The FIFO principal

 Post #581

9/1  A diligent dozen.

16 degrees and an east northeast breeze made a proper summer morning, so taking just a couple of minutes to kit-up made an early arrival to the Saturday grid.  Consistent characters Kreeky, Tina, The Godfather, Bo, Didak, Emil, PistolPete and Molly had surprise additions TatMat, Joe (not Tony) and Determined Dan join in.  Is it me or is the shop squad's ever increasing standards sorting the divisions more-so every week?   At least there's now a bunch for almost all speeds.  I'll keep my comfort levels with division two thanks.  Molly made the first move to lead south facing the front for the second time tells me the addiction has taken hold. She's probably still a little daunted driving the train but I'll hazard a guess she'll be doing regular shifts within a month or two.  PistolPete gradually turned up the tempo to Central Kialla, but my wait would be a long one for driving duty starting rearmost.  But hadn't I got the good spot, that east northeaster was brewing to make River Rd hard labor on the front.   That'd put the dampener on long drives today!  

There wasn't a lot of bravado from Bo doing his duty to the bridge, Emil spinning the standard shift to the quarter horse stud and retiring rather silently to the rear.  Kreeky dug deep to drag us to rooster corner.  I felt a bit guilty sitting in the comfort of the draft.   There was no holding Determined Dan back when he stepped up to the lead role for Coach Rd, the highway his target while I was still soaking up the wake at 5th wheel.  I might not have to face that wind at all at this rate! Duty finally called when The Godfather finished his shift at the Pine Lodge church, so it was a short drive up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for me.   

Buoyed by the breeze at the backside, Emil boosted the speed beyond Grahamvale Rd, the shop squad humbling our hurry by cruising by.  I'd hoped there wasn't a charge to get aboard.  The sun rose behind casting our shadows ahead, but there seemed to be too few figures cast on the road for a dozen.  Eyes back confirmed we'd lost a couple of carriages. 

A sprint forward with the o.t.a. news was in order (saves that knife in the back sensation from those dislodged), though PistolPete, the consummate gentleman had stayed back to keep them company.   Well, that lasted a 1000 metres till the tailwind temptation had tempo sneak back up again, dropping a couple (again).  Emil might need to shout breakfast at this rate! My second sprint to the front delivering the data of the dropped fried the legs quickly, and Wanganui Rd's workout was still to come. Kreeky kept the team in order till Mt.Wanganui tempted a fast finish, but the regroup in Rudd Rd made a formation finish along the Boulevard toward breakfast.  

11/1  Team players.  Oh,....and Mick.

It's about time I hardened up and did the first shift, I've been too long making excuses to avoid the early toil.  PistolPete deserved a break from it anyway.   What's that?  A hint of a northeaster behind me?  That had nothing to do with the decision!  (nose grows longer)   My pace was a fraction presumptuous in the first 300 metres, eagerness to get the shift over and done with had over-ridden the need for ease till all were aboard.  The Godfather, Tina, Kreeky, Pistol, Bo, Col, Kel, Emil and Didak were line astern, "All on!" getting me down to business to the truck route.  That was the easy bit, driving the next 2 k's at Pistol's usual pace was the big ask. 

Legs would only deliver high 30's but I made it to Mitchell. The kudos delivered as I rolled rearward told me my shift had approval, but answers were over-ruled by the need for oxygen intake, Emil taking on the propulsion to Central Kialla.  Eyes were fixed for a few minutes at Didak's wheel till things came back into focus.  Kel had work into the breeze north to River Rd, catching hitch-hikers Vince and the Rabbit. Tina had similar toil to the bridge.  The Rabbit must have been in another world riding to the front on the American side (didn't he appreciate a free tow?)  Col stoked the speed beyond the dip and towed us all to Coach Rd  (must have been the special hydration on a weekend away?) while I couldn't help thinking my early turn would guarantee another before the lap was done.  Where's GreatScottSteve or TatMat now when a long driver is wanted?  Didak's eagerness to hold the wheel ahead yo-yo'd his speed, time for me to drop half a wheel further back as a buffer zone, less I incite further rippling to the rear. 

Wind doesn't hamper PistolPete's hurry, into the 40's and into a stiff wind with it had many pleased it wasn't their shift to drive.  Strangely, the Rabbit was champing at the bit. Maybe he should step up a few rungs to the shop squad if we're boring him that much?  Kreeky positioned perfectly in Old Dookie Rd to shelter the next in line, though 3rd wheel was pushing me higher in zone 4 ;good preparation for the old engine (and readies the head) for the duty to come.  Kreeky called a halt for traffic in Central Ave but it must have translated to Uzbekistanian for the Rabbit, bolting through the intersection to sprint the last leg home.  (He obviously doesn't know the FIFO principal?)  Didak took the lead to Dobson's and contained that youthful exuberance well, still going beyond the bridge but the signs of speed stress soon showed.  I should save him from that "exertion till explosion" temptation, he's suffered enough of the o.t.a. in recent weeks.  The hurry into the 40's gets a helping hand with 50mm carbon wheels as aerodynamics play their part, and that's what got me to the truck route (though Vince launched a chase to catch a rabbit and Col got carried away copying)  I felt team play was in order so held station with 7 behind.

12/1 Solitary refinement.

