Week 47 : A thin win from a big fat effort

Post 422
18/11  Super sized Saturday

The Saturday lap was a welcomed weekend workout, the post ride sociology a bonus from the weekday rush to honor the time-clock.  Perfect spring weather drew a super sized squad, Cate, Car+Mel, MyRideTrev, NewAvanti (not-oldAvanti-not Merida) John, TatPaul, Gazzagrasshopper, TatMat, BigLen, MeridaAndy, SuperMario, Weapon, Shorty, AvantiAndy, Lucy, Bruce, Jen, Tina, Sean, TrekTrev, Troy and Travis cramming the carpark for the 54km ritual.  Thre was a few minutes wait while MyRideTrev fixed his own pucture, I'd taken the No #1 grid position (to avoid a headwind hernia in Mitchell and River Rd) and departed slowly up to speed, so the long line wouldn't snap bits off the back. The early edition (Wozza, Rocket, Grumpy, Boof, Bo and Kel) arrived at Mitchell Rd though Rocket and Wozz continued to town escorting Grumpy who'd had a horizontal hiccup.

KillkennyPaul (directional dislexia?) and Softa joined at Central Kialla from an earlyish start, the bunch pointing into an ESE'er on River Rd to burn the legs and calories (means more breakfast?) Troy's aboard a new Avanti, Weapon's on a mission for motivation, Bruce bantered on breathlessness and Travis told of Liam's signing. Velocity varied as the turns rolled at the front between the primed and the pooped, I suffered the wind on the starboard side in Boundary Rd, then stoked up the suffering in Old Dookie pairing with MeridaAndy (a lump of a lad)  from the bridge to porky palace.

Spin Doctor appeared from historical obscurity (sporting an historical jersey and a porn-star mo) to join the clan, around the Toaster and up to the church delivering a little echelon eductaion for the front runners.  A speck of glass punctured me at the main eastern channel bridge, the sauna like repair, fighting flies and suffering sledges but I was back on (but breathless) in good time.  My Michelin like marshmallow (thanks to the CO2 inadequacy) squirmed under the speed in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd as the easterly excited the troops to town, puddles in Ford Rd spoiling a spotless bike and new kit.  Promoted forward way too fast as the bunch barrelled into Wanganui, I hit the front at DECA and was instantly hung out to dry as the pack thinned behind me.  400 meters of murder at 48 clicks later, a cacophony of carbon from Rocket, Boof and Wozza's wheels whizzed by to humiliate my pace, all but a handful passing in chase as a fractured pack crested Mt.Wanganui.  Digging deep to find a hint of horsepower, I'd managed to rejoin the bunch just as the Boulevard bolt to breakfast commenced,  once a cafe cruise now cast aside in a race for a seat at the Lemontree table.  Riding events, comapact rings and a sprint post-mortem wagged the tongues, great to have the walking wounded Temple and Coggo turn up, philosophising on bunch discipline, arresting habits the mahem of mixing abilities.

19/11  Sunday significance.

The constabulary were corraling the Sunday a.m. yobbo's as I set off on an early flog to flush frustration, around the golf course loop anti-clockwise and back to town (now minus the mental minefield)  to join Weapon for an insignificant leisurely lap with significant sociology.  A lot of bike balance was restored with a lap of total disregard for speed, cadence, heart rate or averages, just cycology, fossilosophy and humourology.  Around the golf course (again) and out Ford Rd to loop Boundary and Old Dookie Rd, solving the subjects of possessed personalities, personal possessions and pedalling possibilities to polish off the circuit with coffee and toast.


20/11  A gaggle 'o Goat girls.

I was chasing a challenge for Monday morning but suggestions were silent on WhatsApp so the social side supplemented (there'd be the Tuesday / Thursday thrash to look forward to!).   Fronting Friars, the peace train was dominated by a girl Goat gathering, Deb, Tina, Cindy, Sandy, Amy, Jen, Cate and Kate almost outnumbered the lads, Principal Skinner, Heady, Speissy, Spartacus, Hommy, Baz, AvantiAndy, Snow and Belly.  Gentle on the gas out Old Dookie Rd so carriages weren't broken off the back (though Belly went missing in action), JB and DeepFry swelled the numbers, the babble bouncing from left to right as two lines pushed gently into the easterly at a peaceful pace.  Some were strangely silent on the chat, seems that oxygen deprivation is the legacy of their lethargy over winter.  Long time no see Kate on two wheels, Deb and Baz on the comeback trail and Heady's back after a big knock, aboard a giant Giant (3 sizes too big).  Turns rolled long and short (relative to the length of hibernation), River Rd lifting hopes and speed with a breeze at the backside.  My usual exit to satisfy a time clock had Cate company to town, an unspoken understanding to pick up the pace for a 12k hurry homeward, chalking up the challenge.

21/11  O come all ye faithful.

