Two days off the two wheels over Easter, enjoyed the break and the chocolate, now back into it to pay for the indulgence! A touch cool Monday morning, dusting off the winter gloves to guard the pinkies against 4 degrees. Rocket posted a 7am toaster loop from Harvey's to which Shorty, Temple, Cougar, SuperMario, Jase and WhisperingJack put their hand up, BigMat hurridly arranging fishing to provide an excuse. All , bar me, were dressed in winter longs for the chilled start out Conrod straight, my ever erratic heart rate monitor frozen at zero whilst pacing Jase's pace. Out of the trees shelter in Mitchell Rd a light northeaster gave us something to push into, dodging the meadowcakes in the shadows and chasing a solo rider in the kilometer distance. My HR finally came onscreen at the dog-leg, 135bpm didn't reflect a fair stress keeping with Temple's rate of knots. We'd made little ground on the rider ahead heading north (but had dissapeared in Channel Rd, removing the carrot from Rocket's aim). Cougar took on Whispering Jack into the wind (braver than most) of Old Dookie Rd, a heaven sent tail wind home enjoyed by all in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. The toaster loop burns up 10 slices of toast in calories but only two medium (100g) Easter eggs, so it was up ante for the 14k back to the Wanganui Hill and a fair clip down Rudd and along the Boulevard with breakfast begging at trips end. Coffee and calories filled the tanks at the Lemontree (the company of a 458 Spider from Maranello devalued the bikes a little), conversation on caravans, corrupt politics and road closures occupying the crew.
Plenty of breeze from the north east on Channel Rd made a mild 12 degrees Tuesday morning, an earlier get away today to squeeze five days work into three at the coal face. Cougar & I had barely a kilometre covered when several giant drops from the heavens caused thoughts of abandonment, a glossy tarmac at Doyles Rd increased the doubt, but only high clouds visible renewed some optimism to press on. A dry road beyond the kinder was a vote for the affirmative, although the 25km/h headwind put the case for the negative . Speed bumps of dried mud at the cypress trees and a grind into the last unshielded 300 metres made a task of the eastward leg, the clear path north in Boundary a blessing in comparison. A string of Pussycat headlights filed into Boundary Rd from the west, Area 51 a minute later from the east, following in hot pursuit. It was a bonus to turn for home into Old Dookie Rd with the wind now assisting, almost felt sorry for the Goat group grinding into it on a feline follow up. We piled on the pace for a euphoric trip home but Cougar found a bindii back in town to deflate a Continental and the senses.
Careful scrutiny of the skyline, forecasts and radar for the hospital bunch ride on Tuesday night, the odd shower during the day extinct by sunset. WillierTony, GT Craig, Axel, Juzza, Clive, Darren, Travis & Liam all confident at the boom gate, a variety of long and short kits showed varying predictions though. We were squeezed for space in Verney Rd by a Falcon that couldn't move a metre (despite two desserted lanes), a light SSE breeze didn't hamper the leg to the Emu, young Liam quite capably driving the train. A few large spots from the sky dampened the spirits but the road didn't shine, it had stopped by the Emu turn to inspire but re-appeared to infuriate at Old Dookie's piggery. Juzza ran out of headlight volts to complicate rotations, invisible on the back but rolled through almost unseen. Little rooster tails of H2O were appearing off wheels in Boundary Rd which made an exit via Harpo's retreat (Channel Rd) unanimous, Liams' sleek new Jamis well and truely baptised on its' maiden journey. Almost zero brakes, spray off wheels, spotty specs and concentration on a dark (and grass strewn) road was further intensified with Sellmans stupid pooch suddenly beside us growling at the ankles. The relentless Darth Vader will find that the Empire will strike back! Hope of keeping my socks dry was rapidly sinking, a big downpour at the kinder brought on that delightful squelchy feeling of wet nappy, soggy feet and water trickling down the valley of darkness. Almost back to town and all suitably saturated, Juzza lit up the tempo (in his own darkness) for the Mexican Bonanza, I copied to shed some light on the apex of the last turn for his lack of lumens. All retreated for home at Archer, a well earned trophy of a hot shower and dinner awarded to all.
Crystal clear starry skies Wednesday morning with a foggy hangover from last nights' shower, my old R220 shoes dragged from their mothballs to stand in while the R240's still dried. The starting grid again single filed at Kialla Lakes (Lynx no better than Rexona), Pistol Pete game to come up front to share the lead at 6. We timed the green light to perfection at the (still) gravel roundabout (although it's resembling a roundabout now), Rocket, Cougar, Nick, SuperMario, AvantiTrev, Whispering Jack, Shane, Trav and Wobbly Trev in tow. Shane & Pistol had braved shorts for 9 degrees, WobblyTrev braved nothing sitting at the back, still smarting at yesterdays average. No hounds of the Baskervilles amongst the dead trees rising from the fog in River Rd's moonlight, just a SuperCat pack driving into the dipper with a single filed 51 closing in behind. The Breeze lasses breezed south on Boundary as we chilled in the dip at one tree dam, Whispering Jack retired to the rear, also tired by Tuesdays tempo. Others took turns to bump up the knots in Channel Rd, PistolPete warming up everyones legs in the last legs. The sun seems up later already on the way home, a helmet headlight reassuring through town to wake the almost dozing drivers.
Skipped the Couldabeens Thursday, instead a lap with commrade Cougar prepping for a forthcoming Tour de Belgium (lucky duck). A 99% soup to carve through in Channel Rd, noticing FeltMat enroute to the Couldabeens starting grid, Nick and Jack on their warm-up lap, nearing the school. The 4 degree start to the day had the 17 tooth cog in use to spin some warmth into my limbs (70rpm is spinning for this decrepit dinosaur), the fog rising from the channels a picturesque backdrop. A lengthy, lithe line of luminous l.e.d. lanterns loquaciously (?) lanced into Boundary Rd , quite the cool Cat cortege (not stated to inflate the ego's though!) in the pre dawn, 51 were on their usual mission from the east, Goats following from the west.
Found Rocket, PistolPete, Jase, Cougar, BigMat, FeltMat, Shorty and AvantiTrev at the dawn service Anzac Day, a big band of Cats also paying their respects. Set forth at 6.30 on a clockwise Toaster course, thawing frozen limbs a difficult task in the 1.7 degree atmostphere. Turn one to Wanganui with Trev twasn't tortuous but it was up tempo with Jase to Numurkah Rd, grateful for a tow after 7k at the front. The pairing of PistolPete and Rocket is de rigueur, turning up the heat and closing in on the Cat pack cruising ahead in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. Serene scenery of fog in the fields again, sucking in iced air not quite as pleasant. (how soon we soften from winters woes) FeltMat, AvantiTrev and Shorty turned the tempo down to 135bpm but Jase, Pistol & Rocket soon pushed my beats to 160, the Cats ahead seemed to have noted us closing in and turned up their heater beyond the toaster. Boundary Rd's new coarse surface felt like two clicks on the handbrake, BigMat bid farewell on a Channel Rd exit with a pressing engagement. Shorty, AvantiTrev and FeltMat retired from active duty leaving just four to rotate for River Rd and beyond, hopes for a little h.r. recovery time dashed. Overpowering the mental signal to call quits and use a tow is a tough ask, I pushed 5 white posts beyond comfort levels a few times to test myself (while others just cruised I guess). Many were pleased to have Pistol & Rocket tow us the last 3k's of Raftery and keeping a sprint finish off the agenda (compensation for the cold?) Returned to the Lemontree, the plastered Wozza joining in for a yarn on fast cars, surgery and anniversaries.
