2023 : 326 Whopper's worth

 Post #724

Numbers usually tell a story;  6 tyres, 8 tubes (yep, I'm old school!), 3 chains, a DuraAce cassette, a pair of rear wheel bearings, 28 days of 3 degrees or lower (3 fewer than 2022 for the ones that reckon this year was colder) 26 days where rain stopped play, 33 laps of the Saturday circuit, 104 loops of the weekday ride, 82 spins on the shorter Squirrel circuit, 3 taps of Beach Rd and one to Frankston, once to Dookie and back, a Tat200, a climb of Bulla with Wendy and solo missions at Moss Vale and Clunes, a Bright to Mt. Beauty and back (with the torture of Tawonga Gap twice) and a mount of Mt. Buffalo. There were several days when the old engine wouldn't start and Sundays were usually stalled.  

2023 saw the usual pot-holes and wildlife (those Coach Rd kangaroos the cause of Lili and Tina's tumble), traffic lights sprouting at SPC and in Verney Rd, new bikes for Boof, Emil, Bruce, GiantAndy and Gazza and a new knee for Greg.  We said farewell to Bo's ponytail and Chris from the Butter Factory.  The year saw comebacks from Troy and Lenny and a rejuvenated BamBam, post surgery efforts from Greg and Lance the rise and rise of GiantAndy, Gazza, Jack and Julz (but some spinal struggles for Wozz, Kel and I)   Saturdays became a cafe of choice.  

This old engine managed 13,591 k's for the year (at a cost of 214,284 calories according to the Garmin numbers; that's 326 Hungry Jack's Whoppers worth).  Strava told me I totaled 150,000 k's during the year (though I'll ignore the pre-Strava 159,000 k's 'cause that makes me weary!)   

But it's the camaraderie and motivation of the bunch that's the highlight (as usual).  I doubt we'd do the distance solo.  Thanks for the encouragement, kudos and mechanical support through the year guys and gals, particularly for the free 'on board entertainment'!  I reckon I'll give next year a shot too. 

Best wishes for your prosperous (and upright) 2024. 

A perverse passion

 Post #723

13/11 Just another manic Monday.

Three days break from bike business got the old battery recharged, though softness festered quickly.  Sleeping in till 6 seemed extravagant.  As penance for time off and just to throw me in the deep end, a southwester made the southbound spin to Sanctuary one to suffer, though Lenny's appearance from an earlier (stupider o'clock) north loop provided a slipstream to let me off lightly.  A dozen (Tina, Troy, Lenny, Wozza, PistolPete, Emil, Kel, The Godfather, Bruce, Bo, Kreeky and Rocket) defied the feels like 5.6 to form a squad for the circuit.   Like most laps, the horsepower fronted first, PistolPete and Emil having no issue with the southwester to tow us to Mitchell Rd where Wozz worked his watts to Euroa Rd. Others just sat in his wake, hardening up to the hurry. 

A rabbit's random rush across the tarmac sharpened wits (and brake reaction times) but it barely stopped the usual chat on weekend activities (and how fast 48 hours evaporates).    With Tina's wheel to follow in the advance and the wind almost at the behind, River Rd was an easy path to pedal, time at the business end looking likely on Boundary (with the wind's help there too).   The Godfather's usual entertainment distracted thoughts from Rocket's velocity at the front.  Fresh tarmac repairs had the usual sprinkling of loose gravel to avoid, though it has to be better than the recent pot-hole saga we suffered. 

The time to serve some speed came when Tina rolled across beyond Boundary's bridge, part one brief when she called it quits shy of the fig farm.  Wind gusts from oncoming trucks weren't as tough as imagined so part two with Lenny to Old Dookie Rd became most manageable.  More urgency went into the velocity toward Central Ave ; Troy bedding in a new set of tyres and The Godfather trying to bend the teeth of the 11 sprocket.  Draft from a couple of passing cars had Emil and Wozz keen to keep 40 on the speedo, Bo stretching the line long to SPC with 43's and stretching friendships with it.

14/11  He's just an excitable boy.

