Week 47

All kitted up ready to roll at 6.15, downing the last of the caffine when the pitter patter upset plans of a Saturday lap. Bugger! Texts shooting backward and forward amongst the troops confirmed a no go. Ten minutes later the shower had subsided and clouds appeared less threatening. Ummed and ahh'd for ages, nearly got the bike ready again, then another shower confirmed the original decision. (seems not so much rain to stop Nick, Barnsey & Keith to brave the elements) A few others skipped the ride, but lured by an addiction to caffine and/or banter (or the magnetic personality of the bunch?!) , joined them for a session at the Butterfactory, the Barnsey & Temple "think tank" in full flight.

Dull, grey and windy Sunday morning, so like a strung out junkie needing a fix, set off down the road at 6am to join Temple & Daniel (needing to fulfil 10 am roles at home) for an early OC lap. Concensus on a single file effort with a battle against a 18 - 28 wsw, we took turns for the circuit (Daniel 10% up, clearly on performance enhancing supplements!) Wind favoured in Mitchell & Boundary, but a tough adversary in all other directions. Steve Fairless spied rolling down Boundary was spotted again doing lap 2 when we got to Rudd Rd. All worked hard into the wind heading west, and were rewarded with a 34.7 over the 40k's.  I left Temple & Daniel to their domestic deeds, and peeled off at the lake to see who may front. Nick, Danny, Graham, Chris & Ryan braved the chilly breeze (now swinging a bit southwest) for a 45k lap. Again (and in the same direction, just to keep me giddy) the best leg was east and north.  THM spied on the TT in Mitchell (the Fairless machine as well, nearing his lap 2 finish) , Miah TT'ing a few k's later.  We rounded up a slower group of Mooroopna-ites at the eastern end of Mitchell and plugged on. Again, in Ford Rd, the going was tough, thankfully at a slightly more relaxed pace.  Just to inspire, rolling east past Connelly estate was Mr F on lap 3!  Back to the Butterfactory for us mortals with 45k @ 32 under the belt, caffine, banana bread, lemon tart and scrambled eggs eagerly ingested.  Home with 107 clocked up.

Monday felt like winter revisited. Dragged the 3/4 knicks out of hibernation for the knees to survive 12 degrees. 9 brave souls at the start, great to see Fee back in (conservative) action. Bart waiting up the road after an early 30k leg (Chaddy awol, Minto retreating home without the added P&W circuit, Big Pete waiting further out) A steady & familiar tour, Greendog successful in dragging the Goose along. (welcome back big fella)  Good to see Choppy hammering away anti-clockwise, preparing for a return to the bunch i hope. Sly on the TT rolled to the front, his equal 2nd in the Vets aggregate must have frightened Pete to retreat down Archer Rd. Bart & Sly shared a lot of the engine driving, nice for the group to finish together, Sly easing ahead across the line. A 35.5 average thrashed the Melbourne bound train by 6 minutes.

A fine 23 degrees urged a late arvo lap on Monday, specifically instructing myself to tap quietly away on a gentle toaster loop. An easy roll with a light breeze from behind out to the Emu, but enthusiasm had over-ridden logic holding 36 eastbound.  Felt the breeze strengthening turning south, i dont know what drives the mind & muscles to hammer out the lap on the pain barrier? The i-pod provided some motivation with the Wombats and Trial Kennedy and pondered Tame Impala's "Solitude is bliss" (it isn't, but the song is.) Turned into Mitchell Rd and found two newborn kittens in the middle of the road! Couldn't help but think they'd been put there (sick people) Earned a humane society cheer placing them out of harms way. Felt the legs would suffer tomorrow but pushed on anyway (contrary to specs imposed on self at the start) a great reward to clock 50 @ 34.1 into a w/sw blowing at 15. Will see what pain tomorrow brings.

Only a couple of degrees warmer than Monday, but felt a lot milder. Sighted the Vince & Steve roadshow on an extra 15. Couldabeens poularity rising with 20 assembled in the carpark. Great to have Matt back again, a self confessed "buffet boy" now needing to shed a bit of ballast?  Nev made a welcome return too (divorcing Area 51 for the day, even ditching a lap with Brett for our company!)  Big Gav had the turbo wound up (last nights suffering revisited) Bo keen to set fire to Matt as well.  Turned into Boundary Rd and a km down the road Trev's light ejected into the weeds. Pace eased for the retrieval, then back on the gas for a belt down Mitchell, steady speed and smooth roll-overs helping all.  It was Nev vs Rocket to the finish, Rob's lethal kick winning the day. 36.2 av got us all back with time to spare.

