And so another year ticks by (and not one for Lance to remember) as we stand on the abyss of the fiscal cliff.(another Y2K?) to end the year. Davy Jones, Larry Hagman, Adam Yauch, Bryce Courtney, Whitney Houston, Tony Greig and Neil Armstrong didn't see it through, we missed hurricane Sandy but got the floods in March, Black Caviar had 21 straight wins (but Rocket did better) we got a carbon tax (and a lot got carbon wheels), Bolt did the 100 metres in 9:63, Robbo & Bomber bolt faster, Felix Baumgartner did a 1342 km/h freefall, Chris A is just a whisker slower on a bike.
It was a year expiring 8 tyres, 3 chains and a Dura-Ace deraillier, temperatures down to minus 4 (23 days of 2 degrees or less) and cooked us up to 37, winds to 54km/h (to make us toughen up?) and rain prevented 24 outings. Managed to squeak in a few though;
a Fruitloop, a couple of lake groups, 3 with the felines, 8 OC's, 15 tours with the library bunch, 18 with Trev's Saturday pack, 26 toaster circuits (solo) and 27 random, 30 Couldabeen Saturdays, 37 on the hospital bunch, 74 weekday Couldabeens, 79 of the Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie circuit with Cougs, 81 on the P&W course. A few close calls (elbows in the back and wheels chopped off from passing clowns) but a lot of laughs with lots of mates (even one victory over the Rocket) and just one spill in February (only a small scratch and dent), 9 punctures and one destroyed tyre. Some have flown to faster pasture, many new addicts joined the habit and a lot of regulars getting very fast. The demise of the lake group but the rise of the Couldabeens, the formation of a quik chik harem but the departure of Dutchy and Grasshopper. 6.30 Saturdays abandoned but 6.00am adopted, snakes, owls, dogs,ducks, rabbits, cows, red Toyota utes and cars that can't give way, lots of coffee and toast to wash it all down.
No epic tours this year (maybe some to come), just 20,543 kilometres (a quick ride to Mbabane Swaziland and back) to burn up 698,462 calories. (787 Hungry Jacks double beef whoppers)
Thanks all for the great fellowship, hope you enjoy these rambles....... looking forward to the next ? kilometres
Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Week 52
Into the final lap of the year now....
All the commercial hype, the demanding deadlines, parking battles, financial juggles, inconsiderate types and relentless rushing, Saturday's ride was a relief. A big rollcall at the shops, Fee, Choppy, Trev, Shorty, Cougs, Trav, Nick, JB, Jase, Pom, BigDale, Tim, FeltMat, Mike, Rocket, Axel.....even BigMat had crawled out of what seemed to be retirement to turn the wheels over. 12 degrees didn't deter the Christmas spirit to push against a light south easter (the rusty BigMat quickly diving to the left row for cover to avoid duty on the front) , up to Boundary Rd where Nath lay in wait. Mike took the role of tail-light (respiratory restriction of a cold) Bearing north and west was easy (with scrutiny on speed). A festive feline foregather faired east toward the Emu as we nudged the speed limiter toward town. Plenty of festive chat to enjoy en-route to the Lemontree. Felt the breeze turning into Rudd Rd, Nath enticing Nick to have a thrash to the 60k sign, a few others unable to resist temptation. Chops and Fee u-turned to repeat the lap in reverse (distance the triathlete's aim of late) as Weapon joined in with us for the pit stop. The usual convivial conversation over coffee, toast, eggs, bacon etc. 51 came and Muppets went in Fryers St, Adams family delayed with a spill in Mitchell Rd (dazed but not damaged it seems)
Got an early 35k in on Sunday before a stinker 38 degree forecast got to strength. Travelled the Couldabeens circuit with Cougs, lots of others chosing an early attack too. Bunches left and right along the way, a few solo as well. Just descending Mt.Nicolaci to find Meags out on her Pat Malone, Chilly too not far behind. By Conrod straight half the population were on bikes (the suns heat building too). Dropped in for a dose of Degani's, soon after joined by Dalton, Christine and Cranky to chew over the weeks' news.
A special Christmas Couldabeens cruise slated for Monday at the usual time. The intention to go anti-clockwise to the Emu then home, was quickly modified with NNE winds blowing at 30 and gusting to 52 km/h. Rocket had Christmas lights ablaze, Tim was tinselled and Cougs kitted in Santa suit, set forth with Trev, Nick, Jase, FeltMat, Shorty, Pom and a spectacular second appearance (in a week) by BigMat. I'd hoped for a cruisy social ride but there was a heap of enthusiasm to fight the head wind in Channel and relish the tailwind thereafter. Lots of sticks to dodge, a still (but possibly live) snake was duely noted to avoid too. Plenty of turns taken in Mitchell (with some fluctuation) and the vote for Raftery was won (lots of wide open spaces in Archer) but facing that wind in Conrod straight was a test. A few thrashed it out for line honours, I was better suited for a conservative finish and enjoy a brief social sojourn over coffee.
The temptation to ride a toaster circuit on the 25th was rapidly extinguished with the sound of wind chimes clanging hard at 5am. Sucummed to slumber, cobwebs on the cranks today.
Mum tried to fatten the son for market (met with little protest) at Christmas dinner, so Boxing Day became a quest to quash kilos with kilometers. The intention to roll out a quiet solo lap was overturned with Greendawg and Goose appearing, but not another P&W in sight. A pause taken to leap on with passing pussycats, then out Old Dookie to catch news from gentleman Graeme, Lloyd, Sly (congrats, another sprinter, Aiden, born into the world on Friday) Russ, Straddles (helmet quickly retrieved from home) and company. SteveF was wearing off some weight near Channel Rd and leapt aboard a most tame bunch, today in the low to mid 30's. I had the Goose kilowatts to deal with at the front, grateful there were others to back off a bit. Vince, Rabbit and a few 51's were venturing east near Melbourne Rd, our dozen continued through to the finish without the spectacle of a sprint, but some social time spent at Fryers, interupting Muppets coffee.
It's very easy to get into holiday mode with no time limits to adhere to. A lazy 7am start to the day and a relaxed 35k lap with Cougs to enjoy, but not the northeasterly building in strength. The easy option of Channel, Boundary and Mitchell kept it cruisy, a drop of Degani's a fitting conclusion.
To sign off on a holiday week, another quiet ride Friday. I could get used to late starts (next week back at the salt mines will be a bitter pill to swallow) and a steady pace. Headed south on Archer, east on Mitchell and north on Boundary, making use of a strong south wester to make a low stress finish, but the wind enticed a fair effort in Old Dookie (a fine brew enjoyed at the High St shop was the just reward)
Week 52 285km (bit soft?) 9690 calories (9.4kg ham off the bone....bet there's still some in the fridge!)
YTD 20,391 km.
"In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away" Shing Xiong
Next issue, 2012 in review..........
All the commercial hype, the demanding deadlines, parking battles, financial juggles, inconsiderate types and relentless rushing, Saturday's ride was a relief. A big rollcall at the shops, Fee, Choppy, Trev, Shorty, Cougs, Trav, Nick, JB, Jase, Pom, BigDale, Tim, FeltMat, Mike, Rocket, Axel.....even BigMat had crawled out of what seemed to be retirement to turn the wheels over. 12 degrees didn't deter the Christmas spirit to push against a light south easter (the rusty BigMat quickly diving to the left row for cover to avoid duty on the front) , up to Boundary Rd where Nath lay in wait. Mike took the role of tail-light (respiratory restriction of a cold) Bearing north and west was easy (with scrutiny on speed). A festive feline foregather faired east toward the Emu as we nudged the speed limiter toward town. Plenty of festive chat to enjoy en-route to the Lemontree. Felt the breeze turning into Rudd Rd, Nath enticing Nick to have a thrash to the 60k sign, a few others unable to resist temptation. Chops and Fee u-turned to repeat the lap in reverse (distance the triathlete's aim of late) as Weapon joined in with us for the pit stop. The usual convivial conversation over coffee, toast, eggs, bacon etc. 51 came and Muppets went in Fryers St, Adams family delayed with a spill in Mitchell Rd (dazed but not damaged it seems)
Got an early 35k in on Sunday before a stinker 38 degree forecast got to strength. Travelled the Couldabeens circuit with Cougs, lots of others chosing an early attack too. Bunches left and right along the way, a few solo as well. Just descending Mt.Nicolaci to find Meags out on her Pat Malone, Chilly too not far behind. By Conrod straight half the population were on bikes (the suns heat building too). Dropped in for a dose of Degani's, soon after joined by Dalton, Christine and Cranky to chew over the weeks' news.
A special Christmas Couldabeens cruise slated for Monday at the usual time. The intention to go anti-clockwise to the Emu then home, was quickly modified with NNE winds blowing at 30 and gusting to 52 km/h. Rocket had Christmas lights ablaze, Tim was tinselled and Cougs kitted in Santa suit, set forth with Trev, Nick, Jase, FeltMat, Shorty, Pom and a spectacular second appearance (in a week) by BigMat. I'd hoped for a cruisy social ride but there was a heap of enthusiasm to fight the head wind in Channel and relish the tailwind thereafter. Lots of sticks to dodge, a still (but possibly live) snake was duely noted to avoid too. Plenty of turns taken in Mitchell (with some fluctuation) and the vote for Raftery was won (lots of wide open spaces in Archer) but facing that wind in Conrod straight was a test. A few thrashed it out for line honours, I was better suited for a conservative finish and enjoy a brief social sojourn over coffee.
The temptation to ride a toaster circuit on the 25th was rapidly extinguished with the sound of wind chimes clanging hard at 5am. Sucummed to slumber, cobwebs on the cranks today.
Mum tried to fatten the son for market (met with little protest) at Christmas dinner, so Boxing Day became a quest to quash kilos with kilometers. The intention to roll out a quiet solo lap was overturned with Greendawg and Goose appearing, but not another P&W in sight. A pause taken to leap on with passing pussycats, then out Old Dookie to catch news from gentleman Graeme, Lloyd, Sly (congrats, another sprinter, Aiden, born into the world on Friday) Russ, Straddles (helmet quickly retrieved from home) and company. SteveF was wearing off some weight near Channel Rd and leapt aboard a most tame bunch, today in the low to mid 30's. I had the Goose kilowatts to deal with at the front, grateful there were others to back off a bit. Vince, Rabbit and a few 51's were venturing east near Melbourne Rd, our dozen continued through to the finish without the spectacle of a sprint, but some social time spent at Fryers, interupting Muppets coffee.
It's very easy to get into holiday mode with no time limits to adhere to. A lazy 7am start to the day and a relaxed 35k lap with Cougs to enjoy, but not the northeasterly building in strength. The easy option of Channel, Boundary and Mitchell kept it cruisy, a drop of Degani's a fitting conclusion.
To sign off on a holiday week, another quiet ride Friday. I could get used to late starts (next week back at the salt mines will be a bitter pill to swallow) and a steady pace. Headed south on Archer, east on Mitchell and north on Boundary, making use of a strong south wester to make a low stress finish, but the wind enticed a fair effort in Old Dookie (a fine brew enjoyed at the High St shop was the just reward)
Week 52 285km (bit soft?) 9690 calories (9.4kg ham off the bone....bet there's still some in the fridge!)
YTD 20,391 km.
"In the end, it's not going to matter how many breaths you took, but how many moments took your breath away" Shing Xiong
Next issue, 2012 in review..........
Friday, December 21, 2012
Week 51
Procrastination preoccupied the early hours of Saturday morning, a few showers through the night and more forecast threw doubt on the ride. The radar and yr.no proved inconclusive so eyed the skies for an insight, taking a gamble there'd be a window of opportunity. Nick, Shorty, Jase and Choppy were of like minds so the fearsome five took to the tarmac of Channel Rd, the concession was the short course to save a little time should grey clouds turn black. No speed restrictions in place today (Trev ensconsed under a doona) but the limiter was a breeze from the north east to make Channel and Boundary roads a chore. The turn into Lemnos-Cosgrove turned us into legends (nothing like a tail wind to aerate the ego) rolling easily to Lemnos Rd with just 9 Cats eastbound and just one tail-light alight amongst them, Leigh Mac in late pursuit nearly half a k behind. A little ducking and weaving of puddles down Ford & Wanganui to Rudd Rd (tempo building slowly) and opened the throttle at the golf club roundabout to make the young fellas earn their coffee (took 52km/h to hold off lots of watts) Comfortably ensconsed at the Lemontree, no show from Area 51 today but Muppets were showing off their new kit (and about to have it baptised and annointed from the heavens) as they departed for a lap between coffees. Our talk was of Christmas carbon for some but ominous clouds were gathering, so a rapid retreat homeward, lucky to get just the first few spots only 100 metres from home.
Weather was far kinder on Sunday and took up a lap invite from Cougs. Down Archer Rd I got that sinking feeling of a puncture, the sound of rim against road confirmed soon after so halted to find the culprit. It's always a worry when nothing is found, so replaced the tube and set off on take 2. Turned into Mitchell (the north wester less of a burden now) and up to Central Kialla where that sinking feeling returned. Another inspection of the rear tyre (more slowly and from the inside) detected a microscopic prickle, so change No2 finally rectified the problem. The hand pump is a poor substitute for proper pressure but it gave enough to continue. Up to the top of Mitchell then north in Boundary, the God of cycling against us with the wind swinging to make each direction an effort. The lure of coffee and (the now mandatory) banana & walnut toast a great incentive to keep the pace up back to town.
Lots of P&W's away on the Canberra 70.3 (big hoorays for all competing in tough conditions, big ouch's for Meag's blisters!) so took an anti-clockwise course in the wee hours of Monday. The German Shepherd at Sellmans is on loose again (top of Channel Rd) and keen to bark at the heels. (giving him a faceful of water with bonus electrolytes applied his handbrake quickly) As expected, no P&W's, a fair sized collection of Cats though in Boundary, Goats seem to have become rapidly extinct from the circuit.
A perfect 24 degrees begged to be ridden Monday arvo, a west northwester blowing at 18 clicks was going to hurt somewhere so set forth out the Boulevard for a clockwise toaster loop. Spotted a head in a parked car ahead and sure enough, just as I was squeezed by an overtaking car, the door on the parked car was flung open. (mirrors aren't that hard to use are they?) Yelled a thankyou (taking a year off the drivers life), managed to get by unscathed, and put the chin down to cut through the wind up to Wanganui. Easier going for the 14k's out to the Emu but mindful to leave some biscuits in the barrel for the longer leg home. A few solo riders out on the track (one ahead proved to be a carrot to push the average), and was fairly pleased with progress to the toaster, but the turn west brought out the shovel to dig deep. Boundary Rd came up faster than expected and made a better pace south but by Mitchell Rd the wind had swung to a west southwest to keep the head down. Ironically, Flume's "Holding On" was the soundtrack and by Archer Rd there were just crumbs left in the barrel. Funny how the head says more and the legs go on strike. Battled on to reach Roubaix corner, the wind pushing the left side now. Finally across the line pleased with a 1.23.20, Colonel Harlem's dinner smelled good riding through town, but cooked myself something a bit more sensible.
It was Ryno's swansong on Tuesdays Couldabeens ride, we'll miss the lad immigrating to the north west of the state (but a return visit is on the cards) Jase fronted on new Cosmic's (as if he needs to go faster) Gav, Shorty, Trev, Cougs, Steve, Temple, Nick, Rocket, Trav and Tim congregrated to take in the usual lap, with FeltMat arriving near Kensington (with a note from Mum?). Steve exited in his usual manner at the start of Mitchell, the pace on with Gav, Rocket and Temple up front, a chance to breathe if Trev Tim or FeltMat took control. Nick & Ryno flew up Mt Nicolaci, gapping me with a lack of bhp. (a victim of last nights personal enthusiasm?) Rocket did a Renshaw for Ryno in the dying stages of Conrod, but it wasn't a hand-out lead-out, he had plenty to do to earn the win. Over the tracks a 6.52am signalled a decent rate.
Another large contingent of P&W's had taken the early shift on Wednesday and tapped out 30 before the usual 6am lap. HWK, Hayles, Stace, Meags, Fee and THM arrived to boost the morale of Pom, Al, Cougs and Simon to make up 11. Many stories of the Canberra 70.3 circulated, Gools wasn't circulating in Boundary Rd though, a puncture had sidelined him from the Supercats (who'd super-abandonded him) Our k's ticked over easily with a light breeze helping in Boundary and Mitchell, a perfect 15 degrees wouldn't raise a sweat (until the Conrod slog anyway) Big Brad cruised past cresting Mt Nicolaci, stirring enthusiasm amongst 51 (who passed with utmost courtesy crossing Melbourne Rd). A similar enthusiasm (with a tad less horsepower) struck the P&W's on arrival at Conrod straight, Stace taking the chequered flag ironically a half wheel ahead of HWK. The odometer ticked over 20,000 for 2012 this morning, 12 days ahead of target. The addiction is put into perspective pondering that it's 357 toaster loops worth of rides before the year's out.