As sure as the sun comes up, a southwester tormented the roll south to the shop.  (Why should we get it easy?)  I'd found Wendy, Emil, Kim and Tina en-route, the hopes of finding LiamM or Molly cruising Rae St was about as likely as finding The Godfather on the little ring!  (Maybe their return is a new years resolution?)  Julz and Greg fronted the start line, the third stroke of 5:30 getting Emil eager to exit east. (the prevailing wind having the effect of neat raspberry cordial poured into the excitable boy)   The line of seven was almost ten long by Kensington Gardens roundabout so the call of "Easy!" dictated a little less throttle (if he wanted to keep his fiance)   No argument from me, it lowered the bar a little for my usual (633rd) Doyles to Orrvale shift.   

Almost pleased with my pace to Orrvale Rd, Tina tested my performance anxiety with a spirited turn to the Kinder and Wendy didn't make it much better with her swift shift to the cypress trees.  I wasn't looking forward to the return to town into 20 k's worth of southwester to face, or could I squeeze in another shift before the turn west?  Greg got the lead role for Coach Rd to the highway and continued duty at 37's (without any complaints) on Boundary till Old Dookie Rd.  Emil couldn't help himself with New Dookie Rd as his aim, 41's and 43's keeping the squad silent with 2 k's of cruelty. Thankfully, his wasn't a long drive today; just short (but not so sweet). His elbow gave me the shift to Lemnos-Cosgrove, so I did get the winds' windfall. 

The west length to Lemnos was shared between Tina and Wendy, Julz starting Ford Rd with speed but was whittled down to slow over the distance.  Kim was keen to get to Verney Rd but not so keen when Greg pushed the pace toward Balaclava Rd.  By Graham St, Emil's itch was for a faster finish, though the rubber band was at breaking point for a few at the back.  That red traffic light fixed the problem.  Reformed for the Hawdon St leg toward coffee, the rubber band snapped by SPC (the finger of blame was pointed in two directions) but caffeine curbed the complaints.  

     

15/11 Go with the flow.

Into the southerly yet again, the old engine was nearly running on all cylinders (wish I knew why 'cause I'd go back for seconds!) to Sanctuary Drive but had no complaints when Emil took the lead at half distance to single file to the start line. (cheques in the mail mate!)   The 5ft Ninja, Wozza, Bruce, Greg, Lenny, Rocket, Tina, Bo, The Godfather, Kel and PistolPete filled the grid for the mid-week social spin ('social' being subject to interpretation). 

 Not Emil, not Wozza, but Rocket paired with Pete for the opening 2600 metres to Mitchell Rd (untroubled by wind in any direction, they're the usual partners in pace) while others who have limits lined up in order of ability behind.  Trees and fence posts appeared a little blurred to Central Kialla, the Garmin confirming 38's were the reason (Wozza's interpretation of social I suppose).  Supremely optimistic wearing finger-less gloves, feels like 6 nipped at the extremities, the bunch thinning themselves to squeeze between the pot-holed section and the centre line approaching River Rd for oncoming cars.  Following Tina's wheel into the advance line, I had Kel lined up behind for part two. 

Bruce played the gentleman role beside Tina (with focus fixed on reaching the quarter horse fence), my drive diplomatic too with ears open for Tina's call of quits.  A k later, Kel was alongside, speed gradually climbing to reach Coach Rd.  Silence at the turn meant the rooster was on strike, or asleep......or maybe destined to be Christmas lunch?  Speed kept creeping up toward the highway (blame the breeze at the back), Kel calling half time at the bridges.  (Summer must be near; the southbound 'hurt locker' trio has come out of hibernation).  Lenny and The Godfather took on tow truck duties to Boundary Rd where Greg set 37's to Old Dookie (probably the reason the Ninja sought shelter in the left line).  As usual, speed got spicy nearing town, so when Bo was elected to the front at the truck route, the dash to SPC was well beyond social.  But all survived to finish as a group, thanks to the red traffic light, to soak up the social stuff at the end (the real reason we ride?) 

16/11 My favorite thing.

Is it sliding down the slippery slope of softness when the favorite ride of the week is Thursday's slow one?  Just as well that relentless southerly blew to make the 7 k's to the squirrel start something to harden up on!  Miracles had happened to get LiamM back on the bike and Molly made the effort too, joining Tina, Wendy, Kim and Emil southbound to the grid where Julz and Greg were waiting.  Stacked across Channel Rd to shelter from the wind, 33's was Emil's pleasant pace to the truck route, a speed I was delighted to copy considering many other rides seem to explore the limits on this old engine.   Greg was under instruction to take the third turn (seems he doesn't behave among the back-markers) so drove a double shift to the cypress trees.  Wendy paid the price sustaining second wheel. 

