By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Monday was set up to be the last day Cutter would be with us before heading back home to Oregon. With that in mind we wanted something special and a bit challenging so he could take the experience home with him. According to Cutter himself he has gained about three miles per hour average speed over what he used to ride. That isn’t bad for the short time he has been here. In fact it is a bit like we were a Top Gun School he had come to attend before heading for home to strut his stuff before his friends. By 9am there were only nine of us and with the exception of Bulldozer on his Cyclocross bike we were a relatively well matched B group getting ready for a half century. We started out by pulling onto Latham and heading to Lyon to head north.

I started out by chatting with Highlander and Surgeon as we headed north towards Devonshire and Menlo. I had no intention of pulling because I knew we had a long way to go and I knew I would be running from Sasquatch and Dragon Slayer all day. Highlander and Surgeon would be leaving early so they might push the pace on Ramona and Hacker had been indicating he might push me as well. Digger is steady and Cutter can be an unknown. Bulldozer was going to leave us at Ramona Boulevard so I knew I wouldn’t have to chase him. So all I wanted to do was keep Sasquatch, Rooster, Dragon Slayer and Hacker in front of me so I could rest in the draft. I did have to pull after we left Bulldozer on Ramona and got out onto Sanderson. I did pull all the way to Warren and gave up the lead falling back behind everyone but Digger. I stayed there almost all the way to Lakeview and the Valero were Highlander and Surgeon was going to leave us. We were still talking at the gas station when Digger and Cutter rode by and headed for the first of the rollers. We let them get to the bridge before we pulled out onto the Expressway leaving Surgeon and Highlander. I started us off and soon Dragon Slayer took it away from me. Hacker got in front as the climb started and when he stood up I pulled by Dragon Slayer and offered to pull him up the hill. He was still getting used to the new gears on his new BMC and didn’t have the jump I did so he fell off and Sasquatch came after me. I made it past Digger and almost to Barnesconi before Rooster got by me; he has a much better climbing rate than I do. He caught Cutter about half way to the second roller and I caught then a few feet later. Just before we were ready to climb the roller Sasquatch came by me with full after burners. The problem with full after burners is he flamed out and I caught and passed him before the crest and headed for Evans before he caught up by drafting a truck. We stopped at Mickey Ds for a short regroup and water refill.

It was a bit harder than I expected to get out onto Perris Boulevard and head south. Draagon Slayer took over the pull and headed us for downtown Perris and the City Hall. It takes a lot to go from a Compact with 50x34 and 172.5 cranks to a 53x39 with 175 cranks and I had to admit he was adapting better than I do when switching between my Specialized and my Klein but at least my cranks are closer to the same size. He took us almost to the stop sign on Case and over to Goetz before we turned South once again. Now all I could think about was the steep side of Goetz and the hot breath on Sasquatch breathing down my back all the way to Ethernac.

As we crossed the light and headed for the climb I was side by side with Dragon Slayer and just in front of Sasquatch and Rooster. I could see where Hacker was so I had to assume he was close enough to run me over. Dragon Slayer started to run out of spin and I simply put my head down and headed for the climb. At the first kick up I dropped a gear to keep the spin going and started to look for a shadow pulling up on me. No attack came and we started the steeper climb and Rooster jumped and I jumped with him. We headed for the top and looking back I could see Sasquatch was still suffering from his roller attack so once I made to top I didn’t stop like Rooster and dropped down the hill and headed for the Circle K. It was time for another regroup and water stop. Once back on the road Dragon Slayer, Hacker, Sasquatch and I raced all the way to Newport Road to start the group east to Murrieta. As soon as everyone was through the light we headed for Murrieta and then north to McCall for the last climb of the day, Hospital Hill. After we turned onto McCall Hacker took over the pull and got us to Bradley. I took us over the freeway and Cutter got us started to Hillpoint. Hacker and Dragon Slayer got up front and the chase was on. Sasquatch was behind me with Hacker and Dragon Slayer was in front and setting the pace. After the kick up Hacker picked it up and I decided to jump at him before he burned me out. Sasquatch didn’t respond but Rooster did and the two of us crested Hospital together and collected the rest of the riders before dropping off of the hill.

Once we were headed down the hill it was decided we would head over to Simpson and make a quick trip east to Winchester. Dragon Slayer dropped off of the hill like a bomb from a plane. He was still out front as we turned onto Heritage and he pulled us all the way to Lindenburger and the light. Once on Simpson we headed as a team towards Briggs with first Dragon Slayer and then Hacker pulling us to Leon. As we headed for the trees Rooster came by and broke away. Hacker looked like he was going to let him go so I pulled in front and started to pull the group up to him. I had to burn a lot of matches to get on Rooster’s wheel and as I did Hacker and Sasquatch sprinted by. Dragon Slayer offered to pull me back up but my work was done and I was content to cruise up to Winchester before rejoining them and heading north to Winchester farms for our last regroup before heading home.

We decided that because this was Cutter’s last ride we would all ride to the healthy pub and spend time visiting one last time before he had to head for home. I think Rooster may have thought when we said pub they might serve something other than healthy smoothies. But alas there was no rum and coca cola so we had our shakes and smoothies and headed back up to Devonshire to turn for home. We dropped Dragon Slayer off at Gilmore and I left the rest of the group at Palm before going home and having lunch and a hot shower. It was a good day for a half century and I was pleased with my climbs and how I felt.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Unpredictable Friday was here and it proved to be everything its namesake would indicate. The weather was warm and clear with very little of any wind giving us every reason to dress lightly and enjoy the warm sun. That is just what I did as I headed to the parking lot for coffee this morning. I got to Burger King just after Digger and News Boy and before Minotaur and Sasquatch. As we stood around talking Highlander, MacGyver and Ferret rode up followed by Cutter and Polaris. ME-109 and Rooster showed up and we were ready to go. Because of the road work being done on Stetson and Sanderson we decided to head over to State to get to Domenigoni adding another four miles to our day. Out first leg was onto Latham and over to Lyon to make our way down to Johnston.

