Week 30

Dookie hills July 2012  by i-phone (with wide angle lens)

Don't you just love the serenity! Saturday morning at 6 is strangely peaceful (just a hollow sound between the ears), hardly a car about. 2.5 degrees with a south southwest breeze slowly running out of steam made it quite ride-able. Good to have some numbers back for the start ; BigMat (on a flash black Avanti), Liam, Cougs, Hoffy & Kel  were ready to roll (Bo's blowout retired the Ridley home to board the Bianchi) but all paused to await the promised attendance of Temple. Start time having expired, the 6 rolled out Raftery only to ease at Arcadia Downs when Daniel, Temple & newbie Teo were noticed chasing, afternoon shift had arrived! Back to cruising speed, gathering up Bo at Roubaix corner (relearning the old steed) for the journey east.  Mass confusion struck at Central Kialla Rd, some headed south, some continued east, previous weeks shortcuts had confused the agreed course.  Votes were for a Mitchell-Boundary-Toaster-Emu-Boundary-Old Dookie course (magical mystery tours in recent cold weeks) so straight out Mitchell it was.  Somewhere approaching Boundary we'd lost Bo & Kel (an urge to fraternize with faster felines?) a Catpack near River Rd gave a g'day and Liam exited in Channel with a Melbourne mission. Quite the scenic sunrise to view turning toward the toaster, liberal application of sledges between Daniel & BigMat kept the team amused. Up to the Emu and west to Boundary, south over the rumble strips and down to Old Dookie started to knock the wind from Teo's sails, compassion for the remainder the order of the day. A sprint to cap off 40k won well by Daniel, BigMat 2nd and Coug's a fine 3rd. Great post ride analysis, caffine and tall stories in abundance in a somewhat peaceful environment, bereft of the usual exhuberant Cats.

The urge to ride was too much in the early hours of Sunday, sleep not coming easy. Headed south through town a bit before 6 with a planned toaster loop, was off the traffic light inductive loops though, every set was red with not enough metal in me to trigger a quick change. Finally out of town, I set the course on auto pilot and i-pod to auto shuffle,  thick fog up Mitchell made even the road edges barely visible.  Tapped away east to a magic sunrise (ironically to Caribou's "Sun") well worth the effort of crawling out of bed for, despite just 1.5 degrees. The hint of a SSE breeze had fizzled out arriving at the Emu and the dawn horizon distracted all cranial concerns (enough to snap the picture above). Not a bad part of the world here, eh?  The fog slowly lifted to navigate easily home, chalking up 50k before 7.30.

History records low numbers for P&W's mid year (this year is no exception) just Cougs and Chaddy at the start on Monday. To be fair, the mercury at zero probably kept most regulars wrapped in doonas. A steady lap of the usual course proved ideal (particularly for Chaddy's introduction back to reality from a weeks' holiday) pussycats passing politely at the Mitchell Rd chicane.  Princess' preparation for his first 70.3 in just over 12 weeks will be epic (all the best young fella) he's already gone aero, minus several kg's.

Gently built up speed down to the Couldabeens start on Tuesday, (the Steve, Kel & Bo trio were northbound for 51 duty) takes a bit longer to warm up lately (hopefully the 0.9 degrees is to blame and not age). A turn up of 10 diehards in the carpark, Daniel in a long kit a rare sight, great to have Tim back (his 3rd ride in 7 weeks apparently) but where's the come back kid; BigMat?  A bit of a push out Channel Rd but worth the slog to reap the benefit of favourable winds for the southern and westward legs, Ryan & Nick putting in great turns.  Rob's impeccably timed sprint (and victory) is of course de riguer, Jason a fine 2nd with a closeknit pack only metres behind. A great team ride, over the rail lines before Cats and the Melbourne bound loco too.

Dalton, Sav, Rob, Kev, Trev and Nath (on a vintage Diamondback but with 10 speed make-over) were at the hospital Tuesday night, 9 degrees and just a puff from the northeast, ideal weather. A few hearts sank sighting Bomber (predicting punishment?) at the Ford Rd roundabout, but he & Steigy were left to do their own thing 100 metres ahead. A tempo convivial to conversation lasted till the Pine Lodge church, Sprinter and Gerrard joining in, Bomber & Steigy finally easing to blend in too. Things were cooking after the toaster (excuse the bad pun) chat cut back to bare essentials, breathing taking priority.  A few brave souls ventured up to pair with Bomber (entrenched at the pointy end) most retired behind though. Liam managed to hook on to bring the numbers to a dozen, I dug deep to survive a 3k lead duty to River Rd. Just the noise of wheels humming and most selecting the big gears to survive, did another 3k turn again with Bomber for the last bit of River Rd then the 2k of Central Kialla.  Got brave to roll across entering Mitchell, ending his dominance but not the tempo. More pain approaching the highway with more 'front of house' duty, but by Roubaix corner the biscuit barrel was emptying,  all had gone single file now. (cheers to Nath handing me a little respite with a tow) Only 5 had survived after the highway and taking the lead was both rare and short lived. Bomber took the spoils of victory of course (well earned considering he did the lions share) , i just hung on for 2nd (52km/h @190 bpm) with Kev and the wily Sprinter nipping at my heels. Double dessert earned tonight.

Early to bed now with le Tour over (no withdrawals though from the Swisse / Eftpos / QBE / Skoda / Avanti /
Eli Lilly saturation........perhaps those 'romantic moments' will occur anytime now?) so a chance to get proper sleep, well until the Vuelta anyway. Nursed a few Tuesday night aches Wednesday morning, the roll south made pleasant with an aromatic waft of bacon cooking at Sebastians, a big dose of au de fresh baked bread from Higgins, all then shattered with Foott's garbage compactor passing.  A 24km/h NNE made hard work of Channel Rd and there was no respite in Boundary either, the multitude of oncoming peletons clearly taking the soft option of a tail-wind advantage.  At least there was relief on the westerly leg home but not much relief from an abrasion giving a little hell lately  (suffice to say I could be mistaken for a papio cynocephalus ursinus) 

Wednesday nights downpour left us a sloshy Couldabeens course for Thursday. Gav had punctured before turning a wheel in anger, his tube change was duely lampooned by all watching at the carpark. The 10 finally rolled out at 6.05, wary of less than ideal conditions (some were lining up puddles though to ensure all had a decent shower before work). Good to have Steve, Bo & Kel back in the fold, Shorty firing on all cylinders too. As we were a little behind schedule, the Cats were just ahead in Boundary Rd. Bo, Kel, Steve and Rocket took us smoothly up to latch on and join in the rotation.  Straddles, Sly, Simon, Steve and a few others were driving a smooth feline train and made us welcome by ramping up the pace. Long turns in Mitchell at 40 kept us all occupied, but several of us had early work starts, so I joined Shorty, Leon, Cougs and cat Simon to bid adieu to the bunch for a shortcut up Archer.  Took the soft option on Thursday night, a hint of an approaching evening shower spelled a sofa sabbatical.

