By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was still going to be hot but at least we were supposed to get much wind o I thought a short ride would be a good idea. I was a little late leaving the house so most of the riders were already there when I got to the bike shop. I was happy to see six riders. By 8am Digger, Highlander, Earth Dog , Tax Man, ME-109 followed me out onto Lyon and headed for Acacia to start our move west on Acacia. Digger took us to Kirby and got us pointed south.

I fell in behind Digger and turned west on Cypress. We were planning on an easy cruise, or at least I was, as we made our way to Sanderson and crossed the street to head for Cawston on Industrial. Digger was still in the lead as we pulled out onto Stetson and he stayed there all the way to Warren. I thought Digger was pushing himself a bit this early in the ride but I had little interest in cranking the pace up so it didn’t matter much to me who was out front. Not long after we crossed Warren ME-109 pulled by and I fell in on his wheel. By the time we had turned onto California he had us up to maybe 22 mph and we had dropped the rest of the group. After the second time we pulled away I pulled up and indicated 18 would be a better cruising speed for this run. We backed down for a bit till we were about half way to Winchester and ME-109 picked it up. I didn’t chase this time and pulled the rest of the group west till Tax man pulled around and headed for the parking lot after him. We all regrouped at Winchester Farms before heading south on Winchester with me in the lead.

I took it as my job to get is to the dump road and head for Leon. I did make the turn west again on 9th and rode next to ME-109 past the Wild West Arena. We were cruising along fine till Earth Dog came around at the ramp before Leon. Once again I decided not to chase and waited till ME-109 pulled in front before falling in on his wheel till he caught Earth Dog. We then turned onto Leon as a group and headed for Simpson where I took over again and pulled us west towards Briggs. We rolled through the stop sign and headed for Lindenburger where I took us north towards McCall and Heritage.

Earth Dog pulled by us again on our way to McCall and we had to catch up to him at the light where we turned west to Menifee and headed north towards the AM/PM on Florida. ME-109 pulled us all the way to the gas station and we stopped to refill the water bottles and in my case fill up on ice. I then started the pull north past Florida and towards Mapes Street. I managed to pull us to the top of the rise and has a pretty good run past the Nursery when Earth Dog came around and I thought he was going to pull. However he didn’t seem interested in pulling and quickly gapped us. This time I decided to see if I has enough to give chase. Monday I had a chance to slowly push my Heart Rate up to something close to normal and hold it there while riding with Minotaur. Today I got to the same place and managed to catch and pass Earth Dog. He wasn’t giving up this time and he dropped in on my wheel as we headed towards the stop sign. I knew if I pushed it too hard I would hit the Beta Blockers so I kept it at about 85 percent and waited till he tried to re-pass me and got stuck out in the wind. I kept the pace up till his matches were gone and made a run for the stop sign and then to Central and finally to Nuevo and east. When I looked back I thought Earth Dog was still behind me even if it was about 100 yards back. When I stopped on Lake it was Tax Man than had chased me and closed the gap to within 75 yards. We regrouped and Digger took a head start heading to Ramo0na and the Lakeview Market. I pulled Highlander and Tax Man to the market where ME-109 headed for home and we regrouped and rehydrated. Digger once again had a head start and I did a lot of the work pulling the group up to him. Before I could close all the way Earth Dog once again came around us and closed and passed Digger. Tax Man ended up puling us the last few yards onto Digger’s back wheel. Tax man went of to chase Earth Dog and we followed to Warren and headed south with first Earth Dog and then Tax man pulling.

It took a few minutes to get to Cottonwood and head east. Digger started out leading and got to Sanderson first. Tax Man had circled the CVS and came out onto Sanderson in front of us. We then chased Tax Man through the light at Esplanade and headed for Fruitvale before Earth Dog flatted. The horse flies were eating us alive as we waited for the tire change and then headed for Menlo where Digger left us and we continued on to Devonshire and east towards State Street. Earth Dog went to State while Tax man, Highlander and I turned onto Gilmore and down to Florida before heading over to the bike shop and getting ready to head for home.

