By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a rather timid start on Monday I wasn’t all that interested in a hard ride for Wednesday. It was still going to be hot and I expected my legs were still going to be sore. Still Wednesday is supposed be our energetic day and I headed to the bike shop to join the rest of the group. I got there to see Akira working on his Peugeot and a few minutes later Digger showed up. We thought the het was keeping others away till Earth Dog arrived and I got a message that Huntress was on her way. That would have given us five until Tax Man and Highlander arrived and we got ready to leave. Digger and Earth Dog left right at eight but the other four of us waited till Huntress arrived before heading out onto Lyon and giving chase. I took us to Acacia and Kirby before heading south on Kirby and pushing it towards Cypress.

I worried about the pace this early in the ride because Highlander and Tax Man often left us early on east rides. Akira was still getting back into Bicycle shape and had planned on leaving early so I wanted to keep him with us as long as we could. I took us to Cypress and then moved through the housing tract and caught up on the Back Packing trip just finished by Huntress. This early in the ride I was able to keep the pace higher and talk at the same time so we quickly made our way to Johnston and over to Sanderson. Once we were headed south again I followed some of the group to Stetson before getting back in front to pull us to Domenigoni and make the turn east. We didn’t have to wait long at the light before I could turn us east and head towards State Street.

I kept the lead till we got to Searl and caught Earth Dog and where Huntress moved up to give me a break. It was good to get a chance to draft someone as we worked our way down to State Street and turned south towards the housing tract at McSweeney. I looked back and it seemed as if we had lost Akira and at first I didn’t see Earth Dog. We headed through the housing tract and back out onto State Street where I noticed Akira and Digger heading north towards Domenigoni. As we headed north oursekves I got ready to start a chase by pulling the whole group to Domenigon. We missed the light and that gave Digger and Akira a bigger head start. Once we got on the way I got us up to speed and by the rise we had pulled up on the other two’s back wheel. Tax Man wanted to stop at the golf course so we regrouped there and refreshed ourselves before heading back out onto Thornton and headed for Santa Fe. Highlander and Tax Man took us to Stetson and Earth Dog took us east towards San Jacinto.

Highlander and Tax Man separated themselves from the rest of us at the light on Columbia and were past the high school before we got there. They also made it over speed bump where Akira led the way over the top and Huntress and I had to chase him down. By Lake it was clear that Tax Man and Highlander were at least a hundren yards in front of us and I wanted to close with them before we got to Fairview. I was withing 20 yards of Highlander before he saw me and actually got out of the saddle to make a run for Fairview where we would regroup. So I just missed catching him and had to wait for everyone to join us at Fairview. As we headed north on Fairview Tax Man started the pull and I fell in at the third slot slowly building speed as we headed for the bridge. I was up to speed at the bridge and took over for Tax Man even as he and Highlander fell off. I noticed Akira had decided to get out of the saddle at the bridge but it was too late to get on my wheel and I pulled away and made it to Florida without him. Tax Man caught the light with me and we got through it jut before Highlander joined us. We lost Huntress and Akira at Florida and the rest of us regrouped at the fire station. As we headed for the expressway and Lake Street Digger decided to forgo Soboba and head straight to State and the Del Taco. Highlander and Tax man stayed on Ramona as well while Earth Dog and I headed for Soboba and the long way to State. I got us to state and Earth Dog pulled us to Del Taco where everyone else was waiting. After a short break we decided to head back on Ramona and take Lyon all the way back to the bike shop. Digger was with us till we turned south but fell off by Cottonwood as Earth Dog pulled like it was the beginning of the ride to Seventh where I took over to get us to Esplanade.

We moved quickly from Esplanade and made our way back to Latham and finally to the bike shop to say our goodbyes before heading for home. I finished off my second bottle of water before getting back on my bike and heading for home and a hot shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I cannot say I was eager to get out of bed this morning nor that I was looking forward to a hot ride. But I had posted an easy short ride so I drug myself out of bed and got ready to head to the bike shop and lead a ride. Like many mornings it was just Digger, Earth Dog and me waiting at 7:45 to start the ride. Before 8am we were joined by Tax Man and Highlander and a surprise rider Akira making six. I took us out onto Lyon and got the ride under way. It was a quick trip to Acacia and then to Kirby and south towards the railroad tracks.

I pulled all the way through the Housing tract with Digger and Akira right behind me. We talked easily as we headed for Johnston and Akira complained about how long it had been since he had been on his bike. We moved onto Johnston and made our way to Sanderson where the light was green. I took us south over Stetson and headed for Mustang.

The group allowed me to lead themall the way to Domenigoni and west towards Warren. I pulled to the rise and turned over the lead to Highlander so he could take us to Warren. We had tax man out front after Warren and he pulled us most of the way to Winchester where once again I took over and gave him a break. Highlander got out front after we caught the light green and headed for Leon. Digger ended up leading all the way to Leon and headed for the saddle. Digger couldn’t hold the lead at the beginning of the saddle nor could Highlander or Akira so I pulled to the top with Tax Man on my wheel. I started down the back side of the saddle and Tax Man slid by at Lindenburger heading to the gas station where we had planned a regroup. Tax Man and I waited till everyone else had arrived before we got back out onto Menifee and headed south again. Highlander, Digger and Tax Man made the light at Domenigoni green while Akira, Earth Dog and I got stopped. We had a long wait but then we also knew that all three of the other riders hate the hill we call Revive and wanted as much of a head start as they could get. As we made our way to Holland and Akira took a look at Revival he started talking about turning back. The hill is only slightly intimidating but when you have been off of the bike for more than a year it can be a challenge. We all made it over the hill and headed for Scott together.

Once we were headed east on Scott Highlander and Tax Man took the lead and moved us towards Leon. Looking back I could see Earth Dog was leading Akira and Digger as I followed Tax Man and Highlander. In effect we had two groups of three each. I had promised Akira that I would stay with him if he decided to finish the whole ride and so I dropped off of Highlander’s wheel and went back to make sure the other three made it to Winchester and that we would all be together heading north in case it got hot sooner than I expected. The goal today was to keep the pace between 16 and 18 mph and keep the group together. We had a pretty flat run towards Leon and the group was back together as we headed down the grade to Leop and on the flat towards Winchester. We broke up again as the climb started and I went back to Help Earth Dog with the other two.

