An earlier start joining Temple and Wozz in the small hours of Saturday, the rain reprieve allowing a supplementary circuit . The southerly squirt to Mitchell Rd intercepted Ron, Vince and Frido, smooth and steady to Central Kialla then east along the regularly ridden River Rd. Anne suddenly appeared on our tails, minus light voltage to soak up our lumens and draft. Nice to take a therapeutic warm up without blowing a headgasket, some social stimuli thrown in for good measure. We bid our adieu's at Channel Rd and headed west to intercept the Couldabeens, ably assisted by the strengthening easterly. Almost to Doyles Rd when two lines of l.e.d.'s approached, our cue to queue behind the 13 and enjoy another tow back to Boundary. Tap tap up Boundary and east in the dark to the toaster, first glimmers of dawn reached at the Toaster.
It was hoist the mainsail and keelhaul the cadence turning west at the Emu, the wind behind lifting the spirits with the velocity. Thirty wheels hummed happily along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, not much pleasure showing in the faces of the dozen + Cats grimacing eastward. A rare opportunity knocked in Wanganui Rd cruising at the rear, no Rocket, Pistol boxed in AND a tail wind too good to pass up. I worded up Wozz to lead him out for an attack on Wanganui Hill, jumped at DECA's end to ramp up proceedings, peaking (and peeking 54 clicks) at Kittles Rd, I flicked an elbow for Wozz to wizz by, Shorty, Jase and Ange in futile pursuit behind. Calm brought the bunch back together to do a cruise to the cafe, Tuck's wardrobe malfunction, Sth African politics and quieter laps captivated conversation to polish off 70k's
It was a steamy spin to a conveniently convened Couldabeens cruise Monday, every red light delaying my arrival to squeak it in with just a minute to go. With only eight attendees, Jase and Pistol took the first shift moderately, I paired with Rocket from Orrvale Rd, an achievable ask at the calmer velocity. Trav was providing my tow at Hanlon Rd but I suddenly whacked an unseen pine cone, an airbourne Cosmic and handlebarred hand dislodged, speared me a metre into the grass. Still upright but tyres dragging in soft ground, taking a smooth line back onto terra firma was number one priority. Back onto tarmac after the off road excursion the h.r. needed a minute to calm from 170, normal transmission resumed (expecting a dozen bindii passengers but luckily got none). FeltMat and Temple drove to River Rd, a whisp of a ENE propelling the pace, early edition Cat tail-lights winking in the distance. Wozza drove well considering his Mt Buffalo attack yesterday, Temple on song and Jase with plenty of lead in his pencil, were Rocket and Pistol struggling to stay awake? I was suprised to get Rockets rollcall at Arcadia Downs, only Pistol, Jase, Wozz and I working the front in Conrod. Hardly a sprint finish but a good steady ride had all happy and not breathless (Kate running at the lake had a few drawing breath though)
Took an invite to board the tri train at the Verney/Ford station on Tuesday, Sootie, Stace and Comet on schedule at 5.10. Out to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for the first of two interval sessions, a 3k hit on the heart rate then reassembling at the Emu. There was a south west nuisance to face to the Toaster then interval two on Old Dookie Rd with a reprieve at Boundary. A steady grind back to town, our arrival at Friars timed well to slot in mid field. It was an erratic start to the lap, traffic and a couple of yawning pack gaps turned the Goats into Brown's cows. Almost syncronised at Central Ave, the rubber banding returned, some reaching the front with little steam left. Strangely, some order returned facing the southwester in Boundary Rd, down to the pub to halt at the highway for a train (well, a Landcruiser with a loco horn). I had a mixed bag of who was ahead and behind as the k's and rotations claimed reartirements, adjusting to a Heinz variety of sits, styles and sizes. JamisShane had a battle du bidon as pace was primed in River road, into the steady groove of reasonable rotation by the dip. Bickers punctured at the back but scored the tasty pit crew of Stace and Comet for his trouble. Mt Nicolaci always seems to trigger an urge for polka dots, bums off seats in a flurry of cadence for supremacy. A cruise, post highway, calmed the heart rates and re-united the field (and shuffled the deck) but it was down to eight driving the train as we crossed Arcadia Downs Drive. Tum gapped the pack as he rolled across with 600 to go, so I filled the space to draw a breath for the final fling. Tum was running on empty fifteen seconds later so pulled out to pass (don't you love the OMG moment when cutting the fresh air is like head butting a brick wall?), pouring on the wattage as wheels howled in pursuit behind. A sneak peek behind saw the swarm of Dipper, Shane, Tum and Tina bearing down, hedaling for all I was worth to just grab the chocolates.
