By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday was here at last and I put together another new ride with some climbing to get us used to it. I may have to cut back next week but for now the group is taking the rides in stride. I am getting used to my new chain rings and felt pretty good about pushing myself today. So I had a good breakfast before getting dressed and heading to Burger King for coffee and to wait for the group to form. Digger and I were talking as Siren drove up followed by Huntress. It was a good start for the Bling Team. Bloodhound, Gambler and MacGyver rode up followed by Ferret and Quicksilver. News Boy got there as Shooter drove up and Earth Dog was unloading his car. It was a good group for a Friday and we were ready to go right about 9am. It was a quick trip out onto Gilmore and south towards Acacia.

I had no intention of leading the group today and was more than willing to let Bloodhound take off first and take us to Acacia and west. The problem was he was way out in front and nobody was following him to Kirby. Luckily he got caught by the red light at Kirby and we pulled up to him while he waited for a green. Once the light changed Bloodhound was off like a shot and soon a good fifty yards in front of the rest of us as we headed to Cypress and then headed west towards Johnston.

Bloodhound rounded the corner onto Johnston well ahead of the rest of us and made the light. The problem was he made a left turn and headed for Stetson and when we got to Sanderson we went through the Industrial park before finding him waiting for us at the light on Cawston. He started pulling us as we came around the corner and took us to Warren where the lead changed again and I took over just as we got to California and headed for Stowe.

As we got to Stowe Quicksilver started to pull away and gapped the rest of the group. To be honest I think she was surprised that the group seemed willing to let her get away and I kept watching her look back to see who was chasing her. She slowed a bit and I pulled up next to her as we continued on towards Winchester. Pretty soon Ferret came up on our right with Bloodhound hooked to his back wheel and rolled on by. It took a minute more before Gambler, Shooter and MacGyver pulled up and formed a double pace line to pull the rest of us to the parking lot at Winchester farms. Once we were all together we sent digger on to be a rabbit and it looked like Huntress, Quicksilver and Earth Dog were going to join him. The rest of us took off after they got started and moved south towards the dump road. I noticed that Siren was trailing way behind us after getting a bad start and getting caught by passing cars so I said I would wait for her on the dump road and the rest of the A group took off after the rabbits. Except Shooter who had returned for Siren. Shooter pulled her up to me and then chased the rest of the group down. I had to chase hard trying to catch the Quicksilver led group of rabbits, more like Jack Rabbits than cotton tails but I was able to catch up to Digger and finally the rest of the group at Briggs. We were all at the light on Lindenburger together. Siren blew by the group as the light turned green and it took halfway to Menifee for Quicksilver and I to catch her after Gambler, Shooter and MacGyver pulled away. Ferret and Bloodhound were long gone by the time Quicksilver and I turned north on Menifee. We caught up to Shooter and MacGyver at McCall and chased them over the hill. Quicksilver was right behind me cresting the hill and not that far behind me getting down the front side and making it to the Chevron Station where everyone was waiting.

Things more or less broke up at this point. Siren had a call that caused her to return to the car. The A group was pressed for time so they were going to hammer it to Goetz before heading for home. I took Quicksilver, Earth Dog, Digger and Huntress north on Bradley and over to Murrieta only to head to Ethernac and over to Goetz. Now I decided to push my new chain rings to see how I would do on the back side of Goetz and down to Newport. I had a good spin going as we cruised to the first stop light where we got stopped and had to start up again. This time quicksilver wasn’t able to hold my wheel and fell back. Earth Dog was on my wheel and stayed there half way up Goetz. It was only when he shifted into a lower gear than I got away and gapped him. When I got to the steeper part of the hill I was still rolling along comfortably and I noticed Quicksilver was gaining on me and passing Earth Dog. By the time she gapped him I had crested and the threat was over because she hates long fast down hills. I got to Newport and waited for the rest of my small group. Once Huntress and Quicksilver pulled up they decided to head on up Rail Road Canyon towards the Stater Brothers parking lot. Huntress decided she wasn’t up to more climbing and headed for home. Later I learned she had been picked up by some of the A group and escorted home. I took Quicksilver to Carl’s Junior and we had a cold drink waiting for Earth dog and Digger. A quick break later and we were headed for Holland and Murrieta to start home ourselves.

We stayed together till we got to the Saddle where Quicksilver and I pulled away and headed for Winchester by ourselves. We were about half a mile ahead of Earth dog who had slowed from the repeated exertions of climbing and hadn’t caught his stride at the saddle. I pulled past Winchester and to Warren before turning the lead over to Quicksilver and letting her pull to Sanderson where we waited for Earth Dog before making the run to Lowes and then onto Acacia and home. I headed for home after watching the other two load their cars. It was a bit late for a Friday and I may have to tune back the climbing next week and give everyone a rest.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It is Wednesday and we are still climbing and practicing as a group for a big ride in August. I for one was looking forward to this week and today in particular because I need a lot of work on my own climbing. In fact I have just changed my crankset and picked up bigger gears that I need to test before attempting any climb to Oak Glenn and Big Bear. So I had breakfast and got dressed before heading to Burger king and coffee. I got there a bit early so I rode around the block till Digger arrived to have coffee with me. We both were surprised to see Sasquatch ride up that we almost missed Gambler riding up. We were talking as Minotaur arrived followed by Huntress driving up followed by Quicksilver. At first I thought we had a small group going till MacGyver and Bulldozer got there followed by Dragon Slayer. Susan, (Anaconda) and News Boy were the last to arrive before we took off on Latham and headed for Lyon and North.

