Felt so easy rolling out from home Saturday morning, no effort to get the bike up to speed, almost effortless to get the wheels humming, (lulled into great confidence of a fast lap) but at the end of the street the harsh reality of a chilly south wester slaps hard in your face. A fair effort needed to push 5+k's down to the Peppermill, so head down and h.t.f.u., a mild, wind-free ride is but a pipedream. BigMat (in the appropriate FdJ kit) , Steve, Nev, Cougs, Leon and Hoffy made up a compact but class team, the vote to the old course of Mitchell-Boundary-Ford-Wanganui Rd, no appeal left for the Karramomis route. Glad to have Steve & BigMat bear the brunt of the Raftery Rd head wind, good to welcome back the mayor of Toolamba cruising along near the Col d'Kialla. Hoffy's windtraining is paying dividends, now an elder statesman to be reckoned with, Nev his usual supersonic self but playing ball with us mere mortals. The side wind was bearable in Mitchell and Boundary was a breeze, BigMat and Steve now back on the front at a fair rate of knots. (Steve's speedo reading zero, BigMat's at 127! me thinks headlight batteries are playing havoc with wireless speedos) Strangely, just a handful of Cats were southbound near River Rd. The old course up Boundary and along Ford Rd brought back some memories, a lot less traffic today than what I remembered 6 months ago when this was the regular route. A few had a crack at the sprint in Rudd Rd (Nev chatting away whilst others, gasping, battled for second) but the group grouped for a cruise down the Boulevard into town, caffine mentally in our nostrils guiding the way. Sunshine had brought out many from hibernation, a fair sized tribe of goats outbound. Quite a yarn at the Butterfactory, a posse of pensioners joining in the think tank of prophecies and tall stories. Great to see Kylie back on the bike (resplendant in Couldabeens kit) , a gentle transition with the old-timers till former speed returns. Word reached us of a Cat crash that morning in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, a large canine bringing down several, the little Sprinter suffering bumps, grazes and bruises (x-rays thankfully absolved him of breaks) Get well soon Brendan, it's not a real sprint on Tuesday night without you nipping at the heels!
An early night Saturday (overwhelmed with boredom) meant early to rise Sunday (as Gran's have taught us) so the eyes sprung open at 5.30. Resisting the urge to ride is futile, stalled it till 7 though. Set off on a solo reverse P&W lap, a southerly still blowing a bit, cruised along Mitchell Rd to Orbital, Jessie Ware and Disclosure on the i-pod playlist to keep the mind off the relentless wind. Not out to break records but was pleased with the progress, Boundary no problem, Old Dookie particularly good despite a now stiff side wind. The flags at the tractor dealer have been shredded to mere threads in recent months, satisfiying then to knock over 40 at 33. Rolled straight to Nick's to take up his 8.30 invite for a lap, Beery making it a trio. The decision was the 7 bridges course, over to Tat, down to Toolamba, across Union Rd and back home via Central-Kialla, Mitchell & Raftery Rds. Those niggling winds didn't stop, Beery travelling well for one whos ridden twice in a month but Nick suffered in the headwind so short turns suited him. A 3k grind at the front in Dhurringile Rd burned my legs but it was a bit easier heading east with wind to the side. Out of Toolamba's traffic congestion (well, 2 cars) and approaching the highway we caught 2 Treks trekking a little slower (meeting Stella and Nigel) so eased up to include them for the trip home. A short sprint at the end (Beery made me do it) , but the reason was to fill the tank after 60k (added to the earlier 40 = hungry) Noble Monks got the majority vote, but coffee doesn't come in mugs, the tucker serves are small and the price isn't.
A few P&W's were lined up in the cold of Monday morning, Meags, Cougs, Tommygun, Weapon, Grant and long time no see 6'5" of Wookie, a great little team to tackle zero degrees (too cool for the Fox though, tightly wrapped in a toasted doona casing). Tempo favoured a chat here and there, caught up with Tommy's tragic transition at Cairns, Weapons' strategy to ride through winter, Wookie's finals hopes and Meags' sleep deprivation. Good load sharing of front duty by all, down to Melbourne Rd before Cats then Area 51 rounded us up. Greetings from Graeme, Kelvin, Vince, Mo and Eggy as they stretched away for a thrash to the finish line, solidarity ruled for us, close knit to finish a fresh 30k.
The cold had made way for wind on Tuesday, 7 degrees was bearable but the breeze was about to make us earn breakfast (or a second one). Another great roll up of Couldabeens, the Kenworth (out of breath again) GG with race wheels back on, Shorty, BigMat, Nick, Trav, Leon,Tim, Temple, Cougs, Chris (the pom), Rocket, Vince and at the very last moment, Daniel (to take a back seat for a tow up Channel Rd?) The 8k push out was worth the effort, a bonus breeze from behind for Boundary (and ok in Mitchell too, Vince's gps clocking 39 )concentration on wheels ahead and nearby, paramount. A lengthy but sensible wait at Melbourne Rd for traffic, and a dose of headwind reality in Raftery. Rocket bolted for the finish with top guns in pursuit, I'd grouped with team sensible for a team finish, 34.7 conquered Cats and the 7.03 train with ease, even after an eternity at the highway.
The bike turned 8 years old today, and right on cue, 140,000 clicked over on the ride. (Mmmm....averaging 17,500 p.a. confirms the disorder / psychosis / madness / dull social life?)
Showers swept across town at 4pm which spelled a night indoors, but the sun soon returned with a northwest blow dry of the roads restoring hopes of a ride Tuesday night. It was only Rob and Robbo though at the hospital, all others short of intestinal fortitude, no doubt sitting in warm loungerooms, watching "Being Lara Bingle" and eating Cheesels off their fingers (Sprinter excluded, valid reason for non-attendance) An unsual fog hung low out toward the Emu, earlier rain turning to rising steam off the warmer road. A steady tap around the circuit with the small concession of Channel Rd home, just as good a workout as the usual Tuesday night, about 10 turns on the front tonite with Robbo!
The regular ride of recouperation for Wednesday, navigation awkward with a mid strength fog (handy to get the bike dirty again, a bit of road grime and the odd squashed worm as decoration) Cougs' had nitrous for breakfast, a fair pace pushing through a foggy soup. The regular parade of peletons seen along Boundary Rd, just P&W's vocal (with quality sledging) . A neat #51 express topped off the display as we turned into Old Dookie Rd it felt a fraction easier, so Coug's lit the afterburner.
Thursdays Couldabeens were a mere shadow of the numbers on Tuesday, yet there was 8 degrees and barely a hint of wind to enjoy. Rocket, Leon, Kenworth, Nick & Shorty (all in the new kit) were at the start line, the absent BigMat the subject of much sledging. Bo & Kel were cruising along near the kinder to join on (need a note from home Kel, out of uniform!) the Kenworth on a performance enhancing breakfast propelled us at near warp speed out Channel Rd., Shorty, Leon & Nick rose to the occassion, Rocket needed no encouragement. Hadn't had Bo & Kel along for a while, just a few short sentences amongst the group today, oxygen intake was a higher priority. Leon exited in Archer Rd (must admit the thought crossed my mind to join him, legs were telling the head to give up and take a cruise home. We are but addicted to pain it seems?) Kel & Bo turned off at the highway, only 5 remained for the Raftery stage, turns at the front became a bit shorter a bit more frequently. Finding myself at the for the final time with 400 metres to go wasn't ideal (particularly with a Kenworth and a Rocket breathing down my neck) so upped the velocity to 46 to make them earn their medals. Expired early, Rocket 1, Kenworth 2. Just shy of a 36 km/h average was a fair effort for a small bunch, crossed the tracks with the train still taking on passengers.
The sky looked suspiciously suspect on Thursday night (forecast was ordinary too) so spannered on a new 56/44 ring combo (courtesy of the taxation Commissioners' favourable decision) and took a brief test ride. So therefore; For sale; one 53 tooth ring (64,000k's totally hammered) and one 38 tooth ring (pristine condition, used 4 times, comes with free cobwebs)
There's something salubriously sinful about sleeping in, listening to the rain pour down (Friday morning) pennance was the rubbish truck pulling up a few metres from the bedroom window emptying the bin at 6.05.
Week 33 388km 14,317 calories (41 coffee scrolls) 32.3 km/h average YTD 12,617km
"Those who make the worst of their time are the first to complain of it's brevity" Jean de la Bruyere :French essayist 1645-1696
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Week 32
Felt a little like Mr Iscariot Saturday morning, early duties meant abandoning the usual group and favouring Team Trev for a short 6am circuit. A lone bike was keenly spotted by Cougs turning into Channel Rd, so set off in pursuit, believing we may have missed the starting gun. Head down and tail up for the first few k's at a rapid pace, slowly reeling in the rider ahead, but half way up Channel we ceased to make further progress, our mystery rider turning up the wick. Into energy debt, the chase was called off (needed some horsepower to get home) opting to roll at a reasonable rate (and hoping Team Trev was behind). One bike headed west as we completed the east leg, then sure enough, a little way up Boundary Rd, lights were slowly catching, Trev, Shorty and Nath (our mystery man ahead in Channel Rd) came alongside. Any wonder our pursuit failed! A trip down memory lane heading over the rumble strips in Boundary, over the rail line and up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, then homeward via Ford, Wanganui & Rudd. A steady speed, good conversation and the odd chuckle, (sprinting off the agenda) and a cruise through town for coffee and conversation at the Lemontree (home by 8, commitments catered to)
And on the seventh day the heavens thus opened to dampen the byways, and the Fossil took respite for as much as to soothe limbs wearied by distance. And the winds blew from afar, but great was the tranquility upon thy couch. Lo, a great dread fell upon his concience that he should be struck down with softness, but the comfort and warmth was too great. (Thoughts of those tackling the Vets TT and the DECA Duathlon, a northeaster steadily building and an odd shower would test any tenacity.)
The best laid plans of Stace & Fee came to nil on Monday morning, just Cougs and Hayles (fresh from a Sunday Duo win) for Mondays ride. A 15km/h westerly promised an easy journey out, but a bit tough heading home. 5k out, two bikes approached from the toaster, went past then u-turned to tack on our little train, Tommygun and Weapon (on 70.3 training) had arrived, a most welcome load sharing addition for the westerly home. Great turns by all ensued, but Mitchell Rd seemed twice as long. Approaching Archer Rd, Pussycats perambulated past politely (pardon profuse prose) but couldn't match the smoothness of the harem.
