2022 ; 59kg of chocolate cake

 Post #678

Yet another year over and the 20th on a bike about to begin.  I think it's referred to as a long-term addiction! (safe to say, I reckon I've kicked the smoking habit now)  

Thankfully the year's been upright, mostly repeating the usual local circuits with an odd lap in Daylesford, Melbourne, Castlemaine and Cobram here and there.  No events though, and that's a first (might get that back on the 2023 agenda).   Avoiding the usual Strava data we get on the years' addiction, rain stopped play on 34 days, a lack of motivation took 19 days off the playlist (add the usual Sundays) and back pain was a pain in the sit site for a week. 

2022 was a year of those 3 chasing terriers in Archer Rd, pot-holes the size of craters, the cow in the middle of a foggy Boundary Rd (28/5), floods, roadworks on Channel Rd, Ms Angry on the Butter Factory's footpath (surely a Karen!) and 36 days of 3 degrees or lower (my measure of real cold) that broke the record on all prior winter chills.  Not forgetting those relentless southerlies (usually en-route to Sanctuary Drive) and dead worms stuck to the bike through Winter. 

6 tyres and umpteen tubes (yes Emil, I've heard of tubeless!), 3 chains and a new Dura-Ace crankset kept the bike going, the engine managing 300 k's a week (13,230 for the year).   By Strava's algorithm, that's 219,952 calories worth.  59.2 kg of chocolate cake gets it into focus!  

Most of this two wheeled habit was with the considerate circus called Couldabeens, tolerating my dramatics as I try to keep pace (explains the calories consumed?)   Jen made her comeback, Lance and young Liam hit the deck, GiantAndy made a mockery of 3 Peaks, Greg Tour de Cure'd, Wozza did his back, a few contracted the spicy cough, LiamM and Lili caught the Couldabeens disease, new bikes for Molly, The Godfather, Greg, Trav and Lili (Lenny got a "new" 90's Cannondale) and Jen got new wheels.   The shop squad tore up the tarmac till Winter when Coulda's clans combined to tough out the temperature together. The side project Squirrels started their second year.  

Thanks one and all for the camaraderie, the laughs, the motivation (dragging me out of bed at stupid o'clock) and the therapy that this addiction brings.  Let's keep 2023 upright.  May the tail-wind be with you! See you on the road somewhere. 

A ventriloquist's trick?

Post #677

24/12 Seeking Santa.

An early chase to catch Wozza, Rocket, Boof and Byron was worth it for the free tow to Saturday's start, the draft a relief from facing the front in Archer Rd for the 482nd time! (Strava's segment records tell me I'm wearing out the tarmac).    The early Christmas gift of a 35 km/h slipstream made for a quicker commute; fingers crossed the bunch speed wouldn't be proportionally faster?  Festive attire was Saturday's dress code and many had conformed; PistolPete, Kim, Nev, Troy, Jen, Emil, Bruce, Rocket, Lenny, The Godfather, Tina, Grumpy, Lance, Trav, the 5ft Ninja, Greg and Bo lining Sanctuary Drive's edge in their festive finest.  Naturally, PistolPete commenced proceedings south, his sizeable Santa hat no handbrake on his velocity to Mitchell Rd.  

A slight south southwester wasn't cooling The Godfather in a full festive suit and Troy's tinsel was rubbing him up the wrong way.  Baubles, festive tunes and frivolity hadn't slowed the tempo from 38's though 15 degrees and the breeze (almost in our favor) kept things comfortable along River Rd.  The procession had sorted horsepower into appropriate groups (by chance?); Alpha males driving the train and those more meek in muscle arranged for a later appearance at the front. I was very confident of tempo being tamed when I reached the business end!  Tina ahead might calm the hurry but Lenny behind is in a different league.  Boof's nephew Byron needed guidance on the unfamiliar course but for most of us, this is very familiar territory (1147 attempts at the Broken River Blast might hint at my addiction).  Trav and Nev set the pace north on Boundary Rd.  A loud clunk of a chain onto the 11 signaled The Godfather's determination to equal Bo's drive toward the Toaster, the two terrors locked into a schoolboy-like battle for supremacy (these two need to be separated!)   

Camouflaged by long grass at it's roadside, New Dookie Rd's approach begged some caution, but Nev played forward reconnaissance.  Summer's usual northeasterly's promise help on the way homeward along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd but today, strangely, a southwester would make us earn our breakfast. There was enough horsepower within the pack to make us earn it anyway! Jen, Tina and Kim got their time at the front on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd with orchards sheltering them from the southwester, Tina and I in charge for the last k to Lemnos North Rd.  Ford Rd was part two for me to pair with Lenny, though 35's must have fouled his spark plugs with just a k covered.  Without so much as a micron of movement from my elbow, he rolled across and co-piloted with Pistol, picking up the tempo to 38's again.  

I made a note in the diary for Sunday to recover. 

Wattage assembled at the front again nearing suburbia and the chat soon silenced, heads went down and cadence went up for the watts wanted in Wanganui Rd.  How timely that those of weaker wattage were near the back - their only task was to hang on!  Speed was raised diplomatically on the Boulevard as the line lengthened turning Indian file, a decent draft for those of us down on the lower rungs of the labor ladder to keep in touch.  Acceleration out of Tarcoola's roundabout opened gaps at the back; Kim was losing grip of the caboose and several ahead had raised the white flag of defeat so I had a sense of purpose to gather up the pieces to tow them to the town hall.    Origami, hills vs flat, and what to do with dozens of worn out 52 metre long carbon fibre wind turbine blades kept conversation bouncing across the breakfast table.

