Cause for complaint (or cardiac catastrophe!)

 Post #659

20/8 Serendipitous Saturday. 

This was going to be a sleep-in Saturday if the forecast (4mm at 5am) was to be believed.  But the Bureau is about as believable as a politician at this time of year, so set the alarm anyway.  (Hope springs eternal). How serendipitous to find it dry at stupid o'clock and the blob on the radar headed to Whanregarwen (you know, just a bit south of Cathkin)  September winds had arrived early ; a west northwester promising to boost egos out River Rd and crush 'em on the way back, but being on a bike is all about suffering isn't it?  To the relief of some, GiantAndy was missing from the starting grid, though I reckon the wind would mimick the big lad and dish up a bit of grief later.  

For now it was time to enjoy the wind at the tail and to hope my turn at the front had that pleasure.   You'd think I'd have mastered the art of engaging a cleat by now, but a foot fumble at the 6am launch put me at the back pronto, though that might have been a bonus too 'cause Greg's is a great wheel to follow and Bo behind wouldn't be too taxing (I received the usual parable about his poor performance.  Didn't everybody?)    Rocket, Boof, the 5ft Ninja, Wozza, Emil, PistolPete, The Godfather and Bruce made up a small squad and surprisingly tempo was tempered to the low 40's along River Rd when faster was feasible, so those of more humble horsepower (like me) were being catered for.  Facing the front is part of participation in the pack and my turn came for the last k to rooster corner (so some of my turn had the wind in my favor) but it was part two northbound on Coach Rd alongside Bo when the energy evaporated.  

I had the willpower to reach the Broken River but the watts to get to One Tree Dam (I'll blame the wind at the right shoulder and the lack of shelter from it)  Bo and the Ninja took over so I could begin the rehab program and begin to feel human again.  Focus had returned by Channel Rd to avoid the flattened fox that becomes less of a speed bump each day. Word circulated that rolling turns would be on the agenda for Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, a few quite rusty at the routine but worth the practice for the sake of progress in a headwind.  Blown toward the Toaster for the last leg of bliss, Greg called an intermission a k short of the turn north for a flat GP5000. How weird it is when you stop that the gale force wind becomes barely a breeze! 

Emil took leave for pressing parental duties while The Godfather applied the pressure playing timekeeper for Greg's repairs.  Pressure finally stayed in the tube to continue soon after.  Now to the business of  a 32 km/h headwind home.  Pace was proclaimed at 37 on Lemnos-Cosgrove (best not to think of the physics of that equation) and turns rolled fairly smoothly (considering the lack of practice) in pursuit of Emil's tail-light..... till Greg's tyre called it quits again.  Sledges were the free entertainment while Greg performed the protocols of puncture repair under the pressure.  Practice to make perfect?  Rolling turns got underway again on the re-start though the previous rhythm just didn't return.  After half a dozen bursts to the front pickled my performance, I relieved the Ninja of gatekeeper duty and cemented my place at second last wheel.  There's some guilt to bear being towed to town while others wear away their watts at the front but I had played a small part in progress I suppose.  

Guilt faded a little more just a couple of k's later when The Godfather and Greg took respite at the rear too. GiantAndy's absence took the pressure off the pace cresting Mt. Wanganui, some respite came in Rudd Rd to be finally out of a headwind and there wasn't warp speed out of Canterbury's roundabout.  Having that tail wind again on the Boulevard got several excited though and 40's returned.  Like me, several others felt legs of jelly and the bunch had split in two nearing Tarcoola. (better than the shame of being solo o.t.a. I guess)   But the crew was combined back at the Butter Factory in conversation on helicpoters, the turbo era and rolling turn protocols.

22/8 Wind and the want for watts.

There'd be a price to pay being propelled to Sanctuary Drive by 20 k's worth of north northeaster.....pain for a lot of the circuit just to get to coffee!  It was a good roll-up for a Monday; Kel, Lenny, Jen, Rocket, Wendy, Greg, Wozza, Tina, Bruce, the 5ft Ninja, The Godfather, Emil and PistolPete providing a lot of inspiration to tackle a windswept lap - they'd be my shelter for most of it!   Besides, would anyone in their right mind take the lap on solo?  PistolPete's opening shift (as sure as Jorge Mario Borgoglio's catholicism) was partnered by Emil to Mitchell Rd  with Wendy brave enough to battle the eastern leg toward Central Kialla (for half the distance anyway)   Rocket and Wozz sliced the atmosphere from there to River Rd.   Changing from left to right rows felt the wrath of the wind so I wasn't looking forward to being at the front.  With the length of River Rd to harden up, shelter in the advance line had it's advantages though turns at the front were shortening swiftly.  There's a sense of obligation seeing others suffering the consequences in the drivers seat.   

