The hurry in my head.

 Post #585

6/2 The bayside battle (& bliss)  

The bay beckoned again.  The usual Saturday bunch of bike buddies were far away but the bait of Beach Rd would do as a substitute.  There's something quite appealing about a smooth stretch of tarmac and sea air, shame the weather wasn't so appealing.  A northerly (15-30 km/h) offered a city-bound challenge.  Fewer bikes than last Thursday were northbound (maybe the sound of that wind made bed a better option?) but there's nearly always a red led ahead to beg the effort to chase.  I needed some incentive, that head-wind hurt!  Just when you think your standard is soft, there's someone struggling far harder ; here's me thinking I'm having a hernia on a subtle ascent at Black Rock and the guy ahead is at a crawl searching for the small chain-ring!  (Maybe that's the attraction here?  Plenty about to measure your worth?)  

The exposed straights toward Sandringham furrowed the brow and had molars gnashing, the glance at the Garmin not helping as I noticed the cardiac count at 175 (how long it had been at the rate I could't say, it's just a number anyway!)  Brighton's two storey palaces offered a little shelter as the wind swung north northwest, bunches now amassing the side streets for their southerly pursuits.  Seems I was against the grain northbound.  

Into St.Kilda at 6:45 was better than expected progress, tempting a lap of Albert Park Lake as an alternative to the Port Melbourne u-turn. A scenic circuit with a city skyline to view before a wind assisted return to Mordy made an interesting interlude.  My 8 minute lap of the F1 track was a little shy on Schumacher's 1:24:125 record.  Back to Beaconsfield Parade and steering south found a few more bikes braving the day (city folk don't do stupid o'clock that well it seems) and just like Thursday's effort, speed naturally congregated two's and three's together.  Sometimes just strangers.  Confidence rose rapidly as I caught and passed many (why some pairs ride at snail speed two metres apart and monopolize a whole lane I'll never know),  keen to make amends for a sluggish city-bound effort earlier. I'd soon found myself sharing a turn or two with a young Mr BMC while a Mr. Scott was content to sit behind.  Shifts seemed fairly balanced at first, each of us scoring a little rise and a little fall of the tarmac to Hampton and Sandringham, high 30's to low 40's the standard seeming to suit.  

No words were spoken, no elbows shown, just a co-operative share of speed to swiftly pass many. Mr BMC had given a fair share so I'd cruised by to do my bit, but I had inherited the steepish Col de Charman segment to burn the legs a bit beyond my limit.  That dreaded gap opened to Mr BMC (now ahead) and there wasn't the legs left to close it.  It's the folly of the flat-lander folks!  Mr.Scott was still glued to my wheel and wasn't coming to my rescue, so I soaked up the humility and used the next half k as respite, hoping a second wind may come.  The slightest of declines to Mentone Beach were the eventual salvation, speed returning to the 40's for the last 2k's to end 60 on a high, catching Mr BMC into the bargain was the instant karma.  Tour de Cafe was open so a brew and banana bread became a trophy for the 14 PB's. 

8/2  The home soil hurry.

I must have upset Aiolos.  (go on, Google it!) 20+ k's worth of headwind hit me the first day back on home turf, as if to greet me with a windy welcome back!  What we lack in elevation 'round here is made up for by breeze.  Being back in a bunch of buddies brought some comfort (though PistolPete hasn't lost any performance), leading (of course) the opening salvo to Mitchell Rd at his traditional tempo.  Fast!  Col had volunteered velocity for the second shift, Emil third ;  I'd figured fourth turn would have me prepared for pace by then.  Tina, Joe (not Tony), JJ, Lenny and Kreeky were line astern.  Vince and the Rabbit tacked on as we turned east onto Mitchell, Col in motivation mode to take us to Central Kialla.  Emil made the most of the tail-wind to drag us to River Rd.  I'd gone rusty in just a few days of solo's, the enthusiasm to head to River Rd's bridge gapping a few behind me so an ease off the throttle got the line back into order.  

Tina took  a hold of the hurry to the dip, Joe (not Tony) delivering a decent drive to the quarter horse gates.  Here we go again, JJ was up next and turned up the boost in his quest to bolt to Coach Rd but Joe (not Tony) had a firm grip on the caboose this time!  Vince was on the advance but the Rabbit played his anti-social best at the back.  With most of the shop squad in Ballarat Lenny had joined our division two, respectfully hobbling his horsepower to suit our sort of hurry.  He played fair with the pace to the Broken bridges before turning Kreeky loose on the captaincy.  Funny, there wasn't the epic effort we'd come to expect from Kreeky, The Godfather given the lead at the highway to work us toward Old Dookie Rd.  That southerly had no effect on Pistol's pace in Old Dookie Rd, Vince waiting in line as he stormed on to Central Ave.  Sustained speed soon numbs the hurt and if smoothness is sacrosanct, it soon becomes easier.  Vince made the pace seem easy by the truck route but the acceleration to SPC put the sting back in.

9/2  I could get used to this!

The search for a suitable spin took me to Kialla Lakes Drive.  Wanted; a slightly slower lap than Monday, Wednesday and Friday, some sort of sociology, discipline to depend on and a lap to get me home on time.  I'll give the Wannabee's a try.  NearlyRetiredTrev, BamBam, Ralphy, Jase, Naomi, Shorty and Temple meandered the side streets waiting for 6am to strike, the route via Channel, Boundary and Ford chosen with Raftery's roadworks continuing.  Most of this mob made up division 2 a year or two ago so familiarity was fine, it's just that speed was no longer the speciality (or so I'm told)   NearlyRetiredTrev set a gentle introduction up to Channel Rd, Jase making the pace east toward the truck route....and a little bit more to Orrvale Rd.  I was expecting a protest on pace in the high 30's but it seems speed is quite kosher with this crew.  Shorty wasn't sparing the horsepower either, a division 2 performance along the ChaCha to the Kinder, but that was my introduction to the southerly on Central Ave.  After yesterday's bout of over-enthusiasm I paid particular heed to speed, a smooth and steady build-up to prior pace might get me welcomed back again!  The 600 metres down to McFadyen wasn't so taxing, the next 600 to the cypress trees easy enough to add another k to my contribution ; the S bend far enough to let Temple do his thing.  Colour slowly filled the sky and that wind helped the hurry north on Boundary Rd.  