Got ready to roll Tuesday night and noticed a small nail in the rear tyre (amazingly, no pressure lost). A lightning tube change and down to the start with just a minute to spare!  15 rolled out, 10 more hooking on over the next 10k. (unfortunately 2 Ford chicanes tonight) Brendan a bit of a monkey half wheeling, but a long stretch into the headwind whittled him down to behave. Good to chat with Chris, Sean, Jamie & co. So many remarkable people who've turned their lives around a bike. Quite inspiring. Asked the young chicane (politely) to f off for the sprint (in light of last weeks shambles) which seems to have been heeded. Nath, Sly, Chris & Bomber providing lots of kilowatts at Arcadia Downs, the bunch strung out in the last km. Sean's mule-like kick got the chocolates, 36.5 av earning us all dinner.

An early start at work on Wednesday, regrettably missing my favourite recovery ride. Had to travel that way for work and spied Norm, Marion & Chris plugging away like true soldiers, headlights visible from almost 2k's away.

Had no luck sleeping early Thursday, stirring at 3.30, climbing out of the cot at 4, breakfast at 4.10, so (of course) a 35k loop at 4.30! A worthwhile venture for the stunning sunrise, the orange glow in the sky with the moons' massive silvery crescent above.  Different to "fly blind", not being able to see the speedo.  My favourite gadget the i-phone providing Caribou's Swim album to entertain the ears.  Back into town with a 32.2av and in time for a massive grouping of Couldabeens at the startline, a record 22 today.  Newbie Matt introduced himself (Trev had suggested he join in) but was struggling to hang on in the 1st leg. He relinquished till fitness allows, the "allstars" team steaming onward and eastward.  Great to have the Goose and the Greendawg along, respectful team players despite greater ability.  Graeme, usually seen on lake group rides, made the pilgrimage from Mooroopna and little Tom (Tri club) were welcomed aboard. Trev absent (on his NZ trek) but a great team spirit enjoyed in a decent push around the course.  Very pleased to see Choppy again, putting the effort in anticlockwise.  In conrod straight Goose and the Dawg hit the gas very early (spreading dread in the ranks) but had Mattys' and Robs horsepower to deal with when they'd run low on steam with 100 to go. The rocket took the honours again, i was delighted just to finish 65k's before 7am.  A decent 35.8av.

A personal goal for this year was achieved on the roll home, the odometer rolling over 20,000k's five weeks earlier than expected. (18,7 and 18,8 in previous years) I think madness helps!

Lots going on inside the skull lately (not worth elaborating on) , so opted for a quiet toaster lap lateThursday arvo.  Big Hilly rolled past effortlessly (training for the Wagga Tri) even had long-time-no-see Silvio hanging on the back for a bit. Young Hayley recovering from a tibia stress fracture (ouch!) was in IMNZ training so happily joined her for the loop. Her puncture repaired in the latter part of Mitchell and a steady tap home wound up an enjoyable 50k's.  Good to get those k's under the belt, as Friday morning served up a damp and miserable serve of weather, riding unthinkable.

Week 47  449km  16568 calories  (368 pieces of sushi......yuuummmmm!)  34.1 av

Quote of the week  "More people should apologise, and more people should accept apologies when sincerely made"  Greg LeMond (3 times TdeF winner)

Special runner up quote of the week "What's the use of having a Garmin if you forget to turn the friggin thing on!" Ironman Ayto

Week 46

Saturday was ideal conditions to ride, 14 degrees and barely a puff of wind. Got to the start a bit early, 11 keen for a quiet amble (including Barnsey, blaming secondhand knees). Waited till 7 for the regulars, not dissapointed with 16 of the party faithful attending. Nice to have Forgey, Dave, John B and David B return, a wide-bodied Matt too! Serious work to be done with Nev (on a flash TT rig) and Robbo in the pack, but missing the sarcasm of Temple & Daniel (entered the Kelly Classic) and Marion's sharp wit (at a family wedding). The usual well drilled ride at a fair rate of knots, hats off to Hoffy, Chris and Norm. Oncoming Cats were strewn in tatters across Mitchell Rd, courtesy of  Rabbits impatience. A touch faster turning into Boundary Rd, not a lot of talking going on in the high 30's. (I'd guess some would be preoccupied with oxygen intake) Interesting to observe the different styles in riding, from the rock solid smoothness of Norm to Vince's John Wayne stature, and everything in between. Finally to Wanganui Rd (after a long intermission for traffic) the rollovers became far more frequent, much to Bo's dislike! Robbo gentlemanly did lead-out duty, Vince in hot pursuit with Bo & i tagging for position. Dean peeled off forVince with 50 to go, i missed 1st by a tyre, Kel an excellent 3rd.  Averages keep climbing, this week a fine 35. The Butterfactory was packed inside and out, good company and coffee a fitting end. Gools informs me Sully is still quite sore after last weeks t-boning, get well soon.



