Impersonating Chewbacca

Post #675

10/12 The post-party few.

There'd be a few fuzzy heads and several delicate constitutions after Friday's Couldabeen's Christmas gig so I didn't expect many (or even any) to face Saturday's ritual.   Emil hadn't appeared at our agreed place and time so I'd set off at a (strangely) sedate pace to commute the 10 k's to Sanctuary Drive.  This just might be a solitary lap on my lonesome?  I should have known PistolPete would be a starter when a light appeared in Archer Rd (he'd turn up if it was raining cats and dogs!) so thoughts of being toasted in a team of two quickly haunted the head.  

Not another bike was seen on the little lap before grid formation (but surely Pistol would bow to pleas for pensioner pace?)   With a minute remaining to launch, Lenny, Greg, Bruce and Emil emerged from the side streets, saving me from the punishment of a pair to lap where the load would be spread among several. Speed would be a little spicier though.  Logically, Indian file formed and Pistol set a starting speed considerate to those who may be suffering hydration overload, though none looked too shabby or emotional from last night's festivities.  Lenny ahead and Bruce behind put me in a sandwich of speed and cranial calculations had my appearance for River Rd's first leg so there'd be a few minutes to harden up for hurrying.  An oncoming light in Archer Rd was first thought to be the miracle of The Godfather's arrival but his indulgence on Jagermeisters had effectively saved us; it turned out to be Dan the Man and TatPaul to saveus some labor on the lap.  

Emil seemed keen to flush Bo's homebrew from his system with speed toward Central Kialla and damn it, Lenny took that as a standard to put 40's on the menu toward River Rd.  I had wanted some horsepower left for my time at the business end.  Keeping to Kreeky's standards of setting your own speed, I defied my usual urge to push the prior pace and set it so I could reach the expected target of River Rd's bridge.  37's didn't sink the spirits too much (considering the southeaster was a little like a handbrake) though the gasps and groans of recovery had Lenny a little worried as I struggled to stay at the speed Bruce set for the rest of River Rd (so much for the satisfaction of my shift!)   Less stress Foss, there'd be ample time to refill lungs before duty called again.   

I hadn't noticed the new S-Works under Greg till he headed our way to the highway (yet another new steed in the squad's stable) and although a new bike always feels faster (to justify its' purchase price?) it's Greg's engine that's the real difference.   PistolPete had returned to the driver's seat for Boundary Rd and maybe he'd partially pickled TatPaul at second wheel 'cause Paul was fully fried driving the 800 meters to Old Dookie Rd's bridge.  (My turn didn't seem so lack-lustre now)  Dan the Man showed how a drive was driven going long to the Toaster then adding the leg to the Church (as if there was any doubt)   An easterly breeze homeward was a stroke of luck and naturally speed spiked accordingly, Emil (infected by Dan's long drive disease?) working up the watts on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd to reach Boundary.  Lenny was handed the job to take us to Lemnos, heeding the warning of two craters in the tarmac beyond the channel bridge. 

Squirrels have watched two pot-holes grow in recent weeks to become quarries; now they've almost merged to become a black hole!   The ease off the gas at least gained me a breath or two at second wheel for my forthcoming appointment with pain in Ford Rd.  The thought that this could be my last shift for the morning stirred some motivation but legs labored to deliver a decent turn to Grahamvale Rd (and keeping those valued few watts to catch the tail was critical to preventing an o.t.a. moment)   The want for oxygen on board went on hold as Bruce bolted to Numurkah Rd and the wish for a delay for traffic went unfulfilled. Greg was a good lad taking a little time to squeeze the throttle toward Mt.Wanganui, the urge to hold the wheel ahead into Rudd Rd extracting more effort than I thought was in the tank (that fear of being dropped finds watts previously thought spent)   Pleased the old engine kept up at 4th then 3rd wheel to Tarcoola, not till Knight St did Emil's enthusiasm finally open a gap to Lenny's wheel ahead of me.   A 36.3 average for Saturday's lap justified an extra banana bread for breakfast, chat on European art, reproduction car panels and the tangled web of compliance kept thoughts from the legs lament. 

14/12 Pseudo social.

Feels like 3 feels foreign when it's less than two weeks to Christmas, so the winter insulation went into service (yet again) for Wednesday's return to riding. (A few days away and it was time to shake off the rust, hopefully a painless procedure joining the social spin at Sanctuary Drive)   Troy, Greg, Kel, PistolPete, Kreeky, Tina, the 5ft Ninja, Lenny and Bo filled the grid, PistolPete of course captaining the crew south when 5:40 struck, The Godfather's late arrival as predictable as Pete on first shift.  

Indian file was flavor of the day, maybe 'cause a westerly would give grief to a second row forming, but it struck "social" off the menu when Pistol put 38's on speedo's to Mitchell Rd.   (The Godfather's berth at the back would have a payback)  Haste went into my hardening up process; at 3rd wheel my shift would be due through Central Kialla.  Kreeky had the treat of the tailwind on Mitchell, I had hopes pinned on houses sheltering me from the westerly so speed was something more than snail-like.  It was pleasing to keep wheels rolling at 35's and 36's for the 2 k's to River Rd (my attempt at socializing the speed) and I'd be in Tina's good books handing her a tailwind turn to River Rd's bridge.  Great intentions of pace tend to sink after three minutes in the driver's seat so speed had sunk a little at the bridge, but Troy turned it up again to the dip and handed the reigns to Kel.  Bo was given the lead a k short of rooster corner then added the northern leg to the Broken bridges, but his enthusiasm northbound had the tail-end full throttle to keep in touch with his idea of a social speed (sight of the shop squad sprinting into River Rd must have aroused his energy?)  

