Sunday 24 December - Christmas Eve Ride

Peter has proposed meeting 09:00 in Denholme (09:30 Keighley) and heading to the cafe at Airton.

Sunday 17th December

Meet Denholme Gate 09.30 or Keighley 10.00 for Pecket Well via Trawden.

Grimpy Retains Worlds Title and Paul's Triumph in New Zealand

News is filtering through from Belgium that our very own Grimpy (aka John Ginley) has today retained his UCI World Masters Cyclo Cross title on the demanding purpose built course at Mol.

Congratulation from all your team mates John, perhaps now you can give us an easier ride next Wednesday.

Whilst John has been conquering all before him, our Southern Hemisphere team has been riding high in the antipides. Here's Pauls report of his recent MTB win.

85km Huka Challenge

Firstly congratulations to all the Pyskil Team for outstanding performances and the many PB's that are just reward for all the training and commitment in the build up.

Being from the "Dark Side" I fancied the Huka this year and entered with the normal intention of having a few training/recce' rides to get a feel for the course. Unfortunately I only managed a very limited couple of rides when assisting NZ Fire Service run their National Champs there last month, however I did ensure I climbed the "Grinder" that would be included twice in the race to assess one of the biggest climbs.

On Friday for a leg loosener and a bit more familiarisation I took Lynda for a spin out on the first 30kms of the course along the very scenic river past Huka Falls and on to the Aratiatia Dam and back. Whilst helping her with one of the little climbs she fell off and the air was blue!! I let her calm down and eventually really enjoy the ride 

I entered Group 2 with the predicted time of 5 hours that seemed about right having checked last years performances. Whilst lining up I noticed in Group 1 a NZ Fire Sevice rider who had come second in the Champs and had won the over 60's Huka category last year  (just over 5hrs) and who was only slightly younger than me! I purposely kept quite and hoped to see him later in the race?

We started and the pace was reasonable with two riders one in NZ Army kit and the other an under 18 from Kerikeri who were clearly working hard passing other enthusiastic Group 2 riders, I latched onto them and by the time we passed the Bungy Jump off Spa Rd we were leading the Group. We started to reel in Group 1 riders and after approx 6kms I saw the Fire Service rider heading a group of 5 riders, we quickly (and quietly) passed .them at a good pace that we maintained until we entered the woods (approx 25kms) leading somewhere into the Craters Park.

The trails were riding well and again we caught and passed several riders until we latched onto a very good group led by 2 Ladies who were controlling the pace and riding beautifully and were especially talented on the interesting twisting terrain and descents! 

We finally reached the first ascent of the Grinder and rode it very steadily and I resisted the urge to push on, over the top we held out our arms for an Hawian style bangle to be placed over and kept proving we had climbed it during the second ascent. The descent was very fast and part way down I shipped my chain causing me to stop and quickly sort out before chasing back on. Once out into the open the terrain changed to barron, dry, loose and twisty stuff that if you forced too hard would have you sliding over the edge! I was right on the Girls wheels with 4 guys on mine when without warning the ground gave way causing my front wheel to slide out throwing me and the bike tumbling down the embankment that was covered in sharp brambles. The guys asked if I were okay and I told them to crack on, with difficulty I untangled myself and the bike and scrambled back up to the track checked the bike, my arm was bleeding from a few deep scratches I removed some obvious prickles, checked that my half eaten banana and gels were ok and set off!

Plenty of adrenaline flowing now and after a couple of kms I latched back onto the Group and settled down for a few kms. I suddenly felt something was missing and reached for my pump, it was missing and had come out in the the tumble. This was worrying but no way of changing things so fingers crossed and a bit more stress! I recognised we were approaching the Grinder again and this time I couldn't wait  and pushed on hard quickly getting clear and catching another rider who I rode with almost to the end.

I ate the remainder of the banana a second gel, had a drink from my bottle that was getting down and might run out. I had passed two stations and knew there was another somewhere and would/should take on fluid there.

There was about 20kms to go I felt good when we came out into the open and the last drinks station I stopped and downed 3 cups of electrolyte and the helpers commented on the blood and I smiled and said I was getting too old for this .

