Week 30 : Mounting that mental mountain.

Post 510
20/7  The Saturday sacrament.

Whether it's to blow off the steam of a working week or soak up the social stuff (denied when you're not on executive hours), Saturday's lap is a treasured sacrament, regardless of winters' testing temperatures.  Tina, Bruce, Kreeky, The Godfather, Boof, Rocket, Giant Andy, Determined Dan, MyRideTrev, Kel, TatMat, Shorty, TatPaul and Lance thought likewise arriving at the grid, Bruce leading the charge into Archer Rd as six bells tolled.  A touch of east northeaster urged me to take an early shift with Bruce at the front less I suffer the headwind later, Giant Andy keeping me silent for part two to the truck route.  Beside Rocket and into the headwind, Determined Dan was the day's inspiration to Central Kialla, TatMat tells me he's been the Couldabeen on a hot tin roof all week. Dan backed up a strong turn with another to River Rd, I'd been gradually demoted rearward hearing the voices  of The Godfather, Tina, MyRideTrev, Shorty and Lance content in the caboose, calling me back into the up-line.

The body language of those at the front spoke of toil into River Rd, so I was let off lightly when my turn didn't come due until northbound on Boundary Rd (though matching Bruce from the Broken bridges to the pub nearly emptied the tank).  Concerns of backing up that turn with Giant Andy dissolved when Rocket called a pause for a puncture, chat on the insulating layers we ward off winter with passing the few minutes till repairs were done.  Suitably rested, my pairing with Giant Andy went well to the bacon barn, Rocket spinning swiftly to Old Dookie Rd (regardless of an under inflated rear tube) with Determined Dan  (relishing the thrash) in the suffering seat beside him.

Luck had me missing the headwind again as others faced the breeze to the Toaster, the Pussycats plying south with a reasonable population as we reached the church.  Daylight's becoming measurably earlier heading west toward breakfast, that east northeaster easing the effort till the speed spiced because of it.  To the business end with Bruce for the k to Lemnos North Rd, I was surprised to have Determined Dan beside for a stretch of Ford Rd, hoping that would be my swansong at the front seeing plenty behind preparing for pain.  Shorty and MyRideTrev escaped via Verney Rd for a relaxed roll to breakfast as Bo and Rocket turned up the pain preparing for the Wanganui workout.  Wheels howled into the high forties as two lines thinned to one passing DECA, speed sorting the swift from sufferers approaching Mt. Wanagnui.  Giant Andy took the chocolates I'm told (I was midfield with blurred vision by this stage) but the bunch reformed by the Boulevard for a steady spin to the Lemontree , tales tattled on hub bearings, ever increasing building standards and the rise and rise of Alaphilippe.

22/7  Fresh & foggy.
Monday's zero degrees was a frigid reminder that winter is still with us, fog reinforcing the picture just in case I thought otherwise.  Pistol Pete, Bruce, Kreeky, Grumpy and The Godfather found their way to the carpark for the intro to the week, the 5:45 launch captained by Bruce and Pistol Pete for a swift shift to the truck route. My lungs seemed to be a half capacity gripped by "feels like minus 2.5", well that was my excuse for labouring the shift to Orrvale Rd beside Bruce.  Kreeky was my part two partner to the Kinder while I fought to supress sounding like an asthmatic at a flower festival.  The Godfather slowed the speed beside Kreeky at the cypress trees which helped my recovery, though turns at the front would come around quickly with just six sharing the workload.  Pistol Pete was riding like Alaphilippe despite two weeks holiday from two wheels (and I'm struggling after one day off) 

Grumpy's focus was fuzzy from the fog as we crossed Old Dookie Rd, so a k's slow while he cleared specs was a welcome respite from my second shift at the front.  Underway again, The Godfather was strangely silent (the cold containing his cackle?) and in the reshuffle,  I'd found myself on Pistol Pete's wheel (here's that the Lada behind the Lamborghini feeling again!)   I couldn't keep up the wattage for a k so called a slightly abbreviated roll, Kreeky collaborating with my slightly sagged speed to Lemnos North Rd.  I put respite into fast forward with another turn due soon, Grumpy's vision was vexed so was sitting this one out, Pistol Pete and Bruce driving a double shift to drag us to the highway.  I fronted Wanganui Rd with Pistol kindly levelling beside me, that chill choking the lungs to call it quits at the transfer station, from there I was treated to a tow to the hill (handy when there was little labour left)  There was brief belt along the Boulevard before I departed to a working week while five cruised to coffee.

23/7  A five am breakfast and almost ready to kit-up on Tuesday morning when the showers began, so the path back to bed was an easy one.  Seems the showers were scattered as some ventured out (onto damp tarmac) but I'll take sleep over soaked anytime.

24/7 Suffering the season.
Winter throws up all the excuses to soften and stay in bed (feels like one degree, fog, a chilly breeze and a damp road to share with quick compatriots) but forces deep within (namely Rule #5) dragged me muttering seasonal sufferings to the carpark.  Tina had the hassle of just one heated sock working, and Joe shied from facing the front, so I took grid position one as Bruce, Kreeky, Boof, Rocket, Wozza and PistolPete assembled behind.  3 k's of cold as captain was a cruel introduction, Kel and Bo joined the line and Boof kindly ran at third throttle alongside to make my effort look good to Sanctuary's roundabout.  Wozza, Pistol and Bruce followed up with a pace percolating to Mitchell Rd by which time I was feeling human again.

