Week 46 A short wet week

A rare weekend off the bike made Monday a re-aquaintance ride. Was the seat always in this position? Were the handlebars always that far away and that low? Is this my bike? Does it take that much effort to register 35km/h? Funny how a few days off the habit forces a whole new learning. A quiet (& creaky) lap was in order to re-learn the ropes, joined buddy Cougs for the familiar Channel-Boundary & Old Dookie circuit, familiar faces in the odd bunch or two making progress southward. It took most of this short lap to get my forgetful limbs back into the groove, funny how just a couple of days breaks the condition.

Tuesday morning lived up to the forecasters forecast. Fine patchy rain at 5 had the bike firmly parked. How many peered at phones in the early hours scanning B.O.M, WeatherWatch or other favoured forecasters? Then who, in disbelief, poked a nose outside to confirm the truth?  My nose went back under the doona (hardcores may have taken a windtrainer option), a 6.20 rain shower confirmed a good decision.  Rain reigned on Tuesday night too, denying an addict a fix. Wednesday went wet as well, the craving for forward motion getting stronger. The lure of the open road, birds chirping, scenery blurring by, wind in the hair (blowing in the ears for me), sweat on the brow, cars crowding the lane, insects up the nose, thumping the potholes, pins and needled palms, a pummelled posterior, cramps and stitches, a head wind home.......ah, the joy!

Thursday finally granted some relief with a cool but at least dry morning to re-aquaint with the bike again. Cougars' emergence from a gastric upheaval suited a suitably paced and distanced ride, suited me nicely too. A few straight days of decent weather would allow some consistency.   Thursday night had a good turn up, Tony (recovered from the Adelaide-Shepp epic) Axel, Craig, Justin (shaking off copious cobwebs) Nath, Robbo, Paul, BassoDave, and a late arrival from Dalton, saved with Nath's protracted adjustment of Craigs hub. We found Simmo out the Boulevard and Steve (the machine) near the golf course to make up a dozen, LegalSteve a long way out Lemnos-Cosgrove made the bakers dozen. Pace was brisk but not busting, maybe a few had hopes of conservation for Saturdays' crit? Discovered Googs near half distance, a super smooth addition to turns at the business end of the bunch. Consistency reigned supreme for Boundary and River Rd's, most manageable for Mitchell too.  Nath added pepper to the pace exiting Roubaix, the bunch morphing to indian file post haste. MachineSteve and Robbo poured on the chilli's approaching Conrod, many now assigned to rearward retirement. The half dozen drivers opened a widening gap with 400 metres left, no curry in my cadence to get near, so happily rolled in as a finisher. 

Funny how an inconsistent week wrecks the rythym. A steady 20k chalked up on Friday suited Cougars' (improving) recovery as well. Freaky Friday not so furious today with the upcoming Crit, plenty out and about though.           

Week 46  170km  (Geraldton to Badgingarra W.A.)  YTD 16,020km

"Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door"  Kyle Chandler US actor (1965-  )

Week 45 Fossilisation?

Perfect weather Saturday morning, brave enough to don short knicks in 14 degrees but soft enough to go with the armwarmers. Wind turned off and attendance turned on at the carpark. Rocket, Temple, Shorty, AvantiTrev, Patrick, Cougar, Tim, PistolPete, Smuggler (and his mate Yahoo) and GG were blessed with Weapons' presence, a somewhat more portly Pom back from oblivion too. The flag dropped at 6 to venture east, quite a noticable contrast of Weapons' almost horizontal TT position against Temple's upright sit. A bit of nickname chat on the way out, deciding Tim should be dubbed SuperMario (plumber) instead of others' less flattering handle, GG's return has crowned him the WhisperingJack title (more comebacks than Farnham)  HBK u-turned from his role as breeze domestique in Boundary Rd, but no Nath with foot repairs taking precedence.  Weapon scored my Concours d'Elegance prize for the "pinkle" bike, with matching socks, jersey, bidons and even eyewear. The only headwind that sprung up co-incided with Cougars turn at the helm in Old Dookie (did she ride under a ladder or over a black cat?), but drove it well to the toaster. Yahoo and Pom took good care of the rear gunners' position, many soloists were oncoming before the arrival of a generous gathering of Gatti di Micci, well driven by Clive this morning. A k behind, LeighMac and a punctured other were left to the elements (maybe to catch up via Boundary Rd?) Our collection of Couldabeens rode to the rules (with a few un-noticed excesses) Rocket & PistolPete taking a monopoly at the front for a good distance. A bunch spilt at Numurkah Rd had Cougar to drive the tail train well, regrouping at DECA for a collective cruise to Rudd Rd and into the Boulevard, no back off till traffic in town slowed progress.  Lemontree seats were being warmed by SuperMario boss and HBK boss breakaway belles, discourse on quotations, druggies and pole dancing over copious breakfasts and beverages ensued. 

Overcome with a big case of C.B.F's on Sunday (inflamed and irritated by strong winds) it was Monday till a leg was eventually thrown over the bike. A short lap was enough studying last weeks odometer, many were out and about on the usual route in ones two's and bunches.  Repeated the 6am habit on cup day with Cougar (keen for an early lap as work was on the agenda) spotting a more compact contingent of Cats for the public holiday. Cougars' strong drive back in Old Dookie returned us to town in good time to make the posted 7am Couldabeens ride. Temple, Trav, SuperMario, Shorty, Jase, Rocket, WhisperingJack, HBK, AvantiTrev and FeltMat were inspired by the later start (or the temptation of a big breakfast?) to roll away from the Archer carpark and down Raftery to clock an anti-clockwise toaster lap. Rocket was cruising but I was bruising on a keen start into a light southerly, a few rollovers and an ease of energy allowed recovery by Mitchell, had a nice tow till duty called again in the closing k up to Boundary. Pointing north, Nath and Laura came into view as pace amplified with a now SSE wind. An approaching Subaru alarmed many, noticing the driver deeply concentrating on an i-pad hand-held up on the dashboard .  A more easterly breeze made Old Dookie a chore, more than pleased to relinquish the front to Jase to drag us up to the Emu. A few small bunches were now eastbound as we wound west, no speed restrictions had many nudging 40, HBK nudging the usual length ahead of SuperMario. Avoided the bitumen bumps in Ford and drove on to Wanganui, a split (for traffic at Numurkah Rd) had the throttle off till Nath and Laura re-attached. Rocket and Shorty bolted on the Boulevard (coffee craving?) but soon slowed to have a collective cruise into town, a focus on pink clad walkers distracting navigation a little.  An infusion of carbohydrates and caffine made a great tank filler  to 90k. 

Felt like a mild morning until a few k's down the road, short knicks and fingerless gloves were a bit too optomistic for 6 degrees on Wednesday. Wondered if many had played too hard on yesterdays Cup day, only Cougar at the start. Eventually others rolled in, Rocket, Temple. Nick, Jase, Pom, Shorty, even BigMat made the pilgrimage from Mooroopna (and his social functions).  Off at 6 and on the gas with Rocket's pace awaking many senses early. BigMat followed suit with Jase for the first leg of Mitchell Rd, a little calmer when others rolled. Shorty's excess Cup hydration had taken the edge off his tempo (WhisperingJacks must have halted) but it was adequate for an unknown male and female to take the liberty of a tow by the bunch. Pom's putting in a decent comeback but nursing injuries may prevent a turn for a while. A good drive up Boundary, 51 & co approaching River at warp speed as we crossed the intersection. A little easier bearing west in Channel Rd, reeling in the breakaway lasses at the kinder, the abbreviated Wednesday lap finished in record time at Archer, left and right factions seperating for the roll home. 

Let the young guns do their fast thing on a mild Thursday morning, a shorter lap with a bit less stress suited better. Maybe 'fossilisation' is taking hold, it's becoming harder to put in two quick laps in a day lately. Plenty of southbound champions hit Boundary Rd with a mild 13 degrees to enjoy (a tad of tail wind a bonus?) Puddytats aplenty driven by Tina (is that allowed?), a chirpy greeting from the P&W bunch, a dozen silent Goats and a grinningTommygun was a broad variety. Cougar hit the gas again in Old Dookie to spike the graph, flags flapping (ENE) are better seen at the end than torment the mind beforehand. 