The new chain rings felt strange but not uncomfortable as I led us north past Devonshire and then Menlo. Sasquatch and Minotaur joined me and soon took the lead pulling the rest of us to Esplanade and the red light there. Once it turned green we followed Sasquatch and Minotaur to Cottonwood where I resumed the lead and pulled us towards Ramona Boulevard. We weren’t exactly burning up the road with a slight wind in our face but we were moving well together. I got us to the corner on Lyon and Ramona and pointed west before Sasquatch once again took over and pulled us towards Sanderson.

Once we got around the corner and stopped at the Expressway everyone regrouped and we prepared to head west on a long run to Hansen. As we started west Gambler, News Boy and Sasquatch started a pace line and I thought I might just let them go. However I was in line with Quicksilver, Minotaur and Dragon Slayer right behind me. I couldn’t see any further back so I tucked in as best as I could and tried to stay on Sasquatch’s wheel and keep pace as we headed for Warren. Shortly after we past Warren I looked back and Bulldozer and MacGyver were with us but everyone else had fallen off. Before Bridge we started to rotate to the front and I took my turn into a confusing wind. We only made two passes to the front before we reached Hansen and stopped on the corner to wait for the rest of the group to arrive.

It only took a few moments before Dragon Slayer. Quicksilver and Huntress joined us and just a moment more for Anaconda to roll around the corner. Digger pulled around the same corner a minute later and after a brief stop continued on towards Contour. We let him have a pretty good head start before we started to head towards Contour our selves but this time News Boy, Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver lead the way and started a pace line up the hill.

Digger got onto Contour just before we caught him and by the time we reached the stop sign by the school most of the group were passing him with Quicksilver, Sasquatch and Dragon Slayer running behind MacGyver, Gambler, News Boy and Bulldozer. I started to move up to Sasquatch and was still in my big ring as we rounded the big left hand turn and started the climb. I am not so sure I picked the right gear because though I was with Sasquatch my heart rate was getting to 150 a lot faster than I expected. Sasquatch shifted into his 34 and I still held my big ring but by now I knew it was the wrong ring and dropped into the small ring just as my heart rate hit 167. I put on a spin till I recovered and then started to chase Sasquatch again. I closed some but I knew I would never catch him before the stop sign. Still I looked back and saw Quicksilver and Dragon Slayer closing on me. They weren’t going to catch me any sooner than I would Sasquatch so I stayed in my chosen gear and pulled around the corner to stop with the A riders. Once everyone but Digger joined us we started for the top of Juniper and the downhill run to Florida. That was the last time the whole group was together. I ended up with Huntress, Quicksilver, Anaconda and Minotaur as we dropped down the hill and headed west on Florida. Minotaur pulled away from us and made it to Briggs first and headed south towards the dump road.

Quicksilver pulled us after him on Briggs and I took over on the Dump road. I got the Bling team up to his wheel before we got to Leon. Minotaur came back at me as we started the DVV flag sprint but ran out of steam before the flag. I slowed after the flag and waited for Quicksilver and Minotaur came back by me again. Quicksilver and I took over before the Pentecostal Church and got us to Winchester. Minotaur took us all the way to Stowe and Winchester Farms for a short regroup before heading for home. We had Sasquatch and News Boy heading back towards California and I pulled the bling team to California and then to Stetson. Quicksilver jumped out to go after Minotaur and Sasquatch while News Boy and I detached from Anaconda and Huntress and caught up to her. We all got separated at the airport due to construction and we lost Sasquatch and Minotaur. I took my group past the airport and then up to the industrial park before cutting over to Sanderson and down to Lowes.

Quicksilver ended up pulling us home to Burger King and Digger got there right after us. We only had a little time to talk before everyone had to head for home and I headed back to Lyon and south myself. I got home with just over 40 miles on the computer and a feeling that we had a good ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was Memorial Day and I am sure many didn’t expect to ride. It was cool and over cast when I got up but it still was a good day for a ride. I had breakfast, got dressed and watched some news before heading to the parking lot for coffee. I got to Burger King first and for the longest time I thought I was the only one riding. There was a car show going on in the Pep Boys parking lot and as I stood drinking my coffee Digger finally arrived. We were talking when Earth Dog drove up just before Dragon Slayer. To my surprise Tax Man drove up as well. There were just the five of us but we were ready and willing to go so we left the parking lot and headed for Acacia. Dragon Slayer took us to Kirby and then south to Cypress where we made our first turn west heading for Johnston and Sanderson.

Once we made the light we headed through the industrial park and out onto Cawston before heading west on Stetson towards the airport with me in the lead. As we moved past the airport and to Warren I was thinking that traffic was lighter than I expected. We had just rolled through the intersection of Warren and Stetson when Dragon Slayer pulled by me and assumed the lead pulling us to California and south towards Stowe.

As we headed for Stowe I wondered if we would go into the traditional speed run to Winchester. We don’t always hit this section hard but Dragon Slayer was looking strong and I wasn’t sure I had warmed up enough to chase him if he took off. I was lucky today and he picked up speed slowly so as to keep the group together. By the time we past the first dirt road we had gapped Digger and Earth Dog, but we didn’t know why. Tax Man held on till I made the change with Dragon Slayer for the lead as we headed towards the metal barn. Slowly I picked it up till it was just Dragon Slayer and I pulling into the parking lot about 50 yards in front of Tax Man. Only after we had a chance to regroup did we discover that Earth Dog had dropped his light and had to go back for it. That was why the group broke up in the first place.

Once we were ready Dragon Slayer took us to the dump road and turned us west again. I followed him closely and once again we distanced the other three riders as we past the Wild West arena and headed for Leon. Once again we regrouped and then headed for Simpson and then Lindenburger to move towards McCall. As we turned on McCall Dragon Slayer spotted another rider heading north so we gave chase. The other rider gave up and pulled over so we continued on to the AM/PM to refuel. I followed Dragon Slayer north till we were past Mapes and crested Menifee. He pulled till we were by the nursery and I rolled by with Earth Dog on our wheel. I was picking up speed when I noticed Dragon Slayer fading so I backed down before picking him up again and dialing it up as we headed for Central. Dragon Slayer and I got to Nuevo first and waited for the other three before heading for Lakeview and turning north. Dragon slayer took off heading for Ninth Street with Tax Man on his wheel. I stayed back with Digger and earth Dog and pulled them north.

We caught Tax Man waiting at Ninth and I pulled us to Ramona Expressway. Once pointed east I settled into a steady 18 or 19 planning on pulling all the way to Sanderson. As we moved along I noticed we were gaining on a line of cars but I didn’t know what they were slowing down. Turns out there was some farm equipment heading east and blocking most of the road. I thought we were gaining on the cars and soon we were rolling along at 23 or 24 passing them on the right in the bike lane. Earth Dog and tax man stayed right with me and soon we had closed on the equipment and had to go out onto the road to get by them. I slowed a bit and pulled us to Warren where Tax Man took over for me. We rounder onto Sanderson and then waited for digger on Ramona Boulevard under the trees. Once digger was with us we were on our way again and heading towards Lyon.

We kicked it into cruise mode and made the turn on Lyon and headed south towards Cottonwood with everyone in line. We kept it together to Seventh and then to Esplanade in one line. We split into two rows as we moved to Menlo and digger left us. Tax Man took over and got us to Latham and headed back to Burger King where the car show was still going on. Tax Man and Earth Dog had to go out the do not enter lane to get out of the parking lot and I had to ride back to Latham to ride home. It was a short flat ride but it was a lot better than couch surfing on Memorial Day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Fridays normally have been pretty laid back. Lately we have moved our laid back days to Monday and have made Friday a free for all. I have us starting our training ride for August so Friday this week was going to be a climbing day. It is just one more chance for the Bling team to run over me. I looked outside and it was overcast with a threat of rain but I got dressed to ride anyway and put on my old Wool Jersey so stay warm before heading to the parking lot and get a cup of coffee. Digger was talking with Dragon Slayer as I pulled up but he came over and got some coffee with me and we waited for Dragon Slayer to get his bike put together. I thought News Boy was going to join us but he never showed up but MacGyver did. Siren drove up as did Minotaur and Jonathan from CAS. Shooter drove up just before Quicksilver and we had to wait to see if that was it. Minotaur said Polaris was supposed to join us but the weather may have kept her home. So just after 9am we headed onto Gilmore and started towards Acacia to begin the day.

It was looking like it might rain so we decided to shorten the ride a bit and rather than heading for Winchester we simply planned on taking Sanderson to Domanigoni. MacGyver and Jonathan were leading the way as we made it to Acacia and Kirby and Digger took us to Cypress. I was more than happy to set in the middle of the group and try to steal some warmth to get my legs working. As we came out onto Johnston Minotaur pulled out front and then took us south to Stetson and past Wally world. Dragon Slayer moved up towards the front and by Mustang was one of the lead riders. We caught the light at Domenigoni and then made the turn east towards Searl and the Marina. I fell to the back to ride sweep and wait for my cold legs to realize we were on a bike ride today. Jonathan and Dragon Slayer turned onto Searl followed by Quicksilver, Minotaur and Siren. MacGyver and MacGyver teamed up next and I trailed with Digger till we got to the entrance to seven Dollar hill. I was still close to last through the gate but I did close on Dragon Slayer and Jonathan but I started to think about the next climb and geared down when we flattened out a bit. Shooter and MacGyver passed me at the last big left turn, right after finding Gambler coming down the hill, and five of them headed for the guard shack. I turned around at the crest and took the Bling team and Minotaur with me. We waited for the rest of the group at the bottom of the hill.

Once we were all back together we headed back out to Domenigoni and started the fun part of the ride. Just about everyone seemed eager to get to State Street and start up the road at Gibble. We were pretty much together till we got to the first rise were we started to spread out Dragon slayer pulled up next to siren and I fell back to ride with Quicksilver. Digger rode sweep. After the first rise we got a chance to pick up speed a bit before hitting the first climb of about 6 percent. Once over that the second and shortest climb is about 7 percent and finally the last climb has a maximum kick of between 8 and 10 percent. We all made it even if some looked worse for wear. We met Closer at his house at the top of Gibble before dropping back down to State to begin our ride north and east. Quicksilver, Digger and I got to the group last but continued on to State and headed for Thornton before being caught by Gambler and the rest of the group heading to Buena Vista and working our way back out onto Stetson and east. I had the group ride all the way on Stetson to Fairview before we headed north to Florida and west to Carl’s.

A good portion of the group today is made up of riders from CAS that we have been associated with for quite a few years. Some of the riders hold a dual citizenship with our group. Their club is a bit more racing oriented than we are but it is always good to have them with us to help lead our riders. We stopped for coffee to help warm us up and spent a few minutes having coffee and conversation and planning future rides together.

