Digger a bit of a head start. We caught him just after the downhill after the fire station and I had to stop for some Tums at Murrieta to take the Salsa that seemed to be stuck in my chest. We then headed back to Haun and over the freeway to Antelope.

I had pulled pretty much all the way only stopping now and then to collect Digger when he fell back. We headed back to Menifee and started towards the Saddle again. Jackal wanted to attack the climb segment and needed a lead out. I got him half way up the hill and then fell back to pull Digger back to Jackal and Rooster and we all four rolled by Leon together. It didn’t take us long to get to Winchester and continue towards the dry wash with me pulling. I got us over the dry wash and to Warren and was feeling stronger than when I started in the morning. The only problem was it was looking a bit like it wanted to rain. I got us to the light on Sanderson and pointed us towards Stetson. Once we got to Stetson Rooster left us and I continued to lead us back to Lowes.

We moved around the back side of Lowes and out onto Acacia to head towards Kirby. The three of us rode to Gilmore together and we dropped Jackal off at the parking lot and I followed Digger to Latham and Lyon before heading for home myself. I managed to get in 63 miles today. I was a bit later than I had planned but it was a good way to start the week. Within thirty minutes after I got home the sky opened up and it poured like someone turned on a hose. We made it just in time.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The end of the week was here and it seemed like a good day to put together a shorter cruise just to give our legs a break. I put up a sub forty mile ride east and got dressed for a cooler day. It was a bit like we lost summer between Wednesday and Friday morning. I thought I had put my arm and leg warmers away for the season only to have to dig them out for today’s ride. I got to the parking lot only to see Dragon Slayer unloading his truck. I got coffee and came out to see Digger pulling up. Gambler and MacGyver rode up as did ME-109. Highlander, Rooster and Ray arrived and for a while that looked like the whole group. We pulled out onto Latham and headed to Lyon only to be joined by Ferret giving us a good spread between an A and B group.

I told Gambler that I wanted today to be a real recovery day and didn’t want to push either group much more than fifty percent. Gambler agreed and we more or less simply cruised north on Lyon only to catch the light at Esplanade red. Up to this point we managed to keep the group together and they were all collected at the light when it turned green. I led us to Seventh Street and stayed in front all the way to Ramona to turn west and head for Sanderson.

I got us over to Sanderson and then up to the Expressway and once again caught the light. This is where the group normally breaks up because the A group is a lot faster on the Expressway than the B group. So was anticipated a faster run west after the light changed. We no sooner made the corner t that Highlander got a flat. We all waited till he got it fixed and I took us towards Warren. Before I could get to Warren Ferret and ME-109 rolled by as did Dragon Slayer. I pulled in behind Dragon Slayer and we watched as the two speedsters pulled away. We got to Bridge in time to see ME-109 and Ferret coming back towards us as we continued north and east to get back to Gilman.

We broke up into three small groups and headed over the gully and around the curve to head down the long straight. MacGyver pulled our group to meet Gambler, Ferret and ME-109 at Gilman and Bridge. I had planned on having the A group take a longer route and to have them chase the B group to Soboba. Today that was not an acceptable plan however s we decided to stay together and head east on Gilman all the way to Soboba. We took turns pulling and finally passed under Sanderson with MacGyver in the lead. He pulled over the rise and pointed us to Soboba and State Street.

Dragon Slayer and I turned east on Soboba while Gambler and MacGyver stayed on State and headed for home. We decided to regroup and wait for Digger and Ray before heading down Soboba and the rollers. Dragon Slayer wanted to keep us together so we kept the pace steady as we rolled over the first roller and then the second. Highlander stayed right with us and Rooster took a turn at the front till we got to the last hill before the golf course where Dragon Slayer and I took turns pulling to the regroup point and waited for everyone else. We picked up ME-109 and Ferret waiting for us at Lake and then rode over to Ramona and east. The plan was to ride past Hemet Street and then all the way to Cedar so we could put in an extra mile or two before getting to Florida and turning back for coffee. We also wanted to show Ray where Casino was so he could pick up a bike mirror. Once again Ferret and ME-109 left us and this time Rooster went with them. Somehow Dragon Slayer got away from us and I think he missed the turn on Cedar. The rest of us collected ME-109 and Ferret and headed down Cedar till it turned into Fairview.