Summer arrived with avengence Thursday arvo, 32 degrees and humidity in heaps for the usual thrash with the library bunch.  Robbo, Nath, Dalton, Clive, Rocket, Mitch, Paul and Simmo lined up, Gav the suprise emergence from a lengthy hibernation to blow some cobwebs off. At the third stroke it was Robbo who rolled away on the dot, caught a few napping in a chase to group up for the exit from town. Rudd and Wanganui were tackled at a fair clip, a sleeveless LegalSteve caught in the opening stage of Ford.  Rocket and Robbo were comparing kilowatts along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (a bit more loose gravel atop the recent reseal peppered the legs) Steve, Trent, Trudy and others joined in nearing the church. It was hard to judge where the wind was coming from, but it wasn't compromising speed. Sprinter & Gools attached in Boundary Rd, my turn at the front felt oddly adequate at 38 over the bridges and down to River Rd. Mitch was measuring Rocket by the dip, talk ceased to maintain mid fourties for a few clicks. Velocity settled in Central Kialla and Mitchell Rd's, but petrol was thrown on the fire out of Roubaix with the big guns loaded for target shooting. Steve, Robbo, Mitch and Rocket ramped up proceedings into the high 40's with 2k to go, I was happy to keep out of rotations at that rate with nothing to donate to the cause. Many who ventured forward were selected for early retirement half way into Conrod, Dalton, Paul, Simmo & I colaborating to finish happily mid field, podium positions were unsighted due to blurred vision at 190 bpm in the mid 50's (informed later it was gold for Steve, silver for Mitch and a bronze Rocket inches behind)

Felt quite secondhand Friday morning, legs lax and toosh tired, the best prescription a short and steady loop (a pair of breakaways ahead ventured south and east) with Cougar topping off the week nicely.  

Week 45    339km (Edaggee to Geraldton WA)  YTD15,850km  

"Never ascribe to malice that which is adequately explained by incompetence" 
Napoleon Bonaparte 1769-1821           
   

Week 44; A headwind parable and Jamie's gymnastics

Thoughts rewound to ye olde days of early Saturdays, years ago leaving from the hospital, OC's from Kialla, 6.30 at the Peppermill, and now it's been a year of 6am Saturdays with this mob. The characters that came, went and stayed, the incidents, and how many litres of coffee?  Time flies when you're having fun (but it flies faster getting older. A 50 metre walking frame sprint at the retirement home soon?) Improving weather equals improving numbers, a good turn up at the carpark of Jase, AvantiTrev, Rocket, Shorty, Cougar, Temple, HBK (early for a change) Patrick, Nick and FeltMat. Wheels turned at 6, Tims' wheels turned faster to join on as "all aboard" was called. A little lighter each week at 6 is a positive sight, seems an eternity since last putting in a lap without a headlight. 8k's of Channel Rd were soon finished and a little southwester aided the trek north in Boundary. Nath and the Smuggler attached themselves beyond the pub, Bomber then a small P&W party were headed south. I reckon it's 43:1 odds of repeating Old Dookie Rd on the front with Nick then Rocket ; sure enough, three weeks running it happened again. (note to self ; must break the assembly order next week for a little variety) AvantiTrev had the flash wheels on again but kept to the limit. There's probably a few wishing to up the ante, but there's plenty of other fast laps to go on.  Doc spotted (near the Emu), several others as advance parties to the Cats, some in summer attire, some on a mission to the quarry.  Down to the last stretch of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd without the snap crackle and pop of last week, the reseal now swept.  Temple had his lime green shoes spinning above the legal limit, many placing breakfast orders on his credit card soon pegged the tempo back. I scored the last of Ford with Nick, then all of Wanganui with Rocket at the pointy end, my Garmin showing the h.r. on the hot plate and about to boil over on Mt Wanganui. (missed pointing a pot hole in the effort to match Rocket, apologies to Nicks nuts, nastily knocked).  Pace was unabated down the Boulevard but talk multiplied, pressing tasks had me take a Balaclava exit, skipping the post ride raillery, Saturday was sadly starved of social sustinance.

Sunday's insomnia with internal alarms going off at 3.45, 4.10, 4.42 and 5.05 was too much. Without a neural snooze button, it was a slow breakfast till the sun got up, then astride old faithful and out Ford Rd at 6 to start the day. Suprised by a respectable speed (no tail wind to thank) so pushed on the 14 cog to warm up the legs. A bit of a drag on that new coarse surface of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, but added 1.5km/h on the smoother stuff.  Is there a subtle message when, on a random i-pod shuffle of 800+ songs, Flume's "Sleepless" and "Insane" play one after the other? Arrived at the Emu pleased with progress but the accellerator needed more push to get to the toaster (no reward of extra speed, just extra exertion to maintain pace.) Better heading west in Old Dookie, evidence of a southerly brewing in the tree tops and legs feeling hardest done by (usually it's a toasted ticker or limp lungs) A snake on the channel bridge spiked the adrenelin, noticing it flat was the relief. Motivating to get the town into view, finally halting the Garmin at SPC to finish 27 in 47. Put in a further 32k at a slightly quieter pace with Cougar, many now aboard two wheels and heading out Mitchell Rd. The southerly gained more strength on cue in Raftery to smooth the passage to Degani's, a long and relaxed coffee a fitting end to 60k. 

Back on board Tuesday morning (Mondays weather better suited to ducks) with the wind blasting from the south (37-56 km/h) convinced me to steer an anti-clockwise lap of Channel-Boundary-Old Dookie, doubting the old engine would survive Couldabeens tempo in the conditions (and to leave something in reserve for Tuesday night). Cougar was on the same thought page so we pointed westward on Channel toward Boundary, arms working as hard as legs attempting to hold a reasonably straight line against the side wind. A bike behind was making up the gap rapidly, none other than Rocket (the sole Couldabeen) rounded us up, a brief greeting then off into the distance like the Roadrunner (taking advantage of the big tailwind too).
Much admiration for the small band of Cats and 51 in pursuit on their usual pilgrimage south into today's howler, with furrowed brow and totured limb the disciples would strive mightily with pedal, handlebar and crank.  And tempted not were they by the sheltered byways of a short cut home.  Lo, even though the tempest did torment them, thy faith and thy cadence would carry them through the darkness at great speed to the hallowed lands of Raftery for as much as to be soothed by the annointment of tail winds to its' end. And in the village they would partake of the holy sacrement of coffee and cry out the commandment to all that were laid in their mangers ,struck down with sloth, that thou shalt HTFU.   A bit of westerly to the southerly made hard work of our Old Dookie leg home, bracing for the gusts on the unsheltered sections. Effort escalated till back into town, flags stretched NNE in protest, a short squirt home the only relief for a tough morning. 

A few doubts of survival Tuesday night at the hands of younger and faster lads assembled at the Hospital. Axel was back after a few months crook, ToolambaDave on a new bit of Basso bling, Trav, Liam, Robbo and Paul (also on a new Avanti steed) the brave soldiers to battle a 37-50 km/h southerly. Trent, Trudy, OlympicSteve, Bomber and Sticks made up a dozen to bear east, saving the kw for what was to come. The reality of a head wind struck hard after the turn at the Emu, i'd inherited the front with Robbo by the Boundary Rd figfarm, the real effort of matching his 33km/h while the wind blew faster in the face drained the reserves rapidly. 3k's of that emptied the tank, glad to have a slow 200 metres while the bunch gathered after the highway then a short turn with Paul till the rotation at the bridges brought some relief. It's like banging your head against a brick wall, only do it 'cause it's lovely when you stop. Axel took the Channel Rd option, Steve & Trent had no problem taking a long turn to River, then adding a few clicks to the tempo in River Rd. A small brown ball on legs (pug dog) came a charging with teeth bared and savage intent but a collective yelling had it promptly OTA. Bomber & Sticks bid adieu as we appraoched Mitchell, Steve kindly tolerating my modest pace at the front till Archer.  Collective sighs exiting Roubaix as the wind finally was somewhat behind us, into the flying fourties for the last two k home. In Conrod, ToolambaDave bolted on the Basso (albeit 400m prematurely) Robbo pulled the whip with 300 left, all of my 686 watts & 183 bpm could only muster 53 km/h when the cavalry of Steve, Trent, Paul and co flew by in the low 60's, humbling me to 5th, but not complaining, pleased to have finished, pleased to know tomorrows' breeze would be halved.

