More mild mornings mean mellowed muscles, many more months managing miserable minus mornings may make motivation microscopic. Swung a leg over the bike and pointed south for the Saturday social, plenty of punters at the carpark at 6. I seem to be the 'go to guy' for Garmin gremlins, Shane's frozen 500 getting similar stories out of the bunch. A NNE breeze at 12 clicks was a drag for my first two turns (beside Shane then Rocket), delighted to tuck in for a tow thereafter for the rest of Channel with lungs still restricted by the outgoing lurgy. The weeks toil discussed with Temple, SuperMario, Trav, Cougar, AvantiTrev, PistolPete, Nick, HBK, FeltMat and Jase as the bunch rotated, a chance for this sooks' recovery till the next shift at the front beckoned. Like the air in the tubes, we take our health for granted, it's a hard slog when its down. Nath joined in as we neared the fig farm, I had the second shift at the front with Shane to the Toaster, almost asthmatic with the strengthening NNE (Nath quite kind in maintaining manageable motion to the Church). We were forced to take on the Pine Lodge railway rumble strips (a Roubaix rattle) with an oncoming car but smooth was the westward tail wind return in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. HBK and Pistol drove the way to Ford Rd, a large collection of Cats (Walshy's plaything?) plied their clockwise way. Cougar spun her way to a QOM on Wanganui hill (preparing for Mont Blanc?) but 4 had vanished at Boulevard's end, SuperMario's puncture delaying the Lemontree intake of breakfast, cake too for Cougar's birthday / bon voyage for the Tour de Europe.
Took Sunday off to kill the cold, trawling yr.no to see what the week would let us and prevent us doing. A quiet little roll of the legs Monday morning, lungs still lax but enthusiasm peaking. 20k was enough. Showers on the radar Monday evening kept the BM parked, lightning reflexes to kill the alarm Tuesday morning, a 4.50 downpour made the sleep in decision easy, not about to go skating on 23mm Michelins in the wet.
A little hesitation Tuesday arvo taking on the hospital bunch running at 70%, but good numbers meant survival was possible. Robbo drew alongside as I rolled away first at 6 (I drew the short straw again), glad he was just cruising. Specialised Tony, Big Ben, Coggo, GT Craig, Paul, Dalton, Nath, Harpo, Luke, Hamish, Dion and Kev took to the course, MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Deano and more expanding the pack to two dozen en route to the Emu. Felt I'd overdressed for 17 degrees, but cooked was better than chilled in my current state. A nasal assault from stubble burning, fertiliser and the piggery to endure to the Toaster, Boundary Rd and beyond, just a few taking Channel Rd home, Harpo boxed in to force him on the full course. I took a short go at the front in River Rd (should have left the Garmin backlight off, showing 174bpm), good foresight with Deano unleashing the fury a few turns later for a mid 40's blast to Central Kialla Rd. The peleton thinned at the rear, single filed survivors (including me) bowing out of active duty. Paul drove hard into Mitchell Rd exciting the troops to start track turns, one more go for me before the jar emptied. A few more joined the ranks at the rear, Dalton (minus the magic bananas) was a great gatekeeper for the survivors. Traffic split the bunch at the highway, the kind lads waited to pick up the three that didn't want to play chicken with trucks. Machine Steve threw petrol on the fire on the turn out of the little bridge, only the tough lads going with him. Nine were unhooked by the horse stud but worked together to minimise the pain for the last two k's, three minutes of 170+ bpm dulled my legs to roll through the finish well spent.
Suprised to find damp roads at the south end of town on Wednesday morning, more suprised to see a lifelike holographic projection of WhisperingJack at the Kialla roundabout though! Shorty, Nick, Pistol, Shane, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Temple, Rocket, SuperMario and Trav set southward at six into the fog of the Archer Rd moors, no sunrises to view, just dark horizons to pursue. Shane, Rocket and PistolPete teamed together to be the days drivers, into the long, dark, foggy lengths of River Rd, silence from the oncoming Hurt Locker, cackles from the Cats a k behind. Lungs are almost at full function now, coping well between the considerate cadence of AvantiTrev and Trav. The three drivers shot a take two Boundary Rd blast, silence in the ranks behind told the story. The taillights of a big bunch of Breakaways (girls group growing gumption) was the lure for boys to chase, Avanti & WobblyTrev, Temple and WhisperingJack had thrown in the towel, applying for early (rearmost) retirement. Passed the lasses, dodged the puddles then a pacy tap along the Cha Cha and Mexican Bonanza to finish us in good time.
Timing the Couldabeens arrival to avoid the first shift has it's drawbacks, scored the grid position behind HBK and Rocket with Jase & Pistol behind me (a double crunchy coating with a soft centre) Joined by Shorty, Trav, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, ChrisA, SuperMario, Temple, Shane & FeltMat, we launched into Channel Rd, Mark &Trish arriving at Kensington. Mental calculations of the when & where pairing with HBK occupied my grey cells (Kinder to the cypress trees was manageable, half a bike in arrears of course). SuperMario buried himself beside Pistol's calibre for the last leg of Channel, recovering with the considerate Chris in Boundary's tail breeze (HBK's protests at the respite received a single digit response). Rocket's rotation resumed the rush, Nick, Mark, Shane and Trav the grinners winning the tail wind lucky dip. AvantiTrev and Temple finally put in an appearance at the front in Mitchell, I put in a quiet word to Mark on old knicks and their translucence (we don't need to see the foliage in the fissure). Whispering Jack had a crack (excuse the pun, a turn at the front), my next turn had all the anticipation of an enema, into the mid 40's with HBK (yipee for the descent and yikes for the ascent of Mt. Nicolaci). All effort was put into hanging onto Jase's wheel at the rotation, lightheaded and close to despatching breakfast, it was Christmas on a stick to slow for Melbourne Rd traffic. Skipping four places in the order at Roubaix as a brief respite, it was back to face the music at Arcadia Downs with Pistol. 100 metre turns were more than acceptable at this rate of knots, Rocket and Chris were left the lions share with 400 to go though. A midfield finish was inked into my agenda, Chris and Rocket stomping on the pedals (and everyone elses hopes) to thrash out the finish in that order. Finished blurry, gasping but chuffed to cross the line in 45.23, just 5 seconds off the fastest time.
