Monday's "What's App" invite to a 'steady roll' was just the ticket to start the week after a weekend off the bike, a tropical twenty and a tailwind ticked the boxes to cruise to the Couldabeens carpark, Breakaways an alluring addition to the starting grid. Rocket and Simon led a lazy leg one, but it was a wait for Jase (lethargy from Sunday's MTB effort) that dulled the drive. The steady roll turned supersonic, my short straw turn with Pistol to the kinder, then BigMat (on a comeback....number 2,761?). Boundary Rd was blessed with a NNE wind, tempo was still hot in River Rd, at least echeloned to ease those at the rear. Glad BigMat called a short turn (I was spent from Pistols' pace) at the end of River Rd, Ron a bit cooked from a week long infection, but soldiered on. FeltMat withdrew from active duty, Jase and BigMat followed suit ripping into Raftery Rd, Rocket and Pistol swapped the hard yards of Conrod, Simon said spent, but Wozz on a second wind got up for second to the irrepressable Rocket, the lap trimmed down to 45:25, so much for a steady roll!
Teamed with tri's Sootie, Stace and Comet on Tuesday, a pleasant progress eastbound to the Emu at 5, Sootie aboard a borrowed BH after crucifying the Orbea in last Saturdays' flat chat stick stack. A testing tour to the Toaster against the SSW wind, then an indian filed dash on Old Dookie Rd back to town to join the 14 Goats on their track attack. Eastward to Boundary ticked over like clockwork in clockwise circulation, counter to normal habit (in BigPaul's absence?), the absentees from the front building in Boundary Rd, gusts of 37km/h may have had a bearing? (Sootie slipping to the rear stalls too....punctured) Wind was tossing wheels about dashing any hope of a steady flow, sitting on Tina's smooth wheel at least ironed out the windy wrinkles. River road and the tyranny of distance tolled on many, even Hommy was now a.w.o.l. (or hung-over?) Only five braved the wind to Mitchell Rd, the turn at Roscoe's thinning the bunch into single file with more holes than a Palmer policy. A 2 km/h discount on speed had most back volunteering for work at the front, seven still in the mix at Arcadia Downs when a rampant rabbit shot across our flanks, almost a contender for the sprint beside AvantiLeigh till turning to the tabledrain. That wrecked the rhythm, opening a gap or two. In my race to make up the defecit from AvantiAndy I scored a slingshot off the dipper, so all eggs went into the basket of bravado, but I blew a head gasket a hundred metres shy of the line, Coggo taking the triumphant chocolates.
Mapping and timing a prologue to the Wednesday Couldabeens stirred the little grey cells in the early hours, a Rudd-Wanganui preamble followed by a Raftery-Mitchell-Archer prelude needed some precision timing. A cool start on the Boulevard cleared the head, just a whistle in the gap between the ears from the light southwester. The breeze was head-on along the main drag, baking bread awakened the nostrils and inspired going anaerobic to Raftery. The rise at Steptoes' was climbed with unusual ease, an eye on the clock kept my pace on the agenda. I added 10% to the tempo northbound on Archer, allowing a Gordon Drive loop (a stupid Strava segment) to syncronise the start perfectly, attaching to the rear of 10 Couldabeens with BigMat (final fling before a cruisy holiday) and Trav. A nicely timed tow to Mitchell where my first go at the front beside Tucks had only a side wind to battle. An on-form Choppy upped the ante in Central Kialla our troop settling into a steady march east on River Rd. Plenty of small bunches wheeled west and south, was it the temperature or acerbic attrition reducing the Cat collection? Nine degrees inspired shopping lists of gloves, base layers and leg warmers in the fresh atmostphere of Boundary Rd, a sheltered drive along Channel Rd prepared Rudy, Pistol and Jase for the Cha Cha thrash, no intention from my legs other than to tap to the finish.
Had a quiet cruise of the Cat lap late Wednesday arvo with Beejoy, motivated as mustard to put k's in albeit at a tame tempo. (but hey, we all started that way). A northwester assisted our passage, I wondered what cost the headwind home would be. Into Boundary and nearing the fig farm, same bat time, same bat place as last week, another bastard bindii injected the tube, click...click....click to trouble the thoughts. Just like last week, I soldiered on in stubborn defiance, but sadly, the steering went squishy at Channel Rd forcing a repair. A Toaster lapping Wozza kindly stopped to offer condolences but we ushered him onward on his quest (faster than ours). The long 6 k's of River Rd dragged like a dentists drill on Beejoy, the northwest pain punishing his pride. (who said headwind builds character?) It was a leisurely lap for me at Zone 2 but stuck with him (minus a headlight) to get back to town on dusk. (being robbed of temperature and light now)
All was well with the world at 5 on Thursday, the sun was far from shining, the birds weren't singing, but a tailwind pushed Sootie, Comet and I to the Emu. A headwind home on Old Dookie Rd turned us single file in team survival mode, the grind against a 17-33 km/h resistance a soul searching exercise (exorcise?). Several spots on specs wasn't Sootie's sweat, the start of a light shower that glossed the road as we arrived at Friars, the welcoming committee of a dozen Goats huddled under cover checking weather apps and radars. Two minutes later, the waterworks halted, enough for the brave to brave the Goat circuit. AvantiLeigh struggled for traction, rooster tails of water subsided as the tarmac dulled, eventually making progress as rotations got organised. Ten were driving clockwise into the draft of Boundary Rd, Hommy's and Sandy's exhuberance opening a gap or two. There was plenty of breeze to furrow the brow in River Road, smoothing out the turns a difficult act, front runners down to seven as we turned south to Central Kialla. A change back to clockwise forced Roscoe into a double shift, hacksawing his wheel at his redline to get to the pointy end. Regrouping in Mitchell settled the speed to manageable for most to resume duties, but over the highway it was trimmed back to eight as the wick was turned up. Into Conrod straight just four were left swapping turns, Coggo took the lead with 500 to go, nobody with desire (or ability) to grant him respite. In a gentlemanly gesture, no challenge was mounted, a well earned win for the Administrator, AvantiLeigh and I hanging on for the minor crumbs.
A cool counterclockwise cruise of the Wanganui-Rudd Golf course loop was a thawing precursor to meeting Wozza to tour to the Friday Couldabeens, eight degrees finally drawing the three quarter knicks from hibernation. Tucks, 'Hollywood' Shane, Cougar, AvantiTrev, Pistol Pete, Kenworth and Rudy left on cue, threading the needle of the thin bike lane single file to Kialla Lakes, collecting Choppy en-route. Wozza had Kellogs Performance Pops for pace driving along Archer, Tucks requesting a halt at the truck route to fix a dismounted light but was failed and finally pocketted. Pistol, Rudy and Chops had defied the temperatutre in short knicks, all others on a costume change as Autumn shuts down the warmth. There was a calmer karma eastward on Mitchell and an assisted passage along River Rd, big freaky Friday bunches now noticeably fractured smaller (resulting from recent rants?) Us ten breezed up to Boundary and were challenged to Channel Rd with the west wind whipping at the wheels. Hollywood and Chops set a tough tempo to the cypress trees, AvantiTrev's turn trimming 10% off for comfort. I had no motivation to charge the Cha Cha, spin doctor Rudy, Kenworth and Pistol more than keen, me just happy to cruise to the finish to put a lid on week 13.
Week 13 344 km YTD 3,906
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Week 12 : Merciless manifestos and the ballad of the bindii
Punters were rare Sunday, only bike craved Temple, Wozza and Shorty put their hands up (almost blown off by a 28-46 km/h southerly) for a lap. Tactical talk agreed to tackle the tough stuff first, a slog southward to Mitchell Rd then bask in a tailwind via River & Boundary roads to Old Dookie Rd. Rolling turns shared the torment of the Archer road headwind, though track turns may have had a better result. A better tempo was possible bearing east and north, speech achievable too, now that lungs weren't so pre-occupied. A social tap around was a pleasant shift from recent thrashes but another workout was on the agenda westward on Old Dookie road, lured along by a coffee and toasted banana bread finish line. Track turns worked well to return us to civilisation quickly, but I picked up the tell tale click....click....click of an embedded bindii at Doyles road. Ignored in the hope of making it home (caffine and conversation took priority), deflation denied the pleasure two blocks from base, a roadside repair required.
