Fronting for the fun?

 Post #713

2/9 Saturday singled and syncronised.

Hitting the snooze button only starts the can't be f#&ked's flooding the head. Two degrees at stupid o'clock on a Saturday had something to do with it, but a lap with the lads might shake off some of the sloth.  (escape bed before sleep wins the argument Foss!) Sanctuary's grid was a little bare with just Wozza, Rocket, Gazza, the 5ft Ninja, Emil and Greg lining up at 5:59 but Nev and Lance's arrival as six struck would save some labour.   Wozza supplied the watts to Mitchell Rd and at fifth wheel, I had some time to ready the head for hurt.  Greg's slipstream was the bonus as Rocket did a double shift to River Rd then added the 2 k's to the bridge as a bonus.  Of course that only baited Gazza to enduro to rooster corner (not that he needs any encouragement!)

Consistent 37's and 8's eventually numbed the hurt though Nev went off in his own little world of speed when given the lead role into Coach Rd.  Predicting the delay of seven swinging 90 degrees north from River Rd, Emil went easy on the gas to minimize the whiplash effect.  Nine got back in line by the dam.  Greg got the job of taking us east into Old Dookie Rd but that new knee needed nursing at the bridge, so I was handed the 2 k haul to the Toaster......and quickly felt what Greg' knee was niggling about.  The old engine went ok till it started to miss-fire in the last 200 metres. Lance towed us to the church, the Ninja to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. 

Wozza was on a mission headed west, still stuck in the driver's seat beyond the Pine Lodge Creek and still spinning like a top beyond Boundary Rd. There's moments when the focus to hang on to that sort of hurry blurs to thoughts of abandoning ship; several moments in fact as he dragged us the 6.2 k's to Lemnos in the 39's.  Being counted as a part of the pack drives some determination though, doesn't it? Or is the shame of being blown off the back the glue to keep us stuck to the wheel ahead? Wozza's epic effort would rub off on those with the horsepower to match it........ and that would delay the few (with none) from facing the front for a while. 

The line of nine stayed as one along Wanganui Rd though tempo would obviously brew by the Cemetery.  Gazza was first to ignite the afterburners at Canterbury's roundabout, Rocket, Wozza, Nev and Emil unable to resist the rush (the Ninja, Lance, Greg and I knew our survival was with something slightly slower to breakfast). Helicopters, hospitality and how somedays the engine's got nothin' captured the conversation over breakfast. 

4/9 Swerv'n skippy. 

Monday's mindset was quickly thrown into thrash mode when only Wozza, Rocket, Emil and the 5ft Ninja fronted for duty; thoughts of a gentle baptism to week 1042 of this two wheeled addiction were quickly dashed.  Indian filed among this sort of horsepower would certainly make me earn coffee!  Avoiding the northeast wind (17-24 km/h) was out of the question on this anti-clockwise course; the last squirt along Old Dookie would possibly be the only respite.  I should have hijacked the first shift south to Mitchell Rd but Rocket had pole position on Sanctuary's grid, though his opening tempo was considerate to those of weaker wattage. 

Quick calculations had my turn through Central Kialla so its few houses and a couple of trees might give a little shelter.  Emil went easy at 36's to Euroa Rd.  The way north toward River Rd wasn't as tough as this pessimist predicted, pleased in fact to keep 35's on the speedo till the pot-holed section near the off camber turn east.  I had just enough oxygen left to join as last carriage for Wozza's work to the bridge.  It seemed Wozz had bit betwixt teeth when he continued to the dip, but hopes he'd hand the lead role to the Ninja went out the window. (legs were protesting about pace)  By the quarter horse fence I was well toasted even at 5th wheel (pity the Ninja's predicament at 2nd!) but there was a holler and sudden slow.  A kangaroo had bounded from the roadside, missing Wozza by millimeters, the subsequent scatter in all directions preventing the dreaded touch of wheels (we might not have been so lucky in a bigger bunch)   A minute off the throttle settled nerves (and I took the liberty of stocktaking oxygen).  The Ninja loved the northeaster on Coach Rd as much as I enjoyed it through Central Kialla, her elbow electing Rocket to the lead at the dam. 

