Curse you / bless you September Strava MTS, the kilometre challenge has inspired / inflicted new motivation. Another daily double on the agenda for Saturday, a 45k Couldabeens lap as an entree. PistolPete, Shorty, Trav, Cougar, AvantiTrev, HBK, Jase, Vince and AvantiChris were in the starters hands for a 6am off, Rocket recumbant and resting for the arvo DECA dash. A light souhwester helped our Channel Rd journey, September's windy weeks unavoidable. AvantiTrev's respiratory restrictions limited his pace, I was more than happy to comply beside him at the front. HBK was in his usual abbreviated kit (shorts) but the sarcasm and inuendo was typically long. Cougar was having a good go driving the train, the rising sun aligned to blind all head on for the Old Dookie leg to the toaster. SuperMario was found Emu bound on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, an alarm malfunction forcing his shortcut clockwise to intercept. Much of the usual Saturday banter (suprisingly nudging the speed limit) on the west leg home, Vince u-turning to cohabitate with the Cats bearing east. There's allsorts of road surfaces heading to town, the smooth soothes and psychologically speeds, the rough ragged on the rump. A few adjustments to the pace as we made our way to Rudd Rd, BigMat bolting on the Boulevard to score first sitting at the Lemontree. Just a brief infusion of caffine for me to allow the jump aboard the Goat train at 7.30 for extra clicks, today on an anti clockwise tour de Toaster. A casual crank down the main drag with the deck shuffling vs traffic lights. Rotations got sorted for Raftery Rd, almost catching Vince on the trek homeward, a bit of chat with Bazz, Bickers, SpecialisedSteve & Snowman amidst the strengthening southerly. Better to be in Mitchell Rd with the breeze at the starboard, 16 making the burden lighter. Turns longer than normal midweek Goat specs allowed a chat while making good progress on River Rd and Boundary, I paired with Brendan near the bridges and capitalised on the tailwind. To keep on the clock, my route was Old Dookie Rd home, several on a likewise course. I felt enthused enough to drive into the 28km/h southerly and tow the lads home (Fee seen solo knocking out the long k's in Tri Melbourne preparation), Snowman breaking into a city limit sprint (uncontested). Chuffed to tick 1000k's for September MTS with 10 days left for more.
High time to harden up and join the Cats for a Monday thrash, but I miss timed the start by a minute. Thankfully Travis was dragging the chain in Knight St too, a strong lad to work with to claw our way onto the bunch as it departed in Old Dookie Rd. Phil, Sly, GentlemanGraham, Eddy, Tum, AvantiLeigh, Dipper and others set a rapid cruising speed toward Boundary Rd, collecting Mo and Vince en route. Track turns aided the velocity, the air a little fresh (and foggy) at 3 degrees. One had already established himself as tailgunner by the figfarm, I'd rather concentrate on the wheels ahead than find out who. Had an interrupted chat with Vince on Saturdays DECA dash, a few words each rotation gradually built a sentence over a few k's. Much focus was on keeping my roll overs smooth, avoided watching the Garmin for fear of seeing the heart rate and snapping the mental limits. Full steam ahead in River Rd to the tune of cranked carbon, crossing directions with the Breakaway quintet breezing east. The turn into central Kialla had me off the Fizik and stomping on the pedals to stay in touch, no considerate pauses for tailenders to catch up with these lads. Into Mitchell Rd and still on the gas, I inherited the nervous lead for the climb up Mt Nicolaci (always feel i've crawled up). A clear run over the highway and ramped up for Roubaix, the little mental gremlins started calling for reartirement but I defied the defeatists to push onward. Numbers working the front were thinning by Conrod, my tank was almost dry cresting the dipper so sat happily on Travis's wheel, nicely timed with only two left heading to the front as the tempo turned toasty. The last 400 metres had many hit the red line and expire, me and Tum picking off those who kaboomed to happily score 5th & 6th, a 39.4 km/h average worth all the huffing and puffing.
A growing group of Goats gathered at Friars Tuesday morning, Hommy firing sledges in all directions. With Coggo headed for the hills and Tum on the crook couch, 18 still filled the seats on the 6am daylight train out of town, suprised to see Sooty and Comet on the passenger list. All bar one (staying in the rear seat) took a drive out to Boundary Rd, Kate, Comet & Sandy keeping the lads behaved and working. The newbie (?) tail gunner went unceremoniously OTA at the Pub but the rest soldiered on. River Rd was the limit for a couple now content at the back, the sun highlighting the half kilo of dirt on BigPaul's Colnago in contrast to Principal Skinners clean cassette. Another reartirement or two by Central Kialla still left a dozen contributors to the velocity, the ease of throttle beyond intersections a noticeable difference today over yesterday. I scored the front for the Mt Nico ascent again (but minus the pressure today), BigPaul cursing the climb to tuck in for a tow. The dozen drivers soon evaporated with Arcadia Downs coming into view, down to just AvantiLeigh and I left as the sacrificial lambs for Conrod straight. A long line of lads, suddenly refreshed from a long tow, came out to play in the closing 300 metres, Hommy taking the chocolates (but we'll see just how those aforementioned sprinters will toast on the front next time).
Thursday dawned warm, grey and windy, hasn't been 14 at sun-up since May. The clouds looked menacing but I went on gut feeling rather than on studying radars or forecasts. Ten others took the same chance fronting at Kialla's roundabout (Cougar, Chops, Trav, Nick, PistolPete, Shane, Rocket, WhisperingJack, AvantiChris and Wozza) a northeaster to battle but a tailwind home. Plenty of pace toward Mitchell Rd unhooked a few on Archers' second leg, I hung back to help pick up punished pieces of PistolPete's pace. The bunch blended back together for the drive to central Kialla, passing Coggo and Tina on a River cruise. Three peletons westward lapped up the tailwind, I had the manageable eastward pace beside Trav, Wozza seemed to be revelling in headwind hedonism with Pete. WhisperingJack was flogging the big cog on a mission, AvantiChris' rotation intention quickly put on the back burner. Collective relief on the turn west into Channel Rd, that peaceful moment when wind stops blowing in (between?) your ears, but the collective horsepower of Rocket and Pistol ensured rest was off the agenda. Trav and I steadily tapped out the Cha Cha, WhisperingJack took the torch to the next leg (normally a recovery)into the 40's, all avoiding the steak knife (fallen out of Jack's back?) laying on the road at the school. Chops and Cougar's brief chat unhooked them from yet another push to Kensington, so much for quiet Wednesdays.
Just getting to the start of Thursdays ride was a workout, a swift southerly (22-37km/h) and a damp track may have turned a few back under the doona, Wozza and I predicting a slim turn up were suprised to find just PistolPete at the car park. As the starting time struck all agreed to a single filed attack on the lap. My poorly syncronised turn scored the headwind leg beyond the kinder but I was pleased with 36 clicks into it. PistolPete was odds on favourite, Wozz with plenty of wattage too. Steering south into the wind was a slap in the face of reality for all, I mentally divided Boundary Rd into three equal parts to share the effort, glad the others thought likewise. It was a big ask of the legs to get past Pistol Pete for my turn in Mitchell, aiming at an invisible line of my limit, then shifting it one white post further (feeling the weight of inadequacy?). Wozz drove well to the dogleg, Pete taking the 2 kilometre lions share to Central Kialla. My try to Archer Rd trawled the depths of my reserves, legs went to jelly latching onto the last wheel as Wozz took the helm to the highway. A welcome turn at Roubaix to have the wind almost behind us, low 40's was all I could muster after the heart had 15 k's in zone 5. I handed the reigns to Wozz in Conrod, but Pistol loaded the bullet with 400 to go and shot to the line, all efforts went to hanging on to his draft. Pretty chuffed with a 36.3 average for just 3 in tough conditions.
