Week 17 Chocolate flavoured handlebar tape

Post 342

Insulation is the April quandary, how many layers....that is the question!  Early laps have become habitually entrenched, Wozz and I setting Saturday's sails East on New Dookie Rd in a break of tradition, the 18-28 km/h southerly refrigerating the muscles as the celcius struggled to reach double figures.   80 rpm warmed up the adductor longus on the 11k path to Pine Lodge church, Old Dookie's piggery nasally detectable on New Dookie.  The breeze made its presence felt as we spun south to the Toaster, the piggery's pungency powerful working west back to Boundary Rd.  Frowning south again toward Channel Rd questioned the effort of reaching 32 clicks vs Friday's 38 into a stronger wind, somedays swift, somedays a snail!  Channel Rd's shelter finished 30 k's of prologue, Archer Rd's carpark slowly but surely filling with peleton pilgrims Bo, PistolPete, Rocket, Nick, Shorty, BigRon, Kel, Ric, KillkennyPaul, Cougar, Jase, AvantiTrev, Mel (-Car), TatPaul, Cate, Nev and Bruce, a good roll up considering the holiday long weekend.  Wozz and I were handed the first shift to Doyles Rd, easy on the throttle to keep critics calm, Trav joining in from a prior prologue.  A progressive social update as rotation unwound me anti-clockwise through a game of musical (muse-ical?) conversation, noticing the contrast of Trav's Antarctic kit to Mel's short knicks, temperature is a personal thing. (I concur with the Bo theory; save the wooly stuff for July's icy bite)  I'd got all the way back to the caboose on the turn at the toaster, subtle pre dawn light giving us our bearings and inspiration for the day ahead.  Finally had my second turn at the front when westward crossing Boundary Rd, Wozza a fast but fair ally (but left me breathless by the bridge). Made my introductions to TatPaul, new to the crew and taken by my Cosmic chorale through a titanium amplifier. Arriving early at the front at the DECA test track left me little choice but to empty the jellybean jar, no hope with Rocket, Nev and the heavy artillery breathing down my neck, so I put a little work on their agenda.  Well out of steam short of Kittles Rd, the serious sprinters shot by, quickly demoted to the last half dozen by Rudd Rd.  The majority had continued on ahead, so I collected the deposed to collectively commute to the Lemontree, bureaucracy, legal eagles and the vegan/veggie view occupied chat, Fisky and GazzaGrasshopper the late arrivals (sleep-ins?) 

A solemn start to Monday at the Anzac dawn service, a slim attendance of just Shorty, Rocket and Wozz to tear up a Toaster lap after the ceremony. The temperature gauge had dropped to 6, a Cat collective (Keeno, Brendan, Kelvin etc) was casually crawling toward the golf course so we passed, a standard to be maintained if face was to be saved. We'd opened a good gap as we crossed Numurkah Rd, Shorty shortening shifts as I told myself to stop sooking, the easterly breeze making toil of the 14k to the Emu.  Effort was no easier in Old Dookie Rd but the speed increased with the breeze behind us, my old engine complaining bearing south to the Pub, the Rocket standard difficult to measure up to. Shorty retired from turns as two ahead turned from Channel Rd on our course, the chase bait set as our foursome turned single in file. Wozz and Rocket propelled the pace while I relished the respite (almost finding a second wind), my next turn came at River Rd's dip but watts wained a k later. I didn't really want to see Wozza's elbow again, but flick it did at Archer, the drive up Dave's Dip (a salute to BassoDave and his epic recovery, formerly referred as Mt.Nicolaci) and on to the highway felt like I'd arrived at death's door. Wozz and Rocket swapped turns over and over in Raftery Rd while Shorty and I gnawed the handlebar tape in an effort to stay aboard, what a relief to cross the finish line and mentally scroll through the Lemontree menu as a trophy. The invention of chocolate flavoured bar tape or truffle infused concrete gels was mused on the recovery through the streets, a lazy sit in the sunshine with coffee and banana toast the perfect punctuation. 

