A dark trip south to the start Saturday, backpackers were even camped at shop fronts or on foot in the main street. A pair of northbound fire engines shattered the peace (an alarm clock for some). Trev was back to administer the regulations and keep the testosterone levels reasonable, Nick, BigMat, FeltMat, Cougs, Daniel, Temple, Tim, Trav, Rocket, Mike and Graeme as guest. All set forth on the 8k's of Channel Rd, Steve arriving near the school, disco hat ablaze. All were on best behaviour with the captain back in the chair, Rocket's new Cosmic's in running in mode, fit for a thrash next week? Smuggler joined in a bit north of the pub, evening up the numbers, favourable breezes for the course till the Emu, just a light south wester to tackle homeward. Shorty was a late arrival nearing the kennels (foxed by Trev's early arrival at the start), Sly was well ahead of the Cats but due to be swallowed in their pursuit. We'd collected Max just after the Alt. route for a brief tow to DECA, half a dozen were busting for a thrash to the finish and launched after the Rudd roundabout, Trav taking the podium. Our usual news, views and clues at the Lemontree; pizza dough recipes, buying a new car, pub crawls and Lance's lies on the discussion paper. (little time for this during the week). Four years to the day since my "stick incident", fingers crossed I avoid another one.
Regardless of the clocks' set time, an internal alarm stirs the slumber at 4.45 almost without fail. And on a Sunday too. Nothing prescribed for it except a ride, so off on a 6am squirt of Ford-Boundary-Channel, speed inspired by a wiff of south westerly. Not enough light to see the speedo, the legs acted as tacho whilst the grey cells calculated how much fuel to use (without running empty) Heaven knows what drives us to go like hell, thoughts of improved performance, building strength, measuring ability or just because it feels good when you stop? In Boundary Rd and against the building wind, a slow rising sun shed light on the Garmin, 180bpm was going to empty the fuel tank fast. Sheer stubborness drove the wheels till Channel Rd, but no quarter given heading west, the wind funnelling between orchards to test the tenacity. Finally got a second wind after a long battle to supress a stitch, satisfied to finish 28 in 45. Took on another loop of Archer-Boundary-Channel with Cougs to make it a figure eight. The wind we all love so much played with the head by changing course to a southerly and strengthening. It helped for the run up Boundary Rd but made work (again) for Channel. A good steady lap regardless, no doubt driven for the final kilometres with thoughts of coffee and conversation to end 65.
The regular Monday start to the working week, 12 degrees and dark, a reminder that summers' use-by date is fast running out. A train of Cats turned from Old Dookie into Boundary, just headlights visible now, faces indistinguishable with the sun a long way off rising. There'll be a short week or two of visibility when daylight savings ends, but that will quit quicker than the Pope.
A few were missing from Tuesdays tour with the Couldabeens, but FeltMat, BigMat, Tim, Cougs, Kenworth, Brent, Temple, Nick, Rocket, even Smuggler and GG made an effort. Nath was picked up near the kinder, and we nearly picked up the dog at Sellmans, heard snarling at the heels, but camoflaged in the darkness. On the turn into Boundary several noticed a bunch back at the pub, they may have made a bit of ground when we crossed River Rd, but were truely OTA in Mitchell, a big squirt in the low 40's despatching them to the distance. Ronnie jumped aboard at the olive grove (and stayed till Archer), great was the smoothness that drove the trusty steeds, the mighty warriors (& warriorette) strove mightily with crank and gear for as much as to please the gods. A wait for traffic at the highway saw seconds tick past (but at least preserved life) then back into it on the front beside Brent for the leg to Roubaix. He was keen to go further at the pointy end but I had to insist others needed a turn, Nath, Rocket, BigMat, Kenworth and more turning up the wick. Many (including me) were content to sit back in the 40's to watch Nath lead out Rocket for #1 and BigMat for #2, found ourselves reeling in many who'd expired in the last 500. All over in 46:36, certainly cleared the cobwebs.
Numbers down again at the hospital boomgates on Tuesday night, only ArgonDave and GiantClive in attendance. Seems a few have shyed away of late (ironically when the guns have flown the coop) but this trio were hopeful to add to the pack on the journey to the Emu. Just Wongy climbed aboard (admitting he was a cream puff after a long holiday), thankfully the Mark & Tony engines arrived at the church to reduce the burden of the 20km/h southwester. Wongy took a retreat down Channel, the remaining 5 set off west in River Rd, a Sprinter in the distance being the carrot. He'd done well to stay ahead for just a 6 minute head start, but we'd caught him by central Kialla Rd. Wind stopped being a burden by Arcadia Downs, Dave, Brendan & I sharing the driving seat (Mark & Tony preserving energy for a MTB event, Clive just keen to survive). Had the perfect sit till the 300 metre mark, a tail breeze helping a 58 max to score a win.
