By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It has been a long week it seems and I was glad to see Friday come at last. I knew it was going to be hot and muggy so I proposed an easy ride of about 38 miles with very little climbing. I was looking forward to finishing the week easy. I had breakfast, dressed and headed for the parking lot. Digger was waiting as was Highlander and Earth Dog as I rode up. Soon we had Bugler and Hacker drive up followed by Gambler and Ferret on their bikes. Just before we got ready to leave ME-109 and Barracuda arrived and joined us as we pulled out onto Latham and headed for Lyon. Once on Lyon we turned south and headed for Acacia.

I wasn’t planning on leading or pulling much today but as we headed south I knew I would deviate from the map when we got to Johnston. We would be heading east to Gilbert before returning south towards Thornton. Looking down the road from Stetson we could see a police road block. When we got to Thornton we were forced to turn east to State Street and head south towards Chambers.

Finally Digger and Earth Dog took over pulling duty and got us to Domenigoni where we were stopped by a red light. I was feeling pretty good but my legs were tight as I fell into the draft after we crossed Domenigoni. Ferret pulled around and picked things up a bit as we rolled by McSweeney and then Newport. As we crossed Newport I could see we were stretching the group a bit so I fell back and told Gambler that he should take the A group up to Sage and Climb Saint John’s grade while I took the B group up Sage to Mento Way for a regroup and a turn round. As we got to the little hill on the corner of State and Cactus Valley Highlander and digger fell back while I drafted Barracuda over the rise and towards the Golf Course. I dropped off of Barracuda’s wheel and fell back to pull Highlander. He was quickly running out of matches so he decided not to make the turn on Sage. I then had to try and catch the fleeing B group and was able to catch up to Earth Dog just before we got to Mento but Bugler had crested already and we headed for the beginning of Saint John’s while I was pulling away from the rest of my group. I stopped and Called Bugler to turn him back as we got ready to head back north. We picked up Hacker on the way to Cactus Valley and then rode together back to State Street to get to Dominigoni.

Once we were back on Domenigoni and headed west we settled into a pace line with Hacker starting us off. By the time I had rotated trough we had reached Sanderson. Each rider taking a turn at the front seemed to be working harder than we normally do but I think it was because we could almost feel the A group rushing towards us. Once we left Sanderson Bugler took the lead and pulled us at about 22 or 23 all the way to Warren for another red light. He left the light at Warren a little hot and we ended up dropping Digger. As we crested the dry wash I took over bit Bugler fell off and we worked our way towards Winchester. Hacker and I soft pedaled till Bugler caught up. After resting a bit Bugler was sticking to Hacker’s wheel pretty well before I gave up the pull just before Leon. Hacker pulled for a while before it was Bugler’s turn again. Bugler took us to the saddle with me in the second slot and Hacker on my wheel. I got out of the saddle and managed to keep Hacker from running over me on the Saddle sprint. We paused at the top of the saddle and then dropped down the back side still feeling the tingle on the back of our neck knowing the A group was on a mission to cut us down before we could get back to Winchester.

We were making our way east on Simpson when we got to Leon and decided to cut over to ninth street. Hacker, Earth Dog and I pushed it a pit as we got to the D V V flag sprint and headed to Winchester and Stowe for a break and regroup. We found Highlander waiting for us. We only had a minute to wait till Earth Dog and Digger joined us and maybe another minute before Barracuda arrived followed by Ferret and ME-109. It seems as if Gambler had returned home with a bee sting to the face so we were all of the two groups that were left. Highlander left first and was soon followed by Earth dog before the rest of us pulled out onto Stowe and headed for California.

I stayed with the B group as first Ferret took off finally followed by ME-109 and Hacker. Digger, Bugler and I stayed together till we got to California and turned east on Stetson to head home. We made it to Cawston and worked through Industrial to get back to Sanderson and ride back to Acacia. I did lead us to acacia and Kirby and then onto Gilmore before stopping at Burger King to watch everyone load up their car. I got home for a well deserved shower and lunch before taking my wife shopping. It was a good Friday for those of us that didn’t get stung by a bee.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another Wednesday and another chance to see if I was up to playing with the group on a longer ride. I put together the French Valley 45 and got ready to do my part to help the B group stay with the As for part of the ride and finishing the rest. I had breakfast, shaved, got dressed and headed for Burger King to see who would be riding with me. Digger and Dragon Slayer were there and Highlander drove up as well. It was a slight surprise to see Anaconda but at least it would be company for Huntress. Bloodhound, Gambler and ME-109 rode up as well. Tax man and Minotaur showed up giving us a reasonable A and B group. Seeing no one else at 8am we headed down Gilmore to Acacia and over to Kirby to start the ride.

We headed for the railroad tracks on Kirby and Bloodhound soon passed me and I started to chase. I stayed on his wheel till we got to the corner of Cypress and let him go as we moved through the housing track and headed towards Johnston. Digger and Tax Man pulled up to me and chatted till Bloodhound turned around and fell in behind us. Tax Man took us around the corner and to the light on Sanderson. We waited to see if it would turn green before heading across Sanderson and toward Industrial so we could turn on Cawston.

Once we pulled onto Stetson I locked on to Bloodhound’s back wheel and followed him to Warren. Bloodhound started to pull away after Warren and this time I let him go. Me-109 decided to go after him and they both made it to California Street first. Gambler took over pulling the rest of us and Minotaur fell into his draft with me on his wheel and Dragon Slayer in my draft. Slowly Gambler ramped up the pace and as we got close to the Metal Barn Minotaur started to fade so I pulled around and locked onto Gambler as if my life depended on it. I was only in Zone 4 and I was feeling pretty good so I held on to the parking lot at Winchester Farms where we regrouped. Once we were all ready to go Dragon Slayer started us south on Winchester heading for 9th street and our next turn west.