Wind blew away many regulars at the library Thursday night too, only Robbo, Nath, Luke, Kev and AvantiTrev at the start. Similar temperatures and wind speed as the morning, the trip to the Emu was the bonus, bbq aromas tantilising the nostrils on our exit from town . All was calm and collected on the trip east, picking up Juzza, LegalSteve, Liam, Sprinter and Axel, hard yakka for the rest of the lap though. Nath and Robbo, Luke and Liam stretched the limits into the wind on Old Dookie Rd, I took a short turn in Boundary carrying a leg legacy from the morning. A couple of Mexicans ahead were the lure to the pub but they exited into Channel Rd. Axel tamed the tempo briefly but Nath had a mission of mahem to River Rd and beyond. Robbo and Luke wound up the hurt to Laws Drive, forseeing the future I retreated to the rear, the rubber band snapping soon after. The bunch suddenly single filed behind Robbo & Nath's attack, Carl, AvantiTrev, Axel then Kev detached. With little left in the accelerator, I was keen to work with the tail-enders to survive, Kev, Axel and I swapping turns till Axel bailed out at Archer. Deja vu at Roubaix with the southerly almost in our favour, we caught LegalSteve unhooked from the lead bunch at the horse stud. AvantiTrev donated a lead blast into Conrod, Kev saved our bacon to the finish, us weary warriors catching the lead pack as traffic lights favoured the battlers through town.
Had a big dose of Gumby legs Friday morning, they deserved a quiet roll around after the weeks propulsion. Cruised out Old Dookie Rd (another southwester blowing) to slowly catch a solitary bike ahead. Suprise, suprise, it was the resplendant Bourkey, not seen for four years (now Melbourne based) blowing a years worth of cobwebs off the Fuji. A chat for a few k's had us gain on two others (caught just before Boundary Rd) Fee and Princess similarly out for a steady tap. Old days chewed over distracted thoughts of the headwind. Time dictated my Channel Rd exit, noticing an oncoming bunch at the bridges, likely to be a cast of Couldabeens. Fleeing was futile, I just tapped away west till the lads caught me, Rocket, Pistol & Wozza gapping the bunch of Jase, Temple, WhisperingJack, Nick and AvantiTrev. Pleased to get a tow home to finish the week, clocking 1250 for the Strava September (so far)
Week 39 : 352km YTD 10,884 km
Word of the Week
"cyclust" (noun) a person having a deep craving or appetite for riding bicycles
Friday, September 26, 2014
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Week 38 : Fruitlooped
Hope springs eternal,although the winters temperature is still with us. Only 2 degrees but a good turn up of Nick, Cougar, HBK (in shorts, of course), Rocket, PistolPete, Trav, AvantiTrev, Wozza and Jase (going gentle on the repairing ankle) to kick start the weekend. We scattered the crows on Channel Rd, sun up already hinting at a fine day. AvantiTrev had relaxed his temperature embargo for the sake of a Saturday social, HBK typically satirical. Wozza and Pistol did the long haul of Old Dookie (Wozz toasted by the toaster?), HBK applying a tax to the cruising speed to the church. Bit of a Groundhog lap today, the usual oncoming feline entourage, the serious statements and silly sledging amongst the crew, speed up for those on form and down for those suffering, but a good social start to the weekend with a few k's clocked to justify the eating habits. The usual post ride injection of indulgent breakfasts and comical chat.
Perfect weather Sunday for the 13th Fruitloop (my 10th) with a team (Rocket, PistolPete, Wozza, Shane, Cougar, BigMat, Ro, HBK and AvantiTrev) Couldabeen assault on the 115k. Lots of familiar faces at the start (some to catch up with, others to avoid), 230 entrants in all. Flagged away at 8.30 and enjoying a police escort out of town, Rocket set up the Couldabeens train in Old Dookie Rd to share the load and keep the wobblies at bay. Others groups formed and foreigners settled into appropriate places, nice to have Gazza flag us through the intersections up to the Emu. The course stone of Pine Lodge North Rd felt like two clicks on the handbrake, a few intriders caused a little rattle in the rhythm but the pecking order was soon sorted into the worthy and the worthless. Soon reached 5 ways and enjoyed the billiard table tarmac as a backside bonus, despite the NNE wind brewing. The long drag to Yabba North was endured with many wheels making light work, the turn south toward Dookie enjoyable with the breeze behind and a patchwork of green and canola to soak up. The lead car rounded up two bikes at the sweeper, none other than haemorrhoidTim and StinkySon to steer clear of. The hill to the church took up the slack and it was each to their own through the hills with a planned regroup at the refuel. Capable climbers Rocket, Shane, Wozza, HBK and Oscar rose to the occasion, I just plodded the inclines and recovered on the descents. Goats Paul, Hommy, Principal Skinner, Sandy and Snowman cruised past, but I kept meeting Nick (Melbourne) as he passed on the uphill and I passed on the flats. The climb up to Tallis redlined my heart rate but plugged away on the big ring, stealing a few stares at my favourite vista behind. Caught Nick at GentleAnnie and we worked together back to Dookie, driven by the awaiting choc topped cherry ripe slice, the fuel of choice. The Couldabeens express steamed out of town soon after (preventing rigor mortis) for the 40k leg home, Kev, Oscar and Nick made honorary members of the royal rotation for their contribution. A great team to share the load home, up the road to fight the now NNW breeze (of course, a headwind back from Dookie). Familiar scenery reaching the Emu enticed the input, half a dozen hitchhikers aboard enjoying a free ride home. A bit of duck and weave through a few 50k entrants when we reached Ford Rd, many oblivious (through exhaustion?) to others, wandering about the left lane. Finally into Rudd Rd and Boulevard bound, BigMat copped the customary cramp (bereft of beer?) but limped through to the line. Food, beer and yarns aplenty were a ripper reward for the 2,704 calorie expenditure (a Strava suffer of 226), hats off to the Fruitloop committee for a typically great day.
A quiet roll around was needed Monday, just to quieten the creaks developed from yesterday. How quickly the body protests to a change in routine? A mere 115k's throws the legs into ruin! The rust loosened after a few k's, just a little squeak from the knees (hill hernias) but the posterior paying penalties. Rounded the roundabout at SPC to find Fox, Meags and Minto parked in Old Dookie Rd awaiting Fee (no front), so joined their indian filed tap to Boundary, River & Mitchell roads. Smooth and steady was the flavour of the day, suited nicely. An Archer Rd exit for me to keep to work schedules, a squirt on the Kialla Lakes Drive TT (8th overall) for amusement, then home via the main drag, to be dive bombed by the Kialla magpie for 500 metres.
