Week 8 : Surreptitiously squeezing Semtex

Post 385

18/2

After last week's Beach Rd's bliss it was back to home soil, the delight of local pot-holes, coarse tarmac and man-hole covers in the bike lane for Saturday's circuit, thankfully Wozza's, Mel's and the Couldabeens company made up for it.  There was another population explosion at the carpark ; TrekTrev, Kel, Nev, Lucy, Rocket, BeerMat, Boof, Pistol, Temple, Popgun, HBK, Lenny, TatPaul, Cougar, TrekSam, TrackStan, TrekJack, MeridaAndy, BigLen, Jase, Shorty, AvantiTrev, The Godfather, Troy, Bruce, TatMat, Carl, Manny and Trav turning up......bigger than BenHur again!  Senesibly split into two peloton portions, I'd again berthed in the first group away (TrekTrev, Troy, Mel, Wozz, Lucy, Boof, Popgun, TatMat, TatPaul, TrekJack, TrackStan, TrekSam, Shorty and Cougar).  Led lights lanced the Channel Rd darkness, Wozza's attempt to silence the tattle with tempo somewhat unsuccessful.

The few part-timers and casuals in the bunch take away that family feel, there's something rather unsettling about a foreign erratic wheel amongst the familiar.  A substandard call at the pub for an approaching car split the pack, TrekJack (unfamiliar in peloton protocols) leapfrogging the queue on the regroup.  I'd been given a thorough half-wheeling by Jack up to Old Dookie Rd, TrackStan pairing more politely with me eastward but felt I was being tested on a long 3k slog to the Toaster.   Nath joined in riding a relic 7 speed (with rear pack rack), I was preoccupied with the breakfast menu while working west on Lemnos Cosgrove Rd and Ford.

TrekJack paired at the pointy end with me crossing Grahamvale Rd and hit the half-wheel habit again, this time rattling my cage enough to retaliate by driving harder when he attempted to roll early.  Peak hour traffic arrived early at Numurkah Rd causing a minute intermission, group two pulling up behind made for a massed attack on Wanganui hill.  Pace was poured on early when traffic cleared, stretching the bunch long (to shorten the odds?), Wozz whipped up the workload at the test track as I gradually moved toward the front with the hill looming large.  Motivated by Mel at my Mavic, I picked a line past the faded to get 5th spot, the roll along Rudd slowly regrouping the stretched pack.  

Supermarket stereotypes, carbon's fragility and a Couldabeens tour elsewhere was the breakfast babble at the Lemontree's long (15metres) table.

20/2

I questioned my squirt (predicting a perambulating peace train) around the golf course loop till a solitary bike in Wanganui Rd validated my 5:15 start, 7 degrees (feels like 4) was an early intro to winter though the Zwift softies wouldn't notice.  It was a treat to tap the new Verney Rd smooth tarmac (it would want to be at $1.6m per km) back to town, Hommy, Cate, Principal Skinner, Phil, Sandy, Ridley Craig and JB the scarce starters for Monday's ritual.  The easterly exit of town had Brown's Cows as a led lure ahead in Old Dookie to pump our pace to chase, Hommy habitually half-wheeling, PrincipalSkinner shooting a short shift, even Ridley Craig trying a turn (although a one and only).   We'd rounded up the meanderers at Old Dookie's end and set a course south on Boundary Rd, JB perched well over the back of the MrSheen'd Pinarello, Sandy calling it quits to the caboose while Phil, Cate, PrincipalSkinner, Hommy and I kept the boiler stoked in pursuit of more led's ahead (so much for the perambulating pace).  The westerly wore away some enthusiasm head-on in River Rd, four turns done at the front and it was my turn to depart to satisfy my employer.  It was a push along the alternative route, two passing trucks donating a delicious draft (albeit abbreviated) then northward home via Archer Rd, the past fortnight's post ride socialism now a distant memory. 

21/2

I had a breakfast of Kellogs Konfidence, it was Tuesday thrash day and how many / little would turn up?  Cate was keen to try the Turtles again, Nick, HBK, TrekTrev, Cougar, SuperMario, Jase, AvantiTrev, Bo and Kel turned up with the same intent (or most seemed to).  AvantiTrev preached a sermon on the (a)mount of noise generated calling at intersections (seems we were waking some) so a silent signal system was used to appease the critics.  I poured some urgency into a tame tempo on Channel Rd, FeltMat joining in to make us a dozen while I tuned out to HBK's half biking.  The muted crossing of Doyle's Rd went well but the caboose dragged till the gaps closed, Jase and HBK driving to the Kinder, but Bo seemed sluggish (burdened by a boisterous bucks night?). AvantiTrev seemed to back off the gas and SuperMario had legs under labour, many using this time for respiratory respite.   Darth Vader was in the dog house but there were a few gasps for the gravel surprise at Sellmans, into Boundary Rd the forecast headwind was thankfully absent.  Cate tore into a tenacious turn in River Rd, HBK needed tissues for his grizzles on the grind alongside me.  Jase, Nick, TrekTrev and FeltMat kept toughing out their turns (it never get easier, you just go faster Greg said) as River, Central Kialla and Mitchell soon passed.  Bo belted into Conrod straight possessed, stretching two lines into one long one, small gaps opening to Jase then Cate as others tucked in behind.  I played leapfrog to Jase's wheel, two deep breaths then a leap to Bo's, his fuse spluttering at the 400 metre mark (you can get blue pills to cure that early arrival problem Bo!) His look of disappointment as I bolted by was priceless, full steam out of the tow spiking all my Garmin graphs, but the chocolates dissolved the distress.