Familiar faces at SPC on Wednesday, HWK, Al, Simon, THM, Cougs, Kylie, Fee, Stace, Meags & the Pom rolled away, towing TT's Princess, Sootie, Minto, Wizz & Bart. THM was acting motivational coach for the ride, "intensity" the catch phrase (maybe on deaf ears, many content with standard proceedure) Simon surreptitiously shaved Sunday, super slippery shins speculated slick speed, some say svelt skin surely sexy. TT's departed on their thrash via River Rd, while a cast of Couldabeens headed north battled the breeze from the northeast. HWK, Stace and others ramped up the heart rate in Mitchell, THM wore thin on "intensity" and tucked in for a tow, a more considerate rate taken after Central Kialla to keep unity. Suprisingly we'd held off the TT brigade till Mt Nicolaci, the eleven held formation till the approach to Arcadia Downs. HWK & Stace hammered away, Al took the bait to copy entering Conrod. All finished without discarding team-mates, eventually engulfed by 51 at the first traffic lights.
A fairly breezy east northeast was going to make Channel Rd a push on Thursday morning, a dozen or more Couldabeens to share the load made the thought a bit easier. Luke returned and young Brent is hooked, GG was back again, most of the regular punters joined in for the toil east. Duty at the front with BigMat for leg 2, then GG (with plenty of GG's) for leg 3. I wasn't arguing for another go into the wind, happy to turn into Boundary, but of course the accelerator went down a bit more. By Mitchell Rd the ENE favoured the most and the throttle was opened into the 40's, some unsteady at the pace, some right at the limit, an orchestra of carbon wheels playing a concerto prestissimo forte, and there wasn't many arias from the choir. A few were showing signs of imminent kaboom, others keen on chasing records which was a certain recipe for splitting the pack. There was a struggle to latch onto the back of an over-enthused bunch after crossing Central Kialla, Nick & I staying back to lend a hand. Shame really, breaks up the unity and fellowship.
Closed the working week the way it started, a steady lap anti-clockwise with Cougs, watching the thrash of bunches on their Freaky Friday whilst keeping the enjoyment in ours.
Week 7 382 km 13,370 calories (243 Falafels) YTD 2,461 km
"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans" John Lennon (1940-1980)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Week 6 ; About to start lap #4
Felt an attack of Groundhog day coming on in the early hours of Saturday, time to rustle the routine. Chose a clockwise Cat lap and set off to Ford Rd, Princess, Dalton, Gentleman Graeme, Dave, Straddles, Sully, Gools, Russ, DimSim and half a dozen more were lined up in Matilda Drive for the 6.30 off. Glad to get going 'cause 11 degrees wasn't that warming. A tame little tap out to the Emu (team Trev viewed from a different perspective today) but there was some toil into the 26km/h headwind to the toaster. Didn't argue with Russ's call for a short turn, the diesel Dalton hauling us all to Boundary Rd with ease. Turns up front became more frequent for the leg to Boundary, LeighMac finally out of bed to be the 'johnnie-come-lately' near the Broken Bridges. Rotated with the immaculately attired and super smooth Princess down to Central Kialla, a short stint into the wind to Mitchell, then to Raftery for the tempo test (gritty girl Kylie spotted heading out on a late lap) A gradual build of speed to Arcadia Downs Drive kept the bunch together. Sitting third wheel into Conrod straight was a bonus, but my turn came early (as always). All the eggs went in one basket at the 650 metre mark (tried that before and failed) giving the 56/12 a big grind to fluster the felines. Fast running out of steam at 15 metres/second and convinced a few had glued to my wheel drove the determination to the finish, suprised to get the chocolates and not the box over the distance. (takes forever for the h.r. to drop from 195, lungs fit to burst for a while, but chuffed that Strava reckons 540 watts did it) A change in comradery & caffine consumption today too, a nice drop at the Gools' Welsford Cafe and a good chin wag. Fix number two at Friars allowed a yarn with Hoffy (long time no see) now driving a Dogma.