An urge to clock some distance inspired a Monday night lap, nearly 3 months since the last effort. Just remnants of the mornings' west breeze remained, the much travelled toaster circuit (anti-clockwise) chosen. Tried to balance the need for speed with the sense of survival, it's a long track back home. Quite the winter sunset to view in Boundary Rd (made movie-like listening to Radioheads "Like spinning plates") but the wind, now from the NNW, was as annoying as Mr Beiber flogging ProActive. A hint in the nostrils of someone's roast lamb cooking urged the legs on, a close call with a rampant possum bumped up the heart-rate heading to the toaster. Turned at the emu and turned concentration to the tunes (ironically Bag Raiders "Way back home") for the long drag back. Nice to get home and fill an empty tank, 33 averaged over the 55 earned dessert.
Tuesday was another 1 degree day! (that's 20 this year at that or below) 14 tenacious Couldabeens were game though, the Kenworth arrived out of breath (an HR boost in preparation?) even Trav ready to have a go after two tough weeks of holiday in Queensland. Good to have Vince back for a visit, Chris too decked out in the new kit. One of those rare days where Daniel dons longs, should have photgraphed it as proof. A good roll down Channel and enjoyed the tail-wind fringe benefits in Boundary Rd. Nick and Temple had a good dip, a newly detoxed Ryan matching well. Quite the suprise between Central Kialla Rd and Archer, a few hundred kilos of live steak (a bull) at the side of the road, spotted at the last moment lurking in the dark, had the adrenalin flowing. Thankfully we passed without incident, hooroo's to Leon and Daniel exiting in Archer. Energy levels are down a little today (last nights lap?) so valued a brief tow from the Kenworth in Raftery. All finished well (behind the Rocket of course) and won against the train.
The usual villans waiting at the hospital on Tuesday, Axel back off arvo shift, even Mike had ventured out from weeks in hibernation. Nath and Trev missing in action but the horsepower of Bomber, Robbo, Steigy and young Andy promised action. Numbers had built to 14 by the time we reached the Emu (collecting Sprinter, Mitch and Steve M along the way) and a group of 4 added at the toaster. Robbo served me up a tough workout at 40 on the front for Old Dookie Rd (i'll admit the weak northeaster was a little bonus) but all got a main course of rapid knots in River Rd with Bomber & Reece making the scenery pass at 46. Mike had long vanished, Sprinter absent too by Mitchell Rd. Had just crossed Melbourne Rd when Bomber launched an attack, Mitch and Reece in pursuit, and my tank almost empty. Thanks to Robbo driving the chase train several hung on for the minor places, dragged my tired bones across the line in 7th (looking back, a long scattered trail of lights behind) with 36.5km/h-140bpm average recorded.
A third set of Vredesteins fitted for the year (another good run of 5000+k's from the last set)
Another welcomed Wednesday ride, easier on the speed and easier on the sore bits (dimethicone, Phenol, meythlparaben, glyceryl stearate and Thymol helped too) Chris came along after a lengthy hiatus, Cougs a faithful regular, the almost bearable 5 degrees was overshadowed by a 20km/h northeaster (as enjoyable as a 3am mosquito). We were treated to a rousing greeting from the half dozen P&W's, difficult to make out who was who thereafter, a dozen strung out between the pub and the fig trees, 51 tight knit following up the rear about to swallow up all. The turn into Old Dookie heralded much relief, the wind propelling us home.
A dozen Couldabeens rolled out Thursday morning assisted by a decent south wester. Daniel back in the obligatory shorts, Kel back after a long absence (but not 100% well) and the regular mob of Nick, the Kenworth, Rocket, Cougs and Temple all having a good sledge at BigMat on his 354th comeback. Didn't deflate him, but did deflate his tyre just 4k's into the lap. A team stop for repairs dragged on a bit, but work commitments forced a short cut home. Missed the jovial atmostphere, missed the rapid progress into a head wind on the way home too.
Just two entrants at the library on Thursday night, Axel & Andy the only ones tough enough. Nath was cruising in the distance heading out the boulevard and was finally caught, the fearless foursome taking a vote on a steady ride out to the Emu and back home via Channel Rd to log 40k's. Should have let 50 psi out of Andy's tyres, the young fella firing on all cylinders. A couple of spots from the heavens spelled a drenching turning into Boundary Rd but someone turned the tap off, the road as dry as a chip. Had to keep the head down heading west but a solid lap completed (three times more turns at the front than normal) without being cooked.
All kitted up Friday morning, out the front door and suprised to see a damp road and the odd spit of rain. Headed off to a P&W start anyway, a few more spits had concerns heightened. A quick check of the radar had no sign of rain so plugged away to the SPC roundabout, sure there'd be a few starters. No doubting the hardcore harem; Stace, Cougs and Fee spell determination in any language. A trio of Supercats rolled passed, our quadrella single filed out Old Dookie a minute or two later. The wind made tough work of Boundary Rd (did Cats take a Channel Rd ride home?) but the girls rose to the challenge, even a light shower near River Rd didn't dampen the resolution. Mitchell Rd seemed longer than a politicians maiden speech so a vote on Archer Rd home was unanimous. Super smooth turns by the quick chicks had us home on time with the task of bike cleaning ahead for us all. Unfavourable conditions but more than favourable fellowship to end the week.
Week 32 409km 15,092 calories (754 prunes) 32km/h average YTD:12,229km
"A day without laughter is a day wasted" Charles Chaplin 1889-1977
And on the seventh day the heavens thus opened to dampen the byways, and the Fossil took respite for as much as to soothe limbs wearied by distance. And the winds blew from afar, but great was the tranquility upon thy couch. Lo, a great dread fell upon his concience that he should be struck down with softness, but the comfort and warmth was too great. (Thoughts of those tackling the Vets TT and the DECA Duathlon, a northeaster steadily building and an odd shower would test any tenacity.)
The best laid plans of Stace & Fee came to nil on Monday morning, just Cougs and Hayles (fresh from a Sunday Duo win) for Mondays ride. A 15km/h westerly promised an easy journey out, but a bit tough heading home. 5k out, two bikes approached from the toaster, went past then u-turned to tack on our little train, Tommygun and Weapon (on 70.3 training) had arrived, a most welcome load sharing addition for the westerly home. Great turns by all ensued, but Mitchell Rd seemed twice as long. Approaching Archer Rd, Pussycats perambulated past politely (pardon profuse prose) but couldn't match the smoothness of the harem.
An urge to clock some distance inspired a Monday night lap, nearly 3 months since the last effort. Just remnants of the mornings' west breeze remained, the much travelled toaster circuit (anti-clockwise) chosen. Tried to balance the need for speed with the sense of survival, it's a long track back home. Quite the winter sunset to view in Boundary Rd (made movie-like listening to Radioheads "Like spinning plates") but the wind, now from the NNW, was as annoying as Mr Beiber flogging ProActive. A hint in the nostrils of someone's roast lamb cooking urged the legs on, a close call with a rampant possum bumped up the heart-rate heading to the toaster. Turned at the emu and turned concentration to the tunes (ironically Bag Raiders "Way back home") for the long drag back. Nice to get home and fill an empty tank, 33 averaged over the 55 earned dessert.
Tuesday was another 1 degree day! (that's 20 this year at that or below) 14 tenacious Couldabeens were game though, the Kenworth arrived out of breath (an HR boost in preparation?) even Trav ready to have a go after two tough weeks of holiday in Queensland. Good to have Vince back for a visit, Chris too decked out in the new kit. One of those rare days where Daniel dons longs, should have photgraphed it as proof. A good roll down Channel and enjoyed the tail-wind fringe benefits in Boundary Rd. Nick and Temple had a good dip, a newly detoxed Ryan matching well. Quite the suprise between Central Kialla Rd and Archer, a few hundred kilos of live steak (a bull) at the side of the road, spotted at the last moment lurking in the dark, had the adrenalin flowing. Thankfully we passed without incident, hooroo's to Leon and Daniel exiting in Archer. Energy levels are down a little today (last nights lap?) so valued a brief tow from the Kenworth in Raftery. All finished well (behind the Rocket of course) and won against the train.
The usual villans waiting at the hospital on Tuesday, Axel back off arvo shift, even Mike had ventured out from weeks in hibernation. Nath and Trev missing in action but the horsepower of Bomber, Robbo, Steigy and young Andy promised action. Numbers had built to 14 by the time we reached the Emu (collecting Sprinter, Mitch and Steve M along the way) and a group of 4 added at the toaster. Robbo served me up a tough workout at 40 on the front for Old Dookie Rd (i'll admit the weak northeaster was a little bonus) but all got a main course of rapid knots in River Rd with Bomber & Reece making the scenery pass at 46. Mike had long vanished, Sprinter absent too by Mitchell Rd. Had just crossed Melbourne Rd when Bomber launched an attack, Mitch and Reece in pursuit, and my tank almost empty. Thanks to Robbo driving the chase train several hung on for the minor places, dragged my tired bones across the line in 7th (looking back, a long scattered trail of lights behind) with 36.5km/h-140bpm average recorded.
A third set of Vredesteins fitted for the year (another good run of 5000+k's from the last set)
Another welcomed Wednesday ride, easier on the speed and easier on the sore bits (dimethicone, Phenol, meythlparaben, glyceryl stearate and Thymol helped too) Chris came along after a lengthy hiatus, Cougs a faithful regular, the almost bearable 5 degrees was overshadowed by a 20km/h northeaster (as enjoyable as a 3am mosquito). We were treated to a rousing greeting from the half dozen P&W's, difficult to make out who was who thereafter, a dozen strung out between the pub and the fig trees, 51 tight knit following up the rear about to swallow up all. The turn into Old Dookie heralded much relief, the wind propelling us home.
A dozen Couldabeens rolled out Thursday morning assisted by a decent south wester. Daniel back in the obligatory shorts, Kel back after a long absence (but not 100% well) and the regular mob of Nick, the Kenworth, Rocket, Cougs and Temple all having a good sledge at BigMat on his 354th comeback. Didn't deflate him, but did deflate his tyre just 4k's into the lap. A team stop for repairs dragged on a bit, but work commitments forced a short cut home. Missed the jovial atmostphere, missed the rapid progress into a head wind on the way home too.
Just two entrants at the library on Thursday night, Axel & Andy the only ones tough enough. Nath was cruising in the distance heading out the boulevard and was finally caught, the fearless foursome taking a vote on a steady ride out to the Emu and back home via Channel Rd to log 40k's. Should have let 50 psi out of Andy's tyres, the young fella firing on all cylinders. A couple of spots from the heavens spelled a drenching turning into Boundary Rd but someone turned the tap off, the road as dry as a chip. Had to keep the head down heading west but a solid lap completed (three times more turns at the front than normal) without being cooked.