Just 7 turned up to the Couldabeens on Thursday morning, maybe the forecast winds kept a few indoors? Rocket, Gav, Nick, Trav, Temple, Daniel and Chris A headed out Channel Rd making good progress with the wind behind, pointing at a poliferation of puddles. Boundary Rd was a different story though, as enjoyable as an enema with winds gusting to 30km/h from the south west, turns turning shorter. A 121 heart rate jumped to 169 at the front, great expectations soon become great comiserations. All kept plugging away in Mitchell Rd too, but Daniel, Temple and Gav retreated via Archer Rd leaving 5 to share the load. By Arcadia Downs the wind was a little less demanding but i'd become the meat in between two slices of sprinter. Hit the lead with 600 to go, only to become a Homebrand Renshaw (a voice inside yelling "I'm givin her all she's got Capt'n" ) 212 bpm at 52 km/h nearly bent a valve when Rocket and Chris shot past in the low 60's to fight out the final 100.
Back to the glory days of the P&W's on Friday with a cast of thousands (well, 25 anyway) on the now legendary Christmas ride. All tinselled up, baubels and costumes aplenty for a leisurely lap in the Christmas spirit. It's been a long time since all the founders have been together on a ride, Fee, Choppy and Ayto (bah humbug indeed!) led Jo, Liz, Stace, Al, Mick, Coota, Jase, Cougs, Meags, Fox, Sootie, Wizz, Grasshopper, Hayles, Pom, Weapon, Greendawg, Goose, Sosso, HWK, Tommygun and THM. Several couldn't resist the need for River Rd speed but most stuck by the traditional map. A great cruisy lap with the festive spirit even rubbing off on the pussycats passing. (a few cheery words from more than the usual Matho, Graham, Gools and Sprinter) Lots of laughs when Fee's baubel detached at Melbourne Rd. HWK and Al took the helm for all of Raftery picking up the tempo for a sprint to erupt in the last few hundred metres, but the Friars buffet and Christmas commeradery was the priority, with a generous Ayto sponsorship. The only downside was to leave early to get to work and to lose our little Grasshopper after many years of faithful service........
Week 51 361km 12,274 calories (47 fruit mince pies) YTD 20,106 km
"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked me for my autograph" Shirley Temple US actor 1928-
Weather was far kinder on Sunday and took up a lap invite from Cougs. Down Archer Rd I got that sinking feeling of a puncture, the sound of rim against road confirmed soon after so halted to find the culprit. It's always a worry when nothing is found, so replaced the tube and set off on take 2. Turned into Mitchell (the north wester less of a burden now) and up to Central Kialla where that sinking feeling returned. Another inspection of the rear tyre (more slowly and from the inside) detected a microscopic prickle, so change No2 finally rectified the problem. The hand pump is a poor substitute for proper pressure but it gave enough to continue. Up to the top of Mitchell then north in Boundary, the God of cycling against us with the wind swinging to make each direction an effort. The lure of coffee and (the now mandatory) banana & walnut toast a great incentive to keep the pace up back to town.
Lots of P&W's away on the Canberra 70.3 (big hoorays for all competing in tough conditions, big ouch's for Meag's blisters!) so took an anti-clockwise course in the wee hours of Monday. The German Shepherd at Sellmans is on loose again (top of Channel Rd) and keen to bark at the heels. (giving him a faceful of water with bonus electrolytes applied his handbrake quickly) As expected, no P&W's, a fair sized collection of Cats though in Boundary, Goats seem to have become rapidly extinct from the circuit.
A perfect 24 degrees begged to be ridden Monday arvo, a west northwester blowing at 18 clicks was going to hurt somewhere so set forth out the Boulevard for a clockwise toaster loop. Spotted a head in a parked car ahead and sure enough, just as I was squeezed by an overtaking car, the door on the parked car was flung open. (mirrors aren't that hard to use are they?) Yelled a thankyou (taking a year off the drivers life), managed to get by unscathed, and put the chin down to cut through the wind up to Wanganui. Easier going for the 14k's out to the Emu but mindful to leave some biscuits in the barrel for the longer leg home. A few solo riders out on the track (one ahead proved to be a carrot to push the average), and was fairly pleased with progress to the toaster, but the turn west brought out the shovel to dig deep. Boundary Rd came up faster than expected and made a better pace south but by Mitchell Rd the wind had swung to a west southwest to keep the head down. Ironically, Flume's "Holding On" was the soundtrack and by Archer Rd there were just crumbs left in the barrel. Funny how the head says more and the legs go on strike. Battled on to reach Roubaix corner, the wind pushing the left side now. Finally across the line pleased with a 1.23.20, Colonel Harlem's dinner smelled good riding through town, but cooked myself something a bit more sensible.
It was Ryno's swansong on Tuesdays Couldabeens ride, we'll miss the lad immigrating to the north west of the state (but a return visit is on the cards) Jase fronted on new Cosmic's (as if he needs to go faster) Gav, Shorty, Trev, Cougs, Steve, Temple, Nick, Rocket, Trav and Tim congregrated to take in the usual lap, with FeltMat arriving near Kensington (with a note from Mum?). Steve exited in his usual manner at the start of Mitchell, the pace on with Gav, Rocket and Temple up front, a chance to breathe if Trev Tim or FeltMat took control. Nick & Ryno flew up Mt Nicolaci, gapping me with a lack of bhp. (a victim of last nights personal enthusiasm?) Rocket did a Renshaw for Ryno in the dying stages of Conrod, but it wasn't a hand-out lead-out, he had plenty to do to earn the win. Over the tracks a 6.52am signalled a decent rate.
Another large contingent of P&W's had taken the early shift on Wednesday and tapped out 30 before the usual 6am lap. HWK, Hayles, Stace, Meags, Fee and THM arrived to boost the morale of Pom, Al, Cougs and Simon to make up 11. Many stories of the Canberra 70.3 circulated, Gools wasn't circulating in Boundary Rd though, a puncture had sidelined him from the Supercats (who'd super-abandonded him) Our k's ticked over easily with a light breeze helping in Boundary and Mitchell, a perfect 15 degrees wouldn't raise a sweat (until the Conrod slog anyway) Big Brad cruised past cresting Mt Nicolaci, stirring enthusiasm amongst 51 (who passed with utmost courtesy crossing Melbourne Rd). A similar enthusiasm (with a tad less horsepower) struck the P&W's on arrival at Conrod straight, Stace taking the chequered flag ironically a half wheel ahead of HWK. The odometer ticked over 20,000 for 2012 this morning, 12 days ahead of target. The addiction is put into perspective pondering that it's 357 toaster loops worth of rides before the year's out.
Just 7 turned up to the Couldabeens on Thursday morning, maybe the forecast winds kept a few indoors? Rocket, Gav, Nick, Trav, Temple, Daniel and Chris A headed out Channel Rd making good progress with the wind behind, pointing at a poliferation of puddles. Boundary Rd was a different story though, as enjoyable as an enema with winds gusting to 30km/h from the south west, turns turning shorter. A 121 heart rate jumped to 169 at the front, great expectations soon become great comiserations. All kept plugging away in Mitchell Rd too, but Daniel, Temple and Gav retreated via Archer Rd leaving 5 to share the load. By Arcadia Downs the wind was a little less demanding but i'd become the meat in between two slices of sprinter. Hit the lead with 600 to go, only to become a Homebrand Renshaw (a voice inside yelling "I'm givin her all she's got Capt'n" ) 212 bpm at 52 km/h nearly bent a valve when Rocket and Chris shot past in the low 60's to fight out the final 100.
Back to the glory days of the P&W's on Friday with a cast of thousands (well, 25 anyway) on the now legendary Christmas ride. All tinselled up, baubels and costumes aplenty for a leisurely lap in the Christmas spirit. It's been a long time since all the founders have been together on a ride, Fee, Choppy and Ayto (bah humbug indeed!) led Jo, Liz, Stace, Al, Mick, Coota, Jase, Cougs, Meags, Fox, Sootie, Wizz, Grasshopper, Hayles, Pom, Weapon, Greendawg, Goose, Sosso, HWK, Tommygun and THM. Several couldn't resist the need for River Rd speed but most stuck by the traditional map. A great cruisy lap with the festive spirit even rubbing off on the pussycats passing. (a few cheery words from more than the usual Matho, Graham, Gools and Sprinter) Lots of laughs when Fee's baubel detached at Melbourne Rd. HWK and Al took the helm for all of Raftery picking up the tempo for a sprint to erupt in the last few hundred metres, but the Friars buffet and Christmas commeradery was the priority, with a generous Ayto sponsorship. The only downside was to leave early to get to work and to lose our little Grasshopper after many years of faithful service........
Week 51 361km 12,274 calories (47 fruit mince pies) YTD 20,106 km
"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked me for my autograph" Shirley Temple US actor 1928-
Friday, December 14, 2012
Week 50
A 20 degree start to Saturday was worth turning the wheels over. Got the circulation going on the 18 toother (but a little wary of lower gears after Thursdays fiasco) down Wyndham St, felt quite good after seeing a bleary young bloke seated on the footpath (from a hard night with Mr Daniels?) trying to stay upright. The usual depoisits of broken glass in the bike lane to avoid, south to Channel Rd where a dozen had assembled for a lap, traditionally started by AvantiTrev and Shorty's arrival. Caught up with the weeks news from Temple, Rocket, FujiTrev, FeltMatt (BigMat now an endangered species) Nick, Tim, Cougs, Daniel and Jase, only a light east-northeasterly to deal with. Past the pub, the piggery, up to the toaster and the church, but the railway line halted Daniel, air-conditioned the tube via a ruptured tyre. A trusty $5 note filled the void soon after to set all our wheels in motion again, a little easier headed west. Puddytats eastbound near the kennels seemed to be at a calmer pace, Steve half a k behind (with aspirations of catching?) then Fitzy solo soon after. Daniel & FeltMat exited down the Verney Rd torture track, the rest continued on familiar ground toward coffee. A great social side to the ride, often missed during the week with work getting in the way. Clocks can be set to 51 and the OC's arriving in Fryers St, Muppets exiting east today to break the routine.
Wind was forecast Sunday and plenty of it! A shortish lap of 35ks with Archer Rd chosen as first leg to get the tough stuff done first. France has it's Mistrale, Greece the Bora, South Africa the Scirocco, but this was the Spanish "Descuernacabras" (the wind to dehorn goats!) High 20's were the limit with a 37km/h headwind (gusts up to 65km/h had the bike needing extra metres of latitude in Mitchell Rd) Gritted teeth for an oncoming Boral truck, showered with sticks, leaves and stones, but at least there was some courteous space allowed. Great relief pointing up Boundary Rd, the slightest pressure on the cranks resulted in high 30's. One Tri lad passed, taking full value of the wind behind, the Channel Rd course home was selected to keep the weekend schedule, A Degani coffee reward for braving the elements.
A long Saturday ride by a few P&W's reduced attendance to Monday's lap, only Princess, DrugRob and Cougs ready to roll at 6. Out to the alternate route with a southerly at our side, soon with a Goose at our side (joining in from a late start.) The Rabbit oncoming near Dobsons (with Vince & Fishy far behind) suggested some feline flogging was on their agenda. A shorter lap had the unopposed vote this morning, suited Goose after a week off , DrugRob after a recent virus, Cougs work commitments and Princess after Saturdays long lap. Memories of the old P&W course heading down Channel (James, Maurie, the Trav's, Dutchy.....even Ayto rode back then!) but thoughts were quickly interupted by a young gun blasting past then immediately turning left at Prentice. Cougs' covertly canvassed companies, craftily captured criminal Commodore, consequently chastised, curtailing carelessness, co-opting compliance. Class Cougs! The Cleanaway truck needed the whole road for the kink west of Doyles but we got home without trauma, time aplenty for toast as breakfast's second course.
Perfect weather Monday arvo, only ads for the Renovator, steam mops and Aah bras to entertain me, so climbed on the bike and headed south (Stace on a boulevard run north) but didn't enjoy the 20k head wind. Mitchell was better, pleased with the progress so extended the route out Armstrong & Bells Rds. The narrowing road became a challenge with three headers heading west, kind lads moved aside to give a metre though. The turn at Bridge Rd was heaven sent after 23ks of side wind, up to the camel farm (although the breeze swung east) with a rare stage of great comfort "in the zone". Almost on cue the southerly came back to haunt at the quarry turn into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, difficult to keep tension away from hands, arms and shoulders but turned the focus on a tractor ahead. Glad he wasn't up for a drag race (Merrigum tractor drivers do), overtook without emptying the tank, wishing to conserve a little to finish. Back into town (just three riders making use of the sunshine) with 65 clocked at 33.
It had been a while since enjoying a lap with the Couldabeens, turned up Tuesday morning to find most of the regulars forming up. Usual last minute entries of Ryno & Daniel triggered the start (Gav arriving even later after demolishing a valve in preparation for the ride) 14 set sail out Channel Rd with a steady build up to speed (appreciated by mind and muscles). GG had made yet another comeback (a better effort than BigMat i guess) Tim & Trav in a close battle for most improved. A favourable run down Boundary and Mitchell, Jase a late entry nearing Central Kialla Rd after his alarm clock malfunction. Shorty and Daniel exited via Archer to keep work schedules, Pussycats (leaving early?) caught us cresting Mt Nicolaci, overtook then immediately slowed which seemed counterproductive. Traffic was a bit close at Melbourne Rd so paused in the interest of preserving life, then resumed regrouped for an assult on Raftery and Conrod straight. A smooth build up into the 40's kept us united, thought Rocket looked like missing the podium being boxed in at the 300 mark when Jase hit the boost, but the afterburners glowed red hot to take Rocketman over the line victorious, again. All across the railway line before 7, maybe an earlier start soon to avoid tangling with other groups? (a risk management initiative)
Perfect weather again Tuesday arvo, but few were waiting at the boom gates. Dalton, Craig, Andy, Dave, Robbo (back from working out of town) & Kate the only starters. Gools tacked on in Ford Rd, Bomber, Sticks, Olympic Steve, Travis with 13 y.o. Liam (and others) swelled the numbers on the trek toward the Emu (grateful for Bomber & Robbo shouldering the headwind burden) No hard hits tonight, but very smooth application of speed kept the bunch together, Stevo and company bringing the numbers to 14 at the church (Kate retiring early) The northerly we started with had swung to an easterly (timed nicely at the toaster) to make the 56/11 combo an easy cadence in the low 40's. Carefully negotiated the turn into Boundary, another smooth transition up to speed for the southern leg to River Rd, Trudi and Steve taking Channel Rd home. Shared the front with Robbo then Craig in River Rd, youthful exhuberance bumping it up in the low 40's again. Lance a much improved rider (several big events of late have him tuned up) but pace was wearing him thin by Melbourne Rd. The young guns had the horsepower by Conrod, I didn't (but wound up with several enjoying a tow) to finish mid field, satisfied with a 37 average and salivating with aromas of many barbeques on the way home.
A small posse of time triallers had formed at the P&W start, the regular pack a few metres ahead for Wednesday mornings bout. Al, Meags, Jo, Cougs, Simon and the Pom were joined by the early shift (Stace, HWK, Kylie, THM and Hayles) to head east in a mild 17 degrees but against a light east north easter, with Fitzy joining the pack at Dobsons. Shared the front with HWK (still true to his name), the THM and Hayles combo upped the ante nearing Channel Rd (was that to make Grasshopper, Wizz, Princess and Minto work harder to overtake at the bridge?) Nice in Mitchell with the breeze behind, 51 passed a tad before Archer with Eggy showing 'em how to drive a train. Meags and Cougs did the hard yards of Raftery towing the sprinters up to Conrod, THM making the jump for several to launch, I was satisfied to act as witness (as were several others) to finish.
The revised start time had plenty of Couldabeens arrive Thursday morning, a perfect 21 degrees and a light breeze to take us home inspired the usual players (but the rare and endangered BigMat creature rarely leaves it nest these days) Jase, Cougs, Tim, Ryno, AvantiTrev, Nick, Temple, Daniel, Gav, FujiTrev, Rocket, Steve, Dalton and Trav travelled out Channel Rd at a fair clip (possibly enthused by the favourable conditions for the last half) Steve exited near the main channel turning into Mitchell, into the low 40's westward with Daniel's exhuberance on the front. A momentary pause for Grasshopper, Shirms and Grant (on a 5.30 bigger loop) to turn from Central Kialla into Mitchell, we gradually reeled them in by Archer as Daniel & Gav bid their farewells. The rate of knots continued over Melbourne Rd (particularly with Shirms and Grasshoppers kilowatts added to the rotation) but a blur of legs in the final 200 of Conrod saw Rocket humble all at the finish line, a whisker below a 37 average was a great effort by all.
Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, and a silly old Foss took on a solo Toaster loop at 5.30 Thursday arvo with the mercury at 36 partnered by a hot northerly. The fraction of sanity remaining limited the speed to prevent blowing a head gasket, tried to flat-line the Garmin data staying on the 18 sprocket (legs felt like an egg-beater at 77 rpm) at least the heart-rate didn't valve bounce, so survived the conditions. 4 quite deceased snakes noticed on the circuit, and just two live riders (i wasn't the only silly one). Interesting to keep cadence and speed a constant and notice the hr variation when the wind was behind, to the side and in the face (a 15% difference from least to worst) Quite a colour contrast noticed too, the parched yellow (and now be-headed) wheat fields in River Rd against a stormy blue-grey sky....would rain wreck a ride? Kept the Garmin running right through town back to the Tarcoola start (56.08k's for the number nerds) at a conservative 30.7 (including stops for lights and traffic) Quite the Cheshire cat to arrive home just 10 minutes before a fierce southerly change and shower, nothing like the aroma of rain on hot grass to wind up a big day.
Wound up the week (Friday) with a P&W lap. Long-time-no-see Fee, Stace, Meags (on some big carbon wheels) Al, DrugRob, Cougs, Pom, Hayles, Fox and Choppy rolled the first few k's, Fitzy sliding into the rotation at Dobsons. 81% humidity and 20 degrees felt tropical, felt the southerly pointing into Boundary Rd too. Came across a soloist who'd gone base over apex on the gravel at the turn (suspected a collarbone catastrophy). All upright for our lot though, the course chartered for Mitchell, but Stace punctured just shy of the Broken bridges as the Wizz, Minto, Sootie, Princess, Grasshopper combo overtook. A 5 person pit crew soon had repairs done (clever Pom had a disposable towel to clear chain lube from fingers) so set forth southward. The lure of coffee and breakfast or work commitments had all agree to an Archer Rd deviation to get us back on schedule, Fee's last 2k dash at the front had us back on agenda quickly. A good luck note to Stace, Fox, Meags, Fee, Kylie, Hayles and all the others tackling the Canberra 70.3 this weekend. (and congrats to Weapon and Tommygun for leaving an impressive mark at Busselton last weekend, Weapon had a scorcher bike time, the gun ranked #57 overall!)
Week 50 497km 16,898 calories (12.1 kg of Christmas turkey) 33.1 average YTD 19,745km
"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase" Martin Luther King 1929-1968
Wind was forecast Sunday and plenty of it! A shortish lap of 35ks with Archer Rd chosen as first leg to get the tough stuff done first. France has it's Mistrale, Greece the Bora, South Africa the Scirocco, but this was the Spanish "Descuernacabras" (the wind to dehorn goats!) High 20's were the limit with a 37km/h headwind (gusts up to 65km/h had the bike needing extra metres of latitude in Mitchell Rd) Gritted teeth for an oncoming Boral truck, showered with sticks, leaves and stones, but at least there was some courteous space allowed. Great relief pointing up Boundary Rd, the slightest pressure on the cranks resulted in high 30's. One Tri lad passed, taking full value of the wind behind, the Channel Rd course home was selected to keep the weekend schedule, A Degani coffee reward for braving the elements.
A long Saturday ride by a few P&W's reduced attendance to Monday's lap, only Princess, DrugRob and Cougs ready to roll at 6. Out to the alternate route with a southerly at our side, soon with a Goose at our side (joining in from a late start.) The Rabbit oncoming near Dobsons (with Vince & Fishy far behind) suggested some feline flogging was on their agenda. A shorter lap had the unopposed vote this morning, suited Goose after a week off , DrugRob after a recent virus, Cougs work commitments and Princess after Saturdays long lap. Memories of the old P&W course heading down Channel (James, Maurie, the Trav's, Dutchy.....even Ayto rode back then!) but thoughts were quickly interupted by a young gun blasting past then immediately turning left at Prentice. Cougs' covertly canvassed companies, craftily captured criminal Commodore, consequently chastised, curtailing carelessness, co-opting compliance. Class Cougs! The Cleanaway truck needed the whole road for the kink west of Doyles but we got home without trauma, time aplenty for toast as breakfast's second course.
Perfect weather Monday arvo, only ads for the Renovator, steam mops and Aah bras to entertain me, so climbed on the bike and headed south (Stace on a boulevard run north) but didn't enjoy the 20k head wind. Mitchell was better, pleased with the progress so extended the route out Armstrong & Bells Rds. The narrowing road became a challenge with three headers heading west, kind lads moved aside to give a metre though. The turn at Bridge Rd was heaven sent after 23ks of side wind, up to the camel farm (although the breeze swung east) with a rare stage of great comfort "in the zone". Almost on cue the southerly came back to haunt at the quarry turn into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, difficult to keep tension away from hands, arms and shoulders but turned the focus on a tractor ahead. Glad he wasn't up for a drag race (Merrigum tractor drivers do), overtook without emptying the tank, wishing to conserve a little to finish. Back into town (just three riders making use of the sunshine) with 65 clocked at 33.
It had been a while since enjoying a lap with the Couldabeens, turned up Tuesday morning to find most of the regulars forming up. Usual last minute entries of Ryno & Daniel triggered the start (Gav arriving even later after demolishing a valve in preparation for the ride) 14 set sail out Channel Rd with a steady build up to speed (appreciated by mind and muscles). GG had made yet another comeback (a better effort than BigMat i guess) Tim & Trav in a close battle for most improved. A favourable run down Boundary and Mitchell, Jase a late entry nearing Central Kialla Rd after his alarm clock malfunction. Shorty and Daniel exited via Archer to keep work schedules, Pussycats (leaving early?) caught us cresting Mt Nicolaci, overtook then immediately slowed which seemed counterproductive. Traffic was a bit close at Melbourne Rd so paused in the interest of preserving life, then resumed regrouped for an assult on Raftery and Conrod straight. A smooth build up into the 40's kept us united, thought Rocket looked like missing the podium being boxed in at the 300 mark when Jase hit the boost, but the afterburners glowed red hot to take Rocketman over the line victorious, again. All across the railway line before 7, maybe an earlier start soon to avoid tangling with other groups? (a risk management initiative)
Perfect weather again Tuesday arvo, but few were waiting at the boom gates. Dalton, Craig, Andy, Dave, Robbo (back from working out of town) & Kate the only starters. Gools tacked on in Ford Rd, Bomber, Sticks, Olympic Steve, Travis with 13 y.o. Liam (and others) swelled the numbers on the trek toward the Emu (grateful for Bomber & Robbo shouldering the headwind burden) No hard hits tonight, but very smooth application of speed kept the bunch together, Stevo and company bringing the numbers to 14 at the church (Kate retiring early) The northerly we started with had swung to an easterly (timed nicely at the toaster) to make the 56/11 combo an easy cadence in the low 40's. Carefully negotiated the turn into Boundary, another smooth transition up to speed for the southern leg to River Rd, Trudi and Steve taking Channel Rd home. Shared the front with Robbo then Craig in River Rd, youthful exhuberance bumping it up in the low 40's again. Lance a much improved rider (several big events of late have him tuned up) but pace was wearing him thin by Melbourne Rd. The young guns had the horsepower by Conrod, I didn't (but wound up with several enjoying a tow) to finish mid field, satisfied with a 37 average and salivating with aromas of many barbeques on the way home.
A small posse of time triallers had formed at the P&W start, the regular pack a few metres ahead for Wednesday mornings bout. Al, Meags, Jo, Cougs, Simon and the Pom were joined by the early shift (Stace, HWK, Kylie, THM and Hayles) to head east in a mild 17 degrees but against a light east north easter, with Fitzy joining the pack at Dobsons. Shared the front with HWK (still true to his name), the THM and Hayles combo upped the ante nearing Channel Rd (was that to make Grasshopper, Wizz, Princess and Minto work harder to overtake at the bridge?) Nice in Mitchell with the breeze behind, 51 passed a tad before Archer with Eggy showing 'em how to drive a train. Meags and Cougs did the hard yards of Raftery towing the sprinters up to Conrod, THM making the jump for several to launch, I was satisfied to act as witness (as were several others) to finish.
The revised start time had plenty of Couldabeens arrive Thursday morning, a perfect 21 degrees and a light breeze to take us home inspired the usual players (but the rare and endangered BigMat creature rarely leaves it nest these days) Jase, Cougs, Tim, Ryno, AvantiTrev, Nick, Temple, Daniel, Gav, FujiTrev, Rocket, Steve, Dalton and Trav travelled out Channel Rd at a fair clip (possibly enthused by the favourable conditions for the last half) Steve exited near the main channel turning into Mitchell, into the low 40's westward with Daniel's exhuberance on the front. A momentary pause for Grasshopper, Shirms and Grant (on a 5.30 bigger loop) to turn from Central Kialla into Mitchell, we gradually reeled them in by Archer as Daniel & Gav bid their farewells. The rate of knots continued over Melbourne Rd (particularly with Shirms and Grasshoppers kilowatts added to the rotation) but a blur of legs in the final 200 of Conrod saw Rocket humble all at the finish line, a whisker below a 37 average was a great effort by all.
Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun, and a silly old Foss took on a solo Toaster loop at 5.30 Thursday arvo with the mercury at 36 partnered by a hot northerly. The fraction of sanity remaining limited the speed to prevent blowing a head gasket, tried to flat-line the Garmin data staying on the 18 sprocket (legs felt like an egg-beater at 77 rpm) at least the heart-rate didn't valve bounce, so survived the conditions. 4 quite deceased snakes noticed on the circuit, and just two live riders (i wasn't the only silly one). Interesting to keep cadence and speed a constant and notice the hr variation when the wind was behind, to the side and in the face (a 15% difference from least to worst) Quite a colour contrast noticed too, the parched yellow (and now be-headed) wheat fields in River Rd against a stormy blue-grey sky....would rain wreck a ride? Kept the Garmin running right through town back to the Tarcoola start (56.08k's for the number nerds) at a conservative 30.7 (including stops for lights and traffic) Quite the Cheshire cat to arrive home just 10 minutes before a fierce southerly change and shower, nothing like the aroma of rain on hot grass to wind up a big day.
Wound up the week (Friday) with a P&W lap. Long-time-no-see Fee, Stace, Meags (on some big carbon wheels) Al, DrugRob, Cougs, Pom, Hayles, Fox and Choppy rolled the first few k's, Fitzy sliding into the rotation at Dobsons. 81% humidity and 20 degrees felt tropical, felt the southerly pointing into Boundary Rd too. Came across a soloist who'd gone base over apex on the gravel at the turn (suspected a collarbone catastrophy). All upright for our lot though, the course chartered for Mitchell, but Stace punctured just shy of the Broken bridges as the Wizz, Minto, Sootie, Princess, Grasshopper combo overtook. A 5 person pit crew soon had repairs done (clever Pom had a disposable towel to clear chain lube from fingers) so set forth southward. The lure of coffee and breakfast or work commitments had all agree to an Archer Rd deviation to get us back on schedule, Fee's last 2k dash at the front had us back on agenda quickly. A good luck note to Stace, Fox, Meags, Fee, Kylie, Hayles and all the others tackling the Canberra 70.3 this weekend. (and congrats to Weapon and Tommygun for leaving an impressive mark at Busselton last weekend, Weapon had a scorcher bike time, the gun ranked #57 overall!)
Week 50 497km 16,898 calories (12.1 kg of Christmas turkey) 33.1 average YTD 19,745km
"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase" Martin Luther King 1929-1968
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Week 49
Previously held fears of rain on Saturday came to nothing, not denied a ride today. Quite the tropical atmostphere in 23 degrees, lots of puddles and snails to dodge, but didn't see any toucans or anacondas in the rainforests of Wyndham St. Jase, Mike, Nick (no nickname for the Nickname), Temple, Trav, Weapon & Tommygun had assembled at 6 on the corner, Shorty, AvantiTrev and FujiTrev arrived to set the wheels in motion. A reasonable northerly wind made a change, a summary of the working week discussed as Channel Rd was digested. Turned into Boundary and spied Grasshopper and Shirms enjoying a tail-wind as we set sail on the Toaster / Emu course, seems now set in concrete. We'll probably now need a overspeed audible alert to avoid paying for everyones caffine, Jase and I calibrating Cateye's and wondering if the 5% error rule applies? In Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd a fat Cat pack attacked, flat chat, we enjoyed a dream run west without traffic hinderance all the way to Rudd Rd. No aspirations of a sprint today, just a direct line for coffee / peppermint tea / double decaf soy frappe with stevia leaf....or whatever! Nath already parked and seated (set off early thinking he was late). I stayed for a brief yarn, but before seizing up rolled out on another lap. Headed out Raftery to discover the Muppets on tour, prostituted myself to join in their (somewhat different) rotation. Rosco (drying out from yesterdays long charity lunch), Troy, Min, Jock, Tina, Col and other puppets plied their way to Mitchell, Boundary and beyond, catching (and passing) an advance party of three. Heard the news of the week (dusty1 hurling tacks near the Pine Lodge pub to flatten a few Goats and Adams family the day prior. More constabular consultation it seems. Does that make him the tacksman / taxman?) Goats & Muppets crossed paths in Boundary to much acclaim, the latter took the Old Dookie option home with an unusual sprint finish (or three). A fairly full Friars (and a protracted pause for coffee to arrive) Goats arrived from their clockwise lap, P&W's soon after from a Dookie (and schoolies loop) tour, warped conversation enjoyed.
A lazy sleep-in till 6 Sunday morning, a 23 degree forecast ripe for a ride though. A long lap planned, just 13 degrees to begin and 13k's of south west wind. Off to Mooroopna then northwest toward Undera, running in a new chain (No4 for 2012) . A fair amount of mental preparation underway for the slog to Kyabram, that long 22k drag with the wind against me. Shifted focus to the fallout in the bike lane, nuts and bolts, a pizza box, one flat turtle, a tow chain shackle, a glove, Mc Donalds cups, an AA battery....then zoned in on the tactile edgeline, almost strobing an epileptic fit. Best to grit teeth and bear the breeze. Through Kyabram town and turned south onto McEwan Rd facing a strengthening wind now swinging from the south. Buried thoughts into tasting Rushworth bakery's muesli slice with only 2k's of channel bank to offer shelter from the wind. Willowdene has nothing but an intersection to offer for tourism and few small rises heading toward the Midland highway were not amusing. Westward ho toward Stanhope but a fine bit of wire cast off a dead dunlop injected the rear Vredestein, 30psi and falling soon halted proceedings. Wire removed and tube replaced, back on the road with hope refreshed, to be dashed with a blown valve 100 metres later. Out with patches to repair tube #1 but glue had passed it's use by......up the proverbial without a paddle now. Thumbed a lift back home, a sympathetic Ballarat to Canberra bloke (& mtb rider) to the rescue with a small van. Dissapointed with plans dashed, but the course will be there for another day I guess.
A relaxed reconnoitre Monday morning with Cougs (top job captaining the Shepp Access Great Vic team) , it's now Summer but there's been a retreat to Spring weather with only 9 degrees. Half a dozen P&W's near the pub, a Dawg amongst the Cats, 51 in pusuit as usual, happy to abstain and ride just for the pleasure, not the pain (no doubt that'll be dished out during the week sometime)
Quite the internal procrastination on Monday arvo, one side wanted a lazy evening on the couch, the other keen to knock over a few k's. The "can't be bothered" vs "I really should" whilst the west wind blew to strengthen the first excuse. Nought on tv and only a cat for conversation swung the vote to the latter, so off into the westerly (with a hint of south) to Tatura, aiming to get the hard part done first. Pretty pleased for the old engine to keep above 30 (with 24-35km/h of wind trying to blow me back home) Tat was all but closed at 5.30, straight through the middle and out west turning north onto Mulcahy Rd. A little easier with the wind at the side, up to the Midland then a short blast East to go North on Undera Rd. Not a car in sight until nearing my turn at Merrigum-Ardmona Rd, 5 cars suddenly appeared one way and a B double the other with a small tarmac mountain to get around on the roads edge! Squeezed through then hoist the mainsail me hearties, 8k's of tail wind to enjoy in the 40's. A little dog-leg at Ardmona then a couple more k's at 150HR to Mooroopna, signing off on the Garmin at the first red light. 50k's dusted off to earn dinner.
Took in a lap with Cougs on Tuesday, the Couldabeens had a quick one (spying on Jase's Strava data later) with a westerly to deal with. The regular feline formation in Boundary Rd, a gaggle of Goats today too (has a bit of daylight brought them out of hibernation?) 51 were in a long and narrow formation, no doubt homing in on prey. A fair push down Old Dookie with just 10 degrees not helping the muscles (how quickly do we climatise to fair weather?!)
