A somewhat mild 8 degrees and a favourable 6k roll to the shop started Saturday well. Starters Rocket, Temple, Jase, Cougar, GG, ChrisA, Dion, FeltMat, RidleyTrev, Nick and ex-pat Cat Leigh (along to squeeze a lap in before other tasks beckoned) Up and away at 6 and up to speed without delay, the west southwesterly blowing us out Channel Rd, even a hint of light on the horizon was an additional motivator. ChrisA is recovering from more surgeons work, a few others recouperating from varied attacks of winter blues (but at least having a dip), nice to have Dion along again in fine form. With exams done and dusted Smuggler climbed aboard in Boundary Rd, we were back to including the toaster/emu section with more to share the load. An advance party of two were quietly rolling along waiting for the cavalry near the Emu, a proliferation of pussycats today, most vocal as our paths crossed. Quite a lot of chat amongst our ranks as we bore west, a bit of social flavour into the ride is a good start to the weekend. Didn't feel quite so guilty about the state of the bike with a cursory glance amongst the others, plenty of dirt, worms and spray to make most look secondhand. A merry band of P&W's were in the blocks at Verney Rd, driven by the dawn of triathlon season? No doubt many others will be soon emerging from winter hibernation to reaquaint with various groups (and suffer the consequences?). Ford, Wanganui, Rudd and the Boulevard done, our lap was soon over, half the turns this week with double the numbers, the breeze assisting most back to the Lemontree for the usual. Birthday cake today for some ancient relic (thanks folks, appreciate the effort made) , plenty of lively yaketty yack on carbon wheels, Fruitloop, life and death topped off the day's start.
Keen ones sent texts and posts flowing Saturday to set up a 7am Toaster lap Sunday, a bit of climatisation to the Fruitloop distance soon to be upon us. Milder again for a Peppermill start, 12 degrees the good news, a north-northwest to battle, the bad. Nick, BigMat, Cougar and GG the gritty ones to tackle an anti-clockwise loop, the push out Conrod straight never favourable. GG is one who springs quickly into form (despite frequent lay-offs), yet I take a week to get up to pace taking just two days off. (I'll have what he's having). Good turns taken by Nick, Cougar and BigMat both west and north, the (always) immaculately kitted Princess, identified from great distance, heading south in Boundary. It's pleasing lately to leave one layer, booties and long gloves at home with bearable weather now upon us. GG was keen to dominate (by at least a wheel) for the west leg homeward from the Emu, Nick keen to tuck in with an emptying tank. Plenty of sledges for BigMat's "360" Fruitloop (a 180 on the 180) but I reckon the dark horse may suprise many and nail it. In a deja vu from Saturday, Cats were eastbound at the kennels (maybe some Dookie tourism?) but no later Strava spying to be had. Lemnos-Cosgrove was far longer today with just 5 sharing the toil but determination ruled to finish a solid lap, the caffine and banana bread reward earned, but a somewhat frosty Lemontree reception. Campers and heart rates discussed, a slightly guilty RidleyTrev arrived (in civvies), a similarly dressed (yet smug) Temple soon after, put some sledging opportunities our way.
All who tackled Sunday (except BigMat) fronted Monday for a quiet 30k as recovery, south on Archer and east on Mitchell, the vigourous vapours of a passing pig truck awakening the olfactories, the wind gust blowing us backward. GG was quite the Energiser bunny today (or does he mask pain well?) us others suffering in silence. Ye olde legs were creaking a little but slowly loosened, others may well have been in the same boat from yesterdays dip. The familiar Wednesday circuit on a Monday just the ticket to start the week. Adieu to all when arriving back at Archer Rd, plied through the daylight streets homeward, headlight and helmet light alight , luckily spying a creeping car (facing a give way) had the defenses ready. Sure enough, within spitting distance he pulled out, a monster grab of brakes avoided t-boning him. Not much point of rage (other than displaying the index finger), no observation, no care, no brains.
Some enthusiasm regained during Monday, a solo ride beckoned with ideal weather not to be wasted. Turned the cranks (a little faster in the 17) out Ford and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, sitting up a bit to preserve some comfort. Channel works now finished makes the roll to the Cosgrove quarry possible, lots of fleeting colour from rosellas along the way. South on Quarry Rd (with a fair bit of quarry left on the road) drew out this years first swoop, the curse of the cranky Cracticus Tibicen (magpie) is back, the winged warriors just in time to fall foul on the Fruitloop. Back onto New Dookie Rd I headed east, sticking with the 17 at 78 rpm, taking in the lucerne green and canola yellow against the areas deep red soil. Damn hills sap the speed (typical response from flat-land riders like me) but got to Dookie beyond rush hour (one car) in good time. Kept onward and eastward for a clockwise attack on the schoolies circuit as the sun slowly sank, not such a nightmare track as the anti-clockwise race days remembered. Kept conservative on the climbs to leave some fuel to get home on, eventually right into Duggans Rd and the little pinch before a rapid descent. It was a whisker warmer on the south of the hill, good going on Major Plains Rd with the wind now redundant. Mental preparation done for the sharpish climb up to Dookie-Nalinga Rd, slogged it out on the 56/25 (heaven forbid soiling the 44 ring!) grateful of a short level out half way up. A quick recovery on the long roll down to the cemetery, up and over the little peak and back into Dookie, no backlight on the speedo, so was flying blind on the tempo. Straight through town and on to Cosgrove, the 6k from the quarry to the church seemed way longer. A left at the church then a right at the toaster, Old Dookie Rd the long finishing straight , still curious about the speed but that drives the motivation doesn't it? The Garmin was halted at SPC, content with 80k in 2:33, considering the lumps in between,1700 calories up in smoke.
The bike stayed static Tuesday morning but I was keen to extend the arvo's usual habit, saddled up at 5pm for 30k's solo, a not too spicy entree to the hospital bunch vindaloo main course. From Archer to Channel, then out to Boundary against a 12km/h dose of north easterly, I repeated yesterdays cadence on 17 teeth, jealous of the half dozen bunch doing it easy heading west back into town. A little less effort to bear north up Boundary Rd, watching the watch to time the arrival back at the hospital. Up a cog or two for the west leg in New Dookie Rd, mid 30's (and better) achievable back to town, a perfect arrival at the boomgates with 4 minutes to spare. The regular punters Dalton, Dion, Sean, Nath and AvantiTrev amongst others, Simmo back again for punishment too. The starting grid eventually grew to two dozen, speed demons Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, Robbo, Paul, Trent, Trudi,\ and the Eggman, even long time absent Lance joined in nearing Boundary Rd. Happy to stay in the rear stalls concentrating on distance not speed, there wasn't a lot of oxygen spare to socialise as the tempo built. Wheels were humming on the approach to the toaster, Lance was well and truely cooked, the tank very empty by the time I got to offer a tow, his coffin nailed shut with the bunch blast into Old Dookie. Only two rows at the front and a long tapering single file behind on the bolt to Boundary, many were hanging on to survive. A little more settled for the run down beyond the bridges but the heater was turned on again in River Rd. Surging crept in with the train getting longer and limits being reached, pace in the high 40's at half distance was as popular as Bashar Al-Assad, with more going OTA. Bomber and bro exited at Kialla Central, the bunch swept into Mitchell and tempo flared again. Big gaps opened up and, stuck behind some losing their grip, I chose to let the guns continue, a revised plan to plug away and finish instead of expiry in the boondocks. Some chose the relief of an Archer exit, I stuck with the traditional course albeit a few hundred metres in arrears. A glance behind showed some faired worse than I, The mantra of "never give up" stuck in the skull for Raftery and Conrod despite doing it at 168bpm solo, the minor reward was to catch and rejoin the bunch by lake Vic. 74k covered in 2:11 worthy of a decent feed.
Suprised the legs let me ride Wednesday morning, a cautious and gentle start rolling to Kialla, a yarn with ChrisA on the way. A larger roll up than normal, AvantiTrev, FeltMat, Rocket, LegalDave, Cougar, GG, Nick, Shorty, Nath, even FujiTrev back from Vietnam vacation (hopefully back on our side of the road) Light was even on the horizon at 6 as the show got underway, the speed considerate of weary legs. PistolPete arrived in the closing metres of Archer, a light easterly gave some resistance for Mitchell Rd. AvantiTrev in a clatter of chain and cogs, a fine argument against using those little chainrings! A chance to chat with LegalDave on matters Strava and hills, hats off to Nick, Cougar and GG for their several solid laps in recent days. Nath consumed two Trev's for breakfast in the run up to Boundary, maybe he had me in mind for desert, but I stayed a wheel back from his dinner plate. About to roll over a turn approaching River Rd when a maroon Landcruiser shot past ; big in vehicle, big in speed, small in clearance and small in intelligence (very small in another area too i'd say) 51 were single filed southward, we'd plugged away north to the bridges, GG ramping up the rest to Channel Rd. All were rewarded with the winds assistance for Channel Rd, high 30's easy going with smooth turns and smooth exits from intersections. A split at Channel Rd's end for most to bear south, the remainder north, with breakfast and work awaiting.
