Got an early 30k lap in before the OC's this week to climatise for longer distances, particularly the upcoming Fruitloop. (so many laps just doing 30 or 55, about time to step up a bit) The eagle eye of Cougs spotted 3 kangaroos near the olive groves, thankfully retreating before my luck with wildlife came to haunt me. Each day is getting longer now, there's a lot to see even at 6 these days. Saw the early birds head out at 6.45 but rolled in to join the traditional 7am departure. 14 today made a good crew, only missing Bo, Leon & Kel's spice to the speed. A bit of wind didn't impact too much, the journey home in Ford Rd quite favourable. A few were champing at the bit on the turn into Rudd Rd, Matt & i being kind to the group with a slow squeeze of the accelerator. We should have factored Daniel into the equation, glued to Matty's wheel ready to pounce with 300 to go. Used up all of the nitrous @ 53 to keep him at bay at the finish (i was certain we were level on the line, but he came over all gracious saying i had the gold) Not such a big crowd at the Butterfactory, managed a seat and decent table indoors this week.
After Saturdays 85k a shorter 35 was in order with the lake group. 7 fronted including long lost Ray & Brian, blowing off winter cobwebs in the 8 degrees. Good to roll around at a moderate pace with Rob, Matt, Chris, Marion & Graham and enjoy a bit of caffine culture after. The accuracy of <yr.no> came to the fore, a predicted 10.30 shower of 0.7mm came in just 15 minutes after getting home. There'd be some soggy ones up Harry's Creek this morning!
Mondays' P&W circuit is usually light on attendance, Just Rabbit, Fishy & Cougs to start, Erin catching up after a late arrival. A chilly zero reminded us winter has only just finished.The waskally wabbit good enough to kerb his turbo use till Arcadia Downs. A steady lap to beat the pussys home. Opted out of a Monday evening lap, chewing over redundancy instead. A tough meal with a sour aftertaste.
8 Couldabeens fronted Tuesday morning, Good to have Chris & Norm ("smooth & smoother") along. A slightly milder 8 degrees made things comfortable. Rocket Rob and Vince fought out the sprint, a decent bunch hanging on behind were smashed by Marions' fine grab for 3rd on the line.
Tuesday nights' thrash from the hospital had 17 half way out Ford Rd. A very mild 14 made me leave the thermal at home, but things went chilly from the 20km mark onward, a base layer only just fighting off 7 degrees. Lots of sweat didn't help either. The pair of Fords sat on the back till Melbourne Rd, then made things ugly joining in the rotation surging like rabid taxi drivers. Noticing a leg warmer flapping loose around an ankle conjured very uncomfortable scenarios! Finally got through the long train of "carriages" hanging onto the engine of Deano, Nath, Mitch & Leedy, but arrived at the pointy end way too early. So, spiced up the young fellas by going for broke at 400, so was instantly humbled by Mitch & Garry's youth and speed. 35.5 average & a 51 max was nothing to sneeze at.
Wednesdays' usual recovery ride was bliss on the muscles. Norm opted out but Cougs and i dodged the plethora of potholes (growing in number daily it seems) and/or gravel to tap out 20kms. A deep cut in the front tyre has opened a lot and despite a repair to the inside has balooned a lot lately. Time to ditch it before a blow-out and substitute a spare with 5k on it. May last till the 4th set goes on for the year.
A couple of new faces in Thursdays Couldabeens. Big Bill is back, with a stent to keep the ticker ticking, Tim bringing a mate Ryan along for a lap. The south wester made Boundary Rd a slog but grateful there were 10 to share the load. Tim doing an ace job, months of Queenslands warmth and back to our chill would be murder! (Predicting a big bunch when the weather gets a bit milder) Rob and Matt drove a good sprint engine in Raftery Rd, all home to see the train head out and not a cat in sight.
20 in the library bunch Thursday night by Lemnos Rd, a niggling westerly taking up the slack when we turned at the toaster (which isn't there) A couple of pot-holes on the Old Dookie bridge are a right old pain in the axle, time for more patches on the patches Vic Roads. A few more coming out to play these warmer days, even Gav braving the pace. No massive attacks tonite in Mitchell, a good steady roll (with Mike's "breather" every so often). Nath was testing his cadence big time (170) and had more spin than a Labor Party Caucus. As if he needs to improve! The wick was steadily wound up at Arcadia Downs and not much comes close to Mitch on the finish line, 54km/h not good enough to get alongside, but enough for 2nd. Earned my spaghetti.
Freaky Friday had only two takers, Rabbit (of course) enticed the Wizz to play, Scotty and Sooty changed course down River Rd on some strange misunderstanding of direction! A good contingent of legendary pluggers held it together for a team finish. The razor like profile of the waffer thin Ayto turning a strong 38 down Mitchell (tail wind?) Good work too from Fee (she'll deny it) Hayles and big Pete at the finish. Very pleased with a 35.8average, the trains' engine not even fired up when we crossed the tracks in town! Really good to enjoy the banter, tall stories and laughs at Fryers afterward. Ayto's strict training diet of French toast consumed with joy. (it's the Canadian bacon that makes it ok!) With time to spare, i rolled out an extra 35km, a 54 thrash in the last km to wear off the maple syrup!
Week 37 ; 503km 18560 calories (39 serves of French toast with Canadian bacon.....mmmmmmm) 32.5km/h av.
Quote of the week "Champions are everywhere....all you need is to train them properly" Arthur Lydiard
Arrr, where are my followers??
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Week 36
Saturdays 'early shift' started even earlier, but the regular legends lined up for a 7am OC blast-off. Good to have Barnsey, Hoffy, Tony and the 2 Tims (tim tams?) along. Masters Chris and Norm kept the quality standards up too. A northeaster strengthened to make Boundary Rd a bit of work, but the prophecies, tall stories, gags and the odd fact made it a great ride. Young Matt launched a brave, tough solo breakaway with 2k's to go but was reeled in in the closing stages by the charge of Bo, Vince, Kel & company. Bo took the win with Matt, Kel & Vince in hot pursuit. I missed the Butterfactory debrief (kids soccer and hockey beckoned early) but heard later Bo needs a XXXXL helmet! (A Queensland break will turn him into Mr Whippy pretty quick)
I went soft Fathers Day and had a decadent sleep-in (wow....till 7.20am!) and was spoilt with an egg & bacon muffin cooked then served in bed by my champion boys. (first day off the bike in 3 weeks....tragic eh?)
Rolled out to the P&W start Monday morning and was greeted by a pea-souper fog, difficult to navigate the streets. 8 of us barely covered a km when Frosty blew a tube big time. The protocol of waiting for repairs was observed (unlike many other groups) which left a few of us with time constraints. Bart and the Rabbit had the turbo spooled up, but i chose a shorter Channel Rd course home. (some aren't spoilt with office hours) Quick chicks Cougs and Meags, also on limited time, joined in for a decent belt along the old circuit, a 33.6 av a good reward for effort. Great company a bonus. Relieved to get some sunrise to find the road home too.
