What the head said

 Post #656

30/7  Crispy!

GiantAndy's blast past in the slipstream of a passing car skewed the psychology of Saturday's ride (nice guy that he is, he's just got way too much horsepower!)  And I'd just assured Wendy she'd cope with a Couldabeens Saturday speed! (prepare to be struck off the Christmas card list Foss!)    Temperature was the big test today, so Andy's arrival promised to put some heat into the minus 2.8. (I was trying to ignore the feels like minus 5.2)     At least Bruce, Wozza, PistolPete, Emil, Rocket, Boof, Grumpy and the 5ft Ninja had fronted to share in the suffering, though even before wheels got rolling, my thoughts of going o.t.a. needed erasing.  

Grumpy hadn't ridden a lot this week and Bruce was only just out of his sick bed, so maybe others were thinking the same?  Double trouble (Bo and The Godfather) were notable by their absence. The parting pack stayed single file for a bit, conjuring thoughts of a possible and painful pace-line, but Emil and Boof took up the two row format nearing the truck route, so now started the game of picking a partner to pair with (leave it too long and you don't get a choice!)   Grumpy's wheel became mine to follow when I'd reached the rear so I readied for the second wheel syndrome (even at the back of the pack) while Grumpy's chat kept him well off the wheel ahead.   Sooner or later duty calls and by coincidence (like yesterday) it was at River Rd's dip so refrigerated lungs were to blame for a shorter shift, even before I'd started.  

Bruce kindly called "your speed" for part two and as much as I wanted to be slower, preserving pace was the priority.....even if it meant a short shift.  Sealant from the Ninja's rear tyre made its marks on her jersey and tail-light though comments were kept quiet (probably fearing Emil's tirade about tubeless!)  The shepherd's warning of red at the horizon near River Rd's end was strangely inspiring, a subtle sign of days slowly lengthening (now to find the sign of warming temperature!)   Wendy and the Ninja had opted for seats in the caboose rather than a second shift and, tempting as that place was, I had a bit left in the legs for a bit more business at the business end (it's the theory of why you bang your head against a brick wall ; 'cause it's nice when you stop!)  "It's the coffee and chat at the end"was PistolPete's reasoning of why we were riding in this chill, otherwise the method in our madness failed a sensible answer, though I reckon 'cause others do had a lot to do with it.  

Grumpy and GiantAndy pointed our path west into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and probably out of habit, pace percolated.  With wind no reason, I reckon the bait of breakfast was to blame.  (cue the smug grin finding no Cats or '51 on the length of tarmac ahead ; were they soft.....or sensible?)    For a moment I thought Grumpy had a mechanical malfunction, tucking into GiantAndy's draft but his want for watts was the problem (too much talk, not enough tempo?) so found myself in the drivers seat before I knew it.  As predicted, my turn was short, calling Bruce across before I blew a gasket.   A colorful start to Saturday prompted a bout of frozen fingers to snap a pic (I suffer for my art!)   

Rocket, Wozza, Emil and PistolPete kept the pace up to Lemnos, signing my resignation from duty ;  I was happy to let fitter fellas drive the train to town but I'd be crossing my fingers at back hoping to hold on for the bolt along the Boulevard.  If I got beyond the cemetery, maybe Wendy and the Ninja would look after me?  Preparing for GiantAndy to launch at Canterbury's roundabout was cancelled, most held tempo and watched Andy & Emil gradually gain ground ahead.  Thank you know what.....chill had over-ruled a chase.  Speed was still swift enough to glue focus to the wheel ahead and avoid the parked and passing cars along the Boulevard, but eventually looking back nearing Knight St found Grumpy, Boof and Bruce off the back. (Grumpy's puncture had several assistants so we'd made a bee line for breakfast and warmth instead)  Simulators, Zwift vs reality and Grumpy's vexed vision filled the breakfast table with laughs, a great diversion from facing the chilled commute home.

2/8  Six pack. 

There was a little life in the legs after two days off two wheels and being back into the thick of the regular squirrel procession felt good (apart from just two degrees on the gauge and a little northerly to chill the bones)   I've got to know every millimeter of the rear of Emil's La Pierre over the past year of squirreling, nearly always second wheel on the drive out Channel Rd readying for the usual short donation beyond the truck route.  Consistency is a good thing.   Maybe that's why Wendy, Kim, Jen and the 5ft Ninja were lined up behind?   Mid thirties seemed to be the days standard though tempo had dropped a little bound for the Kinder (logged in the memory bank for next time I was on driving duty ; we need to keep all the friends we can in this weather!)  Jen's persistence riding regularly is paying off with a notable drive from the cypress trees to the S bend, the Ninja particularly keen on pace for her shift to the highway, so I played shock-absorber for Wendy, Kim and Jen whip-lashed by her blast into Coach Rd.  Despite the breeze in the face, Emil dialed the pace up to mid thirties again on Boundary, but not a protest was heard (maybe there was no oxygen to spare for complaints?)    