Out the door at sparrows fart Thursday before I noticed several spots falling from the heavens. A brief pause to trawl the depths of the motivation barrel, piled the positives above pessimism and spun down to the Archer car park, wondering if other delerious/dedicated (strike out that which does not apply) die hards would be of a like mind. DiscoSteve, Temple, Chris A ,FeltMat and GG were sufficiently silly to brave the ENE (12-20 km/h), rain just dampening the road in semi-matte, not gloss. Just 2k was covered when GG inherited a slow puncture, opting for a u-turn home on the existing pressure. Just 5 now to push out Channel Rd, a breezy benefit for Boundary & Mitchell the motivation to reach the t intersection, our conciliatory captain, ConsiderateChris, ensured all survived. PistolPete jumped aboard (better late than never) as we neared River Rd, DiscoSteve alighted at the main channel. There was a euphoric utopia steering into Mitchell, wind now gusting straight from the east as we went west. Made good ground to Archer (FeltMat's exit) and on to the highway, Temple into some respiratory labour for Mt Nicolaci. The last three k's of Raftery were spent emptying the tank matching PistolPete and Chris, a decent push at 183 bpm in Conrod but great to finish as a team, no sprint needed (nothing left to give anyway!) Ummed and ahhed Thursday evening about riding but the BOM spelt out a clear picture to abandon any plans. Plenty of wind and a decent downpour gave the ideal reason to put the feet up.
Friday's urge was for a steady and short lap, Cougars plan too, so set off out Channel Rd to have BigMat and HBK latch on in the first leg. A quiet and easy ride soon changed with HBK living up to his namesake, but he and BigMat had a clockwise plan for Boundary and Mitchell, Cougs and I keen on an anti-clockwise lap (albeit into a stiff northerly). The brief dose of socialising (with a sumptuous serve of sarcasm) over, we split north and south, HBK and BigMat into the cross-hairs of supersonic Supercats propelling south in Boundary, with Area a few hundred metres back engaging warp drive in a cacophony of carbon. Quite a push up to Old Dookie Rd, got a cheery P&W greeting, then to plug away the 8k homeward, keeping the level aerobic after a big week.
Week 35 455km (Lake Woods to Katherine N.T.) YTD 11,917km
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred"
Martin Luther King (1929-1968) from the 'I have a dream' speech, 50 years ago this week.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Week 34 : Illness, excuses and a jihad
A cruisy ride to Saturday's start, shouldn't think negative but it would seem there'd be work to do on the way back. Sat solitary at the start, wondering if i'd got the right day til GG rolled in, soon after Nick, Temple and RidleyTrev wandered in. Was this a sinking ship deserted? Several away on a Tassie bender, others with more legitimate reasons, (some on pm FruitLoop training?) but I can understand why the doona would be heavy today. 5 degrees and a damp road was hardly appealing but at 6 the few took to Channel Rd, possibly only driven by cooked breakfast and coffee at the finish? The Garmin 500 is back in the land of the living, (speed display froze, cadence vanished) a new battery for the GSC10 has restored data (11 months out of the last one) GG's comeback is at full tilt, no gentle transition for this lad! Nick taking a more measured approach after a week in the snow, RidleyTrev on a recovery from Thursday night. Votes for a short course were rushed through the senate with no consultation with the member for North Shepparton (but I wasn't about to object) Temple's spin had spun out by Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, joining the rear for a spell. A NNW wind gained some strength, blowing a nasal baptism from an un-named other my way (charming) Back to the front for Ford Rd with GG (still firing on all cylinders) and again for Wanganui, I took the executive decision to call single file (in light of those toiling), just GG and me to cut the breeze to Rudd Rd, a cruise thereafter to Fryers St to satisfy cravings for caffine, cuisine, conversation and convalescence. Subjects of cranky customers and boys weekends were chewed over, a recovering Pom joined in for the epilogue.
There was vigourous debate in the upper house of the cranial chamber in the early hours of Sunday, to ride or not to ride? - that is the question. Thumbed through the book of excuses but the affirmative team had won the debate, regret has such a bitter taste, an endorphine chaser hopefully served on conclusion. Nesohc pal yadrutas esrever a.......oops, a reverse saturday lap chosen for 6am, a nasty 22-30km/h northerly to tackle (and i'd rather do the worst first) for the Boulevard. Hard yakka for the opening stage to Wanganui, a little less taxing pointing east toward Boundary Rd and lapping up the absence of traffic. Again, the heart rate was the restrictor, way into the anaerobic would limit the old engine, at least the pleasantries of heading south down Boundary Rd had a sense of achievement in the high 30's. A 7am meeting to keep kept the drive going, not a lot of shelter in Channel Rd though (more orchard excavations), the short north leg to the kinder none too pleasant and pot-holes plentiful of late to avoid (and not just on this stretch of tarmac). Stayed just under the 165 threshold (should be 131 for this ancient being) till Kensington's roundabout, pleased to have clocked a 52:50. Kept the appointment to tap out another 32 clicks with Cougar (on a P&W circuit) for a tune-up for the Fruitloop. Time in the seat beyond 90 minutes is a bit rare lately (work and weather the offender?) so I'll call this a Tour de Tough Tooche. Super smooth as always with super nana, a good steady (and familiar) circuit with very little bike traffic (funny, no BigMat evidence anywhere) till half way down Mitchell, a dozen Cats off on, i'd guess, a 7 bridges lap. A customary Sunday coffee at Degani topped off 70k nicely, a small sense of achievement thinking back to the internal debate of 5am.
Struck down with a gastric tsunami Sunday night (from Saturday's nasal baptism?) I struck Monday off the register, but revived in fair order Tuesday to take in a Couldabeens panacea. Again, numbers were low, maybe half a degree and a push home into a westerly had some part in it? Just the tenacious Rocket, Trav, Cougar and PistolPete are made of the stuff to take this on. As is Couldabeen protocol, a collaborative effort, enjoying the benefits outward and toil homeward against the elements. Nearly every morning the sun appears to rise a little earlier (pleasing to see a bit more than just what the headlight shines on) springing some hope of warmer months soon to come, but winter had it's grip on todays temperature. A pause for the highway traffic (and to hooroo the pistol) a collection of Cats were steadily closing in from the rear, but four came to the fore for the finish, spurred on by thoughts of a hot shower, hot toast and hot coffee?
Barely 8 degrees on Tuesday night didn't daunt the usual punters at the hospital, nine to commence with, more recruits gathered along the way. The speed squad of Steigy, Sticks, Bomber and many more increased the population and the pace on a chilled tour to the Emu, Paul, Nath and others adding to the total. 15k of westerly helped the tempo to the high 30's out Lemnos-Cosgrove, by the kennels Nath had joined Bomber at the pointy end, a jihad on speed declared, nudging 50 for a spell till Nath waved the white flag, a return of calm ensued (well, in the 40's anyway.) At the toaster, icy spots of rain almost cut through the kit, the physical and mental comfort meter dropped but it was just a few spits and not a downpour. With a meeting to get to, I'd set course for a Channel Rd exit, ushering Oz up to the front and into the jaws of Robbo wasn't well received (sorry Oz!) for the lads to continue on the usual route. Bickers, Nath, Marko and AvantiTrev were on my trajectory so we teamed up to share Channel's head wind home. Bickers & Marko made it a workout, Nath disembarked at the Hanlon Rd station, AvantiTrev sitting silent in the caboose. Eventually back to town, a glance back at the Kensington roundabout saw that we'd unhooked Trev, so I u-turned in search of his fate. Found him repairing a pinched tube so did the honourable escort back to base (no other spare) guaranteeing the next bike service was as good as the last.
Wednesday offered four times Tuesdays temperature (wow, 2 degrees!) at least Rocket, Temple, Cougar, Shorty and RidleyTrev were at the Kialla start for a calmer counterclockwise Couldabeens course. Long time missing person FeltMat was back on board as we rolled away, a big orange moon sat above Mitchell Rd's dead trees rooted in fog, a picturesque scene to keep the mind off the temperature. Shorty's trying to keep the laps up, FeltMat's trying to run in a hibernated engine and Temple's still the king of spin. A good lap with good company, no agendas and no missions. We missed the passing parade of Hurt Locker, P&W's, Cats, 51 and Goats, maybe we were a little behind schedule? The familiar track of Channel Rd appeared again, deja vu alongside RidleyTrev, twas AvantiTrev just 10 hours prior. Satisfied to have put in a few k's when seeing the many just struggling to greet the day back in town.
Thursday dawned with the digestive distress returned, auditory anomolies and a general sense of being wrung out like an old tatty sock. How quickly we take wellbeing for granted till the handbrake of illness is applied. Parked the idea of riding and took to short and easy foot duty instead, no point flogging a dead horse. Was almost grateful so see spots of rain late Thursday to give reason avoiding the Library thrash. An early and quiet lap Friday put a toe in the water of recovery, the old engine somewhat spluttering back into life but not quite firing on all cylinders.
