Merton gap April 2012 i-phone
Morning commitments to kids with soccer and hockey called for an early ride Saturday, missed the usual bunch for the first time in 46 weeks. After rain forced the last 2 days off the bike, I needed L plates for the first few k's. How soft one becomes! Just to test the resolve it was 0.3 degrees to start , lowering to minus 2 out of town. A quiet 30k's fitted the agenda nicely, Venus and Jupiter sat just below a crescent moon heading out Mitchell Rd., the frogs quite vocal to the sun's rising (a fraction earlier?) in Boundary Rd., a pleasant start to the day, in spite of the chill. Turned west into Channel Rd to see Vince & Steve creeping out to intercept the Cats (apparently they'd fronted to the Couldabeens to find no-one there) I had no interest in speed (only makes it colder!), just quite content to enjoy the scenery, particularly the dog (at the centre of Tuesday's scare) frozen to the front yard by frost and chain. And speaking of chains, a new one fitted returning that slick, precise Dura-Ace change. (8K clocked on the old one had turned gearchanges pretty ordinary)
An internal alarm opened eyelids at 5.30 Sunday, cerebral cortex activity wouldn't allow them to close, a circuit on the bike the best prescription. 8.5 degrees was a more agreeable temperature, a light west to north west assistance toward the emu was a bonus, Cosmic's helped too. Three big hares were the only traffic, couldn't decide if the ultra fine spots lit up by the headlight was heavy mist or super fine rain. A dry road signalled a mist, but would it turn to rain? Low cloud was only just visible in the dark sky. Put all my eggs in Alexander Pope's basket "hope springs eternal in the human breast" and by the railway line it had ceased. Turned at the toaster expecting a struggle into the wind but progress was optomistic, no piggery pong either! (but the Boundary Rd one made up for it) Kept the effort up southward (thinking Mitchell would grind me down) but was quite chuffed again with the tempo. The road seemed a little more uphill after Central Kialla Rd (signs of an emptying tank) and by Mt Nicolaci the ouch factor had set in. All effort was to hold a decent pace in Raftery Rd, thankfully the sight of Conrod straight allowed relief to carry an empty tank over the line, 50k in 1:25:00 alright for this old bloke solo, a 34k / 161 hr average. Cobbles & Tony were on the way out of town, a Cat pack of 10+ soon after. A serve of coffee and toasted banana bread was fair reward, home just in time to avoid the light showers that set in for the morning.
Took a short circuit Monday, the weather a lot like Sunday. Spots that could be either mist or rain, came and went in varying strength but barely dampened the road. A decent pack of P&W's gave a big greeting (to u-turn and share the load?) and a sizeable Cat pack followed. Happy to get home a little earlier to start the working week.
A light southwest breeze cooled Tuesday morning to 3.5 degrees but there were ten Couldabeens prepared to tackle the circuit. I took the first shift with Leon (as has become custom) who was on a new Giant for its' second outing. Steve was firing on all eight cylinders (in a field of 6 cylinder engines) thankfully Chris and Rob had a recipe to suit us all. Rocket reported a sinking feeling of a slow puncture but was going to soldier on till he had to stop. Ryan recovering from holidays, Trav recovering from food poisoning with a side order of flu (all other grizzles are now null and void) Rocket made it all the way to Central Kialla Rd before the pump came out, Kenworth and Glen stopping for moral support. The 7 remaining soldiered on (with a brief slow down for Ryan to re-plug the headlight in) Chris most considerate keeping the team together beating the Cats to the line, but the train got it's revenge just beating us to the boom gates.
A chilly night of 7 degrees could only gather 9 to the hospital. Rob back for more (his 3rd outing) and newbie Sav to see what the hype was about. Axle, Scotty, Graham, Andy and Liam made up the rest of the team to head east, Bomber and Steigy tacking on a few k's out. Turning at the emu Andy and Simmo had a half wheel battle into the high 30's to spit three out the back quite unceremoniusly. I remember well the disheartening feeling of being dropped in my early days of bunch riding, so backed off to lend a tow. Regrouped the 3 (including new lad Sav) at the church and set about a smooth and steady chase back to the peleton, finally tagging on at the Old Dookie Rd channel bridge. Back into the rotation drawing the short straw (again) between the horsepower of Bomber and Steigy, high 30's into what felt like a light head wind certainly warmed up the legs and the heart rate. From the pub all the way to Archer Rd just 5 were driving the engine. Andy rolled over a bit short in Mitchell Rd nearly sending Liam into the shrubbery, putting many on standby. Graham was in fine form up Mt Nicolaci, a settled tempo after the highway with only 4 now doing regular turns, the temperature now at 4 too. Simmo finally appeared from the back with 2 k to go but the sprint belonged to the youthful Andy, Graham (making him work hard for it) a close 2nd, I was content with 5th at 49 km/h, a big appetite fuelled by a 34.5k / 145 bpm average.
Not quite half way through the year, the bike clocked 10,000 tonight for 2012, from home to Dehli in distance or 654 hamburgers worth of calories.(maybe a target 20K for the year?)
A mild 7 degrees started Wednesday. Rolled down my street at 5.30am to pass a bloke riding to work, all kitted out in hi-vis jacket, baseball cap and no lights front or rear (and no sense in between). To complete international day of the idiot I got squeezed by an overtaking car within inches of a parked car, 100 metres later he rapidly parks and flings open the door, mirrors un-used. Gave him a sudden & loud "thankyou" just as he stepped out which woke him very successfully! A fair old push out Channel Rd into a strengthening north east breeze, Cougs and I arrived in Boundary Rd to witness the now familiar procession of supercats, P&W's, a couple of soloists, standard Cats, one more solitary, then a sizeable 51 bunch powering along. An enjoyable leg down Old Dookie, a circuit we're nearly familiar with after 6 years. to finish a solid no pressure ride.
Thursday morning was forced to abandon the Couldabeens with an early work start, so a short lap a little earlier got the blood flowing and muscles warmed up (mind you, it was quite warm under the doona). At least a lap flushed away the lethargy of a winters morning.
The mornings' light northeaster was still evident by evening. Hadn't done a Library group ride for some time so joined the dozen assembled, Bob & Helen from Kelly coaching (mentoring Hamish) along to join us. Hamish and Trev just made the starting flag, Dalton back from injury, newbies Rob & Sav back once more, totally addicted. Picked up our olympian, Steigy and 4 others along the way, but we were halted at almost every intersection by traffic. (A liitle wait at the corner is better than a long wait in rehabilitation i reckon). A few were content hanging off the back, rotations were happening long and short, fast and not so fast. Some relief turning at the toaster, the breeze behind made life a little easier (welded the chain to the 12 tooth which stayed till Arcadia Downs prompted a gearchange). Slowed again for traffic at the pub, this time a police car diverting traffic from what appeared to be a significant accident a kilometre toward the east. Back into the rhythm down Boundary then River roads, Steigy & Steve doing the lions share of fast driving, but more waiting for traffic was needed at the highway. (was it peak hour?) I played tow truck for the lads hanging on the back when the fire was lit in Raftery Rd, finding the going tough to be honest. A long single file train formed with Steve as chief driver, Andy and the young guns thrashing out a rapid finish. I slowly reeled in many victims of the final burst but something had pulled the handbrake on to barely finish 5th....a super soft front tyre noticed on the Raftery bridge. Happy with a 34.2 average, stopped for a few pumps of air to get the wheels home, dig out the sliver of glass and change the tube in the light and the warmth.
Predicted overnight showers never came so off to the roundabout to find several P&W's ready for action. The hardcore harem of Hayles, Stace, Cougs, Fee and Meags had Dan, Chris & i to make up 8 at 6 for 30 in 8 with 17 from the NE. The girls did a great job in the strengthening wind, a big relief to turn south into Boundary Rd. Dan had dusted 3 months dust off the bike, Meags had sought comfort in a new Selle to sit on, great to catch up with the crew for a decent and co-operative circuit. Cats were co-operative in passing just before Central Kialla Rd. The bunch kept tight knit for the duration, no sprint neccessary. A brief yarn over a flat white ended another week. Over the hump for 2012, all downhill from now (and hopefully with more daylight and more temperature!)
