2014 is done, a year of prostituting myself around a little, sharing the bike addiction with many. A quieter year than ones past, absorbing a little more life and r&r than prevoius bike obsessed years. It's been a year of kamikaze cars, dogs, ducks, owls and foxes, the rise of the Renegades and Genesis, the dissapearance of Disco Steve, HBK and Wobbly Trev. There was the Mexican chain incident, a bridge bout on Raftery, and the rise of Wozza, AvantiChris and Tucks. Rode a Fruitloop, a Tat 100, a GrandFondo and had a 10th birthday for the old faithful. There was plenty of ride variety: 2 with HurtLocker, 3 with Renegades, 3 with Titaniums, 7 with Cats, 10 with the Library lads, 12 with the hospital bunch, 15 with the P&W's, 27 with Goats, 28 Saturday laps, 38 solo Toaster loops and 91 with the Couldabeens. From the minus 2's in mid July to plus 35 in November, southerly winds at 54km/h and northerlys at 35. And we'll be silly enough to do it again next year!
I clocked 14,372 k's, consuming 359,300 calories (845 vanilla slices worth), the bike consumed 6 tyres and 3 chains. Sincere thanks to all fellow riders for their friendship, assistance, drafts and humour, the Couldabeens for pushing my limits and the Goats for their hospitality. Thanks also to the 8000+ readers of this prattling prose throughout the year, particularly the devotees from China, Ukraine, USA, France, Germany, Taiwan, Russia and Poland.
See you next year on the circuit somewhere.......
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Week 52 : Yuletide yaps and tenacious taps
Found myself being a leaning post en-route to Saturdays lap, Wozza couldn't quite un-clip at an intersection stop, a horizontal halt averted. Another single-filed formation at the shop, all tucked in behind PistolPete till Cougar stepped up to the plate at exit time. (A rare BigMat and SuperMario double attendance but they'd seperated from battle together) An incident free roll out Channel Rd and a cool southwester made travels to Old Dookie Rd pleasant. BigMat hinted at a Strava segment sprint at the church, posters were even posted for the unaware. The dayglo green shoes of Nath were well visible from the Emu, joining in near the kennels as the cruising speed wound up homeward. Thoughts of a double up lap with the Goats (post Couldabeens) were shelved with posterior punishment peaked, the fairly pacy return home with the Wanganui Hill thrash fracturing the bunch was enough for me. A bon voyage to Wozza at the post ride caffine infusion, Strava studies taking precidence over the usual conversation.
All psyched up for a HurtLocker thrash early Monday morning, it was almost a relief to find P&W's Fox, Meags and Princess the only contenders at SPC at 5.45. Winding down for Christmas was the set protocol, a gentle roll out Old Dookie the welcomed alternative. Turning into Boundary felt like sitting on marshmallows, a puncture prompting pitstop proceedings. Fox came to the rescue with a long valve when I found only a short valve in my kit, 51 and Cats passing (and sledging) our halt . Underway at half pressure made tough work of even a modest speed, the choice of a short cut Channel road home suited, Fox's velocity ensuring I earned the coffee at Friars.
Seasons greetings shared with a flouro Matho (Cat bound) on the way to a Goat Tuesday, Capt. Phil, Jock, Matt and more Muppets included, festively filling the footpath. A few spits from the heavens (wasn't it timely cleaning the bike yesterday!) didn't dampen the spirits, the humidity to the point of toucans in the trees at 98%. Lots of chat interrupted a steady transition heading to the front for active service. the yuletide yap overpowering a tenacious tap. Big Paul highlighted a Channel Rd circuit (deja vu) to make way for a post ride breakfast, several sprinters keeping the speed keen back to town. My agenda prevented the breakfast social but allowed brief well wishes.
A craving to crank out k's Tuesday arvo blurred the reality of heat and wind (32 degrees, WSW wind @ 32-45 km/h) little wonder there was a no show at the Library by 5.58. Thoughts of a solitary lap were uncomfortably quashed with 60 seconds to go, Scott arrived to alert the nerves. Outbound on Boundary saw Oz and Andy inbound, Scott was pushing well ahead, so I u-turned to see what the defecting Renegades course was. Back to the Library I found no-one, so restarted the usual clockwise Toaster course, solo but at ease. The big southwester propelled the speed east, slowly enlarging the Scott speck ahead on the horizon. Oz and Andy were found slinking back west from the Emu, my tailwind honeymoon was over, bearing south and west amplified the effort. I'd caught Scott at the Toaster, the wind (incoming at 10 o'clock) testing, particularly beside Scott's wayward wheel. By Boundary, he'd tucked in behind for a tow, and here's me thinking the young fella had the bigger engine. Head on gusts at 50km/h questioned my sanity, wind tossing the Cosmic's about felt uneasy with Scott's overlapping wheel close behind. A clear highway pass at the Pub alllowed a mediocre pace to continue, but looking back, Scott had become a speck again, catagorically O.T.A. I'd had enough by Channel Rd and took the Harpo option short cut home, shelter from the trees heavensent, but dodging the fallout of sticks . Channel roads' car curse struck at Orrvale Rd, a kamakaze Commodore chopping the corner to face me head on, a timely swerve avoided becoming a bonnet mascot. The cruise home netted a Wilmot Rd trophy (but one wonders the Strava segment sense in the suburbs), a 134 suffer score warranted a multiple mince tart prescription for recovery.
Lights, baubels, tinsel and riders aplenty in the line-up for the Couldabeens Christmas eve lap. Cougars tail-light had jettisoned on the car park exit, I retrieved it but paid the price of a stragglers sprint with the late arriving Weapon to get back aboard the departing train (thanks Chris A for the considerate tow). Plenty of pace east on Channel Rd, a cool southerly aide to Boundary Rd. where Kenworth turned customarily right, but ours was a Saturday course left. The bunch bound back together and steered north, almost a full Couldabeens compliment save for Jade, jaded by sleep, Shorty, shortlisted for work and Jase, justified by (motor) bike bruises. Full steam ahead in Boundary and up Old Dookie to the Toaster, the thrash for the church-to- channel trophy was elevating a social ride into exertion. High 30's into a blustering southerly side wind with Shane, Pistol, Rocket and Chris A line astern, began to tax many for the long haul back to town on Lemnos-Cosgrove then Ford road, the train drivers oddly unaware of a fragmenting bunch at intersections, clawing their way back to the caboose. Eventually arriving at Rudd Rd after the battle of Wanganui Hill, calm was restored to retire to the Lemontree for a festive breakfast, K.O.M. comparisons and Christmas plans considered, Genesis and Mexican friends combined to cram the tables in cycling spirit.
Temple's solitary status Christmas day warranted a cruise of company, a 6.30 start for a half Toaster lap also compensated for the gastronomic assault later in the day. Roadside turkeys in Mitchell Rd whet the appetite but I stuck to spinning out calories at 78 rpm if only to make space for more at lunch. A perfect 15 degrees with a hint of southerly made the day, interesting chat on seating comfort, chamois and cream passed the time, albeit a little disturbing. Coffee at the Scottish restaurant concluded a festive week.
Week 52 ; 253 km YTD 14,235
Word of the Week
"Di-fault" (noun) A loss resulting from battery failure to change ("electronic" Di-2) Shimano gears
All psyched up for a HurtLocker thrash early Monday morning, it was almost a relief to find P&W's Fox, Meags and Princess the only contenders at SPC at 5.45. Winding down for Christmas was the set protocol, a gentle roll out Old Dookie the welcomed alternative. Turning into Boundary felt like sitting on marshmallows, a puncture prompting pitstop proceedings. Fox came to the rescue with a long valve when I found only a short valve in my kit, 51 and Cats passing (and sledging) our halt . Underway at half pressure made tough work of even a modest speed, the choice of a short cut Channel road home suited, Fox's velocity ensuring I earned the coffee at Friars.
Seasons greetings shared with a flouro Matho (Cat bound) on the way to a Goat Tuesday, Capt. Phil, Jock, Matt and more Muppets included, festively filling the footpath. A few spits from the heavens (wasn't it timely cleaning the bike yesterday!) didn't dampen the spirits, the humidity to the point of toucans in the trees at 98%. Lots of chat interrupted a steady transition heading to the front for active service. the yuletide yap overpowering a tenacious tap. Big Paul highlighted a Channel Rd circuit (deja vu) to make way for a post ride breakfast, several sprinters keeping the speed keen back to town. My agenda prevented the breakfast social but allowed brief well wishes.
A craving to crank out k's Tuesday arvo blurred the reality of heat and wind (32 degrees, WSW wind @ 32-45 km/h) little wonder there was a no show at the Library by 5.58. Thoughts of a solitary lap were uncomfortably quashed with 60 seconds to go, Scott arrived to alert the nerves. Outbound on Boundary saw Oz and Andy inbound, Scott was pushing well ahead, so I u-turned to see what the defecting Renegades course was. Back to the Library I found no-one, so restarted the usual clockwise Toaster course, solo but at ease. The big southwester propelled the speed east, slowly enlarging the Scott speck ahead on the horizon. Oz and Andy were found slinking back west from the Emu, my tailwind honeymoon was over, bearing south and west amplified the effort. I'd caught Scott at the Toaster, the wind (incoming at 10 o'clock) testing, particularly beside Scott's wayward wheel. By Boundary, he'd tucked in behind for a tow, and here's me thinking the young fella had the bigger engine. Head on gusts at 50km/h questioned my sanity, wind tossing the Cosmic's about felt uneasy with Scott's overlapping wheel close behind. A clear highway pass at the Pub alllowed a mediocre pace to continue, but looking back, Scott had become a speck again, catagorically O.T.A. I'd had enough by Channel Rd and took the Harpo option short cut home, shelter from the trees heavensent, but dodging the fallout of sticks . Channel roads' car curse struck at Orrvale Rd, a kamakaze Commodore chopping the corner to face me head on, a timely swerve avoided becoming a bonnet mascot. The cruise home netted a Wilmot Rd trophy (but one wonders the Strava segment sense in the suburbs), a 134 suffer score warranted a multiple mince tart prescription for recovery.
Lights, baubels, tinsel and riders aplenty in the line-up for the Couldabeens Christmas eve lap. Cougars tail-light had jettisoned on the car park exit, I retrieved it but paid the price of a stragglers sprint with the late arriving Weapon to get back aboard the departing train (thanks Chris A for the considerate tow). Plenty of pace east on Channel Rd, a cool southerly aide to Boundary Rd. where Kenworth turned customarily right, but ours was a Saturday course left. The bunch bound back together and steered north, almost a full Couldabeens compliment save for Jade, jaded by sleep, Shorty, shortlisted for work and Jase, justified by (motor) bike bruises. Full steam ahead in Boundary and up Old Dookie to the Toaster, the thrash for the church-to- channel trophy was elevating a social ride into exertion. High 30's into a blustering southerly side wind with Shane, Pistol, Rocket and Chris A line astern, began to tax many for the long haul back to town on Lemnos-Cosgrove then Ford road, the train drivers oddly unaware of a fragmenting bunch at intersections, clawing their way back to the caboose. Eventually arriving at Rudd Rd after the battle of Wanganui Hill, calm was restored to retire to the Lemontree for a festive breakfast, K.O.M. comparisons and Christmas plans considered, Genesis and Mexican friends combined to cram the tables in cycling spirit.
Temple's solitary status Christmas day warranted a cruise of company, a 6.30 start for a half Toaster lap also compensated for the gastronomic assault later in the day. Roadside turkeys in Mitchell Rd whet the appetite but I stuck to spinning out calories at 78 rpm if only to make space for more at lunch. A perfect 15 degrees with a hint of southerly made the day, interesting chat on seating comfort, chamois and cream passed the time, albeit a little disturbing. Coffee at the Scottish restaurant concluded a festive week.
Week 52 ; 253 km YTD 14,235
Word of the Week
"Di-fault" (noun) A loss resulting from battery failure to change ("electronic" Di-2) Shimano gears
Friday, December 19, 2014
Week 51: Averting Car-tastrophe
Another rusty start to the week with a weekend off two wheels, the achievable foray being a solo 30 k's Monday. Set about turning the cranks on the Boulevard at 5.45, a perfect 15 degrees to absorb. Kept the chain on the 17 to induce a sort of spin (76rpm fast enough for this old engine) for the desolation of Wanganui & Ford roads, enjoying the serenity and scenery. Crossing Doyles road must have activated a hidden wind switch, a northeaster popping up to raise the heart rate to 160 reaching the Emu. A chance to settle the pulse cranking to the Toaster, a modest aid from the breeze to direct me home on Old Dookie. Content with an average speed, good weather and great peace, it was home early to enjoy a second breakfast.
With weather in favour Tuesday morning (20 degrees and a northeasterly) I tried orchestrating my Couldabeens arrival to score a towed position in the bunch, epic fail gridding on the front with a Jase entree and a Shane main course, Rocket as the swift sweets. The diversion was the hearlded return of BigMat, no doubt lured by the dedicated sledgefest "Get Matt back on the Bike" Facebook page. PistolPete had a lower key return from holiday to make up a dozen Couldabeens to commence at six bells. The three k introduction on the front had me well worn and struggling against the northeaster till half way back in the bunch, Rocket, Chops and Kenworth continuing the push. BigMat bravely ventured to the front (with the benefit of a Boundary Road tailwind), Avanti Trev capping the velocity. I was glad to hear Jase's roll call in River Road (just as I'd set a roll target on the next white post) but matching Shane was to prove difficult. Rocket and Kenworth again lifted the standards, easier this time with the breeze behind. Through Central Kialla and onto Mitchell Rd, AvantiTrev spotted the deflation before BigMat did, in ten seconds the halt was called for BigMat to relearn the pitstop technique and face the mandatory sledging. Back underway in good time, we reached the highway for a short traffic pause, a 51 bunch now hot on our heels. Once through the corrugated curve of Roubaix, Mitch, Trav, Robbo (back on old faithful Opera), BigBen and others respectfully drove past wide, slowly drawing away to the horse stud. We'd reached Arcadia Downs when contributors to the front faded, just Rocket, Shane and Chops braving the front as we swung into Conrod straight. My legs were having no part in the pace set by Rocket, but was happy to lend an expiring Chops a tow, Kenworth, Jase and Shane enjoying the draft up to a thrashout for the minor spots with 100 metres left.
Tuesday nights' 32 degrees and a westerly (44 - 67km/h) kept the bike parked, Wednesday mornings' feels like 6 degrees had me wishing I'd attired in arm-warmers. An experiment in behavioral science played out at the Kialla Lakes roundabout, a long single filed grid formed with nobody venturing up to join Jay for the long stretch to Mitchell Rd. Chops volunteered in the dying minute, Rocket second fiddle. Calculating a pairing with Rocket for Mitchell Rd was doable for me (warmed up by then?) but I wasn't counting on a tough 2 kilometre grind at 40 to match him. Wozza had a similar mission in Central Kialla Rd, my lungs protesting with another 1700 metres, focus shifting to tonights dinner, the circumference of Saturn, Argentina's GDP.....anything to keep the head distracted from forfeiting. BigMat and SuperMario paired and declared a jihad on speed, ramping up the River Rd rate and silencing the 15. Cars back, bikes up and cars to the left twisted necks arriving at Boundary road, but traffic soon cleared allowing Temple to drive the engine quickly to Channel road. Almost another repeat of Wozz and I leading the Cha Cha challenge at the kinder, thankfully Shorty and Pistol Pete took the helm to tow us into the mid 40's. An oncoming car (just metres ahead) suddenly swerved across our path into Prentice Rd, instant calamity as 30 wheels swerved and brakes were grabbed, sheer luck all remained upright. The Cha Cha challenge was quickly quashed, aggrevation and fury replaced it, thoughts of persuing the perpetrator (on a dead end road) were abandoned but a wary eye and sharp memory remained for the dark green 626. Calm was slowly restored to roll homeward, the bunch splitting into northerners and southerners at Archer.
Thursday was long sock day, a respectful rememberance of the passing of Furph. A copious congregation of Goats departed Friars at sun up, Principal Skinner on Trek #2 (Di deraillier disaster on #1) and Dipper almost incognito sans whiskers. Picking up Tina, JB and co in Old Dookie road, the bunch now numbered two dozen, perhaps the reason for the erratic speed? Not all were on the same page of the pace parable, 40km/h on the up side and 34 on the down made it a difficult and disconcerting rotation, certainly sharpened the wits quickly. Several had bowed out of circulation by the Midland, only 16 now applying the velocity. It was another fresh start to a forecast hot day, barely at double figures and wishing I'd worn arm-warmers again. I'd landed a good spot tucked in with Tina fore and Kate aft, both impressively driving the River Rd express (and dodging the bits of busted branches from recent winds) Moving down Mitchell we were passed by Eggy aboard a scooter, 5 in tow, motorpaced (for a fee). Under our own steam, we crossed the highway, the Raftery dash soon on the agenda, I'm sure positions were plotted and scenarios played out. JB blew the whistle to the two flat barred bikes ambling into Conrod using the whole lane, the two dozen express did a low level fly past as I drew the short straw early lead-out from the dipper. With Hommy and the sprintenders lurking half a dozen wheels behind, hopes of a placing were nil, so I threw some spice to the sprint (and chances out the window) with an early squirt of speed. Expiring well short of the finish line, a dozen bolted by, it's more good luck than good management that puts a podium within reach, just happy to finish upright (and to throw a curved ball at the regulars)
Handed myself a HurtLocker challenge on Friday but it was only Wizz and Minto present at the SPC start. The challenge multiplied, shorter recovery times. Thoughts of climbing aboard the SuperCats (departing a kilometre behind) was abandoned, when and where they'd catch us was the goal. Wizz took the first shift to Central Ave, hopes that Minto would hand me the lead for the last leg of Old Dookie were dashed with his good drive, it was the 15km/h headwind Boundary baptism for me. Suprisingly, I managed a reasonable rate for the 3k to the highway, cadence at 78 and the heart rate climbing to the red line just as the Pub came into view. Supportive comments aided the mental recovery but a new pair of lungs and legs would have been handy (thank heavens there was enough left in the tank to get back aboard the rear). Wizz and Minto drove on, I'd just managed to get composed when my turn came up again. A two and a half k turn in River Rd was taxing, just enough energy left to give a half wave to the oncoming Couldabeens at the dip. Recovering at the rear, a sneek peek behind saw several bunches in a distant pursuit, but we pushed on, Wizz doing a long haul to the Hall, Minto merciless till nearly at Archer. Up to the highway (and a dream run through) kept our hopes alive, I'd put a lot into staying aboard out of Roubaix, the Wizz and Minto machines marching on. Handed duties at the front rising from Conrod's dipper (deja vu) and, loathed to look back for chasing (and closing)Cats, I poured on the big gas (56x11=ouch!) to keep our chances up. Very pleased to cross the line (a Cat pack 700m back) and to take in extra oxygen, speechless for a hundred metres, but wallowing in achievement that three beat a full house.
