14 OC's turned up for Saturdays' 2 degree 38km lap and, just like Groundhog day, found myself up near the front again with half a k to go. Young Vince bolted with 350 metres to go. Now that's a worry knowing his form in younger days (has defeated a Mr Egan Esq., in BMX years ago) something told me not to let him get ahead too early. With Nev lurking in the background i knew a win was pure folly (but i should have a go anyway). In typical Laffy form, his timing was impeccable, flying past with 20 meters to go, Bo in his draft. Happy with 3rd @51.5km/h , but even happier with a double shot flat white consumed amongst the characters and exuberance at the Butterfactory.
Weather looked glum for Sunday and with last weeks big distance in mind, had a decadent sleep-in till 6.40am and a Sunday off. What a lazy bum i am! A rare opportunity of a couple of days off and school holidays with the boys saw some r&r enjoyed too.
Didn't swing the leg over till Wednesday for a moderate lap, the same again Thursday. In the depths of winter it's hard to imagine a ride in warm sunshine when muscles are responsive and air is easily breathed. Lately, each ride in the cold is a big effort, performance seems lack lustre. Hurry up October! A creaking, groaning chain from the damp conditions prompted a decent clean & lube. Have given up keeping the bike clean for the moment.
8 brave boys turned up at the library Thursday night. Nearly u-turned for home with half a dozen spits of rain but the cloud was high and patchy enough to be worth the risk. Another 6 joined up in Wanganui Rd to ease the load. Suprised to see Brendan out of a two month hibernation. An errant cat in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd slowed the bunch but Beery missed seeing all slow, yanked the brake and went horizontal into the grass. Nothing but pride dented thankfully. Bomber handed out the punishment to poor Brendan at 38km/h, the pace fairly rapid thereafter for the whole circuit. Tempo increased even more after Melbourne Rd, only 5 or 6 prepared to rotate at the front. Must admit it was difficult to dig deep (remenbered the good advice years back...never never never give up) but i came good after a few k's to finish 4th, happy to be flogged by younger lads Bomber, Deano and Nathan. 34.6km/h average over 50km in 8 degrees with a 14km/h WSW breeze.
The Friday circuit with 6 P&W's in a balmy 1 degree was enjoyable (that sounds foreign to some i know!). Ayto is a rotten draft now, having lost 19kg, Stace's puncture gave us a bit of a break (but we managed to freeze up the joints waiting) Rhino and Scotty in good form, and half wheel king Chris enjoyed a 42nd birthday present of victory on the line. Great to see Marion & Jeramy on a good pace too. A rare chance to enjoy a Friars breakfast with the crew on a weekday morning was relished. The rest of the day off ahead of me, temptation of another lap was just too strong. Set off for a reverse P&W lap and came across the "pensioners". Joined in their leisurely 28kms and indulged in yet another caffine fix.
For a wet week and a several days away i was suprised to clock 267kms. 9852 Calories burned (985 brussell sprouts...that's 23kg of 'em!) 31.1 average. Quote of the week...."One sees great things from the valley, only small things from the peak" G.K.Chesterton.
No comments:
Post a Comment