Cloudy to light rain approaching ARTIC Bus Depot. Just as I was approaching the 1 exit from the Santa Ana River trail into ARTIC’s parking lot I looked up to see 2 ICE vehicles with all lights in the windshield and grill flashing, no sirens, no spot lights, no markings, blacked out windows, then I glanced over my shoulder to see if there was someone behind men’s me they were after, only to realize there was 2 more approaching rapidly lights flashing! I normally go to the far west exit to ARTIC off the trail because it doesn’t require a 180 Uturn onto a sidewalk to get to the lot. The uturn requires a super slow motion full handlebar lock turning left to make the turn without dismounting or running into the decorative plants they so thoughtfully placed! I didn’t hang around to see who they were after but after talking to some folks that worked insider ARTIC and a retired cousin who was a part of Riverside County Law Enforcement, I got the picture that OC is using Park and Rec staff who patrol the trail looking at what needs to be done and reporting everyone and their locations to ICE that don’t look housed, are espe of Mexican skin tones - including cyclist fixing flats or taking a rest that don’t appear to be caucasian. My guess is there’s probably kickbacks involved. So I waited out the patch of rain and by the time it stopped Ashley Lopez rode up and decided to ride out to the coast and back with me! She rode out from the top of Green River climb. I like riding with her as she can lay downn some solid watts when she decides toes to chase down fast roadies blowing by just like I like to do. Fast women will trigger her “Super Powers” also. I fast couple came by us about 8 miles before we reached Pacific Coast Highway and as soon ass she realized the person behind him on a road bike was a women it was game on! We caught and at one point dropped them for a while then I’m not sure what happened owned but they came back with after the last wooden bridge to the coast. They flew by… Ashley lit the after burners 🚴🏽‍♀️🚴🏾🔥 I had to let them go with a mile to the coast as she was just about to make contact. I hung a 100 yds or so off the back to see the 3 up sprint for the PCH Under Pass (a traditional finish line going coast bound on SART when one finds him or herself half wheeling with others in a teasing kind of way.) Anyhow, she dusted them both! I wish I’d had my video cam as the power she disp was epic and beautiful to witness. Also Brought back all kinds of mem of the early days of women’s road racing here in the USA. I love seeing women going all out especially when they’ve also laid down significant miles to be in such a hot moment. I also love seeing all ages and men as new comers who’ve been laying a good foundation of miles, intervals, motor pacing, sprints get their first finish line win 🥇 Had a massive wind 💨 with gust up to 22 mph the entire 50 miles back home. It didn’t help that I took advantage of tail winds coming out and laid down a lot of time and miles between 24 and up to 40 mph! By the coast I had a 19.9 mph average but a combination of the headwinds and getting too focused on hanging onto the draft of passing riders I missed a crucial feeding hour marker and suddenly the power shut off… I had to let Ashley and her tow truck go for a bit to get out some more carbs. Today was French bread split in half laced with organic honey 🍯 and Vegan Borsin cream cheese spread… soooo yummy 😋 Dropped off Ashley at her car on Green River and spun the 18 miles on home across Corona and Riverside. Overall, I’d say it was an epically beautiful and memorable day.