Bit of a bonus to get a dry Saturday, a turn around from the forecast. Only the tough faced up for duty though (AvantiTrev, Shane, Cougar, Nick and PistolPete), winter has forced many to retreat under doonas. A minor delay to the getaway while Cougar restored voltage to the light, all receiving a helping hand of a tail wind on Channel Rd. With just a half dozen, the bureau's "feels like 5.5" and a headwind home shortened the course to skip the Toaster and Emu, straight up Boundary and into the thick of the WNW breeze in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. Cat numbers were down too (8 or so?) as paths crossed nearing the soup tin, Shane and Pistol taking the lions share of toil at the front. Ye olde chain was creaking in the damp air, the bike looking a little WRC from soggy roads. Pleasing to reach Rudd Rd to have the wind at our side then behind for the Boulevard cruise to coffee. Nice to catch up with Weapon calling in for the post ride vernacular on nicotine, marijuana, ecstasy and alcohol (a QOTSA coincidence?), timetrial bikes and warm muesli.
A cool (2 degrees) calm and collected 34k ride Monday morning, no aim on averages or drive for data, just to enjoy turning the cranks, perhaps a touch smug clocking k's whilst others softened under the warmth of blankets? But then one ponders whom's sanity triumphs? To rest or ride?, that is the question!
Over the hump of the year, yet winter does it's best to breed apathy, sloth and resistance to doing anything outdoors. The hardest excercise is to throw off the doona, everything thereafter seems to get easy. Climbed aboard the bike Tuesday morning, four times yesterdays temperature but a strengthening north to north north east wind was blowing to make life difficult. Elected to head out Channel Rd with Cougar just ahead of the Couldabeens, only 2 minutes in advance inspired a decent dip to stay ahead, Mavics being shoved around with the side wind. Reached Channel's end with no lights of a persuing peleton, bearing north in Boundary wasn't much fun either, but there's nothing better than a helping hand home to keep the drive to Old Dookie Rd going. Cats and Goats were well numbered, the Area back in chase action on their trip from the Toaster.
Nice to hear the wind noise drop and the wheel noise pick up bearing west with the breeze behind, an inspirational icing to the ride home.
Scaled the motivational mountain to kit up for a Hospital bunch ride on Tuesday night, an icy wind from the north east made staying inside almost irresistable. The usual collection of lads slowly assembled, suprised a dozen fronted in the conditions. Took the first shift with Dion (a long post-ride headwind home for him) then Dalts for leg two. All had a go (bit like a yo-yo though bro) out east, I scored the last of the headwind heroics with Deano up to the Emu. Many were enthused by a strong tail wind from the Toaster onward, Nath the excitable one upping the wattage in Boundary Rd, 40+ toward the Pub. Predicting a River Rd riot, Axel, Dalts, me and S-WorksTony discussed the Harpo option at the highway and took the west exit in Channel Rd home, following MachineSteve for two clicks (his commute home). Fine form felt , four filed singly (with haste) on the Devils Lane Dash (scoring a Strava 2nd fastest), with a momentary pause to gather up the expiring. Felt fit for the Cha Cha (a Jens inspiration?) and even got a 2nd fastest bonus for the Bonanza to wind up a decent lap, not missing the usual Tuesday night thrashing.
Legs breathed a sigh of relief at 5.15am Wednesday, an hours extended rest being granted from a decent downpour. Took on the Wednesday circuit Thursday, taking advantage of the tailwind with Cougar for the long length of Mitchell, 1040 crank rotations for the 8000 metres on my aerobic brink at 135bpm (to satisfy the number nerds). At Mitchell's end Temple and FeltMat were the advance (by 500m) troops for a Couldabeens foursome, single filed in pursuit of their carrot, ably driven by the "little Kittel"......Rocket. We plugged away north to Channel Rd, wind chill not helping legs or lungs, a tough westerly putting the comfort meter into the red for the return home.
Suited up rapidly for the Library bunch Thursday evening, not allowing thoughts to focus on the wintery westerly blowing, less the warmth, couch, food, wine and something humourous (Highway Patrol) would tempt me for the evening. Long-time-no-see Robbo (MTB addiction) was found on the commute in the Boulevard, a posse of punters parked at the car park with eyes on the sky (Paul, Clive, Axel, Juzza, Nath etc). Bomb and bro (Deano) arrived to put fuel on the fire as the 6 o'clock flag fell, a careful navigation past parked cars mixed with traffic keen to get home. Robbo took a natural break at Rudd's end, the bunch continued unabaited, knowing his horsepower to rejoin. Dion was found in Ford Rd, Steevo, Trent, Trudy and the machine Steve loitering on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. It was deja vu beside Deano (Specialised sparkling as always) mucho pronto on the last stretch to the Emu. Nath (mounted on Masi) on his mission of motion minimised the chat to the Toaster, Clive's 'budgie brakes' (cork on carbon) identified his position as we swung into Old Dookie Rd. A turn with the senior Steevo (hope I can be half as strong at his vintage) to Boundary Rd, then hanging onto Nath's wheel for the drive toward the Pub was enough. I was pleased to be peeling off in Channel Rd (again) and finding a growing group doing likewise, Trent, Trudy, Steevo, Axel, Clive and Steve sharing the frown factor (head wind) home.
A 5.50 start Friday at Kialla found PistolPete, AvantiTrev, Jase, Wozza and Shane ready, Temple teasing a "catch me", rolling out 5 minutes early. Pete and Wozza led us to the alt route, I was keen to reap the benefit of the breeze behind us bearing east. Temple's tail-light tantilisingly tempted tempo to River Rd, we could nearly hear his puffs at the bridge if it weren't for my gasps matching the Pistol. AvantiTrev had cemented his berth at the back, Jase ventured forth to the front despite it being his first ride for the week. The 51/SuperCat pack was bigger than Ben Hur bolting down Boundary, we eased early eastward to allow their sweep into River Rd. (G'day Dipper, wherever you were!) Temple had become detached on our turn north, Jase backing up to tow him back into the fold. There was an easy squeeze on the accelerator into Channel Rd, the wind swinging northwest taking up any slack in the legs. Pete's poker face at pace ponders where his limit is, driving well on the Cha Cha with Wozz. Rotations had gone full circle just a k later, twas my turn to drive the last leg with Pete to Kensington, h.r. @ 178 in the effort to keep up. A rare RDO allowed a post ride fix of caffine and chat at the Scottish restaurant, seated in time to view the voluminous Freaky Friday bunch arrive back in town.
Week 28 : 284km YTD 7,551 km
Word of the week
"NocTournal" (adjective) Alert and active late at night, attracted to (and feeding on) live televised stages of the Tour de France.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
Week 27 : Calculating tax
A weekend off rekindled the burning desire (compulsion?) to clock up k's, a decent clean of the velocipede first to remove excess weight (dirt) makes the task a little easier.
A little Antarctic on Monday, short changed with only 2 degrees on the guage, almost an ice-cream headache headed south. A cool, calm and collected lap with Cougar, coming to terms with the sudden loss of a European summer, but aboard a new sleek, featherweight Ridley. A little clatter for the first half k till it was put right on the big ring. A moonless tap out Channel Rd aided by a favourable westerly was a motivational start to a week, Cats enthused (dozen+) too, southward at the Pine Lodge Pub. There was a little work to be done into the 12km/h westerly homeward, chain groaning from last weeks damp, but back into town as many were just starting their day. Wozz was keen to put some distance into Monday after work, a motivation for me to be coerced away from warmth and wine into the cold crisp circuit, an assault on the Boulevard, Wanganui and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd's with plenty of options open to shorten or lengthen as the mood and/or weather suited. We'd committed to an Emu/Toaster leg then a load sharing trip home into the headwind (WNW @ 15-20). South in Boundary Rd gave a little respite but a Channel Rd exit was chosen to minimise the stress, there were k's to cover tomorrow. The Wozz ankle is mending well, driving into the breeze with ease. Turns were swapped till Channel's end, satisfied to put in a steady bout at zone 4 for 68 minutes.
The end of the financial year prompted a reconcilliation of taxable income and expenditure, the balance showed in black ink, so I'm not yet on the fiscal cliff. Today's income: 05.10am :breakfast = 590 calories, 07.00: breakfast #2=450cal, 10.00: smoko= 620cal, 12.00: lunch=1,248cal, 15.00: smoko=295cal, 19.30: dinner=1,474cal, 21.20: supper=375cal. (Total +4,910cal) Expenditure 5.30: 34k bike=510cal, 7.15-16.20: work (30,647 steps)=2,011cal, 17.45: 47k bike=920 cal (Total -3,441cal), a surplus of 1469. Numbers, not neccesary nor normally noticed, now nonsensical, nerdy & neurotic!
Tuesday more than doubled the mercury (a blistering 5 degrees) but it was a push into a south wester down the main drag, the usual parade of Cats and 51 en-route to their respective start lines now thinned with the temperature. A slow build up of speed for this cold engine and a slightly earlier start ahead of the Couldabeens. Foggy patches on Channel Rd for Cougar & I, a sharp eye out hoping Darth Vader didn't appear through the mist. Up Boundary Rd on a very familiar course, how many hundred times have I gone this way, yet still manage to find a pot hole that jars the soft parts! A couple of early birds were solo southbound, not till Old Dookie did our paths cross with Cats and Goats. A hint of WSW seemed stiff in the cold but we pushed home, winding up the tempo.
Plenty of punters purposfully poised at the boom gates on Tuesday evening despite the cool 10 degrees. Paul, GT Craig, SpecialisedTony, Clive, Harpo, Juzza, Ange, Dion, Nath, Luke,Carl, Axel and a couple of unknowns engaged drive at 6, pace on from the start up Graham St and along Verneys obstacle course. Good to catch up with the regulars after my patchy attendance of late, but it was rather vivid on the wheel of Ange and his technicolor socks, Nath none to happy with the wheel he followed though. (those attending in the know) Steevo & the MachineSteve joined in along Ford Rd, turns went from calm to cranking out to the Emu and down to the Toaster, losing the two unknowns near the Church (dislodged light) . I'd tucked in nicely at fourth wheel out of Old Dookie's headwind (a 15km/h WSW) , Steve & Steevo driving well on the front for the south leg to the Pub. Whacking a small stone quickly questioned my rear tyre pressure, 125psi suddenly felt just a little too squishy. Still rideable at the River Rd turn, I ignored it, but reality finally turned it to spongy nearing the River Rd dip, a small bump grounding the rim. I halted progress to put the pump to use, (dissapointing to see the bunch dissapearing toward the horizon) there was no point fumbling in the dark to replace the tube. Took a shortcut via the by-pass to intercept the bunch at Archer, but a second injection of air needed after 5 k didn't fill in time to latch on to the northward pack. A solitary push home on a squirmy tyre (almost a Tokyo drift through the roundabout) back to town ended with a credible average considering the 10k solo finish. At home and under decent light, the poor old Pro4 looked like it had been in the shower scene from Psycho, hacked and holey from glass. (patched the inside damage to extend it's life beyond 3,000k's.)
I thought 1.4 degrees would keep most indoors on Wednesday but there was a good turn-up at the roundabout (Rocket, Cougar, Wozza, PistolPete, Shane, SuperMario, FeltMat, Trav and AvantiTrev) for the usual lap. As the k's clicked by most slowly lost sensation in the extremities, fingers & toes numb and noses running, a usual winters welcome (suprised AvantiTrev showed up with his dislike of anything below 5) . A cold draft blast from the oncoming Cat/51 combo cut through the base layer lowering the comfort meter, finding our way through the fog (with moon missing), River Rd's rumble strips were a world away from the predicted. A rare halt for a solitary car on Boundary, then north to Channel, chasing Shane (let off his leash?). Preferred by chilled limbs, the speed settled into a steady tap, what Wednesdays once were. A regular wipe of the specs cleared the way home in Channel Rd, by Kensington, Shane was unable to contain himself to bore into the Mexican Bonanza.