I'd given up guessing where Emil's turn would end, better to fix focus on that  familiar wheel ahead and deal with the shift when it came (if I had the oxygen left!)   Time came eventually, not at Old or New Dookie Rd, but for the west way along Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  Emil must have been a bit off colour ; only a six and a half k turn today.   The three k drive to Lemnos North Rd should be child's play for me then!   It was bearable with the breeze now at the right shoulder but even more bearable handing over to Wendy to take on Ford Rd where I could gain a few breaths at the back.  Kim did the Grahamvale to Verney shift and Jen had the privilege of driving south toward Balaclava but reaching Hawkins St, Emil's compulsion to charge into town was too great. 

4/8  Naked knees!

There's a lot of hesitation leaving the leg warmers in the drawer at this time of year, even when 13 degrees shows on the Bureau's data.  Yes, I checked it twice!  A long cold winter softens you a bit!  A base layer and arm warmers were getting an outing but I'd eventually braved naked knees and finger-less gloves in the hardening-up process at stupid o'clock.   It'd been many moons since feeling double digit temperatures.   I'd found Emil and Wendy converging on Tarcoola's roundabout but Kim and Jen were marked absent again.  There'd be some suffering to do with the Sanctuary squad if no other squirrels showed.  The 5 ft Ninja's appearance at the shop saved the day though there'd be a bit more work to do with just four.  The reported northwester was more like west northwest so Emil's tempo to the truck route nearing 40 was understandable, though I took a punt that pace wasn't so popular and set 37's to Orrvale Rd.  (Wendy voted velocity at 35's to the Kinder, so I was close)  This would be a strange squirrel spin - none of the usual shifts today, and there'd be more than usual.   The Ninja led us to the cypress trees so Emil was back at the business end early (though I was surprised to see his elbow elect me to the front at the S bend).  To the end of Channel Rd seems a bit short, so the short drive to the highway made it longer.  What was meant to be a northwester wasn't hampering Wendy's pace along Boundary Rd and the 5 ft one turned up the huff and puff a little more en-route to New Dookie Rd.  

I was well prepared for an epic effort from Emil when he took the reigns so what a surprise to be ushered to the front at the turn west into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  (almost as surprising as the 51 fraternity fielding a squad of six southbound ; double digit temperatures must get them outdoors?)   Wind wan't an issue so I could lengthen my aim to Lemnos North Rd without fear of bending a valve or blowing a gasket getting there (but I may have toasted Wendy a little 'cause her tempo tamed a tad into Ford Rd.....but she soldiered onto to Grahamvale Rd regardless). The Ninja's burst of enthusiasm got us to Verney Rd without delay and she continued the drive south toward Balaclava but you know who got itchy to tow us into the 40's into town, and despite the hurry, Balaclava's usual red light gave us a few breaths of recovery. 

5/8  Wind weary.

We should be grateful for a dry road and a clear radar when forecast showers failed to arrive at stupid o'clock.  At this time of year carpe diem rules!  I'd be nit-picking to grizzle about the feels like 3 degrees headed toward Friday's starting grid and I should thank my lucky stars Rocket, Boof, Wozza and Emil towed Jen and I there, and a northerly made the effort even easier! (let's not think about the driving into the wind and if I'd be at the front at the time!)      Bruce, Kreeky, PistolPete, Kel, the 5ft Ninja and Grumpy made it a dozen to drive south, PistolPete (naturally) sharing the lead with Rocket to Mitchell Rd.  

The Almighty must have said "Peace be with you" 'cause The Godfather was a.w.o.l.     Kreeky sat cautiously in the caboose as two rows got into order so hardening up early for duty, I joined the advance on Emil's wheel, figuring a shift in River Rd might be better than the hurt of the headwind in Coach Rd.  (if I got my timing right)   Rocket and Bruce towed us the 2 k's to Central Kialla and Kel drew the short straw of the headwind to River Rd.  I did get the timing right fronting with Emil for the first couple of k's in River Rd and made it to the bridge with a bit left in the tank, though rolling across and copping the wind at the left flank (as Jen paired to my right) wore away the watts that were remaining rapidly.  

The old engine wouldn't make it to the dip (well, that's what the head said) so I called on Jen's charity for a slipstream (she wanted a short shift anyway!)    Silencing the guttural groans of oxygen upload erased the memory of who did what and when and where till nearing rooster corner, some coherence had returned to see the Ninja duck into the left line and avoid the headwind hurt to come.   Horsepower (aka Wozza and Boof) came to the rescue to tow us north and with Grumpy and Pistol lined up as backstops, most would avoid duty at the front for a while.  The Ninja and Kreeky set themselves up for a dip in the drivers seat in Old Dookie Rd and that calmed concerns of my second appearance at the business end.  