Tina toughened up to try a turn on Coach Rd (just as the wind swung a little more head-on) and although she was silent as I drew alongside, the body language said "Save me!" soon after.    Greg and I fronted with an aim to reach the Broken River but watching the speed to avoid toasting Tina as she refilled the oxygen tank.  I avoided calling Greg across till I'd donated a decent drive (when the numbers went through the roof and all the alarm bells went off) and just as I drew breath to call" I'm done", Greg called half time (and that's a rare slice of satisfaction for me!) There was a want for more watts as PistolPete and Greg added a couple of k's to the tempo to the highway, their draft donating the ease on effort to survive.  

Pistol and Emil made 36's and 7's look easy to Old Dookie Rd from my sheltered perspective a few wheels back but it was the relief to turn away for the wind for the 8k's home that really helped. Sheltered again in the left line made the tempo tolerable while Rocket and Wozza towed the dozen into suburbia.  

23/8  LXV.

To hell with a clean bike, rain had stopped and the addiction needed feeding!  Half an inch overnight had given the ground a good soaking and most of the road was drying from an energetic west southwester (19-32 km/h)   Here was another one of those cruisy outbound, cruel inbound laps.  (You only go soft avoiding them!)  The 5ft Ninja took the sleep-in option and Jen did that running thing but Kim, Emil and Tina showed their dedication to the squirrels survival.    The west southwester wasn't quite right up the tailpipe en-route to the truck route though Emil had high 30's set on the speedo.   

I'd be trimming that tempo a tad for the sake of survival (It was day 23,741 on the planet for me and I was feeling a bit second-hand!) and some sort of wattage would be needed later.  Tina's turn to the Kinder and Kim's shift to  the cypress trees had some pazzaz in their pace but I'll bet the work west back to town was sounding warning bells in the pre-frontal cortex.    After a brief halt to tend to Kim's tail-light, Emil was back in the drivers seat again, me thinking yet another long drive was on the menu was quickly cancelled when I got an elbow at the S bend.  Sharing the tail wind was first class diplomacy.  I'd finished off Channel Rd and did the little length north to the highway (though the wind was a little on the port side)    

It's rare the gals get a go in Boundary Rd so Tina driving to the fig farm and Kim taking us to New Dookie Rd felt foreign.  No complaints about the draft though.   Emil's effort to Lemnos-Cosgrove felt like a prelude to a big shift west but I got that one wrong too when I was handed the reigns at the main eastern channel for the 1800 metre leg to Lemnos.  The shelter from the orchards was perfect but the wide open spaces was the punishment.   Tina and Kim shared the first 3 k's of Ford Rd so Emil towed us to Verney for his ritual shift to Balaclava (without the show of excess wattage today) almost timing the traffic lights to perfection (the moment you un-clip and put your foot to the tarmac, the lights turn green!)   A post coffee short clockwise lap clocked up 65 k's for the day's occasion (so aren't I the sucker for a head wind home!) 

24/8  Winters' last hurrah?

About 200 watts were needed to throw the doona off on Wednesday.  Feels like 0.5 degrees didn't help the rise and shine routine!  We've had 30 mornings of 3 or below so far this year so surely this was winters' last hurrah?  The 17th year of riding through the cold months and each feels progressively colder (or maybe I'm getting softer?)   The lack of temperature hadn't bothered the 5ft Ninja, Emil, PistolPete, Bruce, Bo, Wozza, Jen, Boof, Kim, The Godfather, Greg, Kel or Tina who'd appeared at Sanctuary Drive at stupid o'clock in a somewhat softer version of yesterday's wind. (9-15 km/h worth of west northwester would make the inbound k's to town a little harder than the cruise on the outbound part)   

I hadn't considered the circumstances of slotting into second wheel as Emil led the left line and PistolPete played pilot for the advance for the first two legs of the lap.  I hoped that social standards would stay (as did others I'm sure)   Mid 30's through Central Kialla and up to River Rd confirmed the more sedate speed had stuck, Grumpy (probably the closest to the start line) running late for the flagfall, had used the truck route to rendevous with the bunch.  

I'd transitioned to the advance line at River Rd's bridge, pleased that Tina (ahead) was braving a turn at the business end 'cause I had Emil's energy (behind) to keep up with for part two when duty called.   (it looked likely I'd face the front into the westerly on Old Dookie Rd ; that'll teach me to take the soft option at the start!)    Bo hadn't moaned about pace or his performance but chose a calm velocity for for his turn while those with plenty of performance stifled their speed to keep a dignified tempo that all could contend with.  

As predicted, the west northwester was waiting for Tina and I as we faced the front at the west turn toward town, "Your speed" called to Tina to keep the task as comfortable as it could be. (Bonus for me; something saved to match Emil's enthusiasm next!)   Tina did well to drive till School Rd came into focus, so on the roll across, I avoided anything like acceleration  (don't labor those on the limit......unless you need enemies!) Emil seemed keen to raise the rate of knots but I took half a k to respond, surprising myself to go the distance to Central Ave (part one below the red-line was the key)    Emil and Pistol led the leg to the truck route and naturally speed escalated from there for the 1350 metres of murder to SPC ; a test of survival for those of more social standards but the pack finally re-united thanks to commuting traffic, intersections and the one red traffic light that was in the way of coffee. 

