Week 49. Craving kilometres.....is more best and less, lazy?

Post 320

A 4:20 breakfast, saddled and southbound at 4:45, a young skippy bounding through the town centre was a Saturday surprise.  The highway patrol had already found business for the weekend's SpringNats, I was only breaking the regular routine of 30 & 40 k rides, Temple joining in a 30 k precursor (a reverse Tuesday-Thursday lap) to the Saturday social loop. A southerly had barely begun to blow, a dark sky slow to turn orange then pink, satisfyingly scenic to start at a steady speed too. Convivial conversation to crank the circuit, we'd almost reached the start line as a long peleton swung into Channel Rd, signalling our u-turn.   A progressive greeting to Jase, Boof, Rocket, Whispering Jack, Cougar, SuperMario, Wozza, Shorty, Nick, Kel, Car+Mel, Bo, Shazza, AvantiTrev, AvantiMat, Jen, Fisky and special guests Dalts & Scott-not-BassoDave (on a pre-feline prologue) as I advanced my way through the ranks.  After 37k without a draft, the go on the front beside Rocket highlighted what little effort is needed in a bunch.  Bo hogged the length of the Boundary Rd tailwind,  I had a brief catch-up with Scott-not-BassoDave and Dalts (flash and fashionably flouro new steed) as we advanced to the Emu. You bewdy N-i-c-o-l-a-c-i was spied yet again bearing East as we worked west, the vibrancy of the voluptuous and vigorous vociferator violated our eardrums as Cats crossed our path at the main eastern channel (subtle is our Ange).  ChrisA joined the bunch, AvantiTrev was suffering the noddies in Ford Rd, Jen's rock solid stature alongside in stark contrast. Onward to the edge of town we found Matho (with Big Ben and another) had been cursed by Cat compassion (nil) with a halt for puncture repairs, our way west looked as if I may escape the jinx of the Wanganui lead-out, but I had the short and swift stature of Rocket to hang onto.  At last Bo put in some effort beside Rocket, the Portside breeze battering SuperMario and finishing Fisky, Boof put the Cosmics into overdrive, I'd run out of Jellybeans but inspired to see Car well up in the sprint ranks, Mel Kel and Jen also humbling the lads.  Into the tranquility and shelter of the Boulevard, insightful deliberations with Car+Mel on zoning and sit set-up as we cruised to caffeine, analysis of Christmas marketing and Couldabeens on-the-up occupied a long Lemontree table. 

A Monday mono to tune up took me on a golf course loop, easy up to cruising speed to rid the rust of a sloth Sunday. Sailed smoothly south on Verney Rd but was squeezed into the roundabout by a passing car (which instantly and insanely indicated left) caused all my Christmases to flash by in an instant. A squeeze of brakes and a selection of adjectives avoided a horizontal hiccup.....to be repeated again at the very next roundabout! (Is it international day of the idiot?)  I arrived at the Friars station to catch the 6am tranquility train, passengers Baz, Belly, Coggo, Deb, Sandy, Phil, Bickers and Heady aboard.  Tina made ten on the outskirts of town, a relaxed roll on the regular route with the heart rate just ticking over at 110.  Restorative and rehabilitating to join a stress free ride, too many on the limit pines the passion. Albeit against my wishes, I peeled off at the end of River Rd to reach the salt mines in time, via the truck route and Archer Rd home.

Insomnia invited Old Dookie Rd déjà vu at 5 on Tuesday, another westerly helped the outbound but hurt the inbound (like sweets before sprouts)  'Twas bliss to Boundary, the spin south survivable but Channel's challenge was niggling at the neurosis, a 17-24 km/h headwind forced a gear change, 74 rpm back to town in time to join the Couldabeens team turtle.  Chops, Kenworth, Trav, Shorty, Cougar, Nick, AvantiTrev, AvantiMat, WhisperingJack and Temple formed the 5:50 grid, Jase early for the 6:00 express. WhisperingJack and Trav legged leg one, a wee wait for a Western Star then it was my dip for leg two with Trav and three with Chops.  The westerly tickled up the tempo, a quintessential quetch blowing in the wind too.  Reality pegged back the pace on our southbound slog to River Rd, Trav and Chops keeping me on tempo toes as speed built again west, Eammon tagging on the tail at the bridge. My Mavic sung an octave lower at Central Kialla, by Archer Rd a mushy Michelin meant motion stopped for repairs. Our 3.5 minute stop meant the 6:00 bullet train caught and passed, flurried felines furtively flogging west behind them.   Repaired and remounted, our group ripped into Raftery, WhisperingJack  put all his eggs into the Conrod basket but cracked the lot with 400 metres left, Chops and Trav galloping away in the distance as I dragged five line astern on my wheel, a contented finish to 60k. 