Ralphy's shift was somewhat shortish, handing the work to BamBam at the fig farm, but he was a bit shy on distance too, giving the reigns to Naomi to aim at New Dookie Rd.  Her tempo was spot-on, driving the distance will come with time (a great turn for one so new to this addiction).   NearlyRetiredTrev started the second round of shifts, Jase setting slightly higher standards to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (and here's me thinking the Wannabees were shy on speed!)   Shorty started the work west toward Lemnos, his elbow suggesting I take on the drive at the main eastern channel so I set Lemnos North Rd as a target.  I wasn't sure if Wanganui Rd was on the route but this turn could be my final fronting. Temple's pace along Ford's first 2 k's kept me busy to stay in the draft, Ralphy scoring the lead over Grahamvale Rd to get us into town and when Verney Rd was called to complete the loop he handed BamBam the head-wind for the Southern shift. That's what mates are for isn't it? Finishing the lap in the northern end of town helped, I was home with 5 minutes to spare, the bonus being a little energy left.

10/2  Keeping breakfast aboard. 

I could feel the southerly breeze swinging to an easterly as Emil dialed up the hurt in a hurry to the start-line.  I could already imagine the pain of driving east on River Rd so how could I avoid that head-wind hurt? The usual protagonists rolled Sanctuary Drive in wait for the 5:40 flagfall and I'd already taken the bold decision to take PistolPete's position and drive the first shift to Mitchell.  Surely to battle the breeze at the port bow would be better than head on?  Emil, PistolPete, Col, Kel, Tina, Bo and The Godfather played the waiting game behind as I took to the first 600 metres to the truck route at a tame tempo under the pretext of letting everyone settle into line before turning up the wick.  Truth is I was already preserving wattage.  

The next 2 k's to Mitchell was under pressure of performance, I may have blown a head gasket trying Pistol's pace.  I'd almost caught The Godfather's wheel when Emil hit the nitrous oxide toward Central Kialla, finding the extra 4 k's per hour needed all the wattage I could find.  (a fine facsimile of JJ's burst of bravado when given the drivers seat)  PistolPete kept the hurry going to River Rd as a double whammy.  Col provided a slight reprieve to the bridge when most things came back into focus for me, Kel's smooth shift to the dip was just like Christmas.  How Tina turns on the tempo after yesterdays 140 k spin I'll never know (but I'll have what she had for breakfast!)  Bo did his stuff to Rooster corner when Tina handed over at the quarter horse gates.  The Godfather trimmed a little off the velocity on his mission to reach the highway, a chance for me to overdose on oxygen before facing the second bout at the business end. (Most would get a repeat prescription today with only 8 on duty and no epic drives to delay the promotion forward)   

A clear passage across the highway kept the momentum and saved all that wattage to get back up to speed, it's just metering out the muscle power to make the 2600 metre expectation of reaching Old Dookie Rd.  All went well to the bridge but the horsepower was at a trickle at the fig farm so I passed the baton to Emil to get to the target.  Whack!  That jump from 39 to 44 would have made me cuss if oxygen wasn't such a valuable resource, all the VO2 was needed just to stay in The Godfather's draft. The slow to turn west was just a fleeting nirvana, it was back to life on the rivet as Emil's energy let loose toward the bridge.  PistolPete kept quick consistent while my eyes searched the line-up to see who might serve a shift of respite.   No luck.  Col got speed by the scruff of the neck into town.  A lap record would have been medicine for my murdered legs but the Strava segment said the hurry was in my head (although a 37.3 average is nothing to sneeze at)

11/2  Sans stresse.

Ahead of schedule and with barely a breeze blowing, Thursday had the pressure off.  Another spin with the Wannabee's wasn't going to burst a boiler either.  JFK did say nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.  And a simple pleasure was a change from scorching pace!  It was time for me to enjoy a lap not on the rivet.  Jase, NearlyRetiredTrev, Ralphy, Naomi, BamBam and, lowering the bar of expectations on effort, Joe (not Tony) gathered at Kialla Lakes roundabout. Continued Raftery Rd roadworks spelled an Archer, Mitchell, Coach and Channel course to avoid the loose stuff.  Jase led the first shift to the truck route, the hint of an east northeaster making high 30's an easy ask.  The task for me to tow 'em to Mitchell rd was no problem under those circumstances.  I'd forgotten the last time I was able to talk when finishing duty at the front!  

Joe (not Tony) was pleased with the pace too, taking his turn toward Central Kialla but facing that east northeaster wore away the wattage.  Naomi finished off the drive to the Euroa Rd, Mitchell being the course of choice.  (River Rd against their religion?)  The change of scenery was refreshing, BamBam then Ralphy doing their easterly effort as I recalled the ancient history of Saturday Hospital bunches at full steam this way.  NearlyRetiredTrev did his turn for a decent distance but it was Jase's long drive that got us to Coach Rd, that often awkward intersection at the main eastern channel free of traffic to ease our passage through.  My number was up again and rather than make mischief with a fast shift, chose to do the long haul to the Broken bridges to put my engine into zone 4.   It probably helped Joe (not Tony) to be given the lead among the trees lining the river, a little shelter for his turn to reach Channel Rd.  And didn't he score bonus points handing the helm to Naomi with a tail wind to take the pressure off the performance.  A pack of pussycats had swung into Channel a half minute ahead, so their bunch became the bait for our 8 k drive back to town.  Jase did  the charge on the ChaCha making mid 40's (and not a grizzle was heard) but he wasn't saying much crossing Orrvale so I took a little time in building the pace back up to pursue the flock of felines to Kensington's roundabout.

12/2   A spin for the not-so-soft. 

The ride suddenly turns tough when just two others are at the grid at 5:40. The radar was clearing and only a few spots had fallen from the sky.  I'd even left a space ahead for PistolPete.....and even he didn't show!  My plans to start at the back for a gentle introduction to speed were shot ; it was now time to h.t.f.u. into the lead role to Mitchell Rd.  Oh joy! There was a south southeaster fair in the face too!  Emil and Col had braved the doubtful sky while I muttered my displeasure of those soft souls who stayed in bed. I set my speed 10% down on standard, there was 50% more workload today with just 3 to share the suffering. Hopes that Emil would be 10% shy on pace were pure fantasy as legs, lungs and heart all hollered mercy to Central Kialla.  Col kindly calmed my convulsions with a less taxing turn to River Rd though I wondered where I'd find the fortitude to face the front, due again way too soon.  Col saved me from certain implosion by driving on to the bridge.  

