A roll down south turned into a bit of an effort against a southerly wind, a BMC kitted rider passed by with personal greetings, i have no idea who in the dark! (no doubt i'll cop a pasting for unsocialitis at a later date) Just Rocket, Nick, Jase, Shorty, Daniel and AvantiTrev at the car park for the Saturday sojourn, the 7 took to the 7k of Channel Rd in 7 degrees (numerically ironic), an epiphany for Daniel, finally fitting armwarmers and long knicks (wondered if he owned them) The chill cooled the extremities and had the respiritories running, narrowly avoided the nasal silastic disposal from (un-named), would rather the hanky method personally. Channel Rd completed (sans shepherd) and into Boundary, unusual to find a black Benz parked, driver smoking at this hour. A few protests from AvantiTrev when signals signified the toaster and Emu were planned, reckon he would have wanted to cut the lap short but he was outnumbered. Stacked into the wind on Old Dookie Rd things were still icy on the way to the toaster, briefly towed by a farmers 4X4 ATV. It was tailwind heaven pointing north, suspiciously parked near the channel bridge a black BM waited, one wonders if the drug squad would be interested? Up to the Emu then homeward bound, distant pussycat lights to aim at (attendance a little lower with some on a Goat tour of S.A.) Princess, Fee & Meags were on the same cat course 2k behind as we bore west, matching Nick then Jase was picking up the heart rate. Back to the front again at the Rudd Rd turn (double shifts with a small bunch) Jase was keen to up tempo to the cemetery so I gladly obliged, headwind turned it tough. A glance back at 40 showed a big gap to the rest , figured we should ease up for a united roll to the Lemontree pitstop. New roof mounted heaters made a warm welcome, Temple then Cougs arriving to join in the chat on afternoon knee tremblers, the Thursday thrash, corruption, a secret spill and social decay.
Took up an AvantiTrev invite Sunday morning, a 30k roll around to shake the bed bugs off. The only other punter was FujiTrev, other invitees were thumbing through their books of excuses. Down Archer and up Mitchell, the northeasterly became evident, FujiTrev went to the front then rapidly reduced forward motion. He took course ownership and hooked a left into Central Kialla Rd, out of the pan and into the fire of the 20k breeze. Thought I should respect my elders (there's not many) so played tow truck up to River Rd. The two lads were firmly ensconsed in 2nd and 3rd, so kept up the duty. Nearing Laws Drive a bit of chat started up behind, were these boys putting their feet up and reading the Sunday papers? Picked up the pace slowly till talk ceased, a good indicator of all working, but handed the lead back to AvantiTrev when we were headed north in Boundary. Back to the front when we reached the two bridges, and left there to tow till Old Dookie. THM, Fox and Meags seen sensibly southbound. Back to town to indulge in coffee, chat centred on bike position and set-up. Caffine take 2 at Friars for a social catch up with THM, Meags and Fox just arriving.
Now is the winter of our discontent.....Monday morning's damp road and spitting sky washed out ideas of riding, spoilt by a mild and favourable summer? Saddled up (before the real weight of 90 minutes on the bike took hold) Monday arvo, rolled out the Boulevard attempting to get the heartrate monitor to function above 94 (finally sprang to life at DECA to a believable 147) Out to the Emu driven by Butterfly Effect and Tool, a very light northerly the only hinderance. A whisker easier at the turn south, the Emu may be back from Zeerust holidays soon with lambs aplenty in the paddock. By Boundary Rd darkness had hidden the Cateye speed so kept an eye on the RPM, kindly lit by Garmin (74 seemed ideal) A long flog down Mitchell Rd, flashing red lights in the distant distance may have been a mirage but it kept the motion forward and on target. Quite a relief to reach Roubaix but the last 3k felt like 6 against the weak northerly, weak legs to blame. Over the line satisfied with 1.25.39.
A damp road Tuesday morning, slept through the 4am shower. Couldabeens an endangered species today with just the Kenworth, Rocket, Cougar, Trav, Nick and Daniel showing up. A helping hand out Channel Rd, a WSW at 15km/h speeding our progress to Boundary Rd. The winds reality was a slap in the face heading south, stuck between the Kenworth and the Rocket not the ideal place. Daniel kept up his standards half biking (hereafter dubbed HBK) I appreciated Trav and Nick taking the edge off for a chance to draw breath. Damp tarmac and the odd puddle kept the bike looking very secondhand, chain protesting soon I reckon. Several times a gap opened up to the wheel ahead, last nights effort had taken the edge off. HBK took his Archer exit, leaving ust 6 left to survive, Rocket kindly keeping the pack united till Conrod. My rubber legs had no effort left other than survival, Rocket leading the Kenworth to the chocolates.
A positive turn up at the hospital on Tuesday night, Craig, Paul, Clive, AvantiTrev, Nath, Mike, Harpo, Axel, Jamie and even Sprinter made the start line (instead of finding him 5k out the road) A relaxed start with Trev & Sprinter setting a moderate pace, by Lemnos Rd, LegalSteve and DiscoSteve had come on board, Bomber, Sticks, Mitch & Steigy swelled the ranks too, putting spice into the pot. OlympicSteve and two others (unidentified in the darkness) were additions after the Emu, Bomber bolted after the toaster, Steigy tried to bridge the gap but the charge was abandonded soon after arriving in Boundary. Beyond the pub the bomb was dropped, top guns had combined at the business end, gaps opened, chat ceased, efforts doubled and drafts were cherished. By the Broken bridges half a dozen had stretched away, the leftovers looked for allies to team up. Clive, Axel, Sprinter, Jamie & I soon had AvantiTrev then Mike tack on for a run down River Rd at a more survivable speed. The swift six ahead appeared to slow half way along, but then slowly resumed to dissapear toward the horizon, maybe tired of waiting? Our 7 stuck together for the remainder, gave a squirt in Conrod straight but it only attracted the Sprinter to jump on then take the win. A lap of survival without a lot of massacre.
Not a lot of spring in the step on Wednesday, set my hopes on a considerate bunch of Kialla Couldabeens to loosen the leg rust. Shorty & Jase took the first shift (most respectfully I should add) Pete climbed aboard on leg 2. A hint of a westerly took us up Mitchell Rd, the usual banter from Rocket, Nick, Cougs and GG as we persued Mr & Mrs Someone east then north (fitting neatly between Cats and the 51 pack on their River Rd odyssey) Rocket had steadily raised the bar and by the bridges on Boundary, was chewing into my reserves. Others rolled through in Channel Rd (our annoying Shepherd now seated on his cool front lawn instead of being in hot pursuit) but turns came round quickly as our mystery Mr & Mrs were caught and passed. Back to the front again with Rocket limits were maxed beyond the Kinder (feeling a little victimised till Nick was worked over a little faster) Good to be back into town, grateful the Mexican Bonanza wasn't tackled.
A few Couldabeens assembled at the dawn service on Anzac Day, a good selection of Cats too paying respects. They headed east to Old Dookie Rd, Couldabeens Tim, Shorty, Rocket, Cougs, Kenworth and Trav headed out the Boulevard for a toaster lap. A good decision to rug up, 10 degrees felt fresh after standing still in town. Cougs spotted 3 in pursuit as we reached Numurkah Rd, Temple, FeltMat and HBK finally caught us at the kennels after much muscle was expended. To the Emu then toaster, HBK had recovered to bump up the pace again, unhooking Temple in the process. A hasty reformation then down to Boundary, Cougar & I setting a course north to Lemnos-Cosgrove then west back to town at a moderate tempo to join the P&W's in their lap, satisfying social commitment and throwing in a long challenge too. Got all the way back to the Boulevard before u-turning, Princess, THM, Al and quick chicks Fee, Meags and Hayles forming a great team in Ford Rd for a tour with them to the Emu (yet again). Socially updated despite the noise of THM's Carbontechs (spied Paul on a 90k anti-clockwise effort at the church) down to the Toaster and beyond to Boundary, a straggle of Adams family northbound. A little easier for us heading south, Col battling it out north solo, Port Mac the aim. Most of Mitchell now done, homeward via Archer to get stuck into Teller's porridge and coffee, (Friar's overwhelmed by Goats, Muppets and Cats) replenishing the 95k's of consumption.
