A Cosmic trued and a chain silenced (with a long overdue lube) made the old faithful almost new again, content rolling south to a socialist Saturday. No cute ponytail or dead shopping trolley today, just the bedraggled one puffing away. Enough light to see a thin layer of fog over the lake, not quite enough light to cast off the lighting kit just yet (daylight savings to cast us back into darkness soon) A field of ten to start in a cool 2.8 degrees, HBK recovering the climate shock from a week in Qld, rugged up like Douglas Mawson, most out of character. GG making a comeback, Cougar from a gastric setback, even BigMat had returned from his Fruitloop frying. Suprised AvantiTrev turned up (below his temperature limit) Rocket on a final fix before two weeks leave. Paired with Rocket for the first leg, up to the limit in no time warmed up the legs, soon contrasted by AvantiTrev's shift, to the relief of the recovering. Good to have PistolPete as a Saturday regular, Nick,Shorty and Temple making up the team to tackle Channel Rd, Nath joining in at the Boundary FigFarm. Someone needs to shift the sun five degrees left, right in our eyes for Old Dookie Rd made navigation a challenge. Pleased to have Rocket roll over at the BP OTA line, but he needs three dozen pies in him to render any sort of decent draft now. A scenic run to the Emu with Mt.Major and canola topped with the remaining fog to distract the eyes, soon westward in Lemnos Cosgrove Rd with a hint of tail wind to enjoy. Vince was on Cat maintenance (or would that be mischief?) today, like many bunches, their group growing as the weather improves. A few misdemenours when PistolPete and Nath took to the front beyond the kennels, no wrath from the Captain though (felony unseen or favours for staff?) Almost difficult to contain the speed limit homeward, no movement at the treetops yet a wind favoured from behind. The west bit done then south in the Boulevard, no ease of speed through town, such was the lure of coffee to warm the chilled. The Lemontree heater a welcomed warmer of yarns on nightmares, football, previous lives and 51 stirrers, a large mob of Muppets, Gazelles & Goats left as Area arrived.
Fought off a fierce bout of procrastination early Sunday, arising and kitting up for solo lap at 6. The slightest noise from the windchime prompted a peek outside to ponder the direction, noticing the light shower and looming grey clouds behind it. Bugger! After the effort to rise it was a no brainer, back under the doona for an hour. Gave it a second and third chance up till 8.30, showers still providing the negatives. Started other tasks then the day improved, some regrets at the missed opportunity.
A short lap early Monday, a mild morning with a side serving of a light westerly to start the working week. Still trying to shake the last of the sniffles I had no records to aim at, boldly staying on the 17 sprocket to loosen up the limbs.
Tuesdays fine weather motivated a lap with the hospital bunch, although numbers were suprisingly low. Oz, Tony, Andy, Dalton and Simmo were the only starters, hopeful of a few more volunteers as the k's ticked by. First time in months it was short knicks and sleeves, puts a positive into the ride. Robbo was the first recruit just a k into the lap, Bomber found on a natural break beyond Matilda Drive. Soon after we gathered up Sprinter, LegalSteve, OlympicSteve, Trent and others, many hands make light work i'm told. Sprinter drew the Bomber straw for the task up front, a little hesitant despite an increased ride schedule including some intervals. Nought to fear as he rose to the task, a little speechless after his turn though. LegalSteve chuffed at his pace, a new speedo battery has increased his previous 17km/h maximum. Shared the front (part 2) with Oz for the Old Dookie Rd stage, feeling good but lungs are still a little limited. Tempo remained fast but smooth, Trent and OlympicSteve motivating the troops to River Rd, Bomber & Robbo doing likewise in River Rd. I got back to the front for the Central-Kialla Rd leg (with LegalSteve) then a k of Mitchell with Oz before the respiratory restrictions (a little like asthma) called a roll over. In this state i'd mentally cemented a place somewhere at the back for the remainder, a wise move with the artillery firing in Raftery Rd prompting an indian file anyway by most for survival. A few were going OTA in Conrod, but I had just enough jelly beans left to finish 6th, happy in the circumstances, delighted to at last find some comfort with some Fizik fine tuning, (a whisker down at the front) even finer than Clive Palmers' margin.
A super mild 14 degree Wednesday morning allowed another outing for short knicks, the light northerly aiding and abetting a roll to Kialla for a Couldabeens outing. 10 thought similarly, Nick, Shorty, Tim, GG, FujiTrev, Cougar, Jase, LegalDave and Luke at the roundabout for the off. FujiTrev somewhat sombre and solemn post prang, injuries behind him but the memory may haunt? Luke had fronted on a promised Temple attendance, (but no show) Shorty had found a moment without work getting in the way of a good ride. We picked up the PistolPete at the Archer rumble strips then faced east for Mitchell Rd and a corker sunrise to view. Jase the Cheshire Cat again from yesterdays Couldabeens (Rocketless) victory over the Kenworth, but it was GG digging deep today, all or nothing his usual practice. The northerly nudged off a couple of clicks in Boundary Rd (Luke hanging on by the fingertips) but a collective sigh for Channel Rd tucked away in the shelter of the orchards to hammer home. GG had a foray in the fourties for a fraction, surely trained by HBK with half an Oppy advantage over anyone at the front. Back home in good time, and again in great comfort (a welcomed feeling after a few months of gluteus grief, nice to get off the bike without the sting in the tail)
The early hours of Thursday started with a stiff wind and a light shower, ride plans abandoned quickly. Could have squeezed in a lap as it happens (sky was all talk and no action) but a morning off was a treat. A blustery day but convinced myself to stop sooking and tackle the Library bunch, even if the quick boys hit hard there's always the slow OTA train to catch home. Pumped with positives (to overpower the 40km/h wind gusts) I rolled down to the Library to find the car park deserted, bereft of bikes, not a punter in sight with 3 minutes till blast off. As six bells struck I pondered the softness of those who rank themselves tough, macho's have turned to marshmallows, only the geriatric bloke silly enough to brave the lap tonight. Tapped out the Boulevard (spotting Simmo southbound in search of the mythical bunch) and up to Wanganui for a breezy (WSW @ 22km/h+) tour to the Emu, only 23 minutes of tail wind to enjoy, over an hour of toil to follow (but put this thought quickly in the bottom of the in tray) OlympicSteve,Trent and Trudy were spied westbound in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (no u-turn tonight, possibly in search of the bunch that wasn't?) but I lapped up the breeze from behind to prepare for the remainder. Got the cobwebs off the 17 sprocket headed to the toaster and stayed on it for Old Dookie too . A large rabbit held pace (33km/h) for two white posts before retreating to the undergrowth, nothing for me to hide under facing the music till Boundary Rd, but held pace. Better facing south in Boundary (apart from dodging a dismembered rabbit) with a few sheltering trees, the Pine Lodge Pub looked tempting but continued on the mission. The open spaces down to River Rd and the stretch west were relentless, a brief respite with a passing car (a 10 second draft) but the long, slowly diminishing tail-lights were a reminder of the tarmac to tackle. Heaps of Kamikaze moths threatened to fill any openings homing in on the headlight, zoned in and kept spinning (well, 81 cadence) away to finally reach Kialla Central. Mitchell Rd felt a fraction better (wind slowly dropping) but Mt Nicolaci felt steeper. As Raftery slowly veers to the north the task eased, weaved through the odd branches scattered near Arcadia Downs and got onto the favourite 14 for Conrod, able to lift the game for a respectable finish in 1:26:40 and quietly chuffed at winning the sprint on a Thursday night :-)
Wasn't expecting a one degree start to Fridays' lap, almost as chilly as a Kevin and Julia get-together. BigMat, Cougar, Temple and HBK formed a small pack in Archer Rd and headed south, fog on the fields to serve as a reminder of the winter (hopefully) behind us. BigMat has obviously undergone intensive HBK training and now half bikes with the best of them. A long serve at the front with BigMat then with the HBK master himself is enough to etch in a permanent inferiority complex, at least sharing the ride with Cougar and Temple is good therapy. A very distant rider in Mitchell Rd was slow to reel in, greeted Choppy, Fee and Sosso amongst the P&W's on their Boundary Rd mission south, the only bunch seen. The soup like atmostphere thinned a little in Channel Rd, eyes were peeled for an oncoming Sharon (the HBK boss) to join in, but no show. Our mystery rider ahead was eventually caught just beyond the Kinder, PistolPete the one hard to catch and hard to match. A brisk little effort to finish the working week.