Alzheimers forgot charge the headlight overnight so flicked to low candlepower in the early hours to go the Wednesday distance. Ventured to Ford Rd then east to Boundary, resolved to keep to the 17 cog for some spin. A frog fugue in F flat and a cricket chorus was the auditory entertainment, possums into an early breakfast the visual on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. Swung into Boundary Rd to be greeted by a southerly, the train tracks at Hill Rd are now sealed over but the ripple strips remain. Kept the head down to Channel Rd, bearing west a little easier but an eye was glued on the clock to meet a 6am Couldabeens start. A thin crescent of moon and limited lumens doesn't shed much light but familiar ground helps, soon to the school and finding FeltMat on his Couldabeens commute. A steady roll back to town and to Kialla's roundabout, a dozen indians congregating in a single row (guaging the headwind to Mitchell Rd and how to evade it?) Tucks and Shane took it on the chin, Rudy to Mitchell Rd. I paired level with his shiny new Avanti (AvantiTrev having an even newer example), Pistol's a half bike longer than my old rig. Johnnie and his two disciples flashing red l.e.d.'s in the distance was a lure to nibble upon, Nick and Whispering Jack swallowed the chase bait. River road was full of bikes westbound, all alien without daylight to identify. Boundary Rd had bunches and pairs still oncoming as Tucks then Shane then Rudy progressively added to the velocity, Johnnie and co keenly in tow at the back. I did a slow wind up in Channel to keep our bunch bonded, soon all were cranking to the fourties to the pine trees. The rich aroma of Chateau diesel with the fruity overtones of roasted Rimula X filled our nostrils, round the corner we scattered, suddenly up the arse of a fuming Fergie in total darkness with (peopled) fruit bins in tow. (Luck had us just past when an oncoming car fronted the next bend) Nerves had settled by the kinder, the guns now line astern, waiting for the first to move on the Cha Cha. Rudy's itch was greatest launching first, soon having a succession of hopefuls in pursuit. I took the cruise option with several likeminded, the bunch realigning for the tap home, my dessert a little squirt on the Bonanza to finish 62 k's (with the Cygolight still shining after two days hard labour)
98% humidity and one degree off the dew point at 16 degrees made a steamy start to Thursday, a slightly earlier start time to catch for the Couldabeens. Introductions to Eammon were made at the car park as the grid formed, I had the first shift with Wozz, so a slow warm up to speed in the first 1.3k. Rocket raised the bar incrementally on leg 2, but nothing would save Eammon going unceremoniously OTA (though he urged us to continue). Pistol hit the long puddle fair and square centre on leg 3 to rooster tail Trav, amusing the dry folk on the left line, I'd tucked in behind Temple's tow of tempo (peaking of late), matching him from the Broken bridges to River Rd certainly got the pot simmering. We'd made no gain on a solitary red tail-light a kilometre ahead, most of River Rd spent slowly turning up the heat in pursuit, proving one tough little engine to catch. Only thanks to Melbourne Rd traffic did we make real ground to finally identify Wizz as the dynamic driver exiting Roubaix. Sweat was overpowered by the aroma from the eucalypts as we wound into the mid fourties by the horse stud, turns shortening rapidly. Trav's seat post let out a loud squark on a small bump approaching Conrod (Kreek's creak crisis critically crippling Conrod crankability, crushing cadence cravings) as Rocket dragged us into the last k, Darwin's theory of evolution and survival of the fittest, single filing the bunch. Pistol, Wozz, Rocket and I swapped turns quickly, Rocket stepping up three rungs in the last 200 to relegate us to also ran's. (happy I could just hold off Pete for second)
Pedalled a prologue to Friday's Goat gyration, out the Boulevard and north to Rudd, then east on Wanganui, relishing the comfort finally found on the Fizik, just wish I knew what brought about the new found posterior paradise. Was it pelvic positioning? Imported chamois cream? Consumption of 2009 Shiraz? Or Pine-lime Splice ice-cream? Shall continue all. A smooth little tap around to limber limbs and a "blockie" to soak up five minutes till the Friars flag fell at 6 for a gallivant with the Goats. Coggo, Deb, Hommy, Sandy, Bickers, Speisy, Belly, Brendan, Heady, Leon and Baz formed up, I played co-pilot to Capt Deb taxi-ing out of the suburbs and winding up to rotate beyond the Doyles Rd runway. The dozen drove a smooth stretch to Boundary Rd, less numbers = less variation? A few sat in the rear stalls on River Rd, I flowed freely (Freerly?) through on Bazz's wheel, Belly a touch over enthused gapping the bunch on his roll-overs. Spiesy blew a head gasket on the Mt Nicolaci ascent but recovered on the easy roll once over the highway. Only four left working the front swinging into Conrod straight, Leon re-appeared for a brief blast. Coggo put in a strong turn from 600 to 300, I lent a tow from 300 to 100 then elbowed Coggo past, but he'd picked up a Hommy hitch hiker to challenge the victory. Soaked in sweat (purging alcohol?) Hommy wheezed a wheel ahead over the line, speechless till beyond the bridge.