A calm and collected short lap on Friday, witnessing the 20+ Supercats being hunted down by the Area, an orchestra of howling wheels to raise some Cat fur. Passed the Boral Mack again and kept it in arrears till the Old Dookie turn. The light northeasterly would aid the fast and furious heading south, helped us back to town to complete a week.
Week 17 421 km 12,630 calories (4.1kg Haggis) YTD 6,281 km
"It seems rather incongruos that in a society of supersophisticated communication, we often suffer from a shortage of listeners" Erma Bombeck US humorist 1927-1996
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Week 16 : Earth, wind and fire
Mr Higgins had lured the nostrils southward on Saturday morning, the aromatic nirvana of hot bread induced a strong left bias passing by his bakery. Sustainance would have to wait till journey's end. Down to the shop car park where Jase, Shorty, AvantiTrev, Pom, Weapon, Tommygun & Kyle had assembled (many regulars opting for the Tour de Pub afternoon shift). A tad mild at 16 degrees for the roll out Channel Rd, Pom drew the short straw of the NNE wind in Boundary Rd., not favouring his recovery. Again, a picturesque sunrise to view heading to the toaster, the distant flicker of Nath & Smuggler's tail-lights to chase. One could set a spirit level on Weapon's spine, the copybook TT position, Kyle appears to be on tiptoes though. Finally interrupted the Smuggler & Nath bonding session in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, soon after a lengthy cat pack steamed east ably driven by Jamie, almost a k in arrears Simmo followed (alarmclockitis?). Kept an eye on the cruise control for our westerly leg home (maybe 0.5 above once or twice) but no infringements issued. A consistent tap home, keen to hop into coffee and a vanilla slice (scoring a few points with Weapon as her fuel of choice) at the Lemontree. Cougs joined in for breakfast and banter, Emmet arriving too; foreign exchange rates, bike position, descending and pub crawls the talk for today.
Just a few hours later the late shift clocked on at the Peppermill, assembling for the inaugural Tour de Pub as a tribute for Temple's half century. A great roll up of FeltMat, Jase, Daniel, Cougs, Pete, Tim, Rocket, Nath, BigMat, Kenworth, the birthday boy and DeRosaTrev with a difficult prologue for all the team......sinking a pot. The ride eventually got underway out Raftery and down to the highway, some procrastination & confusion on direction until the highway took the votes (plenty of shrapnel to avoid in the left lane) Nath & Daniel stole the tailwind lead and kept it in Union Rd too, the lure of the Toolamba pub urging Daniel to double his usual gap. Our dozen inflated the pub's population to 13, football debate quickly on the agenda. To keep to schedule it was just the one, DeRosaTrev performing a rapid change of Coug's flat Continental prior to take-off. The 20km/h northerly invoked a sweat out Toolamba-Rushworth Rd, tough going in Dhurringile Rd too. Newbie Pete was getting a rapid induction to the Couldabeen characters, enjoying the social atmostphere as we all were. Tat's middle pub has undergone a renno, 12 thirsty punters were added to carbo load on their beer and chips. A few had taken on seconds (clearly dehydrated) but the clock beckoned to set forth east to Mooroopna; Ferguson, Pyke then Murchison-Mooroopna Rd's as Stage 3. There was a close call with an impatient Navara, a steady push home into the head wind , then Tim bolting for a Stage win into Mooroopna, but Temple had selection rights to the exact finish line. Refreshment taken at the Cricketers Arms, seconds for many with Kenworth quick to furnish liquid by the jug. DeRosaTrev, Pete & Cougs did an early breakaway to Shepp (the DeRosa getting a bit of rallycross experience with some blurred judgement) but all assembled at Friars for a tour post-mortem, a touching Temple speech and gifts given. There was one more for the for the road with the termination at the Terminus, 55k's done and enough carbo loading to last the week.
A cool fresh Sunday morning needed a cool aproach with 110k clocked on Saturday, a quiet roll around a short lap to loosen the legs was bearable, the compulsory stop for coffee at Degani's for a long yarn with Cougs, AvantiTrev, Laura and GG joining in after a similar circuit. Home with 30k chalked up and limbs un seized.
Monday's southwester favoured an anti-clockwise lap (still a few creaks in knees and ankles.....time has wearied them) on the familiar territory of Channel, Boundary and Old Dookie. Boral's truck rolled out on a warm up in Boundary, Cougs and I picked up the pace to get round before a fair sized cat pack passed by on their mission south. Monday morning blues suited a temperate tour, maybe cooler weather has subdued enthusiasm, (variety has suited the legs of late) or has age taken it's toll? All the same, a sense of satisfaction tapping out 30k while many turned softer under doonas.
Cooler climate is testing some Couldabeens attendance (BigMat surely now in retirement after Saturdays effort?) just the tenacious ones Tuesday, Rocket, Kenworth, Shorty, Temple, Cougs, Nick and FujiTrev prepared to endure the 11 degrees and 15km/h of SSW. Plenty of torque needed to match the big truck in Channel Rd's first stage, prospects of a stiff headwind in Boundary weren't being relished. Push came to shove at the end of Channel Rd and I guess there's only a few k to grit one's teeth, a few young lads to chase until their escape in River Rd, Pete then arriving from the south after missing the start . Load sharing was equitable and normal cruising speed was achievable / resumed for the westward run in Mitchell Rd, Temple chose the Archer option home, just 8 to tap out the remainder of the lap. The spring was wound up for the last few k of Raftery Rd, Rocket launched for the last 200 adding a lot of daylight between he and us (a worthy chase put in by the Kenworth but of course in vein)
The now rejuvenated Hospital bunch had assembled Tuesday evening, Jamie, Dalton, Paul, Craig, Mike, Dion, AvantiTrev, Stew, Axel and Nath sedately heading north then east in 19 degrees with the breeze behind. Sprinter and Simmo were collected in Ford Rd, a calm and collected tempo maintained out to the Emu, maybe in expectation of what lay ahead. Quite a few had arrived from the south as we were toaster bound, OlympicSteve, Trent, Trudy, Bomber, Steigy and even Smuggler jumped aboard as the accelerator was squeezed in Old Dookie Rd. Had to be on your toes into Boundary as Bomber silenced the chat, quite a few now on their limit . A slight hesitation at the front on a roll-over sent a ripple magnifying through the bunch, by 4th last wheel Axel had to squeeze a little brake, (unseen by Mike), who was quickly now rubbing Axels back wheel, soon lost balance and speared into the earth of the tabledrain. I'd thankfully noticed the first signs and was back a little from Mike as he did the base over apex manoevre, cleverly hitting soft ground and grass to cushion the impact on bike and body. All halted to lend assistance, Mike soon up and recovering with just a graze to a knee and a brake lever. Situation assessed, most resumed the circuit, Jamie, Simmo, Axel & I happy to accompany (at a reduced rate of knots) a shaken Mike back to see he got home in one piece.
