Trial by tempo.

 Post #595

17/4  The standard Saturday stuff.....suffering!

Expecting something social on a Saturday is the stuff of history so I knew what the Sanctuary grid would serve at 6.  Emil and I arrived at the start-line to find PistolPete the only other there.  Today's serve would be suffering!  Where was Kreeky, Bo, Col, Tina, GreatScottSteve, Kel, The Godfather, Grumpy et al when you need them?  I'd had my heart set on a long line to draft from before facing the front, now I had the horsepower of just PistolPete and Emil to deal with for eighty five minutes.  (The internal pessimist within reckoned I had the Wouldabeens as a safety net a few minutes behind if I went o.t.a.)   The Godfather's late arrival was the savior as we steered south from the roundabout.  25% less labor now.  

Feels like 1.4 was soon forgotten, focus was on surviving the speed as Pistol (naturally) led our path toward Mitchell Rd, gentle with the wattage at first, then open throttle beyond the truck route.  Emil's gesticulation broke my focus from his (grubby) seat post, a shooting star was lighting up the Central Kialla sky for what seemed like twenty seconds.  (Does that mean we were the four wise men?  I think not!)  PistolPete stayed on as pilot east to Central Kialla and if that wasn't enough, bolted himself in the drivers seat to take us to River Rd.  Emil was finally allowed the front seat to tow us east, Pete's prior big shift no doubt setting him a challenge.  My concern was contracting second wheel syndrome, being cooked before being made captain.  A southwester at 12 km/h made high 30's tolerable as Emil went beyond the dip, so eyes moved from that soiled seat stem to his elbow.  Nothing at the Angora farm and not a twitch at the quarter horse stud, Emil's effort was sure to continue to rooster corner at this rate.  At least my cardiac numbers were below the red line.  

He'd finally moved aside into Coach Rd for my opening act, that wind not so favorable now coming in at the left flank.  My shift was a juggling act of speed vs what's in the tank, so I was pleased with the pace (and not suffering a coronary) at the bridges to shift my target to the highway.  I just hoped The Godfather wasn't going to hit the boost button when he was handed the helm, I'd be using the trickle left in the reserve tank just being caboose.   There was relief in the draft of three (though a dozen would be better!) and I senses there'd be a few long drives to come before I had the struggle seat again.   The Godfather stretched his session on Old Dookie Rd to the Toaster, placed perfectly so I'd get a decent draft (I reckon his usual echelon error is just for Bo's benefit!).   Pistol was back in charge for the charge to the church and beyond, temperature trimming numbers of Cats on their cruisy cool clockwise circuit.  Pete's energy seems endless, he was still stoking the speed west on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (I won't begin to think where his battery is stored!)  No complaints from me, he delayed my distress into the drivers seat.   

Emil was given the task to tow at Boundary Rd but I was feeling the tax of being second wheel with that wind almost head-on. No sign of the shop squad in pursuit when I dared a sneak peek behind so that pressure was postponed arriving at  Lemnos North Rd.  Emil decided to stay on for an extension to his shift (my Herculean drive of 3.7 k's in Coach Rd, an eternity ago, now ranked as miniscule!), presumption telling me I'd be on duty at Grahamvale Rd, but Emil's elbow said otherwise barely a k later.  Timed to perfection for me to bear the wind beyond the shelter of the few houses and trees in Ford Rd.  The Foss fuse fizzled short now! 

Speed was sinking steadily, a head gasket likely to blow if it wasn't for the slow at the rail-line that saved me.  The Godfather towed us into town.  Work in Wanganui Rd continued as PistolPete set a speed just below Boom! beyond DECA, our shadows cast ahead by the sluggish Saturday sun just as GiantAndy led the shop squad to summit Mt. Wanganui (Rocket, Boof, Wozza, Bruce and the tenacious Lance in tow)   The Godfather's sermon of sledges began.  Heaven help anyone wanting a sleep-in in the north of town!  Laughing with legs at their limit is an unusual training regime but I could hang on to the bolt along the Boulevard to breakfast, The Godfather eventually running low on adjectives (and oxygen) when the shop squad steered toward the Lemnotree.  Us suffering Sanctuary souls sped on to the Butter Factory.  Party plans, repurposing stuff and the sad scenario of dying alone was the breakfast distraction from the legs lament of a swift Saturday spin.

19/4  Well that shattered serenity!

I'd left the Antarctic rated base layer on the hangar, saving it for the depths of July.  Monday's promised 10 had barely made it to 5 and the hunt was on for an extra  layer and the neck sock.  Winter's arriving too early!   All the rigmarole to insulate forgotten over summer had me running a little late, but that motivated muscles to make a few more watts.  Good preparation for the pace to come as it happened, the shop squad few (Bruce, Wozza and Rocket) had berthed at Sanctuary's grid beside PistolPete, Col, Tina and Emil.  5:40 struck and PistolPete struck the blow south.  The calming symphony of sixteen carbon wheels working up to speed was soon shattered at the truck route ; comedy had arrived in the form of The Godfather, and the sledges were being served thick and fast.  (Classic Rule #43.  Go on, look it up!  velominati.com)   Pete peeled off the front in Mitchell Rd for Wozza to lead us to Central Kialla, his pace quick (thankfully not to Tuesday's shop squad specifications) yet considerate to us of lesser wattage.   Bruce did similar speed north for Rocket's opening act into River Rd.  Midfield on Col's wheel wasn't a bad spot, no early efforts to endure, a chance to climatise before duty and maybe just one turn at the front if all went to plan.  But there was a right old clatter from the Campag eh Col?   

Emil took on the 1200 metres from the bridge to the dip, Col's turn open to speculation after a week on the "too crook" list. Reaching the quarter horse stud wasn't going to happen, Col's elbow was his escape clause well short of it, so my mental preparation went into fast forward for the lead role.  I managed the pace for a k but the man with a hammer had come to visit early and the head was waving the white flag too.  Tina made up for my shortcomings by towing the team to rooster corner.  Sledges were being slung at The Godfather on his drive north to the highway, but his occupation with oxygen kept the replies strangely silent.  All had driven a shift reaching the pub so PistolPete was on repeat to do the leg to Old Dookie Rd.  His super smoothness was loved by labored legs. Wozza was just as skilled with smooth to make the 3.6k leg to Central Ave less taxing,  unruffled by The Godfather's (illegible) taunts behind. Bruce took a short shift to Dobson's (seized upon by The Godfather of course) where Rocket resisted the urge to spice up the speed to silence him.  I'd reckon he'd sledge at any speed!  Emil's speciality (the sprint to SPC) stretched the legs a little more, if only to earn the hot coffee at the conclusion. 

20/4 A crowded three.