Well into the depths of winter with another cool 2.5 degree start to Thursday, I must order another 205 litre drum of motivation to help throw the doona off in the morning. Out the door at 5.30 to hit a wall of fog, a billion tiny water drops floating in the headlights' beam. Down the road wiping specs every 100 metres soon had them pocketted (followed by drips off the eyebrows & rain off the helmet). The 17 sprocket was used as an internal heater to promote circulation, steered out Channel Rd again ahead of the Couldabeens. Beyond the Kensingtion Roundabout Cougars' headlight ran out of volts, but we pressed on single file anyway. Thoughts focussed on a smooth & straight line, grey matter liberated from life's annoying distractions and dillemas, a free shot of solace/euphoria/achievement many of us find rotating wheels and cranks. Cougars night vision made great work in light of the lack of light, we were soon northbound to Old Dookie Rd and the welcome breeze from behind to help us home.
BH Craig had promised a steady tap Friday morning, so fronted the 5.50 start at Notre Dame with Wozz to find a cast of Cats (Straddles, Phil, GentlemanGraeme, Sly, Leigh, Gyppa etc) and an increasing array of 51 attendees (Nev, Ronny, Bo, Kel etc) tilting the scales toward fast and furious. Track turns got organised after a slow at Doyles Rd for a B double, I bit the bullet venturing forward to do duty, hoping the short turns would be achievable for this worn old engine into the wind. A quick halt for a car at Central Ave had Wozz touch a wheel with anothers and go briefly horizontal, no serious damage to bike or body though. Up and away, just a dozen were now working the front, a big handful resigned to the rear by the stiff NNE? The right turn blast into Boundary split the pack in two and, entrenched in the front dozen, I joined the chase to reach two bikes ahead, dangling the carrot of "catch me". Over the channel bridge, the big fella and bigBrad added serious horsepower to the bunch, me just a small sardine in a sea of sharks. I quickly locked in my berth at the back, just hanging on to survive. Thought to be behind me, Wozza was red-lining the ticker, and slipped silently down Sensible Street (aka Harpo Boulevard / Channel Rd) . The drivers forged ahead in the 40's for the 6k of River Rd, echeloned into the wind across the full width of tarmac. By Central Kialla gaps were opening, the tyranny of tempo tiring two or three (including me). Slowly losing grip with the bunch in Mitchell Rd, I dropped back to join Gyppa and Leigh to work the remainder of the lap together, Ange exiting in Archer. Our B team trifecta slowly reeled in Sly (cast off from the bunch vanishing into the distance) by Arcadia Downs and shared the last (headwind) k to complete the SuperCat lap at a 38.5 average, heart rate in Zone 5 for 25 of the k's.
Week 27 : 281km YTD 7,267km
Word of the week
"Sprinterred" (adjective) To bury oneself in acceleration in a race finish.
A little Antarctic on Monday, short changed with only 2 degrees on the guage, almost an ice-cream headache headed south. A cool, calm and collected lap with Cougar, coming to terms with the sudden loss of a European summer, but aboard a new sleek, featherweight Ridley. A little clatter for the first half k till it was put right on the big ring. A moonless tap out Channel Rd aided by a favourable westerly was a motivational start to a week, Cats enthused (dozen+) too, southward at the Pine Lodge Pub. There was a little work to be done into the 12km/h westerly homeward, chain groaning from last weeks damp, but back into town as many were just starting their day. Wozz was keen to put some distance into Monday after work, a motivation for me to be coerced away from warmth and wine into the cold crisp circuit, an assault on the Boulevard, Wanganui and Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd's with plenty of options open to shorten or lengthen as the mood and/or weather suited. We'd committed to an Emu/Toaster leg then a load sharing trip home into the headwind (WNW @ 15-20). South in Boundary Rd gave a little respite but a Channel Rd exit was chosen to minimise the stress, there were k's to cover tomorrow. The Wozz ankle is mending well, driving into the breeze with ease. Turns were swapped till Channel's end, satisfied to put in a steady bout at zone 4 for 68 minutes.
The end of the financial year prompted a reconcilliation of taxable income and expenditure, the balance showed in black ink, so I'm not yet on the fiscal cliff. Today's income: 05.10am :breakfast = 590 calories, 07.00: breakfast #2=450cal, 10.00: smoko= 620cal, 12.00: lunch=1,248cal, 15.00: smoko=295cal, 19.30: dinner=1,474cal, 21.20: supper=375cal. (Total +4,910cal) Expenditure 5.30: 34k bike=510cal, 7.15-16.20: work (30,647 steps)=2,011cal, 17.45: 47k bike=920 cal (Total -3,441cal), a surplus of 1469. Numbers, not neccesary nor normally noticed, now nonsensical, nerdy & neurotic!
Tuesday more than doubled the mercury (a blistering 5 degrees) but it was a push into a south wester down the main drag, the usual parade of Cats and 51 en-route to their respective start lines now thinned with the temperature. A slow build up of speed for this cold engine and a slightly earlier start ahead of the Couldabeens. Foggy patches on Channel Rd for Cougar & I, a sharp eye out hoping Darth Vader didn't appear through the mist. Up Boundary Rd on a very familiar course, how many hundred times have I gone this way, yet still manage to find a pot hole that jars the soft parts! A couple of early birds were solo southbound, not till Old Dookie did our paths cross with Cats and Goats. A hint of WSW seemed stiff in the cold but we pushed home, winding up the tempo.
Plenty of punters purposfully poised at the boom gates on Tuesday evening despite the cool 10 degrees. Paul, GT Craig, SpecialisedTony, Clive, Harpo, Juzza, Ange, Dion, Nath, Luke,Carl, Axel and a couple of unknowns engaged drive at 6, pace on from the start up Graham St and along Verneys obstacle course. Good to catch up with the regulars after my patchy attendance of late, but it was rather vivid on the wheel of Ange and his technicolor socks, Nath none to happy with the wheel he followed though. (those attending in the know) Steevo & the MachineSteve joined in along Ford Rd, turns went from calm to cranking out to the Emu and down to the Toaster, losing the two unknowns near the Church (dislodged light) . I'd tucked in nicely at fourth wheel out of Old Dookie's headwind (a 15km/h WSW) , Steve & Steevo driving well on the front for the south leg to the Pub. Whacking a small stone quickly questioned my rear tyre pressure, 125psi suddenly felt just a little too squishy. Still rideable at the River Rd turn, I ignored it, but reality finally turned it to spongy nearing the River Rd dip, a small bump grounding the rim. I halted progress to put the pump to use, (dissapointing to see the bunch dissapearing toward the horizon) there was no point fumbling in the dark to replace the tube. Took a shortcut via the by-pass to intercept the bunch at Archer, but a second injection of air needed after 5 k didn't fill in time to latch on to the northward pack. A solitary push home on a squirmy tyre (almost a Tokyo drift through the roundabout) back to town ended with a credible average considering the 10k solo finish. At home and under decent light, the poor old Pro4 looked like it had been in the shower scene from Psycho, hacked and holey from glass. (patched the inside damage to extend it's life beyond 3,000k's.)
I thought 1.4 degrees would keep most indoors on Wednesday but there was a good turn-up at the roundabout (Rocket, Cougar, Wozza, PistolPete, Shane, SuperMario, FeltMat, Trav and AvantiTrev) for the usual lap. As the k's clicked by most slowly lost sensation in the extremities, fingers & toes numb and noses running, a usual winters welcome (suprised AvantiTrev showed up with his dislike of anything below 5) . A cold draft blast from the oncoming Cat/51 combo cut through the base layer lowering the comfort meter, finding our way through the fog (with moon missing), River Rd's rumble strips were a world away from the predicted. A rare halt for a solitary car on Boundary, then north to Channel, chasing Shane (let off his leash?). Preferred by chilled limbs, the speed settled into a steady tap, what Wednesdays once were. A regular wipe of the specs cleared the way home in Channel Rd, by Kensington, Shane was unable to contain himself to bore into the Mexican Bonanza.
Well into the depths of winter with another cool 2.5 degree start to Thursday, I must order another 205 litre drum of motivation to help throw the doona off in the morning. Out the door at 5.30 to hit a wall of fog, a billion tiny water drops floating in the headlights' beam. Down the road wiping specs every 100 metres soon had them pocketted (followed by drips off the eyebrows & rain off the helmet). The 17 sprocket was used as an internal heater to promote circulation, steered out Channel Rd again ahead of the Couldabeens. Beyond the Kensingtion Roundabout Cougars' headlight ran out of volts, but we pressed on single file anyway. Thoughts focussed on a smooth & straight line, grey matter liberated from life's annoying distractions and dillemas, a free shot of solace/euphoria/achievement many of us find rotating wheels and cranks. Cougars night vision made great work in light of the lack of light, we were soon northbound to Old Dookie Rd and the welcome breeze from behind to help us home.
BH Craig had promised a steady tap Friday morning, so fronted the 5.50 start at Notre Dame with Wozz to find a cast of Cats (Straddles, Phil, GentlemanGraeme, Sly, Leigh, Gyppa etc) and an increasing array of 51 attendees (Nev, Ronny, Bo, Kel etc) tilting the scales toward fast and furious. Track turns got organised after a slow at Doyles Rd for a B double, I bit the bullet venturing forward to do duty, hoping the short turns would be achievable for this worn old engine into the wind. A quick halt for a car at Central Ave had Wozz touch a wheel with anothers and go briefly horizontal, no serious damage to bike or body though. Up and away, just a dozen were now working the front, a big handful resigned to the rear by the stiff NNE? The right turn blast into Boundary split the pack in two and, entrenched in the front dozen, I joined the chase to reach two bikes ahead, dangling the carrot of "catch me". Over the channel bridge, the big fella and bigBrad added serious horsepower to the bunch, me just a small sardine in a sea of sharks. I quickly locked in my berth at the back, just hanging on to survive. Thought to be behind me, Wozza was red-lining the ticker, and slipped silently down Sensible Street (aka Harpo Boulevard / Channel Rd) . The drivers forged ahead in the 40's for the 6k of River Rd, echeloned into the wind across the full width of tarmac. By Central Kialla gaps were opening, the tyranny of tempo tiring two or three (including me). Slowly losing grip with the bunch in Mitchell Rd, I dropped back to join Gyppa and Leigh to work the remainder of the lap together, Ange exiting in Archer. Our B team trifecta slowly reeled in Sly (cast off from the bunch vanishing into the distance) by Arcadia Downs and shared the last (headwind) k to complete the SuperCat lap at a 38.5 average, heart rate in Zone 5 for 25 of the k's.
Week 27 : 281km YTD 7,267km
Word of the week
"Sprinterred" (adjective) To bury oneself in acceleration in a race finish.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Week 26 : Saturation, perspiration and contemplation
Started the shortest day on a positive note with a near dry road, better than the forecast hinted. Met Wozza en route south in the main drag but spots emerged with just a k covered. The resolve and determination was strong but the raindrops grew in size and number. We'd tough it out to the startline to see if any other like minded desperat.....dedicated riders fronted. Jase had already berthed, PistolPete rolled in, and so did more light rain as the negatives prospered inside my head. Jase was our motivational speaker and with no others appearing on the soaked horizon we launched east on Channel Rd, keeping our escape routes close. Rooster tails of water soaked Wozz, Pistol finding a proliferation of puddles. The damp continued as we approached Orrvale Rd, a northbound route chosen (with plans to shortcut home in Poplar Ave) till spits suddenly stopped. It was forward to the highway, the course quickly modified to bear east till Hosie Rd put us on track to Boundary. An erratic rabbit zig zagged up the road as amusement but the going got tough on us into the northeaster. A vote to head straight up to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd was unanimous, I was right on my limit to draw level with PistolPete. A relief indeed to steer west and have the wind at our backs, Pete's poker face at speed gives no hint where the limit lies. The wet Wanganui Rd leg was ditched, a b line to the main drag and the warmth of coffee and breakfast was too great a temptation. Shorty, Rocket, AvantiTrev and Cougar (back from a 1200k Tour de Europe) joined as civilians for the usual Saturday chat, GoPro footage, Batman and TT's discussed. Got a thorough final rinse from the heavens on the way home as a solstice baptism.
