If lungs and legs would co-operate.

 Post #695

22/4 Sociable.

Strange thing a solo commute to Sanctuary Drive (most of the usual cohorts away on a long weekend), so without any pressure on pace I could cruise my way to the grid and ease the old engine into an effort  (Christmas had come in April!)  PistolPete, Lance, Rocket, Bo, the 5ft Ninja, The Godfather, Bruce, Nev Greg and Wozza had converged on a cool (6 degrees) but calm roundabout for the 6 am launch, PistolPete (who else would it be?) and Bruce leading the lads and lass south.  

It seemed like social was on the menu, despite some of the shop squad in the mix, reassuring for me to see Lance in the line-up so that a few of the slightly slower might take some heat out of any hurry, so I braved an earlier (than usual) entry into the advance line.  The Ninja's wheel was of no aerodynamic advantage, how lucky that Greg was ahead to make a substantial slipstream.  Preparing the pre frontal cortex for effort at the front needed a fast forward button when the Ninja retired to the rear at Euroa Rd, being quickly promoted to the drivers' seat with Greg was being thrown in the deep end (at least he's sympathetic to senior citizens)   

The Godfather's insistence on "full blocks" became my motivator to make River Rd's bridge the aim for part two and it didn't help glancing at the Garmin showing 176 bpm getting there.  (Rule #5 would fix that)  Being anti-social beside Lance to the dip wasn't intended, just vital for the oxygen intake required.  Daylight turning north into Coach Rd was a treat (usually our arrival time in town on a weekday) but the drop in temperature made me want for the winter gloves (and being in the advance again meant dealing with a fresher front soon).  Rocket and Wozz made 38's look easy en-route to the highway, no doubt Julz' red led ahead acting as a bait.  Pistol and Bruce were re-elected leaders in Boundary Rd but Pistol chose a half block turn (with no objection from The Godfather?) to put Greg as co-pilot with Bruce aiming at Old Dookie. Julz sailed on north to Lemnos Cosgrove.  

It's only 2k to the Toaster but my head warned of an empty tank to get there, so I defied the full block convention to roll across nearing the pork palace. A surprise shop squad overtake (Gazza, Trav and GiantAndy) distracted The Godfather from my infringement.  For a moment I wondered if several may jump ship on a need for speed (leaving the rest of us to a sentence of hard labour)..........but solidarity stuck.  There wasn't the usual tailwind home on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the calm conditions not spiking speed as it usually does. There's positive thoughts in the comfort of the draft until thoughts in the advance line shift to the toil on the front (didn't feel so bad if I imagined trying to hang on to the shop boys)   The Ninja held a permanent berth in the caboose.

Hopes were high on getting a third (and hopefully last) turn done before Wanganui Rd arrived but thanks to the long distance drives of Greg and Bruce from Grahamvale Rd, it wasn't to be.  Just my luck to get the 2800 metres worth of Wanganui with the lofty ascent on the mountain at the end.  

I get the feeling I'm being given a little discount on pace at the front so the least I could do was to drive the distance to Rudd Rd (I'd be guaranteed a tow to breakfast from there anyway!)  Pace didn't get out of hand along the Boulevard so for a welcome change, the view was still in focus to Knight St.  House painting, road trauma and fat heads was the business over breakfast, the solo home as sedate as the start.

24/4 Motivational.

Enthusiasm had escaped when the alarm went off at stupid o'clock (it's called Monday-itis for the working classes!) but I knew the regret of not riding would be torture by mid morning.  Why it's a struggle to get 28's on the speedo to Tarcoola but no drama to keep 33's going to Sanctuary Drive I'll blame on performance anxiety!  Taking a four day weekend was the excuse for some absentees but Emil, Tina, Rocket, Wozza, PistolPete, Greg, Bruce, Troy, Bo, Kel and The Godfather arrived to make up a dozen.  

Of course PistolPete set us southbound, Emil electing himself as co-pilot for the 2800 metre warm-up to Mitchell Rd (though 8 degrees felt mild thinking of last weeks' cool introductions)    I hadn't intended taking the soft option of last-in-line but found myself on PistolPete's wheel as the bunch got into order, plenty of time to prepare for pain at the pointy end though. Something like social speed had been set headed west (Greg and Bruce were probably keen for something sedate after yesterday's 140 through the ranges).  Through the metropolis of Central Kialla, around the cobbled section of tarmac, a 90 degree right into River Rd and aiming at rooster corner 6k in the distance, wind wasn't a workload for a change, the feint red glow on the horizon something colourful to aim at.  

The standard weekend chat occupied the ranks as The Godfather guided our path along River Rd's centre (for reasons better known to him) well before reaching the rumble strips.  Bo and Kel captained north as I moved up a rung in the advance, duty looking likely in Boundary Rd (yet again!).   Kel's roll to the left at the bridges escaped The Godfather's grizzle about full blocks.  Tina's shift came to an end a bit beyond Boundary Rd's bridge so maybe I could get away with the slightly shorter drive to Old Dookie Rd?  Pistol was kind enough to stay at my speed alongside till the turn left, just enough left in my tank to hold onto Pete and Emil's drive to Central Ave.  Plenty of colour in the sky made shaking off Monday-itis worthwhile.  Another rung down in the left line as Wozza and Emil set speed to the truck route eased my effort enough to bank a few watts for the SPC squirt, Rocket not holding back his horsepower to get there. 