Week 17 277km YTD 4,776km
Word of the Week ;
"headal" (verb)
The bobbing action of the skull brought on when legs fail to provide sufficient power to the pedals
Friday, April 25, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Week 16 Postcard sunrises and creaky consequences
A protracted lay-off had creaky consequences, 4 days off the bike made legs rusty but gave the gluteus a holiday. The last 4 day repose was 30 weeks ago, so nowhere near WhisperingJack or BigMat retirement levels. Back aboard the goodship Bayerische Motoren Werke felt as familiar as settling into a comfy chair (albeit a narrow and firm Fizik), the 9 degree temperature had the 3/4 knicks in use, maybe the short ones will go into a lengthy hibernation soon? Sundays' lake was like glass with a fog topping, moisture in the air like a handbrake but a steady 30k's with Cougar may re-educate me to the art of self propulsion on two wheels. Even though there was no hurry, the right knee was protesting at cold and cadence (glad I'm not a racehorse). Several others were out and about on the course of Channel-Boundary-Ford-Wanganui & Rudd, weather slowly evolving into a perfect day. Legs loosened a little after 10 k, a slow squeeze on the accellerator in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd without consequence was hopeful. Finding a sweet spot on Ford's tarmac (the smooth half metre width rolled flat by left wheels of cars and trucks) added 10% to speed and motivation, changed up a few cogs to take 10% off the cadence. A smooth and steady lap with a caffine fix afterward rebooted the reasons for this addictive obsession.
My heart-rate was slow to rise early Monday, not unlike me. Solo @ 110 bpm on a desserted Verney Rd was almost acceptably smooth in the car lane, engaged auto pilot toward the Emu with a slight southerly blowing at the starboard side. Negative thoughts of tackling a head wind soon diminished reflecting on the 54km/h southerly in early Feb, the inconsistent illusion of a distant tail-light passed off as a reflector on a white post. Lots of little piggies were squealing for breakfast at their Old Dookie Rd address, my progress reasonable @137bpm given the 9 degrees and lack of condition. The hint of tail-light again cresting the bridge swerved my previous opinion on mirages, into Boundary Rd there was clear evidence of a headlight, bike and rider attached too. Gradually caught and passed him at the fig farm, face unseen in the darkness but offered a good morning anyway. A half a k later the headlight beam had caught up and followed, so I edged up the pace to test the persuer, (150bpm now). A wobbling patch of light at my feet meant someone was trying hard or maybe the someone was Trev, hopefully the former. Peeled into Channel Rd, still with the trailing light following, so ramped up the knots again to test their resolve. Eased off a whisker after the S bend in the interest of my survival back to town, wobbles decreased proportionally. Almost made a speed bump of an early Easter bunny at the kinder turn, giving another little burst (161bpm) to Orrvale Rd still didn't drop the mystery man (decision to make my introduction when back under street lights). Finally to the Mexican Bonanza (with a distinct lack of Bonanza in my legs) I took a look back to find it was Fitzy in tow, appreciative of the draft and the subsequent yarn through town.
Tuesday's crystal clear morning was a crispy 7 degrees, a full moon lit the way to the Couldabeens start. Almost a full team attendance of Shane, PistolPete, Cougar, Temple, Jase, Kenworth, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, BigMat, FeltMat, SuperMario, Shorty, WhisperingJack, Rocket and Vince. We almost had the serial pest aboard at the start till one of his harem punctured. The lead turn with Kenworth was courteous, inheriting the number one draft from him on leg 2. A car at the kinder corner split the pack, the pause to regroup lengthened to retrieve a breakaway bidon, noted by some as a future stall tactic. The resumption of tempo was allegro con spirito, a few playing towtruck to close the opening gaps. The big guns had again grouped to drive the train to Boundary Rd, Shorty, Rocket and others braving shorts while others were more antarctically dressed. WhisperingJack did his usual boom and bust, BigMat playing a more conservative hand. Most of Mitchell Rd was heated with a 40+ pace, glad that traffic gave us a brief break at Melbourne Rd to regain some composure but fogged the specs. Volunteers for lead duty rapidly decreased at Arcadia Downs, BigMat & Pistol Pete both punctured on a busted stubby, I had half the field glued on my wheel as the gaps appeared in Conrod. WhisperingJack passed me with 400 to go but was spent and overtaken with 50 remaining, Rocket well clear in his usual style and position.
7.3 degrees on Wednesday shows the winter spiral has begun but ten lined up on the starting grid, all single filed behind me casting doubts on the Rexona, thankfully Rocket paired up as we taxied out Kialla Lakes Drive. All agreed that we do the right thing at Archers' roadworks traffic light, at least to respect our own bank balances if not the law (fail to stop at red/amber traffic light = $361ea. Times 10 = one 1959 Grange Hermitage), Almost good timing to get the green, plenty of loose stones to rallycross across. Cougar, Rocket, Shorty, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Trav, Nick, SuperMario and Temple were all treated to a sunrise scenery worth getting out of a warm bed for, rows of trees rooted in low fog, silhouetted against an orange horizon with a slowly blueing sky above. Hurtlockers, Supercats, 51, P&W's and a Breakaways bunch were all clockwise on course, just us against the grain. Rocket ramped up the pace in Boundary, but then i'll share the blame in matching his pace for the 3k haul to Channel Rd (over-riding the internal defeatism and a strong desire to draft) A solid return to town, Temple's flouro socks spinning, AvantiTrevs' pushing out a good pace (despite his self proclaimed "past it" status).
Managing to absorb bite sized pieces of the Roubaix replay before gravity overpowers the eyelids at night, inspiring stuff, but the 5am alarm isn't. Carpe Diem echoes through the cranial cavity to tap out a quiet 25k on Thursday morning under the anaerobic redline (23,000 steps at work and 50k with the library bunch after will deplete the resources of this old bloke). A soup of 99% humidity to push through on Channel Rd, just 2560 crank revolutions in Zone 2 & 3 on the well worn track with Cougar via Boundary & Old Dookie Rd. Nice to witness another postcard sunrise (better than the inside of a wooden box) and enjoy a little dip into Zone 5 to finish.
