By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) When Friday gets here I tend to look for an interesting or easy relaxing ride. I posted just such a ride and headed for the bike shop to see how it would go. Digger and Earth Dog were there when I arrived and soon Barracuda arrived as well. Highlander arrived bringing with him Spartacus after a rather long sabbatical. It was rather good to have him back and I was interested to see how he would enjoy the group ride after being gone so long. My intention was to keep the pace reasonable and try to keep everyone together as long as we could. When Ferret showed up I decided that if he and Barracuda wanted to run hard we would just let them go and follow as best as we could. At 8am we headed out onto Lyon and I started a pull that would take us to Acacia and then south on Kirby to start the day.

I kept the lead as we turned onto Cypress and headed for Johnston with the group warming up behind me. We made the turn onto Johnston and headed for Sanderson and managed to catch the light just as it turned green. I pulled us to Stetson and we waited to cross fo just a second before I once again pulled us towards Mustang. Earth Dog was eager to try out his new 1x gear set and he followed me closely to Mustang and then the turn west onto Domenigoni. I stayed in front till we got to the rise and handed to lead over to Earth dog who took us up a bit to 21 mph. He pulled us all the way to Warren before giving the lead to Barracuda who pulled us over the dry wash and towards Winchester. Earth Dog went back to pick up Digger as we headed for Winchester. After the initial drop off of the dry wash Barracuda has us set on 22 like as if we had cruise control. We continued towards Winchester as Ferret took the lead and it looked like he was going to push us up to 25 but after a short stretch he backed off and we settled into a comfortable 23 as we crossed Winchester and headed for Leon. Ferret gave to lead back to Barracuda as we hit the Saddle and we broke up a bit going over the hill and headed down the back side to Lindenburger. Tax man caught me at Lindenburger and we joined Barracuda and Ferret waiting for the rest to regroup.

When we decided to leave it was determined that Barracuda and Ferret would leave us at Scott and Menifee while we turned east on Scott to head back towards Winchester. We pulled out onto Menifee and headed south. We rode easily as Ferret and Barracuda pulled us to Holland and the bottom of Revive hill and started up. Earth Dog spun by Barracuda and Ferret but they responded with a bit more speed and soon crested Revive first. I crested right after them and chased them to Scott where we parted ways with Barracuda and Ferret and regrouped to head east towards Leon. We stayed together till we hit the downhill just before Leon where we pulled away from Digger. Earth Dog took the lead from Highlander and Spartacus and pulled us to the hill before Winchester. I took that opportunity to push myself a bit and sprinted for the top of the rise and got to Winchester first. I was closely followed by Tax Man. Not far behind us were Highlander, Earth Dog and Spartacus as we waited at the light to turn north for the run back to Winchester Farms. Digger joined us a few seconds after we made or turn and we regrouped to get rest for the long straight run north.

I remembered that the run from Scott to Holland on Winchester was one of Earth Dogs favorite segments, even if he hasn’t made it a Strava segment. Knowing this I was happy to stay on his wheel as he crested the slight rise and wound up his new gearing and headed north. I have made this run several times and Earth Dog is a nice draft so I was comfortable just hanging on his wheel as we headed for Holland and the last little overpass just before Domenigoni. I pushed it again and headed for the light at Domenigoni. Tax Man chased me again and we got to the light only a few seconds apart. We were joined by Earth Dog and had to wait for a long time for the light to change. When the light did change Highlander and Spartacus blew by us and I had to push hard to catch them before the Elementary school. Tax Man did the same thing to us as we waited at the light on Simpson and it took us to the dump road to catch and follow him to Stowe and Winchester farms for our last break. Once we had refreshed ourselves and relived the ride so far we gathered ourselves up and headed east on Stowe to make the ride home. So far the pace had been faster than I expected so I was pulling for a more relaxed pace heading home.

As we turned onto California things were going according to plan with Digger leading the way to Simpson and part way to Warren. After giving up the lead he fell off the pace a bit and we rolled by the airport about 100 yards in front of him. As we got close to Cawston I noticed the light was turning red and the left turn arrow has gone away so I started to slow but Tax Man, Highlander, Earth Dog and Spartacus seemed to have no intention of stopping and even dropped onto the wrong side of the street to beat the light and head for Industrial. I waited for a green and by the time Digger joined me the rest of the group was long gone. At Sanderson I decided to head for home thinking of a protein shake and a hot shower. I left Digger at the light and headed east on Johnston towards my neighborhood. I felt pretty good as I pulled up to my street and turned for home. When I downloaded my ride I noticed I still had a 16.9 average even with the slow cruise home from Cawston. It is a strange result from what I had posted as just a fun little easy Friday ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here we were again on another fine looking Wednesday. The weather seemed to be just right and the wind was close to nonexistent. I had posted a new ride that was a bit shorter than we have been doing and headed to the bike shop looking forward to giving it a try. Once again I had brought out the old Klein just in case the wind predictions were wrong. Digger was waiting at the bike shop as was Highlander, Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog. Randy joined us with Tax Man and it was beginning to look like a good group. Once inside the shop I noticed we also had Minotaur and I was about ready to lead the group out onto Lyon. We spent a few minutes looking at Robert’s electric Masi and then Dragon Slayer took us out onto Lyon and down to Acacia to get the ride on the way. We were led to Kirby before turning south and heading towards Cypress.