Put out an A.P.B. for inspiration Monday morning, difficult to get going from the slumber of a warm bed to face single digit temperatures, the h.r. monitor sluggish to reach triple figures till rolling along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, steadily gaining on a six pack peleton ahead. Nearing Hill Rd I passed, suprisingly identifying an Area 51 contingent cruising, but kept the head down southbound pleased with my progress, a peek at the Pub perceiving a Pussycat pursuit. Three bikes were roadside on puncture duty near one-tree dam (later identified as Rocket, Pistol and Trav), a light serve of east southerly aided my River Rd attempt, Breakaways breezing east in silence while a single line of five were mowing me down. There was no waiting for David on Central Kialla Rd, Eggman and four missiles blasting by as I turned into Mitchell Rd. Another train soon loomed behind, overtaking me at Archer, a greet from drivers Rocket and Pistol towing a single filed Cat pack behind, so waited for a gap to climb aboard as my ticket home (thanks Jonesy and G). A halt at the highway allowed Trent and Travis to catch (in pursuit for 20k it seems), sitting near the caboose needed my wits to guage when the rubber band would snap on the strugglers, then bridging the gaps to stay in touch to Conrod.
Wozza and Temple were the only early risers on Tuesday, 20 degrees was inviting but a spit or three of earlier precipitation threw in a little uncertainty. We set sail on Raftery at 5.10 enjoying the brewing northeaster behind us, but a bastard bindii beseiged Wozza's wheel, halting us for a puncture pitstop near the horse stud. A feverish fix tightened the agenda to make the Couldabeens start, sharing the load of Archer Rd's headwind single file, hastening heart-rates and harrassing hernias. Landed at the rear of the start grid with 90 seconds to spare, just enough to regain a little composure before the flag dropped at 5.45. The pacy start was a breeze at the bunch back, my first appearance at the pointy end from Hanlon Rd to Sellmans, Pistol and FeltMat driving the Boundary bus till the bridges. Rocket, Rudy, Shane and ChrisA percolated the proceedings in River Rd (steering us safely through a stick slalom), Strava trophies for the taking into the mid fourties with the wind favouring our fotunes. The effort was easy in Kenworths draft on Central Kialla Rd, speedo signalling 40, but it tortured Temple, going OTA. My eyes happened to be glued on ChrisA's wheel up Mt Nicolaci, just as he clouted a stick (looked like a log) ricochetting off Wozza's foot (superior skills saved the situation). Nev joined in the rotations (the machine had chased us solo from River Rd) with a testing tempo in Raftery Rd, morphing the bunch mostly single file, few left to contribute except Rocket, ChrisA and Pistol in Conrod straight. Legs protesting and oxygen deprived, it was a relief to cross the line, a gloat about the 39 average for the cruisy cruise through the suburb to home.
Overnight damp had settled the dust Wednesday morning, a couple of costume changes to adjust the comfort levels then out on the low sheen tarmac to find Belly, Coggo and Hommy the only starters at Friars, tardy Cats Doc and LateLeigh joined in at SPC's roundabout for a single filed go at the Goat track. I volunteered the first leg and had just got up to speed when Hommy took the reigns....then slowed the tempo. 300 metres later he conceeded crucified, so I took the drivers seat again to Central Ave. Six soon settled a smooth speed system set by Coggo and seconded by LateLeigh, Hommy's last second car call at the highway split the pack, spelling a spell to reunite the team. Passing Straddles and Keeno's pit stop (lit by Jonesy) at Channel Rd, I took the turn to River Rd, the tempramental h.r. monitor at 118 bpm (I wish!). Jonesy joined for our west work on River, LateLeigh plied a peculiar path, profusely pointing at puddles. I'd relaxed in Jonesy's draft as Coggo dragged us to Rivers end, my next go in Mitchell to Archer got believable beats happening (175 bpm). A shuffle of the deck at the highway put me at the front again at Arcadia Downs, my elbow ignored by Hommy with 500 left of Conrod, but he reluctantly faced the music cooked, Coggo driving the nail in on the finish line.
A quiet roll to the Library on Wednesdayarvo with Wozza, hoping to tack onto the Mooroopna menagerie but they were a no show bro. We decided on a reverse Saturday lap, the northwester deceptively destructive, an ease on the effort to turn east onto Wanganui Rd though, a little roadwork to fill the nostrils with eau de tarmac. We had closed a gap on a solitary bike ahead in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, posture identifying Sprinter on an op recovery ride. The honeymoon ended at the Emu turning into a side wind, Sprinter staying in Wozza's wake but bid bye bye at Boundary for a direct line (hernia happy) home. At the FigFarm the dreaded click...click....click returned, the bastard ballad of the bindii was back, visibly spinning on the Michelin's sidewall, seconds later snapping. Keeping positive over a predicted puncture is a difficult dillema when the mind is convinced the tyre softens, press on regardless unless rim rumbles on the road. The agreed easy roll back to town was thrown out the window with the sight of two bikes ahead in Channel Rd, triggering a tempest of tempo to catch, that competitive adrenalin that draws out speed you didn't think possible. Caught, passed and gapped the pair convincingly, we soldiered on to town, my Michelin still fully inflated despite being syringed by Soliva Sessilis.
Easy on the accellerator Thursday wth a lame leg legacy from Wednesday's Wozza workout, at least the wind was having an R.D.O. Teamed with Wozza and Temple for a 5am start on a Raftery prologue, plenty of puncture time allowed (but not used) en-route to the Couldabeens. Back to town with time to spare, we toured the street scenery of Kialla Lakes to soak up the minutes, joining AvantiChris, AvantiTrev, Shane, Cougar, Trav, Pistol, Rudy and Jase. Matho's mighty merciless maligning manifesto was the hot subject in a cool 12 degrees of the pre-ride preamble, Jase and Wozza ending the chat and commencing proceedings in Channel Rd at a manageable motion, Pistol pushing my pace on leg two, could have sworn an easterly hampered my progress but trees stayed static. The smooth start to River Rd was kind to all, by the time my duty was due calves were cooking. Pairing with Pistol from the bridge to River's end was nearly as long as the Pussycats Melbourne Cyclist diatribe, a compliment from Shane aided my recovery though (you can butter me up anytime baby!) AvantiChris coped well with his maiden Thursday voyage, Cougar climbing Mt Nicolaci convincingly. I short shifted my Arcadia Downs contribution (energy evaporated), Rudy cranked a crazy Conrod cadence, AvantiChris bravely in his draft soon kaboomed at the reality of cutting the virgin air at the front. Pistol Pete powered away leaving my only use to tow Temple and Trav for a mid field finish.
Coggo, AvantiLeigh and Dipper had arrived at Friars for Friday loop but the Dazza bloke had broke a spoke so four folk set forth to knock over 35k, wind our eternal enemy. Dipper, AvantiLeigh, me and Coggo indian filed beyond Doyles Rd in a smooth and co-operative effort, an eye out for hazards, calls for traffic, kudos shared, easy on the accelleration.......all that seems to be missing in some packs it seems. The check on a pitstopped pussycat was cleared (a roadside assist coming from home) at River roads' entry, so heads down to grind into the southwesterly, AvantiLeigh taking the lions share of it, my mere share the Central Kialla leg. Into Mitchell, approaching Archer cautiously, the scene of the Thursday's canine caused, carbon crucifying, Cat calamity. We all got a second wind in Raftery's tail wind simmering speed in the fourties, how fresh it was to finish the lap minus a sprint, maybe a little drunk on a strong team spirit (or light headed from lack of oxygen?).
Week 12: 351km YTD 3,562 km
A note of (humble) thanks for the 21,000+ views of this blog, nice to receive the compliments while out on the bike, pleasing to note the regular audience from here, the Ukraine, USA, France, Germany, India, Poland and Czech Republic. Delighted to have the regular followers!
Put out an A.P.B. for inspiration Monday morning, difficult to get going from the slumber of a warm bed to face single digit temperatures, the h.r. monitor sluggish to reach triple figures till rolling along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, steadily gaining on a six pack peleton ahead. Nearing Hill Rd I passed, suprisingly identifying an Area 51 contingent cruising, but kept the head down southbound pleased with my progress, a peek at the Pub perceiving a Pussycat pursuit. Three bikes were roadside on puncture duty near one-tree dam (later identified as Rocket, Pistol and Trav), a light serve of east southerly aided my River Rd attempt, Breakaways breezing east in silence while a single line of five were mowing me down. There was no waiting for David on Central Kialla Rd, Eggman and four missiles blasting by as I turned into Mitchell Rd. Another train soon loomed behind, overtaking me at Archer, a greet from drivers Rocket and Pistol towing a single filed Cat pack behind, so waited for a gap to climb aboard as my ticket home (thanks Jonesy and G). A halt at the highway allowed Trent and Travis to catch (in pursuit for 20k it seems), sitting near the caboose needed my wits to guage when the rubber band would snap on the strugglers, then bridging the gaps to stay in touch to Conrod.
