A big blanket of cloud kept the cold out and the humidity in for Saturday. 14 degrees @ 6.30 is a bit more humane to ride in. Skipped the Thunderbirds and got going a fraction earlier, a slow warm up benefitting groaning legs. A reduced attendance of Couldabeens today, but 16 to start was an ideal bunch size (only 6 crawled away early) and just a puff of 11km/h breeze from the south west. The feline formation headed west in Mitchell Rd (shaken, stirred and stretched to breaking point by Eggy & Carla i'm told) Simon being spat out the back. He u-turned just after our paths crossed, and set about chasing us (for an easier paced lap?) but was still struggling to bridge the half a km gap in Boundary Rd. I dropped back to give him a tow up....only so we could sledge the 'defector'! (seriously....remembered the wise words that 'good riders look back'. Team spirit reigns supreme) Don was on a maiden voyage, chopping turns quite short. Big Andrew mimicked a mobile sauna kitted up in a winter jacket! (admired he, Hoffy, Barnsey etc having a crack at the none-too-lazy pace). Still a hint of southerly resistance on the turn into Ford Rd., Temple & Leon upholding the speed reputation of the missing Kel, Bo, Matt, Daniel, Nev etc. A great even tempo for the rest of the westward leg, i scored the front again with young gun Ryan for the Alp d'eca and the Rudd Rd lead out. Took the speed up slowly, but the rolls went fast. A car up and a car back signalled caution, but they'd cleared with just 70 metres to go. Master tactician Marion had kindly opened the sprint path so i stood on the loud pedal to 54, only just relegating Chris to 3rd & Norm 4th (yes, i should have more respect for the statesmen!). Ryan a fine 2nd. A good get-together for coffee, Simon undoing his 70k effort with an heart stopper egg & bacon sandwich! Rolled home after with a tail breeze, the odometer rolling over 18k for the year to date, a grubby bike therefore treated to a decent clean.
Sunday morning's sleep in was non-existant, waking at 4.30. Blogged for a bit, then the circuit begged. Rolled out a 35k @ 34, spying Rob McLean on a similar but anticlockwise lap. Was intent on a moderate pace but riders ahead came into view, dangling the carrot of a chase. (had uploaded Caribou's Swim remixes which provided great musical motivation....well, for my weird musical tastes). Got back to the lake in time to join the 8 o'clock team for a clockwise 55k toaster loop. An earlier light southerly had swung to a strengthening north easter. Rolled past kiwi Dwight at the golf course who latched on. My version of a "quiet sunday roll" was clearly a hard hit for him, but credit's due for his good go at it. Good company with Bo, Kel, Daniel, Chris, Leon, Graeme, Nick & Scott too. Back in town with a 33.5 av, Daniel plagued by dodgy cleat syndrome, went horizontal arriving for coffee!
Summer almost arrived Monday morning, 18 degrees with a 15-21km/h northerly. That great time of the year to ditch the porridge and welcome back muesli, shave minutes off the preparation time too, just knicks and jersey instead of multiple layers of thermals, arm warmers, base layers and booties etc. 14 P&W's had assembled for the SPC off, me being the unenviable meat in the Shirms / Sly sandwich of rotation. (the big wookie has lost none of his great speed or consideration). The pace kept climbing, particularly after the turn into Boundary's favourable breeze. The torch was set on 'scorch' by River Rd, Chaddy steaming along at 45 stretching us mortals. THM apparently dropped off the back in Mitchell, but Rabbit ,Aka, Chaddy & co were still driving the train in the low 40's. Sly attempted a bold stretch at Archer Rd but was gobbled up with traffic pegging his progress at Melbourne Rd. Great work by Marion, Meags & Dutchy matching the hectic pace all the way to the finish, stoked with a fantastic 38.9km/h average, just 47 minutes to cover the 31km. The train driver would have still been in bed when we rolled over the tracks! Opted for a lazy Monday night, an omen with a few light showers falling after 5.30. Bike stays clean.
Total change of seasons for Tuesday morning. Wind had swung around 180 degrees, blowing at 20-33 km/h. Temperature had almost halved too. So much for packing away the winter kit! 15 Couldabeens had lined up to take the punishment, Vince & Steve doing an early magical mystery tour around the streets. Good smooth turns by the guys and gals, only the last km made easier with the wind behind us. The Rocket took a great win with Ryan 2nd and the Pooch 3rd. A fine 34.5 average.
A mild 20 degrees Tuesday night and 13 had assembled at the hospital, but the SSW wind was now at 30 to 41 km/h. (there'd be some agony tonite). 7 had joined on by Boundary Rd, Leigh, Robbo and Nath kept the bunch fairly silent and the wheels noisy. Got my 2nd turn on the front at the Pine Lodge Pub, damn that wind was tough! Nice guy Chris kept level but there wasn't much to deliver over 34. Rotation quickened down Mitchell in the high 30's and into the low 40's, by Archer Rd I was right out of horsepower so opted just sit on. (thought i'd gone soft .....but the rear tyre had!) 8 guns had stretched away into the distance nearing Arcadia Downs, but found i had 6 hanging on my wheel.! Big thanks to Matty & Bomber, the only ones doing turns to get us home. (Chris had strung out the front group at 53 for the last 2kms i'm told!) The rear tyre had properly deflated by McDonalds (changed out front with the aroma of Big Macs) but happy with the 36.5.
As always, Wednesdays recovery ride was so enjoyable. A light south wester made Boundary Rd great, glad not to be pushing into the breeze heading south. Saw the P&W's steaming along at a good clip, Rabbit & the TT's apparently caught 'em in Mitchell Rd. A lucky escape for Sootie when he tangled with a 4X4 at the Doyles roundabout, a sore elbow, a graze and a slight wheel buckle the only setback. One lucky guysy!
Thursday morning turned ordinary with a puncture on the way to the Couldabeens start. Did the quick change and inflate with a cartidge...only to blow the side out of the second tube! Mmm....cheap tubes about as useful as a Barina at Bathurst. Walked back home and replaced the tube/s, then rolled down to Arcadia Downs to watch the Rocket take out another fine win. Legs greatful i missed the clash of Bo & Vince in the early stages of Channel Rd. but good to catch up on the mornings happenings.