A solo ride Friday, a little variety in the course heading out New Dookie Rd, only 5 cars in the 6am peak hour. A bunny to dodge near Lemnos, avoided the Area 51 express steaming south at Boundary Rd too, indian filed on a mission. Plans of a steady solo lap were abandoned crossing Old Dookie Rd, a dozen Cats entering Boundary were soon in pursuit. Can't beat 'em so joined 'em. Slotted into their track turns with Googs, BassoDave, MexicanAnthony and the others (not quite identified in the dark), Trudi as taillight I think. A big blast from an overtaking cattle truck nearing the Broken bridges was fairly fractious, plenty of room given. I was deliberately ignoring the pace and focussing on the wheel ahead, a sneaky peek at the escalating h.r. my only ball & chain. Landmarks passed quickly with a super smooth and swift shift along River Rd, concentrating on the now clockwise rotation into the north wester (of little concern with short turns) Feeling a touch sluggish by Kialla Hall, a rear tyre worry surfaced, remembering 25psi shy on the pre-ride pump. Swung into Mitchell, out of the seat flogging the pedals to stay in touch when a loud twang sent a Mavic message that all was not well with wheel woetation, a waskally wobble from a broke spoke. Bugger! Bid my adieu's to the dissapearing pack and pulled up to open the dragging brake caliper, a soft tyre into the bargain from a slow puncture. (pennance for defecting to the feline side?) A few stops on the limp home to pump the rim off the road, cheers to (commuting) Cat Phil for offering a lift, big hoorays to the AvantiPlus pit crew for a rapid repair, respoke, realign and readiness to ride the same day.
Week 21 : 258km YTD 5,972km
Word of the Week
"Fortitube" (noun) The strength of a puncture resistant tube
Friday, May 23, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Week 20 Respiratory restrictions
Under the doona listening to a therapeutic soundtrack of steady rain Saturday morning, many millimeters of H2O deprived us junkies of our regular ride fix. The mornings' Methodone turned out to be comradery over breakfast at the Lemontree, fine tuning jersey Mk2. Foreigners to bikes (?) BigMat and Temple joined regular devotees Rocket, Cougar, AvantiTrev, Shorty and SuperMario with in depth analysis of the Giro whilst carbo loading for something.
An overwhelming urge to get a lap in on Sunday morning despite the pea-souper fog. A transition to porridge, raisins and honey to fill the tank (providing a little internal heating) signals Winter is about to knock at the door. A billion little water drops were lit up in the headlight at 7, new tail-light batteries in to prevent becoming a semi's speed bump, and off for a lap against the clock (but only it's direction). Mothers Day had kept most
off two wheels, Cougar keen to tap out a Toaster tour. The atmostphere loaded with water made progress like pushing through treacle, soaking arms and legs, each bump causing a helmet shower. Roubaix's rubbish tip is an eyesore when grand gums piercing the fog were on display. We'd settled into Mitchell Rd to find wardrobes dumped in the tabledrains, at least River Rd was furniture free, serene but for a few birds chirping. A clockwise bike near the fig farm affirmed our insanity / dedication (*strike out that which is not applicable). Plenty of caution on the turns to avoid doing a Dan Martin, plugged away on Old Dookie up to the Toaster then the 3k north to the Emu (lambs aplenty but no Emu security) Another bike oncoming was short on reply, just a hint easier on the westward leg home searching for the smooth groove of well worn wheel tracks. Bandana and gloves were soaked through now, but plenty of internal warmth kept things bearable. A few more bikes in ones and twos were now braving the day but we'd earned a caffine fix, worth hacking through the Mothers Day cafe crowds. A decent scrub of the bike when home, lighter now the weight of dead worms, mud and road grime have been removed.
A wire brushed throat started Monday, 5 degrees may not have been the best prescription, no fog to deal with at least. The habit of Channel, Boundary and Old Dookie was enough, hoping to purge this flu like affliction. Gradually hardening to the single figure temperatures but pondered the sore arse, cold cramps, chilled blasts from oncoming cars, puddle water up the inside leg, glasses fogging, pot holes, blackened surroundings, filling lungs with iced air, a filthy bike, nose running.....ah the joys of riding in winter! And it's not yet winter! Early Cats spied southbound at Channels end, a usual parade of ones, twos and other incognito packs gradually being downsized by temperature. When the going gets tough....
Running a bit late Tuesday, the rear tyre losing 35psi overnight had doubts flooding the head. A pronto commute to the Couldabeens start was without need, only 4 at the grid, 8 more filtering in with 2 minutes to go (all timed to be towed the first 4k?) Kenworth's wheel was a good sit for leg 1, Mark and Trish climbing aboard at Doyles. Jase, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Trav, Nick, Shorty, FeltMat, Shane, Avanti & WobblyTrev made up the team to drive out Channel Rd, a pause for a courteous JT b-double at Orrvale Rd. Beside Trav to the kinder then the wait for the wick to burn down on HBK and Pistols turn at the business end. Shorty, Trish, FeltMat and the two Trevs were the tail-lights (under the circumstances), Channel's end arriving quickly. Most had PR's on the Broken River Blast, into the big cogs for Mitchell Rd with HBK into the roaring 40's. Mark was the meat in a half bike sandwich (guess who and Pistol) but to his credit, survived. I still had doubts on the rear tyre pressure but the croak in the throat was the bigger respiratory restriction. Kenworth poured on the power up Mt Nicolaci which confirmed my last turn in the drivers seat, a swansong to Rafterys right hander was my limit. Hung on as the stakes were raised at Arcadia Downs, the rubber band stretching in the final 200, FeltMat suddenly finding form but it was Rocket mocking all (but in his usual unasuming manner)
Had the voice of Barry White on Wednesday but the throat felt as sexy as 30 grit sandpaper. PistolPete, Nick, Trav, Shorty, SuperMario, AvantiTrev, Cougar, Shane, Rocket, WobblyTrev and WobblyMick were in better shape at Kialla Lakes. A magnified moon in Euskatel orange melted into the western horizon for our viewing pleasure in Archer Rd, the long lamented traffic lights now stripped from the new roundabout. A long haul to the ring road with Pistol had my lungs begging for a reprive. WobblyMick braved a self appointed promotion to the front in River Rd, the harsh reality of slicing through the atmostphere and a little headwind had him demoted quickly, then demoralised on the Col de Chanel (bridge) ascent, wiping off 5 to stay alive. Rivers' usually long stretch seemed a little shorter today, a nice drive by Shane, Pistol & Rocket, but I called Pistol over a little earlier sensing imminent respitory failure. Some positioning needed whilst northbound to combat the breeze then it was hoist the mainsail for Channel Rd's breeze back home. Tail light temptation on the way back (Breakaways ahead) kept the hurry up, I had to dig deep for the Channel Rd Cha Cha (Prentice Rd dash finally named), at least Pistol diplomatically tolerated my ordinary speed. Very frustrating when the old body won't deliver what the mind has ordered. (Internal memo to suck it up Princess) The bunch divided at Archer, police diverting us northerners round a flattened pooch (more like a small horse)
Took to Channel Rd's tarmac east early Thursday, not wanting my foss flu to be the Couldabeens ball & chain. A 15k northeaster was as welcome as Hockey's hypocrisy (the Budget) but I was travelling a lot better than yesterday. Distant tail lights ahead were meandering Mexicans, out to hitch a ride on the Cat train. The Old Dookie/Boundary intersection was busy with Cats south, 51 east and Goats westward, an overcast sky making a mild 12 degrees. Nice to tune out from daily dramas, dilemmas and disasters with a dose of distraction on the bike, all too soon it was back to town and the reality of life off two wheels.