I recognised the tracks near to the Craters car park that twisted you around the Ferret and Tourist trap. I was on my own at this stage and the Ferret seemed to go for ever making me think was I doing it twice when without warning I hit something hard that stopped me dead and threw me off, my right leg (hammy) cramped badly and I feared I might have punctured my front wheel! Thankfully no damage just a fright and reconcentration!

We caught several of the short course riders including one very talented young man who I followed through tight single track for a couple of kms before passing and congratulating him, one for the future.

We were approaching the woods before the lookout over Taupo and I thought we must be doing another loop as I had about 73kms clocked? I recognised the track and mentioned it to another rider who said no its straight to the finish, I didn't need any more encouragement and accelerated across the field up the incline across the temporary bridge  down across the field up Ferry Rd where we were camped and merged into the finishing straight rubbing shoulders with a startled roadie, keeping the hammer down until I crossed the timing mat "no repeat of last years balls up"!!

I had no idea of time throughout the ride and at times whilst climbing in a group felt to be losing time. I am happy with the 4hrs 35mins thinking it might have been longer. I finished 19th overall (230 riders) winning  my category with plenty in the tank recording 78kms and expecting another few kms, I will know for next time and as always its about preparation. Definitely Group 1 next time.

Fantastic event extremely well marshalled by cheery people (thank you all) and very well route marked.  Come on you Roadies consider some proper riding next year?  Lynda's still removing prickles.

Bonus Condor Jerseys

I've been sent a couple of extra club jerseys by mistake by Force GB . Both are size 'medium' but that is too small for me. I'm looking for a club member that they would fit to give them a good home. That means up to 38" chest and someone who looks more like a racing snake than a frequenter of public houses.

If you are interested then let me know and we can arrange a handover.
Ian

12 November - 9am Keighley

With Peter committed to the Eureka Audax, Uncle Nigel suggests meeting 9am in Keighley headed for Burnsall on what hopefully will be a dry and sunny day out.

Sunday 29 Oct - West Marton

The suggestion this week is 9am Keighley (put your clock back and get an extra hour in bed) for a roaming route to West Marton.

1964 Hill Climb Champs

The last few first names please for the 1964 Hillclimb Championship

Like

 

I copied the above from the Legends of the RTTC Facebook account. I was asking Peeps yesterday to confirm that the D Smith, Condor R. C. (coming one place behind Keith Lightfoot of HSW) was in fact Derek Smith (better remembered as Club Velo Cruz and of course Sean's dad).

 

 I'm sure that many years ago Derek told me a tale about briefly joining the Condor to make up a team to challenge for the National Hill Climb Team Champs with Slim Sullivan and the pocket rocket himself, Paul Priestley ( Peeps) but he ended up being the only one who entered.

 

 Peeps cannot recall Derek ever being in the Condor but could not offer any alternative. Can anyone confirm

This is Paul Daly's Fire Fighters World Champs report from last month. As most know Paul has now returned to New Zealand (so you can can now come out of hiding). An excellent report just spoilt by the fact I can't work out how to copy the photo's from the Word document.

20^th Championnat Du Monde de VTT – Des Sapeur Pompiers

8 – 9 September 2017

Montignargues – Nimes – France

When considering my UK holiday dates I included sufficient time to attend the World Championships if several logistics worked out. Having been plagued with persistent hamstring problems particularly in the lead up to and competing in the Masters Games in April would it flare up again or could I achieve the necessary training required to be in condition to defend my title from Switzerland 2015, there not being an event in 2016.

It was great meeting the old Vets Wednesday Gang and revisiting old routes, cafes and exchanging the usual banter! Pete my former partner in crime and principle architect in finding “interesting challenges” did not disappoint and we were soon riding the Yorkshire Dales in all its glory. The Tan Hill 200km (132mls) with 13000ft of climbing being a stand out day at the office but most importantly the severest test of the legs that would also indicate general all round condition. Thankfully it was a dream day perfect weather, fantastic scenery and very good

Yorkshire Three Peaks in the background.

My lifelong friend John and co-founder of the British Fire Service Mountain Bike Section as always was keen to attend the Championships and had researched entries, sponsorship, travel and accommodation arrangements. We completed the numerous administration hurdles, authority approval, licences, insurance, medical, entry fees etc. Now only one problem I needed a bike, problem soon solved Damien my sons mate lent me his eight years old Scott Spark 26er (more later).

