A dark trip south to the start Saturday, backpackers were even camped at shop fronts or on foot in the main street. A pair of northbound fire engines shattered the peace (an alarm clock for some). Trev was back to administer the regulations and keep the testosterone levels reasonable, Nick, BigMat, FeltMat, Cougs, Daniel, Temple, Tim, Trav, Rocket, Mike and Graeme as guest. All set forth on the 8k's of Channel Rd, Steve arriving near the school, disco hat ablaze. All were on best behaviour with the captain back in the chair, Rocket's new Cosmic's in running in mode, fit for a thrash next week? Smuggler joined in a bit north of the pub, evening up the numbers, favourable breezes for the course till the Emu, just a light south wester to tackle homeward. Shorty was a late arrival nearing the kennels (foxed by Trev's early arrival at the start), Sly was well ahead of the Cats but due to be swallowed in their pursuit. We'd collected Max just after the Alt. route for a brief tow to DECA, half a dozen were busting for a thrash to the finish and launched after the Rudd roundabout, Trav taking the podium. Our usual news, views and clues at the Lemontree; pizza dough recipes, buying a new car, pub crawls and Lance's lies on the discussion paper. (little time for this during the week). Four years to the day since my "stick incident", fingers crossed I avoid another one.
Regardless of the clocks' set time, an internal alarm stirs the slumber at 4.45 almost without fail. And on a Sunday too. Nothing prescribed for it except a ride, so off on a 6am squirt of Ford-Boundary-Channel, speed inspired by a wiff of south westerly. Not enough light to see the speedo, the legs acted as tacho whilst the grey cells calculated how much fuel to use (without running empty) Heaven knows what drives us to go like hell, thoughts of improved performance, building strength, measuring ability or just because it feels good when you stop? In Boundary Rd and against the building wind, a slow rising sun shed light on the Garmin, 180bpm was going to empty the fuel tank fast. Sheer stubborness drove the wheels till Channel Rd, but no quarter given heading west, the wind funnelling between orchards to test the tenacity. Finally got a second wind after a long battle to supress a stitch, satisfied to finish 28 in 45. Took on another loop of Archer-Boundary-Channel with Cougs to make it a figure eight. The wind we all love so much played with the head by changing course to a southerly and strengthening. It helped for the run up Boundary Rd but made work (again) for Channel. A good steady lap regardless, no doubt driven for the final kilometres with thoughts of coffee and conversation to end 65.
The regular Monday start to the working week, 12 degrees and dark, a reminder that summers' use-by date is fast running out. A train of Cats turned from Old Dookie into Boundary, just headlights visible now, faces indistinguishable with the sun a long way off rising. There'll be a short week or two of visibility when daylight savings ends, but that will quit quicker than the Pope.
A few were missing from Tuesdays tour with the Couldabeens, but FeltMat, BigMat, Tim, Cougs, Kenworth, Brent, Temple, Nick, Rocket, even Smuggler and GG made an effort. Nath was picked up near the kinder, and we nearly picked up the dog at Sellmans, heard snarling at the heels, but camoflaged in the darkness. On the turn into Boundary several noticed a bunch back at the pub, they may have made a bit of ground when we crossed River Rd, but were truely OTA in Mitchell, a big squirt in the low 40's despatching them to the distance. Ronnie jumped aboard at the olive grove (and stayed till Archer), great was the smoothness that drove the trusty steeds, the mighty warriors (& warriorette) strove mightily with crank and gear for as much as to please the gods. A wait for traffic at the highway saw seconds tick past (but at least preserved life) then back into it on the front beside Brent for the leg to Roubaix. He was keen to go further at the pointy end but I had to insist others needed a turn, Nath, Rocket, BigMat, Kenworth and more turning up the wick. Many (including me) were content to sit back in the 40's to watch Nath lead out Rocket for #1 and BigMat for #2, found ourselves reeling in many who'd expired in the last 500. All over in 46:36, certainly cleared the cobwebs.
Numbers down again at the hospital boomgates on Tuesday night, only ArgonDave and GiantClive in attendance. Seems a few have shyed away of late (ironically when the guns have flown the coop) but this trio were hopeful to add to the pack on the journey to the Emu. Just Wongy climbed aboard (admitting he was a cream puff after a long holiday), thankfully the Mark & Tony engines arrived at the church to reduce the burden of the 20km/h southwester. Wongy took a retreat down Channel, the remaining 5 set off west in River Rd, a Sprinter in the distance being the carrot. He'd done well to stay ahead for just a 6 minute head start, but we'd caught him by central Kialla Rd. Wind stopped being a burden by Arcadia Downs, Dave, Brendan & I sharing the driving seat (Mark & Tony preserving energy for a MTB event, Clive just keen to survive). Had the perfect sit till the 300 metre mark, a tail breeze helping a 58 max to score a win.
Familiar faces at SPC on Wednesday, HWK, Al, Simon, THM, Cougs, Kylie, Fee, Stace, Meags & the Pom rolled away, towing TT's Princess, Sootie, Minto, Wizz & Bart. THM was acting motivational coach for the ride, "intensity" the catch phrase (maybe on deaf ears, many content with standard proceedure) Simon surreptitiously shaved Sunday, super slippery shins speculated slick speed, some say svelt skin surely sexy. TT's departed on their thrash via River Rd, while a cast of Couldabeens headed north battled the breeze from the northeast. HWK, Stace and others ramped up the heart rate in Mitchell, THM wore thin on "intensity" and tucked in for a tow, a more considerate rate taken after Central Kialla to keep unity. Suprisingly we'd held off the TT brigade till Mt Nicolaci, the eleven held formation till the approach to Arcadia Downs. HWK & Stace hammered away, Al took the bait to copy entering Conrod. All finished without discarding team-mates, eventually engulfed by 51 at the first traffic lights.
A fairly breezy east northeast was going to make Channel Rd a push on Thursday morning, a dozen or more Couldabeens to share the load made the thought a bit easier. Luke returned and young Brent is hooked, GG was back again, most of the regular punters joined in for the toil east. Duty at the front with BigMat for leg 2, then GG (with plenty of GG's) for leg 3. I wasn't arguing for another go into the wind, happy to turn into Boundary, but of course the accelerator went down a bit more. By Mitchell Rd the ENE favoured the most and the throttle was opened into the 40's, some unsteady at the pace, some right at the limit, an orchestra of carbon wheels playing a concerto prestissimo forte, and there wasn't many arias from the choir. A few were showing signs of imminent kaboom, others keen on chasing records which was a certain recipe for splitting the pack. There was a struggle to latch onto the back of an over-enthused bunch after crossing Central Kialla, Nick & I staying back to lend a hand. Shame really, breaks up the unity and fellowship.
Closed the working week the way it started, a steady lap anti-clockwise with Cougs, watching the thrash of bunches on their Freaky Friday whilst keeping the enjoyment in ours.
Week 7 382 km 13,370 calories (243 Falafels) YTD 2,461 km
"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans" John Lennon (1940-1980)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
Week 6 ; About to start lap #4
Felt an attack of Groundhog day coming on in the early hours of Saturday, time to rustle the routine. Chose a clockwise Cat lap and set off to Ford Rd, Princess, Dalton, Gentleman Graeme, Dave, Straddles, Sully, Gools, Russ, DimSim and half a dozen more were lined up in Matilda Drive for the 6.30 off. Glad to get going 'cause 11 degrees wasn't that warming. A tame little tap out to the Emu (team Trev viewed from a different perspective today) but there was some toil into the 26km/h headwind to the toaster. Didn't argue with Russ's call for a short turn, the diesel Dalton hauling us all to Boundary Rd with ease. Turns up front became more frequent for the leg to Boundary, LeighMac finally out of bed to be the 'johnnie-come-lately' near the Broken Bridges. Rotated with the immaculately attired and super smooth Princess down to Central Kialla, a short stint into the wind to Mitchell, then to Raftery for the tempo test (gritty girl Kylie spotted heading out on a late lap) A gradual build of speed to Arcadia Downs Drive kept the bunch together. Sitting third wheel into Conrod straight was a bonus, but my turn came early (as always). All the eggs went in one basket at the 650 metre mark (tried that before and failed) giving the 56/12 a big grind to fluster the felines. Fast running out of steam at 15 metres/second and convinced a few had glued to my wheel drove the determination to the finish, suprised to get the chocolates and not the box over the distance. (takes forever for the h.r. to drop from 195, lungs fit to burst for a while, but chuffed that Strava reckons 540 watts did it) A change in comradery & caffine consumption today too, a nice drop at the Gools' Welsford Cafe and a good chin wag. Fix number two at Friars allowed a yarn with Hoffy (long time no see) now driving a Dogma.
Original plans for a big ride were quickly shelved Sunday morning, nobody turned the wind off overnight. Took executive hours heading out at 8.30 with a toaster lap + extension in mind. A perfect 17 degrees and propulsion from the 20km/h tail wind pushed me out the Boulevard, spied a dozen bugs heading in with just 2 road bikes amongst them. Plotted a course to the quarry (just a side wind to battle), avoided thoughts on life's foibles, pondering the aerobic heart rate equation (210 minus age) then the theory of training at 85% (equals 131 for me). Mmm.....I was 23% over at 160-170 out to Boral's hole in the ground. Maybe the head and legs are younger than the heart? Alarm bells chimed with 217 showing at the railway line, or was the 22,000 volt Dookie-Shepp powerline a magnetic interference? Ignorance is bliss they say but heading back to the Pine Lodge church 208 appeared, far from powerlines and humanity for that matter. Smooth beats from Flume and Frank Ocean were on the playlist (not the Cradle of Filth or Bury the Truth tracks that push the pulse) so doubt was raised on Garmin's accuracy. (heaven forbid an svtc affliction) Problem shelved for Google to solve later.... Pointing south into the wind of Boundary Rd shifted the focus, JB upon the sparkling red Cannondale grinning like a Cheshire cat with the wind behind him. Rounded up the only clockwise rider nearing Channel Rd (damned Garmin briefly showed 225) several more on opposite oddeseys in two's and threes. Relief entering Mitchell Rd with the wind from the left now, motivation being driven by the mirage of a slab of Degani's banana and walnut toast at the finish. Through the Mitchell chicane (whoopee an ever-so-slight downhill too, if measured by micrometer) I'd made little gain on the one very distant rider spotted in Raftery, but gassed up a bit of speed to finish the 60k in 1:48:10. Yup, coffee and toast passionately consumed, a sentence or two swapped with Phil the Cat, then Rocket, Rocket-ette and the little missiles arriving for brunch. Home and data downloaded, missed the 248 bpm peak climbing Cemetery hill ! (then Sprinter Fb posts his resting rate at 38!)
Enjoy Monday's usual lap, a great tempo, no pressure, a very smooth pair of wheels to ride with, chew over the weeks news with Cougs, watch the boys (and the odd girl) steaming their way southward in large and small numbers and back home without the rushed agenda to prep for work.
As the year slips into second gear, days are becoming noticably shorter and temperatures cooler, already!