Week 26 406km 14,616 calories (a 116 egg omlette) 32km/h average YTD 10,209km
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on" Franklin Rooseveldt 32nd US President
1882-1945
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Week 25
Odometer 136,994.
A good dozen had assembled for Saturdays start, inheriting Shorty & Jase (with Trev's bunch low in number). Mt Raftery was still a catagory 2 climb despite an assisting east north easter. The pack arrived at Roubaix corner to find Steve waiting (a puncture had prevented rolling up to the start line) instead of Dave, away in Melbourne for a ride before surgery has him laid up for a bit. The small giant killer Kel was on a killer small Giant (a loaner, but soon to be a suprise birthday present) and Daniel was killing us in short knicks with the temperature barely topping 3. Bo & Daniel's enthusiasm had Hoffy at the end of his leash in Central Kialla Rd so a measure of compassion was added to keep the group from fragmenting. A good mix of Temple's dry wit, Hoffy's laugh, Daniel's sarcasm, Andrew & Kylie along again with the regular legends made great company. Cheques were almost being written for Bo & Daniel's long go on the front into the headwind on the Shepp-Euroa Rd, eventually the load was spread amongst all for the journey to Old Dookie, relief to have the breeze behind thereafter. Bo, Daniel and Temple filled the podium positions in the dash to the line, I was happy to sit back in the royal box with Hoffy, Leon, Cougs and Kylie to witness. The essential banter & bullshit at the Butterfactory was a fitting conclusion.
137,059
Had an idea to roll out a bit of distance on Sunday, (so many rides in the 30 to 50k bracket may have imprinted memory in the legs) but stiff winds and 7 degrees wasn't helping the motivation. Mmm.....carpe diem? Drank a few cups of mental concrete and rolled out to Mooroopna, up through the urban jungles of Undera & St Germains, with 20km/h winds from the west telling me the planned leg to Echuca was going to hurt. Though of a realistic target speed for the 30k leg west but soon revised it, wide open stretches exposed to the elements and the coarse stone tarmac felt like i'd left the handbrake on. It can be mentally demoralising head down into the wind with little respite, no-one to do turns with either (pictured a big plate of scrambled eggs and a large double shot flat white as the focus to drive the tired engine) Relied on the variety in the i-pod to distract thoughts of "are we there yet?" Nice to finally arrive at Echuca, noticing a bit of Cervelo & Pinarello bling parked at the Blackpudding Deli in High St, so decided this was the pit stop for a feed & caffine. Kept the stop brief before the muscles cooled too much, remounted and set a course to Kyabram, the barren countryside through Cornella Creek made pleasant with a light tail wind. Very little traffic to deal with, but then sane people would be snuggled up on their couches watching telly wouldn't they? Cut through Lancaster, Merrigum and Byrneside to hook up with the Midland, a bucket of relief and a handful of grins to be back on home turf 162k's clocked in just under 5 hours ride time, averaging 32.1 on the speed, 158 on the heart. (47,400 heartbeats = 4580 calories apparently, justification for an extra serve of dessert?)
137,221
The old legs didn't feel too bad Monday morning (8 hrs sleep helped) so turned up to find Sooty, Fox, Cougs, Fee and Meags at the P&W start at 6. An overcast sky made the dark seem darker, the depths of winter wasn't encouraging either. Weekend activities discussed, climate grizzled about, topped off with a few laughs was a good introduction to the week. A last second sighting of an oncoming car at the main channel bridge averted drama at the Mitchell turn. Pussycats had reeled us in by Central Kialla Rd, but fate dealt them a puncture just after Archer. Good comradery to start the working week, not phased by the train just beating us.
137,268
If it's not freezing it's windy. And Tuesday it was the latter. A south southwester at 26k's for a circuit with 7 Couldabeens. Kel put forward a rolling turns suggestion just 2 k's in, a good theory to make best of the elements. It was a bit like forming a Greek government though, not enough practice to execute perfectly. Waiting near the top end of Channel Rd was a large black dog (not a chirpy little green one...he's wisely swimming in a warm pool) perched in the right lane to have a go. This threw confusion and adrenalin amongst us all, thankfully staying upright to carry on. Heading south in Boundary Rd was the real toil, we nearly got the tempo right but it required precision speed (almost impossible in the dark) A ripple at the front causes a tsunami at the back, the rubber banding expired Temple momentarily. A call to order regrouped the house of assembly for a session in Mitchell Rd and the motion to accept Archer Rd as the route home was carried. Homework was to study the 2007 Tour de France team time trial stage (the class act of Ulrich & the T.Mobile team)
137,309
A collection of 11 for Tuesday night at the hospital boom gates, nice to have young Liam & Luke along (Luke's shiny new Merida sparkled like Chaddy's chain!) Graham back from the coal gas fields too. 6 degrees hadn't prompted Axel to don the electric socks, suprising to have Mike along too, not a fan of the cold. Trev and Nath arrived right on the start gong. Mid 30's sustained out to the Emu, Steigy drafted in, then 3 others jumped aboard at the church only to hitch a ride to Channel Rd. Pairing with Trev was a good move then with the sheer torque that is Steigy. Luke & Nath stopped all the chatter with a burst toward River Rd, a good rate of knots by us all westward too. A tidy little group into Raftery, but Nath launched an attack at Roubaix corner (3k out from the finish) to stretch it out. The numbers were against him though, reeled back into the fold 500 metres later. Over a dozen l.e.d's all pumping out 400 lumens was a bit much for an oncoming driver who gave us all a dose of high beam as retaliation. By Conrod straight Nath had reprimed the legs to lead out Graham but a hit 400 metres out was asking a lot. Many were dropping like flies and soon I was on Graham's wheel who was ready to blow a head gasket with 100 left. Not worth calling it a win, I just happened to arrive at the front when others had retired. A great team average of 35.4
137,362
Wind was the enemy Tuesday, so it was frost for Wednesday. And the coldest one yet. Just in time for hump day (solstice) an antarctic minus 4 had put the icing on the parked cars and a sparkle on the blades of grass. A few groups were tough enough to brave the atmostphere, 51 had the wheels humming on Boundary Rd in pursuit of Cats, Cougs & I happy to tap around against the grain, keeping the hobby happy. A hot shower, hot toast and hot coffee were as good as Christmas when I got home, reckon I thawed out about 11am.
137,397
And that's where the odometer stayed for Thursday, a decent downpour in the early hours allowed a rare
sleep-in till 6, breaking the 9 day cycle cycle on early morning rises and rides. Gave the Vredesteins a front to rear rotation, 3000k's has come round quickly. Friday morning's fine misty rain and glossy roads made for a second day off.
WEEK 25 403k's 14,508 calories (17 litres of ice cream) 32.4km/h average YTD 9803km
"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" Mahatma Gandhi 1869-1948
A good dozen had assembled for Saturdays start, inheriting Shorty & Jase (with Trev's bunch low in number). Mt Raftery was still a catagory 2 climb despite an assisting east north easter. The pack arrived at Roubaix corner to find Steve waiting (a puncture had prevented rolling up to the start line) instead of Dave, away in Melbourne for a ride before surgery has him laid up for a bit. The small giant killer Kel was on a killer small Giant (a loaner, but soon to be a suprise birthday present) and Daniel was killing us in short knicks with the temperature barely topping 3. Bo & Daniel's enthusiasm had Hoffy at the end of his leash in Central Kialla Rd so a measure of compassion was added to keep the group from fragmenting. A good mix of Temple's dry wit, Hoffy's laugh, Daniel's sarcasm, Andrew & Kylie along again with the regular legends made great company. Cheques were almost being written for Bo & Daniel's long go on the front into the headwind on the Shepp-Euroa Rd, eventually the load was spread amongst all for the journey to Old Dookie, relief to have the breeze behind thereafter. Bo, Daniel and Temple filled the podium positions in the dash to the line, I was happy to sit back in the royal box with Hoffy, Leon, Cougs and Kylie to witness. The essential banter & bullshit at the Butterfactory was a fitting conclusion.