Week 39 ; 282km (Turkey Creek to Moongardie W.A.) YTD 13,162 km
"Your body will argue there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call upon your spirit which fortunately functions independently of logic" Tim Noakes (1949- ) Sth African Sports Science Professor
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Week 38 : Respite, recovery and reality
Groundhog day Saturday, awake in the wee hours again, pondering how much kit to wear and what to leave behind, tyre pressures, the state of the road, who was turning up and who was turning over in bed. A relentless addiction this is, but there's worse to catch i guess. Down to the car park with a little more light to show the way, navigating the empty streets (apart from a cute ponytail jogging, a bedraggled bloke trying to light a fag and a dead shopping trolley in the bike lane). Participating punters pruned to just Trav, Rocket, Shorty, Cougar, Tim, Jase, AvantiTrev and FeltMat today, much reduced from last weeks 15. Jase the Cheshire cat on a (loaner) Avanti Corsa, most sinister and slick in matte black, old faithful Giant layed up in the workshop. 4 degrees was nothing to celebrate, but the Tassie highlands had -7 and F.N.Q. had +40 during the week, so we shouldn't grizzle. Off at 6 bereft of breeze, matching Jase's stealth like steed proved to be an early ask, warming up the limbs quickly. It's the same old familiar stretch of road but at least its a known quantity, updating the social side with the crew along the way. Up to the front again after the pub, a long haul with Trav to Old Dookie Rd, then another long stay with Jase to the toaster, certainly happy to relinquish duties to others by then. Spied Fitzy (solo as per usual) on the east path toward the Emu, Russ repeating the role as advance party to the Cats again. The friendly little felines forged east with Sprinter as bonnet mascot as we crossed Boundary Rd, i'm sure the fuse would have been lit in River Rd to earn their breakfast. There were a few discrepancies on our pace which didn't draw the attention of the regulator, landmarks came and went as all did their bit, eventually arriving at Rudd Rd, spotting THM and his running harem bearing north. Much lampooning and sarcasm at the roundabout recalling last weeks spill, probably helped by the absence of the wobbly one. A couple had pressing duties over lazing at the Lemontree, just a small gathering this week to cackle over Julia's retirement, jokes and suplementary sledges.
Almost kitted up as the sun rose on Sunday, felt quite rusty in the joints so threw in the towel. A fully optioned cold developed through the day to dull enthusiasm and restrict movement. No thoughts of saddling up on Monday, now in the grip of aches and sniffles, the bout of rain and thunder at 5 would have cancelled the thought anyway. The next few days spent watching cobwebs amass on old faithful with the respiratories wrecked, sooking set in and drive dulled.
Eventually resurfaced Thursday morning, not 100% but the cravings were strong to ride. A lap with the Couldabeens may remove me from the missing persons list (not quite on BigMat status yet though). Felt almost foreign to swing the leg over and set off to the start, not so hot holding a straight line spelt out of condition. Jase arrived early back on familiar Giant ground, Kenworth fronted at full steam and almost airborne in his usual warm up, Rocket, PistolPete, Nick and AvantiTrev rolled in, Chris A and Vince upping the average before we started just by their presence. Copious velocity out Channel Rd with 20 to 30km/h of WNW shoving us east, tempo steadily raised over the next 7k to Boundary, AvantiTrev quick to secure an early permanent rear seat. Speed was keen pointing south too, a tidy little echelon assisting the journey. A great early warning of a car on the main channel bridge diverted a drama, a scattered entry to Mitchell Rd but a considerate regrouping before the hardyards of a 20-28km/h headwind were attacked. A few more took the rear retirement promoting me forward, enthusiasm evaporating with the h.r. already at 174 and not even at the front yet! (HTFU me thinks, but there's a fine line between what the mind believes and what reality delivers) Matching Rockets pace into a headwind proved a fickle folly carrying the remnants of the cold, quickly abandoned to the rear after a 100 metres attempt, and tucked in for a tow. It was down to Kenworth, PistolPete, Rocket and Chris to drag us along for Raftery, the Kenworth digging deep in the closing 100 of Conrod (almost digging up breakfast). The sprint was side-lined, a bunch finish testament to all putting in ten tenths.
A little trepadation heading to the Library lap on Thursday night, mentally prepared to be cast off the back like a Labor leader in my condition. A smaller gathering tonight (a legacy of recent averages?) of Dalton, Robbo, Sam, Ozzie, Travis, Liam, Harpo and Clive, a start with a considerate bunch at least, let's see what torturous tempo is on tonights agenda. Liam's spin is something to behold, a 140 cadence out to Wanganui Rd made me weary watching it! Felt ok doing a few turns while the pace wasn't blistering and helped by the WNW, but resolved to sit on the back if the speed went feral. Plenty of additions as the k's ticked over, Kev, Trent, OlympicSteve, Sticks and Hamish on the east leg, LegalSteve on the west leg of Old Dookie Rd. A chance to update on news as the circuit unfolded but talk petered out when the tempo bumped up after the Pub. The River Rd rumba was manageable from the back seat, difficult to see who were the train drivers but the usual suspects were likely. A late call of a car at River Rd's end had the brakes cooking, on the gas quick smart for Central Kialla Rd to hang onto a burst down to Mitchell Rd, LegalSteve and others resigned to reality at the back too. A fairly bad case of the rubber bands while navigating to Raftery Rd, but took it as a form of interval training (if only the lungs would clear to allow more oxygen in). All my eggs went into staying attached as the pace built toward Arcadia Downs and beyond, no idea who took the honours (such was the concentration of keeping hold of the wheel ahead) but to finish within the pack in 1:19:00 was reward enough. Sam kindly rubbed in a forthcoming Noosa holiday to ponder the current temperatures, perhaps warmer rides are to come here?
Friday's usual tour de recouperation tapped out with Cougar, still with a westerly to make the trip home a chore. FeltMat had shaken off the week long cobwebs to put up a chase, catching for a brief yarn at the end of Channel. Heading north on Boundary we had the spectators seat of Freaky Friday chargers, Supercats, 51 single filed in hot pursuit (ejecting one), a trio of chirpy P&W's then regular Cats with Doc greeting. Our turn west for Old Dookie Rd proved a workout homeward with not a lot of drive left back into town, a reminder of fitness lost and the challenge to regain it.
