Started the shortest day on a positive note with a near dry road, better than the forecast hinted. Met Wozza en route south in the main drag but spots emerged with just a k covered. The resolve and determination was strong but the raindrops grew in size and number. We'd tough it out to the startline to see if any other like minded desperat.....dedicated riders fronted. Jase had already berthed, PistolPete rolled in, and so did more light rain as the negatives prospered inside my head. Jase was our motivational speaker and with no others appearing on the soaked horizon we launched east on Channel Rd, keeping our escape routes close. Rooster tails of water soaked Wozz, Pistol finding a proliferation of puddles. The damp continued as we approached Orrvale Rd, a northbound route chosen (with plans to shortcut home in Poplar Ave) till spits suddenly stopped. It was forward to the highway, the course quickly modified to bear east till Hosie Rd put us on track to Boundary. An erratic rabbit zig zagged up the road as amusement but the going got tough on us into the northeaster. A vote to head straight up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd was unanimous, I was right on my limit to draw level with PistolPete. A relief indeed to steer west and have the wind at our backs, Pete's poker face at speed gives no hint where the limit lies. The wet Wanganui Rd leg was ditched, a b line to the main drag and the warmth of coffee and breakfast was too great a temptation. Shorty, Rocket, AvantiTrev and Cougar (back from a 1200k Tour de Europe) joined as civilians for the usual Saturday chat, GoPro footage, Batman and TT's discussed. Got a thorough final rinse from the heavens on the way home as a solstice baptism.
Suprised to be fog bound on Sunday morning, but summoned an effort on the now clean and oiled bike. Time allowed only a short lap, joining Cougar reaquainting with the rapid roadbike and riding on the left. A pace of kindness on Cougars' rolled ankle, winters' damp doing little to motivate anyway. Two's and threes heading out as we headed back into town, crossing the Cats' (7 bridges?) path on the diversion around Raftery's continuing roadworks.
Almost pleased Monday and Tuesday were washouts, a chance for some serious couch time for limbs to recover. Some reflection on the k's covered over the years and the reasons for them (hasn't assisted the speed much but possibly preserved some sanity?) and what seems to be a gradual decline back to almost sensible weekly distances as the engine wears out. (attempting to keep pace with the younger and faster?) The odometer (7k) is long way short at the hump of 2014 than this time in previous years. (9k last year, 10k in 2012). Signs of softness signalled?
I thought an old bloke with a beard may be hearding animals in pairs to a big wooden boat by late Tuesday, but by Wednesday morning the sky had cleared a little and the roads were almost blown dry by a strong west northwester. I found Wozz in the first k to Killa for the 5k commute to the start, a chance to warm up for the test against youthful and more rapid muscles. Astounded to find BigMat waiting at the start and he was early! Inspired by Whispering Jack? (who seems to have retired again). PistolPete, Rocket, Nick and Shane were the only other warriors to take on the lap, lower numbers a part of winters attrition. The first time for BigMat navigating through the new Archer roundabout hinted at his lack of attendance. All were joyous with the helping hand of the wind in Mitchell and River Rd's, but what depth would we dig for the return home? PistolPete is becoming a regular attachment to my wheel, but I needed N2O to keep up as the wind enthused him along River Rd. Blacky was passed as we bore north in Boundary Rd, Wozz, Rocket, Shane and Pete taking us to Channel Rd (as I summoned the intestinal fortitude to take on the westerly slog home). Nick, BigMat and Shane vanished for a spell to the back seat leaving only four to burn the calories up front against a 20-28km/h frowner, Pistol shooting into the headwind like a bullet. Puddles spotted glasses, bike and kit, no records to be chalked up on the Cha Cha or Bonanza into this wind. The retirees reappeared after the Kinder to tough out the legs home, Pistol again ramping up the velocity (and my heart rate to 182) for the Doyles-Kensington stage.
Poking the head outside at 5.10am Thursday got it damp from a misty shower, cancelling plans to take on a Couldabeens lap. (as it happened, the shower quickly halted. Wozza and Pistol the only Couldabeens candidates had a wintery windy excersion it seems) The radar scared me off a Library lap in the evening, again the outcome was dry and rideable but had committed to another lazy evening.
Kept clear of the F%#k Friday fest and paired with the Wozz for a clockwise tour from Old Dookie Rd, coming across Fee, Princess and Meags laying in wait beyond the divisive drive called Andrew Fairley. The vote of a short lap homeward in Channel Rd won on majority, a steady little tap-tap finishing off a rather rain interrupted week of short circuits.
Week 26 : 138km YTD 6,986km
Word of the Week
"carbonaria" (noun) A melodic tune played by an orchestra of Mavic's, Zipp's, Reynold's, Gravity Zero's etc.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Week 25 Organised, civilised and pasteurised?
A week off two wheels (week 24) broke a long standing habit, first time the bike has sat for seven days untouched since the stick stack of '09. I'd remembered how to swing a leg over (was the seat always that high?) and the old legs could still recall the rotation method. Felt fairly comfortable aboard the old faithful en route to Saturdays lap, speed well above the predicted snails pace. A slimy road from Friday's downpour probably kept many below the doona, only Shorty, Temple, WobblyTrev, Pistol and Rocket attending the Archer car park start. The first turn with PistolPete could have been a baptism of fire, thankfully Pete too had just been repatriated from a Queensland sojourn. FeltMat joined in at Kensington, a late arrival after a last minute raising the bar (handlebar that is). Fog pocketed most specs but WobblyTrev reporting fogged vision put risk management into overdrive. Glad he optioned to stay on as the bunch tail-light. I put in a long turn with Pete up Boundary Rd, a late brake with the difficulty in seeing Old Dookie Rd's apex caused a bit of a moment with FeltMat's wheel nudging my rear Mavic. Temple earned the "tow truck" handle, enhanced performance on new drugs had FeltMat digging deep to match the speed. Puddles a plenty washed cobwebs off the bike, plenty of cobwebs on my lungs after a week lazing in zone 1. The long crank back to town whittled me back to the reality of being a little out of form, nothing holding back Rocket and Pete though. With a good shine on the tarmac, it was tip toe through Wobbly's roundabout but no holding back on sledges, Shorty looking decidedly edgy. Back to the social warmth (or just a load of hot air?) at the Lemontree, Nath, AvantiTrev and Whispering Jack coyly fronted in cars, Jase justified in civvies after a successful two wheeled Finke effort.
