Week 39 : The peloton p.c.p.

Post 413
23/9  The tailwind treat.

To train for two hundred (though it's 5 weeks away), k's are the key. Cate and Car were keen to clock pre-dawn distance on Saturday, so from Tarcoola to the golf course and eastward, three shared the east northeasterly effort to reach Boundary, a clockwise loop to intercept the usual Saturday fanatics and join the bunch to belt back for breakfast. A tap down Boundary to River Rd, then a cruise west put 33 k's on the clock as we waited for the bunch to appear (a puncture had stalled their agenda).  Two dozen led's soon appeared so we climbed aboard, pace aplenty, to Boundary Rd.  A chance now to check the Couldabeens composition as the turns rolled ; Rocket, Liam, Travis, Boof, Pistol, The Godfather, TatMat, ScottMatt, BeerMat, TatPaul, Kel, Softa, Bo, Shorty, Mel, HBK, AvantiTrev, Jen, Tina, Trav, MeridaAndy, Temple, BigLen, Bruce and (newbie) DocWill made up the big bunch as Nath was added at the dip.  The easterly made work of the duty in the drivers seat on Boundary Rd, knowing it may be the only turn at the pointy end lightened the load though.  The whiplash was wicked on corners and intersections way back in the rear seats with 30 individual responses to acceleration, the thought of losing that big draft spurs a special speed when you're in the back stalls.  Velocity stepped up a few rungs in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the breeze up the bum putting 40's on Garmins.   BeerMat was GoPro equipped, Temple on Zipp's, DocWill spinning under stress, Kel with glam gloves and swish socks, Pistol in yet another class kit and TatMat now on a Trek (stylishly subtle in matt black).  Tis the stuff of dreams turning over the big dog in the 40's, chatting away with the heart rate on holiday in the low 130's as the bitumen blurs under the bike (rewind to last week.....wrung out like a wet sock hammering into a headwind, hanging onto the fast four).   Split at the highway, two parts of the pack struggled to amalgamate, the sprint magnet of Wanganui hill strong for Rocket, Wozz, Boof and the other usual swift suspects while the tail end stretched with survivors.  Up and over Mt Wanganui, it was still full steam for the rear dozen on Rudd Rd and the Boulevard to finally regroup in Mason St, breakfast well earned.  The perfect pedal stroke, addicts and carbon wheels tattled tongues and kept the grey matter occupied while appetites were satisfied.

24/9  Fortitude, Dedication, Commitment? Nup, feeble, dismal, cowardly!
My long internal argument of rest vs ride was mediated by Rule #5, so I was southbound Sunday in response to the FDC call for a 6am lap. The sound of crickets was deafening at Kialla Lakes shop, only Pelly having the concrete character to turn up, others judged as feeble, dismal and cowardly (preconceived FDC standards now relegated to the rubbish).  So with fortitude, dedication and commitment, Pelly and I set sail north to the golf course with the aim to tap east to Cosgrove's quarry.  "Just a cruise" soon turned single file and stepped up a zone or two as we fought a niggling northerly on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, but were spurred on by the vista of Mt Major ahead.

We'd both survived mid 30's to the Quarry where the tarmac runs out, swinging south to New Dookie Rd where our paths parted (Pelly aiming at 80 k, mine at 8am.)  Progress home was hopeful in the mid 30's @ 72 rpm on 150 bpm, leaving something in the tank for any surprises (no surprise the magpies were on the warpath)   To the church then the Toaster and Old Dookie to town (with the new bridge bliss), the lure of  the Lemontrees' coffee and raisin toast was my breakfast bait.

25/9 Old (Dookie) is new again.
Back to the old Goat track Monday, Old Dookie Rd is new again, so Friars was the starting grid for Spartacus, Tina, Cindy, Hommy, Speissy, Brendy, HG, Belly, Jen, AvantiAndy, Sandy, JB, Bo, Coggo, Kel, Cate and Sly.

There was chat at the church till chocks away, flashback the memories zig-zagging the streets to exit town (has it really been   23 weeks since we last rode this route?).   The new Old Dookie Rd was smooth sailing with new gutters, drains, traffic islands and hot-mix, but its' bike lane meanders from road to footpath and back again (simply stupid town planning COGS!)
Tina and Coggo got down to business and clamped the chat with pace more than peaceful (there was plenty to share the load anyway), Brendy, Speissy, HG and JB had dragged off the doona and joined the comeback trail.  Kel and Bo were soaking up the thrashless therapy, Cindy in a rare bunch appearance, Coggo a little hungover from Hotham but Hommy was just hungover. Sly's tech talk ad nauseam but the weekends comings and goings bounced from side to side as two rows rode the southern leg to River Rd.  I had a second turn at the front with a well behaved Hommy from the dip to the bridge, then the usual departure (to satisfy the timeclock) shortcutting via Archer had a headwind hassle home.

27/9  The magnificent seven.

It's a lucky dip Tuesday for contributors to the 5:45 lap, today, a few surprise inclusions, Grumpy, TatMat, BamBam, TatPaul, Cate and Temple made up the small train for the 28k thrash.  I'd remembered to stifle the speed for leg 1, the 2 degree chill doing a good job of clamping the lungs anyway.  BamBam, Cate and Grumpy (on a spanking new e-tap Propel) took us to the Kinder, TatPaul, Temple and TatMat out to Boundary Rd.
Something silly set my target to reach One Tree Dam, a decision cursed after the all-too-brief downhill off the Broken bridges.  Temple left me a hole to hide in and recover as BamBam drove us to River Rd, 6k's of draft topping up my tempo tank for shift number 3.  1800 meters gasping on the front soon crucified my confidence, great to be back in the draft for Mitchell Rd while others worked.  We nearly timed a clean cross of the highway, just a brief slow before TatMat captained the crank to Roubaix corner. I'd mentally psyched up for the grind to Galbraiths gate when the Hares hurried by to save me the worry and insert their own! The quick kick into the 40's opened the reserve tank rapidly, a long line with heads down and cadence up to hang onto the tow home. Bruce appeared from the back to stir up the sprint in Conrod's last 400, I held on to finish but went back for 'ol mate Temple who'd been dislodged from the caboose.

28/9  Springing the sprint
Hiding from the headwind meant an early effort at the front in Archer Rd on Wednesday, the easterly promised rigor in River Rd but Wozza's wattage was a workout instead.  Trav kept up the pace to the truck route but a calm descended over the front on leg 3.

Eastbound and into the wind, CatCol, Boof, Car, Lenny, Cate, PistolPete, Kel, Nev, The Godfather, Bo, Lucy, Kenworth, Troy, AvantiTrev, Ralphy (head hung low for reasons he knows), Grumpy and Weapon took turns to frown on the front, River Rd measurably longer as the cruising speed slowed.  It's inspiring to have the sun up early and lighting our way but we'll be delivered darkness next week when the clocks click back. The Goats train of pain worked west and it's debris scattered back to Boundary, excitement brewed in our pack with the thought of a tailwind home.