137,059
Had an idea to roll out a bit of distance on Sunday, (so many rides in the 30 to 50k bracket may have imprinted memory in the legs) but stiff winds and 7 degrees wasn't helping the motivation. Mmm.....carpe diem? Drank a few cups of mental concrete and rolled out to Mooroopna, up through the urban jungles of Undera & St Germains, with 20km/h winds from the west telling me the planned leg to Echuca was going to hurt. Though of a realistic target speed for the 30k leg west but soon revised it, wide open stretches exposed to the elements and the coarse stone tarmac felt like i'd left the handbrake on. It can be mentally demoralising head down into the wind with little respite, no-one to do turns with either (pictured a big plate of scrambled eggs and a large double shot flat white as the focus to drive the tired engine) Relied on the variety in the i-pod to distract thoughts of "are we there yet?" Nice to finally arrive at Echuca, noticing a bit of Cervelo & Pinarello bling parked at the Blackpudding Deli in High St, so decided this was the pit stop for a feed & caffine. Kept the stop brief before the muscles cooled too much, remounted and set a course to Kyabram, the barren countryside through Cornella Creek made pleasant with a light tail wind. Very little traffic to deal with, but then sane people would be snuggled up on their couches watching telly wouldn't they? Cut through Lancaster, Merrigum and Byrneside to hook up with the Midland, a bucket of relief and a handful of grins to be back on home turf 162k's clocked in just under 5 hours ride time, averaging 32.1 on the speed, 158 on the heart. (47,400 heartbeats = 4580 calories apparently, justification for an extra serve of dessert?)
137,221
The old legs didn't feel too bad Monday morning (8 hrs sleep helped) so turned up to find Sooty, Fox, Cougs, Fee and Meags at the P&W start at 6. An overcast sky made the dark seem darker, the depths of winter wasn't encouraging either. Weekend activities discussed, climate grizzled about, topped off with a few laughs was a good introduction to the week. A last second sighting of an oncoming car at the main channel bridge averted drama at the Mitchell turn. Pussycats had reeled us in by Central Kialla Rd, but fate dealt them a puncture just after Archer. Good comradery to start the working week, not phased by the train just beating us.
137,268
If it's not freezing it's windy. And Tuesday it was the latter. A south southwester at 26k's for a circuit with 7 Couldabeens. Kel put forward a rolling turns suggestion just 2 k's in, a good theory to make best of the elements. It was a bit like forming a Greek government though, not enough practice to execute perfectly. Waiting near the top end of Channel Rd was a large black dog (not a chirpy little green one...he's wisely swimming in a warm pool) perched in the right lane to have a go. This threw confusion and adrenalin amongst us all, thankfully staying upright to carry on. Heading south in Boundary Rd was the real toil, we nearly got the tempo right but it required precision speed (almost impossible in the dark) A ripple at the front causes a tsunami at the back, the rubber banding expired Temple momentarily. A call to order regrouped the house of assembly for a session in Mitchell Rd and the motion to accept Archer Rd as the route home was carried. Homework was to study the 2007 Tour de France team time trial stage (the class act of Ulrich & the T.Mobile team)
137,309
A collection of 11 for Tuesday night at the hospital boom gates, nice to have young Liam & Luke along (Luke's shiny new Merida sparkled like Chaddy's chain!) Graham back from the coal gas fields too. 6 degrees hadn't prompted Axel to don the electric socks, suprising to have Mike along too, not a fan of the cold. Trev and Nath arrived right on the start gong. Mid 30's sustained out to the Emu, Steigy drafted in, then 3 others jumped aboard at the church only to hitch a ride to Channel Rd. Pairing with Trev was a good move then with the sheer torque that is Steigy. Luke & Nath stopped all the chatter with a burst toward River Rd, a good rate of knots by us all westward too. A tidy little group into Raftery, but Nath launched an attack at Roubaix corner (3k out from the finish) to stretch it out. The numbers were against him though, reeled back into the fold 500 metres later. Over a dozen l.e.d's all pumping out 400 lumens was a bit much for an oncoming driver who gave us all a dose of high beam as retaliation. By Conrod straight Nath had reprimed the legs to lead out Graham but a hit 400 metres out was asking a lot. Many were dropping like flies and soon I was on Graham's wheel who was ready to blow a head gasket with 100 left. Not worth calling it a win, I just happened to arrive at the front when others had retired. A great team average of 35.4
137,362
Wind was the enemy Tuesday, so it was frost for Wednesday. And the coldest one yet. Just in time for hump day (solstice) an antarctic minus 4 had put the icing on the parked cars and a sparkle on the blades of grass. A few groups were tough enough to brave the atmostphere, 51 had the wheels humming on Boundary Rd in pursuit of Cats, Cougs & I happy to tap around against the grain, keeping the hobby happy. A hot shower, hot toast and hot coffee were as good as Christmas when I got home, reckon I thawed out about 11am.
137,397
And that's where the odometer stayed for Thursday, a decent downpour in the early hours allowed a rare
sleep-in till 6, breaking the 9 day cycle cycle on early morning rises and rides. Gave the Vredesteins a front to rear rotation, 3000k's has come round quickly. Friday morning's fine misty rain and glossy roads made for a second day off.
WEEK 25 403k's 14,508 calories (17 litres of ice cream) 32.4km/h average YTD 9803km
"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" Mahatma Gandhi 1869-1948
Friday, June 15, 2012
Week 24
I tried to remain optomistic for an encouraging roll up to Saturdays ride (last week was understandably low in numbers) and the positive thoughts paid off. A great roll up of the regulars, good to have Hoffy back (the "Hincape" of the team who's engine defies its age) Matt on another (?) comeback, Vince respectfully revisiting his roots, and the super tough Kylie (tougher than carbon fibre that girl) that won't let her big battle beat her. Kel & Bo on the gastro recovery trail, Leon steadily gaining former power and the regular legends made up a good team for 7 degrees in the SSW wind. Our honourable member for Toolamba joined in near Mt Nicolaci (suspect he may be grandstanding for political mileage in this parable?) The journey south to Karramomus Rd was made bearable with frequent rotations, nice to have the sun a few degrees left avoiding a head on glare eastward. There's a lot of grooves embedded in the narrow section of road that hammers the posterior, good though to rarely encounter traffic (1 car in 13 weeks) on this skinny track. Back onto the Shepp Euroa Rd, and nearing Union Rd, Hoffys horsepower flagged but solidarity kept the train together. A wall of fog in Boundary plumeted temperatures and strengthened resolve, the thoughts of hot coffee at the end no doubt motivating most. The heavy artillery fought out a battle for line honours in Old Dookie Rd, Vince took it at the first 60, but his premature elation drooped when all others aimed at the usual 2nd 60 sign, Bo heading off Steve for the honours. A stretched bunch regrouped for the tour through town and a welcomed brew at the Butterfactory (a sizeable Cat pack there, the Adams family had shortcut with their low numbers)
Contemplation of a ride Sunday morning was mentally shelved in the wee hours, 13 consecutive cold early morning rides had taken it's toll with a bad case of the can't be f...... bothereds. As payback, I had legs of lead the whole day. Go figure?