25/8  A six pack before breakfast.

Wendy, Emil, Jen, Tina and the 5ft Ninja had dragged their collective carbon fibre to the Archer St shop in Thursday's early hours for the 5:30 spin, but the wait for Crossy's arrival was soon abandoned when Wendy realized she'd advised him 5:40.  (not such a warm welcome for his maiden voyage!)  So, chocks away at 5:30 with Emil ahead and Tina, Wendy, Jen, the 5ft Ninja and the wind behind made for a stress free start.  Where the work would begin was anyone's guess.  I certainly draw the long straw with the short shift to Orrvale Rd and consequently plenty of time to recoup lost oxygen while others did their thing.  The usual changes of shifts were observed and Emil started round two on Coach Rd.  He's kept me guessing the last few weeks with varied drives at the front, so eyes were well open for the signal to relieve him of duty.   That west northwester made it's presence felt ; thankfully Boundary Rd has reasonable shelter from it.  As a change of routine, Emil's elbow came well before the fig farm so I stuck to the protocols and set sights at reaching New Dookie Rd.  

Tina was well placed to tow us to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and avoid the headwind homeward.  With a good dose of grit and plenty of determination, Wendy and Jen shared the struggle of the distance to Lemnos, but it was the Ninja's mission to take on Ford Rd to Grahamvale that impressed more so. (less wind resistance down at that low altitude?)   That scenario put Emil at the front for the drive to Verney Rd and the rest I'll have a rubber stamp made up to save pencil and paper (and subsequent wear and tear on the keyboard) 

 PS: Yep, another red light at Balaclava Rd!     

   

26/8  Hark!  What light through yonder horizon breaks? 

Cancel instead of snooze got the skates on to kit-up in time for the ritual Couldabeens uniformed Friday fling, just a minute or so to scoff down a banana and a few mouthfuls of God's nectar  (caffeine if you don't know!) to put some psychological fuel in the tank.  Greg, Wozza, Boof, the 5ft Ninja, Emil, Tina, Bo, The Godfather, Grumpy (on time), PistolPete, Rocket and Bruce were true to the ritual too, lining up to lap the ritual 30 km circuit.   I'd inherited the usual partners in the left line as the bunch set south, Tina ahead and the Ninja behind (gotta love that draft!) so I was suitably stabled for speed.  Emil and Pistol then Pistol and Wozza got business off to a brisk start ably assisted by a breeze to Central Kialla and wasn't it a surprise to see those chasms called pot-holes near River Rd had been patched ; it's now a four star cobbled sector!   

We found a feint red glow on River Rd's horizon to fuel hopes of longer days to come (well, five weeks worth till daylight savings time drags us back to reality!), a rather scenic spin east with fog settled into the low-lands.  Pleasantries were passed among the two rows as the front two silently provided the pace just a couple of k's above the social speed of Wednesday's so there was little cause for complaint (or cardiac catastrophe!)     I've know most of this crew for many years now so that element of trust allows wheels to be just a few centimeters apart, experience tells us though that 'trust' and The Godfather's calls don't belong in the same sentence!   

The Ninja had paired with The Godfather at the Broken bridges and by Channel Rd she'd called half time, so I partnered her part two to the highway.  Tina fronted in Boundary Rd so due care was taken not to cook her, the weight of expectation was probably to blame for her tank being empty at the bridge (tucking back into the draft in the left line had her recovery covered)   Bo drew alongside for what became part three for me, but I found inspiration to drive to Old Dookie Rd 'cause Bo wanted a short shift!  A scenic sun up behind distracted the stress of uploading oxygen while Bo and Kel headed us to town, that little more light at 6:30 now finding new buildings appeared during winter's darkness. A brief visit to the forties in the flurry to SPC certainly tempted the taste buds for the Butter Factory's brew.

This week 324km   

YTD 8,778km                                     

The doubt you do, the devil you don't.

Post #658

13/8 Saturday satisfaction.

Bonus! Forecast rain at 6am had been rescheduled to 10am.  There'd be satisfaction, not saturation this Saturday!  The stars had even aligned to give me a northeaster for the 10k commute to the start line (I'd worry about the work into the headwind later).  Boof, Emil, Bruce, Rocket, Trav, the 5ft Ninja, GiantAndy, Liam, Lenny, Nev, Bo, PistolPete and The Godfather made up a sizable squad, enough to get a reasonable break between shifts but I wonder what the speed standards would be?  (GiantAndy might get excited with the expected east northeaster to blow us back home)  Third wheel in the left line was a good spot to start ; there'd be plenty of harden up time before facing reality at the front.   Naturally, PistolPete led the squad south, Rocket his co-pilot for the high 30's pace to Mitchell Rd.  