Wozza and Temple were the only early risers on Tuesday, 20 degrees was inviting but a spit or three of earlier precipitation threw in a little uncertainty. We set sail on Raftery at 5.10 enjoying the brewing northeaster behind us, but a bastard bindii beseiged Wozza's wheel, halting us for a puncture pitstop near the horse stud. A feverish fix tightened the agenda to make the Couldabeens start, sharing the load of Archer Rd's headwind single file, hastening heart-rates and harrassing hernias. Landed at the rear of the start grid with 90 seconds to spare, just enough to regain a little composure before the flag dropped at 5.45. The pacy start was a breeze at the bunch back, my first appearance at the pointy end from Hanlon Rd to Sellmans, Pistol and FeltMat driving the Boundary bus till the bridges. Rocket, Rudy, Shane and ChrisA percolated the proceedings in River Rd (steering us safely through a stick slalom), Strava trophies for the taking into the mid fourties with the wind favouring our fotunes. The effort was easy in Kenworths draft on Central Kialla Rd, speedo signalling 40, but it tortured Temple, going OTA. My eyes happened to be glued on ChrisA's wheel up Mt Nicolaci, just as he clouted a stick (looked like a log) ricochetting off Wozza's foot (superior skills saved the situation). Nev joined in the rotations (the machine had chased us solo from River Rd) with a testing tempo in Raftery Rd, morphing the bunch mostly single file, few left to contribute except Rocket, ChrisA and Pistol in Conrod straight. Legs protesting and oxygen deprived, it was a relief to cross the line, a gloat about the 39 average for the cruisy cruise through the suburb to home.
Overnight damp had settled the dust Wednesday morning, a couple of costume changes to adjust the comfort levels then out on the low sheen tarmac to find Belly, Coggo and Hommy the only starters at Friars, tardy Cats Doc and LateLeigh joined in at SPC's roundabout for a single filed go at the Goat track. I volunteered the first leg and had just got up to speed when Hommy took the reigns....then slowed the tempo. 300 metres later he conceeded crucified, so I took the drivers seat again to Central Ave. Six soon settled a smooth speed system set by Coggo and seconded by LateLeigh, Hommy's last second car call at the highway split the pack, spelling a spell to reunite the team. Passing Straddles and Keeno's pit stop (lit by Jonesy) at Channel Rd, I took the turn to River Rd, the tempramental h.r. monitor at 118 bpm (I wish!). Jonesy joined for our west work on River, LateLeigh plied a peculiar path, profusely pointing at puddles. I'd relaxed in Jonesy's draft as Coggo dragged us to Rivers end, my next go in Mitchell to Archer got believable beats happening (175 bpm). A shuffle of the deck at the highway put me at the front again at Arcadia Downs, my elbow ignored by Hommy with 500 left of Conrod, but he reluctantly faced the music cooked, Coggo driving the nail in on the finish line.
A quiet roll to the Library on Wednesdayarvo with Wozza, hoping to tack onto the Mooroopna menagerie but they were a no show bro. We decided on a reverse Saturday lap, the northwester deceptively destructive, an ease on the effort to turn east onto Wanganui Rd though, a little roadwork to fill the nostrils with eau de tarmac. We had closed a gap on a solitary bike ahead in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, posture identifying Sprinter on an op recovery ride. The honeymoon ended at the Emu turning into a side wind, Sprinter staying in Wozza's wake but bid bye bye at Boundary for a direct line (hernia happy) home. At the FigFarm the dreaded click...click....click returned, the bastard ballad of the bindii was back, visibly spinning on the Michelin's sidewall, seconds later snapping. Keeping positive over a predicted puncture is a difficult dillema when the mind is convinced the tyre softens, press on regardless unless rim rumbles on the road. The agreed easy roll back to town was thrown out the window with the sight of two bikes ahead in Channel Rd, triggering a tempest of tempo to catch, that competitive adrenalin that draws out speed you didn't think possible. Caught, passed and gapped the pair convincingly, we soldiered on to town, my Michelin still fully inflated despite being syringed by Soliva Sessilis.
Easy on the accellerator Thursday wth a lame leg legacy from Wednesday's Wozza workout, at least the wind was having an R.D.O. Teamed with Wozza and Temple for a 5am start on a Raftery prologue, plenty of puncture time allowed (but not used) en-route to the Couldabeens. Back to town with time to spare, we toured the street scenery of Kialla Lakes to soak up the minutes, joining AvantiChris, AvantiTrev, Shane, Cougar, Trav, Pistol, Rudy and Jase. Matho's mighty merciless maligning manifesto was the hot subject in a cool 12 degrees of the pre-ride preamble, Jase and Wozza ending the chat and commencing proceedings in Channel Rd at a manageable motion, Pistol pushing my pace on leg two, could have sworn an easterly hampered my progress but trees stayed static. The smooth start to River Rd was kind to all, by the time my duty was due calves were cooking. Pairing with Pistol from the bridge to River's end was nearly as long as the Pussycats Melbourne Cyclist diatribe, a compliment from Shane aided my recovery though (you can butter me up anytime baby!) AvantiChris coped well with his maiden Thursday voyage, Cougar climbing Mt Nicolaci convincingly. I short shifted my Arcadia Downs contribution (energy evaporated), Rudy cranked a crazy Conrod cadence, AvantiChris bravely in his draft soon kaboomed at the reality of cutting the virgin air at the front. Pistol Pete powered away leaving my only use to tow Temple and Trav for a mid field finish.
Coggo, AvantiLeigh and Dipper had arrived at Friars for Friday loop but the Dazza bloke had broke a spoke so four folk set forth to knock over 35k, wind our eternal enemy. Dipper, AvantiLeigh, me and Coggo indian filed beyond Doyles Rd in a smooth and co-operative effort, an eye out for hazards, calls for traffic, kudos shared, easy on the accelleration.......all that seems to be missing in some packs it seems. The check on a pitstopped pussycat was cleared (a roadside assist coming from home) at River roads' entry, so heads down to grind into the southwesterly, AvantiLeigh taking the lions share of it, my mere share the Central Kialla leg. Into Mitchell, approaching Archer cautiously, the scene of the Thursday's canine caused, carbon crucifying, Cat calamity. We all got a second wind in Raftery's tail wind simmering speed in the fourties, how fresh it was to finish the lap minus a sprint, maybe a little drunk on a strong team spirit (or light headed from lack of oxygen?).
Week 12: 351km YTD 3,562 km
A note of (humble) thanks for the 21,000+ views of this blog, nice to receive the compliments while out on the bike, pleasing to note the regular audience from here, the Ukraine, USA, France, Germany, India, Poland and Czech Republic. Delighted to have the regular followers!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Week 11 : Arming armwarmers and auto-pilot
For the sake of change (or challenge, or chance) imagination chartered a different Saturday course, but chimed an earlier alarm awakening. What feeds this crazy obsession to rise before the sparrows? The ache of achievement, cravings for kilometres, a Stravenous appetite? Fed and kitted, the wheels turned south at 5.10, a reverse Toaster lap plotted with abbreviation options up the sleeve to time joining a Goat gyration at 7. Glued to the 17 sprocket to spin (77 rpm) into a hint of southerly, still relishing the new found Fizik comfort (funny how real appreciation is only found when it's lost). A little regret at not arming myself with armwarmers against 12 degrees but a psychological cup of concrete cured the cold. A tail-light pair blinked in the distance when I turned into Mitchell Rd but there was no urge to chase with a few k's yet to cover, but an itch at the competitive edges started at River roads' dip, closing in on Frido and Rabbit cruising. Passed at the ripple strips as Mexican Anthony u-turned, I settled into Boundary Rd managing to comfortably flat-line the h.r. at 138, calculating which short-cut would get me to the church (Friars) on time. I took the knife to the Toaster and Emu, slicing up Boundary to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd to keep on schedule, feeling the SSW breeze on the turn west to town. Ones and twos rolled reconnisance to a mass Cat pack assembled at Matilda Drive at 6.30, I ummed and ahhed on timing approaching town, but committed to tour via the golf course, making a perfect 6.55 arrival at Friars. Greendawg, Tony and serious Tri's assembled ahead, a menage of Muppets behind, the sixteen Goats had a reverse Toaster circuit on the agenda. To hell with variety, I put the BM on auto pilot for a repeat performance, a social soiree through town, a yarn with GiantLen, MeridaAndy and SpecialisedTony till the rituals of rotation got sorted. Navigating Mitchell Rd was oppresive on the occular with the sun up and head on, a high dew point fogged the specs but I was safely compassed by Comets' company and headed Heady. On the front, young bucks MeridaAndy & GiantLen elevated the pace and heart rate relegating some rapidly rearward, a sole licorice allsort (MexicanAngelo) caught at River roads end. Beside Belly then MeridaAndy to the Pub, I was well amongst the tall timber to Old Dookie Rd where Baz, Deb, Tina and others chose the short shift home, the mass turned Toaster bound. Out of Emu corner, rolling turns were shared to cut into the southwester, MexicanAngelo, RetiredDave, SpecialisedTony, GiantLen, Carl, Comet, Belly, MeridaAndy and Kathy (copious conversation curtailed) nudging fourty in a smooth, co-operative grind west. Kilometres were chewed up quickly, soon back to town to chew a second breakfast (Friars bruschetta, only just finishing in the points against Lemontrees' win) to compensate the 110k and 2300 calories lost.