We made it to Florida and turned west only to stop at Casino and wait till everyone had joined us. We did a little shopping and visited with Bulldozer before heading over to Carl’s for coffee and a break. We then left Carl’s and headed over to visit Huntress to see how she was recovering. After finding out how long she was going to be out we headed west come more to make it to Park and around to Devonshire. Highlander got just a touch of heading to the barn but he reeled himself in and we joined him at Yale. We rode to Santa Fe and then down to Latham to make our way back past State and back to the Parking lot.

We made our way past Palm and then Lyon before coming in through the Pep Boy’s driveway. We stayed at the parking lot and talked about the ride for a while before Rooster and I rode back to Lyon and then down to Whittier where we went our separate way to get home. I felt pretty good about the ride and it was a recovery.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I love Wednesdays because I am warmed up from Monday and ready for a bit longer ride and one that can be split into a real A and B group. Today was just one of those days. I got up early, had breakfast and headed for the parking lot. This time News Boy was already there and Digger got there after me. I had coffee in time to see Highlander and Tax Man arrive and Dragon Slayer. Me-109 rode up just before Bulldozer and Gambler and they were joined by Shooter and MacGyver. A new rider visiting from Oregon arrived to join us about the same time as Rooster. And even Hacker was there by 9am. But we couldn’t leave because Sasquatch showed up with not one but two flat tires. But as soon as we had the tubes replaced we were on the road heading south towards Acacia.

It looked like we had two separate groups today with a strong complete A group and a B group. I planned on keeping the group together till we got to Winchester Farms and then releasing the big dogs to run. I knew once we were headed towards Murrieta there would be no holding them back and with the group we had today they would be far too fast for most of the Bs to hang with them even drafting. So I pulled steadily to Acacia and then to Kirby to get us to Cypress and head west.

Up to the point where we turned onto Johnston and stopped at Sanderson I had stayed in my small ring and that allowed Tax Man and Digger to stay on my wheel and near the front of the group to the light at Sanderson and then stay with me to Stetson. I stayed in the small ring all the way past the airport and headed towards California with the group easily cruising behind me. Things stayed that way and we moved around the corner to head south towards Stowe.

As we headed west on Stowe we slowly picked up speed till ME-109 went by followed by Hacker and Shooter. A moment later Bulldozer went by and kept going to the front to ride with ME-109. I dropped in on a wheel and quickly we gapped the rest of the group. Before we reached the metal Barn Gambler brought a trainload of riders by and caught us when Hacker blew up. We all regrouped at Winchester farms and waited to assess how the rest of the ride was going to go.

As we got ready to head out from Winchester Farms it was decided that the As would stay with us till we got to the dump road and then they would be set free to head for Menifee and finish the ride to Murrieta and then French Valley. So I took us out onto Winchester and headed south. However they didn’t just leave us as we turned on the dump road.

We held together as one big peloton as we moved by the few houses on the dump road and closed in on the Wild West Arena. We rode in a double pace line as we headed for the slight rise and I was sitting in third as we got close to Leon and made another turn south to get over to Simpson.

News Boy took us to Simpson and got us started towards Briggs. He didn’t pull that long however and I ended up taking us to Briggs and pulling out of the way as the As finally picked up the pace. I noticed we had dropped three riders so I want back to get them and pulled them to Lindenburger and up the hill to Menifee to head south. We picked up Hacker and Sasquatch. The A group was long gone as we picked up what was going to be the B group. With an A group to chase we turned to having a fun ride between us, with Hacker and Sasquatch taking turns attacking me. Our first test was Revival. Then we had to change the route a bit for a restroom stop on Scott and Antelope. We then headed to Baxter and the Hospital only to be yelled at by a driver in a pickup truck for not riding single file and making a left turn from the lane at the stop light. The driver slammed on his brakes and got out to further discuss what he considered our errant riding style and acted like he was considering throwing hands at Highlander and me. But when Sasquatch pulled up and blocked out the sun the driver had second thoughts and left without further debate on the vehicle code. Our next challenge was the drop down Whitewood and then the turn onto Murrieta Hot Springs. Hacker and Sasquatch took a good jump onto Winchester but I had picked the better gear and got to the stop light first as Hacker got a flat. We regrouped and headed for the gas station to rehydrate before heading north on Winchester to make the long ride to Domenigoni and the trip home.