Tethered the activities Tuesday but braved windy (westerly) Wednesday to turn the legs over. Whispering Jack made yet another return (puncture fixed in a record 14 days), SuperMario finally released from Bali customs, and Chops joining in from a long retirement. Down to Mitchell Rd and with the wind at our backs, HBK manoeuvred to get Jacks wheel, payback planned for sledges endured. AvantiChris still on observational apprenticeship, SuperMario suffering but tenacious, Jase easing the ankle, Temple, FeltMat and Nick performing well. HBK lightly sauteed WhisperingJack in River Rd as we crossed paths with the Breakaways (gradually building a good sized team) battling the breeze, . Round 2 of HBK vs Jack was waged up to the Broken Bridges (Jack broken) but we all had the Channel Rd challenge of the 18km/h WNW wind. Charging into it beside Rocket had me spent at 173bpm, he and PistolPete took it to another level, glad SuperMario settled the Cha Cha into a waltz. HBK dished up the distress to Temple as we approached Kensington, but it was Wazza's wevenge whipping it up to 40 to hammer HBK into little pieces on the Bonanza that was pure payback.
2 degrees brought out winter vests (who's spotted the fault?) on Thursday but brought out Pistol, Kenworth, Rocket, Wozza, Trav, Nick, WhisperingJack (again?!) BigMat, FeltMat, Cougar, AvantiTrev and Shane. Another westerly was a bonus for Channel Rd but the honeymoon ended for Boundary and beyond. Wozza and I shared the headwind privilege in Mitchell Rd, the Rocket and Pistol show (freaks of nature) shamed us with a stretch at 40km/h to get gastroch's glowing. Even Kenworth 'stepped' down from active service. Glad the rest of us conformed to usual pace, there was hope of survival and time to grit teeth with just two at supersonic speed. The preservation of all was at least a common thread, easy on the gas after intersections allowed the bunch to remain glued. Huff and puff time reaching Arcadia Downs, Rocket took to the front in Conrod where all were content to let him cook. BigMat finally took sympathy and took a turn, I summoned the urge to get to the front, Wozz shot to the lead, then Rob shed the light of reality on us all powering away to leave us but crumbs.
An early start at a toaster lap on Friday, nothing too frantic with yet another 2 degree morning. Felt unusually comfortable on the seat, holding a 70+ cadence on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd with signs of a rising sun even at 5.45. I could feel the handbrake of the southwesterly on the turn at the Emu, held the speed to the Toaster then eased a whisker on the westerly leg of Old Dookie Rd, another piggy breakfast chorus to listen to. I timed my entry into Boundary Rd to drop in behind Eggy and a handful of 51's, a looming SuperCat armada bearing down 500 metres behind me. All had merged together by the channel, multiple greetings from Tum, GentlemanGraeme, Mo, Phil, Kev, Sully, Keeno, AvantiLeigh, Vince et al. The prospect of a tow home (albeit at rapid rate of knots) was attractive enough to jump on the train, but I stopped short of rolling through the turns. Swinging into River Rd we shot past the ever growing group of Breakaway, collecting Shirms as a passenger a k later. 40+ made the scenery pass quickly, but slowly a few were resigning from driving duties. We caught FeltMat on a solitary lap at Archer Rd who jumped aboard to up the heartrate. The bunch of almost 30 halted briefly at the highway (not willing to argue with B doubles), it was on the gas again for the thrash home, happy to finish the week as a mid-fielder on the finish line.
Week 38 353km YTD 10,532 km
Word of the Week
"velocipied" (adjective) Swooped by territorial magpies whilst cycling
Perfect weather Sunday for the 13th Fruitloop (my 10th) with a team (Rocket, PistolPete, Wozza, Shane, Cougar, BigMat, Ro, HBK and AvantiTrev) Couldabeen assault on the 115k. Lots of familiar faces at the start (some to catch up with, others to avoid), 230 entrants in all. Flagged away at 8.30 and enjoying a police escort out of town, Rocket set up the Couldabeens train in Old Dookie Rd to share the load and keep the wobblies at bay. Others groups formed and foreigners settled into appropriate places, nice to have Gazza flag us through the intersections up to the Emu. The course stone of Pine Lodge North Rd felt like two clicks on the handbrake, a few intriders caused a little rattle in the rhythm but the pecking order was soon sorted into the worthy and the worthless. Soon reached 5 ways and enjoyed the billiard table tarmac as a backside bonus, despite the NNE wind brewing. The long drag to Yabba North was endured with many wheels making light work, the turn south toward Dookie enjoyable with the breeze behind and a patchwork of green and canola to soak up. The lead car rounded up two bikes at the sweeper, none other than haemorrhoidTim and StinkySon to steer clear of. The hill to the church took up the slack and it was each to their own through the hills with a planned regroup at the refuel. Capable climbers Rocket, Shane, Wozza, HBK and Oscar rose to the occasion, I just plodded the inclines and recovered on the descents. Goats Paul, Hommy, Principal Skinner, Sandy and Snowman cruised past, but I kept meeting Nick (Melbourne) as he passed on the uphill and I passed on the flats. The climb up to Tallis redlined my heart rate but plugged away on the big ring, stealing a few stares at my favourite vista behind. Caught Nick at GentleAnnie and we worked together back to Dookie, driven by the awaiting choc topped cherry ripe slice, the fuel of choice. The Couldabeens express steamed out of town soon after (preventing rigor mortis) for the 40k leg home, Kev, Oscar and Nick made honorary members of the royal rotation for their contribution. A great team to share the load home, up the road to fight the now NNW breeze (of course, a headwind back from Dookie). Familiar scenery reaching the Emu enticed the input, half a dozen hitchhikers aboard enjoying a free ride home. A bit of duck and weave through a few 50k entrants when we reached Ford Rd, many oblivious (through exhaustion?) to others, wandering about the left lane. Finally into Rudd Rd and Boulevard bound, BigMat copped the customary cramp (bereft of beer?) but limped through to the line. Food, beer and yarns aplenty were a ripper reward for the 2,704 calorie expenditure (a Strava suffer of 226), hats off to the Fruitloop committee for a typically great day.
A quiet roll around was needed Monday, just to quieten the creaks developed from yesterday. How quickly the body protests to a change in routine? A mere 115k's throws the legs into ruin! The rust loosened after a few k's, just a little squeak from the knees (hill hernias) but the posterior paying penalties. Rounded the roundabout at SPC to find Fox, Meags and Minto parked in Old Dookie Rd awaiting Fee (no front), so joined their indian filed tap to Boundary, River & Mitchell roads. Smooth and steady was the flavour of the day, suited nicely. An Archer Rd exit for me to keep to work schedules, a squirt on the Kialla Lakes Drive TT (8th overall) for amusement, then home via the main drag, to be dive bombed by the Kialla magpie for 500 metres.
Tethered the activities Tuesday but braved windy (westerly) Wednesday to turn the legs over. Whispering Jack made yet another return (puncture fixed in a record 14 days), SuperMario finally released from Bali customs, and Chops joining in from a long retirement. Down to Mitchell Rd and with the wind at our backs, HBK manoeuvred to get Jacks wheel, payback planned for sledges endured. AvantiChris still on observational apprenticeship, SuperMario suffering but tenacious, Jase easing the ankle, Temple, FeltMat and Nick performing well. HBK lightly sauteed WhisperingJack in River Rd as we crossed paths with the Breakaways (gradually building a good sized team) battling the breeze, . Round 2 of HBK vs Jack was waged up to the Broken Bridges (Jack broken) but we all had the Channel Rd challenge of the 18km/h WNW wind. Charging into it beside Rocket had me spent at 173bpm, he and PistolPete took it to another level, glad SuperMario settled the Cha Cha into a waltz. HBK dished up the distress to Temple as we approached Kensington, but it was Wazza's wevenge whipping it up to 40 to hammer HBK into little pieces on the Bonanza that was pure payback.
