A few updates

Not many of us out on Easter Sunday, Big Phil, Paul Daly, Oakworth Steve and myself were joined by VS's Irish John and Dougie.  Because of frozen meltwater on some back roads we decided not to go over the Tarn road and Darnbrook and instead towed about 20 or so Milnes guy's up through Cracoe before we turned off to go to Burnsall Cafe via Linton. We were at the cafe by 10.30 which was good because it was soon bursting at the seams.

Our return journey took us at a far too fast a pace through Appletreewick, Cavendish and Ilkley down to Otley. Then up the Chevin, down through Esholt to Shipley and Saltaire from where we went up the ramp past the golf course and down to Sandy Lane, Egypt and Keelham, the VS boys ripping my legs off. 

Despite my legs not having recovered from Sundays ride Paul and I rode the Monyash Peak Grimpeur from Marple on Wednesday. There were 4 sections similar to what you see in the above photo including the renowned Goyt Valley. Paul and I were the only completers from the 40 or so entries, many having elected to join Peeps, Paul H and Everard on the alternative 'Icecream Wensdae' 100k event in the Cheshire Lanes.

Its the Ronde van Calderdale this Sunday, thankfully most of the snow has now gone. We have several riders, Mel, Phil, Damian, Adrian Lord and myself plus Paul Daly, Sean, Chris Thompson and plenty other familiar faces - entries on the day are being accepted.

I'm fancying riding the Macclesfield Monster Sportive on Saturday the 14th, it looks like an interesting route in and out of Cheshire, Derbyshire and Saffordshire with many well known climbs such as Flash, Axe Edge and Cat n' Fiddle plus Mow Cop, a climb with a big reputation but one I've never done before but often heard about.

Better Late Than Never? 
I'm sure all you ever present bloggers (e.g.Peter). i (Grimpy) only performs a blog every blue  moon. 
Having just posted the Race race stuff i thought what the hell i will do a quick one from Louisville. Well i will even try to insert some pics. Here goes! Well it started that way an hour ago?

21C Museum Hotel

Cool spot,last years art work was a large chevy. Great place to stay local sandwich shop says theres a 21C in London? Anyway if your ever in Louisville go to the 21c loo. The urinal as a waterfall with eyes watching you? This is were the Belgium team had there dinner one night, tried to crash but no chance.

Race stuff

Louisville ( Home of Ali, Kentucky F C and the Kentucky derby)UCI World Masters (My Race Thursday 31^st January at 9.00)Venue: Champion Park (just passed last years venue: Eva Bandman Park where the elite races were held) (approx. 3 mile out of town on the bank of the ohio river)   

Arrived Saturday and as last year knackered weather fine around 32F (don’t do C in USA). Sunday got bike together and road out to the course. Course conditions were superb, firm no rain reminded me of Sutton Park (used to be the Nat champs venue in Birmingham). Shown around by a local 55 year old star who advised me to look out for a Tom Sailor who was the American top dog in O70’s, whilst managing a lap in 8 min’s. We were even able to climb a grassy bank with an elevation of around 20%. All would change, we were allowed back on the course to train on Tuesday but after overnight rain, conditions had deteriated, normal slipping and sliding and the grass bank was well like pete’s peel park shot unrideable. But with the right lines I managed a lap in 10mins. Often you get guys who say why does it turn you on all that muck and mud? For me it’s like getting into a zen zone, the skill and concentration required well dare I say it’s likes a drug. Trouble is all the technique goes out of the window with fatigue and poor form. You are aware you have to keep on the top of an off camber slope, you also need to look at the exit of a corner to get around smoothly and to continue turning the pedals instead of braking into a corner to acquire grip but do you? When you are in the zone and have the form it does, believe me all come together. Well we can dream, guess you need to ask Wiggo or Brian when they are time trialing or Nibali decending what zone there in? Back to the trip, as an aside I stay again in the 21C museum Hotel, not just an hotel but a mini art centre (see comments above). The Kentucky people both at the hotel and indeed anyone I met were kind considerate and interested in you- I never heard – have a nice day- honest?  Obama must have trained them?

By Wednesday the weather was balmy, it got to 70F and after an overnight storm which blew the course apart besides depositing the marque down the venue, races started 2 hours late. The course was now water logged but because of the depth of water the mud seemed to wash clear?