Hacker, Sasquatch and I stayed together followed by Highlander, Tax Man, Ray, and Digger at a distance. The three of us played tag all the way to the dry wash where I caught them napping and crossed over the bridge first. We were getting close to 44 miles and some were looking tired but I was feeling pretty good considering how poorly I had slept the night before. The three of us headed north on Sanderson but pulled over to wait for the other three before heading to Stetson.

When the light changed I started us towards Johnston and then asked if anyone wanted to go to the Healthy Pub for lunch. Shooter and Dragon Slayer were already there and I had snet a text telling them I was on my way. Digger, Ray, Tax Man and Highlander headed for Burger King while Hacker, Sasquatch and I went to the Healthy Pun and joined the other two for a smoothie and some tea. After we had spent some time there telling stories and refueling we all went our separate way and headed for home. For me that was a 50 mile day and I still felt good.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We had a great Century ride Saturday and typically we do a easy recovery ride on the next Monday. That is just what I had planned, a short ride with less than 800 feet of climbing west. I got up, put on a new jersey and shorts and headed to Burger King. Digger and Dragon Slayer were already there when I pulled up and Highlander arrived a short time later. Tax Man and ME-109 got there about the same time as did Rooster and Quicksilver. I wasn’t too surprised to see Surgeon because he was the one requesting a shorter ride for Monday. As soon and everyone was ready we headed out of the parking lot and started south. We made our way to Acacia and then over to Kirby before heading south again towards the Railroad tracks.

I would have thought my legs would have been sore after this weekend but they weren’t and I found it easy to spin my way to Cypress and through the houses onto Johnston. We made the turn onto Sanderson and then again headed west on Stetson. I was still in my small ring and spinning easily as we got to the railroad tracks and the airport. ME-109 came by as did Rooster and we quickly came up on Warren and crossed over heading towards California. ME-109 took off on us and I got us to California heading south. We were well behind ME-109 as he turned onto Stowe.

Up to this point we had been good about keeping the pace down and spinning easy gears. As I took us around the corner heading west Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us towards the rise. He held us at a steady 20 MPH till Quicksilver blasted by in full spin and gapped us. Both Dragon Slayer and I picked up the pace and chased Quicksilver and caught her after about 200 yards. It took its toll on the rest of the group as we past her and I pulled by to take the two of us to the metal barn. This was by no means a fast run to Winchester but it blew up the group and a fragmentation grenade and we pulled into the Winchester Farms parking lot to join ME-109. It was obvious that some of our legs were warming up faster than others. When we were ready Dragon Slayer took us out onto Winchester and down to the dump road and west again.

At this point it was obvious that ME-109 was the strongest ride in the group and whenever he pulled our pace went up two or three miles an hour. Heading down Grand was no different and ME-109 was well ahead of us as we passed the Wild West show and headed for Leon. Tax Man and Digger fell off the back of the group but they weren’t that far behind as we turned towards Simpson on Leon.

I got us out onto Simpson and pulled us west towards Briggs. Tax Man joined us and caught the back of the group before we got to Briggs and was more or less right with us as we turned on Lindenburger to get to Heritage and head north. Dragon Slayer and dropped back and picked up Digger and got him to Menifee before heading to the AM/PM station for water. As soon as everyone filled their water bottles we were ready to go and I started us towards Mapes before Dragon Slayer took over and crested the hill for us as a group.