Almost invigorated Tuesday morning despite another six degree start, maybe Monday's thrash did some gluteal good?  As first arrivals, Wozz and I would pay the tax of first (and longest) turn to Doyles yet again, Hollywood's umpteenth comeback scored the golden grid position of second wheel in the left line.   Kenworth, Chops, Trav, Rocket, PistolPete, Nick, AvantiTrev and KillkennyPaul filled the ranks to spear east into the chill, I made it to Doyles almost spent but with just enough loose change to catch the draft. It was a solid speed to Channel's end, facing the front again with Nick to the Boundary bridges then Rocket to One Tree dam, Hollywood and AvantiTrev now in hiding.  A psychological easterly (bureau site said calm) helped in River Rd, another effort at the front at Laws drive, the noise of a possum with whooping cough was actually me in respiratory recovery! KillkennyPaul had one last dip, Nick then Trav then Kenworth going under cover in the caboose by Archer Rd.   I summoned up one last (and short) turn at Galbraith's gate then tucked in for the tow home, Rocket, Pistol, Chops and Wozza donating the dream draft.  Choppy was losing grip in the last 150 metres, Rocket receded, PistolPetered out, Wozz whipping up a win. 

Tapped a ye olde Cat lap (OldDookie-Boundary-Channel) to satisfy the k craving (maybe to be denied a  lap on Fridays forecast?) on Wednesday, a stiff northeaster belting a bit of reality into me.  The turn at Wozza's corner into Channel Rd serene, the sound of Michelin's music on tarmac and the whirr of the chain was only disturbed by Darth Vader's bark. A quiet spin back to town found a crowd gathering for the Wednesday waltz,  PistolPete, Rocket, Jen, Hollywood, WhisperingJack, Trav, Nick, Cate, Car+Mel, Rick, Chops, Jase, Jen, Hoges, Kel, Bo, GazzaGrasshopper, Cougar, Hashbrown, Bruce, AvantiTrev and Lucy made a record attendance.  I had no qualms in heading to the front early in Archer Rd, a tailwind to lap up before the long slog into the wind to Channel Rd. Jase took the helm to Kialla Lakes, I paired with him to the Sanctuary roundabout and with Rocket to the truck route. Advice on a few going OTA was received turning into Mitchell, the calm for collection suited GazzaGrasshopper and Hashbrown's short shift. It was a ramshackle ride for a few k's till speed and position got sorted, Hoges needing echelon education to get the draft, several behind him in disarray, the rubber band effect taxing several in the rear seats. It was noticeably smoother toward the front of the pack in Boundary Rd, a gentle squirt of the accelerator in Channel relishing the wind blowing behind.  From the S bend with Nick and to the Kinder with Rocket worked me over, noticed several missing on the peek back as Prentice Rd loomed close. Many shot past in search of Cha Cha glory as I sat out the sprint, a headcount identifying half a dozen had gone awol (Cate punctured it seems, at least there were supporters and pit crew)

Rolled north to the golf course before sparrows flatulence on Thursday, an urge to clock k's was too hard to resist.  The promise of a cruise to self was quickly broken with a l.e.d. ahead temptation in Wanganui Rd, a not-so-fast Eddy passed near the 51 grid.  The perception of peeps pursuing picked up the personal pace along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd but there was only blackness left behind beyond Boundary.  South at the Emu and west at the Toaster, a NNE'er put me in holiday mode west back to town, several eastbound soloists advance parties to the pussycats.  I found Goats (Kate, MeridaJohn, Deb, a bewhiskered Joe, Belly, Tina, Dipper, Coggo, Speissy, Tum, PrincipalSkinner and visitor HorshamDave) exiting suburbia. A gap had opened at Dobson's bridge, HorshamDave had dropped the Dogma chain (another argument against changing gears!) but Coggo's kindness had assisted a rapid fix and rejoin. All were back into the rotational groove by School Rd (girls bedazzled by Belly's butt), the workload easier in Boundary, Dipper taking an early exit on Channel Rd as work beckoned.  A regular River Rd rhythm covered ground as Kate, Tina, Speissy, Deb, PrincipalSkinner and even Tum formed the carriages behind, Belly wanting prunes to keep MeridaJohn's rate regular.  Five swapped turns through Central Kialla and on to Mitchell, MeridaJohn bolting from Dave's Dip gapping the pack, most happy to have him hanging dry to let nature (and the inevitable kaboom) take its course. There was just Coggo, HorshamDave, MeridaJohn and I going round in circles beyond Arcadia Downs, with 400 left of Conrod straight the three had tucked in for a free ride so I applied a bit of drive.  A sneak peek back with 200 left found a gap opening behind, so all stops out to Steptoes.   