Thursday nights thrash started at the library with 11. Numbers swelled of course the further east we went, by the kennels there was 24. No sign of the promised Vince attendance. A stiffening northeast breeze (@17km/h) made it tough on the front, particularly if someone scored Nathan for a stretching. Leigh made Trev sweat (battle of the bike shops?) in Boundary Rd, Deano making sure Bretty had a workout too. Everyone had free protein supplements courtesy of the insects that filled the warm evening air. Half a dozen had chosen to stay on the rear, but everyone earned their keep in Mitchell Rd at 40+. Vince missed the start (again!) and had massively shortcut the circuit, finally coming into view near Euroa Rd. The harder work started after Melbourne Rd, faster roll-overs directly proportional with speed. Rod dished me up a big fright cutting across (when he expired while rolling up to do a turn) the rest of the deck shuffling a lot in the last km. Finally got a clear path with 150 to go, copped an insect in the eye (most untimely) and stood on the gas for the finish, but Leigh, Mitch and Nath had the length and speed to deal with my paltry 56km/h. Pleased with 4th in light of the ablity and youth ahead. 36.6 average. Someone's bbq in Raftery Rd sent the appetite through the roof, a few pollinating shrubs sent my hayfever likewise.
Heaved at the block & tackle to raise myself out of bed Friday morning. Legs of lead, creaking joints and tired, but the P&W freaky Friday beckoned. 7 tough guns had tackled 35 prior to the start and were waiting at the starting grid. 21 rolled out (into a similar northeaster to last night), nice to see Choppy, Jeramy and 5 Couldabeens in the mix. Scored the hard yakka on the front with the Wizz, hard work at 37 into that breeze. Much nicer turning south with the wind at our backs, Ayto and the Fox demonstrating suburbly smooth engine driving skills (some others should take lessons!). Rabbit (complete with aero hat) bolted after Euroa Rd not to be seen again. Teamwork went a bit shabby with half wheeling and varied pace, but others brought it back into line (momentarily) after Melb Rd. The fishmonger must have shifted into neutral on the front at Arcadia Downs, a generous grab of brake lever to avoid a big shunt. Thankfully all finished upright (couldn't see the placings, 3 quick chicks powering to the finish was far more inspirational) for a 37.7average. Rolling home Minto hit the deck at the RSL corner, something slippery in the bike lane. Bit of bark off the thigh, a hand looked really sore. Big cheers for a good recovery Pete.
Week 43 ; 467km 17,232 calories (15 Big Macs, large fries and large Cokes) 35 average
Quote of the week "Success consists of going from failure to failure - without loss of enthusiasm"
Winston Churchill
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Week 42
Aside from the ubiquitious broken stubby on the road sucessfully dodged, the smell of hot toast from a nearby house put a pleasant slant on the ride to the OC start. Such a mild morning, at last the arm warmers and 3/4 longs can stay at home. Just a base layer, jersey & knicks takes little preparation. 18 at the start line, Robbo a suprise addition (a big bullet for a tiny gun?) Paul turned up with helmet zip ties that could take your eye out! (long enough to pick up Radio Moskow too) Daniel rolled in from an early lap, the OC crew took off at 7 (8 non-conformists left much earlier, a lateTony chasing) just a light south westerly to contend with. A sizeable collective of Cats passed in Mitchell Rd, favourable winds in Boundary had us into the 37 mark. The wind had swung more to a northwest by Ford Rd. Nev & Robbo amped up the pace at DECA swapping fast turns which halved the bunch rapidly. Lots of the young guns made up the gap, i was happy to sit with the trailing group to watch the fight to the finish. A neat sprint taken out by Dean, Nev second & Bo third. 33.3av, 46 max. Almost half didn't make the Butterfactory (Nev, Matt & Paul going to GB....must be my deodorant?) still, plenty of room and fast service to enjoy (along with great banana bread) at the Butterfactory , missing Bo's extensions of fact though! Had a lazy Sunday morning, sleeping in till 5.20! Contemplated the sore calves and quads, maybe a lap would cure that? No takers for a 7am circuit, so the i-phone was the riding partner, Butterfly Effect & Tool on the playlist. Only a slight westerly heading up Mitchell, but it strengthened to make keeping straight in Boundary Rd difficult. Time was a restriction, so Channel Rd was the way home. Or should i call it Agony Avenue? (Lactic Lane, Stress Street maybe?) A tough head wind made the push home quite a workout. Pleased to make a 33.1 average though, the aroma of bacon cooking at Sebastians inspired egg & bacon muffins and pancakes with maple syrup part 2 breakfast at home. (only to make the legs feel better!)
Dragged the chain a little Monday morning and missed the P&W start by half a minute, the chase quickly picking up the heart rate! Finally caught the 11, thanks to their pause for traffic, most recovering from a 40km/h smashing from the start line! Glad i missed that one. (Meags served the appropriate slap!) The cobwebs had been dusted off Dutchy, just his 2nd ride for the year! (he was dead keen for a beer seeing the Pine Lodge Pub) Ryan travelling well, and he's hoping to get his bike legs back. Yikes! Sly slipped behind to see what held the Rabbit back, great to have some teamwork and order in the bunch, a far cry from fiasco Friday. A steady tap down Mitchell Rd, Bugs & Sly cruised past and held a 200 metre lead....mmm, ironic; a rabbit dangling a carrot? The two held an even pace till they eased up at Archer, rotation halted until Sly stepped aside for a rest behind at Arcadia Downs, i drew up with Bugs for the last km. Managed to hold Micks pace till 75 metres to go, most being towed suddenly jumping for a sprint. (Mmm........?) Rolled slowly after the finish to chat with Cougs, Fox and Meags. Delighted with a 35.7 average, beating the train by 4 minutes! (thought for today; "how can we win, when fools can be kings" Song & artist? No takers for last weeks: Radioheads' Paranoid Android) A rest stage Monday evening, excercise on this epistle instead.
15 Couldabeens fronted Tuesday, newbee Gavin a defector from Wednesdays anti-clockwise ride, Greendog along too, recovering from the 'round the bay' (a great 6.5 for the 200). Super smooth first leg by Steve & Vince, which set the standard for a good steady pace. Rob dissapeared from the rotation at the Channel Rd turn, just 3.5 degrees was a raw deal for October. Rabbit & Aka rolled up to the back just before Mitchell and stayed there for some odd reason. Good to have Trev, Norm & Chris on-board again. Leon, Bo & Kel had their usual departure at Melb Rd, good teamwork prevailed till Arcadia Downs. Vince rolled to the front then hammered into the distance, luring half a dozen up for the sprint. Finished with a 33.8av and over the tracks before the train did.
Tuesday nights Hospital entourage of 14 were joined by a dozen in various small groups out to the Emu. Graeme back from drilling duties in Qld fired well, Al, Gools, Gav and Jamie back on too. The big redhead and his rpg's put the hammer down after the church, joined again by Garmin-Cervelo's Carla. Several guns kept the kettle boiling in Old Dookie, 45+ the order of the day with just 9km/h of northeast wind assistance. Just a whisker shaved off the pace for Boundary, then back to the pain for a belt down Mitchell in the 40's. Settled to stay single file for the last 2km, just wanted to finish! Eggy led out Nath for a good win, Chris 2nd, most other positions went quite blurry for me (it's a quick ride when 58.5km/h comes up for just 8th place!) Only 1.05.40 for the circuit , 38.5av a buzz!