Only Belly and Sootie keen to tap a 7am lap on Sunday, a tad early for most it seemed. A steady lap mapped, Sootie's knee recovering from a grease and oil on Thursday, a fresh 11 degrees to start out Old Dookie Rd (minus armwarmers again, silly!) but rare to be without wind and with sun to light the way. An automated yet unspoken protocol of swapping turns commenced, easy on acceleration and smooth on pace, agreeing on an abbreviated route to keep Belly on a MadCow schedule and get us back to Friars for the late shift start. A right exit at Rivers end, short cut via the truck route to Archer, then a single filed tap north made perfect time to Friars, the 8 o'clockers (Snow, BigPaul, Jan, Sandy, Bickers, RetiredDave, Brendan and LegalAndy) still comfortably cocooned in convivial cruise conversation, consuming coffee, carefree. Eventually legs were swung over bikes, a Raftery start (here we go again on auto-pilot) set an anti-clockwise course, BigPaul feeling the slog after a two week cruise, RetiredDave rattled by rattles. Sun in the eyes again in Mitchell road, a hint of northeasterly to take the slack out of the legs, a distant bunch to chase in River road kept us occupied. The breeze had built in Boundary Rd, the bunch (BUG's Browns' cows) ahead caught and passed, gave a moment to reflect on the early days aboard a road bike, how far I'd come.......and gone. RetiredDave and LegalAndy were in for long and strong stints at the front, BigPaul (crushed by cruises) bellyaching at the bow. Sandy, Brendan and RetiredDave turned toward the Toaster for a long lap, the remainder west. Turns had quickly shortened by School Rd (Sundayitis?), so I took to the front to drive the crew home, caffine craved.
A quiet prelude Tuesday morning attempting to shake the last of the cold that put me in the pits Monday. The depths of thought erased sections of Rudd and Wanganui Rd, just idling along for 10k to warm to a Goat track lap. A dozen filtered to Friars for the 6am exit, Coggo's absence excused after an epic 236k, 4701m, 8071cal 3 peaks Sunday. Against normal convention (and in BigPauls' absence) a clockwise roll commenced against the SSE, Darren and Georgia new additions to the procession. Lungs were lame from Mondays' cold, I wasn't looking forward to the Boundary Rd effort, at least turns were short and smooth with JamisShane to the fore and RetiredDave to the aft. A few chose to reside rearmost, a bit disconcerting without a roll call and the odd one rejoining the rotation randomly. A few ripples of variation as ten shared the driving in River Rd, Georgia departing a short cut home as we waited for David at wait for David. Ten still sought active duty as Conrod came into view, turns timing JamisShane nicely to wind up with 400 metres to go. At his invite to jump on, I sat in the draft but restricted respiratories ruined a real effort, hanging on for third when AvantiLeigh pounced in the closing metres.
An 80 rpm spin south had little warm up effect against Wednesdays 9 degrees (yep, arm warmers forgotten again) but a 20k prelude to the customary Couldabeens circuit would at least loosen the legs. The Raftery-Mitchell-Archer loop timed the 5.45 start perfectly, but traffic split the roll out to put a chase first on the agenda. Rudy flew into leg two while the rearmost were still on the brakes for the truck route, it was half a k before the bunch were re-united. Pairing with Trav on Mitchell Rd calmed the seas, we added Choppy to the bunch at River Rd's bridge, a chance to yack to newcomers Ash, Westy and BH Paul as AvantiTrev set a manageable speed. Cats swinging into River Rd ahead of a northbound truck in Boundary baulked several as the front runners wound up the tempo, another chase reforming the bunch at one tree dam. Chops and I had the lead role into Channel Rd, Jase and Rudy scoring the lead out contenders for the Cha Cha championship (my 100% put into hanging on wheezing at 50) Speech returned to the pack for the roll back to town, holidays allowing a rare chance to enjoy mid-week coffee and toast at the Lemontree with Jase.
Quite a slog to the Friday Couldabeens with Wozza, southerly winds (20-35km/h) burning up breakfast before the lap had begun. It was short shifts amongst the dozen to Mitchell Rd, a call for slow so Choppy's chase could catch on at the truck route was more than welcomed. A 3k long haul on the front with Wozza in River Rd rounded off my edges of endurance, steering skewed by the starboard breeze, but it was gone with the wind northbound on Boundary as a pleasant second shift. Excitement brewed in Channel Rd for the Cha Cha but Pistol's puncture near the kinder quickly deflated the punters. Not rattled by the heckling, calm, cool Pete had the tube changed for a steady tap back to town, a Macca's infusion of caffine and chat as a closer. Added another lap to top off the week, finding Tina and Col en-route to an Adams circuit. Familiar old faces of Norm, J.T. Jimbo, IrishTony, Lindz and Brizzy assembled with others on Adams Rd, flagged away at 8, I rolled up to take a turn, all instantly into indian file behind me, out of the relentless southerly. There were assorted turns in assorted lines up Mitchell Rd, reliving the sights on the tarmac less travelled. Switched to high alert in Boundary with a Fi-Fo fear factor, thankfully the tail wind relegated Dennis OTA before damage was done. Bid my farewells left turning into Old Dookie to grind home and finish a holiday week.
Week 11 375 km YTD 3,211 km
Only Belly and Sootie keen to tap a 7am lap on Sunday, a tad early for most it seemed. A steady lap mapped, Sootie's knee recovering from a grease and oil on Thursday, a fresh 11 degrees to start out Old Dookie Rd (minus armwarmers again, silly!) but rare to be without wind and with sun to light the way. An automated yet unspoken protocol of swapping turns commenced, easy on acceleration and smooth on pace, agreeing on an abbreviated route to keep Belly on a MadCow schedule and get us back to Friars for the late shift start. A right exit at Rivers end, short cut via the truck route to Archer, then a single filed tap north made perfect time to Friars, the 8 o'clockers (Snow, BigPaul, Jan, Sandy, Bickers, RetiredDave, Brendan and LegalAndy) still comfortably cocooned in convivial cruise conversation, consuming coffee, carefree. Eventually legs were swung over bikes, a Raftery start (here we go again on auto-pilot) set an anti-clockwise course, BigPaul feeling the slog after a two week cruise, RetiredDave rattled by rattles. Sun in the eyes again in Mitchell road, a hint of northeasterly to take the slack out of the legs, a distant bunch to chase in River road kept us occupied. The breeze had built in Boundary Rd, the bunch (BUG's Browns' cows) ahead caught and passed, gave a moment to reflect on the early days aboard a road bike, how far I'd come.......and gone. RetiredDave and LegalAndy were in for long and strong stints at the front, BigPaul (crushed by cruises) bellyaching at the bow. Sandy, Brendan and RetiredDave turned toward the Toaster for a long lap, the remainder west. Turns had quickly shortened by School Rd (Sundayitis?), so I took to the front to drive the crew home, caffine craved.
A quiet prelude Tuesday morning attempting to shake the last of the cold that put me in the pits Monday. The depths of thought erased sections of Rudd and Wanganui Rd, just idling along for 10k to warm to a Goat track lap. A dozen filtered to Friars for the 6am exit, Coggo's absence excused after an epic 236k, 4701m, 8071cal 3 peaks Sunday. Against normal convention (and in BigPauls' absence) a clockwise roll commenced against the SSE, Darren and Georgia new additions to the procession. Lungs were lame from Mondays' cold, I wasn't looking forward to the Boundary Rd effort, at least turns were short and smooth with JamisShane to the fore and RetiredDave to the aft. A few chose to reside rearmost, a bit disconcerting without a roll call and the odd one rejoining the rotation randomly. A few ripples of variation as ten shared the driving in River Rd, Georgia departing a short cut home as we waited for David at wait for David. Ten still sought active duty as Conrod came into view, turns timing JamisShane nicely to wind up with 400 metres to go. At his invite to jump on, I sat in the draft but restricted respiratories ruined a real effort, hanging on for third when AvantiLeigh pounced in the closing metres.