#32 South Yarra's Elly Franks

Had a peek at the 70.3 Triathlon on Sunday, (my self proclaimed rest day) nearly $6M of bikes in the compound!  More carbon fibre than an F1 grid. Watched the start of the bike leg, the elite bringing our humble efforts into stark reality. A great effort by the Tri Club to put on such a class act.




After a big weekend of Ironman, perhaps there'll only be a few doing a quiet lap with the P&W's on Monday. Ha ha, how wrong! (about as wrong as Berlisconi's future political prospects) 9 had lined up early, Kel. Bo. Leon and Steve from the Couldabeens joined regulars Scotty, Bart, Minto, Cougs and Rabbit, the big fish up the road half a k. A light tail wind assisted outbound on Old Dookie, setting the pace high. There was little let-up in Boundary, even with Rabbit a bit shagged from yesterday. Not a lot of talk at the pointy end, oxygen being used for the blood supply rather than chat. Mitchell Rd passed quickly, Raftery too. Bart took the chocolates capitalising on Rabbits horsepower expenditure the day before. A quiet 30k Monday lap turned into a 38 average.  All the way home before i heard the train horn. Another pair of Fortezza Tri-Comp's fitted, only 1800k's before one was assigned to the bin, badly cut from glass. (the other becoming a spare should i have a repeat misfortune) That's 10 tyres for the year to date.

Another big turn-up for the Couldabeens Tuesday. 18 to sing a happy birthday to Steve, now officially over the hill.  A muscle friendly gentle build up out Channel Rd, but whacked a big pot hole (not called or pointed to) thankfully not busting a wheel. Great to have Tim back after a hospital reconditioning. Funny to think only 12 months ago this group numbered half a dozen on a great day. Southbound in Boundary Rd when Daniels rear tube (on the bike) had a severe flatulence problem.  Mr mechanic Trev to the rescue for a lightning change, Cats passing just as we started off after repairs.  Only a k into Mitchell Rd when Daniel punctured again (must love the attention) but waved us on, quite a few against the clock. Apparently there was a third puncture repaired not long after!! Trying to outdo Chris' efforts? Those not under time constraint stayed, but those against time continued.  Down to just 10 now, but a fine engine running on strong cylinders. We'd gradually reeled in the bunch of (16) Cats and chose (wisely) to stay at the back while they wound up for Conrod straight. Rob, Glenn and Ryan had a dip at the end, i chose to keep out of harms way of the ragged scatter at the rear. A handy 36.3 average (still craving a gentle lap though!)

Tuesday arvo was a good taste of summer with 30 degrees and a light west- northwest breeze. 16 started at the psychiatric wing of the hospital (how appropriate!) picking up another 10 along the way.  Came across Jamie, Axle, Mitch, Gools and a few others slowly building speed a bit beyond the toaster. We all ingested a chemical cocktail at the Boundary Rd orchard courtesy of an active spray pump. I guess we wont be getting codling moth and leaf blotch now!  Reached for the bidon to satisfy a thirst, but some fool had left it on the kitchen table hadn't he?!  A dry ride tonite. Pace went up and down a bit, proportional to the fitness of who was on the front.  Sly motoring along well, recovering quickly from a big stack while racing a few weeks ago.  As has become de rigeur, speed bumped up after Melbourne Rd, and just beyond Arcadia Downs many had adopted single file position. Sly had become the solo engine driver, many keen to see him empty the big tank. Young Mitch took line honours, Sean nipping at his heels for 2nd, i just made it past a big battle to take bronze.  (again, it took 58.5km/h just for the minor place. Damn these lads are fit!) 37.4 another quick average, grateful to know tomorrows' will be more kind.

