By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another Monday and a slight chance of rain, but that didn’t matter because we had an easy ride planned for Digger’s return after his accident last week. I got up and looked outside this morning and there was no rain but it was still dark at 6:30am. By 7:30 am I headed for the bike shop to see Digger and Randy talking in front of the bike shop door. Dragon Slayer got there before we got inside. We waited and chatted in the shop till Highlander arrived before heading out onto Lyon to start the day. I led us to Acacia and then to Kirby for the traditional ride south towards Cypress and west.

We made our way through the housing tract and headed out onto Johnston only to catch the light at Sanderson. Digger was hanging on well to this point and stayed with us as we worked our way to Cawston and then onto Stetson where I led us west towards Warren. I kept the pace at about 18 all the way to Warren and then pulled us through the stop sign and gave the lead to Dragon Slayer heading towards California. Bt the time we turned onto California Dragon Slayer had Highlander and I up to speed and we were leaving Digger in the fog. Randy stayed with Digger and Dragon Slayer pulled Highlander and I onto Stowe to head west once more and push our way to Winchester Farms and the parking lot. The fog was heavy and if you were separated by more than 40 yards you couldn’t see the rider in front or behind you. We stopped to regroup at Winchester Farms. We started south and Highlander pulled me towards the dump road while Digger pulled Randy and Dragon Slayer in the same direction. They caught us by Simpson and followed me to Domenigoni and headed east. We had to make a short regroup at the trees past the flag pole before continuing on to Searl.

When we stopped at Searl for Highlander we let Digger head for State Street and told him we would follow him to the Golf Course on Thornton as soon as we picked up Highlander. We were only talking for maybe three minutes when Highlander rode back out to Domenigoni and we were off chasing Diggger. He must have made the light green because I was pushing hard as we turned onto State Street and headed for Chambers. I took us on to Chambers and Dragon Slayer pulled us to Buena Vista before turning onto Thornton and stopping at the golf course.

I tried to get Digger to start east on Stetson early so we could chase him to the High School but we were ready to go too soon and caught him by the time he got to Santa Fe. We all got out onto Stetson and headed towards the High School passing San Jacinto and then Columbia where Highlander and Dragon Slayer had slipped away to a 100 yard gap. I was riding with Randy and wasn’t gaining on Highlander or Digger so Randy told me to go on and I decided to give chase. I pushed myself pretty hard and was within 50 yards after the High School and gobbled up another 25 yards before the base of the little hill called speed bump. I was within ten yards at the bottom of the hill and saw the two of them get out of the saddle and realized it was going to take a lot of effort to catch them before the rest. But I had nothing to lose because they hadn’t seen me coming so I crested first and made a run for Lake. Dragon Slayer had pulled Highlander back up to me before we got to Fairview and I followed him to the corner where we waited for Digger and Randy. The fog was almost gone and coffee sounder better than riding to Cranston so we let Digger start us towards Florida and tried to chase him down before Mayberry. Chase him down we did and we turned onto Florida and headed west towards Carl’s and coffee. We caught the light at the Expressway and Highlander tried to drag race Dragon Slayer to the parking lot. We stopped and had coffee and conversation before heading north on New Chicago and west on Lincoln to head for home. Digger was going to have to ride back to the bike shop today to get his car so he would be staying with us all the way home.

Dragon Slayer and I rode together as we moved onto Park and then Devonshire. For whatever reason traffic was light and we made our way west pretty quickly. We even made the light at San Jacinto and then a short pause at State and we were headed for Lyon again to finish at the parking lot and head for home. But before we could go home Starbucks and Pumpkin Spice coffee was calling our name so we stopped again before heading for home and lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was looking forward to a relatively easy ride for Friday. After all it was supposed to rain so there was no need to put up a hard ride. I headed to the bike shop not really expecting anyone else to show up. Shortly after I got there Dragon Slayer arrived and not long after that we were joined by Highlander. Just before we were ready to start the ride Barracuda rode up and we hit the ride four riders strong. I took us south on Lyon heading for Johnston so we could slowly work out way over to State Street. I stayed out front to Johnston and then took us to Gilbert and south again towards Stetson.