Quite a mild 16 degrees Monday night (ditched the winter thermal) so kitted up for a solo lap. Set up an electro / drum & bass playlist on the i-phone, put the head down and got in the zone with Nero, SebastiAn and Chemical Brothers. (music does focus the senses, disolves the days dramas too) Only a very light north north easter to contend with, even rounded up THM & Sootie on a quiet lap near the emu. Felt fairly fresh by half distance so kept up the push, but pretty second-hand by the finish. A pb of 1:24:31 (34.6av) for the 49km was worth it. (Logged on MapMyRIDE for you spec nerds)
We were missing the holiday makers Leon, Bo & Kel Tuesday, but a good crew of Couldabeens were at the start. Temple's dry wit mixed with the guns Matt, Glenn, Daniel & Rob made for a solid workout. Matt wound up the wick in the final 500 carving up Vince & Rob's reserves, allowing me & Marion to take silver & bronze. Thanks Matt! A good 33.6av, pipped by the train (by just 20 seconds) for a change.
Quite a chill in the air Tuesday night, barely 8 degrees and a 13-20km/h west north wester for the 12 hospital group to battle. Very odd not to have the usual vultures circling out the road to feed on us mere mortals. Beery had clearly lost it turning up to the library tonite (wondering why no one was there!) Scared a little old lady in the car park changing into his lycra too! Joined us just before Benalla Rd after Nath had severely measured me on the front, his ultra sleek DT Swiss carbons sing a nice tune though. Mike had just about blown a head gasket and did a Channel Rd retreat. Mitchell Rd turned ugly with the wind now westerly, most rolling turns over faster than Gadaffi's Tripoli exit. (all pretty smooth work to be honest, a couple chosing to be towed along) The thrash in Raftery's last kilometer went single file and i was blessed again by Robbo's class wheel (and Nath probably falling asleep for the sprint helped) to have the box seat for the last 200. Suprised to take the chocolates and top 55 at the finish, must be mum's great date loaf?! 35.6av. Quite an olfactory overload rolling back through town, a wiff of a long dead animal at the side of the road followed by a waft from someones bbq, au de sweaty bodies in the pack, then the nostrils filled with the Colonels 11 secret herbs and spices,with a big dose of dirty old diesel from a passing truck for dessert!
Good to have Norm & Marion on a steady circuit Wednesday morning , but winter was keen to have it's last (?) hurrah with just 1 degree. Sizable P&W and Cats groups spotted, so there are some strong guys and tough chicks about still. Really enjoy this mid week steady roll around, a very therapeutic recovery ride.
Dangerous to think it was the last of winter, turned to zero Thursday morning as retaliation. Brass monkeys speaking in high voices today, but 7 Couldabeens were tough enough to take on a lap. Vince was proved wrong, believing Temple would pike it. The cold forced Daniel back into long knicks too. A few peeled off before Raftery leaving just 4 after Arcadia to finish. A good lap by all turning in a 32.4.
A sizeable pack of 13 had assembled at the library Thursday night, there were lots more to join in. By the emu numbers had swollen to 30. Speed in Boundary Road was changing faster than asylum seeker policy, some heavy hitters dishing out a bit of pain. 8 degrees and a southwesterly building didn't help either. Speed settled a bit in Mitchell Rd only to go ferral when Raftery came into view. Only half a dozen were swapping turns by Arcadia Downs, a l-o-n-g train of hangers on steadily dropping off the back. Daunting to be amongst weapons like Nev, Eggman, Mitch, Nath and Robbo for the final k and couldn't match the horsepower in the last 300, but chuffed with 5th behind such WMD's. Average speed of 36.8 over the 50km worth bragging about too.
Better numbers for the P&W lap on Friday. Good to have Jeramy & THM along, kept the numbers up to 15. Ayto, Sootie & Chaddy had ripped up 30 before the start and joined 5km in. Rabbits' new TT Merida looks the business, Bart & Chaddy also with fairly new machines. (What GFC?) Stew's new, much sledging training needed though. Rabbit inticed Sootie and Bart to thrash out the last 8km, but most were keen to tap away the remainder. The Melbourne train still had the handbrake on when we crossed the tracks, a fine 34.7 average.
Hey, if you usually read this rubbish, click to 'follow' button. Or am i writing for just 4 people?
Week 36 ; 434km 16,014 calories (39 litres of Coke.......buuuurpp!) 33.7km/h average
Quote of the week "If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on" (Lance Armstrong)
I went soft Fathers Day and had a decadent sleep-in (wow....till 7.20am!) and was spoilt with an egg & bacon muffin cooked then served in bed by my champion boys. (first day off the bike in 3 weeks....tragic eh?)
Rolled out to the P&W start Monday morning and was greeted by a pea-souper fog, difficult to navigate the streets. 8 of us barely covered a km when Frosty blew a tube big time. The protocol of waiting for repairs was observed (unlike many other groups) which left a few of us with time constraints. Bart and the Rabbit had the turbo spooled up, but i chose a shorter Channel Rd course home. (some aren't spoilt with office hours) Quick chicks Cougs and Meags, also on limited time, joined in for a decent belt along the old circuit, a 33.6 av a good reward for effort. Great company a bonus. Relieved to get some sunrise to find the road home too.
Quite a mild 16 degrees Monday night (ditched the winter thermal) so kitted up for a solo lap. Set up an electro / drum & bass playlist on the i-phone, put the head down and got in the zone with Nero, SebastiAn and Chemical Brothers. (music does focus the senses, disolves the days dramas too) Only a very light north north easter to contend with, even rounded up THM & Sootie on a quiet lap near the emu. Felt fairly fresh by half distance so kept up the push, but pretty second-hand by the finish. A pb of 1:24:31 (34.6av) for the 49km was worth it. (Logged on MapMyRIDE for you spec nerds)
We were missing the holiday makers Leon, Bo & Kel Tuesday, but a good crew of Couldabeens were at the start. Temple's dry wit mixed with the guns Matt, Glenn, Daniel & Rob made for a solid workout. Matt wound up the wick in the final 500 carving up Vince & Rob's reserves, allowing me & Marion to take silver & bronze. Thanks Matt! A good 33.6av, pipped by the train (by just 20 seconds) for a change.
Quite a chill in the air Tuesday night, barely 8 degrees and a 13-20km/h west north wester for the 12 hospital group to battle. Very odd not to have the usual vultures circling out the road to feed on us mere mortals. Beery had clearly lost it turning up to the library tonite (wondering why no one was there!) Scared a little old lady in the car park changing into his lycra too! Joined us just before Benalla Rd after Nath had severely measured me on the front, his ultra sleek DT Swiss carbons sing a nice tune though. Mike had just about blown a head gasket and did a Channel Rd retreat. Mitchell Rd turned ugly with the wind now westerly, most rolling turns over faster than Gadaffi's Tripoli exit. (all pretty smooth work to be honest, a couple chosing to be towed along) The thrash in Raftery's last kilometer went single file and i was blessed again by Robbo's class wheel (and Nath probably falling asleep for the sprint helped) to have the box seat for the last 200. Suprised to take the chocolates and top 55 at the finish, must be mum's great date loaf?! 35.6av. Quite an olfactory overload rolling back through town, a wiff of a long dead animal at the side of the road followed by a waft from someones bbq, au de sweaty bodies in the pack, then the nostrils filled with the Colonels 11 secret herbs and spices,with a big dose of dirty old diesel from a passing truck for dessert!
