By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was thinking we would get a warmer day for a ride on Wednesday than we did on Monday, I about froze on Monday. So I posted as bit longer ride and headed for the bike shop to see who would be with me. I got there right after Digger and just before Earth Dog. Minotaur and Huntress arrived as did Bulldozer and Highlander. It was still a bit cold as we headed to Acacia and over to Kirby to get the ride on the way. I was a bit concerned because I had added my old Q factor spacers to my crank arms and it changed the leg position so it also changed the way my leg muscles felt when I pushed on the pedals. But it was smoother and I would get used to it I was sure, after all the spacers were bought when I had my fitting in the first place. So I pulled us to Cypress and over to Johnston before catching the light red on Sanderson. I stayed out front and then pulled the group to Domenigoni before turning the lead over to Highlander. Highlander pulled towards Warren before Minotaur pulled up front and pushed us a bit as we headed for the dry wash. After rolled by Warren we noticed two riders in front of us, better known as rabbits to most pace lines, and Bulldozer moved up to join Minotaur. We caught the slower of the two but he wasn’t interested in talking. The second rider was willing to talk to Huntress and he stayed with us as we crossed the dry wash and headed for Winchester. On the backside of the dry wash the pace picked up and the rider that had joined us made a run for it. Bulldozer and Minotaur wouldn’t let him escape and they stayed right on his with Huntress and Highlander in tow. I wasn’t in the mood to chase, cold makes it hard to breath for me, so I fell off a bit and waited till Huntress and Highlander dropped out of the chase group. I caught up first to Huntress and then we caught Highlander and headed for Winchester ourselves. We lost Digger and Earth Dog so we took turns pulling for the saddle. I got the last turn just before the bottom of the saddle and managed to pull a lead over the top as I joined Minotaur and Bulldozer and we dropped down to Lindenburger. I followed Minotaur to the gas station where we regrouped and waited for Digger and Earth Dog.

Bulldozer and Minotaur were planning on heading north back towards Ramona Expressway and Digger was thinking of leaving early. I promised to stay with Digger if he wanted to do the whole ride with us and he agreed and we pulled out onto Menifee and headed south. I rode up front and we headed for Holland. Highlander rode with me and we talked till we got to the climb on Revive and Earth Dog took off followed by Huntress. When Highlander got out of the saddle I thought about going with him but Digger was following slowly behind us so I down shifted and stayed just in front of him to the crest. Once we were headed for Garbani I picked up the pace and closed in on Highlander till Digger fell off again. I slowed and found Earth Dog, Huntress and Highlander waiting at the Horse gate on Scott. I then pulled to Antelope and only I made the light heading over the freeway. We regrouped on Haun and waited to make the run north back to Holland.

Earth Dog pulled hard towards Holland and I trailed most of the way. About a half of a mile from Holland I took over pulling and got us to Holland where Highlander and Digger headed for Newport and Huntress led Earth Dog and I west towards the climb to Murrieta. After we crossed Bradley Earth Dog took over and pulled hard at the hill. I stayed on his wheel till he shifted down and got out of the saddle and made a run for the top. I got up in a higher gear and almost ran myself out of breath getting to the top first. I then dropped down to Murrieta and headed north to the gas station where we were all going to regroup before heading for McCall and home. Huntress had to get back so as we headed north I told he to stay with Highlander and Earth Dog while I went back to pull Digger to McCall. That was the last we saw of the other three riders once they turned east on McCall. I pulled Digger to Hospital Hill and to the top. We dropped down the back side of the hill and then continued on to Briggs and headed to Simpson.

It wasn’t real windy but there was just enough to make getting any real speed up heading east. Still I did the best I could to get us back to Winchester before heading north towards Winchester Farms. We took a break and then headed back towards California on Stowe. I pulled us to Stetson and Digger pulled us part way to Warren. I took over again and pulled us all the way to Sanderson where we parted ways and I headed for home. I was looking forward to the hot shower and only then did I take the dog for a walk. It was a pretty good day.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) We had a few days off because of the rain and the holiday. In those few days it went from a warm fall to winter, or at least when I looked at the weather for Monday it looked like winter. It was supposed to be cold all week and it might rain once or twice. I posted what I thought would be an easy flat ride and dressed warmly and headed to the bike shop. Digger and Earth Dog were at the shop as was Minotaur. We were all just kicking back as we waited to hit the road when Gambler showed up just to visit. While we were talking Bruin arrived making it a small but friendly group for the day. I rolled the bike out and we headed to Acacia. I pulled all the way to Kirby and then headed for Cypress. The cold was filtering all the way to my bones and I had almost no real energy as we moved through the housing tract and out onto Johnston and the light at Sanderson. Once we moved through the light I gave up the lead and was willing to let someone else pull once we got out onto Stetson. Digger and Earth Dog took over the lead and pulled away as Minotaur, Bruin and I talked and headed for Warren. Once we rolled by Warren we started to close on Earth Dog and Digger and trailed them to California. We caught them at Stowe and headed for Winchester Farms directly into the wind. The predictions seemed to be holding at least at the early part of the ride. About half way to Winchester farms Digger fell back and the four of us headed for the metal barn and a regroup at the parking lot. I was chilled pretty much all the way to the core. W took a short break and confirmed the rest of the route before I took the group south towards the dump road.

My legs were starting to hurt and my fingers were tingling as we made our turn west and headed for the Wild West Arena. Digger stayed with us till the Arena was in sight and fell off as we increased speed heading for the rise just before Leon. I stayed with the group to the rise but fell off when my foot unclipped on the left. I followed the other three to Leon and then to the corner of Leon and Simpson where we waited for Digger.

I felt rested enough to start us west again and pulled part way to Briggs before Bruin took over and pushed us west. It was pretty comfortable in the draft but the wind was still hitting us on the left shoulder and face so whenever you moved left at all the cold took a bite of you. This time we were all tucked into a pace line and holding on like we are supposed to and we came to the stop sign on Briggs and rolled on. We didn’t get far because Minotaur flatted and we had to pull over for a tube changing class.