Recovery ride Wednesday was enjoyed immensely! A nice ride in the 30's, wise words and good laughs too from Norm & Marion. Good to put a lap in without gasping for air. Days are getting a little longer and slowly milder. Summer cant arrive fast enough!
Another fine turn up of 16 for Thursday, and a mild morning too. Missed the cheek of Kel (bit crook), Daniels' chuckle also absent. Graeme made a suprise visit, big Bill going like a steam train after his op. A niggling east-northeast breeze made Channel Rd a push, but all went first rate though after the turn. The TT team passed by in Mitchell Rd, great to see the big wookie back on the tall seat. Team spirit continued to Arcadia, all the young fellas in the right spot for the rush to the line. Rocket Rob showed how it's done. 34.8 worth a second course of breakfast.
Thursday nights' mild 23 degrees was worth a ride (maybe the winter thermal can be put away till next April?) 14 thought the same at the Library. It's de rigueur for another 10 to join in as we work our way toward the (absent) emu, Wongy and Al showing their winter hibernation. A slightly easier tempo than Tuesday night, a northeasterly favoured us after the turn. Team Huggard, Robbo & Bomber set the cruise control in the high 30's after the toaster. The engine drivers were thinning by Mitchell Rd, 6 were playing tailight. By Melbourne Rd half the bunch had clocked off the work shift, it was a roll of the dice taking the righthand row, a big risk of nobody backing up behind! Worked ok till a km to go when Kev found himself the sacrificial lamb leading out the whole bunch with 800 to go. Young Mitch took the chocolates ahead of Sean, it was nice to stop the pain in 4th spot at 56.5. Had a great whiff of someones bbq on the way home, pretty chuffed with a 36 average too. Loathe the arrival at home though, hayfever goes ballistic near the hedges. Slept like a swinging brick though!
Friday had 21 turn up for the P&W's. Great to welcome back Irongirl Jo after a long sabbatical. Good to have Matt, the Chopster, THM & Dutchy back again too. Ayto absent though.....busy robbing templates? Got whole wheeled for 2km in the first leg (aka's been training others?) but it settled into the great team ride it's been for the three years i've known. Chaddy as always the dapper dude, immaculate in the Lotto kit. The Rabbit, Bart and fishy sailed into the sunset on their TTT mission. Another mild morning to enjoy some good company with some great laughs along the way. End credits went to Matt with a fine win, the team finishing the circuit together, beating the train by 5 minutes too.
Week 42 : 434km 16,014 calories ( 254 Weet-Bix in 5 litres of milk) 34.5km/h av.
Quote of the week " You can't win unless you learn how to lose" Kareem Abdul-Jabaar
 |
| OC's preparing for blast-off |
Dragged the chain a little Monday morning and missed the P&W start by half a minute, the chase quickly picking up the heart rate! Finally caught the 11, thanks to their pause for traffic, most recovering from a 40km/h smashing from the start line! Glad i missed that one. (Meags served the appropriate slap!) The cobwebs had been dusted off Dutchy, just his 2nd ride for the year! (he was dead keen for a beer seeing the Pine Lodge Pub) Ryan travelling well, and he's hoping to get his bike legs back. Yikes! Sly slipped behind to see what held the Rabbit back, great to have some teamwork and order in the bunch, a far cry from fiasco Friday. A steady tap down Mitchell Rd, Bugs & Sly cruised past and held a 200 metre lead....mmm, ironic; a rabbit dangling a carrot? The two held an even pace till they eased up at Archer, rotation halted until Sly stepped aside for a rest behind at Arcadia Downs, i drew up with Bugs for the last km. Managed to hold Micks pace till 75 metres to go, most being towed suddenly jumping for a sprint. (Mmm........?) Rolled slowly after the finish to chat with Cougs, Fox and Meags. Delighted with a 35.7 average, beating the train by 4 minutes! (thought for today; "how can we win, when fools can be kings" Song & artist? No takers for last weeks: Radioheads' Paranoid Android) A rest stage Monday evening, excercise on this epistle instead.
15 Couldabeens fronted Tuesday, newbee Gavin a defector from Wednesdays anti-clockwise ride, Greendog along too, recovering from the 'round the bay' (a great 6.5 for the 200). Super smooth first leg by Steve & Vince, which set the standard for a good steady pace. Rob dissapeared from the rotation at the Channel Rd turn, just 3.5 degrees was a raw deal for October. Rabbit & Aka rolled up to the back just before Mitchell and stayed there for some odd reason. Good to have Trev, Norm & Chris on-board again. Leon, Bo & Kel had their usual departure at Melb Rd, good teamwork prevailed till Arcadia Downs. Vince rolled to the front then hammered into the distance, luring half a dozen up for the sprint. Finished with a 33.8av and over the tracks before the train did.
Tuesday nights Hospital entourage of 14 were joined by a dozen in various small groups out to the Emu. Graeme back from drilling duties in Qld fired well, Al, Gools, Gav and Jamie back on too. The big redhead and his rpg's put the hammer down after the church, joined again by Garmin-Cervelo's Carla. Several guns kept the kettle boiling in Old Dookie, 45+ the order of the day with just 9km/h of northeast wind assistance. Just a whisker shaved off the pace for Boundary, then back to the pain for a belt down Mitchell in the 40's. Settled to stay single file for the last 2km, just wanted to finish! Eggy led out Nath for a good win, Chris 2nd, most other positions went quite blurry for me (it's a quick ride when 58.5km/h comes up for just 8th place!) Only 1.05.40 for the circuit , 38.5av a buzz!
Recovery ride Wednesday was enjoyed immensely! A nice ride in the 30's, wise words and good laughs too from Norm & Marion. Good to put a lap in without gasping for air. Days are getting a little longer and slowly milder. Summer cant arrive fast enough!
Another fine turn up of 16 for Thursday, and a mild morning too. Missed the cheek of Kel (bit crook), Daniels' chuckle also absent. Graeme made a suprise visit, big Bill going like a steam train after his op. A niggling east-northeast breeze made Channel Rd a push, but all went first rate though after the turn. The TT team passed by in Mitchell Rd, great to see the big wookie back on the tall seat. Team spirit continued to Arcadia, all the young fellas in the right spot for the rush to the line. Rocket Rob showed how it's done. 34.8 worth a second course of breakfast.
