Its been a busy weekend for the Condor. Steve, Mel and I had a full and enjoyable day yesterday taking part in the Dales Grimpeur, a route which makes the Dales Etape and the Fred seem like a walk in the park. Unknown to us at the time Heptonstalls Graeme Brown and his better half, Kate also rode but had been delayed getting there due to the thick mist, a champion effort on a route many a hardened cyclist is afraid of, by a couple who are probably better known as runners.
Whilst we were following a less pressured activity our racing men were putting themselves through it in the YCF 50 on a course based on the A19 around Thirsk. Despite it not being regarded as an evening for fast times due to the windy conditions, Brian ignored the weather and set a new British Age Record for the distance recording a time of 1.57.21 which gave him 6th place overall, an incredible achievement in open age competition. One place behind Brian in the overall standings, riding his first ever 50 was 'Padiham' Chris with a time of 1.57.56, a time and position anyone would be proud of.
Chris has had a busy week. On Tuesday evening he knocked 30 secs off his PB for the course whilst winning the Rossendale Hilly 10. On Wednesday evening he was feeling so strong and managed to snap his chain, fell heavily and injured his knee. Thursday evening he rode the Rossendale Whalley/Settle 21m TT, again taking 1st place. With the 50 on Saturday evening most would have considered that to be enough for one week but to the amazement of all he was due to face the timekeeper once again, at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning down in Cheshire for his debut 100 mile TT. Defying logic he recorded a great time on the sporting course of 4hrs 15min 22secs. Results are not yet available but when he left to come home he was topping the leader board.
Most of our members have been busy today helping at the Condor Road Race. I had to leave before the traditional de-brief at Greetland Community Centre but I'm sure Grimpy will update the blog with full details.
