Week 48 : The habit of hurt

Post #475
24/11  Bit breezy.

The breeze didn't baulk Kel, Vince, TatMat, Bruce, Lance, Nev, Superman, Bo, The Godfather, Kreeky, Grumpy, BigRon, BeerMat, MyRideTrev, Will, Lawrence, PistolPete, Boof, TatPaul and not-so-newAvantiJohn converging on the car park for the Saturday spin. Bruce set a sweaty swiftness south at 6am, a revised route via Raftery Rd today with Ford Rd torn up for repair. The preliminary pace popped Will and Lawrence ota by Kialla Lakes (more training and more concrete lads!), onto Melbourne Rd and our turn into Raftery was embarrassingly ugly when the 'car back' calls went unheeded and the front half turned west (lucky to have a compliant and cautious driver coming through)  Several baulked at advancing to the business end with Nev, but Vince had the clout to cope with the pace peculiarities. South into Conrod straight always feels against the grain, the westerly wind wearing away at the up-line till we'd reached Roubaix corner.

Speed was spirited along Mitchell Rd but calmed a tad heading north to River Rd, I'd been promoted to the front with Kreeky at the bridge and TatPaul to the dip, finding 40 fortuitous thanks to the wind.  Lance and MyRideTrev kept the caboose company, BigRon was feeling the fast on the flat and BeerMat blessed us with another comeback (chasing Whispering Jack's record?).  Questions on the course bounced through the bunch on Boundary Rd, those with routines rattled had calmed concerns on the turn to the Toaster.  Most of the lap was gifted by the breeze behind but the real work lay ahead on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, and it looked like I'd get the pleasure of the pain for some of it. Nev was doing it easy but the load was meant to be shared, Kreeky cranked courageously toward the kennels for work into the wind to start, my battle with the breeze gapping TatPaul's fight to reach the front. I eased realising the error of my ways, the turns rolling rapidly till the diversion back onto Boundary Rd brought relief. The atmosphere of the up-line thickened with the worry of the wind westward as we spun south on Boundary Rd,

The Godfather and Bo stirring up the speed in Old Dookie Rd, thankfully Vince put some tame in the tempo, helping the hesitant to muster some muscle and advance for a turn.  I had Kel pair at Dobson's estate for the drive to town, TatPaul had gone missing in the sequence and the target I'd reckoned on reaching was readjusted rapidly by the reality of 25 km/h gusts fair in the face.  Reaching suburbia I'd become besotted by breakfast, a sprint-less but swift spin to the Lemontree finding the phoenix-like pedestrian proletariat  (Mrs.Pistol, Jen and Sim) to join in the jabber on fuel leaks, shopping's financial frenzy and the shifting seasons.


26/11 A solo spin @ sparrow's.

Insomnia set an easterly course at sparrow's fart Monday, the wind whipped way of New Dookie Rd savoured before a slog back to town.  Finding a speed that satisfied the department of cranial competitiveness (but still left a reserve to fight the wind homeward) settled into the mid 30's, a mental note made to silence the chain's complaint for oil.  The turn south at the church wasn't the struggle the imagination had painted (so long as I kept head down and elbows in), a bit of a confidence booster really (but would the way west wear out the willpower?)   Around the Toaster and onto Old Dookie Rd the pace was still pleasing (might need a bigger helmet?) but I cranked conservatively at a steady spin just in case wattage to wage war on wilder winds was wanted.  Time allowed a diversion via Boundary Rd, somewhat shielded by a bit of west in the south southwester to reach the pub.  To skip the same old same old, I took the highway back to town, light on traffic and with two meters of sealed shoulder (for the most part relatively gravel free) made a smooth return to town, topped off by quaffing coffee with Weapon at Brother Pablo.


27/11. A calmer karma.

An early effort out Channel Rd and in Old Dookie Rd shook up the 30k daily dose ritual, an orange daybreak serving up a distraction from the stiffening southerly.  I'd berthed at Friars as Tina, Jen, AvantiAndy, Sandy, Hommie, Snow, Dippa, Belly, Speissy and Phil formed a grid, Sly sneaking in when a puncture prevented Pussycat participation.  Jen and AvantiAndy did Heady's job of leading the team out of town with a slightly more sedate speed set (a calmer karma if you like).    HG and Deep Fry joined in at SPC as two rows got down to the business of doing turns (excepting HG hanging on in the caboose) as I found myself in a Sandy and Tina sandwich advancing to the front.

Snow's spurred-on aboard a new Giant with discs (a high tech leap from the old mount), AvantiAndy's trying to keep pace with the ever improving Jen, Deep Fry's comeback is consistent, and Hommie's consistent dishing out the hurt when he hits the front.  The headwind in Boundary Rd stopped jaws flapping, I had another shift nearing the bridges as HG went a.w.o.l , Sly did the diplomatic drive and Hommie wrecked the rhythm turning up the wick to River Rd.  The way west was less laboured with the wind at the side, the speed steady as all did their bit to reach River's end.  My solitary shortcut to Shepp was unusual without the urgency usually delivered, the favourable breeze up Archer Rd a treat all the way to town.  I happened upon Jodie at the traffic lights who chatted Cats and their varying velocity to the city centre, my roll home happy to clock 60 before 7.

28/11  The head-wind hesitation.

The Kialla mini loop as an appetiser to Wednesday's lap toughened up the tenacity into 20 km/h worth of southerly, the bonus being only myself to compete with (or is that keep up with?)  Down Raftery to Mitchell and the northbound leg on Archer Rd had the tail-wind treat, arriving at the Couldabeens grid with a minute to go.   Tina, Kenworth, Bo, The Godfather, Boof, Kel, Shorty, KillkennyPaul, MyRideTrev, Laura, TrekTrev, BamBam, Nick and WhisperingJack had assembled (apprehensively?) for the 6am flagfall, Boof and Bo providing the wattage to lead us out of town.  A long line had glued into the draft behind in headwind hesitation but Kel had the courage to face the front in the up line, The Godfather and I following suit as a hint to the hangers-on.  Rocket, Wozza, Grumpy, not-so-newAvantiJohn, Kreeky and PistolPete arrived from the early edition as we slowed at the truck route, my turn for torment on the front to Mitchell Rd (but coped rather well if I don't say so myself)  Digging the driving depths beside TrekTrev to Central Kialla had a degree of success too, though the draft thereafter was the best trophy.  Kenworth and KillkennyPaul braved a bout at the business end (suitably shortened for survival)