Pedalled a prologue Wednesday, out the Boulevard for a golf course loop warm up (ha ha.....second day of summer and just 8 degrees!), back in town in time to commute to the Couldabeens with Wozz, well early to the carpark. Jen, Car+Mel, Boof, Rocket, Nick, Pistol, WhisperingJack, Shorty, AvantiTrev, Rene, Nicholas, Chops, Hollywood and Trav had gathered if only to rejoice in (or sledge) the wonder of the second coming.....BigMat magically manifesting to astonish the pilgrims!  Wozz captained the single filed crew south on Archer, I unearthed the fortitude to pair up to the roundabout, almost having my elbow trimmed by a passing Hi-Lux.  Boof kept the cadence cooking to the truck route, recovery possible with Rocket then Pistol driving to Mitchell and Central Kialla. BigMat bravely ventured forward for a brief bash at the breezy end, Rene too rose through the ranks but his effort erred to erratic (Hollywood hyperventilating behind) reaching the rushin' front.  Poppa's piercing pronunciations perforated the eardrums as the Cats worked west, a long narrow 51 squadron homing in on their pussycat prey just metres behind.  Jen, Car+Mel drove the train well to Boundary Rd, beside Wozz then Boof to Channel Rd finished my second shift.  Almost on the rear as the bunch flew into Kinder corner, my spot looked sweet, but the turns shortened sharply as Prentice Rd drew near, I was back up to second wheel in an instant. Wozz was the sacrificial lamb lead-out, shadows of Rocket, Boof and Pistol spooling up their turbos behind, my momentary effort at the front humbled in a nanosecond with the three launching to easy glory (happy to be first of the rest). 

The curse of craved kilometres pried the eyes open at 4:30 Thursday, is more best and less lazy?  Maybe I'm just Strava-struck?  Still short changed on summer degrees (9 and a stiff southerly more in tune with June), I hit New Dookie west, Boundary south and Old Dookie east to purge the urge, fronting to Friars as CerveloJohn, Speissy, Sandy, Tim, Bickers, Belly, Coggo, Snow, Heady and Phil arrived for active service.  Slipping out of the suburbs, Speissy nearly nagged needing notoriety, Tum and Tina climbing on the caboose as we got down to business.  Longer turns seem to be de rigeur of late, the odd rolled turn flagging the flogged and flabbergasted.  Geoffrey joined at Central Ave, Tim and I drew the headwind short straw in Boundary Rd, turning up the wick to see who squeaked. An h.r. comparison biased Belly (148) to my 162.  Bickers swansong to River Rd culled the drivers to 9, turns shortening for others as Central Kialla's wind eroded determination.  Fortunately fit, I continued turns with Heady, Tum, Coggo, Tim and CerveloJohn beyond Arcadia Downs, it was a test to crest the first dip of Conrod on the front, nobody keen to pair me at the pointy end. I buried finish line hopes squeezing 48 km/h out of the old engine for 350 metres, feeling Coggo and Tim needed to sing for their one/two supper (before breakfast), my nutrition was in tasting the bronze. 

The luxury of a 5:10 sleep-in mellowed the mindset Friday morning, casually kitted up and cruised to the pain train station pondering the likely locomotives that would turn up.  AvantiLeigh and Dipper (courteously curtailed the Cat kit), Tum (frisky on the fast Felt), Carl (freshly flogged from the Thursday night hit squad), Coggo (co-ordinated flouro) and Heady (wearing white....most aggressive young rider?) formed the seven.   Coggo hauled the carriages out of town, I'd slotted into 5th spot with plenty of preparation for perspiration, the last k of Old Dookie Rd at 172 bpm.  A hint of a southeasterly gave Dipper and Heady a workout in Boundary Rd, Coggo, AvantiLeigh, Carl then Tum dragging us to River Rd for my second attempt (a cast of Couldabeens dodging the ripple strips).  Exertion led to exhaustion after 1600 metres, salvation sought in the draft of Dippers turn, just a whisker off the pace let me cram the craved oxygen.  Coggo and AvantiLeigh ramped up the rate to finish River Rd, Carl and Tum cranked Central Kialla.  Tum handed me the reigns near Pistols place, 41 km/h to Mt Nicolaci was finished with guttural gasps to grab the the back berth as Dip wound up the volume on the ascent.  The pause for traffic was Dippers chance to adjust the wheel sensor (giving the AvantiAndy method a miss!) but too much adjustment caused another pause.  Back on the Raftery boil, my stars were aligning for a plum position in Conrod, Coggo drove to Galbraith's gate, AvantiLeigh to Arcadia Downs, Carl got us to Conrod's dip for Tum to dig deep.  Suffering the noddies and hunting for cogs overtook his velocity with 200 to go, my turn to liberate the lead and leg it.  A breathless end to the week, a 38.6 average rewarding the teamwork.

Week 49   341km.   YTD 14,755 km

Week 48 : Tasting truffles before tripe

Post 319

Christmas arrived early on Sunday, gathering at Friars for a festive tour to Longleat winery via Tatura and Rushworth, the lure of fermented grapes with Goats irresistible. 16 formed at 8 (Coggo, Heady, Dipper, Tina, Tim, Joe, Graham, Phillo, Tum, Deb, Kate, Baz, Belly, Brendan and Speissy) to tap to Tat in a casual cruise, a chance to prize open the personalities with long turns and time aplenty. A diversion du toilette at Tat incurred an interval, but underway again to tack and jibe against a south southeasterly (11-26 km/h) along the relentlessly long tarmac to the Basin.  A few hills released the rampant climbers, Phillo pouncing an early KOM but faded fast against Dipper and the princes of the polka dots. An intermission was called at the Rushy bakery for calories,  Spartacus, Cindy and NevY intercepted, then East to Murchison with a chase to catch Tina, Deb and Kate who'd flown the cafe coop.  Inclines were being tackled with tempo at Harrimans Point, I backed up to lend a wheel to Tum, Deb and Kate (a gesture of goodwill to all Goats) who'd been backed out, to grind the remaining k's to Murch, Deb and Kate taking a bike-swap road test to Longleat.  PinarelloMat, RoosterRoscoe, Jan, Kerry, Snow and the remainder of the short shift joined in the hydration of beer and wine, gourmet lunch and cheese platters to round off an enjoyable tour and get a head start to Yuletide pickling.

