By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday almost snuck up on me as I got ready to get up this morning. I almost didn’t realize it was a ride day till I was sitting down for breakfast. But then I knew I had posted a short easy ride and that I was planning on riding the Peugeot in single speed mode with the group. I got to the bike shop to find Minotaur waiting and working on his bike. I was surprised to see him out on a ride after just getting back for a big week long ride with CAS. Digger got there after me and for a while I thought it would be just the three of us. Just before we got ready to leave Anaconda and Tax Man arrived and joined us as we headed out onto Lyon and headed north. For a change we took turns leading the group all the way to Esplanade and then up to Ramona Boulevard before heading east.

I was surprised at how well I was able to keep up with the Peugeot. I had moved the saddle back a bit the night before and that turned out to be a bit of a mistake but if I moved forward a bit it seems as if I could hold a pretty good cruising speed or at least one that didn’t hold up the group too much. As such I took us most of the way to State but Minotaur took over the moment I slacked off and tried to rest. Minotaur and Tax Man ended up pulling us to State Street and started us north towards the College. Tax Man took over as we drew up to the college and pulled us to the bridge and onto Soboba.

We took a regroup break once we got on Soboba before heading east towards the rollers. Once we were started I took the lead and pulled us to the first hill. What I didn’t realize was the Peugeot was geared almost perfect for the rollers and I pulled too hard over than roller and headed towards the next. Minotaur pulled up to me and let me know to back off a bit and I did. But I was still out front by the second roller and Minotaur didn’t drag Tax Man up to me till we had crested the second roller and headed for the driving range. I fell into the third slot once we were headed downhill. I was still on that third wheel as we started up the lst climb before the trees and the last hold on Soboba Once on the hill I pulled towards the front and rode with Minotaur to the top and to the last hole. We regrouped once again and then headed for the river bridge and the light on Main and Ramona. Minotaur took us east towards Cedar while Digger fell back suffering from a sugar drop. Minotaur took us to the Fire Station and we waited for Digger before giving him a head start on the trip to Florida and east again. Once we were back on our way I pulled Tax Man, Minotaur and Anaconda to Florida when Minotaur and Tax Man pulled away from Anaconda and chased Digger towards Cranston. I stayed with Anaconda till we got to Cranston and regrouped once more. We then pointed ourselves back west towards Fairview and Carl’s for coffee.

Tax Man decided he had to go home so he wasn’t planning on stopping at Carl’s. Minotaur and I were following him on the way to Fairview but we were dropping Anaconda and Digger so we let Tax Man go and fell back to pull Anaconda to Carl’s. We took a short coffee break at Carl’s and Anaconda left us as we headed up to Lincoln and west towards Park. I followed Digger and Minotaur to Columbia and Digger left. I followed Minotaur to Yale and Devonshire and he left. I then rode back to the bike shop and visited with Barracuda before heading for home and the few projects I had to do. It turned out to be a nice day to ride in one gear.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a disappointing display of no energy on Monday I wasn’t really looking forward to the Wednesday ride. I knew I had to add a bit of distance because Monday was so short but I also knew it was going to be hot. I wasn’t sure if my legs had rested enough but I did know I wanted to stay in bed when it was time to get up. Still I posted an older ride of about 40 miles and headed for the bike shop. Digger and Earth Dog met me and I was joined by Highlander and Tax Man just in time to leave the bike shop at 8am. I started us off towards Acacia and took us to Kirby before heading south to Cypress.

I wasn’t conversing much as we rode through the housing tract and headed towards Johnston. At the light I felt pretty good and had a reasonable expectation of being able to stay with the group once we got past Stetson and made our way to Domenigoni. Digger led the way towards Mustang and was still leading as we turned west on Domenigoni. I took the lead at the rise and pulled us to Warren where Earth Dog took the lead and pulled us over the dry wash. We held together on the down side of the dry wash only dropping Digger on the little climb. Earth Dog went back to get Digger and Tax Man took over the pull at Winchester. I took things back at Leon and pulled Highlander to the bottom of the saddle. I tried to keep the pace even but Highlander couldn’t hold the wheel so I backed off as Tax Man took over. I crested the saddle with Highlander on my wheel and dropped down the back side gaining on Tax Man till he was slowed by the light on Lindenburger and I caught him just past the stop light. We headed for the gas station on Menifee and regrouped. Once we were on our way again I was told that Highlander and Tax Man were going to cut the ride short. I will admit that for a moment I thought of joining them but decided against it. As we headed for Holland and the Revive climb I wanted to test my legs and see if I could attack the climb.

As we closed on Holland I put it in the small ring and started a spin heading for the climb. As it kicked up I held the spin till it fell to about 90 rpm and then got out of the saddle and headed for the top. I am still not up to making the whole climb out of the saddle, not in a sprint anyway. But I did crest the climb and stayed on it heading for Garbani. I was way ahead of the group at Scott and so I stopped after the light and waited for the other four to join me. Once we were all back together we followed Highlander and Tax Man to Leon where I turned right and headed for Max Gillis with Earth Dog and Digger in tow. I pulled most of the way and Digger only fell back slightly as we turned onto Max Gillis and headed for Winchester. We got caught at the light before crossing over to Thompson and heading for Pourroy.