I could feel softness sneaking in.  Not quite to BeerMat levels though. Nearly every ride is in a bunch with just a turn or two of effort, and a whole lot of drafting before and after.  Time for Rule #5 to rule and suffer a little solo, maybe polish the rhythm a little.  A different route wouldn't hurt either.  The River Rd repetitiveness is becoming a little like water torture!   Mapping another path had a creative element, only hindered by the mathematics of distance and time to get me home by 7.  Wind would be a handbrake one way or the other.  

And it was outbound to Zeerust creating the toil first (a tailwind home is always the preferred option)   Almost immediately I found the groove, right into the middle of zone 4 and at a comfortable cadence, even the sit in the saddle was sweet to tap out 10 k's to the old church.  Thoughts of the tailwind were already being savored.  Another 5 k's north to Bowey Rd passed with the numbers staying fairly stable, the east effort to Tallygaroopna started the escalation though.  The wind had swung against me and those open paddocks had me exposed to the elements.  Not my lucky day.  I did say it was time for Rule #5 contemplation didn't I?  There's not a lot happening in Tally at 6, another 5 k's east on Victoria Rd wearing away the wattage to find the Katamatite Rd to head homeward.  Steering southwest should have delivered a little relief but that wind had swung to a southerly.  One or three passing cars offered a few seconds draft.  Taking Lemnos North Rd pointed me straight into working the wind, though holding that steady spin made reasonable progress.  A diversion west on Northey Rd was a welcome intermission, 2 k's slogging south on Grahamvale Rd then the comfort of a sheltered Ford Rd had me home with 10 minutes spare.  Pace was pleasing for 48 k's under the solitary circumstances. 

13/1  Paceline partners.

Summon the base layer and arm warmers!  The temperature halved for Wednesday but it didn't stop the paceline protagonists assembling at Sanctuary Drive.  Tina, Kreeky, The Godfather, Joe (not Tony), Kel and Emil with PistolPete (naturally!) leading us to Mitchell Rd.  A stiff southeaster kept the line neat and tidy behind (the wind wasn't a worry to Pete).  Kel did the 2 k's to Central Kialla, Tina's turn with a tailwind to River Rd (her 150 k's in the heat yesterday deserved some reward)   Kreeky took the lead east into River Rd, the feeling of a long drive coming to me when he continued the drive beyond the bridge.  Where it would end would be a guess.  I suppose I'd get a hint of a handover somewhere.  

He had a shuffle on the saddle a bit beyond the dip, and by the quarter horse stud, a shift to a lower gear.  Wouldn't be long now.  A check of the speed (so I'd maintain the momentum), a focus on the drive ahead and Kreeky's elbow (on cue) said his shift was terminating.  I didn't want to dwell on the distance to reach Coach Rd, the aim to catch Vince and the Rabbit ahead was closer.  Pleased with the pace (considering the southeaster), the old engine was doing what the head wanted for a change. To Coach Rd without miss-firing, a split second decision was to roll 'round the corner when "Car right!" was called.  Plenty of space for me, Emil and The Godfather to get through (and it prevented being shunted by those behind) but the rest chose caution for a halt.  

A slow roll for the re-group was medicine for muscles.  Getting them back up to Emil's pace when the line reformed was murder.  The Godfather tackled the turn from the highway to Old Dookie, speed a little see-saw for 3200 metres.  Joe (not Tony) faced the front in Old Dookie Rd but Vince and the Rabbit made an anti-social sprint ahead toward town.  Solidarity kept the 8 starting together finishing together.  PistolPete was on driving duty at School Rd and went above and beyond at Central Ave to add another k to Dobson's bridge in his repertoire. Kel got the shift to the truck route done post-haste, Kreeky substituting for Tina to drag us to SPC.  

13/1 Forlorn four.

Enthusiasm was hardly at fever pitch at Friars, Sandy and Hommie made up the sum total of Goat fervor at 6am.....and here we are in the middle of summer! A bit of a southwester and most Goats duck for cover.  (All aboard a sinking ship or what?!)  Solo's might be the better option with this sort of participation.  Sandy pulled the chocks away at 6 to work the streets east, JB joining in at the towns exit trickled a little enthusiasm into the morning.  The southwesterly had enough chill in it to put some spin into the cadence, Sandy flicking me an elbow a bit short of Dobson's estate, so I set Central Ave as a fair contribution.  Hommie got keen aimed at School Rd (that wind at the backside boosting bravado) taking the lion's share to Boundary Rd as a dozen Couldabeens worked west toward their caffeine fix. (Plenty of participation there).  The Eggman and 4 disciples southbound on Boundary had right of way, JB's turn towing us up to their draft so the load could be shared. 

Turns into the wind were short and sweet, JB putting in a longer than short shift to the highway as his fair fare.  All too soon Channel Rd's exit called, so I returned to the rear so as not to tangle turns with my turn-off.  There's enough orchards left to deliver shelter on the 9 k's of Channel Rd back to base, the few open spaces reminding of what the southwester does to speed. This morning was a bit short on regular kilometres (and very short on participants) but a little distance is better than none.  

15/1  Kit conformity.

Left to my own devices I would have rolled quietly to Friday's grid with 5 minutes up my sleeve, then probably have grumbled about the speed (to self) in the opening kilometres, so when Emil pushed into the southwester in the mid 30's  he'd actually done me favor preparing me for PistolPete's pace.    Or was I pushing Emil?  (it's always the other guy that sets the speed isn't it?)  Today had been declared co-ordinated Couldabeens kit day, so all conformed (that had the corporate colours) to put some polish into the pack.  Kreeky, PistolPete, Joe (not Tony), Emil, Tina, Col, The Godfather and Didak were ready to ride.  There was that subtle duck, weave, dive, stall and sprint to find the wheel of choice (or if you're not quick ; the wheel of death!) as Pete put pace on the menu toward Mitchell Rd.  Vince arrived from the south.  Maybe fortuity put me on Col's wheel but I'd hoped he was feeling sluggish! 