Week 51 ; 208km YTD 13,982
Word of the Week
"Rhythmenace" (noun) The one rider in a bunch who's erratic cadence or speed, infects the peleton with rubberbandis maximus at the rear
With weather in favour Tuesday morning (20 degrees and a northeasterly) I tried orchestrating my Couldabeens arrival to score a towed position in the bunch, epic fail gridding on the front with a Jase entree and a Shane main course, Rocket as the swift sweets. The diversion was the hearlded return of BigMat, no doubt lured by the dedicated sledgefest "Get Matt back on the Bike" Facebook page. PistolPete had a lower key return from holiday to make up a dozen Couldabeens to commence at six bells. The three k introduction on the front had me well worn and struggling against the northeaster till half way back in the bunch, Rocket, Chops and Kenworth continuing the push. BigMat bravely ventured to the front (with the benefit of a Boundary Road tailwind), Avanti Trev capping the velocity. I was glad to hear Jase's roll call in River Road (just as I'd set a roll target on the next white post) but matching Shane was to prove difficult. Rocket and Kenworth again lifted the standards, easier this time with the breeze behind. Through Central Kialla and onto Mitchell Rd, AvantiTrev spotted the deflation before BigMat did, in ten seconds the halt was called for BigMat to relearn the pitstop technique and face the mandatory sledging. Back underway in good time, we reached the highway for a short traffic pause, a 51 bunch now hot on our heels. Once through the corrugated curve of Roubaix, Mitch, Trav, Robbo (back on old faithful Opera), BigBen and others respectfully drove past wide, slowly drawing away to the horse stud. We'd reached Arcadia Downs when contributors to the front faded, just Rocket, Shane and Chops braving the front as we swung into Conrod straight. My legs were having no part in the pace set by Rocket, but was happy to lend an expiring Chops a tow, Kenworth, Jase and Shane enjoying the draft up to a thrashout for the minor spots with 100 metres left.
Tuesday nights' 32 degrees and a westerly (44 - 67km/h) kept the bike parked, Wednesday mornings' feels like 6 degrees had me wishing I'd attired in arm-warmers. An experiment in behavioral science played out at the Kialla Lakes roundabout, a long single filed grid formed with nobody venturing up to join Jay for the long stretch to Mitchell Rd. Chops volunteered in the dying minute, Rocket second fiddle. Calculating a pairing with Rocket for Mitchell Rd was doable for me (warmed up by then?) but I wasn't counting on a tough 2 kilometre grind at 40 to match him. Wozza had a similar mission in Central Kialla Rd, my lungs protesting with another 1700 metres, focus shifting to tonights dinner, the circumference of Saturn, Argentina's GDP.....anything to keep the head distracted from forfeiting. BigMat and SuperMario paired and declared a jihad on speed, ramping up the River Rd rate and silencing the 15. Cars back, bikes up and cars to the left twisted necks arriving at Boundary road, but traffic soon cleared allowing Temple to drive the engine quickly to Channel road. Almost another repeat of Wozz and I leading the Cha Cha challenge at the kinder, thankfully Shorty and Pistol Pete took the helm to tow us into the mid 40's. An oncoming car (just metres ahead) suddenly swerved across our path into Prentice Rd, instant calamity as 30 wheels swerved and brakes were grabbed, sheer luck all remained upright. The Cha Cha challenge was quickly quashed, aggrevation and fury replaced it, thoughts of persuing the perpetrator (on a dead end road) were abandoned but a wary eye and sharp memory remained for the dark green 626. Calm was slowly restored to roll homeward, the bunch splitting into northerners and southerners at Archer.
Thursday was long sock day, a respectful rememberance of the passing of Furph. A copious congregation of Goats departed Friars at sun up, Principal Skinner on Trek #2 (Di deraillier disaster on #1) and Dipper almost incognito sans whiskers. Picking up Tina, JB and co in Old Dookie road, the bunch now numbered two dozen, perhaps the reason for the erratic speed? Not all were on the same page of the pace parable, 40km/h on the up side and 34 on the down made it a difficult and disconcerting rotation, certainly sharpened the wits quickly. Several had bowed out of circulation by the Midland, only 16 now applying the velocity. It was another fresh start to a forecast hot day, barely at double figures and wishing I'd worn arm-warmers again. I'd landed a good spot tucked in with Tina fore and Kate aft, both impressively driving the River Rd express (and dodging the bits of busted branches from recent winds) Moving down Mitchell we were passed by Eggy aboard a scooter, 5 in tow, motorpaced (for a fee). Under our own steam, we crossed the highway, the Raftery dash soon on the agenda, I'm sure positions were plotted and scenarios played out. JB blew the whistle to the two flat barred bikes ambling into Conrod using the whole lane, the two dozen express did a low level fly past as I drew the short straw early lead-out from the dipper. With Hommy and the sprintenders lurking half a dozen wheels behind, hopes of a placing were nil, so I threw some spice to the sprint (and chances out the window) with an early squirt of speed. Expiring well short of the finish line, a dozen bolted by, it's more good luck than good management that puts a podium within reach, just happy to finish upright (and to throw a curved ball at the regulars)
Handed myself a HurtLocker challenge on Friday but it was only Wizz and Minto present at the SPC start. The challenge multiplied, shorter recovery times. Thoughts of climbing aboard the SuperCats (departing a kilometre behind) was abandoned, when and where they'd catch us was the goal. Wizz took the first shift to Central Ave, hopes that Minto would hand me the lead for the last leg of Old Dookie were dashed with his good drive, it was the 15km/h headwind Boundary baptism for me. Suprisingly, I managed a reasonable rate for the 3k to the highway, cadence at 78 and the heart rate climbing to the red line just as the Pub came into view. Supportive comments aided the mental recovery but a new pair of lungs and legs would have been handy (thank heavens there was enough left in the tank to get back aboard the rear). Wizz and Minto drove on, I'd just managed to get composed when my turn came up again. A two and a half k turn in River Rd was taxing, just enough energy left to give a half wave to the oncoming Couldabeens at the dip. Recovering at the rear, a sneek peek behind saw several bunches in a distant pursuit, but we pushed on, Wizz doing a long haul to the Hall, Minto merciless till nearly at Archer. Up to the highway (and a dream run through) kept our hopes alive, I'd put a lot into staying aboard out of Roubaix, the Wizz and Minto machines marching on. Handed duties at the front rising from Conrod's dipper (deja vu) and, loathed to look back for chasing (and closing)Cats, I poured on the big gas (56x11=ouch!) to keep our chances up. Very pleased to cross the line (a Cat pack 700m back) and to take in extra oxygen, speechless for a hundred metres, but wallowing in achievement that three beat a full house.
Week 51 ; 208km YTD 13,982
Word of the Week
"Rhythmenace" (noun) The one rider in a bunch who's erratic cadence or speed, infects the peleton with rubberbandis maximus at the rear
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Week 50 : King.....for a day?
Keen to put in a few k's after missing Saturday's lap I took up Temple's temptation to revisit the Karramomus circuit for a Sunday scenery change. Wozza, Cougar and SuperMario made up a quintet to share the southerly assault, hopes pinned on a tailwind home. Temple was keen to throw curry into cruising speed on the long haul of Central Kialla Rd, 7k's seemed an eternity on the open plains. It was great to escape the headwind and turn east onto Karramomus Rd, memories of Saturday laps two years ago were jolted on this rough stretch of tarred stone. Barren but for one walking a dog, the 6 k's rattled by, a mild 17 degrees, the sun shining and not a car to do battle with was a bonus. Political policies were hard to digest northbound on the corrugations of Shepp-Euroa Rd, at least the wind was palatable behind us. A recent reseal a few kilometres up made peace with the posterior, votes being taken for the route home decided a Mitchell-Archer course would keep SuperMario on agenda. The breeze had considerately swung south east to aid and abet, dodging a few bush turkeys a minor aside to the now rarely visited Mitchell Rd leg home. Back to civilisation and a Degani fix of caffine and convoluted conversation on bunch preservation.
I began to regret suggesting a Monday TTT just 400 metres into my first turn on Old Dookie Rd, ye olde engine was groaning under the strain of just 38km/h. Delivering an equal contribution with Wozza drove me on toward the bridge, the Wozz blood worth bottling for the desperately needed tow (too many eggs into my first basket?). The tow to School Rd came up too fast for my blast to Boundary, wished the heart rate was at 82bpm as displayed. Wozz kindly wound up slowly over the intersection, my wilting legs barely keeping up, his big turn to the Toaster gave my lungs a chance to renew. A tailbreeze to the church turned my tepid turn to tolerable, back into the draft to be dragged to the Emu. The 7km/h breeze had doubled to a nasty SSW making Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd a chore, but made it to the bridge with just enough left to kick onto Wozza's draft. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" bounced around inside my skull, but this was almost killing me! What possesses the spirit to push the mental/physical boundaries I don't know, maybe a bite from the competitus maximus insect? (known to cause sprintus cadencus, Stravitis and inflamation of the kilometres). We were both showing signs of the 'noddies' in Ford Rd, begining to headle as our legs rubberised, the finish line finally visible inspired the last drops of energy to be used reaching Numurkah Rd. A short yet sharp start to the week, legs struggling to climb stairs at work all morning.
There was a mixed bag at Tuesdays' Couldabeens, Bo, Ron & Kelly aquainted again, Ange and a better half along on a matched pair of Lampre Merida's, Chris A back into the fold too. 15 set sail into the orange sunrise on Channel Roads' horizon, the sun shining out of Rocket and Kenworth (f.k.a. Heavy G) front of house for leg one (an indulgent Sydney weekend for Rocket and Queensland break for Kenworth have done nil to slow their pace). Nath was a rare inclusion on a weekday (sleep deprived?) at the kinder, I had the textbook wheel of Chris A to draft, and paired with him for Jameson Rd to the S bend then with Ange to Boundary Rd for a 3k heart starter (h.r.monitor working properly again), timing a Boundary Rd tow to River Rd (into a 15km/h southerly) perfectly. Don't you love apexing a corner fast, only to have a stone kick a front wheel sideways? Crowbar needed to get off the seat! A steady build up to speed in River Rd kept all in touch, the cadence kerfuffle ahead of me put the nerves on alert. I was a little under-dressed today, noting arm-warmers were in vogue, Kenworth rugged up for winter but some heat was coming from a marital melee on the back of the bunch. Ron & Bo cranked up the Central Kialla leg, my position mid field elected me as tow truck to rejoin the split bunch entering Mitchell. Up Mt Nicolaci to the tune of Ange's valves rattling in carbon, a smooth cross of the highway and an achieveable pairing with SuperMario to Roubaix. The usual rush to Conrod straight was driven by the higher wattage lads, all by chance line astern. I'd been shuffled to the back of the bunch, and nudging 50 at Arcadia Downs put me well out of odds. The now familiar scenario of picking off those expired off the front sprint pack gave me a string of riders in tow to the finish line, an ease off the gas to the bridge (measuring the heart rate recovery) then the collective roll through town analysing tactics, excuses, weather and what if's.
Tuesday evenings' Renegade formula seems to be working, 13 assembled at the Library to take on a Toaster lap. Wozz and Oz opened the account to Wanganui Rd, LegalSteve then Dion rounding up the bunch numbers. A SSE breeze toiled my legs till MeridaAndy provided a draft from Lemnos North Rd, Birchy emerging from hibernation at Ford Roads' end. Shane is slowly getting into the groove since the shifted vertebrae and punctured lung prang, Carl is rising quickly up the ranks in three short months, Lance scooping up Strava trophies by the bucket load and Kathy back from a four seasons Bike Vic tour. Scott poured on the pace as we turned from the Toaster, Birchy soon putting him back in the box to conform. My luck to cop the headwind in Boundary Rd, MeridaAndy a tough cookie to keep level with, tucked up in the draft to River Rd was easier to survive. Had another crack at the front with Wozza (if only to justify a decent dinner) to the River Rd dip, Kathy taking a rearmost resolve. Scott got overenthused at the helm again, he and Birchy battling it out ahead while the bunch sat back entertained. Senses were restored at Kialla Central for teamwork to resume, long turns to the highway and Andy's youth draining my tank. Luke and Dion set a toasty tempo in Raftery Rd to catch the solo Oscar, all stops were out into Conrod straight with my task doubly difficult to get round the Columbian. All watts were expired reaching the front, nought left to respond to Wozza's "jump on" so rolled in mid-field, satisfied with a decent lap to warrant a later desert indulgence.
A horticultural diversion through Broken rivers' bushland en-route to Wednesdays' Couldabeens lap was a refreshing change, felt as worn out as the GP co-payment scheme though. The morning after a 100k Tuesday takes the edge off. A single filed entourage was waiting at the roundabout, but I braved a double up on the front with Trav, hoping his new stealth Corsa wouldn't bolt on me. The long 8 minute push at the pointy end to Mitchell Rd slowly cooked my cardiac casserole, a few minutes of simmer time needed to serve up a complete sentence in conversation as Shane and Wozz applied the GST (greater speed tax) to Central Kialla Rd. A six pack of HurtLocker cranked south (was that the HardMan on the back?) as we wound up north, Choppy's digestive distress diminishing, Temple and Shorty rare inclusions for a Wednesday, Jay and AvantiChris regular as prunes. Pursuing two early starters kept up our River Rd motivation, Cats, 51 and the all new Genesis alliance (a phoenix arisen from an Area's acid ashes) formed three squadrons steamrolling west. Our bait was finally caught in Boundary Rd, Temple driving the train into the 40's, clearly relishing a light tail breeze. AvantiTrev attempted an eased accellerator in Channel Rd but enthusiasm returned the prior pace soon after, the upcoming special sprint stage (Channel Rd's Cha Cha) itching the cadence of many. I arrived half toasted at the kinder on the front with Trav, Wozz tried a smooth, steady turn up of tempo which (deja vu) merely flung open the gate for Rocket, Jase, Shane, WhisperingJack et al to bolt for the bonus points. (I was more than happy to be just 4 seconds off a PB) There was only minor reprieve to Doyles Rd and on to Kensington, but being at the back and recovered, inspired me to to a bus stop blast (almost airbourne on the rippled tarmac).
The wind chimes tolled toil Thursday morning, a none too easy southerly (28-37 km/h) glueing half the Goats to their doonas. Only Coggo, Sandy, Hommy, Leon, Heady, AvantiLeigh and Principal Skinner (with Di-2 dillemas) were on the start line. Longer turns on the east drive on Old Dookie picked up Tina, but Principal Skinner still had random ratios and turned for home. AvantiLeigh punctured at School Rd, so a halt was called for six hands to de-bindii the rear tyre and tube while heart rates recovered for five minutes. Back underway and single filed for Boundary's belting, all drove the tempo south but none stepped up to the plate turning west on River Rd. I assumed the role and wound up slowly for a long drive to Trevaskis Rd, Coggo then AvantiLeigh taking us to Laws Drive where pack-cracks slowly appeared. A throttle off to Central Kialla Rd reformed the bunch, I signed off (to reach the work timeclock on the 7.30 agenda), taking a shortcut to Archer via the truck route. Thoughts wandered to recall Rockets' fine KOM on the Archer segment Monday, todays' tailwind seemed fair compensation for my 17 year defecit on Rockets youth. Inspired, I cranked up the 13 cog on the turn into Archer Rd, guesstimating the spread of wattage needed over 6 kilometres, leaving a little for the lunge to the Karibok park finish. The rises of the tarmac tortured, the dips a delight, soon into suburbia holding good speed but focus soon shifted to timing the Wilmot Rd traffic lights to be anywhere in contention. They'd faded to a very stale green by the imaginary commitment line (to sprint or to skid, that is the question) so I sunk all the investments into sprint stocks at just the right moment (mid intersection they'd turned yellow). Two passing cars preserved my progress with a brief draft but it was off the seat onto rubbery legs when the speedo slowed, Vaughan St eventually in view just as the tank ran dry. Tip toed home anticipating the Strava upload, more than pleased to be crowned KOM with an 8:41 for 6.1 kilometres. (but would it be king for a day?)
Arrived at the SPC station Friday (Breakaways beginning to board) just as the HurtLocker train had departed, invoking an early effort on the pedals to climb aboard. Fox, Minto, Kev, Meags, Bart, Princess, Sosso and Ian built up a head of steam, the carriages shuffling indian file as the reality of speed set in. Fox, Bart and Minto set a swift standard, Ians first go in Boundary Rd into the headwind faded at the fig farm. Most drove past him on a mission, but recalling the personal dissapointment of being relegated O.T.A., I eased off to group with he and Meags and set about a steady tap of the Cat lap, hoping to finish afore the freaky felines. I quite relish the drivers seat just under the redline, so with no objections received, settled in for a long haul. Sosso had been dropped from the HurtLocker menu like a hot hashbrown, we collected the lathered lad at the two bridges and soldiered on to River Rd. then westbound, watching my cardiac calculus climb to 165. Minto had parked with a mechanical malfunction near Laws Drive, his thumbs up continued our mission to Central Kialla. I handed the reigns to Meags for the leg to Mitchell, a revived Sosso speared us to Archer, Ian towing us to the highway. My weeks' swan song was on Raftery to Conrod's end, consoled to see the Cat pack rising from the Conrod dip 700 metres behind.