After we left Stetson we made our way south to Thornton and I pointed us to State Street. Dragon Slayer took the lead and pulled us to State Street and headed towards Domenigoni. Dragon Slayer started us west on Domenigoni and we picked up speed heading for Sanderson. At this early stage I wasn’t convinced I was going to enjoy this ride. My legs were still a bit heavy from Wednesday and I was not impressed with even 20 mph. By the rise after Sanderson I was smoothing out a bit as Barracuda pulled to the front and headed for Warren and the dry wash. Barracuda can pull like a diesel locomotive and he didn’t even break stride as we rolled over the dry wash at 21 and picked up the pace on the down side heading towards Winchester. Dragon Slayer pulled up next to Barracuda and we ran hard towards Winchester making the light and headed for Leon. It had been a pretty constant 22 or23all the way to Leon and Highlander had been right with us all the way to the base of the Saddle. As we started the climb I held onto Dragon Slayers wheel till I noticed Highlander had fallen off the pace so I slowed at the topof the saddle and pulled him to Linderburger and then joined Dragon Slayer and Barracuda on Laguna Vista only to cut over to Newport and head back to Briggs.

At this point I felt like I was hitting my stride and was looking forward to the ride south on Briggs so I was still pushing a bit. Dragon Slayer moved forwards to take the lead and we followed him east.

As we made the turn on Briggs Barracuda took over and kicked up the pace again and we rolled past Holland and headed for the rise at Garbani. Highlander fell back on the climb as I did about half way to the top. Barracuda made the turn first then Dragon Slayer and I followed till we got to Menifee and regrouped. Highlander was a little surprised at our average speed to this point and I think he considered bailing out rather than staying with us. But he stayed and we headed for Antelope. Barracuda took us north on Antelope and we made the slight climb to the stop light and headed back down towards Holland again. Once through the light on Holland we headed for the college and the run to Newport/Domenigoni.

The plan was to head east on Domanigoni and stop at the gas Station on Menifee. That is pretty much what we did as I followed Barracuda back to the light on Menifee. We stopped to a brief time at the Gas Station before heading back out onto Menifee and headed for Simpson. Highlander decided to head through the housing tract while Dragon slayer and I chased Barracuda up the grade to Simpson watching Barracuda fade into the distance. Barracuda was waiting at the light on Lindenburger when we got there and Highlander rounded the corner just as we came up on the light. We stayed in a pace line all the way back to Leon and picked our average back up. Dragon Slayer got us all the way to Winchester and Barracuda took us north towards Winchester Farms. We took a break there before heading east on Stowe to head home.

Normally the ride back home is pretty kicked back but not today. It wasn’t much like I had planned and it was close to the pace we had set at the Patriot ride the week before. Barracuda was showing no sign of slowing as we turned onto California and then Stetson and headed for Warren. I had tried to stay in zone four as much as possible and up to this point it seemed I was pretty successful. Still by the time we got to the airport I was starting to fade a bit so I knew I wasn’t going to ride all the way back to the Bike Shop. We turned onto Cawston and then worked our way over to Sanderson and the light on Johnston. I stayed on Johnston and headed for home while Dragon Slayer, Barracuda and Highlander headed back to the parking lot. I slowed to about 15 as I headed back to Kirby and stayed on Johnston. I made it back to my street and got home early for a Friday. I was tired and hungry but satisfied that the ride went well.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) With the bad weather Monday I was looking forward to Wednesday’s ride. I even pushed it out a bit to get us a few extra miles. I got up to a cool morning that was clear and had very little wind. I knew it might be a small group but I didn’t care I would have gone by myself if I had to. I got to the bike shop ready to head out towards Lake Perris and only Earth Dog was there with me. Just before we were ready to leave Highlander and Tax Man joined us and Earth Dog took us out onto Lyon and the light on Florida. After the light changed I headed north with Highlander by my side. We made rather good time heading for Esplanade and then onto Seventh Street.