When we started off again Earth Dog and Digger led part of the way to Lindernburg and started us south. We caught them just before we got back to Domenigoni and we headed for the saddle. Bruin and Minotaur crested with Earth Dog and I attempted to hold back to keep Digger in sight. At the top of the saddle Earth Dog and I waited till digger caught us but he lost me on the down side heading for Leon. I was still cold and sore and tired but I thought the wind would be at my back but it wasn’t. The wind was directly out of the south and was no assistance to heading east at all. Soon I noticed Earth Dog fell back to get Digger and I found myself halfway between the two in the front and the two in the back. There were places where I had to drop a gear or two to keep my legs spinning but soon I got to the light at Winchester and saw Minotaur and Bruin waiting. Just as the light turned green Earth Dog joined me and we rode up to the waiting two and waited for Digger.

As soon as we were ready to go I started us out heading for the dry wash and Warren. By the time we got to the flag it was clear that we were not going to get any wind at our backs and Digger was feeling cold and tired. He told me he would be leaving us at Sanderson so I knew we would be down to four if we continued to Fairview. About a minute later Minotaur pulled up next to me and said he would be leaving at Sanderson because he has a class to attend. By the time I got to Sanderson I could only see Earth Dog and we decided to finish the ride if we could and at least get some hot coffee. I didn’t know what had happened to Bruin. Earth Dog and I finally got a bit of a tail wind on State Street as we headed north and made our way to Chambers. By the time we turned on Chambers and headed for Buena Vista Bruin joined us. When we asked where he had been he said he had made a nature stop and wanted to finish the ride with us. I got us to Stetson and started east at an easy pace. Soon Earth Dog rolled by and we had to chase him all the way to the high school. We had to follow him to the speed bump and attack the rise. About three quarters up the bump my hands went numb and my left hand almost came off of the bar. It took me to Lake Street to get the feeling back into my hands and I was the last one to get to Fairview for a short regroup. Earth Dog took us almost all the way to Florida and believe it or not we made the light green and headed for Carl’s for coffee and a chance to warm up. The ride home wasn’t any better than the ride out was. The wind was still in our face somehow and we fought it all the way back to Park and then Devonshire. We took turns pulling hard first to San Jacinto and then to State Street. I decided to leave at Palm and head for home and a temptation of a hot shower. My legs were sore and I was cold. Even a hot shower had to wait because the dog needed a walk. After the walk I did take a shower and a short nap. It took some Motrin and more hot coffee to get me through dinner but by the time I sat down to write the report I was feeling a bit better. I think I may be getting too old for this, but who knows how I will feel by Wednesday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was the day before Thanksgiving and we had Centaur’s son joining us so I wanted a short ride with just a little climbing because I didn’t know what distance Brandon was used to. I headed for the bike shop with a easy 36 ride posted and a plan for lunch at the shop. Digger and Dragon Slayer were waiting as was Earth Dog when I got there. Centaur arrived with his son and Highlander wasn’t far behind. I was a bit surprised that ME-109 joined us but I was glad to see him. We order a sandwich for lunch and headed for Lyon to get the ride started. I was energetic at first and pulled us to Kirby before heading south towards the railroad tracks.

I was looking for Dragon Slayer to do a lot of pulling today and I was planning on drafting as much as possible. ME-109 can pull as well but he is harder to draft and so I don’t look forward to him being in front. Still I pulled us through the housing tract and out onto Johnston and the light at Sanderson with the group tightly grouped behind me. When the light changed I took us towards Industrial and over to Cawston. Once we were ready to turn west on Stetson Dragon Slayer took the lead and pulled us towards Warren. At that point I was still feeling pretty good and held on to Dragon slayer’s wheel. We crossed warren and headed for California and ME-109 pulled up and rode with Dragon Slayer. Once on California the pace picked up and we were headed for Stowe. I figured the run west on Stowe would be a quick one and it started to turn onto just that the closer we got to the metal barn. Dragon Slayer pulled around ME-109 towards the end of the road and just before the parking lot where I caught him and pulled by him by tugging on his jersey. We took a break at the Winchester Farms parking lot and Earth Dog indicated he needed to leave first so he could stop and get his water bottle. We gave him about five minutes.

As we started south Digger let me know he would be leaving early because he was having trouble keeping up today. I pulled the group to the dump road and got us headed west again. Once we were on the dump road ME-109 and Dragon Slayer took pulling duty again and we were soon rolling by the Wild West Arena. As we zoned in on the rise before Leon ME-109 kicked up the pace a bit and we all pushed through the climb and headed for Leon.

I got around the corner and headed for Simpson first and we could just see Earth Dog turning on Briggs as we started west. I got us about halfway to Briggs and my legs started to get sore, or at least my calves were sore. So I backed off and saved myself for the climb on Simpson and again for the climb on McCall. Highlander bypassed the Simpson Climb and headed onto Heritage. I was the last to make it to Menifee and came out onto McCall behind Highlander heading for the back side of Hospital hill. I had enough in my upper legs to catch Highlander before the top but not enough in my caves to spin down the front side. Still I got to Hillpoint and joined the group waiting to head for Antelope. Highlander didn’t stop and we waited to see if Earth Dog was going to join us. After about five minutes we headed for the Antelope climb and down the back side to Jack In the Box on Newport. We found Highlander waiting. Finally Earth dog joined us and we headed for Garbani and Earth Dog led the way. We turned east and headed back towards Menifee where Dragon Slayer and Centaur took the lead and pulled towards Briggs. I got a jump before Briggs and managed to push through the pain as we headed back to Holland. Dragon Slayer relieved me and pulled once we rolled by Holland and the Brandon went by with Centaur on his wheel. I followed them with Dragon Slayer on my wheel and soon we were headed for the Turkey pens and Newport to try and get to Laguna Vista and a regroup. At the regroup my pain came back and I wasn’t looking forward to the ride back to Hemet. We regrouped at the summit of the saddle and the headed for Winchester and another fast pace line. Just before we got to Winchester Highlander flatted and we stood around while he fixed it. When we started out again I stayed with the group till we came upon a rider on the side of the road. When I fell off to see if he was OK I lost the draft and simply didn’t have to legs to get back on the group. Dragon Slayer came back to help me but I was riding on upper legs completely and so it was all push and no pull. We finally made it to Sanderson where Earth Dog was waiting and he joined us till we got to Stetson where we picked up Brandon. We rode back to Acacia together and then Earth Dog and I missed the light at Kirby so we had to ride to the shop by ourselves. We had lunch together from a local sandwich shop and cookies from Earth dog’s wife. Once we were finished I got back on my bike and headed for home. It was a good ride by I had just ridden ten or fifteen miles with sore calf muscles and they were not any happier about riding home. Still a hot shower went a long way into making me feel better even if the walking of my dog was more of a chore than normal.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I didn’t even think we would get in a ride today. It rained hard last night and it was supposed to rain this morning. When I got up and looked outside there was a massive sucker hole in the sky and my street was just a bit damp. Digger sent me a text and asked if I was planning a ride so I got dressed and headed for the bike shop. I decided we could do a short ride east and we were joined by Dragon Slayer and Highlander making it a rather small group. We were at least dressed for it and so we headed north on Lyon and headed for Ramona Boulevard. Dragon Slayer got up front early and started spinning us north towards Esplanade. I was surprised that we were moving so quickly so early and everyone was still in line. We didn’t get too wet as we got to Esplanade and moved on towards Seventh and the Cottonwood. I got up front after Cottonwood and pulled us to Ramona and started us east. The wind was in our face early and Dragon Slayer got the lead back just before State Street. We had to wait a minute because Digger missed the light but soon he was with us and reading towards the Expressway. Once we got to the Expressway Digger headed east while the rest of us headed for Soboba and the ride to the Golf Course. Dragon Slayer pulled us over the first little roller and down towards the second. He took us over the second and I took the lead till we say the driving range and Dragon Slayer took over again. Went we got to the last rise before the end of the golf course I got out of the saddle to test my legs and Dragon Slayer pulled Highlander over the rise and towards the trees. Dragon Slayer stopped at the light on Lake/Main and we did a short regroup before heading over the bridge and to Ramona.