Monday mornings cloud kept the chill at bay, 9 degrees was almost balmy. Set off early on a solo lap of the 51 circuit to run-in the legs in (hopeful) readiness for a Couldabeens lap Tuesday. Just four 51 early birds at the Verney roundabout, but I set a solitary course out Ford Rd, all very positive bearing east thanks to a light breeze behind. Bearing south on Boundary took out the slack in the legs, the WNW now blowing at 17km/h chipped away at the resolve. Flashing tail-lights of a Cat pack two k's ahead wasn't an aim, happy to do my own (slow) thing building up from seven slack days. A few lights following me were making no ground (a confidence booster) but I felt the long drag to River Rd was gradually losing momentum (Garmin backlight deliberately left off to keep hopes and effort up). The headwind in River wasn't the ball and chain i'd imagined, rhythm felt good and the following lights grew no larger, maybe my second wind had come? Mentally pacing out the lap avoiding an early burn out is often difficult into a head wind, finishing with just a drop in the tank better than out of gas short of the finish line. A hint of pre dawn light in the sky lit a better than expected speed, felt good to finish on a positive, despite Raftery repairs making a muddy end.
Protests from a groaning chain were silenced with a long overdue lube Tuesday morning, but it threw the agenda into a zone 4 workout to the Couldabeens start line, every red light encountered on the way. Found a grid position with a minute to spare, Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, Jase, PistolPete, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and Shane already positioned. Pistol punctured with barely 500 metres covered, a team halt to sledge with AvantiTrev solicited as pit crew. A very late HBK arrived during repairs, slotting in ahead of me on the restart. I red lined the heartrate from the Kinder to the S bend matching HBK then Pistol, not the best bunch position for a recovery. Tropical Shane was pulling out all stops burning up the excesses of a Fiji holiday, an unappetising bit of road kill to dodge south of the bridges sharpened the attention of most. Predicting the rotations had me pairing with HBK in Mitchell's headwind, not the scenario i'd hoped for but the luck of the draw I suppose. When the reality dawned, it was less of a struggle than thought, hanging onto Pistol & Rockets lead surge was the challenge. Many were now skipping the hard yards at the front, 18km/h of headwind raising the rearmost ranks rapidly. Dug the depths of determination when yet another turn on the front came up quickly with HBK, suprised to find I had a wheel ahead (holidays hindering HBK's horsepower?) so, wallowing in sweetened retribution, made it a whole bike ahead for a good distance with several glances to torment his underwhelming efforts. (will pay for a 10x8 glossy of that moment!) Shane's rubber band snapped ascending Mt.Nicolaci, a slow for the highway and a considerate leg to Raftery regrouped the bunch. Rocket & Kenworth opened their reserve tanks at Arcadia Downs, opening large gaps in an expiring pack, single filed and desperate to steal any draft. A couple of backmarkers made a suprised late bid in Conrod, but reality soon cooked geese. Content to end the circuit fourth with a little cyclocross action on Raftery's last 100 metres.
The hospital boom gate was well patronised Tuesday night, SpecialisedTony, Coggo, Luke, Juzza, Nath, Axel, Clive, Harpo, Paul, Kev, Dalton, even Cranky turned up for a maiden voyage. Juzza's saddle bag did a dismount in the first 10 metres , a full steam chase to catch the front runners ensued till half way up Verney. A light WSW chilled the evening to 10 degrees but helped on the eastern leg to the Emu, Bomber, Deano and MachineSteve populating the peleton. Cranky's introduction to the drivers seat was well toasted by Nath, Bomber and Deano kept the pot boiling soon after. Stevo jumped aboard at the church, chugging away in the high 30's on the front in Old Dookie Rd ramped up my heart rate. I was safely tucked into the rear seat when Bomb & Deano lit the fuse beyond the Pub, me and others rethinking moving up the ranks at that tempo. The pace had simmered a little by River Road's dipper, I chose then to venture forward with allies Axel & Kev rather than being fried alive by the master blasters. It was 'head down, tail up' again for a squirt in Central Kialla, easing to achievable when Bomber & bro departed in Mitchell. Archer Rd was chosen as the finishing straight in light of Raftery's repairs, Machine Steve, Luke and Paul setting their sights on hunting down Andy and co a few 100 metres ahead. No let up for the last two and a half clicks beyond the alt. route, big gaps opening on the long stretch from the roundabout to the very distant finish.
A Wednesday welcome back to Wozza, almost back to full steam after an ankle altecation. Down to the Kialla roundabout we found the sole Breakaway Sharon, left to fend for herself whilst others were doona training? As 6am drew closer, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Nick, Trav, Shane, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev and WobblyTrev arrived, Sharon invited to join in. Finding myself sandwiched between Pistol and HBK again, it was a steady start with Pete against a light southwester, but ramped up to Archers' end . Rocket & HBK erased the easy Wednesdays protocols eastward in Mitchell , Sharon now nowhere to be seen (a message not passed to the front :-/). The breeze (now WSW) propelled the pace in River Rd, Shane (forthwith to be dubbed Capt.Toblerone) again digging the depths of determination after Fiji's indulgence. Not much chat with many flat chat, my legs sending protests to the skull to stop. HBK and Rocket dragged us to the bridges in Boundary, Whispering Jack and Nick towed us to Channel Rd. No visit from Darth Vader this morning (had a snap at Wozz the night before though), plenty of velocity westward bound, Pistol a tough match to the cypress trees. HBK and Rocket took the driving seat for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, HBK's half way handover to Pistol left only five working the front (thin on recovery time for me). AvantiTrev and Jack got the guilts by Kensington, finally stepping up for the brief blast at the Bonanza, I was happy to score a Strava 7th fastest overall.
They say that a change is as good as a holiday and, seeing how the other half live (but not giving myself over to the dark side) I fronted Friars in the dark misty hours of Thursday for a go with a gaggle of Goats. A few known villans had assembled (Coggo, LegalDave, Mark, Leon, Tum, TallPaul, Tina, Brendan & Kate) almost ten more unrecognised in the dark. All were aboard at six for the flight, but a couple resigned with a puncture at the SPC roundabout. Some semblance of order was found within a k to set up an organised, homogenised, civilised (& pasteurised?) bunch into a light NNE'er out Old Dookie Rd. Unaccustomed as I am to track turns, I settled into the rhythm, no chit-chat with the constant rollovers. (One kept slicing across my bow but I guess familiarity breeds contentment?) There was a mindful pace out of corners and intersections to keep the bunch bonded but an oncoming low-life on high-beam made navigation tricky. (still, I guess 16 l.e.d.'s x 400 lumens = lashings of lux) Kate was calling the rollovers, I zoned in on the unknown lad ahead to keep speed smooth. There were a few reminders of echelon etiquette in River Rd, the velocity grew for me to dust off 12 teeth at 68rpm. Numbers rotating started to thin by Central Kialla, LegalDave and a few took an exit in Archer (avoiding Raftery's gravel), the remainder drawing breath reforming the bunch after a Melbourne Rd split for traffic. Back on the gas in Raftery attempts at the front were now becoming rare, by Conrod only a handful had enough steam driving against a headwind to the finish. Diplomatically off the podium (nothing left anyway in the closing stages) and through the Raftery rallycross, I had a good yarn with Coggo before he took a caffine exit, mine (regrettably) for work.