Week 34 279km (3 ways to Lake Woods N.T.) YTD 11,462km
"We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch tv too much. We have multiplied our posessions but reduced our values, we talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years" George Carlin (1937-2008) US Comedian/actor
There was vigourous debate in the upper house of the cranial chamber in the early hours of Sunday, to ride or not to ride? - that is the question. Thumbed through the book of excuses but the affirmative team had won the debate, regret has such a bitter taste, an endorphine chaser hopefully served on conclusion. Nesohc pal yadrutas esrever a.......oops, a reverse saturday lap chosen for 6am, a nasty 22-30km/h northerly to tackle (and i'd rather do the worst first) for the Boulevard. Hard yakka for the opening stage to Wanganui, a little less taxing pointing east toward Boundary Rd and lapping up the absence of traffic. Again, the heart rate was the restrictor, way into the anaerobic would limit the old engine, at least the pleasantries of heading south down Boundary Rd had a sense of achievement in the high 30's. A 7am meeting to keep kept the drive going, not a lot of shelter in Channel Rd though (more orchard excavations), the short north leg to the kinder none too pleasant and pot-holes plentiful of late to avoid (and not just on this stretch of tarmac). Stayed just under the 165 threshold (should be 131 for this ancient being) till Kensington's roundabout, pleased to have clocked a 52:50. Kept the appointment to tap out another 32 clicks with Cougar (on a P&W circuit) for a tune-up for the Fruitloop. Time in the seat beyond 90 minutes is a bit rare lately (work and weather the offender?) so I'll call this a Tour de Tough Tooche. Super smooth as always with super nana, a good steady (and familiar) circuit with very little bike traffic (funny, no BigMat evidence anywhere) till half way down Mitchell, a dozen Cats off on, i'd guess, a 7 bridges lap. A customary Sunday coffee at Degani topped off 70k nicely, a small sense of achievement thinking back to the internal debate of 5am.
Struck down with a gastric tsunami Sunday night (from Saturday's nasal baptism?) I struck Monday off the register, but revived in fair order Tuesday to take in a Couldabeens panacea. Again, numbers were low, maybe half a degree and a push home into a westerly had some part in it? Just the tenacious Rocket, Trav, Cougar and PistolPete are made of the stuff to take this on. As is Couldabeen protocol, a collaborative effort, enjoying the benefits outward and toil homeward against the elements. Nearly every morning the sun appears to rise a little earlier (pleasing to see a bit more than just what the headlight shines on) springing some hope of warmer months soon to come, but winter had it's grip on todays temperature. A pause for the highway traffic (and to hooroo the pistol) a collection of Cats were steadily closing in from the rear, but four came to the fore for the finish, spurred on by thoughts of a hot shower, hot toast and hot coffee?
Barely 8 degrees on Tuesday night didn't daunt the usual punters at the hospital, nine to commence with, more recruits gathered along the way. The speed squad of Steigy, Sticks, Bomber and many more increased the population and the pace on a chilled tour to the Emu, Paul, Nath and others adding to the total. 15k of westerly helped the tempo to the high 30's out Lemnos-Cosgrove, by the kennels Nath had joined Bomber at the pointy end, a jihad on speed declared, nudging 50 for a spell till Nath waved the white flag, a return of calm ensued (well, in the 40's anyway.) At the toaster, icy spots of rain almost cut through the kit, the physical and mental comfort meter dropped but it was just a few spits and not a downpour. With a meeting to get to, I'd set course for a Channel Rd exit, ushering Oz up to the front and into the jaws of Robbo wasn't well received (sorry Oz!) for the lads to continue on the usual route. Bickers, Nath, Marko and AvantiTrev were on my trajectory so we teamed up to share Channel's head wind home. Bickers & Marko made it a workout, Nath disembarked at the Hanlon Rd station, AvantiTrev sitting silent in the caboose. Eventually back to town, a glance back at the Kensington roundabout saw that we'd unhooked Trev, so I u-turned in search of his fate. Found him repairing a pinched tube so did the honourable escort back to base (no other spare) guaranteeing the next bike service was as good as the last.
Wednesday offered four times Tuesdays temperature (wow, 2 degrees!) at least Rocket, Temple, Cougar, Shorty and RidleyTrev were at the Kialla start for a calmer counterclockwise Couldabeens course. Long time missing person FeltMat was back on board as we rolled away, a big orange moon sat above Mitchell Rd's dead trees rooted in fog, a picturesque scene to keep the mind off the temperature. Shorty's trying to keep the laps up, FeltMat's trying to run in a hibernated engine and Temple's still the king of spin. A good lap with good company, no agendas and no missions. We missed the passing parade of Hurt Locker, P&W's, Cats, 51 and Goats, maybe we were a little behind schedule? The familiar track of Channel Rd appeared again, deja vu alongside RidleyTrev, twas AvantiTrev just 10 hours prior. Satisfied to have put in a few k's when seeing the many just struggling to greet the day back in town.
Thursday dawned with the digestive distress returned, auditory anomolies and a general sense of being wrung out like an old tatty sock. How quickly we take wellbeing for granted till the handbrake of illness is applied. Parked the idea of riding and took to short and easy foot duty instead, no point flogging a dead horse. Was almost grateful so see spots of rain late Thursday to give reason avoiding the Library thrash. An early and quiet lap Friday put a toe in the water of recovery, the old engine somewhat spluttering back into life but not quite firing on all cylinders.
Week 34 279km (3 ways to Lake Woods N.T.) YTD 11,462km
"We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch tv too much. We have multiplied our posessions but reduced our values, we talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years" George Carlin (1937-2008) US Comedian/actor
Friday, August 16, 2013
Week 33 : Charging dogs, a bike birthday and a helping hand.
No great expectations Saturday, a slick road and 3 degrees hardly the most inviting atmostphere to ride. One wonders the effort in cleaning the bike (three times last week) to subject it to these conditions. Set off a little later than normal and intercepted Jase on the way, a rare chance for a yarn negotiating his guided tour of suburbia on the way to the car park. Bang on dew point and 99% humidity spelt a little fog but Shorty, HBK and Temple fronted, many missing with winters toll and some dealing with a family loss (sincere condolences to Rocket, BigMat and families) The fearsome five took to the shiny track of Channel Rd, saturated from what seems like 40 days and 40 nights of downpour. Shorty (or should that be "Puddles") was on threat of shouting coffee if he put a wheel through water, the concession of taking the shorter circuit straight up Boundary if he was a good boy. Lots of mud and snails soiled an already grubby bike, torture on the poor chain too. Shorty had U turned half way up Channel with an urgent natural break, felt quite foreign heading up Boundary on the short-cut, passing the familiar Old Dookie turn, an eye out for the full width ripple strips nearing Hill Rd an old habit reborn. Temple took an early retirement to the rear seats on the turn into Lemnos-Cosgrove, Jase and HBK took us to the soup tin. 2k into Ford Rd even HBK began to drag the chain, got a rare chance to turn tables and half bike him! Order restored after Grahamvale Rd to collect Temple from going OTA, single filed to preserve all, that coffee may be enjoyed as a team. Short cut Shorty joined at the Lemontree duely relieved, Cougar too (on a respiratory recovery) to chat on forecasting, Cat sledging, Fruitloop preparation, super sprinters and drug cheats.
Took the Temple invitational on Sunday, a camel farm lap with HBK, Cougar and RidleyTrev. Just 4 degrees and a northeaster tested tenacity for the long haul of Mitchell then the longer haul of Bells-Armstrong Rd. HBK (on the world's longest Ridley) hinted at pairing to lead all for the 12k leg east, but he bailed out with just 6k done. Shared the front with Temple (on the world's cleanest Ridley) for another 4 clicks, this road is longer than the politicians rhetoric, at least there was a visual distraction of the rising sun piercing the clouds to light up the canola blooming. Ground into the northeaster till the Cosgrove-Caniambo Rd turn, just to have the breeze swing NNE to give us something more to battle against. Finally to Kellows Rd and some tailwind therapy, mused on the construction of the camel then tracked the tarmac of New Dookie homeward. RidleyTrev and Cougar upped the ante heading to the Church, a group of four southbound on Cosgrove North Rd quickly became the carrot to chase. Rapid attack avoided, a steady build on tempo had the same effect, catching the four (unknown) nearing Boundary, but the targets turned. Never fear, inspiration lay further ahead with another 6 to chase on Old Dookie, a k deficit to pick up. Necks wrecked checking on our pursuit and putting their best bikes forward to challenge (pfft, fleeing is futile), we'd caught them with 2k left, passing at the bridge, a solid push at 40 for the last kilometer to gap 'em soundly. Reward at the Lemontree with toast and coffee, smug in a minor victory over the elements.