Soaked up the serenity of a sleep-in till 5, a tranquil breakfast and lazy kit-up for the (uncharacteristic) 

Friday peace train, summer attire (for autumn's last hurrah?) at 19 degrees, my monthly Strava distance challenge just within reach in the dying days of April.   Heady, MeridaJohn, Belly, Phil and Deb formed at Friars, the north northeaster (15-26 km/h) frightening fellows from the front in Old Dookie, twas Foss to tow the troupe to Boundary Rd.  The h.r. dropped to a 120 idle bearing south, suddenly Heady, Belly, MeridaJohn and Phil were keen to captain the front with wind blowing up the Khyber, Deb  happy to captain the caboose. The peace pace picked up in River Rd, smooth as a Hollywood head on the westward way home. A time drought forced me to an early exit at Rivers' end, a pacy escape via the truck route and Archer to home.  A slow Mondeo donated an initial tow into Kialla Lakes drive, inspiring a dip at the TT segment, the week polished with a second overall (don't stress Wozz, your KOM's safe!)

Week 17.   334km.           YTD  5241km

Week 16 The battle of bike vs bed

Post 341

The obsession of ticking a years worth of Strava monthly distance and Grand Fondo boxes motivated a long lap Saturday morning, a quiet 5:10 start on the golf course loop eased into the distance.  An oncoming light at the top of Rudd Rd u-turned to follow, was I being pursued by the StravaStalker? Resisting a peek back, it was relief when Jase drew alongside at DECA, a chatty tap ensued to Lemnos North Rd, south to New Dookie and back to town.  Jase diverted to the Couldabeens crew, my rendezvous with Tum and Kate for a Toaster loop (minus the golf course leg).  It was almost nirvana starting on Verney Rd's super smooth stretch with a tail breeze, a steady clockwise lap allowed a Tum & Kate 101, chat was now possible away from the weekday brief moments of rolling bunch turns. Scotland, road wildlife, breweries and Groodles occupied the circuit, bunches in varying sizes gradually appearing on anti clockwise missions.  Rolling back into town was timed to perfection, bidding adieu to the homeward bound Tum & Kate to converge on the Friars Goat grid.  Sandy, PrincipalSkinner, Hommy, HG Phillo, Spartacus, Phil, Heady, Coggo, Belly, LegalAndy (and Muppets Col, PinarelloMatt & Min) were caffeine fuelling their engines for an anti clockwise Toaster, Phil upstaging the grid with a brand new matte blue Giant Propel Advanced.  Rooster Roscoe arrived just as the flag fell, idling south on Melbourne Rd I was fortunate to be in the tow to Mitchell Rd as the rotational roster got sorted.  Pace had warmed to the mid thirties by Mt.Nicolaci, Rooster retiring homeward at Central Kialla.  LegalAndy and HG Phillo had advanced to the front in River Rd, grinding the rotation to a halt and handbraking the pack to 28 clicks, the needle on our frustration meters climbing into the red.  Coggo took the matter by the scruff of the neck, bolting forward to pursue the soloist (MeridaDazza) ahead, other Goats responding in kind with HG Phillo in protest.  The bunch settled into the 36's in Boundary Rd with Coggo 500 metres ahead, PinarelloMatt, Min and HG Phillo escaping left to town, the remainder routing right to the Toaster reeling in another soloist (Luke) at the main eastern channel.  My legs were protesting on distance distress as 100 clicks clocked over, Hommy's hit-out beside me to the church wearing a bit thin.  The packs' unspoken chase protocol manifested as swung west at the Emu, with the collective bit between our teeth the bunch stretched and narrowed to Indian file in the mid fourties.  I was millimetres off my limit with a turn at the front, impressed at the Spartacus speed, Phil's grin experiencing the carbon wheel speed euphoria worth photographing.  Catching Coggo and MeridaDazza the speed settled to sensible, just one more go left in my legs before taking rear retirement.  Hommy, Principal Skinner and Sandy had already occupyied the rear carriages, Heady and Luke added as the sultans of speed cranked up Mt.Wanganui.  Calm descended in Rudd Rd steering our appetites to Mandy's, pleasing to cap off 128 k's  with breakfast (part two)

I took the soft option of a 40k solo on Monday, setting sail on the Cat track but timed to roll out behind them. No heed paid to the solitary red led ahead, that sense of freedom and escape from life's annoyances aboard and propelling two wheels was contentment, no pressure to perform, the Cosmic chorus on the tarmac my morning's melody.  The optimist inside swore I'd made ground on the bike ahead as I turned into River Rd, how soon a cruise turns to chase as the competitive senses are awoken!  Six k's west to Central Kialla and closing the gap on landmarks passed drew me to a recognition distance, twas Minno caught at the Kialla Hall.  A sociable k or two spent musing the weathers influence on the battle of bike vs bed, but Archer and the clock beckoned my direction home to appease the boss. 