Naturally he went long range beyond the highway to Boundary Rd's bridge, easy for him but a workload for me now at 3rd wheel.  I reckon these fast fellas were taking it easy for the Ninja and I so they might as well do overtime at the front, a habit picked up by Emil driving to Old Dookie Rd and staying in the role to Central Ave.  Naturally he wanted more, so added a k to Dobson's bridge.  Matching the same speed for 1500 metres to the truck route was possible with the northeaster at my tail but it took Wozza's watts to drag us to SPC (mine had gone missing by then!)  

 5/9 Making up the numbers.

With riders rare, squirrels and the few Couldabeens not on holiday teamed up for Tuesday's tap of the Sanctuary circuit, Rocket and Wozz assuring Greg, Emil, BamBam, Troy, the Jenerator and the 5ft Ninja they'd stay stuck in first gear.  Emil and Wozza have perfected the PistolPete introduction to the lap, not blowing any gaskets with a considered pace to Mitchell Rd.

A light westerly trimmed the temperature to feels like 0.8 (so much for Spring's sublime 10 degrees yesterday!) but enough energy was being expended to warm the engine up.  All were on high alert for 'roos so a switch to high beam when I reached the front seemed sensible (last night's high winds had provided plenty of small branches to look for too)   The half light nearing rooster corner wasn't a lot of help though the new-found peace in the bunch helped concentration.  The breeze behind hadn't given me any extra speed but then cold hardly encourages it.  Part two to the Broken was eased by Emil's co-operation, his pairing with Rocket from there going gentle on the throttle to the highway. (Cheque's in the mail lads!)   

Half a dozen Cats must have soaked up the serenity as our paths crossed.  BamBam does the distance by sensibly setting a slightly slower speed, something I should put into practice instead of pushing a punishing pace.(sticking to the squad's speed becomes an obsession at the front).   Into the breeze at the business end at Dobson's bridge, the Ninja copped the windshear from oncoming trucks as well, any wonder she sought a draft when the drive to SPC got swift.  

7/9 Headwinds and hello holidaymakers.

For a moment I felt guilty bailing out of Wednesday's ride (I'll admit I softened for a sleep-in when I saw zero on the gauge) till I noticed only three had fronted for a thrash in the 38's around the circuit. I'd want compensation for that cruelty!  Coulda's and Squirrels had combined again on Thursday to get the peloton populated, finding Tina had returned from Europe and Liam & Trav were back from the northwest outback.  I'd avoided the minus yesterday but was destined to suffer a northeaster today (13-24 km/h), anticlockwise 'aint the easiest direction at this time of year.  Thanks be to Grumpy, Kim, Wozza, the Jenerator Emil, BamBam, Troy, the 5ft Ninja and Rocket for fronting up to share the suffering around.

Luck had my place in the pack to be last to face the wind, although speed was set at kind for Tina's return to two wheels.  Kim kept her company in the caboose while Wozza and Emil opened the order of business to Mitchell Rd.  Temperature, or the lack of it, seemed to be the only test for Liam and Trav.  Keeping pace had turned into an effort along River Rd so wasn't it disappointing to see just 33's on a glance at the Garmin (legs had translated the tempo at 37's). That day off had done me no good at all!  Labour lessened a little on the transition to the advance line, finding some sanctuary in the sheltered side as the crew crested River Rd's dip. 

No 'roos on the circuit today; saying that they'll probably pop up in town!   BamBam, the Ninja and the Jenerator ahead meant speed wouldn't be supersonic when I got to the driver's seat and I was sure Wozza would stick to the social standard if that big engine of his didn't stall!  The 5ft one called it quits at Channel Rd so the Jenerator and I fronted for the fun of the (almost) head wind to the highway, adding the extra distance to Pogue Rd 'cause we loved the punishment?  I was going ok alongside Wozz for a while but the oncoming truck and the blast of wind with it blew any momentum back to Murchison!  And didn't that signal the head to raise the white flag at the bridge. 