Thursday nights' mild 23 degrees was worth a ride (maybe the winter thermal can be put away till next April?) 14 thought the same at the Library. It's de rigueur for another 10 to join in as we work our way toward the (absent) emu, Wongy and Al showing their winter hibernation. A slightly easier tempo than Tuesday night, a northeasterly favoured us after the turn. Team Huggard, Robbo & Bomber set the cruise control in the high 30's after the toaster. The engine drivers were thinning by Mitchell Rd, 6 were playing tailight. By Melbourne Rd half the bunch had clocked off the work shift, it was a roll of the dice taking the righthand row, a big risk of nobody backing up behind! Worked ok till a km to go when Kev found himself the sacrificial lamb leading out the whole bunch with 800 to go. Young Mitch took the chocolates ahead of Sean, it was nice to stop the pain in 4th spot at 56.5. Had a great whiff of someones bbq on the way home, pretty chuffed with a 36 average too. Loathe the arrival at home though, hayfever goes ballistic near the hedges. Slept like a swinging brick though!
Friday had 21 turn up for the P&W's. Great to welcome back Irongirl Jo after a long sabbatical. Good to have Matt, the Chopster, THM & Dutchy back again too. Ayto absent though.....busy robbing templates? Got whole wheeled for 2km in the first leg (aka's been training others?) but it settled into the great team ride it's been for the three years i've known. Chaddy as always the dapper dude, immaculate in the Lotto kit. The Rabbit, Bart and fishy sailed into the sunset on their TTT mission. Another mild morning to enjoy some good company with some great laughs along the way. End credits went to Matt with a fine win, the team finishing the circuit together, beating the train by 5 minutes too.
Week 42 : 434km 16,014 calories ( 254 Weet-Bix in 5 litres of milk) 34.5km/h av.
Quote of the week " You can't win unless you learn how to lose" Kareem Abdul-Jabaar
Friday, October 14, 2011
Week 41
Sometimes there's a feeling to take an extra good look at an intersection. 6am and dark, a pair of headlights would stand out, but a distant, quiet sound told me to slow to a crawl and take a good look. Was just about to cross the intersection when a doggy old Hyundai shot through, no headlights, in the dark! Mmmm.....divine intervention? So, a big moment to contemplate on the way to Saturdays OC lap.
20 starters for the 7am off (the premature peleton of 5 jumping the gun 17 minutes earlier!) Lots of familiar faces and a couple of new ones too. Big Dave getting back into riding after a nasty prang. Daniel still breaking in the new Ridley, a mass of "Couldabeens" gunning out front again. Nev along too (to give us all a big dose of reality) great to have Barnsey & Hoffy with the group too. (Had to remind John Brett, when he stretched his legs in top cog, that i have a patent on that gear!) 10 degrees felt mild (considering all this years winter laps) and barely a puff of wind to annoy us. A steady pace prevailed until the adrenalin overload of Wanganui Rd. Lots of excitable boys and girls eagerly upping the tempo at the Rudd Rd turn. Capt. Marion had set up a fine train for the finish with Nev, Bo, Matty, Vince, Kel, Daniel & others heading up to the pointy end. With 100m to go, in the wink of an eye, Vince almost pulled a foot and backed off, Nev shot a monster win with Bo breathing down his neck and young Adam speared alarmingly through to take 3rd, and nearly a wheel or two on the way! Impressed with Ryans turn, barely a month on the bike taking 5th place, straight, smooth & strong. A hearty intake of caffine and exuberant yarns at the Butterfactory, enjoying the suns warmth for a change.
Forecast looked bleak for Sunday. On the day though, there was a glimmer of hope. "Do i / don't i" for several minutes, look at the clean bike, stand outside squinting at the sky, a proliferation of procrastination you could say. Pondering in the backyard i finally decided to try a 6am lap, then a solitary rain drop hit my arm! Walked calmly in the back door and crawled back into a warm bed! A hefty rain shower barely an hour later made me smug. Coffee, toast & Bathurst was the new Sunday agenda.
Needed oil on some creaky joints on Monday morning. (one day off the bike and rigor mortis sets in! Ah the joys of being ancient!) Rolled up to the P&W start....Bart, the Fishy one, Mino, Leon, Greendog, Scotty, Marion, Bo & Kel were ready to roll. Bugs Bunny played rear gunner half a km back as usual, a light easterly made for a push out Old Dookie. (more creaking!) Rabbit finally joined in but restrained from a breakaway (cricket had taken its weekend toll he said) A steady ride (apart from a bit of half wheeling) for the duration, Bo & Kel turning off at Melb Rd. Pace slowly increased (benefitting all) at Arcadia, but Bart, Rabbit, Greendog & Scotty spooled up the turbo with 400 to go, me left in no-mans land but happy to play tow truck for the remainder. 35.2 average was nought to sneeze at. Train & Cats marked absent.....again!
An evenning toaster loop begged Monday, allowing some much needed deep thinking time. "please could you stop the noise, i'm trying to get some rest, from all the unborn chicken voices in my head" (song title and artist please....1st prize a night out with Ken. 2nd prize..a week out with Ken!) Just love my new
i-phone paired with Sony's bass expander phones, Deadmau5 & Underworld on tonights playlist. A tough little northwester @ 22km/h made lots of hurt from the toaster onward. Struggled with all roads heading west, much anguish in Raftery too. Happy at the end though, clocking a solo 33 average for the 50km. (1.26.57)
May have pushed a bit hard last night, legs were sore Tuesday morning. 16 Couldabeens lined up, and a little domestic rivalry had Bo & Kel punishing each other for the first leg, the rest of the pack gasping at 40. Calm restored soon after for an orderly ride, a chance to yarn too. Greendog & Goose were back, Trev too in attendance. A south westerly and 7 degrees didn't do any favours for Boundary & Mitchell. Struggled for much of the ride with legs like licorice, well distracted by an oversized 'moonset' just above the settled fog. The young guns fought out the sprint, i was happy just to finish, a 34.5 good reward.
Skipped the hospital group Tuesday night, a quiet celebratory glass of wine in order.....employment at last!
Wednesdays recovery ride at an easier steady pace was just the tonic too.
Thursday set a new Couldabeen record of 19, a testament to fine teamwork. Amused by an angry little man in the car park, clearly overdosed on grumpyflakes for breakfast. Good to have Tim & Bill back again. Rabbit and his TT boys rolled past in Mitchell Rd, Greendog jumped across, lured along by the aroma of eau de testosterone. We copped a long wait at Melbourne Rd, must have arrived at peak hour. Scored the drivers seat beside Ryan at Arcadia Downs, the lad has some serious horsepower winding up to 50, but we'd unwittingly towed Rob, Matt and the other young artillery up for a thrash to the line. Pocket rocket Rob took the honours, but we all won though, smashing the train departure with a 34.4.