It's inspiring to see plenty of punters turn up for the 5:45 Tuesday torment, Grumpy, Tina, Pelly, BamBam, Cate, Lenny, PvanP, Tum, Shorty, KillkennyPaul, Lucy, Softa and Ralphy the faithful forming for a fast one at the carpark.  Grumpy did the honours of the first turn, what a pleasure it is to sit at 4th wheel and get the old engine gently up to operating temperature.  Disrupted at Doyles by traffic ruined the rhythm, a scattered restart made difficult towing several back onto the train.  I got the drivers seat reaching Orrvale Rd but struggled pushing into the ENE'er, shortening my shift by 300 meters to leave enough to catch the caboose.  Funny how you fix your focus on something ahead in the concentration to stay aboard, thanks to Tina's ripped gastroch's, I held the wheel to allow the gasping to subside.  13 in the train is probably capacity, plenty of time to recover but just a hint of surge at the back tells me bigger 'aint better.  Trav turned up from the west and jumped aboard, Tina's turn ended at Laws Drive for my crucifixion to commence.  43 was a bit faster than usual but it certainly shortened the shift.  Trav's turbo opened up a gap as the train tore into Mitchell Rd, so I plugged the hole to keep the pack together ('cause I needed maximum recovery time!)  So many of the 5:45 party faithful are on the up and up (testified by Strava's trophies), even Softa showing signs of firming proves persistent pain pays a pace profit.  Unobstructed at Melbourne Rd gave us a hope over the Hares, Grumpy dragging the bunch to Galbraiths gate where I got the job to drive to Arcadia Downs.  Emptying the tank to catch the last wheel quit me from the sprint, satisfied just to hang on for a finish just 19 seconds off our fastest time.

22/11  Position, position, position.

Another scenic start to the day on leg one of Archer Rd as one long line formed to two, Bruce, Goose, Chops, Murray, Cate, AvantiAndy, Car+Mel, MyRideTrev, Jen, SuperMario, Lucy, Boof, The Godfather, Kenworth, Grumpy, Tina, CatCol and BamBam spearing south and sharing the work.

 The early edition arrived at the truck route, Bo, Wozza, Kel, Rocket, Trav and Troy (though time took Troy homeward early) making two dozen die-hards to spin the usual circuit.  Grumpy had plenty of go as I attempted to keep up at the front to Mitchell Rd, SuperMario travelling better than usual (all thanks to a bike service?), Chops was challenging consistency and visitor Murray (Bendigo) I'd met 6 months ago (small world).  Into the sunrise on River Rd as the processional pelotons passed westward, the effort easing as I was demoted to the rear ranks.

A light breeze behind enthused many in Channel Rd (a few of the heavy artillery sitting on), sharing sprint supposition with Trav as we blurred under the cypress trees (my placing behind Boof, The Godfather, AvantiAndy and Grumpy almost prime real estate for the ChaCha).  Well, smother Boof in mint jelly!, he was the sacrificial lamb for the sprint as we barrelled into Hopeful corner, well roasted by Prentice Rd as I emerged from The Godfathers' draft.  With 250 meters to go, I opened up the old engine's throttle, the slingshot from the draft helped me to 54 clicks.  A quick peek at the tarmac spied shadows enlarging behind, Wozza was gaining fast but I'd reached the line in time to take a rare bite at the chocolates.

23/11 Thursday's thrash therapy & a boogie in the 'Bogies (with respect to rule #90)
Attendance Thursday thinned to Tina, Ralphy, Cate, Softa and KillkennyPaul, being caught by the Hares seemed inevitable but we'd at least give it a crack.  It was an effort into the easterly so turns were shortened to cope, though it was double the workload with half the field we'd had Tuesday. We'd inherited an unknown passenger in the caboose (who vanished at Channel Rd's end), relief found pointing south on Boundary Rd to look forward to the breeze behind in River Rd (though the speed would naturally rise)   Great to welcome Grumpy aboard as we neared the dip, his long turns adding valued respiratory recovery time.  The cranking was fairly consistent but Ralphy was adding 2 km/h to the cruising speed, surprisingly the Hare headlights were still a distance away on a peek back in Central Kialla.  Tina and Cate continue to give their all at the front, KillkennyPaul putting in big turns and paying the pain price. Yet another clean cross of the highway fuelled hope to giddy-up in Raftery Rd, Ralphy with the reserves to stretch a three length gap in the last meters of Conrod straight.  Across the line and on the second gasp of oxygen, Rocket the hurtling Hare shot past, we'd had the thinnest of wins from a big fat effort. 

I motored to Euroa on a rare ADO to attempt to climatise to climbing, a toe in the water to hopefully contract a hillness [hil'nes' ; noun; an impairment of normal physiological function, characterized by polka dotted vision. Often aggrevated by riding ascents, cols and monts]  for a future goal.

A few flat k's warmed up in readiness for Kelvin View, a  Catagory 2 climb rising 600 meters was enough of an appetizer to see if the old engine could cope.

Climbing solo allows the freedom to grunt and groan like a branded bull without embarrasment, an eye on the heart rate (and ignoring the speed) to avert a meltdown.
Avoiding the focus on the distant crest and aimed at something easier (the next white post!), the tarmac kept rising, the Leo in me defiantly glued to the big ring in respect of rule #90.   Off the seat for a few long efforts to stay on top of the cog, the worst of the climb finally done reaching the kennels.  The fire station was soon a welcome sight, a k later peeling off on Creek Junction Rd to Kithbrook, the sun streaming through the tall timbers but I was relishing the shade. A right at Spring Creek Rd and 5k's gradual decline to Strathbogie, the downside an uphill climb again toward Mt. Wombat.  Fairly pleased the old engine kept up a reasonable rate, up to the crest then caution for the long descent with a strengthening northeaster slicing across the wheels.  All too soon I was down on the flatlands for the 7k back to town (shoulders stiff from a gorilla grip on the bars), a post ride "mojo-muesli" and a long black at Cass 'n Dee's contemplated the murder in March.