I was planning on a rather easy pace out to Lake Perris but that always depends on how the rest of the group feels. At least at this time the group seemed to want to cooperate and they let me set the pace most all of the way to Ramona Boulevard. Shortly after we started west Highlander took the lead and pulled us Sanderson. After we turned onto the Expressway Earth Dog took the lead and ran us towards Warren. I followed in fourth place enjoying the pace. We made it past the beginning of the rumble strip and most of the way to Bridge before Highlander took the lead again and got us started towards Hansen and the market. I was impressed at the average speed of the group and the teamwork they displayed as Highlander gave the lead to Tax Man and finally I got another turn that took us all the way to Hansen and the little store for a short break. We didn’t stay long before we were back on the road and headed for the rollers and the front entrance to Lake Perris.

We made it to the light on the Expressway and this time Tax Man took the lead and headed for the Bridge before Bernasconi climb. I started to close on Tax Man but I had promised to pull Highlander over the rollers so I fell off a bit and let Earth dog and Tax Man go. We were a bit behind the other two as we crested the first hill and I pulled Highlander almost up to Tax Man at the base of the second roller. We couldn’t hold him as he climb to the crest and so I slowed to be sure I had Highlander and we gave chase again on the downhill side. We were gaining on Earth Dog when Highlander heard a pop sound and yelled flat. We pulled over but my tire seems OK so we continued on to The entrance road to lake Perris and indeed I was losing air. At first it looked like a cut in my tire so we booted it and replaced the tube. As we headed for the gate Highlander told me to go ahead and he would see me at the Marina. I pulled the group about half way to the gate and then got away to hit the hill first. By the time I got to the Indian Museum it looked like Earth Dog and Tax Man were gaining on me but I Pushed through and made it to the Marina Frontage road and headed for the Marina. I got there first with some sore legs from pushing through the beta blockers. We had a short snack and cold drink and headed back down the hill to Ramona to start the ride home. As we turned onto Ramona my tire was low again. This time under close inspection I discovered a very small of wire that was more than likely the problem I had the first time I flatted. Once I fixed the flat we headed for the rollers again and headed back towards the Hansen Market for our next stop.

After we made our way to Hansen and took a break I started us east with the group right on my wheel. Once again we did a pretty good job of rotating through the pull and I got to enjoy a pretty good draft as we headed towards Bridge. At Bridge Earth Dog came out front and kicked us up a bit and I felt a bit like my tank was running a bit low. Still I managed to hang onto his wheel and still create a draft for Highlander and Tax man. That works pretty good till just before Warren where Earth Dog seemed to fade a bit. I took over and headed south on Warren only ton run dead into the only wind we had hit all morning. I pulled about half way to the first stop light and gave the lead to Highlander. He didn’t like the wind any better than I did and gave the lead to Tax Man. Tax man pulled most of the way to the light and part way to Cottonwood. I got us around the corner and we stopped for a drink and then headed to the CVS bypass heading to Sanderson.

I pulled us out onto Sanderson and started us towards Devonshire. Tax Man took over at Seventh and I followed him towards Esplanade Till I noticed Earth Dog was falling off of the back. I fell back to get Earth Dog and by Menlo he had recovered enough to pull out front and kick us back up in pursuit of Tax Man. We missed him at the light on Devonshire and again at the light on Kirby. Highlander pulled us to Gilmore and then to Latham. I could see that the light on Florida had been red for a long time so I took us to Gilmore and Florida where we got the light only moments after getting there so we turned east and head to the bike shop only to find Digger waiting for us. I stayed to pick up two new tubes before heading home for lunch, a shower and a nap. Yes it was a good day for a nap as well.

Ridder down, but not out.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) After not riding because of drizzle on Monday I was looking forward to getting out today. I wanted to get in more than 40 miles so I might try a half century on Saturday. So I headed to the bike shop with a goal in my mind. Digger and Earth dog were waiting when I got there and for a while we were alone. However we were pleased to see Highlander and Huntress just before we had to leave. It took us a little while to get Huntress’s cleats fixed before we headed north on Lyon towards Ramona.