All kitted up Friday morning, out the front door and suprised to see a damp road and the odd spit of rain. Headed off to a P&W start anyway, a few more spits had concerns heightened. A quick check of the radar had no sign of rain so plugged away to the SPC roundabout, sure there'd be a few starters. No doubting the hardcore harem; Stace, Cougs and Fee spell determination in any language. A trio of Supercats rolled passed, our quadrella single filed out Old Dookie a minute or two later. The wind made tough work of Boundary Rd (did Cats take a Channel Rd ride home?) but the girls rose to the challenge, even a light shower near River Rd didn't dampen the resolution. Mitchell Rd seemed longer than a politicians maiden speech so a vote on Archer Rd home was unanimous. Super smooth turns by the quick chicks had us home on time with the task of bike cleaning ahead for us all. Unfavourable conditions but more than favourable fellowship to end the week.
Week 32 409km 15,092 calories (754 prunes) 32km/h average YTD:12,229km
"A day without laughter is a day wasted" Charles Chaplin 1889-1977
Friday, August 3, 2012
Week31
Hopeful of a few putting in an appearance for Saturdays ride, that winters ability to dull enthusiasm hadn't gripped too many. Pleasing to have Temple, Daniel, Cougs and Norm brave enough to face the 4.7 degree, 17km/h southwest elements for an abbridged course of 30k, the vote for single file a change of protocol (although none too conversation friendly) Good to have Dave back too, joining us at Melbourne Rd, winds favouring a brisk pace on Mitchell Rd but needed some effort northbound in Boundary. The average was soon rationalised to keep the group intact, a fair sized bunch of Cats (with terrorists and assylum seekers aboard) said their good mornings southbound. Quite the caffine distraction after Benalla Rd, wind felt like it had blown across snow before cutting it's way through us. Daniel & Dave had a brief squirt for the finish line, all wasted no time gaining a seat at the Butterfactory for the manditory in depth conversation. 51 had a tablefull, but again Cats had chosen another nest.
A great social get-together of Couldabeens Saturday night (some hard to recognise in normal attire and off the bike) for an all new jersey launch. After several months in the planning the new kit should look the business on the road. A few took advantage of a feed, some of the lads going into overtime for a long hydration session. (lasting beyond 3am I believe) Wonder how their performance rates on Tuesday?
A text from the harem organised a great little bunch on Sunday for a steady lap at a civilised 8am. Fee, Cougs and Stace formed the hardcore for 40k in 7 degrees, the south west chill from yesterday still present at 15km/h. Some cheeky planned turns to minimise the headwind provided some laughs, but all did equal shares, their supersmooth reputations continue unmarked. Back into town without chewing up a lot of the morning, a Friars breakfast for some to reward the effort.
There were several P&W apologies for Monday so set off on a reverse 25k loop to start a working week. Seems Meags was the only loyal starter, spied her tackling the headwind in Boundary (had deep feelings of guilt), but a tow was soon to be hers with a dozen Cats looming behind. Lots of traffic to negotiate back in town, peak hour had come early.
New team attire had inspired 12 to front for Couldabeens duty on Tuesday morning, zero on the thermometer made sure only the tough ones were out. Most wearing the new gear cut a resplendant image. Great to have young Chris along, all were bathing in the awesomeness of Daniel of course, in short knicks. A slight breeze to contend with from varied directions, SW @ 6, E @ 4 then W @ 7k's. Nick peeled off the front in Boundary Rd with a suspect deflation, but resumed again with an all clear. Soon we were westward in Mitchell Rd at a fair clip, am impressed with a tuned up Temple driving the front well. Rocket took a rare exit up Archer (family duties beckoned) with Leon and Daniel, so there was hope for many to take the morning's glory at the finish line. Jason was victorious (Saturday night's carbo loading clearly worked) all others all victorious in beating pussycats home but the train took the honours at the railway crossing.
Tuesday night had attracted 9 to start, long time no see Cat Browny among them, up from the big smoke on a brief visit. Just 7 degrees did nothing for inspiration, Simmo and Scotty had made their returns, new dad Mitch made a comeback too. Our Olympian and Bomber joined in a few k's out, taking the bunch up to 16. Liam had dragged boss Justin along (who braved just one turn) Sprinter had dragged the speed down in sympathy for those suffering, but Bomber, Steve, Nath and Mitch had other ideas when they took the front. (the vintage heavyweight bike of Nathans' doesn't impede his speed, suicide gearshift no handicap either) A south southwest breeze chilled the pack (and pushed the piggery pong to pester the peleton....pardon poor poetry), one had had enough and detoured at the BP exit. Speed intensified in River Rd, then tapered back in Kialla Central, restoring the respiratory for a few minutes. As is the custom, heads down and tails up in Raftery Rd, joined the 5 or 6 working the front in the last 3 k's and just hung onto a flying foursome of Bomber, Steve, Mitch and Nath to scrape through 5th at 54 with the ticker tacho at 196. 43k's covered in 1.10.
Should have had a litre of CRC for breakfast, legs were stiff as a board Wednesday morning. An easy going lap today, easy getting up to speed rolling down Wyndham, a procession of bikes northbound to toil with Cats, Area 51, Supercats, time triallers, Stasi, Hurt Locker, Goats, Muppets and other un-named collectives. Glad to be riding "against the grain", the aforementioned groups were southbound in Boundary whilst Cougs and I rolled northbound (a light southerly assisting) soaking up a balmy 2.1 degrees and guessing who's who in the darkness and the fog. Legs had loosened up by Old Dookie Rd thankfully, each day's sunrise a fraction earlier also giving hope.
Thursday was the 19th day of one or below for the year, minus two today kept a lot indoors, just Leon, Rocket, Shorty and Ryan, and the welcome return of Goose and Greendawg (or should that be Greenfish?.....addicted to the pool for months) Great to have Dave along too for his maiden voyage with the Couldabeens. Shorty & Leon are powering along of late, Ryan lacking a little horsepower (on a detox program). The two G's had plenty of gg's, something told me we'd be beating the train in the first few k's of the circuit. Not much talk but plenty of action in Boundary and Mitchell, very grateful of traffic approaching at Central Kialla Rd, a pause allowing a heart rate recovery. Leon and Shorty took an early exit in Archer, just 6 toiled away for the remainder of the circuit, Rocket of course receiving the garlands. Waited a few minutes for Dave to rejoin in Melbourne Rd but he'd u-turned to click over more k's. (still beat the train to the crossing)
A handful were waiting at the library Thursday night, Rob kitted up in a hijab-like balaclava to fend off the cold. Newbies Sav and Craig are totally hooked and were back craving more, Nath back in black on a stealth like new Avanti. Great to have Robbo back, who quickly teamed up with Bomber to send shivers through a few. Scotty, Dalton, Trev, Simmo and Liam made up the dozen to roll away at 6, Kev and Mitch joined up a few k's out. A fair effort needed out Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd into a east northeast wind, particularly when the guns had congregated at the front. Rotations ground to a halt after the church with all hanging on, even Mitch finding a few months off was taking it's toll. Several went up to the front for duty in River Rd, but were handed the punishment of pace, most blew up and shot to the back, causing a few ripples. Bomber bid adieu at Kialla Central, the calm restored for a k in Mitchell Rd was a bonus. Nath stirred up the action with an attack near Archer Rd, Robbo set off in pursuit, but the bunch managed to swallow up the rebels by Mt Nicolaci. Liam, Nath and I seemed to be the only ones working after Melbourne Rd, Rob then took a turn, Robbo too, a glance back saw a long single row of lights struggling behind. Down to just Nath and I with 2 k to go but all the tail-enders suddenly found power to overtake in the last 300. There was a trickle of power left to kick at the end to take 3rd with Nath 1st towing Sav to 2nd. A 37 average over 50k was plenty for me, an aromatic waft from KFC nearly had me swerving in buying a bucket full.
A happy little harem was assembled at SPC on Friday. Meags, Stace, Cougs, Fee and Hayles had the pom & I to tow around. Nice to wind up the working week with a social structure to the ride. Grasshopper shot past at the Channel bridge in Boundary Rd, Fox & Sosso hanging on for grim death it seems. A northeast breeze had picked up to assist, noticed a big Area 51 train snaking into Mitchell Rd squeezing the traffic somewhat. Stace and Hayles had a rush of blood to sprint at the finish line (ably led out by Cougs into the breeze), a great ride to finish a big week, a brief caffine & chat fix after was the icing on the cake.
Week 31 414km 15,276 calories (59 avacados) 32.8 average YTD 11,820km
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough" Mae West 1893-1980
A great social get-together of Couldabeens Saturday night (some hard to recognise in normal attire and off the bike) for an all new jersey launch. After several months in the planning the new kit should look the business on the road. A few took advantage of a feed, some of the lads going into overtime for a long hydration session. (lasting beyond 3am I believe) Wonder how their performance rates on Tuesday?
A text from the harem organised a great little bunch on Sunday for a steady lap at a civilised 8am. Fee, Cougs and Stace formed the hardcore for 40k in 7 degrees, the south west chill from yesterday still present at 15km/h. Some cheeky planned turns to minimise the headwind provided some laughs, but all did equal shares, their supersmooth reputations continue unmarked. Back into town without chewing up a lot of the morning, a Friars breakfast for some to reward the effort.
There were several P&W apologies for Monday so set off on a reverse 25k loop to start a working week. Seems Meags was the only loyal starter, spied her tackling the headwind in Boundary (had deep feelings of guilt), but a tow was soon to be hers with a dozen Cats looming behind. Lots of traffic to negotiate back in town, peak hour had come early.
New team attire had inspired 12 to front for Couldabeens duty on Tuesday morning, zero on the thermometer made sure only the tough ones were out. Most wearing the new gear cut a resplendant image. Great to have young Chris along, all were bathing in the awesomeness of Daniel of course, in short knicks. A slight breeze to contend with from varied directions, SW @ 6, E @ 4 then W @ 7k's. Nick peeled off the front in Boundary Rd with a suspect deflation, but resumed again with an all clear. Soon we were westward in Mitchell Rd at a fair clip, am impressed with a tuned up Temple driving the front well. Rocket took a rare exit up Archer (family duties beckoned) with Leon and Daniel, so there was hope for many to take the morning's glory at the finish line. Jason was victorious (Saturday night's carbo loading clearly worked) all others all victorious in beating pussycats home but the train took the honours at the railway crossing.