 Under the cypress trees and a dozen ahead seemed to be an ideal sit with the ChaCha a k away, but the turns rolled rapidly promoting me to the pointy end faster than I'd hoped. Swinging into Kinder corner, Wozz rolled across as the road drops a meter to Hopeful corner, I'd hit the front and with the mass of muscle bearing down behind (Troy, Boof, Nev et al), the only option was to spring the sprint with an early blast. Shadows of two rows turned to one as the scenery blurred at 53 to Prentice Rd, my legs and lungs would give no more so my elbow showed those behind the way.  The entire bunch (but one) scythed swiftly by as I took a k to compose, Boof and Troy scoring KOM's was my claim to their fame.

28/9  By THAT much!
CatCol had crossed the floor to vote with the Hares Thursday morning but the 5:45's still drew BamBam, Cate, Softa, Temple, Tina, KillkennyPaul and Vince to the grid. (CatCol would pay the price of pace later) The treat of a tailwind out (but the heartache of a headwind home) preoccupied my pace planning, the first turn (no surprise) to the truck route leaving my reserve tank untouched.  All contributed what they could in the drivers seat, the bonds of teamwork and the kudos shared was a peloton p.c.p. most addictive (enough of the Fossilosophy!)   Vince smoothed the speed to Boundary Rd, the delicious drone of carbon wheels under load our motivational music.  A breeze at the right brow sent me to the centre of Boundary Rd to cover the crew behind, my target today shy of One Tree Dam to preserve the reserve for Raftery Rd.  Cate and Tina took us to River Rd where Temple, KillkennyPaul, BamBam and Softa faced the muscular music to the dip. Vince's was the wheel of choice till his elbow said "end of shift" at the bridge (how easy is the speed with a straight and smooth wheel to follow), so much for short turns into the wind when Foss's o.c.d. kicks in to crank to River Rd's end.  A blast through Central Kialla and on to Mitchell, BamBam was showing signs of strain ascending Dave's dip.  A strong spin from Vince dragged me to Roubaix, I'd got to Galbraiths gate but had to pull out all stops when Temple left a gap for me at 4th wheel.  With the Hares still to arrive we were pouring on the pace, the helm handed to me again with 600 left of Conrod.  Wattage was waning at the 200 marker as I urged Temple on, just as Hares homed in for the kill.  Masses crossed the line, oxgen intake intense, it's not often you find Troy speechless, so we'd given the Hares the hurry up (the handicap spot on with just a bike length in it).

29/9  Friday frivolity

An early loop with FDC's (Troy, Bruce, Wozza, Pelly, Ralphy and special guest Car) fostered a laugh, Bruce arriving helmetless and Ralphy Dookieless.  South on Raftery and east on Mitchell made a chase for the late Bo & Kel to catch, Pistol joined at Archer Rd as we headed to the grid, arriving with 22k's clocked as an entree. The Godfather, Boof, Temple, KillkennyPaul, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, ScottMatt, AvantiTrev and CatCol at the carpark bolstered the bunch to set south, Weapon joining on the outskirts. It was a cautious crank to the roundabout on the lookout for the horror holes, not so comfortable on my sit site either (the new Couldabeens kit chamois preferred for the posterior).
The sun up in Mitchell vexed the vision, conversation (and cadence) set on cruisy for the public holiday.  I eventually reached the front in Boundary Rd, feeling the WNW'er through the trees, Sly (courting company) found loitering at Channel Rd. We'd altered the course to town via Old Dookie for an easy entry to the Lemontree, though CatCol, Pelly, Ralphy and Car headed east to add extra k's (or was Ralphy trying to find Dookie?)

Coggo, Carl, Manny, Tum and MeridaAndy flew east on the 6:30 Goat express, dropping carriages AvantiAndy and Heady along Old Dookie Rd, while we worked west for our breakfast into the headwind.   ScottMatt was swift in his shift as I tried to keep up (but Strava gave me 2 trophies for trying).   "What was I thinking?", heart rates, reading the wind and Tuesday/Thursday recruitment delivered the discussion over breakfast, Cats arriving (for brunch?) as we departed.

Week 39:    332 km       YTD 10,076

      
      
        

Week 38 : Driven by differing demons

Post 412
16/9 : Wet & windy weekend workout.

A wet and windy start to Saturday invoked Rule #9 rapidly at 5am, the phone pinging bail-outs from the 0.2mm of damp and a 25 km/h SSW'er.  (You know it's going to be the fast and the few to front up as you roll the damp and windswept road to the car park.)  Rocket, Boof, HBK, Bruce and PistolPete were the warriors of all weathers to strike south at 6, "single" called to battle the elements, luck giving me the draft as Rocket, Boof and Pistol sliced the SSW'er to Mitchell.  Bruce worked the eastward effort and mine was the treat of a tailwind through Central Kialla.  HBK's turn to the River Rd bridge may have burnt his biscuits 'cause it was his only visit to the rushin' front (I must admit I was wilting under the workload and already wondering if there was another turn in my tank).  Rocket, Boof and Pistol ripped into River Rd in the 40's, though Pistol was keen to work a double shift to Boundary Rd's Broken bridges.  I was committed to another turn at second wheel to Bruce, but it wasn't going to be at 42.  Shorty had short cut via Channel Rd to join us from his delayed start, front of house for me from the pub to the channel bridge,  pegging the pace at 39 (discount for senior citizens?) as tomorrow's Gran Fondo weighed heavily in my head. The pace picked up as Rocket resumed the drive, swinging east to the Toaster with Shorty and HBK in permanent caboose residence.  Into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and a workout westward, I'd booked a rear seat too (but with the role of gatekeeper) as Bruce, Pistol, Rocket and Boof passed the pain around.  The damp track made a mess of kits, specs and bikes, dodging the bigger puddles in Ford Rd 'cause some hid holes. Thoughts of breakfast spurred on the speed, a surge over Grahamvale Rd sending HBK o.t.a.    Time spent on the rivet is meant to be a tonic for tempo, but it's torture at the time (funny how you push way beyond in a bunch what you'd do solo)    Many were showing spent signs in Wanganui Rd and it was almost Christmas to go without the sprint, but the pace was unabated via the Boulevard to breakfast.  Seated at last in the Lemontree's warmth, chat was on groupsets, gear ratios and peaks, but more importantly, how to get beer up to Willunga hill.

17/9 : Amy's Fondo (but I'm not fond 'o hills!)

The bait of a car-free Great Ocean Road was swallowed entering the Amy Gillett Gran Fondo, so I made my way to Lorne for the oceanside experience along with 4000 others (there was just the matter of 1800 meters of ascents!) It's been many moons since entering a big event like this.....

Straight down to business at 8:45 climbing the 450 meters to Deans Marsh, threading the needle of a massed start uphill (a closed road helped but its' full width was used).   It was sugar for the soul to pass so many already with chains high on cassettes and low on little rings as I stuck stoically to the big dog.  Seeing zip ties in helmets, saddlebags the size of suitcases, M sized kits on XL bodies, knee high socks and so many other Velominati violations, I made it safely up and over the hill.