Woz and I went in search of a feasible (not Faark) Friday at 6, no punters at Friars so a single filed trajectory out Old Dookie Rd with a pair of tail-light carrots to chase some 2 k ahead. Pursuit seemed a folly till we reached Boundary Rd's fig farm, steadily bridging the gap now. Wozza's arduously altered ankle aint an anchor anymore, articulating along aplomb, achieving admirable acceleration. Five Couldabeens followed by three Breakaways were northbound toward Channel Rd (and the waiting Darth Vader), our determination intensifying with the southbound targets ever closer. Just beyond the bridges we rounded up the cruisy Cats who quickly borrowed our tow. River Road's six degrees was bearable, the NNE blew just enough to make us earn (or burn) our breakfast, Trav's Jamis was jaunty, Bushy's Look languishing. To meet an essential employment edict, Wozz and I took the Archer alternative home, an almost risen sun painting a postcard orange skyline behind the fogged fields. (a great visual distraction from the now jellied legs filing a mental subpoena for aggrevated assault) Back in town on time to close another week, almost over the equinoxial hump.
Week 25 364km YTD 6,631km
Word of the week
"bicognise" (verb) The familiarity of a person met in public, when perceived to be hunched in posture, disguised by helmet, glasses & lycra.
Monday mornings cloud kept the chill at bay, 9 degrees was almost balmy. Set off early on a solo lap of the 51 circuit to run-in the legs in (hopeful) readiness for a Couldabeens lap Tuesday. Just four 51 early birds at the Verney roundabout, but I set a solitary course out Ford Rd, all very positive bearing east thanks to a light breeze behind. Bearing south on Boundary took out the slack in the legs, the WNW now blowing at 17km/h chipped away at the resolve. Flashing tail-lights of a Cat pack two k's ahead wasn't an aim, happy to do my own (slow) thing building up from seven slack days. A few lights following me were making no ground (a confidence booster) but I felt the long drag to River Rd was gradually losing momentum (Garmin backlight deliberately left off to keep hopes and effort up). The headwind in River wasn't the ball and chain i'd imagined, rhythm felt good and the following lights grew no larger, maybe my second wind had come? Mentally pacing out the lap avoiding an early burn out is often difficult into a head wind, finishing with just a drop in the tank better than out of gas short of the finish line. A hint of pre dawn light in the sky lit a better than expected speed, felt good to finish on a positive, despite Raftery repairs making a muddy end.
Protests from a groaning chain were silenced with a long overdue lube Tuesday morning, but it threw the agenda into a zone 4 workout to the Couldabeens start line, every red light encountered on the way. Found a grid position with a minute to spare, Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, Jase, PistolPete, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and Shane already positioned. Pistol punctured with barely 500 metres covered, a team halt to sledge with AvantiTrev solicited as pit crew. A very late HBK arrived during repairs, slotting in ahead of me on the restart. I red lined the heartrate from the Kinder to the S bend matching HBK then Pistol, not the best bunch position for a recovery. Tropical Shane was pulling out all stops burning up the excesses of a Fiji holiday, an unappetising bit of road kill to dodge south of the bridges sharpened the attention of most. Predicting the rotations had me pairing with HBK in Mitchell's headwind, not the scenario i'd hoped for but the luck of the draw I suppose. When the reality dawned, it was less of a struggle than thought, hanging onto Pistol & Rockets lead surge was the challenge. Many were now skipping the hard yards at the front, 18km/h of headwind raising the rearmost ranks rapidly. Dug the depths of determination when yet another turn on the front came up quickly with HBK, suprised to find I had a wheel ahead (holidays hindering HBK's horsepower?) so, wallowing in sweetened retribution, made it a whole bike ahead for a good distance with several glances to torment his underwhelming efforts. (will pay for a 10x8 glossy of that moment!) Shane's rubber band snapped ascending Mt.Nicolaci, a slow for the highway and a considerate leg to Raftery regrouped the bunch. Rocket & Kenworth opened their reserve tanks at Arcadia Downs, opening large gaps in an expiring pack, single filed and desperate to steal any draft. A couple of backmarkers made a suprised late bid in Conrod, but reality soon cooked geese. Content to end the circuit fourth with a little cyclocross action on Raftery's last 100 metres.
The hospital boom gate was well patronised Tuesday night, SpecialisedTony, Coggo, Luke, Juzza, Nath, Axel, Clive, Harpo, Paul, Kev, Dalton, even Cranky turned up for a maiden voyage. Juzza's saddle bag did a dismount in the first 10 metres , a full steam chase to catch the front runners ensued till half way up Verney. A light WSW chilled the evening to 10 degrees but helped on the eastern leg to the Emu, Bomber, Deano and MachineSteve populating the peleton. Cranky's introduction to the drivers seat was well toasted by Nath, Bomber and Deano kept the pot boiling soon after. Stevo jumped aboard at the church, chugging away in the high 30's on the front in Old Dookie Rd ramped up my heart rate. I was safely tucked into the rear seat when Bomb & Deano lit the fuse beyond the Pub, me and others rethinking moving up the ranks at that tempo. The pace had simmered a little by River Road's dipper, I chose then to venture forward with allies Axel & Kev rather than being fried alive by the master blasters. It was 'head down, tail up' again for a squirt in Central Kialla, easing to achievable when Bomber & bro departed in Mitchell. Archer Rd was chosen as the finishing straight in light of Raftery's repairs, Machine Steve, Luke and Paul setting their sights on hunting down Andy and co a few 100 metres ahead. No let up for the last two and a half clicks beyond the alt. route, big gaps opening on the long stretch from the roundabout to the very distant finish.
A Wednesday welcome back to Wozza, almost back to full steam after an ankle altecation. Down to the Kialla roundabout we found the sole Breakaway Sharon, left to fend for herself whilst others were doona training? As 6am drew closer, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Nick, Trav, Shane, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev and WobblyTrev arrived, Sharon invited to join in. Finding myself sandwiched between Pistol and HBK again, it was a steady start with Pete against a light southwester, but ramped up to Archers' end . Rocket & HBK erased the easy Wednesdays protocols eastward in Mitchell , Sharon now nowhere to be seen (a message not passed to the front :-/). The breeze (now WSW) propelled the pace in River Rd, Shane (forthwith to be dubbed Capt.Toblerone) again digging the depths of determination after Fiji's indulgence. Not much chat with many flat chat, my legs sending protests to the skull to stop. HBK and Rocket dragged us to the bridges in Boundary, Whispering Jack and Nick towed us to Channel Rd. No visit from Darth Vader this morning (had a snap at Wozz the night before though), plenty of velocity westward bound, Pistol a tough match to the cypress trees. HBK and Rocket took the driving seat for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, HBK's half way handover to Pistol left only five working the front (thin on recovery time for me). AvantiTrev and Jack got the guilts by Kensington, finally stepping up for the brief blast at the Bonanza, I was happy to score a Strava 7th fastest overall.