Once we were on 9th I fell back and let Gambler, ME-109, Bloodhound and Dragon Slayer go. Minotaur chased them to Leon and I pulled Huntress, Highlander, Tax Man, Anaconda and Digger towards Leon myself. Tax Man and Highlander planned on leaving us on Lindenburger rather than take the hill to Menifee. Huntress, Anaconda and I headed past Lindenburger and pulled up to the light on Menifee just after Minotaur. We then headed south on Menifee and I managed to run down Minotaur just after Newport so I could catch Gambler, ME-109, Dragon Slayer and Bloodhound and have them stop at the park to wait for Highlander and Tax Man.

As we waited for tax Man and Highlander Digger rode by heading for Holland. He almost made the corner before we turned to follow him. I told Gambler to take the A riders and head for the Gas station on Winchester and Benton and I would follow with the B riders. Highlander, Tax Man and Huntress were going to leave us at Scott Road so I pulled the group up the hill and gave chase to a fleeing Digger. I had to push a bit to close on Digger and Minotaur and so I separated myself from some of the Bs before we got to the Light at Scott and the three riders left us. Dragon Slayer took of pulling duty and took us to Keller and then to Baxter at the hospital. The drop down the hill separated us from Digger and Anaconda as we turned on Whitewood and headed towards Clinton Keith. Digger wasn’t able to close but we kept Anaconda with us as we crested the hill and started to long downhill towards Murrieta Hot Springs. I had to stop at the corner and text Huntress so Digger caught us at the light and followed us back to Winchester. Dragon Slayer and Minotaur made the light on Winchester while Digger, Anaconda and I didn’t so we had to watch them ride away up the hill. Anaconda and I simply put a spin on the hill and saved our legs for later in the ride. Anaconda and I stayed together past the Airport and made it to the Gas Station on Benton to find Dragon Slayer and Minotaur waiting. Gambler and his group were long gone so we took a hydration break before getting back on the road and heading north on Winchester towards Thompson. Digger was losing ground as we rolled by Thompson and headed back to Scott. The ride between the two streets slowly picked up speed with Dragon Slayer setting the pace.

We followed Dragon Slayer for quite a while till I took over and headed us towards the flea market and the west entrance to Diamond Valley Lake and I took over the pull to get us to Domenigoni.

Once we got down to Domenigoni we turned east and headed back towards Warren Road. Anaconda stuck right with as we crossed the dry wash and the Warren to make our way to Sanderson. Once we were heading north again on Sanderson Dragon Slayer pulled us all the way back to Acacia where I took over and got us to Kirby. Dragon Slayer and Minotaur took us back to Gilmore and Florida before we all regrouped at Burger King. Digger headed for home and I stopped with Minotaur at his car before heading for home myself. I got home exactly at the time the rain started and walked onto my porch just as the clouds opened up. I had a quick lunch as I downloaded my Garmin and settled is for a restful afternoon.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a pretty successful week last week I was looking forward to this week and kicking up my effort a notch. Last week I kept things in one 3 most of the time and felt good both in breathing and chest pain. So this week I wanted to push into zone 4 and see if there was any discomfort that I might have to report to my doctor. So I planned a little 40 miler and got ready for it for Monday with a good breakfast of oatmeal and cranberries before heading to the parking lot to meet Digger. Digger and Dragon Slayer were already there when I arrived and Highlander followed a few minutes later. Bugler arrived followed by Tax Man and that was it. We had a small group but one that should be easy to keep together. We decided that it was just the six of us were riding today so we headed out to Latham and over to Lyon to start the day. we started north on Lyon and made an easy few blocks on what turned out to be a nice cool morning.

As I had all week last week I followed Dragon Slayer as he led the group north past Esplanade and then Seventh Street before heading for Cottonwood. It feels rather nice sitting in the draft for five miles as we head past Cottonwood and then turn on Ramona Boulevard to head west towards Sanderson. Dragon Slayer was having trouble with his cadence counter so we stopped while he checked it out. Tax Man took off early followed by Highlander and Digger. Finally we followed and I pulled us up to Digger just as we got to Sanderson and pulled in behind Tax Man. When the light on the Expressway changed Tax Man started us west and headed for Warren. Highlander gave him a break ill we got to the first Dairy driveway took the where Digger lead. Dragon Slayer moved up front and pulled us to Bridge Street to head north.

We stayed together pretty well as we rolled through the dip at the corner where the road veers towards Gilman Springs. As we made the turn someone yelled that there was a car back and we would have to form a single line. Since I had to sprint to the front anyway I just put my head down and headed away from the group and watched my heart rate move from zone 2 to zone 3 as I hit 24mph. The rest of the group didn’t respond so I continued on till I got into zone 4 and found myself still breathing well and relatively pain free. So I sat us and saw that I had 200 yards on everyone as we slowed for the Gilman Bridge corner. Once we had all regrouped Highlander started us east on Gilman towards Sanderson. He led the way almost all the way to the top of the grade before the first downhill where Dragon slayer took over the pull. We dropped down the roller and started up the next grade with dragon Slayer setting the pace till we crested and I came around on the downhill. We dropped down to Sanderson and stopped under the bridge before continuing on towards State and Soboba. I pulled till we got to the climb in front of the Scientology compound where I had to get out of the saddle to get to the top. Dragon Slayer took that opportunity to attack me and streaked by on my right heading for Soboba. I was beat fair and square and Bugler pulled up on my back wheel. I pulled him to Soboba and we regrouped again. As soon as we were all back together we took off again and headed east on Soboba towards the two rollers and the golf course. I pulled to the first roller before Dragon Slayer took over and took the climb first.

