By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here was another Monday and at least it had cooled a bit from last week. Even though I have been slowed down by my doctor she didn’t say I couldn’t ride and so I had a nice little cruise to Los Alamos and back of about 43 miles planned and headed to Burger King to see who was up for it. Digger was there and we were pretty much alone for the first fifteen minutes. Bugler did show up just to say hello but he was still sore and tired from Saturday. Karl joined us again and soon Earth Dog arrived as well. At first I thought that was going to be the whole group but soon Highlander and Huntress joined us making a reasonable Monday group. We started down Gilmore and headed to Acacia. As normal Digger was one of the ones to lead us to Kirby before we headed south towards Cypress.

It was nice to not be pushed at all in the early part of the ride and we were still in cruise and chat mode as we turned onto Cypress and headed through the housing tract and headed for Johnston. Finally Huntress pulled up next to me and we caught up on each other’s events as Earth Dog and Digger took us to Johnston and we caught the light at Sanderson. We made it onto Sanderson and down to Stetson easily enough and caught the light just past Wally World. Digger got the jump when the light changed and got us headed towards Mustang.

By the time we got to Domenigoni Huntress and Highlander had moved up and took us west towards Warren. We started an easy pace line and Highlander was leading as we rolled by Warren and headed for the dry wash. He pulled us over the wash and gave up the lead as we leveled off heading to Winchester. I took a turn but didn’t stay out front that long before Huntress took over for me. We were still as a group when Shooter was seen going the other way. He turned around and joined us and ended up catching and pulling us all the way to Leon. Digger fell off first but the rest held on till Shooter got us to the bottom of the Saddle. I had enough juice left to pull around and chase Shooter over the hill and follow him to the gas station where we regrouped.

Highlander and Huntress had decided not to complete the ride but they would stay with us as we headed south on Menifee and worked our towards Revival hill. I knew Highlander hated Revival so I had planned on turning on Holland and heading over to Antelope. Highlander almost missed the turn at Holland because I think he had the hill in his head but he seemed to be glad we were heading to Antelope. Shooter took us from the light and over the rise towards Garbani.

We all headed for Scott and by the time we got to the light Highlander and Huntress turned east to head for Winchester. Shooter pulled the rest of us south towards Keller and into the wind. What we were hoping for was for the wind to hold in that position till we got to Winchester ourselves so we could have a tail wind on the way home. Shooter got us to the hospital and made the turn east to get to Whitewood. As we got to the corner we noticed we had lost Digger at the light on Antelope so we stopped to w3ait for him. Once he was back with us we headed south again and worked our way to the long downhill heading to Los Alamos.

We stopped at a Taco Bell to refill our water bottles and then head east o Los Alamos to get to Winchester. Digger tried to stay with us but he started to fade towards the top of the climb so I fell back to ride with him. Shooter took Karl and Earth Dog on as Digger and I cruised down the rollers together. At the sharp right hander with the kicker uphill I dropped Digger because he was in the wrong gear and I got to the stop sign at Briggs and turn back to Leon where Shooter had the others waiting. Once we were all back together we headed up to Max Gillis and over to Winchester. We were very glad to see that we did indeed have a tail wind. We really spread out on Winchester and had to work our way back to Scott where we more or less regrouped and headed for Domenigoni. I caught up to Karl at the last rise before Domenigoni and then we all caught the light and had to wait to head back to Winchester Farms. Shooter left us at Grand and we stopped at Winchester farms for a break before heading east on Stowe to get back home. I stayed with Earth Dog as we turned onto California and pulled him to Stetson. I noticed we had dropped Karl and Digger so I soft pedaled till the caught u while Earth Dog headed for the barn. Digger and Karl caught me at Cawston and we rode together towards Winchester.

I started a pull once we were on Sanderson and took us all the way to Acacia where we turned east. I still had the lead as we got to Kirby but Digger took us to Gilmore where we turned north and found Earth dog waiting at the long light on Florida. We all got back to the parking lot before heading for home and a hot shower. It was a great day for a ride and I am looking forward to Friday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was supposed to be another hot day on Friday and I had every reason to believe the weather wizards would be right on this one. Knowing that several of our riders would be doing the Big Bear ride with CAS I thought it best to post a shorter ride and get home before the heat really set in. I posted the Cactus Valley ride and headed over to Burger King to see just how many people would be joining me. Digger was waiting and talking to a new rider that was joining us, Karl. The three of us were still talking when Earth Dog arrived. It was a bit surprising to see Gambler arrive and we were expecting MacGyver, but he never showed. Closer was with us again and Ferret joined us as well. It was a small group but we were just planning on getting an easy spin so it was about the right size. By 8am it was clear there would be no additions to the group so we headed out onto Gilmore and started towards Acacia.

