Vindaloo in the velocity.

 Post #591

20/3  Velocity variables.

Predicting the pace of the ride by the horsepower lining up at the starting grid was probably over-thinking a Saturday social spin, but when Bo urged a quick get-away (to make The Godfather chase) the speed was set in stone.  Emil and brother Anth would most likely have something to prove too!  Some sort of fair play rested with Kreeky, Tina and TrekTrev being in the bunch.  Bo's bolt to the truck route had no players, Kreeky assumed the (sensible) start speed by being captain to the majority who preferred a considerate start.  The Godfather had joined the line and speed was steadily turned up to Mitchell Rd.  Bo's plans were scrapped by the time we'd turned east toward Central Kialla; he retreated rearward along with Kreeky to the caboose.   Jumping the Wouldabeens ship, TrekTrev piloted the pace to Euroa Rd (well above the Woulda's wattage), Anth adding a little more spice on the north shift through Central Kialla.  Emil uncorked the bottle into River Rd into the forties (in a gesture of brotherly love?) as my regrets rose having his wheel in the procession.  

I could almost smell the determination he'd drive a long shift and held slim hopes on seeing his elbow at the bridge. I was now that slice of bread left un-attended under the griller.  (smell something burning?  Yep....me!)  With still no sign of slowing at the dip I was willing an end to it at Trevaskis Rd ; luckily Emil must have felt my scorching glare at the back of his skull and finally elbowed his finish.  I showed my palm rearward and turned down the tempo a tad (hoping I'd guessed the majority's wishes), my toasted thighs couldn't manage more than 38 anyway!   Managing a turn half a k beyond the quarter horse gates I handed Tina the reigns, there was enough kudos tt confirm most agreed with the speed.  Here's hoping that high thirties was now the norm.  

The Godfather did his drive to the highway, the slight increase in speed making use of the favorable south southeaster.  Of course, Bo had to do better!  (a pre-school teacher would have separated these two!)   Kreeky eased the stress in Old Dookie Rd to the Toaster (the aroma of the pork palace wasn't something I'd missed) and TrekTrev kept the peace to the Pine Lodge church but there was energy brewing behind.  Anth had forties back on the speedo to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, waving a red flag to Emil.  (sucker me still on his wheel!)  Forty was bearable to Woolshed Rd but was setting fire to the legs by the bridge over Pine Lodge Creek with no sign of finishing there.  Maybe a k later at Boundary Rd?  (I wish!) There's a sense of duty to hold that wheel ahead for the sake of those in the draft, and that's about all that was keeping me there.  All the cussing between clenched teeth about Emil's effort did nil.  Hanging by my fingertips at the Main Eastern Channel Emil's elbow finally showed me the driver's set.....if cooked legs would get me there!  Again, I showed the slowing palm to prevent being shunted and turned down the tempo three clicks.  I might make more than 100 meters now.   Lemnos North Rd seemed a world away.  1500 metres should have been a push-over but it took a big serve of stubborn to get me there.  Tina fronted Ford Rd while I went into rehab at the rear, let's hope recovery was quick before the next demonstration of superior wattage struck.  

The Godfather towed us toward Verney Rd, Tina doubting survival of the Wanganui workout before we'd even arrived.  (Felt a bit the same to be honest)  All faith was in Kreeky's kindness.  Bo turned up the need for more effort to the highway and it became obvious why into Wanganui.  The shop squad had caught us (did I see them licking their lips?) and relished the overtake (and the sledges I'd suggest) at the Water Treatment Plant.   And that was enough bait for Emil and Anth to abandon us and give chase.  (how do you spell teamwork?)    Kreeky did save the day preserving the pace to Mt. Wanganui and TrekTrev kept things compliant to Canterbury's roundabout, so some sense of camaraderie was saved.  It was almost a pleasure to take a turn to Tarcoola on murdered muscles.  Breakfast begged so there was enough distraction from the signals legs were giving me.  Gout, the tax office and wolf spiders stimulated sentences over the Butter Factory's fruit bowl.

22/3  Combined clans.

Enthusiasm was at a trickle Monday, such is the excitement of going to work after two days off!  A northeaster blew to make the Sanctuary lap hard labor for much of the circuit but the opportunity to get a few k's clocked was begging....Tuesday's forecast looked like a wash-out.   Bo seized the chance to captain the first shift to Mitchell Rd, PistolPete was away and besides, a tail-wind made it his speciality.  Damn it!, I was on Emil's wheel again!  (I'd hoped he was serious saying he'd be taking it easy this week, the Giro Della Donna begged his attendance this coming Sunday)   Perhaps Lenny predicted a poor attendance at the shop 'cause he'd graced us with his performance eastward to Central Kialla.  Emil had again driven a double shift in River Rd though not at the taxing tempo of Saturday, so there was a little wattage left in this old engine when given the front seat a bit beyond the quarter horse gates.  A little of the northeaster blew between the trees just to make the drive difficult.  Why should I get it easy? Those rumble strips to say Coach Rd is near seemed further away than usual so the sight of three of the shop squad turning at rooster corner was relief ; the shift's end was near and I'd get three more towing my recovery when I withdrew to the caboose.  The Godfather made an impressionable drive to the highway, though we'd better keep that quiet, I don't think they make XXXXL helmets.   Sitting in the draft of nine was a bonus while that northeaster blew, Kel now on duty to take us toward Old Dookie Rd.  Tina took over nearing the fig farm, Bo playing his cards right to score yet another wind assisted leg headed to Central Ave.  The shop squad had positioned well too, still in the draft as Lenny towed us to town.  

24/3  Repeat dose as necessary.

Speed was sinking just commuting to Sanctuary, was I softening yet again?   I should have been primed after a day off yesterday (rain).   Nope, the rear tyre was the one softenimg!  (a shard of glass was the culprit, straight through a tyre less than a week old)  At least an early arrival at the grid allowed time for a tube change before 5:40's flag fell.   Kel, Col, PistolPete, Tina, Emil, Bo, Kreeky and The Godfather had gathered, Col minus some skin from a horizontal episode en-route ; a fair excuse to sit on the back.  It was great to have PistolPete back commanding the first shift, though his week off the bike hasn't slowed him one bit.  Kel survived the second wheel syndrome to take us quickly to Central Kialla.  

With that wind at the left flank The Godfather had us spread across the tarmac captaining at the road's centre and that extracted an exclamation from Bo.  (ignored of course)    I'd hoped Emil's "tapering" week was still in play as he took the first shift on River Rd, his usual double length effort was thankfully a little less than supersonic.  Bo go the hint too, keeping the equilibrium to rooster corner.   There's some comfort sitting at Kreeky's wheel knowing the tempo will be considerate but there's usually a distance to endure.  Well under the stress levels reaching the Broken bridges but by the highway it'd been a decent workout.  Now to do one of my own!  This circuit has been ridden so many times and with almost the same protagonists it could be Groundhog day again, yet each lap manages to be different.  