I got us to Pourroy and down to East Benton before heading back west to the Gas Station on Winchester to refill our water bottles. We rehydrated and got back on the road to turn north on Winchester. Digger took us to Thonpson Max Gillis and Earth Dog took over and pulled us to Scott. I was feeling pretty good and think I had just the right gears for today’s ride north. We stopped to collect Digger at Scott and then headed for the rise and run to Holland. I was pulling hard up the rise and crested after Digger fell off of Earth Dog’s wheel. Earth Dog seemed to slow a bit at the crest and I pulled away on the down grade. When we hit the flat I was still pulling the same gear and pulling away. It turned into one of my better ride to Domenigoni and I finally made it through the light and up to Stowe and Winchester farms for a banana and some more water. Se took a break before heading back out onto Stowe and east towards California. At that point I was still felling better than I had Monday and was glad I had made the ride today.

I took us onto California and down to Stetson. Digger took us to Warren and Earth Dog took us to the Airport before dropping back to get digger and I took us to Cawston and then Sanderson. We headed north once more and I got us to Lowes. We made our way to Acacia and down to Kirby. I then led us back to the bike shop and we talked for a while before heading for home. It was not my best ride but it was an improvement over the last few weeks.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I may normally look forward to Monday and a bike ride but today the fight just to get out of bed was epic. I took my time getting up and getting dressed before having breakfast and scanning the ride I had posted for the day. It was supposed to be laid back and easy and that is just what I had wished for as I headed to the bike shop to meet u with the other riders. Digger and Earth Dog were there and we talked till Bruin joined us. Tax Man and Highlander drove up as well and we had a group of 7 ready to head for Cactus valley. We pulled out onto Lyon and turned onto Acacia. It was a quick trip to Kirby and we headed south towards Cypress.

Up to this point I was able to lead the group in the small ring and a slow cruise and planned on keeping that pace as long as possible. Highlander and I talked as we headed west through the houses towards Johnston and the little jog over to Sanderson where we caught the light. As I sat there I noticed my legs were already getting tired. This was not a good sign this early on the ride but one I can easily attribute to the fight to stay in bed this morning. As we turned south on Sanderson I did my best to keep the pace down as we headed past Wally World and towards Mustang.

I was able to pull to Domenigoni and head east towards Searl when Bruin pulled by and picked up the pace. I pulled up to him and indicated that we would be turning onto Searl to go by the Museum to see the canvas work Digger’s brother had installed. It was a good job and we headed back out onto Domenigoni and headed towards State Street. Once we turned towards Cactus Valley road Bruin once again took the lead and pulled us towards the turn. We followed him to the slight climb where Earth Dog slipped by me into the second slot and I tried to keep Highlander, Tax Man and digger in tow. Highlander decided to abandon the climb to Cactus Valley and told me to go up and catch Bruin and Earth Dog. I increased my pace and caught Earth Dog just before Sage Road and Tax Man was on Bruins wheel as the climb started. I caught Earth Dog and then caught Tax Man who turned around and followed Highlander back towards McSweeney. I got onto the wheel of Bruin but we had already crested the hill so I backed down and let both Bruin and Earth Dog go to the end of the road. We regrouped with Digger at the end of the road and headed back towards McSweeney ourselves. We didn’t meet up with Highlander and Tax man because theyn had already headed for Stetson and east to Fairview. We got back to Stetson and headed towards Fairview and at no time noticed Highlander or Tax Man in the distance. We headed to the high school and speed bump with no real expectation of closing on the two that had such a big head start.

Bruin and Earth Dog got to Fairview first and Bruin headed for Wilson Mesa. I took a look in that direction and figured that there was no way either Highlander nor Tax Man would have tackled the climb to Wilson Mesa after passing on Cactus Valley. So I took us north on Fairview and towards Carl’s for coffee. Digger, Earth Dog and I turned at Florida and found Highlander and Tax Man waiting at Carl’s. Bruin Joined us and as we sat down for Coffee and conversation Highlander and Tax Man headed for home. We followed about 15 minutes later. I took us up to Lincoln and we headed to Park and back towards Devonshire.

At the jog to Devonshire Digger headed for Menlo and the remaining three of us headed back towards Santa Fe and down to Latham. We all got back to Lyon together and while Bruin and Earth Dog headed to the bike shop I headed for the dentist to have a crown replaced. Darn it I could have a new set of wheels for the price of a crown.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It is always a day to look forward to when I post an easy Friday ride. One time you can count on such a ride is on a day when they have predicted 100 plus heat. I posted one of our old rides to LaLadera and back over McCall and headed for the bike shop just to see how many would come out to brave the heat. Digger was already inside the bike shop and Earth Dog was still unloading his bike as I rode up. We were there early and had some time to kill before Barracuda arrived followed by Hacker. Highlander arrived as we were ready to leave so we headed out onto Lyon and down to Acacia to get the ride on the road. I led the group to Kirby and south to Cypress before turning west and getting us pointed towards Johnston and Sanderson.

