Cutter’s heading out ride

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) This was one of the best looking mornings we have seen in at least a week. It was cool but clear and almost no wind. I had a shorter ride planned so we could stop for something to eat with Cutter on his last ride before heading back to Oregon. I headed to the Bike Shop with absolutely no idea who would be riding today. Digger was already at the shop and Dragon Slayer was just unloading his bike from his truck. Cutter arrived about the same time as Earth Dog. Highlander arrived with Doug and Tax Man was right after them. Merle, (Abacus) was one of the last to arrive and we were ready to go right at 9am. I took us out of the parking lot and down to Acacia and the group was strung out halfway between light as we got to Kirby. We did make the turn south on Kirby and headed towards Cypress.

I was feeling a lot better today than I did Monday and my legs even felt refreshed with just one day off. After I took a picture I fell in behind Dragon Slayer and Cutter and spent some time talking to Tax Man. He had been spending the week at the river and just kicking back. At times that is the best way to be. It was good to have him back and we rounded the corner onto Cypress together and rode through the housing tract and headed towards Johnston.

We got slowed at the light on Sanderson briefly but didn’t have to come to a stop and headed to Industrial Street and made our way towards Cawston and the turn towards Stetson. Earth Dog got us around the corner and started the pull to Warren. We all fell in line and soon were moving at close to 20 MPH just to hang on. We crossed the street and I started following Earth Dog till Doug rolled by and started to gap us. I closed in on his wheel and Dragon Slayer joined me. That move reshuffled the group and turned us into a pace line. As we turned the corner onto California Dragon Slayer and I kept the pace going and I had to work hard to get to the front to capture a quick picture.

I lost a place to Cutter and Highlander let me into third place as Dragon Slayer took us to Stowe and the typical hard run towards Winchester Farms. Dragon Slayer was keeping up the tradition and had us rolling along at a pretty good clip towards the first little rise and picked up speed on the slight down slope. The pace was just quick enough to separate Dragon Slayer, Cutter and me from the rest of the group. I was holding on for all I was worth but as I said today was my lucky day because my legs were up to the task. By the time we got to the Metal barn Cutter was just a little slow when Dragon Slayer picked up the pace a bit and I jumped up to second and rolled into the parking lot. It was time to regroup and rehydrate.

Once we were off again Dragon Slayer took us south towards the Dump Road to return to our trip west. As we turned onto the dump road we slacked the pace a bit and soon Abacus pulled in front and gapped us as we came up to the Wild West Arena. Doug pulled up front as well and I yelled to him that we would be all the way to the end of the dump road and through the dirt to Briggs south. As we crested the rise before Leon I noticed Tax Man and Digger way behind us to I fell out of line and waited for them. I pulled them to Briggs north where they headed towards Mapes and I joined the rest of the group and headed for McCall and over to Menifee. We made the turn north and rode hard for Florida knowing Tax Man and Digger had the shorter route. We just managed to beat them to Mapes and waited till the joined us before heading north again and making our way to the Nursery and the speed run to Centrial. Dragon Slayer took the first long pull and I relieved him and got us closer to Central. Earth Dog was the only one to stay with us and he pulled around just before the stop sign before I got back in front and headed for Nuevo. Dragon Slayer and I turned east on Nuevo first and made our way to the small shopping center on Lakeview and Nuevo. Most of us stopped for lunch with Cutter. Highlander, Tax Man and Doug had to leave so they said good bye to Cutter and headed north on Lakeview. The rest of us had a nice lunch and a nice visit before heading north to 9th street and Dragon Slayer’s house for a quick stop. Digger and Earth Dog didn’t stop and took off for the Expressway before the rest of us. We crossed Hansen and headed for 6th street before coming out onto the Expressway to give chase.

We turned onto the Expressway and began closing on Digger and Earth Dog. Cutter and I got together and managed to catch them before Bridge where Dragon Slayer moved up from behind us to pull Earth Dog and I took over pulling Digger. Soon Earth Dog, Dragon Slayer, Cutter and Abacus were well out in front while Digger and I followed about one hundred and fifty yards back. I took Digger onto Warren while the rest of the group headed for Sanderson and we all regrouped at Cottonwood and Sanderson. Once we got back on the road Earth Dog started a hard ride towards Devonshire and slowly but surely Dragon Slayer chased him. Digger took Cutter left on Menlo while we caught Earth Dog between Esplanade and Menlo. Dragon Slayer, Abacus and I waited for Cutter at Devonshire not knowing he was with Digger and once we discovered where he was we headed for Lyon. We turned on Lyon just as cutter got there and all of us headed for the bike shop together. It was a great ride on a great day and we will miss Cutter. But with any luck he will be back next February and we can do this all over again.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) The plan on Friday was for a two part ride. One part would be for me and the other for the group. The one for me was shorter because I had planned on a half metric in Redlands on Saturday and I simply don’t have two straight days on my legs yet. So I headed to the bike shop to get the ride started. I was pretty surprised to see several of my friends who were not dressed for riding. Digger and Klink were there to ride and Anaconda arrived soon after Dragon Slayer. RCMP was there to ride as was Earth Dog and Magic Man. Minotaur and Highlander arrived along with Bulldozer and Ferret. Lastly Cutter and Huntress joined us and I was surprised with the size of the group. Just as we were getting ready to leave Robert presented me with a mid seventies Peugeot that was built by my friends from their parts box. I was speechless and stunned.