Emil and Wozza's slipstream worked well for about 50 metres till tempo turned up toward Old Dookie Rd.   The turn west was like winning the lottery with that wind almost behind us, speed not getting too silly till the truck route. Troy turned up the hurry to SPC but diplomatically kept the team as one to the new traffic light (must wired in series with Balaclava Rd; it's always red!)

8/9 The radar was clear in the early hours of Friday but the Bureau of Instinct told me rain would ruin the ride. 30+km/h winds helped the decision to stay indoors.  I didn't sleep-in but soaked up the smugness as the 6:15 showers hit.  

This week 224km

YTD 9,143km  

Full gas on the garble.

 Post #712

26/8 How come fast guys buy faster bikes?

The bike, just serviced, purred like a kitten, even seemed a little faster on the roll toward Tarcoola, but the old engine struggled to hold the new found speed.  I guess I could search Bo's encyclopedia of excuses for a reason but a hint of fog seemed to make the air like soup to push through.  (That'd do for a reason, till I could find a better one!) Yeah, I had checked; the tyres weren't flat!    The usual spin of Sanctuary's side streets till six bells chimed found GiantAndy and allen key adjusting the seat height of a brand spanking new Cervelo. (it looked like it was doing 60 k's an hour standing still!)  As if he needed something faster! 

5:59 found Lance, Troy, Emil, Boof, Julz, Gazza, Wozza, Grumpy, Rocket, Greg, the 5ft Ninja, Nev, Bo and PistolPete at the grid and ready to roll.  Without a plan or a thought on position, I found myself near the pointy end of the advance line rather early, well out of my league between Rocket and GiantAndy no less.  (Not so clever Foss.)  It was highly likely my time at the business end would be brief, particularly with 37's early on the agenda. 

PistolPete, Emil, Wozza and Rocket had shown their abilities to River Rd, time now for me to play a part for the drive east.  Happy that the wind had taken a day off, the celcius wasn't interested in rising much above three, so that soup-like consistency made the push toward River Rd's bridge a burden.  Rocket had let me set my own pace (kind lad that he is) but there's a standard to uphold isn't there; a standard that was cooking me too soon.  I had to call part one of the shift short, then having GiantAndy alongside for part two hoisted the mental white flag straight up the pole.  Bursting at the bridge, GiantAndy supplied me a (substantial) slipstream for recovery, but with Gazza now his co-pilot, respite would be scheduled for later (maybe at breakfast?) 

Speed snuck up to 37's again while the two happily chatted at the front to rooster corner, me doing my best to silence a Chewbacca impersonation.  I had hoped to drive something decent at the front so settled for sub-standard (though seeing some others struggle similarly in the driver's seat was some consolation).  Lots of light lit landmarks previously camouflaged by Winter's darkness, the effect on the mindset immeasurable.  Trophies should be awarded to those who soldier on through Winter.  There's certainly a tax imposed on those who don't! (You know that, don't you LiamM?)   

Saddle height needed tweaking for Gazza and Andy to pit stop at Pine Lodge North Rd and having the horsepower to hunt us all down, they were left to adjust while the rest rode west into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  Plenty were seeking shelter in the left line before facing the front in the advance; understandable given the wattage to keep company with at the pointy end of the pack (and the reputation of the rush into town).  

Word had it the horsepower was taking a holiday into town today, although 37's and 8's started to take it's toll toward Mt.Wanagnui.  The sun blinded the path along the Boulevard where single file was mandatory for survival.  I could see Julz ahead, battling  to hold a wheel so when the rubber band broke, team ethics had me donate a tow to breakfast.  A team of two o.t.a. beats the shame of solo doesn't it?  The sense of direction, bike fitting and cholesterol vs fat made the noise across the Eighty8 breakfast table. 

28/8 Profit from pain?