Highlander and I chatted as we turned onto Sanderson and headed towards Mustang. The air was warm but it hadn’t gotten hot yet and as long as you were moving it felt rather cool as the wind hit you in the face. After we got past Mustang I took over the pull and got us to Domanigoni to head west. I had Highlander on my wheel and led the group over the rise and towards Warren. I made the light and then took us to the dry wash overpass. As we started down the back side I let Highlander have the lead and fell to the back of the pace line. Highlander pulled us most of the way to Winchester before Hacker and Barracuda took the lead and pulled us west towards the saddle. The kept the lead till we were over the saddle and headed for Lindenburger. Earth Dog had to stop on the hill when his phone fell off but he joined the rest of us at the gas station on Menifee for a regroup. As we got ready to leave the gas station I discovered a goat head in my front tire just as Earth Dog and Digger pulled out on Menifee and headed west on Domenigoni towards Antelope. It took me a few minutes to change the tube but we were soon on the road and headed in the same direction and Earth Dog and Digger. As we crested the freeway overpass I say Digger and Earth Dog under a tree on the other side of Haun and they waited till we got to the light before they took off west again. We managed to catch them before we got to Murrieta and I led them to the next stop light and over to Normandy where Earth Dog took over and got us to La Ladera and north to the park. We left the park and headed north on La Ladera to Honeyrun and east.

We made the turn off of Honeyrun and headed north towards McCall. Earth Dog took off a bit and I chased him down by the time he got to Cherry Hill. By the time we turned on McCall Hacker and Barracuda had joined us and headed east back towards Murrieta. Somehow we all made the light together at Murrieta and headed for Bradley and the Freeway overpass. I stayed with the lead group till we got to the Valero station but noticed Highlander and Digger had fallen off a bit so I went back to pick up Highlander and pull him over Hospital Hill and to a regroup at the top. Digger and Earth Dog started down the back side first and the rest of the group chased them to Menifee and we all rode east on McCall towards Briggs together.

I got us south on Briggs and down to Simpson before heading east again. Hacker took over and pulled us towards Leon. It was a good pull and for the most part we all stayed together as we got to Leon. I decided that we would stay on Simpson and head to Winchester rather than turn and head over to the dump road. As we pulled throught the large stand of trees and houses Hacker kept the pace steady with Barracuda, Highlander and Earth Dog close behind me and I drafted in the number two spot. I looked back as we approached the next stand of trees before the traditional Simpson to Winchester sprint. I noticed Earth dog was pulling up to make a run at the light and I had to warn Hacker because he forgot about the sprint. After Earth Dog made the jump I came back around and got a jump on Hacker. I couldn’t hold off Hacker at the beginning of the turn lane and he got to the light first about a bike in front of me. Barracuda and Hacker took off for Stowe and Winchester Farms and I pulled Highlander up to Earth Dog as we past the dump road and regrouped at Winchester Farms with everyone else. Once we had refreshed ourselves we got back out onto Stowe and headed for California once again as a group.

Once we made the turn onto California we started to spread out a bit and I had to let Barracuda, Hacker and Earth Dog go so I could pull Digger and Highlander north to Stetson. The tree of us never closed on the three of them even tough we were close at Cawston. Two red light lost us the chase and we rode to Lowes together and around to Acacia. Digger managed to hit the like at Kirby perfect and it caught Highlander flat footed in the heat as we left the light at Kirby. I pulled Highlander to the back street to the bike shop and to the front door before getting a cold drink of water, a new tube and heading for home. We didn’t beat the heat completely but at least we only had to suffer about 45 minutes of it.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here we were at another Wednesday and another hot day. If it had a redeeming factor it was there seemed to be very little wind and we should have a two hour window to ride before it got too hot. So I posted a short ride and headed for the bike shop. Digger was there when I arrived and after a few minutes Earth Dog showed up. For the longest time it was just the three of us till Highlander showed up. We left the bike shop right at 8am. We picked up two more riders out on Lyon as we headed north. Socrates and his friend Gary rode with us as I pulled us north towards Esplanade and the first stop light. I was still out front as we past Seventh Street and headed for Cottonwood.

I didn’t have any reason to pull so I fell into line as we headed towards Ramona Boulevard and got ready to head west for the first time today. Earth Dog started to do some of the pulling and led the way past the little dairy and towards the new houses about halfway to Sanderson. It was still cool enough and everyone was still fresh enough that we were w well organized group as we went by the little park and I slipped out front for a quick picture.

Earth Dog got back in front and pulled us to Sanderson and around the corner to the Expressway and to the light that was red. Earth Dog started us west on the Expressway and took us almost to Warren before Socrates took over and headed for Bridge. I was drafting Socrates as Earth Dog went back to pull Digger. Socrates got caught on the wrong side of the rumble strip and had to fall in behind me at the driveway to the first dairy and I pulled again feeling good. I pushed us a little bit and managed a nice little average all the way to Bridge with Highlander and Gary in tow. We pulled around the corner on Bridge and waited for the rest to join us. We also got a chance to tease Digger for not noticing that Earth Dog had waited for him and rode right by him heading to Bridge. After a few good laughs we got back on the bikes and headed for Bridge and Gilman Springs.

As we moved north Gary took off and pulled hard for the dip and right hand turn that moved us onto the north east section of Bridge. I was on his wheel and found drafting pretty easy as we formed a nice little pace line with Highlander and Earth Dog. Socrates had fallen off at the turn and Digger was trailing him. We picked up the pace a bit and headed for the slight climb just before Gilman. As soon as Gary down shifted I pulled around and headed for the stop sign. I just caught sight of Earth Dog attacking me in time to fend him off and get to the sign first. As far as I was concerned it was one for me and none for my beta blockers. We regrouped and got ready to head east on Gilman once digger was ready. Gary and Socrates set the pace and pulled hard for the last dairy and Sanderson. It had just started to get hot and the pace might have been right at Highlander’s edge so he opted to head for home on Sanderson and left us to regroup under the overpass before continuing on Gilman towards State and Soboba. I started the pull towards Golden productions and had everyone in tow as we got close to the front gate. I hit the little hill first and managed to hold off the other to the top before backing off to collect Socrates and Digger and join Earth Dog and Gary at State and Soboba. Earth Dog, Gary and Socrates took off after Digger who had a head start to the first roller. I followed then knowing Highlander had already gone home. I caught Socrates on the second roller and followed him to the driving range and over the last little hill and a regroup at the trees in front of the golf course.