Thin gloves were a poor choice (should have read the 'feels like' temperature) and there was difficulty dodging the puddles as they quickly appeared from the darkness (bike cleaning would be the prologue to the Tour's highlights tonight)   Joe had joined the advance line and looked to be preparing for the pointy end but took shelter in the down-line when he found suffering at second wheel.  Sometime soon he'll mount that mental mountain and put in a turn in the drivers seat, that'll get the monkey off his back, even if it's a brief blast.  Now all we need is to talk Tina into tapping a turn.  I was advancing on Rocket's wheel to the front, sudden finger pointing was too late (and dangerous) to swerve the road kill, but a bunny bump was of little consequence.  There was comfort in the knowledge that Rocket would play fair and wasn't going to tear my legs off (well not intentionally!), making it to the quarter horse stud before calling the roll.  It's not often there's a fog with a breeze, Boundary Rd beset with a mist rolling east that pocketed plenty of specs, speed comfortably quick to Channel Rd where calculations had me facing another turn near the ChaCha.  The breeze was head-on for most of the west way back to town, sure enough I was second wheel at the cypress trees then in the blink of an eye, at the business end in Central Ave.  Rocket kindly levelled with me to the Kinder and it was pleasing to have PistolPete and Wozza take the helm as we swung out of Hopeful corner as the ChaCha opened up ahead, but a sprintless finish appealed to most in the conditions so we finished still capable of a chat back to town.

25/7  The Thursday thrashing.
Riding behind schedule had the head down and the cadence up on Thursday morning and of course I caught three sets of red lights on the way to the starting grid. That helped the hurry.  I arrived just as PistolPete, Kreeky, Tina, Bo, Kel and MyRideTrev were departing, slotting in to sixth wheel (MyRideTrev was going to sit this one out) as Pistol slowly stoked the boiler up to speed, setting the long turn standard with a six k drive to Mitchell Rd. Kreeky drove ditto with a big shift to Central Kialla, up to River Rd and that bit more to the bridge to make a five and a half k contribution, Tina (next in line) having the sense to tap a standard shift to the dip.

Bo was next up and another big turn was a certainty (for a moment I wondered if I'd even get a moment at the front!), to the end of River Rd and still he stubbornly stayed in the drivers seat, up to the Broken Bridges and beyond, to clock seven k's donation to the drive.  Kel slipped into her standard  smooth shift from the highway to the bridge, an oncoming car delaying the peel off the front till reaching the bacon barn.  After seventeen k's in the draft, I finally got my moment at the front, wheels humming a happy carbon chorus on the super smooth tarmac to Old Dookie Rd. With long sits at the front the fashion, I continued at the helm westward, that decision questionable with legs protesting by School Rd.  Three and half k's was all I was worth, so handed over to PistolPete, fresh as a daisy after eleven k's in the tow. I had just enough watts left to catch the tail as Pistol drove on to Central Ave, but wait, he had more, driving the train to the truck route ('cause he can). Finally at SPC, calm descended for the roll into town, wishing  time allowed me a post-ride casual conversation and coffee, but work and wages kept me anti-social.

26/7  Possum pie and a puncture pantomime.
I'd gone around the block but still rolled into the carpark early, position one was the price to pay but I didn't want the running-late-rush of yesterday.  Rocket, Tina, Bruce, Pistol Pete, Boof, Wozza, MyRideTrev, Joe, Shorty and Kreeky formed behind and at six I got the train steaming slowly south as The Godfather, Bo & Kel then Nev joined on our exit from town.

Wozza advised a few were dragging the chain so an easy start suited me, even with a light breeze behind mid thirties felt a thrash. Down to Mitchell Rd and slipping into the social sentences with Rocket, a sudden slow compacted the crew, Tina (with nowhere to go) shunted my cassette and shredded some Continental from her front tyre, skill applied to keep herself vertical.  A critter bolting from the roadside had become an instant speed bump (a small possum or big rat seemed to be the consensus), thankfully all remained upright but it had rattled the nerves to slow the speed for a while.  Previous encounters with wildlife (with worse outcomes) replayed in the heads of many through Central Kialla, not till River Rd's dip did the pace pick up again to the steady standards.  Just into Boundary Rd and The Godfather called a pause for a puncture, the air now thick with sledges and repair critiques as our early morning entertainment.  Despite the pressure to perform, the fix was swift and the bunch was underway and up to pace by One Tree Dam.  Joe had  joined the advance but soon slipped back into the comfort of the down-line, MyRideTrev the surprise player for promotion as Kreeky and Bruce steered the ship through Channel Rd's twists and turns.  To Kinder corner and Wozza was getting itchy, his blast to the ChaCha leaving MyRideTrev left to lead the crew.  A few set off in the hope of a podium position, I had nothing but an offer to tow MyRideTrev (and a few others) back to the now slowing sprinters, a collected crew rolling to feed a caffeine addiction and savour social sustenance.

Week 30   216km              YTD  7,651km  

















   

Week 29 : That certain sit on the saddle.

Post #509
13/7  Somewhat soggy Saturday.