Good to have Norm & Marion on a steady circuit Wednesday morning , but winter was keen to have it's last (?) hurrah with just 1 degree. Sizable P&W and Cats groups spotted, so there are some strong guys and tough chicks about still. Really enjoy this mid week steady roll around, a very therapeutic recovery ride.
Dangerous to think it was the last of winter, turned to zero Thursday morning as retaliation. Brass monkeys speaking in high voices today, but 7 Couldabeens were tough enough to take on a lap. Vince was proved wrong, believing Temple would pike it. The cold forced Daniel back into long knicks too. A few peeled off before Raftery leaving just 4 after Arcadia to finish. A good lap by all turning in a 32.4.
A sizeable pack of 13 had assembled at the library Thursday night, there were lots more to join in. By the emu numbers had swollen to 30. Speed in Boundary Road was changing faster than asylum seeker policy, some heavy hitters dishing out a bit of pain. 8 degrees and a southwesterly building didn't help either. Speed settled a bit in Mitchell Rd only to go ferral when Raftery came into view. Only half a dozen were swapping turns by Arcadia Downs, a l-o-n-g train of hangers on steadily dropping off the back. Daunting to be amongst weapons like Nev, Eggman, Mitch, Nath and Robbo for the final k and couldn't match the horsepower in the last 300, but chuffed with 5th behind such WMD's. Average speed of 36.8 over the 50km worth bragging about too.
Better numbers for the P&W lap on Friday. Good to have Jeramy & THM along, kept the numbers up to 15. Ayto, Sootie & Chaddy had ripped up 30 before the start and joined 5km in. Rabbits' new TT Merida looks the business, Bart & Chaddy also with fairly new machines. (What GFC?) Stew's new, much sledging training needed though. Rabbit inticed Sootie and Bart to thrash out the last 8km, but most were keen to tap away the remainder. The Melbourne train still had the handbrake on when we crossed the tracks, a fine 34.7 average.
Hey, if you usually read this rubbish, click to 'follow' button. Or am i writing for just 4 people?
Week 36 ; 434km 16,014 calories (39 litres of Coke.......buuuurpp!) 33.7km/h average
Quote of the week "If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on" (Lance Armstrong)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Week 35
Had a great laugh for the start of week 35. Lined up to head Saturdays ride was "Uncle Martin" Ken with half of Radio Australia on his helmet! (Zip wheels and zip ties! Haw haw....better zip my lip) 14 turned up, nice to have improving daylight and temperatures above freezing, (5 degrees with a light north easter) great to have Mr Smooth (Norm) and Nick in the pack too. Lots of chat on the circuit till the wick got wound up near DECA. Turning into Rudd Road, the little assasin Kelly hit the nitrous, (sending a panic amongst the sprinters) Vince hooked on for the tow then overtook her , but got smoked by Matt for line honours. The early posse was already seated at the Butterfactory, so enjoyed the suns warmth outdoors telling / hearing tall stories with the Cats. Drank coffee for an hour!
Rolled up to the lake Sunday morning and had Ro, Chris, Kelly & Bo, Graeme and Scott's company for a steady toaster loop ("steady" isn't in Bo's dictionary!). Only 3 degrees but some good laughs on the way. The favourite Butterfactory haunt was full as a boot, so Hudsons got the nod for coffee and toast. (not as good) Had a great group of P&W / Couldabeens mates around to celebrate this neolithic almost turning jurassic. Some good looking sorts in regular clothes for a change!
Monday's P&W attendance was just 8, but a decent ride enjoyed. The Fox's worn knicks were subject to much scrutiny, brought some good laughs. We held off both the Cats and Area 51 to get home first , train beaten too! Stayed off the bike but on the couch Monday night.
Tuesdays Couldabeens had quite a turn up. 13 must be a record for winter. Great to have Norm back, newbie Steve on a shiny new Avanti. Even welcomed back Travis, struggling to climatise from 2 weeks in Bali ! A southwester took up the leg slack in Boundary, but a good team finish.
Tuesday's hospital group started with 10 but swelled to 24 when several small bunches tacked on in Lemnos Cosgrove Rd. Gav even came out of winter hiding, but felt the push. A 12km/h southwester made hard work in Mitchell Rd particularly when the young fellas turned up the heat. The last 8km had us rolling over faster than Japanese governments, well into the high 40's at Arcadia Downs. Mitch kicked sand in our faces in Conrod straight, but pleased to get 2nd (deja vu ; last week) Suprised to read a 36.2 average and 53.5 max.
Nice to roll round a 30k recovery lap Wednesday morning. The BM rolled over 120,000 km this morning (scary..... it clocked 100k late last September) reliving memories of unpacking Part No
#80 91 0 139 773 from BayericheMotorenWerke's cardboard box and putting the bike together according to Clauss's "Prufprotokoll". Should i trade in the old girl when it's run in? Wednesday night enjoyed scoffing Kens wine at his bike safety campaign. A few ideas circulating for everyone to chew on. Good old common sense and a bit of consideration will go a long way. Again, good to see riders dollied up in something other than lycra.
Thursdays Couldabeens turn up was even larger than Tuesdays! 15 in all, importing Peter from an anti clockwise group too. Another new face (Glenn) on an Oppy is really testing this old memory for names! As usual, a good steady slog finishing as a team.
Only 7 started from the library Thursday night, but as always, lots of vultures were circling out Ford Rd and beyond. A few juggled positions early (maybe to avoid the view of Dales well worn knicks? What a plumbers grin!) with the long missing Andrew and Jamie joining in. Up to 22 in total by the toaster, Leigh & Co adding the horsepower, a little breeze against us down Mitchell. A small group turned off down Archer (including Trev, a bit flat from a blood donation) but 16 stayed for the battle down Raftery. Only a few of the big engines were driving the train by Arcadia Downs, most had gone very silent and very single file, hanging on in the 40's. There were big gaps to fill rolling up to the front but i drew the lottery when Dean rolled in front of me with 400 to go. Hung on for 100 then put all eggs in one basket, standing on the gas. Managed to take the chocolates thanks to Robbo's lead-out (and thanks to Nath missing!.....riding up Kelvins) a healthy 34.8 average over the 48k's.
10 P&W's present on Friday morning (Ayto, Stace & Meags missing doing an early 60k). Dazzled by Barts' new Merida bling and good to have quick chicks Fee, Cougs & Erin on board. Another new (un-named) face appeared, but a bit rusty in technique from a long hibernation. A nice distraction heading out Old Dookie with the beginnings of an orange glow on the horizon lighting up a low blanket of fog on the paddocks. Rabbit did his usual taunt riding past, only tempting Bart to dissapear into the distance. The remainder plugged away through the chilly (zero) patches to the Conrod finish, Fee hitting the turbo to gap us all, Peter playing mobile chicane by sitting up with 300 metres to go. Yikes!