Week 38 ; 195km (Kununurra to Turkey Creek WA) YTD 12,880km
"That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history" Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) British writer, author "Brave New World"
Almost kitted up as the sun rose on Sunday, felt quite rusty in the joints so threw in the towel. A fully optioned cold developed through the day to dull enthusiasm and restrict movement. No thoughts of saddling up on Monday, now in the grip of aches and sniffles, the bout of rain and thunder at 5 would have cancelled the thought anyway. The next few days spent watching cobwebs amass on old faithful with the respiratories wrecked, sooking set in and drive dulled.
Eventually resurfaced Thursday morning, not 100% but the cravings were strong to ride. A lap with the Couldabeens may remove me from the missing persons list (not quite on BigMat status yet though). Felt almost foreign to swing the leg over and set off to the start, not so hot holding a straight line spelt out of condition. Jase arrived early back on familiar Giant ground, Kenworth fronted at full steam and almost airborne in his usual warm up, Rocket, PistolPete, Nick and AvantiTrev rolled in, Chris A and Vince upping the average before we started just by their presence. Copious velocity out Channel Rd with 20 to 30km/h of WNW shoving us east, tempo steadily raised over the next 7k to Boundary, AvantiTrev quick to secure an early permanent rear seat. Speed was keen pointing south too, a tidy little echelon assisting the journey. A great early warning of a car on the main channel bridge diverted a drama, a scattered entry to Mitchell Rd but a considerate regrouping before the hardyards of a 20-28km/h headwind were attacked. A few more took the rear retirement promoting me forward, enthusiasm evaporating with the h.r. already at 174 and not even at the front yet! (HTFU me thinks, but there's a fine line between what the mind believes and what reality delivers) Matching Rockets pace into a headwind proved a fickle folly carrying the remnants of the cold, quickly abandoned to the rear after a 100 metres attempt, and tucked in for a tow. It was down to Kenworth, PistolPete, Rocket and Chris to drag us along for Raftery, the Kenworth digging deep in the closing 100 of Conrod (almost digging up breakfast). The sprint was side-lined, a bunch finish testament to all putting in ten tenths.
A little trepadation heading to the Library lap on Thursday night, mentally prepared to be cast off the back like a Labor leader in my condition. A smaller gathering tonight (a legacy of recent averages?) of Dalton, Robbo, Sam, Ozzie, Travis, Liam, Harpo and Clive, a start with a considerate bunch at least, let's see what torturous tempo is on tonights agenda. Liam's spin is something to behold, a 140 cadence out to Wanganui Rd made me weary watching it! Felt ok doing a few turns while the pace wasn't blistering and helped by the WNW, but resolved to sit on the back if the speed went feral. Plenty of additions as the k's ticked over, Kev, Trent, OlympicSteve, Sticks and Hamish on the east leg, LegalSteve on the west leg of Old Dookie Rd. A chance to update on news as the circuit unfolded but talk petered out when the tempo bumped up after the Pub. The River Rd rumba was manageable from the back seat, difficult to see who were the train drivers but the usual suspects were likely. A late call of a car at River Rd's end had the brakes cooking, on the gas quick smart for Central Kialla Rd to hang onto a burst down to Mitchell Rd, LegalSteve and others resigned to reality at the back too. A fairly bad case of the rubber bands while navigating to Raftery Rd, but took it as a form of interval training (if only the lungs would clear to allow more oxygen in). All my eggs went into staying attached as the pace built toward Arcadia Downs and beyond, no idea who took the honours (such was the concentration of keeping hold of the wheel ahead) but to finish within the pack in 1:19:00 was reward enough. Sam kindly rubbed in a forthcoming Noosa holiday to ponder the current temperatures, perhaps warmer rides are to come here?
Friday's usual tour de recouperation tapped out with Cougar, still with a westerly to make the trip home a chore. FeltMat had shaken off the week long cobwebs to put up a chase, catching for a brief yarn at the end of Channel. Heading north on Boundary we had the spectators seat of Freaky Friday chargers, Supercats, 51 single filed in hot pursuit (ejecting one), a trio of chirpy P&W's then regular Cats with Doc greeting. Our turn west for Old Dookie Rd proved a workout homeward with not a lot of drive left back into town, a reminder of fitness lost and the challenge to regain it.
Week 38 ; 195km (Kununurra to Turkey Creek WA) YTD 12,880km
"That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons of history" Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) British writer, author "Brave New World"
Friday, September 13, 2013
Week 37 Eat, sleep, ride, repeat
A damp stretch of road Saturday morning just to force another bike cleaning session. (thinks chain no 3 for the year is due soon) Plenty of enthusiasm to put in a few kilometres with Nick, Jase, BigMat, Dion, Temple, Tim, Rocket, Cougar, Shorty, FujiTrev, GG, PistolPete and Craig (a Goat seeking assylum?) and Ross (a foreigner along for a tow) ready at the shop. 6am tolled and no AvantiTrev policeman to be seen (spied the damp track and rolled the doona over it seems) so the 15 set forth on an easterly trajectory assisted from the west. Just enough puddles to polka dot us all, a little cooler today forced warmer gear back out of presumptuous storage. Speed didn't get out of hand despite the lack of enforcement officer, maybe the Fruitloop distance tomorrow had a bearing? Up to Old Dookie Rd and pointing toward the toaster, an orange sunrise made a postcard across the hectares of canola, almost a trophy for those who've toughed it out over winter. Nath joined in on the journey to the Emu (is our feathered landmark tending Zeerust lambs?), the ubiquitous advance party to the Cats on cue eastbound. Copious Cats soon followed, a few minutes behind, the sultans of speed ; Fox, Sosso, Wizz and others. Our leaders were stretching the pack at intersections (in the haste for coffee perhaps?) a few chases in the 40's reassembled the bunch. Eventually arrived at Rudd Rd (even a light headwind makes the road longer) to cruize into town, a damp Canterbury Rd roundabout and a hot entry by FujiTrev equalled a horizontal outcome, thankfully no serious bodily disaster but Shorty was brought down too, a deraillier hanger the only casualty. After a little asessment all were back on track to the Lemontree, PistolPete's puncture a minute later quickly rectified. Fruitloop tactics, election candidates and auction items captured convivial conversation, Pom (still in ankle recovery) re-aquainting with the team.
A night at the Hospice Auction (a Fruitloop prologue) with many of the crew, HBK, Temple, Rocket, Cougar, Shorty, BigMat, PistolPete, GG, Tim and most with their significant other halves enjoyed an eager auction (FeltMat assisting) but Tim needed shackles on his wife's (successful) effort to secure the autographed GreenEdge jersey. Staright to the pool room i'm told, if he's allowed to build one! A great night with big efforts from Nath, Smuggler and the keen team, Hospice scoring well (23K) on generosity.