The lure of the social Saturday spin soon forgets Friday's fussing over a clean bike, out into the cold 5:40am and onto a still damp road soaked by yesterday's never ending showers.  Conditions had culled the starting grid to Rocket, Bruce, Tina, Wozza, Boof, GiantAndy and MyRideTrev, a keen west northwester would blow us out of town but breakfast would be well earned on the return.  I'd shirked the early work tucking into Wozza's wheel as he led the little train south, maximising the tow till my chore at the front was due.  The blinking red led ahead was guessed (correctly) to be Grumpy, joining the rotating ritual as we crossed the truck route, Tina and MyRideTrev's voices were heard from behind but were sadly shut off socially sitting on, seven left circling to share the task of slicing through the four degrees (feels like minus one).   My turn at the front came due in River Rd with willing legs but an unco-operative head, Grumpy and Wozza were of course compliant, the heart rate was happy but my mindset was making this shift hard labour.  Putting in a proper turn over rode the mental doldrums for a while but how I'd handle the next turn was already hammering at the head.  Soaking up the social side put the ride into perspective, Wozza and Rocket weren't so chatty but I believe a big turn at the brewery Friday night might be to blame.  Boof was still adjusting from Bali's 28 degrees to our winter reality and GiantAndy was doing a thesis on ride style (plenty sign their name by a certain sit on the saddle).   Work at the front called again in Boundary Rd and my head was up to the same old tricks, 37km/h at 160 bpm but still the thoughts made a mountain of it. Part two needed to dig up determination while Wozza seemingly cruised alongside, recovery came quickly though as others shared the load to the Toaster.

 Just two Cats tapped along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd as we put noses to the headwind home, chin to the headstem as Grumpy and I cut the atmosphere toward the kennels (spirits lifting managing a better than expected speed).    Wozza hit the front at Woolshed Rd and wisely called an Indian file attack on the elements, finding myself at fourth wheel in the thin westward line, he put in a long drive to Boundary and Boof did a carbon copy.  Bruce forged into Ford Rd and performance anxiety was raising it's head as I clung to his wheel, they'd have to put up with a short shift 'cause I wasn't going to ruin the rhythm.  Surprisingly I wasn't blown backwards as Bruce peeled off, head down and cadence up, I reckoned on reaching Grahamvale Rd without cardiac arrest. That didn't add up with my first two turns so I guess the cranium was finally co-operating.  Rocket took to the rushin' front as I near burst a boiler catching Bruce's wheel, Tina and MyRideTrev still locked in as rear gunners as we sped into town.  Perhaps the hurry helped a hangover 'cause Rocket still headed the line when we worked into Wanganui Rd, the wind had worn away any sprint intention but Wozza and Boof turned up the gasps to the hill so there'd be an appetite back at the café. Huddled around the heaters at the Lemontree, tour tactics, killer dogs and BinTang subjects swapped sides at the short table over breakfast.

15/7  Wind woes.
There's no fear of the front when the wind's blowing at the backside, so I had no issue taking the first shift east on Monday morning.  A west northwester propelled Bo, Col, Kel, not-so-newAvantiJohn, Bruce and Kreeky out of town, it's the return that would tax us with gusts of 30 km/h.  Col and Bo were quite chatty to the Kinder but six went silent feeling that wind at the starboard side on the southerly spin along Central Ave. Kreeky, not-so-newAvantiJohn and Bruce finished off Channel Rd and I had Kel as co-pilot from the highway to the bridge, but I needed an appointment with a Spanish doctor to keep up.  Bo levelled with me as I set the fig farm as the roll over point, but with a bit in reserve, pressed on to Old Dookie Rd to make a reasonable contribution.

 Legs and lungs had no complaints as I crossed the intersection and the decision to push on to New Dookie Rd felt right, but just as I thought the target was possible the lungs laboured with 500 metres to go.  Encouragement from Bo helped and stubbornness got me to the goal speechless but satisfied, considering the distance.  I hoped others were going through the same toil (or at least a percentage of it) on their push at the pointy end, but there's not many clues to the effort given as each spends their time on a turn.  The real work began working west into the wind, Bruce wisely calling a single filed strategy to minimise the pain.  He set the standard with a long drive to the bridge, Bo next in line figured to push on to Lemnos North Rd but his elbow gave me the lead for a 600 metre drive to Ford Rd.  Kel and Col weren't venturing from the rear seats so Kreeky took on the task of towing us in Ford Rd, not-so-newAvantiJohn putting some sting in the speed to Grahamvale Rd.  My calculations forecast another term of torment before we'd turn away from the headwind and sure enough, the first 700 of Wanganui Rd was mine to suffer.  Relief came slotting into fifth wheel at the transfer station, knowing that was the last of the headwind for me, though holding onto Bruce and Bo's blast to the hill didn't spell cruisy.  Back home via the Boulevard was blessed with the wind behind, six steered to coffee while I whinged my way to work.

16/7  Fourtitude.