With the prior pain at the pointy end now passed, the social side was soaked up (now that breath could be spared), filtered through The Godfather's cackle. Laura, MyRideTrev and Tina contained themselves to the caboose as Doc's cruisers, Cats, '51 and a solo Sly went west on River Rd, but no sign of the train of pain (craving Coggo's return?)   I'd rejoined the up-line in Boundary Rd as Wozza, Rocket and not-so-newAvantiJohn piloted the pack to Channel Rd, a slide rule and a crystal ball needed to figure if another turn in the drivers seat would come.  Some faces in the down-line looked spent (yet strangely satisfied) their turn was done, while I was destined for duty getting closer to the pointy end as we swept under the cypress trees.  Bo and Kel did the drive to Kinder corner and The Godfather got into the drivers seat headed to Hopeful corner.  To throw a little spice into the sprint, I rolled straight over and turned up the tempo, Trek Trev following in my footsteps as Prentice Rd drew near.  From the depths of the midfield Boof bolted by, a few protagonists for a podium in his wake, the few seconds in TrekTrev's tow had scored me a second wind to sneak by them for second place, but words wouldn't work till an oxygen overload allowed it half a k later.

29/11  Hoodlum Hommie's haste.

The early edition obsession continued on Thursday, out New Dookie and in Old Dookie (via Boundary Rd) was influenced by the southerly (and how to avoid it!)    18k's done and I was back to town, Tina, Speissy, Snow, Amy, Tum, Hommie, Sandy, Phil, Dippa, Coggo and Belly had filed in to Friars and as Heady is almost an endangered species, I took the lead role to roll out of town.   JB and Deep Fry blended into the bunch at SPC, AvantiAndy pairing with me for the drive to Dobson's.  Tum partnered me in pace to Central Ave but the tempo tamed beyond it.  The same old southerly blew in Boundary Rd as it's done all week which pegged the pace a little more, but Hommie's hoodlum haste spiked the speed to the bridge and put heart rates in a hurry.  Tina and Amy soon smoothed the spike and settled the rhythm to the pub, I'd reached the front with AvantiAndy at Channel Rd then rolled to pair with Tum at the bridges.  A somewhat sedate speed was suggested to earn some points that Hommie had previously subtracted, the drive into the headwind in the mid thirties to River Rd draining the reserves rapidly anyway. The sun warmed our backs for the westerly work toward Central Kialla, the tempo slowly rising and the turns gradually shortening to the bridge.  Hommie's habit of hurt hit again in the final k of River Rd, Amy in stress street to hold his wheel as I bid my bye to turn to town.  The southerly skewed the steering along the truck route (flattening bar tape with wind shear from oncoming B doubles) but nothing beats the joy of 20km/h worth of breeze at the backside for a hurry home.  Traffic lights synchronised green for a spirited spin homeward, leapfrogging the Pussycats (KillkennyPaul caught collaborating with Cats =10 lashes!) to satisfy an employer (and me)

30/11  A weeks worth of wind.

Like fronting a formula two race with a Fiesta, I felt a little underpowered to turn up to an early edition Friday, the wattage of Wozza, Bruce, Kreeky, Col, Rocket, not-so-newAvantiJohn and Pistol Pete a few rungs up the ladder of labour from me, but smoothness in the high 30's made the tempo tolerable.  Paired between the considerate company of Wozza and Col calmed concerns, I was thankful all weren't in the 'Hares' mode of motion.  Cranking the early clockwise k's to find the 6am counter-clockwise crew, I'd lucked a turn at the front (cypress trees to Boundary Rd) with the wind at the right shoulder, Col and Kreeky with the wherewithal to hurtle into the headwind to River Rd.  6k's to Central Kialla passed with pace and I'd fluked escaping the headwind again, all the way to Archer before duty called at the front, blessed with the breeze behind.  The long line of 6am Couldabeens worked south to the truck route as we u-turned to join them, Boof, Kel, BamBam, Pelly, Laura, Shorty, WhisperingJack, Nick, Bo, Travis, TrekTrev, MyRideTrev and the Godfather (heard well before being seen) passing as the sun started Friday.

  With a long wait till work was due, there was plenty of social sentence swapping at the back, two long lines turning at Mitchell Rd and turning up the pace now that wind was helping instead of hurting. River Rd was packed with pelotons oncoming, our effort east scattered with short and long shifts, Laura speechless after a bout at the business end. Likely to be the one and only in a big bunch, my turn with Kreeky from the dip then with Rocket to Boundary was a worthy workout.  Just Coggo, Tum and Heady headed south on the pain train as Rocket headed us to Channel Rd, the few remaining orchards shielding us from the worst of the wind.  Tempo turned up toward the ChaCha and a few normally sitting out the sprint were keen to contend (if only to give The Godfather some grief?) I'd been baulked at the back as MyRideTrev, Nick, WhisperingJack and Laura disconnected and coasted the caboose, but the bunch eventually regrouped at the truck route to tap back to town.

Week 48  312km        YTD 12,895                
 

Week 47 : When minds align.

Post #474
17/11  Two ton Tat lap.

I found myself in a study of peculiar preparations at the Tat200 start line, some scoffing bacon burgers and guzzling Gatorade, bikes with strange set-ups and saddle suitcases, XXL blokes squeezing into XL lycra, others oiling chains and adjusting seat height.  Maybe this distraction was to ignore the wind (S-SSE at 26 to 37 km/h) and all the work to be done into it?  A great team of Boof, Coggo, TatMat, Col, Cate, TatPaul, Tina, Jase and Determined Dan had signed on for the 200, Manny, Sandy, Hommie & Joey in for the 100.  And with BigBen, lil'Tony, Sherls, Eggy, Indy, Oscar & bro, Gawny and MachineSteve in the ranks, hopes were pinned on getting into an experienced bunch to share the workload.  Flagged away a bit after 7, the horsepower hit the front and hit the gas into the 40's on Dhurringile Rd, sorting wheat from chaff early.  A long thin tail hung on in desperation into Toolamba Rd, and with a lot of the crew caught in it, I hung back to work with them.  TatMat and Boof had dropped back to join too, but long sections of loose stones, riders with questionable techniques and the plank gaps of the Toolamba bridge turned up the caution control.   Things soon settled into something resembling rhythm and it was comforting to settle into the drivers seat with the known quantities of the Couldabeens.

