Kindness before cruelty.

 Post #711

19/8 Saturday's circus.

Saturday usually serves up a little more motivation than the usual weekday lap, or is breakfast the bait of the weekend's ride? Extra time on the social stuff might be the cure for the extra time on the bike? Who would turn up at Sanctuary Drive is always a lucky dip, Emil, Rocket, GiantAndy, Boof, Bo, Wozza, Troy, Bruce, Julz, PistolPete and Grumpy answering the attraction of a 6am start, The Godfather (positioning to pair with Bio of course) adding a circus-like atmosphere to the pack heading south. 

Winter must be becoming familiar; seven degrees felt warm! (though the stiff west northwester would make the return to town a tough one.  My plans were to be at the back by then!)   PistolPete sounded as crook as a dog but did his standard shift to Mitchell Rd without missing a beat, Grumpy had his chat into overtime while GiantAndy had barely got above idle at 37's to Central Kialla.   The boyish banter between you know who distracted thoughts from the work waiting at the front.  Eastbound speed was remarkably restrained considering the westerly blowing through the Khyber Pass but my guess was there'd be hurt when The Godfather and Bo finished their drive on Coach Rd.  Missing the starters gun at Sanctuary, Nev arrived via Channel Rd to tag onto the team. 

The Bureau's data of a west southwester at 20 k's per hour told there'd be a battle at the left flank on the front, but when Bo rolled left over the highway I was convinced the hurt was head-on.  What determination wanted and what the old engine would deliver was like Trump vs reality! No amount of h.t.f.u. was getting me to the bridge so I called the shift shorter a bit beyond Pogue Rd.  Rocket showed sympathy for the senior citizen but the head had called it quits at the bridge.  I pretended not to hear the holler of "Full Blocks!"  (A dismal performance really, though nobody seemed to mind.  Except me)  Rocket and Boof's steady pace to Old Dookie was like Christmas come early. 

Tempo to the Toaster picked up a little but stayed in the confines of survivable, what watts I managed to save were being banked for the labour in Lemnos-Cosgrove to come.  Praise be to the watts happening to reach the front for the way west to town; I'd booked a seat at the back (like Julz) for the flight back home!  You can feel a bit like excess baggage in the caboose but could view it as being chauffeured in a Ferrari to a restaurant too. Can't help admiring the horsepower hauling us into a headwind at a similar speed to what us mortals do with a tailwind! 

(Where their watts come from I want to know. Mine might be on back-order!)  Uncharacteristically, PistolPete withdrew from duty to join the rearmost in Ford Rd; told you he was crook! 

There was plenty of power to pull us along Wanganui Rd although The Godfather blew a gasket nearing DECA (though had enough stubbornness in the tank to catch the tail). Us four spent souls had little to respond to the ten ahead when the hammer went down in Rudd Rd, so we chose to share the shifts along the Boulevard at a speed more survivable.  The squad now splits for sustenance between Eighty8 and the Lemontree, Greg, Molly, Jen and Kim joining Emil, Julz and I to chew over the science of speed, secret meetings in planes and the scourge of cigarettes.

21/8 Winter's waning? I wish!

Convincing self to harden up and join the advance has become almost a daily argument.  The case for the affirmative wasn't helped with Gazza getting 39's on the Garmin just a few minutes into Monday's lap, but if the Ninja and BamBam were heading to the front, why not me too?  PistolPete's permission had been granted to Emil and Wozza to drive the first shift to Mitchell Rd, Gazza, Bruce, Rocket, Lenny, Bo and Kel assembling behind.  As always, The Godfather timed his arrival to join the tail.  Wozza had the watts to stay with Gazza's efforts to Central Kialla post haste and Bruce had the horsepower to reach River Rd in a similar rush, despite the northerly breeze.  Any wonder I had second thoughts at doing a shift. 

Some, slightly slower, had taken up the promotion forward so I bit the bullet, sandwiched between PistolPete and Rocket, to brave a turn.
There was little rest in River Rd, despite a few wheels ahead delivering a draft.  The call of "car back" was on again / off again nearing rooster corner but I guess a vague call is better than none at all. Kel and the Ninja took on the head wind toward the Broken bridges, PistolPete patient alongside the Ninja till her part two was abbreviated 200 metres on.  The northerly wasn't such a nuisance to the highway but resuming the speed in Boundary emptied my tank too quickly. 

Rocket obliged by supplying the slipstream at the bridge, oxygen intake taking precedence over chat till Old Dookie Rd (I'd hoped for a more rapid recovery; barely 15 bpm better after 2 k's of draft)   Fella's far faster had lined up for the 8 k's of Old Dookie's length back to town so exploring the limits of labour was a hard way to earn a cup of coffee. Those humbling thoughts of going o.t.a. brought out the watts to hang on though. 

22/8 Sync'd squirrels.