A fair old downpour overnight gave us a bleak sky and saturated roads Friday morning, chose a sinful sleep-in till 6.30, to avoid a drenching, surely purgatory will follow. Penance was cleaning a filthy bike. 

Week 30   333km  12,287 calories (72 cups of Coco Pops)  32.7 average  YTD 11,406km

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results"   
Albert Einstein 1879-1955   

     

Week 29

Broke with tradition on Saturday (recent low numbers may have played a part) and rolled a short circuit at 7. At least a mild temperature gives some hope than there's warmth on the horizon.    Liam & Matt were the only 6.30 starters as it happens, and caught up with them at the usual post ride pit stop. Others filtered in to join an enthused conversation on all manner of subjects, a second coffee enjoyed, plans laid for a Sunday lap too.

Quite foreign to spend a leisurly Sunday morning, a relaxed breakfast and a slow amble to the library for a 9am start. Dalton, Liam and Nathan made up a quadrella, an anti-clockwise lap of the toaster circuit agreed to.  A west-northwest breeze made the eastward leg a bonus but yesterdays rain handed us a greasy road to get bikes grubby. Liam's transparent bidon showed a strange green brew (Schleck's "poison"?) Nathans white bottle disguised a probable measure of nitrous oxide. The long run out Mitchell had us slowly reeling in a trio (caught near River Rd) but the strengthening wind (26km/h) blew a change of course into the mind, just a one degree increase in an hour had cooled enthusiasm too . An exit via Channel Rd was agreed to.  Young Nath's boundless energy is hard to match, pointing into the head wind burnt up the reserves. Eased up on the pedals to kept the quartet together in the closing k's and negotiated a sea of Saturday nights' stubbies smashed onto Archer Rd (suprisingly without punctures)  A long yarn at the Lemontree, copius taxation tips from Liam, copius cups of coffee shouted by those towed on the leg home.

No starters for Monday (winter has many trawling the depths for motivation i reckon) but jumped aboard the two wheeled Prozac-mobile, even if that rotten west-northwest was still annoying (except for the Old Dookie stretch).  A random drop of H2O here and there, a few random creatures lit up by the headlight scuttled into the weeds.  Brewed over many thoughts within the cranial filing cabinet and glanced back once or twice expecting to be hunted by a pack of felines, but the lights were mere pinpoints away in the distance. The drops from the heavens became a little more frequent, quite a fine mist at the start of Mitchell (funny isn't it....rain always threatens at the furtherest point from home) but as soon as thoughts of a drenching set in, the drops subside.  Nearing the highway the horizon looked particularly grim so I set sail up Archer to avoid a bath.  Copped another heavy misting on the entry to town but not enough to saturate socks. 

A great roll-up of 15 for Tuesdays' Couldabeens course.  10 degrees had Daniel in short knicks and short sleeves, most others sensibly attired. A few were back after brief lay-offs so heard of holidays, ailments and what drains motivation (a common affliction) . After a dodgy traffic call at the end of Channel the hammer went down in Boundary, the north-wester aiding forward motion. Steve, once dropped off the back to peel off for home, now blasts off into the distance with a big dose of enthusiasm.  A keen pace kept conversation to a minimum, lots doing well despite recent time off.  A big day ahead at work made the Archer exit viable, Daniel, Leon and Cougs on a similar agenda.  The mid 30's average was a great start for the day.

Nath, Graham, Craig, Dalton and Dave had gathered at the hospital boom gates Tuesday night, 10 degrees and a NNE blew at 15k's. Kev joined at Pine Rd, Bomber and Steigy soon after spelled an imminent workout.  A high 30's pace set to the Emu, great to have Dave along, suprisingly soon after surgery.  Graeme and Nath must be on the Dimethylamylamine (stock up you crazy Jack users, soon to be a restricted schedule 9), the wheels were certainly humming toward the church.  This surge only lit Bombers fuse, all fell silent and single file after the toaster, only serious horsepower on the front now. On the turn into Boundary there was a whole 20 metres of reprieve before the action started again, I'd finally recovered some breath to resume front of house duties after the Pub (the thoughts of a Channel Rd exit had crossed my mind several times but Jens Voight's quote, "shutup legs" inspired continuation) Graeme had the jacket unzipped to avoid boiling, flapping about like a loose spinnaker.  Another short 50 metre intermission regrouped the pack at the River Rd turn, was chuffed to have got my second wind to do a k turn at 40.  Bomber was inspired to continue beyond his usual Kialla central exit and Graham bolted up Mt Nicolaci (like Bashar al Assad out of Damascus) to take KOM but emptied his tank doing so.  We'd lost Dalton somewhere earlier, many others understandably resigned from turns up front electing to hang on for grim death.   Lead duties came up again and again, by Arcadia Downs my decision was one more long turn. Gave Nath a flick of the elbow at the last kink and was suprised to see a gap of 10 metres between us and the rest. Big Bomber stepped into overdrive for the final 300 relegating Nath to 2nd,  I could just hang on for 3rd (the NNE limiting the max to 47, the HR to 188)   Pleased it was all over, pleased with a 37k / 150 hr average over 45k too.