TatMat played sock police as light entertainment as a string of survivors hung on the back (many stealing a free tow for the 100) though some snuck through to the up-line.  Several found kaboom! at the front or even second wheel,  freewheeling in fright and ruining rhythm (so much wear and tear on the brake pads). A halt was called at Pine Lodge church for fluids in and out, then back to business to work west back to Shepp.  A few still insisted on advancing to the front with little left to contribute, many toward the rear sticking their wheels where they didn't belong, creating a dogs breakfast at back.    A few choice words with those who couldn't hold a line and formed a third and fourth row, venting the vernacular at one twatwaffle who stuck his front wheel under my left leg in desperation for a draft (funny when the draft was to my right)   Back into Shepp we'd sorted the desperados from the drivers with a solid spin on The Boulevard, across to Mooroopna and northwest to Ardmona, Coggo, Boof, Manny, TatMat, Cate, TatPaul, Jase, Tina and Determined Dan smoothed the speed and sensibility, the tough stuff toward Tat shared with rolling turns, even The StravaStalker did his 1st turn (swallowing a wombat has done nothing for his aerodynamics!).  A few surgers violated the velocity infecting low 30's with spurts of 40 to put many in struggle street, a k of curses and the speed soon smoothed, a dozen driving into Tat for the lunch break at 10:20.

One big bunch departed for the second ton, the highest horsepower leading the way north and east to Ardmona with that usual long skinny tail of survivors behind.  Wind wore down some warriors to weaklings heading east, some slipping off the back en-route to Mooroopna.  The hurt of the headwind lay in wait as we steered toward Murchison Rd, traffic lights splitting the bunch at the highway.  There was consolation being with Boof, Col, Coggo, TatMat, Cate, TatPaul, Determined Dan and Jase to share the toil, a few passengers hanging on of little consequence (or contribution!).  31 k's into the SSE'er (gusting to 37 km/h) told me single file suited, so I took the risk to call it.  TatMat opened with a super long turn, Boof an equally long follow-up to set the speed scenario.  Each had their own contribution whether long or short, a strong sense of teamwork fuelling the fire at the front even though the legs protested (far better to be in pain in a pack than suffering solo).  K by k the limpets dropped by the wayside, others ejected from the bunch ahead being collected into our crew.  The distance was steadily whittled down to reach Murch, a brief halt taken to fill bottles and top up tanks before pointing toward Rushworth.

Young Josh (15) joined us for a while, a commendable effort for a maiden 200.  Single filed still, the 18k west was made easy with the wind almost behind us, keeping a constant tempo trimming the crew to Coggo, Boof, TatPaul, Cate, TatMat, Col and Jase.  A quick stop at Rushy to water the horse then we set sail on the 27k northeast back to Tat, though working against the southeaster made speed and steering a struggle.  There was a fight to find shelter in the last two berths, so I strangely found the front fairer, almost getting a second wind thanks to the smooth shifts of others.  That long straight drag of the last 10k passed faster than expected, Tatura finally into view but the odometer said 198.2km.  Nothing to do but to roll a block or two to cross the line with two ton neat, then enjoy the ale and fellowship of a true team effort. As always, a very well run event, great food and awesome support from the Ulysses lads as our eyes and ears at intersections and turns.

19/11 The Poppa-less peace.

Protests from the posterior were soon drowned out by the leg's lament, back on the bike Monday and Saturday's 200 memories came flooding back.  I ruminated on Rule #5 all the way to the car park, finding Rocket, Cobbles, not-so-newAvantiJohn, Cate, Wozza, Kel, Bo and Bruce frisky for the 5:45 lap.  I was perfectly positioned at the rear to be towed by 8, the speed steadily climbing out Channel Rd finding the sting in the soleus and pain in the peroneus. At least I'd get a warm-up before duty called at the front.  The pack was peculiarly peaceful minus The Godfather's garble, Cobbles about to holiday USA, Rocket another year older but certainly not slower, and not-so-newAvantiJohn and Cate triumphant from tackling the Tat200.
Kel was kind as I paired on the cypress trees to the S bend leg, but my legs were buckling by Darth Vader's place to call Wozza over for some reprieve.  Recovery was lethargic in Boundary Rd, not until the fig farm did some sense of strength return.  A collection of cruising Cats slowly spun
 south as Rocket and Cobbles sliced into the northeaster (13-20 km/h) on our way to New Dookie Rd.  I willed all willpower on Bruce and Bo to do a long shift north and save me from the headwind  heartache, Kel saving Foss's fate by driving to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  The way west had some work with the wind at the right shoulder, though I made it to the bridge for the turn to roll.  The effort eased when Wozza gave a slim shelter pairing alongside, possible now to make it to Lemnos North Rd without a hernia.  Such a difference today after Saturday's shemozzle on Ford Rd, an organised and smooth squad making the task a treat.  Rocket and Cobbles worked the long length of Wanganui Rd, The Boulevard slowly turning back into the wind making the last k's cruel (though the memory of the murder to Murchison two days ago should put pain into perspective)

20/11  Grading Goats.

A mild morning drew all grades of Goats to Friars, even Baz and BrotherAndrew had halted hibernation to turn up.  Coggo, Jen, Phil, Heady, AvantiLeigh, AvantiAndy, Snow, HG, Speissy, Cate Belly and Tina filled the footpath as 6am approached, Baz being bold leading the team through town.  I drew alongside for a social sentence but he immediately retreated rearward (me thinks it's a case of sluggish not snobbish).  Phil and I inherited the first shift as JB and DeepFry added to the pack, no work from HG, BrotherAndrew and Baz though (tapering for a Christmas lunch ride maybe?)   The speed was constrained by a northeaster but Boundary Rd made up for the delay.  Funny how a breeze behind boosts the bravado, the speed quite spicy for a painless train Tuesday.  The caboose keeping lookout arose in the chat, seems Monday's peace train had a close shave that peaked a few heart rates.  Over the highway and my second shift was due, the glance back noting a few from the caboose now missing in action.  13 swung into River Rd, the front positioned to the crown of the road delivering the draft to bikes behind.  I had no luck being towed to the end, another turn beckoned nearing Laws Drive (but contributing to the cause is an essential ingredient of teamwork)  A k at pace emptied a lot from the tank and there was bound to be more work on the shortcut to Shepp (I can count on Cate's cajolery).  We bid adieu at Central Kialla Rd to turn to the truck route, the tail wind incentive turning up the velocity.  To Archer Rd post haste, we rounded up BamBam (who declined to be aboard) before a painful push home wrung out the legs (although amped up the endorphins)

21/11  The Wednesday westerly.