Monday's rain stopped any activity, but made up for lost time on Tuesday. Quite a breeze from the west blowing in the early hours, thoughts of the struggle into it along Mitchell Rd doesn't do much for motivation. But then the thought is a bit presumptious till we get there. Rocket, Kenworth, BigMat, Cougar, PistolPete, Tim, Temple , Jase and Vince (revisiting his roots) set off from the shop to be blown east out Channel Rd. A spike in speed when some got to the front and quite a moment approaching the S bend when the pest pooch ("DarthVader") bolted from the undergrowth. Certainly bumped up the heart rate (when it was well up anyway) avoiding the crazy canine, loose stones on the apex and hanging on to the surge in speed. A little more settled by the time we'd turned onto Boundary Rd and down to the bridges but by River Rd the tempo was stretching the rubber band to the max. Good to have that warm glow of team spirit with Kenworth and Rocket coming back to reglue the pack, several now managing the pace better. By the Mitchell Rd chichane our nasty westerly had eased a bit to a WNW, a few conversations now achieveable. Pistol Pete departed at the highway, the heat turned up gradually by Arcadia Downs with some having reserves to thrash to the finish. A few had unhooked in the closing stages but all reformed for some social bonding in the cool down through town.
Almost summer numbers again at the hospital on Tuesday night, the regulars Sean, Dion, Paul, Ozzy, AvantiTrev, Clive, Robbo, Sprinter and new dude Angelo starting the proceedings, bigger calibre guns blending in on the journey east. Bomber, Marko, Trav and young Liam, Steigy, Sticks, Nath and Eggy doubling the numbers by the kennels. Passed one guy (lit up like a Christmas tree) beyond the main channel but think he was detached almost instantly. It's getting hard to identify all the faces as the group grows, apologies to any I may have missed. Turning at the Emu promised a little ease with the breeze at our backs, but of course the thumbscrews were twisted with a dose of up-tempo after the church. Some had resigned to stay on as tail lights (no shame in that given the speed) with high 30's the fashion on the front. Sprinter and Angelo dialed down a few k's after the pub but Travis had plans to take me to 40 from the bridges to River Rd (in his draft after the turn prevented a melt down) The pecking order was being sorted in River Rd, Nath and Eggy, Marko, Bomber and Robbo dragging us in their wake to the mid 40's. My turn again in Central Kialla, this time with Bomber dishing out the ouch. Grateful it was just a few hundred metres till he swung off homeward, but little bro Marko defended the family reputation straight away. A big hit in the opening k of Mitchell started to open some gaps, me included, till Eggy's helping hand saved the day. Liams legs a blur, Oz with tons of grunt, Robbo and others well qualified drove the indian file train up to the highway, one more turn had my needle on the red line, so skipped the next to recover. Out of Roubaix the big boys got serious, the thin line drew longer and gaps bigger by Arcadia Downs. Found myself gapped and dragging a few with me, so threw the last shovel of coal into the boiler to catch back on, Ozzy the savior offering a draft out of the Conrod dip to latch on. Barely hanging on to any hope then steadily passing so many burnt to a crisp quickly turned the emotional tables, chuffed to manage 4th (salvaged behind Oz), watching the cadence blur (circa 140) of Liam being led by the Eggman across the line. Measuring the heart rate recovery lately, 185 at the finish then 125 at the bridge.
Gave the poor old bike a day off on Wednesday, ye olde faithful turning 9 years old and turning over 159,000k's last night. Yikes! nearly 4 times round the globe (or 2,945 toaster circuits) Old part number #80 91 0 139 773 from Bayerische Motoren Werke has seen a fair bit over the years and survived a few prangs, might just be tough enough to reach 200,000 (in 2015) Hats off to Claus at Sachs Ag for the bulletproof frame.
A change of routine on Thursday, up to SPC with Cougar to reaquaint with the P&W's (missing for many moons) Just the luck, picked the morning when none show, but Wizz and Sosso were ready to roll out with the Hurt Locker, but the princes of pain not on my shopping list. Cougs and I rolled away in Old Dookie (predicting being passed by locker lads or crafty cats) to slowly reel in a bike 300 metres ahead. Caught at Central Ave and identified as Gools, we formed a trifecta to tap away Old Dookie then Boundary, bathing in profound smoothness, gratification and admiration (with just a hint of awesomeness) A pleasure to share the load with a true gentleman, but time (the lack of it) tore us away down Channel, thankfully DarthVader liked sleep more than chasing riders today, might be the 1.6 degrees that kept him indoors. Light enough even at 6.30 to read an unlit watch face (roll on spring!) but daylight savings in just 7 weeks (Oct 6th) will rip the pleasure away for a while.
An evening Thursday thrash was in order, quite the attendance at the library. Sean, Dalton, Hamish, Tony, Robbo (already with 40k chalked up), Skeeta, Clive, Paul, AvantiTrev (relief, wobblyTrev offshore) Simmo and Dion, with Marko, Sticks, Bomber, Mitch and LegalSteve later additions. Missile mum Kylie turned a few heads on a run in the Boulevard, 10 degrees and a touch of northwest breeze ramped up the cadence on the long run toward the Emu. Sean set a cracking pace to toast my legs at the business end of the bunch, next up was Bomber to flambe them. Gentleman Gools and Sprinter added another carriage to the train in Old Dookie Rd, 18 heads counted is a good attendance for a winters evening. Cars passing were plentiful, calls unfortunately rare. Dalton & Sean were fine drivers to the two bridges in Boundary Rd, some doubt and a little dread doing duty with Bomber again (like entering the V8 supercars with a Hyundai Getz) but much consideration was given to this dinosaur, leveling with my wheel (but could I hear snoring?). Paul & Dion added the megawatts down River Rd, my conversation down to three word sentences to allow oxygen intake at 175 bpm. The procession continued through Central Kialla and into Mitchell, numbers working the front now thinning, retirees populating at the rear. A big split for traffic at the highway caused a pause to regroup, "all on" called on the exit of Roubaix. Turns turned tenacious, tight and timely touring to Arcadia Downs, I'd scored prime real estate behind Sean with 400 to go but didn't count on him unleashing the fury early. Not enough left to get serious when Sean expired, I was swamped by a handful in the dying moments. (funny how a couple go for glory without supplying one grunt at the front) Hats off to the newer recruits however, an apprenticeship in at the deep end certainly earns their dinner, the Toaster circuit in 1:19:40 a fair effort.
All these cold mornings are adding up, another one Friday was about as popular as preference votes to the Greens. Gave the bike another rest and walked a few k instead.
Week 33 : 307km ( Camooweal Qld to 140k shy of Tennant Creek) YTD 11,183
On announcement that Jens Voigt will ride another pro season next year (a 17th Tour de France?) one fan posted "Shut up retirement!"
Took the Temple invitational on Sunday, a camel farm lap with HBK, Cougar and RidleyTrev. Just 4 degrees and a northeaster tested tenacity for the long haul of Mitchell then the longer haul of Bells-Armstrong Rd. HBK (on the world's longest Ridley) hinted at pairing to lead all for the 12k leg east, but he bailed out with just 6k done. Shared the front with Temple (on the world's cleanest Ridley) for another 4 clicks, this road is longer than the politicians rhetoric, at least there was a visual distraction of the rising sun piercing the clouds to light up the canola blooming. Ground into the northeaster till the Cosgrove-Caniambo Rd turn, just to have the breeze swing NNE to give us something more to battle against. Finally to Kellows Rd and some tailwind therapy, mused on the construction of the camel then tracked the tarmac of New Dookie homeward. RidleyTrev and Cougar upped the ante heading to the Church, a group of four southbound on Cosgrove North Rd quickly became the carrot to chase. Rapid attack avoided, a steady build on tempo had the same effect, catching the four (unknown) nearing Boundary, but the targets turned. Never fear, inspiration lay further ahead with another 6 to chase on Old Dookie, a k deficit to pick up. Necks wrecked checking on our pursuit and putting their best bikes forward to challenge (pfft, fleeing is futile), we'd caught them with 2k left, passing at the bridge, a solid push at 40 for the last kilometer to gap 'em soundly. Reward at the Lemontree with toast and coffee, smug in a minor victory over the elements.
Monday's rain stopped any activity, but made up for lost time on Tuesday. Quite a breeze from the west blowing in the early hours, thoughts of the struggle into it along Mitchell Rd doesn't do much for motivation. But then the thought is a bit presumptious till we get there. Rocket, Kenworth, BigMat, Cougar, PistolPete, Tim, Temple , Jase and Vince (revisiting his roots) set off from the shop to be blown east out Channel Rd. A spike in speed when some got to the front and quite a moment approaching the S bend when the pest pooch ("DarthVader") bolted from the undergrowth. Certainly bumped up the heart rate (when it was well up anyway) avoiding the crazy canine, loose stones on the apex and hanging on to the surge in speed. A little more settled by the time we'd turned onto Boundary Rd and down to the bridges but by River Rd the tempo was stretching the rubber band to the max. Good to have that warm glow of team spirit with Kenworth and Rocket coming back to reglue the pack, several now managing the pace better. By the Mitchell Rd chichane our nasty westerly had eased a bit to a WNW, a few conversations now achieveable. Pistol Pete departed at the highway, the heat turned up gradually by Arcadia Downs with some having reserves to thrash to the finish. A few had unhooked in the closing stages but all reformed for some social bonding in the cool down through town.