Those three little pooches in Archer Rd have thankfully turned into homebodies but a bounding 'roo caused a sudden slow half way to Central Kialla.  GiantAndy and Boof faced the wind to River Rd, holding the high 30's 'cause they can! (I'd be lowering that standard when I got to the business end!)    Even at the back of the bunch there was watts to be spent against the windswept flats of River Rd, though the advance line were all smiles on the sheltered side (what timing I had to get the blustery advance line on Coach Rd and cop the side wind again?!)  Facing the reality of Victorian winter from a FNQ furlow, Trav and Liam put the work into driving the distance to the highway, possibly primed by the flashing red led ahead (TatPaul hitch-hiking a lift at Channel Rd).

Bo braved the promotion forward to pair with Lenny for a part of Boundary Rd.  Pleased that the Ninja trimmed something off the tempo, I partnered her to the fig farm where half time was called.  Emil went easy on the effort alongside to Old Dookie Rd.  What luck that PistolPete and Emil faced the 2 k's to the Toaster as the wind shifted east northeast!  A little colour on the horizon spelled hope though grey curtains of cloud covered it soon after.  (Was that a spit of rain on the turn west into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd?  Was the forecast that fickle?)  Wind whistling in (between?) the ears was silenced, the serenity of a tailwind was now the treat back to town so of course speed was spiced up accordingly!  Gotta love that chorus of 30 carbon wheels into the 40's, paying a few PB's along the way to Wanganui Rd.  

Predicting percolating pace as GiantAndy got closer to the drivers seat, Bo, the Ninja, The Godfather and I chose the caboose as safe shelter.  (I know when I'm outclassed!)  Wanganui Rd blurred quickly under the wheels and little time was wasted getting Rudd Rd done, but by luck and the effort into the wind on the Boulevard, speed stayed sufferable through suburbia for the distance to the town hall where traffic lights kept a cap on anything like a hurry to the Butter Factory.  Skill shortages, old school mechanics and work ethics waxed lyrical at the breakfast table.

15/8  Heaven is a head wind......not!

The chase was on into Mitchell Rd.  Wozza had the throttle well open for the eastbound leg toward Central Kialla (after a quick spin south on Archer with PistolPete) and Rocket was his cohort (when isn't he?) to get the bunch off their collective saddles.  A northwester (15-30 km/h) had sparked some speed to start the week swiftly.  Lenny, Bruce, Greg, Kel, The Godfather, Bo, Grumpy and the 5ft Ninja were probably expecting more effort to come 'cause Emil and Rocket were rostered to drive the shift north (and we all no that they're not restrained by headwinds!)    Bums were off seats again to stay in touch for the spin through Central Kialla, eyes keenly peeled for the pot-holes (mini canyons?) of the winter worn tarmac nearing the turn into River.  

I hadn't given a thought to my position in the pack at this point and how or where I'd fare for favorable winds ;  clearly Bo and the Ninja had as they'd advanced early for a somewhat assisted shift along the east path of River Rd.  (Looks like I'd be thrown in the deep end at Old Dookie Rd if the usual turns were taken)  There's no doubt on Bruce and Lenny delivering a decent drive at the business end but others had obviously been burning candles both ends over the weekend when shifts turned a bit shorter nearing rooster corner (fair to say there was a fair bit of north in that northwester!)   

The heart rate had a little holiday on the sheltered side for the north drive along Coach Rd but I was busy banking breaths for the expected effort on Old Dookie Rd I seemed likely to front.  Hopefully Grumpy was one of the well worn by a busy weekend 'cause he'd be my co-pilot!  Our up-close-and-personal truck driver cut the wind as we crossed the highway and that kept pace perky, The Godfather, Kel and Greg assuring there'd be no rest for the righteous to Boundary's bridge and beyond.  

Second wheel to Bruce and Grumpy's drive to Old Dookie had the head full of hope and facing the front on the turn west, all the determination I'd mustered to aim at School Rd blew backwards (to Benalla I think) by the wind, now blowing east northeast.    I had to call half time half way there and rely on PistolPete's pity with pace (never fear, he's the consummate courteous co-pilot) and I might have reached the bridge but implosion was imminent, so begged for his draft 100 metres shy.  All went blurry till Central Ave, silencing my struggle for oxygen intake ; gasps (like they were my last) scare some folk.   The last two legs turned legs to jelly when led by Rocket, Wozz and Emil into town, and despite my doubts of hanging on, we all survived the speed to SPC and through the streets as one to receive the elixir of life at the Butter Factory. 

16/8  At least the rain started before I'd even opened the front door.  Back to bed Tuesday to imitate being a normal person!

17/8  A peloton of plenty.