25/4  Respectful.

The Anzac Day dawn service and ride drew a big Couldabeens clan to show respect for those who've paid the ultimate price in conflict for the country. 10 degrees made standing for the half hour service tolerable though it was a cool few k's of the clockwise course climatizing to speed.  Riding in the daylight was a rare treat and into a scenic sunrise was candy for the eyeballs when most of our k's are covered in the dark.    Bruce, Liam, Wozza, TrackStan, Rocket, Emil, The Godfather, Troy, PistolPete, Greg, Bo, Kim, Tina, Lance, Molly, Nev, Lili, Jen, Wendy, Julz, LiamM and Grumpy created two long lines, Wouldabeens Crossy, SuperMario, Laura, Chris and AlmostRetiredTrev attached to the train in a rare act of clan combination.  

(Funny how The Godfather's garble could be heard over the chat from the end of a 35 metre long line!) Punctured at the start, Trav had repaired and short cut to catch us in Ford Rd. LiamM had neared the pointy end when a puncture brought the train to a halt, AlmostRetiredTrev roped into the repairs though that didn't satisfy The Godfather's time limit.  Fixed and rolling again seemed to be a timely chance for the big bunch to split, the swift and the sustainable separating.  

Greg, Bo, Bruce, Liam, Troy, PistolPete, The Godfather,Trav, Wozza, TrackStan, Emil and Rocket bolted ahead, leaving the rest to settle on something a little less stressful.  Happy days for all really.  Of course I'd stuck with the sustainable, but what speed to set was the question.  Something between suffering and snoozing I guess!  Velocity varied between 31 and 36. depending on who was in the drivers seat, but the bunch stayed united (it just went rather quiet at 36's!)    It's a weird sensation to take this lap contrary to the usual Saturday way but at least the views were different.  LiamM seemed to shy from a shift at the front and contained himself to the caboose while Laura would advance to 3rd or even 2nd wheel before seeking to hide in the left line (Not sure what the fear of the front is when you're among friends - avoiding duty is the slippery slope to softness!)  

Chris seemed to study the squads protocols as someone new to the addiction should, Julz the ace student in comparison. South on Coach Rd and over the bridges, the direction of River Rd was reinforced 'cause the Woulda's have a habit of southbound to Mitchell. Grumpy would usually side with the swift but admitted to carrying a little extra ballast from his sojourn to Singapore but Crossy was kind enough to level wheels with him west toward the dip.  My turn with Tina to Euroa Rd had finally encouraged Laura to try a tap at the front though she sought an early roll just 200 metres toward Central Kialla.  I nagged her to continue to Mitchell Rd, figuring if she could still talk she could drive the distance! (I excused her pleas for Lance to roll straight across to aid her recovery headed west)  

The route via Raftery Rd is the stuff of history books for most and not the favored course for some, particularly when Conrod straight comes into view, though none seemed tempted to sprint the finish (there was a greater interest in breakfast).  The Swift and sustainable (including the Woulda's) converged on the Milk Bar for the essential coffee and chat. 

27/4 Therapeutical.

Guilt got me out of bed a bit before stupid o'clock; buckling to the softness of a sleep-in Wednesday got the motivation going today! (And a northeaster provided the motivation to Tarcoola!  I was guessing Boundary Rd wouldn't be much fun) Emil, Jen, Lili, Tina and Molly had assembled in Rae St, LiamM the victim of a flat tyre before he'd left home.   The spin to the shop was quite cruisy, can't say the rest of the lap would have that luxury.  Just as 5:30 struck to get wheels rolling from the shop, BamBam arrived from the south, Emil easing off the gas a little so he'd get aboard.  The Thursday therapy speed applied but I was needing a lot of throtle to stay at second wheel (maybe a day off had handbraked the old engine?) 

A glance at the Garmin was disappointing - all that effort and only 33 to show for it? (Waiter! More concrete to the breakfast table!)  My test would come at Doyles Rd when second wheel became the lead role.   A few trees might have helped to shelter from the wind but the 1200 metre shift felt further when faced with reaching Orrvale Rd.  Six to slipstream would help me get over it! (make that five.  Molly had taken up residence in the caboose)  

A change to the usual order had Jen drive us to the Kinder, Tina getting the luck of the tailwind on Central Ave but labour to the cypress trees. Julz joined in from Hanlon Rd while Lili was worn down by the northeaster toward Beckham's bend.  Absent for a week, BamBam did well to tow us to Channel Rd's end.  In Coach Rd's centre, Emil cut the wind for the line behind to the highway but 34's in Boundary Rd had a few at full throttle to stay in touch.  The call for a little calm was music to a few ears.  