I took over the pull to Cypress and headed west. I was joined by Highlander and Dragon slayer as we headed for Johnston to get to Sanderson. It looked like we were going to get a green light with a left turn arrow but it changed just before we got to Sanderson. Earth Dog, Tax Man and Highlander decided to play chicken with a kid in a compact coming from the other side of the street while the rest of us had to let him drive by and then chase them to Stetson. The caught Stetson red and we joined them heading past Wally World and on towards Mustang. Tax Man took us to Mustang and then to Domenigoni before we turned east and headed for Searl. Dragon Slayer, Minotaur and Earth Dog formed a lead group while Tax Man, Highlander, Digger, Randy and I followed them to Searl. They pulled away on the little rise at Searl and we lost Digger at the light. I could see the other three were waiting for us at State Street so we cruised to the light and joined them after the turn. Once we were rolling along north on State Dragon Started a pull that had us up to just over 20 with Highlander, Minotaur and I drafting. I stayed on Minotaur’s wheel as he decided to go around and head for the rise. He was accelerating pretty hard and as we pulled by Dragon Slayer and Dragon Slayer jumped on my wheel as we increased speed. I came out to attack on the rise but I didn’t clear Minotaur enough to pull in front so he moved back on my right. I moved left to give him room and dragon Slayer almost pulled a Mark Cavendish on me as we touched when he past. We crested the rise in order and headed for Chambers to turn east. We let everyone catch up at Buena Vista and rode to Thornton and headed for Santa Fe.

All we had to do now was get onto Stetson and head east. We managed to stay together till we got to Girard and then we started to break up a bit. Highlander rolled through the light at the High school and we had to wait for the rather long light while he got away. We had to chase him all the way to the speed bump at the curve and caught him just as he crested and headed for lake. Minotaur pulled to Lake and I pulled to Fairview wondering just where my energy was coming from. I got us to the turn and waited for Randy and Digger to join us. Once we were all together and ready Earth Dog started us heading north towards Florida with Minotaur, Drago0n Slayer and I in tow. We headed for the bridge and then towards Mayberry and the stop sign. Dragon Slayer pulled by at the stop sign and we all made it to Florida more or less together. I took over the pull and headed for the Fire Station and our next regroup. Once we got there Digger and Randy were right behind us. We needed the break at this point.

As we left the Fire Station and headed for the Expressway I was still firing on all cylinders and led till Minotaur took over and got us to Ramona and the turn towards Lake drive. This time we were all together all the way to Hemet where we lost Digger and headed for Lake Drive. We made the turn and headed for Soboba and I stayed with Randy till we got to the light and waited for Digger. Once he joined us we let him take off first and become the rabbit as we chased west on Soboba towards State Street. We managed to give him a good head start that required some team work to let us close on him. Minotaur pulled till the driving range and I took a turn for the next half mile or so. Earth Dog took a long pull till the next rise and Minotaur got out front again. I drafted him with Dragon Slayer on my wheel and Tax Man chasing hard. At the last hill I pulled around and attacked the climb and Dragon slayer pulled by at the top of the rise. I still had enough juice to pull onto his wheel. I took another short pull before Minotaur finally got back to us and rolled by. Dragon Slayer took over again and the three of us finished one, two, three on State and Soboba. We waited till everyone joined us and Tax Man preformed some minor adjustments to his saddle before heading onto Gilman and towards Sanderson.

I pulled till we got to Massacre Canyon and gave up the lead just as the Beta Blockers decided to kick in. Tax Man took over and pulled the rest of the group, sans Digger and Randy, to Sanderson and south. I waited at the ramp on Sanderson till Digger and Randy got there and we followed the group to the Expressway and a regroup. Once we were back on our way Earth Dog took off heading for Esplanade and Minotaur pulled us up to him. But just as we were on his wheel Minotaur had a flat and we stopped while he fixed it. By the time we were back on the road Earth Dog and Digger were long gone. At Cottonwood Dragon Slayer led Highlander and Tax man through a very pink light and the rest of us stopped. Highlander and Tax Man continued on while dragon Slayer waited and we joined him at Seventh and headed for Esplanade. We watched as Highlander and Tax Man rolled on by but we stopped for coffee and debate anyway. Once we finished our coffee we rode back to the bike shop and talked with Highlander and Tax Man before heading for home or lunch depending on the group or person. I got home and had a protein drink before a hot shower and down loading the pictures for today’s ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another Monday had arrived and we had changing weather once again. This time it was a warm Santa Ana wind that created the most problems. Designing a ride where we don’t spend the whole day fighting gusting winds can be hard when the longest run tend to be east or west. Today we were supposed to get winds out of the north east so I posted a ride that mostly headed west and south intending to get as much push as we could. When I left the house it was calmer than I expected as I rode to the Bike Shop and Joined Digger and Earth Dog. Dragon Slayer had dropped by but forgot his Helmet and shoes so he drove home and said he would meet us in Nuevo. As we were getting ready to leave Highlander and Tax Man showed up and we headed Lyon and north towards Devonshire. As we moved north I started a pull that would last for almost 10 miles.

Soon we were stopped at Esplanade and looking forward to the ride to Ramona Boulevard. As we headed north I took the lead again and thought about my choice of bikes for today. Knowing we would be heading back into the wind on the way home I picked the Klein with Aero Bars thinking I might get to drop down and miss some of the wind. Once we turned west I picked up the pace a bit feeling just a bit of a tail wind heading towards Sanderson. In fact I had us rolling along at 22 to 23 by the time we turned towards the expressway. We got stopped at the light there and got ready to head west towards Warren. As we started west I once again stayed out front and pulled at a steadier pace. Shortly after passing Warren Earth Dog came around and kicked it up a bit and I closed in on his wheel and let him pull into the cross wind. Our tail wind never really developed so there was some resistance being in front. Finally as we got to Bridge Earth dog gave up the lead and then fell off to go back and ride with Digger. I pulled for a while but was relieved by Tax Man as we headed for Hansen and the Nuevo Market. When we got there we did find Dragon Slayer waiting and we took a break while we regrouped before heading out again. Once we were rested Dragon Slayer took us out towards Lakeview for the ride south.