On the downward slope of the lurgy (400 grit sandpaper) the Thursday evening prescription was a Library bunch lap. A hopeful line up of Specialised Tony, Paul, Dazza, Clive, Harpo, Jamie, Dalton, Kev, Hamish and Andrew took to the Boulevard at 6, relishing a somewhat mild 15 degrees. A yarn with Harpo & Jamie as Hamish spun heat into his legs, Andrew well into his bunch apprenticeship. There was an ENE to tackle from Wanganui Rd onward, good to add Legal Steve then Mitch and Dion to the contributors in Ford Rd. I made an abridged effort up front for as long as lungs would carry me, Kev and Legal Steve most obliging. Andrew had a decent go but had used all his jellybeans before rolling over, an empty jar rolling to the front left, soon slipping down the ranks to draft, defeated. (a module done in everyone's apprenticeship I'd guess) LegalSteve braved short sleeves and legs, much moonlight made navigation easy to the Emu, Toaster and beyond, Andrew turned tail for home. Pace picked up with the wind at our backs in Old Dookie where Deano was found loitering, I took another shift at the front in Boundary, just a bit longer till the 170bpm begged a draft from LegalSteve. Jamie and Harpo took Harpo Rd home (Channel cheats!) just as Deano and Mitch wound up the watts to the bridges. There were more PB's for the Broken River Blast (40+) as the movers drove to River Rd, some settling for River Rd though. Out of the dipper Paul and Dalton ramped up the rhumba splitting the bunch, Mitch, Deano, Dion and Kev responding, the rest opting for survival mode at high 30's. Kev had second thoughts at the Kialla Hall, dropping back to join Specialised Tony. Dazza, LegalSteve and Clive for our combined effort to finish, albeit 3 minutes behind the guns who got away.
Arrived just as the green flag dropped at the Kialla roundabout Friday morning, hard work to be done first with a push into a northeaster (flavour of the week) along Mitchell Rd, Rocket, Shorty, HBK, Shane, PistolPete, Cougar and AvantiTrev sharing the load. Shane is now the well seasoned pro in the drivers seat, I just need the lungs and legs of a thirty something to keep up. HBK and PistolPete were the chilli and tabasco in River Rd's relish, word up to Shorty offering himself as the sacrificial lamb to follow up their pace. The Breakaways braved the brunt of breeze brandishing brawn, brazenly breaking bromance (satisfying sisterhood). My limit was stretched long northward to the Broken bridges despite being second wheel to (the slim) Pistol (well, that's my excuse) but salvation came in Channel Rd with an assisting wind behind (shame about the testicularly deficient, barnacle brained alpha male insisted on high beam and a few thousand lumens from his driving lights toward us to challenge our navigation) I only had reserves for a half turn for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, the end wasn't yet in sight but hope had already crossed the finishing line
Week 20 : 322km YTD 5,714km
Word of the Week
"Flast" (adjective) The absolute maximum speed possible yet crossing the line at the back of the bunch.
An overwhelming urge to get a lap in on Sunday morning despite the pea-souper fog. A transition to porridge, raisins and honey to fill the tank (providing a little internal heating) signals Winter is about to knock at the door. A billion little water drops were lit up in the headlight at 7, new tail-light batteries in to prevent becoming a semi's speed bump, and off for a lap against the clock (but only it's direction). Mothers Day had kept most
off two wheels, Cougar keen to tap out a Toaster tour. The atmostphere loaded with water made progress like pushing through treacle, soaking arms and legs, each bump causing a helmet shower. Roubaix's rubbish tip is an eyesore when grand gums piercing the fog were on display. We'd settled into Mitchell Rd to find wardrobes dumped in the tabledrains, at least River Rd was furniture free, serene but for a few birds chirping. A clockwise bike near the fig farm affirmed our insanity / dedication (*strike out that which is not applicable). Plenty of caution on the turns to avoid doing a Dan Martin, plugged away on Old Dookie up to the Toaster then the 3k north to the Emu (lambs aplenty but no Emu security) Another bike oncoming was short on reply, just a hint easier on the westward leg home searching for the smooth groove of well worn wheel tracks. Bandana and gloves were soaked through now, but plenty of internal warmth kept things bearable. A few more bikes in ones and twos were now braving the day but we'd earned a caffine fix, worth hacking through the Mothers Day cafe crowds. A decent scrub of the bike when home, lighter now the weight of dead worms, mud and road grime have been removed.
A wire brushed throat started Monday, 5 degrees may not have been the best prescription, no fog to deal with at least. The habit of Channel, Boundary and Old Dookie was enough, hoping to purge this flu like affliction. Gradually hardening to the single figure temperatures but pondered the sore arse, cold cramps, chilled blasts from oncoming cars, puddle water up the inside leg, glasses fogging, pot holes, blackened surroundings, filling lungs with iced air, a filthy bike, nose running.....ah the joys of riding in winter! And it's not yet winter! Early Cats spied southbound at Channels end, a usual parade of ones, twos and other incognito packs gradually being downsized by temperature. When the going gets tough....
Running a bit late Tuesday, the rear tyre losing 35psi overnight had doubts flooding the head. A pronto commute to the Couldabeens start was without need, only 4 at the grid, 8 more filtering in with 2 minutes to go (all timed to be towed the first 4k?) Kenworth's wheel was a good sit for leg 1, Mark and Trish climbing aboard at Doyles. Jase, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Trav, Nick, Shorty, FeltMat, Shane, Avanti & WobblyTrev made up the team to drive out Channel Rd, a pause for a courteous JT b-double at Orrvale Rd. Beside Trav to the kinder then the wait for the wick to burn down on HBK and Pistols turn at the business end. Shorty, Trish, FeltMat and the two Trevs were the tail-lights (under the circumstances), Channel's end arriving quickly. Most had PR's on the Broken River Blast, into the big cogs for Mitchell Rd with HBK into the roaring 40's. Mark was the meat in a half bike sandwich (guess who and Pistol) but to his credit, survived. I still had doubts on the rear tyre pressure but the croak in the throat was the bigger respiratory restriction. Kenworth poured on the power up Mt Nicolaci which confirmed my last turn in the drivers seat, a swansong to Rafterys right hander was my limit. Hung on as the stakes were raised at Arcadia Downs, the rubber band stretching in the final 200, FeltMat suddenly finding form but it was Rocket mocking all (but in his usual unasuming manner)
Had the voice of Barry White on Wednesday but the throat felt as sexy as 30 grit sandpaper. PistolPete, Nick, Trav, Shorty, SuperMario, AvantiTrev, Cougar, Shane, Rocket, WobblyTrev and WobblyMick were in better shape at Kialla Lakes. A magnified moon in Euskatel orange melted into the western horizon for our viewing pleasure in Archer Rd, the long lamented traffic lights now stripped from the new roundabout. A long haul to the ring road with Pistol had my lungs begging for a reprive. WobblyMick braved a self appointed promotion to the front in River Rd, the harsh reality of slicing through the atmostphere and a little headwind had him demoted quickly, then demoralised on the Col de Chanel (bridge) ascent, wiping off 5 to stay alive. Rivers' usually long stretch seemed a little shorter today, a nice drive by Shane, Pistol & Rocket, but I called Pistol over a little earlier sensing imminent respitory failure. Some positioning needed whilst northbound to combat the breeze then it was hoist the mainsail for Channel Rd's breeze back home. Tail light temptation on the way back (Breakaways ahead) kept the hurry up, I had to dig deep for the Channel Rd Cha Cha (Prentice Rd dash finally named), at least Pistol diplomatically tolerated my ordinary speed. Very frustrating when the old body won't deliver what the mind has ordered. (Internal memo to suck it up Princess) The bunch divided at Archer, police diverting us northerners round a flattened pooch (more like a small horse)
Took to Channel Rd's tarmac east early Thursday, not wanting my foss flu to be the Couldabeens ball & chain. A 15k northeaster was as welcome as Hockey's hypocrisy (the Budget) but I was travelling a lot better than yesterday. Distant tail lights ahead were meandering Mexicans, out to hitch a ride on the Cat train. The Old Dookie/Boundary intersection was busy with Cats south, 51 east and Goats westward, an overcast sky making a mild 12 degrees. Nice to tune out from daily dramas, dilemmas and disasters with a dose of distraction on the bike, all too soon it was back to town and the reality of life off two wheels.
