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
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