I took my time getting home before lunch and a shower. My legs were tired from the Menifee effort and I was pretty hot but I felt good about the ride and the improvement in my ability to push myself. I am looking forward to cooler weather but am pleased with my progress so far.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I had been off the bike for a week and it was going to be hot today so I posted a short easy ride to start off the week. I decided to ride the Klein and tried to post a ride with at least part of the ride that had wind at our back. Once I got to the Bike Shop I noticed Dragon Slayer was sitting there to give us an update on his operation. Digger and Earth Dog were talking with Minotaur and to our surprise Highlander came back from a long vacation. We wanted to get out on time and try to beat the heat so we left right at 8am and headed north on Lyon. I started out slowly and rode at the back with Minotaur as we rolled north towards Devonshire and then Fruitvale. However as we got close to Esplanade Minotaur had picked up the pace and we found ourselves getting to the light first. Once it turned green we headed north again and started to work our way towards Ramona.

We were scooting along pretty well as we got to Ramona and I made the turn first and pointed us towards State Street. We had been lucky so far and there was just enough cloud cover to keep the heat down. It was still rather humid but as long as we were moving it felt a bit cooler than the 80 degrees it was supposed to be. We quickly made our way to State and headed north once again trying to get to Ramona and then Soboba.

Minotaur and I easily chatted as we worked our way to the college and moved on to Soboba and a short break. I told Minotaur to make a run at Soboba and I would bring the rest of the group through even if I had to pull all the way. Minotaur took off and we made our way to the first roller. After the first roller Earth Dog took off after Minotaur and I pulled Highlander to the second roller. Digger fell off a bit and Earth Dog crested if front of both of us. I continued on at a reasonable pace and pulled Highlander to the driving range and up the hill to the last hole before the trees where we could wait for Digger. We picked up Earth Dog as we headed for the river bridge and the turn onto Ramona to head east. After we turned we saw Minotaur waiting for us.

As we got to Hemet Street Highlander left and I had to hurry up to catch Digger and Earth Dog as they followed Minotaur. Minotaur pulled Earth Dog away with him and I couldn’t get Digger up to them. They made the turn on Cedar and faded into the distance and I finally gave chase. I found them waiting at the Fire station and pulled in to join them. Digger continued on to Florida and we had to chase him to the corner. Once we got up to him Minotaur and I once again took the lead and ended up pulling away into the trees. We got to Cranston station and waited for Digger and Earth Dog so we could take a short break before heading back to Carl’s Jr. for coffee. We let digger and Earth Dog have a head start and decided to make a run at the Cranston to Fairview segment. Once Minotaur and I were out onto Florida and heading west I took the first pull and chased Earth Dog and Digger who were just starting up the ramp into the trees heading west. I rolled up the ramp only dropping a maybe 1 mph as we entered the trees they were exiting from. To my surprise I was running in zone 5 and had no effects from my beta blockers. I caught Digger and then Earth Dog and rather than draft in behind them rolled by and took Minotaur with me. Just then I could see I was deeper in zone 5 and Minotaur thankfully pulled around to take the pull. I drafted Minotaur as we pulled away from the other two and waited till I had dropped into zone 4 before taking my second shot at pulling. I waited till me zone 5 and gave the pull back to Minotaur who took us to the light at Fairview. We had to stop briefly and Minotaur pulled me to Carl’s for coffee and conversation. When we got back on the road we rode up to Lincoln and headed west towards Park and home.

Digger left us when we jogged over to Devonshire and Minotaur left on Yale. I stayed with Earth Dog all the way to Santa Fe before we cut over to Latham to head west once again. Earth Dog pulled all the way back to Lyon and to the bike shop where we parted our ways and headed for home. It was only 32 miles for me but it was a good 32 miles.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was supposed to be warm today and it was. Not a scorcher but warmer than we have had in weeks. I posted an easy ride and headed for the bike shop to see who would be riding today. Digger and Earth Dog were already there and soon Huntress, Dragon Slayer and Magic Man arrived. Tax Man was there as well making a small group for a Friday. We left at 8am and headed for Acacia. Dragon Slayer took us to Kirby and then up to Cypress while it was still pretty cool.

As we traveled through the housing tract I felt pretty good and had determined to keep a relatively sedate pace for myself but I also realized that my plans aren’t always followed. So I chased Dragon Slayer and Digger to Johnston and stopped at the light on Sanderson. Once through the light we worked our way over to Cawston and somehow ended up leading the group out onto Stetson and headed west towards Warren. I got past the airport at a reasonable pace and got us to Warren before Dragon Slayer and Huntress passed me as we headed for California. For reasons only known to my ego and maybe the warm weather I fell in on their wheel and followed them through the turn onto California. Earth Dog slipped by me as we turned south towards Stowe and I ended up forth as we turned onto Stowe and headed for Winchester. Once Dragon Slayer had the lead I fell into line and waited till we were about 200 yards from the parking lot before heading for the front and pulling the group towards the Metal barn. Dragon Slayer attacked me before the parking lot and I tried to respond. I didn’t have the juice but we did gap the rest of the group and pulled into the parking lot. Once there we were joined by Ferret who had chased us all the way from the bike shop after getting a late start.