A few extra players would shake up the routine; different lengths of tarmac to lead would almost be a holiday from the repetition.  Julz and Tina were treated to the tailwind on Boundary Rd, Molly content confined to the caboose.  LiamM had perfected positioning in the pack to score a one and only drive at the front with the last of the tailwind to Lemnos Cosgrove.  (Talk about a cruisy comeback!)  Emil made life easy towing us to Lemnos at 33's, though the call of "Clear" into Ford Rd got a hurried "Watch Left" added.  (Cars appear from nowhere with long grass at the roadside in the half light of stupid o'clock). Half got through, the other half halted. 

A slow start into Ford Rd while the line reformed was less stress for my drive to Grahamvale Rd.  Facing the southerly on Verney wasn't on many wish lists but Emil seems to have a perverse passion for it, leading the eight toward Balaclava Rd (with the standard thrash toward the lights).  Yep, red again.  

17/11 Starved of sleep, the pin was pulled on Fridays congregation.  And I'm pulling the pin on this babble for a bit too. (723 posts is a bit beyond o.c.d).  It'll give you time to read some far more interesting rants on social media and spare me the scribbles, verbal gymnastics and wrestling with the computer for a while.  Photos and a possible sentence will still be posted from time to time on Instagram @couldabeens though (if you're that starved!)

This week 193km

YTD 11,743km

           

The stuff of fantasy

 Post #722

4/11 Rampant 'roos.

How much horsepower would arrive at Saturday's starting grid spread a little trepidation among some starters at Sanctuary Drive (though there's always one or two happy to keep company with any o.t.a occurrences).    The bunch was well populated at 5:59, Emil, the 5ft Ninja, Kel, Jack ,Wozza, Tina, Greg, Boof, Bo, Julz, The Godfather and Nev had lined up behind PistolPete and Rocket, with engines ready for effort.  Bo's perfection at positioning near the back was noted. Speed had spooked a few in the opening act toward the truck route, just five had formed the right line while eight sheltered behind Pete in the left line bound for Mitchell Rd. (Was finding a fair wheel to follow into the advance the worry?) Like most other laps, you usually harden up to the hurry and prepare to do duty somewhere on the circuit as fast as your fitness allows (inevitably slower than the first ones to front....yet they don't seem to mind).   

Bo seized the chance to get on The Godfather's wheel (thick as thieves these two!) and young Jack cruised in behind, so it surprised me to find Tina take his wheel in the advance (banking on his chivalry when they got to the business end?) The relentless southerly made a miserable commute to Sanctuary Drive but all were now reaping the reward of a boost to the backside to River Rd and some assistance toward rooster corner.  Young Jack was considerately off the gas pedal for Tina to co-pilot to Coach Rd, my turn with Tina northbound focused for wildlife ahead.  Just as well Tina called 'roos (because they were alongside in the long grass) though none paid heed to The Godfather's call.  A slow half k to regroup relaxed the lungs, the pairing with Boof toward Channel Rd getting them labored again. 

Despite the southerly spreading us across Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, pace was fairly spicy toward town (I held Rocket and Wozz responsible for the rush toward breakfast) although the fifteen that started were still in attendance. (Some weren't speaking though).   Fourth wheel as we entered Ford Rd spelled a struggle on Wanganui for me, so when Tina voted for an early exit via Verney I found reason to take the short-cut too (silly me added up last weeks' k's to tire the legs).   Julz found reason too. The southerly stung for the 4k's back to Eighty8 but it gave reason to justify breakfast.  Plastic meercats, wildlife on rides and the weird wealthy ones kept the chat active. 

6/11 At least it wasn't a southerly!

Strangely, the southerlies had stopped, though an east northeaster had sprung up to make work on Monday's lap and give us something to complain about!  Tina and I made the most of the southerln spin to Sanctuary Drive with hopes of hiding from the headwind among Lenny, Troy, Greg, Wozza, Julz, Bruce, Rocket, The Godfather, PistolPete, Kel and BamBam assembling at the start.  I'd sharpened elbows to stop The Godfather from muscling into the left line as Pistol and Rocket set the speed to swift toward Mitchell Rd. 

Lenny had made another comeback and Troy had returned from 10 days away, both showing little signs of labor while Bruce ploughed into the headwind to Central Kialla.  The typical Monday negatives had hit me, struggling with speed even at fifth wheel, but if I stuck at it for a few k's, the hardening up process might just help.  Julz braved the business end at River Rd's dip, Greg giving a discount on pace ('cause he knows what's good for him!) which helped a few still in struggle street. 

