7 degrees was almost tropical for a pre-dawn July, but a south-southwester gave the legs a workout to the Saturday start in the southern suburbs. Pleasing to see numbers up at this time of year, Jase, Wozza, Rocket, Nick, Shorty, PistolPete, SuperMario, Temple, BigMat and AvantiTrev up and about, ready for Saturdays tradition. Seems ages since seeing a few, time and temperature starvation causing a few to suffer saddle depravation (symptoms include shortness of breath and abbreviated turns at the front). Mounds of mown grass were left on the tarmac as chichanes at Channel Rd's end, bearing north returned grins and chat to the bunch with the breeze at our backs. A steady little tap around with familiar folk, comfort in the consistency, serenity in the sociality and enough of the morning left to achieve something. Oncoming pussycats had better patronage today too, but a passing Landcruiser was in grumpy gear, a rear facing spotlight ablase to ruin retinal resolution. Spirits lifted closing in on suburbia (caffine fix imminent) Shorty, (daydreaming of breakfast?) took a sudden swerve to avoid the wheel ahead, quickly sharpening senses and causing a cuss. With newfound concentration, all made a safer b line for the usual Lemontree laziness of catered coffee and cooked breakfast, BigMat's tower run, a GrandFondo and Couldabeens ethics on the discussion list.
Solitude needed on Monday morning (chattering of teeth may have driven others insane) as the mercury dropped to zero, in no fit state to contribute to a bunch. Cats exited their Notre Dame grid just a 100 metres ahead but I was happy to see their tail-lights gradually dissapear and tap out a circuit solo to mentally mull maladjusted maladies. A bit of light fog hung about to dampen specs and arms, even kept the Garmin backlight off to reduce inspiration. Turning into Boundary Rd, a tail light appeared 500 metres ahead, a bait laid to tempt pursuit. I seemed to be drawing closer crossing the highway, enough to divert attention from the Channel Rd lure of a shortcut home. Breaths were like inhaling ice cubes, legs burned internally while frosting externally. Whoever was ahead ramped up their rate in River Rd, I made no progress but the tail-light still begged "catch me". I'd only just held the status quo by central Kialla, content to see out the lap that way rather than thrash the old engine. It's inspiring to see a hint of light in the sky as early as Archer Rd (beats arriving home in the dark), a few winter postcards of fog on the fields to view. Crossed the Conrod finish content, exorcised and excercised.
Cars chilled and crusty parked in the street, trying to make positives on a minus two Tuesday had the mind searching. Reassuring to find eight winter warriors at the starting grid in Archer Rd, Cougar, Rocket, Wozza, PistolPete, Jase, Kenworth (arriving breathless & airbourne), FeltMat and Shane all comparing sub zero temperatures. The fog cleared out of town, a rate of knots duely adjusted to an achieveable arctic setting. Kenworth had as many layers as an onion to insulate from the ice, 10 days off the bike but still pumping out the truck-like torque. My rear deraillier had frozen on the 15, a few changes down then back up again thawed it into action. I'd settled into a trance like state focussed on Rockets' wheel, shutting out the thoughts of penguins, blizzards and polar ice caps. The bunch began to splinter exiting Roubaix corner, I stayed back to lend a wheel for the battlers while Rocket, Kenworth, Pistol and co ignited the afterburners for Conrod straight.
Another well populated peleton assembled at the hospital Tuesday night, despite a fresh 6 degrees. Dalton, Nath, Luke, Robbo, Deano, Bomber, Mitch, AvantiTrev, Axel, Trav & Liam, Kev and Specialised Tony got the wheels turning at 6, keen to put warmth into the legs. Dion, MachineSteve and Trent filled the ranks to 18 rolling out east, Mitch and Bomber adding spice to the speed out to the Emu. A momentary settling of speed beyond the Church gave Bomber itchy feet, launching a break with only Mitch daring to join, the remainder happy to sit and breathe in the iced atmostphere. With far too much MTB time and not enough road bike time, Robbo is seeking shock absorbers for the Cannondale. Had a good chat with Trav and Liam climatising to a 30 degree drop from NT holidays, others feeling winters grip on bike time. A good steady tap along Boundary and River roads, suprised to be in the high 30's while legs guessed it to be much slower. Bomber and Deano departed at Mitchell Rd, Mitch did a Houdini, the bunch remaining collectively adhered, even beyond Roubaix corner when speed built slowly. I struck something on the road (unseen and not called), big enough to get me airbourne, dislodging hands from the hoods (steering with the wrists for a moment whilst vacuum sealed to the seat) and lucky to stay vertical. A few had reached their use-by date in the last few hundred metres of Conrod I had enough left for a dip toward the front, unwittingly leading out young Luke and (almost) young Dion onto the podium. Twas happy with a bronze, happier with wheels still straight and Michelins unmarked from the Crusty Demons manoeuvre.
For nothing but the spice of life, Wednesday begged a circuit of difference, choosing the Goats gathered (and frozen) at Friars at 6. Set forth with Snowman, JohnH & Coggo, Hommy and Sandy almost missing the train. Weaved the streets to get on Old Dookie's course, track turns de rigeur beyond Doyles Rd (when in Rome....) Sandy withdrew from the rotations at Central Ave, I drew the short straw in John's short draft, but the smooth sailing wasn't to be criticised. Coggo called single file turning south into Boundary and, unsure of what ranked a decent dip, I towed them 2.4k before peeling off for recovery, the others seemed happy with shorter shifts. A Breakaway trifecta crested the Broken bridges northbound, a Couldabeens quintet 2k's behind slicing through another minus two atmostphere (feels like minus 5). I donated a three k tow in River Rd (as a thanks for my inclusion) feeling in fine form for a change, comfortable on the 56/13, almost comfortable on the Fizik. I'd inherited the south leg through Central Kialla then eased into Mitchell as the bunch stretched. We'd syncronised a break in traffic at the highway, the troops reassembled for the final 4k drive home. The rubber band stretched again in Conrod straight, I was promoted to the pointy end with 500 left, Coggo, JohnH and the Snowman swarming at my wheel. Happy to yield to their move for the final 100, a frosty lap done with burning legs and frozen skin.