I took the lead as we left the regroup spot and pulled to the stop light and headed towards Ramona. I got to the stoplight first and took us east towards Hemet Street. Once we rolled by Esplanade Earth Dog took off with Socrates and Gary in tow and I stayed back with Digger. I ended up have to chase Socrates when it looked like he was heading for Florida but we all ended up at Carl’s for coffee and conversation. Once we got ready to leave Socrates and Gary said they were planning on riding to mountain Center while Digger, Earth Dog and I headed for home on Lincoln. We ended up riding all the way to Digger’s street on Menlo before Earth Dog and I headed back to the bike shop and finally headed for home. I for one was in need for more water and lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here it was another Monday and another chance to get in a good conditioning ride. I didn’t expect a big group but I had a plan for a pretty good ride with a few miles and a chance for a nice break on the way home. I got to the bike shop and only found Digger and Earth Dog waiting. Highlander did show up giving us four riders and forty-four miles in front of us. We took off right at 8am and headed north on Lyon heading for Esplanade.

It looked like a long day pulling for me with Earth Dog having a sore knee and Highlander being off of his bike for so many weeks but that was also what I expected. So once I got is front at Devonshire I pretty much pulled all the way to Esplanade. After we pulled away from the light I started pulling again and got us to Ramona Boulevard. I took us around the corner and headed west towards Sanderson. This time I had Digger on my wheel as we turned north to the Expressway and once again headed west. I put the needle on 19 mph and pulled us all the way to Warren only to catch the light red and we had to stop. Once we started again Earth Dog jumped out front and I fell in on his wheel as we headed for Hansen and our next regroup. Earth Dog gave up the lead at Bridge and once again I found myself in the front and pulling at a constant 19-20 mph just to hold the group together. It seems the pace worked because I got to the light Hansen and pulled into the Lakeview Market with everyone in tow. We took a short break and then had to chase Earth Dog out of the parking lot and back out onto the Expressway heading for the rollers.

When we got to the bottom of the first roller Earth Dog spun up the pace and I considered chasing him. The problem was I knew I would be in front most of the day and burning matches at the 20 mile mark of a 45 mile ride wouldn’t have been the wisest move I ever made. So I backed it down and pulled Highlander over the first roller and headed for the second. Earth Dog pulled away and I had to wait at the top of the second roller for Highlander and Digger before dropping down the back side and heading for Rider. We got the light red at Rider and then headed for Evans as soon as we could. By the time we got to Evans Earth Dog was waiting for us and we simply headed south towards Orange and the jog over to Nuevo.

I took over and got us to Nuevo and headed back east into the wind. Yes it was another day when the wind seemed to hit us in the face no matter what direction we were headed. It didn’t matter at the pace I was setting and I pulled us over the little bridge and down the slope towards Menifee. I rounded the corner and pointed us south towards Central. I fell back to check on Highlander and then moved back up front to chase Earth Dog. I followed on Earth Dog’s wheel till the next stop sign and then realized we had dropped both Digger and Highlander. I soft pedaled till they caught me and then tried to pull them back up the Earth Dog. I couldn’t get them up to speed enough to close with Earth Dog but we did catch him at the light on Florida before stopping at the AM/PM for a nature break. We then headed south once more this time with Earth Dog just in front of us as we headed to McCall. Once on McCall we headed east to Briggs to cut over to Simpson and head back to Winchester.

I made the turn east on Simpson and pulled us all the way back to Leon and still headed towards Winchester. Earth Dog pulled around me as we came out of the trees and houses but I jumped on his wheel saving some energy for the last sprint to Winchester. We separated from Dogger and Highlander but there was no way I was getting dropped s we headed into the last stand of trees and the sprint to the light at Winchester. I pushed the derailleur into the 12 ring and headed around Earth Dog and sprinted to the light. I waited at the light till Earth Dog arrived and we turned left just as Digger and Highlander caught us. Digger led us north past the dump road and we took another break at Winchester Farms. After we got back on Stowe and headed for California with Digger taking the lead and Earth Dog fell back to help me with Highlander as we headed for home. Digger didn’t wait and was already at Stetson when we turned north in California. We got to Stetson and started to close on Digger. We almost caught Digger at Cawston but he caught the light and we didn’t. He must have made the light at Sanderson and once again we didn’t, in fact we caught every light till we got back to the bike shop to find Digger waiting with a big smile on his face. He left for home and we separated and headed for home as well. Great day and great ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I often look forward to Friday rides because they are mostly laid back easier rides. Today was not planned any different, at least from my perspective. I headed to the bike shop after breakfast and met up with Digger and Earth Dog. Bugler and Huntress joined us and we took off down Lyon to Acacia. Huntress and I talked as we headed for Kirby and I filled her in on our route. We finally turned south on Kirby and headed for Cypress . Picture 54