As we crested the first roller and headed for the second Dragon Slayer picked up the pace a bit and had me rolling on his wheel in zone 3 with Bugler and Highlander on our wheel. Dragon slayer crested the last roller and we had a slight gap on Bugler and Highlander. They closed back in as Dragon Slayer pulled us towards the rise at the Driving range. After being aced on Gilman I felt it was only justified to wait till Dragon Slayer shifted and then launch my own attack and head for the hill in front of the golf course. This broke up the group but I got a great jump on Dragon Slayer and thought he had given up and decided to just pull the other two to the golf course. Good thing I had a mirror because he not only hadn’t given up he was charging after me. However my lead was just too much and I crested first only to go into my typical Soboba Road cough. Pollen grows somewhere on Soboba that just loves to get to me. Soon Bugler caught up to us and we headed for Main Street and Ramona to head east to Cranston Station. We waited just around the corner till everyone made the turn and then headed east towards Cedar and the cut over to Florida. Highlander and Tax Man abandoned the ride at Hemet Street so it was just four of us heading to Cedar. Dragon slayer and Bugler led us to Florida and east. Digger fell off at the light as first Dragon Slayer then Bugler took a turn at the front. Once in the trees it was my turn and as I pulled by Bugler he fell off. He simply pulled too long and didn’t have any matches left when I pulled by. Dragon Slayer fell back and pulled him up as we started up the slight grade to Cranston. Dragon Slayer took the last pull and got us to the water fountain for a regroup. We started back down Florida and headed for Casino to get Dragon Slayer’s Garmin working before heading back west. We decided to head all the way to Healthy pub for a recovery smoothie before coming back to Burger king and the cars. I left the group there and headed for home and a hot shower feeling good about the ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a hard week physically I was both glad and also a bit tentative even after a good ride on Wednesday. I wasn’t sure about climbing but a longer ride seemed in order and so I posted 44 mag. I got up and had breakfast before getting dressed and heading for the parking lot to meet Digger and anyone else that wanted to ride. I just wouldn’t be able to lead so I had a day of drafting in front of me. As I expected Digger was already there when I rode up as was Dragon Slayer. I saw Minotaur ride up as well. We talked for a while till Highlander arrived followed by Hacker and Bugler. Gambler arrived with Ferret and ME-109. We were also joined by Tax Man, Huntress, Barracuda and Quicksilver. A new rider, Robert, a friend of Bulldozer, joined us as well. It was not a bad group for a hot and humid Friday. We headed south towards Acacia just after 8am.

As soon as we were on Acacia and headed for Kirby I fell in behind Digger and Tax Man and they led us to the light at Kirby. All in all I felt pretty strong and didn’t notice any discomfort as we rode but then my heart rate was just above 95 beats a minute which isn’t far from my walking rate. I fell into an easy pace behind the three leaders as they crossed the railroad tracks and turned onto Cypress to head for Johnston.

As we waited at the light on Sanderson and got ready to head south again I indicated to Dragon Slayer that I wouldn’t be in front much today as I continued to test my conditioning. As we passed Wally World the pace started to pick up and the quicker riders moved to the front. I locked in on the back four or five riders and tried to keep my eye on the new rider. Tax Man pulled in front of me as we got to Domenigoni and headed west. It was here that the group split into three pieces and headed for Warren. Tax Man pulled three of us past Warren and over the dry wash. Robert the new rider started to suffer from not being on a saddle for quite a while so I fell in behind him as Barracuda pulled around us and headed for Winchester. Tax Man was more than happy to pull Robert and I to Winchester where Robert decided to abandon the ride and said he would have to try again another day. I followed Tax Man to the bottom of the saddle and then pulled him to the top before giving the lead back to him as we headed towards the gas station on Menifee. We picked up another two riders at the gas station with bandit and Shooter. They joined us as we pulled back out onto Menifee and headed north towards Florida and the ride to Nuevo.

The group spread out again as we past first Florida and then Mapes. Quicksilver, Highlander and Tax Man had decided to leave us at Nuevo and the Big dogs were pulling away from us as we crested the rise after Mapes. Dragon Slayer and Hacker came back to help pull our smaller group to Nuevo and head west as Highlander and Tax Man followed Quicksilver towards Lakeview and home. We stayed together as the trailing group as we headed towards Evans. We discovered there was a detour on Evans so we had to work our way back to Dunlap and then back around to Evans. Somewhere during our detour we lost Digger as we headed for Ramona and the turn East. We could see digger as we rode by the entrance to Lake Perris and just as we started to wonder where he might be Dragon Slayer cut a back tire. As the tire was being changed Digger turned off of Evans onto Rider and almost caught us before we made the little climb after Rider. We were going to make a stop at Dragon Slayer’s house to get water and a replacement tire So Digger got by us and headed for Sanderson. We came out onto Ramona Expressway and started the long pull home.

Dragon Slayer and Hacker did most of the work as we headed back towards Bridge and I will freely admit it was nice sitting in a draft so much of the day. It was about this time I noticed Bugler had fallen out of the draft and was having to make the run all by himself. We backed it down a bit only to discover he was also running low on matches and had been stretched pretty far on today’s ride. We never caught Digger but we did find Minotaur waiting for us when we got to Sanderson. He then joined us as we turned towards Lyon so we could get back to Burger King.

Once we turned on Lyon I fell back to keep Bugler company and Dragon Slayer led Huntress, Minotaur, Hacker and Barracuda towards Seventh Street. Barracuda came back to ride with us and as we got to Menlo I found Digger sitting on the corner getting ready to head for home. He just wanted to let me know he made it. I rode with Barracuda and Bugler till we got to Burger King and found Dragon Slayer, Hacker and Huntress loading up to head for home themselves. Minotaur, Bugler, Barracuda and I rode over to the LBS before heading for home ourselves. I had a big lunch before taking the dog for a walk and then taking a hot shower. I was a good day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a rather tense ride Monday I was pretty tentative about the ride today. It had to be a bit longer because it was a Wednesday ride but I wasn’t sure how well I was going to do. One thing I had promised myself was I would take it easy and allow someone else to pull no matter where we went. So we mapped out Murrieta 40 and planned on a west ride with four small climbs. I was feeling rested and pretty strong so I had a warm breakfast and headed for the parking lot to meet Digger. Like I expected Digger was already there and I went in to get a cold drink, I was passing on coffee just to make sure the caffeine wasn’t what spoiled my Monday ride. We stood and talked till Bloodhound rode up and we were also joined by Highlander. While we were all talking Gambler arrived followed by Joshua, (Bugler) Tax Man, Hacker and Quicksilver. Not a big group but we expected more to join us on Domenigoni. We left close to 8am and headed for Acacia.