Monday's exercise was to exorcise the cognitive content that had brewed since three, a solo Saturday lap against a 15km/h southerly was the prescription to clear the cranial clouds.  Eastward on a deserted Channel Rd, life was found in Boundary Rd with eight lasses southbound at the bridge and a Cat clan clawing at catching.  At Old Dookie Rd the temptation to continue North was shunned, an eastward crank chosen to toughen up with a piggy parfumerie following me to the toaster. It was a push home from the emu, surprised that progress was preferential to the fifteen (73 rpm) rather than spinning the seventeen at 80. The skull swiftly swept of skeletons, there was inspiration enough to continue to Wanganui hill (but barely enough to put any speed on), head down on Rudd Rd and breezing along the Boulevard back to base to chalk up 45k.  

With Tuesday's tempo factionalising the Couldabeens into the fast and the furtile, I tried the turtle team at 5:50, being outranked to travel on the 6am bullet train.  I was the first to berth at the carpark, Nick, WhisperingJack, Cougar, Temple, Shorty, Chops, AvantiTrev and AvantiMat arrived, all forming single file behind (must change my deodorant!).   Temple tenuously came to the front as the 5:50 flag fell, a cool 12 degrees and a light southwester (11-17 km/h) tamed the turn to the truck route, gently applying the throttle. Shifts had gone full circle by Channel Rd's S bend, Temple and AvantiMat well tempo'd to Boundary Rd.  A ping from my rear wheel and a frozen Garmin speed spelt a magnetic malignment (later finding the wheel magnet turned about face) but it was onward and windward to River Rd.  Kenworth fronted from the west, perturbed by a previous puncture but prepared for pace as he u-turned to get aboard.  Mitchell Rd's Archer to Mt.Nicolaci stage had been swept of gravel, a clean cross of the highway readied all for the heads down hurry in Raftery.  By Arcadia Downs the bunch had lengthened and thinned, Chops cooking his cutlet in Conrod till crisp, handing the hurry to WhisperingJack to have a crack (he had the pressure down just 50 metres later).  Kenworth turned up the torque nearing the dip undertalking Temple, I scored the inertia round the outside to claim the chocolates. 

Twenty two little Indians filed singly south on Archer Wednesday morning, a copious collection of Couldabeens  (Wozza, Chops, Rocket, Boof, Hollywood, SuperMario, Shorty, Trav, Nick, Cougar, Jen, Car + Mel, AvantiTrev, AvantiMat, Jase, WhisperingJack, Nicholas, Rene, BHPaul and whatshisname) at a rapid roll. Into an ENE breeze beside Jase then Rocket crescendo'd my heart rate to 180, spent and speechless into Central Kialla, a minute taken till talking to Trav was tenable. Nicholas and Rene heeded advice to stay as tail lights, long time no see BHPaul and his mate (name numb), great to have Car(mel) back to raise the standards.  Bloated bunches whistled west at the River Rd dip, Ange's shrieking salutation stabbing the air and scaring the wildlife. Pace was percolating with the breeze behind the behinds in Channel Rd, shooting past the cypress trees I was 2nd wheel between a rock (Rocket) and a hard (Wozz) place.  Rockets velocity assured my shift was short to the kinder corner, 45 clicks beside Wozz then all went single file to Hopeful corner leaving Wozz to drive (and dry).  Rocket soon shifted to supersonic whilst Wozz, Trav and I attempted to keep the pot boiling for minor positions (Boof & Hollywood came from the rear to pinch the places). The calm after the storm found Jen, Car+Mel well up the ranks, the bunch back together to idle back to town. 

Excuses pinged on WhatsApp from 5:30 Thursday, a wicked westerly (27-50 km/h) had something to do with it!  Garmin glitches were rattling my OCD cage to crave a crank, a test to assess a wheel magnet change restoring data.  Friars was bereft of bikes at 6am, so a solo Goatless effort ensued, taking tailwind treasure before the hernia headwind home (the glory before the grind, tasting truffles before the tripe).  It might be money for jam but there was lots to spend to get home.  On top of the 13 sprocket at 81 rpm, Old Dookie was done in a PB 8:32, the Boundary buffeting to bear as I tried to dial down the heart rate. I considered River Rd homeward for a nanosecond but sanity prevailed over heroics to choose a Channel Rd course.  The turn west into a not so tempting tempest (37-50 km/h) balancing a skyrocketing heart rate, tibialis anteriors screaming in protest and insatiable lungs against a pedantic determination was like bringing silence to Syria.  Finally, the sight of the suburbs brought an inner peace, the torture terminated turning north into the main drag, contentment curing the Garmin gremlins too. (clocking a 29 average for the Devils lane dash, a little icing on the cake)