They say that a change is as good as a holiday and, seeing how the other half live (but not giving myself over to the dark side) I fronted Friars in the dark misty hours of Thursday for a go with a gaggle of Goats. A few known villans had assembled (Coggo, LegalDave, Mark, Leon, Tum, TallPaul, Tina, Brendan & Kate) almost ten more unrecognised in the dark. All were aboard at six for the flight, but a couple resigned with a puncture at the SPC roundabout. Some semblance of order was found within a k to set up an organised, homogenised, civilised (& pasteurised?) bunch into a light NNE'er out Old Dookie Rd. Unaccustomed as I am to track turns, I settled into the rhythm, no chit-chat with the constant rollovers. (One kept slicing across my bow but I guess familiarity breeds contentment?) There was a mindful pace out of corners and intersections to keep the bunch bonded but an oncoming low-life on high-beam made navigation tricky. (still, I guess 16 l.e.d.'s x 400 lumens = lashings of lux) Kate was calling the rollovers, I zoned in on the unknown lad ahead to keep speed smooth. There were a few reminders of echelon etiquette in River Rd, the velocity grew for me to dust off 12 teeth at 68rpm. Numbers rotating started to thin by Central Kialla, LegalDave and a few took an exit in Archer (avoiding Raftery's gravel), the remainder drawing breath reforming the bunch after a Melbourne Rd split for traffic. Back on the gas in Raftery attempts at the front were now becoming rare, by Conrod only a handful had enough steam driving against a headwind to the finish. Diplomatically off the podium (nothing left anyway in the closing stages) and through the Raftery rallycross, I had a good yarn with Coggo before he took a caffine exit, mine (regrettably) for work.
Woz and I went in search of a feasible (not Faark) Friday at 6, no punters at Friars so a single filed trajectory out Old Dookie Rd with a pair of tail-light carrots to chase some 2 k ahead. Pursuit seemed a folly till we reached Boundary Rd's fig farm, steadily bridging the gap now. Wozza's arduously altered ankle aint an anchor anymore, articulating along aplomb, achieving admirable acceleration. Five Couldabeens followed by three Breakaways were northbound toward Channel Rd (and the waiting Darth Vader), our determination intensifying with the southbound targets ever closer. Just beyond the bridges we rounded up the cruisy Cats who quickly borrowed our tow. River Road's six degrees was bearable, the NNE blew just enough to make us earn (or burn) our breakfast, Trav's Jamis was jaunty, Bushy's Look languishing. To meet an essential employment edict, Wozz and I took the Archer alternative home, an almost risen sun painting a postcard orange skyline behind the fogged fields. (a great visual distraction from the now jellied legs filing a mental subpoena for aggrevated assault) Back in town on time to close another week, almost over the equinoxial hump.
Week 25 364km YTD 6,631km
Word of the week
"bicognise" (verb) The familiarity of a person met in public, when perceived to be hunched in posture, disguised by helmet, glasses & lycra.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Week 23 : Easy Wednesday's and going goatee.
Judging the shine on the road in the early hours of Monday for a ride decision, pessimism peaked, post plentiful precipitation previously (Sunday). The street had dried to a patchy semi-gloss, traction possible, way better than yesterdays saturated skating rink I guess. Pointed the bike out Old Dookie Rd for a change, Cats departing a distance ahead. Found the Fox, Meags and Hilly about to set sail (better company than my own) so joined in for a clockwise lap. A steady pace was kind on my weekend rigormortis (off the bike for two days), the mild two digit temperatures assisting too. Several tail-lights were ahead southbound to the Pub, no pursuit plans but we steadily reduced the gap beyond the bridges. A hint of light in the sky revealed nothing but dismal cloud, at least we were upright, laughing and taking in the oxygen, Hilly & Fox taking the major shareholding for River Rd. A squirt down Central Kialla Rd then into Mitchell, we'd latched onto a half dozen just as I needed to exit in Archer (to appease the boss with an on time appearance). Bid my farewells and drove on the 15 sprocket homeward, a satisfying soundtrack of humming wheels, no backlight on speed or clock kept the pace up for an on cue arrival.
Tuesday mornings westerly spelt 9k of tailwind then 22k's of toil on the Couldabeens track. Lined up behind Shane, Kenworth, Nick, Trav, PistolPete, FeltMat, Temple, AvantiTrev and HBK, Rocket the last arrival. A pronto first leg with the wind behind, Mark and Trish joining at the first intersection. Nick had the rice bubble wheels on, snap crackle and pop from crunchy (waterlogged?) bearings. I'd drawn the short straw behind Rocket, peaking 173bpm to match in the last leg of Channel Rd, dissapointed by my ordinary performance. Turning into Boundary explained the poor pace, a marshmallow front tyre forced a halt to fix. (nice to have the crew wait, but sledging is de rigeur) Mobilised after 5min and a leaky CO2, it was back on the throttle down to Mitchell, feeling the usual inadequacy attempting to keep up with PistolPete, had half a chance with Trav when rotation changed the order. The west northwesterly whittled away the reserves, AvantiTrev, Temple, FeltMat and Nick now in the growing league of back seat passengers. A pause for traffic at the highway had a few Area lads closing in on us, Rocket, Pistol and HBK, champing at the bit, stretched away from the party faithful as Arcadia Downs came into view. Kenworth and I had been elected as tow trucks (without our knowledge) by the remaining survivors, thought Shane was sharing the load as he came by, but he poured on the power in the hope of bridging the gap ('twas a bridge too far). Nev and his 51 pair passed (making it look oh so easy), Kenworth & I dug in for the long haul and reeled in Shane from his optomistic pursuit, Rocket, HBK and Pistol just a bit to far for Nev to reach.
The mental magnifying glass was out Tuesday arvo to find the motivation to head to the hospital bunch, low cloud, a chilly northwester and a max of 13 degrees hardly enthralled. Robbo, SpecialisedTony, Dion, BigBen, JamisShane and Axel took on the elements, most in the hope of a steady tap around. Mitch, Bomber, Deano and Longy blended in on Ford Rd, soon to have Bomber & Mitch sitting off the front by 20 metres dangling the bait. Most weren't biting though. Andy, Steevo and others attached to the pack in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, still the lure was untouched. Beyond the Emu, I felt the breeze on the front from the rail-line to the Toaster, Robbo finally swallowing the fly and dragging all up to Bombers tempo in Old Dookie Rd, Hamish climbing aboard halfway. South into Boundary the float and sinker were gobbled up, full bore down to the Pub, me hanging on second wheel, foolishly hoping speed would settle. Mitch, Deano, Ron, Dion, Robbo and other high calibre weapons swapped turns with Bomber down to River Rd, then building the intensity westward. With no capacity to drive over 40 into a 15km/h headwind, I stayed in the rear seats, an increasingly popular place to be as River Rd swept by. Over the channel bridge Tony's rubber band snapped, Axel, BigBen and I in proximity, happy to work together for survival. A hard drive through Central Kialla and into Mitchell, picking up a few more outcasts to build to seven, Axel & Andy on an Archer exit. We'd reeled in Hamish by Arcadia Downs, no sprint left in my legs but Dion strong as ever was off the seat for the last 200. A good sense of achievement to finish in 1:08, albeit spent, the turn around from the pre ride lethargy worth filing for the future.