Stooged by the forecast and radar in the early hours of Thursday, the rain's e.t.a. for 4am and a big band of green bearing down on the town at 5 spelled a sleep-in, but the damp didn't turn up till 8. Didn't mind a morning off as it happened, achilles aching from a brutal bout of bubble soccer the night before.
Ignored the little voices Thursday evening hinting at a warm night indoors, no rain and 11 degrees presents a brief window of opportunity in the midst of winter......carpe diem! A slow warm up to coax the swollen achilles into action, down to the Library (narrowly avoiding a t-bone from an unfocussed Focus) to find nine contenders ready for a Toaster loop. A stiff ENE wind promised torture to the Emu but a helping hand home. Nath bolted the start but then stopped short to sort a zero speedo, Robbo (aboard a trial Corsa) and Luke towed Dalts, Coggo, Axel, Harpo, Kev & Specialised Tony to Rudd Rd. The headwind dished out the pain for all (Harpo happy in the back seat), particularly those beside Nath (champing at the bit). Dion joined in along Ford Rd and after the pennance of a few turns each, relief awaited pointing toward the Toaster with the breeze at our left shoulder. I'd paired with Robbo for the nirvana of Old Dookie Rd, 3k's of 40+ driving the 56/11, heart rate ticking over at 140, cranks at 64 rpm. Reality came back dealing with the side wind down Boundary Rd but utopia awaited again in River Rd. Nath stretched the bunch, many tucking in behind as mid fourties registered. Only Robbo, Dion & Luke went with him when the gaps opened, the remaining wounded formed up in survival mode, Kev, Dalts and I providing the tow. Settled into a steady tempo till the turn into Mitchell, Coggo finally fronting, donating a big surge. He'd opened a gap cresting Mt.Nicolaci but we'd almost reformed at the highway when traffic spit us apart again. Coggo and Kev drew away toward Roubaix, my sympathies lay with Dalts and Tony stalled for traffic so waited to form a trio for the 4k home. By the horse stud we'd reeled in Kev, by Arcadia Downs we'd caught Coggo, all aboard the good ship survival against a now northeast torment blowing at 26. Kev got us out of the dipper and left me to take the reigns for the last 400, nobody keen to sprint under the circumstances.
Kitted up and just out the door before noticing (comatosed from the Col du Tourmalet & Montee du Hautacam five hours earlier) that earlier showers had dampened the Friday track. Oh well, carpe diem et al etcetera. Pointed the wheels out New Dookie Rd to avoid the freaky Friday fast footed fiesta from fifty-one & frantic felines. Committed to the line through the Lemnos roundabout when a manic Magna suddenly overtook then veered left (pondered the prat's parentage). Legs sent a memo of complaint about last nights' dip, content to tap along on the aerobic limit, steering round the Boundary Rd traffic island (camouflaged in the dark) by memory. Tap tap south, well ahead of the SuperCats, I set a short route for Channel Rd (homage de Harpo?), enough k's covered this week me thinks. Spray off the wheels biased left from the light northerly, enjoyed the 8k's homeward tuned out to the world. A soggy cycle through town ended the week, back home to my cold loungeroom, because I have to go to work (pasteurised soft cheeses in my lunch?), so I dried my bike (not) with a kangaroo, to prepare for week 31.
Week 30 327km YTD 8,003km
Word of the week
"Rideranged" (adjective) A cyclist of questionable sanity
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
Week 29 : Dampened, chilled and itching.
A crispy start Monday, the inevitable below zero finally arriving to christen our winter. Set off on a solo Cat lap at 5.46, felines in the distance (?) relieving me of a tortuous tempo, cobwebbed from a weekend off the bike. Foggy patches out on the track, a bike or two already heading back into town. Keen to get circulation going to prevent icing up, the heart rate climbed to 160 just 10 minutes down the road, but settled into a steady cadence, frosting the nose and ears though. Chilled skin and lungs wanted a shortcut home by Channel Rd, but the frontal lobe over-rode the somatosensory cortex to push on. My achilles heel heart-rate hovered at 170 westward in River Rd, trees stood ankled in fog against the full moon over River Rd, lighting the way where the headlight wouldn't. A parked ute's hazard lights cautioned a slow over the channel bridge, a k later five horses loose in the roadside fog bumped the adrenalin high, but steered safely around them. Several lights were spied behind on the turn into Kialla Central, motivating my pace, seems the Cats were behind, not ahead as thought. A slight pause at the highway for traffic drew their lights closer and my pace higher, driving onward to Conrod with a rapidly emptying tank. Relief cresting the dipper well ahead, crossing the line with a 500metre advantage my small victory.