Lined up Sunday morning for No 10 Fruitloop, many familiar faces in park ferme readying for the 100 / 115k assaults (50 odd tough nuts had departed earlier on the 180). Several Couldabeens, and a few happy to be associated with them, rolled away at half 8, me keen to keep clear of the cram and confusion that dogs a mass start. Caught behind a few feeling their (maybe inexperienced) way, a tandem and a recumbant (only useful as landfill, unless disability dictates) opened up a large gap to the crew, but I wasn't keen to chase hard with 95+k to go. Happily teamed up with supernana to chip away steadily at the course, and as predicted, ones and two were steadily being discarded from the main bunch as the speed vs distance equation was calculated and reality struck. The tell-tale signs of expiry were showing on some even at the 35k mark (too much too soon or were the goals set too high?) but the smooth approach was working well for us on the long stretch to Yabba North. We could feel a hint of a southerly on the turn to Dookie but nothing to diminish the tempo much, a few more caught and passed as the yellow and green patchwork quilt spread over the hills drew nearer. A bit of a climb up to the church then down to the township, skipping the option of the schoolies circuit in favour of resfreshment and cherry slice. Cast the eye around for recruits to team with for the leg home, finding Blackie a worthy and steady contributor (rather than the many unknown and uncertain candidates) A ten minute break was enough (muscular melt down averted) so set forth west over the second (and last) big bump out of town. Down to the camel farm and on to the quarry, two ladies on bikes oncoming were just too fashionable for helmets (and intellect). Over New Dookie, past the quarry (minus magpies) then turned into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for the big stretch home. Whittled away at the distance with the silo finally coming into view, a bunch of 6 from behind gathering us up at the Emu. Their turns at the front were a messy affair, not much rythym or predictability on show, so we bumped up the cogs and the pace to retake the lead (hopefully keeping them behind out of harms way), a long haul home at the front from the kennels was at least smooth and less stressful with our monopoly on the lead. (chuffed to have tapped away steadily prior, leaving enough in the reserve tank) A bit of duck and weave around some ambling 50k riders on the way back (at least Vince & Jodie on MTB's were respectable) we were back in town (with the 6 still in tow) in good time for a well earned feed.
A bit of creak in the joints and lead in the limbs on Monday morning (out of distance condition) warranted a quiet few k's on foot, then fell into slothful slackness Monday night, the motivation tank almost dry. Preparing for Tuesday Couldabeen / hospital bunch punishment my excuse.
A trade off in the weather Tuesday morning, 12 degrees was mild enough but the windy season is upon us, a few may be thumbing volume 4 of the book of excuses now. Trav, Rocket, Temple, HBK, PistolPete, Kenworth, AvantiTrev and Nick set off to have FeltMat make up an even 10. Easygoing with the wind behind, most no doubt pondering the work to be done in Mitchell Rd. A few others were creaking from Sundays effort, grateful that Rocket and co were considerate in the tempo to allow some running in. A bit of tree debris to steer clear of from last nights gusts, arriving at Boundary to sample a sidewind appetiser. A few were in fourth but Rocket was in 5th overdrive, i'd drawn the short straw to try to match the aero ace on the front, hr climbing to 180 in the attempt down Mitchell Rd with 18km/h of unwelcomed head wind, much relief to finally have the Kenworth a couple of wheels ahead to recover in the draft. (though his mechanical malfunction had him stuck in the little ring) By Archer Rd some had taken early retirement to the rear, across the highway and heading to Arcadia it was down to just 4 to provide shelter. Rocket, Kenworth and Nick edged away out of the Conrod dip, not enough urge left in my tank at 191. I'd had Trav attach with 500 left, grateful he took the front with 150 to go, we reeled in a spent Nick and an over revved Kenworth to finish 2nd and 3rd in 47:46:30, Rocket at a mere idle across the line.
The hospital boomgate had a good crowd on Tuesday night, regulars Clive, Ozzie, Sam, Andy, Tony, Hamish, Axel & Dalton were at the ready , Lance along for the journey too. An eager westerly blew us toward the Emu, collecting Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, Trent, Olympic & LegalSteve and Nath up to the main channel. An enjoyable roll in the low 40's to Cosgrove North Rd, the return to town wasn't on my can't wait list, wondering what sort of pace would be set. Some serious wattage dragged us to the toaster and I wasn't looking forward to the effort needed to pair with Nath in Old Dookie Rd into the WNW, but credit due, legs weren't torn to shreds. Sprinter was picked up nearing the bridge, Sticks and Ozzie drove us south in Boundary Rd with several now settling back into the rear seats. I held back for a k, expecting the pin to be pulled from the grenade in River Rd, but a steady speed remained, so ventured forward to do a shift. A brief reprive in Mitchell while Sprinter calmed the excitement but he was outvoted by many keen to get pronto nearing Archer Rd. My stretch with Trent drained the reserves, the big guns fired up Mt Nicolaci which gapped this old engine, Dr Dalton to the rescue with a fine prescription tow to allowing the bpm's to settle below melt-down. A regroup in Raftery saved the day for me and others, slowly back up to prior pace by Arcadia Downs. Andy and Hamish bolted for the finish line, the last 3k in zone 5 cooked me after this mornings' toasting.
A recovery for Wednesday morning with the (slightly sedate) Kialla Couldabeens, better with the breeze behind for a decent proportion of the lap. Nick, Shorty, Rocket, Cougar (with pockets full of Strava trophies), Jase, AvantiTrev and FujiTrev exited the roundabout, FeltMat latching on aboard a de-sqeuaked Felt. A whisker under 6 degrees was fresh after last weeks tropical a.m.'s, many having dragged out the winter gear in preparation. Jase must have had a high octane breakfast, firing along well taking aboard some Cougar sledging for good measure. FujiTrev was a touch battered and bruised after Saturday's horizontal hiccup , still needs a Chernobyl exclusion zone though (or a painted straight line to follow with distance ahead radar braking) No signs of peletons in Boundary Rd (maybe the express was running early?) but a pair at the bridges seen scampering south. The breeze made a headwind chore of Channel Rd, good load sharing though helped us westward, a few gasps from FeltMat attempting to level with Jase to the kinder. Special elephant stamps to Nick and AvantiTrev for the last leg of Channel to lead us home, legs suitably loosened.
Somebody turned back the clock to July on Thursday morning, just 0.8 degrees to start the day brought out most of the Antarctic gear to survive a ride. A great turn up for the routine Couldabeens thrash though, Kenworth, Cougar, Rocket, Nick, Temple, Jase, PistolPete, FeltMat, Chris A, Vince & Luke in a special appearance, AvantiTrev arriving as the flag dropped. The flight out Channel Rd had moments of split second distractions with picture postcard views of fog rising from the channels as the horizon lit up. Top guns were evenly spread amongst us mortals for a change, nice to see due respect shown to those on the rev limiter. Vince and Luke stayed the tail-light position as the bakers dozen rolled along the usual course, all those welcoming chilly patches to enjoy again, at least someone had pulled the fuse on the wind. Crossing Central Kialla Rd, Rocket and Chris had paired up to turn up the heat (still able to chat away whilst most devoted all their time to taking in iced oxygen) , nothing to rip the bunch apart though. Urgency was ramped up in the last 2k of Raftery, young Luke making a suprise appearance at the front. Just a few metres at the pointy end brought on case of premature ejection, Rocket, Jase, Kenworth & Chris adding more coal to the boiler to finish in that order, strong finishes too by Nick, Cougar & FeltMat.