I thought Greg was driving north to the highway till the Ninja and Lenny appeared ahead in his shadow.   Lenny had a leaf from Bo's book on acceleration to get all off their seats and sprinting into Boundary Rd, the wind at the starboard side not slowing Lenny's ambition to get to Old Dookie Rd at 40.  The wind had some effect on Greg's drive west but 37's to School Rd could have been a bit more social!  The Godfather set the standards back in order to Central Ave then PistolPete raised the bar again to the truck route ('cause he can)     Kreeky drew the short straw for the squirt to SPC but was saved from early expiry by the draft of a few passing cars.

15/12 Somebody put Winter o.t.a!

Few fronted for Thursday's squirrels (just Wendy, Tina and Molly in the Rae St rendevous) and with Vic Roads repairing the Lemnos-Cosgrove craters, siding with the Sanctuary squad seemed to be the sensible option.  The girls were keen even if I wasn't looking forward to the labor! Yet again, the standards of Summer had sunk to feels like 3.5 and a southerly blew to help my hardening up process for the 10k commute  (Chivalry box ticked leading the lasses to the grid)   

A Christmas tree worth of lights converged on the roundabout; Trav, Troy, Kreeky, the 5ft Ninja, Rocket, Boof, Lenny, Liam, Greg, Bruce, Wozza, Kel, The Godfather (arriving early to surprise many) and Bo lined up for PistolPete to lead a smooth and steady start toward the truck route.  Bruce was the stand-in co-pilot in Emil's absence.  I should have joined the advance line early and taken the chance of a tailwind turn but was quickly boxed in by the astute, giving me a late arrival at the business end.  

I had about 40 minutes to prepare for the pain of a headwind shift in Old Dookie Rd.  The stress of the early pace soon subsided with wind at the Khyber on Mitchell and being drawn along in the vacuum of eight pairs ahead.  The Godfather and Kreeky were on duty through Central Kialla.  Velocities varied a bit for the eastward path on River Rd, Bruce and Bo in charge to the dip.  Fluctuations amplified at the rear where many had hoped to find relief; I'd have to wait till River Rd's end before I'd get a promotion forward.  The sun made an appearance on the horizon arriving at rooster corner but it did little to help the temperature!  

It wasn't such a good idea to brake for the 90 degree bend beyond the ripple strips 'cause Lenny and Boof were already well on the gas into Coach Rd; nine pairs of reactions later and the tailenders were distanced and well into the 40's to get back aboard. (I might just get this lap done without the labor at the business end if the eight ahead of me served the usual shifts)  Trav and Rocket had no drama driving north but some were having second thoughts on their position in the advance line as Old Dookie and it's headwind drew near.  The Ninja retreated to the left line near the fig farm and that set the scenario for Molly, Tina then Wendy to do likewise, promoting me four rungs up the ladder onto Liam's wheel.  (Easy Foss; he's only 40+ years younger!)  

The real issue was Troy's tempo at 39 into the wind from Central Ave (of course Liam would match it) then raising the white flag at Dobson's bridge for Liam to roll across, but Rocket had predicted my dilemma at second wheel (it's called lack of legs!) and offered refuge in the left line.  PistolPete paired with Liam to the truck route while I did my best Chewbacca impression, though my pity was for Kreeky being handed the lead for the squirt to SPC though the draft from a couple of passing cars saved him from a Hiroshima moment. 

16/12  Frivolity Friday.

Half way to the starting grid and the headwind won!  Respite for a k in Emil's slipstream was the only way I'd get to Sanctuary Drive without blowing a gasket.  I could really do with a reconditioned engine but there's no parts available for '57 models any more!  Feels like 4.5 was positively tropical in light of the week's minimums and of course a southerly blew making the first shift avoidable at all costs (I had trouble getting 31's on the speedo so delivering bunch speed was out of the question)  PistolPete loves the punishment and with Bruce alongside, Greg, Grumpy, The Godfather, Tina, Troy, Lenny, Wozza, Trav, Rocket, Bo, Boof, Kreeky, the 5ft Ninja and Kel sorted themselves into two rows.  The Godfather's proficient use of elbows muscled him onto Pistol's wheel.  

Headed east on Mitchell Rd felt like a holiday away from the south wind and in the shelter of the left line.  Grumpy was on time (for a change) to start with the squad, Trav was treating himself to running in the new Scott, Bo's been struck by an S-Works saddle malfunction so is still on the olde steed, Kreeky had opted for the old Avanti, Greg's well and truly run-in his 2 week old S-Works and Lenny was aboard the newest Cannondale in his fleet.  

The wheels on The Godfather's De Rosa made quite a racket in the low 40's along River Rd but they couldn't drown out the verbal vitriol served to anyone within earshot (half the Goulburn Valley!) Ahh, it'd be a dull lap without the fella's free entertainment!  I had pity for those at the back in the gutter trying to find shelter while Troy and Bo led out of the dip but Greg and Wozza had the echelon education to get up the road to deliver a decent draft for the brethren behind.  