We managed to get back together once we made the turn north on Winchester and once again Highlander and Tax man led us as we went. I rode close to Akira to make sure he had a draft and Earth Dog pulled Digger and what turned into a double pace line as we headed for the slight crest before the long downhill heading to Holland. I pulled up next to Tax Man and took my turn at the front before giving it back at Holland. Highlander pulled for a while before Tax man got the lead back. Earth Dog then pulled by on the right side as we got close to the Swap meet parking lot and I fell into forth spot. As we started up the hill before Domenigoni I took the opportunity to push myself a bit and headed for Domenigoni by myself. I was joined at the light on Domenigoni and then Tax Man took us to Stowe and Winchester farms where Earth Dog left us to get home for an appointment. We took a short break and Winchester Farms before heading for home on Stowe. Akira was out chasing Digger who had taken a head start and it took me almost all the way to California to catch him. As Highlander and Tax Man headed for Stetson and chased down Digger. I ended up pulling Akira to Stetson and then east to Cawston to show him how to get onto Johnston at Sanderson. We rode together till we got to my street and he continued on towards his house. I got home to have lunch, a shower and a quick nap. Yes I am at the age a quick nap seems like a good idea.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It seemed like a long week so far and I was glad to see it was Friday I had a good week so far but was looking for an easy ride to end it and posted a short Lake Perris ride for the occasion. I got to the bike shop and only found Digger and Earth Dog waiting. We were just talking for a long time before Tax Man and Highlander arrived. Right at 8am Barracuda decided to join us as we headed to Lyon and North. We just rolled by Devonshire when we picked up Ferret giving Barracuda someone to help set the pace for the day. For some reason Earth Dog decided to push the pace and pulled away from the rest of us after Fruitvale. He got caught at the light on Esplanade and held up till the rest of us joined him. Once the light turned green Highlander and Tax Man got out front and pulled us past Seventh Street and towards Cottonwood.

I still had hopes of this being a laid back ride as we continued past Cottonwood and made our way to Ramona Boulevard. As we headed west the pace was pretty steady and we easily made it as a group to Sanderson and the light at the expressway. When the light changed Tax Man started the pull and took us toward Warren. The group was still together at the rise just before Warren when Tax Man gave up the lead and Ferret took over. The pace was a bit quicker and soon Digger fell out of the draft. I stayed with the group till we got to Bridge and Barracuda took the lead. I stopped and waited to pull Digger while the rest chased Barracuda and Ferret all the way to Hansen and the market on the corner. Once Digger reached Bridge I took over and pulled him west all the way to Hansen where I pulled into the market parking lot and Digger headed for the rollers in front of Lake Perris. I stopped to visit with the rest of the group.

We let Digger reach the first roller before giving chase and to my surprise Highlander and Tax Man joined us heading towards Lake Perris. Ferret and Barracuda climbed the first roller and left us while I followed Earth Dog at an easy spin over the roller myself. We headed for the second roller and noticed Digger was just starting that climb as we headed for the roller ourselves. We all caught Digger as he topped the second roller and Earth Dog got a good start down the back side heading for the lake Perris road. I was gaining quickly on Earth Dog when we suddenly stopped to check for a broken spoke while I had my head down. I almost hit him passing as I headed for the back wheel of Barracuda and Ferret. Highlander and Tax Man joined us and we turned onto Lake Perris road while Barracuda left us heading west.

We waited for Digger and Earth Dog at the Lake Perris entrance and headed for the hill and the Marina. I made it clear to ferret that I was in no hurry and wanted a relaxing ride for Friday while Highlander and Tax Man headed for the front gate. Ferret caught them and started the climb before I reached the gate. Earth Dog chased them and caught Highlander while Tax Man looked like he was chasing Ferret. We all got to the marina and took our break before getting ready to head back to Hemet and the bike shop.

We got to Ramona and got ready to head east just making the light at the entrance. Digger got caught so I fell back and told the rest to head for the market and we would join them there. I led Digger over the roller and headed for Bernasconi but discovered he was only able to hold just about 16 MPH as we headed for Lakeview. We met up with Digger, Tax Man and Earth Dog before heading east again. Highlander suggested a slower pace heading for home and when I took over for my turn of the pull I kept it between 16 and 17 mph. Tax Man thought we were supposed to go faster so I bumped it up to 19 and as I expected we dropped Digger. About halfway to Bridge Digger had enough and I fell back to pull him to Warren. The other three were waiting for us and as we headed south on Warren I let the others know that 16 was going to be about as good as we could expect to keep all of us together. Tax Man and Highlander pulled us south and I followed with Digger at my side.

Once we had worked our way to Cottonwood I was informed that Earth Dog intended to make a run for home once he got to Sanderson. I indicated that was fine and I had no intention of chasing anyone home restating my hope for comfortable ride on Friday to end the week. Once we got to Sanderson Earth dog did indeed push south. While Highlander and Tax Man chased him I fell back and waited for Digger. He was pretty far behind us and even soft pedaling he wasn’t gaining on me. I was however losing ground to the other three and by the time I decided to give chase they were out of sight. I decided to cut over to Lyon and run parallel to Sanderson to see if I could catch them without anyone noticing I was gaining on them. I must have closed a lot faster than I expected even in the wind because as I got to Deveonshire Highlander and Tax Man we jsy coming around the corner. I caught them at Latham and pulled into the parking lot at the same time as they did. A short time later I headed for home and was looking forward to a hot shower and lunch. I might even take a nap seeing as I didn’t get a chance to wind down my legs before getting back to the bike shop. It was not a relaxing Friday ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here we were again with another nice looking Wednesday and a break in the morning heat. I had a good ride on Monday and was maybe a bit tired from that ride but I had rested well and my legs were fine. I posted an easy ride heading up sage and out to the Saddle. I got up and got ready before heading to the bike shop to start the day. For most of the morning it looked like it would be just Digger, Earth Dog and me doing the ride but by 7:50an Tax Man and Highlander showed up and we headed out onto Lyon and south to get the ride on the way. I was riding out front as we rolled by Acacia and started pulling the group towards Johnston.

