By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Wednesday and I was able to join the group for a ride. I have been spending so much time with the doctor and tests it seems like weeks since I have been with the group. I posted an old favorite ride to Lake Perris and was really looking forward to it. After I got up and had breakfast I showered and put on my D V V jersey before heading to Burger King and coffee. I got there first but soon Digger arrived even if he wasn’t feeling very well. Huntress and Highlander drove up just before ME-109 and Tax Man. To our surprise Sasquatch rode up as well. It was a small group but we were ready to go almost as soon as Huntress got her flat fixed.

From the very beginning it was clear everyone realized that I can no longer take a long turn at pulling so someone was always getting in front of me and giving me someone to draft. Digger started it off as we turned on Acacia and headed to Kirby catching the light red. Once it was green Huntress pulled up next to me and we talked as we headed for Cypress and west through the housing tract towards Johnston.

We didn’t have any better luck with the light on Sanderson but we also didn’t have long to wait before we were heading south towards Stetson. As we past Wally’s World Huntress moved towards the front and I fell into the third slot behind Tax Man as we headed for Domenigoni. Tax Man started the run west on Domenigoni and we all took turns as we got to Warren. Highlander pulled us over the dry wash and Huntress was right in front of me as we headed for Winchester. Digger left was we past Winchester and Sasquatch took the lead as we approached Leon. I was in the forth slot as we started up the saddle and when Sasquatch and Highlander fell behind Huntress I stayed on her wheel and followed her to the gas station at Menifee were ME-109 was waiting. Up to this point we were making pretty good time so we got back out onto Menifee and headed north. Highlander and Tax Man opted for the flatter route off of Lindenburger to Heritage while we were pass their bypass and head up the rise at Simpson and down to the AM/PM.

After we split Huntress and ME-109 pushed us up the grade to Simpson and down to McCall wondering if we were going to be ahead or behind Highlander and Tax Man. We got up to the AM/PM and only had t wait for a minute or so before Highlander pulled up behind Tax Man and we continued north towards Mapes. ME-109 got us over the rise and past the nursery and down the long grade to Central. Once through the stop sign we made our way to Nuevo and then turned west to Dunlop to make a little detour to Evans. We stayed together as we headed past Rider and finally made it to Ramona and east to the Lake Perris entrance. ME-109 took off for the hill at the Dam. I followed at the gate and we all climber the hill till we got to the frontage road to the Marina and finally stopped for a break. As soon as we had refreshed ourselves it was back on the road and head back to Ramona and home.

As we came out onto Ramona and headed east Tax Man and Highlander pulled us all the way to Rider where ME-109 took over and I followed him to the top of the first roller. Me-109 took off for home and I waited for Highlander, Tax Man and Huntress to join me. Somehow we had lost Sasquatch but he texted me and said he had called for a ride. By the time I had gone back up the hill from looking for him Huntress had left and just Highlander, Tax Man and I headed for home ourselves. We took turned pulling east but Tax Man and I did most of the pulling till we got back to Warren and headed south to Cottonwood. Tax Man pulled to Sanderson and I pulled to Menlo before Tax Man took over again and pulled us all the way back to the cars and the final trip home. For the first ride this week I felt pretty good.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday took a long time to get here for me. It will be weeks before I am done with doctors visits and tests so I missed Monday and Wednesday this week and I was getting antsy. I put together a flat ride as requested and was looking forward to getting out and stretching my legs even if I had to watch my output more than I like. After a light breakfast I headed over to Burger king and got a cup of coffee. Digger showed up well after I did and we were still talking when Earth Dog arrived. Dave drove up next just before Highlander and Tax Man. Anaconda arrived about the same time as Ferret. Bugler drove up just before Quicksilver and Huntress arrived just before we were ready to leave. It was just after 8am as we pulled out onto Gilmore and headed for Acacia.

The group already knew I was no longer able to lead the B group so I didn’t expect to pull much after we got to Acacia and Kirby. Digger and Tax Man did pull in front and got us to the turn on Cypress and headed west through the housing tract. I was surprised at how strong Tax Man has become as he took the lead and got us around the corner on Johnston and headed for Sanderson. As we followed him Digger pulled up next to him and they both made the light at Sanderson while the rest of us got caught at the red. They were long gone before we got a green and started a slow chase.

Now it was time for our only A rider to move to the front and get us to Cawston so we could jog over to Stetson and head west towards Warren. As we left the corner on Cawston Ferret slowly picked up the pace and I switched my Garmin to heart rate to draft him towards the airport. At this point we had everyone in tow and to me surprise we were gaining on one lone ride way ahead of us. Once we got to Warren Quicksilver pulled in front of me and I started to draft off of her. She took us almost all the way to California and made the turn south to get to Stowe. Ferret moved up to give Quicksilver a break and I jumped up front long enough to get a picture before falling in behind Huntress and just in front of Dave and Anaconda.