Riding back down River Road a Belgium (Bert Welliens ex world champ) fly’s passed me tooked in behind a scooter guess doing at least 40 miles per hour, he would finish fourth in the men’s elite race on Saturday.   

I return to access prospects for my race tomorrow. The weather was nose diving with the forecast freezing (32F) for early morning? So it’s back from shorts to full winter gear. Then remembered never signed in when I collected my number, back to headquarters to enquire told no problem you are digitally signed in? I now I’m 70 but hopefully not sienial, I just gave in guess its like all this internet stuff just tick it to say you agree otherwise you hit the stop sign. Then I open my big mouth having a number three (2 age groups were in the same race) are we a different colour? No we are going to give out new numbers tomorrow morning -when- from about 8.00 a.m. Me thinks great there’s 3 numbers to fit 12 pins etc all you need my chimp won’t be happy?

The Big day

Up early 6.30, breakfast and ride out dam it, it’s still dark and freezing but at least no snow, why do us old gets race this early? Arrive at champs park at 8.00. Unlike last year when Phil Roach and his son were present, there was no support except Anne (Vic Barnett’s wife) who would be looking after Vic, so I needed to sort out a spare bike from Sram, organise and leave it with a young lady mechanic, promising to return. Back to start line to enquire about numbers? Nobody as a clue, so into marque where surprised to find cyclo op turbo’s available for warm up. Start warming up next to an American I recognise from last year’s trip he was on the podium in 65+ age group and he’s now in our group so I say’ guess you are favourite?’  Replies, no there are two other american’s who beat me in my last event. Still I note his warm up seems much more serious than me he’s even removing top layers and sweating?

I keep stopping to see if numbers have arrived but no sign. So with 15 mins to go I decide I had better pin my original numbers on? The chimps in charge and I make a right arse of it? Just has everybodies going to the start grid I manage to get my numbers on, by this time I’m cold. Guess what numbers arrive with commissiare’s explaining we will have to change your numbers- great! Me thinks I could more easily have controlled the chimp had I put my numbers on last night. The 65+ age group are gridded first followed by us who are all having new numbers pinned on as we move to our start grid line. Finally I am pinned up and the 65+ start, we follow 30 secs. later.

The start is on a new hard core section which continues just beyond the finishing line, you then hit the grass well its really mud or a better description GLUE. I slow down but am surprised to find I’m at the front but its so dam painful. The best analogy I can think off is when you are on your turbo with too high a gear, its like pedalling with the brakes on. I’m now with no 41 who passes me and we alternate positions until we hit the pits when the winner passes us at a fair rate. I know what I have to do but my bodies struggling its not going into oxygen debt, it’s just lack of power/strength? I leave no 41 but I’m making no headway on the leader. Through the back side of the pits over the planks and up the hillside. Jesus the bikes got heavy, onto the incline off camber, down a tricky decent and back up the slope for the crazy decent to the finishing line. I pass the finish push on but can’t engage gear?

If you have ridden your mountain bike in the snow you will have had this problem the blocks full and the chain just spins around. In this case the mud/glue which as pick up which is frozen and compacted between the sprockets. Eventually by staying in the same gear position I engage and can move forward again no 41 catches me again but I manage to lose him but i keep getting no drive. Sod it the technique is simple keep in mid gear and don't change otherwise it wont engage.

Last lap everything seems to have seized up so i go into the pits can't find the spare bike but get a similar size SRAM bike, a bit high but at least it moves freely. Look behind and its a big gap to the next rider so its just dig in and finish.

Bike (white one) ready for wash

  Podium - I'm so dam clean because presentations were a few hours later and my skin suit was only clean gear i had. Note how the americans stand to their anthem?  

CONDOR ROAD RACE

CONDOR ROAD RACE NOTICE: (end of ice age soon?)

JOHN G (Grimpy) NEEDS YOUR HELP TO MAKE our LVRC road race another SUCCESS - Thanks for all your help last year

Details are:

Race on Saturday 18^th May  race starts at 10.00, Distance  8 laps (36 miles), open to riders 40 age +  

EVENT headquarters:  Greetland Sports & social club

Looking for all the help from club members, imperial wheelers and others who can kindly help

From 9.00 at Headquarters, signing on help earlier. It’s on Saturday to avoid missing Sunday's ride/race/sportive, the race will finish before 12.00 noon.