A Rocket chaperone for Wozz and I to Tuesday's Couldabeens, high cloud blanketing us from the usual chill. A lone WhisperingJack had positioned himself at the grid's rear, Nev, PistolPete, Jase, Nick, Temple, AvantiTrev, Kel, Bo, Chops and 51'sNath arriving to populate positions.  Wozz and Rocket led the Channel Rd charge, a late and unseen ChrisA in hot pursuit 500 metres behind.  Position had fluked my tow to Boundary Rd in the shelter from a light ENE, first turn at the front with Nick to the bridges then a speechless attempt to reach River with Rocket.  Nev and Rocket made it look oh so easy, casually chatting away at the front in the fourties for three kilometres (took that long for me to recover!)  ChrisA came forward with Postol, Bo and Wozz (gilet flapping) to polish off River Rd, Temple, AvantiTrev, WhisperingJack and Kel unseen in the rear rehab ward.  My duty called again beside Nev at Archer Rd, a short shift chosen (to avoid premature detonation), the drive up Mt.Nicolaci took every last jellybean out of my jar, personally pickled and prolapsed reaching Melbourne Rd.   Rocket retired with a bindii'd front tube (urging all onward for Conrod's climax), two rows becoming one beyond Galbraith's gate as Nev turned train driver. Desperately drafting in the thinning ranks of the mortals, I squinted ahead through the blur to see ChrisA and Nev tap dancing a duet to the 80 km/h sign. A rare day off allowed a social Scottish coffee, jocular chat on Nev's split second as young Cats, grumpy Cats and the mayor rolled by. 

A few foreigners had infiltrated Wednesday's Couldabeens congregation (Kel, PistolPete, Jase, BamBam, Rocket, Cate, Temple, Mel (-Car), Bruce, Shorty, Chops, Wozz, Nick, AvantiTrev, Bo, Ralphy, TrekMat, Troy, WhisperingJack), would there be a WobblyTrev incarnation and where was their official invitation? Underway at 6 Jase rolled the train south, again the big engines advanced to maximise motion to Mitchell, others cringing in the caboose. A chatty promotion forward through the ranks with masters of mountains Mel and Cate,  I didn't get a sniff at the pointy end till the last 2k of River Rd.  Shorty shouted a short shift leaving me to match Troy, the ripple strips an eternity away as the heart rate skyrocketed and legs faded. I glued to Troys wheel in Boundary Rd in an effort to recover, a solo tail light ahead drew closer cresting the Broken bridges, TrekPete passed as we rolled west into Channel Rd. Cougar was caught on the crank up to Sellmans, AvantiTrev questioning why he'd advanced forward as the tempo freshened to the fourties nearing the cypress trees.  I'd been hemmed in by Temple and WhisperingJack captaining the caboose, finally released at Kinder corner to join the advance line behind Wozz and Jase.  Perfectly positioned in their wake, I'd just shifted to the 13 cog in the mid fourties as they leapt from their seats at Prentice Rd to stomp to the line.  Just enough juice to jump Jase as his wattage wained, I'd snuck into second spot, but Rocket lighting the afterburners from behind, scorched by to demote me to third.  Anchors away as the Orrvale corner loomed close, heavy breathing to the school before the social sentences were possible on a calm down to town, comments that I needed to submit a blood sample taken as complimentary . 

A light sprinkle as a 5:10 breakfast finished and green circling on the radar made my Thursday mornings choice blissfully bed (several braved what eventuated as a dry track, my rare sleep-in was relished) 