As has become my habit I was more than happy to let Digger ride next to me as we headed towards Kirby. There was a rather large truck following us but he decided rather than try to pass us and turn at Kirby heading north he would block traffic for us so we could merge to the turning lane and head south. As we headed towards Cypress Digger took the lead and got us around the corner and headed towards Johnston. He led us t the light at Sanderson while Earth Dog pushed the button to so we could get the green and head towards Stetson.

So far the pace was easy and we got to Stetson just as the light turned green and headed towards Mustang. I realized the A group was small today but I told Gambler he could hit the Marina with whoever wanted to join him and we would meet him on Cactus Valley road. As we turned onto Domenigoni at the light and headed for Searl Gambler and Ferret moved to the front and headed for the Marina. Digger pulled the rest of us to State Street and we headed south towards Newport. Closer developed a pain in his him and abandoned the ride but I didn’t realize it so I stopped and Digger had to tell me about the move. Karl and Earth Dog continued on to Sage and over the rise on Cactus Valley. Digger and I stayed together to the hill and Karl came back for us. We then headed to the end of Cactus Valley road before turning around ad heading back towards Sage. Gambler and Ferret past us heading east just as we started west and we managed to get all the way back to State and Newport before they closed on us. We regrouped at McSweeney and headed for Domenigoni and State to get to Chambers.

This was a slight downhill so I led us all the way to Chambers before turning east to Buena Vista. The whole group was together and we turned on Thornton and made our way to Santa Fe and Stetson to head east once again. Earth Dog pulled ahead and took us to San Jacinto and only slowed the pace as we got to Columbia to make the turn towards Thornton again. We cut over to Crest to start working our way towards Lake.

It was getting hot but up to this point we were cruising together. That worked well till we got to the slight rise on Crest before Hemet Street and turned south. Digger fell off the back as the rest of us made it to Lake and over the rise back to Stetson. Gambler, Earth Dog, Ferret and Karl pulled away on Stetson and I didn’t catch Earth Dog till he stopped at Fairview. We all regrouped on Wilson Mesa where Karl left us for Bautista and the rest of us headed north to Florida. Gambler and Ferret left us at the corner of Fairview and Florida. The rest of us stopped at Carl’s for coffee before heading for home on Lincoln. Earth Dog fired up the horse to head for the barn while Digger and I simply cooled down heading back to Palm. I got home looking forward to a cool shower and a light lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Wednesday is the big ride day and in my case a chance to see how the new medication my doctor prescribed for me works. I poster a favorite ride for the group, Dutch treat, and started looking forward to the ride. I headed over to Burger King and waited to see how many would be joining me. It turned out to be a small group with Digger, Bugler, Gambler, Anaconda, Minotaur and me making up the whole group. The bad point was that Gambler didn’t have an A group to lead. The good point was I wouldn’t have a big B group pushing me out of zone 2 or three all day. As soon as we discovered that no one else was joining us we headed south on Gilmore and down to Acacia. Gambler led us to Kirby and started us south towards Cypress.

From the very beginning Gambler and Minotaur pulled away from us and we didn’t catch them till they stopped at Johnston and Sanderson. When the light changed Gambler and Minotaur zipped down to Stetson and then led us towards Mustang where Anaconda joined them. When that light changed the three of them pulled away from Digger, Bugler and I and rounded the corner onto Domenigoni well before we did. As they pulled away Bugler took over pulling our little group towards Warren. We noticed three riders in front of us but they weren’t from our group and we were closing on them as Gambler and his group pulled away from them. Bugler did a good job of closing on the new group as we got to Winchester and rolled through the green light. One of the three in front of us fell off of the back and we were closing even faster on him. Bugler started to fade a bit so against my better judgment I pulled up front to take the lead. But as I put my head down to chase the rabbit Bugler fell off my wheel. I missed catching the fall off rider when he turned on Leon and headed north. I caught the other two but they weren’t interested in talking so I continued on to the saddle where finally Bugler caught and passed me. We joined Gambler, Minotaur and Anaconda at the Gas Station. Once we were ready Gambler took us out onto Menifee and headed towards the hill called Revival.

We stayed together more or less till we got to Holland when Gambler hit the Hill a bit harder than the group. That move blew the group up and while I crested second the group was spread out about a quarter of a mile from Holland to Garbani. At this point Gambler left us and we headed for Scott with Bugler pulling. He took us to Scott road and turned west. I was a bit concerned when Minotaur turned side by side with Anaconda because it seemed to upset a big truck crossing the street in the slow lane heading west at the same time. Still we safely made our way to Antelope and then over the freeway to Haun where we waited for Digger. Once he joined us we cruised up the long grade to Murrieta so we could head north.

Once we were back on our way Minotaur led us north on Murrieta and to the slight hill just before Holland so we could head North West to Railroad Canyon. As we got through the rollers I flatted and everyone stopped while I changed it. We then stayed together all the way to Railroad Canyon and headed east. Once again Minotaur led us all the way back to Murrieta where we waited for Digger and refilled our water bottles. Now with full water bottles we headed east again back towards Haun and the freeway overpass. We caught the light at Antelope before heading all the way back to Menifee and north towards Simpson.