Week 50 313km YTD 13,774 km
Word of the Week
"Pilleton" (noun) A group of cyclists dependant on Erythropoietin, Reactivan, Permoline and Salbutamol
I began to regret suggesting a Monday TTT just 400 metres into my first turn on Old Dookie Rd, ye olde engine was groaning under the strain of just 38km/h. Delivering an equal contribution with Wozza drove me on toward the bridge, the Wozz blood worth bottling for the desperately needed tow (too many eggs into my first basket?). The tow to School Rd came up too fast for my blast to Boundary, wished the heart rate was at 82bpm as displayed. Wozz kindly wound up slowly over the intersection, my wilting legs barely keeping up, his big turn to the Toaster gave my lungs a chance to renew. A tailbreeze to the church turned my tepid turn to tolerable, back into the draft to be dragged to the Emu. The 7km/h breeze had doubled to a nasty SSW making Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd a chore, but made it to the bridge with just enough left to kick onto Wozza's draft. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" bounced around inside my skull, but this was almost killing me! What possesses the spirit to push the mental/physical boundaries I don't know, maybe a bite from the competitus maximus insect? (known to cause sprintus cadencus, Stravitis and inflamation of the kilometres). We were both showing signs of the 'noddies' in Ford Rd, begining to headle as our legs rubberised, the finish line finally visible inspired the last drops of energy to be used reaching Numurkah Rd. A short yet sharp start to the week, legs struggling to climb stairs at work all morning.
There was a mixed bag at Tuesdays' Couldabeens, Bo, Ron & Kelly aquainted again, Ange and a better half along on a matched pair of Lampre Merida's, Chris A back into the fold too. 15 set sail into the orange sunrise on Channel Roads' horizon, the sun shining out of Rocket and Kenworth (f.k.a. Heavy G) front of house for leg one (an indulgent Sydney weekend for Rocket and Queensland break for Kenworth have done nil to slow their pace). Nath was a rare inclusion on a weekday (sleep deprived?) at the kinder, I had the textbook wheel of Chris A to draft, and paired with him for Jameson Rd to the S bend then with Ange to Boundary Rd for a 3k heart starter (h.r.monitor working properly again), timing a Boundary Rd tow to River Rd (into a 15km/h southerly) perfectly. Don't you love apexing a corner fast, only to have a stone kick a front wheel sideways? Crowbar needed to get off the seat! A steady build up to speed in River Rd kept all in touch, the cadence kerfuffle ahead of me put the nerves on alert. I was a little under-dressed today, noting arm-warmers were in vogue, Kenworth rugged up for winter but some heat was coming from a marital melee on the back of the bunch. Ron & Bo cranked up the Central Kialla leg, my position mid field elected me as tow truck to rejoin the split bunch entering Mitchell. Up Mt Nicolaci to the tune of Ange's valves rattling in carbon, a smooth cross of the highway and an achieveable pairing with SuperMario to Roubaix. The usual rush to Conrod straight was driven by the higher wattage lads, all by chance line astern. I'd been shuffled to the back of the bunch, and nudging 50 at Arcadia Downs put me well out of odds. The now familiar scenario of picking off those expired off the front sprint pack gave me a string of riders in tow to the finish line, an ease off the gas to the bridge (measuring the heart rate recovery) then the collective roll through town analysing tactics, excuses, weather and what if's.
Tuesday evenings' Renegade formula seems to be working, 13 assembled at the Library to take on a Toaster lap. Wozz and Oz opened the account to Wanganui Rd, LegalSteve then Dion rounding up the bunch numbers. A SSE breeze toiled my legs till MeridaAndy provided a draft from Lemnos North Rd, Birchy emerging from hibernation at Ford Roads' end. Shane is slowly getting into the groove since the shifted vertebrae and punctured lung prang, Carl is rising quickly up the ranks in three short months, Lance scooping up Strava trophies by the bucket load and Kathy back from a four seasons Bike Vic tour. Scott poured on the pace as we turned from the Toaster, Birchy soon putting him back in the box to conform. My luck to cop the headwind in Boundary Rd, MeridaAndy a tough cookie to keep level with, tucked up in the draft to River Rd was easier to survive. Had another crack at the front with Wozza (if only to justify a decent dinner) to the River Rd dip, Kathy taking a rearmost resolve. Scott got overenthused at the helm again, he and Birchy battling it out ahead while the bunch sat back entertained. Senses were restored at Kialla Central for teamwork to resume, long turns to the highway and Andy's youth draining my tank. Luke and Dion set a toasty tempo in Raftery Rd to catch the solo Oscar, all stops were out into Conrod straight with my task doubly difficult to get round the Columbian. All watts were expired reaching the front, nought left to respond to Wozza's "jump on" so rolled in mid-field, satisfied with a decent lap to warrant a later desert indulgence.
A horticultural diversion through Broken rivers' bushland en-route to Wednesdays' Couldabeens lap was a refreshing change, felt as worn out as the GP co-payment scheme though. The morning after a 100k Tuesday takes the edge off. A single filed entourage was waiting at the roundabout, but I braved a double up on the front with Trav, hoping his new stealth Corsa wouldn't bolt on me. The long 8 minute push at the pointy end to Mitchell Rd slowly cooked my cardiac casserole, a few minutes of simmer time needed to serve up a complete sentence in conversation as Shane and Wozz applied the GST (greater speed tax) to Central Kialla Rd. A six pack of HurtLocker cranked south (was that the HardMan on the back?) as we wound up north, Choppy's digestive distress diminishing, Temple and Shorty rare inclusions for a Wednesday, Jay and AvantiChris regular as prunes. Pursuing two early starters kept up our River Rd motivation, Cats, 51 and the all new Genesis alliance (a phoenix arisen from an Area's acid ashes) formed three squadrons steamrolling west. Our bait was finally caught in Boundary Rd, Temple driving the train into the 40's, clearly relishing a light tail breeze. AvantiTrev attempted an eased accellerator in Channel Rd but enthusiasm returned the prior pace soon after, the upcoming special sprint stage (Channel Rd's Cha Cha) itching the cadence of many. I arrived half toasted at the kinder on the front with Trav, Wozz tried a smooth, steady turn up of tempo which (deja vu) merely flung open the gate for Rocket, Jase, Shane, WhisperingJack et al to bolt for the bonus points. (I was more than happy to be just 4 seconds off a PB) There was only minor reprieve to Doyles Rd and on to Kensington, but being at the back and recovered, inspired me to to a bus stop blast (almost airbourne on the rippled tarmac).
The wind chimes tolled toil Thursday morning, a none too easy southerly (28-37 km/h) glueing half the Goats to their doonas. Only Coggo, Sandy, Hommy, Leon, Heady, AvantiLeigh and Principal Skinner (with Di-2 dillemas) were on the start line. Longer turns on the east drive on Old Dookie picked up Tina, but Principal Skinner still had random ratios and turned for home. AvantiLeigh punctured at School Rd, so a halt was called for six hands to de-bindii the rear tyre and tube while heart rates recovered for five minutes. Back underway and single filed for Boundary's belting, all drove the tempo south but none stepped up to the plate turning west on River Rd. I assumed the role and wound up slowly for a long drive to Trevaskis Rd, Coggo then AvantiLeigh taking us to Laws Drive where pack-cracks slowly appeared. A throttle off to Central Kialla Rd reformed the bunch, I signed off (to reach the work timeclock on the 7.30 agenda), taking a shortcut to Archer via the truck route. Thoughts wandered to recall Rockets' fine KOM on the Archer segment Monday, todays' tailwind seemed fair compensation for my 17 year defecit on Rockets youth. Inspired, I cranked up the 13 cog on the turn into Archer Rd, guesstimating the spread of wattage needed over 6 kilometres, leaving a little for the lunge to the Karibok park finish. The rises of the tarmac tortured, the dips a delight, soon into suburbia holding good speed but focus soon shifted to timing the Wilmot Rd traffic lights to be anywhere in contention. They'd faded to a very stale green by the imaginary commitment line (to sprint or to skid, that is the question) so I sunk all the investments into sprint stocks at just the right moment (mid intersection they'd turned yellow). Two passing cars preserved my progress with a brief draft but it was off the seat onto rubbery legs when the speedo slowed, Vaughan St eventually in view just as the tank ran dry. Tip toed home anticipating the Strava upload, more than pleased to be crowned KOM with an 8:41 for 6.1 kilometres. (but would it be king for a day?)
Arrived at the SPC station Friday (Breakaways beginning to board) just as the HurtLocker train had departed, invoking an early effort on the pedals to climb aboard. Fox, Minto, Kev, Meags, Bart, Princess, Sosso and Ian built up a head of steam, the carriages shuffling indian file as the reality of speed set in. Fox, Bart and Minto set a swift standard, Ians first go in Boundary Rd into the headwind faded at the fig farm. Most drove past him on a mission, but recalling the personal dissapointment of being relegated O.T.A., I eased off to group with he and Meags and set about a steady tap of the Cat lap, hoping to finish afore the freaky felines. I quite relish the drivers seat just under the redline, so with no objections received, settled in for a long haul. Sosso had been dropped from the HurtLocker menu like a hot hashbrown, we collected the lathered lad at the two bridges and soldiered on to River Rd. then westbound, watching my cardiac calculus climb to 165. Minto had parked with a mechanical malfunction near Laws Drive, his thumbs up continued our mission to Central Kialla. I handed the reigns to Meags for the leg to Mitchell, a revived Sosso speared us to Archer, Ian towing us to the highway. My weeks' swan song was on Raftery to Conrod's end, consoled to see the Cat pack rising from the Conrod dip 700 metres behind.
Week 50 313km YTD 13,774 km
Word of the Week
"Pilleton" (noun) A group of cyclists dependant on Erythropoietin, Reactivan, Permoline and Salbutamol
Friday, December 5, 2014
Week 49 : The recovery from Hiatus Handbrakis
Swinging a leg over the old faithful bike Monday morning sounded like a rusty hinge, a very slack last week was being payed for. My faith in the yr.no forecast was all in one basket looking at the threatening north sky, heading out solo on Old Dookie Rd had inadequacy written all over it, barely keeping 34 on the speedo. It wasn't till the turn south into Boundary Rd that some hope flickered, a deceptively strong northeaster had been applying the handbrake on my progress. Vince, Rabbit and the speed demons were northbound in search of Cat bait due 10 minutes behind me (those not still hung-over from the CatChristmas weekend festivities), I plugged away in search of River Rd as the sun rose into the ominous grey clouds. All was well with the world on the River Rd tarmac however, the northeaster at my back, a curtain of rain on the north horizon was headed east and the speedo hovered on 40 to restore hope. A bike in the distance at Kialla Central gave me a target to chase, but catching an old bloke on a flat bar hybrid dissolved the achievement quickly. Saving a few energy pennies to spend in the headwind of Conrod straight left enough for a resonable average speed, but driving into the wind for the 7k home dragged the depths of determination, even the Strava score suffered.
A little preparation trepadation heading to the Couldabeens startline on Tuesday, gridding up between the Shane and Rocket engines didn't help doubts either. Trav arrived on his 40th birthday present, a stealth-like matte black Corsa worthy of the good engine aboard it. AvantiTrev was buzzing from the weekend's Lake Taupo tour, but sat in the rear stalls. 16 launched into Channel Rd's sunrise (Shane keen to snap a memento), I averted eyes from the h.r. display from Doyles to Central, a delight to finally see the kinder for the subsequent oxygen recovery in the half tow from the low Rocket. Bo & Ron (in Area arrears?) drove the last leg to Boundary, minimising chat, the southern leg to River Rd a little less on the throttle by others driving into the southwest breeze. Whispering Jack, Shorty and Supermario faced the music at the front for a short spell, AvantiTrev, Temple, Cougar and Kel vigilant as rear gunners. My turn at the business end came around again quickly, heart-rate rose just as fast from 150 to 182 to slice through the air at the front. Ron & Bo hit the afterburners in Central Kialla opening a few gaps, Jase considerately providing the glue to tow those trailing back into the fold. I'd resolved to avoid an input at the front as we reached Arcadia Downs being a bit out of tune (a condition known as hiatus handbrakis), timed it perfectly with the bunch going single file from there to survive the speed. One by one the punters faded from Rockets relentless velocity, one by one I picked off those cast aside to salvage a silver spot at the finish (Temple delighted in the draft to 3rd), just 49 seconds short of a fastest lap.
The renegades Oz, Hendo, Ricky, Specialised Tony, Lance, Clive and Wozza formed an octet at the library on Tuesday arvo, a warm 31 degrees to deal with but content being out of the heat of the hospital squad. A southwesterly propelled our pack to the Emu (Legal Steve joining in at DECA) but promised some expenditure homeward. Felt the muscular burn on the push to the church from the Emu, the delight of guzzling warm water on a hot day is moving the purchase of an insulated bidon higher on the priority list. Ricky took a short turn to keep below his 85% redline, Hendo looks to be doing it easy for one so new to two (self propelled) wheels, Lance too in good form off the back of a recent Challenge Tri in testing conditions. A little toil to reach River Rd against the south south wester, and a fair push west to Central Kialla kept us honest. All seem to be happy with the Renegade formula, each getting a go at an achieveable rate and distance without being burnt to a crisp. A few degrees dropped to make a comfortable MItchell Rd leg, the speed climbing slowly and steadily in Raftery. Rotational repititions increased proportionally with retirees retreating in the closing 700 metres, I scored the last 150 metres to drive as Specilaised Tony peeled aside, so I played lead-out for the in-form Wozza to take the chocolates from a rapidly pursuing LegalSteve. Happy with our steady tap, a Strava spy later showed the fracture in the hospital bunch between flying and frying.
The femorus rectus was wrecked Wednesday, plenty of complaints to the muscle response department on the saddle up and ride to the Kialla start. (ageing limbs are none to happy following up on a 100k the day before). A Heinz wind week gave us a south east variety to impeded the progress to the grid, 17 degrees had tempted many to come out and play though, SuperMario even arriving early (with 23 seconds to spare). I enjoyed being dragged south in the draft of the bunch, AvantiTrev keeping a cap on the knots till speed posessed others. Chops and (Whooping) Wozz relished the tailwind heading to River Rd at 40, our journey east taken at a fair clip with what seemed the entire bike population westbound. Jay made a fair go of his maiden turn in River Rd, speed bumped up again bearing north to Channel Rd. Wozz and I had the lead role from the kinder onward so ramped up the effort for the Cha Cha, if only to uncork to sprinters bottle with Shane, Nick, WhisperingJack and Trav thrashing out the honours list. A calm descended for the 2k's homeward, just a little squirt in the final 200 metres to clear out cobwebs that may have remained. A chatty tour home, but I managed to hit every pot-hole and manhole cover on the way to rattle the Cosmics (proving again to be almost bulletproof just shy of 90,000 km old)
The habitual Tour de Goats on Thursday, a cronic case of overdressing (base layer and armwarmers) had me in a personal sauna with 17 degrees on the guage. Deb all smiles on a new Giant (yet another new bike ponders the use-by date on my old alloy ally) as the usual gang gathered, Tum returned from his hillness, the Hommy humour back as well. 16 got organised eastward at 6, collecting Tina en-route, Heady inspired to chanty the 41/39 song and smooth the Snowman surges. An illusion of gradually gaining on the Cats had some credence when we'd crossed the Midland, a whiff of tail-lights brewed the urge to latch on, Sootie, Comet and Tina driving a sleek chase. By River roads' dip we could almost hear the pussycat purr, we were finally into the draft and easing off the gas for the last k. The halt for traffic at Mitchell Rd split the pack (ironically into the two species) but were back aboard by Archer Rd. Me and a few braved joining the Cat (clockwise) rotation approaching Arcadia Downs, I'd won the dream drag from Gentleman G as we rounded the last kink. The Conrod climax put me on the front at 300 to go, with Tum and Hommy in tow (the pidgeons amongst the Cats) it was hit the hurry button (apologies to G for the gap) to rush the line. I'd run out of beans with a 100 remaining, Tum struggled for speed (hampered by hirsutness?) but the trademark Hommy kick challenged a couple of Cats keen to taste the chocolates (don't ask me who won, all had gone a bit blurry by then).
A 5.40 start with the HurtLocker at SPC found Fox, Wizz, Minto, Meags, Princess, Kev and Sosso waiting, bait for the Freaky Friday bunch due to launch 5 minutes behind. Track turns got organised once through Doyles roundabout, Fox providing the supreme driving lessons while Meags and Princess shuffled the deck to the rear. Sosso braved a short dip at the pointy end, Minto took us to Central Ave. I'd tucked in behind the thin Wizzy (not the face framer, blusher, bronzer or eye shadow for just $49.95, the invaluable skinny Wizz on a Felt) My turn at School Rd for the remainder of Old Dookie had hopes the legs would live up to the minds' expectations. Sosso and Meags were awol on the glance back at the Pub (they caught the pursuing Freaky bus behind). I had another dip from the bridges to River Rd at a decent rate, restoring a little confidence that my contribution was somewhat worthy, just needed to preserve the reserves for a repeat performance. We had a brief greet to the oncoming Couldabeens eastbound, eyes quickly back to the Wizz wheel to sharpen the concentration. Minto retired from active service at Archer Rd, Kev filling his shoes admirably. It was mucho pronto in Raftery Rd after a dream crossing of the highway, spots of rain on the specs turned out to be sweat from those driving hard ahead of me. Just my luck to draw the short (but 600 metres long) last straw on Conrod, so emptied the tank nudging 50 to the line, a tactical Princess pouncing the last 75 metres to take the finish line glory. Quite chuffed that a little six pack completed a 38.6 average.
In a week of toe to toe bridge battles and venemous chat site vitriol, it's a delight to reflect on the comeradery, humour and support of the bunches kind enough to include me. Maybe they're not a match on others velocity but morals, friendship and equality have far greater meaning. Thanks bike buddies :-)
Week 49 : 289 km YTD 13,461 km
Word of the Week
"Striva" (verb) A cyclist exerting much effort and energy in beating uploaded ride data on a shared website
A little preparation trepadation heading to the Couldabeens startline on Tuesday, gridding up between the Shane and Rocket engines didn't help doubts either. Trav arrived on his 40th birthday present, a stealth-like matte black Corsa worthy of the good engine aboard it. AvantiTrev was buzzing from the weekend's Lake Taupo tour, but sat in the rear stalls. 16 launched into Channel Rd's sunrise (Shane keen to snap a memento), I averted eyes from the h.r. display from Doyles to Central, a delight to finally see the kinder for the subsequent oxygen recovery in the half tow from the low Rocket. Bo & Ron (in Area arrears?) drove the last leg to Boundary, minimising chat, the southern leg to River Rd a little less on the throttle by others driving into the southwest breeze. Whispering Jack, Shorty and Supermario faced the music at the front for a short spell, AvantiTrev, Temple, Cougar and Kel vigilant as rear gunners. My turn at the business end came around again quickly, heart-rate rose just as fast from 150 to 182 to slice through the air at the front. Ron & Bo hit the afterburners in Central Kialla opening a few gaps, Jase considerately providing the glue to tow those trailing back into the fold. I'd resolved to avoid an input at the front as we reached Arcadia Downs being a bit out of tune (a condition known as hiatus handbrakis), timed it perfectly with the bunch going single file from there to survive the speed. One by one the punters faded from Rockets relentless velocity, one by one I picked off those cast aside to salvage a silver spot at the finish (Temple delighted in the draft to 3rd), just 49 seconds short of a fastest lap.