Strong winds whipped up during the afternoon, changing a few minds no doubt to stay at home. Rolled up to the start with a resolve to let the big guns go, only Nath, Andy & Mike at the boom gate. (bit of a change from the usual, fair weather = fair numbers?) Sprinter and Gools awaited at the roundabout, noticed Bomber, Trent and Steigy completing repairs to Sticks rear tyre as we passed Matilda Drive. It wasn't long before they'd remounted and caught us, then showed us that 40 wasn't fast enough. None were prepared (or silly enough) to chase, a consolidated approach to survival. Arrived at the Emu to find that Mike & Sprinter had been unhitched but half a dozen more joined in after the church (preparing for an attack though). A close call between Andy's pedal and Nath's wheel, then the trigger was pulled at the piggery, unhooking Gools, Nath and myself (caught sleeping?). We made a pretty good trifecta together however, holding mid 30's into the mid 30's south west wind, Sticks joining in at piggery #2 after being cast off the front bunch. Grateful for Nath's and Gool's help for the rest of the course, wind gusts of 50km/h chucked the bike about and tested tenacity in the open sections of River Rd., Nath the messiah on the front. (b.t.w: apologies for the incorrect judgement on the Nov 27th attack Nath) Sticks peeled off at Kialla, just 3 now to do shiftwork to home. Got my second wind after Melbourne Rd so returned the favour taking the front to the finish. A 34.4 average satisfying in the conditions.
A few spits of rain in the wee hours of Wednesday (still a strong south westerly blowing too) was a good enough reason to have a morning off. Felt pretty flat Thursday, a quiet lap away from the young guns but made the mistake of changing down a gear too many, the rear deraileur munched into the Mavic (not used to riding the big sprockets?) locking up the rear wheel, twisting and busting the jockey hanger and shredding a tyre just 3 weeks old. A long walk home in socks (Sly kindly checking in that all was ok). The ever reliable Trev & Nath to the rescue during the day, squeezed in a repair on a busy day at a moments notice (with a loaner derailleur whilst Shimano sends a new one), the BM as good as new the same day. Worth pondering if you're thinking a bike is a few dollars cheaper out of town.
Week 49 390km 13,650 calories (4.7kg Christmas plum pudding) YTD 19,248km
"Any idiot can face a crisis, it's day to day living that wears you out"
Anton Chekhov, Russian physician & author 1860-1904
A lazy sleep-in till 6 Sunday morning, a 23 degree forecast ripe for a ride though. A long lap planned, just 13 degrees to begin and 13k's of south west wind. Off to Mooroopna then northwest toward Undera, running in a new chain (No4 for 2012) . A fair amount of mental preparation underway for the slog to Kyabram, that long 22k drag with the wind against me. Shifted focus to the fallout in the bike lane, nuts and bolts, a pizza box, one flat turtle, a tow chain shackle, a glove, Mc Donalds cups, an AA battery....then zoned in on the tactile edgeline, almost strobing an epileptic fit. Best to grit teeth and bear the breeze. Through Kyabram town and turned south onto McEwan Rd facing a strengthening wind now swinging from the south. Buried thoughts into tasting Rushworth bakery's muesli slice with only 2k's of channel bank to offer shelter from the wind. Willowdene has nothing but an intersection to offer for tourism and few small rises heading toward the Midland highway were not amusing. Westward ho toward Stanhope but a fine bit of wire cast off a dead dunlop injected the rear Vredestein, 30psi and falling soon halted proceedings. Wire removed and tube replaced, back on the road with hope refreshed, to be dashed with a blown valve 100 metres later. Out with patches to repair tube #1 but glue had passed it's use by......up the proverbial without a paddle now. Thumbed a lift back home, a sympathetic Ballarat to Canberra bloke (& mtb rider) to the rescue with a small van. Dissapointed with plans dashed, but the course will be there for another day I guess.
A relaxed reconnoitre Monday morning with Cougs (top job captaining the Shepp Access Great Vic team) , it's now Summer but there's been a retreat to Spring weather with only 9 degrees. Half a dozen P&W's near the pub, a Dawg amongst the Cats, 51 in pusuit as usual, happy to abstain and ride just for the pleasure, not the pain (no doubt that'll be dished out during the week sometime)
Quite the internal procrastination on Monday arvo, one side wanted a lazy evening on the couch, the other keen to knock over a few k's. The "can't be bothered" vs "I really should" whilst the west wind blew to strengthen the first excuse. Nought on tv and only a cat for conversation swung the vote to the latter, so off into the westerly (with a hint of south) to Tatura, aiming to get the hard part done first. Pretty pleased for the old engine to keep above 30 (with 24-35km/h of wind trying to blow me back home) Tat was all but closed at 5.30, straight through the middle and out west turning north onto Mulcahy Rd. A little easier with the wind at the side, up to the Midland then a short blast East to go North on Undera Rd. Not a car in sight until nearing my turn at Merrigum-Ardmona Rd, 5 cars suddenly appeared one way and a B double the other with a small tarmac mountain to get around on the roads edge! Squeezed through then hoist the mainsail me hearties, 8k's of tail wind to enjoy in the 40's. A little dog-leg at Ardmona then a couple more k's at 150HR to Mooroopna, signing off on the Garmin at the first red light. 50k's dusted off to earn dinner.
Took in a lap with Cougs on Tuesday, the Couldabeens had a quick one (spying on Jase's Strava data later) with a westerly to deal with. The regular feline formation in Boundary Rd, a gaggle of Goats today too (has a bit of daylight brought them out of hibernation?) 51 were in a long and narrow formation, no doubt homing in on prey. A fair push down Old Dookie with just 10 degrees not helping the muscles (how quickly do we climatise to fair weather?!)
Strong winds whipped up during the afternoon, changing a few minds no doubt to stay at home. Rolled up to the start with a resolve to let the big guns go, only Nath, Andy & Mike at the boom gate. (bit of a change from the usual, fair weather = fair numbers?) Sprinter and Gools awaited at the roundabout, noticed Bomber, Trent and Steigy completing repairs to Sticks rear tyre as we passed Matilda Drive. It wasn't long before they'd remounted and caught us, then showed us that 40 wasn't fast enough. None were prepared (or silly enough) to chase, a consolidated approach to survival. Arrived at the Emu to find that Mike & Sprinter had been unhitched but half a dozen more joined in after the church (preparing for an attack though). A close call between Andy's pedal and Nath's wheel, then the trigger was pulled at the piggery, unhooking Gools, Nath and myself (caught sleeping?). We made a pretty good trifecta together however, holding mid 30's into the mid 30's south west wind, Sticks joining in at piggery #2 after being cast off the front bunch. Grateful for Nath's and Gool's help for the rest of the course, wind gusts of 50km/h chucked the bike about and tested tenacity in the open sections of River Rd., Nath the messiah on the front. (b.t.w: apologies for the incorrect judgement on the Nov 27th attack Nath) Sticks peeled off at Kialla, just 3 now to do shiftwork to home. Got my second wind after Melbourne Rd so returned the favour taking the front to the finish. A 34.4 average satisfying in the conditions.
A few spits of rain in the wee hours of Wednesday (still a strong south westerly blowing too) was a good enough reason to have a morning off. Felt pretty flat Thursday, a quiet lap away from the young guns but made the mistake of changing down a gear too many, the rear deraileur munched into the Mavic (not used to riding the big sprockets?) locking up the rear wheel, twisting and busting the jockey hanger and shredding a tyre just 3 weeks old. A long walk home in socks (Sly kindly checking in that all was ok). The ever reliable Trev & Nath to the rescue during the day, squeezed in a repair on a busy day at a moments notice (with a loaner derailleur whilst Shimano sends a new one), the BM as good as new the same day. Worth pondering if you're thinking a bike is a few dollars cheaper out of town.
Still ordinary Friday, quiet lap #2 taken with a brilliant sunrise lighting up an orange sky. The bunches were a bit shuffled today, Supercats scurrying southward in Boundary, Area #51 in attack formation homing in behind (Dave reporting a "comfortable" 39.7 average). Shirms and mate near the pub, a big attendance of P&W's soon after (several taking the River Rd thrash) and a small bunch of unknowns just before the exit to Old Dookie Rd. Bike ticking over like a new one, maybe the legs (and head) will too next week.
Week 49 390km 13,650 calories (4.7kg Christmas plum pudding) YTD 19,248km
"Any idiot can face a crisis, it's day to day living that wears you out"
Anton Chekhov, Russian physician & author 1860-1904
Friday, November 30, 2012
Week 48
A few not-so-regulars were inspired to attend Trev's Saturday Tour, maybe warmer forecasts drew them from the woodwork. BigMat (Movember equipment attached) and Tim (a text to wait, running late, stalled the start) Luke back to increase the dose of dopamine, Cougs from a marathon babysit, Daniel presented his new summer Couldabeens kit (a green g string, having ridden winter mostly in short knicks and sleeves), Christine on the new Oppy Pink Pro, Nick, Temple, DieselDalton, Shorty, Rocket & BigDale made up the 12 to follow Trev out Channel Rd. Only got to Hanlon Rd when Dale's deflation delayed destiny, ethics and ride rules meant a group halt for repairs, a perfect morning, not a breath of wind. Back on the road thanks to Trev's rapid repair, up to Boundary and over the highway, a young fox flattened (kit catastrophe?) at the channel. The long course favoured today, so up to the toaster and on to the Emu, plenty of pussycats heading south. We turned westward into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd with Cougs being shown the yellow card for speed incursion. No irritated red ute today (maybe the police visit calmed his disposition?) just a friendly ride on the rev limiter down to Rudd Rd where Daniel & Temple bid their farewells (u turning) to go back and terrorise the OC's. BigMat was first across the line (ably assisted by Rockets' push) a keen pace held down the Boulevard too, maybe craving a caffine fix? The Lemontree slack on the service today, quite the wait, but plenty of conversation to chew on. An ideal alfresco morning, watching Goats leave, 51 arrive and OC's pass.
Squeezed in an early lap Sunday with the forecast of a hot one (not yet climatized to this foreign weather) on the way south nearly becoming a Holden bonnet emblem (senior citizens senility, suffering serious sight shortcomings, sceptical scrutiny suiting serious speculation) Headed out Raftery into a light south easter which swung slowly into an east south east to give a handbrake effect for Mitchell. A real retro day today, a few vintage velocipedes piloted by old school blokes were out in the summer atmostphere, a not so senior JB on a not so crusty Cannondale spotted on Boundary (by this time the wind had turned into a westerly!) Headed for home down Channel Rd to meet weekend obligations but made time for a Degani pit-stop to fuel up on the de-lish banana/walnut toast & coffee. Just to add variety, a warm northerly sprung up to force a downchange for the ride home.
Tommygun and DrugRob were waiting at SPC for the P&W clan to arrive, just Cougs and me to fill the void today. A little mechanical adjustment to an errant brake pad (Tommygun the boy scout with suitably sized Allen key) and the four set forth, some aid from the south west breeze. Just got to the shredded flags of the tractor dealer when Goose & Greendawg made their presence heard with singles on song. Tommyguns epic 165k in yesterdays heat excused him from a big effort, clearly the domain of the Dawg and the Goose today. A formation of felines were in pursuit approaching the Pine Lodge pub, luck would have it that two others needed a Channel Rd exit to keep a busy schedule on agenda, DrugRob, Cougs and I avoiding a Cat-confrontation to tackle the shorter course home.
GG was the comeback kid for Tuesdays Couldabeens thrash. Steve back and Tommygun as a special guest teamed up with 13 of the regulars to take on a stiff north easter heading out Channel Rd. FeltMat tacked on in the first leg, Nath added his horsepower further out. A solid workout pushing into the wind but relief at Boundary Rd. The tempo kept building in Mitchell Rd, a few now bailing out of turns up front. Lots of traffic allowed us to catch some breath at Central Kialla, but allowed Cats to gain a lot of ground. Daniel, Gav and co took the Archer Rd option, Nathan put the pedal down into the 40's (not wanting a Cat collaboration?) which split the bunch, a momentary regroup at the highway when the frontrunners paused for traffic. There was little support for a united finish unfortunately, so I grouped with those on the back to keep morale, the downside was trying to get a share of the tarmac when Cats overtook on an intimate line (an empty right lane un-used) Our group finished intact however (the main priority) over the train tracks at 6.58 and pleased with a 35.8 average in light of some long pauses.
The combination of a hot Tuesday afternoon, stiff winds and the likely ubiquitous attack squad added up to aprehension and low enthusiasm, but one should make lemonade from lemons. Trusting the cloud had a silver lining, I arrived at the hospital to find Axel, Dalton, Dave, Woodsy, young Kate, Brendan, Sav (boiling in longs, short knicks unfound) and Mike. Sure as eggs, Bomber, Mitch and associates were lying in wait out Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd , quickly joining in the rotation. Once on the front, heads went down and bums up at 40 into the stiff wind, the legacy was 6 riders OTA. Predicting a tough leg south (22km/h SSE wind to tackle) Axle & I eased to collect those dumped and set about an achievable, survivable pace from the Emu onward, Sprinter & Dalton quickly returning to the fold. Turned at the toaster collecting Craig, rotations varied a little but no matter with a united team. Trees or buildings that gave some shelter were welcomed, the heart rate settled a bit in River Rd. Hamish came into view in Mitchell Rd (as Mike, Sav, Axel & Kate dissapeared from view into Archer Rd) Just Dalton, Sprinter, Craig, Hamish and I left to finish the course. Arcadia Downs gets the adrenalin up and up went the speed as always. The turns up front became more frequent and I let loose with 300 to go (but 484 watts couldn't shake the very young Hamish at the end).
A calmer pace on Wednesday was welcomed, chose an anti-clockwise lap with Rocket, Tim, Cougs, GG, Temple and Nick. Down Archer (a postcard sunrise to view) up Mitchell and Boundary and home via Channel Rd. Almost perfect 15 degrees and a hint of south east breeze, there was even enough oxygen to allow a yarn here and there, maybe not the case for Supercats westbound at a fair clip. A sizeable pack of P&W's near the main channel (with some foreign faces), the TT lads had taken the River Rd option, a group of Goats (?) and last, but certainly not least, the 51 express with Vince as fighter pilot. We turned into Channel Rd to collect and enlist Pete H to even up numbers, passed a Mr & Mrs on a get fit ride nearing the kinder, and back into town with a cobweb clearing blast from Temple.
Summer certainly here on Thursday. 23 degrees before the sun rose (only seconds to kit up for a ride now, such contrast to the multiple layers in sequence needed for winter) fighting the easterly out Channel Rd like battling bungled bureaucracy. Pleasing to reach Boundary Rd, Fitzy flying solo just south of the Pine Lodge Pub. Crossed the highway and nearing the piggery, bike peak hour had struck. Nice guy Graeme at the wheel of the sizeable good ship pussycat, then a fractured and frazzled herd of Goats led by Phil (one even minus appropriate headgear). Soon after it was 25 & 1/2 and 25 & 1/2 (you do the maths), the backmarkers splintering under the attack. Content to plug away at a sensible speed, pleased to have a windy helping hand home.
Sleep was scarce Thursday night (minimum 28 degrees) so woke early. Forecast for Saturday looked bleak, maybe extra k's today would make up the defecit? Hit the tarmac at 4.50 out past the Golf Course (a proper 400 lumen light such a contrast to the summertime torch light) and along Wanganui & Ford with a WSW to help. Came across Princess, Tinkerbell and Sootie at the roundabout so made up a foursome to knock over 30k before the P&W lap. The wind had swung to a SSW when we rounded the Emu, shared the front with Sootie all the way back to SPC to join the Stace, Choppy, Chris the Pom, Jase, DrugRob, Weapon and Tommygun team for the regular lap. Newbie Simon uncannily the carbon copy of my brother (had to check the bike to confirm he hadn't made a suprise visit from the US). Tommygun did a Channel Rd retreat, the TT's boys approaching behind caused Princess to bolt and Sootie to join, a River Rd rampage on their agenda. The remainder continued along Mitchell, Simon's mixmaster gearing got me giddy, and nearly expired him. The wind had died and a few welcome cool spots were enjoyed, a carbon concerto in C major from Weapons' wheels a great soundtrack to the ride. Into the 40's for Raftery Rd and on Choppy's wheel (waiting for his charge), hard to latch on when he hit, and harder to get around with 200 left. The reactor was in melt down just to keep ahead, barely enough determination to hold him off at 50 to finish 65k for the weeks finale.