Nick, Shorty, Cougs, Rocket, GG, Chops, FujiTrev and AvantiTrev headed south from Kialla on Wednesday, barely 8 degrees was the main topic for discussion but my focus was on FujiTrev's lack of focus (may need to paint a guide line for him to follow?) Pete lay ahead and joined in for stage 2 of Archer Rd, a smoother run up Mitchell Rd with a light breeze from the south. Greendawg and friend spied at the top end of Mitchell, the pooch brave (or balmy) without a headlight. Cats were seen filing into River Rd, Goats a distance behind (or was that the other way around?) but no sign of P&W's today. Mr & Mrs Somebody were northbound near the bridge as usual, GG was happy playing gatekeeper, tank a bit empty on a tough diet. The speed elevated for Channel Rd, Nick and Shorty applying the gas with race speed at kinder corner. Mr Impatient was keen to use our lane overtaking an oncoming bike (must be a chore to wait 3 seconds) but all arrived back into town with time to spare, the Mexican Bonanza sprint taking most of the discussion. The BM went in for it's new rear deraillier today (the previous Dura-Ace mashed by Mavic spokes), a headstem adjust and new bar tape to freshen the old girl up as a bonus. As always, rides like new out of the Avanti shop, all squeaks and rattles evaporated. A most amusing touch Trev and Nath, chain sitting on the little ring when I picked it up! (how foreign)
An early start at work prompted an earlier Thursday lap, a chill in the air and condensation on the parked cars gives an ominous warning of what's to come. Frozen fingers and toes (and other extremities) multiple layers of kit, booties and gloves, icy air to breathe and the post ride long thaw out till normal function returns. One wonders who will endure and who will succumb to the weight of the doona? A southwesterly brewed heading out Channel Rd, a treat until pointing west homeward. We beat the Boral Mack just lighting up in it's driveway, Pussycats on their usual course with a few P&W hitchikers vocal amongst them. Back into town avoiding the Mr & Mrs Citizens on their relentless and sometimes blinkered commute, sipping coffee, on the phone, checking make-up, whilst driving of course!
Some indecision looking at the trees bending over on Thursday arvo, the stiff southerly would test the willpower. A field of heavy artillery were waiting at the library, inflating the negatives, but nothing ventured nothing gained eh? Nath and Bomber stole the lead for the stage to Wanganui, then Numurkah Rd, and then to Lemnos Rd for good measure. Mitch kept the pace on at the main channel, maybe for Sprinter and I to enjoy, quite blessed to have Dalton roll over at the kennels to hand me the perfect tow. Hamish & Nath fired up the afterburners to the Emu, a string of bikes now single file behind (and with just 15k covered). Three new additions to the rear at the toaster, Sprinter & I served our time at the front in Old Dookie Rd, blown sideways with gusts up to 53km/h making life just a touch difficult. Axel and others jumped aboard at the channel, by Boundary Rd only 5 were active at the pointy end, my sole attempt (no better than 32) for just a few hundred metres drained the tank quickly. Caught in the string of backmarkers after the highway a big gap opened, little chance to get back on without strong teamwork. Searched for a few players to team up and toil together, but all retreated into Channel Rd, only Stew heading south. 300 metres in arrears, all the eggs were in one basket towing Stew (hopeful he'd work in River Rd for our survival) but the bugger bailed out south and homeward as River Rd was reached. Into solo survival mode for the next 23k, wind punishing physically and mentally, a bit peeved to have lost touch with the lads at the front (there'd be some hurt hanging onto them i guess) yet satisfied I had stuck out the full lap. Switched the thoughts into defiant mode for the many tortured minutes that followed until Steptoe's house was the sight for sore legs (50k in 1:30 ok for a blustery night, nearly half the lap solo) with a suprise chat beyond the Raftery bridge with Chris A in his ute drawing alongside.
Remnants of last nights gusts were still about on Friday morning, down to a more manageable 18km/h from the south, but 7 degrees spelt winter was ringing the doorbell . Arriving at SPC, Fox, Sootie, Meags, Choppy, Simon, Cougs and Minto were ready (when Simons light was activated) so out Old Dookie we ventured where Coug's light promptly de-activated. A social catch-up with the tenacious team albeit brief with a planned escape in Channel Rd (work beckons yet again). A pause for Cougs to reconnect volts to the light (a kerbside Cat cast aside cursing punctures) then westward ho to find the Sellmans German Shepherd on the chase again. (called Council to book yet another ranger visit) A little shelter offered by orchards but the southerly was evident on the open sections, back into town in good time to finish off the week. The heart rate monitor conductivity at an all time low today, a 56bpm average closer to unconciousness.
Week 16 428 km 12870 calories (648 Savoy biscuits) YTD 5,860 km
"It's good to have an end to journey toward, but it's the journey that matters in the end" Ursula K. LeGuin US novelist 1929-
Just a few hours later the late shift clocked on at the Peppermill, assembling for the inaugural Tour de Pub as a tribute for Temple's half century. A great roll up of FeltMat, Jase, Daniel, Cougs, Pete, Tim, Rocket, Nath, BigMat, Kenworth, the birthday boy and DeRosaTrev with a difficult prologue for all the team......sinking a pot. The ride eventually got underway out Raftery and down to the highway, some procrastination & confusion on direction until the highway took the votes (plenty of shrapnel to avoid in the left lane) Nath & Daniel stole the tailwind lead and kept it in Union Rd too, the lure of the Toolamba pub urging Daniel to double his usual gap. Our dozen inflated the pub's population to 13, football debate quickly on the agenda. To keep to schedule it was just the one, DeRosaTrev performing a rapid change of Coug's flat Continental prior to take-off. The 20km/h northerly invoked a sweat out Toolamba-Rushworth Rd, tough going in Dhurringile Rd too. Newbie Pete was getting a rapid induction to the Couldabeen characters, enjoying the social atmostphere as we all were. Tat's middle pub has undergone a renno, 12 thirsty punters were added to carbo load on their beer and chips. A few had taken on seconds (clearly dehydrated) but the clock beckoned to set forth east to Mooroopna; Ferguson, Pyke then Murchison-Mooroopna Rd's as Stage 3. There was a close call with an impatient Navara, a steady push home into the head wind , then Tim bolting for a Stage win into Mooroopna, but Temple had selection rights to the exact finish line. Refreshment taken at the Cricketers Arms, seconds for many with Kenworth quick to furnish liquid by the jug. DeRosaTrev, Pete & Cougs did an early breakaway to Shepp (the DeRosa getting a bit of rallycross experience with some blurred judgement) but all assembled at Friars for a tour post-mortem, a touching Temple speech and gifts given. There was one more for the for the road with the termination at the Terminus, 55k's done and enough carbo loading to last the week.
A cool fresh Sunday morning needed a cool aproach with 110k clocked on Saturday, a quiet roll around a short lap to loosen the legs was bearable, the compulsory stop for coffee at Degani's for a long yarn with Cougs, AvantiTrev, Laura and GG joining in after a similar circuit. Home with 30k chalked up and limbs un seized.
Monday's southwester favoured an anti-clockwise lap (still a few creaks in knees and ankles.....time has wearied them) on the familiar territory of Channel, Boundary and Old Dookie. Boral's truck rolled out on a warm up in Boundary, Cougs and I picked up the pace to get round before a fair sized cat pack passed by on their mission south. Monday morning blues suited a temperate tour, maybe cooler weather has subdued enthusiasm, (variety has suited the legs of late) or has age taken it's toll? All the same, a sense of satisfaction tapping out 30k while many turned softer under doonas.
Cooler climate is testing some Couldabeens attendance (BigMat surely now in retirement after Saturdays effort?) just the tenacious ones Tuesday, Rocket, Kenworth, Shorty, Temple, Cougs, Nick and FujiTrev prepared to endure the 11 degrees and 15km/h of SSW. Plenty of torque needed to match the big truck in Channel Rd's first stage, prospects of a stiff headwind in Boundary weren't being relished. Push came to shove at the end of Channel Rd and I guess there's only a few k to grit one's teeth, a few young lads to chase until their escape in River Rd, Pete then arriving from the south after missing the start . Load sharing was equitable and normal cruising speed was achievable / resumed for the westward run in Mitchell Rd, Temple chose the Archer option home, just 8 to tap out the remainder of the lap. The spring was wound up for the last few k of Raftery Rd, Rocket launched for the last 200 adding a lot of daylight between he and us (a worthy chase put in by the Kenworth but of course in vein)
The now rejuvenated Hospital bunch had assembled Tuesday evening, Jamie, Dalton, Paul, Craig, Mike, Dion, AvantiTrev, Stew, Axel and Nath sedately heading north then east in 19 degrees with the breeze behind. Sprinter and Simmo were collected in Ford Rd, a calm and collected tempo maintained out to the Emu, maybe in expectation of what lay ahead. Quite a few had arrived from the south as we were toaster bound, OlympicSteve, Trent, Trudy, Bomber, Steigy and even Smuggler jumped aboard as the accelerator was squeezed in Old Dookie Rd. Had to be on your toes into Boundary as Bomber silenced the chat, quite a few now on their limit . A slight hesitation at the front on a roll-over sent a ripple magnifying through the bunch, by 4th last wheel Axel had to squeeze a little brake, (unseen by Mike), who was quickly now rubbing Axels back wheel, soon lost balance and speared into the earth of the tabledrain. I'd thankfully noticed the first signs and was back a little from Mike as he did the base over apex manoevre, cleverly hitting soft ground and grass to cushion the impact on bike and body. All halted to lend assistance, Mike soon up and recovering with just a graze to a knee and a brake lever. Situation assessed, most resumed the circuit, Jamie, Simmo, Axel & I happy to accompany (at a reduced rate of knots) a shaken Mike back to see he got home in one piece.