26/12 The Boxing Day ballast.

Hoping the wheels wouldn't buckle under the load of yesterday's Christmas lunch (I really didn't need that extra two slices of turkey or the piece of Mum's pavlova on top of the plum pudding did I?).  The bike seemed sluggish on the roll to Tarcoola; let's hope Monday's start line was as sluggish as me, but I'll bet Bruce, Kel, Troy, PistolPete, Emil, Bo, BamBam, Lenny, The Godfather and Greg weren't!  (BamBam tucking into PistolPete's draft hinted he was stalling driving duty till later).  Troy wasn't afraid to co-pilot Pistol to Mitchell Rd and Emil's always eager for an early effort (he and Troy had plenty of hurry to Central Kialla).  

I had no complaints following Greg into the advance line half way along River Rd, 6ft 3" worth of slipstream was sparing me a lot of effort to hold 38's toward the quarter horse stud; I just hoped he'd be charitable when we teamed at the business end.  I doubt BamBam behind would punish me on part two.  Inseparable villains, The Godfather and Bo kept legs busy aimed at Coach Rd though Kel (feeling a bit dusty?) seemed to struggle alongside Greg to rooster corner.  (I'd make her turn look awesome)!  Paired with Greg bound for the Broken, I had a hint of northeaster as a handbrake although Greg was considerate keeping a lid on his horsepower.  

I called half time at the bridges and gladly accepted BamBam's apology when he called a short shift.  I completely understand that delivering a drive to others expectations 'aint always possible (and BamBam's fitness regime probably wasn't helping any sort of hurry).   He rolled across at Channel Rd with PistolPete playing diplomatically to the highway.  I soaked up the substantial slipstream.  A lot were looking forward to that northeaster easing the effort on Old Dookie Rd.  There was no surprise hearing of others over indulgence at  Christmas lunch but it hadn't slowed many from their usual velocity (I'd avoided the bathroom scales fearing the number would be a huge handbrake for the head).    

Bruce and Lenny led 9 toward suburbia, Bo applying the brute force on the squirt to SPC.  Finding caffeine for the post-ride recovery proved difficult with most cafes closed for the public holiday, the Scottish option only reinforced why the Butter Factory's favored.

27/12 Cruisy Tuesd'y.

The promise of a quiet tap made the motivation to get out of bed easy; the chance to clock a few k's below the thrash threshold is a rare thing (might be the company I keep?).  With only Tina, Emil and Kim at the shop, there'd be more than the usual one or two appearances at the front but a discount on speed should make it manageable.  

As sure as PistolPete pilots from Sanctuary Drive, Emil headed the first leg to the truck route at a considerately calm 32. Most squirrel starts are at full steam to stay at second wheel, so I'd almost shunted the La Pierre toward Kensington.  I was handed my standard Doyles to Orrvale shift, detecting the beginnings of an east southeast breeze, but at 15% off the regular pace there was plenty to take on the extra leg to the Kinder.  Sticking to the set speed was a good career move, Emil wasn't in the bad books, why should I be?  This steady tap at zone 3 wasn't half bad and enjoying a little sunrise scenery beats the blurred image at full steam too.  Kim had a grin like a Cheshire cat sustaining a shift under the red line to the cypress trees and Tina seemed to be in heaven driving long to Coach Rd.  Today was a good chance to fine tune the smooth drive (rather than be on the rev limiter) and build the endurance for the times we spin solo. 

 Just try sticking to a speed allowing just half a k variation; a test tougher than it sounds (particularly for the length of Bells Armstrong Rd!)  

Emil was back at the helm for Boundary Rd and a public holiday allowed a course via the Toaster as a change from the same old same old.  I got the eastbound bit of Old Dookie and that east southeaster as encouragement! (not so stressful with that discount on velocity)  North to the church was under Kim's command, Tina taking us to Lemnos-Cosgrove, though I caught a whiff of another epic effort from Emil thinking of the tailwind toward Lemnos.  

Pace could get a bit spicy with wind up the exhaust pipe but Emil showed great restraint keeping a cap on 34's. (Wonder what the reason was? Was he made an offer he couldn't refuse?)  If speed had a limit, distance didn't 'cause Emil had sights set on reaching Lemnos before I got another go (at least I wasn't cooked at second wheel)   A moments pause on Ford for Tina to tweak the blood sugar levels and I got the 3k drive to Grahamvale.  Kim did the driving to Verney and surprise, surprise, was allowed to spin south to Balaclava without one of Emil's take-over bids. He got the push of the pedestrian button though; that's not part of Kim's KPI's.

28/12 Nice northeaster.........not!

Hadn't seen KnightAndy for ages and he'd brought reinforcements to the mid-week spin. (KnightPaul).   The more the merrier (debatable) to battle Wednesday's nasty northeaster (17-30 km/h) and 24 degrees at stupid o'clock would raise a sweat too.  Emil, Lenny, Greg, Kim, PistolPete, Bo, Tina, Kel, The Godfather, Jen and the 5ft Ninja assembled to share the suffering around, PistolPete providing a lesson in labor to Mitchell Rd (tailwind enthusiasm?)  Heaven was now closed, the hurt was to come.  