As soon as we got to Acacia Digger took the lead and pulled us to Kirby. As we turned the corner Digger led again but joined by Quicksilver as I slowly moved back in the pack. The pace was pretty reasonable as we crossed the railroad tracks and turned onto Cypress and headed for Johnston. We pulled up to the light on Sanderson and headed south towards Stetson with Digger, Bloodhound, Tax Man and Highlander leading the way.

I fell in line and followed the group first to Mustang and then to Domenigoni and started west. I was lucky to be about three riders back as we headed over the rise and started towards Warren. After Bloodhound pulled away from us Gambler took over our pull and took us to Warren and over the dry wash. We were cruising at a good 21 or 22 mph as we closed in on Winchester. After crossing on a green light we noticed Bandit, Shooter and Jay coming east and crossing the road. Once they joined us the pace picked up a bit and we were pushing 23 or 24 all the way to the saddle were we spread out over the climb and down the back side to head to the gas station on Menifee and Domenigoni for a hydration break.

As we were talking at the gas station Gambler informed me that the A riders would be going straight once they got to Scott where the rest of us would be turning west. Quicksilver, Digger, Highlander, Tax Man and I headed south towards Revival hill on the other side of Holland with Quicksilver setting the pace. It was strange to be sitting in the draft all day but it was also pretty relaxing. Highlander and Tax Man turned on Holland and headed for Antelope while Quicksilver and I followed the big dogs up Revival and Digger fell back. Quicksilver then pulled me all the way to Scott and pointed us west. Digger was about 300 yards behind us as we crossed Antelope and topped the freeway. Tax Manand Highlander pulled around the corner before Digger got there and followed Quicksilver and me as we turned onto Haun and headed north. Highlander caught us about halfway to Holland and as Quicksilver and I turned west Highlander and Tax Man headed for home.

Once Digger caught up to us Quicksilver took us towards the little hill in front of Murrieta. Digger was passed at Bradley and I chased Quicksilver up the hill and then back down to Murrieta before heading north back towards Newport. As we climbed the rise and dropped down towards Newport we noticed Hacker and Bugler waiting at the Chevron for us. We stopped for more water before heading north on Murrieta.

We were cruising along nice and easy as we crossed by the park and headed over the river crossing and the first stop light. As we looked back we noticed the Big dogs were coming up behind us after making a big loop to the south of us and coming back north to catch us.

We all rode together north till we got past Cherry Hill and then turned east on McCall. Bloodhound once again pulled away from us and I followed Quicksilver as she chased him towards Bradley. Bloodhound made it through the light as did Quicksilver and I but the rest of the group got stuck at the red. Quicksilver wasn’t able to keep up with Bloodhound but we were now two or three light in front of the rest of the group so we started up Hospital hill with no one behind us. We didn’t see Bloodhound as we topped the hill and I chased Quicksilver down the back side on Hospital hill and to Menifee. Just past the light we stopped to wait for everyone. Jay, Bandit and Shooter left us at Heritage so Gambler pulled us to Lindenburger and east on Simpson. He took us all the way to Leon before leaving for Domenigoni and letting Quicksilver pull us to Winchester and then Winchester Farms for our last regroup. Once we were all together we headed east on Stowe and started for home.

Once again I followed Quicksilver all the way to California and then down to Stetson and headed east. I did take the lead till we got to Warren and then gave it back to Quicksilver till we got to Cawston. We rode through the Industrial park and out onto Sanderson for the turn north back to Acacia and then over Kirby to Gilmore and back to Burger King. There was nothing too fast about today’s ride but it was 40 miles of pain free cycling for me and a bit of relief from the last two rides.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a hard Friday for me I was looking forward to a good rest over the weekend and a flat ride on Monday. As many know it rained most of the weekend so I could do little but rest and clean up my bike. Friday had been hard coming home because I had a hard time breathing coming home and assumed it was pollen and humidity. However in the back of my head I was concerned because the discomfort was so sudden. None the less I felt better Monday morning and after breakfast left to join Digger and Earth dog at Burger King. At first it looked like we were going to be it as far as a group goes but finally we were joined by Highlander and Anaconda. Just as soon as they parked Shooter and Tax Man drove up and we were ready to go. I took us out onto Gilmore and headed south.

I had determined not to pull today and was going to ride a bit tentative just to make sure the chest pressure was a off the wall thing Friday. As we turned on Acacia Digger pulled and he pulled again as we got to Cypress. I was pulled through the housing tract and finally onto Johnston and to the light on Sanderson. I was feeling just fine and even stronger than normal as we rode through Industry and out to Stetson off of Cawston and headed towards Warren. Everything was going good as we crossed Warren and I fell back to talk with Anaconda. We finally turned onto California and headed for Stowe.

As we headed for Winchester I started to feel a bit of discomfort in my chest again. Not like Friday but there none the less. I followed the group to Winchester farms and stopped to see if the pressure would go away. As we got ready to head south on Winchester I informed Shooter and Anaconda I wasn’t feeling well and was planning on heading home. I headed back east on Stowe feeling like I need to make an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible. Suddenly I burped and the pain was gone. I am not saying it was simply a matter of mind over matter or that I had obsessed over Friday all weekend but something I was relieved enough to see if I could rejoin my friends on their ride east. I got to State and Chambers before the group but that may have been because Shooter had a flat and half of them got held up while he changed it. Still Highlander, Digger and Tax Man looked surprised to see me as they turned the corner. After checking to see how I was feeling we moved on towards Buena Vista and Thornton. We managed to make it all the way to San Jacinto Street before Shooter pulled Anaconda and Earth Dog up to us. We then rode together straight east on Stetson all the way to Fairview for a regroup. As we headed north on Fairview Earth Dog and Anaconda led us toward the bridge and Earth Dog slowly pulled out front. By Mayberry Anaconda, Highlander and I were slowly closing down the gap.

