Thoughts of biking in California do not usually include the Inland Empire, especially Riverside County. However, there are great times of the year that it can be very fun, especially in the late fall, winter and early spring times. Mike and Nancy were off to the "IE" for a mini-vacation and to visit family and friends in the first week in March. Temps were in the low 70's, clear skies, green hills and lots of fellow bicyclists and hot air balloons. They were lucky to ride in the wine country of beautiful Temecula and the countryside of Hemet one weekend. One morning proved to be a pleasant surprise as ten hot air balloons popped up on a local hill near their campground at the start of the ride. The balloons added a fun element to a fast and scenic bike ride towards Hemet and near Diamond Lake. Try biking the IE once, but not in the summer please, too hot.