2 degrees brought out winter vests (who's spotted the fault?) on Thursday but brought out Pistol, Kenworth, Rocket, Wozza, Trav, Nick, WhisperingJack (again?!) BigMat, FeltMat, Cougar, AvantiTrev and Shane. Another westerly was a bonus for Channel Rd but the honeymoon ended for Boundary and beyond. Wozza and I shared the headwind privilege in Mitchell Rd, the Rocket and Pistol show (freaks of nature) shamed us with a stretch at 40km/h to get gastroch's glowing. Even Kenworth 'stepped' down from active service. Glad the rest of us conformed to usual pace, there was hope of survival and time to grit teeth with just two at supersonic speed. The preservation of all was at least a common thread, easy on the gas after intersections allowed the bunch to remain glued. Huff and puff time reaching Arcadia Downs, Rocket took to the front in Conrod where all were content to let him cook. BigMat finally took sympathy and took a turn, I summoned the urge to get to the front, Wozz shot to the lead, then Rob shed the light of reality on us all powering away to leave us but crumbs.
An early start at a toaster lap on Friday, nothing too frantic with yet another 2 degree morning. Felt unusually comfortable on the seat, holding a 70+ cadence on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd with signs of a rising sun even at 5.45. I could feel the handbrake of the southwesterly on the turn at the Emu, held the speed to the Toaster then eased a whisker on the westerly leg of Old Dookie Rd, another piggy breakfast chorus to listen to. I timed my entry into Boundary Rd to drop in behind Eggy and a handful of 51's, a looming SuperCat armada bearing down 500 metres behind me. All had merged together by the channel, multiple greetings from Tum, GentlemanGraeme, Mo, Phil, Kev, Sully, Keeno, AvantiLeigh, Vince et al. The prospect of a tow home (albeit at rapid rate of knots) was attractive enough to jump on the train, but I stopped short of rolling through the turns. Swinging into River Rd we shot past the ever growing group of Breakaway, collecting Shirms as a passenger a k later. 40+ made the scenery pass quickly, but slowly a few were resigning from driving duties. We caught FeltMat on a solitary lap at Archer Rd who jumped aboard to up the heartrate. The bunch of almost 30 halted briefly at the highway (not willing to argue with B doubles), it was on the gas again for the thrash home, happy to finish the week as a mid-fielder on the finish line.
Week 38 353km YTD 10,532 km
Word of the Week
"velocipied" (adjective) Swooped by territorial magpies whilst cycling
Friday, September 12, 2014
Week 37 : Longer laps, missing teeth and busting the rubber band.
A most unwelcomed cold visited at the weekend, grinding bike plans to a halt, nothing but a good measure of doonitis to cure it. By Monday, the inspiration to clock k's had overwhelmed the recovery, Tuesdays forecast looked useless with 6mm of damp to come. Dragging the chain saddling up cut the circuit short, a Graham St-Verney Rd on-ramp to the Toaster circuit was on the agenda if I was to clock-on on time. A stiff NNW wind played hell on the motivation and legs, a decent push needed to get to the Emu for the benefits to pay off beyond. The DuraAce Collingwood cassette (missing 16 teeth) didn't help, so a spin on the 17 quietened the legs but dulled the speed, sunrise scenery about the only joy till the breeze at the back aided in Old Dookie Rd. The porkies were silent and their aromas directed southwest was a bonus, pleased to be back on the faithful 15 and 14 to tap away to Boundary Rd, two bunches oncoming, about to swing into Boundary Rd. Luck timed my arrival to chase down the 4 ahead of the Cats, Fox, Meags, Fee and Mo caught at the fig farm, single filed at an achievable pace for me. Fox must have had N0s on his Weetbix, unhooking Meags at the bridges, so we eased off the gas to preserve the quintet (and possibly restore some marital harmony?). My turn for the 6k River Rd haul today, motivated a little with two bikes acting as carrots ahead. Startled Eggy on a cruise as we passed, Cats looming large behind driving us on. By Central Kialla we could see the whites of their eyes (some bloodshot?), a courteous pass as we wound up in Mitchell Rd. Hitched a ride for a few k's until Raftery Rd excited many for the sprint stakes, I took the steady finish option with Fee and Meags.
A big thumbs up to Weapon and Tommygun competing and completing the world Ironman 70.3 championships (6:03:38 and 5:22:16 respectively) at Mont Tremblant in Qubec.
An 18 degree Monday arvo begged activity (knicks and short sleeves pulled out of mothballs) Not sure why, but a repeat of the morning circuit was chosen (to challenge myself? lack of imagination? bike on auto-pilot?), the wind unchanged from 12 hours earlier. Something prompted a 160bpm push out to the Emu, legs filing for divorce in the open stretches of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, but all was forgiven on the turn to the church, a touch smug to be ahead of the clock on the morning's effort. A crimson sunset pierced a rip in the sky's grey blanket of cloud, shadows drawn long across the canola, worth getting on two wheels to witness. Hopes were focussed on shaving a bit off the mornings' 1:37:20 lap as darkness engulfed the sky reaching River Rd. A mild evening rekindled thoughts of summers gone and hopes for the one ahead, content with the rate of knots to Kialla Central took the mind off the muscles mutiny. The trotting track lights put perspective on the distance but the long headwind leg in Raftery Rd and the main drag readjusted the target. The turn at Roubaix wasn't the chore i'd expected, holding a reasonable speed despite the NNE, Conrod's exposed frontier pegged back the hopes though. Hoping to steal a draft from main street traffic was in vein, rubbery legs for the 6 k's homeward. Lucky with the traffic lights (one stop), reaching the finish puffed but chuffed to chop 7 minutes off the morning lap.
Nice to hear rain on the roof in the early hours of Tuesday, a sleep-in was the lottery for the legs, thunderstorms kept the bike parked in the evening. All had cleared by morning, I swung by the golf course for (fore?) a 15k warm up to the usual lap, an eye on the clock kept the velocity up, a westerly windswept Wanganui was warranting warp speed. Found Wozza at Balaclava Rd, a 7k yarn to the Couldabeens starting blocks. All had single filed behind AvantiTrev, so went up to pair with him on the front, I didn't think Rocket would be hampered from the boisterous blokey Bali Bintang bonanza. Yet another dog to greet the bunch, this time at Archer Rd's end, only to sniff at the wheels. FeltMat and Temple cranked along River Rd well, but it was the formidable duo of Pistol & Rocket who kept most speechless (and breathless). I took a moderate go at Boundary Rd if only to leave some fuel for the Channel Rd headwind, FeltMat, Temple, AvantiTrev and Nick shying away from the front (understandably) with Rocket and PistolPete nudging 40 despite the wind nudging 28 to the contrary. Hats off to Cougar and AvantiChris hanging on without complaint.
