Another minus 1.3 started Saturday, like banging your head against a brick wall, it's nice when you stop. More iced cars served the reminder on the 5k roll to the start, calculating the temperature to attendance ratio equation. Only 7 made of the tough stuff today (a big change from last week), Rocket, Cougar, Tim, Jase, DiscoSteve, Shorty and Trav took on the Antarctic expedition trekking east, a 9km/h south easter gave a chilled challenge to Channel Rd. Captain Trev was on a hiatus helped by the Honda hiccup during the week but all abided by the law of speed vs survival. A vote on the course question was in favour of the usual Toaster/Emu leg, and no Nath or Smuggler to persue today. The southeaster strengthened for Rocket, Shorty & Jase to conquer in Old Dookie Rd, somewhat pleased to get a hint of a tow (and be 0.2 degrees warmer) at the back end of a small pack. 2 bikes approached the Emu as we turned into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, only 4 Cats (single file) near Boundary Rd today, the Tour de Cats Melbourne weekend drawing the numbers. An unseen bread & butter plate sized pot-hole punished four sets of wheels (and posteriors) in Ford Rd, no mechanical damage thankfully. A fair workout today with less than half of last Saturdays crowd, reckon the incentive was the Lemontree heaters, coffee and plenty of warm seats to go around. All felt the chill as the sun got out of bed, Rocket put some urge into Mt Wanganui to ensure blood didn't freeze. Good to get a lap done, better to finish and enjoy the post ride rambunctious ramblings of warm wear, BigMats' comeback odds (46:1 the latest from Tom Waterhouse), "admin" Fridays and Temple's alarm clock malfunctions.
A big dose of the c.b.f's on Sunday (the temperature to blame) but took to the tarmac Monday morning to ease into the week. Cougs had the Garmin paired and sorted for the usual short and spirited squirt, a balmy -0.3 temperature in comparison to the last 4 days wasn't a help though. Good to achieve the Mack target again in Boundary, Cat numbers good as they strung from east to south (how many were over .05 from the weekend I wonder?) Pace was cranked up in the closing k's to put some squiggles on the graph and warmth in the legs, a hint of conservation for the week that lay ahead though.
Bit of a push down the main drag in the wee small hours of Tuesday, a southerly at 18km/h to make me earn breakfast but at least 6 degrees was bearable. Just a handful of tenacious souls at the shop to clock up 30k.. Kenworth horsepower to match for leg one, Rocket warming up on leg two. Jase, Nick, Cougar, FeltMat and FujiTrev made up the rest of the team, with a little education for FujiTrev on why we sat up the road for a side wind. Boundary Rd took it's toll on a few, by Mitchell Rd FeltMat had taken a vacation from the front and FujiTrev close to expiry at Central Kialla Rd. (I wonder if that's what the Wrigleys Extra in the back pocket was for?) A long delay for traffic allowed most to revive, then set off to the highway. Some half baked moron (oncoming in Nissan with horsefloat) gave us the highbeam and driving lights treatment for a few hundred metres, such a clever thing to do. (well navigated by our Kenworth to steer us in the right direction) Another wait for highway traffic at Melbourne Rd would murder the average (i'd rather live to see another ride though) but a none-too-shabby speed was held away from the intersections. An easier run out of Roubaix and up to Arcadia Downs with the breeze almost behind us, Rocket, Jase and Kenworth started to open a gap in Conrod. Cougar, Nick and I held pace but cheeky buggers FeltMat and FujiTrev in tow had remarkably found new legs to sprint for the finish (FeltMat's undertaking will need a reminder on ethics)
The usual cast of villans gathered at the hospital boomgates on Tuesday night, the big stack still in discussion, Robbo's scale model constructions a refreshing change of subject. Traffic at Graham St split the starting pack into two, a bit of a chase was on to catch Robbo, Nath & co. When we finally attached in Ford Rd, some serious strength had swelled their ranks (and aspirations), Bomber, Mitch, Trent and others had the third leg into the roaring fourties with many putting all eggs into the hanging-on basket. A brief committee meeting with Axel resolved to let the big guns go, 8 others on similar thoughts grouped up to share the load. A handy collection of Dion, Gools, Sprinter, LegalSteve, Harpo, Tony and Clive set sail to the Emu and faced the southwesterly task (there was 25ks till a reprieve at Roubaix) watching the 8 ahead steadily open a widening gap. The rare chance of spare oxygen struck up a few conversations, news of Tour de Cats and geography lessons for Dion made a sociable night. The serious firepower ahead turned into River Rd as we cleared the Broken bridge, Stew rejoining us after a good effort hanging onto the higher calibre. LegalSteve, Dion and Stew ramped up the urgency at the end of River Rd, spying Bomber & Sticks dismounting at the Kialla hall meant we hadn't lost a lot of ground (the lead lads apparently thinned down to 3 at the finish with little left for a sprint). Just like the morning, wind was more behind us for Raftery Rd, so the accelerator was squeezed further. Into the first dip of Conrod it went suddenly single file, Dion on a big torque curve was hard to hold onto. I felt sorry for the young bloke dragging the whole team along, so went around him to assist with a tow, Sprinter follwed suit soon after but was flogging his own fairly dead horses in the closing 100 metres. My almost dead legs just managed to sneak past before the 60 sign, 190bpm the rev limit for this old engine. Unfortunately it's adieu for Stew, off to the greener pastures of Geelong (just as we'd gained a great wheel in the bunch).
Gave the bike a miss on Wednesday, a 4k walk a nice change and a chance for the sore bits to recover. Spied the tough cookies Sooty, Princess and the Comet, slogging along the main drag in minus 3 degrees. Rocket, Jase GG and Pistol Pete drank the concrete to put in a lap too i'm told.
Almost climatising to this minus stuff, one below for Thursday with Rocket, Cougar, Jase, Kenworth, GG, PistolPete and Nick the only ones tough as nails to turn up for Couldabeens duty. (promised attendance by Temple and HBK seems as sure as BigMat turning up) PistolPete's knee is on the improve (after a minor driveway demolition), rolls over like a bullet again. Great to see GG back having a go, motivation is the hardest thing to find at this time of year. I had trouble matching the Rocket in Mitchell Rd for any decent distance, seems others were struggling too with the rubber band syndrome setting in, due consideration taken at the chicane for all to excercise solidarity. (we're not the Labor Party!) A great effort by all to endure the chill at a good pace, ten out of ten for those who are giving it ten out of ten for the whole lap. There was a little more pace in Jase, Kenworth and Rocket at the end to thrash out the finish, nice (as always) to end with a good yarn on the journey homeward.
Just Robbo and Nath at the library Thursday night with 5 minutes to go, relief to have other helpers Dave, Clive, Harpo and Sean turn up in the dying moments to add assistants for assistance. The duck and weave in the first few metres landed me beside Robbo yet again, grit the teeth and bear it I guess (only because his warm up speed is my flat out). Glad to swap for Clive beside me for the Wanganui leg, a little heat off the pace helped recovery. Mitch joined in beyond Verney Rd, LegalSteve soon after. Nath punched the go button nearing Boundary Rd with OlympicSteve attaching to the bunch. Half a k beside Robbo at the front was enough, Clive the saviour again with just 2k off the speedo guaranteeing survival. Dave went to the front for the run to the church to be toasted both sides by Mitch. It was head down, shut up and hang on for a quick squirt to the toaster, a similar speed half way down Old Dookie till I suggested to LegalSteve we let the guns loose. Easing back to 38 was a relief, stopped the bunch rubber band breaking too. Soon after the turn into Boundary, Nath and Mitch eased back to rejoin us (Robbo on a mission 50 metres ahead). OlympicSteve played towtruck with Nath to reel in the rambunctious Robbo, thankfully things settled down after the pub (OlympicSteve and Sean exiting via Channel Rd). Robbo and Mitch kindly took the lead role till the River Rd dip (i'd focussed on Mitch's 3 degrees of toe in on the left foot for some reason). Itchy feet had the three go mucho pronto again out of the River Rd dip, LegalSteve and I again using the let 'em loose theory, Dave, Harpo & Clive behind us in silent approval. All worked well till Archer Rd, Harpo, Dave and finally Clive retiring from active duty till Conrod straight. LegalSteve and I earned our dinner to the end, I managed a short blast to the finish but had only given Clive a decent tow to hand him a win against my rubber legs in the last 30 metres. 48k's using 1,130 calories had me dreaming of dinner.