22/2

A thrash on McIntosh (egged on by Cate) stirred up the legs and lungs en-route to Wednesday's Couldabeens clan, it was populous maximus at the carpark with Car+Mel, Wozza, Chops, Kenworth, Pelly, Ralphy, Temple, BamBam, Nick, Lucy, TrekTrev, Bruce, Leah, Rocket, Nev, Boof, Bo and Kel ready to ride.

Scurrying south at 6, Weapon, FeltMat, Troy, Grumpy and Jed joined in, Leah's bucket o' nails (mechanical rattle) causing a slow and some confusion (Wozza, Chops, Troy, Grumpy and Jed cranking into the distance blissfully unaware).  Idling slowly to Sanctuary roundabout, the call of "all on" got the party started again but many were missing on the stocktake at the truck route. (maybe the recent vows of urban silence have suppressed the message?)  In the bunch of Kenworth, Pelly, Ralphy, BamBam, Cate, Temple, Car+Mel, Nick, Lucy, TrekTrev and FeltMat was an ideal size where we'd get several appearances at the front with enough drivers to recover between turns and make life easier on the reaction time.   BamBam had my wheel which would test my pairing but the following draft would be a bonus.  Bunch one were drawing into the distance but our bakers dozen seemed content with our velocity.  Into Channel Rd the odds of inheriting the lead role for the ChaCha shortened, Car+Mel unable to escape the driving duties to the Kinder.  BamBam hit the nitrous at Prentice Rd and I tucked into his tow, Lucy jumped early which served Temple the ideal lead out, Ralphy without enough road played second fiddle.. 

23/2

The ritual preparations, hydrations and ablutions dragged on Thursday morning, there'd be an 11 minute dash to reach the Turtle grid by 5:40.  With a minute to spare, I joined Temple, HBK, Cougar and AvantiTrev at the carpark, Kel and Bo (rattled by a rattle) arriving at the third stroke.   Temple and HBK did the first shift (Kensington roundabout scoring a speed censure), plenty of pace for me to Orrvale Rd beside HBK, then kinder to the Kinder beside AvantiTrev.  I had a brief spell in the draft while Bo, Kel and Temple towed the troupe to Boundary Rd, the endangered KillkennyPaul sighted southbound was enlisted in a caboose capacity as Temple and HBK incited insurgent inferences powering to One Tree Dam. I had another huff & puff beside HBK then the turns rolled turning into River Rd, AvantiTrev talking of a tempo truce (courting caboose kudos?)   Like squeezing Semtex, the accelerator was slowly and surreptitiously squeezed soon after (returning motion for the majority), the last kilometre of River Rd with HBK and 1200 metres of Central Kialla Rd bumping up my breathing.  Kel's concrete composure aboard the Giant is the benchmark,  rule #59 resonating in Mitchell Rd feeling the WNW'er as I spent quality time harassing HBK cresting Dave's dip.   Expectations brewed in Raftery Rd, only Temple, HBK, Bo and I swapping turns from Galbraiths gate suggested an early attack was off the agenda.  Luck would have Temple and Bo advance as HBK waved the white flag in Conrod straight, Temple hit the boost button as Bo lay in wait behind.   I drew a breath or two in the hope of picking up the pieces, Bo belted into the last dip, it took me 101 rpm to sneak past him for a win.

24/2
A southerly made windy work to reach the south of town,  Bruce, Nick, Cate, BamBam, Chops, Pelly, Ralphy, Trav, Nev, Pistol, Wozz, Weapon, Rocket, Lucy, FeltMat, Lenny, Boof, Grumpy and SuperMario assembling for the Friday 6am getaway.

Boof braved the headwind as FDC's filtered in from a puncture delayed early loop, Trav establishing the up line while Rocket rolled up from the rear ranks as his backstop.  I took the soft option of a tow, Ralphy ropeable losing Garmin satelite connection (interference from his magnetic personality?)   Lucy's looked luscious in Liquigas kit (and riding a Liquigas Cannondale, nailing Rule #18) but I was dissapointed there wasn't matching socks!  The serious business of stocktaking cyclists got underway, it haunts my hippocampus should I miss a name off the honour roll. A u-turning bike in River Rd joined in; Lost, one stray cat, needs vaccination and de-sexing, gone missing from the 51/Cat train, answers to the call of Godfather!

Pondering position on my promotion toward the peloton pointy end, I reckon I'd cracked the ChaCha code;  to berth in the first 10% of the left line at the grid almost guarantees a turn with recovery time before the Kinder (figures based on attendance and performance and are dependant on wind and market trends, seek advice from your consultant, terms and conditions apply, see in store for details) but back to the ride reality......  I'd finally arrived at the front with Choppy approaching the cypress trees and was on top of the 14 cog when "puncture" was called.  The halt found Nick pitstopped and on the receiving end of sledges as Nev set to change the tube, the later inflation by CO2 exploding the GP4000 sidewall (good to see many carrying a small square of canvas as a temporary fix). "Just a roll back to town" of course turned into a sprint at the ChaCha, the tempo temptation is just too strong.