Rocket and Wozz kept a handbrake on their hurry toward the Broken, quite a restraint considering the wind was blowing right up where the sun don't shine.  The Ninja took to the tailwind turn to the highway like a politician to a fact finding mission in the Maldives (a tax-free offer to good to refuse!)   Kel and Grumpy set the speed toward Old Dookie Rd and I'd drawn the short straw (by delaying appearance at the front) to be slapped with the southerly at the side on the city bound way west.  Kreeky and I were put to the task at School Rd but he's a considerate co-pilot.  With Trav partnering beyond Central Ave I'd hoped to reach Dobson's bridge, but I gathered he'd tired of my tame pace when he rolled across a little earlier to get Pistol as co-pilot to the truck route. 

(When they lifted pace by 2 km/h it felt like 20!)    I gladly let Emil and Lenny in ahead on the single filed dash to SPC, the more draft the better to prevent that tired old '57 engine exploding.

This week 215km

YTD 12,564km       

Amplified abilities.

 Post #674

3/12 Factional fractures.

The Saturday starting grid was strange.  Not just because Nev turned up or that BeerMat had made a comeback (to qualify for the Couldabeens Christmas party?)   And it wasn't because TatPaul and Lance had fronted either; it was those that were on the missing list.  The faster fellas would be assembling at the shop but where was the Ninja, The Godfather, PistolPete and Bo?  Molly was awol too.  Last week's separation of squads seems to have started a frenzy of factions.  (Sanctuary too slow and the shop squad too swift?)  It's a free country I guess and maybe things are becoming a little too familiar each weekday?  Sanctuary Drive had eleven starters, so Emil substituted for the lead role steering us south at six.  My sit at second wheel was quickly promoted to co-pilot when Emil rolled to the right and head the advance line, throwing me in the deep end of an early effort (good for hardening the head really; quick to secure an early draft and a late shift is becoming a ritual that could lead to early onset softness!)  

Kim, Lenny, BamBam, Tina and Lili had found their places in the procession while I fixed focus on the spinning front hub, Emil's white socks, the one dried worm he'd missed on an otherwise clean-as-a-whistle La Pierre.....anything other than that speck on the horizon that was my Mitchell Rd target.   I'd snuck a peek at the pace (careful to avert the eye from the heart-rate numbers) finding 36's not too crushing on the ego, given the southerly to fight  (I'm convinced getting a turn with a tailwind is the stuff of fantasy - why should I get it easy?)  Nev and Emil captained the clan east to Central Kialla while I reclaimed lost oxygen.  

Velocities varied a little as each made their contribution to the cause but if speed were a standard to be stuck to, shifts would shorten a lot and some may withdraw from duty altogether.  The call of "Bikes back" warned of the impending shop squad's arrival, GiantAndy driving a rather small train with Rocket and Wozz as Oscar dropped from the back to join us (trying to match GiantAndy's muscle had murdered him).   Lance and Kim led to rooster corner and Tina took to the front seat in Coach Rd in a bid to reach the Broken bridges, but the wind had swung to a northeaster to punish her speed. 

I obliged her call to roll across at the dam.  Gentle on the throttle, Emil picked up the pace to 36's again so I felt duty bound to keep up; that unspoken expectation to reach the highway needing a big ask from this old engine to get there.  Oscar co-piloted Emil in Boundary Rd with a couple more k's on their wish list (which did little for my recovery).  Evidence of a more easterly wind became clear on the turn toward the Toaster, a joy for the way west back to town so long as Nev stayed at the front for the effort eastbound!  You know Summer has arrived when early morning warms quickly; 12 degrees at the start and 17 half way 'round raised questions about wearing arm warmers. BeerMat made some reasonable drives at the business end given he's clocked just 1650 km for the year, the turn west onto Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd inflating ego's as the wind behind made 40's a breeze.  The season has truly turned; a big cat pack plied west.  

For what is judged a slow spin, this Sanctuary circuit put more labor on my menu than usual with a third turn in Ford Rd and another likely before breaching the Butter Factory.  No need for me to find a faster faction (I wonder if those missing did?)  TatPaul did an early exit at the highway to earn a living and Nev got the Wanganui itch to drive the bunch hard toward the mount, the lines a little longer as we reached the base of the epic ascent (almost 3 metres of elevation; oxygen would be thin at the top!)   

Lili had gone into labor from sustained 40's and dropped rearward as several fought to keep grip of the group into Rudd Rd.   My first ota is still etched in the back of the skull and the sense of defeat being cast off like a bidon before a sprint is still clear, so did the chivalrous duty of towing Lili back to breakfast.  (Decent turn for me number 4 into the easterly along the Boulevard)  Kim, BeerMat, BamBam and Tina were 400 metres ahead as my bait, Lenny, Emil and Oscar finishing fast 400 metres further on with Lance in no-man's-land in between.  We'd caught all but the fast fellas by the Town Hall, breakfast judged well earned.   From an unknown circuit, Bo, Pistol and The Godfather had berthed for breakfast too, seems they're Saturday's secret squirrels.

5/12 Suddenly Summer.