The Ninja (with the considerate company of Bruce) did well to drive to Central Ave but took a rain-check for part two.  Kreeky fronted with Emil headed to Dobson's bridge but he rain-checked too, so suddenly I was alongside Emil (and his enthusiasm) to get to the truck route, post haste.  I was doing ok till the wind shear from an oncoming truck nearly blew the helmet off my head and from there, legs went to licorice.  Hurry wouldn't compute in the cranium and when Boof and Emil bolted toward SPC, a gap opened.  And that folks is the beginning of the end.  Wishing others would pass me to put me out of my misery didn't work, the peek behind found most happily sitting in my draft, so by Wheeler St I was well and truly toasted.   With no option but to coast back to the caboose, the attempt to hold on was inspired by the long black awaiting at the Butter Factory.

This week 204 km  YTD 7,911 km                        

On-board entertainment

 Post #655

23/7  The Saturday squad swap.

For a moment it looked like being a solitary Saturday spin.  Not a soul was at (or near) the start at 5:58.  This might not have been a good idea.  A shift to the Wouldabeens (for variety's sake) may have caught them snoozing this Saturday.   But five leds appearing in Gordon Drive saved the day eventually (and saved me the pain of solitary confinement)      I only just survived a 20 k solo prologue 'cause eyelids sprang open at 4:15 and refused to close again. (sitting at home staring at the walls only breeds excuses not to ride!)    Jase, Wendy, Shorty, Weapon and Crossy took their places at the grid but Superman (who'd called the bunch to arms) was missing (sounds like BamBam's habit is contagious in these parts!)

Shorty set wheels in motion and Superman appeared just as we'd cleared the roundabout.  Nine degrees could have been mistaken for another planet at this time of year and a north northeaster propelled Shorty swiftly to Sanctuary Drive, Crossy taking captaincy there to Mitchell Rd.....and that's where the honeymoon ended.   Time to do some work into the wind now!  By virtue of position, Weapon got the Mitchell Rd leg to Central Kialla and tamed tempo accordingly.  

Woulda's preference for their eastern path on Mitchell Rd was a change of my usual scenery (mundane as it was in the dark), Wendy driving toward the sole landmark of the dog-leg where Jase was promoted to the front.  Without so much as a road sign to go by, there wasn't a thing to aim at but that strengthening east northeaster would end efforts at the front soon enough.  I'd been given the helm somewhere in no-man's land with no guide on the length to Coach Rd, so continued at Jase pace hoping the tank wouldn't dry up.  A reflection of a curved arrow in the distance finally gave me a clue of the hurt remaining.  

I'll confess that joining the Woulda's today was to seek a sedate spin but this was becoming an effort for the old engine to reach the main eastern channel!  Superman took charge for the aim north while I fought to find a draft at the road's edge.  Red lit the horizon to distract the frustration.   Shorty did well despite limited time on the bike and Crossy raised the standards when he was given the reigns at the Broken bridges.  Jase and I again drew the short straw of the headwind in Old Dookie Rd after Weapon and Wendy had divided the drive of Boundary Rd.  Nearly at the Pork Palace when Jase's elbow beckoned me to the front, the drive to the Toaster wasn't much fun though thoughts of the tailwind home found the watts to get there. 

Superman suffered on the shift toward the Pine Lodge church and Shorty withdrew from duty with a lack of lumens from a new headlight (now there's another sneaky ploy to escape a turn at the business end!)    Crossy opened the throttle headed to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and that disconnected Superman from the formation, so a brief pause and a calm resumption of pace got seven back together again.  Two rows formed now that the wind was behind us , ego's inflated now that high 30's didn't need much effort (and there were none of the usual concerns about the bolt to breakfast on the Boulevard either, this crew steer to breakfast via Verney Rd!)   Overseas itineraries, easy arrests and cruisy jobs made for different discussion over a different breakfast at BelCibo's. 

25/7  Buoyed by the breeze at the backside.