I fettled the bike with new tyres, tubes, chain, brake pads and tightened the headset and soon all was good. Whilst not as nice (smooth or fast) as my 29er hung in the shed at home, several familiarisation rides later we were old friends. I also appear to be known for the condition of my shoes so I purchased a new pair of Diadora X Vortex Comp!

In the planning stage I noted that the race venue was fairly close to Mont Ventoux (Giant of Provence) and an iconic 23km Tour de France climb where the legendary Tommy Simpson sadly collapsed and died just 2kms from the summit. I asked John if he minded that we detour on route home to climb the mountain and cross off a bucket list item. Bless him at 74 years young he enthusiastically agreed.

Part of my preparation always involved arriving at the venue days before race day to allow total familiarisation with the course practicing lines, identifying hazards, assessing the climbs, checking out opposition and thinking strategy.

We packed Johns car with everything apart from the kitchen sink (somehow) and set off on the 300 mile journey to Dover to catch the ferry to Calais making very good time catching an early ship gaining an hour ahead of schedule. We pressed on for a further 100mls before checking into the motel to end a good day

We decided to use the toll roads on the journey down and after a long second day we checked into the motel leaving ourselves only 80 miles to the venue. Being from Yorkshire and cost conscious we had regular stops where we brewed our own and enjoyed fresh baguette, cheese and ham at minimal expense,

Arriving in Montignargues it was a hill top village with no sign of any motel/hotel accommodation, I asked John where were we staying and it quickly became apparent the school field set aside for camper vans was to be our home for the next three nights. We pitched the tent (including the toilet tent) near to a cold water tap (luxury) and we were set, including not showering for three days, does Froome operate like this!?

I was keen to explore the village and ride the course we registered met many old friends and rivals, prepared the bikes and set off to ride the course where it quickly became apparent it was very technical, rocky, serious drop-offs, narrow wooded tracks and loose rocky climbs. I rode ahead and waited for John at intervals to ensure he was okay. About half way around I became worried that he had not appeared so I started walking back to eventually find him walking toward me with a blooded nose deep grazes to his arms and legs and a punctured front wheel. He had pinch punctured and clipped a tree in the narrow woods that catapulted him over the bars. We walked back and the first class organisers attended to his wounds, thankfully none more than cuts, grazes and bruises. I left him and set off to complete the course.

I caught a couple of riders one I recognised as a French rival so I put an effort in and rode away from them (psychological advantage to me), just past where John had crashed I pinch punctured and crashed resulting in a few bruises!! The French lads came by and asked if I were okay (advantage lost). I walked back with serious concern regarding the puncture risk!

John had been patched up, we repaired the bikes and pumped the tyres hard.

The opening ceremony and pasta party was enjoyable but I needed to sleep as the race start time was 8am. The normal routine followed nervous anxiety, little sleep and up with the larks, breakfast, final bike check and repeat toilet visits.

 

The start of the race included a loop through the village streets a short country loop bringing you under the start/finish banner onto the main course. Being defending Champion I was seeded 1 and on the front row of six riders. I had warmed up well knowing I needed to be near the front going into the narrow woods.  The gun went off and but for a short period I was never headed I hit the first climb flat out and maintained it over the top where the drop off was loose and technical, as I turned the bottom corner I looked for the chasers and initially none were close I raced through the finish area and out into the streets where I could hear my Italian friends cheering and telling me to slow down.

 

I was on maximum concentration scrutinising the course looking for good lines (what there were) and keeping everything crossed. The big climb I had ridden in practice was faster to run cyclo-cross style and gained me more time. I had several offs slipping on loose chippings and dust and headbutted a low branch that failed to knock any sense in! The suspension control lever was badly positioned for me and sliced my hand on one of the offs but nothing to worry about.

 

Once I had climbed the last hill I could start to relax knowing if necessary I could ride any flat or run to the finish. As I approached the line I spotted John and caught and clipped him on the helmet before I crossed the line saving him another lap and it was over.

 

The ceremony was pretty emotional I never get over receiving the rainbow jersey, the national flag being lofted and the national anthem being played, all over in a flash really and the thought of never being there again always makes it more special to try and savour the moment.

 

Sharing the podium with two French riders Joel whispered that’s three times he has have been second to me so I promised him next year I won’t attend (hmm)?
 