I got us turned east on Johnston and headed towards Gilbert. Digger was riding good and stayed next to me all the way to the corner and then took the lead heading for Stetson. We got the light red and then moved on towards Thornton. Digger took the pull and got us to State Street and headed south. It wasn’t till we were headed towards Domenigoni that I learned that Highlander and Tax Man were going to bypass the whole sage part of the ride and head west on Domenigoni. I took us to Newport and started up the hill as it turned to Cactus Valley road and Earth Dog led us to Sage. I started us up the hill towards Mento Way and Earth Dog pulled by about halfway there. Earth Dog got to Mento Way and digger was only a few seconds behind us. Once we started back towards Cactus Valley road I dropped down the grade like a falling rock. I got to Cactus Valley and headed for State Street and got down to McSweeney and waited for Earth Dog and Digger to join me. Earth Dog took us to Domenigoni and started us west. I got on his wheel and followed him all the way to Warren and over the dry wash. As we headed for Winchester I fell back to get Digger and we joined Earth Dog waiting for us on the other side of the light. Earth Dog and I took turns pulling to then saddle and he pulled away as I pulled Digger over the top and down to Lindenburger to head north.

Earth Dog took us past Simpson and Heritage for a right turn that took us out onto McCall and over to Briggs. We rode through the dirt and headed out onto the dump road. As we headed towards Leon Earth Dog started a long hard pull and I dropped in on his wheel and rested. I stayed there as we rode by Leon and headed for the D V V Arena sprint. As we crested the rise Earth Dog stood on it and it looked like he was going to ride me off of his wheel. But I had the legs left to run him down and get by without him getting back o0n my wheel so I rode away to Winchester and up to Winchester Farms by myself. When everyone was all together we took a short break and talked about what a good day this had been for a ride. Before we had a chance to tighten up we decided to get back on the road and head for home on Stowe.

We rode together all the way to California and Digger even pulled us to Stetson. Earth Dog pulled away heading back to Warren and I pulled Digger to Warren and joined Earth Dog in front of the airport. We made our way to Cawston and over to Sanderson before heading north. Earth Dog took off for Lowes and once again I fell in on his wheel and paced him to the driveway. This time he was finished at the driveway and ran out of matches as we headed around the back of the store and out onto Acacia. I got us back to the bike shop and we had a short visit before heading home for lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After a very good Friday I was wondering how well I would ride on Monday. Friday I had missed taking my Beta Blockers and didn’t realize it till Friday night. So I faithfully took my pills this morning and headed for the bike shop. Digger got there right after me and Earth Dog arrived a few minutes later. I thought we were it till Highlander and Tax Man arrived and we got ready to head out onto Lyon and north to Florida. We started out at a modest pace and Highlander was actually leading as we rolled by Fruitvale and headed for Esplanade. Much to our surprise we caught the light at Esplanade green and were able to roll on towards Seventh Street. At this point the pace was picking up a bit as we zeroed in on Ramona Boulevard and headed west.

I took the lead and started a run at Sanderson. As we moved forward I decided to test my legs and see how much difference being on verses off of Bata Blockers would have on my performance. I managed to get up to about 27 and hold it almost all the way to Sanderson. I took the group to the Expressway and Digger started us heading towards Warren and I was impressed with the pace he set. Soon he gave the lead to Earth Dog and we crossed Warren together with me in the number two slot. Digger fell off at the rumble strip and I went outside when Earth Dog went inside and ended up front at the driveway full of gravel. I made my second 14 gear run and pulled up to 24 or 25 and held it almost to Bridge where we stopped for a regroup. So far my legs were fine but more importantly I could run at 80 percent and not be shut down by Beta Blockers. As soon as we were all together we headed towards the big curve that pointed us towards Gilman Springs.

I managed to pull the group all the way to the little ramp leading to Gilman and Tax Man pulled around me as we started up. Earth Dog chased him and the two of them got to Gilman first followed by Highlander and me. Digger was last but not that far behind. Once he joined us we headed for Sanderson where I expected Highlander and Tax Man to leave us and head for home. I had to close with the leading threesome and do so before we crested the little rise heading to the little dairy on the right. I caught them not long before the first drop and roll over heading to Sanderson. I made a run at the group and crested well before the other three who seemed surprised as I rolled by. Once over the top and heading down towards Sanderson there was no catching me and I waited for everyone at the bridge underpass. Highlander and Tax Man decided to ride east on Gilman Springs and Highlander pulled us to the Scientology center and the little hill. I took over and pulled them all the way to Soboba where they stayed on State and headed for home.

I waited for Digger and Earth Dog and we rode east on Soboba and towards the Golf Course. Earth Dog pulled away at the driving range and waited for us at the trees at the last hole on the right. We then headed for the river overpass and Ramona before turning towards Hemet Street. Earth Dog led the way again and made the turn at Cedar first. He then pulled us to the Fire Station for a nature break before heading to Florida and Fairview. We made the turn east on Florida and headed for Cranston and a small regroup before heading back west towards Fairview. Digger started west first but Earth Dog had caught him about 100 yards before the trees. I got by Earth Dog and pulled him to the rise where he jumped me and led us into the trees and picked up the pace. I dropped in on Earth Dogs wheel and set myself up for another 80 percent effort and a spin of about 25 mph. We were heading directly into the wind and I was pretty sure 25 in the aero bars would be enough to get away from Earth Dog and Digger and it was. I got back to Carl’s first and went inside for coffee and waited for conversation. About 15 minutes later we were heading for home but this time Digger had left early and Earth Dog and I had to chase after him. I was in no mood for a hot lap heading for home and by Santa Fe was ready to kick it into the small ring to spin out any built up lactic Acid before I headed for home. Earth Dog headed for the barn and I followed after him till we got to the bike shop and visited for a few minutes before heading for home. It was a very good 42 miles for a Monday

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It sometimes feels like Friday gets here faster than other days. I know it doesn’t work that way but this Friday simply showed up before I was ready. I had posted an easy ride feeling it would still be a bit hotter than we like and went to be to rest my legs as much as possible after a rather lack luster ride on Wednesday. Once I got up I had my normal breakfast and headed for the bike shop riding my Klein. Digger and Minotaur were waiting when I arrived and not long after than Earth Dog showed up. A few minutes later Anaconda walked through the door and it looked like we had a group. Just before we had to leave Ferret arrived and we headed out onto Lyon and moved down to Acacia. I was surprised how well my legs felt as we made our way to Kirby. I was in no hurry as the light changed so I let Digger start us towards Cypress west towards Johnston and Sanderson.