A wind blew again on Tuesday and I thought September was the windy month.  12k's around the golf course climatized the legs and head to the 20 km/h west northwester, arriving at Friars to find Snow, Coggo and Sly the only winter warriors to face the day.  Like yesterday, there was no hesitation to head the crew out of town with an assisting wind, mindful to go easy on Snow (labouring from limited laps) and save something for the headwind home.  I put Coggo in charge at Dobson's bridge and tucked in for a tow as he cranked to Central Ave, Sly's shift was a little shy of School Rd and Snow kept the pace till handing over with 500 metres of Old Dookie Rd left.  Half a k felt like a discounted drive so took on a k of Boundary Rd as recompense, that WNW'er turning my trajectory a little drunk as the gusts blew between the orchards.  Coggo took over to the highway as I slipped to the rear, now reckoning it was easier at the front than fighting for the draft at the back.  Sly then Snow delivered me to One Tree Dam, thoughts of another long shift evaporating quickly on the push to River Rd. Coggo carved through the headwind just a whisker off the previous pace, only now the caboose was the dream draft (till Coggo peeled off at the Angora farm to move me one place closer to the front.  Sly put in a big turn till a bit beyond the dip, the workload ever increasing with just Snow to shield me.  Over the bridge and Snow had had enough, I'd have the last k of River Rd as a parting gift to the lap.  The odd passing car gave a moments relief from the breeze but in all I was pleased with the pace to Central Kialla Rd (even more pleased to ease up for the solo tap home)

17/7  Windsday.

The bureau decides the layers (temperature), the tactics (wind direction) and the suffering (wind speed) well before a wheel turns in anger, so there was no surprise facing the elements as the door opened Wednesday morning.  How the legs and head would cope with it I couldn't forecast.  A few threatening spits from the sky didn't deter Bruce, Rocket, Boof, Wozza, Coggo, Tina, Joe, Kel, Superman, Kenworth, Kreeky, MyRideTrev and Bo from fronting the carpark.   Boof and Wozza got the party started, plenty not so regulars diving for the safety of a tow as fourteen flew south into the darkness.  I joined the advance line with Kreeky ahead as a few looked likely to cement their position at the back, our special guest Coggo was my follow up as we all enjoyed the treat of a tailwind in Mitchell Rd.  The push to River Rd with Kreeky nearly emptied the tank, luck gave me the breeze behind to keep up with Coggo as I took aim to reach the bridge.  I'd run out of urge two hundred metres shy of the target so the draft from Coggo and Kenworth was almost Christmas when they took over the driving seats.

Those few minutes of toil were soon forgotten and there'd probably be fifteen minutes before doing it again, spare a thought for some at the back on the limit for the whole lap. Rocket, Wozza and Boof dragged us rapidly up Boundary Rd, the real work about to begin as we faced the breeze bearing west into Channel.  No chance of avoiding the work when I was this far up the advance line, I gritted teeth for that headwind hurt beside Kreeky from the S bend, hoping there'd still be something left for part two of the turn with Coggo at Jameson Rd.  Almost inside out reaching Central Ave, the last gasp was to call Coggo over, then hope for a moment of recovery before the big horsepower got to the front.  Boof, Rocket, Wozza and Bruce pulled out all stops at Kinder corner and drew into the distance, leaving a trail of survivors scattered along the ChaCha, all seeking something or somebody to draft to make it to the finish, the calm after the sprint soon drawing the crew back together for a solid spin back into town.

18/7  A six pack before breakfast.
We don't normally find MyRideTrev at the Thursday grid but he was more than welcome with only Tina, Kreeky, Bo and Kel forming the small bunch we're accustomed to these dark, cold (and of late windy) winter mornings.  For fronting first, MyRideTrev had the honour of leading us out of town, setting a most satisfactory standard to the roundabout.  Bo showed remarkable restraint oh so slowly turning up the tempo as MyRideTrev tucked in for the tow. 

I'd guessed Bo would go for the long shift holding the helm over the truck route, still at the front down to Mitchell Rd and stubbornly staying for the east leg to Central Kialla.  The road dampened by overnight rain did a great job of dirtying bikes, perhaps the wet contributed to Kreeky picking up the puncture as we rolled past the school.  MyRideTrev's attendance had the advantage of technical assistance when Kreeky dropped the skewer spring and washer, so with repairs done and dusted and the order resumed, we were underway eastward on River with Bo cemented in as captain again.  Finally Kel was given the reigns at the bridge, spinning strong and smooth to the dip.  The long turns had turned infectious and Kreeky had it bad, driving the remainder of River Rd and adding three k's of Boundary to the highway to prove it.

Tina did well hanging on at second wheel yet still had the horsepower to drive the front to the bacon barn, finally it was Foss's first turn at the front with three quarters of the circuit complete.  A smooth tarmac helped to lighten the load to the fig farm and the old engine was running reasonably well reaching Old Dookie Rd, so braved an extra leg westward (this may be my one and only appearance in the front seat)   Running rapidly out of steam at the bridge and about to throw an elbow, the call of 'car back' cemented my place a bit longer, legs none to happy being asked to deliver more.  MyRideTrev took the helm and saved me by dialling down the tempo a tad, call it preparation time before Bo  sniffed the front again.  Of course, the pace lifted with Bo leading the lads and lasses from Central Ave, a passing car or three helping to raise the bar to the forties to the city limits, then calming for commuting cars in town where time and work split me from the crew.

19/7  Friday freaks.