Once again in Lynda’s absence I gifted my flowers too Chantel our very long time French friends and who we dined with that night along with Alain and Jo in their camper van. (I mention above more later), Gerard and Alain started telling us how one of the other riders in my category parked nearby had been dismissive of my borrowed bike as he was riding a new Specialised “S” Works etc. He promptly opened the window shouting at the rider that he could now swop bikes if he wanted, the French and a Suisse rider came into the van looking a little humbled and worse for alcohol giving me a cuddle and was very affectionate, I have raced them both several times before.

 

Sadly we said our au-revoir’s broke camp and headed for Ventoux.

 

In Bedoin we parked in the local Fire Station pulled out and assembled the road bikes (including my handbag). Looking across the valley we could see Ventoux where the top was covered by cloud, we set off riding through Bedoin at the start of the 23km climb.

 

We climbed steadily and the mountain was very busy with cyclists, motorcycles and classic cars having their own journey and after a magnificent effort by John we made it too Tommy Simpson’s 

Memorial where we paused for piccies and thoughts. Then onto the summit 1904m for more pics and taking in the breath-taking views of area with a now beautiful clear blue sky.

 

We donned layers of clothing for the cold descent and were soon back at the car and thinking of where we might stay that evening?

 

I have climbed several big mountains and Ventoux did’nt disappoint and should be on any riders “bucket list” fantastic!!

 Thanks for the report Paul, hopefully when you come over in 2018 I will be back home and have more time to arrange some real challenges - I do have a few things in mind. 

 

Sunday 15th - Airton

As advertised on Strava we had a pleasant run out to Airton via Cowling Hill with Steve T joining in and hopefully not suffering too much afterwards. The chap who kindly stopped to take this photo for us said 'back up a bit' and Nigel has only just got to his feet after a sudden slide toward the wet bit - that lane is more slippery than it looks!

Season of Mists - 8 Oct 2017

http://www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk/event/season-of-mists-3/?instance_id=451
Sets off from Mytholmroyd community center at 9am prompt.
Be early to sign in - you don't want to be chasing up Heptonstall Hill trying to get back on.

Sunday 24th - 3 Peaks

Meet 09:00 in Keighley for a ramble to Horton-in-Ribblesdale cafe and Helwith Bridge to watch to finish.

MTB Sunday 17th Sept

Meet Salterhebble Locks 9am for Stoodley Pike, Blackstone Edge, Hollingworth Lake Windy Hill, Buckstones etc.

Sunday 27th August, Club Run

 

Club Run for Sunday 27th August, meet Shelf roundabout at 9am - thinking about heading up to Ripon then west to the head of Nidderdale.

Thank's from Gordon

Condor Road Club founder Gordon Turner (aka The Ancient Britain) passes on his thanks and best wishes to all those members and friends who attended his 90th birthday bash or sent him congratulatory messages for reaching this momentous milestone in such fine fettle.

Sunday Club Run & Monday evening social

This Sunday 20th August, meet Denholme Gate 8.30 or Keighley 9am, destination to be democratically decided on the day, all welcome.

Monday evening social, an informal club meeting is to take place at The Travellers, Hipperholme at 8.30pm On Monday 21st August. All welcome,

13/8 - Darnbrook Doddle

If you haven't entered the Tan Hill 200 already then it is now too late and there is no EoL.

So instead we can offer you 9am KEIGHLEY for Airton via Darnbrook.

Ian

Sunday 13th August

This Sunday, 13th August, Tan Hill 200 Audax. I know we'd been talking about a day in Punishment Park this coming Sunday but that's now on hold to make way for a full 1st team attendence at the Tan Hill 200.
Looks like a superb route starting from Padiham at 0830hrs - Free breakfast before the start and refreshments (supper?) at the finish, full details on the Audax UK website.
Confirmed Condor entries so far - Gary Mitchell, John Lumb, Paul Daly, myself plus the legendary Jason Hemmingway, guesting with the Condor from the Old Brods CC.

