The quest to be quick

Post #698

23/5 Like the mother-in-law's kiss.

Just one short ride squeezed into a 10 day holiday and I was like a junkie going cold turkey, brewing enough emotional frustration to keep Freud busy for a month.  (Yeah, the addiction is strong in this one).  So, swinging a leg over the Fizik on Tuesday couldn't come soon enough, even when the Bureau warned of zero degrees.  The perch on the bike felt quite odd for a few hundred metres till rust fell from the joints and feels like minus 2.8 gave me something else to concentrate on.  Hopes were set on the squirrel spin being a gentle baptism to being back on the bike after what seemed an eternity in oblivion.  

As expected, Kim and Emil arrived on cue at Tarcoola, while Jen, Molly and Lili (attired like Eskimos) joined the procession in Rae St.  Slow acting concrete finally took effect on LiamM to join us soon after.  33's seemed swift southbound on Archer St though the chill probably amplified the effort a bit.  With no last minute entries at the shop, the flag dropped at 5:29 for Emil's opening effort to the truck route . 37's as the metaphorical toe-in-the-water after a ten day drought didn't seem like the struggle I'd anticipated, though that was a rash statement from the comfort of the slipstream at second wheel.   Settling into a rhythm on my usual Doyles to Orrvale shift found 35's was what the old engine would deliver (and I reckon that would be a subtle transition to the slightly slower shifts to come (though Jen set a similar speed to the Kinder).  Molly called me into the second last seat on my retreat to the rear, so maybe that injury plagues her again? (or has the caboose become convenient?)  The light at Jamieson Rd's corner was Julz u-turning to even the numbers to eight while Lili led the chilled path to the cypress trees.  Kim wasn't so keen to spend too long at the front when a seat somewhere near the rear would be 0.003 degrees warmer, LiamM likewise keeping his appearance brief to the S bend.  Emil's early election to the front again might mean my second shift would come due earlier but his heroics of driving long to Old Dookie Rd must be in the job description (his discount driving at 35's at least wasn't going to cook me.....but then not much cooks at -0.7).   

From Old to New Dookie Rd seemed to take forever; I had a want for that 0.003 warmth at the back!   The thin strip of tarmac to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd got squeezy avoiding the rumble strips (that warn of a railway line that's not used anymore) and an approaching car, though Jen guided us north for Julz to work west.  For a moment I thought rust had returned to the legs but the squeak squeak squeak turned out to be LiamM's shoe covers in rhythm to his pedal stroke.   Kim and LiamM's second shift extended a little further than their first to get us a couple of k's into Ford Rd, so naturally Emil was up for the long drive home when given the reigns a k from Grahamvale Rd.  Predictably his pace got keen 500 metres from Balaclava Rd and Jen caught his enthusiasm to bolt to the traffic lights.  I led the conservative party to the red lights that were waiting for us all.

24/5  Twice as hot as yesterday!

Eyelids were at risk of slamming shut while procrastinating over a pre-ride coffee; getting out of bed before the alarm can be a high-risk activity when it's a whole one degree outside (but I wasn't going to submit to the softness of a sleep-in.  That recent 10 day drought had caused enough damage already)  The morning's motivation was that one degree was almost twice what yesterday offered!  The roll to Sanctuary Drive with Emil had the old engine into overload, there was nothing supersonic about 32's but the cardiac cruelty of 165 to get there was doing my head in.  I'd already planned my place in the peloton on PistolPete's wheel (maximum delay before taking a turn), lucky that The Godfather's late arrival allowed me the luxury.  Attendance was fairly average, though a big bunch in this temperature is unlikely.

Wozza, Boof, Kreeky, Bruce, Rocket and Greg lined up behind Pistol's gentle introduction of 34's. Bruce played co-pilot to Mitchell Rd, Emil, Boof and Wozza lining up for their early contribution behind.  The chill factor encouraged a higher cadence toward River Rd; it might heat the muscles a little more but the slicing through the atmosphere at any speed is hardly a warm welcome.  Not much chat in the pack as many chose to keep the hot air inside, even The Godfather had less to say, possibly with Bo's absence.  Joining the advance line at River Rd's bridge brought some comfort to get Kreeky's wheel - he's more in my league of speed than the other freaks! 

Greg and Kreeky were in charge to rooster corner so Kreeky and I paired north on Coach Rd and wasn't I pleased when he called half time at the bridge - gave me the reason to make the highway part one and I might get away with a short shift to Boundary's bridge as part two (and not a murmur of "full blocks" from you know who!)  PistolPete obliged my request for quits at the bridge so I spent the distance to Old Dookie Rd hauling the heart-rate out of the heavens (though speed had crept up a little on Pistol and Bruce's watch)   Naturally Emil was keen to continue the hurry habit west to Central Ave and no surprise Boof had us nudging 40's to the truck route.  I guess the bonus was that most were well warmed up for the obligatory blast to SPC.  The lap was probably a cruise for many but I had hammered legs syndrome for an hour or two after- see what time off two wheels does to you?

25/5 Not so cruisy.

Thursday's north northeaster made a welcome change to the chill, a blessing for the spin south to the shop but it'd be a pain in the gluteus maximus for a fair bit of the squirrel circuit (why should we get it easy?)   The only therapy for today might be the coffee at the conclusion; the southbound leg of Verney Rd was bound to get Emil excited so there'd be effort there too.  Greg was a surprise addition to the team at the shop, joining the procession as Emil led the first shift to the truck route with Jen, Lili, LimM and Molly in tow.  Struggling to engage a cleat on the exit from the carpark (you'd reckon I'd do it blindfold after 19 years of this obsession!) didn't slip me down the order - seems I'm destined to forever take on that second shift.  That wind wore away the enthusiasm even at second wheel ; Emil had set 33's as the standard but it felt like a category two climb to me.  