Wednesday's weather threw us a westerly for a little velo variety, The Godfather, PistolPete, Kenworth, Tina, Rocket, Cate, Boof, Nick and Nev turning up to tap but surprisingly, an early edition was extinct (the 3am shower a turn-off?)  Still smarting from Saturday's slog, I avoided the up-line till duty called, hoping my shift would be blessed by a breeze up the bum! Nick then Tina's turns shortened in Central Kialla to put me on the front for the last 200 before trying to match Cate on the first leg of River Rd (energy and enthusiasm erasing Rule #86) Rocket and Boof were in the hot seat by the bridge and towed the team to Boundary Rd ('cause they can!), just a solitary Sly spinning west (pussycats, '51 and Goats all imitating a ride on Zwift?)

  Anointed up the inner thigh by the occasional puddle sharpened the inhalation, the bunch dragged up Boundary Rd by Rocket and PistolPete (holidays haven't hampered his hurry) to turn into the wind at Channel Rd for the work homeward.  Nick and Tina sat cemented into the caboose, giving me The Godfather's wheel to draft but being promoted to the pain at the pointy end.  I need to surmount all this sooking so sucked up the suffering and got over it, keeping head down and cadence up beside The Godfather to Central Ave for Cate then Boof and Rocket to take on the ChaCha.  Long puddles where all hell normally breaks loose shut down thoughts of a sprint, but all that wattage at the front kept jaws from flapping till slowing at the school for the socialosophy.

22/11  Bitten by the badass bug.
A cool 10 degrees and a fresh north northwester would thin Thursday's Goats down to the dedicated, so there was a certain surety spinning to Friars for the 6am circuit.  Coggo, Tina, Phil, Sandy, Cate and Hommie turned up for the tap, so I had no qualms when they queued behind to exit town.

Belly was berthed in the JB position at SPC and jumped aboard, a standard of smoothness set in stone with the call for Indian file.  I set my aim at Dobson's and wound up the old engine, taking a stab at the speed being suitable.  No protests at 38 so I soldiered on to the bridge, an elbow handing Cate the helm. It was beaut' to join the back berthed in Belly's bulk draft to settle the heart rate, Sandy and Tina did their best (as always) to School Rd where Hommie hauled us to Boundary.  Phil's quicker cadence towed us to the bridge for Coggo to hurry to the highway, there's much to be said for the syncronicity when minds align and the comfort level's at the max cranking k's with familiar cyclusts. Belly nudged the 40's toward the Broken bridges, my shift threading the thin line between puddles and passing cars, feeling the weight of responsibility in the drivers seat to safely steer those behind blinded by my bum.  Stacked across River Rd in echelon, Sandy soundly served the 'car back' warnings as five drove the distance west, my luck to get the last k playing tow truck as the wind whipped us from the north.  I felt fairly flat for the shortcut to Shepp, but I tore along the truck route bitten by the badass bug (a false sense of security with the wind somewhat behind us) but the head wind hurt on Archer Rd to bring badass back to battlers. Legs had gone to jelly into town, but something strange tempts us to do it again next time....only faster!

23/11  Tailwind trophies and headwind hernias.

Lethargy almost welded me in bed on Friday, but I swallowed an anti BeerMat tablet and hit the road 5 minutes early to bring a reluctant pair of legs up to operating temperature.  The Godfather, TrekTrev, Jen, Superman, Nev, Kel, PistolPete, Liam, Bo, Travis and Tina braved the wicked west- southwester (26+ km/h) to front for Friday's foray, Pistol's opening salvo spiking speedo's into the 40's for the tailenders.  Nev and Bo had the tail end in the gutter as the dozen tore down to the truck route, the early edition (Grumpy, Col, Wozza, Rocket, Kreeky and Bruce) about facing to boost the ranks.  Many had already reserved seats in the caboose as velocity had heart rates hurrying along Mitchell Rd but I joined the up-line guessing my term at the front would be blessed by the tail wind.  Turns rolled through Central Kialla while Bo and Nev argued the line to follow, my shift beside Travis to the bridge and with The Godfather to the dip escalating into the 40's.

Ah, the tailwind trophies we'd be treated too! The Godfather's sledges saturated the atmosphere, Wozza whipping up the tempo silenced him (for a few seconds anyway).  Cruisers, Cats and '51 were all Indian filed westbound, some scowling to sterner standards walloped by the wind.  
The pain train failed to appear (failed to launch) as we kept chains on little cogs up to Channel Rd, the work into the wind now a rigorous reality.   I felt confident joining the long up-line that another go at the front was unlikely, but turns rolled rapidly as the gusts (41 km/h) turned would-be tigers to turtles.  Around Kinder corner and down to Hopeful, Pistol and Nev did the hard yards to Prentice Rd where even Boof was blown backwards.  With barely 20 meters to go I scored the front for a second or two but the Godfather came around me when I hit the limit, thank heavens Wozza had timed his turbo to a tee to take the win by a wheel (and saved us all from the gall of The Godfather's gloat!)

Week 47    390 km     YTD 12,583 km      

Week 46 : Preventing pace palpitations.

Post #473
10/11  The daily double.
With the warmer weather comes the bigger bunches (a fairweather fattening if you like) and Saturday's grid grew gargantuan with Temple, Shorty, TatMat, DeterminedDan, Cate, Travis, Grumpy, Col, Jen, AvantiAndy, Bo, Lance, MyRideTrev, TrekTrev, Nev, Liam, Kel, BeerMat and rarities Jase, KillkennyPaul and Softa ready to ride.  Will and Lawrence sat sheepishly mid-grid un-invited but angling for admission (Rule #19 as homework lads!), and with early editions due, it would swell the squad further.  Me thinks another breakaway to split the bunch (and remove the risk) would be on the agenda.  The long thin line exited town at 6, dragging CatKel into the draft on course to Sanctuary's roundabout, I uploaded into the up-line with TrekTrev ahead and Nev behind (does that make me a brother burger?), the early edition of Rocket, Bruce, Wozza, Boof, Kreeky and not-so-newAvantiJohn about-facing ahead as we crossed the truck route.

