Christopher Smith christophersmith920@gmail.com
Nov 8 at 10:58 PM
Winter-Burnt to Burnsall
The view from my bedroom window this morning, was that of Stoodley Pike shrouded in the mist and low cloud which has hung all of the past week. Wrapping up warmly I prepared myself for what looked on the forecast to be an awful wet day. The ride from Todmorden over Cock Hill was cool and dry with early morning sun and voices of ruffling grouse. But this was not the flavour of the day.
Upon setting wheel into Keighley, the rain had made its approach apparent. A group of young guns were also congregating most of which didn't look prepared for a long winter ride. Sure enough the more sensible Condor men set pace onto Crosshills, Cononley, Gargrave, Winterburn and Cracoe. Spray mixed with rain, into general dampness, We took the little back road to Burnsall, which was as ever littered with gravel and potholes but remains a favourite!
The cafe at Burnsall IS one of the best, not serving fast food ,but good food QUICKLY! Club kit was discussed, as was the history of the 3 peaks cyclocross, with Phil Rawnsley, who reminisced about its humble beginnings. Comment was passed on the over-engineering of my club-man guard extensions. With some things in life lads, size really does matter, and this is one of them......... ha ha!
Let us remember the age old winter rule "Thou' shall ride with FULL guards, or suffer the wrath of the CONDOR!"
Un-caped we went on to Appletreewick, Bolton Abbey, Ilkley and Otley. Up the Chevin, legs were starting to tire and a strong head wind made homeward a battle.
Another great day in the saddle!
Chris Smith
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