Sunday, September 29, 2013

Ride Report


Superb weather and a great route for today's club run up to Horton in Ribbledale where we spent an hour or so shouting encouragement at the hero's competing in the 3 Peaks Cyclo X.
I was rightly worried when I got to Denholmegate at 8.30 to see that only fast men, Dom Turner and John Doherty were waiting for the start. My fears were confirmed when a few minutes later going up through Denholme village I was struggling off the back. We met Mel and Richard at Crossroads and, as published made our way up to Feizor Cafe via Oakworth and the Herders. On the descent to Laneshaw Bridge we collected Ian and Steve Barker. As everyone who knows them will understand the riding was tough when Mel and John were together on the front, the tail wind just making the pace faster rather than easier. Fortunately they missed the left turn for Fanny Greys in Foulridge and Ian and myself were able to take over the (steadier) pace-making through Ba'lick, Horton and Paythorne.
Steve and Ian left us at Settle and we made our way to Elaine's Tearooms on the back road through Lawkland, missing the delights of Bukk'a Brow.  As ever we were treated to a first class feast at Feizor, bacon, sausage and egg butties second to non before taking the Pennine Bridleway over to Helwith Bridge. We went up to Horton and in company with Steve Cavell who had walked over the summit of Pen y Ghent watched the leaders, led, for the 10th time by Jebby, then returned to Helwith Bridge Hotel  where the hard men drank beer whilst the more mature members of the peloton, Richard and I, opted for the drink that cheers but does not intoxicate,


Once we were confident that the boozers were settling in for the duration Richard and I sneaked away, having a pleasant ride ride home at a more sedate pace. Although there was a fairly stiff head wind we chose the scenic (hilly) route over Attermire rather than the busier valley roads, arriving home in time to witness not one of the Brits finishing in the Worlds - just like the good old days.

Well done to Condor's Adrian Lord who finished the Peaks for the 3rd time with a time of 5.18.14, beating his partner Nerys by just over 20 mins but commiserations to their daughter Madeleine who, riding under the Todmorden Harriers banner retired at Cold Cotes.

We've seen the 3 Peaks race in all weathers but yesterday must have been the best.
Yes, it was down to me to uphold the Condor reputation and take ale whilst the 'lightweight' members headed home. Three pints of the local Penyghent brew later Dom and I were watching Dwarty dance away from us up Attermire climb ! On the back road from Carleton (the scene of much 'dying') Dom paid for his efforts (and for drinking crappy lager) and blew big style. I understand at Ingrow he begged Dwarty to leave him and crept home alone - hopefully before it got dark !

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Sunday 29th Sept

Meet 8.30 Denholmegate/8.45 Crossroads to Feizor cafe and Helwith Bridge for 3 Peaks finish via Oakworth/Laneshaw Bridge/Fanny Grays and Paythorne.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Roadmen


Good to see Chris again after his countless hours and miles on the Audax routes all summer.
His report should have read 'Damian attacking and sprinting' - I had tired legs after riding to Slaidburn via Attermire and Bowland Knotts and was struggling to ensure Damian didn't get too carried away.

You may recognise some of the folks on this local video clip - not stereotyping Calderdale roadmen at all !


https://vimeo.com/74907859


Sunday, September 22, 2013


Condor Road Club Ride 22/9/13

MEETING POINT   HEBDEN BRIDGE  Next to park gates @ 9am.