A very slow build up in the first few k's to a gentle cruise on Wednesday morning, ankle and knee ligaments protesting at last nights punishment till warmed up, then were stretched a bit more under Coug's pace. Almost an endless stream of l.e.d.'s from the regular bunches headed south in Boundary Rd, the  howl of carbon under stress quite clear from Area 51. Could swear the sun is rising a fraction earlier, hope of warmer sunnier rides ahead? A good steady tempo home did wonders for muscular and mental recovery. The warmth (?) of 10 degrees an added bonus. 

Another early start at the coalface on Thursday meant missing the Couldabeens, a shorter earlier ride the order of the day.  Yesterdays mild 10 was a tease, back to winters frost with a minus 1, helping to numb a sore sit site. Ah, the joy of frozen fingers, iced ears, tingling toes and lungs of frost. Lots of others out enjoying the same experience says something doesn't it? Went marshmallow-like Thursday night (Liam reported another fast one with Robbo Bomber & Steve supplying the boost) with a TdeF couch session.

A close call on the way to SPC on Friday, a car sans headlights (and sans sense I think) narrowly avoided. A great reunion of the P&W harem at the start though, Meags a victim of Vietnamese buffet, Fee on a RPM respite, Stace clearing a few cobwebs but Cougs well on the pace. Chris a welcomed entry to make up a team, and with no records to set, enjoyed a steady ride with great company, a cautionary detour via Archer chosen to avoid the flooded Raftery bridge (closed yesterday) . A brief social chat over coffee topped off the week perfectly.  

Week 29  323km 11,918calories  (2.9 litres of Foie Gras)  YTD 11,073km 
(and the blog clocked up 3000 page views this week, thanks for enduring the prose)

"Let's have a moment of silence for all those who are stuck in traffic on their way to the gym to ride stationary bicycles"  SBS Cycling Central       

Week 28

The ravages of winter have pushed all but the hardcore under the warmth of the doona, just 16 weeks ago an attendance of 23, now reduced to two. Only supernana and I fronted up for a Saturday lap, minus 2.7 may have had something to do with it! With just two having the casting vote, a revised course was taken, Mitchell Rd, Boundary and back via Channel, the silver lining a crystal clear sky, Mt Major and the Strathbogies seemed almost within reach.  A few good morning moos from cows huddled under the trees, Cougs calling attention (quite unnecessarily) to the ice capped puddles at the edge of the road.  A pair of foxes scampered across the paddocks, a dozen Cats scampered south on Boundary Rd.  (Simmo & the Sprinter had exited via Channel) A rising sun smudged the horizon orange and dropped the temperature to minus 4 if only to inspire thoughts of hot coffee. Easing the pace back in town for traffic was the hardest part, core temperature drops, muscles lock up, almost shivering awakens aches in old wounds. Thank heaven for a hot flat white to thaw out (and then another to prevent refreezing), a great chat with the few Cats and 51 team brave enough to venture outdoors, a small Adams assembly arriving late worthy of a sledge too. 

The bike addiction is well and truely evident Sunday morning at 7am , minus 1.6 feels almost mild! What is the psychiatry of thinking it's warmer? A Pavlovian conditioning? Whatever the reason, try telling muscles to perform at their peak! A bit of a push heading west, almost sensing an easterly building up (confirmed a little later in the morning). Funny how we become a weather station out in the elements, the slightest hints of wind direction and temperature fluctuation stand out, or is that for survival?  Got a great laugh at the Boundary/Channel intersection, the 51's had daubed the tarmac with a sledge of a suggested exit for BP. A reference to going OTA also appears at the Old Dookie Rd piggery. (apologies to the non-bike savvy readers if this sounds foreign, the vagueness is intentional; for litigation reasons! Personal explanations upon request)  Minto and Chaddy spied doing a toaster loop so at least there are other addicts about to justify the lunacy.  Lower body temperatures are supposed to increase lifespan by the way. Maybe the gastroch's and glute's had thawed a little, the return leg in Old Dookie was completed at a good steady speed. The cycling addiction was topped up with a caffine addiction, a kick-start to the day and an excuse to squeeze in a snooze later.

Break out the the shorts and iced water, it's a heatwave! Almost sweltered in 7.4 degrees on Monday morning. A lot of cloud cover and wind from the northeast made the past few chilly days a distant memory. Kept the head down heading east, grateful of a little shelter here and there. Came across an oncoming Mr Inconsiderate who can't drive on low beam (wished I'd had Sprinters 1600 lumen headlight to offer a bright hello) An impressive string of Cat headlights turned into Boundary Rd from Old Dookie, I'll bet Steve, Kel & Bo enjoyed the assistance of a tail breeze heading south. A good return leg home, with a distant (and chained) greeting from Pickles.  A big downpour from 9am cancelled any plans of rides till Wednesday, nearly took that long to clean a grubby bike.

A 10 degree Wednesday brought hope that winter has run it's course and we're on the road to warmer days. (poor misguided fool!) Well, at least it's positive thoughts. Roads still damp from yesterdays precipitation (a cautionary approach to corners with compensation for marshmallow-like brakes and next to nil traction) A clockwise loop today to unwind and put a little wear on the right side of the tyres, down Boundary and took the BP exit in Channel Rd.  500 metres in, out of the darkness shot a black dog growling and snapping at the heels, taking about 6 months of the lifespan. One for the authorities to follow up before someone hits the deck.  Despite the northwester, a good mid 30's tempo home (perhaps driven by canine inspired adrenalin?)

Seems ages since the last Couldabeens ride.  Headed south to the start Thursday morning enjoying the northeasterly, Bo, Steve and Kel were headed north for a 51 workout.  Ryan, NIck, Matt, Vince, Temple (back from holiday) Glen, Rocket and Chris (returning after a long hibernation) were ready to roll.  No errant dog to tackle  this morning (maybe thanks to Coug's contact with the constabulary put a warning in the right direction) but keep an eye on 840 Channel Rd if you're out that way, the police would appreciate reports.  Easy on the legs headed south in Boundary, due consideration shown to those a bit off form.  Rocket punctured at the Mitchell Rd dog-leg, Chris, Matt and Glenn stayed for moral support, others moved on single file to meet work requirements.  Quite a pace built up for the rest of Mitchell then into Raftery (40+ according to a later check) , but with 2k's left to go Temple was Fiji'd off the back. Good teamwork reformed the petite peleton (Vince exits stage left to make work on time) to finish with a 34.5 recorded.