With a little concrete in my constitution, I braved an early entry into the advance line while Emil partnered Pistol at the front; a quick calculation guessed I'd be with Lenny somewhere eastward on River Rd and that sounded easier than being hammered on a northbound shift.  KnightPaul had plenty of horsepower to drive north through Central Kialla, guided by KnightAndy (almost a local) along unfamiliar ground.  Paul's handy on hills I'm told so coping with this wind on pancake flat ground might be like climbing Hotham?  Torture time came for me at River Rd's bridge though Lenny was lenient, even offering a discount on part one to roll across a bit before the dip (I realised the reason quickly; that wind was brutal coming across the portside!) Tina was team-mate for part two so I could take a k or two off the tempo (I didn't count on her staying so long at the front with my tank running dry).   

Jen and The Godfather downgraded my drive to dismal as they powered toward rooster corner.  Greg and The Godfather fronted Coach Rd, needing a little encouragement to get the tail-end out of the gutter, me not so keen to transition to the advance line from the shelter of the left.  The Butter Factory's later opening at 7 prompted a Saturday circuit (the distance of no appeal to Jen, Tina and Kim who used Boundary Rd as a shortcut to Lemnos-Cosgrove) so the Knights steered us east toward the Toaster.  Was it wind or humidity that had me in zone 5 sitting in 3rd wheel?  Lenny saved me from facing the headwind by leading north to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd but while I eased for all to get into line from the turn west, KnightAndy and Lenny had bolted ahead.  Andy was keen for conversation but being in zone 5 had me speechless to Pine Lodge creek.  The Godfather must have taken pity to stay alongside till Boundary Rd but when Bo rolled to the front, the half wheeling with The Godfather began.  41's was the new normal.  

Sustained 170's was taking it's toll (if I used the 220 minus age equation and discounted 10%, my limit should be 140!) but going ota wasn't an option, stubborness kept me glued to The Godfather's wheel.  Shenannigans calmed to 38's for Ford Rd but recovery seemed to be weeks away.  Legs like jelly secured me a place at the back in Wanganui Rd when 40's came back into fashion (but the bright side was that GiantAndy was with the shop squad).   I had little left at Rudd Rd's end so something had to be pulled from the hat when the Boulevard bolt was activated.  The magic was that I stayed in touch to Knight St, but became disconnected in Marungi.  Caught 'em at Welsford's lights though. 

29/12 A civilized spin. 

Half the temperature of yesterday and the wind had about-faced; why should we get consistency?   That's boring!  With Emil away, squirrels could play a peaceful lap, though only Tina, Jen and Lili took the advantage.  

After yesterday's thrash, this would be therapy.  The first shift was mine to drive, a south southwester not so inviting on the starboard side to the truck route, but there I could hand the reigns to Jen.  How civilized to enjoy a tow after a turn at zone three.  Lili was the odd one out today (more odd than riding at stupid o'clock?) on a tri-bike; the three month old Liv had failed with a fractured frame. Easily managed standard shifts built confidence to face the front, Lili and Tina completing their first contribution by the cypress trees so round two started for me earlier than usual.  Fronting up on a different shift broke the usual routine.  No objections to driving north with the south southwester (19-26 km/h) in our favor, all shared the pleasure at the posterior before work began for the way west on Lemnos-Cosgrove. 

Tina and Lili divided the distance to Lemnos so yet again, Ford Rd's first 3k's was mine to drive.  That civilized standard made it pleasant (for a change).  Jen did the Grahamvale to Verney bit but shied from the long leg to Balaclava Rd with the wind head-on.  Hats off to Tina driving the distance (unchallenged for the lead made a change!) to reach that (always) red light.  The pedestrian button was left alone, that's Emil's job! 

30/12  A Friday friendly.

Wrung out like a damp sock by weeks end, a slowish spin to Sanctuary Drive got the head in the right space even though the legs didn't want a bar of it. (Nothing a new engine wouldn't fix!)     If this Friday was fast, Foss would be f...........

A few had headed for the hills so the starting grid was a little light on at 5:39, The Godfather, Tina, Troy, Kim, Lenny and Greg led south by Pistol and Emil as 5:40 struck.  No point trying to get a late shift today, nine in the bunch would mean driving would be due soon; I just hoped for a compassionate co-pilot!  Luck had me avoid the south southeaster so all other directions should be easy, right?    Bo's absence meant The Godfather wouldn't be antagonized and many of the big guns were away expending energy into elevation so speed had settled into something like social.  The caboose had no squatters and all advanced for some sort of contribution to the average speed, me joining the advance onto Kim's wheel headed to River Rd with Troy on mine.  (The lad's in fine form but as far as I was concerned, he could save it to serve with the shop squad!)  Tina and Kim captained the bunch to River Rd's dip and pairing with Kim, I said "Call it when you're done" (here's me thinking a short shift was on the cards).  

That call was questionable when she was still delivering decent pace beyond the quarter horse stud........and saying nothing.  Feeling slightly toasted, I still had part two with Troy to drive.  Music to my ears when Kim called it quits half a k on though Troy's focus ahead seemed fixed on reaching rooster corner (haven't heard the bird of late, maybe he was Christmas dinner?)   Without many dramatics or Chewbacca impersonations, I made it to Coach Rd and lapped up the breeze at the backside to be towed north.  