In order to avoid the broken pavement on Lyon just past Stetson I took us left on Johnston and west to Gilbert. As I rolled west on Johnston past Elk and Palm I could hear the confused voices behind me wondering if I knew where I was going. The truth was I did know where I was going because it was close to my neighborhood and not far from where Polaris lives. So we turned south on Gilbert and headed to Thornton where I led us onto State Street and got us part way to Domenigoni before Ferret past me taking the A group with him.

Six of them rounded the corner on Domenigoni and headed west while six of us followed at a steady 20 mph heading back towards Sanderson. I settled into a steady pace thinking I had a long pull to the Saddle ahead of me but Highlander wanted to lead and he took it right after Sanderson. He pulled for a long way west past Warren and over the Dry wash before giving the lead to Polaris. Thinking it was a mistake I moved from the pack to take over at front again only to discover that Minotaur was going to let her pull for a little while to see what it was like, information he passed on to me at the light on Winchester. I pulled to the trees and gave Polaris her shot and she did fine. She gave to lead to Cutter and he got us to Leon before Minotaur went flying past us and created a gap. I decided to give chase and caught him just before the climb and came around before he noticed me. We all regrouped at the top with the A group.

Once everyone was ready we dropped off of the back side of the Saddle and headed for Lindenburger. Once again Minotaur took off but this time no one followed him and he made it to Menifee well ahead of the rest of us. He waited for us to turn the corner and head north so that we could all ride to Simpson together. It didn’t quite work as planned however because ME-109, Rooster, Sasquatch and MacGyver pulled away from the rest of us and headed for the AM/PM on Florida. Ferret chased them after Simpson and the rest of us followed to the gas station for a short regroup before heading north. I pulled the group most of the way to Mapes and got ready for the fast run to Central.

Soon Ferret went by followed by MacGyver. I took the opportunity to grab MacGyver’s wheel and took a free ride past the Nursery. When MacGyver went to the front I went with him. Still I was content to stay in a comfortable draft till News Boy rolled by. At first I thought he was going to pull but he didn’t and soon he had a gap on us. My heart rate was just above idle at the time so I jumped on it and gave chase. It wasn’t long before News Boy flamed out and I was on his wheel. I decided to stay there and once again Ferret, Rooster, Sasquatch and MacGyver went by. I pulled News boy to Nuevo and he returned the favor as we headed north to get over to Ramona for the ride home. I told Ferret that as soon as we turned on the frontage road by the Valero he could collect the A group and head for home and I would take the B group with me.

The speed difference between the two groups wasn’t that great and we had News Boy to help pull so we were doing fine. Fine that is till News Boy rolled over what looked for the entire world like a hypodermic cap and while he got a flat I hit it as well and it cut my tire. We changed the flats and ended up chasing Digger, Cutter and Polaris back to Bridge before moving on to Sanderson and the turn South. We took a short regroup till Digger caught up and then we headed back towards Devonshire. Digger was off pace by Cottonwood but was holding his own as we got to Menlo where he left. I moved up front to ride with Minotaur and we led the group to Devonshire and back to Burger King. We made a short stop at the LBS before heading for home. Sasquatch and I rode with Polaris till Palm and Stetson where we all split up and went home for lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I have often said that Wednesdays are play day and I had a great play day planned for today. I had planned on chasing the big dogs and when I woke up I was actually eager to have breakfast and head to the parking lot to see who and how many would show up for the ride. I knew there would be at least two bikes on the ride today and that always brings out the predator in some of the better riders. That very idea excited me as well and I was willing to dig into the pain locker to see how I would do when they dropped the hammer. Like many mornings Digger was at the parking lot as was Dragon Slayer. But unlike many mornings riders just kept showing up every few minutes making for a much larger group. Gambler, Highlander, MacGyver, Bulldozer and Bloodhound showed up almost together. Quicksilver, Closer and ME-109 pulled up as well. It was a bit of a surprise to see Papillion followed by Minotaur. The ranks swelled with Sol, (Polaris) Rooster, Surgeon and Ray1, (Cutter). Seventeen of us left the parking lot at 9am heading towards Acacia.

Once again Bloodhound took the opportunity to stretch his legs early and left us on Acacia only to catch the light at Kirby red. Once that light turned green he took off again and we followed him towards Cypress. He was well around the corner on Cypress before we crossed the railroad tracks and headed west. We didn’t make it all the way to Johnston before Bloodhound came back to join us and followed us to the light at Sanderson and Johnston. He was quite a way back when we got the light green and headed for Stetson.