Not my usual duty to drive the north leg from the highway, the westerly whipping at the left flank calling on a bit more grunt, though the saving grace was avoiding the head-on hurt if I'd taken on Old Dookie Rd.  It's a long 2700 metres if I was to do the expected turn but I did myself (and Tina) a favor of handing over just shy of the fig farm.  (She'd avoid the Old Dookie drama too)  Col had surprisingly advanced for duty when he'd earned a rest in the caboose to nurse those injuries, but duty he did to School Rd before the retreat to the rear.  (Did I smell a martyr on fire?)  PistolPete's power was retrieved from the memory banks with his swift shift to Central Ave, Kel copping a second turn to suffer the westerly.  The Godfather kept legs busy to the truck route but many were saving their best for Emil's last. Heads down and tails up for the sprint to SPC had an interesting diversion, a commuting rider of questionable i.q. without lights (and in black jacket) in the bike lane was a mobile chicane in the finishing straight.  

25/3 Three's a (Wouldabeen's) crowd.

If it's damp, dark, windy, cool, humid or just a bit difficult, I've learned not to expect a crowd at the Wouldabeen's grid, so hopes were set as high as NearlyRetiredTrev's head-stem height at finding many at Kialla Lakes.  Just as well, Trev and Joe (not Tony) were it!  (Such is the dedication of this faction of the not-so-fast. I guess many are already in preparation for hibernation?)   The Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie circuit had no objections in light of the few fronting, there'd be a bigger workload with just three on driving duty.  I'd been elected to take the first shift so started sedately up Archer and turned up the wick in Channel.  A westerly blowing at 20-28 km/h begged me to do it!  Handing the reigns to AlmostRetiredTrev at the truck route, I resigned to the rear, not spent from the shift but another would beg some effort very soon I suspect.  Recently finding his feet with the Wouldabeen's, I wonder if Joe (not Tony) will maintain momentum as the Woulda's wain with Winter nearing?  (There's nothing quite like a bunch to motivate)  That season for softening is soon to strike so many bunches....sadly, some will never return.   

Joe (notTony) gave AlmostRetiredTrev the ChaCha to drive, a k quietly trimmed off the tempo in the process (but who was complaining?)  Soon bumped back into zone 4 taking the lead in Central Ave, my urge to drive long beyond the cypress trees was strong, but a tail-wind like this is worth sharing isn't it? (unless your name's Bo!) Feeling guilty by Beckham's bend I gave Joe (notTony) the lead, but he headed the hurry all the way to Coach Rd.  We'd arrived a little later than peloton peak hour in Boundary Rd sighting just three bikes southbound, and with no cars to compete with, it was like navigating a black hole in a far flung galaxy.  Hurry up Eastern Standard Time!  AlmostRetiredTrev's elbow eagerly showed me the front at the channel bridge, I'd considered finishing the shift at Old Dookie but I've handed Joe (not Tony) the head-wind so many times, suffering the westerly to School Rd was the least I could do as compensation.  (Bit too keen Foss, Joe (not Tony) dropped the pace 10% when he headed line to Central Ave)  Trev tapered it a little more on the leg to the truck route but I'll happily take a steady tap among the quick spins as therapy. Might survive till the end of the week that way!

26/3  The Friday fraternity.

The seven chakras must have aligned, the wind wasn't blowing, my knee wasn't knocking, today was a rostered day off, the head was in D for driven (and not in R for recalcitrant) and mid thirties was easy.  Almost as rare as a silent Godfather!  Kreeky, PistolPete, Jen, Bo, Tina, Col, Kel, Emil and The Godfather filled the Friday grid, most conforming to kit couture (unless that jersey has shrunk eh Col?)   PistolPete performed the standard operational procedure of first shift, a considerate little warm-up to the truck route before throwing vindaloo into the velocity to Mitchell Rd. 

By chance I'd lined up on The Godfather's wheel and he headed the line east to Euroa Rd.  No stress felt with my turn being next, there wasn't a wind to worry about (for a change).     It's reassuring to find the previous pace back on the speedo without a massive effort when your turn comes to be captain, it's just making it to the expected handover point that's sometimes the difficult bit.  It was a bit more than a k down the road when easy to turned to effort.  There was seven behind yet to serve their speed and two due to repeat , so this may be my one and only shift at the business end.  

Col was put in charge turning into River Rd and he did well driving to the dip (when I thought of the bruises he carried from yesterdays horizontal malfunction).  Bo finished off River Rd without delivering distress, Kel with a speed of a similar suit to the bridges.  Traditionally, Tina and Jen follwed, Tina to the highway and Jen to the Boundary Rd channel (In the Godfather gear judging by her cadence...53/11 at least!)  Southbound squads are indistinguishable in the dark, only their retorts to The Godfather's sledges gives their identity away!  Kreeky had the pace perfect to Old Dookie Rd and how handy it was to have Emil out of uniform ; easily identified when he hit the front and committed us to hard labor of the forties.  Most were ready for it.  

PistolPete trimmed a little off the torment for the 2700 metres to the truck route but The Godfather was unable to contain his enthusiasm to charge toward SPC  (there was sledging to deliver to Vince and The Rabbit ahead).  Coffee and convivial conversation made a rare weekday treat to conclude the circuit and with a fine forecast ahead, an extra 26 k solo spin (Channel-Boundary-New Dookie) in the sunshine made an ideal icing on the cake.  

This week 263 km     YTD 3,342 km                                

Such a pleasurable pain.

 Post #590

13/3 Sociology.

Just a little tail-wind assistance to Saturday's start-line put the head in the right frame, a mild nineteen degrees helped too.  (this may be the last till Winter's done it's worst and October brings us hope again.  Ah, the joy of all those layers and frost nipping at the extremities till then!)  The spin south was without stress, worries about the wheel I might be on, if I'd hang on to the hurry or which way we'd fight the wind was of no concern, it's the social stuff that counted today.  Bo, Molly, The Godfather, PistolPete, Kreeky, Tina and Emil made up the Sanctuary squad (the shop collective too swift, the Woulda's a little sluggish ; at least there's a choice!)   PistolPete had a mid thirties stranglehold on speed for Molly's sake ; several weeks away from the Saturday spin had softened her will to take a turn too, retreating to the caboose on the turn into Mitchell Rd.  Emil  made the two k trip to Euroa Rd pass quickly, the north northeaster a niggle if I stuck my nose out of the draft.  I'd get some of that for my shift north to River Rd.  

Trying to ignore that expected target or maintaining the prior speed is nigh on impossible (I guess you like to "measure up" to the mob to feel part of it) though I was intent to have something left at the end of the shift and not sound like I was in the middle of an asthma attack.  Bo faced the front to the River Rd bridge (there's that expected target again), Tina his back-up to tow us east to the dip.  

The Godfather's "entertaining" turn toward Coach Rd had the rearmost in the right gutter.  Bo's objections fell on deaf ears of course.   I wonder if it's a deliberate "stir of the pot" or is the sense of wind direction truly absent?  (Wouldn't be the only one)  The banter to and fro was certainly amusing.  Kreeky set the speed and direction in order north on Coach Rd, quite the contrast in comfort from the tail-end perspective.  That wind was slowly shifting to northeast as Pistol headed the line north of the highway while I pondered when and where my next turn was due (Preparing for pain if you like)   My guess Emil would do the east drive to the Toaster came true, but he'd done a great job of toasting me getting there (nice guy mind you.....but blessed with a bit too much horsepower).  Great hopes of a great shift were drastically shortened, the Pine Lodge Church was my limit.  