I had to shake off being stunned and get my head back in the ride so we could leave on time and get back before it got too late. So I gathered everyone outside and explained the route for the day and took them out of the parking lot and headed for Acacia and the ride west. We made the corner pretty quickly and I already knew I didn’t have the legs for any serious riding today. I feel a bit like someone that has only been riding for a year and though my spirit is willing my body is weak and I have a long way to go before I get back to where I was a year ago, if I ever do. Anyway I digress. We made our way to Kirby and then down to Cypress before turning towards Johnston and Sanderson.

After we made the light on Sanderson and headed south I more or less fell in line with the rest of the group with the intention of holding on as long as I could as we headed west on Domenigoni. I did start us off as we headed for warren but not long after making the turn Cutter came up and took the lead. I fell back but only ended up about five riders back while the faster A riders talked in the back of the group. Soon Ferret came around with Minotaur in tow and pulled away from us. To my surprise RCMP and Bulldozer let them go and the rest of us held the pace down a bit till we crossed Warren. We crossed the dry wash together and dropped Digger. Earth Dog dropped back to ride with him and Cutter went back with him. Somewhere before Winchester Cutter came up to let us know where Digger and Earth Dog were and then we all headed for the saddle. I stayed with them till we started the climb and jumped on it a bit when Huntress tried to pull away on the climb. I started well but soon flamed out as we got ready the crest the Saddle and head for the gas station at Menifee and Domenigoni.

Once everyone was rested at the gas station I took us out onto Menifee and headed us south again. I turned the group over to Dragon Slayer because I would be turning on Scott and heading for home while the biggest part of the group continued on towards Keller. I found out that Digger and Highlander planned on going with me while the rest of the group headed for Whitewood and Murrieta Hotsprings road. When we crossed Holland and started up Revival I tried to jump on it again only to sputter out like a car short on nitrous. Still I made it to the stop sign and slowed till I could see Digger and Klink coming to the top of the grade. Highlander and I got to Scott just before the main group crossed at the light and headed for Keller.

Highlander waited at Scott and Menifee for quite a while waiting on Klink and Digger. It turns out they had to change two flats but one was with Cutter so he had to join us as we headed for Winchester and the turn north. Once they caught the light green we headed east towards Leon and Cutter did a lot of the pulling till we got to Leon where Highlander took over. Highlander pulled us almost to the top of the rise just before Winchester. Klink pushed himself and got to the front just before the light. We made the turn north but stopped to wait for Digger who was running a bit slow at the time. Once we got back on the way Highlander fell back to help pull Digger north.

We began a long cruise back towards Holland and talked about the cheese factory on the left as we rolled by that street. Cutter worked with me and Klink as we moved past Holland and towards the road into the west side of Diamond Valley Lake. We made it to the ride and dropped down to Domenigoni and waited at the other side of the light for Digger. Once he caught us we headed towards Winchester farms with Highlander and Digger taking up the back of the group. Cutter ended up pulling us all the way to Stowe where we stopped for coffee and a short break before heading home. We were in no hurry once we got back on Stowe and we all headed towards California and the turn to Stetson. We followed Highlander to Cawston but lost him at the light while we waited for Digger to make the turn. Cutter took us back to Sanderson and started us towards Lowes. We then rode back to Acacia together and only lost Klink when we made the turn back to the bike shop. We just make it back to Kirby when RCMP caught us and several of the other A riders were right behind us as we sat down in the bike shop. I was eager to head for home to have lunch, take a shower and get back to pick up my Peugeot. I would end up paying for the ride when I dod the long climb in Redlands on Saturday but I still enjoyed the ride Friday none the less.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was concerned about the predicted wind for Wednesday and it was hard to plot a ride where we got at least some wind at our back. But I did my best and headed for the Bike Shop to see who would be riding today. I was not the first rider there because Klink was waiting as I rode up. Minotaur was waiting inside and Highlander was just pulling into the parking lot. Cutter, Earth Dog and Merle joined us as I had a cup of coffee and a new rider, Ron walked in. Anaconda arrived followed by Huntress and Dragon Slayer. Once we were all set we headed out onto Lyon and over to Acacia to get the show on the road. Picture 21

I was not as fresh, or my legs were not as fresh, as I was on Monday but it felt good to lead the group onto Acacia and headed towards Kirby. I did get us to the light on Kirby and started south before Merle and Highlander took over and moved us over the railroad tracks and west on Cypress towards Johnston. Everyone was still in a talkative mood as we moved past the houses to Johnston and we were led around the corner to the light on Sanderson. Once we started south again I took over and got us headed towards Mustang.

As we closed in on Mustang it looked to me like we were going to get the light green and I started to pick up the pace a bit. I was in full spin when Dragon Slayer and Minotaur almost flew past me. It was there I noticed I never got out of my small ring. It made it easier to spin but not so good at keeping up with the fast moving twosome in front of me. We caught the light on Domenigoni before heading east towards Searl. I closed in on the back wheel of Huntress only to realize we had two different groups today. We had a Strong B group and a cruising B group. Once Highlander caught up with the lead group I fell back to pick up the back three or four riders. We created a 200 yard gap as the leaders rounded onto State and headed for McSweeney as the rest of us followed. At least they waited for us as we came through the housing track and started north on State towards Domenigoni.