The multiplying drops from above was a lesson not to clean the bike the night before, but it seems hope helped the drizzle to clear and make a Friday fling feasible.  Tina, Kreeky, MyRideTrev, The Godfather, Rocket, Boof, Joe, Wozza, Bruce and Grumpy had eyes on the heavens and on the bureau's radar at the carpark as six bells struck and I was happy to head the masses south (nothing to do with a helpful northerly breeze).  Kel and Bo were rolling south at the Broken bridge and assumed the lead role saving me the work to Sanctuary's roundabout (though I joined the advance line early to make the best of that tailwind).  To the truck route beside Kreeky then to Mitchell with Wozza shouldn't have eroded the energy but I had as much enthusiasm as BeerMat headed to Central Kialla (even in the draft!)  The Godfathers garble and guffaws shifted the forlorn focus, the soiled state of other bikes made mine a little cleaner and thoughts of that excruciatingly long comeback from winter retirement by the many in hibernation made my state somewhat serene.

 Bo talked up my performance of late (I'd call it hanging on) but I'd set myself a treat of sitting on for a change, socialising with the caboose crew for a change.  Glad I'd made the choice as heads went down into the northerly on Boundary Rd, and the fit freaks of Wozza and Rocket tearing into the breeze in the high thirties (most likely to muzzle The Godfathers jibes)  That chorus of carbon is music to the ears and distracts from the distress in the legs labour, positions perfected to make the most of maximum draft from those ahead.  Westbound in Channel Rd and The Godfather was silent and gradually dropping the wheel ahead, velocity slowly building as seven worked their wattage toward the Kinder. The caboose was the place to be as the hurry happened, gathering up several spat from the speed at the front.  There was a fairly quick cruise into town with most now northbound in search of coffee but a waiting time clock excluded me.

Week 29             264km              YTD 7,435km

   

   

Week 28 : Handbraking the heart-rate's hurry.

Post #508
6/7  Ripper ride.

I'd hardened up to head the crew out of town on Saturday, the heart rate heading to the heavens for some reason, so rather than ruin the rhythm, I soldiered on to Sanctuary's roundabout with TatPaul alongside, the b.p.m.'s slowly dropping from 185 to a more comfortable 150.  Rocket and GiantAndy advanced for their donation, TatMat, Shorty, The Godfather, Kel, Bruce, Tina, PistolPete, Col, MyRideTrev, Bo, TrekTrev and Joe all lined up behind for their go at the front (or a cosy sit in the caboose for some).  How many layers of insulation was the choice of chat, 9 degrees had many thinning their kit but the "feels like four" made that decision regrettable. An east northeaster was evident as we turned east into Mitchell Rd (glad I got my bit done beforehand) so the others could enjoy the fun of belting into a headwind. A roadside magpie reminded us of the soon to come season ducking those hell bent divebombing birds, if we make it through July's wicked weather!  The Godfather faced the front and applied his (habitual?) handbrake setting off the sledges, the turns rolling a little shorter as that wind took it's toll.

I was back at the business end before I knew it, TatMat tapping a tough tempo to pair with (and I thought he'd be a bit softened-up after Friday's epic 160).  I'd managed to do the last k of River Rd without a heart rate Hiroshima, TatPaul my partner for the first few hundred of Boundary Rd.  Sheltered in the down-line was a trophy after a turn, TrekTrev on his way to the rushin' front in a very different world after several weeks suffering cbf syndrome.
Half the bunch was in the gutter 'cause the drivers at the front hadn't read the wind, what I thought was a natural instinct seems to escape some, caught up in the moment I guess?  ('tis a shame those few basics of bunch behaviour aren't second nature).  Unperturbed by a headwind, PistolPete's power to the Toaster had the masses mute, I'd been promoted to the front again with TatMat to drive to the church, encouraging words preventing me from pulling the pin short of New Dookie Rd.

TatPaul played fair again to the rail line, Rocket and Bo towing us to the Big Ring before the swing west back to town. Mmmm….no sign of Cats?  With wind up the Khyber and no longer blowing between the ears, spirits lifted (as did the speed), a cacophony of carbon creating music for the ears.  GiantAndy did his Lemnos exit to keep bread on the table (and tyres on the bike), we entered Ford Rd to find felines in few numbers finally on their way.  (a spill had brought down several, Jodie scoring a broken ankle and Sprinter cracking a few ribs.  Hopes for a quick recovery folks!)  MyRideTrev and Shorty took the Verney Rd deviation to breakfast (was it a caffeine craving or Wanganui worries?), I'd reached the rear of the bunch and opted to be towed to town, but the hunger for hurry to the hill was strong in others.  Rocket, Pistol, Bo and TatMat ramped up the rush while many hoped the excitement would soon evaporate, the bunch collecting in Rudd Rd for an almost social spin to breakfast.  Some split to Stanley's (a touch contrary to the camaraderie) but eight ate at the Lemontree swapping sentences on power outages, layering for temperature and the sublime sound of a vee eight.

9/7  Fourplay.