Acted as pit crew for Cougar's front tube change early Wednesday morning, repaired and back on the road post haste to reach the Couldabeens Kialla start, arriving to find a small band of five 300 metres ahead already into the pace, forcing a chase. Slowly yet surely reeled them in to join AvantiTrev, LegalDave, Nick, Tim and FeltMat  for the circuit.  Pistol Pete was all the way to River Rd before turning to climb aboard. LegalDave is yet another on a new bike, a stealth like Trek (a departure from favoured Italian machines) in menacing matte black with cogs for hills and a TT style rear brake under the lower chainstays. I took a long haul at the business end with PistolPete up Mitchell Rd, his trademark shoot off the front had Nick in pursuit for half a k to draw level. Our timing was perfect to let a long Cat train into River before we crossed (Eddy off the back none too pleased), three Goats a k behind at their own pace. We had a good run in Channel (Darth Vader soundly asleep at Sellmans) at a steady velocity, reeling in the (somewhat scattered) breeze girls at Orrvale School, Tim dropping back to check on his breeze boss, FeltMat homeward bound. Odd to head north minus the Rocket (occupied with family), but enjoyed the subdued pace! 

The trusty old tail light passed away (aged 7) early Thursday morning, a change of battery twas too much for the old switch (spooked by Halloween?). Scrounged a tiny red knog from the bits and pieces box as a substitute, but it throws as much light as a candle.  Dubiously and uncomfortably made my way to the Couldabeens, relief with safety in numbers.  Kenworth, AvantiTrev, Cougar, PistolPete, Temple, Chris A, Tim, Trav, FeltMat and Nick made up the (Rocketless) bunch to proceed at pace out Channel Rd, a SSW wind ready to test us for Boundary Rd.  Smooth and steady turns with just a k or two variation helped all to keep in touch, great to have considerate Chris and Trav (back to being a regular) assisting. A pair of Breeze breakaways were northbound on the Broken bridges, the Breeze bunch just turning from River Rd (in pusuit?)  Easier on the effort for us in Mitchell Rd with the wind at our side so speed was dialed up of course, Tim getting the nods alongside Pistol.  A bit of caution at Central Kialla and the highway, spying for cars minus headlights through the long grass. All travelled well with a long and gradual simmering of speed, out of Roubaix and up to the horse stud it was giddy up for the thrash in Conrod. Kenworth, Pistol and Chris took the honours (in that order), all others soon after in varied stages of exhaustion/exhillaration.  (and they'll all be back next week to do it again for some strange reason)

The flash new tail light fitted Thursday arvo was reassuring, so off to do battle with the library bunch in a perfect 21 degrees. Good to have Clive and Harpo escape Mooroopna detention to make the pilgrimage east, Paul, Craig, Dalton, Jamie (on remand from Melbourne), Sticks, Axel and Robbo launched from town, OlympicSteve climbing aboard in the Boulevard. No speed spared up to Wanganui with Paul, then to Numurkah Rd with Dalton warmed up the legs and peaked the heart rate early.  Sprinter and Dion were late additions nearing Verney Rd, LegalSteve appeared from somewhere on the brisk blast to the Emu in the 40's. OlympicSteve held permanent station (in the top three cogs) on the front left while one by one, nearly the whole bunch went up for their punishment alongside, attempting to match his 37km/h into a mid 20's head wind. What joy!  (a 2k turn was enough for me) Finally, turning into River Rd, Steve took a break and normal rotation resumed. (Machine) The wind gusts increased and so did the gasps, but we finally reached Central Kialla to find a truck with trailer slowly reversing into a driveway. Arriving as the lane cleared, the truck suddenly moved forward, OMG's, FFS's and WTF's flew in abundance, bikes scattered, brakes were grabbed  and the inevitable wheel touched wheel. Jamie performed a spectacular half twist, tuck, full pike and double layout on the Giant, judges scoring a 8.75 due to scraping a knee and an elbow on the dismount (into the grass) , the front carbon Flashpoint doing a Schwalbe dismount with a 20mm sidewall fracture.  A halt to proceedings ensuring injuries were just skin deep, many on restricted time soon remounted and set off.  Jamie pulled out his spare tube, just an MTB one brought about copious laughter. So with borrowed long valve 700x23, Harpo, Craig, Axel & I stayed and attempted to make a hacked tyre rideable with a scrap of canvas (epic fail). A wait then for Jamie's car ride home to appear, sledging filling in the time. Remounted and resumed with mid 30's on the remainder of the course and a squirt in the last 400 of Conrod (Harpo is being dobbed into ASADA for a fine finish), all thoughts through town were on stomachs and how they needed filling.

As has become customary, a quiet lap was planned Friday morning, for the first time in ages barely a puff of wind made for ideal conditons. A very long 5.55 Boundary Rd express (Supercats et al) steamed south, first class and economy carriages aplenty and more than one guards van i'd say. A small train (poop poop little Thomas?) was unidentifiable (maybe Aristocats?) behind them,  but Sosso, Doc, P&W's and a gaggle of Goats were recognised filling the course. Borals' Mack was rounded up on our northern passage, Cougs inspired to pump the pedals profusely for a swift stretch in Old Dookie Rd, the quiet lap turned into no rest for the righteous but good fun anyway.


Week 44    374 km  (Barradale to Edaggee W.A.)  YTD 15,311 
October Great Cycle Challenge  1953 km. (finished 17th in distance)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on"  Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) 32nd US President 

A sombre post script to this months photo (at the top), recent stiff winds have finally ended the huts' days. Built in the 1890's, it's but a photographic memory now.

 

 

Week 43 : More wind and close calls

A cruisy start to Saturday, time up the sleeve on the roll quietly down the main drag, chilled enough at 4 degrees to don the 3/4 knicks and winter gloves. PistolPete & HBK  were made of tougher stuff in shorts, all others (Rocket, Dion, Temple, BigMat, Shorty, Nick and AvantTrev) were rugged up. A delayed start with Dions slow leak (from a tyre), it was launch time a whisker after six to face the cool sunrise. Felt foreign on the first bunch ride since Sunday, matching PistolPete on the first leg a big ask of the legs (I'd climatised to warming up at my pace for nearly a week) The third rotation had HBK and BigMat in gross contravention of the regulations, AvantiTrev calling for credit card details to shout coffee.  The internal weather station read a northeasterly breeze being brewed up even though there was no evidence in the tree branches, the turn into Boundary confirmed the prediction. The aero hatted, trakkie topped TT lad was headed south, Nath (north) aboard the Corsa climbed aboard at the pigfarm, it was deja vu yet again for me in Old Dookie on the front with Nick. Over the bridge PistolPete rolled up for his shift, lowered my head and lowered the gear ratio to dig in for the long drag to the toaster (sticking to the speed limit but exceeding the h.r. limit) North to the Emu, left into Lemnos-Cosgrove, effort declined with the ENE aiding the progress homeward. A long 51 pack were first to appear eastbound, Cats a few minutes back in good numbers. Yesterdays reseal of a few hundred metres of Lemnos-Cosgrove left plenty of coarse stone to roll on, Rockets rear tyre protested with a big cut and instant puncture, calling an intermission to proceedings. A small square of canvas from my kit saved using coffee money to repair the damage, Vince (on a maintenance lap) and Jase (earlier puncture then out on a reverse lap to meet us) arrived to lend some sledge support. Soon repaired and keen to make up the time, more infringements ensued but little complaint was heard. Nath, PistolPete, HBK & I had a short sprint stage to catch the pack after the Grahamvale Rd intersection (HBK unhooked by traffic). Torque was applied to the Mt Wanganui climb (all 20 metres of it) then south in Rudd, past the Canterbury roundabout (a rider waiting there wasn't FujiTrev, he was upright) then the usual velocity through the suburbs in an effort to feed the tank at the Lemontree.  Much hyperbole over breakfast and coffee on camping, comebacks, Melbourne and Sunday's plans, a late arrival by Patrick, Smuggler and Yahoo from an apprenticeship lap. 

Guilt from a Sunday off the bike took hold on Monday, perfect conditions to put in a few k's with 16 degrees on the guage at 5.30. A backward Cat lap to defy convention, south down the main drag then Raftery, Mitchell, Central Kialla, River, Boundary and Old Dookie to earn a bit of toast.  The engine struggled for the first 30 minutes (a later view of the AP observatory explained a light easterly) Just 3 puddytats were wheeling westward in River, five minutes behind a long bunch persued (being wound up by Vince). A pair of tail lights were caught entering Boundary Rd, Patricia and buddy on a breezy breakaway. Resumed the tempo after a brief yarn, a little easier bearing north. Not until Old Dookie did I find some form of rythym, one passing car lending just enough draft to get into the groove.  Back into town with 10 minutes to spare, raisin toast the trophy.