Tuesday night had attracted 9 to start, long time no see Cat Browny among them, up from the big smoke on a brief visit. Just 7 degrees did nothing for inspiration, Simmo and Scotty had made their returns, new dad Mitch made a comeback too. Our Olympian and Bomber joined in a few k's out, taking the bunch up to 16. Liam had dragged boss Justin along (who braved just one turn) Sprinter had dragged the speed down in sympathy for those suffering, but Bomber, Steve, Nath and Mitch had other ideas when they took the front. (the vintage heavyweight bike of Nathans' doesn't impede his speed, suicide gearshift no handicap either) A south southwest breeze chilled the pack (and pushed the piggery pong to pester the peleton....pardon poor poetry), one had had enough and detoured at the BP exit. Speed intensified in River Rd, then tapered back in Kialla Central, restoring the respiratory for a few minutes. As is the custom, heads down and tails up in Raftery Rd, joined the 5 or 6 working the front in the last 3 k's and just hung onto a flying foursome of Bomber, Steve, Mitch and Nath to scrape through 5th at 54 with the ticker tacho at 196. 43k's covered in 1.10.
Should have had a litre of CRC for breakfast, legs were stiff as a board Wednesday morning. An easy going lap today, easy getting up to speed rolling down Wyndham, a procession of bikes northbound to toil with Cats, Area 51, Supercats, time triallers, Stasi, Hurt Locker, Goats, Muppets and other un-named collectives. Glad to be riding "against the grain", the aforementioned groups were southbound in Boundary whilst Cougs and I rolled northbound (a light southerly assisting) soaking up a balmy 2.1 degrees and guessing who's who in the darkness and the fog. Legs had loosened up by Old Dookie Rd thankfully, each day's sunrise a fraction earlier also giving hope.
Thursday was the 19th day of one or below for the year, minus two today kept a lot indoors, just Leon, Rocket, Shorty and Ryan, and the welcome return of Goose and Greendawg (or should that be Greenfish?.....addicted to the pool for months) Great to have Dave along too for his maiden voyage with the Couldabeens. Shorty & Leon are powering along of late, Ryan lacking a little horsepower (on a detox program). The two G's had plenty of gg's, something told me we'd be beating the train in the first few k's of the circuit. Not much talk but plenty of action in Boundary and Mitchell, very grateful of traffic approaching at Central Kialla Rd, a pause allowing a heart rate recovery. Leon and Shorty took an early exit in Archer, just 6 toiled away for the remainder of the circuit, Rocket of course receiving the garlands. Waited a few minutes for Dave to rejoin in Melbourne Rd but he'd u-turned to click over more k's. (still beat the train to the crossing)
A handful were waiting at the library Thursday night, Rob kitted up in a hijab-like balaclava to fend off the cold. Newbies Sav and Craig are totally hooked and were back craving more, Nath back in black on a stealth like new Avanti. Great to have Robbo back, who quickly teamed up with Bomber to send shivers through a few. Scotty, Dalton, Trev, Simmo and Liam made up the dozen to roll away at 6, Kev and Mitch joined up a few k's out. A fair effort needed out Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd into a east northeast wind, particularly when the guns had congregated at the front. Rotations ground to a halt after the church with all hanging on, even Mitch finding a few months off was taking it's toll. Several went up to the front for duty in River Rd, but were handed the punishment of pace, most blew up and shot to the back, causing a few ripples. Bomber bid adieu at Kialla Central, the calm restored for a k in Mitchell Rd was a bonus. Nath stirred up the action with an attack near Archer Rd, Robbo set off in pursuit, but the bunch managed to swallow up the rebels by Mt Nicolaci. Liam, Nath and I seemed to be the only ones working after Melbourne Rd, Rob then took a turn, Robbo too, a glance back saw a long single row of lights struggling behind. Down to just Nath and I with 2 k to go but all the tail-enders suddenly found power to overtake in the last 300. There was a trickle of power left to kick at the end to take 3rd with Nath 1st towing Sav to 2nd. A 37 average over 50k was plenty for me, an aromatic waft from KFC nearly had me swerving in buying a bucket full.
A happy little harem was assembled at SPC on Friday. Meags, Stace, Cougs, Fee and Hayles had the pom & I to tow around. Nice to wind up the working week with a social structure to the ride. Grasshopper shot past at the Channel bridge in Boundary Rd, Fox & Sosso hanging on for grim death it seems. A northeast breeze had picked up to assist, noticed a big Area 51 train snaking into Mitchell Rd squeezing the traffic somewhat. Stace and Hayles had a rush of blood to sprint at the finish line (ably led out by Cougs into the breeze), a great ride to finish a big week, a brief caffine & chat fix after was the icing on the cake.
Week 31 414km 15,276 calories (59 avacados) 32.8 average YTD 11,820km
"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough" Mae West 1893-1980
Friday, July 27, 2012
Week 30
Dookie hills July 2012 by i-phone (with wide angle lens)
Don't you just love the serenity! Saturday morning at 6 is strangely peaceful (just a hollow sound between the ears), hardly a car about. 2.5 degrees with a south southwest breeze slowly running out of steam made it quite ride-able. Good to have some numbers back for the start ; BigMat (on a flash black Avanti), Liam, Cougs, Hoffy & Kel were ready to roll (Bo's blowout retired the Ridley home to board the Bianchi) but all paused to await the promised attendance of Temple. Start time having expired, the 6 rolled out Raftery only to ease at Arcadia Downs when Daniel, Temple & newbie Teo were noticed chasing, afternoon shift had arrived! Back to cruising speed, gathering up Bo at Roubaix corner (relearning the old steed) for the journey east. Mass confusion struck at Central Kialla Rd, some headed south, some continued east, previous weeks shortcuts had confused the agreed course. Votes were for a Mitchell-Boundary-Toaster-Emu-Boundary-Old Dookie course (magical mystery tours in recent cold weeks) so straight out Mitchell it was. Somewhere approaching Boundary we'd lost Bo & Kel (an urge to fraternize with faster felines?) a Catpack near River Rd gave a g'day and Liam exited in Channel with a Melbourne mission. Quite the scenic sunrise to view turning toward the toaster, liberal application of sledges between Daniel & BigMat kept the team amused. Up to the Emu and west to Boundary, south over the rumble strips and down to Old Dookie started to knock the wind from Teo's sails, compassion for the remainder the order of the day. A sprint to cap off 40k won well by Daniel, BigMat 2nd and Coug's a fine 3rd. Great post ride analysis, caffine and tall stories in abundance in a somewhat peaceful environment, bereft of the usual exhuberant Cats.
The urge to ride was too much in the early hours of Sunday, sleep not coming easy. Headed south through town a bit before 6 with a planned toaster loop, was off the traffic light inductive loops though, every set was red with not enough metal in me to trigger a quick change. Finally out of town, I set the course on auto pilot and i-pod to auto shuffle, thick fog up Mitchell made even the road edges barely visible. Tapped away east to a magic sunrise (ironically to Caribou's "Sun") well worth the effort of crawling out of bed for, despite just 1.5 degrees. The hint of a SSE breeze had fizzled out arriving at the Emu and the dawn horizon distracted all cranial concerns (enough to snap the picture above). Not a bad part of the world here, eh? The fog slowly lifted to navigate easily home, chalking up 50k before 7.30.
History records low numbers for P&W's mid year (this year is no exception) just Cougs and Chaddy at the start on Monday. To be fair, the mercury at zero probably kept most regulars wrapped in doonas. A steady lap of the usual course proved ideal (particularly for Chaddy's introduction back to reality from a weeks' holiday) pussycats passing politely at the Mitchell Rd chicane. Princess' preparation for his first 70.3 in just over 12 weeks will be epic (all the best young fella) he's already gone aero, minus several kg's.
Gently built up speed down to the Couldabeens start on Tuesday, (the Steve, Kel & Bo trio were northbound for 51 duty) takes a bit longer to warm up lately (hopefully the 0.9 degrees is to blame and not age). A turn up of 10 diehards in the carpark, Daniel in a long kit a rare sight, great to have Tim back (his 3rd ride in 7 weeks apparently) but where's the come back kid; BigMat? A bit of a push out Channel Rd but worth the slog to reap the benefit of favourable winds for the southern and westward legs, Ryan & Nick putting in great turns. Rob's impeccably timed sprint (and victory) is of course de riguer, Jason a fine 2nd with a closeknit pack only metres behind. A great team ride, over the rail lines before Cats and the Melbourne bound loco too.
Dalton, Sav, Rob, Kev, Trev and Nath (on a vintage Diamondback but with 10 speed make-over) were at the hospital Tuesday night, 9 degrees and just a puff from the northeast, ideal weather. A few hearts sank sighting Bomber (predicting punishment?) at the Ford Rd roundabout, but he & Steigy were left to do their own thing 100 metres ahead. A tempo convivial to conversation lasted till the Pine Lodge church, Sprinter and Gerrard joining in, Bomber & Steigy finally easing to blend in too. Things were cooking after the toaster (excuse the bad pun) chat cut back to bare essentials, breathing taking priority. A few brave souls ventured up to pair with Bomber (entrenched at the pointy end) most retired behind though. Liam managed to hook on to bring the numbers to a dozen, I dug deep to survive a 3k lead duty to River Rd. Just the noise of wheels humming and most selecting the big gears to survive, did another 3k turn again with Bomber for the last bit of River Rd then the 2k of Central Kialla. Got brave to roll across entering Mitchell, ending his dominance but not the tempo. More pain approaching the highway with more 'front of house' duty, but by Roubaix corner the biscuit barrel was emptying, all had gone single file now. (cheers to Nath handing me a little respite with a tow) Only 5 had survived after the highway and taking the lead was both rare and short lived. Bomber took the spoils of victory of course (well earned considering he did the lions share) , i just hung on for 2nd (52km/h @190 bpm) with Kev and the wily Sprinter nipping at my heels. Double dessert earned tonight.
Early to bed now with le Tour over (no withdrawals though from the Swisse / Eftpos / QBE / Skoda / Avanti /
Eli Lilly saturation........perhaps those 'romantic moments' will occur anytime now?) so a chance to get proper sleep, well until the Vuelta anyway. Nursed a few Tuesday night aches Wednesday morning, the roll south made pleasant with an aromatic waft of bacon cooking at Sebastians, a big dose of au de fresh baked bread from Higgins, all then shattered with Foott's garbage compactor passing. A 24km/h NNE made hard work of Channel Rd and there was no respite in Boundary either, the multitude of oncoming peletons clearly taking the soft option of a tail-wind advantage. At least there was relief on the westerly leg home but not much relief from an abrasion giving a little hell lately (suffice to say I could be mistaken for a papio cynocephalus ursinus)
Wednesday nights downpour left us a sloshy Couldabeens course for Thursday. Gav had punctured before turning a wheel in anger, his tube change was duely lampooned by all watching at the carpark. The 10 finally rolled out at 6.05, wary of less than ideal conditions (some were lining up puddles though to ensure all had a decent shower before work). Good to have Steve, Bo & Kel back in the fold, Shorty firing on all cylinders too. As we were a little behind schedule, the Cats were just ahead in Boundary Rd. Bo, Kel, Steve and Rocket took us smoothly up to latch on and join in the rotation. Straddles, Sly, Simon, Steve and a few others were driving a smooth feline train and made us welcome by ramping up the pace. Long turns in Mitchell at 40 kept us all occupied, but several of us had early work starts, so I joined Shorty, Leon, Cougs and cat Simon to bid adieu to the bunch for a shortcut up Archer. Took the soft option on Thursday night, a hint of an approaching evening shower spelled a sofa sabbatical.