Ferret got us heading west on Stowe and slowly we were reeling in Tax Man but we couldn’t see Digger. Quicksilver and Huntress were right on Ferrets wheel and I was trying to get all the draft I could from Huntress as Highlander moved up on my right when I pulled out into the wind to not overlap her wheel. I found myself out of the draft and watching a gap develop between Quicksilver and Ferret so I jumped in front of her and caught his wheel. Ferret pulled away and I followed till we got to Tax Man and I drafted him till we got to Winchester Farms. I felt pretty good about the ride down Stowe because even at the pace set by Ferret was only running in zone three and I had plenty of power and energy left. That would be put to the test on the next leg of the ride. As we left Winchester Farms Earth Dog and Highlander took the lead and dropped us as we pulled out of the parking lot. Ferret tried to form us up for a chase but by the time we were all in line we were pretty far behind the two of them. They made it throught the light at Simpson and we didn’t but Ferret kept us moving forward after the light changed for us. But by the time we were passing the Liquor store Highlander and Earth Dog were almost to Domenigoni.

By the time we got to Dominigoni Highlander and Earth Dog were long gone. I told Ferret he could chase them if he wanted and I would stay with the rest of the group and meet them at State Street. Little did I know the ride was going to go downhill from there. Ferret took off after the fleeing twosome and Quicksilver pulled in front of me to pull and after a while Huntress took over from her. Bugler and Anaconda pulled by on the right and I drafted the four of them to the dry wash with Dave and Digger on my wheel. Digger and Dave fell off at the dry wash and I went back to get them while the four continued on towards Warren. Quicksilver came back to pull for me and we all followed here to Searl where I picked up a big sheet metal screw and flatted. That turned out to be the end of the group ride more or less for the day. Digger had a flat at the same time and while we both got our tires back on abou the same time Diggers went flat again. I gave him my extra tube but he flatted once more and quicksilver had to leave. I stayed till Digger called for a ride and then pulled Dave to State and north towards Chambers where we picked up Earth Dog. He said Highlander and Tax Man had gone ahead and we were about ten minutes behind the rest of the group. The three of us worked our way onto Stetson and east to Fairview before turning north towards Florida where we found Huntress with a flat. Dave flatted at the same time and we changed two more tires before heading towards Cranston to meet up with Ferret and Bugler. We saw them coming back west and turned around to go back to Carl’s for a water refill. A quick break and we were headed for home.

Ferret left after we turned towards Lincoln and Huntress headed for home about a block later. I stayed with Earth Dog, Bugler and Dave till we had to take a detour before we got to Park. We finally made our way to Devonshire and pushed towards San Jacinto and the Hospital. Earth Dog Pulled me to State Street and all the way back to Burger King before we seperated and I headed for home and lunch. It looks like I have at least a month where my riding will be hit and miss but I hope and pray the doctors can give me a clean bill of health by the Tour de Palm Spirngs.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Today was going to be a short and easy ride. Some of us had things to do after lunch and we had already had two long rides earlier in the week. Cactus Valley seemed like a good choice so we posted it and started planning the ride. I got us and took my time getting ready before heading to the parking lot to get some coffee and wait for the rest of the group to arrive. Digger was already there and Bugler had arrived before me. Minotaur and Gambler rode up a minute or two apart just before Quicksilver and Anaconda. Ferret and Huntress rode up about the same time as ME-109 and we still had a few minutes before we had to leave. Right about 8am we headed out onto Gilmore and headed towards Acacia.

Like a flight of birds we rode in a flock west to Kirby and caught the light. I had already told the group I wouldn’t do much pulling unless they were ready to kick it back a bit and every0ne seemed to agree. We headed to Cypress and Digger took the lead to pull us towards Johnston. We made it to Sanderson and once again had to wait for the light. When we got started again Digger took point once more. We crossed over Stetson and the flock started to break up. Huntress got a call and the Bling Team stopped to wait with her. The A group had to ride up to let me know.

We kept going with the understanding that the B group would wait at Searl for the Bling Team while Gambler took the A up to the marina. I got a text saying Huntress had to leave and a few minutes later Quicksilver and Anaconda pulled up to Digger and I, somehow Bugler and Minotaur decided to chase Gambler, Ferret and ME-109 up the marina hill, at the light and rolled by so we could chase them towards State. Quicksilver pulled us all the way to State and started us south towards Newport. I drafted he till she gave up the lead and then I did pull till we rounded the corner onto Cactus Valley and headed east. Anaconda pulled us to Sage and I did get back in front as we rolled over the hill and past the Baptist Church. Anaconda and Quicksilver made it to the end of Cactus Valley and met Sea Lion while we waited for the rest of the group. Ferret and Gambler arrived next with ME-109 not far behind. Digger got there just before Bugler and Minotaur for a quick break.

The girls decided to leave first because Digger had to fill his tire before we were ready to go. The flock thinned a bit more because they were headed for home. The A group lead the way back west on Cactus Valley and dropped off of the hill and crossed Sage first. I chased as best as I could till I ran up against the zone my doctor wanted me to stay under while Sea Lion pulled Minotaur and Bugler up to me and we headed back to Newport and through the Housing tract. Sea Lion headed for home when we got back to State and met up with Gambler, Ferret and ME-109. Once digger joined us we were ready to go but decided to wait while Digger replaced his rear tube because the tire was low again. Once he got that fixed we headed north again and made a run towards Domenigoni.