As we reached the last little grade on Menifee the group let me slip away and I got to Simpson first. Because it was downhill and I got there first I was able to create a big gap and crossed Lindenbuger on a green light. That move allowed me to get to Leon first and I turned for Grand/9th Street. That move seemed to take the heart out of the chase group so I made it to Winchester Farms first for our break. Now we were ready to head for home so we started east on Stowe and Minotaur took off with Anaconda leaving Bugler, Digger and I far behind. They we almost to Stetson before we got halfway down California and we had to chase them all the way to Cawston before we caught them to make our way over to Sanderson and north towards Lowes.

We moved quickly to Acacia and headed east to Kirby before getting back to Gilmore and then Burger King where we watched the once that parked their cars load up and head for home. Minotaur and I rode over to Hemet Bike where Minotaur had been testing saddles. I rode home and had lunch and a hot shower before running a few errands to finish off my day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Mondays are the days we get our weeks riding on track. I will admit to being tentative about riding today because I knew my doctor wanted me to cut my efforts back till I can see a specialist in two weeks. What I had to question was my ability to hold myself in check for a whole ride and not test my limits just because. I had breakfast, got dressed and headed to Burger King to see who would be joining me. I pulled up to find Digger waiting and we waited till Bugler, Earth Dog, Highlander and Tax Man arrived and got ready for our ride. I took us out onto Latham at a slow cruise with no intention of pulling at all today. We turned on Lyon and headed north with me trailing close to the back of the group. With Digger and Earth dog leading the group I had to wait till we had to slow for a stop sign to catch up and get a picture of the group.

The great part about this group is that even with the Bs there is always someone willing to step up and lead or do their part in setting the pace for the rest of us. The As are the same way and it makes me feel good knowing the health of the group isn’t resting on my shoulders. Today the outstanding rider was Tax Man with some help from Bugler. Almost from the start Tax Man was near the front and keeping us together. In the early stages Digger was holding his own as well and in fact it took all three of them to pull me up to Earth Dog after he past Cottonwood. I didn’t have much to do as I followed the whole group to Ramona Boulevard and west towards Sanderson.

After we were headed west Digger pulled up to make sure I wasn’t going to pull and took the lead. I fell in on his wheel and followed him till we turned towards the Expressway and caught the light at the same time and Digger. As we sat there I knew I wasn’t going to put myself out front when we turned west. When the light changed Digger, Highlander and Highlander were in front with the rest of us following on their wheel. Bugler pulled around and took us to Warren at about 21 mph. He was still leading at the rumble strips and we followed as a group all the way to Bridge and turned right to head for Gilman.

To my surprise my heart rate was almost at idle and I was enjoying the group draft. As we rode by the cattle and sheep I marveled at what a great morning this was turning out to be. We weren’t traveling fast but we weren’t loafing either and once again Earth Dog took off and gapped the rest of us. As he went through the dip and headed around the curve Highlander slowly pulled us up to him and then around him to the final grade up to Gilman. We regrouped and gat a quick drink before heading east back towards Sanderson. I pulled at first but Earth Dog took over at the top of the grade and pulled us most of the way to the first dairy. As we crested the last little Hill I coasted past the leaders only to be passed by Tax Man who led us under the over pass and east on Gilman. He pulled us most of the way to Golden Productions and the little hill where Bugler jumped the hill and I followed him to the top. As we headed east towards Soboba first Tax Man and then Bugler past me. Next Highlander rolled by us all and pulled us to Soboba for a short regroup.

Once we were back on our way Highlander and Tax Man set the pace to the first roller and Bugler took over on the climb. We followed him to the second roller and when he stood the make it over the top I went with him and crested just about the same time as he did. We were riding together when Tax Man flew by followed by Highlander and Earth Dog. I told Bugler to go play and he caught up to them and followed then as they chased Tax Man through the rollers and up the last hill by the golf course. Tax Man made it to Ramona and east to the Indian Clinic where Digger and I finally found them waiting. Highlander and Tax Man planned on leaving us at Hemet street while the rest of us were supposed to head to Cedar and then work our way to Cranston.

Once again Earth Pulled away and made the turn onto Cedar first while the three of us followed him towards Fairview. As we got to Fairview we saw Earth Dog head west and we figured he was headed for home. Digger took us to Cranston where we took a very short break before heading back to Carl’s for our break. After a brief rest at Carl’s we headed back out onto New Chicago and west on Lincoln. Bugler was working with the handicap of a broken spoke so we kept the pace down and we headed for Park. We lost Digger when we took the jog onto Devonshire.