Week 48 391 km 14,076 calories (50 jam sandwiches) 32.3 average YTD 18,858km
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." Arthur Conan Doyle Scottish author (Sherlock Holmes) 1859-1930
Squeezed in an early lap Sunday with the forecast of a hot one (not yet climatized to this foreign weather) on the way south nearly becoming a Holden bonnet emblem (senior citizens senility, suffering serious sight shortcomings, sceptical scrutiny suiting serious speculation) Headed out Raftery into a light south easter which swung slowly into an east south east to give a handbrake effect for Mitchell. A real retro day today, a few vintage velocipedes piloted by old school blokes were out in the summer atmostphere, a not so senior JB on a not so crusty Cannondale spotted on Boundary (by this time the wind had turned into a westerly!) Headed for home down Channel Rd to meet weekend obligations but made time for a Degani pit-stop to fuel up on the de-lish banana/walnut toast & coffee. Just to add variety, a warm northerly sprung up to force a downchange for the ride home.
Tommygun and DrugRob were waiting at SPC for the P&W clan to arrive, just Cougs and me to fill the void today. A little mechanical adjustment to an errant brake pad (Tommygun the boy scout with suitably sized Allen key) and the four set forth, some aid from the south west breeze. Just got to the shredded flags of the tractor dealer when Goose & Greendawg made their presence heard with singles on song. Tommyguns epic 165k in yesterdays heat excused him from a big effort, clearly the domain of the Dawg and the Goose today. A formation of felines were in pursuit approaching the Pine Lodge pub, luck would have it that two others needed a Channel Rd exit to keep a busy schedule on agenda, DrugRob, Cougs and I avoiding a Cat-confrontation to tackle the shorter course home.
GG was the comeback kid for Tuesdays Couldabeens thrash. Steve back and Tommygun as a special guest teamed up with 13 of the regulars to take on a stiff north easter heading out Channel Rd. FeltMat tacked on in the first leg, Nath added his horsepower further out. A solid workout pushing into the wind but relief at Boundary Rd. The tempo kept building in Mitchell Rd, a few now bailing out of turns up front. Lots of traffic allowed us to catch some breath at Central Kialla, but allowed Cats to gain a lot of ground. Daniel, Gav and co took the Archer Rd option, Nathan put the pedal down into the 40's (not wanting a Cat collaboration?) which split the bunch, a momentary regroup at the highway when the frontrunners paused for traffic. There was little support for a united finish unfortunately, so I grouped with those on the back to keep morale, the downside was trying to get a share of the tarmac when Cats overtook on an intimate line (an empty right lane un-used) Our group finished intact however (the main priority) over the train tracks at 6.58 and pleased with a 35.8 average in light of some long pauses.
The combination of a hot Tuesday afternoon, stiff winds and the likely ubiquitous attack squad added up to aprehension and low enthusiasm, but one should make lemonade from lemons. Trusting the cloud had a silver lining, I arrived at the hospital to find Axel, Dalton, Dave, Woodsy, young Kate, Brendan, Sav (boiling in longs, short knicks unfound) and Mike. Sure as eggs, Bomber, Mitch and associates were lying in wait out Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd , quickly joining in the rotation. Once on the front, heads went down and bums up at 40 into the stiff wind, the legacy was 6 riders OTA. Predicting a tough leg south (22km/h SSE wind to tackle) Axle & I eased to collect those dumped and set about an achievable, survivable pace from the Emu onward, Sprinter & Dalton quickly returning to the fold. Turned at the toaster collecting Craig, rotations varied a little but no matter with a united team. Trees or buildings that gave some shelter were welcomed, the heart rate settled a bit in River Rd. Hamish came into view in Mitchell Rd (as Mike, Sav, Axel & Kate dissapeared from view into Archer Rd) Just Dalton, Sprinter, Craig, Hamish and I left to finish the course. Arcadia Downs gets the adrenalin up and up went the speed as always. The turns up front became more frequent and I let loose with 300 to go (but 484 watts couldn't shake the very young Hamish at the end).
A calmer pace on Wednesday was welcomed, chose an anti-clockwise lap with Rocket, Tim, Cougs, GG, Temple and Nick. Down Archer (a postcard sunrise to view) up Mitchell and Boundary and home via Channel Rd. Almost perfect 15 degrees and a hint of south east breeze, there was even enough oxygen to allow a yarn here and there, maybe not the case for Supercats westbound at a fair clip. A sizeable pack of P&W's near the main channel (with some foreign faces), the TT lads had taken the River Rd option, a group of Goats (?) and last, but certainly not least, the 51 express with Vince as fighter pilot. We turned into Channel Rd to collect and enlist Pete H to even up numbers, passed a Mr & Mrs on a get fit ride nearing the kinder, and back into town with a cobweb clearing blast from Temple.
Summer certainly here on Thursday. 23 degrees before the sun rose (only seconds to kit up for a ride now, such contrast to the multiple layers in sequence needed for winter) fighting the easterly out Channel Rd like battling bungled bureaucracy. Pleasing to reach Boundary Rd, Fitzy flying solo just south of the Pine Lodge Pub. Crossed the highway and nearing the piggery, bike peak hour had struck. Nice guy Graeme at the wheel of the sizeable good ship pussycat, then a fractured and frazzled herd of Goats led by Phil (one even minus appropriate headgear). Soon after it was 25 & 1/2 and 25 & 1/2 (you do the maths), the backmarkers splintering under the attack. Content to plug away at a sensible speed, pleased to have a windy helping hand home.
Sleep was scarce Thursday night (minimum 28 degrees) so woke early. Forecast for Saturday looked bleak, maybe extra k's today would make up the defecit? Hit the tarmac at 4.50 out past the Golf Course (a proper 400 lumen light such a contrast to the summertime torch light) and along Wanganui & Ford with a WSW to help. Came across Princess, Tinkerbell and Sootie at the roundabout so made up a foursome to knock over 30k before the P&W lap. The wind had swung to a SSW when we rounded the Emu, shared the front with Sootie all the way back to SPC to join the Stace, Choppy, Chris the Pom, Jase, DrugRob, Weapon and Tommygun team for the regular lap. Newbie Simon uncannily the carbon copy of my brother (had to check the bike to confirm he hadn't made a suprise visit from the US). Tommygun did a Channel Rd retreat, the TT's boys approaching behind caused Princess to bolt and Sootie to join, a River Rd rampage on their agenda. The remainder continued along Mitchell, Simon's mixmaster gearing got me giddy, and nearly expired him. The wind had died and a few welcome cool spots were enjoyed, a carbon concerto in C major from Weapons' wheels a great soundtrack to the ride. Into the 40's for Raftery Rd and on Choppy's wheel (waiting for his charge), hard to latch on when he hit, and harder to get around with 200 left. The reactor was in melt down just to keep ahead, barely enough determination to hold him off at 50 to finish 65k for the weeks finale.
Week 48 391 km 14,076 calories (50 jam sandwiches) 32.3 average YTD 18,858km
"When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking." Arthur Conan Doyle Scottish author (Sherlock Holmes) 1859-1930
Friday, November 23, 2012
Week 47
FeltMat, Rocket, Walshy, Jase, Temple, Steve (with newbie Luke) & Daniel were loitering with some intent at the Archer St shops in the 6am light of Saturday, Shorty & Trev arrived to launch the pack out Channel Rd. The regular cool morning and the usual south wester gave a Groundhog Day feel but some interesting & varied discussions made it entertaining. (speculation of GG's attendance prompted a chuckle or two) The speed limit needed close attention with a slight breeze behind, the Toaster / Emu leg route back on the agenda this week. Turned for home at the Emu to find Dalton & Cranky heading east, following a few k's back the Cat collection. Onto Ford Rd (and approaching Mouser) we were honked & squeezed by Mr Angry in a red ute (too much effort to use the empty right lane to overtake it seems) Rego duely noted for constabularary consultation, way too close for comfort. A clear run home thereafter, easing off the throttle in Rudd Rd for Luke showing signs of wear. Had to skip the post ride coffee and conversation with a hectic weekend, will overdose next week.
Lent a hand at the Shepparton Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, sidekick to HWK and missed most of the race, but caught up with several local legends pre & post event. Awesome efforts over the 1.9 swim, 90k bike and 21k run by Tommygun 4.51.28, Grasshopper 4.54.07, Greendawg 5.08.32, Weapon 5.12.07, Goose 5.31.06, Kylie 6.03.14 and Princess 6.11.25 (great maiden effort) Lots of bike bling in the compound to lust after, an impressive winners bike leg of 2.09! (fighting strong winds)
Legs were well worn Monday (worked overtime Sunday and sleep deprived Saturday) so took a gentle and short lap Monday morning (yep, cold, and that south wester still blowing) A fair sized Cat pack in Boundary Rd the only riders seen. Lacking any form of power today, quite the jelly leg syndrome.
Tuesday mornings weather was a toss up, couldn't decide on longs or shorts so played safe with 3/4's and long sleeves. The 15 Couldabeens who rolled up were a mixture of both kits (Daniel of course in the minimum), a suprise visit from Greendawg and Goose, fresh off their awesome efforts on the 70.3, even has JB come along, blowing the cobwebs off the classic Cannondale. Rocket and Dalton gave us a gentle build up to speed out Channel Rd, all set about performing very smooth turns (and considerate pace out of corners and intersections) for the course, the lack of rubber band effect making a faster speed almost comfortable. 40 for most of Mitchell and climbing higher by Arcadia Downs, I'd scored the favoured wheel of Greendawg (with a few retiring from turns in the closing k or two) which allowed me a jump to the sprint silver medal, behind Rocket (untouchable despite my 440 watt 53km/h) The 37 average worth recording.
A proper warm Spring Tuesday arvo at 28 degrees (with accompanying 20k warm northerly) brought out the usual hospital starters with chalkie Nick a suprise inclusion, hadn't seen legalSteve for a while either. The usual vultures were circling out Ford Rd to pick at the bones of the weary. Young Scott fuelled some angst with a kilometer of half wheeling me, so I lit the afterburner into the 40's to dish up discipline. Robbo, Bomber and other peak performers got wheels humming toward the Emu (young Scott the first to go o.t.a) The northerly favoured heading down past the church, pretty handy down Boundary too. A bit of speculation on the Midland highway closure (fatal car accident earlier) but the long arms of the law were on duty to ease our highway crossing. A big attack was launched in River Rd (Tel Aviv?) some serious legs pushing mid 40's into a cross wind fractured the bunch into lots of little pieces. Caught up amongst the tail enders, a big gap had opened up by central Kialla (attempts at carrying a few along for the chase failed) so kept up a solo fight to stay in touch. Nearly caught them at Melbourne Rd but was baulked by traffic. Mission impossible, so tapped home in the low 30's in the interest of survival (45k's at 36.3 was enough) but rejoined at the first set of traffic lights in town for a brief social discourse.
A pleasant 16 degrees started Wednesday, a chanced intercept with Grasshopper on the way to the P&W lap (we'll miss the little fella when he immigrates to Wang). Irongirl Jo, Liz, Chris the Pom, Al and newbie Rob (hereafter named DrugRob, a pharmacist) were at the usual startline, and set forth just as Fee, Fox and Meags arrived from an earlier 30k. A little bit of a drag against a light north easter out Old Dookie, but thereafter plain sailing. The little bunny and an owl who had met their maker on Boundary drew some Aww's, otherwise a bit of chat for all but the engine drivers on the front. Just beyond the Mitchell dog-leg we could make out a long 51 train turning west from Central Kialla Rd, 3 being excommunicated off the back. All kept it steady until the excitement grew with 2 k to go, Liz & DrugRob running short on horsepower pointing into the strengthening northeaster. Inherited the long slog on the front for Conrod straight, thankfully the smooth Fox saved me from expiry in the last 100, clearing the decks for Grasshopper to lead out Irongirl Jo for a win.
Chilled down to 10 degrees on Thursday morning but last nights gale force wind had at least calmed down. Numbers were well down for the Couldabeens ride, just 7 today (the wind a factor?) including new dad (again) Trav, an 8lb 4 Flynn arriving Tuesday (realise why he wasn't named after River Phoenix). The big Kenworth was back too (pushed and shoved to get his wheel) to join Temple, Rocket, Ryno, Walshy (with a late arrival pass) and Nick (nearly needs new knicks, not nice nearby, nearly nasty, neural nightmare, nausea nigh) All full of bravado out Channel Rd, but a big slap of reality in the face in Boundary Rd by way of a SSW wind which had cranked up to 18km/h. Rotations increased to distribute the load (Trav excused from full time duty, Walshy too after a big chase to join us) HR bumped up 40bpm for a turn at the front, the Kenworth started to miss a beat by Central Kialla Rd and developed a missfire that only an Archer Rd exit could fix. Speed got serious at Arcadia Downs and my legs flatly refused to do what the head wanted. Rocket stopped snoring and wound up for the sprint, Nick & Ryno fighting out for the remaining podium places. A solid lap for a small pack, Cats pipped for the railway line honours, 7.02 would have beaten the trains' old schedule.
Not sure what drives people to tackle the tough stuff. The wind Thursday arvo had built to 28km/h from the south, but out into it I went, knowing some serious speed was on the agenda. (the joy of the pain stopping at the finish line?) A dozen formed up at the library, chalkie Nick back for more, and out the Boulevard we went. a line of 10 on the left and Nath alone on the right. I know he doesn't bite, so went up to take a turn...then all formed up as normal. Good to have Woodsy back with his re-co hip, seeing more of legal Steve, Paul and Gools lately too. Hoisted the mainsail out Wanganui & Ford, a fair rate of knots took us all the way to the Emu (meeting the Hezbollah guerrillas en route) where the real work began. The big guns played fair but fast all the way south, we even picked up Nico in Old Dookie, his first bunch ride in over 12 months. Stacked across the tarmac to fight the cross wind in River Rd (some over in the gravel at times) the bunch was still intact at the turn into Central Kialla Rd, but the new lad shot to the front (from 5 wheels back) to light the fury fuse. The bunch fractured within 50 metres, ironically the instigator went kaboom backwards just 100 metres later, I quickly scouted for able bodies to help rescue the remainder, but some did an Archer retreat. Great allies found in Gools, Scotty and Sprinter, we shared the pointy end for the next 9 km even keeping the heavy artillery within a km sight, collecting some of their fallout in the chase. A great team workout finishing 48 k's in 1:22, the Garmin graph showing a rollercoaster heart rate (not sure where the 254 max came from though!)
Caught up with Keeno on my way to the P&W start Friday morning, seems the Supercats are increasing membership and the ordinary (?) Cats are in decline. Arrived at SPC to find Princess, Grasshopper, Minto and Wizz had joined the usual tribe (Stace, Choppy, Al, Meags, DrugRob and Chris the Pom), maybe as recovery from Tri efforts on Sunday. A hint of a south easter was the only resistance down Boundary, even picked up an ejected Supercat (a visitor to the town looking for a ride certainly got one!) Birchy showed us what his back wheel looked like, Princess bolting to draft him but commonsense (or sore legs?) brought him back into the fold. Nicer in Mitchell Rd (thought the TT'ers may need a map to remember that course) but all kept formation till the exertion unleashed nearing Arcadia Downs. I got the shift at the front on the dipper but ran out of nitrous at 50km/h trying to stay with Choppy and Grasshopper (my excuse is they're younger) A regroup to get through town, many with time to enjoy coffee and post ride analysis.
A great finish to this week with a Couldabeens dinner of 12, lots of tall tales and true.
Week 47 364 km 13,104 calories (75 cups of fruit muesli) 33.9 average YTD 18,467 km
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself" Michel Eyquiem de Montaigne
French Renaissance writer 1533-1592
Lent a hand at the Shepparton Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, sidekick to HWK and missed most of the race, but caught up with several local legends pre & post event. Awesome efforts over the 1.9 swim, 90k bike and 21k run by Tommygun 4.51.28, Grasshopper 4.54.07, Greendawg 5.08.32, Weapon 5.12.07, Goose 5.31.06, Kylie 6.03.14 and Princess 6.11.25 (great maiden effort) Lots of bike bling in the compound to lust after, an impressive winners bike leg of 2.09! (fighting strong winds)
Legs were well worn Monday (worked overtime Sunday and sleep deprived Saturday) so took a gentle and short lap Monday morning (yep, cold, and that south wester still blowing) A fair sized Cat pack in Boundary Rd the only riders seen. Lacking any form of power today, quite the jelly leg syndrome.
Tuesday mornings weather was a toss up, couldn't decide on longs or shorts so played safe with 3/4's and long sleeves. The 15 Couldabeens who rolled up were a mixture of both kits (Daniel of course in the minimum), a suprise visit from Greendawg and Goose, fresh off their awesome efforts on the 70.3, even has JB come along, blowing the cobwebs off the classic Cannondale. Rocket and Dalton gave us a gentle build up to speed out Channel Rd, all set about performing very smooth turns (and considerate pace out of corners and intersections) for the course, the lack of rubber band effect making a faster speed almost comfortable. 40 for most of Mitchell and climbing higher by Arcadia Downs, I'd scored the favoured wheel of Greendawg (with a few retiring from turns in the closing k or two) which allowed me a jump to the sprint silver medal, behind Rocket (untouchable despite my 440 watt 53km/h) The 37 average worth recording.
