Gol Gol to Balranald Revisited

5.10.2006: Gol Gol to Balranald

Stats: 154.98km, 5hrs 26mins 32secs, 28.4km/hr
Weather: Cool morning, Warm day, Cross to head winds AM, Cross to tail winds PM

It was an early start, rolling at around 6.30am this morning, and as we left Gol Gol and the Murray River all were thankful for the cool winds blowing. Prepared to push into the 2 O'Clock winds, just grateful for the lower temperatures after the hot energy sapping temperatures of yesterday.

The C-Team, with two fresh sets of legs in Mark and Peter, were quickly into a great group tempo as we pushed further into a welcoming New South Wales. So much so that as we called a holt to proceedings at the designated morning tea stop. Not only had we caught and passed the A-Team and the B-Team, we had arrived before the foodies.

Cooling winds continued after morning tea and not to far into our session we hit Eusten, took a 90 degree turn and quickly accelerated to speeds around 40km/hr as the wind drove in behind us. Unfortunately our assisting winds were also driving the B-Team and with them in sight and all but caught they turned into the lunch stop before us. A massive blow to many egos (mine included) of the C-Team.

The day finished, having surged confidently past the A and B Teams early, around 2.45pm. A very long wait revealing the Pinarello (with George on top) had finally rejected the abomination of a 'lady's' seat. Exploding underneath him, taking bum breaks to a whole new level.

Balranald proved to be a most welcoming town. The banks of the Murrumbidgy enabling relaxing walks to ease now aching legs, and adequate cappuccino's settling stomachs.

Punctures: Me (0), Group (14) [Chris 4]
Brain Snaps: Mild (2), Moderate (1), Max (0)

Note: 1 destroyed wheel, 1 exploding seat, numerous broken spokes, 2 sliding seat poles

5.10.2011

Hawaii is only a few days off and Im excited even though Im not (and prob never will) racing. Im pumped that one of my mates has qualified and Im getting to pretend it's me experiencing the 1983 memories I had firmly entrenched in my mind as to what it would be like to get to start the day treading water by the pier right through to those final few km into the finishing shoot.

It is doing wonders for my own getting out and putting in some form of consistent training. This morning it was splash in the woods. Feeling better in the ribs than Monday, but still tender enough to maintain the same adjustments of 4 stroke breathing, pull bouy use to limit torso rotation, and focusing on stroke count for the now.

The afternoon session however met a preliminary end as I turned over Lennox Bridge to start the hill repeats I promptly ran int a newly erected 8-9 foot construction fence. Indicating the beginnings of work to finally correct the rock slide issue that 'closed' the road almost two years ago. Whilst it is good the issue will finally be corrected, it is going to be a shame to loose what has become a brilliant cycle access road to the lower mts.

If I had some form of a back bone working this afternoon I probably would have figured out a solution like heading to Sun Valley. Unfortunately my constitution seemed to have taken a holiday and I headed home to relax instead. Seems I have already forgotten the concept of thinking to the line of 'what can I do?'

Outside of training a great day at Blaxland Riverside Park. What a sensational facility that has been created in public space. A concept I think Penrith Lakes should consider in terms of providing a public facility that promotes active life styles for families. In the mean time its the perfect location to link up with public transport for a Gnomes expedition. Another project to pass on to another following holiday reprieve.

Now for Evie a song today: