By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Mondays are just for getting started so I try to plan a getting started ride. Sometimes they are flat and sometimes they have a little climbing but today we had a flat ride with some nice rollers and a fast run home. I got to the parking lot right after Digger and Dragon Slayer and just before Minotaur and Earth dog. We talked and waited but the five of us were all there were so we hit the road right at 8am and pulled out onto Latham and over to Lyon to head north. It was a bit quicker than I expected but then Dragon Slayer and Minotaur are pretty much my equal on the flats and Dragon Slayer can hang with me on most of the climbs on a good day so we made our way to Esplanade and got the light just as it was about to turn green before taking off again and pulling way from Digger and Earth Dog.

We were talking on our way towards Seventh Street and decided that once we got to the east end of town we would stop and check on Bulldozer to see how he was doing. He had been in a bike crash over the weekend in a “Crit” race and suffered a bit. Dragon Slayer and Minotaur knew where he lived so they said they could lead the way. We rolled by Seventh and then Cottonwood before at last coming to Ramona Boulevard and turning west.

Three of us rode together towards Sanderson with Digger and Earth dog following some distance behind. We planned on stopping after the turn on Sanderson and the Expressway but once we were at the light on Sanderson both Digger and Earth Dog caught up. Dragon slayer started to ramp it up just a bit as we headed for Warren and we ended up dropping Digger and Earth dog at the rise. I dropped off of the Dragon slayer train and pulled Digger and Earth Dog all the way to Bridge where we rejoined Minotaur and Dragon Slayer.

As we headed north and then east on Bridge Dragon Slayer, Minotaur and I started working together and took turns pulling as we went through the dip and made the curve right to head towards Gilman springs and a regroup. I took the last pull to the stop sign and we waited till Digger and Earth dog were rested before starting east on Gilman springs. Dragon slayer started us east and once again three of us worked together and took turns pulling all the way to the Sanderson Bridge under pass where we waited in the shade before heading east some more to Soboba. Once we got to Soboba it turned into pace line with four of us, digger got caught by construction, heading over the rollers and to the driving range. Dragon slayer and I stayed together over the last little hill and headed to the river overpass to turn and wait at the medical center. When everyone was back together we headed east on Ramona to Cedar and then to Bulldozer’s house for a quick visit before heading onto Fairview and heading on to Florida. Minotaur left us at Florida and Dragon Slayer and I pulled everyone to Cranston before heading back to Carl’s JR and conversation. We then headed back to Lincoln and west towards Park.

Digger left us as we turned onto Devonshire and we started the run back to Santa Fe and over to Latham. Earth Dog was making a run for the barn but dragon Slayer and I weren’t letting him go so we stayed with him through the light at State and I followed them back to Lyon before heading for home and resting up for the Bautista ride later this afternoon.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I got up this morning expecting another hot day. I looked outside and there was some overcast and it was a bit muggy but I was looking forward to some climbing and a chance to push myself after two days of feeling down on power. I didn’t know who would be riding today except Quicksilver who had requested Gibbel. I got dressed, had Oatmeal and Cranberries and headed for the parking lot. I was surprised to see Digger was already there and Earth Dog had already parked his car. Hacker, Bulldozer and Minotaur arrived followed by Anaconda, Quicksilver and Ferret. Yes I knew we had some climbers in the group today and I knew it could end up being a day of pain but I was looking forward to it. I was Joshua but I had missed his text message so we pulled out of the parking lot at 8:05 and headed for Acacia. To my surprise Digger took off a bit like Bloodhound does and got to Acacia first before turning making it to Kirby and once again moving off.

Once we were on Cypress we watched Digger move off again and we took a while to catch him. He made his way to Johnston and pulled in behind a car on Sanderson as we waited to ride onto Industrial and head over to Stetson. Digger put the pedal down and was off again and this time made it to Cawston and onto Stetson well in front of us. As he headed towards Warren he made a run for it and we had to chase him half way to California. Ferret and Minotaur rolled by him first and Bulldozer led Hacker and I in a Chase of the fleeing twosome. We caught them halfway down Stowe and stayed together all the way to Winchester Farms.

Once we had regrouped Quicksilver started us south on Winchester and led us all the way to Simpson where Ferret, Hacker, Bulldozer and Minotaur took over and pulled all the way to Domenigoni only to catch the light red. Once it turned green we made a run east towards the dry wash and Warren. Bulldozer pulled us all the way to the dry wash with Hacker, Minotaur, me and Quicksilver in tow. He turned it over to Hacker and he took us all the way to Sanderson before Bulldozer came back to the front and took us to Searl. As Quicksilver and I turned the corner she indicated she was low on matches so we down shifted and fell in behind Minotaur and Hacker. Bulldozer took us through the museum parking lot and back out onto seven dollar hill with Ferret leading and Hacker and Minotaur in tow. I stayed with Quicksilver till we got through the gate and I took off to chase Minotaur and Hacker. Ferret was long gone by the time I got to Hacker and I wondered if he was about to attack the hill. I jumped out in front and made a run for the big left turn. I got away from Hacker and Bulldozer paced me all the way. We made the turn and headed up the false flat and to the next right and last climb. Hacker tried to come back to me but I held him off and got to the top first sucking all the oxygen out of the air.

Ferret made a speed run up and down the hill and I dropped down next. We got back down to Searl and I led us out onto Domenigoni and east to State Street. As we crossed over onto Gibbel road Earth Dog started a run at the first rise and he was followed by Hacker. At the rise I gave chase but as I closed on Hacker Quicksilver pulled up on me and said she wasn’t trying to beat me to the top so we cruised through the flat area till she started to pull away on the slight rise. As we got to the first of the three climbs I kicked it up a bit and caught her. We made it to the second climb and Quicksilver came back at me till we crested and headed for the last climb. I had just enough juice left to stand for a quarter of the last climb and that was all I could do to keep Quicksilver from beating me to the top.

Dropping back down was almost anti-climatic because Quicksilver hates down hills so I rode back down to catch Minotaur, Anaconda and some of the rest towards the bottom of the hill. I rounded the corner with Bulldozer, Ferret, Hacker and Minotaur. I stopped to wait for Quicksilver, Anaconda and Digger. As we headed south Ferret was waiting for us and he pulled us to Chambers and Buena Vista where the leaders were waiting. We then moved to Thornton and Santa Fe before coming out onto Stetson and headed east. Ferret took us to Columbia and then back to Thornton so we could make our way to Crest.

All we had left was a flat ride to Lake and a jump back to Stetson to head to Fairview. Bulldozer and Ferret pulled us from lake all the way to Fairview and a pace line and then took us north. I waited for Digger and we followed the group back to Florida and then to Carl’s. Bulldozer left us at Casino and we regrouped at Carl’s with Hacker, Quicksilver and Anaconda leaving with Ferret and Minotaur, Earth Dog, Digger and me stopping for coffee and conversation. We headed back to Lincoln and then to Park with Earth Dog leading the way and heading for the Barn. Minotaur started pulling Digger and I in a chase to Devonshire where Digger left us and we closed on Earth Dog. Minotaur left us at Yale and I followed Earth Dog back to Lyon before heading home. A hot shower and lunch made me feel almost normal and I treated myself to some low fat no sugar frozen yogurt as a reward for suffering on a Friday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another Wednesday and another chance to play with cycling friends. It was still going to hot and the group was going to be small but I thought it was a good day to do the Goets road training climb. My friend Dragon slayer had call off and Quicksilver was going to cut the ride short but I was ready to ride anyway. I got to the parking lot to find Digger and Bloodhound waiting. We talked for a while before Hacker and Gambler showed up followed by Anaconda, Quicksilver and Joshua. Well as they say eight riders beats a sharp stick in the eye so we headed out onto Gilmore and down to Acacia.

As we got to Kirby we could see MacGyver waiting for us. After the light turned green we followed MacGyver towards the Railroad Tracks and Cypress. As we got to the corner MacGyver and Bloodhound were waiting for us and they fell in with us as we headed for Johnston. I kept looking back to see how Joshua was doing because this was his first ride with us and I didn’t have a clue how well he was going to do in a pace line. I shouldn’t have worried because he seemed to be doing fine and was with the group as we headed past Stetson and started towards Mustang. Bloodhound took off on us and Hacker decided to chase him. The rest of us missed a light and they got away before we ever got to Mustang.

We held together till we got Domenigoni and headed west. I started the pull but may have led out a bit too fast as we got to the rise about a quarter of a mile after the turn. I pulled up and let Gambler and MacGyver take the lead in a double pace line heading to Warren. They pulled us all the way to the dry wash and over towards Winchester. We noticed a rider on the side of the road fixing a flat and Digger lost the draft slowing because he thought the rider was one of ours. We then made the light at Winchester and stayed on Gambler and MacGyver’s wheel to the bottom of the saddle and a slight break out crossing over the top. We dropped down the back side of the saddle and rolled by Lindenburger to make our way to Menifee and a regroup at the AM/PM. Quicksilver left us at Menifee and headed back on Domenigoni as we got ready to head for the Freeway. Bloodhound took off on us again but this time Hacker opted to stay with us and save himself for the climb on Goetz.

We started to separate at Murrieta and Hacker went with Gambler and MacGyver as they started to chase down Bloodhound. Anaconda and Joshua had never been on this ride so I stayed with them to give them as much information as I could before turning on Goetz ourselves. As we passed Normandy I pushed the pedals around and picked up the pace to see if I had recovered from Bautista on Monday. It seemed as if I was feeling better even if it wasn’t my best climb. What was even more impressive was that Joshua was right on my wheel as we started the climb. He stayed on my wheel at least a third of the way up the hill and only faded a bit as we go to t Elks lodge where I crested first and hammered it to the next climb and the top of Goetz. I dropped down off of Goetz and headed for Ethernic and waited for the rest of my group to come off of the hill. First Joshua and then Anaconda pulled up and joined me as we waited for Digger. Both Anaconda and Joshua said they loved the climb and the downhill to the Stop light. I took as back to Murrieta and then south to Rouse to get back to McCall.

I was feeling even better as we took Bradley to McCall and headed east. I had no trouble with Hospital hill and once the rest joined me we headed to Heritage and finally to Simpson. I pulled all the way to Winchester and then to Winchester farms for a water break and the last stretch home.

We decided to use the ride east on Stowe as a cool down and more or less cruised it all the way to California and Stetson before heading east towards Warren. Digger started to warm up as we got by Warren and ended up pulling us to Cawston and then Industrial. I got us back onto Sanderson and then up to Lowes.

In fact I pulled us to Kirby and then back to Gilmore before Digger headed for the Barn only to get the light at Florida red. He did pull us to the parking lot where we split up and headed for home, lunch and a hot shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a rather lack luster Friday I was looking forward to the Monday ride to see if a weekends rest would put some spark in my legs. I had a rather easy ride planned and got up in plenty of time to make it to the parking lot. Still I was running a bit late as I pulled up next to Digger. For the longest time it was just Digger and me but soon Earth Dog drove up as well. To my surprise Tax Man pulled up and it looked like it would only be the four of us just before 8am. Shooter got there right at 8am but he was ready to go by 8:05am as we pulled onto Gilmore and headed south. As we made our way to Acacia and headed towards Kirby I felt pretty good and had high hopes for a better day riding than I did Friday. We made the turn onto Kirby and started to Cypress.

We worked our way west through the housing tract and made our way to Johnston and turned south on Sanderson. Once again Digger moved to the front and pulled us past Stetson and towards Mustang. I was beginning to feel like I was getting tired already but I stayed with shooter as we followed Digger as we turned towards Searl. We caught Digger just before the stop light and I pulled us to the beginning of Seven Dollar Hill. To my surprise the gate at the bottom of the hill was closed and locked, the sign said closed Monday and Tuesday but not if that was going to be every Monday and Tuesday or just this week. We returned to Searl and headed back out onto Domenigoni and east towards State.

As we closed in on State I noticed Tax Man had already turned for home leaving just the four of us to ride south and head for Cactus Valley road. I lead to Newport and Shooter took us to the turn off of State onto Cactus Valley. I followed as best as I could till we got to Sage and Shooter pulled over to wait for the rest of the group while I attacked the hill and headed for the end of the road. Shooter caught me just before the last rise and we regrouped.

We headed back west towards the hill and Sage. I was ready for the segment as we crossed Sage but I simply couldn’t seem to get my legs up to speed. I kept the pace all the way to State and north but even though I got a PR for the run it was all I had to get there. I was more surprised than anyone that it was a PR. None the less Shooter and I rode down to McSweeney and ended up waiting for Digger and Earth Dog when we came back to State. Digger and Earth Dog rolled on by shooter and me and we had to chase them back to Domenigoni and then Shooter took us to Chambers and made it back over to Thornton and East.

I was moving along reasonably well but still feeling a bit underpowered. Still I followed onto Stetson and we turned on Columbia so we could work over to Crest and head east to Lake. Shooter got us back to Stetson but flatted a few yards after we left Lake Street. He refused help so I continued on to Fairview and made my way to Wilson Mesa and through the housing tract for another regroup. We took off north on Fairview and made a hard run for Florida and a stop at Carl’s for coffee or a cold drink and conversation before heading back out on New Chicago to Lincoln and west.

We made it to Park and around to Devonshire to continue on our way back to Burger King. This time Digger stayed with us and we rode together to Santa Fe where Earth Dog was one light in front of us. Shooter finally caught him at State where digger and I got another red light. Digger left at Palm and I turned on Lyon before heading for home and a cool shower.

No Tripple crown for Digger

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was the last day of the three stage Hemet Classic D V V bicycle race. Each race is a one day classic and on the first two days Digger had managed to pull off a stunning upset victory. So today we could expect Team Bling would be hunting for his head. Some of the independents, like myself, would be watching him closely and some new one day riders should be with us as well. The head had been stifling so we moved the start time up to 8am thinking we could get beck before we melted today. I got to the Start finish line and found Digger waiting and fueling up for the ride and talking to Dragon Slayer and Magic Man. I talked to him for a while before Earth Dog arrived followed by Minotaur, Anaconda, and Huntress. Bulldozer rode up just as Ferret arrived and we had a pause in riders. Quicksilver, Hacker and MacGyver rounded out the group right at 8am so we could head out to Latham and head over to Lyon.

I took us over to Lyon and started us north towards Devonshire. I know it was early on in the ride but Digger was staying near the front as we moved north and rolled by one block after the other. I wasn’t feeling much like racing today because for some reason my legs felt pretty dead. They were alive and well Wednesday but they didn’t seem to recover for Friday. I still wanted to ride and I knew if I played my cards right I could stay in the mix of things and maybe have a shot of a top three finish for today’s race. I was the first to Esplanade and we even got a green light.

I was thinking of falling back in the peloton and saving my energy as we continued north towards Ramona. Digger and Earth Dog moved forward to ride with me and I simply put it in cruise as we rolled by Seventh and then came to the stop sign at Cottonwood with no problems Digger was to my left as we got to Ramona Boulevard and turned west towards Sanderson.

At this point I let Dragon Slayer move up and set the pace with Quicksilver following him. We weren’t moving all that fast but we had a good average speed going. We turned onto Sanderson and lined up at the red light on the Expressway. Once the light changed Digger and Earth Dog took the lead and started the pace line west. They had gapped the rest of the group till Ferret pulled up front and got the group up to and in front of Digger. We then started to pull away and made our own gap heading to Bridge. Bulldozer flew by and got to Bridge well before we did. He joined us as we rolled by and we were on our way to Hansen. But was didn’t get that far before Magic Man flatted and the group stopped to wait for him. Bulldozer moved up to where some of us were waiting and said we show move on because dragon Slayer and Magic Man were leaving the group at Hansen anyway. So I took us to the light and stopped to wait for everyone.

As we waited for Digger and Earth Dog Team Bling took advantage of our inattention and headed to Juniper Flats road. I thought Digger was closer because I didn’t realize that Earth dog had flatted as well so we had a longer wait than expected. Bulldozer had to abandon because of other commitments and we were down Dragon Slayer and Magic man so the group was down to ten. Once we saw Digger headed to the light we headed south to give chase to team Bling. I got us to the turn and pushed us east when Ferret took off on a solo break. I started out well and was with Hacker and MacGyver over the first part of the climb when my legs just felt like dead weight and I fell off of the pace. It wasn’t a bad climb but I wasn’t satisfied as I pulled into the shade where Team Bling, Ferret, MacGyver and Hacker were waiting. We raced down off of Juniper Flats and headed for Florida and pretty good clip considering we had the wind in our face. I stopped to pickup Quicksilver, Huntress and Digger as Earth Dog and Minotaur continued on. I then worked with two of Team Bling getting to the dump road and over to Winchester to stop at Tech inspection at Winchester Farms before heading on the last leg of this one day race. I had two of the Team Bling riders pacing me and the ever dangerous Ferret and MacGyver behind them.

We more or less co-operated as we worked our way to California and down towards Stetson. When Ferret made the turn north I paced him all the way to Stetson and then we were joined by MacGyver. I felt if I stayed with MacGyver and Ferret I had a good chance of making the podium at least third place if I could just keep Digger and Team Bling behind me. Things were looking up when MacGyver abandoned at Warren and ferret fell off as I headed for the airport. However Ferret brought team Bling and Digger up to me at Cawston and I had them with me as we turned on Industrial and headed for Sanderson.

It was time to start thinking of the finish and to see if I had enough left in my legs to make sure Digger didn’t get through another light that I missed. As we made the turn onto Industrial where it turns into Sanderson I got to the turn light just as it was turning but Digger made it through right on my wheel. However he didn’t expect me to hit it so hard and he let me gap him heading to Lowes. I got there first and made my way to Acacia. Ferret must have abandoned as well because I lost sight of him well before I rolled by Kirby. I got back to the Start finish first denying Digger the triple crown for the Hemet classic races. Now we only have the Tour de Hemet to look forward to.

Digger strikes again

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It looked like another hot day as I looked outside for the another day of competition called the Hemet-Elsinore infamous out and back. I knew Digger was the favorite in after winning the Classic Monday but I also knew Quicksilver was gunning for him and we had some late starters that had a lot of time pride at stake. I dressed lightly and headed for the start finish line to get ready for the start. I was early and Digger was already there ready to defend his winner’s status. Dragon Slayer drove up followed by Minotaur, Gambler, Bulldozer and CJ. Quicksilver, Huntress and Anaconda, the Bling Team, arrived next. And finally we had Bloodhound ready for the ride to Domenigoni and west. We left as close to 8:30 am as we could and Digger made it look like he had every intention of defending his Yellow Jersey.

I will admit I was a bit nervous because so many good riders were with us today as we headed to Acacia and over to Kirby. I also knew the Bling team was a force to be reckoned with even if I were up to the task. Normally I have Dragon Slayer as my wing man on these rides and we work together. Today I thought he looked a bit too much like competition and thought he would be Joining the A group and forcing me to chase and burn all of my matches early. Dragon Slayer soothed my mind as we headed towards Cypress and headed west. Bulldozer closed down Bloodhound’s break and kept him from gapping the group by Johnston. There was only the Peloton at Sanderson and they were all together as we crossed Stetson and headed for Mustang.

As we neared Domenigoni Bloodhound took his traditional place at the front of the group and took us onto Domenigoni and headed west. I pulled onto his wheel and determined to hold on as long as I could. Bulldozer took over the lead for a while and the whole group came together at Warren and stayed that way over the dry wash as Bulldozer gave up the lead and Bloodhound took over again. As we dropped down off of the dry wash and got to the stretch before Winchester CJ flatted. The peloton followed the example of the Grand tours and waited till CJ could rejoin us. Digger however must have been a fan of Astana because he didn’t stop and kept going on to Winchester and beyond. Once CJ rejoined us the Peloton gave chase led by Bulldozer and sipped past Winchester where Bloodhound was given the lead and took us to the saddle. We didn’t see Digger but we all had to stop at Tech inspection on Menifee before heading west towards Murrieta.

There would be n stopping on this leg of the out and back and we were headed for the freeway and then Murrieta. Once over Murrieta it would be time to get our head around Railroad canyon and make a run to Elsinore. Somehow I was off the pace and pulling the Bling Team with CJ and Dragon Slayer between us and the rest of the group. We got separated by a light much like what happened at the Paris-Roubaix train crossing incident but that didn’t make is quit on the run up on Railroad Canyon. We caught Dragon Slayer and CJ shortly after Murrieta and I took the lead at Goetz and made a hard run at the rollers. CJ chased me over the first roller and most of the way to the Stater Brothers shopping center but I got through a yellow and got away from him. I attacked the canyon and ended up with a PR today for that run. I got to Mickey Ds just as Minotaur was parking his bike. As we talked with the race directors we discovered Digger was in first place again with a three minute lead on the rest of us and only the run back to Hemet to make up the time. This time however Digger got a head start with his three minutes and we had to give chase back through Railroad Canyon. I pulled us to the climb and Bloodhound took over. Gambler and Shooter got by me but I was still working on pulling the rest of the group over the hill past the Fire station. We did catch Digger and were on our way to the top when Quicksilver, Dragon Slayer and CJ attacked me. I dug down deep into the pain locker and pulled away and dropped down the hill towards the second roller. I made it up the roller and got stopped at the light only to let CJ and Dragon Slayer get away. I picked up Quicksilver and the rest of the Bling Team and headed east to try and close with the main group. Just as we got close to Murrieta Quicksilver had an equipment failure and we all stopped to see if we could get her back on the road. We were in luck and were right across from a natural repair site, Menifee Bike, and had the repairs done. Once again Digger pulled an Astana on us and headed for Sanderson while we waited for Quicksilver. Finally we were ready to give chase again.

By now it was getting hot and we were splitting up as a group. Shooter left us at Menifee and a gap developed between two of our groups. Gambler and Bulldozer took Bloodhound and Minotaur to make a hard run at chasing Digger. Dragon Slayer and I pulled Huntress, Quicksilver and Anaconda within sight of their fleeing group. Quicksilver started to fade a bit from the heat but we still did rather well heading for Sanderson. he lead chase team my a navigation error and rolled on to State Street giving Digger a chance to take the lead once more. I came around the corner with our group about a quarter of mile behind Digger.

I managed to pull up next to Digger at Johnston and was right with him all the way to Lowes where Dragon Slayer and I missed the driveway allowing Digger the inside track to the ride over to Acacia. The Bling Team followed after him while Dragon slayer and I were forced to ride to the race commission at the healthy Pub and take a smoothie test. Minotaur was already there and Huntress joined us after finishing the ride. Once again Digger finished both legs of the out and back first and now has another first place jersey. I have one more day of racing left on Friday and I will get revenge on Digger for sand bagging us for so may weeks.

Digger wins the one day classic

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was hot but that didn’t stop the faithful from showing up for a classic ride, the LaLadera 38. By 8:30 the qualifiers for the classic had assembled and the favorites had been picked. Digger was the long shot with the betting going off at 9 to 2. Quicksilver was the climber and she was drawing a 2 to 1 bet with El Cid getting rookie money at 3 to 1. Not to be over confident but I was even money as the betting window closed. We started down Gilmore and headed for Acacia with me in the back and El Cid leading the way. He moved us onto Acacia and down t Kirby for the turn South and the ride to Cypress. Digger was trailing but looked suspiciously like he was conserving energy for a later move.

As we got to the railroad tracks I noticed everyone was taking this ride serious. Sure there were points to be gained for this classic but there were bragging rights as well. I had been hammered time after time by Quicksilver just waiting to drop me like a bad habit on a hill. El Cid is almost as young and my good dress shoes and has twice the energy. Digger has been riding better each ride for the last two weeks but I still counted him as a long shot. No my plan was to do like Contador did in the Giro and get enough points on the rest of the field to be able to just cover their moves till the end of the ride. We made our way through the housing tract on Cypress and ended up turning onto Johnston and then Sanderson to get this ride moving and the points rolling. We made it over Stetson and headed for Mustang at a reasonable pace with no one showing their hand. Looking back as we got by Mustang I thought everyone had on a poker face.

As we turned onto Domenigoni the game was on and I led the group over the rise and part way to warren before giving the lead to El Cid. As I dropped back to take my place at the back of the pace line Digger fell back and let me in. At first I thought it was a sign of weakness but later learned it was a trick that would come back to bit me later. I though El Cid was making a rookie mistake by pulling well past the dry wash before giving the lead to Quicksilver. The pace moved up and mile an hour or two as we were led to Winchester and got stopped by the light. Once we were back on our way Quicksilver turned the lead over to me well before Leon and I thought I was in a bad position heading to the saddle. To be honest I thought I would get attacked by Quicksilver if I tried to ride El Cid and the rest of the group off of my wheel. But my heart rate was good and I felt strong so I stayed in front and waited till we were half way up the saddle to stand and make a run for it. Quicksilver and Digger decided not to fight for the climbing points but El Cid was having none of it and chased me up the hill. He pulled out of the draft just a little too early and managed to get a wheel on me causing me to up-shift and stand again to get that wheel back and a few feet more. I realized I wasn’t dealing with a rookie I was dealing with a cyclist that wanted the points. We dropped off of the saddle and headed for Carl’s to finish stage one of the Laladera classic. I should have guessed the ride wasn’t going to get easier because Quicksilver took over at the freeway and pulled us all the way to Carl’s and a equipment inspection. We were cleared after a computer battery replacement and started back out onto Newport and west to get to Normandy and then LaLadera.

As far as I was concerned I was leading this classic by a few seconds and we were close to half way through. I was keeping my eye on El Cid in case there was another burst of speed from him and I didn’t plan on letting Quicksilver get a chance to make a break away. I wasn’t at all suspicious when Digger led us down Honeyrun and again headed north towards McCall with Quicksilver in tow. El Cid and I rounded the corner shortly after Quicksilver and Digger and managed to pull up next to them at Murrieta. Still I was clueless to the danger my lead was in when Digger led us to the freeway and then was leading as we rolled by the Valero and headed for Hospital Hill. The whole group was together at the dreaded stop light on Hillpointe. I got ready for an attack as we started up Hospital Hill and sure enough Quicksliver decided to latch onto my wheel and follow me. I powered up and everyone let me go so I thought the climbing points were in the bag and I would have a few more seconds lead. As I started onto the false flat I looked back and thought Quicksilver was far enough back that I could cruise to the top. How mistaken can one rider be? Quicksilver waited till I wasn’t looking and went into a full sprint that I only noticed at the last minute. I managed to hold her off but I only got the points for being first as she finished on my wheel and got the same time as me. I dropped down to Menifee and waited at inspection for the finish of stage two. The race committee decided to parade us through the park and by the lake before coming out onto Lindenburger.

I was still rather clueless about my chances of coming home with the winners Jersey because I thought I had fought off two attacks in stage one and stage two and didn’t see any threat between Lindenburger and the end of stage three at Winchester Farms. We headed east on Simpson and I led the way to Leon before turning and taking us to the Dump road. Here the surprise should have been exposed because for the second time today Digger pulled away from us and created a gap that we had to work together to close on him. Quicksliver, El Cid and I formed a pace line representing a three man pace line and chased Digger all the way to the top of the rise before the D V V flag sprint. I couldn’t Shake Quicksilver so I didn’t gain on her and we came back together towards the end of the Dump road. Digger jumped out again and finished stage 3 about ten seconds in front of us. To my surprise he might have been behind in points but he was about even in time with me. After tech inspection at Winchester and Stowe we rehydrated and headed east on Stowe towards California. Once again we had to chase Digger almost all the way to Stowe, except El Cid and I caught him at the last rise before California and made the turn towards Stetson first leaving Quicksilver and Digger well behind us. I worked with El Cid till we got to Warren and I took over pulling duty. By the airport Quicksilver and Digger had closed on us by the airport. I got us to Cawston and we turned to ride through Industrial to get over to Sanderson.

We jockeyed for position and get out to Johnston and Sanderson. As we got to the light Digger sprinted to Sanderson catching the green but leaving the red for the rest of us to face. We waited through a long red before heading north and chasing hard to Lowes with Quicksilver doing most of the work. We rolled around the back of Lowes and I took over on Acacia and chased hard towards Kirby. Digger made the light and we didn’t so effectively he was now in the lead on time. He turned onto Gilmore and made it to Florida first accepting the win as the rest of the Peloton, all three of us pulled up in surprise and his victory. The long shot came in first and was awarded the Bat-man jersey to represent his accomplishment. Never underestimate the underdog.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was a different Friday ride. We often climb on Friday and sometimes we go to Beaumont through Lambs canyon on Friday but hardly ever do we set up a Lambs canyon ride right after an Idyllwild ride on Wednesday. So I took a chance and posted the ride late Thursday and decided to see just how many wanted to climb back to back. I got to Burger King just after Digger and maybe we were both a bit early but we had quite a while before Hacker drove up. Earth Dog came in just a little bit later followed by Chance. Now the group started to fill in with Gambler, Bulldozer, Minotaur, Ferret, Siren, Anaconda and Quicksilver arriving close to the same time. Shooter pulled in behind Elaine rounding out the group to fourteen. It looked like a good group to leave with so we did.

We moved out onto Latham and over to Lyon to start North. I led part of the way but Earth Dog and Digger decided they wanted to be out front. They stayed there past Devonshire and Menlo where Digger came back to the group and Earth Dog pulled away. Bulldozer decided to give chase and then he took the lead. Chance joined them as Bulldozer came to the light at Esplanade and we all caught up to him. Digger, Chance, Earth Dog and Bulldozer led the way to Seventh where they were held up for a car and I got by long enough to get a quick picture before they caught and passed me heading for Ramona.

As we moved north I started to feel a definite catch in my side very much like a stomach cramp. I had to deal with it almost all day Thursday and thought it was gone. I sort of figured it would work its way out if I didn’t push real hard going up Lambs Canyon. I had promised to ride up the hill with Quicksilver so there was a chance I could simply spin up the hill. All this was going through my head as we came up to Ramona Boulevard and headed west towards Sanderson.

Bulldozer led us to Sanderson and the Expressway where we caught the light. Now the fun was about to begin as we headed north to Gilman and started the climb. I fell to the very back to make sure we had everyone and then moved forward to try and catch Quicksilver, Hacker and Minotaur. Ferret, Gambler, Bulldozer, Chance and Shooter were long gone. I managed to catch Hacker and Quicksilver just as they got to Minotaur and started to pull around till I looked back and saw we had dropped Siren, Elaine, Anaconda, Digger and Earth Dog so I dropped back to get them. Hacker, Quicksilver and Minotaur pulled away and the pain in my side rejoined me for the climb. Before I got back to the trailing group Chance came back to work with them so I started a long chase of Quicksilver, Hacker and Minotaur. Soon Hacker had gaped both Quicksilver and Minotaur. I decided to try and push through the pain even though I couldn’t get a good spin going and by the top of the first climb I caught Minotaur. I topped the hill first and hit the big ring to try and close on Hacker and Quicksilver. It turns out Quicksilver was setting the pace and I don’t believe I was going to be able to catch them and surely not Quicksilver when I saw I was gaining at the bottom of the next hill. I was hitting it pretty hard when I decided to drop into the small ring under power and dropped a chain. I had to stop and replace the chain and I could see Minotaur was coming up fast. I got back on the bike and headed up the last climb even though I could no longer see Quicksilver or Hacker. At the top next the side turnout the a group was waiting with Hacker and Quicksilver as I pulled up. Siren made a late attack on Minotaur and we all regrouped before heading north again heading for the freeway and Beaumont Boulevard. After the freeway we made our way on Beaumont and headed for Oak Valley parkway.

We made our way north as a group with the exception of Digger with Gambler, Bulldozer and Shooter leading the way. I had turned out to be a beautiful morning and up to this point the weather was almost perfect. The group was riding two and three across in the slow lane but traffic was pretty light so most of the people in their cars didn’t seem to mind. At least everyone was pretty friendly till we got ready to turn on Oak Valley when someone yelled at us but we couldn’t hear what they said so we can assume it was a greeting of support. We were moving along rather quickly with Gambler and Shooter in the lead when Siren pulled out front and made a run for Highland Springs. She was only about 40 yards ahead when Shooter flatted and we stopped to watch him change it.

Up to this point it had been a rather pleasant ride and the break while Shooter changed his tire was a welcome one. We chatted like old friends for a few minutes before Gambler and Shooter led us to Highland Springs and we made the turn south for the first time today. We didn’t know that digger was now within sight of us as we turned the corner but we knew he would follow us to Starbucks sooner or later. We got back to the freeway and started under it so I took the lead and pulled us into the parking lot on the east end of the mall and headed for Starbucks and coffee or tea. It was a pretty good sight to see this many riders on a two climb back to back D V V ride.

After a good time of story sharing and conversation we finished off our drinks and got ready to head back to Lambs Canyon for the drop down the hill and the ride home. Digger had taken a head start and was out on First Street before we left the parking lot. Ferret and Anaconda were leading our group but the mist the left turn heading to First Street and had to turn back. We then all made it to First and could see Digger fading into the distance. We got to Lambs Canyon only to catch the light red and giving Digger more time. Finally we got to make the turn and started to give chase.

We all crested the hill in a pack with Earth Dog, Minotaur and Hacker leading the way. As we started down and just started to build some speed I heard Elaine say she had a flat. I was the closest so I stopped while everyone else continued the chase. I decided to help her change the tire to save time and when we tried to put the new tube in we discovered she had a Presta that was too short. Thank goodness she had an extender so we fixed the flat and headed down to the Expressway to see if anyone was waiting for us. Chance came back to look for us at the bridge and then he followed us to the Expressway where Siren and Minotaur were waiting. We all pace-lined together back to Devonshire almost catching Digger at Menlo. Minotaur pulled us from Sanderson to Burger king where we found Shooter, Hacker, Anaconda and Quicksilver loading up their cars. I headed for home after stopping with Siren to get some cleat covers. My side ache was gone or at least subdued and after some lunch my headache was gone. So I may have been running on empty today but at least I was still running and not being a couch potato.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We have been trying to get in a ride to Idyllwild for at least three weeks but something always came up. It was either timing or bad weather so it was decided to just plan it for Wednesday and go no matter what. So it was posted that we would start on the east end and head for Mile High restaurant for and early lunch and come back down the hill. I left the house about 7:15am and headed to Menlo to join Digger and ride to Carl’s to meet the group. We got to Carl’s and decided to get some coffee and waited till Dragon Slayer drove up. He was followed by Gambler and Bloodhound. Hacker joined us for another ride while school is out and Anaconda arrived right after him. Once Quicksilver arrived we decided no one else was coming so we pulled out onto Florida and headed east. We were all riding along comfortably with Bloodhound way out front when we rolled by Fairview and Gambler told us that MacGyver was on his way. We had a pretty good head start on him but we also had new riders that had never made the climb before. Sometime before we came into the trees heading for Cranston Gambler said he was going to make a run at the hill and took off on us and quickly closed on Bloodhound with Hacker in tow. Dragon Slayer pulled up to Quicksilver and I picked up Anaconda and Digger as we came out of the trees and started the grade to Cranston. Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver waited for us to pull up to them at Cranston and I pulled by with Anaconda heading for the Jeep Trail. We got to the river bed when dragon Slayer pulled by me and started the pull. As we started to climb in earnest Anaconda and Digger fell back so I broke out and had Dragon Slayer t am up with Quicksilver as I tried to pull Anaconda up the hill. I had to fall back behind Anaconda to encourage her to just keep her own pace and find a gear she was comfortable with. Slowly we pulled away from Digger and only caught Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver when the stopped so Quicksilver could put on her gloves. Dragon Slayer and Quicksilver pulled away from us again and we had to follow them from some distance behind all the way to the turn out after Strawberry Creek. By then MacGyver had caught us and stopped with us to see how far back digger was and how far ahead Hacker was after falling off of the Gambler train.

After we started off again it didn’t take long for Quicksilver, MacGyver and Dragon Slayer to pull away from Anaconda and me. Digger had just got to the turn out as we left and I think he expected to catch us at Mountain Center. Anaconda had settled into a pace and I had to gear down to stay behind her. I couldn’t afford to get in front and pull because she would stop to take a picture at the 3000 foot marker and again at the 4000 foot marker. I stopped and waited for her and followed her till we got to the trees just before mountain center. I got in front and headed for the Welcome to Mountain Center sign with the altitude of 4444 on it. She was rather pleased to have reached that point.

We only had a short way to go to the turn towards Idyllwild and when I noticed Quicksilver and Dragon Slayer was gone I had us roll by and head up the hill. I could hear the disappointment in her voice as I told Anaconda she had another 5 miles to go. She said she would give it a try but wasn’t sure she was going to make it and with two miles to go she wanted to turn back except we could see the Idyllwild sign and that added new energy to her legs as we stopped once again to celebrate her first trip to the top of our hill.

We crested the hill and dropped down to Mile High Restaurant where we met everyone but Bloodhound and Digger. Bloodhound had already headed for home and Digger ran out of gas about two miles past Mountain center. He turned back as we had something to eat and some good conversation till Gambler and MacGyver left. Dragon Slayer< Quicksilver, Anaconda, Hacker and I headed back out onto the road and headed back towards Mountain Canter. The wind was in our face but Dragon Slayer and I made good time dropping down the hill to Mountain Center and waited for the rest of the group only to discover Anaconda had suffered a bee sting. Dragon slayer dispensed some Benadryl and we let Hacker go with Quicksilver and Anaconda with a considerable head start. It took us about two miles to pull in behind the lead three and we waited till we got to the Passing lane before rolling by and heading for Strawberry Shortcake turnout. Digger was waiting and we intended to let Anaconda and Quicksilver have another head start and sent Digger down the hill with them. This time we had Hacker with us and it took us another three miles to run them down. Dragon slayer and I left Hacker with the lead group and we made a run for Cranston. It was hard work because the wind was coming right at us all the way down the hill. We waited at Cranston till Quicksilver, Hacker and Digger rolled by. Dragon Slayer and I pulled Anaconda in a chase on Quicksilver and Hacker. We got by Digger and were closing on Quicksilver and Hacker when I flatted. We sent Anaconda ahead with Digger and followed a few minutes later to Carl’s. After everyone had left Digger and I headed for home and I got almost to Park before I flatted again. This time it was a bad tube. I repaired the flat and rode back to Palm with Digger before we split up for home. I got back and had a hot shower before kicking back and taking it easy. After I had fully rested I got out a new set of tires and replaced the offending old ones before dinner.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Summer fell on us like a skydiver. I woke up and open the drapes only to see a clear blue sky and it was already 65 degrees. We had a ride planned but it was short and I wanted to get back before it got too hot to ride. So I had a light breakfast, got two water bottles and headed for the parking lot. Digger was waiting as I rode up and as we talked a Motorcycle pulled up next to me and to my surprise it was Coyote. We caught up on old times and I discovered he was no longer riding his bicycle. Earth Dog arrived next just before Siren. Hacker drove up now that school is out and Magic man arrived with Dragon Slayer. Then came Tax Man and last but not least Quicksilver drove up and we were ready to go. We said good bye to Coyote and headed down Gilmore to Acacia to start the ride. I forgot we were supposed to head over to State so I shortened the ride a bit by heading to Kirby and turning south. Digger and Siren led the way to Cypress and headed is west towards Johnston and Sanderson.

As we made the light at Sanderson Digger and Siren took the lead and gapped the rest of the group. We followed them to Mustang and watched as they made the light and we didn’t. I looked back at the group and said we were about to have a long chase to catch Siren and digger at the Pace they were going. Everyone seemed up to the task with the possible exception of Tax Man who had been missing for more than a week. We rounded the corner about 300 yards behind Digger and Siren. Dragon Slayer started our pace line and soon it was down to Quicksilver, Magic Man, Dragon Slayer, Hacker and me. By the second rotation we were closing fast but we dropped Quicksilver at Warren just before we caught Digger. I fell back and brought Quicksilver up to the group as we closed in on Winchester and we caught Siren and headed for the Saddle for a regroup. The girls kept going and headed for Laguna Vista and the turn to Newport. We joined them as they headed for Briggs. I was one of the last to round the corner onto Briggs and I watched as Dragon Slayer and Hacker pulled away for the rest of us. Siren gave chase but stopped closing by Holland leaving it to me to close the gap and chase then to Garbani. Hacker saw me coming and made a run for it to increase my suffering but I caught them and got around the corner heading for Menifee first. But I was spent and they got away again and Quicksilver caught me before Menifee and our regroup.

Once we were back on our way I moved us to Antelope and then followed Dragon Slayer to the top of the rise and back down to Holland. Magic Man and Dragon Slayer would be leaving us at Newport and I would be leading the group back to Menifee and north. At least I thought I would lead us to Menifee until Siren and Digger came rolling by and took the lane before making the left turn.

When we turned north Hacker and Quicksilver soon moved to the front after Siren and Digger gave it up and we got ready to do the little Menifee climb. I slid past hacker as he past Quicksilver and led him to the top of the climb before turning east on Simpson. I stopped and let all the stragglers move after Quicksilver and Siren. Once Digger joined me we started the long chase east. We caught Tax Man at Leon and were closing on Earth Dog when we saw him pull over with a flat tire. I stopped to help Earth Dog and sent Digger and Tax Man on to meet at Winchester Farms. It took longer than I expected because it seems as if the tire was defective and wouldn’t stay on the rim with more than 65 or 75 pounds of air. He was only about a mile for home so he left me and I headed for Winchester Farms.

We talked for a few minutes and I related the story about Earth Dog and his heading for home. After downing the rest of one of my water bottles we decided it was time to head for home before it got any hotter than it already was. Once again Siren and Quicksilver got out in front of us and headed east towards California.

They were still in front as we turned north and then east again on Stetson. To be honest with all of this heat I was a bit tired by Quicksilver seemed as fresh as when we started. Finally we fell in behind her and she pulled Hacker, Siren and Me to Cawston and the jog onto Industrial to head for Sanderson. As we pulled up to the light on Sanderson it flipped green and I took us north towards Lowes. Everyone was still riding strong even if it had popped into the 100+ range. I got us to the Lowes parking lot and started towards the back.

We moved over to Acacia and Siren took the lead. We were quite a ways behind her at Kirby but I caught a draft off of a Bobtail truck and caught her at Gilmore and followed her back to Florida. It only took a few moments till we were all back at the cars and I ran in to get ice water. Siren was leaving as I came back out and Hacker left just a bit later. I stayed till Quicksilver left and went over to check on Digger at Hemet bike. He had a bad cut on his tire and was looking for a new one for Wednesday. I met up with Earth Dog as he drove his bike there for another tire as well. I got home in time for a late lunch and noticed I had a broken spring clip in my Speed plays. Something I will have to fix before Wednesday myself.