Old master Chris was keen to put in a (restrained) Wednesday lap, and despite some dark blue/grey clouds rolled around with Cougs & i. The odd spit from the heavens spelt trouble, but one should make lemonade from lemons, a positive attitude denying what seemed an inevitable drowning. Optimism was soon squashed by reality in Boundary Rd, the spots multiplying rapidly to become a shower.  Took pity on the Cats/P&W combined bunch that had passed southbound near the pub, they had extra k's to complete before they got home to dry off.  Big sympathies to Ironman Ayto who'd tapped out 65k's in almost constant rain, minus the promised attendance of Princess (doona snuggler!) It's a bit alarming to grab a fistful of brake when back in town, to find them almost non-existant with dripping wet wheels and pads. However, made it home to a most welcome shower and change..

Rolled out to the Couldabeens Thursday morning. Usually see a few Area 51ers heading northward on the way, but this morning Steve & Vince were on another of their magical mystery tours (knocking over early extra km's) 14 were keen to start, quite a few cars about without headlights on in the early hours is alarming. A sensible 1st leg, but someone hadn't seperated Bo & Vince who were quick to battle for supremecy up  front. The hot topic was about the cold (11) , and the decision on how much to wear (glad i chose the arm warmers, wished i'd chosen the 3 quarter dacks)  Thankfully the bunch was puncture free today. Came across Greendog on an anti-clockwise mission (turns out he'd slept in and missed the start). Glenn G was going great guns, by Arcadia Downs he almost bolted at the front. I went for broke with 400 to go, but all 53km/h did was lead-out the Rocket and Vince (who'd capitalised on the tow, then jumped with 50 left...happy birthday tomorrow Rob, thanks heaps Vince!).  Pleased with a 35 average, thrashed the train by 4 minutes too.

Thursday night had 14 front to the Library. Good to see Nick attending for a change, the regulars including Jamie, Dalton, Sean, Bomber, Nath & Trev there to fill the ranks.  Picked up the same number again in the travels to the Emu, one being the young Ford mobile chicane! (eagle eyed concentration needed).  Steigy, Mitch, Chris & co appeared after the church, pleased i'd remembered the bidon tonite, a steamy 26 degrees with a light north east wind. Gools the last to latch on, we headed south on Boundary then west into Mitchell.  A road crew had repaired the Mitchell pot-holes, but had left plenty of loose stones to bring on the caution.  A nice steady ride in the mid to high thirties, made enjoyable with the humidity dropping. Crossed Melbourne Rd to have the pungent young chichane go silly out front on some strange mission. 200 later he blew apart and was rounded up and the serious mission of speed was on. The regular drivers did their duty on the front, some chose to sit on at the rear, but Mr Chichane did a spectacular job of heading near the front and exploding, keeping to his namesake, right when the hammer went down! Bomber & Mitch darted left, me and others to the right, but Chris & Birchy had benefitted for the 1, 2, ahead of the melee. Glad to finish 5th and upright, 35.4av and a 54 max.

Observed the Vince & Steve roadshow again in the early hours on my roll out Friday, quite a turn up for the P&Wstart. Lots of Couldabeens there to up the numbers, several P&W's arriving from an earlier 30k sojourn. A few were waiting a km up the road too, more factions than a politcal party lately! I got the 2nd leg with Ayto (and what a lousy draft he is now, like hiding behind a matchstick!)  Blighty's new TT Giant most desirable, bargain price too i believe.  A halt for traffic (rare) at the Boundary Rd turn, would be nice to see through all the tall grass on the roadside. Good to catch up with Stace, Minto & Chaddy, everyone absorbing a great summers morning. (missing the razor wit of Fee and Meags though). Recent patching at the eastern end of Mitchell was put out as a cautionary reminder, quite a well behaved bunch today and a steady rate of knots too. The last few k's went well (courtesy of Chaddys smooth technique) , a gentle wind up helped Big Pete to cruise across the line 1st. Good to have the team finish close together, beating the train by 9 minutes too! 37.7 a nice end to the week, Ayto's 60k @ 35+ worth a gong.