Despite a quick 230 k's yesterday, Emil seemed eager to advance and head the way to Old Dookie Rd ('aint youth a wonderful thing?) with Pistol as his partner in pace.  The Godfather, Lenny and Greg still had their part two to play so confidence grew to join the advance again; safe to say my legs of dough might not be asked to deliver a drive again.   The Godfather's clear and concise call of "Clear!" at Central Ave must have been a ventriloquist's trick, the speed still social to the truck route under Greg and Lenny's watch but Emil's enthusiasm knows no limit when he stole the lead role and turned up the velocity to SPC. 

This week 335km

YTD 13,163km                          

A brutal baptism

Post #676

17/12 Ladies and gentlemen.

The pressure of pace was off when Emil sided with the shop squad, keeping up with the lad just on the commute is turning into a workout on it's own!  Though thinking Wendy might ease the pace to Sanctuary Drive was wishful thinking; she's on a mission!  (I guess I'd be well warmed up for bunch pace).    Jen, Tina, Kim, Molly, the 5ft Ninja, Troy, Lance, The Godfather, PistolPete and Greg's arrival at the grid seems to have settled the Saturday factional division, PistolPete and Troy doing the honors of first shift south.  Position in the pack wasn't of great concern with a fair mix of femmes and fellas playing fair.  Fourth wheel in River Rd as Greg and The Godfather led us out of the dip might mean a bonus of scoring a tailwind on Coach Rd. if I kept my fingers crossed.  The Godfather called it half time at the quarter horse stud and rolled left for Molly to face the music (though The Godfather wasn't easing the effort for anyone.  Diplomacy wasn't in his dictionary).   

Molly struggled to draw alongside, determination not enough to drive the legs to The Godfather's standards and that would have raised the white flag in her head.  She retreated to his slipstream and Kim went into battle.    She had some success in levelling wheels, but an unrelenting tempo soon wore the watts down.  Kim called it quits and joined Molly in respite.  Tina tried next and stuck to her guns to reach rooster corner then prepared to continue on Coach Rd if The Godfather showed a little compassion. (Yeah, as if!) Tina retreated to the draft too. There were some gentlemen in the group though. 

Despite the quick succession of shifts in a kilometre, I did get my tailwind turn headed to the bridges but The Godfather was still stoic in his speed. (I guess an unrelenting tempo keeps the standards high but a little sympathy might foster some faith)   I'd hoped I'd be allowed to call half time at the Broken 'cause the highway would be my limit; lucky I was given permission then had Lance alongside for part two. His standards were slightly slower (cheque's in the mail Lance!) but had expended enough effort by Channel Rd.  PistolPete stayed level with Lance to the highway (nothing wrong with respect for your elders, especially when they're wanting watts)  Pistol and Troy started round two on Boundary Rd and that equation of watts and wind meant pace got perkier.  The Ninja seemed be relishing the standards set and jumped at the challenge to drive Old Dookie Rd to the Toaster.  (She's risen a rung or three since separating from the squirrels).  Molly, Tina and Kim got a proper turn at the business end, free from The Godfather's pressure, the way west helped by that fraction of easterly in the south southeaster.  

The craters near the bridge on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd have been filled at last, just the dusting of gravel on top to deal with while I got the head into gear to take on the first of Ford Rd's length.... and The Godfather's standards to live up to (Full block Foss!)  The bonus for my effort was being towed along Wanganui Rd (hopefully!)  The closer to town the more the excitement escalates, so by Mt.Wanganui 40's was commonplace.  Several had confirmed their place in the caboose.  PistolPete did a great GiantAndy impersonation on the Boulevard, stretching 9 to Indian file behind (Kim had departed for Saturday duties and Wendy about faced to clock a hundred) but by Tarcoola's roundabout, Molly had disconnected from the draft of the wheel ahead. With Lance in labor behind her, I did the diplomatic deed of serving a slipstream to keep both in touch with the team (when we caught them at the town hall0.  Cospiracy theorists, Y2K and card players kept conversation on the boil over breakfast.  Did a 34.9 average speed deserve a croissant?  I thought so. 

19/12   Somethin' like Summer.

Christmas had come early.  Jen and Emil arrived at Tarcoola and I got a free tow to Archer Rd without so much as an invoice!  And just as I thought Jen was about to show an elbow, Lenny appeared to pair with Emil and tow Jen, Tina and I to Sanctuary Drive!  Chauffer driven to the grid and barely into zone 4 getting there.  I could take this treatment anytime! (Any wonder the gals are smiling sitting in the draft most days)  I might even have a little horsepower to do a decent shift today?   The 5ft Ninja, PistolPete, Bo, Troy, Lenny, Rocket, Kel, Bruce, Wozza and The Godfather lined up for the second last Monday of the year, Pistol's obsessive compulsive drive to Mitchel Rd had Emil as emissary alongside.  

Bruce bouncing the Bosi suggested a problem with pressure, the right left into leg two confirming a puncture would pause us.  The ensuing sledges entertained us roadside while repairs righted the problem (Oddly, there was no sermon from the tubeless testament read by the Bishop of Belgium)  Underway in a little over six minutes (according to the official timekeeper) the order had shuffled a little; I'd wound up on Emil's wheel as Troy headed us to Central Kialla, then became 2iC while Emil and Troy took us north to River Rd.  