An early idle through the streets Friday, loosening limbs for the locomotive of labour, a stiff south southwester (20-30 km/h) frightening some regular train travellers back under their doonas. I braved the first shift out of town, grateful to the two trucks passing to drag me to Dobson's bridge. Coggo did a shift and a half to the Kalafatis driveway, MeridaJohn a long haul to Boundary.  Manny's hard hit south into the 20-30 k headwind quashed quadriceps (no chance of sunrise gazing with heads down spearing into Friday's half light), Carl towing us to River Rd a little ahead of the Couldabeens corner convergence. A change of tack west against the now southerly was marginally easier, Karnivool's "Scarabs" my mental motivational driving song. (wonder what tunes were in Belly's bedtime bliss?).  All had another thrash and gasp at the front to reach Mt.Nicolaci, Carl dragging us to the highway, an intermission for traffic halting progress. I foot fumbled the clip-in but resumed at the helm to reach Roubaix, a cautionary calm for Princess, Fee, Meags and Kylie to corner (first in, best dressed) then back on the gas for the crank to Arcadia Downs.  Third wheel was my choice sit as we swept into Conrod, Carl's elbow at the 250 metre mark just perfect, but fending off Manny's late charge turned my focus fuzzy at the line, close enough to call it a dead heat (cheeky young sprinter with little respect for his elders!) 

Week 16.    300km.               YTD 5,087km

Week 15: Aero show-ponies and the squealing pig

Post 340

A Melbourne weekend begged bringing the bike, enthused by a spirit of adventure to ride on different soil. The Beach Rd Mecca made Mordialloc the start at 6, only a few bikes out and about northbound, (hassled by headwind?). The slight rise and fall at Beamaris and Black Rock tested this old flatlander to put some bumps on the Garmin graph. It was backside bliss on a billiard table tarmac, gradually populated with ones two's and three's, personally pleased I'd passed plenty, pace possibly preventing being passed. Mentone's charming old Edgy to the right, surfers to the left and the whiff of sea air made for a salubrious Saturday, just one (motor paced) hero hurtled by.   There were glimpses of the city skyline approaching Brighton, thousands of lights reflecting on Port Phillips water as the sun's rise splashed orange against the glass and steel towers certainly beats the darkness of Old Dookie Rd and its parfum du piggery!  By 6:40 it was an invasion of two wheeled warriors grouping in the side streets now north and southbound, I cranked past the Espy and Luna Park and onto Port Melbourne as the flouro femme fashionistas jogged beachside (a dilatingly delectable diversion).  U turning at Station Pier, attention altered to automotive, a parked Aston Martin Vantage, Carrera 4 and R8 soaking up stares. Soul cafe was packed with parked peletons, but I'd made plans for a caffeine fix at the finish, southbound I caught a few groups but passed on by with their speed set on snooze (carpe diem tailwind!). Jumped on the tail of four TT bikes well into the high fourties for a bit, Velominati's rule #19 applying to righteously drop off the back, settling on working with Team Lexus Brighton, a smooth and steady bunch of eight to slice through the suburbs. There was bikes of all shapes, sizes and colours, and their jockeys (from shiny aero showponies to rotund hapless hopefuls), the rise of disc brakes quite evident amongst the usual brands and a few odd ones (a Passoni and a Moots, two titaniums to blend with the Baum).  All good things eventually come to an end, too soon reaching Mordialloc pier for the obligatory coffee fix, bunches galore forming and finishing. Surprised I Strava scored 141 trophies for the 53 k's,  "Cerberus lung buster", "Ooooh Boy!", "Polkadot hill" and "Go Go Juice" just some of the creative segment titles. 

An urge to ruffle the repetition drew me further along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd Monday, out to the Quarry for a change of course, the light WSW a help, the return a hinderance? Early shift laser levelling was underway, a sole light at the telephone exchange and many at Boral's in the distance. The return on New Dookie not as bad as predicted (with the 17 cog in use), 6k's west then left at the church, a brief battle against the SW'er then right at the Toaster. I joined Boundary Rd in the void between quick chicks and felines, crimson and grey over the left shoulder to start the day scenically. I made little impression on the gap to the girls (5 against one ain't fair!) and seemed to be holding station to the felines a couple of k's behind. The breeze had swung SSW by River Rd, so bumped up the velocity, Craig Lotsalumens crawling east with the Couldabeens peace train cruising behind. Thoughts of the Raftery tailwind inspired some tempo in Central Kialla and Mitchell Rd, glancing back now becoming regular as the Cat lights drew slowly closer.  Five red led's ahead grew a little larger in Raftery (pleased I crossed the line as Cats crested Conrod's first dip), a continued pace in town my only way of catching Jen, Mel (-Car), Cate, Jodie and Sue when a traffic light halted their progress.