Only the dedicated disciples fronted Friars Friday, Coggo, Joe, Phil, AvantiLeigh, Dipper and Tum to receive the sacrament of speed on the pain train, Judas Belly defecting to the dark (feline) side.  It was a fresh five degrees for seven to slog out Old Dookie Rd, Phil the self appointed observer at the back. I assumed the drivers seat for the burst to the (Dobson's) bridge, AvantiLeigh, Tum, Dipper, Coggo and Joe lined up behind to follow suit. Coggo cranked to the Boundary Rd pig pen, Joe's one go abbreviated, giving me the leg to the pub. I had a helpful drag in River Rd to my third contribution, the billiard table section from k2 to 3, thanks Coggo! The breeze had abated by Central Kialla, Dipper and Coggo driving us to Mitchell Rd. Closing in on a distant Mexican inspired a push to Archer Rd, it was (ironically) Nicolaci at Mt.Nicolaci jumping on for a tow (struggling with just 2 rides in 18 months).  Over the highway and ripping into Raftery, Coggo elbowed me my final fling as we approached Conrod, Heady (just out of beddy) was now ready to join us for the last k. Trying to maintain 43 clicks failed with 150 metres to go, all blasting past but I greedily devoured the oxygen trophy.

Week 48   273 km       YTD 14,414

Week 47 A hillistic hiatus

Post 318

It was war on a wicked wind on Saturday, a southerly (15 to 41 km/h) to test Wozz and I reaching the carpark (and beginning to question my intention to tap out a daily double).  Attendance was trimmed with many on holiday, Lynda, Jase, Ange, Lenny, Lucy, SuperMario, Eammon, Temple, Jen, AvantiTrev, AvantiMat and AvantiAndy, all happy to get started to warm up limbs in 10 degrees. Alongside Wozz leading leg one and AvantiMat on leg two, I completed my contributions early.  AvantiAndy undeterred by digit dramas and Eammon emerging out of mothballs, all were tempo'd by the tailwind in Boundary Rd, SpinDoctor appearing at the Ham Hilton in Old Dookie as we angled across the tarmac dealing with the southerly.  Rounded the Toaster and then the Emu, an ease at the kennels to keep the (stretched) bunch as one, with Rocket joining us from the rear rows of the Cats. I had little interest in the sprint on Wanganui (preserving something for a sequel circuit with the Goats) but sitting third wheel with 200 metres left to the hill favoured Foss's fortune. Reaching the pointy end I let launch, Wozz whipping by easily with SpinDoctor glued to his wheel (pouncing to victory in the dying metres).  Lemontree coffee consumed and conversation curtailed, camp was swiftly shifted to Friars to join exiting Goats & Muppets. Belly's belated breakfast was bolted (a KOM for the coffee-banana toast-w.c. stage) as all saddled up for a windswept way to Mitchell, Muppets filtering rearward.  Geoffrey was the square peg in the bunch of Jen, Belly, Baz, Heady, Tina, AvantiAndy, SpecialisedTony and I, stacked across the road as we sliced the southerly on Mitchell Rd.   Echeloned too in River Rd, knots were gradually added, then silence (but for the hum of wheels) in Boundary Rd's tailwind utopia, h.r. almost dropping to double figures. The Toaster-Emu leg was outvoted by the Boundary-straight-to-Lemnos-Cosgrove manoeuvre, Belly and I left to front the 3k flog to Ford Rd. Galahs suddenly launched from the roadside scattering the formation, headbutts and chaos commotion for a moment.  Belly, serenely smug at the (half-biked) front, seemed unconcerned when Geoffrey contracted the noddies in Wanganui Rd, by the golf course he'd vanished o.t.a.  Pit stopped back in town, climbs and descents were the Welsford St cafe conversation, happening upon Cate, Deb and Weapon was the breakfast bonus to 90 k's.

Holidays took me far from the flatlands and into the bumpy stuff on Monday, forcing Fossil to flog far uphill!  A circuit was plotted on the old Calder highway out of Harcourt, heart rate put into hurry on a few early short climbs south to Faraday, the old highway snaking below the new M79 to Elphinstone.  The sun peeked over the rolling hills, a pair of skippy's mocking my speed on the ascent to Taradale, cobwebs cleared from all cassette cogs up hills and down dales (little chainring preserved pristine, untainted by chain wear).  Memories of Malmsbury nestled in a dip came back on the 60 km/h descent, but barely 16 on the ascent put pain post pleasure.  A Kyneton carrot lay just 15k beyond, tarmac levelled to settle the gear changes, bluestone bridges and old mills to view as a rhythm was restored in the historic hinterland. Soon into Kyneton and over the bridge, I took the Burton Ave exit, but it now funnels back onto the freeway, 18 k of hotmix and the draft of Bendigo bound traffic made 40+ possible and pleasurable. All that glittered soon turned dull, recent resurfacing had left a 30mm ridge mid-shoulder to whittle the wits, dodging wheelnuts, metal pack strap, u-bolts and broken glass kept the occipital occupied. With the Elphinstone exit taken, a short climb pointed me toward Chewton, over the hump was a dreamy downhill 10k to Castlemaine, caffeine cravings to be cured. Just one cafe open curtailed the compulsion, then an 8 k climb back to base station Harcourt against a nuisance northeaster (10-17km/h) capped off 80k's.  (758 metres of climbing in a couple of hours is about 4 weeks worth at home!)