Week 8 : 347 km YTD 2,135 km
Friday, February 20, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
Week 7 : Single files and getting the wood
Three days off the bike granted much comfort in the sit site but felt that rust was taking hold in the joints when I finally did swing a leg over. I faced the gentler Goat music on Tuesday, Couldabeens cadenza couldabeen chronic (and was, by Strava spying). The usual villans, legends and Capra Aegagrus Hircus had assembled at Friars, young guest Jarrod definitely youngest. Stace, Comet and Sootie intercepted from an earlier 30k's to join the string of l.e.d.'s leading out Old Dookie Rd, but it was down to a crawl approaching Doyles roundabout to prevent a title fight with a B double (a Hommy pump hunt debunked). Organised and rotationalised, twenty two cranked into easterly order with a moment here and there for four word sentences. Tina jumped aboard at Dobsons, Hommy had glued himself to my wheel (tactical positioning for Conrod?) and BigPaul left the obligatory gap. Felt in reasonable nick by the Broken bridges, cadence down on the 14 sprocket in River road as the tempo touched the fourties, good to see Deb roll through but the rear roll syncronicity suffered. We travelled Stress Free street in Central Kialla as the pace calmed but the urgency returned in Mitchell. Sootie peeled off to assist a stranded Jason inflate (short valve in a deep wheel), the bunch sorting into crank or cruise factions as we approached Arcadia Downs. Timing put me at the front with 500 metres of Conrod left, unable to shake Hommy off my wheel I hacked at his horsepower with a little weave, softening him for AvantiLeigh, Dipper and Coggo to pounce in the last 100.
Almost pulled the pin at 35 degrees Tuesday evening but regret would weigh heavily if i'd sucummed to the couch of sloth. A slow roll to the library found Coggo, Oz, Robbo, Dion, SpecialisedTony, Hamish and others prepared to tap a toasty toaster lap. It was pleasing to share the front with Coggo and start a sensible tap, MeridaAndy fronted for the Boulevard entree, an easterly swinging east northeast to make the lungs work toward the Emu. Well outmatched beside Hamish's special Specialised (NZ team colours) and Roval wheels, the young engine did Wanganui Rd with ease while I wheezed. We collected Carl and Pottsy then the MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Steevo and Hilly in Ford Rd, Birchy almost unrecognisable behind the Chuck Norris whiskers. Robbo aboard a demo Corsa, Coggo craving k's for a three peaks assault, Dion's creaky seat cured (with Robbo's allenkey assistance) and Pottsy had a quiver of questions. Easier going to the Toaster (Axel aboard) and on to Boundary Rd, Coggo & I drew the short straw of the swing to a southeaster for the bridges to River Road leg, catching a cruising Bo & Kel. Six kilometers of River Rd cruised in 9:48, speed kept to sensible in Mitchell Rd too, but fast was forecast seeing the drivers line up to take on Raftery. I'd retreated to the left line as we crossed the highway, almost on cue as the hurry up hit. Hamish, Trent, Steve, Robbo and Dion wound up the heart rates as the survivors single filed, Oz struggled with mechanical devils, MeridaAndy struck with a stitch ushered me past, my legs refusing to give more than 50 to stay in touch with the dozen ahead. A relaxed roll through town as the temperature tapered suitably settled the nerves.
A knee knock needed nursing in the opening kilometres of Wednesday morning, best to go gently on ageing limbs until up to operating temperatures (as if a tropical 20 degrees wasn't enough!) A single line of chary chaps had assembled at Kialla Lakes, maybe shying from the early shift of legs one and two? I took the role under a little sufference as seven more arrived with better timing than I, at least my pairing would be a considerate one beside Choppy. Johnnie and two mates were caught (and subsequently stayed aboard) at leg one's end, matching Rudy at the front to Mitchell skyrocketting my heart rate. Rocket, Jase, Shane and BigMat were absent, defecting to the Genesis side for a try out. It was punishment on the posterior hitting the Mitchell Rd rut dead centre after months of avoidance, up to River Rd with Whispering Jack and Pistol cracking the whip. Jase was found rising from the dip, seems Rocket was the sole survivor of the Giro de Genesis. There was a full changing of the guard in River Rd's length, Rudy assuming the role of pace setter (a wheel ahead) for Boundary Rd, Whispering Jack meeting his match (Pistol) for the grind to Channel Rd. The tarmac blurred under the wheels of progress to the ChaCha, an oncoming car interrupting the sprint but still managed 54 clicks. Northerners and southerners parted company at Channel Roads end, my prediction on Strava starvation coming true with trophies thinning (Cougar still scoring Q.O.M's though)
A cooler 17 degrees Thursday, plenty of southerly to grizzle about with Wozza on the 6k Couldabeens commute (a warm up turning into a worn out). Temple called a conference on start time alterations, all happy with an earlier Thursday launch. I berthed in a perfect pozzy (first turn at the front coming at Channel Rd's end) while Wozz winced being the thin meat in the Pistol/Rocket sandwich of speed. Rudy and Pistol opened proceedings but Rudy relinquished the role requiring respiratory restitution half way into leg one, Wozza stepping up to the plate of pace for the remainder and leg two. My last leg of Channel was timed neatly to be shielded from the Boundary southerly. Temple and Trav put in great shifts, my delight to share the driving with Nick in River Rd, respectfully levelling wheels to millimetre precision. Nearing Laws Drive a few fallen twigs were bounced off wheels distracting Rudy, failing to see the two metre branch recumbant in his path. Successfully skiddled (but nerves rattled) an ease of tempo re collected the fragmented bunch. Rocket way overqualified to lead, took us indian filed to Mitchell Rd. Doing justice to Wozza's and Pistols calibre emptied my tank from Archer to the highway, the pause for traffic heavensent for my cardiac recovery. Underway in Raftery (but minus Temple and WhisperingJack on an Archer exit) I got just enough composure time before the ubiquitous turn at the pointy end out of Conrods dipper. I was flogging a dead horse with 200 metres remaining, mercy finally arrived with Rocket's Cosmics howling past, Pistol and Rudy thrashing out second pickings in that order.