Bugler and I talked about getting ready for the Saturday CAS ride. I will not be released for any long climbs before September the third as it was going to be up to Bugler to test himself to see if he could make the ride. I told him if he makes it the TDPS ride in January will be a piece of cake. We finally made it back to the parking lot before heading over to the bike shop to get the broken spoke replaced. I then rode home to have lunch and a hot shower. It turned out to be a rather pain free ride and a rather nice day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Friday at last and it was a cool morning. I put together a shorter ride so we could get back in time for my doctor’s appointment. A quick 38 miles on the Garbani loop and back home seemed about perfect. I had breakfast and headed over to Burger King to meet Digger. For the longest time we were the only ones there till finally Highlander and Earth Dog drove up. Gambler and Minotaur rode into the parking lot followed by Closer, Tax Man and Centaur. Next we saw Ferret and started to wait for Quicksilver. Once everyone was ready I took us out onto Latham and over to Lyon to head south and get the ride started.

I led the way south on Lyon past Acacia and down to Whittier at a very moderate pace. Once by Whittier we continued on to Johnston and headed east towards Gilbert. We were still cruising easily at Elk and just as easily at Palm before we got to Gilbert and headed south. We pulled up to the light at Stetson and waited our turn to head down to Thornton. We all pulled up to the stop sign on Thornton and headed east.

Things were still pretty cool as we headed east and we chatted easily as we headed for the light. I was still leading as we got to State Street and headed south towards Chambers. As we turned the corner we discovered Sea Lion coming our way and he turned and joined us for our ride towards Domenigoni.

It has been a long time since we have had Sea Lion and it was good to see him again. He fell in behind me as I headed for Domenigoni and was still there when Ferret and Gambler rolled by me and pulled us to the corner. As we got ready to turn west Minotaur past me as well and we jumped off heading for Searl. I latched onto the last back wheel and slowly built up the pace as we headed up the rise at Searl and down the slope towards Sanderson. I decided to push a bit so I would have a better base for the doctor to look at. We caught the light at Sanderson and again at Warren and then the chase was on. I stayed with the three leaders as we crested the dry wash and after the top Minotaur jumped out front taking Ferret with him. I stayed with Gambler till we caught them and was in the number two spot when we caught them. Minotaur pulled off and fell to the back while I tried to hold on to Ferret’s wheel. By Leon I was out of air but I did roll over the saddle in third and stopped at Lindenburger to wait for the rest of the group. It turned out Sea Lion had a flat and Quicksilver stopped with Centaur while he fixed it. Gambler and Ferret were long gone by the time everyone was back together. We headed over towards Briggs Street for the long run up to Garbani.

Minotaur took the lead and pulled hard to Holland with Quicksilver on his wheel and me in the third slot. Highlander was behind me and the rest of the group strung out behind. I jumped in front to give Minotaur a break but he pulled right by me in only a few yards so I got out of the saddle and headed up the grade to Garbani just as Gambler and Ferret came looking for us. I rounded the corner and headed west with Gambler and we were finally caught and passed by Highlander, Quicksilver and Tax Man. The Group rolled by Menifee and headed for Antelope, all except Digger and Closer who turned on Menifee to catch us at Newport.

We made a stop at Jack in the Box for a potty break and Gambler left us. Once the three that stopped were back on the road we headed to Newport and east back to Minifee where we found Digger and Closer waiting. Minotaur and Ferret were heading back to Val Vista so I stayed with the group and headed north on Menifee all the way to Simpson. Quicksilver wasn’t ready to stop so I followed her to Lindenburger where Highlander, Centaur and Tax Man caught us. Earth Dog took a lead as we got to Briggs and Quicksilver worked with Highlander to reel him in. I caught them at Leon and pulled everyone to Winchester. When we made the turn north Highlander and Quicksilver kept going. I stopped and waited to see how far back everyone else was, Tax Man stopped but left when Sea Lion rolled by followed by Centaur. I was going to wait for Digger and Closer but noticed he was coming down Ninth street so I took off up Winchester to ride with him and Closer to Winchester Farms. Highlander, Earth Dog and Quicksilver were there but Tax Man, Centaur and Sea Lion had left. After we stopped at Winchester farms and had a drink we got back up and headed east on Stowe. Quicksilver kept the pace up as we headed to California and I had to push myself to keep up. I hit it reasonably well to Stetson and then pulled us to Cawston and onto Industrial to get to Sanderson. Earth Dog pulled to Lowes but when he turned into the parking lot I raced for Acacia to beat them to the driveway. It was a short sprint from Kirby to Gilmore and then back to Burger King where Tax Man and Centaur were waiting and told us Sea Lion had gone home. I said my good byes and headed home myself. A quick shower after lunch and I was off to the doctor’s office, not my best visit but that is a story for another time

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was surprisingly cool as I got to the parking lot today. It was also surprisingly empty until I saw Digger. We waited for quite a while before Bugler pulled up followed by Highlander. Gambler rode up with Minotaur and they were followed by Bulldozer. Huntress showed up as Anaconda and Tax Man. Not a big group but bigger than I expected. We got ready and left the parking lot at 8am heading south on Gilmore headed for Acacia and Kirby. We stopped briefly at the light and headed south towards Cypress.