It didn’t take long before Dragon Slayer had us up to speed and slowly picking up the pace to what it was when we were on Ramona. I was surprised that I was still spinning easily and looking forward to getting to Menifee and the straight run south. It was another chance to stay in a pace line and somehow we had dropped Digger before we got to Nuevo and turned west to the first street and a left turn. We stopped on the corner and waited but Earth Dog said he would wait while we followed Dragon Slayer to Central to make the run south. We were all together as we turned off of Central and onto Menifee. I started us out as we rode to the first stop sign and shortly after we rode by that sign Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us to the Nursery and over the rise. Dragon Slayer was going to leave us at Mapes and I was going to lead us to the AM/PM before heading to McCall. We waited for a while but Digger and Earth Dog had decided to turn on Mapes and bypassed the AM/PM. Once we headed south again I led up to McCall with Highlander and Tax Man on my wheel.

Once we were on McCall we knew we were behind Digger and Earth Dog and would get to Winchester Farms after them. As we decided to ride to Briggs and head over to Simpson and then to Leon I followed Tax Man. I stayed on his wheel till we got to the Dump road and then took over the pull and led us to the DVV flag sprint. Even in the wind I got us up to about 30 mph and rode to Winchester with Tax Man and Highlander. We turned north and met Digger and Earth Dog for a break and a rest. Once we were ready to head out again Digger and Earth Dog took off first and I pulled Highlander and Tax Man up to them to catch them before California and the turn north.

As we started towards Stetson I got a text on my Garmin telling me of a family problem and a call from my uncle. I started to pull away and rounded onto Stetson first and headed for Cawston. I was still ahead at Sanderson and decided to cross the light and head for home. When I got home my uncle did call and it turned out we lost a member of our family un-expectantly. Life is full of these times

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I thought I would be looking forward to a Friday ride. The weather looked like it would be nice, cool and calm. I wanted to test myself a bit even if Wednesday had been a bit disappointing. Not the ride or the friends mind you but my energy level was just not there. Today I posted some small climbs and a short ride and hoped for the best. I headed for the bike shop looking to see who would join me. Digger was there as was Dragon Slayer. Ferret and ME-109 showed up as well as did Highlander. It didn’t look like anyone else was going to show up so we headed out onto Lyon and towards Kirby. It was a bit cooler than I expected and I hadn’t worn a base layer under my jersey so I was just a bit cold and my chest let me know it. Still I was pulling well and headed us south on Kirby towards Cypress. As I pulled west towards Johnston Highlander pulled up next to me and we talked.

I took us out onto Johnston and stopped at the light on Sanderson. I pulled us west on Industrial and to Cawston before taking the group out onto Stetson and west again towards Warren. As we rolled by the airport I was still feeling pretty good except my sternum was sore. Those stainless steel wires hold the cold a lot better than my insulated water bottles ever do. I managed to pull to Warren before giving up the lead and Dragon Slayer took over with Highlander, ME-109 and Ferret right on his wheel. I decided not to chase because I wanted to save every bit of my energy for the Back Side of McCall and the double climb over Sumner to Antelope. So I pulled digger to California and then to Stowe to follow the group to Winchester and a quick regroup and break. When we got back on the road I pulled once again having rested a bit and took us all the way to the Dump road and headed west.

As we headed to the Wild West Arena I gave the lead back to Ferret and he took the group away again as had happened on Stetson. And again I didn’t try and chase but fell back to pull Digger. We were about 100 yards behind the group at the rise and I could see them turning on Leon well before I got there. I knew I couldn’t catch them so I decided to stay on the dump road and head all the way to Briggs before turning towards McCall. Digger caught up to me at McCall and we headed for Heritage together. At Heritage Digger decided he was done for the day. I headed for Menifee and the back side of Hospital hill by myself. As I rode through the intersection I could see Ferret and ME-109 coming down Menifee heading in my direction. Ferret caught me halfway up the hill and ME-109 was a few yards behind. As I crested the hill I could see Dragon Slayer and Highlander at the bottom of the hill and I dropped down to Highpoint and waited for them. Ferret and ME-109 waited just up the road for all of us. Once we were back together we headed for Sumner and over the hill to Antelope and down towards Newport and the Jack In the Box. We regrouped there and took a short break before heading back out onto Antelope and south to Garbani. Ferret, Dragon Slayer and ME-109 took off first and I rode with Highlander towards the college. Dragon Slayer fell back and waited for us at the light on top of the rise and we dropped down to Garbani together. As we headed east towards Briggs Highlander said he would be leaving at Menifee and heading to Domenigoni while Dragon Slayer and I headed for Briggs.