On a cold winter's morning with no time clock to conform to, a sensible person would stay warm and soak up a sleep-in........I did say a sensible person!  Five degrees wasn't so bad and an easterly breeze wasn't so brutal, though trying to get some sort of speed out of the old engine is always a big ask on a Monday  (Emil must go through a lot of brake pads between Tarcoola and Sanctuary Drive)   The grid failed to fill more than nine places at 5:39, The Godfather, Emil, Lenny, PistolPete, Kel, Wozza, Rocket and the 5ft Ninja were the few to front for the start of the 38th week's work.   Common sense had the pack stay Indian file under PistolPete's lead, that easterly now feeling quite a handbrake with high 30's standards on speedo (clever me to be at the back with a fair amount of eastward travel to go)    

PistolPete played the gentleman  staying on the front to Central Kialla to spare the 5ft Ninja the headwind, her turn an admirable one to River Rd.  My glance back on the lookout for traffic found PistolPete was a.w.o.l., so a squirt to the front delivered Kel the news to ease up.  Oxygen stocktaking was nice.  Pete had reconnected within a minute (headlight overboard apparently) so we were back on the gas to River Rd's bridge.  That head-on breeze had no effect on Rocket's urge to reach rooster corner yet I was into Zone 5 keeping up!   At this rate I'd have a coronary collapse getting to 2nd wheel!  Wozza kept the speed simmering up Coach Rd in the 36's and 7's to the highway and Emil continued the cruelty to Old Dookie Rd though the breeze now on the starboard side helped the heart rate settle back to Zone 4. 

The way back to town had a little less labor with the breeze at the backside but when The Godfather dragged us to Central Ave and the Ninja delivered us half way to Dobson's bridge, holding Lenny's wheel to the truck route got me nudging Zone 5 again.  Being towed for most of the circuit had me feeling rather guilty, so when Lenny elbowed me to lead the shift to SPC, it was time I earned my keep.  Pleased as punch to get 40 on the Garmin early but desperate (and a bit blurry) to maintain it, a passing car provided a subtle slipstream when I was left with just a few drops in the tank.  What timing!  Those 50mm Craftworx wheels paid me back with pace to continue to Wheeler St and there the empty tank made the engine splutter.  It was a short contribution but a satisfying one (when I got my breath back!), topped off by kudos from Rocket no less!

26/7  Because others did! 

The Ninja bailing out of Tuesday's spin could have triggered a mass exodus with a damp and windy Tuesday circuit in store.  One more "I'm out" and I'd be pulling the pin too!  So I found a bit of inspiration to know Emil, Kim and Wendy were stepping up to take on a somewhat soggy circuit.  Where would we be without a bunch to motivate?  (Probably tucked up in a warm bed getting eight hours sleep.....and going very soft!)  Jen had returned to the damp and dreary six degrees from a beachside Queensland weekend too, so five to ride wasn't a bad showing, the westerly wind helping our hurry out of town but would be applying some hurt for the return. 

Emil didn't get too excited with the tailwind to the truck route (I reckon Kim would know an effective payback if he did!) and I wasn't about to stir up any scorn with speed either (hell hath no fury etc......)   I managed to avoid the puddles and steer the less-damp line to Orrvale Rd but guessed there'd be at least a dozen worms stuck to the bike by now.  Wendy's smooth shift to the Kinder was followed by Kim's contribution to the cypress trees and Jen had no problem with pace to the S bend.  Emil started round two with a dose of determination toward Coach Rd but a holler from the rear for a discount on speed lowered the standard a bit. It did keep everyone on speaking terms.  Besides, some sort of wattage would be needed for the return to town. 

Attempts to hold a straight line and a steady speed weren't so successful when Emil handed me the lead at Boundary's bridge, that westerly was intent on making a mess of it.  (I could use the excuse of dodging puddles I suppose?  Those behind probably thought I was drunk!)   Already the shift scenarios were being calculated in the skull and the familiar pattern of being towed back to town looked likely, so extending my turn to New Dookie Rd felt like a fair share (it would probably be my swansong)   Wendy towed us to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd where Kim and Jen shared the 4 k's to Lemnos so when Emil took the lead into Ford Rd my theory of being towed to town proved true. Of course he drove the last 8 k's to the Butter Factory, I just had to hold his wheel!

27/7  Free entertainment.

The headlight lit up another damp strip of tarmac Wednesday; so wasn't it worth spending half an hour cleaning the bike yesterday?!    (and just as I'd mustered up enough motivation to face yet another winter's morning).  A cold westerly was thrown in just to test my limits.  Thrashing the old engine to Sanctuary Drive with Boof and Emil  (I reckon I commute with the wrong division, or should I leave home 15 minutes earlier?) found Lenny, Greg, Rocket, Wozza,  Kel, Bo, the 5ft Ninja and The Godfather congregating for the ride ritual, so I tactically joined the rear in hope of getting the westerly up the Khyber when my turn came due (let's hope it'd happen in River Rd)  

Lenny had set a keen pace which hammered hopes I'd match it when promoted to the drivers seat but I'd cross that bridge when it came.  Bo and The Godfather seem inseparable lately and that spelled mischief as they paired to River Rd's bridge, though Bo wouldn't swallow the bait of being half wheeled so tempo didn't go supersonic.  Time in the hot seat drew near for me in the draft of Boof and The Godfather to the dip, happy that Boof towed me up the category three climb before rolling across at Trevaskis Rd.  The westerly helped me get to the quarter horse stud but matching the 5ft Ninja on her mission to get to rooster corner toasted me.  A side wind on Coach Rd and the Ninja's miserable draft wasn't helping the heart rate in recovery either!   