24/11  Frisky Friday.

AvantiAndy, TrekTrev, Kenworth, Cate, MyRideTrev, Jen, Mel, Boof, Nick, Tina, WhisperingJack, ScottMatt, CatCol, The Godfather, Goose, Shorty and Pelly had assembled for Friday's frolic, my legs were a little rubbery from yesterday but I took the first shift southbound to avoid the hurt of the headwind north and east.  The scurry to Mitchell Rd in the low 40's recalled memories past of the squeaks of protest when 35 was exceeded, ah how things have changed!  Rocket, Kel, Wozza, Bo, Troy and Bruce comprised the early edition, Kel giving the heads-up on Boundary Rd's crater opening up again.

The northeaster brewed to force some tack and jibe through Central Kialla and on River Rd, 51 were flat chat, Cats were cruising, 4 were on the train of pain and only Spartacus, Cindy and Heady (breaking in a new bike) tried to reclaim Friday.  Successfully dodging the Boundary Rd chasm we'd pushed to Channel Rd to get the pleasure westward home, a percentage put on pace to sort out the ChaCha bragging rights.  There was toil keeping pace with CatCol in McFadyen Rd but relief tucked into the draft in Central Ave. The bunch barreled into Kinder corner and with Pelly feeling frisky in the box seat and Boof boxed in, he engaged the afterburners to charge for the ChaCha chocolates.

Week 47     313km        YTD 12,424km

Week 46 : Stuffed but chuffed

Post 421
11/11  Saturday satisfaction.
BassoDan, TatMat, BigLen, AvantiAndy, Bo, Jen, Nick, Shorty, MyRideTrev, NewAvanti (not-OldAvanti-not-Merida)John, WhisperingJack, TrekTrev, Car, TrackStan, Tina, Sam, Cate, Tum, Softa, Hamish and SuperMario filtered in like ants to a picnic Saturday morning to soak up the social stimuli and sweat out the circuit to justify breakfast.  Taking the first turn with BigLen to Sanctuary roundabout was a taxing tempo but the payback was a dream draft behind the big fella when he rolled across for leg 2.  The pre-dawn division (Wozza, Rocket, Trav and Boof) arrived making the most of a mild and windless morning, I felt almost naked without arm warmers and insulating gloves (standard attire for the last 6 months), a warming and welcome sunrise (measurably earlier) streaming in from the distant Strathbogies.

Two disciplined lines pointed arrow like toward Boundary Rd, socially updating with the clan not seen for a day or six.  A chorus of carbon played under the weekend chat, Thursday's explosions with Bo, the Cairns climate with TrekTrev, Tina's MTB injuries, Hamish's forthcoming Tassie trek and talk with Trav on a heritage getaway.  I find myself a bit close to the wheel in front at times, too trusting I guess among the super smooth operators but it can all go horizontal in a heart beat.


The rubber band syndrome stung on the corners and intersections until I was promoted further toward the pointy end (it's sometimes better to tolerate the toil at the front than suffer the whiplash at the back)  Was there a helping hand from behind when we turned for home?  The work westward on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd had propelled us easily into the high 30's, the Saturday speed limit all but a distant memory (no protests on pace).   I was sitting on for the sprint as the bunch neared town, the tempo tortured lined up behind as the prime movers went forward into battle. Past DECA in the high 40's, the pace was popping off the early lead-outs, finding our little troupe of tailenders being promoted up the ranks to witness the Mt. Wanganui warriors fight out the placings.  Not a lot of time was wasted to reach breakfast (Strava handing out trophies to many), Bruce, Leah and ScottMatt already seated joined the natter on old recipes, heritage and horroscopes.


13/11  Goats 'n ducks.

With legs lax from a lazy weekend, the Goat train of peace was a no brainer Monday morning.  Speissy, Spartacus, Tina, Hommy, Belly, Sandy, Phil, Cindy, Snow, Dippa and Principal Skinner were all in a tame frame of mind to start the week, even that riding rarity JB joined in at SPC as the train puffed slowly out of town.  It was a cruisy crank out Old Dookie Rd (114 bpm) with catch-up conversation, it's been many weeks since I last gathered with Goats, high time I was sociable.  Dawdling ducks copped a hurry up under Tina's wheel in River Rd, the sun up and the breeze behind chasing away any hint of Monday-itis.  My exit right at Rivers' end stepped up the heart rate for a solo spin home.

14/11  A dozen dynamos.
Foss fortunately felt fairly fit and frisky for the fast fest Tuesday, an easterly wind sure to knock the cockiness out of me in Channel Rd.  With just Tina, Cate and Grumpy on the grid, the task seemed testing, but KillkennyPaul, TatPaul, PvanP, BamBam, Lucy, Tum, Lenny and Shorty turned up to make it a dynamic dozen!  We set sail swiftly east with a goal of shorter turns into the wind, murdering myself to Mozart Ave, peeling off the front then the long wait for the 11th wheel (which took as long as a citizenship disclosure) till I could calm in the tow.  Plenty kept the cadence cooking as we zigged and zagged Channel Rd's directional diversity, Tum turning up the turbo and testing those still gasping on the tail.

