In a carbon copy of last Saturday, the predicted forecast didn't match reality. A dry road, high scattered cloud and vague specs on the radar prompted kitting up for a ride. Hope springs eternal! An assisting light breeze heading south to the start boosted the enthusiasm, but with 2k travelled, doubt returned with a few spots from above. Another k later raindrops were aplenty, a shine coming to the road and a hint of spray from the wheel. At Archer Rd I found Cougar on a reconnisance, but within a few hundred metres optomism had buckled under reality. A brief committee meeting moved a motion to abandon ship and retreat for home. Had a cold shower on the way back (thankfully twas brief), the proper hot shower at home far more appealing. Ye olde BM got a clean, then off to the Lemontree for coffee (puuting a silver lining to the clouds) joining Rocket, Jase, BigMat, HBK, Temple, Cougs, AvantiTrev, Nath and GG. Seems Temple & HBK had attempted a start earlier too, most others predicted precipitation and kept dry indoors, BigMat needing little convincing. A good social fix in lieu of a ride, GreenEdge videos, who's peaking and who's piking, crashes, injuries and road repairs on the chat agenda.
Sunday was a sleep-in (yep, softer than the carbon tax), but fronted Monday to the P&W's. Numbers down on normal (as are most groups) but mainstays Choppy, Fox, Meags, Cougar and Fee were in for a lap. Chops is just two weeks into breaking in a flash new Focus, but the others were on familiar steeds, some with signs of cobwebs from a winter hibernation. A relaxed pace out Old Dookie with the tempo assisted by a light northerly in Boundary Rd. No records to break today, Fox recovering from a 5 x Harry's Creek Rd assault yesterday with Nico (what a pair of mountain monsters!). Good to catch up with the crew after a long absence, guessed it was Princess and Sosso turning into Mitchell from central Kialla as we bore west from the dog leg. No sprint spirit in Conrod straight, many are just back on the bike with hopes that frost and fog are now behind us?
Radar and forecast looked clear on Monday arvo (keen to make up after a lethargic Sunday) so set forth on a Merrigum-Lancaster loop with distance the only target. Happy to plod away into the northwester with sights set on a tailwind home, it was pleasing to be travelling 10% better than expected. Out the Midland 12k's the horizon became quite grey, large black clouds brewing quickly. Negatives began to fill the head with plenty of sharp, chilly drops now beginning to fall, spotting the glasses and cooling the back. (hey, haven't I been down this path in recent history?) By Dhurringile Rd determination was being over-ruled by reality, a u-turn decision had the numbers in the cranial caucus, not relishing the thought of a soaking 60k's, the glossy road and a wet arse being the last straw. Plenty in the tank for a blast home (not the tailwind that dreams are made of though) in the high 30's and a few k's of low 40's, erasing the distance goal and inking in speed instead. The Mooroopna roads were frustratingly dry as a chip, so the original course could have been done, but wasn't worth the risk. Happy to be home a bit earlier logging a PB and a 3rd overall on Strava sectors was some compensation.
Tuesday morning was Groundhog day, an assisting wind on the way to the Couldabeens start, down by the lake when the first spots from above blurred the glasses, a few more spots in McIntosh then a whole lot more reaching Archer Rd. Bugger! Deja Vu strikes again! Not much of the sky to see at this hour made judgement difficult, and i'd exhausted all optomism in the last three days. I guess it's best to err on the side of commonsense (but i'll bet i'll be proved wrong) so turned for home for a very short 12k total. Just as I thought, it was only a brief shower then mostly clear, so could have done the distance. Hindsight..........bah humbug!
Weather didn't look so questionable on Tuesday night, punters plentiful at the boomgates nearing 6pm. Sean, Dalton, Oz, Clive, OlympicSteve, Hamish, Paul, FujiTrev and others seemed confident of a dry evening, so it was forward ho enjoying a south to south-southwest breeze at 17k's in 10 degrees of cool. Bomber, Steigy and Sticks blended into the rotation in Verney Rd, speed staying stable and considerate of a yarn. Many in my boat of trying to squeeze in a lap without getting wet lately (many doing a better job of forecast and prediction than me!) LegalSteve joined the pack to make a bakers dozen, a monster moon magnificently mounted Mount Major to light the way nearing the Emu. All doing duty at the front had to dig a little deeper against the breeze as we plied south but the tempo wasn't too tortuous, restrained in fact in River Rd for a change (only a pesky persuing pooch perverted pace). OlympicSteve and Hamish had departed in Channel Rd, Bomber & Sticks peeled off at Kialla Central. Those remaining pushed along Mitchell, no doubt looking forward to the rare gift of a tailwind for Conrod straight. A few had retired to the rear (keeping FujiTrev straight?) for the closing stages, Oz taking the tough front turn from 500 to 100 metres to go, many waiting for someone to jump. Sean emerged from pack in the dying moments to take the honours, only enough jellybeans in my jar (192 bpm) to get to his rear wheel, but no further. Chewed over the sprint post-mortem on the way back through town, the odometer clicking over 10,000 for the year so far.
Southbound Wednesday I felt sorry for the poor guy (each week) unloading several tons of newspapers by hand, the garbo's disposing of everyone's aromatic rubbish, the guys keeping the town tidy, we're quite lucky to have an enjoyable start to the day. Cruised down to the Kialla Couldabeens start, Shorty, Tim, Rocket, Cougar, RidleyTrev, LegalDave and Jase ready for a quiet lap. Barely a k into the ride, LegalDave punctured, so a customary and courteous stop if only to lend encouraging words and sufficient sledges (well, he is of the Goat persuasion!). LegalDave was handling the tyre levers as delicately as an assylum seeker policy, so thank heavens RidleyTrev took the controls of repair. Back underway, it was off to Mitchell, bearing east took advantage of the light SSWer. It turned chilly on the willy by the chicane (Garmin showed 2 degrees) but there was plenty of verbal hot air to warm the social side. Twas easygoing northward in Boundary, our slightly delayed run missing Cats and others. An in-depth analysis of riders turns on the front from Jase as we ventured to the bridges, seems a little rain has washed away the mud speed humps (and concerns) in Channel Rd. No Devils Lane dash or blast at the Bonanza today (mind you Shorty was firing on all cylinders) just a steady tap around satisfied all.