A few early birds had arrived for the Couldabeens thrash, FeltMat residing closest had made the effort, Steve bringing co-worker Luke along again. Nice to see Leon back, BigMat almost becoming a regular (but GG has vanished) Daniels' arrival signalled the bunch's departure. Journeyed east into the darkness (concerned about trying to spot our wandering canine) but it was Nath found loitering with intent near the Cypress trees. Through to Boundary without pooches, southbound with the 15 strong pack, quite comfortably towed sitting at the back. It felt like a light south wester by the time we were at Mitchell (noticable at the pointy end), legs were a bit secondhand after a k beside Steve (Goldfrapp's "Utopia" inside my head for some reason) Luke bordering on expiry wisely dodged his turn and tucked in. Daniel and the Kenworth went toe to toe after Central Kialla (will Daniel do the whole distance one day?) to throw solidarity out the window and scatter the team. A brief pause at the highway and on the gas again was wearing many thin, I stayed back to lend a wheel and watch the Conrod thrash from the upper circle. Nath and Rocket stretched ahead, Nath appeared to burn the biscuits and Rocket picked up the crumbs. 30k all over in 46 min.
Just Robbo & DimSim were at the hospital at 6pm. 32 degrees may have frightened a few, but it felt quite tolerable. Some of the top guns had taken to the hills, so off we set to (hopefully) gather a helper or two for the 43k ride. Sprinter joined in (glued to DimSim at the back) leaving Robbo & I to toil, h.r. running amok again with a 210 and later a 226. Felt the light south westerly approaching the toaster, glad to welcome workhorses Tony and Jim along for the push to Boundary, Harpo added to the fold too. Nico u-turned to make another on board for Boundary Rd, Tony & Jim doing the towtruck role for a good part of the trek from the pub to Central Kialla. Mid to high 30's most of the way changed to 40's in the dying stages, Sprinters earlier objections to pace was a distant memory when he jumped to follow Robbo for the glory in the last 100. 1.09.00 for the circuit was satisfying, Colonel Harlem's aroma's were even better on the roll through town to home.
Plenty of P&W's putting in the k's lately, and plenty turned up Wednesday to clock up more. Quick chicks Stace, Fee, Cougs, Kylie and Meags made the rough boys HWK, THM, Pom, Al and Simon look a whole lot better. The gong sounded and away we went, breifly split by a car keen to overtake then turn left. Regrouped, it was a long haul to Boundary, a north easterly making it a bit of a chore. Better in Boundary, though Al has had significant HWK training, and HWK maybe knocked off his perch soon! Simon not quite the Mr Myagi yet, wonder how he'll like the chilled sections of Mitchell Rd? The Garmin HR behaving itself today, not a location issue covering similar ground to last night. Many of today's contenders regularly pushing out 140 - 160 k loops at weekends, building some kilowatts for fast appraoching Tri's. HWK took lead out duties in Conrod straight but too many kw's denied Stace the honours. Several took on lap 2 as most headed for home and work.
A balmy Thursday and a stiff north easter was a recipe for a fast clockwise lap (many would be pencilling into the record books) but took the opposite anti-clockwise lap a little earlier with Cougs instead, to get back for an earlier start. Darkness nearly all the way around today (so much for summer?) but the sunrise was worth the effort. An annoying thump thump thump from the front wheel (felt lke a lump of tar) but a sticky beak revealed a balooning section. See what a new tube does... The old faithful ticked over 150,000 on the lap today, nearly run in now. There's still a few original bits surviving (not sure about the old engine though), a testament to Claus at Sachs for der grossartig fertigerzeugnisse. Nearly ready to start lap 4 of the globe......
A circuit with the P&W's to finish off the week, (new front tube has cured yesterdays thumping) plenty of players to share the effort and a southwesterly to keep us accustomed! Choppy, Stace, Cougs, Shorty and Jase (from clan Couldabeens), Al, Coota, Pom, Meags, even Dan the man is back on two wheels, Weapon, Tommygun, Sosso, Minto, Princess, Fox & Fee took to the tarmac. A factional division approaching River Rd where Princess, Minto, Fox, Fee and Tommygun departed for a thrash. Our shorter faster turns gave way to the regular long slogs by all, a little traffic to contend with at the main roads. The river Rd express had gained some distance, the main field picked up the pace with the scent of Raftery Rd near. Vince (resplendant in new 51 kit) escorting a somewhat toasted Cranky was passed rapidly at Roubaix, i scored the big turn at the pointy end with Dan that lasted till the finish line (how does he do that on the 3rd ride of the year?). A big cheer to the many hammering out the Geelong tri this weekend, all those recent hard yards will pay off.
Week 6 ; 407km 14,245 calories (33 large vanilla slices) YTD 2079km
"There's nothing like a gleam of humour to reassure you that a fellow human being is ticking inside a strange face" Eva Hoffman 1945- (Polish born British writer)
Original plans for a big ride were quickly shelved Sunday morning, nobody turned the wind off overnight. Took executive hours heading out at 8.30 with a toaster lap + extension in mind. A perfect 17 degrees and propulsion from the 20km/h tail wind pushed me out the Boulevard, spied a dozen bugs heading in with just 2 road bikes amongst them. Plotted a course to the quarry (just a side wind to battle), avoided thoughts on life's foibles, pondering the aerobic heart rate equation (210 minus age) then the theory of training at 85% (equals 131 for me). Mmm.....I was 23% over at 160-170 out to Boral's hole in the ground. Maybe the head and legs are younger than the heart? Alarm bells chimed with 217 showing at the railway line, or was the 22,000 volt Dookie-Shepp powerline a magnetic interference? Ignorance is bliss they say but heading back to the Pine Lodge church 208 appeared, far from powerlines and humanity for that matter. Smooth beats from Flume and Frank Ocean were on the playlist (not the Cradle of Filth or Bury the Truth tracks that push the pulse) so doubt was raised on Garmin's accuracy. (heaven forbid an svtc affliction) Problem shelved for Google to solve later.... Pointing south into the wind of Boundary Rd shifted the focus, JB upon the sparkling red Cannondale grinning like a Cheshire cat with the wind behind him. Rounded up the only clockwise rider nearing Channel Rd (damned Garmin briefly showed 225) several more on opposite oddeseys in two's and threes. Relief entering Mitchell Rd with the wind from the left now, motivation being driven by the mirage of a slab of Degani's banana and walnut toast at the finish. Through the Mitchell chicane (whoopee an ever-so-slight downhill too, if measured by micrometer) I'd made little gain on the one very distant rider spotted in Raftery, but gassed up a bit of speed to finish the 60k in 1:48:10. Yup, coffee and toast passionately consumed, a sentence or two swapped with Phil the Cat, then Rocket, Rocket-ette and the little missiles arriving for brunch. Home and data downloaded, missed the 248 bpm peak climbing Cemetery hill ! (then Sprinter Fb posts his resting rate at 38!)
Enjoy Monday's usual lap, a great tempo, no pressure, a very smooth pair of wheels to ride with, chew over the weeks news with Cougs, watch the boys (and the odd girl) steaming their way southward in large and small numbers and back home without the rushed agenda to prep for work.
As the year slips into second gear, days are becoming noticably shorter and temperatures cooler, already!
A few early birds had arrived for the Couldabeens thrash, FeltMat residing closest had made the effort, Steve bringing co-worker Luke along again. Nice to see Leon back, BigMat almost becoming a regular (but GG has vanished) Daniels' arrival signalled the bunch's departure. Journeyed east into the darkness (concerned about trying to spot our wandering canine) but it was Nath found loitering with intent near the Cypress trees. Through to Boundary without pooches, southbound with the 15 strong pack, quite comfortably towed sitting at the back. It felt like a light south wester by the time we were at Mitchell (noticable at the pointy end), legs were a bit secondhand after a k beside Steve (Goldfrapp's "Utopia" inside my head for some reason) Luke bordering on expiry wisely dodged his turn and tucked in. Daniel and the Kenworth went toe to toe after Central Kialla (will Daniel do the whole distance one day?) to throw solidarity out the window and scatter the team. A brief pause at the highway and on the gas again was wearing many thin, I stayed back to lend a wheel and watch the Conrod thrash from the upper circle. Nath and Rocket stretched ahead, Nath appeared to burn the biscuits and Rocket picked up the crumbs. 30k all over in 46 min.
Just Robbo & DimSim were at the hospital at 6pm. 32 degrees may have frightened a few, but it felt quite tolerable. Some of the top guns had taken to the hills, so off we set to (hopefully) gather a helper or two for the 43k ride. Sprinter joined in (glued to DimSim at the back) leaving Robbo & I to toil, h.r. running amok again with a 210 and later a 226. Felt the light south westerly approaching the toaster, glad to welcome workhorses Tony and Jim along for the push to Boundary, Harpo added to the fold too. Nico u-turned to make another on board for Boundary Rd, Tony & Jim doing the towtruck role for a good part of the trek from the pub to Central Kialla. Mid to high 30's most of the way changed to 40's in the dying stages, Sprinters earlier objections to pace was a distant memory when he jumped to follow Robbo for the glory in the last 100. 1.09.00 for the circuit was satisfying, Colonel Harlem's aroma's were even better on the roll through town to home.
Plenty of P&W's putting in the k's lately, and plenty turned up Wednesday to clock up more. Quick chicks Stace, Fee, Cougs, Kylie and Meags made the rough boys HWK, THM, Pom, Al and Simon look a whole lot better. The gong sounded and away we went, breifly split by a car keen to overtake then turn left. Regrouped, it was a long haul to Boundary, a north easterly making it a bit of a chore. Better in Boundary, though Al has had significant HWK training, and HWK maybe knocked off his perch soon! Simon not quite the Mr Myagi yet, wonder how he'll like the chilled sections of Mitchell Rd? The Garmin HR behaving itself today, not a location issue covering similar ground to last night. Many of today's contenders regularly pushing out 140 - 160 k loops at weekends, building some kilowatts for fast appraoching Tri's. HWK took lead out duties in Conrod straight but too many kw's denied Stace the honours. Several took on lap 2 as most headed for home and work.
A balmy Thursday and a stiff north easter was a recipe for a fast clockwise lap (many would be pencilling into the record books) but took the opposite anti-clockwise lap a little earlier with Cougs instead, to get back for an earlier start. Darkness nearly all the way around today (so much for summer?) but the sunrise was worth the effort. An annoying thump thump thump from the front wheel (felt lke a lump of tar) but a sticky beak revealed a balooning section. See what a new tube does... The old faithful ticked over 150,000 on the lap today, nearly run in now. There's still a few original bits surviving (not sure about the old engine though), a testament to Claus at Sachs for der grossartig fertigerzeugnisse. Nearly ready to start lap 4 of the globe......
A circuit with the P&W's to finish off the week, (new front tube has cured yesterdays thumping) plenty of players to share the effort and a southwesterly to keep us accustomed! Choppy, Stace, Cougs, Shorty and Jase (from clan Couldabeens), Al, Coota, Pom, Meags, even Dan the man is back on two wheels, Weapon, Tommygun, Sosso, Minto, Princess, Fox & Fee took to the tarmac. A factional division approaching River Rd where Princess, Minto, Fox, Fee and Tommygun departed for a thrash. Our shorter faster turns gave way to the regular long slogs by all, a little traffic to contend with at the main roads. The river Rd express had gained some distance, the main field picked up the pace with the scent of Raftery Rd near. Vince (resplendant in new 51 kit) escorting a somewhat toasted Cranky was passed rapidly at Roubaix, i scored the big turn at the pointy end with Dan that lasted till the finish line (how does he do that on the 3rd ride of the year?). A big cheer to the many hammering out the Geelong tri this weekend, all those recent hard yards will pay off.