I got us to Stetson and headed for the airport but I really didn’t want to pull that far. Stoll no one else seemed interested in leading so I settled into a steady easy spin of about 20 in the small ring and rolled by the airport and west to Warren. I led for about thirty yards Bloodhound rolled by and I started to follow. Then the big dogs started to hit their stride and the pace picked up quickly. I fell in after Bloodhound and Dragon Slayer were on line and soon Dragon Slayer was on ME-109’s back wheel and I was on his. We headed for the turn on Stowe and came in hot but just as I was about to drop to the inside Dragon Slayer locked up his back wheel in a half slide and I was forced wide. As I headed for the wrong side of the road and the dirt ME-109 headed for the front and I ended up having to chase Quicksilver and Dragon Slayer on the tail end of the group. I got by Quicksilver but couldn’t catch the back in of the group as it was splitting up and followed half way between the B and A group all the way to Winchester for the regroup. After a head count and an affirmation we still had seventeen riders I took us south on Winchester and to the Dump road for another turn west.

This time Minotaur pulled by me and took us part way to the Wild West Show before Bloodhound and Quicksilver got by him and headed for the rise. I closed on Quicksilver and followed then over the rise and towards Leon when once again the big dogs picked it up and this time when Bloodhound took off after them I went with him and got in the draft. I was determined not to turn loose and I ended up behind Gambler as he pulled to the front. I stayed with him to Briggs and then to Lindenburger as we started the Simpson climb to Menifee. I couldn’t keep up with the whole a Group but I was able to stay close and got onto Menifee and Down to McCall before dragon Slayer, MacGyver and Papillion. I was still feeling pretty good and felt like I could still dip into my energy stores and attack the McCall hill. It wasn’t good enough to catch Papillion on the climb but I did catch him before the freeway and joined the rest of the A group to wait for a regroup at the Chevron on Bradley. As we moved west again towards Murrieta Boulevard it would be one of the last times we were together as a complete group. we started out steady enough but the group was getting restless and starting to sort itself out do to time constraints.

As we left the light at Murrieta Bloodhound and Papillion got to the front and were soon followed by Dragon Slayer and Surgeon. I started to chase and got by Surgeon but not quite to Dragon Slayer before he turned the corner and headed for Cherry Hill. As I watched him pull away I started to chase and soon noticed Surgeon and Quicksilver closing on me. They were joined by Highlander and soon rolled by me and Quicksilver kicked it into overdrive trying to close on Dragon Slayer.

Finally after we turning on Honeyrun and began to close on Dragon slayer and were within about 50 yards as we turned onto La Ladera and headed south. Bloodhound and Papillion were still way ahead of us as we headed for the park and a nature break. All of us stopped and turned into the park except for Bloodhound, Papillion and Minotaur. They waited a few yards south towards Normandy and started to leave before the rest of us were ready. I took the rest of the group to Normandy and most of the way to Goetz before Dragon Slayer took the lead. We had to wait for traffic at Goetz and many of the group came together as we turned south towards Newport. By the time Gambler, Bulldozer, MacGyver and Dragon Slayer past me we realized we had 17 riders spread out over at least a quarter of a mile. Highlander got by me and headed for Newport before I woke up and picked it up myself. I rounded the corner just in front on Highlander and within sight of Gambler, MacGyver, Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer. I was close behind MacGyver as he past Dragon Slayer on the climb. When I sat down after the pass Rooster got by me and I had to chase him over the rise and towards the first downhill. Dragon Slayer caught me on the downhill and I got him back on the next climb before we turned at the Stater Brothers parking lot to head south east. Highlander couldn’t stop and he rode by following the A group. Quicksilver had to get back so I had Dragon Slayer and Minotaur go with her while Closer and I waited for Polaris, Cutter and Digger. Polaris had a flat and Digger fixed it before we were ready to follow everyone to Murrieta and then to Holland before getting to Haun and Newport. We took Newport to Menifee and cut over to Simpson so we could head for Winchester Farms for coffee. Polaris was riding strong but we could tell she was ready for a short break. Closer and I took turns pulling towards Winchester.

By the time we got to Winchester we admitted Polaris had been riding strong but also knew she was getting just a bit tired and would need a break before heading the rest of the way home. After turning at the light on Winchester we stopped and waited for Digger and Cutter before I took over and pulled us to Winchester farms for coffee and a short rest. Once everone was ready we got back on Stowe and headed east towards California.

It took Polaris and I almost all the way to California to catch Digger, Closer and Cutter but catch them we did and managed to turn onto California with them. We then followed then back to Warren and once again I took over and pulled us back to Sanderson for the last turn north before Lowes. As we turned at the light on Sanderson I was rather surprised at how strong the whole group seemed as we were nearing the end of the ride. They stayed right with me back to Lowes and into the parking lot to ride around at get back to Acacia.

It was a much fresher Polaris riding behind me than the one that had followed me two weeks earlier when we did Murrieta Stretch. She followed me around the back of Lowes and onto Acacia as we headed for Kirby and dropped off Cutter. We then made our way back to Gilmore and headed for the Burger King where Highlander and Minotaur were still waiting. We talked for a few minutes before we headed for our homes and whatever projects the rest of the day held.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got up this morning thinking I would see spring like weather. What I saw was the tail end of a Southern California winter. It was cool and overcast so I put on arm and leg warmers and headed for the parking lot to see who would join me. I got to Burger King and went inside to have coffee with Digger and Sasquatch while Highlander, Tax Man and Bloodhound stood out in the cold. Ray1 and Rooster rode up t talk with Highlander and Tax Man when Quicksilver arrived. She took a long time to get ready but that might have been because Highlander and Bloodhound took a lot of time chatting with her while she got ready. Finally she did get ready and we headed out onto Latham and over to Lyon to ride north and start the day. We ended up chasing Bloodhound all the way to Esplanade where he caught a red light and had to wait till a car came to trip the light. Finally a car did pull up and we were on our way to Seventh Street.