Lots of leds lit Sanctuary Drive on Wednesday, the damp Tuesday probably the reason.  PistolPete caused cleats to engage at 5:40 and Emil was his partner in pace to Mitchell Rd, set diplomatically social. ('cause Kim was in the crew?)   The wind-less morning made conditions curious.    Lenny, the 5ft Ninja, Bruce, Jen, Kim, Rocket, Boof, The Godfather, Kel, Grumpy, Wozza, Greg and Bo had joined in the rotational duty for the usual circuit though Tina took leave of the labor at the front while The Godfather took his unique trajectory along River Rd despite co-pilot Grumpy's advice (no breeze to battle but an 'interesting' path was set).  Bo sought the sympathy vote for his suffering, though I reckon several others had just cause to complain (but didn't)    Kim had second thoughts on being in the advance line at the turn into Coach Rd and sought refuge in the left line ; though without the need to go to war with wind, I felt the going easy in any direction (and that's as rare as rocking horse manure!)  

(Soak up the serenity Foss, September's suffering is just around the corner ; and we'll know what wind is then!)   Grumpy ceased the sentences sometimes (to draw breath) and The Godfather's garble is guaranteed (when he's not on the front) so that combined with 34 wheels whirring along the tarmac may have hit the limits of the Noise Abatement Act?  The Ninja seemed pleased there wouldn't be a headwind to hamper her hurry home later, Boof might have been happier if his Focus was fixed (doesn't going back to your old bike seems a big step backwards?) though many were just grateful to clock a few k's and not be soaked by rain that regularly ruins August.  

(What keeps '51's number down and the Cats absent I don't know)   What a difference to steer into Old Dookie Rd and not be whacked by wind and the workload with it ; I reckoned I'd face duty at the front soon enough but had some comfort that Jen ahead or the Ninja behind weren't the company that cook co-pilots.  It was social Wednesday after all.  Time came to serve at Dobson's estate and mid 35's wasn't too taxing to the truck route, there was even enough left in this old tank to lead to SPC a little faster but Pistol, Boof and Greg found forties a fitting conclusion.  

18/8  The envisaged elbow.

My bets were on yr.no for a factual forecast (rain at 9am) though the Ninja took the bureau's radar as gospel and pulled the pin.  Thursday was one of those days that riding carried a risk of being soaked if you did, but I'll bet if you didn't, it would stay dry.  (The doubt you do, the devil you don't!) Standing outside at stupid o'clock and peering into the dark sky became my litmus test.  (Have faith Foss, have faith)  Emil backed up my decision to brave it and brought Kim into the gamble too, Wendy wasn't shirking the spin though wind was her worry ; a northeaster at 17 to 30 k's per hour wouldn't make life easy  (Still, if you wait for ideal conditions, how soft you'd become! He / she who hesitates is lost).  Four with faith forged south to the start line finding Tina had taken the punt too.   Of course it's expected Emil takes the first shift to the truck route and he set the speed at diplomatic.   Despite the bureau plotting the wind as a northeaster, it had more an easterly flavor when I faced the front to Orrvale Rd. and maintaining diplomatic needed some muscle!  Tina took on the shift to the Kinder and Wendy worked the 1200 metres to the cypress trees, so Kim led leg five to the S bend and there wasn't much shelter to hide in.  

Emil had the watts to tow us to Coach Rd and another epic turn in the drivers seat looked likely when he postured in the head down, pace up pose toward the highway.  (That was definitely an east northeaster at the right shoulder).  I wasn't going to be let loose at the front at the bridge or Old Dookie Rd, and still stuck at second wheel crossing New Dookie meant there'd be no changing of the guard till Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  (Won't it be interesting if the one minute turn is ever introduced!)    

I had no complaints being given the reigns for the west drive toward Lemnos with the wind up my wastegate and setting the speed in the 37's didn't get any death threats.   Still on speaking terms at Ford Rd, I gave Tina the front-of-house seat and retired to the rear for a free ride home.  Wendy was elected to the effort at the front half way to Grahamvale Rd and continued to Verney.  Given Emil's trademark turn toward Balaclava Rd, Kim set about the trek south and without a millimetre of movement from her elbow, Emil launched a take-over bid for the leadership role at Hawkins St and turned up the watts with it.  So much for one team with one dream!  Emil went off into the distance in an attempt to get that traffic light to green, but we know they're always red for our arrival.  The halt got some oxygen back into the lungs and the halt at the Butter Factory got some caffeine into the bloodstream.

19/8  I probably qualify for membership to the Old Farts Bicycle Club!

A 7mm soaking of the streets put a dampener on Friday's 5:40 fling for me, though I bet some would be brave / silly / tough / heedless (strike out that which does not apply) enough to take it on.   I had options.  Time wasn't my enemy so I could wait for the westerly to dry the tarmac and soak up some sunshine a little later on a circuit of my choice in some sort of safety.  A quiet tap with the Old Farts would finish off the week peacefully and their sensible o'clock start time had a certain appeal.  Bucket loads of daylight felt foreign en route to the southside grid though there wasn't a lot of appeal in the west southwester blowing at 20 to 32 km/h.  Chilly, youngBrian, Rik, DeepFry and a few other riding relics found their way to the Adams Rd start and nine bells got the procession underway.  