Kel had posted suggestion of a holiday Monday toaster circuit with breakfast following, and who could refuse! Suprised to find 16 others couldn't resist, despite a very cold 7am start. Daniel stunned with the quote "it IS cold" (long sleeves and long knicks chosen as his kit of the day) even Chris had gone against his religion (cold aint kosher) to socialise. Good to have Shorty, Tim, Glen, Matt & Nick along, even Simmo temporarily inducted for the day. The honorable Member of Toolamba again fronted (300k clocked for the long weekend worth a cheer) but was casting aspersions at my 3/4's....he can't hack the cold I think (and can't quite matchTemple's driest of wits) GG unleashed the GG's in Mitchell Rd , Vince, Bo and Steve not shy either, but a bit of muscular masochism took the mind off the minus 2.3. Between turns at the coldest end, time allowed a bit of chat amongst the clan, many in holiday mode (but questioning what drives us to embark on such frosty missions) Lots of queries were posed on a likely finish point, the aspiring sprinters eager to show who's boss. The pro's and con's resolved, a DECA driveway finish line was selected(Rudd Rd and its' squeezy roundabout off the agenda), Bo & Vince drove the locomotive, Rocket lapped up their philanthropy to take the laurels. A brilliant breakfast followed, replacing lost calories and adding a bit of mental and social stimulation. (see photo)
A minus 1.3 temperature had kept the numbers down on Tuesday, only 10 at the carpark for a 6am exit. A low 30's start with Leon at the front, he & I attempting to warm up in an unforgiving atmostphere. Kel ran out of headlight volts half way up Channel Rd, commonsense relegated her to rear guard. Halfway into Boundary Rd Bo & Rocket hit the nitrous hard to 39, the bunch stretched double length fighting temperature and tempo. With Mitchell in sight a few were dropping off, so lifted the throttle myself (leaving riders behind on their own doesn't sit comfortably with me, not a part of the bunch ettiquette either, or at least I thought so)
A chilly Tuesday night could only inspire 8 to start at the hospital, good to have Dalton at the start now he's a city boy. Just a kilometre into the circuit a sharp stone quickly stole my front tubes' air, so it was an early pitstop, the respectful bunch u-turned to shed light on the scene (but particularly to sledge!) The stop allowed a late running Kev to join in, and once underway, Mitch and Steigy hooked on a few k's out, Bomber too near the kennels. 9 degrees dropped to 6 but there was enough hot air in the bunch to survive. Down to the church we came across Sam in wait, 14 now rolled to the toaster then east to Boundary Rd. The waft from the piggery convinced most that bacon was off the menu. Dalton did a Channel Rd exit, the remainder headed south and turned to River Rd. Mitch and Sam slowly wound up the knots to silence most, then Steigy and Bomber took the second shift but eased a whisker to keep the group grouped. Bomber then Sam peeled off homeward leaving the rest to take on Raftery Rd. Mitch, Scotty and Axel had the beans to sustain mid forties for Conrod, slowly pulling away from me in that order to finish 44k's at a 35 average. My ticker redlined at 188 for 4th, but it was really set on a hot meal (without bacon).
You know you've lost your marbles when 0.7 degrees feels mild. Wednesdays' "tepid" temperature suited a calm ride, watching the world (& bunches) go by. Interest appears to have flat-lined for the P&W's, most training in the confines of cosy gyms in these silly temperatures. It was a morning you could swear a breeze inhibited progress, yet not a flag was moving in town. Nice to give the legs a little respite after recent quick rides, but the rising sun dropped the mercury for the last few k's home. A satisfied grin rolling wheels over the repaired patch at the lake, one less obstacle to watch out for.
Contemplation of a ride Sunday morning was mentally shelved in the wee hours, 13 consecutive cold early morning rides had taken it's toll with a bad case of the can't be f...... bothereds. As payback, I had legs of lead the whole day. Go figure?
Kel had posted suggestion of a holiday Monday toaster circuit with breakfast following, and who could refuse! Suprised to find 16 others couldn't resist, despite a very cold 7am start. Daniel stunned with the quote "it IS cold" (long sleeves and long knicks chosen as his kit of the day) even Chris had gone against his religion (cold aint kosher) to socialise. Good to have Shorty, Tim, Glen, Matt & Nick along, even Simmo temporarily inducted for the day. The honorable Member of Toolamba again fronted (300k clocked for the long weekend worth a cheer) but was casting aspersions at my 3/4's....he can't hack the cold I think (and can't quite matchTemple's driest of wits) GG unleashed the GG's in Mitchell Rd , Vince, Bo and Steve not shy either, but a bit of muscular masochism took the mind off the minus 2.3. Between turns at the coldest end, time allowed a bit of chat amongst the clan, many in holiday mode (but questioning what drives us to embark on such frosty missions) Lots of queries were posed on a likely finish point, the aspiring sprinters eager to show who's boss. The pro's and con's resolved, a DECA driveway finish line was selected(Rudd Rd and its' squeezy roundabout off the agenda), Bo & Vince drove the locomotive, Rocket lapped up their philanthropy to take the laurels. A brilliant breakfast followed, replacing lost calories and adding a bit of mental and social stimulation. (see photo)A minus 1.3 temperature had kept the numbers down on Tuesday, only 10 at the carpark for a 6am exit. A low 30's start with Leon at the front, he & I attempting to warm up in an unforgiving atmostphere. Kel ran out of headlight volts half way up Channel Rd, commonsense relegated her to rear guard. Halfway into Boundary Rd Bo & Rocket hit the nitrous hard to 39, the bunch stretched double length fighting temperature and tempo. With Mitchell in sight a few were dropping off, so lifted the throttle myself (leaving riders behind on their own doesn't sit comfortably with me, not a part of the bunch ettiquette either, or at least I thought so)
A chilly Tuesday night could only inspire 8 to start at the hospital, good to have Dalton at the start now he's a city boy. Just a kilometre into the circuit a sharp stone quickly stole my front tubes' air, so it was an early pitstop, the respectful bunch u-turned to shed light on the scene (but particularly to sledge!) The stop allowed a late running Kev to join in, and once underway, Mitch and Steigy hooked on a few k's out, Bomber too near the kennels. 9 degrees dropped to 6 but there was enough hot air in the bunch to survive. Down to the church we came across Sam in wait, 14 now rolled to the toaster then east to Boundary Rd. The waft from the piggery convinced most that bacon was off the menu. Dalton did a Channel Rd exit, the remainder headed south and turned to River Rd. Mitch and Sam slowly wound up the knots to silence most, then Steigy and Bomber took the second shift but eased a whisker to keep the group grouped. Bomber then Sam peeled off homeward leaving the rest to take on Raftery Rd. Mitch, Scotty and Axel had the beans to sustain mid forties for Conrod, slowly pulling away from me in that order to finish 44k's at a 35 average. My ticker redlined at 188 for 4th, but it was really set on a hot meal (without bacon).
You know you've lost your marbles when 0.7 degrees feels mild. Wednesdays' "tepid" temperature suited a calm ride, watching the world (& bunches) go by. Interest appears to have flat-lined for the P&W's, most training in the confines of cosy gyms in these silly temperatures. It was a morning you could swear a breeze inhibited progress, yet not a flag was moving in town. Nice to give the legs a little respite after recent quick rides, but the rising sun dropped the mercury for the last few k's home. A satisfied grin rolling wheels over the repaired patch at the lake, one less obstacle to watch out for.
Thursday had turned positively tropical, 7 degrees was mild enough to force Daniel back into shorts and even get Trev out of bed and to the start line. Eleven were drawn out to enjoy the heatwave, deja vu with Leon & I on lead out duty again. The 15k north easter may have been responsible blowing Shorty's pump off, at least word went out for an ease up to regroup. Bo & Kel had crossed the floor to lap with 51, Vince back though, playing fair. The breeze managed to peg back pace in Channel Rd a bit but there was a bonus of some relief for Boundary & Mitchell. Daniel was cooking in long sleeves, his attempt to un-glove on the move resulted in a halt to retrieve a dropped mitt, Vince assisted in the catch up. A good feeling of unity today, not stretched to the max, a chance for a brief chat here and there. With our couple of delays the pussycats caught us just before Archer (a ten out of ten scored for passing manoevres, policed perfectly by Kelvin) Vince turned up the speed heat in the closing stages of Raftery, Rocket quick to grab his shirt tails for a tow up to his kick point. For the rest of us, a great average to beat the train.