Vince joined the fold from the south as I split leg 3 between TrekTrev and Nev, using Mitchell Rd as recouperation, Short sentences with AvantiAndy and Travis on Nev's empty posterior man satchel.  Speed was on simmer through Central Kialla as the early edition eased to be caught in River Rd, slowly relegated to the rear, I felt the varied velocities a big bunch breeds.  Frustration faced those seeking speed, the eager from the early edition percolating pace and rounded up the ranks drawing Travis, Grumpy, Col, Bo, TrekTrev, Nev, Liam and Kel into the break as the remainder settled into a cadence of comfort.  With plans of a ton today and mindful of Tat200's toll next week, I stayed with division 2 (Temple, Jase, Vince, CatKel, BeerMat, KillkennyPaul, Shorty, Softa, TatMat, Cate, DeterminedDan, Jen, Lance, MyRideTrev, AvantiAndy, Will and Lawrence) and in part to support those on the comeback trail.  
There was a sense of relief in the ranks that the fast and the not-so-fast were both in their element, though our hitch-hikers ruined rhythm by rolling to the front, did half a turn then dived for cover in the down-line. When in Rome lads...….  Speed had settled into the high 30's as those on a mission of motion drew into the distance. It's been many moons since Jase, KillkennyPaul and Softa presented to the peloton (two from injury, one from 'doon-itis'), good to have Lance back in the pack too, Vince's fashion of flouro warrants stronger sunnies, BeerMat's imminent Alpine Classic turns up his training, Shorty's celebrating a birthday on the bike and CatKel's just clocking k's and changing careers.  
There was a hint of SSE breeze as we turned to the Toaster, the pork palace nasty on the nostrils and turning vegetarians vermillion.
Determined Dan was postured for pace toward the Big Ring but was in caution control  as 'Will-I-or-wont-I" and 'Lawrie-lacking-legs' ducked and dived on their limits (a text book ad for "sit-on-and-learn")  KillkennyPaul and Softa put in tenacious turns west into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, TatMat's tempo to be reckoned with, and Jen and AvantiAndy earned elephant stamps for effort . 
Vince played perfect pairing partner on pace in Ford Rd, Cate cranking kick-arse to Grahamvale Rd as bravado brewed for the workout on Wanganui.  Temple turned on his tempo toward DECA where TatMat thinned the lines to Indian file, but with head lowering and grabbing for another gear at the test track, I took pity on his position of being hung out to dry, so all my wattage was wasted to Mt.Wanganui on the front where Vince led the charge for line honours.  Team spirit slowed for a regroup in Rudd Rd, then gently turned up again sharing the load to the Lemontree, a long table extended to seat 25 for chat on quiet holidays, natural breaks and preserving rhythm.

The post breakfast spin out Old Dookie Rd with Cate planned to intercept the Goats on their anti-clockwise crank of the Toaster circuit.  We'd arrived at Boundary Rd early (thanks to Cate's haste) so set south in search of the group, u-turning at the bridge to join MeridaAndy, Dipper, Snow, HG, Coggo, Joey, Sandy, Shannon, Darren, Baz, Hommie, Phil and Heady to head north, the cycle-ology shifting to a slightly more relaxed rate. Baz, Snow and HG turned to town as we steered toward the Toaster, the south southeaster slowly strengthening.  The pleasure of riding in something resembling warmth with daylight to boot makes up for all those cold k's cranking through the winter months.  Up to the Big Ring and Joey retired from active duty but hooray for Heady still trying turns.

Shannon (on a furlough from Fitzroy) cooks up the cadence, his chain high up the cassette in mixmaster mode when others shift to the little cogs.   I've seen plenty of Darren's activity on Strava so it was different to finally meet the man in person.  MeridaAndy bid his adieu's leaving ten to knuckle down to Ford Rd and it's side wind, the likelihood of labour in Wanganui Rd increasing as the drivers decreased.  Phil had the hurry-up leg at DECA as all tucked into his draft, pity felt again for the one left to dry, so I took to the front before Phil fizzled.   Great intentions of a long lead-out faded like Hollywood's comeback, head on a mission the muscles wouldn't match.  Surprisingly Phil came 'round for a second haul to Mt.Wanganui, but Shannon's youth had the hill,  A relaxed roll back to town quietly craved coffee, arriving at Mandy's with 99.2 km on the clock beckoned to bike a block and round off the ton. Goat garble was enjoyed under the tree's shade on home renovation and Heady's sculptural structures as triathletes warmed up for Sunday's challenge.

12/11  Monday magnifique.

A mild Monday (10 degrees) was magnifique to start the week, barely a breeze and the carpark filled with Rocket, not-so-newAvantiJohn, Cate, Kel, Kreeky, Bruce, The Godfather, Jen, Sherls, Bo, Col and Nev.  Gridding almost rearmost allowed me a proper warm-up before the fare at the front, The Godfather was somewhat silent and second-hand after bulk bevvies in Bright, Bruce victorious in the Vets, Rocket relaxed after a Sunday ton and Nev spoke of a broke spoke and wheel woes.  BigBen then Pickles arrived from the east to join the Couldabeens clan, me matching not-so-newAvantiJohn not so nasty now that the old engine had warmed up by the cypress trees.

Jen was next up with a short but swift shift to the S bend, Cate and Nev towing us to Boundary Rd where the slightest of breezes eased us north.  The sun peeked above the horizon to motivate Monday as Col captained the drive toward Old Dookie Rd, thanks to plenty of participants, my second shift wasn't due till Ford Rd's end, so speed stress wasn't an issue, words on the weekend's work, woes and weather the chat in the pack till my turn at the front beckoned.  Half a k beside not-so-newAvantiJohn soon stopped my jaw flapping, Cate's short shift at Wanganui's water treatment works setting turns rolling rapidly toward the hill, but there was some comfort knowing Monday's sprintless standard ahead.  Up and over Mt.Wanagnui, a regroup in Rudd and a steady tap into town made a most manageable Monday (surprisingly setting my second fastest time), fast fellowship the key to quickness.

13/10  Gathering Goats.