Week #46   382 km  14,095 calories ; 1409 jellybeans (or 3.5kg) 35.6 km/h average

Quote of the week "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, then success is sure"  Mark Twain

Week 45

At last there's enough daylight to leave the light kit at home. Not quite warm enough for the summer gear but that will soon come. Saw 11 scurry off 15 minutes early, but 17 joined in for the 7am Saturday ride. Forgey returned to the ranks again (we must be doing something right) but Chris did a sleep-in (tried a dash up Channel Rd to latch on but missed us - chased the tri club ride and held on for a rapid return to town).  Cougs set a cracking pace for the first leg, a hint of a south east breeeze the only resistance. A big bunch of cats headed west, our pack well driven by Matty & Daniel in the absence of Bo & Leon (shamefully gone fishing!)  Boundary Rd had a favourable zephyr, 38 clicks none too difficult. Umpteen different discussions on the go as i rolled up toward the front, everything from international politics to outright bulls#&t!  Masterblaster Nev joined in stealthfully after his Area 51 thrash. Team spirit was considerate after the Numurkah Rd pause, a gentle wind up for all to get on. Quite a bit of deck shuffling in Wanganui Rd, but in Rudd, Nev & Temple were at the business end with 400 to go, and i scored the box seat. Kicked with 80 to go to take the chocolates, aided by Nev gracefully not challenging and the Daniel & Matty artillery being well back. Top effort by Temple and Steve, Marion rounding off the top 10. A mass takeover of the outside tables at the Butterfactory for an enjoyable yarn and coffee.  News via the Cats that Sully had been t-boned by a car near McDonalds, apparently some bruising to the ribs, a chunk of skin off and a busted frame. (thankfully home and recovering, bones intact, later that day)

A big dose of summer Sunday morning, 21 degrees had the short gear out. Rolled down to the lake and found Daniel, Chris, Graeme, Temple, Scott and Danny ready to tackle a strengthening northerly.  All agreed on a slightly different course than the (worn out?) toaster loop. Out to the Cosgrove quarry and back via New Dookie, Old Dookie and Channel Rd to top off 50k's.  Had multiple servings of half wheeling from Scott, quite a sweat worked up too from a warm wind (NNE 17-24). Good to travel a different course, the lads holding a steady 33.  Came across the cats northbound in Quarry Rd as we headed south. Back down New Dookie Rd a few were showing signs of wear. Great smooth turns by Chris, Daniel & Temple saved the day for those wanting a breather on the back. The Cats had looped around and were on a chase, but we opted to let them go onward, amused by their random formation.  Not far down Channel, we picked up their fallout, Anthony and Simon being uncermoniously spat out the back with Cobble's tempo.  Almost home,  i copped a beesting on the bridge of the nose (later to inflame the eyelids as a strange botox treatment!). Coffee and yarn spinning distracted.

Mondays P&W lap had low attendance, many tapering for the half ironman.  Good to have Kel & Bo join Chaddy, Fee, Marion & Griffo for the circuit. Big Pete & the Rabbit were waiting half a km up, but Mick chose to ride 100m back. 13 degrees felt mild, heading south had some resistance. Shed several tears (no, not Bo's relentless pace) from eyes puffed up by bee yesterday. THM has improved heaps, much training for H.I.M. i'd guess. Fee downplays her performance, but a genuine quick chick she is. The struggle eased a little turning westward but Mitchell is relentlessly long some days. At least there's an earlier sunrise to enjoy the scenery rather than darkness.  Bo & Kel exited stage right at Melbourne Rd, hard to sight cars coming in the half light when headlights aren't on. Pace picked up on Roubaix corner (half wheeling was amplified to whole biking unfortunately) the Rabbit ditching his quiet lap to stretch out the bunch for a fast finish. 34.7av too quick for the train, crossing the line with 5 minutes to spare.

Very humid start to Tuesday, 20 degrees at 5.30 with a 14k northeast breeze. The threat of thunderstorms didn't deter 20 Couldabeens fronting for a record attendance.  Goose (yesterdays birthday boy) & Greendog (on a flash new Specialised steed) welcomed too. A steady start for leg 1, struggled to level with Steve champing at the bit on leg two.  Not many turns out front with such a big roll up. Boundary Rd was Easy Street back in the pack with the wind behind. Nice too in Mitchell. The TT crew made their way past to the howling tune of Wookies carbon disc.(primed for the weekends half ironman) Hats off to Shirms, Guysy, Bart and Rabbit for a respectful & safe pass.  Tempo held in the low 40's for most of Mitchell, almost a pity to have Leon, Daniel, Bo & Kel turn off at their respective roads. Good bunch values held after Melbourne Rd, the crew keeping the family together all the way to the finish. A great kick by Rob at the end to take victory, i just held off Ryan for 2nd, Greendog and Goose close behind.  37.2 our best average to date, i was almost to Balaclava Rd before the train very faintly honked!