Maybe it's Mondays that make motivation hard to find? The struggle to find some sense in a stupid o'clock spin was eventually overcome; Social stimulation is half of it and coffee the other! (fostering a fraction of fitness might come of it too).   BamBam, Wozza, Bo, Julz, PistolPete, Lenny, Emil, Kel, The Godfather, Rocket, the 5ft Ninja and Gazza found their mojo to make it to the Sanctuary grid.  My usual place in the left line was under threat 'cause Bo's getting greedy for maximum draft and a placid partner to pair with.  At least I have the lack of horsepower as an excuse! 

Gazza was confined to the caboose with a lack of voltage keeping him in the dark, so my place in the advance line behind BamBam wasn't going to be knocked back.  For a moment the Ninja looked likely to be my partner for part two till Lenny braved the advance line too.  The usual pairing of Emil and PistolPete made the movement to Mitchell Rd a gentle baptism to the effort needed to hang onto the hurry supplied by Rocket and Wozz.  Kel had dragged Bo (almost kicking and screaming) toward the business end on River Rd but his part two had a discount with the drive beside BamBam.  I got the promotion to the lead role to rooster corner.  Lenny made part two the pleasure with an offer to roll when I wanted, but I'd already set sights at reaching the bridges on Coach Rd. 

I could have opted for the short shift but there's got to be some pain doesn't there? (just hoped there'd be a profit from it).  Lenny stuck the Cannnondale into drive for his part two with the Ninja to measure her to Channel Rd, PistolPete then measured to the highway by the 5ft one.  This old motor had just returned to manageable levels when division one spiced up the speed a little more; and it only takes a two or three k increase to get the needle to the red line.  I blame Rocket and Wozz (on this occasion) for the hurt, though us (in division two) would rarely explore those limits without them, would we?  There wouldn't be many exploring the heights of heartrates riding solo.  The city appeared quickly, the shift to SPC seemingly swifter than usual, but it gets coffee into the system sooner.

29/8 Squad 'o seven.

Yeah, it's the same old same old Tuesday ritual, two years running for the squirrels now.  Head to Tarcoola at stupid o'clock, find like-minded addicts to commute to the shop, pick up a couple on the way and find one or two there to spin the Channel, Boundary, Lemnos-Cosgrove, Ford and Verney circuit, then reward the stupidity / endeavour / habit (you choose the appropriate word!) with coffee and chat on whatever afterward.  Not much alters from week to week,  other than the weather and a face or two sometimes. 

Kim, Wendy, the Jenerator, Julz, Emil and Greg rolled up for the same circuit and the usual turn or two (maybe three), the predictable long drive from Emil and as always, the same satisfaction of braving the elements and finding a fraction of fitness in the process. (Whether there's any improvement is open for debate, but like always, it feels good when you stop!) There were a few minor differences today; it was Kim's birthday, Wendy had returned from the search for snow at Falls Creek and the odd spit of rain fell through the patchy fog at one point.  Oh, and an east southeast breeze turned into a light northeast wind on the way. I still had a struggle to meet the expectations of pace at the front but got the reward of the slipstream after, and yeah, Emil's heroics drove the length of Boundary Rd.  Naturally Balaclava's traffic light went red to give us a short intermission. Comedy and coffee was the conclusion at the Butter Factory.

 31/8  Hasta la vista Winter, don't hurry back!

Just like the last 80 odd days, the feels-like number gets scrutinized in the wee small hours to gauge the insulation required and how much concrete to pour on the Corn Flakes to face another day of Winter.  But this was the last! Spring tomorrow makes it more bearable, even if the temperatures take a while to resume to reasonable.  (Feels like 1.5 said Winter wasn't wanting to leave!)   Emil's always as keen as mustard and Wendy overcame a reluctance to ride, but Rae Street was as empty as a politician's promise.  Devotees are dwindling?  