Almost summer numbers again at the hospital on Tuesday night, the regulars Sean, Dion, Paul, Ozzy, AvantiTrev, Clive, Robbo, Sprinter and new dude Angelo starting the proceedings, bigger calibre guns blending in on the journey east. Bomber, Marko, Trav and young Liam, Steigy, Sticks, Nath and Eggy doubling the numbers by the kennels. Passed one guy (lit up like a Christmas tree) beyond the main channel but think he was detached almost instantly. It's getting hard to identify all the faces as the group grows, apologies to any I may have missed. Turning at the Emu promised a little ease with the breeze at our backs, but of course the thumbscrews were twisted with a dose of up-tempo after the church. Some had resigned to stay on as tail lights (no shame in that given the speed) with high 30's the fashion on the front. Sprinter and Angelo dialed down a few k's after the pub but Travis had plans to take me to 40 from the bridges to River Rd (in his draft after the turn prevented a melt down) The pecking order was being sorted in River Rd, Nath and Eggy, Marko, Bomber and Robbo dragging us in their wake to the mid 40's. My turn again in Central Kialla, this time with Bomber dishing out the ouch. Grateful it was just a few hundred metres till he swung off homeward, but little bro Marko defended the family reputation straight away. A big hit in the opening k of Mitchell started to open some gaps, me included, till Eggy's helping hand saved the day. Liams legs a blur, Oz with tons of grunt, Robbo and others well qualified drove the indian file train up to the highway, one more turn had my needle on the red line, so skipped the next to recover. Out of Roubaix the big boys got serious, the thin line drew longer and gaps bigger by Arcadia Downs. Found myself gapped and dragging a few with me, so threw the last shovel of coal into the boiler to catch back on, Ozzy the savior offering a draft out of the Conrod dip to latch on. Barely hanging on to any hope then steadily passing so many burnt to a crisp quickly turned the emotional tables, chuffed to manage 4th (salvaged behind Oz), watching the cadence blur (circa 140) of Liam being led by the Eggman across the line. Measuring the heart rate recovery lately, 185 at the finish then 125 at the bridge.
Gave the poor old bike a day off on Wednesday, ye olde faithful turning 9 years old and turning over 159,000k's last night. Yikes! nearly 4 times round the globe (or 2,945 toaster circuits) Old part number #80 91 0 139 773 from Bayerische Motoren Werke has seen a fair bit over the years and survived a few prangs, might just be tough enough to reach 200,000 (in 2015) Hats off to Claus at Sachs Ag for the bulletproof frame.
A change of routine on Thursday, up to SPC with Cougar to reaquaint with the P&W's (missing for many moons) Just the luck, picked the morning when none show, but Wizz and Sosso were ready to roll out with the Hurt Locker, but the princes of pain not on my shopping list. Cougs and I rolled away in Old Dookie (predicting being passed by locker lads or crafty cats) to slowly reel in a bike 300 metres ahead. Caught at Central Ave and identified as Gools, we formed a trifecta to tap away Old Dookie then Boundary, bathing in profound smoothness, gratification and admiration (with just a hint of awesomeness) A pleasure to share the load with a true gentleman, but time (the lack of it) tore us away down Channel, thankfully DarthVader liked sleep more than chasing riders today, might be the 1.6 degrees that kept him indoors. Light enough even at 6.30 to read an unlit watch face (roll on spring!) but daylight savings in just 7 weeks (Oct 6th) will rip the pleasure away for a while.
An evening Thursday thrash was in order, quite the attendance at the library. Sean, Dalton, Hamish, Tony, Robbo (already with 40k chalked up), Skeeta, Clive, Paul, AvantiTrev (relief, wobblyTrev offshore) Simmo and Dion, with Marko, Sticks, Bomber, Mitch and LegalSteve later additions. Missile mum Kylie turned a few heads on a run in the Boulevard, 10 degrees and a touch of northwest breeze ramped up the cadence on the long run toward the Emu. Sean set a cracking pace to toast my legs at the business end of the bunch, next up was Bomber to flambe them. Gentleman Gools and Sprinter added another carriage to the train in Old Dookie Rd, 18 heads counted is a good attendance for a winters evening. Cars passing were plentiful, calls unfortunately rare. Dalton & Sean were fine drivers to the two bridges in Boundary Rd, some doubt and a little dread doing duty with Bomber again (like entering the V8 supercars with a Hyundai Getz) but much consideration was given to this dinosaur, leveling with my wheel (but could I hear snoring?). Paul & Dion added the megawatts down River Rd, my conversation down to three word sentences to allow oxygen intake at 175 bpm. The procession continued through Central Kialla and into Mitchell, numbers working the front now thinning, retirees populating at the rear. A big split for traffic at the highway caused a pause to regroup, "all on" called on the exit of Roubaix. Turns turned tenacious, tight and timely touring to Arcadia Downs, I'd scored prime real estate behind Sean with 400 to go but didn't count on him unleashing the fury early. Not enough left to get serious when Sean expired, I was swamped by a handful in the dying moments. (funny how a couple go for glory without supplying one grunt at the front) Hats off to the newer recruits however, an apprenticeship in at the deep end certainly earns their dinner, the Toaster circuit in 1:19:40 a fair effort.
All these cold mornings are adding up, another one Friday was about as popular as preference votes to the Greens. Gave the bike another rest and walked a few k instead.
Week 33 : 307km ( Camooweal Qld to 140k shy of Tennant Creek) YTD 11,183
On announcement that Jens Voigt will ride another pro season next year (a 17th Tour de France?) one fan posted "Shut up retirement!"
Friday, August 9, 2013
Week 32 ; Bursting the boiler?
Ahh, the serenity of a traffic free tarmac Saturday morning. Peace, but for the satisfying hum of a pair of Mavic's rolling southward (a little tailwind helps too). No garbage trucks to compete with, green lights all the way too. Jase, Shorty, Cougar, Nick, Temple and HBK had convened at the carpark, 6 bells tolled, a warmly welcomed Weapon tacked on (after a long absence) as the group rolled into the chill of Channel, DiscoSteve joining in at the roundabout. Weapon's on a spanking new Avanti road bike (a stablemate to the trick TT) also in the signature "pinkle" livery, right down to matching bar plugs, socks & glasses. Class act Weapon, Princess has a serious competitor! Shorty was lining up puddles to anoint all in mud polka dots (much to HBK's annoyance immediately behind), a little gravel to negotiate at the Jameson Rd turn, and Nick's new tyres defied delays today. Easygoing up to Boundary but felt the northwest building when northward, Nath meeting us nearing the fig farm (fitting a Ferrari into the Festiva's). A few were voting for a shorter Boundary Rd option but the usual toaster/emu course had the numbers in the upper house. Vince and Smuggler were the last guests to arrive as we exited Emu corner (intercepting from the west), a well stocked Cat pack hurled a greeting or three (ironically near the dog kennels) while HBK and Nath ramped up the pace to "illegal" levels (no infringements issued today with our 'policeman' in Broome). In reality it was quite cruisy (110 bpm) at fourth wheel whilst the young ones drove the tempo to Ford Rd, but add 50 beats to that when in the front seat. Long time no yarn to Vince (his new aero shape no doubt adding to the max velocity), a little ride variety keeping his spirits high. I put another squiggle in the Garmin graph into the wind of Wanganui, still mindful to abide by the rules (even if some weren't!) An obvious alarm malfunction for one of the Adams family at the golf course, cranking clockwise to rendevous with retirees? Our dozen riders had at least a dozen warm chairs awaiting at the cafe, so no dash to claim the hot seats, mind you, the now 2 degrees kept legs turning to avoid frozen veins. A satisfying Saturday social schmooze with GG finally fronting (in civvies), glove comparisons, lethargy and music genres just some of the discourse.
Sensible hours on Sunday, no time constraints so a leisurely breakfast and hit the tar a whisker before 7 for what is now a customary lap of the very familiar toaster lap, the northwesterly dictating the clockwise decision. Yesterdays rain had left its mark with a slick track and a few puddles to steer clear of (glad i hadn't cleaned the bike). Easygoing toward the Emu with the wind behind, i-pod on a random shuffle appropriately selected Queens of the Stone Age "Smooth sailing". Cosgrove turned on it's regular picture perfect sunrise to make the world look good, a different story laid ahead beyond the toaster however. The wind (now WSW) cut a 15km/h chill to sap power in Old Dookie Rd, ironically to Tame Impala's "Feels like we only go backwards". Speed was a little better than expected but there's a long way to travel west yet. Back to the favoured 15 sprocket for the south leg in Boundary Rd, a greeting toot from a passing grey Territory with flash racks atop meant a fellow bike junkie (no idea who, but will be sledged later i'd say) Just for a little variety, I chose the River Rd course and the 17 cog (despite my dislike of the road, tis better in daylight) but it's a long drag to the dipper (half way) with the wind doing it's darndest. Welcome back 15 tooth for the few k's in Central Kialla Rd, but change down again to the 17 for the masochism of Mitchell. Haven't changed gear this often for ages! The last few open plains beyond Archer Rd took it's toll on the speed, the legs just refused to do what the brain asked, thankfully Raftery's turn more northward took the edge off for a reasonable finish in 1:28:30 making 990 calories of room for breakfast part 2. How apt was the i-pod playing REM's "Everybody hurts" on the roll through town. Maybe the i stands for ironic?