Ventured south to the library Thursday evening, quite a chill to the air but had rugged up in a few warm layers. Bomber and Sticks had rolled away 10 minutes ahead of schedule, Kev too, 5 minutes early. Nine departed the library at 6 bells, FujiTrev at the tail-end (thankfully). Jamie was in summer kit and usual comical form, Oz, Harpo, Dalton, Simmo, Clive, Tony & Robbo made up a good starting grid to ply north to Wanganui Rd, my turn with Oz manageable (but I wish the heart rate wouldn't climb so quickly). Kev was collected at the transfer station (nursing a torn gastroch) a pungent pong collected from the treatment plant took a few breaths away. A rare treat to have a steady tap out to the Emu, Bomber & Sticks, Mitch, Sprinter and OlympicSteve hooking on but nobody on a record breaking pace. Sprinter volunteered his services at the front at the church as Mitch upped the ante, within a few hundred metres a double roll saved Sprinter from being toasted to a crisp. Another round of turns saw us at the Boundary Rd piggery, OlympicSteve and Mitch this time delivering the agenda. Sprinter again to the front (near the bridges) was toasted again, speed dropping for a bit to avoid explosion. A tame run in River Rd in the mid 30's dissolved a few concerns and nightmares, Bomber and Sticks dismounting at our Mitchell Rd turn. The manageable momentum remained until the exit of Roubaix, OlympicSteve steadily winding up the boost at the front, 3 minutes worth of mid 40's driving the whole train says it all. Look up machine in the dictionary and there's a picture of Steve. The tempo tortured Jamie & i (2nd & 3rd wheel), half a dozen moved past into sprint position, while Jamie & I swapped tows to survive a mid field finish, a long string of casualties behind.
Fridays focus was a quiet one, just to enjoy a relaxed ride without attention to speed, average, cadence or heart rate. A cool 30k tapped out with Cougs, the reward of a spectacular hot pink sunrise against the Mitchell Rd canola far outweighs a flogging on a freaky Friday in my book. Puts a bit of balance in the week and allows ancient legs a bit of recovery (needing more each week it seems)
Week 37 423km (Gregory NT to Kununnurra W.A) YTD 12,685km
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered" Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918- )
A night at the Hospice Auction (a Fruitloop prologue) with many of the crew, HBK, Temple, Rocket, Cougar, Shorty, BigMat, PistolPete, GG, Tim and most with their significant other halves enjoyed an eager auction (FeltMat assisting) but Tim needed shackles on his wife's (successful) effort to secure the autographed GreenEdge jersey. Staright to the pool room i'm told, if he's allowed to build one! A great night with big efforts from Nath, Smuggler and the keen team, Hospice scoring well (23K) on generosity.
Lined up Sunday morning for No 10 Fruitloop, many familiar faces in park ferme readying for the 100 / 115k assaults (50 odd tough nuts had departed earlier on the 180). Several Couldabeens, and a few happy to be associated with them, rolled away at half 8, me keen to keep clear of the cram and confusion that dogs a mass start. Caught behind a few feeling their (maybe inexperienced) way, a tandem and a recumbant (only useful as landfill, unless disability dictates) opened up a large gap to the crew, but I wasn't keen to chase hard with 95+k to go. Happily teamed up with supernana to chip away steadily at the course, and as predicted, ones and two were steadily being discarded from the main bunch as the speed vs distance equation was calculated and reality struck. The tell-tale signs of expiry were showing on some even at the 35k mark (too much too soon or were the goals set too high?) but the smooth approach was working well for us on the long stretch to Yabba North. We could feel a hint of a southerly on the turn to Dookie but nothing to diminish the tempo much, a few more caught and passed as the yellow and green patchwork quilt spread over the hills drew nearer. A bit of a climb up to the church then down to the township, skipping the option of the schoolies circuit in favour of resfreshment and cherry slice. Cast the eye around for recruits to team with for the leg home, finding Blackie a worthy and steady contributor (rather than the many unknown and uncertain candidates) A ten minute break was enough (muscular melt down averted) so set forth west over the second (and last) big bump out of town. Down to the camel farm and on to the quarry, two ladies on bikes oncoming were just too fashionable for helmets (and intellect). Over New Dookie, past the quarry (minus magpies) then turned into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for the big stretch home. Whittled away at the distance with the silo finally coming into view, a bunch of 6 from behind gathering us up at the Emu. Their turns at the front were a messy affair, not much rythym or predictability on show, so we bumped up the cogs and the pace to retake the lead (hopefully keeping them behind out of harms way), a long haul home at the front from the kennels was at least smooth and less stressful with our monopoly on the lead. (chuffed to have tapped away steadily prior, leaving enough in the reserve tank) A bit of duck and weave around some ambling 50k riders on the way back (at least Vince & Jodie on MTB's were respectable) we were back in town (with the 6 still in tow) in good time for a well earned feed.
A bit of creak in the joints and lead in the limbs on Monday morning (out of distance condition) warranted a quiet few k's on foot, then fell into slothful slackness Monday night, the motivation tank almost dry. Preparing for Tuesday Couldabeen / hospital bunch punishment my excuse.
A trade off in the weather Tuesday morning, 12 degrees was mild enough but the windy season is upon us, a few may be thumbing volume 4 of the book of excuses now. Trav, Rocket, Temple, HBK, PistolPete, Kenworth, AvantiTrev and Nick set off to have FeltMat make up an even 10. Easygoing with the wind behind, most no doubt pondering the work to be done in Mitchell Rd. A few others were creaking from Sundays effort, grateful that Rocket and co were considerate in the tempo to allow some running in. A bit of tree debris to steer clear of from last nights gusts, arriving at Boundary to sample a sidewind appetiser. A few were in fourth but Rocket was in 5th overdrive, i'd drawn the short straw to try to match the aero ace on the front, hr climbing to 180 in the attempt down Mitchell Rd with 18km/h of unwelcomed head wind, much relief to finally have the Kenworth a couple of wheels ahead to recover in the draft. (though his mechanical malfunction had him stuck in the little ring) By Archer Rd some had taken early retirement to the rear, across the highway and heading to Arcadia it was down to just 4 to provide shelter. Rocket, Kenworth and Nick edged away out of the Conrod dip, not enough urge left in my tank at 191. I'd had Trav attach with 500 left, grateful he took the front with 150 to go, we reeled in a spent Nick and an over revved Kenworth to finish 2nd and 3rd in 47:46:30, Rocket at a mere idle across the line.
The hospital boomgate had a good crowd on Tuesday night, regulars Clive, Ozzie, Sam, Andy, Tony, Hamish, Axel & Dalton were at the ready , Lance along for the journey too. An eager westerly blew us toward the Emu, collecting Bomber, Sticks, Steigy, Trent, Olympic & LegalSteve and Nath up to the main channel. An enjoyable roll in the low 40's to Cosgrove North Rd, the return to town wasn't on my can't wait list, wondering what sort of pace would be set. Some serious wattage dragged us to the toaster and I wasn't looking forward to the effort needed to pair with Nath in Old Dookie Rd into the WNW, but credit due, legs weren't torn to shreds. Sprinter was picked up nearing the bridge, Sticks and Ozzie drove us south in Boundary Rd with several now settling back into the rear seats. I held back for a k, expecting the pin to be pulled from the grenade in River Rd, but a steady speed remained, so ventured forward to do a shift. A brief reprive in Mitchell while Sprinter calmed the excitement but he was outvoted by many keen to get pronto nearing Archer Rd. My stretch with Trent drained the reserves, the big guns fired up Mt Nicolaci which gapped this old engine, Dr Dalton to the rescue with a fine prescription tow to allowing the bpm's to settle below melt-down. A regroup in Raftery saved the day for me and others, slowly back up to prior pace by Arcadia Downs. Andy and Hamish bolted for the finish line, the last 3k in zone 5 cooked me after this mornings' toasting.