Somebody left the freezer door open on Thursday morning, quite a bracing minus one would keep a few sane people indoors. Kenworth, Jase, Tim & Rocket were not of that disposition but were prepared to commit to a circuit. Fog wasn't as thick out of town, Kenworth with contacts fitted would navigate more easily. Tim was just a few watts off the pace, but an A for effort anyway. Beyond Channel & Boundary Rd the heart rate had climbed, Rocket called single file at the Mitchell Rd chicane, taking the lions share of the lead for 3k at 38 clicks to warm up the circulation. (reminded me of the Energiser bunny that just won't slow down) My rather ordinary 2k effort at 36 pales into insignificance. Tim took a leave of absence up Archer Rd, Jase shortened his shifts at the pointy end to survive. (I took a moment behind the Kenworth's smooth wheel considering; 1.What the hell are we doing? 2.Why am I at the point of giving up but want to continue? 3.Where is the next landmark amongst all this fog? 4.Will Rocket ever wear out? But then i got over it........) A hot dash through the cold of Raftery Rd and by Conrod straight i'd run out of coins to feed the meter, Rocket & Kenworth shifted into overdrive for a 100 metre thrash to the line, Jase and I sat back and watched from the cheap seats. A good 48min effort by all in rather brisk conditions, plenty of icing on the cars through town to put some perspective on the conditions.
Cool on Thursday evening too, just 8 degrees rolling down to the library. Came across half a dozen leaving nearly 10 minutes early, didn't get time to recognise faces, maybe a left wing faction forming? Only Dalton, Oz, AvantiTrev and FujiTrev had assembled by 6, so a compact crew tapped out a lap for a change. Maybe the big guns would have a feeding frenzy on the group ahead? A distant tail-light took 10 minutes to reel in, Kevin had wrestled with the winter blues (and won) to join in. AvantiTrev seemed convinced of a southerly breeze but the bureau denied it. Thoughts of painting a white line for FujiTrev to follow may not get past the budget committee with 47k to spray, one wonders if it would be effective anyway. A steady cruise around the familiar track kept us tuned up without torture, a chance for a chin wag a rare treat. The throttle was gently squeezed after Melbourne Rd (without un-hooking the two Trevor cabooses) Dalton stretched the legs in the big cogs, I handed Oz a lead-out for the honours at the finish in consideration for his time on the Conrod washing line Tuesday night.
A day off the bike Friday, a walk favoured the legs, and the head. A few hours less wear on the rear as well. Too much of a good thing can't be good for you, can it? I'll regret the day if riding no longer has appeal.........
Week 30 303km (Townsville to Hughenden) YTD: 10,169 km
An ironic follow up on last weeks' quote from Jens (this one made following his breakaway on the second last day of the Tour)
"I thought about saying shut up legs to my legs today but I realised I've been saying that too often so we had a deal today. I promised my legs if they would leave me alone today, one more time, that I wouldn't hurt them too much again in the future". Jens Voigt (to be contracted by RadioShack-Leopard for a 17th Tour?)
Friday, July 26, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Week 29 : Mother nature's reprieve
Speculation on the forecast wasn't promising, but the reality in the early hours of Saturday weren't all that gloomy. A peek skyward at 5am saw some cloud but nothing sinister, worthy of kitting up for a circuit. The constabulary appeared to have their hands full chatting with late night / early morning riff raff, i had hands full of handlebar against a fairly insistant north easterly (predicting a push out and a helping hand in on this mornings lap) Tim, Temple, Trav, Jase, Daniel, GG, Cougar, Rocket, Dion and RidleyTrev (yep, back on 'ol faithful till the coarse seat of the Corsa gets sorted) had made the effort to ride. With just a minute remaining, BigMat fronted (to raptuous applause) motivation found and goals carved in stone to take on the FruitLoop just 8 weeks away. The starting flag dropped for a slog out Channel Rd, Jase back in action after a holiday household full of gastro sidelined riding. DiscoSteve joined beyond the Kinder, navigated the bitumen break-up at Jameson Rd (thanks to Coug's call) and on toward Boundary for some relief northward in Boundary. GG and Daniel poured pronto on the pace (with finger pointing in both directions), Temple's cadence approaching triple figures. More than coincidence being handed the lead into a head wind for Old Dookie Rd, pairing with Dions' smooth rhythm was at least achievable (but he took till the church till relinquishing the lead) Rewards were paid out after the Emu turn, a tail wind (well, almost) home was the icing on the cake, even Capt. RidleyTrev was clocked over the limit . Greetings hurled at le jeune chatte (pussycats) on their easterly pilgrimage while Jase and Rocket took a long if not greedy turn till Lemnos North Rd. The k's covered quickly in what was riding utopia, Dion taking a Verney exit, the rest toward Rudd and the welcomed social soiree. DiscoSteve attacked the Boulevard as if it were a catagory 1 climb (a chase for the warmest seat?) but all enjoyed the usual nonsense and chat on cleavage, rotations, Tuesday tempo and justice. A definitive wave from Vince arriving with 51 to Friars, whilst Muppets were sledged departing, traitor FujiTrev amongst the ranks.
Misty rain predicted for Sunday, an attempt to take in the Tour late at night was in vein, gravity and eylids combining to thwart the attempt. Highlights on SBS2 tomorrow instead. Monday morning's miserable mist put the dampener on a ride, but by afternoon a little blue sky was cause enough to tour a course. Michelins were duely rotated, time for the wheels to rotate around the old faithful toaster loop. All good intentions to roll quietly around, finding speed with reasonable ease in the first k changed the plan quite quickly. By Wanganui Rd (with a very light north easterly) it was full steam ahead with legs burning and the heart-rate in the 150's. The odd passing car seemed to arrive at the right time, bringing a little (but shortlived) draught to assist in speed maintenance, by the kennels all hopes were on an easier leg south and west. A bit dissapointing to have no advantage (the light NE breeze had evaporated) beyond the Emu, at least a picturesque dusk with a few foggy foregrounds took the mind off the subject. By the piggery i'd begun to climatise to the sustained tempo, no second wind but managing the hr and breathing to last the distance. Southbound in Boundary ticked away, even a couteous car allowed my right turn into Mitchell without being muscled into submission. The long westerly Mitchell monotony was broken up by a few i-pod tracks, even had a brown dog pacing me on the right hand tabledrain for a few hundred metres. Watts were failing by Mt Nicolaci (could have done with the watts being burnt at the trotting track) but darkness hid the speed, avoiding heartbreak (well, till the finish anyway). Relying on an inbuilt metronome (and Flumes "More than you thought") kept up the cadence , a solitary anti-clockwise rider approached Roubaix as I finished it, most relieved to reach the end of Conrod in 1:26:20, a thousand calories thinner.