The forecast damp for Tuesday had a window of opportunity open by morning, just enough time to squeeze a lap (and a long black) and get home before being baptised.  Wendy, Lili and Tina were excused and maybe Molly too, but LiamM's lost the love for two wheels it seems.  Thankfully, Kim, the Jenerator, Emil, Julz and Greg can still be classed as addicts to the squirrel squad. August had teased us with a taste of Spring; eleven degrees could almost expose knees but Winter's chills had caught us all cautious.  Beyond being a breeze, 15 k's worth of northerly would be a burden in Boundary Rd and most likely get Emil excited in Verney.  The introduction to Channel Rd was calm with Emil going easy for Greg's knee niggles but soon got down to the business of Tuesday's tempo.  A little shy of Emil's 36's, I managed 35's to Orrvale Rd though the Jenerator raised my performance anxiety driving to the Kinder at Emil's standards.  (Ah, young ones; let's see how they perform at my vintage!) 

Greg led leg four to the cypress trees and was still on the gas to Hanlon Rd before Kim was made captain.  Anxiety eased seeing most were sticking to the 34's and 35's.  Familiarity with the team and all on the same page of pace keeps the rhythm relaxed and makes the k's blur by; just try mixing it with the unknown masses on a big event for the opposite effect!  The track turned damp on Boundary Rd as Emil guided us north, something about his perch on the La Pierre telling me this was going to be a long haul.  Old Dookie Rd had blurred by and the guess at being given the reigns at New Dookie Rd was wrong.  I had no complaints at avoiding the headwind and being towed to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd though second wheel syndrome was beginning to empty my tank.  Heading west eased the effort a little but there'd be no heroics from me; I'd be sharing the distance to Lemnos with the Jenerator at the bridge.  Greg got the Ford Rd leg to Grahamvale Rd and Kim the short shift to Verney but as Julz set her sights at Balaclava Rd, Emil stole the driver's seat to take us south.  He was excused when Balaclava's red light turned green on our arrival.

23/8 Past the use-by date?

The risk of expending energy early was that there'd be little left in the tank if the bunch got excited later, though that extra effort to catch Wozza, Boof and Rocket at Benalla Rd's green light would be worth it.  There'd be a tow to Sanctuary's start, rather than ruin the old engine into the southwester getting there.  Lights turning yellow as Emil and I arrived hastened the hurry, but that draft was a perfect birthday present.  PistolPete's absence at the grid was weird; just as well Boof knew the direction to Mitchell Rd though limited numbers thinned two rows to one. 

Sitting fifth in line gave me a little time to prepare for pain. East to Central Kialla thanks to Emil and north to River Rd thanks to Wozz, I followed Rocket into River Rd readying for the hard yards beyond the bridge.  The smooth build of speed was the kindness before the cruelty 'cause Rocket continued on toward the dip (I thought Bo was the tail-wind thief?)   It's probably all in the mind but the tank said almost empty when Rocket finally peeled off the front, the spectre of The Godfather breathing down my neck extracting the effort to get to the quarter horse fence.  Respite wasn't going to be easy while The Godfather yo-yo'd the pace between 34 and 39.  Fresh back from holiday, Kreeky called me into second last place.  Kel's smooth shift to the Broken bridges restored some composure, BamBam's slightly slower shift to the highway gaining an extra breath or two. 

Just as well, Troy was on a mission to make Boundary Rd hurt. (Isn't it funny how you think you're on your limit but somehow find that little bit more to hang on.  The downside is legs go to jelly trying to accelerate at the next turn).   With a few getting close to struggle street, Rocket called for calm at the front as Boof drew the lead role west, so the pleasure of dropping below the red-line eased the engine for the 8 k's to get to coffee and cake (a small birthday one) 

24/8 Served chilled.

Emil running five minutes behind schedule gifted Molly, the Jenerator and I a calm commute to the shop; not that rushing around in one degree temperatures is on my wish list!  Julz and Greg arrived at the grid so social stuff was swapped till the captain clocked on at 5:36.  More than just me were pleased that Thursday's therapy speed was set. Greg's new knee needs a gentle running-in period and Molly's emergence from hibernation doesn't need any hurry.  Of course Emil assumed the lead role to the truck route and I'd be ex-communicated if I didn't take on the Doyles to Orrvale thing.  The 2 k's to the Kinder was in the Jenerator's command and Greg took charge of the shift to the cypress trees (making a habit of a hurry to Hanlon Rd again) 

 Julz set sights on Channel Rd's end though Emil charged to the Coach Rd intersection on traffic watch.  A new patch of gravel awaited our turn north.   Where Emil's elbow would elect me to the front was anyone's guess; he'd gone beyond the Boundary Rd bridge and beyond Old Dookie Rd too, so I took a punt at being given the reigns at New Dookie Rd. The difference in temperature from second wheel to the lead is probably measured in hundredths of a degree but it felt like being locked in the freezer at the front driving to Lemnos-Cosgrove. (I'll bet LiamM was quite cosy in his warm bed!)   Something stirred on the Jenerator to drive long to Lemnos and Greg had no dramas driving Ford Rd's first three k's to Grahamvale Rd (but don't tell his surgeon). 