I should learn to turn down the expectations on Tuesday's and Thursday's ; what's said on WhatsApp isn't always reality on the day!   Half a dozen "yes" turned to two in the real world at Kialla Lakes roundabout.  BamBam and Joe (not Tony) were the only soldiers to front up for duty.  We'd even delayed the start in the (misguided) belief a few were running late!  BamBam faced the wind north to Channel Rd and (predictably) stayed on as captain to the truck route.  It's the done drive.  Double shifts seemed to be in season so I set my sights to reach the Kinder.  I was in Joe (not Tony's) good books handing him a tailwind start into Central Ave.  BamBam seemed occupied searching where the Giant's click click click came from, and by Jameson Rd his answer was the dreaded bindii that had injected his front Pirelli. 

The fix was fairly fast, Joe (not Tony) picking up where he left off to drive us to Channel Rd's conclusion.   BamBam scored the tail wind on Coach Rd, a subtle message from his elbow at River Rd giving me the lead.  This tail wind stuff is good, leaving enough jelly beans in the jar to drive a bit of the way west in Mitchell. I called a caution seeing distant movement at the roadside ahead, a little closer and a pair of 'roo's bounded north across the tarmac.  Joe (not Tony) aimed at reaching the dog leg but the want for watts called it quits a bit shy of the mark, BamBam taking up the task to drag us to Euroa Rd.  There's some determination needed to propel that drag co-efficient but he'd driven the 3 k's well.  I'd better show a similar effort in keeping with the spirit of teamwork.  The long haul to the highway seemed like a good idea at the time but by Dave's dip I wanted words with that optimist in my head!  My leg's reply had a few profanities!  Complaints were soon silenced seated in the caboose as Joe (not Tony) took on Raftery Rd and Roubaix corner.  Watts were well worn by Galbraith's gate so BamBam cut the atmosphere toward Arcadia Downs.  Conrod straight must be inked into my job description 'cause BamBam handed me the 1200 metre task at the kink. A bonus 15 km/h wind in my face made sure I'd earn my breakfast.  I'd reached the finish line with the tank on empty (and a pungent odour of burnt martyr to bear) so Joe (not Tony) kindly towed me to the caffeine cure.

21/4  Cool Coulda's.

The squad was sizeable at Sanctuary mid-week.  Seems the social speed has found favor....for Wednesday's at least.  Kel, Jen, Tina, Kim, Kreeky, Grumpy, PistolPete, The Godfather, Emil, GreatScottSteve, Col and Greg had gathered, Emil throwing me in the deep end by electing me to drive the first shift. At least I didn't have to make Monday's pace!  There was just enough west southwester to make the shift a chore, and with the scrutiny of a dozen behind, a mental challenge with it.  I was banking on most finding the social speed satisfactory.  (but would that standard stick?)   The line was long rolling rearward, though once back there Jen's draft was as useful as a matchstick (hasn't she turned aerodynamic in recent months) but Greg's high profile ahead carved through the "feels like 0.2" quite nicely. 

GreatScottSteve added a couple of clicks to the speedo taking us to Central Kialla, PistolPete likewise to River Rd but Kel calmed the pace to the standard. ( it's almost invigorating to have one ride at a speed less than suffering ; I might make it to the weekend now without feeling like a wrung out sock!)  

Kreeky relished his time at the pointy end, still capable of a sentence as he rolled to the rear so Col could drive us to Coach Rd.  Grumpy had made a comeback from holidays to drive the tarmac north to the pub, Greg taking an un-announced exit onto Channel Rd.  The yo-yo pace on Boundary Rd was down to The Godfather's variables (like riding a roller coaster at the rear) but PistolPete restored the rhythm west on Old Dookie.  Tina led us to Central Ave with Kim in tow but her debut in the drivers seat will come another day.  Emil was captain to the truck route at a most considerate (one might say partner pleasing) pace, Jen left to complete the circuit with a spirited drive to SPC.  

22/4  Nought but northerners.

Trying to tame the distance in preparation for a long one Saturday, I struck Friday from my schedule and chose a short and somewhat sedate spin for Thursday as therapy.  Seven k's spinning south with Joe (not Tony) and Wendy wondered if any southerners would even bother ; six degrees may well be below their limits?  Or are southerners just born soft?  Like Tuesday, a delayed start failed to find any late comers, so a course with a northern finish (the Sanctuary squad circuit) suited.  It's trial by tempo to set the opening shift ; not wanting to make enemies in the opening k's or be deafened by snores from the rear, I set low thirties as a guess for the drive to Sanctuary Drive.  With no complaints (or knives in the back) arriving at the truck route, I handed Joe (not Tony) the reigns and settled into the comfort of the caboose.  Wendy did the Mitchell Rd leg though unfamiliarity with the course and the early darkness kept the tempo tame.  Duty calls again quickly when there's just three working, there'd be none of this one-turn-then-be-towed-the-rest stuff today!  

Joe (not Tony) had the pleasure of introducing us to River Rd, towing us to the dip through the darkness.  Wendy was headed to the Angora farm, comfort aboard the Liv seemed to be somewhat unsettled but many have a peculiar perch and still provide pace.  The last two k's of River was mine to manage and a slight suggestion of a westerly was there to help but I needed to keep a lid on labor, Saturday's Ottway classic would be taxing and staying on speaking terms with these two would be beneficial ; they may be the only winter warriors left riding!  Joe (not Tony) did a shift to Channel Rd and Wendy's to Boundary's bridge so the effort was even if I led to Old Dookie Rd.  Working well into the wind, Joe (not Tony) got us to Central Ave, Wendy accepting the option to drive to Dobson's bridge but left me to lead to the essential caffeine conclusion.  

This week 259km    YTD 4,538km         

The head's handbrake on hurry.

 Post #594

10/4  Salubrious.

The addiction was famished!  I'd paid the price for taking Thursday off....preparing to ride Friday and the heavens opened.  So Saturday arrives and this junkie was now itching for a fix!  As if to make up for lost opportunities, eyes opened at stupid o'clock on Saturday, time to squeeze a few extra k's in before the 6am spin.  (Yeah, he's hooked)   The decision was Wouldabeens instead of Couldabeens today, for the social sustenance when a slightly slower speed was probably the real reason.  A loop north then south of town got a taste of the temperature and a west southwester that threatened to strengthen and a lap of the lake made amends for the fifteen minutes of premature arrival.  Feels like 8 was just a little too much like winter half way through autumn ; putting on another layer would have been sensible, just one was figured to inspire a better effort to keep warm.  

Once Couldabeens, now committed Wouldabeens  TrekTrev, Shorty, Temple, Jase, SuperMario, BamBam, AlmostRetiredTrev and Joe (not Tony) had enlisted Naomi, Crossy and Wendy to their cause, Gazza (punching well below his weight) along for Naomi reasons.  A dozen for a Saturday spin was breaking new ground and by virtue of first arrival, Jase led the line through the streets toward Sanctuary Drive.  With the peloton plentiful, I took the gamble of forming an advance line in Archer Rd, headlights casting my shadow ahead answering affirmative.  