Club Run - Sunday 6th August

Meet Shelf Roundabout 9am for Birkin via Bottom Boat. Return round Eccup, about 80 easy miles. All welcome.
Amended to 9am

HCH: Hebden-Chipping-Hebden

We wish Simon well on the LEL and meanwhile need something more pottersome and gentle for the rest of us. Hence a proposal to meet 9AM at HEBDEN BRIDGE on Sunday for a jaunt out west toward Chipping, and back. Flat roads all the way and a tailwind home, but possibly bring a cape.
Cheers, Ian

Saturday 15th July

                                        
                                           Weds Vets, Burnsall, 12th July 2017

I'm not able to make it out on the bike again this Sunday but I'm meeting Simon at 6.30 at Brighouse on Saturday 15th for a trip out to the east coast to have a look at some of the Sustrans trails including the old railway line from Hull up to Hornsea. Feel free to join us for a much flatter ride than recent weeks.

Weekend, 8th & 9th July

 

Gary is riding the Bowland 200k Audax  on Sunday (8am Denshaw). Anyone fancying joining him, full details are on Audax UK website.

I can't make it for a long day on Sunday so I'm riding the Hartside 200 from Aldbrough St John on Saturday - entries still open.

Good luck to Brian on Saturday as he defends his Vtta National 25 mile Championship at Newmarket.

And congratulations to Mel for winning his age category in last Sunday's Buckstone's Road Race. Mel's been in brilliant form this season, last weekends success following on from the previous Sundays overall KoM in the White Rose Sportive.

REMINDER MARSHALLS/SUPPORT FOR OUR CONDOR EVENT THIS SUNDAY JULY 2ND

Response has been limited and we need your kind support. To those who have responded a big thanks. If i have toted the numbers up correctly we need 5 more marshalls from approx. 9.00 at Greetland Community Centre HX4 8JG. Course scammonden as last year. The event which starts in Barkisland at 10.00 should be over by 12.30. Cheers 

Club Run - Sunday 25th June

Meet 8.30am Hebden Bridge (Park Gates). A bit of a change of direction, following quite a bit of last weeks Good Companions route out to Cartford Toll Bridge and back through Garstang and Chipping. About 100 miles but easy terrain  and a tail wind home.

Sunday 18th June - Good Companions

Its the Good Companions 200k Audax on Sunday, 8.30am from Mytholmroyd (thats right 8.30am). Hopefully we may have sight of Simon and Mick Collins who should be on the last third of the 3 Coasts 600 which starts at 6am on Saturday. Gary's down for the 200 and I'll be joining him although I'm not intending to do the full route as I'm due home for 4ish so from Cockerham I'm heading east and picking up the route again just before Chipping and missing out the Hollingworth Lake bit.
--
Oh dear Peter - cutting rides short again! I've arranged to meet Barker in Hebden at 9am to follow you keen chaps out west on similar roads. We will be missing out the Hollingworth Lake bit as well. Have a good day. Ian.

Gordon's 90th 'do'.

As most members will know, our founder, and for many years our chief administrator and timekeeper extraordinaire, Gordon Turner, will soon be celebrating his 90th birthday. He invites all members and friends to join him on Wednesday the 19th of July at Rastrick Bowling Club (bottom of Toothill Bank, op Junction Pub). He'll be there from 2.30pm and a buffet will be available from 4ish. It is anticipated that festivities will continue till about 7ish.

CONDOR BUCKSTONE FLANDERS RR ON SUNDAY JULY 2nd Marshall's/Support

Sorry for cock up below i was looking what i put up last year 

and it inserted it straight in. Anyway's i need your kind assistance

for our event which is again on the scammonden circuit.

Firstly thanks again for everyone's kind support last year. 

Riders will leave HQ (Greetland Community Centre) at approx. 9.45,

Marshals required from approx. 9.00 with event finish at approx. 12.30.

Please put it your diary. To meet safety requirements we need in total

approx. 15 members and/or friends. Look forward to seeing you,

got my prayer mat out hoping for the same great response as last year.

I have already had some notable members who are missing due to other

commitments, so if you are aware of any non members who can assist 

please ask them to kindly come along everyones welcome.

For your SAT NAV the HQ post code is HX4 8JG

Many Thanks 

Cheers Grimpy

Sunday 11th June

Hopefully the weather will be a bit better tomorrow. I've arranged to meet Simon at 8am at Brighouse for an early lunch at Birkin. Simon's then intending to ride back to Leeds where he's meeting wife & kids to spectate at the World Series Triathlon. I may come back to Leeds or put a longer loop in depending on the weather. All welcome to join us.