I hadn't seen rain on the forecast but specs were suddenly spotty en-route to Verney Rd.  The road wasn't damp but Emil's rear tyre was serving me a spray of sealant (and it wasn't living up to it's name!)    Not the best argument in favour of tubeless.  A halt, a fiddle with fingers and a couple of serves of CO2 had wheels rolling again (within the hallowed five minute window I'll admit) only to be halted again by the Balaclava Rd red light.

25/8  Fraternal Friday.

Emil and Wozza's round one to Mitchell Rd had me thinking social speed had made a comeback, though I think it was more to do with consideration for PistolPete's recovery.  Rocket and Wozza's drive to Central Kialla was more like the labour I'm used to!  Three degrees wasn't so therapeutic, but the lack of wind was wonderful.  Couldabeens kit day had dragged Bo, Boof, Bruce, Julz, Kreeky, The Godfather, Troy, Grumpy and BamBam out from under the doona's warmth to fraternize in the fresh Friday temperature.   The presence of BamBam, Kreeky and Julz eased thoughts that the scales were skewed toward the supersonic, so I might hold on. 

Bo had been blocked from finding the easy berth in the bunch and PistolPete had locked in the rear-guard position, Grumpy naturally gasbagging at the front while a lot of hot air came in the midfield from you know who. BamBam's slightly slower pace at the business end inspired me braving the advance line, though I was in the league of watts with Boof ahead and Emil behind.  Kreeky's holiday has hampered his distance in the drivers seat so he called quits at the Broken bridges (or was it a half a block from The Godfather?)  The Pussycats peloton numbered two. I'd made it to the Boundary bridge beside Boof where hurt called it half time for me, Emil sympathetic with speed for part two but I couldn't quite get to the fig farm before mercy called him across.

Rocket and Wozza had the hurry on again in Old Dookie Rd (high performance engines tend to foul their spark plugs going slow) but having a few wheels ahead of me helped raise the slipstream and lower the heart-rate. Just enough oxygen was saved reaching the truck route roundabout to be spent on the speed to SPC .

This week 311km

YTD 8,659km  

A Terrier overdosed on RedBull.

 Post #710

14/8 Cold conformity.

Wasn't I clever settled into the left line on PistolPete's wheel (and last to face the front) as the bunch bolted south, feeling rather smug till Indian file was called just 50 metres in;  third in line for labour now and needing the head hurried into h.t.f.u. mode!  There was some consolation that Pistol then Emil had set 36's as the standard and handy that a slight south southwester would assist my shift to River Rd.  Hardening up into the hard yards nearing Central Kialla's hall, Bruce drew alongside as co-pilot.  Seems pairs was preferred now!  Well, I guess it's best to get the torture over and done with early and soak up the slipstream afterward (fingers crossed there'd be some time till duty called again). 

Loving the labour, Emil and Pistol fronted again (addicted to speed?), the standards lifted a couple of k's to put my recovery in reverse.  Wozza's watts continued the hurry toward rooster corner, The Godfather not tested by the tempo.  Kel and BamBam had braved the advance; maybe if I slipped them a bribe they'd slow the speed a fraction?  That extra minute of morning light each day is noticeable, even a touch of colour in the horizon builds hope (and gives hope of seeing those ever-expanding pot-holes on the circuit).   Effort seemed to escalate on Boundary Rd to the bridge, the head-on gust of wind delivered by an oncoming truck sinking speed for a moment. 

BamBam's retreat rearward with cramp had Rocket come to his aid, so the ease off the gas I'd craved earlier came without the need of a bribe.  The order shuffled in the regroup (the Ninja's subtle shift to the left line for less labour?) and The Godfather got on the gas into Old Dookie Rd but was left to labour solo at the front while others opted for a clan combined (the solo specimen soon re-united at School Rd to pair with Bo to Central Ave)   Traffic at the truck route split the squad in two, though speed was still swift to Mitchell St for the want of warmth at the Butter Factory.  Feels like minus 0.5 was beginning to bite. 

15/8 Six addicts.

Ingesting an insect wasn't the best start to a shift, particularly when pace was set fairly fast by Emil to the truck route.  I've had better tasting protein and feels like minus 0.3 wasn't doing me any favours. Still, the show goes on as they say (to Orrvale Rd in my case).  The coughs and splutters sounded about right for this old engine being thrashed to match 36's anyway.  (Factor in this fossils' antiquity folks; translates to 40's for you young ones!)   Crossy took on leg three to the Kinder with a considerate use of the accelerator, a slight south southwester making work for Wendy on Central Ave but speed was back on spec to the cypress trees.  

Off the bike for a week would need a month to get me back in tune but the Jenerator produced her usual hurry to the S bend. Ain't youth a wonderful thing?  Julz was left to finish off Channel Rd, the tail wind due to inflate the egos headed north.  Emil's elbow was early to elect me to the front at Boundary Rd's bridge, working on the theory of a tail wind is better shared (unless you prefer being tagged a tail wind thief), so I gave Crossy the task of the Old to New Dookie Rd bit.  Wendy won the last of the bonus breeze to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the Jenerator and Julz drawing the short straw of a side wind to Lemnos.  