Anticipation was eager to tap out a quiet lap Thursday, breaking in Beejoy to the joys (and besets) of life aboard two wheels. A breeze behind in Old Dookie Rd made progress easy but the price to pay on the return was to dull the excitement. Suprised to have Tommygun draw alongside for a brief chat, a chance for congrats on his 3rd in age group for the recent half Triathlon. Over Boundary Rd and toward the toaster we crossed paths with the library lads cresting the bridge, north to the Emu feeling the breeze swing to a WSW urged some preparation for the effort to come. Overenthusiasm drove Beejoys brief blast into the 30's in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd but it busted the boiler quickly, metering out a steady pace a difficult thing to master for someone with just 8 rides done. Time and determination will teach. Back to civilisation he was well spent, but the enthusiasm and sense of achievement shone through, a memory revisited from earlier days again.
A Tour de Tassie culled the Goat population at Fridays Friars grid, Coggo, Dipper, Belly, Phil, Deb, Sandy and Bickers the only starters. Away at six bells and eastward, Tina's timing to tack-on (taking the teams tally to 9)twas truely tactical as the easterly wind whittled away the contenders to six drivers. There was less attrition southbound in Boundary but the effort was taxing enough to call a single filed assault in River Rd. Coggo put in ten tenths at the front, my turn was up again to drive to the channel bridge, thankful that Rudy's timber yard had been cleared from yesterday. Cramp claimed Deb in the Mitchell Rd accelleration, Bickers and Sandy joining her to take the abridged route via Archer. Handed the reigns at that intersection, I'd mentally primed to put in a long haul (grateful to have a brief intermission for traffic at the highway) down to the little bridge and round Roubaix corner I was trawling the depths of mental motivation by the horse stud, handing over to Belly, then sinking all into catching Coggo's wheel at the back. The leadership changed five times in a minute (and you thought the Labour Party had problems!), Coggo back in the hot seat for Conrod straight, but the noddies took hold with 300 metres remaining, reluctantly I took the candy from the baby, finishing a pacy lap.
Week 7 272km YTD 1,788 km
Almost pulled the pin at 35 degrees Tuesday evening but regret would weigh heavily if i'd sucummed to the couch of sloth. A slow roll to the library found Coggo, Oz, Robbo, Dion, SpecialisedTony, Hamish and others prepared to tap a toasty toaster lap. It was pleasing to share the front with Coggo and start a sensible tap, MeridaAndy fronted for the Boulevard entree, an easterly swinging east northeast to make the lungs work toward the Emu. Well outmatched beside Hamish's special Specialised (NZ team colours) and Roval wheels, the young engine did Wanganui Rd with ease while I wheezed. We collected Carl and Pottsy then the MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Steevo and Hilly in Ford Rd, Birchy almost unrecognisable behind the Chuck Norris whiskers. Robbo aboard a demo Corsa, Coggo craving k's for a three peaks assault, Dion's creaky seat cured (with Robbo's allenkey assistance) and Pottsy had a quiver of questions. Easier going to the Toaster (Axel aboard) and on to Boundary Rd, Coggo & I drew the short straw of the swing to a southeaster for the bridges to River Road leg, catching a cruising Bo & Kel. Six kilometers of River Rd cruised in 9:48, speed kept to sensible in Mitchell Rd too, but fast was forecast seeing the drivers line up to take on Raftery. I'd retreated to the left line as we crossed the highway, almost on cue as the hurry up hit. Hamish, Trent, Steve, Robbo and Dion wound up the heart rates as the survivors single filed, Oz struggled with mechanical devils, MeridaAndy struck with a stitch ushered me past, my legs refusing to give more than 50 to stay in touch with the dozen ahead. A relaxed roll through town as the temperature tapered suitably settled the nerves.