The renegades Oz, Hendo, Ricky, Specialised Tony, Lance, Clive and Wozza formed an octet at the library on Tuesday arvo, a warm 31 degrees to deal with but content being out of the heat of the hospital squad. A southwesterly propelled our pack to the Emu (Legal Steve joining in at DECA) but promised some expenditure homeward. Felt the muscular burn on the push to the church from the Emu, the delight of guzzling warm water on a hot day is moving the purchase of an insulated bidon higher on the priority list. Ricky took a short turn to keep below his 85% redline, Hendo looks to be doing it easy for one so new to two (self propelled) wheels, Lance too in good form off the back of a recent Challenge Tri in testing conditions. A little toil to reach River Rd against the south south wester, and a fair push west to Central Kialla kept us honest. All seem to be happy with the Renegade formula, each getting a go at an achieveable rate and distance without being burnt to a crisp. A few degrees dropped to make a comfortable MItchell Rd leg, the speed climbing slowly and steadily in Raftery. Rotational repititions increased proportionally with retirees retreating in the closing 700 metres, I scored the last 150 metres to drive as Specilaised Tony peeled aside, so I played lead-out for the in-form Wozza to take the chocolates from a rapidly pursuing LegalSteve. Happy with our steady tap, a Strava spy later showed the fracture in the hospital bunch between flying and frying.
The femorus rectus was wrecked Wednesday, plenty of complaints to the muscle response department on the saddle up and ride to the Kialla start. (ageing limbs are none to happy following up on a 100k the day before). A Heinz wind week gave us a south east variety to impeded the progress to the grid, 17 degrees had tempted many to come out and play though, SuperMario even arriving early (with 23 seconds to spare). I enjoyed being dragged south in the draft of the bunch, AvantiTrev keeping a cap on the knots till speed posessed others. Chops and (Whooping) Wozz relished the tailwind heading to River Rd at 40, our journey east taken at a fair clip with what seemed the entire bike population westbound. Jay made a fair go of his maiden turn in River Rd, speed bumped up again bearing north to Channel Rd. Wozz and I had the lead role from the kinder onward so ramped up the effort for the Cha Cha, if only to uncork to sprinters bottle with Shane, Nick, WhisperingJack and Trav thrashing out the honours list. A calm descended for the 2k's homeward, just a little squirt in the final 200 metres to clear out cobwebs that may have remained. A chatty tour home, but I managed to hit every pot-hole and manhole cover on the way to rattle the Cosmics (proving again to be almost bulletproof just shy of 90,000 km old)
The habitual Tour de Goats on Thursday, a cronic case of overdressing (base layer and armwarmers) had me in a personal sauna with 17 degrees on the guage. Deb all smiles on a new Giant (yet another new bike ponders the use-by date on my old alloy ally) as the usual gang gathered, Tum returned from his hillness, the Hommy humour back as well. 16 got organised eastward at 6, collecting Tina en-route, Heady inspired to chanty the 41/39 song and smooth the Snowman surges. An illusion of gradually gaining on the Cats had some credence when we'd crossed the Midland, a whiff of tail-lights brewed the urge to latch on, Sootie, Comet and Tina driving a sleek chase. By River roads' dip we could almost hear the pussycat purr, we were finally into the draft and easing off the gas for the last k. The halt for traffic at Mitchell Rd split the pack (ironically into the two species) but were back aboard by Archer Rd. Me and a few braved joining the Cat (clockwise) rotation approaching Arcadia Downs, I'd won the dream drag from Gentleman G as we rounded the last kink. The Conrod climax put me on the front at 300 to go, with Tum and Hommy in tow (the pidgeons amongst the Cats) it was hit the hurry button (apologies to G for the gap) to rush the line. I'd run out of beans with a 100 remaining, Tum struggled for speed (hampered by hirsutness?) but the trademark Hommy kick challenged a couple of Cats keen to taste the chocolates (don't ask me who won, all had gone a bit blurry by then).
A 5.40 start with the HurtLocker at SPC found Fox, Wizz, Minto, Meags, Princess, Kev and Sosso waiting, bait for the Freaky Friday bunch due to launch 5 minutes behind. Track turns got organised once through Doyles roundabout, Fox providing the supreme driving lessons while Meags and Princess shuffled the deck to the rear. Sosso braved a short dip at the pointy end, Minto took us to Central Ave. I'd tucked in behind the thin Wizzy (not the face framer, blusher, bronzer or eye shadow for just $49.95, the invaluable skinny Wizz on a Felt) My turn at School Rd for the remainder of Old Dookie had hopes the legs would live up to the minds' expectations. Sosso and Meags were awol on the glance back at the Pub (they caught the pursuing Freaky bus behind). I had another dip from the bridges to River Rd at a decent rate, restoring a little confidence that my contribution was somewhat worthy, just needed to preserve the reserves for a repeat performance. We had a brief greet to the oncoming Couldabeens eastbound, eyes quickly back to the Wizz wheel to sharpen the concentration. Minto retired from active service at Archer Rd, Kev filling his shoes admirably. It was mucho pronto in Raftery Rd after a dream crossing of the highway, spots of rain on the specs turned out to be sweat from those driving hard ahead of me. Just my luck to draw the short (but 600 metres long) last straw on Conrod, so emptied the tank nudging 50 to the line, a tactical Princess pouncing the last 75 metres to take the finish line glory. Quite chuffed that a little six pack completed a 38.6 average.
In a week of toe to toe bridge battles and venemous chat site vitriol, it's a delight to reflect on the comeradery, humour and support of the bunches kind enough to include me. Maybe they're not a match on others velocity but morals, friendship and equality have far greater meaning. Thanks bike buddies :-)
Week 49 : 289 km YTD 13,461 km
Word of the Week
"Striva" (verb) A cyclist exerting much effort and energy in beating uploaded ride data on a shared website
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Week 48 : Re-education and a double dip
Planned a double dip Saturday to break the lap habit, a 5.40 start with Wozz to commute to a Couldabeens first course, deeply textured orange clouds glued to a dawning blue sky worth getting up for. AvantiTrev, Jay, Cougar and AvantiChris were already in grid position discussing the almost extinct Saturday speed limit, Dion, Pistol, Temple, Shorty, WhisperingJack, Jase, Rocket and FeltMat arriving in waves to launch the ship eastward at six. An eternity has passed since the last ride was without wind, (and I don't mean flatulence!) but there's no complaints on the calm. Cougar ground out a great turn thanks to revised ratios on a new cassette, the ggratio a thing of the past. Shorty has battled with work getting in the way of a decent lap, AvantiChris is now an old hand graduating from the cycling college with honours (a diploma in determination earned on the Tat 100). Speed was strangely restrained (but welcome) on the journey east and north, maybe the lack of wind inspiration had a part in it? Nath was found loitering at the approach to the pub, much glass to avoid at the intersection (from Friday festivities?) Rockets spinal spasms are slowly abaiting, Nath's bike now sporting a power meter (as if there wasn't enough wattage and intimidation). A small P&W entourage approached the Emu as we winged westward, a long Cat train oncoming as we crested the catagory two climb over the main eastern channel. Being at the rear of the bunch as we crossed the highway guaranteed a tow home, but speed wasn't on the agenda for Wanganui hill either. A post ride forum on insurance, energy supplements and calorie calculations concluded over caffine, but I bid my adieu's from the Lemontree to get aboard the 7:40 Goat train departing to Old Dookie Rd. Re-aquainted with MeridaAndy on the suburban exit, seventeen in all were on an abridged circuit sympathetic to Heady's hangover. Ky refugees Manny and Tom made it a mixed bag with Comet, Stace and Sootie into the Goat group, Carl and Johnno too, low on frequent flyer points. It took almost ten k's to get cosistency into the cruise, oncoming bikes in ones and twos spread all over the circuit. The wheels got working west in River Rd (favourable northeaster), Kathy, Stace and Comet ahead made mine the scenic spot into the fourties. Directions were given to Tom & Manny on unfamiliar tarmac but Liam lost the track over the highway with an un-nerving BMX display through the tabledrain (thankfully upright). Kathy's enthusiasm at the pointy end opened a few spaces in the bunch, patiently filled by Stace though, peddling putty smoothly into the gaps. I found myself at the front in Conrod's dipper (with all suddenly single filed behind) so got off the perch to persuade the punters to push. Running out of urge with 150 to go my flicks of the elbow were going unanswered by Manny (glued to my wheel), his bang preset to a 70 metre fuse. 193 bpm emptied my tank, Manny finally putting me out of my misery and shifting me to the silver spot on the line. A post circuit chat on the (unwritten) peleton protocols was chewed over with Sootie, Stace, Comet & Kathy.
Like the fields of Culloden, it was a big battle against the apathy army to defeat the doona on Monday morning and crawl out of bed, at least there was a challenge to chew over on a holiday. Met Wozza in the main street and pointed out Old Dookie Rd (after the flat chat Cat pack had departed) for a single-file-swing-off-the-front-when-you're-spent lap, short turns planned to set the bar at survival level. Wozz picked up the standards on his first turn, my internal struggle with the pace quickly changed to a goal to get, turning turmoil to target. Guessing at the duration of dip at the front (somewhere between too timid and too toasty) Wozza's cough threw a bit of pity into the process. An orange and overcast dawn signalled rain to come but 19 degrees was nothing to grizzle about, just needed to turn off the nigggling northeaster (15km/h) that was starting the stabs in the ribs. Out of the Toaster turn I backed off the throttle a little, my limit reached and Wozza's body language read. Bearing west at the Emu I slipped the chain onto the 14 cog, the northeaster behind picked the pace up, the trusty Cosmics now humming a 40's tune. Lungs were lucid but legs were limp at 182 bpm on the front and hardly resting at 174 in Wozza's thin draft. It seemed an eternity to reach the soup tin but got my second wind in Ford Rd to put in a decent contribution, sights of the suburbs spelling the end was nigh. Wozz nailed a great last turn for our inaugural 36.8 average, no doubt a future target to trim.
Learned the balancing-on-two-wheels all over again Thursday morning, a little leave has put focus on life off the bike (quietest week all year). It's been an education on the evolution; ease-enthusiasm-energy-exertion-exhaustion-endorphines, ergo ecstasy. Difficult to climatise to the cool southerly en-route to a Goat grid, positioning myself to get a tow till I climatised. Fourteen had fronted to share the turns, a bit erratic with the BigPaul gap and the Liam/Leon launch off the front . The breeze on Boundary put heads down and efforts up, didn't stop Heady hollering a marching chant though. My days off have highlighted the concentration on rolling turns, lungs and legs needing re-education too. Deb did the roll call from the back seat keeping the rearmost rotation smooth, desperation and determination made the front a bit messy though. The scenery on River and Mitchell Rd soon blurred by, arriving at the highway sooner than expected for a pantechnicon pause. Coggo toyed with Snowman at Arcadia Downs (to whittle down his win-ability?), the sprint kettle up to boil when Conrod came into view. I'd withdrawn from duty (a want for wattage), Coggo, AvantiLeigh and Dipper stretched their legs but I'd managed to tow up Tina and Bazza for a top 6 placing at the finish line. A rare chance for a mid week caffine infusion with the crew, chat on Cat thrashes and Adams family faction fractures to socially amuse.
Week 48 : 149km YTD 13,172km
Word of the Week
"Lycrap" (noun) Cheap Chinese non-genuine cycling apparel
Like the fields of Culloden, it was a big battle against the apathy army to defeat the doona on Monday morning and crawl out of bed, at least there was a challenge to chew over on a holiday. Met Wozza in the main street and pointed out Old Dookie Rd (after the flat chat Cat pack had departed) for a single-file-swing-off-the-front-when-you're-spent lap, short turns planned to set the bar at survival level. Wozz picked up the standards on his first turn, my internal struggle with the pace quickly changed to a goal to get, turning turmoil to target. Guessing at the duration of dip at the front (somewhere between too timid and too toasty) Wozza's cough threw a bit of pity into the process. An orange and overcast dawn signalled rain to come but 19 degrees was nothing to grizzle about, just needed to turn off the nigggling northeaster (15km/h) that was starting the stabs in the ribs. Out of the Toaster turn I backed off the throttle a little, my limit reached and Wozza's body language read. Bearing west at the Emu I slipped the chain onto the 14 cog, the northeaster behind picked the pace up, the trusty Cosmics now humming a 40's tune. Lungs were lucid but legs were limp at 182 bpm on the front and hardly resting at 174 in Wozza's thin draft. It seemed an eternity to reach the soup tin but got my second wind in Ford Rd to put in a decent contribution, sights of the suburbs spelling the end was nigh. Wozz nailed a great last turn for our inaugural 36.8 average, no doubt a future target to trim.
Learned the balancing-on-two-wheels all over again Thursday morning, a little leave has put focus on life off the bike (quietest week all year). It's been an education on the evolution; ease-enthusiasm-energy-exertion-exhaustion-endorphines, ergo ecstasy. Difficult to climatise to the cool southerly en-route to a Goat grid, positioning myself to get a tow till I climatised. Fourteen had fronted to share the turns, a bit erratic with the BigPaul gap and the Liam/Leon launch off the front . The breeze on Boundary put heads down and efforts up, didn't stop Heady hollering a marching chant though. My days off have highlighted the concentration on rolling turns, lungs and legs needing re-education too. Deb did the roll call from the back seat keeping the rearmost rotation smooth, desperation and determination made the front a bit messy though. The scenery on River and Mitchell Rd soon blurred by, arriving at the highway sooner than expected for a pantechnicon pause. Coggo toyed with Snowman at Arcadia Downs (to whittle down his win-ability?), the sprint kettle up to boil when Conrod came into view. I'd withdrawn from duty (a want for wattage), Coggo, AvantiLeigh and Dipper stretched their legs but I'd managed to tow up Tina and Bazza for a top 6 placing at the finish line. A rare chance for a mid week caffine infusion with the crew, chat on Cat thrashes and Adams family faction fractures to socially amuse.
Week 48 : 149km YTD 13,172km
Word of the Week
"Lycrap" (noun) Cheap Chinese non-genuine cycling apparel
Friday, November 21, 2014
Week 47 The spice of life and a renegade ride
A change of scenery and of time, a later start to join the Goats for some Saturday socialography. A large congregation racked their bikes and filtered through Friars doors, many requiring a caffine starter prior to saddling up. 17 finally rolled away for an anti-clockwise Toaster circuit, a greet to Couldabeens already landed at the Lemontree brewed a little Judas sensation. Once sorted through the traffic light sieve, the Goat herd eventually formed then rotated, a southerly to grind into till Mitchell Rd's direction made life a little easier. Long turns at the front allowed more than the usual fleeting word, learned a little of Liam (now more suitably positioned) and his six week bike apprenticeship. RetiredDave's Trek rattled, Rosco's bearings whined but Kathy's cobwebs were cleared to have a dip at the drivers seat. Socially updated from AvantiAndy and SpecialisedTony, we'd worn down a late shift Adams family faction in River Rd, Axel, Iggy, Chily and another who quickly partook a tow. Sootie, Stace, Tina, Coggo and Snowman kept the tempo upbeat, all grins with a southerly at our backs but the hard yards were yet to come. The chat tapered and teeth clenched as the Emu came into view, a long 16k stretch back to town (into the now southwester) instantly switched us to rolling turns to minimise the stress. Reartirements came quickly with the pace nudging 40, whittling down to the determined drivers. Performances were peaking in Ford Rd as nine were left to face the wind, a baulk at the Verney roundabout for a bike minus helmet (and intelligence) and a Territory stopping for no one. By DECA there were just four tow trucks, suprised I got the KOM on Wanganui hill (about as steep as I can manage) but it was Coggo's vigour victorious at Rudd Rd. The bunch reformed for a tap down the Boulevard, a post ride caffine at Friars for a yarn on that thin line between toil and titilation, fun and futility, success and sucks.
A short solo lap Monday, pointing out Old Dookie after the Cat train had left. On the gas through the traffic lights bumped up the heartbeats to 165, toured to the Toaster treated to a tempting tailwind, easy to hold a good rate of knots but pushing too hard up to the church plunged a knife under the right ribs. Eased the effort a whisker to the Emu, hoping to hold low thirties into the headwind home. It was pleasing to hold 35 on the speedo but the heartrate rising to 175 was going to limit the legs lasting. Feeling the stitch return dropped a k off the tempo, no hiding behind trees or passing cars for any respite. My heartrate hovered at 172 for the slog back to Numurkah Rd, speed dropped another k as the engine ran out of urge. Pleased to put in a short but solid ride, home early for breakfast part two.
A late arrival at the Tuesday Couldabeens grid meant a rare and restful start at the rear , recovering from the southerly torment of my commute. Pleased to have Choppy's charismatic, chatty and considerate wheel, but we didn't get the call of duty till the Channel Rd S bend, 14 others to share the workload prior. Chops chartered good ground and speed, wearing me down to a short one k turn in Boundary with BigMat to the Broken bridges, ten minutes now to recover till the next shift. Bo, Ron and Kelly were the N guage loco's in our HO guage trainset along River Rd, thoughts of this weeks shopping list, work production targets and the state of the nasdaq were filed away in the cerebelllum, the frontal cortex overloaded with thoughts of survival. The liqourice allsorts colours of Mexican Daniel came into view at Laws Drive, another driver added to the pack. Bo and Ron suprised with a short shift, Chops charged the last k, out with my shovel out to dig deep at zone 5 levelling with him. Traffic came from all directions for our swing into MItchell Rd, a bonus for those rearmost to slowly build back to speed, but a few unhooked on the blast up Mt Nicolaci. (a wait for traffic at the highway reformed) Down to half turns as the pace became urgent to Arcadia Downs, Rocket toasted Mexican Daniel in a frenzy of cadence down Conrod, I got lucky picking up the crumbs of those with wained wattage to collect 3rd.