Earth Dog rounded the corner and headed for Cranston. I followed a few yards later as Highlander pulled up and waited for Tax Man so they could head back to Burger King. I was slowly closing on Earth Dog as Shooter pulled by with Anaconda in tow. I fell in behind them and we passed Earth Dog before we came into the trees. I looked back and noticed we had dropped Anaconda so I dropped back to get her and then pulled her up to Cranston. We regrouped with Digger and after a short break headed back to Carl’s with me drafting Shooter all the way. Earth Dog didn’t stop so it was down to just four of us for coffee and conversation before we headed for home on New Chicago.

We turned on Lincoln and headed for Park to circle back to Devonshire. Digger left us at Devonshire so Shooter, Anaconda and I cruised all the way to Santa Fe before moving over to Latham and west once more. We managed to get back to Burger King and I was still feeling fine so I headed for home and a hot shower. Just so you know I still made an appointment with my doctor just to be on the safe side.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Friday and I had been looking for this day all week. To tell the truth I was tired and had been pushing for the last few weeks thinking that I might ride the Big Bear Ride with CAS in August. In fact the Monday morning and Monday night rides were tapping into in energy reserves and leaving me pretty tired on the Wednesday rides. This week was no different. So I had a simple out and back planned and had a full breakfast to get ready. I got to the parking lot to meet Digger about the same time as Earth Dog arrived. We didn’t have long to wait for Highlander followed closely by Anaconda. I had no idea how many people would join us today or if the Big Dogs were going to join us but two of the whippets did show up when ME-109 and Ferret arrived. At last Quicksilver joined us and at first that looked like the whole group but at the last moment Barracuda joined us relegating me to the middle of the pack speed wise. Still I took us down Gilmore and headed for Acacia.

At this early stage I was feeling pretty good and thought this might turn into a good cruise as we headed to Kirby and then south to Cypress. As we weaved through the housing tract Quicksilver pulled up next to me and we talked easily as we turned out onto Johnston and to the light on Sanderson. We were still together as we turned south towards Stetson and rode by Wally World. By the time we got to Mustang Quicksilver took the lead and pulled us to Domenigoni. She was still in the lead as we headed west towards Warren and I was more than content to draft off of her. Before the rise ME-109 and Ferret went by with Minotaur on their wheel and they quickly over took a rider to our front when I fell back to talk to Barracuda. By the time we got to Warren the fleeing threesome was pulling away from us and we pulled up next to the lone rider I had seen earlier. The rider turned out to be Shooter and he dropped back as I took over the pull. Barracuda took the lead and pulled us over the dry wash and well on our way towards Winchester. I was impressed with the group I saw behind me and it looked like Highlander was right with us. Then Shooter rolled by and things got kicked up a notch. As we headed towards Winchester we noticed the Whippets had dropped a rider off of their back. It turned out to be Minotaur and Shooter was zeroed in on him. By this time the group had splintered so the Shooter was leading Barracuda and me with two riders following me. I took a pull and just before the saddle gave to lead back to Barracuda and followed him over the saddle and to the gas station on Menifee. What may have impressed me the most may have been that Quicksilver was on my wheel all the way to the saddle even after Minotaur dropped off? But soon we were regrouping at the corner and getting ready for the rest of the trip through Rail Road Canyon.

As we moved west from Menifee the group got totally split up. Digger and Earth dog got an early start and both Shooter and Barracuda went with them followed by Minotaur. I followed with Quicksilver, Anaconda and Highlander. This meant I was going to do a lot of pulling and I started to regret the pace line we had from Warren to the Saddle. Still I was doing ok except my chest felt tight and congested. As long as I took deep breaths I could maintain my pace and pull my little group towards Murrieta.

As we crossed Murrieta and got to the top of the rise I could see Digger starting up the hill into railroad. I kept the pace up and dragged the little group to Goetz where Highlander left and we found Shooter waiting. When we hit the first climb both Quicksilver and I got out of the saddle but weren’t able to stay wit Shooter. Soon I dropped Quicksliver and she dropped Anaconda. I crested a bit behind Shooter and headed for the first stop light to see Digger and Earth Dog out in front of me. I caught the light red but was able to catch Digger at the next light before taking off in pursuit of Earth Dog. I got another red light and was about 50 yards behind Earth Dog dropping down the first hill. Earth Dog flatted at the bottom of the first hill and I continued on leaving him to Digger. After the second drop off I spotted Minotaur with a flat and Shooter assisting him so I continued on again meeting Barracuda, ME-109 and Ferret at Mickey Ds. We all regrouped eventually and after a brief break headed back east through the Canyon. I got out onto the street with Earth Dog this time and followed him as we got close to the first long climb through the canyon. When Barracuda and Minotaur pulled in front I went with them. The two whippets were long gone as I trained Minotaur and Barracuda. Shooter was between us and Ferret and I finally lost Barracuda’s wheel was we past Minotaur . Shooter waited at the top of the hill and picked up everyone but Digger and dragged them up to me at the light by Stater Brothers. I managed to start up the last climb before they caught me but when I got out of the saddle shooter came by with Minotaur on his wheel. I had to stay on it to get back by Minotaur and over the last hill first. I headed down the other side and made it to Goetz before my lungs started to scream at me like I was breathing through a pain mask. I checked my Heart rate and it was good but it felt like I had asthma and had to baack down as Shooter brought the rest of the group up to and past me. I followed them to Murrieta and then stopped to catch my breath. Minotaur stayed with me till we got to Antelope and Digger finally caught up at Menifee. We lost him at the saddle again and I was feeling a lot better as we waited for Digger at Winchester. I drafted off of Minotaur till we got back to the dry wash before I told him to go on and I would ride with Digger. We rode together taking turns pulling all the way back to Sanderson and north. I led the rest of the way to Acacia and then Gilmore before joining the rest of the group at Burger King. There was some concern over my breathing problems but I assured them I could make it home and felt I could recover by resting over the weekend. I did feel better after a hot shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another Wednesday and another chance to get my legs moving and ride with friends. I wanted it to be a bit flatter than last week but I wanted some rollers as well so I picked Reverse Soboba and got myself ready for it. When I headed for the parking lot it was cool and clear with little or no wind. I got there to see Digger and Dragon Slayer having coffee. Not long after I got there Highlander and Quicksilver arrived as well. We did get a text message saying Bulldozer was on his way but running late after fixing a cut tire. We pulled out of the parking lot and headed to Acacia to make the turn south.