A knee knock needed nursing in the opening kilometres of Wednesday morning, best to go gently on ageing limbs until up to operating temperatures (as if a tropical 20 degrees wasn't enough!) A single line of chary chaps had assembled at Kialla Lakes, maybe shying from the early shift of legs one and two? I took the role under a little sufference as seven more arrived with better timing than I, at least my pairing would be a considerate one beside Choppy. Johnnie and two mates were caught (and subsequently stayed aboard) at leg one's end, matching Rudy at the front to Mitchell skyrocketting my heart rate. Rocket, Jase, Shane and BigMat were absent, defecting to the Genesis side for a try out. It was punishment on the posterior hitting the Mitchell Rd rut dead centre after months of avoidance, up to River Rd with Whispering Jack and Pistol cracking the whip. Jase was found rising from the dip, seems Rocket was the sole survivor of the Giro de Genesis. There was a full changing of the guard in River Rd's length, Rudy assuming the role of pace setter (a wheel ahead) for Boundary Rd, Whispering Jack meeting his match (Pistol) for the grind to Channel Rd. The tarmac blurred under the wheels of progress to the ChaCha, an oncoming car interrupting the sprint but still managed 54 clicks. Northerners and southerners parted company at Channel Roads end, my prediction on Strava starvation coming true with trophies thinning (Cougar still scoring Q.O.M's though)
A cooler 17 degrees Thursday, plenty of southerly to grizzle about with Wozza on the 6k Couldabeens commute (a warm up turning into a worn out). Temple called a conference on start time alterations, all happy with an earlier Thursday launch. I berthed in a perfect pozzy (first turn at the front coming at Channel Rd's end) while Wozz winced being the thin meat in the Pistol/Rocket sandwich of speed. Rudy and Pistol opened proceedings but Rudy relinquished the role requiring respiratory restitution half way into leg one, Wozza stepping up to the plate of pace for the remainder and leg two. My last leg of Channel was timed neatly to be shielded from the Boundary southerly. Temple and Trav put in great shifts, my delight to share the driving with Nick in River Rd, respectfully levelling wheels to millimetre precision. Nearing Laws Drive a few fallen twigs were bounced off wheels distracting Rudy, failing to see the two metre branch recumbant in his path. Successfully skiddled (but nerves rattled) an ease of tempo re collected the fragmented bunch. Rocket way overqualified to lead, took us indian filed to Mitchell Rd. Doing justice to Wozza's and Pistols calibre emptied my tank from Archer to the highway, the pause for traffic heavensent for my cardiac recovery. Underway in Raftery (but minus Temple and WhisperingJack on an Archer exit) I got just enough composure time before the ubiquitous turn at the pointy end out of Conrods dipper. I was flogging a dead horse with 200 metres remaining, mercy finally arrived with Rocket's Cosmics howling past, Pistol and Rudy thrashing out second pickings in that order.
Anticipation was eager to tap out a quiet lap Thursday, breaking in Beejoy to the joys (and besets) of life aboard two wheels. A breeze behind in Old Dookie Rd made progress easy but the price to pay on the return was to dull the excitement. Suprised to have Tommygun draw alongside for a brief chat, a chance for congrats on his 3rd in age group for the recent half Triathlon. Over Boundary Rd and toward the toaster we crossed paths with the library lads cresting the bridge, north to the Emu feeling the breeze swing to a WSW urged some preparation for the effort to come. Overenthusiasm drove Beejoys brief blast into the 30's in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd but it busted the boiler quickly, metering out a steady pace a difficult thing to master for someone with just 8 rides done. Time and determination will teach. Back to civilisation he was well spent, but the enthusiasm and sense of achievement shone through, a memory revisited from earlier days again.
A Tour de Tassie culled the Goat population at Fridays Friars grid, Coggo, Dipper, Belly, Phil, Deb, Sandy and Bickers the only starters. Away at six bells and eastward, Tina's timing to tack-on (taking the teams tally to 9)twas truely tactical as the easterly wind whittled away the contenders to six drivers. There was less attrition southbound in Boundary but the effort was taxing enough to call a single filed assault in River Rd. Coggo put in ten tenths at the front, my turn was up again to drive to the channel bridge, thankful that Rudy's timber yard had been cleared from yesterday. Cramp claimed Deb in the Mitchell Rd accelleration, Bickers and Sandy joining her to take the abridged route via Archer. Handed the reigns at that intersection, I'd mentally primed to put in a long haul (grateful to have a brief intermission for traffic at the highway) down to the little bridge and round Roubaix corner I was trawling the depths of mental motivation by the horse stud, handing over to Belly, then sinking all into catching Coggo's wheel at the back. The leadership changed five times in a minute (and you thought the Labour Party had problems!), Coggo back in the hot seat for Conrod straight, but the noddies took hold with 300 metres remaining, reluctantly I took the candy from the baby, finishing a pacy lap.
Week 7 272km YTD 1,788 km
Monday, February 9, 2015
Week 6 Pondering history and alarms alas
The possible return of BigMat occupied grid discussion Saturday morning, but of course an attack of acedia, disinclination, slothfulness and apathy had yet again struck to make him absent. PistolPete, Cougar, Rocket, Shorty, Wozza, Tucks, Rudy, Temple, Jen, Nick, AvantiTrev, Jase and AvantiChris were at least motivated and enthused to set forth in Channel Rd, Cougar driving the first leg admirably. AvantiTrev with recovered wrist now needs legs and lungs back to form, but there's no such problem for the usual engines Rocket and Pete. A puncture halted proceedings in Boundary Rd, many congregating to sledge Rudy's tyre & tube skills and C02 struggle (to his credit the new tube held). A respectable speed out to the toaster witnessed another postcard sunrise, the southerly helping our tour to the Emu. FeltMat was found oncoming in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (something about an eyelid malfunction when the snooze button was activated) soon after the Cat carnival coursed east. The SSW breeze kept a few away from serving time at the front, plenty of capable drivers kept us on schedule though. Eagerness into Wanganui Rd split the bunch at DECA but all were reaquainted on the Rudd Rd recovery after the dash for honours on the hill. Rocket's hashtag win to spend time with MrEvans and co, BigMat sledging and jockey wheel joviality occupied the Lemontree chat. A welcome visit from Irongirls Kylie and Weapon, Genesis berthing at the next table to view Nev's MTB battlescars.