Joined a renegade ride Tuesday night, a rebel alliance formed to tap out a toaster lap below the warp drive of the current Hospital hit squad. Specialised Tony, Oz, Clive, Wozza, newbie Hendo, Kathy and Ricky (re-emerging after a 2 year hiatus) were the inaugural inductees intent on preserving the head gasket, perfect conditions (23 degrees with a light S-SSW breeze) to set the wheels in motion. All had a go at the pointy end (with small adjustments to the cruise control), Kathy applying the accellerator till talk tendencies took precedence, back to the previous pace post haste. Sprinter joined in on Ford Rd, Axel was added further out, a steady tap to the Emu then some muscle applied for the southern leg to the Toaster. Hendo has taken to the bike like a government to a new tax, Ricky coming to terms with the respitory requirements after a two year absence. Glad to get the headwind done and dusted turning into River Rd, workload on the familiar track shared amongst most. Seems there's a few votes for a regular lap like this, time will tell if it's infiltrated by those on a missile mission. By Raftery Rd a few were keen to crank up some Conrod competition, Sprinter unable to supress his primal urge, bolted to victory.
Got Goating to Friars Thursday, many forming a footpath grid to hear Hommy's humour (Coggo stole the show with the cheesecake choked chain ripper retort). Tum was awol on a three peaks prep but the usual characters and characterettes assembled to make a long line legging it out Old Dookie Rd, the Cat pack tail light show still visible ahead. JB had done his usual suprise appearance in the ranks, I scored the BigPaul paused wheel (three lengths in arrears) in the rotation. Snowman and Snow-woman (?) climbed aboard the two dozen train at Channel Rd, a northeaster assisting our passage clockwise. Up a cog into the mid 40's for the up line, then ease off just below for the recovery down line, round and round the team turned with the odd one opting out for the comfort seats at the rear. The length of River and Mitchell roads soon slipped below the wheels, arriving at the highway for the usual brief pause for consumption of oxygen, thanks to traffic. A steady build up to speed then airbourne moments over Roubaix corner, the steam of speed brewed in the bunch to Arcadia Downs. Conrod's sprint spinning wheel turned in my favour with an AvantiLeigh & Dipper lead-out to the 100 metre line, a glance back on the line spied the Hommy pursuit train 10 metres behind schedule. Speechless till the bridge but verbally recovered thereafter for sprint tactics on Hommy and Liams Trek set-up.
Just love the two minute kit up time in the midst of a mild Spring (17 degrees at 5.30) , long forgotten is the multiple layered rigmarole of winters proceedure to shield from the frost and cold. Found Fee, Meags and Princess at SPC on Friday morning, the triathlon truely tried, tested & tortured the titanic triathlete trio, Toolamba's torrents & tempests trialing tenacity tenfold, tormented thighs, thought tanks toasted & turned to turmoil, today's tap to trepidly trial tenuous thirties tempo, the tri troupers troubled, taxed torso's tiptoeing timidly to traverse tremors & tribulations. An easy introductory roll out Old Dookie with the breeze behind but time shortened the lap to warrant a Harpo shortcut home along Channel Rd, facing a wearying westerly (20+km/h) back to town. It was a pleasant change of pace to put in a lap at aerobic levels, variety the spice of life for this superceded old engine. Almost in the last metres of the Bonanza when a dozen Couldabeens caught and passed, caffine awaited.
Week 47 262km YTD 13,023 km
Word of the Week
"DisTNTce" (noun) The perceived (and often variable) length of a turn at the front of a bunch at the point of physical or mental explosion
A short solo lap Monday, pointing out Old Dookie after the Cat train had left. On the gas through the traffic lights bumped up the heartbeats to 165, toured to the Toaster treated to a tempting tailwind, easy to hold a good rate of knots but pushing too hard up to the church plunged a knife under the right ribs. Eased the effort a whisker to the Emu, hoping to hold low thirties into the headwind home. It was pleasing to hold 35 on the speedo but the heartrate rising to 175 was going to limit the legs lasting. Feeling the stitch return dropped a k off the tempo, no hiding behind trees or passing cars for any respite. My heartrate hovered at 172 for the slog back to Numurkah Rd, speed dropped another k as the engine ran out of urge. Pleased to put in a short but solid ride, home early for breakfast part two.
A late arrival at the Tuesday Couldabeens grid meant a rare and restful start at the rear , recovering from the southerly torment of my commute. Pleased to have Choppy's charismatic, chatty and considerate wheel, but we didn't get the call of duty till the Channel Rd S bend, 14 others to share the workload prior. Chops chartered good ground and speed, wearing me down to a short one k turn in Boundary with BigMat to the Broken bridges, ten minutes now to recover till the next shift. Bo, Ron and Kelly were the N guage loco's in our HO guage trainset along River Rd, thoughts of this weeks shopping list, work production targets and the state of the nasdaq were filed away in the cerebelllum, the frontal cortex overloaded with thoughts of survival. The liqourice allsorts colours of Mexican Daniel came into view at Laws Drive, another driver added to the pack. Bo and Ron suprised with a short shift, Chops charged the last k, out with my shovel out to dig deep at zone 5 levelling with him. Traffic came from all directions for our swing into MItchell Rd, a bonus for those rearmost to slowly build back to speed, but a few unhooked on the blast up Mt Nicolaci. (a wait for traffic at the highway reformed) Down to half turns as the pace became urgent to Arcadia Downs, Rocket toasted Mexican Daniel in a frenzy of cadence down Conrod, I got lucky picking up the crumbs of those with wained wattage to collect 3rd.
Joined a renegade ride Tuesday night, a rebel alliance formed to tap out a toaster lap below the warp drive of the current Hospital hit squad. Specialised Tony, Oz, Clive, Wozza, newbie Hendo, Kathy and Ricky (re-emerging after a 2 year hiatus) were the inaugural inductees intent on preserving the head gasket, perfect conditions (23 degrees with a light S-SSW breeze) to set the wheels in motion. All had a go at the pointy end (with small adjustments to the cruise control), Kathy applying the accellerator till talk tendencies took precedence, back to the previous pace post haste. Sprinter joined in on Ford Rd, Axel was added further out, a steady tap to the Emu then some muscle applied for the southern leg to the Toaster. Hendo has taken to the bike like a government to a new tax, Ricky coming to terms with the respitory requirements after a two year absence. Glad to get the headwind done and dusted turning into River Rd, workload on the familiar track shared amongst most. Seems there's a few votes for a regular lap like this, time will tell if it's infiltrated by those on a missile mission. By Raftery Rd a few were keen to crank up some Conrod competition, Sprinter unable to supress his primal urge, bolted to victory.
Got Goating to Friars Thursday, many forming a footpath grid to hear Hommy's humour (Coggo stole the show with the cheesecake choked chain ripper retort). Tum was awol on a three peaks prep but the usual characters and characterettes assembled to make a long line legging it out Old Dookie Rd, the Cat pack tail light show still visible ahead. JB had done his usual suprise appearance in the ranks, I scored the BigPaul paused wheel (three lengths in arrears) in the rotation. Snowman and Snow-woman (?) climbed aboard the two dozen train at Channel Rd, a northeaster assisting our passage clockwise. Up a cog into the mid 40's for the up line, then ease off just below for the recovery down line, round and round the team turned with the odd one opting out for the comfort seats at the rear. The length of River and Mitchell roads soon slipped below the wheels, arriving at the highway for the usual brief pause for consumption of oxygen, thanks to traffic. A steady build up to speed then airbourne moments over Roubaix corner, the steam of speed brewed in the bunch to Arcadia Downs. Conrod's sprint spinning wheel turned in my favour with an AvantiLeigh & Dipper lead-out to the 100 metre line, a glance back on the line spied the Hommy pursuit train 10 metres behind schedule. Speechless till the bridge but verbally recovered thereafter for sprint tactics on Hommy and Liams Trek set-up.
Just love the two minute kit up time in the midst of a mild Spring (17 degrees at 5.30) , long forgotten is the multiple layered rigmarole of winters proceedure to shield from the frost and cold. Found Fee, Meags and Princess at SPC on Friday morning, the triathlon truely tried, tested & tortured the titanic triathlete trio, Toolamba's torrents & tempests trialing tenacity tenfold, tormented thighs, thought tanks toasted & turned to turmoil, today's tap to trepidly trial tenuous thirties tempo, the tri troupers troubled, taxed torso's tiptoeing timidly to traverse tremors & tribulations. An easy introductory roll out Old Dookie with the breeze behind but time shortened the lap to warrant a Harpo shortcut home along Channel Rd, facing a wearying westerly (20+km/h) back to town. It was a pleasant change of pace to put in a lap at aerobic levels, variety the spice of life for this superceded old engine. Almost in the last metres of the Bonanza when a dozen Couldabeens caught and passed, caffine awaited.
Week 47 262km YTD 13,023 km
Word of the Week
"DisTNTce" (noun) The perceived (and often variable) length of a turn at the front of a bunch at the point of physical or mental explosion
Friday, November 14, 2014
Week 46 A hot hundred and a bonus bike lane
As a warm-up for Saturday's Tat 100, Wozz and I did a quiet little tap out Ford Rd toward the Emu in search of the Saturday Couldabeens, guaging an intercept at the kennels for a tow back to town. Just to loosen legs. We felt the northeaster building at 6.30, the sky a precursor to a hot day ahead. Passed Cranky cruising ahead of the imminent Cat collective and found four single filed Couldabeens with heads down westbound, half a k ahead of the predicted point. We u-turned and wound up the cadence to attach to the rear of a serious 40+ km/h slog to town, Rocket driving like the Energiser bunny with fresh batteries, Shorty, GT Craig and BigMat the only other Saturday starters, admirably adding to the advance. Loosening legs was turning to cooking calves! A good run through the intersections and squeezing the throttle in Wanganui unhooked GT Craig (second wheel to the dismal draft from Rocket) but a regroup in Rudd Rd preserved the harmony to roll back through town. Skipped the post ride caffine to ready the rig for the 100.
By 10am the guage was touching 29, PistolPete, Shane, Cougar, AvantiChris, Wozz and Ro teaming up to take on Tat's 100. At the drop of the flag, we paused for the Pistol pit crew to rectify Ro's reluctant speedo sensor, better to roll away last and let the masses sift into respective groups. The Couldabeens cache settled into a rhythm eastward, soon reeling in the adagio addicts ; newbies, backpacks, MTB's (one a belt drive!), WobblyTrev and the usual peleton peculiarities, sorting the wheat from the chaff. We'd inherited newbieJay and CerveloJosh to our clan, both having one-off performances at the pointy end, quite unsure on bunch protocols. Shane, Pistol, Wozz and I took to the drivers seats with Cougar, Ro and AvantiChris maintaining the minders role admirably (filtering foreigners from fickled frenzy). Eggy had punctured near Toolamba Rd but passed again soon after, motorpaced back to the lead car via a Ulysses volunteer. We weaved past Old Toolamba and back onto the Murchison Rd, growing a tail of half a dozen in tow on the trek south, sailing along in the high 30's while the pace of 51 ahead, tolled on the mere mortals attached. Love the billiard table ride into Murchison, poetry for the posterior, but the aroma of deceased skippy's niggled at the nostrils for our westward rush to Rushworth. The northeaster blowing at 25km/h was made more annoying mixed with the unacustomed ascents of the hills, collecting more cast-offs (including a garish green DeHugg tri-bike with a tired engine). The pace began to take its toll on those at the limit, we'd lost Cougar in the bunch break-up, Ro dropping back to retrieve. The heat (now 33) had emptied bidons briskly but it was a blessing to find a well stocked Lions esky at Rushworth to recover, rehydrate and refill. Ro and Cougar arrived within minutes, and all suitably refuelled, were reformed for the hard yards to follow, 50k of nasty northerly headwind home with a side serving of 35 degrees. Pistol & Shane drove hard toward Stanhope, Wozz, Ro & I keen to keep a collective for survival. Cougar opted for the tough slog solo, Wozz, Ro, Chris and I sharing the load while Shane & Pete dissapeared on the horizon. We'd found the arrow for the turn onto Hill Rd, our long drag along 12ks of Harston Rd tolled on AvantiChris (ushering us on) but collected Jodie for a tow till Springvale Rd. Pointing south was real respite for weary legs (but sent us 4k away from Tatura), nice work from the Ulysses lads on duty for a point and wave at the intersections. The unrelenting hot headwind for the length of Rushworth-Tatura Rd ground down the determination but we slowly caught and collected CerveloJosh with a case of the noddy wobbles (on his limit). Rocket and BigMat suddenly appeared (soft optioned in an airconditioned 4x4) taunting us, toasting our effort with a cold ale. (it triggered an appropriate retort but drove us on to earn the promised chilled post ride refreshment) Emptying a bidon on my heated head recovered some speed and spirit, but Wozz and I kept an eye on Ro & Josh's survival in tow. Tatura's outskirts have never been much to admire till today, a welcome sight after a 2300 calorie effort well spent in 3:05:09. Cougar then AvantiChris arrived soon after, a super solo soldier-on effort by each but no sign of Pistol & Shane. Seems an unsighted arrow took them on a toasty tour through Stanhope-Girgarre-Byrneside and beyond to clock extra k's for the fun (?) of it .
A slothful Sunday spent rehydrating (Wozz merely muscled Mt Hotham as a follow up!) brewed the urge to climb back aboard Monday. Doubtful that the legs would co-operate at Cat cadence, I set sail eight minutes ahead of Mondays masochists with the stiff southerly likely to whittle me down to snails pace. The long dark length of Old Dookie was spent bracing thoughts and thighs on the effect the southerly (26-35km/h) was going to have, turned into Boundary with head on the headstem but pleased the legs propelled me at a reasonable rate. There were some thoughts of a half-strength-decaf-latte-with-a-pink-marshmallow Channel Rd deviation but, on seeing two bikes ahead made it a double-shot-short-black-with-wasabi-chaser push on to River Rd. PistolPete plied north near the Broken bridges (looking for directional arrows?) as I gradually gained on the two ahead, into River Rd the task was a little easier with wind to the portside. My lure turned out to be Fox and Minto on a casual cruise, a brief greet then pushed on to hold off the Cat cache catching. I was nearly nudging zone 5 nearing Mitchell, but got a recovery bearing west with a few pockets of treed shelter en route to the highway. A peek back in Raftery Rd shattered hopes seeing the bunch bearing down behind, the serious wattage of Robbo, Rabbit, Vince, Ron, Trav and three others blurring by at the horse stud. Legs wouldn't respond to to jumping on the back, so plugged away to the finish and kept on the gas homeward, a 7th on the Afterglow and a 2nd best on the Crit sprint some consolation.
Many of the regular Goats were missing Tuesday morning, maybe the wind (20+k's of southerly) turned it slim pickings at Friars? Only Principal Skinner, GiantPhil, BigPaul, Coggo, Tum, Kate, Hommy, Liam and Brendan to begin, Tina rolling in wait on Old Dookie Rd as always. It was a disoriented start to proceedings of rotation, taking till Central Ave to get some coherence. The pace was well down on usual form, almost half the crew and double the wind tolling on tempo, Kate was feeling the bruising of a bash up Baw Baw, Coggo a bit secondhand from a long hot Tat 200. The sun crested the horizon at the one tree dam, shedding light on Liams odd bike set-up, more like a preying mantis pose. There was a bit of echelon education in River Rd to get the best of a side wind, a symposium on squashed snake near Laws Drive too. Rolling turns on the front were frequent given a less populated peleton but the eagerness grew in Mitchell Rd. Contenders for the final thrash whittled down over Raftery's course, pointing into Conrod Giant Phil bore into the dipper with Tum all over his back wheel. I'd had the box seat at third wheel when Tum opened the bid, but his ten second fuse (and compact chainring) burned quickly, leaving me 350 metres to hold off many gallivanting Goats. Hearing Hommy's wheels behind drove my cranks a bit harder (bit chuffed to top 500 watts) to take the chocolates and give Tum the box.
The breeze had finally been turned off for Wednesday, Kialla Lakes roundabout drawing 16 Couldabeens starters in at 6. It was my turn today to score the draft of Pistol's wheel, just as well he's still a bit flat from the magical mystery tour (his version) of theTat 100. AvantiTrev, Cougar, Shane and AvantiChris were all in somewhat the same boat, Trav aboard demo #2 of a new rig. HurtLocker's six grinned southward at Kialla Central's hall, poor old Sosso nearly 2k OTA in River Rd. Jay was along on an invitational, coming to terms with the unwritten testament to bunch ethics and how to pace ones lungs at the sharp end of the pack. It was Couldabeens comeback day with BigMat, Whispering Jack and SuperMario putting in an appearance and a decent dip on the front, although Whispering Jack aerated the front of the bunch with a blast up Boundary beside Nick. It turned pretty pacy in Channel Rd, beside Choppy tapping solidly to the kinder, then trying to match mountain monster Wozz for the Cha Cha. I called him over at half distance (my tank nearly empty) which only unleashed a BigMat, Rocket and Shane battle to Orrvale Rd. A slow tractor and wishes for unity reassembled the bunch at the school for a strong finish, suprisingly a second fastest time on what was once a recovery ride.
Would it be a sacrificial slaughter at the hands of only a few? Negative thoughts brewed on thrash Thursday, finding plenty of punters at the car park turned the mood around quickly, there was at least a chance to recover sharing turns with 14 Couldabeens. Wozz and I took the first shift, the long strip of tarmac to the first kink was a world away, moving my stare to the Garmin didn't help, the heart rate rising to attack level was a mental anchor, better to fix focus on the bitumen blur a few metres ahead. Shane & Pistol applied a 10%GST (gross speed test) to the pace to the kinder, conversations cut to bare essentials toward the business end of the bunch. Whispering Jack was driving a hard bargain beside me in River Rd, pleased when he called for a draft well short of my target, but then I fell short on matching Wozza's distance. I had quite a bit of bogan decision making as the turns came round, "yeah, nah, but" on the positives of the push vs the toll of the toil. Whispering Jack powered up Mt Nicolaci but I got the slingshot to half bike him as an honorary payback for many. There were mutterings of "not going up there again" from the back seats as we crossed the highway, the speed grew and the turns shortened on a determined drive to Arcadia Downs. Rocket vowed he'd be taking things quietly (preservation for Saturday nights Criterium) but seemed to engage warp drive out of the Conrod dipper, opening a widening gap. Wazza earned the golden clothes-peg, being hung out to dry with the entire bunch soaking up the draft till his tank emptied, Shane pounced but ran out of go gas too. I'd had the dream sit watching this unfold in front so took the rare chance to apply more wattage for a silver, rather distant to Rocket but a third fastest lap to gloat over.