The Course:

Course description for riders & marshals:

Riders will assemble in the layby opposite Moorcock Inn on Moor Bottom Lane, proceeding westwards to bear left into Butterworth End Lane and up through the finish area at Gallows Pole Hill (2xWS), proceed to the junction with Rochdale Road (B6113) (4xM) (3xWS) where left with care, continue for approx. two miles before turning left (3xM)(2xWS) into Turbury Lane for 1 mile crossing Clough Moor Bridge with care (2xM) (3xWS) and proceeding on Clough Road into Norland Village. Bear left (3xM) (3xWS) onto Moor Bottom Lane for approx 1½ mile to pass through the start and, soon after, the finish area.  (WS =Warning Signs- M = Marshall)

Commitment needed to cover the event safety & logistics are at least:

To Marshall the course we need (4 + 3 +2 +3) = 12 in total , To Judge we need  3 , Signing on  2 , Cars  3 events  running concurrently  3 cars one  for each event.  In return for your help either free pea & pies or a pint will be supplied, event cars will also have funds towards fuel. Please contact John by email: johnginley@btinternet.com  or home tel:  01274 601567 to advise him what support you can provide whilst cheering on the condor and imp. flyers who we are expecting to ride.

The Imps are also promoting a road race on Sunday 21st April same venue/course and they are looking for the same support we supplied last year, which we hope will be kindly reciprocated at our event (again as last year) please contact Sean Smith on 01422 341101 event starts 10.00 distance 45 miles or just get to the HQ  by 9.00 .Many Thanks.

Easter Sunday

9am Denholmgate or 9.30 Keighley for potter up the Dales - Malham and Darnbrook and back at reasonable time, unless someone has a better idea.

Wednesday Ride

Despite it being Spring, temperatures being above freezing (just - if you ignored wind chill) and most roads now being open only five turned up at Shelf roundabout for today's ride. In deference to the blizzard that was raging at 10am our ambitions for the day were modest and Otley was chosen as our destination, we took a fairly direct route there round Manningham and Esholt and would have been sitting in a warm dry cafe before 11.30 had some twerp not suggested adding another mile or so by going to Cock Pit Farm at Weston. Unfortunately the cafe was still operating its winter opening times - Fri to Sun only (from next week it's Weds to Sun but that failed to deflect the abuse I received). 

Anyway it may have been a blessing in disguise as it was far too early for lunch so we rode up to Bolton Bridge cafe and enjoyed our break at a far more sensible time and with the bonus of a few more miles in the legs the bacon tasted so much sweeter.
The weather forecast had predicted better weather post meridiem but this was not the case so we took the easy option and returned via Cringles and Ingrow.  Fifty plus miles in and home in time to watch Cav take stage 2 at De Panne.

Snowmegedan

Snow somewhat hampered this weekends planned cycling. Myself, Big Phil, Melvin and Paul Daly had entered the Wheelbase Spring Classic from Kendal and had been looking forward to a good looking circuit taking in the Lune Valley, Barbondale, Dentdale and Kingsdale. Fortunately the organizer had the foresight to cancel the event as early as Friday.

Single Simon and Padiham Chris were planning to do the Chirk 200k Audax, this was not cancelled and I understand that there were three starters although I have no idea if that included Simon and Chris.
Our Hon. Treasurer, Paul G and Peeps were on the entey list for the Fountains Monk'y-business 100k audax from Wigginton where better weather led to there being 17 starters, down from over 100 last year.

Surely this weather can't carry on and Spring is just round the corner. Buoyed by this optimism I have submitted an entry for the Monyash Peak 100k event from Marple on Wednesday 3rd of April, a great little circuit round the Peak District and a good warm up for the following Sundays Ronde Van Calderdale (there's also a much flatter 100k, An Icecream Wensdae, from the same venue on the same day). On-line entries still being accepted via AudaxUK website.

Mid Week Roundup

Numbers were down to four for today's Wednesday Ride. The weather looked a little bleak when I left home but soon improved and the roads were dry once we got to the other side of Keighley, the temperature was a little less harsh than of previous days and the winds were light. JK had information that a steam train was due on the Settle Carlisle line around midday so it seemed like a good reason to go to Hellifield Station for lunch.