This week; 455k 16,789 calories (4.7 kilos of jellybeans - 1,678 if you want to count 'em)
33.2km/h average
Quote of the week "Life is like riding a bike. It is impossible to maintain your balance while standing still" (Linda Brakeall)
Rolled up to the lake Sunday morning and had Ro, Chris, Kelly & Bo, Graeme and Scott's company for a steady toaster loop ("steady" isn't in Bo's dictionary!). Only 3 degrees but some good laughs on the way. The favourite Butterfactory haunt was full as a boot, so Hudsons got the nod for coffee and toast. (not as good) Had a great group of P&W / Couldabeens mates around to celebrate this neolithic almost turning jurassic. Some good looking sorts in regular clothes for a change!
Monday's P&W attendance was just 8, but a decent ride enjoyed. The Fox's worn knicks were subject to much scrutiny, brought some good laughs. We held off both the Cats and Area 51 to get home first , train beaten too! Stayed off the bike but on the couch Monday night.
Tuesdays Couldabeens had quite a turn up. 13 must be a record for winter. Great to have Norm back, newbie Steve on a shiny new Avanti. Even welcomed back Travis, struggling to climatise from 2 weeks in Bali ! A southwester took up the leg slack in Boundary, but a good team finish.
Tuesday's hospital group started with 10 but swelled to 24 when several small bunches tacked on in Lemnos Cosgrove Rd. Gav even came out of winter hiding, but felt the push. A 12km/h southwester made hard work in Mitchell Rd particularly when the young fellas turned up the heat. The last 8km had us rolling over faster than Japanese governments, well into the high 40's at Arcadia Downs. Mitch kicked sand in our faces in Conrod straight, but pleased to get 2nd (deja vu ; last week) Suprised to read a 36.2 average and 53.5 max.
Nice to roll round a 30k recovery lap Wednesday morning. The BM rolled over 120,000 km this morning (scary..... it clocked 100k late last September) reliving memories of unpacking Part No
#80 91 0 139 773 from BayericheMotorenWerke's cardboard box and putting the bike together according to Clauss's "Prufprotokoll". Should i trade in the old girl when it's run in? Wednesday night enjoyed scoffing Kens wine at his bike safety campaign. A few ideas circulating for everyone to chew on. Good old common sense and a bit of consideration will go a long way. Again, good to see riders dollied up in something other than lycra.
Thursdays Couldabeens turn up was even larger than Tuesdays! 15 in all, importing Peter from an anti clockwise group too. Another new face (Glenn) on an Oppy is really testing this old memory for names! As usual, a good steady slog finishing as a team.
Only 7 started from the library Thursday night, but as always, lots of vultures were circling out Ford Rd and beyond. A few juggled positions early (maybe to avoid the view of Dales well worn knicks? What a plumbers grin!) with the long missing Andrew and Jamie joining in. Up to 22 in total by the toaster, Leigh & Co adding the horsepower, a little breeze against us down Mitchell. A small group turned off down Archer (including Trev, a bit flat from a blood donation) but 16 stayed for the battle down Raftery. Only a few of the big engines were driving the train by Arcadia Downs, most had gone very silent and very single file, hanging on in the 40's. There were big gaps to fill rolling up to the front but i drew the lottery when Dean rolled in front of me with 400 to go. Hung on for 100 then put all eggs in one basket, standing on the gas. Managed to take the chocolates thanks to Robbo's lead-out (and thanks to Nath missing!.....riding up Kelvins) a healthy 34.8 average over the 48k's.
10 P&W's present on Friday morning (Ayto, Stace & Meags missing doing an early 60k). Dazzled by Barts' new Merida bling and good to have quick chicks Fee, Cougs & Erin on board. Another new (un-named) face appeared, but a bit rusty in technique from a long hibernation. A nice distraction heading out Old Dookie with the beginnings of an orange glow on the horizon lighting up a low blanket of fog on the paddocks. Rabbit did his usual taunt riding past, only tempting Bart to dissapear into the distance. The remainder plugged away through the chilly (zero) patches to the Conrod finish, Fee hitting the turbo to gap us all, Peter playing mobile chicane by sitting up with 300 metres to go. Yikes!
This week; 455k 16,789 calories (4.7 kilos of jellybeans - 1,678 if you want to count 'em)
33.2km/h average
Quote of the week "Life is like riding a bike. It is impossible to maintain your balance while standing still" (Linda Brakeall)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Week 34
15 starters for the ritual Saturday ride. (those content leaving earlier for a slower lap seem to have consolidated) A light east -northeast breeze made the homeward leg a pleasure, the young guns getting excited by a glimpse of the slower group ahead! Caught them in Wanganui Road (were they stuck in reverse?) thanks to some good engines driving the train. Nev took the sacrifice of lead-out in Rudd Rd, Daniel & Kel welded to his wheel. The terrier Bo was nipping at my heels in the sprint, used up all the jelly beans in the jar to hold him off on the line. (Lucky today, the young'n will have me next time). Great placings by Vince & Matt, brilliant finishes by the quick chicks Kel (6th) and Marion (7th). Missed the post ride coffee & chat. Make up for it next week.
Set off for a moderate circuit Sunday, the contrast of spring blossoms, light fog, birds chirping, then broken glass, a drunk staggering home and someones ashtray emptied on the road. Better out of town away from the ugly side of life and nice rolling along at a calm pace for a change. The bikes birthday (7 years) today too. Nearly run in now!
Light on numbers for the P&W lap Monday. At least we had Scotty's class and Meag's cheek for a good circuit. Bit of room needed for Darren & Goose though (you have much to learn Grasshopper!) No records broken (even passed by the Cats) but a good team ride without scattering the bunch. A high creek level sent us home via Archer for a change. Monday nights magic weather inspired a 55km solo lap, watching the eastern sky slowly change colour as the sun set was a great diversion from life's little dramas. Got into a great rythm for the Mitchell Rd leg home with Chemical Brothers' Escape Velocity mega mix. Helped for a 33 average.
Tuesday had 9 brave Couldabeens for the 2 degree ride. Discovered Vince & i have the same birthday, but he's a lot younger! Newbee Steve blew himself up doing a long turn, guess he'll learn quickly. Wished i'd photographed Rob, he actually used the big chainring, (will anyone believe me?!) a rare sight. Took a night off Tuesday (later heard it was a quick one) and bludged on the couch with birthday take-away noodles and some left-over chocolate bavarian. All about carbo loading you understand.
Rolled up to the P&W's Wednesday, right on the stroke of five to, only to discover they'd left early! Stuck the head down and set off on a big chase to make up the km+ difference (lots of blinking tailights to aim for). Shot past the Rabbit doing his usual hangback off the bunch and finally caught them at Central Ave. Good to see hibernators Ayto and Griffo in the group. A steady tap around for a pleasing 34 average.
Suprised to see Temple return to the Couldabeens on Thursday morning. (A long recovery from wrist & elbow injury.) Great to have our elder statesman Chris back too. Unfortunately Bo took a crookie, Kel working early. Rob took the biscuits in Conrod straight, headwinds just don't seem to affect him! Good work by the crew.