Putting my two bob's worth into the Doyles to Orrvale job needed a mass of muscle to register anything near 33's on the Garmin - and it was most likely the head handbraking the speed 'cause 167's wasn't my red-line.  The hint of a man-cold wasn't helping much.  Jen seemed to struggle on her quest to be quick on leg three, 33's sinking to 31's to the Kinder, but my urge was to get to the rear for recovery.  Yet again, Molly called me in to second last spot (I might request a doctors' certificate for her injury next time).   Of course Lili's turn south on Central was swift, the real test on the eastern drive to the cypress trees pulling the pace down again.  Julz joined in the second last seat, LiamM taking on the drive to the S bend (his tank emptied 200 metres short of the mark).  Greg's horsepower dragged us all to Channel Rd's end and continued north on Boundary to break the usual routine.  When given the lead at Boundary Rd's bridge, it was a fair bet Emil would want to match Greg's tenacity well beyond Old Dookie Rd, so maybe I'd be given the reigns at New Dookie instead? 

The concrete started to mix in the cranium, hardening up for the headwind from there. What luck that Emil's enthusiasm continued north to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd and spared me the stress of the north northwester (cheque's in the mail Emil).  The speed to set west was the dilemma, so took a guess at 35's to the bridge, Jen confirming my punt with a similar speed to Lemnos North Rd.  Two k's worth of work into Ford Rd was a decent drive from the new recruit and Julz could still talk on her retreat rearward when the work was done (me thinks there's more in the engine than she shows)   Lili to Grahamvale Rd and LiamM to Verney put Greg at the helm for Emil's trademark shift southbound to Balaclava Rd.  As predicted, pace turned spicy with the wind at the backside and of course Emil opened the throttle with 400 to go.  Jen joined in the excitement ('cause she can) but 40 was plenty for me and my man-cold (and the four behind) to roll to the traffic lights....just as the green gave us the go-ahead.

This week 141 km

YTD 5,602 km

What the will wanted

 Post #697

7/5 Something sedate for Sunday.

A sleep-in till 5:45 was sumptuous, the call for a 7am Sunday social spin was something special too after rain ruined riding for Saturday.  A little pre-dawn light lit up Emil's brand spanking new La Pierre Xellius SL (explained the Cheshire grin), Molly the only other northsider collected for the commute south (seems two other potential starters had withdrawn with over-hydration issues....but I won't mention names)   Greg, Julz, BamBam and Troy arrived at the grid, layered like onions in an attempt at insulating from feels like 0.2 degrees (a stiff south southwester was to blame).    Two rows steered into Channel Rd sticking to the social agenda as advertised (a difficult task for Emil aboard his new 6.5kg rocket ship).    It was just my luck to get that wind in the face on Central Ave as I paired with Greg for a long drive at the front, but the social 32's didn't blow any gaskets to reach Channel Rd's end.   BamBam and Julz scored the wind up the waste gate on Boundary Rd though Molly stayed stuck in the caboose, speed sneaking up a notch or two although judging by the chat at the back, it still stayed social.  

The wind shifting to a southwester would make work on the way back to town so thoughts shifted to the breakfast menu.  Family commitments turned BamBam west into Old Dookie when we steered toward the Toaster, just a couple of k's east and couple north before the toil to earn our breakfast would begin.  Longer drives were set from the start and with it, the expectations for others, so I'd done the couple of k's from the Toaster to Lemnos-Cosgrove but didn't have much hope (or horsepower) getting to Boundary Rd for part two.  The southwester would see to that!  Those few trees near Pine Lodge Creek weren't the shelter from the wind that I'd hoped for (and those dreaded Garmin numbers were on the rise too) but salvation came with the call of "ease up" from the back.  Just as timely, Troy rolled to the left at the bridge.  

Emil doesn't need a lighter bike (he's fast enough already!) but he obviously relished the long drive with Troy to Lemnos.  With all the horsepower at the front, their shifts would tow us to town, so just my luck (again), I got the Wanganui Rd work with the mountain finish.  Greg did well to stay awake alongside. Funny, I'd treasured the thought of a social Sunday spin at the start and now I was spent finishing a third shift! The tailwind reprieve along the Boulevard soothed a soft soul. 

Breakfast was bliss at Eighty8, Sunday sentences stretched out on how the addiction started, weight loss and perfect posteriors.

8/5 Manic Monday.

PistolPete's wheel is a safe bet for maximum delay till duty calls, and a smooth one to warm up on the first 800 metres to the truck route, but the Ninja was in a pickle when Indian file was judged Monday's format (just 9 were on the mornings' roll call).  Second wheel to Pete's power toward Mitchell Rd with a west southwester lashing the starboard bow saw the 5ft one rapidly retreat to the rear for survival - and shelter was at a premium with The Godfather (commandeering the caboose) already in the gutter.   I'd summoned the watts to deliver the news to the front, Pistol diplomatically easing off the throttle for 8 to become 9 again. A breath or two was gained on the turn into Mitchell Rd but Emil had bolted east (that new La Pierre would feel fast; if only to ease the pain in the wallet)   Rocket had held the tempo at 37's to keep the bunch intact though trying to gain a few more breaths when it feels like -0.2 didn't do much for recovery.  

Sledges greeted Emil's return at Central Kialla where Wozza stuck to the rhythm toward River Rd.  I'd hoped to get help from that wind as Kel set the course east to the bridge, hopefully Bo behind her wouldn't do the hero's haul all the way to rooster corner and leave me murdered by a side wind in Coach Rd.  My fingers were crossed as he took the reigns toward the dip. I had my doubts when he held the prior pace, it smelled a lot like a long haul was in the making.  Not a flinch from his elbow at the dip got me worried but he finally relented at Trevaskis Rd. My drive to the quarter horse gates was getting off lightly.  