Almost as mild as Monday on Tuesday, off to a Couldabeens lap but pondered the ability to survive with plenty of young and improving lads in the ranks. An excess of solitary distance done of late, not a lot of high speed pursuit though. Took the plunge finding Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, Shorty, Temple, BigMat, PistolPete, Trav (back after a marathon and house move) and GG (aka "Whispering Jack") on comeback number 47. A southerly annoyed us in Channel Rd and certainly tested in Boundary, pace pegged back a little heading south.  BigMat hit the NOs when he rolled over from Nick's turn, putting two bike lengths and 5km/h into the transition. Thought he should enjoy the solitary glory on the front for a k, then bumped up another 4 clicks on my roll over, imitation being the finest form of flattery. Returned to the previous tempo soon after (the old engine almost misfiring) as we caught FeltMat on an advanced reconnisance, recovering from Sunday's 250 round the Bay (with privately chartered boat no less) A smoother pace ensued for Mitchell Rd, AvantiTrev the second advance party caught near the dogleg.  A third advance Couldabeen (Jase) was found loitering at Central Kialla Rd, the recurring puncture from Saturday causing  another missed start. The scenery passed quickly at a brisk pace, soon crossing the highway and rounding the roughness of Roubaix, many withdrew from active duty leaving only the determined to drive.  Into Conrod into the fourties, Shorty and GG offered themselves up as sacrifice to Rocket, PistolPete and the Kenworth, plenty sucumming to fatigue in the closing 400 metres. Had just enough (190bpm @51) to survive for 2nd, Rocket almost days ahead with the choclolates already half eaten. 

Tuesday nights weather was doubtful (swear i could smell rain) so erred on the staying dry side, but could have put in a lap as it happens.  No matter, a tapering week.

Set sail southward Wednesday morning for a Kialla lap. That moment of suspicion when a cars' approach speed to an intersection seems a bit quick gets the fingers to the brake levers post haste. Instinct was rewarded when said car flew straight through the give way. Just 200 metres later, another car rips straight into a roundabout (when I'm already in the middle of it)  putting the squeeze on lane space. I must be invisible with 380 lumens of headlight, a helmet light, a white and yellow jersey, white helmet, shoes, armwarmers and reflective wheel wording. Or maybe these drivers should try driving eyes open? Never presume boys and girls......  The howling westerly (with a bit of a northerly hint in it too) scared a few away, only Rocket, Nick, LegalDave and FeltMat at the Kialla start. The usual PistolPete pick-up in the last metres of Archer, then blissfully blown east along Mitchell Rd, nearly all in the top cog.  Heard of the LegalDave Dookie to Beechworth ride, FeltMat's Round the Bay effort and Rockets venture into Tuesday nights thrash. All good things eventually come to an end (reaching Boundary), headed north with the wind as pushy as a used car salesman (no pun intended Nick) to test straight line ability. A long train of Supercats/51/Hurt Locker bore into River Rd for some torture, 5 a little behind were in for some load sharing i'd guess. We'd caught and passed Rosco on a solo, tuning up after an overseas break I'm told. A goat or 3 were on a puncture pit-stop at the Broken bridges, but it was our turn to lower heads, grit teeth and grind the length of Channel Rd soon after, with a headwind hovering between 26 - 39 km/h. There were brief shelters amongst some trees at times, Nick doing the hard yards though, copping the wide open spaces on the front emptied his tank quickly.  I took Nicks shift for the final stage, his prior effort earned a break and two breakfasts. 

Another keen westerly started the day Thursday, this one with a hint of southerly about it. Felt the need to go solo to ponder life's mysteries, Pythagorus' theorum etc., so rolled out Old Dookie with the wind behind wondering what torture the return trip would offer. Kept the ticker at aerobic level to the toaster, up to the Emu, then head down for the long 12 k back to Rudd Rd with the WSW at 25 clicks (one wonders the reason at times like these) Found a rythym on the 15 tooth cog that kept the lungs/heart from explosion but working none the less. Just as the h.r. climbed into the mid 160's a small line of trees here and there offered a little shelter to recover. Soon enough the township came into view to find the motivation home, legs were a bit rubbery up Mt Wanganui but Rudd Rd's reprieve was sweet southbound.  

The week's had more wind than a bag full of dim sims, Thursday night no exception with a southwesterly not giving up easily. Down to the Library to join with Robbo, Paul, Nath, Hamish, Rocket & Dalton, where are Axel, Clive, Sean, Skeeta, Dave, Harpo, Sprinter, Gools, LegalSteve etc etc? (All now missing in action presumed to be softening on couches). Off at 6 with Mitch and Steigy jumping aboard in the first 100 metres, Nath and Robbo set a rapid agenda out Rudd Rd. Rocket followed suit for Wanganui (Craig attached as passenger) scoring many of us some Strava PB's in the pusuit to Numurkah Rd.  I'd hoped all the eastward enthusiasm (40+) would make way for conservatism facing the wind at the Emu turn, but it was Mitch and Rocket against a mid 20's southerly doing the measuring (but no quotes) to the Pine Lodge church  (a closely matched pair). Dalton had the handbrake of asthma to contend with, Robbo took a natural break nearing the toaster which (thankfully) eased the pace for a bit so he could rejoin. The bunch had regrouped by Boundary Rd, speed elevated again as Rocket and Mitch cranked up test #2 over the bridges. River Rd seemed shorter at a brisk pace, managed to do duty for Central Kialla Rd (thanks to the courtesy of Nath and Rocket not tearing my limbs off) albeit a couple of k's off the boil. Trent joined in for the remainder, speed settling below heart attack levels so all may survive. Slowly back into the 40's for Conrod straight most had shelved ideas for a sprint. Temptation was too great for Nath and Paul though, a 150 metre tharsh sorted the pair in that order, a good yarn with many on the roll back through town. 

Robbed of proper temperature Friday morning, 1.5 degees more akin to July than October. No intention of setting records, just a short quiet lap to make sure legs remembered what to do. Cougar back from holidays was in a similar mindset, shaking the rust off. Chewed over the weeks' news on an enjoyable 30k without benchmarks to set or time to beat,  keeps variety in the week and a chance for old limbs to limber.        


Week 43  =  304km   (Karratha to  Barradale W.A.)  YTD 14,937

October Great Cycle Challenge = 1613km

"The pessimist complains about the wind, the optomist expects it to change but the realist adjusts the sail"
William Arthur Ward  US author 1921-1994

Sad to hear of the passing of Frenchman Albert Bourlon (1916-2013), still the record holder for the longest successful breakaway  ('47 T de F).  A 253km effort, scoring a stage win by 16 min.      

Week 42 : Gone with the wind

Mostly deserted streets again Saturday morning, most sensible folk probably blowing out the zeds at 5.30?  For a low i.q. amusement, some young imbecile leapt out from the darkness in front of me in McIntosh so I greeted him in a befitting manner. No sight of warmer weather yet but 6 degrees coaxed nearly a dozen out for the usual ride. Jase, Tim, AvantiTrev, FeltMat, BigMat, HBK, Cougar, Temple, Shorty & Nick set forth in Channel Rd, groundhog day in almost the same order as last week, haste with Jase pace a chase.  A north easter sprung up to make Boundary and Old Dookie a bit of a workout, good to have Smuggler join in to make it a dozen at the figfarm. Deja vu in Old Dookie Rd sharing the front with Nick then Jase, elevating the heart rate (maybe yesterdays 153 km emptied the enthusiasm?) A sizeable clan of P&W's were out early southbound in Cosgrove North Rd, two large packs eastward bound in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd too. (Greendawg noticed in the first lot, many recognisable pussycats in the second.) The cruise control was set to the regulations heading back to town with an 11km/h breeze at our backs for the run to Rudd Rd. An odd infringement here and there from the usual culprits till Mt Wanganui inspired a Rocket blast.  Plenty of forward thrust through town again to arrive for the customary conference at the Lemontree. BigMat swiftly on slices of sledge-toast while subjects of crit tactics, tourdefightbacc and Sundays route were chewed over. 