My mission was northbound Tuesday morning, a slow climb to Harcourt North with sunrise orange painting highlights on Mt.Alexander's surrounding hills, a scenic contrast to undulating rows of green vines (did someone mention wine?)  I missed the Maldon exit (the intended course) and was drawn to the M79 again, so onward and upward in search of an alternate exit. Steering around murdered Michelins, destroyed Dunlops and buggered Bridgestones, the highway hardware (bolts, nuts, ockie straps and tin) lay as a slalom course, passing pan techs a positive providing perfect pull for the up hill toil.  My target was reset at Ravenswood, just 17k's to Bendigo tempted a test.  BigHill loomed large ahead, a steady tap till the last half k got me off the Fizik and the heart rate soaring (182bpm....BigHill meant the Big Ring of course!) A smelly squashed skippy to swerve and a skinny 400mm gutter as a bike lane punctuated the peak, but a smooth and wide hotmix descent brought comfort as the heart rate climbed out of the clouds.  Tap tap to Kangaroo Flat (ironically having just passed a flat kangaroo) in search of Foss fuel, again not a cafe open till Golden Square (avoiding the golden arches).  A filled tank (flat white and apple/blueberry strudel) caloried the return trip, the southbound climb of BigHill an easier gradient than the sharp northbound one (but still the skinny gutter).  Plenty of pace off the top but wind shear from passing trucks put caution on the agenda, back to Ravenswood an uphill at 30 seemed to be a crawl.  A steady slog south enjoying the Baum's lively feel climbing (shame the engine is sluggish) soon returned me to Harcourt, 60k and 513 metres ticked.

Back to home soil Wednesday, craving a courting with Couldabeens after two days solo. I found Wozz and Jase (licking Tuesday's wounds) southbound, a mild and windless 13 degrees a perfect accompaniment to a smooth elevation.  Boof, Shazz, Rocket, Cougar, Tucks, Jen, WhisperingJack (yes, he's back......for the 12,473rd time) Trav, Cate, Mel, AvantiTrev and AvantiMat assembled, bearing South singly on Archer as Rene and Nicholas u-turned to hitch a ride. The usual hesitations at forming a second row were over by the roundabout, my appearance at the front not till River Rd with Trav then with young Nicholas alongside. His first introduction to the drivers end had enthusiasm overpower ability, the kaboom and sudden search for a draft causing chaos (replaced by Rene riding rusty and ramshackled in a short lived shift).   Paul & Ash were caught at River Rd's ripple strips, a nip north on Boundary Rd (lone Goat Phil southward) for Channels' Cha Cha to challenge. Good to be socially soaked back in a bunch instead of listening to internal voices, the draft easing the effort and enthusing the ego.  Beside Jase to the kindergarten then in tow to Hopeful corner, I noticed the right row had vanished, Jase left drying on the front. I took sympathy passing to lend a draft, Trav soon doing me the same favour, but we were soon swamped by Boof, Wozz and birthday boy Rocket in the real fight for the finish.  Sentences were gradually being spoken by the reformation at the school, a tractable tap to town with a caffeine chaser at Kialla Lakes. (Damn!, I'll miss this post ride relaxation and social intercourse when holidays are exhausted)

Needed a pith helmet Thursday, a tropical 24 degrees at 5:30am I was expecting toucans on the telephone lines. Friars was minus the usual Coggo limber-up, an enlarged entourage of Belly, Heady, Phillo, Phil, Tim, Tum, Kate, Speissy, Hommy, Carl, Sandy, Snow, Deb, PinarelloMat and Baz cranked casually out of town, JB, Tina and AvantiAndy joining on the outskirts. A relaxed roll till School Rd with the h.r. idling at 110, Belly opened up the throttle stretching the bunch. My first go at the front wasn't till the Broken bridges for a short shift with PinarelloMat then a long leg with Tim (pristine Saeco Cannondale) to River Rd. It took 6k's for the turns to go full circle, the fire in Belly's belly igniting again at Laws Drive. A push at 38 clicks to Mitchell Rd beside Tim, Phillo whistling "wait-up Dixie" on the westward. Loose gravel from Archer to the top of Mt.Nicolaci slowed the speed, a strange resurface of a previously decent length of tarmac, best spent on the proliferation of pot holes elsewhere that torture the toosh and mangle Mavic's.  Only 6 drivers left by the time we cornered Conrod, Carl got the jump just as I hesitated for Tim's gear change jumping a tooth, not enough wattage in my 53 km/h pursuit to catch the young fella but second satisfactorily substituted.  Deb's dash for caffeine kept the h.r. going, saturation by perspiration with conversation at Welsford St cafe finished my bike week early, a couple of holidays off the Baum due. 

Week 47  : 329 km.    YTD 14,141 km

Week 46 Cafe critiques and double deflation

Post 317

With the weight of a four course lunch and two slack days off the bike, a Sunday social tap begged to get back (quietly) into the groove.  A WhatsApp invite drew only stallions (Rocket and Jase) to the barrier, so it was "consume the concrete Foss", no rest for the righteous! I'd chosen a Archer-Mitchell-River-Boundary-OldDookie lap, the first six k's to get the head wind (SW@ 15)  over with early, Rockets rate of knots chucking me in the deep end to the truck route, Jase pace matching to Mitchell.  A short 2100 metre recovery in tow till duty called again in Central Kialla with Rocket and to River Rd's bridge with Jase, MachineSteve was the solitary bike headed west.  Dragging back the heart rate from 172 bpm took most of the River Rd tow to contain, only 18 bpm was shaved off when Boundary Rd summoned another contribution.  The suffer scale had peaked again by the highway, matching Jase to the fig farm suggested my swansong. No let up on the journey west in Old Dookie, just one more turn alongside Rocket was purely inspired by thoughts of banana toast nirvana at the Lemontree, a fitting finish to 35k, but mourning of Rocket's dear departed Cosmic.