Once we crossed the bridge and headed east again Highlander told us he would be leaving us at Hemet Street. We could see it was raining at the foot of the mountain range and knew that Cranston Station was right in the rain curtain. We decided to head straight to Carl’s and we could see Digger in front of us. We caught Digger just before Highlander left us and we continued on past Hemet Street and onto the next stop light. Dragon Slayer took over pulling and soon got us to the curve in front of Cedar and that stop light. I looked back as the wind picked up and saw Digger had fallen back a bit. We didn’t have that far to go so I closed with Dragon Slayer and we led the way to Carl’s for some hot coffee and conversation. The rain sure looked like it was east of us so we thought we could finish our coffee and head west and beat it home. As we got out to the bikes Digger left us like a Le Man’s start and was gone before I even had my gloves on. Dragon Slayer waited till I was ready and we headed to Lincoln and headed west.

We were moving at a pretty good clip and could see Digger several blocks in front of us. Digger and I closed pretty quickly and pulled onto Park about one hundred yards behind Digger. We caught him just as it started to drizzle. It quit for a moment and we caught Digger just before he left us at the jog over to Devonshire. As we headed for Yale on Devonshire it started to rain lightly and I pulled us to San Jacinto before heading to Santa Fe. Dragon Slayer pulled to Latham and then west to Palm where I left him and headed for home thinking of a hot shower and getting out of my wet clothes. I got home with about Twenty Three miles on my computer and just a bit cold. I had to take the dog for a short walk but as soon as that was done a shower warmed me up. It started to rain about a hour later and I was glad we got home when we did.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) There is a universal truth. If you fight a cold and take stuff for it the cold will last one to two weeks. If you do nothing but rest and drink fluids it will last one to two weeks, so take your choice. Taking something may make it so you can function but it doesn’t make it go away. Today was day five and I wanted it to be an easy ride and get a weekend to rest. I went to the bike shop expecting a small group and found Digger, Earth Dog and Dragon Slayer already there. They were followed by a new rider, Dalmatian and Highlander and Tax Man. When and old rider, Hornet arrived it was a bigger group than I thought and with the addition of Centaur we were ready to go. My guess was we would be fighting a light wind all day but nothing we couldn’t manage. It was the reason I rode the Klein however because I had wanted to get low if the wind did hit us in the face. As I pulled us to Kirby it was mild and easy going. We turned towards Cypress to get on our way.

I led the way to Cypress and turned west towards Johnston and Sanderson. I was surprised to see the new rider on his mountain bike still with us but he was trailing as we rode through the housing tract. Highlander pulled up next to me to ask what we were going to do with the trailing rider and I only said we would try to keep him in site and let him decided if he wanted to try and stay with us for the whole ride. We got to the light on Sanderson and made the turn south towards Stetson and making our way towards Mustang. I looked back and everyone was in line and our new rider was still trailing.

I got us to Mustang and pushed us towards Domenigoni with Highlander, Dragon Slayer and Centaur right on my wheel. We had lost the new rider so I pulled over and waited. Digger pulled up and offered to escort the new rider to the gas station on Menifee. Earth Dog started us west towards Warren and I fell in line as we pulled away from Sanderson and started a nice pace line. Soon we left Digger and the new guy far behind. By the time we got to Warren and headed for the dry wash I was in the back of the group with Dalmatian and Hornet falling back behind me. They fell back more as we moved over the dry wash and started down towards Winchester. Soon we started to rotate in a pace line and Earth Dog took over and kept the pace going all the way to Winchester. As we came off the light at Winchester I took my turn at the front and got us about half way to Leon. Dragon Slayer pulled through followed by Centaur and pulling Earth Dog in front again. At the bottom of the saddle Earth Dog started the climb and I was content to stay on his wheel till Centaur and Dragon Slayer went by on the right and Earth Dog stood up and headed for the crest. I jumped on it and chased Dragon Slayer and Centaur to the crest and then down towards Lindenburger. I caught them at the stop light and managed to get to the gas station first. I surprised myself that I didn’t have a coughing fit as we regrouped. By the time we were all back together Digger let me know the new guy had called it a day and headed for home. Digger left us at the gas station. We pointed ourselves south on Menifee and headed for Holland and the little climb we call Revival. Earth Dog led the first half of the climb till Centaur jumped on it taking Dragon Slayer with him. The Klein isn’t my favorite climber but I gave chase and tried to catch Centaur. I did get by Dragon Slayer but couldn’t hold on long enough to catch Centaur. After we crested Dragon Slayer moved by me and caught up to Centaur with Earth Dog pulling in behind me. I started to pick up speed and ran down Dragon Slayer and Centaur without realizing I was in the small ring. I rolled by and pulled the other three to the rise just as the beta blocker kicked in and had to follow the group to Scott and another regroup.