Digger came up to make sure I didn’t pull this morning so I was glad to let him lead the way to Cypress and make the turn west. Everyone seemed perfectly happy with a rather moderate pace and I suppose with Bandits accident we had a lot on our minds and we needed a relaxing ride. Whatever the case we made our way to Johnston behind Digger and stopped at the light. Once the light changed we headed towards Stetson.

Once we made it by Stetson Digger took over and pulled us towards Mustang. Some of us got stuck at the light after Wally World but we caught back up at Mustang and all turned on Domenigoni together and headed west. It wasn’t long before Bulldozer started the pull and made a gap the Minotaur closed. Gambler stayed with the rest of us and slowly dragged us up to Bulldozer after he backed down. Everything was good till we got to the dry wash and Digger fell off the back. Highlander tucked up between Gambler and Bulldozer while the rest of us rode single file most of the way to Winchester. We finally formed into a double line after Highlander as we got close to Leon. Minotaur pulled up on the right as we got to the bottom of the saddle while the rest of us tried to stay in twos behind Gambler and Bulldozer. When Highlander broke I slipped by and Anaconda followed me. Bugler chased both of us to the top of the saddle and we chased Gambler and Bulldozer over the top and down to Lindenburger where we caught Minotaur and headed to the gas station for a regroup. Once we had rested a minute we got back out onto Menifee and headed north over Newport and headed for Holland and Revival hill.

When we got to Holland Highlander and Tax Man decided to leave us and take a short cut back to Newport before heading to Murrieta. We had picked up Prosecutor at the gas station and I followed him to the top of Revival and was caught after the stop sign by Gambler and Bulldozer. The climb felt pretty good and my breathing felt close to normal so I was happy with it. Minotaur passed me as I soft pedaled by the turn out and he chased Gambler, Bulldozer and Prosecutor towards Garbani. I collected Bugler, Huntress and Anaconda and we headed for Garbani ourselves. We didn’t close on the lead group at all but they did get caught and Antelope we closed a lot before the light turned green. We made it through the light as well and could see Minotaur fall off the back of the A train as it turned onto Haun. We rounded the corner and I decided to give chase to the fleeing group so after assessing my pulse rate and breathing I slowly picked up the pace and started to close on Minotaur.

We were half way to Holland when Huntress rolled by me and kept the pace fast enough to close onto Minotaur’s back wheel. I pulled around her and was going to pull her by him but she was tapped out so I continued on to Holland first just in time to see Huntress and Bugler pull around him as well. Prosecutor was heading back for home as we turned the corner and discovered Gambler and Bulldozer waiting. We were all back together except Digger who fell off the back and Highlander and Tax Man who took a short cut. As we headed for the Holland climb to Murrieta I pushed it again and run my heart rate up to zone 5 and still felt pretty good as Gambler and Bulldozer caught me at the top of the hill and they made the turn onto Murrieta first. We followed them to the Gas station for another regroup and to wait for Digger. Once he joined us we got back out onto Murrieta and headed north towards McCall.

We more or less stayed together all the way to Cherry Hill and then McCall. I took us east towards Bradley. We were still pretty mellow as we got to Bradley and I knew that once over McCall we would lose at least Bulldozer and Gambler and maybe Minotaur. I shifted into the small ring and followed the group over the freeway and past the Valero station and watched as Bugler chased the big dogs towards Hospital hill. Once over the hill Gambler and Bulldozer dropped like a rock towards Menifee and we lost them. I can only assume Minotaur followed them because I didn’t see them when I crested and started down the hill myself. Bugler was waiting for us as we crossed Menifee and the four of us headed to Heritage and worked our way to Lindenburger and Simpson. I started us east on Simpson and Bugler took over at Briggs. He pulled us to Leon and over to the dump road where we turned east again. Huntress and Anaconda pulled us to the rise and the start of the Flag Sprint. I was going to start a pull on the sprint but no one was hooking up till I sat up and Huntress got on my wheel. I took us to an easy 23 or 24 when to my surprise Bugler started to attack. I wasn’t close to cooked however and dropped onto his wheel till he started to slow and pulled back in front. After the flag we slowed to regroup and Huntress took us to Winchester. After Winchester Huntress pulled all the way to Stowe and started us east.