Thursday night 13 were ready at the library. Good to see Gav joining the bunch again. (Mr Mobile Chichane and his son regrettably joining up late). Trev called a 'keep going' when he punctured barely 300 metres later (he'd repaired and joined the bunch later skirting up Old Dookie.) The big ranga and his squad joined in out Lemnos Cosgrove Rd. Nath dished out a big serve of pain pushing into the wind at 38, but it went sensibly back to 35 when the rotation happened. The group had grown to 21 by the Church, tempo had grown too with the northeast breeze aiding instead of abetting. Eggy flicked the afterburner switch after the toaster (mmm.....how appropriate!) suddenly big rings coupled with 12's or 11's were fashionable at 45km/h. Young Carla took the standards of the bunch to professional, back in the country after her tour of duty with the Garmin-Cervelo pro team in Europe. ('09 Aust national TT and road champion, stage winner of the 2010 Tour Ardeche) Now that's one quick chick! Some mercy was given in Boundary (back to 38's) but the whole length of Mitchell Rd was spent between 42 to 45. Ouchy! The lure turned out to be masterblaster Nev, finally caught him near Archer Rd. All fell silent (except for gasping and moaning) and mostly single file after Melb Rd, only a few (including this sucker) coaxed into a righthand train to rotate. Copped the last turn on the front at 48 with 500 metres to go, but the jellybean jar was bereft of beans. Gently peeled off to the right with no horsepower, giving Dave, Nath, Leigh & co the gap to let loose. Glad to finish mid field (funny how lots of strangers suddenly appear on the front near the finish) and quite chuffed with the 37.9 average for 50k's. (humbling to think of the many that do far better than that every week)
Fridays P&W tour had 18 starters chatting at SPC. 10 minutes up the road Daniels Ridley burst a tube that woke half of Shepp East, so a pause at Central Ave was a chance to gossip & sledge. Even the cows got interested! Things went a bit haywire from then, a few rolling out just before Daniel & crew had finished the repair. Several groups formed, Rabbit and his TT fans keen to get firing. Some attempted to latch onto the breakaway, others settled into a group rythym, tailenders were still trying to catch on. In the meantime, two teams of Area 51 passed as if to confuse everyone! A few trying to bridge the gap up to Bugs ran out of go juice, falling back to the main bunch. Turning into Mitchell Rd the chase was suddenly on again, some just trying to hang on at 40+, others battling to make it to the front without success (all most uncharacteristic of the P&W's regular team philosophy). By Euroa Rd, it had fragmented to 3 groups again. With a 7.30am work start, i opted to shortcut up Archer Rd, Meags, THM, Marion & Temple also choosing the route. Noticed a threesome ahead of us also bailed out the same way. Finished with a 36.4 and kept the new boss happy turning up on time.
Week 41: 395km 14,575 calories (53 Mars bars....oohh the toothache!) 34.4km/h average
Quote of the week "For a gallant spirit there can never be defeat" Wallis Simpson
20 starters for the 7am off (the premature peleton of 5 jumping the gun 17 minutes earlier!) Lots of familiar faces and a couple of new ones too. Big Dave getting back into riding after a nasty prang. Daniel still breaking in the new Ridley, a mass of "Couldabeens" gunning out front again. Nev along too (to give us all a big dose of reality) great to have Barnsey & Hoffy with the group too. (Had to remind John Brett, when he stretched his legs in top cog, that i have a patent on that gear!) 10 degrees felt mild (considering all this years winter laps) and barely a puff of wind to annoy us. A steady pace prevailed until the adrenalin overload of Wanganui Rd. Lots of excitable boys and girls eagerly upping the tempo at the Rudd Rd turn. Capt. Marion had set up a fine train for the finish with Nev, Bo, Matty, Vince, Kel, Daniel & others heading up to the pointy end. With 100m to go, in the wink of an eye, Vince almost pulled a foot and backed off, Nev shot a monster win with Bo breathing down his neck and young Adam speared alarmingly through to take 3rd, and nearly a wheel or two on the way! Impressed with Ryans turn, barely a month on the bike taking 5th place, straight, smooth & strong. A hearty intake of caffine and exuberant yarns at the Butterfactory, enjoying the suns warmth for a change.
Forecast looked bleak for Sunday. On the day though, there was a glimmer of hope. "Do i / don't i" for several minutes, look at the clean bike, stand outside squinting at the sky, a proliferation of procrastination you could say. Pondering in the backyard i finally decided to try a 6am lap, then a solitary rain drop hit my arm! Walked calmly in the back door and crawled back into a warm bed! A hefty rain shower barely an hour later made me smug. Coffee, toast & Bathurst was the new Sunday agenda.
Needed oil on some creaky joints on Monday morning. (one day off the bike and rigor mortis sets in! Ah the joys of being ancient!) Rolled up to the P&W start....Bart, the Fishy one, Mino, Leon, Greendog, Scotty, Marion, Bo & Kel were ready to roll. Bugs Bunny played rear gunner half a km back as usual, a light easterly made for a push out Old Dookie. (more creaking!) Rabbit finally joined in but restrained from a breakaway (cricket had taken its weekend toll he said) A steady ride (apart from a bit of half wheeling) for the duration, Bo & Kel turning off at Melb Rd. Pace slowly increased (benefitting all) at Arcadia, but Bart, Rabbit, Greendog & Scotty spooled up the turbo with 400 to go, me left in no-mans land but happy to play tow truck for the remainder. 35.2 average was nought to sneeze at. Train & Cats marked absent.....again!
An evenning toaster loop begged Monday, allowing some much needed deep thinking time. "please could you stop the noise, i'm trying to get some rest, from all the unborn chicken voices in my head" (song title and artist please....1st prize a night out with Ken. 2nd prize..a week out with Ken!) Just love my new
i-phone paired with Sony's bass expander phones, Deadmau5 & Underworld on tonights playlist. A tough little northwester @ 22km/h made lots of hurt from the toaster onward. Struggled with all roads heading west, much anguish in Raftery too. Happy at the end though, clocking a solo 33 average for the 50km. (1.26.57)
May have pushed a bit hard last night, legs were sore Tuesday morning. 16 Couldabeens lined up, and a little domestic rivalry had Bo & Kel punishing each other for the first leg, the rest of the pack gasping at 40. Calm restored soon after for an orderly ride, a chance to yarn too. Greendog & Goose were back, Trev too in attendance. A south westerly and 7 degrees didn't do any favours for Boundary & Mitchell. Struggled for much of the ride with legs like licorice, well distracted by an oversized 'moonset' just above the settled fog. The young guns fought out the sprint, i was happy just to finish, a 34.5 good reward.