Suprised to be fog bound on Sunday morning, but summoned an effort on the now clean and oiled bike. Time allowed only a short lap, joining Cougar reaquainting with the rapid roadbike and riding on the left. A pace of kindness on Cougars' rolled ankle, winters' damp doing little to motivate anyway. Two's and threes heading out as we headed back into town, crossing the Cats' (7 bridges?) path on the diversion around Raftery's continuing roadworks.
Almost pleased Monday and Tuesday were washouts, a chance for some serious couch time for limbs to recover. Some reflection on the k's covered over the years and the reasons for them (hasn't assisted the speed much but possibly preserved some sanity?) and what seems to be a gradual decline back to almost sensible weekly distances as the engine wears out. (attempting to keep pace with the younger and faster?) The odometer (7k) is long way short at the hump of 2014 than this time in previous years. (9k last year, 10k in 2012). Signs of softness signalled?
I thought an old bloke with a beard may be hearding animals in pairs to a big wooden boat by late Tuesday, but by Wednesday morning the sky had cleared a little and the roads were almost blown dry by a strong west northwester. I found Wozz in the first k to Killa for the 5k commute to the start, a chance to warm up for the test against youthful and more rapid muscles. Astounded to find BigMat waiting at the start and he was early! Inspired by Whispering Jack? (who seems to have retired again). PistolPete, Rocket, Nick and Shane were the only other warriors to take on the lap, lower numbers a part of winters attrition. The first time for BigMat navigating through the new Archer roundabout hinted at his lack of attendance. All were joyous with the helping hand of the wind in Mitchell and River Rd's, but what depth would we dig for the return home? PistolPete is becoming a regular attachment to my wheel, but I needed N2O to keep up as the wind enthused him along River Rd. Blacky was passed as we bore north in Boundary Rd, Wozz, Rocket, Shane and Pete taking us to Channel Rd (as I summoned the intestinal fortitude to take on the westerly slog home). Nick, BigMat and Shane vanished for a spell to the back seat leaving only four to burn the calories up front against a 20-28km/h frowner, Pistol shooting into the headwind like a bullet. Puddles spotted glasses, bike and kit, no records to be chalked up on the Cha Cha or Bonanza into this wind. The retirees reappeared after the Kinder to tough out the legs home, Pistol again ramping up the velocity (and my heart rate to 182) for the Doyles-Kensington stage.
Poking the head outside at 5.10am Thursday got it damp from a misty shower, cancelling plans to take on a Couldabeens lap. (as it happened, the shower quickly halted. Wozza and Pistol the only Couldabeens candidates had a wintery windy excersion it seems) The radar scared me off a Library lap in the evening, again the outcome was dry and rideable but had committed to another lazy evening.
Kept clear of the F%#k Friday fest and paired with the Wozz for a clockwise tour from Old Dookie Rd, coming across Fee, Princess and Meags laying in wait beyond the divisive drive called Andrew Fairley. The vote of a short lap homeward in Channel Rd won on majority, a steady little tap-tap finishing off a rather rain interrupted week of short circuits.
Week 26 : 138km YTD 6,986km
Word of the Week
"carbonaria" (noun) A melodic tune played by an orchestra of Mavic's, Zipp's, Reynold's, Gravity Zero's etc.
Suprised to be fog bound on Sunday morning, but summoned an effort on the now clean and oiled bike. Time allowed only a short lap, joining Cougar reaquainting with the rapid roadbike and riding on the left. A pace of kindness on Cougars' rolled ankle, winters' damp doing little to motivate anyway. Two's and threes heading out as we headed back into town, crossing the Cats' (7 bridges?) path on the diversion around Raftery's continuing roadworks.
Almost pleased Monday and Tuesday were washouts, a chance for some serious couch time for limbs to recover. Some reflection on the k's covered over the years and the reasons for them (hasn't assisted the speed much but possibly preserved some sanity?) and what seems to be a gradual decline back to almost sensible weekly distances as the engine wears out. (attempting to keep pace with the younger and faster?) The odometer (7k) is long way short at the hump of 2014 than this time in previous years. (9k last year, 10k in 2012). Signs of softness signalled?
I thought an old bloke with a beard may be hearding animals in pairs to a big wooden boat by late Tuesday, but by Wednesday morning the sky had cleared a little and the roads were almost blown dry by a strong west northwester. I found Wozz in the first k to Killa for the 5k commute to the start, a chance to warm up for the test against youthful and more rapid muscles. Astounded to find BigMat waiting at the start and he was early! Inspired by Whispering Jack? (who seems to have retired again). PistolPete, Rocket, Nick and Shane were the only other warriors to take on the lap, lower numbers a part of winters attrition. The first time for BigMat navigating through the new Archer roundabout hinted at his lack of attendance. All were joyous with the helping hand of the wind in Mitchell and River Rd's, but what depth would we dig for the return home? PistolPete is becoming a regular attachment to my wheel, but I needed N2O to keep up as the wind enthused him along River Rd. Blacky was passed as we bore north in Boundary Rd, Wozz, Rocket, Shane and Pete taking us to Channel Rd (as I summoned the intestinal fortitude to take on the westerly slog home). Nick, BigMat and Shane vanished for a spell to the back seat leaving only four to burn the calories up front against a 20-28km/h frowner, Pistol shooting into the headwind like a bullet. Puddles spotted glasses, bike and kit, no records to be chalked up on the Cha Cha or Bonanza into this wind. The retirees reappeared after the Kinder to tough out the legs home, Pistol again ramping up the velocity (and my heart rate to 182) for the Doyles-Kensington stage.
Poking the head outside at 5.10am Thursday got it damp from a misty shower, cancelling plans to take on a Couldabeens lap. (as it happened, the shower quickly halted. Wozza and Pistol the only Couldabeens candidates had a wintery windy excersion it seems) The radar scared me off a Library lap in the evening, again the outcome was dry and rideable but had committed to another lazy evening.
Kept clear of the F%#k Friday fest and paired with the Wozz for a clockwise tour from Old Dookie Rd, coming across Fee, Princess and Meags laying in wait beyond the divisive drive called Andrew Fairley. The vote of a short lap homeward in Channel Rd won on majority, a steady little tap-tap finishing off a rather rain interrupted week of short circuits.
Week 26 : 138km YTD 6,986km
Word of the Week
"carbonaria" (noun) A melodic tune played by an orchestra of Mavic's, Zipp's, Reynold's, Gravity Zero's etc.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Week 25 Organised, civilised and pasteurised?
A week off two wheels (week 24) broke a long standing habit, first time the bike has sat for seven days untouched since the stick stack of '09. I'd remembered how to swing a leg over (was the seat always that high?) and the old legs could still recall the rotation method. Felt fairly comfortable aboard the old faithful en route to Saturdays lap, speed well above the predicted snails pace. A slimy road from Friday's downpour probably kept many below the doona, only Shorty, Temple, WobblyTrev, Pistol and Rocket attending the Archer car park start. The first turn with PistolPete could have been a baptism of fire, thankfully Pete too had just been repatriated from a Queensland sojourn. FeltMat joined in at Kensington, a late arrival after a last minute raising the bar (handlebar that is). Fog pocketed most specs but WobblyTrev reporting fogged vision put risk management into overdrive. Glad he optioned to stay on as the bunch tail-light. I put in a long turn with Pete up Boundary Rd, a late brake with the difficulty in seeing Old Dookie Rd's apex caused a bit of a moment with FeltMat's wheel nudging my rear Mavic. Temple earned the "tow truck" handle, enhanced performance on new drugs had FeltMat digging deep to match the speed. Puddles a plenty washed cobwebs off the bike, plenty of cobwebs on my lungs after a week lazing in zone 1. The long crank back to town whittled me back to the reality of being a little out of form, nothing holding back Rocket and Pete though. With a good shine on the tarmac, it was tip toe through Wobbly's roundabout but no holding back on sledges, Shorty looking decidedly edgy. Back to the social warmth (or just a load of hot air?) at the Lemontree, Nath, AvantiTrev and Whispering Jack coyly fronted in cars, Jase justified in civvies after a successful two wheeled Finke effort.
Monday mornings cloud kept the chill at bay, 9 degrees was almost balmy. Set off early on a solo lap of the 51 circuit to run-in the legs in (hopeful) readiness for a Couldabeens lap Tuesday. Just four 51 early birds at the Verney roundabout, but I set a solitary course out Ford Rd, all very positive bearing east thanks to a light breeze behind. Bearing south on Boundary took out the slack in the legs, the WNW now blowing at 17km/h chipped away at the resolve. Flashing tail-lights of a Cat pack two k's ahead wasn't an aim, happy to do my own (slow) thing building up from seven slack days. A few lights following me were making no ground (a confidence booster) but I felt the long drag to River Rd was gradually losing momentum (Garmin backlight deliberately left off to keep hopes and effort up). The headwind in River wasn't the ball and chain i'd imagined, rhythm felt good and the following lights grew no larger, maybe my second wind had come? Mentally pacing out the lap avoiding an early burn out is often difficult into a head wind, finishing with just a drop in the tank better than out of gas short of the finish line. A hint of pre dawn light in the sky lit a better than expected speed, felt good to finish on a positive, despite Raftery repairs making a muddy end.
Protests from a groaning chain were silenced with a long overdue lube Tuesday morning, but it threw the agenda into a zone 4 workout to the Couldabeens start line, every red light encountered on the way. Found a grid position with a minute to spare, Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, Jase, PistolPete, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and Shane already positioned. Pistol punctured with barely 500 metres covered, a team halt to sledge with AvantiTrev solicited as pit crew. A very late HBK arrived during repairs, slotting in ahead of me on the restart. I red lined the heartrate from the Kinder to the S bend matching HBK then Pistol, not the best bunch position for a recovery. Tropical Shane was pulling out all stops burning up the excesses of a Fiji holiday, an unappetising bit of road kill to dodge south of the bridges sharpened the attention of most. Predicting the rotations had me pairing with HBK in Mitchell's headwind, not the scenario i'd hoped for but the luck of the draw I suppose. When the reality dawned, it was less of a struggle than thought, hanging onto Pistol & Rockets lead surge was the challenge. Many were now skipping the hard yards at the front, 18km/h of headwind raising the rearmost ranks rapidly. Dug the depths of determination when yet another turn on the front came up quickly with HBK, suprised to find I had a wheel ahead (holidays hindering HBK's horsepower?) so, wallowing in sweetened retribution, made it a whole bike ahead for a good distance with several glances to torment his underwhelming efforts. (will pay for a 10x8 glossy of that moment!) Shane's rubber band snapped ascending Mt.Nicolaci, a slow for the highway and a considerate leg to Raftery regrouped the bunch. Rocket & Kenworth opened their reserve tanks at Arcadia Downs, opening large gaps in an expiring pack, single filed and desperate to steal any draft. A couple of backmarkers made a suprised late bid in Conrod, but reality soon cooked geese. Content to end the circuit fourth with a little cyclocross action on Raftery's last 100 metres.
The hospital boom gate was well patronised Tuesday night, SpecialisedTony, Coggo, Luke, Juzza, Nath, Axel, Clive, Harpo, Paul, Kev, Dalton, even Cranky turned up for a maiden voyage. Juzza's saddle bag did a dismount in the first 10 metres , a full steam chase to catch the front runners ensued till half way up Verney. A light WSW chilled the evening to 10 degrees but helped on the eastern leg to the Emu, Bomber, Deano and MachineSteve populating the peleton. Cranky's introduction to the drivers seat was well toasted by Nath, Bomber and Deano kept the pot boiling soon after. Stevo jumped aboard at the church, chugging away in the high 30's on the front in Old Dookie Rd ramped up my heart rate. I was safely tucked into the rear seat when Bomb & Deano lit the fuse beyond the Pub, me and others rethinking moving up the ranks at that tempo. The pace had simmered a little by River Road's dipper, I chose then to venture forward with allies Axel & Kev rather than being fried alive by the master blasters. It was 'head down, tail up' again for a squirt in Central Kialla, easing to achievable when Bomber & bro departed in Mitchell. Archer Rd was chosen as the finishing straight in light of Raftery's repairs, Machine Steve, Luke and Paul setting their sights on hunting down Andy and co a few 100 metres ahead. No let up for the last two and a half clicks beyond the alt. route, big gaps opening on the long stretch from the roundabout to the very distant finish.