Once we had everyone together we started east on Scott back towards Leon. I was about in the middle of the group as we rolled by Briggs and had the slight downhill heading towards Leon. I spun it up and headed for the front only to spin out before the stop sign. It was only them I realized, after being informed by Dragon Slayer, that I was still in the small ring. I gave up the lead about halfway to the climb to Winchester when I realized we had left Dalmatian behind so I dropped back to get him and lead him to Winchester for one of our last regroups. Once we were on our way I think we expected Dragon Slayer or Centaur to pull but Earth Dog loves this part of the ride and he started to pull us towards Holland. The problem was today the wind was not in our favor and Earth Dog got pretty tired pulling. I took over about halfway to Holland and Centaur took over after Holland. Before we got to the rise by the Diamond Valley lake access road Dragon Slayer took over and pulled us over the rise. We had separated from some of the riders so we waited at the light till they joined us and headed for Winchester Farms where we were going to take a break. Once we had rested we headed back out onto Stowe with a slight tailwind towards California.

I was still feeling pretty good even if I was still breathing through my mouth and had a slight cough. I turned onto California with just enough juice to pull everyone to Stetson and start us east towards Warren. I thought I saw some of the group way behind us as we turned east but it turned out to be just Centaur so I slowed to see if he wanted to be pulled up to Dragon Slayer and Highlander. He caught up at Warren and we all headed for Cawston together. We worked our way over to Sanderson and started for Lowes. Highlander and Dragon Slayer led us to Lowes and Dragon Slayer and I took us to Acacia and I led us from Kirby to the bike shop. After a short break I headed for home and was looking forward to a hot shower and lunch.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I was not looking forward to riding today. I had a cold and it had just hit me Monday afternoon. I was taking cold medicine and was operating in a blue cloud all day Tuesday. So I had to modify my plans for a ride a bit and make it shorter and flatter just so I might be able to finish the ride. I got to the bike shop just after Earth Dog, Dragon Slayer and Digger. I tried to relax and stay calm so as to not start sneezing or worse. As we waited Centaur arrived followed by Tax Man and Highlander. We sat around till 9am and got ready to leave only to be joined by Huntress. Once she was ready we headed out to Acacia and over to Kirby to get the show on the road. I managed to stay in front to Cypress and made the ride through the housing tract. We managed to catch the light at Sanderson and I ended up following Centaur to Industrial and then to Cawston. As we turned onto Stetson I got back in front and pulled us to Warren where Highlander took over. I realized in my fog this morning I had forgotten my camera so at least I didn’t have to try and stay out front to take pictures. I was happy to follow Highlander to Stowe and head west. Slowly by surely Centaur picked up the pace and took the lead. About half way to the Metal Barn Dragon Slayer took the lead and I followed him to the front. My breathing was still good even if I could only breathe through my mouth. Just before the Barn Centaur made a dash for the front and caught onto his back wheel only to attempt a pass before the parking lot. I had enough juice to make it and got the Winchester Farms first. I thought that would be the end of my extra effort for the day. Earth Dog and Digger wanted to stop by Earth Dog’s house before getting to Menifee so they took off a bit early heading south and we let them get out of sight before heading that way ourselves. I pulled to the dump road and Dragon Slayer took over as I fell to the back as we headed to the Wild West Arena. Dragon Slayer asked if we had everyone and he was told we did. We could see we were gaining on Earth Dog and Digger and I could see someone in the distance following us. Dragon Slayer took us to Leon and then to Simpson before getting us back to Briggs and turning north to McCall. Once we turned on McCall I realized Tax Man was the one chasing and I don’t know where we lost him in the first place. I still fell back to join hom and we closed on the main group before Menifee. We turned north in Menifee and could see Digger and Earth Dog heading towards the gas station. We caught them by the railroad tracks and headed for the AM/PM for a break and regroup.

As we headed back out onto Menifee and north I was looking forward to the fast run after Mapes and down to Nuevo. After we crossed 74 I noticed we had lost Digger at the light so I stopped and waited for him. It was all right with me because I knew we had a long run into the wind on Ramona coming and this would be my last chance to rest my legs before the grade leading up to Lakeview. I finally got Digger to the regroup point on Lakeview and we followed Dragon Slayer to his street where he headed for home. I them led us to the Lakeview market and another regroup. True to form the wind was in our face as we headed east. We took a little time to rest before Earth Dog and Digger started east on Ramona. We followed a few moments later and Centaur rolled into rabbit chasing mode. It took him about a mile to catch Digger and we then went after Earth Dog. It took us another 200 yards to close on Earth Dog and he melded into the middle of the pack as we continued east. Centaur pulled hard as we headed towards Bridge street but the wind was getting stiffer every minute. Once Centaur started to tire Earth Dog headed back for the front and created a small gap. I pulled up to the front and closed on Earth Dog only to have Centaur roll by again. As the wind continued to hit us in the face Centaur slowed a bit and I moved to the front to pull. However being on the Klein and having aero bars I was lower to the wind and soon looked back to see I had gapped the group myself. I sat up at Warren and Tax Man rolled by just as Earth Dog pulled over. The group Left before Earth Dog got started again and I tried to soft pedal till he might catch me. The wind didn’t cooperate and Earth Dog wasn’t able to catch me before Cottonwood. We joined Tax Man at Cottonwood and we all waited for Digger. The group was long gone as we headed east towards Sanderson and made our way south again. We lost Digger somewhere before Menlo and Earth Dog pulled us most of the way to Devonshire. Tax Man pulled us back to Kirby and I took us back to the bike shop before heading for home. A hot shower, lunch, and a dog walk was all I could do before taking a nap. A cold kicked my bottom but at least I went for a ride.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Another good day for a ride and I had a simple easy one planned. I know not everyone like heading east but it just seemed right to put an a few miles with light winds heading towards the mountains. SO I headed to the bike shop looking forward to a nice little group. Somehow I got to the shop first and Digger was not far behind. He was followed by Earth Dog and then Centaur. A few minutes later Tax Man and Highlander arrived and we had a little time to visit before heading out onto Lyon and down to Acacia. Highlander and I chatted lightly as we headed to Kirby and I was feeling a bit more relaxed than last Friday. We caught the light red but once it turned green I moved out to lead us towards Cypress and over towards Johnston and Sanderson.

