Week 37

Got an early 30k lap in before the OC's this week to climatise for longer distances, particularly the upcoming Fruitloop. (so many laps just doing 30 or 55, about time to step up a bit) The eagle eye of Cougs spotted 3 kangaroos near the olive groves, thankfully retreating before my luck with wildlife came to haunt me. Each day is getting longer now, there's a lot to see even at 6 these days.  Saw the early birds head out at 6.45 but rolled in to join the traditional 7am departure. 14 today made a good crew, only missing Bo, Leon & Kel's spice to the speed.  A bit of wind didn't impact too much, the journey home in Ford Rd quite favourable. A few were champing at the bit on the turn into Rudd Rd, Matt & i being kind to the group with a slow squeeze of the accelerator. We should have factored Daniel into the equation, glued to Matty's wheel ready to pounce with 300 to go. Used up all of the nitrous @ 53 to keep him at bay at the finish (i was certain we were level on the line, but he came over all gracious saying i had the gold)  Not such a big crowd at the Butterfactory, managed a seat and decent table indoors this week.

After Saturdays 85k a shorter 35 was in order with the lake group.  7 fronted including long lost Ray & Brian, blowing off winter cobwebs in the 8 degrees. Good to roll around at a moderate pace with Rob, Matt, Chris, Marion & Graham and enjoy a bit of caffine culture after. The accuracy of <yr.no> came to the fore, a predicted 10.30 shower of 0.7mm came in just 15 minutes after getting home. There'd be some soggy ones up Harry's Creek this morning!

Mondays' P&W circuit is usually light on attendance, Just Rabbit, Fishy & Cougs to start, Erin catching up after a late arrival. A chilly zero reminded us winter has only just finished.The waskally wabbit good enough to kerb his turbo use till Arcadia Downs. A steady lap to beat the pussys home. Opted out of a Monday evening lap, chewing over redundancy instead. A tough meal with a sour aftertaste.

8 Couldabeens fronted Tuesday morning, Good to have Chris & Norm ("smooth & smoother") along. A slightly milder 8 degrees made things comfortable. Rocket Rob and Vince fought out the sprint, a decent bunch hanging on behind were smashed by Marions' fine grab for 3rd on the line.

Tuesday nights' thrash from the hospital had 17  half way out Ford Rd. A very mild 14 made me leave the thermal at home, but things went chilly from the 20km mark onward, a base layer only just fighting off 7 degrees. Lots of sweat didn't help either. The pair of Fords sat on the back till Melbourne Rd, then made things ugly joining in the rotation surging like rabid taxi drivers. Noticing a leg warmer flapping loose around an ankle conjured very uncomfortable scenarios! Finally got through the long train of "carriages" hanging onto the engine of Deano, Nath, Mitch & Leedy, but arrived at the pointy end way too early. So, spiced up the young fellas by going for broke at 400, so was instantly humbled by Mitch & Garry's youth and speed. 35.5 average & a 51 max was nothing to sneeze at.

Wednesdays' usual recovery ride was bliss on the muscles. Norm opted out but Cougs and i dodged the plethora of potholes (growing in number daily it seems) and/or gravel to tap out 20kms. A deep cut in the front tyre has opened a lot and despite a repair to the inside has balooned a lot lately. Time to ditch it before a blow-out and substitute a spare with 5k on it. May last till the 4th set goes on for the year.

A couple of new faces in Thursdays Couldabeens. Big Bill is back, with a stent to keep the ticker ticking, Tim bringing a mate Ryan along for a lap. The south wester made Boundary Rd a slog but grateful there were 10 to share the load. Tim doing an ace job, months of Queenslands warmth and back to our chill would be murder! (Predicting a big bunch when the weather gets a bit milder) Rob and Matt drove a good sprint engine in Raftery Rd, all home to see the train head out and not a cat in sight.

20 in the library bunch Thursday night by Lemnos Rd, a niggling westerly taking up the slack when we turned at the toaster (which isn't there) A couple of pot-holes on the Old Dookie bridge are a right old pain in the axle, time for more patches on the patches Vic Roads. A few more coming out to play these warmer days, even Gav braving the pace. No massive attacks tonite in Mitchell, a good steady roll (with Mike's "breather" every so often). Nath was testing his cadence big time (170)  and had more spin than a Labor Party Caucus. As if he needs to improve!  The wick was steadily wound up at Arcadia Downs and not much comes close to Mitch on the finish line, 54km/h not good enough to get alongside, but enough for 2nd. Earned my spaghetti.

Freaky Friday had only two takers, Rabbit (of course) enticed the Wizz to play, Scotty and Sooty changed course down River Rd on some strange misunderstanding of direction! A good contingent of legendary pluggers held it together for a team finish. The razor like profile of the waffer thin Ayto turning a strong 38 down Mitchell (tail wind?) Good work too from Fee (she'll deny it) Hayles and big Pete at the finish. Very pleased with a 35.8average, the trains' engine not even fired up when we crossed the tracks in town! Really good to enjoy the banter, tall stories and laughs at Fryers afterward. Ayto's strict training diet of French toast consumed with joy.  (it's the Canadian bacon that makes it ok!)  With time to spare, i rolled out an extra 35km, a  54 thrash in the last km to wear off the maple syrup!

Week 37 ;    503km  18560 calories (39 serves of French toast with Canadian bacon.....mmmmmmm)  32.5km/h av.

Quote of the week  "Champions are everywhere....all you need is to train them properly" Arthur Lydiard

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