DeepFry led a single filed pilgrimage south with most in the gutter seeking shelter. (There's a little dislexia in some determining wind direction)   I got the reigns at the truck route and set a path on the crown of the road to provide some cover for the battlers at the back but my tempo was a little too optimistic, finding just one on my wheel arriving at Mitchell. (Whoops!)   With a wind assistance east, two rows got sorted to Central Kialla, the call of "fast ones left and slower straight ahead" was news to me till advised of the squad's separation for speed. There were protocols for pace apparently.   

DeepFry, Chilly and Rik had identified as quick, taking the River Rd course, all others said "snails" and chose Mitchell Rd to meander (they'd take a casual course to coffee)   The River Rd route was the safest option for me (there's a lot of variables in meandering!)   DeepFry delivered mid 30's as the speed standard to River Rd's bridge, though Chilly seemed to be chasing oxygen more than speed.  He'd urged us onward at the dip, (he'd planned to connect with the squad of snails later).  DeepFry seemed to delight in driving a hard bargain toward Coach Rd though Rik was on short shifts.  I didn't receive any protests raising the bar a little to high 30's for the 2 k's to rooster corner, though tempo was tamed a little for the haul to the highway on Coach Rd. (a chain permanently on the 13 sprocket seemed to be Rik's struggle)  Minty was found rolling quietly in search of the snails at One Tree Dam.   Assuming the lead in Boundary Rd, I took a leaf from the Gospel according to Emil and set New Dookie Rd as a target.

There was silence behind, but no protest.  Rik made a 300 metre donation toward the rail line (that's now covered by tarmac) and DeepFry took us Lemnos-Cosgrove where the fun would begin (30 km/h gusts fair in the face for the 10k to town!)   Balancing heart rate with speed became an art form - too long in the red zone and speed would sink, too high in the speed and the heart rate would do a Hiroshima!  (So much for a quiet Friday tap!)  Low on watts and with the Garmin display blank, Rik found comfort in the caboose (volts maketh the Di2 and the speedo work apparently!)  so DeepFry and I had the suffering to share to Mt.Wanganui.  Rudd Rd was the respite and the east drive on the Boulevard was bliss.  A tail wind for 3 k's to coffee seemed a poor reward.            

This week 294km   YTD 8,453km     

The Royal Society of Martyrs of Mutual Suffering

 Post #657

6/8  Warriors of the wet.

Calling the forecast rain 'gone' had a catch.  It meant committing to a ride when the headlight lit up a Scotch mist settling on the street in Saturday's wee small hours (trust in the bureau's radar is my weakness).  Wendy was fronting up on my call and Emil hadn't raised a white flag, so obligation over-ruled the urge to u-turn homeward.  What a great decision when I felt like a shag on a rock at the end of my street!  (Commitment Foss, commitment)   The option of heading straight to the Butter Factory for caffeine therapy couldn't match Wendy's optimism, so when Emil failed to front at the due time, we set Sanctuary Drive in our sights to see who else was brave enough, or barmy enough!  

Wet socks and rain rooster tailed off the wheel straight up the nostrils wasn't the best motivation for a satisfying Saturday spin, though I had to agree with Wendy the weather was easing reaching the south end of town.  Circling Sanctuary's side streets in the wait for six bells  hadn't found a soul, but Wendy was upbeat we'd get company  (I must get a pack of this Kellogg's Konfidence she's on!)   And sure enough, two leds appeared through the mist ; Emil had second thoughts after u-turning for home and Bruce figured there'd be others who'd ride regardless of rain (he was out and about anyway).    Six o'clock was the cue for wheels to turn and Emil led an Indian filed line of martyrs south.  PistolPete (Mr Reliable if it's raining) had second thoughts at home too and arrived half way to Mitchell Rd, so another in the team would ease the workload a lot.  

Reading the wind is an inherited skill that comes with this two wheeled addiction (with some expectations), so not bursting a boiler at second wheel to Emil said the breeze was at my backside.  35's were achievable doing my duty on Mitchell Rd but a somewhat soggy chamois and damp creeping into thick winter gloves quashed the comfort a bit.   Suggesting Wendy set her own speed north to River Rd, I shifted to last in line and wait for the next call to duty, dodging the spray from puddles spread across Euroa Rd now almost impossible (and that got everything else damp for consistency's sake)   Bruce led the easterly effort along River Rd and made his martyr's mark with a long drive to rooster corner ; no complaints from me , it delayed my next visit to the drivers seat.   PistolPete took his turn into the northerly and of course made it look easy to get to the highway, wisely calling a shorter circuit straight up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.....just as the mist turned to rain.  Emil was our guide north on Boundary Rd though just seeing the road's edge was a challenge.  That northerly became the burden when Emil handed me the reigns at New Dookie Rd, great aspirations to make a worthy contribution suddenly shrunk to try just to survive to Lemnos-Cosgrove.  (It's easy to under estimate the worth of that wheel ahead till it's gone!   It's said a draft eases 10-15%  effort, but it felt 50% harder when Emil peeled off the front!   