30's seemed to be the salvation though Emil had slowly crept the pace back up to 32's a k later (all were still aboard though. What a few breaths of oxygen can do eh?)   Prepared to front at Old Dookie, Emil's elbow didn't flinch, looks like I'd have another two minutes at second wheel till New Dookie arrived (Presumptuous old bloke aren't I? Emil stayed on in the hero's role to Lemnos Cosgrove Rd before I'd be given the lead).  What speed to set west while that northeaster blew (20-30 km/h) was pure speculation though my guess at 36's hadn't raised any hollers. I showed Jen my elbow at the bridge to share the tailwind turn among friends.  Molly's muscular misgivings kept her from contributing but Jen and Tina lined up for duty to tow us to Lemnos.  BamBam was trusted with the southbound spin to Balaclava Rd and surprise, surprise, Emil contained his enthusiasm to sprint for the poke of the pedestrian button, the traffic light changing green in BamBam's honor!

28/4  The tubeless test, contemplating Col (2 years on) and doin' Dookie (beside Bro).

A soft tyre on the turn into Sanctuary's roundabout nearly took Tina into a horizontal malfunction, so the start of Friday's lap was quickly stalled.  By the time the bunch had reconvened, attempts at keeping air in Tina's tubeless had failed. (Time for Tina to phone a friend!)  The Godfather, Troy, Grumpy, Jen, Emil, Kreeky, Kim, Bo, Bruce, Kel, Rocket, PistolPete and the 5ft Ninja tried take two, southbound to the truck route and it seemed social speed was set in stone, to the relief of a few hanging onto the rear.  (There may have been a little caution with the road damp from the 3am shower)  As it happened, low clouds decided to baptise us in Mitchell Rd anyway! Whether we were in for a soaking was up to the weather.  

Rooster tails of water off the wheels decorated the view on the drive north to River Rd, Jen concerned at a rough ride from her bike (hard to judge the state of her rear tyre in the dark and damp of Central Kialla)  The turn east was squirmy, raising doubts on its' pressure, so I delivered the news to Greg in the drivers seat.  Another tubeless had become airless, prompting a phone a friend again (hardly a convincing argument for tubeless technology - I'll stick with old school tubes that can be righted roadside)   The restart of course shuffled the order and I'd (luckily) swapped from the Ninja's wheel to Greg's - quite the aerodynamic opposite! 

Facing the front was a little further down the rides' agenda.  Bo and The Godfather had paired at the pointy end  (what could possibly go wrong?) bound for the quarter horse stud, soon locked into that 'mine's bigger than yours' show of supremacy, speed rising faster than rent as a result.  And that spelled stress at the back; so when Kim lost grip of the rearmost position, news of the infringement was delivered to the offenders.  Another brief baptism from the heavens put the alert out on traction for rooster corner.  The usual hollers of 'full blocks' got started when Kel rolled across for Bo at the Broken bridges.  A clear Midland highway didn't wipe off too much speed into Boundary so seeing 36's soon after taking the lead with Greg put a little bit more hope in the head. Keeping that pace would be the real test (if lungs and legs would co-operate)  

This old engine might make it to Old Dookie Rd if I didn't thrash it, so I took Greg's offer to roll when it suited me (Boundary Rd's bridge).  Emil was co-operative as co-pilot to reach my target without murdering the motor.  The heart-rate slowly dropped from the heavens in the tow back to town, a few getting dangerously close to the cruelty of the front seeking the shelter of the left line before reaching the truck route (the sting of speed to SPC would start there)  The fumble to engage a cleat after the brief stop for traffic put Julz under pressure to find pace, though the vacuum of a dozen ahead helped the hurry.  Coffee at the Butter Factory reflected on the second anniversary of Col's passing - tempting as it was to order pancakes with bacon and maple syrup in his honor, I resisted.  

Brother Gus arrived at the Butter Factory for his 'early' 7am start as the Couldabeens headed homeward, our intention to do Dookie and back before his return to the U S of A tomorrow. An east southeaster wasn't the best introduction to the 28 k drive but when it swung to a north northwester on Old Dookie Rd there was a little hope of less labour.  It's been many moons since doing the Dookie and back thing and bro seemed set on 32's and 3's to get there (ok under usual circumstances but the prior 50 k's probably put me on the back foot).  Touch wood, there was a slim hope of a tailwind home, if you could believe the Bureau. I was pleased the killer Cosgrove magpies were missing from the stretch beyond Quarry Rd to the golf course.  Passing the Katandra Rd, the rise of Sutherland's hill lay ahead, the massive 2% incline digging into my small bank of watts to crest it.  The cruelty of a climb is usually followed by the delight of a descent so the roll into Dookie felt far better. The tailwind back to town didn't eventuate of course (Hey Bureau, I want my money back!) the wind swinging from west north west to a westerly to make the usual battle homeward.  

This week 333km

YTD 4,920km 

Oxygen overload

 Post #694

15/4 The Saturday split.

Few fronting for the shop squad thrash meant that the Sanctuary start line was soon heavy with horsepower (and some of the usual Sanctuary starters had turned up for a social spin!).   A northeaster propelled plenty of pace to Mitchell Rd under PistolPete and Wozza's wattage, my glance back noticing LiamM as an unhitched caboose.  I delivered the news to the front and the hurry was handbraked but LiamM's 100 metre deficit would be a big ask to make up (and I hadn't the horsepower to tow him back to the bunch).  News to the front again at Central Kialla was the best I could diplomatically do but the vote for velocity won. (LiamM had u-turned for home to contemplate his hibernation anyway).  40+ into the 25 km/h headwind split the squad swiftly; GiantAndy, Emil, Wozza, Graeme, Bo, Greg, The Godfather and PistolPete had the muscle to move ahead, Lance, the 5ft Ninja, BamBam, Tina and Molly had the sense to share a somewhat slower speed together.  