ME-109 took us north past Domenigoni and all the way to Chambers where we turned east towards Buena Vista. I told Gambler to take his group and head to Fairview while I waited for Digger and Minotaur. By the time they got to us Diggers tire was low again and he decided to fix it and head for home.

Now the flock was down to three. We headed for Columbia and worked our way over to Lake and back south to Stetson to get to Fairview. Minotaur took us to Wilson Mesa and once again I got to the top first and took us around the houses and back to the top of the hill overlooking the long run north on Fairview. The weather was about perfect as we headed off of the hill and easily rode back towards Stetson and onto the bridge before Mayberry Minotaur needed a gold drink so we stopped at Carl’s and Gambler met us there just about the time we sat down. We spent a few minutes solving the problems of the world before heading for home and dropping Gambler off at his street on the way.

I rode with Bugler and Minotaur back to Park and over to the jog onto Devonshire and west again. We made our way to San Jacinto and caught the light red. When it changed we made our way to Santa Fe and turned west once more on Latham. I stayed with the two of them back to State and all the way to Palm where I had to leave for home and get ready for the visit to the doctor. I took a quick shower and made it to the office in plenty of time. It was a perfect day for a ride that never really got together.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The weather wizards were wrong and it didn’t rain today. Yes we got a minute or two of drizzle but not rain and so it was looking like a good day for a few flat miles around Lake Perris. I had breakfast and ran a razor over my face before heading to Burger King. Digger and I stood by the warming window, the big plate glass one facing east at Burger King, and had some coffee while people started to arrive. Bugler showed up about the same time as Highlander but he forgot his shoes and had to run home. Huntress and Anaconda arrived early just before ME-109 and Tax Man. That made eight of us once Bugler got back to head out to Latham and turn north on Lyon.

We didn’t get far and we were just picking up momentum when someone yelled flat and we saw ME-109 pull off of the road. Highlander returned to assist in the repair and I played with my Garmin trying to get it to pair after the new software upgrade. I talked with Digger for a while or at least till ME-109 was rolling again before following Digger north and coming up to Esplanade. We just got out feet down when the light turned green and we were back on our way. I followed almost all the way to old Ramona for the turn west.

Some of us were dreading the ride on the Expressway because it so often turns into a drag race. So I kept thinking about that as we got to Sanderson and hit the light on the Expressway. There was nothing to worry about however because Digger got us started and Bugler took over after ME-109 rolled by with Huntress on his wheel. For a change no one chased then and they quickly pulled away. Bugler pulled the rest of us towards Bridge where ME-109 and Huntress waited for us. After we past them ME-109 rolled by us again and took off for Lakeview. Huntress stayed with us and relieved me after I took my turn at the front. Bugler took the last pull as we got to Hansen and took a break. Digger rolled on by heading for the rollers. After getting some water we headed west again it chase of Digger with me starting the pull.

I took the lead and got us most of the way to the bridge with the whole group right on my wheel. After the bridge Huntress slipped by and attacked the first roller with Bugler in hot pursuit. I pulled in behind Bugler and let him pull me by Huntress and then pulled by just before the top of the first roller. I backed off a bit and Bugler caught and past me while I waited for Huntress and Anaconda to tag up on my wheel and then fell in behind them as the chased Bugler. Before we hit the second roller I got back in front and started a chase of Bugler. He crested first and I wasn’t going to catch him on the downhill. Tax Man did catch me on the downhill and I followed him till we caught Digger and then Bugler and headed to a regroup with ME-109 on Evans. We then headed north towards Iris so we could head back east.

The plan was to bypass Mickey Ds and head towards Alessandro but it turned out a bathroom break was necessary. The women wanted it known the stop wasn’t because of them just for our information so they stayed outside and talked with me while we waited for everyone to be ready to start east again. We didn’t all make it through the light so some of us had to wait for Anaconda and Huntress but it didn’t take long. Tax Man then took off and gapped the group by about a block as we made the slight climb to the north gate of Lake Perris. Tax Man was way out front as we started down the grade towards the last two lights where Iris curved north east. We caught him at the first light but he pulled in front again and was pulling away again when all of us but Highlander had to stop for the red light at the last stop light. Picture 09

Tax Man soft pedaled a bit as we first met up with Highlander and made the turn on Alessandro to head north east. Huntress finally pulled in front as we hit the second turn onto Alessandro and headed for Gilman. I was on her wheel for a log time before ME-109 pulled by and pulled away. The road seemed to be a bit rough for Huntress and I got by her by pulling out into the middle of the road where it was smoother. I was pulling fine till the wind shifted and I got a five bike gap that only Bugler tried to close. He just caught me as we pull up to ME-109 on Gilman and made another regroup. When we were ready to start again Huntress tagged up on ME-109’s wheel and set a pretty good pace. Finally Tax Man and Highlander Tagged up on Huntress and started to follow ME-109 till he pushed the throttle forward and pulled away. I was back with Bugler and Anaconda while Tax Man and Highlander pulled away and Huntress started to drop back behind them. As Anaconda slowed I pulled by and closed on Huntress and followed Tax Man and Highlander to the next little roller. When Tax Man slowed I pulled by and tried to pull but they had lost momentum and I had to wait till the next down grade for them to catch me.