A fair old downpour overnight gave us a bleak sky and saturated roads Friday morning, chose a sinful sleep-in till 6.30, to avoid a drenching, surely purgatory will follow. Penance was cleaning a filthy bike.
Week 30 333km 12,287 calories (72 cups of Coco Pops) 32.7 average YTD 11,406km
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results"
Albert Einstein 1879-1955
Don't you just love the serenity! Saturday morning at 6 is strangely peaceful (just a hollow sound between the ears), hardly a car about. 2.5 degrees with a south southwest breeze slowly running out of steam made it quite ride-able. Good to have some numbers back for the start ; BigMat (on a flash black Avanti), Liam, Cougs, Hoffy & Kel were ready to roll (Bo's blowout retired the Ridley home to board the Bianchi) but all paused to await the promised attendance of Temple. Start time having expired, the 6 rolled out Raftery only to ease at Arcadia Downs when Daniel, Temple & newbie Teo were noticed chasing, afternoon shift had arrived! Back to cruising speed, gathering up Bo at Roubaix corner (relearning the old steed) for the journey east. Mass confusion struck at Central Kialla Rd, some headed south, some continued east, previous weeks shortcuts had confused the agreed course. Votes were for a Mitchell-Boundary-Toaster-Emu-Boundary-Old Dookie course (magical mystery tours in recent cold weeks) so straight out Mitchell it was. Somewhere approaching Boundary we'd lost Bo & Kel (an urge to fraternize with faster felines?) a Catpack near River Rd gave a g'day and Liam exited in Channel with a Melbourne mission. Quite the scenic sunrise to view turning toward the toaster, liberal application of sledges between Daniel & BigMat kept the team amused. Up to the Emu and west to Boundary, south over the rumble strips and down to Old Dookie started to knock the wind from Teo's sails, compassion for the remainder the order of the day. A sprint to cap off 40k won well by Daniel, BigMat 2nd and Coug's a fine 3rd. Great post ride analysis, caffine and tall stories in abundance in a somewhat peaceful environment, bereft of the usual exhuberant Cats.
The urge to ride was too much in the early hours of Sunday, sleep not coming easy. Headed south through town a bit before 6 with a planned toaster loop, was off the traffic light inductive loops though, every set was red with not enough metal in me to trigger a quick change. Finally out of town, I set the course on auto pilot and i-pod to auto shuffle, thick fog up Mitchell made even the road edges barely visible. Tapped away east to a magic sunrise (ironically to Caribou's "Sun") well worth the effort of crawling out of bed for, despite just 1.5 degrees. The hint of a SSE breeze had fizzled out arriving at the Emu and the dawn horizon distracted all cranial concerns (enough to snap the picture above). Not a bad part of the world here, eh? The fog slowly lifted to navigate easily home, chalking up 50k before 7.30.
History records low numbers for P&W's mid year (this year is no exception) just Cougs and Chaddy at the start on Monday. To be fair, the mercury at zero probably kept most regulars wrapped in doonas. A steady lap of the usual course proved ideal (particularly for Chaddy's introduction back to reality from a weeks' holiday) pussycats passing politely at the Mitchell Rd chicane. Princess' preparation for his first 70.3 in just over 12 weeks will be epic (all the best young fella) he's already gone aero, minus several kg's.
Gently built up speed down to the Couldabeens start on Tuesday, (the Steve, Kel & Bo trio were northbound for 51 duty) takes a bit longer to warm up lately (hopefully the 0.9 degrees is to blame and not age). A turn up of 10 diehards in the carpark, Daniel in a long kit a rare sight, great to have Tim back (his 3rd ride in 7 weeks apparently) but where's the come back kid; BigMat? A bit of a push out Channel Rd but worth the slog to reap the benefit of favourable winds for the southern and westward legs, Ryan & Nick putting in great turns. Rob's impeccably timed sprint (and victory) is of course de riguer, Jason a fine 2nd with a closeknit pack only metres behind. A great team ride, over the rail lines before Cats and the Melbourne bound loco too.
Dalton, Sav, Rob, Kev, Trev and Nath (on a vintage Diamondback but with 10 speed make-over) were at the hospital Tuesday night, 9 degrees and just a puff from the northeast, ideal weather. A few hearts sank sighting Bomber (predicting punishment?) at the Ford Rd roundabout, but he & Steigy were left to do their own thing 100 metres ahead. A tempo convivial to conversation lasted till the Pine Lodge church, Sprinter and Gerrard joining in, Bomber & Steigy finally easing to blend in too. Things were cooking after the toaster (excuse the bad pun) chat cut back to bare essentials, breathing taking priority. A few brave souls ventured up to pair with Bomber (entrenched at the pointy end) most retired behind though. Liam managed to hook on to bring the numbers to a dozen, I dug deep to survive a 3k lead duty to River Rd. Just the noise of wheels humming and most selecting the big gears to survive, did another 3k turn again with Bomber for the last bit of River Rd then the 2k of Central Kialla. Got brave to roll across entering Mitchell, ending his dominance but not the tempo. More pain approaching the highway with more 'front of house' duty, but by Roubaix corner the biscuit barrel was emptying, all had gone single file now. (cheers to Nath handing me a little respite with a tow) Only 5 had survived after the highway and taking the lead was both rare and short lived. Bomber took the spoils of victory of course (well earned considering he did the lions share) , i just hung on for 2nd (52km/h @190 bpm) with Kev and the wily Sprinter nipping at my heels. Double dessert earned tonight.
Early to bed now with le Tour over (no withdrawals though from the Swisse / Eftpos / QBE / Skoda / Avanti /
Eli Lilly saturation........perhaps those 'romantic moments' will occur anytime now?) so a chance to get proper sleep, well until the Vuelta anyway. Nursed a few Tuesday night aches Wednesday morning, the roll south made pleasant with an aromatic waft of bacon cooking at Sebastians, a big dose of au de fresh baked bread from Higgins, all then shattered with Foott's garbage compactor passing. A 24km/h NNE made hard work of Channel Rd and there was no respite in Boundary either, the multitude of oncoming peletons clearly taking the soft option of a tail-wind advantage. At least there was relief on the westerly leg home but not much relief from an abrasion giving a little hell lately (suffice to say I could be mistaken for a papio cynocephalus ursinus)
Wednesday nights downpour left us a sloshy Couldabeens course for Thursday. Gav had punctured before turning a wheel in anger, his tube change was duely lampooned by all watching at the carpark. The 10 finally rolled out at 6.05, wary of less than ideal conditions (some were lining up puddles though to ensure all had a decent shower before work). Good to have Steve, Bo & Kel back in the fold, Shorty firing on all cylinders too. As we were a little behind schedule, the Cats were just ahead in Boundary Rd. Bo, Kel, Steve and Rocket took us smoothly up to latch on and join in the rotation. Straddles, Sly, Simon, Steve and a few others were driving a smooth feline train and made us welcome by ramping up the pace. Long turns in Mitchell at 40 kept us all occupied, but several of us had early work starts, so I joined Shorty, Leon, Cougs and cat Simon to bid adieu to the bunch for a shortcut up Archer. Took the soft option on Thursday night, a hint of an approaching evening shower spelled a sofa sabbatical.
A fair old downpour overnight gave us a bleak sky and saturated roads Friday morning, chose a sinful sleep-in till 6.30, to avoid a drenching, surely purgatory will follow. Penance was cleaning a filthy bike.
Week 30 333km 12,287 calories (72 cups of Coco Pops) 32.7 average YTD 11,406km
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results"
Albert Einstein 1879-1955
Friday, July 20, 2012
Week 29
Broke with tradition on Saturday (recent low numbers may have played a part) and rolled a short circuit at 7. At least a mild temperature gives some hope than there's warmth on the horizon. Liam & Matt were the only 6.30 starters as it happens, and caught up with them at the usual post ride pit stop. Others filtered in to join an enthused conversation on all manner of subjects, a second coffee enjoyed, plans laid for a Sunday lap too.
Quite foreign to spend a leisurly Sunday morning, a relaxed breakfast and a slow amble to the library for a 9am start. Dalton, Liam and Nathan made up a quadrella, an anti-clockwise lap of the toaster circuit agreed to. A west-northwest breeze made the eastward leg a bonus but yesterdays rain handed us a greasy road to get bikes grubby. Liam's transparent bidon showed a strange green brew (Schleck's "poison"?) Nathans white bottle disguised a probable measure of nitrous oxide. The long run out Mitchell had us slowly reeling in a trio (caught near River Rd) but the strengthening wind (26km/h) blew a change of course into the mind, just a one degree increase in an hour had cooled enthusiasm too . An exit via Channel Rd was agreed to. Young Nath's boundless energy is hard to match, pointing into the head wind burnt up the reserves. Eased up on the pedals to kept the quartet together in the closing k's and negotiated a sea of Saturday nights' stubbies smashed onto Archer Rd (suprisingly without punctures) A long yarn at the Lemontree, copius taxation tips from Liam, copius cups of coffee shouted by those towed on the leg home.
No starters for Monday (winter has many trawling the depths for motivation i reckon) but jumped aboard the two wheeled Prozac-mobile, even if that rotten west-northwest was still annoying (except for the Old Dookie stretch). A random drop of H2O here and there, a few random creatures lit up by the headlight scuttled into the weeds. Brewed over many thoughts within the cranial filing cabinet and glanced back once or twice expecting to be hunted by a pack of felines, but the lights were mere pinpoints away in the distance. The drops from the heavens became a little more frequent, quite a fine mist at the start of Mitchell (funny isn't it....rain always threatens at the furtherest point from home) but as soon as thoughts of a drenching set in, the drops subside. Nearing the highway the horizon looked particularly grim so I set sail up Archer to avoid a bath. Copped another heavy misting on the entry to town but not enough to saturate socks.