It's been many moons since a P&W lap so fronted up at SPC to find Stace, Sooty, Wizz, Comet, THM, Lloyd and Andrew on the familiar start line. Stace was minus headlight volts, THM minus the motivation, but a steady roll around ensued. Strobing headlights were a distraction, Andrew's tailight was strong enough to melt the retinas (the super sauve TT Cervelo worth looking at though) but good to catch up with the crew. Like many other groups, motivation is in short supply in the winters' chill, 'bout time Powerbar released a motivation gel shot. (concrete flavour?) There was just a whiff of wind to take the slack out of the legs in Boundary Rd, patches of mist to cloud the view too. It was Lloyd's turn to have negative volts in Mitchell Rd relgating him to the rear, the little Comet still tapping out a super smooth turn. That high beam half wit from Tuesday was back (between Archer and Central Kialla Rd) , the dazzle causing a couple of close moments of navigation nightmare., all survived without disaster thankfully. Something in the Arcadia Downs atmostphere provokes prestissimo, Sooty had the boiler stoked, Wizz wizzed up the dipper and signalled my turn for action. All the eggs went into the one basket with 400 to go, Andrew's headlight close enough to keep my wattage happening. Only just managed to keep him 2nd crossing the line, not a great career move to discover he's my works' CEO.(there goes a pay rise)
Week 26 : 335km (Childers to Rockhampton) YTD 9,092 km
Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades" Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx (1945- ) 5 times winner Tour de France
Friday, June 28, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
Week 25: Who left the fridge door open?
A southwest breeze chilled the bones in the dark hours of Saturday morning, a tiny spark of enthusiasm lit the kindling of anticipation to fire the coals of comradery (enough of the profuse poetic popycock). Being absent from the saddle for three days thanks to last weeks wet hadn't done a lot of harm. A few had assembled at the shop earlish, but with just a couple of minutes to go a flood arrived to bring the numbers to 19 (almost summer attendance) DiscoSteve attached to the departing train, FeltMat found further out Channel Rd after chasing the wrong bunch. Great to have Tommygun and c'est internationale aerodynamique arme' (Weapon) along, Dion & Stew now counted as regulars and a vaguely familiar rider who looked a bit like BigMat (if I can recall that far back in history). Nath was found lurking in Old Dookie Rd, I attempted to dodge anothers' nasal discharge and failed :-/ , Jase did the gentlemanly reminder for the leaders to get up the road. Temple and Weapon took the lead after the toaster with a little blame (pointed both ways) for a brief speed infringement. A couple of missed calls for passing cars put the wind up a few, but I guess there'll be an error or two with a sizeable bunch. There were two on advanced reconnisance to the pussycats, I reckon we may have outnumbered them today. Rocket & Nath offered up the challenge to name all in our pack (testing the fossil memory) so for the record it was ; Nick, Trav, HBK, Temple, Shorty, Cougar, Dion, Stew, Rocket, Nath, Fitzy, DiscoSteve,Tommygun, Weapon, Jase, FeltMat, BigMat and RidleyTrev. Not many goes at the front with a lot to share the load, so the long stretch west was covered with ease. Turned into the breezy Rudd Rd, no call for the branch at the roads edge, DiscoSteve assuming the anti-green stance by ploughing through the undergrowth. No let up of speed with a shortfall of Lemontree warm seats to go around, dubious tactics from Temple & Nath taking to the footpaths to shortcut traffic lights. Warm hospitality however amongst the peleton when seated, convival chat on chocolate croissants (Weapons' new fuel of choice) and news of her great ITU Worlds effort, "argy bargy" rumours, clearing customs and heart rates.
More bike addiction Saturday arvo (too much is never enough) with an invite to the Avanti/Scott test ride. Several familiar faces there, some kitted up to ride, others happy to try in civvies.I had a few k's on Avanti's Corsa DR team bike, super light, very stiff and responsive (hair trigger brakes with all carbon Zipp's) but couldn't climatise to SRAM. The standard Corsa DR with 11 speed, very sweet. Scott's Foil 20 another firm frame, beautiful steering and great value. All make the poor old BM very overweight in comparison, but the tough old girl has a few k's left in her (and my piggybank isn't full enough) A good chin way with Rocket, HBK, Gools, Bomber, Steigy, Cougar, Sprinter, Jase, Shorty and Temple, even BigMat was back (just for the resfreshments though)
An early Saturday night led to the inevitable early Sunday morning, tempted to challenge LegalDave's "training circuit one/toaster" lap posted on Strava. (the full anti-clockwise toaster circuit, starting and finishing at the Parklake). A 14km/h southwest battle to fight at 6am would hopefully get the tough stuff done early. It was tough going in Raftery Rd and not a lot easier for the Mitchell Rd stretch either, a hint of negative thoughts needed taming with Tame Impala on the i-pod. The hope of smooth sailing in Boundary Rd was a let down too, no great advantage on offer. Plugged away in the usual cogs at 74 rpm predicting split times at the familiar turns. Legs felt like jelly on the Old Dookie Rd channel bridge, what hope would there be facing the west leg home? A clear dawn arrived approaching the Emu, Lemnos-Cosgove Rd was clouded in mystery though. Suprisingly, the wind wasn't much of a handbrake (lucky to find my second wind) , pleased with progress near the kennels as a seriously cool TT bike howled east. Chipped away at Ford Rd but time was the enemy if I was to match Dave's KOM 1:42:17. The aim of Rudd Rd by 7.30 was achieved but 7k's of head wind, traffic, intersections and red lights lay ahead to drive for. Luck was with me with just a handfull of cars to battle with, making smooth flowing turns with fingers crossed for the Welsford/Fryers lights. Almost to a stop when green brought relief, nothing but red for the High St lights though. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Got the go finally and ripped down to the tennis court turn, a prayer prayed for the KFC lights. Just snuck through legally, stood to belt the last 200 metres with legs lodging profuse complaints but chuffed to hit the stop button at Hayes St with a 1:41:25 (33.3 av) nearly a minute off, but a taxing 166 average hr. Spent 2k's rolling quietly to recover the heart rate then up to Channel Rd to meet Cougs for a Couldabeens circuit. Toured the course at a good steady rate loosening legs of lactic and spying the odd one or two in Mitchell. The wind had gone up tempo (grateful Coug's wasn't on a mission) but we'd reached Roubaix to reap rewards for a helping hand to Degani for a fix of caffine. Nice to enjoy a yarn with coffee warming the inside and the sun finally warming the outside. 95k done and dusted.
A short sharp burst on Monday morning, the usual chill of 5 degrees and the south wester that won't go away. Syncronised Garmins with Cougar for the chase out Channel Rd, still wary of the wandering pooch at the top end. A bit of relief for the north leg, a g'day from a reborn P&W tribe, beat the Boral Mack about to exit his driveway then peered through the headlight dazzle from a long string of Cats. Pushed around by the south westerly on the westward run in Old Dookie Rd, not a lot of difference being first or second wheel today. A good short workout to start the week with a bit of conflicting elevation data between Edge 500 and 510. A couple of blind drivers encountered on the ride home (evasive action as they stormed from a give way sign) and not one or two, but three bikes seen without lights in the 7am darkness, one had just enough sense to wear a helmet.