Here is where the recovery comes in because for a change we didn’t push it going down Menifee towards Central. Dragon Slayer and I took turns pulling but we never took it over 23 all the way to the stop sign were we more or less regrouped before heading the rest of the way to Central and then to Nuevo. We got over to Lakeview and regrouped once again.

We knew we were going to lose Dragon Slayer at 9th street so we let him pull us most of the way north on Lakeview till we got to that street and he headed for home. I took over pulling and got us to Ramona and headed us back east. Rooster took over for me as pulled us back towards Bridge. He kept the pace just a bit hot for some and soon we lost one or two off of the back. We soft pedaled to Warren where Highlander went back to pull Tax Man forward and followed us to Sanderson. Surgeon headed for Lyon and I started to follow with Rooster only to notice Quicksilver and some others were still on Sanderson. Rooster and I went back and joined Quicksilver and made the ride down to Devonshire when Tax Man and Highlander stopped to make a phone call.

We were in cruise mode as we headed back to Kirby and caught the light red. Once it changed we moved on to Gilmore and then back to the parking lot to get Quicksilver to her car. Surgeon joined us a moment later and Tax Man followed with Highlander a few minutes after that. I was surprised at our average speed for the day because I never felt like we had been pushing it. Quicksilver was still a bit sore in the legs but said she felt good about the ride anyway. I wanted to get home to a hot shower and lunch so I headed for home and got there with just over 40 miles on the computer. Not bad for a recovery ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was the last ride before the Tour De Palm Springs and I had high hopes it would be a good one. The only fear I had was it was supposed to be windy. It was going to be warm and with any luck we would have a good group as we headed west on one of my favorite rides. This time I got to Burger King just before Digger and at the same time as Minotaur. Magic man and Dragon Slayer pulled up just before Highlander and Bloodhound. Gambler and Bulldozer were with us as was MacGyver and Surgeon joined the group. Crystal was back with us as was Quicksilver. Rooster and Closer were about the last to join us giving us 14 riders. Digger took a 10 minute head start and we followed onto Gilmore heading to Acacia.

Once again Bloodhound pulled away from us and made it to both Acacia and then Kirby before the rest of us. The rest of the group seemed more than happy to chat away as we rounded the corner and headed to Kirby as a group. The light is a long one and we managed to pull next to Bloodhound as he waited to turn south. We finally made the turn east and headed for Cypress.

We made it over the railroad tracks and could just see Bloodhound fading around the curve going to Johnston but to this point no one was interested in giving chase. Finally we made it to the curve ourselves and could see him turn onto Johnston and head for Sanderson.

Once again we joined Bloodhound at the light and waited to turn south and head for Stetson. After we crossed at the light Dragon Slayer took the lead and got us past Wally World and headed for Mustang. As we closed on Mustang I think most of us expected the light to turn red but it didn’t and Dragon Slayer picked up speed rather quickly. I managed to close on him before we reached the bridge in front of Domanigoni and we turned west only to soft pedal till Bloodhound caught and past us. As he pulled away Dragon Slayer went with him and I held my pace till MacGyver and Gambler relieved me before we got to Warren. Bloodhound and Dragon Slayer left to ride through the red light on Warren just before the people making the left off of Domenigoni started to make their turn freezing the rest of us at the light. Bulldozer roared by us as we headed for the dry wash that Dragon Slayer and Bloodhound had already made it over. Like a heart seeking Missile Bulldozer closed the gap and was on them well before Winchester. The rest of us caught that light red as well. Once on our way we followed Gambler and MacGyver all the way To and on top of the saddle for a regroup.

It was decided to stop at the park for a nature break so we dropped off of the saddle and headed through the light at Lindenburger. Up to this point we still hadn’t caught Digger and I had no idea how far ahead of us he might be. As I waited for everyone at the park Quicksilver and Closer headed for the climb on Revival. They were already crossing Holland as the last of us pulled out onto Menifee. By the time I crested the climb most of the group was waiting for me at the spot where the road gets wide.