I'd inherited the task of towing the o.t.a. Lili, slowing when her headlight wanted to jump ship.  It was a long drive to rejoin division two a k into River Rd and a relief to find 33's was their favored pace. The FIFO factor made sense to work together to get the circuit done (no point breaking the bunch apart in the interests of self worth) so teamwork set about battling the northeaster up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd if only for the joy of a tailwind back to town.  A single filed format made sense but squashed the social stuff (not that there was a lot of oxygen to spare for sentences), those with the legs driving long and those lacking the lungs donating something shorter. 

 The workload on Coach Rd was no easier than River, only the angle of attack had changed.  The tail lights of division one had stretched into the distance, the red led of one (or was it two?) nearer the highway figured to be Julz going to join.  My sympathies went out to BamBam seeking shelter from the wind on the Ninja's wheel.  Julz was just ahead as we slowed for the turn east to the Toaster but she continued north (so becoming our bait to chase in Lemnos-Cosgrove later)   Tina took us to Pine Lodge North Rd where martyrdom made me aim north for a couple of k's, craving the tailwind to come.  Careful navigation was needed near the rail line to avoid bits of dead Dunlop disposed from recent burn-outs.  Sighs of relief were short-lived when the tailwind tempted more tempo west on Lemnos-Cosgrove, Lance driving long to Boundary Rd, the Ninja taking aim at Lemnos and closing in on the cruisin' Julz.  Head down in a hurry into Ford Rd, Molly needed a holler to halt when Lance punctured (wire from that dead Dunlop?)   

His fix was fast (and no reminder of time in the The Godfather's absence) and the order had shuffled, rhythm eventually restored beyond Verney Rd. Lance looked likely to labour Wanganui Rd.  He goes well for the senior of the squad, driving the distance to Mt. Wanganui while I enjoyed the bonus of BamBam's draft when he led into Rudd Rd.  I'd expected his elbow to elect me to the front for the Boulevard, just enough shelter from the northeaster with houses lining the roadside to get to Tarcoola and there, the tailwind helping a reasonable drive to Welsford.  I broke with tradition to breakfast with the gals at Eighty8, the chat on partner presumption, cronyism in contracts and the ride's review, Emil and Greg joining the banter later.  

17/4 Hey Winter, you're a bit early!

All those heroics of braving bare knees and wearing fingerless gloves didn't last long, Monday's feels lie three had me diving into the bottom drawer for some proper insulation.  So much for mild Autumn weather , Winter was being a little premature.  Kim was a surprise arrival at Tarcoola for a Monday, Emil, Tina and Jen forming five for the fresh commute to Sanctuary Drive (the lack of wind or hint of a breeze made it feel like Christmas!) Troy, Bruce, Wozza, Bo, Greg, Kreeky, PistolPete and Kel filed in from the side streets to form the grid.  

Pistol (of course) and Emil guided our path south, a strange serenity hanging over the bunch with The Godfather absent (suffering the Saturday sting?)  Shoe covers and knee warmers had become haute couture, Bruce was testing an Antarctic rated thermal jersey and Greg had succumbed to heated gloves already, certainly signaling the seasons' shift.  Troy had the bright idea of dressing for Adelaide's temperature!  Emil and Wozz settled into a sociable speed toward Central Kialla, no doubt the icy atmosphere putting a little restraint in their pace (I guess it won't be long till the shop squad halts to hibernate and a more inclusive speed is set for all to survive.  Who wants to ride solo in this stuff?)  Daylight hours are on the retreat, the lack of light till reaching Boundary Rd now quite noticeable. I'd hoped it wouldn't happen so fast, clocks only changed a few weeks ago.  Now there's a 32 week wait!   

Bo and Bruce led from River Rd's dip but I'd chosen the soft option of last-in-line on PistolPete's wheel (so I'll bet Tina was on mine).  Kreeky had Jen and Kim in tow in the advance line at the Broken bridges but Kim had doubts of driving at the front, so sought refuge in the left line.  Jen's time in the drivers seat was proportional to having a week's holiday......short! so Tina and I served our sentence to the highway, but Tina was keen for more.  The extra metres to Pogue Rd was enough, so with me left and Pistol right, my eye was on reaching Old Dookie Rd (deja vu Friday; did it then, repeat today)   I thought I did well to keep 35's on the Garmin for three k's but achievement turned to inadequacy when Pistol and Emil dialed up 38's to Central Ave (yeah, I suppose they have youth on their side!)    Wozza put his watts into the squirt to SPC and I'd held on with the want for warmth in a coffee cup. 

18/4      7 in 7 for 40 @ 5:30

What sort of speed would be set was up to Emil when 5:30 struck; naturally he took the lead into Channel Rd for Tuesday's spin, my job to hang onto his wheel so Tina, Molly, Lili and the 5ft Ninja behind could stay in the slipstream and ready for their shift to come.  I'd expected to spend a bucket load of energy at second wheel when Emil settled into 36's and 7's to the truck route but in reality it felt like half throttle to get there.  I'd be kidding myself thinking I'd found some form of fitness though the Doyles to Orrvale shift went without a lot of throttle too. (Let's not get our hopes up Foss!)  