Nick, Shorty, Cougs, Rocket, GG, Chops, FujiTrev and AvantiTrev headed south from Kialla on Wednesday, barely 8 degrees was the main topic for discussion but my focus was on FujiTrev's lack of focus (may need to paint a guide line for him to follow?) Pete lay ahead and joined in for stage 2 of Archer Rd, a smoother run up Mitchell Rd with a light breeze from the south. Greendawg and friend spied at the top end of Mitchell, the pooch brave (or balmy) without a headlight. Cats were seen filing into River Rd, Goats a distance behind (or was that the other way around?) but no sign of P&W's today. Mr & Mrs Somebody were northbound near the bridge as usual, GG was happy playing gatekeeper, tank a bit empty on a tough diet. The speed elevated for Channel Rd, Nick and Shorty applying the gas with race speed at kinder corner. Mr Impatient was keen to use our lane overtaking an oncoming bike (must be a chore to wait 3 seconds) but all arrived back into town with time to spare, the Mexican Bonanza sprint taking most of the discussion. The BM went in for it's new rear deraillier today (the previous Dura-Ace mashed by Mavic spokes), a headstem adjust and new bar tape to freshen the old girl up as a bonus. As always, rides like new out of the Avanti shop, all squeaks and rattles evaporated. A most amusing touch Trev and Nath, chain sitting on the little ring when I picked it up! (how foreign)
An early start at work prompted an earlier Thursday lap, a chill in the air and condensation on the parked cars gives an ominous warning of what's to come. Frozen fingers and toes (and other extremities) multiple layers of kit, booties and gloves, icy air to breathe and the post ride long thaw out till normal function returns. One wonders who will endure and who will succumb to the weight of the doona? A southwesterly brewed heading out Channel Rd, a treat until pointing west homeward. We beat the Boral Mack just lighting up in it's driveway, Pussycats on their usual course with a few P&W hitchikers vocal amongst them. Back into town avoiding the Mr & Mrs Citizens on their relentless and sometimes blinkered commute, sipping coffee, on the phone, checking make-up, whilst driving of course!
Some indecision looking at the trees bending over on Thursday arvo, the stiff southerly would test the willpower. A field of heavy artillery were waiting at the library, inflating the negatives, but nothing ventured nothing gained eh? Nath and Bomber stole the lead for the stage to Wanganui, then Numurkah Rd, and then to Lemnos Rd for good measure. Mitch kept the pace on at the main channel, maybe for Sprinter and I to enjoy, quite blessed to have Dalton roll over at the kennels to hand me the perfect tow. Hamish & Nath fired up the afterburners to the Emu, a string of bikes now single file behind (and with just 15k covered). Three new additions to the rear at the toaster, Sprinter & I served our time at the front in Old Dookie Rd, blown sideways with gusts up to 53km/h making life just a touch difficult. Axel and others jumped aboard at the channel, by Boundary Rd only 5 were active at the pointy end, my sole attempt (no better than 32) for just a few hundred metres drained the tank quickly. Caught in the string of backmarkers after the highway a big gap opened, little chance to get back on without strong teamwork. Searched for a few players to team up and toil together, but all retreated into Channel Rd, only Stew heading south. 300 metres in arrears, all the eggs were in one basket towing Stew (hopeful he'd work in River Rd for our survival) but the bugger bailed out south and homeward as River Rd was reached. Into solo survival mode for the next 23k, wind punishing physically and mentally, a bit peeved to have lost touch with the lads at the front (there'd be some hurt hanging onto them i guess) yet satisfied I had stuck out the full lap. Switched the thoughts into defiant mode for the many tortured minutes that followed until Steptoe's house was the sight for sore legs (50k in 1:30 ok for a blustery night, nearly half the lap solo) with a suprise chat beyond the Raftery bridge with Chris A in his ute drawing alongside.
Remnants of last nights gusts were still about on Friday morning, down to a more manageable 18km/h from the south, but 7 degrees spelt winter was ringing the doorbell . Arriving at SPC, Fox, Sootie, Meags, Choppy, Simon, Cougs and Minto were ready (when Simons light was activated) so out Old Dookie we ventured where Coug's light promptly de-activated. A social catch-up with the tenacious team albeit brief with a planned escape in Channel Rd (work beckons yet again). A pause for Cougs to reconnect volts to the light (a kerbside Cat cast aside cursing punctures) then westward ho to find the Sellmans German Shepherd on the chase again. (called Council to book yet another ranger visit) A little shelter offered by orchards but the southerly was evident on the open sections, back into town in good time to finish off the week. The heart rate monitor conductivity at an all time low today, a 56bpm average closer to unconciousness.
Week 16 428 km 12870 calories (648 Savoy biscuits) YTD 5,860 km
"It's good to have an end to journey toward, but it's the journey that matters in the end" Ursula K. LeGuin US novelist 1929-
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Week 15 : Variety, the spice of life
A sizeable start to Saturdays lap, Rocket, FujiTrev, Nick, Shorty, Cougs, Daniel, Temple, Tim, FeltMat, Mike, and a big welcome to the Pom, back on two wheels after the surgical lay off. No show by AvantiTrev, so set sail after a brief wait, StrobeSteve turning up beyond Kensington , Nath a fair way out on Channel Rd. The h.r. monitor is a little more consistent this morning with ultrasonic gel conducting the signal, not dropping to 50 for long periods as it has been. A split bunch accross the Midland, some went and others stopped for traffic, big on the rubber band effect regrouping, a couple of close calls till the rhythm re-established. Smuggler came aboard nearing the fig farm, course set for the Toaster with little discussion or argument. There was a hint of south easterly as Rocket & I took the front in Old Dookie, the parfum de piggery confirmed the direction very soon after. Pom's tool kit went west over the railway line, a momentary lapse in tempo to collect the fallout then reset the cruise speed for a wind assisted tour toward town. TardyTrev was waiting near Boundary Rd, not relying on alarms had taken it's toll. Put in a plead to Steve to turn the disco light off, it was about to induce an epileptic fit. (big distraction from watching the wheel ahead) Darkness hid the now elevated speed (but scrutinised by some) sharing the front with halfcenturian Temple, quite capably half wheeling me (a chip off the Daniel block?) A united finish at the Cemetery, no slacking of speed on the run through town for the post ride social discourse. Candle in a muffin happy birthdays to Temple, a Vince visit and voluminous verbals on circuses, road rage, age and neck warmers.
Lots of visual maps in the head in the early hours of Sunday, maybe something to break the repetition, there's been lots of 30 - 50k laps of late. The clock change meant daylight was to be enjoyed so rolled out at 7.30 for a ride round the block. Steered west out of town with a head full of thoughts, what better way than to resolve with a ride. A thesis on bike lane sufaces was underway out the Midland highway, from the course 20mm stone and the rough reseal edge to the super smooth tar & 7mm stone than makes wheels sing (lifts speed a whisker and enthusiasm a lot) A whisper of an easterly and tunes from James Blake propelled me well toward Stanhope, the feint blue-grey curtains of rain over the town weren't welcome though. After 34k west, a turn south (thankfully skirting around the light shower) pointing 18k to Rushworth. I thought progress was good until the rise at the Waranga west channel, a legacy of being a flatland rider. Just a few spots of rain through the hills, but driven by the lure of a bakery break, rolled into town keen for caffine and cake. Half way through the cup TriBrian turned up, soon after Pete McK joined in for a great yarn (Robbo's ears burning?)