The peace train was the ideal start to two weeks leave, Coggo, Deb, Belly, CerveloJohn, Speissy, Sandy, Principal Skinner and Hommy arrived at Friars to commence proceedings. The sun peeked above the horizon on Old Dookie Rd as Graham and Tina were added to the fold, a pleasant and breezless 12 degrees made a breeze of the regular 32 k Goat lap (Tina, Sandy, Coggo, Belly and Hommy tenderised by the Tat 200/100 Saturday)  The h.r. comparison was back on the Belly agenda, a 130/150 variation closing a gap of the past. A few were unable to resist Conrod's temptation of tempo, I was captivated by warm conversation and Degani caffeine (unfortunately lukewarm) with holidays allowing post ride socialism. As an addendum,  I joined Tina and NevY to tamely tap ahead of the Adams family via Archer, Mitchell and Boundary, a northeaster brewing.   Not till the Boundary Rd Hog Hilton did the Adams collective catch, familiar faces of Hoffy, ChrisW, GT, Jimbo, Axle, Pete, Beery, JT and Ron, but keeping my wits sharpened with MrMagnet amongst them. It was a cruisy but erring to erratic spin to the toaster, Emu and back to Boundary, Jimbo puncturing (half a dozen stopping) but the remainder continuing. The westward leg on Old Dookie Rd turned up the tempo, I took the lead over Central Ave and applied the speed spice (unsure of the finish line) finding Mr Magnet and GT glued to my wheel. They both edged past, MrMagnet instantly imploded, GT (with mixmaster set on high) spun to the bridge, (the line now learned)

Fed, caffined and attired Tuesday morning but found the Baum bogged on two flat tyres! A record set changing two tubes, (might just make the start), bolted out the door to discover the front flat again!  Finding the Michelin's minuscule glass shard, it was repeat step one, all urgency cancelled with no hope of catching the departing bunch. Setting forth on an anti-clockwise Archer-Truck route-River Rd course to intercept, I just missed the 6am Couldabeens hares (turtles many minutes ahead) at "wait for David", so tapped the vacant stretch of River Rd almost to its end as a gargantuan Goat gathering finally arrived (Deb, Belly, Phillo, Heady, Bickers, Sandy, AvantiAndy, Spartacus, Kate, JB, Tina, Coggo, CerveloJohn, Snow, Liam, Dipper, AvantiLeigh, Speissy, Joe and Graham), AvantiAndy leaving the gate open so I could slip in behind Spartacus. (instantly alarmed at the missing rear caliper......phew!, tucked under the Trek chainstay)  There was some spice to the speed (previously clamped I'm told) on River and on to Mitchell, with whistles from the rear (a HG hint at hand braking?)  Halting at the highway then on the gas for the finale, it was fourties and flying at the horse stud (now a bespoke Belly Strava segment "grind from Galbraith's gate").   Into Conrod's first dip JB hit the front, and promptly hit the wall, so I took AvantiLeigh and Dipper on a full steam break to the line, flicking AvantiLeigh the elbow at the last dip, but fit Dipper zipped to nip the win.  Yet another post ride gregarious gathering (Welsford St cafe) consuming consummate caffeine and munching moorish walnut & banana toast....... I could get used to this lifestyle.

Like ants drawn to a picnic, led lights drew in from all directions to the Couldabeens carpark Wednesday morning, a southerly cooling my thoughts of an early turn at the front. SpinDoctor, Jase, Boof, Mel, Hollywood, Cate, SuperMario, Rocket, Tucks, Choppy, Temple and AvantiTrev exited South, Pistol arriving as Jase and SpinDoctor led the drive to the truck route. Most had tucked in for a tow in the left line with very few advancing for a pole position, Boof then I offering ourselves as a sacrifice to the God of headwinds (name censored to protect young and sensitive ears) to Mitchell Rd, my pairing with Hollywood on Mitchell continuing the anxiety. I enjoyed the respite in River Rd as others did their bit, just G and Tina I.D'd in the flouro palette of Cats blurring west as we dipped the dip.  A pair of plodders hitched a ride as we veered by River's rumble strips, the tailwind in Boundary adding clicks as we set course to Channel Rd.  The S bend to the cypress trees spent most of my pennies beside Boof then Hollywood, survival for the Cha Cha all that mattered now.  SuperMario was the hand grenade at hopeful corner (ready to explode trying to reach the front), a draft quickly sought as Rocket, Hollywood, Jase, SpinDoctor and Boof humbled all in their hurry.   Several had been well expelled by speed as we cruised to the school, Temple and I turning back to re-team and tow Cate and Mel back to town. 