I started us south on Sanderson and pulled easily towards Stetson and then Mustang. We got a lot of the lights green and soon we were headed west on Domeniogoni with me out front. I slowly ramped it up to about 20 mph before Minotaur and Ferret past me and headed for Warren. I settled in to pull the rest of the group to Warren and to the overpass at the dry wash. At the climb Digger and Anaconda fell off a bit while Earth Dog stayed on my wheel and down the back side of the overpass heading for Winchester. As we flattened out Earth Dog pulled by me and kicked things up to about 24 and held it there. Just before we came into sight of Winchester I slipped by and tried to pull Earth Dog up to 26 while in the aero bars. We must have been running into a head wind because Earth dog fell off and I pulled away all the way to Winchester. I pulled through the light at Winchester before Earth Dog and Anaconda could catch me and headed for Leon at a steady 23 or 24 and wondered about how different today felt from Wednesday. I hit the saddle well before I could see Anaconda and Earth dog passing Leon and rolled over the top and down towards the gas station on Menifee. I found Minotaur and Ferret waiting and we regrouped there.

After we were rested a bit we headed back out onto Menifee and south towards Holland. Dogger managed to make the light while the rest of us had to wait. Digger made the best of his head start and tried to get to revival hill before we could close on him. I told Anaconda I planned on staying with her on the climb and I did as Earth Dog spun up and chased Digger. Ferret and Minotaur were just in front of Anaconda and I as we crested the hill and headed for Garbani.

I was rolling along pretty good as we got close to Garbani and I hit the Garbani to Scott run pretty hard. Once again I wasn’t wasted as I got to Scott and turned west before Minotaur and Ferret could run me down. We met a new rider on Scott as we headed for Antelope who said he had been trying to hook up with DVV for weeks and joined us for the next few miles. We regrouped on Haun and then headed for Holland. I dropped to the back to make sure everyone was rolling along pretty well and pulled Anaconda to Holland where we picked up Earth Dog and followed Minotaur and Ferret to Newport and a stop at the gas station on the corner. We refilled our water bottles and headed for Bradley and north towards McCall.

The new rider left us before we started up Golf Cart Racing and I fell in on Minotaur and Ferrets wheel as we climbed the grade to the stop sign. We made our way to McCall and headed back east towards Hospital hill. I was behind Ferret, Minotaur and Earth dog as we started up the hill after Antelope. After Hillpoint I jumped the gap up to Minotaur before backing off after seeing my heart rate was at about 173. Why I didn’t slow down more I had no idea but it allowed me to cruise over the hill and drop down to Menifee and wait right behind Ferret and Minotaur. When we were all back together we headed for Briggs and up to the dump road. As we headed east to Winchester Minotaur and Ferret got away and headed for Winchester Farms while Anaconda and I followed a minute or two behind. Digger and Earth Dog were about the same distance behind us as we got to Winchester and then headed to Winchester farms for a break and a cold drink. Minotaur and Ferret left first and the rest of us followed them a few minutes later. Ferret was heading for home and Minotaur was heading for the bike shop. We got out onto Stowe and headed east to California.

I pulled to Stetson and then turned east to Warren. We headed by the airport and to Cawston before working our way to Sanderson. I pulled us towards Lowes but Earth Dog made a run to the parking lot and we didn’t catch him till we got to Kirby. I pulled us to the street leading to the bike shop and we closed out things there meeting Dragon Slayer before heading for home and a hot shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I try to make Wednesdays a bit more challenging that the rest of the week and good or bad that is what I wanted to do today. So I posted a ride into Bautista Canyon and got ready to head east for one of the first climbs up there since I got out of the hospital. I got to the bike shop to see Digger and met a new rider, Michael, who was planning on joining us for the first time. Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog arrived and we were ready to go so we headed down Lyon toward Johnston to got the show on the road as they say.

I managed to lead us to Johnston and then east towards Gilbert. It was getting hot already and I was beginning to rethink my Bautista plan. But it was posted and we were on our way so there was nothing I could do now. So we made our way to Gilbert and headed south to Thornton and headed east again. It took us a few minutes to get the State Street and wait for the light. Stopping made the heat feel even more oppressive but at least while we were moving the wind passing over the jerseys made it feel cooler. We had a pretty straight shot to Santa Fe and made our way back to Stetson with Earth Dog leading the way to head back east again. Earth Dog pulled to the first light before Dragon Slayer took over and got us to Columbia and headed south to get to Crest.

We had to turn onto Thornton again for about a block but soon were working our way to Crest. By this time I was starting to feel the heat and to be honest wasn’t looking forward to the Bautista Climb. Only the prospect of the ride back down from the top kept me going. We finally worked our way over to Lake Street and started to slinky our way to Stetson and east towards Fairview. We regrouped so we could head to Bautista as a group and noticed two riders, rabbits to Dragon Slayer, out in front of us. We caught them before Bautista and then headed east to start our climb up Bautista to the end of the pavement and the honor farm. As we got to the first big right turn I started feeling a bit sick and ended up drafting off of Dragon Slayer’s wheel till we were close to the dam. Earth Dog and Michael were out front and once I settled into a slower cadence to keep my heart rate in check I told Dragon Slayer to go after the lead riders and wait for me at the top. I think they beat me to the top by 10 minutes but I managed to get up there without stopping and cooled down with a drink and snack bar. We waited for Digger and gave him a chance to recover before getting ready to head back down Bautista to get to Fairview. I think I did pretty well chasing Dragon Slayer down the hill and even hit him hard with the sprint at the dam. But I was running out of gas well before the big right hander after the dam and had to reduce my speed to keep from burning up before Fairview. Dragon Slayer and I regrouped everyone at Fairview and then pulled everyone north towards Stetson. Once we got to Stetson it was down to Dragon Slayer, Michael and I heading for the bridge and Mayberry. We turned onto Florida and led Michael to Carl’s for coffee and to see how he liked the ride. Once we were finished we got back out and headed to Lincoln to head for home.