We had to watch Bloodhound pull away again as we crossed Seventh and headed for Cottonwood. It didn’t really matter because he hardly even rides with us anyway. He does his own ride and we watch him leave after every regroup or stop. That is just how he trains himself. He did wait for us at Ramona Boulevard as we turned west towards Sanderson.

I pull out front and took us to Sanderson then up to the Expressway to get ready for the trip west to the light at Hansen. I wanted a steady 20 MPH or so with the plan of keeping all of the riders together. That plan was soon dashed when Bloodhound pulled by me and away and soon Rooster and Sasquatch gave chase. I started to go after them but decided to pull back and lead the rest of the group past Bridge and after the fleeing threesome. I was feeling fresh but in hindsight maybe pulling all the way to Hansen wasn’t the best thing I could do before heading for Juniper. At the time I didn’t think about that so we got to Hansen shortly after Sasquatch, Rooster and Bloodhound. Once we had all assembled Quicksilver started us south on Hansen towards Condor. Once we got to the corner Bloodhound, Sasquatch and I Pulled by Quicksilver and once again watched Bloodhound pull away.

Soon we were joined by Rooster and we closed the gap a bit on Bloodhound. I dropped back behind Sasquatch and followed him over the first hill and we were still close behind Bloodhound. By the second hill I took off after Bloodhound and pulled away from Sasquatch. But before we crested Rooster rolled by me and ran down Bloodhound. I continued to try and close but simply ran out of gas about 300 yards from the top of the last hill, Sasquatch caught me and rolled by. I dug down and roared back by Sasquatch but I was toast well before the stop sign and he came back by. We waited for Quicksilver at the stop sign and then followed her to the top to wait for the rest of the group.

Once we were ready to drop off of the hill Highlander assured me he had no intention of racing down the hill. I thought he was fibbing and sure enough he was. I ended up chasing him into the first turn on the downhill and held him off all the way to the bottom and the corner for a regroup. Quicksilver wanted to pull down Florida but Highlander took the lead and got us out onto Florida and west to Briggs before we turned south towards Grand.

We rode towards the housing tract and realized the dirt road had been paved. So we stayed on the road and headed for the dump road and the turn east. Rooster took over the lead from me at the corner of Grand and pulled us all the way to Leon. I looked back at the Group and noticed Sasquatch was moving up and knew he wanted to attack the segment of the Flag Sprint. As we got to the line for the sprint Rooster paid for the long pull and Sasquatch moved up as I rolled around to the front. Quicksilver got cut off and missed the sprint just as Sasquatch dropped the hammer. The problem was we were headed into a slight wind and I had his wheel. Rooster had my wheel but he wasn’t as close when I jumped out in the last 30 yards and pulled around to take the sprint about a half a bike in front of Sasquatch. The man is riding like an animal and the name fits. We headed up to Winchester and Rooster pulled us up t Winchester farms for a short break and regroup. Bloodhound left first but we didn’t have much time before Quicksilver moved us out onto Stowe and headed us east towards California Street. Sasquatch found his legs as we turned onto California and while I could catch him I couldn’t pass him so I had to let him go. Rooster and I started east on Stetson and soon Rooster chased Sasquatch leaving me to my solitude as I rolled by Warren with Highlander closing on me. Sasquatch and Rooster caught the light at Cawston where Highlander and I caught them. I got us to Sanderson and took us north to Lowes where Ray1 joined us and headed for Acacia. We got back past Kirby and I got us to Gilmore and back to Florida where Sasquatch and Rooster left us. Several of us stopped at Burger King before heading for home and a well deserved shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It has been said many times that Fridays are unpredictable. This Friday was a perfect example of just that idea. We had a small group both Monday and Wednesday and I really didn’t expect a large group for Friday. It was going to be warm so I skipped the arm and leg warmers and headed for the parking lot a bit early. I got there too early so I rode around the block and up to Menlo before getting back just after Digger parked his bike. As we had coffee and talked people started rolling in every few minutes. Highlander and Surgeon were among the first to arrive followed by Minotaur and Sol. Bulldozer, Ferret and MacGyver pulled up just before Rooster and Ray1. Tax Man and a new rider named Clark pulled up about the same time as ME-109 and Sasquatch. Quicksilver was one of the last to arrive just as we were getting ready to leave. We pulled out onto Latham for a short easy ride to Soboba and Cranston Station.

The whole group seemed like it was in a rather good mood as we got to Lyon and headed north. People seemed more willing to talk and visit as we past Devonshire and then Menlo so I figured we would have a steady cruise for the day and consider it a recovery day. By the time we reached Fruitvale Tax Man had moved to the front and set the pace as we headed to Esplanade. He was still leading as we crossed the street and headed for Seventh. As we hit the downgrade I took the opportunity to move back to the front again but only briefly.

The group was split pretty evenly between the A riders and the B riders and I hadn’t planned on having the A group pull us all the way to Cranston. I simply didn’t know when they would break away and wait for the rest of us along the way. But they didn’t break away and Tax Man pulled us almost all the way to Ramona Boulevard and then east to State Street where for the very first time we caught a green light and didn’t have to wait. Tax Man, Minotaur and Rooster led us to the Expressway and started us towards the College and then Soboba. I rolled by just before the last light so I could control the group till we got to Soboba and headed east.