Tina's turn had some tempo too and there wasn't a tailwind massaging our ego's, not a leaf was stirring in the poplars on Central Ave.  Lili had braved bare knees and hot-footed her turn to the cypress trees.  Speed had sunk a little from Emil's earlier effort, Molly aiming at Beckhams bend and collected Julz as caboose. It's good to have the Ninja back in the squad, not that there's an aerodynamic advantage but it does delay fronting the line again for a few minutes.  Emil's often in the drivers seat for the way north on Coach Rd and was careful to turn up the speed gradually beyond the highway, something telling me he was in for the long haul when elbows didn't flinch at Old Dookie Rd.  37's became 39's to New Dookie Rd (when Kim's away, Emil will play!) but I'd be playing Mr Nice Guy setting 36's for my turn to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.   It was Tina's turn again west to the bridge as first light lit orange on the horizon, the second turn for Lili a little shorter than her first to give Julz the reigns to Lemnos North Rd.  

Ford Rd's velocity had some variables under the Ninja's lead though with a list of ailments (as long as the wait for coffee at the cafe of late) the variation was excused.  Emil scoring the lead at Grahamvale Rd had a strong smell of another long drive to Balaclava so I settled in at second wheel for overtime.  With more mud and stones on Verney Rd to avoid (might need a gravel bike soon), threading a path clear of commuting traffic has become an art form.  Arrival at Graham St got Emil keen to get 40's on the speedo though I took a punt that 37's would win the vote with the girls to lead them to Balaclava Rd.  Emil charged ahead to poke the pedestrian button (with little effect on the red lights)

19/4  Craving k's.

Regular repeats of 50 and 45 k's might turn this old bloke into a ninety minute specialist so adding a lap after the usual one might teach the legs (and the sit site) something about distance. Eight degrees almost doubled yesterday's "warmth" so I'd braved bare knees and fingers on what might be the last decent Autumn morning.  Calm conditions for the Sanctuary commute made 33's possible, though I'm not getting my hopes up of this being the new me; I'll be back to gasping at 30 before I know it!  Bo, Bruce, Rocket, Jen, Troy, Wozza, PistolPete, Gazza, Emil, Tina, Trav, Liam, Kel, the Ninja and Greg fronted the roundabout readying for the auditory assault of The Godfather's return.  

PistolPete and Emil started the spin south and because of my last moment arrival at the grid, I'd scored a spot at the back of the bunch rather than the usual berth of PistolPete's wheel.  The long line ahead meant a turn at the front was some time away, time to soak up the social stuff before duty called.  Fingerless gloves had it's drawbacks in Mitchell Rd, eight felt more like five even at a somewhat social speed.  A spin on the 19 sprocket only made the legs feel warmer.  The Godfather had made up for his three days absence vociferously (a translator might have made sense of it though) 

Julz did her usual jump aboard at Channel Rd, the surprise addition of KnightMichael found beyond the highway (seems he'd missed the memo of Wednesdays start from Sanctuary so found nobody at the shop)   Jen seemed a little shy on speed approaching Boundary Rd's bridge so Tina was asked across, so I played co-pilot to her mission toward Old Dookie, awaiting the call to roll (that came a little early at the fig farm)  

A short shift has to be better than none so the demands for "full blocks" from a certain someone were treated with the attention they deserve.  The last k to Old Dookie was shared with Trav and although I was ready to extend my effort west, Trav rolled across and his slipstream quickly changed my mind. The internal battery had recharged on the tow back to town to survive the dash to SPC.

 

Today was a watershed moment, bidding farewell to the Butter Factory's Chris.  We've been blessed by this barista for five years, remembering each of our whims and wants and assisting our addiction to caffeine.  We'll certainly miss his great support to the Couldabeens crew and our causes, that wicked sense of humour too.  The Butter Factory's new owners have a lofty standard to reach. 

With the craving for kilometres to satisfy, the 10k spin with Tina east to Lemnos and a solo drive south to Channel Rd filled in 45 minutes while the sun tried to warm the day, my path back to Archer Rd to intercept the Adams clan.  

Frizzy, Dazza, Chilly, Graham, Minty, Where'sWally and a handful of others were awaiting the 8am flagfall and single filed south. Traffic was plentiful; something we go without, riding at stupid o'clock!  A relatively empty Mitchell Rd allowed two rows to form so I paired with Dazza guessing 32's would be the suited speed. Turns rolled crossing Euroa Rd for the dull distance of Mitchell Rd further east.  Calls for passing cars were absent and it wasn't long before Frizzy (presumed to be captain) called for single file again. (When in Rome......)    I'd got the wheel of Where'sWally, a little erratic at close quarters, so practiced social distancing for safety's sake. (I've been spoiled by a bunch of steady wheels and smooth speeds so I'll put this down to real world risk).  