Crowds had pitstopped at Deans Marsh (so soon!) but I was keen to keep rolling, onward uphill and down dale to Murroon and Forrest, in bunches for a bit (riders from Griffith, Perth, Hawthorn and all places in between) to recover then move on.  Another big climb loomed out of Forrest, 600 meters upward to f with Foss's favor for flatlands.  Picking off all those philistines who flaunt Rule #90 was gratifying, spotting the Strava Stalker and slogging on by oh so sweetly satisfying!  Grinding the pinchy switchbacks on the 56/21 fueled the fire (well, the legs were burning), a big show made of the K.O.M. at Tanybryn massaged more motivation. A cool retro Merckx and a vintage steel Willier were standout steeds, kudos too to the 65+ lads and 50+ ladies slogging the slopes with some young'ns unable to stay in touch.  The crest and a 10k downhill to Skenes Creek was a rich reward, the deep blue ocean  below worthy of a pause for a pic.

And so to the Great Ocean Rd, a billiard table tarmac, sea air in the nostrils, sun shining and postcard scenery....but more climbs to curse!  Small packs formed to tow the tested home, but suddenly a rattle and clunk and I'd lost my Garmin!  I peeled off carefully and u-turned to search, found just 100 meters back and scooped up before the next bunch squashed it.  (lugs on the bayonet mount had sheared off!) A rubber band (from round my spare tube) secured it, so it was carry on climbing, an ego boost to pass some in the 35-39 y.o. class.

 Riders in the 50k event filtered in to create a few chaotic chicanes, why do some amble and meander 3 wide when 100's far faster bear down behind? Through Wye River the k's counted down, the tank turning to a trickle till the 5k sign brought on a boost. Satisfied to go under the chute in 4:19:50 I found the main street was choked,  but I'd spied the scenic and serene Swingbridge cafe on the edge of town for the perfect post ride refuel.






18/9 :  Gumby's legs.

A little thigh therapy Monday morning, gently on the throttle up to the roundabout to join the peace train.  Daylight had drawn a few rare Goats from under their blankets (Brendy, Belly, Principal Skinner and Heady) to join regulars AvantiAndy, Tina, Sandy, Spartacus, Hommy and Jen.   Sly slipped in along with special guests Bo & Kel while I slid stealthfully into the bludgers seat (2nd wheel in the down line) as the train slowly steamed from the station. Lightweight conversation on the weekend's pastimes with Sandy, AvantiAndy and Principal Skinner, but serious Zwift specs from Sly (of course).  Rolling round at zone 2 was sweet, the perfect prescription for all that uphill nonsense yesterday. I chose a Channel Rd exit to avoid a rush back to town, even a light northeaster helped homeward, but multiple magpie strikes reminded me it's September.

19/9 : Way too much fun!
Faith was fertilized Tuesday morning with a good roll-up, BamBam, Softa, Tina, CatCol, Cate, HBK, KillkennyPaul and Temple proving some hath not softened.  I had the first shift (yet again) to the truck route, concerns Sunday's climbing had tainted my tempo were unfounded (or was the tailwind inflating the ego?)  Cate, Tina and BamBam drove us to Jameson Rd with caution at the corner for a fertilizer spill. (thanks for the heads-up MachineSteve)  KillkennyPaul towed us to the S bend where Softa hardened up to get us to Sellmans.  CatCol captained a long turn to the Broken bridges but complacently close to his wheel (such was the smoothness), I forced a foot back to divert disaster. Into the speed seat to River Rd I felt a bit guilty handing the reigns to the others for River Rd's headwind, HBK did it long and strong to the dip, Softa slowly fading as his legs denied his will.  CatCol put in another long shift through Central Kialla then passed the baton to me for Mitchell Rd.  Temple and Softa sat back as backstops as all others stepped up for more, a clean cross of Melbourne Rd a sign of hope over the Hares.  Cate & Tina worked their wattage, KillkennyPaul's sights were on Galbraiths gate, CatCol's on Arcadia Downs, I'd reached Conrod's dip wondering if there was anything left. BamBam lit the fuse with 500 to go, KillkennyPaul ran out of legs to stay in touch, so I went round and into BamBam's draft.  I could hear CatCol closing in behind so sank all into the sprint, almost bursting a boiler to beat him home.  Twas a happy roll back through town ahead of the Hares but I guess we had the numbers.

20/9 :  Cool, calm and collected.
2 degrees was a wintery welcome to Wednesday, however Kel, Kenworth, Rocket, Boof, Trav, PistolPete, Cate, Shorty, Car+Mel, AvantiTrev, Wozza, Nev,  Nick, Bo and The Godfather made the effort to turn up for a social spin.  Nev, Wozza, Pistol Pete, Boof and Rocket set a salubrious speed south to please the peloton, those Archer Rd pot holes soon to be named canyons. A rising sun behind the patchy fog was the stuff of postcards, the lap set at lazy for me delaying my appearance at the front, instead taking in the social calm and collected atmosphere.

Cats hammered west and the Goats sped south while my work was cut out dodging Nev's nasal nasties.  Finally to the front with Shorty to finish off Boundary Rd then with Nev in Channel Rd to the S bend, I'd decided that chatting in the drivers seat at 36 wasn't doing too bad.  The calm strangely continued to Kinder corner, almost believing the sprint was off the menu till Boof wound up his wattage as late as Prentice Rd.  (it was Kenworth in prime position to podium for the Wednesday chocolates)

21/9  Missed it by that much!
It sometimes seems the same old same old, rising to ride before passeridae flatulate, but each day is different, there'll be a laugh and a sledge to share, workaday worries can be binned (or balanced) and an investment in fitness made.

Driven by differing demons, Tina, BamBam, KillkennyPaul, Cate, Temple, CatCol and HBK gathered in the cool carpark, the position tradition making mine the mind-over-matter 3100 meters to the truck route.  The relief from driving duties is shortlived, catching that last wheel can be a heartbreaker!  Temple had elected himself lantern rouge so I had CatCol's draft for recovery.  Coronary convulsions had calmed by the time Cate, Tina, HBK and KillkennyPaul had done their duty, mental mapping of my next turn was under review as CatCol drove us to Boundary Rd. My fuse burned quickly aiming at One Tree Dam, legs limp to climb aboard the rear carriage of the train as Cate captained to River Rd.  And so, seven played swapsies westward, some long and some short but the spirit of teamwork doesn't need a tape measure.  Just a hint of an easterly egged me on to the 40's for the next shift toward Archer Rd, a mental note to pace not race the bunch in future.  The tempo lifted in Raftery Rd for the culmination in Conrod, 2nd wheel to CatCol with a k to go was the way to go, but a 10 strong harem of Hares whistled by with just 600 meters to go. (Missed it by that much!)  Euphoria was still high in the respite of Raftery's last k (a 37.3 average was boastable for the B team), a rare chance to socialize with the swift (ChrisA and TrackStan) on the recovery roll home.