Hopes hinged on a squirrel or two at the shop, or this would be a lap of hard labour for three.  Greg and Julz arrival at the car park saved the day.  Wind direction is usually debatable between the Bureau and self's senses; Mr Meteorology reckoned it was a west southwester, internal instincts said more like southwest.  A relaxed Thursday roll in the low thirties didn't feel that relaxed, even at second wheel, although that wind and the "feels-like" didn't put a lot of positives in the skull.  (Rain stopped play yesterday; maybe I'm rusting already?)  Boundary Rd might be better?  My usual contribution from Doyles to Orrvale didn't blow a gasket but I was happy to retreat to the rear for Greg to be the boss to the Kinder. (That new knee knows how to transmit torque already!)   Wendy reckoned she was weary but performance to the cypress trees said otherwise. 

Smoothing a shift takes a bit of practice and a lot of focus (and some never do or even try to perfect it) but Julz is tuning her technique not even a year into her apprenticeship.  Practice was paid off with pace to the S bend.   Emil on early duty might mean I get a different length of Boundary's tarmac as second shift; alas his drive dominated to Old Dookie Rd, so I got the very familiar 1200 metres to New Dookie to drive.  Whether the wind was WSW or SW, it hadn't helped with much hurry but a super moon helped light the way north.  Wendy's work west on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd went long, my big surprise was Emil's elbow after just three k's of Ford Rd covered.  The short shift to Verney Rd was a rare third turn for me, and now I agreed with the Bureau's decision on that wind's direction. Greg got the hallowed drive toward Balaclava Rd........but someone just had to take a charge to the traffic lights. (Julz, Wendy and I paid the price of a slower approach with a red light). 

1/9 Somebody spike his coffee with Ritalin!

Sanctuary's serenity was shattered (as standard) with The Godfather's arrival at 5:39, entertainment for Troy, Rocket, Boof, Emil, Grumpy, the 5ft Ninja, Wozza and Bruce awaiting the 5:40 launch.  PistolPete, Kel and Bo chose an earlier effort (I'll bet they just wanted peace!) so Rocket and Emil opened the proceedings toward Mitchell Rd.  The shelter of second wheel (in the left line) helped me hide from the southwester, though I hadn't allowed for the horsepower driving at 37's for the first few k's (too much talk in the bunch and you're not going fast enough they say!)  Wozza's pairing with Rocket to Central Kialla kept things quiet......except for Grumpy flat chat with chat and The Godfather full gas on the garble).   

Boof was my guide into the advance line and with Bruce in charge of the caboose, Emil became my backstop as BamBam arrived late via the truck route.  It was just a waiting game now before the dramas of doing duty at the front.  The Godfather and the Ninja led out of River Rd's dip though the 5ft one shortened her contribution shy of the quarter horse fence to put Boof and I at the business end.  Performance was partially pleasing with the southwester's help at the hindquarters though this engine was under maximum load just 1500 metres on.  I could count on compliance with Emil partnering for part two but felt compelled to stay on tempo to save brake pad wear for those behind. 

A double shot of oxygen was wanted by rooster corner.  Bless BamBam for preserving pace north toward the bridges; my heart rate got out of the heavens by the highway.  Emil, Rocket and Wozz made muscles mumble murder to Old Dookie Rd, tactically getting The Godfather into the wind for the way home with an in-form Troy to deal with.  A chorus of "Full Blocks" was replied to The Godfather's call for mercy at Dobson's bridge.  I thought I'd be spared from a second shift at the front again but was dangerously close to imploding at second wheel to Boof reaching the truck route, legs burning in protest of pace, but The Godfather was gracious in letting me into a gap as Emil opened the throttle to head the hurry toward SPC.   Ten days of serenity are to follow with Bo and The Godfather holidaying in Hawaii (sincere sympathies extend to Kel and Lynda as their reluctant chaperones!)

It's a shame Wozz can't read!

                               This week 260km

                                YTD 8,919km 

Kindness before cruelty.

 Post #711

19/8 Saturday's circus.