I'd found myself alongside Crossy when Jase retired from the leadership beyond the truck route, a foreign co-pilot for me so I eased off the throttle to align wheel to wheel.  Compliance to rule #86 is just plain common courtesy.  Chirpy conversation and a dozen led's pierced the drive to Mitchell Rd though I wasn't engaging chat with Crossy too  much, he seemed keen to soak up the oxygen instead.  Westward to Central Kialla we'd absorbed CatKel into the fold (on a prologue to the Pussycats to dial up some distance) as the shifts  rolled westward, socially re-connecting with Shorty, SuperMario and Temple while being demoted down the left line.  Is it me or has darkness already crept back just a week beyond the change to eastern standard time?   

That west southwester made high thirties a breeze, though it seemed a battle for some as sentences became punctuated with a proliferation of pauses.  Temple and BamBam made progress pacy along Coach Rd but the red leds of a cruising shop squad still dissapeared beyond the horizon.  All Woulda's had served their sentences of speed (or suffering) at the business end by Channel Rd, Jase and I back at the pointy end again to drive to the highway.  Why is it me who draws the partner wanting pace?  Nine hundred meters to the pub seemed a little short for a shift so extended the effort to the bridge.  I'd shown my palm to Jase and restored a little calm for Crossy, observing the peloton's protocols on pace gets you an invite back instead of a knife in the back!  That wind had swung to a west northwester by the time we'd reached the Pine Lodge church, only catching the faces of BigBen and Cobbles in the blur of the '51 bunch crossing our path.   

TrekTrev and Joe (not Tony) dragged us to Pine Lodge Creek and Shorty seemed relieved as he handed the reigns to Jase at Boundary Rd.  Duty called for me again.  The Verney Rd route toward breakfast removes the work (and the worry) of Wanganui Rd, reverting to Indian file south as traffic complicated our course.  BamBam was stricken with speed nearing New Dookie Rd, the lure of breakfast including bacon the bait? Must have been infectious, SuperMario "in the zone" to sprint to BelCibo.   Flight simulators, vertigo and the corporate muscle of Westfarmers occupied the talk, a long black and muesli occupying the taste buds.  

12/4 Velocious!

The search was on for an extra base layer, knee warmers and gloves with fingers.   The first taste of winter had arrived Monday, and "feels like 1.5" was jumping in the deep end!  The extra effort to generate a bit of warmth soon dug into the reserves and lungs being squeezed by the chilled atmosphere had me well into zone 4.  And this was just the commute to the Sanctuary grid!  There I'd have some serious speed to deal with!  PistolPete, GreatScottSteve, Tina, The Godfather (and side-kick Greg), Emil, Bo and Kel had special guests Bruce and Wozza from the shop squad along to share in the suffering.   As sure as eggs, PistolPete led us south at 5:40 though the tail-enders took their time to get aboard.  I must have a suppressed sadism within ; I'd drawn Emil's wheel again!  

Pete considerately turned up the tempo gradually to Mitchell Rd but Emil's enthusiasm with a westerly behind dragged me into the top end of zone four early.  Mentally spent before my first shift.  It was pleasing to get back up to pace by the Central Kialla hall but disappointed seeing the curve to River Rd so far in the distance.  Up to speed, now it was about living up to expectation!   Five hundred to go and I'd set the bar too high, even the draft of a passing 4x4 wasn't enough.  A car approaching on River Rd was my scapegoat to slow ; now to pig-out on oxygen before Wozza launched west toward the dip.   A three k shift was a cruise for "the Croatian" and with Bruce as back up we were all treated to a tow to rooster corner (Still crows when its cold).  Greg was the foreigner in today's line-up, the big guy with the cadence of a Mixmaster stood out like the proverbial.  (did well for a newcomer to the addiction)  GreatScottSteve took on the role to reach the highway and Greg chose a Channel Rd exit to an early start at the coalface.   

It's easy to accept the call about traffic as gospel, but the reality is judging the coast is clear yourself.  So when silence came at the Midland it shouldn't have been a surprise to find a car almost upon us.  Why three sneaked through I don't know.  The hurried halt rattled a few but trust in other's guesswork is a fickle thing (We can be a complacent lot sometimes).  The line had regrouped by Hosie Rd for Bo to do the business north, but he'd handed the helm to Tina at the Fig farm to drag us to Old Dookie Rd.  The chore of facing the west southwester was left to The Godfather.  This would be both interesting and entertaining!  Building up the tempo carefully was kind, but riding the road's centre had the tail-enders checking the mailboxes on the north side of the road.  Bruce advanced to deliver some advice, The Godfather's raucous retort was hilarious!  PistolPete's smooth and swift shift to the truck route and Emil's energy to dash to SPC sounds like a broken record, though I reckon most of us are along for the consistency as much as the camaraderie. The pleasure of annual leave granted me the pleasure of post ride chat and caffeine, usually only possible Saturday's.

13/4  Gregarious.

About a hundred reasons not to ride flood the head when there's a hot coffee consumed and it's "feels like 1.3" outside.  Chocks away Foss, less I succumb to the lure of that warm bed!   Being a bit early out the door needed a little northern loop to absorb the surplus minutes rather than wait at the grid for any Wouldabeens.  I was guessing there'd be very few.  AlmostRetiredTrev wasn't one I was expecting (today's temperature well below his threshold) but next week's surgery has him clocking up k's before he spends a month up on blocks in recovery.  Jase and Joe (not Tony) had the commitment, BamBam's arrival right on the third stroke of six we've come to expect.  

This holiday lark allowed a lap of any distance, so the standard Channel - Coach - Mitchell - Raftery thing could be tackled without the threat of time hanging over me.  North to Channel and east to the truck route threw up a chilly challenge of four k's as my opening act, the team of slightly slower standards behind not so daunting as the Sanctuary specifications though.  Still, it was a comfort to tuck into the draft as Jase took over.  (Mmmm........I'd drawn the draft of the smallest guy again!)  Joe (not Tony) was captain from the Kinder to lead us to the cypress trees, BamBam driving to the S bend where AlmostRetiredTrev polished off the last of Channel Rd.    My second shift had a southwest breeze to work into and old habits had my aim at River Rd to the swing west; just as well I had a light globe moment beforehand to remember Mitchell Rd was this pack's preferred path.  