Alas we got there too late for the puffer train but joined many excited trainspotters in the station tearooms where we found a hostess who's welcome reminded me of Ivy from Sids Cafe in Summer Wine. However after being completely underwhelmed by our reception the chef delivered a bacon and sausage sandwich worthy of three Michelin stars. We loitered there sipping a good brew of builders tea and eating slices of an excellent fruit cake till nearly 2 o'clock before we made our return to a still damp Calderdale via Bank Newton and Connonley Bank delighted to have over 70 miles in the bank on a day the had initially looked less than promising.

Delightful Dales?????????

When I left home at 5.30 this morning the weather didn't seem too bad and I was optimistic that conditions were, as often is the case, going to be much better than forecast. However this optimism didn't last long, as we crossed the border into the red rose county we were greeted by sleet and snow. It was a 7.30 start from Pendleton Village Hall and myself, Big Phil and Padiham Chris signed on as part of a field of about 40. Single Simon also attended but his heart was not really where it should have been for a mountainous 129 mile ride, indeed he had to be persuaded not to go straight home.
Our Condor quartet took the front places in the peloton as we headed north east up the A65 and onto the back roads through Bank Newton, the weather at this time having improved with breaks in the clouds again raising my hopes that spring may arrive this very day. As we a were approaching Gargrave Phil stopped to put some air into his back tyre - it didn't stay in there long and we stopped again whilst he changed the inner tube. Simon, concerned that he may have to walk up Park Rash continued.
Once mobile again we were soon moving well and passing most of those who had passed us during our enforced stoppage. We were moving well in the Park Rash foothills and were about to attack the 1 in 3 start of Park Rash proper when I heard a familiar voice from behind, 'Cone on, get a move on'. It was Melvin, whats more it was Melvin on his best bike. I had been quietly relieved when he hadn't turned up at the start thinking it would make the day a little (in fact a lot) easier.

Viewing the hills on our approach there was a very obvious snow line in the hills at about 1400' but in my innocence I had convinced myself that the road would be clear - as you can see from the photos I was wrong. Our little grupetto climbed very well but it was the descent into Coverdale that proved to be more of a problem, having promised my wife that I wouldn't fall off today I had to walk, I wasn't alone, only Phil managed to ride down the hill. Once into Coverdale the weather brightened up and cycling once more became a pleasure. We re-joined Simon at the Middlham check where we had a brief stop to collect proof of passage receipts. On the Road to Leyburn Simon was seduced by a signpost for Aysgarth and dumped his team mates for an easy ride returning to Pendleton via Bishopdale and Wharfedale. The rest of us stuck to our guns and crossed over to a temperate Swaledale where we had a rather longer than planned stop at The Dales Bike Centre cafe at Fremington.

After a long leisurely lunch Mel said his goodbye's and headed towards home over the hill towards Castle Bolton and Bishopdale whilst Chris, Phil and me headed up the most beautiful dale in the Dales and over Birkdale Common to the next check at the pub at Nateby. We loitered there for a while, but not too long, I'd not found it easy getting going again after our Fremington sojourn and knew how difficult Mallerstang Common is with a head wind - I wasn't wrong and Chris spent almost the whole distance at the front winding it up on the big ring whilst I was struggling on 34 ring. They pulled away from me approaching Garsdale where we turned right at the Moorcock, I was 100 yards or so behind and didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I witnessed them ride straight past the left turn for the Coal Road, a detour to Sedbergh wouldn't have been a good idea, I shouted and shouted but they didn't respond and there was no chance of me chasing them down. I stopped at the junction, I could see they were looking back so I jumped up and down waving my arms till I saw they were returning.
The Coal Road wasn't quite as bad as Park Rash in that we were able to follow narrow tyre tracks between the laying snow and once down into Dentdale we saw no more snow. As ever the climb up Newby Head was a hard pull but after what we had been through earlier the rest of the route, down Ribbledale to Settle, Wigglesworth and Sawley was a breeze.
It was good to get back to Pendleton Village Hall.