I pulled for a long time and switched my Garmin to HR and Speed as we closed in on the next grade. I looked at our speed and dropped a gear to fall from 20-21 to 18 the 17 and averaged 16.5 wit Huntress right on my wheel. We stopped at Bridge to regroup where Tax Man and Highlander decided to continue on while Huntress and I waited for Bugler, Anaconda and Digger. Digger got to us and said Bugler was helping anaconda with a flat. He then continued on when Huntress and I went back to assist in the flat repair. Turned out they had the wrong CO-2 cartridges and had to use a hand pump. We then headed for Bridge again with Huntress in the lead. Anaconda didn’t have enough air in the tire so we lost Huntress after Bridge when we stopped to top off her tire with my CO-2 cartridge. I pulled us to Sanderson and then down to Ramona before Bugler took over and pulled us back past Esplanade and the way home.

We wondered why it seems like every time we head south on Sanderson the wind is in out face. But we settled into a three person pace line and continued on to Menlo where I took the lead and pulled us to Devonshire. We were talking about what a great day this had been for a ride as we headed to Gilmore and into the Burger King parking lot. I grabbed another cold drink and headed home for a showed and a birthday lunch with my wife and her sister.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) With the predictions of the weather wizards it seemed like we needed to get in a good ride with some distance today because it was supposed to rain Wednesday. I know Mondays are normally lightly attended but it didn’t matter all that mattered was getting in a ride. So I headed over to Burger King and had some coffee with Digger. No one showed up till about fifteen minutes later when Earth Dog joined us and finally Bugler and Dave pulled up. Highlander and Huntress arrived and it looked like a bigger group than I had planned. So we headed down Gilmore to get the ride started. Quickly we made it to Acacia and then to Kirby to catch the light. We made the turn south into a slightly cool breeze and hoping it would stay that way.

It was one of those days when we were less than faithful to the mapped ride so we headed to Cypress and west not too worried about the route. Huntress pulled up next to me and we talked till we got to Johnston and caught the light at Sanderson. When it turned green we headed south again towards Stetson where we picked up Papillion and rolled by Wally World. It has been a while since he has ridden with us but it was good to have him along in case of any chasing duty necessary. After all I wasn’t planning on pulling much today so he could do some of that as well.

Once we got to Domenigoni I pulled shortly before turning it over to Highlander and fell back. We took turned leading as we headed for Warren and then over the dry wash towards Winchester. We didn’t get that far till Earth Dog had a flat and we stopped while he fixed it . Just before he finished fixing the flat Dave and Digger took off and after another five minutes we followed. Papillion tried to pull us to catch up but 21 to 23 was move than we could hold as a group. We gave the lead to Bugler and he pulled us to the saddle and part way up- before I pulled aroung followed by Papillion. We crossed the saddle and headed for the gas station on Menifee to meet Dave and Digger. It was there we learned Dave and Highlander would be leaving at Scott and that Shooter had been waiting for us at Winchester. We were already back on Menifee when Shooter called so we knew he would be chasing hard.

We made our way over Revival and headed for Scott where Highlander and Dave broke off and Huntress pulled us up to Keller and over to Antelope. We all made the turn at the Hospital together and headed for the big downhill on Whitewood. Huntress and I started the decent and quickly pulled away from the group but we got caught at the first stop light and they caught us. Earth Dog got the jump when the light turned but I pulled around with Huntress on my wheel followed by Papillion. We got all the way to Murrieta Hot Springs and stopped to wait for a regroup. Once again Earth Dog pulled away and only Huntress chased him. We kept getting stuck at red lights but finally Huntress and Papillion waited for us and we made it to Winchester together. Earth Dog was close to the top of the climb when Papillion took off and gave chase. Half way up the climb Shooter showed up and turned back to ride up the hill with Papillion and head for the gas station at Benton where we took a short nature break. Earth Dog and Digger started north on Winchester and we almost at Thomson before we started to close on them. Bugler, Huntress and I caught a red light and the rest of the group seemed to get away until Bugler decided to work hard at catching them. We ended up catching Digger and Huntress gapped me for a mile or two. Watching my heart rate closely I slowly caught back up and the two of us chased the fleeing foursome past Holland and towards the last rise before Domenigoni. The group was caught at the Domenigoni and Winchester light and Huntress and I crossed after them in a full roll after dropping off of the rise and crossing Domenigoni. Shooter left us at Ninth Street and I pulled us to Stowe. I decided to wait for Digger while Earth Dog continued on. Huntress, Bugler and Papillion waited with me and once digger joined us we headed for California. We split up into twos and I road with Bigler till we finally caught Digger at Cawston. The three of us rode to Burger King together and found Huntress and Papillion waiting for us. After a few minutes of talking we all headed for our homes and I got home in time for lunch and a hot showed with 49 miles on the computer. It was a perfect day for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was another hot day and another Friday. I had a short ride planned because of a scheduled doctor’s appointment but still it was going to be hot and humid. I had breakfast and got dressed before heading to Burger King and meeting whomever was going to ride today. It wasn’t a big group but once they were all there we had Digger and I plus Gambler, ME-109 and Highlander. We had a chance to meet Bugler and his neighbor Dave on State and MacGyver was supposed to be heading our way as we left out onto Latham to Lyon and north towards Esplanade.