Sunday's 7am start dispensed with the lighting kit, enough sunshine to light the way. Down to Harvey's to congregate with BigMat, Patrick, FeltMat, Temple and Rocket (freshly warmed from an earlier 30k). HBK dragged the chain as last to berth, all agreeing on a change of course scenery. The choice of an anti-clockwise 7 bridges lap had us in Watts Rd to begin, little traffic (but Rocket's pace) to battle on the way to Mooroopna. 8 degrees and slowly rising, a WNW swung westerly to test the tour to Tatura (already 6 bridges crossed) The Garmin speed sensor went back to bed swinging south into Dhurringile Rd (battery needing new volts) HBK and BigMat hoisting the mainsail in the high 30's to cruise with a now northerly wind behind us.  Patricks' trusty tin Cannondale, FeltMat's belated Round the Bay prep and HBK's satirical sarcasm part of the chin wagging en route till turning toward the tour to Toolamba, the enemy wind slowly swinging to a NNE. Just the publican hosing down last nights' leftovers at the Toolamba Pub, we pushed on to the bridge (No 10) over the Goulburn toward Union Rd for posterior punishment. Coarse stone signalled few ratepayers are down this way, nice to reach the smooth surface of Central Kialla Rd but our spring wind was now a northerly again to make us earn breakfast. Over bridges 15 and 16 then a respite for Mitchell's familiar west leg home. The customary pace pick-up in Raftery had legs fairly unresponsive, a little tactical rotation had BigMat shoulder the wind coming at him at one o'clock for Conrod straight. Rocket teased a wheel ahead, HBK bolted (even forcing Rocket to swap cogs in pursuit) I could only dig enough for 3rd, but more than happy to finish a 60k workout over the 19th bridge in Raftery Rd. A post ride relax at Degani, egg & bacon sustinance aplenty.  (Great work by OlympicSteve & Nev in the "Warny" on Sunday, 35th and 68th a fine result in a super tough race.)

A lazybones start on Monday (day off) with a sluggish 8am start, a new battery restoring the Garmin speed sensor for a 40k test run. Headed south down Archer Rd with yet another 6 degree start, a strong west-southwest wind buffeting the Mavics about (I'm almost used to them after 70+k use), much improved in Mitchell Rd with a little more sun and the wind behind, wheels singing on the tarmac. Back to wrestling the handlebars for a northerly attack on Boundary Rd, wishing there were more trees to hide behind. A distant mirage of something ahead kept the pace going (probably chasing a rubbish bin or letterbox?) by the Pub a small group of riders were in view. Nearing Old Dookie some went left and others right, I chose right or does the bike just know that way? Half a dozen were caught at the pig farm, some of the Adams family on a little longer loop. Carried on to the toaster then Emu, took Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd back to Boundary, down to Old Dookie then home, a diversion from the set circuit.

Another lazybones start Tuesday, even more tardy with an 8.30 roll around the ubiquitous Toaster loop. Just a tap around on the oft neglected 17tooth, keeping below 150bpm to preserve some form.  A noticable influx of traffic (peak hour?) had wits sharpened for half wits (don't you just love the ones who must pass pronto, then jump on the anchors to turn left), nice to get out of the suburbs (Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd) where it's just a wave or two for the farmers on tractors or atv's. A bit of chill in the air at 7 degrees, a sign of a light northerly enthused the turn at the Emu. A pong free run past the pig farm in Old Dookie confirmed the northerly, south along Boundary flipping a coin for River or Mitchell as the chosen course. River Rd won, maybe a little more shelter but it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. A couple of degrees more warmth from the sun was uplifting, steady cadence in Central Kialla Rd, head down in Mitchell with wind strengthening. Didn't press the accellerator in Raftery, just held the average till the end of Conrod. Toast and coffee at the (strangely peaceful) Lemontree to ponder a big ride tomorrow. 

Weather was ideal Wednesday morning, a hint of NNE and an agreeable sunrise to start a long held personal challenge. Pockets packed and hippocampus honed in Wyndham St, I hit go on the Garmin at Fryers St and headed south, the coarse surface of the highways' shoulder to put up with till crossing the Murchison exit.  Kept the thoughts on the moment not the distant target, the neocortex negative little voice calling 'abandon ship' gagged and locked away in a dark room. Not a lot of traffic at this hour but a few came in waves of three and four. A few minor catagory climbs over railway lines till Wahring, had a chomp on a jam sandwich to keep the tank from emptying. Concentration on debris laying in the emergency lane and traffic at off and on ramps the big priority, it was onto the new Nagambie bypass section (specially sealed super rough but happy to clock a Strava KOM as recompense) Conservative climbs on the Avenel section to leave reserves for later, just a hint of a tailwind (9km/h) helped. Most impressed with the truckies, all very professional passing with space aplenty, even a friendly toot from a passing Pajero (do I know you?). Enthused in reaching the Hume in 2:05:58 (another Strava KOM to swell the head),  the real concentration started with a Heinz range of obstacles to steer the Michelins' away from. One large (defunct) bottle jack, 4 large wheel nuts (hopefully not from one vehicle) 3 octopus straps, a disc brake pad, 3 fan belts, an XD Falcon, oranges, a sump guard, a watch and 9 dead kanga's. Most inconveniently, the sole narrow bridge south of Seymour (without a shoulder)had a slalom course of squashed skippy organs to negotiate. Yumm.....     Finished No1 bidon at 95k to have a full No2 for the shorter remainder, a tank top up of fruitcake between on and off ramps nearing Flowerdale. The tail wind was slowly building (16km/h) but so were the ascents, down to the 21 sprocket at times, it seemed ages to reach the Great Divide peak of 357 metres at Arkells Lane. Enthusiasm and a grin returned knowing the gradual downhill from Wallan onward, just love the big ring at times like this (ticking over on the 12 in the mid 40's) Eyes peeled crossing the Northern Hwy on ramp then a billiard table surface downhill past Beveridge in the low 50's on the 11, no cogs left.  Last chunk of fruitcake chewed before taking the Craigeburn off ramp (Citylink not kosher for bikes says VicRoads) with the CBD vista as motivation to press on. Felt quite foreign to halt at the traffic lights in Craigieburn but the backside was greatful of a short respite from four hours on the Fizik . A little squeezy in the emergency lane in places on the leg to Fawkner, passing Ford at the 4hr 20 mark.  Wits were sharpened for trams and their tracks at Preston and beyond, nice to get a bike lane for Sydney Rd Brunswick (sometimes down to just handlebar width), but taxi's and opening doors are the suprise package. Nice to get onto bike nirvana in Royal Parade, a dedicated wide green band (even with tactile edgelining to shoo cars off)  makes good progress possible.  Several traffic lights to halt for in the CBD but the end was now in sight, sharing a lane with motorbikes certainly stops cars from giving you the squeeze. Finally stopped at Elizabeth & Flinders, the Garmin halted to record 173k in  5:07:32 (5:21 of stop light time) with a 34 average.  Chuffed that attempt #6 was another PB (8 minutes off) , I ploughed into a big 98 octane Coke and the XL plate of sushi with a 4,455 calorie deficit to balance.  Old faithful BM (hadn't missed a beat, Michelins unmarked) and me were soon tucked into the 12:52 train home (with gluteus glowing at defcon 3)

Creaks and squeaks the morning after but a gentle lap was to be done to prevent rigormortis setting in. A howler westerly and gloomy grey skies weren't inviting so a short lap of Ford-Lemnos/Cosgrove-Boundary and Channel was enough. Nice to be on familiar tarmac (sans trams and taxis) and pushed east with 20-30 km/h winds behind. 80 cadence eased the load on limbs but there was wrestlemania steering down Boundary.  Sore bits were ignited pointing into Channel Rd, a full on head wind dictated bringing the 19 tooth cog out of the archive. Thoughts were directed to coffee and banana toast to motivate the leg home, even the Garmin gave up at Orrvale Rd, losing touch with satellites and ending data. Content that legs were operational, a Lemontree pit stop (unusually quiet) topped off the ride.

Decent weather arrived Friday and with another day off in hand, took executive hours for an 8am start to lap the old faithful Toaster loop. With legs and posterior returned to form, the push into a light north easter didn't cause conniptions, enjoyed a warming sun with London Grammar and Rufus to keep ears (quietly) entertained. A scattered Adams clan northbound in Boundary Rd were the only bikes seen, only a horse and an ATV to avoid on the 50k's. Heart rate variation was kept to just 12 bpm at the manageable zone 3, suprised to have recovered quickly from a 1000+k fortnight. Chose the Mitchell Rd course for variety, finishing in Raftery with a now northerly wind keeping the head down.     