Brief Roundup

Five Condors turned up for last Sundays ride, Robin, Simon, Mel, Oakworth Steve and myself. Our numbers were initially more than doubled by the Paul Milnes group who were meeting in Keighley, we stayed together until the drag out of Skipton on the Grassington Road where fragmentation's occurred. I managed to hang on till after The Craven Heifer but then found myself on the wrong side of a split as the pace failed to ease. This was worrying for me as I'd forgotten to put any money in my back pocket and I was witnessing my only hope of a lunch sub disappearing up the road. My new companions turned left at Rylstone leaving me chasing alone into a cold head wind wondering where my next meal was coming from. Fortunately someone noticed I was missing took pity on me and the group waited for me at Cracoe from where we went to the Old Schoolhouse Tearooms at Hebden via Grassington, Des Fretwell and a young lad from Coniston Cold, Tom, having stayed with us from the Milnes group joined us for lunch.
Our return journey was made via Appletreewick, Bolton Abbey, where Robin had a panic attack realizing we were heading in the direction of Bradford he swiftly turned right towards the security of the Calder Valley. On to Otley and Guiseley where Steve, Des and Tom said there farewells as Mel came down through Esholt to leave us at Shipley for a return home through Baildon. Simon, back on single free this week after a disastrous foray into the world of derailiers and double clangers for the previous weeks Imps Reliability Ride, was moving well and causing me all sorts of problems as we made our way up Manchester Road and down through Wyke, I was relieved to get home, open a bottle of beer, put my feet up and watch the Tirreno-Adriatico on the box.

The weather was kinder on Wednesday with sun and blue skies for most of the day although there was still a nip in the air. There was a good turnout and we planned to take advantage of the easterly wind on the return journey so we went out to Tadcaster for lunch via  Headingley, Shadwell and Bramham. A pair of Pauls with a total age of 140 set a good pace all the way out there whilst Grimpy was the main protagonist on the return journey half wheeling Brian down through Sherburn, South Milford and Fairburn.

An interesting diversion was made when Chris from the Imps introduced us to a recently opened section of cycleway which took us from Earlsheaton to the middle of Dewsbury including a 150 metre or so railway tunnel. This whet the appetite for cycleways so we kept to the Calder Valley and Spen Valley Greenways all the way to Low Moor.

Myself and Big Phil have entered the Delightful Dales Audax this coming Sunday, others are considering joining us depending on the weather - it looks like a great route, starting at Pendleton (near Whalley) and making its way to Kettlewell and over Park Rash, down to Middleham, Leyburn, Reeth, Keld, Nateby, Garsdale, Coal Road to Dentdale then Ribblehead, Settle, Wigglesworth and back to the start - can't believe thats only 127 miles.

Wednesday 6th March

Only 10 out today to enjoy the freezing fog. Rumor was that the fog was thicker higher up so we joined the Greenway at Low Moor, went down to Dewsbury and on to Newmillerdam for lunch. Unfortunately several of those present had taken note of the weather forecast and headed for home via the shortest route worried that they may get wet. Peeps, Paul D, Ian Wellock and myself took a slightly longer route via Notton and High Hoyland, needless to say the weather picked up and there was no rain.

Ronde Recce Report

I knew the Ronde van Calderdale route wasn't going to be everyone's cup of tea for a lazy Sunday in early spring but as Paul Daly was unfamiliar with some of the route (especially the Colne Valley bit) and on my recommendation has invested £20 of his hard earned pension on an entry I had promised to show him the route and with dry weather forecast today was the ideal opportunity.
Regular Condor club run stalwarts Steve, Simon, Paul, Phil and myself were joined by 3RT's Brendan Devlin and one of the top Calderdale fell runners Adam Breaks. This proved to be a great group to ride such a challenging route, as you can see from the above photo we were all still smiling even at the top of Gibb Lane, the positive attitude prevailed throughout the day.
A tail wind made for a brisk start up through Rastrick, on to Outlane and down Forest Hill Road and then we hit the first 'Ronde' style climb of the day, Penny Hill. For the second week running a fell runner gave us a demonstration of that genre's climbing prowess (Karl Gray last week in the Imps ride), as Adam romped away chased by Paul - never one to submit to youth without a battle. We regrouped at Krumlin and enjoyed the tail wind up to Buckstones and a long steady descent down to Pole Moor.
The Colne Valley climbs came and went in similar fashion but never uncomfortably competitive (I think there had been an unspoken agreement to save that for the actual event). Lee Lane (aka Shibden Wall) was probably the most difficult climb so far due to the cobbles being too greasy for out of the saddle efforts, and I was quietly pleased to witness Adam having an attack of cramp to his calves.