A Wednesday welcome back to Wozza, almost back to full steam after an ankle altecation. Down to the Kialla roundabout we found the sole Breakaway Sharon, left to fend for herself whilst others were doona training? As 6am drew closer, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Nick, Trav, Shane, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev and WobblyTrev arrived, Sharon invited to join in. Finding myself sandwiched between Pistol and HBK again, it was a steady start with Pete against a light southwester, but ramped up to Archers' end . Rocket & HBK erased the easy Wednesdays protocols eastward in Mitchell , Sharon now nowhere to be seen (a message not passed to the front :-/). The breeze (now WSW) propelled the pace in River Rd, Shane (forthwith to be dubbed Capt.Toblerone) again digging the depths of determination after Fiji's indulgence. Not much chat with many flat chat, my legs sending protests to the skull to stop. HBK and Rocket dragged us to the bridges in Boundary, Whispering Jack and Nick towed us to Channel Rd. No visit from Darth Vader this morning (had a snap at Wozz the night before though), plenty of velocity westward bound, Pistol a tough match to the cypress trees. HBK and Rocket took the driving seat for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, HBK's half way handover to Pistol left only five working the front (thin on recovery time for me). AvantiTrev and Jack got the guilts by Kensington, finally stepping up for the brief blast at the Bonanza, I was happy to score a Strava 7th fastest overall.
They say that a change is as good as a holiday and, seeing how the other half live (but not giving myself over to the dark side) I fronted Friars in the dark misty hours of Thursday for a go with a gaggle of Goats. A few known villans had assembled (Coggo, LegalDave, Mark, Leon, Tum, TallPaul, Tina, Brendan & Kate) almost ten more unrecognised in the dark. All were aboard at six for the flight, but a couple resigned with a puncture at the SPC roundabout. Some semblance of order was found within a k to set up an organised, homogenised, civilised (& pasteurised?) bunch into a light NNE'er out Old Dookie Rd. Unaccustomed as I am to track turns, I settled into the rhythm, no chit-chat with the constant rollovers. (One kept slicing across my bow but I guess familiarity breeds contentment?) There was a mindful pace out of corners and intersections to keep the bunch bonded but an oncoming low-life on high-beam made navigation tricky. (still, I guess 16 l.e.d.'s x 400 lumens = lashings of lux) Kate was calling the rollovers, I zoned in on the unknown lad ahead to keep speed smooth. There were a few reminders of echelon etiquette in River Rd, the velocity grew for me to dust off 12 teeth at 68rpm. Numbers rotating started to thin by Central Kialla, LegalDave and a few took an exit in Archer (avoiding Raftery's gravel), the remainder drawing breath reforming the bunch after a Melbourne Rd split for traffic. Back on the gas in Raftery attempts at the front were now becoming rare, by Conrod only a handful had enough steam driving against a headwind to the finish. Diplomatically off the podium (nothing left anyway in the closing stages) and through the Raftery rallycross, I had a good yarn with Coggo before he took a caffine exit, mine (regrettably) for work.
Woz and I went in search of a feasible (not Faark) Friday at 6, no punters at Friars so a single filed trajectory out Old Dookie Rd with a pair of tail-light carrots to chase some 2 k ahead. Pursuit seemed a folly till we reached Boundary Rd's fig farm, steadily bridging the gap now. Wozza's arduously altered ankle aint an anchor anymore, articulating along aplomb, achieving admirable acceleration. Five Couldabeens followed by three Breakaways were northbound toward Channel Rd (and the waiting Darth Vader), our determination intensifying with the southbound targets ever closer. Just beyond the bridges we rounded up the cruisy Cats who quickly borrowed our tow. River Road's six degrees was bearable, the NNE blew just enough to make us earn (or burn) our breakfast, Trav's Jamis was jaunty, Bushy's Look languishing. To meet an essential employment edict, Wozz and I took the Archer alternative home, an almost risen sun painting a postcard orange skyline behind the fogged fields. (a great visual distraction from the now jellied legs filing a mental subpoena for aggrevated assault) Back in town on time to close another week, almost over the equinoxial hump.
Week 25 364km YTD 6,631km
Word of the week
"bicognise" (verb) The familiarity of a person met in public, when perceived to be hunched in posture, disguised by helmet, glasses & lycra.
Monday mornings cloud kept the chill at bay, 9 degrees was almost balmy. Set off early on a solo lap of the 51 circuit to run-in the legs in (hopeful) readiness for a Couldabeens lap Tuesday. Just four 51 early birds at the Verney roundabout, but I set a solitary course out Ford Rd, all very positive bearing east thanks to a light breeze behind. Bearing south on Boundary took out the slack in the legs, the WNW now blowing at 17km/h chipped away at the resolve. Flashing tail-lights of a Cat pack two k's ahead wasn't an aim, happy to do my own (slow) thing building up from seven slack days. A few lights following me were making no ground (a confidence booster) but I felt the long drag to River Rd was gradually losing momentum (Garmin backlight deliberately left off to keep hopes and effort up). The headwind in River wasn't the ball and chain i'd imagined, rhythm felt good and the following lights grew no larger, maybe my second wind had come? Mentally pacing out the lap avoiding an early burn out is often difficult into a head wind, finishing with just a drop in the tank better than out of gas short of the finish line. A hint of pre dawn light in the sky lit a better than expected speed, felt good to finish on a positive, despite Raftery repairs making a muddy end.
Protests from a groaning chain were silenced with a long overdue lube Tuesday morning, but it threw the agenda into a zone 4 workout to the Couldabeens start line, every red light encountered on the way. Found a grid position with a minute to spare, Rocket, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, Jase, PistolPete, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev and Shane already positioned. Pistol punctured with barely 500 metres covered, a team halt to sledge with AvantiTrev solicited as pit crew. A very late HBK arrived during repairs, slotting in ahead of me on the restart. I red lined the heartrate from the Kinder to the S bend matching HBK then Pistol, not the best bunch position for a recovery. Tropical Shane was pulling out all stops burning up the excesses of a Fiji holiday, an unappetising bit of road kill to dodge south of the bridges sharpened the attention of most. Predicting the rotations had me pairing with HBK in Mitchell's headwind, not the scenario i'd hoped for but the luck of the draw I suppose. When the reality dawned, it was less of a struggle than thought, hanging onto Pistol & Rockets lead surge was the challenge. Many were now skipping the hard yards at the front, 18km/h of headwind raising the rearmost ranks rapidly. Dug the depths of determination when yet another turn on the front came up quickly with HBK, suprised to find I had a wheel ahead (holidays hindering HBK's horsepower?) so, wallowing in sweetened retribution, made it a whole bike ahead for a good distance with several glances to torment his underwhelming efforts. (will pay for a 10x8 glossy of that moment!) Shane's rubber band snapped ascending Mt.Nicolaci, a slow for the highway and a considerate leg to Raftery regrouped the bunch. Rocket & Kenworth opened their reserve tanks at Arcadia Downs, opening large gaps in an expiring pack, single filed and desperate to steal any draft. A couple of backmarkers made a suprised late bid in Conrod, but reality soon cooked geese. Content to end the circuit fourth with a little cyclocross action on Raftery's last 100 metres.
The hospital boom gate was well patronised Tuesday night, SpecialisedTony, Coggo, Luke, Juzza, Nath, Axel, Clive, Harpo, Paul, Kev, Dalton, even Cranky turned up for a maiden voyage. Juzza's saddle bag did a dismount in the first 10 metres , a full steam chase to catch the front runners ensued till half way up Verney. A light WSW chilled the evening to 10 degrees but helped on the eastern leg to the Emu, Bomber, Deano and MachineSteve populating the peleton. Cranky's introduction to the drivers seat was well toasted by Nath, Bomber and Deano kept the pot boiling soon after. Stevo jumped aboard at the church, chugging away in the high 30's on the front in Old Dookie Rd ramped up my heart rate. I was safely tucked into the rear seat when Bomb & Deano lit the fuse beyond the Pub, me and others rethinking moving up the ranks at that tempo. The pace had simmered a little by River Road's dipper, I chose then to venture forward with allies Axel & Kev rather than being fried alive by the master blasters. It was 'head down, tail up' again for a squirt in Central Kialla, easing to achievable when Bomber & bro departed in Mitchell. Archer Rd was chosen as the finishing straight in light of Raftery's repairs, Machine Steve, Luke and Paul setting their sights on hunting down Andy and co a few 100 metres ahead. No let up for the last two and a half clicks beyond the alt. route, big gaps opening on the long stretch from the roundabout to the very distant finish.
A Wednesday welcome back to Wozza, almost back to full steam after an ankle altecation. Down to the Kialla roundabout we found the sole Breakaway Sharon, left to fend for herself whilst others were doona training? As 6am drew closer, Rocket, PistolPete, HBK, Nick, Trav, Shane, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev and WobblyTrev arrived, Sharon invited to join in. Finding myself sandwiched between Pistol and HBK again, it was a steady start with Pete against a light southwester, but ramped up to Archers' end . Rocket & HBK erased the easy Wednesdays protocols eastward in Mitchell , Sharon now nowhere to be seen (a message not passed to the front :-/). The breeze (now WSW) propelled the pace in River Rd, Shane (forthwith to be dubbed Capt.Toblerone) again digging the depths of determination after Fiji's indulgence. Not much chat with many flat chat, my legs sending protests to the skull to stop. HBK and Rocket dragged us to the bridges in Boundary, Whispering Jack and Nick towed us to Channel Rd. No visit from Darth Vader this morning (had a snap at Wozz the night before though), plenty of velocity westward bound, Pistol a tough match to the cypress trees. HBK and Rocket took the driving seat for the Channel Rd Cha Cha, HBK's half way handover to Pistol left only five working the front (thin on recovery time for me). AvantiTrev and Jack got the guilts by Kensington, finally stepping up for the brief blast at the Bonanza, I was happy to score a Strava 7th fastest overall.
They say that a change is as good as a holiday and, seeing how the other half live (but not giving myself over to the dark side) I fronted Friars in the dark misty hours of Thursday for a go with a gaggle of Goats. A few known villans had assembled (Coggo, LegalDave, Mark, Leon, Tum, TallPaul, Tina, Brendan & Kate) almost ten more unrecognised in the dark. All were aboard at six for the flight, but a couple resigned with a puncture at the SPC roundabout. Some semblance of order was found within a k to set up an organised, homogenised, civilised (& pasteurised?) bunch into a light NNE'er out Old Dookie Rd. Unaccustomed as I am to track turns, I settled into the rhythm, no chit-chat with the constant rollovers. (One kept slicing across my bow but I guess familiarity breeds contentment?) There was a mindful pace out of corners and intersections to keep the bunch bonded but an oncoming low-life on high-beam made navigation tricky. (still, I guess 16 l.e.d.'s x 400 lumens = lashings of lux) Kate was calling the rollovers, I zoned in on the unknown lad ahead to keep speed smooth. There were a few reminders of echelon etiquette in River Rd, the velocity grew for me to dust off 12 teeth at 68rpm. Numbers rotating started to thin by Central Kialla, LegalDave and a few took an exit in Archer (avoiding Raftery's gravel), the remainder drawing breath reforming the bunch after a Melbourne Rd split for traffic. Back on the gas in Raftery attempts at the front were now becoming rare, by Conrod only a handful had enough steam driving against a headwind to the finish. Diplomatically off the podium (nothing left anyway in the closing stages) and through the Raftery rallycross, I had a good yarn with Coggo before he took a caffine exit, mine (regrettably) for work.