No need for a base layer Monday and arm warmers could have a day off work too -Summer had finally arrived!  I'd wheeled the bike out even earlier (minus those many minutes for the multiple layers normally applied) so the sense of being almost naked was hard to shake off.    20 degrees at stupid o'clock was last felt in February!  A west northwester took the standard sting out of the commute to Sanctuary Drive but I'd say there'd be some suffering for the last legs of the lap along Old Dookie Rd.  Plans to get my shift done and back into a draft before then were well underway before I'd even got near the grid!  

Quite a collection of Couldabeens converged on the roundabout for the weekday ritual, Wendy, Troy, Wozza, Jen, Bruce, Kreeky, Kel, BamBam, Kim, Lenny, Greg, Tina, Emil, Bo, Rocket, the 5ft Ninja, PistolPete and The Godfather filling Sanctuary Drive for PistolPete to pilot us south.  Factions forgiven, it was all for one and one for all.   (Straight into the fast filling advance line for me, a turn at the front before Old Dookie Rd appeared on my radar!)  Bruce and PistolPete were quick to provide pace into Mitchell Rd, the back of the bunch still on the brakes in Archer as those two opened the throttle wide toward Central Kialla.  Wozza delivered the infringement notice to the offending driver (Who was to blame? It's always the other guy!)   

Almost as inseparable as Rocket and Wozz, Bo and The Godfather timed their turn at the front to perfection, scoring a wind assisted drive at River Rd's dip, the tailwind specialists as pleased as punch to deliver 40's as their donation.  Pace was beginning to take it's toll on Kim so she took the lifeline of the left line and its' decent draft so Tina took her place.  Bo and The Godfather had a firm grip on the lead, Tina's tenacity now at a trickle to keep up, so she took an escape from the effort too.  

The Ninja was up to the task to pair with The Godfather to rooster corner though part two turned short as the wind worked her over northbound.  Variables in velocities weren't doing me any favors at the front and the lack of a decent draft got me well into zone 4 before Rocket drew alongside.  My target shortened to the Broken bridges when the wind went to work on me.  Wozza and Rocket, partners in pace, kindly saved their acceleration for those valued moments while oxygen was being uploaded.  Troy, BamBam, Jen and Wendy looked likely to bear the brunt of the now southwesterly in Old Dookie Rd as Lenny and Kreeky led two lines north on Boundary Rd.  Understandably, many sought refuge in the left line when heads headed west.   There's a sense of surviving the circuit when Shepp comes into view though sweat and speed were still on the menu as Pistol and Bruce pushed 38's into the wind.  Surviving the squirt to SPC might be the better goal!

6/12 The deep end for dinosaurs. 

Waking way before the stupid o'clock alarm has a softening effect; time to hear a southerly whistling outside, a few minutes to process "feels like 8" (so much for Summer!) and several moments to contemplate a hundred reasons to go back to sleep.  The pessimist within was strong on Tuesday for some reason and I clutched at the straws of post-ride endorphins flooding Mr Negative down the plug hole to kick start the kitting-up process.  Oddly, the "feels like" didn't feel so bad in the reality of the 5am darkness though the southwester was as welcome as a prostate exam.  There'd be just a little pain to reach the start line before a not-so-supersonic Squirrel spin with prevailing winds Mr Optimist argued.  

Wendy had submitted prior apologies and Emil arrived at Tarcoola minus Kim, Jen and Molly had both opted for that running habit and LiamM and Lili were awol.  Tina showed her allegiance at least.  BamBam hadn't made the grid by 5:30 and it seems the Ninja has cemented her separation from the Squirrels, so a swift spin with the Sanctuary squad was now the schedule.  Boof, Troy, Wozza, Bo, Rocket, Greg, Kel, Kreeky, PistolPete, Bruce, the 5ft Ninja, Grumpy and The Godfather at the roundabout confirmed quick was the flavor of the day and when PistolPete called "chocks away" at 5:40, a foot fumble by Troy and I got 40's on the agenda to catch the crew.  

The co-efficient of drag obviously doesn't apply to Pistol and Bruce pushing 38's into a headwind, speed even swifter eastbound to Central Kialla with Emil's excitement to get there.  So much for the sedate squirrel spin! (social Wednesday might be my respite) Finding a considerate co-pilot was wishful thinking given Tuesdays and Thursdays are full steam ahead, though Troy ahead and Greg behind shouldn't toast me......too much!   40's along River Rd wore away what little watts I had, Rocket and Wozza (that pairing again) going long range to rooster corner turned into a thrash at third wheel.  Troy managed half a k with Wozz in Coach Rd before rolling left so that threw me in the hot seat when I was almost cooked anyway.  

All the intention in the world didn't drive the legs and lungs any harder (or longer) and explosion was moments away with just 200 metres done. What felt like the last breath I had called Greg across at the dam so I threw that excuse for a turn in the something's-better-than-nothing bin. The next kilometer was spent overdosing on oxygen and pondering the division I'm in (a bit deep for this dinosaur)    I should have taken Kreeky lessons; get to the front and set your own pace, not the other guy's!  The Ninja and The Godfather followed that theory on Boundary Rd, possibly frustrating the faster faction, but they'd get their angry time at the front in Old Dookie Rd.   The labor didn't let up back to town and my grip was slipping on the swift(er) shift to SPC; a split second pause for a car at the roundabout opening a 20 meter (unfillable) gap.  Off the back of the bunch, I knew my way to the cafe (I reckon my craving for coffee would guide me with my eyes shut!), a chance as it happened to observe at a distance what looked like a scattered pack of Brown's Cows steering the streets to the Butter Factory (some with little regard for road rules).   Want respect on the road? Gotta earn it guys! (We can do much better)

7/12  Social reform. 