Lenny played Mr Diplomacy at the front with Tina to rooster corner so my pairing north on Coach Rd was deja vu Saturday (minus the roadside 'roos).  Plenty of Skippy's poked their heads up from the crops to see what all the racket was about (but we all know that's The Godfather's job description).   Tina called an end to her effort at the dam so my pairing for part two got just beyond the bridge when Kel either called it half time / got bored with my speed / took sympathy on a struggling senior citizen / could only reach the highway paired with Pete (strike out what doesn't apply Kel....but thanks for the draft!)   

Looking forward to the tailwind back to town got me through the effort Rocket and Pistol applied to Old Dookie Rd.  It goes without question that velocity amplified for the west way to suburbia, those in charge of the charge being careful to keep the number of starters the same as the finishers.   It does the head good to be nudging the 40's with the h.r. well below bursting point and it did the taste buds good to consume Little Lipari's latte at the end (with many of the usual haunts closed)   

7/11 Dragged out, blown back. 

Exposing arms to the atmosphere seemed risky, but there it was on the observatory numbers......16 degrees at stupid o'clock! (A long cold Winter has many wary).  A 3am shower had passed and the lightning with it, so it was game-on for the Cup Day Caniambo circuit.  The assembly of Liam, GiantAndy, Bruce, Wozza, KnightMichael, Kel, The Godfather, Bo, Boof, PistolPete, Julz, Lenny, Tina and Greg had varied motives ; 1. A spin to Dookie, a lap of the Major plains circuit and back. 2. A tap to the Camel Farm and back and 3. A Saturday circuit.  (Horses for courses as it happened, some on time limitations too).  32 wheels got rolling south under PistolPete and Wozza's guidance (and they weren't sparing the horsepower!)

Pace became infectious at the front; Rocket and Bruce on a giddy-up to Central Kialla, Liam and GiantAndy not needing any encouragement to continue the rush.  Those on options 2 and 3 happily sat in the slipstream, shuffling for position to either avoid the front or prepare to swing north at Mitchell's end.  How GiantAndy and Liam drive into an east northeaster at 38 I don't know (I'd be happy with half of it!) but it certainly ceased the chatter.  Many were just hanging on, hoping for something slower. (A free tow usually comes with a hidden tax attached!)  Pistol, Kel, Bo, Boof, KnightMichael and The Godfather turned noses north into Coach Rd to spin the Saturday circuit, the rest doing the right left over the East Goulburn Main Channel and into Armstrong Rd. 

Focus wasn't on the 12k's of narrowing tarmac or the hectares of nothing on view, eyes were glued on the wheel ahead and finding the energy to stay in the draft while the horsepower kept the hurt happening for the mere mortals.  Only stubbornness kept me in the draft, Armstrong becoming Bells and the tarmac thinning a little more.  Tina lost her grip a couple of k's on but it was always the intention to hang on till the rubber band broke where those on option 2's would group to form a survival squad.  Andy, Wozz, Rocket, Bruce and Liam were left to stretch their watts toward the horizon while Lenny, Greg, Julz, Tina and I grouped to share the suffering on Cosgrove-Caniambo Rd. 

At Kellows Rd Greg got keen to drive to Dookie but the lure of a tailwind back was too much for Julz, Tina, Lenny and me. Keeping 35's on the speedo with little stress on the engine did the head good after the prior thrashing, several turns being shared on New Dookie, Pine Lodge North and Old Dookie Rd to seek a public holiday breakfast at the MilkBar. 

8/11 Excavating enthusiasm. 

A late night and a stupidly early morning and legs lamenting a labored ride Tuesday got the encyclopedia of excuses flung open in the head.  I went mining for motivation.  With 12 degrees on the gauge and barely a breeze blowing, a sociable Wednesday spin shouldn't need prodding to get a bag of old bones on a bike.  But it did.   Hanging onto the back of the boys working their watts on Bells Armstrong Rd yesterday came with a mental legacy. (though with a box of matches I could build a very small bridge and get over it, couldn't I?)   Catching Rocket and Wozza's draft at Benalla Rd to Sanctuary Drive was a bonus, but the payment was keeping up with their performance. (Wish I could cruise at 36's and casually chat at the front!)