At last the breeze was turned off, only the effort of hauling off the doona Wednesday morning. Squeaked in second last at the Kialla roundabout, just ahead of HBK. The usual grid positions of a full left line (Shane, PistolPete, Temple, AvantiTrev and SuperMario) a sole Rocket on the right. AvantiTrev read the riot act of "easy Wednesday", ok for him (& Temple) already cementing their positions at the rear. As the flag dropped HBK moved up, thought I should do likewise. My legs were serving me a reminder of yesterdays thrashings, complaining at HBK's tempo but the grey cells coped. Pleased to have SuperMario pair with me for the Central Kialla leg, Pistol & Shane ramping up for River Rd, Rocket & HBK for Boundary. Motion was maintained for Channel Rd home, Shane stepping up to the 40+ Cha Cha, a great effort. A brief recovery to Doyles Rd, then HBK predictably, prodigiously, protrusibly and prejudiciously pressed the pronto pedal (profoundly prematurely) to be quickly sauteed by Rocket, Pistol pairing rapidly for a Mexican Bonanza thrash, almost catching the Breakaways at Archer. (great to see a growing group of gals, well done Sim back on two wheels).
Wrung out like a washed sock Thursday morning, the body's message to put it in neutral and apply the handbrake (under the doona). Pleased to bounce back to life during the day but fingers were crossed on the way to the library as the sun sank (hopeful there wasn't a repeat of Tuesday night) Axel, BigBen, Dion, SpecialisedTony, JamisShane, Kev and Clive lit up a dark Boulevard on a cool evening, a moderate manageable pace out to Wanganui with a south southwester building behind us. Finally felt comfortable atop the Fizik, first time in ages. Luke, Steevo and MachineSteve u-turned at the soup tin from their anti-clockwise lap to fill our ranks. A conservative pace out to the Emu was turned down to a simmer for the headwind to the Toaster, setting the mood for the circuit, no heroics, gasps or gritting of teeth, just a steady tap around. Much discussion of long weekend plans, MachineSteve and Kev took an early exit via Channel Rd. JamisShane and Dion went a.w.o.l. along River, a suspected puncture turned out to be a different kind of leak. Steevo's just three weeks back on the bike after years off, the lad's a (vintage) natural. No hint of a sprint as we swung into Conrod, the breeze behind may have been a lost opportunity but many legs were no doubt grateful of being spared a flogging, 1,200 calories burned anyway.
Friday, alarm, five, groan, snooze, alarm, arise, coffee, porridge, dates, honey, baselayer, baselayer, armwarmers, jersey, knicks, socks, shoes, battery, light, Garmin, helmet, specs, gloves, pump, Bugger,....puncture! At least there's light, warmth and a proper floor pump to make a comfortable fix at home. (how many tubes are changed/cursed in the dark, damp and cold?) No hope of meeting the 5.50 Couldabeens agenda now (glad I missed the record breaking run by the three stooges) so shifted the goalposts to a solo lap bearing east on Old Dookie Rd. Luck would have an intercept (and invite) from Coggo, Craig, Tum and the Bell (a gritty gathering o' Goats) on a single filed clockwise mission. Five degrees is gently dipping us into winter, twelve k's of SSW making us earn breakfast. A smooth draft behind Coggo till my turn at the turn into Boundary came. Dug deep driving down to the Pub, constantly forcing the eyeballs to avoid the h.r. display, ignoring the reality. Woops! A chance glance (177 bpm) toasted the tenacity. There's something deeply primal in the male psyche to perform in front of others, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings. Handed the reigns to Tum over the Midland and settled in to recover to River, Craig pausing briefly suffering a perceived puncture. Quickly back on the gas again and settled into the rythym, mentally preparing for the next shift at the pointy end, Laws Drive to Rivers' end. More solid turns from the foursome blurred the scenery to the highway, I was starting to run low on the go meter till the Conrod conclusion inspired a final dip. Craig had cooked with 400 left, Coggo drove the "trainette" across the line to finish a wapid week
Week 23 : 254km YTD 6,521km
Word of the week
"Lycrack" (noun) Aged synthetic material that has become partially, unsettlingly translucent .
Tuesday mornings westerly spelt 9k of tailwind then 22k's of toil on the Couldabeens track. Lined up behind Shane, Kenworth, Nick, Trav, PistolPete, FeltMat, Temple, AvantiTrev and HBK, Rocket the last arrival. A pronto first leg with the wind behind, Mark and Trish joining at the first intersection. Nick had the rice bubble wheels on, snap crackle and pop from crunchy (waterlogged?) bearings. I'd drawn the short straw behind Rocket, peaking 173bpm to match in the last leg of Channel Rd, dissapointed by my ordinary performance. Turning into Boundary explained the poor pace, a marshmallow front tyre forced a halt to fix. (nice to have the crew wait, but sledging is de rigeur) Mobilised after 5min and a leaky CO2, it was back on the throttle down to Mitchell, feeling the usual inadequacy attempting to keep up with PistolPete, had half a chance with Trav when rotation changed the order. The west northwesterly whittled away the reserves, AvantiTrev, Temple, FeltMat and Nick now in the growing league of back seat passengers. A pause for traffic at the highway had a few Area lads closing in on us, Rocket, Pistol and HBK, champing at the bit, stretched away from the party faithful as Arcadia Downs came into view. Kenworth and I had been elected as tow trucks (without our knowledge) by the remaining survivors, thought Shane was sharing the load as he came by, but he poured on the power in the hope of bridging the gap ('twas a bridge too far). Nev and his 51 pair passed (making it look oh so easy), Kenworth & I dug in for the long haul and reeled in Shane from his optomistic pursuit, Rocket, HBK and Pistol just a bit to far for Nev to reach.
The mental magnifying glass was out Tuesday arvo to find the motivation to head to the hospital bunch, low cloud, a chilly northwester and a max of 13 degrees hardly enthralled. Robbo, SpecialisedTony, Dion, BigBen, JamisShane and Axel took on the elements, most in the hope of a steady tap around. Mitch, Bomber, Deano and Longy blended in on Ford Rd, soon to have Bomber & Mitch sitting off the front by 20 metres dangling the bait. Most weren't biting though. Andy, Steevo and others attached to the pack in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, still the lure was untouched. Beyond the Emu, I felt the breeze on the front from the rail-line to the Toaster, Robbo finally swallowing the fly and dragging all up to Bombers tempo in Old Dookie Rd, Hamish climbing aboard halfway. South into Boundary the float and sinker were gobbled up, full bore down to the Pub, me hanging on second wheel, foolishly hoping speed would settle. Mitch, Deano, Ron, Dion, Robbo and other high calibre weapons swapped turns with Bomber down to River Rd, then building the intensity westward. With no capacity to drive over 40 into a 15km/h headwind, I stayed in the rear seats, an increasingly popular place to be as River Rd swept by. Over the channel bridge Tony's rubber band snapped, Axel, BigBen and I in proximity, happy to work together for survival. A hard drive through Central Kialla and into Mitchell, picking up a few more outcasts to build to seven, Axel & Andy on an Archer exit. We'd reeled in Hamish by Arcadia Downs, no sprint left in my legs but Dion strong as ever was off the seat for the last 200. A good sense of achievement to finish in 1:08, albeit spent, the turn around from the pre ride lethargy worth filing for the future.