The two k's beyond to Coach Rd was driven by Surgio (sorry, The Godfather) while I attempted recovery at second last wheel, the pace as variable as home loan interest rates to the rumble strips to keep us all busy on the brakes (and accelerator). The silver Combo van behind just had to overtake with just 50 metres to rooster corner, cutting across us at the corner then slowed into Coach Rd to ruin our rhythm.  PistolPete conducted the master class on smoothness north to the highway; funny how 38's become most managable (even with a side wind) when speed stays steady.  Emil behaved in Boundary Rd but at the fig farm, an oncoming trucks' move across the roads' centre wasn't expected (I'd hoped it wasn't deliberate).  The wind shear blew a few off the back.  The lap felt quick when 37's stayed stuck on the speedos into the wind on Old Dookie Rd, most likely a cruise for Rocket on the front to Central Ave (or Wozz for that matter, pushing the same pace to the truck route).  The wind wore away Kel's drive toward SPC, a considerate Bo driving the last 500 metres.

9/5 Fark it's dark!

A third of the town in darkness made it a strange spin to the shop; even the traffic lights were having the morning off, but the seasons' standard southwester was still working to chill the extremities (feels like 3.8) and keep a lid on anything resembling speed to the start.  The Ninja had braved a 12k commute to the car park and took second last in line when Emil started the Indian filed pack into Channel Rd.  It's in my job description to berth at second wheel, Wendy, Jen and Kim were behind while Molly made her home in the caboose (I hope this was crucial and not just convenient Molly?)   The gradual introduction to 37's kept the team together so naturally an equal effort was expected to follow. 

It did the ego good to see that speed as I settled in to do the distance to Orrvale Rd, though I did have a southwester at my back to help.  Wendy worked a similar standard to the Kinder, Jen allowed a slight slowing of the standard on Central Ave but she delivered the goods toward the cypress trees.  Aboard a "hand-me-down" La Pierre from Emil, Kim took on the shift to the S bend as Julz joined at Jamieson Rd, something a little swifter than the old Merida made hers a swift shift.  The 5ft one finished off Channel Rd and topped it off with her trademark blast to the highway (while I played shock-absorber at 3rd wheel).   With a bit much westerly in the wind to make Boundary Rd a breeze, the line echeloned across the tarmac till 'ol mate in the quarry truck's overtake straightened our act up. The vastus lateralis and rectus femorus burned when given the reigns to do the Old to New Dookie Rd leg, living up to the set speed now a bigger task with the wind a hassle instead of a help (the rest of the circuit wasn't going to be much fun come to think of it)   Suffering is best shared isn't it?  

Taking the sting of the southwester at the left brow, Jen's diesel engine was put to good use in Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, retiring within sight of the rumble strips for Julz to tow us to Lemnos. The Ninja took on Ford Rd with great intention but the wind had other ideas half way to Grahamvale Rd.  Kim found the southwester a chore too so Emil was elected to get there.  With barely a k to reach Verney, of course Emil set sights on a heroic haul to Balaclava Rd, all I had to do was hang on at second wheel. Sure as eggs, Emil's urge to poke at pedestrian buttons launched him off the front a bit beyond Graham St. Need I say the traffic light was red anyway?  With many cafes shy of electricity, Brother Pablo was the very acceptable option. 

10/5 The want for watts.

It was one of those Star Trek moments.  James T Kirk was calling for warp factor five, but Scotty in the engine room hollered "I'm givin' her all she's got Capt'n!" I'd had a fair pairing with BamBam for the last k of River Rd, so part two on Coach Rd with a southwester at the left gluteus maximus should have made it easy; but a ton of effort could only get 37's on the Garmin toward the Broken bridges.  Legs just wouldn't deliver what the will wanted (and I'm sure The Godfather knew better than to call "full block").   Not so long ago I would have driven a half decent turn but the old engine now has a want for watts just to keep up with these young ones.  (I'm lucky my tired tempo is tolerated by this team)   Boof, Troy, Emil, Grumpy, Wozza, Greg, PistolPete, Rocket, The Godfather and BamBam had fronted for the 5:40 fling, several of the regulars absent without leave. (How the cold culls!)   

Of course, PistolPete had set the crew south and I'd resisted that safe seat in his slipstream.  (Sixth in line to serve duty wasn't so soft was it?)  Getting BamBam's draft was a blessing so energy consumption was fairly economic in the advance line through Central Kialla.  The Godfather seemed a little lost without Bo to bully, Grumpy's bare knees made me feel a whole lot warmer in feels like 4.3 and Troy seemed to be barely breaking out of an idle.    

So, where was I?  Oh yeah; I'd got to the bridge where Greg kindly put me out of my misery with his slipstream, but just as we'd reached the highway two minutes later, I could string a short sentence together (so recovery wasn't so bad).    

Up Boundary Rd and west into Old Dookie Rd, the southwester blowing at the left brake lever wasn't an issue for Boof, Rocket or Wozz to keep 37's on the agenda to Central Ave and then the truck route (while I needed to rev the old engine at the red line to get that speed with a tailwind!  A matter I'll take it up with my therapist)   The draft was my saving grace since School Rd; just enough time to gain a breath or two in readiness for the single filed fling to SPC, and just enough draft supplied from a long line ahead to hang on to 43's getting there. 

11/5 Who needs Emil?

Jen was a more than suitable substitute for Emil's absence on Thursday, towing me, Molly, Wendy, BamBam and the 5ft Ninja up to therapy speed toward the truck route.  Her pace was perfect, considering the feels like -0.5 took a little time to get used to.  Minus temperatures already? I wonder what Winter has in store for us? (Maybe I should order an ice pick?)  A moments halt at Doyles for a truck to pass gave me an excuse to slowly build the speed to Orrvale Rd (under the heading of being kind to the  tail-enders.........but it saved me a bit of stress too)    Molly facing the front was long overdue, hopefully a positive road to recovery but reaching the Kinder today was a good start (better than an obsession with the caboose!)   