Ummed and ahhed at the weather Thursday night, the forecast and the radar weren't on agreeable terms. Gave in to a gut feeling all would be well and turned up to the library, only Bomber, Steigy and Graham there. (Other regulars struck down with an outbreak of severe softness I think).  Felt like a Lada entered in an F1 race and swallowed lots of mental concrete when Steve joined in at DECA. My 5k turn at the front with Bomber then Steve setting the tempo nearly blew a head gasket , shaking off a cold has halved the lung capacity.  Another turn at the pointy end from the Emu to the toaster bumped up the heart rate to 179. Sprinter and Gools (towing a pair of new lads) were caught at the BP OTA line to fill the ranks to 9, but it was Steve's 36k turn on the front (while others just had short turns alongside) that was most impressive. (if that's not enough, he'd done 70k's solo just before this ride!)  The last 2 k's stretched the bunch out, the new lads turning to toast with a stint in the low 40's. Sprinter took the honours (credit due to Gools lead out) I was just happy to finish with 4 ahead,  happier when the cold and sniffles are behind me. The 36k / 148 hr average earned a feed, plenty of dinner aromas to inspire the tastebuds on the way home. 

Fine drizzle and low cloud finished the week with yet another decadent sleep-in. That's two in one week!

Week 28   263km (Tour stages 9&10)   9704 calories  (63 cups of Ratatouille) 32km/h average
                  YTD 10,750km

"Be yourself, everyone else is already taken"  Oscar Wilde 1854-1900         

    

Week 27

"Now is the winter of our discontent" wrote Shakespeare and I guess we should be hopefull. The depths of winter has frozen enthusiasm and  fostered sniffles (and man flu's) to minimise bike numbers.  A few apologies via text, a few in sunnier climes (Fiji takes the cake though Temple!) meant there were just 5 starters for the usual Saturday ride.  A consensus between Liam, Hoffy, Norm and Andrew agreed a downsized distance would suffice, 2.8 degrees and a slowly building north east wind was going to give a decent workout.  A damp road did a great job of turning bikes grubby, Liams' youth providing the horsepower for others to be towed. The cold caused lambs to bleat, but a few laughs were about to make the energy worth expending.  A downsized bunch of Cats gave a greeting in Boundary Rd, a few of our clan finding the wind a nuisance. A bit of co-operation got the group home (winter even squashed thoughts of a sprint finish) early enough to be first in the Butterfactory doors to warm up on coffee and banana bread. Joined by a small collection of Cats and Adams family the yarns and bullshit flowed in abundance.

Fine mist, fog and cold on Sunday morning urged a retreat under the doona (staying up for some of last nights' prolog took the edge off too) but snuck a look at the under 19's criterium racing at the showgrounds. A slippery road caused a few spills (without serious injury) but the speed of these young fellas was worth watching. Ah, to be young again! 

No takers for Monday, some taking on RPM in warmer conditions, some on holiday, some struck down with colds.  A westerly breeze made Channel Rd a delight, even took the soft option of heading north up Boundary Rd to make Old Dookie the home straight for a 25k lap.  Happy with the wheels humming till the turn west when the real toil began. Nearly had the chin resting on the headstem to cut through the 24km/h workout, trying to maintain low 30's was an increasing struggle. Satisfied with a 34  average, more satisfied with the second course of breakfast.

Reflecting either enthusiasm or madness, a bunch of 13 lined up for a Couldabeens circuit in the wee hours of Tuesday.  Bo & Kel back from Queensland's warmth, Matt inspired (again), Tim and Jase digging deep to have a go.  A light southerly took the edge off the speed in Boundary Rd, but didn't seem to slow Bo (a week off hasn't taken the edge off).  Some long and short turns taken (dependant on the level of rust in the muscles) but a co-operative effort kept us close-knit.  Said our hoo-roo's to Leon at Archer Rd but Kelly and Bo still in holiday mode stayed on for the duration of Raftery (and turned yet another lap after finishing). The need for oxygen kept things quiet for the sprint stage in the last kilometre (some electing to stay at the tail end) turns shortening relative to speed. I was blessed with a short draft from the Kenworth with 150 to go, just enough to wind up for a big attack. Trying to hold off the horsepower (& youth) of Rocket & Bo needed the bum off the seat, 55 clicks and the heart valve bouncing at 198. Single digit centimetres seperated us on the line, probably the first and last time I'll scalp the young blokes, unless I pay Gav for another ace tow. Thoughts of young Kylie today, a big operation for the tough girl (they'll need tungsten carbide instuments, but i'm sure she'll be back better than ever)

More chilly conditions Tuesday night, 8 at the boom gate discussing who will join in and hit hardest.  Newys Sav and Craig content to hang on the back of the pack while we gathered the guns out the road. Steigy and Bomber provided the gasp factor at 40 for a good stretch of Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, i'd scored a slightly tame Nath (cold recovery) thankfully, to pace a more achievable target.  3 more joined in the darkness at the church shuffling the deck and relagating me to the olympians (rock steady but speedy) wheel . Almost due to do a turn with him, there was a mass exodus of 9 (most with an attack of softness?) for Channel Rd, thereby I inherited turns with Steigy's torque for the course to River Rd.  The little sprinter had a relaxed turn in the low 30's only to be contrasted by Bombers launch to 40 with Graham rising to occassion matching him. Things settled for Mitchell Rd and there was thankfully a pause for breath at the highway for traffic.  Sprinters' 1600 lumens of headlight upset the odd oncoming car down Raftery Rd, only 4 or 5 working the front now.  At the critical point Graham had the legs to kick hardest, little sprinter in his wake for second, my tired old engine only good for 3rd (may have blown a head gasket this morning).  34.7 a fair effort for a cold night, inspiring a warm feed to fill the  empty tank.

I look forward to a quiet lap on a Wednesday, but agree that a warmer climate would be ideal (don't want to calculate how many weeks till spring)  Bo, Steve & Kel were northbound for 51 action, just rolling the legs round suited me. Plenty of other addicts circulating the track to lend credence to the sport (or does it verify the insanity?) An enjoyable no pressure lap, back with plenty of time to prepare for the daily toil.