The front beckoned my presence when we turned from Mitchell for the north assault to River Rd, that southwester amplifying my ability to drive the 2 k's like the young ones.  Bo and Kel turned up from the north (no note from home to explain their tardiness!)  to join the line while I found the watts to catch the draft as Emil headed us into River Rd.  Did someone declare it long drive Friday?  'cause Emil extended his effort beyond the dip, and that set a standard when Kreeky had the helm at the quarter horse stud.  This was going to be more than your average 3 k effort, he was still at it northbound in Coach Rd.  (Not really one-upmanship on Emil, it was more to do with 'when you're on a good thing......")  Didak made his appearance at the business end nearing Channel Rd, paced nicely within his limits and handing over to The Godfather at the highway.  

Vince was waiting in the wings for his moment to move. Smooth tarmac does a lot for the mindset, effort easing a fraction while the momentum stayed the same.  A little smoothness of speed would have made it Christmas on a stick.   Vince caught me napping on the turn into Old Dookie Rd, pointing into what was now a west southwester had little effect on his velocity.  Off the Fizik and sprint if I were to stay aboard!   And PistolPete's turn was about to be let off the leash at School Rd.  Looks like Bo and Kel would pay for their late arrival with a turn into the wind.  Pistol added an extra k over Central Ave and handed the lead to Bo at Dobsons estate, his turn short and swift (to earn The Godfather's sledge) when he gave Kel the lead at the truck route to make haste to SPC.

This week 283km       YTD 599km

         

 

 

        

For the hell (or the hurt) of it.

Post #580

2/1  The Saturday sacrament.

It's a ritual and almost religious, this Saturday ride thing is almost a holy habit that can't be missed.  Maybe it's the weekend's freedom and the social stuff combined with a dose of punishment by pedals? Sanctuary's grid can be a bit of a surprise package on a Saturday, a couple of guest appearances today injecting a mix into the regular rabble.  GreatScottSteve had talked Tan into trying a lap and Kel had convinced Andy (Knights of Suburbia) to co-habitate with the Couldabeens, and that put variety into the line-up of Col, Tina, Bo. Kreeky, Emil, Didak and Lenny (right day, wrong grid Lenny?)   

Bo took the PistolPete shift at 6am but hadn't allowed for the tsunami effect at the rear, Kreeky delivering the news to the front of the disconnection of the Tan carriage.  (Pistol would have paced it perfectly)  Calm was called and the line of 13 soon got together again, a softer squeeze of the accelerator keeping the line as one to Mitchell Rd.  Kel's smoothness and consideration of a slowly strengthening northeaster set a better scenario till legs limbered up, Emil doing his thing north to River Rd while I convinced the pre-frontal cortex that the sluggishness felt on the earlier commute was all in my head. 

Deliberately easy on the gas into River Rd might win friends and influence people (and donating a bit of kindness to self) so making a decent fist of the shift to the bridge put those snail-like thoughts in the bin.  Tina took over while I retreated rearward a dozen places, taking in the sunrise and more oxygen with it.  Andy (captaining a Cube) did his turn to Coach Rd just as the shop squad (Grumpy, Rocket, Wozza, Liam, Joe (not Tony) and TatMat) arrived from the north in search of company (or was it prey?)  Here's me thinking that squad enjoyed the chase?  Could the separate teams now be considering a more regular merger?  Well, our bakers' dozen now had a new standard of speed.  

Focus shifted closer to the wheel ahead as Wozza got down to 40's business to the highway, the blur of the tarmac below was now the view till Tina's call of "Kangaroo!" raised the eyeballs from the road rapidly.   (Skippy made haste to the river)  Rocket took on the north leg to Old Dookie Rd as Wozza returned from duty to the rear, with barely a feather ruffled from the experience.  It's a whole different world up there in the fast faction.  Here's most of us wrung out like a wet sock after a few k's in the drivers seat and these guys are barely breaking a sweat!  At least they show sympathy to the slow.  Liam was next to tow us toward the Toaster (there's that formation of the fit again in packs of 3 or 4) and realising the league of labor he was caught in, Joe (not Tony) retired to the caboose without a contribution.  TatMat took over the northern assault to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd as Liam said his hoo-roo's to do a drive to Dookie and clock a ton.  Instead of fighting it, we could all enjoy the northeaster at last for the way west to town, Grumpy now in charge for the charge to Lemnos North Rd with the bait of BamBam, AlmostRetiredTrev and Shorty (the remains of the Wannabee's?) ahead.  

Ford Rd finally had Didak at the business end and his enthusiasm with it, adding a few extra k's to the pace was probably just the excitement of being captain but that only pulled the pin of that heart-rate hand grenade. His legs had expired and the shoulders took over pushing the pedals, speed sinking like a stone. Col took over the role of pace setter to get the rhythm back in order.  Didak had retreated defeated to the caboose.  My hope to take aboard more oxygen on a pause at the highway was dashed when "All Clear!" was called, Lenny now the man on a mission to work us for Wanganui's length. That wasn't enough labor for Lenny it seemed as he headed the hurry along Rudd Rd, GreatScottSteve finally at the front to set the velocity on the Boulevard toward breakfast. With the suffering now done, it was time to take the sacrament (coffee) and the social stuff.  The clan all berthed at the Butter Factory (for a change) to babble the murder of mountains, annual distances and long days in the saddle.