Lenny and Greg threw the social standards out the window touching 39's to Old Dookie Rd, my saving grace was I'd be unlikely to get to the front again (such sad news ; I'd have to miss that headwind to town!)  Bo had slipped back a few places in the order (avoiding the headwind or another pairing with The Godfather?) while Rocket and Wozz didn't spare the horsepower toward Central Ave.  Emil and The Godfather got together for the drive to the truck route with hurt on the to do list, and just as Greg praised The Godfathers' determined drive, he ran out of steam and retreated for a draft 200 metres shy of the mark. There was a lot of sting in the squirt to SPC but a chance to get oxygen came when Wozz punctured at Wheeler St.

28/7  Westerly woes.

Hardening up to the hurry of the Sanctuary squad looked likely when Kim and Wendy failed to front up on Thursday.  Just Emil and I set southbound while I suppressed thoughts of a Sanctuary thrashing but concerns were soon cancelled finding Jen and the Ninja at the shop, all set to spin the squirrel circuit.  There'd be a little less speed but a bit more labor to make up for it, particularly with a westerly to worry about for the return.  Naturally Emil introduced us to the circuit with his standard shift to the truck route and with the wind behind, soon put high thirties on the agenda.  I wasn't so stressed to conform to that standard, my usual turn to Orrvale Rd has only 1200 metres to drive. (Sounds short, but the wattage spent to get there becomes apparent when re-stocking oxygen again in the draft)     Jen took us to the Kinder in the "warmth" of nine degrees though the suffering of the headwind we'd face at Lemnos-Cosgrove wouldn't make things too comfortable. The Ninja drove on to Hanlon Rd where Emil commenced round two, so where I'd be given the elbow to lead was anyone's guess.  (Nothing like a bit of variety injected into the usual ritual).  Bearing north into Coach Rd pegged the pace a bit with the wind at the left shoulder and surprise surprise, Emil elbowed me to the front crossing the highway (and I'd just finished my therapy sessions on the repetition of the Pub to Old Dookie shift!)   The orchards offered a little shelter and that smooth stretch of tarmac had the Michelin's humming. (A check on the speedo confirmed it was more of a psychological speed than physical one though!)  

Not being greedy, I gave Jen the lead at Old Dookie Rd, reckoning the Ninja would have a chance of avoiding the wind up to Lemnos-Cosgrove, therefore Emil's energy could be spent westward into the headwind. That went to plan, but I hadn't counted on suffering the second wheel syndrome when Emil chose a long drive to Lemnos.   Preparing to face the front in Ford Rd, I had more of that second wheel work to Grahamvale Rd instead.  These young fella's with energy to burn...........  Surely I'd get the lead role for the short shift to Verney?  Nope!  Emil's exuberance went further to Verney Rd where I felt certain he'd continue on his trademark shift south to the Butter Factory, but pickle my grandmother! I'd finally been given the drive to Balaclava Rd.  Smooth tarmac again and a few houses lending shelter from the wind made the return to town most pleasurable (though a puncture slapped some reality into me at the Uni.).  

29/7  F...f...f...frigid Friday!

And here's me thinking the worst of winter had passed!  Friday turned frigid with a feels like minus 2.5 and that got the new thermal jersey off the hangar.......now to ready the lungs for a Friday frosting!  Southbound to Sanctuary Drive had the usual preparation for for bunch speed by trying to keep up with Emil, Jen, Boof and Rocket ; seems hard at the time yet I survive a faster pace later!  The Godfather, Bo, PistolPete, Kel and Greg lined up for labor at 5:39, PistolPete providing his usual leadership to Mitchell Rd.   I joined the queue for work at the rushin' front behind Rocket, hoping his kindness to senior citizens hadn't faded and trusting Jen (behind) wouldn't tear my legs off on part two!  

There was plenty of effort into the legs keeping pace with Greg and Emil dragging us through Central Kialla to distract the senses from the cold. Efforts elevated when promoted to third wheel while Emil and The Godfather steered two lines to River Rd's bridge with hardly a breeze to grizzle about (SE 6-9 km/h) but 100 % humidity felt like pushing through soup.  

Rocket's compassion helped the head cope with the drive toward the dip and Jen let me off the hook of hurt when she called a short shift for part two.  Boof and PistolPete seemed to be just about stalling towing us to rooster corner. (all I want for Christmas is half their wattage Santa!)   A hint of horizon light lit hopes of longer days ahead while hopes of surviving turn two filled the head when joining the advance again.  (Bo had restored a bit of calm to the velocity as some sort of encouragement)  Verbal mud-slinging featured at the front when Rocket and The Godfather steered us into Old Dookie Rd but that's the standard on-board entertainment that aids attendance isn't it?  