Thursday nights library bunch of 8 had only grown to 13 when we'd reached the emu, a cracker of a tailwind made a steady 38km/h possible. Hard slog home though. The speed had dropped a lot in the first km of Mitchell Rd but young lads rolling to the front turned up the pressure. Pushing into a headwind in the mid thirties and quick rollovers was the order of the day. By Arcadia Downs and in the high 40's, Chris, Mitch and Nath had lit the blowtorch on most. I scored the perfect wheel of Chris to have a crack near the line but Mitch's 58km/h was too much. The grace of Nath and Chris allowed me a pleasing 2nd spot.
A few rumblings of a big hit-out for Friday's P&W's. (at least they set off at the proper time!) The rabbit had lured Sootie, Princess, Scotty and QC to launch a breakaway at the Pine Lodge pub, the remaining 9 content in tapping out a great team lap. Nice to see THM (wow, 2nd time in a week!) again, always good to chat with Scotty, Meags, Cougs and the crew. Fee found the turbo button for a strong finish. We all beat the boom gates to wind up the week on a high.
Week #34 ; 435km 16051 calories..........a steak and veg dinner with dessert
(that's 28 steaks, 23 heads of brocolli, 30 carrots, 27 potatoes and 29 scoops of ice cream, and 1 wafer thin chocloate mint!) 32.9 average
Quote of the week "It never gets easier, you just go faster" Greg LeMond
Set off for a moderate circuit Sunday, the contrast of spring blossoms, light fog, birds chirping, then broken glass, a drunk staggering home and someones ashtray emptied on the road. Better out of town away from the ugly side of life and nice rolling along at a calm pace for a change. The bikes birthday (7 years) today too. Nearly run in now!
Light on numbers for the P&W lap Monday. At least we had Scotty's class and Meag's cheek for a good circuit. Bit of room needed for Darren & Goose though (you have much to learn Grasshopper!) No records broken (even passed by the Cats) but a good team ride without scattering the bunch. A high creek level sent us home via Archer for a change. Monday nights magic weather inspired a 55km solo lap, watching the eastern sky slowly change colour as the sun set was a great diversion from life's little dramas. Got into a great rythm for the Mitchell Rd leg home with Chemical Brothers' Escape Velocity mega mix. Helped for a 33 average.
Tuesday had 9 brave Couldabeens for the 2 degree ride. Discovered Vince & i have the same birthday, but he's a lot younger! Newbee Steve blew himself up doing a long turn, guess he'll learn quickly. Wished i'd photographed Rob, he actually used the big chainring, (will anyone believe me?!) a rare sight. Took a night off Tuesday (later heard it was a quick one) and bludged on the couch with birthday take-away noodles and some left-over chocolate bavarian. All about carbo loading you understand.
Rolled up to the P&W's Wednesday, right on the stroke of five to, only to discover they'd left early! Stuck the head down and set off on a big chase to make up the km+ difference (lots of blinking tailights to aim for). Shot past the Rabbit doing his usual hangback off the bunch and finally caught them at Central Ave. Good to see hibernators Ayto and Griffo in the group. A steady tap around for a pleasing 34 average.
Suprised to see Temple return to the Couldabeens on Thursday morning. (A long recovery from wrist & elbow injury.) Great to have our elder statesman Chris back too. Unfortunately Bo took a crookie, Kel working early. Rob took the biscuits in Conrod straight, headwinds just don't seem to affect him! Good work by the crew.
Thursday nights library bunch of 8 had only grown to 13 when we'd reached the emu, a cracker of a tailwind made a steady 38km/h possible. Hard slog home though. The speed had dropped a lot in the first km of Mitchell Rd but young lads rolling to the front turned up the pressure. Pushing into a headwind in the mid thirties and quick rollovers was the order of the day. By Arcadia Downs and in the high 40's, Chris, Mitch and Nath had lit the blowtorch on most. I scored the perfect wheel of Chris to have a crack near the line but Mitch's 58km/h was too much. The grace of Nath and Chris allowed me a pleasing 2nd spot.
A few rumblings of a big hit-out for Friday's P&W's. (at least they set off at the proper time!) The rabbit had lured Sootie, Princess, Scotty and QC to launch a breakaway at the Pine Lodge pub, the remaining 9 content in tapping out a great team lap. Nice to see THM (wow, 2nd time in a week!) again, always good to chat with Scotty, Meags, Cougs and the crew. Fee found the turbo button for a strong finish. We all beat the boom gates to wind up the week on a high.
Week #34 ; 435km 16051 calories..........a steak and veg dinner with dessert
(that's 28 steaks, 23 heads of brocolli, 30 carrots, 27 potatoes and 29 scoops of ice cream, and 1 wafer thin chocloate mint!) 32.9 average
Quote of the week "It never gets easier, you just go faster" Greg LeMond
Friday, August 19, 2011
Week 33
A fairly fresh 2 degrees Saturday morning, but 14 turned up for a lap. Mostly the Tuesday/Thursday bunch again, 5 of the other "Mr Whippys" leaving early. (caught 'em at Numurkah Rd, some very keen to join in the sprint after their snoozy ride. Go figure!) A light south-easter took the slack out of the legs up Mitchell Rd, but Boundary and Ford Rd was kinder. Stayed back for the sprint, enjoyed watching others tactical manoevres instead. (your devious moves & weaknesses have been noted!) A respectable 32.5 av. As a departure from the usual Butterfactory visit, enjoyed a slap up feed of eggs, bacon, sausages & pancakes at Bo & Kel's with most of the team attending. Nice hospitality. Plans of a Mt Buffalo ride chewed over. (Mmm, will have to clean the cobwebs of that small chainring! Does the front deraillier work??)
Fee signalled a circuit for Sunday, so at 7 i joined Sootie, Stace, Coogs, Bart, Hayles, Meags and Princess, even the resplendant Bourkey turned up out of the blue. (the jaw cadence was incredible!) A nice 35km tap around and back to Friars in the belief another was to join in (but didn't front). Noticed a few goats taking the soft option of coffee before a ride (and coffee after too!) A 2 minute pause, then set off for a toaster loop, bringing up 94km before 10am. A great steady pace by the masters of s-m-o-o-t-h , nice to get a good distance ride in after so many 40's and 50's in the past months. Rewarded the effort with Friars caffine and scrambled eggs, albeit squeezed onto the end of our 'reserved' table (cheeky freeloader goats!)
A gloomy damp morning Monday, but the tough Princess, Bart, Scotty, Mino, Coogs and Goose braved the elements. A nice gentle wind up after the weekends k's was appreciated, still posted a decent 32av pushing through the soupy atmostphere. Beat the Cats home and only missed the train by a minute. The weather grew steadily worse through the day, nice to have a night at home. Just as well, cleaned the bike...again!