22/9   Friday's fairweather flock

Fair weather flocked the faithful (Wozza, Car+Mel, Cate, Lenny, Jen, Kenworth, PistolPete, Boof, Rocket, Trav, Shorty, Bruce, BamBam, WhisperingJack, Pelly, Ralphy, Lucy, Kel, The Godfather, Bo, AvantiTrev, Hoges, Temple and CatCol) to the carpark to end the working week, the starters stretching south on Archer as 26 reactions whipped the tail.  Daylight engaged enthusiasm touring to Central Kialla and eastward on River Rd, out of winters obscurity a Cat collection catapulted westward at the dip and, like seasons ago, '51 were in pursuit a k or so behind.   Our Wednesday / Friday ethic of ease the speed finds favor with the Couldabeens on a comeback, Goats were spearing south on Boundary Rd with Belly seriously o.t.a. at the bridges (so where's Heady?)   Our workload wasn't too taxing up to Channel Rd but the speed got serious nearing the ChaCha (of course).  I was rising up to the podium possibles when Boof (nudging 50 clicks) pulled his foot, evasive action by the skilled sprinters and catastrophe avoided (but Boof grinding his shoe into the tarmac), promoting me to take the chocolates (by default) for a somewhat exciting finish.

Week 38        362 km                YTD 9,744 km      

Week 37 : Fertilizing friendships

Post 411
9/9  Cirque du Saturday.
A change to the Saturday circuit with the old bridges now new again, the change as good as a holiday they say.      Mel, TatPaul, Cate, TatMat, Shorty, Trav, Nev, Jase, Temple, AvantiTrev, ScottMatt, Lenny, MeridaAndy, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, BigLen, Boof, PistolPete, Softa, KillkennyPaul and HBK had assembled, Softa leading the case for the accused with an inspired drive to Kialla lakes, but there, the effort was over-ruled.  Turns rolled  sharing the 4 degree chill down to Mitchell to start the eastbound effort toward Boundary Rd, finding the earlybirds Troy, Kel, BamBam, Wozza, Bo and Ralphy (unusually enthused to ride) in River Rd inflating the pack to 27.  Such was the smoothness that a division seemed pointless. (regular riders rule!)  Concerns were calmed as Boundary Rd's horror of holes have been patched, up to Old Dookie Rd to find a super sun-up and the new bridge scoring a 10 out of 10.  The toaster still sits atop it's post and canola's out on show to put Spring in our agenda, the other new bridge in Pine Lodge Rd didn't disappoint either, memories rekindled of 14 weeks ago when we were last on this course.  MeridaAndy's on a new flouro steed, Jase about to get a new shoulder, Ralphy's masochistic motivation making him "knuckle" down, Temple taking to temperate temperatures, ScottMatt ramping up for 'round the Bay and AvantiTrev coercing a cap on speed (now that's an old chestnut), the smooth and civilised bunch attributed to the absence of Rocket & Bruce (bit harsh!)

The cross of Lemnos Rd caused a comotion minus a call of the car approaching (a few got through and the remainder tested their ABS skills), it was one of those complacent moments that sometimes need to happen if only to sharpen the protocols.  Duty done on the front in the dying meters of Ford Rd, I sat back in the draft to save legs for Sunday as the sprint starved shot forward for Wanganui Rd's 3100 meters of muscle murder, funny how the tempo escalates, the turns shorten and the bunch thins as reality crushes dreams of some and forges determination in others.  The Boulevard's once casual cruise became a paced pursuit to the warmth of the Lemontree, conference boredom, the gift of being active and North Korea kept the noise up over a lengthy breakfast.

10/9  Fruitloopy.
Number 11 Fruitloop for me and this time, the less taxing 115 k circuit (dwindling numbers for the 180 have put the hard one on hiatus)

 A tough little Couldabeens team assembled (Rocket, Boof, Wozza, PistolPete, Kel, Bo, Bruce, ScottMatt, Cate, Merida-not-AvantiJohn and CatCol) and blended with a mixed menage of 70 or so to leave town on the new exit on New Dookie Rd.   Traffic lights split the pack, leaving me the task of towing the rear half back to the front, a couple of k's of toil but we climbed back aboard eventually to team with Trent, BigBen, Trudy, Dion, lil'Tony, Indie, Coggo, MachineSteve, Eggy, MexicanAnt et al in the front half of  a 60 strong peloton (well, the front half were strong...)  A zigzag of Cosgrove north, Jubilee and Katandra roads took us through the flat patchworks of canola, smooth sailing allowing many on the back to hang on at speeds way beyond their usual.  To the bustling metropolis of Yabba North we steered south toward Dookie (the rubber band effect of a big bunch putting a twang in the tail on the acceleration) along the narrowing tarmac, a test with just a hint of  a southwester.

The incline on Saddleback hill shook the bunch, plenty of peanuts falling off the back as chains climbed the cassettes and chat halted.  Downhill into Dookie, some chose the shorter 100 option  to pitstop in town, the majority heading east on Devenish Rd for more of the up hill and down dale.  The urge to stay aboard the bunch pushed my climbing frontiers, out to Duggans Rd with the distant vista of a snow capped Mt Buffalo, up and over the pinch (big ring of course!) then west on Major Plains Rd.  Shifters clicked to gear the Tallis climb, silence but for the huff and puff, then downhill to the cemetery and Dookie bound for a brief break.  Fruit and cake in the tank, the pack re-assembled to share the load home, the light breeze brewing to make us earn lunch.  Across to the camel farm and onward to the Cosgove quarry, the long 20 k length of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd was the west way home, the young ones letting loose over Grahamvale Rd to turn the bunch long and thin with speed.  With legs that had lost the urge to surge, I'd collected a few of the offcasts for the slog along Wanganui, gathering up LegalSteve and Clive who generously contributed to the cause.  The tempo tortured  were scattered along the Boulevard but the lure of lunch and a medicinal lager or three kept the wheels turning to top off 115 kilometers in 3:24:20. A well organised ride by Shepp Rotary, great company and teamwork, and a great fundraiser for Hospice Care.

11/9  The leg loosener lap.
A quiet Monday roll to rid the rust from Fruitlooped legs, joining the peace train (AvantiAndy, Sandy, HG, Belly, Hommy and Cate) with additions Sly, Dion, BigBen, AvantiCraig and the Geelong gent  to roll away at 6, headed to a pink horizon and Boundary Rd, a welcoming way to start the working week.

Talking hills with AvantiCraig, comebacks with Belly and weekend wins with Sandy covered the chat southward to River Rd, just tapping away in zone 2 suited the gluteus after Sundays distance.   There were short shifts by the comeback kids HG and Belly before I copped a thorough half wheeling from Hommy as we were blown gently down River Rd, (no retort in my legs but i'll save the pleasure of a proper payback till another day).