Earth Dog was suffering a bit as we headed for Park and cut over to Columbia where Digger left us. The rest of us rode together all the way back to State to check in at the bike shop before heading for home. I was beat but felt accomplished for having made the climb and still be strong enough to make it home.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was supposed to be another one of those hot summer days that I don’t really enjoy so I thought seriously of staying in bed. But I have developed a new outlook on cycling, I simply enjoy being out on my bike with friends. I may or may not ever get back into the cycling shape I was in before last October but it can ride and that put me way ahead of a lot of people. So I posted a shorter ride and headed to the bike shop. I got there to meet Digger and waited expecting Earth Dog, but he never arrived. Highlander and Tax man did arrive as did Dragon Slayer so we had a good group considering it was already hot. We headed out onto Lyon and then Acacia to Kirby as we often do to get to the south side of town for a west ride. Digger pulled us to Cypress and through the housing tract to Johnston and Sanderson where we caught the light. When it turned green I pulled us south towards Stetson and past Wally World before Dragon Slayer took over with Highlander on his wheel.

When we turned onto Domenigoni Dragon Slayer and highlander held their pace a bit higher than the rest of us and started to pull away. Tax Man went after them and I spent the extra time pulling Digger up to the group. Once there we formed a pace line and stayed together all the way to Warren. We hit the dry wash overpass at a steady pace but lost Digger off of the back before the top of the overpass. Dragon Slayer kept us rolling along at a pretty good clip so there was very little chance that Dragon Slayer was going to catch us. We stayed on Dragon Slayer’s wheel all the way to the bottom of the saddle where he pulled the group to the top. Tax Man and I followed his wheel to the top of the saddle and waited for Highlander, who was only a few bike lengths behind. Digger got there about two minutes later. We dropped down the back side of the saddle where I learned Highlander and Tax Man would be deserting us and heading back at Menifee. The rest of the group would be turning in Laguna Vista and back to Briggs. Dragon Slayer would end up doing a lot of the pulling for the rest of the ride.

When we turned onto Laguna Vista and then on Newport we headed back towards Briggs with Digger well out front. We followed him to Briggs and chased him down by Holland. After Holland we headed for the grade at Garbani where we planned on heading west towards Menifee. Digger said if he fell off this time he would be turning on Menifee while Dragon Slayer and I headed for Antelope. As we started up the rise to Garbani my right leg started to cramp up and Dragon Slayer gave me some electrolyte gel that he got during the TOU. It seemed to work in just a few minutes and by the time I followed Dragon Slayer to Antelope my legs felt pretty good. We made our way north and then we turned east on Newport to get back to the gas station on Menifee where Digger would be waiting.

We all rode from the gas station to Simpson and headed east. Dragon Slayer rode down to Leon and I followed till we got back to the dump road where we split up and Digger and I headed for Winchester while Dragon Slayer headed back to Briggs and north on Menifee. Digger and I rode to Winchester and then to Winchester farms where we took our break, this time for a piece of fruit and a cold root-beer. We got back out onto Stowe and headed for home. We stayed together to California and then Stetson before turning onto Cawston and working our way to Sanderson. I headed for home on Johnston and Digger went north on Sanderson. I got home a little tired from the heat but feeling pretty good about the ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Friday came pretty quickly for me this week because I missed riding Monday. It was a good ride Wednesday and I had put together a simple ride for Friday. I headed to the bike shop on my Klein looking forwards to a relaxing cruise. I made it to the bike shop to meet Digger and see Minotaur walking in. Dragon Slayer followed with Earth Dog close behind. Tax Man showed up with Highlander and Doug. Lastly we were joined by one of our original riders, Centaur. By 8am we were ready to head down Lyon and get the ride on the way. We made our way on to acacia and then to Kirby with Digger jumping out to an early lead. We followed him to Cypress and I took us to Johnston and Sanderson. By the time we crossed Sanderson and headed towards Cawston we were all in a pretty good formation and started to form up into a pace line. Once we moved off of Cawston and onto Stetson I took the first turn pulling us towards Warren. I was a bit surprised how easily I was able to hold 19 or 20 mph as we got to Warren where Dragon Slayer took over with Minotaur and Highlander on his wheel. As we got to Stowe and turned west Highlander pulled up behind me and we picked up the pace going around the corner. Dragon slayer gave up the lead and Minotaur took over as we moved west past the two houses and zeroed in on the Metal Barn. Doug pulled out and took off as we reached the flat past the houses. Feeling pretty good I dropped onto my Aero Bars and chased Doug till I caught him. I considered passing but I was worried about over doing it and kicking in the beta blockers. Dragon Slayer and Minotaur caught us to me and we paced Doug till he tired a bit and then the other two pulled around. I wanted a moment longer and pulled around as well and followed Minotaur and Dragon Slayer to Winchester Farms.

Whe it was time to get back on our way Dragon Slayer once again took the lead. He pulled us at a reasonable pace south past the dump road and Chris’s to the light on Simpson. We turned east towards Warren because there was construction work being down on Domenigoni and no bikes were being allowed. Highlander started us east but soon I got another chance to pull.

I held up reasonably well till we got to Warren and then cut over to Domenigoni and headed east again. I pulled briefly before Dragon Slayer and Minotaur got out front and we formed a double pace line. Once they got us up to speed it was like having a machine up front. I stuck to dragon Slayer’s rear wheel and Highlander got on Minotaur’s. We stayed that way running at about 21 mph all the way past Sanderson. I noticed we were two riders short at Sanderson so I pulled up to Dragon Slayer and asked for a regroup at Searl. We waited for quite a while and still Digger and Doug were nowhere to be seen. Finally we got Digger on the phone and discovered Doug had a flat. Highlander went back to get Doug and Digger moved up to join us. We made arrangements to head for Cranston and planned on having Highlander and Doug join us either there or at Carl’s. So I started us towards State street and Tax Man finished it off turning north. We had to chase Tax Man all the way to Chambers and then over to Buena Vista and Thornton. Seems he needed to stop at the golf course. Once everyone was ready to move on we headed over to Santa Fe and then east on Stetson to get to Fairview. Dragon Slayer took us to Columbia and over to Thornton and Crest to cut through the pld homes there.