I was ready to give up the lead by the time we got to Sanderson and when the light changed Centaur did look like he was interested in pulling but as we turned onto Industrial and headed for Cawston I think he didn’t realize where we were going so I got the lead back and turned onto Cawston and then Stetson and headed west. I pulled all the way to Warren and still no one was interested in pulling so I stayed out front all the way to California and turned south to get to stowe.

Just before I turned onto Stowe Highlander took a turn at the front and pulled till Centaur decided to take over. I was more than glad to let him pull all the way to the Metal Barn before pulling up next to him and pacing him to the parking lot where we had planned on a regroup. Centaur had set a pace that was just a bit too fast for Digger and Earth Dog so early in the ride. Both of them take some warming up before they can add to the pace line. I decided to start us south on Winchester and somehow got out quite some distance in front of the group. They didn’t catch me till we got to the railroad tracks and had to stop at Simpson. We then moved on past the elementary school and onto to Domenigoni to head back east.

I pulled till we got to the flag pole before Centaur took over and ramped it up a bit as we headed towards the dry wash. We stayed together except for Digger and Earth Dog to the dry wash and over heading for Warren. Just before we got to Warren the light turned red and Centaur stopped us at the light. While we were sitting there Earth Dog decided to roll the light and he was followed by Highlander. Centaur and Tax Man gave chase just as the light turned green but U could see so reason to push hard to State if we didn’t have to. So I stayed about 100 yards behind the group and followed them to Searl where we waited for Digger. As we waited I plotted my next move to get back for being dropped at Warren and the red light. I had a feeling the State Street mile was going to be a good place to ramp things up myself and so as we headed east towards State I got ready for a one mile sprint. I slowly picked up the pace till we were on the incline at the end of the State Street mile and Highlander stayed right on my wheel. I picked up the pace again and he still stayed on. At the top of the incline I saw Highlander sit up a bit and I made a run at Chambers and got a good sized gap on the group. Centaur and Tax Man caught up with me on Chambers but I got away again on the bump on Santa Fe and took off for Stetson. I headed east on Stetson and pushed hard for the high school and the lights there. Centaur had pulled back up almost to me till we got to speed bump where I attacked once more and got away to Lake Street before once again Centaur clawed back my gap and I started plotting once more. I rested my legs till we regrouped on Fairview. Highlander and Tax Man decided to head for home early and Digger was too tired to head for Cranston so we headed for Florida before heading east again and making our way to Cranston before riding back to Carl’s. We joined Digger at Carl’s and were joined by Bruin for coffee before heading for home by heading north ion New Chicago and then heading to Park on Lincoln. We lost Digger at the jog over to Devonshire and then had to chase Earth Dog to San Jacinto and back to Santa Fe.

Once we were on Latham you would have thought we would be able to cruise to Lyon and home but that wasn’t the case. We ended up pushing thing all the way back to Lyon and then down to Florida where I joined traffic and headed west to the driveway and into the shop. After a short break I headed for home and lunch. A lot more tired than I expected.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was not just Friday it was Veterans Day and it was going to be nice. We had a new rider planning on joining us, Otis and I made an easy flat ride for him, and Tax Man and Highlander. I had breakfast and headed for the bike shop to join the group. Digger and Earth dog were there as was Dragon Slayer. Tax Man and Highlander arrived followed by Barracuda. Otis was there with his Felt Titanium bike. As we pulled out onto Lyon and headed north we were joined by Ferret. We moved smoothly towards Esplanade and stopped at the light. As I crossed Esplanade at the light I looked back to see Otis was hanging with us and I was impressed, Otis is a big boy and he had never been on the particular bike for more than 9 miles.

Because it seemed like he was holding his own I led the group north going by Seventh and Cottonwood trying to get to Ramona Boulevard. It is hard to change old habits so as we closed in on Ramona we had picked up the pace to about 18 or 19 MPH. That was a bit more than Otis was comfortable with and so Digger had to fall back and keep him company. They hadn’t been dropped so much as gapped a bit as we turned west on Ramona. I planned on pulling to the left side of the road to capture the whole line but the group decided to mess with me and follow as I moved left and laugh as I looked to see where they had gone when I turned to take a picture. Once they moved back to the right side I did get a shot however ad rejoined them heading to Sanderson.

Ferret led us to Sanderson and the Expressway and we waited for the long ride west to Nuevo. It was on this ride that Otis was going to be tested the most. As we headed west Ferret headed for the front and Earth Dog went after him. I let them go trying to hold on to Otis and Digger. Dragon Slayer came by in a chase of Ferret and Highlander joined him. I held my pace and Tax Man stayed with me as we pulled Digger and Otis to Warren. The slight rise just before Warren was too much for Otis and he fell off the back of our wheel and Digger stayed with him. Tax Man and I Stopped at Bridge and waited till Digger and Otis joined us. We then headed for Nuevo and joined the rest of the group waiting for us.

Digger had to head back for home to get his car fixed and Dragon slayer had to ride home after riding to the shop for only about two blocks away for the market we were stopped at. So Otis and I headed for Lakeview and south towards Nuevo road. At first Otis was doing fine but soon he fell back and Highlander stayed with him as I pulled us towards the Post Office and Nuevo.

Earth Dog, Tax Man, Ferret and Barracuda rode by me and most of them waited till we joined then at the corner. Well except for Earth Dog who had gone on. We then rode over to Central and dropped down to Menifee. Barracuda and Ferret rode with Tax Man and headed south on Menifee before we got there with Otis. Highlander and I took turn pulling towards the Nursery and the little hill before dropping into the flats heading for 74 and the AM/PM station. Otis had suffered quite a bit with that little climb and we discovered that his back brakes had been dragging so we fixed than and discussed the importance of checking your wheels before every ride. We took a short break at the AM/PM where Barracuda and Ferret were waiting but without Tax Man or Earth Dog. We decided to head for McCall and head to Simpson rather than the dump road to get back to Winchester. We needed to spread out as we headed south on Menifee so as to not hit the pot holes at the railroad tracks. Last time we came this way we got two pinch flats because of the pot holes.