A tropical 21 degrees and a hair-dryer northeaster opened Tuesday's account, but only a small field gathered at the Goat grid. (Joey, Phil, Coggo, Jen and AvantiAndy)  Coggo and I were tasked with piloting the team out of town (must get Coggo's breakfast recipe to keep up!)   JB and DeepFry lay in wait at SPC's roundabout, Coggo slowly turning up the tempo to the truck route revised my ambition to drive to Dobson's.  The northeaster handbraked the hurry on Old Dookie Rd, Spiessy then HG being passed then pasted to the posterior of the pack.  We rounded up Will-I-won't-I (who stayed solo) as turns shortened for those wearied by wind.  Pairing with Coggo again nearing School Rd, I sharpened the focus to reach Boundary, cadence up and head down with concentration on relaxation seemed to work (mind you, I averted eyes from the Garmin to prevent pace palpitations)   Calm and collected in Coggo's draft on the favourable drive down Boundary Rd a cruising Eggman joined in the turns as HG sat silent in the rear stalls.  Jen reckons she's slowly finding form, I reckon she's found enough as I murdered muscles to match her beyond the Broken Bridges.  The wind massaged morale down to River Rd, echeloned westward to relieve the rearmost of the effort.  HG and Spiessy went on the missing persons list as speed spiked the 40's toward the dip, AvantiAndy and Joey still providing the pace at the pointy end in places.  It felt foreign to turn with the troops at River's end, time allowing me the full circuit today, Jen and Eggy towing us to Mitchell Rd for my turn to fall due again.  Self preservation (for a podium?) plays a part in the driving distance as the lap's end draws near, Coggo still a force to be reckoned with as I called him across at Archer's intersection.  The caboose gained permanent residents as the course turned gradually into the wind on Raftery Rd, another battle beside Jen to Arcadia Downs and with Coggo to Conrod straight was draining the tank. In less than a k I was back to the front again, all reserves used to roll across Eggy's turn as Coggo wound up to pounce for the podium, but DeepFry drawn along in his draft snuck by to pinch the position.  All had taken refuge in Coggo's draft as he cut the headwind home through town, a sense of fairness driving me to the front to grant the guy some grace.

14/11  Damp dodgers.

Overnight drizzles didn't dampen the determination of TrekTrev, Kel, Bo, Temple, Boof, Cate, Tina, Nev, Kenworth and The Godfather rolling into Wednesday's grid for a soggy circuit of 30 k's to start the day, the 5am shower  and glossy road turning all but the dedicated back to their doona's.  Col and Rocket were the only two to tango the early loop, arriving from the south as we crossed the truck route

 Without a thought, I'd joined the up-line early, no escaping the workload with only a dozen to drive today.  I'd slotted in between TrekTrev and The Godfather, making my debut for the northbound leg through Central Kialla and was handed a hefty half wheeling from TrekTrev (thankfully he called his turn short to 900 meters), The Godfather continuing the insult to River Rd.
What I thought was Temple's old faithful Ridley turns out to be a new Focus now that there was light on the horizon, discs and 28mm tyres turning up the comfort and the standards.

Kenworth's squeezed the schedule to shove in more ride time, but Tina's spending more time in the caboose of late (nothing to do with near on 600 k's a week?)
Only a bike or two went west in River Rd (the peace train had stayed in the station and Sly was on a solitary) Bo and Nev hijacked the front seats for a long length of Channel Rd, not that the hint of an easterly helped, the word spreading we'd take the Poplar Ave deviation to dodge the damp of the ChaCha's channels of water.  It was pleasing to navigate a different track as the nostrils took in the aroma of rain, on the front with TrekTrev (always ahead again) on Central Ave, at least The Godfather had learned to level to the truck route. We tip-toe'd through the town's roundabouts and the glossy well worn tarmac in an effort to keep vertical, the roll home talking tactics for the Tat200 with Boof and Cate.

15/11  The windswept and the winded.
Two new tyres and tubes and a clean bike spurred some speed (and confidence) but Thursday's southerly (24-33 km/h) soon slapped a slice of reality in my face.

Tina, Coggo, Belly, AvantiLeigh, Phil, Heady and Tum braved the bulk breeze to front Friars, our tour out of town collecting JB and DeepFry at SPC.
With the wind at our starboard side, Indian filed was the wisest way east, Phil, AvantiLeigh and Tum driving decent turns to School Rd, my turn to Boundary spent trying to hold a straight line as the southerly steered me snake-like.  The turn toward the pub found Heady had busted off the back, so Coggo calmed the haste to regroup.  The velocity varied (high 20's to mid 30's) as some suffered more than others at the front in Boundary Rd, my focus ever sharpening on the wheel ahead.

 Fanned across the tarmac for River Rd's western leg, Phil set the speed to solid but Heady had gone awol again.  Careful not to overlap wheels in close quarters in an echeloned environment, nine shared the joy of slicing into the side wind, some turns short and others long but the effort was all the same. Tum and I, tested for time, turned to the truck route toward town, the stiff southerly propelling pace (and amplified abilities to almost order a larger helmet) to get back to base post haste.

16/11  Friday frigidity.

Friday's frigid 7 degrees dragged another base layer from hibernation to set south to the carpark, Kenworth, Tina, Superman, Jen, Travis, TrekTrev, Kel, Bo, Nick, Boof, Shorty, The Godfather, Cate and Irongirl Laura (braving a bunch with some trepidation) turned up to whir wheels before work.   A smooth and steady start kept the bunch line astern to the city limits, two lines forming to Sanctuary's roundabout where the early edition (Rocket, Wozza, Bruce, Kreeky and not-so-newAvantiJohn) could be seen about-facing to join us in leg 3.
Kenworth's chain did a dismount (too much torque) at the truck route which split the pack in two, the eager ahead eventually receiving the 'ease up' to regroup the crew by Mitchell Rd.  Mindful of tomorrow's Tat 200, I settled in to a sedate and social spin, the sun already streaming through River Rd's trees to light our way eastward.   The usual parade of pelotons passed our path on their way west, my berth between Nick and Jen easy on the effort (and likely to face the front just once).  Most had braved short knicks (to will the warmth back again?) but fingerless gloves ('cause I'd retired the warm ones in a place now forgotten) wasn't so clever.  Up to Channel Rd the caboose was filling fast, I should have contained myself to the rear seats but the ChaCha's lure had hooked me.  Bruce bolted at Hopeful corner drawing two lines into one, not-so-newAvantiJohn running out of motivation to hold his wheel.  The Godfather and Bo worked some overtime to reel Bruce in, Bo with the bragging rights at the line.  Fourth was fine with me, time now to contemplate the lucky dip tomorrow may bring.