Bo did the driving to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, Tina getting to enjoy the northeaster's assistance for the west way toward town.  A sizable collection of Cats cruised east on their sedate Saturday spin.  The Godfather's middle-of-the-road position again caused complaints but he'd slowly corrected course as the speed spiced up.  Kreeky took command beyond Boundary, the symphony of the shop squad's wheels at work passing us as we'd approached Lemnos North.  Appropriate sledges were exchanged.  There were no attempts to jump on, PistolPete kept our crew contained and captained to Grahamvale Rd.  Emil's enthusiasm was eroding me by Numurkah Rd, I thought I could tame the pace a little in Wanganui Rd but he was still keen to be captain. (the caution being called for excavations ahead didn't calm his pace either)  I was content with high thirties, his sprint to the hill going unchallenged.  A spin along the Boulevard below warp speed made a comfortable conclusion, the breakfast babble on bill payers, policing predicaments and cafe choices.

15/3  Tenacity. 

I'd jinxed myself speculating winter was near.  Monday arrived bringing "feels like 4" with it.  That'll teach me! (I could already hear the squeals of the soft as they clutched their doona's in fear.)  I turned the cadence up a notch to generate a little more warmth to Sanctuary Drive.  Bruce and Lenny were special guests today, few were expected at the shop with many of their main players away.  The ever faithful PistolPete, Kreeky, Tina, Kel, Bo, The Godfather and Emil rolled in for the 5:40 launch and with PistolPete, Emil, Bruce and Lenny ahead of me, I'd have time to prepare for the pain at the pointy end.  A fair portion of last weeks southerly still blew but it didn't bother me five wheels from the business end.  (thinks....I hope Lenny felt limp, I'd be follow up to his turn)  

As we've come to expect Emil had the throttle wide open for his turn to Central Kialla, thank heaven a weekend's worth of paving had left his legs "doughy".  You can count on Bruce to keep the line together, not too heavy on the horsepower early, just considerately up to speed to tow us to River Rd intact.  Lenny did the subtle start too, but when he reached his cruising speed I was well into zone four by the bridge.  And he hadn't finished yet!   There was little left in the tank at the dip when Lenny finally conceded the lead but a sense of duty kept my momentum up.  Hope I hadn't missed the quarter horse gate in the darkness 'cause that's all the head would let me do driving at this pace, the first sign of that white timber and my elbow spontaneously twitched.  All yours Kreeky, but let me catch the tail first!   That growling bear groaned a little till my heart rate got out of the clouds, most features now back in focus by the time we'd reached rooster corner.   

Bo took the charge into Coach Rd while I attempted to sight who was next to head the hurry, hoping there'd be one or two who'd turn down the tempo a tad.  An oncoming bike u-turned at the Broken bridges to jump aboard, Bruce backing off the rear to tow Trav aboard.   Kel then Tina obliged with a fraction off the fast, just the ticket for me to stock up on oxygen in preparation for the hurry to town.  The Godfather led the line into Old Dookie Rd but typically had the rearmost in the gutter. Again.  Hollers didn't help, it took close-up advice from Trav to correct his path but by then Central Ave was upon us.  PistolPete was typically tuned up for a swift shift to the truck route but the real anticipation was for Emil's explosion toward SPC.  The test was tenacity to hold that wheel!  Legs burned in the mid forties but being glued to the draft gave some satisfaction I'd survive to the end.

16/3 Serendipity.

The art of a late arrival to secure that last-in-line position wasn't quite mastered by BamBam, Gazza and Naomi had collared the caboose at the Kialla Lakes roundabout for Tuesday's tap.  Jase got the proceedings underway north to Channel Rd then east to the truck route with Shorty, NearlyRetiredTrev, Ralphy, Joe (not Tony), BamBam, Gazza and Naomi behind.  Already the calculations had me doing the Central Ave to the cypress trees leg.....into the breeze of course!  Shorty got the short 1200 metre turn to Orrvale and NearlyRetiredTrev did the ChaCha.  I'd get a great draft if he was a foot taller! (no complaints though, mid thirties was manageable)  That drive south on Central wasn't so bad, so I added another 2 k's at the cypress trees to get to the S bend before letting Ralphy loose at the lead (ulterior motive ; avoiding the wind head-on in Coach Rd)  Joe (not Tony) opened his account toward the Broken bridges with BamBam behind, ready to relieve.  He got that task at One Tree Dam.   

Gazza was given the lead at River Rd and looked determined to drive a distance, still spinning at the front as we'd swung west on Mitchell with no sign of let-up.  Naomi was being slow roasted behind.  Not until the dog-leg did Gazza give up the drivers seat (Naomi understandably calling it quits too) so Jase was back in the lead at short notice, keeping the speed stable to Euroa Rd. Shorty and NearlyRetiredTrev divided the distance to Archer Rd.  My turn was up again so I aimed at the highway.  That 3.5 metre ascent at Dave's Dip has gotta rank as a category one in these parts!   Ralphy checked all were aboard before making his charge toward Roubaix, NearlyRetiredTrev did retire there to roll solo into town but the remaining eight were fixated on a fast finish.   Gazza was back at the business end nearing Arcadia Downs and I wondered what distance he had in mind this time (I'll bet Naomi was muttering "not again!")    I  might be in with a chance at the finish the way this was panning out?  

Naomi called it a day at the kink into Conrod, Gazza using the first dip to launch into the mid forties.  Jase and I jumped at the chance to get on Gazza's wheel (others who missed the move were now resolved to roll to the end) and played the waiting game till the time was right.  Let's hope there wasn't an early elbow!  Gazz was off the seat with a 100 to go but a long lead-out had left his legs limp, Jase jumped just as I hit the boost button.  Maybe the draft of two gave me a one-up advantage, I just got a wheel ahead at the last dip to edge forward for a rather rare win.  Suffering speechless to the skinny bridge is such a pleasurable pain.

17/3  Reality.

Col caught me crawling to the grid, my subtle snails pace in an attempt to berth last had been exposed. (I should have known that was The Godfather's job!) Third wheel was better than first I suppose, there was a hint of a southerly to deal with (and that was PistolPete's job!) Bo, Jen, Tina, Kel and The Godfather made up the line of eight.   At this rate Id get the north drive to River Rd and on paper, I'd get that slight southerly behind.  Col drove the right side of Mitchell which confirmed that breeze (could have fooled me, it felt like a headwind in every direction!)   Given the lead through Central Kialla the pressure was on to perform (and I couldn't  feel a fraction of help from behind )  

I'd got up to speed but there was a battle to keep it there ; was someone hanging onto the seat post for a free tow or was weakening wattage to blame?  I was more than happy to oblige the "reduce speed" sign arriving at River Rd, Kel took the team east as I sought the draft at the rear.  Getting my breath back well before the bridge was a change (there's usually a battle till the dip) but I won't get my hopes up on new found fitness just yet!  Tina found the form to drive to the dip (I'd be flying the white flag a day after a 150k ride) and Jen's performance goes faster and further each week.  Bo dialed up a little more pace to rooster corner.  