It was far easier eastbound when given the reigns, almost reaching the quarter horse gates when thoughts of catching the tail said I needed a little left in the legs.  Time to handover.  Emil had a far kinder pace to hang onto as he dragged us to Coach Rd.  Hooray! Help had arrived by way of a Rocket re-inforcement, the sole shop squad soldier (seems there's soft ones in that squad too!)  Emil played the leader a little longer to One Tree Dam, Col doing the drive to the pub while I struggled to psych-up for another shift. It started ok crossing the highway though building up to the prior pace took more muscle than I thought, draining the rather small tank of wattage I'd started with.  500 metres later the tank felt empty.  Burning the rectus femorus and gastrochnemius got me a little further and the psychological smoothness of Boundary Rd's tarmac made a moment of less stress, but the head wanted no part of going further than the fig farm.  I just hoped Rocket had left the handbrake on!  (of course he was compliant)   The (now) southwester wasn't so subtle turning into Old Dookie Rd, Rocket's speed not so subtle either in the rush to Central Ave. Cloud cover made the morning darker than mid July, thankfully the temperature wasn't that way, Emil certainly keeping heat in the legs on the hurry to the truck route.   I should be used to the continued charge into town, Col with all stops out to SPC and then some, those red leds of Vince and the Rabbit almost in his clutches was like a red flag to Col.

This week:  281km      YTD : 1,626km                

                 

More than self would.

 Post #584

30/1  Seven, simmered and steamed.

A tow to the start-line was a treat, Emil and brother Anth did the honors to Sanctuary's roundabout, mind you the north northwester was in our favor.  Tina, GreatScottSteve, Bo and PistolPete made up a not so great attendance but the bureau's forecast wasn't so inviting last night.  100% humidity from yesterday's rain made the start-line steamy.  Yeah, you guessed it, PistolPete played captain for the first shift.  Not that long ago the sun was up at start time, how quickly had darkness invaded to cast a gloom over the peloton's proceedings, daylight something to wait for as GreatScottSteve did his duty east to Central Kialla.  Mist rose from the paddocks to give us a feeling of being steamed dim sims!  Emil made haste on the north shift to River Rd, brother Anth spinning like a top (little ring) east toward the bridge, but a call for calm came from the rear when GreatScottSteve's light jumped overboard.  

The gentle roll for a minute to gather the group was a treat.  The resumption of speed wasn't, there seemed to be a sense of making up for lost time (or was holding off the pursuing shop squad the aim?  Big ask!)   Anth percolated the pace and PistolPete sustained the standard, so much for a social Saturday speed!   Or am I just getting older and grumpier? I'll go with the flow but set my kind of speed when given the reigns.   I just hoped there was a little horsepower left when I got there!  The drive on Old Dookie Rd was mine and just a couple of k's of the previous pace let me set the Toaster as a target.  

Feeling fairly good with my progress by the pork palace (i'd reach the Toaster without turning to toast) was soon squashed as the shop squad humbled my effort, Rocket, Trav, Lenny, Bruce, Liam and Boof making the pace toward the sun that struggled to pierce the clouds.  Bo had finally fronted for the north drive on Pine Lodge North Rd, Tina left to front the hint of a northwester on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  I was in easy street ; plenty of horsepower ahead and several of them with a long drive habit.  I wasn't putting my feet up yet though, there'd be more  work to do before breakfast!  Slowly moving closer to the business end turned up the toil, Emil turning the legs rather rubberized when we went full steam beyond Grahamvale Rd.  Surprisingly, I was ushered to the front at Verney Rd. Fine with me, a k to Numurkah Rd would do nicely and I could be then towed into town!   With the shop squad out of view the rush had relaxed a little, the work in Wanganui Rd was making us earn breakfast (but not blowing a head gasket to get there).   The halt at the Butter Factory raised an instant sweat, a waft of wind making talk on tackling technology, prescription glasses and big distances a lot more comfortable.

1/2  Monday masochism.

Low 30's seemed a struggle headed toward Sanctuary's starting line, so what makes 40's possible in a pace-line just a few minutes later?  May have been Monday-itis?  Might be that masochism is the underlying motivator?  Whatever the reason, PistolPete snapped me out of sluggishness with a dose of speed to Mitchell Rd, Emil, Kel, Temple, Kreeky, The Godfather, JJ, Joe (not Tony), Tina and Col filed behind.  I'd happened to berth on JJ's wheel, hoping he'd have some respect for his elders when he was promoted to lead the line.  Emil towed us to Central Kialla, Kel to River Rd, the promotion forward gradually raising the tax on my tank.  

Vince and the Rabbit climbed aboard from their easterly amble at River Rd's bridge, Tina handing the reins to Joe (not Tony) a bit beyond the dip, his pace slowly sinking as the distance dragged the enthusiasm from his pace.  JJ was soon put in charge, but quickly put the pace up 6 km/h, Joe in all sorts of stress to hang on to the caboose to River Rd's end.  I'd been given the lead role in Coach Rd and slowly stoked up the old boiler to a satisfactory speed, but Vince delivered the news of Joe (not Tony's) o.t.a.   Compassion calmed the hurry a while.  I'd reached One Tree Dam with no news of "all aboard" so slowly stoked speed again, figuring a yell of "easy!" would happen if pace was presumptuous.  Silence was the reply.  So back to the hurry, a highway target was set as my shifts' end.   Joe (not Tony) was aboard as I rolled rearward,  Temple taking the tempo to Old Dookie Rd. The rush ramped up for the west way home.  The call of traffic at Central Ave halted the rush, why the Rabbit had to spear through the order I'll never know (rather an obstruction as the order reformed for the charge to Dobson's estate)  Pistol Pete ensured no time was wasted to get to the caffeine appointment.

2/2  Windustrial strength.

Why should I get it easy?  A south southwester blew a gale Tuesday, just to torment the commute south (maybe this was the payback for doing the Sanctuary thing two days in a row?)  Gusts of 43 km/h did a little more than tickle, pleased I'd left home 5 minutes earlier 'cause I made the starting grid with just a minute to spare!  A little feeling had just returned to the legs when PistolPete dialed up the pace south, a freshly sealed and graveled Archer Rd (south of the truck route) simulating a cyclo-cross track.  Certainly "interesting" to steer 25mm slicks through at speed!  Kel had survived at 2nd wheel to take us east to Central Kialla, Bo having the tailwind (of course) for the north shift to River Rd.  I had The Godfather's wheel to follow, at least correctly placed on River Rd's crown so most could shelter from the unrelenting wind.  He was still in the drivers' seat at the bridge so I was content behind, he was protecting me from the pain at the pointy end.  My promotion to captain came rising from River Rd's dip, not as bad as I thought where trees lined the road but exposed to the open paddocks wasn't fun.  I'd figured a reserve was needed for another epic effort from Kreeky (due next at the front), so rolled off to the rear at the quarter horse stud, grateful for The Godfather's girth to shelter my recovery to River Rd's end.  