Original plans for a big ride were quickly shelved Sunday morning, nobody turned the wind off overnight. Took executive hours heading out at 8.30 with a toaster lap + extension in mind. A perfect 17 degrees and propulsion from the 20km/h tail wind pushed me out the Boulevard, spied a dozen bugs heading in with just 2 road bikes amongst them. Plotted a course to the quarry (just a side wind to battle), avoided thoughts on life's foibles, pondering the aerobic heart rate equation (210 minus age) then the theory of training at 85% (equals 131 for me). Mmm.....I was 23% over at 160-170 out to Boral's hole in the ground. Maybe the head and legs are younger than the heart? Alarm bells chimed with 217 showing at the railway line, or was the 22,000 volt Dookie-Shepp powerline a magnetic interference? Ignorance is bliss they say but heading back to the Pine Lodge church 208 appeared, far from powerlines and humanity for that matter. Smooth beats from Flume and Frank Ocean were on the playlist (not the Cradle of Filth or Bury the Truth tracks that push the pulse) so doubt was raised on Garmin's accuracy. (heaven forbid an svtc affliction) Problem shelved for Google to solve later.... Pointing south into the wind of Boundary Rd shifted the focus, JB upon the sparkling red Cannondale grinning like a Cheshire cat with the wind behind him. Rounded up the only clockwise rider nearing Channel Rd (damned Garmin briefly showed 225) several more on opposite oddeseys in two's and threes. Relief entering Mitchell Rd with the wind from the left now, motivation being driven by the mirage of a slab of Degani's banana and walnut toast at the finish. Through the Mitchell chicane (whoopee an ever-so-slight downhill too, if measured by micrometer) I'd made little gain on the one very distant rider spotted in Raftery, but gassed up a bit of speed to finish the 60k in 1:48:10. Yup, coffee and toast passionately consumed, a sentence or two swapped with Phil the Cat, then Rocket, Rocket-ette and the little missiles arriving for brunch. Home and data downloaded, missed the 248 bpm peak climbing Cemetery hill ! (then Sprinter Fb posts his resting rate at 38!)
Enjoy Monday's usual lap, a great tempo, no pressure, a very smooth pair of wheels to ride with, chew over the weeks news with Cougs, watch the boys (and the odd girl) steaming their way southward in large and small numbers and back home without the rushed agenda to prep for work.
As the year slips into second gear, days are becoming noticably shorter and temperatures cooler, already!
A few early birds had arrived for the Couldabeens thrash, FeltMat residing closest had made the effort, Steve bringing co-worker Luke along again. Nice to see Leon back, BigMat almost becoming a regular (but GG has vanished) Daniels' arrival signalled the bunch's departure. Journeyed east into the darkness (concerned about trying to spot our wandering canine) but it was Nath found loitering with intent near the Cypress trees. Through to Boundary without pooches, southbound with the 15 strong pack, quite comfortably towed sitting at the back. It felt like a light south wester by the time we were at Mitchell (noticable at the pointy end), legs were a bit secondhand after a k beside Steve (Goldfrapp's "Utopia" inside my head for some reason) Luke bordering on expiry wisely dodged his turn and tucked in. Daniel and the Kenworth went toe to toe after Central Kialla (will Daniel do the whole distance one day?) to throw solidarity out the window and scatter the team. A brief pause at the highway and on the gas again was wearing many thin, I stayed back to lend a wheel and watch the Conrod thrash from the upper circle. Nath and Rocket stretched ahead, Nath appeared to burn the biscuits and Rocket picked up the crumbs. 30k all over in 46 min.
Just Robbo & DimSim were at the hospital at 6pm. 32 degrees may have frightened a few, but it felt quite tolerable. Some of the top guns had taken to the hills, so off we set to (hopefully) gather a helper or two for the 43k ride. Sprinter joined in (glued to DimSim at the back) leaving Robbo & I to toil, h.r. running amok again with a 210 and later a 226. Felt the light south westerly approaching the toaster, glad to welcome workhorses Tony and Jim along for the push to Boundary, Harpo added to the fold too. Nico u-turned to make another on board for Boundary Rd, Tony & Jim doing the towtruck role for a good part of the trek from the pub to Central Kialla. Mid to high 30's most of the way changed to 40's in the dying stages, Sprinters earlier objections to pace was a distant memory when he jumped to follow Robbo for the glory in the last 100. 1.09.00 for the circuit was satisfying, Colonel Harlem's aroma's were even better on the roll through town to home.
Plenty of P&W's putting in the k's lately, and plenty turned up Wednesday to clock up more. Quick chicks Stace, Fee, Cougs, Kylie and Meags made the rough boys HWK, THM, Pom, Al and Simon look a whole lot better. The gong sounded and away we went, breifly split by a car keen to overtake then turn left. Regrouped, it was a long haul to Boundary, a north easterly making it a bit of a chore. Better in Boundary, though Al has had significant HWK training, and HWK maybe knocked off his perch soon! Simon not quite the Mr Myagi yet, wonder how he'll like the chilled sections of Mitchell Rd? The Garmin HR behaving itself today, not a location issue covering similar ground to last night. Many of today's contenders regularly pushing out 140 - 160 k loops at weekends, building some kilowatts for fast appraoching Tri's. HWK took lead out duties in Conrod straight but too many kw's denied Stace the honours. Several took on lap 2 as most headed for home and work.