Most were questioning just where that wind was coming from, whatever the direction it had better start helping! The Godfather did a surprisingly straight and steady shift to the highway while I'd predicted Pistol would take us to Old Dookie and Col to Central Ave.....that means I'd better get my head ready for another turn.   The sudden appearance of a car on Central Ave changed the usual call of "Clear!" to "Have a look!", Col and I had already committed to cross but the rest chose the safer option to halt.  I'd at least get half a moment to catch a breath or two before starting my shift.  Half way to Dobson's and the crew had collected behind, and with that rare respite I was primed to drive to the truck route. (Kel would be kind on the SPC shift so I didn't need a lot in the reserve tank getting there) 

18/3  Solitary.

It's easy to be drawn into the bunch ritual, soak up the social stuff and pumping-up your average speed (and ego with it) but there's an expectation of keeping up.  My legs craved a change....and some form of calm.  (Foss had been flogging that dead horse again!)     It had been a while since cruising a solo lap and not having that pressure of pace was rather appealing.  A less than thirty therapy would do me nicely!  Maybe I could take on the Friday and Saturday speed with renewed wattage.  (Maybe I'd wake up and fall out of bed!)  The intention to tap a quiet lap was weighted against the competitive corner of the cranium wanting a decent speed so there was a bit of a battle between the wills of thrash and therapy.  It may have been better to turn the Garmin off!  That speed right under your nose is temptation for tempo isn't it?  Choosing Lemnos-Cosgrove outbound and New Dookie inbound removed the bait to chase bunches (or be hunted down), there was only kilometres of darkness out there to pursue.  Isolation does things to your senses, even at a sluggish speed I felt a breeze trying to slow me further.  I'd properly zoned out heading east, cruising along in my own little world listening to the Michelin's music on the tarmac....... nek minit I'm half way to Cosgrove's phone exchange.  (I'd overshot the Cosgrove North runway hiding in the dark!)  Southbound to the church felt the real direction of that breeze then steered west toward town, a few eastbound B doubles carrying enough wind behind them to suppress any thoughts of a fast return.  Head down trying to hold a steady 86 cadence was the contentment ; small things amuse small minds! 

19/3  Kit couture.

Maybe that sedate solo yesterday had put me in a better frame of mind for speed?  A rather rare windless morning probably helped the mood too!  Jen, Col, Emil, PistolPete, Kreeky, Kel, Bo and Tina congregated at Sanctuary Drive for the Friday fling ...now better known as Couldabeen's kit day.  

A co-ordination of couture for the crew if you like.  (Builds the team spirit and all that stuff)  Naturally PistolPete started the wheels turning, though a car intent on rolling through the roundabout and refusing to give way made for an interesting start.  (tip to driver ; If you must drive like a half wit, don't do it in the company car with work's logo clearly displayed!  I hope Doyles bus drivers do give way?)  

The fragmented line was soon re-united and PistolPete turned up the tempo beyond the truck route, Bo doing the second shift to Euroa Rd at a similar spin.  Emil copied to River Rd contrary to his complaints of feeling drained.  I always look forward to Kel and Tina's smoothness with a chance to catch a breath or two with a touch trimmed off the tempo.  Kreeky's wheel was a good sit while I waited till duty called. The rooster called me to be captain in Coach Rd.  Deliberately taking a hundred metres to get back up to pace didn't drain the tank too quickly and by One Tree Dam hopes were higher than normal of surviving a decent turn, I'd see what protest the legs had at the bridges and decide the drive from there.  (Not too bad as it happens!)  Let's see if the engine was miss-firing at Channel Rd? 

That ever-so-slight incline needed an extra shot of muscle to keep the speed respectable but as I'd made it this far, another 600 metres to the highway wouldn't hurt.  (Oh, yes it did!)   Jen was gentle on the accelerator along Boundary Rd and made a good impression reaching the Fig Farm as Col continued his sit in the caboose ( how convenient that his headlight had emptied itself of volts to prevent a contribution at the front!)  A trifecta of train drivers had lined up for a fast finish so focus was honed on hurt, PistolPete did his bit to Central Ave while I prepared for more punishment from Bo.  Wasn't I lucky there was a fraction left at the truck route, Emil's finale was faster!

This week  283 km    YTD  3,077 km       

                              

Pace in perspective.

 Post #589

6/3  The lost art of social cycling.

Some may say it's softening, I'll call it seeking the social stuff.  I've had no issue with the speed of the Sanctuary squad, I've served a 9 month sentence of speed with them, but for a little holiday from the hurry I'd promised myself a Saturday spin with the Woulda's.    Some I hadn't seen since Covid had divided the Couldabeens into regulation sized divisions.  Seems it's permanent and possibly for the better.  More manageable bunch sizes, a variety of velocities to suit the swift or the slower and several in between  (Finding your niche can be a great motivator)     A casual roll to start Saturday was sublime, though that tiresome southerly still blew, but the Kialla Lakes grid had saved a couple of k's off the commute.   

TrekTrev, NearlyRetiredTrev, Temple, Pelly, Naomi, Shorty, Wendy and Joe (not Tony) gathered at the roundabout, six bells motivating NearlyRetiredTrev to guide our twisting southerly course to Sanctuary Drive where the standard circuit could begin.  I'd been promoted to captain Archer Rd's effort, so stayed on till Mitchell Rd in appreciation of being included. (keeping the welcome mat out....I might need this mob as age whittles down the wattage)       Indian file soon fanned into to rows across Mitchell Rd in a chivalrous gesture to shield Wendy and Naomi from the strengthening southerly.  It's the done thing to look after those new to this addiction (and there's that "hell hath no fury" thing too!)  A few turns rolled along Mitchell's 6 k stretch to Coach Rd where the tail-wind could be savoured, and that lured Naomi and Wendy from the caboose.  The rides of old were re-lived, a chat with the rider alongside even at the business end was a pleasure that seems to have been lost to history.  It was commonplace not so long ago, single filed and speed seemingly relegating the chat to the confines of the cafe now.  

TrekTrev has tamed his rides a tad, taking to the trails with wifey more so, Pelly's finding the financials of entering a half marathon a big motivator, Shorty's having  his bike time strangled by work demands and AlmostRetiredTrev might need a FarFromRetired prefix working 3 or 4 days a week.  (I get few of these informal snippets these days, oxygen intake seems to take up most of my ride time!  I'll blame quick company)  My position in the rotation had put me on Wendy's wheel, not one I'd ridden with before so caution came to the fore (no reason for alarm, it's just a survival thing when we place our trust in very close company)    The body language spoke of big effort into Old Dookie Rd so calm would be her  best company.  I remember "Your speed" called by a co-pilot as reassuring in the early days of apprenticeship, nothing crushes hopes like a half wheeler (or "whole biker") when you're fronting a bunch in the early impressionable years.  