Week 46       302km     YTD 12,193km  

Week 45 : Beyond the brain's boundaries

Post 472.
3/11.  Tappin' a ton.

The Tat 200 draws near and it's caught me napping on distance preparation, so plans to tap a ton were afoot for Saturday.  The Couldabeens carpark had crammed with Boof, AvantiAndy, Cate, PistolPete, Ralphy, TrekTrev, BeerMat, SuperMario, Kel, MyRideTrev, Grumpy, Shorty, Temple, Bo, Liam, Tina, Superman, Col (battling the breeze from Zeerust) and TeamTat (TatMat, DeterminedDan & TatPaul) tapping in with southwest assistance.

With early loopers due, the bunch may balloon to bursting point!  Southbound into the southwester, many were planning peloton position that would benefit from the breeze, a long tail playing the waiting game as the up-line struggled to gain volunteers. Bruce, Rocket, Wozza, Kel, Kreeky and not-so-newAvantiJohn joined on leg 3, I'd perfected my placement to pair with TrekTrev in Central Kialla for the pace to River Rd, then with Ralphy for his half measure of the leg to the bridge. I'd almost calmed the cardiac count when Kel punctured with a POW! (none of that half-measured hiss thing).  Kel's repair war rapid (Bo taking a backseat), the restart shuffling the order but at least I wasn't back at the business end, the velocity varying as factions of fitness fronted the bunch (frustration festering within the fast fellows?)
An unfamiliar face paired with me as we crossed Channel Rd, Luke knew me but my recall struggled.  Liam and not-so-new-AvantiJohn turned up the tempo towards Boundary Road's bacon barn, a few of the not-so-fast now questioning their placement in the up-line.  Eastward on Old Dookie Rd plans among the pacemakers for a split were hatched, the launch coming in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd as 28 turned into the wind.  Rocket, TatMat, Bruce, Liam, PistolPete, Wozza, not-so-newAvantiJohn, Grumpy, TrekTrev, Kel, ,Col, Kreeky, Bo, Boof and TatPaul on full gas effectively halved the bunch but caught many by surprise.

I jumped to the front of division 2 to close down a futile and fragmented chase and keep the survivors together, Determined Dan, Cate, Superman, Temple, Shorty, MyRideTrev, SuperMario and BeerMat working the SSW'er together, Tina and Avanti Andy content in the caboose.  High 30's was commendable, perhaps driven by Grumpy and Col (dislodged from the breakaway), slipping back into our fold.  Nearing town several were voting for a Verney Rd shortcut, but DeterminedDan, Cate, Grumpy, Col, Tina and I were determined to do the distance.  Muscles mumbled murder as the mind urged on the speed in Wanganui Rd, 6 now Indian filed in survival.  Col attacked at the test track and opened a gap, but 5 against 1 came to the fore by Kittles Rd and we'd made him see the error of his ways. A few seconds to regroup in Rudd Rd and the push was on again, the southerly hurting heading to the Boulevard as I tried to set a respectable speed at the front (kudos calmed cramping calves)  Col and Grumpy took rest off the agenda to reel in not-so-newAvantiJohn at the roundabout, so there was relief reaching the Lemontree, but Cate and I had set a second lap with the Goats.....

In stark contrast, the wind had gone out of the Goat's sails with only Heady, Coggo and Brendy fronting Friars for their Saturday spin.  An espresso and a banana put motivation into the tank to anti-clockwise the Toaster again.  Time to shift the mindset as 5 took on 55k's single file, the social side switches off and the focus sharpens on smooth shifts (although Brendy cowered from contributions) The southwester hadn't gone away but Coggo towed us through town for Heady to head us in Raftery Rd.  I was handed the reigns for Conrod straight (a far cry from the real one ridden last week) but backwards, uphill and into the breeze of little appeal but the tow after the turn was worth the work.  Cate then Coggo took on the turns to the highway, at least the wind was now helping instead of hurting.  Heady's turn (acceptably abbreviated) got to Dave's dip so I carried on to Central Kialla.
Cate's speedo-less enthusiasm lengthened the line but Coggo's call for calm restored some rhythm (if only to keep Brendy from blowing off the back) River and Boundary Roads gradually blurred under the wheels, the posterior protests of distance building as the work back west drew near.  Brendy turned for home as we steered east to the Toaster, each getting one more assisted shift before the true toil started in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  Coggo's wattage first into the headwind masked the muscles needed, when he peeled off the front the real effort was exposed.  Heady's turn in the drivers seat was in struggle street,  his shift as short as Jodie's seat post.  Two gasps to catch the tail and he'd gone o.t.a., so then there was three to thrash out the lap.  It was crucial to leave a little in the tank after a drive at the front, the next turn would come around well before you wanted it! Coggo's big engine ran swift and strong, Cate's too keeping the towed speechless as we worked toward the relief of Rudd Rd.  Out of the breeze in the Boulevard was bliss, breakfast at Mandy's beckoned (where Brendy was refuelling) to soak up the due diligence of 110 k's.

5/11 Raindance.

The precipatory pitter patter during breakfast didn't deter Monday's ride, there was gaps in the radar's green smudges and 19 degrees with a NNE'er would dry any damp.  The Godfather, Bruce, PistolPete, Bo, Cate, Wozza, Kel, Nev and Col braved the fickle conditions to assemble for the 5:45circuit and I'd fallen victim to the first shift again by berthing early.  PistolPete paired fair to the truck route and I spent legs two and three supressing the gasps of respiratory recovery, The Godfathers grin and gabble a good distraction.  Bruce, Nev and Wozza had suffered the Strathbogies on Sunday, so I had no cause for complaint, the weekend's chores and cheers kept the chat going at the back while a sky full of blue-grey was slowly revealed en-route to Boundary Rd. 
 Col chatted kits and their comfort as Kel poured on the power into the NNE'er to Old Dookie Rd, I was back into the up-line and due for the drivers seat again as I hoped Wozza and Bo would drag me to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd to spare me the head wind.  Bearing west was a little easier and I was surprised to see 40 on the glance at the Garmin, Cate's contribution commendable to the bridge, my focus on rhythm to reach Lemnos North Rd pairing the power of Pistol Pete. A few spots began to decorate the tarmac in Ford Rd and by Grahamvale Rd the rooster tails of wheel water were revising the route to home, an exit via Verney Rd gaining full support.  The breeze now behind us spurred on the speed but my exit at the roundabout was punctuated by a puncture to flabbergast the finish.