12/9  Tropical Tuesday.
Short knicks were excavated from the depths of the wardrobe  Tuesday morning, 12 degrees was a world away from the last 3 months!  Pelly, BamBam, Ralphy, Cate and Tina were the only machines motivated, maybe the 4am sprinkle from the heavens frightened a few?  BamBam spared me the slog of the first shift, but sitting 2nd wheel I had a sinking sensation out of the Kensington roundabout.  The halt for my mushy Michelin allowed the Hares to leapfrog, nothing found in the tyre put doubt on the restart, then the hiss of escaping air was alarming till younger ears found it was the CO2 pump! (Doh!) My rhythm was rattled but we rapidly reformed, BamBam completing his shift to stick me in the drivers seat for leg 2, the nagging thoughts of sub-standard CO2 pressure made it a mountain for my muscles on top of the niggling northeaster.  Cate grabbed the draft from a passing B double to drive to the ChaCha then on to the Kinder, great to have contributions from Tina, Ralphy and Pelly so we could all get a little respiratory respite.  A breeze up the behind in Boundary put a positive in my push toward River Rd, giving Cate the elbow at One Tree Dam as the heart rate climbed to the ceiling.  I'd had 4 k's of draft before starting my 3rd shift, from the bridge to River Rd's end ripped into the reserves.  How the signals vary as riders' limit is reached, the head-drop, the grab for another gear, the bum shift, the gasp or groan all translate to "I'm givin' her all she's got Capt'n!"....then the elbow speaks "it's your turn".  BamBam drove us to the highway timing a clear cross, I reached Roubaix corner offline allowing for 2 oncoming cars (peak hour?)   And on Cate, Tina, Ralphy and Pelly drove to Conrod (positioning me perfectly), BamBam running on empty to the 300 mark.  Would Pelly pounce for the podium?, not if I could help it!   Off the Fizik to head off any wheelsuckers, I crossed the line unchallenged, all pleased but pooped with progress on the roll to home.

13/9  Riding rarities.
Fair weather finally drew fair weather riders out from under their well warmed and worn blankets on Wednesday, the rarities of Nick, Whispering Jack, Goose, Lenny and Lucy boldly braving the bike alongside Rocket, Nev, Boof, Pistol, Car+Mel, Cate, Trav, Kenworth, AvantiTrev, Shorty, Bo and The Godfather.

Weapon was welcomed aboard at Kialla Lakes, and without a second thought I started an up-line leaving town, despite the brute force of Boof and a westerly to work me over. (My concrete must be curing?)  All went well till I had Trav to match to the truck route, lungs starved of words as Pistol socialised alongside for leg 3.  Kenworth was kitted in full winter trim, Bo braved the short sleeves, my legs liberated with knees naughtily naked to the spring atmosphere, even lightweight gloves are a breath of fresh air (and don't we miss the rigmarole of all those winter layers already!) I had a long demotion to the rear on River Rd to start the promotion again in Boundary Rd, no report on the Goat train 'o pain today as the Foss head was down watching wheels whipped by the westerly.  September's slap in the face (the relentless wind) shortened the turns in Channel Rd, Whispering Jack, Nick and Goose having very short serves in the drivers seat nearing the cypress trees. I was glad to get my shift over by Central Ave and tucked into the Trav draft as Pistol and Nev cranked into Kinder corner.  Two lines trimmed to one at Hopeful corner, Lenny all-stops-out to Prentice Rd but kaboomed soon after.  Boof made it look easy to pluck off the pooped, there's nothing like a headwind sprint to narrow the field.  And where was Bo?

14/9  So much for Spring.
There's been inspiration evaporation among many of the Tuesday / Thursday team, so it was only the seriously addicted who lined up at the shop for the Thursday thrash.  A westerly chilled the will (feels like minus 2) out Channel Rd, greatful that KillkennyPaul, Tina, CatCol, Cate and AvantiTrev were along to divide the driving duties.  There'd be hurt in the headwind homeward so there was greed for speed on the eastward effort (though AvantiTrev seemed to be tempo taxed). Charging the last k of Channel Rd, Darth Vader suddenly invaded from the darkness to gnash at the ankles, setting sphincters a quiver ( thankfully our speed averted drama). In the drivers seat again for Boundary Rd, I  wound up the 56/15 to the Broken bridges but AvantiTrev had kaboomed off the caboose, so there was a slow to fertilize friendships and temper teamwork (and we all may get a discount when we're next at the bike shop!)   A recalcitrant magpie met it's match as Cate faced the River Rd heartbreaker headwind, Tina toughed out a tenacious turn, CatCol spurred the speed and KillkennyPaul's found his reserve tank to catch the last wheel.  I clocked back on at Laws Drive and settled on a sacrifice to the end of River Rd, partially ingesting an insect didn't help the rhythm much.  With breakfast almost on the boil, I was glad to pass the baton for the southern leg to Mitchell Rd, recovery taking it's time as others threw themselves at the headwind.  Duty called again at Archer Rd and the legs weren't as co-operative climbing out of Dave's dip, to triumph over the elements seems to keep the wheels turning though.   Cate captained over the highway and Tina took us to Roubaix, a single line of Hares in a hurry (Rocket, Wozza, Trav, Bruce, DocPete, PistolPete) overtaking, but none of us with the urge left to jump aboard. Conrod straight drew near and the urge to end the hurt kept pace percolating, CatCol with the wattage to wind-up for a win.

15/9  Don't 'ya just love the serenity.

Nick, Goose and Whispering Jack made it a record two rides in a week, the comeback trail a long and laborious one, but at least they're on it!  Nev, Boof, Car+Mel, Trav, PistolPete, Cate, Goose, Kenworth, Kel, The Godfather, CatCol, Weapon, Bo, Lenny, AvantiTrev and Bruce made up the masses for Friday's circuit, several on the lookout for the stragglers as the bunch split for traffic on the carpark exit.  Eventually grouped together leaving the city limits, Nick whacked the ever enlarging pot hole at  Hoopers Rd to procure us a pitstop (Nev and AvantiTrev the ever reliable pit crew).  Minutes later and moving again, someone set a serene speed south (only broken by boisterous Bo), the perfect tempo tonic for my last dozen days.  There was quite a glare off Nev's shiny new Jamis, Kel's new kit quite cute and Pistol was peculiarly in odd socks! I paired with Nev at the River Rd kennels, the pace still placid and conversation convivial, but plenty of pain on the train of Goats grinding into the wind westward (Coggo a k in arrears from an alarm malfunction)  The last of River done, the pairing with Pistol up to One Tree Dam got me out of zone 2, Nick, Whispering Jack and Goose moving up the ranks to contribute to the cause, boldly but briefly.  Pistol and I savored the strange chance of being at the back of the bunch at Kinder corner, the urgency of the sprint not surfacing till Prentice Rd.  Cate pulled her foot but luckily held her line, Boof and Pistol un-matchable as the finish line blurred under the wheels. Back into town, I had the post ride leisure and pleasure of coffee and chat to cap off week 37 perfectly.

Week 37               358 km                      YTD 9,382 km

Mark Beaumont's finished the cross of the USA, flown to Spain and is homing in on the finish in France. Around the world in 80 days an unbelievable effort!

Appreciate all the blog interest from Russia, Mexico and the UAE, and of course here in Oz.  Humbled.              

Week 36 : Picking off the pickled

Post 411
2/9 Saturday smoothies.