The days thunderstorms abated by mid afternoon, conditions good for a hospital bunch 42k lap. 10 lined up for the start, another 11 joining in by the 9km mark. Good to see Walshy back in action. The horsepower of Mitch, Killer and Chris picked up the pace at the Emu, i drew the short straw pairing with Mitch for a decent hammering. When breathing restored to normal i had a good yarn with the lads. Interesting to learn of Mike's stent a few years back (new found respect for his efforts).  The overcast conditions saved the usual squint into the setting sun, Mitchell Rd getting shorter holding 40.  A great 36 average took us to Conrod straight against a light headwind. Couldn't quite match the young legs of Mitch 1st, Sean 2nd and Chris 3rd but 4th was quite palatable. A 36 average was cool too, for a warm night. (clocked 19k for the year on the way home, target within sight now.)

Glad the no-pressure recovery ride had come around again. Another mild morning to roll quietly round. All the familiar sights heading to the start ; the flags atop Autobarn, the bakers car, a regular jogger, the rubbish truck, the broken stubbies!  Norm, Marion & Chris were keen to join in the gentle lap, a bit of a northeaster was keen to make Channel Rd some resistance though. An awesome sunrise to view, taking the mind off the breeze. Watched a dozen P&W's heading south on Boundary Rd (condolences to Ryan, no bugger stopped for his puncture) , a big bunch of Cats 5 minutes later. Nice to get the helping hand of tailwind assistance homeward. (legs said thankyou for not being punished)

Have had dramas recently with tyres suffering the shower scene from "Pyscho" on  broken glass lining the streets (left picture). Trouble is, grit and more glass find their way into these cuts for more punctures to add to the woes.  I've tried all sorts over the past weeks, the best being Selleys shoe glue, worked into a (cleaned) cut with a toothpick and left to cure overnight. (centre pic)  The right photo shows the same repaired cut 546km later (no troubles at this site since). Just need something to stop punks hurling stubbies!

Thursday morning was quite damp, and although the sky was clearing at 5.30, i took the soft (and safest) option of a rare sleep-in.  Well, till 6.15 anyway.  But like a strung-out druggie, the craving to murder a few km's grew stronger through the day. Checked into the library for a 6pm departure, 12 regulars waiting. Walshy & Johnny were dedicated enough to return again, even Vince made the start, just. At nearly every kilometre another one or two joined on, Robbo, the Eggman, Birchy, Steve, Dave, Sprinter, Kev etc., etc., to finally make a train of 27. Just my luck, i inherited the headwind for my turn at the front at Emu corner. A steady tempo remained for the lap, a good car call at the Mitchell turn avoided catastrophy.  Most got down to business with 3km to go, touching 50km/h at the last corner. A young kid on a mountain bike (deliberately being a chicane) caused a scatter with 500 to go (thankfully without incident) the youth of Chris & Nathan taking the top two spots, Birchy & Brendan 3rd & 4th.  My 58km/h only deserved 5th. (1.19.44 for the 50km made dinner justifyable)

P&W's were popular Friday, an influx of Steve, Vince, Kel, Bo, Leon and Ryan from the Couldabeens to swell the ranks, totalling 26 for the 12 degree lap.  Fee was all colour co-ordinated on a TT Merida and got the vote for sharpest looker, good to see Hayley back after a long recovery, resplendant on the Argon. Minto won tough trooper trophy (fractured his hand two weeks back and still belts out the k's without plaster).  A supersmooth lead out by the Couldabeens, Rabbit waiting up the road with his posse of earlybirds to hook on the back.  Dead animal day today, a small fox flattened near the pigfarm, even a skiddled skippy at the bottom of Boundary Rd!  Long time no see lean lad Ayto was hammering the pace with style, a decent & smooth rate held by all for the length of Mitchell. The boost was triggered in the last 2km, i was happy to view progress from the rear, legs refusing to go over 48. No dissapointment though, 36.7 average more than satisfactory to finish another week.

Week 45.  409km   15092 calories (11 family blocks of chocolate  or 2.83kgs)       34.9 av.

Quote of the week  " Pain is temporary. It may last a minute or an hour or a day or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take it's place. If i quit however, it lasts forever".  Lance Armstrong.