Saturday usually serves up a little more motivation than the usual weekday lap, or is breakfast the bait of the weekend's ride? Extra time on the social stuff might be the cure for the extra time on the bike? Who would turn up at Sanctuary Drive is always a lucky dip, Emil, Rocket, GiantAndy, Boof, Bo, Wozza, Troy, Bruce, Julz, PistolPete and Grumpy answering the attraction of a 6am start, The Godfather (positioning to pair with Bio of course) adding a circus-like atmosphere to the pack heading south. 

Winter must be becoming familiar; seven degrees felt warm! (though the stiff west northwester would make the return to town a tough one.  My plans were to be at the back by then!)   PistolPete sounded as crook as a dog but did his standard shift to Mitchell Rd without missing a beat, Grumpy had his chat into overtime while GiantAndy had barely got above idle at 37's to Central Kialla.   The boyish banter between you know who distracted thoughts from the work waiting at the front.  Eastbound speed was remarkably restrained considering the westerly blowing through the Khyber Pass but my guess was there'd be hurt when The Godfather and Bo finished their drive on Coach Rd.  Missing the starters gun at Sanctuary, Nev arrived via Channel Rd to tag onto the team. 

The Bureau's data of a west southwester at 20 k's per hour told there'd be a battle at the left flank on the front, but when Bo rolled left over the highway I was convinced the hurt was head-on.  What determination wanted and what the old engine would deliver was like Trump vs reality! No amount of h.t.f.u. was getting me to the bridge so I called the shift shorter a bit beyond Pogue Rd.  Rocket showed sympathy for the senior citizen but the head had called it quits at the bridge.  I pretended not to hear the holler of "Full Blocks!"  (A dismal performance really, though nobody seemed to mind.  Except me)  Rocket and Boof's steady pace to Old Dookie was like Christmas come early. 

Tempo to the Toaster picked up a little but stayed in the confines of survivable, what watts I managed to save were being banked for the labour in Lemnos-Cosgrove to come.  Praise be to the watts happening to reach the front for the way west to town; I'd booked a seat at the back (like Julz) for the flight back home!  You can feel a bit like excess baggage in the caboose but could view it as being chauffeured in a Ferrari to a restaurant too. Can't help admiring the horsepower hauling us into a headwind at a similar speed to what us mortals do with a tailwind! 

(Where their watts come from I want to know. Mine might be on back-order!)  Uncharacteristically, PistolPete withdrew from duty to join the rearmost in Ford Rd; told you he was crook! 

There was plenty of power to pull us along Wanganui Rd although The Godfather blew a gasket nearing DECA (though had enough stubbornness in the tank to catch the tail). Us four spent souls had little to respond to the ten ahead when the hammer went down in Rudd Rd, so we chose to share the shifts along the Boulevard at a speed more survivable.  The squad now splits for sustenance between Eighty8 and the Lemontree, Greg, Molly, Jen and Kim joining Emil, Julz and I to chew over the science of speed, secret meetings in planes and the scourge of cigarettes.

21/8 Winter's waning? I wish!

Convincing self to harden up and join the advance has become almost a daily argument.  The case for the affirmative wasn't helped with Gazza getting 39's on the Garmin just a few minutes into Monday's lap, but if the Ninja and BamBam were heading to the front, why not me too?  PistolPete's permission had been granted to Emil and Wozza to drive the first shift to Mitchell Rd, Gazza, Bruce, Rocket, Lenny, Bo and Kel assembling behind.  As always, The Godfather timed his arrival to join the tail.  Wozza had the watts to stay with Gazza's efforts to Central Kialla post haste and Bruce had the horsepower to reach River Rd in a similar rush, despite the northerly breeze.  Any wonder I had second thoughts at doing a shift. 

Some, slightly slower, had taken up the promotion forward so I bit the bullet, sandwiched between PistolPete and Rocket, to brave a turn.
There was little rest in River Rd, despite a few wheels ahead delivering a draft.  The call of "car back" was on again / off again nearing rooster corner but I guess a vague call is better than none at all. Kel and the Ninja took on the head wind toward the Broken bridges, PistolPete patient alongside the Ninja till her part two was abbreviated 200 metres on.  The northerly wasn't such a nuisance to the highway but resuming the speed in Boundary emptied my tank too quickly. 