We made our way north towards Esplanade and then crossed over Seventh and then Cottonwood. Digger and Highlander moved to the front followed by Earth Dog as we headed for old Ramona. Digger headed for the Expressway to dodge the glass while we headed for State on old Ramona taking a bit longer to get there. I got a call from Bugler as we made it to State and we knew he would be waiting at Starbucks. Digger was already there as we pulled up but left with Earth Dog while Gambler and ME-109 waited for MacGyver.

Bugler and Dave joined the rest of us heading towards Soboba and we started a slow chase of Digger and Earth Dog. Highlander decided to hang with Dave and Bugler took off with me as we headed east on Soboba with Earth Dog in the distance. I pulled over the rollers but never got out of a spin and even soft pedaled till Highlander and Dave were in tow and pulled them to the last climb to the golf course. Highlander and Dave fell off at the driving range. Gambler and ME-109 rolled by us before the last hill and I led Bugler to the trees where Digger and Earth Dog were waiting. We regrouped at the last hole of the golf course while Gambler and ME-109 went back to get MacGyver. The rest of us chased Digger and Earth Dog to Ramona and east to Cedar. We got all the way to Fairview and headed east towards Cranston with Earth Dog in the lead. Once again ME-109 caught us and was first to Cranston with the rest of us including Gambler and MacGyver following them into the sandy parking lot.

We took a break before heading back towards Carl’s for our last break and Earth Dog took off with Highlander heading for the trees. ME-109 ran them down while the rest of us cruised behind till we came out of the trees and Bugler and I started to give chase. When we caught Earth Dog Bugler fell off and I chased Highlander towards Fairview. I was closing and thought I would catch him at Ramona when he caught the red light. But he kept going and got to Carl’s first. Bugler and Dave couldn’t stay and Gambler didn’t stop. MacGyver left first leaving Highlander, Earth Dog, Digger and I to ride home together.

Highlander and Earth Dog started to ramp it up for home and dropped Digger and I. It didn’t matter because I had a stop to make on the way home but we were never able to catch either of them before San Jacinto and once we got to Santa Fe they were gone. I made my stop and headed for home on Palm enjoying another great ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Wednesday is almost always a big day and typically a longer ride but this Wednesday it was going to be hot and humid. Still we planned a ride west and a little climb just to stay in practice. After breakfast I went out to get my bike and noticed a front flat. I replaced the tube but the valve leaked and I had to replace it with another. After the second change I headed for the parking lot and joined Digger waiting for anyone to arrive. As I pulled up Digger was indeed waiting and it was indeed humid. It was getting late and only Digger and I were there. Finally Highlander and Bugler arrived and I got a text that Huntress was on her way. All of the stop lights were out on the east side of town. Once Huntress was there we hit the road and headed for Acacia to get the ride on the way. I took the lead to Kirby and pointed us south.

There was no rush with this small group as we headed towards the railroad tracks and the turn onto Cypress. It was time to let Digger lead us through the housing tract and out onto Johnston with Bugler staying near the front. We turned right onto Johnston and stopped at Sanderson. When the light changed we headed straight across the street and headed towards Cawston to jump over to Stetson and west. I had enough energy to pull is to Warren at a reasonable pace but nothing too stressing because it was already turning hot and humid.

I didn’t get far after crossing Warren before Huntress took over and moved us towards California. Huntress picked up the pace just a bit and we started to string out into a pace line doing just about 19 mph. I was in the second slot and felt pretty comfortable in the draft as we got to California and headed south towards Stowe.

Huntress was still feeling strong I guess because she took us to Stowe and settled into a steady pace towards Winchester. I was surprised at how well she kept the pace as we headed west and I stuck to her back wheel like a trailer. The pace was perfect and the air was felt cool as long as you were moving. Huntress kept the pace all the way to Winchester Farms all by herself without anyone challenging her for to first spot. We made a quick regroup at the parking lot before Huntress once again pulled us out onto Winchester and south towards the dump road at just a bit more pace than Stowe. When she turned west on the dump road she didn’t slacken the pace one bit. She got us within sight of the Wild West Arena when Bugler took the lead from her and pulled us to the rise at the beginning of the D V V flag sprint. He started to fade ever so slightly so I pulled by and held the pace at 20 or 21 till we crested and gave the lead back to him. Bugler pulled us almost all the way to Briggs where we turned north and headed towards Florida and the High School.