Skipped the hospital group Tuesday night, a quiet celebratory glass of wine in order.....employment at last!
Wednesdays recovery ride at an easier steady pace was just the tonic too.
Thursday set a new Couldabeen record of 19, a testament to fine teamwork. Amused by an angry little man in the car park, clearly overdosed on grumpyflakes for breakfast. Good to have Tim & Bill back again. Rabbit and his TT boys rolled past in Mitchell Rd, Greendog jumped across, lured along by the aroma of eau de testosterone. We copped a long wait at Melbourne Rd, must have arrived at peak hour. Scored the drivers seat beside Ryan at Arcadia Downs, the lad has some serious horsepower winding up to 50, but we'd unwittingly towed Rob, Matt and the other young artillery up for a thrash to the line. Pocket rocket Rob took the honours, but we all won though, smashing the train departure with a 34.4.
Thursday night 13 were ready at the library. Good to see Gav joining the bunch again. (Mr Mobile Chichane and his son regrettably joining up late). Trev called a 'keep going' when he punctured barely 300 metres later (he'd repaired and joined the bunch later skirting up Old Dookie.) The big ranga and his squad joined in out Lemnos Cosgrove Rd. Nath dished out a big serve of pain pushing into the wind at 38, but it went sensibly back to 35 when the rotation happened. The group had grown to 21 by the Church, tempo had grown too with the northeast breeze aiding instead of abetting. Eggy flicked the afterburner switch after the toaster (mmm.....how appropriate!) suddenly big rings coupled with 12's or 11's were fashionable at 45km/h. Young Carla took the standards of the bunch to professional, back in the country after her tour of duty with the Garmin-Cervelo pro team in Europe. ('09 Aust national TT and road champion, stage winner of the 2010 Tour Ardeche) Now that's one quick chick! Some mercy was given in Boundary (back to 38's) but the whole length of Mitchell Rd was spent between 42 to 45. Ouchy! The lure turned out to be masterblaster Nev, finally caught him near Archer Rd. All fell silent (except for gasping and moaning) and mostly single file after Melb Rd, only a few (including this sucker) coaxed into a righthand train to rotate. Copped the last turn on the front at 48 with 500 metres to go, but the jellybean jar was bereft of beans. Gently peeled off to the right with no horsepower, giving Dave, Nath, Leigh & co the gap to let loose. Glad to finish mid field (funny how lots of strangers suddenly appear on the front near the finish) and quite chuffed with the 37.9 average for 50k's. (humbling to think of the many that do far better than that every week)
Fridays P&W tour had 18 starters chatting at SPC. 10 minutes up the road Daniels Ridley burst a tube that woke half of Shepp East, so a pause at Central Ave was a chance to gossip & sledge. Even the cows got interested! Things went a bit haywire from then, a few rolling out just before Daniel & crew had finished the repair. Several groups formed, Rabbit and his TT fans keen to get firing. Some attempted to latch onto the breakaway, others settled into a group rythym, tailenders were still trying to catch on. In the meantime, two teams of Area 51 passed as if to confuse everyone! A few trying to bridge the gap up to Bugs ran out of go juice, falling back to the main bunch. Turning into Mitchell Rd the chase was suddenly on again, some just trying to hang on at 40+, others battling to make it to the front without success (all most uncharacteristic of the P&W's regular team philosophy). By Euroa Rd, it had fragmented to 3 groups again. With a 7.30am work start, i opted to shortcut up Archer Rd, Meags, THM, Marion & Temple also choosing the route. Noticed a threesome ahead of us also bailed out the same way. Finished with a 36.4 and kept the new boss happy turning up on time.
Week 41: 395km 14,575 calories (53 Mars bars....oohh the toothache!) 34.4km/h average
Quote of the week "For a gallant spirit there can never be defeat" Wallis Simpson
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Week 40
Only 12 weeks left, where did the year go? Good roll up of 16 for Saturdays ride (six had escaped earlier) considering the threat of rain. Rolled up Mitchell to find about a dozen Cats out today, Sootie & the Fox adding some class to their act. A few drops of light rain fell to make the bike dirty, but a light southerly helped us up Boundary Rd, Chris's groan jokes didn't aid the rhythm! Good pace continued in Ford Rd, Temple returning to form well. Quite amused again at the ducking and weaving at Numurkah Rd of some to avoid the business end until the finish line. (shuffling the deck half way through a deal?) Opted out of the sprint and stayed on the rear, yet found a couple of us were being tagged & boxed in in the closing 400 metres...wtf? Bo at last became the bride, a great effort to get round Nev the masterblaster. Vince & Kel completed the quadrella, a 33.3 was pleasing. Filled the tables at the Butterfactory, tons of boisterous chat couldn't drown out the coffee grinder though.
Lost an hour to daylight saving, yet the eyes popped open at 5.30 Sunday morning. Doubted there'd be any takers after yesterdays GF, so rolled out a solo reverse P&W lap. (if only to take the bias off the tyres....constantly clockwise on the loop) Worms were being picked off the road by several arrogant magpies refusing to budge (licking their wounds from yesterdays clash too?) but i'd successfully tuned in to Rammstein, Grinspoon and System of a Down. Metal had motivated well, managed to inspire a decent pace, in fact giving the rectus femoris a fair bit of grief. The "burn" was almost telling the head to slow up, then a sole rider going my way appeared way ahead, un-intentionally dangling a big carrot to catch and pass. Hammered the next 2km (pondering Pavlov's conditional response theory) till the tensor fascias protested. Happy at SPC with a 35 @ 35, a great anti depressant ride, the endorphins flowing, the tibialis anterior glowing!
Just 8 ready to roll with Mondays P&W's. But i didn't look at the calandar, it was International Day of the Half Wheeler! In fact sometimes it was a full bike length! (Chris C is sacked as HWK!) I thought it was just me, but poor Meags wasn't even allowed to get near the front. Thankfully, real team riding over-ruled the over-achievers, the quickchicks showing how it's done with class & commonsense. One of those cool days where no direction has an advantage, the atmostphere like custard. Pleasing then to finish with a 33.4, train beaten too.
Nice to get an invite along with Guysy, Fee & Luke (newbie) for a Monday evening lap. The intention of a toaster loop was shortened with a puncture for Luke, further protracted with a lengthy repair using up 3 tubes!. (Note to exclude Guysy from a pit crew!) To be home at a reasonable time, a shortcut was taken down Old Dookie Rd. A pleasant 17 degrees made a 30 @ 32 very enjoyable.