As we moved to the tracks Highlander informed me that had was going to take Heritage to get to Simpson whole we rode to Briggs. By now Otis was feeling pretty good because he didn’t have to deal with dragging breaks. I knew we could stay with Ferret and Barracuda so I said I would stay with Otis and they should go ahead. I wanted to get a picture of Barracuda’s 80s cruiser before he left however.

I have to admit I don’t understand the name of the bike however. I learned it was made by Bridgestone but I am not sure how they came up with Charlatan. Not sure how a con artist trickster or con artist fits. Unless it has another definition I don’t know about? Anyway we watched Ferret and Barracuda rode off and I rode with Otis to Briggs and then to Simpson as we headed back towards Winchester. Otis was really looking towards getting to Winchester Farms. By the time we got to Winchester we had got farther than he had ever been on this new bike and he was getting tired. So we stopped at Stowe and refilled his Gateraid and had a banana and some nuts. Once we had rested it was time to get back out onto Stowe and head east. The problem was we had about 6 miles to go and Otis was starting to cramp up. I tried to slow the pace as much as possible and we even cut the route by taking the airport road. Just as we got even with Hanger 1 Otis was finished. His leg was cramping up and he had to stop. I got his keys and rode back to the shop and got his truck and picked him up. I then drove back to my house and watched Otis drive away and telling him to ice his leg and take it easy for the rest of the day. I went I feeling pretty good about the ride and the effort Otis had put out to get as far as he did. When someone might say he only did 30 miles I would answer that he did 30 miles more than someone sitting on the sofa watching TV. Not a bad day at all.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Wind is a bane to cyclists. Looking at the predictions for Wednesday it looked like we would have three or four hours on an east wind on Wednesday. That makes it hard to decide if I should post a ride west and enjoy the ride out and then fight the wind all the way back or go east and ride with the wind at our back on the way home. I posted a west ride that was a little shorter and headed for the bike shop. Once again we had a few waiting for me when I arrived at the shop. Digger, Earth Dog, Dragon Slayer and Centaur were there. Tax Man and Highlander were the last to arrive and we got ready to head out to Lyon and head to Acacia.

When we turned onto Acacia the wind wasn’t much help but we could tell it was there. Once heading south on Kirby I had the lead and the wind was no help at all. True to the prediction the wind was out of the east and puffing at about six mph or for you flyers and sailors about 5 knots. It was supposed to get to 10 knots on the way west on Domenigoni which is good. The bad part is it was supposed to be blowing at about 12 knots on the way back home and it would be right in our face. The group followed me to Cypress and then over to Sanderson to head south. We cleared the light and crossed Stetson making our way towards Mustang. After clearing Mustang Dragon Slayer took the lead and pulled us to Domenigoni. Dragon Slayer pulled us to the rise and I got a chance to head towards Warren. Dragon Slayer got the lead back and pulled us over the dry wash before Highlander took a turn at the front. We all took turns heading for Winchester till we dropped Digger and Earth Dog. I pulled almost to Leon and Dragon Slayer got to lead again. I thought he was going to pull us over the saddle and Highlander was safely on his wheel par way up the saddle when Centaur rolled by and headed for the top. Highlander fell off and I started to chase but Dragon Slayer beat me to it and chased him over the top. I caught then at the bottom of the hill and we pulled into the gas station on Menifee to regroup.

By the time we were ready to head back put onto Domenigoni Tax Man said he had to head for home and left us heading for Simpson. I pulled us towards Antelope and the freeway overpass. Traffic was horrid as we crossed over the freeway so we might want to rethink going that way till the finish the road work there. We rolled by Haun and headed for Bradley and noticed we had lost Digger and Earth Dog. We stopped by a construction sign and waited till they caught up before heading for Murrieta and the Park at La Ladera.

I Pulled for a while and then Dragon Slayer pulled till we got to the turn and headed over to Normandy and then east to LaLadera and our rest stop. After a break and a snack we got back on the road and headed north to Honeyrun and make our way to McCall. Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog took off on us and got a pretty good lead as we turned north again. I pulled the rest of the group back up to Cherry Hill and then to McCall before heading east. Dragon Slayer and Earth Dog were stuck at the light on Murrieta and it doesn’t change unless you push the button or a car trips the light. We got to the light and waited with them before heading east some more heading for the overpass at Bradley. We crossed over the freeway and I noticed we had lost Digger. I sent the rest of the group over Hospital Hill and and then waited to pull Digger over the hill and regroup at Menifee. Once we were all collected we headed for Briggs and cut over to the dump road.

I know Highlander teases us about getting his tires dirty on the transition from Briggs and the dump road but it is shorter than Simpson. Once again Dragon Slayer took off on us taking Centaur with him. I watched as they left and then slowly picked up my pace as we headed for Leon and I had Highlander in tow. I pulled hard into the wind as we rolled by Leon and headed for the rise leading to the D V V flag sprint. It wasn’t a good day for the sprint because the wind was right on my face. But I pulled through the flag at the Arena and headed for the big turn before the Pentecostal center. Just as the road headed up I got hit by a gust of wind and decided to stand up and attack it. That move lost Highlander who haad stayed with me from Leon to the rise. I tried to close on Dragon Slayer and Centaur but I couldn’t so I had to settle for a regroup at Winchester Farms. We took a break before heading for home on Stowe.

Once headed for home I stayed up front till we got to California and then chased Highlander down heading for Stetson. The wind was still a bit fluky so O backed off and waited for Dragon Slayer to pull the group to me and then rode to Stetson with him till I noticed both Digger and Earth Dog were falling off. I slowed to pick them up and ended up pulling them back to the big shop to say our good byes and head for home. Not a bad 38 miles for a Wednesday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) It was the first day after our time change and I got to sleep in an extra hour. I headed for the bike shop thinking I had planned a short easy ride to start the week with and expected a small group because of the time change. I got to the shop to find both Centaur and Earth Dog waiting. Digger arrived and I expected Highlander to drive up soon. Just before I saw Highlander I saw Tax Man and thought it was a good start for a group. Just as we got ready to leave Anaconda arrived and set up her bike. We left the parking lot and headed for Acacia on Lyon. I led us onto Acacia and took us to Kirby and headed south. Anaconda and I talked as we turned onto Cypress and we made our way to Johnston together and led the group to Sanderson to wait for the light to head south.