On the downward slope of the lurgy (400 grit sandpaper) the Thursday evening prescription was a Library bunch lap. A hopeful line up of Specialised Tony, Paul, Dazza, Clive, Harpo, Jamie, Dalton, Kev, Hamish and Andrew took to the Boulevard at 6, relishing a somewhat mild 15 degrees. A yarn with Harpo & Jamie as Hamish spun heat into his legs, Andrew well into his bunch apprenticeship. There was an ENE to tackle from Wanganui Rd onward, good to add Legal Steve then Mitch and Dion to the contributors in Ford Rd. I made an abridged effort up front for as long as lungs would carry me, Kev and Legal Steve most obliging. Andrew had a decent go but had used all his jellybeans before rolling over, an empty jar rolling to the front left, soon slipping down the ranks to draft, defeated. (a module done in everyone's apprenticeship I'd guess) LegalSteve braved short sleeves and legs, much moonlight made navigation easy to the Emu, Toaster and beyond, Andrew turned tail for home. Pace picked up with the wind at our backs in Old Dookie where Deano was found loitering, I took another shift at the front in Boundary, just a bit longer till the 170bpm begged a draft from LegalSteve. Jamie and Harpo took Harpo Rd home (Channel cheats!) just as Deano and Mitch wound up the watts to the bridges. There were more PB's for the Broken River Blast (40+) as the movers drove to River Rd, some settling for River Rd though. Out of the dipper Paul and Dalton ramped up the rhumba splitting the bunch, Mitch, Deano, Dion and Kev responding, the rest opting for survival mode at high 30's. Kev had second thoughts at the Kialla Hall, dropping back to join Specialised Tony. Dazza, LegalSteve and Clive for our combined effort to finish, albeit 3 minutes behind the guns who got away.
Arrived just as the green flag dropped at the Kialla roundabout Friday morning, hard work to be done first with a push into a northeaster (flavour of the week) along Mitchell Rd, Rocket, Shorty, HBK, Shane, PistolPete, Cougar and AvantiTrev sharing the load. Shane is now the well seasoned pro in the drivers seat, I just need the lungs and legs of a thirty something to keep up. HBK and PistolPete were the chilli and tabasco in River Rd's relish, word up to Shorty offering himself as the sacrificial lamb to follow up their pace. The Breakaways braved the brunt of breeze brandishing brawn, brazenly breaking bromance (satisfying sisterhood). My limit was stretched long northward to the Broken bridges despite being second wheel to (the slim) Pistol (well, that's my excuse) but salvation came in Channel Rd with an assisting wind behind (shame about the testicularly deficient, barnacle brained alpha male insisted on high beam and a few thousand lumens from his driving lights toward us to challenge our navigation) I only had reserves for a half turn for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, the end wasn't yet in sight but hope had already crossed the finishing line
Week 20 : 322km YTD 5,714km
Word of the Week
"Flast" (adjective) The absolute maximum speed possible yet crossing the line at the back of the bunch.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Week 19 : Curing Wobblitis Nervosa
A gentle introduction to the week from a weekend gastric tsunami, a quiet 35k on Monday without fanfares, overtures or cadenzas, more of the adagio and less of the allegro. Another grey sky started the day, does little to excite enthusiasm, at least the tarmac was dry. Channel Rd has been a regular route for 9 years (multiplied by 3 or 4 times a week is a bit scary) but there's always a pot hole forgotten or unseen to wake the posterior. The first bunch (a dozen bikes) in Boundary were indian file, heads down on a mission (suggesting a head wind to deal with?) Just a steady 70 rpm for me, not wishing to bust a gasket. Presuming it was the AristoCats southbound at the figfarm, multiple l.e.d.'s piercing the darkness ruins hope of identification, my turn west to home doesn't get a dawning till the city limits. Felt revived after a casual morning session, but late arvo drizzle cancelled thoughts of further evening kilometres.
An empty grid at the carpark on Tuesday morning, a little early so rolled down Archer Rd for a bit to avoid pole position. Returning a few minutes later found four at the ready, but Nick, WobblyTrev and AvantiTrev had quietly queued behind Shane to avoid the first shift. Seems to be my task to take act one. Trav, Kenworth, Jase, PistolPete and Rocket made up the small team to navigate east on Channel Rd, having the 'serial pest' and partner sneak aboard in leg one. (To be fair, Mark had fine tuned the etiquette to comply with protocols) A few puddles to dirty bikes and spot specs on stage 3 to the kinder, me thinks the sun never shines on this stretch. Plenty of lumens from the new light and a good spread to spot the wildlife has put a little comfort in charging through the darkness on the morning vigil, just getting the lungs to limber up in 6 degrees is the next conquest. Heading to Mitchell Rd I had some trepardation in doing duty at the front with Kenworth with a SSW head wind at 13km/h, but on arrival, I was travelling ok in the circumstances. Mitchell Rd's 10k stretch passed quickly thanks to Rocket and the rapid ones, soon to the familiar sights of Raftery Rd and the psychological stress (and relief) it brings. Turns rolled over quickly after the dipper, Shane moved up the ranks toward the front but ran out of motion a length or two short, Jase lending a gap for a tow. Rocket brought on his vanishing act with 200 left Jase and I picking up the crumbs as the hopefuls hurt.
A retrospective Tuesday evening with a 10 year anniversary lap amongst a bunch I first started with. Age has wearied some of them, Ted's ancient steel Giant wearied too, still with it's original tattered bar tape. Good to catch up with Pat and Patrick, Leah and Doug, much reflection on the beginnings of the bike addiction (and an appreciation of progress since) on a very cruisy lap, well and truely in the h.r.'s zone 1.