Bugler pulled up next to me and asked where the next segment was so I knew he wanted to try for a PR. That of course incited Anaconda to make a run on California as well so I knew the ride to Stetson was going to be a drag race. I had already burned a few matches so I wasn’t sure how hard I could push the segment but I was going to try and stay in front of the group if I could. I started to pick up the pace as we closed in on the end of Stowe. The bad luck part was there was a car turning just as we got to the corner. The good part was a got a great jump on the two chaser as I headed for Stetson. In fact it was big enough that even with Anaconda earning a QOM on the segment I got to Stetson first. Once on Stetson I took the group to Warren before Huntress took us to Cawston. We headed east on Industrial and made our way back to Sanderson for the ride north to Acacia. We made our way to Kirby and then to Gilmore and back to Burger King to find Tax Man and Highlander still there. Digger rode by on his way home and a few minutes later I started for home myself. All in all it was a great day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Sometimes Mondays are just hard to get started. Today was one of those Mondays. It was supposed to be hot and so we had a short flat ride planned. I rolled out of bed, had breakfast, got dressed and headed over to the parking lot to get the day started. Digger was there and Earth Dog wasn’t far behind. Bugler arrived followed by Highlander and finally Tax Man. It was a small group but we were eager to get started and back before the weather got too hot. Right at 8am we headed out onto Latham and rode over to Lyon to head north with me pulling.

We kept the pace easy and even made the light on esplanade green for a change. I stayed in front and pulled us past Seventh and then Cottomwood. Our next move was to turn on Ramona Boulevard and head west. I ended up pulling all the way to Sanderson and then to the light on the Expressway. I wasn’t looking to pull west towards Warren so I was relieved when Earth Dog and Digger took that position. By the time we had reached Warren Bugler had moved to the front with Earth Dog and Digger was sitting in third. We had just passed the first driveway when Highlander flatted. Tax Man and I watched him change the tire and started to move up to where Earth Dog, Bugler and Digger were waiting. They started to roll as we got close but Highlander flatted again and by the time he fixed it again I had to pull us to Bridge where we joined Digger and Bugler. Earth Dog was long gone by the time we got there so we let Bugler and Digger pull us most of the way to Hansen where we finally found Earth Dog waiting. We took a minute to collect ourselves before getting ready to head over to Lakeview. They may have fixed up the building on the corner on Hansen but it has been closed the last two times we have stopped there. We headed over to Lakeview and I pulled us towards Nuevo.

Earth Dog took over as we made it to Nuevo and pulled us the Central and west to Menifee. I decided to chase Earth Dog to Menifee and we made the turn south together. I decided to push it a bit and pulled away from the group with a 75 yards lead to the stop sign and pulled away to the rise at the Nursery thinking it would be a slight drop all the way to Florida. It turned out to be bad thinking because as soon as I crested the rise the wind hit me right in the face. It got even worse by the time I got by Mapes and I could see the group was working hard to close on me. I managed to get to the AM/PM first and we all took another break while Highlander fixed his third flat. Once we left the AM/PM Bugler and I got stuck in the driveway by a string of cars and had to chase the group all the way to the Railroad tracks. At McCall Digger took Highlander and Tax Man over to Heritage while I took Bugler and Earth Dog straight up to Simpson on Menifee. We got to Lindenburger first and crossed the light so that the Highlander Digger group had to catch us as we got back to Briggs. We dropped Digger somewhere about Leon and we headed through the next stand of trees and headed for Winchester.

Bugler pulled us through the trees and onto the flat heading for the second set of trees till I came back to the front to pull to Winchester. Highlander made a last chance dash towards the light but we caught it red and everyone regrouped except Digger. As we headed north Earth Dog took an early lead and Highlander was left to chase him down. We caught him by the dump road and followed on his wheel app the way to Winchester Farms for water and a bathroom break. Digger was about a minute behind. After a cold drink we were ushered back on the road by Highlander and Earth Dog. We headed east on Stowe and I ended up chasing Highlander and Earth Dog all the way to California. I made a hard run north on California and got to Stetson about 100 yards in front of the group. They caught me shortly after I turned east again and we headed towards Warren.

I fell back at Warren and had to chase Bugler, Highlander, Tax Man and Earth Dog to Cawston. I missed the light but managed to catch them before they turned onto Sanderson. I made a fast north on Sanderson and beat the following group by heading straight to Acacia as they went around the building. I made it onto Gilmore first and Tax Man and I turned onto Florida and into the parking lot next to Red Robin to get to the cars first. Once everyone was accounted for we headed for home where I had lunch and a shower s I could take the rest of the day relaxing.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Friday and it was supposed to be hot. The solution for that was a shorter ride and a more sedate pace. At least a shorter more sedate ride was planned what remained to be seen was if that kind of ride would be possible and I wouldn’t know that till I got to the parking lot and saw who was riding. As I pulled into the parking lot Digger greeted me so I knew there would be at least two of us. The Bling Team had called off so we might be short a few riders. Earth Dog and Highlander drove us followed by Closer and Bugler. We had a good B group going at first. Minotaur arrived if full CAS kit followed by Gambler and a car full of riders in the CAS car. Jay, Jonathan, Jeff would be with us from CAS as well. Bulldozer was on his TT bike and not dressed in CAS kit but Ferret was dressed in CAS when he arrived making us A group heavy. Tax Man tossed in some B group balance but we were outweighed again when MacGyver rode up wearing full CAS as well. Not a bad group for a short Friday ride but it turned out Closer had forgotten his front wheel and had to wait till his son dropped one off. So we left and planned for him to join us on our way to Cranston. We pulled out onto Latham to get the ride started.