4/1  Matt's motion. 

There's no doubting PistolPete's performance, a few days away and he came back stronger than ever.  The south southwester (20 km/h) couldn't slow him from the high 30's to Mitchell Rd with Col, The Godfather, Tina, TatMat, Emil and Kreeky in tow.  Maybe Pete had holidayed with a Spanish doctor?  Col sped the second shift to Central Kialla with the line in echelon behind, The Godfather drawing the longest straw with the wind at our backs to head us to River Rd.  Tina's a great wheel to be on, smooth, steady and predictable, and without any of those variable velocities but a bit more of her would make a great draft!  Her somewhat subtle elbow showed me the drivers seat at the bridge, the fraction of west in that south southwester making my drive to the dip a little less taxing, so I added another half k just for the hell (or the hurt) of it.  That must have set TatMat on a mission, he muscled a 3 k drive to rooster corner while Emil (in his draft) readied to face the front.  Hold your horses Emil, TatMat's shift had more to it! 

Yet another 3 k's to the highway put him in the PistolPete league.  (clearly his 25 k commuted to the grid from Tat gave him too much thinking time)   Emil was finally cleared to captain beyond the pub, maybe a little labored from TatMat's turn but he kept the pace keen to Old Dookie Rd.  Kreeky's test west was next. The wind worked him over to School Rd but the stage was already set for long turns to drive him on toward Central Ave, speed slowly succumbing to distance at the rumble strips.  We didn't have the shop squad along to test our tempo into town, Pistol could take that task on easily.  He'd glanced back to check all were aboard before turning up the velocity, all tucked into the tow to the truck route till Col took charge toward SPC opening up the gaps and gasps.  He's happy handing out the hurt last!

6/1   Bit breezy!  

Maybe it's the appeal of a tail-wind that drives a determined effort into a head-wind?  It had better be a good one for all the punishment of 10 k's to commute to the Wednesday start-line trying to keep pace into 28 km/h worth.  Enthusiasm was rather worn reaching Sanctuary's roundabout, Emil and I reckoning we'd earned a midfield position instead of facing the front early.  The Godfather, Didak, Kel, Kreeky, Tina, PistolPete, Col and Bo must like pain too, turning up for the 5:40 torture to Mitchell Rd.   You know who would have no contenders for first shift!  Driving at 37 into 40 k gusts can only be described as freakish, right?  Each searched for their slice of the draft as Kreeky set the course to Central Kialla, that wind shoving the wheels to make 'distancing' vital to staying upright.  Like a line of WobblyTrev's we were!  Appropriately, Bo had the tail-wind (his speciality!) to River Rd, Kel serving the smoothness to the bridge.  Tina, Col and The Godfather were still to serve their shifts so all looked sweet that I might score a tailwind before the task of doing Old Dookie Rd.  That's if nobody got greedy!  Tina signed off at the dip where Col became captain, that steadfast sit on the Willier spelled speed to Coach Rd by my reckoning.  (I'd reckoned right)   The rooster crowed The Godfather to lead us north (those two red leds of Vince and the Rabbit well ahead), not sure why we were riding the crown of the road with the wind coming at us from 7 o'clock but The Godfather probably had a reason.   I just followed in his wake.   Shown the drivers seat crossing the Midland, I made the best of that (rare) wind assistance to set my goal at reaching Old Dookie Rd, 3200 metres away (my legs and lungs wouldn't like it, but it would be good for the head)  I thought I was doing it tough till seeing a couple of small bunches struggling south.  There's always somebody doing it hard!  The sight of that only primed the pace.....and the pain.

  I felt a sense of selfishness handing Emil the west work into the wind but he's young and tough enough to get over it.  Who wins the wind and who works into it is the luck of the draw really.  Emil's tempo was rather rapid to School Rd, slow roasting Didak with it.  Half a k from Central Ave and Didak's fuse blew, retreating from 2nd wheel to the rear.  Emil kept the fire stoked and I tried an encouraging word for Didak to catch the tail, but his will and the wattage weren't working together.  And that equals o.t.a.    Central Ave was clear of traffic so hopes of Didak rejoining were dashed, Pistol setting us swiftly on the last leg, so Col courteously retreated to keep the young fella company back to town.  The rest hung tight to Pistol's pace for a fast finale. 

7/1  Mustering motivation.

Finding the incentive to ride at stupid o'clock isn't so hard, it's become an almost automatic response somedays even before the alarm goes off.  I've got it bad haven't I?  I just wondered if any Goats could unearth enthusiasm?  The lack of numbers in recent days didn't auger well.  (Coggo goes on the sick list and the attendance goes to pot!)   I'll knock a few k's over before 6 and see what the Friars grid offers. (relying on others to turn up for motivation can be a very risky move)   A bit of prologue variety put incentive into the speed, east on New Dookie Rd and back via Ford and Wanganui would throw doubt  on my timing to reach the start line by 6 so speed went straight on the agenda.  