That draft to the start left something in the legs to aim at the bridge as a half way point, Emil kind enough to hold off his horsepower to remain alongside (and I didn't smell a hint of burning brake pads!)   Lenny was lenient with me for part two to the dip, thank heavens for that half metre worth of descent off the bridge to keep pace going.  The tank was just about dry on the descent into the dip, almost doubting the legs would do the labor uphill out of it, but that bait of belonging in the bunch did the trick - I took the vow of silence for 3 minutes, praying for recovery.  I could be social nearing rooster corner now that oxygen wasn't so precious, the weekend's activities compared amongst the clan while Kel and the Ninja led the way.  

Tina withdrew from duty, a bad back to blame (and I reckon 40's on the speedo along Coach Rd would have confirmed the choice)  Bo had booked a back seat too but I joined the advance again, only for the sake of the southeaster saving a little stress.  I doubt there'd be another shift to drive with Wozz, Rocket, Pistol, Bruce and Troy ready to serve a second sentence (and their shifts aren't shy)    Legs exposed to the sunshine and almost double digit temperature put a positive into the west way to town; it felt like a foreign planet compared to the longest coldest Winter we'd seemed to endure. 

20/12 And long may he reign.

I was all psyched up and ready to take on the usual Doyles to Orrvale shift.....but Emil stayed on as captain.  No grizzles from me; an east northeaster in the face wasn't going to make the driving that delightful and I could spend an extra couple of minutes hardening the head in the meantime. I'd score the benefit of the snooker table smoothness of the leg to the Kinder too.  Through the left right chicane that's the Orrvale Rd intersection and Emil still stayed in the drivers seat.  I'm sure Kim, Wendy and Tina behind wouldn't mind a delay in getting to the front either. 

Channel Rd's orchards tend to funnel any wind to a head-on heartache, surely I'd be given that hurt in Central Ave?  Nope.  Emil wasn't budging from the drivers seat.  (Far be it from me to disturb a martyr at work!)  There wasn't a flinch of an elbow at the cypress trees either so this might need a pair of slippers, a cup of tea and a good book while waiting in second wheel, but those damn heart rate numbers were on the increase by the S bend.  I wondered for a moment if the obstinate little bloke was going to break Joel Sellwood's captaincy record!  This was becoming a shift of Ben Hur proportions when he was still heading the line into Coach Rd and heading to the highway.  At least that wind was at the starboard side now.  

Being handed the reigns for Boundary Rd was almost a shock (I was beginning to imagine a free tow to coffee!) but the old engine spluttered into life to set a speed something sort of reasonable.  I wasn't falling into the trap of trying to match Emil's distance, an eye on Old Dookie Rd was a long enough target for me.  Bang on 6am when I elbowed Kim to the front (an eye on the time was better reading than the high heart rate) I retreated rearward for respite.  How timely that a passing car and truck gifted Kim a slipstream to New Dookie Rd.  Wendy got the role to reach Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, her duty done with ease with legs hardened by hills of late.  With a sore back and a niggling knee, Tina was blessed with the tailwind toward Lemnos but didn't push her luck beyond the bridge (something would be needed for tomorrow) so Emil was put in charge for the 1600 metres to Lemnos North Rd.  

Would this be his second epic drive of the day?  Some sense of sharing had overpowered him 'cause I was given the first 3 k's of Ford to sustain the pace.  With the wind as assistant, my turn could nearly be called reasonable. Kim did a Ninja-like launch toward Verney at Grahamvale Rd, quite the chase if I was to get that heart rate happier in the slipstream of survival.  Wendy was given the prized position of lead to Balaclava Rd though Emil's itch was evident nearing Pine Rd. Sure as eggs, he did the take-over bid and charged to the traffic lights for a date with that pedestrian button to make the red go green.

21/12  Boys being boys.

The sorting of shop and Sanctuary squads was done in Archer Rd and only Kim, Tina and I had set sights on the southern start line and I wondered what sort of numbers would opt for the social standard.  Greg, the 5ft Ninja, TrackStan, The Godfather, Bo, PistolPete and Kel answered the question.   The northeaster had removed the usual stress of the southerly commute so why not take an early shift and make use of the wind's assistance?  Partnering PistolPete was a bold move for me when 5:40 dictated wheels get rolling, the first 1100 metres not a problem while the bunch got into order but pace became the issue on the second leg beyond the truck route.  38's was a bit of a brutal baptism for social Wednesday!  Speed standards slumped on the east path to Central Kialla and Greg did his best to hold back his horsepower beside me, but his engine was almost stalling at 36's and rolled across with just a k completed. (Funny, my elbow hadn't moved a millimetre).  Hanging on to Bo and Greg's bolt to Euroa Rd was as good as a turn on the front.  

Kel and TrackStan led the way north while some sense of composure returned.  The advantage of shelter in the advance line came on River Rd though duty would call again as shifts shortened.  The Godfather and the 5ft Ninja led the lines out of the dip and did their duty to the quarter horse stud where my number was drawn again.  Coach Rd was but a spec on the orange horizon which didn't help the head but I guess there'd be a whole lot more hurt with Liam leading the line of the shop squad hurtling west.   