An 80 rpm spin south had little warm up effect against Wednesdays 9 degrees (yep, arm warmers forgotten again) but a 20k prelude to the customary Couldabeens circuit would at least loosen the legs. The Raftery-Mitchell-Archer loop timed the 5.45 start perfectly, but traffic split the roll out to put a chase first on the agenda. Rudy flew into leg two while the rearmost were still on the brakes for the truck route, it was half a k before the bunch were re-united. Pairing with Trav on Mitchell Rd calmed the seas, we added Choppy to the bunch at River Rd's bridge, a chance to yack to newcomers Ash, Westy and BH Paul as AvantiTrev set a manageable speed. Cats swinging into River Rd ahead of a northbound truck in Boundary baulked several as the front runners wound up the tempo, another chase reforming the bunch at one tree dam. Chops and I had the lead role into Channel Rd, Jase and Rudy scoring the lead out contenders for the Cha Cha championship (my 100% put into hanging on wheezing at 50) Speech returned to the pack for the roll back to town, holidays allowing a rare chance to enjoy mid-week coffee and toast at the Lemontree with Jase.
Quite a slog to the Friday Couldabeens with Wozza, southerly winds (20-35km/h) burning up breakfast before the lap had begun. It was short shifts amongst the dozen to Mitchell Rd, a call for slow so Choppy's chase could catch on at the truck route was more than welcomed. A 3k long haul on the front with Wozza in River Rd rounded off my edges of endurance, steering skewed by the starboard breeze, but it was gone with the wind northbound on Boundary as a pleasant second shift. Excitement brewed in Channel Rd for the Cha Cha but Pistol's puncture near the kinder quickly deflated the punters. Not rattled by the heckling, calm, cool Pete had the tube changed for a steady tap back to town, a Macca's infusion of caffine and chat as a closer. Added another lap to top off the week, finding Tina and Col en-route to an Adams circuit. Familiar old faces of Norm, J.T. Jimbo, IrishTony, Lindz and Brizzy assembled with others on Adams Rd, flagged away at 8, I rolled up to take a turn, all instantly into indian file behind me, out of the relentless southerly. There were assorted turns in assorted lines up Mitchell Rd, reliving the sights on the tarmac less travelled. Switched to high alert in Boundary with a Fi-Fo fear factor, thankfully the tail wind relegated Dennis OTA before damage was done. Bid my farewells left turning into Old Dookie to grind home and finish a holiday week.
Week 11 375 km YTD 3,211 km
Friday, March 6, 2015
Week 10 : Passive prologues, the new black.
Took to the tarmac in the early hours of Saturday, teaming with Wozza and Temple (the three musketeers?) en-route to the Cat preamble with Vince, Rabbit, Frido and Chris A, found at the Mt Nicolaci dip. A steady cruise of River and Boundary Rd finding Mexicans Anthony and Angelo south of the Boundary bridges. Repeating last weeks course, Temple, Wozz and I diverted via Channel Rd in search of the regular Saturday bunch, nearly making it to Orrvale Rd before u-turning to climb aboard the train of Pistol, Jase, newcomer ScottRoss, Johnnie, Eammon, Rocket, AvantiChris, AvantiTrev, BigMat FeltMat , Cougar and Tucks. An anticlockwise rotation of the anticlockwise circuit, all in social mode, talked weekend plans, bike bling and who's peaking, Nath boarding at the Pub to make a sweet sixteen squad. A tri train cranked east toward Dookie as we swept west at the Emu, the usual sprinkling of soloists fore and aft the Cat pack (crossing paths at the main channel). Eammon was under pressure on the front as enthusiasm escalated at DECA, a sprint up Mt Wanganui launched by Rocket and Nath had Tucks plum tuckered by Rudd Road. AvantiTrev's tail-light cam brought out the showmanship on the roll back through town, the Strava Wars between BigMat and Wozz seesawing for February's kilometre supremacy occupying most of the breakfast banter.
I thumbed through the files of the hippocampus Monday morning, trying to find an excuse to leave Sunday's cobwebs on the bike but knowing regret would haunt me, fronted up for an abbreviated Goat lap, my enemy, time. A standing outdoors weather check prompted base layer insulation, the reality of slicing through the south breeze even cooler (just 9 degrees on the guage). Coggo, Belly and Phil were the only brave boys at Friars, so a single filed attack on the goat trail got underway in Old Dookie Rd. It's a thin beam of light on the bitumen, the bike and the backside ahead, all that's visible these days with the sun's later arrival each day hiding the lap landmarks. To go with the flow in Coggo's tow was no slow bro, compelling me to contribute a decent turn at the front from the Pub to River Rd (but the heroics hurt in hindsight). Belly then Phil did the driving for half of River Rd, Coggo putting in another super stint for the second half. Regrettably, time had me exiting at Central Kialla Rd, the enemy of work beckoning a short cut to keep to schedule. Steered the truck route to Archer then north back to town, always a bonus to have a tailwind home.
Early laps are the new black in rides lately, a chance to let legs limber and jaws jabber before the peleton pace percolates. Wozz and I soldiered south to Raftery Rd, the southerly strengthening, to join Bo, Kel, Temple and Simon for the preamble. Vince added to the prologue at the punch-up bridge for a quiet tap of Raftery-Mitchell and Archer, Pistol found en-route to attach to Couldabeens Rocket, BigMat, FeltMat, Kenworth, Shane, AvantiTrev and Rudy at the earlier launch time. The first shift left the blocks rapidly, a sprint to latch onto the first half dozen at Kensington. I served my time at the rushin' front with Wozz, then Rudy, from the cypress trees to Channel's end, pleased to avoid the breeze on Boundary, but heartfelt sympathies to Kenworth dealing with the southerly AND matching Pistol Pete's pace. Bo barbequed BigMat to River Rd, my focus fuzzied and view narrowed third wheel from Rocket's rate of knots, a concerted effort to keep attention on sticks and debris litterng the tarmac. I drew a valued breath to thank Wozz and roll the rotation just as he called enough, timing and the pairing perfect. Half the bunch I'd seen at the start had yet to roll through, only seven contributing to the speed at the pointy end while the rest rested. Promising myself this was the last turn in Mitchell Rd was over-ruled by stubborn determination, but seeing 185 bpm on the Garmin at Raftery's skid pan (half a k beyond Roubaix) pulled the pin mentally. Hanging on as a mere survivor at fifth wheel watching Rocket hit the boost button in Conrod confirmed his freak status, I was just relieved to cross the finish line fifth and get home early to refuel on raisin toast.
Down to the dying seconds of departure time on Wednesday, then caught every red light to frusrate the agenda reaching the Couldabeens grid for the earlier time, but wait!....the standardised start line is now a k short of Kialla. A bonus to join on the back of the bunch cowering from the southerly and chatting with newcomers BH.Paul and Westy, the third not yet known. The headwind's attrition put me at the front sooner than expected, leg two of Archer Rd to tackle, at least achievable with Chop's consideration, Mitchell Rd a different story beside spin doctor Rudy. Zone-in on slackening the jaw, relaxing shoulders, a light touch of thumbs to forefingers, focus ahead, slow the breathing and let the legs do the work......soon holding station with the young fella. Some had reartired in River Rd, AvantiChris stepping up to Pistols' pace though. The earlier start has put the passing parade of peletons back to Boundary Rd, their identity still shrouded in darkness as days grow shorter. The tempo was slowly wound up in the Devil's lane dash for the thrash at the Cha Cha, my timing skewed arriving at the kinder on Pistols wheel, only useful as a lead-out today (Rudy and Shane better positioned for success). Itching to launch a suprise Kensington thrash (to see who may be on their toes), my idea was shelved with oncoming traffic.
A damp road and wind gusts of 65 km/h sent bike and I scuttling back indoors at 5 Thursday morning, all kitted up and fed without checking the outdoors first forced a rethink of routine.....engage eyesight before putting passion into gear in the future.
By Friday, the cravings for k's had peaked, cured by an early solo Toaster lap, a tame intro with the southwest breeze behind me to the Emu. With only one car to avoid, thoughts were thrown into neutral to tap on an aerobic limit, then spin on the 17 sprocket down to the Toaster, a grind on the 15 west on Old Dookie Rd gave better pace. One tail-light ahead and plenty of headlights behind when I'd settled into Boundary Rd, the red ahead a speck on the horizon. Pleased I'd made up good ground by River Rd, the wind turned head on to torment. I drifted to River's right edge clearing the course for the gaining bunch behind, quickly off the seat winding up the knots to steal a tow as they passed. Out of my depth hanging on to team Feelgood cranking the mid fourties into a headwind, I let go the tow at Laws Drive mainly to preserve reserves for the rest of the circuit. The brief blast had drawn me nearer the soloist ahead, finally catching Sosso at Roscoe's corner. In Mitchell Rd it felt futile fleeing, feeling feisty felines furtively following at Archer Rd but kept the head down, a clear cross of the highway helped, but was finally swallowed by the populated pussycat peleton (featuring a fifty-one faction) at Arcadia Downs. Helped myself to the free tow home (and tactical talk to the tenaciousTina) to finish the mornings fifty five k's and the week.