Friday finally delivered a mild morning, 20 degrees with just a hint of breeze was the long awaited reward for enduring those cold winter months. A steady circuit with the P&W's put the icing on the week, Fee, Meags, Princess and the once-thought-extinct Ayto had congregated at SPC. Longish turns rotated for Old Dookie and Boundary Rd's, Ayto working off the wombat, Princess dapper as always, Meags and Fee providing pace, it was a far cry from the 20+ P&W's of old but the quality still remains. A swing to single filing started in River Rd with the tempo adjusted up, I took the first shift to Central Kialla Rd, Princess pounded it out till the highway. Ayto stepped up for a squirt to the horse stud, all were swift and smooth to the finish line to enjoy the smoothness and tranquility of the recent Raftery reseal, even a bonus (but narrow) bike lane to use, step one (and only?) in COGS 2012-2016 bike strategy?
Week 46 341km YTD 12,761 km
Word of the Week
"windependant" (noun) 1. A neutral or autonomous solo rider prepared to tough out breezy conditions.
2. A cyclist who relies on tailwind.
3. A rider who must come first.
4. A political person not controlled by a party or lobby group but prone to hyperbole
and rhetoric
By 10am the guage was touching 29, PistolPete, Shane, Cougar, AvantiChris, Wozz and Ro teaming up to take on Tat's 100. At the drop of the flag, we paused for the Pistol pit crew to rectify Ro's reluctant speedo sensor, better to roll away last and let the masses sift into respective groups. The Couldabeens cache settled into a rhythm eastward, soon reeling in the adagio addicts ; newbies, backpacks, MTB's (one a belt drive!), WobblyTrev and the usual peleton peculiarities, sorting the wheat from the chaff. We'd inherited newbieJay and CerveloJosh to our clan, both having one-off performances at the pointy end, quite unsure on bunch protocols. Shane, Pistol, Wozz and I took to the drivers seats with Cougar, Ro and AvantiChris maintaining the minders role admirably (filtering foreigners from fickled frenzy). Eggy had punctured near Toolamba Rd but passed again soon after, motorpaced back to the lead car via a Ulysses volunteer. We weaved past Old Toolamba and back onto the Murchison Rd, growing a tail of half a dozen in tow on the trek south, sailing along in the high 30's while the pace of 51 ahead, tolled on the mere mortals attached. Love the billiard table ride into Murchison, poetry for the posterior, but the aroma of deceased skippy's niggled at the nostrils for our westward rush to Rushworth. The northeaster blowing at 25km/h was made more annoying mixed with the unacustomed ascents of the hills, collecting more cast-offs (including a garish green DeHugg tri-bike with a tired engine). The pace began to take its toll on those at the limit, we'd lost Cougar in the bunch break-up, Ro dropping back to retrieve. The heat (now 33) had emptied bidons briskly but it was a blessing to find a well stocked Lions esky at Rushworth to recover, rehydrate and refill. Ro and Cougar arrived within minutes, and all suitably refuelled, were reformed for the hard yards to follow, 50k of nasty northerly headwind home with a side serving of 35 degrees. Pistol & Shane drove hard toward Stanhope, Wozz, Ro & I keen to keep a collective for survival. Cougar opted for the tough slog solo, Wozz, Ro, Chris and I sharing the load while Shane & Pete dissapeared on the horizon. We'd found the arrow for the turn onto Hill Rd, our long drag along 12ks of Harston Rd tolled on AvantiChris (ushering us on) but collected Jodie for a tow till Springvale Rd. Pointing south was real respite for weary legs (but sent us 4k away from Tatura), nice work from the Ulysses lads on duty for a point and wave at the intersections. The unrelenting hot headwind for the length of Rushworth-Tatura Rd ground down the determination but we slowly caught and collected CerveloJosh with a case of the noddy wobbles (on his limit). Rocket and BigMat suddenly appeared (soft optioned in an airconditioned 4x4) taunting us, toasting our effort with a cold ale. (it triggered an appropriate retort but drove us on to earn the promised chilled post ride refreshment) Emptying a bidon on my heated head recovered some speed and spirit, but Wozz and I kept an eye on Ro & Josh's survival in tow. Tatura's outskirts have never been much to admire till today, a welcome sight after a 2300 calorie effort well spent in 3:05:09. Cougar then AvantiChris arrived soon after, a super solo soldier-on effort by each but no sign of Pistol & Shane. Seems an unsighted arrow took them on a toasty tour through Stanhope-Girgarre-Byrneside and beyond to clock extra k's for the fun (?) of it .
A slothful Sunday spent rehydrating (Wozz merely muscled Mt Hotham as a follow up!) brewed the urge to climb back aboard Monday. Doubtful that the legs would co-operate at Cat cadence, I set sail eight minutes ahead of Mondays masochists with the stiff southerly likely to whittle me down to snails pace. The long dark length of Old Dookie was spent bracing thoughts and thighs on the effect the southerly (26-35km/h) was going to have, turned into Boundary with head on the headstem but pleased the legs propelled me at a reasonable rate. There were some thoughts of a half-strength-decaf-latte-with-a-pink-marshmallow Channel Rd deviation but, on seeing two bikes ahead made it a double-shot-short-black-with-wasabi-chaser push on to River Rd. PistolPete plied north near the Broken bridges (looking for directional arrows?) as I gradually gained on the two ahead, into River Rd the task was a little easier with wind to the portside. My lure turned out to be Fox and Minto on a casual cruise, a brief greet then pushed on to hold off the Cat cache catching. I was nearly nudging zone 5 nearing Mitchell, but got a recovery bearing west with a few pockets of treed shelter en route to the highway. A peek back in Raftery Rd shattered hopes seeing the bunch bearing down behind, the serious wattage of Robbo, Rabbit, Vince, Ron, Trav and three others blurring by at the horse stud. Legs wouldn't respond to to jumping on the back, so plugged away to the finish and kept on the gas homeward, a 7th on the Afterglow and a 2nd best on the Crit sprint some consolation.
Many of the regular Goats were missing Tuesday morning, maybe the wind (20+k's of southerly) turned it slim pickings at Friars? Only Principal Skinner, GiantPhil, BigPaul, Coggo, Tum, Kate, Hommy, Liam and Brendan to begin, Tina rolling in wait on Old Dookie Rd as always. It was a disoriented start to proceedings of rotation, taking till Central Ave to get some coherence. The pace was well down on usual form, almost half the crew and double the wind tolling on tempo, Kate was feeling the bruising of a bash up Baw Baw, Coggo a bit secondhand from a long hot Tat 200. The sun crested the horizon at the one tree dam, shedding light on Liams odd bike set-up, more like a preying mantis pose. There was a bit of echelon education in River Rd to get the best of a side wind, a symposium on squashed snake near Laws Drive too. Rolling turns on the front were frequent given a less populated peleton but the eagerness grew in Mitchell Rd. Contenders for the final thrash whittled down over Raftery's course, pointing into Conrod Giant Phil bore into the dipper with Tum all over his back wheel. I'd had the box seat at third wheel when Tum opened the bid, but his ten second fuse (and compact chainring) burned quickly, leaving me 350 metres to hold off many gallivanting Goats. Hearing Hommy's wheels behind drove my cranks a bit harder (bit chuffed to top 500 watts) to take the chocolates and give Tum the box.
The breeze had finally been turned off for Wednesday, Kialla Lakes roundabout drawing 16 Couldabeens starters in at 6. It was my turn today to score the draft of Pistol's wheel, just as well he's still a bit flat from the magical mystery tour (his version) of theTat 100. AvantiTrev, Cougar, Shane and AvantiChris were all in somewhat the same boat, Trav aboard demo #2 of a new rig. HurtLocker's six grinned southward at Kialla Central's hall, poor old Sosso nearly 2k OTA in River Rd. Jay was along on an invitational, coming to terms with the unwritten testament to bunch ethics and how to pace ones lungs at the sharp end of the pack. It was Couldabeens comeback day with BigMat, Whispering Jack and SuperMario putting in an appearance and a decent dip on the front, although Whispering Jack aerated the front of the bunch with a blast up Boundary beside Nick. It turned pretty pacy in Channel Rd, beside Choppy tapping solidly to the kinder, then trying to match mountain monster Wozz for the Cha Cha. I called him over at half distance (my tank nearly empty) which only unleashed a BigMat, Rocket and Shane battle to Orrvale Rd. A slow tractor and wishes for unity reassembled the bunch at the school for a strong finish, suprisingly a second fastest time on what was once a recovery ride.
Would it be a sacrificial slaughter at the hands of only a few? Negative thoughts brewed on thrash Thursday, finding plenty of punters at the car park turned the mood around quickly, there was at least a chance to recover sharing turns with 14 Couldabeens. Wozz and I took the first shift, the long strip of tarmac to the first kink was a world away, moving my stare to the Garmin didn't help, the heart rate rising to attack level was a mental anchor, better to fix focus on the bitumen blur a few metres ahead. Shane & Pistol applied a 10%GST (gross speed test) to the pace to the kinder, conversations cut to bare essentials toward the business end of the bunch. Whispering Jack was driving a hard bargain beside me in River Rd, pleased when he called for a draft well short of my target, but then I fell short on matching Wozza's distance. I had quite a bit of bogan decision making as the turns came round, "yeah, nah, but" on the positives of the push vs the toll of the toil. Whispering Jack powered up Mt Nicolaci but I got the slingshot to half bike him as an honorary payback for many. There were mutterings of "not going up there again" from the back seats as we crossed the highway, the speed grew and the turns shortened on a determined drive to Arcadia Downs. Rocket vowed he'd be taking things quietly (preservation for Saturday nights Criterium) but seemed to engage warp drive out of the Conrod dipper, opening a widening gap. Wazza earned the golden clothes-peg, being hung out to dry with the entire bunch soaking up the draft till his tank emptied, Shane pounced but ran out of go gas too. I'd had the dream sit watching this unfold in front so took the rare chance to apply more wattage for a silver, rather distant to Rocket but a third fastest lap to gloat over.
Friday finally delivered a mild morning, 20 degrees with just a hint of breeze was the long awaited reward for enduring those cold winter months. A steady circuit with the P&W's put the icing on the week, Fee, Meags, Princess and the once-thought-extinct Ayto had congregated at SPC. Longish turns rotated for Old Dookie and Boundary Rd's, Ayto working off the wombat, Princess dapper as always, Meags and Fee providing pace, it was a far cry from the 20+ P&W's of old but the quality still remains. A swing to single filing started in River Rd with the tempo adjusted up, I took the first shift to Central Kialla Rd, Princess pounded it out till the highway. Ayto stepped up for a squirt to the horse stud, all were swift and smooth to the finish line to enjoy the smoothness and tranquility of the recent Raftery reseal, even a bonus (but narrow) bike lane to use, step one (and only?) in COGS 2012-2016 bike strategy?
Week 46 341km YTD 12,761 km
Word of the Week
"windependant" (noun) 1. A neutral or autonomous solo rider prepared to tough out breezy conditions.
2. A cyclist who relies on tailwind.
3. A rider who must come first.
4. A political person not controlled by a party or lobby group but prone to hyperbole
and rhetoric
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Week 45 : Profanities and self flagellation
The bike felt foreign Monday morning, climatising needed after a weekend off the pedals. Just enough in the tank (or was it missing motivation?) for a short lap, retraining the legs to rotate on old Dookie Rd, a few minutes ahead of the Cat/51 brigade. Settled into the seat and cadence after a few k's but was sans speed, Cats would catch sooner rather than later. Pointing into the southerly on Boundary Rd I was reeled in by the bunch at the piggery, out of the seat on protesting legs to hang off the back for a short tow, till Channel Rd's view had the steering pulling to the right. Happier to be solo today, preparing the head for the joys of toil at the Monday to Friday salt mine, a rising sun behind drawing a long shadow of a tall fossil on the tarmac. Around the s bend and past the kink a large cypress was parked prostrate, the road closed sign forcing a Hanlon Rd diversion to change the regular route. With little option (or time for scenic tours) it was the Midland highway home, comfortable on being visible, having an emergency lane to use and little traffic to compete with. I was just getting into a decent rhythm when I reached civilisation, intersections and traffic taking the gloss off.
Working on Melbourne Cup day was as joyous as a fuel levy, but all was not lost squeezing in an early lap. There were later morning laps by Couldabeens and Goats, so rolled past the Cat grid at 5.50am hopeful, quickly abandoned ship though seeing Bomber and only one other departing. Lights of three southbound bikes in Railway parade shed some light and hope, so swung toward Friars to see who dared. Sootie, Comet and Stace were the only punters, Cervelo John the solitary Goat arriving as the 6am flag fell. Intuition commenced the rotation in the low 30's against the nuisance ENE wind, better to be Boundary bound as the breeze swung NE , Stace taking a brief rearmost respite as the velocity grew. All agreed it was ideal single file conditions beyond the pub, Sootie taking a longer turn at the front to set a standard but Cervelo John abbreviated in River Rd. Comet's the definition of swift and smooth but a draft as handy as a matchstick, a flick of her elbow handed me the front to grind out a 2k turn, Stace back in the drivers seat at Laws Drive to muscle the motion. A draft from Sootie, Cervelo John and Comet to Mitchell Rd had revived my rectus femorus, I got well into the groove to drive a 4k turn to the highway. Sootie took us to the horse stud, CerveloJohn to Arcadia Downs and Comet hammered us home on Conrod, a solid lap for a small field, shame that duty called at the salt mines on a public holiday.
Wednesday's southwester tortured the commute south to Kialla but Christmas had arrived early with Shane, PistolPete, Rocket, Choppy, Trav and Nick already gridded up to take on the headwind first. Trav's back on old faithful (better on the fit but not on the fast) and Choppy was in for some Pistol punishment at his side. I'd timed my turn at the front precisely to reap Mitchell Rd's almost tailwind assistance, Wozza bumping up the pace to make sure I earned breakfast. A Hurtlocker trifecta was a little behind agenda, the Cat pack likewise battling the breeze. Shane and Pete kept our lungs working in River Rd to catch a solitary BigBen at the speed bumps. Facing the headwind music in Channel Rd shortened the turns, at last the recumbent cypress tree has been cleared from the circuit. Rocket and Big Ben challenged the Cha Cha and Pistol toasted Shane on the Bonanza to clock us a fastest time.
Couldabeens entrants were rare Thursday morning, Wozz and I the only starters with 5 minutes to go. Shane, Trav, Rocket and Pete fronted in the dying moments, guaranteeing a rapid ride. A late Kenworth chased and latched onto our small pack at the Kensington roundabout, Rocket and Pistol paired (yet again) to ensure there'd be no rest for the righteous (even at the back). Shane had the enthusiasm dialled up to 40 for the last leg of Channel Rd, my calves were well cooked to then take on Wozza for the belt into Boundary. Kenworth and Trav withdrew from service in River Rd, I had only a few jellybeans left in the jar when Shane tucked in behind Rocket at Laws Drive. Unaware all had single filed behind, I sank all into a short shift past Rocket, who soon resumed the helm to take us to Rivers' end. (Fossilosophy : something possesses the spirit to drive to the limit, maybe as a measure of self worth, a comparison or a team target, a muscular and mental masochism that feels great only when you stop) Turns recommenced from Central Kialla onward but I'd drawn the short straw to have Rockets' low and fast draft from Archer Rd to the highway, the belt up Mt Nicolaci almost inducing profanities about pace. A short and slow turn by me to Roubaix corner drew Trav back into the mix at the front, Shane, Wozz and Pete drove onto to Conrod, only benefitting Rocket to unleash the horses for the final 300metres. A second fastest time (44:25) was ample reward for effort.
Sleep was as rare as a Palmer Party candidate Friday morning, insomnia solved with a few early k's on the Boulevard, past the golf course and onto Wanganui. An eye on the Garmin clock kept the wattage up, a push to the Verney roundabout just in time to join Princess, Fee, Meags and Kylie for a 30k preface to a Cat lap. It was a cruisy smooth roll out to the Emu with just a wisp of easterly to master, chatting with Princess on the fragility of carbon wheels. Almost every bunch in the town were headed east on Old Dookie Rd for a freaky Friday fest, we cruised back to SPC, u-turned and collected Trent and Ian, and set forth on the 32ks of Old Dookie-Boundary-River-Mitchell and Raftery. A yarn on wildlife with Ian and Trent's rare "Blue" bike soaked up the k's, a distraction from Trents' unfortunate case of Lycrack. A second wind came to most in Mitchell Rd to bump up the speed, continuing to Conrod's end where Fee, Princess and Meags u-turned to tap out another 30 k's to reach a ton before 8. Work and lack of time drove me straight home pronto to finish the week with a couple of Strava silvers.
Week 45 232km YTD 12,420 km
Word of the Week
"Caloride" (noun) A cycling journey to wear off the excesses of beer, bacon or bakeries.
Working on Melbourne Cup day was as joyous as a fuel levy, but all was not lost squeezing in an early lap. There were later morning laps by Couldabeens and Goats, so rolled past the Cat grid at 5.50am hopeful, quickly abandoned ship though seeing Bomber and only one other departing. Lights of three southbound bikes in Railway parade shed some light and hope, so swung toward Friars to see who dared. Sootie, Comet and Stace were the only punters, Cervelo John the solitary Goat arriving as the 6am flag fell. Intuition commenced the rotation in the low 30's against the nuisance ENE wind, better to be Boundary bound as the breeze swung NE , Stace taking a brief rearmost respite as the velocity grew. All agreed it was ideal single file conditions beyond the pub, Sootie taking a longer turn at the front to set a standard but Cervelo John abbreviated in River Rd. Comet's the definition of swift and smooth but a draft as handy as a matchstick, a flick of her elbow handed me the front to grind out a 2k turn, Stace back in the drivers seat at Laws Drive to muscle the motion. A draft from Sootie, Cervelo John and Comet to Mitchell Rd had revived my rectus femorus, I got well into the groove to drive a 4k turn to the highway. Sootie took us to the horse stud, CerveloJohn to Arcadia Downs and Comet hammered us home on Conrod, a solid lap for a small field, shame that duty called at the salt mines on a public holiday.