There was a credible k given to the bridge, the turn rolled before the limit was hit and that set a steady pace out to the Toaster then north to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  The sun struggled to make it's appearance, temperature dropping a fraction but it felt like the fridge door had been left ajar in places.  Running below full steam probably does that.  Riding well off the rivet was  pleasant (must do this again sometime) and turns had rolled full circle by the main eastern channel so focus was fixed on staying within the prior pace parameters.  Without a lot of wear and tear we were at the town's limits and preparing for the work on Wanganui was not necessary, the last leg was south on Verney to BelCibo for breakfast, a sprint finish out of the question.   Sports psychology, climatising to the cold and 3 Peaks occupied the conversation while taste buds enjoyed a rather moorish muesli. 

8/3 Fortuitously four.

I nearly pulled the pin hearing spots from the sky, but then it's poor form to call a ride and not turn up! (not mentioning names BamBam!)   The road ranked almost glossy (the bike was overdue for a clean anyway) but the un-seasonal 19 degrees at this hour promised to dry it before long. As well as the weather, a public holiday threatened to thin the ranks but Emil and I were overdosing on optimism.  But Sanctuary Drive was deserted!  (mental note made on the "no-shows", there'd be retaliation later)  Two would be a test!  Thankfully, ChrisA had arrived to reduce the workload by 33%, the roll south toward Mitchell finding The Godfather a minute late but he'd lighten the load some more.  I still craved a bucket of wattage to keep pace with this trio.  Second wheel to Emil wasn't the best beginning, I was lightly toasted both sides by the time we'd reached Mitchell Rd.  My turn to Central Kialla started ok but the energy was evaporating with a k still to travel, there wasn't the wind of last week but a light breeze was squashing the speed from the east.  The Godfather was perfectly positioned for the north shift to River Rd.   ChrisA headed the hurry east, youth driving the speedo's into the 40's but that easterly was wearing him down too by the bridge.  So, it's not just me!  Emil took over and sped on through the dip, headed in a hurry to the quarter horse gates while I wondered if he was on a mission to make Coach Rd his target (I hoped not, 'cause this bit of toast was burning already!)  I didn't really want to face the front but I'd be a smoldering heap of carbon before long, so Emil was doing me a favor handing over the task.  Again, the shift started ok but barely a k had passed when the legs refused to do what the head wanted.  Time to be towed....if I could catch the tail!  The Godfather did well to drive on to rooster corner.   

Cloud cover at 6 am made the northern path as black as the ace of spades so I aimed my light low to avoid that backlit blindness for the lads ahead.  ChrisA took on the tempo toward the bridges but his elbow said enough reaching One Tree Dam.  Shorter shifts were probably a better plan with just a few.  Emil defied that idea, driving to the highway but then, as you've guessed, I was up for the lead role again!  Strangely, my third session at the front was better, a little less labor and going a little further probably due to a bit breeze at the backside.  Getting to the fig farm was enough (save a few watts Foss, there'd be another shift to serve) so I left The Godfather to take us to Old Dookie Rd.  He'd added another k west to School Rd so I may be spared from the fourth?  ChrisA  had found a second wind to go long to Central Ave, Emil with the lead toward town.  I thought he'd drive the distance to the truck route but his headlight barely lit two metres ahead (a dark morning and damp tarmac wouldn't have helped) so I had the task from Dobson's estate.  Cue sound effect of Datsun 180B minus a spark plug at 7600 rpm.  

9/3  A morning smoothie.

The Woulda's had called for a "quiet roll" (presuming they'd meant speed not volume) so time constraints for me meant the Sanctuary squad was my only option to stay on agenda.  I left home 4 minutes early to ensure a calm commute.  I might need all the horsepower I could raise.  PistolPete was the sole starter at the 5:39 grid, my panic subsiding when Kreeky, Tina, Col, Kel and The Godfather arrived.  Second wheel to PistolPete may have been jumping straight into the deep end but I was banking on the southwester (yep, windy again!) to be my bonus toward Central Kialla.  It was.....but I was spent getting to Euroa Rd. (too much south and not enough west in that bonus)  The Godfather again scored the north drive to River but at least donated more to get us to the bridge.  Kreeky was now in the drivers seat and had his legs locked into long gear, this was the Kreeky of old dragging us along.  All the way to rooster corner if you don't mind.  (would that save me from a second shift later? About as likely as a mild morning with no wind!)  

Kel made the most of that modest breeze to make haste to the Broken bridges (some considerate soul has line-marked yellow that dip near Channel Rd that can get you airborne) Tina piloting the pace to the pub (unfortunately still not open.  We could have toasted her birthday!)   Col's made the 2700 metre shift to Old Dookie his trademark turn, setting a rather smooth speed into the bargain.  I could take plenty of this!  All good things come to an end, the work west on Old Dookie Rd hanging onto PistolPete's wheel in the 40's was at hand (as if the southwester would slow him!)    Finding that perfect draft was difficult, if Pete had a lot more ballast and the wind stopped changing it's direction life would be easy!  Central Ave and it was time to face the front, the aim was only to Dobson's bridge but that seemed too far just 100 metres beyond Central Ave!  Shut up legs!  I'd managed to keep a reasonable speed but doing a good distance was out of the question.  There was some reassurance catching PistolPete's wheel, even more comfort found at the truck route when the heart's Hiroshima had subsided.

10/3 Their quiet.....my quick!

Spreading myself around socially, I braved the shop squad on Wednesday ; I was assured the speed was to be capped 'cause that's the only way I could reconnect with the swift division (unless they'd stopped at a cafe)   Guess what?  A southerly blew yet again!  Wasn't it luck the shop is 3 k shy of Sanctuary Drive, I didn't have to go full steam to make the grid by 5:40.  It's been many months since berthing at the shop, Rocket, Bruce, Nev, Boof, Wozza and Lance forming a small clan to tap the 29 k circuit of Channel, Boundary, Ford, Wanganui and Rudd Rd (their version of "tap" my version of "torment")    It was best for me to start at the back, I needed time to climatize to quick company.  (it takes 3 or 4 k's to get this old engine into the rhythm)   Two rows had formed so I was nearly up to temperature when duty called at the front. Beautifully timed Foss, straight into that southerly on Central Ave!  Rocket kindly held himself in first gear and pulled the handbrake up a notch or two, 600 metres of slog was needed till the ease of heading east to the cypress trees. 

Part 2 beside Nev would be the test, I'm not used to a drive of this length (it's an Indian file syndrome of 2 k turns) so an extra 2 k to the S bend had all but finished me.  And these guys are happily chatting away in cruise mode!  I was on the brink of breathlessness! And obviously in the wrong league.  Just as well this was "quiet roll" day.  Despite my dramas, it was great to soak up some sociology with these lads I see little of these days ; mind you, my sentences were just a few words long, oxygen intake was the priority.  All got a go at the front in Boundary Rd with the southerly's assistance while I realised my next turn would have that wind whipping at my side in Lemnos-Cosgrove.  Luck of the draw eh?  Paired with Rocket then Nev again, I shortened my shifts as a preventative measure of going o.t.a.  6:30 am and still drowned in darkness puts a dampener on the day, though back to eastern standard time soon will give us some (short-lived) relief.  Nev moved onto Rocket's wheel at Grahamvale Rd, probably trying to save me the workload in Wanganui, he and Rocket doing duty to Rudd Rd was a bonus, but there I had to deal with the headwind and Nev's enthusiasm on the front.  He'd just warmed up by the Boulevard, so I slipped into his draft before detonation.