Meags, Cougs and I took off from SPC Friday morning, Grasshopper, Wizz, Fox and Minto delayed their start a few minutes to hammer the River Rd course. Single file was de riguer, Meags' sharp new TT Avanti going through the usual adjustment stage (a dazzling tail-light to mesmorise anyone behind) Another high beam half-wit in an oncoming car made life difficult, but the girls tapped out long strong turns to keep up positives in the damp 9 degrees. The River Rd TT crew passed near the Broken bridge, we continued the Mitchell course with the Cats rolling past at the chicane (another ace overtake, Vince, Temple & Daniel cheering us on) Nearing the Kialla Central Rd we witnessed the 4 TT'ers turn into Mitchell Rd ahead of us and soon after, a big 51 train in pursuit . Beyond our sight 51 soon rounded them up, but an over-enthusiastic 51 tail end clipped Grasshopper's wheel in the manoevre, bring he and Wizz to the ground (a buckled wheel and sore limbs the hangover). There's been a few close calls like this in the recent past, a good argument for the passing pack to hold the right lane till well & truely clear. Happily all finished intact, a good chat with bike & gym P&W's at Friars to wind up the week.
Week 24 344km 12,384 calories ( 3.3kg porridge) 32.9 average YTD 9,400km
"How can we win, when fools can be kings" Matt Bellamy (Muse) "Knights of Cydonia"
Friday, June 8, 2012
Week 23
Second day of winter and the season lives up to it's reputation. Just 1 degree tests the will and enthusiasm. Every traffic light on the way went red too! An omen? Only Axel & Cougs tough enough to face the music today. (to be fair, Temple had a late night, Hoffy away, the Oppy race took priority for Bo, Kel & Nev, Steve on a Dookie mission with Vince & Chris, and others had just reason) I'll be amused with others' reasons though! Axel had electric socks on to toast tooties, perfect against the morning's temperature. The trio rolled along the length of Raftery, Dave at Roubaix corner a welcome sight to add 25% to the bunchette. With just 4 pushing through a foggy soup, the route was reset to take on Mitchell in leiu of a doubtless pea-souper Karramomus Rd. Double, even triple the work to do today, my first turn on the front lasted 15k's, good to share the load with a quality quartet though. A dozen or more Cats were oncoming in Boundary and a rising sun at least psychologically warmed us. There was no snoring fighting the friction of a damp atmostphere (like someone had pulled the handbrake a notch or two) so there was relief in reaching the end of Old Dookie, could almost smell the coffee in last few k's. We were welcomed at the Cats table for banter and buls+%#, great to have Leon drop by, recovered from the collarbone break and soon to be back with the clan.
Took a short lap Sunday, enjoying a toasty new pair of gloves (Nath's preference for Ziener duely seconded) in cool but sunny conditions. No records to break today, just the enjoyment of riding (and to justify consuming toasted banana bread) Ones and two's were rolling quietly about eastern circuits as seems to be the norm for a winter's Sunday. Arrived for the compulsory dose of caffine to find Daniel & Temple already seated, Graeme and Chris arriving soon after to group for a lively and enjoyable discussion on bunches, protocols, experiences and recent controversy.
Possibly over optomistic of a good P&W turn-up on Monday, so it's dissapointing when numbers are so low. Only 3 to face the music, but great to share a lap with Fee & Cougs (far more attractive and stylish than those homely looking Cats too!) Lots of turns at the business end of the bunch by all keeps up the fitness. A real pea-souper of a fog to contend with, had to rely on the dotted middle line to guess where the road went. (the solid white line on the roads' edge dissapears 3 k's out of town, when funding stops?) Heaps of moisture in the air fogged the glasses, dampened the arms and legs, grubbied the bike, made the chain growl and set off a chronic case of helmet raindrops. Ahh, the joys of winter cycling! The tenacious little trio held of the dozen Cats till Melbourne Rd, happy to continue our tempo as the felines passed. Finished Conrod straight (Cats still in sight) and into Melbourne Rd where both Fee's and Coug's headlight battery life expired almost on cue, thankfully not back in the fog earlier.
My not so subtle dig at bike lane funding (see link photo) caught the attention of a resplendant and well connected mate earlier in the week, who's got it under the nose of the Transport Minister's chief of staff. (and it seems, we are not amused!) Nice one Bourkey. And speaking of roads, Vic Roads has finally patched the lakeside excavation we've been pointing at for 11 months and 2 weeks. Well done lads. A testament to just asking nicely at the town hall (4 weeks ago), things do get fixed.
Only Steve, Rocket & Gav fronted on Tuesday morning, many understandably shielding themselves indoors from a tough 33km/h southerly. Steve had already clocked 35, Rob had cooked his legs on a Sunday arvo mission, so there was a chance for me to hang on. Channel Rd was bearable, particularly shielded by the few orchards remaining, but the reality of Boundary Rd hit hard. The mathematics could be expressed cadence + Cd x speed - wind velocity = hurt! Steve peeled off just after the Broken bridge, by River Rd Gav had hit the limiter. Happy to back off (and regain feeling in the legs) and join Rocket in sharing the towing duties for the remainder of Boundary and Mitchell. Really appreciated one oncoming cars decision to re-engage high beam at us (may the parasites of a thousand camels infest your scrotum) The decision to head for Archer Rd met with no argument, applying just gentle pressure to the cranks gave a 36km/h result. Good to get home 5 minutes early, a 32.8 average in such ordinary conditions quite satisfying.
The hospital group attendance was down Tuesday evening too, the wind had eased a fraction (to 30km/h) but it kept a few regulars away. Axel, Scott, Hamish, Kev, Nath and Rob took on the elements, enjoying the eastward leg to the emu (passing the cycling club puncture pit-stop) but some serious work to do on the southbound sections. 32-33 seemed to be the red-line (Rob happy to remain the rear guard), a relief to turn out of a headwind and into River Rd. I fluked kicking up a stone from my back wheel which glanced off Kev's wheel and shot into the side of a passing car, loud enough for all to hear above the wind noise. There was some tired legs by Raftery Rd, Nath graciously moderating the speed increase till the last of Conrod. He and Scott had jumped on cue with 300 to go, by the time i'd got out of the bunch 3rd was the only option. Still, a 59km/h max was a bonus, 43k's in the bag at a 33 average.
Very fresh for a recovery lap Wednesday morning, 3 degrees wasn't going to warm much. At least last nights wind was a shadow of it's former self, down to 15km/h. It was peak hour arriving at Boundary Rd, Supercats followed by TT boys followed by the P&W girls followed by 2 solo followed by Cats followed by Area 51 attack pack followed by Area 51 chase pack followed by 2 goats. And all heading into the breeze! Legs were greatful of some leniency today, or was it mental relief from 30k+ winds?
Just a week into winter and the freezer door gets left open. Minus 2 hardly welcoming, but it was great to welcome back Leon after a 11 week collarbone repair and recovery. 9 others tenacious Couldabeens rolled out a lap, much discussion on the post ride warm up routine and just how special a hot shower is. Pace was most considerate in the interest of survival by all, the wind chill factor may have proved lethal. All had a crack at the front but then the bunch started to whittle down with Leon & Temple exiting in Archer, Bo & Kel up Melbourne Rd and Vince to Arcadia Downs (all craving hot toast, hot coffee and a hot shower to thaw out i'd reckon) Just 6 left to complete the course with Rocket showing us the way it's won. Just pipped by the train but the arctic expedition was completed sucessfully.