Week 6 ; 407km 14,245 calories (33 large vanilla slices) YTD 2079km
"There's nothing like a gleam of humour to reassure you that a fellow human being is ticking inside a strange face" Eva Hoffman 1945- (Polish born British writer)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Week 5 : Windswept!
Jimmy Cook turned up to find Sydney 225 years ago, but I turned up to find Mike, Shorty, Nick, BigMat, Jase (back from holidays) Steve, Cougs, Temple, Daniel, Pom and Rocket at the Archer St shops on Saturday. All set forth in Channel Rd at 6, captainless without AvantiTrev today (layed low with back grief). Nath was found prowling nearing Boundary Rd upon a new Avanti Corsa, most stealth-like in carbon black. (as if he needs to go any faster!) A 20km/h southerly blew us northward from the Pine Lodge pub, g'day's exchanged with a large contingent of P&W's headed south en-route to Violet Town and Nalinga. With the speed police missing there were several violations (mainly the tail-wind to blame) but then hooked right at Boundary-Old Dookie for the 3k leg to the toaster (still standing). More infringements followed to the Emu, but the pushy side wind kerbed the enthusiasm for the journey west. Temple and Daniel were on the missing persons list as the 20+ Pussycats headed east, me thinks the two sharks were off to play in a goldfish bowl? Familiar sights in Ford & Wanganui soon came and went, work was to be done in Rudd Rd, a few were keen for a sprint to the cemetery and all were keen for the breakfast. Muppets and 51 went to and fro as tall tales and true were served at the Lemontree table, BigMat's carbo load tour de Toolamba an entertaining story, plans then hatched for a holiday Monday ride.
Early Sunday morning commitments scheduled an early lap , the de-rigeur ride of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie with Cougs a good prescription to keep the legs reminded of what needs to be done. One or two were making good of a cool morning, the incessant wind dishing out some torment to the head.
A good turn up of boys and a girl for a 7 bridges lap on Mondays' holiday. Tim, Shorty, Rocket, Steve, Daniel, Temple, Cougs, Jase, BigMat and Nick took off from Harveys to grind Raftery roads head-wind, enjoy a little respite in Mitchell (picking up the Pom, running late) before a slog down Central Kialla Rd. Bridge number 4 was crossed before we reached Union Rd, the mathematics of the 7 bridges title was in early doubt. The coarse stone of Union had wheels growling (and backsides howling) over bridge 5, then the highway, and off to the suburbia of Toolamba (and over the ageing timber bridge #6) The main street was empty (some may have hoped for the pub to be open?), but westward we went with bridge #7 conquered before crossing the Mooroopna-Murchison Rd. In a windswept stretch of the Rushworth Toolamba Rd, Rocket, Temple and Jase provided plenty of steam up front (which demoted the Pom to the back), over Channel No5 to make it bridge No8. A great comfort swept over us turning into Dhurringile Rd,the tailwind enthusing Daniel and Jase to bolt, finally settling into the high 30's for 5k's to Tatura. A right at the roundabout, Steve's headlight disintegrated (bits not worth rescuing) then the 8k on Ferguson Rd in echelon against the southerly, bridge #9 at Pickworths. Shorty hit the nitreous for a while, the tailwind for the final leg to Mooroopna worth all the effort. Back to Shepp for brunch (crossing 2 bridges on the bike path) making the 7 bridges 11, but 14 via the causeway.
Afllicted with a bad case of the "Yeah, Nah, But" syndrome on Tuesday morning, the southerly wind blowing at 35 to 50km/h turned the neighbourhoods' wind chimes into a recital and the ride decision easy, but Trav and Rocket were way too keen tackling the tough stuff. Wednesday's weather was far more agreeable, joining the Couldabeens for an anti-clockwise roll kept the sanity. Rocket, Cougs, Shorty, Jase, Tim, LegalDave, Nick, Steve and FeltMat hooked into Archer Rd's head wind with Coug's driving enthusiasm for the first leg. A little easier on the effort needed pointing east in Mitchell, most of the crew had taken Tuesday as a RDO so had the reserves to make hay against the southerly. P&W's were in the last metres on Boundary, felines were appraoching River Rd and 51 were heads down off the Broken bridges. The southwesterly made work of Channel Rd, Nick and Jase had ramped up to the high 30's near Prentice Rd when Tim tore off (turboed with testosterone?) The escape was shortlived with the bunch re-uniting for the left/right at Orrvale Rd, making an early team finish back in town.
The mercury struggled to stay in double figures on Thursday morning, but a rare couple of hours without a hint of wind! A good front of Couldabeens at the start, Brent back for more, Daniel's arrival signalled the roll out, Cougs took us up to tempo, FeltMat yet another late join in and Nath bedding in the Corsa near Channel Rd's S bend. Super smooth and consistent turns made the scenery pass quickly, good to have Chris A arrive a k into Mitchell Rd (led astray on the start time it seems) We endured the chilly dips of Mitchell and bid farewells to Daniels Archer escape, onward westward for the push along Raftery. Pace was on at Arcadia Downs, i'd shared the front with Rocket for 600 metres up to the first dip of Conrod (his attack tank nearly emptied with 400 remaining). Nick set up an express train from behind to accelerate away for the closing stages, tenacious Trav took the Thursday trophy, a good effort from Brent to survive a 36.3 average for just a few months of riding.
Plenty of wind on a warm Thursday evening to thrash it out with the library group. Bomber, Robbo, Sticks, Scotty, Sly and a few others rolled out at 6, a westerly blowing at 32-48km/h made the Boulevard stretch with Robbo a rapid warm up. In Wanganui Rd it was Robbo and Bombers turn to captain the front, taking a Monopoly out on the front spot for the whole east leg to the Emu (thankfully capping the speed below 40 to preserve some muscle for the remainder of the ride) with many enlisted along the way. Sticks, leaves, dirt and twigs littered the road to keep eyes peeled and wits sharp, driving 35km/h forward with 30-52 km/h winds at our side was enough till the toaster, back to 32km/h for the slog down to Boundary. Gusts to 61km/h made the long stretch to River Rd a real chore, a long stint by Ryhs and Trent saved several souls. A lot of fluctuations in River Rd with all doing at least two turns at the pointy end, I felt ready for a long slog but DimSim called short turns to survive. Drafting in high winds highlights the fine line between comfortably close and too close for comfort, the "tilt" light was glowing on most bikes heading west into a gusty southwest, yes open for detached branches. Bomber and Sticks pulled off for home at Central Kialla, the remaining 13 took on the south wester now howling at 43-56km/h. Relief was in sight at the highway but Trent & Rhys scampered off into sunset for a workout, Robbo, Sprinter, Sly, Paul and I played tow rope for the rest till the torment to Arcadia scattered many, just enough left in me to finish in the 50's @ 195 bpm, but had inadvertantly led out a sneaky but tactical Sprinter to take 4th.
It was freaky flatulence Friday to start February, wind had eased just a whisker from Thursday night (so what drives one to tackle it again?). P&W's Al, Simon, Hayles, Choppy, Sootie and Weapon lined up in Old Dookie Rd to battle the breeze. Simon's imminent de-forrestation of the legs will earn him a "Mr Myagi" handle, wax on wax off for the aero (and comfort) advantage. Nico and Col were suprise additions half way out Old Dookie, all the better to load share for Boundary's battle with the elements. All grins from Rocket, Temple and co tailwinding near Channel Rd, heads down for us with much concentration on the wheel ahead being tossed around like a cork. Wind wore down the weary in Mitchelll Rd, I played the role of Spakfilla, plugging the gaps opened by the exhuberant to keep the bunch as one. Easier in Raftery Rd with winds mostly behind us now, faster was the order of the day approaching Arcadia Downs. Up front with Al with 500 to go seemed like a good time to make young guns suffer, launched a sprint and gapped 'em, but an overtaking car was the draft that 'superleggera' Nicolaci needed to take him to gold and Choppy to silver. I was content with the bronze, but concerned with the 235bpm at 55.9km/h. Does anyone else get 'interference' from others' Garmin data? The weeks' icing was an "amusive" (amusing and incisive) chat with Weapon on the wind assisted roll through town.
Week 5 ; 352km 11,968 calories (52 Dim sims & 139 Brussel sprouts.....a testament to the wind factor)
YTD 1,672 km
"A boo is louder than a cheer. If you have ten people cheering and one person booing, all you hear is the booing" Lance Armstrong U.S. cyclist 1971-
Early Sunday morning commitments scheduled an early lap , the de-rigeur ride of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie with Cougs a good prescription to keep the legs reminded of what needs to be done. One or two were making good of a cool morning, the incessant wind dishing out some torment to the head.
A good turn up of boys and a girl for a 7 bridges lap on Mondays' holiday. Tim, Shorty, Rocket, Steve, Daniel, Temple, Cougs, Jase, BigMat and Nick took off from Harveys to grind Raftery roads head-wind, enjoy a little respite in Mitchell (picking up the Pom, running late) before a slog down Central Kialla Rd. Bridge number 4 was crossed before we reached Union Rd, the mathematics of the 7 bridges title was in early doubt. The coarse stone of Union had wheels growling (and backsides howling) over bridge 5, then the highway, and off to the suburbia of Toolamba (and over the ageing timber bridge #6) The main street was empty (some may have hoped for the pub to be open?), but westward we went with bridge #7 conquered before crossing the Mooroopna-Murchison Rd. In a windswept stretch of the Rushworth Toolamba Rd, Rocket, Temple and Jase provided plenty of steam up front (which demoted the Pom to the back), over Channel No5 to make it bridge No8. A great comfort swept over us turning into Dhurringile Rd,the tailwind enthusing Daniel and Jase to bolt, finally settling into the high 30's for 5k's to Tatura. A right at the roundabout, Steve's headlight disintegrated (bits not worth rescuing) then the 8k on Ferguson Rd in echelon against the southerly, bridge #9 at Pickworths. Shorty hit the nitreous for a while, the tailwind for the final leg to Mooroopna worth all the effort. Back to Shepp for brunch (crossing 2 bridges on the bike path) making the 7 bridges 11, but 14 via the causeway.
Afllicted with a bad case of the "Yeah, Nah, But" syndrome on Tuesday morning, the southerly wind blowing at 35 to 50km/h turned the neighbourhoods' wind chimes into a recital and the ride decision easy, but Trav and Rocket were way too keen tackling the tough stuff. Wednesday's weather was far more agreeable, joining the Couldabeens for an anti-clockwise roll kept the sanity. Rocket, Cougs, Shorty, Jase, Tim, LegalDave, Nick, Steve and FeltMat hooked into Archer Rd's head wind with Coug's driving enthusiasm for the first leg. A little easier on the effort needed pointing east in Mitchell, most of the crew had taken Tuesday as a RDO so had the reserves to make hay against the southerly. P&W's were in the last metres on Boundary, felines were appraoching River Rd and 51 were heads down off the Broken bridges. The southwesterly made work of Channel Rd, Nick and Jase had ramped up to the high 30's near Prentice Rd when Tim tore off (turboed with testosterone?) The escape was shortlived with the bunch re-uniting for the left/right at Orrvale Rd, making an early team finish back in town.