I thought the morning was just about perfect as we go the chance to turn onto Sanderson and headed for Stetson. It was a bit surprising to me that the wind wasn’t at our back heading south because that was the predicted direction on my weather app the night before. But I was thinking we would get a direction change once we got to Domenigoni. I led us past Mustang and waited to turn east towards Searl. We waited till the light changed green so Highlander and I pulled east and formed a double pace line.

I thought we were pulling easily but we had dropped some of the group and so we slowed the pace a bit as we rolled on towards State Street to head for Cactus Valley. Shortly after turning south I got a phone call and had to pull over. Digger started off before I got off of the call and I had to chase Digger, Highlander and Anaconda to the stop sign at Newport. We were back in line as we rolled through the sign and Centaur was leading as we started up the rise at the turn onto Cactus Valley. About halfway up the rise I jumped out front and made a run for the Golf Course. It didn’t look like they organized a chase group till I was half way to Sage. My goal was to get to the hill at Cactus Valley and Sage and past the Baptist church because that was a segment. I didn’t expect to PR the segment but I wanted to hit it none the less. After cresting the hill I slowed to wait for Earth Dog, Centaur, Tax Man and Highlander. They rode on by as I waited for Anaconda and rode towards the end of the road. Tax Man and digger waited at the last rise before the drop to the end of the road where we were going to regroup.

As we headed back towards Sage I was disappointed that we had a head wind again. I felt I had enough left in the tank to hit the west bound segment to State Street. Earth Dog and Highlander started the pull west and soon they had joined Tax Man and Digger. As they rode by Earth Dog picked up the pace and Highlander fell in on my wheel to get ready for the drop to Sage and the run to State. I hit the drop onto Sage hard and Highlander and Earth Dog stuck like glue to my wheel. As I ramped it up I ran into a head wind and realized a PR was going to be out of the question. There was no reason for me to do all the work so I fell off and let Highlander pull for a while. Anbout 100 yards from the turn onto State Earth Dog came around in a sprint but I had rested just long enough to tag onto his draft and chased him to the turn and then passed him to pull him back to the stop sign on Newport and head for the McSweeney housing tract. We regrouped on State as we came out of McSweeney and then headed north towards Chambers and east to Santa Fe and Stetson. I lost digger on State and stopped to let him catch up at Thornton before heading the Stetson and heading east. We followed Earth Dog to Fairview where we looked to see what direction the rest of the group had taken. It turned out they had gone to Carl’s and were waiting so we headed to Carl’s as well. After coffee and conversation we headed back onto New Chicago and then to Lincoln to head west and make our way to Park.

Once we got to Park Highlander and Earth Dog could smell the hay and headed for the barn. We left Digger as we made the jog onto Devonshire and I started the pull to close with the fleeing Highlander and Earth Dog. We caught them at San Jacinto and Earth Dog jumped off the light and headed for Santa Fe. I went with him and ended up chasing him all the way back to Lyon and then to the bike shop. It was a good day for a ride and I was ready for a light lunch and a shower.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) I wasn’t sure how Friday was going to go after getting so tired on Wednesday but I wanted to ride anyway so I posted a nice mid distance ride and headed to the bike shop to join the group. Digger and Earth Dog were there as was Dragon Slayer. Looked like a good start anyway. Highlander and Centaur arrived followed by Barracuda and Minotaur. Randy, (Dalmatian) had joined us today and it was looking even better as we left the bike shop and headed for Lyon and Acacia. Highlander led us to Acacia and started us towards Kirby. I pulled up front and took us to the light on Kirby and then south towards Cypress.

I got us to Cypress and headed for Johnston with the group following me. I was thinking we could have an easy ride for a Friday but I wasn’t sure we could hold back Barracuda, Dragon Slayer and Minotaur. What has turned out to be true in most cases is the ride develops a life of its own once we turn onto Domenigoni and head west. I was pretty sure today would be no different. I also knew that I felt much better today than I did Wednesday. I got us to Johnston and the light at Sanderson where we waited for a green and headed south towards Stetson. I managed to get us through the light and headed for Mustang.

It wasn’t long before Dragon Slayer took the lead and pulled us past Mustang and headed for Domenigoni. I rounder the corner in second and stuck to Dragon Slayer’s wheel till we crested the rise and headed for Warren. Before we got to Warren Minotaur took the lead and headed for the Dry wash. We made the bridge with everyone in tow but lost two on the sight climb. The rest of us were on the downhill side of the Dry Wash Bridge and heading for Winchester. At Winchester we caught the light and when we got started again Dalmatian had to slow down to get the salt our of his eyes. That left Minotaur in the front and he soon had Highlander and I drafting him and heading for Leon. As we crossed Leon Dragon Slayer had been trying to pull the group up to us but we were going to make the saddle climb first. I could see Barracuda break from the group but I didn’t think he had time to catch us before we crested. Highlander fell off on the climb and I pulled up to help Minotaur. I was leading when Barracuda caught us and rolled by. Minotaur chased him over the top and I was well behind as we started down towards Leon. I caught them at the light and pulled all the way to the gas station on Menifee.

We regrouped with everyone at the gas station and once they were all ready I took them out onto Menifee and headed south towards Holland. I had decided to make a run at Revival today. It has been a long time since I pushed the hill on Holland and I was planning on getting my legs working starting with today. Highlander and Digger we out front at we headed south and they crossed Holland first with Earth Dog right behind them. Earth Dog pulled out front at the hill kicked up and Minotaur pulled in behind him with Dragon Slayer following him. Ferret had joined us at the gas station and he attacked the hill next followed by Barracuda. Once they went by I pulled in front of Earth Dog only to get caught by Dragon Slayer and Minotaur. That took some wind out of my sails a bit and Earth Dog caught me but I got back up and pulled ahead and managed to crest right behind Minotaur. We didn’t wait at the top this time and I ended up chasing Minotaur to Scott where Dragon Slayer, Ferret and Barracuda were waiting. Once again we regrouped and watched as Highlander rolled by heading for Haun. We ended up regrouping with Highlander at Haun.