I got us to Lyon to head north and made the turn. I had already made a change in the ride map and we would be heading all the way to the Expressway before turning east. Highlander and Digger flanked me and all of the CAS team followed in a group about 15 yards behind. We stayed that way as Digger took the lead followed by Highlander and Tax Man as we made our way to Esplanade and caught the light red. Naturally we all stacked up at the light and started north as soon as the light turned green.

As we moved past Seventh CAS started to move up and slowly shuffle through the DVV group even as I tried to hole the pace down to a comfortable 19 mph. I pulled them through Cottonwood and headed for Ramona Boulevard just in front of CAS. What I didn’t see was Tax Man had pulled over to adjust his saddle and fell off the back of the group I was still pulling as we came up to the stop sign before Ramona. Picture 28

I pulled us all the way to the Expressway and made the turn east towards State Street. As we moved along Bulldozer buzzed by heading for State and leaving us in the dust. Gambler pulled up next to me to let me know that Tax Man dropped off so I planned on stopping after we turned north on State. While the road was smooth and they had a nice sized bike lane it was littered with glass in several places. As we got to State Earth Dog flatted so the Stop was needed even if Tax Man hadn’t dropped back. Jay helped Earth Dog change the flat and we were back on our way before seeing Tax Man. We didn’t get far before MacGyver flatted. We had just past the College and started into the trees so once again Jay helped change the flat. While we were waiting Closer sent me a text and said he was headed our way with Tax Man. Gambler told us to take off while they changed the tire so I took us north again to Soboba. As we turned east again Digger flatted and we were in the process of changing that when the CAS riders caught us again. Once more into the breach came Jay and he changed that tire as well. We all waited while he was working on it except Closer headed east on Soboba.

Once we were all back on the road Tax Man started the pull to the first roller. He bogged down just a bit and as Ferret pulled around I tagged in on his wheel and headed for the second roller. This action turned the CAS group loose and they all pulled by and headed for the driving range. I followed them for a while till we came up on Closer who was moving rather slowly. Once Digger caught Closer I circled back and rode with the rather fading Closer to get him to the last hole on the golf course and some shade. I found the B group waiting in the shade and Closer and I pulled up. Closer was finished, full bonk, so Highlander and Tax Man volunteered to stay with him till he could make his way back to the car. I took the rest of the B group towards Cedar to make our way to Cranston. We saw Bulldozer heading home as we headed to Florida and turned east. I rode with Earth Dog to Cranston and Bugler and Digger joined us there. We took a quick water break and headed back to Carl’s for coffee. I thought CAS had gone to Mountain Center so I was surprised when they joined us, without Minotaur, before we finished our drink. It turns out the A group had done Bautista and Minotaur left them at Stetson. Once we were all ready we went outside and Discovered Earth Dog had another flat.

This time they gave Jay a break on changing the tire and he got to sit back and watch while it was changed. It really didn’t take that long but it was getting hot and everyone was looking forward to getting back home. Finally we got back on New Chicago and headed up to Lincoln to do just that. For some reason Gambler stayed with us as we headed to Park and made the turn towards Devonshire where Digger left us.

We made the turn onto Devonshire but didn’t make it to Yale before Gambler flatted and once again we watched the CAS tire changing team in action. Once back on the road we all headed west to Santa Fe and drop down to Latham and head home. Earth Don got back first because he didn’t wait at the last flat. But we all made it back safely and headed our separate way to end a perfect ride on a rather hot day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Wednesday is supposed to be the hard day or the long day or the climbing day so we plan accordingly. I had a good breakfast and filled my nose with Vicks so I could breath better and headed for Burger King. Digger was waiting for me and we talked while Highlander and Bugler pulled up. It was still cool this morning as we waited till Gambler, Bloodhound, Minotaur and MacGyver arrived. Anaconda drove up and we stood around waiting to leave or see if anyone else was coming. Just before we mounted up Huntress called to say she was on her way so we waited till she got there before pulling out onto Gilmore and heading for Acacia.

Digger and Bloodhound took the early lead and pulled us to Acacia and then Kirby to get us headed south. Bloodhound kept pulling away with Digger about halfway between us and him. we turned onto Cypress and Digger took us towards Johnston. Before we got there Bloodhound came back to Join us and Digger took us to Johnston and Sanderson only to catch the light. Once it changed we went across the street and made our way to Industrial to get to Cawston.

Once we had made it over to Stetson Bloodhound headed us west and Minotaur came around to join him. Anaconda and Huntress fell in behind the two of them and followed them to Warren. Once past Warren Bloodhound and Minotaur took off and the rest of us followed at a distance till Digger gave chase. None of the rest of us followed and the three of them disappeared onto California well before we did. We finally made our way to California and slowly started to give chase to the fleeing threesome.