Wendy worked up the watts and proved her worth (ignore her own value on her velocity) to Lemnos and Bruce provided the smoothness on Ford Rd for me to find a second wind at Grahamvale Rd.  GiantAndy, bless his white cotton socks, was absent today so there wouldn't be a toasting along the Boulevard, but PistolPete went long range on Wanganui and extended his effort to lead Rudd Rd and half of the Boulevard before Emil's lust to lead us to the Butter Factory saved the rest of us from duty again.  A visit into the 40's for the last k to Knight St earned us breakfast.  Toast and hot coffee distracted the senses of a somewhat soggy sit at the cafe's table, talk on the Great Ocean Road, great gig venues and the hibernators hurt to come distracting thoughts on the damp drive home.  There's a weird satisfaction to have braved winter's worst (despite being soaked to the skin) with a bike covered in worms.  Others may call us silly, we'll call them soft!

8/8  Who wants winter? 

Pressed cancel instead of snooze didn't I! But something saved me and sprang the eyelids open with 10 minutes to spare.   Just enough time to throw all that insulation on in readiness for 2 degrees, but missing the routine of a casual light breakfast.  Half a cup of coffee would have to sustain me.   A clean bike (after Saturdays saturation) always feels faster and that was my reasoning of reaching Sanctuary Drive without bursting a boiler.  Lenny, Greg, PistolPete, the 5ft Ninja, Rocket, Wozza, Emil, The Godfather, Kreeky, Bruce and Kel had made the Monday pilgrimage to the starting grid and PistolPete had Wozza as partner for the opening salvo south.  Things were looking up ; my tank wasn't screaming empty when Wozz and Emil sped us to Central Kialla (though I was in the draft of five ahead as I joined the tail of the advance line).   

The Godfather supplied the white noise to the bunch....till he reached the drivers seat nearing the quarter horse stud.  Ah, the serenity......for a couple of minutes anyway.  Kreeky had second thoughts at second wheel from the business end and ducked for cover into the left line, promoting me to the front when Kel called half time and changed sides for the drive to rooster corner.   Signs of struggle showed in her final 300  ; labored lungs, the grab for a lower gear and a fixed focus on the shift's end that promised relief are signs I know well, so I kept my place in the good books by holding nearly half a wheel back, then went light on the throttle into Coach Rd.  I only had half a cup in the caffeine tank anyway!  

I was spared the struggle of part two when the Ninja called her shift short one, then she requested Rocket to roll straight over, so didn't that save me some stress!  Greg and Lenny chose a cold week to return from their sick beds but winter's wearing rather thin for all of us.  This was the 25th day of 3 degrees or below (my line in the sand that defines cool from cold) and if history is to be believed, we've got about a weeks worth left.  (I reckon it's going to be a long week!)   Rocket and PistolPete put some warmth into our legs keeping up with their drive to Old Dookie, Emil and Lenny repeating the process to Central Ave. Rocket's call for a halt for traffic was a wise one, but some had sneaked safely through.  The pack reformed half way to Dobson's bridge, the final k's noticeably tame in comparison to the usual weekday rush.

9/8  Soakin' up slipstreams. 

The hunt was on for a dislodged Di2 battery but the scraping noise from Wendy's rear wheel hinted at it's hiding place.  Freed from the grip of the chainstays and back in its rightful place, Wendy's Giant stayed silent as Emil made up the lost minute or so to the squirrel start line, collecting Jen en-route.    Kim was on the sick list, Tina's been spoiled by Queensland's sun and Liam and Lili have yet to climatise to the cold, but the Ninja showed some solidarity to the squad, loitering with intent to ride near the shop.  Our quick commute to the grid got the engine warmed up in Tuesdays zero degrees, and that helped to hang on when Emil set the speed a rung higher.  (Not sure I'd be following suit)  I'd almost got to 37's toward Orrvale Rd but from my engine room Scotty was hollering "I'm givin' her all she's got Capt'n!"  Zero gripped the lungs from breathing any faster.  The inadequacy subsided when Jen set the speed slightly slower toward the Kinder and Wendy cut another k off the cruise control to the cypress trees.  Shifts start with great intention.......then reality takes over!  The Ninja wasn't too happy with her pace to the S bend (but had the spare oxygen to say so!) so maybe that's why Emil dialed up the velocity again as he started round two of the turns.  

I was given the captaincy crossing the highway (after we got a few extra breaths giving way to the westbound truck) and calm conditions helped to get 35's back on the Garmin, but that Antarctic atmosphere was going to cut my shift shy of Old Dookie Rd.  Jen could have the lead at the fig farm.  The slipstream from a couple of passing trucks helped her hurry and a k later, just as the speed started to sink, truck number three blew by to boost morale. What timing!  Emil was back in charge for the westbound leg on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, 37's and 8's the staple speed set to silence any critics about the cold.   Ford Rd's 3300 metres to Grahamvale would be my last shift for the morning, so emptied most of the tank to get there, leaving just a bit left to catch the tail when Jen took the lead to Verney.  Emil showed remarkable restraint to stay in 3rd wheel while Wendy worked the leg to Balaclava Rd, though he did guide us to the Butter Factory (as if we needed encouragement!) in a chivalrous gesture.

