Tuesday, February 28, 2017

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?


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!!

Friday, February 24, 2017

Remembering Paul Hickey

Massive turnout from local cyclists yesterday to say the last goodbye to our cycling comrade Paul Hickey, rest in peace.

The Countdown - Condor Hilly TT  11/06/2008 







Mid Peak Grimpeur 2010 - Paul setting the pace

Summer in the Peak District

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th


Busy weekend coming up with the North West Passage Audax on Saturday and the 3RT Reliability Ride on Sunday.

I'm giving the NWP a miss this year but I understand that Mel is bringing a crack team over from Wharfedale to fly the colours at the sharp end and Simon (says) he's going for a more measured approach. Details as per Audax web site, entries on the day accepted.

All being well I will be riding the 3RT Reliability Ride which starts from outside the Ritz in Brighouse at 9am on Sunday. According to the Strava route its 62.6 miles with 6954 ft of climbing, finishing at a hostelry at the top of Rastrick .  £4 to enter on the day. The route and GPX (or TCX if you prefer) can be found at https://www.strava.com/routes/7314947 Be warned, Brian and Grimpy are threatening to join me.


I've foolishly agreed to join Simon on the NW Passage. However I'm hoping for a leisurely tour with at least two food stops ...


Friday, February 10, 2017

Batley Bash, Sunday 12th

Image may contain: 1 person, sky and outdoor
 God knows where Ian Wellock is but it doesn't look like Huddersfield

Batley Bash this Sunday, Thorpe Lane, Tingley,  9am.  The Condor PACT will be in operation once again. I'm meeting Simon in Brighouse (Sainsbury's Roundabout) for a steady ride out to Tingley, all welcome. Brighouse meet time 8 o'clock.

Friday, February 03, 2017

Sunday 5th February


This Sunday the 5th of February its the Drighlington Bicycle Club's Reliability Ride. The start & finish is at the Drighlington Cricket Club (turn right on Station Road just before the cross roads in the centre of Drig and you can't miss it).  Tom Brabbin from the Imps has kindly created a GPX route for your GPS which can be found here -  https://www.strava.com/routes/7380908
Its a 9am start and costs £4 to enter. We are going to have a PACT again, Obviously its not compulsory for Condors to be in this pact but please make it clear if you are - if you are we stick together.