Week 39

So much daylight at 6.30 now, almost feels like i'm running late (soon to go dark again though with daylight saving almost upon us.) The windy season is up and running, a strengthening south wester made getting to the start  a workout! A good turn-up of 17 (8 non-confirmists left early) a little push down Archer, then enjoyed a little assistance over the right shoulder for Mitchell. About two dozen stories going at once amongst the crew, could call it the "GossipGiro".  Hummed along Boundary but heads were down for the westerly leg home.  The early starters came in sight before long, our engine drivers pouring on the gas to pass with gusto.  (Ken and a few threw away their rule book and jumped on for the tow home). With 4km to go a lot of ducking and weaving started by some, positions changing faster than a Greek current account defecit!  Witnessed a close call after the turn into Rudd Rd, a handlebar and knee contact, a bit of leaning, but all kept upright thanks to Norms class experience. Funny to see some (that had shyed a go on the front) come up to try for line honours, but i managed to time the jump to edge past big Daniel (2nd) and a crafty Chris (3rd).  A decent 33.5 average, and a decent caffine infusion after!

Sundays' lake group (now with decent numbers) had 10 for a calm anti clockwise toaster loop to take some advantage over the breeze. Haven't seeen Lance in ages, Watty too maybe on the comeback trail. Kel & Bo's retreated down Channel Rd with family commitments (Ray, running out of steam, followed). We were joined by Renee on a flash bit of TT equipment and rolled the turns back to town for the obligatory coffee. A steady 32.5 justified a relaxed arvo.

A sizeable P&W bunch waiting Monday morning. 6 degrees and a northeaster didn't deter those on the front standing on the gas from the word go. (feel for those carrying injury or, like many, take a little distance to warm up) Must have got the calandar confused, Monday became "freaky Friday" with a Rabbit & Sly breakaway, followed soon after by the fishmonger, princess and others keen to beat their chests. Stuck with the main group and enjoyed the assisting breeze, good banter and the entertainment of those ahead, belting each other to a pulp!  Me thinks they should go out to play in the real world with the big boys?

Tapped out a solo loop Monday evening in an attempt to exorcise (or should that be excercise?) a few unemployment demons, the Thalamus and the Occipital doing battle to the tunes of Tame Impala. Nice to turn at the Emu after a decent push into the north east wind, a cruisy run to the Toaster and even better down Old Dookie. Cut the lap a little shorter coming down Channel Rd (been a while since heading east down that one) and rolled home with a 32 over the 40. Didn't want to miss Mythbusters!

The popularity of the Couldabeens was on show Tuesday am, brilliant to see 18 in the bunch. Daniel on a loaned Ridley, some scum thieving his Oppy! (hasn't the bunch grown in a year or so, just 2 or 3 regulars back then) Nice steady build up against a tough wind out Channel Rd, lots of sighs of relief turning into Boundary Rd. The usual few turned off at their usual spots with work or time commitments, good to have a dozen finish down Conrod though. Rabbit & Sly just short of catching us. A 34 average and a train beaten again!  Becoming accustomed to a regular social coffee post ride, now that work at 7.45 no longer beckons.  Good to network some gossip and the odd fact with a few, I could get used to this!
Opted to skip the hospital bunch in the evening, enjoyed the toaster loop at a steady pace with a magnificent sunset to view. (sky fading from pink to deep orange) Great run down Mitchell (predicted a few cold patches, the winter base layer a good choice) and into Raftery. A hospital bunch breakaway of 7 passed with half a km to go, Kev & Robbo wrung out and dropping off the back.  The rest of the bunch scattered way back. Glad i stayed away, need an easier pace at present.

Great to have a relaxed lap with my little buddy Wednesday, though the strengthening north easter took up any slack in the muscles!  Saw the P&W train near the Pine Lodge pub, though two seperate breakaways had fractured the normal two neat rows. Glad i'd skipped that one! Admired Stace, Fee, Chris, Meags & co to slog it out as a team.

Thursday's forecast spelled a rest day. Almost looked tempting at 5.15 but a check of the radar changed the plan quickly. Nice to enjoy a "doona transition" listening to a few brief downpours (thinking if any were brave/silly enough to try?)  The motivation tank was dry Thursday night, a bleak western sky made the decision easy. Turned out i could have put in a lap, but hey, the couch wasn't bad!

Another suprising turn up of 10 Couldabeens to join the 9 P&W's for the Friday lap (a couple have dual citizenship though). A strong westerly pushed us out Old Dookie, but work was in order for the rest of the course. Seemed a few (with itchy feet for a breakaway) were having second thoughts, no-one commiting to hit. It wasn't till the Euroa Rd that Minto launched an attack (which lasted as long as a Gillard popularity party) then quickly was humbled to the tail end by the reality of a headwind!  Nice try, no cigar.  Good to have some team spirit up to Arcadia Downs, the rabbit finally cruising off ahead. Stayed with the champions (all giving 100% effort) for the tough wind into Conrod. Nice to finish with a 35.6 average, train driver asleep, Cats nowhere to be seen.  Great Friars coffee and conversation after to wind up the week.
Odometer clicked over 122,000 this morning, it was 100,000 this time last year. (Mmm....must make an appointment with the psychologist!)

Week 39  408km  15055 calories (125 slices of raisin toast) 33km/h average

Quote of the week " Youth, which is forgiven everything, forgives itself nothing. Age, which forgives itself everything, is forgiven nothing"  George Bernard Shaw.