15 starters for the ritual Saturday ride. (those content leaving earlier for a slower lap seem to have consolidated) A light east -northeast breeze made the homeward leg a pleasure, the young guns getting excited by a glimpse of the slower group ahead! Caught them in Wanganui Road (were they stuck in reverse?) thanks to some good engines driving the train. Nev took the sacrifice of lead-out in Rudd Rd, Daniel & Kel welded to his wheel. The terrier Bo was nipping at my heels in the sprint, used up all the jelly beans in the jar to hold him off on the line. (Lucky today, the young'n will have me next time). Great placings by Vince & Matt, brilliant finishes by the quick chicks Kel (6th) and Marion (7th). Missed the post ride coffee & chat. Make up for it next week.
Set off for a moderate circuit Sunday, the contrast of spring blossoms, light fog, birds chirping, then broken glass, a drunk staggering home and someones ashtray emptied on the road. Better out of town away from the ugly side of life and nice rolling along at a calm pace for a change. The bikes birthday (7 years) today too. Nearly run in now!
Light on numbers for the P&W lap Monday. At least we had Scotty's class and Meag's cheek for a good circuit. Bit of room needed for Darren & Goose though (you have much to learn Grasshopper!) No records broken (even passed by the Cats) but a good team ride without scattering the bunch. A high creek level sent us home via Archer for a change. Monday nights magic weather inspired a 55km solo lap, watching the eastern sky slowly change colour as the sun set was a great diversion from life's little dramas. Got into a great rythm for the Mitchell Rd leg home with Chemical Brothers' Escape Velocity mega mix. Helped for a 33 average.
Tuesday had 9 brave Couldabeens for the 2 degree ride. Discovered Vince & i have the same birthday, but he's a lot younger! Newbee Steve blew himself up doing a long turn, guess he'll learn quickly. Wished i'd photographed Rob, he actually used the big chainring, (will anyone believe me?!) a rare sight. Took a night off Tuesday (later heard it was a quick one) and bludged on the couch with birthday take-away noodles and some left-over chocolate bavarian. All about carbo loading you understand.
Rolled up to the P&W's Wednesday, right on the stroke of five to, only to discover they'd left early! Stuck the head down and set off on a big chase to make up the km+ difference (lots of blinking tailights to aim for). Shot past the Rabbit doing his usual hangback off the bunch and finally caught them at Central Ave. Good to see hibernators Ayto and Griffo in the group. A steady tap around for a pleasing 34 average.
Suprised to see Temple return to the Couldabeens on Thursday morning. (A long recovery from wrist & elbow injury.) Great to have our elder statesman Chris back too. Unfortunately Bo took a crookie, Kel working early. Rob took the biscuits in Conrod straight, headwinds just don't seem to affect him! Good work by the crew.
Thursday nights library bunch of 8 had only grown to 13 when we'd reached the emu, a cracker of a tailwind made a steady 38km/h possible. Hard slog home though. The speed had dropped a lot in the first km of Mitchell Rd but young lads rolling to the front turned up the pressure. Pushing into a headwind in the mid thirties and quick rollovers was the order of the day. By Arcadia Downs and in the high 40's, Chris, Mitch and Nath had lit the blowtorch on most. I scored the perfect wheel of Chris to have a crack near the line but Mitch's 58km/h was too much. The grace of Nath and Chris allowed me a pleasing 2nd spot.
A few rumblings of a big hit-out for Friday's P&W's. (at least they set off at the proper time!) The rabbit had lured Sootie, Princess, Scotty and QC to launch a breakaway at the Pine Lodge pub, the remaining 9 content in tapping out a great team lap. Nice to see THM (wow, 2nd time in a week!) again, always good to chat with Scotty, Meags, Cougs and the crew. Fee found the turbo button for a strong finish. We all beat the boom gates to wind up the week on a high.
Week #34 ; 435km 16051 calories..........a steak and veg dinner with dessert
(that's 28 steaks, 23 heads of brocolli, 30 carrots, 27 potatoes and 29 scoops of ice cream, and 1 wafer thin chocloate mint!) 32.9 average
Quote of the week "It never gets easier, you just go faster" Greg LeMond
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