A great roll-up of 15 for Tuesdays' Couldabeens course. 10 degrees had Daniel in short knicks and short sleeves, most others sensibly attired. A few were back after brief lay-offs so heard of holidays, ailments and what drains motivation (a common affliction) . After a dodgy traffic call at the end of Channel the hammer went down in Boundary, the north-wester aiding forward motion. Steve, once dropped off the back to peel off for home, now blasts off into the distance with a big dose of enthusiasm. A keen pace kept conversation to a minimum, lots doing well despite recent time off. A big day ahead at work made the Archer exit viable, Daniel, Leon and Cougs on a similar agenda. The mid 30's average was a great start for the day.
Nath, Graham, Craig, Dalton and Dave had gathered at the hospital boom gates Tuesday night, 10 degrees and a NNE blew at 15k's. Kev joined at Pine Rd, Bomber and Steigy soon after spelled an imminent workout. A high 30's pace set to the Emu, great to have Dave along, suprisingly soon after surgery. Graeme and Nath must be on the Dimethylamylamine (stock up you crazy Jack users, soon to be a restricted schedule 9), the wheels were certainly humming toward the church. This surge only lit Bombers fuse, all fell silent and single file after the toaster, only serious horsepower on the front now. On the turn into Boundary there was a whole 20 metres of reprieve before the action started again, I'd finally recovered some breath to resume front of house duties after the Pub (the thoughts of a Channel Rd exit had crossed my mind several times but Jens Voight's quote, "shutup legs" inspired continuation) Graeme had the jacket unzipped to avoid boiling, flapping about like a loose spinnaker. Another short 50 metre intermission regrouped the pack at the River Rd turn, was chuffed to have got my second wind to do a k turn at 40. Bomber was inspired to continue beyond his usual Kialla central exit and Graham bolted up Mt Nicolaci (like Bashar al Assad out of Damascus) to take KOM but emptied his tank doing so. We'd lost Dalton somewhere earlier, many others understandably resigned from turns up front electing to hang on for grim death. Lead duties came up again and again, by Arcadia Downs my decision was one more long turn. Gave Nath a flick of the elbow at the last kink and was suprised to see a gap of 10 metres between us and the rest. Big Bomber stepped into overdrive for the final 300 relegating Nath to 2nd, I could just hang on for 3rd (the NNE limiting the max to 47, the HR to 188) Pleased it was all over, pleased with a 37k / 150 hr average over 45k too.
A very slow build up in the first few k's to a gentle cruise on Wednesday morning, ankle and knee ligaments protesting at last nights punishment till warmed up, then were stretched a bit more under Coug's pace. Almost an endless stream of l.e.d.'s from the regular bunches headed south in Boundary Rd, the howl of carbon under stress quite clear from Area 51. Could swear the sun is rising a fraction earlier, hope of warmer sunnier rides ahead? A good steady tempo home did wonders for muscular and mental recovery. The warmth (?) of 10 degrees an added bonus.
Another early start at the coalface on Thursday meant missing the Couldabeens, a shorter earlier ride the order of the day. Yesterdays mild 10 was a tease, back to winters frost with a minus 1, helping to numb a sore sit site. Ah, the joy of frozen fingers, iced ears, tingling toes and lungs of frost. Lots of others out enjoying the same experience says something doesn't it? Went marshmallow-like Thursday night (Liam reported another fast one with Robbo Bomber & Steve supplying the boost) with a TdeF couch session.
A close call on the way to SPC on Friday, a car sans headlights (and sans sense I think) narrowly avoided. A great reunion of the P&W harem at the start though, Meags a victim of Vietnamese buffet, Fee on a RPM respite, Stace clearing a few cobwebs but Cougs well on the pace. Chris a welcomed entry to make up a team, and with no records to set, enjoyed a steady ride with great company, a cautionary detour via Archer chosen to avoid the flooded Raftery bridge (closed yesterday) . A brief social chat over coffee topped off the week perfectly.
Week 29 323km 11,918calories (2.9 litres of Foie Gras) YTD 11,073km
(and the blog clocked up 3000 page views this week, thanks for enduring the prose)
"Let's have a moment of silence for all those who are stuck in traffic on their way to the gym to ride stationary bicycles" SBS Cycling Central
Quite foreign to spend a leisurly Sunday morning, a relaxed breakfast and a slow amble to the library for a 9am start. Dalton, Liam and Nathan made up a quadrella, an anti-clockwise lap of the toaster circuit agreed to. A west-northwest breeze made the eastward leg a bonus but yesterdays rain handed us a greasy road to get bikes grubby. Liam's transparent bidon showed a strange green brew (Schleck's "poison"?) Nathans white bottle disguised a probable measure of nitrous oxide. The long run out Mitchell had us slowly reeling in a trio (caught near River Rd) but the strengthening wind (26km/h) blew a change of course into the mind, just a one degree increase in an hour had cooled enthusiasm too . An exit via Channel Rd was agreed to. Young Nath's boundless energy is hard to match, pointing into the head wind burnt up the reserves. Eased up on the pedals to kept the quartet together in the closing k's and negotiated a sea of Saturday nights' stubbies smashed onto Archer Rd (suprisingly without punctures) A long yarn at the Lemontree, copius taxation tips from Liam, copius cups of coffee shouted by those towed on the leg home.
No starters for Monday (winter has many trawling the depths for motivation i reckon) but jumped aboard the two wheeled Prozac-mobile, even if that rotten west-northwest was still annoying (except for the Old Dookie stretch). A random drop of H2O here and there, a few random creatures lit up by the headlight scuttled into the weeds. Brewed over many thoughts within the cranial filing cabinet and glanced back once or twice expecting to be hunted by a pack of felines, but the lights were mere pinpoints away in the distance. The drops from the heavens became a little more frequent, quite a fine mist at the start of Mitchell (funny isn't it....rain always threatens at the furtherest point from home) but as soon as thoughts of a drenching set in, the drops subside. Nearing the highway the horizon looked particularly grim so I set sail up Archer to avoid a bath. Copped another heavy misting on the entry to town but not enough to saturate socks.
A great roll-up of 15 for Tuesdays' Couldabeens course. 10 degrees had Daniel in short knicks and short sleeves, most others sensibly attired. A few were back after brief lay-offs so heard of holidays, ailments and what drains motivation (a common affliction) . After a dodgy traffic call at the end of Channel the hammer went down in Boundary, the north-wester aiding forward motion. Steve, once dropped off the back to peel off for home, now blasts off into the distance with a big dose of enthusiasm. A keen pace kept conversation to a minimum, lots doing well despite recent time off. A big day ahead at work made the Archer exit viable, Daniel, Leon and Cougs on a similar agenda. The mid 30's average was a great start for the day.
Nath, Graham, Craig, Dalton and Dave had gathered at the hospital boom gates Tuesday night, 10 degrees and a NNE blew at 15k's. Kev joined at Pine Rd, Bomber and Steigy soon after spelled an imminent workout. A high 30's pace set to the Emu, great to have Dave along, suprisingly soon after surgery. Graeme and Nath must be on the Dimethylamylamine (stock up you crazy Jack users, soon to be a restricted schedule 9), the wheels were certainly humming toward the church. This surge only lit Bombers fuse, all fell silent and single file after the toaster, only serious horsepower on the front now. On the turn into Boundary there was a whole 20 metres of reprieve before the action started again, I'd finally recovered some breath to resume front of house duties after the Pub (the thoughts of a Channel Rd exit had crossed my mind several times but Jens Voight's quote, "shutup legs" inspired continuation) Graeme had the jacket unzipped to avoid boiling, flapping about like a loose spinnaker. Another short 50 metre intermission regrouped the pack at the River Rd turn, was chuffed to have got my second wind to do a k turn at 40. Bomber was inspired to continue beyond his usual Kialla central exit and Graham bolted up Mt Nicolaci (like Bashar al Assad out of Damascus) to take KOM but emptied his tank doing so. We'd lost Dalton somewhere earlier, many others understandably resigned from turns up front electing to hang on for grim death. Lead duties came up again and again, by Arcadia Downs my decision was one more long turn. Gave Nath a flick of the elbow at the last kink and was suprised to see a gap of 10 metres between us and the rest. Big Bomber stepped into overdrive for the final 300 relegating Nath to 2nd, I could just hang on for 3rd (the NNE limiting the max to 47, the HR to 188) Pleased it was all over, pleased with a 37k / 150 hr average over 45k too.
A very slow build up in the first few k's to a gentle cruise on Wednesday morning, ankle and knee ligaments protesting at last nights punishment till warmed up, then were stretched a bit more under Coug's pace. Almost an endless stream of l.e.d.'s from the regular bunches headed south in Boundary Rd, the howl of carbon under stress quite clear from Area 51. Could swear the sun is rising a fraction earlier, hope of warmer sunnier rides ahead? A good steady tempo home did wonders for muscular and mental recovery. The warmth (?) of 10 degrees an added bonus.
Another early start at the coalface on Thursday meant missing the Couldabeens, a shorter earlier ride the order of the day. Yesterdays mild 10 was a tease, back to winters frost with a minus 1, helping to numb a sore sit site. Ah, the joy of frozen fingers, iced ears, tingling toes and lungs of frost. Lots of others out enjoying the same experience says something doesn't it? Went marshmallow-like Thursday night (Liam reported another fast one with Robbo Bomber & Steve supplying the boost) with a TdeF couch session.
A close call on the way to SPC on Friday, a car sans headlights (and sans sense I think) narrowly avoided. A great reunion of the P&W harem at the start though, Meags a victim of Vietnamese buffet, Fee on a RPM respite, Stace clearing a few cobwebs but Cougs well on the pace. Chris a welcomed entry to make up a team, and with no records to set, enjoyed a steady ride with great company, a cautionary detour via Archer chosen to avoid the flooded Raftery bridge (closed yesterday) . A brief social chat over coffee topped off the week perfectly.
Week 29 323km 11,918calories (2.9 litres of Foie Gras) YTD 11,073km
(and the blog clocked up 3000 page views this week, thanks for enduring the prose)
"Let's have a moment of silence for all those who are stuck in traffic on their way to the gym to ride stationary bicycles" SBS Cycling Central
Friday, July 13, 2012
Week 28
The ravages of winter have pushed all but the hardcore under the warmth of the doona, just 16 weeks ago an attendance of 23, now reduced to two. Only supernana and I fronted up for a Saturday lap, minus 2.7 may have had something to do with it! With just two having the casting vote, a revised course was taken, Mitchell Rd, Boundary and back via Channel, the silver lining a crystal clear sky, Mt Major and the Strathbogies seemed almost within reach. A few good morning moos from cows huddled under the trees, Cougs calling attention (quite unnecessarily) to the ice capped puddles at the edge of the road. A pair of foxes scampered across the paddocks, a dozen Cats scampered south on Boundary Rd. (Simmo & the Sprinter had exited via Channel) A rising sun smudged the horizon orange and dropped the temperature to minus 4 if only to inspire thoughts of hot coffee. Easing the pace back in town for traffic was the hardest part, core temperature drops, muscles lock up, almost shivering awakens aches in old wounds. Thank heaven for a hot flat white to thaw out (and then another to prevent refreezing), a great chat with the few Cats and 51 team brave enough to venture outdoors, a small Adams assembly arriving late worthy of a sledge too.