It was easy to drag the old engine out of bed Wednesday; barely a breeze was blowing and social speed was on the ride agenda.....if everybody behaved.   Emil exited the commute to join the shop squad for a thrash on the original circuit (Channel-Coach-River-Mitchell and Raftery) so pressure was off for Molly, Tina, Jen and I to roll to Sanctuary's grid in search of socialists.  Kreeky, Bo, Troy, the 5ft Ninja, The Godfather, Oscar, Kel, Greg, Grumpy, Bruce and PistolPete confirmed several like a leisurely lap (and I don't mean the Cat's version of leisurely).   Being thrown in the deep end of an early shift on Saturday had built some bravado to join the advance line early when PistolPete got wheels humming on Archer Rd, 3rd wheel behind Oscar figured to get the advantage of a tailwind through Central Kialla where I'd guessed I'd be at the business end.  

There'd be some sort of labor for part two in River Rd with an easterly extracting some effort, but that worry could come later.  Oscar positioned half a bike ahead when we (partially) paired for the northern leg though the indiscretion was excused given his short introduction to the clan.  Seems the mid-week social speed memo might not have got to his inbox either.   The breeze had barely broken the 10 km/h mark but it had hurricane status when it hit me in the face headed to River Rd's bridge.  Driving the little sprocket and barely breaking a gasp, Jen was a rather intimidating co-pilot while I tried to suppress the suffering of part 2.  Greg's praise helped heal the hurt but one of his engines would help me more! 

Some satisfaction came seeing speed stayed about the same for the next 4 k's east to rooster corner, a pleasantly peaceful last 2 k's when The Godfather took the lead role. (The lust for oxygen silences him too!) Speed was hardly supersonic (though the shop squad was westbound) but all got to serve some time at the business end (without ducking for cover), and that builds a bit more fitness and confidence (and some sense of purpose).  Decent daylight lit Molly's new Pinarello and it's stealth bomber colour; another new bike in the mixed bag of brands the bunch has in its' stable. The breeze at the backside back to town buoyed the enthusiasm (and the pace) along Old Dookie Rd, the Ninja in fine form to make 40 the new social standard to the truck route where PistolPete provided the propulsion to SPC.

8/12 Softened and slept in Thursday; felt 65 years old!

9/12  Did somebody order Winter?

I'd either slept 6 months beyond the alarm or someone ordered Winter for breakfast!  (Down to the bottom drawer to recruit those thermal things Foss, feels like 3.5 would need some insulation).  Kreeky, the 5ft Ninja, Bo, Tina, Grumpy, Greg, Kel, Rocket, Bruce, Jen, Oscar, PistolPete, Trav, Wozza, Troy, Lenny, Emil and Boof packed the roundabout for kit day, The Godfather precisely timing his arrival as Oscar and Emil led two lines south from the roundabout (but The Godfather had been muscled out of his 2nd wheel sit in the left line for a change)  A west southwester guaranteed the usual headwind home but being a big bunch, it looked likely I'd get a free tow all the way to coffee.  I reckoned it was PistolPete who paired with Emil to tow us to Central Kialla but it was a little difficult to identify the drivers from 8 wheels back when all were uniformly uniformed (Oscar was the stand-out in a red thermal jacket)  Tina shadowed my sit on Grumpy's wheel through the corrugated Central Kialla leg, the hot air from certain folk taking the edge off 6 degrees.  

Speed was keen on River Rd while wind amplified abilities to travel east.   Off the Fizik at full throttle in Coach Rd to catch the pack, the penance to pay for being at the back, the whiplash effect of a big bunch only really noticeable from the caboose, though being dragged along in the draft is a far cry from the cruelty at the front (unless you're Wozza or Boof or Rocket or Lenny or Emil or, hang on.....most in this mob!)  Aside from the lack of degrees, the joy of riding in the sunshine hasn't worn off; not so long ago we were freezing our little sprockets off in the dark!  I was certain I was safe from the struggle at the front at 5th wheel on the turn into Old Dookie while Kel and Bo put their watts to work west but Tina in 4th wheel got a whiff of the work to come and ducked for cover in the left line.  The Ninja caught the same aroma beyond School Rd and sought a similar slipstream.  

I might not score that free tow to coffee after all!  Rocket and Jen captained beyond Central Ave (thank my lucky stars for the few breaths grabbed while they were off the gas to let the backmarkers back on) and built up to prior pace by Dobson's bridge, me banking on Jen staying in the driver's seat to the truck route.   But Jen rolled left and handed me an earlier effort that I hoped I'd escape.  Thinking I'd be toasted to Doyles Rd., I was surprised when Jen raised the white flag a quarter k later, Grumpy now my co-pilot and needing a quiet reminder I'm not in the league of his speed.  Shadows grew long with the sun at our back, a photo opportunity too hard to resist, but lungs were labored and the danger of going ota grew deeper when focus should have been on oxygen needed for the sprint to SPC. 

(Worth the effort? Nearly spat out the back like a day-old Juicy Fruit doing it!)

This week 267km

YTD 12,348km                     

Frustratingly familiar

 Post #673

26/11 A Saturday separation.

