The whole weekend off the bike was a little out of character, maybe i'll pay the price for such sloth and lethargy? Nice to sleep in till 7 though, even a lazy arvo on the couch (but not eating cheezels off my fingers) was a bonus, maybe i'll pay for it spending a week to get back into shape? Even questioned the usual effort (addiction?) or is that the winter blues setting in? Needless to say, the posterior and the Fizik were complete strangers on Monday morning, felt like I rode like Muntzy for the first k, unable to hold a smooth line. Just as well it wasn't a week off! After a couple of clicks was suprised to find the usual cruising speed wasn't killing me, but a cautious approach taking a quiet 25 lap felt right. The familiar Monday am course crossed paths with the Cats southward in Boundary, a few 51ers on board maybe?
Tuesday morning was a winter wake up, the mercury a tad below 4 degrees would test the circulation. Kenworth, Rocket, Cougar, Trav, Nick, HBK, FujiTrev and Pete justifyably had a little sook at the temperature in the opening stages. My guess is lower numbers from now, temperature drops, doonas become heavier, motivation becomes as rare as a policy statement from Palmers' United Australia Party. HBK put some heat into all the legs for a section of Channel Rd, bumping up the pace 3 notches, Rocket matching of course. Others took the edge off to allow survival, legs were protesting at the poor working conditions, skin chilled, lungs refrigerated, muscles burning. Pete's enthusiasm shows, gapping riders as he rolls over, a tactful word may be needed. A hint of breeze from the south southwest made Boundary a battle, a fraction easier for Mitchell. Daniel departed to Archer Rd, Rocket did a long shift at the pointy end, even Nick showed signs of wear and tear up Mt Nicolaci. Over the highway and 'round Roubaix the excitement brewed but my legs weren't keen. Stayed back to see a copybook Rocket round-up to finish the lap in 48 minutes, thankfully the hole beyond the Raftery Bridge is now patched (maybe with National Tiles?) Looked forward to a lap with the hospital bunch at 6 on Tuesday night, a light 5.30 shower put it in a bit of doubt, the long stretch of green nearby on the radar set it in stone, a solo tour de couch tonite.
Wednesday morning had the leftover damp from the night before, not a lot of enthusiasm to start the day, even Higgins were off to a crook start with parfum de burnt toast in Wyndham St. A tour with Cougs on a short lap with just 4 degrees to motivate muscles, but a plethora of peletons in Boundary Rd to entertain. Supercats, Hurt Locker, a couple of soloists, P&W's, Cats and finally, Area 51, last but certainly not least. Cougar upped tempo for the closing stages of Old Dookie Rd to get us home in good time, a few drivers unable to muster the energy to turn headlights on despite the sun still below the horizon.
Thursday morning was a carbon copy of Wednesday (minus the plethora) , not a lot of enthusiasm to hammer a lap hard, just to enjoy a ride without headgasket failure and to preserve the desire to continue for a few years yet. Something inside the cavernous space of the skull was saying go easy, so who was I to argue. Interesting to hear a "Chris" from Shepparton ring Dr Karl's radio science show to hear the mathematics of effort riding into a headwind, no explanation of how to turn it off though! Even broke with the tradition of riding Friday, four k's on foot at six am was a refreshing change.
Week 18 148 km 4,440 calories (222 figs) YTD 6429 km
"Listen, or thy tongue will keep thee deaf" American Indian proverb
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