 Julz had worked her way west on Jamieson Rd to join while Wendy led us to the cypress trees.   Probably ranked a part-time squirrel, BamBam's shift to the S bend was valued, particularly by the 5ft one behind, obviously banking a few watts for her blast north on Coach Rd to the pub.  Jen calmed the rush beyond the highway, gentle on the throttle up to 33's again.  I'd been caught napping at the fig farm when Jen's elbow urged me to lead (so often waiting for Emil's cue at Old Dookie Rd) so out of habit I did duty to New Dookie Rd.  Full marks for Molly taking on a second term in the drivers seat to take us to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the lack of any wind probably an incentive.  Good work west toward the main channel bridge was mistakenly credited to Wendy, but it was Julz doing duty there to peel off and leave Wendy the work; her strangely shorter shift was debited to di2 dilemas, stuck in top gear.

(Old school cable shift for me. I don't have a need for split second gear changes)  Ford Rd progress was shared between BamBam and the Ninja, Jen inheriting the Verney Rd task to get to Balaclava.  Christmas came early with a smooth and steady spin to the traffic light, Jen timing the green light to perfection (is it Emil's magnetic personality that turns it red?) 

This week 238km

YTD 5,415km  

Like-minded lunatics

 Post #696

29/4 Saturday singled.

By virtue of an early arrival at the grid, Jen opened the order of Saturday's single filed lap of the circuit. No so social, but only eight had fronted up at Sanctuary's roundabout.  Lance, Molly, PistolPete, Bo, Julz and The Godfather chose the slower Saturday, the swifter (Wozza, Emil, Bruce, Rocket, Greg, Grumpy, Graeme and Anth starting (secretly?) a little earlier from the shop.  A southwester kept a cap on Jen's drive to Mitchell Rd and at second wheel, I wasn't going to set any records east to Central Kialla (110 k's in the legs yesterday was my excuse).  Molly made the effort to front for the shift to River Rd (injury had kept her at the back for a week) so was excused for letting Lance finish off the last 400 metres (his acceleration east toward the bridge caught a few of us tail-enders napping).  Speed settled soon after but with Bo in the bunch I wondered how long that may last.

 Julz addiction grows strong, taking the plunge of starting from Sanctuary's grid (but could she resist the short-cut on Boundary Rd to Lemnos-Cosgrove?)  Believe it or not, Bo behaved on his turn to finish off River Rd, keeping within a few percent of the prior pace.  Of course PistolPete played fair on his drive to the highway, feels like five prompting a shift to a lower gear to put a little heat in the legs.  At last I'd avoided the Boundary Rd leg (five drives on it last week) but we had some variables thanks to The Godfather (he'd behaved keeping the tempo within the watts of others).  The eastern shift to the Toaster was Jen's to work with the bonus of the southwester behind and with a hint of it's help northbound to the church my turn resembled reasonable (I reckoned Molly might like a slice of it so I handed her the reigns at New Dookie Rd. 

The horsepower behind could take on the wind into Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd)  Lance retreated from the front at Pine Lodge creek, Bo brave enough to take on the distance to Lemnos.  Liam and Gazza, the sole 6am starters at the shop, shot by in a sweat nearing the rumble strips, fast enough (thankfully) to discourage any of our lot from jumping aboard.  PistolPete got down to business into Ford Rd but I couldn't hear much huff and puff behind, a glance back finding just Lance on my wheel and two lights (Molly and Julz) a long way back.  Most of us have had the experience of an o.t.a. moment and the sense of abandonment that follows, so it felt right to drop off the back and donate them a draft back to town.  Within a minute, Jen came back to join me playing slipstream Samaritans, sharing the towing duties to Mt Wanganui and the Boulevard back to the Butter Factory.  The shop squad speed ceiling, foot fumbles and culinary cruelty kept tongues wagging between bites of breakfast. 

1/5 Dark, damp, an icy southwester and misty rain........let's ride!

Just 'cause I'd cleaned the bike yesterday, a light mist of rain dampened the tarmac only 300 metres into the warm-up to Tarcoola on Monday. This would whittle down the starters at Sanctuary Drive!  With the warm-up done, Emil wore me down on the spin south to the start line, collecting Tina en-route, though I'll admit it's good preparation for the pack's pace at 5:40.  Kel, Bruce, PistolPete, Bo, The Godfather and Kreeky were the few fronting the roundabout, Pistol and Emil guiding us to Mitchell Rd (as if we'd forgotten?)   Only Bruce in the advance and the rest in the left line prompted me to brave an early turn for a little balance in the bunch, The Godfather berthing behind. East toward Central Kialla became a little easier away from the wind although a light misting rain dampened the enthusiasm a bit. Getting drenched wasn't on the forecast or on the wish list.  

Second wheel to Bruce meant I'd have a compliant co-pilot toward River Rd.  Barely a breeze but chilling the bones, I was relying on the southwester to make my turn reasonable, Bruce calling "Your speed" helped but the pressure to perform over-ruled common sense to pace myself.  Close to the red line arriving at River Rd, The Godfather became partner for part two and although it wasn't mentioned, the expectation of 'full blocks' is always there, so I set the bridge as the target.  The bridge barriers' reflection in the distance seemed a world away but I'd glued the eyeballs to it rather than the heart rate in the heavens or the snail like speed, so wasn't it a surprise to find it was the reflection of the Laws Drive sign 400 metres beyond the bridge. The draft to the dip regained some composure where I (belatedly) thanked Kel for the kudos given at the bridge.  