It was just Cougar and FeltMat at the Couldabeens starters gate on Tuesday morning. With just 4 minutes to launch time masses suddenly arrived to make up a dozen. Kenworth, FujiTrev, Rocket, RidleyTrev, Trav, Nick, Shorty, Tim and Temple made up the working party to head out Channel Rd against the chill of the southwest. Copped a sudden jolt striking an unseen stone with my front wheel nearing the pine trees, soon the familiar deflating sound of a deflation followed by the soft and gooey steering response forced a halt. Kind boys and girl stopped while I tackled repairs, of course to endure the obligatory sledging whilst under the pit stop scrutiny. Soon underway again and facing a slight swing of breeze more southerly made Boundary Rd a challenge. A distant oncoming rider in Mitchell Rd turned and was soon recognised as GG (missed the green flag?) who made it a bakers dozen. Time was critical for me to start at the salt mine at 7.30, so took an Archer escape to meet commitments. (My spies inform me Kenworth was hot on the heels of Rocket's win)
Just a half lap with the hospital bunch on Tuesday night, 7.30 commitments forcing an exit home in Old Dookie Rd. Long time no see Robbo turned up (a night off his hippy bike) with regular starters Axel, Dion, Stew, Dalton and Tony ready, and Simmo arriving from extended awol. More versions of the 51 stack were tabled but that chat ceased for the 6pm off. Had a brief natter with Robbo speculating some Strava segment top speeds, then turned into Ford Rd to find Paul (already clocked the golf course leg) and soon after the Bomber-Mitch-Steigy-Sticks squad infiltrated, keen to whip the mixture into fluffy peaks. Just for changes' sake, I'd formatted the Garmin to show speed on screen, into the fourties against a hint of south east to the Emu. (maybe i'll restore previous settings without speed?) On cue, Tony took to the rear gunner position after the Emu turn, five more attached to the group after the Pine Lodge church. Thought it best to sit on with a planned exit at Boundary Rd, still at 40 I pondered the punishment that lay ahead. Bid adieu when the lads pointed south, kept my head down for the 7k home trying to stay on top of the 14 cog with the h.r. steadily building till the SPC finish.
To break with normal habits, took to a 3k walk in the crisp Wednesday morning atmostphere. Didn't miss the complex kitting up process or sucking in vast quantities of iced air whilst burning the legs. A pleasant reprieve for the posterior too.
The doona was particularly heavy on Thursday morning, the winter solstice today or (depending on what science school you went to) tomorrow, means days will only get longer (but slowly) from now on. It was temperature only for soprano brass monkeys heading to the start, the chill culling the usual northbound procession of bikes down to just one. Only Cougar and FeltMat ready at the carpark with just 3 minutes till launch time, relief to have Rocket, Jase and Kenworth front in the last moments to share the load. Steadily building speed out Channel Rd in minus 1.5 asks why we persue this past-time at the limits of sanity; to keep in tune? support others' addiction? 'cause it feels good when we stop? or just to sledge the softies staying in bed? Whatever the reason, a smaller bunch meant more duty and the frozen front. Kenworth and Rocket seem to have 10% more urge than I have, FeltMat then Jase soon retired to the rear for a tow (not much tow to have in a 6 pack) in Mitchell Rd, Cougar stating an Archer alternative would suit. Chivalry being a Couldabeens creed, I joined too, leaving the eager engines of Kenworth & Rocket to assist others for the usual course.
Chilled on Thursday evening too, only 6.7 degrees at 5.50 rolling to the library. Robbo, Nath, Clive, BigBen, Tony were waiting, Rob & Sly on a rare outing, suprised to have Bomber, Sticks and Luke at the start instead of 10 k out of town. All single filed behind Robbo (he doesn't bite lads!) so went to the front for early duty (only to have a big 7k turn in the mid thirties as a warm up). Sprinter & Gools were on their usual early roll in Ford Rd, Nath took a Boundary Rd exit to pit stop at home for seat adjustments. A yarn with the big calibre boys exposed they'd already tapped out 70k before the library start, a speed reprieve for all of us tonight hopefully. Rob and a couple of newbies sat back in the rear wings rather than fry at the pointy end. Long and short turns were served at the front by others, nice to score a (deja vu) turn in Boundary Rd with gentlemanGools. Sprinter put in a solid shift from the pub to the bridges but quick turns resumed again till the right turn. It was rare to have a steady pace for the entire length of River Rd, a good call for traffic at the end deferred disaster. A steady plug along Mitchell and into Raftery, enthusiasm took over when Conrod came into view. Robbo, Nath and Luke put a match to the speed out of the dip, I'd missed the jump and was caught behind others in the same boat. No intentions (or ability) to catch onto the front runners I kept the pace on to find others ahead expiring quickly. Fluked a 5th place but just a finish was reward enough with 50k done in 1:22:50, down to 4 degrees to roll through town.
Threw the leg over the bike again on Friday morning, down the main drag with crusty white icing atop all the parked cars as a reminder of the season. Not many tough ones left in these temperatures (a carbon copy minus 1.5 again) but Cougar was keen to tap out a 20k lap. An extra (merino) base layer was a bonus against the bite, a steady lap suited the conditions too. Approached the Pub with superCats oncoming, Mr Impatient red Hi-Lux stupidly gave a blast of high beam and horn between us, when a slow approach for the intersection was a higher priority. (reckon we've come up against this excuse for a driver before, yellow and black NSW or equine plates ring a bell?) Resumed the normal agenda over the highway, smooth and steady the way to finish a big week with the sitting site being a bit worn (thank heaven for Silic 15). 4 in a row spotted southbound may have been the Hurt Locker as we endured the aroma of the piggery, beating Mr Boral to the asphalt again was a small bonus. Felt almost like a tail breeze taking the Old Dookie leg home, but there was no flag movement to prove it back in town.
Week 25 407km (Gold Coast to Childers) YTD 8,757km
"Marriage is a wonderful invention. Then again, so is a bicycle repair kit"
Billy Connelly (1942- ) Scottish comedian
More bike addiction Saturday arvo (too much is never enough) with an invite to the Avanti/Scott test ride. Several familiar faces there, some kitted up to ride, others happy to try in civvies.I had a few k's on Avanti's Corsa DR team bike, super light, very stiff and responsive (hair trigger brakes with all carbon Zipp's) but couldn't climatise to SRAM. The standard Corsa DR with 11 speed, very sweet. Scott's Foil 20 another firm frame, beautiful steering and great value. All make the poor old BM very overweight in comparison, but the tough old girl has a few k's left in her (and my piggybank isn't full enough) A good chin way with Rocket, HBK, Gools, Bomber, Steigy, Cougar, Sprinter, Jase, Shorty and Temple, even BigMat was back (just for the resfreshments though)
An early Saturday night led to the inevitable early Sunday morning, tempted to challenge LegalDave's "training circuit one/toaster" lap posted on Strava. (the full anti-clockwise toaster circuit, starting and finishing at the Parklake). A 14km/h southwest battle to fight at 6am would hopefully get the tough stuff done early. It was tough going in Raftery Rd and not a lot easier for the Mitchell Rd stretch either, a hint of negative thoughts needed taming with Tame Impala on the i-pod. The hope of smooth sailing in Boundary Rd was a let down too, no great advantage on offer. Plugged away in the usual cogs at 74 rpm predicting split times at the familiar turns. Legs felt like jelly on the Old Dookie Rd channel bridge, what hope would there be facing the west leg home? A clear dawn arrived approaching the Emu, Lemnos-Cosgove Rd was clouded in mystery though. Suprisingly, the wind wasn't much of a handbrake (lucky to find my second wind) , pleased with progress near the kennels as a seriously cool TT bike howled east. Chipped away at Ford Rd but time was the enemy if I was to match Dave's KOM 1:42:17. The aim of Rudd Rd by 7.30 was achieved but 7k's of head wind, traffic, intersections and red lights lay ahead to drive for. Luck was with me with just a handfull of cars to battle with, making smooth flowing turns with fingers crossed for the Welsford/Fryers lights. Almost to a stop when green brought relief, nothing but red for the High St lights though. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Got the go finally and ripped down to the tennis court turn, a prayer prayed for the KFC lights. Just snuck through legally, stood to belt the last 200 metres with legs lodging profuse complaints but chuffed to hit the stop button at Hayes St with a 1:41:25 (33.3 av) nearly a minute off, but a taxing 166 average hr. Spent 2k's rolling quietly to recover the heart rate then up to Channel Rd to meet Cougs for a Couldabeens circuit. Toured the course at a good steady rate loosening legs of lactic and spying the odd one or two in Mitchell. The wind had gone up tempo (grateful Coug's wasn't on a mission) but we'd reached Roubaix to reap rewards for a helping hand to Degani for a fix of caffine. Nice to enjoy a yarn with coffee warming the inside and the sun finally warming the outside. 95k done and dusted.