Two days off two wheels and the legs were already rusty, thirty was a thrash to reach the carpark which didn't auger well for Tuesday's 5:40 fling.  It's down to the die-hard now, just Kreeky, Kel and Bo with the tenacity to turn up.  I was pleased to be fourth in line and pleased Kreeky was first to set the speed, headlights slicing south into Archer Rd's darkness and settling into mid thirties.  Comfort was almost found cutting through seven degrees and we were certainly relishing a breezeless circuit for a change. Through Sanctuary's roundabout and Kreeky was still towing the train (long haul shifts seem to be flavour of the month).   Over the truck route and Kreeky still led the line, though half a k later the tell tale sign of a slowly sinking speed told me his tank was emptying.  His elbow put Bo into the drivers seat in Mitchell Rd, and guaranteed there'd be a show of stamina to follow, I settled in for his feature length turn.  Across to Central Kialla Rd and up to River Rd, I was guessing Bo'd peel off at the River Rd bridge  but his speed only spiced up a bit.  Past Laws Drive, through the dip and onward to the quarter horse stud, Bo had the bit between his teeth, at least I was well warmed up before my flap at the front.

 Bo finally relinquished the lead when we turned north into Boundary Rd, me sitting second wheel at Kel's pace was noticeable harder work (but we're not here for rest are we?)      Mrs. Smoooth took us to the Broken bridges, elbowing me to the lead, great to have a little downhill to start my shift but the highway seemed to be an eternity away.  Thoughts of putting in a long shift quickly evaporated, reaching Channel Rd had worn down the wattage and I reckoned I'd reach the highway just before my tank emptied (shying from a longer turn didn't bother me, I was leading my age group anyway!)  Kreeky was back in the hot seat and keen for another big shift, to Old Dookie Rd wasn't enough so he stormed on to Central Ave as proof of performance.  Looks like I'd had my one and only shift and was to be treated to a tow home.  Bo finished the circuit with a spike of speed into town (a passing truck's tow too good to refuse), our paths parted in town, coffee for them and coalface for me.


10/7 Le peloton petite.
Wozza played fast but fair when I braved the front for the two k drive to Sanctuary's roundabout, hoping to have something left for the k beyond.  With a poor peloton population and few prepared to front early for duty, I'd jumped in the deep end for Wednesday's ride, knowing Wozza doesn't bite.  Through the roundabout I found just enough

pace to roll across, grateful to have Kreeky's considerate company cranking to the truck route, the tow as Bo, Grumpy and Bruce advanced handbraking my heartrate's hurry.  Turns would roll around rapidly with just 10 in the team, take away Tina, MyRideTrev and Joe comfortable in the caboose left just Kel, Bo and Shorty remaining in the driving division, so it'd be a bit more than a one turn tap today!   Shorty and Kel copped the niggling northerly through Central Kialla and up to River Rd, another turn due for me after Bo and Wozza's shift to the bridge.  My 1100 metre shift started high in hopes and brimming with bravado, but 'ol mate reality had brought me down to earth with a thud by the dip. 
Kreeky was kindly compliant as my head tried to wave the white flag, forcing another 500 metres out of the legs (still happy to hurry) till a sense of survival said to call Kreeky over.  (here's hoping that was long enough to avoid Boundary Rd's headwind)  Bruce a was on for a chat but I needed to socially snub him, oxygen demand for breathing over-ruled talking!

 Shorty and Kel again had the breeze to bear in Boundary Rd to the Broken bridges, Bo and Wozza coming to the rescue towing us all to Channel Rd.  Orchards sheltered me matching Wozza to the S bend, a trio of ambling ducks sent startled skyward as we worked west.  Kreeky again paired for part two, the k to the cypress trees toiled with the vastus lateralis on fire (but guessing that would be my last labour for the lap).  Bruce put some heat into the hurry to the Kinder and Bo took to the ChaCha in his favourite role as train driver but Wozza's wattage into the mid forties showed us how it's done to the finish line.

11/7  Robinson Crusoe?

Feels like 1.6 degrees, dark, a brisk northwester and a damp road..... all the ingredients for an early Thursday spin!  A pre-goat grind to the golf course and east on Wanganui Rd limbered the legs, guessing there'd only be a few enthused to tap a lap in these conditions.  Awakening the Garmin at Grahamvale Rd the northwester made it's presence felt on the return to town, sighting Tina (the only committed Cat) departing the Notre Dame grid.  Mmm, me thinks Goats may be very scarce today.  Six am at Friars and the silence was deafening, the empty grid spelling a second solo effort.  Free of bunch expectations or pressures, I let the wind blow me out of town in the low thirties, reckoning I deserved a tame tap around considering all others had sunk to softness!  Small branches to dodge told of overnight winds nearing 70, soon steering south onto a desolate Boundary Rd to cop the wind at the flanks. There'd be work to do heading home.  To Channel Rd and west into the wind, something stirred in the competitive corner of the cranium to set a speed standard to town, the 24 km/h gusts making sure it was nothing to brag about.  Plenty of puddles on the ChaCha gave me a cleaning task for later and being blown about on the open sections made any shelter welcome (where's that slow moving truck to draft when you need it?), so getting back into town and getting my breath back put a little luxury into the lap.

12/7  A day off work, a freshly cleaned bike, the tank filled and all kitted up ready for the Friday spin (and a bit extra in the daylight), the heart suddenly sank finding fine misty rain as I stepped out the door. Reluctantly, I pulled the pin, a ride would have to wait till Saturday.....

Week 28      172km       YTD 7,171km        

Week 27 : The distress in the drivers seat.