Tuesday's threatening radar kept me indoors, could have squeaked in a circuit as it happens. Wednesdays tarmac was damp but the skies were clear to tempt some effort. Down to Kialla with Wozz to see who dared found WobblyTrev, Pistol Pete and Rocket the only punters. A hint of a northerly was kind for the first leg, then it was Wozz to match Rocket and me to keep up with Pistol while Wobbly sat glued to a back seat ride, echoing calls on a five second delay. Just a handful of Cats speared toward River Rd's dipper, Rocket & Pete providing the majority of our tow. I was palpably pedalling, profusely perspiring, pondering personal pulmonary performance, perspicaciously prefacing proper progress, poorly performing, paying price parring Pistol Pete's podium position pace on the northern ascent of the Broken bridges but no hope of levelling with his wheel. The drive home in Channel Rd wrung out the legs too despite some orchard shelter from the northerly, Rocket & Pistol's tempo clearly in a league others weren't in. Puddles aplenty had us tagged "the filthy five", copped a brief shower on the Bonanza from Wozza's wheel as a final rinse, it was nice to finally slow into town after a solid lap of the heart beating between 164 and 176.
A long hard bike session late Wednesday night had me near exhaustion, so turned off the TdeF and went to bed, Thursday morning's damp granting an extra hours sleep to recover from the 'noctournal' activity. A decent clean of the bike and itching to clock over a few k's Thursday evening was soon tamed by a late arvo shower to grease the road to unrideable.
A tough transition from under the doona Friday morning, climatised to the cool while filling the tank with porridge, but it was OMG on the transition to outdoors, wind chill from the WSW (an official "feels like minus one") making sopranos of any idle brass monkeys. Found Wozza on the Scott (of the Antarctic?) for the push down the main drag to Kialla, almost snap frozen in the process. Shane, Cougar, PistolPete, Rocket, AvantiTrev and Jase were the resilient ones ready to ride. Shazza's early exit led the way down Archer Rd, she turned west into the 20-28 km/h wind at Mitchell, we took the soft option pointed east. Pleased the grand canyon pot-hole in Kialla Central has finally been patched and glad to be settled into zone 3 on Jase's wheel for the steady tap along River Rd. (I'll bet the 20+ Supercats had headwind hernias westbound). Shane, Pete and Rocket headlined the northern assault in Boundary Rd, I mentally prepared for the Channel Rd torture. Jase had the pace to strive for, a slight speed ease kept the bunch together for the twisted trail homeward. Rather icy on the few open sections back to town but it felt so much better topping up the tank at home with coffee and toast, reading that Mawson station had minus 28 with southeasterlys blowing at 82-93km/h!
Week 29 125km YTD 7,676km
Word of the week
"Faarctic" (adjective) Extreme cold.
Tuesday's threatening radar kept me indoors, could have squeaked in a circuit as it happens. Wednesdays tarmac was damp but the skies were clear to tempt some effort. Down to Kialla with Wozz to see who dared found WobblyTrev, Pistol Pete and Rocket the only punters. A hint of a northerly was kind for the first leg, then it was Wozz to match Rocket and me to keep up with Pistol while Wobbly sat glued to a back seat ride, echoing calls on a five second delay. Just a handful of Cats speared toward River Rd's dipper, Rocket & Pete providing the majority of our tow. I was palpably pedalling, profusely perspiring, pondering personal pulmonary performance, perspicaciously prefacing proper progress, poorly performing, paying price parring Pistol Pete's podium position pace on the northern ascent of the Broken bridges but no hope of levelling with his wheel. The drive home in Channel Rd wrung out the legs too despite some orchard shelter from the northerly, Rocket & Pistol's tempo clearly in a league others weren't in. Puddles aplenty had us tagged "the filthy five", copped a brief shower on the Bonanza from Wozza's wheel as a final rinse, it was nice to finally slow into town after a solid lap of the heart beating between 164 and 176.
A long hard bike session late Wednesday night had me near exhaustion, so turned off the TdeF and went to bed, Thursday morning's damp granting an extra hours sleep to recover from the 'noctournal' activity. A decent clean of the bike and itching to clock over a few k's Thursday evening was soon tamed by a late arvo shower to grease the road to unrideable.
A tough transition from under the doona Friday morning, climatised to the cool while filling the tank with porridge, but it was OMG on the transition to outdoors, wind chill from the WSW (an official "feels like minus one") making sopranos of any idle brass monkeys. Found Wozza on the Scott (of the Antarctic?) for the push down the main drag to Kialla, almost snap frozen in the process. Shane, Cougar, PistolPete, Rocket, AvantiTrev and Jase were the resilient ones ready to ride. Shazza's early exit led the way down Archer Rd, she turned west into the 20-28 km/h wind at Mitchell, we took the soft option pointed east. Pleased the grand canyon pot-hole in Kialla Central has finally been patched and glad to be settled into zone 3 on Jase's wheel for the steady tap along River Rd. (I'll bet the 20+ Supercats had headwind hernias westbound). Shane, Pete and Rocket headlined the northern assault in Boundary Rd, I mentally prepared for the Channel Rd torture. Jase had the pace to strive for, a slight speed ease kept the bunch together for the twisted trail homeward. Rather icy on the few open sections back to town but it felt so much better topping up the tank at home with coffee and toast, reading that Mawson station had minus 28 with southeasterlys blowing at 82-93km/h!
Week 29 125km YTD 7,676km
Word of the week
"Faarctic" (adjective) Extreme cold.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Week 28 : A winters' whine
Bit of a bonus to get a dry Saturday, a turn around from the forecast. Only the tough faced up for duty though (AvantiTrev, Shane, Cougar, Nick and PistolPete), winter has forced many to retreat under doonas. A minor delay to the getaway while Cougar restored voltage to the light, all receiving a helping hand of a tail wind on Channel Rd. With just a half dozen, the bureau's "feels like 5.5" and a headwind home shortened the course to skip the Toaster and Emu, straight up Boundary and into the thick of the WNW breeze in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. Cat numbers were down too (8 or so?) as paths crossed nearing the soup tin, Shane and Pistol taking the lions share of toil at the front. Ye olde chain was creaking in the damp air, the bike looking a little WRC from soggy roads. Pleasing to reach Rudd Rd to have the wind at our side then behind for the Boulevard cruise to coffee. Nice to catch up with Weapon calling in for the post ride vernacular on nicotine, marijuana, ecstasy and alcohol (a QOTSA coincidence?), timetrial bikes and warm muesli.