At last the breeze was turned off, only the effort of hauling off the doona Wednesday morning. Squeaked in second last at the Kialla roundabout, just ahead of HBK. The usual grid positions of a full left line (Shane, PistolPete, Temple, AvantiTrev and SuperMario) a sole Rocket on the right. AvantiTrev read the riot act of "easy Wednesday", ok for him (& Temple) already cementing their positions at the rear. As the flag dropped HBK moved up, thought I should do likewise. My legs were serving me a reminder of yesterdays thrashings, complaining at HBK's tempo but the grey cells coped. Pleased to have SuperMario pair with me for the Central Kialla leg, Pistol & Shane ramping up for River Rd, Rocket & HBK for Boundary. Motion was maintained for Channel Rd home, Shane stepping up to the 40+ Cha Cha, a great effort. A brief recovery to Doyles Rd, then HBK predictably, prodigiously, protrusibly and prejudiciously pressed the pronto pedal (profoundly prematurely) to be quickly sauteed by Rocket, Pistol pairing rapidly for a Mexican Bonanza thrash, almost catching the Breakaways at Archer. (great to see a growing group of gals, well done Sim back on two wheels).
Wrung out like a washed sock Thursday morning, the body's message to put it in neutral and apply the handbrake (under the doona). Pleased to bounce back to life during the day but fingers were crossed on the way to the library as the sun sank (hopeful there wasn't a repeat of Tuesday night) Axel, BigBen, Dion, SpecialisedTony, JamisShane, Kev and Clive lit up a dark Boulevard on a cool evening, a moderate manageable pace out to Wanganui with a south southwester building behind us. Finally felt comfortable atop the Fizik, first time in ages. Luke, Steevo and MachineSteve u-turned at the soup tin from their anti-clockwise lap to fill our ranks. A conservative pace out to the Emu was turned down to a simmer for the headwind to the Toaster, setting the mood for the circuit, no heroics, gasps or gritting of teeth, just a steady tap around. Much discussion of long weekend plans, MachineSteve and Kev took an early exit via Channel Rd. JamisShane and Dion went a.w.o.l. along River, a suspected puncture turned out to be a different kind of leak. Steevo's just three weeks back on the bike after years off, the lad's a (vintage) natural. No hint of a sprint as we swung into Conrod, the breeze behind may have been a lost opportunity but many legs were no doubt grateful of being spared a flogging, 1,200 calories burned anyway.
Friday, alarm, five, groan, snooze, alarm, arise, coffee, porridge, dates, honey, baselayer, baselayer, armwarmers, jersey, knicks, socks, shoes, battery, light, Garmin, helmet, specs, gloves, pump, Bugger,....puncture! At least there's light, warmth and a proper floor pump to make a comfortable fix at home. (how many tubes are changed/cursed in the dark, damp and cold?) No hope of meeting the 5.50 Couldabeens agenda now (glad I missed the record breaking run by the three stooges) so shifted the goalposts to a solo lap bearing east on Old Dookie Rd. Luck would have an intercept (and invite) from Coggo, Craig, Tum and the Bell (a gritty gathering o' Goats) on a single filed clockwise mission. Five degrees is gently dipping us into winter, twelve k's of SSW making us earn breakfast. A smooth draft behind Coggo till my turn at the turn into Boundary came. Dug deep driving down to the Pub, constantly forcing the eyeballs to avoid the h.r. display, ignoring the reality. Woops! A chance glance (177 bpm) toasted the tenacity. There's something deeply primal in the male psyche to perform in front of others, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings. Handed the reigns to Tum over the Midland and settled in to recover to River, Craig pausing briefly suffering a perceived puncture. Quickly back on the gas again and settled into the rythym, mentally preparing for the next shift at the pointy end, Laws Drive to Rivers' end. More solid turns from the foursome blurred the scenery to the highway, I was starting to run low on the go meter till the Conrod conclusion inspired a final dip. Craig had cooked with 400 left, Coggo drove the "trainette" across the line to finish a wapid week
Week 23 : 254km YTD 6,521km
Word of the week
"Lycrack" (noun) Aged synthetic material that has become partially, unsettlingly translucent .
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Week 22 Frost, frogs and fog
Jase appeared in the main street fog on Saturday morning, specs pocketed and none too pleased at the atmostpherics dampening kit and bike. We pondered the attendance effect that 99% humidity would have, numbers ween't too bad considering. Whispering Jack was breaking all records with three showings in a week, SuperMario expressing most displeasure with the conditions, Temple locking in the back seat berth. Six bells chimed the start, a traffic interruption had three off the back till a vocal handbrake merged all. Sharing the front with Jase then PistolPete tested my early limits, warm up time taking longer as the years tick by (or is it just neurosis?) Felt the breezistance** in Old Dookie Rd (the early piggery aroma a confirmation) and I always thought that fog meant no wind? SuperMario 'headled' to the church, Trav stretched him to the rail line then all relished the easier run home from the Emu. A couple of early Cats were at the kennels, the puddytat peleton at the main channel (late comer GT Craig 2k's back). Jase and Rocket stretched the rulebook to 40 in AvantiTrev's absence, a 5% discount off that for me in Ford Rd (even though Pete may have wanted more).
It was all or nothing for WhisperingJack on Mt.Wanganui, a polka dot performance with later regrets. The caution flag went out for Wobbly's woundabout, all tip toed through (vertically) without incident. There was a Rocket & Jase breakaway on an unseen sprint section in Mason St, maybe a race for the hot seats at the Lemontree? Strava, wisdom teeth and the unemployed discussed perusing the new menu, Wozz and Nath post ride additions to the banter.
Six millimetres of four am Sunday rain washed away plans for an early Toaster lap, warm as toast under the doona instead. Spectated the DECA dash at 10, a little breeze drying the tarmac. MachineSteve, Rocket, Eggy, Travis & Liam (minus an acre of skin) Robbo, Lil'Tony, Mexicans etc etc filled an A&B grade race, Eggy, Rob D and Rocket taking the top three places, well done Rocket taking a 1st and 2nd for the two sprint laps. A great little closed track but a breeding ground for bindii, 4 punctures in the group of 25.