A balmy Thursday and a stiff north easter was a recipe for a fast clockwise lap (many would be pencilling into the record books) but took the opposite anti-clockwise lap a little earlier with Cougs instead, to get back for an earlier start. Darkness nearly all the way around today (so much for summer?) but the sunrise was worth the effort. An annoying thump thump thump from the front wheel (felt lke a lump of tar) but a sticky beak revealed a balooning section. See what a new tube does... The old faithful ticked over 150,000 on the lap today, nearly run in now. There's still a few original bits surviving (not sure about the old engine though), a testament to Claus at Sachs for der grossartig fertigerzeugnisse. Nearly ready to start lap 4 of the globe......
A circuit with the P&W's to finish off the week, (new front tube has cured yesterdays thumping) plenty of players to share the effort and a southwesterly to keep us accustomed! Choppy, Stace, Cougs, Shorty and Jase (from clan Couldabeens), Al, Coota, Pom, Meags, even Dan the man is back on two wheels, Weapon, Tommygun, Sosso, Minto, Princess, Fox & Fee took to the tarmac. A factional division approaching River Rd where Princess, Minto, Fox, Fee and Tommygun departed for a thrash. Our shorter faster turns gave way to the regular long slogs by all, a little traffic to contend with at the main roads. The river Rd express had gained some distance, the main field picked up the pace with the scent of Raftery Rd near. Vince (resplendant in new 51 kit) escorting a somewhat toasted Cranky was passed rapidly at Roubaix, i scored the big turn at the pointy end with Dan that lasted till the finish line (how does he do that on the 3rd ride of the year?). A big cheer to the many hammering out the Geelong tri this weekend, all those recent hard yards will pay off.
Week 6 ; 407km 14,245 calories (33 large vanilla slices) YTD 2079km
"There's nothing like a gleam of humour to reassure you that a fellow human being is ticking inside a strange face" Eva Hoffman 1945- (Polish born British writer)
Original plans for a big ride were quickly shelved Sunday morning, nobody turned the wind off overnight. Took executive hours heading out at 8.30 with a toaster lap + extension in mind. A perfect 17 degrees and propulsion from the 20km/h tail wind pushed me out the Boulevard, spied a dozen bugs heading in with just 2 road bikes amongst them. Plotted a course to the quarry (just a side wind to battle), avoided thoughts on life's foibles, pondering the aerobic heart rate equation (210 minus age) then the theory of training at 85% (equals 131 for me). Mmm.....I was 23% over at 160-170 out to Boral's hole in the ground. Maybe the head and legs are younger than the heart? Alarm bells chimed with 217 showing at the railway line, or was the 22,000 volt Dookie-Shepp powerline a magnetic interference? Ignorance is bliss they say but heading back to the Pine Lodge church 208 appeared, far from powerlines and humanity for that matter. Smooth beats from Flume and Frank Ocean were on the playlist (not the Cradle of Filth or Bury the Truth tracks that push the pulse) so doubt was raised on Garmin's accuracy. (heaven forbid an svtc affliction) Problem shelved for Google to solve later.... Pointing south into the wind of Boundary Rd shifted the focus, JB upon the sparkling red Cannondale grinning like a Cheshire cat with the wind behind him. Rounded up the only clockwise rider nearing Channel Rd (damned Garmin briefly showed 225) several more on opposite oddeseys in two's and threes. Relief entering Mitchell Rd with the wind from the left now, motivation being driven by the mirage of a slab of Degani's banana and walnut toast at the finish. Through the Mitchell chicane (whoopee an ever-so-slight downhill too, if measured by micrometer) I'd made little gain on the one very distant rider spotted in Raftery, but gassed up a bit of speed to finish the 60k in 1:48:10. Yup, coffee and toast passionately consumed, a sentence or two swapped with Phil the Cat, then Rocket, Rocket-ette and the little missiles arriving for brunch. Home and data downloaded, missed the 248 bpm peak climbing Cemetery hill ! (then Sprinter Fb posts his resting rate at 38!)
Enjoy Monday's usual lap, a great tempo, no pressure, a very smooth pair of wheels to ride with, chew over the weeks news with Cougs, watch the boys (and the odd girl) steaming their way southward in large and small numbers and back home without the rushed agenda to prep for work.
As the year slips into second gear, days are becoming noticably shorter and temperatures cooler, already!
A few early birds had arrived for the Couldabeens thrash, FeltMat residing closest had made the effort, Steve bringing co-worker Luke along again. Nice to see Leon back, BigMat almost becoming a regular (but GG has vanished) Daniels' arrival signalled the bunch's departure. Journeyed east into the darkness (concerned about trying to spot our wandering canine) but it was Nath found loitering with intent near the Cypress trees. Through to Boundary without pooches, southbound with the 15 strong pack, quite comfortably towed sitting at the back. It felt like a light south wester by the time we were at Mitchell (noticable at the pointy end), legs were a bit secondhand after a k beside Steve (Goldfrapp's "Utopia" inside my head for some reason) Luke bordering on expiry wisely dodged his turn and tucked in. Daniel and the Kenworth went toe to toe after Central Kialla (will Daniel do the whole distance one day?) to throw solidarity out the window and scatter the team. A brief pause at the highway and on the gas again was wearing many thin, I stayed back to lend a wheel and watch the Conrod thrash from the upper circle. Nath and Rocket stretched ahead, Nath appeared to burn the biscuits and Rocket picked up the crumbs. 30k all over in 46 min.
