2019 : The year that was...

Post #532

Well, that's another year gone by, and just for a change, reaching no particular target or achieving no particular goal, just the pleasure of propelling two wheels around and enjoying the company of like minded cyclusts. (in web view, read the dictionary in the right column)   A change of scenery and ritual here and there put the proverbial icing on the cake.  My habitual fraternisation with the Couldabeens and Goats was mixed with a few different events and tours, the Lake Hume Challenge (Feb), taking the bike to Ballarat (March) and a most enjoyable three April weeks worth of touring Tasmania (super scenery and uncannily courteous motorists).   Four doses of Melbourne's Beach Road, a Bendigo Cycling Classic (October) and the Tat 100 (November) kept variety in the mix, though the Fruitloop's hiatus ended my 13 year run.

But it was 2019's winter that etched into the memory, not so much the relentless cold but the long list of retirees from it.  So many lost the will to commit to two wheels (some are still yet to return) despite it being no colder than 2018 (twenty nine days of three degrees or lower).   It's that fear of facing a long and suffering comeback that kept me going through the zero's and bone chilling breezes, admittedly the more that vanished from the list of regular riders only strengthened my resolve.

Allegiances split between cafes during 2019 but the bunch kept diversifying, different divisions making sure most levels of fitness were catered for. Injuries (almost inevitable) striking PistolPete and Tina (through no fault of their own) then I just had to go horizontal when the weather warmed up!  We bid adieu to SpinDoctor (Holland) and not-so-newAvantiJohn (Darwin) and regrettably last goodbye's to Nev Yuille during the year but we welcomed Joe (not Tony) into the fold and enjoyed the brief visits of Batman and Stu.  Other interesting interlopers were filtered by tempo.

The usual seven tyres, three chains and nine tubes were consumed in clocking nearly 13,000 km, a new pair of Craftworx carbon wheels making the effort a little easier (rest in peace Mavic Carbon SL's with 145,000 done) while the trusty Baum carries on delivering smooth and reliable kilometres into the 60,000's.  Elephant stamps to Wozza (a sub 10 hour Three Peaks), Liam (a comeback of inspirational proportions) and Tina (25,000+ km for the year), in fact all that swung a leg over a bike and had a go deserve a nod (the task is to keep it consistent!)
Thanks to all for their fellowship, laughs, advice and enthusiasm, a nod to the ranks of the rapid that keep the standards high (lest we soften).
And so begins my wrestling match of the mental side lamenting a lap while the physical side repairs nine broken ribs.  You'll be spared these weekly writings till then.  Take care out there bike buddies.....