so the solstice has arrived and many of our brave heroes were off battling the cold and dark out East.  For those who, as Coopz put it, have a ‘job’ it was the OTP – the benefits of which were very evident this morning.  a good complement of FMs; a further smattering of legal brethren, C.Hippo, Chief to name but a few of those who braved the run in.

cold, but clear conditions made for a wonderful spin.  No need for catch ups, round ups, stoppages of any kind – even pace up hill and down dale through roseville, “Chatty” as my 15 year old calls it, on to tindale.  KOM not contested in the least except by one DLHK who spied an opportunity to add a bauble to the empty trophy cabinet.  Bit like Spurs in the Europa League – when you haven’t won anything for months, any kind of victory is welcome even if it is a “cadeau” from stronger opponents.

Onto North Sydney, sun now glinting memorably – the green on Miller lasting sufficiently to permit a MAMIL dash thru to the Bridge – glimpses across the dappled Harbour reminding us all of the 2nd best way to start the day.

a Lung bursting surge across SHB to B+T whereupon chairs were arranged in an unusual fauna watching, line a-breast formation.  I blame the quorum of FMs for such a flagrant act of MAMIL-ation. Conversation turned as ever on the whereabouts of the Captain, speculation being that out indigenous elder had the ‘hump’ for a FM no-show on his triumphant return to the pedals at some now distant point in the past.  Perhaps the Cap’n would confirm?

OS a late show, reduced to silence by a hypoxia inducing chase over SHB.  the sound of silence around OS.  remarkable.  Turnip also a late show, blaming a ‘sleep in’. Minds turned to the first best way, only to be corrected by T’s insistence that significant other was several thousand KMs away.

finally, Lunchie bowled up in civvies just as the show was about to end.  but then the Clutters Crew were about to arrive, so i am sure he was not alone for long.

usual bugle calls for the ride home

1/2

As I get ready to jet off to the summer I am reminded that the July Challenge is but a few days away…

Clear the calendar, order those fur lined tights, strap on the plastic friends because every working day in July is your goal, ( tough to be jetting out to the summer knowing you are suffering but them’s the breaks…)

The car park was dark and the captains spot was vacant this morning when I drove in, a balmy 28C in the car, down to a 7C outside, YHC was not sure if his summer acclimatisation strategy was wise, but stepping into the chilled riding shoes and shivering over to chat with Herb it seemed that 7C was more like -7C , hypothermia kicked in…Herb of course having run the Bobbo gorge was cooling down and peeling off a few layers. HTFU pills notwithstanding, YHC was impressed. A rapid accumulation of ERs arriving timed to minimise waiting occurred as the BOF approached from the south, and before too much ado, it was on…whips cracked, whistles blew, bells doing what they do, and YHC wheezed over the first few hills hanging on to the lantern rouge hoping a red light would slow the leaders down at Killara…a mere 15 or so genuflecting along the OTP.

KOM was comprehensively won by Phantom..after a rolling start at the Tindale regroup, he was off and running, YHC chased from a respectful distance, not letting the ghostly one disappear over the horizon, but putting in a PB to do so..the SUP now dry-ish it was an opportunity to step on it more aggressively through the treacherous Ravi swept corners, and thence over the rise to swing up the scaramanga with style and panache…Chapeau to Phantom needed to extinguish the flames emanating from his backside…form he has not seen for a month or two.

An incident to report going through North Sydney, taking the turn into Lavender Street one of our number slid off and thankfully did no damage except to pride and maybe a bruised thigh…factors involved…sneaking past an amber light, turning too fast, applying power in an inclined attitude while going over a negative camber with white line and dew…or he just stuffed up…but a reminder to all to be aware of how things can all go horribly wrong very quickly.

Another triumph for the B&T, breaking in a new waitress, whose trial by ER was passed with flying colours, 15 served with a smile and American accent. The second sitting arrived as the first left, but it was chilly enough to make the office seem like a good option, so few takers of the second cup. Good to see the TSS roll up and report to half the peloton on their various charges currently residing at the shop.

Returns all booked ..TFS invited to wield the whip ( an up day on the market seems to add about 300watts to his legs ) for another flogging home.