Newfound comfort on the Fizik helped me hold Emil's wheel for Ford Rd, what I could attribute the ease to was anyone's guess (but I'll spare you the derriere details!)   That comfort was timely 'cause Emil was in for the long haul; not content with an extra effort to Verney, he added the southerly spin into town too. Luckily we were spared the bolt to Balaclava Rd's red light (the approach at 36's had it stay stuck on red anyway) and none could stop him captaining to coffee either.

16/8 Emulating Eskimos.

Some of the hardcore had succumbed to the softness when the mid-week forecast threw us a negative but it's only a number when you think about it; anything below five is fresh. Just BamBam, Emil, PistolPete, Boof, Kel, Bruce and Grumpy had shivered their way to Sanctuary Drive for 5:40, so single file it was, in an effort to put some recovery time between shifts.  Tardy with his timing,The Godfather arrived (advantageously) to join the back.  PistolPete did the three k drive to Mitchell (of course), Emil the two k's to Euroa Rd and Bruce took on the two k task to River Rd where Grumpy, feeling the two and a half k's to the bridge wasn't enough, did another half k to Laws Drive.  Sitting second wheel to Boof while he aimed at the quarter horse fence (two k's beyond) was certainly preparing for my pain to come. 

Thankful that the wind had taken a day off, pace was almost sustainable at the front till a k cutting through feels like minus three started to wear away at the will to live.  I'd set sights at reaching rooster corner (as a fair contribution to the cause) though focus was blurring half way into the two k's of cruelty. A cars' headlights at Coach Rd defined the aim a little better though it was still further than what legs and lungs wanted. The spectre of The Godfather's "full blocks" demand got me to Coach Rd.  Luckily BamBam was light on the throttle heading north toward the Broken so jellied legs managed to catch the second last carriage when Kel called caboose her residence (not often she shies from a shift!) 

Kudos from the passing players helped the head; a Spanish doctor might help the engine! The couple of k's to the bridges was enough for BamBam to call it quits, The Godfather hauling us the next two k's to the highway but made his mark on Boundary for another three k's to Old Dookie Rd (I reckon it's a mine's-bigger-than-yours thing).  The varying velocities tested this old engine.  PistolPete hurried the huffs and puffs (my interpretation, not the general consensus!) for the (just over) three k way west to Central Ave, Emil enlarging the city's view for (just under) three k's to the truck route when the draft of a passing car tempted his tempo (just like throwing a ball for a Terrier overdosed on RedBull!) Maybe this would be the last one k thrash to Mitchell St? The SPC roadworks said to be completed soon will add another four hundred meters to the labour list. 

17/8 Nursing new knee (great grit Greg!)

Barely seven weeks since having a new knee installed, Greg was back on the bike, albeit on light duties. Therapy Thursday was the ideal ride for his rehab (maybe he chose a feels like minus 2.4 to distract thoughts on running-in the titanium tibiofemoral, though his only glitch was engaging cleats).  Without question (and without challenge), Emil took the lead to the truck route, all of us getting the squeeze into the intersection by Mr Impatient Motorist (failed to gain any time, forced to give way to traffic anyway) That oh so familiar 1200 metres to Orrvale Rd hasn't changed a bit, the workload a little easier with Thursday's discount on speed applied.  Advancing in the queue for a turn, Greg's tenacity impressed (particularly if you'd seen the mid-operation photos from a few weeks back) while Wendy did the Kinder shift. 

Kim was on a mission into Central Ave (me thinks that speedo wasn't working again) to push the boundaries of therapy, though it wasn't bothering me at second last in line.  Julz led the way to the S bend, Greg given the remains of Channel Rd without so much as a hiccup in horsepower getting there (Perhaps I should order a pair of those titanium knees myself?!)  Emil went forward on reconnaissance at intersections to give a heads-up for Greg's cleat disconnection.  Breeze direction was guesswork on Emil's wheel along Boundary Rd but moving a little off-line soon gave me the answer of a north northwester, becoming quite obvious when his elbow elected me to the front at the bridge. 

Pleased there wasn't Tuesday's tempo to live up to, the drive to Old Dookie was enough (that breeze was like having the brakes on), besides, Wendy would love some more work!  An easier path west on Lemnos-Cosgrove raised the speed a bit beyond the usual, Julz and Greg splitting the distance to Lemnos.  Deja vu Tuesday when Emil fronted for Ford Rd so out came the rubber stamp for the repeat of his hold on the captaincy back to Balaclava Rd's red light.  Given the lead of a short shift to Knight St was a rare privilege but a coup d'état soon followed for the captaincy to coffee.

18/8  Stupid o'clock drizzle on Friday made the decision of taking a day off easy. 

This week 190km  

YTD 8,345km

 

A blissful baptism.

Post #709

5/8 Two tribes (too big).