Just Robbo & DimSim were at the hospital at 6pm. 32 degrees may have frightened a few, but it felt quite tolerable. Some of the top guns had taken to the hills, so off we set to (hopefully) gather a helper or two for the 43k ride. Sprinter joined in (glued to DimSim at the back) leaving Robbo & I to toil, h.r. running amok again with a 210 and later a 226. Felt the light south westerly approaching the toaster, glad to welcome workhorses Tony and Jim along for the push to Boundary, Harpo added to the fold too. Nico u-turned to make another on board for Boundary Rd, Tony & Jim doing the towtruck role for a good part of the trek from the pub to Central Kialla. Mid to high 30's most of the way changed to 40's in the dying stages, Sprinters earlier objections to pace was a distant memory when he jumped to follow Robbo for the glory in the last 100. 1.09.00 for the circuit was satisfying, Colonel Harlem's aroma's were even better on the roll through town to home.
Plenty of P&W's putting in the k's lately, and plenty turned up Wednesday to clock up more. Quick chicks Stace, Fee, Cougs, Kylie and Meags made the rough boys HWK, THM, Pom, Al and Simon look a whole lot better. The gong sounded and away we went, breifly split by a car keen to overtake then turn left. Regrouped, it was a long haul to Boundary, a north easterly making it a bit of a chore. Better in Boundary, though Al has had significant HWK training, and HWK maybe knocked off his perch soon! Simon not quite the Mr Myagi yet, wonder how he'll like the chilled sections of Mitchell Rd? The Garmin HR behaving itself today, not a location issue covering similar ground to last night. Many of today's contenders regularly pushing out 140 - 160 k loops at weekends, building some kilowatts for fast appraoching Tri's. HWK took lead out duties in Conrod straight but too many kw's denied Stace the honours. Several took on lap 2 as most headed for home and work.
A balmy Thursday and a stiff north easter was a recipe for a fast clockwise lap (many would be pencilling into the record books) but took the opposite anti-clockwise lap a little earlier with Cougs instead, to get back for an earlier start. Darkness nearly all the way around today (so much for summer?) but the sunrise was worth the effort. An annoying thump thump thump from the front wheel (felt lke a lump of tar) but a sticky beak revealed a balooning section. See what a new tube does... The old faithful ticked over 150,000 on the lap today, nearly run in now. There's still a few original bits surviving (not sure about the old engine though), a testament to Claus at Sachs for der grossartig fertigerzeugnisse. Nearly ready to start lap 4 of the globe......
A circuit with the P&W's to finish off the week, (new front tube has cured yesterdays thumping) plenty of players to share the effort and a southwesterly to keep us accustomed! Choppy, Stace, Cougs, Shorty and Jase (from clan Couldabeens), Al, Coota, Pom, Meags, even Dan the man is back on two wheels, Weapon, Tommygun, Sosso, Minto, Princess, Fox & Fee took to the tarmac. A factional division approaching River Rd where Princess, Minto, Fox, Fee and Tommygun departed for a thrash. Our shorter faster turns gave way to the regular long slogs by all, a little traffic to contend with at the main roads. The river Rd express had gained some distance, the main field picked up the pace with the scent of Raftery Rd near. Vince (resplendant in new 51 kit) escorting a somewhat toasted Cranky was passed rapidly at Roubaix, i scored the big turn at the pointy end with Dan that lasted till the finish line (how does he do that on the 3rd ride of the year?). A big cheer to the many hammering out the Geelong tri this weekend, all those recent hard yards will pay off.
Week 6 ; 407km 14,245 calories (33 large vanilla slices) YTD 2079km
"There's nothing like a gleam of humour to reassure you that a fellow human being is ticking inside a strange face" Eva Hoffman 1945- (Polish born British writer)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Week 5 : Windswept!
Jimmy Cook turned up to find Sydney 225 years ago, but I turned up to find Mike, Shorty, Nick, BigMat, Jase (back from holidays) Steve, Cougs, Temple, Daniel, Pom and Rocket at the Archer St shops on Saturday. All set forth in Channel Rd at 6, captainless without AvantiTrev today (layed low with back grief). Nath was found prowling nearing Boundary Rd upon a new Avanti Corsa, most stealth-like in carbon black. (as if he needs to go any faster!) A 20km/h southerly blew us northward from the Pine Lodge pub, g'day's exchanged with a large contingent of P&W's headed south en-route to Violet Town and Nalinga. With the speed police missing there were several violations (mainly the tail-wind to blame) but then hooked right at Boundary-Old Dookie for the 3k leg to the toaster (still standing). More infringements followed to the Emu, but the pushy side wind kerbed the enthusiasm for the journey west. Temple and Daniel were on the missing persons list as the 20+ Pussycats headed east, me thinks the two sharks were off to play in a goldfish bowl? Familiar sights in Ford & Wanganui soon came and went, work was to be done in Rudd Rd, a few were keen for a sprint to the cemetery and all were keen for the breakfast. Muppets and 51 went to and fro as tall tales and true were served at the Lemontree table, BigMat's carbo load tour de Toolamba an entertaining story, plans then hatched for a holiday Monday ride.
