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
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