Not a lot of punters at the library Thursday evening, Easter commitments keeping a few away. WillierTony, Darren, Harpo, Dalton, Clive, Juzza and Luke the only ones out to play, savouring the aromas of everyone's dinner as we rolled out of town. 18 degrees and rapidly cooling had me hankering for armwarmers, no doubt pace may warm me up on the circuit. The usual big guns were nowhere to be seen on the way to the Emu, a refreshing change to have just a steady tap around minus the carnage. We'd found Chris A at the Boundary Rd turn as the tempo picked up a whisker, Darrens' chain begging for oil under load. Plenty of bonfires lit up the path to River Rd, Chris & Luke in for a long shift on the front, the new surface has at least been swept but the coarse stone is a drag on speed. A few more turns to do at the pointy end with low numbers, good training I guess. The troops were getting restless as Conrod opened up before us, into the fourties (and with a perfect sit at 4th wheel) I jumped hard on the 13 sprocket to throw in some excitement with 300 to go. Managed to put some space to the bunch but my 37 year gap to young Luke in hot pursuit was too big, made my 53km/h look ordinary to take the win easily. A bit of road rage between Mr Hyundai and Mr P plate ute at the traffic lights entertained us on the roll back home.
The annual Good Friday Appeal ride brought out a good crowd, a big queue for caffine and racks full of bikes for an 8am away from Friars. I'd hung about with known villans rather than face the uncertainty of unknowns, assembling in a team with Rocket, Jase, SuperMario, Cougar, Temple, PistolPete and FeltMat. Numbers swelled on the Boulevard warm up of a clockwise Toaster loop, Axel, Juzza, JB (nearly unfamiliar aboard a new Pinarello, his ubiquitous Cannondale sadly fractured), Col, Coggo, SpecialisedTony (aka WillierTony) BigBill, and Clive, with a couple of "intriders" (see last weeks blog) out of their depth. Into a light northeaster toward the Emu had one intrider go kaboom in the attempt to match Pistol, but the bunch finally settled into a good rhythm. Felines Kelvin, Sprinter, Burlsey & co put some pace into the southerly trip to the Toaster, the wind swung northerly to oblige. Lil'Tony, Walshy and others of similar calibre joined the front (after a pause for shortcutters in Boundary) to throw petrol on the fire, lengthening the bunch with numbers and speed. The tail end became quite a shambles with some hanging on for grim death (pride predjudiced), course confusion at River Rd then back on track to Mitchell. The change to clockwise rotation for the north westerly in Mitchell Rd needed an instruction manual for some, the back end of the bunch now ugly with close calls and confusion. Backed off the bunch, the decision for self preservation overruled, Cougar, me and a few others content to keep a smooth mid thirties out of harms way. A gaggle of Goats rounded us up at Archer, but we plugged on over the highway, picking up the crumbs of those discarded by tempo. Crossed the line with half a dozen in tow, cruised through town (some short on road sense invoking honks) back to Friars coffee. A good chin wag to finish the ride, the week finished extracting busted beer bottle from a Michelin.
Week 16 329km YTD 4,479km
Word of the week "Blinguist" (noun)
One who's conversation relies solely on expensive equipment, components and technical specifications.
My heart-rate was slow to rise early Monday, not unlike me. Solo @ 110 bpm on a desserted Verney Rd was almost acceptably smooth in the car lane, engaged auto pilot toward the Emu with a slight southerly blowing at the starboard side. Negative thoughts of tackling a head wind soon diminished reflecting on the 54km/h southerly in early Feb, the inconsistent illusion of a distant tail-light passed off as a reflector on a white post. Lots of little piggies were squealing for breakfast at their Old Dookie Rd address, my progress reasonable @137bpm given the 9 degrees and lack of condition. The hint of tail-light again cresting the bridge swerved my previous opinion on mirages, into Boundary Rd there was clear evidence of a headlight, bike and rider attached too. Gradually caught and passed him at the fig farm, face unseen in the darkness but offered a good morning anyway. A half a k later the headlight beam had caught up and followed, so I edged up the pace to test the persuer, (150bpm now). A wobbling patch of light at my feet meant someone was trying hard or maybe the someone was Trev, hopefully the former. Peeled into Channel Rd, still with the trailing light following, so ramped up the knots again to test their resolve. Eased off a whisker after the S bend in the interest of my survival back to town, wobbles decreased proportionally. Almost made a speed bump of an early Easter bunny at the kinder turn, giving another little burst (161bpm) to Orrvale Rd still didn't drop the mystery man (decision to make my introduction when back under street lights). Finally to the Mexican Bonanza (with a distinct lack of Bonanza in my legs) I took a look back to find it was Fitzy in tow, appreciative of the draft and the subsequent yarn through town.
Tuesday's crystal clear morning was a crispy 7 degrees, a full moon lit the way to the Couldabeens start. Almost a full team attendance of Shane, PistolPete, Cougar, Temple, Jase, Kenworth, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, BigMat, FeltMat, SuperMario, Shorty, WhisperingJack, Rocket and Vince. We almost had the serial pest aboard at the start till one of his harem punctured. The lead turn with Kenworth was courteous, inheriting the number one draft from him on leg 2. A car at the kinder corner split the pack, the pause to regroup lengthened to retrieve a breakaway bidon, noted by some as a future stall tactic. The resumption of tempo was allegro con spirito, a few playing towtruck to close the opening gaps. The big guns had again grouped to drive the train to Boundary Rd, Shorty, Rocket and others braving shorts while others were more antarctically dressed. WhisperingJack did his usual boom and bust, BigMat playing a more conservative hand. Most of Mitchell Rd was heated with a 40+ pace, glad that traffic gave us a brief break at Melbourne Rd to regain some composure but fogged the specs. Volunteers for lead duty rapidly decreased at Arcadia Downs, BigMat & Pistol Pete both punctured on a busted stubby, I had half the field glued on my wheel as the gaps appeared in Conrod. WhisperingJack passed me with 400 to go but was spent and overtaken with 50 remaining, Rocket well clear in his usual style and position.
7.3 degrees on Wednesday shows the winter spiral has begun but ten lined up on the starting grid, all single filed behind me casting doubts on the Rexona, thankfully Rocket paired up as we taxied out Kialla Lakes Drive. All agreed that we do the right thing at Archers' roadworks traffic light, at least to respect our own bank balances if not the law (fail to stop at red/amber traffic light = $361ea. Times 10 = one 1959 Grange Hermitage), Almost good timing to get the green, plenty of loose stones to rallycross across. Cougar, Rocket, Shorty, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Trav, Nick, SuperMario and Temple were all treated to a sunrise scenery worth getting out of a warm bed for, rows of trees rooted in low fog, silhouetted against an orange horizon with a slowly blueing sky above. Hurtlockers, Supercats, 51, P&W's and a Breakaways bunch were all clockwise on course, just us against the grain. Rocket ramped up the pace in Boundary, but then i'll share the blame in matching his pace for the 3k haul to Channel Rd (over-riding the internal defeatism and a strong desire to draft) A solid return to town, Temple's flouro socks spinning, AvantiTrevs' pushing out a good pace (despite his self proclaimed "past it" status).