A cool (2 degrees) calm and collected 34k ride Monday morning, no aim on averages or drive for data, just to enjoy turning the cranks, perhaps a touch smug clocking k's whilst others softened under the warmth of blankets? But then one ponders whom's sanity triumphs? To rest or ride?, that is the question!
Over the hump of the year, yet winter does it's best to breed apathy, sloth and resistance to doing anything outdoors. The hardest excercise is to throw off the doona, everything thereafter seems to get easy. Climbed aboard the bike Tuesday morning, four times yesterdays temperature but a strengthening north to north north east wind was blowing to make life difficult. Elected to head out Channel Rd with Cougar just ahead of the Couldabeens, only 2 minutes in advance inspired a decent dip to stay ahead, Mavics being shoved around with the side wind. Reached Channel's end with no lights of a persuing peleton, bearing north in Boundary wasn't much fun either, but there's nothing better than a helping hand home to keep the drive to Old Dookie Rd going. Cats and Goats were well numbered, the Area back in chase action on their trip from the Toaster.
Nice to hear the wind noise drop and the wheel noise pick up bearing west with the breeze behind, an inspirational icing to the ride home.
Scaled the motivational mountain to kit up for a Hospital bunch ride on Tuesday night, an icy wind from the north east made staying inside almost irresistable. The usual collection of lads slowly assembled, suprised a dozen fronted in the conditions. Took the first shift with Dion (a long post-ride headwind home for him) then Dalts for leg two. All had a go (bit like a yo-yo though bro) out east, I scored the last of the headwind heroics with Deano up to the Emu. Many were enthused by a strong tail wind from the Toaster onward, Nath the excitable one upping the wattage in Boundary Rd, 40+ toward the Pub. Predicting a River Rd riot, Axel, Dalts, me and S-WorksTony discussed the Harpo option at the highway and took the west exit in Channel Rd home, following MachineSteve for two clicks (his commute home). Fine form felt , four filed singly (with haste) on the Devils Lane Dash (scoring a Strava 2nd fastest), with a momentary pause to gather up the expiring. Felt fit for the Cha Cha (a Jens inspiration?) and even got a 2nd fastest bonus for the Bonanza to wind up a decent lap, not missing the usual Tuesday night thrashing.
Legs breathed a sigh of relief at 5.15am Wednesday, an hours extended rest being granted from a decent downpour. Took on the Wednesday circuit Thursday, taking advantage of the tailwind with Cougar for the long length of Mitchell, 1040 crank rotations for the 8000 metres on my aerobic brink at 135bpm (to satisfy the number nerds). At Mitchell's end Temple and FeltMat were the advance (by 500m) troops for a Couldabeens foursome, single filed in pursuit of their carrot, ably driven by the "little Kittel"......Rocket. We plugged away north to Channel Rd, wind chill not helping legs or lungs, a tough westerly putting the comfort meter into the red for the return home.
Suited up rapidly for the Library bunch Thursday evening, not allowing thoughts to focus on the wintery westerly blowing, less the warmth, couch, food, wine and something humourous (Highway Patrol) would tempt me for the evening. Long-time-no-see Robbo (MTB addiction) was found on the commute in the Boulevard, a posse of punters parked at the car park with eyes on the sky (Paul, Clive, Axel, Juzza, Nath etc). Bomb and bro (Deano) arrived to put fuel on the fire as the 6 o'clock flag fell, a careful navigation past parked cars mixed with traffic keen to get home. Robbo took a natural break at Rudd's end, the bunch continued unabaited, knowing his horsepower to rejoin. Dion was found in Ford Rd, Steevo, Trent, Trudy and the machine Steve loitering on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. It was deja vu beside Deano (Specialised sparkling as always) mucho pronto on the last stretch to the Emu. Nath (mounted on Masi) on his mission of motion minimised the chat to the Toaster, Clive's 'budgie brakes' (cork on carbon) identified his position as we swung into Old Dookie Rd. A turn with the senior Steevo (hope I can be half as strong at his vintage) to Boundary Rd, then hanging onto Nath's wheel for the drive toward the Pub was enough. I was pleased to be peeling off in Channel Rd (again) and finding a growing group doing likewise, Trent, Trudy, Steevo, Axel, Clive and Steve sharing the frown factor (head wind) home.
A 5.50 start Friday at Kialla found PistolPete, AvantiTrev, Jase, Wozza and Shane ready, Temple teasing a "catch me", rolling out 5 minutes early. Pete and Wozza led us to the alt route, I was keen to reap the benefit of the breeze behind us bearing east. Temple's tail-light tantilisingly tempted tempo to River Rd, we could nearly hear his puffs at the bridge if it weren't for my gasps matching the Pistol. AvantiTrev had cemented his berth at the back, Jase ventured forth to the front despite it being his first ride for the week. The 51/SuperCat pack was bigger than Ben Hur bolting down Boundary, we eased early eastward to allow their sweep into River Rd. (G'day Dipper, wherever you were!) Temple had become detached on our turn north, Jase backing up to tow him back into the fold. There was an easy squeeze on the accelerator into Channel Rd, the wind swinging northwest taking up any slack in the legs. Pete's poker face at pace ponders where his limit is, driving well on the Cha Cha with Wozz. Rotations had gone full circle just a k later, twas my turn to drive the last leg with Pete to Kensington, h.r. @ 178 in the effort to keep up. A rare RDO allowed a post ride fix of caffine and chat at the Scottish restaurant, seated in time to view the voluminous Freaky Friday bunch arrive back in town.