11/3  Therapy.

It wasn't a hologram.  That sizeable silhouette ahead was BamBam! After nearly a week of "maybe's", he'd actually thrown a leg over the Giant and turned the cranks for the second time this month.  Ralphy, AlmostReturedTrev, Goose and young Jack had turned up to Kialla Lakes roundabout to see this rare sighting, young Jack setting the wheels rolling on a new bike to Channel Rd.   All fell comfortably into Indian file.  Last in line was a pleasant change for me.  I hadn't seen Goose on a bike since pre-Covid times and he's obviously kept the engine tuned, his shift to the truck route kept the line silent.   AlmostRetiredTrev tapped his turn to Orrvale Rd where BamBam did his debut drive.  The smooth surface of the ChaCha and a south southwester to supplement the speed was the ideal introduction.  Ralphy bore the Central Ave breeze then no doubt relished the way east to the cypress trees.  After 6 k's worth of being towed it was my turn to do duty.  That draft was deceptive, quite a contrast to carve through the atmosphere for the others, the fresh south southeaster calling on a lot more power from the engine room.   I'd thought about a handover to young Jack at the S bend but reckoned on Coach R being the conclusion instead, putting a little more struggle in Strava's score.   Young Jack was 40 something years my junior, he could cope with that breeze head-on.  A bike had attached to the rear of the line as we spun south to Mitchell, but took the River Rd option west.  

No idea who; a glance back and I was blinded by 400 lumens for being inquisitive.  Goose and AlmostRetiredTrev shared the work to Mitchell Rd so it was left to BamBam to make an impression westward.  And to be fair, he did do a decent drive.  Ralphy was elected captain two minutes before reaching the dog-leg (the sole landmark in these parts) and for a moment I thought he'd take us all the way to Euroa Rd.  Wrong!  I'd been shown the front two k's shy.   My turn to tow.  The bike diverting via River Rd was intercepted at Euroa Rd, it was ChrisA now rejoining us to work west toward the highway.  It's quite therapeutic to spin along below the red-line though there's not a lot of challenge riding below the limit too often.  A day or two maybe, to keep pace in perspective and the inspiration on simmer.  Back to life on the rivet tomorrow.  NearlyRetiredTrev led us into Roubaix corner, BamBam and Ralphy dividing the drive to Arcadia Downs, ChrisA making amends for 'sitting on' with a long drive to Conrod's finish line (at a Wouldabeen's compliant pace) 

12/3  Uniformity.

Talk about flogging a dead horse!  With the throttle wide open, 32 was all I could muster and there wasn't a southerly to blame the sluggishness on!  Using that old chestnut of "heavy air"(99% humidity) is such a lame excuse, I think the head just didn't want to hurry to Sanctuary Drive. I was ready to roll quietly back to the Butter Factory and enjoy a relaxed long black but I'd only just got to the starting grid!  (Rule #5 contemplation Foss)    A uniformed crew had assembled  (Kreeky, Emil, Col, Bo, Tina, Kel, Jen and The Godfather) and PistolPete was ready to launch south.....this wouldn't hurt a bit!   I at least had the sense to start at fifth wheel, there'd be nearly fifteen minutes of that contemplation before the hurt at the front.  Pistol put the pace up beyond the truck route and the whole world vanished as focus tuned into a single site ahead (Bo's rear disc.....I'm easily distracted by shiny things!) while legs did their business to stay in the draft ; maybe all the head's energy was needed to supplement those lax legs? Kreeky pulled back the pace a couple of clicks on Mitchell which felt like a holiday, enough respite hopefully in preparation for Emil's squirt of speed to River Rd.  (Oops! Not enough respite, Emil was egged on to drive to the bridge!)  

Col's turn to that white fence at the quarter horse stud had a fraction less urgency than Emil's effort, I'd almost got a breath or two back when Bo was given the lead.  (getting closer to the hurty stuff now Foss, HTFU!)   Bo's smooth speed to rooster corner was manageable but I could swear a northeaster was building to shame my shift north in Coach Rd.  (Thoughts were throttling me today!  Shut up head!)   Of course, there wasn't a puff of wind when I was given the reigns.  Slowly building up the cadence toward the Broken bridges a glance at the Garmin showed prior pace had been reached, but how long would it last?  Only the head would know!   The aim was to reach the Broken but those lax legs told the head to raise the white flag 50 metres shy.  Tina did a far better drive to the pub but the line was split by approaching highway traffic.  Kel calmed her start for Col, Bo and I to reconnect, building up the pace carefully so we'd stay connected.  Jen was given the task of reaching Old Dookie Rd at the fig farm, The Godfather set loose on the westward distance to Central Ave (3 km).    PistolPete pushed the pace into the 40's to Dobson's estate and the speed kept soaring beyond (Just when you think you're on the limit, you manage to find a little bit more to hang on. I rewound to earlier thoughts of flogging the dead horse at 32!)   And just when I  hoped there'd be a cruisy finish, Kreeky set a supersonic speed to SPC.  Don't you just love life on the rivet! 

This week 295 km          YTD 2,793 km    

                              

The Department of Enthusiasm.

 Post #588 

27/2  The swift (& the soft)

You can nearly guarantee the usual Saturday starters ; PistolPete, Tina, The Godfather and Emil were at the grid, so the surprise was finding Temple, Grumpy, GreatScottSteve, DeterminedDan and TatPaul lining up too.  Less labor this week, there'd only be a couple of turns each for the 53 km lap.  Do I need to say PistolPete did the first turn to Mitchell?  Probably not, we can usually rubber stamp that one for these Sanctuary spins, likewise Emil's fairly keen to be at the business end early.  4th wheel behind Temple would give me a bit of breathing space before duty called.  Legs were feeling the effects of 110 km yesterday and that messes with your thoughts about any form of exertion.   PistolPete added extra on arrival at Mitchell Rd, a couple of extra k's to Central Kialla probably 'cause the wind was more like a breeze! 

Bo turned up late; no note from home (a ploy to get himself on the back of the bunch?)  The trouble with Pete's long drive was that it baited Emil to demonstrate likewise (with liberal use of the throttle).   Like me, Temple was feeling the heat of his hurry.  Emil's elbow gesture at River Rd's bridge brought relief, Temple trimming the pace back under 40 that would find favor among many.  My legs were most grateful.  Temple called it quits at the quarter-horse gates and I'd locked in that tempo too, far better to keep consistency in the lap than the highs and lows that murder muscles and wreak havoc in the caboose.  There's often the expectation to reach a certain landmark often to the detriment of the rhythm if the engine fades early, but I'd prefer to stick to a speed and let that dictate distance ; ironically, rooster corner arrived as legs said "Enough".  