Tuesday mornings weather wasn't brilliant but 8 Couldabeens were keen to roll out. A north easter made Channel Rd a bit challenging, though Bo, Matt, Glen and Rob had their special breakfast powder..............gunpowder! By Boundary & Mitchell it was heads down and hang on, the lure of two distant tail-lights was a magnet for the young guns. My sneaking suspicion it was the Rabbit & his sidekick Scotty came true, we managed to mow them down by Arcadia Downs (but my legs were protesting) Couldn't find a reason for such a push until the spongy rear tyre symptoms kicked in*. Bugger! Just getting ready for the sprint too. Weapons Glenn & Rob honoured the crew with a fine spanking of Scotty & the Rabbit. A Couuldabeens record of a 35.7 too. (*tiny bit of glass in the cut from last Thursday's nail)
Only 7 waiting at the hospital car park Tuesday night, but numbers swelled dramatically further out the road. Mike did the usual slow down on the front, so i lit a fire under 'em when i got a turn at the pointy end. So many more joined in and by the Emu (yes, it's alive! back tending the lambs in the corner paddock) we had nearly 30. Had Nev beside me for my next turn on the front , a kind E -NE breeze made 40 achievable. Silence in the bunch meant most were working! By Mitchell Rd it had gone to 44km/h (where's a 56 chainring when you want one?) and very silent! The big guns lit the fuse at Arcadia Downs and i missed the jump, stuck halfway down the order. Happy to finish 7th, even happier to enjoy a FatYak and a feed after. 36av over 45km aint bad for this old fossil.
Thel sound of rain at 4.30am Wednesday was pleasing. No riding and a decadent sleep-in till 6.30. (lazy eh?) Clean the bike again! By Thursday a.m. rigormortis had nearly taken over, so a gentle 20kms loosened up the joints. Rain again Thursday night, so worked out with a horizontal static pilates session on the couch. Wound up the week with a great P&W lap Friday, nearly a full set of quick chicks to bring some real class (and quality viewing) to the bunch. Chaddy, Sootie, Princess & i, spoilt by Meags, Erin, Hayles, Coogs and Stace. The Rabbit lurked 400 metres in the background most of the lap (something wrong with our deodourant?) and attacked in the last 200. A good team ride, lots of laughs too.
Despite the wet week, 381km 14058 calories (Hey Matty, 54 pints of Guinness and a bag of chips!)
33.2 average.
Quote of the week "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride" (John F Kennedy)
Fee signalled a circuit for Sunday, so at 7 i joined Sootie, Stace, Coogs, Bart, Hayles, Meags and Princess, even the resplendant Bourkey turned up out of the blue. (the jaw cadence was incredible!) A nice 35km tap around and back to Friars in the belief another was to join in (but didn't front). Noticed a few goats taking the soft option of coffee before a ride (and coffee after too!) A 2 minute pause, then set off for a toaster loop, bringing up 94km before 10am. A great steady pace by the masters of s-m-o-o-t-h , nice to get a good distance ride in after so many 40's and 50's in the past months. Rewarded the effort with Friars caffine and scrambled eggs, albeit squeezed onto the end of our 'reserved' table (cheeky freeloader goats!)
A gloomy damp morning Monday, but the tough Princess, Bart, Scotty, Mino, Coogs and Goose braved the elements. A nice gentle wind up after the weekends k's was appreciated, still posted a decent 32av pushing through the soupy atmostphere. Beat the Cats home and only missed the train by a minute. The weather grew steadily worse through the day, nice to have a night at home. Just as well, cleaned the bike...again!
Tuesday mornings weather wasn't brilliant but 8 Couldabeens were keen to roll out. A north easter made Channel Rd a bit challenging, though Bo, Matt, Glen and Rob had their special breakfast powder..............gunpowder! By Boundary & Mitchell it was heads down and hang on, the lure of two distant tail-lights was a magnet for the young guns. My sneaking suspicion it was the Rabbit & his sidekick Scotty came true, we managed to mow them down by Arcadia Downs (but my legs were protesting) Couldn't find a reason for such a push until the spongy rear tyre symptoms kicked in*. Bugger! Just getting ready for the sprint too. Weapons Glenn & Rob honoured the crew with a fine spanking of Scotty & the Rabbit. A Couuldabeens record of a 35.7 too. (*tiny bit of glass in the cut from last Thursday's nail)
Only 7 waiting at the hospital car park Tuesday night, but numbers swelled dramatically further out the road. Mike did the usual slow down on the front, so i lit a fire under 'em when i got a turn at the pointy end. So many more joined in and by the Emu (yes, it's alive! back tending the lambs in the corner paddock) we had nearly 30. Had Nev beside me for my next turn on the front , a kind E -NE breeze made 40 achievable. Silence in the bunch meant most were working! By Mitchell Rd it had gone to 44km/h (where's a 56 chainring when you want one?) and very silent! The big guns lit the fuse at Arcadia Downs and i missed the jump, stuck halfway down the order. Happy to finish 7th, even happier to enjoy a FatYak and a feed after. 36av over 45km aint bad for this old fossil.
Thel sound of rain at 4.30am Wednesday was pleasing. No riding and a decadent sleep-in till 6.30. (lazy eh?) Clean the bike again! By Thursday a.m. rigormortis had nearly taken over, so a gentle 20kms loosened up the joints. Rain again Thursday night, so worked out with a horizontal static pilates session on the couch. Wound up the week with a great P&W lap Friday, nearly a full set of quick chicks to bring some real class (and quality viewing) to the bunch. Chaddy, Sootie, Princess & i, spoilt by Meags, Erin, Hayles, Coogs and Stace. The Rabbit lurked 400 metres in the background most of the lap (something wrong with our deodourant?) and attacked in the last 200. A good team ride, lots of laughs too.
Despite the wet week, 381km 14058 calories (Hey Matty, 54 pints of Guinness and a bag of chips!)
33.2 average.
Quote of the week "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride" (John F Kennedy)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Week 32
The sound of rain throughout Friday night spelled no chance of a ride Saturday. Unfortunately the body clock is fully automated, eyes spring open at 4.45am as always. Laying in bed thinking of a lap doesn't do much, so up for porridge and the Thunderbirds instead! 'Lil sprinter Kel is quick late morning in posting a Sunday lap should the damp dissapear. So Sunday Bo, Leon, Daniel, Chris & Kel front up for an early 30km hit before a forecast shower spoils the fun. Only a light southeaster gets in our way, a quick coffee and sledge after then home before more damp strikes.
Mondays drab conditions only motivates 4 to take a P&W lap, cleverly dubbed the Zoo ride by "Cougs" as there is only a rabbit, a goose (new lad Anthony) a fossil and a cougar! (decent of Mick to roll along at the team speed for a change!) A slimy road and the odd stray spot of water from above did a great job of plastering the bike with grey slosh, the poor old Dura-Ace chain groaning with grit. Thank heavens for decent company to save the day. Just 4 did well to at least hear the train depart.
An sms from Stace mid arvo called a 5.30 toaster loop, so a hurried get-ready straight after work to reach the start. The last of the showers had just subsided rolling up to the start. More slimy roads, grubby bike and grizzling chain. Brakes sound like sandpaper. Stace, Guysy and Hayles were the only brave souls, so a steady lap in the low 30's was a good workout for a 56km round trip. The battery managed to power the headlight the whole way, despite not being charged from the mornings 37km lap (nearly 4 hours at half power). The new 18650 Li-on Jetbeams are a treat.