It was an effective warm-up though, arriving at the grid almost ready for the peloton's pace.  The Godfather, Wozza, Bo, Rocket, Bruce, Lenny and Tina tucked into Pistol and Emil's tow to the truck route, the few who'd braved bare arms probably feeling the fluctuations in temperature that I'd insulated against.  Several regulars were awol though a team of ten suited the circuit well. Wozza's wheel was my berth in the bunch though I'd already reached the rear as Emil and Bruce towed us to Euroa Rd.  Time to follow Tina to the pointy end.  Lenny and The Godfather did their duty from River Rd's bridge to the dip, Tina setting sights on the quarter horse fence while The Godfather behaved as co-pilot. 

Happy to keep wheels level with Tina for part two of her shift kept a few watts for my pairing with Wozza, the last k to rooster corner slowly building speed to 35's again.  It was a day off for kangaroos but geese had gathered for our turn into Coach Rd.  Bo didn't do the distance to the highway but halved it to the bridge (knackered knee says he), and not so much as a murmur about full blocks received!  Rocket and Bruce made tempo the test on Boundary Rd (pass me another box of matches!) and predicting pace would continue to climb, Tina took a back seat for the 8 k's return to town.  With a little luck, I'd avoid the front where faster became the fashion (others ahead might tow me to suburbia?) Emil was baptizing Bruce and Lenny with a sealant spray to Dobson's bridge.  All survived an almost restrained (barely breached 40) rush to SPC, Lenny ditching his plans to head straight home 'cause the sermon on tubeless at the Butter Factory wasn't to be missed. 

9/11 Effort east, winners west.

16 degrees, a tailwind home, quality caffeine and a liberal dose of enticement got Molly back on the bike but how we get LiamM back on two wheels is the $64,000 question.  (Free beer?  A 9am start? Prizemoney?)  Kim, Emil, Tina, Julz and Greg didn't need bribery to turn up to the shop and despite an easterly to hamper progress for Channel Rd's length, Emil extended his shift beyond the truck route for a heroic haul to the cypress trees.  A bonus for those at the back but beginning to wear away the watts for me at second wheel (and setting an expectation for Greg and I to drive something similar).   Getting to the S bend spent me, Greg soldiering on to Coach Rd and north to the highway to spare the others the effort into the easterly. 

Wind at the starboard side didn't slow Tina's shift or the aim at reaching the fig farm, the couple of k's to New Dookie Rd not enough for Julz either, so overtime was spent to the rail line. Molly braved the front and made it to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for Kim to taste the tailwind toward Lemnos.  Without the benefit of a visual on velocity, 37's made quick work of 3 k's.  Thinking Emil was in for another long haul, his elbow said otherwise just a 100 metres into Ford (Others were being gifted tailwind turns but I'll bet he was saving some watts for the finish). 

Easily driving 36's just under the aerobic rate for 3 k's is the stuff of fantasy for Foss; this was division one data but I needed a big breeze up the bum to do it!  Emil's saved watts were unleashed for the final 400 metres to Balaclava Rd, Greg salivating for the sprint too, so the inevitable red light came for the rest of us mere mortal under 40 km/h finishers.

This week 288km

YTD 11,550km             

Hurt, heaven, and everything between.

 Post #721

28/10 Doin' Dookie duty.

It's been many moons since tapping a ton (six moons in fact when I felt guilty) so I was betting the backside would protest from the change of regular fifties.  Committing to the Tat 200 (just four weeks away!) meant extracting the digit to get some distance into the legs, something Emil had stirred among the Squirrels as a Saturday alternative.   The Jenerator, Greg, Tina, Kim and Julz had raised their hands for Dookie duty; the standard there and back with a lap of the Major Plains loop in the middle, so sharing the load should make it easier, right?  Weather plays a part in making the distance doable or a drama (a forecast northeaster suggested a favorable return) so hopefully the old engine would cope.  Last weeks wind and hills might have hardened it? 

A shop start at six got seven headed east on Channel Rd, the familiarity of standard shifts distracting thoughts of the task ahead.  Tina got down to business driving a long shift from the cypress trees, setting a standard for others to follow. Infectious, isn't it?  (Who's willing to put 10 cents in the collection plate when it's full of big notes?)  The wind couldn't make its mind up from being north or east, so the variety plagued us on Boundary, Old Dookie and Pine Lodge North Rd's, the feels like six forcing me to insulate legs where others braved exposed knees. 