The carpark was crammed Saturday as fair weather (8 degrees and a northeaster) inspired The Godfather, Rocket, Wozza, Mel, Cate, Ralphy, AvantiAndy, AvantiTrev, KillkennyPaul, Kel, Softa, PistolPete, Boof, Trav, Bruce, Troy, Tina, TatMat, Popgun, Lucy, Bo, Jen, ChrisA, Temple, Jase, Tum, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, Shorty, Nev and TatPaul to come out to play.   The 6am away saw some scurry to the rear, leaving me the engine drivers job to exit town.  Partnered with Wozza, that long 3 k slog to the Sanctuary roundabout was spent focused intently on line, rhythm, smoothness, poise (anything but that distance till roll-over!) and staying in the zone, the fire fueled by a strange desire to make certain hibernators suffer.  The acceleration crossing the truck route popped several OTA,  Temple compassionately captaining a bunch split to gather the suffering and team together.  The front bunch (The Godfather, Rocket, Wozza, Mel, PistolPete, Boof, Cate, Trav, Bruce, Troy, Tina, TatMat, Lucy, ChrisA, Tum and Merida-not-AvantiJohn) initially slowed to regroup, but Temple arrived to advise the divisional benefits for two packs to continue separately.  Troy was on a heart-rate study, ChrisA re-aquainting with riding, Tum adjusting from running to riding, The Godfather on a new Reacto Merida, Pistol dressed dapper (of course), Tina and Cate back from menacing Macedon and Trav musing his magpie magnetism.

A pictorial pur-pinkle sun-up in River Rd had an east northeast niggle, if it's not the wind it's the cold to grizzle about, soon there'll be grumps about the heat!  Boundary Rd was preoccupied with pointing at pot-holes, some now threatening to swallow wheels of the unwary.  I sat smug on the sheltered side as the ENE'er hassled the up-line, there was no drama for Wozz, Troy and Rocket still smoothly driving in the high 30's at the front.  Heading for home pumped up the psyche, a breeze up the backside, Garmins at 40+ and heart rates down in the 120's was Christmas on a stick.   My driving duty was done after facing the front from Matilda Drive to Numurkah Rd, hoping to sit in the tow now for the finale.  Pace percolated past DECA, shorter and faster turns promoting me quickly forward as many retired spent from the front.  Boof and TatMat had perfected position to let loose at Mt.Wanganui's base, blurring into the distance as I picked off the pickled (egged on by the quick chicks in my draft) then the delight of the Rudd Rd respite riding back to breakfast.

Tongues tattled on rules of a bunch split, finding that consistent wheel, the ever softening Softa and Fruitloop team tactics on an ever lengthening Lemontree table.  To Fruitloop the legs, an extra 35 k's were added after breakfast, Bruce, Temple, Cate and Rocket (with Tina in tow for a lift home) Indian filed in New Dookie Rd (traffic) to face the northeaster.  All swapped the torment of the breeze at the brow, knowing a tailwind home was worth fighting for. It's been a long time away from Pine Lodge North Rd (off limits by bridge works),  a carpet of canola the warm welcome as we reached the church to spin south to the Toaster.  The tail wind tempted tempo and enlivened the ego's nudging the 40's, the original idea of a tap in the low 30's thrown out in favor of fast fortuity.  Old Dookie Rd's new bridge (an upgrade of the '58 model over the East Goulburn Main channel) is as smooth as Boof's dome, the fresh layer of hot mix heaven on the gluteus maximus.  South on Boundary and west on Channel, the usual 2k turns soaked up the distance back to town, finishing a little legarthic but a distance education in readiness for next Sunday.

4/9  Out with the cold and in with the wind.

Windchimes signaled Spring's return, now the battle of the breeze begins! (as if to punish the hibernators even more) The peace train station had Tina, Cate, Sandy, Hommy, AvantiAndy and Sly (no show from Coggo a blow) ready to roll with a WNW'er to whip us out eastward then wreck us on the return to town.  Sandy and Hommy were reposed at the rear, Havana holidays hampering their fitness from the front.  There was convivial conversation with Tina, AvantiAndy and Cate as we tapped turns toward Boundary Rd but it was solely spec speak with Sly on cadence, crank length and cross winds.  A pursuing headlight caught our caboose as we swung south, Coggo had arrived from a stalled start (assembling the Willier from a weekend of metropolitan meandering).

The slog southward got a call for calm from the rear as the holiday Hommy's hurt, peace train ethics ruled to keep the clan combined.  Echelon is September's special subject, a little education needed at times 'cause the breeze is never co-operative.  Tina and I were speed stymied in River Rd (a Hommy headwind handbrake), greatful really 'cause I was being tested by Tina's tempo.  I called it quits at River's end for a solo slog home, a change in temporal tack to tackle the wind without shelter (though there's nobody to measure but myself)

5/9  The headwind & the hardcore.
Motivation was miserable Monday night, a forlorn forecast and a wind to weaken willpower ebbed enthusiasm, thankfully a motivating mate injected concrete into the cranium (cheers Cate!). The grid felt like -0.3 but became inspirational as Pelly, BamBam, Ralphy, Cate, Trav, Tina, AvantiTrev, KillkennyPaul, and TatPaul turned up for duty.  I had no problem taking the first shift propelled by the WNW'er (@19-30 km/h), 9 others providing plenty of recovery time was a reason to pedal possessed to the truck route. There were a few velocity variations on the way east, AvantiTrev bowing out of promotion to the pointy end as ten turned south into Boundary Rd.  Ralphy's grinding out strong turns, KillkennyPaul as smooth as the new Old Dookie Rd bridge and I think this was perspiration education for TatPaul, but kudos to him for having a go. Into River Rd's headwind, I piloted the first shift to an outcrop of trees (and a second or two of shelter) but I'd uncoupled a couple in my enthusiasm. (back off and hand the helm to Tina)   Caboose population grew but there were plenty of keen drivers left, I got back to the front for Central Kialla with the breeze stiff at the starboard side.  Wind whittled away the wattage in Mitchell Rd, though the everpresent thought of Hares behind kept the wheels humming toward Raftery Rd.  Ralphy and KillkennyPaul captained the crew to Roubaix corner to give me the grind to Galbraiths gate, a glutton for oxygen back in the draft, I was happy Pelly, Cate, Trav, Ralphy and KillkennyPaul steamed on to Conrod straight, leaving me perfectly positioned for the pounce at the 250 marker.  Up and away, all looked sweet till a 100 to go, Pelly was glued to my wheel with the youth and the horsepower to take the chocolates by a wheel, great teamwork by all to head home the hares by 200 meters.