Suprisingly foggy on the way to a Couldabeens thrash Tuesday morning, thick enough to turn away many (and interrupt BigMats' training schedule) except Rocket, Kenworth, Trav and PistolPete. 10 degrees was most bearable, just a hint of a north east breeze didn't bother either. The fog had all but vanished by the school, making navigation a lot easier so steamed on to Boundary Rd with lots more turns than normal. Trav's Garmin had given up on volts, but plenty of amps in Kenworth's and Rockets power. PistolPete now levels nicely on the front, bit by bit the heart rate climbed as the k's clocked over, 160+ by the Mitchell chicane. Considerate departures from intersections kept the petite peleton together (PistolPete on a usual departure at Melbourne Rd) but Trav was shortening turns and the Kenworth was hampered by fog reappearing in Raftery Rd. Rocket wound up the wick out of Roubaix putting me close to the redline but everyone did their duty till Conrod's end, Rocket courteously (and sympatheticaly) sparing the sprint to have a united finish with the lap done in 47:36, a fair rate for five. Missed the usual Tuesday night lap (and missed the usual thrashing), I guess the regulars will appear again next week to dish out the distress.
Wednesday morning had a repeat session of fog, albeit a tad thinner, and the similar scenario of being clear out of town. Tarmac was damp again (glad I hadn't tubbed the bike) but made my way 6k to the Kialla start to find GG, Rocket, Jase and Nick the only players. The now manditory sledge at BigMat for a no show, guessing his 180 training maybe a 180 degree rotation in bed? Took to Archer Rd with GG for a roll south, picking up PistolPete nearing Mitchell Rd. Glad to be off the front with a north east niggle of breeze but not finding comfort of late, fidgeting on the Fizik, no nitts in the knicks thankfully, but a pain in the posterior that puzzles. Despite the 1k+ rotations there was another shift at the front to stretch the lungs, heart and legs, happy to relinquish the lead to Rocket & PistolPete for the assault on Boundary. The 6am Cat express was headed to the River Rd line, casting off a punctured pussy at the bridges to make repairs solo (not in his nirvana, doesn't smell like team spirit) A light ahead u-turned, Shorty had shortcut down Channel to catch the team after missing the start. Some relief from the wind heading west in Channel Rd but speed substituted for respite, into the high 30's for the Devils lane dash. Rocket and Pete drove the train beyond the kinder but Rocket deployed the afterburner running the Pistol out of ammo. My offer of a tow came to late for him, but I just held ground with Rob (ticker on the rev-limiter) till the brakes for Orrvale Rd. Survival speed returned to complete the lap, the bunch halving north and south at Archer to recouperate homeward, no time wasted posting a 44:37 (and a PR for the dash) for the circuit.
A morning off the bike (but on the footpath) on Thursday, afternoon thunderstorms put the lid on any attempt at riding, yet another testing evening battling eyelid gravity against the Tour. Destined to score another low k week (something resembling normal maybe) with mother nature putting the handbrake on.
Another week rolls by, the fearless felines, fittingly for Freaky Friday, flapping furiously, fortuitously flogging form for further fastness (the God of cycling looked down kindly and annointed them with a tailwind today), whilst Cougs and I pushed into the 24km/h northerly to knock over a short lap to keep some form. Others quite scarce lately, but i guess a few more degrees of temperature will see hibernation end.
Week 29 232km (Mt Christian to Proserpine) YTD 9,866
"When my legs hurt, I say; Shut up legs! Do what I tell you to do!" Jens Voigt German cyclist (1971- ) Team RadioShack-Leopard #48. Tour de France competitor 16 times
Misty rain predicted for Sunday, an attempt to take in the Tour late at night was in vein, gravity and eylids combining to thwart the attempt. Highlights on SBS2 tomorrow instead. Monday morning's miserable mist put the dampener on a ride, but by afternoon a little blue sky was cause enough to tour a course. Michelins were duely rotated, time for the wheels to rotate around the old faithful toaster loop. All good intentions to roll quietly around, finding speed with reasonable ease in the first k changed the plan quite quickly. By Wanganui Rd (with a very light north easterly) it was full steam ahead with legs burning and the heart-rate in the 150's. The odd passing car seemed to arrive at the right time, bringing a little (but shortlived) draught to assist in speed maintenance, by the kennels all hopes were on an easier leg south and west. A bit dissapointing to have no advantage (the light NE breeze had evaporated) beyond the Emu, at least a picturesque dusk with a few foggy foregrounds took the mind off the subject. By the piggery i'd begun to climatise to the sustained tempo, no second wind but managing the hr and breathing to last the distance. Southbound in Boundary ticked away, even a couteous car allowed my right turn into Mitchell without being muscled into submission. The long westerly Mitchell monotony was broken up by a few i-pod tracks, even had a brown dog pacing me on the right hand tabledrain for a few hundred metres. Watts were failing by Mt Nicolaci (could have done with the watts being burnt at the trotting track) but darkness hid the speed, avoiding heartbreak (well, till the finish anyway). Relying on an inbuilt metronome (and Flumes "More than you thought") kept up the cadence , a solitary anti-clockwise rider approached Roubaix as I finished it, most relieved to reach the end of Conrod in 1:26:20, a thousand calories thinner.
Suprisingly foggy on the way to a Couldabeens thrash Tuesday morning, thick enough to turn away many (and interrupt BigMats' training schedule) except Rocket, Kenworth, Trav and PistolPete. 10 degrees was most bearable, just a hint of a north east breeze didn't bother either. The fog had all but vanished by the school, making navigation a lot easier so steamed on to Boundary Rd with lots more turns than normal. Trav's Garmin had given up on volts, but plenty of amps in Kenworth's and Rockets power. PistolPete now levels nicely on the front, bit by bit the heart rate climbed as the k's clocked over, 160+ by the Mitchell chicane. Considerate departures from intersections kept the petite peleton together (PistolPete on a usual departure at Melbourne Rd) but Trav was shortening turns and the Kenworth was hampered by fog reappearing in Raftery Rd. Rocket wound up the wick out of Roubaix putting me close to the redline but everyone did their duty till Conrod's end, Rocket courteously (and sympatheticaly) sparing the sprint to have a united finish with the lap done in 47:36, a fair rate for five. Missed the usual Tuesday night lap (and missed the usual thrashing), I guess the regulars will appear again next week to dish out the distress.