Rocket obliged by supplying the slipstream at the bridge, oxygen intake taking precedence over chat till Old Dookie Rd (I'd hoped for a more rapid recovery; barely 15 bpm better after 2 k's of draft)   Fella's far faster had lined up for the 8 k's of Old Dookie's length back to town so exploring the limits of labour was a hard way to earn a cup of coffee. Those humbling thoughts of going o.t.a. brought out the watts to hang on though. 

22/8 Sync'd squirrels.

The forecast damp for Tuesday had a window of opportunity open by morning, just enough time to squeeze a lap (and a long black) and get home before being baptised.  Wendy, Lili and Tina were excused and maybe Molly too, but LiamM's lost the love for two wheels it seems.  Thankfully, Kim, the Jenerator, Emil, Julz and Greg can still be classed as addicts to the squirrel squad. August had teased us with a taste of Spring; eleven degrees could almost expose knees but Winter's chills had caught us all cautious.  Beyond being a breeze, 15 k's worth of northerly would be a burden in Boundary Rd and most likely get Emil excited in Verney.  The introduction to Channel Rd was calm with Emil going easy for Greg's knee niggles but soon got down to the business of Tuesday's tempo.  A little shy of Emil's 36's, I managed 35's to Orrvale Rd though the Jenerator raised my performance anxiety driving to the Kinder at Emil's standards.  (Ah, young ones; let's see how they perform at my vintage!) 

Greg led leg four to the cypress trees and was still on the gas to Hanlon Rd before Kim was made captain.  Anxiety eased seeing most were sticking to the 34's and 35's.  Familiarity with the team and all on the same page of pace keeps the rhythm relaxed and makes the k's blur by; just try mixing it with the unknown masses on a big event for the opposite effect!  The track turned damp on Boundary Rd as Emil guided us north, something about his perch on the La Pierre telling me this was going to be a long haul.  Old Dookie Rd had blurred by and the guess at being given the reigns at New Dookie Rd was wrong.  I had no complaints at avoiding the headwind and being towed to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd though second wheel syndrome was beginning to empty my tank.  Heading west eased the effort a little but there'd be no heroics from me; I'd be sharing the distance to Lemnos with the Jenerator at the bridge.  Greg got the Ford Rd leg to Grahamvale Rd and Kim the short shift to Verney but as Julz set her sights at Balaclava Rd, Emil stole the driver's seat to take us south.  He was excused when Balaclava's red light turned green on our arrival.

23/8 Past the use-by date?

The risk of expending energy early was that there'd be little left in the tank if the bunch got excited later, though that extra effort to catch Wozza, Boof and Rocket at Benalla Rd's green light would be worth it.  There'd be a tow to Sanctuary's start, rather than ruin the old engine into the southwester getting there.  Lights turning yellow as Emil and I arrived hastened the hurry, but that draft was a perfect birthday present.  PistolPete's absence at the grid was weird; just as well Boof knew the direction to Mitchell Rd though limited numbers thinned two rows to one. 

Sitting fifth in line gave me a little time to prepare for pain. East to Central Kialla thanks to Emil and north to River Rd thanks to Wozz, I followed Rocket into River Rd readying for the hard yards beyond the bridge.  The smooth build of speed was the kindness before the cruelty 'cause Rocket continued on toward the dip (I thought Bo was the tail-wind thief?)   It's probably all in the mind but the tank said almost empty when Rocket finally peeled off the front, the spectre of The Godfather breathing down my neck extracting the effort to get to the quarter horse fence.  Respite wasn't going to be easy while The Godfather yo-yo'd the pace between 34 and 39.  Fresh back from holiday, Kreeky called me into second last place.  Kel's smooth shift to the Broken bridges restored some composure, BamBam's slightly slower shift to the highway gaining an extra breath or two. 