Sunday 4 June - Slaidburn

I've been instructed to blog a ride starting at the more genteel and gentlemanly hour of 9am from the convenient and convivial location of Hebden Bridge with the intention of reaching the sunny and salubrious cafe at Slaidburn. All are welcome and we plan to be home in time for lashings of ginger beer.

Sunday 28th May

A bit easier than the previous 2 weeks, Bainbridge via Fleet Moss, home via Kidstones and Cavendish. Meet Denholme Gate 8am or Keighley 8.30

3 World Champions

On the start line at this evenings cyclo-cross in Myrtle Park, Bingley were 3 world Champions. Ian Taylor (o.40's) Tom Pidcock (junior) and our very own John (Grimpy) Ginley (0.70's)

Club Run - Sunday 21st May

Meet Denholme Gate 8am or Keighley 8.30 for Feizor (or Settle) via Malham Cove and home via Bowland Knotts.

Sunday 14th May

I've arranged to meet Simon at Denholme Gate at 8am (8.30 Keighley) for a ride round the Coverdale/Nidderdale circuit with cafe stops at Kettlewell and  Greenhow.

World Masters Games Report -from the horses mouth

World Master's Games 2017 - "Mountain Bike and Road Races"

Having moved to New Zealand in 2015 I had accepted that my racing days at Worlds level were over and then last year it was announced that the Master's would be held in Auckland! Should I or shouldn't I enter the mountain biking well it would be rude not to. Further researching the Games it was $300 to enter for the Bronze package and considerably more for Silver and Gold and being a careful Yorkshireman (deep pockets and short arms) Bronze it was.

However there was a silver lining I could enter as many events as desired for the same fee so although not a Road racer I might a well have a go!

My training was going well and I knew I was hitting form at the right time, I had trialled a new Scott 29er mtb having used my old faithful Giant 26er successfully for years. Having overcome several doubts regarding the difference this would offer I had become in tune with the new girl and was very happy with her. (I've had an affair with all the girls as they perform really well and never answer back).

Disaster 6 weeks out and I pull a hamstring on the turbo, this resulted in little training for the next 3-4 weeks (when I wanted to  complete the final ramp up) and finally several visits to the physio for hopefully a miracle. I must give a shout out here to Marcel (Bureta Physio) for acupunture and exercises. Slowly and with the assistance of a tight restriction bandage I could train a bit harder. (Thank you Quintain for the referral). I would definitely get to the start line no matter ......

We travelled to Auckland on Saturday to register and start to feel the atmosphere. Registration was smooth although I thought it a bit tight not including a tee-sheet in the bronze pack? Sunday we moved initally to Woodhill Forest for a recce' ride and then to Helensville Campsite for the night.

Starting my recce' I joined an Aussie rider already numbered up so I knew he was in the category below me I had decided to ride it using the 26er having had the Scott serviced and race ready. The Aussie rode very strong and I think was testing me a little, no worries this was not the time and I had to be careful with the hammy. We had a good brisk ride and I wished him well for the following day. The course was easy to navigate, very fast and flowing and not overly technical Grade 3 in places at best, thankfully it did have sufficient climbing to be able to do some damage!

We set up camp in Helensville and the wait began, started to get a bit nervous but tried not to overthink my strategy after all how many times have I been in this position?

 

 

Monday 24th April - MTB Race Day

Met some Auckland mates who I had trained with a few times over the months who were starting at 8am. Another part of my preparation included several trips up to get intimate with the course.

Chris and Alicja arrived to support Rob and myself so we put the jug on and started to talk Chris over to the dark side?

Time to warm up there was a lot of activity with races having already started spectators looking for good viewing points and the tannoy system making announcements and commentating. Finally it was my turn, the younger category (60-64) were called forward seeded and gridded then my category. My number was 701 and I anticipated being gridded on the front line but no several riders were called by name and eventually the rest of us could come forward. The starter threw in a wobbler saying both cats were starting together so I was right at the back and a little annoyed!

We were off and I immediately noticed two from my category starting fast and working through the younger ones. These were the ones to mark I latched on and before the top of the climb one rider dropped off but the leader was pushing hard. I sat on his wheel whilst we passed riders and soon we were into the single track forest, the pace was comfortable and I planned to sit for the first lap and see how he fared on the main climb. About two thirds around he made a slight mistake and had to put a foot down I had to pass or stop so pressed on and put in a little kick to see how he reacted, by the top of the climb I could not see him so I pressed on and by the end of the lap my key supporters, spotters and timekeepers (Lynda and Holly) said I had taken 35 seconds out of him.