Week 42   509km (80 mile beach to Karratha W.A.)   Y.T.D. 14,633km
October Great Cycle Challenge  : 1295km covered 

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working"  Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Spanish painter/sculptor

Highly recommended reading  "The lost art of the group ride" at <cyclingtips.com.au>

    

          

Week 41: Saving daylight

Just the head headlight heading to the Socialists Saturday, sun is almost up at 5.30 on the last day of eastern standard time. Deserted roads today, no sign of the regulars on foot but a shirtless punk with attitude yelled at anyone passing the lake (must have been a tough night on the turps). Jase, Nick, Tim, HBK (short sleeved and legged) Temple, Cougar, AvantiTrev, Shorty and PistolPete set off on cue, FeltMat arriving just in time to join in. 8 degrees was bearable but a mid strength NNE dictated some effort, had the shovel out digging deep beside Jase in leg 1. HBK's CEO was passed on the way to the kinder, some variables along Channel Rd as many climatised. An echelon helped in Boundary Rd, Sticks and Harpo (?)  spied rolling south near the figfarm. HBK peeled off to check on the boss as we steered into Old Dookie, coped with Nicks' tempo but Jase got my engine on the redline, exposed to the elements with open fields. Nice to tuck in for a tow up to the Emu and there was far less strain headed west. The mystery TT lad (teardrop hat & tracksuit top) appeared first in Lemnos-Cosgrove, Clive & Bomber next, the carrots for a long Pussycat train.  Temple may need ASADA investigation with a marked improvement on last week, Tim & Shorty on the back foot this week with work hindering rides. HBK returned (via Boundary) after checking on the chief (Sharon), I had the rarest moment of having a wheel 63mm ahead of his, but sadly photographic evidence is unavailable. Most were wary of the speed limit on the way to Wanganui but arrived at Rudd Rd without violation. Again, no time wasted boring down the Boulevard, Weapon welcomed aboard as a suprise guest to join in the last few k and engage in post ride sustinance at a warm (and welcoming) Lemontree, discourse on phones, photography, proper parties and portions.              Guilty after downing a large egg & bacon roll, I set off on an extra lap to wear off the indulgence, a repeat roll out Channel Rd spotting the once thought extinct Greendawg rolling in. The NNE had picked up pace (17-24 km/h) to burn the calories, burned the legs in Boundary with a bunch ahead to chase (sparks the enthusiasm and beckons the boundaries to be pushed with a goal to shoot at) Made steady ground up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd (a widened edge beside the rumble strips makes things easier), new hope turning west out of the headwind made high 30's progress. Nearing the soup tin, the bunch was now identifiable as the Adams family, the dozen were caught and passed entering Ford Rd, I maintained the momentum and spent reserves toward Rudd Rd, letting 170bpm dictate the speed, many now out in twos and threes headed east in the warming 15 degrees. Finally eased off the gas at the cemetery and rolled quietly home along the Boulevard, another rare sight of JB on bike (static and chatting though) 

Reset the daylight savings clock Saturday night but the eyes still spring open at 5. A smallish breakfast and kitted up before the negatives, excuses and sloth seeps into the skull, out the door with lights ablaze for the dark, unwinding yesterdays repetition with a clockwise Toaster loop. A little light on the horizon at 6 springs some hope that days will soon lengthen. The only road users at this hour were a pair of runners, wisely lit up with a bike tail-light and torch. Just one car encountered on the trek to the Emu, the sky turning crimson over Mt.Major made an early start most worthy. Hopes of a spectacular sunrise vanished with grey clouds soon invading the scenery but enthusiasm lifted with less load on the journey south and west. Brushed the cobwebs off the gearchange and selected the favourite fifteen cog to Boundary, a steady pace down to the pub, still without a car in sight. Funny how great chunks of distance go by un-noticed, perhaps zoning out with the rythym. Nice to have clear time for thoughts to wander and any worries to evaporate, legs just on auto pilot.  Kept the heart rate between 150 -160 for the entirity, easier headed west in Mitchell, Rufus today's background music motivation. Kilometres vanished faster than expected, soon on the brake for a little Melbourne Rd traffic. Felt a hint of northeast resistance on the Raftery Rd leg, keeping the Garmin active till the first red light halted progress (stumps at High St).  Met up with Tommygun, Weapon, Cougar and AvantiTrev at the Parklake for a well earned second breakfast, a box seat to view the Criterium and those we knew competing. Well done to Hamish for the B win, the Feelgood team of OlympicSteve, Trent and A winner Schultzy for a fine 1-2-3. Great effort by all for a fast and entertaining morning.

Monday's start was again in dark surrounds, hopeful in just a few weeks we'll see a brighter sky at ride time. Like me, Cougar was in need of a less than frantic lap, the tried and true short lap proved to be favoured by the breeze for east and north directions.  Was expecting a small showing of troops in Boundary Rd following yesterday's Crit, suprised to see a voluminous Cat pack but no sign of others.  Good to roll around without concentrating on speed or averages, easy on the legs and keeps the ride passion alive. The pair of rough bumps in the dark near Dobsons estate were brutal on the wheels, but came out the other side unscathed. Lap done with time up the sleeve, a good start to another week. 

More k's were craved Monday arvo, a change of scenery needed to prevent wear & tear on the Toaster loop.  A study of wind and weather and the wish of a tail wind home dictated heading out south and west to be helped home by the elements. Set forth south on the highway (a mostly two metre wide lane at my disposal) but a stiff west southwester cut across the starboard bow to raise some perspiration.  Not delighted with the pace but mindful to preserve some fuel for the western attack, I chose to manifest the lanes' remnants as a mental diversion. 5 octopus straps, a thong, 4 fan belts, a nappy (thankfully un-used), a handful of tek screws (avoided) and a VE Commodore. A bit of wind shear to brace against when trucks were on coming otherwise a good leg for 20k (although the surface is as rough as hessian undies).  Took the Murch/VioletTown exit and swung toward Murch, a billiard table smooth 9k's west made up for the wind in the face. Positives at last from Murch East onward, shielded by trees away from the wind finally gave some relief. More billiard table quality in Murchison town, the road to Mooroopna slowly swung to have the now dying breeze almost behind me. Number three magpie swoop for the year didn't bother me, had the head down and a gear up (favoured fifteen) for the 28k homeward. A better sense of achievement with the hard yards done and a light help home, seems wheels were humming a happy tune too.  Farmers as usual courteous and patient giving room to spare, one P plater the polar opposite (a close shave pass yet not another car in sight......go figure) Soon on familiar turf seeing Moroopna's metropolis, a brief Garmin pause for traffic lights then home via bike track to clock 67 in 2:07, a handful of Strava trophies to grin about too (but what's with the great pretender Phil R; averaging 105.4km/h on the Toolamba-Murch off ramp section? Get real, do it on a pushbike next time !)  

Tuesdays cool 5 degrees was at least calm, a ride without wind as rare as BigMat turning up. The prodigal son Rocket was back from holiday, 2nd place was on everyones wish list now. Kenworth, FeltMat, Nick, Tim, Cougar, Temple, PistolPete, AvantiTrev and Jase took flight out Channel, a nice change to share the front with FeltMat, easier on my creaking limbs. As has become customary, the top guns seem to congregate, bumping up the knots when their turn comes. Kenworth reckons he's not fit (look out when he is!) FeltMat thinks he's underprepared for the Round the Bay in two weeks, AvantiTrev was conserving wattage for another lap tonight, Cougar still the quickest nana in town, Tim pulling out all stops amongst the top ranks, PistolPete still blasts off the front regardless of pace.  The aforementioned congregation had us mortals speechless down Mitchell Rd, thankfully keeping the bunch together after intersections. Momentum climbed a little more in Raftery Rd with the cream rising to the top, hang on for survival for many others. Tim scored the long handled shovel award, digging the deepest in Conrod straight,  Rocket having no trouble taking the chocolates on the line (holidays haven't hampered him) Jase getting past Kenworth for second, all others pleased to have finished (like banging your head against a brick wall, lovely when you stop) Quote of the morning from AvantiTrev "That was hell...........ishly good fun!" 