Temperature is dropping daily, 5 degrees for Wednesday with Shane, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Nick, SuperMario, Cougar, Trav, Shorty, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and (mate) Mick to depart Kialla Lakes . My rear wheel squirmed on the (still) gravel Archer roundabout, HBK insensitive in shorts and straight back to his namesake habits pumping up the pace. WobblyTrev and mate were firmly ensconced at the back, Mick a carbon copy of WobblyTrev, we could only hope they'd syncronise steering tremors to avoid banging bars and tangling toes. I mentally noted a revised exclusion zone. A chilled run in Mitchell and a warm up attempting to score a tow from a truck, I'd been safely sandwiched between AvantiTrev and Shorty, Trav becoming the half wheel sandwich between HBK and Pistol. A few soloists and two big bunches were westbound on River Rd, a hint of orange on the horizon where the sun might appear later. Much motion north in Boundary (helped by 13 clicks worth of southerly) with Rocket and HBK driving. By Channel Rd AvantiTrev and Shorty bailed out of active duty to join the wobble-a-thon duo at the back for a tow home, there were a few tumbleweed sledges to SuperMario, HBK finishing off the Bonanza with a blast.
Twas as cold as a federal treasurers budget on Thursday morning, the red light camera flashed to make a sparkies day, a bonnet up flagged a deceased battery for another (parked), jumper leads its' defibrillator lifeline. Sitting aboard a velocipede in 1.5 degrees wasn't such a bad thing after all ! 76 rpm warmed up the internals but the skin was still frozen, the (polar) opposite to a petrol station pie. Yesterday's flu shot had thrown a spanner in the respiratories so co-ordinated a lap with Cougar on her trans-europe training program ; sleek, smooth and straight, a comforting antidote for the wobblitis nervosa virus going around. Clear skies studded with stars helps the navigation and mood, not enough light to i.d. the small and large bike packs though (wait till September to get that again) , just the regular schedule that signals Cats and Goats arrival. There was no chance to thaw on the west leg home, the sun still snoozing under the horizons' doona. A few oncoming trucks dumped their draft at us to lessen the locomotion, we fought on to be back in town with time to spare. A nasty laceration to the rear Michelin (sharp stone?) noticed when parking the trusty steed, the wound filled with Selleys shoe glue to give a bit more life (I want more than 1200k's from a Pro4)
With side effects of a flu shot all but side lined it was off to the library bunch Thursday evening. Brave soldiers Clive, Travis, Liam, Dalton (shaking off a dose of Ross River), Deano (minus Bomber bro), SpecialisedTony, Darren, Kev (back aboard the Oppy after the MTB threw him) and Robbo faced 11 degrees and falling. Rolling away at 6 drew Robbo beside me, just my luck to score a rapid 4k first turn. Traffic split the bunch at Numurkah, Verney and Grahamvale roads, a chance to recapture the lost breaths earlier. Machine Steve, Lil'Tony and Indy were drawn into the pack on Ford and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rds as Deano applied the speed linament, Luke the Sunbeam mixmaster of spin, but all went back to cruise control for Kev's recovering turn soon after. It was only a light breeze but it swung 180 degrees just in time to hit me head-on for half of Old Dookie Rd with Robbo setting the tempo (I must have kicked a black cat under a ladder?) Chris A and Pickles appeared within the ranks in Boundary Rd, Kev, Steve and Lil'Tony took Harpo Rd home. Saturdays forecast and the cold autumn took most popular topics in bunch discussion as River Rd was gobbled up. Another turn at the business end with Robbo in Central Kialla then a top cog challenge in Mitchell, Robbo running in his new 55 ring while I drove my old 56. By Arcadia Downs it was only Chris A, Robbo, Liam and I swapping turns, a long thin line behind in survival mode. The last biscuit in my barrel was used to sneak by Robbo for a bronze, young Liam taking a win over the ever courteous Chris.
Suggestions of the return of BigMat and WhisperingJack were met with scoffs and guffaws from Rocket, Shane, Cougar, PistolPete and HBK Friday morning as we waited for an inspired but tardy FeltMat. Three Breakaways got a 5 minute head start till FeltMat's arrival flagged us away. The roundabout roadworks gave us a red light but the reward for us law abiding citizens was a new billiard table stretch of hot mix to christen (only took 7 weeks to deliver) HBK had the hammer down to Mitchell Rd then pumped up PistolPete to central Kialla (and Pete had the cheek to H B HBK!) A little puff of a northeaster puffed me in River Rd, glad FeltMat was gracious. We single filed past the Breakaways leaving room for the oncoming 51 (?), a fat Cat pack a bit back, flat chat to fill the gap. HBK and Pistol took us quickly to the Broken Bridges (g'days from oncoming P&W's). There was a fair push on the Devil's Lane dash (Channel Rd) with a breeze behind us, HBK thrashed the Channel Cha Cha (Prentice Rd sprint), Pistol taunting a second sprint to the school failed to motivate HBK. We rounded up Sosso and returned to town, finishing a wintery week that's really Autumn.
Week 19 : 286km YTD 5,392
WORD OF THE WEEK
"Grratio" (noun)
The gear you haven't got, found between the one that overspins and the one that grinds.
An empty grid at the carpark on Tuesday morning, a little early so rolled down Archer Rd for a bit to avoid pole position. Returning a few minutes later found four at the ready, but Nick, WobblyTrev and AvantiTrev had quietly queued behind Shane to avoid the first shift. Seems to be my task to take act one. Trav, Kenworth, Jase, PistolPete and Rocket made up the small team to navigate east on Channel Rd, having the 'serial pest' and partner sneak aboard in leg one. (To be fair, Mark had fine tuned the etiquette to comply with protocols) A few puddles to dirty bikes and spot specs on stage 3 to the kinder, me thinks the sun never shines on this stretch. Plenty of lumens from the new light and a good spread to spot the wildlife has put a little comfort in charging through the darkness on the morning vigil, just getting the lungs to limber up in 6 degrees is the next conquest. Heading to Mitchell Rd I had some trepardation in doing duty at the front with Kenworth with a SSW head wind at 13km/h, but on arrival, I was travelling ok in the circumstances. Mitchell Rd's 10k stretch passed quickly thanks to Rocket and the rapid ones, soon to the familiar sights of Raftery Rd and the psychological stress (and relief) it brings. Turns rolled over quickly after the dipper, Shane moved up the ranks toward the front but ran out of motion a length or two short, Jase lending a gap for a tow. Rocket brought on his vanishing act with 200 left Jase and I picking up the crumbs as the hopefuls hurt.
A retrospective Tuesday evening with a 10 year anniversary lap amongst a bunch I first started with. Age has wearied some of them, Ted's ancient steel Giant wearied too, still with it's original tattered bar tape. Good to catch up with Pat and Patrick, Leah and Doug, much reflection on the beginnings of the bike addiction (and an appreciation of progress since) on a very cruisy lap, well and truely in the h.r.'s zone 1.