We were taking it pretty easy heading for Cypress and I led us around the corner and headed through the housing tract towards Johnston. Digger was already heading for the Marina because he left 10 minutes early so we expected to see him at Searl. I got us to Sanderson and had to wait for the light. Once we turned south on Sanderson and crossed Stetson we settled into a comfortable pace and headed towards Mustang.

I was able to stay out front till we got to Domenigoni and even managed to catch the light green as we turned east on Domenigoni and placed our sights on the light at Searl. As we got close to the corner Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer decided to head for the marina Hill as well while I took the rest of the group towards State Street. Quicksilver took over and pulled us all the way to the corner before we turned south again to head towards McSweeney and the loop through those houses. I was rather surprised to see Digger catch us before we got back out to State. We then turned north towards Domenigoni to try and meet Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer.

As we got to Domenigoni we picked up Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer as we headed towards Chambers. I was going to lead out Quicksilver on the State Street sprint but she got stuck behind Digger and couldn’t get out. Once I sat up to wait, Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer went by and turned to corner east on Chambers only to stop and wait for a regroup. We continued on Buena Vista and then Santa Fe to get out to Stetson and head east towards Columbia. Highlander stayed on Stetson as the rest of us turned right to go through the houses and come back on Lake and pull in behind Highlander on Stetson. We regrouped on Fairview before heading north towards Florida and then again towards the Fire station. Bulldozer stopped by his house and changed bikes while we took a nature break and Digger continued on towards the Golf course and Soboba road. We had planned on running down Soboba to State Carl’s but Quicksilver was running short on time so we talked about changing the route once we got to State. I chased Bulldozer as hard as I could and thought I might have set a new PR. While my Garmin gave me the correct average speed for the day somehow I messed up the segment and missed out. Bulldozer turned back on Soboba and we headed down State to Ramona Boulevard to get back to Burger king.

Dragon slayer did most on the pulling once we were headed west on Ramona and in fact pulled us all the way to Lyon and then South towards Cottonwood. Now it was just a matter of turning the pedals once block after the next as we headed for home. By the time we got to Menlo Digger left us leaving just four of us to make our way to Latham and back to the Pep Boy’s drive way. At the last moment Quicksilver tried for a sprint finish only coming up one bike wheel short of beating us back to the cars. There was hugs all around as we said good bye and headed for our own homes. At least I felt pretty good for the last half of the ride so it was an improvement.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was a rest day for the TDF so we made it a rest and training day for the tour de D V V. Highlander was back with us and he would need time to get his bike legs back after a 60 day layoff. So we planned a reverse Nuevo ride and I headed to the parking lot to see who was going to show up. Digger was already there I got there and Highlander showed up just before Earth Dog. Quicksilver and Shooter arrived about the same time and we were ready to go right at 8am. We headed out onto Gilmore and down to Acacia with very little fanfare. I was thinking this would be a relaxing recovery ride and the early pace would have seemed to indicate that is just what it was. We made it to Kirby and then to Cypress rolling along at a gentle pace. Digger took us to the light on Sanderson and Johnston and then we all made our way to Industrial and out onto Cawston to turn on Stetson and head for Warren.

I pulled for the longest time till we actually crossed Warren and we were half way to California. First digger took over and then Shooter came by towing Quicksilver. It didn’t take long till we were headed for Stowe and Shooter moved to the front with me trailing off the back just in front of Digger. We were more or less all together as we headed west on Stowe but once Shooter picked up the pace I could see Highlander was out of position and would be dropped if Quicksilver and Earth Dog took off after Shooter. Take off he did and sure enough they created a gap. So I fell in on the front of the second group and pulled them to Winchester to regroup with Shooter and his followers.

When it was time to leave I took the lead and pulled the group south and we headed towards the dump road. Once we got to the dump road shooter once again took off with Quicksilver and Earth Dog so I ended up once again pulling my half of the group past the Wild West Arena. We lost ground to the Shooter group and chased them all the way to Leon where they were waiting for us.

Digger and Earth dog made it to Stetson first and Shooter started to go after them as we made the turn. But he waited till I had the group up to him and we chased down Earth Dog and zeroed in on the fleeing Digger. We rolled by Briggs and Digger was still out front and had already turned onto Lindenburger and then Heritage. We caught him before he got to the light on McCall and we all rode together to Menifee and headed for the AM/PM on Florida.

Shooter ended up pulling us all the way to the AM/PM were we took a short break before getting back on Menifee and heading north. Digger started us out and soon shooter and Quicksilver were coming by us again but this time they were followed by Earth dog. I kept the pace steady and pulled my group past Mapes and over the rise to pick up speed on the downhill and head for Central. Eventually my group reached Nuevo and we turned east to get to Lakeview where Shooter and Quicksilver were waiting for us. I took over and pulled us north to get us over to Ramona Expressway and the ride home.

I got us to the Expressway and started to head east to get us back to Hemet. At the road split Shooter took over and had Quicksilver and Earth Dog on his wheel and he headed back towards Bridge. I tried to pull Highlander and Digger up to the back wheel of the Shooter group but they couldn’t hold the pace so I had to back off and follow the lead group from a distance as they made their way back to Sanderson where we found them waiting for us.

All that was left was the run south towards Devonshire. Quicksilver started us out and soon had us cruising at about 21 mph till Shooter took over and took it to 22. By the water department we had dropped Highlander, Digger and Earth Dog so I dropped back to get them. Earth Dog rolled by as I waited and I had to work hard to drag Digger and Highlander back up to him. In fact I lost Digger and Menlo before we pulled up behind Earth Dog and had to wait at the Devonshire light. I took us east again and headed for Kirby only to catch another light. We got to Gilmore and the parking lot before Quicksilver and Shooter left and discovered Quicksilver had gathered a boat load of QOMs on this ride. I wasn’t looking forward to running from her on Bautista tonight.