Double figures on the temp guage Thursday morning, about time after what seems an eternal winter. Found my way to Friars through a fleet of garbage trucks, a menagerie of 15 Goats assembled, birthday greetings for Bickers Snr, Coggo and Tum charting plans for hill expeditions. Turns rotated well with a generous dose of tailwind, I drew the Sandy short straw, short on the draft but not short on speed (must be on the nitrous Nutri Grain) with just brief g'days to Dipper, RetiredDave, AvantiLeigh, Kate and co. Noticed Hommy has the Snowman trademark right knee toe out, but he's the draft of choice. Light rain spat at the specs as we passed Channel Rd, thankfully it stopped less than a minute later. Strung across the width of River Rd attacking the breeze, a few had elected to take in the scenery at the rear, I was glad to reach Laws Dr to get some tree shelter at the pointy end. The bunch turned long and thin to Central Kialla, not till Mitchell Rd did the reformation and rotations recommence. Over the highway and down to Roubaix, Tum ignited the afterburners, I took half a k to get up to level him. By Arcadia Downs i'd settled thoughts on a mid field finish, watching the ever diminishing train drivers at the front cook in Conrod. Lots of kiddies came out to play at the finish line, plenty of post ride analysis on the roll through town, Comet, Sooty and Stace found blowing the cobwebs off.
A few lads had lined up at the library at 6, I was filtering out the potent in the peleton to predict parameters of pain. Young Andy and Liam, Dion, Robbo and Luke were likely lads, guess I'd reassess the thoughts at Channel Rd for a possible Harpo exit. Nath joined the bunch as we toured north to the cemetery, all civilised in speed and conversation. An oncoming WobblyTrev was spotted climbing the hill in Wanganui, one wonders when we witness wobbilitis weturning? The young guns whipped up the pace on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, MachineSteve, Bomber, Trent and Steevo blending into the bunch. My contribution to the front was badly timed for the head wind in Pine Lodge North Rd, sandwiched between Steevo and Nath and respiratorily restricted by the week long cough and sniffle. Called a short turn then struggled to hang on when the speed lifted, quickly shifting to the back in recovery mode. Axel climbed aboard, sharing the back seat with me and others, decisions to be made as Channel Rd drew near. Into the headwind of Boundary Rd in the high 30's had settled reaching the pub, maybe the full circuit would be achieveable. No sooner had Trent, Steevo and MachineSteve turned for home the hammer went down, Juzza, Stiffy, Liam and Luke boring into the wind at full tilt. River Rd was up and down like a yoyo as private battles raged at the front, even the cooked Bomber (victim to the cough and sniffle too) had nothing to give. Several times my rubber band nearly snapped, I almost gave up the wheel ahead if it weren't for the sympathy to the three or four hanging onto mine. It finally broke at the narrow bridge before Roubaix, a surge of speed unhinged me, SpecialisedTony, James and Andy, our only hope to work together homeward. It was left to Tony & I to shoulder the load, a hard drive to the finish but rejoining the bunch for the roll through town.
A quiet freak free Friday finished the week, Old Dookie Rd desserted except for the Breakaways on the horizon. Took in a steady 40k at a 150bpm limit, just 3 degrees made the warm up a lengthy process, not till River Rd did the legs stop creaking. Sun out of bed at 6.30 gave some inspiration, spring finally sprung.
Week 37: 300km YTD 10,179km
Word of the Week
"Ashfault" (noun) A pot-hole
A big thumbs up to Weapon and Tommygun competing and completing the world Ironman 70.3 championships (6:03:38 and 5:22:16 respectively) at Mont Tremblant in Qubec.
An 18 degree Monday arvo begged activity (knicks and short sleeves pulled out of mothballs) Not sure why, but a repeat of the morning circuit was chosen (to challenge myself? lack of imagination? bike on auto-pilot?), the wind unchanged from 12 hours earlier. Something prompted a 160bpm push out to the Emu, legs filing for divorce in the open stretches of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, but all was forgiven on the turn to the church, a touch smug to be ahead of the clock on the morning's effort. A crimson sunset pierced a rip in the sky's grey blanket of cloud, shadows drawn long across the canola, worth getting on two wheels to witness. Hopes were focussed on shaving a bit off the mornings' 1:37:20 lap as darkness engulfed the sky reaching River Rd. A mild evening rekindled thoughts of summers gone and hopes for the one ahead, content with the rate of knots to Kialla Central took the mind off the muscles mutiny. The trotting track lights put perspective on the distance but the long headwind leg in Raftery Rd and the main drag readjusted the target. The turn at Roubaix wasn't the chore i'd expected, holding a reasonable speed despite the NNE, Conrod's exposed frontier pegged back the hopes though. Hoping to steal a draft from main street traffic was in vein, rubbery legs for the 6 k's homeward. Lucky with the traffic lights (one stop), reaching the finish puffed but chuffed to chop 7 minutes off the morning lap.
Nice to hear rain on the roof in the early hours of Tuesday, a sleep-in was the lottery for the legs, thunderstorms kept the bike parked in the evening. All had cleared by morning, I swung by the golf course for (fore?) a 15k warm up to the usual lap, an eye on the clock kept the velocity up, a westerly windswept Wanganui was warranting warp speed. Found Wozza at Balaclava Rd, a 7k yarn to the Couldabeens starting blocks. All had single filed behind AvantiTrev, so went up to pair with him on the front, I didn't think Rocket would be hampered from the boisterous blokey Bali Bintang bonanza. Yet another dog to greet the bunch, this time at Archer Rd's end, only to sniff at the wheels. FeltMat and Temple cranked along River Rd well, but it was the formidable duo of Pistol & Rocket who kept most speechless (and breathless). I took a moderate go at Boundary Rd if only to leave some fuel for the Channel Rd headwind, FeltMat, Temple, AvantiTrev and Nick shying away from the front (understandably) with Rocket and PistolPete nudging 40 despite the wind nudging 28 to the contrary. Hats off to Cougar and AvantiChris hanging on without complaint.
Double figures on the temp guage Thursday morning, about time after what seems an eternal winter. Found my way to Friars through a fleet of garbage trucks, a menagerie of 15 Goats assembled, birthday greetings for Bickers Snr, Coggo and Tum charting plans for hill expeditions. Turns rotated well with a generous dose of tailwind, I drew the Sandy short straw, short on the draft but not short on speed (must be on the nitrous Nutri Grain) with just brief g'days to Dipper, RetiredDave, AvantiLeigh, Kate and co. Noticed Hommy has the Snowman trademark right knee toe out, but he's the draft of choice. Light rain spat at the specs as we passed Channel Rd, thankfully it stopped less than a minute later. Strung across the width of River Rd attacking the breeze, a few had elected to take in the scenery at the rear, I was glad to reach Laws Dr to get some tree shelter at the pointy end. The bunch turned long and thin to Central Kialla, not till Mitchell Rd did the reformation and rotations recommence. Over the highway and down to Roubaix, Tum ignited the afterburners, I took half a k to get up to level him. By Arcadia Downs i'd settled thoughts on a mid field finish, watching the ever diminishing train drivers at the front cook in Conrod. Lots of kiddies came out to play at the finish line, plenty of post ride analysis on the roll through town, Comet, Sooty and Stace found blowing the cobwebs off.