Enjoyed a fair slice of stage 4 of the Tour on Wednesday night, it didn't help another early start for work Thursday though.  Rolled out the Rue de Chanelle for a catagory 2 climb up Cote du Orrvale, a short stage for todays' GC points.  An errant rabbit darted from one side of the road to the other, then back again (almost under the front wheel) to kick up the heart rate. Had a bonjour from Matho in the Cats squad oncoming on the Champs E'Boundarie , Team 51 just 2'07" in pursuit behind.  No plans for points on sprint stages today, trying to keep the hobby as enjoyable as possible in antarctic conditions. Quite a chill in the still air (0.1 according to the observatory stats) a bit of light fog felt like pedalling through a souffle, deja vu for this time of year. 

Pushing the perserverance on Friday, minus 3 to wake up the senses. A few e-mails and texts spelt no go for most of the "hardcore" squad, just Cougs ready to tap out a steady lap.  Noticed a large block of ice for sale at the side of the road (comes with a car at no extra cost apparently), even the wildlife was dormant today, like many riders I guess. 'Pickles' struggled to bark (frozen jaw?) in Old Dookie Rd, no sign of Goats, Muppets or Gazelles either.  When the going gets tough........

WEEK 27   278km (Stages 18 & 19 to keep that in perspective!)  10,258 calories (114 frogs legs) 32.1 av 
                   YTD 10,487km

"Two things are infinite. The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe" 
Albert Einstein 1897-1955

Week 26

Merton gap April 2012    i-phone

Morning commitments to kids with soccer and hockey called for an early ride Saturday, missed the usual bunch for the first time in 46 weeks. After rain forced the last 2 days off the bike, I needed L plates for the first few k's. How soft one becomes! Just to test the resolve it was 0.3 degrees to start , lowering to minus 2 out of town. A quiet 30k's fitted the agenda nicely, Venus and Jupiter sat just below a crescent moon heading out Mitchell Rd., the frogs quite vocal to the sun's rising (a fraction earlier?) in Boundary Rd., a pleasant start to the day, in spite of the chill. Turned west into Channel Rd to see Vince & Steve creeping out to intercept the Cats (apparently they'd fronted to the Couldabeens to find no-one there)  I had no interest in speed (only makes it colder!), just quite content to enjoy the scenery, particularly the dog (at the centre of Tuesday's scare) frozen to the front yard by frost and chain. And speaking of chains, a new one fitted returning that slick, precise Dura-Ace change. (8K clocked on the old one had turned gearchanges pretty ordinary)

An internal alarm opened eyelids at 5.30 Sunday, cerebral cortex activity wouldn't allow them to close, a circuit on the bike the best prescription.  8.5 degrees was a more agreeable temperature, a light west to north west assistance toward the emu was a bonus, Cosmic's helped too. Three big hares were the only traffic, couldn't decide if the ultra fine spots lit up by the headlight was heavy mist or super fine rain. A dry road signalled a mist, but would it turn to rain? Low cloud was only just visible in the dark sky.  Put all my eggs in Alexander Pope's basket  "hope springs eternal in the human breast" and by the railway line it had ceased. Turned at the toaster expecting a struggle into the wind but progress was optomistic, no piggery pong either! (but the Boundary Rd one made up for it) Kept the effort up southward (thinking Mitchell would grind me down) but was quite chuffed again with the tempo. The road seemed a little more uphill after Central Kialla Rd (signs of an emptying tank) and by Mt Nicolaci the ouch factor had set in. All effort was to hold a decent pace in Raftery Rd, thankfully the sight of Conrod straight allowed relief to carry an empty tank over the line, 50k in 1:25:00 alright for this old bloke solo, a 34k / 161 hr average.  Cobbles & Tony were on the way out of town, a Cat pack of 10+ soon after. A serve of coffee and toasted banana bread was fair reward, home just in time to avoid the light showers that set in for the morning.

Took a short circuit Monday, the weather a lot like Sunday. Spots that could be either mist or rain, came and went in varying strength but barely dampened the road. A decent pack of P&W's gave a big greeting (to u-turn and share the load?) and a sizeable Cat pack followed. Happy to get home a little earlier to start the working week.

A light southwest breeze cooled Tuesday morning to 3.5 degrees but there were ten Couldabeens prepared to tackle the circuit.  I  took the first shift with Leon  (as has become custom)  who was on a new Giant for its' second outing.  Steve was firing on all eight cylinders (in a field of 6 cylinder engines) thankfully Chris and Rob had a recipe to suit us all.  Rocket reported a sinking feeling of a slow puncture but was going to soldier on till he had to stop.  Ryan recovering from holidays, Trav recovering from food poisoning with a side order of flu (all other grizzles are now null and void)   Rocket made it all the way to Central Kialla Rd before the pump came out, Kenworth and Glen stopping for moral support.   The 7 remaining soldiered on  (with a brief slow down for Ryan to re-plug the headlight in) Chris most considerate keeping the team together beating the Cats to the line, but the train got it's revenge just beating us to the boom gates.

A chilly night of 7 degrees could only gather 9 to the hospital. Rob back for more (his 3rd outing) and newbie Sav to see what the hype was about. Axle, Scotty, Graham, Andy and Liam made up the rest of the team to head east, Bomber and Steigy tacking on a few k's out. Turning at the emu Andy and Simmo had a half wheel battle into the high 30's to spit three out the back quite unceremoniusly.  I remember well the disheartening feeling of being dropped in my early days of bunch riding, so backed off to lend a tow.  Regrouped the 3 (including new lad Sav) at the church and set about a smooth and steady chase back to the peleton, finally tagging on at the Old Dookie Rd channel bridge.  Back into the rotation drawing the short straw (again) between the horsepower of Bomber and Steigy, high 30's into what felt like a light head wind certainly warmed up the legs and the heart rate.  From the pub all the way to Archer Rd just 5 were driving the engine.  Andy rolled over a bit short in Mitchell Rd nearly sending Liam into the shrubbery, putting many on standby.  Graham was in fine form up Mt Nicolaci, a settled tempo after the highway with only 4 now doing regular turns, the temperature now at 4 too.  Simmo finally appeared from the back with 2 k to go but the sprint belonged to the youthful Andy, Graham (making him work hard for it)  a close 2nd, I was content with 5th at 49 km/h, a big appetite fuelled by a 34.5k / 145 bpm average.