A k with PistolPete almost pickled me, the next k to rooster corner with Greg digging the depth of determination to reach it.  It's hard to focus the effort amidst the pleas from the legs for rest, the heart having a hernia and the lungs fit to burst; ignoring the anguish by concentrating on other things just ain't loud enough to drown out the suffering signals.  Greg and Bo faced the northeaster toward the Broken bridges and a battle of one upmanship seemed to start when The Godfather hollered "Full block!"   I found 36's a battle before but these two were locked into a war of 39's to the bridges and beyond.  Greg seemed to have the upper hand (and a whole wheel ahead) at Channel Rd but Bo was defiant in his drive to the highway to be at the peak of the pecking order.  

Plent of huffs and puffs behind told of the toil.  TrackStan seemed spent fronting in Boundary Rd, a winter lay-off and a broken wrist throwing him quickly in the pursuit of fitness. The way west on Old Dookie Rd got speed spicy now that the wind was a friend, The Godfather testing Kel's stamina to School Rd prompting Kim and Tina to withdraw from duty. The Ninja proved a powerful point partnering Pistol for the distance from Central Ave to the truck route and that saved me the torture at the front for the final dash when Pete led the Indian filed line to SPC at 43's.

22/12 Sleep finally came about 10 minutes before stupid o'clock.  So when the alarm sounded, I succumbed to the softness of sleep.

23/12 Friday festivities.

Which way was that wind blowing?  It's become the critical question lately, more important than the temperature or if rain is on the radar.  Tactics were well underway even as caffeine went into the tank at stupid o'clock; position in the peloton to get the breeze at the backside is the priority when you're at a want for watts in a pack full of horsepower.  An easterly meant hurt on the outbound and heaven back home so already the plan was a delay in driving duty till at least Coach Rd.  PistolPete's wheel would be pounced on by The Godfather, guaranteed, so somewhere near that would suit.  The 10 k's to Sanctuary with Emil, Tina, Kim and Jen wasn't too taxing and an early berth at the grid got me on Pistol's wheel as Lenny, TrackStan, the 5ft Ninja, GiantAndy, Kel, Troy, Boof, Rocket, Bruce, Wozza, Liam, Bo and Trav filled the parking lane west of the roundabout.  Luck might just have scored me prime position!  

The Godfather arrived at the second stroke of 5:40, snagging PistolPete's wheel as he rounded the roundabout.  No matter to me, a field of 20 guaranteed me a late shift anyway.  Christmas looming near had spirits high and 15 degrees was nothing to complain about, the conformity to kit day fairly high with just three or four out of uniform (demerit points for infringement?)  TrackStan was back in his pursuit of lost fitness, young Liam at the opposite end of the spectrum cruising calmly at 38's.  

By coincidence, those with energy on tap (I don't need to name them; you know the culprits!) faced the easterly on River Rd and they've got that certain something that defies the physics of wind resistance and it doesn't affect their speed (I'll have a truck load thanks!)   The change from left line to right eventually happened on the turn into Coach Rd, with the standard sprint to catch the tail thrown in to make sure nobody was asleep at the back (though Bo and Wozza were sitting this one out; somehow connected to a festive hydration with the Wouldabeens last night?)   TrackStan was at a want for watts when promoted to the pointy end at the Broken bridge but persevered the pain to the highway.  Three in the Hurtlocker, a collection of Cats, a solitary Simon and a handful of '51's all sailed south (Summer certainly gets a few out of hibernation!) while our target to reach Old Dookie had the delight of a tailwind home as bait.  

I was a little closer to the front now, though chances of reaching the front were fickle.  Jen, Kim and Tina, line astern, had timed their duty with wind their favor, so minus that usual drag in the drivers seat, had a confident term at the front with less pressure on performance.  Being towed for the entire lap had me with a few watts to burn, so summoned to the front when Tina called it quits at the truck route, I scored the last leg to SPC.  The breeze (but most likely the expectation of 19 behind) got 42's on the speedo to Drummond Rd though by Mitchell Rd the old engine started to miss-fire, so I gave The Godfather the honors of heading the mob to SPC and beyond, forcing him to drive half a turn at least. 

I trust you've all been good enough through the year to score a bit of bike bling under the Christmas tree.  Hydrate well folks.   And may 2023 see you all stay upright! 

This week 262km

YTD 12,827km                   

Impersonating Chewbacca

Post #675

10/12 The post-party few.

There'd be a few fuzzy heads and several delicate constitutions after Friday's Couldabeen's Christmas gig so I didn't expect many (or even any) to face Saturday's ritual.   Emil hadn't appeared at our agreed place and time so I'd set off at a (strangely) sedate pace to commute the 10 k's to Sanctuary Drive.  This just might be a solitary lap on my lonesome?  I should have known PistolPete would be a starter when a light appeared in Archer Rd (he'd turn up if it was raining cats and dogs!) so thoughts of being toasted in a team of two quickly haunted the head.  