A recovery for Wednesday morning with the (slightly sedate) Kialla Couldabeens, better with the breeze behind for a decent proportion of the lap. Nick, Shorty, Rocket, Cougar (with pockets full of Strava trophies), Jase, AvantiTrev and FujiTrev exited the roundabout, FeltMat latching on aboard a de-sqeuaked Felt. A whisker under 6 degrees was fresh after last weeks tropical a.m.'s, many having dragged out the winter gear in preparation. Jase must have had a high octane breakfast, firing along well taking aboard some Cougar sledging for good measure. FujiTrev was a touch battered and bruised after Saturday's horizontal hiccup , still needs a Chernobyl exclusion zone though (or a painted straight line to follow with distance ahead radar braking) No signs of peletons in Boundary Rd (maybe the express was running early?) but a pair at the bridges seen scampering south. The breeze made a headwind chore of Channel Rd, good load sharing though helped us westward, a few gasps from FeltMat attempting to level with Jase to the kinder. Special elephant stamps to Nick and AvantiTrev for the last leg of Channel to lead us home, legs suitably loosened.
Somebody turned back the clock to July on Thursday morning, just 0.8 degrees to start the day brought out most of the Antarctic gear to survive a ride. A great turn up for the routine Couldabeens thrash though, Kenworth, Cougar, Rocket, Nick, Temple, Jase, PistolPete, FeltMat, Chris A, Vince & Luke in a special appearance, AvantiTrev arriving as the flag dropped. The flight out Channel Rd had moments of split second distractions with picture postcard views of fog rising from the channels as the horizon lit up. Top guns were evenly spread amongst us mortals for a change, nice to see due respect shown to those on the rev limiter. Vince and Luke stayed the tail-light position as the bakers dozen rolled along the usual course, all those welcoming chilly patches to enjoy again, at least someone had pulled the fuse on the wind. Crossing Central Kialla Rd, Rocket and Chris had paired up to turn up the heat (still able to chat away whilst most devoted all their time to taking in iced oxygen) , nothing to rip the bunch apart though. Urgency was ramped up in the last 2k of Raftery, young Luke making a suprise appearance at the front. Just a few metres at the pointy end brought on case of premature ejection, Rocket, Jase, Kenworth & Chris adding more coal to the boiler to finish in that order, strong finishes too by Nick, Cougar & FeltMat.
Ventured south to the library Thursday evening, quite a chill to the air but had rugged up in a few warm layers. Bomber and Sticks had rolled away 10 minutes ahead of schedule, Kev too, 5 minutes early. Nine departed the library at 6 bells, FujiTrev at the tail-end (thankfully). Jamie was in summer kit and usual comical form, Oz, Harpo, Dalton, Simmo, Clive, Tony & Robbo made up a good starting grid to ply north to Wanganui Rd, my turn with Oz manageable (but I wish the heart rate wouldn't climb so quickly). Kev was collected at the transfer station (nursing a torn gastroch) a pungent pong collected from the treatment plant took a few breaths away. A rare treat to have a steady tap out to the Emu, Bomber & Sticks, Mitch, Sprinter and OlympicSteve hooking on but nobody on a record breaking pace. Sprinter volunteered his services at the front at the church as Mitch upped the ante, within a few hundred metres a double roll saved Sprinter from being toasted to a crisp. Another round of turns saw us at the Boundary Rd piggery, OlympicSteve and Mitch this time delivering the agenda. Sprinter again to the front (near the bridges) was toasted again, speed dropping for a bit to avoid explosion. A tame run in River Rd in the mid 30's dissolved a few concerns and nightmares, Bomber and Sticks dismounting at our Mitchell Rd turn. The manageable momentum remained until the exit of Roubaix, OlympicSteve steadily winding up the boost at the front, 3 minutes worth of mid 40's driving the whole train says it all. Look up machine in the dictionary and there's a picture of Steve. The tempo tortured Jamie & i (2nd & 3rd wheel), half a dozen moved past into sprint position, while Jamie & I swapped tows to survive a mid field finish, a long string of casualties behind.
Fridays focus was a quiet one, just to enjoy a relaxed ride without attention to speed, average, cadence or heart rate. A cool 30k tapped out with Cougs, the reward of a spectacular hot pink sunrise against the Mitchell Rd canola far outweighs a flogging on a freaky Friday in my book. Puts a bit of balance in the week and allows ancient legs a bit of recovery (needing more each week it seems)
Week 37 423km (Gregory NT to Kununnurra W.A) YTD 12,685km
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered" Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918- )
Friday, September 6, 2013
Week 36 Spring's sprung, so's Skippy.
There's a strange social gravity that draws us to our respective bunches, each with its unique microcosm of social structure and boundaries, each with its own top gun, motivator, character and battler. Some comfort I guess in the shared passion, laugh, struggle or sledge, at least to isolate the real world for a while. Faark! Foss's fickle philosophy fortuitously freaking fellows? Forgive? Finished.
Down to the customary Saturday start with participants aplenty, Jase, Rocket, Cougar, Shorty, Temple, HBK, Nick, PistolPete, RidleyTrev, GG, Tim, Dion & Stew (on a brief parole from Geelong) A bit more daylight today, patchy fog a bit out of season though. Got to work immediately for the first leg of Channel, PistolPete warming up the pace against the 4 degrees (I was a bit presumptuous ditching the winter base layer in the kit up this morning). Got an insight into most people's week with plenty of chat in Channel, Nath and Smuggler linked in at the Boundary Rd fig farm reported our babble was audible from a k away. All calm in the wind department yet GG and others were pushing the limit, at least all had their glory at the front. A little show of Spring with canola in blossom (and daylight to see it) put a positive into the day, maintenance man Vince coming into the fold after the Emu. Cat pack was fat this morning, a few heaped in horsepower were recognised amongst the blur of 20+ faces. A good run west in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd with no hint of breeze, just the odd chilled patch to negotiate. Back to Lemontree base it was politics, finance, politics, bunch etiquette, politics and politics being chewed over in the wait for coffee, 15 at the table swamping the Lemontree for a while. Nice to have PistolPete join in, Dion & Stew switched camps joining the Muppets on a 7 bridges ride for some Fruitloop distance.
Plenty saw the Fb post for a Sunday lap, lots of fathers choosing to blow out zeds instead of k's at 7am though. Just HBK and Temple at the Kialla start, 7 degrees reducing HBK to short sleeves and legs, my heart sank at his Karramomus course suggestion (it's as enthralling as Bells-Armstrong Rd) but I guess it's something different. Temple quickly assumed the role at the rear to leave me at the half bike mercy but all was well for a steady lap and to enjoy a calm start with sunshine thrown in. The short warm up in Archer and Mitchell, then the lengthy leg to Karramomus Rd, 6 k seemed like 16. Relinquished the lead to Temple on the turn (dropping 35 beats with his draft) for a couple of clicks, familiar sights of distant hills a distraction from the narrowing track. Back up front for the northern trek to River Rd, just a hint of possible northeasterly to work against. There was a solitary TT rider (complete with teardrop hat) on a sedate southerly near the main channel, we continued on then into River Rd, scenery to see for a change, not possible on a Tuesday or Thursday night thrash. Daylight seems to draw out the tarmac longer, but finally to Central Kialla, old faithful's odometer ticking over 160K. At Mitchell's end and into Raftery the NE wind turned on, a fair push from Arcadia Downs, the previously spotted TT bike became the carrot to drive us to the finish. A convivial post ride yarn at Degani put a great finish to a good start for Fathers Day, warranting the mid arvo sofa slumber.
