Saturday, August 22, 2009

Getting the right frequency

One of the things I love about being in America and especially Texas is listening to local country radio stations. Country music seems to just fit perfectly with the environment and I totally understand the local attraction to this genre. Each song tells a story, often of great angst or emotion where the lyrical content is the most significant part of the song. I imagine songwriters translating local stories both recent and from bygone eras into musical compositions.
There is an integrity about this type of music that sometimes resonates deep into your heart.
In the rural Yorkshire area we have a similar thing with Folk music and are blessed with the beautiful and talented Kate Rusby from Barnsley who has a voice as pure as a moorland stream.

Music is banned on our training rides on account of our ambition to become a good working team and to develop a greater pace line technique.
Although I don't like it I do understand and it makes sense.
Communication is key and can never be affective if all of our respective team members are musically ensconced. Each in sync with the rhythm of their own I pods.
Previously team discipline was all a bit erratic (the author being the worst offender) . Some people spent too long at the front and others spent too little time there.
Today we started to get it together with each of us taking a short spell at the front and adhering to strict rotation. It kept us all fresh and enabled us to maintain a high tempo.
I have now got the use of a New Carbon Trek bike which of similar quality to my bike in England.
After riding the museum piece yesterday it was like having an extra few gears - It went like a dreamt.
Our new approach of collective working 'Strength in numbers' was significant.
We averaged 22mph for our 40 mile route from Zube Park.
It felt really great to be part of a team especially one that was moving at such a good pace.
Our Mule shirts embroidered with multinational flags seemed to attract a great deal of intrigue and attention. Whispers soon progressed into discussions around the pace lines, especially the ones we overtook
'Who are these guys????' The question kept on arising.
For some already acquainted we got 'Here come the Mules'

Later back at home I tuned into the frequency of the local country radio station as way of relaxation.
On came one of my favorite artists Kasey Chambers.
To listen to her you would swear that she was from one of the southern states.
She sure is............. South Australia !!!!!!!!

Appearances can be deceptive, whether they are song birds from Wagga wagga or fat guys in Mule shirts, they both have something to offer this part of the states.

2 comments:

  1. that is AWESOME!! (*esp. who are these guys!??) ha haaa. lovely jerseys

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  2. It often seems easier to get a good rythem going when the pace is increased.

    Perhaps it's because suddenly nobody wants to spend too long on the front?

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