Wednesday's southwester tortured the commute south to Kialla but Christmas had arrived early with Shane, PistolPete, Rocket, Choppy, Trav and Nick already gridded up to take on the headwind first. Trav's back on old faithful (better on the fit but not on the fast) and Choppy was in for some Pistol punishment at his side. I'd timed my turn at the front precisely to reap Mitchell Rd's almost tailwind assistance, Wozza bumping up the pace to make sure I earned breakfast. A Hurtlocker trifecta was a little behind agenda, the Cat pack likewise battling the breeze. Shane and Pete kept our lungs working in River Rd to catch a solitary BigBen at the speed bumps. Facing the headwind music in Channel Rd shortened the turns, at last the recumbent cypress tree has been cleared from the circuit. Rocket and Big Ben challenged the Cha Cha and Pistol toasted Shane on the Bonanza to clock us a fastest time.
Couldabeens entrants were rare Thursday morning, Wozz and I the only starters with 5 minutes to go. Shane, Trav, Rocket and Pete fronted in the dying moments, guaranteeing a rapid ride. A late Kenworth chased and latched onto our small pack at the Kensington roundabout, Rocket and Pistol paired (yet again) to ensure there'd be no rest for the righteous (even at the back). Shane had the enthusiasm dialled up to 40 for the last leg of Channel Rd, my calves were well cooked to then take on Wozza for the belt into Boundary. Kenworth and Trav withdrew from service in River Rd, I had only a few jellybeans left in the jar when Shane tucked in behind Rocket at Laws Drive. Unaware all had single filed behind, I sank all into a short shift past Rocket, who soon resumed the helm to take us to Rivers' end. (Fossilosophy : something possesses the spirit to drive to the limit, maybe as a measure of self worth, a comparison or a team target, a muscular and mental masochism that feels great only when you stop) Turns recommenced from Central Kialla onward but I'd drawn the short straw to have Rockets' low and fast draft from Archer Rd to the highway, the belt up Mt Nicolaci almost inducing profanities about pace. A short and slow turn by me to Roubaix corner drew Trav back into the mix at the front, Shane, Wozz and Pete drove onto to Conrod, only benefitting Rocket to unleash the horses for the final 300metres. A second fastest time (44:25) was ample reward for effort.
Sleep was as rare as a Palmer Party candidate Friday morning, insomnia solved with a few early k's on the Boulevard, past the golf course and onto Wanganui. An eye on the Garmin clock kept the wattage up, a push to the Verney roundabout just in time to join Princess, Fee, Meags and Kylie for a 30k preface to a Cat lap. It was a cruisy smooth roll out to the Emu with just a wisp of easterly to master, chatting with Princess on the fragility of carbon wheels. Almost every bunch in the town were headed east on Old Dookie Rd for a freaky Friday fest, we cruised back to SPC, u-turned and collected Trent and Ian, and set forth on the 32ks of Old Dookie-Boundary-River-Mitchell and Raftery. A yarn on wildlife with Ian and Trent's rare "Blue" bike soaked up the k's, a distraction from Trents' unfortunate case of Lycrack. A second wind came to most in Mitchell Rd to bump up the speed, continuing to Conrod's end where Fee, Princess and Meags u-turned to tap out another 30 k's to reach a ton before 8. Work and lack of time drove me straight home pronto to finish the week with a couple of Strava silvers.
Week 45 232km YTD 12,420 km
Word of the Week
"Caloride" (noun) A cycling journey to wear off the excesses of beer, bacon or bakeries.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Week 44 Being bunch bait
A late night and early morning took the edge off Saturday morning, a slow roll to the start in attempt to lose lethargy. 13 punters at the start line was a positive, a slow roll out for a tardy BigMat to jump on the back of the bunch. Nath joined in at the fig farm, FeltMat in great form matching Pistols' calibre at the front, everyone had get-out-of-jail-free with Avanti Trev's pace policing absent. A big orange sunrise in Old Dookie Rd was 15 degrees starboard to the head-on dawn we had six weeks ago in the pre daylight savings era. Speed limits were well and truely thrown out the window in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, matching Rocket's pace on the front threw some hesitation around my skull till persistance found a rhythm that maintained momentum (despite the nuisance of a south westerly in the face) Eagerness split the bunch entering Wangnui Rd, many keen to flex some muscle while tailenders were still getting up to speed from the halt for traffic. The now de riguer squirt up Wanganui hill silenced the socialising, but a settled spin to the Lemontree via the Boulevard (avoiding roadworks) scored a few Strava titles.
Monday's rainfall kept the bike at bay, winter layers were needed for Tuesdays temperature down to 6. A heavily populated Goat squad assembled at Friars for their 30k lap, the smooth roll out on Old Dookie Rd for 3k's was most kind on creaking limbs. Rotations began beyond Doyles to view the contenders, heard Brendan coming with his unmistakeable 98db cassette but JB was a suprise addition (looks foreign on a Pinarello now that the trusty Cannondale has gone to God) It's a long drag up to the front with 22 riders, a few turns had before Boundary came up. Cobbles and Newto oncoming from the Toaster climbed aboard as we swung into Boundary, the bunch numbering two dozen now inheriting a little rubber band syndrome at the rear. The heart rate calmed (120) with many to share the load, concentration elevated but the scenery blurred by, Newto was handing out advice to all but his new La Pierre had me distracted from the verbals. Soon enough, Conrod came into view, being jammed in the left line after a turn at Arcadia Downs had me resigned from sprintention but happily spectated the usual thrash for line honours.
Rolling out ahead of the Hospital hit squad and holding them off till the finish line has become a challenge for Wozz and I, Tuesday night posed an extra challenge of fighting a strong westerly home so we gave ourselves an extra 10 minutes as compensation. 30km/h of challenge rolling out to the Boulevard, gusts of 43km/h to really test us. The slight incline to the cemetery almost assasinated, a tailwind shove to the Emu was all that inspired continuation. We found Robbo aboard the trusty Opera nearing the golf course, the motorist attempting a four point u-turn with no regard for others was as annoying as a tyre full of bindii. Wanganui Rd was warmly welcomed with the wind whipping us east, a wait at Numurkah Rd for peak hour to clear, then east to the Toaster full steam ahead. The 40+km/h honeymoon soon ended at the Emu, pointing south invoking internal profanities to the wind, throwing wheels about that would rival WobblyTrev. A big test headed west in Old Dookie Rd, maintaining mid thirties was going to whittle down my determination, even though we were swapping turns to share the load. We saw Axel northbound in Boundary Rd (on his way for Hospital bunch punishment), we were lucky to get a little reprieve with the shelter of trees at the roadside. Wozz had an extra 2km/h I could just hold on to as we strove to River Rd, he powered into the turn, unhooking me from the draft. Wozz had found a rythym he'd be silly to break and, unaware I was slowly slipping from his wheel, zoned in on driving into the now westsouthwester, stretching an opening gap till he glanced back a k later. Grateful he dropped back to regroup, I took a couple of k's to rebuild the energy to take the front again, a dip from Laws Drive to Central Kialla Rd about all the legs would give. Wozz took the drivers seat to Mitchell Rd, enough for me to find form again. Got into the groove to push up to the highway, Raftery's steady change of direction had the wind to our side by the horse stud, back into the fourties to flog to the finish. Like last week, we crossed the finish line spent but satisfied, a decent average with no sign of the pursuing peleton.
An 80 rpm rev south to the Kialla start on Wednesday (more spin than a Labor Party bi-election) to shake the aches from Tuesday nights' dip. The long 4.5k haul on the front for Archer Rd wasn't too taxing with a hint of breeze behind, enough for me to maintain Wozza's and Pistol's velocity anyway. Trav's now the Cheshire Cat on a demo Avanti Corsa, about to divorce the old faithful of 9 years good service. (yet another young fella to match on a quick bike) A HurtLocker sextet speared south in Central Kialla, a profusely populated pussycat peleton purring positively plied presto west in River Rd, Breakaways blissfully bunched behind. Snuck a few words in with WhisperingJack (amazingly still riding in his 3rd week back) and Choppy (chosing wheels well, missed the Pistol pairing for a change), our visitor Hamish doing micro-turns on the front (last minute training for the Tat 200). AvantiChris & Cougar put in a good shift at the front, AvantiTrev at the back shaking the fickle flu off the lungs. An easy roll along River Rd and a favourable run up Boundary Rd, suprisingly Channel Rd wasn't the battle I expected. Rocket, Shane, Shorty and Nick drove well west, with the obligatory squirt to Orrvale Rd to clear the cobwebs.
Toured south with Wozza to Thursday's thrash with the Couldabeens, Shane, Rocket, Pistol, Trav, Kenworth, Jase, Temple, AvantiTrev and Nick ready, BigMat and HBK dragging the punctuality chain. I overcame the urge to shirk the first turn with Shane, was well and truely warmed up on the 2.2k leg, another 1.3k matching Wozza to Orrvale Rd toasted the edges. PrinceMark had made a comeback at Kensington , Trish left to jump aboard at Doyles. Rocket then Pistol added to the tempo to the kinder, Big Mat had payback on HBK (a little off song). My thoughts begged retreat after a long slog at the front but a few minutes recovery turned the tide to try a repeat. PrinceMark cut across to the up line for an additional shift in River Rd (unacustomed as he is to bunch etiquette), quite the surger on the front. The needle went low on my energy tank finally getting round him, an elephant stamp to Wozza for an early roll over to bask in his draft. AvantiTrev and Temple were unsighted, hanging onto the rear as the pace continued unabaited, Rocket and Pistol seemed to be just warming up at Central Kialla. Turns rolled sooner beyond the highway, the bunch morphed single file after the horsestud in Raftery Rd, even BigMat bowed out of venturing forward. Rocket took to the front at Arcadia Downs, nobody game to roll up. Compassion for Rocket being hung out to dry drove me to the front to loan him a brief tow, which only made the natives Trav and Wozz restless for a sprint. 50 metres of draft only flung the gate open for the thoroughbred to bolt, Rocket lighting up the Avanti to trounce all. Three Strava trophies made my huff and puff worthwhile, second the best I could hope for.
A roll out past SPC at 6 on Friday found Fee, Princess and Meags u-turning from an early 30k, so joined in a single file lap of Old Dookie-Boundary-River-Mitchell and Raftery. As they'd done the early hard yards, I was happy to take the pointy end, wheels rolling nicely without wind. No objections to my lead from behind as we steered into Boundary, we tapped away south finding Ian at Channel Rd who tacked on to make a quintet. I'd really found a groove in River Rd, slowly adding a k or two to the tempo (without busting the rubber band). Feeling a little greedy turning at Central Kialla, I retired to the back to share the driving, the smooth steady lap finishing off the week well, coffee with Meags and the Locker Lads at Friars socially substantially substituting for a weekend off the bike.
Week 44 280km YTD 12,188km
Word of the Week
"Blunch" (noun) a peleton halted for a midday meal.
Monday's rainfall kept the bike at bay, winter layers were needed for Tuesdays temperature down to 6. A heavily populated Goat squad assembled at Friars for their 30k lap, the smooth roll out on Old Dookie Rd for 3k's was most kind on creaking limbs. Rotations began beyond Doyles to view the contenders, heard Brendan coming with his unmistakeable 98db cassette but JB was a suprise addition (looks foreign on a Pinarello now that the trusty Cannondale has gone to God) It's a long drag up to the front with 22 riders, a few turns had before Boundary came up. Cobbles and Newto oncoming from the Toaster climbed aboard as we swung into Boundary, the bunch numbering two dozen now inheriting a little rubber band syndrome at the rear. The heart rate calmed (120) with many to share the load, concentration elevated but the scenery blurred by, Newto was handing out advice to all but his new La Pierre had me distracted from the verbals. Soon enough, Conrod came into view, being jammed in the left line after a turn at Arcadia Downs had me resigned from sprintention but happily spectated the usual thrash for line honours.
Rolling out ahead of the Hospital hit squad and holding them off till the finish line has become a challenge for Wozz and I, Tuesday night posed an extra challenge of fighting a strong westerly home so we gave ourselves an extra 10 minutes as compensation. 30km/h of challenge rolling out to the Boulevard, gusts of 43km/h to really test us. The slight incline to the cemetery almost assasinated, a tailwind shove to the Emu was all that inspired continuation. We found Robbo aboard the trusty Opera nearing the golf course, the motorist attempting a four point u-turn with no regard for others was as annoying as a tyre full of bindii. Wanganui Rd was warmly welcomed with the wind whipping us east, a wait at Numurkah Rd for peak hour to clear, then east to the Toaster full steam ahead. The 40+km/h honeymoon soon ended at the Emu, pointing south invoking internal profanities to the wind, throwing wheels about that would rival WobblyTrev. A big test headed west in Old Dookie Rd, maintaining mid thirties was going to whittle down my determination, even though we were swapping turns to share the load. We saw Axel northbound in Boundary Rd (on his way for Hospital bunch punishment), we were lucky to get a little reprieve with the shelter of trees at the roadside. Wozz had an extra 2km/h I could just hold on to as we strove to River Rd, he powered into the turn, unhooking me from the draft. Wozz had found a rythym he'd be silly to break and, unaware I was slowly slipping from his wheel, zoned in on driving into the now westsouthwester, stretching an opening gap till he glanced back a k later. Grateful he dropped back to regroup, I took a couple of k's to rebuild the energy to take the front again, a dip from Laws Drive to Central Kialla Rd about all the legs would give. Wozz took the drivers seat to Mitchell Rd, enough for me to find form again. Got into the groove to push up to the highway, Raftery's steady change of direction had the wind to our side by the horse stud, back into the fourties to flog to the finish. Like last week, we crossed the finish line spent but satisfied, a decent average with no sign of the pursuing peleton.
An 80 rpm rev south to the Kialla start on Wednesday (more spin than a Labor Party bi-election) to shake the aches from Tuesday nights' dip. The long 4.5k haul on the front for Archer Rd wasn't too taxing with a hint of breeze behind, enough for me to maintain Wozza's and Pistol's velocity anyway. Trav's now the Cheshire Cat on a demo Avanti Corsa, about to divorce the old faithful of 9 years good service. (yet another young fella to match on a quick bike) A HurtLocker sextet speared south in Central Kialla, a profusely populated pussycat peleton purring positively plied presto west in River Rd, Breakaways blissfully bunched behind. Snuck a few words in with WhisperingJack (amazingly still riding in his 3rd week back) and Choppy (chosing wheels well, missed the Pistol pairing for a change), our visitor Hamish doing micro-turns on the front (last minute training for the Tat 200). AvantiChris & Cougar put in a good shift at the front, AvantiTrev at the back shaking the fickle flu off the lungs. An easy roll along River Rd and a favourable run up Boundary Rd, suprisingly Channel Rd wasn't the battle I expected. Rocket, Shane, Shorty and Nick drove well west, with the obligatory squirt to Orrvale Rd to clear the cobwebs.
Toured south with Wozza to Thursday's thrash with the Couldabeens, Shane, Rocket, Pistol, Trav, Kenworth, Jase, Temple, AvantiTrev and Nick ready, BigMat and HBK dragging the punctuality chain. I overcame the urge to shirk the first turn with Shane, was well and truely warmed up on the 2.2k leg, another 1.3k matching Wozza to Orrvale Rd toasted the edges. PrinceMark had made a comeback at Kensington , Trish left to jump aboard at Doyles. Rocket then Pistol added to the tempo to the kinder, Big Mat had payback on HBK (a little off song). My thoughts begged retreat after a long slog at the front but a few minutes recovery turned the tide to try a repeat. PrinceMark cut across to the up line for an additional shift in River Rd (unacustomed as he is to bunch etiquette), quite the surger on the front. The needle went low on my energy tank finally getting round him, an elephant stamp to Wozza for an early roll over to bask in his draft. AvantiTrev and Temple were unsighted, hanging onto the rear as the pace continued unabaited, Rocket and Pistol seemed to be just warming up at Central Kialla. Turns rolled sooner beyond the highway, the bunch morphed single file after the horsestud in Raftery Rd, even BigMat bowed out of venturing forward. Rocket took to the front at Arcadia Downs, nobody game to roll up. Compassion for Rocket being hung out to dry drove me to the front to loan him a brief tow, which only made the natives Trav and Wozz restless for a sprint. 50 metres of draft only flung the gate open for the thoroughbred to bolt, Rocket lighting up the Avanti to trounce all. Three Strava trophies made my huff and puff worthwhile, second the best I could hope for.
A roll out past SPC at 6 on Friday found Fee, Princess and Meags u-turning from an early 30k, so joined in a single file lap of Old Dookie-Boundary-River-Mitchell and Raftery. As they'd done the early hard yards, I was happy to take the pointy end, wheels rolling nicely without wind. No objections to my lead from behind as we steered into Boundary, we tapped away south finding Ian at Channel Rd who tacked on to make a quintet. I'd really found a groove in River Rd, slowly adding a k or two to the tempo (without busting the rubber band). Feeling a little greedy turning at Central Kialla, I retired to the back to share the driving, the smooth steady lap finishing off the week well, coffee with Meags and the Locker Lads at Friars socially substantially substituting for a weekend off the bike.
Week 44 280km YTD 12,188km
Word of the Week
"Blunch" (noun) a peleton halted for a midday meal.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Week 43 Swift sandwiches, peculiar protocols and enlightenment
The lights went out on the roll to Saturdays lap, volts went missing between battery and lamp to cause concern in the 5.45am dark, no amount of wriggling leads and plug cured the blackness. A cautious roll along the best lit streets till ChrisA happened along to shed light (and comfort) for my commute. Safety in numbers at the start with Temple, Nick, Cougar, Shane, Trav and Shorty, a few regulars missing with the evening's Criterium and the Round the Bay ahead. FeltMat was cruising west as we departed east, twice the work for us to do with just half the usual attendees. Two years of Saturdays spent with these villans now, only 7 fronted on the inaugural lap with a 10% slower average so perseverance pays. The same familiar sights, sounds and smells on the same track, a chance to digest and dish out some social intercourse not usually possible in the huff and puff of the weekday thrash. We were almost to Central Ave when Rocket and FeltMat came into view on a cruise, preserving the legs for bigger things. Itchy for tempo at DECA, slingshot Shane bolted for an assault on Wanganui hill inciting Temple to pursue, Shorty left high and dry at the bunch front. Sympathy beckoned me to donate tow truck duties to the single filed remainder, soon catching Temple on the ascent and Shane throttling off in Rudd Rd. Sprinting steam vapourised to socially slow through town, a traditional topping of tall talk at the Lemontree.