We moved back out into the cold and headed north on New Chicago and west on Lincoln. We dropped Gambler off at his street and watched Siren take off for Park with Minotaur not far behind.

Quicksilver and I were talking as we got to Park and got seperated from the group heading to Devonshire. We were slowly closing till we got to the light at San Jacinto and had to watch the rest of the group fade into the distance. We cruised along by ourselves till we got to State Street where the rain caught us and stayed with us till we got to Pep Boys and made our way back to the cars. I said some quick good byes and stopped by the bike shop to look at a new crankset before heading for home and lunch. Yes we got rained on but we lived and have a ride planned for tomorrow to get together again and ride to the beach for lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another Wednesday and another chance to get in some climbing. I wanted to take us up just a bit as we work towards August and a benefit ride with CAS. So I had a big breakfast and headed for Burger King for coffee with Digger. As Digger and I had coffee we watched Minotaur arrive followed by Gambler. I was surprised to see the CAS riders with us today knowing they have a race coming up but here they were. Shooter and MacGyver arrived as well followed by Quicksilver and Siren. Lastly we had Bulldozer pull up and figured we were ready to leave. We pulled out onto Gilmore and headed for Acacia. Picture 36

For the second ride in a row Digger seemed to be starting out a bit harder than he needed to but that was Ok with me. He got us to Kirby and was out front as we turned headed for the rail road tracks. Siren saw Digger out front and almost gave chase thinking I was in front of him but noticed me before she caught him. We rode together as Digger led us to Cypress and started us towards Johnston and the light at Sanderson. Bulldozer had taken off earlier and waited for us at Wally World. Digger was also the one that led us to Stetson and almost to Mustang before I got up front and pointed us at Mustang and Domenigoni.

Once we got on Domenigoni Bulldozer and Minotaur took the lead and started the pull west. Quicksilver and Siren hooked onto their wheel and I was sitting in fifth as the pace started to pick up. Siren let me by when Bulldozer started to accelerate and I followed Quicksilver till she dropped out when we hit 28 mph. Bulldozer had us going 30 to 31 by Warren where Gambler, MacGyver and Shooter joined us. By then we had dropped Quicksilver, Siren and Digger so I fell out and waited for them. I picked them up and pulled them west as we noticed someone had dropped out of the CAS train heading for Winchester. I managed to pull up behind Minotaur with Quicksilver and Siren in tow and then pulled everyone towards Leon. Siren took her turn pulling before Minotaur took over heading for the saddle. I blew by at the bottom of the saddle and we regrouped at the top to wait for Digger who wasn’t that far behind.

As we dropped off of the Saddle Minotaur and Siren took off on us and we had to follow them west. Once they got a green light ahead of us we kept losing ground as we caught each and every light red all the way to Haun. Siren and Minotaur waited for us just past Haun and just before Bradley and we all headed for Carl’s and a potty break before our attack on Goetz. Digger left a bit early to get a head start on the climb and we followed about three minutes later. Minotaur and Siren pushed us a bit heading west past Murrieta and kept the pace up as we rolled by Brea towards Goetz.

Minotaur and Siren took us to Goetz and turned us north and here is where the fun began. I started to pick things up at Normandy and when I looked back I found Quicksilver on my wheel. I offered to back down a bit but she held on well till the hill kicked up and I gapped he a bit so I kicked it up a bit trying to get away. It didn’t work all that well as she held the gap to the same distance I had gained on the first bump. So I picked it up again on the flat heading to the Mini Mart and Fire station. My thought was she would slow down when she thought she was going downhill but for a change she pressed on and stayed about a minute back. I saw Digger just before the Elks Club and caught him before the last short downhill. Quicksilver was still coming and I thought I would have to make a run for it. She wasn’t giving up and I wasn’t ready to slow down so she could catch me. My next thought was I would drop her on the downhill after we crested. I was sure she would give up on the downhill. I started down towards Ethanic and was soon dropping down the road like a rock from a cliff when I looked back to see Quicksilver cresting as well. I pushed it all the way to Ethanic and looked back to see Quicksilver had not lost a yard to me after cresting the hill. I was impressed and a bit worried that it won’t be long before she is beating me up these hills and waiting for me. Siren was a minute behind her so I had two of the bling team breathing down my neck. I got us started east and Siren pulled by and took us to Murrieta and south. We didn’t get far before Minotaur pulled by and got us to the Mortuary and turned east again. Siren and I stopped to look at the Lamas and Emus before chasing Digger, Quicksilver and Minotaur to Bradley and back to McCall. Digger made it to McCall first and was through the light before the rest of us got there.

While we waited at the light on McCall Digger was making a run at the freeway and Hospital Hill. When the light turned green I followed Siren and Minotaur over the freeway and headed for the light at the Valero station. Minotaur pulled to highpoint and I took off after Digger who had made it almost to the false crest and the dark pavement. I caught him just before the top and Quicksilver was close behind me. We dropped over the top and headed for Menifee. I decided to lead us through the park and around the lake. Digger bypassed the park and beat us to Lindenburger and Simpson. We then headed east on Simpson with Siren and Minotaur once again taking off on us. I got Quicksilver in tow and slowly closed on Minotaur and caught him just last Leon. I recovered for a moment before pulling around and giving chase to Siren. I did catch her by the last stand of trees and we all made it to Winchester together. Quicksilver pulled us north to Stowe at a pretty good clip and we had to pause at Stowe for just a minute till Digger joined us and we headed east again towards California.