Dragon Slayer had me working my legs off as we turned off of Garbani onto Briggs and we quickly made our way down to Newport and out onto Domenigoni to head east. We could just see Highlander going up the saddle. I told Dragon Slayer to go after Highlander and I would head for Winchester Farms to see if Digger had stopped there. When I had made my way to Winchester and up to Stowe I could see no one was waiting at Winchester farms so I turns d on Stowe and headed for the bike shop myself. It seemed like I fought a head wind on Stowe, California and Stetson before coming out onto Sanderson and heading for Lowes. Things let up a bit as I turned onto Acacia and I got back to the Bike Shop just before Dragon Slayer was ready to leave. We went to the Healthy Pub for a quick lunch before he dropped me off at home in time for a hot shower. I was tired but it was a good ride. I got my heart rate up a bit even if I still feel like I am not running on all cylinders.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It looked like we were going to have a cool overcast ride today and I could only hope it didn’t rain. I posted a flat ride just in case and headed for the bike shop to see who woud be joining us. Digger and Earth Dog were already there and it looked like that was going to be just about it. As we got ready to leave Huntress rode up making it four riders. We decided that we could toss the planned ride and just head out and see where we wanted to go. The first part was as posted as we headed to Acacia and over to Kirby to jump down to Cypress and head west.

We moved out onto Johnston and stopped at Sanderson to wait for the light. When the light changed we went straight through the intersection and made our way to Cawston to ride out to Stetson and by the airport. I managed to lead but I could tell my beta blockers were working all too well today and I would never be able to ramp up and speed today so short spurts would be about as good as it gets. So I pulled to Warren and gave up the lead heading to California. Huntress was on fire today and quickly pulled away and gapped the rest of us. I pulled Digger and Earth Dog to California and then onto Stowe. As we headed west towards Winchester I found myself halfway between Digger and Earth Dog and Huntress but I wasn’t closing on her at all. It took us a little while before we got to the parking lot at Winchester farms and took a break before heading south on Winchester. Once again I took my turn at the front and pulled us towards the Dump road. At this point we were still on the original route and stayed on it as we turned west towards Leon. As we rolled by the Wild West Arena and headed for the rise just before Leon we dropped Digger and and decided to alter our ride and head for Briggs and north.

Huntress got to Florida at the High School first and we all joined her at the light. Digger hit then light perfect and pulled through to lead part of the way to the Elementary school. I fell back a bit after the stop sign hoping to let Digger catch me and watched Huntress and Earth Dog turn onto Mapes and head towards Menifee. They were gone by the time I got to Mapes and Digger didn’t catch me before I Had turned onto Menifee and headed north. I stayed out front of Digger till I got to the stop sign before Central where I pulled over to wait for him. As we pulled up onto Nuevo and got ready to turn towards Evans Huntress was coming back west from making a wrong turn towards Lakeview. I pulled up onto her wheel and we headed for Evans and once again it looked like we had dropped Digger. When we got to Evans it looked like Digger had picked up Earth Dog somewhere and we discovered he had made a wrong turn as well. Once we were all back together I rode with Huntress up to Rider and headed east towards Ramona Expressway. I got caught at a light and she got away. Earth Dog rolled by me as the light turned green and I watched the both of them turn onto the Expressway as Digger was closing on me from the back. I got onto the Expressway and headed for the Nuevo Market looking for a regroup before heading for home. We did regroup and decided to ride back to Warren together before Huntress would leave us and head for home. It didn’t take long before I noticed digger wasn’t going to stay with us into the wind so I pulled up to Huntress and said falling back and would see her next time. She rode off with Earth Dog and I picked up Digger. Digger had enough energy to pull by Bridge and we stayed together till Warren where we picked up Earth Dog and headed south towards Cottonwood.

I had to stop at the little lake market to refill my water bottle and we headed for Sanderson and turned for home. We stayed together till Menlo where Digger headed for home and I took turns with Earth Dog riding down to Devonshire. We turned for Lyon and got back to the Bike Shop about 11:00 am. I finished my extra water bottle and headed for home looking forward to lunch and a nap. How well did my beta blocker work? My heart rate never got over 134. A bit like having clogged fuel injectors.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Monday is almost always my best riding day. I have had a weekend to rest and my legs feel pretty good. That being the case I put in a 40 mile ride and headed for the bike shop to join my friends. Digger and Dragon Slayer were there right after me and we waited for a while for Tax Man and Highlander to arrive before we were ready to hit the road. As in most west rides we moved down Lyon to Acacia and headed over to Kirby with me pulling. The first part is normally pretty easy and I had found a gear close to what my Peugeot has so spinning was pretty easy on the legs anyway. I got us to the light and headed south towards the railroad track and through the houses. I pulled out onto Johnston and got caught at the light on Sanderson before getting to head south towards Stetson behind Dragon Slayer.

Dragon Slayer and I talked while we headed for Mustang and he indicated he might have to leave a bit early if things went a little too slow. I indicated I wanted to keep Digger with us today so if he had to leave early I would understand. So when we pulled onto Domenigoni and headed west Dragon Slayer set the pace. We started out easy and slowly moved up to 19 or 20 mph and everyone stayed in line. It was the perfect speed for me as well because I was able to spin at about 95 rpm all the way to Warren road. I wondered as we started up the dry wash rise is the group would hold together and to my surprise it did. We dropped down the back side and headed for Winchester with Dragon Slayer pulling all of the way. At Winchester we were still in a easy pace line and now were moving along at about 21 or 22 mph with almost as little effort as a normal day with 18. We were still together at the bottom of the saddle and started towards the top. Only four of us crested together and started down the back side of the saddle. My ID tag got caught on the stem as we coasted to the light at Lindenburger and flew off into the dirt somewhere. We regrouped at the Gas station on Menifee and Dragon Slayer went back to look for my tag. Highlander and Tax man couldn’t wait for Dragon Slayer to get back and left for home. Once dragon Slayer did get back the three of us headed out onto Menifee and south towards Revival and Scott Road.