Wednesday morning had a repeat session of fog, albeit a tad thinner, and the similar scenario of being clear out of town. Tarmac was damp again (glad I hadn't tubbed the bike) but made my way 6k to the Kialla start to find GG, Rocket, Jase and Nick the only players. The now manditory sledge at BigMat for a no show, guessing his 180 training maybe a 180 degree rotation in bed? Took to Archer Rd with GG for a roll south, picking up PistolPete nearing Mitchell Rd. Glad to be off the front with a north east niggle of breeze but not finding comfort of late, fidgeting on the Fizik, no nitts in the knicks thankfully, but a pain in the posterior that puzzles. Despite the 1k+ rotations there was another shift at the front to stretch the lungs, heart and legs, happy to relinquish the lead to Rocket & PistolPete for the assault on Boundary. The 6am Cat express was headed to the River Rd line, casting off a punctured pussy at the bridges to make repairs solo (not in his nirvana, doesn't smell like team spirit) A light ahead u-turned, Shorty had shortcut down Channel to catch the team after missing the start. Some relief from the wind heading west in Channel Rd but speed substituted for respite, into the high 30's for the Devils lane dash. Rocket and Pete drove the train beyond the kinder but Rocket deployed the afterburner running the Pistol out of ammo. My offer of a tow came to late for him, but I just held ground with Rob (ticker on the rev-limiter) till the brakes for Orrvale Rd. Survival speed returned to complete the lap, the bunch halving north and south at Archer to recouperate homeward, no time wasted posting a 44:37 (and a PR for the dash) for the circuit.
A morning off the bike (but on the footpath) on Thursday, afternoon thunderstorms put the lid on any attempt at riding, yet another testing evening battling eyelid gravity against the Tour. Destined to score another low k week (something resembling normal maybe) with mother nature putting the handbrake on.
Another week rolls by, the fearless felines, fittingly for Freaky Friday, flapping furiously, fortuitously flogging form for further fastness (the God of cycling looked down kindly and annointed them with a tailwind today), whilst Cougs and I pushed into the 24km/h northerly to knock over a short lap to keep some form. Others quite scarce lately, but i guess a few more degrees of temperature will see hibernation end.
Week 29 232km (Mt Christian to Proserpine) YTD 9,866
"When my legs hurt, I say; Shut up legs! Do what I tell you to do!" Jens Voigt German cyclist (1971- ) Team RadioShack-Leopard #48. Tour de France competitor 16 times
Friday, July 12, 2013
Week 28 Rekindling the fire
Well entrenched in holiday mode, I missed the Saturday lap (family commitments) but mustered the stamina to sit in on the post ride coffee with conversation on culinary temptations, electric bikes, Egyptian politics and Cat rotations with the die hard crew of Dion, Rocket, Shorty, Nath, HBK, RidleyTrev, GG, BigMat (due for his monthly ride), Temple & Nick.
It's been many moons since i've had a 3 day break from the bike (poor neglected machine was covered in cobwebs), quite a difficult task to overcome early onset vacation lethargy and swing a leg over. Into volume three of the book of excuses before motivation took over to set off on a short 35k for Sunday morning. 4 degrees, tons of fog and a very light NNE wasn't inspirational, the damp atmostphere causing a light shower off the front edge of the helmet, a dampened kit and a bike quickly grubby. Pleased the speed wasn't too dissapointing, bit rusty in the joints though. Heart rate was well up (cardiac conditioning needed?) for the Old Dookie - Boundary - Mitchell - Raftery circuit, 20k's in zone 4 and 13k in zone 5 was a wake up for the arteries. Finally into Conrod with legs limp, posterior pummelled, skin soaked and lungs lax it was strangely satisfying to have overcome the sloth and sedentary state to acomplish something resembling excercise, the equivalent of a cheeseburger, medium fries and a diet coke, or running a standard light globe for 2 hours.
Monday morning a real pea-souper had rolled in, slimy roads from Sunday nights rain (and a clean bike) made a 4k walk a much more appealing proposition (though a few tough ones were spied en-route to a Cat lap.)
Blue skies finally appeared early afternoon, fuelling the ride addiction at 5 to turn the wheels. An anti-clockwise toaster tour started with 8 degrees but halved by journeys' end, a good decision to kit up accordingly. Patches of fog were obvious on the first leg in daylight out Conrod straight, the bike rolling quite well without breeze, a lubed chain (TLC for the KMC) being a psychological positive. Tuned into Daft Punk for the 11k monotony of Mitchell's stretch east, a great dusk to view for the north leg up Boundary Rd with an orange sky above the white blanket of fog. Trying to keep the h.r. below 155 was almost impossible unless speed was sacrificed, felt a little easier in Old Dookie Rd with sanity ratified sighting two bikes bearing west near the piggery. Beyond the toaster the fog thickened, sitting up got the head above the blanket line for a better view. Turned west at the Emu and found my second wind (no, not flatulence), into a good steady rhythm for the home straight (another bike seen eastward justified the journey) The odd oncoming car dished out some wind resistance, overcame the temptation of a soft option Verney Rd retreat to push on for a Wanganui-Rudd-Boulevard finish, speed slowly subsiding with an odd twinge of calf cramp, tight in the rectus femoris too. A chilly end to 54k (most at zone 4) to prepare for an antarctic Tuesday.
A southern navigation past frosted cars, iced lawns, fur seals and emporer penguins to Channel Rd on Tuesday morning, using the 19 sprocket to warm up (80 rpm) in the minus 1.3. Cougar was a tad rusty after several days off the Oppy, opted the shorter lap to climatise. Lots of excavation of channels in Channel has left lots of lumpy mud on the track, cleaning the bike almost as regular as teeth lately. Through the patchy fog and up to Boundary Rd gradually picking up the pace, less than a dozen tough enough to tap along with Cats in this temperature, goats (presumably) a k behind. It was up tempo for Old Dookie, raising a sweat to have it quickly frozen. Fingertips and toes almost numb arriving back in town, a squirt up to 50 homeward helped to ice the lungs. Quite musing to hear all the sooks about the cold from those who drove to work.