Week 28 : 284km YTD 7,551 km
Word of the week
"NocTournal" (adjective) Alert and active late at night, attracted to (and feeding on) live televised stages of the Tour de France.
A cool (2 degrees) calm and collected 34k ride Monday morning, no aim on averages or drive for data, just to enjoy turning the cranks, perhaps a touch smug clocking k's whilst others softened under the warmth of blankets? But then one ponders whom's sanity triumphs? To rest or ride?, that is the question!
Over the hump of the year, yet winter does it's best to breed apathy, sloth and resistance to doing anything outdoors. The hardest excercise is to throw off the doona, everything thereafter seems to get easy. Climbed aboard the bike Tuesday morning, four times yesterdays temperature but a strengthening north to north north east wind was blowing to make life difficult. Elected to head out Channel Rd with Cougar just ahead of the Couldabeens, only 2 minutes in advance inspired a decent dip to stay ahead, Mavics being shoved around with the side wind. Reached Channel's end with no lights of a persuing peleton, bearing north in Boundary wasn't much fun either, but there's nothing better than a helping hand home to keep the drive to Old Dookie Rd going. Cats and Goats were well numbered, the Area back in chase action on their trip from the Toaster.
Nice to hear the wind noise drop and the wheel noise pick up bearing west with the breeze behind, an inspirational icing to the ride home.
Scaled the motivational mountain to kit up for a Hospital bunch ride on Tuesday night, an icy wind from the north east made staying inside almost irresistable. The usual collection of lads slowly assembled, suprised a dozen fronted in the conditions. Took the first shift with Dion (a long post-ride headwind home for him) then Dalts for leg two. All had a go (bit like a yo-yo though bro) out east, I scored the last of the headwind heroics with Deano up to the Emu. Many were enthused by a strong tail wind from the Toaster onward, Nath the excitable one upping the wattage in Boundary Rd, 40+ toward the Pub. Predicting a River Rd riot, Axel, Dalts, me and S-WorksTony discussed the Harpo option at the highway and took the west exit in Channel Rd home, following MachineSteve for two clicks (his commute home). Fine form felt , four filed singly (with haste) on the Devils Lane Dash (scoring a Strava 2nd fastest), with a momentary pause to gather up the expiring. Felt fit for the Cha Cha (a Jens inspiration?) and even got a 2nd fastest bonus for the Bonanza to wind up a decent lap, not missing the usual Tuesday night thrashing.
Legs breathed a sigh of relief at 5.15am Wednesday, an hours extended rest being granted from a decent downpour. Took on the Wednesday circuit Thursday, taking advantage of the tailwind with Cougar for the long length of Mitchell, 1040 crank rotations for the 8000 metres on my aerobic brink at 135bpm (to satisfy the number nerds). At Mitchell's end Temple and FeltMat were the advance (by 500m) troops for a Couldabeens foursome, single filed in pursuit of their carrot, ably driven by the "little Kittel"......Rocket. We plugged away north to Channel Rd, wind chill not helping legs or lungs, a tough westerly putting the comfort meter into the red for the return home.
Suited up rapidly for the Library bunch Thursday evening, not allowing thoughts to focus on the wintery westerly blowing, less the warmth, couch, food, wine and something humourous (Highway Patrol) would tempt me for the evening. Long-time-no-see Robbo (MTB addiction) was found on the commute in the Boulevard, a posse of punters parked at the car park with eyes on the sky (Paul, Clive, Axel, Juzza, Nath etc). Bomb and bro (Deano) arrived to put fuel on the fire as the 6 o'clock flag fell, a careful navigation past parked cars mixed with traffic keen to get home. Robbo took a natural break at Rudd's end, the bunch continued unabaited, knowing his horsepower to rejoin. Dion was found in Ford Rd, Steevo, Trent, Trudy and the machine Steve loitering on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. It was deja vu beside Deano (Specialised sparkling as always) mucho pronto on the last stretch to the Emu. Nath (mounted on Masi) on his mission of motion minimised the chat to the Toaster, Clive's 'budgie brakes' (cork on carbon) identified his position as we swung into Old Dookie Rd. A turn with the senior Steevo (hope I can be half as strong at his vintage) to Boundary Rd, then hanging onto Nath's wheel for the drive toward the Pub was enough. I was pleased to be peeling off in Channel Rd (again) and finding a growing group doing likewise, Trent, Trudy, Steevo, Axel, Clive and Steve sharing the frown factor (head wind) home.
A 5.50 start Friday at Kialla found PistolPete, AvantiTrev, Jase, Wozza and Shane ready, Temple teasing a "catch me", rolling out 5 minutes early. Pete and Wozza led us to the alt route, I was keen to reap the benefit of the breeze behind us bearing east. Temple's tail-light tantilisingly tempted tempo to River Rd, we could nearly hear his puffs at the bridge if it weren't for my gasps matching the Pistol. AvantiTrev had cemented his berth at the back, Jase ventured forth to the front despite it being his first ride for the week. The 51/SuperCat pack was bigger than Ben Hur bolting down Boundary, we eased early eastward to allow their sweep into River Rd. (G'day Dipper, wherever you were!) Temple had become detached on our turn north, Jase backing up to tow him back into the fold. There was an easy squeeze on the accelerator into Channel Rd, the wind swinging northwest taking up any slack in the legs. Pete's poker face at pace ponders where his limit is, driving well on the Cha Cha with Wozz. Rotations had gone full circle just a k later, twas my turn to drive the last leg with Pete to Kensington, h.r. @ 178 in the effort to keep up. A rare RDO allowed a post ride fix of caffine and chat at the Scottish restaurant, seated in time to view the voluminous Freaky Friday bunch arrive back in town.