Not quite half way through the year, the bike clocked 10,000 tonight for 2012, from home to Dehli in distance or 654 hamburgers worth of calories.(maybe a target 20K for the year?)  

A mild 7 degrees started Wednesday.  Rolled down my street at 5.30am to pass a bloke riding to work, all kitted out in hi-vis jacket, baseball cap and no lights front or rear (and no sense in between). To complete international day of the idiot I got squeezed by an overtaking car within inches of a parked car, 100 metres later he rapidly parks and flings open the door, mirrors un-used. Gave him a sudden & loud "thankyou" just as he stepped out which woke him very successfully!  A fair old push out Channel Rd into a strengthening north east breeze, Cougs and I arrived in Boundary Rd to witness the now familiar procession of supercats, P&W's, a couple of soloists, standard Cats, one more solitary, then a sizeable 51 bunch powering along. An enjoyable leg down Old Dookie, a circuit we're nearly familiar with after 6 years. to finish a solid no pressure ride.
Thursday morning was forced to abandon the Couldabeens with an early work start, so a short lap a little earlier got the blood flowing and muscles warmed up (mind you, it was quite warm under the doona).  At least a lap flushed away the lethargy of a winters morning.

The mornings' light northeaster was still evident by evening. Hadn't done a Library group ride for some time so joined the dozen assembled, Bob & Helen from Kelly coaching (mentoring Hamish) along to join us.  Hamish and Trev just made the starting flag, Dalton back from injury, newbies Rob & Sav back once more, totally addicted. Picked up our olympian, Steigy and 4 others along the way, but we were halted at almost every intersection by traffic. (A liitle wait at the corner is better than a long wait in rehabilitation i reckon).  A few were content hanging off the back, rotations were happening long and short, fast and not so fast.  Some relief turning at the toaster, the breeze behind made life a little easier (welded the chain to the 12 tooth which stayed till Arcadia Downs prompted a gearchange). Slowed again for traffic at the pub, this time a police car diverting traffic from what appeared to be a significant accident a kilometre toward the east.  Back into the rhythm down Boundary then River roads, Steigy & Steve doing the lions share of fast driving, but more waiting for traffic was needed at the highway. (was it peak hour?) I played tow truck for the lads hanging on the back when the fire was lit in Raftery Rd, finding the going tough to be honest. A long single file train formed with Steve as chief driver, Andy and the young guns thrashing out a rapid finish. I slowly reeled in many victims of the final burst but something had pulled the handbrake on to barely finish 5th....a super soft front tyre noticed on the Raftery bridge.  Happy with a 34.2 average, stopped for a few pumps of air to get the wheels home, dig out the sliver of glass and change the tube in the light and the warmth. 

Predicted overnight showers never came so off to the roundabout to find several P&W's ready for action. The hardcore harem of Hayles, Stace, Cougs, Fee and Meags had Dan, Chris & i to make up 8 at 6 for 30 in 8 with 17 from the NE. The girls did a great job in the strengthening wind, a big relief to turn south into Boundary Rd. Dan had dusted 3 months dust off the bike, Meags had sought comfort in a new Selle to sit on, great to catch up with the crew for a decent and co-operative circuit.  Cats were co-operative in passing just before Central Kialla Rd.  The bunch kept tight knit for the duration, no sprint neccessary. A brief yarn over a flat white ended another week. Over the hump for 2012, all downhill from now (and hopefully with more daylight and more temperature!)

Week 26   406km   14,616 calories (a 116 egg omlette)  32km/h average  YTD  10,209km

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

Week 25

Odometer 136,994.  
A good dozen had assembled  for Saturdays start, inheriting Shorty & Jase (with Trev's bunch low in number).  Mt Raftery was still a catagory 2 climb despite an assisting east north easter. The pack arrived at Roubaix corner to find Steve waiting (a puncture had prevented rolling up to the start line) instead of Dave, away in Melbourne for a ride before surgery has him laid up for a bit. The small giant killer Kel was on a killer small Giant (a loaner, but soon to be a suprise birthday present) and Daniel was killing us in short knicks with the temperature barely topping 3. Bo & Daniel's enthusiasm had Hoffy at the end of his leash in Central Kialla Rd so a measure of compassion was added to keep the group from fragmenting. A good mix of Temple's dry wit, Hoffy's laugh, Daniel's sarcasm, Andrew & Kylie along again with the regular legends made great company. Cheques were almost being written for Bo & Daniel's long go on the front into the headwind on the Shepp-Euroa Rd, eventually the load was spread amongst all for the journey to Old Dookie, relief to have the breeze behind thereafter. Bo, Daniel and Temple filled the podium positions in the dash to the line, I was happy to sit back in the royal box with Hoffy, Leon, Cougs and Kylie to witness. The essential banter & bullshit at the Butterfactory was a fitting conclusion. 

137,059 
Had an idea to roll out a bit of distance on Sunday, (so many rides in the 30 to 50k bracket may have imprinted memory in the legs) but stiff winds and 7 degrees wasn't helping the motivation. Mmm.....carpe diem? Drank a few cups of mental concrete and rolled out to Mooroopna, up through the urban jungles of Undera & St Germains, with 20km/h winds from the west telling me the planned leg to Echuca was going to hurt. Though of a realistic target speed for the 30k leg west but soon revised it, wide open stretches exposed to the elements and the coarse stone tarmac felt like i'd left the handbrake on. It can be mentally demoralising head down into the wind with little respite, no-one to do turns with either (pictured a big plate of scrambled eggs and a large double shot flat white as the focus to drive the tired engine)  Relied on the variety in the i-pod to distract thoughts of "are we there yet?" Nice to finally arrive at Echuca, noticing a bit of Cervelo & Pinarello bling parked at the Blackpudding Deli in High St, so decided this was the pit stop for a feed & caffine. Kept the stop brief before the muscles cooled too much, remounted and set a course to Kyabram, the barren countryside through Cornella Creek made pleasant with a light tail wind. Very little traffic to deal with, but  then sane people would be snuggled up on their couches watching telly wouldn't they? Cut through Lancaster, Merrigum and Byrneside to hook up with the Midland, a bucket of relief and a handful of grins to be back on home turf  162k's clocked in just under 5 hours ride time, averaging 32.1 on the speed, 158 on the heart.  (47,400 heartbeats = 4580 calories apparently, justification for an extra serve of dessert?)