A short sharp burst on Monday morning, the usual chill of 5 degrees and the south wester that won't go away. Syncronised Garmins with Cougar for the chase out Channel Rd, still wary of the wandering pooch at the top end. A bit of relief for the north leg, a g'day from a reborn P&W tribe, beat the Boral Mack about to exit his driveway then peered through the headlight dazzle from a long string of Cats. Pushed around by the south westerly on the westward run in Old Dookie Rd, not a lot of difference being first or second wheel today. A good short workout to start the week with a bit of conflicting elevation data between Edge 500 and 510. A couple of blind drivers encountered on the ride home (evasive action as they stormed from a give way sign) and not one or two, but three bikes seen without lights in the 7am darkness, one had just enough sense to wear a helmet.
It was just Cougar and FeltMat at the Couldabeens starters gate on Tuesday morning. With just 4 minutes to launch time masses suddenly arrived to make up a dozen. Kenworth, FujiTrev, Rocket, RidleyTrev, Trav, Nick, Shorty, Tim and Temple made up the working party to head out Channel Rd against the chill of the southwest. Copped a sudden jolt striking an unseen stone with my front wheel nearing the pine trees, soon the familiar deflating sound of a deflation followed by the soft and gooey steering response forced a halt. Kind boys and girl stopped while I tackled repairs, of course to endure the obligatory sledging whilst under the pit stop scrutiny. Soon underway again and facing a slight swing of breeze more southerly made Boundary Rd a challenge. A distant oncoming rider in Mitchell Rd turned and was soon recognised as GG (missed the green flag?) who made it a bakers dozen. Time was critical for me to start at the salt mine at 7.30, so took an Archer escape to meet commitments. (My spies inform me Kenworth was hot on the heels of Rocket's win)
Just a half lap with the hospital bunch on Tuesday night, 7.30 commitments forcing an exit home in Old Dookie Rd. Long time no see Robbo turned up (a night off his hippy bike) with regular starters Axel, Dion, Stew, Dalton and Tony ready, and Simmo arriving from extended awol. More versions of the 51 stack were tabled but that chat ceased for the 6pm off. Had a brief natter with Robbo speculating some Strava segment top speeds, then turned into Ford Rd to find Paul (already clocked the golf course leg) and soon after the Bomber-Mitch-Steigy-Sticks squad infiltrated, keen to whip the mixture into fluffy peaks. Just for changes' sake, I'd formatted the Garmin to show speed on screen, into the fourties against a hint of south east to the Emu. (maybe i'll restore previous settings without speed?) On cue, Tony took to the rear gunner position after the Emu turn, five more attached to the group after the Pine Lodge church. Thought it best to sit on with a planned exit at Boundary Rd, still at 40 I pondered the punishment that lay ahead. Bid adieu when the lads pointed south, kept my head down for the 7k home trying to stay on top of the 14 cog with the h.r. steadily building till the SPC finish.
To break with normal habits, took to a 3k walk in the crisp Wednesday morning atmostphere. Didn't miss the complex kitting up process or sucking in vast quantities of iced air whilst burning the legs. A pleasant reprieve for the posterior too.
The doona was particularly heavy on Thursday morning, the winter solstice today or (depending on what science school you went to) tomorrow, means days will only get longer (but slowly) from now on. It was temperature only for soprano brass monkeys heading to the start, the chill culling the usual northbound procession of bikes down to just one. Only Cougar and FeltMat ready at the carpark with just 3 minutes till launch time, relief to have Rocket, Jase and Kenworth front in the last moments to share the load. Steadily building speed out Channel Rd in minus 1.5 asks why we persue this past-time at the limits of sanity; to keep in tune? support others' addiction? 'cause it feels good when we stop? or just to sledge the softies staying in bed? Whatever the reason, a smaller bunch meant more duty and the frozen front. Kenworth and Rocket seem to have 10% more urge than I have, FeltMat then Jase soon retired to the rear for a tow (not much tow to have in a 6 pack) in Mitchell Rd, Cougar stating an Archer alternative would suit. Chivalry being a Couldabeens creed, I joined too, leaving the eager engines of Kenworth & Rocket to assist others for the usual course.
Chilled on Thursday evening too, only 6.7 degrees at 5.50 rolling to the library. Robbo, Nath, Clive, BigBen, Tony were waiting, Rob & Sly on a rare outing, suprised to have Bomber, Sticks and Luke at the start instead of 10 k out of town. All single filed behind Robbo (he doesn't bite lads!) so went to the front for early duty (only to have a big 7k turn in the mid thirties as a warm up). Sprinter & Gools were on their usual early roll in Ford Rd, Nath took a Boundary Rd exit to pit stop at home for seat adjustments. A yarn with the big calibre boys exposed they'd already tapped out 70k before the library start, a speed reprieve for all of us tonight hopefully. Rob and a couple of newbies sat back in the rear wings rather than fry at the pointy end. Long and short turns were served at the front by others, nice to score a (deja vu) turn in Boundary Rd with gentlemanGools. Sprinter put in a solid shift from the pub to the bridges but quick turns resumed again till the right turn. It was rare to have a steady pace for the entire length of River Rd, a good call for traffic at the end deferred disaster. A steady plug along Mitchell and into Raftery, enthusiasm took over when Conrod came into view. Robbo, Nath and Luke put a match to the speed out of the dip, I'd missed the jump and was caught behind others in the same boat. No intentions (or ability) to catch onto the front runners I kept the pace on to find others ahead expiring quickly. Fluked a 5th place but just a finish was reward enough with 50k done in 1:22:50, down to 4 degrees to roll through town.
Threw the leg over the bike again on Friday morning, down the main drag with crusty white icing atop all the parked cars as a reminder of the season. Not many tough ones left in these temperatures (a carbon copy minus 1.5 again) but Cougar was keen to tap out a 20k lap. An extra (merino) base layer was a bonus against the bite, a steady lap suited the conditions too. Approached the Pub with superCats oncoming, Mr Impatient red Hi-Lux stupidly gave a blast of high beam and horn between us, when a slow approach for the intersection was a higher priority. (reckon we've come up against this excuse for a driver before, yellow and black NSW or equine plates ring a bell?) Resumed the normal agenda over the highway, smooth and steady the way to finish a big week with the sitting site being a bit worn (thank heaven for Silic 15). 4 in a row spotted southbound may have been the Hurt Locker as we endured the aroma of the piggery, beating Mr Boral to the asphalt again was a small bonus. Felt almost like a tail breeze taking the Old Dookie leg home, but there was no flag movement to prove it back in town.