We easily made our way to Johnston and Sanderson before I led us south towards Mustang. We got to Domenigoni and I started heading towards Warren with Huntress and the rest of the group in tow. After the rise I gave the led to Huntress and she turned it over to Bugler after Warren. I followed Bugler and Earth Dog with Huntress and Digger following me. After the bridge at the dry wash Digger fell off a bit and Earth Dog got a lead heading to Winchester. We had to wait at the light at Winchester and Digger almost caught us but didn’t have the juice to stay as we headed for Leon. Bugler took the lead and we followed him past Leon and to the bottom of the Saddle. Earth Dog jumped around Bugler but I was able to chase him down and get to the top first. Bugler joined me as we crested and then took off for the gas station where we regrouped. I thought the group had settled into Cruise mode as we got ready to head south on Menifee. Digger took a head start for Revival and we followed. I crossed Holland behind Earth Dog and Bugler and planned on riding slowly up the hill with Huntress but she was having none of it and insisted I take off. I met Digger, Earth Dog and Bugler after the top of the climb and we waited till Huntress caught us before heading for Scott. I got to the light first and waited till everyone had joined me before we regrouped on Scott and got ready to head for Winchester.

We took off east and we were all together till we got back to Briggs where Digger felloff a bit. By the time we crossed Leon Digger was falling back even more as we headed for the list little climb getting to Winchester. I decided to back it down and wait for Digger while the other three headed for Winchester and Home. It would be the last time I saw the lead group. Digger finally arrived and we headed north to ride back to Domenigoni. I pulled back to Holland and slowly pulled away a bit. When I caught the light at Winchester and Domenigoni Digger finally caught me and we rode to Winchester Farms together. We took a relaxing break before heading back onto Stowe to get to California. The ride on California to Stetson was simple and easy as was the ride east on Stetson. We got to Cawston and started towards Sanderson. Digger and I decided to head for home on Johnston and he rode with me to Lyon before we separated. I got home a few minutes later. It was time for lunch and something cold to drink.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a great ride Monday I was ready for another on Wednesday. I got up early, watched some of the Tour de France and then headed for the bike shop. Digger and Earth Dog were waiting with Minotaur. As we talked Newboy arrived and we were ready to leave. I took us out onto Lyon and down to Acacia before we moved over to Kirby before heading north towards Cypress.

It was a planned simple ride that would end up taking us east and back home in about 2.5 hours. We rode up to Cypress and over to Johnston and finally to the light on Sanderson. Newsboy led us to Stetson and Minotaur and I took us to Domenigoni and caught the light there. When we turned east towards Searl Minotaur and I rode together puling everyone else. We dropped Digger on the rise at Searl and the stop light so we decided to ride to State Street and regroup around the corner. Once we were all back together we let Digger pull us to McSweeney and through the houses before coming back out onto State street and heading north. Earth Dog was nursing a sore knew so he stayed back with Digger as I stopped to talk with Minotaur and Newsboy. We let Digger play the rabbit and head for Chambers first. We slowly closed on him and I managed to get away from Minotaur and Newsboy while they were talking so I caught Digger just before the bump at the speed sign and waited for the group to catch up and make the turn on Chambers.

We worked our way over to Santa Fe and onto Stetson before heading towards the high school. Minotaur wanted to make the Mayberry Loop so I said I would stay with Digger and Earth Dog and the two of them could head for Fairview and we would meet them at the Fairview Fire Station. Minotaur and Newsboy faded into the distance and we worked our way past the high school and north towards Florida. We got to the Fire Station and took a break till the fleeing twosome got there. As soon as everyone had rested we headed towards Ramona to make our way to Soboba.

Once again Newsboy and Minotaur took off and once again I tried to pull Earth Dog and Digger to Soboba. We stayed together pretty well till the little jump hill at the light on Soboba and Digger never got back to speed. Earth Dog stayed with him and I moved down Soboba till I met up with Minotaur and Newsboy. Earth Dog pulled up at the parking lot while we waited for Digger. Digger rolled right by and headed south on State and we had to chase him. We had decided to change the course a bit and head over to Sanderson and down to the Starbucks on Esplanade. It was pretty smooth sailing to Starbucks and we stopped to some all of the political problems of the US before heading back to Lyon and back to the Bike Shop to end the ride. It was just starting to get hot by the time I got home.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I didn’t start out looking forward to Monday’s ride. I started out wanting to sleep in. But I did manage to roll out of bed and get dressed so I could ride to the Bike Shop and meet my friends. I got there right after Digger and just before Earth dog. Tax Man arrived and Anaconda joined us right at 8am. I rode next to Anaconda to Acacia and over to Kirby and we caught up on what has been going on in our lives. We turned onto Kirby and made our way to Cypress and over to Johnston to stop at Sanderson. We then turned South onto Sanderson and headed for Mustang.

I didn’t take the lead till just before Domenigoni and then rejoined Anaconda as we pulled the group towards Warren. We held the lead all the way to the dry wash where Anaconda fell off a bit and I pulled most of the way to Winchester before giving the lead to Earth Dog and didn’t take it back till we got half way to Leon. At Leon Earth Dog came back around and pulled us to the bottom of the Saddle where I made a hard run to the top and headed for Lindenburger well out in front. We regrouped at the Gas Station on Menifee. Once we had rehydrated and had a quick snack we headed back out onto Menifee and headed south.