True to form, Kreeky stayed on for an encore in Coach Rd.  Col was given the lead at the bridges but his shift was shortened to reach the highway.  (Oh, I get it!  It puts Bo closer to the front so he'd score the wind in Old Dookie Rd!)  PistolPete had heads down charging north, Kel cooked at second wheel chose to retreat to the caboose for respite.  Me moving another rung up the ladder guaranteed I'd get another shift.   Bo took to Old Dookie Rd (and the south southwester at the left flank) with a passion for pace, giving The Godfather the pleasure of towing us to Central Ave.  I had the drive to Dobson's  ......again!   The bridge seemed further away than ever despite legs working overtime to get there, thank heavens a few trees at the roads edge took some of the sting out of the SSW'er.   Kreeky's pace was hard to hold onto when I handed him the role, this old engine almost miss-firing to stay aboard.  The Godfather's gear change across the truck route found the little chain-ring, so a great gap opened to the 4 ahead as he searched for momentum, Kreeky and I left to the tow truck duties trying to make up the deficit into the streets of town.

3/2  The gospel according to the prophet of pace. 

Being partnered on the commute to Wednesday's ride pushed the pace a bit more than if left to my own devices, and that conditioned me for the bunch velocity to come.  Better than a cruise to the grid then grizzle about sudden speed.  So thanks Emil for raising the standard more than self would. There wasn't going to be a third day in a row on the same old same old circuit ; today's route was changed to the Channel-Boundary-Ford circuit as Archer Rd had grown more gravel in roadworks.  Col waved the gesture of "go 'round me" at the grid when 5:40 struck, but berthing first means you suffer first Col! None of this "I couldn't be bothered today" stuff!  

So, under pressure to perform, Col had the 3 k drive north to Channel Rd as an opening act (he should have relished the moment with wind at the backside!)  Bo, The Godfather, Tina, Kel, Kreeky, Emil, PistolPete, Joe (not Tony), Jen and Vince lined up behind.   I'd scored the opening act for Channel Rd with the side wind a a bonus.  (takes me back a couple of years when division 2 would leave 5 minutes ahead of the fast fellas, trying, usually in vein, to hold off the squad of speed to Conrod's finish line)   I must be doing something right, the old engine made it to the truck route without blowing a head gasket, and kudos from the crew suggested it wasn't at snail's pace.  Joe (not Tony) lucked the shorter shift (1400 metres) to Orrvale Rd. History flooded the head in recovery at the rear, this 8 k road with its twists and turns recalls the early days of riding, battling the cold and  the critters, struggling to extract more than 32 km/h.  There's been some progress since.  

Kel drove the last of  Channel's 1600 metres from the S bend, Tina the north shift to the highway "and a little bit more" to the bridge near the old bacon barn.  Kreeky's definitely back to prior form, the drive north from New Dookie Rd up to Lemnos-Cosgrove wasn't enough, he was at it west to the main eastern channel too.  Jen had stoked up the willpower to advance for a turn. I'd prepared to slow as she faced the front for the first time (in a year she says) but there was nothing shabby about her speed toward Lemnos North Rd.  Sensibly, she'd kept the shift short to be sure to catch the caboose before detonation. A few were waiting for direction as Col led us into town, would we work Wanganui or would the call for coffee via Verney take priority?  Time was the foremost factor.  The call to turn into Verney put me at the front and straight into the headwind hurt, at least the super smooth tarmac was of some help.  Legs had caved in to the cruelty by Graham St, Joe (not Tony) reluctantly in charge toward New Dookie, but Bo broke the bunch into pieces with a burst of pace toward the city centre (the quest for coffee over-rules all rules doesn't it?)

4/2  The Mordy 2 Melbourne magnet. 

Four days in "the big smoke" just had to include the Beach Rd habit.  No bunch pressure on pace, sea air and several days off work would allow a cruisy roll of Port Phillip's coast.......yeah, right!  The best laid plans to take in a quiet tap lasted about 200 metres north of Mordialloc's start-line, there were plenty of ones, twos and threes riding city bound, a few big bunches too barreling along the billiard table called Beach Rd.   One or two young ones slipped by but it was catching and passing so many that got the eager meter wound up.  The competitive spirit was well and truely stoked.  Cancel cruisy, it was speed time!  Just two k's were covered and I'd found a "wheel sucker" already attached ; and there's nothing like the feeling of riding one off your wheel!  The slight inclines Beaumaris bound set the rectus femorus on fire, so the downhills were rolled a little more relaxed as recovery.  It was pleasing to see scaffolding covering the historic Edgy hotel, restoration finally underway for this grand old lady (it's caught my eye over recent years, empty and ageing by Mentone's beach)  

A chorus of carbon caused a cacophony behind, the massed (30+) mob of Lexus Brighton steaming past me in the mid 40's.  Me thinks sitting on the back of that wasn't work, so happily watched them advance into the distance, discarding their spent off the back.  Commuting traffic at times vacuumed my velocity (but never on the inclines like 'Col de Charman' or the 'Anna Meares Crush') so that became "off-the-gas" time to save something for later.  The usual jogging distractions (are some of these outfits spray painted on?) dotted the roadside paths, the few traffic lights co-operating with a green glow as Sandringham surprisingly appeared sooner than expected.  Big bunches were de rigeur southbound but bike traffic thinned through Brighton's alley of mansions, some of rather questionable architectual taste.  A few more 'spring chickens' bolted by to keep a lid on any hint of an over-inflated ego.  A second wind came at St.Kilda as sun streaked across the bay, dialing up the kilometres per hour to target Port Melbourne as the u-turn before 7.  I could have sworn a southwester had gently assisted the 25k's into the city but the about-face at Albert Rd found a northeaster gently easing the way back. Almost like winning the lottery!  

Car traffic was building for the return trip (it's nearly always less populated by bikes on the way back), just a handful here and there headed south as those big bunches now returned to the city.  It doesn't take long for some of similar speed to congregate, a stranger (Dendy rider atop an S Works) started sharing shifts at Brighton for some speed south. And that pushes boundaries better than any solo effort will! Mr. Castelli on a Trek was happy hanging on in our draft. Words don't need to be spoken (oxygen was being put to better use anyway), wait for the elbow and do your bit till the tank nears empty, then flick your own elbow for recovery.  Repeat as necessary.  Covers a lot of ground without a lot of thought.  Beaumaris then Black Rock arrived where Mr Dendy Rider bid his thanks and adieu's, so the last few k's were suddenly solo and minus a little motivation.  The last k's into Mordialloc feel like they're slightly downhill so some satisfaction and speed came at the end, regrettably Tour de Cafe was closed denying a post pedal fix but Strava served up 11 PB's as a reward.

This week 252km     YTD 1,345km     

            

Turning up the hurry to hurt.

 Post #583

23/1  Sluggish for some, swift for others!