Week 44

The forecast rain looked ominously imminent, but something lures us into a ride. Some are drawn by fellowship, others to overdose on achievement, the pursuit of fitness,  a few crave victory, some to repair punctures? A humid 17 degrees, yet low clouds filled the sky, just  0.4mm of rain predicted by my favourite <yr.no>.  16 had queued for the OC's, Forgy and Maurie's son on their maiden voyage. Ryan arrived advising Chris was half a km back changing a puncture so the green flag was tucked away momentarily. Rode down to lend moral support (no, he's not the "Messiah" Barnsey, just a very naughty boy!) just as he was completing the task , but a dodgy valve wasn't doing his confidence any favours. The group rolled out southward aided by a light northwesterly, a bunch of 8 non-conformists leaving earlier each week (20 minutes head start this time)  Not so many Cats this Saturday, maybe the weather kept a few under their doonas? Bo was keen to monopolise the tailwind up Mitchell Rd and quickly gave Leon the lead when there was wind to tackle in Boundary. He'll keep! Chris's 2nd puncture halted us near River Rd, the 3rd puncture at the Broken bridge and the 4th just after the highway!  Would the bunch have enough tubes and CO2 canisters?!  Punctures finally fixed, then a light shower dampened enthusiasm a bit more, the thought of coffee now rose to the top of the agenda. A suggested detour down Old Dookie Rd met with approval, but metres from the turn Nick changed the plan spreading mass confusion through the tail end. New Dookie Rd was the reset route, a further light shower making a challenging leg home. Gave the guns up front a chip for the crazy pace through town, slippery roads and Saturday traffic a recipe for disaster. (the earlier group had met with such fate on the slippery Canterbury Ave roundabout, Tony with elbow injuries, another with 'tarmacitis' to the head)  Just to top off the ride, i scored a puncture arriving for coffee! A sliver of glass lodging in the (already) cut front tyre. (experimenting with Selleys "shoe glue" to fill these cuts, preventing glass/grit re-enrty, photos next week)  Despite the countless pitstops and rain, good coffee & banter afterward.   Bike clean-up due again.

A few opted for an early lap Sunday, Daniel, Marion, Temple & Chris taking on an increasingly strengthening southwest wind (18-24km/h) on a Couldabeens circuit. Daniels' tenacious torque was hard to match, i had a real battle in Mitchell Road. Had 20 billion neurons in overload, left hemisphere saying give up, right hemisphere drowning the negatives with dopamine. (weird how the brain can rule) Quite a few other riders out, even the Walrus spotted in Raftery Rd.!  Lap finalised, it was great to enjoy a coffee and chat with the crew, the finer points of smooth rotation discussed at length.

Woken by savage southerly winds Monday morning, gusting up to 41km/h. Abandoned ideas of a P&W lap, opting for a solo reverse circuit. (i don't need the cruelty factor of that headwind!)  Rolling out Channel Rd the distinct aroma of "eau de blood & bone" in recently worked soil (where once stood an orchard) nearly melted nasal hairs. The side wind shoved the 50mm wheels about, but heaven arrived turning north for a couple of kms in Boundary. Barely an effort to maintain 36+ with the wind behind. Spied tough lads Rabbit, Aka and two Scottys bravely southbound, a fair contingent of cats two kms later.  27km completed at 32.4 was enough.

A special Couldabeens get-together for Melbourne Cup day, the lure of breakfast at the Butterfactory post ride was enough to enthuse 17 starters. A 15-20km/h southerly tested on the first leg, but relief for Mitchell & Boundary Rds.  Went back for Lance who'd fallen back at the top of Mitchell rd, but he waved us on after two unsuccessful attempts at holding on. Vince & Rob were relishing the tail wind, touching 46 by the Broken River bridges. The left turn into Ford Rd brought reality back, mid 30's was the pace home. (wind had swung to the SSE @ 24-32 by then) After a brief halt for traffic at Numurkah Rd, the steath bomber Nev arrived quietly on the back of the bunch (straight after a big circuit with Area 51 by the way). The engine drivers bolted quickly, not much thought for those on the back just crossing the road. A hard slog to the finish with the bunch strung out, but a good grouping of the tailenders made the distance to see Rob take the chocolates, Nev 2nd and Daniel 3rd.  34.3 av. A really good get-together at the Butterfactory, lots of hearty breakfasts enjoyed with Norms' (significant) birthday cake for dessert.