The mercury struggled to stay in double figures on Thursday morning, but a rare couple of hours without a hint of wind! A good front of Couldabeens at the start, Brent back for more, Daniel's arrival signalled the roll out, Cougs took us up to tempo, FeltMat yet another late join in and Nath bedding in the Corsa near Channel Rd's S bend. Super smooth and consistent turns made the scenery pass quickly, good to have Chris A arrive a k into Mitchell Rd (led astray on the start time it seems) We endured the chilly dips of Mitchell and bid farewells to Daniels Archer escape, onward westward for the push along Raftery. Pace was on at Arcadia Downs, i'd shared the front with Rocket for 600 metres up to the first dip of Conrod (his attack tank nearly emptied with 400 remaining). Nick set up an express train from behind to accelerate away for the closing stages, tenacious Trav took the Thursday trophy, a good effort from Brent to survive a 36.3 average for just a few months of riding.
Plenty of wind on a warm Thursday evening to thrash it out with the library group. Bomber, Robbo, Sticks, Scotty, Sly and a few others rolled out at 6, a westerly blowing at 32-48km/h made the Boulevard stretch with Robbo a rapid warm up. In Wanganui Rd it was Robbo and Bombers turn to captain the front, taking a Monopoly out on the front spot for the whole east leg to the Emu (thankfully capping the speed below 40 to preserve some muscle for the remainder of the ride) with many enlisted along the way. Sticks, leaves, dirt and twigs littered the road to keep eyes peeled and wits sharp, driving 35km/h forward with 30-52 km/h winds at our side was enough till the toaster, back to 32km/h for the slog down to Boundary. Gusts to 61km/h made the long stretch to River Rd a real chore, a long stint by Ryhs and Trent saved several souls. A lot of fluctuations in River Rd with all doing at least two turns at the pointy end, I felt ready for a long slog but DimSim called short turns to survive. Drafting in high winds highlights the fine line between comfortably close and too close for comfort, the "tilt" light was glowing on most bikes heading west into a gusty southwest, yes open for detached branches. Bomber and Sticks pulled off for home at Central Kialla, the remaining 13 took on the south wester now howling at 43-56km/h. Relief was in sight at the highway but Trent & Rhys scampered off into sunset for a workout, Robbo, Sprinter, Sly, Paul and I played tow rope for the rest till the torment to Arcadia scattered many, just enough left in me to finish in the 50's @ 195 bpm, but had inadvertantly led out a sneaky but tactical Sprinter to take 4th.
It was freaky flatulence Friday to start February, wind had eased just a whisker from Thursday night (so what drives one to tackle it again?). P&W's Al, Simon, Hayles, Choppy, Sootie and Weapon lined up in Old Dookie Rd to battle the breeze. Simon's imminent de-forrestation of the legs will earn him a "Mr Myagi" handle, wax on wax off for the aero (and comfort) advantage. Nico and Col were suprise additions half way out Old Dookie, all the better to load share for Boundary's battle with the elements. All grins from Rocket, Temple and co tailwinding near Channel Rd, heads down for us with much concentration on the wheel ahead being tossed around like a cork. Wind wore down the weary in Mitchelll Rd, I played the role of Spakfilla, plugging the gaps opened by the exhuberant to keep the bunch as one. Easier in Raftery Rd with winds mostly behind us now, faster was the order of the day approaching Arcadia Downs. Up front with Al with 500 to go seemed like a good time to make young guns suffer, launched a sprint and gapped 'em, but an overtaking car was the draft that 'superleggera' Nicolaci needed to take him to gold and Choppy to silver. I was content with the bronze, but concerned with the 235bpm at 55.9km/h. Does anyone else get 'interference' from others' Garmin data? The weeks' icing was an "amusive" (amusing and incisive) chat with Weapon on the wind assisted roll through town.
Week 5 ; 352km 11,968 calories (52 Dim sims & 139 Brussel sprouts.....a testament to the wind factor)
YTD 1,672 km
"A boo is louder than a cheer. If you have ten people cheering and one person booing, all you hear is the booing" Lance Armstrong U.S. cyclist 1971-
Friday, January 25, 2013
Week 4: Just working the morning shift...
A break with Saturdays' ritual group ride and a steady lap with the Cougar, the stiff southerly not best recipe for a bunch ride to be honest. Good to mix up the routine from time to time, keeps a balance on things. Roads were free of bike invasions at 6.15 but it was peak hour for the bunnies on Channel Rd. The ride was good tonic for worn legs (more from work than the bike last week) but didn't miss the post ride social intoxication at the Lemontree, 9 arriving to update news on all matters (with post mortems on the Armstrong interview) Nath tucked into a big slab of bacon (with just a hint of egg on a sliver of toast), much verbosity from Pom, Shorty, AvantiTrev, Rocket, BigMat, FeltMat, Jase and the Smuggler.
Sundays' arranged tour had Rocket, Pom and Trev turn up to a wind that changed as often as a Japanese government. I drew the short straw of matching Rocket for 7k into the headwind of Raftery, arriving at Mitchell to have the wind swing south east (and Trev was too short to hide behind) Down the Mt Niclolaci decent where Trev's tail light departed it's mount (we'll have to recommend a good bike shop to fix it), a brief pause to retrieve the pieces then off to central Kialla, picking up Pete H on the way. The blue haze from Gippsland fires contrasted the straw stubble of fields recently mowed, only one or two out riding today (aluminium mudguards on the historic road bike a rare retro sight) but our gang of 5 plugged away to Boundary Rd where the wind now blew from the east. Inherited John near the Pub to even the numbers up, then all enjoyed the only respite in Old Dookie Rd with a tail wind to get us back for coffee (and breakfast part two for some) as a last supper for Pete before his shift west.
A cheery little lap on Monday to get the working week started. The ubiquitous Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie course with Cougs, a big greeting from gentleman Graeme steering the Cats southward, long-time-no-see Weapon, the solitary P&W, steaming along nicely a few hundred metres behind. A decent pace was maintained without breaking records, prevents ancient joints from rusting I guess. One wonders how long the engine will perform to adequate standards, but there's still a few old dinosaurs about doing ok. Hope springs eternal. Young Smuggler was on executive hours departing town in Old Dookie Rd nearer 7am, I was on schedule to clock on on cue.
An eager ensemble formed in the car park early Tuesday, BigMat confusing the critics by turning up too. AvantiTrev an early arrival, Nick, Temple, Kenworth, Cougs, Coalminer Steve, Leon, Rocket and, securing his regular rear seat booking, Daniel . Newbie Brent climbed aboard as the pack rolled out but the last enrty went to FeltMat (lives nearest, arrives latest). A south south west breeze was waiting to annoy all in Boundary, Nath was found touring half way, Ronnie and Garry out on a reaquaintance ride in the last k of Channel Rd sat on the back for a short spell whilst Rocket, Gav & Daniel (funny how the big guns just happen to group together) made the legs burn pointing south. All had a good crack at train driving for Mitchell Rd (decent diplomacy regardless of duration or pace), caught a rare sight of RobMac, one of a few on solo missions. Rocket's familiar blast in the closing stages of Raftery is still worth watching, Nath took a rain-check (but lent a hand to FeltMat's lag) all were done and dusted in 47:42.
The sun rises noticably later of late, ditched the little headlight today in favour of the Cygo's 380 lumens and decent spread across the tarmac. (sorry, I just can't fathom how you see, or be seen, with a light as big as a match head. Some swear by them. There again, there are those without lights.....and without sense) A swift southerly battered several bunches in Boundary Rd (taking the nothbound route maybe a bit soft but certainly felt sensible) a copious contingent of P&W's had halted to chat over a quiet puncture, 51 was scattered on three fronts with gritted teeth and furrowed brow. Cougs and I assumed a list to starboard on the westward leg home, 35km/h of southerly keeping the heart rate up.
Quite the suprise to only have 6 entries for Thursdays' Couldabeens. Maybe the forecast winds (which didn't eventuate) had some scared, it was left to Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, Temple, Cougs and Tim, the tough to tough it out . Quality quashed quantity quickly, quietly qualifying quirky quads (& questioning quorums) out Channel Rd we went. Garry and Ronnie were out again (twice in 18 months for Ronnie!) and jumped on and joined in, till Archer Rd anyway. Several soloist in Mitchell, RobMac again, Blackie too, and a bunch or two. Double duty for our compact crew today, twice the turns with half the riders, but the tenacious team triumphed, only 20 seconds slower than Tuesday for the same course, Rocket (of course) taking the honours, a rugged up Kenworth second, both getting the jump on Nick.
No attendance issues with the P&W's on Friday morning, a big field of Stace, Jo, Hayles, Fox (recently crowned king of Echuca) , Cougs, Fee, DrugRob, Simon, Meags, Sootie, THM, Weapon and even Dutchy on a brief comeback from Qld. A pause waiting for Chops was in vein, 14 finally set sail into a humid 26 degrees and a hairdrying northerly at 26km/h. A resounding relief to turn into Boundary Rd with the wind behind us, collecting Fitzy on the course south, Temple & Daniel spotted plugging away northbound. Stace, Sootie, Hayles and Meags opted for a thrash down River Rd, the remainder toured to Mitchell where DrugRob wore thin from a recent blood donation (skirted home via Archer to recollect his spot in the pack). Wunderlust wheeling west, whimsical, witty words with wisecracks with Weapon, wind (without weakness) wandered wheels wantonly. (must get some tablets for this acute verborrhoea....or is it diarradjectivitis?) Sootie, Hayles and Stace were vanishing into the distance when we arrived at central Kialla, Meags tacked back on, Tommygun snuck into the fold somewhere and Dutchy copped a bee sting (unable to remove it for some distance, ouch!) The bunch stayed glued together to the end, a windswept Raftery Rd not that enjoyable, all just content to finish without fanfare (and feed up at Friars)
Week 4 286km 9438 calories (46 you beaut Aussie lamingtons) YTD 1320km
"He who laughs, lasts" Mary Pettibone Poole ; Author 1938-
Sundays' arranged tour had Rocket, Pom and Trev turn up to a wind that changed as often as a Japanese government. I drew the short straw of matching Rocket for 7k into the headwind of Raftery, arriving at Mitchell to have the wind swing south east (and Trev was too short to hide behind) Down the Mt Niclolaci decent where Trev's tail light departed it's mount (we'll have to recommend a good bike shop to fix it), a brief pause to retrieve the pieces then off to central Kialla, picking up Pete H on the way. The blue haze from Gippsland fires contrasted the straw stubble of fields recently mowed, only one or two out riding today (aluminium mudguards on the historic road bike a rare retro sight) but our gang of 5 plugged away to Boundary Rd where the wind now blew from the east. Inherited John near the Pub to even the numbers up, then all enjoyed the only respite in Old Dookie Rd with a tail wind to get us back for coffee (and breakfast part two for some) as a last supper for Pete before his shift west.