DeterminedDan did duty up to the highway, he too at a diplomatic velocity.  Fingers crossed that this habit would stick!  GreatScottSteve took on Boundary Rd ; almost an ex-pat Couldabeen now that he's been lured by love to the hills, but his horsepower is always welcome.  By contrast, TatPaul had raised the white flag, retiring from the line to retreat to town west on Old Dookie.  Something to do with speed?  Or had softness steered his path?  Pass the Kellogg's Koncrete!  (I wonder has TatPaul lost the will or the wattage?)  Grumpy set the course through the darkness to the Toaster, not so many weeks ago we'd be almost blinded by sun-up.  Hurry up daylight savings (5 weeks away), daylight does things for the soul.   Bo's long wait till reaching the front had him salivating for speed, breaking the pace protocols to Pine Lodge's church, and that quickly put 40's back on the menu. Pistol and Emil kept heart rates up, while I wondered if I was due for demotion to a slower squad? Was it just me who sought a slightly slower speed?  Temple must have thought likewise, a fraction less fast when he'd taken the lead had my head back in a better frame to make a fair contribution.  Wanganui Rd from the highway to DECA was about all I could muster, DeterminedDan left to drive the rest to Rudd Rd.   Etiquette, staying smooth and the 23 vs 25 vs 28 tyre choice were the subjects served with breakfast, indoors this week as the temperature struggled to rise above 10.

1/3 The mood mender.

Feeling wrung out like a wet sock didn't help the opening 10 kilometres to Monday's ride, it was a battle between optimist and pessimist for the Sanctuary Drive commute.  A weekend's work on the end of a shovel didn't help.  I'm sure the 5:40 mob would squash the pessimist with speed!  The Godfather, Kreeky, Emil, Col, Tina, Kel, Bo and Temple congregated at the grid, Emil taking charge (literally) of the first shift as an intense introduction into a southwester.  Kreeky braved second wheel.  That wrung-out sock syndrome was being overpowered by the need to hold the wheel.  Bo was given the north shift to River Rd, just a k off the previous pace eased the effort considerably.  There was no trepidation for PistolPete's turn, Mr. Considerate would go easy on the accelerator and there was that south southwester to help.  Pete peeled off at the dip and Temple took over, his loss of kilos has made big gains in the kilometres per hour. Reminds me of (Lotus cars founder) Colin Chapman's quote "adding power makes you faster on the straights ; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere"  (note to self ; lose 20 kg to keep up with Pete!)   Vince and the Rabbit cruised east with the intention of being caught , Vince joined the advance forward but the Rabbit remained anti-social at the rear.  (Yeah, I wonder why too.  Don't understand his criticisms either)  The Godfather finished off River Rd and Col led us into Coach, my want for more wattage quite noticeable moving into 2nd wheel.  (Climatising for the cruelty some may say). 

 Col kept the speed simmering toward the bridges while I wondered where his shift might end.  Maybe the highway?  Let's hope he hadn't set Old Dookie Rd as the target!  Oh, hang on! It wouldn't be too long ; there was that grab for a higher gear.  (First sign of surrender?)  It was kind of Col to hand me the lead on the downhill off the bridge, but that slightest of inclines to Channel Rd was taxing.  Pace soon returned but only 'cause the road leveled to the highway.  The old tank was nearly empty reaching the pub but Kel would be considerate starting her shift on Boundary.  That wind had deceptively swung a little more west (the reason for all that labor), but recovery had arrived reaching the old bacon barn.  Tina took her turn nearing the fig farm to tow us to Old Dookie Rd, obviously reserving the watts to catch the line's tail as Emil took on the wind westward.  The sound of your own whining when relegated o.t.a. doesn't start the day well, so maybe that's the motivation to hang onto the hurry for the 8 k's to town?  Col charged ahead to sprint to SPC but PistolPete had punctured, so the wait and respite during repairs made for an unusually relaxed finish, endorphins erasing that wrung-out sock thing.

2/3 Eroding enthusiasm.

 Finding the roundabout empty at 5:58 I'd nearly resigned to a solo spin, it's only just turned Autumn and already the "too cold" brigade have abandoned ship!  I'd ignored the "feels like 6" and told myself 10 was double digits.  Some of that solo circuit was already mapped in my head when Jase, Joe (not Tony) and NearlyRetiredTrev arrived to restore my faith in Rule #5.    6 bells set me off on 1st shift with a stiff southwester (22-33 km/h) at my back up to Channel Rd, so there was disappointment seeing just 32 on the Garmin's screen.  Feeble Foss!  Frustrated, I added the Channel Rd leg to the truck route in the hope it might teach the legs to perform.  Funnily enough, it worked!  Joe (no Tony) did the follow-up to Orrvale Rd slightly slower, so I took note to tame my pace next time.  (That's the f.i.f.o. principal at work)  NearlyRetiredTrev was feeling the freshness of "feels like 6" (so soon kitted in 3/4 knicks) but kept the speed fresh on the ChaCha leg to the Kinder.  

 Jase bore the brief brunt of the breeze on Central Ave (600 metres) then pressed on east to the cypress trees with an additional k to Beckhams bend. I had the shelter from the SSW'er for the final 2 k's of Channel but I maybe struck off Joe (not Tony's) Christmas card list giving him the head-wind shift into Coach Rd.  Intentions usually start a shift strong but reality has a cruel way of whittling down the speed soon after, Joe (not Tony's) pace pegged back at the Broken bridges by that unwavering wind.  To his credit, he soldiered on to One Tree Dam where AlmostRetiredTrev took over (but he'd almost expired by River Rd)    Jase came to the rescue with a determined push toward Mitchell Rd (it still seems foreign this way) which spared me the headwind, so my goal was a long drive as compensation.   Wishing there was more roadside trees for shelter didn't help the battle of being belted at the port-side bow but there are times when this is part of the job description.  

Grit your teeth and make the most of it. No point grizzling, it shouldn't cause too many nightmares!  Again, intentions were good but I'd over-estimated this engine's capacity to reach the dog-leg, Joe handed the hurt 200 metres shy of it.  The wind's real direction was discovered finding the draft at the back, the four of us were using all but a metre of the tarmac to gain some shelter.  Joe (not Tony) and AlmostRetiredTrev divided up the distance to Euroa Rd, Jase in charge of the drive to Archer Rd.  I'd regained enough composure (and oxygen) to do the shift to Melbourne Rd and added the short bit to Roubaix corner so Joe (not Tony) could relish the tail-wind in Raftery (I might get back on that Christmas card list?)  AlmostRetiredTrev almost made it to the kink into Conrod, Jase turning up the wick for the 1100 metres to the finish line (as all finishing straights and town lines emplore) though  I was happy to stay 2nd wheel and allow him the taste of chocolates, I'd had my fair share last week.  

3/3  A tap for Tina.