When the last stoplight on State turned green we headed for the trees and the bridge that would take us to the Synagogue at state and Soboba. I kept the pace steady and made sure not to drop anyone till we got to the corner and made the turn towards the rollers and the golf course. As soon as we made the right turn I stopped the group and called Bulldozer forward to lead the A group through the rollers and back out onto Ramona while I brought the B group with me so we could regroup at the end of the golf course and then move on to join them by the Native American clinic. To my surprise the A group spread out quite a bit and we were in sight of the stragglers as we made it over the rollers and split into two parts ourselves.

I pulled the fractured B group to the driving range and managed to close to within and one hundred yards of Minotaur and we almost caught him at the last hole we would pass on the golf course. He didn’t stop however so I regrouped the B group and we headed over the river Bed and onto Ramona to pick up the A group and head east towards Florida and the run to Cranston.

Surgeon seemed to be riding well but said he was a bit under the weather. Still he didn’t seem to have any trouble staying with me as we pulled for first Hemet and then the run to Cedar. Somehow surgeon and I were still out front as we came up to the light on Cedar and we watched as Tax Man left for home when we turned at the light to head for Fairview and Florida. Still it didn’t take long before the A group started to move up through the B group much like water draining through sand and we knew it would only be a matter of time before they would pull away from us again. Out first hint was when ME-109 and Sasquatch came up front.

My self control was fading as some of the A group went by. Still I fell back to pick up the B group. Soon however Ray1 and Quicksilver rolled by me and started to close on Minotaur. I more or less got caught between trying to pull the rest of the B group up or trying to stay with Quicksilver as she overhauled Ray1 and Minotaur. It didn’t matter much because we all caught the light at Florida red while Bulldozer, Ferret, MacGyver, Rooster, Sasquatch and ME-109 headed east towards Cranston. Once the light changed I started to pull the group east at a reasonable pace and regain my self control. Everything was looking good till Minotaur decided to run me down and then make a break for the Eucalyptus trees. He didn’t create a big enough gap and I dropped in on his wheel to wait for the trees and my second bit of energy. When Minotaur downshifted I made a run for the Cranston Parking lot. I joined the a group as we waited for everyone that was going to come to Cranston got there.

As we rehydrated and rested a bit I told all of the new riders that the run back down Florida to Carl’s might turn into a drag race but that it didn’t really matter because we would all be stopping at New Chicago anyway so they couldn’t get lost. I pulled out onto Florida about four riders back to see Minotaur making a run at Ray1, Sol and Quicksilver. MacGyver pulled by me and soon the whole was in a accelerating pace line heading back to the Eucalyptus trees. Ferret, Bulldozer, Rooster jumped out to give chase and I grabbed the last wheel. Sasquatch and several others were right behind me as we streaked through the trees and headed for the Baptist Church. I was holding on for dear life. I kept waiting for my turn at the front and it was coming up as Bulldozer took the pull. Just as he pulled off Ferret and MacGyver jumped out front with Rooster and I had to try and close. Bulldozer gave me a shove and I was back on a wheel when ME-109 jumped out front and pumped it up again. Ferret and MacGyver came by again but with another shove from Bulldozer I was on them and even considered heading for the front. Just about them Rooster fell off then Ferret pulled up and finally MacGyver pulled up as Bulldozer pulled by and got us to Fairview for the end of the segment.

Quicksilver wasn’t far behind as we crossed Ramona and headed to the coffee shop before heading for home. The group broke up at Carl’s with Bulldozer heading back to Casino and ME-109 and Sasquatch headed for home on the east side. Highlander, Minotaur, Rooster, MacGyver, Quicksilver, Digger, Ray1, Sol and Clark rode back west with me to Park and then Devonshire where Digger left us. The rest of us went back to Burger king before heading for home. I rode back to Palm and Stetson with Sol and then went home for lunch. It may have been a short ride but it was a good ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It gets harder every day to figure out a ride more than one day ahead of time. I had climbing in mind all last week but tire problems slowed that a bit. We got some new riders so I had to adjust for that and some returning riders who had been on vacation so I modified the Wednesday ride to make it flatter than planned. Still I wanted to get in enough miles so a short easy ride on Friday wouldn’t make my weekly average shorter. Still In got dressed and had breakfast before heading to the parking lot on what I wanted to be a play day for me. Digger was there when I got to the parking lot and we had coffee when Highlander arrived. He had been on vacation for three weeks and it was good to have him back. Surgeon joined us after getting back from Oregon. Quicksilver, Rooster and Ray1 arrived about the same time as Tax Man with his completely tuned up bike. That turned out to be all of the riders at the parking lot by 9am. We pulled out onto Latham and headed over to Lyon and headed north. When we got to Esplanade we saw Sasquatch turn the corner and we had to chase him up to Seventh Street.

It took us a while to pull up to catch up to Sasquatch and once we did he fell into line and we crossed Seventh Street together. I was pulling and continued to pull to Cottonwood with the group close behind me. The breeze was light and it was easy to cruise at 20 as we got close to Ramona Boulevard so we could make the left and head for Sanderson.