A few lads had lined up at the library at 6, I was filtering out the potent in the peleton to predict parameters of pain. Young Andy and Liam, Dion, Robbo and Luke were likely lads, guess I'd reassess the thoughts at Channel Rd for a possible Harpo exit. Nath joined the bunch as we toured north to the cemetery, all civilised in speed and conversation. An oncoming WobblyTrev was spotted climbing the hill in Wanganui, one wonders when we witness wobbilitis weturning? The young guns whipped up the pace on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, MachineSteve, Bomber, Trent and Steevo blending into the bunch. My contribution to the front was badly timed for the head wind in Pine Lodge North Rd, sandwiched between Steevo and Nath and respiratorily restricted by the week long cough and sniffle. Called a short turn then struggled to hang on when the speed lifted, quickly shifting to the back in recovery mode. Axel climbed aboard, sharing the back seat with me and others, decisions to be made as Channel Rd drew near. Into the headwind of Boundary Rd in the high 30's had settled reaching the pub, maybe the full circuit would be achieveable. No sooner had Trent, Steevo and MachineSteve turned for home the hammer went down, Juzza, Stiffy, Liam and Luke boring into the wind at full tilt. River Rd was up and down like a yoyo as private battles raged at the front, even the cooked Bomber (victim to the cough and sniffle too) had nothing to give. Several times my rubber band nearly snapped, I almost gave up the wheel ahead if it weren't for the sympathy to the three or four hanging onto mine. It finally broke at the narrow bridge before Roubaix, a surge of speed unhinged me, SpecialisedTony, James and Andy, our only hope to work together homeward. It was left to Tony & I to shoulder the load, a hard drive to the finish but rejoining the bunch for the roll through town.
A quiet freak free Friday finished the week, Old Dookie Rd desserted except for the Breakaways on the horizon. Took in a steady 40k at a 150bpm limit, just 3 degrees made the warm up a lengthy process, not till River Rd did the legs stop creaking. Sun out of bed at 6.30 gave some inspiration, spring finally sprung.
Week 37: 300km YTD 10,179km
Word of the Week
"Ashfault" (noun) A pot-hole
Friday, September 5, 2014
Week 36 : Dogs, ducks, owls, rabbits and foxes at sparrows
Planned a daily double for Saturdays ride, first with the Couldabeens, then join the Goats for a reverse circuit till time turned me home. Winter's still trying to hang on despite the warmer days, just 1.3 degrees to commence the Couldabeens grid at 6. A good roll-up in spite of the cold, 14 was well up on the usual winter attendance. HBK on a comeback (typically the last to arrive), Chris A and Vince back in action too. All (but three) looking the goods in the new attire took to Channel Rd, the pre-dawn sky looked the goods too. A charging canine caused a cadence chaos, curt cautions called curtailing calamity at Prentice Rd. Incident free, but a spike in heart rate data, it was carry on to Boundary Rd, squeezing in a yarn here and there. BigMat clocking up the k's with a tour de Toolamba prior to the start, HBK feeling the pinch of reaquaintance with the Ridley (but it doesn't show in speed). A distant bike was reeled in as we reached the toaster, BigBrett tapping away a few early k's. A sizeable congregation of Cats spun toward the Emu, twas Kelvin a k in arears, not the expected tardy LeighMac. I scored a pairing with PistolPete again, drawn into the long haul of Wanganui certainly warmed the legs. Back to town and the Lemontree, banter on football and Strava challenges over bacon, eggs and coffee. Bid my adieu's as the Goats rolled out of Friars, climbing aboard a big train headed clockwise on a Toaster lap. The sun was well up for psychological warmth, some faces not quite familiar in the daylight. It was a suprise to find Specialised Tony, Juzza, Sooty and Comet amogst the two dozen and Coggo back aboard a new hi-viz Corsa SR, testing lungs against the sore ribs. Roscoe on comeback ride #2 was searching for a short-cut home, a chance for conversation with others with longer turns taken on the front. Speed ramped up a little from the Emu and more from the Toaster, a little benefit from the north easter. Drawn along into the high 30's on Boundary Rd, the clock beckoned a Channel Rd diversion home unforunately. Sun on the back and on top of the 14 tooth cog made a pacy return, inspiring to crank out a good pace with nearly 80k's under the belt (life in the old engine still.......or was a hint of a tailwind inflating the ego and the speed?) Rounded the Kinder bend and put the head down for the Cha Cha, only to come across the cranky canine from earlier in the morning. Not out to munch on ankles, just charge at the bike then prop. Soon back to town with 90k chalked up, feeling a bit better prepared for the forthcoming Fruitloop and others.
With a damp arvo forecast, opportunity knocked to knock over a few k's early Monday. Testing a new Vivofit syncronised to the Garmin Edge, a NNE tested me on a clockwise tour of the Toaster lap. Not looking forward to the 18k's to the Emu, the thought of an assisting breeze home was the only thing driving the legs along. Shelter from the wind was scarce in the wide open spaces of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, hunting between the 17 and 15 tooth cog to maintain the motion. A small sense of achievement to reach the Emu and turn south, a brief ease of the throttle to the rail line the small reward. Back on the gas to the Toaster, there was better speed headed west for some reason, the NNE should favour a southbound. Two riders northbound at the fig farm seemed to be on the prowl, maybe to catch the 51/Cat train due soon? A crimson Mt. Major skyline signalled a damp day ahead, the grey ceiling over River Rd dulled the view and mood. Lights were in pursuit a distance behind, fleeing was futile with the big calibre express due soon. To the end of River Rd, through Kialla Central and on to Mitchell, it was at Archer Rd that 10 times 51 had overpowered my small equation, Ronny, Mo, Brett and company steaming along in the 40's with AvantiCraig (originally intending to join the Cats) hanging on for dear life. I hitched a ride for a 3k tow but abandoned ship as their train departed Roubaix, preventing my spontaneous combustion as they wound up for Conrod. Made it my mission to keep the cadence and Garmin ticking over till home (inheriting a wrung out AvantiCraig to be towed through town), 55 k's covered before 7am worthy of a raisin toast trophy.
Wide awake when sparrows flatulate on Tuesday, so out the door at 5.15 to carve up some k's rather than succumb to early morning television. A warm-up on the Old Dookie-Boundary-Channel course, the plan to intercept the Couldabeens oncoming, even if my timing was out. A WSW helped for the 10k's to Boundary Rd, not so easy (breezy) down to Channel Rd. Effort was needed cranking west toward town, a fox, puddles, ducks and an owl to dodge, and a few detatched branches at the cypress trees made Channel Rd a slalom course. Almost back to Kensington when a string of Couldabeens lights appeared, WhisperingJack, Shane, Nick, PistolPete, Cougar, AvantiTrev, FeltMat, Trav, Chris A and AvantiCraig on the roll out, so hooked a uey to join in their 30k lap. An unusual calm over todays bunch, maybe the lack of Rocket rotisserie had relaxed them? Gave the word up on broken branches to avoid calamity, paired with AvantiCraig, coping well compared with yesterdays bout with the heavyweights. With a slight swing to a southwesterly, the breeze was easier to cope with in Mitchell Rd, my next go at the front was a bike and a half behind AvantiCraig, study is long overdue on bunch etiquette me thinks (or do we have an HBK prodigy?) A pot hole jettisoned his bidon at Central Kialla, tradition saw that a wait was in order to regroup for the grind home. Chat ceased, heads down, tails up....turns, heart rates and speed quickened as the bunch stretched toward Conrod, Shane and AvantiCraig thrashing out the pecking order to the finish line. Only Nick & I prepared to wait 20 seconds at the bridge to regroup the tail-enders, a collective roll through town fares well for unity, courtesy and safety in numbers.