New rim tape and tubes was some comfort at possibly preventing puncture prologues, finding Wozza en route to the Couldabeens Thursday thrash.  A small but swift gathering of Rocket, Vince, ChrisA, Trav, Pistol, Temple, Cougar and BigBrad set off with Pistol and Wozz opening the account.  Emerging from hibernation, BigBrad took short turns, Temple toasting me from the S bend to Boundary. A wind swing (ESE) favoured flying in River Rd, my h.r. reading 51 bpm (I wish!) strap submerged in sweat (?)  Beside Temple at Laws Drive and with Pistol beyond the bridge, my target was set too far (2200 metres) to River's end flogging 41 kays, thoroughly thrashed and thanatophobic turning to Central Kialla.   BigBrad and Cougar took an Archer exit, Temple had resigned from active duty thus sandwiching me between Rocket and Pistol. With my energy evaporated at Roubaix, I too took the early retirement plan as the driving ranks thinned to ChrisA, Vince, Wozz and Pistol (Rocket relaxed at the rear reserving criterium legs).  ChrisA threw himself on the sacrificial alter for the last 500 metres of Conrod straight, Wozza with the win wattage over the line to finish 28.3 k's in 44:16.

Plenty of WhatsApp interest in the Friday flyer from Friars on Fryers, but only Coggo, Heady and AvantiLeigh fronted (Dipper declined, double deflation dramas denied duty).  Heady braved the first leg in Old Dookie to Dobson's bridge, I was behind earning a doctorate in dehydrated invertebrate zoology (studying dried worms on Heady's rear caliper) to divert attention from my forthcoming turn to Central Ave.  AvantiLeigh drove to School Rd, Coggo to Boundary for us to all face the mental masochism of the headwind to harry and hinder hurry.  MasiMario meandered North, our seven k's strenuous to River Rd, shared to keep us on schedule.  Couldabeens cornered, we wheeled west, Heady towing us two k's before flashing his elbow. I'd preset my target to reach the bridge before passing the reigns to AvantiLeigh, maybe a bridge to far as the squint west seemed an eternity. Calling on all reserves (and the Almighty) by Laws Rd, there was relief cresting the channel, but legs turning to jelly out of the Fizik to catch the draft at the rear. Just enough recovery time to repeat the process at the front from Archer to Melbourne Rd, hopes were pinned on the tailwind in Raftery being my salvation. Arriving at the front again in Conrod, there was enough in my tank to make mid fourties, but Coggo (enthused by a week overseas) took flight to take the Friday chocolates.  A pit stop postmortem at Degani (coffee specs set to hot) included Rooster and Tina, many words on AvantiAndy's digit dilemmas.  

In search of a few finishing k's, I aimed at Archer and found an Adams Rd mob massing (20+),  long-time-no-see Iggy, Norm and Barnsey. A scrambled single-filed start southbound, the southerly at 22-32km/h scattering many. Some sense of rhythm started in Mitchell, but MrMagnet had magnetised to my Mavic to throw comfort out the window. Some strayed from the rear, slowing the front, a bedding in ritual for brake pads. Boundary Rd northbound with a tailwind got the bunch finally functioning, but some moved up the ranks only to retreat rearward from the energy end. (makes you appreciate the grass in your own paddocks). Time (thankfully) tolled an Old Dookie exit, half a dozen joining the tap home, made smooth with Principal Skinner's inclusion.

Week 46  : 313 km.     YTD 13,812 km

 

Week 45 : Nice icing on a quick cake.

Post 316

Procrastinating over radar ramifications (the "will I, won't I" syndrome) stalled my Saturday start to 5:51, yet again another PB to be set reaching the Couldabeens carpark (5.5k in 9 minutes).  I arrived spent, Rocket, Ange, Shorty, Jase, Pistol, Cougar, Kel, Temple, Boof and Bo were just 20 seconds away from 6am launch time, counting my blessings joining the rear ranks to recover and ready myself for the 26 km/h northeaster attacking those braving the front.  6:11 at the cypress trees was my turn to contribute beside Ange then with Kel from the S bend, destination Boundary Rd, 6:17 duely drained. The feline gaze of Kel's Cat kit distracted thoughts away from the wind, more than the usual turns taken as the battle in Old Dookie raged against the wind. 6:30 at the Toaster, 6:37 at the Emu (named orgasm corner today, senses soaring soaking up a tailwind home) and bumped up the knots, 6:43 the furrowed brows and gritted teeth of  the 20+ Cat pack grinding into their trek East. 6:55 Bo and Ange took the reigns in Wanganui Rd all the way to the test track (where Ange's will wained), Rocket, Boof and Pistol taking the podium positions, I was happy to scrape up the crumbs of fourth.  7:10 Chicken legs, Couldabeens absentees and milk lattes were laughed over, the coffee guzzled and breakfast gobbled as radars were watched to beat the impending damp home and dry.

The head ruled the heart initially, weather, wind and attendance were negative in the skull but the prospect of combining sledging, alcohol and bikes overpowered in the end to join the 3rd annual Couldabeens Tour de Beer Saturday afternoon. A Peppermill pub prologue primed Temple, Pistol, Rocket, Jen, Bo, Ange, Kenworth, SuperMario, Trav, Wozz, Jase, BigMat, Cougar (providing the prerequisite pub puncture protocols) Hollywood, Ro, Boof and special guests AvantiAndy and MasiMario.  Stage1 to Pistol Pete's was punctuated by Jase's spill (and loss of shin skin.....but he soldiered on, buoyed by beer). All fed and watered, stage 2 took Central Kialla and Union Rd to Toolamba for round three of hydration, Wozz continuing the tradition of pub punctures with a Continental injected by glass. BigMat and Ro withdrew on a camping campaign, 17 remaining tore into stage 3 on Toolamba-Rushworth and Dhurringile roads (shortened by strong and determined turns) with the 15-35 km/h NNE wind building a thirst, to Tatura. The publican provided hot chips (like 17 starved seagulls flocking over seven large bowls) our exit puncture punctuated (Boof deflating to the occasion). A hard drive on stage 4 to Mooroopna (Ferguson & Turnbull Rd, Midland Hwy) against the wind, MasiMario quantifying a quadrella with puncture #4 just shy of the Cricketers Arms. Refreshed and rehydrated, stage 5 returned to Shepp, terminating at the Terminus where the hardcore continued. (Next years event seeking JackDaniels AND Michelin sponsorship?)