It's inevitable. Better weather (touch wood) brings a bigger bunch and variety being the spice of life, wattages will vary! So when the swift start snoring and the slower start suffering, it's timely to divide the Sanctuary squad so all score some satisfaction rather than fester frustration.  The Board of Management and Chairman of the Selection Committee (whoever they may be) degreed the fitter fellas (and those who aspire to be quick) would start at the shop at 6 and those seeking something slightly more sedate would start at Sanctuary at the same time (effectively a 3km handicap for the fast faction (Rocket, Liam, Bruce, GiantAndy, Boof and Grumpy)       

Sanctuary's roundabout had Bo, Kim, Kreeky, Lance, the 5ft Ninja, Emil, Molly, Anth, Troy, Tina and The Godfather who become the bait for those in a hurry to hunt.  Where the faster faction would catch and pass was anyone's guess. Emil and the Ninja started the Sanctuary soiree south and with barely a breeze blowing, placement in the peloton wasn't the usual concern.  I'd drawn a berth between Troy ahead and Kreeky behind as the pack settled into order, though a sense of something breezy from the southeast niggled at the neurosis of fighting it when I reached the business end.  Kim confirmed the easterly effort when trying to co-pilot with The Godfather in River Rd, not quite drawing level with the vociferous one (he wasn't giving any discount on speed) before she retiried to his draft.  Tina tried too with some sort of success for a few hundred metres but withdrew from duty to draft too.  

Third time lucky, Troy stepped up to pair with The Godfather for the drive to rooster corner, the spectre of the shop squad closing in for the kill on many minds as eyes looked rearward for traffic while approaching River Rd's rumble strips.  I'd got off lightly fronting in Coach Rd with the breeze at the starboard side so convinced the cranium to aim long to reach the highway.  It's the measure of a man (and the grit of a gal?) that does the "full block" at the front (approx 3km in these parts) but it becomes oh so easy to take the option of a short shift half way and call an early roll (if you can stand the sledges doing it).   There's no gain without pain as they say, so my focus was fixed on getting to the highway........till Troy handed me the soft option of raising his white flag at the Broken bridges.   

With heads down and tails up, the shop squad shot by (minus Grumpy), all earning their breakfast in a hurry toward the horizon.  I was lucky Troy had called his shift short, my pairing with Kreeky to the Pine Lodge pub almost earned a beer (if the old watering hole ever reopens?)  Anth was back earning his frequent flyer points with the pack but I wondered if all our flat ground had the mountain goat hankering for a downhill by now?  Emil and Bo led us to the Pine Lodge church, New Dookie Rd camouflaged by the long grass at its' edges (strangely, it's safer to approach it in the dark where headlights are at least visible)   

With a lack of pressure on pace there was little hesitation to join the advance line, and the way westward to the suburbs had the breeze at the backside anyway.  This wasn't a usual Saturday!  The Godfather had softened his determination (but I detected an increase in frustration) a little, so Kim and Tina got the satisfaction of contributing at the front.  Lance obliged Molly likewise.  Naturally some speed brewed in Wanganui Rd (par for the course of course) possibly in anticipation of caffeine infusion, the Ninja (sensibly) aiming her long shift at Mt. Wanganui where she'd escape the effort of pushing into an easterly along the Boulevard.  Probably starved of speed, Emil launched a dash toward Knight St with just Anth, the Ninja and Bo interested in a thrash, the rest satisfied with a steady Saturday to spin the distance to Welsford's roadworks and divide for breakfast (secret women's business to the Milk Bar and blokes with their bulls#%t to the Butter Factory)   Town planning, political corruption and faster laps with lighter loads made the chat over breakfast (I reckon that grumble on a slightly slower speed could be cured by swapping squads boys) 

28/11 Serenity (short lived)

Cruelty on the commute again!  A southwester murdered muscles on Monday to get to Sanctuary Drive and telling myself most of the circuit would be easier with the wind (almost) at the back didn't help at all.  Emil was almost asleep half a wheel ahead while Tina and Jen chatted away comfortably in the draft behind.  (Ah....it's a hard life being a martyr!)  A grid position to give me maximum delay before facing the front became a priority.  PistolPete had returned from holiday so served his standard first shift to Mitchell with Emil eagerly enlisting as co-pilot.  

An empty Archer Rd spelled serenity with The Godfather's absence.  Other than the Swiss cheese tarmac near River Rd, the circuit is mostly patched now and that calmed concerns, chat in the pack centered on the weekend as Monday's main topic. I'd reached the rear in Riiver Rd as turned rolled, and for all the earlier effort to delay my turn at the front there was a price to pay for positioning - looks like I'd get the headwind turn in Old Dookie Rd.  Double digit temperatures (just) delighted all though I reckon there'd be grizzles about the heat in a week or three.  Rocket and Lenny guided our path to the dip, the Ninja and Bo doing the distance to rooster corner where Kel and Kreeky headed us north.  Still 5th wheel from doing work, the Broken bridges blurred under the wheels as I shifted the head to htfu mode in preparation for Old Dookie Rd. The draft diminishes and the effort increases; you know it's going to need some watts in the drivers seat, yet the contribution to the bunch probably earns your keep (and the effort won't be a worry five minutes later).   The sledges from sitting on the back might leave long lasting scars!  