Woz and I went in search of a feasible (not Faark) Friday at 6, no punters at Friars so a single filed trajectory out Old Dookie Rd with a pair of tail-light carrots to chase some 2 k ahead. Pursuit seemed a folly till we reached Boundary Rd's fig farm, steadily bridging the gap now. Wozza's arduously altered ankle aint an anchor anymore, articulating along aplomb, achieving admirable acceleration. Five Couldabeens followed by three Breakaways were northbound toward Channel Rd (and the waiting Darth Vader), our determination intensifying with the southbound targets ever closer. Just beyond the bridges we rounded up the cruisy Cats who quickly borrowed our tow. River Road's six degrees was bearable, the NNE blew just enough to make us earn (or burn) our breakfast, Trav's Jamis was jaunty, Bushy's Look languishing. To meet an essential employment edict, Wozz and I took the Archer alternative home, an almost risen sun painting a postcard orange skyline behind the fogged fields. (a great visual distraction from the now jellied legs filing a mental subpoena for aggrevated assault) Back in town on time to close another week, almost over the equinoxial hump.
Week 25 364km YTD 6,631km
Word of the week
"bicognise" (verb) The familiarity of a person met in public, when perceived to be hunched in posture, disguised by helmet, glasses & lycra.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Week 23 : Easy Wednesday's and going goatee.
Judging the shine on the road in the early hours of Monday for a ride decision, pessimism peaked, post plentiful precipitation previously (Sunday). The street had dried to a patchy semi-gloss, traction possible, way better than yesterdays saturated skating rink I guess. Pointed the bike out Old Dookie Rd for a change, Cats departing a distance ahead. Found the Fox, Meags and Hilly about to set sail (better company than my own) so joined in for a clockwise lap. A steady pace was kind on my weekend rigormortis (off the bike for two days), the mild two digit temperatures assisting too. Several tail-lights were ahead southbound to the Pub, no pursuit plans but we steadily reduced the gap beyond the bridges. A hint of light in the sky revealed nothing but dismal cloud, at least we were upright, laughing and taking in the oxygen, Hilly & Fox taking the major shareholding for River Rd. A squirt down Central Kialla Rd then into Mitchell, we'd latched onto a half dozen just as I needed to exit in Archer (to appease the boss with an on time appearance). Bid my farewells and drove on the 15 sprocket homeward, a satisfying soundtrack of humming wheels, no backlight on speed or clock kept the pace up for an on cue arrival.
Tuesday mornings westerly spelt 9k of tailwind then 22k's of toil on the Couldabeens track. Lined up behind Shane, Kenworth, Nick, Trav, PistolPete, FeltMat, Temple, AvantiTrev and HBK, Rocket the last arrival. A pronto first leg with the wind behind, Mark and Trish joining at the first intersection. Nick had the rice bubble wheels on, snap crackle and pop from crunchy (waterlogged?) bearings. I'd drawn the short straw behind Rocket, peaking 173bpm to match in the last leg of Channel Rd, dissapointed by my ordinary performance. Turning into Boundary explained the poor pace, a marshmallow front tyre forced a halt to fix. (nice to have the crew wait, but sledging is de rigeur) Mobilised after 5min and a leaky CO2, it was back on the throttle down to Mitchell, feeling the usual inadequacy attempting to keep up with PistolPete, had half a chance with Trav when rotation changed the order. The west northwesterly whittled away the reserves, AvantiTrev, Temple, FeltMat and Nick now in the growing league of back seat passengers. A pause for traffic at the highway had a few Area lads closing in on us, Rocket, Pistol and HBK, champing at the bit, stretched away from the party faithful as Arcadia Downs came into view. Kenworth and I had been elected as tow trucks (without our knowledge) by the remaining survivors, thought Shane was sharing the load as he came by, but he poured on the power in the hope of bridging the gap ('twas a bridge too far). Nev and his 51 pair passed (making it look oh so easy), Kenworth & I dug in for the long haul and reeled in Shane from his optomistic pursuit, Rocket, HBK and Pistol just a bit to far for Nev to reach.
The mental magnifying glass was out Tuesday arvo to find the motivation to head to the hospital bunch, low cloud, a chilly northwester and a max of 13 degrees hardly enthralled. Robbo, SpecialisedTony, Dion, BigBen, JamisShane and Axel took on the elements, most in the hope of a steady tap around. Mitch, Bomber, Deano and Longy blended in on Ford Rd, soon to have Bomber & Mitch sitting off the front by 20 metres dangling the bait. Most weren't biting though. Andy, Steevo and others attached to the pack in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, still the lure was untouched. Beyond the Emu, I felt the breeze on the front from the rail-line to the Toaster, Robbo finally swallowing the fly and dragging all up to Bombers tempo in Old Dookie Rd, Hamish climbing aboard halfway. South into Boundary the float and sinker were gobbled up, full bore down to the Pub, me hanging on second wheel, foolishly hoping speed would settle. Mitch, Deano, Ron, Dion, Robbo and other high calibre weapons swapped turns with Bomber down to River Rd, then building the intensity westward. With no capacity to drive over 40 into a 15km/h headwind, I stayed in the rear seats, an increasingly popular place to be as River Rd swept by. Over the channel bridge Tony's rubber band snapped, Axel, BigBen and I in proximity, happy to work together for survival. A hard drive through Central Kialla and into Mitchell, picking up a few more outcasts to build to seven, Axel & Andy on an Archer exit. We'd reeled in Hamish by Arcadia Downs, no sprint left in my legs but Dion strong as ever was off the seat for the last 200. A good sense of achievement to finish in 1:08, albeit spent, the turn around from the pre ride lethargy worth filing for the future.
At last the breeze was turned off, only the effort of hauling off the doona Wednesday morning. Squeaked in second last at the Kialla roundabout, just ahead of HBK. The usual grid positions of a full left line (Shane, PistolPete, Temple, AvantiTrev and SuperMario) a sole Rocket on the right. AvantiTrev read the riot act of "easy Wednesday", ok for him (& Temple) already cementing their positions at the rear. As the flag dropped HBK moved up, thought I should do likewise. My legs were serving me a reminder of yesterdays thrashings, complaining at HBK's tempo but the grey cells coped. Pleased to have SuperMario pair with me for the Central Kialla leg, Pistol & Shane ramping up for River Rd, Rocket & HBK for Boundary. Motion was maintained for Channel Rd home, Shane stepping up to the 40+ Cha Cha, a great effort. A brief recovery to Doyles Rd, then HBK predictably, prodigiously, protrusibly and prejudiciously pressed the pronto pedal (profoundly prematurely) to be quickly sauteed by Rocket, Pistol pairing rapidly for a Mexican Bonanza thrash, almost catching the Breakaways at Archer. (great to see a growing group of gals, well done Sim back on two wheels).
Wrung out like a washed sock Thursday morning, the body's message to put it in neutral and apply the handbrake (under the doona). Pleased to bounce back to life during the day but fingers were crossed on the way to the library as the sun sank (hopeful there wasn't a repeat of Tuesday night) Axel, BigBen, Dion, SpecialisedTony, JamisShane, Kev and Clive lit up a dark Boulevard on a cool evening, a moderate manageable pace out to Wanganui with a south southwester building behind us. Finally felt comfortable atop the Fizik, first time in ages. Luke, Steevo and MachineSteve u-turned at the soup tin from their anti-clockwise lap to fill our ranks. A conservative pace out to the Emu was turned down to a simmer for the headwind to the Toaster, setting the mood for the circuit, no heroics, gasps or gritting of teeth, just a steady tap around. Much discussion of long weekend plans, MachineSteve and Kev took an early exit via Channel Rd. JamisShane and Dion went a.w.o.l. along River, a suspected puncture turned out to be a different kind of leak. Steevo's just three weeks back on the bike after years off, the lad's a (vintage) natural. No hint of a sprint as we swung into Conrod, the breeze behind may have been a lost opportunity but many legs were no doubt grateful of being spared a flogging, 1,200 calories burned anyway.
Friday, alarm, five, groan, snooze, alarm, arise, coffee, porridge, dates, honey, baselayer, baselayer, armwarmers, jersey, knicks, socks, shoes, battery, light, Garmin, helmet, specs, gloves, pump, Bugger,....puncture! At least there's light, warmth and a proper floor pump to make a comfortable fix at home. (how many tubes are changed/cursed in the dark, damp and cold?) No hope of meeting the 5.50 Couldabeens agenda now (glad I missed the record breaking run by the three stooges) so shifted the goalposts to a solo lap bearing east on Old Dookie Rd. Luck would have an intercept (and invite) from Coggo, Craig, Tum and the Bell (a gritty gathering o' Goats) on a single filed clockwise mission. Five degrees is gently dipping us into winter, twelve k's of SSW making us earn breakfast. A smooth draft behind Coggo till my turn at the turn into Boundary came. Dug deep driving down to the Pub, constantly forcing the eyeballs to avoid the h.r. display, ignoring the reality. Woops! A chance glance (177 bpm) toasted the tenacity. There's something deeply primal in the male psyche to perform in front of others, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings. Handed the reigns to Tum over the Midland and settled in to recover to River, Craig pausing briefly suffering a perceived puncture. Quickly back on the gas again and settled into the rythym, mentally preparing for the next shift at the pointy end, Laws Drive to Rivers' end. More solid turns from the foursome blurred the scenery to the highway, I was starting to run low on the go meter till the Conrod conclusion inspired a final dip. Craig had cooked with 400 left, Coggo drove the "trainette" across the line to finish a wapid week
Week 23 : 254km YTD 6,521km
Word of the week
"Lycrack" (noun) Aged synthetic material that has become partially, unsettlingly translucent .
Tuesday mornings westerly spelt 9k of tailwind then 22k's of toil on the Couldabeens track. Lined up behind Shane, Kenworth, Nick, Trav, PistolPete, FeltMat, Temple, AvantiTrev and HBK, Rocket the last arrival. A pronto first leg with the wind behind, Mark and Trish joining at the first intersection. Nick had the rice bubble wheels on, snap crackle and pop from crunchy (waterlogged?) bearings. I'd drawn the short straw behind Rocket, peaking 173bpm to match in the last leg of Channel Rd, dissapointed by my ordinary performance. Turning into Boundary explained the poor pace, a marshmallow front tyre forced a halt to fix. (nice to have the crew wait, but sledging is de rigeur) Mobilised after 5min and a leaky CO2, it was back on the throttle down to Mitchell, feeling the usual inadequacy attempting to keep up with PistolPete, had half a chance with Trav when rotation changed the order. The west northwesterly whittled away the reserves, AvantiTrev, Temple, FeltMat and Nick now in the growing league of back seat passengers. A pause for traffic at the highway had a few Area lads closing in on us, Rocket, Pistol and HBK, champing at the bit, stretched away from the party faithful as Arcadia Downs came into view. Kenworth and I had been elected as tow trucks (without our knowledge) by the remaining survivors, thought Shane was sharing the load as he came by, but he poured on the power in the hope of bridging the gap ('twas a bridge too far). Nev and his 51 pair passed (making it look oh so easy), Kenworth & I dug in for the long haul and reeled in Shane from his optomistic pursuit, Rocket, HBK and Pistol just a bit to far for Nev to reach.