Siren wasn’t through pushing it however and I had to chase her to California and tell her to move into a lactic acid cleansing spin as we headed to Stetson and east to Cawston for the jog through the industrial park and out onto Sanderson at Johnston. We then made our way to Lowes and around to Acacia. Minotaur and Siren led us back to Burger King where Shooter was waiting and we talked for a few minutes before heading for home. It was a great day for a short climb and a friendly ride.

A little more bling

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a rainy Thursday and Friday I think many of us were eager for the Monday group ride. I believe the extra time off even made my legs feel better than they have in months. But for cautions sake I planned a flat ride that would head east. I got up a bit early and had breakfast while watching the news for the day. After getting dressed I headed for Burger King to see how the group would form. Digger got there just as I was parking and going in for coffee. Dan, Earth dog, pulled up in his car just as Hacker rode up on his bike. It must have been a forced vacation day for Hacker. Quicksilver and El Cid drove up next and we thought that was going to be it as we got ready to leave. At the last minute Siren drove up and rushed to get ready to leave with us. We did have Gambler stop by and talk to us about the ride on the 29th of August and the one on the 23rd of this month. We finally hit the road about 9:05 and headed for Acacia. Somehow we managed to catch the light on Florida green and made it to Acacia very quickly. I got us to Kirby before we turned south and headed for the railroad tracks and Cypress.

As we moved towards Johnston Digger and Earth dog took the lead and got us to Sanderson. Once we got to the light Digger led us through the Industrial park and out onto Stetson. For some reason Digger and Earth dog decided to set the pace and because it was still rather cool I had to work to keep up. Digger kept the pace going all the way to Warren and half way to California before giving things over to Earth Dog and Hacker. I followed Hacker as he moved up and rounded the corner onto California. At least I was in the lead as we moved towards Stowe.

After turning on Stowe I started us west and pulled for maybe fifty yards before Hacker and Siren took over. Soon Siren backed off and it was Hacker followed by Earth dog and me. As Hacker picked up the pace we started to pull away from the rest of the group and Earth dog left a gap so I caught Hacker’s wheel and got myself set up for a pull to the Winchester Farms parking lot. He started to spin out before the big metal barn so I pulled around and made him chase me to the parking lot for a regroup. After a brief stop quicksilver wanted to take the lead and pull us to the Dump road. Didn’t quite work that way because Earth dog got out onto Winchester first and the rest of us lined up behind him. He managed to pull us to Simpson where he and El Cid made the light and the rest of us had to wait. We finally caught them at Domenigoni where El Cid took over pulling duties and took us almost all the way to the dry wash before giving it over to Hacker. By the time we were rolling past Warren again Siren took over and made Hacker chase her all the way to State street where we waited for Digger. Once he came by we headed north on State Street and I ended up pulling us to Chambers and over to Buena Vista and then to the Golf Course and a bathroom break. Digger rode by as we were waiting and we went after him about five minutes later.

We made our way to Santa Fe and headed east with Hacker, El Cid and Siren in front. They set up a small gap but got hauled back in at the High School because of the lights. Before we got to the little hill I pulled up next to Siren and we talked about the difference between spinning and mashing up a hill. I got up to demonstrate a standing climb when Hacker and El Cid sprinted by me standing. El Cid is coming along pretty quickly for as few rides as he has been on. I fell back to ride with Quicksilver and pulled her up to the group just before we got to Fairview where Digger was waiting. We collected everyone and sent Digger and Earth dog north while we waited till the got to the bridge before giving chase.

We moved at a pretty good clip past the elementary school and around the corner to head east and chase the fleeing Digger and Earth dog. Siren took off after them but ran out of steam a bit early and let Hacker pull the rest of us up to her. We caught digger before the RV dealership and we caught Earth dog before the trees. I drafted Hacker till he ran out of gear and made it to Cranston first. It only took a few minutes for everyone to regroup before we headed back west towards Fairview. We started a long pace line heading back to the trees and over the little hump and headed for the Baptist Church. First Hacker pulled in front and helped out until after the church and then Earth dog and Siren took over and pulled away as Hacker and I started to pull the rest of the group up to them. We almost caught them but I had to stop at Casino to see if new derailleur rollers would solve my rattle. They were replaced but that didn’t stop the noise. So we headed for Carl’s only to find it closed. Then we headed to Lincoln and started for home.

Quicksilver and I rode along trying to detect where the rattle was coming from on my bike and ended up getting dropped on Park. We weren’t that far behind till we got the light and San Jacinto. They made it and we didn’t so we fell behind. The same thing happened to us at State so we ended up getting to Burger King last. I rode over to see Robert and discovered the cassette was loose and that was making the noise. Jackal put a cassette tool on it and I headed for home on a quiet bike. First time in a week I didn’t have a rattle whenever I rolled over a bump.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Wednesday is most times my favorite ride day. I tend to push a bit more on Wednesday or even of I don’t I climb more. Today was a climb day and I wasn’t sure if I would attack Lambs Canyon or not. So I got dressed and had breakfast and headed for the parking lot. Like most days Digger was already there when I pulled up. We got coffee and stood outside waiting to see who would join us. One of the first ones was Minotaur. Gambler rode up just before Shooter drove in so it looked like we would be heavy with CAS riders. Quicksilver pulled in and parked and as she was unloading her bike MacGyver rode in. It was a small group but we didn’t care. It seems like it is a small group almost every time I post a Lambs Canyon ride. We mounted up and headed out onto Latham before turning north on Lyon. Quicksilver, Digger and I led the way to Esplanade before the rest of the group caught us.