My legs were feeling pretty good and I may have attributed that to cutting back on some of the medications I am taking. But as we headed for Holland and the climb on Revive I was pretty confident I coud attack that hill as well. Anaconda and Earth Dog we leading the way when Tax Man turned around and headed for home. Earth Dog and Anaconda rolled by Holland first but I was right on their wheel. Just as we got to the kicker on Menifee I jumped on it and headed for the top and at first thought I could pull the whole hill out of the saddle. I couldn’t and I had to sit down and shift but I make it over the top first and pulled into the turn out to wait for the regroup and head south towards Scott. Once Digger joined us we moved towards Garbani and Earth Dog led the way. I came around the corner onto Scott first and pulled us to Antelope before Earth Dog pulled us over the freeway and onto Haun to once again wait for Digger before heading north. We gave Digger about a minutes head start before chasing him back towards Holland. Earth Dog jumped out front and was gaining as we got past the construction and dirt field on the right. I caught him and pulled us up to digger and Earth Dog jumped around and headed for Holland first. He slowed for us as I waited for Anaconda and Digger headed on towards Newport where we caught him at the light. We stopped at the gas station for more water before heading back out onto Newport.

I told Earth Dog that the next segment was called Golf Cart racing and that made him smile. We rode up to Bradley and turned north and Earth Dog took off on me again. I stayed with Anaconda and she managed to keep pace about 30 yards behind Earth Dog once we started the segment. I knew there would be no PRs on the segment today and wasn’t going to push it but I noticed how well my legs felt and that I had closed slightly with Earth Dog so I mashed on it a bit and caught him before the stop sign and headed for McCall while pulling away. I rounded the corner and headed for the freeway with Anaconda about 45 yards behind me. She got caught at the light on Antelope and I headed for the climb at Hospital Hill. I caught the next light but she wasn’t close enough to catch be before I started the climb. I was well into the climb and cresting the false flat before the last kick on the hill when I noticed Earth Dog gaining on me. I hit it a bit harder and crested first and dropped down the back side to wait just past Menifee for everyone to regroup. WE then followed Earth Dog to Briggs and south to Simpson before heading east. I took the lead and got us to Leon and headed north to the Dump road. Earth Dog took off on us and headed to the dump road and east towards Winchester. Anaconda and I followed well behind Earth Dog and came out onto Winchester well behind him. We regrouped at Winchester farms and took a break before heading for home on Stowe.

We made it to California together and Anaconda jumped on the California Sprint. She took us to Stetson and Earth Dog took off for the barn as we headed for Warren. Anaconda and I followed all the way to Cawston where we missed the light after Earth Dog made it and we lost him. Anaconda, Digger and I road to Sanderson and then to Lowes before heading east on Acacia and heading back to the Bike Shop. We talked for a few minutes at the shop before heading for home and a well deserved rest after a good ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday’s are sometimes a relief. I don’t have to plan for a hard ride and sometimes we only need a short easy ride to finish off the week. This was one of those kinds of Friday’s where quality overshadowed quantity. I headed for the bike shop more relaxed than most days. Digger and Earth Dog were the first to greet me followed closely by Tax Man, ME-109 and Ferret. The last to would more than likely spend most of the day scampering out front like fast hunting dogs while the rest of us followed like hunters listening for the trumpeting to tell us where the prey was heading. It was all set u0 to be a good ride by 8 am as we headed out onto Lyon and north. I spent some time on the front and got us safely past Devonshire and Menlo.

It was an easy morning with a light wind and not much heat. I continued to pull as we got to Esplanade and had to wait for the light. It was not my intention to set the pace but I had that position none the less and kept it till we got to Seventh and Earth Dog took over and jumped out front. He stayed about 20 yards out front till we got close to Ramona and I finally came up on his back wheel. We pulled around the corner onto Ramona Boulevard and headed for Sanderson. Once again Earth Dog took the lead and pulled us all the way to Sanderson and towards the Expressway where for the first time in a long time we caught a green and Tax Man took the lead. He didn’t keep it for long before Ferret and ME-109 pulled by and headed off into the distance. I tagged on to Earth Dog and Tax Man as we headed for Warren until we dropped Digger at the rise in front of Warren where I let them go while I slowed to pick up Digger. Tax Man waited for us at Bridge and pulled most of the way to west towards Hansen. We were closing in on Earth Dog but we were headed into a slight head wind so I pulled out front to give Tax Man a break and finished the last half mile to the light and Lakeview Market. We regrouped with Ferret and ME-109 before heading over to Lakeview and south towards Nuevo.

I took the opportunity to take the lead once more and pull us towards 11th street and the post office. I was starting to slow a bit when Ferret took over and pulled us to Nuevo and made the quick jog over to Central. After we headed west again Ferret Flatted and we stopped to wait for him. ME-109 and Earth Dog had to come back from Menifee but Earth Dog left again when Digger headed to Menifee to get a head start. Once we were all back on our way and chasing the two rabbits I got us to Menifee and started south while ME-109 and Ferret picked up speed and headed towards Digger and Earth Dog. I pulled Tax Man to Mapes and over to Brigges only to meet Digger and Earth Dog coming back north to the Elementary School because the road was closed. We headed over to Menifee and South with me pulling all the way back to Florida. Once we were heading south again I was out front and headed for the railroad tracks.