Once we caught the light on Florida everyone but Digger was back together waiting for a green. Huntress started us off towards the elementary school and it was all I could do to catch her by the time we got to Mapes. I had to chase Huntress all the way to Menifee and then Highlander and Bugler turned the corner first and headed for the AM/PM on Florida. I was the last in line as we got to the AM/PM and regrouped once Digger joined us. Huntress decided, as is every woman’s right, that the heat and humidity was causing her to “glow” as they say so she was going to head for home on McCall. Highlander decided to join her while I took Bugler and Digger to McCall and right to finish the ride. I worked with Bugler on the McCall climb and he managed to beat me over the top and down to the Chevron Station on Bradley. We were still feeling pretty fresh as we headed west to the end of McCall and over to Cherry Hill to head back to Bradley and south to Newport. We made the turn east and worked our way to Jack in the Box for a break before heading home on Newport. We had to stop and check Digger’s tire several times because he kept losing air. We managed to make it over the saddle and down to Leon before changing the tube and heading for Winchester. But this time it was getting hot so we slowed it down a bit and stayed together all the way over the dry wash and then to Sanderson before heading north towards Acacia.

I think we managed to hit every light green all the way to Acacia and the turn east. In fact we caught Kirby green as well and I pulled us to Gilmore before heading to Burger King with Bugler. Digger headed for the bike shop and I met him there t cool off before heading for home. It was hot and humid just like they predicted.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Well any thought of Fall weather drifted away pretty quickly once the weather wizards posted this weeks forecast. It wouldn’t break triple digits on Monday but the rest of the week was going to be hot. But being Labor Day we generally have a good ride so I plotted a course for Elsinore and posted it for the group’s approval. I got up and got dressed and headed for the parking lot for coffee. I felt better than I had felt in weeks but still was planning on taking it easy till I could see my doctor Friday. Digger was waiting as usual and once I had my coffee we talked thinking most of our riders would be out of town and it might be a small group. Soon Earth Dog arrived and we knew we had at least three. Gambler rode us as did Luis and his friend which was a pleasant surprise. Huntress and Quicksilver drove up as well making a nice little group, normal for a Monday anyway. By 8am we were on Gilmore heading south.

I did take the early lead to Acacia and turned us towards Kirby. I wasn’t planning in pulling any but there was no hurry in the group as we made Kirby and turned south towards the railroad tracks. I rode side by said with Digger as we talked and made the turn on Cypress. I had already apologized to the group ahead of time for the planned pace but everyone seemed satisfied that they could make this a recovery ride. We made it to Johnston and got stuck at the red light. Once it turned green we were off towards Stetson and making out way past Wally World.

Now would come the interesting part, could we hold the group together once we made it to Domenigoni and headed west? Digger got us started and I was concerned that the new riders would want to kick up the pace. Gambler came to the rescue by suggesting and then instructing the group on doing a pace line from the back to the front. We stumbled around a bit at first but by the dry wash we were doing pretty well and managed to climb the hill and head for Winchester as a group. We had to start all over at Winchester and once again we took a while to form up but once we did sync all the way to the saddle and we split into a double line going over the saddle and finally Gambler pulled us to the gas station at Menifee. When we left the gas station we got separated a bit as we moved towards Antelope. Highlander had Luis and his friend with him as well as Quicksilver and I had Huntress, Earth Dog and Digger. I managed to get my group up to the back of Gamblers group at Antelope and we followed then over the freeway only to watch Gambler fade into the distance. We were all back together sans Gambler at Murrieta but had lost Digger at the light. Huntress, Quicksilver and I waited at the next driveway past Murrieta and pull Digger towards the next light.

By this point I was being hovered over by two guardians to make sure I was following my doctor’s orders. They decided to do most of the pulling so I could draft them at my leisure and I did just that as we headed to the stop light where Luis was waiting with Earth Dog. We were then headed towards the first roller and climb into Railroad Canyon.

At Goetz Earth Dog started to make a run while Huntress and Quicksilver seemed to be blocking me from chasing but as soon as they ran out of gear I managed to catch Earth Dog before reaching my agreed to heart rate and backing down. Luis and Earth Dog past me heading up the next grade and as I closed in on them and Canyon Lakes Quicksilver caught me as well. Huntress joined me and we managed to follow the whole group to the first big downhill where I pulled Huntress up to Earth Dog and then to Luis before getting to the freeway and turning into Mickey Ds to meet Gambler and have coffee before returning home. Digger and Earth Dog left first wanting a head start back up Railroad Canyon. I wasn’t planning much of a chase because it had started to get hot and I don’t do hot well anymore. Luis took us out to Railroad Canyon and past the first two lights before I took over and got us to the first big climb.

As we started the climb I dropped into the small ring and as Gambler past he said he was heading for home and would see us Wednesday. Huntress and Quicksilver scooted up the hill wile Luis escorted me to the crest and down past the Stater Brothers store. Whe climbed the next hill and found Huntress and Quicksilver waiting just as Digger rolled by them. Once Luis and I got there we chased Digger back past Goetz and caught him halfway to Murrieta where we met Earth Dog waiting. We picked him up and headed for Haun to cross over the freeway and then Antelope.

We headed for Menifee and Luis pulled us towards Lindenburger before Earth Dog took over. Quicksilver was drafting Earth Dog at the bottom of the saddle before he attacked the hill and I rolled by them both. I ran out of breath at the top of the hill and slowed to soft pedal so everyone could rejoin me but Earth Dog rolled by and headed for Leon. Luis finally came by and pulled us after Earth Dog and we caught him shortlu after we got to Winchester. He stayed with is to the dry wash and lost the draft when Quicksilver sprinted to catch Luis and I with Huntress in tow. Luis pulled us all the way to Sanderson while I joined him at Stetson and we rode together to Acacia where I took us to Gilmore to get back to Florida and Burger King.