Once we made the turn on Sanderson we pulled up to the light on the Expressway and got ready to make the long run to Lakeview. I started the pull with Quicksilver on my wheel. We settled into a easy 20 MPH pace and I pulled us to Warren where we picked up MacGyver. I pulled past the first driveway and gave the lead to Quicksilver and fell back to follow the group from the back. Soon MacGyver took over and pulled us west to the Valero Station on Lakeview were we took a short break and watched as Digger and Ray1 rolled by and headed for the rollers in front of Lake Perris. After they disappeared over the first hill I led us out onto the Expressway and headed for the rollers, I pulled the group over the bridge and about two thirds of the way up the hill to Burnasconi where MacGyver took over. He pulled us to the next hill and I pulled around abd headed for the top telling him we would wait for the rest when we crested. When I sat down MacGyver passed me as did Sasquatch. I stood and got back in front and Sasquatch clawed back in front a second time. I stood up and got in front one more time and just before the top on the hill Sasquatch clawed his way back in front again and this time I didn’t answer and stopped at the top of the hill till Quicksilver, Tax Man and Highlander rolled by us, Surgeon had turned on Lakeview. I chased them down the hill and made the turn on Rider to make a hard run at the light that is always red segment. I didn’t make it and MacGyver got by me anyway. We regrouped on Evans before turning south towards Nuevo.

Digger and Ray1 were back with us as we got to Orange and turned east. I was in the back with Ray1 when we had to make a detour through the dirt before coming back out onto the pavement and making our way to Nuevo. Once the light turned green I took us up to the bridge and MacGyver took over again as we headed towards Menifee. After we were about halfway to Menifee I snuck back up front to take us to the corner and south once more.

We more or less cruised south to Central before Sasquatch started pulling us towards the Nursery and the slight rise in front of it. MacGyver pulled Sasquatch, Rooster and me all the way to Mapes before Rooster pulled up next to him when the pace picked up. Pretty soon we had to file back in and the next time Rooster pulled out I came out and pulled un front. Sasquatch came out and tried to speed by but I caught his wheel and got back by when he flamed out. MacGyver came back by and pulled me to Florida and then into the AM/PM. Quicksilver, Highlander and Tax Man left first and headed for McCall. The rest of the group had to chase the fleeing threesome all the way to the light at Lindenburger and Simpson. When we turned east Quicksilver Started the pull and got us almost to Leon before MacGyver took the lead. He pulled us through the trees and out to the flat where I took a turn and pulled to the last stand of trees where we moved over to catch the lane to turn north on Winchester. MacGyver pulled us to Winchester Farms were we stopped shortly and waited for Digger and Ray1. Quicksilver, Surgeon and Highlander left first and headed for home and the rest of us followed a few minutes later.

We took turns pulling on Stowe to California and I led us to Stetson. We turned east and headed to Warren where MacGyver left us. I pulled past the airport and was joined by first Sasquatch then Rooster before reaching Sanderson and headed back north to Lowes. We made it round to Acacia and then over to Kirby. I then led us to Gilmore and back to Burger King where Highlander and Quicksilver were still loading their cars and Surgeon was driving off. We talked for a few minutes before heading for home and in my case lunch and a whole list of chores.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I most often look forward to Monday because my legs are rested, I had more sleep and I have had more time to think about where I want to ride. So what I wanted to do was finish a ride that was cut short last Monday. I got a cut tire on three climbs plus Bautista and didn’t get to do Bautista or Cranston. I even dreamed about the ride and so I was annoyed when I could hear this buzzing sound in my ear thinking it was my derailleur. The buzzing turned out to be my alarm clock and I say up rather groggy to turn it off and consider what I would wear to the parking lot today. I even left the hose early and put in four extra miles getting to the parking lot. I got there just before Digger and got coffee. We stood there for the longest time talking thinking it was just going to be the two of us. Finally Tax Man arrived and then Shooter and his son. Ray1 and Socrates finished off the group by 9:05 when I decided Quicksilver was a no show. We left the Parking lot and headed out on Latham to Lyon before heading south towards Johnston.

I was out front leading with Shooter and his son close behind and I had no idea how I was going to do when we picked up the pace. We made it past Johnston and moved on to Stetson and waited at the light till we could cross the street and head for Thornton. Tax Man let me know he wasn’t planning on climbing through Bautista Canyon. Still he was staying near the front as we turned on Thornton and made our way over to State Street. We crossed State and headed to Buena Vista and then by the golf course. We were on our way to Santa Fe to make the turn to Stetson and east.

Once we got up to Stetson and headed east we picked up Jackal and towed him with us to Columbia and the turn to Thornton and over to Crest Street. I thought Digger and Ray1 were going to stay on Stetson but they followed us onto Crest and then Zig Zaged all the way over to Lake Street where I found myself alone with Shooter and Logan. We headed for Stetson again so we could turn towards Fairview.

Shooter took over pulling duty on Stetson and pulled us all the way to Fairview were we waited to regroup before heading up to Bautista and turned left to start the climb. Shooter pulled Logan, me and Jackal to the first big right turn and towards the dam. When he stood to go over the hill at the dam I followed and Jackal and Logan fell off. I got around Shooter as he slacked off to go back and get Logan and Jackal but once he had Logan in tow Jackal fell off. Shooter coaxed Logan back up to me as we entered the trees just before the last three little climbs. I geared back and dropped in on Logan while Shooter pulled away on the first climb. By the second Climb I had recovered enough to get by Logan and take off after Shooter. I didn’t catch him but we were still in sight of each other when we reached the end of the road.

We were several minutes ahead of Jackal so we talked to one of the guards from the honor farm as he watched a road crew cleaning up the side of the road while we waited. Still as good as I had felt during the climb I wasn’t sure it was one of my best runs up the hill. Finally Jackal showed up and he thought that Digger and Ray1 had turned back. We knew Tax Man had left us but I also was pretty sure Digger would make the climb sooner or later. Sure enough they finally joined us as we discussed heading back down the hill and heading to Cranston Station. Once it was decided we would be extending the ride we talked the guard into taking our picture and headed back down the hill.