The mental magnifying glass was out Tuesday arvo to find the motivation to head to the hospital bunch, low cloud, a chilly northwester and a max of 13 degrees hardly enthralled. Robbo, SpecialisedTony, Dion, BigBen, JamisShane and Axel took on the elements, most in the hope of a steady tap around. Mitch, Bomber, Deano and Longy blended in on Ford Rd, soon to have Bomber & Mitch sitting off the front by 20 metres dangling the bait. Most weren't biting though. Andy, Steevo and others attached to the pack in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, still the lure was untouched. Beyond the Emu, I felt the breeze on the front from the rail-line to the Toaster, Robbo finally swallowing the fly and dragging all up to Bombers tempo in Old Dookie Rd, Hamish climbing aboard halfway. South into Boundary the float and sinker were gobbled up, full bore down to the Pub, me hanging on second wheel, foolishly hoping speed would settle. Mitch, Deano, Ron, Dion, Robbo and other high calibre weapons swapped turns with Bomber down to River Rd, then building the intensity westward. With no capacity to drive over 40 into a 15km/h headwind, I stayed in the rear seats, an increasingly popular place to be as River Rd swept by. Over the channel bridge Tony's rubber band snapped, Axel, BigBen and I in proximity, happy to work together for survival. A hard drive through Central Kialla and into Mitchell, picking up a few more outcasts to build to seven, Axel & Andy on an Archer exit. We'd reeled in Hamish by Arcadia Downs, no sprint left in my legs but Dion strong as ever was off the seat for the last 200. A good sense of achievement to finish in 1:08, albeit spent, the turn around from the pre ride lethargy worth filing for the future.
At last the breeze was turned off, only the effort of hauling off the doona Wednesday morning. Squeaked in second last at the Kialla roundabout, just ahead of HBK. The usual grid positions of a full left line (Shane, PistolPete, Temple, AvantiTrev and SuperMario) a sole Rocket on the right. AvantiTrev read the riot act of "easy Wednesday", ok for him (& Temple) already cementing their positions at the rear. As the flag dropped HBK moved up, thought I should do likewise. My legs were serving me a reminder of yesterdays thrashings, complaining at HBK's tempo but the grey cells coped. Pleased to have SuperMario pair with me for the Central Kialla leg, Pistol & Shane ramping up for River Rd, Rocket & HBK for Boundary. Motion was maintained for Channel Rd home, Shane stepping up to the 40+ Cha Cha, a great effort. A brief recovery to Doyles Rd, then HBK predictably, prodigiously, protrusibly and prejudiciously pressed the pronto pedal (profoundly prematurely) to be quickly sauteed by Rocket, Pistol pairing rapidly for a Mexican Bonanza thrash, almost catching the Breakaways at Archer. (great to see a growing group of gals, well done Sim back on two wheels).
Wrung out like a washed sock Thursday morning, the body's message to put it in neutral and apply the handbrake (under the doona). Pleased to bounce back to life during the day but fingers were crossed on the way to the library as the sun sank (hopeful there wasn't a repeat of Tuesday night) Axel, BigBen, Dion, SpecialisedTony, JamisShane, Kev and Clive lit up a dark Boulevard on a cool evening, a moderate manageable pace out to Wanganui with a south southwester building behind us. Finally felt comfortable atop the Fizik, first time in ages. Luke, Steevo and MachineSteve u-turned at the soup tin from their anti-clockwise lap to fill our ranks. A conservative pace out to the Emu was turned down to a simmer for the headwind to the Toaster, setting the mood for the circuit, no heroics, gasps or gritting of teeth, just a steady tap around. Much discussion of long weekend plans, MachineSteve and Kev took an early exit via Channel Rd. JamisShane and Dion went a.w.o.l. along River, a suspected puncture turned out to be a different kind of leak. Steevo's just three weeks back on the bike after years off, the lad's a (vintage) natural. No hint of a sprint as we swung into Conrod, the breeze behind may have been a lost opportunity but many legs were no doubt grateful of being spared a flogging, 1,200 calories burned anyway.
Friday, alarm, five, groan, snooze, alarm, arise, coffee, porridge, dates, honey, baselayer, baselayer, armwarmers, jersey, knicks, socks, shoes, battery, light, Garmin, helmet, specs, gloves, pump, Bugger,....puncture! At least there's light, warmth and a proper floor pump to make a comfortable fix at home. (how many tubes are changed/cursed in the dark, damp and cold?) No hope of meeting the 5.50 Couldabeens agenda now (glad I missed the record breaking run by the three stooges) so shifted the goalposts to a solo lap bearing east on Old Dookie Rd. Luck would have an intercept (and invite) from Coggo, Craig, Tum and the Bell (a gritty gathering o' Goats) on a single filed clockwise mission. Five degrees is gently dipping us into winter, twelve k's of SSW making us earn breakfast. A smooth draft behind Coggo till my turn at the turn into Boundary came. Dug deep driving down to the Pub, constantly forcing the eyeballs to avoid the h.r. display, ignoring the reality. Woops! A chance glance (177 bpm) toasted the tenacity. There's something deeply primal in the male psyche to perform in front of others, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings. Handed the reigns to Tum over the Midland and settled in to recover to River, Craig pausing briefly suffering a perceived puncture. Quickly back on the gas again and settled into the rythym, mentally preparing for the next shift at the pointy end, Laws Drive to Rivers' end. More solid turns from the foursome blurred the scenery to the highway, I was starting to run low on the go meter till the Conrod conclusion inspired a final dip. Craig had cooked with 400 left, Coggo drove the "trainette" across the line to finish a wapid week
Week 23 : 254km YTD 6,521km
Word of the week
"Lycrack" (noun) Aged synthetic material that has become partially, unsettlingly translucent .
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Week 22 Frost, frogs and fog
Jase appeared in the main street fog on Saturday morning, specs pocketed and none too pleased at the atmostpherics dampening kit and bike. We pondered the attendance effect that 99% humidity would have, numbers ween't too bad considering. Whispering Jack was breaking all records with three showings in a week, SuperMario expressing most displeasure with the conditions, Temple locking in the back seat berth. Six bells chimed the start, a traffic interruption had three off the back till a vocal handbrake merged all. Sharing the front with Jase then PistolPete tested my early limits, warm up time taking longer as the years tick by (or is it just neurosis?) Felt the breezistance** in Old Dookie Rd (the early piggery aroma a confirmation) and I always thought that fog meant no wind? SuperMario 'headled' to the church, Trav stretched him to the rail line then all relished the easier run home from the Emu. A couple of early Cats were at the kennels, the puddytat peleton at the main channel (late comer GT Craig 2k's back). Jase and Rocket stretched the rulebook to 40 in AvantiTrev's absence, a 5% discount off that for me in Ford Rd (even though Pete may have wanted more).
It was all or nothing for WhisperingJack on Mt.Wanganui, a polka dot performance with later regrets. The caution flag went out for Wobbly's woundabout, all tip toed through (vertically) without incident. There was a Rocket & Jase breakaway on an unseen sprint section in Mason St, maybe a race for the hot seats at the Lemontree? Strava, wisdom teeth and the unemployed discussed perusing the new menu, Wozz and Nath post ride additions to the banter.
Six millimetres of four am Sunday rain washed away plans for an early Toaster lap, warm as toast under the doona instead. Spectated the DECA dash at 10, a little breeze drying the tarmac. MachineSteve, Rocket, Eggy, Travis & Liam (minus an acre of skin) Robbo, Lil'Tony, Mexicans etc etc filled an A&B grade race, Eggy, Rob D and Rocket taking the top three places, well done Rocket taking a 1st and 2nd for the two sprint laps. A great little closed track but a breeding ground for bindii, 4 punctures in the group of 25.
With rain on Tuesday's horizon it was Monday evening to satisfy the craving for k's. A very comfortable 18 degrees but an uncomfortable easterly dictated a clockwise Toaster lap to get the hard stuff done early. The heart rate monitor was almost asleep (54bpm) pushing into the 17km/h gusts, finally awaking to 158 after 30 minutes in the seat. Had almost run out of enthusiasm when the Emu came into sight, thoughts of a tail wind worth aiming for. Three other bikes were on (opposite) course making use of the dry. Getting back onto familiar cogs heading to the Toaster was enjoyable, elation pointing west for Old Dookie's 4k stretch with the wind at my back. The sun had almost tucked into bed turning into Boundary Rd, cars purchased without the headlight option are common in these parts. Shoved about by the side wind (but not enough to be blown into the Pine Lodge Pub), some tree shelter was found till the turn west in River Rd, back to my favoured sub 60's cadence relishing mother natures assistance, erratic heart rate monitor now flat-lined at 137. To Rivers' end, past the Kialla Hall and into Mitchell, more than the normal 6 o'clock rush hour to deal with nearing Archer Rd. A blast down Mt.Nicolaci (but a slug up), strobing blue & reds signalled a Melbourne Rd closure (a prang diverting the masses) Raftery's normally quiet tarmac filled with cars (many, annoyingly, without the low beam option) to make it a push home. pleased enough to tap out the lap under 1:29.
Getting severe cravings for a ride by Wednesday morning (Tuesday was a wash out), the light northwester put a false sense of achievement into the roll down to Kialla's roundabout. Shiny roads and super sprays of H2O poured off passing B doubles as I wrestled with my commitment/stupidity/decision to ride, harden up was the closing statement to self. PistolPete and Rocket were at the start, no other of the faithful appeared so it was off down Archer to a Frog fugue in F flat, amplified from saturated fields. All was quite manageable till Central Kialla, the reality of the northwesterly tightened up the muscles. Pistol & Rocket did their duty at the front for the length of River Rd (no objections from me) two small bunches went west to confirm our commitment/certification. Solitary Goat Legal Dave was at River's end (enduring two punctures to boot), we endured the elements of a headwind up to Channel Rd, dosed by light misty rain into the bargain. No fun either on the west leg home, socks now squelching, another misting of precipitation and the aroma of something deceased at the cypress trees. Ah, the joys of cycling! One wonders what warrants wheeling west, wilted, wet & weary on a windy Wednesday, when warm waffles would wain winter woes. All due credit to Pistol & Rocket's care and consideration for this old croc, back to town conscious and in one piece (albeit a little soggy), finding heaven in mere instant coffee and a bit of toast at home.
Fog parked specs in pockets Thursday morning, no guilt tucking in for a tow behind Chris A and Nick at the Archer St grid, Rocket, PistolPete, SuperMario, Kenworth, Jase, Trav, Shane and (tail-light) FeltMat forming the bunch. Chris & Rocket took on a double shift to Orrvale Rd, Kenworth advanced toward the pointy end nearing Channel's end then, out of character, took an RDO (respiratory distress option?) to skip lead duties. Jase bumped up the heartrate (43bpm according to my malfunctioning monitor) for our pairing in Boundary Rd, Nick with a knack for paddywhack was strong but a shorter turn thankfully. It wasn't quite accurate to call clear at the intersections in the pea souper, luck was on our side to get into Mitchell Rd without drama. A good turn of speed to central Kialla, Kenworth repeating his RDO. We'd closed in on tail-lights ahead nearing Archer Rd, four Hurt Locker lads (Sosso detached, but rejoined over the highway) were passed, Chris, Rocket, Pete and Jase pushed the pace up to Arcadia Downs. Kenworth finally committed to a go when we swung into Conrod, but he'd engaged warp drive on arrival at the front. Unable muster the motion to get alongside, I filled the gap opened ahead of Jase, settling into Kenworth's draft and waiting for the kaboom. Rocket and Chris bolted with 300 left, Pistol & Jase in their wake, I'd just enough left to round up Kenworth in the last metres.
A chilled evening Thursday but I rolled down to the Library to find Robbo, Hamish, BigBen, Axel, Clive, Dalton, SpecialisedTony, AvantiTrev and Paul prepared to tap out a lap. Hamish and Robbo led off with all single filed behind Hamish, a Robbo reputation rearing reservations? Paul filled the gap, then I, finally Tony to form a respectable bunch in two rows. Mitch blended in on the Boulevard, LegalSteve found near DECA, several were already entrenched at the rear to be towed around. Nath joined us as we approached Boundary Rd, Robbo & Paul upped tempo for a blast to the Emu, a bit calmer southbound to the Toaster for me sharing the front with Nath. All was quite manageable with the heavy artillery missing, evident in the hr monitor (now working properly after a little adjustment) . Some in depth discussion with LegalSteve till oxygen was preserved for my next turn at the front, AvantiTrev, Dalton, BigBen, even Mitch now in the permanent rear ranks for River Rd and beyond. My tank was emptying after a 4k sentence at the front but used Mitchell Rd to recover. Hamish launched an optomistic breakaway over the highway, Paul setting off in pursuit soon after (but didn't quite bridge the gap). The six remaining (towing five) shortened turns and ramped up the pace out of Roubaix, catching Paul at Arcadia Downs. Nath and Robbo had the extra reserves to catch and pass Hamish (now at full thrash) in the dying metres, most others satisfied just to finish in touch with the bunch.