Everyone had a share at the breeze on the brow, it was turn two for me at the Broken bridges with a scenic sunrise to distract the distress.  It took some cussin' to catch the trains' tail as it steamed into River Rd, settling into the 40's as the gasps slowly subsided.  I was back at work from the dip to the bridge, kudos soothing the soul but it didn't ease the exertion.  Although on the edge of his comfort zone, it was great to have Shorty along, Greg LeMond's "it doesn't get any easier, you just get faster" quote swirling in my sub conscious.  Lucy and Lenny smoothed the turns through Central Kialla, BamBam and KillkennyPaul seeming to suffer more than others.  Lenny's elbow put me in the drivers seat to Dave's dip, relaxing the shoulders, jaw and grip to let the legs soak up all the effort works well.  Weapon appeared eastbound at Roubaix as we worked west, plenty sharing the turns meant recovery was almost achievable this late in the lap.  TatPaul was beginning to fade into Conrod straight, I turned up the wick with 400 left but PvanP had the performance to take the line honors from Grumpy's determined drive.  (great teamwork by all to crack a 40 km/h average for the 30k).

15/11  Wozz wins Wednesday

Of course I braved the front on the first long turn to Sanctuary roundabout, a northeaster was pumping up my performance,  I could put in a turn then tuck into the draft before we pointed into the headwind.  TrekTrev, Nev, Boof, Cate, Sean, Greendawg, The Godfather, Goose, Shorty, Car+Mel, Nick, NewAvanti(not-OldAvanti-notMerida)John, MyRideTrev, SuperMario, Tina, Kenworth, (long time-no-ride) Lynda, CatCol, Softa and ScottMatt rolled to the truck route as part of Wednesdays social soiree.  Early energisers Wozza, Kel, Bo and Trav joined on the leg to Mitchell Rd, Lucy the last addition in Central Kialla.

'51 were full steam west on River Rd hunting a Hare record,  Cats were cruising and the Goats were on another moderate discomfort train.  The northeaster taxed a few in our bunch who rolled the turns a little faster, I was soon at the pointy end between Tina and Cate dishing out their wattage.  Shifts shuffled and some dived for cover as the Kinder came into view, Wozz, The Godfather, Bo, Kel and Trav turning up the sprint screws as we crossed Prentice Rd.  Out of gears, a 101 cadence and 56 km/h wasn't enough to catch Wozza and barely enough to get near Kel, but 3rd was nothing to sneeze at in quick company.


16/11  A badass bunch (#rule9)
Somewhat sceptical the radar would reveal a ride window in the wet, Cate messaged the motivational maxim, just ride f.f.s!  In spite of the damp road, rooster tails of water up the nose and a filthy bike, Tina, Bruce and BamBam proved their worth to roll up for a lap too ;  if you're out riding in bad weather, it means you're badass!

With few in the crew, an internal regulator and the primal urge of survival said a gradual turn-up of tempo was best, though I was done reaching Doyles Rd and happy to hand over the helm.  Cate and Tina captained the crew to Orrvale Rd, Bruce putting in a drive to the Kinder as I sat in BamBam's wake till the cypress trees.  The drizzle had disappeared but the ESE'er hurt all the way to the S bend, a stormy sunrise to view was worth the effort as I caboosed to Boundary Rd.   Bruce poured his power into a long drive to River Rd as an oversized orange orb squeezed between the horizon and the low dark clouds.  It was my turn again when BamBam peeled off the front at the white fence, great was my comfort in new knicks (belissimo on the bum Pedal Mafia!) to drive at 40 to the dip.  Bruce ground out another big turn to Mitchell Rd, Cate, Tina and BamBam putting in their cracking contributions, but suddenly I was back to the front again! We had a clean cross of the highway and without Hares to harass, we ripped into Raftery.  Bruce still had reserves in Conrod straight, BamBam in tow, I hung back to offer a tow to Tina and Cate (tested by tempo) finishing stuffed but chuffed with a 38 average.


17/11  F-ride-eh?

Just 3 degrees cooler felt like a different season, how quickly we soften after just a few warm mornings!  Maybe 14 degrees trimmed the usual numbers, but Boof, Rocket, SuperMario, AvantiAndy, CatCol, NewAvanti (not-OldAvanti-not-Merida)John, Mel, Kenworth, Cate and MyRideTrev turned up to the Friday socialise ride.  Boof and Rocket provided the pace to Santuary roundabout, Bruce, Ralphy, Trav and PvanP from the early edition finding us in Mitchell Rd, Sly slipping aboard too.  A wormless and squeaky clean bike (scrubbed from yesterdays drizzly lap) ran silent and smooth, wind direction of little consequence (till I was pointed into it!). 

The procession of Pussycats and '51 continues in River Rd, but the pain train was cancelled (craving Coggo?) and replaced with a reclaimed ride of relaxation for a handful of Goats.  Plenty of chat and babble in our clan up to Channel Rd then west toward town, my enthusiasm for the sprint evaporated.  MyRideTrev and SuperMario had handbraked the speed leading into Kinder corner, all holding station waiting for the inevitable sprint to strike.   Rocket shot past on lead-out duties with Boof in tow, a magnet for the movers CatCol, Trav, Kenworth and NewAvanti (not-OldAvanti-not-Merida)John, Cate and co to chase. Satisfied to finish among the rear ranks, a little time for post ride coffee made mine a fitting finale to the week.

Week 46       241 km               YTD 12,111km

Week 45 : Proportioning the pain.