17 Couldabeens lined up Tuesday (even including Goose and the Greendawg along for a 'secret' training session). Steve & Vince led a fine first leg, Bo & Daniel (freshly baited) pressed the N2O at the end of Channel Rd. Sensibility finally settled the pace, the boys and girls rolling out a super smooth 34.2 in barely 3 degree temperature. Almost a touch of wheels at Melbourne Rd (a moments inattention), Norms experience quick to avert drama. Speed built up at Arcadia Downs, and paired with rocket Rob, we both wound it up gradually to 50, unwittingly towing up fresh lads for their 50 metre sprint, Greendog, Vince, Matty & the Goose fighting out the places. 34.2 nothing to grizzle about, train beaten and coffee consumed.
Tuesdays hospital group had a dozen (Al even crawling out of winter hibernation), lots of twos and threes joining on over the next 8 km to build a 27+ peleton. Father & son Ford "chicanes" latching on made all a bit jumpy, instructions to FO seemed to go un-noticed. A light north easter made it easy going after the Emu, no trouble holding 38+ after the toaster. Great to have Bo & Kelly join in at the Broken River bridge. A good hum from a new pair of Fortezzas (the last pair fairly cut up after 5000 winter k's) was reassuring. Cruised Mitchell touching 40, the guns building the speed with 2.5k to go. Got lined up with Chris A, Adam F, Robbo, Nath etc but i hit the business end with 400 metres to go. Should have rolled quietly across Gools, but bolted instead. (gotta stop doing that!) Opened up the bunch but was swamped in the last 200. (May have to phone A.M.I. so i can last longer?) All part of the fun. 45k @ 36.5 worth noting, flogged by the youngn's while pushing 52km/h demoralises though!
Legs breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday, a steady pace was most welcomed. Pleased to see the P&W's were all together (rather that split up in various breakaways) but word had it the tempo lifted in Mitchell. A steady 25k ride for us seemed even better sense.
Rain was forecast Thursday, but the sky looked somewhat optomistic at 5.30am. Went by gut instinct rather than radar observation and rolled quietly to the start (lack of sleep last night had drained the tank) 12 Couldabeens were keen, Daniel on a shiny new Ridley to replace the stolen Oppy. Another considerate gentle first leg eased the pressure of a light east north east breeze. The grouping of Bo, Daniel and rocket Rob needs addressing though....troublemakers! (should get Conrad Murray to pour Propofol on their Weet-bix)
Pace almost went supersonic in Boundary Rd, but eased a whisker to a sensible pace with Chris & Marion quality at the helm. Daniel & Leon took their leave at Archer, but no-one had seperated Bo & the rocket, who hammered up the Col d'Kialla stretching the pack while Temple poured petrol on the fire calling "Faster, faster!" Thank heavens for a lot of Melbourne Rd traffic to regain our breath and lower the HR ! A good finish by Rob (sweet revenge on Vince from Tuesdays free tow?) leading the team to a 33.8 av. Ace work by Ryan, only started a month ago but riding like a pro. Just pipped by the boomgates back in town, but Cats nowhere.
Just a dozen at the library Thursday night, a mild 16 degrees yet quite overcast. Picked up another 5 out Ford Rd, Nathan quite keen to up the tempo & put a bike length on me when up the front. A good crew (minus most of the hitters) included Walshy & Alan out of hibernation again. The odd spit of rain and several km's of damp road had us predicting a wet finish, but we were thankfully proved wrong. Starting to recognise several faces now that daylight saving lets us see one another on an evening ride. Chris A considerately called his breakaway intention near Archer Rd, humbling us all just riding off into the sunset. Aint youth a wonderful thing?! The rest of us mortals turned up the wick just out of Raftery's Roubaix corner, a smooth rapid roll-over aiding all. With 700 to go Nath stretched a 4 length gap which wasn't being filled. Felt he & i should swap turns to consolidate a 1, 2 for us, but Sean, Brendan & co had hooked on and lay in wait. In the final 50 Sean lit the afterburner to take the chocolates. Happy with 2nd @53km/h, Brendan back on form had 3rd. 35.3av
Woke with a pair of led legs this morning, maybe a few too many k's? Rolled up to the P&W start to find 16 there, including the long lost Choppy. Great to have the little super-sledger back, but huffing and puffing was on todays agenda for him! Ryan too back from his mighty effort on the Sydney marathon. A good steady circuit by the crew, nice of Matty & Leon to "cross the floor" from the Couldabeens. Stace, the Harro's, Fee and Guysy had already tapped out 35 to start the day, ploughing their way through the unseasonal fog and 5 degrees. Rabbit bid his farewells near Channel Rd, not one taker for his breakaway. Great to have the whole team together for the duration, Greendog, Aka, Minto and others fighting out the top places. Great for a team finish into town (35.6av) , the bunny even escorting us (must have popped home for coffee & toast, then come back for our finish?) The train wasn't even out of its shed when we crossed the tracks, a caffine fix & yarn with the aforementioned early birds at Friars topped off a top ride. To round out the week's k's, rode another (brief) circuit, coming across Nick by chance, so joined in the Adams family lap (with much caution around a few riders) for an easy 28k. Old Don was on a hot tin roof in the closing stages, so Hoffys instructions were followed to stretch him out. Hovered around the 40+ for the last couple of km's, but Nick & Don bolted past briefly with one k still to go. (They were sprinting to their finish line, 1km short of the end!) Passed them again and went on to the real finish, but there were no takers! Another fix of coffee topped of the still unemployed week.
Week 40 503km 18,560 calories ( 51 footy franks & 68 party pies with sauce *) 33.8km/h average
Quote of the week "Chasing records doesn't keep me on my bike, happiness does" Lance Armstrong
(*thanks to supersprinter Kel for the calorie suggestion)
Lost an hour to daylight saving, yet the eyes popped open at 5.30 Sunday morning. Doubted there'd be any takers after yesterdays GF, so rolled out a solo reverse P&W lap. (if only to take the bias off the tyres....constantly clockwise on the loop) Worms were being picked off the road by several arrogant magpies refusing to budge (licking their wounds from yesterdays clash too?) but i'd successfully tuned in to Rammstein, Grinspoon and System of a Down. Metal had motivated well, managed to inspire a decent pace, in fact giving the rectus femoris a fair bit of grief. The "burn" was almost telling the head to slow up, then a sole rider going my way appeared way ahead, un-intentionally dangling a big carrot to catch and pass. Hammered the next 2km (pondering Pavlov's conditional response theory) till the tensor fascias protested. Happy at SPC with a 35 @ 35, a great anti depressant ride, the endorphins flowing, the tibialis anterior glowing!