Week 25 407km (Gold Coast to Childers) YTD 8,757km
"Marriage is a wonderful invention. Then again, so is a bicycle repair kit"
Billy Connelly (1942- ) Scottish comedian
Friday, June 14, 2013
Week 24: 7 at 6 to add 7 for 42 in 12 with 13
Only one degree to start Saturday, not the most inviting way to start the day, but the company of 10 likeminded crazies ready to roll made the effort worthwhile. A lot of discussion centred around yesterdays stack, numbers and causes were varied but relying on hearsay is not good judgement. Those who've had the misfortune of close liaison with tarmac (regardless of speed) wouldn't wish it on anyone. Captain RidleyTrev had a word to all along similar lines. I guess we all need to sharpen the focus on keeping things safe and upright. The first leg at the front was fresh till skin climatised and some internal heat was raised. Fitzy was back again, Dion and Stew making another appearance too. An unseen stick was mashed by Trav's wheel then flung to mine, mulching it. Long weekend plans were on the conversation list, but all were generally a bit subdued with the crash news (similar experiences exchanged) Two tailights in the Boundary Rd distance were presumed to be Nath and the Smuggler, but not confirmed till the railway line near the Emu. Steigy and an offsider were spotted as the advance party to the Cats, temperature maybe culling their numbers a little as eastward met westward near the kennels. Jase & Rocket crept up the rate in Wanganui (did RidleyTrev almost pull out a yellow card?) Nath most impatient nearing the golf course (thoughts of coffee and heater warming the enthusiasm?) Missed the verbals at the Lemontree with other obligations, as did several on long weekend commitments.
Sucummed to Sunday sloth when an early peer outside brought on a case of the can't be bothereds, a chilly morning on the bike swapped for a sumptuous sleep-in (well, till 7 anyway)
Maybe the guilt of Sunday's sabatical or the craving of kilometres shot the eyes open in the dark hours of Monday's holiday morning. Whatever the reason, pointed the bike onto the ubiquitous Toaster circuit (clockwise) a bit before 6, temperture matching that. Good to have a clear road to clear the head, lights out on the speedo but lights on for the h.r. / time / cadence / distance / temperature / FTSE100 and whatever else the Garmin can display. Quite enjoy a hidden speed, maybe motivates a little more pace than normal, but no dissapointment if it were slow (until daylight shows reality anyway) The chain sat in it's familiar 56/15 position for the long path to the Emu, calm conditions but trying to calm the ticker below 160. Felt some resistance heading south, tougher pointing west, now keeping the heart below 170 was the battle. Atoms for Peace was a good soundtrack to zone out for Boundary Rd, then faced the River Rd demons (not my favourite stretch of road) for a change, daylight finally lighting the speed in the final k (a pleasing pace for this old timer). The leg along Central Kialla Rd seems longer than 2k, strangely Mitchell's 4k seems shorter. The aim of a sub 1:30 Toaster lap on my 'to do' list was helped spying two tailights ahead as I approached the highway, a motivational measure if you like. Head down and tail up, Roubaix conquered (shaken not stirred) and caught them sooner than expected, but had made a task of maintaining the pace till Conrod's end. Legs were a little rubberised crossing the line but a 1:24:20 beat the goal. Rolled back into town and up to the Couldabeens start to join Rocket, Cougs, Shorty & Temple for a slightly abbreviated Saturday lap befitting a Monday holiday. It was a complete collection of Cosmic Carbons in chorus cruising Channel, a hint of a northerly heading up Boundary Rd and chewing over the long weekends' activities. Only a couple of bikes seen (headed south), the narrow stretch of Boundary and the thin line to avoid the ripple strips a reminder why this isn't the popular route. The vast expanse of Lemnos-Cosgrove was easier sailing, a steady tap along suited well. Traffic was still thin for the run to Wanganui and Rudd, had to dip out of the post ride coffee with other commitments, promised myself double time next weekend.
With the weeks' forecast looking dim and damp, took the Tuesday opportunity to join the Couldabeens for a faster foray with Kenworth, Rocket, Cougar, Nick, PistolPete and FujiTrev to tackle a light northeaster and hopefully reap the benefits of a breeze home. PistolPete had a half wheel on almost all who were beside him (still in apprenticeship?), FujiTrev did a turn or two before resigning to the rear, Kenworth the usual solid steady turns with tons of torque in reserve, Cougars' always supernana performance and Rocket, well he's just a Rocket. Some relief heading west in Mitchell (but not the help i'd hoped for) but down to the highway without much slack, PistolPete bidding farewell there. Rocket & Kenworth had power aplenty in the last 500 of Conrod to stretch away, but all regrouped for the collective tour through town, Temple on a Mazda instead of the Ridley today (driving to work), down to 4 degrees but suitably warmed up after a pacy 30k.
Fridays 51 stack was still on the agenda at Tuesday nights assembly of the hospital group, the story has more versions than Windows it seems. Dalton, TallDale, Tony, Dion, RidleyTrev and newbie Craig made 7 to set forth at 6 to add 7 for 42k in 12 degrees with 13 kays of northeast. Luke, Gools and Sprinter were first to be added, then Nath, with Bomber, Steigy and Sticks soon after. A fair push out to the Emu (Nath and Bomber bumping up the pace for the last k) and a bit easier toward the toaster (but not for Tony almost unravelled off the back) Steigy bolted a breakaway after the turn into Old Dookie (after saying he was happy just to tap around!) Bomber set off after him at the piggery but all others stayed as one. Steigy and Bomber had returned when we'd reached the Boundary Rd piggery, I had a good turn at the front with Mr Smooth (Gools), us more senior boys bathing in each others gratification. Harder to match Luke's youth as the next wheel beside me but survived, River Rd's pace as usual stepped up, Bomber then Nath the cause (Sprinter again measured). Yet another big turn beside Luke started to wear my engine, but was thankful big hits were reserved till last. Steigy sauteed Sprinter up MtNicolaci but all got to simmer for the slow at the highway. Noticed Dion drives well for one fairly new to the madness, all had cat and mouse turns leading up to Conrod waiting for the big guns to fire and choosing the best wheel to be on. I was lucky to be behind Luke when he launched late (but no hope of staying with him) although drew alongside Dion at 55 to call it a tie for 2nd. Interesting to Strava spy later on Sprinters h.r peaking at 175 when mine topped 193, I suppose we're all built differently. A good lap in 1.12.40
Reckon I saw an old bearded man gathering animals two by two on Wednesday, plenty of soaking rain to keep riders off the roads. A cloud had sunk to ground level on Thursday morning too, adding to the greasy road reason for another day of rest. Green bands across the radar kept the bike indoors in the afternoon, a good downpour at 5am Friday spelt the end of the bike week with a liberal dose of time off.