The bike addiction is well and truely evident Sunday morning at 7am , minus 1.6 feels almost mild! What is the psychiatry of thinking it's warmer? A Pavlovian conditioning? Whatever the reason, try telling muscles to perform at their peak! A bit of a push heading west, almost sensing an easterly building up (confirmed a little later in the morning). Funny how we become a weather station out in the elements, the slightest hints of wind direction and temperature fluctuation stand out, or is that for survival? Got a great laugh at the Boundary/Channel intersection, the 51's had daubed the tarmac with a sledge of a suggested exit for BP. A reference to going OTA also appears at the Old Dookie Rd piggery. (apologies to the non-bike savvy readers if this sounds foreign, the vagueness is intentional; for litigation reasons! Personal explanations upon request) Minto and Chaddy spied doing a toaster loop so at least there are other addicts about to justify the lunacy. Lower body temperatures are supposed to increase lifespan by the way. Maybe the gastroch's and glute's had thawed a little, the return leg in Old Dookie was completed at a good steady speed. The cycling addiction was topped up with a caffine addiction, a kick-start to the day and an excuse to squeeze in a snooze later.
Break out the the shorts and iced water, it's a heatwave! Almost sweltered in 7.4 degrees on Monday morning. A lot of cloud cover and wind from the northeast made the past few chilly days a distant memory. Kept the head down heading east, grateful of a little shelter here and there. Came across an oncoming Mr Inconsiderate who can't drive on low beam (wished I'd had Sprinters 1600 lumen headlight to offer a bright hello) An impressive string of Cat headlights turned into Boundary Rd from Old Dookie, I'll bet Steve, Kel & Bo enjoyed the assistance of a tail breeze heading south. A good return leg home, with a distant (and chained) greeting from Pickles. A big downpour from 9am cancelled any plans of rides till Wednesday, nearly took that long to clean a grubby bike.
A 10 degree Wednesday brought hope that winter has run it's course and we're on the road to warmer days. (poor misguided fool!) Well, at least it's positive thoughts. Roads still damp from yesterdays precipitation (a cautionary approach to corners with compensation for marshmallow-like brakes and next to nil traction) A clockwise loop today to unwind and put a little wear on the right side of the tyres, down Boundary and took the BP exit in Channel Rd. 500 metres in, out of the darkness shot a black dog growling and snapping at the heels, taking about 6 months of the lifespan. One for the authorities to follow up before someone hits the deck. Despite the northwester, a good mid 30's tempo home (perhaps driven by canine inspired adrenalin?)
Seems ages since the last Couldabeens ride. Headed south to the start Thursday morning enjoying the northeasterly, Bo, Steve and Kel were headed north for a 51 workout. Ryan, NIck, Matt, Vince, Temple (back from holiday) Glen, Rocket and Chris (returning after a long hibernation) were ready to roll. No errant dog to tackle this morning (maybe thanks to Coug's contact with the constabulary put a warning in the right direction) but keep an eye on 840 Channel Rd if you're out that way, the police would appreciate reports. Easy on the legs headed south in Boundary, due consideration shown to those a bit off form. Rocket punctured at the Mitchell Rd dog-leg, Chris, Matt and Glenn stayed for moral support, others moved on single file to meet work requirements. Quite a pace built up for the rest of Mitchell then into Raftery (40+ according to a later check) , but with 2k's left to go Temple was Fiji'd off the back. Good teamwork reformed the petite peleton (Vince exits stage left to make work on time) to finish with a 34.5 recorded.
Ummed and ahhed at the weather Thursday night, the forecast and the radar weren't on agreeable terms. Gave in to a gut feeling all would be well and turned up to the library, only Bomber, Steigy and Graham there. (Other regulars struck down with an outbreak of severe softness I think). Felt like a Lada entered in an F1 race and swallowed lots of mental concrete when Steve joined in at DECA. My 5k turn at the front with Bomber then Steve setting the tempo nearly blew a head gasket , shaking off a cold has halved the lung capacity. Another turn at the pointy end from the Emu to the toaster bumped up the heart rate to 179. Sprinter and Gools (towing a pair of new lads) were caught at the BP OTA line to fill the ranks to 9, but it was Steve's 36k turn on the front (while others just had short turns alongside) that was most impressive. (if that's not enough, he'd done 70k's solo just before this ride!) The last 2 k's stretched the bunch out, the new lads turning to toast with a stint in the low 40's. Sprinter took the honours (credit due to Gools lead out) I was just happy to finish with 4 ahead, happier when the cold and sniffles are behind me. The 36k / 148 hr average earned a feed, plenty of dinner aromas to inspire the tastebuds on the way home.
Fine drizzle and low cloud finished the week with yet another decadent sleep-in. That's two in one week!
Week 28 263km (Tour stages 9&10) 9704 calories (63 cups of Ratatouille) 32km/h average
YTD 10,750km
"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken" Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
The bike addiction is well and truely evident Sunday morning at 7am , minus 1.6 feels almost mild! What is the psychiatry of thinking it's warmer? A Pavlovian conditioning? Whatever the reason, try telling muscles to perform at their peak! A bit of a push heading west, almost sensing an easterly building up (confirmed a little later in the morning). Funny how we become a weather station out in the elements, the slightest hints of wind direction and temperature fluctuation stand out, or is that for survival? Got a great laugh at the Boundary/Channel intersection, the 51's had daubed the tarmac with a sledge of a suggested exit for BP. A reference to going OTA also appears at the Old Dookie Rd piggery. (apologies to the non-bike savvy readers if this sounds foreign, the vagueness is intentional; for litigation reasons! Personal explanations upon request) Minto and Chaddy spied doing a toaster loop so at least there are other addicts about to justify the lunacy. Lower body temperatures are supposed to increase lifespan by the way. Maybe the gastroch's and glute's had thawed a little, the return leg in Old Dookie was completed at a good steady speed. The cycling addiction was topped up with a caffine addiction, a kick-start to the day and an excuse to squeeze in a snooze later.
Break out the the shorts and iced water, it's a heatwave! Almost sweltered in 7.4 degrees on Monday morning. A lot of cloud cover and wind from the northeast made the past few chilly days a distant memory. Kept the head down heading east, grateful of a little shelter here and there. Came across an oncoming Mr Inconsiderate who can't drive on low beam (wished I'd had Sprinters 1600 lumen headlight to offer a bright hello) An impressive string of Cat headlights turned into Boundary Rd from Old Dookie, I'll bet Steve, Kel & Bo enjoyed the assistance of a tail breeze heading south. A good return leg home, with a distant (and chained) greeting from Pickles. A big downpour from 9am cancelled any plans of rides till Wednesday, nearly took that long to clean a grubby bike.
A 10 degree Wednesday brought hope that winter has run it's course and we're on the road to warmer days. (poor misguided fool!) Well, at least it's positive thoughts. Roads still damp from yesterdays precipitation (a cautionary approach to corners with compensation for marshmallow-like brakes and next to nil traction) A clockwise loop today to unwind and put a little wear on the right side of the tyres, down Boundary and took the BP exit in Channel Rd. 500 metres in, out of the darkness shot a black dog growling and snapping at the heels, taking about 6 months of the lifespan. One for the authorities to follow up before someone hits the deck. Despite the northwester, a good mid 30's tempo home (perhaps driven by canine inspired adrenalin?)
Seems ages since the last Couldabeens ride. Headed south to the start Thursday morning enjoying the northeasterly, Bo, Steve and Kel were headed north for a 51 workout. Ryan, NIck, Matt, Vince, Temple (back from holiday) Glen, Rocket and Chris (returning after a long hibernation) were ready to roll. No errant dog to tackle this morning (maybe thanks to Coug's contact with the constabulary put a warning in the right direction) but keep an eye on 840 Channel Rd if you're out that way, the police would appreciate reports. Easy on the legs headed south in Boundary, due consideration shown to those a bit off form. Rocket punctured at the Mitchell Rd dog-leg, Chris, Matt and Glenn stayed for moral support, others moved on single file to meet work requirements. Quite a pace built up for the rest of Mitchell then into Raftery (40+ according to a later check) , but with 2k's left to go Temple was Fiji'd off the back. Good teamwork reformed the petite peleton (Vince exits stage left to make work on time) to finish with a 34.5 recorded.
Ummed and ahhed at the weather Thursday night, the forecast and the radar weren't on agreeable terms. Gave in to a gut feeling all would be well and turned up to the library, only Bomber, Steigy and Graham there. (Other regulars struck down with an outbreak of severe softness I think). Felt like a Lada entered in an F1 race and swallowed lots of mental concrete when Steve joined in at DECA. My 5k turn at the front with Bomber then Steve setting the tempo nearly blew a head gasket , shaking off a cold has halved the lung capacity. Another turn at the pointy end from the Emu to the toaster bumped up the heart rate to 179. Sprinter and Gools (towing a pair of new lads) were caught at the BP OTA line to fill the ranks to 9, but it was Steve's 36k turn on the front (while others just had short turns alongside) that was most impressive. (if that's not enough, he'd done 70k's solo just before this ride!) The last 2 k's stretched the bunch out, the new lads turning to toast with a stint in the low 40's. Sprinter took the honours (credit due to Gools lead out) I was just happy to finish with 4 ahead, happier when the cold and sniffles are behind me. The 36k / 148 hr average earned a feed, plenty of dinner aromas to inspire the tastebuds on the way home.
Fine drizzle and low cloud finished the week with yet another decadent sleep-in. That's two in one week!