Put in a solo spin on Monday, nothing quite like a stiff southerly to start the day (and squash the self assurance), out Knight St and onto Old Dookie Rd, Cats yet to assemble at 5.45. Many memories of this circuit surfaced on the trek east, big P&W bunches ('08-09), flyblown puncture repairs ('14), the first lap on the BM ('04), the big '51 stack (7/6/13), Jamies aerial aerobatics ('13).....ages me thinking about it. Nearing the end of Old Dookie Rd, Vince and the big guns were westbound in search of feline prey, my effort south on Boundary Rd was hampered by 28km/h gusts, chain on the 17 to maintain some forward motion. Pistol Pete was seen lapping up the tailwind northbound at the bridges, my head lowering in a vein attempt to keep 32 clicks on the Garmin southward. Relief in River Rd, but kept the heart rate ticking over at 160, the puncture-delayed Breakaway quadrella crested the channel bridge east as I developed a minor case of feline flinch, the steadily increasing glance back predicting a pussycat peleton tsunami. Glad the breeze had backed off to 18km/h for Central Kialla and somewhat optomistic in Mitchell Rd with no l.e.d. armada in sight behind, cadence continued to the highway, blessed by a traffic free crossing. Restitution out of Roubaix with the breeze behind, the legs found a little more to add to the cruising speed, crossing the Conrod finish as the Cats dipped into the dipper.
Like a fly up the nostril, wind really annoyed the 6k commute to the Couldabeens start line Tuesday morning. The long awaited (twenty) second coming of BigMat brought nearly all Couldabeens out to witness (ironic that WhisperingJack was absent). I drew the short straw on speed paired with Chris A but a sudden peak in traffic halted our Channel Rd entry. The account opened on pace, a string of big guns line astern guaranteed some huff and puff. Another wait for traffic at Doyles Rd, the long train (15) stretched on corners and intersections. PistolPete arrived from the south as we turned into Boundary Rd, plenty of happy chaps at the rear of the bunch sheltered from the wind (SSE @ 15 km/h), Mark marked by Rocket at the front for the procession south. River Road's velocity soon caught a cruising Bo & Kel (using PistolPete's alarm clock?), squeezing past with oncoming cars and bikes. My second turn at the front with Chris A (Captain Considerate) was manageable following a short shift with Shorty. BigMat attacked in Central Kialla but the message of four dislodged from the back failed to reach the drivers (yet more traffic at the highway allowed the rear gunners to eventually reform). Nudging the mid 40's at the horse stud put a mental load on surviving two more kays at that rate, Chris A, Rocket, Bo,Shane and Pistol slowly marching away from the majority, now single filed into survival on Conrod straight. Nick's elbow was working overtime for a successor to tow the remaining as a big gap opened ahead, racked with remorse I took the towing task for the last 600, suprised to reel in Pistol (no ammunition left) at the last dip. A ten second slow at the bridge allowed the tail end troopers to gather, forming a team tour through town to rekindle unity.
Chose a tough position on Wednesdays Kialla grid, beside Pistol with 22-39km/h of SSE to battle in leg 2 of Archer Rd (Pistol perhaps worn at the edges by Rocket on leg one my only salvation). Shane made sure I kept speechless in Mitchell Rd as us ten toured east, then it was hoist the mainsails for a blast north to River Rd with the wind providing plenty of push. I'd hoped to miss a call of duty in River Rd but the roll overs quickened to put me at the front with Pete for the last k. Shane pumped up the pace in Boundary in his standard position (a bike ahead), small bumps jarring my wrists and rear end in the mid fourties (how was it on carbon comfort?). A nice steady screw of the wick in Channel Rd kept us well ahead of the agenda, scoring a magic spot at the back of the pack as we cranked into the Cha Cha, Rocket and Pistol as the perfect tow. Crossing Prentice Road I couldn't match the 50+ Rocket Rumba or Shanes late launch (but rounding up PistolPete was a rare enlargement for the ego). Back into town, a new strip of hot mix in Railway parade inspired an attack on the Shepp High sprint, a luscious lead out from Wozza gave me an equal time to Nev (51.3 average) for another pump to the pride. Might need a bigger helmet?