Order seemed to shift at will till two lines reformed in Coach Rd for the journey north, DeepFry found loitering with intent to join in nearing River Rd.   Minty and Graham reached the front for a short and slower shift to the Broken but Frizzy turned it up again to the highway. The two row format stayed for a while but fewer seemed interested in duty at the front, even when the breeze was almost behind for the western way on Lemnos-Cosgrove.  The usual aches and pains from doing a decent distance hadn't shown, though legs weren't delivering the push they were asked to do closer to town. Figuring a hundred had been covered, I opted for the turn to home at the highway (passing on the Wanganui Rd / Golf Club loop) and bid my adieus.

20/4  Cold comfort.

Getting the legs up to speed on Thursday was like getting a teenager to clean up their room, they put up a lot of arguments about it! Muscles complained about the 110km effort yesterday and feels like 3.7 probably didn't help. Just as well it was therapy Thursday, they'd be going on strike at anything over 35.  Something like social speed drew Emil, Kim, Tina, Molly and Lili to lap a few k's, even dragging LiamM out from under the doona that he's had an intimate relationship with over recent months! Sheltered from the southwester in the shops' car park for 5:30 to strike took an effort to get wheels turning, climatizing to the chill on Channel Rd only helped by that slightly slower standard of speed. 34's seemed to be the new threshold for Thursday. 

I'd forgotten to reset the speedo's backlight from yesterdays spin in the sun so I spent the Doyles to Orrvale shift mostly in the dark about pace.  Sting in the legs was my new benchmark but I must have got it reasonably right, nobody swore at me when retreating rearward for Tina's turn to the Kinder. Kim's luck had the southwester to deal with on Central Ave so the eastward leg to the cypress trees would have been heaven.  The headlight near Hanlon Rd was missing as Lili took on the drive toward the S bend, so Julz arrival at the last moment portside prompted a relaxation of speed so she'd get aboard.  Lili called it quits at Beckhams bend but I hadn't expected Emil to front again so soon (seems Molly and LiamM had taken command of the caboose!)  In Emil's draft to the highway, I again guessed the tempo of my turn by complaints from the legs.  I've scored this shift for three out of the last four days; looking forward to some different tarmac to tap next time!  Lungs haven't been so happy having icy air drawn into them, so some relief came handing the reigns to Tina for the Old to New Dookie bit.

A short shift again from Lili to the rail line put Julz in command to reach Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd but she'd chosen an extra effort west, right into the southwester (Likes a bit of labour this one!)   Open fields exposed Kim to work into the wind and just to keep her busy, a blast of wind blown from oncoming cars came for good measure.  Understandably Emil was shown her elbow soon after.  That wind was a bigger workload than I'd imagined when the comfort of second wheel was replaced by the lead into Ford Rd, a k and a half of hurt before some comfort came in the shelter of trees and an orchard roadside.  It took some effort to catch Tina's rush toward Verney and no surprise to find Emil had jumped the queue to lead the line south to Balaclava Rd's red light.  The vote for caffeine at Stellar was unanimous- maybe the wind of change is blowing?

21/4  Friday farnarkling.

What luck to find Wozza and Rocket at the Benalla Rd lights, a free tow to Sanctuary Drive was Friday's win rather than face the head wind to the start line (though wouldn't it be good if Wozza got on the cakes and pies diet; he's got the aerodynamics of a pencil!)  The uniformed mob of The Godfather, Troy, Bruce, Emil, Tina, Gazza, the 5ft Ninja, Kel, PistolPete and Bo converged on the roundabout.  The standard set by PistolPete and Emil south sent silence (and a few huffs and puffs) through the squad (I shouldn't complain from the comfort of third wheel should I?)   A south southwest breeze became obvious turning east, a little less effort and a little more speed applied to the leg toward Centra Kialla.  36's felt fast through feels like 5, or maybe clocking a few more k's this week was telling me something?  

I should be thankful (for the most part) social speeds were being observed (Spoke to soon Foss! The Godfather galloped into the 40's when he was promoted to the business end. Spurred on by the south southwester no doubt)   Gazza's tenacity to brave bare knees probably made all others in "longs" feel warm, though a complaint from a crook calf dropped him rearward at the Broken bridges for recovery.  I'd hoped Kel and Tina ahead in the advance would turn down the tempo a tad from Greg and Bo's keen 38's to the highway, banking on the Ninja too to show some respect for the elderly.  There was no trouble to slow for the truck westbound on the Midland (bigger always wins ;) trouble was building back up to speed in Boundary Rd. (So much for that want for a different stretch of tarmac to tap eh?)   I'd got my wish for 36's when Kel and Tina set a sustainable speed to the bridge and was only too happy to ease a little off the gas for Tina's part two of her shift (the last half where you regret your enthusiastic first half!)  The holler for "full blocks" was ignored.  