A south southwester fair in the face to Saturday's start didn't do much for my enthusiasm though after the thrash to Mitchell Rd, it was likely it'd be all plain sailing from there.  A few special guests had fronted to the Sanctuary start, Woulda's Crossy, Laura and Nev were searching for a squad more sizeable than three.  Coulda's were keen, fielding Rocket, Lance, Wozza, Grumpy, Boof, Bo, Lenny, Emil, Tina, Wendy, Troy, Bruce, Gazza, Julz and PistolPete to the ride's roster.  Almost summer numbers, but not quite the temperature (feels like 2.1)   I reckon I'll have a rubber stamp made saying PistolPete and Emil led the line south, the left line rather over-populated with many predicting a hot pace, while the advance line was well stocked with horsepower. 

I was pleased to see Lance in the line-up (makes me a young guy in the group!) though I didn't recognize Grumpy 'cause he was wearing knee warmers. (A birthday gift?)  His present turned out to be a puncture near River Rd's rumble strips but half the bunch didn't realize till the turn into Coach Rd (too much chat and not enough calls).  The expectation of a five minute fix was well out of date when Grumps got going again, but lost time usually isn't a worry on a Saturday.  Bo became my co-pilot when I reached the front crossing the highway, the now west southwest breeze beginning to be a pain on progress as the fig farm came into view. 

"Your speed" was Bruce's reassurance I'd survive part two when he drew alongside for the drive to Old Dookie Rd.  PistolPete put an extra two k's into the tempo to the Toaster, toasting my attempt at recovery.  GiantAndy had appeared from somewhere and took Gazza's wheel in the advance so there'd be a want for watts when those two were elected to the lead role (might have been a good thing to be at the opposite end of the bunch?)   Daylight has become a welcome change, particularly with the 6am start, all the better to see the wallaby at the roadside near the Pine Lodge rail line.  Off the gas for ten seconds gained a breath or two - timely preparation for the hurry along Lemnos-Cosgrve Rd (the now northwest breeze of little hinderance to the horsepower at the front.

The chance to join the advance again in Ford Rd was declined; we were a bit close to town and I was likely to be at the business end when the big guns loaded their ammunition for the bolt along the Boulevard.  (I'd be of some use at the back as watchman for o.t.a's).  Gazza and GiantAndy nudged the forties nearing suburbia, several now keen to keep the caboose as their safe haven too.   A brief halt at Numurkah Rd then back on the gas again was the breaking point for Julz, gapped at the water treatment plant.  Leaving her to spin solo to breakfast ain't teamwork in my book, so I dropped back to donate a draft to the base of Mt.Wanganui to take the Kittles Rd shortcut to the Boulevard (finding Lenny leading the tail-enders Wendy, Lance, Tina and Laura toward breakfast)   An even longer Eighty8 table had Greg, Lili, Molly, Kim, LiamM and the Jenerator join for a yarn on the French vs the Parisiennes, space invaders and the whiplash effect. 

7/8 The battle for breath.

Fog helped to hide the 2000 metres to the Broken bridges from rooster corner, so my target didn't look so onerous, and Rocket was kind enough to ride at half throttle, so it gave the illusion I could keep up with him.  Concentration for kangaroos had occupied the pre-frontal cortex from thoughts on the labour that legs and lungs were going through.  The road ahead cleared beyond the dam and that distance to the bridge looked brutal; The Godfather could take his "full blocks" and insert them sideways 'cause the bridges were half way for me (and possible heart failure driving to the highway at this rate). 

The engines' signals of stress soon overwhelmed that "all in the mind" mantra to make raising the white flag an irresistible proposition, but Kel's kindness (I hope!) for part two might make the masochism manageable.  Don't look at the heart-rate Foss! and ignore the reflections of the road signs at the highway another 1800 metres ahead while you're at it.  Just set sights at three metres in front and ride to the rhythm they say.  Great theory if I could focus!  There was little left beyond Channel Rd (saving the last drops of energy to catch Pistol's pace into Boundary Rd was in my pain management plan) and speed sank a k so I'd save face reaching the pub, the relief getting there short lived when Kel called clear (she could focus)......and we were back on the gas again. 

Ah, there's nothing like the therapy of a thrash! (ain't it great when you stop?) Bo, BamBam, Bruce, Emil, Wozza, Kreeky and others mentioned made their turns look easy, though I'm told Bruce felt taxed.  Julz was wise occupying the caboose and Bo had helped his velocity turning lightweight with a lack of locks.  Recovery was scheduled in my diary for later in the afternoon as pace picked up on Old Dookie Rd, Wozza and Bo keen with their cadence to the truck route. At risk of being dislodged, I got useful supplying Julz a slipstream. 

8/8 Fog & frustration.

That first k into Channel Rd was a test; a shock to the system from the casual (in comparison) commute to the start.  Yeah, it's only 5k faster, but the chill factor on Tuesday was a fresh feels like minus 1.3.  It's almost annoying seeing the speed steadily rise as the engine struggles to stick to Emil's wheel. When handed the reigns there's more energy to expend to carve through the atmosphere, frustration building when the legs won't deliver the speed previously set.  I should apply for a pensioner's discount.  Surely a k short of the speed is excusable?  Fog hadn't hampered Wendy's drive toward Central Ave, though the Col de Kinder took a k or two off the pace. 