We'd resorted to swapping turns into the wind en-route to Sanctuary Drive, both Emil and I totally over this relentless wind (33 km/h gusts) that threatened to blow the paint off the bike!  It was easy for Bo, PistolPete, The Godfather and Kel to be blown to the start from the south, but a hard slog for Tina, Kreeky, Col, Grumpy and Jen to battle from the north.  Grumpy must have loved it, he'd lined up for the first shift  (martyrdom isn't dead).   Trouble was, Grumpy had yet to graduate from the PistolPete School of Driving Deportment, his opening salvo stretched the line long and broke a few off the back.  He'd called it quits crossing the truck route and gave Emil the pleasure of reaching Mitchell Rd.  Emil started strong (as expected) but the effort eased a little seeing the reality of reaching that target 2 k's ahead.  Mid 30's had plenty in struggle street anyway, the calls of some gone o.t.a. drowned out by the wind. Only when PistolPete took charge of the east drive to Central Kialla was the reality realized, the slow to let the line congregate was almost a holiday from the hurt.  All had reformed by Euroa Rd, PistolPete careful on the throttle to build up pace to River Rd.  

The southwest gusts played havoc with holding a steady line headed east, the pleas for an ease off answered as a few grappled to catch the caboose.  Kreeky was put in charge of a low 30's drive to Coach Rd while some were still catching their breath since the start-line.  Tina's solo 100 k spin into the wind yesterday was a fair reason to relax the rush.  Might it be timely to suggest a steady spin for one ride in the week? Seems all are near full throttle (or is that just me being a sook?)  I'd been blessed to be given the pace setter's job in Coach Rd with a tail-wind as a bonus, but stuck to the mid 30's anyway.  I could get used to this moderation!   Col kept the speed sweet on Boundary Rd but Bo lit up the tempo in Old Dookie Rd (how considerate with the wind whipping at our left flank!)  Grumpy redeemed his earlier thrash by heading the second echelon toward town, my eye and ear open on Jen and Tina staying connected at the tail. 

4/3  Gotta love a threesome!

Expectations were fairly low cruising Kialla Lakes on Thursday, it wasn't calm or anywhere near a balmy 20 degrees so the Wouldabeens attendance would be scant.  It seems slumber is the new training program (in readiness for their mid November comeback?)  Jase and Joe (not Tony) arrived to prove their are some with intestinal fortitude.   All being northerners, we mapped an Archer - Mitchell - Coach - Boundary - Old Dookie course, trouble was I nominated myself for first shift.....yep, into the never ceasing southerly.   It must be international week of the wind!  I'd had enough reaching Sanctuary Drive, Jase offering his services to the truck route.  (I thought he may have driven longer but with just three serving their services it pays to limit your losses)  Joe (not Tony) copped the heartbreaking k's to Mitchell Rd exposed to the elements, speed sinking in the last half k but he no doubt was heartened that was the last of it.  Consideration contained my speed for 500 metres east into Mitchell so Joe could get aboard under oxygen deprivation. Gotta take care of all the players when there's only a few!  Echeloned across the tarmac to gain some shelter had a questionable reason, it felt easier on the front than when I retreated rearward over Euroa Rd.  Jase did a long shift to the dog-leg, Joe (not Tony) and I halving the remainder to the Main Eastern Channel.   Me thinks that southwester was more southerly than that.  

Almost on cue, Coach Rd had the breeze behind, Jase providing the pace to River Rd though Joe (not Tony) revised the hurry when handed the task of captain (preserving pace for later?) Mentally preparing to face the front had to be put into fast forward when Joe's elbow beckoned me forward at One Tree Dam, that southerly the saving grace to get me to the highway.  This threesome thing isn't too bad, although it's a little off the usual pace there's a lot more work than just one or two shifts.  I felt certain Jase would drive the Boundary Rd leg to Old Dookie Rd but he bowed out at the fig farm for Joe (not Tony) to finish off the northern assault.  He braved a little of the western work too.  I was given the lead half way to School Rd.  Central Ave seemed as far into the future as my flux capacitor could be set, so I fixed focus on just a few metres ahead rather than that conscience crushing 3 kilometres on the horizon.  Over School Rd and legs and lungs were already before the performance review committee.   It was high time the Department of Enthusiasm and the Energy Council were called before the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission!  The thought of being towed into town kept me going to Central Ave.  Jase took over for the final fling but that early elbow affliction struck at Dobson's estate, Joe (not Tony) being left to toil to the truck route.  I could cruise that last k and a half to SPC, this was the Wouldabeens, not the Sanctuary squad's swift sign off.

5/3 Suffer'n southwesters!

The sound of wind whistling through the range-hood (without looking at the internet, it's about the only indicator of what the outside world is doing at stupid o"clock) was bringing on a case of  the "BeerMat's" (aka succumbing to a sleep-in syndrome), so saddle up quickly Foss, less you soften!   Mounted and moving,  I tried to fix focus on rhythm, ignoring the (sluggish) speed worked for a minute but it's a very strong magnet that pulls your eye to those kilometres per hour.  Yeah, it was a headwind yet again to the start line.  32 into 33 km/h gusts wasn't too bad (chin against the head-stem mind you!) but doing another 8 k's of it alongside Emil's enthusiasm would call on something special.  You can set your clock on PistolPete spinning a warm-up lap at 5:35, the relief to be out of the wind at Sanctuary Drive was quickly turned to the panic of thinking there'd be just Pistol and Emil fronting the start!  Wasn't it just Christmas-on-a-stick to find Col, Tina, Kel and The Godfather arriving!   

Pete set us south (and weren't we all banking on that!) so third wheel behind Emil would score me the tail-wind through Central Kialla.  I could stand 5 k's of the fast stuff if that help was coming.    Pistol's perfected the pace of the opening shift though I don't know where all that power comes from (I might need to speak with his Spanish doctor!), Emil's ever-present energy extracting an "Easy!" from the back of the bunch half way to Central Kialla .  That's good, I was beginning to re-taste breakfast.  Trouble was, Emil stayed on to head that dream shift north to River Rd.  I'd been robbed!    Given the drivers seat headed east wasn't so bad but feeling like an American riding the right (though I'll stay off the right wing of politics!) to stay friends with those in the draft echeloned behind.  Reaching the bridge without cardiac arrest prompted a little bit more, the extension to the dip judged far enough before I'd be labelled a tail-wind thief.   Col carried the crew to Coach Rd.  Kel and Tina divided duties for the three and a half k's to the pub, that wind now swinging more south southwest.  Boundary Rd's 2700 metres was covered by The Godfather and it paid to look a little further ahead than the next wheel as the variable velocities had returned.  Oh what faith we put in others as we cling just centimetres away for the tow!  But we could throw caution to the wind when working west, PistolPete had the helm and that smoothness made the struggle with the SSW'er so much easier.  Here's hoping Emil would keep the tempo tolerable beyond Central Ave, I was second wheel to his hurry!  Finding that sweet spot of the draft needed millimetre precision, just a poofteenth left or right and I'd be chewing bar tape!  It was my version of velocity when given the lead beyond the truck route, 4 kays off Emil's pace was all the toasted legs would offer!

This week  296 km      YTD  2,497 km