Tina braved the front with The Godfather, Kel co-operative for a short part two, the long drive to rooster corner by Bo and Kel considerate to Tina's recovery.  Daylight was the stuff of fantasy turning north, not even a glow on the horizon could break through the clouds now misting rain again.  Kreeky and Bo towed us to the highway.  It was a sure bet that PistolPete and Emil would do the long drive to Old Dookie Rd so my calculations added another drive of duty at the front before the lap was done.  As expected, Bruce and Emil managed the shift to Central Ave with ease while I prepared for the pain of performing at the front again.  The 2300 metres to the truck route wasn't so bad after all, a couple of passing cars provided some vacuum, and just as the squirt to SPC started concerns, Bruce saved the day by taking the lead into the roundabout.  The Godfather wanted the captaincy into town so being demoted to third wheel gave me the benefit of a better draft.

2/5 Full house!

A swarm of squirrels arrived in Rae St as if somebody had promised free beer! Maybe the stars had aligned to group Emil, Anth, Kim, Wendy, Jen, Lili, LiamM, Tina and Molly together for the southern commute, or was it because this might be the last decent day of double digit temperatures with barely a breeze blowing?  I was gifted a slipstream from Emil and Anth to the shop (one could soften quickly if this continued!) where the 5ft Ninja lay in wait for the 5:30 flagfall. Third wheel made a change for me as Emil turned up the wick into Channel Rd, brother Anth sparing me the repetition of the Doyles to Orrvale thing.  

I thought it wise to guide Anth on the left/right into leg three but Tina's call for right/left certainly confused the poor guy! The two k distance to the Kinder seemed longer but I had no complaints on the super smooth tarmac to get there (made it feel faster than 36's).   The spin to the cypress trees was Jen's job (and Julz joined in), Emil instituting a two row format at Beckham's bend. Some almost due for duty were shuffled down the roster as a result while I'd found a place in the advance line on the Ninja's wheel with Tina behind, Emil and Anth back in charge again to finish off Channel Rd.  Pace eased a fraction when the five foot one faced the front, no skin off my nose to level a wheel with her to the highway.  Tina had plenty of pace on Boundary Rd so wasn't I grateful when she called half time at the bridge.  A fair old fog had hung over the channels to cloud the view north.   Insulated like an Eskimo, LiamM drove a decent turn to Old Dookie Rd, Lili, Julz and Kim lining up for their slice of suffering to Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd.  

Molly chose the caboose to view all the action.  Brothers being brothers, Emil and Anth silenced the social stuff to the rumble strips and Lemnos North Rd.  Another turn for me with the Ninja then Tina got the first leg of Ford Rd finished, the stop at Grahamvale Rd for a truck or two a bonus for the breathless.  Two rows became one for the (graveled stage) Verney Rd shift to Balaclava, Jen given the drivers' seat to get us there....... till Emil's itch bolted him ahead to press that pedestrian button (turning the green to red when we got there)

4/5 A testing temperature.

Just a degree or two lower has begun to bite, though feels like four might be something we'll crave in mid July!  (I've still got the winter gloves and heavy duty base layer in reserve for the real cold to come)    Kim, Anth, Emil, Molly, Jen, LiamM and Lili congregated on the cruise to the shop, me being spoiled (softened?) again with a draft from Anth and Emil to get there.  With the Ninja at the grid and Julz joining soon, the call for two lines made sense, though it still seems weird for the standard squirrel spin.  The chance for a little social stuff on Therapy Thursday made sense too.  Lungs weren't so pleased to be filled with iced air, even at therapy speed, but the company of like-minded lunatics is why most of us are outdoors doing this! (seeing a soloist in this stuff ranks them as hard-core, or a head-case......or both!)  Therapy pace had risen to 35's (without complaint) so preserving the rhythm with Anth to Orrvale then Jen to the Kinder was the expectation (yet the single-filed speed is only a touch higher but half the distance on the front. Go figure?)   

Julz animated arrival sparked up the social stuff for the rest of Channel Rd though there's not much chat at the business end in these temperatures (too much loss of hot air?)   The Alaskan attired LiamM seems to be on a consistent comeback trail, Molly again in recovery mode at the rear.  The brothers behaved for the northern assault of Boundary Rd (as they should) and that most likely eased the fear of fronting for some, the southwest breeze acting as an encouragement. Cold seems to have culled '51's numbers to three (I guess it's almost the season for Playstation on pedals (aka Zwift) to start again.  Had to laugh seeing a post of a Zwift gravel ride. Electronic dirt? AI has gone nuts!)   The western way on Lemnos-Cosgrove wasn't the work I thought it would be (says me from the luxury of the slipstream) 'cause speed seemed to stay stuck at 34's. 

Julz called a short shift not long after I paired with her on Ford Rd (but kept the sentences flowing while Jen and I drove the distance to Grahamvale Rd) so she obviously had the oxygen for a longer shift (the 'if you can still talk, you're not trying hard enough' theory)    Next time I'll pretend not to hear her pleas for a draft! Verney Rd had Jen in charge for the southbound stretch to Balaclava Rd but Emil's itch needed scratching just 200 metres in.  His excitement stretched the rubber band to breaking point by Graham St, a gap opening ahead of Jen I felt duty bound to fill to keep the remainder together.  Balaclava's infamous traffic light worked in group one's favour but not for group two, so squirrels became separated for the spin to the caffeine fix. 

5/5 Friday in the fridge.