DVV vs CAS Tour de Perris.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was finally Friday and time for the two stage race called the Tour de Perris. The ride was made up of three long lead ups to two big rollers and a climb to the Lake Perris dam and a short downhill to the Marina. From the marina the second stage had a short climb out of Perris and headed to Gilmore to run back to the start finish line. I wasn’t feeling 100 percent but I wanted to do the ride anyway. I headed to the start finish and got ready for the start. Digger was already at the start finish line along with Dragon Slayer and Thomas. Gambler and Minotaur arrived next followed by Bulldozer and Quicksilver. Shooter, Tax Man and Ferret rounded out the group. With most of the big named teams at the Tour de France and some distance away from us there were only two teams represented for the Tour de Perris Lake, the Big named team from CAS and the little guys from D V V. D V V seemed out classed but they were there to ride not shiver in fear. By 8am we headed out as a mass peloton onto Latham and over to Lyon. I happened to be in the lead at that point and riding with our points leader Quicksilver.

Our race director had a plan to keep us in the points at least for the first stage and we set out to follow the directions right from the beginning. As we headed north QuickSilver, Tax Man, Digger and I would ride towards the front while Dragon Slayer and Thomas would ride in the center of CAS. The goal was to hold their pace down in the early part of the ride so the rest of us would have time to warm up and shake off our nerves. Quicksilver and I set the pace till we got to Esplanade where Tax Man and Digger took over the duty of setting the pace. Digger started to pick up the pace and that worried me quite a bit because we had a long way to go and much of the TT team for CAS was riding right behind us. If they managed to get into formation before we got to Ramona Boulevard D V V could be in trouble. Still digger took us to Ramona and started west towards Sanderson with all of us trailing along behind him.

As we returned to the Expressway and west again Digger and Tax Man from Team D V V pulled almost all the way to Warren before Team CAS took over and started to stretch out the peloton. Dragon Slayer and Thomas went with them and at first I followed till I noticed we had dropped Quicksilver, Tax Man and Digger. I fell out of line and fell back to pick them up but was soon joined by Quicksilver at Bridge and giving chase heading towards Lakeview. Quicksilver and I were gaining slightly when we noticed the lead group had stopped for some kind accident. It turned out to be Minotaur one of Team CAS and his team had stopped to assist in a tire change because the team car was nowhere in sight. Our team manager told four of us to continue on and two of us to wait with the CAS guys and save their energy till it might be needed later. I took Quicksilver, Digger and Tax Man west and headed for the first climb of the day. The Lakeview to Bernasconi power climb. Quicksilver took over at Lakeview and started us up the hill. When she ran out of steam I rode around her and headed for the top of the climb and headed for part two. Tax Man dropped a chain and abandoned the ride at Bernasconi. I top out on the second hill with Quicksilver in full chase and Digger trailing after checking on Tax Man. We got news from our team manager that CAS was back on the chase and closing fast. Out plan was to spread out our line and hope each rider would slow them down while the others got some extra distance. Quicksilver and I made it to Perris Lake road and headed for the climb to the Dam. So far we seemed to be about 4 minutes up on CAS but we were told they were eating up that time and with some extra effort might catch us. Quicksilver and I made it to the top of the climb and onto the Marina frontage road. With the slight down hill our pace was good enough that we got to the marina first and I took stage one wit Quicksilver getting the same time minus the bonus point for first place. CAS had their first riders show up two minutes later giving D V V the first stage win. After the interviews and awards ceremony we had some food and water before heading out to start Stage 2 and the ride back to the Start finish line. Dragon slayer and I took and early break and were well ahead of the CAS team starting up the last climb. Just before we made the top of the climb I could see CAS in hot pursuit and D V V was splintered.

As we crested the hill and headed down the north entrance/exit of Lake Quicksilver fell off of the pace on the descent and CAS got away with D V V riders Dragon Slayer and Thomas with them. Minotaur was caught between them and Quicksilver with me trailing about half of a mile in front of Digger. We chased the group all the way to Alessandro and then back north east to Gilman where the CAS rider Ferret had flatted. This time we all stopped before starting east on Gilman and the long run home.

Once we got started on Gillman Dragon slayer and Thomas took the lead and quickly created a gap. With Quicksilver pulling the peloton we had no reason to help run them down and so it was left up to CAS’s Ferret to pull around and give chase. I took my turn at the front and kept the pace within reason till CAS took off in mass chasing. Much to my chagrin Dragon Slayer and Thomas turned off course onto Bridge and I knew the judges would disqualify them. By the time Quicksilver and I got to Bridge she flatted and Digger caught us before it could be changed. Quicksilver and I took turn pulling till she decided she was the more powerful and insisted on pulling to Sanderson. We turned south on Sanderson and headed for Ramona when we got the news from the Team Director that Ferret, Gambler and Bulldozer had gone off course as well. It was after all a new course so it might be understandable but it was also a stroke of luck for D V V. Shortly after crossing Ramona and the water district we spotted Digger. It was my turn to pull but Quicksilver was so focused on picking him up to help in a pace line that she pulled all the way to Cottonwood where at last I got out front. Digger Abandoned at Menlo leaving Quicksilver and I to finish the ride and head for Devonshire. We made the last turn east on Devonshire and were soon turning on Gilmore and got back to Start finish. Shooter and Minotaur from DVV were one and two with Quicksilver and I finishing three and four. However even with Shooter’s win Minotaur’s finish on Stage one was well behind forth and so in the end of two stages both DVV and CAS had each won a stage and were tied on points for time and position thanks to several navigation errors.

CAS may have had the power today and they may have collected a whole bucket full of KOMs on Strava but Quicksilver’s tenaciousness and our directors skill at team planning at least kept D V V in the game and ready to come back and try again next time. Yes a good day was had by all.