I should have known something was up when Dragon Slayer and Huntress let me get lead after Domenigoni. I was hammering it but as we got to the slight rise heading to Chambers Dragon Slayer pulled up next to me and started talking. To our surprise Highlander attacked on the hill and that drew Dragon slayer and Huntress into full pursuit. They caught him before the speed detection sign and we rode together to Chambers and followed the two of them to Buena Vista and then Thornton and finally Santa Fe heading north. Once we were back out onto Stetson and headed east it was determined that we would head straight to Fairview without taking Columbia and Crest to Lake. I moved forwards to let Dragon Slayer know that I expected the back four to drop back after the high school and Speed Bump. He was going to lead the faster group to Fairview where we would regroup. Huntress left us at the stop sign on Soboba street and I led the last four to Fairview and the regroup. We then headed north to Florida where Ron headed for home and the rest of us headed to the Fire Station and a nature break. We got back on our way and headed as two groups to the next regroup at the light on Soboba and Lake Park Drive.

Once we were headed North West on Soboba Minotaur started a pull towards State. Dragon Slayer fell in on his wheel and Earth Dog fell in line next. I was in the fourth spot as we made the rise at the driving range with the rest of the group behind me. We everyone else fell off behind me I stuck to Earth Dogs wheel until Minotaur and Dragon Slayer started to gap us. I was too late coming around Earth Dog and couldn’t close on Dragon slayer so I ended up running to the end of Soboba stuck two hundred yards behind Dragon slayer and one hundred yards in front of Earth Dog. We regrouped at State and decided to ride down to Esplanade before heading east to get back to Carl’s Junior because Ramona is covered with goat head thorns between state and Main.

Once we were back on Ramona Minotaur flatted and then demonstrated one of the slowest tire changes in group history. He had decided to make a fast run on the MUP trail next to Esplanade as we stayed on the road and must have received a pinch flat. It might not have helped that all of us were giving him a bad time as he worked on the tire but it was fun watching him anyway.

The ride to Carl’s from there was uneventful and we stopped for coffee before several of the group decided to ride up to Strawberry Creek while three of us headed for home. After coffee and conversation Dragon Slayer, Anaconda, Merle, Earth Dog, Cutter and Minotaur headed east towards Strawberry and Klink, Highlander and I headed back to Lyon and home. I was in serious need of lunch and a hot shower so I was glad to get home.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Monday’s are always a tossup as to what kind of ride they will end up being. I posted a rather flat and easy ride expecting good weather and little or no wind. Any wind we did have should have been at our back for at least half of the ride. It remained to be seen if the weather wizards had any clue as to wind direction for the day. Non the less I headed for the bike shop with high hopes. As I pulled up I noticed Highlander was there as was Klink. Digger arrived a bit later and we were joined by Siren and Anaconda. Cutter showed up and we were joined by Merle one of Highlander’s neighbors. Eight riders on a flat Monday isn’t bad for this time of year. We had a wait till Merle was ready to go and we headed out to Lyon and north with me leading the pack. The group let me lead all the way to Esplanade with very few complaints.

For about the first time I can remember we made the light green and were able to ride through and head for Seventh and towards Ramona Boulevard. I stayed out front as we got to Cottonwood and pulled us almost all the way to the turn when Cutter rolled by and started us towards Sanderson and the run west.

As we moved along Siren made a dash for Sanderson with Cutter on her wheel. I had to work a bit to close in on the two of them bit I did just before we got to the corner and headed north. We were separated a bit at the turn but regrouped and the light and again right after the turn west to give regroup instructions for the light at Hansen. I started us west but soon Merle pulled out front and set a reasonable pace line heading towards Warren. Anaconda was on his wheel and I was drafting her till she fell off a bit just before the light. I looked back and noticed we had dropped some riders so I pulled out of line and waited till Siren caught me. The two of us chased the Merle, Highlander and Anaconda group. I stayed with Siren till we caught them at Bridge and then stopped for Klink caught me first and I waited for Digger to pull him to Hansen. I couldn’t quite get him up to speed enough to catch Klink but we were close. Klink missed the turn at Hansen and I had to chase him to Lakeview and bring him back to the Nuevo store.

Up to this point the weather wizards had been wrong about a almost no wind day and the direction. What I was pulling for was at least this once the prediction of a wind out of the north would be correct and we would have it at our backs all the way down Lakeview and again on Menifee. Only getting back on the road would tell. I took us back out onto the road and west to Lakeview before heading south on Lakeview and 9th street. I rode side by side with Anaconda almost all the way to the Elementary School and the post office before getting out front and pulling us towards Nuevo.