Jase was put in charge to guide us there, the sun struggling to rise above the fog but it put a little colour into the course.   Joe (not Tony) had the work west while I was finding comfort on the Fizik a little fickle along the testing tarmac.  It seems a longer 3 k's into a breeze to the dog leg, Joe (not Tony) halving his workload by handing BamBam the second half to get there. BamBam generously donated an extra k of towing. AlmostRetiredTrev was short of wattage to reach Euroa Rd so gave me the task, guilt giving the short shift gave me the incentive to go on to Pistol's place as a fair share.  Daylight showed us the path to Raftery Rd and I'd drawn the last half of Conrod to complete the circuit, but a sprint was cancelled due to lack of interest, the lack of temperature seemed to be the over-riding factor.  A long black at Degani gradually raised the internal temperature, chat on old age afflictions and insulation a convivial conclusion.

14/4  Efficacious. 

Stunned by the forecast of a sixteen minimum, I'd missed the prediction of early showers till the pitter patter of precipitation alarmed me readying to ride.  A peer outside, a peek of the (clearing) radar then the shower ceased;  just ride the head said, the north northeaster would dry the route to Sanctuary.  Today could see Wednesday's lap being capped at thirty five, one ride in the week at something slower than supersonic has been brewing within the ranks for a while ; there'd be some partners in the peloton along for the ride today too.  So there was a cruisy commute to the 5:40 grid with the wind behind, Emil with a cautious Kim along on her maiden weekday appearance.  GreatScottSteve had Tan in tow, Kel customarily chaperoning Bo : the rest of the grid filled with PistolPete, Tina and The Godfather. 

With PistolPete versed on pace, he led the Indian file south toward Mitchell, then took on an extra shift to Central Kialla, barely slowing for the turn east.  I was given the short straw into the wind toward River Rd and struggled to reach the new lower limit, so the call of "easy" was music to my ears for the tail-end to reconnect.   I could now get to River Rd with oxygen to spare.  The Godfather was captain for the way east, and of course he rode the centre of the road while the northerly blew the caboose into the gutter.  Bo's complaints only made matters worse, but the comedy of The Godfather's reply was first class!   Mr.Considerate Pete formed the second echelon for the four rearmost. 

 Bo restrained his enthusiasm north to the highway while GreatScottSteve and Emil served their draft to their "significant others", Kel and Tina partnering the pace to Old Dookie Rd.   GreatScottSteve was struck by the variable velocities to Central Ave (an affliction of elevation overload in the hills?), Tan retiring with him to the rear as PistolPete played pilot toward the truck route.  Pete seemed to be craving the standard speed 'cause he drew into the distance headed to SPC while Emil eased the speed for Kim (to avoid grievous bodily harm?)   This post ride coffee and chat thing is a social sweetener, and won't it be missed when the want for wages draws me back to work.

15/4  Obsequious.

Darkness and dwindling temperatures strip the Kialla Lakes grid of Wouldabeen's starters, and there's still six weeks of autumn left before winter erodes all traces of enthusiasm!  Only Jase and AlmostRetiredTrev had bothered to turn up Thursday so the slightly slower speed would be offset by more work to do at the front for the 28 k circuit.   Cloud cover probably saved us from a fate less than eight, Jase setting the wheels turning at 6. Last in line gave me several k's to harden up before doing driving duty.  No grizzles scoring the short guy again, a subtle west northwester helped us toward Coach Rd.  Jase took up residence at the rear while AlmostRetiredTrev took us to the Kinder, and as double shifts seemed to be de rigueur, I set sights on the S bend.  Jase finished off Channel Rd and took on the empty tarmac of Coach Rd to the bridges.  

AlmostRetiredTrev seemed distracted in the drivers seat, shaking the handlebars as if a puncture was perturbing his progress.  From my vantage point the rear GP5000 looked good, but by One Tree Dam Trev had called a halt.  A flat front. Bindii strikes again!   AlmostRetiredTrev has probably dealt with more punctures than I'd had hot dinners, but today the pressure (or lack of it) rattled him.  A second tube and a third CO2 cannister was successful.  Underway south again, AlmostRetiredTrev had almost retired reaching Mitchell Rd so I was blessed with the headwind westward.   Mr. Stubborn had set his goal at getting to the dog leg, maybe blinded by self confidence, but it lay 3 k's ahead.  Why I stuck to that target (when nobody knew I'd set it) I'll never know.  And wasn't I cursing that optimism with a k to go!  (Jase and Trev's draft was delightful to drag me to Euroa Rd)  AlmostRetiredTrev's tempo started sinking nearing Archer Rd, the Avanti would seem sluggish with the eighty odd psi a CO2 delivers and that would be the head's handbrake on hurry.  I did the towing to Melbourne Rd and Jase put in his performance to Galbraith's gate, the sprint struck off the agenda this time on Conrod straight, coffee at the conclusion was the craving.

15/4  Gracious.

An afternoon ride in the sunshine was as rare as finding Hollywood back on a bike, but holidays offered an opportunity to join the Doc's tribe for a tap of the Toaster circuit....clockwise a rare course for me.  I found Beery, Tina, Frizzy, Hoffy, the Doc, Keeno, Googs and the Sprinter on a search of Ford Rd for the start-line, my inclusion prompting the formation of an advance line to socialize with the wind whipping in from the west.  It's been years since swapping sentences with the Sprinter, Keeno and Googs et al, and this riding in sunshine is certainly sublime.  The turn south scrubbed off some speed as the wind stacked the pack across Pine Lodge North Rd, pouring cold water on any pretense of pace. This squad is more about the social stuff anyway.  By the luck of position in the pack I'd avoided the head wind along Old Dookie Rd but contributed my bit at the front with the Doc on Boundary Rd, treated to the blast of wind from oncoming trucks.   Quite the test to steer straight! 

The Mitchell Rd route was favored (deja vu this morning) and that westerly turned tougher to taunt us, Googs and the Sprinter driving a big turn to drag us to the dog leg but from there the shifts were shorter.  Beery seemed to struggle with speed, distracted by a persistent rattle at the rear of the squeaky clean Cannondale.  (My guess was a valve stem slapping around in a 60mm carbon rim)  A call came for calm nearing Archer Rd, Tina stuck in an insulin flat spot needing a short slow to regain composure.  Around Roubaix corner and up to Galbraith's gate the westerly became less off a bother, a little excitement brewing for speed as Arcadia Downs came into view.  The advance line had quickly failed to recruit any additions so I filled a gap growing behind Hoffy while Frizzy stoked up the speed at the front.  Hoffy searched for a gap to hide in the left line when he ran out of drive to advance, my job to find more acceleration to get around the excitable Frizzy.  (Fairly pacy for a pensioner!)  Five hundred metres to go and I'd hit the limit of labor, but from the confines of the caboose the Sprinter made a sudden comeback with Beery now primed too (The sight of a finish line unlocks previously unavailable powers in some doesn't it?)  I waited with a few rolling to the finish line to gather up the bits broken off the back, then made our way to Degani for yet another caffeine conclusion to the circuit.

16/4  Loquacious. 