Jen tested the chain for stretch driving the 11 sprocket into the southwester and Tina did her best to stay alongside, so when I got called to face the music at the front speed had settled a fraction.  No complaints from me, I'm sure PistolPete would spice it up again when Tina called it quits.  300 metres on, Tina's white flag went up so I was lucky lungs had something to pair with Pistol to Central Ave.  A familiar figure approached from the west ; The Godfather sprouting suitable sledges, making a late arrival to u-turn and get aboard.  Still shy of driving a standard shift, I aimed at Dobson's bridge as an addition to make my contribution something worthwhile.  I gauged my limit well, using the last spare breath to call Pete across.  Pace lifting to the 38's meant recovery would start at the last traffic light!  Hopes of a halt at the truck route were dashed with a clear cross of Doyles Rd though Lenny was lenient with the limit at 41 to SPC.  Doesn't coffee taste even better when you're cooked!

29/11 Easily excitable!

He's just an excitable boy!  Put him at the front of a string of Squirrels, get a west southwester blowing at his backside and Emil becomes besotted with pace.  To hell with what others wanted, a warm up in the 40's was the first item on Tuesday's agenda.  Tina, Wendy, Jen, Lili, Kim and BamBam were Indian filed behind for duty, me in my usual 2nd wheel spot hoping there'd be a few breaths left to labor the Doyles to Orrvale Rd habit. (there was, when I applied my senior's discount to the tempo Emil set)  No complaints about his speed really; left to our own devices, we may well have just cruised the circuit.  

The Ninja had gone on a concrete diet to harden up and give the Sanctuary speed a try (though I wonder if several turns at the slightly slower squirrel speed used as much muscle as facing the front once or twice at the faster Sanctuary speed?)    BamBam has made as many comebacks as Mr Farnham but being an eighth squirrel to serve speed made him welcome (if only for allowing a longer respite)   LiamM had the spicy cough and Molly had running as a Tuesday preference.  I was pleased to get 38's on the Garmin to Orrvale and Tina had 36's and 7's dialed up to the Kinder, that west southwester serving a false sense of security about ability till the west way home would crush it.   Wendy's weekend double dip at Mt. Buffalo showed some grit and there was plenty left for her contribution to the cypress trees.  

Plenty of daylight cast concerns aside about wildlife for Jen's shift past Hanlon, Beckham's and on to the S bend, straining the 11 tooth sprocket to Coach Rd.  Probably toasted at 2nd wheel, Lili's shift was short to the highway.  Boundary Rd's bridge became the target for Kim's aim north, the wind not so helpful pushing at the portside.  BamBam's debut considered Kim to catch the tail before turning up the wick to 37, though determination seemed to splutter at the fig farm and his elbow called for change.  We all know what to expect from Emil as the lead role excites his enthusiasm, so the speed climbing into the 40's wasn't front page news - getting the legs and lungs to conform to it was the hard part.  43 was the point of 'pop' when Kim dropped off the back but a holler soon got Emil off the gas to plugs the gaps in the procession.  That gave me a great excuse to make 35's the standard from New Dookie to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  

I felt guilty handing the work into the wind to Tina to head us toward Lemnos though she tapped it quite well to the bridge where Wendy still had grit left to reach Lemnos North Rd.  I got the gift of a free tow to town.   Jen had the privileged position of an unchallenged lead on Verney Rd, driving the big gear south with the wind of little consequence, but 100 metres from Balaclava Rd, Emil's itch for a charge to punch the pedestrian button became too much to resist. 

30/11 The speed vs social split.

The committee of management called a division for Wednesday ; separating social or swift figured to satisfy a wider (fair weather?) audience and cease the snoring of the supersonic and the suffering of the slower. The pressure of pace of the commute was off when Emil opted to spin with the shop squad so that left Tina, Molly and I to work our way to the social start at Sanctuary - I was well over that south southwester, so slightly slower was sweet.  

Kel, Oscar, Lenny, Tina, Bo, Troy, PistolPete, Carlos, the 5ft Ninja, The Godfather, Kreeky and Molly had chosen the social option too and Pistol obliged us the draft for leg one.  Troy stepped into the co-pilot's role but the wind wore away the watts beyond the truck route to shorten his shift, pairing with Oscar till another roll was called.  Bo sledged surprise by the quick succession (from the comfort of 5th wheel of course!)  Out of the headwind, effort eased on Mitchell Rd and became bliss through Central Kialla, Carlos slipping quickly into the ride rituals.  

Tina seemed to strain to reach the front with Kel but determination and a few encouraging words won the day, though Molly was hesitant to front for duty.  Lenny took a back seat for a while, preferring to pair with Pistol on the transition to the advance.  Kreeky and I were put in charge for River Rd's last 2 k's, the wind behind a bonus for part two in Coach Rd beside Pete.  Real Spring weather seems to have arrived just as Summer is about to start, the re-emergence of Hurtlocker from hibernation signaling the season's start.  Cats numbered more than a handful as our paths crossed at the highway, The Godfather's sledges soundly delivered.  I was expecting a line of leds in pursuit by now but it seems the shop squad (Rocket, Boof, Wozza, Bruce and Emil) chose the Channel - Boundary - Lemnos-Cosgrove course.  Plenty had their time in the driver's seat at a pace mostly social though that feeling of a simmering frustration comes from some quarters.  So maybe that simmer gets to boil near town and pent up horsepower hits the safety valve, 'cause the squirt to SPC is nearly always on the cards.  When legs and lungs reach their limit and a gap opens ahead, it's funny how a little more muscle can be found in the deepest depths when faced with an ominent o.t.a. moment!