We traveled through the houses and headed towards Lake street with Digger falling back as did Centaur. I rode with Centaur and he informed me that he would be turning back at Stetson and Lake and that Tax Man was going with him. I left the two of them and chased after Dragon Slayer, Earth Dog and Minotaur. We regrouped on Fairview and once Digger joined us I discovered he was cutting the ride short and heading for Carl’s while the remaining four of us headed for Cranston. Earth Dog fell behind after an encounter with a bee and I drafted Minotaur and dragon Slayer all the way to Cranston where we waited for Earth Dog. We watched the firemen doing some training before heading back west towards Fairview in a rotating pace line. We took turns all the way to Fairview and then Dragon Slayer and Minotaur stopped at Casino while Earth Dog and I joined Digger at Carl’s. We had coffee and conversation before heading for home on Lincoln.

We were moving along together till we got to Park and had to wait for some cars at the stop sign. Earth Dog and Digger slotted through some oncoming cars trusting their turn signals while Dragon Slayer, Minotaur and I had to wait for the all clear before chasing after them. We caught digger at Columbia and pulled onto Devonshire with Earth Dog well out in front and heading for the barn. We decided to give chase and it took us almost all the way to Santa Fe to catch Earth Dog and led him to State Street. I stayed with the group till we got to Palm before I headed for home and a few chores before I would get a chance to rest.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I had missed getting to ride Monday so I wanted to make the ride a bit longer today. I am still not comfortable with longer rides but I keep working on them none the less. So I posted a 43 mile little jaunt and headed for the bike shop expecting maybe four other riders. Digger was already there followed shortly by Earth Dog. We visited briefly before Minotaur arrived with some last minute repairs to be made on his bike. Then it was good to see Dragon Slayer was back from his vacation bringing his friend Steve with him. Lastly Tax Man and Highlander arrived. Not bad for a Wednesday ride lately. We headed out right at 8am with Minotaur following a few minutes later while waiting to get dressed. We headed north on Lyon and crossed Florida heading for Latham. I pulled at first and was able to stay in front even with my right foot complaining all the way. I more or less set an easy pace so Minotaur would have an easy time catching up but the rest of the group seemed eager to pick up the pace early.

Shortly after we crossed Devonshire Dragon Slayer and Highlander got to the front and picked things up a bit. They were setting the pace as we got to Esplanade and while most of us got caught by the red light Highlander and Dragon Slayer didn’t. They didn’t wait for us either and soon I found Tax Man, Earth Dog and Steve picking up the pace trying to close with the fleeing twosome. It took us well past Cottonwood to finally get everyone back together and the group made the turn left onto Ramona Boulevard and headed west. The pace didn’t slow at all with Dragon Slayer, Highlander and now Earth Dog in the front. We quickly made our way to Sanderson and turned to the light at the Expressway.

We sat through a red light and realized we couldn’t trip the green so we would have to take our chances without a green left turn arrow. That is not my favorite move on the Expressway Sanderson intersection but it was the only way we were getting across. What I didn’t see was Minotaur pushing hard to catch us before we made the turn. He didn’t make it and everyone fell in line behind heading west towards Warren. Soon Dragon Slayer pulled up to take the lead with Highlander glued onto his back wheel. He said Minotaur was just coming onto the Expressway and was sure to catch us by the time we got to the Market on Hansen. I fell back to take my place at the back of the group except Digger insisted on holding the rear wheel. He did pretty well until the slight grade at Warren when he fell off and we slowly pulled away. Shortly after Bridge street Dragon Slayer gave to lead to Highlander and we had reorganized by then with Steve riding in third and I was back in forth. Highlander pulled for a while and then signaled to get off of the front. It looked like Steve missed the signal or wasn’t ready to take the pull so I had to come around and take my turn. Dragon Slayer came back a little while later with Tax man on his wheel and I rotated back to the back once more. Tax man took over next and picked us up a bit to about 22 or 23 making Minotaur’s task even harder as he chased on the Expressway. He was only a few minutes behind us as we pulled into the market parking lot and regrouped.

Steve left us at the market and I expected to lose Dragon Slayer as well. As we got ready to leave I discovered Highlander and Tax man would be cutting the ride short and leave us on Menifee while Dragon Slayer would stay with us as we headed to Nuevo and Redlands Boulevard. I pulled south towards Nuevo and Highlander followed me all the way. When I turned west on Nuevo I led the group to Menifee where Highlander and Tax Man did leave us and I continued on towards Evans. Dragon Slayer and Minotaur took over pulling duties and Earth Dog joined them. I fell back to get Digger and tried to pull him up as we closed in on Evans. It looked like we might make it till we hit some traffic before the turn on Redlands. But once we made the turn we found the group waiting for us. We rode on to the Chevron station on Redlands and fourth street and took a short break so Dragon Slayer could pick up some food to finish the rest of the ride. Earth Dog and Digger left first and we were assigned the task of chasing them down. We made our way to Gage and then Goetz before turning south and spotting Digger and Earth Dog in the distance.

My right foot was hurting a bit and so Dragon Slayer passed some Ibuprofen as we closed in on Digger and Earth Dog and we finally caught them just before Ethernac. Dragon Slayer led us east towards Murrieta and I fell in towards the back and just cruised as we headed for the corner. I moved onto Dragon Slayer’s back wheel and we turned back south and headed for Rouse with Digger in tow. By the time we turned east on Rouse it seemed like a good time to regroup and visit with the Emus and Llamas before heading to Bradley.

As we made our way to Bradley and then to McCall I could see Digger was fading a bit so I did my best to stay close so he could follow me to hospital hill. As we started up the hill we were well behind the rest of the group and planned on regrouping after Menifee. Dragon Slayer was going to head for home on Menifee so I was expecting to see him at the light on the back side of the hill. Just before the hill kicked up a bit I tossed a chain shifting into the small ring bit fixed it quickly and led Digger to the top and down the back side to the light on Menifee. Dragon Slayer was just leaving as I rejoined the group and we headed for Briggs and the turn north to the dirt section just before Grand and 9th, better known to us as the dump road. Things got just a bit hectic as we headed east with Earth Dog pushing the pace early and quickly dropping Digger. As we closed in on Leon Minotaur took the lead and kept the pace going. Earth Dog waited till just before the crest before the group sprint and took off on us. Minotaur responded rather quickly and pulled back put front with Earth Dog on his wheel. I followed at an easy draft pace till Minotaur kick it up a bit and Earth Dog failed to hold on and I slipped by to gain Minotaur’s wheel as we pulled away and headed for Winchester. Minotaur pulled me to Winchester and then north to Stowe. We got to Winchester Farms and waited for another regroup. After something cold to drink and some world class problem solving we headed back out onto Stowe and headed east towards California.