There were a couple of short-cuts available if time ticked away too fast.  A tall figure was westbound as I exited town east (GiantAndy the silhouette, shop squad bound) and that was the only traffic to contend with.  The "hate to be late" syndrome had legs well warmed by Lemnos so focus swung to keeping a cap on the heart rate numbers.  The ticking clock didn't help the focus and ignoring the legs' signals of stress wasn't working either, bound to be better than a casual cruise though!  The minutes became valued in Wanganui Rd ; I could have taken the highway into town but where's the challenge in that? By DECA I had relented to take Kittles Rd to save a minute or so.  Cutting it fine to Friars at 5:58 I found regulars Hommie, Sandy and Dippa (Brendy the wildcard from Team Hibernation).  Enthusiasm wasn't exactly at fever pitch.  Hommie took instructions to lead the tiny train from town, his navigation 'interesting' to say the least.  I don't think spacial awareness is his forte.  Hommie seemed to labor to Dobsons estate even though the southerly wasn't a hinderance, Sandy taking a punt it was her turn when Hommie's speed suddenly sunk.  (I thought it was just me having trouble with his signals....or the lack of 'em!)   

Sandy's smoothness to Central Ave took me to serve a turn to School Rd, I'll admit turning up the pace a touch but no complaints were filed.  Dippa drove to Boundary Rd with Brendy on his wheel, doubting he'd be facing the front with the southerly there to greet him.  Got that right!  Hommie was sent to driving duty as Brendy back-pedaled to the caboose, Hommie finding a second wind to make good progress to the old bacon barn.  Sandy pushed on to the highway, offering the draft of a toothpick, my second (and last) turn a short shift for the 1000 metres to Channel Rd before an exit beckoned. Somewhat sheltered from the southerly the 10 k to town wasn't such a struggle, the real challenge is reading what the traffic is doing when many seem                                                     to be asleep behind the wheel.

8/1  Simmered slowly at 2nd wheel.

5:40 had struck but the grid had stalled, many eyes searching for the sacrificial lamb to go to slaughter south, and despite barely a breeze blowing nobody wanted that first 3 k turn......except PistolPete.  His trademark steady build of pace was quickly hijacked by The Godfather to front the dozen.  Kreeky, Tina, Temple, Bo, Kel, GreatScottSteve, Emil, Shorty, Didak and Col shuffled into an order behind.  Once over the initial acceleration, I surveyed the driving order to come ; Col would get the east shift to Central Kialla and Emil most likely the drive to River Rd.  That's all good, I'd get a swift but steady intro to the work at the business end of the bunch.....but I had GreatScottSteve's wheel and he doesn't know the meaning of a short shift.  He does know what smooth is though.  He'd probably go to the dip before retiring.  I reckon we all fix focus on something about the bike ahead to hold a rhythm; a brake caliper, that spinning cassette, maybe a bit of road grime stuck on a seat post? 

Glueing my eyes to GreatScottSteve's giant gastrochnemius (go on, Google it!) was a daunting view though!  He's got legs like Colbrelli!  Take 2 ; eyes on the rear rotor instead.   The dip blurred by and soon the white fence of the quarter horse stud neared, this shift was certainly simmering me at 2nd wheel.  Get over it Foss, Coach Rd was looming larger and Steve would have that as his target.  (I hope!)  The up-side was I'd have that south southeaster behind me, whether I'd have any wattage left was in the lap of the legs!  You really only appreciate that 15% advantage of a draft when it disappears, getting up to prior pace out of rooster corner took a lot more than I'd hoped.  My highway target was already up for review.  By One Tree Dam the bridges had now been set as my limit, the slight incline of tarmac to the river feeling more like an 8% climb. 

 I'd guessed Didak was on my wheel so a short shift might suit him?  The kudos was welcomed (but not expected) as I rolled rearward, I'd done far better Wednesday although that had some tail-wind assistance.  It's a long way back to the caboose in a baker's dozen bunch and with the amount of contributors left, I'd done my one and only shift!   Time to sit back and enjoy the tow.  Didak paced himself well, taking the highway as his limit, enough energy left  in the reserve tank to catch the tail for Bo's drive to Old Dookie Rd.  Kreeky and Temple kept hurry on the agenda for the westward leg, the sun noticeably a little slower rising to warm our backs, but the tempo toward coffee kept heat in the legs.

This week  256 km     

YTD 315 km   

This bike 72,091

Last bike 193,000km               

                      

The signature of speed.

 Post #579

26/12  The cure for Christmas calories.

Going back for 'seconds' was probably a bad idea, Christmas lunch had turned into a ball and chain by Saturday, so the first k on the bike felt like a category two climb.  Carrying top weight doesn't help with the pace but guess what? We'll probably all go back for seconds next year!  Emil and visiting brother Anth were waiting as arranged, my hopes pinned on a better turn-up than last Saturday's four.  We were early to Sanctuary Drive so rolled the tarmac in wait, headlights and led's gradually appearing as the clock ticked closer to six.  Kreeky, Tina, Bo, PistolPete, Lance and Molly assembled, Pistol our pilot (yet again) for the 3k south to Mitchell Rd with Molly in tow.  Would today be her first fronting?  The question was answered on the east leg to Central Kialla, Molly's debut driven determined (and with a good deal of bravado I'd say).   Remember your first nervous metres at the business end with a bunch breathing down your neck? Let's see when Molly next steps up to the task.  

Tina's turn took us north through Central Kialla, my opening act due for River Rd.  Bonus! The southeast breeze I faced was barely blowing a leaf out of place.  Maybe the extra serve of turkey helped the tempo 'cause speed came easily to the bridge and feeling almost reasonable beyond the channel, perhaps the extra pavlova pushed me on to reach the dip?  I handed Lance the lead and retreated rearward for respite, happy that eight would go to work before I was due to contribute again.  