Have a great day all

BT

It was black as pitch as I pedalled out of the garret on the slopes of Mt Dural this morning, joining a frisky Parramatta  puncheur who gave me flogging through the rollers to Galstone, a PB and enough conversation to hear he was heading off to the Alps in a cuppla weeks.. he is the first company I have had on the commute and now has the URL committed to memory so may make a guest appearance down the NorShor OTP.

Temperatures a balmy 11C descending to 7 at the depths of GG cool and clammy as a mother in laws kiss down there, who would want to be anywhere else, perfect weather for a ride to the office. ( Compared to Saturday morning where you could almost swear you were in the grip of an English summer ) Tapping out of the GG in 3/4 time keeping the Pamp big circle form,  panache and style, it will not be long before I will add speed to that list…but not today….

A duck into Fox Valley to collect Satnav and entourage, thence a short gallop down to the Launch via the Luton Driveway…only one small incident to report, a motorist horned me on the merge at Pymble hill, firing Satnav into a sprint that Cav would have a hard time maintaining. Satnav rarely uses such power but occasionally it comes in handy to discipline the traffic and remind them their average is not that much faster than ours.

Gathered at Gordon were 20 odd lycra covered mamils, forming a peloton around the newly fledged C.Hippo, throwing a red carpet out and fanfare for the lead out on his inaugural return ride. The first call as we rolled out was “Ute back” as it lead footed past us on the first slope out. Accreting more riders by the suburb the peloton swelled to a 27 or more behemoth, which considering it is mid winter, no particular challenge on is a pretty good showing , Drastic was making a rare appearance aboard his SS MTB, but still a few usual suspects missing. Not a slow ride in either, it seems that determination beat conversation this morning, YHC was only just able to breath and not talk as the various sprint opportunities seemed to merge together into one. Thankfully the RTA as was have installed enough traffic calming lights along our path to ensure hypoxia was not overwhelming. Archer street worked its magic again and quartered the fleet into even pieces, regrouping on the crest of Tindale and once more into the threshold of pain as Scaramanga loomed…Turnip having a go, swept to an early lead and gave it some welly but was trashed by Clutters at the top…

Various parts of the peloton arrived at the top of the Mur du Crow’s Nest, and rolled on with something like a regroup, but was shredded again through the North Sydney turn pike regathering on the 39 steps, (you can climb the 50 in 39 by skipping some..) and another eye watering sprint to the B&T…nearly a record, I think we had 20 plus seated and sipping by 7:39.

Great roll in and with sunshine today should make the roll out even better. Book your seats on your favourite bus.

Have a great one all

BT/Jenny

Afternoon all

Belated report – a bit like WBA, hard to start the clock ticking without a report coming through on the wires. Speaking of WBA, Lunchie, Welchie – no sign at the Hill Street bus-stop – wherefor art thou.

DT counted 14 in the gates at Gordon – slightly short of a quorum however we ventured forth notwithstanding into a much dryer commute than yesterday (when we also had 14 hardened gents out).  No sign of BT again however fears were doused when we remembered this is his day on the wind trainer, sorry, working from home I meant.

No incidents, accidents etc which in itself is a great feat given the amount of debris about.

The main talking points were the Strava segments along Lavender Street – there’s two covering that stretch of tarmacadam – and how much of a skilled rider one must be to master that challenging stretch of road……I don’t get many opportunities to boast; Drastique unceremoniously nicked my last record….if he doesn’t get it, Clutters, Schleck, Bam, 1/4 and about 30 others will….

Simba’s last spin for a while – he goes under the knife tomorrow morning. No, not that knife that us older gents more closely associate with. Apparently he keeps throwing his shoulder out when sculling pints, and hence needs some running repairs. Hope it all goes smoothly mate and look forward to your return.

Continuing to enjoy Beebs’ reports, VD’s photos, Wilson’s bike selection discussion…..great stuff all.

BamBam spotted in pinstripe suit astride the Reid – imagine he may have got a bit damp on the return leg following his meeting back to North Sydney.

SHB South for the 5.15pm tack north; 6pm running on time too.