A proper warm Spring Tuesday arvo at 28 degrees (with accompanying 20k warm northerly) brought out the usual hospital starters with chalkie Nick a suprise inclusion, hadn't seen legalSteve for a while either. The usual vultures were circling out Ford Rd to pick at the bones of the weary. Young Scott fuelled some angst with a kilometer of half wheeling me, so I lit the afterburner into the 40's to dish up discipline. Robbo, Bomber and other peak performers got wheels humming toward the Emu (young Scott the first to go o.t.a) The northerly favoured heading down past the church, pretty handy down Boundary too. A bit of speculation on the Midland highway closure (fatal car accident earlier) but the long arms of the law were on duty to ease our highway crossing. A big attack was launched in River Rd (Tel Aviv?) some serious legs pushing mid 40's into a cross wind fractured the bunch into lots of little pieces. Caught up amongst the tail enders, a big gap had opened up by central Kialla (attempts at carrying a few along for the chase failed) so kept up a solo fight to stay in touch. Nearly caught them at Melbourne Rd but was baulked by traffic. Mission impossible, so tapped home in the low 30's in the interest of survival (45k's at 36.3 was enough) but rejoined at the first set of traffic lights in town for a brief social discourse.
A pleasant 16 degrees started Wednesday, a chanced intercept with Grasshopper on the way to the P&W lap (we'll miss the little fella when he immigrates to Wang). Irongirl Jo, Liz, Chris the Pom, Al and newbie Rob (hereafter named DrugRob, a pharmacist) were at the usual startline, and set forth just as Fee, Fox and Meags arrived from an earlier 30k. A little bit of a drag against a light north easter out Old Dookie, but thereafter plain sailing. The little bunny and an owl who had met their maker on Boundary drew some Aww's, otherwise a bit of chat for all but the engine drivers on the front. Just beyond the Mitchell dog-leg we could make out a long 51 train turning west from Central Kialla Rd, 3 being excommunicated off the back. All kept it steady until the excitement grew with 2 k to go, Liz & DrugRob running short on horsepower pointing into the strengthening northeaster. Inherited the long slog on the front for Conrod straight, thankfully the smooth Fox saved me from expiry in the last 100, clearing the decks for Grasshopper to lead out Irongirl Jo for a win.
Chilled down to 10 degrees on Thursday morning but last nights gale force wind had at least calmed down. Numbers were well down for the Couldabeens ride, just 7 today (the wind a factor?) including new dad (again) Trav, an 8lb 4 Flynn arriving Tuesday (realise why he wasn't named after River Phoenix). The big Kenworth was back too (pushed and shoved to get his wheel) to join Temple, Rocket, Ryno, Walshy (with a late arrival pass) and Nick (nearly needs new knicks, not nice nearby, nearly nasty, neural nightmare, nausea nigh) All full of bravado out Channel Rd, but a big slap of reality in the face in Boundary Rd by way of a SSW wind which had cranked up to 18km/h. Rotations increased to distribute the load (Trav excused from full time duty, Walshy too after a big chase to join us) HR bumped up 40bpm for a turn at the front, the Kenworth started to miss a beat by Central Kialla Rd and developed a missfire that only an Archer Rd exit could fix. Speed got serious at Arcadia Downs and my legs flatly refused to do what the head wanted. Rocket stopped snoring and wound up for the sprint, Nick & Ryno fighting out for the remaining podium places. A solid lap for a small pack, Cats pipped for the railway line honours, 7.02 would have beaten the trains' old schedule.
Not sure what drives people to tackle the tough stuff. The wind Thursday arvo had built to 28km/h from the south, but out into it I went, knowing some serious speed was on the agenda. (the joy of the pain stopping at the finish line?) A dozen formed up at the library, chalkie Nick back for more, and out the Boulevard we went. a line of 10 on the left and Nath alone on the right. I know he doesn't bite, so went up to take a turn...then all formed up as normal. Good to have Woodsy back with his re-co hip, seeing more of legal Steve, Paul and Gools lately too. Hoisted the mainsail out Wanganui & Ford, a fair rate of knots took us all the way to the Emu (meeting the Hezbollah guerrillas en route) where the real work began. The big guns played fair but fast all the way south, we even picked up Nico in Old Dookie, his first bunch ride in over 12 months. Stacked across the tarmac to fight the cross wind in River Rd (some over in the gravel at times) the bunch was still intact at the turn into Central Kialla Rd, but the new lad shot to the front (from 5 wheels back) to light the fury fuse. The bunch fractured within 50 metres, ironically the instigator went kaboom backwards just 100 metres later, I quickly scouted for able bodies to help rescue the remainder, but some did an Archer retreat. Great allies found in Gools, Scotty and Sprinter, we shared the pointy end for the next 9 km even keeping the heavy artillery within a km sight, collecting some of their fallout in the chase. A great team workout finishing 48 k's in 1:22, the Garmin graph showing a rollercoaster heart rate (not sure where the 254 max came from though!)
Caught up with Keeno on my way to the P&W start Friday morning, seems the Supercats are increasing membership and the ordinary (?) Cats are in decline. Arrived at SPC to find Princess, Grasshopper, Minto and Wizz had joined the usual tribe (Stace, Choppy, Al, Meags, DrugRob and Chris the Pom), maybe as recovery from Tri efforts on Sunday. A hint of a south easter was the only resistance down Boundary, even picked up an ejected Supercat (a visitor to the town looking for a ride certainly got one!) Birchy showed us what his back wheel looked like, Princess bolting to draft him but commonsense (or sore legs?) brought him back into the fold. Nicer in Mitchell Rd (thought the TT'ers may need a map to remember that course) but all kept formation till the exertion unleashed nearing Arcadia Downs. I got the shift at the front on the dipper but ran out of nitrous at 50km/h trying to stay with Choppy and Grasshopper (my excuse is they're younger) A regroup to get through town, many with time to enjoy coffee and post ride analysis.
A great finish to this week with a Couldabeens dinner of 12, lots of tall tales and true.
Week 47 364 km 13,104 calories (75 cups of fruit muesli) 33.9 average YTD 18,467 km
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself" Michel Eyquiem de Montaigne
French Renaissance writer 1533-1592
Friday, November 16, 2012
Week 46
With the Tat 50/100/200 rides on, I wasn't expecting big numbers for Saturdays bike therapy. Pleasing to see Dalton & better half Christine, Chris the Pom braved the cold, Walshy back again (on a yellow card remand) Cougs, Trev, Shorty the birthday boy and Dale as tail-light. Rocket, Trav, Nick, Ryno & BigMat tackled the 200 (performed very well i'm told, 5:45 a great rate) Cougs did the daily double entering the 50 straight after this morning's lap. The now usual south westerly assisted out Channel and up Boundary, noticing a few Tat 200 direction boards placed at the ready. All were on their best behaviour playing by the rules, a decent rate of knots held in Lemnos Cosgrove Rd to witness the Cats being led out (?) by a solitary lass. Coffee and toast enjoyed back at the Lemontree (a large muffin served as a birthday cake for Shorty) a yarn too with Tommygun and Weapon in from a short lap. Weapon planning a titanic torturous trek tomorrow to test tenacious time trialling, taking time though to tempt tastebuds trying tantelising treats (tarts?) Voluminous verbal vernacular virus continues.... An indulgent sleep-in Sunday till 5.30, and yippee it's light enough to go without lights! 5 degrees cold enough though to keep with the base layer and 3/4's. Rolled out on the toaster loop, humming along nicely up to the golf course thinking of stuffenthat. From DECA onward it felt like I'd inherited legs of lead, hard to maintain a decent speed. Tyres appeared to be firm, maybe a brake binding? All appeared well, tree tops static, maybe it's a crook engine? Have the decades decayed the dinosaur? Soon to be relegated to a snoozy bunch to tow Ken? About to be cast on the scrapheap and given a carbon fibre zimmer frame? Rummaged through the cerebellum and dug the depths of the parietal to find any lost scrap of motivation or hint of drive, even considered moving to the 16 sprocket but knew that'd shatter poor HWK to learn i'd changed gear. Only Winston Churchill's quote got me to the Emu ("never never never give up")
then it turned instantly Christmas on a stick! Much easier heading south and even better pointing west, some unseen ESE wind had hindered the journey east. Drowned in the dopamine of a light breeze from behind and monstered Mitchell in the 56/14 (in the foolish hope of upping the average) Only 2 bikes spotted (both with zip ties sprouted from skulls, hoping to startle sparrows?) the wind slowly shifting along the way to a strong (26km/h) north easter as a pennance for Conrod straight. Easy to dig deep with the finish line in sight (and a 'trophy' in mind), no Wildebeast, Ibex or other extranious wildlife to hamper progress today, just straight to Degani to be first in, soaking up their polished service, very smooth coffee and moorish slab of buttered banana and walnut toast as reward.Either a helping hand or a hinderance, the wind blew hard Monday morning, didn't deter 9 P&W's from attendance though. Fox, Meags and Fee got a 5.10 start to knock over 30, then joined Princess, Stace, Cougs, Sootie, Hayles and the Goose for the usual course. A bit of mechanical adjustment to Hayles Argon, then all set sail (heads down into the north north east at 20km/h) Princess and Goose are clearly in the senoir league of speed (lots of hard yards travelled in the Tri build up) I barely rate as the orange boy. Mind you, Fox, Sootie and the quickchicks travel well too. 51 were on a go slow in Boundary Rd (dangling a carrot for the Cats?) but we plugged away on the lap, getting blown down Mitchell as the wind swung from the north east (Princess being blown a bike length further ahead than me) 51, with Cats in tow, rolled past as we neared Archer (an elephant stamp for the considerate pass) A united finish in Raftery with the big guns still in sight, just pipped by the train rolling back through town.
Dug out the three-quarters and the roubaix jersey for Tuesday, turned cold again. 10 degrees it said but had "feels like 6.7" Mmm....to a doona snuggler? To an eskimo? Someone who's sensitive down to the .7 Just 8 turned up to the Couldabeens, maybe the wind kept a few away, maybe spent legs from the Tat 200 ? Didn't stop Rocket, Nick & Ryno, having finished the 200 at a 33+ average (well done lads!) Trev, Jase, Steve, Chris the Pom and Walshy made up the team for a steady, slightly subdued ride. We copped a 22k SSW head wind turning into Boundary, the turns rolled over a little more often to relieve the burden. Puddytats homed in beyond the Mitchell Rd dog-leg (a legacy of our late getaway and eased tempo) and 51 overtook after the highway. Walshy hurried up the heart rate in Conrod straight, but mid 40's only paved the way for Rocket to unleash the horsepower for a decisive win (200 on Saturday hadn't put a dent in him)
Fitted the fourth set of Vredesteins for the year (6000k's from the last set with just one puncture, courtesy of Carlton & United Breweries) so bedded them in with a hospital bunch ride. A dozen started and the usual weapons of mass destruction joined in on the journey east. I'd paired with young Hamish (with his 35 year advantage) then had Dalton the diesel (with his big ft/lb torque advantage) to humble my effort, thankfully Sprinter and Gools brought things back to sensible high 30's for the last leg to the Emu. Speed shot up the moment we pointed south, the big guns (line astern) formed up for an imminent assult. Best behaviour at the Toaster to give way to the constabulary heading west, finally got to the back of the pack to notice that Trev had gone OTA. Remembering that disheartening feeling well, I sat up and rolled quietly for the little fella to catch on (a straggly hospital bunch slowly cantered off into the sunset) the least I could do for all his help over the years. We probably had a tougher workout for the remainder (even with a shorter course via Channel) the south west wind still blowing at 20k+
Broke with tradition Wednesday and unwound with an anti-clockwise lap, joining Trev, Nick, Choppy, Rocket, Cougs and legal Dave for a low level flight down Archer, a better late than never FeltMat catching on at our turn into Mitchell. It's been a while since travelling this way, puts a different perspective on things. Supercats oncoming near the dog-leg, P&W's (with a few new faces) about to turn into Mitchell, and like a long string of Christmas lights, a big 51 train turning into River Rd. A pleasant change to tackle Boundary with the breeze behind, but the wind funneled down Channel to make it a task to get home.
An earlier (and moderate) ride Thursday morning, the need to get to work excluded a Couldabeens ride (a rapid one I'm led to believe...legs said thanks for missing that one!) There's still the odd blanket of fog on some low lying areas, more like July than November. Shirms was howling down Boundary (courtesy of a carbon fibre dinner plate for a back wheel) in readiness for Sundays' 70.3. Cats, Goats and 51 followed soon after, all about to congregate it seemed. Happy to tap along quietly and complete 25 without stress, ready for a days toil.
Ideal climate Thursday arvo (20 degrees, a light southerly blowing) so mounted the trusty steed and set off on a random course, across to Mooroopna then down to Toolamba (hopeful the southerly would at least help the homeward leg) Peak hour traffic (6 cars) didn't give much of a tow into the headwind, reached the Toolamba metropolis at a busy time (two cars at the pub, one pedestrian), but pressed on via Bridge Rd. Gave a wave to the red Mitsubishi with an Argon appendage on the roof (Member for Toolamba, Dave) just as Mr Gymnorhina Tibicen attacked. (thought magpie nesting was finished?) Crossed the highway and onto Union (aka Roubaix straight), felt like cobblestones with 20mm stones glued to the top. Headed south at Central Kialla for a 2k battle to Karamomis Rd (all action at the Karamomis CBD with 6 people at the tennis court!). Relief at last to be headed north on the Shepp-Euroa Rd (narrow as it is) with a diminishing tail breeze, got a motivational moment in Boundary Rd reeling in and passing a small bunch of 4 on the Broken bridges (exited via Channel as I sailed north) Crossed paths with the Library bunch nearing Old Dookie Rd, only picked out Wongy and Jamie amongst the blur of 16 odd riders. Just enough daylight to take the Toaster-Emu-Lemnos/Cosgrove-Ford-Wanganui-Rudd-Boulevard route home, a very empty tank at the end, spending 1500 calories on the 2:17:10 of 75k's.
Another quiet lap for Friday morning (in light of yesterdays excess) just into double figure degrees and a fair southerly still blowing. Rolled out Channel with Cougs, dodging Mr & Mrs Duck with Huey, Dewy and Louie crossing the road (more wildlife to avoid). Nearing the end of Channel Rd spotted the Supercats (rotating clockwise) spearing southward, soon after, in hot pusuit the 51 attack squad were homing in with gritted teeth and furrowed brow (lots of grunts, no good mornings today). Crossed the highway to find 3 poor 51 souls (soles?) ex-communicated by speed, about to become Cat food or P&W kippers on toast. Oh well, it IS freaky Friday. Quite content to finish a moderate ride, an epiphany to roll over the train tracks just as the boom bell rang, the last ever 7.02 train departed . (a scary trainspotting moment?)
Week 46 424km 15,264 calories (160 banana PaddlePops) 31.7 average YTD 18,103km
A big cheer to Shirms, Grasshopper, Weapon, Princess and all the other legends about to tackle the Shepp 70.3 Ironman, keep it smooth and keep it upright.
"Only in the darkness can you see the stars" Martin Luther King 1929-1968
Friday, November 9, 2012
Week 45
Quite a roll-up on Saturday, many circled (and salivating) around Weapons' new Avanti chronos. A long lost Walshy made an appearance in the pack, Christine back again (after a "hydration conference") Chris the Pom venturing out a bit more now that some warmth has returned. All on their toes for Trev's arrival this week (who got down to business immediately on Channel Rd), 16 set sail eastward, collecting Steve near the kinder. Quite the social outing with a southerly helping in Boundary, got a hint of a new course about half a k before it happened, a diversion via the toaster and the emu today it seems. All boys and girls carefully heeding Trev's regulations (some within 0.5km/h of it), a careful cross of New Dookie Rd then up to the emu (that's missing.......on holiday in Zeerust appparently) A plentiful posse of pussycats were headed out, leaving Kev behind to change a flat tube solo (nice team spirit guys) Jimbo seen a few minutes behind on his pat malone too, must be popular? Dalton, Ryan and others were taking the speed right up to the point of financial distress, but all arrived back into town without need to use the credit card to shout coffee, but Walshy got a yellow card for a european roundabout excersion. Fryers St is bike central lately, many finding favour as a finish or start point. Rearranged the deckchairs at the Lemontree to enjoy alfresco verbals, some arranging a long Sunday tour as a test for Tat?
Time the enemy on Sunday morning, an early 30k on the Couldabeens course just in case the legs forgot how to pedal. A familiar Spring warm north easterly built up gradually (as did the temperature), just Raftery needing a bit of extra effort. Glad to get back to town for a dose of Degani's coffee, need to climatise to warm days and winds me thinks.