Managing to absorb bite sized pieces of the Roubaix replay before gravity overpowers the eyelids at night, inspiring stuff, but the 5am alarm isn't. Carpe Diem echoes through the cranial cavity to tap out a quiet 25k on Thursday morning under the anaerobic redline (23,000 steps at work and 50k with the library bunch after will deplete the resources of this old bloke). A soup of 99% humidity to push through on Channel Rd, just 2560 crank revolutions in Zone 2 & 3 on the well worn track with Cougar via Boundary & Old Dookie Rd. Nice to witness another postcard sunrise (better than the inside of a wooden box) and enjoy a little dip into Zone 5 to finish.
Not a lot of punters at the library Thursday evening, Easter commitments keeping a few away. WillierTony, Darren, Harpo, Dalton, Clive, Juzza and Luke the only ones out to play, savouring the aromas of everyone's dinner as we rolled out of town. 18 degrees and rapidly cooling had me hankering for armwarmers, no doubt pace may warm me up on the circuit. The usual big guns were nowhere to be seen on the way to the Emu, a refreshing change to have just a steady tap around minus the carnage. We'd found Chris A at the Boundary Rd turn as the tempo picked up a whisker, Darrens' chain begging for oil under load. Plenty of bonfires lit up the path to River Rd, Chris & Luke in for a long shift on the front, the new surface has at least been swept but the coarse stone is a drag on speed. A few more turns to do at the pointy end with low numbers, good training I guess. The troops were getting restless as Conrod opened up before us, into the fourties (and with a perfect sit at 4th wheel) I jumped hard on the 13 sprocket to throw in some excitement with 300 to go. Managed to put some space to the bunch but my 37 year gap to young Luke in hot pursuit was too big, made my 53km/h look ordinary to take the win easily. A bit of road rage between Mr Hyundai and Mr P plate ute at the traffic lights entertained us on the roll back home.
The annual Good Friday Appeal ride brought out a good crowd, a big queue for caffine and racks full of bikes for an 8am away from Friars. I'd hung about with known villans rather than face the uncertainty of unknowns, assembling in a team with Rocket, Jase, SuperMario, Cougar, Temple, PistolPete and FeltMat. Numbers swelled on the Boulevard warm up of a clockwise Toaster loop, Axel, Juzza, JB (nearly unfamiliar aboard a new Pinarello, his ubiquitous Cannondale sadly fractured), Col, Coggo, SpecialisedTony (aka WillierTony) BigBill, and Clive, with a couple of "intriders" (see last weeks blog) out of their depth. Into a light northeaster toward the Emu had one intrider go kaboom in the attempt to match Pistol, but the bunch finally settled into a good rhythm. Felines Kelvin, Sprinter, Burlsey & co put some pace into the southerly trip to the Toaster, the wind swung northerly to oblige. Lil'Tony, Walshy and others of similar calibre joined the front (after a pause for shortcutters in Boundary) to throw petrol on the fire, lengthening the bunch with numbers and speed. The tail end became quite a shambles with some hanging on for grim death (pride predjudiced), course confusion at River Rd then back on track to Mitchell. The change to clockwise rotation for the north westerly in Mitchell Rd needed an instruction manual for some, the back end of the bunch now ugly with close calls and confusion. Backed off the bunch, the decision for self preservation overruled, Cougar, me and a few others content to keep a smooth mid thirties out of harms way. A gaggle of Goats rounded us up at Archer, but we plugged on over the highway, picking up the crumbs of those discarded by tempo. Crossed the line with half a dozen in tow, cruised through town (some short on road sense invoking honks) back to Friars coffee. A good chin wag to finish the ride, the week finished extracting busted beer bottle from a Michelin.
Week 16 329km YTD 4,479km
Word of the week "Blinguist" (noun)
One who's conversation relies solely on expensive equipment, components and technical specifications.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Week 15 A precipitant repose
Unusually, Vince was lurking at the north end of town Saturday morning, on the look out for Eamon (a no-show), so we headed to the start line, collecting Jase en route. Rocket, Nick, Shane, Dion, SuperMario, PistolPete, AvantiTrev, Weapon and Trav, fairly cooled at 11 degrees, set off east on Channel, the usual conversations bouncing left and right. Nath made a comeback near the cypress trees, mumbling a little through a repairing jaw. MachineSteve (with pocketted tucker) was caught nearing Channels' end, off on a Euroa tour, machine that he is. Our course was the usual toaster, emu & home but Shane included an intermission with a puncture in Old Dookie Rd, an opportunity for roadside in depth conversation. Repaired and rolling again, a nasal assault at the pig farm, round the toaster then emu, and felt the chill in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. Lads were hard at work with a laser bucket in the paddocks before the sun was up, our work increased with Rocket, Vince, PistolPete and Dion creeping the speed up (AvantiTrev silent despite nudging 40 clicks) A close call for a Verney Rd Camry (driver asleep at the wheel?) failing a give way, but rhythm resumed when heart rates settled, back to the previous tempo, clearing a clear Numurkah Rd. A cruise down the Boulevard and pitted at the Lemontree for chat on grunge, future roadworks and the Crit post-mortem.
SuperMario's 40th social soiree Saturday night saw several copiously hydrating and carbo loading, disqualifying themselves from a Sunday start (despite the extra hour recovery time) in the Peter Mac fundraiser. Teamed up with a few familiar faces for the anti-clockwise Toaster loop, AvantiTrev, Kylie, HBK, BassoDave, Hoffy, Cougar and Aimee, a bearded BMC bloke attached but we whittled down a few others on the warm-up through town. A bit of southerly made Conrod straight the usual chore, cautious passing manoevres for some browns' cows bunches to the highway, and adding Tommygun & Weapon to the team. We got into a steady rhythm for Mitchell Rd when BassoDave climatised to HBK's half biking, an easier northerly leg up to Old Dookie Rd with the breeze behind and perfect temperatures. The bearded BMC bloke's hair-raising handsfree snack session was a worry (put soundly into his box by Cougar), Tommygun & Weapon took an Old Dookie exit, the remainder remained on the regular course. A few more slower ones were caught and passed (some in precarious positions) many with no aft-sight, a worry in events like these. The familiar run home went incident free, nice to have Aimee, Kylie & Cougar tap out fine turns. Racks were full back at Mr.Monks (coffee service overwhelmed by the numbers) a speech or three, a well stocked raffle (missed it by one to HBK) and a yarn with many, finished up a good $3.5k earner for the Peter Mac Foundation.
The Monday morning ritual of a short quiet lap continued, a pleasant way to start the working week, a red signature from the rising sun today, now that clocks have reverted to real time. A bit of daylight so much more positive that a lap that starts and finishes in darkness. Chewed over the weekends' happenings with Cougar, the regular southbound packs in Boundary almost identifiable in the early light, but how long does this last? We guess a month at best. The trusty steed ticked over 170,000 this morning, (and so starts lap 5 of the globe) almost run-in now. Ten years faithful service this August.