TODAYS RIDERS                    REFRESHMENT STOPS
  • Pete Horne                    Whalley The Abbey Tea Rooms
  • Melvin Hartley                Slaidburn The Riverside Cafe
  • Ian Robinson
  • Simon Fortune
  • Chris Smith
  • Damian
  • Richard
  • Nigel Hartley
AFTER MEETING AT HEBDEN BRIDGE WITH A CHANGE TO THE PROPOSED ROUTE THE CONDOR ROAD TRAIN PROCEEDED THROUGH THE CALDER VALLEY WITH A GOOD TURN OF PACE. RIDERS TOOK TURNS TO SHARE THE WORK AT THE FRONT, BATTLING A SWIRLING HEADWIND. TODMORDEN AND TOWARDS BURNLEY PICKING UP TWO RIDERS WHO SEEMED TO BE THANKFUL OF THE FREE RIDE. A CLIMB OUT OF CLIVIGER AND DECENT THROUGH ROSEGROVE TO PADIHAM WHERE THE TWO LEFT US HEADED FOR BLACKPOOL. SOON INTO WHALLEY WHERE IAN MET NIGEL TO DINE WHILST THE REST OF US TOOK LIGHT REFRESHMENT AND A TOILET BREAK. AFTER A CLIMB UP WADDINGTON FELL AND DROP INTO SLAIDBURN TO THE RIVERSIDE CAFE WHERE WE MET MELVIN. WE PROCEEDED THROUGH GRINDLETON, CHATBURN, DOWNHAM ROUGHLEE AND BARROWFORD. WITH DAMIAN AND MELVIN WINDING UP THE TEMPO ATTACKING AND SPRINTING. A ROUTE BACK VIA LANESHAWBRIDGE OVER THE HERDERS TO STANBURY WAS CHOSEN. HERE  AFTER A BRILLIANT DAYS RIDING IN GOOD COMPANY AND CLEAR WEATHER, A QUICK PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN BY PETE. FROM HERE RIDERS MADE THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL WAYS HOME. THANKS FOR A GREAT DAYS RIDE TODAY CHAPS. IM SORRY ITS BEEN SO LONG. ILL HAVE TO TELL YOU ALL ABOUT MY YEARS ANTICS ON THE BIKE.

Chris Smith 

Friday, September 20, 2013

Another Condor World Champ


Congratulations to Paul who this morning won his 10th Firefighters World Championship in the MTB discipline, yet another rainbow jersey to hang on the living room wall.   Will another jersey be his in the road race on Sunday.


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Last weekend/next weekend

Only Condors on last Sundays club run were Big Phil and myself, we were joined by Irish John from VS. John made sure we didn't get cold as we were blown up to Cracoe and over to Thorpe then down to Burnsall Cafe. The weather forecast had been terrible so it was our intention to get back home before the rains came. After the statutory b & e buttie and 7 cups of tea we headed down the backroads to the east of the Wharfe to Otley then over the Chevin, through Esholt and managed to get to Shipley before the rain started. Undeterred we followed the canal bank to Saltaire then up the Moorhead climb past the golf course to Sandy Lane and Egypt before getting onto the Gt Northern Trail at Thornton to Queensbury. Home just after 1.30 with 70+ miles in and an afternoon shouting encouragement at the Brownlee's, a perfect Sunday, but where were the other Condors - don't be shy - share your tales of adventure on the blog.

I know where one Condor was spreading his wings, Grimpy was down in Staffordshire feeding his insatiable appetite for road racing with yet another category win in the LVRC Enville Road Race at Bobbington, his final preparation for the final of the Percy Stallard Series this Sunday.

This coming Sunday I've arranged to meet Simon at 9am at Hebden Bridge for a Seasons of Mists recce, a change of scenery from the Dales (we'll be up there next week to cheer Adrian on at the 3 Peaks Cross).  Big Phil will be missing as he's away in Tanzania altitude training up Kilimanjaro.  (see http://kilichallenge2013.wordpress.com/ ) and Paul Daly is in Spain riding the World Firefighters Championships - MTB Friday and Road Race Sunday - see http://www.mundialbomberos2013.com/pag-in/index-in.html .    Hope some of you upper valley boys will join us (and anyone else who fancies checking out Slaidburn Cafe.

                                                                  Caption competition?

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

An e-mail from Austrian Klaus re the Mary Townley Loop


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Die Regatta GmbH ist eine Tochterfirma von Regatta Ltd.
Sitz der Gesellschaft: Dingolfing
Amtsgericht: Landshut, HRB 5564
Geschäftsführung: Klaus Buchwiser, Martyn Ifould
Ust-IdNr.: DE 197 112 316
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE KINDLY POST THE FOLLOWING ON MY BEHALF:
Having returned to Austria I would like to pass a BIG THANK YOU to Peter & Paul for such a super day with beautiful riding & great company ... although I might have to rephrase this into great riding & beautiful company, if I go by the lovely fairy wings on Peter's team outfit!

The same thanks of cause also apply to Phil, who kindly arranged all this at a time, where his work kept him busy till near midnight every day. I know this from the times of his Email replies!

It was funny reading about Peter's first impressions, because we had them too! We saw you both turn up on your old bikes with something attached to them, that seems criminal to any serious mountain biker in Austria .... MUD GUARDS !!!!!!!! Only tourists & city mb riders use them outside winter at home. Peter & myself looked at each other unsure and wondered, if this could be a big wind up! That would fit the bill for any event organised by Phil of cause and could go either way!