Week 8      248 km                     YTD 1,944 km

Week 7: A marshmallow arse?

Post 384

11/2

Well, baste my quadriceps and sauté my gluteus maximus!, 24 degrees (75F) at 5:30 am was a steamy Saturday start, the roll south further humidified with a light shower from the heavens evaporating almost instantly from the hot tarmac.  Nightclubbers still staggered the streets as I found Jase and Cate then TatPaul, BassoDan and BigBill en route to the carpark where a cast bigger than Ben Hur had assembled (the recall to labour my limbic system). Deep breath......Boof, AvantiAndy, Hoges, BigMat, Jen, AvantiTrev, Trav, Wozz, Temple, Troy, BamBam, HBK, Cougar, Rocket, Bruce, new recruit Leah, Popgun, Pistol, Shorty, Nick, SuperMario, Lucy, The Godfather and Lenny, MeridaJohn and Clive  creating a Cat caboose (for a foreward to a feline fixture) and Beery who'd tacked on uninvited (Rule  #19 old chap!)  Temple had judiciously held back the rearmost 20 to form two controllable bunches rather than moving a manic mess, but inadvertently had created "chasers" and "the chased".   By grid position I had been berthed with "the chased" (Hoges, BigMat, TatMat, TatPaul, BassoDan, Trav, Cate, Troy, BamBam, Cougar, Beery, Popgun, BigBill and the tiny trailer of TomCats), a pronto push to Kensington gardens but settling into some form of rhythm and gaining FeltMat to our eastward effort.  Comfortably through the Wozza S bends (kindly swept of the loose gravel that VicRoads can't seem to move) that has haunted our smooth line through, then caution through the tyre thick stones littering Sellmans straight.  Stewing over the subtlety of wind direction seemed silly with the W-WSW'er at just 7-13 km/h , reaching the front to pair with FeltMat was to be a long solid slog I hadn't counted on (dedication to the kilometres has paid him dividends).  Beside BigMat in Old Dookie Rd was a shorter affair, daylight struggled to pierce the blanket of cloud but the piggery's pong stabbed the olfactories with a vengeance.  The drivers seemed hungry for speed over the intersections and round the corners, quite the rubber band effect for a bunch of 17 (what would it have been like with 38?)   Reaching the main eastern channel I got another turn in the drivers seat with FeltMat, then in Ford Rd with BigMat.  A complimentary comment (what did I have for breakfast?) from TatPaul eased my stifled gasps of recovery, the slow for Grahamvale Rd and its' roadworks traffic control the chance to capture composure. In Wanganui Rd BamBam bolted to the front at the transfer station, slimming the squad to single file, Jase struck the second blow to DECA where Hoges let loose a marathon turn.  I'd jumped to his wheel just as the fractures opened, and hung on to wait for his expiry.

Onward he pumped possessed, snatching gears as his legs faded, at 300 to go I gave it everything to get past, only for Troy, Trav and TatMat to hammer humiliation past me 50 metres later.  Pistol, Lenny, Boof and Lucy suddenly shot past on Mt.Wanganui's peak, the "chasers" had caught "the chased" (thanks I'm told to Rockets lengthy lead-out).   Insurance fraud, those on the up & up and doing what feels good kept tongues tattling, beer for Bo's birthday (we were well beyond the 16 degree rule) was my light globe moment for BigMat's attendance, I now dub him BeerMat in honour of his true allegiance.

13/2

Speissy, Sandy, Principal Skinner, RidleyCraig, Hommy, AvantiLeigh, Cate and Kate fronted Friars for the Monday Peace Train,  Kate reserving the rear seat (with 7 months off the bike) but wasn't sure why RidleyCraig took a tow too.

The weekends indulgences were compared with those circulating, Belly joined in at SPC, suffering sluggishness from excess weekend hydration.  13 degrees was a cool contrast to last week's heat, arm warmers suddenly standard uniform.  A cruisy tap around mostly idling in zone 2 and 3, Hommy's puncture at Central Kialla the ride's entertainment.   True to the Goat mantra, the ride wasn't a race.........till the end, I bumped up the tempo into Conrod straight which brought RidleyCraig to the front, but AvantiLeigh (with advantage youth) powered to the podium. This post ride chin wag and coffee habit is becoming addictive, Welsford St cafe the Goat trough of choice.