We left the light at Esplanade and the group allowed me to lead again as we worked past Seventh Street and headed for Cottonwood. Once were rolling along Quicksilver pulled up next to me and asked that I try and stay with her on the climb in the Canyon because I had a flashing light and traffic should be able to see me better. I figured it would slow me much because she climbs a lot better than many riders anyway and I might have to chase her up the hill. I was thinking about the climb as we turned onto Ramona Boulevard and headed for Sanderson.

Once we made it to Sanderson I pointed us north and we crossed the Expressway and headed for Gilman and the beginning of the climb. Huntress and I led the way to the off ramp and then the on ramp just as Gambler and Shooter started to attack the hill. Quicksilver was a touch slow merging to the right and MacGyver pulled Minotaur past us and gapped us by about thirty yards. I slowly helped Quicksilver pick up her pace and once MacGyver pulled away from Minotaur we were able to close on him. Quicksilver had to shift gears as I passed Minotaur and I told her I would wait for her after we crested the first climb. As I waited Minotaur rolled by me again and once again pulled away on the downhill towards the Dump Road. I pulled Quicksilver to the base of the last climb and managed to catch Minotaur half way up the grade and pulled away till we got to First Street where I stopped to adjust the tension of me saddle. We then rode together to Oak Valley Parkway and headed east to Highland Springs so we could turn South and get back down to Second Street and turn into the parking lot and Join Gambler, MacGyver and Shooter. It took another five minutes for Digger to arrive and we had a hot drink and conversation before we were ready to head back on Second before cutting over to First Street so we could get back to Sanderson.

Quicksilver and Minotaur led us to the light at Sanderson and the pace started to pick up. MacGyver led us over the rise and started us down the hill. As were picked up speed Gambler and Shooter came to the outside and jumped out front forming a pace line quickly approaching thirty miles an hour with a cross wind. I jumped to the outside and tried to close on Gambler and Shooter and MacGyver made room for me. Just as I pulled back into the bike lane I ran over a small metal box and thought I had made it without a problem. There was no such luck as I flatted about one hundred yards later. I didn’t know at the time but I had three snake bites on one tube. I changed the tire as Quicksilver and Digger rolled by and picked up Gambler and Shooter at the dump road. Minotaur led us to the last little rise and Shooter took over as we crested and started down the grade towards Gilman. I was drafting in third just as a dump truck past us and jumped out to see if I could catch a draft. I did get a bit of it and managed to gap Shooter and Gambler almost all the way to Gilman where Shooter caught me and headed for the Expressway with Gambler and MacGyver in tow. Gambler left at the Expressway and we regrouped at the corner before heading onto Ramona Boulevard and east towards Lyon.

Quicksilver and Minotaur led us to Lyon and headed south. After the stop sign Shooter and MacGyver picked up the pace to check out the segment for future reference. After Cottonwood I waited for Quicksilver and Minotaur and we followed MacGyver to Esplanade where he turned for home. Quicksilver and Shooter talked all the way back down to Latham where I had to leave the group and head for home. I had been trying to track down a rattle I discovered last Monday and thought I had discovered it when I hit a rough patch if pavement and it came back. When I got home I took the seat bag off of the quick release only to discover the bracket was loose. I am hoping that was the problem but I won’t know till I can get the bike out for a test ride. Right now Thursday and Friday look like it might rain so it may be a day or two before I know if I have solved the problem.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Sometimes Monday morning riders are just to get us started. This was a different ride however because we knew it would be a small group because so many were sick, out of town or on vacation. In fact I thought it might be just Quicksilver, Digger and me. I did get a text saying Susan would be joining us so it looked like we might have a group of two and two. I headed for Burger King with that in mind. Digger was there as I expected and Quicksilver arrived with Susan as I expected. What I didn’t expect was that Huntress would join us on a Monday. It looked like the Bling Team was in the majority at first. Dan drove up evening the odds and we got ready to leave for Railroad Canyon. Picture 07

As we pulled out of the parking lot we were joined by MacGyver giving me some relief I thought in pulling the group. We headed south on Gilmore and making the light for a change and I followed MacGyver and Susan to Acacia and then to Kirby. As we turned south towards Cypress I settled into the middle of the group and planned on staying there. I forgot my camera today so any pictures I took would be when we were stopped and I could use my phone. I followed the group out onto Johnston and then we got the light green at Sanderson and I did get the jump on the group to Stetson and then to Mustang where we were joined by shooter just before we got onto Domenigoni and headed west. I pulled briefly and then gave it over to Quicksilver and MacGyver. The group stayed together pretty well until after the dry wash where Shooter took over and the group split into two parts. I had Susan and Digger and then we picked up Dan at Winchester. I pulled them to the saddle for a regroup and a snack.

Our next stop would be at Carl’s Junior before heading west towards Goetz and the climb through Railroad Canyon. Once again as we started west I had the lead and got us most of the way past Murrieta before Shooter took off trying to get a trophy on the segment to Goetz. It looked like the wind might have been against him because he looked like he backed down before Goetz and then waited for us. I got to the foot of Railroad Canyn just behind MacGyver and started up the first hill with him. I decided t see if I could stand up all the way to the first stop light and managed to do just that. I got all the way to the light at Stater Brothers before Shooter ran me down. He fell back to ride with MacGyver and Quicksilver as I crested the last roller and headed down towards Lake Elsinore. Shooter pulled up next to me just before we turned to head into Mickey Ds for a coffee break.