Calves were cooling so bid adieu to get stage 2 underway, 19k east to Murchison with a view of the basin and the pong of a dozen dead skippys at the roadside. (not the road to travel at dusk) Fought the temptation of Murch's bakery, there was a wind building to make the final assult a tough one. Pressed on to Moorilim, hopeful of northbound traffic to draft on the highway. No such luck of course, more headed southbouth than north, exposed to the northeast wind wearied weakening legs. Concentration on the roadside shrapnel (bolts, shackles, a pocket knife, 20 cents, scissors and a brake pad....worrying) didn't help, just determination to finish, promising myself an early lunch at the Lemontree, so imagined the menu. All the watts were used to stay above 30 for the long haul home, cursing the gusts given from Melbourne bound trucks. Back in town and diverting around the lake Criterium (great results from Rhys, Robbo, Sprinter and many more), was pleased to knock over 107k at 32. Relished the chicken & avacado foccacia to replace the 1860 calories.
Leg condition wasn't bad Monday morning but the posterior was glowing a bit. A temperate tour out Channel Rd and up Boundary with Cougs, witnessing the Cat collective heading southward (with an odd P&W or three aboard?) nice to have a little light about to guide the way, felt like I was running late for work with the sun up in Old Dookie, Cougs' spirited push home got the legs jellied.
Didn't fancy the glossy road from Tuesday mornings' brief shower, felt there'd be another downpour if I got out (of course it didn't!) so a morning off enjoyed. A perfect Tuesday evening of 20 degrees and a hint of a northeasterly, a positive start with Jamie, Mike, AvantiTrev, Dalton (on a shiny new Green Edge Scott, a stiffer rig to handle his horsepower) Graeme, Axel and Robbo. Trev led out an early start (making up for late last Saturday?), the bunch collecting Sprinter, Bomber and Steigy on the westward leg, OlympicSteve, Trent & Trudy near the church, then legalSteve on the westward along Old Dookie Rd. An insect assult as dusk came, pays to keep glasses on and mouth shut to avoid the little protein projectiles. Mike & Trev had resigned to the rear to keep Axel company (recovering from the lurgy) speed had steadily built to get the heart rate up. Sprinter departed in Channel Rd, and over the Broken Bridges we caught the smells of Steve's sausages sizzling.....sensational :-) (i think he does it deliberately!) A few chilly patches in River Rd but Bomber kept us warm with tempo, found a few breaths for congrats to Trudy for a fine Maryborough effort. Young Graeme has quickly returned to form (just before he quickly returns to the Qld CSG exploration) many others towing the pack well to Melbourne Rd for a brief traffic pause. Bomber & Robbo strung the field into single file out of Roubaix, I felt duty bound to contribute, but 500 metres in the 40's was all I could give it Capt'n. Most had found form to resume front of house duties by Conrod straight (very convenient?) I had hopes on Steigy's wheel but was momentarily baulked by his rapid puncture, gapped by several lengths to the 5 ahead. Pulled out the shovel to dig deep but only held station for 6th. Satisfied to finish the 42k upright in 1.11.21 and eager to replace the 1045 calories with dinner.
Reasonably loose in the legs on Wednesday for a tour with the Kialla Couldabeens. Tim, Cougs, Pete, Nick, Rocket (seized up from holiday paving) and legalDave hit the Archer track at 6 and carved our way through the fog, glasses lasted for a k till being asigned to the pocket. A great sunrise to view heading up Mitchell Rd, had another go at the front with Pete (a little green at bunch riding but fit as a Mallee bull) and was soundly half biked for the duration (but he's only half of HWK) We snuck through the supercat and cat pack gap at their turn into River Rd, and was quietly relieved to have Rocket roll over to tow beyond the bridges. Some Strava stats swapped with legalDave to a steady tour along Channel Rd, only the deliberate swerve at us from the knucklehead in an oncoming Falcon soured the occassion. All home safe, me looking forward to an evening bonding session with the couch.
Thursday morning had lower numbers for the Couldabeens lap, had to rub the eyes to convince myself it was BigMat waiting at the carpark! Rocket, Tim, Cougs, Kenworth,Jase and Nick all suprised too. Pete was along for another go, FeltMat oncoming near the roundabout did an about face to join in too. BigMat put in a good first session, but the lycra has shrunk a little, turning the knicks way too transparent. Nick's peaking of late, a fine match with Rocket at the front (but hang on if you can) cruising at 40 in Mitchell Rd. Happy to share the front with Tim at a slightly eased rate, BigMat taking a recovery for a few turns. All had a long wait for traffic at Melbourne Rd, Pete taking his leave from there. The build up to the finale was a steady one (keeps the team united) and was suprised half way down Conrod that nobody had bolted (Rocket taking it easy on Jase?) Temptation overpowered me sitting at 4th wheel, stood on the gas to force a move but the Cosmic's racket gave the stealth game away by the time i'd hit the front. Rockets rapid reaction soon caught me and he had a length when the finish line flashed by. Stirred the pot a bit but Daewoo's don't dust Diablo's. Silly h.r monitor showed 79bpm at 52km/h......mmm, don't think so. Add a hundred I reckon.
Perfect weather continued into Thursday arvo (just how long will this last?) and a revitalised group assembled at the library. Jamie, Paul, Nath, Dalton, Clive, Mike, Robbo, Graeme, and newbies Dion & Stew hit the Boulevard trail, Clive puncturing at the back within minutes, team spirit shown by Dalton & Paul to assist in a pit stop, repair and diversion to rejoin beyond the soup tin. Simmo had just latched on, the tour east tough at times, stuck between Robbo and Nath as usual. All felt the southerly on the turn at the Emu, speed appropriately adjusted to prevent explosions. Robbo unusually took shorter turns, even sat back for a while (a later spy on Strava finds he's already done 45k solo) which turned the sequence to sharing the front with Simmo & Nath. Graeme now has a mean pair of MadFiber carbons to roll on, lots of volume in these puppies and knife like spokes to cut the air. (yet another young fella going faster) Dion & Stew had a few shifts at the front (in training for the upcoming Otway Classic) but became shorter by River Rd's end. Consistency kept the bunch together, Robbo got his second wind in a blast up Mt.Nicolaci, cooking Jamie in the process. A brief pause at the highway then back on the loud pedal. The highly capable young guns Nath, Robbo and Graeme drove hard turning the pack to single file approaching Arcadia Downs, I finally got around Dion who was about to go OTA, and struggled to pick up the gap for a bit. Half a minute to regain breathing rejuvenated the old engine, so off the Fizik and kicked the 12 tooth hard, shot to the front quite pleased that lights behind were getting weaker, not stronger. 191bpm confirmed the Garmin read well (pairing the h.r. monitor seems to be the fix) 445 watts got me across the line first, but the chocolates belonged to Nath, Robbo & Graeme for the big tow.
It's been a while since the last P&W tour, so Friday joined the team for a 30k epilogue to the week. HWK and quick chicks Stace, Cougs, Fee, Hayles, Weapon and Meags, with recruit Couldabeens Jase & Shorty aboard, set off in Old Dookie with Weapons' 90mm Zipps singing a happy tune. A few foggy sections to get through and legs not as fresh as i'd like them for what felt like an uphill in Boundary Rd. Fee's gone aero losing 5kg on the Melb Tri day alone, Hayles on surgical recovery and Stace more on the run than on the bike. A solid navigation of Mitchell Rd, over the highway and the vibrato of Roubaix corner done, Rocket was spied near Arcadia Downs heading anti-clockwise (no contenders for F#%k that Friday?) The locker lads Fox, Sootie, Bart and Wizz wizzed passed us in the last 200 of Conrod, I needed to dig deep into the reserves to match Weapons strong finish.