14/2

Rather inspiring to have a doubling of numbers turn up for Tuesday's turtles (Nick, AvantiTrev, TrekTrev, Temple, Shorty, FeltMat, Kel, Cate, Jase, Cougar and HBK), hoping it's a continuing trend though I'll bet winters chill sends most diving under doonas.  There were enough volunteers to form two lines and rotate the task of slicing the SSW'er, Cate and Kel putting class amongst the commoners.  Nick Temple and Kel were tough enough to grind into the Boundary Rd headwind (17-24 km/h), I'd been blessed with a berth at the back for a free tow to River Rd.  I was coping rather well beside FeltMat with the wind coming in at 10 o'clock, finding the need to ease off a bit to keep FeltMat's wheel level. Temple, TrekTrev and Shorty seemed to be emptying the tank on their turns while I had a bit in reserve, let's pull hard on the handbrake of assertiveness before my helmet gets too tight!  Peering through the roadside jungle of weeds we managed a clear passage across the highway, pressing on via Raftery Rd for the sweat and sprint sequel.  The planets had aligned at Arcadia Downs, here's me sitting sedately at 5th wheel, HBK boxed in and Nick, Temple and TrekTrev doing the work, just Jase behind me to watch for. Out of the first dip and onto the 600 metre plateau, the speed wound into the high 40's while I waited for the moment to pounce.  Confident with 300 metres to go, I arose from 3rd wheel on the 14 cog and, using the Rocket technique (chin over the front axle) stood on the gas to shake Jase off my wheel (no hope!).  Gritting teeth and dialling up the stubborn screw as Jase pulled out from my draft I had just enough to ease ahead for the chocolates.  I'm trying not to enjoy the post ride coffee and social sustenance 'cause I'll crave it going back to work next week, Grumpy's OTA, boat capers and Nev's birthday soaked up a lazy half hour before meandering home.

15/2

The dim image of a 5:30am bike commuter (wearing black and no lights) indicates she was dim in intelligence too, but the bright lights of Cate, Car+Mel were easily found on the way to Wednesday's Couldabeens lap.  AvantiTrev, Kel, Bruce, Trav, Lucy, Shorty, BamBam, FeltMat, Pelly, Kenworth, Nick, Rocket, Wozz, Pistol, Jen and Nev exited the carpark at 6, I took sympathy on Shorty piloting the pack partnerless south, sharing the toil to the roundabout, Trav setting a swift standard on leg 2 to match.  Peloton position seems to still haunt some, who would pull the short straw for the ChaCha sprint lead-out nobody knows. River Rd had a later sunrise but it was worth waiting for, 42 wheels working and many tongues tattling drowned out the sound of the truck and dog approaching behind, caboose lookouts might need a refresh on their job description?

Plenty of shift workers guaranteed only one turn for most, the ChaCha task turned up for Car+Mel and Cate to crank into Kinder corner, Lucy, Shorty and I to drag the pack to Prentice Rd. Shorty had the hard work to get round the turbocharged Lucy, I managed a brief burst beyond Prentice but was soon (again) swamped by the sultans of speed.

16/2

A few days in the big smoke was a magnet to ride the Beach Rd Mecca, fine misty rain the welcome mat at the Mordialloc start but a little damp didn't dampen my enthusiasm.  Gradually up to a  perky pace (helped by a 16 km/h SSE'er), I'd passed ones and twos northbound at Mentone, a few gradual ups and downs of elevation getting the ticker ticking.  Little rooster tails off the Michelin's wasn't ideal but the billiard table hot mix could turn an arse to marshmallow!  Confidence grew as the showers eased, passing plenty with only twos, threes and fours time trialling past (the aero helmets and full carbon disc wheels were a bit serious for suburbia)

There were plenty of serious commuters (backpacks with a change of kit for work) and several massive bunches (50+) southbound, the smell of sea air and sights of a million city lights makes a change from channels and orchards ad nauseum.  Brighton, Elwood and Middle Park passed by inheriting a couple of soloists on my wheel, traffic was building for the 7am starters but were most co operative with the metre matters.  Up to Port Melbourne then a u-turn with the breeze to battle back,  I took a moment to souvenir a snap or two then set about a determined drive south, collecting BrightonBarryBianchi to tow for a suburb or three (regrets selling his titanium steed).  The big bunches had thinned (they were mostly now northbound) but caught and passed a few threes and fours, the neverending traffic lights were mostly green but the red ones made it interval training. Eventually back to the Mordialloc pier for a caffeine chaser, the 171 Strava trophies was a surprise bonus!


17/2
When you're on a good thing........  I had a repeat of Thursday's ride (can't get enough!) in better weather Friday but minus the wind assistance toward Melbourne's centre.  The rise and fall to Sandringham knocked the wind from my sails (and lungs), it was off the seat for this flatlander to feel worthy (me thinks there'll be no avalanche of trophies today). A few waves of commuting cars vacuumed me a bit of pace while trying to divert attention from the luscious lycra jogging demographic beachside.  Big bunches bolted south with northbound bikes rare, a solo workout more inspiring than slothful soaking up a tow.  Nearing Elwood, bunches were forming in the side streets, I'd joined the Docklands Tridents for a short spell till fewer traffic lights allowed a safe pass.  The squirt to St.Kilda had more distractions (Porsche GT3, Lotus Exige and a Diablo) but I pressed on to Station Pier before a turnabout for the trip back. Through the titilatingly titled Strava segments ('Cerberus lung buster',  'Go Go juice', 'EOS pimple' and 'Late for my wedding at Brighton Savoy') progress was pleasing even though I'd been passed by several others, Rule #38 needs to resonate often to keep the helmet size consistent.  Pushing harder jellied the legs which embarrased any effort uphill but I reached the Mordialloc finish  (driven by the coffee craving) pleased with a small handful of trophies for the effort (a paltry 123)

Week 7    267km                      YTD 1,696km

Week 6: Full Foss force

Post 383

3/2

Predictions of a slim Saturday grid (an extra curricular Couldabeens crank scheduled at Bright) were unfounded as a copious crew converged on the carpark (Trav, BigBill, TrekTrev, BassoDan, Temple,Wozza, Jen, AvantiAndy, AvantiTrev, Popgun, Boof, Rocket, Bruce, Pistol, Mel, TatPaul, TatMat, Avanti Mat, Cougar, Nick, Shorty, SuperMario, Mitch and Tum with Clive, Cranky and a couple of cryptic Cats creating a caboose (for a pussycat prologue).