A south southwest breeze couldn't break Tina's pace to Jameson Rd though fog had frustrated her view of the cypress trees at the bend to the point of ditching the old specs.  Crossy was elbowed to the lead 100 metres early and with plenty of gas pedal into Channel Rd, gapped Emil, Wendy, Tina and I in the process.  Blood boils a little to battle back into the slipstream, particularly if you've just burned all your biscuits at the front. Luckily, Emil saved the day with a delicate and diplomatic use of the accelerator to rejoin the others at the S bend.  It's that head-count theory I aspire to that was forgotten (or never learned) that did it; a six second delay on the throttle (for the six in line) before resuming speed that keeps the group glued together.  Doesn't bust the newest entry to the caboose either.  Julz felt the fog factor hampering her hurry from the S bend to Channel Rd's end. 

To the highway and beyond, Kim got the hurry happening again, wearing the captains' cap till Pogue Rd.  A seamless change of shift helped minimize the stress for six following.  Guessing where I'd get the elbow on Emil's drive north was the $64,000 question.  A couple of passing cars delivered a draft to benefit a breath or two.  New Dookie Rd was the handover for me to make some movement, that head count theory used to mask my lack of watts to get up to speed sooner.  A rare halt for traffic in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd got a head start on recovery for Wendy's drive to the bridge, Tina taking her last shift to Lemnos before holidays abroad.  Crossy's subtle start into Ford Rd did more for bunch unity, Julz providing the velocity to Verney Rd.  In a rare display of chivalry, Kim was allowed to drive Emil's shift to Balaclava Rd (at a considerable pace I might add) but that traffic light was red yet again to finish with frustration.

11/8 A whole bike's better than half a wheel isn't it?

Pure, unadulterated laziness got the podium on Wednesday morning (who else is sick to death of Winter?) so, almost like a painful payback, rain stopped play on Thursday.  So when Friday fronted, there was a little more incentive to face another day of cold stuff.   Cloud cover had f#&d off the forecast frost, so seven degrees was almost bearable.  Not a puff of wind either, so things were looking up.  Half the commute to Sanctuary had spent me, a draft from Emil, Rocket, Wozz and Boof my respite to muster the muscle for bunch speed.  Grumpy, PistolPete, Kreeky Troy, Bruce, Kel, The Godfather, Bo and the 5ft Ninja must have been suffering withdrawal symptoms from Thursday's damp too..  A berth at third wheel in the left line made plenty of h.t.f.u. time for me before duty at the driving end called. 

The smooth start was a blissful baptism, 38's to Michell Rd a dive into the deep end of distress.  Those blessed with ample ability were happily chatting within the pack (Grumpy and The Godfather guaranteeing the decibel readings were high), the stress of speed slowly subsiding for those of more humble horsepower (identities not disclosed to avoid legal litigation!) now climatizing to the cruelty.  The opening argument for the soft side (staying in the caboose) was strong, but the opposition (Captain Humiliation leading Team Regret) finally convinced me to join the advance.  Everyone else was contributing to the cause, why not me?   Rocket doesn't deliver much of a draft but he's a compliant co-pilot at the front. 

 As days slowly stretch a little longer, a little more light was all the better for viewing Kanagroo Alley nearing the Broken bridges (but did anyone notice The Godfather's half block?)   Emerging from a long hibernation, a larger collection of Cats were found at the highway to re-ignite The Godfather's greeting (so much for Shepp East's slumber!).  Pistol and Kel had the horsepower to blur Boundary Rd to the fig farm, so I began banking breaths behind Rocket for duty in Old Dookie Rd.  The engine's age is steadily shortening shifts so I called my turn done at School Rd (full blocks are for young blokes!) satisfied with the speed, though disappointed with the distance. 

Teaming with the Ninja for part two, my speed was sub-standard it seems, the bar now raised a couple of k's in an afront to Rule #86.  I suppose a whole bike makes a point more than half a wheel?  Lack of oxygen restricted my retort.   Half a k on she'd rolled for PistolPete to pair to Central Ave, speed then sinking to the previous pace.  Teamwork was back on the menu for the drive to Dobsons', pairs properly levelled to the truck route where two rows thinned to Indian file when Wozza worked his watts into the 40's for the masochism to Mitchell St.  Driving the distance to SPC's roundabout will take some training for me when it re-opens in a week or so.

This week 214km

YTD 8,155km

A westerly up the waste-gate.

 Post #708

29/7 Bits of bunch.