I had enough in the tank to pull us to Nuevo and then one block over before letting the group head for Central without me. Once I made sure Digger and Klink were following us I raced to catch up and moved to the front to give instructions for our next regroup. I took us onto Menifee and headed south till Siren took over and pulled for the Nursery and the segment to Florida. Once she was on her way I fell into the drops and started a long steady pull for Florida myself. It turned into my longest pull to date. We regrouped at the AM/PM and took a break. Once back on the way Highlander and Siren led the way to McCall where we turned east. By the time we got back to Briggs and headed to the dump road we were all back together. I fell back with Merle and we talked all the way to Leon before we closed as best as we could on the group at Winchester. We finally joined them at Winchester Farms for a break. Siren and Anaconda had to leave early so we spent a few more minutes before we followed them and headed east on Stowe to California. I made a attempt at a sprint on California and did reasonably well and made Cutter chase me to Stetson where I let him go and fell back to get Highlander. I then fell back again and picked up Klink after telling Merle to follow Highlander and Cutter heading for home. I led Klink to Lowes and over to Acacia where somehow I lost him. When I turned back to find him he had been joined by Digger and was changing a flat tire. Once it was changed Klink and I stopped for Coffee while the rest of the group headed back to their cars and their own homes. It turned into a great day for a ride even if not one breath of wind ever blew in the predicted direction I got from the weather station.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was finally Friday and we had a simple little ride planned to finish the week. Not everyone likes Bautista but it is one of our better rides and I needed to test my climbing before the Redlands Ruff Ride. So the ride went on the site and the chips would fall where they may. I got to the bike shop not knowing what to expect as far as a group to ride with but Digger was already there along with Karl and Cutter. ME-109 rode up followed by MacGyver. Bandit and Gambler arrived and I knew it would be good for the A riders. Highlander joined us along with Klink. Bulldozer arrived without Minotaur. Earth Dog pulled up just before Huntress making a pretty good group for a Friday ride. We pulled out of the parking lot and headed south on Lyon towards Acacia. We had a chance to visit a bit as we headed past Acacia and lost a few riders at the light. Bandit and I caught up on my progress after surgery and his progress after his last crash. In fact he had a pretty bad one on Bautista but he looked fully recovered to me. We rode together to Johnston and then east to Gilbert before heading south again towards Stetson.

We were all back together by the time the light changed at Stetson and rode down to Thornton to head east again. Gambler pulled up next to Bandit and I and soon the two of them were taking the lead and moving us to State Street to once again catch the light. We moved on as the light turned green and ME-109 and Bulldozer moved up to join Bandit and Gambler. The group was starting to sort out into A and B riders. By the time we turned on Santa Fe and headed to Stetson again MacGyver had joined the A riders and we were joined by Minotaur as we rode by San Jacinto. Highlander was drafting the leaders as we approached Columbia and I thought they had all turned towards Thornton again and worked their way to crest. I rounded the corner a few moments later with the last half of the group with me, or so I thought. I chatted with Huntress and Indicated that I intended to just cruise Bautista to make sure the whole group made it to the top.

We worked our way to Hemet Street and then back to Crest and over to Lake to get back to Stetson and head for Fairview. Cutter, Earth dog and I watched as Huntress and Karl took off after the fleeing a group and we followed them to Fairview where I stopped to wait for Digger and Klink. I waited quite a while before Klink arrived and I discovered that Digger had followed Highlander and not turned on Columbia. They were both in front of me and already on Bautista. Cutter and I headed towards Bautista pulling Earth Dog and Klink and we managed to make the turn with them on our wheel. Cutter wanted to climb Wilson Mesa so I pulled Earth Dog and Klink towards the big left hander and the curve towards the Dam. I had them both in tow till the Dam and then I dropped them and had to wait till Earth dog caught up only to notice Klink was gone. I fell back to get him and Earth Dog continued on. I had to stop by the last dirt road and then I noticed Cutter had picked up Klink and they told me to go on while Klink got a drink before heading up the hill. I saw Bulldozer coming back down the road and headed for home. By the time I made the last three climbs section I had caught Digger and at the last climb the rest of the group started back down the hill. Karl turned back and joined me heading to the top of the canyon where Highlander and Earth Dog was waiting. We waited till I had an energy bar before starting back down the hill ourselves. Earth Dog and Highlander were leading us as we saw Klink and cutter heading for the last climb to the top themselves. Karl and I turned back and joined them before heading back down the hill ourselves.

By the time we got back to the white picket fence Klink had joined Karl and me as we headed for the dam and the last mile to Fairview. Digger and Cutter were not far behind but I had every intention of stopping at the first driveway on Fairview for a regroup before heading north back towards Florida. We took a real short break before shoving off and heading for Stetson and the run to the bridge.

Karl and I were cruising and talking when Digger and Cutter rolled by and Cutter went into a sprint to the bridge. I decided to burn a match or two and try to run Cutter down but he flamed out just before the bridge and we had to back down to wait for Digger and Klink anyway. We were pretty much all back together by the time we crossed Mayberry and Cutter led us to the light at Florida. Once the light changed we headed for Carl’s Junior and a quick coffee. Highlander and Earth Dog were waiting as we pulled up. Once we had taken a break for coffee and conversation Earth Dog and Highlander took us back out to the bikes and got us started for Lincoln and home. It took a moment for everyone to catch up but once we did we headed for park in a pretty tight formation.