Doubts of Rafterys' rideworthiness with roadworks prompted a snoop on Monday evening, just drainage work for the moment. Assurances of one lane at a time when widening occurs, the bonus of a bike lane when complete (about the only bike benefit seen from COGS cycling strategy, now 2 years old) Headed out Channel Rd on a short mission via Boundary, Ford, Wanganui and Rudd, clouds overcast the sky with only a light north east to overcome. Suprised to see a few bunches coming in, great to see a Breakaway trio out of retirement and back in action. Smoke hampered the respiratories a little heading east, but happy to be holding the mid thirties under the circumstances, nearing the pub someboby was burning buggered Bridgestones, the source of earlier smoke. Progress north in Boundary was better than predicted, the northeaster not too difficult but ingesting some of the half million insects attending the dusk was an annoying protein supplement. A clear run through intersections motivated the pace, over New Dookie Rd and using the sealed shoulder at the rumble strips prevented rattling the nerves. The turn west at Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd had the slightest hint of tail breeze but a few oncoming trucks threw a gust or six pegging back progress. Eventually hit the sweet spot in Ford Rd, a slowly overtaking car gave just the draft to get on top of the 14 sprocket, on the smooth strip of the car wheel track tarmac, head down at 74 rpm covered the k's quickly. Clear at Grahamvale, Verney and Numurkah Rd's was a rare blessing, another sweet spot in Wanganui Rd had the Mavic's singing 40's tunes(but quickly went off song on the hill) . Pushed home via the Boulevard to clock 33 clicks in 54 min, this route maybe an alternative Couldabeens circuit if Raftery becomes difficult?
Legs felt good Tuesday morning, the most comfortable sit on the saddle in ages too, ripe for a lap with the Couldabeens. Rocket, Jase, Kenworth, Vince, Cougar, Trav, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, PistolPete, Nick, Temple were lined up at the shop, comeback kids WhisperingJack and BigMat making an appearance too. I won first turn again, a big enough ask beside Vince but add 15km/h of northeast wind to amplify the difficulty rating. (cranky heart rate monitor showing 58bpm....I wish!) Nearing Channel Rd's end Trav had reached expiry date, the lure of a tow from Kenworth was enough inspiration for him to close the gap and recover in the draft of drafts. WhisperingJack and BigMat were making up for lost rides southbound in Boundary, Temple with the tempo in Mitchell Rd into the mid 40's. The rubber band had snapped for WobblyTrev, OTA at the dogleg, Trav the charitable one dropping back to tow him, Vince donating his services to the cause soon after. I stayed with AvantiTrev and Cougar to bridge a small gap, a slow moment after central Kialla regrouping the bunch. Barely 50 calmer metres covered and it was straight back on the gas by Rocket and Pete, Whispering Jack scored the polka dots on Mt.Nicolaci but nearly spent a cardiac arrest winning it. A short wait for Melbourne Rd traffic, and back into the speed, pairing with Vince for a squirt from Roubaix to the horse stud at 40 drained the tank. Not looking forward to the headwind in Conrod I stayed with the rear gunners, content to record a 36.6 and finish with another pleasant sunrise.
Forecast foreboding, I was keen to squeeze another ride in Tuesday evening. About to suit up at 5.30 when a brief downpour hosed down hopes. A look at the greasy road and uncertain skyline put the brakes on quickly. And so the week spiralled into a wash out for bikes, (finding a long bearded bloke with a wooden boat and pairs of animals wouldn't have suprised me) plenty of doubt about Fridays' conditions in the early hours softened enthusiasm to err on the side of staying upright and dry.
Week 15 250k YTD 4,150km
Word for the week (a Weapon inspired challenge to foster neologisms into the bike vernacular)
Intrider ("in-trahy-der") (noun): an unwelcomed addition to a peleton, usually of questionable skill and character and of unsavoury etiquette.
SuperMario's 40th social soiree Saturday night saw several copiously hydrating and carbo loading, disqualifying themselves from a Sunday start (despite the extra hour recovery time) in the Peter Mac fundraiser. Teamed up with a few familiar faces for the anti-clockwise Toaster loop, AvantiTrev, Kylie, HBK, BassoDave, Hoffy, Cougar and Aimee, a bearded BMC bloke attached but we whittled down a few others on the warm-up through town. A bit of southerly made Conrod straight the usual chore, cautious passing manoevres for some browns' cows bunches to the highway, and adding Tommygun & Weapon to the team. We got into a steady rhythm for Mitchell Rd when BassoDave climatised to HBK's half biking, an easier northerly leg up to Old Dookie Rd with the breeze behind and perfect temperatures. The bearded BMC bloke's hair-raising handsfree snack session was a worry (put soundly into his box by Cougar), Tommygun & Weapon took an Old Dookie exit, the remainder remained on the regular course. A few more slower ones were caught and passed (some in precarious positions) many with no aft-sight, a worry in events like these. The familiar run home went incident free, nice to have Aimee, Kylie & Cougar tap out fine turns. Racks were full back at Mr.Monks (coffee service overwhelmed by the numbers) a speech or three, a well stocked raffle (missed it by one to HBK) and a yarn with many, finished up a good $3.5k earner for the Peter Mac Foundation.
The Monday morning ritual of a short quiet lap continued, a pleasant way to start the working week, a red signature from the rising sun today, now that clocks have reverted to real time. A bit of daylight so much more positive that a lap that starts and finishes in darkness. Chewed over the weekends' happenings with Cougar, the regular southbound packs in Boundary almost identifiable in the early light, but how long does this last? We guess a month at best. The trusty steed ticked over 170,000 this morning, (and so starts lap 5 of the globe) almost run-in now. Ten years faithful service this August.
Doubts of Rafterys' rideworthiness with roadworks prompted a snoop on Monday evening, just drainage work for the moment. Assurances of one lane at a time when widening occurs, the bonus of a bike lane when complete (about the only bike benefit seen from COGS cycling strategy, now 2 years old) Headed out Channel Rd on a short mission via Boundary, Ford, Wanganui and Rudd, clouds overcast the sky with only a light north east to overcome. Suprised to see a few bunches coming in, great to see a Breakaway trio out of retirement and back in action. Smoke hampered the respiratories a little heading east, but happy to be holding the mid thirties under the circumstances, nearing the pub someboby was burning buggered Bridgestones, the source of earlier smoke. Progress north in Boundary was better than predicted, the northeaster not too difficult but ingesting some of the half million insects attending the dusk was an annoying protein supplement. A clear run through intersections motivated the pace, over New Dookie Rd and using the sealed shoulder at the rumble strips prevented rattling the nerves. The turn west at Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd had the slightest hint of tail breeze but a few oncoming trucks threw a gust or six pegging back progress. Eventually hit the sweet spot in Ford Rd, a slowly overtaking car gave just the draft to get on top of the 14 sprocket, on the smooth strip of the car wheel track tarmac, head down at 74 rpm covered the k's quickly. Clear at Grahamvale, Verney and Numurkah Rd's was a rare blessing, another sweet spot in Wanganui Rd had the Mavic's singing 40's tunes(but quickly went off song on the hill) . Pushed home via the Boulevard to clock 33 clicks in 54 min, this route maybe an alternative Couldabeens circuit if Raftery becomes difficult?