Bling Team succeeds where others fail

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Wednesday and in Honor of the TDF we set up a ride that included long flat stretches and a few climbs. I knew the field would be small but in honor of the US soccer team I also knew it would be a chance for the Bling Team to take on the men’s team one on one. We will call this ride the McCall 2x. I got to the staging start finish line to find Digger waiting. We chatted till the Bling Team showed up in force. Anaconda, Quicksilver and Huntress showed up at the same time. You could almost hear the Group Queen singing “We are the champions” as they got out of their cars. I thought Digger and I would be in trouble until Cossack showed up adding strength to the men’s group. At least at that point we were even numbered. Dragon Slayer arrived a few minutes later and I knew we had a chance as a team to hold off the Bling Team. We nervously waited to get started and headed south only to be joined by ME-109 who was assigned a time penalty for a late start.

We made a hard turn west on Acacia and then south again on Kirby with Cossack setting the pace. Digger was close to the front as I rode next to Cossack followed by Dragon slayer and the Bling Team riding in formation and forming plans for their attack. Digger moved forward and took us to Johnston and west once more giving up the lead to Cossack and I. The pace was steady as we crossed Sanderson and made our way to Industry and out towards Cawston. Cossack led us to Stetson and headed towards Warren with the rest of the peloton in tow. So far team D V V men were doing all the work at the front of the peloton and the Bling Team. Something told me that the men might have something to fear in this effort as we closed in on Warren. Cossack was still leading the group as we crossed Warren and soon Digger moved forward to take is turn at the front.

Digger kept the men in front till Cossack and ME-109 took over and created a break away with Dragon Slayer closing the gap and joining them. I was left with Digger to hold off the Bling Team. We made it to California and Digger took over again and pulled us around onto Stowe. I got by him and pulled to the first set of Houses tll Huntress took over and boxed me in between her and Quicksilver letting Anaconda keep Digger from assisting me. While Cossack, ME-109 and Dragon Slayer made it to the end of Stage one first ME-109 didn’t get a time bonus because of his late start. Cossack and Dragon Slayer got a three and two minute bonus while Huntress got a one minute one and I finished with the peloton.

I started the second Stage south on Winchester and started to pull the pace line all the way to 9th Street and west. I stayed out front until I gave the lead to Cossack and fell to the back of the peloton. Cossack kicked up the pace and I was caught off guard by Anaconda as Dragon Slayer and the rest of the Bling Team followed Cossack and ME-109 towards Leon. We weren’t that far behind when we turned onto Leon and I took over the pull and attempted to catch the lead Peloton as we headed west on Simpson. I did break away from Anaconda and Digger and pulled up behind the rest of the group at Menifee. I noticed that Cossack had abandoned the course leaving us one man down in our quest to beat the Bling Team. We reached McCall at the same time and turned west towards the first climb of the day, Verso de Hill Hospital. I was in the back of the peloton with ME-109 as we started for the hill and after he made his break for it I followed catching everyone by ME-109 including Dragon Slayer. So far I felt we were putting a hurt on the Bling Team. We dropped down off of the hill and headed for Bradley to head north. Dragon Slayer and ME-109 led the way to Roush and west to Murrieta before we turned north to Ethanac and west again. Digger was pulling the chase group as we got to Goetz and headed west to attack the next climb, Escalade de la chèvre. I caught Digger at the first cross street and had gapped the Bling Team. I thought I had a good lead when Quicksilver pulled up behind me and then rolled by. I held her wheel but I was afraid she was going to drop me until we hit the 9 percent part of the climb and I used my last match to get by her and to the top for at least one more point. We creasted the hill and I ended up chasing ME-109 to the Fire Station. As we continued on I looked back and Dragon Slayer was coming on strong. He passed me and with ME-109 headed for Normandy while I had to hold off a charging Huntress till we also turned east on Normandy.

We turned north on La Ladera and stopped at the park to end Stage 2 and a time check. Things were looking pretty good with Dragon slayer leading in points followed by ME-109. I was in third after the two climbs but only by a point over Quicksilver and 10 seconds over Huntress. We headed back onto the course and headed north towards Honey Run as I led us east to the stop sign.

As we headed north I was leading in a short break away but was soon captured by digger and caught by the rest of the Peloton. I followed the group all the way up to the turn east on McCall and finally caught them at Murrieta as we headed back to Bradley and the freeway overpass. Dragon slayer led us to Hillpoint and I took over at the light. ME-109 sprinted past me just past the new homes and Dragon Slayer went after him shortly after that. I was well ahead of Quicksilver as I headed onto the false flat and figured she was out of matches so I down shifted to save my legs. I never saw the attack coming and she sprinted by me just before the crest of the hill. At this point Quicksilver had more points than I did but at least was still behind ME-109 and Dragon Slayer. Then as we dropped down the hill Dragon Slayer left the race and only ME-109 was leading Quicksilver. We turned south east on Heritage and made our way to Simpson to head east again. Quicksilver took the lead and pulled past Leon trying to maintain her position. At this point disaster hit and ME-109 took off on a solo breakaway. Much like Tony Martin’s run on Stage Three of the tour I expected ME-109 to take the stage. I pulled in front of Quicksilver and got us to Winchester to head north. Quicksilver pulled us to Stowe where we had to stop for a tech inspection only to discover ME-109 missed the inspection. Now Quicksilver was in the lead and she had the full support of Team Bling. We headed east on Stowe and I tried to make a run for it with a Solo break away. I was caught by Team Bling’s chase team as I turned onto Stetson. They played me like a fine violin as we move back to Warren with either Quicksilver or Huntress staying right on my wheel to make sure there would be no time bonus point for finishing first. I took us to Cawston where digger caught up and the to industrial realizing my chances were fading away quickly.

I managed to get us to Sanderson and made a last ditch effort to drop the group before we got to Acacia. There was no such luck as Team Bling covered every move I made and made it to Gilmore and Florida right on my wheel. When I pulled into the parking lot Quicksilver had become the virtual winner and Team Bling had proved more consistant over the course to prove that not just the US women’s soccer team knew how to win.