It was super smooth street tucked in behind Comet, bit like drafting a matchstick but her 80mm carbonaria soundtrack hummed happily east on Old Dookie with the Goats Thursday morning. Twenty two heads counted once JB and Tina jumped aboard at Dobsons estate, 39 clicks on the upside and 37 on the downside propelled the peleton toward Boundary Rd. Hommy boot scooted across Central Ave with a cleat malfunction, Tum clearly chuffed with the velocity of the new Felt, all with a donation to rotation kept the kettle on the boil. I had Heady ahead, no dread, enough said, thankfully Mr Magnet was a safe distance away. There was no protest about the breeze in the face southbound on Boundary, my steady idle in River Rd (138 bpm 41 km/h @ 65 rpm) was testament to smooth turns. The habitual ease on "wait for Dave" corner gave most a breather, but muscular motivation magnified on Mitchell as Kate was unceremoniously hung out to dry by Mr Magnet cresting Mt Nicolaci. A truck without headlights caused a moment at the highway, but all were back to winding up the watts for Roubaix, finding Snowman hitching a ride. It was cooking calves nicely by the horse stud, we passed Deb (Bazza's tardiness forcing a shortcut) as I pondered peleton position pertaining to possible podium placement. Boxed in and 8 wheels back with 600 metres of Conrod left hampered hopes, but a sliver of salvation came with Coggo leaving a little real estate in the up lane. Position, position, position they say, so signalled out and jumped on board as Tum wound up the Felt touching 50, pouncing a perfect slingshot to shoot by and claim the chocolates.
A baptism for Beejoy Thursday night, a quiet 30k roll with the apprentice learning the ropes aboard Trav's old faithful. Takes me back to the early days when there was much to learn (grasshopper), keen to show a brief turn of speed (but a rapid retirement of lungs), at least he can hold a straighter line than some with years of experience. The sense of achievement, the excitement of self propulsion, sights and sounds (missed in a car) now discovered, a new found freedom and a playground for the mind to wander, all things we soon forget or lose focus on down the path of time. Nice to enjoy that again albeit from a different perspective, a quiet lap within zones one and two literally a rare breath of fresh air.
Whats App drew Coggo, Snow, Skinner, Sandy, Hommy and Belly together at Friars on Friday morning. Getting rotationally organised out Old Dookie Rd and syncronising a perfect passage through Doyles roundabout was halted by a Hommy whistle, punctured. It was stand-up comedy when his unco-operative C02 pump was flung in frustration into the weeds, but calm was restored to repair, underway a few minutes later and keen to get the agenda back on track. Sandy then Skinner retreated to the rear, Coggo hit the N0s nearing School Rd, with Belly minus the horsepower to match (I donated the big fella a tow to Boundary in the interest of team survival). A call for single file put me first in line to face the southeaster, Snow taking a Channel Rd exit for a promised breakfast date left just six to slog out the circuit. Skinner re-appeared to put in a good turn to the bridges, my number up again to redline to River Rd. All six contributed to a good speed to Central Kialla but the edges were getting a bit worn at Mitchell's end. Timing again put me at the helm for Conrod straight, burning all my biscuits with 500 to go handed Coggo the finish line, Hommy brashly challenging on the undertaking side.
Week 6 299km YTD 1,516 km
Put in a solo spin on Monday, nothing quite like a stiff southerly to start the day (and squash the self assurance), out Knight St and onto Old Dookie Rd, Cats yet to assemble at 5.45. Many memories of this circuit surfaced on the trek east, big P&W bunches ('08-09), flyblown puncture repairs ('14), the first lap on the BM ('04), the big '51 stack (7/6/13), Jamies aerial aerobatics ('13).....ages me thinking about it. Nearing the end of Old Dookie Rd, Vince and the big guns were westbound in search of feline prey, my effort south on Boundary Rd was hampered by 28km/h gusts, chain on the 17 to maintain some forward motion. Pistol Pete was seen lapping up the tailwind northbound at the bridges, my head lowering in a vein attempt to keep 32 clicks on the Garmin southward. Relief in River Rd, but kept the heart rate ticking over at 160, the puncture-delayed Breakaway quadrella crested the channel bridge east as I developed a minor case of feline flinch, the steadily increasing glance back predicting a pussycat peleton tsunami. Glad the breeze had backed off to 18km/h for Central Kialla and somewhat optomistic in Mitchell Rd with no l.e.d. armada in sight behind, cadence continued to the highway, blessed by a traffic free crossing. Restitution out of Roubaix with the breeze behind, the legs found a little more to add to the cruising speed, crossing the Conrod finish as the Cats dipped into the dipper.
Like a fly up the nostril, wind really annoyed the 6k commute to the Couldabeens start line Tuesday morning. The long awaited (twenty) second coming of BigMat brought nearly all Couldabeens out to witness (ironic that WhisperingJack was absent). I drew the short straw on speed paired with Chris A but a sudden peak in traffic halted our Channel Rd entry. The account opened on pace, a string of big guns line astern guaranteed some huff and puff. Another wait for traffic at Doyles Rd, the long train (15) stretched on corners and intersections. PistolPete arrived from the south as we turned into Boundary Rd, plenty of happy chaps at the rear of the bunch sheltered from the wind (SSE @ 15 km/h), Mark marked by Rocket at the front for the procession south. River Road's velocity soon caught a cruising Bo & Kel (using PistolPete's alarm clock?), squeezing past with oncoming cars and bikes. My second turn at the front with Chris A (Captain Considerate) was manageable following a short shift with Shorty. BigMat attacked in Central Kialla but the message of four dislodged from the back failed to reach the drivers (yet more traffic at the highway allowed the rear gunners to eventually reform). Nudging the mid 40's at the horse stud put a mental load on surviving two more kays at that rate, Chris A, Rocket, Bo,Shane and Pistol slowly marching away from the majority, now single filed into survival on Conrod straight. Nick's elbow was working overtime for a successor to tow the remaining as a big gap opened ahead, racked with remorse I took the towing task for the last 600, suprised to reel in Pistol (no ammunition left) at the last dip. A ten second slow at the bridge allowed the tail end troopers to gather, forming a team tour through town to rekindle unity.