Legs felt good Tuesday morning, the most comfortable sit on the saddle in ages too, ripe for a lap with the Couldabeens. Rocket, Jase, Kenworth, Vince, Cougar, Trav, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, PistolPete, Nick, Temple were lined up at the shop, comeback kids WhisperingJack and BigMat making an appearance too. I won first turn again, a big enough ask beside Vince but add 15km/h of northeast wind to amplify the difficulty rating. (cranky heart rate monitor showing 58bpm....I wish!) Nearing Channel Rd's end Trav had reached expiry date, the lure of a tow from Kenworth was enough inspiration for him to close the gap and recover in the draft of drafts. WhisperingJack and BigMat were making up for lost rides southbound in Boundary, Temple with the tempo in Mitchell Rd into the mid 40's. The rubber band had snapped for WobblyTrev, OTA at the dogleg, Trav the charitable one dropping back to tow him, Vince donating his services to the cause soon after. I stayed with AvantiTrev and Cougar to bridge a small gap, a slow moment after central Kialla regrouping the bunch. Barely 50 calmer metres covered and it was straight back on the gas by Rocket and Pete, Whispering Jack scored the polka dots on Mt.Nicolaci but nearly spent a cardiac arrest winning it. A short wait for Melbourne Rd traffic, and back into the speed, pairing with Vince for a squirt from Roubaix to the horse stud at 40 drained the tank. Not looking forward to the headwind in Conrod I stayed with the rear gunners, content to record a 36.6 and finish with another pleasant sunrise.
Forecast foreboding, I was keen to squeeze another ride in Tuesday evening. About to suit up at 5.30 when a brief downpour hosed down hopes. A look at the greasy road and uncertain skyline put the brakes on quickly. And so the week spiralled into a wash out for bikes, (finding a long bearded bloke with a wooden boat and pairs of animals wouldn't have suprised me) plenty of doubt about Fridays' conditions in the early hours softened enthusiasm to err on the side of staying upright and dry.
Week 15 250k YTD 4,150km
Word for the week (a Weapon inspired challenge to foster neologisms into the bike vernacular)
Intrider ("in-trahy-der") (noun): an unwelcomed addition to a peleton, usually of questionable skill and character and of unsavoury etiquette.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Week 14 Marshmallows and directional disasters
Had an escort job Saturday morning, newbie Eamon needing guidance to the start (been in Oz for 3 days). Behind the eight ball without Look cleats, it was going to be a big ask riding in runners, 6 years off the bike proving rusty as well. Made it too the start to meet countryman Temple and join in with Cougar, Nick, Dion, PistolPete, RidleyTrev, Weapon and Tommygun. A compact crew with a few resting legs for the Criterium, the first leg with the handbrake on for Eamon to adjust to reality. Beyond the cypress trees my brief head count had one missing in action. I u-turned for half a k to retrieve a very breathless and OTA Eamon, offering a tow at a more sedate pace. Watching the bunch dissapearing into the distance, we eventually came across Temple waiting, who rode shotgun with Eamon on a shortcut back to coffee and recovery. Without hope of catching the vanishing pack up Old Dookie Rd, I re-routed up Boundary to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd then west toward the Emu, a somewhat soothing solitude silently surveying scenery to intercept . The distant string of l.e.d.'s looked longer than 7, u-turning to rejoin the clan with Cougar driving at the helm, some chat on the Melbourne Triathlon with Weapon and Tommygun, the Great Otway with Dion. A few degrees shaved off the 13 as dawn arrived, turns on the front came quickly with coffee beckoning. Temple & Eamon were the benchwarmers at the Lemontree, philosophy on co-incidence, nicknames and greater beings occupying time well.
Had a decent gander at the Criterium Saturday arvo/evening, super effort by Weapon in the ladies event, a great 2nd (and 2nd for the series) for Rocket in the B grade. A big stack in the B grade sprint shut down the A grade race, good to hear later that no serious injuries resulted. Plenty of familiar faces having a go, some not so familiar in civvies spectating.
I put a spirit level on the Fizik to find reason for a persistant posterior pickle, sitting a few degrees downhill may be the clue? Back to level again. A test ride Sunday (good grief! the first Sunday ride in 12 weeks!) the sky cleared from a 3.30am shower but was still blackened at 7 by a lazy sun (looking forward to next weeks daylight saving). I'd paired with Cougar for a Channel-Boundary-River-Mitchell Rd circuit, farmer Singh navigating Channel Rd by the stars in an unlit Ferguson.There was some damp evidence of the early showers as the k's clicked over, a hint of northeasterly assistance in Boundary Rd. We decided to tour down River Rd (no fear of being flattened by pursuing bunches on a Sunday) but cresting the dip noticed a wind shift to a south wester. Darkening clouds in the south but, turning into Mitchell Rd, the grey veil of showers ahead was definite, and heading straight to us. One or two spots quickly multiplied to dampen the kit and the enthusiasm, just a hint of the aquatic rooster tail off the wheels but not enough to saturate socks (my breaking point). An escape via Archer Rd rather than endure the length of a precipitous Raftery was agreed, the shower tapering off as we reached town. Coffee at Degani's was our trophy for tenacity, finding Temple and HBK warming the seats after a similar wet and punctured ride. Sat out the next shower or two for a philisophical session on cultural identity and it's demise, agriculture and exhuberance. I snuck homeward before the next downpour only to score a puncture, road grime all over me and bike prompting a decent cleaning session.
A take 2 with Cougar Monday morning, hoping a dry ride was in store, just a groaning chain the leftover from yesterday. A steady short lap makes faster & longer ones possible for most of the week, keeps the passion alive too.
Assembly on Tuesday included Trav, Rocket, PistolPete, Kenworth, Cougar, Temple, Vince, Jase, RidleyTrev, WobblyTrev, Nick and Luke, thankfully the 'serial pest' was spotted leaving earlier eastward with two in tow. 18 degrees with an ESE breeze was going to make todays' Couldabeens fast. The first turn with Jase was achieveable, the next with Rocket put the needle into the red. It was head down and three word sentences when Rocket, PistolPete and Vince put the bang in the buck for a good stretch of Channel Rd, many resigning early to life at the back of the bunch. A challenging leg south with an oncoming tosser insisting on high beam plus driving lights, pace on for Mitchell Rd too into the 40's. There was good karma with a free run through intersections keeping the average up, Nick steamrolling turns, Shane pacing himself well too. I had a big haul up Mt Nicolaci with Rocket, grateful to be second wheel beyond the highway to find a breath or three. Thoughts of a Tuesday night with the hospital group retired me from rotation at Arcadia Downs, crossing the line at the rear end while the usual punters pounced, rather pleased seeing we'd finished just 24 seconds shy of the record.