A crisp Friday morning, a sign of the months to come. I marvelled at the skill of urban planning routing a bike lane over 28 man-hole covers (Balaclava Rd), pounding the posterior or running the gauntlet of the traffic lane.....that is the question. The lack of temperature made muscles complain, lungs none too happy either. Haven't we been spoilt in recent weeks wih double digit temperatures. Out New Dookie Rd and beyond Lemnos, a 51 string of tail-lights blinked south on Boundary. I turned onto the same course, Fitzy following a distance behind. Twas a bit of a drag down to the Pub, a small bunch entering form Old Dookie Rd now pursuing Fitzy. I took a natural break (brief to prevent localised frostbite) and joined the feline foursome (MexicanAngelo, Simon and two unrecognised others), the sole 5.50 Cats, to tap out a lap. Northbound Couldabeens at the bridges as we speared south, frost settling in the lowlands as the temperature settled at two. Long and short turns for River Rd, tempo slowly building in Mitchell, then all contracted the infectious speed virus (Conrodus Sprintus) in the closing k, my infection limited to the 40's, the finish line a welcome sight to close the week.
Week 22 295km YTD 6,267km
Word of the Week
"Breezistance" (noun) The force that opposes velocity against wind pressure
It was all or nothing for WhisperingJack on Mt.Wanganui, a polka dot performance with later regrets. The caution flag went out for Wobbly's woundabout, all tip toed through (vertically) without incident. There was a Rocket & Jase breakaway on an unseen sprint section in Mason St, maybe a race for the hot seats at the Lemontree? Strava, wisdom teeth and the unemployed discussed perusing the new menu, Wozz and Nath post ride additions to the banter.
Six millimetres of four am Sunday rain washed away plans for an early Toaster lap, warm as toast under the doona instead. Spectated the DECA dash at 10, a little breeze drying the tarmac. MachineSteve, Rocket, Eggy, Travis & Liam (minus an acre of skin) Robbo, Lil'Tony, Mexicans etc etc filled an A&B grade race, Eggy, Rob D and Rocket taking the top three places, well done Rocket taking a 1st and 2nd for the two sprint laps. A great little closed track but a breeding ground for bindii, 4 punctures in the group of 25.
With rain on Tuesday's horizon it was Monday evening to satisfy the craving for k's. A very comfortable 18 degrees but an uncomfortable easterly dictated a clockwise Toaster lap to get the hard stuff done early. The heart rate monitor was almost asleep (54bpm) pushing into the 17km/h gusts, finally awaking to 158 after 30 minutes in the seat. Had almost run out of enthusiasm when the Emu came into sight, thoughts of a tail wind worth aiming for. Three other bikes were on (opposite) course making use of the dry. Getting back onto familiar cogs heading to the Toaster was enjoyable, elation pointing west for Old Dookie's 4k stretch with the wind at my back. The sun had almost tucked into bed turning into Boundary Rd, cars purchased without the headlight option are common in these parts. Shoved about by the side wind (but not enough to be blown into the Pine Lodge Pub), some tree shelter was found till the turn west in River Rd, back to my favoured sub 60's cadence relishing mother natures assistance, erratic heart rate monitor now flat-lined at 137. To Rivers' end, past the Kialla Hall and into Mitchell, more than the normal 6 o'clock rush hour to deal with nearing Archer Rd. A blast down Mt.Nicolaci (but a slug up), strobing blue & reds signalled a Melbourne Rd closure (a prang diverting the masses) Raftery's normally quiet tarmac filled with cars (many, annoyingly, without the low beam option) to make it a push home. pleased enough to tap out the lap under 1:29.
Getting severe cravings for a ride by Wednesday morning (Tuesday was a wash out), the light northwester put a false sense of achievement into the roll down to Kialla's roundabout. Shiny roads and super sprays of H2O poured off passing B doubles as I wrestled with my commitment/stupidity/decision to ride, harden up was the closing statement to self. PistolPete and Rocket were at the start, no other of the faithful appeared so it was off down Archer to a Frog fugue in F flat, amplified from saturated fields. All was quite manageable till Central Kialla, the reality of the northwesterly tightened up the muscles. Pistol & Rocket did their duty at the front for the length of River Rd (no objections from me) two small bunches went west to confirm our commitment/certification. Solitary Goat Legal Dave was at River's end (enduring two punctures to boot), we endured the elements of a headwind up to Channel Rd, dosed by light misty rain into the bargain. No fun either on the west leg home, socks now squelching, another misting of precipitation and the aroma of something deceased at the cypress trees. Ah, the joys of cycling! One wonders what warrants wheeling west, wilted, wet & weary on a windy Wednesday, when warm waffles would wain winter woes. All due credit to Pistol & Rocket's care and consideration for this old croc, back to town conscious and in one piece (albeit a little soggy), finding heaven in mere instant coffee and a bit of toast at home.
Fog parked specs in pockets Thursday morning, no guilt tucking in for a tow behind Chris A and Nick at the Archer St grid, Rocket, PistolPete, SuperMario, Kenworth, Jase, Trav, Shane and (tail-light) FeltMat forming the bunch. Chris & Rocket took on a double shift to Orrvale Rd, Kenworth advanced toward the pointy end nearing Channel's end then, out of character, took an RDO (respiratory distress option?) to skip lead duties. Jase bumped up the heartrate (43bpm according to my malfunctioning monitor) for our pairing in Boundary Rd, Nick with a knack for paddywhack was strong but a shorter turn thankfully. It wasn't quite accurate to call clear at the intersections in the pea souper, luck was on our side to get into Mitchell Rd without drama. A good turn of speed to central Kialla, Kenworth repeating his RDO. We'd closed in on tail-lights ahead nearing Archer Rd, four Hurt Locker lads (Sosso detached, but rejoined over the highway) were passed, Chris, Rocket, Pete and Jase pushed the pace up to Arcadia Downs. Kenworth finally committed to a go when we swung into Conrod, but he'd engaged warp drive on arrival at the front. Unable muster the motion to get alongside, I filled the gap opened ahead of Jase, settling into Kenworth's draft and waiting for the kaboom. Rocket and Chris bolted with 300 left, Pistol & Jase in their wake, I'd just enough left to round up Kenworth in the last metres.
A chilled evening Thursday but I rolled down to the Library to find Robbo, Hamish, BigBen, Axel, Clive, Dalton, SpecialisedTony, AvantiTrev and Paul prepared to tap out a lap. Hamish and Robbo led off with all single filed behind Hamish, a Robbo reputation rearing reservations? Paul filled the gap, then I, finally Tony to form a respectable bunch in two rows. Mitch blended in on the Boulevard, LegalSteve found near DECA, several were already entrenched at the rear to be towed around. Nath joined us as we approached Boundary Rd, Robbo & Paul upped tempo for a blast to the Emu, a bit calmer southbound to the Toaster for me sharing the front with Nath. All was quite manageable with the heavy artillery missing, evident in the hr monitor (now working properly after a little adjustment) . Some in depth discussion with LegalSteve till oxygen was preserved for my next turn at the front, AvantiTrev, Dalton, BigBen, even Mitch now in the permanent rear ranks for River Rd and beyond. My tank was emptying after a 4k sentence at the front but used Mitchell Rd to recover. Hamish launched an optomistic breakaway over the highway, Paul setting off in pursuit soon after (but didn't quite bridge the gap). The six remaining (towing five) shortened turns and ramped up the pace out of Roubaix, catching Paul at Arcadia Downs. Nath and Robbo had the extra reserves to catch and pass Hamish (now at full thrash) in the dying metres, most others satisfied just to finish in touch with the bunch.
A crisp Friday morning, a sign of the months to come. I marvelled at the skill of urban planning routing a bike lane over 28 man-hole covers (Balaclava Rd), pounding the posterior or running the gauntlet of the traffic lane.....that is the question. The lack of temperature made muscles complain, lungs none too happy either. Haven't we been spoilt in recent weeks wih double digit temperatures. Out New Dookie Rd and beyond Lemnos, a 51 string of tail-lights blinked south on Boundary. I turned onto the same course, Fitzy following a distance behind. Twas a bit of a drag down to the Pub, a small bunch entering form Old Dookie Rd now pursuing Fitzy. I took a natural break (brief to prevent localised frostbite) and joined the feline foursome (MexicanAngelo, Simon and two unrecognised others), the sole 5.50 Cats, to tap out a lap. Northbound Couldabeens at the bridges as we speared south, frost settling in the lowlands as the temperature settled at two. Long and short turns for River Rd, tempo slowly building in Mitchell, then all contracted the infectious speed virus (Conrodus Sprintus) in the closing k, my infection limited to the 40's, the finish line a welcome sight to close the week.
Week 22 295km YTD 6,267km
Word of the Week
"Breezistance" (noun) The force that opposes velocity against wind pressure
Friday, May 23, 2014
Week 21 : Foliage in the fissure & a broke spoke
More mild mornings mean mellowed muscles, many more months managing miserable minus mornings may make motivation microscopic. Swung a leg over the bike and pointed south for the Saturday social, plenty of punters at the carpark at 6. I seem to be the 'go to guy' for Garmin gremlins, Shane's frozen 500 getting similar stories out of the bunch. A NNE breeze at 12 clicks was a drag for my first two turns (beside Shane then Rocket), delighted to tuck in for a tow thereafter for the rest of Channel with lungs still restricted by the outgoing lurgy. The weeks toil discussed with Temple, SuperMario, Trav, Cougar, AvantiTrev, PistolPete, Nick, HBK, FeltMat and Jase as the bunch rotated, a chance for this sooks' recovery till the next shift at the front beckoned. Like the air in the tubes, we take our health for granted, it's a hard slog when its down. Nath joined in as we neared the fig farm, I had the second shift at the front with Shane to the Toaster, almost asthmatic with the strengthening NNE (Nath quite kind in maintaining manageable motion to the Church). We were forced to take on the Pine Lodge railway rumble strips (a Roubaix rattle) with an oncoming car but smooth was the westward tail wind return in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd. HBK and Pistol drove the way to Ford Rd, a large collection of Cats (Walshy's plaything?) plied their clockwise way. Cougar spun her way to a QOM on Wanganui hill (preparing for Mont Blanc?) but 4 had vanished at Boulevard's end, SuperMario's puncture delaying the Lemontree intake of breakfast, cake too for Cougar's birthday / bon voyage for the Tour de Europe.
Took Sunday off to kill the cold, trawling yr.no to see what the week would let us and prevent us doing. A quiet little roll of the legs Monday morning, lungs still lax but enthusiasm peaking. 20k was enough. Showers on the radar Monday evening kept the BM parked, lightning reflexes to kill the alarm Tuesday morning, a 4.50 downpour made the sleep in decision easy, not about to go skating on 23mm Michelins in the wet.