The reliable crew of Fox, Meags, Cougs & Stace lined up for P&W duties on Friday. A chirpy greeting from Bo, Kel & Steve embedded in the supercat pack, rolling out early. A 5 degree start almost seemed bearable (could we be hardening up to winter?) and the light south wester nearly kind on the journey to Boundary Rd. Passing Channel Rd we picked up Goose & the Dawg (the intent to join the supercats deferred by a press of the snooze button) Steady progress in Boundary & Mitchell and all the way to Raftery before 51 passed (most considerately, thanks Nev) and down to the finish line with the regular Cats just metres off our tail, but some just had to pass as we cruised to the bridge (to satisfy deep personal insecurities?)
Week 23 347km 11,798 calories (33 slices of lemon meringue pie) 31.6 average YTD 9056km
"It's cold out folks. Bonecrushing cold. The kind of cold that will wrench the spirit out of a young man, or forge it into steel" Diane Flolov & Andrew Schnieder 'Northern Exposure'
Took a short lap Sunday, enjoying a toasty new pair of gloves (Nath's preference for Ziener duely seconded) in cool but sunny conditions. No records to break today, just the enjoyment of riding (and to justify consuming toasted banana bread) Ones and two's were rolling quietly about eastern circuits as seems to be the norm for a winter's Sunday. Arrived for the compulsory dose of caffine to find Daniel & Temple already seated, Graeme and Chris arriving soon after to group for a lively and enjoyable discussion on bunches, protocols, experiences and recent controversy.
Possibly over optomistic of a good P&W turn-up on Monday, so it's dissapointing when numbers are so low. Only 3 to face the music, but great to share a lap with Fee & Cougs (far more attractive and stylish than those homely looking Cats too!) Lots of turns at the business end of the bunch by all keeps up the fitness. A real pea-souper of a fog to contend with, had to rely on the dotted middle line to guess where the road went. (the solid white line on the roads' edge dissapears 3 k's out of town, when funding stops?) Heaps of moisture in the air fogged the glasses, dampened the arms and legs, grubbied the bike, made the chain growl and set off a chronic case of helmet raindrops. Ahh, the joys of winter cycling! The tenacious little trio held of the dozen Cats till Melbourne Rd, happy to continue our tempo as the felines passed. Finished Conrod straight (Cats still in sight) and into Melbourne Rd where both Fee's and Coug's headlight battery life expired almost on cue, thankfully not back in the fog earlier.
My not so subtle dig at bike lane funding (see link photo) caught the attention of a resplendant and well connected mate earlier in the week, who's got it under the nose of the Transport Minister's chief of staff. (and it seems, we are not amused!) Nice one Bourkey. And speaking of roads, Vic Roads has finally patched the lakeside excavation we've been pointing at for 11 months and 2 weeks. Well done lads. A testament to just asking nicely at the town hall (4 weeks ago), things do get fixed.
Only Steve, Rocket & Gav fronted on Tuesday morning, many understandably shielding themselves indoors from a tough 33km/h southerly. Steve had already clocked 35, Rob had cooked his legs on a Sunday arvo mission, so there was a chance for me to hang on. Channel Rd was bearable, particularly shielded by the few orchards remaining, but the reality of Boundary Rd hit hard. The mathematics could be expressed cadence + Cd x speed - wind velocity = hurt! Steve peeled off just after the Broken bridge, by River Rd Gav had hit the limiter. Happy to back off (and regain feeling in the legs) and join Rocket in sharing the towing duties for the remainder of Boundary and Mitchell. Really appreciated one oncoming cars decision to re-engage high beam at us (may the parasites of a thousand camels infest your scrotum) The decision to head for Archer Rd met with no argument, applying just gentle pressure to the cranks gave a 36km/h result. Good to get home 5 minutes early, a 32.8 average in such ordinary conditions quite satisfying.
The hospital group attendance was down Tuesday evening too, the wind had eased a fraction (to 30km/h) but it kept a few regulars away. Axel, Scott, Hamish, Kev, Nath and Rob took on the elements, enjoying the eastward leg to the emu (passing the cycling club puncture pit-stop) but some serious work to do on the southbound sections. 32-33 seemed to be the red-line (Rob happy to remain the rear guard), a relief to turn out of a headwind and into River Rd. I fluked kicking up a stone from my back wheel which glanced off Kev's wheel and shot into the side of a passing car, loud enough for all to hear above the wind noise. There was some tired legs by Raftery Rd, Nath graciously moderating the speed increase till the last of Conrod. He and Scott had jumped on cue with 300 to go, by the time i'd got out of the bunch 3rd was the only option. Still, a 59km/h max was a bonus, 43k's in the bag at a 33 average.
Very fresh for a recovery lap Wednesday morning, 3 degrees wasn't going to warm much. At least last nights wind was a shadow of it's former self, down to 15km/h. It was peak hour arriving at Boundary Rd, Supercats followed by TT boys followed by the P&W girls followed by 2 solo followed by Cats followed by Area 51 attack pack followed by Area 51 chase pack followed by 2 goats. And all heading into the breeze! Legs were greatful of some leniency today, or was it mental relief from 30k+ winds?
Just a week into winter and the freezer door gets left open. Minus 2 hardly welcoming, but it was great to welcome back Leon after a 11 week collarbone repair and recovery. 9 others tenacious Couldabeens rolled out a lap, much discussion on the post ride warm up routine and just how special a hot shower is. Pace was most considerate in the interest of survival by all, the wind chill factor may have proved lethal. All had a crack at the front but then the bunch started to whittle down with Leon & Temple exiting in Archer, Bo & Kel up Melbourne Rd and Vince to Arcadia Downs (all craving hot toast, hot coffee and a hot shower to thaw out i'd reckon) Just 6 left to complete the course with Rocket showing us the way it's won. Just pipped by the train but the arctic expedition was completed sucessfully.
The reliable crew of Fox, Meags, Cougs & Stace lined up for P&W duties on Friday. A chirpy greeting from Bo, Kel & Steve embedded in the supercat pack, rolling out early. A 5 degree start almost seemed bearable (could we be hardening up to winter?) and the light south wester nearly kind on the journey to Boundary Rd. Passing Channel Rd we picked up Goose & the Dawg (the intent to join the supercats deferred by a press of the snooze button) Steady progress in Boundary & Mitchell and all the way to Raftery before 51 passed (most considerately, thanks Nev) and down to the finish line with the regular Cats just metres off our tail, but some just had to pass as we cruised to the bridge (to satisfy deep personal insecurities?)
Week 23 347km 11,798 calories (33 slices of lemon meringue pie) 31.6 average YTD 9056km
"It's cold out folks. Bonecrushing cold. The kind of cold that will wrench the spirit out of a young man, or forge it into steel" Diane Flolov & Andrew Schnieder 'Northern Exposure'
Friday, June 1, 2012
Week 22
A storm approaches near Merrigum April 2012 (i-phone)
Plugging in the headlight outside lit up a million drops of mist floating in the air. A cold and damp ride ahead, the 7.8 degrees was hardly believable, someone at the bureau reckons it felt like 4.9 but then they're probably in an office deciding that. On the bike with a 20k WNW it was more like 0.9 . No one fronted for Trev's 6am lap so we inherited Rocket & Ryan to join Temple. Andrew, Cougs, Hoffy and Miles (defecting from the "feral" Cats, he says) Steve had chickened out of a cat lap (bed better than us?) Kel under the doona too, but Bo chased us down from a late arrival to join in Mitchell Rd. Dave absent today (another recovering from flu) , the crew of 9 rolled around the track with the breeze chilling the bones down Central Kialla, along Karramomis and up the Shepp-Euroa Rd. Andrew's kilowatts had diminished a bit by Mitchell Rd (his exit for family duties) Bo kindly riding along as tow truck. Chris was cruising in wait on Boundary after procrastinating the start over the weather, rugged up like Douglas Mawson (if you've got a $100 to view) Rocket & Ryan were mindful of Hoffy's flu recovery with a considerate rate of knots. Work was to be done in Old Dookie facing the wind and the chill, so it was good to have a group finish to the line in the 40's, Coug's suprising all with a stealth like sprint win. Missed the post ride chin wag (family duties) but that will justify two coffees next week.