A fair amount of early should/shouldn't sms's on Tuesday about the thick fog. Just Marion & i braved a lap. Funnily enough, the fog thinned a bit out of town, and just one car from behind for the whole lap who gave us lots of room.....nothing like a decent tailight for peace-of-mind. (how do some ride with one tiny knog light?) Tuesday nights hospital group was a tad thin, only 8 to do battle. Reinforcements arrived out Ford Rd to bring us to 15, Leigh and crew squeezing the throttle up to 40 in Mitchell Rd. (a sudden scurry to single file left me as tow truck on the outside to the trailing few) A half dozen spits of rain changed our course option to an Archer Rd finish, and found myself amongst the ammunition of Nath, Chris and the other 'artillery'. Chris took one for the team with a big lead out for all, Steigy ran out of jellybeans in the last 200, and fine tow by the boys gave me the gas needed to take it to the line. Smacked a big pot hole with 50 to go (jarrred the headlight down at 45 degrees) which made for an exciting finish, thankfully upright and with wheels undamaged. Home for a decent feed and to clean the bike...again.
8 P&W's rolled out Wednesday morning, none were keen to wait for a bike 200 metres back (thinking it was the rabbit?) Got a call half a km later, Marion had missed the start by a whisker, then was halted by a red light. Went back for her but the crew had dissapeared into the distance. Dissapointing. A steady, slightly shorter lap was a good achievement though. Saw a couple of riders duing the day (not so often on bikes these days). Maurie is still going through the medical hoops to release the handbrake that stops his performance. Andy is just enjoying life, wife and wine! Good luck to both (fine riders).
Thursday was another soggy dull morning and was happy to tap out 30km at a reasonable pace. The bright sunshine and blue sky during the day inspired a circuit with the library group at 6. A promise of a good ride with 14 starters and a weakening southerly. Half way out Lemnos Cosgrove Rd the legs were complaining of quite a push, then that spongy rear tyre feel took over. Lovely....a puncture! Mistakenly thought the bunch would wait, but no, just vanished into the horizon. Oh well, change the tube in the dark and head home i guess. That done, i travelled at least 500 metres and copped a nail straight through the back tyre! Bugger, damn and smailto:s#@%!! No more tubes and nothing to repair them. Oh well, walking time (son in W.A., workmate on his way to Melb, best buddy at a party). Wasn't about to hack up a new pair of cleats, so it was 8km home in socks, and a lot of thinking on the way.
A gentle 25km on Friday morning was kind on the couple of foot blisters (nicely numbed by the 1 degree temperature) Bit of a 'let down' week, but i guess it can only get better from now. On the way home another close call with another fleeting glance driver at the same Fryers / Welsford intersection that i've had two prior near misses. Watch this one folks, the "turn left at anytime with care" is minus the care!
Week 32 369km 13616 calories (21 bottles of Jacobs Creek Merlot....tempting after Thursday night! )31.7 average +8km on foot @ 4.7km/h av.
Quote of the week "I thought of that while riding my bicycle" (Albert Einstein; on the theory of relativity)
Mondays drab conditions only motivates 4 to take a P&W lap, cleverly dubbed the Zoo ride by "Cougs" as there is only a rabbit, a goose (new lad Anthony) a fossil and a cougar! (decent of Mick to roll along at the team speed for a change!) A slimy road and the odd stray spot of water from above did a great job of plastering the bike with grey slosh, the poor old Dura-Ace chain groaning with grit. Thank heavens for decent company to save the day. Just 4 did well to at least hear the train depart.
An sms from Stace mid arvo called a 5.30 toaster loop, so a hurried get-ready straight after work to reach the start. The last of the showers had just subsided rolling up to the start. More slimy roads, grubby bike and grizzling chain. Brakes sound like sandpaper. Stace, Guysy and Hayles were the only brave souls, so a steady lap in the low 30's was a good workout for a 56km round trip. The battery managed to power the headlight the whole way, despite not being charged from the mornings 37km lap (nearly 4 hours at half power). The new 18650 Li-on Jetbeams are a treat.
A fair amount of early should/shouldn't sms's on Tuesday about the thick fog. Just Marion & i braved a lap. Funnily enough, the fog thinned a bit out of town, and just one car from behind for the whole lap who gave us lots of room.....nothing like a decent tailight for peace-of-mind. (how do some ride with one tiny knog light?) Tuesday nights hospital group was a tad thin, only 8 to do battle. Reinforcements arrived out Ford Rd to bring us to 15, Leigh and crew squeezing the throttle up to 40 in Mitchell Rd. (a sudden scurry to single file left me as tow truck on the outside to the trailing few) A half dozen spits of rain changed our course option to an Archer Rd finish, and found myself amongst the ammunition of Nath, Chris and the other 'artillery'. Chris took one for the team with a big lead out for all, Steigy ran out of jellybeans in the last 200, and fine tow by the boys gave me the gas needed to take it to the line. Smacked a big pot hole with 50 to go (jarrred the headlight down at 45 degrees) which made for an exciting finish, thankfully upright and with wheels undamaged. Home for a decent feed and to clean the bike...again.
8 P&W's rolled out Wednesday morning, none were keen to wait for a bike 200 metres back (thinking it was the rabbit?) Got a call half a km later, Marion had missed the start by a whisker, then was halted by a red light. Went back for her but the crew had dissapeared into the distance. Dissapointing. A steady, slightly shorter lap was a good achievement though. Saw a couple of riders duing the day (not so often on bikes these days). Maurie is still going through the medical hoops to release the handbrake that stops his performance. Andy is just enjoying life, wife and wine! Good luck to both (fine riders).
Thursday was another soggy dull morning and was happy to tap out 30km at a reasonable pace. The bright sunshine and blue sky during the day inspired a circuit with the library group at 6. A promise of a good ride with 14 starters and a weakening southerly. Half way out Lemnos Cosgrove Rd the legs were complaining of quite a push, then that spongy rear tyre feel took over. Lovely....a puncture! Mistakenly thought the bunch would wait, but no, just vanished into the horizon. Oh well, change the tube in the dark and head home i guess. That done, i travelled at least 500 metres and copped a nail straight through the back tyre! Bugger, damn and smailto:s#@%!! No more tubes and nothing to repair them. Oh well, walking time (son in W.A., workmate on his way to Melb, best buddy at a party). Wasn't about to hack up a new pair of cleats, so it was 8km home in socks, and a lot of thinking on the way.
A gentle 25km on Friday morning was kind on the couple of foot blisters (nicely numbed by the 1 degree temperature) Bit of a 'let down' week, but i guess it can only get better from now. On the way home another close call with another fleeting glance driver at the same Fryers / Welsford intersection that i've had two prior near misses. Watch this one folks, the "turn left at anytime with care" is minus the care!
Week 32 369km 13616 calories (21 bottles of Jacobs Creek Merlot....tempting after Thursday night! )31.7 average +8km on foot @ 4.7km/h av.
Quote of the week "I thought of that while riding my bicycle" (Albert Einstein; on the theory of relativity)
Friday, August 5, 2011
Week 31
Just 10 legends turned up for Saturday's circuit. Mostly the Tuesday & Thursday Couldabeens. Where are all the others? (Soft & mushy doona snugglers i reckon!) Chauffering the soccer legend this morning so missed out on the coffee but really missed the truth stretching session at the Butterfactory.