We had to chase Earth dog and Highlander to park but everyone still seemed to have enough soup left to stay together. We lost Digger as he headed for Menlo and we cut over to Devonshire. We stayed together till Klink left before State Street and the rest of us headed to Lyon and back to the Bike shop. I checked in at the shop and then went home for lunch and a hot shower. I was pleased with myself and the Bautista climb.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We had been raided out on Monday so we were eager for a ride Wednesday. Digger had suggested that if I posted the same ride for Wednesday as I had for Monday he would try and make the whole ride. So post it I did and headed for the Bike shop to get ready for a short ride west. Digger was already there as was Highlander followed by Cutter and Tax Man. Earth Dog arrived followed closely by George,(Klink) our Germen Snow Bird, and Ben from Yucca Valley. I thought Minotaur and Bulldozer were the last two riders but as we were getting ready to leave Huntress showed up and we stopped to wait for her. As we moved out onto Lyon I led us to Acacia and through the light only to discover Highlander had to return to the bike shop with a broken spoke. Some of the group continued on as I sent a text to him and we ended up turning on Johnston while Bulldozer and Minotaur went straight to Thornton and east towards State. We came out onto Thornton a few blocks in front of them and headed for State Street.

Somehow we managed to get to Chamber and State first and to my surprise Digger decided to pull us towards Domenigoni. Ben rolled by and I told him we would be turning west at the light so he took the lead and pulled us around the corner. I fell in line and we headed for the rise at Searl when Digger informed me that Bulldozer and Minotaur had joined us. I didn’t have much time to check on their progress before Minotaur pulled by and started pulling us towards Sanderson. The goal was to keep the pace down a bit for Digger and Klink and the pace being set was just about all they could do. However Minotaur hit the light at Sanderson just as it was turning red and he was the only one to go through it. The rest of us stopped knowing what a rush people would be in the make the turn both left and right in their green. We ended up chasing Minotaur all the way to Warren while he soft pedaled and then retook the lead followed by Ben and me as we crossed over the dry wash. After cresting the hill I noticed we had dropped at least two riders so I told Bulldozer I was going to drop back and pick up the slower riders and he should go ahead and join Ben and Minotaur. We would regroup at Lindenburger. Cutter pulled up to let me know that Earth Dog was with Digger and so we took the rest of the group to Winchester where we almost got on the back wheel of the other three but lost them half way to Leon. Cutter pulled us almost to the saddle before giving the lead to me and I started us up the grade only to have Cutter zoom past me saying he was pushing for a PR. This time I didn’t let him get away and crested the saddle befor he could catch me. We dropped down the back said and regrouped at Lindenburger.

I let the three I considered our A group that we would regroup once more at Garbani and Menifee and then I had planned on sending them over the back side of antelope to McCall while the rest of us headed east on Domenigoni to Menifee and over to Simpson. I was informed that Bulldozer and Minotaur would be heading for home on Domenigoni so the plans changed. We moved on to Laguna Vista and turned south to Newport and back to Briggs before heading south again towards Garbani. Minotaur and Bulldozer had stopped to fix Minotaur’s front derailleur but they caught us by Holland and Minotaur took off for Garbani on his own. Been chased him down and made the turn west towards Menifee and the rest of us followed to the regroup before heading to Antelope.

All of us rode to Antelope and headed north with Bulldozer and Minotaur all the way to Domenigoni and we stayed with them to Menifee and waved good bye as we headed to Simpson. Huntress, Ben and I made it to Simpson first and Huntress was running short on time so she continued on with Ben while I waited with Tax Man at Lindenburger. We were soon joined by Klink and we headed for Leon. Tax Man took us onto Leon and up to the Dump road where we were joined by Ben as we headed east towards Winchester. Huntress had headed for home and he came back when we made the turn. Tax Man, Ben, Klink and I headed to Winchester and then to Winchester Farms where we took a break and waited for Digger, Cutter and Earth Dog. We spent some time visiting and learning about each other for a while till we saw Cutter and Digger pull out onto Stowe and heading east. Ben, Klink and I chased them towards California where Earth Dog and Tax man had established quite a lead. It took the three of us all the way to warren before we caught Digger and Cutter. The group then turned onto Cawston and then on Industrial to get back to Sanderson and head for Lowes. When we got to Lowes we headed around the building to Acacia.

Cutter dropped off on Acacia and Kilnk stayed on Acacia while Ben and I turned back to the Bike Shop and finished the ride before heading for home. I was pretty tired for some reason and sure wanted a hot shower and lunch before starting all of my projects for the afternoon. It was about as good of a day for a ride as it could have been.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was supposed to rain sometime Friday and with the record of our weathermen I was in no way sure when it might start. With that in mind I planned a short ride with the intention of having the wind at our back heading to Cranston Station and a slight downhill into the wind coming home. It was clear and reasonable warm on the way to the bike shop and I discovered Dragon Slayer waiting for me when I got there. The riders started showing up before I had a chance to have even a half of a cup of coffee. Tax Man and Minotaur were there as was Tax Man, Earth Dog and Cutter. Once Huntress showed up we were ready to go. I took us out onto Lyon and headed north.

It was not my intention to pull all the way north but everyone was so busy talking that they were happy to let me lead, even at my pace. For some reason I felt pretty comfortable today and didn’t mind pulling all the way to Esplanade where we had to wait for a red light and everyone pulled up and waited together. Once it turned green I once again took the lead and headed for Seventh street. It didn’t take long till we were rolling by Cottonwood and I still had a reasonable spin going so I kept us going north all the way to the Expressway. After making the turn east at the Expressway I was about ready to give up the lead but the conversations were still going strong and no one was interested in taking over.