It was some comfort to find a few of lesser wattage than GiantAndy, Rocket, Bruce and Lenny at the grid, hopes of a not-so-hot pace raised as I parked (intentionally) rearward with Lance, Emil, Grumpy and Joe (not Tony) at the shop for Saturday's spin.  Hopefully the blend of the rank-and-file with the freakishly fast would balance the speed to something sustainable.  GiantAndy's opening serve set the bar high!  Those legs-like-oak-trees wasted no time with tempo south to Sanctuary Drive and beyond, at least his mountain like profile provided plenty of draft.  

Grumpy set the second shift steaming toward Mitchell Rd from the truck route at an admirable pace against an increasingly annoying southwester.  Lance had the leg to Central Kialla, Joe (not Tony) grateful to have the breeze behind him for the 2 k's to River Rd.  My turn next.  And wasn't I chuffed to have a little westerly in the southwester to put some shine on the speed to River Rd's bridge.  There was a little left reaching the channel but I'd want that in the bank, the wind was behind at the moment but would probably bite me later!  Bruce made my turn look lame by driving the 4 k to Coach Rd,  Thanks mate!  Lenny set the pace north on Coach Rd's length, first light casting shadows of 18 wheels on blurred bitumen.  Emil's found his place (and a rejuvenated enthusiasm) in this clan inside a few months, providing his pace toward Old Dookie Rd. 

  Lance and Joe (not Tony) divided the distance of Pine Lodge North Rd as we crossed paths with the '51 fellas, Liam in hot pursuit a k behind making up time lost from a puncture.  I was handed the reigns turning west onto Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the bridge over Pine Lodge Creek baiting me 2 k's ahead.  The physical task to reach it was tough enough but the mental battle with the defeatist inside my head was harder.  Muscles, lungs and heart were yelling their usual objections but convincing the head to get to that bridge felt like a losing battle.  The oncoming Cat collective gave the incentive; put on the determined face Foss, not the agonised one!  I'm not sure which was the greater reward, reaching the target or the relief in the draft, but I'd need the 8 others to do their bit before I'd face the front again. With the chain onto the 12 and the posterior off it's perch, the sting in the legs eventually subsided, Bruce keeping the speed at a simmer all the way to Lemnos North Rd.  (Another humbling demonstration.  I'll chat to my therapist about it later!)   

That regular rhythm was a life saver ; haven't we all been in a bunch with a see-saw speed that crucifies legs and shortens brake pad life! (bunch identity withheld to avoid litigation!)  We are lucky to find comfort in that steady speed.   Lenny turned up tempo on Ford Rd and Emil dragged us closer to town with Rocket at the ready next , GiantAndy poised for pace straight after.  (There's that line up of wattage again!) Wheels hummed under the load of the 40's in Wanganui Rd and Lenny poked the GiantAndy bear by moving to the front to bait a sprint.  Joe (not Tony) was well into the hurt locker and losing grip on the draft.  That line between loaning a tow to one in trouble and fighting for your own survival gets blurred when you've extracted more wattage than you thought possible to hang on, self preservation ultimately driving me to catch Rocket's wheel as Lenny lit the fire toward Mt.Wanganui.  

Bruce was playing good Samaritan to the battlers, but Joe (not Tony) had hedged his bets using Kittles Rd short-cut as a leapfrog to the Boulevard.  GiantAndy rolled off the front in Rudd Rd and I called him in ahead of me ; Rocket and Lenny were serving speed again and I had no hope of horsepower to match!  (You know the saying, if you can't stand the heat........).  Besides, I now had the best seat in the house!  GiantAndy's wheel.  Dare I say a better draft than Kenworth?  Digging deeper and deeper to stay in touch (Oh the guilt of dropping a wheel if some behind me were dependent on the draft) had me surprised at the reserves you can find under pressure ; that horse may not be as dead as I thought!  Speed was still swift beyond Tarcoola, so the thoughts of carbohydrates and caffeine to come became the last drops of  fuel to hold the wheel, relief finally coming courtesy of the traffic lights en-route to the Lemontree.  Bo's hair, chilled descents and the town's weirdo's captured the conversation. 

25/1 The team returns (and welcome back Jen!)

Having the regular Sanctuary squad back from Adelaide brought me back into a certain comfort zone, playing in a more suitable division if you like, though there are days when I wonder if I'm on a rung to high in this division.   Bo, Kel, Col, PistolPete, Tina and The Godfather were back on home soil, Joe (not Tony), Emil and Jen rounding up the numbers to 10.  Who else but PistolPete started us off on the first shift south and just for a change, a northeaster eased our way to Mitchell Rd.  Jen opted to sit this one out in the caboose (8 months since she'd turned a wheel in tempo)   At second last wheel I felt duty bound to see she stayed aboard (the bunch that starts together stays together)   There was that whiplash effect at the tail as reaction times multiplied (by 10), me being the shock absorber as PistolPete hit the accelerator beyond the truck route. 

No dramas at the rear, Jen's fitness and new aerodynamics guaranteed she'd stay aboard.  Col was on 2nd shift to Central Kialla, Bo then Kel doing the standard 2 k drives east, north and east to River Rd's bridge.  Don't you just love the familiarity!  25 degrees and a northeaster at this hour had many of us feeling like a dim-sim.  Tina handed over to Emil at the dip, that wind blowing away any thoughts of an epic effort at the front.  The Godfather towed us to Rooster corner.   Joe (not Tony) took on the north drive in Coach Rd but must have graduated from The Godfather School of Echelon Education, there was no shelter from that northeaster for the last five in line, they were all grimacing in the gutter.  

I played savior sitting centre of the road.  Joe (not Tony) had tired of the toil 400 metres later anyway, so I soldiered on to the bridges for PistolPete to take charge.  Minno was found searching for company and tagged onto the tail, me caught napping rolling rearward when Jen called me in to 3rd last wheel. Col's contribution continued over the highway.  The Godfather's variables seem to have smoothed somewhat (could Adelaide's ascents have fine tuned his tempo?)  so brake pad wear was at a minimum along Old Dookie Rd.  Bo and Kel drew us closer to town and Tina towed us to the truck route, so maybe it was the early summer heat that tempted the tempo from Emil to sprint to SPC?  Only a few were that keen, most content with keeping the 36 average into town and began the search for caffeination as The Butter Factory was on a holiday.     

27/1 Oh, the woes of wind!

Wind whistling through the trees wasn't exactly music to my ears, nor was "feels like 8" the most inviting temperature with it, but I'd be turning into something like BeerMat if any little negative stopped a ride wouldn't I?  A good part of Wednesday's lap would have a tailwind and PistolPete would probably front a lot of the headwind anyway!  Emil and I had earned a lower grid position fighting the south southwester (24-33 km/h) all the 10 k's to Sanctuary's roundabout, and sure as eggs, PistolPete volunteered to lead us to Mitchell.  Nudging 40 if you don't mind!  Behind, The Godfather, Kel, Col, Bo, Tina and Joe (not Tony) made the line 9.   Emil set a similar speed although eastbound had less labor with the wind now at the starboard side.  I'd scored the north drive to River Rd so the wind behind should make it easy as.....but it didn't.  It seemed to take ages to build the pace up, though that was probably a bonus for the rearmost.  Plenty of attention went into keeping the speed smooth, the master of it was next in line.   My force was fading with 100 metres to go, thankfully I could use the oncoming car at the intersection as an excuse to handbrake the hurry.  Kel set the standard to River Rd's bridge, Joe (not Tony) driving a good turn to the dip.   