Keen to taper after a rather obssessive last week, a short and quiet lap Monday just to keep the legs familiar with rotation. Joined Cougs to roll out Channel Rd, taking in the pre dawn light. Up near the cypress trees a large grey skippy sprung suddenly across the road, took a few weeks off the lifespan being just a metre or two away. Less than a k travelled when ducks took pronto flight from the roadside to kick the h.r. again, t'was a strange form of interval training. Good to arrive in Boundary Rd free of wildlife suprises, the familiar passing parade of Cats and P&W's brought us back into the comfort zone of familiarity. No records to break in Old Dookie Rd either, eyes were on the tabledrains though for the next suprise.
Milder mornings are becoming more motivational, a fair showing of Couldabeens GG, Rocket, Kenworth, Shorty, PistolPete, Cougar, FujiTrev, FeltMat and AvantiTrev at the shop on Tuesday. A steady first leg with Rocket helped all climatise. No skippy's to dodge today, Darthvader staying off the tarmac has been a bonus too. A good run up to Boundary, pointing south showed a bunch at some distance, maybe Hurt Locker laying bait? Our usual guns (ironically nearly always paired) stepped up the speed when at the pointy end, all others were allowed to do their bit though, keeping teamwork alive. Westbound in Mitchell we got the news (from a small pack eastbound) of cows ahead, so eyeballs were sharpened and distances guesstimated. Beyond Central Kialla the culprits were spotted, a bovine buffet breakfast on buffalo at the roadside, cows content chewing the cud. Back up to speed and Mt Nicolaci crested, highway crossed and Roubaix rounded, FujiTrev took a rear seat retirement while the throttle slowly opened. Round the last kink with Conrod open for business, heads went down to the business, Kenworth and Rocket motivating the motion. GG ran out of GG's, Nick unleashed the fury and there was a sudden and miraculous recovery by FujiTrev to bolt for the sprint but with 500 to go he'd had too much optimism for breakfast and was swamped by most, Rocket and Kenworth taking the 1 2. A tidy little lap in less than 50 minutes.
Four months has worn the best life from a pair of Michelins (just one puncture a good record for 5800k) so two new ones and the annual cleat change performed (have made it a habit since Beery once pulled his shoe out of the pedal beside me in a 50+ sprint....the stuff of nightmares, all down to a worn cleat.) Down to the hospital to find a big cast of players, any wonder with 22 degrees and the lightest of breezes. Back in short knicks now, booties retired and fingerless gloves back on the agenda. Great to have new dad Craig back (shaking the rust off) Axel back on sensible hours and regulars Dalton, Tony, Dion, Simmo, BigBen, Coggo and Brett, FujiTrev & AvantiTrev doubling their dose for the day. The customary additions of Sprinter, Nath, Robbo, Trent, Trudy, Bomber & Sticks added the numbers up to 25, and added the tempo of course. Not the savage attacks of last week but the light NE breeze kept up the velocity in our journey south and west. Only got to the front three times in 43k, accounts for a lower average hr. Speed kicked up when reaching Archer so didn't venture up front again, content to sit it out. Into Raftery the gaps opened (being near the back wasn't the place to be) and the rubber band stretched, Axel & I digging deep for a k to tow a few back on. Job done by Arcadia Downs a moment was taken to settle the heartbeat and draw a bit more oxygen for the last gasp of Conrod. In a carbon copy of 12 hours prior, several unhitched in the effort to stay at the business end, wound up with just 5 ahead crossing the line, the ticker settling from 185 to 120 by the bridge.
Had a day off Wednesday and succumed to a sleep in (going soft?) Chose to walk on Thurdsay morning too, part of the resolve to taper a bit. Gave Thursday night a whirl though, another large assembly with almost a warm night to enjoy. At the library, Jamie was on release from the metropolis, Hamish, Robbo, Tony, Jase, Dion, Mike (from the popular town called Hibernation) AvantiTrev, Dalton, Oz, Nath (and more) rolled away at 6, a helping hand out the Boulevard from a hint of a southerly. All tapped away nicely with social chins wagging, crossed Grahamvale Rd where Nath launched the grenade to blow Mike OTA and stretch the pack out. After a minute of huffing and puffing Robbo assumed the diplomats role with an envoy to the front for some peace talks, the pace returning to sensible so that most could at least survive the distance. Sticks and OlympicSteve (fresh back from european victory) attached beyond the Channel, turns rolling over well. I'd become the meat in an OlympicSteve and Nath sandwich, fast expiring into the wind southward beyond the Emu. Stuck it out till 185bpm dictated a roll over to gain a draft, but it took a few k's to regain composure with the speed continuing unabated. Back to survival mode by the time we'd reached Boundary Rd, Sticks driving Jase hard for the length of Old Dookie, LegalSteve climbing aboard, almost over his lurgy. Jamie, AvantiTrev and OlympicSteve took the Channel Rd alternative home, maybe inspired by a few spits of rain? (but nothing serious came of it) Sticks was driving Jase hard again at the bridges, my turn came but the GST (great speed tax) took 10% off my legs. River Rd went by quickly, at least a gradual build up of tempo didn't murder too many. Chris A had intercepted the group, a great driver to join Robbo, Hamish, Sticks and Nath doing the majority of the toil. The bunch started to fracture at Central Kialla, a few lending tows were the glue that kept things together. No thoughts of me taking turns at the front with the big guns (this old engine hasn't got what it takes) , just hang on for the remainder. A long thin line whittled a few more down, Sticks peeled off homeward, just Nath and Robbo left providing the pace as we approached Arcadia. Took pity on their turns ever shortening and gave a small contribution to Conrod, a few more now clawing their way forward to share the load. Lost my grip with 500 left, a black hole opening to the 5 ahead. Stuck at it till the end, a few came past in the dying stages to preserve their honour. Suprised to count only 10 left, the 37 average culled quite a few losses along the way.
A short and quiet lap with Cougs on Friday finished the week, a long train of SuperCats flew south on Boundary as we topped off Channel Rd., a welcomed cheery P&W greeting, a smaller regular Cat pack, then the turn west back to town, all kept at the hearts' zone 2 so that it may survive to ride another day.
Week 36 345k ( Katherine to Gregory N.T.) YTD 12,262
"Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears" John Lennon 1940-1980
Down to the customary Saturday start with participants aplenty, Jase, Rocket, Cougar, Shorty, Temple, HBK, Nick, PistolPete, RidleyTrev, GG, Tim, Dion & Stew (on a brief parole from Geelong) A bit more daylight today, patchy fog a bit out of season though. Got to work immediately for the first leg of Channel, PistolPete warming up the pace against the 4 degrees (I was a bit presumptuous ditching the winter base layer in the kit up this morning). Got an insight into most people's week with plenty of chat in Channel, Nath and Smuggler linked in at the Boundary Rd fig farm reported our babble was audible from a k away. All calm in the wind department yet GG and others were pushing the limit, at least all had their glory at the front. A little show of Spring with canola in blossom (and daylight to see it) put a positive into the day, maintenance man Vince coming into the fold after the Emu. Cat pack was fat this morning, a few heaped in horsepower were recognised amongst the blur of 20+ faces. A good run west in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd with no hint of breeze, just the odd chilled patch to negotiate. Back to Lemontree base it was politics, finance, politics, bunch etiquette, politics and politics being chewed over in the wait for coffee, 15 at the table swamping the Lemontree for a while. Nice to have PistolPete join in, Dion & Stew switched camps joining the Muppets on a 7 bridges ride for some Fruitloop distance.