No action Monday and rain spoilt Tuesday morning, so was keen as a judicial inquiry Tuesday evening fronting to the Hospital. The usual lads had lined up, Harpo back after a long lay-off. Additions came thick and fast barely a kilometre into the ride, Bomber & Trent, Sprinter & Gools, Steve, Sticks, uncle Tom Cobbly and all. A pacy leg out to the Emu with 15km/h of WNW assistance, even more entered the fold at the Church, welcoming Tony and Eggy aboard to lift the standards. Bomber burnt down Boundary, expiring all who rode at the front, including both brothers and toasting the Sprinter to a crisp. I figured staying back a few lengths when it came my turn would be the safest option, Gools graciously letting me in when most had filed single. Beyond the pub Eggy, Tony and the lads had restored order for turns to recommence, some chat now possible amongst the bunch. Much decorum and civility stayed for River Rd too, a decent tempo with smoothness aplenty helped all to stay in touch. A brief wind up of the wick for Central Kialla then back to normal for Mitchell. Scored the front with Trent from Archer to the highway at a fair clip, the headwind ramped up the heart rate to the red line cresting Mt Nicolaci. A momentary slow to get the bunch reformed after a traffic split was a chance to draw breath, but back into action out of Roubaix corner with big guns firing. In half a k the pack doubled it's length with most seeking shelter behind the wheel ahead, superior firepower advancing to the front entering Conrod straight, with twos and threes being disposed of rearwards with 750 metres to go. Quite a sting from the inguinal ligament coming out of the dip caused me to ease off the throttle (not wishing to bend a valve or burn a piston), there were lots ahead bolting to the line, lots behind taking in the oxygen to make it to the finish. All done in 1:09:20. but concerns on the personal damage to the old engine.
Muscles still smarting Wednesday morning, so played it safe rolling quietly, a gentle 20k with little use of the accelerator. All a bit cautious not wanting to go down the hernia road again (and crossing fingers it's not the birth of one) No symptoms Thursday am (thank heaven) but there's still a niggling thought bouncing about in the skull. Took in a dose of Couldabeens (for Channel Rd anyway) with only Rocket, BigMat, Cougar and Pistol Pete brave enough to face the elements. (others forgiven in light of Wednesday nights tempest) BigMat has the big screen attached to the headstem, a smartphone with appropriate app to keep an eye on the lap. A slow build up of pace (dodging the odd puddle) out Channel Rd, but a rapid slow near the cypress trees with a ton of timber scattered across the road. Up to Boundary Rd Cougar and I took a north exit (while the remainder bore south), not keen to push against the 22km/h southwester at Rocket rate (just yet). Easier going northward, P&W's and Cats in good numbers pointed south, gentleman Graeme giving gracious greetings, even a gaggle of Goats ground along behind. We turned west into the wind for the leg home facing the music of the libeccio swinging a little more west than south. Still a few branches laying in wait to avoid, a steady slog home finished a good circuit.
Mooroopna masochists Sean, Jamie, Skeeter and Harpo were at the Library early Thursday evening, AvantiTrev (browned and back from Broome) Dalton, Nath and Robbo made up a good starting mixture to head out the Boulevard. As is customary, we picked up Paul & Dion, Bomber, OlympicSteve, Mitch, Sticks and Trent to roll out to the Emu, pushed along by a light south west. The first decent yarn with Sticks, comparisons with Mitch on temperatures, Robbo's take on the Tour results, Trent's neighbours' sprinkler sounding like rain in the early am, and the Austrian agenda for Steve (starting Monday) was a good friendly social update (not as intimate as the Murdoch/Abbott one though) that's rarely possible on a Tuesday or Thursday night. The diesel Dalton is a tough one to match out front, my turn a little shy on a proper effort for Boundary Rd. AvantiTrev, Harpo and Skeeter were happy to occupy the rear seats but a dozen drove well south and west, no records (or backsides) broken in River Rd. Jamie kept returning to the front for duty despite being a little underdone, slowly but surely the speedo's crept up (no, not wedgies) for Raftery's thrash, Steve and Mitch providing plenty-o-tow. Into the low 50's with just a few hundred metres left, OlympicSteve humbled all with an explosion into the 60's to take the honours. Look out Austria, a big calibre gun is soon to shoot. Pleased to have finished 5th without grief, 410 watts exerted without side effects.
A dry road but a suspect sky in the very early hours of Friday, one look at the BOM radar locked in a rare
sleep-in till 6.30. No sleep really, pondering that a lap could have been done, but then the light shower came a bit after 6 confirming a good decision to avoid the elements. No doubt some would have committed.............
Week 32 : 294km (Cloncurry to Camooweal Qld) YTD 10,876km
"Being positive won't guarantee you'll succeed. But being negative will guarantee you won't."
Paul Brandt (Belobersycky) 1972- Canadian country music artist
Well, that's blog #200, should I continue?
Sensible hours on Sunday, no time constraints so a leisurely breakfast and hit the tar a whisker before 7 for what is now a customary lap of the very familiar toaster lap, the northwesterly dictating the clockwise decision. Yesterdays rain had left its mark with a slick track and a few puddles to steer clear of (glad i hadn't cleaned the bike). Easygoing toward the Emu with the wind behind, i-pod on a random shuffle appropriately selected Queens of the Stone Age "Smooth sailing". Cosgrove turned on it's regular picture perfect sunrise to make the world look good, a different story laid ahead beyond the toaster however. The wind (now WSW) cut a 15km/h chill to sap power in Old Dookie Rd, ironically to Tame Impala's "Feels like we only go backwards". Speed was a little better than expected but there's a long way to travel west yet. Back to the favoured 15 sprocket for the south leg in Boundary Rd, a greeting toot from a passing grey Territory with flash racks atop meant a fellow bike junkie (no idea who, but will be sledged later i'd say) Just for a little variety, I chose the River Rd course and the 17 cog (despite my dislike of the road, tis better in daylight) but it's a long drag to the dipper (half way) with the wind doing it's darndest. Welcome back 15 tooth for the few k's in Central Kialla Rd, but change down again to the 17 for the masochism of Mitchell. Haven't changed gear this often for ages! The last few open plains beyond Archer Rd took it's toll on the speed, the legs just refused to do what the brain asked, thankfully Raftery's turn more northward took the edge off for a reasonable finish in 1:28:30 making 990 calories of room for breakfast part 2. How apt was the i-pod playing REM's "Everybody hurts" on the roll through town. Maybe the i stands for ironic?
No action Monday and rain spoilt Tuesday morning, so was keen as a judicial inquiry Tuesday evening fronting to the Hospital. The usual lads had lined up, Harpo back after a long lay-off. Additions came thick and fast barely a kilometre into the ride, Bomber & Trent, Sprinter & Gools, Steve, Sticks, uncle Tom Cobbly and all. A pacy leg out to the Emu with 15km/h of WNW assistance, even more entered the fold at the Church, welcoming Tony and Eggy aboard to lift the standards. Bomber burnt down Boundary, expiring all who rode at the front, including both brothers and toasting the Sprinter to a crisp. I figured staying back a few lengths when it came my turn would be the safest option, Gools graciously letting me in when most had filed single. Beyond the pub Eggy, Tony and the lads had restored order for turns to recommence, some chat now possible amongst the bunch. Much decorum and civility stayed for River Rd too, a decent tempo with smoothness aplenty helped all to stay in touch. A brief wind up of the wick for Central Kialla then back to normal for Mitchell. Scored the front with Trent from Archer to the highway at a fair clip, the headwind ramped up the heart rate to the red line cresting Mt Nicolaci. A momentary slow to get the bunch reformed after a traffic split was a chance to draw breath, but back into action out of Roubaix corner with big guns firing. In half a k the pack doubled it's length with most seeking shelter behind the wheel ahead, superior firepower advancing to the front entering Conrod straight, with twos and threes being disposed of rearwards with 750 metres to go. Quite a sting from the inguinal ligament coming out of the dip caused me to ease off the throttle (not wishing to bend a valve or burn a piston), there were lots ahead bolting to the line, lots behind taking in the oxygen to make it to the finish. All done in 1:09:20. but concerns on the personal damage to the old engine.
Muscles still smarting Wednesday morning, so played it safe rolling quietly, a gentle 20k with little use of the accelerator. All a bit cautious not wanting to go down the hernia road again (and crossing fingers it's not the birth of one) No symptoms Thursday am (thank heaven) but there's still a niggling thought bouncing about in the skull. Took in a dose of Couldabeens (for Channel Rd anyway) with only Rocket, BigMat, Cougar and Pistol Pete brave enough to face the elements. (others forgiven in light of Wednesday nights tempest) BigMat has the big screen attached to the headstem, a smartphone with appropriate app to keep an eye on the lap. A slow build up of pace (dodging the odd puddle) out Channel Rd, but a rapid slow near the cypress trees with a ton of timber scattered across the road. Up to Boundary Rd Cougar and I took a north exit (while the remainder bore south), not keen to push against the 22km/h southwester at Rocket rate (just yet). Easier going northward, P&W's and Cats in good numbers pointed south, gentleman Graeme giving gracious greetings, even a gaggle of Goats ground along behind. We turned west into the wind for the leg home facing the music of the libeccio swinging a little more west than south. Still a few branches laying in wait to avoid, a steady slog home finished a good circuit.