137,221
The old legs didn't feel too bad Monday morning (8 hrs sleep helped) so turned up to find Sooty, Fox, Cougs, Fee and Meags at the P&W start at 6. An overcast sky made the dark seem darker, the depths of winter wasn't encouraging either. Weekend activities discussed, climate grizzled about, topped off with a few laughs was a good introduction to the week.  A last second sighting of an oncoming car at the main channel bridge averted drama at the Mitchell turn. Pussycats had reeled us in by Central Kialla Rd, but fate dealt them a puncture just after Archer. Good comradery to start the working week, not phased by the train just beating us.

137,268
If it's not freezing it's windy. And Tuesday it was the latter. A south southwester at 26k's for a circuit with 7 Couldabeens.  Kel put forward a rolling turns suggestion just 2 k's in, a good theory to make best of the elements.  It was a bit like forming a Greek government though, not enough practice to execute perfectly. Waiting near the top end of Channel Rd was a large black dog (not a chirpy little green one...he's wisely swimming in a warm pool) perched in the right lane to have a go. This threw confusion and adrenalin amongst us all, thankfully staying upright to carry on. Heading south in Boundary Rd was the real toil, we nearly got the tempo right but it required precision speed (almost impossible in the dark) A ripple at the front causes a tsunami at the back, the rubber banding expired Temple momentarily. A call to order regrouped the house of assembly for a session in Mitchell Rd and the motion to accept Archer Rd as the route home was carried. Homework was to study the 2007 Tour de France team time trial stage (the class act of Ulrich & the T.Mobile team)

137,309
A collection of 11 for Tuesday night at the hospital boom gates, nice to have young Liam & Luke along (Luke's shiny new Merida sparkled like Chaddy's chain!) Graham back from the coal gas fields too.  6 degrees hadn't prompted Axel to don the electric socks, suprising to have Mike along too, not a fan of the cold. Trev and Nath arrived right on the start gong. Mid 30's sustained out to the Emu, Steigy drafted in, then 3 others jumped aboard at the church only to hitch a ride to Channel Rd. Pairing with Trev was a good move then with the sheer torque that is Steigy.  Luke & Nath stopped all the chatter with a burst toward River Rd, a good rate of knots by us all westward too. A tidy little group into Raftery, but Nath launched an attack at Roubaix corner (3k out from the finish) to stretch it out. The numbers were against him though, reeled back into the fold 500 metres later.  Over a dozen l.e.d's all pumping out 400 lumens was a bit much for an oncoming driver who gave us all a dose of high beam as retaliation. By Conrod straight Nath had reprimed the legs to lead out Graham but a hit  400 metres out was asking a lot. Many were dropping like flies and soon I was on Graham's wheel who was ready to blow a head gasket with 100 left.  Not worth calling it a win, I just happened to arrive at the front when others had retired.  A great team average of 35.4

137,362
Wind was the enemy Tuesday, so it was frost for Wednesday. And the coldest one yet. Just in time for hump day (solstice) an antarctic minus 4 had put the icing on the parked cars and a sparkle on the blades of grass.  A few groups were tough enough to brave the atmostphere, 51 had the wheels humming on Boundary Rd in pursuit of Cats, Cougs & I happy to tap around against the grain, keeping the hobby happy.  A hot shower, hot toast and hot coffee were as good as Christmas when I got home, reckon I thawed out about 11am.

137,397
And that's where the odometer stayed for Thursday, a decent downpour in the early hours allowed a rare
sleep-in till 6, breaking the 9 day cycle cycle on early morning rises and rides. Gave the Vredesteins a front to rear rotation, 3000k's has come round quickly.  Friday morning's fine misty rain and glossy roads made for a second day off.  

WEEK 25  403k's 14,508 calories (17 litres of ice cream) 32.4km/h average  YTD 9803km

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" Mahatma Gandhi 1869-1948  





  

Week 24

I tried to remain optomistic for an encouraging roll up to Saturdays ride (last week was understandably low in numbers) and the positive thoughts paid off. A great roll up of the regulars, good to have Hoffy back (the "Hincape" of the team who's engine defies its age) Matt on another (?) comeback, Vince respectfully revisiting his roots, and the super tough Kylie (tougher than carbon fibre that girl) that won't let her big battle beat her. Kel & Bo on the gastro recovery trail, Leon steadily gaining former power and the regular legends made up a good team for 7 degrees in the SSW wind.  Our honourable member for Toolamba joined in near Mt Nicolaci (suspect he may be grandstanding for political mileage in this parable?)  The journey south to Karramomus Rd was made bearable with frequent rotations, nice to have the sun a few degrees left avoiding a head on glare eastward.  There's a lot of grooves embedded in the narrow section of road that hammers the posterior, good though to rarely encounter traffic (1 car in 13 weeks) on this skinny track. Back onto the Shepp Euroa Rd, and nearing Union Rd, Hoffys horsepower flagged but solidarity kept the train together.  A wall of fog in Boundary plumeted temperatures and strengthened resolve, the thoughts of hot coffee at the end no doubt motivating most.  The heavy artillery fought out a battle for line honours in Old Dookie Rd, Vince took it at the first 60, but his premature elation drooped when all others aimed at the usual 2nd 60 sign, Bo heading off Steve for the honours.  A stretched bunch regrouped for the tour through town and a welcomed brew at the Butterfactory (a sizeable Cat pack there, the Adams family had shortcut with their low numbers)

Contemplation of a ride Sunday morning was mentally shelved in the wee hours, 13 consecutive cold early morning rides had taken it's toll with a bad case of the can't be f......  bothereds.  As payback, I had legs of lead the whole day. Go figure?