Temperature is dropping daily, 5 degrees for Wednesday with Shane, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Nick, SuperMario, Cougar, Trav, Shorty, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and (mate) Mick to depart Kialla Lakes . My rear wheel squirmed on the (still) gravel Archer roundabout, HBK insensitive in shorts and straight back to his namesake habits pumping up the pace. WobblyTrev and mate were firmly ensconced at the back, Mick a carbon copy of WobblyTrev, we could only hope they'd syncronise steering tremors to avoid banging bars and tangling toes. I mentally noted a revised exclusion zone. A chilled run in Mitchell and a warm up attempting to score a tow from a truck, I'd been safely sandwiched between AvantiTrev and Shorty, Trav becoming the half wheel sandwich between HBK and Pistol. A few soloists and two big bunches were westbound on River Rd, a hint of orange on the horizon where the sun might appear later. Much motion north in Boundary (helped by 13 clicks worth of southerly) with Rocket and HBK driving. By Channel Rd AvantiTrev and Shorty bailed out of active duty to join the wobble-a-thon duo at the back for a tow home, there were a few tumbleweed sledges to SuperMario, HBK finishing off the Bonanza with a blast.
Twas as cold as a federal treasurers budget on Thursday morning, the red light camera flashed to make a sparkies day, a bonnet up flagged a deceased battery for another (parked), jumper leads its' defibrillator lifeline. Sitting aboard a velocipede in 1.5 degrees wasn't such a bad thing after all ! 76 rpm warmed up the internals but the skin was still frozen, the (polar) opposite to a petrol station pie. Yesterday's flu shot had thrown a spanner in the respiratories so co-ordinated a lap with Cougar on her trans-europe training program ; sleek, smooth and straight, a comforting antidote for the wobblitis nervosa virus going around. Clear skies studded with stars helps the navigation and mood, not enough light to i.d. the small and large bike packs though (wait till September to get that again) , just the regular schedule that signals Cats and Goats arrival. There was no chance to thaw on the west leg home, the sun still snoozing under the horizons' doona. A few oncoming trucks dumped their draft at us to lessen the locomotion, we fought on to be back in town with time to spare. A nasty laceration to the rear Michelin (sharp stone?) noticed when parking the trusty steed, the wound filled with Selleys shoe glue to give a bit more life (I want more than 1200k's from a Pro4)
With side effects of a flu shot all but side lined it was off to the library bunch Thursday evening. Brave soldiers Clive, Travis, Liam, Dalton (shaking off a dose of Ross River), Deano (minus Bomber bro), SpecialisedTony, Darren, Kev (back aboard the Oppy after the MTB threw him) and Robbo faced 11 degrees and falling. Rolling away at 6 drew Robbo beside me, just my luck to score a rapid 4k first turn. Traffic split the bunch at Numurkah, Verney and Grahamvale roads, a chance to recapture the lost breaths earlier. Machine Steve, Lil'Tony and Indy were drawn into the pack on Ford and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rds as Deano applied the speed linament, Luke the Sunbeam mixmaster of spin, but all went back to cruise control for Kev's recovering turn soon after. It was only a light breeze but it swung 180 degrees just in time to hit me head-on for half of Old Dookie Rd with Robbo setting the tempo (I must have kicked a black cat under a ladder?) Chris A and Pickles appeared within the ranks in Boundary Rd, Kev, Steve and Lil'Tony took Harpo Rd home. Saturdays forecast and the cold autumn took most popular topics in bunch discussion as River Rd was gobbled up. Another turn at the business end with Robbo in Central Kialla then a top cog challenge in Mitchell, Robbo running in his new 55 ring while I drove my old 56. By Arcadia Downs it was only Chris A, Robbo, Liam and I swapping turns, a long thin line behind in survival mode. The last biscuit in my barrel was used to sneak by Robbo for a bronze, young Liam taking a win over the ever courteous Chris.
Suggestions of the return of BigMat and WhisperingJack were met with scoffs and guffaws from Rocket, Shane, Cougar, PistolPete and HBK Friday morning as we waited for an inspired but tardy FeltMat. Three Breakaways got a 5 minute head start till FeltMat's arrival flagged us away. The roundabout roadworks gave us a red light but the reward for us law abiding citizens was a new billiard table stretch of hot mix to christen (only took 7 weeks to deliver) HBK had the hammer down to Mitchell Rd then pumped up PistolPete to central Kialla (and Pete had the cheek to H B HBK!) A little puff of a northeaster puffed me in River Rd, glad FeltMat was gracious. We single filed past the Breakaways leaving room for the oncoming 51 (?), a fat Cat pack a bit back, flat chat to fill the gap. HBK and Pistol took us quickly to the Broken Bridges (g'days from oncoming P&W's). There was a fair push on the Devil's Lane dash (Channel Rd) with a breeze behind us, HBK thrashed the Channel Cha Cha (Prentice Rd sprint), Pistol taunting a second sprint to the school failed to motivate HBK. We rounded up Sosso and returned to town, finishing a wintery week that's really Autumn.
Week 19 : 286km YTD 5,392
WORD OF THE WEEK
"Grratio" (noun)
The gear you haven't got, found between the one that overspins and the one that grinds.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Week 18 : Caligraphy and paying the debt levy
Saturday was one of those mornings when the doona was heavier, the bed warmer and the snooze button was hit again, and again. Thoughts of weakness and regret eventually raised me from horizontal, a dose of two wheels would be better than a dose of mirtazapine, tranylcypromine sulfate or isocarboxazid. The headlight battery met it's maker on last nights' charge, so reverted to the small back-up light (equal to three candlepower I reckon) which made for an uncomfortable 6k trip to the start line. Intercepted FeltMat cruising the streets on a warm-up (12 degrees was a heatwave after a 1.7 the day before), Nick, Rocket, Jase, AvantiTrev and PistolPete the only other punters (put it down to long weekend absentees) waiting at the start grid. Take one on Channel Rd with Nick then a faster take two with Pistol loosened legs, seeking solice for a tow after 3k at the front against the light northeaster. FeltMat glued himself in as rear guard leaving just 6 to share the driving, the low grey veil of cloud put a damper on mood and a damp spot or three on us after the Emu turn. Speculation on precipitation dialed up the pace homeward, PistolPete and Rocket adding rush to the ride (to beat the drops or build body heat to dry the dampness?) Just a dozen Cats were eastbound, our westward run finding the tarmac damper as we closed in on the city limits. A Falcon snuck through the Verney roundabout at the last moment earning a mirror burning from Rocket's light. Nick put in a long fast turn to Mt Wanganui, I was running low on go by the Boulevard, the higher workload from fewer staff noticable. Skipped the post ride banter (family tasks pending) but will double dose next time.