Missing the Tarcoola train by less than a minute wasn't a worry, I had time to tap my way to Sanctuary's start without bursting a boiler, hopefully saving a watt or three for the bunch speed?  Gazza was a surprise addition to the grid of Rocket, GiantAndy, the 5ft Ninja, Lenny, Bo, Wozza, Emil, Tina, The Godfather, Bruce, Julz, Grumpy, Boof and PistolPete who'd found their way through the fog for the ritual ride.  Pistol and Emil wore away any watts I'd saved with a spirited start to the truck route, mind you something more substantial that the Ninja's draft may have helped me. It wasn't just me; Bruce felt the spice in the speed too and a few had already resolved to take up permanent residence at the rear.  It was a bit early for me to soften; I'd try a turn and see if my legs and lungs sought a divorce. 

How weird it was to feel a north easter (not just a breeze but 19 k's worth of wind) and face a fog too!  The damp was becoming a drag just a few minutes into the 80 minute lap, the glossy road adding caution to the corners.  Pace was still keen in River Rd; obviously the wind no match for GiantAndy's watts (fingers were crossed I'd get a turn with the wind behind).  Puddles put those rooster tails of water where they weren't welcome, so I was lucky I hadn't cleaned the bike yesterday!  I'd readied the head to face the effort at the front with Bo as co-pilot but Wozza saved the stress with his puncture at Pine Lodge pub (of course it was a rear wheel and in the damp for maximum inconvenience) 

Beyond the expected five minute pit stop, a few began a slow roll ahead, so when Wozz halted again across the highway to re-seat the bead, the bunch was in bits.  I'd returned to rejoin Rocket, Gazza, GiantAndy, Emil, Bruce and Lenny but many were missing.  Lenny and I chose the shortcut north on Boundary to intercept the escapees while the others turned toward the Toaster to chase.  We'd found the Woulda's in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and a few k's behind the escapees (Pistol, Bo, Grumpy and The Godfather) cruising in the 32's (Almost like the Saturday circuits of old!) anticipating the arrival of the back-markers.  The Ninja caught us at Lemnos but where others were was the mystery.   

Suburbia stirred a little more speed and I'd finally reached the front at Verney Rd, helped by the wind behind I'd hoped for. 35's on Wanganui Rd was workable but I had developed a craving for PistolPete's draft at Golf Drive's roundabout.  The (now) headwind pulled two rows into Indian file at Canterbury's roundabout, though Pistol restrained the rush below the usual Boulevard bolt.  A rendevous with Emil, Julz and Tina at Eighty8 had the Jenerator, Kim, Greg, Lili and Liam join in the breakfast bunch to chew over old phones, SFX vs CGI.

31/7 Hiding from headwinds.

The specs would be rose coloured thinking Monday's nine degree morning was over Winter's hump; we've only had 14 days of 3 or below so there's more cold to come. (More than 20 sub 3's in years past if you want the reality!)  With no bites from the Woulda's, chalkieChris mutineered to try his luck with the Coulda's (Bruce, Emil, Lenny, Kel, Kreeky, Rocket, PistolPete. Tina, The Godfather, the 5ft Ninja, Wozza, Bo and Julz).  A west northwester got the tactical head into gear to get a turn done before Old Dookie Rd, so I jumped straight into the advance line when PistolPete and Emil launched the labour toward the truck route.  

Many were happy to see the speed stay sensible when the bunch bore east toward Central Kialla, a decent wind at the derriere usually gets a few excited (to the point of bits breaking off the back), but today consideration was given to the varied horsepower in the pack.   Kreeky and Tina ahead in the advance meant the standards wouldn't be too tough at the front and hearing Wozza's voice behind me, I reckoned he'd hold his engine in second gear to pair with me for part two.  The timing was impeccable to score a turn at River Rd's dip though I hadn't counted on Tina's turn testing me to the quarter horse fence but 14 k's worth of wind at the wastegate made my turn look decent with Wozza to rooster corner. 

I was looking forward to the draft arriving at Coach Rd but Wozza provides all the benefit of drafting a toothpick, and when he and Rocket added a k or two to the pace to the highway, legs and lungs weren't happy. ChalkieChris had dived into the deep end pairing with Rocket (who'd s adjusted his pace to diplomatic) in Boundary Rd and did well to get beyond the bridge, but naturally The Godfather half wheeled him on part two to Old Dookie Rd.   Bo and The Godfather paired for the headwind home (couldn't have happened to nicer guys!) though their trajectory had some shortcomings, thankfully PistolPete and Emil set the path smooth and straight to town.  ChalkieChris hadn't received the memo on the blast beyond the truck route but a few eased off the gas to guide his path to the Butter Factory.   

1/8 That's no mirage, that's Liam!

A third red led in Rae Street might have been an optical illusion.  Tina's always lurking on the commute route and that second light was bound to be the Jenerator.  Because Molly and Graeme seemed to have abandoned the squirrel ship and Lili's elbow needs a few months to repair, maybe I was seeing things?  Pickle my grandmother! LiamM was that third light to join the crew. (Seismic forces must have dragged that doona off him!) Surprise number two was finding Julz at the starting grid (as predicted, the force is strong in this one) so seven started with a westerly up the wastegate to excite Emil into the 37's.  35's was my response for shift number two to Orrvale Rd, proving to be a popular pace copied by the Jenerator to the Kinder.  