It had been a rather good day for a ride and at this point most of tend to wind down. We stayed together till we headed north on California and turned onto Stetson. Digger is always slow after a turn so we lost the wheel of Earth Dog and Minotaur and we headed to Warren by ourselves. We had some traffic after Warren but once in cleared we easily made our way to Cawston and then over to Sanderson. I headed for home on Johnston while Digger turned on Sanderson. I was looking forward to lunch and a hot shower, maybe even a nap to finish off a perfect morning.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It has been said that it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks and I guess I am proof of the idea. My recovery from Bypass surgery has taken longer than I expected but I keep trying to push it. I seem to have a pretty good ride on Monday and sometimes I still have something left for Wednesday but to ride on Friday I have to be sure to give my legs plenty of rest. The trouble is I have been riding my Peugeot on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometimes that wears me out for Friday. Still I planned a 41 mile jaunt west on the Expressway and headed for the bike shop to see who would be joining me. Digger was there and Tax Man arrived a few minutes after me. Highlander got there just before 8am and we headed out onto Lyon and north towards Esplanade. We picked up Ferret on Latham and rolled on to Devonshire and beyond. For some reason Digger was feeling his oats and he decided to pull us to Esplanade where we caught the light. Digger was soon out front again and got us to Seventh Street and then Cottonwood before heading for the last stretch to Ramona Boulevard.

We were still following Digger as we headed west towards Sanderson. We managed to get to Sanderson during a split in traffic and cruised into the turn lane to make ourselves ready for the Expressway. Once we were headed west Ferret took the lead and pulled us to Warren. We managed to drop Digger at the slight ramp leading to Warren and headed for Bridge. I looked back and noticed Tax Man was off of the back as well so I was prepared to let Ferret go and fall back for them. Highlander assured me that Tax Man had Digger in tow and we rejoined Ferret. By the time we got to Bridge Tax Man had caught us but Digger was nowhere in sight. I pulled over and waited for Digger while Ferret took Highlander and Tax Man to the Expressway market. Digger and I joined them there for a regroup and we discovered Highlander and Tax Man were leaving us at Lakeview. We pulled back out onto the road and headed for Lakeview.

When we got to the light at the Expressway and Lakeview we could see Highlander and Tax Man heading south towards Nuevo. I told Ferret to go at his own pace and I would stay with Digger. At this point I was still feeling pretty good and I pulled Digger after Ferret towards the bottom of the first roller. Ferret left us pretty quickly and I simply geared over the first roller and headed for the second. It seemed as if the wind was increasing as we rolled by Bernasconi and I felt it as I got close to the second roller. We crested the roller and headed for Rider. It was at this point my legs started to let me know I had spent too many days on the bike this week and I had to drop at least one geat to keep my pace up as we headed for Evans. I didn’t get a break as we turned onto Orange and the wind seemed to change to hit us in the face again. I was running out of steam a lot faster than I wanted to as I pulled us to Menifee and started south. There was no break for us heading south on Menifee as the wind was still more or less in out face. It stayed that way all the way to the Am/Pm. We decided to head east on Florida to Briggs and cut down to the dump road thinking east would give is a tail wind. It didn’t help much and we were soon headed east again on the dump road towards Winchester. I kept the spin going as we got to Winchester and headed for Stowe and Winchester Farms for a break and snack. By the time we got back on Stowe and we headed for California and then Stetson. Digger pulled us to Cawston and then over to Sanderson where I took over and pulled us to Lowes and Acacia. I was still pulling after Kirby and we stayed together till we got back to the bike shop and took a short rest before heading for home.

I headed for home looking forward to lunch, a hot shower and maybe even a short nap before having to take the dog for a walk and finish some chores before getting to rest. And yes my legs are killing me as I sit here typing.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here we were on another Wednesday and another test of my recovering health. I had a good day Monday and that often means a struggle with my legs on Wednesday so I had posted a rather flat ride and decided to bring out the Peugeot and see if I could keep up a good spin and stay with the group for a day. The plan was to head out to Lindenburger and come back over the saddle to get to State Street and the east end of town. SO I had a light breakfast and headed to the bike shop. I arrived to meet Digger waiting inside the shop and thinking we might be the only riders today. I had discovered that they were still working on the east bound side of Domenigoni and the bike lane was closed. So I re-routed the ride to reverse Nuevo and waited for others to join us. Soon Highlander and Tax Man arrived and seeing that I was riding a single speed Highlander had little choice but to commit to join us for the whole ride. We left the parking lot at 8am and started working our way south and west. I led us to Kirby and then up to Cypress with Highlander by my side. We talked as we made our way to Johnston. We sat at the light on Sanderson till it turned green and I took us west towards Cawston.

Once back out onto Stetson I stayed in front and took us to us to Warren cruising just short of our normal speed. Once we rolled by Warren Tax Man came up and relieved me and I ended up drafting off of the back of the group all the way to California. It is a bit of a surprise that the Peugeot is geared so closely to our average group speed but I had very little trouble keeping up as Tax Man led us south to Stowe.

As we headed west on Stowe I moved to the number two spot and stayed on Tax Man’s wheel as we headed towards Winchester farms. It took us about one hundred and fifty yards to pull away from Digger and the three of us stayed together till we were in sight of the metal Barn where Tax Man increased his pace and I has to spin up to about one hundred RPMs to stay with him. We did separate from Highlander just before the parking lot and pulled in for a regroup.

Once we were ready to head out again I started first and headed south towards the dump road. The rest of the group got stuck at the corner as I pulled onto Winchester first. I was most of the way to 9th street before I could see the other three behind me. I turned west on the dump road and headed towards the Wild West Arena and almost got there before Tax Man pulled up behind me. To be honest I was feeling stronger than I have in months and felt that the Peugeot was a good choice for today’s ride. Tax Man and Highlander chased me to Leon and Tax Man took over the pull on Leon and took us to Simpson and west. We decided to wait for Digger at the turn onto Briggs and once he joined us he and I led us up to McCall and west again. In pulled the group to Menifee and north towards Florida. The group let me lead then to the AM/PM station and a chance to refill our water bottles. I had on a backpack with my water supply because there are no water braise on fittings on the Peugeot. Once we were refreshed we headed back out onto Menifee and I led us north towards Mapes and the ride to Nuevo. I figured I could hold my own on the slight uphill to the Nursery but might be at a disadvantage on the down slope towards Central.