It was a short ride up to Burger King where the cars were parked and I stopped while they were loaded before riding for home myself. As I said I felt better than I had in a long time and was pretty hungry to boot. I got home, had lunch and took a hot and then cool shower before downloading my Garmin. All in all it was a good day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday had finally arrived and we had a flat ride planned. I didn’t need many miles and the weather made the Reverse Nuevo ride seem like a good idea. I headed for the parking lot and noticed it was almost fall like outside and very overcast. It didn’t matter too much because I knew it would warm up a bit before we got home. I got to Burger King to see Digger inside having coffee so I joined him. Bugler drove up just before Earth Dog and started unloading his bike. Next Gambler and Minotaur arrived followed by Highlander and Tax Man. None of the Bling Team showed up so we headed down Gilmore and got the show on the road. A quick turn onto acacia and we were on our way.

It was the first ride since I have given up pulling the B group and I was determined to stay in the pack and take things as easy as I could. Digger was watching out for me as we came out onto Johnston and we caught the light at Sanderson. We must have gotten there just as it turned red because it seemed like a long time before we were able to cross the street and head for Industrial. Shooter met us there and joined us as we headed out onto Stetson and head west towards Warren. I did pull easily to Warren but that was about as far as I was willing to go. We crossed Warren and headed for California I was finally able to fall back into the pack and enjoy the draft.

It didn’t take long till we were on California and headed for Stowe. I felt unusually relaxed as we moved west towards Winchester Farms and was more than willing to let other pull away and get to Winchester Farms first. We made a quick regroup and Highlander took us south on Winchester towards Grand. It wasn’t the fastest run we have ever had but we had been moving at a steady pace and we headed to Leon with Highlander and Tax Man way out in front as we past the Wild West arena. They did wait for us at Leon and Minotaur pulled us to Simpson and then to Lindenburger where we turned and heading down Heritage to McCall. We stopped to regroup at the AM/PM and while we waited we were joined by MacGyver. He had started about 30 minutes after us so he had to beat feet to catch us when he did. He didn’t have long to rest because we were soon back on the bikes and headed north Towards Mapes.

Gambler and the A group were kind enough to keep the pace reasonable as we got to Mapes and crested the rise to pick up the pace as we rolled by the Nursery. Digger lost the draft just before we crested the rise and was losing ground as we pulled away from the Nursery. As we closed in on Central I pulled up next to Gambler and suggested that once we got to Nuevo and Lakeview we might want to stop and wait for Digger. So that is just what we did. As we pulled away from the regroup Tax Man flatted so we took another break while he changed it. I pulled to the Post Office and then turned things over to Digger and we got close to 11th street.

Earth Dog took off with Highlander in pursuit and soon Tax Man was with them. We turned onto Ramona and quickly rolled by Hansen and watched as Earth Dog, Highlander and Tax Man pulled away. They didn’t get that far before Gambler, Shooter and MacGyver joined them. Bugler was pulling Minotaur, digger and I when he started to ramp it up to close with the Earth dog group. The wind was slightly in our face so when I picked it up to stay on his wheel we dropped Minotaur who lost ground once we tagged up on the lead groups draft. Things stayed separated between the two groups till we got to Bridge and we lost sight of Minotaur and Digger. When MacGyver had to leave at Warren shooter, Tax Man and Highlander went with them. Bugler, Earth Dog and I followed Gambler to Sanderson. Gambler headed for home as Bugler took over the pull and pushed into the wind heading for Cottonwood. It seems like Tax Man and Highlander must have had the same head wind because we crossed Cottonwood before they came out off of Warren. We were about a half of a block in front as we rolled by Seventh when Highlander had to slow and released Tax Man to chase us. We caught the light at Esplanade and Tax Man caught us. The three of us rode together to Devonshire because Earth Dog had cut over to Lyon. I chased Tax Man to Kirby and then pulled by him to get to the parking lot first. By the time Highlander got there we discovered he was slowed down by a broken spoke. Minotaur and I left together and separated at Lyon and Florida were I rode home for lunch and a shower.

Revenge of Darth Tax Man

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) There was a message that came into the Jedi council center through D V V that said our assistance was required in the Lake Perris sector of our home space. A team of Jedi and Padwars were picked and assigned to meet for a low level land speeder run to bring food to a small clan of Ewocks located at outpost Marina. I headed for the meeting place about 7:30 am to meet the team. Master Digger was waiting for me as I arrived and then my Padwar Bugler arrived a moment later. We were discussing who could have caused the food supply of the Ewocks of Lake Perris to run out of food? Ewocks look for all the world like big grey ground squirrels, but they have been protected and fed by our group of Jedi for years. Master Magic Man and his brother Lance joined us as cover for the first part of our mission While Highlander and his Padwar Tax Man arrived a minute later. We fired up the land speeders and headed out onto the Latham flight path towards Lyon. I was ride leader for the first few clicks before Digger took over.