Week 28 263km (Tour stages 9&10) 9704 calories (63 cups of Ratatouille) 32km/h average
YTD 10,750km
"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken" Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Friday, July 6, 2012
Week 27
"Now is the winter of our discontent" wrote Shakespeare and I guess we should be hopefull. The depths of winter has frozen enthusiasm and fostered sniffles (and man flu's) to minimise bike numbers. A few apologies via text, a few in sunnier climes (Fiji takes the cake though Temple!) meant there were just 5 starters for the usual Saturday ride. A consensus between Liam, Hoffy, Norm and Andrew agreed a downsized distance would suffice, 2.8 degrees and a slowly building north east wind was going to give a decent workout. A damp road did a great job of turning bikes grubby, Liams' youth providing the horsepower for others to be towed. The cold caused lambs to bleat, but a few laughs were about to make the energy worth expending. A downsized bunch of Cats gave a greeting in Boundary Rd, a few of our clan finding the wind a nuisance. A bit of co-operation got the group home (winter even squashed thoughts of a sprint finish) early enough to be first in the Butterfactory doors to warm up on coffee and banana bread. Joined by a small collection of Cats and Adams family the yarns and bullshit flowed in abundance.
Fine mist, fog and cold on Sunday morning urged a retreat under the doona (staying up for some of last nights' prolog took the edge off too) but snuck a look at the under 19's criterium racing at the showgrounds. A slippery road caused a few spills (without serious injury) but the speed of these young fellas was worth watching. Ah, to be young again!
No takers for Monday, some taking on RPM in warmer conditions, some on holiday, some struck down with colds. A westerly breeze made Channel Rd a delight, even took the soft option of heading north up Boundary Rd to make Old Dookie the home straight for a 25k lap. Happy with the wheels humming till the turn west when the real toil began. Nearly had the chin resting on the headstem to cut through the 24km/h workout, trying to maintain low 30's was an increasing struggle. Satisfied with a 34 average, more satisfied with the second course of breakfast.
Reflecting either enthusiasm or madness, a bunch of 13 lined up for a Couldabeens circuit in the wee hours of Tuesday. Bo & Kel back from Queensland's warmth, Matt inspired (again), Tim and Jase digging deep to have a go. A light southerly took the edge off the speed in Boundary Rd, but didn't seem to slow Bo (a week off hasn't taken the edge off). Some long and short turns taken (dependant on the level of rust in the muscles) but a co-operative effort kept us close-knit. Said our hoo-roo's to Leon at Archer Rd but Kelly and Bo still in holiday mode stayed on for the duration of Raftery (and turned yet another lap after finishing). The need for oxygen kept things quiet for the sprint stage in the last kilometre (some electing to stay at the tail end) turns shortening relative to speed. I was blessed with a short draft from the Kenworth with 150 to go, just enough to wind up for a big attack. Trying to hold off the horsepower (& youth) of Rocket & Bo needed the bum off the seat, 55 clicks and the heart valve bouncing at 198. Single digit centimetres seperated us on the line, probably the first and last time I'll scalp the young blokes, unless I pay Gav for another ace tow. Thoughts of young Kylie today, a big operation for the tough girl (they'll need tungsten carbide instuments, but i'm sure she'll be back better than ever)
More chilly conditions Tuesday night, 8 at the boom gate discussing who will join in and hit hardest. Newys Sav and Craig content to hang on the back of the pack while we gathered the guns out the road. Steigy and Bomber provided the gasp factor at 40 for a good stretch of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, i'd scored a slightly tame Nath (cold recovery) thankfully, to pace a more achievable target. 3 more joined in the darkness at the church shuffling the deck and relagating me to the olympians (rock steady but speedy) wheel . Almost due to do a turn with him, there was a mass exodus of 9 (most with an attack of softness?) for Channel Rd, thereby I inherited turns with Steigy's torque for the course to River Rd. The little sprinter had a relaxed turn in the low 30's only to be contrasted by Bombers launch to 40 with Graham rising to occassion matching him. Things settled for Mitchell Rd and there was thankfully a pause for breath at the highway for traffic. Sprinters' 1600 lumens of headlight upset the odd oncoming car down Raftery Rd, only 4 or 5 working the front now. At the critical point Graham had the legs to kick hardest, little sprinter in his wake for second, my tired old engine only good for 3rd (may have blown a head gasket this morning). 34.7 a fair effort for a cold night, inspiring a warm feed to fill the empty tank.
I look forward to a quiet lap on a Wednesday, but agree that a warmer climate would be ideal (don't want to calculate how many weeks till spring) Bo, Steve & Kel were northbound for 51 action, just rolling the legs round suited me. Plenty of other addicts circulating the track to lend credence to the sport (or does it verify the insanity?) An enjoyable no pressure lap, back with plenty of time to prepare for the daily toil.
Enjoyed a fair slice of stage 4 of the Tour on Wednesday night, it didn't help another early start for work Thursday though. Rolled out the Rue de Chanelle for a catagory 2 climb up Cote du Orrvale, a short stage for todays' GC points. An errant rabbit darted from one side of the road to the other, then back again (almost under the front wheel) to kick up the heart rate. Had a bonjour from Matho in the Cats squad oncoming on the Champs E'Boundarie , Team 51 just 2'07" in pursuit behind. No plans for points on sprint stages today, trying to keep the hobby as enjoyable as possible in antarctic conditions. Quite a chill in the still air (0.1 according to the observatory stats) a bit of light fog felt like pedalling through a souffle, deja vu for this time of year.
Pushing the perserverance on Friday, minus 3 to wake up the senses. A few e-mails and texts spelt no go for most of the "hardcore" squad, just Cougs ready to tap out a steady lap. Noticed a large block of ice for sale at the side of the road (comes with a car at no extra cost apparently), even the wildlife was dormant today, like many riders I guess. 'Pickles' struggled to bark (frozen jaw?) in Old Dookie Rd, no sign of Goats, Muppets or Gazelles either. When the going gets tough........
WEEK 27 278km (Stages 18 & 19 to keep that in perspective!) 10,258 calories (114 frogs legs) 32.1 av
YTD 10,487km
"Two things are infinite. The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe"
Albert Einstein 1897-1955
Fine mist, fog and cold on Sunday morning urged a retreat under the doona (staying up for some of last nights' prolog took the edge off too) but snuck a look at the under 19's criterium racing at the showgrounds. A slippery road caused a few spills (without serious injury) but the speed of these young fellas was worth watching. Ah, to be young again!
No takers for Monday, some taking on RPM in warmer conditions, some on holiday, some struck down with colds. A westerly breeze made Channel Rd a delight, even took the soft option of heading north up Boundary Rd to make Old Dookie the home straight for a 25k lap. Happy with the wheels humming till the turn west when the real toil began. Nearly had the chin resting on the headstem to cut through the 24km/h workout, trying to maintain low 30's was an increasing struggle. Satisfied with a 34 average, more satisfied with the second course of breakfast.
Reflecting either enthusiasm or madness, a bunch of 13 lined up for a Couldabeens circuit in the wee hours of Tuesday. Bo & Kel back from Queensland's warmth, Matt inspired (again), Tim and Jase digging deep to have a go. A light southerly took the edge off the speed in Boundary Rd, but didn't seem to slow Bo (a week off hasn't taken the edge off). Some long and short turns taken (dependant on the level of rust in the muscles) but a co-operative effort kept us close-knit. Said our hoo-roo's to Leon at Archer Rd but Kelly and Bo still in holiday mode stayed on for the duration of Raftery (and turned yet another lap after finishing). The need for oxygen kept things quiet for the sprint stage in the last kilometre (some electing to stay at the tail end) turns shortening relative to speed. I was blessed with a short draft from the Kenworth with 150 to go, just enough to wind up for a big attack. Trying to hold off the horsepower (& youth) of Rocket & Bo needed the bum off the seat, 55 clicks and the heart valve bouncing at 198. Single digit centimetres seperated us on the line, probably the first and last time I'll scalp the young blokes, unless I pay Gav for another ace tow. Thoughts of young Kylie today, a big operation for the tough girl (they'll need tungsten carbide instuments, but i'm sure she'll be back better than ever)
More chilly conditions Tuesday night, 8 at the boom gate discussing who will join in and hit hardest. Newys Sav and Craig content to hang on the back of the pack while we gathered the guns out the road. Steigy and Bomber provided the gasp factor at 40 for a good stretch of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, i'd scored a slightly tame Nath (cold recovery) thankfully, to pace a more achievable target. 3 more joined in the darkness at the church shuffling the deck and relagating me to the olympians (rock steady but speedy) wheel . Almost due to do a turn with him, there was a mass exodus of 9 (most with an attack of softness?) for Channel Rd, thereby I inherited turns with Steigy's torque for the course to River Rd. The little sprinter had a relaxed turn in the low 30's only to be contrasted by Bombers launch to 40 with Graham rising to occassion matching him. Things settled for Mitchell Rd and there was thankfully a pause for breath at the highway for traffic. Sprinters' 1600 lumens of headlight upset the odd oncoming car down Raftery Rd, only 4 or 5 working the front now. At the critical point Graham had the legs to kick hardest, little sprinter in his wake for second, my tired old engine only good for 3rd (may have blown a head gasket this morning). 34.7 a fair effort for a cold night, inspiring a warm feed to fill the empty tank.
I look forward to a quiet lap on a Wednesday, but agree that a warmer climate would be ideal (don't want to calculate how many weeks till spring) Bo, Steve & Kel were northbound for 51 action, just rolling the legs round suited me. Plenty of other addicts circulating the track to lend credence to the sport (or does it verify the insanity?) An enjoyable no pressure lap, back with plenty of time to prepare for the daily toil.
Enjoyed a fair slice of stage 4 of the Tour on Wednesday night, it didn't help another early start for work Thursday though. Rolled out the Rue de Chanelle for a catagory 2 climb up Cote du Orrvale, a short stage for todays' GC points. An errant rabbit darted from one side of the road to the other, then back again (almost under the front wheel) to kick up the heart rate. Had a bonjour from Matho in the Cats squad oncoming on the Champs E'Boundarie , Team 51 just 2'07" in pursuit behind. No plans for points on sprint stages today, trying to keep the hobby as enjoyable as possible in antarctic conditions. Quite a chill in the still air (0.1 according to the observatory stats) a bit of light fog felt like pedalling through a souffle, deja vu for this time of year.
Pushing the perserverance on Friday, minus 3 to wake up the senses. A few e-mails and texts spelt no go for most of the "hardcore" squad, just Cougs ready to tap out a steady lap. Noticed a large block of ice for sale at the side of the road (comes with a car at no extra cost apparently), even the wildlife was dormant today, like many riders I guess. 'Pickles' struggled to bark (frozen jaw?) in Old Dookie Rd, no sign of Goats, Muppets or Gazelles either. When the going gets tough........
WEEK 27 278km (Stages 18 & 19 to keep that in perspective!) 10,258 calories (114 frogs legs) 32.1 av
YTD 10,487km
"Two things are infinite. The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe"
Albert Einstein 1897-1955
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