A three k drive from Emil ended at Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for me to steer the east path (less travelled) toward the old phone exchange.  33's was a peaceful pace I could handle, given the goal ahead.  Greg got the second half to the quarry, the Col de Cosgrove's formidable 5 metre ascent scaled with little suffering.  The quarry's entrance provided a special gravel stage, the railway's rumble strips rattling any loose fillings, but smoother tarmac returned to find New Dookie Rd where a right / left set our sights at the camel farm.  The winds' variety enticed a little echelon education for Julz to head us north back to New Dookie Rd; my fingers were crossed in hope there wasn't a change in direction for the return trip. Dookie's reputation for a head wind home haunts me)   

The throttle was eased on Sutherland's hill (1.9%) to keep seven as one; this wasn't a lap about KOM's or PB's but a task for the team to tackle.  Kim and Tina opted out of the Major Plains loop, a lap I don't enjoy, but limits need stretching if that 200 test draws near.  On the little ring in readiness for the back pinch got me up and over the Major Plains lump, but a lot of the west way to Tallis was at rest for that crest to the Dookie-Nalinga Rd.  The tailwind is of little use when there's little watts!  Five became seven again on the regroup back in Dookie for the tap back to town, time in the saddle now taking it's toll on the palms and the posterior. Legs were none too happy about the distance either, or had climbs cursed them? 

 We'd got our treat of a tailwind back; well almost at our back as it continued to swing east northeast to north northeast (and every degree between).  Greg and Emil held station at the front for the rest to delight in the draft behind (there might be an invoice for their services later?), quite the satisfaction to get back to breakfast with 120 clocked.  Apple pie porridge tasted better than ever at Eighty 8 (k's amplify the appetite), weed eaters, social media snobbery and three truths and a lie made the chat list. 

30/10 Rain roulette. 

"I'll take the risk" was my reply to Emil's "Thoughts?" at stupid o'clock. Carpe Diem the Latin's say; besides, 13 degrees was almost inviting a ride. Despite the big blob on the radar, the forecast shower struggled to be a spit from the sky (though isn't it likely the heavens would open when furthest from home?).  Setting the Garmin backlight to 30 seconds (instead of always on) did me good, unless passing under a street light (or the rear radar got it going) 'cause I was blind to those numbers that say "You're cooked!"  Progress was good to Monday's lap with the lads and lasses; it could have been the help from a north northeaster to Sanctuary Drive but I was sticking with the "What you don't know won't kill you" theory. 

Even the perch atop the Fizik was more comfortable - I was putting that down to doing Dookie distance on Saturday.  Numbers were a little light at the grid, Bo, PistolPete, Lenny, Tina, Rocket, Greg, Emil, BamBam, Wozza and Kreeky congregating for chocks away at 5:40.   Back in a bunch and being donated a draft was a treat, but for a moment, claustrophobia caused concerns.  A week suffering solo's had dropped my guard from the caution needed at close quarters.  I needn't have worried - decent discipline and plenty of smoothness made centimetres apart comfortable.  PistolPete and Rocket led the opening leg to Mitchell and following Kreeky into the advance line was less daunting than others. 

The slipstream was sweet (something to do with a week worn by headwinds with nowhere to hide) but serving a decent turn is the expectation in return.  Duty called with Kreeky at River Rd's bridge, the shortest of the shifts to suffer though part two to the quarter horse fence with Tina was tougher.  I called "Your speed" but she set it swifter......and it hurt!  Light at 5:55 lit lower than expected Garmin numbers, so I silenced the gasps and contemplated more concrete on the Corn Flakes.  Just as well horsepower came to the front for Coach Rd 'cause the (now) north northwester was intensifying.  Who better to face the wind than Bo with Wozza as his wingman!  Work beckoned BamBam's exit via Channel Rd. 

The squad was kept silent under Wozz and Rocket's watch on Boundary Rd, all gritting teeth and crushing bar-tape for the oncoming truck dragging more wind behind it.  Work was still to be done on Old Dookie with the wind at the side, a few spits from above reminding us of the threat the Bureau forecast. Clouds looked ominous but the rain stayed away.  A few short shifts had me at the front to Dobson's bridge paired with Kreeky, his resignation pairing me with Lenny to the truck route.  As lungs gasped to bursting point and legs went limp with labor, a passing truck (and two cars soon after) delivered the draft to make mine a decent drive.  The harder work was keeping in Bo's slipstream when he shot toward SPC. The sting was cured with caffeine.  (Hats off to those Latin's, I got home dry).  