Week 24 236km (Coffs Harbour to Gold Coast) YTD 8,350km
"Life is like a 10 speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use" Charles M Schulz (1922-2000) US creator of "Peanuts"
Sucummed to Sunday sloth when an early peer outside brought on a case of the can't be bothereds, a chilly morning on the bike swapped for a sumptuous sleep-in (well, till 7 anyway)
Maybe the guilt of Sunday's sabatical or the craving of kilometres shot the eyes open in the dark hours of Monday's holiday morning. Whatever the reason, pointed the bike onto the ubiquitous Toaster circuit (clockwise) a bit before 6, temperture matching that. Good to have a clear road to clear the head, lights out on the speedo but lights on for the h.r. / time / cadence / distance / temperature / FTSE100 and whatever else the Garmin can display. Quite enjoy a hidden speed, maybe motivates a little more pace than normal, but no dissapointment if it were slow (until daylight shows reality anyway) The chain sat in it's familiar 56/15 position for the long path to the Emu, calm conditions but trying to calm the ticker below 160. Felt some resistance heading south, tougher pointing west, now keeping the heart below 170 was the battle. Atoms for Peace was a good soundtrack to zone out for Boundary Rd, then faced the River Rd demons (not my favourite stretch of road) for a change, daylight finally lighting the speed in the final k (a pleasing pace for this old timer). The leg along Central Kialla Rd seems longer than 2k, strangely Mitchell's 4k seems shorter. The aim of a sub 1:30 Toaster lap on my 'to do' list was helped spying two tailights ahead as I approached the highway, a motivational measure if you like. Head down and tail up, Roubaix conquered (shaken not stirred) and caught them sooner than expected, but had made a task of maintaining the pace till Conrod's end. Legs were a little rubberised crossing the line but a 1:24:20 beat the goal. Rolled back into town and up to the Couldabeens start to join Rocket, Cougs, Shorty & Temple for a slightly abbreviated Saturday lap befitting a Monday holiday. It was a complete collection of Cosmic Carbons in chorus cruising Channel, a hint of a northerly heading up Boundary Rd and chewing over the long weekends' activities. Only a couple of bikes seen (headed south), the narrow stretch of Boundary and the thin line to avoid the ripple strips a reminder why this isn't the popular route. The vast expanse of Lemnos-Cosgrove was easier sailing, a steady tap along suited well. Traffic was still thin for the run to Wanganui and Rudd, had to dip out of the post ride coffee with other commitments, promised myself double time next weekend.
With the weeks' forecast looking dim and damp, took the Tuesday opportunity to join the Couldabeens for a faster foray with Kenworth, Rocket, Cougar, Nick, PistolPete and FujiTrev to tackle a light northeaster and hopefully reap the benefits of a breeze home. PistolPete had a half wheel on almost all who were beside him (still in apprenticeship?), FujiTrev did a turn or two before resigning to the rear, Kenworth the usual solid steady turns with tons of torque in reserve, Cougars' always supernana performance and Rocket, well he's just a Rocket. Some relief heading west in Mitchell (but not the help i'd hoped for) but down to the highway without much slack, PistolPete bidding farewell there. Rocket & Kenworth had power aplenty in the last 500 of Conrod to stretch away, but all regrouped for the collective tour through town, Temple on a Mazda instead of the Ridley today (driving to work), down to 4 degrees but suitably warmed up after a pacy 30k.
Fridays 51 stack was still on the agenda at Tuesday nights assembly of the hospital group, the story has more versions than Windows it seems. Dalton, TallDale, Tony, Dion, RidleyTrev and newbie Craig made 7 to set forth at 6 to add 7 for 42k in 12 degrees with 13 kays of northeast. Luke, Gools and Sprinter were first to be added, then Nath, with Bomber, Steigy and Sticks soon after. A fair push out to the Emu (Nath and Bomber bumping up the pace for the last k) and a bit easier toward the toaster (but not for Tony almost unravelled off the back) Steigy bolted a breakaway after the turn into Old Dookie (after saying he was happy just to tap around!) Bomber set off after him at the piggery but all others stayed as one. Steigy and Bomber had returned when we'd reached the Boundary Rd piggery, I had a good turn at the front with Mr Smooth (Gools), us more senior boys bathing in each others gratification. Harder to match Luke's youth as the next wheel beside me but survived, River Rd's pace as usual stepped up, Bomber then Nath the cause (Sprinter again measured). Yet another big turn beside Luke started to wear my engine, but was thankful big hits were reserved till last. Steigy sauteed Sprinter up MtNicolaci but all got to simmer for the slow at the highway. Noticed Dion drives well for one fairly new to the madness, all had cat and mouse turns leading up to Conrod waiting for the big guns to fire and choosing the best wheel to be on. I was lucky to be behind Luke when he launched late (but no hope of staying with him) although drew alongside Dion at 55 to call it a tie for 2nd. Interesting to Strava spy later on Sprinters h.r peaking at 175 when mine topped 193, I suppose we're all built differently. A good lap in 1.12.40
Reckon I saw an old bearded man gathering animals two by two on Wednesday, plenty of soaking rain to keep riders off the roads. A cloud had sunk to ground level on Thursday morning too, adding to the greasy road reason for another day of rest. Green bands across the radar kept the bike indoors in the afternoon, a good downpour at 5am Friday spelt the end of the bike week with a liberal dose of time off.
Week 24 236km (Coffs Harbour to Gold Coast) YTD 8,350km
"Life is like a 10 speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use" Charles M Schulz (1922-2000) US creator of "Peanuts"
Friday, June 7, 2013
Week 23 Positives, sympathies and everything in between.
In the snoring hours of Saturday the heavens opened to put the brakes on a ride, to be honest, this sleeping in listening to rain isn't a bad thing. The first wet Saturday for the year didn't deter the die hard fans assembling for breakfast anyway (a different looking lot in civilian attire) even Vince joining in the gathering of AvantiTrev, Rocket, Cougar, Jase, Trav and GG. The convivial conglomerate covered surgery, Temple's no-show, the Giro and forthcoming Fiji holidays (thanks for the taunt GG)
Virtually impossible to start the engine of enthusiasm on Sunday, despite the roads now dried by a stiff southerly. Procrastinated the start by watching the early news but before long the infomercials raised me from the couch. Took to the Boulevard clockwise, two days off the Fizik felt frighteningly foreign, hard to get up to any decent speed until the turn into Wanganui when the southwesterly was evident. Spirits lifted after a few k's of loosening limbs, the dark side predicting a fair battle from the Emu onward. Half a dozen (including Trent & Trudy) were on the home leg near the main channeI but I had nobody to draft when reality dealt the punishment bearing south and west. Gusts to 28km/h suggested it was a crook decision to try clockwise, but then we'd all go gooey riding tail-winds wouldn't we? The few kilometers of Old Dookie Rd were at 160bpm, Boundary was brutal at 178 with quite a sweat brewing. The decision was easy nearing Channel Rd, almost the soft option to take the short cut home. The wind played havoc amongst the orchards all the way back to town, just a brief break on the few hundred metres north to the Kinder, then grit the teeth again. That spongy sensation started on the Kinder turn, a slow puncture made the push harder, dropping a k, then another at the dog leg, felt like the handbrake was on on the last leg, forcing retirement ironically at Kensington Gardens. An ugly great bindi-i stood proudly and defiantly on the Michelin sidewall, not hard to track this puncture at least. Repaired, then retreated to the reward of a Lemontree machiato, satisfied to have done a bit toward keeping in tune.
We are mostly creatures of habit in their zones of comfort, and the now regular Monday ride to start the week suits well with a steady spin on the Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie circuit. 13km/h of WSW wind made light of heading east and north, Pussycats in good numbers tackled the breeze heading south, Cougs and I rounded up the Boral Mack then prepared for the push home in Old Dookie Rd against the elements. Not the struggle of Sundays gusts, but a decent workout just the same.
A clear crisp sky at 5.35 heading to the Couldabeens, but within a k of Channel Rd a fog descended and thickened as the hour passed. Rocket, Shorty, Kenworth, PistolPete (fires like a bullet when rolling over) Nick, Cougar, Daniel, FujiTrev and Jase set off, considerately driven the first leg by Kenworth. Time off the bike seems only to strengthen Daniel, powering into the 40's nearing Channels' end. A moment to regather troops after turning into Boundary Rd, settling into a groove proved difficult with FujiTrev's duck & weave. Pocketed the specks (constantly fogging) but a sudden lack of lumens plunged Cougar into darkness. Hats off to the lads taking a considerate approach, teamwork at it's best. No slouch but plenty of drive down the length of Mitchell, an easy cross of the highway and building speed to Arcadia Downs, Rocket had the legs (when doesn't he?) for the bolt to the line.