Early Sunday morning commitments scheduled an early lap , the de-rigeur ride of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie with Cougs a good prescription to keep the legs reminded of what needs to be done. One or two were making good of a cool morning, the incessant wind dishing out some torment to the head.
A good turn up of boys and a girl for a 7 bridges lap on Mondays' holiday. Tim, Shorty, Rocket, Steve, Daniel, Temple, Cougs, Jase, BigMat and Nick took off from Harveys to grind Raftery roads head-wind, enjoy a little respite in Mitchell (picking up the Pom, running late) before a slog down Central Kialla Rd. Bridge number 4 was crossed before we reached Union Rd, the mathematics of the 7 bridges title was in early doubt. The coarse stone of Union had wheels growling (and backsides howling) over bridge 5, then the highway, and off to the suburbia of Toolamba (and over the ageing timber bridge #6) The main street was empty (some may have hoped for the pub to be open?), but westward we went with bridge #7 conquered before crossing the Mooroopna-Murchison Rd. In a windswept stretch of the Rushworth Toolamba Rd, Rocket, Temple and Jase provided plenty of steam up front (which demoted the Pom to the back), over Channel No5 to make it bridge No8. A great comfort swept over us turning into Dhurringile Rd,the tailwind enthusing Daniel and Jase to bolt, finally settling into the high 30's for 5k's to Tatura. A right at the roundabout, Steve's headlight disintegrated (bits not worth rescuing) then the 8k on Ferguson Rd in echelon against the southerly, bridge #9 at Pickworths. Shorty hit the nitreous for a while, the tailwind for the final leg to Mooroopna worth all the effort. Back to Shepp for brunch (crossing 2 bridges on the bike path) making the 7 bridges 11, but 14 via the causeway.
Afllicted with a bad case of the "Yeah, Nah, But" syndrome on Tuesday morning, the southerly wind blowing at 35 to 50km/h turned the neighbourhoods' wind chimes into a recital and the ride decision easy, but Trav and Rocket were way too keen tackling the tough stuff. Wednesday's weather was far more agreeable, joining the Couldabeens for an anti-clockwise roll kept the sanity. Rocket, Cougs, Shorty, Jase, Tim, LegalDave, Nick, Steve and FeltMat hooked into Archer Rd's head wind with Coug's driving enthusiasm for the first leg. A little easier on the effort needed pointing east in Mitchell, most of the crew had taken Tuesday as a RDO so had the reserves to make hay against the southerly. P&W's were in the last metres on Boundary, felines were appraoching River Rd and 51 were heads down off the Broken bridges. The southwesterly made work of Channel Rd, Nick and Jase had ramped up to the high 30's near Prentice Rd when Tim tore off (turboed with testosterone?) The escape was shortlived with the bunch re-uniting for the left/right at Orrvale Rd, making an early team finish back in town.
The mercury struggled to stay in double figures on Thursday morning, but a rare couple of hours without a hint of wind! A good front of Couldabeens at the start, Brent back for more, Daniel's arrival signalled the roll out, Cougs took us up to tempo, FeltMat yet another late join in and Nath bedding in the Corsa near Channel Rd's S bend. Super smooth and consistent turns made the scenery pass quickly, good to have Chris A arrive a k into Mitchell Rd (led astray on the start time it seems) We endured the chilly dips of Mitchell and bid farewells to Daniels Archer escape, onward westward for the push along Raftery. Pace was on at Arcadia Downs, i'd shared the front with Rocket for 600 metres up to the first dip of Conrod (his attack tank nearly emptied with 400 remaining). Nick set up an express train from behind to accelerate away for the closing stages, tenacious Trav took the Thursday trophy, a good effort from Brent to survive a 36.3 average for just a few months of riding.
