Southbound to the OC's at 6.30am (headlight de rigeur with the sunrise having a sleep-in) spotted 3 riders northbound (maybe to a feline gathering?) one unbelievably, without helmet. I guess there's no sense having a roof on an empty barn. Shame taxpayers would foot the repair bill.
A few missing in action had returned for OC duty today, great to have Andrew (& son) along, Trav and Ryan on a "leave pass", even Clint out of mothballs. A triple treat of Cougs, Meags and Kylie girlpower to add class to the bunch. Almost perfect conditions (17 with a light SE breeze) for the extended Saturday lap (again copied, not equalled), young Andy expertly rolling smooth strong turns, a credit to Andrews guidance. A good sample of quality chat in Mitchell, Cats being a very wide load beyond the chicane, almost swapping elbow skin in the process. Clints mothballed bike went negative tyre pressure a k later (quirkily at last weeks' puncture site) but only a top-up via pump was deemed a fix. JB had suffered another attack of sleep-ins and met us southbound in Boundary, to the tones of quality & justified sledging. Clints' air pressure went a.w.o.l. again just before the bridge, but he waved us on, Channel Rd was his route. Old Dookie Rd had a big dose of Au de Puissant Cochon thanks to the strengthening southeaster, but Meags powered us to the toaster. A bit easier westward, Cougs keeping the tempo up, high 30's by the time Campbells came into view. No brave bold breakaways today (Dave absent) but the rapid young ones kept the bunch from talking, oxygen intake a higher priority. Nev and Vince battled out the honours, I was content to roll in with the main field, noticing the roadworks (with a planned roundabout at the golf course) will force us to rethink a new finish line in the near future. Other duties forced me to miss the usual post ride coffee and chin wag. Might need a double serve next week to satisfy the craving.
An early and moderate 25k on Sunday morning, a few Cats set off on the 7 bridges circuit, (Carol rolling in from a solo lap, Scott & Danny at the Lake, a few 51ers off south) but I chose a course with Coogs. A strengthening NE wind made a chore heading out, but the thought of a tailwind home always urges you on. One or two others were taking advantage of a warm Sunday, good to loosen up the legs then enjoy a cuppa afterward without attempting to break records.
Great weather Monday, 17 degrees and not a puff of wind (how long since that happened?) for the P&W lap. Choppy, Chaddy and Cougs had lined up, even had Muntzy come out of retirement. A few TT'ers turned up behind to which Princess defected, just 4 left to roll the course. Muntzy's familiar ride style hasn't altered, admittedly he's put in some k's to bring up the fitness. All took turns for the first 10 k's (except for a foreigner who tailgated from the Old Dookie turn), Choppy and i took to the front from the pub, others happy to hold station. Over the bridges we inherited Ross (on a solo mission) to our small pack. Chops had set 36 on the cruise control for the duration (we bid Ross farewell at Archer Rd) , but i couldn't match that up Mt Nicolaci, drew level again though for the Melbourne Rd crossing. A strong steady pace had kept the TT behind till we exited Roubaix corner, the 5 passing single file, Rabbits busted saddle rail (big list to starboard) must be murder to ride. A wind-up into the 40's for the last 200 inspired Cougs to hit the boost, humbling us all (and all but 1 Cat) for the finish line, TT's only 250 ahead. Very happy with a 34 average for just 4. Delighted to get home then to work before rain set in.
Thought about a Monday night tour, thunderstorms and rain all over the radar made the choice easy. A change of pace Tuesday and took a sedate 25k lap. A mild 17 morning with a light southwest wind, conducive to muscle and mind recovery. A big contingent of Cats out for their whistle tour. A few others rolling around too in pairs and quartets. Refreshing to finish a lap without gasping for air, muscles shot and not a spare second to get home and off to work. Did miss the Couldabeens banter though.