We decided to send Digger off as a rabbit heading north on Haun and gave him a good head start. Dalmatian was next to chase him and Earth Dog took off to give chase as soon as I let the group go. It took me a while to catch Earth Dog but I caught hom just before he caught Digger. Took over out front and pulled hard towards Holland only to get caught by Barracuda and his own personal train. We made it to Holland and I slowed to let Centaur catch up with Digger and Damlatian. Centaur and I couldn’t quite catch the rest of the group because of the lights but we got to the gas station on New Port on the same light at they went though. Once again we took a break to regroup and refill the water bottles.

As we got ready to head west on Newport we split into two groups and I stayed with the back four. We were about 100 yards behind the leaders as we got to Bradley and stayed that far back all the way north towards McCall. I have been cruising Bradley the few time we had been ion it but I pushed a bit as we tried to close on the lead group. I rounded the corner on McCall and headed for the freeway with the leaders in sight. I closed to within one light and got caught after they made their way through. I did see highlander on Hospital Hill and closed to within 25 yards before we crested but I could catch him. We started down the hill at I did pull up to him at the light on Menifee where we saw the rest of the group waiting for us. We regrouped after the light.

We decided to take Briggs to the dump road and head east back towards Leon. We had to ride through the little patch of dirt on Briggs but we all made it to the paved part of the dump road safely. We were all together till Minotaur picked up the pace and separated Ferret, Dragon Slayer, Highlander and I from the rest of the group. We made it by Leon and Dragon Slayer had to fall off because of a sore knee. I stayed with him and pulled by to pull him to the top of the rise and onto the flag sprint. Minotaur and Ferret got away and Barracuda brought the rest of the group up to us. We started the sprint but got mixed up at least twice and almost clipped each other till we separated into a long line. Dragon Slayer and Barracuda chased Minotaur and Ferret to Winchester farms and there we regrouped and had a coffee break. As soon as we were ready we started east once more and headed for California Street.

A group of four of us headed north on California and made it to Stetson. I looked back as we turned onto Stetson and saw that Barracuda, Ferret, Centaur, Dalmatian and Digger were well off of the pace. I went back to get them as Barracuda and Ferret caught me. Centaur pulled up next to me about halfway to Warren. I stopped at Warren and picked up Dalmatian and Digger before pulling them to Cawston and then over to Sanderson. I took us back to Lowes and started towards the back of the store only to notice I had lost Dalmatian. It turned out he had a flat as we made the turn so I went back while he changed it. The two of us ended up riding back to the bike shop were some of the group was waiting before I headed for home, lunch and a hot shower. It was a great improvement over Wednesday.

By: C. Kent, aka (Superman) Did anyone besides me notice that it was 45 degrees at 6am this morning? Not only that, it was only 47 when I left the house heading towards the bike shop. I already knew Dragon Slayer would be waiting for us at Lakewood market. I also knew that Minotaur and Bulldozer would be chasing us on the Expressway because it was Minotaur that had asked for the ride. One other thing I knew was that from the moment I headed down the street the beta blockers had control and I would be fighting it all day. I got to the shop and found Digger and Earth Dog waiting. We talked for a while and thought maybe we were the only riders heading west today. Highlander showed up just as we were ready to leave and we started north on Lyon to got to the Expressway. I pulled to Esplanade and we waited at the light briefly before heading to Seventh and on to Cottonwood. I continued out front till we got to Ramona Boulevard and gave the lead to Highlander and Earth Dog. They pulled us to Sanderson and to the light on the expressway. I started us west and pulled part of the way to Warren where Highlander took over. Highlander got us past Warren and then to Bridge where Earth Dog took a turn at the front. We stayed in a pretty good pace line most of the way to Hansen except for the pace mile or so where Digger faded. We pulled into the Lakewood market and met Dragon Slayer and stopped for a break and waited for Bulldozer and Minotaur.

We didn’t have to wait long for Digger and only a minute or two before Bulldozer and Minotaur arrived. They must have been pushing pretty hard and if we hadn’t stopped at Hansen they more than likely would have caught us on the rollers in front of Lake Perris.

Highlander had to head back as we got ready to ride over the rollers and Digger decided to leave with him. I thought about bailing out myself but I figured I would push through and head around the lake. We waved as the two riders headed east and I led the way onto the Expressway. I pulled as hard as I could to the beginning of the rollers and fell moff as we started to climb. It was my intention to save my legs for the ride behind the lake and the very long run on Gilman Springs. Still the first roller took a lot out of me and I only partly recovered by the second roller. Earth dog waited for me and we rode together to Evens where the rest of the group was waiting for us. I took the time to remove my jacket and started towards the Mickey Ds on Iris.

Dragon Slayer pulled for me as we made our way to Mickey Ds and we took a bathroom break before Earth Dog led us west towards the front gate of Lake Perris. I got on his wheel and we made our way to Redlands road before curving around and heading towards Alessandro. As we curved into the wind from the north I started to run out of fuel and could feel my legs getting tired. Dragon Slayer pulled me onto Alessandro and we stopped so I could rest. I had thought I would just trail the group back out to Gilman Springs but they put me in the pack and got me to Gilman a lot faster than I could have made it on my own.

Once we were headed east on Gilman I was tucked neatly into the pace line and holding my own. We got within sight of the rise leading to Bridge road and my energy level just dropped. I was going to fall off and let the rest of the group go but Bulldozer gave me a hand and kept me in the line all the way up the grade and then got in front to pull me to Sanderson. Once on Sanderson Earth Dog took off and headed for the Expressway and at first I followed but I knew it was time to conserve energy if I wanted to get home without falling off of my bike. Dragon Slayer headed west on the Expressway while Bulldozer and Minotaur went east and I followed Earth Dog back to Lyon and south. I followed Earth Dog back to Seventh street before I broke off and headed for home to get my wife to an appointment. I picked a easy to spin gear and made it home with little fanfare and some real sore legs. Still it was a good day for a ride even if it wasn’t one of my best days.