At the top of Revival I noticed a rider that had joined us a few weeks ago, Randy, coming in our direction. He met me at the stop sign and started back towards Garbani and then to Scott. When we turned west towards Antelope Dragon Slayer was hiding behind some trees and pulled in behind us and caught up before we got to the light at Antelope. We crossed over the freeway and turned onto Haun and headed north. Randy started us north but soon Dragon Slayer pulled around him and I fell in on his wheel as we pulled away to Holland and turned west. We waited for Randy and Digger before heading to the little hill just before Murrieta.

We turned north on Murrieta and headed back to Newport. We took a break at the gas station on the corner and learned a bit more about Randy. Once we were refreshed we headed north again and Randy left us to head for home, seeing as we were riding right by his house. Dragon Slayer was back with Randy as Digger and I headed towards Cherry Hill. Dragon Slayer caught us and took us to McCall before we turned east and headed back towards Bradley. We were ready to climb Hospital hill after crossing over the freeway and we had separated a bit at the Valero before starting up the hill. I was determined to take it easy and save my legs for Wednesday so I cruised over the hill and met Dragon Slayer after we crossed Menifee. Once Digger joined us we headed to Briggs and north towards the dump road.

We made short work of the Dump road and came out onto Winchester and headed up to Stowe and the Winchester Farms for a coffee break. Dragon Slayer was still in a bit of a hurry so he had us leave and head towards California. I was trailing both Dragon Slayer and Digger as we headed north on California and towards Stetson. Dragon Slayer came back to check on me and ended up pulling me to Stetson and towards Warren. We caught Digger before Warren and I got pulled all the way to Cawston where digger joined us at the light. We worked our way over to Sanderson and I went home on Johnston looking forward to lunch and a hot shower. It was a good 40 mile ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) When Friday finally gets here I look forward to a relaxing ride. Today was no different and I had the extra pleasure of looking forward to seeing Centaurs new classic Ciocc steel bike, pronounced Chee-Oh-ch. So I planned a ride of relative flatness, just over 900 feet of elevation over 36 miles, and posted it. I headed to the Bike shop with both bike and Peugeot jersey. Digger got to the shop right after me followed by Minotaur. Centaur did show up with a great looking Ciocc and Highlander was right behind him. Ferret rolled up with Dragon Slayer and it looked like a pretty good group for a Friday. We headed out onto Lyon right at 8am. We got down to Acacia and over to Kirby with very little trouble and made the turn onto Cypress to get to Johnston.

As we pulled out onto Johnston and up to the light at Sanderson I realized I had completely forgotten what route I had posted. When I look for a ride I bring up several of them and look at them side by side to see what one might best fit the weather and wind conditions predicted. I wavered between a west to east ride and Cactus Valley. At the last minute I picked Cactus Valley because they both had only about 900 feet of elevation gain. The Cactus Valley ride was about two miles shorter. So Digger reminded me of my post and we turned south on Sanderson and headed for Domenigoni. Digger led us to the light and we turned east towards Searl together.

As we neared Searl I noticed that Digger and Centaur had fallen off a bit and Digger fell off even more. So I dropped off of the lead group and came back to ride with Centaur. Dragon Slayer, Ferret, Minotaur and Highlander pulled away from us and Digger never closed at all. Centaur and I took time to talk about steel bikes and how they ride. As we came up on State Street we found Highlander waiting for us and he fell in line as first Centaur and then I led us past Newport and to the rise at Cactus Valley to head due east. I managed to pull away on the rise with the Peugeot and thought to myself that the gear I had on the back was just about perfect on this kind of ride. At least that is what I thought till I got to the climb into Cactus Valley at Sage. When you only have one gear that gear will have to be enough no matter how hard the climb might be. This was no different and I was rather tired after cresting the hill. I do manage to join the group waiting at the end of Cactus Valley and waited to head back west towards State.

As we started back I followed Dragon Slayer towards Sage and wondered how I would do following the group to State Street on what always seems like a fast run west. As we started down the hill I was able to stay with Dragon Slayer because the Peugeot descends like a rocket. But once we flattened out I knew things would change because we were doing 28 mph and my fastest spin to 23 takes 120 rpm so 28 was out of the question. As I slowed to pedaling speed the rest of the group rolled by except for Centaur and he joined me as we followed well behind the leaders. Centaur pulled by me on the second downhill and pulled me to McSweeney where we waited for the group to ride through the housing tract. When Dragon Slayer and Highlander came out onto State they just kept going and the rest of us had to chase them towards Domenigoni. Centaur and I only caught up when the group stopped at the golf course for a nature break. Once everyone was ready we headed towards Santa Fe and the turn to Stetson.

Centaur and I ended up riding side by side and talked a bit more about riding classic steel bikes till we got to Columbia and turned towards Thornton. Highlander didn’t turn with us so we caught up to the others and rode to Crest and all the way to Lake before coming back out onto Stetson and headed east. I fell in on Minotaur’s back wheel and followed him all the way to Fairview where Highlander was waiting. As we turned south towards Wilson Mesa Highlander left and headed for Florida and home. About halfway to Wilson Mesa we saw Digger, who had turned around at Sage, coming back north in Fairview. He yelled he would meet us at Carl’s and we continued on through the housing tract on Wilson Mesa and the run back north in Fairview. Centaur and I got to Carl’s last and we settled in for coffee and conversation before heading back on New Chicago to Lincoln and west towards Park.