Post 420
4/11 Pub prologue

Back to the old circuit Saturday, a trip down (short) memory's lane 'cause the afternoon's Tour de Pub was promising plenty of k's.  A condensed crew of Troy, Bruce, The Godfather, Wozza, Shorty, MyRideTrev, PistolPete, TatPaul, Rocket, Hamish, GTCraig, Kel, Lochy, CatCol and Bo toured east on Channel Rd, Wozz and I in the drivers seat putting a bit of warmth in the legs to counter the bureau's "feels like 3".  (glad I pulled the base layer out of retirement).

The speed seemed to settle as we neared Boundary Rd, ScottMatt then Nath climbing aboard as the appearing sun made a little psychological warmth.  The same old circuit is nearly always a bit different each time it's lapped, another conversation, a change of wind direction, a laugh to share, an observation to ponder, and maybe (one day) a little warmth to enjoy!  A calm and collected crank along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and Ford,  the sprintless Wanganui hill was weird, Lochy with just enough wattage left to crest it.  Good to have the recovering Temple at the table for a yarn on ride preparation, bike brands, bogged cows and Cadillac's over the Lemontree's breakfast.

Tour de Pub

Prologue :  A stiff southerly took up the slack and provided a warm up to arrive at the MyRide grand departe, a Troy brew ready for rider hydration.   Kenworth, SuperMario, Nev, Cougar, Popgun, The Godfather, BeerMat, Boof, Shorty, Wozza, PistolPete, Troy, Rocket, Kel, Bruce, Leah, Bo and CatCol signed on for the fourth annual grand tour.


Stage 1 :  MyRide to Pistol's.

 (7k) A few took the special Archer St stage but most attacked the Raftery section and it's heartbreaker headwind (SSW 28-40).   Down to Roubaix corner then east on Mitchell was just enough to work up small thirst, quenched with quality at Pistol & Cate's.

Stage 2 :  Pistol's to Toolamba. (15k) A tough 5k leg into the wind on Central Kialla Rd choked the chat, I did my duty at the front to the bridge but Nev punctured soon after and gave us a rest. There was relief reaching Union Rd though the wind whipped from the left, quite a battle in the rear ranks to find shelter.  A dismount to cross the old bridge, then back to velocity to reach the Junction Hotel.

Stage 3 Toolamba to Tatura (16k)

A brew or two was enjoyed, an entertaining intercept with a young bunch on bikes (though hardly rated "riders") then all prepared for Stage 3.  Wozza, Rocket, Nev, Pistol and CatCol set up a chase from a late start, the rest of the pack (with ScottMatt and Lyn joining in) driving 7k's to Dhurringile Rd, several in survival mode with the wind still punishing the portside.  There was protests on pace from the midfield on the north leg to Tatura, the Bo and Godfather combination at the front spells speed.  Sprinting the streets to the pub whittled the bunch down, the chase group catching as we berthed bikes at the hotel.

Stage 4 Tatura to Mooroopna  (16k)

Tat pub's light and dark brews (& hot chips) went down well but the afternoon was fast fading, so the bunch departed town en-route to Mooroopna, but Bo double punctured (attention seeker!) just two k's out of town to force a halt.  Some seized the chance to continue at a calmer pace, a desperate dozen or so choosing to chase a few minutes later.  With the wind behind, speed standards were cast aside, full steam on Ferguson, Turnbull and Pyke Rd's to catch the breakaways and bolt (buoyed by beer?) Strava records aplenty, into town.  More hydration and conversation berthed at Bill & Beats solved the worlds problems, but reality and other tasks to tend called it quits for Pistol Pete and I to tackle Stage 5, a quick 7k's back to town.


6/11  The tempo tap.

November is the new September as the wind incessantly blows, whittling down the wattage (and the will to live!) to get to the Archer St shop Monday. "Just a tap" (on What's App) sounded perfect, Bo, Bruce, Kel, PistolPete and CatCol pulling in to park at the shop for a 5:45 getaway (out Channel and in Raftery would at least give us a tailwind home). Without a plan on position, I'd berthed behind Bo, the placing perfect as it was left to Bruce and Bo to face the headwind in Boundary (and again on Central Kialla Rd)   Among the super smooth wheels of PistolPete, Kel and CatCol, speed was still key performance criteria, lots of tempo now in the tap as we made our way to Mitchell Rd.  Rounding Roubaix turned it to tailwind heaven, so why rest!? Up the ante to Conrods' end for a little quality time on the rivet.

7/11  Cup day quickie.

Whether it's the Couldabeens camaraderie, good looks or just their unashamed modesty, crowds gathered at A Mart for the cup day Toaster lap (Kenworth, WhisperingJack, Softa, AvantiAndy, Bo, KillkennyPaul, Jen, Car, PistolPete, Boof, Kel, Rocket, Shorty, Wozza, TatMat, ScottMatt, TatPaul, TrackStan, Bruce, Gazzagrasshopper, Trav, Manny, Carl, Grumpy, Ralphy, BamBam and CatCol)  No surprise, a southwester blew to toughen my turn beside Wozza on Raftery Rd, this old engine outclassed, pain shortening the turn to 600 meters (just before explosion) then attempt recovery in the draft. Bruce's mechanical called a halt to proceedings, a cassette trying to part company with a hub needed car collection.  Underway again after just a stationary minute, the speed eased a little with the A team no longer pace setting, though the wind behind kept things brisk.  Nath's arrival made it a long line of 29 in River Rd, I'd be lucky to get more than two turns at the pointy end today.  Past the perfumed piggery, round the Toaster and up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, it was time to face the wind again.  Pairing with Softa's short shift suited nicely, but going the distance with Wozza was another story. Manny, Carl, TatMat and TatPaul were on lap two after the "moderate discomfort pain train",  Grumpy's back on a comeback, WhisperingJack as well with a new aero advantage and TrackStan's crazy cadence had me dizzy.