Quite a push into the wind with Wozz for the 9k of main drag to Wednesdays start, muttering angrily at the southwesterly didn't help the legs. Found Shane, Cougar, AvantiTrev, Trav, Temple, FeltMat, Nick, WhisperingJack and new guy AvantiChris at the start. A little bit of dodge and weave avoiding the front ranks for the push southerly in Archer, left it to Wozza and I. Almost reaching Mitchell, WhisperingJack punctured, AvantiTrev quickly elected pit crew while the rest lined up lights and sledges. Repaired and underway in minutes, we were off to Central Kialla where Jack's flat quickly returned, as popular as a Russian tank in Luhansk. Jack speed dialled the PattyTaxi, ushering us onward. AvantiChris stuck to the rear seat to study for a B A in Bunch Assimilation, doing rather well for just a 3 week apprentice. I got well into the groove of the 13 sprocket beside Shane for the last third of River Rd, tapped out the 3k leg to Channel Rd too with Wozz, keen to keep the rhythm. A delinquent dawg dashed at FeltMat as we reached Sellman's, in the panic his cleat was used as a brake pad. Thankfully all remained upright, FeltMat delivering pertinant advice to the owner. Enough drama for a short lap, the remainder rolled by cool, calm and collected.
Managed a salubrious sleep-in on Thursday, even hit the snooze button till 5.15. Being vigilant with the H20 consumption lately has brought a bit of life back to the legs, an improvement in the digestive department too. Rolled quietly south to attend the Giro d'Goats, 16 braving the cool start. The wheels of progress started rotations out of town, Coggo, Principal Skinner, Tum, Kate, Dipper, Belly, AvantiLeigh, Snowman, Heady, Bickers Snr, Hommy, Sandy and newbie Liam all going round. A WTF moment noticing Liams retro ride was a fixie, with a single brake lever at the headstem. (Concentrated on the scenic sunrise rather than think of the consequences). Principal Skinner was MrSmooth, wanted Hommy's Freightliner draft but got thun Tum instead. Liams retro hopes turned kaboom by Channel Rd, the reality of a fixie not cutting it in the real world. The speed steadily built in River Rd, and with it a few reartired to sit on. Snowman launched an assault on Mt Nicolaci lengthening the bunch twofold, many pleased to be halted for traffic to partake in extra oxygen. Exiting Roubaix, 8 reformed the rotations to pull the train along, tailgaters multiplying, only AvantiLeigh, Tum and I rolling turns as we crested Conrod's dipper. AvantiLeigh offered himself up to the altar of the sprint Gods as a 300 metre sacrifice for Tum and I, my burst in the last 100 too much for thun Tum spunning, I was over the line for the chocolates, gasps aplenty to get the lungs to catch up with the heartrate.
A little hesitant heading off to the Library Thursday night, a right royal thrashing delivered Tuesday night I'm told. Promised self to let the heavy artillery go if the fuse was lit, even if it meant rolling home solo. Plenty of big calibre weapons were assembled at the car park but a good measure of regular shooters kept the hopes up for survival, Ozzie on a suprise comeback after 12 months off. Kev and I rolled away at 6 bells, a tame start (hoping others would take the hint) and a chance to yarn with Dalts, Luke, GiantJames, Deano, SpecialisedTony et al. Nath's enthusiasm added 12% to the pace, just in time to welcome Steevo, Trent, MachineSteve (fresh from the UCI world championships in Austria) and Bomber to the clan. A light measure of westerly breeze added more to the tempo but I got a good sit between SpecialisedTony and Kev who wouldn't assasinate me. Nath, Robbo, Luke and others had our legs warmed up to Boundary Rd and still simmering to River Rd, several now cementing their place at the rear. The rubber band effect was making life difficult at the back but i'd take my chances instead of being fed to the sharks up the front. By Archer Rd a few fractures appeared, Clive, SpecialisedTony, Dalts and I letting a gap open at Mt Nicolaci. I'd hoped this may form a small bunch to tap home, but we'd caught the bunch at the highway wait for traffic. The fuse was lit entering Roubaix corner, Dalts (still shaking the flu) off the back and the bunch splintering. I'd had a large enough serve of speed, so dropped back to lend Dalts a wheel back to town. By Arcadia Downs we'd collected an ejected SpecialisedTony so plugged away to the finish and beyond, steadily hauling back the bunch on the commute home.
Thoughts were thumbing through the book of excuses in the early hours of Friday, but motivation finally threw the doona off at 4.45 (assisted by the drunk in the street calling out his prophecy on life) A few patches of fog heralded a still morning (1.4 degrees), the lungs and heart were keen but the legs protests limited the speed. Headed east out to the Emu dodging bunnies, positioning a partly pummeled posterior precisely (possibly precariously) preventing pain. The effort meter steadily rose, (the draft from an oncoming truck none too handy) but pushed on, hoping i'd hit a second wind. A hint of headwind sprung up on the turn south (not the second wind I'd planned), searching then for a gear I didn't have (a 16), the option of spinning like a dervish on the 17 was ditched to favour a grind on the 15 to the Toaster. My second wind did come a kilometer into Old Dookie Rd, amid the squealing sonata of the piggery (feed time), the distinktive aroma driving up the pace. Saw the SuperCats swing into Boundary, the AristoCats (?) a k behind, then found Fee, Princess and Meags tapping out a 30k clockwise lap, so u-turned to join them in the long solid turns as the sun rose. Fee scored the long task of River Rd engine driver, Meags on a big drive to the highway. The suitably dapper Princess towed us smoothly & swiftly till Conrod, I inherited the reigns for the drive home, 62k chalked up to end the week.
Week 36 : 434 km YTD 9,879
Word of the Week
"Cyclosis" (noun) A mental disorder in which riding and reality is lost or highly distorted.
With a damp arvo forecast, opportunity knocked to knock over a few k's early Monday. Testing a new Vivofit syncronised to the Garmin Edge, a NNE tested me on a clockwise tour of the Toaster lap. Not looking forward to the 18k's to the Emu, the thought of an assisting breeze home was the only thing driving the legs along. Shelter from the wind was scarce in the wide open spaces of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, hunting between the 17 and 15 tooth cog to maintain the motion. A small sense of achievement to reach the Emu and turn south, a brief ease of the throttle to the rail line the small reward. Back on the gas to the Toaster, there was better speed headed west for some reason, the NNE should favour a southbound. Two riders northbound at the fig farm seemed to be on the prowl, maybe to catch the 51/Cat train due soon? A crimson Mt. Major skyline signalled a damp day ahead, the grey ceiling over River Rd dulled the view and mood. Lights were in pursuit a distance behind, fleeing was futile with the big calibre express due soon. To the end of River Rd, through Kialla Central and on to Mitchell, it was at Archer Rd that 10 times 51 had overpowered my small equation, Ronny, Mo, Brett and company steaming along in the 40's with AvantiCraig (originally intending to join the Cats) hanging on for dear life. I hitched a ride for a 3k tow but abandoned ship as their train departed Roubaix, preventing my spontaneous combustion as they wound up for Conrod. Made it my mission to keep the cadence and Garmin ticking over till home (inheriting a wrung out AvantiCraig to be towed through town), 55 k's covered before 7am worthy of a raisin toast trophy.