I got a chance to start out pulling and did so all the way to Esplanade and we only had to wait a short time for the light to turn green. Once we were back on our way I got out front again and pulled to Ramona Boulevard and again to Sanderson. We all waited at the light on the Expressway before heading west towards Warren. We only made it part way before Huntress took over and we realized we has lost Digger and Earth Dog. I asked Huntress to pull over as we got to Warren and we waited for our lost riders. Soon they came riding by us and we had to chase them all the way to Bridge. Earth Dog gave up the lead and I took over. I ended up pulling us all the way to Hansen where we stopped to wait for any stragglers. As we waited we saw Digger ride by and we gave him a pretty big start towards the two rollers before we gave chase. Minotaur joined us while we waited.

I started the pull on the Expressway and by the time we crossed the bridge and reached the start of the first roller Digger was at the top. He was half way to the second roller when I crested just ahead of Huntress and decided to wait for Highlander. I sent Huntress on to chase down Digger. I waited till Highlander was on my wheel and we met up with the rest of the group at Rider. I headed for Evans and caught a draft behind a truck. I made it past the stop signs and stop lights and got to Evans first. I waited for the rest of the group to round the corner.

Digger and Earth Dog took a good lead to the stop sign and headed left towards Dunlap. They even rounded the corner first and it took me all the way to the top of the rise to catch them pulling Huntress, Minotaur and Highlander with me. I pulled after we turned onto Menifee and was in front all the way to Central. Earth Dog, Huntress, and Minotaur rolled by me and headed for the stop sign. I pulled Highlander up to Minotaur’s back wheel and Huntress pulled us towards the Nursery. We had pulled away from Earth Dog after the stop sign. Huntress pushed the pace at the rise and we lost Highlander and Minotaur took the lead. The three of us pulled away and Huntress got back out front at Mapes. I took my turn at the front and kicked it up till we got to Florida and stopped at the AM/PM. While we waited for Digger I got a call and discovered Digger had crashed at Mapes. Highlander and I rode back to check on Digger while Earth Dog, Huntress and Minotaur headed back to the bike shop. Digger had suffered a front flat and didn’t realize it till he tried to make a turn onto Mapes. He went down hard and the front tire had rolled off of his wheel. His helmet was destroyed and he had road rash. Once it was determined he was OK and his Brother was coming to get him I took a few pictures and Highlander and I headed back south on Menifee.

Highlander and I crossed the railroad tracks on Menifee and I got a flat. Turns out Minotaur flatted there as well. Highlander and I made our way to McCall and headed east to Briggs to cut over to the dump road. We cruised to Winchester Farms for a short break and then rode back to Sanderson where we split up and I headed for home. It turned out to be a good little 44 mile ride and one that let me know I could ride the half century at the Patriot Ride in Indian Wells.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I tend to like Fridays even if I haven’t had the best week riding. Friday is a do what you want day. It doesn’t matter if I push myself or of I cruise the whole ride. Today just to be safe I put is a rather flat 36 mile ride and headed to the bike shop on the Klein to geet the day started. At first it looked like only Digger and I would be riding but finally Tax Man showed up followed by Highlander and Bruin. Just a few minutes before 8 am Huntress rode up and we headed onto Lyon to get the ride on the road. I took us to Acacia and then Kirby so we could head for Cypress before turning west.

I was surprised how good my legs felt heading towards Johnston and managed to lead the group to the light on Sanderson before crossing the street and heading for Industry. I felt good enough to lead out onto Stetson and start us west past the airport. Bruin decided to pull by me and pull to Warren and I took over again after we crossed Warren. Bruin came by again and pulled us to California and headed to Stowe. Huntress came by and kicked things up a bit and we dropped Digger. After we made our way half way down Stowe towards Winchester Farms I decided to make a run at the parking lot and pulled by Bruin and headed for the metal barn. I was able to push all the way to the parking lot and stay out to the Beta Blocker zone so I didn’t run out of gas. Once we were regrouped and ready to go I got us out onto Winchester and headed south towards the dump road and a bit more relaxed pace. We were soon headed towards the Wild West Arena with Tax Man pulling Bruin and Huntress with me in the forth slot.