Mooroopna masochists Sean, Jamie, Skeeter and Harpo were at the Library early Thursday evening, AvantiTrev (browned and back from Broome) Dalton, Nath and Robbo made up a good starting mixture to head out the Boulevard. As is customary, we picked up Paul & Dion, Bomber, OlympicSteve, Mitch, Sticks and Trent to roll out to the Emu, pushed along by a light south west. The first decent yarn with Sticks, comparisons with Mitch on temperatures, Robbo's take on the Tour results, Trent's neighbours' sprinkler sounding like rain in the early am, and the Austrian agenda for Steve (starting Monday) was a good friendly social update (not as intimate as the Murdoch/Abbott one though) that's rarely possible on a Tuesday or Thursday night. The diesel Dalton is a tough one to match out front, my turn a little shy on a proper effort for Boundary Rd. AvantiTrev, Harpo and Skeeter were happy to occupy the rear seats but a dozen drove well south and west, no records (or backsides) broken in River Rd. Jamie kept returning to the front for duty despite being a little underdone, slowly but surely the speedo's crept up (no, not wedgies) for Raftery's thrash, Steve and Mitch providing plenty-o-tow. Into the low 50's with just a few hundred metres left, OlympicSteve humbled all with an explosion into the 60's to take the honours. Look out Austria, a big calibre gun is soon to shoot. Pleased to have finished 5th without grief, 410 watts exerted without side effects.
A dry road but a suspect sky in the very early hours of Friday, one look at the BOM radar locked in a rare
sleep-in till 6.30. No sleep really, pondering that a lap could have been done, but then the light shower came a bit after 6 confirming a good decision to avoid the elements. No doubt some would have committed.............
Week 32 : 294km (Cloncurry to Camooweal Qld) YTD 10,876km
"Being positive won't guarantee you'll succeed. But being negative will guarantee you won't."
Paul Brandt (Belobersycky) 1972- Canadian country music artist
Well, that's blog #200, should I continue?
Friday, August 2, 2013
Week 31 Minus degrees and speeding tickets
An impressive turn up (for winter) on Saturday, Rocket, HBK, Dion, Jase, Cougar, Shorty, Trav, Nick, BigMat, PistolPete, RidleyTrev, Temple and his international guest, James. It was pooch watch again at the top of Channel Rd (BigMat & Rocket in a recent tangle with the shepherd) but the mutt didn't show thankfully. Temple & James (maiden voyage on a road bike) stayed as rear gunners, HBK on a recovery from digestion dilemas, Nick's back was wack, otherwise all were in good spirits. An east northeast breeze was ready to make my lead for Old Dookie a grind, but Nick punctured near the channel and gave us all a half time break. The obligatory sledgefest ensued, RidleyTrev acting as M.C.of repairs. A chilly restart on the front up to the toaster then on to the Emu to reap the benefit of a tailwind home. Cats were greeted as our paths crossed a little more east than normal, many of us in bigger cogs and cruising with a 10km/h helping hand from behind. Dion was moving the Mavics along in Wanganui Rd, me matching his wheel was to later pay out on me. We were almost to the cemetery when Nicks' recently repaired tube let go, a deep tyre cut to blame (repaired again by RidleyTrev, charging overtime?) With just enough warm seats, all assembled at the Lemontree for the usual banter, where I was humorously presented with a bill for speed violation (can I claim speedo error?)
As a warm-up for the forthcoming Fruitloop (just 5 weeks to go till September 8 if BigMat is paying attention) I took to the toaster circuit with Cougar on Sunday, a clockwise approach into a brisk 24km/h northeasterly to do the pain before the gain. Not a car or bike in sight for the haul to the Emu, the heart rate steadily climbing, particularly in the wide open plains. No records to set, just time in the saddle (the repetition of many rides of 30k's climatises one somewhat) a much more pleasant effort heading south and west back to town. Hope springs eternal seeing canola's early yellow, a little of the wattle too puts Spring into the step. Those long stretches of Boundary and Mitchell completed, into Raftery and out of Roubaix to weave through a trucks deposit of mud and onto Conrod, the reality and reward of Degani's banana & walnut toast a great trophy.
Took to the footpath on Monday morning shaking the last of a cold off, the bike staying clean off the damp road. A magic afternoon of 16 degrees lifted the spirits to tackle a take 2 of the Byrneside-Merrigum-Lancaster loop. There was a light westerly to drive into but the thought of a tailwind home does motivate. The few waves of half a dozen cars passing on the Midland highway was enough to maintain the speed west but all had vanished down the Tatura turn-off to leave me at the mercy till Byrneside. Thoughts of the billiard table smooth tarmac for 5k into Merrigum kept the momentum in Brewer Rd, a delight to bear north toward Lancaster but the wind had packed it in and gone to bed. The long 13k stretch from Lancaster to Mooroopna North without a wind behind wasn't fair, but at least I'm finally comfortable on the seat after a few months of grief. Only 4 cars overtook so was able to hog the smooth left wheel track for most of the trip east. 13 more k's southeast on the Echuca-Mooroopna Rd was easier mentally, closing in on the lights of town far more positive than the prior long dark stretches. Back to the Mooroopna main drag clocked an even 60k in 1:50:10 a good workout with 54k's in the h.r. zone 4.
Suprised to see fog in the early hours of Tuesday with a reasonable 8 degree temperature, but a fair westerly blowing did'nt add up. Maybe clouds were being dragged along the ground? An earlier start, and a shorter lap with Cougs', the fog thickened out of town making a delightfully greasy road, mud & worms to coat the bike, a damp kit, fogged glasses and a black gritty chain......ahh, the delights of winter cycling! Plugged away regardless through the mist, Cats emerging from the Boundary Rd fog, even Goats bearing east in Old Dookie Rd. A decent slog home at a fair clip into the breeze, Cougs wound up the cranks to engage warp drive to the finish line.
Regulars Clive, Dalton, Sean, Paul, Dion & Nath were at the hospital Tuesday night, Coggo in for another dip too. Last Thursday's early get away was analysed and critiqued, the clock struck 6 so we set forth on a smooth sail out Lemnos-Cosgrove, a light south westerly helping. DiscoSteve joined us at the soup tin, Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, young Liam, Travis, OlympicSteve, Trent & Trudy swelled the ranks on the trip to the Emu. A good steady roll along benefitted all, young Liam spinning like a top in junior cogs. There was no vicious attacks but the speed stayed up and consistent, what we all need to survive. OlympicSteve and Trent drove the tempo for most of River Rd, others had their turn for the Mitchell Rd stretch. I decided to play observer on arrival at Arcadia Downs, those toiling at the front were far more deserving of a credit at the finish. Nath had a thrash to the line but was out gunned by OlympicSteve, Sean taking the bronze in a strong final surge.
Cold as the veritable mother-in-laws' kiss on Wednesday morning, zero to start a Kialla Couldabeens lap with Rocket, Cougar and Jase, the mercury to drop more with dawn approaching. It was a fair push down Archer to find PistolPete hovering at Mitchell Rd. The foggy patches had a psychological suppressor on speed, it was like pedalling through porridge. A sharp eye was out for the mini mud mountains near the dam reconstruction at the top of Mitchell, Jase calling the minus temperatures wasn't exactly inspirational but the feint light on the Dookie horizon means the days are slowly getting longer. Just 4 P&W's were toughing it out too in Boundary Rd (southbound), a string of Cats a k behind approaching River Rd in familiar attack formation. Turns came around quickly for us with just 5 to share the load, smooth sailing homeward along Channel Rd, Jase winding up the pace (out of habit?) passing Prentice Rd. A neat little lap to tap, getting home with a few extra minutes up the sleeve for my 7.30 start.
Fog aplenty at 5.30 Thursday morning, enough to hang up the kit and take a morning off. A spy out the window at 6 discovered the coast had quickly cleared, could have managed a ride as it happens but there's no loss with a few less k's. A massed congregation at the library on Thursday evening, no early bunch to the slaughter tonight. Jamie returned on a brief visit from the big smoke, half of Mooroopna represented with Sean, Clive, Skeeter etc too. Oz, Dion, Nath, Dalton, FujiTrev and others made up a dozen but Nath with itchy feet took off ahead, (only managing to catch him in the early section of Ford Rd). Bomber, Mitch and Paul joined in at the end of Rudd Rd, OlympicSteve, Trent & Trudi & Sticks a little further out. Smooth driving by Oz along Wanganui Rd made my turn manageable, a bit of hesitation at the Verney round-about caused a minor shunt but the tough k's were to come, the big guns had higher calibre speeds saved for Lemnos-Cosgrove. Many were already hanging on for dear life as two rows tapered to one at the main channel, just the tough & brave venturing up front for duty. Regular formation resumed after the Emu (some punching a little above their weight had quickly reserved a seat at the rear) with decorum restored, albeit at a decent pace, for the stages to the pub. My long turn with Trent was followed by several others on much shorter duty, but nobody's counting, it's contribute where you can. We'd picked up LegalSteve along the way, even Nico climbed aboard in Old Dookie Rd. Just a kilometer into River Rd Mitch, Nath and Bomber hit the boost button, again the pack thinned to single file with a lot of rubberbanding happening at the tail. By River Rd's end there were cracks appearing, gaping chasms had formed when arriving at Mitchell Rd. Only the high powered artillery at the pointy end now, many hanging on by the fingernails or being unceremoniously spat out the back. Up Mt Nicolaci at 39, over Melbourne Rd (almost airborn) at 37, out of Roubaix at 40, Dalton & I were handed the big job to close the gap to the fast front four when Jamie went kaboom. The task eventually acomplished, I now hung on for survival, OlympicSteve driving the train possessed for the last 2.5k at 44+. Mitch got the elbow for the last 150 but Nath thrashed past for a close win, 48k covered in 1:17:10, a string of lights stretching back nearly a k behind. Sean, Clive & I waited for Jamie to limp home, several other missing persons presumed to have taken a shortcut home.