A proper spring afternoon on Tuesday (21 degrees)  brought many out of the woodwork for the Hospital bunch. The  usual collection of rascals were garnished with a few shaking cobwebs off bikes and backsides, ToolambaDave, Craig, Killer, Kev and 2 vegan Mexicans amongst the (eventually) 25 strong bunch. Nath was back minus flu, recovered enough to drive the train with Robbo into the fourties making use of a light southwesterly. Gools and Sprinter jumped aboard, 2 more Mexicans added soon after for spice. My turn again on the pointy end with Paul then Sprinter, got me to speechless by the Boundary bridges (feeling a little second hand from last nights solo and the morning after thrash) The breeze swung slowly to make River Rd a chore, glad to be entrenched near the back for the tow.  Fast and smooth were good ingredients but the ability to accelerate out of corners was weakening.  A rough calculation of the duty roster would have me up front after Roubaix, so short shifted to avoid being burnt alive.  The usual movers dragged the bunch along Mitchell and ramped up the urge out of Roubaix. About 8 in two rows kept rolling over, a long tail single filed behind in hope of reaching the finish alive. Gaps started to open as Arcadia Downs came into view, a team up of Kev, Harpo, Craig & I fought to stay in within 10 metres of the pack, eventually picking off a few that were subtracted by the speed/heartrate/cadence/distance equation.  42k in 1:06:50 was one of the quickest yet, pleased to have survived.

A touch warmer Wednesday, arrived at the Kialla roundabout with Rocket finding Nath, FeltMat and GG there, Nick, Shorty and LegalDave rolled in to head off at 6.  A promised attendance by BigMat evaporated prompting a sledging frenzy, maybe he's yet to change to daylight savings? Down Archer to Mitchell we did the usual
pick-up of PistolPete, my legs feeling like Gumby (that dates me!) by Mitchell's dogleg.  GG's half wheel exuberance in Boundary Rd was quickly evaporated by Nath's velocity, nearly 40 into a northeasterly didn't fit my idea of fun at the front, I wiped off 5 to stay alive from River to Channel. (wonder what's happened to DiscoSteve, passing his place) Pressure was off in Channel Rd (helps with the wind at your back) the eau de blood & bone nearly grew hairs on the handlebars though. All settled into a steady rotation back to town (minus a mexican bonanza) to chalk up a steady lap.

A supermild Thursday (minus the damaging winds predicted) of 15 degrees inticed a lap at aerobic pace, minus 131bpm seems very low but feels beneficial. Cougar and I passed BigMat waiting at the carpark for a Couldabeens circuit, another sunrise worth getting out of bed for, just a short loop for us to keep legs and lungs acustomed, a welcome change from a few thrash laps this week. Damp arrived on cue at 5.30 Thursday arvo, wallowed in the excess of putting feet up on the couch instead of riding.

Just to test the senses, it was back to 6 degrees Friday morning. Made a return to the P&W's with Cougar after a  lengthy lay-off, winter almost bringing the group into recess. Good to join in with Choppy, Meags and Minto, the Hurt Locker lads departing a tad before. (apologies received from the tissueBox but a no show from Princess). Chops had a sixth sense hesitating entering the Doyles Rd roundabout, just as well with a small blue car charging straight on (despite us being half way through) Perhaps we should have yelled to wake the driver?  Normality resumed when heart rates had settled, social updates possible on the way to Boundary.  Minto propelled at a brisk pace despite his winter hibernation, not giving much chance for the quick chicks to draw alongside though. The preferred P&W route now takes on River Rd, feels a little foreign for their lap but happy to go with the flow. Back onto Mitchell then soon into Raftery, Chops and I had the lead for Conrod, Cougar was on a mission at second wheel. Pace was ramped up by Choppy (expenditure for reward?) out of the dip, but Cougs hammered home to take a fine win.                       Scoring a rare RDO, I set forth mid morning to Rushworth, the aim of intercepting the tour de fightbacc lads on the last leg of their Adelaide-Shepparton fundraiser.  12 degrees with a promised 20 was hopeful, the WSW wind was nothing but hurtful (20-37km/h), white knuckle wind shear from oncoming trucks too. An adjustment was needed to the goalposts for this ride. Out the Midland highway then south to Tatura, then the long drag to Rushworth with the wind relentless. Even the rolling hills had head winds on the climbs (surely against the Geneva convention?) to massacre motivation, slash speed and erode enthusiasm. A fair bit of exploration to the depths of the skull was needed to drive onward. Nearing Rushy the pungent pong of skiddled skippys and the number 4 magpie swoop for the year was further reason to continue, a big sense of relief to finally enter town. The 17 fightbacc lads were seated finishing lunch, all in fine order despite covering 850k in 7 days.  The leg back to Shepp was far more enjoyable with wind behind and many to chat with (an expired tail car and one puncture the only pause en route) Stories aplenty of their journey, epic fundraising of $90k+ to aid breast and childrens cancer research makes them all legends. Picked up Gazza as an added extra in Tatura and accompanied the group back to Shepp, the team receiving a great reception in town.  

                         Team Tourdefightbacc gets the cheer from fthe Guthrie St school fundraisers
  

Week 41 :  573km  (Jarrananga Plain to Eighty mile beach W.A.)  YTD 14,124km

Life is like a landscape. You can live in the midst of it, but can describe it only from the vantage point of distance"  Charles Lindburgh (1902-1974) US aviator

Octobers' great cycle challenge is on target with 700k clocked 11 days in. Donations most welcome at https://greatcyclechallenge.com.au/Riders/BryanSlade

In a random bit of bike news, top effort by Andrew Hellinger (Qld) riding 337km in 24 hours ..........................backwards!          
  

Week 40: A challenge, and defying Epimetheus

Ambled along the main drag to the Saturday ritual, the cute jogging ponytail was back, soon after the bedraggled one puffing on the fag. As entertainment, some bloke on a bender having trouble finding which foot to put forward next. The bakery aroma, the newsagent opening, the couple picking up rubbish at the Lake, regular sights to confirm it was Saturday. Eleven to put in a few k's today, Patrick a long missing inclusion to the team of Jase, Shorty, Temple, Nick, PistolPete, HBK, AvantiTrev, BigMat and FeltMat. AvantiTrev was hurling speed violation accusations after just 500 metres, my objection to me lud was that Patrick was sans speedo. (35 by mine) Social up-dates on the rotations out Channel Rd, the weeks' rides (or lack of them) the weeks' work and state of performance (or lack of it) was a good start. A hint of tail wind on Old Dookie Rd held AvantiTrev on a long turn at the front, Temple taking a back seat for a spell, the engine not firing on all cylinders. HBK and BigMat on their usual mission of staying well in front, or do they have the longest bikes in town?  Crossed New Dookie Rd and up to the Emu, a magpie divebombing Jase for the love of red helmets. As we reached the main channel a copious collection of Cats flew east, a kilometre later LeighMac (as always on a time malfunction) was probably heading for an intercept at Boundary & Old Dookie.  A minute behind and head down, Bomber was in pursuit no doubt to fluff up some fur. Our lot continued west into a slowly increasing breeze, minor infringements going un-noticed. Finally to Rudd Rd then through the Fuji roundabout (without comment or sarcasm today) pace continued unabated in the pursuit of coffee (the days of easing off the throttle through town are but a distant memory, or have I gone soft?) Cold in temperature (and welcome) at the Lemontree, football, flash 4X4's and bike stats warmed up the conversation, Cougar joining in in civvies. A small band of 51's about faced at Friars, a mass of Muppets, Goats and Gazelles exited on cue.

A short and sweet lap Monday morning, Sundays' day off had put rust into the joints. Out Archer Rd with Cougs, a northeaster a welcomed assistance (noticing breeze belles assembling for their maiden voyage ; sorry, bad pun). Beyond River Rd a lone magpie zeroed in for an attack (maybe related to LeighMac, swooping this late in the season). Legs were slow to loosen, Cougars engine was quickly up to running temperature, it took till Mitchell to get some fluidity in the fossil though. After the months of winter darkness (and cold) it's a fitting reward to enjoy daylight on a morning ride, sun up even on an early finish, the old familiar honk of the train (now departing earlier) beaten too.   

Monday arvo's radar looked negative but yr.no looked positive. Put trust into the preferred forecaster (nearly always accurate) and committed to a long lap before the negatives took hold. He who hesitates is lost they say. Had a lot of faith in a summer kit, wind fairly brisk at 13-20 from the north west made the Boulevard and Rudd Rd a fair warm-up. Better in Wanganui and Ford Rd, out of the suburbs to avoid the respiratory hysteria from wisteria, then deviated left into Lemnos North Rd for a haul up to Jubilee (forgotten what a drag it is) with the breeze buffeting. Planned to restrain the heart rate to 150 -160 in the interest of survival, the 8k to Five ways wasn't so tough with the wind swinging to a WSW but the 10k south on Marungi-Labuan Rd was like being a cork in a storm, a coarse surface making the co-efficient of drag a drag too. Emu corner and the leg to the Toaster was an oasis of smooth track, barely enough to revive for the slog into the wind of Old Dookie though (focussed on Nirvana and Queens of the Stone Age as the motivating metronome on i-pod). Scored a little tree shelter from the now SSW wind for Boundary Rd (seems longer with the odds against you), Mitchell Rd finally reached, 3km/h added with the wind off the face and onto the side.  Built up hopes of a final few k's with the wind behind but the gods were against me, an east southeaster swung in to challenge in Raftery and Conrod. There was enough left in the biscuit barrel to continue to a Lake finish line, bang on 70k in 2:16:03 burnt 4 cheeseburgers and half a dozen chips worth.