We were following Digger who had left as we were still mounting up on the bikes and never quite caught him before we had to cut over to Devonshire and head for Santa Fe. We cut over to Latham and headed west once again towards Lyon and the Bike Shop. Considering how nice the weather had been and the group we were with I was surprised I didn’t feel more tired than I did. But soon I headed for home and lunch before a hot shower and taking the dog for a walk. Yes I look forward to Friday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Monday was a bit hectic for me so I was more or less looking forward to a nice flat ride for Wednesday. I posted one of Highlander’s favorite rides and headed for the bike shop to join some friends for what I thought was going to be a cruise. I knew Digger was going to be gone so it might have ended up being just Earth Dog and me. However Centaur joind us again and soon Highlander was with us as well. We headed out onto Lyon and started our ride sough and then west. We got to Kirby and headed south once more trying to get to Cypress.

I managed to pull us to Cypress and got us headed west towards Johnston. So far the pace was reasonable and I was pretty sure I could hold the pace for most of the ride. I got us to Johnston and Sanderson where we waited to cross the street and head for Cawston. They let me lead all the way to Stetson and start west once again. I managed to pull us to Warren and waited till Centaur pulled out front and I fell to the back and drafted the group towards California. Once we were ready to turn south on California I moved up to get a picture before falling back again and falling in line.

I followed Earth Dog and Highlander onto Stowe and we made a run west towards Winchester. At the rise before the first house on the left Centaur pulled out front and kicked the pace up a notch. About halfway to the parking lot Centaur started to fade a bit so I pulled up front to take over and get us to Winchester farms. I was on my Klein and with the aero bars was less affected by the slight breeze in our face. I got us to the parking lot and we took a short break for a drink before starting back out onto Winchester and south towards the dump road and west again.

Once again Centaur pulled up front and took the lead before we got to the Wild West Arena. I fell into the second slot and followed Centaur to the rise and over towards Leon. The course was planned to head either to Leon and over to Simpson to head west to Menifee or Briggs to Mapes and over to Menifee. However it seemed like a good idea to head all the way west on the dump road and then go through the dirt to Briggs and down to McCall before heading to Menifee. So I pulled up to Centaur and let him know of the course change. I then pulled up front and led us to the dirt and south towards McCall.

I waited till we were all together and then Earth Dog took over and pulled us west on McCall and a short cut to Menifee. We made our way to the Am/PM and took another break and filled a water bottle or two. Up to this point I was pretty impressed with our pace because we were averaging almost 17 mph. It wasn’t exactly the cruise I had been looking for. Once we were back on the road I took up the last slot in the draft and watched as Highlander pull us towards Mapes. Centaur decided to take over for him and pull us to the top of the rise and started down the long run down Menifee to Central. As the pace picked up I dropped into the Aero Bars and took my turn at the front. Centaur stayed with me pulling Earth Dog and Highlander close on my back wheel. Then for some reason Centaur kicked it up and came by me but just fast enough that I could catch his wheel and kick it up a bit myself. A car slowly pulled by the two of us and I pulled into its draft and got by Centaur again and managed to pull away with Earth dog trailing me all the way to Central and then to Nuevo where I at least got away and headed for Lakeview. Centaur had re-acquired Earth Dog’s wheel and pulled the other two up to Lakeview were I was waiting for a regroup. As soon as we had told a few stories we were back on the road and headed north towards Ramona and the long run back to Hemet.

We made a quick stop at the market on Hansen before heading east on the Expressway towards Warren. Highlander pulled up and took the lead and pulled much of the way to Bridge before giving the lead back to me. I didn’t keep it long because it seemed as if 19 wasn’t fast enough for Earth Dog and he flew by taking us up to 22. I closed on his wheel and held it till Centaur took over and kicked it up again. I got the lead back just before Warren and took us south towards Cottonwood where first Highlander and then Centaur took over and pulled us to the light. We hadn’t slowed much below 20 all the way to Cottonwood and headed east. The ride towards Sanderson was a bit slower and I ended up pulling us to the CVS and around the back to Sanderson where Highlander once again pulled through and took us south. As we closed in on Esplanade things got strange. I was pulling to the light but when it changed Earth Dog took off heading for Fruitvale like a sprinter. No big thing I thought till Highlander went after him leaving me to pull Centaur after the two of them. Highlander jumped the next light and got almost a light ahead of us as I cranked it up to give chase. This was not a cruise by any measure and I was running at 8 percent all the way to Devonshire where we caught the light red and had to wait to head east towards Kirby again. Highlander pulled us to Kirby and then to Lyon where I slipped by and took us back to Florida and over to the parking lot. I got to the bike shop with a 17.4 average speed and we were almost an hour early getting back. I had a cold drink before heading home for lunch and a hot shower. It wasn’t a cruise but it was a productive ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Finally the weather was cool and I was rested. I couldn’t do a long ride because I was having banking problems and needed to be home right after the bank opened so I posted Soboba to Cranston and headed for the bike shop. I happened to get there first and waited till Digger and Earth dog arrived. It was looking like it was just the three of us till Centaur and Highlander arrived and we headed out onto Lyon to make our way north and get the show on the road. I was out onto the road first and managed to make the light at Florida first while everyone else got caught. Once the managed to join me we headed past Devonshire. I took the lead and pulled us towards Esplanade marveling at how different it was from last week when it was pushing 100 almost every day.

I didn’t know how many pictures I would get today because I knew I might have to leave early so I was happy to keep the pace reasonable and I got a lot of help from Earth Dog and Centaur. We made it past Esplanade and then Seventh street and Earth Dog took over and got us most of the way to Ramona Boulevard. I took over and got us headed east towards State Street on once again Earth Dog took a turn at the front and pulled us east. We kept it going all the way to State and got the light red. Once the light changed we headed north and made our way to the Expressway and headed for the College.