Earth Dog took a short cut to McCall and we came out onto McCall behind him and followed him all the way to Briggs and north to the Dump road. It is still dirt at the end of the road and Tax Man slipped a bit and got a bit dirty but we made it to the dump road and headed towards Leon. Earth Dog pulled most of the way and I started to chase him past Leon and to the top of the rise where he stood and I thought he was going to sprint the Flag sprint. I jumped around and took off on him and Tax Man followed. But when I looked back Earth Dog wasn’t chasing and Tax Man and I waited till he caught us just before the Pentecostal Church. Earth Dog pulled us from Winchester to Winchester farms for a food break and a regroup. Once refreshed we headed back out onto Stowe and headed east towards California.

Before we got to California Digger fell back as Tax Man and Earth Dog headed for the barn. I decided to stay with Digger and we made it to Stetson and rode back to Sanderson together. We decided to ride back on Johnston and he left me at Lyon. I rode back to Palm and home in time for lunch before taking the dog for a walk. Not a bad day for a ride at all.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After Monday I was a bit timid about Wednesday’s ride. I had a bad case of being tired Monday and could only hope I had rested my legs enough to ride today. I put up a flat ride and headed for the Bike shop expecting a small group. I pulled up to the shop and was joined by Digger. Earth Dog arrived next and I thought that was all we were going to have. To my surprise Tax Man and Highlander pulled up just before Huntress and we were ready to go. Ewe turned south on Lyon and almost from the start Digger showed he wanted to do his share of pulling. He took us west on Acacia and south on Kirby and I pulled up next to him to talk on Cypress. We talked as we traveled to Johnston and caught the light at Sanderson. Digger seemed to want to pull as long as he could so he led us out onto Cawston and then Stetson and back west towards Warren. We crossed Warren and Earth Dog Jumped past me and onto Digger’s wheel as we headed for California and south again. About halfway to Stowe Earth Dog pulled by Digger and I fell onto his wheel and followed him around the corner and headed west towards Winchester. Tax Man, Highlander and Huntress lined up behind me and we followed Earth Dog about halfway down Stowe. Earth Dog picked up the pace once or twice and on the second acceleration I jumped around and made a run for the Winchester Farms parking lot. Only Tax man chased me and was only a few yards behind me as I got to the lot. We took a short break before heading south on Winchester. Before we left I mentioned I had forgotten my camera and wouldn’t be taking pictures.

I took us to the Dump road and pointed us west towards Leon. Huntress pulled out front and Earth Dog followed her to the rise while I pulled the rest of the group towards Leon. Earth Dog jumped around huntress at the rise but she was back on front and pulling way by the time we got to Leon. She stretched her lead heading towards Bridge where she pulled over to wait for us. After a short regroup I took us to Lindenburger and south to Domenigoni before heading back east towards the Saddle and Winchester. Earth Dog attacked the saddle while I held the pace down for Digger, Tax man and Digger. Huntress took off after Earth Dog and I lost them when I stopped by the ghost bike and waited for the group. By the time I had us heading down the saddle I lost sight of Huntress and Earth Dog. Tax man passed us on the downhill and pulled over to wait for us just passed Leon. Tax Man pulled us to Winchester and we pulled over while he answered a cell phone call. As we sat there Huntress and Earth Dog once again faded from view. Digger rolled by as we waited and soon he was out of view as well. Highlander told me to go on without them because he thought they would be cutting the ride short so I left and decided to try and catch the other three before they got to the east side of town. I set the pace right at 20 mph as I worked towards the dry wash and passed Warren. Looking down Domenigoni I couldn’t see anyone out front. I kept the pace up and couldn’t see anyone in front by the time I got to Sanderson. I got to State and still no one in view. I pushed myself north on State and to Thornton before heading east to Santa Fe and back out onto Stetson. Once headed east I was still riding with no one in view. Finally when I got to Columbia I could just see a rider that was almost to the High School. At that point I got into the drops and increased the chase. I cut the distance in half by the high school and in half again before speed bump. I attacked speed bump and caught Digger as we crested and headed for lake. I couldn’t see anyone in front of Digger but I ran hard to Fairview with catching sight of anyone in front of me. I waited till Digger got to Fairview and made a hard run north to Florida before turning back west to Carl’s and something cold to drink. It turned out that Huntress had pulled off at the Marina and did three hill repeats and was behind me as I passed Searl and headed for Stetson. I texted her and told her where we were and soon she joined us for conversation. There were just three of us as we headed back west on Lincoln and we dropped Huntress off at her street while Digger and I headed for Park. Digger and I parted ways at the Devonshire jog and I rode back to Palm and headed for home by myself. I was surprised at how well I felt with so much solo riding in one day. But I guess my legs were more rested than I thought.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Normally on holidays I try to toss in a long ride but I wasn’t really up to it today so I wanted to get in a quick trip to Lake Perris and back. I didn’t think the Bike shop would be open so I was surprised to see the door open when I got to the shop. It turned into a good group with Minotaur, Barracuda, Digger, RCMP, Papillion, Dragon Slayer and me heading north out of the shop right at 8am. Minotaur and Dragon Slayer got out in front of us and stayed there as we moved north towards Ramona. The rest of us were riding a bit more relaxed as we finally caught the other two at Esplanade. Once the light changed Minotaur and Dragon Slayer took off again and once again we followed about a block behind. We got by Seventh Street and then Cottonwood and finally followed the other two, west on Ramona Boulevard towards Sanderson.