Just as well, Troy was on a mission to make Boundary Rd hurt. (Isn't it funny how you think you're on your limit but somehow find that little bit more to hang on.  The downside is legs go to jelly trying to accelerate at the next turn).   With a few getting close to struggle street, Rocket called for calm at the front as Boof drew the lead role west, so the pleasure of dropping below the red-line eased the engine for the 8 k's to get to coffee and cake (a small birthday one) 

24/8 Served chilled.

Emil running five minutes behind schedule gifted Molly, the Jenerator and I a calm commute to the shop; not that rushing around in one degree temperatures is on my wish list!  Julz and Greg arrived at the grid so social stuff was swapped till the captain clocked on at 5:36.  More than just me were pleased that Thursday's therapy speed was set. Greg's new knee needs a gentle running-in period and Molly's emergence from hibernation doesn't need any hurry.  Of course Emil assumed the lead role to the truck route and I'd be ex-communicated if I didn't take on the Doyles to Orrvale thing.  The 2 k's to the Kinder was in the Jenerator's command and Greg took charge of the shift to the cypress trees (making a habit of a hurry to Hanlon Rd again) 

 Julz set sights on Channel Rd's end though Emil charged to the Coach Rd intersection on traffic watch.  A new patch of gravel awaited our turn north.   Where Emil's elbow would elect me to the front was anyone's guess; he'd gone beyond the Boundary Rd bridge and beyond Old Dookie Rd too, so I took a punt at being given the reigns at New Dookie Rd. The difference in temperature from second wheel to the lead is probably measured in hundredths of a degree but it felt like being locked in the freezer at the front driving to Lemnos-Cosgrove. (I'll bet LiamM was quite cosy in his warm bed!)   Something stirred on the Jenerator to drive long to Lemnos and Greg had no dramas driving Ford Rd's first three k's to Grahamvale Rd (but don't tell his surgeon). 

I hadn't seen rain on the forecast but specs were suddenly spotty en-route to Verney Rd.  The road wasn't damp but Emil's rear tyre was serving me a spray of sealant (and it wasn't living up to it's name!)    Not the best argument in favour of tubeless.  A halt, a fiddle with fingers and a couple of serves of CO2 had wheels rolling again (within the hallowed five minute window I'll admit) only to be halted again by the Balaclava Rd red light.

25/8  Fraternal Friday.

Emil and Wozza's round one to Mitchell Rd had me thinking social speed had made a comeback, though I think it was more to do with consideration for PistolPete's recovery.  Rocket and Wozza's drive to Central Kialla was more like the labour I'm used to!  Three degrees wasn't so therapeutic, but the lack of wind was wonderful.  Couldabeens kit day had dragged Bo, Boof, Bruce, Julz, Kreeky, The Godfather, Troy, Grumpy and BamBam out from under the doona's warmth to fraternize in the fresh Friday temperature.   The presence of BamBam, Kreeky and Julz eased thoughts that the scales were skewed toward the supersonic, so I might hold on. 

Bo had been blocked from finding the easy berth in the bunch and PistolPete had locked in the rear-guard position, Grumpy naturally gasbagging at the front while a lot of hot air came in the midfield from you know who. BamBam's slightly slower pace at the business end inspired me braving the advance line, though I was in the league of watts with Boof ahead and Emil behind.  Kreeky's holiday has hampered his distance in the drivers seat so he called quits at the Broken bridges (or was it a half a block from The Godfather?)  The Pussycats peloton numbered two. I'd made it to the Boundary bridge beside Boof where hurt called it half time for me, Emil sympathetic with speed for part two but I couldn't quite get to the fig farm before mercy called him across.

Rocket and Wozza had the hurry on again in Old Dookie Rd (high performance engines tend to foul their spark plugs going slow) but having a few wheels ahead of me helped raise the slipstream and lower the heart-rate. Just enough oxygen was saved reaching the truck route roundabout to be spent on the speed to SPC .

This week 311km

YTD 8,659km