A quiet anti-clockwise lap on Monday with Cougs, the now standard north easter at least offering some kindness on the return home. A few new faces out & about now that mornings are milder (just soft hibernators i reckon), half a dozen chirpy P&W's, a large and mostly silent cat pack with Rabbit teasing 'em off the front. Finally finished the pedometer challenge today, totalled 965,281 steps over 31 days (and kept up with a few young'ns)
Gave the toaster loop a bash on Monday arvo, 27 degrees and that north easter still active. Satisfied with progress eastbound, noticing the HR slowly climbing as the k's clicked over. Nearing Verney spied Princess (dapper dude in civvies too) walking the pup and the kiddies. Fighting a stitch nearing the kennels in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (easing the speed about the only cure) ironically listening to Massive Attack. A bit of relief turning at the Emu but not the tail wind i'd hoped for, the breeze tapering. Not the clearest of views at intersections lately, weeds are like skyscrapers, just my luck there'll be traffic lurking behind them. Approached the Midland at peak hour (well, four cars at least) at least two punters in the pub too. At the risk of wearing out the usual course, turned down River Rd, damn wind changing direction slowly was going to make hard work of the remainder. Always pleasant to finish River Rd (except the intersection) a short 2k to Mitchell then on auto pilot home. Kept the clock ticking through town (+ a couple of red lights) and up the Boulevard to finish 56 @ 33.1.
Quite a few expected to tackle a toaster loop for the Cup day holiday on Tuesday, put in an early lap with Cougs (unable to join in with a ton of work at her desk). Headed out Channel Rd at a steady speed, a distant flashing red light an irresistable carrot to hunt down. Pushing into a 17k north easterly was certainly a warm up, caught and passed the young fella nearing the end of Channel, kept the accelerator down for Boundary too. A big outing of Cats were oncoming near the aromatic surrounds of the piggery, a turn into Old Dookie Rd took the wind off the face. Rolled back into town, a decent gathering of Grasshopper, Fox and company ready to depart from SPC.
A cast of thousands were waiting at the Archer St shops at 7, almost a full compliment of Couldabeens, foreigners Doc & Sam from Tatura drafted by Trev made up 18 to squirt down Raftery, rare with the wind behind us! A whisker past Arcadia Downs, Vince, Kelly and Bo made a comeback. The turn into Mitchell presented the hard yakka of the wind against us, the toil doubled with Daniel dishing up half a Ridley ahead. Vince & Bo edged up the velocity at the top of Mitchell, the rotation turned clockwise in Boundary, then anti-clockwise in Old Dookie (just a few of us at the front getting double shifts....paid double-time on a public holiday?) Back on the front again for Cosgrove North Rd trying (in vein) to match Dalton's torque. Finally some respite in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd re-aquainting myself with many who had yet to enjoy a turn at the pointy end. In the high 30's and low 40's for the journey west. A regroup after traffic sp lit the bunch at Numurkah Rd, up the Wanganui hill (3rd place according to Strava) and a left into Rudd for the excitement to begin. There were seperate finish lines for many, some before and some after the roundabout. Swamped by Bo, Vince, Dalton, Kelly and others, visitor Sam had a moment tram-tracking his wheel at the concrete edge of the roundabout. Had a bit of a dip at the traditional finish line (with Bo untouchable 20 meters ahead) if only to tow Daniel into a podium finish. 53.7km/h at the end of 65k was enough to earn scrambled eggs at the Lemontree (Trev kindly laying on the OJ) a collective Couldabeens chatted, consuming coffee, creating comedy, clocking calories, cruizy carefree cupday. (voluminous verbosity virus victim) A photo shoot for the Tat 200 gave a few laughs too.
Wednesday morning turned tropical, the overnight rain and 20 degrees creating a steamy circuit. Only Cougs and Meags brave enough to front, so single filed out Old Dookie. Not quite rainforests, endangered frogs and toucans, but it was certainly warm, humid with some fine mist along the way almost cancelling plans, a reassesment at Channel Rd agreed to. Just shy of Boundary Rd a well fed, but well flattened snake lay stationary for our cautious turn peering through tall grass. The mist had abaited nearing the highway, the bunnies bounding about instead. Long and strong turns by the girls and a great call for traffic (minus headlights, bit dim in the skull) near the turn into Mitchell saved the day. Half way down Mitchell was an escargo overload, saturated with snails to make the post ride clean-up a delight. 51 caught us just after Mt Nicolaci (Col 'd Kialla to some) with some encouraging words from the Eggmeister to train driver Cougs. Soon after Matho, Sly and assorted Cats gave a g'day passing, but all then chucked it into neutral for the traffic and cross over Melbourne Rd. A steady finish to the lap, the mist and damp rating between chicken noodle and vichyssoise (certainly not porridge). Rolling through town the mist became light rain just as Team TT of Grasshopper, Fox, Minto and Princess caught us (eyes diverted from Chaddy, visual caution; white knicks on a wet day)
How quickly we soften! 14 degrees on Thursday at 5.30am and it felt cold! A dozen turned up to the Couldabeens start, Dave back after a long (political?) absence, Walshy on the comeback trail too. Scored the first leg with jackrabbit Jason, the next roll was Dalton the diesel, not a lot of struggle against wind today, but plenty of fog to peer through, the edge off the tempo with many commiting to the Tat ride (even Rocket said he'll be a bystander for the sprint, suprise suprise). Tim's putting in more rides than BigMat lately (nice work). All ticked over like clockwork for Boundary and Mitchell (needed a fog horn for the intersections though) Crossed Melbourne Rd, (Col & Co cruising westward), our subdued tempo allowing the Cats to catch, the honourable member for motors (Matho) wisely delaying their overtake till the coast was clear beyond Roubaix. A few of ours turned traitor and crossed the floor for the Cat scrap, the majority chosing a combined Couldabeen finish, train at the platform, still taking passengers.
High time I reaquainted with the library bunch Thursday arvo, a dozen or so rolled away, 18 kays of westerly to tackle (and a rattling bidon cage to endure for an hour) Numbers grew heading east, speed grew too, taking tail-wind advantage. Bomber, MItch and the big guns grew weary at the low 40's so bolted into the distance, thankfully the remainder stuck it out together for the drive to Emu corner. Back to the high 30's for the southerly legs, minus 5 for the grind of the westward. Some turns short and some turns long, being behind Sprinter is like drafting a toothpick. Glad to be finished River Rd (and Mitchell wasn't much better) lots of enthusiasm in the last 3 k's (as always) but couldn't match Sean, Hamish and Dalton, settled satisfied for 4th at 53km/h (219 HR max was a bit of a worry, Garmin glitch?) 48k's clocked in 1:19, dinner clocked in seconds.
A P&W farewell ride for Dutchy on Friday morning, Choppy, Fee, Meags, Al, Cougs, Hayles, Chris the Pom, THM, Jase and the guest of honour of course. 10k's of westerly propelled us out Old Dookie, recalling the Dutchy days of a cleat screwed to the base of a plastered foot (recouperating from a busted achillies). The TT boys (Grasshopper, Fox, Wizz, Sootie, Minto & Sosso) joined in to pay their respects to the Dutchmeister, but itchy feet developed near River Rd for their usual thrash. They'd only gained a couple of hundred metres (but had left Sosso behind) by the time we arrived at Kialla Central, but we pressed on for the Raftery remainder. Choppy, Sootie, Stace and Hayles bolted with 1000 metres left, THM made a keen attempt to bridge but expired early, all had to full stop just beyond the finish line with a pony on the loose (adding to snakes, owls, rabbits, snails, ducks etc on the list that have impaired prgress over the years) Horse whisperers Cougs and Hayles to the rescue, but the spooked neddy bolted to a nearby paddock, at least out of harms way. Squeezed in a brief brekky with the crew (even Ayto came out of doona retirement) as an adieu to a great character .
Week 45 480km 17,280 calories (115 Crownies, toasting Dutchy) 32.4 average YTD 17,679km
You can't stop the future, you can't rewind the past, the only way to learn the secret is to press play"
Jay Asher US writer 1975-
Time the enemy on Sunday morning, an early 30k on the Couldabeens course just in case the legs forgot how to pedal. A familiar Spring warm north easterly built up gradually (as did the temperature), just Raftery needing a bit of extra effort. Glad to get back to town for a dose of Degani's coffee, need to climatise to warm days and winds me thinks.
A quiet anti-clockwise lap on Monday with Cougs, the now standard north easter at least offering some kindness on the return home. A few new faces out & about now that mornings are milder (just soft hibernators i reckon), half a dozen chirpy P&W's, a large and mostly silent cat pack with Rabbit teasing 'em off the front. Finally finished the pedometer challenge today, totalled 965,281 steps over 31 days (and kept up with a few young'ns)
Gave the toaster loop a bash on Monday arvo, 27 degrees and that north easter still active. Satisfied with progress eastbound, noticing the HR slowly climbing as the k's clicked over. Nearing Verney spied Princess (dapper dude in civvies too) walking the pup and the kiddies. Fighting a stitch nearing the kennels in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (easing the speed about the only cure) ironically listening to Massive Attack. A bit of relief turning at the Emu but not the tail wind i'd hoped for, the breeze tapering. Not the clearest of views at intersections lately, weeds are like skyscrapers, just my luck there'll be traffic lurking behind them. Approached the Midland at peak hour (well, four cars at least) at least two punters in the pub too. At the risk of wearing out the usual course, turned down River Rd, damn wind changing direction slowly was going to make hard work of the remainder. Always pleasant to finish River Rd (except the intersection) a short 2k to Mitchell then on auto pilot home. Kept the clock ticking through town (+ a couple of red lights) and up the Boulevard to finish 56 @ 33.1.
Quite a few expected to tackle a toaster loop for the Cup day holiday on Tuesday, put in an early lap with Cougs (unable to join in with a ton of work at her desk). Headed out Channel Rd at a steady speed, a distant flashing red light an irresistable carrot to hunt down. Pushing into a 17k north easterly was certainly a warm up, caught and passed the young fella nearing the end of Channel, kept the accelerator down for Boundary too. A big outing of Cats were oncoming near the aromatic surrounds of the piggery, a turn into Old Dookie Rd took the wind off the face. Rolled back into town, a decent gathering of Grasshopper, Fox and company ready to depart from SPC.
A cast of thousands were waiting at the Archer St shops at 7, almost a full compliment of Couldabeens, foreigners Doc & Sam from Tatura drafted by Trev made up 18 to squirt down Raftery, rare with the wind behind us! A whisker past Arcadia Downs, Vince, Kelly and Bo made a comeback. The turn into Mitchell presented the hard yakka of the wind against us, the toil doubled with Daniel dishing up half a Ridley ahead. Vince & Bo edged up the velocity at the top of Mitchell, the rotation turned clockwise in Boundary, then anti-clockwise in Old Dookie (just a few of us at the front getting double shifts....paid double-time on a public holiday?) Back on the front again for Cosgrove North Rd trying (in vein) to match Dalton's torque. Finally some respite in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd re-aquainting myself with many who had yet to enjoy a turn at the pointy end. In the high 30's and low 40's for the journey west. A regroup after traffic sp lit the bunch at Numurkah Rd, up the Wanganui hill (3rd place according to Strava) and a left into Rudd for the excitement to begin. There were seperate finish lines for many, some before and some after the roundabout. Swamped by Bo, Vince, Dalton, Kelly and others, visitor Sam had a moment tram-tracking his wheel at the concrete edge of the roundabout. Had a bit of a dip at the traditional finish line (with Bo untouchable 20 meters ahead) if only to tow Daniel into a podium finish. 53.7km/h at the end of 65k was enough to earn scrambled eggs at the Lemontree (Trev kindly laying on the OJ) a collective Couldabeens chatted, consuming coffee, creating comedy, clocking calories, cruizy carefree cupday. (voluminous verbosity virus victim) A photo shoot for the Tat 200 gave a few laughs too.
Wednesday morning turned tropical, the overnight rain and 20 degrees creating a steamy circuit. Only Cougs and Meags brave enough to front, so single filed out Old Dookie. Not quite rainforests, endangered frogs and toucans, but it was certainly warm, humid with some fine mist along the way almost cancelling plans, a reassesment at Channel Rd agreed to. Just shy of Boundary Rd a well fed, but well flattened snake lay stationary for our cautious turn peering through tall grass. The mist had abaited nearing the highway, the bunnies bounding about instead. Long and strong turns by the girls and a great call for traffic (minus headlights, bit dim in the skull) near the turn into Mitchell saved the day. Half way down Mitchell was an escargo overload, saturated with snails to make the post ride clean-up a delight. 51 caught us just after Mt Nicolaci (Col 'd Kialla to some) with some encouraging words from the Eggmeister to train driver Cougs. Soon after Matho, Sly and assorted Cats gave a g'day passing, but all then chucked it into neutral for the traffic and cross over Melbourne Rd. A steady finish to the lap, the mist and damp rating between chicken noodle and vichyssoise (certainly not porridge). Rolling through town the mist became light rain just as Team TT of Grasshopper, Fox, Minto and Princess caught us (eyes diverted from Chaddy, visual caution; white knicks on a wet day)
How quickly we soften! 14 degrees on Thursday at 5.30am and it felt cold! A dozen turned up to the Couldabeens start, Dave back after a long (political?) absence, Walshy on the comeback trail too. Scored the first leg with jackrabbit Jason, the next roll was Dalton the diesel, not a lot of struggle against wind today, but plenty of fog to peer through, the edge off the tempo with many commiting to the Tat ride (even Rocket said he'll be a bystander for the sprint, suprise suprise). Tim's putting in more rides than BigMat lately (nice work). All ticked over like clockwork for Boundary and Mitchell (needed a fog horn for the intersections though) Crossed Melbourne Rd, (Col & Co cruising westward), our subdued tempo allowing the Cats to catch, the honourable member for motors (Matho) wisely delaying their overtake till the coast was clear beyond Roubaix. A few of ours turned traitor and crossed the floor for the Cat scrap, the majority chosing a combined Couldabeen finish, train at the platform, still taking passengers.
High time I reaquainted with the library bunch Thursday arvo, a dozen or so rolled away, 18 kays of westerly to tackle (and a rattling bidon cage to endure for an hour) Numbers grew heading east, speed grew too, taking tail-wind advantage. Bomber, MItch and the big guns grew weary at the low 40's so bolted into the distance, thankfully the remainder stuck it out together for the drive to Emu corner. Back to the high 30's for the southerly legs, minus 5 for the grind of the westward. Some turns short and some turns long, being behind Sprinter is like drafting a toothpick. Glad to be finished River Rd (and Mitchell wasn't much better) lots of enthusiasm in the last 3 k's (as always) but couldn't match Sean, Hamish and Dalton, settled satisfied for 4th at 53km/h (219 HR max was a bit of a worry, Garmin glitch?) 48k's clocked in 1:19, dinner clocked in seconds.
A P&W farewell ride for Dutchy on Friday morning, Choppy, Fee, Meags, Al, Cougs, Hayles, Chris the Pom, THM, Jase and the guest of honour of course. 10k's of westerly propelled us out Old Dookie, recalling the Dutchy days of a cleat screwed to the base of a plastered foot (recouperating from a busted achillies). The TT boys (Grasshopper, Fox, Wizz, Sootie, Minto & Sosso) joined in to pay their respects to the Dutchmeister, but itchy feet developed near River Rd for their usual thrash. They'd only gained a couple of hundred metres (but had left Sosso behind) by the time we arrived at Kialla Central, but we pressed on for the Raftery remainder. Choppy, Sootie, Stace and Hayles bolted with 1000 metres left, THM made a keen attempt to bridge but expired early, all had to full stop just beyond the finish line with a pony on the loose (adding to snakes, owls, rabbits, snails, ducks etc on the list that have impaired prgress over the years) Horse whisperers Cougs and Hayles to the rescue, but the spooked neddy bolted to a nearby paddock, at least out of harms way. Squeezed in a brief brekky with the crew (even Ayto came out of doona retirement) as an adieu to a great character .
Week 45 480km 17,280 calories (115 Crownies, toasting Dutchy) 32.4 average YTD 17,679km
You can't stop the future, you can't rewind the past, the only way to learn the secret is to press play"
Jay Asher US writer 1975-
Friday, November 2, 2012
Week 44
The old farmhouse, Rushworth-Murchison Rd (via i-phone)
The sun is gradually rising earlier, not long now when the lighting kit can get a holiday. The base layer, arm warmers and winter gloves are still in demand though, struggled to reach 3.5 degrees to start a ride Saturday. (Captain Cook's 283rd birthday for your information) A dozen rolled up then rolled out Archer, a now obligatory chase to catch Trev on his rapid start. Big Dale made a rare appearance (a ranked outsider carrying top weight) Jase nursing a sore back (from a motored bike) Mike puffing like a steam train, Daniel too with some discomfort (backside parked off the rear of the saddle?) A light breeze, originally from the west, swung from around from the south west, but didn't give grief. All were in social cruise control, de rigeur for membership to this pack. Just into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd Dalton directed de dozen detour a downed, deceased, defunct duck, Daniel decided doubtful delicious dinner, deferring disease, damaging diet. (yes, still stricken, superfluous superlatives) A small bunch of 5 heading out had nearly two dozen cats bearing down half a k back, no pressure on us, other than chosing how the coffee was to be served. Avoided the tarmac mounds of Wanganui Rd, (Mason St an obstacle course too) no abusive traffic to deal with, straight into the warmth of the Lemontree to defrost on coffee.