Tina called time out a bit before the fig farm and I was pleased to back off the throttle a little more for the Ninja to come alongside. (she seemed concerned by the standards expected by others but I'll hold to the theory that those on the front set the speed, those behind can like it or lump it!)   She was in oxygen overload reaching Old Dookie Rd, so could understand the Ninja's need for PistolPete to roll straight over to tow her west, her struggle to hold Emil and Pistol's hurry to Central Ave not the easiest respite.  Julz had risen through the ranks from joining near Channel Rd and had a relatively safe seat at 4th wheel on the drive to Dobson's bridge, but her headlight mount was trying to dismount. The retreat rearward for repair had Greg assisting, so with traffic filling Old Dookie Rd and not a safe place to stop, continuing to caffeine was the safer bet.  Greg and Julz could navigate by nostrils to coffee from there) Obviously with a crook calf cured, Gazza's dash to SPC spiked the heart-rate to test the end of a busy week, the boisterous banter at the Butter Factory the comical conclusion.

This week 370km

YTD 4,587km

A holiday from hurt?

 Post #693

10/4 Trial by temperature.

Gloves with fingers, knee warmers and the Eskimo rated base layer were left on the reserve bench for the cold to come; Monday's feels like six just needed a little extra concrete on the Corn Flakes if I was to ride through yet another winter.  Complaints about a sub-standard summer were cancelled, true appreciation for the months since Christmas only comes when temperature drops below double digits.  As always, a wind blew to make the opening k's a chore, three days of rust build-up (from not riding) a disadvantage to start the week.  From my fear of just four fronting, a decent showing of Tina, Emil, Liam, PistolPete, Kel, The Godfather, KnightAndy, Bo, Rocket, BamBam and Greg at Sanctuary's start line was surprising for a public holiday.  The westerly (due to swing a little south later) would make most of the circuit tolerable.  

BamBam stalled the start with new Pirelli problems (not seated on the bead?) and once the team was underway, I made the mistake of leaving a gap in the left line which The Godfather quickly filled.  Visiting KnightAndy partnered PistolPete to Mitchell Rd, providing his match-with-the-wood-scraped-off aerodynamics to the advance line behind.  Engrossed in a chat at the back, The Godfather and Bo had left a big gap in the procession ahead, so I rattled the cage by jumping a rung to fill the hole. (I did resume my proper place to avoid repercussions).   A curtain of grey cloud smothered any early sunshine as Tina soldiered through the last k of River Rd with Bo.  My turn came in Coach Rd, thankful to be in the advance line and shielded from what was mostly westerly wind.  

I'd be rubbished for rolling across and doing a half block at the Broken bridges by The Godfather (behind me) but the engine would be lucky to reach the highway running at 175 already (annoying when the legs and head wanted more) but Bo got the blame.  Julz jumped aboard on cue at Channel Rd.  Greg fronted with The Godfather for Boundary Rd and promptly tamed the tempo to 33's; wished I'd have known earlier - I could more than manage that!  Mumblings of a course north to Lemnos-Cosgrove came true when the turn into Old Dookie was ignored.  The sun made a brief appearance through the wheels north of New Dookie Rd and thankfully horsepower had made it's way to the front for the westward effort into that wind toward Lemnos ; if I played my cards right and most did their full blocks' worth, I'd be spared the struggle.  

Those grey curtains turned misty in Ford Rd though I wasn't mentioning the R word for fear of being soaked (so much for the Bureau's fine forecast).  Julz had sought refuge in the left line rather than the promotion to the front but Liam and Rocket's pace was cooking her even at fourth wheel.  A diplomatic slowing of speed didn't last long.  PistolPete, Greg and The Godfather had hung back in support when Julz was being backed out of the bunch on Wanganui Rd while others unaware, continued onward.  I happily retreated rearward too, if only for moral support.  The wind in the face to Rudd Rd soon became the bliss along the Boulevard, bolstering a faster finish (I found the thoughts of hot coffee and toast was a better bait).  The chat about madness on motorbikes, touring Europe and road rage made Monday feel like a Saturday (and didn't eight degrees feel fresh afterward to head home).

11/4 The more, the merrier.

Well, that didn't last long!  Full fingered gloves came out of hibernation for Tuesday's feels like five but I played hard-core with knees exposed (makes you pedal faster under the misconception greater blood flow will warm you!)  Contrary to the testing temperature, plenty came out to play on the squirrel circuit. Wendy, Emil, Kim, Tina, Molly and Lili did the southbound spin to the shop, finding Graeme and, rub-my-eyes-I'm-seeing-things, LiamM!  Even the Ninja had returned to the ranks!  A shuffle of the grid put me at fifth wheel when Emil stoked-up the speed for the long line into Channel Rd, a peculiar placement for me when nearly always second wheel.   Graeme eased up on his usual enthusiasm to do (my usual) Doyles to Orrvale shift; quite a change to see that distance pass in focus from the comfort of fourth wheel.  Tina took us to the Kinder and Wendy to the cypress trees before I was given the drivers seat.  

36's were on the menu so I took a little time to get that on the screen, thinking that the nine behind might need some reaction time out of the corner.  Julz appeared from Hanlon Rd with news that Greg was coming too (an alarm malfunction meant missing his Couldabeens start) so Emil took on the tow truck role to get him aboard.  The Ninja captained to complete Channel Rd.  With a dozen in the clan, a two row formation made sense in Boundary Rd though Emil and Graeme together at the front was like two misbehaving schoolboys in class.  Greg kept the speed at the status quo, Julz advancing for a short sit in the drivers seat from New Dookie Rd to the rail line.  