Plenty of wind on a warm Thursday evening to thrash it out with the library group. Bomber, Robbo, Sticks, Scotty, Sly and a few others rolled out at 6, a westerly blowing at 32-48km/h made the Boulevard stretch with Robbo a rapid warm up. In Wanganui Rd it was Robbo and Bombers turn to captain the front, taking a Monopoly out on the front spot for the whole east leg to the Emu (thankfully capping the speed below 40 to preserve some muscle for the remainder of the ride) with many enlisted along the way. Sticks, leaves, dirt and twigs littered the road to keep eyes peeled and wits sharp, driving 35km/h forward with 30-52 km/h winds at our side was enough till the toaster, back to 32km/h for the slog down to Boundary. Gusts to 61km/h made the long stretch to River Rd a real chore, a long stint by Ryhs and Trent saved several souls. A lot of fluctuations in River Rd with all doing at least two turns at the pointy end, I felt ready for a long slog but DimSim called short turns to survive. Drafting in high winds highlights the fine line between comfortably close and too close for comfort, the "tilt" light was glowing on most bikes heading west into a gusty southwest, yes open for detached branches. Bomber and Sticks pulled off for home at Central Kialla, the remaining 13 took on the south wester now howling at 43-56km/h. Relief was in sight at the highway but Trent & Rhys scampered off into sunset for a workout, Robbo, Sprinter, Sly, Paul and I played tow rope for the rest till the torment to Arcadia scattered many, just enough left in me to finish in the 50's @ 195 bpm, but had inadvertantly led out a sneaky but tactical Sprinter to take 4th.
It was freaky flatulence Friday to start February, wind had eased just a whisker from Thursday night (so what drives one to tackle it again?). P&W's Al, Simon, Hayles, Choppy, Sootie and Weapon lined up in Old Dookie Rd to battle the breeze. Simon's imminent de-forrestation of the legs will earn him a "Mr Myagi" handle, wax on wax off for the aero (and comfort) advantage. Nico and Col were suprise additions half way out Old Dookie, all the better to load share for Boundary's battle with the elements. All grins from Rocket, Temple and co tailwinding near Channel Rd, heads down for us with much concentration on the wheel ahead being tossed around like a cork. Wind wore down the weary in Mitchelll Rd, I played the role of Spakfilla, plugging the gaps opened by the exhuberant to keep the bunch as one. Easier in Raftery Rd with winds mostly behind us now, faster was the order of the day approaching Arcadia Downs. Up front with Al with 500 to go seemed like a good time to make young guns suffer, launched a sprint and gapped 'em, but an overtaking car was the draft that 'superleggera' Nicolaci needed to take him to gold and Choppy to silver. I was content with the bronze, but concerned with the 235bpm at 55.9km/h. Does anyone else get 'interference' from others' Garmin data? The weeks' icing was an "amusive" (amusing and incisive) chat with Weapon on the wind assisted roll through town.
Week 5 ; 352km 11,968 calories (52 Dim sims & 139 Brussel sprouts.....a testament to the wind factor)
YTD 1,672 km
"A boo is louder than a cheer. If you have ten people cheering and one person booing, all you hear is the booing" Lance Armstrong U.S. cyclist 1971-
Early Sunday morning commitments scheduled an early lap , the de-rigeur ride of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie with Cougs a good prescription to keep the legs reminded of what needs to be done. One or two were making good of a cool morning, the incessant wind dishing out some torment to the head.
A good turn up of boys and a girl for a 7 bridges lap on Mondays' holiday. Tim, Shorty, Rocket, Steve, Daniel, Temple, Cougs, Jase, BigMat and Nick took off from Harveys to grind Raftery roads head-wind, enjoy a little respite in Mitchell (picking up the Pom, running late) before a slog down Central Kialla Rd. Bridge number 4 was crossed before we reached Union Rd, the mathematics of the 7 bridges title was in early doubt. The coarse stone of Union had wheels growling (and backsides howling) over bridge 5, then the highway, and off to the suburbia of Toolamba (and over the ageing timber bridge #6) The main street was empty (some may have hoped for the pub to be open?), but westward we went with bridge #7 conquered before crossing the Mooroopna-Murchison Rd. In a windswept stretch of the Rushworth Toolamba Rd, Rocket, Temple and Jase provided plenty of steam up front (which demoted the Pom to the back), over Channel No5 to make it bridge No8. A great comfort swept over us turning into Dhurringile Rd,the tailwind enthusing Daniel and Jase to bolt, finally settling into the high 30's for 5k's to Tatura. A right at the roundabout, Steve's headlight disintegrated (bits not worth rescuing) then the 8k on Ferguson Rd in echelon against the southerly, bridge #9 at Pickworths. Shorty hit the nitreous for a while, the tailwind for the final leg to Mooroopna worth all the effort. Back to Shepp for brunch (crossing 2 bridges on the bike path) making the 7 bridges 11, but 14 via the causeway.