A case of brain fade forgot the heart rate monitor Monday, removing a target I could avoid shooting at. I went easy on the old engine out to the golf course, slowly building the kilometres in the hour, was it a rain shower or smoke in the Ford Rd distance? (No, 93% humidity fogging the specs). Turning toward the toaster tested the thighs to tap the thirties, 15km/h of southerly trialled this flatlander (maybe 'cause I'm alp-less?). Westward on Old Dookie to the symphony of piggies partaking breakfast, there wasn't an oncoming Cat or Goat to be seen.  A Channel Rd exit was considered for a moment but I toughened up on the River & Archer Rd option, Rocket (amassing Crit k's) greeted as we crossed paths.  The six k's of River Rd was shortened with a stretch on the 15 tooth cog, time starvation dictating a truck route shortcut.  A slow skirt around the B double Volvo that had tripped over, then savoured the tail wind following me on Archer to home.

Fresher than expected Tuesday morning (9 degrees) but it didn't deter 17 fronting for a cup day cruise on the Saturday circuit.  Wozz, Shorty, Trav, Temple, Lynda, Kel, Rocket, Ange, Bo, Kenworth, SuperMario, FeltMat, Nev, Jase, Boof, Tucks and AvantiTrev set a smooth sail on Channel Rd but Jase's flat on the start to leg 2 paused all. Wit and sarcasm aided the repair, underway again the social rounds resumed as I progressed forward. Tucks tuckered out already from months in hibernation, FeltMat (temporarily RidleyMat and recently MasiMat) is now AvantiMat, looking to be locking in the new bike by the grin on his face.  Ange and Bo turned up the tempo beyond the cypress trees, we were all pleasantly pushed along Boundary by the 20km/h SSW'er.  Beside the bandaged Jase in Old Dookie Rd escalated the effort, arriving quickly to the Toaster for Rocket and Boof to drive us North. Nev and Kel took us to the Emu, off the throttle at the kennels for Kel to compose. I was gradually promoted through the ranks on our westward wheel to Wanganui, expecting to be at the pointy end (as usual?) as the sprint came up on the agenda, but Bo and Ange held the handbrake on the hurry, seemed the furious finish was flushed. Getting itchy feet within 150 metres of the hill I bolted, not a shadow behind me half way up but the cry of crucified Cosmics came quickly from behind, Rocket, Boof and Wozz taking the second peak honours. Saturday revisited rolling to the Lemontree, chat on chutney, camping and criteriums till time tolled to toil for me at the salt mines.

The Wednesday ritual to the Archer St car park found Hollywood, Pistol, Boof, Rocket, Trav, Jen, Cougar, AvantiTrev, Shorty, Cate, Mel (-Car) and Choppy keen to tour. Cate's light dismounted at the roundabout, Rocket and I both ironically punctured on the slow down, Rocket with a bindii, me with a tack. I felt well outclassed on the post puncture positioning between Hollywood and Pistol (and to face the headwind on Mitchell) but surprisingly rose to the occasion (avoiding glancing at the heart rate for fear reality would lead to mental abandonment).  At central Kialla, Nev, Mexican Angelo and Liam were in a five man break from the Cats, the feline fraternity half a k in arrears, CerveloJohn o.t.a. from them.  Our entourage ebbed eagerly East, Rocket and Boof providing the lions share of the tow,  AvantiLeigh the solitary Goat on a westward mission.  I plugged the pairing with Pistol and Hollywood in Boundary Rd, then we all ripped into the Devils lane dash courtesy of the East northeaster.  AvantiTrev, Mel, Cougar, Pistol and I were gapped from the rear on the turn at the kinder, the long slog through the ranks rewarded me a bronze (towing Pistol) to take a 9th overall for the ChaCha, nice icing on the quick cake.

Thursday's rain tempted the taste for haste on Friday, a trip aboard the Goat pain train with similarly ranked riders was in order to calm the cranium cravings (gathering with group one stallions outclass this old hack) Heady, Dipper, Coggo, Belly, AvantiLeigh and Snow enrolled for duty (Snow self nominating as caboose captain).  Coggo set the speed wheels in motion leaving town, Heady and AvantiLeigh following form.  My crank from School Rd to Boundary got the old engine warmed up, glad Dippers turn South started calm so I could catch onto second last spot.  All put in their money's worth till my turn came up again at one tree dam, arriving at River Rd wrung out and ragged, in time to greet the Couldabeens in opposite flight. I had all of River Rd to recover while Dip, Heady, Belly, Coggo and AvantiLeigh did their bit, my drive for Central Kialla, a thanks in return. Snowball rolled forward for a single slog at the front in Mitchell, turns shortening in proportion to propulsion in Raftery Rd as Conrod straight drew near.  Heady inherited the front in the final 200 metres and was left to relish the win, a timely 47:17 for 7 to tap 30.

Week 45 :  291 km.  YTD 13,499 km