By Leon I was ready to take my turn at the front when Bruin slowed down. I took us to Briggs and started north towards the High School. Huntress pulled up and took over just before the housing tract and got us to Florida and the light. There was plenty of traffic so we cruised through the light with the cars and headed for the elementary school. Highlander had a lead coming through the light and got a bigger one when we stopped for a student crossing a school cross walk. Huntress pulled Bruin, Tax Man and I up to Highlander right at Mapes where we regrouped and waited for Digger. As soon as everyone was rested I started us west on Mapes and then turned north on Menifee and headed for the crest at the Nursery and begin the run to Central. At first no one wanted to pull by me and take the lead but finally Bruin took over and I drafted him till I was rested and then pushed it all the way to Central and beyond to Nuevo. We turned east on Nuevo and headed for Lakeview and a regroup. Huntress accused me of stopping for a temptation because we regrouped right in front of Nuevo Do-nuts. Our next move was north on Lakeview with Highlander pulling us to the Valero and then to the store on Hansen. After a short refreshment break I took us out onto the Expressway and headed for the long ride to Warren. I pulled for quite a while till Huntress took over and headed for Bridge Street. She ended up pulling us all the way to Warren where we turned south and she headed for home on the Expressway. Highlander pulled for a while and then we took turns heading for Cottonwood where we would wait for Digger again.

We made our way to Sanderson and headed south towards Esplanade as a group. We broke up a bit but got back together before Menlo where Digger would leave us. Tax Man pulled us all the way to Devonshire and Highlander pulled us to Kirby where Bruin took over again. Tax Man took the lead at Latham and pulled us to Lyon and then to the bike shop for a relive of the ride and a ride home. It was a great day for a ride and one I felt good about.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Yes I am aware there was no ride report for Monday. There was a reason for that and I am the reason. I got sick on the Monday ride and spent most of the day home in bed and a good part of Tuesday as well. Even though I was still weak this morning I decided I needed to go for a ride and so I picked an easy one and headed for the bike shop to get it started. I got to the shop to find Digger and Highlander waiting and we were joined by Centaur for a small group. I didn’t matter much to me because I was simply interested is testing myself and working on a ride. So we headed out onto Lyon at 8am and started north. I started the pull and got us to Esplanade pretty quickly.

Once we rolled away for Esplanade we headed for Seventh and beyond. I stayed out front and felt pretty good pulling past Cottonwood and taking the jog over to Ramona Boulevard and east. Normally by this time in the ride my legs would be acting up of my beta blockers would be kicking in but all that happened was the fog was making my glasses get wet. I felt good enough to pull all the way to State Street and made the turn north only to stop long enough to dry my glasses and get a drink before getting back out onto State and heading north again.

I was out front again and still feeling pretty good. Not as strong as I like but my legs were fine and the gear selection seemed better than most days. So I pulled by the College and headed for Soboba with my friends in tow. I stayed out front and headed for the rollers with Highlander right on my wheel. We pulled away from digger slightly on the first roller and Centaur closed on Highlander and joined Highlander and I as we pulled away some more on the second roller. I pulled away slight after cresting the second roller but Highlander caught back up and decided to pull to the driving range. As we hit the last rise after the driving range Highlander gave to lead back to me and followed me to the last climb. He stayed right on my wheel almost to the top and followed me to the trees where we waited for Digger. Once we were all back together I took us to the river crossing and back to Ramona to head east. We managed to stay in line more or less as we rode to Cedar together and headed for the Fire Station on Fairview.