Not quite dark rolling to the hospital boom gate on Tuesday night, only 50 seconds of daylight gained each day but there's hope of longer days ahead. Only Nath, Dion, Dalton & bigBen at the ready, a glimmer of hope for a steady paced lap with just a handful of lads. Alas, all those thoughts erased with a flood of late entries in the first few k's, Oz, Steigy, Bomber, Sticks, OlympicSteve, Tony, Walshy, Sean and a couple of others swelling the pack to 15 by Lemnos, with a proportional measure of tempo added to the blend. 8 degrees had dropped to 6 to wreck the respiratories, some fluctuation was wrecking Walshy (hard to recognise minus the signature Giant, now on a new Merida) but bigBen & Oz had no trouble despite a long lay-off. Dion and Nath paired well for a strong drive down Boundary, my turn after the pub not so even with Nath now knighted HTK, half a trucklength king ahead, and not letting up. I shot past to roll over at the bridges but he was keen to own the front again, bigBen to the rescue managed to even the wheels till the turn west. Bomber and the boys gradually applied the gas down River to take us to the roaring 40's, HTK launched an attack in the final k to gap the pack. Dalton won the contract to catch him with Bomber about to resign homeward, a stretched pack finally caught when HTK eased off the turbocharger. Our Olympic saviour set the agenda with a fine tow to begin the Mitchell leg, only a few stepping up to swap turns when all went indian file. Oz was hung out to dry after Archer, but was finally saved by HTK's alter-ego Nath for the Mt Nicolaci to highway leg. OlympicSteve took to the tenacious towtruck task out of Roubaix and drove like a lad posessed in the mid 40's all the way till the dying moments of Conrod, Nath hitting the boost with 100metres to go. 42k in 1:10:15 earned us all a big feed, but big cheers to our olympic machine.
Wednesday morning felt decidedly milder, must be hardening up 'cause the thermometer said -0.7. The Michelin Pro4's (fitted May 8) have now clocked 3000, and rate them multiple thumbs up with barely a nick showing (it's the best time of year to chop up tyres with fine stones sticking to damp rubber). Must rotate soon with a worn rear from a rear aboard. Speaking of worn rears, a gentle roll on a ginger gluteus down to a Kialla Couldabeens circuit, just two toughies (Tim & Cougar) today to tour south on Archer, but PistolPete climbed aboard to make up a quadrella from Mitchell Rd onward. A whisper of a south south east blew a bit more chill but there was no intent on breaking records in these conditions, although PistolPete assumed the WBK (whole bike king) position for a good proportion. Little sign of P&W's or Cats today (may have missed 'em, blasting down River perhaps?) It took till Channel Rd for the sting to subside in the tail (maybe frozen numb?) but a few long steady turns in big cogs seemed to help. A great effort by our compact crew (whilst others cowered under doonas?)
Just one solitary northbound rider in the main drag on Thursday morning, where have all the keen Cats and Area lads gone? The Couldabeens roll call counted GG, Nick, Cougar, Rocket, Tim, PistolPete and Kenworth (arrivved breathless after his usual anaerobic prologue). A few minutes of humour (at BigMat's expense) before the flag fell for a chilly (-0.3) chase out Channel, cheers for a charitable gap left by JeffThomsons big rig for our left-right past Orrvale Rd. A distant light behind had us intrigued and with no gain made by the kinder, Rocket turned tail to tenaciously tow the tailender to the team, trust teamwork to triumph through the tired tick-tock tardiness Trav! A k at Adams pace allowed the bunch to re-unite and welcome a wrung-out Trav aboard. Into Boundary Rd PistolPete fired the velocity with Rocket but it's good to hear all were looking out for each other. Skirted around the mud mountains left in Mitchell for a steady push to Central Kialla. GG and Nick toasted Tim up Mt Nicolaci but it was brakes on for a long break in traffic at the highway (where the pistol was holstered) Rocket & Kenworth had a close battle for the chocolates at the end of Conrod, all others within arms reach just a few metres behind.
A brief comeback for Jamie at Thursday nights' Library lap, Tony, Nath, Dalton, Oz, AvantiTrev (yep, a new team Corsa steed) and FujiTrev made the start and a cast of thousands joined in thereafter. Smooth and steady turns tonight, Nath (taking care of the boss?) was well behaved and paired with Oz to set the standard. Additions over the next 10k included Kev, Dion, Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, Hamish, Robbo, OlympicSteve, Trent, and Trudy, all the way to Boundary Rd to finally add Sprinter, Gools, LegalSteve and the Smuggler as the temperature dropped from 10 down to 5. Very little speed variation kept us in the groove and kept the h.r. managable, the dim weather outlook was the big topic in tonights discussion, spied Paul and Craig on a northbound training mission at the bridges. I was suprised nobody pulled the pin on the speed grenade in River Rd, but the temperature went yo-yo to test us all. Bomber turned off in Mitchell and still the speed stayed stable (hooray). Ever so slowly the heat was applied after Roubaix carving our way through quite thick patches of fog to mess with the navigation. (if the leaders left the road all would have followed!) Luck plays a big part in a mass finish, it turned single file with 500 to go then reverted to 4 wide with 200m left, a handful of capable candidates and the 80k sign in sight. Through the thick fog, expiring hopefuls, oncoming headlights, hesitations and overtaking manoevres, i'd scored 2nd behind Oz but it was the luck of the draw. Hats off to Robbo and others who'd finished 2 toaster laps in succession. Interesting to note the hr zones after; 29k in zone 2, 14k in zone 3, 5k in 4 and just 720 metres for zone 5. Ahh, the benefits of a bunch (compare that with Sunday's solo lap).
A forecast shower didn't eventuate, so a quiet early lap was on the wish list (and Cougars) for Friday morning, suprised to have HBK sneak up from behind in Archer Rd bringing BigMat and Temple into the fold. BigMat's Fruitloop training has started with avengance! (there's plenty of rides to be found Mat, there's just the motivation to find) A hint of southerly worked against us for the leg south, but we dissapointed the lads by exiting right when they ventured left in Mitchell. (I guess they had lots of k's to make up on ours) Good to cruise along without an agenda on average, a chance to go easy on the legs and keep the sting out of the tail. Vunerability came to the fore with a van storming in from Arcadia Downs, no doubt the driver half asleep / texting / visually challenged / couldn't give a rats / all of the above. Just as well we weren't full steam ahead, may have been a Toyota bonnet mascot.