Coming through the start/finish area I had caught the commentator off guard and he had double take before calling my name! I pressed on hitting the hill hard and by the end of the second lap was 2 minutes up. Starting the last lap I caught the Aussie I ridden with the previous day I asked him his position he said he was fourth I told him to latch on and work together we might get him a medal? We caught and passed the rider in third but I started to drop him again, I pressed on and caught the second placed rider (another Aussie) he panicked a bit and I calmed him down and told him to ride smooth.

We rode together and on the tight single track forested ridge and descent to the finish he passed a back marker who slowed me until I could get past. I had passed all but two of the younger category and was one and half minutes behind that category winner. I would have liked a level start with him?

I had won and the race was uneventful, the hammy was okay and waiting around for the medal ceremony I was asked by lots of people who I was and where had I come from. The lad who was second was local from Helensville and clearly a pre-race favourite having been seeded first at the start. I had beaten him by over three minutes and third place by ten.

On the podium we all received our medals and a unique cap with Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist printed on it.

The event was well organised, marshalled and supported and a special thanks to all the riders who allowed passing without difficulty or complaint.

Saturday 29th April up to Auckland again for the Road Race, set up camp at the Bruce Pulman Park. It rained heavily all night and the wind was howling. I decided not to recce' the route having previously ridden most of it before the changes were made!

Sunday 30th April Race Day

Warmed up around the carpark and joined the assembly 15 minutes before the start. Whilst we were waiting to be called forward a whole row of linked railings blew over indicating how the conditions were.

We were off and the pace picked up quickly but remained comfortable we got to the rolling hills section and then the climb, it was a genuine test and quickly sorted people out crowning the top we hit the descent Fraser had warned me about. The first touch of brakes resulted in a rear wheel slide and a missed heart beat, I backed off a bit until getting past the corner covered in hay bails. We regrouped along the flat section and this formed a pattern for the next two laps. I anticipated a move on the last climb and ensured I was in the first three over the top six of us had created a good gap and this was the move of the race. We worked well although a couple of riders started to hide I felt strong and considered having a go about 5 kms out but resisted and thought it's going to be a sprint finish.

One of the riders snagged a pedal in his wheel and needed a replacement and sadly his race was done.

About half a km on the approach road to the turn into the finish unbeknown to me a rider had dropped back and launched a big attack on the other side of the road, he established a dangerous lead and had completely outfoxed us, it all became messy and I lost my wheel and subsequently came in 5th, three seconds behind the winner and a couple of minutes ahead of 6th place and others!!

I am disappointed not to medal but thats racing and well done to the others guys. Interestingly the rider who came 4th, one second in front of me was third in the mountain bike race 10 minutes down, umm food for thought?

Thank you to the Organisers and Volunteers who made it possible

The Games were clearly a great success and reminder of past experiences and I am glad I participated. I hope my account encourages you to participate, enjoy and experience the camaraderie and occasional competition in our chosen sport.

Defend the title in 4 years, watch this space.

Paul.

 

 

Paul Daly and Derek Smith Memorial RR (IMPS) Saturday 22nd April

Congratulations to Paul Daly on winning the world masters series mountain bike Championship well done super star. 

Many thanks to everyone who supported the imps event and who saw Melvyn's Great Ride
in Race 2. away in a 3 up break for most of the event finishing 2nd in his cat. Myself and Brian stayed with the peloton finishing 3rd and 4th in our cats we need to improve our sprint
Thanks again for your support. Pictures from the event can be viewed on the imps Facebook site.  

World Masters Games, New Zealand

Best wishes to Paul Daly who next Monday will be riding in the World Masters Games Mountain Bike Champs in New Zealand and the following Sunday in the Road Race. His main target has always been the mountain bike and judging from his Strava feed he's in good form although he has had a recurring hamstring niggle. Full details can be seen at http://www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz/

Sunday 23rd April - Red Rose Ride

Its Calderdale CTC's Red Rose 200k Audax this coming Sunday, 8am from Oddfellows Rooms, Prescott Street, Halifax.