Didn't have any starters for Sunday, so an early lap with my new mate the i-phone (& MapMyRide app). Pondered life's dramas out to the emu (me thinks it's an ex-emu, haven't seen it for ages) with Regina Spektor & Jeff Buckley into a light northeaster, then upped the pace with the Chemical Brothers (definitive music to time trial by) down Boundary & Mitchell. Very happy with a 34.3 average over the 45km. Rolling back into town i nearly became a Ford Focus front bumper! (The same Welsford/Fryers St intersection as my last close call) The "turn left at any time" is read, it's the "with care" that's ignored! (Seems it's just too hard to slow a bit and have a decent look)
Monday's P&W session had Bart, Minto, Chaddy, Meags, Coogs, Ryan & Scotty, a good lap enjoyed by all. A fine 34.3 average to beat the train again! Some much needed head therapy inspired Monday nights lap, a good way to iron out cerebral troubles. A freshening northeaster (again!) made hard work but concentrated on Bjork & Jonsi instead. (love my new i-phone) Felt quite a burn in the rectus femoris (Wiki that!) but i only do it 'cause it feels great when you stop. 33.4 was pleasing. There's a nice hum from the new Fortezza Tri-Comp's (slicks this time....roll very nicely @ 140psi).
Tuesdays Couldabeens (Leon, Matt, Vince, Marion, Bo, Kel, Rob & Paul) set a rapid pace, no doubt inspired by a favourable breeze from behind in Boundary Rd. Great teamwork resulted in a 34.2 average (a new group record) just sneaking under the boom gates before the train triggered them to close! Tuesday nights hospital group had 17 line-up, another 9 of Leigh's lads expanded the bunch even more. Some big guns riding together had everyone working hard in the last 5 km, i scored one of the best wheels in the business (and a great guy too) Chris Allemand. Trouble is, when he stands on the gas it's like chasing an RPG, but try i did. The youth of Chris (1st) and Mitch (2nd) are just too much for an old dinosaur (3rd) but a 57km/h max was something to cheer about (and an excuse to cook chicken kiev & chips for dinner!)
One of the nicest rides is Wednesday, at a slightly easier pace with my little buddy. At least the wind has eased. Thursday's Couldabeens had the same cast as Tuesday + our elder statesman Chris. And there were more records to be broken! Yes, a strengthening NE wind helped a bit, the mild 14 degrees was kind, but the whole team had the afterburners lit to post a 35.2 average. Nice work boys and girls, the train driver was still in bed when we crossed the rail tracks.
17 turned up for Thursday nights library bunch. Wow, 17 degrees for the first week of August! Even had the short knicks and fingerless gloves on! Big guns Killer, Bomber, Nath and Dean launched a tough attack in Mitchell Rd which split the bunch. Caught on the back at the time, i figured chasing was futile, so teamed up with Nick, Graham, Brendan, Axle & co to drive us 10 home. Launched off the back in the final 200 to wave a red flag at Brendan. Twas a rapid pace, 35.4 average even for us tailenders was satisfying.
A good ride Friday too with the P&W's. Some tough talk amongst the hotshots saw Chaddy, Bart, Sootie and the Rabbit bolt off into the distance for a chest-beating excercise amongst the testosterone fuelled boys. Stayed with the quality end of the field, all the quick chicks, Ayto etc, even had THM with us! As has become the norm, we thrashed the train again @ 34.8 av (didn't hear the honk till well up past the lake.)
A big week of 516km 19040 calories (31 x roast lamb, gravy, potato, pumpkin & peas dinners)
34.2 average
Quote of the week "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling" (James E Starrs)
Didn't have any starters for Sunday, so an early lap with my new mate the i-phone (& MapMyRide app). Pondered life's dramas out to the emu (me thinks it's an ex-emu, haven't seen it for ages) with Regina Spektor & Jeff Buckley into a light northeaster, then upped the pace with the Chemical Brothers (definitive music to time trial by) down Boundary & Mitchell. Very happy with a 34.3 average over the 45km. Rolling back into town i nearly became a Ford Focus front bumper! (The same Welsford/Fryers St intersection as my last close call) The "turn left at any time" is read, it's the "with care" that's ignored! (Seems it's just too hard to slow a bit and have a decent look)
Monday's P&W session had Bart, Minto, Chaddy, Meags, Coogs, Ryan & Scotty, a good lap enjoyed by all. A fine 34.3 average to beat the train again! Some much needed head therapy inspired Monday nights lap, a good way to iron out cerebral troubles. A freshening northeaster (again!) made hard work but concentrated on Bjork & Jonsi instead. (love my new i-phone) Felt quite a burn in the rectus femoris (Wiki that!) but i only do it 'cause it feels great when you stop. 33.4 was pleasing. There's a nice hum from the new Fortezza Tri-Comp's (slicks this time....roll very nicely @ 140psi).
Tuesdays Couldabeens (Leon, Matt, Vince, Marion, Bo, Kel, Rob & Paul) set a rapid pace, no doubt inspired by a favourable breeze from behind in Boundary Rd. Great teamwork resulted in a 34.2 average (a new group record) just sneaking under the boom gates before the train triggered them to close! Tuesday nights hospital group had 17 line-up, another 9 of Leigh's lads expanded the bunch even more. Some big guns riding together had everyone working hard in the last 5 km, i scored one of the best wheels in the business (and a great guy too) Chris Allemand. Trouble is, when he stands on the gas it's like chasing an RPG, but try i did. The youth of Chris (1st) and Mitch (2nd) are just too much for an old dinosaur (3rd) but a 57km/h max was something to cheer about (and an excuse to cook chicken kiev & chips for dinner!)
One of the nicest rides is Wednesday, at a slightly easier pace with my little buddy. At least the wind has eased. Thursday's Couldabeens had the same cast as Tuesday + our elder statesman Chris. And there were more records to be broken! Yes, a strengthening NE wind helped a bit, the mild 14 degrees was kind, but the whole team had the afterburners lit to post a 35.2 average. Nice work boys and girls, the train driver was still in bed when we crossed the rail tracks.
17 turned up for Thursday nights library bunch. Wow, 17 degrees for the first week of August! Even had the short knicks and fingerless gloves on! Big guns Killer, Bomber, Nath and Dean launched a tough attack in Mitchell Rd which split the bunch. Caught on the back at the time, i figured chasing was futile, so teamed up with Nick, Graham, Brendan, Axle & co to drive us 10 home. Launched off the back in the final 200 to wave a red flag at Brendan. Twas a rapid pace, 35.4 average even for us tailenders was satisfying.
A good ride Friday too with the P&W's. Some tough talk amongst the hotshots saw Chaddy, Bart, Sootie and the Rabbit bolt off into the distance for a chest-beating excercise amongst the testosterone fuelled boys. Stayed with the quality end of the field, all the quick chicks, Ayto etc, even had THM with us! As has become the norm, we thrashed the train again @ 34.8 av (didn't hear the honk till well up past the lake.)
A big week of 516km 19040 calories (31 x roast lamb, gravy, potato, pumpkin & peas dinners)
34.2 average
Quote of the week "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling" (James E Starrs)
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