Wide awake when sparrows flatulate on Tuesday, so out the door at 5.15 to carve up some k's rather than succumb to early morning television. A warm-up on the Old Dookie-Boundary-Channel course, the plan to intercept the Couldabeens oncoming, even if my timing was out. A WSW helped for the 10k's to Boundary Rd, not so easy (breezy) down to Channel Rd. Effort was needed cranking west toward town, a fox, puddles, ducks and an owl to dodge, and a few detatched branches at the cypress trees made Channel Rd a slalom course. Almost back to Kensington when a string of Couldabeens lights appeared, WhisperingJack, Shane, Nick, PistolPete, Cougar, AvantiTrev, FeltMat, Trav, Chris A and AvantiCraig on the roll out, so hooked a uey to join in their 30k lap. An unusual calm over todays bunch, maybe the lack of Rocket rotisserie had relaxed them? Gave the word up on broken branches to avoid calamity, paired with AvantiCraig, coping well compared with yesterdays bout with the heavyweights. With a slight swing to a southwesterly, the breeze was easier to cope with in Mitchell Rd, my next go at the front was a bike and a half behind AvantiCraig, study is long overdue on bunch etiquette me thinks (or do we have an HBK prodigy?) A pot hole jettisoned his bidon at Central Kialla, tradition saw that a wait was in order to regroup for the grind home. Chat ceased, heads down, tails up....turns, heart rates and speed quickened as the bunch stretched toward Conrod, Shane and AvantiCraig thrashing out the pecking order to the finish line. Only Nick & I prepared to wait 20 seconds at the bridge to regroup the tail-enders, a collective roll through town fares well for unity, courtesy and safety in numbers.
Quite a push into the wind with Wozz for the 9k of main drag to Wednesdays start, muttering angrily at the southwesterly didn't help the legs. Found Shane, Cougar, AvantiTrev, Trav, Temple, FeltMat, Nick, WhisperingJack and new guy AvantiChris at the start. A little bit of dodge and weave avoiding the front ranks for the push southerly in Archer, left it to Wozza and I. Almost reaching Mitchell, WhisperingJack punctured, AvantiTrev quickly elected pit crew while the rest lined up lights and sledges. Repaired and underway in minutes, we were off to Central Kialla where Jack's flat quickly returned, as popular as a Russian tank in Luhansk. Jack speed dialled the PattyTaxi, ushering us onward. AvantiChris stuck to the rear seat to study for a B A in Bunch Assimilation, doing rather well for just a 3 week apprentice. I got well into the groove of the 13 sprocket beside Shane for the last third of River Rd, tapped out the 3k leg to Channel Rd too with Wozz, keen to keep the rhythm. A delinquent dawg dashed at FeltMat as we reached Sellman's, in the panic his cleat was used as a brake pad. Thankfully all remained upright, FeltMat delivering pertinant advice to the owner. Enough drama for a short lap, the remainder rolled by cool, calm and collected.
Managed a salubrious sleep-in on Thursday, even hit the snooze button till 5.15. Being vigilant with the H20 consumption lately has brought a bit of life back to the legs, an improvement in the digestive department too. Rolled quietly south to attend the Giro d'Goats, 16 braving the cool start. The wheels of progress started rotations out of town, Coggo, Principal Skinner, Tum, Kate, Dipper, Belly, AvantiLeigh, Snowman, Heady, Bickers Snr, Hommy, Sandy and newbie Liam all going round. A WTF moment noticing Liams retro ride was a fixie, with a single brake lever at the headstem. (Concentrated on the scenic sunrise rather than think of the consequences). Principal Skinner was MrSmooth, wanted Hommy's Freightliner draft but got thun Tum instead. Liams retro hopes turned kaboom by Channel Rd, the reality of a fixie not cutting it in the real world. The speed steadily built in River Rd, and with it a few reartired to sit on. Snowman launched an assault on Mt Nicolaci lengthening the bunch twofold, many pleased to be halted for traffic to partake in extra oxygen. Exiting Roubaix, 8 reformed the rotations to pull the train along, tailgaters multiplying, only AvantiLeigh, Tum and I rolling turns as we crested Conrod's dipper. AvantiLeigh offered himself up to the altar of the sprint Gods as a 300 metre sacrifice for Tum and I, my burst in the last 100 too much for thun Tum spunning, I was over the line for the chocolates, gasps aplenty to get the lungs to catch up with the heartrate.
A little hesitant heading off to the Library Thursday night, a right royal thrashing delivered Tuesday night I'm told. Promised self to let the heavy artillery go if the fuse was lit, even if it meant rolling home solo. Plenty of big calibre weapons were assembled at the car park but a good measure of regular shooters kept the hopes up for survival, Ozzie on a suprise comeback after 12 months off. Kev and I rolled away at 6 bells, a tame start (hoping others would take the hint) and a chance to yarn with Dalts, Luke, GiantJames, Deano, SpecialisedTony et al. Nath's enthusiasm added 12% to the pace, just in time to welcome Steevo, Trent, MachineSteve (fresh from the UCI world championships in Austria) and Bomber to the clan. A light measure of westerly breeze added more to the tempo but I got a good sit between SpecialisedTony and Kev who wouldn't assasinate me. Nath, Robbo, Luke and others had our legs warmed up to Boundary Rd and still simmering to River Rd, several now cementing their place at the rear. The rubber band effect was making life difficult at the back but i'd take my chances instead of being fed to the sharks up the front. By Archer Rd a few fractures appeared, Clive, SpecialisedTony, Dalts and I letting a gap open at Mt Nicolaci. I'd hoped this may form a small bunch to tap home, but we'd caught the bunch at the highway wait for traffic. The fuse was lit entering Roubaix corner, Dalts (still shaking the flu) off the back and the bunch splintering. I'd had a large enough serve of speed, so dropped back to lend Dalts a wheel back to town. By Arcadia Downs we'd collected an ejected SpecialisedTony so plugged away to the finish and beyond, steadily hauling back the bunch on the commute home.
Thoughts were thumbing through the book of excuses in the early hours of Friday, but motivation finally threw the doona off at 4.45 (assisted by the drunk in the street calling out his prophecy on life) A few patches of fog heralded a still morning (1.4 degrees), the lungs and heart were keen but the legs protests limited the speed. Headed east out to the Emu dodging bunnies, positioning a partly pummeled posterior precisely (possibly precariously) preventing pain. The effort meter steadily rose, (the draft from an oncoming truck none too handy) but pushed on, hoping i'd hit a second wind. A hint of headwind sprung up on the turn south (not the second wind I'd planned), searching then for a gear I didn't have (a 16), the option of spinning like a dervish on the 17 was ditched to favour a grind on the 15 to the Toaster. My second wind did come a kilometer into Old Dookie Rd, amid the squealing sonata of the piggery (feed time), the distinktive aroma driving up the pace. Saw the SuperCats swing into Boundary, the AristoCats (?) a k behind, then found Fee, Princess and Meags tapping out a 30k clockwise lap, so u-turned to join them in the long solid turns as the sun rose. Fee scored the long task of River Rd engine driver, Meags on a big drive to the highway. The suitably dapper Princess towed us smoothly & swiftly till Conrod, I inherited the reigns for the drive home, 62k chalked up to end the week.
Week 36 : 434 km YTD 9,879
Word of the Week
"Cyclosis" (noun) A mental disorder in which riding and reality is lost or highly distorted.
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