Week 10 268km YTD 2,836 km
I thumbed through the files of the hippocampus Monday morning, trying to find an excuse to leave Sunday's cobwebs on the bike but knowing regret would haunt me, fronted up for an abbreviated Goat lap, my enemy, time. A standing outdoors weather check prompted base layer insulation, the reality of slicing through the south breeze even cooler (just 9 degrees on the guage). Coggo, Belly and Phil were the only brave boys at Friars, so a single filed attack on the goat trail got underway in Old Dookie Rd. It's a thin beam of light on the bitumen, the bike and the backside ahead, all that's visible these days with the sun's later arrival each day hiding the lap landmarks. To go with the flow in Coggo's tow was no slow bro, compelling me to contribute a decent turn at the front from the Pub to River Rd (but the heroics hurt in hindsight). Belly then Phil did the driving for half of River Rd, Coggo putting in another super stint for the second half. Regrettably, time had me exiting at Central Kialla Rd, the enemy of work beckoning a short cut to keep to schedule. Steered the truck route to Archer then north back to town, always a bonus to have a tailwind home.
Early laps are the new black in rides lately, a chance to let legs limber and jaws jabber before the peleton pace percolates. Wozz and I soldiered south to Raftery Rd, the southerly strengthening, to join Bo, Kel, Temple and Simon for the preamble. Vince added to the prologue at the punch-up bridge for a quiet tap of Raftery-Mitchell and Archer, Pistol found en-route to attach to Couldabeens Rocket, BigMat, FeltMat, Kenworth, Shane, AvantiTrev and Rudy at the earlier launch time. The first shift left the blocks rapidly, a sprint to latch onto the first half dozen at Kensington. I served my time at the rushin' front with Wozz, then Rudy, from the cypress trees to Channel's end, pleased to avoid the breeze on Boundary, but heartfelt sympathies to Kenworth dealing with the southerly AND matching Pistol Pete's pace. Bo barbequed BigMat to River Rd, my focus fuzzied and view narrowed third wheel from Rocket's rate of knots, a concerted effort to keep attention on sticks and debris litterng the tarmac. I drew a valued breath to thank Wozz and roll the rotation just as he called enough, timing and the pairing perfect. Half the bunch I'd seen at the start had yet to roll through, only seven contributing to the speed at the pointy end while the rest rested. Promising myself this was the last turn in Mitchell Rd was over-ruled by stubborn determination, but seeing 185 bpm on the Garmin at Raftery's skid pan (half a k beyond Roubaix) pulled the pin mentally. Hanging on as a mere survivor at fifth wheel watching Rocket hit the boost button in Conrod confirmed his freak status, I was just relieved to cross the finish line fifth and get home early to refuel on raisin toast.
Down to the dying seconds of departure time on Wednesday, then caught every red light to frusrate the agenda reaching the Couldabeens grid for the earlier time, but wait!....the standardised start line is now a k short of Kialla. A bonus to join on the back of the bunch cowering from the southerly and chatting with newcomers BH.Paul and Westy, the third not yet known. The headwind's attrition put me at the front sooner than expected, leg two of Archer Rd to tackle, at least achievable with Chop's consideration, Mitchell Rd a different story beside spin doctor Rudy. Zone-in on slackening the jaw, relaxing shoulders, a light touch of thumbs to forefingers, focus ahead, slow the breathing and let the legs do the work......soon holding station with the young fella. Some had reartired in River Rd, AvantiChris stepping up to Pistols' pace though. The earlier start has put the passing parade of peletons back to Boundary Rd, their identity still shrouded in darkness as days grow shorter. The tempo was slowly wound up in the Devil's lane dash for the thrash at the Cha Cha, my timing skewed arriving at the kinder on Pistols wheel, only useful as a lead-out today (Rudy and Shane better positioned for success). Itching to launch a suprise Kensington thrash (to see who may be on their toes), my idea was shelved with oncoming traffic.
A damp road and wind gusts of 65 km/h sent bike and I scuttling back indoors at 5 Thursday morning, all kitted up and fed without checking the outdoors first forced a rethink of routine.....engage eyesight before putting passion into gear in the future.
By Friday, the cravings for k's had peaked, cured by an early solo Toaster lap, a tame intro with the southwest breeze behind me to the Emu. With only one car to avoid, thoughts were thrown into neutral to tap on an aerobic limit, then spin on the 17 sprocket down to the Toaster, a grind on the 15 west on Old Dookie Rd gave better pace. One tail-light ahead and plenty of headlights behind when I'd settled into Boundary Rd, the red ahead a speck on the horizon. Pleased I'd made up good ground by River Rd, the wind turned head on to torment. I drifted to River's right edge clearing the course for the gaining bunch behind, quickly off the seat winding up the knots to steal a tow as they passed. Out of my depth hanging on to team Feelgood cranking the mid fourties into a headwind, I let go the tow at Laws Drive mainly to preserve reserves for the rest of the circuit. The brief blast had drawn me nearer the soloist ahead, finally catching Sosso at Roscoe's corner. In Mitchell Rd it felt futile fleeing, feeling feisty felines furtively following at Archer Rd but kept the head down, a clear cross of the highway helped, but was finally swallowed by the populated pussycat peleton (featuring a fifty-one faction) at Arcadia Downs. Helped myself to the free tow home (and tactical talk to the tenaciousTina) to finish the mornings fifty five k's and the week.
Week 10 268km YTD 2,836 km
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Week 9 A quick quadrella & sneaky suspicions
A solid spin south to stay on schedule Saturday, timing a rendevous with Temple down to the second at Kialla Lakes Drive. An early ease into a steady preamble with Vince, Frido, ChrisA, Dalts and Clive got the legs gently up to operating temperature. Quite chatty along Mitchell, River and Boundary, even finding Mexican Anthony cruising at the two bridges. Au revoirs at Channel Rd, Temple and I bore west in search of the Saturday crew, slowly building to the expected speed. A long line of 15 approached Orrvale Rd, we u-turned to join an eased pace, Bo, Kel and Ron suprised inclusions to the regular bunch. A tame tempo seems be gaining popularity with many, plenty of rides at the limit seem to be wearing down the edges of enjoyment. Great to see everyone having a go at the front, whether it be at the limit or just cruising, Jen along again, enjoying being amongst a bigger bunch. A good steady tap around and the now the habitual squirt for the Wanganui hill KOM, topped off with the usual social pit stop finished 72k nicely.
Had a sneaking suspicion I was being followed on the main drag Monday morning, a bit more light than usual on the tarmac. It was Jase, a bit breathless from a chase to eventually chat on the commute to the Couldabeens start line. The What's App invite had only drawn us and Rocket to the grid, seems there wasn't enough numbers for Whispering Jack to perform. I suggested single file on our Kensington roundabout exit, taking the first leg gently up to pace considering Jase's MTB Buller exertion. A hint of northeasterly didn't slow Rocket from the high 30's, felt I should maintain the equalibrium but questioned if my old engine was up to it. We found Pistol westbound at the end of Channel Rd, delighted he u-turned to contribute to our effort. I did the Boundary Rd leg to one tree dam, only just finding the bit extra to jump onto the rear of the three as they passed. Pistol put in a big 3k turn on River, Rocket the remainder, possibly bouyed by the slowly increasing northeaster at our backs. Funny how your focus shortens and the view ahead narrows proportionally to the speed and effort, mind you I needed my chin on the handlebars to draft from the low Rocket into the fourties. Attempting to measure up to the quality field, I drove the Kialla Central leg fairly hard but paid the price of rubber legs by Mitchell, Jase's considerate slow wind up the only way I could climb aboard the back. My heart rate had only reduced to 168 when the next shift summoned me into Roubaix corner, passing a discarded Cat motivated well though. Jase then Pistol powered onto Conrod where Rocket took the helm, hanging onto his wheel the big ask. Rockets afterburners cut in out of the dip as I trawled the depths of an empty tank to stay aboard, feeling it my duty to keep Jase and Pistol in touch after such great turns. Running on empty with 100 metres left, I glanced back to find Pistol and Jase 30 metres off the back, triggering me to throw it mentally into neutral, coasting for second as Rocket still powered on. There was two word sentences till Melbourne Rd, heartrate took four minutes to dip to aerobic, but was well pleased to have clocked a 39.1 average and chalked up a 3rd overall for the 30 k lap.