Dragon Slayer and Minotaur finally pulled out front and got us to State Street and headed north with little or no fanfare. I followed the group till we got to the College and resumed the lead as we headed towards the River Bridge and Soboba. I managed to pull us up and over the bridge and turned us east on Soboba before calling for a short stop and a quick drink of water. WE weren’t there long before we got ready to head for the rollers and the golf course.

As we got close to the first roller Earth Dog jumped around me and started to pull away. I decided that it was a short enough ride that I could safely chase him and so I got on his wheel. Just as we neared the top of the first roller Dragon Slayer pulled around and started to pull us after Minotaur. Just before the top of the Second roller I jumped around Earth Dog and got on Dragon Slayer’s wheel. His pace was a bit into the red zone for me so I had to back off and save some matches for the last hill before the last hole on the golf course. Dragon Slayer caught Minotaur and headed for Ramona and Main and Minotaur came back to do the hill again while I waited for Cutter and Huntress. We then headed for the river crossing and the light on Main and Ramona with Huntress leading Earth Dog towards the overpass. I attacked and burned my last free match catching them and making it to the top of the overpass. By the light I was cooked and had to downshift to recover as we met up with Dragon Slayer and headed for Cedar. I had to trail everyone all the way to Fairview and Florida where I was once again picked up by Dragon Slayer and pulled towards the trees chasing Earth Dog. Dragon Slayer pulled me up the grade to Cranston where we regrouped before heading back down Florida to Carl’s Junior. We took a very short break and then headed up to Lincoln and west to Park to head home.

We made the turn onto Park and around to Devonshire. We cruised past Yale and headed for San Jacinto were once again we got stopped by the light. Tax Man and Earth Dog were way out front as we got back to State Street and they made the light while we didn’t. The last four of us rode back to Santa Fe together and Cutter left us at Latham. The rest of us rode back t Lyon and then south to the bike shop before heading for home, lunch and in my case a hot shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We managed to get rained out on the Monday ride so I was looking forward to a bit longer ride on Wednesday. I wanted to push myself a bit and see if I could take another step forward in my quest to get back in cycling shape. So it was a simple around Lake Perris route I posted and was ready for as I rode to the Bike shop to start the ride. I was pleasantly surprised once the riders started to arrive to see we would have a pretty reasonable group for at least the first part of the ride. Digger, Cutter and Earth Dog were pretty early. Minotaur, Tax Man and Dragon Slayer were early as well. Bulldozer, Highlander and Anaconda were the last to arrive and we got ready to leave right at 9am. We managed to get out onto Lyon and headed north only to catch the light red on Florida. After the light turned green we were on our way and I had a chance to start the pull north towards Esplanade. We had crossed over Devonshire and then Menlo as a group and I was still out front setting the pace. Perhaps a bit sedately for some but I was out front none the less.

Somewhere between Esplanade and Ramona Minotaur got a call from the Island of Crete indicating that Minotaur junior was having trouble with invading Greeks, or illness one of the two and he had to leave to rectify the problem. I wasn’t aware of the problem and thought he was still in the group as we moved west on Ramona Boulevard all the way to Sanderson and the Expressway. Once we made the turn west and started towards Warren I was ready for someone else to take the lead. I got halfway to Warren before Dragon Slayer, Bulldozer and Anaconda rolled by me. I fell in on their wheel and followed them to Warren with Highlander right behind me. I looked back to see we had dropped everyone else so I pulled over and waited for Tax Man. The two of us rode together to Bridge before deciding to pull over and wait for Cutter, Digger and Earth Dog. Tax Man and I pulled the group the rest of the way to Hansen to join the lead group and I discovered Minotaur had left us.

It was decision time as we got ready to do the rest of the ride. Digger and Tax Man had decided to return east back to Bridge while the rest of us headed west towards the rollers and over to Evans. Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer were leading us towards the Burnasconi climb and setting a reasonable pace when I decided to back it down and pull the B group over both of the hills. About halfway to Burnasconi Cutter decided to go for a PR and left us. He was about halfway between the led two riders and those of us trailing. Highlander pulled by me after the first climb and pulled all the way to the second before giving up the lead. The problem was after Earth Dog got up front Highlander lost his spin and fell off the back of the group. I went back to get him and ended up dragging him back up to anaconda and Earth Dog just before the motocross park. Highlander pulled by them to the entrance to Lake Perris and I got back in front and pulled us to Evans and started us north towards Iris. We had to stop before getting there because Earth Dog had a flat and we waited for him to fix it before getting back on the road.

Once we were headed east on Iris we realized we were not going to meet up with the three riders we thought were ahead of us. WE worked together till we got to the north entrance to Lake Perris where Earth Dog took off on us. Anaconda and I got caught at a light and had to chase Highlander almost all the way to Alessandro where Earth Dog was waiting for us. As most of our riders know Alessandro is not the best road so we felt a bit like the riders on the Paris Roubaix race riding over the cobbles. We rode all the way to Gilman and stopped for a moment to plan the run all the way to Sanderson. I decided this would be a good time to see if I had the stamina to pull all the way and so I led out as we started east. I pulled everyone till we got halfway to Bridge and the slight climb at the clump of trees when at the ride Earth Dog got out of the saddle and pulled around me. I first I was a bit disappointed thinking I was too for him and that he was going to take over the pull. But I shouldn’t have worried because he just pulled by and kept on going. We ended up chasing all the way to Sanderson without ever catching him. We then turned south towards the Expressway and ended up finding Dragon Slayer waiting at the intersection. Just before we headed for Ramona Boulevard to get to Lyon Cutter joined us and we found out he had missed a turn and had chased us all by himself all the way back to Sanderson and the Expressway.