There was snap crackle and pop in Ford Rd as the rear of the bunch fractured, many escaping via Verney to breakfast (a shame for a 'social' ride)   A few like me were sitting out the sprint, so I kept an eye out on the rearmost to keep the survivors attached.  The pace kept climbing in Wanganui Rd despite the wind coming in at 10 o'clock, bits falling off the bunch back as Boof bolted to a win.  The urgency continued along the Boulevard, nudging the 40's was starting to sting, but breakfast, moments away, would cure everything.  The Couldabeens kit, a proposed weekend in the hills and cranky customers filled the table with tattle on a slowly warming public holiday.



8/11  Almost, nearly, maybe.....nope!  (well done Boof)

Wednesday wasn't so welcoming, feels like 4 degrees, feels like winter!  Although Boof, The Godfather, Goose, MyRideTrev, ScottMatt, Grumpy, Cate, NewAvanti-not-OldAvanti-not-MeridaJohn, Car, Chops, Nath, Robbo, PistolPete, Kenworth, Tum and Tina turned up for a lap.  Car headlights were out of fashion on an uneasy exit of town, Weapon joining at Kialla Lakes and the earlybirds (Rocket, Troy and Wozza) circling the Sanctuary roundabout awaiting a tow.   Chops was in the new kit, Tum (unconcious on the climate) in short sleeves and knicks, and in complete contrast, Kenworth was rugged up ready for Antarctica.  It was one of those days where any speed and every direction was a struggle, a battle to preserve pace on the front in Boundary Rd with a tail wind.

However, I had prime real estate by Kinder corner, just joining the up-line with Robbo ahead and many key players sitting out the sprint.  Suddenly, that previous struggle was history.  Oncoming cars held up proceedings till beyond Prentice Rd, so I pounced at the possibility when the tarmac cleared.  Off the seat at 94 rpm I'd over-revved, seated and up a cog got better (52 km/h). Almost to the finish, nearly there, maybe a win, but Boof bolted by, seemingly effortless.  My glance behind expecting to find a pouncing pack found wide open spaces, Boof and I well clear for a one, two, Cate a credible third.

9/11  Team tenacious.
The CBF's were creeping into the cranial cavities at 5, a bit of soul spanking over breakfast distancing the demons.  Down to the carpark for the Thursday thrash found KillkennyPaul (niggled by negatives), Cate, Softa, Grumpy, BamBam and Paul VanP in a more positive mindset.  The order shuffled a little as 5:45 flagged us away, taking the first turn now tattooed in my sensory neurons.  Compliments eased the distress reaching Doyles Rd spent, time for others to proportion the pain.  It's rather inspiring to witness all contributing their best (without the curse of comparison) and the fitness unfurling each week.  '51Nathan appeared as we neared the cypress trees and sat on for a spell, I felt bad handing the headwind bit (Boundary Rd) to Cate, KillkennyPaul and Softa but I'm sure I'll have that privilege another day.  Shortening turns a little helped velocity a lot, Paul VanP doing the handover at River Rd's dip, I found the knife edge balance of heartrate, breathing, cadence and speed to the bridge but then the breathing expired.  And so the turns rolled with '51Nathan now joining the toil, down to Mitchell then west with a clear crossing of Melbourne Rd.  A peek back guaged the Hares headlights at 30 seconds in our favor, so it was all stops out for Raftery Rd.  Placed perfectly as BamBam, Grumpy and '51Nathan towed us from Arcadia Downs, I let loose at the 350 mark in Conrod straight, but Paul VanP made it a big battle for line honours (pleased I pipped the young fella by a wheel).   The payout was the morning at work with that strangely satisfying sensation of legs wanting to collapse the moment you stand or climb stairs (I'll call it fragileg syndrome)

10/11  Just F-ride-day.

I was strangely solitary to the Friday Couldabeens congregation, serenely spinning the streets as the sunrise stalked the sky, a condensed crew collecting in the carpark (Boof, Sean, Nick, WhisperingJack, CatCol, SuperMario, MyRideTrev, PistolPete and Chops) for the Friday friendly.  With nobody joining Boof for leg one, I paired to Sanctuary roundabout where The Godfather then Pelly joined the bunch.  Pre dawn devotees Wozza, Rocket, Troy, Bruce, Bo, Kel and Trav appeared as we entered Mitchell Rd, the usual passing parade of pelotons in River Rd today had an addition, a Goat train of peace behind the train of pain (to act as a catcher's mit?)  SuperMario punctured in sight of the Broken bridges, our pitstop used to sort out the standards of a Christmas gig.  The order shuffled on the restart, the charge into Channel Rd soon cooled when MyRideTrev, SuperMario and Nick got to the drivers seat nearing the Kinder.   Half the field were sitting on, so I joined the attack squad of Boof, Troy and CatCol as they thrashed out the bragging rights for the ChaCha, blowing out the cobwebs for the weeks end.

Week 45        261km                  YTD  11,870  


    

Week 44 : Reading the rump the riot act.

Post 419
28/10  The Tat tap.