Concious early Sunday morning, yes/no decisions on bike/bed, test/rest, or crazy/lazy. Predictions of regret and lost opportunities swung the internal arguement to the affirmative. All the usual routes seemed dull, plotting a different course provided some motivation. I'll call it Garmin caligraphy. A fairly stiff wind dictated that pain come before gain, so a southbound grind into a 17-22km/h headwind would get the tough stuff done early, straight down the main drag past the airport (couldn't cope with Conrod), a sigh of relief to reach Mitchell after 10k's of toil. Tolerated the side wind for the next 10k on Mitchell Rd with a more managed 150bpm, easier again northbound in Boundary for the short squirt to River Rd. Felt good till Rivers' dipper, lambs bleating, galahs screeching and crows Kennedy calling with the sun rising, but the old engine ran flat for a k or two after (attributed to 7 degrees). Coggo & Tina were seen cruising east at Rivers end, I took a turn north onto Doyles Rd, enjoying the billard table ride of the alternative route. Turned east into Channel Rd with the bonus of orchard trees sheilding from the southerly, left and right and round the bends of it's 7k stretch, Coggo & Tina appearing again, this time westward at Channels' end. A choice tailwind till Old Dookie Rd, turning west toward town but finding another flat spot in the engine for the last section to Doyles roundabout. Steered north to New Dookie, gluteus relief on more smooth asphalt, then east again on the well travelled direction de Dookie. Slight gains were made on a bike ahead but Boundary Rd arrived before the mystery man could be identified. North again till Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, then west back to town, legs well wearied from unaccustomed distance. A few bikes were appearing now with double digit temperatures, my aim for Numurkah Rd punctuated with a bit of time out of the seat to keep the tempo up. Mavic's rolled easily on the last stretch of Ford Rd's well worn surface, legs preparing for the last 3k push back into the head wind on Nurmurkah Rd to draw a large E (for Effort, Euphoria or Eccentricity?) on the Garmin map. Be it a challenge for others to scribe something in search for new circuits? (Google 'Strava marriage proposal' for the ultimate).
Took an R.D.O from the bike on Monday 'cause I could, lazing in a warm bed till 6.30 feels somewhat sinful & slothful. Tuesday's mild 15 degree start drew me out of a 24 hour retirement, a quiet lap chosen considering training within the aerobic zone. The ever increasing need for recovery highlights some fossilisation occuring, or is it softening of the will? There's mental goals but there's only reality's points. Pointed at dawn's skyline showed crimson clouds as the sun peeked over the horizon, the sign of rain to come. The usual procession of peletons in Boundary Rd passed by on the usual short lap, content to cruise away 20k low on perspiration.
Only a handful of punters at Kialla Lakes on Wednesday, Cougar, Nick, AvantiTrev, PistolPete and Rocket were all that dared. A few puddles to slalom on the trek south, more dirt on the Rome roundabout (certainly not built in a day) but just a yellow light now to keep us in motion on Archer Rd. AvantiTrev retired to the rear with just 8k done, leaving me to the mercy of PistolPete and Rocket. Funny how the (self imposed) burden of keeping pace soon fades from "too hard" to "possible", drinking the metaphoric cup of concrete eventually rewards the effort with some ease. The cruising speed had slowly lifted in River Rd and moreso to Channel Rd, no let up however for the headwind home westward. Pistol & Rocket show no signs of labour in the mid 30's despite 20k's of headwind, is there pain inside but the poker face is stronger? I'd finally warmed up after 20km and felt good by the kinder, just my luck with only a few k remaining. The compact crew halved north and south for home at Archer Rd, a steady lap done and dusted.
On with the booties and the neck sock Thursday, temperature down to 3, at least we were without the wind. Rolled up late to get a better grid position (for a tow) but only Shane was there with 4 minutes till blast off. PistolPete, SuperMario, Jase, Trav, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Nick, FeltMat, Temple and Chris A meandered into the carpark, Rocket lucky last with seconds to spare. Shane & I set the first pace, must have been adequate with the bunch speechless. Trav was already paying the debt levy matching PistolPete and ChrisA, he soon applied a small speed deficit to reduce the tax on us all. AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and FeltMat had taken up permanenet rear stalls with the bunch pacing toward Boundary Rd. Turns at the front appeared to shorten southbound to Mitchell Rd, I'm impressed with Shane's progress and the 'never say die' effort of SuperMario and Trav. PistolPete was a bigger calibre than I in Mitchell Rd, hang on when he and Chris paired to hit the front. I could drop 35bpm and recover with ten rotating, but by Raftery Rd more were joining the tail-light club, no doubt the chill whittled down a few. Traffic split the bunch at the highway (grabbed a breather with both hands and lungs while we slowed for the others to reassemble), Pete & I did the drive out of Roubaix corner while I pondered prime peleton positions pursuing probable podium placement for the thrash on Conrod. Shane short shifted to the dipper, I hit the gas on the front and PistolPete rolled over soon after (suprised he had no ammunition 20 metres beyond). Rocket was the Cheshire cat glued to Chris's wheel (the Lord of lead-outs) SuperMario, Jase and Shane went for another dip but I got lucky with a chase on Jase to pick up a bronze, Chris silver and Rocket gold (of course!)
Half a dozen had assembled at the library for a chilled evening Thursday, Dion, WillierTony, Clive, Dazza, Trav and Liam (on matching Jamis's) and newbie Andrew (Merida) to start, hoping to pick up a few out the road. Clive spun his legs warm as we climatised to the evening air, a wisp of north westerly to aid our trip to the Emu. Fingers pointed to a bit of road debris and Dion got it fair and square, the gumboot award. Paul was found at Ford Rd's end with 30k already clocked, Bomber, Sticks, Trent and Legal Steve joined in on the first k of Lemnos Cosgrove Rd. We had an oncoming car high on headlight beam and low on intelligence while Liam and I shared the front, takes a bit for eyes to readjust. Bombers Broadford weekend had taxed his legs (could nearly keep up with him now), LegalSteve was considering invoking a cold law, Clive's bike has "budgie brakes" (carbon pads chirping) and newbie Andrew was facing the reality of pace (retiring to the back to be towed). Sticks and Bomber took the lead in River Rd but Bomber soon tucked in behind the bro for a tow, WillierTony attempted to match Sticks pace but soon followed Bombers' escape, leaving me to stick with Sticks. I managed to survive a k before 175bpm forced a roll over, to have Travis draw alongside for yet another k of hard yakka. Appreciated the few k's recovery while others faced the music, but it was back to the business end with Trent from Roubaix to the horse stud in readiness for Conrod. Travis set up a lead out for Liam out of the dipper and, mighty quick for 14 years, Liam showed all how it's done, (49km/h was not enough to catch him), I was satified with the crumbs of 4th.
Lower limbs were lethargic (see word of the week below) at 5am Friday, a simmered spin with Cougar to cap off the week hit the spot. Cloud cloaked the circuit , blokes, bikes and bunches incognito with the sun well and truely absent till almost home. The eastern standard time honeymoon of daylit mornings has all but gone, the long, dark, damp, cold winter lies ahead for us all to endure.
Week 18 ; 330km YTD 5,106km
Word of the week
"legarthic" (adjective) affected by legarthy.
The sluggish, apathetic sensation of the lower limbs reluctance to provide adequate pedal performance.