Decisions, decisions Tuesday arvo after a testing day, nearly succumbed to the sloth of a horizontal couch session, but the weeks' iffy weather prompted me to make hay whilst the sun shone (@ 28 degrees). Robbo, Rocket, WillierTony, Paul, Stiffy, Juzza and Axel departed the hospital on cue, Bomber, Sticks, Clive, Harpo, Hamish and the machine that is Steve were added to the recipe as we speared eastward. Robbo's creaky Cannondale (crunchy crank bearings?) was well wound up into the 40's for Ford Rd, a respite in the mid 30's was all too brief when Bomber and bro turned up the wick to the Emu. (It's a clue to a fast lap when the bunch single files with just 13k covered). Wheels howled in the high 40's toward the toaster, I was baulked behind Juzza just as the drivers at the front kicked hard into Old Dookie, seperating Clive, Harpo, Juzza, some dude (with bolt on tri bars) and I from the dozen diehards by 50 metres. Much work was to be done in a feint hope of rejoining, but Clive & I were the only committed ones driving at 40 to make good our deficit. By the pub, Juzza, Harpo and the tri-barred bloke turned to marshmallow and exited via Channel Rd (soon to be re-titled Harpo Rd?) Hopes were slipping fast at the Broken bridges, the bunch 500 metres ahead and about to race River Rd. Clive was spent at the turn, letting me soldier on at the front while I ignored the h.r. already at 175. In the distance we could see a few being dropped but our gap had widened to lose all chance of a likely gain. In Mitchell Rd Clive was millimeters from tossing the towel in, so I slowed a couple of k's in the interest of both surviving to the finish. Legs were jellied by Roubaix corner (16 kilometres in zone 5), reaching Conrod straight was a welcome sight, Clive battling a slow puncture earned him an elephant stamp for effort.
Autumn is still giving us Summer mornings, 18 degrees for Wednesday kept spirits high and the booties and armwarmers tucked away in the wardrobe. RidleyTrev, Rocket, Nick, Cougar, Shorty, SuperMario, PistolPete, Shane and WobblyTrev showed at the Kialla start, Rocket and I commencing proceedings with legs still smarting from last nights' thrash. Gravel still graces the Archer roundabout project (we should expect Rome) , a recent resheet of Boundary (between Old Dookie and the highway) and more roadworks to come for Raftery may rearrange our routes in the near future. The now usual turn into Central Kialla Rd suprisingly suprised WobblyTrev and an ENE sprang up in River Rd perfectly timed for my turn with Rocket. (Ouch!) The usual bunches in the usual places were on River Rd, only one or two straglers spied on our northern run to Channel Rd, wind favouring the homeward leg. Rounding the sweeper beyond the cypress trees, WobblyTrev had a diabolical directional disaster at the front, shaving a few minutes off Nicks' life. Summon my cardiologist and phone the life insurance company!, an OMG moment for all 9 behind, thankfully without a horizontal outcome. Deafened by the bunch silence, I offered a little advice to the perpitrator in the interest of the peletons' preservation, but I wonder if any improvement will be forthcoming? (I'll happily swap a little castigation for preservation). All made it back to suburbia, shaken but not stirred. Everyones thoughts but nobodys statement, time to speak up troops!
Radar reports didn't paint a rosy picture on Thursday morning, more a green colour. Glad I didn't look, may have stayed in bed. Plenty did stay in bed, only Cougar, Rocket, Chris A, HBK, Temple, AvantiTrev, Kenworth and Luke with the intestinal fortitude to brave the breeze (SSW 15-20km/h) and run the gauntlet of rain. A simmering first turn with Rocket till the heat was turned up by PistolPete, Kenworth and HBK (unusually early to the start, yet to fine tune his arrival to last from the new address) A fair bit of puddle dodging out Channel Rd and a headwind to Mitchell Rd, I was sandwiched between slices of Chris A and Rocket. The mind gives up before the body does it's said, pushing into a head wind in such company tends to make you dig deep, but the mind remembers pain which instinctively drives the jaw to gasp the words "roll over thanks Rocket" long before the goal is reached (his extra 3km/h almost draining the reserve tank) Turn number three was a little easier with the wind coming at 10 o'clock in Mitchell Rd, Chris A diplomatic not tearing me limb from limb. Luke went kaboom on the Mt Nicolaci climb (will need a bit more than ride-to-work training), we had a smooth sail over the highway but the tailwind in Raftery hoped for was lack lustre, legs and lungs having no part in a fast finish, 47 the max, but a hearty average for a small bunch and all home dry. Legs complained bitterly to the ombudsman most of the day so took copious couch comfort Thursday evening.
A hint of leg rigormortis as I dragged the limbs from the cot at 5 on Friday. A bowl of Kellogs Motivation and a hot cup of enthusiasm later, swung a leg over the trusty velocipede to push south, only a few feisty fellows fearlessly facing freaky Friday on the northern commute. A steady roll along Channel Rd, well lit by Cougars new light, my ancient Cygo but a candle in comparison. A pair of lights behind gradually caught and passed, a pair of Mexicans en route to create Cat cadence. Boundary's new surface is more tractable now that loose stones have been swept away, only small bunches seen on our northern section, the main act may have already passed? Goats gave way at the Old Dookie turn, even that's copped a re-seal (between Central & Doyles) after 8 years of traffic. A quick squirt up the main drag in the high 50's (tail wind and a Freightliner draft) finished the week on a high note.
Week 14 328km YTD 3,900 km
"It takes little talent to see what lies under one's nose, a good deal to know in what direction to point it"
W.H Auden (1907-1973) US poet
Had a decent gander at the Criterium Saturday arvo/evening, super effort by Weapon in the ladies event, a great 2nd (and 2nd for the series) for Rocket in the B grade. A big stack in the B grade sprint shut down the A grade race, good to hear later that no serious injuries resulted. Plenty of familiar faces having a go, some not so familiar in civvies spectating.
I put a spirit level on the Fizik to find reason for a persistant posterior pickle, sitting a few degrees downhill may be the clue? Back to level again. A test ride Sunday (good grief! the first Sunday ride in 12 weeks!) the sky cleared from a 3.30am shower but was still blackened at 7 by a lazy sun (looking forward to next weeks daylight saving). I'd paired with Cougar for a Channel-Boundary-River-Mitchell Rd circuit, farmer Singh navigating Channel Rd by the stars in an unlit Ferguson.There was some damp evidence of the early showers as the k's clicked over, a hint of northeasterly assistance in Boundary Rd. We decided to tour down River Rd (no fear of being flattened by pursuing bunches on a Sunday) but cresting the dip noticed a wind shift to a south wester. Darkening clouds in the south but, turning into Mitchell Rd, the grey veil of showers ahead was definite, and heading straight to us. One or two spots quickly multiplied to dampen the kit and the enthusiasm, just a hint of the aquatic rooster tail off the wheels but not enough to saturate socks (my breaking point). An escape via Archer Rd rather than endure the length of a precipitous Raftery was agreed, the shower tapering off as we reached town. Coffee at Degani's was our trophy for tenacity, finding Temple and HBK warming the seats after a similar wet and punctured ride. Sat out the next shower or two for a philisophical session on cultural identity and it's demise, agriculture and exhuberance. I snuck homeward before the next downpour only to score a puncture, road grime all over me and bike prompting a decent cleaning session.