That southbound spin on Central Ave was a little slower but eastbound, Tina turned up the tempo again.  Wendy's shift kept the weeds at the roadside blurred to the S bend, Julz standards slightly slower to reach Coach Rd.  LiamM poured on the hurry to the highway but the fanfare soon faltered. I think cobwebs caused it. (too much time under the doona has shortened his time in the drivers seat).  My preparation for the long haul at second wheel while Emil attacked Boundary Rd was interrupted with an early elbow at the bridge (most unlike his usual efforts).  I hadn't driven this shift for a while and that short sit at second wheel left enough watts to make a turn to Old Dookie look decent, although that westerly wore the watts away. 

Others did their bit to preserve the average speed north to Lemnos-Cosgrove where I thought that speed would sink, but Wendy worked the headwind toward Lemnos like it wasn't there.  Emil was given the lead role a bit before Grahamvale Rd so naturally locked in the drive east to Verney then south to Balaclava (then of course the guide through the streets to coffee)

2/8 Smooth, straight, serene and sensible.........strange!

Spots on specs from Emil's wheel wasn't water 'cause the road was dry; I was being anointed by sealant from the Almighty; call it tubeless holy water if you like! (Hole-y water?)   My baptism took a break when we stopped for Boof and Rocket with Wozza who'd followed the fashion of flats, though Wozza's was fixable (a new tube and a re-seat of that troublesome Continental) Archer Rd was our bee line to Wednesday's Sanctuary start-line, arriving with three minutes spare.  

Troy, Bruce, Tina, PistolPete and Kreeky had gathered in not so welcoming weather (feels like -0.1), Pistol and Emil yet again doing the first shift south.  The serene start signaled someone's absence.  Rocket's lack of headlight volts forced his berth at the back while Emil and Bruce led the lines east.  That lack of temperature gripped the lungs like a vice, but I joined the advance line anyway; it'd probably hurt even more at the front but then everyone gets that pleasure.  Tina chose to keep Rocket company in the caboose while I followed Troy toward the business end.  Kreeky behind was my insurance to survive part two.  Calm conditions favored a reasonable turn when I paired with Troy at River Rd's dip so an aim to reach the quarter horse fence seemed achievable (but I reckon someone shifted that fence further.  Nothing but darkness lay ahead while the horsepower faded).  Troy complied to my call for an early roll (no "full blocks" pressure today), Kreeky hopefully the compliant one for the next bit.  

The white fence eventually appeared but the old engine's gauges were all at the red line half a k later.  My plea for Kreeky's tow was granted, the rest of River Rd spent in recovery.  Seems my speed was right 'cause the bunch speed stayed the same; I've just got a problem in going the distance!  Slowly but surely the view came back into focus on Coach Rd while Emil and Pistol did the driving north.  Aside from the lack of temperature, proper calls at intersections, two straight lines of formation, smooth speed and a sensible amount of serenity made for an enjoyable lap; the cold cured with coffee at the conclusion. 

3/8 Winter's last hurrah?

For a moment I thought that third tail-light in Rae St was LiamM's again.  Tina and the Jenerator are the reliable ones but it seems LiamM's comeback has been cancelled. The third red led today was Molly making her return!   With Wendy, Kim and Emil, we'd hitched a ride on the Boof, Rocket and Wozza train that travels the Archer St line express, so we alighted at the shop to find Julz early again at the grid.  Thursday's tap below the red-line was just what the doctor ordered.  Engaging a cleat should be second nature (after how many years of practice?) yet my foot fumble departing the shop at 5:30 was textbook newbie!  Just as well Emil's easy introduction to Channel Rd at 32's made it possible to catch up.  

Into the rhythm of the usual roll, there wasn't a lot of watts wanted to conform to therapy standards, though feels like 3.5 degrees was taxing the lungs a little.  A rabbits' random run along Channel Rd's roadside recalled thoughts of horizontal malfunctions years ago, so I was glad this long eared larakin charged for the paddocks rather than charge under the fourteen wheels headed east.  To the Kinder courtesy of Wendy then to the cypress trees thank to Tina's tow, Kim steered us to the S bend for the Jenerator to do duty to Channel Rd's end.  Julz has mastered the art of the light throttle out of a corner so the tail enders aren't dislodged.  Emil assumed control at Pogue Rd, the breeze conveniently swinging to a northeaster to make us work a little more.  

Temperature seemed less cold on Boundary Rd (you could hardly describe it as warmer!) so maybe we've reached that seasonal shift where degrees increase during the lap rather than sink? The familiar path of Old to New Dookie Rd was mine to drive, Molly's re-introduction to riding was resigned to the rear. The hint of light on the horizon at stupid o'clock fuels hope of longer days to come; far better than the Winter woes of leaving home and arriving back again in darkness.  The usual division of long drives on Lemnos-Cosgrove and Ford Rd gave a second shift to Tina, Kim, the Jenerator and Julz, Emil scoring the lead role again at Grahamvale Rd, so naturally he commandeered the captain's chair back to coffee.

This week  253km

YTD 7,938km