Well, that didn't last long!  All that "toughing it out till June" talk caved-in to Friday's feels like three, softening swiftly to go in search of the real winter gloves, a bulkier base layer and something thermal for the skull.  The cold is inevitable I suppose, I just wished Winter wasn't so presumptuous! Grizzles ceased finding Boof, Wozza and Rocket at the Benalla Rd lights, another tow to Sanctuary Drive might save a few watts for work at the front of the bunch later?  The Godfather, Grumpy, Troy, the 5ft Ninja, PistolPete, Kel, Emil, Bo, Jen, Anth, Lili and BamBam had found their way to the start line to fly the team colours (well, those who'd remembered the Friday tradition!).   

I've made a concerted effort to avoid that last-in-line dive for PistolPete's wheel when the flag drops at 5:40 (call it an h.t.f.u refresher course if you like) so today scored Troy's wheel in the advance line while PistolPete and Emil supplied the slipstream to Mitchell Rd.  Comfort came seeing the speed settle at 36's and 7's.   BamBam's surprise showing contrasts to Lili and Jen's amplified attendance and there's always the regulars that keep turning up (so you don't feel you're the sole stupid one riding in the cold).   Talk tapered toward silence as the serious stuff of facing the front drew near in River Rd, Troy rolling left at the bridge exposing me to the reality of cutting through the icy atmosphere.  

It's ok for the first 500 metres or so till the lack of horsepower hits home and your worthiness to wear the team colours kicks in.  There was a push to get to the dip (why does cold air feel like soup to drive through?) then pain for the part two when the quarter horse fence appears to be a week away (cue the sound of a tired old engine bouncing on the rev limiter).  Grumpy was kind enough to excuse my huffs and puffs to get there.  My suffering turned insignificant seeing Grumpy's knees exposed to the elements (gofundme for knee warmers Grumps?)   Bo partnered Grumpy to rooster corner (not too cold to crow) while the world came slowly back into focus for me.  Discovered later on the Bureau's observation data at home, a southwester explained the ease of effort northbound led by Bo and Kel, encouraging Lili and Jen to advance for a sit in the drivers seat.  The cold confined their shifts to short ones.  

Those who's watts are plentiful (you know who!) had (by chance?) formed line astern to drive a faster path to town, Old Dookie Rd blurring under the wheels in the 40's at times (in a hurry for the internal heat of coffee?), the vacuum effect from those with velocity helping those of weaker watts to hang on.  Fifteen stretched out behind Emil's spirited speed to SPC, the slightly slower spin through the streets to satisfy our other addiction (in a mug) and the want for the thawing process. 

This week 255km

YTD 5,177km

If lungs and legs would co-operate.

 Post #695

22/4 Sociable.

Strange thing a solo commute to Sanctuary Drive (most of the usual cohorts away on a long weekend), so without any pressure on pace I could cruise my way to the grid and ease the old engine into an effort  (Christmas had come in April!)  PistolPete, Lance, Rocket, Bo, the 5ft Ninja, The Godfather, Bruce, Nev Greg and Wozza had converged on a cool (6 degrees) but calm roundabout for the 6 am launch, PistolPete (who else would it be?) and Bruce leading the lads and lass south.  

It seemed like social was on the menu, despite some of the shop squad in the mix, reassuring for me to see Lance in the line-up so that a few of the slightly slower might take some heat out of any hurry, so I braved an earlier (than usual) entry into the advance line.  The Ninja's wheel was of no aerodynamic advantage, how lucky that Greg was ahead to make a substantial slipstream.  Preparing the pre frontal cortex for effort at the front needed a fast forward button when the Ninja retired to the rear at Euroa Rd, being quickly promoted to the drivers' seat with Greg was being thrown in the deep end (at least he's sympathetic to senior citizens)   

The Godfather's insistence on "full blocks" became my motivator to make River Rd's bridge the aim for part two and it didn't help glancing at the Garmin showing 176 bpm getting there.  (Rule #5 would fix that)  Being anti-social beside Lance to the dip wasn't intended, just vital for the oxygen intake required.  Daylight turning north into Coach Rd was a treat (usually our arrival time in town on a weekday) but the drop in temperature made me want for the winter gloves (and being in the advance again meant dealing with a fresher front soon).  Rocket and Wozz made 38's look easy en-route to the highway, no doubt Julz' red led ahead acting as a bait.  Pistol and Bruce were re-elected leaders in Boundary Rd but Pistol chose a half block turn (with no objection from The Godfather?) to put Greg as co-pilot with Bruce aiming at Old Dookie. Julz sailed on north to Lemnos Cosgrove.  

It's only 2k to the Toaster but my head warned of an empty tank to get there, so I defied the full block convention to roll across nearing the pork palace. A surprise shop squad overtake (Gazza, Trav and GiantAndy) distracted The Godfather from my infringement.  For a moment I wondered if several may jump ship on a need for speed (leaving the rest of us to a sentence of hard labour)..........but solidarity stuck.  There wasn't the usual tailwind home on Lemnos-Cosgrove Rd, the calm conditions not spiking speed as it usually does. There's positive thoughts in the comfort of the draft until thoughts in the advance line shift to the toil on the front (didn't feel so bad if I imagined trying to hang on to the shop boys)   The Ninja held a permanent berth in the caboose.

Hopes were high on getting a third (and hopefully last) turn done before Wanganui Rd arrived but thanks to the long distance drives of Greg and Bruce from Grahamvale Rd, it wasn't to be.  Just my luck to get the 2800 metres worth of Wanganui with the lofty ascent on the mountain at the end.  

I get the feeling I'm being given a little discount on pace at the front so the least I could do was to drive the distance to Rudd Rd (I'd be guaranteed a tow to breakfast from there anyway!)  Pace didn't get out of hand along the Boulevard so for a welcome change, the view was still in focus to Knight St.  House painting, road trauma and fat heads was the business over breakfast, the solo home as sedate as the start.

24/4 Motivational.