We all rested and had a snack or coffee before we headed back east through Railroad Canyon. Huntress, Shooter and I started out last and missed the light. We managed to catch Digger before the top of the hill by the Fire Department. Shooter pulled away from us and headed after MacGyver and Dan. I took Huntress and Digger the top of the last hill were Quicksilver was waiting. We then headed for Murrieta and three of us set up a rotating pace line. By the time we crossed Murrieta we were losing Digger but we could see Susan and Quicksilver was zeroed in on running her down. We caught Susan at Bradley and she joined us in the pace line till we got to Menifee were Shooter was waiting for us. He stayed with us till Lindenburger and then he went home. We crossed over the saddle and spotted a lone ride in the distance. Digger missed hooking up on the group and so he didn’t have the advantage of the pace line so he fell back as we crossed Leon and then Winchester. We were closing on the dot in the distance and shortly after crossing back over the dry wash I could see we would catch Dan before Sanderson. Quicksilver was pulling as we caught him and I got us to Sanderson before we headed for Burger King. We had turned directly into the wind and I was the only one with the steam to push through it. However there was a rattle coming from my drive train every time I ran over a rough part of the road. We finally got back to Lowes and then to Acacia were I led us to Gilmore and back to Burger King wondering what in the world that rattle could be. We pulled into the parking lot and talked about the ride for moments with the now dominate Bling Team.

I headed for home on Lyon and then Johnston trying to figure what was making the rattle. It still only happened when I ran over a rough patch of pavement. I would stop and check things adjust things but nothing seemed to work. Finally when I got home I put a change gage on the chain and found it to be completely stretched out. We it was time for a new chain I guess so I will work on my bike tomorrow.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Things looked like they were going to be destined for a slow and cold day when I got up. It was overcast and slightly windy so I knew that would keep some riders home. The A group had a ride to Idyllwild planned so they would be gone and some of the B group were on vacation. So I bundled up and headed for the parking lot to meet Digger. Sure enough digger was there and we had coffee together while waiting for Dragon Slayer to arrive. The three of us were talking when a new rider, Susan, joined us just before Siren drove up. Lastly Quicksilver arrived and we had six riders, three women joining the Bling team and three men. We finally had a fifty-fifty mix as we pulled out of the parking lot and headed for Acacia.

I thought it might be a casual ride today with so many riders missing and Siren took us around the corner onto Acacia and to the light at Kirby. I took us around the corner onto Kirby and headed for the railroad tracks with Siren on my back wheel. We turned onto Cypress and headed through the housing tract towards Johnston. We followed Johnston to Sanderson and headed south towards Stetson. Once through the light at Stetson we passed Wally World and headed for Mustang and then Domenigoni to start our run west.

Once we got started west Dragon Slayer took Siren and Quicksilver west and pulled ahead of Susan, Digger and me. If I tried to close I lost part of my group so I dialed it back and followed at an ever greater distance as we got to Warren. We were able to keep Dragon Slayer in sight as they rolled through the light at Winchester. Fortunately they pulled over and waited for us at the trees after Winchester. They let us get by and followed till Dragon Slayer pulled up next to me and we worked together to pull the group over the saddle and down to Menifee. We headed south only to stop at the park for a nature break. Digger continued on over Revival to wait for the rest of us at the top.

I mentioned to the group that Huntress was going to be sad she missed a ride when the women could have outnumbered the men and promised to send her a picture of our group. I then took the opportunity to lead the group to Garbani. Dragon Slayer pulled up front and took us all the way to Scott where we had to wait for a rather long red light. Dragon Slayer pulled again and like before took Quicksilver and Siren to Keller fifty yards in front of Susan, Digger and me. We pulled up behind them at Antelope and made turn towards Baxter and the Hospital.

We were about to start the fun part of this ride. Even if the wind was in our face we were coming to the long downhill on Whitewood to drop down to Los Alamos. I put Siren on Dragon Slayer’s back wheel and told her to try and stick with him like she was a shadow. As we came up on some construction I pulled up front and got us into the bike lane. Dragon Slayer pulled us down the first drop and as soon as the wind hit Siren she popped off the back. I then took over the pull and got Dragon Slayer to Los Alamos and pointed east. We waited to everyone had joined us before starting through Los Alamos Canyon and over the first big climb. Dragon slayer and I took turns pulling Quicksilver and Siren to the top of the climb in a pace line where we stopped and collected Susan and Digger and consumed a small snack. Quicksilver wanted to pull the group to Briggs so we told her to lead out and take us east.

Quicksilver did a good job of taking us over the rollers and to the stop sign at Briggs and Leon. We regrouped once more before heading to Max Gillis. Once we turned off of Max Gillis onto Winchester we started to best part of the ride today. We were heading north with the first tailwind of the day and a wide smooth bike lane. Four of us managed to pull away from the other two and created quite a gap so just before Scott we waited till we were all back together and then sent Digger off to play rabbit and Susan after him before Quicksilver, Siren, Dragon Slayer and I gave chase. Then dragon Slayer noticed some king of big paper clip caught in my derailleur wheel and we had to stop while he removed it for me. Not the chase was really on and we had to work hard to catch Digger. We got by him at Holland and zeroed in on Susan. We caught her and headed for Quicksilver and got her just before t last climb. We were really moving as we crested the last little climb and pulled up behind Siren just before Domenigoni. We continued on as a group of four to Simpson and all six of us got together and rode to Stowe. We then headed east to start the run back to Burger King.