Dragon Slayer started us out again as we headed south on Winchester. With some luck it seems as if the wind wasn’t against us today so we made good time heading to the dump road. Once we turned west again we formed a pace line and headed for the Wild West Arena and once again I was in fourth place. I was satisfied to let them pull me towards the rise before Leon or at least I thought I was till we got there. Then as we started up the ramp I jumped out and made a dash for the top. I got a good jump and it looked like I would crest before Dragon Slayer could run me down, no one else was even close, but just before the top I ran out of steam, or the beta blockers had their way and I was caught. The effort was the second of two sprints I tried today and both felt pretty good. However I had pushed just a bit too hard and my system was on guard to make sure no more sprint efforts took place. I fell to the back and followed the group over to Simpson and a regroup at Briggs.

We headed for the climb to Menifee and the turn north to McCall. Tax Man would be leaving us at the climb and Dragon Slayer would be taking Magic Man to Murrieta and home for an appointment. As we headed for the hill on McCall I thought about attacking it but then thought better of the idea because the beta blockers had turned loose and I was comfortable. So I cruised over the hill and planned on joining the group at Bradley at the bottom of the hill. As I got to the last light Siren and one of her friends caught me while out on another ride and we all stopped at the gas station. When we left to head west to the end of McCall it was just Huntress, Digger, Ferret, Earth Dog and me. We made it up the hill and over to Cherry Hill before heading back east towards Murrieta.

We rode together back to Bradley and headed back to McCall to avoid the construction on Domenigoni. Once on McCall the group split in two and I rode with Digger as the other three climbed hospital hill. We lost them after they crested the hill and so we dropped down the back side and headed for the dump road to make our way to Winchester Farms and a break. I had one of their special custom root beer drinks and digger got some cookies before we headed for home on Stowe. We took it easy and rode side by side first to California and then to Stetson. We took Stetson all the way to Cawston and worked our way back to Sanderson where we parted our ways and I headed for home. I had lunch and decided a nap was in order to finish off a ride on a warm day. All in all it was a good day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was looking forward to a rather relaxing start of the week with a ride to Lake Perris and back. It was cooler than I expected and with less wind so I thought it would be a good day. I got dressed and headed to the bike shop to meet the group. Digger and Dragon Slayer were there and Earth Dog arrived soon after I did. A friend of Huntress, Ryan showed up and asked to ride with us just before Tax Man arrived. We were about ready to ride but at the last minute Dragon Slayer had to make an appointment so I thought we would wait for him. I thought wrong as Digger led Tax man, Earth Dog and Ryan out onto Lyon and north towards Ramona Boulevard. I stayed with Dragon Slayer till he was ready to go and we had at least five minutes to make up as we also headed north on Lyon. I wasn’t much help as Dragon Slayer worked hard pulling us north one block after another. By the time we crossed Fruitvale we could just see the other group in the distance. By Esplanade we knew we were closing and by Ramona Boulevard we were within striking distance of getting in their draft. Once dragon Slayer and I were with them we rode in a double pace line to Sanderson and then up to the light on the Expressway. Once we were headed west Ryan took over the pull got us to Warren. Dragon Slayer took over for a while and we had everyone till the split at the rumble strips where three of us went outside and three went inside. The inside group lost the draft and Dragon Slayer, Ryan and I pulled away towards Bridge. Somewhere after we passed Bridge Tax Man decided fighting the head wind was not much fun so he decided to head for home. Dragon Slayer, Ryan and I stopped at the Lakeview market and waited for the rest of the group. It didn’t take long before Earth Dog stopped to join us and we watched Digger ride by heading for the rollers. We gave him a big head start before giving chase and heading the way ourselves.