We had a way to go once we crossed over the Expressway and I was more than happy to follow Earth Dog in the draft. He pulled us past the college and got us pointed at the tress before the bridge. Once you get through the trees all you need to do is cross over the bridge and make the turn onto Soboba. Because we were all still together I could see no reason to stop and regroup so we let Earth Dog lead us towards the rollers and the golf course. I think I might have followed Earth Dog all the way over the rollers and maybe even to the driving range if Highlander hadn’t rolled by us on the second roller heading for the top. I got on his wheel and just before cresting the roller I took off and headed for the driving range. I got a pretty good jump and managed to back off before the beta blockers kicked in. I saw that Centaur had picked up the chase and was pulling Highlander up to me before we would get to the driving range.

When the pulled up to me Centaur took over the pull and got us to the driving rance and the slight rise. Once again I pushed it and headed for the last hill. This time I made the mistake of bumping into the beta blocker and had to shut down before cresting and stopping at the last hole where we were going to regroup. It didn’t matter all that much because we didn’t have another ten miles to go before getting to Cranston so I could afford to cut back on the expended energy and more or less cruise over to Ramona and east to Cedar to continue the ride. Earth Dog and I missed the light at Ramona and had to chase Highlander, Centaur and Digger towards Florida and Fairview. I finally caught Digger as Earth Dog headed after Highlander and Centaur. Earth Dog slowed and I caught him at the fire station and we rode together to Florida and caught the light. Digger joined us as we turned towards Cranston and for a while jockeyed for the lead till I started to feel the beta blocker releasing me. I headed for the trees and the last climb to Cranston. Highlander and Centaur were waiting and the we were joined first by Earth Dog and then Digger. I got a text message about my banking problem and head to head for home rather than stop for coffee at Carl’s. Earth Dog chased me out of the parking lot and we took turns heading back to the trees and then west to Fairview. We were still working together at Carl’s where I left and he waited for the rest of the group. I got home with just over 32 miles on the clock and after a quick shower headed down town. All in all it felt pretty good to push myself even if my energy level is still a bit off.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We normally have a long ride for Labor Day and Memorial Day. Today was supposed to be a beach ride but there was little or no interest so an alternative had to be devised. One ride with about the same distance and just a bit more climbing was the one around Lake Elsinore. I wanted to post that ride but to be honest it struck fear in me. It was a Lake Elsinore ride that exposed my heart problems that resulted in a quadruple bi-pass. To be more specific about the fear I am not back into anything like the fitness I had on that previous ride. However we cannot be paralyzed by fear so I posted the ride and headed for the bike shop to meet with anyone that wanted to get in about 60 miles today. It turned out to be a pretty good group with Digger, Earth Dog, and Dragon Slayer waiting for me as I arrived. We were joined by Barracuda and RCMP followed by Gambler and MacGyver and Highlander. By 8 am we were on our way and headed down Lyon to Acacia. We don’t have many choices heading east or west from the bike shop so these two streets are well traveled. We made our way to Kirby and headed south towards Cypress and the housing tract.

As we move west towards Johnston my mind and body showed me how much reluctance it had on doing this ride. My ankle had been sore all day Sunday and it was still tender today. My right leg felt tight and sore as well. I knew it was partly my mind trying to get me to give up and cut the ride short but I was determined to see how well I could do or if I could even ride 60 miles after almost a year of recovery. So I stayed with it and made it to Sanderson with the group and then turned south and led the group towards Mustang.

I was still pulling as we turned onto Domenigoni and came in right behind a guy named Chris riding a Titanium bike. I came up beside him as we creased the first little rise and encouraged him to join us. He had not ridden in a pace line with a group our size before so we gave him some pointers and I fell off of the lead to move to the rear of the pace line and explain what we do and what the hand signals mean. He held on very well and was still with us even after digger and Earth Dog fell back and we pulled away at the dry wash. We were in a double pace line as we rolled by Winchester and run down a smaller group just before the saddle. We pulled them over the saddle and down towards Lindenburger before one of the smaller group pulled around on a TT bike and headed for Menifee. Chris pulled off at Laguna Vista and we stopped at the gas station for a regroup and refresh. There was another group there and it looked like a lot of road riders were out for this holiday. Once our water bottles were refilled, snacks were eaten and we were rested we headed out onto Newport and west towards the freeway. We were pretty much all together all the way to Antelope and only lost Digger as we crossed over the freeway and rolled by Haun. Now we were focused on Murrieta and Railroad Canyon.

As we got to Goetz and ready for the climb I moved from fearful to determined and stared up the first hill in second or third. I was able to make the hill without much effort but with far less speed than I used to have. But I was able to stay seated and made it to the second hill and through the light. I headed for the second climb but got stopped at the light by Stater Brother’s where Highlander joined me. It was a long light and Highlander was trying to do a rolling track stand and kept moving farther and farther into the intersection. Soon he was halfway across and the light was still red. Two trucks were coming through the intersection and had to stop so they wouldn’t hit him as he continued to roll slowly through the intersection. After they got by him one of the trucks signaled to me that either Highlander was number one or I was I am not sure. When I caught Highlander at the top of the rise he just said, “wow that was a long light, I thought it was going to change.” The two of us rode down the hill together past Mickey Ds and regrouped with fast guys and waited for Digger and Earth Dog. When they joined us Digger turned back and I pulled us towards Coryadon.