There's just fragments remaining of a once big P&W bunch, so Friday's roll with the remnants (Princess, Kylie and Fee) was quite the retrospective ride.  (Hard to believe it's been nine years since a pack of Sooty, Stace, Chops, HWK, Muntzy (who could forget?), Dutchy, DrugRob, Tommygun, Fee, Meags, Simon, SOS, Princess, Comet and co would assemble at SPC).   

West into Wanganui's 5:30 darkness had a "feels like five" freshness about it, full winter kits favored by these three, not so fond of winter (and it's only autumn!)   I was already regretting the decision to brave short knicks.  

A sedate spin suited to end a big week of a several swift ones for me, a roll of recovery suiting the sentence swapping in full swing.  Princess and Kylie guided our long drive out to Boundary Rd while sociology occupied my time alongside Fee.  I was eventually put to work into the fresh southerly beside Princess for the tour toward Channel Rd, '51 forging past on their mission toward Mitchell.   A chance to serve a sledge at The Godfather northbound with the Sanctuary squad was as much fun delivering as receiving a reply!   Tri-bar aerodynamics had the girls low, Fee (typically) talking down her tempo when she's really doing rather well  (Some things don't change)  Kylie's got a half Ironman entry to keep her future motivated but Princess had only motivated himself aboard the mud encrusted Merida for the first time this week.  (His two wheeled Davidson gets more love)  A smooth spin along Channel got us back to the Lemontree for breakfast (might be the motivating factor for some to ride?), Col and Meags joining the chin wag session while having our heads toasted under the heaters.  And with a warm breakfast in the tank, doesn't that help the motivation to remount for the ride home in even lower temperatures! 

This week 376km    YTD 4,278km                 

       

The pessimist's predictions.

 Post #593

3/4 That sickening sound.

Extra concrete on the cornflakes built the bravado to head the Saturday Sanctuary crew for the first leg to Mitchell Rd, hoping my mid thirties suggestion of speed would stick.  It was Kim's maiden flight with this squad and a baptism of flat-chat wasn't the first impression to make.  Bo, Tina, PistolPete, Emil, The Godfather, Kel and visitor OutlawAndy (B-twin) hopefully hadn't dozed off while I  took time to turn up the velocity to pleasant, not punishing.  PistolPete took over for the eastern effort to Kialla Central and continued to River Rd, so far so good ; the speed stayed sane.  Tina's turn toward the bridge had Kim in tow and after a little hesitation, OutlawAndy took responsibility nearing Laws Drive.  He'll be welcomed back, setting a compliant pace all the way to rooster corner.  

PistolPete's enthusiasm showed north to the highway, but no complaints were lodged on the extra k's added to the hurry.  Kel made a concerted effort to make up time to Old Dookie Rd after a hesitation at the highway, Bo driving the three k's to the Toaster while The Godfather's chain clattered a half gear in my ear.  Quite the Di discord.   Sledges were swapped (of course) as Bo handed the helm to The Godfather.  I'd guessed (correctly) he'd go to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd in an "I can do better than Bo" response. I'd had a twenty three k holiday from the lead so arrived at the front feeling somewhat fresh, but in no great rush to get up to pace westward.  Be kind to Kim, she might bite!  

GiantAndy and Liam had peeled off the Cat pack and u-turned to hunt us down but a split second's distraction reaching for a bidon had their wheels touch.  That unmistakable and sickening sound of carbon fibre being ground against tarmac came from behind.  Careful not to be shunted, a gradual slow and u-turn found Liam on the deck and feeling the effects of the impact.   Many suspected a likely collarbone or rib breakage but paramedics were hailed for a more professional assessment.  The wait seemed endless....and the cold set it.  All the details get recounted (in an attempt to make sense of it I guess) but crashes are just part of the job when all's said and done.  We will rush about just a few centimetres apart!    

The ambulance eventually arrived and administration of the famous green stick gave Liam a little relief.  Nadine arrived soon after to ferry the stricken Scott homeward, so our ride resumed under a cloud of caution.  Pistol turned the speed up gently, quite the chill felt after twenty minutes stationary in twelve degrees.  Mid thirties eventually had the internal heaters working, OutlawAndy, GiantAndy and Emil taking their turns to tow us back into town.  Well behind agenda, the Verney Rd route to the Butter Factory was the shortest way to warmth via caffeine.  

Liam was discharged early afternoon when x-rays and scans said no broken bones.  Young and fit, he'll be back before long, faster than ever. 

5/4  Exorcising Easter's excesses.

So it wasn't just me suffering the southerly down to Sanctuary Drive.  I was beginning to think it was me making a mountain of the commute but Emil was in struggle street too (so he said ; he just doesn't show it!)   Easter Monday had attracted a good turn-up, a combination of shop and Sanctuary squads in a public holiday harmony.  Rocket, Lenny, Wozza, ChrisA and Grumpy joined Tina, PistolPete, Bo, The Godfather, Kel, Emil, OutlawAndy, Gazza, Temple and Kreeky at the grid, with all but the big engines hiding from the front.  

Twenty k's worth of southerly sought the strong.  PistolPete led the line for a hundred metres when Rocket formed the advance line alongside  (riding two rows is a strange sensation after more than a year of Covid induced Indian file)   I quickly made a b line for the left row, a longer wait till reaching the business end in an anti-clockwise roll.  Bo ahead and Kel behind wasn't a bad place to be, many of the big guns were already line astern in the advance. I could settle back for a while, out of that strength sapping southerly, socialize and psyche up for work on the front later.  

Not until half distance of River Rd did I go from demotion to promotion into the up-line.  Grumpy's wheel was now my focus, he'd joined the tail from a late arrival in Kialla Central (I'd hoped he didn't have too much enthusiasm for breakfast!)   Forties was no big deal in Coach Rd, the strength of that southerly now paying dividends.  Tina and Kel's shifts were shorter than expected, my graduation would be happening sooner than I'd thought.   Looks like my time would come on the easterly drive to the Toaster.  Kel called the roll on Old Dookie Rd's bridge and Grumpy took to the front, his wheel well ahead but I wasn't in the mood to argue Rule #86.  He could have that 700mm advantage.  I was going well (under the circumstances) and not about to blow a head gasket for the sake of a tit-for-tat battle to stay level.   

I'd survived the speed to the Toaster, Bo now alongside (and not ahead) for the drive to the church.  There's a positive air about riding in daylight rather than spearing through the darkness, the return to eastern standard time brings it's benefits......for a few weeks anyway, till the days shorten further.  It was better to go out on a high instead of murdering muscles beyond their limits so I called Bo across at New Dookie to take in the draft (and some much needed oxygen).  The holiday had inspired a longer Saturday circuit now that time wasn't the enemy.  Rocket, Wozza, Gazza, OutlawAndy, Lenny and ChrisA lined up to drive two rows west and here's me smugly being demoted down the order resting assured my driving for the day was done.  The pace picked up nearing suburbia (I'll blame the thought of getting closer to breakfast and coffee) and as if to smash my smugness, the turns were rolling quicker with it.  