A little hesitation Tuesday arvo taking on the hospital bunch running at 70%, but good numbers meant survival was possible. Robbo drew alongside as I rolled away first at 6 (I drew the short straw again), glad he was just cruising. Specialised Tony, Big Ben, Coggo, GT Craig, Paul, Dalton, Nath, Harpo, Luke, Hamish, Dion and Kev took to the course, MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Deano and more expanding the pack to two dozen en route to the Emu. Felt I'd overdressed for 17 degrees, but cooked was better than chilled in my current state. A nasal assault from stubble burning, fertiliser and the piggery to endure to the Toaster, Boundary Rd and beyond, just a few taking Channel Rd home, Harpo boxed in to force him on the full course. I took a short go at the front in River Rd (should have left the Garmin backlight off, showing 174bpm), good foresight with Deano unleashing the fury a few turns later for a mid 40's blast to Central Kialla Rd. The peleton thinned at the rear, single filed survivors (including me) bowing out of active duty. Paul drove hard into Mitchell Rd exciting the troops to start track turns, one more go for me before the jar emptied. A few more joined the ranks at the rear, Dalton (minus the magic bananas) was a great gatekeeper for the survivors. Traffic split the bunch at the highway, the kind lads waited to pick up the three that didn't want to play chicken with trucks. Machine Steve threw petrol on the fire on the turn out of the little bridge, only the tough lads going with him. Nine were unhooked by the horse stud but worked together to minimise the pain for the last two k's, three minutes of 170+ bpm dulled my legs to roll through the finish well spent.
Suprised to find damp roads at the south end of town on Wednesday morning, more suprised to see a lifelike holographic projection of WhisperingJack at the Kialla roundabout though! Shorty, Nick, Pistol, Shane, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Temple, Rocket, SuperMario and Trav set southward at six into the fog of the Archer Rd moors, no sunrises to view, just dark horizons to pursue. Shane, Rocket and PistolPete teamed together to be the days drivers, into the long, dark, foggy lengths of River Rd, silence from the oncoming Hurt Locker, cackles from the Cats a k behind. Lungs are almost at full function now, coping well between the considerate cadence of AvantiTrev and Trav. The three drivers shot a take two Boundary Rd blast, silence in the ranks behind told the story. The taillights of a big bunch of Breakaways (girls group growing gumption) was the lure for boys to chase, Avanti & WobblyTrev, Temple and WhisperingJack had thrown in the towel, applying for early (rearmost) retirement. Passed the lasses, dodged the puddles then a pacy tap along the Cha Cha and Mexican Bonanza to finish us in good time.
Timing the Couldabeens arrival to avoid the first shift has it's drawbacks, scored the grid position behind HBK and Rocket with Jase & Pistol behind me (a double crunchy coating with a soft centre) Joined by Shorty, Trav, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, ChrisA, SuperMario, Temple, Shane & FeltMat, we launched into Channel Rd, Mark &Trish arriving at Kensington. Mental calculations of the when & where pairing with HBK occupied my grey cells (Kinder to the cypress trees was manageable, half a bike in arrears of course). SuperMario buried himself beside Pistol's calibre for the last leg of Channel, recovering with the considerate Chris in Boundary's tail breeze (HBK's protests at the respite received a single digit response). Rocket's rotation resumed the rush, Nick, Mark, Shane and Trav the grinners winning the tail wind lucky dip. AvantiTrev and Temple finally put in an appearance at the front in Mitchell, I put in a quiet word to Mark on old knicks and their translucence (we don't need to see the foliage in the fissure). Whispering Jack had a crack (excuse the pun, a turn at the front), my next turn had all the anticipation of an enema, into the mid 40's with HBK (yipee for the descent and yikes for the ascent of Mt. Nicolaci). All effort was put into hanging onto Jase's wheel at the rotation, lightheaded and close to despatching breakfast, it was Christmas on a stick to slow for Melbourne Rd traffic. Skipping four places in the order at Roubaix as a brief respite, it was back to face the music at Arcadia Downs with Pistol. 100 metre turns were more than acceptable at this rate of knots, Rocket and Chris were left the lions share with 400 to go though. A midfield finish was inked into my agenda, Chris and Rocket stomping on the pedals (and everyone elses hopes) to thrash out the finish in that order. Finished blurry, gasping but chuffed to cross the line in 45.23, just 5 seconds off the fastest time.
A solo ride Friday, a little variety in the course heading out New Dookie Rd, only 5 cars in the 6am peak hour. A bunny to dodge near Lemnos, avoided the Area 51 express steaming south at Boundary Rd too, indian filed on a mission. Plans of a steady solo lap were abandoned crossing Old Dookie Rd, a dozen Cats entering Boundary were soon in pursuit. Can't beat 'em so joined 'em. Slotted into their track turns with Googs, BassoDave, MexicanAnthony and the others (not quite identified in the dark), Trudi as taillight I think. A big blast from an overtaking cattle truck nearing the Broken bridges was fairly fractious, plenty of room given. I was deliberately ignoring the pace and focussing on the wheel ahead, a sneaky peek at the escalating h.r. my only ball & chain. Landmarks passed quickly with a super smooth and swift shift along River Rd, concentrating on the now clockwise rotation into the north wester (of little concern with short turns) Feeling a touch sluggish by Kialla Hall, a rear tyre worry surfaced, remembering 25psi shy on the pre-ride pump. Swung into Mitchell, out of the seat flogging the pedals to stay in touch when a loud twang sent a Mavic message that all was not well with wheel woetation, a waskally wobble from a broke spoke. Bugger! Bid my adieu's to the dissapearing pack and pulled up to open the dragging brake caliper, a soft tyre into the bargain from a slow puncture. (pennance for defecting to the feline side?) A few stops on the limp home to pump the rim off the road, cheers to (commuting) Cat Phil for offering a lift, big hoorays to the AvantiPlus pit crew for a rapid repair, respoke, realign and readiness to ride the same day.
Week 21 : 258km YTD 5,972km
Word of the Week
"Fortitube" (noun) The strength of a puncture resistant tube
Took Sunday off to kill the cold, trawling yr.no to see what the week would let us and prevent us doing. A quiet little roll of the legs Monday morning, lungs still lax but enthusiasm peaking. 20k was enough. Showers on the radar Monday evening kept the BM parked, lightning reflexes to kill the alarm Tuesday morning, a 4.50 downpour made the sleep in decision easy, not about to go skating on 23mm Michelins in the wet.
A little hesitation Tuesday arvo taking on the hospital bunch running at 70%, but good numbers meant survival was possible. Robbo drew alongside as I rolled away first at 6 (I drew the short straw again), glad he was just cruising. Specialised Tony, Big Ben, Coggo, GT Craig, Paul, Dalton, Nath, Harpo, Luke, Hamish, Dion and Kev took to the course, MachineSteve, Trent, Trudy, Deano and more expanding the pack to two dozen en route to the Emu. Felt I'd overdressed for 17 degrees, but cooked was better than chilled in my current state. A nasal assault from stubble burning, fertiliser and the piggery to endure to the Toaster, Boundary Rd and beyond, just a few taking Channel Rd home, Harpo boxed in to force him on the full course. I took a short go at the front in River Rd (should have left the Garmin backlight off, showing 174bpm), good foresight with Deano unleashing the fury a few turns later for a mid 40's blast to Central Kialla Rd. The peleton thinned at the rear, single filed survivors (including me) bowing out of active duty. Paul drove hard into Mitchell Rd exciting the troops to start track turns, one more go for me before the jar emptied. A few more joined the ranks at the rear, Dalton (minus the magic bananas) was a great gatekeeper for the survivors. Traffic split the bunch at the highway, the kind lads waited to pick up the three that didn't want to play chicken with trucks. Machine Steve threw petrol on the fire on the turn out of the little bridge, only the tough lads going with him. Nine were unhooked by the horse stud but worked together to minimise the pain for the last two k's, three minutes of 170+ bpm dulled my legs to roll through the finish well spent.
Suprised to find damp roads at the south end of town on Wednesday morning, more suprised to see a lifelike holographic projection of WhisperingJack at the Kialla roundabout though! Shorty, Nick, Pistol, Shane, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, Temple, Rocket, SuperMario and Trav set southward at six into the fog of the Archer Rd moors, no sunrises to view, just dark horizons to pursue. Shane, Rocket and PistolPete teamed together to be the days drivers, into the long, dark, foggy lengths of River Rd, silence from the oncoming Hurt Locker, cackles from the Cats a k behind. Lungs are almost at full function now, coping well between the considerate cadence of AvantiTrev and Trav. The three drivers shot a take two Boundary Rd blast, silence in the ranks behind told the story. The taillights of a big bunch of Breakaways (girls group growing gumption) was the lure for boys to chase, Avanti & WobblyTrev, Temple and WhisperingJack had thrown in the towel, applying for early (rearmost) retirement. Passed the lasses, dodged the puddles then a pacy tap along the Cha Cha and Mexican Bonanza to finish us in good time.
Timing the Couldabeens arrival to avoid the first shift has it's drawbacks, scored the grid position behind HBK and Rocket with Jase & Pistol behind me (a double crunchy coating with a soft centre) Joined by Shorty, Trav, Kenworth, Nick, WhisperingJack, AvantiTrev, WobblyTrev, ChrisA, SuperMario, Temple, Shane & FeltMat, we launched into Channel Rd, Mark &Trish arriving at Kensington. Mental calculations of the when & where pairing with HBK occupied my grey cells (Kinder to the cypress trees was manageable, half a bike in arrears of course). SuperMario buried himself beside Pistol's calibre for the last leg of Channel, recovering with the considerate Chris in Boundary's tail breeze (HBK's protests at the respite received a single digit response). Rocket's rotation resumed the rush, Nick, Mark, Shane and Trav the grinners winning the tail wind lucky dip. AvantiTrev and Temple finally put in an appearance at the front in Mitchell, I put in a quiet word to Mark on old knicks and their translucence (we don't need to see the foliage in the fissure). Whispering Jack had a crack (excuse the pun, a turn at the front), my next turn had all the anticipation of an enema, into the mid 40's with HBK (yipee for the descent and yikes for the ascent of Mt. Nicolaci). All effort was put into hanging onto Jase's wheel at the rotation, lightheaded and close to despatching breakfast, it was Christmas on a stick to slow for Melbourne Rd traffic. Skipping four places in the order at Roubaix as a brief respite, it was back to face the music at Arcadia Downs with Pistol. 100 metre turns were more than acceptable at this rate of knots, Rocket and Chris were left the lions share with 400 to go though. A midfield finish was inked into my agenda, Chris and Rocket stomping on the pedals (and everyone elses hopes) to thrash out the finish in that order. Finished blurry, gasping but chuffed to cross the line in 45.23, just 5 seconds off the fastest time.
A solo ride Friday, a little variety in the course heading out New Dookie Rd, only 5 cars in the 6am peak hour. A bunny to dodge near Lemnos, avoided the Area 51 express steaming south at Boundary Rd too, indian filed on a mission. Plans of a steady solo lap were abandoned crossing Old Dookie Rd, a dozen Cats entering Boundary were soon in pursuit. Can't beat 'em so joined 'em. Slotted into their track turns with Googs, BassoDave, MexicanAnthony and the others (not quite identified in the dark), Trudi as taillight I think. A big blast from an overtaking cattle truck nearing the Broken bridges was fairly fractious, plenty of room given. I was deliberately ignoring the pace and focussing on the wheel ahead, a sneaky peek at the escalating h.r. my only ball & chain. Landmarks passed quickly with a super smooth and swift shift along River Rd, concentrating on the now clockwise rotation into the north wester (of little concern with short turns) Feeling a touch sluggish by Kialla Hall, a rear tyre worry surfaced, remembering 25psi shy on the pre-ride pump. Swung into Mitchell, out of the seat flogging the pedals to stay in touch when a loud twang sent a Mavic message that all was not well with wheel woetation, a waskally wobble from a broke spoke. Bugger! Bid my adieu's to the dissapearing pack and pulled up to open the dragging brake caliper, a soft tyre into the bargain from a slow puncture. (pennance for defecting to the feline side?) A few stops on the limp home to pump the rim off the road, cheers to (commuting) Cat Phil for offering a lift, big hoorays to the AvantiPlus pit crew for a rapid repair, respoke, realign and readiness to ride the same day.
Week 21 : 258km YTD 5,972km
Word of the Week
"Fortitube" (noun) The strength of a puncture resistant tube
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)