Col finished off the last k and a half of River Rd then stayed on for an encore to the Broken bridges in Coach Rd, a great effort for somebody who "couldn't be bothered" when the alarm went off earlier.   Bo was in his element, breeze at the backside and leading the line to the highway and giving the forties a fair showing on speedo's.   Of course, he continued the hurry beyond the highway, this was Bo at his best (and giving The Godfather grief at 2nd wheel)   How tactical that he handed over the lead at the fig farm.  The Godfather had a little of the tailwind to Old Dookie Rd and would be baited to take on some of the westerly work as a fair shift.  There was enough west in the south southwester to wear away wattage and The Godfather succumbed just shy of School Rd, but when PistolPete poured on his performance The Godfather was beyond the rivet.  The holler came just half a minute later of the disconnection (you could tell by the sudden silence in the squad!)   Always the gentleman, PistolPete eased the velocity till The Godfather re-united.  All aboard across Central Avenue, the Pistol power was on again (this time capped to 41) to the truck route (if that wasn't enough!)  I think that got Emil excited, speeding to SPC though I was content to captain a cruise of the streets to stop seeing stars Butter Factory bound. 

28/1  New crew .

Lil' Jodie had suggested a spin with '51 on their calm day (there'd be no hope for me on any other day!) but there was hesitation in the head about fronting un-invited.  Being ready to ride begged some sort of effort and hopes of Goats fronting Friars were slim....maybe I could just happen to be rolling on Ford Rd a minute or two ahead and jump aboard the '51 train?  At worst I'd go o.t.a. (or be asked to!)   

An easterly raised a little effort on the Wanganui Rd warm-up, though running a little too early prompted a lap around the block to get the timing right.  A few had assembled at Verney Rd as I rolled out Ford, just a couple of k's slowly building up pace and the crew were suddenly overtaking.  Not too rapidly.  (Hopes rose)  Lil' Jodie, Doc Pete, Eggy and Sharpy I recognised (the 3 others I wasn't sure), so I took the punt and caught the tail, watching intently for the protocols (keeping to the f.i.f.o. principal)   Seems the pace-line was taking turns of a minute or two, and with speed manageable, I'd try my luck.  Worth putting a toe in the water so to speak.   Doc Pete steered us swiftly into Boundary Rd, smoothness a part of the job description, so the pressure was on to deliver a drive worthy of being made welcome.  Mr Bianchi ahead did the subtle elbow thing crossing New Dookie Rd so I took a  guess at 2 minutes duty being a bit before Old Dookie Rd  (I'm way too familiar with turns to landmarks rather than time.  This wasn't something you could set an alarm to though)   I'd done my best to simulate the speed so far and peeled off the front, pleased there was no objections.  (Not a word spoken means I did ok doesn't it?)  Pleased too that there was enough in the tank to catch the tail.  Shorter shifts were easier, just that there'd be more of them.  Minor differences in time and tempo at the business end had me due for duty again at the Broken bridges, so One Tree Dam became the target for this turn.  Another (unknown) joined the line but that didn't mean less work, the tempo had turned up a little more.   Rather than River Rd, this lap took the Mitchell Rd route, memories recalled of rides many years ago while I waited in line for the next shift.  Given the lead with two minutes worth to Central Kialla, the breeze behind helped to keep me to the standard, cars approaching on the Euroa Rd splitting the line at least allowed some oxygen stocktaking while the line reassembled.  Eggy dialed up the effort beyond Galbraith's gate and Mr. Bianchi kept the pace percolating into Conrod straight, no pressure then for me to be given the lead with 700 metres left to the finish line!  Preserving the speed and holding the line was the only option I had, thankfully a few rolled by with 50 metres to go ; I had nothing left to offer.  A solid 37 average baited another try one day....if the welcome mat was out.

29/1  Ride like the wind.  Like the ride, not the wind!

A small window of opportunity had opened on Friday, a chance to squeeze a ride in before the rain, but of course there was a price to pay.....wind, and plenty of it! That northeaster (20-43 km/h) certainly made the 10 k spin to the grid quite cruisy, but there the honeymoon ended.  A headwind and speed was on the work list thereafter.   Only PistolPete, The Godfather, Kreeky and Emil had bothered to turn up (has the rest of the regulars softened?) so there'd be more than one turn today!  PistolPete played fair to the truck route and steadily built the pace to Mitchell Rd, the real work would start from now.  

Kreeky had the pleasure of the headwind first, 2 k's to Central Kialla was a tough introduction back from holiday.  The Godfather took us north and, as expected, the rear three were in the gutter with no room to echelon left.  No point hollering, The Godfather's course was set in concrete.  He continued the lead role into River Rd but at least all could get a decent draft with room to the right.  Emil had the drivers seat at the bridge and turned up the hurry to hurt; it's alright for these young guns to push the limits but I'd be pegging back the pace when given the job.  If I could last that long!  A fixed stare on his elbow wouldn't make it flinch so the wait went on....while the wattage waned.  Finally at the quarter horse stud I was handed the reigns and out of that draft was like hitting a brick wall!  Mid 30's was my max, and if the others didn't like it, they could lump it!   The last 1500 of River Rd was certainly laborious, a little relief reaching the rumble strips to find Bruce, Lenny, Boof and Gazza  arriving from a poorly populated shop squad. 

PistolPete's pace into Coach Rd unearthed reserves I thought to be beyond me ; funny how you find that bit more in the tank to hold on.  The eagerness to stay in the draft got me far too close to the wheel ahead and you can't rely on a steady wheel to follow in these gusts.   It took a concerted effort to ease off that wheel, the fear of loosing the tow at Pistol's pace was considered a fate worse than death, it would be a very long and windy ride home without it!  Kreeky took over at the highway but was somewhat toasted at 2nd wheel to Pete, speed sinking at the bridge so The Godfather took over tempo (he still had the oxygen to sledge southbound Cats though)   Emil's excitement west on Old Dookie Rd put the business back into the 40's, mine was the mind game of convincing this engine to perform after Emil's effort to Central Ave.  Given the task, a slow build of pace was key to surviving the distance to Dobson's bridge, It was barely a kilometre to travel but at the prior pace, a pain.  Something was needed in reserve 'cause ending this turn would be pulling the cork on Boof, Lenny, Bruce and Gazza to taking over the front.  Thinking my drive at 42 was worthy was a bit presumptuous, Boof took to the captain's job possessed with pace to the truck route, those reserves tested again into town. Quite the effort to end the week.