Week 28 366 km (Bororen to Mt Christian) YTD 9634
"To these ideals which were instilled in me when I was a youth, I attribute in a large degree the success that was mine on the bicycle tracks of the world" Marshall "Major" Taylor 1878-1932 US World track champion
(1 mile @ 73km/h in 1899)
It's been many moons since i've had a 3 day break from the bike (poor neglected machine was covered in cobwebs), quite a difficult task to overcome early onset vacation lethargy and swing a leg over. Into volume three of the book of excuses before motivation took over to set off on a short 35k for Sunday morning. 4 degrees, tons of fog and a very light NNE wasn't inspirational, the damp atmostphere causing a light shower off the front edge of the helmet, a dampened kit and a bike quickly grubby. Pleased the speed wasn't too dissapointing, bit rusty in the joints though. Heart rate was well up (cardiac conditioning needed?) for the Old Dookie - Boundary - Mitchell - Raftery circuit, 20k's in zone 4 and 13k in zone 5 was a wake up for the arteries. Finally into Conrod with legs limp, posterior pummelled, skin soaked and lungs lax it was strangely satisfying to have overcome the sloth and sedentary state to acomplish something resembling excercise, the equivalent of a cheeseburger, medium fries and a diet coke, or running a standard light globe for 2 hours.
Monday morning a real pea-souper had rolled in, slimy roads from Sunday nights rain (and a clean bike) made a 4k walk a much more appealing proposition (though a few tough ones were spied en-route to a Cat lap.)
Blue skies finally appeared early afternoon, fuelling the ride addiction at 5 to turn the wheels. An anti-clockwise toaster tour started with 8 degrees but halved by journeys' end, a good decision to kit up accordingly. Patches of fog were obvious on the first leg in daylight out Conrod straight, the bike rolling quite well without breeze, a lubed chain (TLC for the KMC) being a psychological positive. Tuned into Daft Punk for the 11k monotony of Mitchell's stretch east, a great dusk to view for the north leg up Boundary Rd with an orange sky above the white blanket of fog. Trying to keep the h.r. below 155 was almost impossible unless speed was sacrificed, felt a little easier in Old Dookie Rd with sanity ratified sighting two bikes bearing west near the piggery. Beyond the toaster the fog thickened, sitting up got the head above the blanket line for a better view. Turned west at the Emu and found my second wind (no, not flatulence), into a good steady rhythm for the home straight (another bike seen eastward justified the journey) The odd oncoming car dished out some wind resistance, overcame the temptation of a soft option Verney Rd retreat to push on for a Wanganui-Rudd-Boulevard finish, speed slowly subsiding with an odd twinge of calf cramp, tight in the rectus femoris too. A chilly end to 54k (most at zone 4) to prepare for an antarctic Tuesday.
A southern navigation past frosted cars, iced lawns, fur seals and emporer penguins to Channel Rd on Tuesday morning, using the 19 sprocket to warm up (80 rpm) in the minus 1.3. Cougar was a tad rusty after several days off the Oppy, opted the shorter lap to climatise. Lots of excavation of channels in Channel has left lots of lumpy mud on the track, cleaning the bike almost as regular as teeth lately. Through the patchy fog and up to Boundary Rd gradually picking up the pace, less than a dozen tough enough to tap along with Cats in this temperature, goats (presumably) a k behind. It was up tempo for Old Dookie, raising a sweat to have it quickly frozen. Fingertips and toes almost numb arriving back in town, a squirt up to 50 homeward helped to ice the lungs. Quite musing to hear all the sooks about the cold from those who drove to work.
Not quite dark rolling to the hospital boom gate on Tuesday night, only 50 seconds of daylight gained each day but there's hope of longer days ahead. Only Nath, Dion, Dalton & bigBen at the ready, a glimmer of hope for a steady paced lap with just a handful of lads. Alas, all those thoughts erased with a flood of late entries in the first few k's, Oz, Steigy, Bomber, Sticks, OlympicSteve, Tony, Walshy, Sean and a couple of others swelling the pack to 15 by Lemnos, with a proportional measure of tempo added to the blend. 8 degrees had dropped to 6 to wreck the respiratories, some fluctuation was wrecking Walshy (hard to recognise minus the signature Giant, now on a new Merida) but bigBen & Oz had no trouble despite a long lay-off. Dion and Nath paired well for a strong drive down Boundary, my turn after the pub not so even with Nath now knighted HTK, half a trucklength king ahead, and not letting up. I shot past to roll over at the bridges but he was keen to own the front again, bigBen to the rescue managed to even the wheels till the turn west. Bomber and the boys gradually applied the gas down River to take us to the roaring 40's, HTK launched an attack in the final k to gap the pack. Dalton won the contract to catch him with Bomber about to resign homeward, a stretched pack finally caught when HTK eased off the turbocharger. Our Olympic saviour set the agenda with a fine tow to begin the Mitchell leg, only a few stepping up to swap turns when all went indian file. Oz was hung out to dry after Archer, but was finally saved by HTK's alter-ego Nath for the Mt Nicolaci to highway leg. OlympicSteve took to the tenacious towtruck task out of Roubaix and drove like a lad posessed in the mid 40's all the way till the dying moments of Conrod, Nath hitting the boost with 100metres to go. 42k in 1:10:15 earned us all a big feed, but big cheers to our olympic machine.
Wednesday morning felt decidedly milder, must be hardening up 'cause the thermometer said -0.7. The Michelin Pro4's (fitted May 8) have now clocked 3000, and rate them multiple thumbs up with barely a nick showing (it's the best time of year to chop up tyres with fine stones sticking to damp rubber). Must rotate soon with a worn rear from a rear aboard. Speaking of worn rears, a gentle roll on a ginger gluteus down to a Kialla Couldabeens circuit, just two toughies (Tim & Cougar) today to tour south on Archer, but PistolPete climbed aboard to make up a quadrella from Mitchell Rd onward. A whisper of a south south east blew a bit more chill but there was no intent on breaking records in these conditions, although PistolPete assumed the WBK (whole bike king) position for a good proportion. Little sign of P&W's or Cats today (may have missed 'em, blasting down River perhaps?) It took till Channel Rd for the sting to subside in the tail (maybe frozen numb?) but a few long steady turns in big cogs seemed to help. A great effort by our compact crew (whilst others cowered under doonas?)