31/10 Waging war on wind.

Wind whistling through the trees welcomed Tuesday. Not the sound you want to hear if you plan to ride but as long as the lap has some south, east, north and west to it, there'll be hurt, heaven and everything between to enjoy.  Like Wendy, I was motivated to get the wheels rolling particularly for Stellars coffee as the rides' reward.   (Yeah, squirrels have gone a bit secular with choice of cafe lately; non-conformists to Couldabeens culture I suppose but we annoy the clan most other days)    Apart from the shock of the (stolen?) X5 passing at 140+ in Archer St, the commute to the shop was calm, although the west southwester raised the engine temperature a bit with the effort pushing into it.  BamBam was the special guest at the grid.

Speed was stoked up carefully to Kensington's roundabout, Emil taking due care not to dislodge any players with the tailwind tempting something swift.  Charged with the Doyles to Orrvale thing as always, I was still vague on the velocity with the Garmin's backlight off. A street light at the school confirmed a conforming speed.  Tina dodged a bullet driving the Kinder shift 'cause Wendy was left to work the wind on Central Ave (but made up for lost time to the cypress trees).  WADA should be testing Julz' breakfast 'cause she set 40's to the S bend and added another k to Coach Rd for the fun of it.  Northbound duty was BamBam's job description, providing the draft to Boundary's bridge for Greg to aim at Old Dookie Rd. 

Enthusiasm got the better of Emil when given Greg's elbow, so I'd plucked up the courage to front at New Dookie but Emil's effort went on to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  Looks like I'd get the first flog into the wind to Lemnos (though the upside was a long tow back to town after) but Emil's ego needed exercise to drive extra to Lemnos-Cosgrove's bridge.  The intention to preserve 34's to Lemnos North Rd had faded near the rumble strips (I was almost cooked commencing the turn), legs wanting no part of the heads' idea to get there.  Tina's ease to 30 in Ford Rd allowed oxygen stock-take.  Enthusiasm eased Tina off the back when Wendy was given part two to Grahamvale Rd though Emil and I had seen the opportunity to tow Tina back aboard. 

The k to Verney Rd became struggle street for Julz (that breakfast had been burned up on re-entry to the wind) but a slower approach was needed at the roundabout for changes to those metal plates atop the tarmac.  Some fencing and a few patches on Verney Rd have cleared some of the path south to the North Quarter, though there was plenty to avoid further south. Word came of Julz losing grip on the caboose so Tina, Wendy, Emil and I closed ranks to assist while BamBam and Greg kept up a hurry to Balaclava's red light.  Greg's touch got it green for our arrival.     

1/11 Those young boys hurt me Mum! 

Wind wore away what watts I wanted for the circuit just on the commute to the start line, so the back of the pack was the perfect position when Liam and Wozza started the squad south. Their hurry to Mitchell hurt already.  I'd hoped the sting would subside when turning away from the south southwester but the standard had been set at swift to Central Kialla too.  With Trav, Emil, the 5ft Ninja, Bo, Tina, PistolPete and Rocket in tow, Bruce and Boof took advantage of the tailwind to get 40's on the agenda to River Rd.  Here's hoping Tina and ahead and Trav behind me had slower standards.  East into River Rd and spooked by speed, Tina took to the shelter of the left line. promoting me to Rocket's wheel and closer to facing the front than I'd banked on. 

(Yeah, it's inevitable, but it takes a while to harden this head to the hurry at the pointy end).  Trav must have read my regret, kindly offering to take Rocket's wheel and delay my drama a couple of minutes more.  They piloted the pack from River Rd's bridge, so my real effort was due beyond Trevaskis Rd.  Suffering a beating from the wind at the starboard side, Trav was sympathetic to my plight, allowing me an early drift to the left line where Bruce became my co-pilot.  Thinking another k was possible was fantasy; legs, lungs and heart-rate causing the involuntary call of "I'm cooked" soon after the quarter horse fence. 