As we headed back down the hill Shooter, Logan, Jackal and Socrates took off as a group. It turned into one of the longest chases I have had to make getting down the hill. I caught Socrates first about half way down and zeroed in on Logan and Jackal by the time we reached the white wooden fence. I was right behind them at the dam and got by them when Jackal dropped his water bottle. I then pulled Logan to Fairview and he pulled me to Stetson. I got to Florida first and headed towards Cranston when I noticed Shooter behind me. He had been waiting on Mayberry when I rolled by. Once he pulled by I got on his wheel and he pulled me to Cranston. We stayed and talked till everyone but Jackal arrived. It turned out Jackal headed for home on Stetson. Shooter and Logan decided to head for home while Digger, Ray1 and I went to Carl’s for coffee. Socrates lives off of Fairview so he didn’t come with us. After coffee three of us headed back towards Park and then over to Devonshire where Digger left us. Ray1 and I rode back to Palm and separated at Acacia. I got home a few minutes later and fatigue sat in as I had lunch and got ready to take my wife shopping. It was a great day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The week was finally coming to an end and I only needed 37 miles to get my normal 120 for the week. I had a short ride planned going east and the weather wizards predicted winds blowing from the north, northeast early and moving to East, north east by the time we were coming home. So I changed the ride so we would have a quartering wind to our right rear on Ramona and a long run south with the wind to our back and a shorter rund east into the wind coming home. I got out the Klein and headed for the parking lot to see who we would have for the ride. Digger was there sporting new tires and looking ready for whatever was thrown at him. Sasquatch and Minotaur arrived followed by Tax Man and Ray1. The last to arrive was Quicksilver and once she was ready we headed out onto Latham to head north towards the expressway.

I had high hopes for the wind because it did seem as if it was coming out of the north and earlier Sasquatch had come to the parking lot wait a bit of a tailwind out of the east. Thinking that I only had to battle the wind in my face till I got to the expressway I gladly pulled the group north on Lyon to the light at Esplanade and then on to Cottonwood. Traffic was light and it was a warm wind so I felt comfortable as we got ready to turn off of Lyon and onto Ramona Boulevard.

My faith in the weather men was dulled a bit as we headed west because I felt very little of the predicted wind shift from the east that we had been looking for. Still a side wind might be easier to deal with and we still had the promise of a tail wind once we made a turn south in Nuevo. We turned onto Sanderson and stopped at the light on the Expressway and prepared for the long run west. I started us out at a reasonable pace I thought only to discover I only had Quicksilver, Sasquatch and Minotaur with me at Warren. We soft pedaled but still we didn’t get the group back together till Bridge. The problem seemed to be the promised wind coming from the North East turned out to be from the North West so we had it almost in our face. We continued on as a group from Bridge Street only to drop Tax Man and Ray1. We stopped at Lakeview and waited for them only to learn that Tax Man had a broken shift cable. We couldn’t fix it so he would have to do the rest of the ride in 34 by 11. At least there were no climbs left and we would have the wind at our back now that we were headed south. We started south on Lakeview and I pulled us with the help of Sasquatch all the way to Nuevo.

Sasquatch and Minotaur pulled away from us as we got to Central and continued pulling away as we turned onto Menifee. I tried to pull Quicksilver to see if we could close on them but she couldn’t hold the draft and they we really moving one I got past the nursery and headed for Mapes. I never caught them and we stopped at the AM/PM for a regroup. We pulled out of the gas station and headed for McCall before turning onto Heritage. It was still a pretty nice run and we played tag a bit going to Lindenburger and catching the light. Minotaur started the pull east and we thought we would have a bit of a tail wind because we could see the flags were blowing from the North West at the light. Once we past Briggs the wind turned on us and by Leon it was coming more out of the east than the north. Minotaur gave up the lead and I pulled briefly before Sasquatch roared by at Leon. I followed close in his draft till we came out of the first stand of trees. I came back around and pulled Minotaur with me heading for the last stand of trees and Winchester. Sasquatch tried to jump on the last section in a sprint but the wind stood him up and he was simply in the wrong gear to keep me from pulling through his draft and up to the light. We regrouped on Winchester before Quicksilver started to pull us up to Stowe. Sasquatch pulled by her in front of Chris’s but the rest of us followed her to Winchester farms and a short break. As soon as we had something to drink we were back on Stowe and headed east into more head wind.

I was a bit surprised at the energy some of the riders had left as we made our way towards California Street. It wasn’t long before Minotaur rolled to the front and picked up the pace. Sasquatch couldn’t let that move go unchallenged and I didn’t want to give up such a good draft as he pulled by me. I chased him still the wind picked up and I started by. It was easier for me to get under the wind and so I pulled away and had to sit up till they caught me. The same thing happened on California but this time we dropped Minotaur as we turned onto Stetson. We finally had to stop on Warren to make sure we had everyone and then made our way to Sanderson. Sasquatch did a lot of the work getting us to Sanderson and waiting at the light next to a big box truck. The truck was more than Sasquatch could resist and he tried to draft it to Johnston. He got the light red and by the time I got there it just turned green. I caught him flat footed and got a big enough lead that he couldn’t draft me to Lowes.