Just one solitary northbound rider in the main drag on Thursday morning, where have all the keen Cats and Area lads gone? The Couldabeens roll call counted GG, Nick, Cougar, Rocket, Tim, PistolPete and Kenworth (arrivved breathless after his usual anaerobic prologue). A few minutes of humour (at BigMat's expense) before the flag fell for a chilly (-0.3) chase out Channel, cheers for a charitable gap left by JeffThomsons big rig for our left-right past Orrvale Rd. A distant light behind had us intrigued and with no gain made by the kinder, Rocket turned tail to tenaciously tow the tailender to the team, trust teamwork to triumph through the tired tick-tock tardiness Trav! A k at Adams pace allowed the bunch to re-unite and welcome a wrung-out Trav aboard. Into Boundary Rd PistolPete fired the velocity with Rocket but it's good to hear all were looking out for each other. Skirted around the mud mountains left in Mitchell for a steady push to Central Kialla. GG and Nick toasted Tim up Mt Nicolaci but it was brakes on for a long break in traffic at the highway (where the pistol was holstered) Rocket & Kenworth had a close battle for the chocolates at the end of Conrod, all others within arms reach just a few metres behind.
A brief comeback for Jamie at Thursday nights' Library lap, Tony, Nath, Dalton, Oz, AvantiTrev (yep, a new team Corsa steed) and FujiTrev made the start and a cast of thousands joined in thereafter. Smooth and steady turns tonight, Nath (taking care of the boss?) was well behaved and paired with Oz to set the standard. Additions over the next 10k included Kev, Dion, Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, Hamish, Robbo, OlympicSteve, Trent, and Trudy, all the way to Boundary Rd to finally add Sprinter, Gools, LegalSteve and the Smuggler as the temperature dropped from 10 down to 5. Very little speed variation kept us in the groove and kept the h.r. managable, the dim weather outlook was the big topic in tonights discussion, spied Paul and Craig on a northbound training mission at the bridges. I was suprised nobody pulled the pin on the speed grenade in River Rd, but the temperature went yo-yo to test us all. Bomber turned off in Mitchell and still the speed stayed stable (hooray). Ever so slowly the heat was applied after Roubaix carving our way through quite thick patches of fog to mess with the navigation. (if the leaders left the road all would have followed!) Luck plays a big part in a mass finish, it turned single file with 500 to go then reverted to 4 wide with 200m left, a handful of capable candidates and the 80k sign in sight. Through the thick fog, expiring hopefuls, oncoming headlights, hesitations and overtaking manoevres, i'd scored 2nd behind Oz but it was the luck of the draw. Hats off to Robbo and others who'd finished 2 toaster laps in succession. Interesting to note the hr zones after; 29k in zone 2, 14k in zone 3, 5k in 4 and just 720 metres for zone 5. Ahh, the benefits of a bunch (compare that with Sunday's solo lap).
A forecast shower didn't eventuate, so a quiet early lap was on the wish list (and Cougars) for Friday morning, suprised to have HBK sneak up from behind in Archer Rd bringing BigMat and Temple into the fold. BigMat's Fruitloop training has started with avengance! (there's plenty of rides to be found Mat, there's just the motivation to find) A hint of southerly worked against us for the leg south, but we dissapointed the lads by exiting right when they ventured left in Mitchell. (I guess they had lots of k's to make up on ours) Good to cruise along without an agenda on average, a chance to go easy on the legs and keep the sting out of the tail. Vunerability came to the fore with a van storming in from Arcadia Downs, no doubt the driver half asleep / texting / visually challenged / couldn't give a rats / all of the above. Just as well we weren't full steam ahead, may have been a Toyota bonnet mascot.
Week 28 366 km (Bororen to Mt Christian) YTD 9634
"To these ideals which were instilled in me when I was a youth, I attribute in a large degree the success that was mine on the bicycle tracks of the world" Marshall "Major" Taylor 1878-1932 US World track champion
(1 mile @ 73km/h in 1899)
Friday, July 5, 2013
Week 27 Throwing it into neutral
It's downhill now to summer, but the same old winter rituals apply; hr strap, base layer, thermal, arm warmers, jersey, knicks, socks, coffee, breakfast, bathroom, neck sock, bandana, helmet, glasses, shoes, belgian socks, keys, phone, money, tyre pressures, batteries, Garmin, gloves......heaven forbid if something is overlooked in the dress routine! (reverse, replace then repeat as neccessary) Spoilt by a mild 4 degrees to start, and a little more at ease with a flea on top (helmet light to aim at vehicular projectiles fired from side streets) it was south to Saturday's start and some quality social time with the crew. Nick, Trav, Cougar, GG, Shorty, Rocket, Temple and Tim made the effort, RidleyTrev back after his hairy Honda hiatus, a little barked and bruised but easing back into the routine. Due consideration shown for our crashed captain, Tim's hockey hamstring, Shorty's fickle flu and Temple's miniscule motivation, it was destination Channel Rd and 40k to earn the end's bliss of internal and external warmth at the Lemontree. Ride #35 with these socialists (yep, nerdy on the numbers folks) has the course etched into the subconcious, but I still manage to find the odd pot hole to torture the palms and posterior. Temple's self imposed sabbatical hasn't slowed him (but his cadence could curdle cream) and Tim has recovered well, but just a little was shaved off the usual cruising speed to see all survived. Pigfarms, toaster and Emu passed, two pairs were seen today as advanced reconnisance for the Cats eastward expedition. (was one the always immaculate Princess, perfectly kitted in Lotto attire? Darkness defies eye-dentification). It was Trav's turn to have battery failure today, lack of light kept him keeping the rear seats warm. The 14k stretch to Rudd Rd seems a bit shorter heading home (Channel's 8k outward seems longer), Rocket making the duration shorter with a blast up the Col d'Wanganui (decision on banana toast consumption ratified quickly). Temple and Nick had pace unabated through town, didn't see the need with plenty of seats to go around at the finish. Coffee and conversation on corruption, speeding, registration and rehabilitation filled in till 8.