10/8  Bo's back!

Perhaps I'll need to mail order motivation while the relentless frozen mornings continue, but the usual dozen or so that keep turning up to ride provide just about enough incentive to get my back side on a bike.  It's become the Royal Society of  Martyrs of Mutual Suffering this winter!   And speaking of martyrs, Bo had hauled his gastrically contorted carcass from it's death bed to join the starting grid with Boof, Greg, Wozza, Wendy, Bruce, the 5ft Ninja, PistolPete,  Kel, Emil, The Godfather and Jen for a Wednesday waltz around the 30k circuit.  Feels like minus 2.5 was unfortunately familiar.  PistolPete had Bruce as partner to open the account to Mitchell Rd while we all fell into order in the familiar format of two rotating rows, hopefully on the wheel of our choice!   Wendy braved third wheel in the advance between Emil and Wozz, a place I'd want a guaranteed tail-wind to keep up.   Bo stayed confined to the caboose, adjusting to life back aboard two wheels and the lack of temperature that comes with it.  

With Jen ahead and the Ninja behind, I got into the advance line on River Rd, finding a south east breeze at the right shoulder - hardly a gale force thing but enough to stop the chat at the front.  Social speed standards had seemed to have been set, 35's was about the limit......or that breeze was more like a battle 'cause shifts were shortening.  Kel had called half time to The Godfather at the quarter horse stud where Jen took on the co-pilot's role, me behind thinking their kindness would tow me to the safety of Coach Rd.  I had another thing coming!  

Whether Kel or Jen called it quits doesn't matter, I was quickly promoted to the drivers seat early to earn my keep.  Jen ran short of urge shy of rooster corner but the Ninja stepped in to drive to Coach Rd and continued northbound toward One Tree Dam (though shied from part two).  Wozza and Boof were promoted to pilots to take us to the highway.  The usual few commuting cars give us a wide berth and maybe that tardy truck driver who likes a bigger share of the tarmac might do likewise after The Godfather makes him an offer he can't refuse?  

Reaching the rear at Boundary Rd's fig farm, Jen and I took a guess we wouldn't reach the front again, but Bo wasn't taking any risks of getting to the business end, he was concreted into the caboose.  As expected, the fitter faction relished the work at the front and put in long shifts as a measure of their worth for the 9 k's back to suburbia, the usual treat of a tow home making it a circuit without complaints.  

   

11/8  The reunion.

A fairly keen northeaster sunk the appeal of a spin, but the promised return of Tina and Kim stirred up a sense of support for the squirrels. It might be slightly slower circuit though that wind promised a workout.  The threatened showers had raised the white flag for the Ninja so it was dedication that drew Emil and Jen to the start line for the squad's reunion.  (I didn't think there'd be anyone turning up to enjoy the 26 km/h worth of headwind!)  With compassion for those on the comeback trail, Emil set low 30's on the morning's agenda which felt easily achievable at second wheel to the truck route.... but a big ask for the engine when it came time to deliver a decent drive at the front!  Luckily I had the short shift.  Jen coped with the Kinder shift well, giving Kim the bonus of a tailwind on Central Ave and just the short straight with a side wind to the cypress trees (a gentle baptism back to the bunch).  Tina's kept herself in two wheeled tune on holidays (only the temperature to readjust to now), though I reckon today's wind (26 km/h) probably shortened her shift.  Emil took over at Beckham's bend and finished off Channel Rd, the now north northeaster on Coach Rd released the martyr inside.  One of those epic efforts was brewing.  A bit of handbrake was needed at Boundary Rd's bridge for Tina and Kim to stay aboard, but speed was secretly turned back up again a k later.  

I could grizzle a lot about the effort at second wheel, though I figured it was better than the battle at the front.  I wasn't getting the reigns crossing New Dookie Rd, Emil was still in charge to Lemnos-Cosgrove, so he got bonus points handing me a wind assisted shift.  The question now was what pace to set?  Too quick and I'd hear protests, too slow and I'd hear snoring!  I took a punt at mid 30's and kept my ears open.  All was well reaching the bridge with my shadow cast ahead from the lights still behind and just the hum of wheels on tarmac to hear, so continued to Lemnos North Rd for Jen to take on Ford.  The hurt of the headwind was history, happy days now with the wind at the back door.  Jen got to Grahamvale and Kim got to Verney content in the mid 30's and Tina was honored with being allowed to drive Emil's trademark turn to Balaclava.  (At the risk of repeating myself, red light yet again, Emil captaining the commute to coffee yet again)

12/8  Couldn't be bothered.  End of story!

This week 244 km       YTD 8,158 km