We made a nature stop while Digger headed for Florida. As soon as we could we gave chase and were about 200 yards behind him as he turned towards Cranston. I started the chase and pulled to the gas station on the left. Centaur decided to come up and pull as we chased Digger to the trees where we caught him. We got by Digger and Centaur took us through the trees and started the slight climb to Cranston. As soon as he slowed a bit I pulled by and headed for the parking lot. We regrouped at Cranston Station and talked for a moment till digger arrived. Once we were ready we headed back west towards Carl’s and Coffee. Digger took off first and once again we chased him to the trees and got by again. This time I slowed and waited till Digger was in the draft and then pulled the group to Fairview and on to Carl’s. We had coffee and conversation before going back outside and heading to Lincoln and home. We rode as a group back to Park and headed to the jog at Devonshire.

Digger left us at the jog and we moved over to Devonshire and west to Yale. It had been a good ride and just what I needed to feel a bit of recovery. We really didn’t waste a lot of time getting back to the bike shop and once we did we only spent a few minutes visiting before we headed for home and ended a good riding day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I don’t know about everyone else but sometimes I just don’t feel like getting up to ride. It isn’t like I am just tired but it is more of I just feel wasted. Today was just such of a day. I got up knowing it was supposed to be an easy cruise Friday and sat on the bed for quite a few minutes before getting up for breakfast and a shower. I got dressed and watched a few minutes of news before heading to the bike shop and seeing who was ready to ride. Digger and Earth Dog were there as I rode up and to tell the truth I thought they were going to be the only ones even after getting a text from Bugler saying he was going to join us. After about 10 minutes Abacus joined us as it seems he is in town for part of the fall season. At 8am we started to head for Lyon and Bugler did pull into the parking lot and Ferret joined us as well. The ranks had swelled to six and we were on our way. My hope was to still keep things to a simple cruise and get the ride over with and not wear out my legs in the process. So I pulled us to Acacia and then Kirby with cruising on my mind.

I was able to stay in front after we turned on Kirby and pulled us to Johnston and Sanderson where we made the light and headed south towards Stetson. We made that light as well and I took us towards Mustang and the Domenigoni. Once we turned west Ferret pulled by and at first I thought about just letting him go. After all Bugler and Abacus had the legs to chase Ferret and I didn’t. But my brain failed me and I grabbed a wheel and followed the two of them towards Warren. Everyone was in the pace line so there was no excuse for me to break off so I followed to warren and then over the dry wash and still we were all together. Digger was hanging on and we were doing 22 to 23 over the wash. Bugler took over at the dry wash and pulled us towards Winchester and the speed mover up to 25 and still digger was right in there hanging on. I started to think about the segment from Leon to Menifee and just maybe getting another PR if I could push just a bit more. I wasn’t sure because the Beta Blockers were working in full force in even in the draft but just maybe I could push through. Ferret was in his second pull and I was in the number two slot so I had nothing to lose so I attacked part way up the hill and took the lead. Bugler came back on me and I got up to sprint. I couldn’t hold the sprint to the top put still I could push well enough to crest under power and head for Lindenburger. I pulled into the parking lot right behind Bugler and Ferret and well in front to Abacus so I thought I just might have grabbed a PR.

When we left the gas station on Menifee I started to pull and realized I was going to pay for the push at the saddle. I knew I didn’t have far to go before I could rest so I pulled to Antelope and over the Freeway to Haun where we picked up Randy on the side of the road. Randy has started to become a regular rider even when he has to join us on the ride along the way many times. We had some congestion in common today so neither of us were on top form as we chased the group to Brean and then to Normandy before turning onto LaLadera and stopping at the park. I needed the break to get my breathing back in order and to get some liquids down before we headed back put onto LaLadera towards Honeyrun.

We made it to the corner and turned east past the Ground Owl sanctuary to make a turn north towards McCall. As we got close to Cherry Hill I fell back to ride with Digger and we followed the rest to McCall and headed east again. We caught them at the light on Murrieta and Headed for Hospital Hill. Most of the group pulled away from Digger, Randy and I as we rode by the freeway again and headed for the Valero station. I stayed with Digger and Randy till we got to Hillpointe Drive and then I pulled for the top. Randy joined me just as we started down the back side and again at Menifee where we joined the rest of the group to get ready for the ride to Winchester Farms.