As we turned onto Stowe Anaconda started to make a hard run at Digger. Huntress and I fell in behind her and Highlander fell in with us. For some reason Gambler and MacGyver gave us a break and watched Anaconda close on Digger like a hunting snake. About half way to Winchester Anaconda started to fade and I pulled around and finished the job of running Digger down. Four of us pulled by him and followed Bloodhound and Minotaur to Winchester Farms to discover Anaconda had slowed because of a goat head letting air out of her front tire. We all watched her change the tube before heading south on Winchester with Digger leading us to the dump road and west towards Leon, after we were joined by Bandit. Bloodhound was good enough to lead us to Leon and turned south.

Once on Simpson Bloodhound pulled us all to Lindenburger where only Bloodhound and I made the light and started up the hill. Highlander cut through the housing tract on Heritage while Bloodhound and I headed for Menifee. We were caught just before the stop light by Gambler and Bandit. Bloodhound joined them and headed for McCall. I cut back to zone three and headed for McCall myself. MacGyver joined me with Minotaur just before the light at McCall. Gambler, Bandit and Bloodhound made the light and the rest of us didn’t. As we sat and watched Highlander roll through coming west on McCall we turned the corner and chased him for the back side of Hospital hill. Minotaur hit the hill hard and caught Highlander at the light. McGyver and I caught him a few yards later and chased Minotaur towards the top of the hill. I caught Minotaur after he down shifted towards the top of the hill and McGyver pulld up on him right after I did. I headed down the back side on McCall and got to the light by the rental yard where Minotaur and McGyver caught and passed me. Highlander got me at the next light and Bugler pulled up to me at the freeway. We were all back together at the light on the freeway entrance and cruised down to the gas station on Bradley for a regroup. Gambler, Bloodhound, Bandit and Minotaur had to get back early so they took off for the trip to Newport and Home while I took the rest of the group all the way out Mc Call to head towards Honey cut and south to Normandy off of La Ladera.

Huntress pulled us all the way to Normandy and then west to Goetz to turn south towards Newport. Once on Newport I pulled by Huntress and headed for the first hill of Railroad Canyon. Bugler chased me halfway up the hill and the two of us pulled away from Anaconda, Huntress and Highlander. Digger came around the corner last. I was surprised at how well Bugler did as he almost caught me after I crested the first hill but let me get away on the second downhill. I got to Country Village road first and turned the corner and stopped to wait for the rest of the group with Bugler. Anaconda and Huntress pulled up with us just before Highlander. He told me he didn’t know how far back Digger was but he needed to keep going and said we would catch him before we got to Murrieta. Sure enough we found him waiting near the top of the grade just before the road turned into Holland and headed downhill towards Menifee.

Once we were headed downhill we picked up the pace and I led the way to Murrieta and back over to Holland. I waited on the corner for digger and Huntress took the rest of the group east towards Haun so she could get them to Newport and then the Jack in the Box on Antelope. We took a break at the Jack in the Box and when we left Highlander and Digger took us by Antelope and towards Menifee. Our choice was to turn on Menifee and the little climb to Simpson or follow the map and ride back over the saddle to Winchester to make the turn north. It was decided to do the saddle and head for Winchester. Anaconda led the way to the saddle and we decided to regroup at the ghost bike before dropping down the hill and heading for Leon. Huntress took us to Leon like a woman on a mission and kept the pace at 22 most of the way. As we closed on Winchester she dropped the pace to 20 and I pulled up to take over thinking she was tired.

She wasn’t tired and so I fell back on her wheel and followed her to Winchester and sat at the light while everyone caught up. I took the lead as we headed north on Winchester and pulled us all the way to Simpson where we once again slowed for the light. Now we had the long run north towards Stowe. We kicked it down to about 17 mph to keep the group together at the dump road and we made it all the way to Stowe without losing anyone. We then turned east on Stowe and slowly built up the pace as we headed for California.

Huntress was pulling like a diesel truck as we started up the little rise and I attempted to pull by her and take the lead. She fell back for some reason and Anaconda pulled up to me and headed to California and turned north. She made a hard run towards Stetson and I had to chase her almost all the way to catch her. The two of us made a run to Warren with the group slowly pulling us in. We were able to get back to Cawston and had to wait at the light till everyone else pulled up to us. We then turned to Industrial and worked our way back to Sanderson. Highlander pulled up to the car in front but I had a van in front of me and wanted to draft it around the corner and north on Sanderson. Highlander got the jump at the light but the van pulled me around the corner and up to him in short order. The two of us headed for Acacia and made it back to Kirby together. We made it to Gilmore and then to Florida just before the light could turn red and stop us. We all regrouped at the cars before heading for home. It was hot and had turned hot in the last fifteen miles. I was pretty tired but recovered enough to ride home and have lunch and a cool shower before taking the dog for a walk.