Week 28 : 284km YTD 7,551 km
Word of the week
"NocTournal" (adjective) Alert and active late at night, attracted to (and feeding on) live televised stages of the Tour de France.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Week 27 : Calculating tax
A weekend off rekindled the burning desire (compulsion?) to clock up k's, a decent clean of the velocipede first to remove excess weight (dirt) makes the task a little easier.
A little Antarctic on Monday, short changed with only 2 degrees on the guage, almost an ice-cream headache headed south. A cool, calm and collected lap with Cougar, coming to terms with the sudden loss of a European summer, but aboard a new sleek, featherweight Ridley. A little clatter for the first half k till it was put right on the big ring. A moonless tap out Channel Rd aided by a favourable westerly was a motivational start to a week, Cats enthused (dozen+) too, southward at the Pine Lodge Pub. There was a little work to be done into the 12km/h westerly homeward, chain groaning from last weeks damp, but back into town as many were just starting their day. Wozz was keen to put some distance into Monday after work, a motivation for me to be coerced away from warmth and wine into the cold crisp circuit, an assault on the Boulevard, Wanganui and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd's with plenty of options open to shorten or lengthen as the mood and/or weather suited. We'd committed to an Emu/Toaster leg then a load sharing trip home into the headwind (WNW @ 15-20). South in Boundary Rd gave a little respite but a Channel Rd exit was chosen to minimise the stress, there were k's to cover tomorrow. The Wozz ankle is mending well, driving into the breeze with ease. Turns were swapped till Channel's end, satisfied to put in a steady bout at zone 4 for 68 minutes.
The end of the financial year prompted a reconcilliation of taxable income and expenditure, the balance showed in black ink, so I'm not yet on the fiscal cliff. Today's income: 05.10am :breakfast = 590 calories, 07.00: breakfast #2=450cal, 10.00: smoko= 620cal, 12.00: lunch=1,248cal, 15.00: smoko=295cal, 19.30: dinner=1,474cal, 21.20: supper=375cal. (Total +4,910cal) Expenditure 5.30: 34k bike=510cal, 7.15-16.20: work (30,647 steps)=2,011cal, 17.45: 47k bike=920 cal (Total -3,441cal), a surplus of 1469. Numbers, not neccesary nor normally noticed, now nonsensical, nerdy & neurotic!
Tuesday more than doubled the mercury (a blistering 5 degrees) but it was a push into a south wester down the main drag, the usual parade of Cats and 51 en-route to their respective start lines now thinned with the temperature. A slow build up of speed for this cold engine and a slightly earlier start ahead of the Couldabeens. Foggy patches on Channel Rd for Cougar & I, a sharp eye out hoping Darth Vader didn't appear through the mist. Up Boundary Rd on a very familiar course, how many hundred times have I gone this way, yet still manage to find a pot hole that jars the soft parts! A couple of early birds were solo southbound, not till Old Dookie did our paths cross with Cats and Goats. A hint of WSW seemed stiff in the cold but we pushed home, winding up the tempo.
Plenty of punters purposfully poised at the boom gates on Tuesday evening despite the cool 10 degrees. Paul, GT Craig, SpecialisedTony, Clive, Harpo, Juzza, Ange, Dion, Nath, Luke,Carl, Axel and a couple of unknowns engaged drive at 6, pace on from the start up Graham St and along Verneys obstacle course. Good to catch up with the regulars after my patchy attendance of late, but it was rather vivid on the wheel of Ange and his technicolor socks, Nath none to happy with the wheel he followed though. (those attending in the know) Steevo & the MachineSteve joined in along Ford Rd, turns went from calm to cranking out to the Emu and down to the Toaster, losing the two unknowns near the Church (dislodged light) . I'd tucked in nicely at fourth wheel out of Old Dookie's headwind (a 15km/h WSW) , Steve & Steevo driving well on the front for the south leg to the Pub. Whacking a small stone quickly questioned my rear tyre pressure, 125psi suddenly felt just a little too squishy. Still rideable at the River Rd turn, I ignored it, but reality finally turned it to spongy nearing the River Rd dip, a small bump grounding the rim. I halted progress to put the pump to use, (dissapointing to see the bunch dissapearing toward the horizon) there was no point fumbling in the dark to replace the tube. Took a shortcut via the by-pass to intercept the bunch at Archer, but a second injection of air needed after 5 k didn't fill in time to latch on to the northward pack. A solitary push home on a squirmy tyre (almost a Tokyo drift through the roundabout) back to town ended with a credible average considering the 10k solo finish. At home and under decent light, the poor old Pro4 looked like it had been in the shower scene from Psycho, hacked and holey from glass. (patched the inside damage to extend it's life beyond 3,000k's.)
I thought 1.4 degrees would keep most indoors on Wednesday but there was a good turn-up at the roundabout (Rocket, Cougar, Wozza, PistolPete, Shane, SuperMario, FeltMat, Trav and AvantiTrev) for the usual lap. As the k's clicked by most slowly lost sensation in the extremities, fingers & toes numb and noses running, a usual winters welcome (suprised AvantiTrev showed up with his dislike of anything below 5) . A cold draft blast from the oncoming Cat/51 combo cut through the base layer lowering the comfort meter, finding our way through the fog (with moon missing), River Rd's rumble strips were a world away from the predicted. A rare halt for a solitary car on Boundary, then north to Channel, chasing Shane (let off his leash?). Preferred by chilled limbs, the speed settled into a steady tap, what Wednesdays once were. A regular wipe of the specs cleared the way home in Channel Rd, by Kensington, Shane was unable to contain himself to bore into the Mexican Bonanza.