We worked our way around Lowes and back to Acacia before Ray1 went home. Sasquatch and Minotaur made a slow run to Gilmore and turned back to the parking lot and the cars. We joined them a few moments later before saying my goodbyes and heading for our homes. I didn’t realize how tired riding in that much head wind for so long and ended up taking a nap after lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Wednesdays are play days and this week has been climbing week. Monday had been a bust because I got a flat and a cut tire twenty-five miles into the ride and had to limp home with a booted tire. So today I had a new set of tires and a willingness to come out to play. I headed over to the parking lot and Digger, Dragon slayer and News Boy were already there. I went in to get a cup of coffee and came out to find Gambler and MacGyver had arrived. Ray1 and Rooster joined us as did Minotaur and Bulldozer. Red Rabbit stopped by t start the ride with us and Sasquatch pulled up as well. I told Digger and Ray1 to get a head start. The rest of us took off and headed over to Gilmore to head down to Acacia a few minutes later.

It was cool but not cold as we turned towards Kirby only to catch the light red before heading south again. We made our way to the railroad tracks before turning on Cypress and heading west. It was a short trip through the housing tract before we came out on Johnston and caught the light at Sanderson. we sat there for about a minute before heading south once again and catching a glimpse of Digger and Ray1 in the distance. I looked behind me as we headed for Stetson and much to my surprise Rabbit was right behind me.

He thought the look on my face was pretty funny because I hadn’t seen hom back there in at least a year. Today he followed me to Stetson, past Wally World and to the next light before falling off as we headed for Mustang and then Domenigoni.

We made it to Mustang and then to Domenigoni with Minotaur leading but he turned it over to me as we made the turn. I took us to the rise where we caught Socrates so I turned things over to Minotaur and dropped back to ride. Socrates and I talked while we were snug in the draft. As we closed on Warren and then the dry wash we came upon Bandit, Jay, Shooter and Shawn from Cast a Shadow. They joined us as we closed on Digger, Tax Man and Ray1. We did ok till we closed on Winchester where Bulldozer took off causing a sudden breakup of the pace line as one after another of the lead riders gave chase. The group exploded into three parts and Bandit came by me and pulled me up to Minotaur. I got past him and Dragon Slayer and we closed on News Boy. I pulled up to get Dragon Slayer and we caught News Boy before Leon. Then Dragon Slayer pulled me to the saddle and I came by to pull him and News Boy to the regroup point.

As we sat there and rehydrated Prosecutor joined the group and I knew the rest of the ride would be turned up a bit. We dropped off of the saddle headed to Lindenburger to set our sights on Menifee. I managed to stay close to the front of the group all the way to Antelope and then over the freeway and over to Haun. The group reformed and we headed for Murrieta with Ray1 and Digger leading the C group. When we pulled into Carl’s Jr. we let the C group roll by and get a head start. Minotaur and Tax Man went with them. We gave them about five minutes before we headed west ourselves and chased them towards Goetz. Bulldozer had to leave us at Goetz and we made the turn north to head towards Normandy.

At Normandy the big dogs took off and the pack started to string out. Dragon Slayer we pulling Sasquatch, News Boy and I almost to the first climb and when his spin fell off I pulled in front and offered to pull him up the hill. As soon as we crested the first rise Sasquatch took off on us. News Boy came around next and Dragon Slayer chased me to the top of Goetz and we took turns getting to Ethanac.

Once we had regrouped at Ethanic we headed back to Murrieta with me leading the group to the corner. I got us started south heading towards the Cemetery but Dragon Slayer took us to the corner and got us headed to Haun. When we turned south towards McCall the group took off in a sprint and raced all the way to the light were the rest of us, excluding the C group caught them waiting at the light. We turned east again and headed for hospital hill and I stayed with the lead group almost till we got to the top of the climb and I just made it to the top of the hill before Sasquatch caught me. We dropped down the hill headed to Menifee only to see Gambler on the side of the road with a flat. Jay and Shawn went back to assist Gambler and by the time the tire was fixed the C group caught us. Bandit, Jay and Shawn left us at Heritage when we turned towards Lindenburger.

I rolled around the corner behind Dragon Slayer and Prosecutor and we gapped the rest of the group pretty quickly. I was still feeling pretty good and had decided to take the B and C group to Winchester Farms for coffee before we headed back to the parking lot.

We set a pretty good pace once we turned onto Simpson and soon Prosecutor took the lead and pulled us past Leon and through the trees. The group split again and only four of us were out front as we got to the field leading back to Winchester. As we entered the last stand of trees Sasquatch rolled by us casting out a line causing first me and then Dragon Slayer to give chase. We got to the turn lane to head north and waited till some of the B group caught us before I pulled us towards Stowe. I gave things over to Dragon Slayer and he pulled us almost to the corner with Sasquatch sprinting by at the last moment. We took a break and had coffee and conversation before heading back out onto Stowe and east towards California. Dragon Slayer had a pretty good average speed and was interested in keeping it so I knew the ride home would be anything but a cool down spin.

As we got to California Minotaur came flying by us and made a run for Stetson. I closed quickly and was planning on sitting on his back wheel all the way to Stetson when Dragon Slayer came by pulling News Boy. As we turned east Dragon Slayer and News Boy took off again and finally Rooster went after them. I chased them for a while and then decided to go into a cool down spin as we got to Warren. Sasquatch took off after them as well. Minotaur and I rode together back to Sanderson and then headed north to Acacia and back to the parking lot. We joined Dragon Slayer and News Boy for a little while before Minotaur, Rooster and I rode back down to Whittier and our separate homes. It was a great day and a great ride.