Another preliminary started Tuesday off on New Dookie, Boundary and Old Dookie, feeling winter's vice on legs and lungs and particularly the scourge of the south-southwester back to town.  A 6am gathering of Goats drew Principal Skinner, Coggo, Spiessy, HG Phillo, Sandy, Heady, Phil, Snow, AvantiAndy, Dipper, AvantiLeigh, Kate, Belly, MeridaJohn and Carl.  Heady's puncture delayed the flagfall five minutes, a tortured tyre heading Heady home harangued.  There was an erratic effort East out of town collecting Tina as we approached the almost deserted Doyles Rd (roundabout roadworks).  Eventually working to the front of the bunch with Phil, we applied some rhythm (and silenced the chat).  Coggo and Carl kept the pot boiling in Boundary Rd, populating the caboose early.  Phil's toasty first turn had turned tepid on the second shift (but still swinging the tail-light in the breeze), Snow's right knee at 10 degrees toe out carbon copied from Hommy's peculiar posture.  The River Rd repertoire rotated rhythmically, no show at the front by HG Phillo, Principal Skinner, Sandy or Kate though.  But time was ticking away, forcing my diversion to a short cut on the truck route and Archer Rd to satisfy the employers whim of my 7:30 start. 

Relegated the engine driver at Wednesday's Couldabeens carpark congregation, I took the carriages (Boof, PistolPete, Mel (-Car), Wozz, Rocket, Cate, SuperMario, Ric, Cougar, Nick, AvantiTrev, Shorty and Chops) gently up to speed (to avoid a wheel squealing) to the bridge, the long drag to Sanctuary Park roundabout beside Wozz had calves cringing. The regular guns of Boof, Rocket, Pistol and co came forward for the early drives while others shuffled in the draft, Troy then Kel & Bo climbing aboard from the advanced cruising positions. The population grew in Mitchell Rd as BigBrad and TrekMat were caught, the change of direction to Kialla Central confirming the rare absence of breeze. Hurt Lockers' early train swept south as we headed toward River Rd, the sky hinting a delayed postcard sunrise as days daylight swiftly shorten.  Speed was turning serious at Channel Rd's cypress trees, talk rare particularly for the front half dozen, fractures already forming at Kinder corner.  Luckily midfield at Prentice Rd when Wozz hit the boost button, I got around several already cooked from the velocity, crawling into second spot superbly satisfactory with Wozz unreachable, sign language was the only communication possible till I'd got my fix of oxygen nearing the school. A convivial cruise to the towns north end with Boof, Mel, Wozz and Cate, the monster orange sun finally climbing out of the horizons bed was worth riding for. 

My 5:43 Thursday grid arrival had forgot the change to a 5:50 flagfall, a casual chat with Wozz as Ric, Hollywood, Ralphy, Troy, KillkennyPaul, Shorty, Trav, PistolPete, Rocket, AvantiTrev, ChrisA and Boof arrived, proving ten degrees hasn't infected attendance.  Another first shift with Wozz tests tenacity, at least 13 others provide a long intermission between efforts.  BigRon made it 14 as we crept around Kinder corner, a regular rhythm east helping my first shift recovery. I'd been made the pickled person in the sandwich between Wozz and Rocket again, at least I scored the billiard table ride of Rivers' second k to attempt the pace.  AvantiTrev had cringed in the caboose, Hollywood venturing forward for short shifts, paying the price of four months in semi bike retirement. An argument inside my skull about another turn at the front was raging at Roubaix, maybe a short one was possible with a large serve of concrete? I'd only just finished a 200 metre donation when two lines became one at Arcadia Downs, ChrisA and Rocket the tyrannic tow trucks of Conrod straight giving Wozz the breath to launch a win at Steptoes. 

Timing a 5:58 arrival at Friars Friday positioned me perfectly at fourth wheel for the Pain Train, a chance to climatise before facing the front suits me.  A swift selection of Goats made their way out of town, Tum then AvantiLeigh then MeridaJohn got the pace party started, though MeridaJohn's short shift threw the usual roll over points out of kilter.  Like the squealing pig charging the electric fence to break into the veggie patch, I faced my first shift, Carl, Manny, Phil, Belly and Coggo the fine follow up, Coggo's extra time in Boundary realigning the roll over locations.  Fighting breakfast reflux at the Broken Bridges in my attempt to catch the trains tail, there was just enough time to drag the heartrate down from 183 to 160 in time for River Rd's swift shift. MeridaJohn's rocking shoulders and Tum's head drop signalled their end of duty, almost primal groans and gasps as shifts finished off the front earned kudos from all about to do the same.  I got MeridaJohn's elbow at Archer Rd to take the helm for the Mt.Nicolaci section, up the ascent almost blowing a gasket.  The last attempt as train driver was from the 650 to 200 markers in Conrod (funny how that extra bit of speed can be found with the end in sight), Carl came forward to ice the cake but Coggo in his draft was the cherry on top at the finish line. Pleased with the 39.2 km/h average, a resuscitation rehab for the remainder of Raftery, then chat through the suburbs finished the bike week.