Plenty saw the Fb post for a Sunday lap, lots of fathers choosing to blow out zeds instead of k's at 7am though. Just HBK and Temple at the Kialla start, 7 degrees reducing HBK to short sleeves and legs, my heart sank at his Karramomus course suggestion (it's as enthralling as Bells-Armstrong Rd) but I guess it's something different. Temple quickly assumed the role at the rear to leave me at the half bike mercy but all was well for a steady lap and to enjoy a calm start with sunshine thrown in. The short warm up in Archer and Mitchell, then the lengthy leg to Karramomus Rd, 6 k seemed like 16. Relinquished the lead to Temple on the turn (dropping 35 beats with his draft) for a couple of clicks, familiar sights of distant hills a distraction from the narrowing track. Back up front for the northern trek to River Rd, just a hint of possible northeasterly to work against. There was a solitary TT rider (complete with teardrop hat) on a sedate southerly near the main channel, we continued on then into River Rd, scenery to see for a change, not possible on a Tuesday or Thursday night thrash. Daylight seems to draw out the tarmac longer, but finally to Central Kialla, old faithful's odometer ticking over 160K. At Mitchell's end and into Raftery the NE wind turned on, a fair push from Arcadia Downs, the previously spotted TT bike became the carrot to drive us to the finish. A convivial post ride yarn at Degani put a great finish to a good start for Fathers Day, warranting the mid arvo sofa slumber.
Keen to taper after a rather obssessive last week, a short and quiet lap Monday just to keep the legs familiar with rotation. Joined Cougs to roll out Channel Rd, taking in the pre dawn light. Up near the cypress trees a large grey skippy sprung suddenly across the road, took a few weeks off the lifespan being just a metre or two away. Less than a k travelled when ducks took pronto flight from the roadside to kick the h.r. again, t'was a strange form of interval training. Good to arrive in Boundary Rd free of wildlife suprises, the familiar passing parade of Cats and P&W's brought us back into the comfort zone of familiarity. No records to break in Old Dookie Rd either, eyes were on the tabledrains though for the next suprise.
Milder mornings are becoming more motivational, a fair showing of Couldabeens GG, Rocket, Kenworth, Shorty, PistolPete, Cougar, FujiTrev, FeltMat and AvantiTrev at the shop on Tuesday. A steady first leg with Rocket helped all climatise. No skippy's to dodge today, Darthvader staying off the tarmac has been a bonus too. A good run up to Boundary, pointing south showed a bunch at some distance, maybe Hurt Locker laying bait? Our usual guns (ironically nearly always paired) stepped up the speed when at the pointy end, all others were allowed to do their bit though, keeping teamwork alive. Westbound in Mitchell we got the news (from a small pack eastbound) of cows ahead, so eyeballs were sharpened and distances guesstimated. Beyond Central Kialla the culprits were spotted, a bovine buffet breakfast on buffalo at the roadside, cows content chewing the cud. Back up to speed and Mt Nicolaci crested, highway crossed and Roubaix rounded, FujiTrev took a rear seat retirement while the throttle slowly opened. Round the last kink with Conrod open for business, heads went down to the business, Kenworth and Rocket motivating the motion. GG ran out of GG's, Nick unleashed the fury and there was a sudden and miraculous recovery by FujiTrev to bolt for the sprint but with 500 to go he'd had too much optimism for breakfast and was swamped by most, Rocket and Kenworth taking the 1 2. A tidy little lap in less than 50 minutes.
Four months has worn the best life from a pair of Michelins (just one puncture a good record for 5800k) so two new ones and the annual cleat change performed (have made it a habit since Beery once pulled his shoe out of the pedal beside me in a 50+ sprint....the stuff of nightmares, all down to a worn cleat.) Down to the hospital to find a big cast of players, any wonder with 22 degrees and the lightest of breezes. Back in short knicks now, booties retired and fingerless gloves back on the agenda. Great to have new dad Craig back (shaking the rust off) Axel back on sensible hours and regulars Dalton, Tony, Dion, Simmo, BigBen, Coggo and Brett, FujiTrev & AvantiTrev doubling their dose for the day. The customary additions of Sprinter, Nath, Robbo, Trent, Trudy, Bomber & Sticks added the numbers up to 25, and added the tempo of course. Not the savage attacks of last week but the light NE breeze kept up the velocity in our journey south and west. Only got to the front three times in 43k, accounts for a lower average hr. Speed kicked up when reaching Archer so didn't venture up front again, content to sit it out. Into Raftery the gaps opened (being near the back wasn't the place to be) and the rubber band stretched, Axel & I digging deep for a k to tow a few back on. Job done by Arcadia Downs a moment was taken to settle the heartbeat and draw a bit more oxygen for the last gasp of Conrod. In a carbon copy of 12 hours prior, several unhitched in the effort to stay at the business end, wound up with just 5 ahead crossing the line, the ticker settling from 185 to 120 by the bridge.
Had a day off Wednesday and succumed to a sleep in (going soft?) Chose to walk on Thurdsay morning too, part of the resolve to taper a bit. Gave Thursday night a whirl though, another large assembly with almost a warm night to enjoy. At the library, Jamie was on release from the metropolis, Hamish, Robbo, Tony, Jase, Dion, Mike (from the popular town called Hibernation) AvantiTrev, Dalton, Oz, Nath (and more) rolled away at 6, a helping hand out the Boulevard from a hint of a southerly. All tapped away nicely with social chins wagging, crossed Grahamvale Rd where Nath launched the grenade to blow Mike OTA and stretch the pack out. After a minute of huffing and puffing Robbo assumed the diplomats role with an envoy to the front for some peace talks, the pace returning to sensible so that most could at least survive the distance. Sticks and OlympicSteve (fresh back from european victory) attached beyond the Channel, turns rolling over well. I'd become the meat in an OlympicSteve and Nath sandwich, fast expiring into the wind southward beyond the Emu. Stuck it out till 185bpm dictated a roll over to gain a draft, but it took a few k's to regain composure with the speed continuing unabated. Back to survival mode by the time we'd reached Boundary Rd, Sticks driving Jase hard for the length of Old Dookie, LegalSteve climbing aboard, almost over his lurgy. Jamie, AvantiTrev and OlympicSteve took the Channel Rd alternative home, maybe inspired by a few spits of rain? (but nothing serious came of it) Sticks was driving Jase hard again at the bridges, my turn came but the GST (great speed tax) took 10% off my legs. River Rd went by quickly, at least a gradual build up of tempo didn't murder too many. Chris A had intercepted the group, a great driver to join Robbo, Hamish, Sticks and Nath doing the majority of the toil. The bunch started to fracture at Central Kialla, a few lending tows were the glue that kept things together. No thoughts of me taking turns at the front with the big guns (this old engine hasn't got what it takes) , just hang on for the remainder. A long thin line whittled a few more down, Sticks peeled off homeward, just Nath and Robbo left providing the pace as we approached Arcadia. Took pity on their turns ever shortening and gave a small contribution to Conrod, a few more now clawing their way forward to share the load. Lost my grip with 500 left, a black hole opening to the 5 ahead. Stuck at it till the end, a few came past in the dying stages to preserve their honour. Suprised to count only 10 left, the 37 average culled quite a few losses along the way.
A short and quiet lap with Cougs on Friday finished the week, a long train of SuperCats flew south on Boundary as we topped off Channel Rd., a welcomed cheery P&W greeting, a smaller regular Cat pack, then the turn west back to town, all kept at the hearts' zone 2 so that it may survive to ride another day.
Week 36 345k ( Katherine to Gregory N.T.) YTD 12,262
"Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears" John Lennon 1940-1980
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