Week 15 454km 13,620 calories (48 crossaints) YTD 5432km
"Courage is being scared to death - and saddling up anyway" Marion Mitchell Morrison (aka John Wayne) 1907-1979
Lots of visual maps in the head in the early hours of Sunday, maybe something to break the repetition, there's been lots of 30 - 50k laps of late. The clock change meant daylight was to be enjoyed so rolled out at 7.30 for a ride round the block. Steered west out of town with a head full of thoughts, what better way than to resolve with a ride. A thesis on bike lane sufaces was underway out the Midland highway, from the course 20mm stone and the rough reseal edge to the super smooth tar & 7mm stone than makes wheels sing (lifts speed a whisker and enthusiasm a lot) A whisper of an easterly and tunes from James Blake propelled me well toward Stanhope, the feint blue-grey curtains of rain over the town weren't welcome though. After 34k west, a turn south (thankfully skirting around the light shower) pointing 18k to Rushworth. I thought progress was good until the rise at the Waranga west channel, a legacy of being a flatland rider. Just a few spots of rain through the hills, but driven by the lure of a bakery break, rolled into town keen for caffine and cake. Half way through the cup TriBrian turned up, soon after Pete McK joined in for a great yarn (Robbo's ears burning?)
Calves were cooling so bid adieu to get stage 2 underway, 19k east to Murchison with a view of the basin and the pong of a dozen dead skippys at the roadside. (not the road to travel at dusk) Fought the temptation of Murch's bakery, there was a wind building to make the final assult a tough one. Pressed on to Moorilim, hopeful of northbound traffic to draft on the highway. No such luck of course, more headed southbouth than north, exposed to the northeast wind wearied weakening legs. Concentration on the roadside shrapnel (bolts, shackles, a pocket knife, 20 cents, scissors and a brake pad....worrying) didn't help, just determination to finish, promising myself an early lunch at the Lemontree, so imagined the menu. All the watts were used to stay above 30 for the long haul home, cursing the gusts given from Melbourne bound trucks. Back in town and diverting around the lake Criterium (great results from Rhys, Robbo, Sprinter and many more), was pleased to knock over 107k at 32. Relished the chicken & avacado foccacia to replace the 1860 calories.
Leg condition wasn't bad Monday morning but the posterior was glowing a bit. A temperate tour out Channel Rd and up Boundary with Cougs, witnessing the Cat collective heading southward (with an odd P&W or three aboard?) nice to have a little light about to guide the way, felt like I was running late for work with the sun up in Old Dookie, Cougs' spirited push home got the legs jellied.
Didn't fancy the glossy road from Tuesday mornings' brief shower, felt there'd be another downpour if I got out (of course it didn't!) so a morning off enjoyed. A perfect Tuesday evening of 20 degrees and a hint of a northeasterly, a positive start with Jamie, Mike, AvantiTrev, Dalton (on a shiny new Green Edge Scott, a stiffer rig to handle his horsepower) Graeme, Axel and Robbo. Trev led out an early start (making up for late last Saturday?), the bunch collecting Sprinter, Bomber and Steigy on the westward leg, OlympicSteve, Trent & Trudy near the church, then legalSteve on the westward along Old Dookie Rd. An insect assult as dusk came, pays to keep glasses on and mouth shut to avoid the little protein projectiles. Mike & Trev had resigned to the rear to keep Axel company (recovering from the lurgy) speed had steadily built to get the heart rate up. Sprinter departed in Channel Rd, and over the Broken Bridges we caught the smells of Steve's sausages sizzling.....sensational :-) (i think he does it deliberately!) A few chilly patches in River Rd but Bomber kept us warm with tempo, found a few breaths for congrats to Trudy for a fine Maryborough effort. Young Graeme has quickly returned to form (just before he quickly returns to the Qld CSG exploration) many others towing the pack well to Melbourne Rd for a brief traffic pause. Bomber & Robbo strung the field into single file out of Roubaix, I felt duty bound to contribute, but 500 metres in the 40's was all I could give it Capt'n. Most had found form to resume front of house duties by Conrod straight (very convenient?) I had hopes on Steigy's wheel but was momentarily baulked by his rapid puncture, gapped by several lengths to the 5 ahead. Pulled out the shovel to dig deep but only held station for 6th. Satisfied to finish the 42k upright in 1.11.21 and eager to replace the 1045 calories with dinner.
Reasonably loose in the legs on Wednesday for a tour with the Kialla Couldabeens. Tim, Cougs, Pete, Nick, Rocket (seized up from holiday paving) and legalDave hit the Archer track at 6 and carved our way through the fog, glasses lasted for a k till being asigned to the pocket. A great sunrise to view heading up Mitchell Rd, had another go at the front with Pete (a little green at bunch riding but fit as a Mallee bull) and was soundly half biked for the duration (but he's only half of HWK) We snuck through the supercat and cat pack gap at their turn into River Rd, and was quietly relieved to have Rocket roll over to tow beyond the bridges. Some Strava stats swapped with legalDave to a steady tour along Channel Rd, only the deliberate swerve at us from the knucklehead in an oncoming Falcon soured the occassion. All home safe, me looking forward to an evening bonding session with the couch.
Thursday morning had lower numbers for the Couldabeens lap, had to rub the eyes to convince myself it was BigMat waiting at the carpark! Rocket, Tim, Cougs, Kenworth,Jase and Nick all suprised too. Pete was along for another go, FeltMat oncoming near the roundabout did an about face to join in too. BigMat put in a good first session, but the lycra has shrunk a little, turning the knicks way too transparent. Nick's peaking of late, a fine match with Rocket at the front (but hang on if you can) cruising at 40 in Mitchell Rd. Happy to share the front with Tim at a slightly eased rate, BigMat taking a recovery for a few turns. All had a long wait for traffic at Melbourne Rd, Pete taking his leave from there. The build up to the finale was a steady one (keeps the team united) and was suprised half way down Conrod that nobody had bolted (Rocket taking it easy on Jase?) Temptation overpowered me sitting at 4th wheel, stood on the gas to force a move but the Cosmic's racket gave the stealth game away by the time i'd hit the front. Rockets rapid reaction soon caught me and he had a length when the finish line flashed by. Stirred the pot a bit but Daewoo's don't dust Diablo's. Silly h.r monitor showed 79bpm at 52km/h......mmm, don't think so. Add a hundred I reckon.
Perfect weather continued into Thursday arvo (just how long will this last?) and a revitalised group assembled at the library. Jamie, Paul, Nath, Dalton, Clive, Mike, Robbo, Graeme, and newbies Dion & Stew hit the Boulevard trail, Clive puncturing at the back within minutes, team spirit shown by Dalton & Paul to assist in a pit stop, repair and diversion to rejoin beyond the soup tin. Simmo had just latched on, the tour east tough at times, stuck between Robbo and Nath as usual. All felt the southerly on the turn at the Emu, speed appropriately adjusted to prevent explosions. Robbo unusually took shorter turns, even sat back for a while (a later spy on Strava finds he's already done 45k solo) which turned the sequence to sharing the front with Simmo & Nath. Graeme now has a mean pair of MadFiber carbons to roll on, lots of volume in these puppies and knife like spokes to cut the air. (yet another young fella going faster) Dion & Stew had a few shifts at the front (in training for the upcoming Otway Classic) but became shorter by River Rd's end. Consistency kept the bunch together, Robbo got his second wind in a blast up Mt.Nicolaci, cooking Jamie in the process. A brief pause at the highway then back on the loud pedal. The highly capable young guns Nath, Robbo and Graeme drove hard turning the pack to single file approaching Arcadia Downs, I finally got around Dion who was about to go OTA, and struggled to pick up the gap for a bit. Half a minute to regain breathing rejuvenated the old engine, so off the Fizik and kicked the 12 tooth hard, shot to the front quite pleased that lights behind were getting weaker, not stronger. 191bpm confirmed the Garmin read well (pairing the h.r. monitor seems to be the fix) 445 watts got me across the line first, but the chocolates belonged to Nath, Robbo & Graeme for the big tow.