With rain on Tuesday's horizon it was Monday evening to satisfy the craving for k's. A very comfortable 18 degrees but an uncomfortable easterly dictated a clockwise Toaster lap to get the hard stuff done early. The heart rate monitor was almost asleep (54bpm) pushing into the 17km/h gusts, finally awaking to 158 after 30 minutes in the seat. Had almost run out of enthusiasm when the Emu came into sight, thoughts of a tail wind worth aiming for. Three other bikes were on (opposite) course making use of the dry. Getting back onto familiar cogs heading to the Toaster was enjoyable, elation pointing west for Old Dookie's 4k stretch with the wind at my back. The sun had almost tucked into bed turning into Boundary Rd, cars purchased without the headlight option are common in these parts. Shoved about by the side wind (but not enough to be blown into the Pine Lodge Pub), some tree shelter was found till the turn west in River Rd, back to my favoured sub 60's cadence relishing mother natures assistance, erratic heart rate monitor now flat-lined at 137. To Rivers' end, past the Kialla Hall and into Mitchell, more than the normal 6 o'clock rush hour to deal with nearing Archer Rd. A blast down Mt.Nicolaci (but a slug up), strobing blue & reds signalled a Melbourne Rd closure (a prang diverting the masses) Raftery's normally quiet tarmac filled with cars (many, annoyingly, without the low beam option) to make it a push home. pleased enough to tap out the lap under 1:29.
Getting severe cravings for a ride by Wednesday morning (Tuesday was a wash out), the light northwester put a false sense of achievement into the roll down to Kialla's roundabout. Shiny roads and super sprays of H2O poured off passing B doubles as I wrestled with my commitment/stupidity/decision to ride, harden up was the closing statement to self. PistolPete and Rocket were at the start, no other of the faithful appeared so it was off down Archer to a Frog fugue in F flat, amplified from saturated fields. All was quite manageable till Central Kialla, the reality of the northwesterly tightened up the muscles. Pistol & Rocket did their duty at the front for the length of River Rd (no objections from me) two small bunches went west to confirm our commitment/certification. Solitary Goat Legal Dave was at River's end (enduring two punctures to boot), we endured the elements of a headwind up to Channel Rd, dosed by light misty rain into the bargain. No fun either on the west leg home, socks now squelching, another misting of precipitation and the aroma of something deceased at the cypress trees. Ah, the joys of cycling! One wonders what warrants wheeling west, wilted, wet & weary on a windy Wednesday, when warm waffles would wain winter woes. All due credit to Pistol & Rocket's care and consideration for this old croc, back to town conscious and in one piece (albeit a little soggy), finding heaven in mere instant coffee and a bit of toast at home.
Fog parked specs in pockets Thursday morning, no guilt tucking in for a tow behind Chris A and Nick at the Archer St grid, Rocket, PistolPete, SuperMario, Kenworth, Jase, Trav, Shane and (tail-light) FeltMat forming the bunch. Chris & Rocket took on a double shift to Orrvale Rd, Kenworth advanced toward the pointy end nearing Channel's end then, out of character, took an RDO (respiratory distress option?) to skip lead duties. Jase bumped up the heartrate (43bpm according to my malfunctioning monitor) for our pairing in Boundary Rd, Nick with a knack for paddywhack was strong but a shorter turn thankfully. It wasn't quite accurate to call clear at the intersections in the pea souper, luck was on our side to get into Mitchell Rd without drama. A good turn of speed to central Kialla, Kenworth repeating his RDO. We'd closed in on tail-lights ahead nearing Archer Rd, four Hurt Locker lads (Sosso detached, but rejoined over the highway) were passed, Chris, Rocket, Pete and Jase pushed the pace up to Arcadia Downs. Kenworth finally committed to a go when we swung into Conrod, but he'd engaged warp drive on arrival at the front. Unable muster the motion to get alongside, I filled the gap opened ahead of Jase, settling into Kenworth's draft and waiting for the kaboom. Rocket and Chris bolted with 300 left, Pistol & Jase in their wake, I'd just enough left to round up Kenworth in the last metres.
A chilled evening Thursday but I rolled down to the Library to find Robbo, Hamish, BigBen, Axel, Clive, Dalton, SpecialisedTony, AvantiTrev and Paul prepared to tap out a lap. Hamish and Robbo led off with all single filed behind Hamish, a Robbo reputation rearing reservations? Paul filled the gap, then I, finally Tony to form a respectable bunch in two rows. Mitch blended in on the Boulevard, LegalSteve found near DECA, several were already entrenched at the rear to be towed around. Nath joined us as we approached Boundary Rd, Robbo & Paul upped tempo for a blast to the Emu, a bit calmer southbound to the Toaster for me sharing the front with Nath. All was quite manageable with the heavy artillery missing, evident in the hr monitor (now working properly after a little adjustment) . Some in depth discussion with LegalSteve till oxygen was preserved for my next turn at the front, AvantiTrev, Dalton, BigBen, even Mitch now in the permanent rear ranks for River Rd and beyond. My tank was emptying after a 4k sentence at the front but used Mitchell Rd to recover. Hamish launched an optomistic breakaway over the highway, Paul setting off in pursuit soon after (but didn't quite bridge the gap). The six remaining (towing five) shortened turns and ramped up the pace out of Roubaix, catching Paul at Arcadia Downs. Nath and Robbo had the extra reserves to catch and pass Hamish (now at full thrash) in the dying metres, most others satisfied just to finish in touch with the bunch.
A crisp Friday morning, a sign of the months to come. I marvelled at the skill of urban planning routing a bike lane over 28 man-hole covers (Balaclava Rd), pounding the posterior or running the gauntlet of the traffic lane.....that is the question. The lack of temperature made muscles complain, lungs none too happy either. Haven't we been spoilt in recent weeks wih double digit temperatures. Out New Dookie Rd and beyond Lemnos, a 51 string of tail-lights blinked south on Boundary. I turned onto the same course, Fitzy following a distance behind. Twas a bit of a drag down to the Pub, a small bunch entering form Old Dookie Rd now pursuing Fitzy. I took a natural break (brief to prevent localised frostbite) and joined the feline foursome (MexicanAngelo, Simon and two unrecognised others), the sole 5.50 Cats, to tap out a lap. Northbound Couldabeens at the bridges as we speared south, frost settling in the lowlands as the temperature settled at two. Long and short turns for River Rd, tempo slowly building in Mitchell, then all contracted the infectious speed virus (Conrodus Sprintus) in the closing k, my infection limited to the 40's, the finish line a welcome sight to close the week.
Week 22 295km YTD 6,267km
Word of the Week
"Breezistance" (noun) The force that opposes velocity against wind pressure
It was all or nothing for WhisperingJack on Mt.Wanganui, a polka dot performance with later regrets. The caution flag went out for Wobbly's woundabout, all tip toed through (vertically) without incident. There was a Rocket & Jase breakaway on an unseen sprint section in Mason St, maybe a race for the hot seats at the Lemontree? Strava, wisdom teeth and the unemployed discussed perusing the new menu, Wozz and Nath post ride additions to the banter.