The following Saturday, the 29th I've entered a 100k rough stuff Audax from Newby Wiske, North Yorks. Take a look at it on the AUK site, looks good and with a checkpoint at The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge it will be an excellent day out and leave Sunday free to watch the TdY travel through Calderdale.

California

I thought you might like to see a couple of photos from my recent ride ... there were some fine hills, and fine views but, as Peter requested, I'll say no more about it.

IMPS RR SATURDAY 22nd APRIL NEEDS YOUR KIND SUPPORT

Please support the  Derek Smith Memorial (imps) RR on Saturday 22nd. Marshalls/ Support needed from around 9.00/9.15. I'm sure as usual the Imps will reciprocate this support for our event in July.
HQ (HX4 8JG) as usual Greetland Sports & community Centre. Race starts at 10.00, Sean Smith is organising.
This year Sean due to police stipulation as had to reduce the field size and organise a temporary road closure. The police will i'm sure be monitoring the event so its important we provide as much support as possible to aid riders and safety. The event should finish by around 12.30 when i believe Pie & Pies will be available at HQ.  Many Thanks    

Sunday 26th - Foulridge

As requested Peter, I'm going to suggest 9:30 in Keighley (British Summer Time) for a short run over to the canal-side cafe at Foulridge, and then back over a hill or two - maybe Widdop.

If the weather behaves as forecast then I suspect the BEST BIKE will be getting a first outing of the year.

Sunday 26th March

Due to the excellent weather forecast for this weekend  I shoved in a late entry for the Yorkshire Gallop Audax on Saturday so I'm leaving it to someone else to arrange a club run for Sunday.

Sunday 19th March

Meet 8.30 Denholme Gate or 9am Keighley for Silverdale.

Andy Myers digit following his tumble in the 3RT Rely Ride

Race Report & next Sundays club run

 Brian laying down the power on the Norland circuit a couple of seasons ago.

Brian and Grimpy made a successful start to their road racing seasons last Sunday riding the 1st of the LVRC over 65's series, the snappily titled Baines JCA Equip Velo Road Race run off on cold and wet conditions in Northamptonshire. Although Brian took 1st and John took 2nd neither appeared overjoyed with their performances due to several riders from a younger age category finishing in front of them - it doesn't seem a bad result to me !

A good club run out to the magnificent Birkin Tea Rooms last Sunday although we did get a tad wet on the return journey. This coming Sunday its a pleasant ride up Wharfedale, Buckden Triangle and back down to Kettlewell for a bite to eat at Madame Zarina's. Meet 8.30 Denholme Gate or 9am Skipton roundabout, Keighley.

Sunday 5th March

I've arranged to meet Simon at Shelf roundabout at 9am on Sunday for a steady ride out to Birkin Cafe, all welcome to join us of course but if you're looking for something a little more challenging there's the Leeds Mercury Reliability Ride from Otley at 9.30am, see http://leedsmercurycc.blogspot.co.uk/ for full details. Would have loved to ride it myself but licking my wounds from being run down by a lorry on Wednesday.

Imps Reliability

Thanks to JK and the Imps for organising another cruel and punishing day of wet and windy weather on a route comprising nothing but hills. We wouldn't want it any other way.
As you can see from this 'Strava art', Martin Gargett seems to have found the experience disappointing - perhaps due to the off-route excursion via Rochdale:

Meanwhile, the Condors were smiling all the way round:

And a rider on the short route was positively laughing:

Finally, Paul Daly in NZ has kindly provided a very creative entry to this week's drawing competition - apparently it is a thirsty Bactrian camel (with two humps, and its tongue hanging out). Perhaps more riding is required there Paul to refine your artistic technique?

Ian Worth1 March 2017 at 08:03

Hi Condors, just thought that I would say thanks for dragging me round the Imps Reliability course, apologies for not taking a turn at the front, I was struggling all day with breathing & a few chest pains, I have a heart condition & just wanted to get it over & done with ASAP. I took the short route option but struggled all the way back,stopping 5 or 6 times, to Sowerby Bridge where I decided to stop & go home. I've never struggled like that before & hope it was just a one off. It was really weird as on some of the hills I glided up effortlessly & others I struggled on. Thanks once again, next time I will take my turns at the front!!