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