Once we were headed south again we headed for Garbani and then to Scott. As we got to Garbani Highlander took the lead and made a run for Scott. It wasn’t long before Bulldozer and the big dogs chased him and soon MacGyver came by me with a new shadow that looked a lot like Quicksilver. It was all I could do to chase the two of them down and I had to wait for the slight rise to get by Quicksilver and steal he place on MacGyver’s wheel. He got us to Scott before taking off in chase of the big dogs heading for Antelope. They were all over the freeway before I had the B group at Antelope. After we crossed the freeway it was time for the long grind up Scott to Murrieta. We lost sight of the A group and finally made the turn onto Murrieta and headed for Holland.

We hustled our way north on Murrieta and I pulled for the first mile before Rooster and Quicksilver pulled for the rest of the way to Holland and west. As we started up the rollers Surgeon and Highlander started out rather quickly taking Quicksilver with them. I started playing on the rollers and soon found myself out front with Rooster. As we started the last long grade I picked a gear I could spin rather easily and started to gain on a small speck that I thought might be another rider in front of me. Rooster was in my blind spot but I knew he was there so that didn’t surprise me at all. What did surprise me was that Quicksilver was on my wheel and it looked like she wanted to pass. I could either gear up or spin faster so I picked the latter and pulled away slightly. Quicgksilver was soon on my wheel and challenging me to go faster. So faster we went and soon that speck was a rider and it looked like Minotaur. No matter how fast I went Quicksilver was with me and finally the three of us caught Minotaur and pulled onto Railroad canyon to regroup. As we sat there Highlander came around the corner and headed down the hill towards the last climb and the long run down to Murrieta again. I got on the a group train and we dropped down the hill and attacked the uphill before the light at the strip mall. Highlander got by us as the light turned green and made it almost to the top of the rise under the Fire station before we caught him. Somewhere we dropped Highlander and Quicksilver as we worked our way past Goetz and up to Brean.

As we crossed Murrieta Surgeon requested a water stop at the Jack in the Box so I took the B group into the driveway and the A group headed for home. We weren’t there long before Highlander and Quicksilver joined us and got water as well. As soon as we were refreshed we headed east towards the freeway and home ourselves. I took us over the freeway just past Haun and through the light at Antelope. It was a quick trip east to Menifee where we turned north and made our way to Simpson before heading east again. Quicksilver had been on my wheel every foot of the way and was right behind me as we got to Lindenburger. The whole group got back together at Briggs and Quicksilver pulled us most of the way to Leon and I took us to Winchester. Quicksilver took over again and got us to Winchester Farms where we stopped for food for Quicksilver. We took a coffee break and conversed for the next 20 minutes there with Digger and Closer who had left us back at Haun. It was time to head for home as we pulled back onto Stowe and headed east.

For a change we held together on Stowe and made the turn onto California. I ended up taking the group down to Stetson and heading east again. There was a point where Highlander took the lead but I got it back at Warren and then kept it all the way back to Sanderson. We just started to feel the wind as we headed north and rolled by Johnston again. We were able to kick the pace up as we got close to Lowes. I am not sure if it was a break in the breeze or the fact that it looked like both Highlander and Surgeon wanted to roll over me. Still I was leading into the driveway at Lowes.

Having seen how aggressive Quicksilver had been all day I was ready for the sprint she started as we rounded the back of Lowes. She made a fine charge and had she picked the correct gear she might have reached Acacia first. As it was she just missed by a bike length? We t get then headed to Kirby and managed to get the light green so we could continue on to Gilmore and back to Burger King. We visited for a little while and then went our separate ways to go home. It was a great day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I almost always look forward to Monday mornings. I am more rested and so more interested in the ride. Today was no different because we had a great ride planned and the weather looked almost perfect. I even decided not to wear arm or leg warmers today as I got dressed and headed for the parking lot. I got to the parking lot first and had just enough time to dismount before Digger pulled up. I went on to get coffee and came out to see who would be joining us. I didn’t have long to wait because everyone showed up within minutes of each other. Digger decided he needed a head start so he left at about 8:45 and we followed just a bit after 9:00am. Dragon slayer and Magic Man were there along with Highlander and Tax Man. Shooter and Quicksilver drove up giving us eight riders not counting a fleeing Digger. We left the Pep Boys drive way and headed for Lyon planning on giving chase to digger.