Rocket was highly amused by The Godfather's effort to slow the speed, though that's exactly what I'd be doing when given the lead role!    Getting to the front at School Rd, frustration grew as the old engine refused to deliver what the head wanted, and when it miss-fired beyond Central Ave, I called Boof straight over to recover. Why ruin the rhythm?  I'd suppressed the sounds of suffering to Dobson's bridge where the world started to come back into focus and that was just in time to use the last in the tank for that dash to SPC.

This week 284 km       YTD 7,707 km                        

      

Lowered heads and heightened heart-rates

Post #654

16/7  The sting in Saturday.

So close to picking up the phone and messaging "I'm out" of the Saturday ride, that little voice in the back of the skull reminded me of the regret I'd suffer later.  I'd had a very average night so enthusiasm was at a trickle at stupid o'clock and excuses were multiplying rapidly.  Couldabeens camaraderie to the rescue!  Four degrees was bordering on civilized considering the week just passed and a northeaster (11-20 km/h) made the spin to Sanctuary sublime, particularly when Emil and I had caught Boof, Rocket and Wozz at Archer St's lights and scored their slipstream to the start line.  

Numbers at the grid were thin though (add PistolPete, Bo, Greg, Grumpy and Bruce to the recipe), that feeling of being a pop-gun among the cannons was hard to get out of the head as the clock ticked toward six.  The Godfather arrived to join the ranks Indian filed to the truck route and that painted a picture of punishment for this old pop-gun.  To Mitchell Rd and the easy stuff was done, now to face that wind for the next twenty k's.  Luck had me on the sheltered side at the back when two lines eventually formed, though Grumpy's wheel was a hard act to follow (sitting well off the wheel ahead locked into some sort of conversation with anyone alongside)    A sense of being second wheel, but at the back.  Well, that was my reckoning of being on the rivet but a long way from serving a shift.   

Bo pulled the handbrake on hurry half way into River Rd so I made the most of overdosing on oxygen.  (Maybe his Friday hydration of hops nobbled his tempo?  Not complaining, I was relishing the respite!)   TatPaul was caught beyond the dip while I calculated my time at the business end would be in Boundary so there was time for a bit of social stuff before the huff and puff at the helm.   Grumpy rolled across at the highway and that northeaster squashed speed immediately, those behind would have to tolerate something sluggish.  Reaching the bridge felt like a big achievement though the "downhill" was no reward.  Wozz kindly stayed level for part two of my punishment while I went to war with what the head wanted and what the legs and lungs wouldn't do.   Frustrating isn't it?  (Ferrari hopes - Festiva outcome)   

Enough was enough when the fig farm came into the headlights beam and trying to silence the gasps of recovery was nearly as hard as silencing Grumpy!  TatPaul did his standard exit to town when we swung east into Old Dookie, Bo's gillet becoming a spinnaker en route to the Toaster so sledges were served thick and fast when he called a halt to re-zip it  (now that's a good trick to recover lost oxygen come to think of it!)    Reaching Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd was like winning the lottery; that the northeaster now blowing at the right buttock, but naturally tempo was turned up accordingly.  I hesitated to join the advance again but playing a small part in the peloton is better than none isn't it?  Forties became de rigueur bound for Lemnos and the effort escalated on each promotion toward the front.  (What's the physics?  It's said a rider ahead reduces drag by 10% but 7% more speed needs 20% more power....... those factors meant my next shift would be short!)    It's very reassuring when the other guy calls "your speed", it's almost a "get out of jail free", but expectations of providing a pace something like respectable weigh heavily in the head (then that often drives you too hard)   Almost embarrassed to call half-time just half a k into the turn, my focus became narrow (and rather blurry) to get another half k out of the old engine beside Wozz. (Well, it was always going to be a small part to play......)   The consolation of being towed back to breakfast helped the recovery a bit, if  I'd cope with the now habitual hurry along the Boulevard was another matter!   

I didn't feel so spent when Bo burst a boiler at the front at DECA and retired to the rear ; seems I wasn't the only one running at the red line.  Just like lining up for a prostate exam, I gritted teeth along Rudd Rd in readiness for the bomb to go off in the Boulevard, how timely then for Grumpy to deliver a glowing testimonial that I'd survived the pace to date.  (Now I'd have to perform to the pedestal he put me on!)  Suffering turned single file as Rocket lit the afterburners at Canterbury's roundabout and luck had me 3rd last in the order, but the tank was almost bone dry a thousand metres later.  Last in line at Tarcoola's roundabout, I hesitated for a moment as a car approached.....and that dropped me ten metres off the back in a blink (and didn't that raise the white flag in the head)  PistolPete easing off the gas was my saving grace, I could catch the ranks of the rearmost to be towed back into a feeling of belonging to a bunch.   T de F scenery, winter insulation and Didi's use-by date was babbled through breakfast and even with legs like jelly, I was glad I'd ignored those early excuses. 