Week 15    290km.        YTD 4,787km

A big thumbs up to BassoDave, recovering slowly and surely. Hopefully out of the hospital bed soon.

Week 14. The meagre meat in a speed sandwich

Post 339

Rocket, Wozz and Temple were the sole early birds Saturday, colder weather revealing only the dedicated (or is it the delirious?) to do the distance.  Attempting to shake a cold had pegged my performance, hurdling the hurt barrier (to score a second wind) respiratorily restricted was difficult, even with a tail breeze to Mitchell Rd.  Visits to the front were frequent with the few four, felt I was short changing the lads with my curt contributions, if only the heart rate would climb down from    bpm! Almost over that hurdle in Rockets then Wozza's tow, the westward drive in Channel Rd finally found that second coming, full length sentences finally possible as we felt the celcius rise and fall (irrigation channels vs cypress trees) back to town.  10 minutes ahead of schedule allowed a little loop of Kialla Lakes drive then back to the Archer Rd assembly,  Nev, PistolPete, Boof, Shorty, Mel (-Car), AvantiMat, AvantiTrev, Cougar, SuperMario, Cate and Jen had plied their way to spin, socialise and sustenance Saturday. Not a lot of words spoken on leg one, the effort reaching cruising speed in the cool taking priority.  Sentences started slowly for most, a westbound Troy u-turning to attach nearing the S bend, finishing my turn and tucking in for the tow was cherished with a sandpapered throat making life difficult. We sliced through the dark north, east and north again, an oncoming light about faced and hitch-hiked a tow at the Emu, our work west on Lemnos-Cosgrove eased by the northeaster.  What was thought to be a tiny stone hitting my forearm evolved to be large raindrops, possibility of a drenching flooded the pre-frontal cortex as eyes rolled to the heavens in search of sinister clouds (but found nothing), ten drops later it had ceased.  Our hitch-hiker had rotated through the ranks to draw alongside me as we crossed Grahamvale Rd, without a glance sideways I sensed it was the StravaStalker who'd infiltrated, a decent dose of half wheeling now on my to-do list. (two attendances for the year and bragging weekly k kudos on the team page spells strange in my book)   Determination with a side order of retribution drove away thoughts of my throttled throat to crank the speed to 40, his plea to roll left unanswered, the silent message signed and delivered.  My position proved positive as the assault on Mt.Wanganui neared, I was back on the up line past the test track as Troy, Boof and Wozz set the sprint speed sizzling, considering myself blessed to catch their draft in the mid fifties to fifth spot as others imploded.  There was no slacking off at the helm with Pistol Boulevard and Lemontree bound, legs screaming a break (and breakfast) back to base camp. Breaking into cars, do we need a $56m art gallery? and Daniels' #3 #4 & #5 discussed over poached eggs on toast. 

Short knicks and a base layer was wishful thinking as the mercury battled to beat eight, a solo Monday Toaster felt to be a worthy start to the week (simmering the heart rate at Zone 4) The long effort East to the emu passed as thoughts drifted, a short slog to the Toaster then an easier drive to Boundary as eastern standard time gave some pre-dawn light to guide the travel to Boundary Rd. The bait of a red led (entering from Channel Rd) ahead added a few km/h, slow and steady progress was better than a thrash to catch. Not till the billiard table section of River Rd did I recognise the solid gait of BigRon, three weeks off two wheels paying its price on performance. A chat till Mitchell Rd made a welcome social interval, the Couldabeens peace train emerging from Archer Rd tempted BigRon to u-turn, my schedule slim, completing the Toaster lap home early (to remain employed). 