Tuesday night was a fresh 10 degrees, maybe the reason for a few less at the hospital. Dalton, Nath, RidleyTrev (the Avanti has changed owners) Clive, Hamish, Kev and Paul set forth into the darkness, Bomber, Mitch and Steigy additions in Verney Rd, DiscoSteve in the stage to Grahamale Rd. Darkness hid the speedo but I had the advantage of dieselDalton's wheel, the hr just ticking over at 118. We'd caught Sprinter and LegalSteve just metres from the Emu, Bomber & Mitch off their seats for the drive to the railway line (silencing the troops) Quite a contrast between the slow cadence of Steigy and Hamish spinning like a top, horses for courses I suppose. Axel was the last addition at the Old Dookie Rd piggery. Pace abated near the Boundary channel bridge (Sprinters' conservation again?) but the diesel had the turbo on song soon after (matching was one thing, getting past was another). With the heart rate bouncing in the 180's (40+) the suprise was Mitch next beside me, how to match with my 28 year disadvantage? (a short turn was the answer) Sunk the fingernails in to hang on as second wheel for a big slab of River Rd, piercing through light foggy patches, Bomber and Hamish putting a bit more burn into the legs. Nath added more spice after Laws Dr, DiscoSteve peeled off then tempo calmed as Sprinter gave Central Kialla Rd a go. A short lived reprieve, Dalton spooled up the big turbo, Clive ducked for cover and again the struggle was to match Dalton. Low 40's to Mitchell Rd, a fast turn west and back on the gas with Mitch cruising alongside. Got a few hundred metres in before the engine faultered, Bomber and Hamish then made oxygen a valuable comodity. Some low flying up Mt Nicolaci put the peleton into single file, I had the good inheritance of Steigy's wheel. The next 5k were supurbly driven by Mitch, Bomber, Nath and Hamish, all other in survival procession behind . Bomber & Nath burnt all their biscuits in Conrod straight, Mitch & Hamish thrashed the last 200 (finishing in that order) Hamish possibly at that cadence, with a sneaky Sprinter lunging for 3rd, 4th was fine with me. 42k all done and dusted in 1.08.48
Glad to have the fog lifted Wednesday morning, Rocket, Temple, Cougar and Shorty took to Archer Rd, (nicely driven by Cougar) finding pistolPete in leg 2 to make up a six pack. Just a hint of breeze from the northwest and a pace convivial to conversation (nice change from last night!) Temple still the spin doctor, Shorty finding work getting in the way of a good ride lately. A chance to get to know pistolPete a bit more today, by circumstance I not often pair with him. The usual banter to and fro (Coug's the sledgemeister today), possibly the P&W's southbound in Boundary Rd (hard to identify) and a trail of Cats preparing for the rush in River Rd. All seemed grateful to reach Channel Rd to be gently helped home by 8km/h of NE wind. Good to be back in town a little earlier to minimise the rush to work.
Jase, Kenworth, Cougar, FujiTrev, Tim, Temple, pistolPete, Nick and FeltMat were Thursday's starting grid at the carpark, 10 degrees a mild start and just a bit of effort needed for Channel Rd (NE breeze) and of course the finish straight. (can't get it too easy can we?) A sizeable cardboard box chicane beyond the kinder was the only obstruction to an otherwise copybook smooth run ; even turns, no surging, straight lines held and considerate corners made it smooth sailing for the whole lap, taking several percent off the heart rate. Almost by design, little traffic to deal with (and a bonus to be without fog again). I'd zoned in a bit too deep in Mitchell Rd (big chunks of distance gone by un-noticed) focussed on Jase's wheel, snapped out of it to take in what was happening further ahead and to the sides. (a better recipe to keep upright) More smooth work in the build up for Arcadia Downs and Conrod kept the team together. With Rocket away it was Kenworth and Jase out to play, Tim ran out of tenacity in the dying stages, and FujiTrev bolted (after sitting as rear gunner for most of the lap) to finish mid-field. Without sight of a speedo it felt a bit slower than Tuesday's effort yet the later download showed just a 0.1 km/h difference to the average, testament to great smooth teamwork.
A mild Thursday night failed to attract many punters to the Library. Dalton, RidleyTrev, Nathan and Luke the only starters, Dion attached himself nearing the golf course. A drive along Wanganui beside young Luke warmed up my legs (and wore out the lungs), up to Verney Rd we found new recruit AvantiCraig (once AvantiTrev's Avanti which now explains RidleyTrev) static beyond the roundabout, so all slowed to allow him to attach to the rear (reckon he has the hint to be rolling next time) Kev & legalSteve were caught beyond the soup tin, good to have a few more to take turns and none to incinerate the bunch. It was pleasing to cease the battle with the northerly breeze when we turned at the Emu, I'd paired with Luke again (who raised the bar) beyond the church a glance back saw a big gap, so we eased the tempo to draw the bunch back together. Nicely driven down to River Rd by Kev, Nath, legalSteve, Dion & Dalton, a distant red flashing light gently wound up a pursuit, finding the solo Sprinter half way down. Another work out beside Luke for the last k of River and a call for the car right at the intersection ground us to a halt. (the car propping then turning at the last moment to frustrate all.) Nearing the Kialla Hall, another car (half way overtaking the bunch) put the frighteners on by suddenly slowing and indicating left. Speculation on the driver texting / consuming a hamburger / dropping a donut / quaffing coffee or just plain no brain amused us all. It was on for young and old by Arcadia Downs, suddenly single file into the dip of Conrod (and the head wind) Sprinter drawing the shortest straw with 400 left (drawing the whip on himself with little result). Luke lit the afterburner, Dalton hard on his heels for the silver, my retribution taking 3rd from Sprinter as payback for Tuesday. Colonel Harlem's 11 herbs and spices filled the nostrils heading north in Melbourne Rd, many swapped thoughts on tonights post ride feast.
Sucumed to slumber on Friday, the yr.no forecast was right on cue with a shower at 6.20. Sympathies to those who did ride, particularly those who shed skin and broke bones (& bikes) in the Boundary Rd buster.
To end on a positive, congrats to Weapon for a great 6:47:49 on the Long Course championship in Belfort France. Great effort (driven by vanilla slices?) in tough conditions.
Week 23 327km (Wallabadah to Coffs Harbour) YTD 8,114
"When I was I kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle, then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked Him for forgiveness" Emo Phillips (1956- ) US Comedian
Virtually impossible to start the engine of enthusiasm on Sunday, despite the roads now dried by a stiff southerly. Procrastinated the start by watching the early news but before long the infomercials raised me from the couch. Took to the Boulevard clockwise, two days off the Fizik felt frighteningly foreign, hard to get up to any decent speed until the turn into Wanganui when the southwesterly was evident. Spirits lifted after a few k's of loosening limbs, the dark side predicting a fair battle from the Emu onward. Half a dozen (including Trent & Trudy) were on the home leg near the main channeI but I had nobody to draft when reality dealt the punishment bearing south and west. Gusts to 28km/h suggested it was a crook decision to try clockwise, but then we'd all go gooey riding tail-winds wouldn't we? The few kilometers of Old Dookie Rd were at 160bpm, Boundary was brutal at 178 with quite a sweat brewing. The decision was easy nearing Channel Rd, almost the soft option to take the short cut home. The wind played havoc amongst the orchards all the way back to town, just a brief break on the few hundred metres north to the Kinder, then grit the teeth again. That spongy sensation started on the Kinder turn, a slow puncture made the push harder, dropping a k, then another at the dog leg, felt like the handbrake was on on the last leg, forcing retirement ironically at Kensington Gardens. An ugly great bindi-i stood proudly and defiantly on the Michelin sidewall, not hard to track this puncture at least. Repaired, then retreated to the reward of a Lemontree machiato, satisfied to have done a bit toward keeping in tune.