Bo alongside Bruce kept me at the red-line to rooster corner, geese guiding our path north at the Ninja's more considered speed. Stocktaking oxygen became my priority as Liam and Wozz resumed the lead and 40's with it to the highway.  Having doubts about rejoining the advance, my look ahead found plenty of powerful ones  still to serve a turn (I guess I could duck to the safety of the left line if duty looked likely......thats if stubbornness didn't force me to front!)   Being pushed at the portside by the south southwester hadn't handbraked Emil and Boof to force 40's back onto speedos and getting back on the gas after a short slow at the truck route was grief for the gastrocnemius when Bruce found it fun to force 43's to Wheeler St.  It's red traffic light was welcome.  

2/11 The cure's caffeine.

That groundhog day sensation struck me, suffering a southerly yet again to Thursday's start.   Proper spring weather eludes us.  With just 53 days till Christmas, you'd reckon winter would already be a distant memory. No such luck!  Feels like 4.5 needed plenty of insulation, so Summer's going to hit us like a ton of bricks (if it ever arrives!)   The effort needed just to get 30 on the speedo was a test for motivation, particularly as I'd spent most of it just getting out of bed!  Wendy, Tina, Julz, Emil and Greg were at the shop to share the load, today's special guest being Jase joining in. 

Thursday's theory of therapy seemed to have been put out with the rubbish as Emil cranked up 36's to the truck route; I had hoped for something cruisy.  Though this was hardly supersonic stuff so I had no trouble fitting in with the status quo for that short shift from Doyles to Orrvale and get a tow for ten to fifteen minutes as reward.  Jase earned his berth with a smooth shift to the Kinder, the work into the wind on Central then east to the cypress trees left for Greg.  Distance to Coach Rd was divided between Wendy and Julz, the tailwind too tempting for Julz to resist, extending her shift to the highway.  Tina had earned a tailwind turn after battling the wind for most of the week and Emil courteously kept his shift short to New Dookie Rd (though guilt got to me taking the last of the favorable shifts to Lemnos-Cosgrove)   

Driving the 3.2 k's to Lemnos smoothly earned Jase an invitation to return, Greg's turn to Grahamvale keeping him in the good books too.  Wendy worked the way to Verney Rd where Julz and Tina were due for duty, but Emil was (as usual) itchy to head a hurry toward Balaclava, wingman Greg equally enthused.  Eagerness had blown Tina off the back but watchful eyes donated a draft for all to reassemble at Balaclava's ritually red traffic light.  The effort was cured with Stellar's class coffee (and a quantity of comedy) at the table.        

3/11 Who wants that wheel?

The gospel according to Rule #5 was on repeat in the cranial playlist.  Yet another day and yet another southerly to suffer!  You know conditions are crook when Tina pulls the pin (the only wind she wanted to face was on the wind-trainer!  And that's an oxymoron when you think about it), but Emil's sympathy towed me along Archer Rd.  I might just have a few watts left to keep up with the bunch ........hopefully!  TrackStan had made a comeback (and hasn't he been in a good paddock during hibernation) to join the clankitted for Friday's lap. (Bruce, Wozza, the 5ft Ninja, PistolPeteThe Godfather, Bo, Kel and Boof)   

The fearless with fortitude (Pistol and Emil) faced the southerly to Mitchell Rd,  I'd locked my position onto Kel's wheel (Google smooth and stable and you'll see a picture of it) but Wozza scored that wheel nobody wanted.  Closing the two metre gap was out of the question - this was an O.H.&S. issue!  An almost tame tempo to River Rd was surprising, given the southerly blowing at the backsides.  Nearing the front at River Rd's dip wasn't such a bad thing, a hint of westerly to the wind might make facing the front less onerous.  TrackStan had shied from duty and taken to the left line, testing Bruce's concentration. 

Lucky me had paired with Bo in a not-so-boisterous mood, though the 2 k's to rooster corner looked a world away, so I'd be seeking Kel's charity beside me for part two.  (Of course she was generous!)  Wind up the Khyber helped my turn to the bridges look almost reasonable, the pairing of Kel and the Ninja allowing reasonable recovery reaching the highway.  The combination of Emil and PistolPete at Pogue Rd stuck a little more spice in the speed though it wasn't riding at the red-line stuff (speed stayed the same on Old Dookie but battling the breeze at the portside amplified the effort a bit).  The Godfather's half block to School Rd went without comment and Emil contained his cussing when TrackStan sought shelter ahead of him in the left line. 

The drive to Dobson's bridge by Boof and Bruce spiced speed a little more, The Godfather's draft saving me when two rows thinned to Indian file for Bo's boisterous bolt toward SPC.

This week 357km

YTD 11,262km