Concious early Sunday morning, yes/no decisions on bike/bed, test/rest, or crazy/lazy. Predictions of regret and lost opportunities swung the internal arguement to the affirmative. All the usual routes seemed dull, plotting a different course provided some motivation. I'll call it Garmin caligraphy. A fairly stiff wind dictated that pain come before gain, so a southbound grind into a 17-22km/h headwind would get the tough stuff done early, straight down the main drag past the airport (couldn't cope with Conrod), a sigh of relief to reach Mitchell after 10k's of toil. Tolerated the side wind for the next 10k on Mitchell Rd with a more managed 150bpm, easier again northbound in Boundary for the short squirt to River Rd. Felt good till Rivers' dipper, lambs bleating, galahs screeching and crows Kennedy calling with the sun rising, but the old engine ran flat for a k or two after (attributed to 7 degrees). Coggo & Tina were seen cruising east at Rivers end, I took a turn north onto Doyles Rd, enjoying the billard table ride of the alternative route. Turned east into Channel Rd with the bonus of orchard trees sheilding from the southerly, left and right and round the bends of it's 7k stretch, Coggo & Tina appearing again, this time westward at Channels' end. A choice tailwind till Old Dookie Rd, turning west toward town but finding another flat spot in the engine for the last section to Doyles roundabout. Steered north to New Dookie, gluteus relief on more smooth asphalt, then east again on the well travelled direction de Dookie. Slight gains were made on a bike ahead but Boundary Rd arrived before the mystery man could be identified. North again till Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, then west back to town, legs well wearied from unaccustomed distance. A few bikes were appearing now with double digit temperatures, my aim for Numurkah Rd punctuated with a bit of time out of the seat to keep the tempo up. Mavic's rolled easily on the last stretch of Ford Rd's well worn surface, legs preparing for the last 3k push back into the head wind on Nurmurkah Rd to draw a large E (for Effort, Euphoria or Eccentricity?) on the Garmin map. Be it a challenge for others to scribe something in search for new circuits? (Google 'Strava marriage proposal' for the ultimate).
Took an R.D.O from the bike on Monday 'cause I could, lazing in a warm bed till 6.30 feels somewhat sinful & slothful. Tuesday's mild 15 degree start drew me out of a 24 hour retirement, a quiet lap chosen considering training within the aerobic zone. The ever increasing need for recovery highlights some fossilisation occuring, or is it softening of the will? There's mental goals but there's only reality's points. Pointed at dawn's skyline showed crimson clouds as the sun peeked over the horizon, the sign of rain to come. The usual procession of peletons in Boundary Rd passed by on the usual short lap, content to cruise away 20k low on perspiration.
Only a handful of punters at Kialla Lakes on Wednesday, Cougar, Nick, AvantiTrev, PistolPete and Rocket were all that dared. A few puddles to slalom on the trek south, more dirt on the Rome roundabout (certainly not built in a day) but just a yellow light now to keep us in motion on Archer Rd. AvantiTrev retired to the rear with just 8k done, leaving me to the mercy of PistolPete and Rocket. Funny how the (self imposed) burden of keeping pace soon fades from "too hard" to "possible", drinking the metaphoric cup of concrete eventually rewards the effort with some ease. The cruising speed had slowly lifted in River Rd and moreso to Channel Rd, no let up however for the headwind home westward. Pistol & Rocket show no signs of labour in the mid 30's despite 20k's of headwind, is there pain inside but the poker face is stronger? I'd finally warmed up after 20km and felt good by the kinder, just my luck with only a few k remaining. The compact crew halved north and south for home at Archer Rd, a steady lap done and dusted.
On with the booties and the neck sock Thursday, temperature down to 3, at least we were without the wind. Rolled up late to get a better grid position (for a tow) but only Shane was there with 4 minutes till blast off. PistolPete, SuperMario, Jase, Trav, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Nick, FeltMat, Temple and Chris A meandered into the carpark, Rocket lucky last with seconds to spare. Shane & I set the first pace, must have been adequate with the bunch speechless. Trav was already paying the debt levy matching PistolPete and ChrisA, he soon applied a small speed deficit to reduce the tax on us all. AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and FeltMat had taken up permanenet rear stalls with the bunch pacing toward Boundary Rd. Turns at the front appeared to shorten southbound to Mitchell Rd, I'm impressed with Shane's progress and the 'never say die' effort of SuperMario and Trav. PistolPete was a bigger calibre than I in Mitchell Rd, hang on when he and Chris paired to hit the front. I could drop 35bpm and recover with ten rotating, but by Raftery Rd more were joining the tail-light club, no doubt the chill whittled down a few. Traffic split the bunch at the highway (grabbed a breather with both hands and lungs while we slowed for the others to reassemble), Pete & I did the drive out of Roubaix corner while I pondered prime peleton positions pursuing probable podium placement for the thrash on Conrod. Shane short shifted to the dipper, I hit the gas on the front and PistolPete rolled over soon after (suprised he had no ammunition 20 metres beyond). Rocket was the Cheshire cat glued to Chris's wheel (the Lord of lead-outs) SuperMario, Jase and Shane went for another dip but I got lucky with a chase on Jase to pick up a bronze, Chris silver and Rocket gold (of course!)
Half a dozen had assembled at the library for a chilled evening Thursday, Dion, WillierTony, Clive, Dazza, Trav and Liam (on matching Jamis's) and newbie Andrew (Merida) to start, hoping to pick up a few out the road. Clive spun his legs warm as we climatised to the evening air, a wisp of north westerly to aid our trip to the Emu. Fingers pointed to a bit of road debris and Dion got it fair and square, the gumboot award. Paul was found at Ford Rd's end with 30k already clocked, Bomber, Sticks, Trent and Legal Steve joined in on the first k of Lemnos Cosgrove Rd. We had an oncoming car high on headlight beam and low on intelligence while Liam and I shared the front, takes a bit for eyes to readjust. Bombers Broadford weekend had taxed his legs (could nearly keep up with him now), LegalSteve was considering invoking a cold law, Clive's bike has "budgie brakes" (carbon pads chirping) and newbie Andrew was facing the reality of pace (retiring to the back to be towed). Sticks and Bomber took the lead in River Rd but Bomber soon tucked in behind the bro for a tow, WillierTony attempted to match Sticks pace but soon followed Bombers' escape, leaving me to stick with Sticks. I managed to survive a k before 175bpm forced a roll over, to have Travis draw alongside for yet another k of hard yakka. Appreciated the few k's recovery while others faced the music, but it was back to the business end with Trent from Roubaix to the horse stud in readiness for Conrod. Travis set up a lead out for Liam out of the dipper and, mighty quick for 14 years, Liam showed all how it's done, (49km/h was not enough to catch him), I was satified with the crumbs of 4th.
Lower limbs were lethargic (see word of the week below) at 5am Friday, a simmered spin with Cougar to cap off the week hit the spot. Cloud cloaked the circuit , blokes, bikes and bunches incognito with the sun well and truely absent till almost home. The eastern standard time honeymoon of daylit mornings has all but gone, the long, dark, damp, cold winter lies ahead for us all to endure.
Week 18 ; 330km YTD 5,106km
Word of the week
"legarthic" (adjective) affected by legarthy.
The sluggish, apathetic sensation of the lower limbs reluctance to provide adequate pedal performance.
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