Post #507
1/7   Over the hump.

The weekend's wet festered a frustration of ride denial, so there was relief being released from the clutches of winter's worst to get a lap in Monday.  Nice to have a northerly blow me south to the car park, PistolPete, Wozza, Kel, Kreeky, Bo and The Godfather lining up for the 5:45 spin.   I'd faced the phobia of first to grid and had PistolPete as partner for leg one to the truck route, perhaps that extra day off had banked some wattage to tolerate the tempo first thing?  The Godfather came forward to pair with Pistol, toning down the tempo a tad (to the delight of my laboured lungs) but  Kreeky crept it up again toward the Kinder.   Bo and Wozza reported they were running on two cylinders (well hydrated from Darker Days festival) but managed their usual speed to the S bend, my next task at the front was to keep pace with Kel into the northerly up to the highway.  I hadn't pondered part two with Pistol but was pleased I lasted another k to the bridge without imploding into an asthmatic mess.  There's great relief when your partner in pace rolls across and you can lap up the draft, problem was Pistol poured on a bit more power to put my recovery on the 'later' list.  By Old Dookie Rd I'd become coherent enough to chat sense while Bo and Wozz worked north toward Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  I paired with (smooth as) Kel to the channel bridge, Pistol a somewhat daunting follow up, but I surprised myself with a satisfying shift to Lemnos North Rd (was that Pistol snoring beside me?)  That bump in Ford Rd has become second nature as the six slogged their turns to town, I'd been spared the front for Wanganui Rd but had the task to cut the wind for Rudd Rd instead (now running on five cylinders for some reason)



2/7  Hare style.

Bo's puncture at the carpark was the early entertainment for Tuesday as PistolPete, Kel, Kreeky and Col arrived for the 5:40 fling.  A tight Continental on a Scope rim gave the pit crew (Pistol & Kel) a bit of grief, Bo of course sprouting advice from the side lines.  Hares (Wozza, Rocket, Bruce, ChrisA and George) assembled for their 5:50 flogging so by the time repairs were done, two tribes became one for a clockwise collaboration.  Pistol and Kel opened the account into Channel Rd while Bo fussed about sorting a chain onto the big ring, two rows forming to forge east to the truck route. ChrisA, Rocket and Wozza turned up the hurry as Bruce (crook and confining himself to the caboose) ushered me to the upline.  I was pleased to have Kreeky's wheel and not be totally outclassed by one of the faster faction, three degrees was biting at the lungs as I headed for duty at the S bend, half a k with Kreeky when he called a roll, then to finish off Channel Rd with Col summed up my brief battle at the rushin' front. Bo had finally made it to the pointy end and made up for the delayed start with a long drive to River Rd, keen to get stuck into River Rd too as Col fought to get back in his draft.  Long turns by the fast kept me in the tow longer than expected so I didn't reach the pointy end till we steered west into Mitchell Rd.  Kreeky seemed to shorten his shift but I was happy with my version of hurry toward Archer Rd (assisted by the breeze?) though the wattage waned a bit shy of the target, so I called Bo across to steal his draft.  Col, Bruce and Kel had confined themselves to the caboose, a tempting thought as legs and lungs protested under the strain of Pistol's pace to the highway.  Rocket, Wozza and ChrisA had yet to feature at the front and another contribution from me would be well below par so hung on for the huff and puff in the rear seats to Conrod straight.  Legs were burning and I didn't dare peek at the heart rate, mid 40's was enough evidence of effort and there was still their typical tempo through town to cope with.  A moments slow for traffic lights caught an overdue breath, but back on the gas again to the lake before the bliss of backing off as the crew cornered for coffee.

3/7  Them and us.

Just a single row speared south through Archer Rd's patchy fog with not a hint of anyone starting the up-line, frustration forcing Rocket to the fore and fast straight onto the agenda. Bruce, then Pistol then Wozza responded while most others hung on in silence behind.  Kel took a westerly exit (excused having spun an earlier loop) and from the caboose MyRideTrev's voice called me into the up-line (it's been weeks since he last rode with the bunch and suffering was his welcome back)  Tina had tucked into the draft too,  three summery weeks of the French Pyrenees can't compare to cutting through three degrees at forty kilometres an hour!  School holidays had allowed TatMat (and his trusty sidekick TatPaul) to mix with us mid-week, Kenworth and Shorty back into the groove albeit with a tad of trepidation on tempo.  Eventually the pace eased, The Godfather and Bo turning down the torture which probably enticed Shorty and Kenworth to face the front.  Bruce sat out the lap in the still sick seat, Kreeky advanced to the front and many had re-entered the comfort zone half way along River Rd.  I was well rested from the earlier shift through Central Kialla but noticed the tempo trio were line astern and about to take the drivers seat again.  Some may resent this rapidity but it does push the boundaries way beyond what you'd do solo, so I see it they're doing us a favour of fostering fitness (despite the cries of mercy from muscles!)   Pistol and Rocket opened up the throttle into Boundary Rd (to silence The Godfather?), from third last wheel I peeked through the row of crouched Couldabeens to see Kenworth labouring on the limiter in a hapless hope of getting a draft from the oh-so-aero PistolPete.