Lance labored the standard shift to the Angora farm then ushered Kreeky to captain ; I wondered how much pavlova powered him?  He was still swift at River Rd's end where the slim shop squad  (Liam, Bruce, Lenny and Trav) joined in, Kreeky staying on in the drivers seat along Coach Rd (if only to burn off the festive excesses)    Bo had Boundary Rd to tow us northward, the serious wattage of Bruce, Liam, Trav and Lenny yet to unleash their labor.  Emil has quickly conformed to Couldabeens code, swift yet fair to the Toaster despite the building breeze.  Genetics were similar in brother Anth to contribute his tempo to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, Pistol handed the hurry west with the southeaster prevailing but capped the tempo to 40 to keep the crew together.  Lenny had positioned behind Pistol, taking the lead when Pete's elbow beckoned at Boundary Rd, but he'd labored the line to Lemnos North Rd, toasting Tina at second wheel.   

I'd been promoted to the front a little ahead of expectation.  Somewhere in the skull set the target to reach Grahamvale Rd, immediately avoiding looking at the distant speck but focusing just a few metres ahead  (less the the goal appear unreachable).  Maybe setting the bar a little higher unlocks those mental limits?  I'd usually take on a two k shift but this was closer to three.  Content (yet cooked) reaching the goal, the next challenge was hanging on while Bruce bolted into town, thanks to his sympathetic start to the shift I'd caught the draft to hang on.  Tina and Molly had commandeered the caboose.  

Trav then Liam divided duties to drag us along Wanganui Rd, still with the speed simmering at 40, but without the sting of a sprint.  The speed was swift along the Boulevard in the urge to quaff caffeine, Liam and Trav continued to clock more k's, the rest retiring to the Butter factory breakfast table, most just for coffee as appetites had been crushed by Christmas.  Focus, shoes and the Rain Man spectrum cornered the conversation with Kel, Jen and Cate chiming in. 

28/12  The festive few. 

PistolPete could do the first shift.  That south southwester was rattling the roof tiles (26-38 km/h worth) and Emil and I had 10 k's of torment to get to the grid.   But Sanctuary's roundabout was all but deserted!  Where were the dedicated?  Full of Christmas pudding and unable to throw a leg over the bike?   TatMat was the last guy I expected to see at the grid but my number one pick to join in, the perfect partner in pace and 33% less work for me!  With PistolPete a.w.o.l., I took the first torture for the team, but just a k to the truck route had almost cooked me.  Emil was given the task to tow us to Mitchell Rd.  He's younger!  TatMat set a speed at sustainable for the way east, wasn't I lucky to have that wind almost behind me when my number came up to head us to River Rd (not quite at full throttle ; there were a few more turns in store with just 3 on duty)  Emil made his move east toward the bridge and went into overtime to make it to the dip, TatMat on a similar mission of distance (just fine with me to be towed to Coach Rd with that wind still in my favor)      

Rocket, Bruce, Wozza and Giant Andy emerged from rooster corner (attendance still a little shy at the shop?) so their inclusion to our little threesome meant less to do on the front but more to do with the muscles!  I felt a certain pressure to perform when handed the reigns for Coach Rd, a whole heap of wattage behind me and I didn't want undue wear on their brakes!  40 seemed feasible for Foss to make it to the highway with a little effort banked to catch the tail when it passed, Emil now feeling the stress of the swift at his tail.  And did do good, he'd made it to Old Dookie Rd but now we had the big horsepower to deal with.   Rocket kept 40's on the menu despite the wind blowing in at 10 o'clock ('cause he can), a swift shift to School Rd where Wozza demonstrated his drive to do likewise.  Several rungs on that ladder of labor too high for me, I just fought to find the draft.  Bruce persisted with that pace and handed the last leg to Giant Andy at Dobson's bridge.  Positioning perfectly in that wake was vital to hanging on.  TatMat had the duty to drive us to SPC, slightly (but sensibly) slower for the building traffic.  Legs and lungs could calm at last. 

29/12  Flotsam and jetsam.

Feels like 5?  This is December, right?  Somebody press ctrl alt delete!   And a south southwester at 32 km/h!  That belongs in September!  Warming up on Wanganui Rd hardened the head for facing the wind but I wondered if any Goats had hardened themselves to ride?  Sandy, Phil, Hommie and Mitch proved me wrong gathering at Friars, a moments delay for Dippa to arrive and Sandy set us on the eastward exit of town.  Hommie headed us to Dobson's but stayed on as captain to Central Ave (motivated by that south southwester I'd say).  

 I'd scored the next turn but wasn't going to get greedy, to School Rd would do me and Phil could have the benefit of the breeze to Boundary.  To share is fair.   Mitch faced the windswept work south to the fig farm, Dippa doing his drive to the bridge so Sandy could make haste to the highway (her draft as useful as sitting behind a pencil).  Work could wait today, a full lap was on my agenda.  Hommie's not the smoothest of wheels to follow but his wake makes up for that, forging on toward the Broken bridges.  He'd slowed slightly over the second bridge, and without his call or an elbow, I promoted myself to the front.  Preserving pace is paramount.  Onward for a couple of k's to River Rd got the engine numbers rising but Phil called 'straight on' just as I considered slowing to turn west.  Mitchell Rd was now the preferred course since Coggo's crash. Another half k at the front had me spent (despite the pair of red led's ahead to chase) so Phil took the reigns toward the main eastern channel.  Mitch made the move into Mitchell Rd (how appropriate) with a little directional guidance as WhisperingJack and BamBam took the invitation to jump aboard. Hommie headed us west but the wind was wearing at his wattage. 