Well into the depths of winter with another cool 2.5 degree start to Thursday, I must order another 205 litre drum of motivation to help throw the doona off in the morning. Out the door at 5.30 to hit a wall of fog, a billion tiny water drops floating in the headlights' beam. Down the road wiping specs every 100 metres soon had them pocketted (followed by drips off the eyebrows & rain off the helmet). The 17 sprocket was used as an internal heater to promote circulation, steered out Channel Rd again ahead of the Couldabeens. Beyond the Kensingtion Roundabout Cougars' headlight ran out of volts, but we pressed on single file anyway. Thoughts focussed on a smooth & straight line, grey matter liberated from life's annoying distractions and dillemas, a free shot of solace/euphoria/achievement many of us find rotating wheels and cranks. Cougars night vision made great work in light of the lack of light, we were soon northbound to Old Dookie Rd and the welcome breeze from behind to help us home.
BH Craig had promised a steady tap Friday morning, so fronted the 5.50 start at Notre Dame with Wozz to find a cast of Cats (Straddles, Phil, GentlemanGraeme, Sly, Leigh, Gyppa etc) and an increasing array of 51 attendees (Nev, Ronny, Bo, Kel etc) tilting the scales toward fast and furious. Track turns got organised after a slow at Doyles Rd for a B double, I bit the bullet venturing forward to do duty, hoping the short turns would be achievable for this worn old engine into the wind. A quick halt for a car at Central Ave had Wozz touch a wheel with anothers and go briefly horizontal, no serious damage to bike or body though. Up and away, just a dozen were now working the front, a big handful resigned to the rear by the stiff NNE? The right turn blast into Boundary split the pack in two and, entrenched in the front dozen, I joined the chase to reach two bikes ahead, dangling the carrot of "catch me". Over the channel bridge, the big fella and bigBrad added serious horsepower to the bunch, me just a small sardine in a sea of sharks. I quickly locked in my berth at the back, just hanging on to survive. Thought to be behind me, Wozza was red-lining the ticker, and slipped silently down Sensible Street (aka Harpo Boulevard / Channel Rd) . The drivers forged ahead in the 40's for the 6k of River Rd, echeloned into the wind across the full width of tarmac. By Central Kialla gaps were opening, the tyranny of tempo tiring two or three (including me). Slowly losing grip with the bunch in Mitchell Rd, I dropped back to join Gyppa and Leigh to work the remainder of the lap together, Ange exiting in Archer. Our B team trifecta slowly reeled in Sly (cast off from the bunch vanishing into the distance) by Arcadia Downs and shared the last (headwind) k to complete the SuperCat lap at a 38.5 average, heart rate in Zone 5 for 25 of the k's.
Week 27 : 281km YTD 7,267km
Word of the week
"Sprinterred" (adjective) To bury oneself in acceleration in a race finish.
A little Antarctic on Monday, short changed with only 2 degrees on the guage, almost an ice-cream headache headed south. A cool, calm and collected lap with Cougar, coming to terms with the sudden loss of a European summer, but aboard a new sleek, featherweight Ridley. A little clatter for the first half k till it was put right on the big ring. A moonless tap out Channel Rd aided by a favourable westerly was a motivational start to a week, Cats enthused (dozen+) too, southward at the Pine Lodge Pub. There was a little work to be done into the 12km/h westerly homeward, chain groaning from last weeks damp, but back into town as many were just starting their day. Wozz was keen to put some distance into Monday after work, a motivation for me to be coerced away from warmth and wine into the cold crisp circuit, an assault on the Boulevard, Wanganui and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd's with plenty of options open to shorten or lengthen as the mood and/or weather suited. We'd committed to an Emu/Toaster leg then a load sharing trip home into the headwind (WNW @ 15-20). South in Boundary Rd gave a little respite but a Channel Rd exit was chosen to minimise the stress, there were k's to cover tomorrow. The Wozz ankle is mending well, driving into the breeze with ease. Turns were swapped till Channel's end, satisfied to put in a steady bout at zone 4 for 68 minutes.
The end of the financial year prompted a reconcilliation of taxable income and expenditure, the balance showed in black ink, so I'm not yet on the fiscal cliff. Today's income: 05.10am :breakfast = 590 calories, 07.00: breakfast #2=450cal, 10.00: smoko= 620cal, 12.00: lunch=1,248cal, 15.00: smoko=295cal, 19.30: dinner=1,474cal, 21.20: supper=375cal. (Total +4,910cal) Expenditure 5.30: 34k bike=510cal, 7.15-16.20: work (30,647 steps)=2,011cal, 17.45: 47k bike=920 cal (Total -3,441cal), a surplus of 1469. Numbers, not neccesary nor normally noticed, now nonsensical, nerdy & neurotic!
Tuesday more than doubled the mercury (a blistering 5 degrees) but it was a push into a south wester down the main drag, the usual parade of Cats and 51 en-route to their respective start lines now thinned with the temperature. A slow build up of speed for this cold engine and a slightly earlier start ahead of the Couldabeens. Foggy patches on Channel Rd for Cougar & I, a sharp eye out hoping Darth Vader didn't appear through the mist. Up Boundary Rd on a very familiar course, how many hundred times have I gone this way, yet still manage to find a pot hole that jars the soft parts! A couple of early birds were solo southbound, not till Old Dookie did our paths cross with Cats and Goats. A hint of WSW seemed stiff in the cold but we pushed home, winding up the tempo.