Earth Dog pulled us to the first roller and started up the hill. I decided to give it a shot and attack the roller and got out front rather quickly. I held on till my heart rate reached 90 percent of my new max and I ended up second to Bernsconi. As I leveled off for the run to the second roller the Beta Blockers kicked in and I had to gear down even as I still gained on Digger. The others got away from me as I climb the second roller and got by Digger. I dropped down the back side of the second roller and met up with the group while we waited for Digger. Once he joined us we headed for Lake Perris park entrance and the climb up over the dam road. I simply cruised to the frontage road and joined the lead three at the marina for a break and to feed the Raccoons. Went we got ready to leave Dragon Slayer took over leading us and he took us out the front side of the park to the road on the north side of the lake.

I was able to stay with the group back to Evans and we headed south back towards Ramona in a pretty tight group. We made our way to Ramona and stopped once again to wait for Digger before we could head east back towards home. I wasn’t interested in pushing back over the rollers and so I ended up riding between the lead group and Digger. We regrouped at the top of the roller and headed for Bernasconi chasing Dragon Slayer. This time I decided to push a bit harder and managed to pull Ryan up to Earth Dog at the bridge and he pulled me to Lakeview and a regroup with Dragon Slayer at the market.

Now all we had to do was make a run for home. Dragon Slayer left us and headed to his house and I rode with Ryan and Earth dog east towards Bridge Street. We did well to hold onto 21 mph as we moved to Bridge and each took a turn pulling. Earth Dog got the lead at Bridge and pulled us all the way to Warren where we once again waited for Digger before heading south. We worked together to get back to Cottonwood so that we could cut over to Sanderson and head south. We were all together as we moved east again and pushed ourselves into a slight wind.

Once Ryan got his pace going Digger started to fall off and Earth Dog decided to ride with him as I chased Ryan to Sanderson and south to Devonshire. I pulled to Devonshire and Ryan pulled east to Gilmore where we cut over to Florida and headed back to the Bike shop. Digger headed for home on Menlo and only three of us were left to say goodbye before heading for home ourselves.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday arrived and I was ready for it. I had a short simple ride planned with a touch of climbing and with a chance of some tailwinds on the way home. I got to the Bike Shop to meet Dragon Slayer, Digger and Earth Dog already there. As we waited we were joined by Tax Man, Barracuda and Bulldozer. At last to my surprise Huntress arrived and we were ready to hit the road and head west. I took us to Acacia and got us headed towards Kirby thinking it was a pretty good group for so soon after the time change.

I didn’t get to lead all the way to Kirby however because Digger was feeling his oats and took over the pull. He got us to the light and then turned us south towards Cypress before heading west. Digger was still leading through the housing tract and took us all the way to Johnston and the light at Sanderson where we had to wait for a green. We crossed the street and headed for Industrial before coming out onto Cawston and Digger was leading as we got to Stetson. Digger pulled us all the way to warren before Dragon Slayer, Bulldozer, Huntress, Barracuda and Earth Dog took off for California. I took over and pulled Digger and Tax Man to California and up to Stowe where we were gaining on Earth Dog. After we started west on Stowe Tax Man pulled us up to Earth Dog but we dropped Digger. Earth Dog and I pulled away to Winchester Farms for a regroup and waited for Earth Dog and Digger.

Once we were ready to go we gave Digger a head start and then Earth Dog led us in a chase south on Winchester heading for the dump road. We all turned west on the dump road and caught Digger before we got to the Wild West Arena. We rolled on as a group dropping Digger before we got to Leon. We turned south to Simpson and didn’t notice Digger had headed for the dirt at the top of Briggs. We stopped at Briggs and Simpson to regroup and wait for Digger but he never showed up. We headed to Menifee and then over to McCall never seeing Digger. We climbed the back side of hospital hill and turned on Hillpoint and once again stopped to look for Digger. Dragon Slayer, Huntress, Tax Man, Bulldozer and Earth Dog headed for Antelope while Barracuda and I looked for Digger. Barracuda and I rolled over Antelope and down to Newport to meet Earth Dog and Tax Man. Digger was already on Garbani and Huntress, Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer headed for home on Newport because of time constraints. The four of us pushed hard to get to Briggs and Garbani and then back down to Domenigoni before heading east to the saddle. We finally found Digger on the Saddle and headed together to Winchester and then over to Winchester farms for a break and hydration. When we got back on Stowe heading east we finally got our tailwind and it felt good heading to California.