We made the turn onto Ramona Boulevard and headed for Lyon. By now I was starting to run down a bit but I still felt strong enough to push it a bit on the way home. We made the turn south and Dragon Slayer took off with Earth Dog on his wheel heading for Cottonwood. I stayed with Highlander and Anaconda and we lost sight of them about Esplanade. It didn’t matter because we kept a steady pace back to Florida and then to the Bike Shop where we parted our ways and headed for home. It was the longest pull I had done since last October.

Proverbs 27:17

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Proverbs 27:17 Friday is not typically my most energetic day or t least it hasn’t been since last October. Today I had a stamina ride planned without too much climbing but with about 42 to 45 miles that could be put onto my legs to help me get stronger. It seemed like a great day for a ride as I left the house and headed for the bike shop. I decided to work on keeping my legs in a constant spin just on top of each gear no matter what speed we were going. It seems as if my Beta blockers don’t kick in as hard when I don’t try to push a big gear. I practiced that intention all the way to Lyon and the bike shop. I got there to meet Digger and Dragon Slayer. It was a bit slow at first but soon a few other riders stated to arrive. Cutter and Earth Dog joined us followed by Anaconda and Highlander. Barracuda arrived just before ME-109. By 9am Highlander was pushing us out of the door and I had to take us out onto Lyon and north to start the ride. We were joined at the light by Ferret. The light changed and we hustled our way north past Devonshire.

As soon as we rolled by Menlo Ferret and Dragon Slayer pulled up front and rolled us onto Esplanade. I was pretty surprised at how easy it felt to hold a good speed to Esplanade and then to Seventh. If this was any indication I was going to be in for a good day even if it was a bit of a mileage stretch for me. I fell into about the middle of the group as we moved past Cottonwood and zeroed on Ramona Boulevard. The group decided to back down just a bit and let me lead to the turn and start us out headed west towards Sanderson.

I got a chance to fall into second place as we headed for Sanderson and drafted Highlander all the way to the stop sign and to the light at the Expressway. A vehicle passed us with a bicycle but I didn’t recognize the driver. We got the green and headed west towards Warren and managed to stay in a pretty tight pace line all the way. Barracuda even mentioned that today’s ride seemed a lot more civilized than the last time we were on the Expressway. At the light we found MacGyver and he joined us heading west. As we headed for Bridge Earth Dog took off on us but Ferret went with him and the rest of us followed. I was still feeling strong at this point and dragon Slayer was doing most of the pulling. MacGyver came around me and pulled up front and held us at a really good pace all the way to Hansen and the Lakeview Market. Barracuda continued on heading west for a much longer ride all the way to Lake Matthews or Tom’s farms.

Once we were ready to get back on the way I took us to Lakeview and started us south towards Nuevo. Highlander pulled for a while but by 9th street I was pulling and by the Elementary School Dragon Slayer had the lead. Dragon Slayer pulled us all the way to Nuevo allowing me to stay in the perfect gear and more or less rest all the way to Nuevo and start the move west towards Menifee where we expected Digger to leave us. Dragon slayer gave the lead to me because it was a slight downhill and I pulled to Menifee. Just as soon as the road started to tilt up MacGyver pulled by and pulled me all the way to the stop light were we found Ferret and ME-109 waiting after making a speed run from Menifee. We pulled to a stop and waited for Cutter to join us after he dropped off Digger and had to catch up to us all by himself. We started off again and again Earth Dog was feeling his oats and pulled hard all the way to Evans. As we finally closed in on Earth Dog and made the turn onto Redlands Boulevard I was coming up on my stamina point and felt a bit like I was getting tired. I was still not having any problem with my beta blockers however and whenever Dragon Slayer or MacGyver watched me struggle a bit they would pull up and pull me till I was spinning easily again. This continued on till we cot to the Chevron Station on 4th street and took a short break for water.

Once we were back on the road again and headed south I led the way towards Case and the jog to Goetz. I lost contact with Dragon Slayer and MacGyver till we got to roan and headed east to Bradley. Dragon Slayer noticed a rider in front of us and we chased him all the way to McCall and turned east again only to discover it was MacGyver and we pulled up behind him at the freeway. We had lost three riders at the light on Bradley and Highlander had alerted us to the fact. So Dragon Slayer suggested we wait for them at the Valero Station. I pulled into the gas station behind Dragon Slayer and MacGyver had to turn back to join us. Highlander continued on while we waited and we ended up chasing him after the others caught us. We could see him as we got to Highpoint and when the light changed the chase was on. MacGyver and Dragon Slayer pulled away from me but I followed as best as I could only to see Ferret come out of nowhere and almost fly up the hill. Me-109 was far behind and they soon joined MacGyver and Dragon Slayer as the closed in on Highlander at the top of McCall. I got caught at the light on Menifee and was joined by the last half of the group. we then had to work hard to catch up to the leaders by Briggs and the turn north to the dirt patch connecting us to the dump road.