A far more sedate ride Monday evening, a quiet 33 k with Beejoy learning the ropes. Into the headwind of Old Dookie Rd was a trial for anyone with just 5 weeks experience, but determination was there to push on to the Toaster, hopeful of being breezed home? A small seat height adjustment is still needed (heel still down at 6 o'clock) and steady speed is to be mastered though it was smooth sailing northbound to the Emu. Kerbing the enthusiasm to wind up the wattage with a tail wind was a bit difficult, learning to pace yourself over a distance an aquired skill. 10k's of steady pace soon began to wear Beejoy down, but his quest to knock 5 minutes off his last lap was still keen. Back into town the wind had shifted SSW making Rudd Rd and the Boulevard a chore, but the the grin at slicing 9 minutes off the lap was well worth the effort. (eventually he'll be settling for just knocking seconds off, like most of us)
Wind chimes tolled toil in the early hours of Tuesday, loud enough for Sootie to cancel the 5.10 Tri train. Being well ahead of the agenda, I threw a leg over the bike to warm up on the 10k golf course prologue, a strong southerly propelling me up Rudd Rd with little hinderance to the end of Wanganui Rd. A three and a half k slog into the 22-35 km/h head wind to the Goat start got the heartrate, lungs and legs prepared, suprised to find a dozen ready to brave the breeze. Roscoe and Tina were merged as we reached Dobsons estate, plenty of pace made eastward, though a few had leapt into the rear seats before Central Ave. It was a bit of a ramshackle rotation with wind blowing wheels about, the caution control cranked to high in such conditions. Nev and 3 Genesis drivers had caught us and filtered through our ranks approaching River Rd, best left to their own rapid devices, they drew slowly away to the western horizon. We'd eventually got organised after waiting for David (who wasn't there), just seven contributing to the cause in River Rd with equal amounts in tow. Hommy's slow roll vs Belly's blast put a surge in the front half, forcing a change of cogs for me (Darn it! Caught by Tum to ruin my reputation). Snow suprised by re-entering the rotation, Roscoe joined too, on the rev limiter for a couple of goes till his tank emptied in Mitchell Rd. Belly and a couple of others retired via Archer, leaving me with AvantiLeigh, Dipper, Coggo, Hommy, Tum and Phil to share the workload. A relief to be out of the breeze exiting Roubaix, the tempo raised to the mid fourties by Arcadia Downs, infecting a few with a dose of the noddies. Turns timed well to burn Hommy's hopes in Conrod, Tum took the challenge with 300 to go, handing the perfect lead-out to me.
Missed several Renegade rides of late, so took the chance Tuesday arvo to revisit the library, Coggo, Paul, MeridaAndy, Tina, Lenny and SpecialisedTony starting the lap with a helping hand to Wanganui Rd (the stiff southerly still blowing since the morning). On the front with Lenny to Ford Rd, breaths were drawn for a passing Golf, almost sliced by a car exiting a side street. Legal Steve and Harpo jumped aboard, Team Feelgood (MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Steevo and Mitch) joined in for Lemnos Cosgrove, the pace pronto to the Emu. Machine Steve and Mitch driving the front into the wind had most hanging on till the Toaster, some mercy shown on the western leg to Boundary Rd, Bomber and Deano found cruising at the channel bridge. Clearly bored with the pace in Boundary, Bomber took to the front and slowly stretched away,most others content to stay collected and share the workload. A gusty turn in River Rd tightened the handlebar grip with wheels being shoved about, sticks and bark bouncing from bike to bike and concentration sharpened made tough work to Central Kialla. The Feelgood team must have felt good in Mitchell Rd, pace lifting (in an attempt the reach Bomber?) to stretch out the bunch to the highway. I took turns with SpecialisedTony and Carl out of Roubaix, the real movers hitting the front nearing Arcadia Downs. My resolve was purely for survival as the speedo nudged 50, trying to stay intouch with the heavy artillery as many drafted behind me. Out of the dipper Harpo came past and rolled over to assist, but quickly imploded, a swift swerve to miss his wheel, I was more than satisfied with a mid field finish.
A feint headwind felt furious after 5k to the Kialla Couldabeens congregation, legs and lungs were almost ready for retirement. The grid had formed from the forth row back, nobody braving the first shift again. I ventured forth with Wozz with the plan of an easy first leg but found the heart rate on the redline with just a k covered. FeltMat appeared from the darkness of Mitchell Rd lacking lumens, a chase was on to catch Johnnie and his followers a half k ahead. Added to the rear in Central Kialla, they made us a bakers dozen for River Rd, AvantiTrev setting a steady speed to the bridge, FeltMat raising the stakes a little higher to the dip. The long drag to Boundary Rd with Wozza seemed an eternity despite the tempo climbing, heartbeats peaking and still the rumble strips weren't reached. Great to finally turn north and tuck in for a tow, spin doctor Rudy wanted a wheel ahead of Wozz for Boundary Rd, but Wozz was defiant (though suffering) to hold station to the bridges. Some calm in Channel Rd to collect composition then a steady steam up to speed for the Devil's Lane dash, fruit pickers peak hour saw Channel Rd busier than usual (at least 5 cars oncoming). Pistol Pete had the box seat tow into the Cha Cha championship, others could only try to match his calibre as the bunch stretched out. A conversational cruise back to town put icing on the quick cake.
A niggling easterly wind burnt breakfast fast on Wanganui Rd in the early start to Thursday, meeting the Tri train (Stace, Comet and Sootie) en-route to the Emu. Individual efforts in Lemnos-Cosgrove hurt mentally with the wind in the face, hard yakka to catch those Irongirls on a mission. There was a change of tactics for the return to town at the Toaster, 200m track turns indian file set some P.R's with the zephyr at our backs. Something quite satisfying to steam along with similar engines working on the same page, a sense of team achievement far outweighing personal effort. We were back in town to just in time to board the Goat express, but it was hard to get 20 on the same song sheet with traffic lights, gaps, cars and trucks, roundabouts and a few cases of over enthusiasm to battle, the bunch almost as disjointed as the Liberal Party. We needed Heady's little 37 / 39 aria as a metronome but someone was playing Animals as Leaders (Goats as politicians?) in 9/16 time. Out of the headwind of Old Dookie Rd and south toward River Rd, Hommy and Belly had fed from the trough of exhuberance, the peleton looking like swiss cheese but less stressed by breeze. Wits were sharpened as some jumped across to fill the gaps, finally some smoothness, albeit fast paced, was established half way into River Rd. (though at the expense of a few O.T.A.). On the gas in Mitchell Rd, I got a slingshot from MeridaAndy up Mt Nicolaci, the only time i'll ever get the polka dots, (unless going solo). With 70 k's clocked reaching Conrod, I was content to hold position mid field (legs would argue aiming higher) , interesting to see the movers and shakers battle out the honours, and those who re-emerge from obscurity to challenge.
Finished the week with a solo lap, a Toaster circuit (minus the golf course leg). Nice and easy out to the Emu kept the effort aerobic, but was bumped into the anaerobic against the SSW breeze for the rest of the lap. Passed the pig farm squeal in Old Dookie Rd, seeing a long line of oncoming Cat l.e.d.'s swinging into Boundary Rd, a few Goats following behind. No hope of catching, the kilometre gap too much of an ask for me. Great time to clear the head, no pressure to match a fast wheel, just to tap away a few k's before work beckoned. Took a short cut home via Archer to meet the 7.30 start at the salt mine, another sneaky suspicion of being followed at the lake found some unknown pedaller freeloading a tow (a kilometer at 40 soon shook him).