Have a good remainder of the day all.

Mark / Satnav

As the storm clouds move off shore and temperatures plunge into the depths of about 9C all I can say is it was perfect weather for a ride to the office.

Strapping on the wet plastic, and jumping into the car as I do, I came across Satnav flying holding patterns atop Fox Valley, so it prompted an early departure from the warm interior to a cool blast down the highway with our LM.

Noticed the good behaviour of the car / ute / van brigade recently ? I think they have been well conditioned to expect cycle traffic along that stretch of highway, not a “GOTFR” token to be had, even from the cement truck brethren,  so I think we can almost say that ER’s 1…the rest 0. Every day, in some small way the world is getting better for bikes…( sorry Dale )

A stout 9 on the pedals departing Gordon, YHC, Satnav, ¼, the rider formerly referred to as Falsh, Andy Schleck McD, Turnip,  B1 and Simba, departure was rung a few seconds late as the Fattie was well out of the station  before the first pedal was turned onto the One True Path.

Wind chill, pedestrians, cars barging into the bunch, all were in evidence before the first roundabout, but a swift if not ungentlemanly pace was maintained at least for the hills of breath, YHC was being “chickened” by a ute up to Killara station, our friend wanted to join the peloton, and tried to draught first then roll past without leaving much room for my elbow..the cab needed cleaning, and front seat was covered in invoices.

A catch of the B2B peloton of two was made at the bottom of Hill St, numbers swelled to 11 as we swung into Archer, and were then impeded by every light between there and Mowbray road. A roll through on the Tindale blast saw Andy Schleck showing form on the downhill went to lead the bunch through Artarmon park, ¼ and Clutters left their attack until the bottom of the Scaramanga leaf strewn corner but when the attack came it was full gas. YHC was chuffing up slope 2 as the victors were spraying champagne off the podium.

The roll into the B&T was another hard fought and stoat like cunning needed to make it to the coffee queue before the crowds, a bus was straddling the bike lane at the Pac highway crossing on Miller st, YHC was able to roll through and attack before the obstruction could hinder progress leaving me ahead of the bunch sufficient to be in first place, only to be slimed by a car moving at snails pace along Lavender St. ¼ and Schleck making the catch at the steps…then it was a slow descent into hypoxia chasing their tails across the bridge, by the time the vision returned to normal Andy had already rearranged the tables and had a skinny flat on order.

All set for the early bus tonight, tickets on sale cut price as usual, management have indicated a 50% discount so bring the correct change.

Have a good one all

BT

Morning all

A tight posse of 8 or so on the inbound this morning – safely navigating through fallen trees, sticks and stones etc – applicants for the annual HMOTN award would have benefited from last night’s return buses….those who didn’t have some ground to make up…. Zlatko joining via the Brown’s Waterhole route – reported water was “only up to the bottom bracket last night”.

Flash and Stealth rekindled memories of their time together at 3 Peaks in their little boys room – having disappeared somewhere in Chatswood for a good 10 minutes. Actually neither reported it being good.

TFS spotted running through North Sydney but not seen passing the B&T – suspect the final swim leg across the Harbour may have taken him a little longer with that swell.

A great crowd for Lunch Club yesterday – thanks all for attending – schnitzels weighed heavily on some for the afternoon by all reports.

C.Hippo spotted loitering with intent outside Milsons Point Station awaiting our arrival – rumoured to be back on the wheels next week, look forward to your return mate.

A good chat with Simba this morning re his medical feats in Zambia – a real eye opener – Mike Pye you should hook up for a chat, that being your part of the world.

Amongst the chatter, our Simba was heard saying:

something something something something “Captain” something something something something

From that the B&T crew concluded that Captain has prescribed it mandatory for family members to address Him accordingly. Doorbell ring of the Newport abode: “there’s someone here for you Captain, I’ll get it”.

Track Crack on Sunday 10th June – applications to Drastique ASAP. Lunchalot’s Tour de Dungog coming up shortly too.

Great to see Bucky on Strava hammering the hills around the Sea of Galilee. Awaiting the photos of the famed ER jersey to adorn the website.