I took us to Briggs as we headed east and turned us north to the dump road through the dirt. Once again we split into groups and Ferret rode with Earth Dog in the front while Bugler and Abacus rode in the second slot and I trailed with Digger and Randy. Randy in fact pulled us to and past Digger and then I got away at the DVV Arena flag sprint. Randy tried to pull Digger up to me at Winchester but couldn’t quite close before we got to the Farm and took our last break. Once I had downed a Banana and a Peach we were ready to head for home. Ferret and Bugler took off first and I got stuck in the middle between them and the rest of the group.

I was about 50 yards east of Winchester when the rest of the group pulled out of the parking lot and followed me.

I was doing pretty good as we made our way to California Street and then headed for Stetson drafting Randy. Once again he got us up to Digger and I took over and got us to Cawston. When we made it to Sanderson I decided to head for home on Johnston and Digger rode with Randy back to the bike shop. I was in serious need of a Benadryl and a shower and a big glass of juice. After I took my Benadryl and had a shower all I wanted was a nap. But once I woke up I felt much better, still tired but better.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It will be few weeks of small groups as people take vacations and have other obligations but still there are a few of us who will show up for a ride. Because I expected a small group I posted Bautista in the hopes we could just take it easy and get a chance to see how a longer climb would work with my Beta Blockers. I headed to the bike shop to meet Earth Dog and Digger and waited till 8 am to head down Lyon to start the day. I took us to Johnston and east to Gilbert before heading south to Thornton. We were in no real hurry as we headed back to State Street and got ready to head for the golf course.

I managed to pull all the way to Thornton and Santa Fe where Digger took us to Stetson and Earth Dog led us towards the High school. Earth Dog was a bit more eager than Digger and I and soon had gapped us and pulled away by the time we got to Columbia. He slowed a bit and by the time we got through the second light and the high school we had closed on him. He pulled us to the speed bump hill and I pushed over and took my turn leading by a hundred yards or so. I continued to pull away as we rolled by Lake and was still ahead by the time we turned onto Fairview. I headed south towards Bautista by myself and made the turn at the canyon a few minutes before Digger and Earth Dog caught me. Earth Dog asked if I planned on attacking the hill and I said no I was going to cruise and keep my legs for the decent. I stayed with digger as Earth Dog slowly pulled away from us and headed for the big right hand turn. I kept Digger in sight in my mirror to the dam and then to the white picket fence. Somewhere after the fence and as I entered the first stand of trees I lost sight of Digger and I didn’t even pick him up after down shifting to a lower gear. I came out of the trees and headed for the second stand and the climb to the top of Bautista. By the time I got to the top I saw Earth Dog relaxing and we waited for Digger who was only a few minutes behind us. We took a break before heading back down at a much better pace than the ride up. Once we were up to speed Earth Dog jumped on my wheel and we pulled away from Digger.

I was pretty sure I would just wear myself out trying to drop Earth Dog on the top half of the canyon so I settled into a fast but not hectic pace down the hill. To my surprise Earth Dog took the lead at the white picket fence and pulled through the river wash and headed for the dam. Anyone that knows me knows I love the second or third slot at the bottom of the dam. I can pull out of the draft and sling shot over the dam and attack the first 100 yards heading for the bid right hand turn. As we hit the bottom of the dam I took off and managed to surprise Earth Dog and get far enough away to leave him no draft. I was 200 yards ahead at the turn and still 100 yards ahead at the left hander heading to Fairview. I stayed ahead all the way to Fairview and headed for Florida. I had enough of a lead that I got to Florida and headed towards Carl’s Junior and Coffee. I got there first and went inside as soon as Earth Dog joined me and we waited for Digger. Four minutes later Digger joined us and we had coffee and conversation till Earth Dog had to leave. Digger and I rode up to Lincoln and headed to Park together. I stayed with him till we split up at the jog to Devonshire. I rode back to Palm by myself and headed home for lunch, a hot shower and a nap. Great ride all in all.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It seems like Fall is in the air because I was cold enough to have to put on arm and leg warmers today. I knew Dragon Slayer was gone on a hunting trip but I didn’t know the status of anyone else. Digger and Earth Dog were waiting at the bike shop but that was it. Just the three of us left the bike shop at 8am and headed north on Lyon. With just three of us I figured we would more or less cruise up to the Expressway and take turns heading west towards Nuevo. I got out front but we were only rolling along at about 16 as we headed for Es[planade.