It soon turned out, that it was not! The riding was great and so was the pace we went at. Fast enough to keep it interesting, but still slow enough to not run tired and enjoy the very different settings.

On the equipment side it was funny to see opinions influencing each other. Whilst Austrian Peter started to fully accept mud guards when riding a bike in English conditions (I still need to be convinced there!!) UK Peter started to be teased by our fancy 29'er hard tails!

At the end of the day it was obvious, that we all had a great day also very much enjoying each others company. Maybe Paul was a little less thirsty than the rest of us (as you can see on my picture) - but that will not surprise you guys to much??!!!

Either way we need to keep this up & I would like to put the challenge up for some of you flying condors to come & visit us. We could either take you on some cool alpine MB tracks or amazing altitude RB trips local to where we live. Salzburg airport is less than an hour away from either Peter or myself. Munich airport would be around 2.5 hours away. Maybe we can look at some cross visits both ways and make them a regular thing, if the interest is there. Phil knows the area we are talking abt and can give you more info. Anything is possible. Small trips or large ones of up to 5000 height meters or more in a day - always dependent on how much time should be left to try the local beer, that is very different & very good too!!! 

Peter & me would certainly be up for coming back to explore more of your great MB tracks & real ale! Next time allowing more time before last orders though!!!

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunatly) the photo Klaus e-mailed hadn't downloaded

Friday, September 13, 2013

Sunday 15th Sept (and yesterday)


It was a hardcore day for Paul and myself yesterday as we guided 2 of Big Phil's Austrian friends round the Mary Townley Loop.  Phil, who had been unable to get the day off work had asked me take his mates, who were in the UK for a few days on business, out for a ride on their mountain bikes. I told Paul that I was going to take them on the MTL having it in mind that if they weren't up to it there are plenty of opportunities to cut short and return on the road and he agreed to share this onerous responsibility.  As we waited to meet them at Calllis Bottom I jokingly suggested to Paul that Phil may have set us up for a hammering but he dismissed such a suggestion doubting that foreign businessmen would be up to such a challenging route.

A moment later they arrived, when I saw their shiny shaven legs exiting from their hire van I wondered if perhaps they weren't novices, then they got their state of the art bikes out of the van I hoped that it was a case of  'All the gear but no idea', but in reality could see from looking at them that this was unlikely to be the case.

We set off in the clockwise direction up through Callis Wood towards the Pike with Paul intent on testing them early, they passed the test, I didn't.      In short we had a bloody great days riding with the highlight being our lunch break at Waterfoot at a cafe like no other, a cafe who's fame will soon be known throughout the Tirol.

Klaus and Peter were great company, full of life and enthusiasm and delighted with the MTL. Their enthusiasm lasted late into the evening as they forced us to drink beer at Hipperholme's Cock o' the North Shed - a memorable day!

SUNDAY 15th Sept
A lousy weather forecast so unless someone comes up with a better idea I suggest a steady potter up the Dales, 8.30am Denholmgate / 9 Keighley.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Grimpy Consolidates His Lead

John appears to have had a perfect day at the 14th Tour of the East Coast Road Race on Sunday. Already the joint leader in his age category in the season long LVRC Percy Stallard National Road Race Series he was keen to use this penultimate race in the series to pull away from the opposition and did so in the best possible way by taking 1st place from Tony Woodcock with our own Brian Sunter 3rd.  I look forward to hearing a blow by blow account of the days racing.
I see from the list of finishers on the LVRC web site that Pete Smith was also up there flying the Condor flag and there was a Melvin Hartley finishing 22 seconds behind the winner of the 40 to 50 age group race, could this be our own Mel? if so is he getting younger? and how long will it be before we see him riding in the schoolboys races?

As our members will know, a month ago Simon Fortune became the first Condor member to complete the 1400 km London-Edinburgh-London Audax. Simon battled through adverse weather to finish with an excellent time and although he is far too modest to write about his 3 day epic I have managed to obtain a photo taken at the finish which appears to illustrate that he hadn't really been trying.