I didn’t have a clue as to how fast Digger might be going but I had planned a 15 MPH half century for the day and pulled us north accordingly. Somewhere before Fruitvale Dragon Slayer took the lead and pulled us all the way to Esplanade where we caught the light red and waited for a car to trip the light. Once on our way Dragon Slayer and Magic Man started the pull again and I took it back just before Ramona Boulevard and turned us west.

Shooter came by and took the lead heading west towards Sanderson and I fell to the back to follow the group most of the way to the corner. I rounded the corner and pulled up to the light at the Expressway to be joined by the rest of the group. Quicksilver asked if I was going to pulled to Warren so she could draft me and so I took the lead and got us to Warren where once again Dragon Slayer took the lead and then turned it over to Shooter. Shooter got us all the way to Lakeview and we stopped to regroup and I was told that Tax Man had left us and headed for home. Magic Man had to leave as well so we all headed for the rollers in front of Lake Perris and set our sights on getting to Starbucks of Mickey Ds for a potty break.

We got back on the road and made our way over to Perris Boulevard and headed south. Quicksilver pulled for the next few blocks after we made the light. Shooter took the lead for the next few blocks and kept the pace up so we were averaging close to 18 MPH up to this point. When Dragon Slayer took over again we got to the bridge before City Hall and the Library and caught the next few lights red.

We slowed things down a bit for traffic and waited at 4th street for a green light. All we needed to do at this point was get down to Case and make a left turn so we could get to Goetz. I always have liked this ride because the back side of Goetz hill is shorter and steeper than the front so it gets your heart going and blood pumping from the start of the hill at the light just past Ethanic all the way to the top. After we get to the top you have about 3.5 miles downhill to get to Newport. It almost makes it worth the pain of the climb. At least that is what I was thinking as we got close to Ethanic.

We caught the light at Ethanic and got a long look at the hill in front of us. I started to picture myself climbing the hill and wanted to push it for the first time this year. When the light changed I started to gear up and get a nice pace going while pulling away from the group. But just as I got to the next little stop light it turned red and I had to stop. I sat there demoralized about making a timed run at the hill only to have Dragon Slayer snicker at me as he took the intersection on a roll. I chased him for the next 150 yards and finally got by when he shifted. However Rooster was on my wheel and soon rolled by me and headed for the top. Dragon Slayer never gave up trying to catch me and I could see Shooter starting to get out of the saddle and attacking the hill. He caught and passed me about 50 yards before the top and I managed third with Dragon Slayer making forth and Quicksilver making fifth. Quicksilver’s downhill phobia made her the last to arrive at Newport but she was back near the front heading to Murrieta. We still hadn’t found Digger but we figured we would see him by the time we got to Hospital Hill. It didn’t happen however and Rooster got another flat. We all rode through the houses on Heritage and out onto Simpson. Dragon Slayer and I took turns pulling all the way to Winchester and started north. I took the last pull to Stowe and we stopped briefly only to see that Digger wasn’t there. We then headed for home on Stowe.

It had been a good ride up to this point and it was also about as nice of a day as it could have been. In fact Quicksilver kept saying she couldn’t believe we had done about 40 miles and said she could do 40 more. I guess she was more than ready for a Century and the predicted weather was going to be close to what we had today.

We didn’t rush things as we got to California and followed Shooter, Dragon Slayer and Highlander to Stetson. Quicksilver pulled Rooster and I back to Warren where I took over and pulled them up to the other three at the light on Cawston. We rode as a group to Sanderson and then turned north to Lowes and Acacia. I got us back to Gilmore and followed Highlander back to the parking lot. Finally we found Digger waiting for us. Fifteen minutes was obviously too much time for us to make up with a flat tossed in. But it was a great day for a ride with friends.