Siren took a big lead on Stowe and headed for California. Dragon Slayer and I pulled Quicksilver and Susan to California where I started us in a sprint to reel her in before she got to Stetson. We then made another turn towards Warren and regrouped one last time as we split up for the ride home. Siren, Quicksilver and Dragon Slayer headed for Burger King and I planned on taking Susan and Digger to the Healthy Pub for a shake before going home. Digger decided to head to the bike shop but Dragon Slayer joined us and we had a long visit before heading for home feeling like it had been a successful ride and a successful day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It isn’t often someone asks me for an east climbing ride. It is even less often that an east climbing ride is requested for a Monday. This Monday I got such a request and specifically it was for Bautista Canyon. So I posted the ride and went to bed early Sunday night to be rested. I got up and had breakfast and noticed it was cool and overcast. I don’t normally do well on cool and overcast days but I had high hopes for today. I got dressed and pulled out the Specialized, Seth, and headed for the parking lot. Yes my bikes have names, Seth for the Specialized, Patsy for the Klein and Jean for the Haro. That is another story for another time. I got to Burger King to find Digger waiting and went in to get coffee. We had at least a ten minute wait till to our surprise we saw a “Slade” pull in with Rudy, (El Cid) and Quicksilver pull us as one of the first cars. Next to arrive was Siren followed closely by Dan and Tax Man. Dragon Slayer was back with us as well. Lastly a friend of Siren’s, Chance pulled up about the same time as Shooter and we had a group ready to hit the road. We meandered over to Latham and east to Lyon to start south. I pulled most of the way to Acacia and Shooter pulled us to Whittier before I took over headed to Johnston and east towards Gilbert.

We rounded the corner onto Gilbert and headed south only to catch the light at Stetson. Once on our way again Siren took the lead and got us to Thornton and headed east. I rode with her to State and then to Santa Fe to head back to Stetson. Shooter took the lead with Dragon Slayer and Siren in tow and made it to Columbia where I pulled in front and headed for Thornton.

We made the first right to head for Crest Tax Man stayed on Thornton and headed for Lake. We put on some extra distance getting to lake and we saw Tax Man turning onto Stetson as we came over the hill on Lake. We regrouped on Lake and Stetson before heading east again. Shooter got us up to speed pretty quickly and I had to caution Siren and El Cid to save some matches for the climb. Bautista Canyon would be a new ride for both Siren and El Cid. Tax Man was well ahead of us as we turned south on Fairview but Shooter was starting to pick up the pace. We had a long way to go because Tax Man was already turning on Bautista Canyon as we came off of Stetson. Dragon Slayer, Chase and Quicksilver were close on Shooter’s wheel and it was all I could do to hold back Siren and El Cid. Don was right with us and Digger was falling back a bit. As we rounded onto Bautista Shooter took his group east and I assured Quicksilver I would ride sweep so she could go play on the climb. So off she went and my half of the group followed.

We were about to take the test for Siren and El Cid. I knew Don and Digger could make the climb but I also knew that nine miles would seem like a long way for our new riders. This wasn’t as bad as Minotaur’s first ride when we did Lambs canyon but it was harder than we had done with either El Cid or Siren. So I started to talk them into gear selection and let them know where the rises and flats were. Siren finally got into a rhythm and started to pull in front of El Cid and me after the dam. We kept her in sight as we rolled over the dry wash and made it by the white picket fence. As we made a turn or two it was time for El Cid to get in the small ring and get in a rhythm himself. He did fine until were got into the second set of trees and hit the beginning of the three steps to the end of the canyon. He suffered a bit at the last bump before we saw the honor farm and Quicksilver came back to check on us. Shooter had been back several times so the group was looking out for the new riders. We rode together to the top where everyone was waiting and El Cid sat down for a well deserved rest. Once everyone made it to the top we got ready and started back down towards Fairview. Everyone but Quicksilver loved the downhill even with the wind in our face. We regrouped at Fairview and then got ready to head towards Stetson and the run to Florida. Neither Dragon Slayer nor I had a lot to offer on the run to Mayberry but we at least gave it a shot. We were back as a pace line as we pulled next to the school and headed for the stop light.

We all, except Tax Man who had turned back about halfway up Bautista, stopped at Carl’s for coffee or something cool to drink before heading back west and Burger King. I started us out by leading up to Lincoln and pointed us west towards Lake Street. Siren blew by taking a rider or two with her and we had to chase them all the way to Park. Siren started us towards Devonshire were Digger would leave us and I had to work hard to get in front for a picture.

We made to jog onto Devonshire and instead of a cool down cruise we had a rather quick double pace line going with Siren, El Cid and Quicksilver right in the mix. We kept hitting all the stop signs clear and were only slowed down slightly at San Jacinto and again at State. As we headed for Palm our stop sign luck held and Quicksilver moved up front to get ready to start a sprint at Lyon. We got the stop sign clear and I jumped for the sprint only to be run down by Shooter. He took us back to the cars and our last few minutes of conversation before heading for home and a cool shower. I have to say both El Cid and Siren did very well on the climb. We will have more.