Six millimetres of four am Sunday rain washed away plans for an early Toaster lap, warm as toast under the doona instead. Spectated the DECA dash at 10, a little breeze drying the tarmac. MachineSteve, Rocket, Eggy, Travis & Liam (minus an acre of skin) Robbo, Lil'Tony, Mexicans etc etc filled an A&B grade race, Eggy, Rob D and Rocket taking the top three places, well done Rocket taking a 1st and 2nd for the two sprint laps. A great little closed track but a breeding ground for bindii, 4 punctures in the group of 25.
With rain on Tuesday's horizon it was Monday evening to satisfy the craving for k's. A very comfortable 18 degrees but an uncomfortable easterly dictated a clockwise Toaster lap to get the hard stuff done early. The heart rate monitor was almost asleep (54bpm) pushing into the 17km/h gusts, finally awaking to 158 after 30 minutes in the seat. Had almost run out of enthusiasm when the Emu came into sight, thoughts of a tail wind worth aiming for. Three other bikes were on (opposite) course making use of the dry. Getting back onto familiar cogs heading to the Toaster was enjoyable, elation pointing west for Old Dookie's 4k stretch with the wind at my back. The sun had almost tucked into bed turning into Boundary Rd, cars purchased without the headlight option are common in these parts. Shoved about by the side wind (but not enough to be blown into the Pine Lodge Pub), some tree shelter was found till the turn west in River Rd, back to my favoured sub 60's cadence relishing mother natures assistance, erratic heart rate monitor now flat-lined at 137. To Rivers' end, past the Kialla Hall and into Mitchell, more than the normal 6 o'clock rush hour to deal with nearing Archer Rd. A blast down Mt.Nicolaci (but a slug up), strobing blue & reds signalled a Melbourne Rd closure (a prang diverting the masses) Raftery's normally quiet tarmac filled with cars (many, annoyingly, without the low beam option) to make it a push home. pleased enough to tap out the lap under 1:29.
Getting severe cravings for a ride by Wednesday morning (Tuesday was a wash out), the light northwester put a false sense of achievement into the roll down to Kialla's roundabout. Shiny roads and super sprays of H2O poured off passing B doubles as I wrestled with my commitment/stupidity/decision to ride, harden up was the closing statement to self. PistolPete and Rocket were at the start, no other of the faithful appeared so it was off down Archer to a Frog fugue in F flat, amplified from saturated fields. All was quite manageable till Central Kialla, the reality of the northwesterly tightened up the muscles. Pistol & Rocket did their duty at the front for the length of River Rd (no objections from me) two small bunches went west to confirm our commitment/certification. Solitary Goat Legal Dave was at River's end (enduring two punctures to boot), we endured the elements of a headwind up to Channel Rd, dosed by light misty rain into the bargain. No fun either on the west leg home, socks now squelching, another misting of precipitation and the aroma of something deceased at the cypress trees. Ah, the joys of cycling! One wonders what warrants wheeling west, wilted, wet & weary on a windy Wednesday, when warm waffles would wain winter woes. All due credit to Pistol & Rocket's care and consideration for this old croc, back to town conscious and in one piece (albeit a little soggy), finding heaven in mere instant coffee and a bit of toast at home.
Fog parked specs in pockets Thursday morning, no guilt tucking in for a tow behind Chris A and Nick at the Archer St grid, Rocket, PistolPete, SuperMario, Kenworth, Jase, Trav, Shane and (tail-light) FeltMat forming the bunch. Chris & Rocket took on a double shift to Orrvale Rd, Kenworth advanced toward the pointy end nearing Channel's end then, out of character, took an RDO (respiratory distress option?) to skip lead duties. Jase bumped up the heartrate (43bpm according to my malfunctioning monitor) for our pairing in Boundary Rd, Nick with a knack for paddywhack was strong but a shorter turn thankfully. It wasn't quite accurate to call clear at the intersections in the pea souper, luck was on our side to get into Mitchell Rd without drama. A good turn of speed to central Kialla, Kenworth repeating his RDO. We'd closed in on tail-lights ahead nearing Archer Rd, four Hurt Locker lads (Sosso detached, but rejoined over the highway) were passed, Chris, Rocket, Pete and Jase pushed the pace up to Arcadia Downs. Kenworth finally committed to a go when we swung into Conrod, but he'd engaged warp drive on arrival at the front. Unable muster the motion to get alongside, I filled the gap opened ahead of Jase, settling into Kenworth's draft and waiting for the kaboom. Rocket and Chris bolted with 300 left, Pistol & Jase in their wake, I'd just enough left to round up Kenworth in the last metres.
A chilled evening Thursday but I rolled down to the Library to find Robbo, Hamish, BigBen, Axel, Clive, Dalton, SpecialisedTony, AvantiTrev and Paul prepared to tap out a lap. Hamish and Robbo led off with all single filed behind Hamish, a Robbo reputation rearing reservations? Paul filled the gap, then I, finally Tony to form a respectable bunch in two rows. Mitch blended in on the Boulevard, LegalSteve found near DECA, several were already entrenched at the rear to be towed around. Nath joined us as we approached Boundary Rd, Robbo & Paul upped tempo for a blast to the Emu, a bit calmer southbound to the Toaster for me sharing the front with Nath. All was quite manageable with the heavy artillery missing, evident in the hr monitor (now working properly after a little adjustment) . Some in depth discussion with LegalSteve till oxygen was preserved for my next turn at the front, AvantiTrev, Dalton, BigBen, even Mitch now in the permanent rear ranks for River Rd and beyond. My tank was emptying after a 4k sentence at the front but used Mitchell Rd to recover. Hamish launched an optomistic breakaway over the highway, Paul setting off in pursuit soon after (but didn't quite bridge the gap). The six remaining (towing five) shortened turns and ramped up the pace out of Roubaix, catching Paul at Arcadia Downs. Nath and Robbo had the extra reserves to catch and pass Hamish (now at full thrash) in the dying metres, most others satisfied just to finish in touch with the bunch.
A crisp Friday morning, a sign of the months to come. I marvelled at the skill of urban planning routing a bike lane over 28 man-hole covers (Balaclava Rd), pounding the posterior or running the gauntlet of the traffic lane.....that is the question. The lack of temperature made muscles complain, lungs none too happy either. Haven't we been spoilt in recent weeks wih double digit temperatures. Out New Dookie Rd and beyond Lemnos, a 51 string of tail-lights blinked south on Boundary. I turned onto the same course, Fitzy following a distance behind. Twas a bit of a drag down to the Pub, a small bunch entering form Old Dookie Rd now pursuing Fitzy. I took a natural break (brief to prevent localised frostbite) and joined the feline foursome (MexicanAngelo, Simon and two unrecognised others), the sole 5.50 Cats, to tap out a lap. Northbound Couldabeens at the bridges as we speared south, frost settling in the lowlands as the temperature settled at two. Long and short turns for River Rd, tempo slowly building in Mitchell, then all contracted the infectious speed virus (Conrodus Sprintus) in the closing k, my infection limited to the 40's, the finish line a welcome sight to close the week.
Week 22 295km YTD 6,267km
Word of the Week
"Breezistance" (noun) The force that opposes velocity against wind pressure
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