Enthusiasm had escaped when the alarm went off at stupid o'clock (it's called Monday-itis for the working classes!) but I knew the regret of not riding would be torture by mid morning.  Why it's a struggle to get 28's on the speedo to Tarcoola but no drama to keep 33's going to Sanctuary Drive I'll blame on performance anxiety!  Taking a four day weekend was the excuse for some absentees but Emil, Tina, Rocket, Wozza, PistolPete, Greg, Bruce, Troy, Bo, Kel and The Godfather arrived to make up a dozen.  

Of course PistolPete set us southbound, Emil electing himself as co-pilot for the 2800 metre warm-up to Mitchell Rd (though 8 degrees felt mild thinking of last weeks' cool introductions)    I hadn't intended taking the soft option of last-in-line but found myself on PistolPete's wheel as the bunch got into order, plenty of time to prepare for pain at the pointy end though. Something like social speed had been set headed west (Greg and Bruce were probably keen for something sedate after yesterday's 140 through the ranges).  Through the metropolis of Central Kialla, around the cobbled section of tarmac, a 90 degree right into River Rd and aiming at rooster corner 6k in the distance, wind wasn't a workload for a change, the feint red glow on the horizon something colourful to aim at.  

The standard weekend chat occupied the ranks as The Godfather guided our path along River Rd's centre (for reasons better known to him) well before reaching the rumble strips.  Bo and Kel captained north as I moved up a rung in the advance, duty looking likely in Boundary Rd (yet again!).   Kel's roll to the left at the bridges escaped The Godfather's grizzle about full blocks.  Tina's shift came to an end a bit beyond Boundary Rd's bridge so maybe I could get away with the slightly shorter drive to Old Dookie Rd?  Pistol was kind enough to stay at my speed alongside till the turn left, just enough left in my tank to hold onto Pete and Emil's drive to Central Ave.  Plenty of colour in the sky made shaking off Monday-itis worthwhile.  Another rung down in the left line as Wozza and Emil set speed to the truck route eased my effort enough to bank a few watts for the SPC squirt, Rocket not holding back his horsepower to get there. 

25/4  Respectful.

The Anzac Day dawn service and ride drew a big Couldabeens clan to show respect for those who've paid the ultimate price in conflict for the country. 10 degrees made standing for the half hour service tolerable though it was a cool few k's of the clockwise course climatizing to speed.  Riding in the daylight was a rare treat and into a scenic sunrise was candy for the eyeballs when most of our k's are covered in the dark.    Bruce, Liam, Wozza, TrackStan, Rocket, Emil, The Godfather, Troy, PistolPete, Greg, Bo, Kim, Tina, Lance, Molly, Nev, Lili, Jen, Wendy, Julz, LiamM and Grumpy created two long lines, Wouldabeens Crossy, SuperMario, Laura, Chris and AlmostRetiredTrev attached to the train in a rare act of clan combination.  

(Funny how The Godfather's garble could be heard over the chat from the end of a 35 metre long line!) Punctured at the start, Trav had repaired and short cut to catch us in Ford Rd. LiamM had neared the pointy end when a puncture brought the train to a halt, AlmostRetiredTrev roped into the repairs though that didn't satisfy The Godfather's time limit.  Fixed and rolling again seemed to be a timely chance for the big bunch to split, the swift and the sustainable separating.  

Greg, Bo, Bruce, Liam, Troy, PistolPete, The Godfather,Trav, Wozza, TrackStan, Emil and Rocket bolted ahead, leaving the rest to settle on something a little less stressful.  Happy days for all really.  Of course I'd stuck with the sustainable, but what speed to set was the question.  Something between suffering and snoozing I guess!  Velocity varied between 31 and 36. depending on who was in the drivers seat, but the bunch stayed united (it just went rather quiet at 36's!)    It's a weird sensation to take this lap contrary to the usual Saturday way but at least the views were different.  LiamM seemed to shy from a shift at the front and contained himself to the caboose while Laura would advance to 3rd or even 2nd wheel before seeking to hide in the left line (Not sure what the fear of the front is when you're among friends - avoiding duty is the slippery slope to softness!)  

Chris seemed to study the squads protocols as someone new to the addiction should, Julz the ace student in comparison. South on Coach Rd and over the bridges, the direction of River Rd was reinforced 'cause the Woulda's have a habit of southbound to Mitchell. Grumpy would usually side with the swift but admitted to carrying a little extra ballast from his sojourn to Singapore but Crossy was kind enough to level wheels with him west toward the dip.  My turn with Tina to Euroa Rd had finally encouraged Laura to try a tap at the front though she sought an early roll just 200 metres toward Central Kialla.  I nagged her to continue to Mitchell Rd, figuring if she could still talk she could drive the distance! (I excused her pleas for Lance to roll straight across to aid her recovery headed west)  

The route via Raftery Rd is the stuff of history books for most and not the favored course for some, particularly when Conrod straight comes into view, though none seemed tempted to sprint the finish (there was a greater interest in breakfast).  The Swift and sustainable (including the Woulda's) converged on the Milk Bar for the essential coffee and chat. 

27/4 Therapeutical.

Guilt got me out of bed a bit before stupid o'clock; buckling to the softness of a sleep-in Wednesday got the motivation going today! (And a northeaster provided the motivation to Tarcoola!  I was guessing Boundary Rd wouldn't be much fun) Emil, Jen, Lili, Tina and Molly had assembled in Rae St, LiamM the victim of a flat tyre before he'd left home.   The spin to the shop was quite cruisy, can't say the rest of the lap would have that luxury.  Just as 5:30 struck to get wheels rolling from the shop, BamBam arrived from the south, Emil easing off the gas a little so he'd get aboard.  The Thursday therapy speed applied but I was needing a lot of throtle to stay at second wheel (maybe a day off had handbraked the old engine?) 