To my surprise the cutting back on my Statins , with my doctors permission, has made putting out more leg effort a bit easier and I find I am not running into the Beta Blocker wall as often as I used to. After we crested the rise on Menifee I started to pick up the pace and soon had us rolling along at about 20 mph. Feeling this would not be fast enough for Tax Man I checked my cadence and found I was turning about 100mto110. To get to 23 I had to crank it up to 120 without bouncing and to my surprise that was just what I was able to do by the time we got to the first stop sign. I was still leading as we left the stop sign and so I took us to Central and noticed digger was pretty close behind us as we rolled through the intersection. I got us down to Nuevo and headed for Lakeview with Highlander and Tax Man in tow. The Peugeot is geared almost perfectly for the slight climb to Lakeview and so I was able to pull Highlander and Tax man to the stop sign and into the shade on Lakeview to wait for Digger. Once he joined us we headed north on Lakeview with me still pulling.

We made our way to the Valero Station and turned east to the Lakeview market for a break before heading out onto the Expressway towards Warren. I pulled most of the way to the dairy farms before Highlander took over and he pulled till just past Bridge where Tax Man took over and headed for Warren. Digger fell back before we got to Warren and we puled away as we turned south towards Cottonwood. Tax Man was pulling like a freight train on our way south and soon and us down to Cottonwood where we once again regrouped before heading east towards Sanderson. Tax Man set the pace to the CVS and then south on Sanderson. I took over shortly after we rolled by Esplanade and pulled us to Devonshire. Tax Man took over on Devonshire and pulled us to Gilmore where we split up and headed for the bike shop where we finished the ride. I took a brief break inside the shop before heading for home and hot shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was a bit nicer this morning than it has been for the last week or so, cooler but also more humid. It was going to be ride west and should be about 40 miles. I only knew that Digger and I would be there but I headed for the bike shop hoping for more riders. True to form Digger was there when I arrived and we sat alone more or less till almost 8am when Highlander and Tax Man arrived to join us. We headed out towards Lyon only to see Bruin pulling in to the parking lot so we waited so he could join us. We finally got out onto Lyon and I took us down to Acacia and over to Kirby. I started us out south towards Cypress before giving the lead to Digger and falling back with the rest of the group.

We moved through the housing tract and came out onto Johnston to stop at the light on Sanderson. Digger took off as soon as the walk signal came on even if it was red for those of us in the turning lane. He was almost to Stetson before the rest of us got the green and gave chase. We were closing in on him at the first light past Wally World but once again he blew the red knowing the turn signal would have to change before cross traffic could come through the intersection. He also admitted later he didn’t want to let us catch him once he had such a large lead. Still we chased and crossed Mustang about 100 yards behind him. We got around the corner onto Domenigoni and zeroed in on the fading Digger. Bruin and I took turns and pulled up on Digger’s wheel shortly after Warren and made our way over the dry wash with Digger in tow. At the top of the dry wash I gave to lead to Highlander and we headed for Winchester. We didn’t get far however because I flatted with a cut tire. While I replaced the tube and added a boot to take care of the cut Digger headed for the Saddle and the Gas Station on Menifee. I have no idea how far Digger was ahead of us but we didn’t see him as we headed for the saddle with first Tax Man and then me taking the lead and pulling hard for the saddle. I crested the saddle with Bruin on my wheel and we made it to the gas station to find Digger waiting. We regrouped and I discovered Highlander and Tax Man were leaving us and heading back for home.

I took us back put onto Menifee and headed south for Holland and the hill we call Revive. It was down to just the three of us as we headed south and I thought Bruin was the strongest ride left in the group. I was thinking he might drop me on Revive but I have been doing pretty well climbing it in my big ring the last few weeks and I managed to hold my own as we made our way over the hill and to Garbani to take a run to Scott. Bruin wanted to wait for Digger so I told him we would wait around the corner on Scott. We did wait and allowed Digger to ride by and had to chase him to Antelope and then over the freeway to Haun before heading back north. Digger slowed at the corner and Bruin took off at a pretty good pace heading for Holland. It took me about a quarter of the way there to catch Bruin and dropped Digger. I led Bruin onto Holland and west where we waited once again for Digger. Once again he rode by and headed for Bradley and the climb over the hill to Murrieta. I caught him at the bottom of the hill and rode to the top to wait for him before following him to Murrieta and north towards Newport and a break at the gas station on to corner. We took a short break and then headed north some more with Bruin pulling us towards McCall for the turn east towards home.

We moved north to Cherry Hill at a pretty good clip and managed to stay together all the way to the turn east on McCall. We almost had a tail wind as we headed back to Bradley and got a look at Hospital hill. I was pulling harder going back over the freeway and managed to put a light between Bruin and Digger and myself. I got past the Valero station putting another light between us and managed to get to Hospital hill all by myself. I was able to easily spin over the hill and drop down to the light on Menifee where I planned on waiting for a regroup. Once we were back together we took Bruin to Briggs and headed north to go to the Dump road through the dirt, something Bruin didn’t know about. We rode east past Leon and headed for Winchester with Bruin leading the way. We all pulled into Winchester Farms and I grabbed a banana while we talked about the day’s ride. Digger was getting antsy so we got back out onto Stowe and headed east. Digger had been riding strongly today or at least he had been starting out strongly and he did so heading towards California Street. It took us all the way to the little rise to catch him and pull him with us to the corner.

We got down to Stetson together and Bruin pulled away towards Warren. I pulled Digger to Warren myself and we found Bruin waiting for us at the stop sign. I then took over and pulled the small group all the way to Cawston and then to Industrial before cutting over to Sanderson and waiting for the light. At least the wind was coming out of the south as we headed for Lowes. I took us around back and out onto Acacia where Bruin took us to Kirby and the light there. We came off of that light together and Bruin pulled us to the street behind the Bike shop and back to his car.

I picked up a replacement tire for the one I cut out on Domenigoni and then headed for home, lunch and a hot shower. It was a good day for a ride even if it was a bit muggy.