Afllicted with a bad case of the "Yeah, Nah, But" syndrome on Tuesday morning, the southerly wind blowing at 35 to 50km/h turned the neighbourhoods' wind chimes into a recital and the ride decision easy, but Trav and Rocket were way too keen tackling the tough stuff. Wednesday's weather was far more agreeable, joining the Couldabeens for an anti-clockwise roll kept the sanity. Rocket, Cougs, Shorty, Jase, Tim, LegalDave, Nick, Steve and FeltMat hooked into Archer Rd's head wind with Coug's driving enthusiasm for the first leg. A little easier on the effort needed pointing east in Mitchell, most of the crew had taken Tuesday as a RDO so had the reserves to make hay against the southerly. P&W's were in the last metres on Boundary, felines were appraoching River Rd and 51 were heads down off the Broken bridges. The southwesterly made work of Channel Rd, Nick and Jase had ramped up to the high 30's near Prentice Rd when Tim tore off (turboed with testosterone?) The escape was shortlived with the bunch re-uniting for the left/right at Orrvale Rd, making an early team finish back in town.
The mercury struggled to stay in double figures on Thursday morning, but a rare couple of hours without a hint of wind! A good front of Couldabeens at the start, Brent back for more, Daniel's arrival signalled the roll out, Cougs took us up to tempo, FeltMat yet another late join in and Nath bedding in the Corsa near Channel Rd's S bend. Super smooth and consistent turns made the scenery pass quickly, good to have Chris A arrive a k into Mitchell Rd (led astray on the start time it seems) We endured the chilly dips of Mitchell and bid farewells to Daniels Archer escape, onward westward for the push along Raftery. Pace was on at Arcadia Downs, i'd shared the front with Rocket for 600 metres up to the first dip of Conrod (his attack tank nearly emptied with 400 remaining). Nick set up an express train from behind to accelerate away for the closing stages, tenacious Trav took the Thursday trophy, a good effort from Brent to survive a 36.3 average for just a few months of riding.
Plenty of wind on a warm Thursday evening to thrash it out with the library group. Bomber, Robbo, Sticks, Scotty, Sly and a few others rolled out at 6, a westerly blowing at 32-48km/h made the Boulevard stretch with Robbo a rapid warm up. In Wanganui Rd it was Robbo and Bombers turn to captain the front, taking a Monopoly out on the front spot for the whole east leg to the Emu (thankfully capping the speed below 40 to preserve some muscle for the remainder of the ride) with many enlisted along the way. Sticks, leaves, dirt and twigs littered the road to keep eyes peeled and wits sharp, driving 35km/h forward with 30-52 km/h winds at our side was enough till the toaster, back to 32km/h for the slog down to Boundary. Gusts to 61km/h made the long stretch to River Rd a real chore, a long stint by Ryhs and Trent saved several souls. A lot of fluctuations in River Rd with all doing at least two turns at the pointy end, I felt ready for a long slog but DimSim called short turns to survive. Drafting in high winds highlights the fine line between comfortably close and too close for comfort, the "tilt" light was glowing on most bikes heading west into a gusty southwest, yes open for detached branches. Bomber and Sticks pulled off for home at Central Kialla, the remaining 13 took on the south wester now howling at 43-56km/h. Relief was in sight at the highway but Trent & Rhys scampered off into sunset for a workout, Robbo, Sprinter, Sly, Paul and I played tow rope for the rest till the torment to Arcadia scattered many, just enough left in me to finish in the 50's @ 195 bpm, but had inadvertantly led out a sneaky but tactical Sprinter to take 4th.
It was freaky flatulence Friday to start February, wind had eased just a whisker from Thursday night (so what drives one to tackle it again?). P&W's Al, Simon, Hayles, Choppy, Sootie and Weapon lined up in Old Dookie Rd to battle the breeze. Simon's imminent de-forrestation of the legs will earn him a "Mr Myagi" handle, wax on wax off for the aero (and comfort) advantage. Nico and Col were suprise additions half way out Old Dookie, all the better to load share for Boundary's battle with the elements. All grins from Rocket, Temple and co tailwinding near Channel Rd, heads down for us with much concentration on the wheel ahead being tossed around like a cork. Wind wore down the weary in Mitchelll Rd, I played the role of Spakfilla, plugging the gaps opened by the exhuberant to keep the bunch as one. Easier in Raftery Rd with winds mostly behind us now, faster was the order of the day approaching Arcadia Downs. Up front with Al with 500 to go seemed like a good time to make young guns suffer, launched a sprint and gapped 'em, but an overtaking car was the draft that 'superleggera' Nicolaci needed to take him to gold and Choppy to silver. I was content with the bronze, but concerned with the 235bpm at 55.9km/h. Does anyone else get 'interference' from others' Garmin data? The weeks' icing was an "amusive" (amusing and incisive) chat with Weapon on the wind assisted roll through town.
Week 5 ; 352km 11,968 calories (52 Dim sims & 139 Brussel sprouts.....a testament to the wind factor)
YTD 1,672 km
"A boo is louder than a cheer. If you have ten people cheering and one person booing, all you hear is the booing" Lance Armstrong U.S. cyclist 1971-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)