A cheery little lap on Monday to get the working week started. The ubiquitous Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie course with Cougs, a big greeting from gentleman Graeme steering the Cats southward, long-time-no-see Weapon, the solitary P&W, steaming along nicely a few hundred metres behind. A decent pace was maintained without breaking records, prevents ancient joints from rusting I guess. One wonders how long the engine will perform to adequate standards, but there's still a few old dinosaurs about doing ok. Hope springs eternal. Young Smuggler was on executive hours departing town in Old Dookie Rd nearer 7am, I was on schedule to clock on on cue.
An eager ensemble formed in the car park early Tuesday, BigMat confusing the critics by turning up too. AvantiTrev an early arrival, Nick, Temple, Kenworth, Cougs, Coalminer Steve, Leon, Rocket and, securing his regular rear seat booking, Daniel . Newbie Brent climbed aboard as the pack rolled out but the last enrty went to FeltMat (lives nearest, arrives latest). A south south west breeze was waiting to annoy all in Boundary, Nath was found touring half way, Ronnie and Garry out on a reaquaintance ride in the last k of Channel Rd sat on the back for a short spell whilst Rocket, Gav & Daniel (funny how the big guns just happen to group together) made the legs burn pointing south. All had a good crack at train driving for Mitchell Rd (decent diplomacy regardless of duration or pace), caught a rare sight of RobMac, one of a few on solo missions. Rocket's familiar blast in the closing stages of Raftery is still worth watching, Nath took a rain-check (but lent a hand to FeltMat's lag) all were done and dusted in 47:42.
The sun rises noticably later of late, ditched the little headlight today in favour of the Cygo's 380 lumens and decent spread across the tarmac. (sorry, I just can't fathom how you see, or be seen, with a light as big as a match head. Some swear by them. There again, there are those without lights.....and without sense) A swift southerly battered several bunches in Boundary Rd (taking the nothbound route maybe a bit soft but certainly felt sensible) a copious contingent of P&W's had halted to chat over a quiet puncture, 51 was scattered on three fronts with gritted teeth and furrowed brow. Cougs and I assumed a list to starboard on the westward leg home, 35km/h of southerly keeping the heart rate up.
Quite the suprise to only have 6 entries for Thursdays' Couldabeens. Maybe the forecast winds (which didn't eventuate) had some scared, it was left to Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, Temple, Cougs and Tim, the tough to tough it out . Quality quashed quantity quickly, quietly qualifying quirky quads (& questioning quorums) out Channel Rd we went. Garry and Ronnie were out again (twice in 18 months for Ronnie!) and jumped on and joined in, till Archer Rd anyway. Several soloist in Mitchell, RobMac again, Blackie too, and a bunch or two. Double duty for our compact crew today, twice the turns with half the riders, but the tenacious team triumphed, only 20 seconds slower than Tuesday for the same course, Rocket (of course) taking the honours, a rugged up Kenworth second, both getting the jump on Nick.
No attendance issues with the P&W's on Friday morning, a big field of Stace, Jo, Hayles, Fox (recently crowned king of Echuca) , Cougs, Fee, DrugRob, Simon, Meags, Sootie, THM, Weapon and even Dutchy on a brief comeback from Qld. A pause waiting for Chops was in vein, 14 finally set sail into a humid 26 degrees and a hairdrying northerly at 26km/h. A resounding relief to turn into Boundary Rd with the wind behind us, collecting Fitzy on the course south, Temple & Daniel spotted plugging away northbound. Stace, Sootie, Hayles and Meags opted for a thrash down River Rd, the remainder toured to Mitchell where DrugRob wore thin from a recent blood donation (skirted home via Archer to recollect his spot in the pack). Wunderlust wheeling west, whimsical, witty words with wisecracks with Weapon, wind (without weakness) wandered wheels wantonly. (must get some tablets for this acute verborrhoea....or is it diarradjectivitis?) Sootie, Hayles and Stace were vanishing into the distance when we arrived at central Kialla, Meags tacked back on, Tommygun snuck into the fold somewhere and Dutchy copped a bee sting (unable to remove it for some distance, ouch!) The bunch stayed glued together to the end, a windswept Raftery Rd not that enjoyable, all just content to finish without fanfare (and feed up at Friars)
Week 4 286km 9438 calories (46 you beaut Aussie lamingtons) YTD 1320km
"He who laughs, lasts" Mary Pettibone Poole ; Author 1938-
Friday, January 18, 2013
Week 3 : Avoiding a Car-tastrophy
Restraint at the breakfast table Saturday morning, leaving room for a Lemontree breakfast after the ride. Set forth into the sunrise with a quarter tank of fuel, the clouds dusted orange from below by the sun about to rise. Several had defected this mornings' tour, many craving the ascent of Harry's Creek Rd, others keen to be big sharks in a little OC pond. Devotees Steve, FeltMat, Mike, Axel, Cougs, Pom, GG and Choppy got the jump on RidleyTrev's arrival, the boot now on the other foot with Cougs driving the engine with gusto to cease the conversation early. All settled into a steady rhythm for Channel and Boundary Rds, an odd whine from some returning to work after holidays but hey, it pays for tyres and chains doesn't it? A keen eye on gravel at turns at Old Dookie and the toaster, the predicted spectacular sunrise fizzled to a non event. Noted a pair well ahead as we approached the rail line in Cosgrove North Rd, finally catching Nath and the Smuggler nearing the kennels (not the circling Cat 'vultures' of last week) Cats tapped steadily east (conserving horsepower for Sunday's crit?) spotted Sly solo sixty seconds shy, seated smugly astride a new Trek. All the rotations respected the limit (within 0.004 km/h at one stage) to get us back collectively for sustainance (minus Choppy and Mike work and domestic commitments). Debbie excelled remembering most caffine preferences, all but one enjoying a cooked breakfast too. A mass of muppets departed west and east (including defector FujiTrev) Area 51 arrived on cue, Adams family on schedule with Temple & Daniel aboard. After copious conversation and suitably socially satisfied, I set sail homeward. The car waiting in the sidestreet but slowly creeping out into the bike lane is a common sight, certainly centres the focus, but the (unseen) car shooting across from the opposite side at the last nano-second startled the sphincter, a big Dura-Ace lock up to avoid becoming a Camry left hand rear door. Blood boils quick in such situations, adrenalin steering me in pursuit of the offender who suprisingly had pulled up at her destination a few hundred metres away (of course, blissfully unaware of a bike at the previous intersection which had right of way) A (restrained) reminder to 'look before she leapt 'delivered, a nice big flat spot in a 7 day old rear tyre as a souvenir, guess i'm lucky it wasn't me flattened.
RidleyTrev had suggested a Sunday lap prior to the Criterium, Cougs joined in but no show by Laura. A very ordinary sky (more like June) and a stiff south south wester made Raftery a chore. Trev's encyclopeadic knowledge of who's who on a bike enlightened us to the identity of a couple of brave souls on the road. The trifecta were colllectively happy with a 34k lap (in via Old Dookie), the pace picked up a bit when a hint of precipitation fell. (barely enough to shine the tarmac though) Mike & wife were out battling the cross wind, nice to get back in after an hour and warm up with some internal caffine heating at the Parklake, the box seat for viewing the Crit. Many notable faces having a dip, a few taking some skin off in an enthusiastic cornering manoevre, thankfully no serious injuries.
The regular Monday lap was at a cool 9 degrees, fishing out the winter base layer a few months early. Always good to get a few k's in to start the day, get the dopamine flowing to face the inevitable work day, arrive bright eyed and bushy tailed, if only to irritate those sulking in their coffee . Just 3 P&W's single filed in Boundary Rd , a mixture of 51's and Cats a few minutes behind.
A few rare faces had returned to the Couldabeens on Tuesday morning. BigMat arrived to dispell rumours of his dissapearance, Temple back from holiday and Leon returned from an extended break. 14 degrees had the Kenworth rugged up, a little train of 14 rolled out on schedule with coal-miner Steve jumping aboard at the last moment. Nice to have a few nasty pot holes patched in recent days, wheels and tyres might survive a bit longer. The team cut through a light north easter to Boundary Rd, hearing a little news from Rocket & Nick on recent hill climbing adventures. Nath climbed aboard near the cypress trees and things got a little lively with the wind behind us in Boundary Rd. Enthusiasm drove the train along Mitchell at a similar rate, Steve u-turned at Central Kialla , Daniel & Leon prepared to take Archer Rd home. A familiar application of the accelerator at Arcadia Downs, but Rocket found himself boxed in and Nath took the laurels, the course covered in 46 minutes.
A somewhat petit peleton departed the hospital Tuesday evening, a light westerly and 29 degrees had motivated Robbo, AvantiTrev, Reece and Simmo, but ranks grew collecting Sprinter then Bomber, Sticks, Steigy and James further out. Mid 30 kilometres in the hour to start, then high 30's, into the low 40's for a bit, depending on who set the tempo on the front. Olympian Steve was a welcome addition approaching the church but a few were keen to display their speed skills while most just hung on. Frequent fluctutaions made good interval training I guess, Steve and Reece ramping it up into the 40's to mow down Lloyd on a solo in River Rd. Robbo chewed up all who attempted to go up front in Central Kialla, Sprinter, Simmo and I unable to sustain a lot, young James more than capable though. Reece and Steve launched a breakaway at Archer Rd, all the others content to stick together to see if it lasted. I found a second wind exiting Roubaix to drive up for half a k, the pack catching the culprits at Arcadia Downs. (the unsighted dead crow in the middle of the lane proved to be my suprise speed bump) This old engine was out of tune in the last k (so tucked in slipstreaming Lloyd prevented throwing a rod) content with 5th, just 1:07:02 had ticked by to cover 42k, enough achievement for the day.
Misjudged the cool of Wednesday morning, wouldn't have minded a base layer and arm warmers when I was 5 k from home but only needed to drink a cup of concrete. Chose the anti-clockwise loop from Kialla Lakes, a swansong ride for Pete H, migration to Millicent next week. Jase, Nick, Chops, Shorty, Cougar, Tim & Rocket made up a team, Luke climbing aboard at the last moment, but no Trev? Felt like a southerly heading toward Mitchell (the breeze didn't arrive till 7), a little easier pointing east in Mitchell Rd. The P&W's were certainly catching the worm at Central Kialla, a very early ride, well ahead of Supercats (not seen till the top of Mitchell) Just 3 SPC P&W's were in Boundary, Greendawg was about to take River Rd and 51 had the afterburners glowing half a k behind him. Another Pete (CPG) attached himself to our clan as the regular Cats passed by (Dalton's cheshire grin amongst many disconsolate faces) Much sledging commenced with Trev joining in (came out clockwise and u-turned at the bridges), a bit long fiddling with a troublesome tail-light at home it seems. A steady tap back into town, half heading south, half north at Channel Road's end.