A border weekend prompted a Titaniums' tour on Sunday, weather worth a lap anywhere really. Plenty assembled at the Mookarii and Brepbir corner (no, not downtown Kiev, but g'day to the 16 usual Ukrainian readers) in an ideal 13 degrees, Steve, John, Giff, Sandra, Howie, The Mullet and Arfa arriving to fill the ranks to 20. Eight bells chimed the start, crossing the border (and not seeking assylum) on a very thin bike lane with a roadside Echidna send off. A two row bunch formed on Barooga's exit, a timekeeper calling five minute turns at the front, with a peculiar peel off to the right for the two leaders to rejoin at the back, exposing the next two for duty. Oh well, when in Rome...... Five minutes out of town it was my turn at the pointy end with The Mullet, gradually measuring me up to 38 clicks against a 15k northeaster for 3 k's. This treatment must be their immigration policy? The timekeeper took no pity, the five minute call seemed an eternity. Much relief when it did come, strange that the cruising speed settled back to 31 after. A mixed bag of riders and bikes were sorted into a pecking order on the Spud Hill climb, a sharp little rise on a remote sandhill, I was delighted to be midfield at the peak (on the big ring of course!) and not O.T.A. Nudging 50 on the descent spread the pack like Brown's cows, at least there was a courteous slow on the Back Barooga Rd to re-unite with those who went missing in action. The NNE blew us along for the 6k's to the Mulwala Rd, then bearing west to town and winding up the knots to climb "have a dip" hill. A sprint to finish is standard fare for most bunches, a thrash on Buchanan's Rd climb scored me an 8th overall to earn a post ride calorie and caffine injection, the roll back to town saddened with the echidna now a speed hump.
Rigged up a temporary light for a short lap Monday, enough to shed some lumens a few metres ahead but barely registering on the confidence meter. A stiff southerly (28-35 km/h) had all the effort stops pulled out to reach Channel Rd, a distant tail light ahead becoming an unreachable bait. Pistol Pete was seen at the S bend on his trek west, I was making no inroads on the bike ahead so relaxed the internal target, enjoying the helping hand breeze on the route north. The red l.e.d. lure had vanished as I reached the fig farm, a decision for pure variation to take New Dookie Rd home to satisfy change for the sake of it. Concerns of being seen subsided with the sun risen, quite a push home with the southerly shoving the wheels about. New Dookie's coarse surface felt like the handbrake on, plenty of potholes to pound the posterior too (no forgiveness from an alloy bike) . With little traffic to fight, I was home early, a Strava download revealing I'd unwittingly stalked Wozza just a few minutes in arrears on an identical lap!
No reply from the manufacturer on parts for the temperamental headlamp (with seperate battery pack and dodgy lead) so it's gone OTA for a nifty new self contained 110g Cygolight, piercing Tuesday mornings darkness with 500 lumens, an enlightened ride to the Couldabeens start with Wozz, Whispering Jack on the grid attempting to get his speedo to function. (clearing copious cobwebs?) A rush of entries in the final minutes (BigMat, Rocket, Cougar, PistolPete, Nick, Temple, Kenworth, AvantiTrev, Trav and Chops) put Wozz and I in charge of first turn, FeltMat (well wearied from Sunday's 250k round the Bay) joining in at Kensington. Barely a puff of ENE managed to shorten breath at the front, pleased that a good sized bunch gave a chance of recovery before duty called again. Sosso was caught and passed just over the Boundary Rd bridges, I became the meat in a South African sandwich between Temple's tenacious tempo and Wozza's wicked warp drive. Mitchell Rd appeared an eternity away from River Rd, 2k of train driving with Wozz with the fuse rapidly shortening and hoping I'd reach the target roll-over before the explosion. Made the change point just shy of meltdown, then hung on grimly for a tow to compose the heart rate before the next turn came. A truck emerged suddenly in Central Kialla Rd catching me off guard, a brake lock up and veer stage left avoided becoming a Bedford bumperbar. FeltMat and WhisperingJack had gone awol when I snuck a look back at Mt Nicolaci (the tiny three metre dip and rise in Mitchell Rd for the Seven creeks bridge), the remainder all congealling on the slow wind-up to speed once over the highway. Rotations had turned short and serious after Roubaix, Trav bravely venturing forward to the front with Rocket (where others feared to tread) at the entry to Conrod. All the contenders had single filed behind going into the dip, playing a waiting game with the finish line still a spec on the horizon. Rocket retook the lead to Trav's relief, but launched his sprint with 500 to go, Kenworth kaboomed, Wozza wilted and Pistol popped to leave me for a "do or die" push for the crumbs of second place, contributing a tow to the retirees. A respectful regroup at the little bridge for a team plod through town, recovering breath, discussing what-ifs and tactics and estimating averages.
Colluded with Wozz to head out on the Toaster lap Tuesday arvo a little before the hospital bunch, to judge their tempo (and our ability to stay aboard) when they caught us. Perfect mid twenties weather allowed a quick kit-up, none of the multiple layers needed to survive the past months. A north northeast wind furrowed the brow on the long stretch east, crossing the Verney roundabout 6 minutes ahead of the hospital hit squad. Nath then Deano were seen heading west to intercept, hinting the horsepower following. The long drag of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd was boiling the determination along with the heart rate, only a car or two to offer a few seconds of draft as relief. Collective sighs at the Emu to have the breeze at our left shoulder, fair caution at the long grass lined intersections for traffic (in light of the mornings' close call). Going was good in Old Dookie Rd but better in Boundary, a peer rearward had no sign of the pursuing peleton. A Channel Rd escape was off the list, slogging out River Rd's 6 k's was on, with an eye behind for the inquisition, plenty of airbourne protein active with dusk inviting a million insects to party. Spring's first snake (a deceased Brown) was at Rivers' end, a little urgency in the pace built with the hospital bunch still not sighted. Legs had jellied by Mitchell Rd (particularly when asked to ascend Mt Nicolaci), Wozz and I scheming to go single file after Roubaix in an effort to maintain the pace for the headwind home. Swapping turns till the last 500 got us to the line spent but satisfied, the expected bunch (brimming with potent wattage) suddenly appearing hot on our case just 300 metres behind. A little overwhelmed playing pace car through town for the Formula One's behind.
Limp legs Wednesday morning, a slow start down the main street toward a Couldabeens start was helped with an assisting northeaster, Wozz similarly worn but we were both happy to take the first grid positions for the tailwinded southbound leg of Archer. AvantiChris, WhisperingJack, PistolPete, Cougar, Rocket, Shorty, Nick, Coggo and Shane all relished the mild 13 degrees but the east and northbound sections promised work to be done. We crossed paths with the hurt lockerette (2) in Central Kialla, peak hour traffic in River Rd with the licorice allsorts colours of the Mexicans, a Cat train bigger than Ben Hur, 51 at warp speed, the Breakaways soaking up speed, Fitzy and other assorted soloist, capped of with the P&W's greet near Rivers' end. Shane and Pistol fought out the headwind and the who-has-the-wheel-ahead honours in Boundary Rd, Shorty at second wheel praying they's see it out to Channel Rd. My legs had come good by the s bends, timely with Jack's attack to the Kinder then the Wozz and Trav strike force for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, steaming along to Orrvale Rd scoring me a second fastest Cha Cha and a third for the Devils lane dash. So much for recovery Wednesdays.
Summer had arrived early Thursday, balmy temperatures drawing out Goats from all corners, baring legs and arms not seen for many months. Nearly twenty congregated at Friars for Coggo's limber-up session and Hommy's humour but at 6am it was down to business, Coggo and I in the pilots seats to taxi the train out of town, Cat tail-lights ahead acting as our runway. The rotating sequence began beyond the truck route, Bickers Snr, LegalAndy, Bazza, Dipper, AvantiLeigh, Kate and Tum rolled by, Sandy, Comet, Tina and Deb made the femme fatale foursome line astern, Heady, Leon, Hommy, Wazza, Sootie, Liam and back to Coggo, then repeat as neccessary. It was a track turn apprenticeship for Wozza but great was the smoothness out Old Dookie Rd, Area 51 from the east entering Boundary Rd just ahead of us, Cats in their scope. A hint of southerly breeze was felt on the route to River Rd, 51's tail-lights steadily drawing away into the distance on their moggy mission. Only a few Goats retired to sit on, the westward run to Central Kialla impressively driven with most of the girls still contributing pace aplenty. A good call for an approaching truck at River's end halted proceedings briefly, our train soon got all its wheels turning again, humming down to Mitchell then across to the highway for the serious steaming to commence. Into the final k of Raftery Rd with improving odds of a podium sitting on Coggo's wheel, I was hopeful at 3rd wheel with 200 metres left. Sprint junkie Hommy detached from my wheel and suprisingly snuck inside and under Coggo, victory vapours flaring in his nostrils. It was launch or lose for me with just a 100 metres left, off the seat to amplify the Cosmics, 190bpm and 53 clicks just enough to score the chocolates.
Succumbed to the sloth of a sleep-in Friday, enough k's for the week, tempting though to Stravaspy on others Freaky Friday escapades.
Week 43: 305km YTD 11,908 km
Word of the Week
"Sprinterloper" (noun) a rider who fails to contribute to the teamwork,
yet intrudes into the contention for final victory.
A border weekend prompted a Titaniums' tour on Sunday, weather worth a lap anywhere really. Plenty assembled at the Mookarii and Brepbir corner (no, not downtown Kiev, but g'day to the 16 usual Ukrainian readers) in an ideal 13 degrees, Steve, John, Giff, Sandra, Howie, The Mullet and Arfa arriving to fill the ranks to 20. Eight bells chimed the start, crossing the border (and not seeking assylum) on a very thin bike lane with a roadside Echidna send off. A two row bunch formed on Barooga's exit, a timekeeper calling five minute turns at the front, with a peculiar peel off to the right for the two leaders to rejoin at the back, exposing the next two for duty. Oh well, when in Rome...... Five minutes out of town it was my turn at the pointy end with The Mullet, gradually measuring me up to 38 clicks against a 15k northeaster for 3 k's. This treatment must be their immigration policy? The timekeeper took no pity, the five minute call seemed an eternity. Much relief when it did come, strange that the cruising speed settled back to 31 after. A mixed bag of riders and bikes were sorted into a pecking order on the Spud Hill climb, a sharp little rise on a remote sandhill, I was delighted to be midfield at the peak (on the big ring of course!) and not O.T.A. Nudging 50 on the descent spread the pack like Brown's cows, at least there was a courteous slow on the Back Barooga Rd to re-unite with those who went missing in action. The NNE blew us along for the 6k's to the Mulwala Rd, then bearing west to town and winding up the knots to climb "have a dip" hill. A sprint to finish is standard fare for most bunches, a thrash on Buchanan's Rd climb scored me an 8th overall to earn a post ride calorie and caffine injection, the roll back to town saddened with the echidna now a speed hump.
Rigged up a temporary light for a short lap Monday, enough to shed some lumens a few metres ahead but barely registering on the confidence meter. A stiff southerly (28-35 km/h) had all the effort stops pulled out to reach Channel Rd, a distant tail light ahead becoming an unreachable bait. Pistol Pete was seen at the S bend on his trek west, I was making no inroads on the bike ahead so relaxed the internal target, enjoying the helping hand breeze on the route north. The red l.e.d. lure had vanished as I reached the fig farm, a decision for pure variation to take New Dookie Rd home to satisfy change for the sake of it. Concerns of being seen subsided with the sun risen, quite a push home with the southerly shoving the wheels about. New Dookie's coarse surface felt like the handbrake on, plenty of potholes to pound the posterior too (no forgiveness from an alloy bike) . With little traffic to fight, I was home early, a Strava download revealing I'd unwittingly stalked Wozza just a few minutes in arrears on an identical lap!
No reply from the manufacturer on parts for the temperamental headlamp (with seperate battery pack and dodgy lead) so it's gone OTA for a nifty new self contained 110g Cygolight, piercing Tuesday mornings darkness with 500 lumens, an enlightened ride to the Couldabeens start with Wozz, Whispering Jack on the grid attempting to get his speedo to function. (clearing copious cobwebs?) A rush of entries in the final minutes (BigMat, Rocket, Cougar, PistolPete, Nick, Temple, Kenworth, AvantiTrev, Trav and Chops) put Wozz and I in charge of first turn, FeltMat (well wearied from Sunday's 250k round the Bay) joining in at Kensington. Barely a puff of ENE managed to shorten breath at the front, pleased that a good sized bunch gave a chance of recovery before duty called again. Sosso was caught and passed just over the Boundary Rd bridges, I became the meat in a South African sandwich between Temple's tenacious tempo and Wozza's wicked warp drive. Mitchell Rd appeared an eternity away from River Rd, 2k of train driving with Wozz with the fuse rapidly shortening and hoping I'd reach the target roll-over before the explosion. Made the change point just shy of meltdown, then hung on grimly for a tow to compose the heart rate before the next turn came. A truck emerged suddenly in Central Kialla Rd catching me off guard, a brake lock up and veer stage left avoided becoming a Bedford bumperbar. FeltMat and WhisperingJack had gone awol when I snuck a look back at Mt Nicolaci (the tiny three metre dip and rise in Mitchell Rd for the Seven creeks bridge), the remainder all congealling on the slow wind-up to speed once over the highway. Rotations had turned short and serious after Roubaix, Trav bravely venturing forward to the front with Rocket (where others feared to tread) at the entry to Conrod. All the contenders had single filed behind going into the dip, playing a waiting game with the finish line still a spec on the horizon. Rocket retook the lead to Trav's relief, but launched his sprint with 500 to go, Kenworth kaboomed, Wozza wilted and Pistol popped to leave me for a "do or die" push for the crumbs of second place, contributing a tow to the retirees. A respectful regroup at the little bridge for a team plod through town, recovering breath, discussing what-ifs and tactics and estimating averages.
Colluded with Wozz to head out on the Toaster lap Tuesday arvo a little before the hospital bunch, to judge their tempo (and our ability to stay aboard) when they caught us. Perfect mid twenties weather allowed a quick kit-up, none of the multiple layers needed to survive the past months. A north northeast wind furrowed the brow on the long stretch east, crossing the Verney roundabout 6 minutes ahead of the hospital hit squad. Nath then Deano were seen heading west to intercept, hinting the horsepower following. The long drag of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd was boiling the determination along with the heart rate, only a car or two to offer a few seconds of draft as relief. Collective sighs at the Emu to have the breeze at our left shoulder, fair caution at the long grass lined intersections for traffic (in light of the mornings' close call). Going was good in Old Dookie Rd but better in Boundary, a peer rearward had no sign of the pursuing peleton. A Channel Rd escape was off the list, slogging out River Rd's 6 k's was on, with an eye behind for the inquisition, plenty of airbourne protein active with dusk inviting a million insects to party. Spring's first snake (a deceased Brown) was at Rivers' end, a little urgency in the pace built with the hospital bunch still not sighted. Legs had jellied by Mitchell Rd (particularly when asked to ascend Mt Nicolaci), Wozz and I scheming to go single file after Roubaix in an effort to maintain the pace for the headwind home. Swapping turns till the last 500 got us to the line spent but satisfied, the expected bunch (brimming with potent wattage) suddenly appearing hot on our case just 300 metres behind. A little overwhelmed playing pace car through town for the Formula One's behind.
Limp legs Wednesday morning, a slow start down the main street toward a Couldabeens start was helped with an assisting northeaster, Wozz similarly worn but we were both happy to take the first grid positions for the tailwinded southbound leg of Archer. AvantiChris, WhisperingJack, PistolPete, Cougar, Rocket, Shorty, Nick, Coggo and Shane all relished the mild 13 degrees but the east and northbound sections promised work to be done. We crossed paths with the hurt lockerette (2) in Central Kialla, peak hour traffic in River Rd with the licorice allsorts colours of the Mexicans, a Cat train bigger than Ben Hur, 51 at warp speed, the Breakaways soaking up speed, Fitzy and other assorted soloist, capped of with the P&W's greet near Rivers' end. Shane and Pistol fought out the headwind and the who-has-the-wheel-ahead honours in Boundary Rd, Shorty at second wheel praying they's see it out to Channel Rd. My legs had come good by the s bends, timely with Jack's attack to the Kinder then the Wozz and Trav strike force for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, steaming along to Orrvale Rd scoring me a second fastest Cha Cha and a third for the Devils lane dash. So much for recovery Wednesdays.
Summer had arrived early Thursday, balmy temperatures drawing out Goats from all corners, baring legs and arms not seen for many months. Nearly twenty congregated at Friars for Coggo's limber-up session and Hommy's humour but at 6am it was down to business, Coggo and I in the pilots seats to taxi the train out of town, Cat tail-lights ahead acting as our runway. The rotating sequence began beyond the truck route, Bickers Snr, LegalAndy, Bazza, Dipper, AvantiLeigh, Kate and Tum rolled by, Sandy, Comet, Tina and Deb made the femme fatale foursome line astern, Heady, Leon, Hommy, Wazza, Sootie, Liam and back to Coggo, then repeat as neccessary. It was a track turn apprenticeship for Wozza but great was the smoothness out Old Dookie Rd, Area 51 from the east entering Boundary Rd just ahead of us, Cats in their scope. A hint of southerly breeze was felt on the route to River Rd, 51's tail-lights steadily drawing away into the distance on their moggy mission. Only a few Goats retired to sit on, the westward run to Central Kialla impressively driven with most of the girls still contributing pace aplenty. A good call for an approaching truck at River's end halted proceedings briefly, our train soon got all its wheels turning again, humming down to Mitchell then across to the highway for the serious steaming to commence. Into the final k of Raftery Rd with improving odds of a podium sitting on Coggo's wheel, I was hopeful at 3rd wheel with 200 metres left. Sprint junkie Hommy detached from my wheel and suprisingly snuck inside and under Coggo, victory vapours flaring in his nostrils. It was launch or lose for me with just a 100 metres left, off the seat to amplify the Cosmics, 190bpm and 53 clicks just enough to score the chocolates.
Succumbed to the sloth of a sleep-in Friday, enough k's for the week, tempting though to Stravaspy on others Freaky Friday escapades.
Week 43: 305km YTD 11,908 km
Word of the Week
"Sprinterloper" (noun) a rider who fails to contribute to the teamwork,
yet intrudes into the contention for final victory.
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