 I took his sinking speed (no elbow, no word, no glance back)  as my cue to take over.  I'd stubbornly set Central Kialla as my target 4 k's ahead, I'll admit making hibernating hitch-hikers pay a penance had a lot to do with the aim.  That south southwester wasn't so kind but getting angry with it dug up some determination to get there.  There was relief in the recovery at the rear as Phil took the tempo toward Archer Rd.  Whispering Jack cranked that big gear to Dave's dip, BamBam's aerodynamics burning him (and benefiting us) to the highway.  I was reckoning at reaching the front in Conrod straight so the sprint had my odds lengthened.  Dippa steered us through the rough of Roubaix corner, Sandy's shift spirited to Galbraith's gate and Hommie had the wind behind him to enthuse a turn beyond Arcadia Downs so, as predicted, I got the opening act into Conrod straight.  With the wind right up the Khyber and the first dip lifting the pace into mid 40's I felt it perfect time to tax the hitch-hikers again.  I'd burn out before the finish line but Phil could take the chocolates.  200 to go and I'd blown a gasket, a glance back at Phil got him off the saddle, surprisingly seeing Whispering Jack glued to his wheel.  And a whole lot of empty space behind.  A roll for the rest of Raftery Rd helped the recovery (and gather the group again) the tail-wind home a rare treat to be treasured.

30/12  Clans combined.

Lots of leds lit Sanctuary Drive, we either had a full 5:40 squad or we'd been invaded by foreigners!  Faces revealed the fitter faction had fronted, Rocket, GiantAndy, Bruce, Lenny, Grumpy and Wozza joining  the regulars Kreeky, Tina, PistolPete, Bo, Emil, Temple, Kel and The Godfather.  Shorty was an unexpected wildcard entry.  This would be a long line with one turn guaranteed.  Why I'd lined up at 5th wheel behind the fast fella's I'll never know!  Bruce set the starting shift at swift to Mitchell Rd, Lenny keeping lungs laboring to Central Kialla.  The south southeaster should have made Rocket's turn to River Rd tortuous but he restrained pace so the line didn't fracture.  Grumpy set us eastward but needed Bruce's advice to get up the road to shelter the followers from the wind.  I was pre-occupied psyching up for my turn of torture at River Rd's bridge but Grumpy threw his elbow early.  

The Godfather's sledge on Grumpy's shy shift certainly put the pressure of performance on me. Out of the draft that wind felt tenfold, the (expected) turn to the dip needing all the muscle I could muster.  Right at the red zone on the downhill into the dip, I elbowed The Godfather to take charge, happy he'd stuck with the speed 'cause any acceleration would have me o.t.a.    And it wasn't just me, others seemed spent as they rolled rearward after facing the front, it's only that faction of the fitter that don't seem to wilt.  PistolPete made his first appearance at the business end in Coach Rd, keeping the line swift and silent.  The big wattage was rising to the top (funny how they're always concentrated in 3's and 4's, never evenly distributed among the lower ranks!)  GiantAndy's torque towed us to Old Dookie Rd while I distracted thoughts of labor to the post ride coffee I could enjoy after.  A mid-week day off  was almost like Christmas again.   There was a rare respite in place of the usual fast finish, Kel and Tina calming the final k's to town, the icing on the cake, the chat and coffee with time of little concern.  The arrival of Wannabee's Jase and Weapon kept the social stuff flowing, so more caffeine flowed.

31/12  Another year over.....

Thursday had yet another southerly to suffer toward Sanctuary, at least the temperature was a little closer to Summer.  I'd fight for 5th wheel or further back today rather than face that 24 km/h wind. Pistol was up to it of course, seemingly faster to reach Mitchell Rd with Kreeky, The Godfather, Col, Grumpy, Emil, Temple, Joe (not Tony), GiantAndy, Kel, Rocket, Tina, Grumpy, Wozza and Lenny tucked into the draft behind. (those fast fella's were back to make sure we didn't sleep on the job!)   Vince and the Rabbit joined the procession as Kreeky headed us to Central Kialla, the wind now at the starboard side.  With The Godfather, Col and Grumpy yet to serve their speed it was likely my turn would be in River Rd suffering similar side-on stress. The Godfather (alone? never!) scored the tail-wind to River Rd and Col paid his Christmas pudding penance to the bridge, my turn due when Grumpy threw his elbow somewhere near the dip (if I could distinguish it from that little shoulder thing he does)  Me being captain was clear as crystal when Grumpy swung off the front out of the dip, so I drove like an American to shelter the 15 behind from that southerly.  

Keeping up the prior pace went well for a k till alarm bells started to ring ; not sure which was the loudest among legs, lungs or the lofty heart rate that convinced the head to hand-over.  I'd wanted to reach Coach Rd but buckled with a k to go, handing the hurt to Emil (he'd given me the heads up of his half turn today (wisdom tooth out yesterday).   Wozza's work north had the tail into the mid 40's to get back aboard, the line appearing longer viewed from my 2nd last wheel position.  With new found mojo, Temple made good speed to Channel Rd, Joe (not Tony) a brief donation to the highway.  

Not quite sure who took the reigns next, it was all a bit blurred by speed (and a dozen bums ahead blocked my view), though I should have recognized that signature of speed as Rocket driving us to Old Dookie Rd.  