The start of October and the start of the Great Bike Challenge (a fundraiser for the Childrens Medical Research Institute) with a self imposed 1600k goal for the month to aim at. Mmm...has one bit off a bit too much to chew? Morning showers got the aim off to a poor start, lunacy to swing a leg over in this weather. Tuesday arvo's wind scared all but the tough away, just Paul and I had the intestinal fortitude to front at the hospital (and Paul has just had 2 weeks off!). Where have all the legends gone? 13 degrees was a let down from last nights' mild one, a keen westerly was going to make the trip home a tough one. Rolled away at six and up to Verney Rd we found Sprinter tenacious enough to join, Mitch attaching in Ford Rd for the easy roll to the Emu. The breeze wasn't as tough as first imagined, 15 - 20 km/h was tolerable pointing south to the Toaster, great to have OlympicSteve, Hamish, Trent, Jim and co inflate the bunch to 9 and a shared load for Old Dookie's head wind.  Hamish, Steve and Mitch led the lions share for Boundary and River Rd's, steadily reeling in a pair of distant tail-lights in River Rd's darkness. Caught Bo & Kel at the start of Central Kialla Rd, Mitch finally relinquishing the lead for a brief bout of Bo. Paul's Bali break hasn't pegged his speed, a hard match climbing Mt Nicolaci. OlympicSteve and Trent kept the tempo on the boil for Raftery Rd, many staying at the back without argument. Muscles were well warmed in Conrod straight for the blast to the line, Sprinter burnt up on re-entry, Kel was minus headlight volts,  Paul ran out of urge in the last 100, i was just satisfied holding on for 5th (and suprised at Garmin's 558 watt estimate) to chalk up 42 in 1:13:16. 

Spring has failed in it's key selection criteria, a miserable 5 degrees Wednesday, a gusty wind from the north brewing to harden the resolve. Nick, Cougar, Temple, GG, BigMat and FujiTrev congregated at Kialla for the slightly abbreviated Wednesday ritual, off to a cracking start with Cougars stint.  It was a swoop free leg in Archer Rd, PistolPete blending into the pack just before the swing into Mitchell.  The northerly steadily built up to make us earn breakfast, PistolPete and GG gapped the pack crossing Central Kialla Rd, leaving FujiTrev exposed to the breeze. His head bobbing and speed dropping, I swung over to lend a tow, most were content to leave our enthusiastic pair 10m ahead. In less than a minute FujiTrev was decisively OTA. About to drop back and tow him again,  I had a quick glance rearward to see he'd already u-turned post haste (flu 1 : FujiTrev 0). BigMat advanced to peg the exhuberant two, the seven regrouped to tackle the elements of Mitchell and grit teeth for the push up Boundary.  A long string of Cats with the wind behind them swooped into River Rd, soon after a gaggle of Goats followed suit. Nothing slows GG on his "attack or slack" mission, BigMat and PistolPete the only worthy matches today. An easier ask headed west in Channel Rd with some shelter as a bonus. Mid 30's were maintained for most of the length but GG poured fuel on the pace fire on the Kinder turn, Cougar temporarily unhooked with cramp. Stayed back to offer a draft (can sympathise with the brutal "handbrake" of cramp) but soon rejoined the pack for a joint finish, a fair slog with the wind now gusting to 26 clicks. 

A lot couldabeen at the car park for the Thursday Couldabeens, but only the hard core bothered, others must be worshipping the Greek God Epimetheus........(Google it !)  Chris A (A for adjusting seat), Kenworth, NIck, Cougar, Temple and PistolPete lined up to ride with the westerly (17km/h) then against it for the 20k home. Smooth sailing toward Boundary Rd, stones ricochetting off a dozen wheels at Sellmans driveway. I had a Kenworth sized challenge matching the Kenworth with the breeze cutting across us in Boundary Rd, PistolPete and Chris A seem to be a rung above us too but at least they're considerate of solidarity. The breeze picked up to 25km/h for Mitchell, hats off to Nick & Cougar giving ten tenths for the whole ride. We'd reeled in HBK and his CEO Sharon (on an apprenticeship) at the dog leg, but they stuck wisely to their pace.  Another shift with Kenworth from Archer to the highway fried the Fossil, 178bpm was the rev limiter up Mt Nicolaci.  A slalom course through the equine fertiliser deposited at the bridge (before Roubaix corner) gave us some navigation skills, then a steady wind-up of the speed spring toward Arcadia, thankful to now have the breeze at our side.  Out of the dipper and onto the long flat stretch of Conrod, Temple took the tough turns testing tenacity, thrashing thighs, taxing tendons at terminal tempo, torque triumphed, Temple tickled to take the trophy.     

Good to have a decent roll up to the Library on Thursday arvo, a bit fresh and a little breeze to deal with but far better than last weeks bunch of one. Robbo, Clive, Dalton, long-time-missing Graham, Paul, Bomber and Sticks started, Nath found rolling along the Boulevard soon after. Southbound Simmo had to hook a quick (illegal) u-turn to gain a spot, Robbo upping the ante to make him earn his berth. Graeme's suave Look wearing single shod MadFiber wheels was on it's first outing in 4 months, a few cobwebs being blown off the rider too. OlympicSteve and Hamish were aboard at DECA, clocking up a 100 already. Well rugged up against the forecast chill of 8 degrees (the southerly blowing quite an icy 15km/h) we made our way to Ford Rd collecting Sprinter en route. High 30's were held to the Emu, a turn at the front again with the machine that is Robbo to the Toaster ramped up the exhaustion into the wind. Robbo rolled over for Old Dookie, my h.r. relieved by 40 bpm into the bargain.  Quite cruisy in Boundary at 4th wheel tucked away from the elements, a chance to recover for the next effort. Nath (on flu recovery) turned off to Shepp East, Simmo, Clive and Graham took a Channel Rd exit, the remainder picked up Sam as a contributor near the bridges. The breeze had shifted to a SSW for River Rd, plenty of calories burned in my next turn to the dip. Bomber and Sticks peeled off for home at Central Kialla, only 8 left for Mitchell Rd with engine drivers Robbo and OlympicSteve limiting conversation. Managed with Brendan at the business end (but as useful as a matchstick to draft off), a repeat performance push up Mt.Nicolaci relived the hurt from this morning. Shorter and faster turns after the highway (Sam headed for home) with some showing signs of wear in the mid 40's. Sprinter had the right tow and the jump timed to go with Robbo and Steve in Conrod straight, I stuck it out 30 metres back with Hamish, Dalton and Paul well worn from the tempo, a large hot meal in the imagination driving the pedals to the finish line.

Quite serene to see fog atop the lake on Friday morning, 0.9 degrees is being short changed for Spring though. Plenty of pussycats headed north on their way to get a freaky Friday fix, I was satisfied to make mine a recouperation ride with Cougar, a postcard orange sunrise to view (thanks Jen @ Avanti, new transitional specs are ace :-) out Channel Rd, a possie of supercats driven by supergent Graeme in Boundary (Sosso appearing to lose grip at the rear). A double dose of 51 in usual hot pursuit were demoting a few off the back, the bright and cheery P&W greeting was in stark contrast to the huffs and puffs of the bunches ahead. With legs nearly warm a steady pace was held home in Old Dookie (Goats heading out), a rising sun on the back was the icing on the weeks' cake. 

Week 40:  389km  (Moongardie to Jarrananga Plain, 50k south of Derby) YTD 13,551 km

"There is only one way to avoid criticism. Do nothing, say nothing, be nothing"  Aristotle, Greek philosopher
384-322 BC   
  
Best of luck to the tourdefightbacc team departing Adelaide today, 900k's in a week back to Shepp. Great effort by Ozzy, Tony, Doc, Sam, Bickers and ten others to raise $60+K for breast and childrens cancer research . Scheduled back in town next Friday 2pm at the Aussie, come along and shout 'em a well earned ale and/or a spare $.



Week 40