As we moved north on the Lyon flight path we were in good spirits knowing that we would meet little resistance from Imperial warriors or even worse a Seth Master, someone that followed the dark side of the force. We felt secure in knowing that we all followed the light and were designed for doing good and having fun. Not being on our guard we were flying around in a very loose formation with different leaders moving from the back to the front. That continued almost all the way to the Ramona flight path.

Master Highlander and Digger led us west on the Ramona flight path all the way to the Warp Drive expressway. We waited at the launch light and finally turned west. Digger took us into the warp drive ramp and headed for the Warren side junction. My young Padwan, Bugler, decided to push it into warp 2 and pulled out front taking us through the rise at the Warren junction. When he picked up the pace Master Highlander moved out to follow him at warp 2 leaving Padwan Tax Man, Master Magic Man and his brother behind Master Digger almost all the way to Bridge. But as we got to Bridge Magic Man and Lance kicked it into warp 4 and taking Padwan Bugler with them. Digger didn’t have the engine to keep up leaving a gap that Master Highlander soon jumped around gaping Tax Man and me by at least one warp degree. I had to pull around Digger and give chase pushing into warp 5 and taking my engines as well. Tax Man jumped around a moment later and hooked up on my back wheel as I pulled up to the back of the Magic Group than now had Lance pulling. Both Tax Man and I were suffering by the time we got to Highlanders wheel and Tax Man seemed upset that he had been dropped not once but twice before we could get to space station Nuevo at Hansen. I finally pulled up to Master magic and backed him down to warp two so we could all make a refueling stop at Space Station Nuevo. I could feel something strange in the force however and I couldn’t tell where it was coming from. We know the dark side comes from giving in to anger and disappointment but every seemed so happy that I thought my feeling were off. Magic and Lance left us to head for their base while I started the remaining group west back on the warp drive expressway and in pursuit of Master Digger and his exploratory mission to Area Perris.

As we headed towards the wave on warp drive expressway Padwan Tax Man changed for a Jedi novice to a dark lord. He became Darth Tax Man trying to suppress his anger of getting dropped at the beginning of the expressway. As we headed for the bridge before the wave and Barnasconi I happened to be pulling. I was down on power by 20 percent but I tried to hold may pace and had both Bugler and Tax Man on my back wheel all the way to Barnisconi. What I didn’t hear was Tax Man turning into Darth Tax Man and using his mind trick to get Master Highlander to shut down his power plant. As I moved towards the second wave in the space warp Bugler pulled up in front of me and Tax Man tagged up on my wheel. What I didn’t see was Highlander had abandoned the mission when Tax Man attacked towards the top of the wave. There was a change in Tax Man and I could tell there was a disturbance in the force. As my Padwan and I pulled onto the Parris flyway I got a message that Highlander was headed for home base. There was almost a gleam in Tax Man’s eyes but I still didn’t expect anything. Tax Man led us towards the main entrance to the Lake Perris Landing area and then proceeded to pace me to the Marina to check on the Ewocks. As we started to distribute the food from packets we had the Ewocks soon almost surrounded us. By the time we had refueled and refreshed Tax Man was eager to leave and just before we mounted up he snatched the last bag of Ewock food and took off back towards the Warp Drive expressway. When we got back to the first wave Master Digger was leading and was far enough ahead to cross over the wave and head back to Bernisconi and the last warp increase. The true colors of Darth Tax Man showed itself and he attacked me before the warp bridge at the Lakeview. He then proceeded to chase down Digger and after firing blasters at him past and started into warp 2 and pulled away. Padwar Bugler and I gave chase and hit him with tractor beams to reel him in.

Bugler then pulled me as we headed back to Bridge but Darth Tax Man attacked again. He held the pace all the way to the Warren junction and then took us south towards the Cottonwood flyway. Digger was still down on Power and couldn’t hold on at the pace Darth Tax Man was setting but I was able to close but he kept pulling away and we turned east on Cottonwood. Digger tried to cut him off by heading to Esplanade and cutting back to Sanderson. Darth Tax Man wasn’t having any of it and passed Esplanade before he could be cut off. Digger was out of the chase and it left my Padwan and I to catch and defeat Darth Tax Man. By Menlo we almost caught him and Bugler almost put the Jedi finger knock out touch on him

Much like a big fish that is pulled up next to the boat Darth Tax Man made another run for it and got away again. It took a lot of effort for Bugler and I to run him back down and we found ourselves closing in on the last flyway on Devonshire and the safety of the neutral zone. As we got close to the corner Bugler made another try at the Jedi mind touch.

Once we were in the Devonshire flyway Darth Tax Man went into an escape panic run towards Kirby and it was all Bugler and I could do to catch him. However the gate opened before we got to Kirby and by the Gilmore glide path into the safety zone Darth made his last sprint and made it to safety before we could capture him. Yes it is a shame when a good Jedi turns to the dark side but sometimes a Padwan resents being dropped and accepts the dark side to get the respect they feel they deserve. We need to keep an eye on Darth Tax Man.