Half a millimeter of rain at 5:45 dampened the morning, but a little mood music (Karnivool's "Goliath" and QOTSA's "Sick sick sick") mustered my motivation enroute to the Tatura 200.  All those training k's and the entry fee wasn't going to waste!
A crew of Couldabeens (CatCol, TatPaul, BassoDan, Tina, The Godfather, Kel, Bo, Jen, Boof, Cate, Car and Ralphy) converged to tackle the long one (Lucy & Lenny taking on the 100), flagged away with plenty of others for leg 1 on a damp track to Toolamba.  With a tailwind out of town, the bunch soon got into a rhythm ('lil Tony and Indi in the drivers seat) quickly sifting out the rarely's from the regulars.

Down Dhurringile Rd and across to Toolamba, the 30 odd pack sorted the speed and the social sentences, but the old bridge forced a dismount as it's plank gaps would easily swallow a wheel (so why was it stripped of it's tarmac?) Remounting, I had a long chase with a few in tow to catch the pack ('cause the front forgot the tail) , a k at 38 needed to reach them just in time for a quick cross of the highway.  Union Rd pounded the posterior but the smoothness soothed on Central Kialla (though the headwind harried).  Bo put on the morning entertainment with a spill at the turn into Mitchell Rd, a slippery surface taking his wheel from under him, and a bit of bark off the elbow.  With just a dent in his pride (but fueling his conversation for the day) we resumed east to Boundary Rd, passing advance notice of a Pine Lodge pit stop to the crew.  A northeast gust caught me at the fig farm, up close and a bit too personal with ARC's Gordon, but we remained upright and on friendly terms.  With bladders emptied and bottles filled at the church, the bunch steered west toward Shepparton, a breeze behind dissipating distress previously felt from the northeaster.

I missed ARCGordon's whisper of 'puncture' and found myself being herded toward the tabledrain in Ford Rd, disaster diverted with a yank on the brakes.  It was strange to climb Mt. Wanganui without a sprint (but I claimed equal third with The Godfather, just for the record!), the pack then threading its way through the streets to find the bike track to Mooroopna.  Chase time again for the rearmost as traffic lights threatened to split the bunch, the scenario of working solo with the wind whipping the wheels, the script of a horror movie. A great drive by CatCol got the last three back to the tail, so it was on to Ardmona then zig zagging toward Tatura.  The town limit injected velocity into the 100 k'ers and the youthful, my target and trophy was lunch, liquid and loo.

Starting part 2 called on the reserves of determination though sharing the workload with 20 others made it far less onerous.  Back to Ardmona, a series of lefts and rights to Mooroopna, then the long 30k drive to Murchison, but a bonus north northeaster to propel the pack (this time last year I had a solo chase into a howling south wester!)

Enthusiasm at the front pumped up the pace to the 40's but many now shied away from doing a turn.  I could feel the mood shifting from stoked to stressed, my suggestion of 37ish (to keep the workforce large and laughing) finding favor.  The co-ordinated crank drew Murchison closer (and scored many Strava success), a brief halt for cold cola to fuel our drive to Rushworth (but minus the rush).  A spit or three from the heavens, the aroma of dead 'roos by the roadside and an uphill and down dale chipped away the k's as the breeze swung to a NNW'er, beside young Byron paired oldest and youngest to reach town.  Uphill to the cemetery then downhill to the Basin, 'lilTony and Indi captained the crew, bums off seats the preferred past-time as distance made its mark.  Chatty distractions with Clive, Jodie and TatJohn helped on the long tap to Tat, mindful that concentration was now as low as our energy levels.  At last Tatura appeared, the sprint for town limit honors was somewhat half hearted, but my OCD needed to circle the streets with the Garmin showing only 196.7.

A couple of blocks and back under the chute, 200 was done and dusted in 6:02:00 (27 Strava trophies, 10 PR's and a 298 suffer score) .....and now it was beer o'clock with the crew! A great testament to teamwork, a great effort by all the guys and gals (Car, Jen, Kel and Cate clocking their first double century), and brilliant work by the Tat200 crew, caterers and motorbike pilots.

29/10  The hair of the dog.
I selected a quiet solo circuit Sunday to cure the rigormortis from yesterdays distance, like a hangover, a little of what was excess yesterday may be the cure.   A bit tender in the legs and a rump glowing like a Fukashima reactor, I set off gingerly to rid the legs of ride rust and nurse the old engine round for a caffeine tune up after.

An overnight 10mm downpour fogged the fields and glossed the road, the Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd sun-up setting a scenic sight to snap.  Free your mind and your legs will follow is the Rule #6 edict, so avoiding eyes from the Garmin data and tuning into the music of the Michelins, I tapped away, if only to read the rump the riot act of Rule #5.  Down Boundary and along Channel was judged enough, a few bikes now escaping town in search of warmth and sunshine.  Parked at peace with a Lemontree long black, quiet contemplation on teamwork and future goals eased me into the day.

30/10 Legs like lead, a clean bike, an ADO and a sinister radar equalled a sleep-in Monday, seems most other cyclusts ["sai'clust" : noun ; A person having a deep craving or appetite for riding bicycles] laid lazy likewise.