6/9  Wind whipped Wednesday

I savoured that feeling of comfort rolling out on a new set of tyres and tubes Wednesday, 5600 k's from the last set of Pro 4's was a fair innings in a wet winter.  Wind and an overnight shower had culled the Couldabeens crew to Wozza, Kelly, Boof, Bo, Rocket, Trav, PistolPete, Tina, Troy CatCol and Nev.   Tina had taken a tumble en-route but it didn't dent her determination, thoughts of a cruisy lap forgotten when I found myself driving the first shift to Sanctuary roundabout.......with Wozza's wattage to match of course!  Weapon joined on our exit from town, all working against a bone chilling WNW'er to toughen us up.  Down to Mitchell then up through Central Kialla, the breeze handed out a few PB's for the River Rd grind, but I found the going grueling at the front (maybe the psychological slog stuck between Wozz and Rocket?)  Pace was unabated into the wind on Channel Rd, the big engines of Boof, Troy, Wozza, PistolPete and Rocket seemed to lap up the labor but my mind was made up to caboose the ChaCha.  Approaching the Kinder triggered a mass bail out from driving duties, CatCol, Kel, Trav, Tina and Bo concurred with Weapon to ride in the rear seats as we swung into Hopeful corner.  The front ranks narrowed with 500 left to go, Troy and Wozza hammering out the hurt as I stole a draft from Nev, a single line of survivors behind wishing the wind would wane.    7/9 Therapy Thursday.      In search of therapy from thrashings of late, I accosted Tina, Temple, KillkennyPaul and HBK to Thursday's early lap for a steady spin, a holiday from the hurt of the Hares.  Foss for first shift again, so I set a subtle (36) speed (preserving fruit.......loop performance) to the truck route, but HBK had a faster agenda (let the tailwind tempt for the headwind will hurt) Out to Boundary Rd, HBK erred on the echelon etiquette, I was in the gutter without cover at 5th wheel while the breeze blew across the starboard side.  Rule #67 ruled in River Rd and I pondered the pain locked in to KillkennyPaul's draft just waiting for the elbow, though it wasn't so bad when handed the helm at the dip.  Tina soon spoke of KillkennyPaul's OTA (he'd left nothing in the tank to catch the last wheel) so in the interest of solidarity, it was off the throttle to regroup.  Steadily back up to speed, I polished off River for HBK to drive us to Mitchell, the pursuit of Hare headlights drawing closer.  We'd nearly reached Archer Rd when when the long Hare'd line passed (Pistol, Ralphy, Troy, Trav, CatCol, Rocket, Bo, Boof, Wozza, Kel and Bruce), Tina jumping ship for some anaerobic action, while HBK, KillkennyPaul, Temple and I shared a slightly less Hare raising finish.  At the helm till the highway then again from Roubaix to Galbraiths gate, we'd gained ground on Ralphy (a loose Hare cast off the caboose), my final fling for Conrod's last 600 was capped by HBK claiming the chocolates in the final 50 (of course). 
8/9  Seventeen skidmarks.  So much for a clean bike!  Roads were surprisingly soaked on Friday, a sneaky 3am shower gave everyone a weekend cleaning chore.  Bruce, Trav, Troy, Wozza, Kel, Rocket, Pistol, Bo, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, Cate, Boof, Car+Mel, CatCol, Weapon, TatPaul and BamBam collected in the carpark for the Friday friendly.   Tucked into the tow leaving town was a pleasant change, watching others going into battle now, knowing my turn would have a favourable breeze, made perfect sense.  The damp track of Mitchell Rd and Central Kialla roads were ridden, two rows of skidmarked bums was hardly flattering but at least they're not horizontal turning to marshmallow wrapped in warm blankets!  Pistols' smooth guns had the girls suitably steamed up as we steamed east on the River Rd grind helped by a WSW'er.  Car+Mel and Cate ahead and Weapon and Kel behind put me in a sultry sandwich to Rivers' end, northbound in Boundary we found Carl, Dippa, Tum, Coggo and Manny spearing south on the Goat train of pain and way back at the Broken bridges, Heady was seriously OTA on that long and lonely emotional roll home (but he'll try again next week I'm sure).  We'd charged up to Channel Rd and steered west for the 8 k's home, the headwind in the face of no issue to Troy, Bruce, Rocket, Wozz and Pistol, but it packed the caboose (and the therapists diary?) for many others.  I began to regret rejoining the up line as the Kinder drew near, Boof and CatCol taking long turns to Hopeful corner leaving me the labor of the ChaCha at the front.  Quick rolls saved me, Troy in prime position to podium, Kel and Cate pouncing for the positions.
Week 36                 277 km                        YTD 9,024                                                                
Just two weeks ago Mark Beaumont rode through town on his round the world in 80 days mission. Since then he's ridden New Zealand south to north, flown to Alaska then cranked across to Canada's east coast.  Chapeau chap! Take a peek at www.artemisworldcycle.com         

   

Week 35 : Far from the physical frontier

Post 410
26/8   Saturday centenary.

Celcius in the minus (again!) didn't stop the Saturday sociology, a packed Couldabeens carpark (Big Len, AvantiAndy, Jen, Boof, Wozza, Rocket, PistolPete, Kel, The Godfather, Bo, Shorty, Trav, Popgun, TatMat, Car+Mel, KillkennyPaul, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, BassoDan, AvantiTrev, Cate, Pelly, ScottMatt, Nev and HBK) testament to the tenacity (or lunacy?) of the crew to cold.   Suggestion of the old Channel Rd route was over-ruled, the Archer Rd course set in stone while bridgeworks rule out the original lap.  The speed was sedate to start as social sentences spread, the pairing of PistolPete and Merida-not-AvantiJohn pouring on the pace muted the masses as we worked River Rd.

An orchestra of 56 wheels played a carbonaria  eastward, there'll need to be a split into factions (allegro & adagio?) when decent weather pumps up the population even further.  Boundary Rd's tortured tarmac has new u.f.o's every week, canyons and craters to swallow any unattentive wheel, though its difficult to avoid when the view is vexed by a dozen bikes ahead.  (Pointing a pot hole would be perfect practice!)  Tactility vanished as fingers froze, but gear changing is such an over-rated past-time.  Nev, nursing the shoulder re-co was aboard the MTB again (no lack of wattage to drive the big tyres), "TeamTat" (TatMat, TatPaul & BassoDan) totalling the ton with the commute to and from the Couldabeens circuit, Pelly a Saturday special guest, Popgun (rarely riding) confined to the caboose, Softa showing signs of hardening (2 rides in a week!) and Car on the comeback trail.  Just 3 Cats cruised clockwise as we wheeled west on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, a few vanished via Verney as the mob made momentum toward the Wanganui workout.

My plans of sitting out the sprint were scuttled as Boof, Pistol, Merida-not-AvantiJohn and The Godfather advanced, the speed sending several fracturing off the front as Mt Wanganui drew near.  Bo's effort on the ascent was humiliated by Nev taking to the grassed edge rally style to pip him at the post.  Upcoming events, chickens vs fox and the happy principal tattled tongues while the birthday centenary (Mel & me) lengthened the Lemontree linger.

28/8  Fresh 'n frosty five.
Temperature speculation started Sunday night, sending several soft before the day had arrived!  Monday's minus 1 had culled the crew to just Tina, Cate, Principal Skinner and Sly, single file getting the vote with a tiny team.  Like a parade of perverted proctologists perched partially prostrate perving at posteriors, 5 escaped east of town, Principal Skinner playing rear gunner (gunna have a go at the front some day).  7 k's east to Boundary and 10 k's south to River, 4 shared the chore of the chill as light slowly filled the sky, an eye on speed to conform when it was my turn at the frosty front.

It's hard to tear away from the steady rhythm of a team tap, but employment pays the bills, an inspiring sun up  as I tapped Archer Rd homeward for the start of the working week.