A long line of cyclusts speared east into the pre dawn light of Channel Rd (yes SuperMario, the pace is always on!)  Identifying all the players only gets underway as rotations change the paired partners ('round the corner and a do si do!), Basso Dan finally off night shift, TatMat back at the school salt mine, AvantiMat defying Rule #62 (no earphones), Mitch cranking up the k's after an extended hibernation, BigBill steadily refining Rule #59 (hold your line) and AvantiAndy exorcising the Friday PainTrain demons. 

 Sunrise served up the super scenery yet again (insert provocative pic to antagonise northern hemispherians) on Old Dookie Rd, without wind the velocity was voluminous, or were we energised escaping the piggery pungency? The turn toward breakfast at the Emu impelled the pace west, past the kennels, orchards and channels Nick and I scored our only drive at the front. Surprise, surprise, Cougar cranked a turn with AvantiTrev as the wheels rolled to Lemnos and Ford Rd beyond, many thoughts seemed to be honed on peloton position approaching suburbia as 

Rule #79 (fight for your town lines) came into play for Wanganui Rd.   I'd transitioned from the down line to the upline at DECA just as the afterburners were ignited, shifts shortened rapidly promoting me forward but I was hoping to play the waiting game till my Kittles Rd cue.  Pulling all stops out from 6th wheel I got by a few, Wozz whooshed by beckoning me to follow (I wish! nothing left cranking 55 km/h uphill!) but managed 5th behind the  explosion of energy that was Boof, Wozz and Bruce. A boulevard babble back to base then chat on climbing hills, celebrity chefs and bombing diets kept the sentences swapping at the Lemontree table, the serious stuff on keeping Couldabeens class cohesion was chewed over in a post caffiene think tank.  

7/2

There was a winter's reminder headed to the Turtles Tuesday but the cool southerly couldn't deter the junkie's fix of being back on the bike again, craved after two whole days without (ride denied by rain Monday).  I'd convinced Cate  to try the Turtles; Temple, TrekTrev and HBK the only others keen at 5:40. A foreign female attached to our single filed effort as we entered Channel Rd, Temple tapping leg one but a slow for two baulked at Doyle's Rd made my work in leg two tame (HBK sarcasm duely delivered).  The mystery girl had gone OTA by the cypress trees, but five forged forward (rule #19 & #88 applied), loose gravel at the S bend producing a sphincter pucker, TrekTrev scoring a second sensory scare with Darth Vader gnashing near his ankle.  Cate and Temple braved Boundary's 22 km/h worth of headwind like Ghurka's, easy on the throttle turning into River Rd I wound up the wick for a 2600 metre drive west.  TrekTrev took a short shift at the dip, HBK rounding off River for Cate and Temple to tackle the breeze head on again through Central Kialla. My crack at Mitchell ended at Archer with a deep dig to catch Temple's wheel, TrekTrev having kaboomed off the back. The foursome flogged on toward the highway baited by red led's ahead (AvantiTrev and Hoges shortcutting from missing the 5:40 flagfall), Cate to Roubaix and Temple to Galbraiths gate, my job to round up Hoges and AvantiTrev at Arcadia Downs.  HBK hammered into Conrod, Temple with the tempo to nudge 50 to the end.  Tenacious teamwork beat the hares home, holidays allowing me the indulgence of post ride coffee and the weekend's yarns.

8/2

Popularity (or the possibility of a big bunch tow?) drew devotees to the carpark Wednesday, warmer weather (18 degrees) may have been the inspiration but an easterly urged me to get a turn done early to avoid River Rd's rigour.  I headed 23 (Boof, Kel, Nick, Shorty, Ralphy, Jen, Kenworth, AvantiMat, Jase, Nev, Wozza, Grumpy, Chops, BamBam, Pistol, Pelly, Rocket, Weapon, Bruce, Cate, Temple, Mel and Bo) out of town, Jase paired with me to the roundabout with a squad of sprinters (Bruce, Wozz, Boof, Nev and Pistol) in a convenient coincidence line astern behind to propel the peloton into Mitchell Rd.  

Nev policed the pace as the Hares howled into the headwind, my driving duty done, I'd happily hunkered into the team tow to start the social sentences swapping.  AvantiMat is back to his former i.d. (FeltMat) after the sad demise of his Avanti Corsa in tough times (thoughts are with you, by many, my friend).  The FDC's seem to be enjoying being Troyless but there's a Nev nightmare to counter in his absence,  the prescription for Weapon's bike obsession (rule #4 personified) is simply to ride more!  Temple and I kept an eye on the caboose as the long line stretched into River Rd, trying to keep a headcount as two dozen shared the energy ebbing easterly. 