Wasn't predicting a big turn-up for the hospital group on a public holiday evening, correct assumption with only 5 waiting. Just back on the bike after a big injury, Matt was happy to sit on, Axel, Jamie & co enjoying the assisting and strengthening SW wind (18-35km/h) heading east. Work was to be done after the emu though, turns became shorter and pace abated. Jamie & i shared the tow truck duties after the toaster, Steve & Chris arriving as back-up in Boundary Rd were most welcomed (but they continued on for a big circuit when we turned at Channel Rd)  A pleasant change to roll home without a sprint, keeping the crew together. A 33.6 a far cry from the hurt normally handed out! On the way home a 'thump thump thump' developed in the front tyre, (thought it a lump of tar picked up) but a fractured ply (from last weeks puncture slash) had balooned to render a 1800km tyre useless! About as funny as a Qantas chairmans' payrise.

Looked forward to Wednesdays recovery ride as always. Summer could hurry up though, only 10 degrees for a November morning is a dud deal. Guess we'll be sooking about hot weather before too long.

A whole 1 degree warmer on Thursday morning. 13 Couldabeens set off, Ryan running a few moments late was spotted by the eagle eye of Marion, true team spirit shown by taking a slow build up to let him catch on. Bo had sucummed to a bout of gastro, Rob & Vince more than making up for his absence! A stunning sunrise of orange cloud against a sky going pale from deep blue was worth getting out of bed for. Good to have Gavin & Glenn back on board. Paired with Steve today, a rapidly improving lad in his apprenticeship. Stops for traffic at nearly every intersection didn't impede a good average of 33.7, the rocket showing Vince how to master the sprint finish. Considered and wise words from Temple was a fine conclusion to a fine ride. Train driver finally had us stop at the boom gates.

Great intentions to ride an anticlockwise loop and turn to join the library group on Thursday night. Had covered 9km when a sudden and rapid puncture dashed enthusiasm. A nasty 7mm slash in the sidewall (slowly balooning) prompted a return home to fit a spare tyre. Just completed by 5.55pm and got to Tarcoola by 6, so headed on the usual course, thinking the group would soon catch (maybe by DECA) Looked rearward once or twice heading eastward, but they were some distance back.  Passed sprinter Brendan on a slow warm up near Doyles, but still no bunch breathing down my neck. Kept a decent pace up but the 20 odd still hadn't made many inroads into the defecit, so thought it best to make them work really hard for their supper. A rotten SSW breeze (26-35km/h) made the leg to the toaster agony, and Boundary Rd as excessive as James Packers $45,000/day salary. The softies still hadn't caught by the pub, so bit on the bullet and hammered it out. Finally, at Euroa Rd., the bunch caught me. (A reassuring pat on the back from Chris A, Mitch and Robbo.) My tank was bone dry when they hit the loud pedal to 38 and was unceremoniously dropped off the back by 50 metres. Kept going at a fair clip though, catching 3 of the bunch "fallout"after Melbourne Rd. Mike & his mate were keen for a tow, so took them the last 3km (with a squirt to 47 at the finish) for the honour of 3rd last.  Nice to scroll up  68km @ 33 in that breeze though.

Creak, ouch & groan when the alarm went off Friday. A slow roll to the P&W start loosened the legs, 15 waiting at SPC.   Fi, Chaddy, Dutchy and the pair of Scottys had slogged out an early 35k's to syncronise perfectly as we left. Couldabeens Kel, Leon & Ryan took us the first few k's in fine smooth style. Stew and Grant (missing for months) were valued inclusions (getting in some tri- training me thinks) Last nights brutal SSW was reduced to a puff, the Fishmonger and Choppy happy to play bunch tail-lights. I'm impressed with Jeramy's improved form, polished well from rusty only a few months ago. The big Shirminator put in a brief appearance, but jumped onto the Rabbit & Guysy TT train at the Mitchell chicane.  A decent steady pace for the rest of the circuit, very thankful to score Dutchy ahead for a B-double like tow. The weeks' toil tolled in the sprint, 46 was flat chat and not enough to get near the pointy end, but finishing with mates is great reward (Minto took the honours), pleased with a bunch average of 35.6. Crossed the tracks 6 minutes before the train left.


Week 44 ;    431km      15903 calories  (144 Powerbar Gels, that's 5.9kg of them!) 32.8 average

Quote of the week  "A friend is the person who knows all about you......and still likes you"    Elbert Hubbard