Rolled down to Kialla on Friday morning to join in Rockets' invitational roll, only to miss the earlier start by minutes. No loss and no fret, enjoyed a short recovery lap with bike buddy Cougs to chew over the week that was and allowing a little muscular compensation for the past weeks 400+k toil. 10/10 b.t.w. for Robbo covering 1680km on the Powerbar "Take on theTour" challenge (half the TdeF distance in the same time frame)
It's been a strange week devoid of the Tour, Gabrielle, Skoda, QBE, GORD, Swisse et al. Better dry my eyes with a kangaroo till the Vuelta appears.
Week 31 413km (Qld; Hughenden to Cloncurry) YTD 10,582km
"Life always offers you a second chance.........it's called tomorrow" (unknown)
As a warm-up for the forthcoming Fruitloop (just 5 weeks to go till September 8 if BigMat is paying attention) I took to the toaster circuit with Cougar on Sunday, a clockwise approach into a brisk 24km/h northeasterly to do the pain before the gain. Not a car or bike in sight for the haul to the Emu, the heart rate steadily climbing, particularly in the wide open plains. No records to set, just time in the saddle (the repetition of many rides of 30k's climatises one somewhat) a much more pleasant effort heading south and west back to town. Hope springs eternal seeing canola's early yellow, a little of the wattle too puts Spring into the step. Those long stretches of Boundary and Mitchell completed, into Raftery and out of Roubaix to weave through a trucks deposit of mud and onto Conrod, the reality and reward of Degani's banana & walnut toast a great trophy.
Took to the footpath on Monday morning shaking the last of a cold off, the bike staying clean off the damp road. A magic afternoon of 16 degrees lifted the spirits to tackle a take 2 of the Byrneside-Merrigum-Lancaster loop. There was a light westerly to drive into but the thought of a tailwind home does motivate. The few waves of half a dozen cars passing on the Midland highway was enough to maintain the speed west but all had vanished down the Tatura turn-off to leave me at the mercy till Byrneside. Thoughts of the billiard table smooth tarmac for 5k into Merrigum kept the momentum in Brewer Rd, a delight to bear north toward Lancaster but the wind had packed it in and gone to bed. The long 13k stretch from Lancaster to Mooroopna North without a wind behind wasn't fair, but at least I'm finally comfortable on the seat after a few months of grief. Only 4 cars overtook so was able to hog the smooth left wheel track for most of the trip east. 13 more k's southeast on the Echuca-Mooroopna Rd was easier mentally, closing in on the lights of town far more positive than the prior long dark stretches. Back to the Mooroopna main drag clocked an even 60k in 1:50:10 a good workout with 54k's in the h.r. zone 4.
Suprised to see fog in the early hours of Tuesday with a reasonable 8 degree temperature, but a fair westerly blowing did'nt add up. Maybe clouds were being dragged along the ground? An earlier start, and a shorter lap with Cougs', the fog thickened out of town making a delightfully greasy road, mud & worms to coat the bike, a damp kit, fogged glasses and a black gritty chain......ahh, the delights of winter cycling! Plugged away regardless through the mist, Cats emerging from the Boundary Rd fog, even Goats bearing east in Old Dookie Rd. A decent slog home at a fair clip into the breeze, Cougs wound up the cranks to engage warp drive to the finish line.
Regulars Clive, Dalton, Sean, Paul, Dion & Nath were at the hospital Tuesday night, Coggo in for another dip too. Last Thursday's early get away was analysed and critiqued, the clock struck 6 so we set forth on a smooth sail out Lemnos-Cosgrove, a light south westerly helping. DiscoSteve joined us at the soup tin, Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, young Liam, Travis, OlympicSteve, Trent & Trudy swelled the ranks on the trip to the Emu. A good steady roll along benefitted all, young Liam spinning like a top in junior cogs. There was no vicious attacks but the speed stayed up and consistent, what we all need to survive. OlympicSteve and Trent drove the tempo for most of River Rd, others had their turn for the Mitchell Rd stretch. I decided to play observer on arrival at Arcadia Downs, those toiling at the front were far more deserving of a credit at the finish. Nath had a thrash to the line but was out gunned by OlympicSteve, Sean taking the bronze in a strong final surge.
Cold as the veritable mother-in-laws' kiss on Wednesday morning, zero to start a Kialla Couldabeens lap with Rocket, Cougar and Jase, the mercury to drop more with dawn approaching. It was a fair push down Archer to find PistolPete hovering at Mitchell Rd. The foggy patches had a psychological suppressor on speed, it was like pedalling through porridge. A sharp eye was out for the mini mud mountains near the dam reconstruction at the top of Mitchell, Jase calling the minus temperatures wasn't exactly inspirational but the feint light on the Dookie horizon means the days are slowly getting longer. Just 4 P&W's were toughing it out too in Boundary Rd (southbound), a string of Cats a k behind approaching River Rd in familiar attack formation. Turns came around quickly for us with just 5 to share the load, smooth sailing homeward along Channel Rd, Jase winding up the pace (out of habit?) passing Prentice Rd. A neat little lap to tap, getting home with a few extra minutes up the sleeve for my 7.30 start.
Fog aplenty at 5.30 Thursday morning, enough to hang up the kit and take a morning off. A spy out the window at 6 discovered the coast had quickly cleared, could have managed a ride as it happens but there's no loss with a few less k's. A massed congregation at the library on Thursday evening, no early bunch to the slaughter tonight. Jamie returned on a brief visit from the big smoke, half of Mooroopna represented with Sean, Clive, Skeeter etc too. Oz, Dion, Nath, Dalton, FujiTrev and others made up a dozen but Nath with itchy feet took off ahead, (only managing to catch him in the early section of Ford Rd). Bomber, Mitch and Paul joined in at the end of Rudd Rd, OlympicSteve, Trent & Trudi & Sticks a little further out. Smooth driving by Oz along Wanganui Rd made my turn manageable, a bit of hesitation at the Verney round-about caused a minor shunt but the tough k's were to come, the big guns had higher calibre speeds saved for Lemnos-Cosgrove. Many were already hanging on for dear life as two rows tapered to one at the main channel, just the tough & brave venturing up front for duty. Regular formation resumed after the Emu (some punching a little above their weight had quickly reserved a seat at the rear) with decorum restored, albeit at a decent pace, for the stages to the pub. My long turn with Trent was followed by several others on much shorter duty, but nobody's counting, it's contribute where you can. We'd picked up LegalSteve along the way, even Nico climbed aboard in Old Dookie Rd. Just a kilometer into River Rd Mitch, Nath and Bomber hit the boost button, again the pack thinned to single file with a lot of rubberbanding happening at the tail. By River Rd's end there were cracks appearing, gaping chasms had formed when arriving at Mitchell Rd. Only the high powered artillery at the pointy end now, many hanging on by the fingernails or being unceremoniously spat out the back. Up Mt Nicolaci at 39, over Melbourne Rd (almost airborn) at 37, out of Roubaix at 40, Dalton & I were handed the big job to close the gap to the fast front four when Jamie went kaboom. The task eventually acomplished, I now hung on for survival, OlympicSteve driving the train possessed for the last 2.5k at 44+. Mitch got the elbow for the last 150 but Nath thrashed past for a close win, 48k covered in 1:17:10, a string of lights stretching back nearly a k behind. Sean, Clive & I waited for Jamie to limp home, several other missing persons presumed to have taken a shortcut home.
Rolled down to Kialla on Friday morning to join in Rockets' invitational roll, only to miss the earlier start by minutes. No loss and no fret, enjoyed a short recovery lap with bike buddy Cougs to chew over the week that was and allowing a little muscular compensation for the past weeks 400+k toil. 10/10 b.t.w. for Robbo covering 1680km on the Powerbar "Take on theTour" challenge (half the TdeF distance in the same time frame)
It's been a strange week devoid of the Tour, Gabrielle, Skoda, QBE, GORD, Swisse et al. Better dry my eyes with a kangaroo till the Vuelta appears.
Week 31 413km (Qld; Hughenden to Cloncurry) YTD 10,582km
"Life always offers you a second chance.........it's called tomorrow" (unknown)
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