Tuesday at 6pm 10 had lined up at the hospital for the 42k loop. Sam & Paul, a pair of apprentices on their maiden outing, weren't quiet savvy with the bunch protocol. (Paul stayed on the front forever, to the point of expiry, so I took another term and lent him a tow.) Trev and Nath had survived the bucks night, Bomber way ahead, finally backed off so we could catch him, Brendan & Gools joined in, Olympian Steve, Axel, Scott et al to yarn with. The turn into Boundary (south west blowing at 20) turned Mitch and Bomber into Syria's Mukhabarat torture brigade, taking it up to 44 to silence all who dared speak. Thankfully speed was pegged back after a few roll overs, back to mid 30's for the roll to the pub. Nath set-off after the highway to burn some excessive testosterone, caught him as we turned into River Rd to face the wind. Bomber was most kind not tearing my legs off (mind you 37 was about the limit at the front for me). By the time Robbo, Mitch, Steigy & co were up front the bunch had fractured like the Labor party ( i was pleased to be at the tail end, free from suffering). Consensus bonded the remaining 12 to work together for survival, no intention (or horsepower) to chase and catch the guns. Not the smoothest of transitions rolling the turns, up Mt Nicolachi there was a lag in speed, the howl of tyre against tyre when Brendans wheel backed onto Dalton's. His brief cameo as a Crusty Demon across grass then back onto tarmac to resume normal service without batting an eyelid had most in admiration. Crossed the highway and onward to Conrod, unlucky in getting the duties up front with 500m to go. Oh well, lay down a challenge to self and others, go like hell and see who survives! Lucky to make a gap on the little sprinter Brendan but 53k's soon fell to 51, then to 50, 49 soon after that. With 50 metres left, a quick glance under the arm confirmed there was still a gap to keep Brendan just a few lengths behind. Nearly had my breath back by Melbourne Rd, the 35.4 average inspired the appetite.
Wednesday's recovery lap enjoyable as always. A sizeable bunch of supercats were out, followed by a good showing of P&W's in Boundary Rd, the regular (unleaded?) cats following up behind with the odd grunt for a greeting. A small bunch of 4 spied in Old Dookie Rd too. One wonders how these numbers will alter by the time winter is upon us? A brief chat with Tony & Cobbles through town, and home in plenty of time for the 2nd course of breakfast.
Comeback to the Couldabeens Thursday, a big roll up of 19. Goose and the Dawg brought Brett along to sample the pack, a pleasure to be starting midfield instead of lead. Missing the Temple, Leon, Daniel & Matt factor today, gained Muntzy and his unique style to the group though....bonus or burden? A good ride today, minus the whiplash on the back, credit to the engine drivers smooth on the accellerator. (Tuesday's circuit had a few intruders disrupting the flow apparently) Goose & Greeny needed to stretch the legs near Archer Rd and set off. Solidarity remained with the remainder for the remainder, as always the speed building for a thrash in Conrod. Vince launched an early attack, futile really with a rocket loaded in the breech. A good finish by all for a 34.4 average, train & Cats vanquished.
The BM was treated to a service today, came back with pin sharp steering, lightning gear change, super straight wheels and minus the rattles....thanks Trev & team. Arvo temperatures were up, changed plans to do a solo toaster loop a bit later in cooler conditions. Saw the library bunch rolling back into town (one discarded out the back) a bit further out, Steve then Bomber on solo missions. Had the company of Prodigy and McClusky to inspire a bit of speed, into the zone with Chemical Brothers matched nicely to the 53/14. Really good to view the sky's colour changes with the sun vanishing, (life's little drama's vanishing too) the downside ingesting protein supplements of insects at dusk. Happy to get home with a 33 average over the 50, ready to murder dinner part two.
Fridays' P&W lap with 14 was a farewell for the Ironman New Zealand entrants, most departing Monday for the epic Tri. (just thinking of a 3.8 swim, 180 bike and 42 run hurts) Stace, THM, Fox, Hayles, Dan, Guysy and Ayto were all out for a spin, most with aero hats to complete the picture. Guysy's new bling (Giant TT) most impressive. The bunch halved with a few up for a squirt in River Rd, the rest content with the regular course at a slightly less frantic pace. A moment of "do I, don't I" at Melbourne Rd with traffic had split the pack, Meags, Cougs & I tapping out the last 3 k at 38, passed by Area 51, but still content with the 35 average and back in the pack to roll through town.
Week 8 408km 15,055 calories (42 hrs walking) 32.8km/h average YTD 3261k
"I'm a great believer in luck, and find the harder I work, the more I have of it" Thomas Jefferson
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