Thursday's viscous atmostphere felt like two clicks on the handbrake, not a puff of breeze to blame. Yet another early start at work ruled out the Couldabeens, but had Coug's company to notch up 25 k. Annoying to finally get a comfortable position on the bike when a small bump upsets the serene sit site. (Fizik not quite as friendly as the original equipment) In Channel Rd FeltMat was headed west, bunnies headed into the long grass, Nath headed to conquer Couldabeens, as we headed east to Boundary. Lots of carriages in the Cat train today (did Keeno have his whistle I wonder?) and in Old Dookie a growing Goat gathering (girl guided) ground gears, gainfully grasping a similar route. Flags were dormant at the tractor shop back in town, a great ride done, now for the mundane work day ahead. Pulled the pin on a ride Thursday night, 38 degrees overstepping my limit.
A return to the P&W's on Friday morning, quite a pack assembled at the starting line. Suprised to see the long lost Captain Ayto there, quick chicks Jo, Stace, Hayles, Cougs, Fee and Liz added the class to the team of THM, HWK, Jase, Simon, Pom, Coota, Al & Princess. An early get-away (?) got quickly up to speed with an enthused HardMan, usual rotations underway further out the road (not the short roll-overs of last week apparently). It's a bit disconcerting following Coota's wheel (an apprentice to Muntzy?) , his saddle bag hanging by one strap (akin to the scrotum of a prized stud ram) had uncomfortable predictions going. Good to catch up with the regulars, news of hard training sessions of late for forthcoming events. The Ayto engine was very low on Krispy Kreme's nearing River Rd and some irregular turns were being made up front, a solid hit by Princess & THM, I finally settled into a long turn at the helm with Jase. Greendog then RobMac were seen pointing east in Mitchell, no sign of Cats behind us, Supercats and 51 well ahead of schedule. A good run through to Roubaix corner with HWK calling a ladies day, Irongirl Jo taking the laurels i'm told, but all quickchicks firing on all cylinders.
Week 3 364km 12,012 calories (35 Krispy Kreme blueberry doughnuts) YTD 1,034km
"The years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. You are always being asked to do more and you are not yet decrepit enough to turn them down" Thomas Stearns Elliot 1888-1965 US born Poet
RidleyTrev had suggested a Sunday lap prior to the Criterium, Cougs joined in but no show by Laura. A very ordinary sky (more like June) and a stiff south south wester made Raftery a chore. Trev's encyclopeadic knowledge of who's who on a bike enlightened us to the identity of a couple of brave souls on the road. The trifecta were colllectively happy with a 34k lap (in via Old Dookie), the pace picked up a bit when a hint of precipitation fell. (barely enough to shine the tarmac though) Mike & wife were out battling the cross wind, nice to get back in after an hour and warm up with some internal caffine heating at the Parklake, the box seat for viewing the Crit. Many notable faces having a dip, a few taking some skin off in an enthusiastic cornering manoevre, thankfully no serious injuries.
The regular Monday lap was at a cool 9 degrees, fishing out the winter base layer a few months early. Always good to get a few k's in to start the day, get the dopamine flowing to face the inevitable work day, arrive bright eyed and bushy tailed, if only to irritate those sulking in their coffee . Just 3 P&W's single filed in Boundary Rd , a mixture of 51's and Cats a few minutes behind.
A few rare faces had returned to the Couldabeens on Tuesday morning. BigMat arrived to dispell rumours of his dissapearance, Temple back from holiday and Leon returned from an extended break. 14 degrees had the Kenworth rugged up, a little train of 14 rolled out on schedule with coal-miner Steve jumping aboard at the last moment. Nice to have a few nasty pot holes patched in recent days, wheels and tyres might survive a bit longer. The team cut through a light north easter to Boundary Rd, hearing a little news from Rocket & Nick on recent hill climbing adventures. Nath climbed aboard near the cypress trees and things got a little lively with the wind behind us in Boundary Rd. Enthusiasm drove the train along Mitchell at a similar rate, Steve u-turned at Central Kialla , Daniel & Leon prepared to take Archer Rd home. A familiar application of the accelerator at Arcadia Downs, but Rocket found himself boxed in and Nath took the laurels, the course covered in 46 minutes.
A somewhat petit peleton departed the hospital Tuesday evening, a light westerly and 29 degrees had motivated Robbo, AvantiTrev, Reece and Simmo, but ranks grew collecting Sprinter then Bomber, Sticks, Steigy and James further out. Mid 30 kilometres in the hour to start, then high 30's, into the low 40's for a bit, depending on who set the tempo on the front. Olympian Steve was a welcome addition approaching the church but a few were keen to display their speed skills while most just hung on. Frequent fluctutaions made good interval training I guess, Steve and Reece ramping it up into the 40's to mow down Lloyd on a solo in River Rd. Robbo chewed up all who attempted to go up front in Central Kialla, Sprinter, Simmo and I unable to sustain a lot, young James more than capable though. Reece and Steve launched a breakaway at Archer Rd, all the others content to stick together to see if it lasted. I found a second wind exiting Roubaix to drive up for half a k, the pack catching the culprits at Arcadia Downs. (the unsighted dead crow in the middle of the lane proved to be my suprise speed bump) This old engine was out of tune in the last k (so tucked in slipstreaming Lloyd prevented throwing a rod) content with 5th, just 1:07:02 had ticked by to cover 42k, enough achievement for the day.
Misjudged the cool of Wednesday morning, wouldn't have minded a base layer and arm warmers when I was 5 k from home but only needed to drink a cup of concrete. Chose the anti-clockwise loop from Kialla Lakes, a swansong ride for Pete H, migration to Millicent next week. Jase, Nick, Chops, Shorty, Cougar, Tim & Rocket made up a team, Luke climbing aboard at the last moment, but no Trev? Felt like a southerly heading toward Mitchell (the breeze didn't arrive till 7), a little easier pointing east in Mitchell Rd. The P&W's were certainly catching the worm at Central Kialla, a very early ride, well ahead of Supercats (not seen till the top of Mitchell) Just 3 SPC P&W's were in Boundary, Greendawg was about to take River Rd and 51 had the afterburners glowing half a k behind him. Another Pete (CPG) attached himself to our clan as the regular Cats passed by (Dalton's cheshire grin amongst many disconsolate faces) Much sledging commenced with Trev joining in (came out clockwise and u-turned at the bridges), a bit long fiddling with a troublesome tail-light at home it seems. A steady tap back into town, half heading south, half north at Channel Road's end.
Thursday's viscous atmostphere felt like two clicks on the handbrake, not a puff of breeze to blame. Yet another early start at work ruled out the Couldabeens, but had Coug's company to notch up 25 k. Annoying to finally get a comfortable position on the bike when a small bump upsets the serene sit site. (Fizik not quite as friendly as the original equipment) In Channel Rd FeltMat was headed west, bunnies headed into the long grass, Nath headed to conquer Couldabeens, as we headed east to Boundary. Lots of carriages in the Cat train today (did Keeno have his whistle I wonder?) and in Old Dookie a growing Goat gathering (girl guided) ground gears, gainfully grasping a similar route. Flags were dormant at the tractor shop back in town, a great ride done, now for the mundane work day ahead. Pulled the pin on a ride Thursday night, 38 degrees overstepping my limit.
A return to the P&W's on Friday morning, quite a pack assembled at the starting line. Suprised to see the long lost Captain Ayto there, quick chicks Jo, Stace, Hayles, Cougs, Fee and Liz added the class to the team of THM, HWK, Jase, Simon, Pom, Coota, Al & Princess. An early get-away (?) got quickly up to speed with an enthused HardMan, usual rotations underway further out the road (not the short roll-overs of last week apparently). It's a bit disconcerting following Coota's wheel (an apprentice to Muntzy?) , his saddle bag hanging by one strap (akin to the scrotum of a prized stud ram) had uncomfortable predictions going. Good to catch up with the regulars, news of hard training sessions of late for forthcoming events. The Ayto engine was very low on Krispy Kreme's nearing River Rd and some irregular turns were being made up front, a solid hit by Princess & THM, I finally settled into a long turn at the helm with Jase. Greendog then RobMac were seen pointing east in Mitchell, no sign of Cats behind us, Supercats and 51 well ahead of schedule. A good run through to Roubaix corner with HWK calling a ladies day, Irongirl Jo taking the laurels i'm told, but all quickchicks firing on all cylinders.
Week 3 364km 12,012 calories (35 Krispy Kreme blueberry doughnuts) YTD 1,034km
"The years between fifty and seventy are the hardest. You are always being asked to do more and you are not yet decrepit enough to turn them down" Thomas Stearns Elliot 1888-1965 US born Poet
Friday, January 11, 2013
Week 2 : Turn the oven off!
5.30am Saturday turned out to be the coolest part of the day, a 26 degree low with a 42 max meant an early ride was the best choice. A good turn up of boys and girl at the shop, AvantiTrev and Shorty arriving early threw chaos into those waiting, a big chase for a k by the backmarkers was on, no one looking back. Tim, Nick, Daniel, Cougs, Rocket, Pom, Trav, Jase, Axel, FujiTrev and GG (no, not a hologram) had teamed with Shorty & AvantiTrev by the school, Nath and Liam adding to the numbers in the 3rd leg. Many still luckily in holiday mode (BigMat excused just this once for anniversary duty), GG suprisingly out of retirement (again?), Trav now with a Garmin 500 from Santa, the Pom finally had warm weather on his side, even Daniel not so rusty with just two rides for the holiday week. The now familiar 35k course locked in, a light southerly nudging us up close the speed limit. Nearing the kennels, a plump peleton of pussycats pedalled profusely east to the Emu, AvantiTrev taking time for a word with our engine drivers on the front (a code violation maybe?). No infringements issued, all back to town as the humidity and temperature rose. 57 varieties of conversations carried on at the Lemontree whilst bunches came and went, the few feeding on breakfast was tempting the tastebuds to start next weeks ride hungry, a second dose of caffine sufficed today.
Seems the solstice has peaked and past, a bit less light in the early hours of Monday but certainly a cool and comfortable 16 degrees to take in a lap with long time buddy Cougs. The rev heads have been scribbling with black Bridgestones out Channel Rd (pleased it's not when bikes are out), up to Boundary Rd to be treated to a Fenthion / Xylene organophosphorus shower from an orchard spray pump (hold your breath and squint through the mist), at least we won't be infested with coddling moth. A solo rider here and there, a compact clan of P&W's then soon after, a long train of Cats with a few 51's thrown into the mix to keep conversation contained. Time for some chain lube me thinks, the KMC groaning grappling the gran's grunt. Back home as a southerly strengthened, resolved to stay off the bike this arvo, would be fried in the fourties. (How do the boys climb Arthurs' Seat twice in the SunTour in this temperature?)
An earlier start at work meant an earlier ride, paired up with Cougs again (in the same situation, trying to catch up time during the Christmas rush). Seems the wind was attacking in all directions today, no special sprays this morning (a bit too breezy?) but Sellmans Shepherd was poised to persue again. It's two attempts were met with a faceful of electrolytes, think a visit from the Ranger is in order before it brings someone down. Pussycats turned into Boundary, we headed west toward home, an elongated gaggle of Goats heading the way of the felines. Back into town just as young Liam was heading out (executive hours?) a NNE wind building.