18/7  Trial by temperature (or the lack of it!)

If 1.4 degrees wasn't cold enough, a west northwester sprang up to chill the bones on Monday, good preparation for colder stuff to come if the forecast was to be believed.  Lenny had emerged from hibernation to blow some cobwebs off the old Cannondale (and probably blow some cobwebs out of Lenny too!), otherwise it was just the few winter soldiers left  (PistolPete, Emil, Bruce, Bo, Kel, Rocket, Wozza and The Godfather) that formed up to charge around a chilled circuit.   Naturally PistolPete got wheels turning south, Emil enthused to pair for the 3km to Mitchell Rd.  Even though you brace for the real chill at speed, the reality of that icy atmosphere gets you every time. And doesn't it get the adrenaline production into double time!   But all is well after a minute or so.....everything goes numb.  A few were calculating the forecast days ahead might just cross their comfort zone so the mid-week numbers might be counted on one hand.  With River Rd almost in view, Lenny was questioning his comeback timing.   The weekend's activities, The Godfather's garble and "Bling's" beaut stage 14 win occupied the conversation and became some sort of distraction from the cold. The disintegrating tarmac at the quarter horse gates seems to be accelerating, a wheel could be lost in the pot-holes in a week or two.    

Bo's short shift toward rooster corner drew some flak, though my contribution would probably be shorter, so Kel saved Bo's bacon and took charge in Coach Rd.  It's not like Kel to call it quits shy of One Tree Dam so I assumed the lead of the left line and The Godfather took the right.  I could understand Kel's shortfall now as that west northwester whittled away the watts and chilled the lungs that drive them.  So I called it quits too at the bridges for The Godfather's charity of a slipstream (where he gets his horsepower from I'm not sure, but there was enough to drive to Old Dookie Rd in the 36's  with Emil.) From there, other big engines took on the west way back home though Kel and I played our cards carefully in the caboose, rather than be drawn to the front again.  The young lads did the driving into the headwind like it was downhill, so maybe I should find a Spanish doctor to do something about my speed? 

19/7  You don't have to be mad.......but it helps!

Maybe I'm growing accustomed to the cold?  The atmosphere didn't bite when I opened the door, despite the bureau saying zero.   Every parked car's windscreen was a crusty white in the headlights beam on the roll to the crescent's end and being layered like an onion helped the old engine warm a bit..........till applying tempo!  (Yep, it's winter alright!)  The value of others riding in conditions like this can't be underestimated ; would anyone tackle this temperature solo? (if so, have them committed!)   So it was pleasing to find Wendy, Kim and Emil at Tarcoola for the squirrel spin, and Jen had dragged herself back from holiday to join the crew.  The 5ft one endured the 11 km commute in the cold to the Archer St shop though BamBam's intention to come may have been over-ruled by a warm bed.  So at 5:30,  Rule #87 applied  (no exceptions!) and Emil commenced proceedings east into Channel Rd showing a little sympathy on speed under the refrigerated conditions.  I had no qualms conforming to that speed when given the shift to Orrvale Rd (lungs weren't letting a lot of that icy stuff in!), Kim making a brief appearance at the front (a fractious foot an a week off two wheels was reason enough) before relinquishing the lead to Wendy to drive us to the Kinder.   

Jen had done the leg to the cypress trees and the Ninja had head down and tail up toward the S bend when the holler went out for a large Skippy and it's family of three parked in the Hanlon Rd intersection.  Six headlights sent them packing north but the Ninja resumed with a wide open throttle to distance Kim, Jen and Wendy off the back.  Courtesy told me tow truck duties were in order to get the squad back in line and that worked to the S bend but had cooked Kim in the process.  Standards were reset to 31's so squirrels didn't scatter (start as a team, finish the same)  A bit off the tempo was actually a bonus, I didn't need full throttle to hold Emil's wheel north in Boundary Rd so I could serve something decent when given the lead role at Boundary's bridge.  And so the turns rolled ; Wendy up to Lemnos-Cosgrove, Kim braved a short one west, Jen nearly got to Lemnos and the Ninja did extra into Ford Rd.  So when Emil got to the front with 7 k's till reaching town, I knew I wouldn't get in the drivers seat again.  Back into suburbia and seeking some warmth, the rumor of the Butter Factory not being open got caffeine cravings satisfied at Stellar. 

20/7  Combined clans in the cold.