A short Golf course lap to defrost on Tuesday, trying anything to transition to tough out a quick Couldabeens lap. Wozz and I arrived early to an empty car park, a short loop to Kialla Lakes soaking up the minutes had us arrive back surprised to a packed house. Chops, Rocket, Boof, Shorty, AvantiMat, AvantiTrev, Kel, Bo, BigRon, new dad ChrisA, Nick, Pistol, Trav, Temple and Jase swelling the attendance from last weeks feeble five. Positioned six wheels back at the start made a pleasant change, a steady build of heart rate beats being over-revved early. Gently paired at 34 clicks at the front beside AvantiTrev was soon swapped for a furious 41 with Wozz in River Rd,  recovery slow till the draft of several brought me back to 150 bpm.  Jase paced Mt.Nicolaci's ascent, the long 1100 metres to the highway toasting me early. A clear cross of the highway meant it was back on the gas to the bridge with Wozz, struggling to endure his inertia. I hadn't really recovered by duty's next call but joined the up line at Galbraith's gate nudging 40, needed 47 at the rushin' front passing Arcadia Downs though. Fighting for survival in Pistols tow at Conrods first dip meant the last k was going to be hell, younger and stronger engines stretching out the pack in the last half k broke my joining link to finish fourth last.

Like rednecks swarming to a Republican picnic, Couldabeens (and the odd wannabee) converged on the Wednesday carpark, Rocket, Pistol. shorty, Nick, WhisperingJack, Jen, AvantiAndy, Cate, 

Car (-Mel), SuperMario, AvantiTrev, AvantiMat, Chops, GazzaGrasshopper, Vince, Bruce, Temple, Bo, Kel and young'ns rolled in, what inspires this sudden boost in attendance?  A split for traffic on the exit made it a determined drive to Kialla Lakes to reconvene, GazzaGrasshopper taking a short turn out of sequence in Mitchell, Bruce and I stirring the tempo pot in Central Kialla.  A tangerine skyline painted River Rd, the sunrise sight soon to be endangered when winters grip takes hold. Poppa pierced the eardrums as Cats cranked west, Goats crossing paths as we steered north into Boundary.  It's a long way to the front if you want to rock a roll, twenty one heads worked fourty two wheels toward Channel Rd.  My arrival at the business end into Hopeful corner was a short straw (1200 metres to the finish line), Bruce then Pistol started the early rolls but the up-line vanished into an Indian file, hanging Pistol out to dry. Feeling charitable, I mustered muscles to the front again to donate a draft, still no up-line as the sprintenders bade their launch time.  Rocket, with Cosmics copiously complaining, cranked past convincingly, GazzaGrasshoppers' shambled pursuit in vein, this old bloke content with third, the large servings of oxygen after my delicious dessert. 

Below standard thoughts struggled to get the wheels turning on Thursday, a wardrobe malfunction (short knicks and one base layer against six degrees doesn't win) not motivating either.  Only Wozz, Rocket and I at the carpark was a formula for a flogging so the relief at others rolling in (AvantiTrev, Temple, Boof, Trav, AvantiMat, Pistol, Nick and Jase) was resounding. 1300 metres of leg one alongside Wozz was a tough induction, but a rest break possible when AvantiTrev and AvantiMat took control of the helm.. I found myself the meagre meat in a Wozz and Rocket speed sandwich in River Rd (retirements to the rear starting so soon!), a thin fog resting atop the paddocks a sign of the season to come. A little daunted beside the rapidity of Rocket in Central Kialla, my roll goal shifting to the next white post (or maybe the one after) pushed the legs limits, "Butterfly's and Hurricanes" on the cranial playlist. The retirement rate grew quickly in Mitchell Rd, what had become of the energy engines of Trav, Boof and Temple?  There was only Jase, Rocket, Wozz , Pistol and I swapping turns in Raftery Rd, my last hurrah at Galbraith's gate was short lived, two rows had become one with Pistol, Rocket and Wozz taking the lions share of Conrod straight.  The cold air restricted lungs and froze muscles in the mid fourties, digging deeper to stay in the tow the specs fogged up as patience to reach the finish line thinned.

Three quarter knicks came out of the archive Friday, ye olde knees welcoming the warmth. Regrettably missed the pain train (work commitments) for an early solo tap around, assistance on New Dookie Rd from a passing Quicklift crane lifted the spirits but a Boral blast from an oncoming Mack dragged me back to reality. Nice to dissolve dilemmas and calm concerns in solo mode, a tame tap to treat testicles, holiday the heart rate, calm calves and diet the determination. The 17 cog hadn't seen this much use in ages, cruising along at zone three most therapeutic (gotta keep the pleasure/pain balance just right) a relaxed epilogue to the week.

Week 14    303km.         YTD 4,497km