Chose a tough position on Wednesdays Kialla grid, beside Pistol with 22-39km/h of SSE to battle in leg 2 of Archer Rd (Pistol perhaps worn at the edges by Rocket on leg one my only salvation). Shane made sure I kept speechless in Mitchell Rd as us ten toured east, then it was hoist the mainsails for a blast north to River Rd with the wind providing plenty of push. I'd hoped to miss a call of duty in River Rd but the roll overs quickened to put me at the front with Pete for the last k. Shane pumped up the pace in Boundary in his standard position (a bike ahead), small bumps jarring my wrists and rear end in the mid fourties (how was it on carbon comfort?). A nice steady screw of the wick in Channel Rd kept us well ahead of the agenda, scoring a magic spot at the back of the pack as we cranked into the Cha Cha, Rocket and Pistol as the perfect tow. Crossing Prentice Road I couldn't match the 50+ Rocket Rumba or Shanes late launch (but rounding up PistolPete was a rare enlargement for the ego). Back into town, a new strip of hot mix in Railway parade inspired an attack on the Shepp High sprint, a luscious lead out from Wozza gave me an equal time to Nev (51.3 average) for another pump to the pride. Might need a bigger helmet?
It was super smooth street tucked in behind Comet, bit like drafting a matchstick but her 80mm carbonaria soundtrack hummed happily east on Old Dookie with the Goats Thursday morning. Twenty two heads counted once JB and Tina jumped aboard at Dobsons estate, 39 clicks on the upside and 37 on the downside propelled the peleton toward Boundary Rd. Hommy boot scooted across Central Ave with a cleat malfunction, Tum clearly chuffed with the velocity of the new Felt, all with a donation to rotation kept the kettle on the boil. I had Heady ahead, no dread, enough said, thankfully Mr Magnet was a safe distance away. There was no protest about the breeze in the face southbound on Boundary, my steady idle in River Rd (138 bpm 41 km/h @ 65 rpm) was testament to smooth turns. The habitual ease on "wait for Dave" corner gave most a breather, but muscular motivation magnified on Mitchell as Kate was unceremoniously hung out to dry by Mr Magnet cresting Mt Nicolaci. A truck without headlights caused a moment at the highway, but all were back to winding up the watts for Roubaix, finding Snowman hitching a ride. It was cooking calves nicely by the horse stud, we passed Deb (Bazza's tardiness forcing a shortcut) as I pondered peleton position pertaining to possible podium placement. Boxed in and 8 wheels back with 600 metres of Conrod left hampered hopes, but a sliver of salvation came with Coggo leaving a little real estate in the up lane. Position, position, position they say, so signalled out and jumped on board as Tum wound up the Felt touching 50, pouncing a perfect slingshot to shoot by and claim the chocolates.
A baptism for Beejoy Thursday night, a quiet 30k roll with the apprentice learning the ropes aboard Trav's old faithful. Takes me back to the early days when there was much to learn (grasshopper), keen to show a brief turn of speed (but a rapid retirement of lungs), at least he can hold a straighter line than some with years of experience. The sense of achievement, the excitement of self propulsion, sights and sounds (missed in a car) now discovered, a new found freedom and a playground for the mind to wander, all things we soon forget or lose focus on down the path of time. Nice to enjoy that again albeit from a different perspective, a quiet lap within zones one and two literally a rare breath of fresh air.
Whats App drew Coggo, Snow, Skinner, Sandy, Hommy and Belly together at Friars on Friday morning. Getting rotationally organised out Old Dookie Rd and syncronising a perfect passage through Doyles roundabout was halted by a Hommy whistle, punctured. It was stand-up comedy when his unco-operative C02 pump was flung in frustration into the weeds, but calm was restored to repair, underway a few minutes later and keen to get the agenda back on track. Sandy then Skinner retreated to the rear, Coggo hit the N0s nearing School Rd, with Belly minus the horsepower to match (I donated the big fella a tow to Boundary in the interest of team survival). A call for single file put me first in line to face the southeaster, Snow taking a Channel Rd exit for a promised breakfast date left just six to slog out the circuit. Skinner re-appeared to put in a good turn to the bridges, my number up again to redline to River Rd. All six contributed to a good speed to Central Kialla but the edges were getting a bit worn at Mitchell's end. Timing again put me at the helm for Conrod straight, burning all my biscuits with 500 to go handed Coggo the finish line, Hommy brashly challenging on the undertaking side.
Week 6 299km YTD 1,516 km
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