Unfortunately due to his fall the previous day Simon was missing from Monday evenings mountain bike ride but there was a good turn out of 11 for a great route in Kirklees led by Bob Norbury's son, Dean.
We have a few good off road riders coming out, so good that even Paul Daly has to get out of the saddle occasionally. A few of them had ridden the Holme Valley MTB Challenge on Sunday including 21 year old Jack, who had finished 3rd fastest out of the 400 riders. Richard had also taken part but wasn't happy being a few minutes slower than the previous year - I've tried to explain the ageing process to him but he's not keen. Anyway I found this photo of him riding the event and he wasn't even riding a Mountain Bike


Yes Peter - I was that man !- but finished around 18th in the C category race, not A/B's. Such are the vagueries of the LVRC results. (You did well to find the result because I couldn't.)
It was a last minute decision to ride after Ged Millward offered me a lift out. As usual I was strong on the climb but lacking the racing speed & jump for the rest of it.
Congrats to Grimpy who certainly has good racing legs at present.
I'm missing again this weekend - taking daughter to Uni. The mountain bike is fettled in the hope of joining with some rides soon.

Sunday, September 08, 2013

Ride Report Sun 8/9/13


Excellent conditions today for mountain biking in the Dark Peak although the sunshine didn't make the route any easier to ride. I'm sure it wasn't this hard riding up mountains on loose rocks 20 years ago, or perhaps we had better bikes back then.

All went well, if a little slower than planned with very 'technical' riding over Mickleden Edge and Cut Gate down to the Derwent Reservoirs and then over the Tops again and down to the Edale Valley.  Another long stiff climb took us on to the very busy ridge between Edale and the Hope Valley. We followed the ridge From Hollins Cross to Mam Tor and along Rushup Edge  from where Simon took a heavy fall descending towards the road. He had a lump the size of an egg protruding from his left shin and extensive off-road rash.

Had there been the opportunity I suspect he would have called it a day but as our transport was at least 20 odd miles away so once he had gathered himself together we headed back to Dunford Bridge by road through Chapel, Hayfield and Glossop and then on the Trans Pennine Trail over Woodhead.

Only Simon and myself mountain biking with Richard opting to go for glory in the Holme Valley MTB Challenge, Big Phil was having a potter round the 200 mile Coasts and Castles route from Newcastle to Edinburgh and Brian and Grimpy were defending Grimpy's lead in the season long LVRC Percy Stallard series. I look forward to hearing how they fared.

Saturday, September 07, 2013

Sunday 8th September


If anyone fancy's mountain biking again this Sunday we're going to have a look at the Kinder Loop, a 50 mile off road ride in the Peak District which was officially opened by the daughter of the late Mary Townley in June this year.
Meet 8am at the car park which was the old railway goods yard at Dunford Bridge, 10 miles south of Huddersfield.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

Sunday 1st September Horton in Ribblesdale

Usually I only make the ‘car assist’ to this part of the world in late September to ride the Three Peaks cyclo cross. The Three Peaks starts in a sea of adrenalin and apprehension so it felt good to settle gently in to the climb of Cam High Road, with the prospect of a ride advertised by Pete as ‘a rest day’ in what could still, just about, be described as late summer,


I was joined in Horton, by Phil and Pete. We made our way over Cam High Road, and Fleet Moss and then rattled down the arrow straight Roman Road to Bainbridge where we recharged our batteries with bacon sausage and egg baguettes at the village café. First rate café first rate food and first rate service – well worth a visit but note, not in winter as it only opens during the summer season. There was general agreement that Bainbridge offers a much better option for a Wensleydale café stop than Hawes which is overly busy and full of the wrong type of cyclist (ones with motors).


Our ride continued very much as advertised by Peter in his pre ride blog with a fair amount of pushing and grumbling (by me) especially out of Foxup and over Foxup Moor before we picked up final part of the Three Peaks descent of Pen Y Ghent and back to arrive back Horton.


My Strava tells me four hours 39 minutes in the saddle 36.7 miles covered and 4,488 ft of climbing. Looks like a relatively easy day but by Phil’s mileage calculus each Horton “off road” mile is equivalent to approximately two regular miles and so he’s instructed me to adjust my training diary accordingly.

Finally a word about our post ride recovery drinks, Pete asked me to mention this - not quite sure why. Luke warm coffee from a flask for Pete, whey protein shake for me - not being a full time cyclist I need all the help the Science in Sport boffins can provide.

reply.................petehorne 06/09/13
Thanks for the post Richard - I noticed that those who had the whey protein shake, to aid recovery (I've read about such things in mags but didn't thing anyone took any notice), failed to turn up for Monday evenings mountain bike ride - there were 8 out though and its got to the time of year when big lights are needed - we're going to give it a few more weeks though unless the weather makes MTBing unpleasant.