Just 8 ready to roll with Mondays P&W's. But i didn't look at the calandar, it was International Day of the Half Wheeler! In fact sometimes it was a full bike length! (Chris C is sacked as HWK!) I thought it was just me, but poor Meags wasn't even allowed to get near the front. Thankfully, real team riding over-ruled the over-achievers, the quickchicks showing how it's done with class & commonsense. One of those cool days where no direction has an advantage, the atmostphere like custard. Pleasing then to finish with a 33.4, train beaten too.
Nice to get an invite along with Guysy, Fee & Luke (newbie) for a Monday evening lap. The intention of a toaster loop was shortened with a puncture for Luke, further protracted with a lengthy repair using up 3 tubes!. (Note to exclude Guysy from a pit crew!) To be home at a reasonable time, a shortcut was taken down Old Dookie Rd. A pleasant 17 degrees made a 30 @ 32 very enjoyable.
17 Couldabeens lined up Tuesday (even including Goose and the Greendawg along for a 'secret' training session). Steve & Vince led a fine first leg, Bo & Daniel (freshly baited) pressed the N2O at the end of Channel Rd. Sensibility finally settled the pace, the boys and girls rolling out a super smooth 34.2 in barely 3 degree temperature. Almost a touch of wheels at Melbourne Rd (a moments inattention), Norms experience quick to avert drama. Speed built up at Arcadia Downs, and paired with rocket Rob, we both wound it up gradually to 50, unwittingly towing up fresh lads for their 50 metre sprint, Greendog, Vince, Matty & the Goose fighting out the places. 34.2 nothing to grizzle about, train beaten and coffee consumed.
Tuesdays hospital group had a dozen (Al even crawling out of winter hibernation), lots of twos and threes joining on over the next 8 km to build a 27+ peleton. Father & son Ford "chicanes" latching on made all a bit jumpy, instructions to FO seemed to go un-noticed. A light north easter made it easy going after the Emu, no trouble holding 38+ after the toaster. Great to have Bo & Kelly join in at the Broken River bridge. A good hum from a new pair of Fortezzas (the last pair fairly cut up after 5000 winter k's) was reassuring. Cruised Mitchell touching 40, the guns building the speed with 2.5k to go. Got lined up with Chris A, Adam F, Robbo, Nath etc but i hit the business end with 400 metres to go. Should have rolled quietly across Gools, but bolted instead. (gotta stop doing that!) Opened up the bunch but was swamped in the last 200. (May have to phone A.M.I. so i can last longer?) All part of the fun. 45k @ 36.5 worth noting, flogged by the youngn's while pushing 52km/h demoralises though!
Legs breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday, a steady pace was most welcomed. Pleased to see the P&W's were all together (rather that split up in various breakaways) but word had it the tempo lifted in Mitchell. A steady 25k ride for us seemed even better sense.
Rain was forecast Thursday, but the sky looked somewhat optomistic at 5.30am. Went by gut instinct rather than radar observation and rolled quietly to the start (lack of sleep last night had drained the tank) 12 Couldabeens were keen, Daniel on a shiny new Ridley to replace the stolen Oppy. Another considerate gentle first leg eased the pressure of a light east north east breeze. The grouping of Bo, Daniel and rocket Rob needs addressing though....troublemakers! (should get Conrad Murray to pour Propofol on their Weet-bix)
Pace almost went supersonic in Boundary Rd, but eased a whisker to a sensible pace with Chris & Marion quality at the helm. Daniel & Leon took their leave at Archer, but no-one had seperated Bo & the rocket, who hammered up the Col d'Kialla stretching the pack while Temple poured petrol on the fire calling "Faster, faster!" Thank heavens for a lot of Melbourne Rd traffic to regain our breath and lower the HR ! A good finish by Rob (sweet revenge on Vince from Tuesdays free tow?) leading the team to a 33.8 av. Ace work by Ryan, only started a month ago but riding like a pro. Just pipped by the boomgates back in town, but Cats nowhere.
Just a dozen at the library Thursday night, a mild 16 degrees yet quite overcast. Picked up another 5 out Ford Rd, Nathan quite keen to up the tempo & put a bike length on me when up the front. A good crew (minus most of the hitters) included Walshy & Alan out of hibernation again. The odd spit of rain and several km's of damp road had us predicting a wet finish, but we were thankfully proved wrong. Starting to recognise several faces now that daylight saving lets us see one another on an evening ride. Chris A considerately called his breakaway intention near Archer Rd, humbling us all just riding off into the sunset. Aint youth a wonderful thing?! The rest of us mortals turned up the wick just out of Raftery's Roubaix corner, a smooth rapid roll-over aiding all. With 700 to go Nath stretched a 4 length gap which wasn't being filled. Felt he & i should swap turns to consolidate a 1, 2 for us, but Sean, Brendan & co had hooked on and lay in wait. In the final 50 Sean lit the afterburner to take the chocolates. Happy with 2nd @53km/h, Brendan back on form had 3rd. 35.3av
Woke with a pair of led legs this morning, maybe a few too many k's? Rolled up to the P&W start to find 16 there, including the long lost Choppy. Great to have the little super-sledger back, but huffing and puffing was on todays agenda for him! Ryan too back from his mighty effort on the Sydney marathon. A good steady circuit by the crew, nice of Matty & Leon to "cross the floor" from the Couldabeens. Stace, the Harro's, Fee and Guysy had already tapped out 35 to start the day, ploughing their way through the unseasonal fog and 5 degrees. Rabbit bid his farewells near Channel Rd, not one taker for his breakaway. Great to have the whole team together for the duration, Greendog, Aka, Minto and others fighting out the top places. Great for a team finish into town (35.6av) , the bunny even escorting us (must have popped home for coffee & toast, then come back for our finish?) The train wasn't even out of its shed when we crossed the tracks, a caffine fix & yarn with the aforementioned early birds at Friars topped off a top ride. To round out the week's k's, rode another (brief) circuit, coming across Nick by chance, so joined in the Adams family lap (with much caution around a few riders) for an easy 28k. Old Don was on a hot tin roof in the closing stages, so Hoffys instructions were followed to stretch him out. Hovered around the 40+ for the last couple of km's, but Nick & Don bolted past briefly with one k still to go. (They were sprinting to their finish line, 1km short of the end!) Passed them again and went on to the real finish, but there were no takers! Another fix of coffee topped of the still unemployed week.
Week 40 503km 18,560 calories ( 51 footy franks & 68 party pies with sauce *) 33.8km/h average
Quote of the week "Chasing records doesn't keep me on my bike, happiness does" Lance Armstrong
(*thanks to supersprinter Kel for the calorie suggestion)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)