Procrastinated Tuesday arvo about heat and wind, but the gospel according to HTFU repeated inside the head. Chose to ride solo (didn't need to suffer at the wheel of the fast boys) on a reverse Couldabeens circuit, 35 degrees and a howler west-north-west wind as company. A ton of small sticks to chicane the length of Raftery (a couple of large limbs recently sawn and moved off the tarmac too in Mitchell) not difficult to set a cracking pace heading east. The reality of the side wind in Boundary Rd wiped a slab of speed off, hard to keep a straight line with the wind whipping at the wheels. The turn into Channel Rd flattened the ego, gusts to 50km/h dragging the tempo down to 30 at best. The road seems twice as long, the water twice as warm, the legs twice as tired but Winston's quote of "never, never, never give up" was mentally repeated, relief then to reach the retirement end of town and rest. One questions the sheer intelect of the passing P plater who insists on blasting the air horn as amusement, I guess the beanie as headwear, the "hollywood" sunglasses and the Commodore with an identity crisis (Chev badges) tells the true story. The deep question of life....do Americans badge their Chev's as Holdens?
Dug the depths of the archives for armwarmers Wednesday, just 10 degrees a stark contrast to the past week. Today's choice was anti-clockwise from Kialla Lakes; GG, Nick, Jase, Cougs, Pete H, FeltMat, AvantiTrev who was RidleyTrev today along with FujiTrev, just to complicate things. Down Archer Rd to Mitchell to then get an easier task for the east and north sections. A plethora of peletons out and about, sullen faced Supercats in Mitchell, a stretched train of TT'ers near River Rd, a cheery clan of P&W's, 51's in hot pursuit, not-so-supercats the final bunch. A convivial tour till Channel Rd, thereafter the business was fight the resistance of 26km/h of SSW wind. Teamwork survived till Nick & FeltMat launched an un-announced speed challenge near Prentice Rd, ejecting FujiTrev from the pack. In the spirit of teamwork a few eased the pace to tow him back, the bunch re-united for the tour through town.
Another cool 11 degree start on Thursday, a southerly today to test tenacity. Jase, Rocket (back from holiday), Kenworth (kitted up like an eskimo) Trav, Tim, Nick, AvantiTrev in kit but on the Ridley, FujiTrev, GG, Steve (lit up like Christmas) Sprinter (cheekily in Cat Kit) with visiting niece Georgia. Stage 1 out Channel Rd at a tempo fortissimo, Stage 2 past the school picking up FeltMat (just out of bed). Pleased the bump is finally ironed out at the top of Channel, we pointed south into the 15km/h wind in Boundary, Georgia was unkindly hung out to dry at the front but there were kind lads left to lend a wheel. The torque from the big Kenworth incurred a few speed wobbles, AvantiTrev pegged back the pace a bit for all to get a turn. A little castor adjustment needed nearing Archer to get the leaders down the road so others had a decent draft then a sigh of relief to point roughly northward in Raftery with the breeze nearly behind now. Cruise control set in the low 40's by Arcadia Downs, i got to the front with 600 metres left (way too early with Rocket and rapid riders amassing behind) , so became the fly in the ointment of predictability and bolted, splitting the bunch like a Labour Caucus meeting. Low 50's didn't last long and was gobbled up by Rocket, Jase, Nick, Trav and co with 300 left, Trav perfectly positioned on Rockets wheel to pounce for the prize. Coffee afterward for many still in holiday mode, toil at the coalface for me.
A very pleasant Thursday arvo beckoned some kilometres so set forth anti-clockwise on a loop, hooking up with Axels' entourage. Wayne and Kathy fairly new to the game and Anthony back in the saddle after a long repose, we took the Raftery - Mitchell - River - Boundary - Channel circuit (as I climatised to the rather random and varied rotations. Appreciation for the regimented Couldabeens and P&W protocols) The light northwesterly didn't put up much of a fight, a steady lap comfortable in contrast to the usual Library thrash. A short squirt at the end of Channel Rd burnt up some testosterone.
Freaky Friday arrived again, but content to go against the grain with Cougs on the Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie route. Picked up the somewhat lost soul of FeltMat on the way out (searching for a circuit with company?) We headed north at the BP exit as FeltMat surfed south, the southbound solicitation of Supercats soon to stretch him. Nearing the Pub, 51 were going supersonic, in the blur of faces i spied with my little eye the always grinning Nev. Not far behind a poliferation of P&W's and as Friday rear gunners, the (not-so-super) Cats had a dozen devotees. A great solid lap to end the week, and to get us home in time for the daily grind, a great thrash to the finish line by supernana.
Week 2 331km 11,254 calories ( 3.12kg Stilton cheese) YTD 670km
"No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness" Aristotle; Greek philosopher 384-322 BC
Seems the solstice has peaked and past, a bit less light in the early hours of Monday but certainly a cool and comfortable 16 degrees to take in a lap with long time buddy Cougs. The rev heads have been scribbling with black Bridgestones out Channel Rd (pleased it's not when bikes are out), up to Boundary Rd to be treated to a Fenthion / Xylene organophosphorus shower from an orchard spray pump (hold your breath and squint through the mist), at least we won't be infested with coddling moth. A solo rider here and there, a compact clan of P&W's then soon after, a long train of Cats with a few 51's thrown into the mix to keep conversation contained. Time for some chain lube me thinks, the KMC groaning grappling the gran's grunt. Back home as a southerly strengthened, resolved to stay off the bike this arvo, would be fried in the fourties. (How do the boys climb Arthurs' Seat twice in the SunTour in this temperature?)
An earlier start at work meant an earlier ride, paired up with Cougs again (in the same situation, trying to catch up time during the Christmas rush). Seems the wind was attacking in all directions today, no special sprays this morning (a bit too breezy?) but Sellmans Shepherd was poised to persue again. It's two attempts were met with a faceful of electrolytes, think a visit from the Ranger is in order before it brings someone down. Pussycats turned into Boundary, we headed west toward home, an elongated gaggle of Goats heading the way of the felines. Back into town just as young Liam was heading out (executive hours?) a NNE wind building.
Procrastinated Tuesday arvo about heat and wind, but the gospel according to HTFU repeated inside the head. Chose to ride solo (didn't need to suffer at the wheel of the fast boys) on a reverse Couldabeens circuit, 35 degrees and a howler west-north-west wind as company. A ton of small sticks to chicane the length of Raftery (a couple of large limbs recently sawn and moved off the tarmac too in Mitchell) not difficult to set a cracking pace heading east. The reality of the side wind in Boundary Rd wiped a slab of speed off, hard to keep a straight line with the wind whipping at the wheels. The turn into Channel Rd flattened the ego, gusts to 50km/h dragging the tempo down to 30 at best. The road seems twice as long, the water twice as warm, the legs twice as tired but Winston's quote of "never, never, never give up" was mentally repeated, relief then to reach the retirement end of town and rest. One questions the sheer intelect of the passing P plater who insists on blasting the air horn as amusement, I guess the beanie as headwear, the "hollywood" sunglasses and the Commodore with an identity crisis (Chev badges) tells the true story. The deep question of life....do Americans badge their Chev's as Holdens?
Dug the depths of the archives for armwarmers Wednesday, just 10 degrees a stark contrast to the past week. Today's choice was anti-clockwise from Kialla Lakes; GG, Nick, Jase, Cougs, Pete H, FeltMat, AvantiTrev who was RidleyTrev today along with FujiTrev, just to complicate things. Down Archer Rd to Mitchell to then get an easier task for the east and north sections. A plethora of peletons out and about, sullen faced Supercats in Mitchell, a stretched train of TT'ers near River Rd, a cheery clan of P&W's, 51's in hot pursuit, not-so-supercats the final bunch. A convivial tour till Channel Rd, thereafter the business was fight the resistance of 26km/h of SSW wind. Teamwork survived till Nick & FeltMat launched an un-announced speed challenge near Prentice Rd, ejecting FujiTrev from the pack. In the spirit of teamwork a few eased the pace to tow him back, the bunch re-united for the tour through town.
Another cool 11 degree start on Thursday, a southerly today to test tenacity. Jase, Rocket (back from holiday), Kenworth (kitted up like an eskimo) Trav, Tim, Nick, AvantiTrev in kit but on the Ridley, FujiTrev, GG, Steve (lit up like Christmas) Sprinter (cheekily in Cat Kit) with visiting niece Georgia. Stage 1 out Channel Rd at a tempo fortissimo, Stage 2 past the school picking up FeltMat (just out of bed). Pleased the bump is finally ironed out at the top of Channel, we pointed south into the 15km/h wind in Boundary, Georgia was unkindly hung out to dry at the front but there were kind lads left to lend a wheel. The torque from the big Kenworth incurred a few speed wobbles, AvantiTrev pegged back the pace a bit for all to get a turn. A little castor adjustment needed nearing Archer to get the leaders down the road so others had a decent draft then a sigh of relief to point roughly northward in Raftery with the breeze nearly behind now. Cruise control set in the low 40's by Arcadia Downs, i got to the front with 600 metres left (way too early with Rocket and rapid riders amassing behind) , so became the fly in the ointment of predictability and bolted, splitting the bunch like a Labour Caucus meeting. Low 50's didn't last long and was gobbled up by Rocket, Jase, Nick, Trav and co with 300 left, Trav perfectly positioned on Rockets wheel to pounce for the prize. Coffee afterward for many still in holiday mode, toil at the coalface for me.
A very pleasant Thursday arvo beckoned some kilometres so set forth anti-clockwise on a loop, hooking up with Axels' entourage. Wayne and Kathy fairly new to the game and Anthony back in the saddle after a long repose, we took the Raftery - Mitchell - River - Boundary - Channel circuit (as I climatised to the rather random and varied rotations. Appreciation for the regimented Couldabeens and P&W protocols) The light northwesterly didn't put up much of a fight, a steady lap comfortable in contrast to the usual Library thrash. A short squirt at the end of Channel Rd burnt up some testosterone.
Freaky Friday arrived again, but content to go against the grain with Cougs on the Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie route. Picked up the somewhat lost soul of FeltMat on the way out (searching for a circuit with company?) We headed north at the BP exit as FeltMat surfed south, the southbound solicitation of Supercats soon to stretch him. Nearing the Pub, 51 were going supersonic, in the blur of faces i spied with my little eye the always grinning Nev. Not far behind a poliferation of P&W's and as Friday rear gunners, the (not-so-super) Cats had a dozen devotees. A great solid lap to end the week, and to get us home in time for the daily grind, a great thrash to the finish line by supernana.
Week 2 331km 11,254 calories ( 3.12kg Stilton cheese) YTD 670km
"No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness" Aristotle; Greek philosopher 384-322 BC
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Week 1 : And so begins another....
Duck and weave manoevres on the weekend, dodging multiple busted stubbies conveniently placed in the bike lane. A coolish 11 degrees didn't distract 13 for Saturdays' lap, Tim, Rocket, Shorty, Nick, FujiTrev, Cougs, Pom, Mike, AvantiTrev, Steve, Jase and visitor Pete (escapee from Wagga) rolled away at 6. All were on canine watch at Sellmans (the German Shepherd prefers to shepherd bikes) but pooch was having a morning off. Turned north as usual onto Boundary Rd, an eagle soaring the same direction. Felt a light SSW turning into Old Dookie Rd, Cougs drew the short straw of a puncture at the toaster, but a great pit crew soon had us rolling again. Vince & Rabbit were on a feline reconnaissance, soon after swelling their ranks to 35+. Crossed the East Goulburn channel when Cougs suffered a second puncture, a sidewall fracture soon remedied with a scrap of canvas. Mike bid his farewells (work beckoned) and all took a vote for a shortcut via Verney Rd, careful to negotiate the tarmac mountains and chasms, ironically reserved for the bike lane. Comfortably perched at the Lemontree enjoying some sustinance, the Muppets left, 51 arrived (in 3 parts) and Adams family meandered in.