29/8  By a Hare's breadth.
The seasons 27th day of one or below was wearing my resolve thin, NOW is the winter of our discontent!  (there was just 6 days of 1 or below last year)   Cate, BamBam, Ralphy, Tina and Trav's camaraderie and commitment mustered enough numbers to (hopefully) hold off the Hares (starting 5 minutes behind) at Tuesdays' grid, BamBam taking the first shift thanks to Foss's foot fumble leaving the carpark.  It was a nice change to get this old engine up to speed in a tow before the duty of driving, the cold biting the legs and griping the lungs emerging from BamBam's draft, but progress was pleasingly pacy on my turn to Orrvale Rd.  Five drafts to follow restored some wattage, great to have Trav aboard (his comeback to the Hares hampered by holidays) as all did their bit toward Boundary Rd, my second shift working the last leg of Channel Rd.  There was no scenery spotting today, all focus on the wheel ahead with just a peek back occasionally as is compulsory in the caboose. Consistent cranking kept wheels humming along Boundary and River roads, BamBam handing me shift #3 from the dip to the bridge.  Ralphy's come out of hibernation with vim and velocity, Tina's turning on the tempo and Trav's tearing into long turns.  Too inquisitive, I glanced back in Mitchell Rd to see Hare's headlights some distance behind, a bit of snuff for our speed as I took the drivers seat from Archer to the highway.  A 'roo at Roubaix caused a calm till it had decided which course to bound, back on the gas, Trav took us to Arcadia Downs and BamBam cranked into Conrod.  (of course, I get the turn of torment to the finish line)  With Hares homing in, Cate motivated my motion out of the dip into the mid 40's up to the 250 mark, Trav sealing our victory with a sprint to the line, Rocket suddenly appearing in 5th place made it a close one.

30/8  Safety (and slumber) in numbers.

4 degrees was tantamount to tropical on Wednesday morning, all the kids come out to play when there's only a turn or two and tows aplenty.  SuperMario, Kenworth, Nev, CatCol, Rocket, Temple, AvantiTrev, Jase, Shorty, Kel, The Godfather, PistolPete, Wozza, Mel, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, Cate, Boof, Bo, Ralphy and BamBam arrived at the Archer St launch pad for the more populated and peaceful lap (& who of these will front the Tuesday / Thursday thrash theapy?)   No surprise that Wozz headed the train out of town (collecting Weapon at Kialla Lakes), my cranial conspirator telling me to h.t.f.u. and pair up for the hard yards to the roundabout and beyond.  Almost toast at Sanctuary Park, I then had to find the masochism to match Pistol to the truck route, aurally asthmatic getting into the draft for the leg 3 recovery.

Bo & Merida-not-AvantiJohn got into Mitchell Rd mischief picking up the pace into the 40's.  Troy had joined but Rocket settled the speed in Central Kialla winning votes from the spent majority.  Two long lines stretched out ahead in River Rd, I'd not quite reached the back when called over (several sprinters now sitting out the circuit, saving speed for Thursdays thrash?)   Kel and Cate dialled up the speed to the Broken bridges, the blur of Coggo, Carl, Tina and Sly slogging south on a short train of pain.  I'd finished another turn as the crew cornered west onto Channel Rd, I might get lucky and avoid the chore of the ChaCha at the front today.  Some turns rolled quickly, others went long, but I sat back a few places with Temple to let the serious contenders crank.  I'd rejoined the rotations on the swing left at Kinder corner (couldn't see Nev rejoining on the MTB) but at a rapid rate behind Boof, enough now driving toward the 50's to keep me from the front.  Unable to sprint resist, Boof and Troy turned up the turbo at Prentice Rd to stretch all out behind, the next kilometer to the truck route spent regrouping for a chatty roll back to town.

31/8  Hare style
There was a pause at Thursday's grid waiting for Wozz (don't you just hate discovering a puncture right on saddle-up time!) kicking off conversation on readying for a ride.  Wozza's arrival soon set the wheels turning, Troy, Boof, CatCol, Rocket, Bruce, Cate , Merida-not-AvantiJohn, Tina and PistolPete carving through the Channel Rd chill (zero), two rows taking turns while Cate, Tina and CatCol deliberated driving.  Over Orrvale Rd Cate tried a turn, velocity's reality hitting hard emerging from the draft.  Sandwiched between Merida-not-AvantiJohn and Wozza, I cranked forward to contribute (the effort you recall and reality, often worlds apart).   It was cruelty to the Kinder and massacre to McFadyen, Christmas coming in the tow from Wozz as he and Pistol powered to the cypress trees.  I was getting my head around the hurt as Rocket, Bruce, Troy and Boof slogged out their smooth style seamlessly, seemingly unstoppable.  Another turn beckoned as we belted to the Broken bridges, millimeters from my mental maximum (far from the physical frontier, frustratingly the head handbrakes!) I called a shorter shift to Wozz at One Tree Dam, no way I could sustain this speed at the pointy end, so slipped back to focus on recovery and keeping the caboose in contact.   Like a well oiled machine, Wozz, Bruce, Troy, Pistol, Rocket, Boof and Merida-not-AvantiJohn propelled us west on River, Indian file called at the kennels as chains dropped to a smaller cog.  Over the bridge Boof bailed out of the turns, he could have the gatekeeper job while I tried to keep in touch on the corners.  Full steam along Mitchell and a clean cross of the highway, we ripped into Raftery where Bruce retired at Roubaix. Still the drivers kept throwing themselves to the sacrifice of speed, still the hangers-on found that extra to keep up as the finish drew near.  Rocket then Wozza crucified themselves in Conrod, the podium places blurring as I got to the last dip, all craving the oxygen refill to Raftery's skinny bridge, celebrating a 39.5 average (a fair flog at zero)

1/9  Spring ain't sprung
Temperature (or the lack of it) almost anchored me Friday, Spring was on us and so was the chill (minus 1), but camaraderie and curiosity enticed me to the grid, who'd front in the frost?  Boof, Cate, Merida-not-AvantiJohn, Tum, Shorty, Pelly, SuperMario, Kenworth, Bruce, Kel, Trav, The Godfather, Bo, Troy, Nev and CatCol proved it's not temperature but tempo that attests the attendance.  6 bells started the train rolling south, passing Craig Lotsalumens on our way to Mitchell and reeling in a riding rarity, Chops, enmerging from a long hibernation.  Bruce belted the Central Kialla crater (the ever enlarging pot-hole) and won himself a puncture as we turned into River Rd, the pitstop pause swiftly socialising the ride (warmed by that feeling of TGIF).  SuperMario savoured the slow restart but the tempo soon wound up, that freeze through the bones spurring on a workout to warm up, but only multiplied the chill factor proportional to pace.  Nev continues to monster the MTB (heaven forbid when he's back on the road bike!), 3 Cats cranked clockwise but it was a Goatless Friday - this winter culling the numbers of many bunches more so than previous years.  My second shift came up in Boundary Rd, over the Broken bridges and onward to Channel Rd, the third beside Boof to the Kinder.  Tum was pickled by the promotion toward the front as the sprint wound up, taking refuge in the down line while I was vacuumed along in the draft of the fast fellas pursuing a podium for the ChaCha.  Tormented faces soon turned elated by the Orrvale school, a lap survived and a weekend nigh put us all in a happy place, brief sociology on the spin home hoping that spring would end the winter woes.  

Week 35       238 km       YTD 8,747 km