It was on the ride east on the dump road that the thought expressed in Proverbs 27:17 crossed my mind. Dragon Slayer and MacGyver started working with me figuring I might have burned too many matches. I was following Highlander, Earth Dog and Cutter as they rode by Leon and we closing in on the DVV run to the flag by the Wild West Arena. I decided to jump out and make a run at the flag after being pulled over the rise by MacGyver and Dragon Slayer. They both let me get out front for a few yards and ramp it up but when they came back by it wasn’t with the attempt to blow by me but rather to help me hold my pace. It has to be remembered that two years ago I challenged these two men every chance I got. But rather than taking advantage of my weakness they were both willing to assist in bringing me back to where I used to be. It made me feel good to call them my friends. We headed past the flag and rode to Winchester Farms for a break after losing ME-109 and Ferret. MacGyver had to leave early and we finished relaxing before heading to California to Stowe. Dragon Slayer wanted to hit the Stowe sprint so I tried a lead out to get him to Stetson. This was the sprint that pushed me a bit into the Beta Blocker zone. I got help from Cutter heading back to Cawston where we hooked up with anaconda, Earth Dog and Dragon Slayer, We all road back to Sanderson before heading to Acacia and back to the bike shop. Once everyone was settled down we headed for home. I got home feeling better than I had felt in months.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I woke up and realize it was Wednesday and I had planned a ride that would test me for the second time since I got back on the bike. The ride would be longer with more rolling climbs and maybe some wind in the face on the way out. I just wanted to keep the ride under control and get through it to push myself closer to where I used to be. I had a good breakfast and headed for the Bike Shop to have some coffee and wait for others to arrive. Digger was already there and Dragon Slayer was riding up as I rolled through the door. Cutter and Papillion showed up just before Highlander and Anaconda. The last rider was Earth Dog and we were ready to pull out of the parking lot and head for Acacia and west.

For reasons only known to my ego and not to my mind I decided to pull us to Acacia and then to Kirby before heading south. I was still pulling as we got to Cypress and headed west again and for a little while Dragon Slayer pulled up next to me. We rode together all the way to Johnston and Sanderson. I started to pull again and stayed out front all the way past Wally World and didn’t give the lead up till Mustang.

It was my intention to fall in line behind the rest of the group and let them pull me all the way to the saddle. The only problem with my intentions was that Dragon Slayer was doing most of the work. It looked like he was trying to give up the lead at Warren and I was the closest one willing to move forward. I took over at warren and pulled as best as I could over the dry wash before giving up the lead and following the group to Winchester. The pace picked up a bit by the time we got to Leon and I dropped towards the back of the pack as we got close to the Saddle. Dragon Slayer and Papillion started to push the saddle. I stayed with Anaconda till she started to flame out and I took off around her. It was more than likely another example of a weakness in my thought process that allowed me to be chased over the top of the saddle by Earth Dog and stay just in front of him all the way to the Gas station where we regrouped and waited for Digger and Cutter to join us. We took a short break before getting back on the road and headed south towards Holland and the hill called Revive.

I thought the plan was for Digger to leave us at the gas station but he stayed with us as we headed for Holland and turned and left us at the stop sign. Once again the plan was for me to just gear down and spin up the hill but soon Papillion took off on the climb and Dragon Slayer was close behind. Cutter and Earth Dog started pulling some power down as I followed Anaconda and Highlander. I got out of the saddle and headed for the top of the hill managing to get by everyone but Papillion. Dragon Slayer caught me right at the stop sign and we all headed for Scott without taking a break. Cutter pulled up and let me know Digger had turned off and three of us rode to Scott Road where everyone else was waiting. We crossed over Scott and headed for Keller without losing anyone else and once again Dragon Slayer and Anaconda turned west and too us toward Antelope. We caught the light red as well and had to wait to turn south and head for the hospital. We turned onto Baxter and dropped down to Whitewood. We were tightly grouped as we crossed Clinton Keith and got ready for the drop downhill to Los Alamos. It turned into a rather fast pace line all the way to Los Alamos for the turn east and the ride through the canyon. I split us into two groups with Dragon Slayer taking Papillion and Earth Dog while I had Cutter, Highlander and Anaconda. It didn’t take that long for us to crest the top of the canyon and start the drop down through the rollers to Briggs and Leon.

Once we had all regrouped we rode to Winchester and headed north with the wind at our back. I was almost finished as far as my legs went and had to take two electrolyte tabs before heading north with the group. I was stuck at 90 rpm at best and assured Dragon Slayer that while I was sure I could make it home I was just as sure I couldn’t make a speed run back to Domenigoni so he should go on and ride with the lead group and I would follow with whomever I could catch. It turned out that Highlander, Cutter and I rode together back to Domenigoni where we picked up Anaconda and headed for Stowe and Winchester Farms. We found Papillion and Earth dog waiting for us so we joined them for a quick break before pulling back onto Stowe and heading for home.

For a change we all stayed together till we got most of the way to California where Earth Dog headed for the barn. The rest of us rode as a group up to Stetson and headed east past Warren to Cawston so we could work our way over to Sanderson. Highlander pulled us to Lowes and around the parking lot to Acacia. We then headed for Kirby and then to the bike shop to finish the ride and head for home. I had burned all of my matches and was pretty tired. I was also satisfied that I had put out a good effort and I was one step closer to registering for a Metric Century in Redlands at the end of the month.