Kreeky, The Godfather and Temple dragged us to Wanganui Rd with forties still on the speedos, Tina taking refuge in the left line when a turn looked likely out front.  Mr. Smug was quickly preparing for work again!  Kel rolled just beyond DECA's  test track, Grumpy and I left to do duty over Mt. Wanganui  (level this time)   I'd almost expected the swift to launch a sprint but we were left to lead to Rudd Rd.  Maybe they'd dozed off at the back?  Into that wind beside Bo toward Golf Drive emptied my jar of jellybeans.   Thoughts of coffee were my focus while legs launched a lawsuit on Rocket driving the bunch into single file along the Boulevard.  The Butter Factory provided the much needed fix, tongues tattling on 50mm wheels, life's watershed moments and Bo's vinyl addiction. 

6/4  Tuesday's tap.

Six bells had struck and it seemed BamBam was a no show.  AlmostRetiredTrev and Temple were ready to roll and choosing a circuit was almost resolved when BamBam finally appeared.  So it was (fortuitously) four to tap the Channel, Boundary and Old Dookie short circuit.  I'd been elected to drive the first shift which wasn't so daunting, the annoying southerly I'd fought to get to the grid was now assisting my speed to get to Channel Rd.  That made the expected drive to the truck route a little easier.  Temple made the 1200 metre drive to Orrvale Rd look easy.  The southerly wasn't blowing a gale but it was certainly noticeable on the open plains of the ChaCha as Temple extended his effort to the Kinder.  BamBam had drawn the short straw of the southerly on Central Ave but the 500 metres to McFadyen wasn't so taxing.  

He'd handed the leadership to AlmostRetiredTrev at the cypress trees and that put me at second wheel to the short guy.  Not so bad at a speed less than breathtaking.  The stars had aligned to bless me with the wind assisted leg of Boundary Rd when AlmostRetiredTrev handed over at the end of Channel Rd but I shouldn't get greedy in the current company.  The fig farm was far enough before I'd be accused of being Bo.   Looks like I'd be blessed with a tow home too!  Ten degrees felt colder with the chill factor thrown in by the southerly ; maybe running at less than than full throttle the internal heater wasn't up to it's usual temperature?  Muscles enjoyed a lap less laborious though.  Temple and BamBam did their bit to the truck route, AlmostRetiredTrev finishing off with a sedate spin to SPC, (usually spent at full throttle) 

7/4  Repeat as necessary (caution : may become addictive!)

There's nothing quite like slowly reeling in that red led ahead to lift your game.  A south southwester was at us again but that blinking tail-light of OutlawAndy's was a bait to spike the speed beyond the comfort zone.  The Godfather, Col, Tina, Emil, Kel, OutlawAndy and Bo cruised Sanctuary Drive with a minute to go, only PistolPete at the grid ready for his opening act.  In line at third wheel behind Emil wasn't so bad, hopefully I'd get the Mitchell to River shift and it's southerly to help my hurry.  Pete's pace was predictably quick and Emil wasted no time dragging us to Central Kialla ; time to face the front Foss and test your limits!  Keep it straight and smooth, the master of it is behind you!  (Now old boy, try to get the tempo up to spec and watch for rogue rabbits, pot-holes or anything that fell off the back of a truck in the dark, keep an eye on "cars up" and an ear open for "car back".....oh, and don't blow-up before the end of shift at River Rd!  No pressure mind you!)  The briefest of Garmin glimpses kept a tab on holding something nearing forty but eyes were averted from the revs the heart was doing.  That reality could be analysed later, not agonized over now!  

Despite the internal pessimist's predictions, I'd made it to River Rd mostly coherent and happy to hand the helm to Kel.  It took a while for the heart to get off it's high horse but by the bridge (where Tina took over) most things were back in focus.  Col headed the line beyond the dip and set about burning off his Easter excesses (egg-sesses?) but his will ran shy of reaching rooster corner.  Bo took on the shortfall and continued the drive north on Coach Rd (ain't martyrdom a wonderful thing?)  OutlawAndy's lean profile headed the pack north toward Old Dookie Rd, the snooker-table-flat stretch of Boundary Rd a little different to his native Eastern Creek.  Despite the pasting we all dish up to The Godfather, he serves up a pretty swift shift, the variables in velocity we're all accustomed to (and the comedy makes up for any inconvenience)  Like most, I was ready for the surge that signs the end of his shift.  PistolPete restored rhythm for the 2800 metres to the truck route while I opened the reserve tank ready for Emil's exertion  to SPC, what's become a habitual hurry to get to coffee.

A day off the bike Thursday then rain Friday ended the week very peacefully! 

This week 205km  YTD 3,900

                 

The spasms of speed.

 Post #592

27/3  Saturday succotash (the suffering sort!) 

Expecting a sociable spin may have been my downfall.  The usual small band of Sanctuary starters (PistolPete, Tina, Emil, Bo, The Godfather and Col) assembled for the 6 am launch and I'd joined the back of the line as PistolPete started the spin south.  A north northeaster had us to Mitchell Rd with little delay.  (the next 23 km would put us to work into it)  

All was well seated in the caboose, Emil's effort east to Kialla Central was the usual strain (or is that just me belly aching?), Col's drive to River Rd at a decent rate of knots too.  That wind mustn't be what it seemed.  The flat 6 km stretch to Coach Rd (with that little 2 metre dip in the middle) was started by Bo, the wind whipping across the flat-lands now a little more noticeable.  Bo reckoned he had nothing retreating to the rear at the bridge.  Tina did her bit to the dip, The Godfather driving long to Coach Rd (with the tail in the gutter of course!)

And wasn't I placed well ; due for my first turn into the wind with PistolPete's pace to catch when I'd finished (I'd better stop dwelling on it and start driving it!)  The work at the front tends to be masked in the draft, into the drivers' seat and reality hit hard.  It's disappointing to barely get the Garmin to 37, frustrating that the engine room wouldn't supply more.  Was that PistolPete yawning behind while I squinted to see the Broken bridges in the distance?  There comes a point when you know driving any harder will tip you into zone 5 and the tank will run empty, weighed with the need for some strength to catch the caboose when PistolPete took the reigns.  Within metres of the bridges my elbow made the decision for Pete to pass. Col's advice of "hit it" was wise, watts I didn't know were there were spent to find Pistol's 41 km/h pace.  Inadequacy filled the pre-frontal cortex as the tarmac blurred to the highway, Emil was due next so hurt was today's main course.  Just that moment off the gas at the intersection was heaven, and Emil's steady build up to speed beyond the pub was appreciated by lame legs.  The heart rate was slowly climbing down off it's high horse, the smooth tarmac to the fig farm adding some psychological ease, so normality was making it's return when Col did his turn to the Toaster.  Bo turned up the comfort by turning down the tempo to the Pine Lodge church, Tina's turn a short one to the rail-line where The Godfather returned to duty.  I had high hopes the north northeaster would err on the easterly side for the long leg back to town  (tell him he's dreamin'!)  