This week  257 km    YTD 1,092 km      

           

Aspiration vs ability

 Post #582

16/1  A Saturday smoothie.

This would be a different week ahead.  There'd be an exodus of several of the division 2's to South Australia tomorrow, so today would make the most of the partners in pace before sustaining the swiftness of the shop squad for a week  (I'm told we're assured of fair play joining them)  Sanctuary's regulars Bo, Tina, Col, The Godfather, Temple and not-so-regular Grumpy lined up behind PistolPete's mandatory move toward Mitchell Rd, so there was a feeling of comfort working with a familiar and fair team.  Ahead of me, Bo's bottom bracket creaked like the Munster's front door.  I'd have the third shift with that chilled west southwester at my side through Central Kialla.  

I'd drawn the same shift yesterday under slightly more favorable conditions.  Feels like 6 had the 16 sprocket in use so cadence became my heater, 2 k's passing without detonation.  Tina, Grumpy, Col and Temple divided the drives along River Rd, Grumpy's turn a little shorter than expected or was that the effects of Friday night hydration showing? (Penny drops,  that's why he's not with the shop squad this morning!)   Some just don't sense the winds' direction and The Godfather's a classic!  The rear of the line was right at Coach Rd's edge hiding from the west southwester, while The Godfather sat at the road's centre.  Grumpy hollering suggestions had no effect of course.  

The smooth, stylish shift of PistolPete got us back into the pace-line groove, locked into another world as focus sharpened on the wheel ahead and zoned-in on an engine like rhythm.  Nice to have Pete's reliable and rock steady drive to draft.  Covers k's quickly.  Bo creaked the 2 k's of Old Dookie Rd to the Toaster, the wind now a direct westerly to make us earn our breakfast back home.   A short 1500 metres to Pine Lodge's church suited me, Tina could cover the 1500 to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and tuck in for a tow to avoid that headwind homeward.  Col and Grumpy could provide the towing duties!   Temperature sank in a few short sections (pleased I pulled a base layer out of Summer hibernation) to take a little more breath away, but being dragged along in the draft was nothing to grizzle about.   

GreatScottSteve had sprinted from a sleep-in to appear at Boundary Rd to join us.  Kreeky got us to Ford Rd, Temple and The Godfather sharing duties so we'd get to Grahamvale Rd.  I had complete faith in PistolPete and Bo doing the business to Mt. Wanganui.  Impeccable timing put me at the front as we turned out of that headwind and into Rudd Rd, and as my last shift was a lame one, a decent one was overdue.  To Canterbury Rd was something resembling fair.  Hey, wasn't I looking after Tina to hand over a tail-wind shift into town?  Onto the Boulevard and the shop squad had hunted us down , Tina finding the mid 40's tempo to drag us all into their draft.  For a k or so until legs and lungs went lax under the labor.     Fresh hotmix being laid in Knight St forced a footpath diversion but that didn't delay breakfast and the babble on old vinyl, dead rock stars and roof racks.

18/1  A pace promotion.

Bruce's assurance of fair play was some consolation making my way to the shop Monday, joining the fast fella's still brought a touch of trepidation though.  Tempo would be the test.  A combination of Couldabeen's clans assured decent numbers with many (from both sides) touring South Australia.  I felt like I'd steered a Suzuki Mighty Boy onto a Formula One grid arriving at the shop, Rocket, Wozza, Lenny, Bruce and Trav were ready and raring to roll.  At least the 'formula 2's', Temple, Emil, JJ and Joe (not Tony) arrived to balance the standards.  Wozza set a sympathetic speed out Channel Rd  (this was the set circuit of the shop squad on Mondays, us lower classes will follow the hosts) with a south southwester to whip at our flanks.  Rocket kept a lid on his wattage (just below 40) as legs and lungs began to tolerate the tempo, my head now happy with the hurry while these guys probably struggled to stay awake!  Bruce guided us along the smoothness of the ChaCha's hotmix, me just realising I'd have that wind to deal with for the 600 metres of Central Ave.  The following 700 east to the cypress trees would at least be easier.  The old bloke didn't do too bad (or was the snoring supressed?)  Maybe it's performance under pressure?  Happy with my form of hurry, I handed over to Emil but managed to ingest an insect when I left the oxygen door wide open in recovery at the rear.  (I'd prefer tastier protein!)  Emil did well to storm on to Boundary Rd, JJ (fresh from Adelaide and Brisbane hills) turning up the tempo a tad to the Pub then on to the fig farm.  

40's were the norm with the wind at our backs.  Bruce kept an eye out for those of lower rank, Lenny making the haste to New Dookie Rd, but it was Temple's tempo that got bums off seats toward the rail-line ; I'll have what he's having for breakfast!  (great to see the guy back aboard with new found mojo)   Rocket took to Ford Rd at 40 despite the west southwester being almost head-on, a new bike (Trek Emonda SLR) under that sort of engine surely contravenes some homologation rule?!  To the town's edge at 3rd wheel spelled work in Wanganui Rd for me, I'd got up to speed after crossing the highway to get the relief of "Easy" being hollered from behind.  A few had dragged the chain into Wanganui Rd.  The slow was heaven but the acceleration for "all on" hurt.  Plans to reach Mt.Wanganui were far fetched, wattage being sought was barely at a trickle, so a twitch of the elbow gave Emil the job to finish the 400 to Rudd Rd.  A cruisy ride along the Boulevard was never going to happen but JJ kept the speed at a steady simmer.  Joe (not Tony) started to drop the wheel as Lenny kept legs labored toward Tarcoola, Bruce quick to drop back to guarantee nobody was left behind. 

20/1  What wattage?

Monday's lap was challenging and despite the lax legs feeling, it was addictive enough to go back for more on Wednesday.  That "banging your head against a brick wall" theory?   There's not much light at the car park at 5:38 anymore, now beyond the summer solstice the days steadily shorten, but the leds of Temple, Trav, Emil, Rocket, Bruce and Wozza soon lit up the grid for the 5:40 effort.  It must have been Groundhog Day.  