Rocket flagged two laps of the toaster on Sunday as prep for those taking on the Tat 200. Time only allowed one for me so rolled (pushed really) down to Harvey Norman's against a 15k southerly. Nick, Dalton, Steve, BigMat, Rocket, Shorty and Jase all let out a cheer when GG turned up, guilt had triumphed on many invite texts (unanswered). Got a quick warm-up being paired with Rocket for the first (3k) leg into the wind, the assistance in Mitchell then Boundary only got the other lads excited. GG seemed keen to make up for lost rides by half biking on the front (hats off to Nick for holding position) Interesting observing the many different cogs in use at the one speed, all different engines i guess. The breeze swung a little to help us west in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the tempo unchanged. Quite the sledging match mid field in Ford Rd, Rocket and GG casting aspersions with gusto. GG's half biking resumed near DECA but Dalton was having none of it, dishing out a speed lesson up the Wanganui hill, then another in Rudd Rd to seal the punishment. Polished off the 48k at 34, peeled off at Tarcoola wondering who would be ripe for lap 2. (and when GG would next return)
As has become customary (and comfortable) a quiet roll around the 25k circuit Monday morning, witnessing those southbound (a decent sized P&W pack, Cats being hunted by 51 etc) but happy to take things easy. Call it soft if you like, i'll call it survival. Copping a bit of grief in the tensor fascia lata lately (might just be rigormortis?) so loosened up on a Monday arvo random reconnisance. The forecast north easter suggested a trek east, crossing fingers for a tail wind home. Dookie was the decision (with some options open should legs or sunlight give up) so out Ford then Lemnos Cosgrove Rd, noticing the dead duck dissapeared, dutifuly dragged......oh, stop it Foss! Mt Major grew closer heading up to the quarry, enjoyable in 26 degrees. Through Cosgrove and up the hill to Dookie (with a solid tap on the helmet from a magpie, suggesting a lower gear?) and into town with a brief stop to fill the H20 tank. Still plenty of daylight left so out the cemetary then south on the Nalinga Rd (a slightly hazy vista of the dividing range today, but still a visual feast through hayfevered eyes), down past the ag college and up to the Midland. There's a decent apron to the left of the road so homeward on that (Bells-Armstrong never an exciting option, the long stretch past the Pine Lodge cemetary was nearly as riveting though) fighting a north easter and the wind shear from oncoming trucks. At last the pub came into view (beer in the bidon considered for a moment), taking Channel Rd home (no lights cancelled ideas of a Mitchell Rd course, sun slowly setting) to finish 72 @ 32.6 (damn hills pegged back the average) HR at 152 for 2hrs 10.
An early text Tuesday morning, Cougs needing a pit crew for a puncture. (funny how there's two or three punctures in a row, then weeks or months without one) Timed the repair impeccably, rolled to the Couldabeens start just as they rolled out (thanks to Dalton for a tow up to the enthused team) FeltMat recovering a sore "round the bay knee", noticed Chris the Pom has legs (14 degrees had them uncovered for the first time in ages) BigMat enjoying a new pair of carbon wheels(need he go faster?) , Trev and Shorty taking the ouch out of the speed. A few patches of cold air had bare armed Temple and Leon cool. Pussycats caught us approaching Central Kialla, then spent the next 2k in the oncoming lane for some reason. A 51 breakaway (Nev, Mo, Chris, Bart & co) rounded us up at Arcadia Downs, BigMat was keen to use a tow, so took us into the mid 40's to latch on (yet another bunch out of hibernation were headed south), a few from the 51 chase made a last minute bid but were just shy of the target. A pleasing 35.1 average to finish, a mass of bikes to roll back into town (having caught the Cats) to flog the train (soon to miss that challenge, it's departing at 6.31 from Nov 18)
A magic 27 degrees Tuesday arvo, enjoyed another Dookie schoolies circuit (big chainring of course) and the challenge of the sharp rise on Duggans Rd reducing the velocity to 16. No focus on speed, just to climatise the legs and head into hills. Perfect conditions with sun shining, cool air and barely a puff of wind, but the mozzies are back and biting when the sun gets low.
Arrived at SPC Wednesday morning and could have turned back the clock 2 years. A big roll up of new and long missing P&W's, the 5am crew arriving in from their 30k lap adding to the numbers. Big Mick and Al the newcomers, a rare sighting of THM and HWK, Tommygun and a full set of quick chicks (plus a new one). Irongirls Stace, Jo & Hayles, Meags (with ammonium perchlorate composite in the drink bottle), Fast Fee, Super-nana Cougs, Tonka Tuff Kylie, Weapon (aka Miss Modesty) and apprentice Liz. Almost back to the P&W golden years, just need Choppy and Ayto to complete that picture. Out to Boundary Rd just ahead of the TT lads approaching; Minto, Wizz, Princess, Fox, Sootie and Grasshopper on 85% intervals rounded us up near the piggery, then maintaining a 100 metre lead. Their exit into River Rd left us to drive on to Mitchell (Trev and Couldabeens were northbound led by GG, the second ride in a week!) The quick chicks (outnumbering the boys) ramped up the pace westward, dragged out news of Weapons epic 165k solo ride Sunday, talk about understated & unassuming! A bit of rubber banding at the back when we reattached to the TT's in Central Kialla, but up went their pace at Archer Rd, so we resumed normal service (except Stace went off to play with the big boys) Arriving at Arcadia Downs, Chris A (on a breakaway from 51) shot past , soon after the chase pack went by, nearly getting my front wheel sliced off by the excitement of their pursuit. Held station at 38 for the last k, only to be swamped by quick chicks in an all out battle for line honours. Another mass roll through town to humble the train. Liz stoked at finishing the lap (she doubted lasting the length of Old Dookie!), we should all remember that feeling of achievement.
Thursday morning had time constraints so an early lap, at last mild enough to cope in short knicks and sleeves. The payback was wind! A tough 30k westerly and howling with gusts to 40 made the trek home hard work. Quite a few were out to play in it, i'd imagine tears would be shed in River and or Mitchell, there was pain aplenty at 30 in Old Dookie Rd for me.
Fronted the 6 degree P&W ride of Friday to find the long lost Choppy was back! Apprentices Al, BigMick and Coota joined Chris the Pom and quick chicks Meags, Stace and Hayles to all be blown out Old Dookie by the 17km/h wind. A k out ,THM and Matho (suffering a clock calamity?) caught on. Beyond the pub a Couldabeen collective entered Boundary from Channel Rd but remained half a k ahead. The WSW wind took a bit of slack out of the legs, a good run down Mitchell whilst assimilating to the new faces and their riding styles. Beyond Melbourne Rd Matho dumped us to build a bridge to the bunch ahead (thinking it was Cats?), by Roubaix Stace and Choppy couldn't contain themselves and set off to mow down Matho (lots of killer on the Kornflakes) which snowballed to Hayles and THM following suit. Had a moment of "yeah, nah but" to join in, but finally bolted to grab the express train as it left the station. Stace fired hard (too much to soon?) THM went quietly kaboom, Choppy's candle flickered at Arcadia Downs, I just attempted to keep a steady high 30's pace if only to survive till the end . Found myself the tow truck till 70 metres from glory when Stace, Chops and Hayles catapaulted past to claim the 1,2,3 respectively. Suprised to have a (u-turned) Carole join us, riding a delicious new red/black Avanti TT with Di2, 90mm carbon wheels, singles etc. A weapon on a weapon.
This weeks pedometer at 268,856 steps. That's why the legs are tired!
Week 44 410km 14760 calories (197 large onions) 32km/h average YTD 17,199km
"One must wait till the evening to see how splendid the day has been"
Sophocles : Greek playwright 496 - 406 BC
The sun is gradually rising earlier, not long now when the lighting kit can get a holiday. The base layer, arm warmers and winter gloves are still in demand though, struggled to reach 3.5 degrees to start a ride Saturday. (Captain Cook's 283rd birthday for your information) A dozen rolled up then rolled out Archer, a now obligatory chase to catch Trev on his rapid start. Big Dale made a rare appearance (a ranked outsider carrying top weight) Jase nursing a sore back (from a motored bike) Mike puffing like a steam train, Daniel too with some discomfort (backside parked off the rear of the saddle?) A light breeze, originally from the west, swung from around from the south west, but didn't give grief. All were in social cruise control, de rigeur for membership to this pack. Just into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd Dalton directed de dozen detour a downed, deceased, defunct duck, Daniel decided doubtful delicious dinner, deferring disease, damaging diet. (yes, still stricken, superfluous superlatives) A small bunch of 5 heading out had nearly two dozen cats bearing down half a k back, no pressure on us, other than chosing how the coffee was to be served. Avoided the tarmac mounds of Wanganui Rd, (Mason St an obstacle course too) no abusive traffic to deal with, straight into the warmth of the Lemontree to defrost on coffee.
Rocket flagged two laps of the toaster on Sunday as prep for those taking on the Tat 200. Time only allowed one for me so rolled (pushed really) down to Harvey Norman's against a 15k southerly. Nick, Dalton, Steve, BigMat, Rocket, Shorty and Jase all let out a cheer when GG turned up, guilt had triumphed on many invite texts (unanswered). Got a quick warm-up being paired with Rocket for the first (3k) leg into the wind, the assistance in Mitchell then Boundary only got the other lads excited. GG seemed keen to make up for lost rides by half biking on the front (hats off to Nick for holding position) Interesting observing the many different cogs in use at the one speed, all different engines i guess. The breeze swung a little to help us west in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the tempo unchanged. Quite the sledging match mid field in Ford Rd, Rocket and GG casting aspersions with gusto. GG's half biking resumed near DECA but Dalton was having none of it, dishing out a speed lesson up the Wanganui hill, then another in Rudd Rd to seal the punishment. Polished off the 48k at 34, peeled off at Tarcoola wondering who would be ripe for lap 2. (and when GG would next return)
As has become customary (and comfortable) a quiet roll around the 25k circuit Monday morning, witnessing those southbound (a decent sized P&W pack, Cats being hunted by 51 etc) but happy to take things easy. Call it soft if you like, i'll call it survival. Copping a bit of grief in the tensor fascia lata lately (might just be rigormortis?) so loosened up on a Monday arvo random reconnisance. The forecast north easter suggested a trek east, crossing fingers for a tail wind home. Dookie was the decision (with some options open should legs or sunlight give up) so out Ford then Lemnos Cosgrove Rd, noticing the dead duck dissapeared, dutifuly dragged......oh, stop it Foss! Mt Major grew closer heading up to the quarry, enjoyable in 26 degrees. Through Cosgrove and up the hill to Dookie (with a solid tap on the helmet from a magpie, suggesting a lower gear?) and into town with a brief stop to fill the H20 tank. Still plenty of daylight left so out the cemetary then south on the Nalinga Rd (a slightly hazy vista of the dividing range today, but still a visual feast through hayfevered eyes), down past the ag college and up to the Midland. There's a decent apron to the left of the road so homeward on that (Bells-Armstrong never an exciting option, the long stretch past the Pine Lodge cemetary was nearly as riveting though) fighting a north easter and the wind shear from oncoming trucks. At last the pub came into view (beer in the bidon considered for a moment), taking Channel Rd home (no lights cancelled ideas of a Mitchell Rd course, sun slowly setting) to finish 72 @ 32.6 (damn hills pegged back the average) HR at 152 for 2hrs 10.
An early text Tuesday morning, Cougs needing a pit crew for a puncture. (funny how there's two or three punctures in a row, then weeks or months without one) Timed the repair impeccably, rolled to the Couldabeens start just as they rolled out (thanks to Dalton for a tow up to the enthused team) FeltMat recovering a sore "round the bay knee", noticed Chris the Pom has legs (14 degrees had them uncovered for the first time in ages) BigMat enjoying a new pair of carbon wheels(need he go faster?) , Trev and Shorty taking the ouch out of the speed. A few patches of cold air had bare armed Temple and Leon cool. Pussycats caught us approaching Central Kialla, then spent the next 2k in the oncoming lane for some reason. A 51 breakaway (Nev, Mo, Chris, Bart & co) rounded us up at Arcadia Downs, BigMat was keen to use a tow, so took us into the mid 40's to latch on (yet another bunch out of hibernation were headed south), a few from the 51 chase made a last minute bid but were just shy of the target. A pleasing 35.1 average to finish, a mass of bikes to roll back into town (having caught the Cats) to flog the train (soon to miss that challenge, it's departing at 6.31 from Nov 18)
A magic 27 degrees Tuesday arvo, enjoyed another Dookie schoolies circuit (big chainring of course) and the challenge of the sharp rise on Duggans Rd reducing the velocity to 16. No focus on speed, just to climatise the legs and head into hills. Perfect conditions with sun shining, cool air and barely a puff of wind, but the mozzies are back and biting when the sun gets low.
Arrived at SPC Wednesday morning and could have turned back the clock 2 years. A big roll up of new and long missing P&W's, the 5am crew arriving in from their 30k lap adding to the numbers. Big Mick and Al the newcomers, a rare sighting of THM and HWK, Tommygun and a full set of quick chicks (plus a new one). Irongirls Stace, Jo & Hayles, Meags (with ammonium perchlorate composite in the drink bottle), Fast Fee, Super-nana Cougs, Tonka Tuff Kylie, Weapon (aka Miss Modesty) and apprentice Liz. Almost back to the P&W golden years, just need Choppy and Ayto to complete that picture. Out to Boundary Rd just ahead of the TT lads approaching; Minto, Wizz, Princess, Fox, Sootie and Grasshopper on 85% intervals rounded us up near the piggery, then maintaining a 100 metre lead. Their exit into River Rd left us to drive on to Mitchell (Trev and Couldabeens were northbound led by GG, the second ride in a week!) The quick chicks (outnumbering the boys) ramped up the pace westward, dragged out news of Weapons epic 165k solo ride Sunday, talk about understated & unassuming! A bit of rubber banding at the back when we reattached to the TT's in Central Kialla, but up went their pace at Archer Rd, so we resumed normal service (except Stace went off to play with the big boys) Arriving at Arcadia Downs, Chris A (on a breakaway from 51) shot past , soon after the chase pack went by, nearly getting my front wheel sliced off by the excitement of their pursuit. Held station at 38 for the last k, only to be swamped by quick chicks in an all out battle for line honours. Another mass roll through town to humble the train. Liz stoked at finishing the lap (she doubted lasting the length of Old Dookie!), we should all remember that feeling of achievement.
Thursday morning had time constraints so an early lap, at last mild enough to cope in short knicks and sleeves. The payback was wind! A tough 30k westerly and howling with gusts to 40 made the trek home hard work. Quite a few were out to play in it, i'd imagine tears would be shed in River and or Mitchell, there was pain aplenty at 30 in Old Dookie Rd for me.
Fronted the 6 degree P&W ride of Friday to find the long lost Choppy was back! Apprentices Al, BigMick and Coota joined Chris the Pom and quick chicks Meags, Stace and Hayles to all be blown out Old Dookie by the 17km/h wind. A k out ,THM and Matho (suffering a clock calamity?) caught on. Beyond the pub a Couldabeen collective entered Boundary from Channel Rd but remained half a k ahead. The WSW wind took a bit of slack out of the legs, a good run down Mitchell whilst assimilating to the new faces and their riding styles. Beyond Melbourne Rd Matho dumped us to build a bridge to the bunch ahead (thinking it was Cats?), by Roubaix Stace and Choppy couldn't contain themselves and set off to mow down Matho (lots of killer on the Kornflakes) which snowballed to Hayles and THM following suit. Had a moment of "yeah, nah but" to join in, but finally bolted to grab the express train as it left the station. Stace fired hard (too much to soon?) THM went quietly kaboom, Choppy's candle flickered at Arcadia Downs, I just attempted to keep a steady high 30's pace if only to survive till the end . Found myself the tow truck till 70 metres from glory when Stace, Chops and Hayles catapaulted past to claim the 1,2,3 respectively. Suprised to have a (u-turned) Carole join us, riding a delicious new red/black Avanti TT with Di2, 90mm carbon wheels, singles etc. A weapon on a weapon.
This weeks pedometer at 268,856 steps. That's why the legs are tired!
Week 44 410km 14760 calories (197 large onions) 32km/h average YTD 17,199km
"One must wait till the evening to see how splendid the day has been"
Sophocles : Greek playwright 496 - 406 BC
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