Nick and Kenworth put the vim in the velocity at Kinder corner, Mel and Cate took cover in the left line as Shorty and I, the compulsory fixtures at the front, flogged into the ChaCha.  Arriving early at the business end and with no hope of a place,

I stretched the bunch long at Prentice Rd, an interminable wait for the sprinters to pounce as I turned myself inside out at 53 clicks (the slowly reversing car from a driveway ahead was a manic moment) but was pleased to hold on for sixth in the wake of the 60km/h Boof express.  A roll of recovery back to town, catching Kel's kind kudos could cause cranial convulsions!  I could make a habit of this post ride coffee and cackle habit that holidays have allowed, but would it spoil Saturday's sanctity?  It's been eight years since my stick saga rearranged the skull, touch wood (pardon the pun) I'll keep upright for another 8.

 

9/2

TipTom stood out like a sore (Tom) thumb at Friars Thursday, a nervous newbie "finding fitness" but needing a Bachelor of Bike Ed and a big serve of aerodynamics.  Speissy, Joe, Coggo, Belly, AvantiAndy, Sandy, Snow, Jen, Hommy, Phil, HG, Spartacus, Temple, LegalAndy, Tina, HBK and JB filtered in for the 6am off, Coggo and I on escort duty to exit town, but the bunch broke in two at Doyles Rd for traffic to clear.  Regrouped and rotating, TipTom was in meltdown reaching the drivers seat against the northeaster, darting for left lane cover as fitter and faster forged forward.  LegalAndy put in a brief submission, Hommy happy half-wheeling, but the velocity yo-yo'd to Boundary Rd where the breeze behind finally smoothed the speed and turned up the tempo.  TipTom did another lane swap for survival at the Pub as Tina, Jen, JB and Phil kept the pot boiling. 

Coggo and I cranked the 1st shift of River Rd into the 40's as the troops turned serious and silent, the caboose proving popular as the drivers were whittled down to 11 to echelon westward.  Many were missing as we swung south to Central Kialla, back on the gas beside Jen (look up smooth in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of her) to Mitchell Rd and with Coggo to Archer, dawdling water hens made a chichane to navigate at Dave's dip.  The ranks thinned further in Raftery Rd, ten then eight then just five fearless into Conrod straight. I rolled across from HBK's turn, a quick peek back finding all had Indian filed behind me!  Full Foss force lasted just a few hundred metres into the headwind and with no back up and the cardiac count crested, the mental plug was pulled with 200 to go, Coggo, Belly, HBK and Temple homed in for the kill at the finish line.


10/2

There was a touch of tempo trepidation turning up to the train of toil Friday (rule #5 Foss!) but the old engine has been running ok of late, fears forgotten when a big field fronted Friars. (AvantiAndy, Phil, AvantiLeigh, Coggo, Carl, Belly, Spartacus, Heady, Dipper, Tum and chum Chad).  Many hands make light work they say, so short sharp turns were on the menu as Heady took on Act 1, a solitary performance with an OTA encore!   I'd berthed behind AvantiLeigh who flicked his elbow at Dobson's bridge, it wasn't too bad cranking at 40+ with a shorter 500 metre target, but it was hell catching the tail end when caboose captain AvantiAndy called me in.  Chad charged the leg to Central Ave, a bunch ahead baiting our pace, Coggo and Belly threading the thin line between the portly perambulating pack and the oncoming cars.   A hint of the southwester put heads down in Boundary Rd, lucky I scored a little shelter from the trees for my dip to the orchard.  All clear at the highway, then off the Fizik to catch Phil's flog to Channel Rd as we scored Eggy aboard.  Spartacus had retired from duty in River Rd, I was spending my recovery time talking down the heartrate (with little effect) till the next appearance at the business end.   Laws Drive to the second white post beyond the bridge was plenty (strangely, it was easier at the front than trying to catch the last wheel for a tow), my peel off paving the way for the Eggman to show us how it's done.  Belly joined a now Andyless caboose to recover, sustained speed taking it's toll on many, or so the body language spoke.  It was a little intimidating at the front with Eggy breathing down my cassette, I tried desperately to freeze the speed to smooth the way for all.  Traffic ruined a record, halting us at the highway (why can't black cars use headlights in the pre-dawn light?) but life is worth more than a Strava tick.  Two then three then four cars followed (almost caught my breath!) till the Raftery Rd boiler was stoked for a fast finish.  Dipper went wide and went bush at bridge corner, but recovered back to the tarmac for Roubaix corner (buy the guy an MTB!),  consistent drives at 43 helping my turn at Arcadia Downs but giving Eggy the lead into Conrod was a pace payout.  Finding even more to catch AvantiLeigh's wheel was crushing my resolve, Rule #5 bounced around the pre frontal cortex as Phil popped off the back.  Eggy graciously resigned from a long drive at the front, Coggo taking the chocolates as my scenery blurred in the recovery from 26 k's at Zone 5.

