The sparrows were less flatulent today, or I managed to depart the slopes of Monte Dural before they woke, it was blacker than a B&T coffee with a smattering of fog to make things a little more interesting on the New Line rollercoaster. Temperature was a tricky 9C not cold enough to layer up but chilly enough aggravate the lumbago, so I peeled on the winter gear and boiled my way over to the top of Fox Valley. My lack of training seems to be working, as speed across to the Gordon launch point was 2nd fastest meaning I could have used a harder gear and added a little more pain for a little more gain.
The clear skies and mild conditions drew out the crowds today, YHC losing count beyond 11 again. A magnificent effort after Satnav clearly admonished the HMOTN for their poor turnout earlier in dispatches. Rolling out onto the OTP in all their finery, having removed the winter layers were the north shores finest , Herb unleashing his new weapon for the first time in anger, and shouting “it really makes a difference” yes mate ..it does.
The hills of death ( one of the great misnomers of our time ) were conquered with gusto again, pulses of ERs visible snaking over the landscape due to multiple coloured lights and a varied sense of urgency to arrive at coffee.
Plenty of peloton etiquette on show today, shouting out hazards, intentions and just plain shouting…it was great to see. Our 2 abreast policy seems to be holding out well, if you split the lane into dual carriageway, although with a large bunch it is not always possible to maintain a tight formation, I think the RAF would describe ours as “loose” ( and a bloody shambles off the record ) .. Archer St in mind, I think it is safer to use left lane (until forced over by parked cars ) and cross to the right turning lane at the top if clear..it then gives the lead foots a chance to roar past until we catch them at the next set of lights.
Tindale saw a standard regroup and avalanche into the dip, ¼ and Schleck already sorting out their podium speeches, and leading the charge into Artarmon park, alas as the path was both moist, sandy and covered in a greeninsh tinge of algae Rob managed to repeat Clint’s exploits on the first tight bend losing his front wheel at walking pace thankfully , bruising more than just his ego. It did not look like a bad fall, but hitting the dirt is never fun. HTMON as he is I think he still managed a good showing on the KOM.
A whiff of coffee climbing up the Burlington dash aka Willoughby Rd seems to fire up the crew as all cohesion seems to be lost as the coffee sprint ( which used to start at the SHB steps ) commenced at about West St…suddenly a 20 strong peloton is shattered into groups of 3 to 5… only brought back to a tight formation in the queue for Vic’s wares.
Just a note to all…vote for Vic on http://www.mycoffeemybarista.com.au/CafeDetail/Default.aspx?cafeId=762
The 5:15 is reportedly on time and running to schedule, 45 mins before the 6.
Have a great day all..
BT/Jenny