Plenty of punters purposfully poised at the boom gates on Tuesday evening despite the cool 10 degrees. Paul, GT Craig, SpecialisedTony, Clive, Harpo, Juzza, Ange, Dion, Nath, Luke,Carl, Axel and a couple of unknowns engaged drive at 6, pace on from the start up Graham St and along Verneys obstacle course. Good to catch up with the regulars after my patchy attendance of late, but it was rather vivid on the wheel of Ange and his technicolor socks, Nath none to happy with the wheel he followed though. (those attending in the know) Steevo & the MachineSteve joined in along Ford Rd, turns went from calm to cranking out to the Emu and down to the Toaster, losing the two unknowns near the Church (dislodged light) . I'd tucked in nicely at fourth wheel out of Old Dookie's headwind (a 15km/h WSW) , Steve & Steevo driving well on the front for the south leg to the Pub. Whacking a small stone quickly questioned my rear tyre pressure, 125psi suddenly felt just a little too squishy. Still rideable at the River Rd turn, I ignored it, but reality finally turned it to spongy nearing the River Rd dip, a small bump grounding the rim. I halted progress to put the pump to use, (dissapointing to see the bunch dissapearing toward the horizon) there was no point fumbling in the dark to replace the tube. Took a shortcut via the by-pass to intercept the bunch at Archer, but a second injection of air needed after 5 k didn't fill in time to latch on to the northward pack. A solitary push home on a squirmy tyre (almost a Tokyo drift through the roundabout) back to town ended with a credible average considering the 10k solo finish. At home and under decent light, the poor old Pro4 looked like it had been in the shower scene from Psycho, hacked and holey from glass. (patched the inside damage to extend it's life beyond 3,000k's.)
I thought 1.4 degrees would keep most indoors on Wednesday but there was a good turn-up at the roundabout (Rocket, Cougar, Wozza, PistolPete, Shane, SuperMario, FeltMat, Trav and AvantiTrev) for the usual lap. As the k's clicked by most slowly lost sensation in the extremities, fingers & toes numb and noses running, a usual winters welcome (suprised AvantiTrev showed up with his dislike of anything below 5) . A cold draft blast from the oncoming Cat/51 combo cut through the base layer lowering the comfort meter, finding our way through the fog (with moon missing), River Rd's rumble strips were a world away from the predicted. A rare halt for a solitary car on Boundary, then north to Channel, chasing Shane (let off his leash?). Preferred by chilled limbs, the speed settled into a steady tap, what Wednesdays once were. A regular wipe of the specs cleared the way home in Channel Rd, by Kensington, Shane was unable to contain himself to bore into the Mexican Bonanza.
Well into the depths of winter with another cool 2.5 degree start to Thursday, I must order another 205 litre drum of motivation to help throw the doona off in the morning. Out the door at 5.30 to hit a wall of fog, a billion tiny water drops floating in the headlights' beam. Down the road wiping specs every 100 metres soon had them pocketted (followed by drips off the eyebrows & rain off the helmet). The 17 sprocket was used as an internal heater to promote circulation, steered out Channel Rd again ahead of the Couldabeens. Beyond the Kensingtion Roundabout Cougars' headlight ran out of volts, but we pressed on single file anyway. Thoughts focussed on a smooth & straight line, grey matter liberated from life's annoying distractions and dillemas, a free shot of solace/euphoria/achievement many of us find rotating wheels and cranks. Cougars night vision made great work in light of the lack of light, we were soon northbound to Old Dookie Rd and the welcome breeze from behind to help us home.
BH Craig had promised a steady tap Friday morning, so fronted the 5.50 start at Notre Dame with Wozz to find a cast of Cats (Straddles, Phil, GentlemanGraeme, Sly, Leigh, Gyppa etc) and an increasing array of 51 attendees (Nev, Ronny, Bo, Kel etc) tilting the scales toward fast and furious. Track turns got organised after a slow at Doyles Rd for a B double, I bit the bullet venturing forward to do duty, hoping the short turns would be achievable for this worn old engine into the wind. A quick halt for a car at Central Ave had Wozz touch a wheel with anothers and go briefly horizontal, no serious damage to bike or body though. Up and away, just a dozen were now working the front, a big handful resigned to the rear by the stiff NNE? The right turn blast into Boundary split the pack in two and, entrenched in the front dozen, I joined the chase to reach two bikes ahead, dangling the carrot of "catch me". Over the channel bridge, the big fella and bigBrad added serious horsepower to the bunch, me just a small sardine in a sea of sharks. I quickly locked in my berth at the back, just hanging on to survive. Thought to be behind me, Wozza was red-lining the ticker, and slipped silently down Sensible Street (aka Harpo Boulevard / Channel Rd) . The drivers forged ahead in the 40's for the 6k of River Rd, echeloned into the wind across the full width of tarmac. By Central Kialla gaps were opening, the tyranny of tempo tiring two or three (including me). Slowly losing grip with the bunch in Mitchell Rd, I dropped back to join Gyppa and Leigh to work the remainder of the lap together, Ange exiting in Archer. Our B team trifecta slowly reeled in Sly (cast off from the bunch vanishing into the distance) by Arcadia Downs and shared the last (headwind) k to complete the SuperCat lap at a 38.5 average, heart rate in Zone 5 for 25 of the k's.
Week 27 : 281km YTD 7,267km
Word of the week
"Sprinterred" (adjective) To bury oneself in acceleration in a race finish.
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