A day off the bike to cellebrate hump day (and rest the rump day?) on Sunday. Took to the Boundary Rd bike course (by car) in the early hours to satisfy an urge to capture photographically a dead tree in a muddy dam we all pass, possibly un-noticed, a few times a week. (see above)
Holidays from work inspired a short lap Monday, a quieter excerciser with Cougar on Archer, Mitchell and Raftery, enough to satisfy the craving for a little cadence (yes, ok, 60rpm). A hint of WSW blew a few spots of rain to dampen the enthusiasm and the tyres (but barely the road) with a little up tempo for the Conrod section (as a reminder for tomorrow's ride?) Thoughts of a rare weekday post ride coffee were quickly shelved with a gloss to the road highlighting the hurry home.
Much milder morning on Tuesday, numbers up on temperature but numbers down on attendance. Kenworth, Cougar, Nick, Temple, PistolPete and GG rolled away with Jase at the last minute to attach. A solid and steady zoom out Channel Rd with the odd puddle from overnight rain to spot the bike and body. The slightest suggestion of a northerly helped down Boundary Rd, plenty of long turns with a small bunch kept everyone tuned up. Mitchell Rd tempo was brisk too with the heart rate into zone 4 trying to keep level with the Kenworth. Easily through the Central Kialla intersection but a long wait again for Melbourne Rd's peak hour (2 cars, 3 trucks) where PistolPete signed off. Quite the big blanket of fog approaching Roubaix corner, fogging glasses and forward vision, but well navigated to Arcadia Downs for the anaerobic action in Conrod straight. Jase & Kenworth had jellybeans left in the jar for a spirited sprint, most others running on near empty for that seemingly endless last 500 metres. A 49 minute lap was a credible result for a small band. Stopped at Stephano's for a rare yarn with the Gatti de Micio, similar dramas with our highbeam moron and similar sledging with those deserving.
Into holiday mode on Tuesday night, skipped the hospital group in favour of a warm night indoors. Took to the hotmix in the darkness of Wednesday's 5.40am to un-wind on the anti-clockwise course with the Kialla Couldabeens. Only the seriously dedicated / OCD lunatics (strike out that which is not applicable) riders today; Rocket, Tim, Cougar and Nick, with a spirited warm up in leg 1 for the lads from Cougar. Pistol Pete joined on leg 2 to even the numbers (but not even in the lead) Promised attendance by some came to naught, succummed to solubrious slumber me thinks? A handful of P&W's speared south in Boundary Rd, felines wheeled west into River. Felt a little atmostpheric resistance northbound but delighted to have others take most of the toil till our turn into Channel. Speed built a little with a more sheltered direction, enthusiasm drove a little harder with a (female) tail-light ahead. No records attempted on the Mexican bonanza today, all content to tap around in winters grip.
Dispensed with tradition on Thursday and Friday, holidays from work (and bike) just for a change. A short respite rekindles the spirit and the muscles, absence makes the heart grow fonder as the saying goes. (i certainly missed the social fix). Reality strikes a blow watching the Tour, we're just a little bit off Green Edge's time trial average of 57km/h! Seems the Couldabeens mixed with Cats on Thursday morning, oil and water as far as rotations go i'm told.
Week 27 176km (OMG! a sensible distance! Childers to Bororen) YTD 9,268km
"The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community" Ann Strong (Minneapolis Tribune 1895)
A day off the bike to cellebrate hump day (and rest the rump day?) on Sunday. Took to the Boundary Rd bike course (by car) in the early hours to satisfy an urge to capture photographically a dead tree in a muddy dam we all pass, possibly un-noticed, a few times a week. (see above)
Holidays from work inspired a short lap Monday, a quieter excerciser with Cougar on Archer, Mitchell and Raftery, enough to satisfy the craving for a little cadence (yes, ok, 60rpm). A hint of WSW blew a few spots of rain to dampen the enthusiasm and the tyres (but barely the road) with a little up tempo for the Conrod section (as a reminder for tomorrow's ride?) Thoughts of a rare weekday post ride coffee were quickly shelved with a gloss to the road highlighting the hurry home.
Much milder morning on Tuesday, numbers up on temperature but numbers down on attendance. Kenworth, Cougar, Nick, Temple, PistolPete and GG rolled away with Jase at the last minute to attach. A solid and steady zoom out Channel Rd with the odd puddle from overnight rain to spot the bike and body. The slightest suggestion of a northerly helped down Boundary Rd, plenty of long turns with a small bunch kept everyone tuned up. Mitchell Rd tempo was brisk too with the heart rate into zone 4 trying to keep level with the Kenworth. Easily through the Central Kialla intersection but a long wait again for Melbourne Rd's peak hour (2 cars, 3 trucks) where PistolPete signed off. Quite the big blanket of fog approaching Roubaix corner, fogging glasses and forward vision, but well navigated to Arcadia Downs for the anaerobic action in Conrod straight. Jase & Kenworth had jellybeans left in the jar for a spirited sprint, most others running on near empty for that seemingly endless last 500 metres. A 49 minute lap was a credible result for a small band. Stopped at Stephano's for a rare yarn with the Gatti de Micio, similar dramas with our highbeam moron and similar sledging with those deserving.
Into holiday mode on Tuesday night, skipped the hospital group in favour of a warm night indoors. Took to the hotmix in the darkness of Wednesday's 5.40am to un-wind on the anti-clockwise course with the Kialla Couldabeens. Only the seriously dedicated / OCD lunatics (strike out that which is not applicable) riders today; Rocket, Tim, Cougar and Nick, with a spirited warm up in leg 1 for the lads from Cougar. Pistol Pete joined on leg 2 to even the numbers (but not even in the lead) Promised attendance by some came to naught, succummed to solubrious slumber me thinks? A handful of P&W's speared south in Boundary Rd, felines wheeled west into River. Felt a little atmostpheric resistance northbound but delighted to have others take most of the toil till our turn into Channel. Speed built a little with a more sheltered direction, enthusiasm drove a little harder with a (female) tail-light ahead. No records attempted on the Mexican bonanza today, all content to tap around in winters grip.
Dispensed with tradition on Thursday and Friday, holidays from work (and bike) just for a change. A short respite rekindles the spirit and the muscles, absence makes the heart grow fonder as the saying goes. (i certainly missed the social fix). Reality strikes a blow watching the Tour, we're just a little bit off Green Edge's time trial average of 57km/h! Seems the Couldabeens mixed with Cats on Thursday morning, oil and water as far as rotations go i'm told.
Week 27 176km (OMG! a sensible distance! Childers to Bororen) YTD 9,268km
"The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community" Ann Strong (Minneapolis Tribune 1895)
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