Week 9 433km YTD 2,568 km
Had a sneaking suspicion I was being followed on the main drag Monday morning, a bit more light than usual on the tarmac. It was Jase, a bit breathless from a chase to eventually chat on the commute to the Couldabeens start line. The What's App invite had only drawn us and Rocket to the grid, seems there wasn't enough numbers for Whispering Jack to perform. I suggested single file on our Kensington roundabout exit, taking the first leg gently up to pace considering Jase's MTB Buller exertion. A hint of northeasterly didn't slow Rocket from the high 30's, felt I should maintain the equalibrium but questioned if my old engine was up to it. We found Pistol westbound at the end of Channel Rd, delighted he u-turned to contribute to our effort. I did the Boundary Rd leg to one tree dam, only just finding the bit extra to jump onto the rear of the three as they passed. Pistol put in a big 3k turn on River, Rocket the remainder, possibly bouyed by the slowly increasing northeaster at our backs. Funny how your focus shortens and the view ahead narrows proportionally to the speed and effort, mind you I needed my chin on the handlebars to draft from the low Rocket into the fourties. Attempting to measure up to the quality field, I drove the Kialla Central leg fairly hard but paid the price of rubber legs by Mitchell, Jase's considerate slow wind up the only way I could climb aboard the back. My heart rate had only reduced to 168 when the next shift summoned me into Roubaix corner, passing a discarded Cat motivated well though. Jase then Pistol powered onto Conrod where Rocket took the helm, hanging onto his wheel the big ask. Rockets afterburners cut in out of the dip as I trawled the depths of an empty tank to stay aboard, feeling it my duty to keep Jase and Pistol in touch after such great turns. Running on empty with 100 metres left, I glanced back to find Pistol and Jase 30 metres off the back, triggering me to throw it mentally into neutral, coasting for second as Rocket still powered on. There was two word sentences till Melbourne Rd, heartrate took four minutes to dip to aerobic, but was well pleased to have clocked a 39.1 average and chalked up a 3rd overall for the 30 k lap.
A far more sedate ride Monday evening, a quiet 33 k with Beejoy learning the ropes. Into the headwind of Old Dookie Rd was a trial for anyone with just 5 weeks experience, but determination was there to push on to the Toaster, hopeful of being breezed home? A small seat height adjustment is still needed (heel still down at 6 o'clock) and steady speed is to be mastered though it was smooth sailing northbound to the Emu. Kerbing the enthusiasm to wind up the wattage with a tail wind was a bit difficult, learning to pace yourself over a distance an aquired skill. 10k's of steady pace soon began to wear Beejoy down, but his quest to knock 5 minutes off his last lap was still keen. Back into town the wind had shifted SSW making Rudd Rd and the Boulevard a chore, but the the grin at slicing 9 minutes off the lap was well worth the effort. (eventually he'll be settling for just knocking seconds off, like most of us)
Wind chimes tolled toil in the early hours of Tuesday, loud enough for Sootie to cancel the 5.10 Tri train. Being well ahead of the agenda, I threw a leg over the bike to warm up on the 10k golf course prologue, a strong southerly propelling me up Rudd Rd with little hinderance to the end of Wanganui Rd. A three and a half k slog into the 22-35 km/h head wind to the Goat start got the heartrate, lungs and legs prepared, suprised to find a dozen ready to brave the breeze. Roscoe and Tina were merged as we reached Dobsons estate, plenty of pace made eastward, though a few had leapt into the rear seats before Central Ave. It was a bit of a ramshackle rotation with wind blowing wheels about, the caution control cranked to high in such conditions. Nev and 3 Genesis drivers had caught us and filtered through our ranks approaching River Rd, best left to their own rapid devices, they drew slowly away to the western horizon. We'd eventually got organised after waiting for David (who wasn't there), just seven contributing to the cause in River Rd with equal amounts in tow. Hommy's slow roll vs Belly's blast put a surge in the front half, forcing a change of cogs for me (Darn it! Caught by Tum to ruin my reputation). Snow suprised by re-entering the rotation, Roscoe joined too, on the rev limiter for a couple of goes till his tank emptied in Mitchell Rd. Belly and a couple of others retired via Archer, leaving me with AvantiLeigh, Dipper, Coggo, Hommy, Tum and Phil to share the workload. A relief to be out of the breeze exiting Roubaix, the tempo raised to the mid fourties by Arcadia Downs, infecting a few with a dose of the noddies. Turns timed well to burn Hommy's hopes in Conrod, Tum took the challenge with 300 to go, handing the perfect lead-out to me.
Missed several Renegade rides of late, so took the chance Tuesday arvo to revisit the library, Coggo, Paul, MeridaAndy, Tina, Lenny and SpecialisedTony starting the lap with a helping hand to Wanganui Rd (the stiff southerly still blowing since the morning). On the front with Lenny to Ford Rd, breaths were drawn for a passing Golf, almost sliced by a car exiting a side street. Legal Steve and Harpo jumped aboard, Team Feelgood (MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Steevo and Mitch) joined in for Lemnos Cosgrove, the pace pronto to the Emu. Machine Steve and Mitch driving the front into the wind had most hanging on till the Toaster, some mercy shown on the western leg to Boundary Rd, Bomber and Deano found cruising at the channel bridge. Clearly bored with the pace in Boundary, Bomber took to the front and slowly stretched away,most others content to stay collected and share the workload. A gusty turn in River Rd tightened the handlebar grip with wheels being shoved about, sticks and bark bouncing from bike to bike and concentration sharpened made tough work to Central Kialla. The Feelgood team must have felt good in Mitchell Rd, pace lifting (in an attempt the reach Bomber?) to stretch out the bunch to the highway. I took turns with SpecialisedTony and Carl out of Roubaix, the real movers hitting the front nearing Arcadia Downs. My resolve was purely for survival as the speedo nudged 50, trying to stay intouch with the heavy artillery as many drafted behind me. Out of the dipper Harpo came past and rolled over to assist, but quickly imploded, a swift swerve to miss his wheel, I was more than satisfied with a mid field finish.
A feint headwind felt furious after 5k to the Kialla Couldabeens congregation, legs and lungs were almost ready for retirement. The grid had formed from the forth row back, nobody braving the first shift again. I ventured forth with Wozz with the plan of an easy first leg but found the heart rate on the redline with just a k covered. FeltMat appeared from the darkness of Mitchell Rd lacking lumens, a chase was on to catch Johnnie and his followers a half k ahead. Added to the rear in Central Kialla, they made us a bakers dozen for River Rd, AvantiTrev setting a steady speed to the bridge, FeltMat raising the stakes a little higher to the dip. The long drag to Boundary Rd with Wozza seemed an eternity despite the tempo climbing, heartbeats peaking and still the rumble strips weren't reached. Great to finally turn north and tuck in for a tow, spin doctor Rudy wanted a wheel ahead of Wozz for Boundary Rd, but Wozz was defiant (though suffering) to hold station to the bridges. Some calm in Channel Rd to collect composition then a steady steam up to speed for the Devil's Lane dash, fruit pickers peak hour saw Channel Rd busier than usual (at least 5 cars oncoming). Pistol Pete had the box seat tow into the Cha Cha championship, others could only try to match his calibre as the bunch stretched out. A conversational cruise back to town put icing on the quick cake.
A niggling easterly wind burnt breakfast fast on Wanganui Rd in the early start to Thursday, meeting the Tri train (Stace, Comet and Sootie) en-route to the Emu. Individual efforts in Lemnos-Cosgrove hurt mentally with the wind in the face, hard yakka to catch those Irongirls on a mission. There was a change of tactics for the return to town at the Toaster, 200m track turns indian file set some P.R's with the zephyr at our backs. Something quite satisfying to steam along with similar engines working on the same page, a sense of team achievement far outweighing personal effort. We were back in town to just in time to board the Goat express, but it was hard to get 20 on the same song sheet with traffic lights, gaps, cars and trucks, roundabouts and a few cases of over enthusiasm to battle, the bunch almost as disjointed as the Liberal Party. We needed Heady's little 37 / 39 aria as a metronome but someone was playing Animals as Leaders (Goats as politicians?) in 9/16 time. Out of the headwind of Old Dookie Rd and south toward River Rd, Hommy and Belly had fed from the trough of exhuberance, the peleton looking like swiss cheese but less stressed by breeze. Wits were sharpened as some jumped across to fill the gaps, finally some smoothness, albeit fast paced, was established half way into River Rd. (though at the expense of a few O.T.A.). On the gas in Mitchell Rd, I got a slingshot from MeridaAndy up Mt Nicolaci, the only time i'll ever get the polka dots, (unless going solo). With 70 k's clocked reaching Conrod, I was content to hold position mid field (legs would argue aiming higher) , interesting to see the movers and shakers battle out the honours, and those who re-emerge from obscurity to challenge.
Finished the week with a solo lap, a Toaster circuit (minus the golf course leg). Nice and easy out to the Emu kept the effort aerobic, but was bumped into the anaerobic against the SSW breeze for the rest of the lap. Passed the pig farm squeal in Old Dookie Rd, seeing a long line of oncoming Cat l.e.d.'s swinging into Boundary Rd, a few Goats following behind. No hope of catching, the kilometre gap too much of an ask for me. Great time to clear the head, no pressure to match a fast wheel, just to tap away a few k's before work beckoned. Took a short cut home via Archer to meet the 7.30 start at the salt mine, another sneaky suspicion of being followed at the lake found some unknown pedaller freeloading a tow (a kilometer at 40 soon shook him).
Week 9 433km YTD 2,568 km
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