With nothing else of substance to report, headed to the office we did.

Departure valves blow at the usual 5.15 and 6pm.

Have a good one all.

Oh, Andy won KOM on his MTB. Daylight second.

Mark / Satnav

Afternoon all

Slightly belated report today…..

Many in the barriers this morning with energy to burn given few outings on the weekend due to the high humidity. Schleck on his not-oft-ridden Scott MTB, Agro, Capt, Kimba, Crashant – a great crowd and a crowd of greats out to greet the Fatty O’Barrell at the annointed hour. Good to see Matt back on the (real) pedals too – after peddling the CBD sale via FB lately….

My various discussions en route – sailing around Tasmania, ASX to go sub-4000, ER charity effort in Asia next year, Brownie not yet paying his way in the GiroTip, Agro’s doctorate in Accounting – where else could you squeeze such a diverse range of topics into 45 minutes. Without even a chance of catching diseases floating around CityRail this time of year.

Disappointing the much publicised FM return ride on Friday night was only attended by our Captain – the hoardes of press must have been disappointed.

ER 2012 Fridge Magnet in final draft version – hopefully awaiting word from Lady Satnav re availability of Opera House for the Xmas Party. Or the Hornsby RSL if Allen’s already have the OH booked up.

FTOTM Lunch Club tomorrow – Bav Bier Caf at 24 York Street, first schnitzel dropped at 12.30pm. Let me know if you can’t access the spreadie (tradesman’s term) and I’ll drop you on.

Have to get back to it.

Have a good remainder of the day all.

Departures as per normal from SHBS – 5.15pm and 6pm.

Mark / Satnav

A classic winter high is sitting over the Victorian Alps, which we can all enjoy in that mornings in Sydney are calm, North/East breeze off a warmish ocean, some fog but definitely no frost…Perfect weather for a ride to the office.

The radar was a blank screen today,  Monte Dural was shrouded in patchy mist just before the crack of dawn. Launching into the commute on a lull in the traffic the bike turned right away from a Gall Stone and onto the aptly named Hoar’s Drawers. The Hills Shire has still yet to send in repair crews to fill in potholes along New Line road, making for a bone shaking ride and requiring YHC taking evasive action among P plate, Ute and white van drivers..The Gall Stone may be 10kms longer but it is way safer.

Rolling into Fox Valley at the appointed hour, and happy to see the Satnav posse, ready to flog the horses for a swift transfer to Gordon.

Hump day over, the weekend in sight, today’s order of battle was many ranks deeper and led magnificently from the rear by HRH FM Goose. It gathered steam rapidly and launched as the FOB arrived for an on time departure, twenty plus ERs charging down the north shore saving CO2 running on saturated fat , blowing hard and fast.

One day this report will state there was an orderly peloton, two wide, spaced correctly, dressed impeccably in Egg and Tomato, a soft whirring of chain on sprocket, tones hushed, but not today, probably not this month, or year…and I think that is a good thing, our usual mayhem, raucous conversation, ample opportunity to surge, rejoin and fall of the back works a treat for me. Traffic , powered and pedalled meshed well without incident today paced on the top end of comfortable, all aboard were gassing freely unstressed and purposefully. It was poetry in motion, Banjo would have enjoyed the spectacle.

YHC was unsighted at the KOM, ( my excuse book is not alphabetic but seems to be stuck at “was too far back to see “ ) I can say though that I saw a continuous stream of ERs stretching up the hill, in various states of hypoxia, all giving it a fair crack, passing the odd random on the way. Stirling effort which meant the bunch made it to the top of the Col de Crow’s en masse.

Taking tips from the Goose, YHC maintained an aerobic pace which meant arriving at the B&T in good shape, a little behind the leaders but well back in the queue for coffee…had to find a bike rack, and then a place to park.

Order of business …Bike NSW are collaborating with the ER HMOTN to create an exciting event in the Spring Cycle …Bullet will be thinking up a catch phrase to start an equivalent to Earth Hour but for bikes..a global, nay galactic reach is required, viral marketing , it will be big…your suggestions on this forum greatly appreciated.