It had been a long time since I had been up to Grand at Lake Elsinore and I had heard they had repaved it as smooth as glass. However as we got to Grand I had to stop and get some vitamin I for a sore chest. It seems as if the pushing through Railroad canyon may have put more stress on my breast bone than I am used to and I needed something for the minor pain. Whatever the reason it was time to back off and just enjoy the ride if I could. Gambler had to stop and change a tire so at least I got a chance to rest. Once the group was back on the road I settled into cruise mode and watch most of them pull away except for Earth Dog and Highlander who fell back to stay with me. We took turns pulling all the way past 74 and turned towards Lake and the Jack In the Box. When we decided to get back on the road we also decided to break onto two groups. The fast guys would leave us heading back to Elsinore and Highlander and Earth Dog would keep me company heading back to Railroad canyon.

We said good bye to Gambler, Barracuda, Dragon slayer, MacGyver and RCMP as we rode by the lake and then the three of us stopped at Mickey Ds for a soda and a rest before heading through Railroad canyon. I stayed on cruise as we started up Railroad canyon and watched as Earth dog led Highlander over the first climb. I closed on Earth Dog on the second climb but pushed just hard enough to activate the old beta blockers when Highlander joined us at the real estate office before dropping off towards Murrieta. We had to make a potty break at the Jack In the box on Murrieta and then Earth Dog pulled us towards the freeway and back over Antelope to make our way to Menifee. We hit each and every light red all the way to Menifee and again at Winchester. Highlander pulled me to the dry wash and Earth Dog kept pulling away till Highlander finally gave me the lead to pull. I had enough energy to get us up to Earth dog and we made it to Sanderson together. I followed them down to Johnston and we separated as I headed east towards home and a hot shower. I made the sixty miles and had a reasonable average speed. I was more tired than I used to get on such a ride but I made it and felt good about that. I will have to test myself again but next time the fear will be less I am pretty sure.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Here is was a Friday and I had a easy flat ride planned to get as many out riding as I could. I even had decided to ride my Peugeot so no one would think I had a hammer fest planned. I was to learn later that such a move sometimes backfires and turns my good intentions against me. I got to the bike shop to see Digger and Earth Dog and we were joined by Magic Man and Dragon Slayer. I knew Bugler was going to be there and thought I would see Highlander. I didn’t know that Barracuda and RCMP would be with us but I was glad to see them. By 8am we were on our way and I pulled the group out onto Lyon.

It wasn’t hard pulling the group west on Acacia and to the light at Kirby. I don’t know why but the single speed seems geared almost perfect for cruising in town where we have stop lights. If it has a flaw in gearing it is on the long flat runs east or west where I have to spin for all I am worth just to stay in sight of the group. But this early in the ride that wasn’t a problem. I got us down to Cypress and headed towards Johnston. It was easy to make it to the light at Johnston and Sanderson and we even caught the light green to start south. I followed Highlander towards Stetson but ended up in front at the light and took over the pull before we got to Wally World and headed for Mustang.

I planned on pulling to Domenigoni and then west towards the rise before giving up the lead and drafting the group to the saddle. Things worked well till I gave up the lead and Several of the rest of the group pulled by and kicked things up to about 22 mph. I have to spin about 110 or better to get to 22 or 23 and I wasn’t sure I could hold on all the way to the saddle at that pace. But as luck would have it Barracuda and RCMP paced me at 20 and led me to Warren and towards the dry wash crossing. After we dropped off of the rise at the dry wash we could see someone in the distance and we were slowly closing in on him. I didn’t know who it was nor did I realize the lead group had been joined by Ferret and had started spreading out their riders. We caught up to Earth Dog right after Winchester and he fell in our draft till the trees where he pulled around and headed for Leon. Barracuda pulled us back to him before the saddle and I followed Barracuda and RCMP over the saddle and down to Lindenburger. We were stopped at the light and just as it turned green Earth Dog came rolling by at full boil heading for the gas station and our regroup.

Once we were ready to get back on the road Earth Dog had a flat. We waited till he got it fixed before heading back out onto Menifee before turning onto Newport and heading west. I stayed with the group this time before stopping at the gas station on Haun to see what had happened to Earth Dog. It turned out he had another flat and headed for home to check out the tire. The rest of us continued west and crossed over Murrieta and headed for the light where Barracuda, RCMP and Ferret left us heading for Elsinore. I led the group onto Normandy and then to LaLadera and the park for a short break before heading towards Honeyrun and then to McCall. I was able to stay woth the group all the way to McCall and followed then back to Murrieta and then Haun before crossing over the freeway and heading to the light by the Valero Station. Highlander took us to Encanto and then gave up the lead just before the last light starting the climb on Hospital Hill. I couldn’t stay with the leaders to the top of the hill but I wasn’t far behi9nd as we dropped down the back side and regrouped just past Menifee. Earth Dog rejoined us at the regroup spot. I rode with the group to Briggs and then had everyone go on to Simpson while I waited for Digger.

Once Digger joined me we made our way onto Briggs and over to the dump road to head east and attempt to join the rest of the group at Winchester Farms. They were waiting when we pulled up and Digger and I got a short break before we had to head east on Stowe and head for home.

I lost the group after we turned onto California and didn’t regain contact till we got back to Sanderson. I somehow ended up on Sanderson between Earth Dog and Highlander but was soon run down by the rest of the group heading to Acacia. I caught them again at Acacia and made a try at a quick run up to Florida to see if I could beat the group to the bike shop. The left turn arrow gave me a head start but I got caught at Gilmore and just missed getting to the driveway before the rest of the group. We stayed at the bike shop for a few minutes before I headed for home and had a protein drink before a hot shower and a short nap. It was one of our best days for a ride in over a month.