We didn’t catch Minotaur and Dragon Slayer at the light on the Expressway so they had to wait for us to round the corner and head towards Warren. I took the first pull and got us to Warren Road before turning things over to Barracuda. He pulled us all the way to Bridge Street. It wasn’t long after Bridge that Dragon Slayer came back to the front and pulled us all the way to Lakeview Market for a regroup. We left the market and headed for the rollers in front of Lake Perris. I took us to the bottom of the roller and stayed with the group about halfway to Burnesconi before I backed off to make sure I saved my legs for the ride home. I crested at Bernesconi and headed for the second roller losing sight of Dragon Slayer and the lead group. When I got to the entrance road to Lake Perris I got passed by a whole line of cars before I got to the gate. I rolled by the same line at the gate and beat most of them to the boat launch ramp where I joined the rest of the group and took a break before heading back. We decided to go out of the north side gate while Digger headed for the west gate and the Expressway.

Once again I went into save my legs mode and got to the north gate after the rest of the group before heading west to Evans and leading the group south towards Ramona. Minotaur and Dragon Slayer were planning on stopping at Dragon Slayer’s house and the rest of the group was in chase mode seeing if they could catch Digger. I stayed with them almost to Rider where my Beta Blockers kicked in and Dragon Slayer had to wait for me at the top of the hill. I followed him to the Valero where he and Minotaur left and then we started east on the Expressway with me pulling for reasons only known to God. I gave to lead to Barracuda and followed on his wheel till Bridge where RCMP took over and headed for Warren Road.

Everything was going great till I got slammed by the Beta Blockers again and Papillion had to fall back and stay with me till we got to Sanderson and over to the Boulevard. I then followed the group to Lyon and I struggled a bit heading south towards Florida. We decided to stop at Starbucks in the mall where I got something cold. Once we were refreshed we headed back to Ly0n and down to Acacia where I joined Barracuda and Papillion till we got to Palm and I headed for home. I was tired and had ridden farther than I had planned but I wasn’t wasted and was able to take my dog for a walk without being in too much pain.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I like Friday’s and I plan easy rides because of that. My goal is to end the week with a fun ride that allows everyone to ride as hard or as easy as they like. I didn’t expect many riders today because I knew two at least were taking the day off but I was pleasantly surprised with those that did show up. At 8am Digger, Earth Dog, Minotaur, Dragon Slayer, Bulldozer and Ferret followed me out onto Lyon to get to Acacia and start our ride. I turned onto Acacia and got us to Kirby and headed south.

It was pretty easy to follow Digger to Cypress and start riding through the housing tract. I pulled up next to Digger and talked to him as he lead our group to Johnston and waited at the light on Sanderson. Digger was surprised that people weren’t pushing him at this point but I told him people were busy talking and getting caught up on each other’s life since the last time we were together. I was sure than by the time we got to Domenigoni the pace would pick up and he would have to push himself. We made the turn after the light changed and I took over the pull heading towards Mustang.

I was feeling pretty energetic as we headed past Wally World and pushed on to Mustang and the turn onto Domenigoni to head west. Earth Dog slipped by me at Mustang but I hooked onto Minotaur and Bulldozer to catch him. I ended up following the two of them as we turned west on Domenigoni and headed for Warren. I was cruising along pretty well as we rolled by Warren and headed over the bridge at the dry wash. After the drop on the back side I took my turn at the front and pulled just short of Winchester. When I gave up the lead and fell to the back there were only five of us. I asked Dragon Slayer where the other two were and he just said they were “back” there. I fell out of line to see about picking them up but they were not even in sight. I set the pace on 16 mph and waited for them but even by the saddle I couldn’t see either of them. I joined the lead group at the gas station on Menifee and we waited for them to arrive. Once they got there the other group left and I waited to lead Digger and Earth Dog south towards Revive and the turn onto Garbani.

Earth Dog hit Revival pretty good and Digger struggled a bit. But Earth Dog waited for us after the stop sign and we joined him and headed south to Garbani. I followed Earth Dog onto Garbani. We pulled away from Digger and headed for Briggs for the segment heading north. I got a good jump on the beginning of the segment and finished pretty high for today. I got to the stop sign on Briggs and waited for Earth Dog and Digger before we headed to Laguna Vista and jump over to Domenigoni and head west towards Winchester.

Digger and I were thinking about cutting over on Lindenburger rather than climbing the saddle again but Earth Dog was following the map and stayed on Domenigoni heading for the saddle and over towards Winchester. Digger and I cut back over to Domenigoni and followed him over the saddle and down to Leon. I fell back to pull digger but that allowed Earth Dog to get away and make it to Winchester first. He got caught at the light and we caught him just before it turned green and we headed for Winchester farms and the turn towards California. When we got to the corner we ran into Dragon Slayer and told him we were heading to Hanger 1 for coffee and pie. He was in for that and we pulled out of the parking lot and headed east.

Dragon Slayer ended up pulling us all the way to the airport road and took us over to Hanger one. Digger had to leave so it was just Dragon Slayer, Earth Dog and me stopping. Dragon Slayer and I already knew we wanted Blueberry pie and Earth Dog didn’t get his order in quick enough so there were only two pieces left. Dragon Slayer offered to order something else but Earth Dog opted for a Fritter. We knew he was in for a massive sweet roll and we almost laughed when he saw how big it was. There was no way he was eating all of the Fritter but Dragon Slayer and I had no problem with the Blueberry Pie. We finished eating and parted ways with Dragon Slayer while he left to pick up his wife’s car at the auto center and we headed for the bike shop and home. Not a bad day all in all and I even got two PRs on Briggs.