Barracuda, Tax Man, Digger and I watched as Earth Dog pulled away on California and headed for Stetson. We followed and finally caught up by Warren but Digger and I fell back again before Cawston. Digger and I finally caught Barracuda and Tax Man at Sanderson waiting at the light and then followed then to Lowes and back to Acacia. Digger and I were the last to get back to the bike shop but we met up with Tax Man, Barracuda and Earth Dog before heading for home and lunch. It was not a bad doy for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I normally look forward to Wednesday and today was no different. It was supposed to be warm and a bit breezy but still it seemed like a good day for a ride. I got u and headed for the bike shop to get started. Dragon Slayer, Digger and Earth Dog were there and that was one more than on Monday. We headed out onto Lyon and got the ride underway right at 8am. Dragon Slayer took us to Acacia and over to Kirby and I followed easily as we turned south on Kirby and headed for Cypress. So far it seemed like it was going to be an easy ride that wasn’t too hot.

We made our way west on Cypress and stopped at the light on Johnston and Sanderson. Dragon slayer led us south towards Mustang and I stayed on his wheel even into the slight head wind all the way to Domanigoni. We turned onto Domenigoni and headed east towards Searl but before we got there I noticed Digger falling off so I dropped back and rode with him while Earth Dog joined Dragon Slayer as they headed towards State Street. I pulled Digger to State Street and we rounded the corner in time to see Earth Dog pulled over after tossing a chain. I pulled towards Newport but Dragoon Slayer took over for me and headed us towards the little rise at Cactus Valley. Digger fell back at the rise so I dropped back for him again and we rode together for Sage and the hill into Cactus Valley. I dropped him on the hill and rode to the end to join Earth Dog and Dragon Slayer. They had been joined by Hacker who had followed him from Sage.

Digger didn’t come all the way to the end of the road but waited for us at the rise about 150 yards up the road. We waited till he headed back towards State Street before we went after him. Earth Dog left first leaving Dragon Slayer, Hacker and me to chase them to State. Both of them were past Sage before we dropped off of the hill and made a run at them. I was puling strong and closing fast as we got to the first horse farm when the Beta Blockers slammed into me about as hard as they ever had. For some reason they were coming on early and I couldn’t get to 150 BPM at all. I fell off of the pace line and Dragon Slayer took off with Hacker to run down the other two. I backed off more or less cruised to McSweeney and our regroup point. I pretty well knew the rest of the day was going to be a cruise for me. We took off for Domenigoni and the segment to Chambers.

I did manage to hold onto0 Dragon Slayer to Chambers and we all move on to Santa Fe and the turn east on Stetson. Once again Digger and I were in the back as the other three pulled away and we headed for Columbia. Digger and I worked our way to Crest and then over to Lake before coming back out onto Stetson and headed east to Fairview where we picked up Earth Dog and followed Dragon Slayer and Hacker to Wilson Mesa. On the way back north we let Digger be the rabbit and chased him most of the way to Stetson where Hacker left us and I pulled to the bridge only to get dropped it the sprint to the water company. I followed Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog to Florida where Earth Dog made a run for it after the turn. I pulled up to his back wheel and Dragon Slayer pulled us around him till we got stopped at the light on Ramona. We had coffee at Carl’s and talked until Digger and Earth Dog left. Dragon Slayer and I followed a few minutes later and rode together back to the bike shop before heading for home and lunch. Today was a good day but it was one where the Beta Blockers worked a lot better than I had planned.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here it was on a Monday, the first day of or start time change and the third day of our predicted heat wave. I got up about a half of an hour early and headed to the bike shop only to find Digger and Earth Dog waiting. We all waited till 8am to see if anyone was going to join us but no one did so we headed out onto Lyon and turned to Acacia to get the ride on the way. It was a bit cooler than I expected and I followed Earth Dog onto Acacia and followed part way to Kirby before I took the lead and got us into the turn lane just as the light turned green letting us make the turn south on Kirby heading towards Cypress. I pulled us onto Cypress and headed for Johnston with Digger and Earth Dog behind me.

I guess my ride Friday made me feel I could push right from the start today so I did pull from the light on Sanderson and Johnston all the way to Domenigoni and started the pull west towards Warren. Earth Dog took over and pulled till we got to Warren and I took it back till we got over the dry wash and headed for Winchester. We dropped Digger on the rise at the dry wash and pulled away into the wind all the way to Winchester. Earth Dog stopped to wait for Digger and I stopped a few yards in front to wait as well. Digger rolled right by us and I started the chase first. I followed him for a while till the wind got to him and I headed for Leon while Earth Dog closed on him. I crested the saddle about 200 yards in front of Digger and Earth Dog and stopped at the gas station on Menifee to wait for them. We took a short break before heading back out onto Menifee and south towards Holland and Revive.