31/10  5 to drive at 5:45

Winters wardrobe was back in fashion Tuesday, feels like 2.6 degrees rewound memories to mid July!  There were slim grid pickings with only Cate, Pelly, KillkennyPaul and Softa arriving at the carpark.  Doubts that distance had worn away my wattage was unfounded as my speed climbed to the high 30's on leg 1, though I was more than keen to donate the drivers seat to Cate at the truck route.  1100 meters to Orrvale Rd, 1300 meters to the Kinder, 1100 meters to Jameson Rd, 1000 meters to Beckham Rd.......and it was my turn again, happy the old engine ran ok to Boundary Rd.  Progress was pacy considering the tiny turn-out, past the foggy fields at One Tree Dam and down to River Rd.  Turns varied a whisker in speed and length but all put in their best effort despite the Hares inevitably hunting us down.  All had done a shift to reach Central Kialla,  a long line of lights a distance behind putting the pressure on our pace.  We were rounded up at Archer Rd, KillkennyPaul trying valiantly to catch the Hares draft but the velocity of 9 was a big ask for us ragged 5 to catch.  Happy to keep the quintet, we soldiered on to the highway, Softa taking us to Roubaix and handed me the reigns.  Still in reasonable tune, I drove to Arcadia Downs to lend the crew some recovery, KillkennyPaul now recharged to charge the finish line.  

1/11   Two tribes ride.

The popularity of Wednesday's social spin continues, the carpark filling with Chops, Kenworth, Sean, Goose, Car+Mel, SuperMario, MyRideTrev, AvantiAndy, Tum, Cate, PistolPete, Nev, Boof, GTCraig, Nick, Tina, The Godfather, Nath, CatCol, KillkennyPaul and Jen.  Nath and Nev pulled the long line out of town, as volunteers vanished to start an up-line I switched to h.t.f.u. mode to face the front with Nev.  Boof made part 2 to the truck route equally energetic, I could only muster two word replies to his long sentences.

The early tribe (Wozza, Troy, BamBam, Kel, Rocket, Bo, Trav) arrived as we neared Mitchell Rd, the burden of the SSW'er now done, chat could commence.  Turns rolled as we rode toward River, some in the chat tribe, others in the tribe of flat chat.  Reminising with the tough Tat 200'ers on preparation, perspiration and post hydration, I copped kind Car comments for my motivation and the training k's.  (Aww, shucks Car, a pleasure to play a small part in someones strive for success)  51 and the Cats were in usual pursuit but it seems the Coggo-less Goat train o' pain has all but dissolved.  Finally to the back of the bunch in Channel Rd, the front was on a distant horizon (a head count impossible), but how the turns rolled as the Kinder drew near!  Gears changed up and chat went down as 30 hurtled to Hopeful corner, confidence grew with the speed as I rounded Nev to hit the front, no-one beside me, legs limbered and the finish line begging.  But Boof, Troy and CatCol evaporated my ego bolting past as if I stood still, ye olde determination salvaging 4th as some sort of restitution.

2/11  Like a lizard drinkin'.

Motivating more to the Thursday thrash only added BamBam and Tum to the tough team of Cate, Tina, Hamish and Killkenny Paul. (seems Ralphy, Softa, HBK, Grumpy et al have sunk to the slumber squad, snoozing their speed away)  Taking the first turn is less of a testing task, maybe the fitness flourishes?, could the rise in cadence (+ 6 rpm) contribute?, or was the breeze up the bum boosting the ego?  Whatever the reason, whosoever sits in the drivers seat sets the speed! It was a bonus to have Tum along (on loan from the  Goat pain train, in a Coggo-less recess), Tina, Cate, KillkennyPaul, BamBam and Hamish contributing to get us to Boundary Rd.  A little SSW'er put sweat into the suffering as I drove to the Broken bridges, the gust from an oncoming truck an trailer punishing the progress.  Tum and Tina polished off Boundary Rd, the work west on River Rd promoting me up the ranks (a bit too quickly) for turn 3.

Hamish gave me the front seat at the dip, the speed was sprightly to the bridge but breakfast wanted to make its return 100 meters later, so I called a long turn quits.  All were inspired to reach Archer Rd un-hounded by Hares, meant we'd been close to flat out like a lizard drinking.  I took it to Roubaix corner and handed Tum the drivers seat, but he quickly called for calm as a 'roo threatened to hop aboard.  With Skippy safely out of the way, we resumed the pace to Galbraiths Gate, my glance back finding the Hares close to consuming us.  BamBam captained our little train to Arcadia Downs and caught the Hares tail as they passed, everyone finding that extra effort (from somewhere) to stay in the draft for Conrod's length to finish.

3/11  Missed it by that much!

A roll around the block averted that front of grid syndrome, tucked in at the back of the bunch for Friday's lap was a sweet start.  Kenworth, Goose, CatCol, MyRideTrev, PaulVanP, Boof, PistolPete, SuperMario, Car+Mel, Shorty, Hamish and BamBam set south, cruising in the caboose to the truck stop soon got me guilty, so I joined Goose to forge forward.  Early lappers Kel, Rocket, Trav, Bruce, Bo and Troy had caught the tail, the bunch now settling into the standards of the social spin.

Sledges were swapped with '51 and the Cats as our paths crossed in River Rd, a painless train of tame Goats substituting the speedy one normally seen on a Friday.  Right at the rear as the bunch cranked into Kinder corner couldn't have been a better berth, most of the big engines were at the front and I was hoping they'd run out of wattage early.  Giving Kylie, Fee and Princess ahead a wide berth,  Boof primed the pace with a lushious lead-out, I rose from the Fizik, crucifying the cranks, and got around Paul VanP but 53 clicks could only get half a wheel from CatCol's choice of the ChaCha chocolates.

Week 44 :      390 km                 YTD 11,609 km