 

Week 6   200km           YTD 1,429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 5 : Sorting sprinters and snoozers

Post 382

28/1

Weapon, Nev and Cate had divorced the Saturday lap for an affair with the hills, just TatPaul, Wozz, Rocket, Popgun, Cougar and Boof had formed an excuse for a bunch when finally the masses (Bruce, Bo, Trav, Pistol, Jen, Kel, Shorty, AvantiAndy, The Godfather, Temple, HBK, Chops and SuperMario) arrived in the dying minutes. 7 had inflated to 21 in 14 degrees to exit at 6, out of 40 wheels I'd drawn the short straw sandwiched between Rocket and Pistol to kickstart a cardiac cadenza in legs 2 and 3. Fear not Foss, 20 others, make that 18 (rule #67 violation) were yet to donate a drive to the cause.  An eerie mist arose from the channels in the pre dawn (water warmer than the air?),  38 clicks was set on the cruise control chilling the skin, although I was warmed by Kel's comeback after a 12 week absence.  Bo's joined team Godfather sporting an Italia kit, Popgun suffering kit confusion (spruiking Cannondale on an Avanti?), at least PistolPete's panache presented perfectly.

I'd calmed concerns being between the twins of tempo (Rocket and Pistol), they are most co-operative and compliant with my limits of distance and pace.  The sun finally got out of bed just as Bo punctured at the main eastern channel, Kel was appointed pit crew, the opportunity for oxygen taken by all before the Wanganui workout.  The sprint scenario at DECA was Chops, Wozz and I arriving early at the business end (it's Chops' speciality) each of us toasting ourselves to Kittles Rd only to benefit the sprint Stasi (Bruce, Boof, Rocket et al) perfectly placed yet again. The entire bunch had passed by as I crested the hill, one last lunge caught the bunch tail for the chatty cruise to the Lemontree.  Riot tactics, roadside wildlife and the strange SAM priority kept conversation cooking over breakfast.

30/1

Wozz hammering the hills, Weapon's tenacious triathlon time and even BigMat tapping a lap was almost intimidation (performance anxiety?) yet inspiration to climb aboard the Baum and crank out the k's Monday.   Out to the Emu with a hint of horizon light, convinced I was hammering into a headwind but it was only weekend woebegones.

A glance back spied a distant bike light, there's nothing like being stalked to spur on the speed! Down to the Toaster and turning to town, the search for Pussycats was on in Old Dookie Rd.  Found finally at Central Ave, I turned to jump aboard the Cat pack of MeridaJohn, Tina, Eddy, Car+Mel, Shane, Dalts and half a dozen unidentifiable dudes in the dark, all quite cruisy in the mid 30's till several departed into Channel Rd.  The stakes raised into the fourties at the Broken bridges, a momentary slow for a roadside kangaroo to bound the fence at One Tree Dam, then back on the gas to River Rd.  Taking turns with the 8 pacemakers, I attempted to smooth out my rusty rotations, full focus on rolling turns eliminates the chat and sightseeing!  By River Rd's end I resigned (with others) from active duty in an attempt to bring the heart rate down from overload, there were sprints out of the corners to catch the draft but  appreciation for the four sharing the tempo at the front towing us home. Wheels howled to Arcadia Downs and swung into Conrod, nobody attempted a sprint finish (tanks empty?), a solid 38 average was the reward to town.

31/1

A nasty SSW'er (17-30 km/h) was at the front door to greet me Tuesday morning, fuelling an angry crank on the 17 cog to get me to the Turtle grid (at least it got the old engine up to operating temperature).  Nick, Cougar, AvantiMat, HBK and Lucy arrived, the flagfall at 5:40 had a few crawling from the carpark (picking position?).  Keen to keep the Hares at a distance, I kept the pace percolating, the stragglers catching half way into leg 1.  Lucy was lightless, understandably shying from the front, so I drove a triple turn to the cypress trees as an agenda aide memoire. AvantiMat put in a good turn to Channel Rd's end (holidays haven't hampered), my turn again to be belted by the breeze in Boundary Rd and scoring a few squeaks on speed. HBK and Nick stepped up to serve a turn in River Rd, the southwester whittling away the intentions till a little tree cover resparked some enthusiasm.  The verbal handbrake was applied again in Central Kialla, I gave a few metres of reprieve until shelter from the trees accidentally (on purpose) bumped up the pace again. (if there's chat in the bunch you ain't going fast enough!)  The day turned light enough in Mitchell Rd for Lucy to see in the drivers seat, Nick, AvantiMat and HBK having another crack till the caboose cracked at Dave's dip. (a huff & puff at the highway helped recovery).  Position had me lucky to be towed to Conrod straight, Nick handed me the reigns so turned up the wick out of the dip but Lucy let loose at the 600 mark (she's like drafting a match with the wood scraped off!) HBK and AvantiMat stoked the boiler to the last dip, I just couldn't resist full steam ahead to pinch the podium place.

1/2
I was thinking of a quieter Couldabeens commute (avoiding yet another early turn at the front) just as Wozz suggested it......karma rules Wednesday!  Cate, Car+Mel concurred with tactics and our 5:57 arrival found 6 others ahead to hopefully shoulder the early loads. A massed crowd of Lucy, Trav, BigMat, Shorty, Kenworth, Rocket, Pistol, Boof, Weapon, Bruce, Ralphy, Pelly, Troy, Chops, Temple, Manny & Carl (on a cross clan cultural exchange), SuperMario, Jen, AvantiMat, Nick, Bo, Paul VanP and Nev assembled (see Lucy, the Foss recall was tested but not defeated!).  Boof and Bruce formed the front of house for the long train to slip out of suburbia, the same old shortage of volunteers for the up line plucked at the heartstrings of Wozz & I to donate our early services on leg 3, 20 km/h worth of headwind a right old slap in the face to Mitchell Rd.  Kenworth and Lucy showed the fortitude of an early appearance, it would be a rare thing to get a second turn at the pointy end with a cast of Ben Hur proportions today.  Yet another stunner sunrise cherished, recalling the months of gloomy grey from last winter. 