We crested Revive and I stopped to wait for Digger while Earth Dog moved on to Scott. Once I had Digger in tow I pulled him to Scott where Earth Dog was waiting. We headed west towards Antelope and the overpass heading to Haun. Earth Dog beat us to Haun and waited for Digger as did I. Digger rolled by us and Earth Dog chased him down and passed him. I caught up to Digger and then pulled him all the way back to Holland as we headed towards Newport and the turn west. We were pretty lucky so far in that it wasn’t as hot as we expected but with the exception of a few yards on Haun the wind had been in our face all morning. We made it to Newport and headed for Bradley and headed north only to get hit in the face by the wind. At least we were thinking that once we turned east we would get a tail wind.

Earth Dog pulled me up “Golf cart racing” on Bradley and most of the way to McCall before we turned east. To our surprise the wind was in our face again. It was blowing from the west on Domenigoni and now it was blowing from the east on McCall. I followed Earth Dog to Hospital hill and to the top where I waited for Digger. While waiting Socrates and some of his friends pulled upon one of their rides and we talked till Digger joined us. Digger and I dropped off of Hospital hill and headed for Menifee and the road west on McCall. When we got to Briggs we decided to turn south to Simpson thinking we would get a tail wind considering we had a head wind on Bradley. We had no such luck on the tail wind and had wind in the face all the way to Simpson and the turn east. We started with a tail wind but by Leon we had it in the face once more. I was thinking we should get some relief on Winchester but that wasn’t the case either so we rode to Winchester Farms and took a break. We waited till the wind shifted again and came from the west before heading east on Stowe. We were pretty lucky in that we got to California without it switching again. We didn’t have much of an assist on Stetson as we rode to Cawston and cut over to Sanderson to head north towards Lowes.

At least we were able to stay together to Lowes and ride around the back of the store to Acacia before heading back to Kirby and the light there. Earth Dog led us back to the Bike shop where I checked in briefly before heading for home and a hot shower. I downed a tall protein smoothie before my shower. Once I got out of the shower I felt a nap coming on so not having a good reason not to take one I crawled into bed a took a two hour snooze.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was Friday and it was going to be hot. It seemed like a good idea to post a short easy ride to get out and get home before we melted. I got to the Bike Shop to be joined by a small but eager group. Digger and Bruin were there along with Dragon Slayer and Bulldozer. Barracuda and Ferret rounder out the group so we tried to head north on Lyon right at 9am. Digger and Dragon Slayer made the light when the rest of us got caught by the red. Dragon Slayer waited for us at Latham and Digger took advantage of a head start to head north. Once we were all together we slowly gained on Digger as he headed for Esplanade.

Digger made Esplanade so we had to wait till it turned green and headed for Seventh as a group. Dragon Slayer was going to head for home on Ramona while we would be turning towards State on Ramona Boulevard. Just before we made our turn Bulldozer and Dragon Slayer rolled by us and headed to the Expressway. I took over and chased Digger after the right turn on Ramona. I caught him before State and we stopped at the light before heading north towards the Expressway and the college. I was feeling pretty good considering how I felt Wednesday. It seems as if the heat works well with me and my energy levels. Anyway I was doing the pulling as we headed north.

We were all together as we made it to Soboba so we didn’t stop as we headed for the rollers. First Ferret took off to make a sun at the road and Bruin followed. Barracuda started pacing me and pulled us up to Bruin after the first roller and most of the way to the second. I found a gear I liked and stayed with Barracuda almost to the top of the second roller before he pulled away. I found a pace I liked and headed for the driving range at a pretty good clip. I was about 100 yards behind Barracuda and Bruin was about 100 yards behind me. Digger was about 200yards behind Bruin. Barracuda and I waited at the last hole on Soboba for Digger and we picked up Bruin as we turned onto Lake and Main.