Kel had posted suggestion of a holiday Monday toaster circuit with breakfast following, and who could refuse!  Suprised to find 16 others couldn't resist, despite a very cold 7am start.  Daniel stunned with the quote "it IS cold" (long sleeves and long knicks chosen as his kit of the day) even Chris had gone against his religion (cold aint kosher) to socialise. Good to have Shorty, Tim, Glen, Matt & Nick along, even Simmo temporarily inducted for the day.  The honorable Member of Toolamba again fronted (300k clocked for the long weekend worth a cheer) but was casting aspersions at my 3/4's....he can't hack the cold I think  (and can't quite matchTemple's driest of wits) GG unleashed the GG's in Mitchell Rd , Vince, Bo and Steve not shy either, but a bit of muscular masochism took the mind off the minus 2.3.  Between turns at the coldest end, time allowed a bit of chat amongst the clan, many in holiday mode (but questioning what drives us to embark on such frosty missions) Lots of queries were posed on a likely finish point, the aspiring sprinters eager to show who's boss.  The pro's and con's resolved, a DECA driveway finish line was selected(Rudd Rd and its' squeezy roundabout off the agenda), Bo & Vince drove the locomotive, Rocket lapped up their philanthropy to take the laurels.  A brilliant breakfast followed, replacing lost calories and adding a bit of mental and social stimulation. (see photo)

A minus 1.3 temperature had kept the numbers down on Tuesday, only 10 at the carpark for a 6am exit. A low 30's start with Leon at the front, he & I attempting to warm up in an unforgiving atmostphere. Kel ran out of headlight volts half way up Channel Rd, commonsense relegated her to rear guard. Halfway into Boundary Rd  Bo & Rocket hit the nitrous hard to 39, the bunch stretched double length fighting temperature and tempo. With Mitchell in sight a few were dropping off, so lifted the throttle myself (leaving riders behind on their own doesn't sit comfortably with me, not a part of the bunch ettiquette either, or at least I thought so)

A chilly Tuesday night could only inspire 8 to start at the hospital, good to have Dalton at the start now he's a city boy.  Just a kilometre into the circuit a sharp stone quickly stole my front tubes' air, so it was an early pitstop, the respectful bunch u-turned to shed light on the scene (but particularly to sledge!) The stop allowed a late running Kev to join in, and once underway, Mitch and Steigy hooked on a few k's out, Bomber too near the kennels. 9 degrees dropped to 6 but there was enough hot air in the bunch to survive.  Down to the church we came across Sam in wait, 14 now rolled to the toaster then east to Boundary Rd.  The waft from the piggery convinced most that bacon was off the menu.  Dalton did a Channel Rd exit, the remainder headed south and turned to River Rd.  Mitch and Sam slowly wound up the knots to silence most, then Steigy and Bomber took the second shift but eased a whisker to keep the group grouped. Bomber then Sam peeled off homeward leaving the rest to take on Raftery Rd.  Mitch, Scotty and Axel had the beans to sustain mid forties for Conrod, slowly pulling away from me in that order to finish 44k's at a 35 average.  My ticker redlined at 188 for 4th, but it was really set on a hot meal (without bacon).

You know you've lost your marbles when 0.7 degrees feels mild.  Wednesdays' "tepid" temperature suited a calm ride, watching the world (& bunches) go by.  Interest appears to have flat-lined for the P&W's, most training in the confines of cosy gyms in these silly temperatures.  It was a morning you could swear a breeze inhibited progress, yet not a flag was moving in town.  Nice to give the legs a little respite after recent quick rides, but the rising sun dropped the mercury for the last few k's home.  A satisfied grin rolling wheels over the repaired patch at the lake, one less obstacle to watch out for. 

Thursday had turned positively tropical, 7 degrees was mild enough to force Daniel back into shorts and even get Trev out of bed and to the start line. Eleven were drawn out to enjoy the heatwave, deja vu with Leon & I on lead out duty again.  The 15k north easter may have been responsible blowing Shorty's pump off, at least word went out for an ease up to regroup.  Bo & Kel had crossed the floor to lap with 51, Vince back though, playing fair.  The breeze managed to peg back pace in Channel Rd a bit but there was a bonus of some relief for Boundary & Mitchell.  Daniel was cooking in long sleeves, his attempt to un-glove on the move resulted in a halt to retrieve a dropped mitt, Vince assisted in the catch up.  A good feeling of unity today, not stretched to the max, a chance for a brief chat here and there. With our couple of delays the pussycats caught us just before Archer (a ten out of ten scored for passing manoevres, policed perfectly by Kelvin) Vince turned up the speed heat in the closing stages of Raftery, Rocket quick to grab his shirt tails for a tow up to his kick point.  For the rest of us, a great average to beat the train.

Meags, Cougs and I took off from SPC Friday morning, Grasshopper, Wizz, Fox and Minto delayed their start a few minutes to hammer the River Rd course. Single file was de riguer, Meags' sharp new TT Avanti going through the usual adjustment stage (a dazzling tail-light to mesmorise anyone behind)  Another high beam half-wit in an oncoming car made life difficult, but the girls tapped out long strong turns to keep up positives in the damp 9 degrees.  The River Rd TT crew passed near the Broken bridge, we continued the Mitchell course with the Cats rolling past at the chicane (another ace overtake, Vince, Temple & Daniel cheering us on) Nearing the Kialla Central Rd we witnessed the 4 TT'ers turn into Mitchell Rd ahead of us and soon after, a big 51 train in pursuit .  Beyond our sight 51 soon rounded them up, but an over-enthusiastic 51 tail end clipped Grasshopper's wheel in the manoevre, bring he and Wizz to the ground (a buckled wheel and sore limbs the hangover).  There's been a few close calls like this in the recent past, a good argument for the passing pack to hold the right lane till well & truely clear. Happily all finished intact, a good chat with bike & gym P&W's at Friars to wind up the week. 

Week 24   344km  12,384 calories ( 3.3kg porridge) 32.9 average  YTD 9,400km

"How can we win, when fools can be kings"   Matt Bellamy (Muse) "Knights of Cydonia"