A seemingly younger and more aerodynamic BigMat (no longer hampered by hirsuitness) had made a rare appearance, FDC's Troy, Pelly, Ralphy and inductee Bruce were minus BamBam but have they eaten Grumpy? Good to have Temple emerge from the flu bed and Paul is trying to lose the MTB lust by riding the (rusty?) road bike, but Cate, Car+Mel and Jen had dissapeared (snapped off the back of an oversized, accelerating pack, but teamed to tap out the lap in comfort).  It didn't take long to be promoted from the bunch back at the cypress trees, rotations rapid as we neared the Kinder, a succession of oncoming cars kept the tempo tied till Prentice Rd.  It's another world to be 6th wheel as the sprinters wind up the wattage, climbing up the cogs in their draft (56 km/h) was prime real estate but no hope of coming close as Boof, Rocket and Nev hit the boost button to the line.

2/2

It's refreshing to break the routine of an early Thursday circuit and savour a standard six am start.  Goats gathered (Sandy, AvantiAndy, Principal Skinner, Jen, Joe, HG, Hommy, Temple, Brendy, Heady, Phil, Tina, Belly, Coggo, JB and DeepFry) to egress east from Friars, helped by a hint of a WSW'er but cooled by 12 degrees. Hommy behaved when I reached the front in Old Dookie Rd, keeping wheels level a rarity almost worth a photograph!  Orange and pink streaked the sky putting purpose into this early addiction, Belly, Coggo and Temple tapping a temperate tempo south on Boundary Rd but Principal Skinner had already coveted the caboose.

Heads lowered a little into River Rd's southwester, HG knuckled down to duty at the front, but Coggo was keen to dish up the distress.  I plugged the abyss at HG's plea, his habit of leaving a yawning gap hindering a chance of catching my draft.  The bunch eventually condensed, a steady crank through Central Kialla and onto Mitchell Rd westward before my turn beckoned beside Phil (and his philharmonic wheels) out of Dave's dip.  The wait at the highway was welcomed by many followed by a chorus of groans getting wheels rolling again with chains still wrapped in the big gears (my cog of choice).  Beside Coggo to Roubaix I studied the sequence in a forecast of who may be lumbered the lead-out for Conrod straight, predictions not possible as the drivers dwindled and shifts shortened to Arcadia Downs.  As sure as eggs, it was going to be me at the business end at Conrod's first dip.....roll the turn and risk being boxed in or stretch the pack to sort the sprinters and snoozers?  A momentary "yeah, nah, but" then option two was chosen, full boost for 400 metres till breakfast almost reappeared, Coggo, Belly, Temple, Jo and Phil in tow given my elbow to thrash the last 300 (nice work Coggo)

3/2

Nick, Bo, AvantiTrev, BigMat, Bruce, Troy, Kenworth, Pelly, Ralphy, Jen, Pistol, Wozz, Grumpy, Car+Mel, SuperMario, Rocket, Boof, Chops and Paul VanP lined up for Friday's frolic, Paul piloting the peloton peacefully to the bridge but front phobia had struck again, Rocket arriving from a 15th wheel pilgrimage to the front to aid Boof, the upline instigator.  Is it the tyranny of distance? (leg #1 = 3km), avoiding feeling like a donkey in the Melbourne Cup? (the fast fellas don't bite folks!) or just the blatant disregard for rule #5? (I'll bet the same drivers will be there next week)  Wozz, Pistol and Troy filled the other vacancies to propel the bunch to Mitchell Rd, pack chat centring on the comfort level of a bunch of 20 vs Wednesday's masses (reaction time multiplied by overpopulation equals hanging onto a bungee rope if you're at the rear).  AvantiTrev was a permanent part of the caboose furniture (recovering from the almost compulsory MTB crash), Troy had tickled the FDC's with tempo on the early loop (welcome back Grumpy!), BigMat was setting attendance records (WTF! 3 rides in a week!) as yet another picturesque daybreak threatened to ho-hum the experience. My once new Baum has now clocked a 20,000 kilometrestone without a hiccup, comfort in bucketloads a bonus.  After 20k's in the tow I finally got to slice the atmosphere at the front at Channel Rd's cypress trees in Car's cute company, Kenworth rolled a turn a k before the Kinder (love that tow big fella!) as a sprint conspiracy unfolded.  Boof, Rocket and Wozz were due for a very early arrival at the business end so swiftly single filed, Boof toasting himself to Prentice Rd towing Rocket to hit the boost till burnt, where Wozz launched to snare the chocolates, a co-ordinated crush of any hopefuls. Soaking up the social cruise home fuelled the endorphins to face another day at the salt mines.

Week 5.       261km.          YTD 1,229

Dziekuje ci Polska, pageview patrons aplenty! 

PS: Multumesc Romania & obrigado Portugal too.