Rostered myself a day off Sunday, work on Monday meant an early ride. Lined up at SPC with little expectation of P&W's attending, suprised to see Princess roll up (resplendant in immaculately co-ordinated Castelli kit) when he has time off. Hopes of a latecomer were dashed after a fair wait, decided to join the (soon to arrive) pussycats instead. Expecting a handful, we scored a big train with plenty of 51 locomotives. Through the Doyles Rd roundabout speed built quickly, Princess puncturing a little before. Matho, gentleman Graeme, Kelvin, Walshy and other Cats had Bomber, Mitch, Vince and assorted 51's to make a 30+ bunch propelled out Old Dookie in the low 40's courtesy of clockwise track turns. Not many were interested in conversation (managed a short sentence with Carla between gasps), half the pack now choosing to retire from active duty and hang on after the highway. A strengthening SSW wind had us stacked across Mitchell Rd (pity the unfortunate oncoming soloist), I was in the mid field jockeying for posiion when a handful of 51's took the bull by the horns to get us home sooner. (here endeth turns on the front!) Just a case of keeping eyes open and hanging on now, several caught at the front now being cast off. Eggy set up a lead out with 2k to go, Carla glued to his wheel, they bolted into the distance with 400m left. Pleased to finish in the first 10, a 41 average to notch up, the 'ol ticker surviving a 174 average.
For reasons unknown I turned over a toaster loop after work, 34 degrees and a fair wind forecast was hardly ideal, but it consumed a dull afternoon/evening. Nice to head east (felt the kick of the sun's heat but the helping hand with 18km/h of westerly) a few solo riders seen along the way. Great to see a toaster installed again at the toaster, seriously doubted my sanity heading west though, the wind unrelenting but i'd made my bed, time to lie in it. Better southbound toward the main channel, and not as tough with a whisker of shelter from trees in Mitchell Rd. It's a long drag to the dog-leg (in comparison to this morning's thrash) and twice as long to Raftery but persistance pays off. Cursed the new years' eve barbeques wafting delicious aromas into the nostrils with 5k to go, at least the wind to the side was a slight bonus. Crossed the line in 1:26:30 to end 2012, slowly home to let legs recover.
Many sore heads no doubt new years day, a few still staggering the streets in the early hours of Tuesday. Started the year with a lap of the Couldabeens circuit with Cougs who was running in a fresh pair of tyres at a great rate. Almost perfect conditions at 15 degrees, cool air and a tiny hint of southerly, no dogs to dodge, no traffic to tangle with. A few other early risers were out and about (new years resolutions started?), I wonder what 2013 (the year of the snake) will bring.....ironically, one flattened in Archer Rd on the way home.
One wind free day was being spoiled, Wednesday was blowing again. Hard enough to get motivated anyway without a southerly pushing at 25km/h. Battled the lethargy solo up the Boulevard hoping drag myself out of the dumps. Turned into Wanganui Rd and spied a bike ahead but it took till Verney Rd to catch Eddy. Passed quietly with a g'day and found him still glued behind when I reached Lemnos North Rd. He returned the favour with a tow to Boundary but our paths split there with his exit right. Continued along to the Emu and faced the demons down to the toaster (32km/h gusts not so welcome) Being pushed about on the return to town via Old Dookie, some solace from the trees. 81 rpm in the 17 tooth cog or 72 in the 15, wouldn't have minded a gear in between. Content back in town with 32k down in 55.
Not blessed with time off over the festive season, another early ride Thursday morrning to get home before duty beckoned. Got off to a nervous start in Old Dookie Rd with an overtaking car. Just to the point of drawing past me, on came the brake lights and then the left indicator! A big grab of brakes avoided me become part of the gutter, profanities mumbled at Mr Inconsiderate. Nerves had settled out of town (Pickles, a black & tan speed hump in the driveway of 250, sound asleep) One or two riders out and about enjoying the 14 degree cool. Turned at the toaster as the sun poked it's head above Mt Major, shadows cast across the canola stubble a good distraction from matters cranial. The southerly was on my side for a good leg home, always a nice way to end an effort, cause to celebrate the 20,222nd day on the planet, shaving 3 and a half minutes off yesterdays lap.
Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun, so does that make me sane putting in a few k's at 6 with the mercury at 36? Little voices said to take things easy (avoiding a blown head gasket) so aimed at a low speed out Channel Rd (suprised to see a couple of others on bikes, both at a similar sensible target) Felt a hot north easterly building so pointed south at Boundary Rd, soon after finding Axel & three others northbound. Didn't need a lot of convincing to u-turn and tack on for the return to town, safety in numbers in this weather. Rotated with Oz, Kathy and Tony in Axel's entourage, climatising to the bunch ettiquette and pattern (different in every group) 25k was enough in the heat for this (burnt) sausage.
Preparing for Fridays brief tour I discovered a softish front tyre, puncture #1 for the year a bit frustrating. Once fixed, the route was accordingly ammended and altered, up Verney to Ford Rd, out to Boundary and south to the west leg home via Channel. No intention of pressing the accelerator today, but turning into Boundary was a bonus with a north east breeze behind, finding another 5km/h was bearable. Perfect air conditioning in Channel Rd beside the irrigated orchards, not another soul spied on this course. Back into town at quarter to, I was suprised to see several Cats already rolling in (a fast freaky Friday, or an early start? Maybe both?)
Week 1 339km 11,187 calories (39 Hot Dogs)
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present"
(unknown author)
Rostered myself a day off Sunday, work on Monday meant an early ride. Lined up at SPC with little expectation of P&W's attending, suprised to see Princess roll up (resplendant in immaculately co-ordinated Castelli kit) when he has time off. Hopes of a latecomer were dashed after a fair wait, decided to join the (soon to arrive) pussycats instead. Expecting a handful, we scored a big train with plenty of 51 locomotives. Through the Doyles Rd roundabout speed built quickly, Princess puncturing a little before. Matho, gentleman Graeme, Kelvin, Walshy and other Cats had Bomber, Mitch, Vince and assorted 51's to make a 30+ bunch propelled out Old Dookie in the low 40's courtesy of clockwise track turns. Not many were interested in conversation (managed a short sentence with Carla between gasps), half the pack now choosing to retire from active duty and hang on after the highway. A strengthening SSW wind had us stacked across Mitchell Rd (pity the unfortunate oncoming soloist), I was in the mid field jockeying for posiion when a handful of 51's took the bull by the horns to get us home sooner. (here endeth turns on the front!) Just a case of keeping eyes open and hanging on now, several caught at the front now being cast off. Eggy set up a lead out with 2k to go, Carla glued to his wheel, they bolted into the distance with 400m left. Pleased to finish in the first 10, a 41 average to notch up, the 'ol ticker surviving a 174 average.
For reasons unknown I turned over a toaster loop after work, 34 degrees and a fair wind forecast was hardly ideal, but it consumed a dull afternoon/evening. Nice to head east (felt the kick of the sun's heat but the helping hand with 18km/h of westerly) a few solo riders seen along the way. Great to see a toaster installed again at the toaster, seriously doubted my sanity heading west though, the wind unrelenting but i'd made my bed, time to lie in it. Better southbound toward the main channel, and not as tough with a whisker of shelter from trees in Mitchell Rd. It's a long drag to the dog-leg (in comparison to this morning's thrash) and twice as long to Raftery but persistance pays off. Cursed the new years' eve barbeques wafting delicious aromas into the nostrils with 5k to go, at least the wind to the side was a slight bonus. Crossed the line in 1:26:30 to end 2012, slowly home to let legs recover.
Many sore heads no doubt new years day, a few still staggering the streets in the early hours of Tuesday. Started the year with a lap of the Couldabeens circuit with Cougs who was running in a fresh pair of tyres at a great rate. Almost perfect conditions at 15 degrees, cool air and a tiny hint of southerly, no dogs to dodge, no traffic to tangle with. A few other early risers were out and about (new years resolutions started?), I wonder what 2013 (the year of the snake) will bring.....ironically, one flattened in Archer Rd on the way home.
One wind free day was being spoiled, Wednesday was blowing again. Hard enough to get motivated anyway without a southerly pushing at 25km/h. Battled the lethargy solo up the Boulevard hoping drag myself out of the dumps. Turned into Wanganui Rd and spied a bike ahead but it took till Verney Rd to catch Eddy. Passed quietly with a g'day and found him still glued behind when I reached Lemnos North Rd. He returned the favour with a tow to Boundary but our paths split there with his exit right. Continued along to the Emu and faced the demons down to the toaster (32km/h gusts not so welcome) Being pushed about on the return to town via Old Dookie, some solace from the trees. 81 rpm in the 17 tooth cog or 72 in the 15, wouldn't have minded a gear in between. Content back in town with 32k down in 55.
Not blessed with time off over the festive season, another early ride Thursday morrning to get home before duty beckoned. Got off to a nervous start in Old Dookie Rd with an overtaking car. Just to the point of drawing past me, on came the brake lights and then the left indicator! A big grab of brakes avoided me become part of the gutter, profanities mumbled at Mr Inconsiderate. Nerves had settled out of town (Pickles, a black & tan speed hump in the driveway of 250, sound asleep) One or two riders out and about enjoying the 14 degree cool. Turned at the toaster as the sun poked it's head above Mt Major, shadows cast across the canola stubble a good distraction from matters cranial. The southerly was on my side for a good leg home, always a nice way to end an effort, cause to celebrate the 20,222nd day on the planet, shaving 3 and a half minutes off yesterdays lap.
Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun, so does that make me sane putting in a few k's at 6 with the mercury at 36? Little voices said to take things easy (avoiding a blown head gasket) so aimed at a low speed out Channel Rd (suprised to see a couple of others on bikes, both at a similar sensible target) Felt a hot north easterly building so pointed south at Boundary Rd, soon after finding Axel & three others northbound. Didn't need a lot of convincing to u-turn and tack on for the return to town, safety in numbers in this weather. Rotated with Oz, Kathy and Tony in Axel's entourage, climatising to the bunch ettiquette and pattern (different in every group) 25k was enough in the heat for this (burnt) sausage.
Preparing for Fridays brief tour I discovered a softish front tyre, puncture #1 for the year a bit frustrating. Once fixed, the route was accordingly ammended and altered, up Verney to Ford Rd, out to Boundary and south to the west leg home via Channel. No intention of pressing the accelerator today, but turning into Boundary was a bonus with a north east breeze behind, finding another 5km/h was bearable. Perfect air conditioning in Channel Rd beside the irrigated orchards, not another soul spied on this course. Back into town at quarter to, I was suprised to see several Cats already rolling in (a fast freaky Friday, or an early start? Maybe both?)
Week 1 339km 11,187 calories (39 Hot Dogs)
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present"
(unknown author)
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