Not another bike was seen on the little lap before grid formation (but surely Pistol would bow to pleas for pensioner pace?)   With a minute remaining to launch, Lenny, Greg, Bruce and Emil emerged from the side streets, saving me from the punishment of a pair to lap where the load would be spread among several. Speed would be a little spicier though.  Logically, Indian file formed and Pistol set a starting speed considerate to those who may be suffering hydration overload, though none looked too shabby or emotional from last night's festivities.  Lenny ahead and Bruce behind put me in a sandwich of speed and cranial calculations had my appearance for River Rd's first leg so there'd be a few minutes to harden up for hurrying.  An oncoming light in Archer Rd was first thought to be the miracle of The Godfather's arrival but his indulgence on Jagermeisters had effectively saved us; it turned out to be Dan the Man and TatPaul to saveus some labor on the lap.  

Emil seemed keen to flush Bo's homebrew from his system with speed toward Central Kialla and damn it, Lenny took that as a standard to put 40's on the menu toward River Rd.  I had wanted some horsepower left for my time at the business end.  Keeping to Kreeky's standards of setting your own speed, I defied my usual urge to push the prior pace and set it so I could reach the expected target of River Rd's bridge.  37's didn't sink the spirits too much (considering the southeaster was a little like a handbrake) though the gasps and groans of recovery had Lenny a little worried as I struggled to stay at the speed Bruce set for the rest of River Rd (so much for the satisfaction of my shift!)   Less stress Foss, there'd be ample time to refill lungs before duty called again.   

I hadn't noticed the new S-Works under Greg till he headed our way to the highway (yet another new steed in the squad's stable) and although a new bike always feels faster (to justify its' purchase price?) it's Greg's engine that's the real difference.   PistolPete had returned to the driver's seat for Boundary Rd and maybe he'd partially pickled TatPaul at second wheel 'cause Paul was fully fried driving the 800 meters to Old Dookie Rd's bridge.  (My turn didn't seem so lack-lustre now)  Dan the Man showed how a drive was driven going long to the Toaster then adding the leg to the Church (as if there was any doubt)   An easterly breeze homeward was a stroke of luck and naturally speed spiked accordingly, Emil (infected by Dan's long drive disease?) working up the watts on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd to reach Boundary.  Lenny was handed the job to take us to Lemnos, heeding the warning of two craters in the tarmac beyond the channel bridge. 

Squirrels have watched two pot-holes grow in recent weeks to become quarries; now they've almost merged to become a black hole!   The ease off the gas at least gained me a breath or two at second wheel for my forthcoming appointment with pain in Ford Rd.  The thought that this could be my last shift for the morning stirred some motivation but legs labored to deliver a decent turn to Grahamvale Rd (and keeping those valued few watts to catch the tail was critical to preventing an o.t.a. moment)   The want for oxygen on board went on hold as Bruce bolted to Numurkah Rd and the wish for a delay for traffic went unfulfilled. Greg was a good lad taking a little time to squeeze the throttle toward Mt.Wanganui, the urge to hold the wheel ahead into Rudd Rd extracting more effort than I thought was in the tank (that fear of being dropped finds watts previously thought spent)   Pleased the old engine kept up at 4th then 3rd wheel to Tarcoola, not till Knight St did Emil's enthusiasm finally open a gap to Lenny's wheel ahead of me.   A 36.3 average for Saturday's lap justified an extra banana bread for breakfast, chat on European art, reproduction car panels and the tangled web of compliance kept thoughts from the legs lament. 

14/12 Pseudo social.

Feels like 3 feels foreign when it's less than two weeks to Christmas, so the winter insulation went into service (yet again) for Wednesday's return to riding. (A few days away and it was time to shake off the rust, hopefully a painless procedure joining the social spin at Sanctuary Drive)   Troy, Greg, Kel, PistolPete, Kreeky, Tina, the 5ft Ninja, Lenny and Bo filled the grid, PistolPete of course captaining the crew south when 5:40 struck, The Godfather's late arrival as predictable as Pete on first shift.  

Indian file was flavor of the day, maybe 'cause a westerly would give grief to a second row forming, but it struck "social" off the menu when Pistol put 38's on speedo's to Mitchell Rd.   (The Godfather's berth at the back would have a payback)  Haste went into my hardening up process; at 3rd wheel my shift would be due through Central Kialla.  Kreeky had the treat of the tailwind on Mitchell, I had hopes pinned on houses sheltering me from the westerly so speed was something more than snail-like.  It was pleasing to keep wheels rolling at 35's and 36's for the 2 k's to River Rd (my attempt at socializing the speed) and I'd be in Tina's good books handing her a tailwind turn to River Rd's bridge.  Great intentions of pace tend to sink after three minutes in the driver's seat so speed had sunk a little at the bridge, but Troy turned it up again to the dip and handed the reigns to Kel.  Bo was given the lead a k short of rooster corner then added the northern leg to the Broken bridges, but his enthusiasm northbound had the tail-end full throttle to keep in touch with his idea of a social speed (sight of the shop squad sprinting into River Rd must have aroused his energy?)  

I thought Greg was driving north to the highway till the Ninja and Lenny appeared ahead in his shadow.   Lenny had a leaf from Bo's book on acceleration to get all off their seats and sprinting into Boundary Rd, the wind at the starboard side not slowing Lenny's ambition to get to Old Dookie Rd at 40.  The wind had some effect on Greg's drive west but 37's to School Rd could have been a bit more social!  The Godfather set the standards back in order to Central Ave then PistolPete raised the bar again to the truck route ('cause he can)     Kreeky drew the short straw for the squirt to SPC but was saved from early expiry by the draft of a few passing cars.

15/12 Somebody put Winter o.t.a!