It's been a while since the last P&W tour, so Friday joined the team for a 30k epilogue to the week. HWK and quick chicks Stace, Cougs, Fee, Hayles, Weapon and Meags, with recruit Couldabeens Jase & Shorty aboard, set off in Old Dookie with Weapons' 90mm Zipps singing a happy tune. A few foggy sections to get through and legs not as fresh as i'd like them for what felt like an uphill in Boundary Rd. Fee's gone aero losing 5kg on the Melb Tri day alone, Hayles on surgical recovery and Stace more on the run than on the bike. A solid navigation of Mitchell Rd, over the highway and the vibrato of Roubaix corner done, Rocket was spied near Arcadia Downs heading anti-clockwise (no contenders for F#%k that Friday?) The locker lads Fox, Sootie, Bart and Wizz wizzed passed us in the last 200 of Conrod, I needed to dig deep into the reserves to match Weapons strong finish.
Week 15 454km 13,620 calories (48 crossaints) YTD 5432km
"Courage is being scared to death - and saddling up anyway" Marion Mitchell Morrison (aka John Wayne) 1907-1979
Friday, April 5, 2013
Week 14 : Goodbye muesli, hello porridge
A few missing in action for Easter Saturday, so no great expectations Charles Dickens, for a bulging bunch at the shop. A few had tendered apologies but only Rocket, Shorty, Jason and Tim (today's birthday boy) made an appearance, no doubt inspired by a sultry eight degrees, or was it to burn some calories in advance of Sunday's chow on chocolate? Rocket admitted it was a rehab ride to rid his system of alcohol, Jase must have had a visit to a Spanish doctor (such was his opening pace) whilst Shorty was on a holiday hangover. Birthday greetings to Tim, all speared lights through the darkness and few foggy patches of Channel Rd and up to Boundary. Not a lot of arguement to cut the lap a little short straight up Boundary to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. A momentary pause over New Dookie Rd for Tim to retrieve a Rudy Project lens (worth a month's mortgage payment?) dislodged whilst wiping fog from the view. Found and re-united, ten wheels sliced through the chill to reach Lemnos-Cosgrove's tarmac, then head west to the prospect of warmth at the finish, pussycat attendance a whisker lower than normal as they clawed their way east with a purr of wheels. All were well behaved to the cemetery (save a small spurt of speed in Wanganui) and an unabaited push through town to arrive at the Lemontree, scuttle indoors and warm up on coffee and cooked breakfast. And its not even in the minuses yet! An amusing yarn on Ozzi-cosy's, Shticks and infomercials, concerts, clowns and fishing. An all points bulletin posted for BigMat.
A day off Sunday with a bad case of the C.B.F's. Guilt took over for Monday though, a lap planned to burn off the carbo loading session (thanks to Easter bunny). Heated 3am outdoor relationship counselling by ferals in the next street was an early alarm (a proliferation of profound profanities), but I finally rolled out at 6 to face an anti-clockwise Toaster lap. Few cars about and speed by feel (no km/h visible), a few tunes from Chet Faker and Goldfrapp took me up to the top of Mitchell, pleased to see one other bike westward (meaning I'm not the only nut case) A chilly patch for the leg to the pub, relying on the head to decide if speed was too fast or too slow, to be dissapointed or to be burnt to a crisp?, that is the question. The big soup tin came into view nearing Lemnos Rd (so did the speedo....not bad) three other dedicated cyclists / crazy lunatics (strike out that which is not applicable) heading clockwise to greet the rising sun. Pushed on to Wanganui then Rudd, down the Boulevard with the tank steadily emptying and was satisfied to stop the clock for a solo 1:36 to Tarcoola, burning up 840 Easter egg calories. Pressed on (munching a mum's home-made muesli bar to top up the tank) to add a reverse Couldabeens lap with Cougs, at least the sun was up now to psychologically warm the bones. A few more riders out and about in daylight (most likely sane) , two tending to a puncture at Archer Rd. A good steady 30k, with a bit of a push into a building WSW breeze along Channel Rd to finish. Coffee at Degani's rounded off 85k, good to get a bit more distance in for a change, only lots of 30's and 45's of late.
Early duty at the salt mine meant an early lap of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie on Tuesday, legs feeling the legacy of a longer stretch yesterday. A milder 14 degrees helped, lack of light doesn't though (sun not up till after 7 now) Ahh, the long dark chilly months of winter are but weeks away to inspire us all ! A health string of Cats filed into Boundary Rd as a dozen or so in a mystery group (a Goat revival?) finished the last k of Old Dookie Rd. Cougs had the hammer down for the return home, a southwester providing the resistance.
Paul, Clive and Mike were at the Hospital roll-call Tuesday evening, a pleasant 21 degrees to roll out but the fragrant Ford tacked onto the back in Graham St (nightmares of previous attempts), about as welcome as a Labor Party opinion poll! It was revival night with Sprinter rejoining, then Steigy and Sticks, soon after LegalSteve and Luke enrolled to revitalise Tuesday nights lap. A drafty SSW @ 22km/h slowly built to a full on southerly @ 32, giving all a workout (the pungent one thankfully came to it's senses staying at the rear) Rhys came aboard at the church to pair with Luke, a fine couple of young engines to bear the brunt at the front. My shift came in Old Dookie with the Sprinter, keen to bump up the pace 5km/h (a warm-up for the forthcoming criterium) Lots of gym time has built some endurance in the little guy, but he's like drafting a matchstick when ahead. Tucked in nicely for the southerly section, turned into River Rd to find long-lost Graham with Craig ready to contribute. Sailed the length of River Rd with the speed on the increase, passed Roscoe (out solo) nearing the end. A blast down to Mitchell with Sprinter ramping up the tempo again, then west to Raftery courtesy of the young ones. Luke took an Arcadia Downs exit and Rhys lit the fuse and gapped the pack in Conrod straight, turning the bunch single file with Sprinter as the sacrificial lamb in pursuit. I'd won the lottery with Steigy's wheel (a great torquey diesel engine to follow) and found the last relics of energy with 150 to go, just managing to shake off Paul for 2nd, nudging 60 at the end (and nudging 570 watts according to Garmin)
Wednesday's regular steady lap was most welcome, the nuts and bolts were a bit loose after the last few days effort (the bike's a bit rattly too!) Lack of moonlight hampered navigation to just the headlight, easy to lose the roads edge at times. The familiar route tapped out, beating the Boral truck today, a procession of (un-identifiable) groups headed southward. Aware of a light joining in behind, Cougs upped the ante to make the hitch hiker earn his breakfast, finally, spoken words of "car back" identified Fitzy as the culprit. A quick finish after a long warm up was good tonic.
A welcome restoration of Library group numbers on Thursday evening with Trev, Mike, Robbo, Dalton & Clive at the flag off, Craig & Simmo rolling along the Boulevard in wait. The long length of Brett came along (from a long lay off the bike) his seat post longer than my arm I reckon. My lately erratic heart rate monitor was showing 185 on the first leg, down to 130 whilst in the low 40's later. A few forums suggest conductivity problems (will try ultrasound gel), has anyone else had this fluctuation? Up to Wanganui Rd to welcome Sprinter and LegalSteve aboard, across Numurkah Rd and onward we had a close shave with a wannabe Winterbottom overtaking us at breakneck speed, a car suddenly turning from a side street into his path induced the OMG's. Mahem narrowly avoided, the bunch added Sticks & Bomber in Lemnos Cosgrove Rd for the push toward the Emu, just a light easter to battle. My second shift at the front was after the Church with Sticks, who cooked the calves picking up the tempo into the high thirties, then beyond 40 up to the piggery where I'd had enough and rolled over (cheers to Paul for an ease of speed on his turn) Got through a full rotation by River Rd, Sticks and Robbo wound up the wick to 40+, me hopeful they'd stay put whilst I sat second wheel. Unfortunately Sticks retired from active duty just beyond Trevaskis Rd, leaving me to be roasted on the Robbo rotisserie for nearly 3 k. Satisfied i'd survived till Central Kialla Rd, and grateful Robbo took pity, back to 38 for the run to the Kialla Hall. It seemed just a couple of minutes passed before we'd paired again out of Roubaix corner, momentum building to Arcadia Downs, Brett quickly and unceremoniously discarded off the back. Deja vous with the Robbo-mobile again climbing the Conrod dip, i emptied the tank to get around, only to let the criterium contenders (having had a generous tow) loose for a thrash to the line (none could match Robbo's watts mind you). 48k's over in 1:21 and suddenly keen to refill the 1128 calories used. A headcount beyond the Raftery bridge was minus Brett, so dropped back with Craig to find and tow him back to the social fold of the team for the cruise (and post mortem) through town. A bit scary to note that the Library bunch is now 4 years old, (born 19/3/09) originally set up to get away from the hard hitters of the hospital group but it seems there's no escape! "Fleeing is futile"
The little blog odometer clocked over 6000 today, truely flattered that this prattling prose is read at all (but maybe not understood!) Took a sedate little 25k along Archer, Mitchell and Raftery in the early hours comfortably distant from the freaky friday fans, letting legs recover as an epilogue to a busy week.