We are mostly creatures of habit in their zones of comfort, and the now regular Monday ride to start the week suits well with a steady spin on the Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie circuit. 13km/h of WSW wind made light of heading east and north, Pussycats in good numbers tackled the breeze heading south, Cougs and I rounded up the Boral Mack then prepared for the push home in Old Dookie Rd against the elements. Not the struggle of Sundays gusts, but a decent workout just the same.
A clear crisp sky at 5.35 heading to the Couldabeens, but within a k of Channel Rd a fog descended and thickened as the hour passed. Rocket, Shorty, Kenworth, PistolPete (fires like a bullet when rolling over) Nick, Cougar, Daniel, FujiTrev and Jase set off, considerately driven the first leg by Kenworth. Time off the bike seems only to strengthen Daniel, powering into the 40's nearing Channels' end. A moment to regather troops after turning into Boundary Rd, settling into a groove proved difficult with FujiTrev's duck & weave. Pocketed the specks (constantly fogging) but a sudden lack of lumens plunged Cougar into darkness. Hats off to the lads taking a considerate approach, teamwork at it's best. No slouch but plenty of drive down the length of Mitchell, an easy cross of the highway and building speed to Arcadia Downs, Rocket had the legs (when doesn't he?) for the bolt to the line.
Tuesday night was a fresh 10 degrees, maybe the reason for a few less at the hospital. Dalton, Nath, RidleyTrev (the Avanti has changed owners) Clive, Hamish, Kev and Paul set forth into the darkness, Bomber, Mitch and Steigy additions in Verney Rd, DiscoSteve in the stage to Grahamale Rd. Darkness hid the speedo but I had the advantage of dieselDalton's wheel, the hr just ticking over at 118. We'd caught Sprinter and LegalSteve just metres from the Emu, Bomber & Mitch off their seats for the drive to the railway line (silencing the troops) Quite a contrast between the slow cadence of Steigy and Hamish spinning like a top, horses for courses I suppose. Axel was the last addition at the Old Dookie Rd piggery. Pace abated near the Boundary channel bridge (Sprinters' conservation again?) but the diesel had the turbo on song soon after (matching was one thing, getting past was another). With the heart rate bouncing in the 180's (40+) the suprise was Mitch next beside me, how to match with my 28 year disadvantage? (a short turn was the answer) Sunk the fingernails in to hang on as second wheel for a big slab of River Rd, piercing through light foggy patches, Bomber and Hamish putting a bit more burn into the legs. Nath added more spice after Laws Dr, DiscoSteve peeled off then tempo calmed as Sprinter gave Central Kialla Rd a go. A short lived reprieve, Dalton spooled up the big turbo, Clive ducked for cover and again the struggle was to match Dalton. Low 40's to Mitchell Rd, a fast turn west and back on the gas with Mitch cruising alongside. Got a few hundred metres in before the engine faultered, Bomber and Hamish then made oxygen a valuable comodity. Some low flying up Mt Nicolaci put the peleton into single file, I had the good inheritance of Steigy's wheel. The next 5k were supurbly driven by Mitch, Bomber, Nath and Hamish, all other in survival procession behind . Bomber & Nath burnt all their biscuits in Conrod straight, Mitch & Hamish thrashed the last 200 (finishing in that order) Hamish possibly at that cadence, with a sneaky Sprinter lunging for 3rd, 4th was fine with me. 42k all done and dusted in 1.08.48
Glad to have the fog lifted Wednesday morning, Rocket, Temple, Cougar and Shorty took to Archer Rd, (nicely driven by Cougar) finding pistolPete in leg 2 to make up a six pack. Just a hint of breeze from the northwest and a pace convivial to conversation (nice change from last night!) Temple still the spin doctor, Shorty finding work getting in the way of a good ride lately. A chance to get to know pistolPete a bit more today, by circumstance I not often pair with him. The usual banter to and fro (Coug's the sledgemeister today), possibly the P&W's southbound in Boundary Rd (hard to identify) and a trail of Cats preparing for the rush in River Rd. All seemed grateful to reach Channel Rd to be gently helped home by 8km/h of NE wind. Good to be back in town a little earlier to minimise the rush to work.
Jase, Kenworth, Cougar, FujiTrev, Tim, Temple, pistolPete, Nick and FeltMat were Thursday's starting grid at the carpark, 10 degrees a mild start and just a bit of effort needed for Channel Rd (NE breeze) and of course the finish straight. (can't get it too easy can we?) A sizeable cardboard box chicane beyond the kinder was the only obstruction to an otherwise copybook smooth run ; even turns, no surging, straight lines held and considerate corners made it smooth sailing for the whole lap, taking several percent off the heart rate. Almost by design, little traffic to deal with (and a bonus to be without fog again). I'd zoned in a bit too deep in Mitchell Rd (big chunks of distance gone by un-noticed) focussed on Jase's wheel, snapped out of it to take in what was happening further ahead and to the sides. (a better recipe to keep upright) More smooth work in the build up for Arcadia Downs and Conrod kept the team together. With Rocket away it was Kenworth and Jase out to play, Tim ran out of tenacity in the dying stages, and FujiTrev bolted (after sitting as rear gunner for most of the lap) to finish mid-field. Without sight of a speedo it felt a bit slower than Tuesday's effort yet the later download showed just a 0.1 km/h difference to the average, testament to great smooth teamwork.
A mild Thursday night failed to attract many punters to the Library. Dalton, RidleyTrev, Nathan and Luke the only starters, Dion attached himself nearing the golf course. A drive along Wanganui beside young Luke warmed up my legs (and wore out the lungs), up to Verney Rd we found new recruit AvantiCraig (once AvantiTrev's Avanti which now explains RidleyTrev) static beyond the roundabout, so all slowed to allow him to attach to the rear (reckon he has the hint to be rolling next time) Kev & legalSteve were caught beyond the soup tin, good to have a few more to take turns and none to incinerate the bunch. It was pleasing to cease the battle with the northerly breeze when we turned at the Emu, I'd paired with Luke again (who raised the bar) beyond the church a glance back saw a big gap, so we eased the tempo to draw the bunch back together. Nicely driven down to River Rd by Kev, Nath, legalSteve, Dion & Dalton, a distant red flashing light gently wound up a pursuit, finding the solo Sprinter half way down. Another work out beside Luke for the last k of River and a call for the car right at the intersection ground us to a halt. (the car propping then turning at the last moment to frustrate all.) Nearing the Kialla Hall, another car (half way overtaking the bunch) put the frighteners on by suddenly slowing and indicating left. Speculation on the driver texting / consuming a hamburger / dropping a donut / quaffing coffee or just plain no brain amused us all. It was on for young and old by Arcadia Downs, suddenly single file into the dip of Conrod (and the head wind) Sprinter drawing the shortest straw with 400 left (drawing the whip on himself with little result). Luke lit the afterburner, Dalton hard on his heels for the silver, my retribution taking 3rd from Sprinter as payback for Tuesday. Colonel Harlem's 11 herbs and spices filled the nostrils heading north in Melbourne Rd, many swapped thoughts on tonights post ride feast.
Sucumed to slumber on Friday, the yr.no forecast was right on cue with a shower at 6.20. Sympathies to those who did ride, particularly those who shed skin and broke bones (& bikes) in the Boundary Rd buster.
To end on a positive, congrats to Weapon for a great 6:47:49 on the Long Course championship in Belfort France. Great effort (driven by vanilla slices?) in tough conditions.
Week 23 327km (Wallabadah to Coffs Harbour) YTD 8,114
"When I was I kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle, then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked Him for forgiveness" Emo Phillips (1956- ) US Comedian
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