1/12  Happiness is a headwind......said nobody, ever!

I must have broken a mirror, hung a horseshoe ends down, opened an umbrella indoors while walking under a ladder and crossing paths with a black cat 'cause yet another southerly blew (18-28 km/h) to make merely 30 a thrash headed to Archer's shop.  It didn't phase Emil alongside doing his shoulder stretching thing and Jen, Tina, Lili and Wendy tattled away happily behind.  All this work jut to get to the start is becoming a frustratingly familiar.   I need to find some older (and slower) mates!  (Suck it up Foss, Boundary Rd would be bliss!)   

The Ninja is on a trial separation from the squirrels (is it us or her that should seek counselling!),  LiamM's still suffering the spicy cough , Kim was on work duties and Molly was awol.  At least BamBam turned up to make the numbers odd.   2nd wheel to Emil's effort to the truck route (standard operational procedure) felt a lot better than the commute, Emil's tempo a little more tame while the wind whipped across the starboard side.  The few houses and Orrvale's school shielded the wind for the 1200 metres I needed to poke some pace out of the old engine to reach Orrvale Rd.  My regular shadow Tina did the smooth path to the Kinder but Wendy had walked under a ladder too, needing to slog into the southerly on Central Ave but at least had an easier easterly path to the cypress trees.  I was off the Fizik for 20 metres to catch Jen's launch at Beckham's bend, but the line of seven soon settled into the speed to the S bend, all keen to be assisted north on Boundary Rd but crossing fingers Emil's excitement didn't turn explosive when he took the reigns.  

BamBam reckoned he was saving something for later when Emil got the elbow to lead beyond the highway.  Kim should have come along to witness the miracle of Emil holding his hurry to 38's and 9's despite the tailwind temptation to engage warp speed; a miracle for me too to have the oxygen to reach New Dookie when given the lead role at Old Dookie Rd.  )(observant ones would have noted the new Strava segment, appropriately titled)  

No guilts today 'cause I handed a tailwind turn to Tina to take us to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd; it's Wendy who'll strike me from the Christmas card list for getting the chore of the leg to Lemnos with the wind whipping at the left flank.   The dictionary has a picture of Wendy under 'determination' 'cause nothing was going to stop her drive to Lemnos North Rd.  The southern leg on Verney Rd looked likely to be Emil's as Jen took on Ford Rd's first 3 km to Grahamvale and BamBam had saved his watts to work the 1200 to Verney.  (Emil would have launched a take-over bid for the lead anyway!)  We were lucky that the wind had capped Emil's effort to 35's where survival in his slipstream was possible, the brief (and predictable) halt at the traffic lights just enough respite to get back on the gas again for the bolt to the Butter Factory. 

2/12 Divisional doubts.

Just in case I'd begun to soften overnight, a southerly blew again Friday morning to make the commute a chore again (I can almost hear a certain reader chuckling).  The wind has no sympathy for addicts.  I wasn't the only one complaining either, even Emil failed to see the fun in the 10 k's of cruelty to Sanctuary's start.  A sea of yellow, blue and purple filled the grid ; Trav, The Godfather, Wozza, Kel, Boof, Rocket, BamBam, Tina, the 5ft Ninja, Bo, Lili, PistolPete and Kreeky uniformly assembling with Oscar so PistolPete (of course) could lead us south at 5:40.  With Emil alongside, they put a capital e in effort toward Mitchell Rd, 37's and 8's of no issue into a headwind while others sat smugly in their slipstream, pleased to have escaped an early effort. 

The Godfather had wriggled into his regular hiding place of last to face the front.   The rest of the lap would be in the luxury of less labor with the wind behind.  How odd to find all the pot-holes patched in Central Kialla, though the Roubaix-like rough of the spotted tarmac would stretch a spoke or two if you put a wheel through it so the ritual skirt around stayed on the "to do" list.  Boof and Wozz sat on River Rd's crown supplying shelter to the 14 behind, the roll from left to right line as I reached the rear, a wake-up call for the wind's direction.  Comfort was to come in Coach Rd.  

Two headlights oncoming in Coach Rd were figured to be yet another emerging pair from hibernation but it was Grumpy and Bruce u-turning to get aboard. (Seems nobody but them had read the memo on fast Friday's leaving from the shop! What was wrong with the Tuesday / Thursday thrash we'd grown used to?)   I followed my shadow (Tina) into the advance with Lili following me, so staying level with the wheel at the front was my focus (if I wanted to live to a ripe older age!)    Time came at Boundary Rd's bridge and Tina tapped it well for a k till oxygen supply became an issue and I was requested to roll. Lili has found fitness to serve 36's at the front and nearly reached Old Dookie where The Godfather (on a fast) fronted for the work west.  (Nicely timed for me; a tow back to town after one tailwind turn at the business end.  Nice work when you can get it!)   

37's were sustainable to the truck route, banking a few breaths along the way, Wozza lighting up the afterburners for the swift shift to SPC.   The red light at Wheeler St brought the view back into focus to find my way to the cafe for a baptism from the barista.

This week 321km

YTD 12,079km