A take 2 with Cougar Monday morning, hoping a dry ride was in store, just a groaning chain the leftover from yesterday. A steady short lap makes faster & longer ones possible for most of the week, keeps the passion alive too.
Assembly on Tuesday included Trav, Rocket, PistolPete, Kenworth, Cougar, Temple, Vince, Jase, RidleyTrev, WobblyTrev, Nick and Luke, thankfully the 'serial pest' was spotted leaving earlier eastward with two in tow. 18 degrees with an ESE breeze was going to make todays' Couldabeens fast. The first turn with Jase was achieveable, the next with Rocket put the needle into the red. It was head down and three word sentences when Rocket, PistolPete and Vince put the bang in the buck for a good stretch of Channel Rd, many resigning early to life at the back of the bunch. A challenging leg south with an oncoming tosser insisting on high beam plus driving lights, pace on for Mitchell Rd too into the 40's. There was good karma with a free run through intersections keeping the average up, Nick steamrolling turns, Shane pacing himself well too. I had a big haul up Mt Nicolaci with Rocket, grateful to be second wheel beyond the highway to find a breath or three. Thoughts of a Tuesday night with the hospital group retired me from rotation at Arcadia Downs, crossing the line at the rear end while the usual punters pounced, rather pleased seeing we'd finished just 24 seconds shy of the record.
Decisions, decisions Tuesday arvo after a testing day, nearly succumbed to the sloth of a horizontal couch session, but the weeks' iffy weather prompted me to make hay whilst the sun shone (@ 28 degrees). Robbo, Rocket, WillierTony, Paul, Stiffy, Juzza and Axel departed the hospital on cue, Bomber, Sticks, Clive, Harpo, Hamish and the machine that is Steve were added to the recipe as we speared eastward. Robbo's creaky Cannondale (crunchy crank bearings?) was well wound up into the 40's for Ford Rd, a respite in the mid 30's was all too brief when Bomber and bro turned up the wick to the Emu. (It's a clue to a fast lap when the bunch single files with just 13k covered). Wheels howled in the high 40's toward the toaster, I was baulked behind Juzza just as the drivers at the front kicked hard into Old Dookie, seperating Clive, Harpo, Juzza, some dude (with bolt on tri bars) and I from the dozen diehards by 50 metres. Much work was to be done in a feint hope of rejoining, but Clive & I were the only committed ones driving at 40 to make good our deficit. By the pub, Juzza, Harpo and the tri-barred bloke turned to marshmallow and exited via Channel Rd (soon to be re-titled Harpo Rd?) Hopes were slipping fast at the Broken bridges, the bunch 500 metres ahead and about to race River Rd. Clive was spent at the turn, letting me soldier on at the front while I ignored the h.r. already at 175. In the distance we could see a few being dropped but our gap had widened to lose all chance of a likely gain. In Mitchell Rd Clive was millimeters from tossing the towel in, so I slowed a couple of k's in the interest of both surviving to the finish. Legs were jellied by Roubaix corner (16 kilometres in zone 5), reaching Conrod straight was a welcome sight, Clive battling a slow puncture earned him an elephant stamp for effort.
Autumn is still giving us Summer mornings, 18 degrees for Wednesday kept spirits high and the booties and armwarmers tucked away in the wardrobe. RidleyTrev, Rocket, Nick, Cougar, Shorty, SuperMario, PistolPete, Shane and WobblyTrev showed at the Kialla start, Rocket and I commencing proceedings with legs still smarting from last nights' thrash. Gravel still graces the Archer roundabout project (we should expect Rome) , a recent resheet of Boundary (between Old Dookie and the highway) and more roadworks to come for Raftery may rearrange our routes in the near future. The now usual turn into Central Kialla Rd suprisingly suprised WobblyTrev and an ENE sprang up in River Rd perfectly timed for my turn with Rocket. (Ouch!) The usual bunches in the usual places were on River Rd, only one or two straglers spied on our northern run to Channel Rd, wind favouring the homeward leg. Rounding the sweeper beyond the cypress trees, WobblyTrev had a diabolical directional disaster at the front, shaving a few minutes off Nicks' life. Summon my cardiologist and phone the life insurance company!, an OMG moment for all 9 behind, thankfully without a horizontal outcome. Deafened by the bunch silence, I offered a little advice to the perpitrator in the interest of the peletons' preservation, but I wonder if any improvement will be forthcoming? (I'll happily swap a little castigation for preservation). All made it back to suburbia, shaken but not stirred. Everyones thoughts but nobodys statement, time to speak up troops!
Radar reports didn't paint a rosy picture on Thursday morning, more a green colour. Glad I didn't look, may have stayed in bed. Plenty did stay in bed, only Cougar, Rocket, Chris A, HBK, Temple, AvantiTrev, Kenworth and Luke with the intestinal fortitude to brave the breeze (SSW 15-20km/h) and run the gauntlet of rain. A simmering first turn with Rocket till the heat was turned up by PistolPete, Kenworth and HBK (unusually early to the start, yet to fine tune his arrival to last from the new address) A fair bit of puddle dodging out Channel Rd and a headwind to Mitchell Rd, I was sandwiched between slices of Chris A and Rocket. The mind gives up before the body does it's said, pushing into a head wind in such company tends to make you dig deep, but the mind remembers pain which instinctively drives the jaw to gasp the words "roll over thanks Rocket" long before the goal is reached (his extra 3km/h almost draining the reserve tank) Turn number three was a little easier with the wind coming at 10 o'clock in Mitchell Rd, Chris A diplomatic not tearing me limb from limb. Luke went kaboom on the Mt Nicolaci climb (will need a bit more than ride-to-work training), we had a smooth sail over the highway but the tailwind in Raftery hoped for was lack lustre, legs and lungs having no part in a fast finish, 47 the max, but a hearty average for a small bunch and all home dry. Legs complained bitterly to the ombudsman most of the day so took copious couch comfort Thursday evening.
A hint of leg rigormortis as I dragged the limbs from the cot at 5 on Friday. A bowl of Kellogs Motivation and a hot cup of enthusiasm later, swung a leg over the trusty velocipede to push south, only a few feisty fellows fearlessly facing freaky Friday on the northern commute. A steady roll along Channel Rd, well lit by Cougars new light, my ancient Cygo but a candle in comparison. A pair of lights behind gradually caught and passed, a pair of Mexicans en route to create Cat cadence. Boundary's new surface is more tractable now that loose stones have been swept away, only small bunches seen on our northern section, the main act may have already passed? Goats gave way at the Old Dookie turn, even that's copped a re-seal (between Central & Doyles) after 8 years of traffic. A quick squirt up the main drag in the high 50's (tail wind and a Freightliner draft) finished the week on a high note.
Week 14 328km YTD 3,900 km
"It takes little talent to see what lies under one's nose, a good deal to know in what direction to point it"
W.H Auden (1907-1973) US poet
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