Things were going according to plan as we rolled by Esplanade and headed for Seventh Street. As we closed in on Cottonwood it started to get a bit breezy and I could only hope it would be light as predicted. As we got to Ramona Boulevard I was starting to get disappointed because the wind was picking up much earlier than I wanted. Earth Dog took a turn at the front as we headed west on Ramona and ended up pulling us to Sanderson and the light at the Expressway. I started us west on the Expressway and pulled to Warren before Earth Dog took over again and pulled most of the way to Hansen. We were more or less together as we pulled into the Nuevo Market parking lot and took a short break. Once we were ready to go we moved over to Lakeview and headed south. This time I started one of my longest pulls heading towards Nuevo.

It took me a while to get is to Nuevo and head west again and I pulled us even farther west as we went by Menifee on Nuevo and headed towards Evans. This time the slight grade worked against Digger and once Earth Dog took over the lead from me we slowly pulled away till we had about 100 yards on him and waited at the light on Dunlap till he joined us and then headed for Evans. As we crossed the light on Evans we saw another rider heading in our direction and it looked like someone we knew. It turned out to be Randy and he had decided to join us for the rest of the ride. He turned back and rode with us to Redlands Street and turned south towards Forth Street.

At this point Randy was the freshest of the group and he was riding up front with either Earth Dog or me as we rode to the 7-11 on 4th. We took a quick pit stop and the followed Earth Dog south to Gage and over to Goetz to once again head south. By now the wind was in our face and my hope was that at least we would get a side wind when we turned east at Ethernic. I was also glad I was on the Klein and could use the aero-bars to get under the wind in my face. Once we were headed east I took the lead and got us to Murrieta and headed south again towards Rouse where Randy took over for a while and we managed to drop Digger and Earth Dog. They caught us at Rouse and we made our way to Bradley to head south back towards McCall. I pushed pretty hard to get by Earth Dog and made our way to McCall and east. Earth Dog and I waited for Digger and Randy at the Valero and only headed for Hospital Hill when we saw they were going to make the light at the Gas Station. I made a run for the hill and managed to stay in front of Earth Dog over the hill and down to the light at Menifee. We regrouped after the light before riding to Briggs and north through the dirt to the dump road and east towards Leon.

The plan was if we got any favorable wind I wanted to attack the Arena Flag sprint and see if I could get Earth Dog a PR on the segment. As we closed on Leon and Earth Dog started to make a run at the rise to get ready for the sprint. I pulled around him just before the start of the segment and started to pick up speed. Even with his new gears he was able to get up to over 30 as we headed for the flag. It can be hard to push through the whole segment if you start out too hard and that seems to be what happened to Earth Dog about 100 yards before we finished. I soft pedaled to the Pentecostal center where Earth Dog closed within about 25 yards but lost some space as I turned onto Winchester and headed for Stowe and Winchester farms. We pulled into the parking lot a took a break at Winchester farms. Once we had spent some time reliving the ride we headed out onto Stowe and east towards California.

I led us north into the wind on California and started us east on Stetson. Earth Dog and I pulled away to Warren and then at the airport I fell back to get Digger and Randy. I took them onto Cawston and over to Sanderson so we could head north to Lowes. Once we got on Acacia Randy pulled us to Kirby and then to the street behind the Bike shop to get to the parking lot. We separated at the Bike shop and I headed for home and a hot shower.