If I didn't look at the Bureau's statistics I'd say Wednesday was cold......like most of the week had been.  The temperature's just a number that you're better off not knowing, but I looked anyway!  Mmmm......minus three wasn't worth knowing (and I didn't dare look at the "feels like"!)  Wendy had concrete for breakfast and fronted a frosty Tarcoola roundabout, joining Emil and I for the commute south to see what other hard-core starters there'd be.  Kreeky, Bo, PistolPete, Rocket, Boof, Kel and Greg was more than I'd expected and quite a contingent of Wouldabeens (Crossy, Joe (not Tony) and Jase) had joined too.  Maybe they'd tired of just four or five working their winter circuit?    

The Godfather arrived late at the truck route as Emil and PistolPete set the speed south, Woulda's were all in row ready to join the advance.  The social speed standard had returned for this Wednesday, probably as a courtesy to guests, though any sort of pace in the minuses was an effort.   Weapon had missed the 5:40 launch but used the short cut to get aboard in River Rd, so when I joined the advance I was in the Weapon / Wendy sandwich.  

Funny how you climatise to the regular riders habits and what each wheel is like to follow, the moment there's someone else in the pack it really rattles routine! I'd noticed a random 'clunk' kept repeating nearing rooster corner and it took a few moments to decipher ; someone was doing a spasmodic split-second freewheel, and didn't it ruin the rhythm!  (no pointing of fingers though, it's origin was a mystery)   Tempo tamed and turns at the front shortened in Coach Rd as Crossy, Jase, Joe (not Tony) and Weapon did their shifts, so I kept a keen eye on keeping wheels level with the visitors (a bit of respect goes a long way)   

Rocket and PistolPete were promoted to the front when Wendy called enough at Channel Rd, their pace preserved as sociable to the highway and carefully turned back up to the higher thirties toward Old Dookie Rd.   (to hell with the social stuff!)   With Boof, Greg and Emil lined up to serve at the front, there were a few sighs of relief at the back of escaping another turn at the business end. All survived the temperature and the tempo back to the Butter Factory, the warmth of coffee at the conclusion a particular pleasure (especially when you don't pay!)

21/7  The faster faction.

Squirrels had gone soft!  Emil and I toured to the Archer St starting grid minus Kim and Jen (an excessive hydration issue apparently had ruled them out) so with Liam and Lili yet to toughen up to the temperature (I told them holidays in the heat are no good for you!), Tina about to apply for Queensland citizenship, Wendy's want to work with the Woulda's and Molly missing (still), only the 5 ft Ninja was at the shop.  (Harden up Foss, that means we'd swap a slim squirrel squad for a swift Sanctuary session instead!  and here's me hoping for a semi-social sort of spin!)  Greg, Wozza, Boof, Kreeky, Bo, PistolPete, Kel, Rocket and The Godfather assembled in the minute before 5:40, Emil inheriting the first shift when PistolPete was beaten to the number one spot.  Single filed suffering is on the Tuesday / Thursday menu, so I was happy slotting into fifth wheel behind The Godfather when the pecking order got sorted exiting the roundabout (There'd be a bit of time to toughen up for the tempo)    Emil's been educated well; not too sluggish and not too supersonic to the truck route then slowly stoking the boiler to Mitchell Rd.  Airways weren't icing over today, 1.3 degrees was far less brutal on the respiratory system than yesterday's "feels like minus five".  PistolPete did the two and a bit k's to Central Kialla and Greg put plenty of progress into the path to River Rd.  Kreeky was wanting for watts and found the caboose the best place to search for them, so Emil carried the news forward to The Godfather to go a little easier on the effort.  (Phew!  I'd been saved!  Thanks Kreeky, I'll pay by the months end ;-)     Just those couple of clicks off the tempo meant I could manage the shift from the bridge to the dip (lucky it's one of the shortest expected drives on the circuit) so I preserved some standards rather than earn the badge of handbrake.  

The Ninja had legs and lungs working overtime too, keeping the kettle boiling to the quarter-horse stud where Wozza lowered heads and heightened heart rates to rooster corner to show us what wattage can do. (Get used to it Foss, Rocket was up next!)  Wind played little part on pace today, a west southwester was barely worth mentioning, but Rocket's rapid regardless of what the wind does.  Boof had Boundary Rd's leg to Old Dookie Rd so legs and lungs certainly got consistency for several k's.  Bo had found form to drive east beyond School Rd touching the forties, Kel completing the drive to Central Ave for Emil to take over.  Ah, not long now till the warmth of coffee would cure the "feels like" minus three.  (But would it cure jellied legs?!)  PistolPete preserved the protocol of a swift shift to SPC, even the commute was quick via the streets, intersections, curves and railway crossings to the elixir of life found in a mug.

This week 259 km   YTD 7,402 km