A glance at the Garmin was disappointing - all that effort and only 33 to show for it? (Waiter! More concrete to the breakfast table!)  My test would come at Doyles Rd when second wheel became the lead role.   A few trees might have helped to shelter from the wind but the 1200 metre shift felt further when faced with reaching Orrvale Rd.  Six to slipstream would help me get over it! (make that five.  Molly had taken up residence in the caboose)  

A change to the usual order had Jen drive us to the Kinder, Tina getting the luck of the tailwind on Central Ave but labour to the cypress trees. Julz joined in from Hanlon Rd while Lili was worn down by the northeaster toward Beckham's bend.  Absent for a week, BamBam did well to tow us to Channel Rd's end.  In Coach Rd's centre, Emil cut the wind for the line behind to the highway but 34's in Boundary Rd had a few at full throttle to stay in touch.  The call for a little calm was music to a few ears.  

30's seemed to be the salvation though Emil had slowly crept the pace back up to 32's a k later (all were still aboard though. What a few breaths of oxygen can do eh?)   Prepared to front at Old Dookie, Emil's elbow didn't flinch, looks like I'd have another two minutes at second wheel till New Dookie arrived (Presumptuous old bloke aren't I? Emil stayed on in the hero's role to Lemnos Cosgrove Rd before I'd be given the lead).  What speed to set west while that northeaster blew (20-30 km/h) was pure speculation though my guess at 36's hadn't raised any hollers. I showed Jen my elbow at the bridge to share the tailwind turn among friends.  Molly's muscular misgivings kept her from contributing but Jen and Tina lined up for duty to tow us to Lemnos.  BamBam was trusted with the southbound spin to Balaclava Rd and surprise, surprise, Emil contained his enthusiasm to sprint for the poke of the pedestrian button, the traffic light changing green in BamBam's honor!

28/4  The tubeless test, contemplating Col (2 years on) and doin' Dookie (beside Bro).

A soft tyre on the turn into Sanctuary's roundabout nearly took Tina into a horizontal malfunction, so the start of Friday's lap was quickly stalled.  By the time the bunch had reconvened, attempts at keeping air in Tina's tubeless had failed. (Time for Tina to phone a friend!)  The Godfather, Troy, Grumpy, Jen, Emil, Kreeky, Kim, Bo, Bruce, Kel, Rocket, PistolPete and the 5ft Ninja tried take two, southbound to the truck route and it seemed social speed was set in stone, to the relief of a few hanging onto the rear.  (There may have been a little caution with the road damp from the 3am shower)  As it happened, low clouds decided to baptise us in Mitchell Rd anyway! Whether we were in for a soaking was up to the weather.  

Rooster tails of water off the wheels decorated the view on the drive north to River Rd, Jen concerned at a rough ride from her bike (hard to judge the state of her rear tyre in the dark and damp of Central Kialla)  The turn east was squirmy, raising doubts on its' pressure, so I delivered the news to Greg in the drivers seat.  Another tubeless had become airless, prompting a phone a friend again (hardly a convincing argument for tubeless technology - I'll stick with old school tubes that can be righted roadside)   The restart of course shuffled the order and I'd (luckily) swapped from the Ninja's wheel to Greg's - quite the aerodynamic opposite! 

Facing the front was a little further down the rides' agenda.  Bo and The Godfather had paired at the pointy end  (what could possibly go wrong?) bound for the quarter horse stud, soon locked into that 'mine's bigger than yours' show of supremacy, speed rising faster than rent as a result.  And that spelled stress at the back; so when Kim lost grip of the rearmost position, news of the infringement was delivered to the offenders.  Another brief baptism from the heavens put the alert out on traction for rooster corner.  The usual hollers of 'full blocks' got started when Kel rolled across for Bo at the Broken bridges.  A clear Midland highway didn't wipe off too much speed into Boundary so seeing 36's soon after taking the lead with Greg put a little bit more hope in the head. Keeping that pace would be the real test (if lungs and legs would co-operate)  

This old engine might make it to Old Dookie Rd if I didn't thrash it, so I took Greg's offer to roll when it suited me (Boundary Rd's bridge).  Emil was co-operative as co-pilot to reach my target without murdering the motor.  The heart-rate slowly dropped from the heavens in the tow back to town, a few getting dangerously close to the cruelty of the front seeking the shelter of the left line before reaching the truck route (the sting of speed to SPC would start there)  The fumble to engage a cleat after the brief stop for traffic put Julz under pressure to find pace, though the vacuum of a dozen ahead helped the hurry.  Coffee at the Butter Factory reflected on the second anniversary of Col's passing - tempting as it was to order pancakes with bacon and maple syrup in his honor, I resisted.  

Brother Gus arrived at the Butter Factory for his 'early' 7am start as the Couldabeens headed homeward, our intention to do Dookie and back before his return to the U S of A tomorrow. An east southeaster wasn't the best introduction to the 28 k drive but when it swung to a north northwester on Old Dookie Rd there was a little hope of less labour.  It's been many moons since doing the Dookie and back thing and bro seemed set on 32's and 3's to get there (ok under usual circumstances but the prior 50 k's probably put me on the back foot).  Touch wood, there was a slim hope of a tailwind home, if you could believe the Bureau. I was pleased the killer Cosgrove magpies were missing from the stretch beyond Quarry Rd to the golf course.  Passing the Katandra Rd, the rise of Sutherland's hill lay ahead, the massive 2% incline digging into my small bank of watts to crest it.  The cruelty of a climb is usually followed by the delight of a descent so the roll into Dookie felt far better. The tailwind back to town didn't eventuate of course (Hey Bureau, I want my money back!) the wind swinging from west north west to a westerly to make the usual battle homeward.  

This week 333km

YTD 4,920km