(Face the front or fail they say, even though the heart wants to fail there!) The chance of talk is rare by single filed squirrel standards so two rows allowed plenty of chat in the pack, apart from two at the front which are usually preoccupied with oxygen intake.  Speed was still somewhat spicy into the southwester along Ford Rd but not to the point of breaking bits off the back.  Emil, Graeme and Greg were at the front for the turn into Verney Rd, all behaving well........till the last 500 metres to the Balaclava lights. Predictably, Graeme opened the throttle for the dash to the (you guessed it) red traffic light.

13/4 Squirrels in the mist.

Eleven millimeters of damp festered a fog for Thursday morning, but that wasn't hindering the roll up to the Archer St shop to tap a squirrel circuit.  Tina, Kim, Molly, Lili and Emil found their way through the mist, the standard operational procedure of Emil leading to the truck route (as if we need the guidance!) getting underway at 5:30.  

34's was just a few k's short of Tuesdays tempo but it felt like a holiday from hurt.  My contribution to the cause (that Doyles to Orrvale thing) was driven in comfort for a change.  Ten degrees wasn't bad for mid April though 100% humidity made the progress like pushing through soup.  To the Kinder courtesy of Tina and to the cypress trees thanks to Molly, Julz appeared from the darkness of Hanlon Rd to catch the train (driven now by Lili).    Epic swims have labored legs so Lili's elbow elected Kim as captain at the S bend.  

With therapy speed applied, wind direction doesn't seem to matter as much but a breeze behind for Boundary Rd was a bonus anyway, Kim happy to continue to the pub before handing the job of Boundary Rd to Emil.   Darkness and fog tested the vision north , Emil showing remarkable restraint to fix 34 as the pace to Old Dookie where I continued the standard to the New Dookie one.  Tina called a pause to pocket the glasses, others taking the chance to do the same though Julz was more intent on oxygen upload.  Riding resumed almost as quickly as it had stopped, Tina taking us to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd for Julz to get down to business (She did well to drive 34's to the bridge where just a few weeks ago was breathless within 300 metres)   

There's always great strides in improvement when you start this addiction, where many (like me) peaked years ago and now just chase a few seconds.   Taking a turn beyond the bridge, Lili was in labor again a k beyond so Kim came to the rescue to tow us to Lemnos.  With Emil at the front for Ford Rd, a big turn to tow us to Balaclava Rd was likely, but I did get the duty to drive the Grahamvale to Verney leg.  The 1800 metres from the roundabout to those red lights at Balaclava was Tina's task, no surprise then that Emil was itching to be captain reaching Graham St! Almost as rare as rocking horse manure, those traffic lights at Balaclava turned green just as we reached for the brake levers, so Hawdon St started with a hurry.

14/4 Cool as cucumbers.

Managing 33's comfortably into a southerly breeze without blowing a gasket was strange on a Sanctuary Drive commute; usually the old engine delivers nothing till under peloton pressure to perform.  I wasn't going to analyse this strange speed phenomenon 'cause it wouldn't last! The official kit day drew some numbers to the grid, Liam, Bruce, Lili, Emil, Trav, Rocket, Kel, Kreeky, Greg, Wozza, Tina, Bo and the 5ft Ninja assembled behind PistolPete in readiness for chocks away at 5:40.  The Godfather made his entry just as the crew got seated to spin south to the truck route, all closing ranks to prevent The Godfather's intrusion into the order.  Bo tried a sneaky shift to the left line but Rocket policed his place into the advance.  

Pistol and Liam set a swift standard to Mitchell Rd but I wasn't laboring at the usual limit ; something had put some watts into the legs to keep up (wish I knew what!)  Out of the left line and into the advance on River Rd, Fridays first light showed us the horizon (and to think that won't be visible till getting home before long).   The Godfather's garble entertained the troops (from any position in the peloton), not that many could understand the dialect (Google translator even failed!) Enthusiasm had driven Lili to follow Wozza's wheel toward the business end but there weren't the watts to sit at second wheel to Rocket and Wozza's drive to River Rd's dip, ducking for cover in the left line before implosion. 

A couple of k's in the hour was discounted on compassionate grounds to aid her recovery (can't criticize her for trying!) Fingerless gloves wasn't my best decision in feels like six but it did distract thoughts on what was to come in duty at the front. Tina paired with Kreeky at the Broken bridges to do a decent drive to the highway where Julz joined the bunch. In charge for Boundary Rd, I took care to level wheels with Tina (close to toasted by her turn), so wasn't surprised to be called across at Pogue Rd.  Bruce kindly called "Your speed" when he drew alongside, though I found myself matching his 36's anyway (it's always the other guy setting the speed isn't it?)   Considering being towed for most of the circuit and this probably being my one and only appearance at the front, I set sights at reaching Old Dookie, which might even please The Godfather's demands of "full blocks".  

Half swallowing an insect en-route didn't help my hurry but Bruce's diplomacy got me to the target, kudos from Pistol and Kel helped my head but it was their draft that would do the most good.  Focus had returned by School Rd.  There's quite a comfort in the slipstream as the city's lights draw near, knowing there's not another turn of torment but the treat of a tow into town.......though surviving Liam's speed on the squirt to SPC was a wake up call. 

This week 202km

YTD 4,216km