Arrived at the P&W start Monday to join Meags, Fox, Cougs and Fee for what has become a regular decent training ride albeit with few attendees. 3k out master blaster Nev joined on, just as an unseen sheet of tin was run over by a few to startle the wits. Weekend activities and yarns discussed to warm the social side against the cool morning. All got a turn at the elements out front, but we nearly rubbed elbows with a totally inconsiderate / half asleep / texting (strike out innaplicable description) imbecile in a red Hi-lux who clearly could not give us space on the overtake in Mitchell. A gold star to the quick chicks who were rock steady on their line despite having a few thou shaved off their elbows. Cats were far more obliging in their pass near Archer Rd, Vince on board enjoying playtime. A group finish in the 40's topped off a good lap, got in a transient traffic-light tattle with Irongirl Jo (driving back from an early swim) on the way home too.
I continue to be suprised by a great turn up of Couldabeens in spite of the cold. Just one degree to start off Tuesday (the temperature read-out at the Lake of 7 was as accurate as a blunderbuss) but 15 tough ones can cope. Great effort by Matty and Trev to turn up, both not fans of low temperatutres. The cool had even prompted Daniel to attire in longs! I was a little mesmorised by Matt's new "Star Wars" tailight, two metre long l.e.d. light beams forming red "lane markers" on the road. (use the force Matt Skywalker?) Quite a few discussed the "feels like" temperature as the bunch travelled east, a few speed fluctuations but not fracturing the group. A solitary Fitzy was caught at the top of Mitchell Rd who tagged along for the circuit. No red Hi-Lux today (thankfully) and a good pace held by all, even a minimal delay at the highway had all the boxes ticked. The speed moved up with 2k's to go (flattered by glowing compliments from Chris) Rocket was keen to repay Chris's lead out from last week, but this week Chris sat back to observe, Rocket winning from his own lead-out. A 34 average a good effort in 1 degree, the victory over train and felines was icing on the ice.
A small band of 9 started the hospital group on Tuesday night, a SSW at 17km/h and 9 degrees took us out to the emu, picking up Brendan, Mitch, Dave & Sam on the way. Young Andy improving by the week (he'll be demoralising us before long) so too Rob, o.t.a. on the first ride, now capable of surviving the whole lap albeit as tail-light. We caught Scott rolling quietly near the church (the forgotten bidon retreived from home) Nath and Mitch would turn up the heat, Mike and Brendan would quickly douse it soon after, but it's good to preserve the bunch numbers with many cold weeks ahead. Who can get motivated to ride solo in this weather? Steve rolled out Channel to join in as number 17, turns were short and long (varied by fittness and enthusiasm) for many k's till Dave turned for Toolamba at the highway. The usual scenario of speed ensued for Raftery, a few single filing in the closing stages when the rate rose. Baulked a bit letting Steve cut in for a draft just as Mitch lit the wick, couldn't make up the three lengths Kev had in 2nd spot, but happy to claim 3rd at 56 km/h (194 bpm). A good chat with Graham on the way home, the 33.8 average highlighting the varied pace. Though I'd cured the groan from the rear wheel with a lube of skewer and cassette, but it's back again.
Dug the depths of the motivation tank on Wednesday, a 0.1 temperature really pushing the limits of enthusiasm. Focussed hard on overpowering the cold and slicing through the fog with ease, built the mental picture of victory over the elements, gritted my teeth and..........threw the doona off. Coffee and porridge did a bit to warm the internals thankfully. Drank a cup of concrete with an extra shot, added a measure of polyamine (part 2 hardener) and cranked up the Brinell hardness scale to roll out for a 25k lap. A great chuckle at the lake, the digital display exaggerating the temp as 7. No land speed records to break today, survival was key. A few tough cookies braved a TT, a few Cats took on the temperature too. Bo had a crack at the 51ers, Kel & Steve on Supercat duty. A mental note to hunt down a new set of gloves, 4 years have thinned the old ones to near useless. Quite a few bands of fog to slice through but safely home without blowing a head gasket. Hard to get out of a warm shower.......
Thursday morning had another cold snap, this time knocking the attendance rate. Just 10 to face the -0.3 degrees. (and yes, the temperature board at the Lake showed 6) A moderate start allowing Daniel (dragging the chain) to catch on the bunch. Breathing in ice blocks and having one's extremities iced over sounds like a sadistic torture, but we usually make something positive of it. It had shaped up to a great ride, even had a puncture delayed Vince join us anti-clockwise in Boundary. A few k's into Mitchell, Daniel & Vince were expediting the expedition into the 40's, doubling the length of the pack. Bo & Ryan were good samaritans to assist the reformation, the speed settling to allow all to participate. Temple exited stage right with Daniel at Archer, Bo & Kel took a right at the highway, and then there were 6. A good change to have a team finish without a sprint, (Rocket's absence?) mind you the chill wasn't inspiring a thrash to the line. The 34 average was enough to keep the Cats behind us, until the boom gates dropped, Gav, Ryan & Cougs exited right....
and then there was one.
The Boulevards' roadworks prompted me to roll quietly out toward the golf course Thursday night and let the Library bunch swallow me up. The lads came past just beyond the new round-about, Bomber and Robbo teamed up to drive the speed train till nobody spoke. Trev and others saw sense in letting them go, opting for a more restrained (and survivable) speed . (turns out the guns had bolted to get in a natural break, then rejoin) Andy was bold enough to ride in short knicks, most others rugged up for 9 degrees, thankfully a weak south easter had all but fizzled out. Squeezed in a chat here and there with the 15 lads, but talk was off the menu for River Rd, Bomber & Robbo had fish to fry. First course was Kev, had his legs burnt by speed and quickly tucked in to draft when Mitch continued the work on the front. Most of River Rd was at 40+, the rotten intersection with Central Kialla Rd halting us all with a car approaching, thereafter speed eased till Raftery. Maybe the dropping temperature had dampened enthusiasm, the bunch only in the low 40's for Conrod. Seemed a sprint wasn't going to happen, but I just couldn't let protocols be ignored. Off the seat and onto the 13 to wind up in the last 200, young Graham proving a tough lad to shake off. I'd got a bike length on him at 54k's (189bpm) and a wiff of victory with just metres left when Mitch suddenly pounced from behind, got me by half a wheel (and 28 years by the way) but i was pretty chuffed with the result.
Friday's 2.7 degree morning felt almost mild! And it's the first day of winter! 9 P&W's had gathered at SPC, the usual division occurred, Wizz, Fox, Sootie, Sosso and Grasshopper (on his 2nd lap) held back to ride a fast lap, I was the lucky one teaming with the quick chicks (Meags, Stace & Cougs) to take the course with style. Just a hint of a southerly in Boundary Rd, all happy to single file with low numbers. Patchy fog made the roads' edge a mystery at times, no doubts about the long steady turns though. A mass of Cats passed (with courtesy and a little lip) near the Mitchell dog-leg, the pursuing pack of 51ers near Archer. Good to finish a lap with Team Smooth, good to finish the week with caffine and a yarn at Friars.
Week 22 392km (Shepp to Mildura) 14,112 calories (172 cups / 3.3kg of Milo) 32.8 av YTD 8709km
"Every mile is two in winter" George Herbert (poet, orator, priest 1593-1633)
Plugging in the headlight outside lit up a million drops of mist floating in the air. A cold and damp ride ahead, the 7.8 degrees was hardly believable, someone at the bureau reckons it felt like 4.9 but then they're probably in an office deciding that. On the bike with a 20k WNW it was more like 0.9 . No one fronted for Trev's 6am lap so we inherited Rocket & Ryan to join Temple. Andrew, Cougs, Hoffy and Miles (defecting from the "feral" Cats, he says) Steve had chickened out of a cat lap (bed better than us?) Kel under the doona too, but Bo chased us down from a late arrival to join in Mitchell Rd. Dave absent today (another recovering from flu) , the crew of 9 rolled around the track with the breeze chilling the bones down Central Kialla, along Karramomis and up the Shepp-Euroa Rd. Andrew's kilowatts had diminished a bit by Mitchell Rd (his exit for family duties) Bo kindly riding along as tow truck. Chris was cruising in wait on Boundary after procrastinating the start over the weather, rugged up like Douglas Mawson (if you've got a $100 to view) Rocket & Ryan were mindful of Hoffy's flu recovery with a considerate rate of knots. Work was to be done in Old Dookie facing the wind and the chill, so it was good to have a group finish to the line in the 40's, Coug's suprising all with a stealth like sprint win. Missed the post ride chin wag (family duties) but that will justify two coffees next week.