We turned east towards Hemet Street and headed for the turn on Cedar. I took the pull again once we made it to Cedar and pulled everyone to the Fire Station and then to Florida before heading towards Cranston. We more or less cruised up to Cranston and took a break there before Ferret left us to head for Strawberry. Digger took off first to head back towards Carl’s and we gave him a pretty good lead. I started the tree of us back west to get us to the trees where I planned to give up the lead to Barracuda. But but the time I got to the trees I was still moving well so I pilled almost to the Baptist Church where Barracuda took over. By the gas station we could see Digger up ahead and I got a second wind and took the lead back to chase him back to Fairview. We missed him at the Fairview light but managed to catch him just before the Carl’s driveway where we stopped for coffee and a break. After a quick cold drink and a snack we headed back up New Chicago to Lincoln and headed for Park.

We turned on Park and headed to the Devonshire jog where Digger left us. Barracuda, Bruin and I headed west towards San Jacinto and Barracuda left us before we got there. That left just two of us to ride back to the Bike Shop before leaving for home. It was close to 100 degrees as I rode home but I enjoyed the whole ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a long ride on Monday I was ready for an easier ride to save the legs today. I know Wednesday’s are normally our bigger ride days but sometimes I just don’t have the steam for it. So I put up a rather flat 37 mile ride and headed for the bike shop to get the ride started. To be honest I could just as easily have stayed home because I had a touch of a sore throat and would like to have spent the day in bed. But I hate to break a streak so I went. It turned out that Dragon slayer was a bit congested from the beach ride as well so it may have been pollen in the air from the wind on Monday. Digger and Earth Dog joined us as did Bulldozer and Anaconda. So at 9am or there about we headed south to Acacia and headed to Kirby to get the show on the road. We turned south on Kirby and knew we had at least half of the ride into a light wind.

I stayed out front to Cypress and turned us west towards Johnston and Sanderson. Digger decided to take the lead just to make sure I didn’t burn out early but at this point I had picked the same gear as my single speed and was spinning easily at about 16 or 17 heading for the light at Sanderson. Digger took us through the light on Sanderson but Anaconda and I moved forward and pulled the group to Cawston and Stetson. I took the pull and got us to Warren before Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us toward California. Bulldozer pulled by and Dragon Slayer chased him into the distance and turned onto California while Anaconda and I followed about 100 yards back. Earth Dog stayed with digger and we effectively had three pairs or riders heading for Stowe and the run to Winchester Farms for a regroup.

Bulldozer had to leave early so he told me he would be leaving us at Leon and 9th while we continued on. So I took us out onto Winchester and pointed us towards the dump road and the rest of the ride. When we turned west on 9th I lead the way till Dragon Slayer took over taking Anaconda with him. I fell in on her back wheel and Dragon Slayer was content following me. I was able to stay in an easy gear and follow Anaconda to Leon where Bulldozer left us. Dragon Slayer pulled Anaconda and I to Briggs and we waited for Digger and Earth Dog to make sure they knew where we planned to stop once we got to Nuevo. We then took off together towards Florida and the high school where we had to detour over to Menifee and head north. Dragon Slayer pulled us all the way north past Mapes against the wind. We never got the expected tail wind the weather wizards predicted and soon crested the rise and headed for Central. Dragon Slayer pulled to the first stop sign and Anaconda pulled us to Central and then Nuevo. Dragon Slayer took a long pull north on Lakeview and got us to his street at 9th and Lakeview. We stopped by his house for water and a nature stop while we waited for Digger and Earth Dog. Once we were all together and rehydrated we got back on the road and headed over to 6th street to make the turn towards the Expressway and home.

Once on the Expressway Anaconda took the lead and got us moving at a pretty good clip towards Bridge. Well before that I started bumping up against my Beta Blockers and thought I was going to have to drop off. But Dragon Slayer dropped a water bottle and we bunched up as he recovered the bottle. Earth Dog and Digger caught us while we got the bottle but I pulled us back up to them and Anaconda pulled us towards Warren. Dragon Slayer. Pulled us ahead of Digger and Earth Dog and all the way to Sanderson where we turned south still into the wind and headed for Cottonwood. I was doing pretty well till we got to the rise at the water department when I was hit hard by my Beta Blocker and had to slow down till we got almost to Cottonwood. Dragon Slayer slowed up to pull me and told Anaconda to go on because she had an appointment. Dragon Slayer and I picked it up a bit once my blockers let go and we rode to Healthy Pub for lunch. After a healthy smoothie Dragon Slayer headed for the Auto center and I headed for home. I had expended more energy today than I had planned but I was feeling better than when the ride started so it was a good day.