Wozza again led the line out Channel Rd with a similar southerly to Monday's shoving at the wheels, Rocket the second shift yet again to Orrvale Rd.  The difference was I'd avoid the wind today, Trav and Bruce were ahead and yet to serve their speed at the business end.  Bruce seems to have that PistolPete / Rocket / Wozza gene that cancels the effect of a headwind, pace impressive down Central Ave then east to the cypress trees.  Though he'd set a standard I felt duty bound to follow.  And that duty was now due!  I could tackle the 1500 metres to the S bend but another 1200 to Boundary Rd was beyond my wattage, so I gave Emil that chore.  (Done admirably.....and he added another 600 up to the pub for good measure) 

Temple took on the shift to the bridge and that ended division 2's first round of contributions, the four fast fellas line astern now presented their pace to hang onto.  Wozza made the task look easy to Old Dookie Rd, Rocket that little bit easier to New Dookie Rd.  Trav's smooth shift up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd used the last of the tail-wind, the toil of a side wind now against us for the west way back to town.  Bruce held the reigns toward Lemnos while I banked on his velocity not to cook me ; it's the length of the turn that can toast me quickly.  BigBen on a solo spin joined in, Bruce's smoothness saving me from turning crispy, so my engine was well and truly warmed up to face the front in Ford Rd.  

Lucky me had a little shelter from the southerly for almost a k but the exposed section thereafter put plenty of strain on sustaining the speed.  I'd delayed throwing an elbow for a white posts or two (extending the limit that conservative head was telling me) but signals from the legs soon sent an involuntary twitch to elbow Emil to the front.  I was delighted to see traffic at Grahamvale Rd to force 10 seconds of stationary oxygen overload.  Here's hoping the 6 left to do duty would get me back to town ; what wattage I had left wouldn't pull the skin off a custard!  Rocket seems to relish a long shift, working Wanganui Rd with his trademark tempo, that little more light from the rising sun all the better to avoid the sticks littering the tarmac from last nights gusts.  Trav kept the hurry and the heart-rate up to the Boulevard, BigBen making his driving debut to keep the squad silent to Tarcoola. 

21/1  I-solo-ation.

A solo spin can be argued as good therapy.  Hiding in the draft of a bunch, doing a turn or two for a few minutes then wax lyrical about average speeds can elevate the ego a bit beyond normal.   Self said it was time to face the reality of solitary speed and strength (and maybe suffer a little!)     Thursday was one of  those rare mornings where wind wasn't out to kill me, in fact hardly a hint of the forecast south southeaster was blowing.  That explained the better than expected pace east on Wanganui Rd.     Steve (the machine) was assembling his squad of speed at Verney Rd (way beyond my league) but I was happy to play "bike bait" a few minutes ahead.  It'd keep my pace perked up to Boundary Rd in a disillusioned drive to hold them off.  Maintaining a decent pace meant keeping just under the red zone (You know,  when all goes blurry and you feel the need to update your Will!), the velocity a little easier bearing south, so a couple of k's were added without fear of early implosion.   Steve's squad soon swamped me at New Dookie Rd in a humbling hurry.  My argument of aspiration vs ability said staying solo suited me better.  No use flogging a dead horse!  

Crossing Old Dookie Rd I found another bunch of bikes a k or so behind me, figuring it'd be the Felines kept a keen pace as a priority.  A cruisy speed seemed counter-productive.  A sense of achievement was found closer to that red zone.  A once-in-a-while peek back kept the gap in check and with time on my side from an early start, the route to River Rd was in my sights (hadn't ridden this way west in ages).   Skippy was in my sights at the turn too (right in the middle of the road mind you) so a holler got him in a hurry to hurdle the fence.  A glance back reaching the quarter horse stud sighted those bunch lights only just entering River Rd, so it was no real challenge to stay ahead at this rate.  Couldn't be the Cats this cruisy could it?  These must have been snails!  Time had turned a little more precious nearing River Rd's end, so old faithful short-cut on the truck route to Archer had me home on time to keep employed. 

22/1  Licorice legs.

Half a dozen starters meant toil for Friday's fling, so didn't I do the sneaky shuffle to the rear as the clock struck 5:40!  Yeah, delaying the inevitable, but I needed maximum time to psych up for speed.  Lenny, Rocket, Bruce and Oscar far out-ranked Emil and I (no disrespect Emil!)  Where were the other division 2's anyway?  Some, not all were in Adelaide!  Surely the stay-at-home homeys hadn't softened and slipped to the soft side of the Wannabee's?    Bruce opened the account into Channel Rd (here's me thinking one weekday might have been on the River Rd circuit) with barely a breeze from the southeast.  Stick your head out of the draft at Bruce's pace though and you'd claim a neck injury!    Rocket remained consistent in scoring 2nd shift to Orrvale Rd.   How much easier is it to keep pace on the billiard table smoothness of the ChaCha?  So good that Lenny bumped up the speed to make sure nobody was snoring.  Oscar had the Central Ave / McFadyen Rd leg and took us to the cypress trees post haste, his somewhat shorter stature make his tow a little lame though.  

 Emil took on driving duties while I tried mental telepathy to make the S bend his limit.  My legs were licorice already and I'd yet to contribute a thing!   The telepathy worked, I got the 1200 metre drive to Boundary Rd (my head was already denying thoughts of driving on to the Pub)   Just as well the Garmin had turned itself off, I didn't want to see the heart rate numbers as I struggled to reach Channel Rd's end.  I'd preserved just enough push to catch the tail as Bruce took over, stocking up on oxygen as he kindly went easy on the accelerator.  Till he crossed the highway.  Suck up that speed Foss!, Bruce was on a mission of motion to Old Dookie Rd and that only baited Rocket's second drive to be a long one too.  (no complaints from me though, that meant more time in the tow before I'd face the pain in the driver's seat again)   

Photo credit ; Rocket.

Lenny led the Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd shift west, thank the breeze being at the backside for helping me stay aboard.  Oscar did the Ford Rd flight as I prepared for the predicted duty in Wanganui Rd, but as Emil put the sting into the speed over Grahamvale Rd, Bruce hollered a halt to extract a bee sting from his hand. That was oxygen time for me.  Far sooner than I'd hoped, Emil was back into bolting to Numurkah Rd, the 3200 metres of Wanganui Rd in front of me a sight to suffer.  I'd apply a seniors discount and do the drive to DECA, Bruce could manage the rest.  

Those licorice legs just managed to clutch the caboose when Bruce opened the throttle to Mt.Wanganui, so it was almost pleasing (in an unintentionally callous way) to see Bruce had suffered likewise as he rolled rearward in Rudd Rd.  Rocket took his time restoring tempo toward the Boulevard, bless his cotton socks, but Lenny seemed to relish making the final drive to Tarcoola's roundabout close to torture.  Division 2's return next week will be be welcomed!

This week 236km    YTD  835km

Hey!, get well soon TatMat ; took a tumble and shed some skin on a Tat pot-hole.  

Good to catch up with Coggo during the week too, steady improvements but there's a distance to travel yet on the recovery road. Chin up young man.