Arrived at the P&W start Monday to join Meags, Fox, Cougs and Fee for what has become a regular decent training ride albeit with few attendees. 3k out master blaster Nev joined on, just as an unseen sheet of tin was run over by a few to startle the wits. Weekend activities and yarns discussed to warm the social side against the cool morning. All got a turn at the elements out front, but we nearly rubbed elbows with a totally inconsiderate / half asleep / texting (strike out innaplicable description) imbecile in a red Hi-lux who clearly could not give us space on the overtake in Mitchell. A gold star to the quick chicks who were rock steady on their line despite having a few thou shaved off their elbows. Cats were far more obliging in their pass near Archer Rd, Vince on board enjoying playtime. A group finish in the 40's topped off a good lap, got in a transient traffic-light tattle with Irongirl Jo (driving back from an early swim) on the way home too.
I continue to be suprised by a great turn up of Couldabeens in spite of the cold. Just one degree to start off Tuesday (the temperature read-out at the Lake of 7 was as accurate as a blunderbuss) but 15 tough ones can cope. Great effort by Matty and Trev to turn up, both not fans of low temperatutres. The cool had even prompted Daniel to attire in longs! I was a little mesmorised by Matt's new "Star Wars" tailight, two metre long l.e.d. light beams forming red "lane markers" on the road. (use the force Matt Skywalker?) Quite a few discussed the "feels like" temperature as the bunch travelled east, a few speed fluctuations but not fracturing the group. A solitary Fitzy was caught at the top of Mitchell Rd who tagged along for the circuit. No red Hi-Lux today (thankfully) and a good pace held by all, even a minimal delay at the highway had all the boxes ticked. The speed moved up with 2k's to go (flattered by glowing compliments from Chris) Rocket was keen to repay Chris's lead out from last week, but this week Chris sat back to observe, Rocket winning from his own lead-out. A 34 average a good effort in 1 degree, the victory over train and felines was icing on the ice.
A small band of 9 started the hospital group on Tuesday night, a SSW at 17km/h and 9 degrees took us out to the emu, picking up Brendan, Mitch, Dave & Sam on the way. Young Andy improving by the week (he'll be demoralising us before long) so too Rob, o.t.a. on the first ride, now capable of surviving the whole lap albeit as tail-light. We caught Scott rolling quietly near the church (the forgotten bidon retreived from home) Nath and Mitch would turn up the heat, Mike and Brendan would quickly douse it soon after, but it's good to preserve the bunch numbers with many cold weeks ahead. Who can get motivated to ride solo in this weather? Steve rolled out Channel to join in as number 17, turns were short and long (varied by fittness and enthusiasm) for many k's till Dave turned for Toolamba at the highway. The usual scenario of speed ensued for Raftery, a few single filing in the closing stages when the rate rose. Baulked a bit letting Steve cut in for a draft just as Mitch lit the wick, couldn't make up the three lengths Kev had in 2nd spot, but happy to claim 3rd at 56 km/h (194 bpm). A good chat with Graham on the way home, the 33.8 average highlighting the varied pace. Though I'd cured the groan from the rear wheel with a lube of skewer and cassette, but it's back again.
Dug the depths of the motivation tank on Wednesday, a 0.1 temperature really pushing the limits of enthusiasm. Focussed hard on overpowering the cold and slicing through the fog with ease, built the mental picture of victory over the elements, gritted my teeth and..........threw the doona off. Coffee and porridge did a bit to warm the internals thankfully. Drank a cup of concrete with an extra shot, added a measure of polyamine (part 2 hardener) and cranked up the Brinell hardness scale to roll out for a 25k lap. A great chuckle at the lake, the digital display exaggerating the temp as 7. No land speed records to break today, survival was key. A few tough cookies braved a TT, a few Cats took on the temperature too. Bo had a crack at the 51ers, Kel & Steve on Supercat duty. A mental note to hunt down a new set of gloves, 4 years have thinned the old ones to near useless. Quite a few bands of fog to slice through but safely home without blowing a head gasket. Hard to get out of a warm shower.......
Thursday morning had another cold snap, this time knocking the attendance rate. Just 10 to face the -0.3 degrees. (and yes, the temperature board at the Lake showed 6) A moderate start allowing Daniel (dragging the chain) to catch on the bunch. Breathing in ice blocks and having one's extremities iced over sounds like a sadistic torture, but we usually make something positive of it. It had shaped up to a great ride, even had a puncture delayed Vince join us anti-clockwise in Boundary. A few k's into Mitchell, Daniel & Vince were expediting the expedition into the 40's, doubling the length of the pack. Bo & Ryan were good samaritans to assist the reformation, the speed settling to allow all to participate. Temple exited stage right with Daniel at Archer, Bo & Kel took a right at the highway, and then there were 6. A good change to have a team finish without a sprint, (Rocket's absence?) mind you the chill wasn't inspiring a thrash to the line. The 34 average was enough to keep the Cats behind us, until the boom gates dropped, Gav, Ryan & Cougs exited right....
and then there was one.
The Boulevards' roadworks prompted me to roll quietly out toward the golf course Thursday night and let the Library bunch swallow me up. The lads came past just beyond the new round-about, Bomber and Robbo teamed up to drive the speed train till nobody spoke. Trev and others saw sense in letting them go, opting for a more restrained (and survivable) speed . (turns out the guns had bolted to get in a natural break, then rejoin) Andy was bold enough to ride in short knicks, most others rugged up for 9 degrees, thankfully a weak south easter had all but fizzled out. Squeezed in a chat here and there with the 15 lads, but talk was off the menu for River Rd, Bomber & Robbo had fish to fry. First course was Kev, had his legs burnt by speed and quickly tucked in to draft when Mitch continued the work on the front. Most of River Rd was at 40+, the rotten intersection with Central Kialla Rd halting us all with a car approaching, thereafter speed eased till Raftery. Maybe the dropping temperature had dampened enthusiasm, the bunch only in the low 40's for Conrod. Seemed a sprint wasn't going to happen, but I just couldn't let protocols be ignored. Off the seat and onto the 13 to wind up in the last 200, young Graham proving a tough lad to shake off. I'd got a bike length on him at 54k's (189bpm) and a wiff of victory with just metres left when Mitch suddenly pounced from behind, got me by half a wheel (and 28 years by the way) but i was pretty chuffed with the result.
Friday's 2.7 degree morning felt almost mild! And it's the first day of winter! 9 P&W's had gathered at SPC, the usual division occurred, Wizz, Fox, Sootie, Sosso and Grasshopper (on his 2nd lap) held back to ride a fast lap, I was the lucky one teaming with the quick chicks (Meags, Stace & Cougs) to take the course with style. Just a hint of a southerly in Boundary Rd, all happy to single file with low numbers. Patchy fog made the roads' edge a mystery at times, no doubts about the long steady turns though. A mass of Cats passed (with courtesy and a little lip) near the Mitchell dog-leg, the pursuing pack of 51ers near Archer. Good to finish a lap with Team Smooth, good to finish the week with caffine and a yarn at Friars.
Week 22 392km (Shepp to Mildura) 14,112 calories (172 cups / 3.3kg of Milo) 32.8 av YTD 8709km
"Every mile is two in winter" George Herbert (poet, orator, priest 1593-1633)
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