Kel then Tina expended their energy west and were probably hoping their successors spared the horsepower home (funnily enough there's always that little bit more found to catch the draft, despite the exhaustion peeling off the front). Who did the last turns I can't say, I had the head down hanging on and hoping the hurt would end. Soon! Clocking the second best time for the circuit should have made things feel better!  

1/1  ......and a new one just begun. 

There'd be several sore heads this morning, suffering the effects of excess New Year's Eve hydration, so I'd already resolved to ride solo for New Year's day (only the real addicts eh?).  Starting the year with a sleep-in till 5 seemed a little luxurious (I could grow accustomed to it though!), rolling the bike out the driveway at 6 most civilized.  Forecast showers were south of the radar so opportunity knocked to tap a Toaster circuit to break-in the new year.  Wanganui Rd's empty tarmac gave a feeling of freedom but headed straight into an easterly required an effort.  Out Ford Rd and onto Lemnos-Cosgrove, I'd hoped that wind better not shift, I may need help homeward if I emptied the tank too fast.  I'd found the suitable spin to sustain speed yet keep a cap on the cardiac numbers, sun-up under a curtain of dark cloud an inspiration to reach Pine Lodge North Rd without too much delay.  That God of cycling was kind today keeping the wind fixed, the spin south to the Toaster was most therapeutic.  Dark clouds and lightning looked ominous over Meipol and something was brewing above Dookie.  Skies over Lemnos weren't that inviting either.  A spot or three from above tapped the helmet in Old Dookie Rd back toward Boundary, but there it ended.  

I'm not a fan of getting soaked on the bike so eyes analysed the skies while the head planned a few short-cuts (if need be) to stay dry.  The tarmac was damp south of the Midland but the skies seemed to be behaving, so harden-up Foss, press on with the plan of a full lap!  The feel of a little northerly had crept into the easterly on River Rd but the feeling of knocking over a few k's when others were dozing pumped up the performance.  There'd be bike cleaning on today's roster as the damp did it's best to sully the cycle, the road still wet down to Mitchell and across to the highway.  First car spotted for the ride.  'Round the rough of Roubaix corner and on to Galbraith's gate the tarmac was now dry but Raftery Rd slowly swinging north put that wind back at the brow.  Just a bit of effort and Conrod was complete, the Butter Factory's fruit bowl my temptation for tempo into town.  I'd berthed for breakfast just as the heavens opened.....what timing!

This week   307 km    YTD 11,632 km           

     

2020 : well, that was different!

 Post #578

There was a sluggish start to the year as nine ribs repaired, not till early February did wheels get rolling on a rather rusty return to the world on two wheels.  Finding fitness again would take time.  Barely five weeks into the groove and Covid called it's distancing thing, suddenly we were solo for the want of restrictions. Many couldn't cope with that solitary confinement, hurrying their hibernation for winter.  I'd actually embraced the solo stuff, as a better road to recovery and a chance to explore new courses.  The social deprivation was difficult though.  Restrictions lifted in May though groups were capped to ten and this set an almost permanent pattern of divisions within the group.  Segregation by speed if you like.  Barely a week later we witnessed a watershed moment, PistolPete's collapse (at speed) with an aneurysm (16/5) highlighted the tenuous grip we all have on life.  Bunch bonding came quickly under the spotlight.  Team spirit found new depths.  Riding solo suddenly felt risky. 

The swift, the slow and the supersonic all formed factions (and a new impetus), big bunches cast into the history books to favor more evenly matched and compact crews.  All the better for fitness and motivation I reckon.  It solved that great divide of the swift and the struggling in one bunch.  Like years gone by, the hardcore few soldiered on through winter; there were 34 days of 3 degrees or below (27 last year) to test the resolve, while others chose hibernation instead (only to face that long labored comeback when Spring arrived....or when Spring was nearly over....or Summer got going...or Christmas came close! They may find form by Autumn's end!)

Fluro was the fashion with an all new Couldabeens kit  (kudos to Kel and the Knights of Suburbia to inject class into the crew).  Another lock-down early August sent us solo again but mid September came and bunches of 10 were kosher again, but none of the Spring events that kick-start the warmer weather could happen.

If it wasn't one of the 63 solo spins, I divided my time between Couldabeens and Goats (prevents wearing out a welcome and put a little variety into the week) and tapped a bit of foreign soil (Beach Road, Ballarat, Castlemaine and western Gippsland) to stir up the scenery.  The Baum turned 5 and started clocking into the 70,000's, the usual 6 tyres, 3 chains and a bit of bar-tape (the only casualty from the crash) was modest maintenance I reckon.  Fuel for the tank to cover the 11,632 km was costly though ; it took 232,753 calories to do it!   That's 423 Big Mac's worth ($2,707!)  The car is cheaper to run!      

I'll remember 2020 for Tina's massive k's, the rise and rise of Rocket, the amazing comebacks of PistolPete and Liam, and the emergence of GreatScottSteve, Didak and in recent weeks, Emil.  Apart from the challenges of face-masks, lock-downs, suffering solo's, a Covid swab up the nostrils and trying to keep up with the young ones, it was a great year of finding fitness, fostering friendships and fast laps.  Next year is bound to be better!  Thanks for your kudos and continued views (100,000+) of all this blurb on the blog.  Should I continue? 

Stay safe, stay upright, reflect on Rule #5.  See you out the road somewhere!