7/11 Windurance.

If only to make up for the lack of a lap on Tuesday (way too weather wary), I tapped out an early edition (16k's) prior to Wednesday's 6am circus.  AvantiAndy, Tina, Shorty, MyRideTrev (on a flash matte black Scott), Cate, Rocket, The Godfather, Kreeky, Wozza, Kel, Boof, Jen, Bo, Superman, SuperMario, Nev, Temple and Whispering Jack filled the carpark, a slapdash start spreading bikes along a long length of Archer Rd before composure collected the crew on the outskirts of town.  The up-line was slow to form with a southwester keeping a long thin tail on the bunch.

Weapon joined the ranks at Sanctuary's roundabout, early loopers not-so-newAvantiJohn, Col, Grumpy, PistolPete and Ralphy filtered in on leg three as a few did the hard yards to Mitchell Rd, others then bravely stepping up for a turn at the front, though a tailwind through Central Kialla kept the speed speechless.  Echeloned across River Rd we needed a little adjustment as the passing parade of pelotons worked west, all frowning Indian file fighting the wind on the port bow.  I was ready for the whiplash a long line delivers as we swung north into Boundary Rd, a few gallant Goats southbound about to absorb Hommie and Sandy on an advance mission.
Good to see Temple having a go at the front, Tina and Weapon too rolling through for a contribution is a sign of speed to come. I was positioned for penance as the ChaCha drew near, Nev, Wozz and Rocket kept a cap on the excitement till Hopeful corner, the line thinning as Rocket tore into the southwester possessed with pace.  I lay in wait for the elbow (which finally came at Prentice Rd), the wind hitting me like a ton of bricks trying to keep 48 on the Garmin. It wasn't long before I was swamped by the sprinters in their flog to the finish, actually checking I didn't have a soft tyre such was their speed.  

8/11 Motivating muscles.

The appeal of an early lap was quickly lost as the temperature fell on Thursday, a search party sent to find base layers and winter gloves to insulate against the 'feels like' 2.4 degrees.  Tum, Cate, Belly, Hommie, Phil, Sandy, Tina and HG assembled for the 6am flagfall from Friars, Tum and I with the job of pilots to point the pack out of town.  JB joined at SPC, and with a decision on singles or doubles going unanswered, single file ruled at Doyle's road. It took a k or two to capture consensus as JB, Belly and I worked the front, but by Central Ave a line of nine got organised (HG driven o.t.a.) The sun shone the way for Hommie to take us to Boundary Rd, Phil leading the assault south.  
Sandy kept the speed stoked to the bridge, diligence and determination paying the gritty grandma back with pace.  A truck suddenly passing spoke volumes for the sometimes forgotten role in the caboose, JB and Belly the tow trucks taking us to the pub for my shift to start.  Funny how your ego sets a speed standard then the body tries to live up to it! Legs and lungs cursed the optimistic ego by Channel Rd, wind shear from oncoming traffic supplemented the suffering to get the Broken bridges where Tum's tempo took over.  Cate carried on to River Rd, pointing into the westerly breeze giving us all a weakness wake-up.  The giant on a Giant gave me a great draft to the dip, but facing the front fairly fizzled Foss's fitness.  Tum took the shortcut to Shepp with Cate and I at River Rd's end, heads down and heart rate up into the headwind on the truck route with oncoming gusts from the B doubles blowing us backwards. Tum was m.i.a. reaching Archer Rd (retrieving dropped keys), the north leg to town pushing limits well beyond what you'd suffer solo. It's great to have likeminded company urging an effort beyond the brain's boundaries, just when the energy seemed evaporated, something motivates the muscles to give more.  Calves were cooked reaching town but a final fling on the Lake Crit segment properly wrung out the reserves.

9/11  Fortuitous Friday.
Friday's 6 degrees was just a bit better than Thursday's 4, motivating an early edition (seeing I'd succumbed to the soft option yesterday)

A golf course loop to start then south on a KML (to see what all the FDC fuss is about) put 30 k's on the odometer, chasing Ralphy and Pelly a k ahead.  Northbound on Archer, Grumpy and The Godfather joined them as I caught the tail nearing Sanctuary's roundabout for a tow to town.   Tina, MyRideTrev, TrekTrev, Travis, Boof, Pistol Pete, Rocket, Whispering Jack, Temple and Liam had lined up for a lap, setting sail at six.  Being breeze-less, the up-line formed quickly, not-so-newAvantiJohn and Kreeky attaching to the pack from an early Tuesday / Thursday loop as we worked toward Mitchell Rd.  ScottMatt appeared from the depths of obscurity and climbed into the caboose, I'd berthed between The Godfather and TrekTrev, the earlier k's maybe making me a mental mountain 'cause the legs were lacking and the lungs labouring through Central Kialla.

Weapon appeared in River Rd which distracted me from my driving doldrums, Temple's tempo (and confidence) is on the up and up, Liam's enjoying sitting on a Scott (following his Focus fracture), Whispering Jack seems to be suffering silently still but The Godfather's overactive oratory made up for it.  River Rd was covered quickly, I'd transferred to the up-line (four residing in the rear ranks keen to avoid promotion) reckoning I'd probably find myself at the pointy end as the speed spiced up for the sprint.  Boundary Rd was bearable with the advantage of 10 ahead to slipstream, but ever closer to the front in Channel Rd loaded the legs and languished lungs to throw doubt on my drive at the front.  Liam and Travis had the pace percolating as we turned toward Central Ave, and with not-so-newAvantiJohn, Boof and TrekTrev bearing down behind, a gap opening in the down-line was too good to resist.  I slipped into the draft and onto the 14 cog as the bunch swung into Kinder corner, using the tow as tempo to survive the sprint midfield.  I felt I'd sold short taking the easy way out,  but satisfaction from clocking 63 k's before 7.

Week 45 :     294 km    YTD 11,891 km