Week 14 405km 12,150 calories (20.6kg of porridge) 4978km YTD
"The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives" Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965 German-French theologian, organist, philosopher, physician and missionary
A day off Sunday with a bad case of the C.B.F's. Guilt took over for Monday though, a lap planned to burn off the carbo loading session (thanks to Easter bunny). Heated 3am outdoor relationship counselling by ferals in the next street was an early alarm (a proliferation of profound profanities), but I finally rolled out at 6 to face an anti-clockwise Toaster lap. Few cars about and speed by feel (no km/h visible), a few tunes from Chet Faker and Goldfrapp took me up to the top of Mitchell, pleased to see one other bike westward (meaning I'm not the only nut case) A chilly patch for the leg to the pub, relying on the head to decide if speed was too fast or too slow, to be dissapointed or to be burnt to a crisp?, that is the question. The big soup tin came into view nearing Lemnos Rd (so did the speedo....not bad) three other dedicated cyclists / crazy lunatics (strike out that which is not applicable) heading clockwise to greet the rising sun. Pushed on to Wanganui then Rudd, down the Boulevard with the tank steadily emptying and was satisfied to stop the clock for a solo 1:36 to Tarcoola, burning up 840 Easter egg calories. Pressed on (munching a mum's home-made muesli bar to top up the tank) to add a reverse Couldabeens lap with Cougs, at least the sun was up now to psychologically warm the bones. A few more riders out and about in daylight (most likely sane) , two tending to a puncture at Archer Rd. A good steady 30k, with a bit of a push into a building WSW breeze along Channel Rd to finish. Coffee at Degani's rounded off 85k, good to get a bit more distance in for a change, only lots of 30's and 45's of late.
Early duty at the salt mine meant an early lap of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie on Tuesday, legs feeling the legacy of a longer stretch yesterday. A milder 14 degrees helped, lack of light doesn't though (sun not up till after 7 now) Ahh, the long dark chilly months of winter are but weeks away to inspire us all ! A health string of Cats filed into Boundary Rd as a dozen or so in a mystery group (a Goat revival?) finished the last k of Old Dookie Rd. Cougs had the hammer down for the return home, a southwester providing the resistance.
Paul, Clive and Mike were at the Hospital roll-call Tuesday evening, a pleasant 21 degrees to roll out but the fragrant Ford tacked onto the back in Graham St (nightmares of previous attempts), about as welcome as a Labor Party opinion poll! It was revival night with Sprinter rejoining, then Steigy and Sticks, soon after LegalSteve and Luke enrolled to revitalise Tuesday nights lap. A drafty SSW @ 22km/h slowly built to a full on southerly @ 32, giving all a workout (the pungent one thankfully came to it's senses staying at the rear) Rhys came aboard at the church to pair with Luke, a fine couple of young engines to bear the brunt at the front. My shift came in Old Dookie with the Sprinter, keen to bump up the pace 5km/h (a warm-up for the forthcoming criterium) Lots of gym time has built some endurance in the little guy, but he's like drafting a matchstick when ahead. Tucked in nicely for the southerly section, turned into River Rd to find long-lost Graham with Craig ready to contribute. Sailed the length of River Rd with the speed on the increase, passed Roscoe (out solo) nearing the end. A blast down to Mitchell with Sprinter ramping up the tempo again, then west to Raftery courtesy of the young ones. Luke took an Arcadia Downs exit and Rhys lit the fuse and gapped the pack in Conrod straight, turning the bunch single file with Sprinter as the sacrificial lamb in pursuit. I'd won the lottery with Steigy's wheel (a great torquey diesel engine to follow) and found the last relics of energy with 150 to go, just managing to shake off Paul for 2nd, nudging 60 at the end (and nudging 570 watts according to Garmin)
Wednesday's regular steady lap was most welcome, the nuts and bolts were a bit loose after the last few days effort (the bike's a bit rattly too!) Lack of moonlight hampered navigation to just the headlight, easy to lose the roads edge at times. The familiar route tapped out, beating the Boral truck today, a procession of (un-identifiable) groups headed southward. Aware of a light joining in behind, Cougs upped the ante to make the hitch hiker earn his breakfast, finally, spoken words of "car back" identified Fitzy as the culprit. A quick finish after a long warm up was good tonic.
A welcome restoration of Library group numbers on Thursday evening with Trev, Mike, Robbo, Dalton & Clive at the flag off, Craig & Simmo rolling along the Boulevard in wait. The long length of Brett came along (from a long lay off the bike) his seat post longer than my arm I reckon. My lately erratic heart rate monitor was showing 185 on the first leg, down to 130 whilst in the low 40's later. A few forums suggest conductivity problems (will try ultrasound gel), has anyone else had this fluctuation? Up to Wanganui Rd to welcome Sprinter and LegalSteve aboard, across Numurkah Rd and onward we had a close shave with a wannabe Winterbottom overtaking us at breakneck speed, a car suddenly turning from a side street into his path induced the OMG's. Mahem narrowly avoided, the bunch added Sticks & Bomber in Lemnos Cosgrove Rd for the push toward the Emu, just a light easter to battle. My second shift at the front was after the Church with Sticks, who cooked the calves picking up the tempo into the high thirties, then beyond 40 up to the piggery where I'd had enough and rolled over (cheers to Paul for an ease of speed on his turn) Got through a full rotation by River Rd, Sticks and Robbo wound up the wick to 40+, me hopeful they'd stay put whilst I sat second wheel. Unfortunately Sticks retired from active duty just beyond Trevaskis Rd, leaving me to be roasted on the Robbo rotisserie for nearly 3 k. Satisfied i'd survived till Central Kialla Rd, and grateful Robbo took pity, back to 38 for the run to the Kialla Hall. It seemed just a couple of minutes passed before we'd paired again out of Roubaix corner, momentum building to Arcadia Downs, Brett quickly and unceremoniously discarded off the back. Deja vous with the Robbo-mobile again climbing the Conrod dip, i emptied the tank to get around, only to let the criterium contenders (having had a generous tow) loose for a thrash to the line (none could match Robbo's watts mind you). 48k's over in 1:21 and suddenly keen to refill the 1128 calories used. A headcount beyond the Raftery bridge was minus Brett, so dropped back with Craig to find and tow him back to the social fold of the team for the cruise (and post mortem) through town. A bit scary to note that the Library bunch is now 4 years old, (born 19/3/09) originally set up to get away from the hard hitters of the hospital group but it seems there's no escape! "Fleeing is futile"
The little blog odometer clocked over 6000 today, truely flattered that this prattling prose is read at all (but maybe not understood!) Took a sedate little 25k along Archer, Mitchell and Raftery in the early hours comfortably distant from the freaky friday fans, letting legs recover as an epilogue to a busy week.
Week 14 405km 12,150 calories (20.6kg of porridge) 4978km YTD
"The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives" Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965 German-French theologian, organist, philosopher, physician and missionary
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