It felt more like 'The 3RT Chain Gang' with the boys in red & black well out numbering everyone else. The Condor had good representation with fast Chris, Steve Thewlis, Peeps, Phil Haigh, Pete Whiteley, brother Nige and I spotted the Fortunes, major & minor turning at Denholme to join the ride. Apologies if I missed anyone.
It seems an unseasonaly cold and windy evening is not unusual for this ride and maybe riding fast is the best way to keep warm. Chris was prominent on the front & Nige was active bridging gaps as we were buffeted over the Flappit & down to Keighley. The pace to Skipton was a bit erratic, with Team 3RT in a non co-operating mood, with riders either going off the front or allergic to going near it.
On the return leg chaos ensued at Kildwick roundabout with the usual confusion about the route & our Chris disappeared for a while.
Knowing it would kick off at Ingrow I got the first dig in - calculating that I could slip back on to wheels that were more my pace. Sure enough the young guns came good and I watched a group of 6 ride away, and with the strong tail wind, at big ring pace. I kept at it on my own & caught up the group at the top of the tip (it included Neil who I drafted in from Ilkley CC). Two of the young 'uns were up the road but our group swelled as Chris TT'd his way back up & then did sterling work on the front- surprising some of the fast lads who had likely underestimated our mudguarded and understated Condor hard man.
A gallop for the finish saw me 5th finisher just behind Neil and Chris following on - so not total 3RT domination ! I believe the time was around 1hr 26mins but I can't give you more names & times as I returned straight back to my car - without having a pint !
NOTE - Most unlike me but I've entered a mountain bike challenge if it appeals to anyone. It's by the organisers of the Sue Ryder Bronte Sportive, on June 19th from Grassington & going over the moors around Malham & Settle 39miles-26 offroad. www.sueryder.org/3dalesmtb
Business as usual this Sunday. Tour of Cambridgeshire UCI Gran Fondo - closed roads and, apparently, a scary fast thrash.