Returns are all in timetable order, the 5:15 will be leaving at 5:15 no doubt the 6pm will be leaving at 6pm…

Have a good one all

BT..

A mystery man in a suit aboard BamBam’s bike passed the B&T at 8:15. Pinstripe over Lycra looks like it will catch on. Very spiffy.

Morning all

Numbers down a little this morning, rounding out at 12 by the time we hit North Sydney. Let the minutes show:

– Great to see HB joining at Gordon this morn, asking where everyone’s been. I think I was the only one who knew who he was…..good to see you back mate

– guffaws of astonishment with BT’s recent revelation that carbs are actually needed in the diet. His scores of followers are now left dazed and confused as they walk past a bakery. His press people clearly need firing at the way in which this breaking news was “snuck under the radar in 6 point font”. A full explanation will be provided at next Tuesday’s Lunch Club.

Let’s go to the stoning…..

– a fallen comrade on Lavender St, just after the left turn off Blues Point Road. He looked OK but a bit shaken. Suspect he hit the back of the ambulance like many of us nearly did.

– recent joiner and fellow Squizite Dobbo reported setting up a few new Strava segments for his commute from Epping which joins us at Artarmon Oval. Clutters, Bam, Fore soon to be deployed to put some pressure on.

– more additions to the membership ranks with new boy Mark (Snives) joining in again this morning, new boy Toby (Killara) last night – bringing our numbers to 94. Defection of the remaining Peppou clan will get us to 96. List attached so you can keep an eye out. Autographed ER mug with photo of the Captain for the 100th recruit.

– WBA has queried when the annual 2012 ER Fridge Magnet will be released, listing out our ER-sanctioned events for the year. Tradition dictates we only release in May, so shortly.

– kit update – order now in, production started, 15 days to shipment. Apols for delay as it’s taken a while for our man to appreciate that he should be taking the hit for the devaluation of the AUD recently. Might have to call TFS in to provide him some guidance on the FX hedging he should be undertaking.

– AOB, nil.

Return journeys pencilled in the ledger for 5.15pm and 6pm.

Have a good one all.

Mark / Satnav

Morning all

In order to ensure some semblance of productivity from our ER Patent Attorney WBA today – who disclosed that his day doesn’t really start work until reading the ride report – I thought I’d get in early with an amatuer effort……

The few drops of rain overnight and damp roads did little to discourage the ER entourage today – we’d amassed around 20 by the time we hit North Sydney. Long gone are the days when we’d only have 4 or 5 on the pedals in such conditions. Great to see so many out – in fact many I only saw for the first time at the B&T. No incidents, accidents etc which in these conditions is an achievement eh Crashant? Thankfully there was no water covering the drains outside Fort Street Public.

B1 started the day on the right note, exclaiming on looking down the line of Coopz frame towards him “ahhh, you’re quite short”. A master of the bleeding obvious is our B1. Coopz response can’t be published here. B1 mumbled something about cable outer length, but by then the damage had been done. One for the judiciary.

Captain clearly tapering for the BEWDIJ (pronounced “bewdy”) challenge – ie Bike Every Working Day In July. We hope his sniffle subsides in good time for the start of this annual event. Punters keen to see Drastique’s approach this year, being the winner in 2011.

Old Spice accused of revving up the 6pm return last night, then heard later complaining the pace was a bit toey. For goodness sake Brownie keep that peloton in order will you pls.

With Phantom in Hingapore we expect some comical musings live from the exec club lounge later in the week.

Great seeing and reading VD’s commentary of his tour. Keep them coming mate.

Our Facebook forum has confirmed the continued existence of our Dominator, rarely seen or heard at this time of year.

Bring back Half. Without his learned views we could easily think Greece’s problems aren’t all that bad.

C.Hippo rumoured to be making a come back next week, which will align nicely with next Tuesday being ER FTOTM Lunch Club – extensive consultation with Sir Lunchalot has resulted in the same venue being suggested as our last outing – all those in favour – the yay’s have it:

Normal return flights tonight – fasten seat belts for the 5.15pm or 6pm.

Have a good one all.

Mark / Satnav