Second wheel syndrome had my numbers rising as The Godfather's enthusiasm elevated, how long he'd be hero at the front was anyone's guess!  He did have a spare breath to pass on his kindest regards to the Cats as we crossed paths at the Pine Lodge Creek.  The wait until he'd called it quits at Boundary Rd seemed an eternity, I felt well and truly slow roasted when given the task at the front.  Teamwork echoed through the skull to give it a go, but messages of murder from the muscles were drowning that out. Any though of reaching the main eastern channel were abandoned 200 metres shy, catching the caboose became the new priority. There was a whole world of hurt to catch the caboose when PistolPete added 5 k to the tempo, his status as a nice guy was before the review committee till he'd finished his hurry at Lemnos North Rd.  A drop of 5 bpm gave me slim hope of holding on as Emil kept the speed simmering to Grahamvale Rd.  Col's drive to Verney was sustainable but the lights of the pursuing shop squad were closing in.   That was a red flag to Bo when he took the captaincy.  We'd almost had the line together after crossing Numurkah Rd when the shop squad swept by, but Bo bolted to catch their draft  (have  Saturdays become all about suffering or do I need to sprinkle even more concrete on my breakfast?)  Thoughts of abandoning ship were at the forefront as 47 showed on the speedo at DECA, so when Tina peeled off the procession I needed no convincing, we could keep company with a combined o.t.a!  Settling for mid 30's and sharing the workload got us to the Butter Factory just as the others had seated.  The culinary refinement of maple syrup on baked beans, vets propensity for highway robbery and Col's curse of coriander kept the conversation interesting over breakfast.

29/3  Monday Mass.

Plenty of led's lit Sanctuary Drive in the dark of Monday morning and that almost guaranteed there be just one turn for most of the mass.  GreatScottSteve made a welcome return to the grid, joining The Godfather, PistolPete, Col, Tina, Bo, Emil, Kreeky and Kel who'd lined up for 5:40 labor.  I don't need to tell you who led the line to Mitchell Rd, but I'd started third wheel behind Col so it wasn't diving in the deep end ; there'd be ten minutes or so to prepare for pain.  Good news?  No wind!  

I got the two k leg through Kialla Central to River Rd, pancake flat with a tarmac smoothed by lots of daytime traffic.  Despite that, I was well into hard labor with almost 600 to go and wondering where the wattage would come from when the holler of "truck back!" saved me.  The wait for the B double to pass seemed to drag on, but the draft was well worth it when it arrived.  It almost made my turn worthy!  GreatScottSteve fronted River Rd, a little tame to begin with but he'd turned up the traditional tempo by Jarram Way. Of course, the bridge wasn't far enough for GreatScottSteve, the dip was his target (all this Mt. Beauty stuff has him hunting hills!)   One long drive deserves another and who better to drive it than Kreeky.  All the way to Coach Rd if you don't mind!  

It's become traditional that the shop squad few intercept us at rooster corner, just Wozza and Rocket today joining the line for a tow home (conserving their wattage for tempo Tuesday?) as Bo made his movement toward the highway.  8 degrees was a touch cool but it was a comfort to have a full moon give us some vision beyond the headlight's beam.  Kel and Tina shared the distance to Old Dookie Rd while Emil prepared for his shift west.  We'd be spared a spanking today,  the Giro Della Donna's 131km with 2700 metres of elevation had softened him yesterday.  And soft enough for him to call it quits just shy of School Rd.  The Godfather lapped that up, full throttle (but still with his trademark variables) to Central Ave as some form of payback for Emil's earlier efforts.  (or was the red led's of Vince and the Rabbit causing him the spasms of speed?)  The procession split at Central for approaching traffic, though Pistol captained the pace perfectly to get the dozen back in order for the drive to town. I was getting close to the business end again but fear not Foss, Col had the bit between his teeth to get the speed spicy to SPC. I was spared that second shift after all. 

30/3  Fresh four-play.

Feels like five was a none too subtle reminder that those testing months of winter are near, so the expectation meter was turned way down on the way down to see which Wouldabeens would turn up to Tuesday's grid.  Motivation had only gripped Temple, Jase and Joe (not Tony), the best you could expect from this mob when weather is less than perfect.  (At this rate I'll be riding solo in a couple of weeks!)  Temple chose the Archer Mitchell Coach and Channel circuit and headed the first shift south, not realizing a south southwester (17 km/h) was at work.  Spent at Sanctuary Drive, he retreated rearward.  Jase did the duty to the truck route so I had the third leg to Mitchell ; not bad with a few trees to hide from the wind but a real test out in the open.  I was certainly in Joe (not Tony's) good books handing him the reigns without that wind in his face.  I guess limited time on the bike shortened his shift a little shy of Euroa Rd.  

Temple had time to recover from the breezy baptism of first shift and drive well into Mitchell Rd but Jase was the one with handfuls of horsepower to drag us another two k's east.  He'd set a standard I felt obliged to keep.   The dark didn't help and the eastern end of Mitchell is not so familiar, so aiming at reaching Coach Road was a stab in the dark.  Eventually the reflection from road signs at the main eastern bridge showed the end was nigh, so Joe got my vote to lead us north.  Even with the breeze at his backside he chose a slightly slower speed to River Rd ; Temple diplomatically holding position behind.  There's little to gain denying a guy a turn (even if the speed sinks a little), at least he's out there having a go and not cringing in the caboose.....or snoozing in bed for that matter. (no names inferred or implied!)  Temple carefully wound up the work to Channel Rd, an eye kept on Joe (not Tony) to see that he stayed aboard.  I was expecting that south southwester to throw up some resistance to our path west toward town though Jase set a decent speed to the S bend, it felt more southeasterly when I was given the task of tempo at the front.  Joe (not Tony) was given the lead role at Central Ave and the ChaCha's smoothness didn't do him any favors, speed slowly sinking by Orrvale Rd where Temple took on the task. My job was to guide the northerners homeward through the seven a.m. rush hour.  

31/3  Visitors with velocity.

I hadn't realized it was International Year of Driving into a Southerly.  I'd reckon I'd count on one hand the days it wasn't!  Still, it's good preparation for the Sanctuary speed ; left to my own devices I'd crawl to the start-line then grizzle about the speed (we've had our fair share of that I think!)   By sheer luck I'd drawn last wheel in the line-up as you-know-who started the procession south, so I'd have a long wait in the wings before I'd need full throttle.  

Col, Tina, Bo, PistolPete, Kel, The Godfather Emil and Kreeky were lined up ahead and yet again, I'd got Emil's wheel and energy to deal with.  While Col, Kreeky and The Godfather did their thing I was slowly shuffled up the order, each shift ramping up the effort as the draft slowly diminished.  It might just be better to get the tough stuff over and done with early when you think about it, a bit of torture to begin then a tow all the way home.  (I'll bet it wouldn't turn out that way!)  The Godfather did his fluctuations to the dip so naturally Bo had to equal the effort, a lengthy labor to Coach Rd to go one better.  Eyes were on four southbound lights about to intersect rooster corner as we were due ; it was the shop squad again (Trav, Lance, Boof and Wozza) come to join our party.   Normally joining the rear, a gap was opened to let them in with a truck about to pass us.  Kel put in her two bob's worth toward the bridge but called it quits a little beyond One Tree Dam, Tina made it over the bridges but ended her effort there.  I was mentally ready for Emil's charge but the legs were none too happy with his charge into the forties to the highway, so was somewhat toasted before my turn was started.  It's only 1200 metres to the Boundary Rd channel from the pub but that's all the muscle I could muster.  Preserving pace was paramount so Boof was beckoned to the front to drag the dozen to Old Dookie Rd. I struggled to see who'd taken the captaincy into Old Dookie Rd but the spicy speed narrowed the choice, so it made sense when Wozza peeled off the front at School Rd.  His roll rearward succumbed to the sledges of The Godfather of course.  Lance continues to push his boundaries with the shop squad and did well to keep the pace to Central Ave.  Trav mastered the drive to the truck route without dislodging any crew, Col conversely had heads down to SPC in a fast finish. 

1/4 Therapeutic Thursday.

A prologue 'round the golf course loop is about as riveting as a conversation with Sly but it got a few k's clocked prior to what was likely to be a short Wouldabeens lap. That's if any Woulda's turned up!  A slower spin has proved therapeutic in what seems like a week's worth of riding on the rivet.  Just BamBam and Wendy fronted the roundabout, the course consensus confirming Channel - Boundary and Old Dookie suited all.  A none-too-taxing tap would be my perfect prescription. It may have been a trial for these guys so I'll play fair; who needs more enemies!  BamBam provided the (ample) draft up Archer Rd and across to the truck route so I took note of his tempo to set mine the same when given the job at the front.  Wendy was put in charge to Orrvale Rd, darkness and an unfamiliarity with the course showing as a discomfort in her drive.  I was gifted the svelte surface of the ChaCha for my opening act, how supple our derriere's would become riding this stuff constantly!  (I'll name it as "Beach Rd bum"!)  A sense of doing a decent shift drove me to the cypress trees.  Others may have benefited from a longer tow.  Back into the draft it was a delight to tap along in the midst of zone 3 and not be hurtling along at the hair-trigger of going o.t.a., cussing with a dying breath at whoever was whipping me with their wattage.  This pleasant pace rekindles the passion.....till life at the limit begs again!  (probably tomorrow!) Wendy was guided on the straight and (not so) narrow of Boundary Rd while I waited for the elbow that says "enough", her speed smooth and steady up and beyond the fig farm where I wondered if I'd missed her cue? Maybe she hasn't had the elbow education?  (Rule #3 for those new to this addiction)  At a speed quite shy of supersonic, I could drive the 3 k's of Old Dookie Rd to Central Ave, sneaking the speed up just a tad toward town.  BamBam endorsed the extra effort on his drive to the truck route, the usual swift shift to SPC swapped for a more comfortable and constrained conclusion. 

2/4  Is Friday, is good!

The public holiday Good Friday allowed an extended ride ; the usual Sanctuary spin stayed (although starting at a more civilized 6am) with an intermission at Noble Monks to then start a charitable lap in support of the Royal Children's Hospital Appeal.    The shop squad  (Rocket, Wozza, Liam, Boof, Trav and Nev) with Machine Steve as special guest, joined team Sanctuary (The Godfather, PistolPete, TrekTrev, Tina, Bo, Emil and Grumpy), a bigger congregation than we've had since pre-Covid times.  With that sort of attendance, two rows rotating made more sense, another habit thought lost to the history books.  Surprisingly, speed had settled in the mid 30's, preserving a little holiday atmosphere in the introduction.  That rare chance to ride and chat with a team mate alongside rekindled memories of old, even the big guns like Rocket and Liam were soaking up a relaxed pace.  

Entertainment was, as always, provided free of charge by The Godfather.  (I had the noisiest part of the pack perched on his wheel!)  Missing the starting gun by a minute, Kreeky had used the Channel Rd shortcut to intercept us just as I advanced to do duty over the highway.  Why the work at the front was such a struggle I don't know, but the Boundary Rd bridge was my limit, finding more to match Grumpy for part two of the shift as speed crept into the high 30's wasn't going to last long either.  Grumpy must have heard my gasps, offering an early roll at the fig farm  (Gratefully accepted!)    Plenty of volunteers lined up for their contribution so I could relax and recover in a lengthy tow.  The weekday route was swapped in favor of a Lemnos-Cosgrove, Ford, Wanagnui and Boulevard conclusion, figuring this would make our Noble Monks arrival right on coffee o'clock.  There was a lot of reminiscing on laps of old and the restorative effects of a relaxed roll (could this see the rebirth of the social Saturday smoothie?  Seems consensus has it!) Pace was well behaved on Ford and the entertainment continued to amuse, there was no supersonic sprint on Wanagnui Rd, even the Boulevard was cranked at a form of calm.  A pleasing prologue of 53 k's.

(Panorama photo thanks to Dippa)

The Wouldabeens (Temple, AlmostRetiredTrev, Laura, SuperMario, Goose, YoungJack, Weapon, Gazza and Kenworth), a few Goats, several of the Addams family, a few free agents and one Cat (charitable lot they are!)  assembled for the 8am ride, Machine Steve and I given the task to guide the masses out of town for a Verney, Ford, Lemnos-Cosgrove- Boundary and Channel Rd lap.  

The large Couldabeens contingent had a stranglehold on speed, the pace set at moderate considering a few at the rear would be at their limit.  The tsunami effect of a big bunch is something I haven't missed.  Should I (strangely) thank Covid for forcing the pace-line comfort on most of us?   Blue sky and sunshine as the temperature crept to 16 made a magnificent climate to ride, a treat that wouldn't last much longer unfortunately. The pack worked clockwise on the course with a few brave souls from slower factions venturing forward to contribute, some happily stuck to the caboose for the free tow. 

As some made their way homeward in town, many Couldabeens chose an epilogue of Archer, Mitchell and Raftery Rd's to round out a hundred.  Sledges and speed were on the increase in the southern loop, a little steam blown off in the sprint in Conrod for good measure.

This week 353km    YTD 3,696km