Over the Broken bridges and the big fella was starting to tick, just a few metres more then BOOM! a retreat to the rear for recovery  (respect shown with a momentary slow to keep Kenworth aboard)   West into Channel Rd a squadron of ducks launched over our heads, Wozza advancing to the front to drive a somewhat slower shift (a fraction below forty) which lasted till The Godfather squawked something snide.  Heads down and cadence up, Rocket and Wozz drove on to the cypress trees, Col brave enough to be promoted to the pointy end till Kinder corner.  Wozza kept the hammer down and Col had sought refuge in the downline, I had a feeling things were going to get faster so sought a similar shelter.  All hurry broke loose to the ChaCha so picked my line through the expirees as I tried to hold on to the wake of the wattage ahead.  The calm cruise to the truck route re-united a stretched squad, the urge now set for coffee in town.

4/7 The spice of variety.
If only to rattle the ride repetition, an early loop of Raftery, Mitchell and Archer Rd's soaked up some serious contemplation on where do Conrod's kangaroos hibernate and what to order for this Saturday's breakfast.  The hint of a southerly was confirmed turning north into Archer, speed was now a little easier as I crossed paths with the 5:40 family single filed south, keeping an eye on the clock if I was to catch the Goat train at 6.  Tina, Tum, Snow and Coggo were found at Friars at 5:59 (how's that for timing?) with Sly (too late to catch Cats?) sitting in the ranks.  The (unspoken) understanding that six single filed would make better progress got wheels working east on Old Dookie Rd, Sly keen to command the crew to Dobson's estate.  Tina seemed to strain at Sly speed but ground out a great turn when reaching the front.  I was given the last 500 metres to Central Ave so added another 500 as a fair share, Tum and Snow put in their swift shifts to polish off Old Dookie Rd.  Coggo's metronome set the smoothest speed south on Boundary, watching the pace vary just half a k is a sign of many k's under the belt  (at some point we've all been on a wheel from hell with tempo up and down like a yo-yo!) 

Sly got back in the drivers seat at the bacon barn, seems he needed to prove his performance to the highway which had Tina's head down to keep the draft.  Tina handed me my second shift at Channel Rd so sat at the prior pace till she caught the tail, then gingerly squeezed the accelerator against the slight southerly.  Handing the helm to Snow at One Tree Dam made it my rest time at the rear, Snow careful this time so have a little in reserve when Tum took to River Rd.  Coggo and Sly drove long and strong to the bridge, an oncoming half wit hell-bent on high beam not helping our navigation.  Tina had tapped her turn and elbowed me the last half k of River (I'd begged a later start at work today so could complete the whole Goat lap), adding a drive to Central Kialla Hall.  The two degree cold wasn't a concern with the legs well warmed, concentration was king for my next drive at the front in Raftery Rd with small roadside branches to dodge.  Spinning the earlier loop had burned up any extra in the legs so I played observer when Coggo and Sly wound up their wattage in Conrod straight.

5/7  The Friday phew.

A chance intercept with TatMat courted company for the commute to the carpark on Friday, Bo, Col, PistolPete, Rocket, Shorty, Tina, MyRideTrev, Kel, not-so-newAvantiJohn, Wozza and Bruce rolling in for the 6am spin. MyRideTrev had pleaded for a pace below 40 so PistolPete obliged with a cautiously controlled drive south into Archer Rd (in the interest of economic bike servicing in the future?)   Circumstances had collected the quick line astern again, idling their way to Mitchell Rd while others hung on in suffering silence (helped by The Godfather's absence)   Col raised the retirement subject (was that a hint?) while Bruce chirped a gradual return to health and Shorty had dug up some determination to tap his second lap for the week.  Across to Central Kialla and up to River Rd, some comfort was found in four degrees till PistolPete told me he's about to holiday in warmer weather for a few weeks.  It was time for my contribution to the cause and hadn't I positioned myself for pace, TatMat ahead and Wozza behind as we shot into River Rd's dip.  The legs were keen to crank but my head hankered a hiatus.  So frustrating!

It's all good to be physically prepared but the cranium's co-operation is essential.  Maybe it's been a long week and I should calm down the k's?  More sleep would be sweet or perhaps I should just double the dose of Kellogg's Koncrete? The will to reach the quarter horse stud was strong but the pre-frontal cortex raised the white flag at the next white post.  Now to hang onto Wozza's wheel and supress that growling bear while he and Rocket bolted to Boundary Rd.

Of course you hold on, the embarrassment of going ota always drags a few extra watts from the old engine.  PistolPete and Rocket conformed to the command of MyRideTrev's earlier edict (just!), noses north to Channel Rd then west toward town.  Dragged along in TatMat's draft was a delight but I was dangerously close to the distress of the drivers seat as we swept under the cypress trees and on to Central Ave.  Bo and Col had done their duty driving to the Kinder, Tina, Kel, Shorty and MyRideTrev happily holding up in the caboose as Bruce put the hammer down toward Prentice Rd.  My suffering was saved when Wozza, Rocket and not-so-newAvantiJohn charged at the ChaCha for the chocolates (a bonus when Boof's in Bali!)  The roll of respite was brief, over the truck route we were back on the gas again through town, bidding adieu to TatMat, who quietly rolled off a further 120km. ('cause he can)

Week 27;    229km                     YTD 6,999km