Few fronted for Thursday's squirrels (just Wendy, Tina and Molly in the Rae St rendevous) and with Vic Roads repairing the Lemnos-Cosgrove craters, siding with the Sanctuary squad seemed to be the sensible option.  The girls were keen even if I wasn't looking forward to the labor! Yet again, the standards of Summer had sunk to feels like 3.5 and a southerly blew to help my hardening up process for the 10k commute  (Chivalry box ticked leading the lasses to the grid)   

A Christmas tree worth of lights converged on the roundabout; Trav, Troy, Kreeky, the 5ft Ninja, Rocket, Boof, Lenny, Liam, Greg, Bruce, Wozza, Kel, The Godfather (arriving early to surprise many) and Bo lined up for PistolPete to lead a smooth and steady start toward the truck route.  Bruce was the stand-in co-pilot in Emil's absence.  I should have joined the advance line early and taken the chance of a tailwind turn but was quickly boxed in by the astute, giving me a late arrival at the business end.  

I had about 40 minutes to prepare for the pain of a headwind shift in Old Dookie Rd.  The stress of the early pace soon subsided with wind at the Khyber on Mitchell and being drawn along in the vacuum of eight pairs ahead.  The Godfather and Kreeky were on duty through Central Kialla.  Velocities varied a bit for the eastward path on River Rd, Bruce and Bo in charge to the dip.  Fluctuations amplified at the rear where many had hoped to find relief; I'd have to wait till River Rd's end before I'd get a promotion forward.  The sun made an appearance on the horizon arriving at rooster corner but it did little to help the temperature!  

It wasn't such a good idea to brake for the 90 degree bend beyond the ripple strips 'cause Lenny and Boof were already well on the gas into Coach Rd; nine pairs of reactions later and the tailenders were distanced and well into the 40's to get back aboard. (I might just get this lap done without the labor at the business end if the eight ahead of me served the usual shifts)  Trav and Rocket had no drama driving north but some were having second thoughts on their position in the advance line as Old Dookie and it's headwind drew near.  The Ninja retreated to the left line near the fig farm and that set the scenario for Molly, Tina then Wendy to do likewise, promoting me four rungs up the ladder onto Liam's wheel.  (Easy Foss; he's only 40+ years younger!)  

The real issue was Troy's tempo at 39 into the wind from Central Ave (of course Liam would match it) then raising the white flag at Dobson's bridge for Liam to roll across, but Rocket had predicted my dilemma at second wheel (it's called lack of legs!) and offered refuge in the left line.  PistolPete paired with Liam to the truck route while I did my best Chewbacca impression, though my pity was for Kreeky being handed the lead for the squirt to SPC though the draft from a couple of passing cars saved him from a Hiroshima moment. 

16/12  Frivolity Friday.

Half way to the starting grid and the headwind won!  Respite for a k in Emil's slipstream was the only way I'd get to Sanctuary Drive without blowing a gasket.  I could really do with a reconditioned engine but there's no parts available for '57 models any more!  Feels like 4.5 was positively tropical in light of the week's minimums and of course a southerly blew making the first shift avoidable at all costs (I had trouble getting 31's on the speedo so delivering bunch speed was out of the question)  PistolPete loves the punishment and with Bruce alongside, Greg, Grumpy, The Godfather, Tina, Troy, Lenny, Wozza, Trav, Rocket, Bo, Boof, Kreeky, the 5ft Ninja and Kel sorted themselves into two rows.  The Godfather's proficient use of elbows muscled him onto Pistol's wheel.  

Headed east on Mitchell Rd felt like a holiday away from the south wind and in the shelter of the left line.  Grumpy was on time (for a change) to start with the squad, Trav was treating himself to running in the new Scott, Bo's been struck by an S-Works saddle malfunction so is still on the olde steed, Kreeky had opted for the old Avanti, Greg's well and truly run-in his 2 week old S-Works and Lenny was aboard the newest Cannondale in his fleet.  

The wheels on The Godfather's De Rosa made quite a racket in the low 40's along River Rd but they couldn't drown out the verbal vitriol served to anyone within earshot (half the Goulburn Valley!) Ahh, it'd be a dull lap without the fella's free entertainment!  I had pity for those at the back in the gutter trying to find shelter while Troy and Bo led out of the dip but Greg and Wozza had the echelon education to get up the road to deliver a decent draft for the brethren behind.  

Rocket and Wozz kept a handbrake on their hurry toward the Broken, quite a restraint considering the wind was blowing right up where the sun don't shine.  The Ninja took to the tailwind turn to the highway like a politician to a fact finding mission in the Maldives (a tax-free offer to good to refuse!)   Kel and Grumpy set the speed toward Old Dookie Rd and I'd drawn the short straw (by delaying appearance at the front) to be slapped with the southerly at the side on the city bound way west.  Kreeky and I were put to the task at School Rd but he's a considerate co-pilot.  With Trav partnering beyond Central Ave I'd hoped to reach Dobson's bridge, but I gathered he'd tired of my tame pace when he rolled across a little earlier to get Pistol as co-pilot to the truck route. 

(When they lifted pace by 2 km/h it felt like 20!)    I gladly let Emil and Lenny in ahead on the single filed dash to SPC, the more draft the better to prevent that tired old '57 engine exploding.

This week 215km

YTD 12,564km