We continued the route through Ovenden Wood, up Gibb Lane, down to Luddenden and up Old Lane towards Midgley. Here we deviated from the route and went down to Sowerby Bridge Station where we lunched at the refreshment rooms - 1st time any of us had been there - very good - a fine selection of real ales as well as bacon and sausage sandwiches and large mugs of tea - with thoughts of Trooper Lane ahead we stuck to the tea and butties. Steve headed off home to Oakworth from here, Adam had left us earlier, the nearby pull of his home at Wainstalls being too strong to resist.
The cobbled climbs of Woodhouse Lane, Wakefield Gate and Exley Bank went past almost without notice as minds concentrated on the forthcoming coup de grace, Trooper Lane. With Adam gone Paul made it known from the very start that this was to be his climb, I was in no position to argue but Phil put in a spirited effort only to falter by taking a breather just before the summit by turning onto Blaithroyd Lane for several seconds, I had to explain to him that this was akin to a foot fault and he would have to be disqualified from his 2nd place but I'm not sure he accepted this entirely unbiased decision.
A good day out, hope the actual event (7th April - pre enter via BC website) is half as enjoyable.

NEXT FEW WEEKS
Sunday 10th March - 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley
Sunday 17th March - a few of us have entered a 200k Audax - Delightful Dales - enter online via Audax website.
Sunday 24th March - again a few Condors have entered the Wheelbase Spring Classic sportive, a scenic 75 miles taking in the Lune Valley, Dentdale and Barbondale.

Wednesday Run and Sunday 3rd March

What a superb day, when the weather is like it has been today there can be no better place in the world to cycle than Yorkshire. There was an attendance of 14 for today's ride, with the best weather coming in from the east we he headed out to Knaresborough for lunch and in addition to blue skies and clear views we also enjoyed a helping wind on the way home.
Our return journey was made via the Beryl Burton Way to Bilton and then Penny Pot Lane, Timble, Low Snowdon and Askwith, up the Chevin and down through Esholt before hitting the busy roads round Bradford.

Sunday 3rd March
I'm meeting Paul Daly at 9am outside the Ritz at Brighouse next Sunday for a 'Ronde van Calderdale' Recce. We're not doing the full route, joining the route up at the top of Rastrick then following it as far as the top of Old Lane after Luddenden village then missing Jowler, Fly Flatt and Cock Hill and going down to Hebden Bridge for a cafe stop (Paul needs frequent injections of tea). Then we'll pick up the route again and follow it through to the top of Trooper Lane where you will be allowed to go home and lie down.

Halifax Imps Reliability Rides 2013

Imps Reliability

J.K. promised us a  new route for his annual pain-fest, and it didn't disappoint in the pain department. There seemed to be a big turnout in the dry but very cold conditions with a good flock of Condors for the long & shorter routes, although many jerseys I never saw again, notably the Star Wheelers ?
The mass was already fragmented by Queensbury with several traffic lights, junctions and the gradient helping to split things up. We had a fairly large group at the front and kept a steady tempo to Hetton when young Polish Pete (19) thought he was on the Saturday cafe race and ripped it up towards Gargrave. I tried to calm things by suggesting a toilet break at Gargrave (necessary for the more senior riders) but inevitably not everyone stopped which meant a chase over to Broughton and Elslack. We were all back together for just a moment before the long climb inflicted its damage, an out of condition Robin one of the first to raise the white flag.
Around 10 of us started on the Herders and my legs were starting to complain, especially at the thought of what we still had to come. Except Sean, the older riders like myself (and some younger) were sliding back on the climbs but we were all back together at Oxenhope where Andy Marshall said he'd had enough (only to re-think and carry on alone). At the top of Cragg Vale we were down to 8 (Blair Buss vanished) but predictably the final selection took place on Ripponden Bank with Polish Pete, Paul Ward, V.S. Carl (who had won a fell race the day before !?), Sean and a suddenly rejuvenated Mick Collins, who had been sliding back with the old ones earlier, charging over the top not to be seen until the Pub. Myself, 3RT Mark & Dave Leckenby  nursed our weary legs up Exley Bank not long after.
Good beer and a nice fire were our reward as riders trickled in, Paul Daly not long behind.
It was a tough but enjoyable day out (Thanks John & Janice).
Now, how about a steady club run with a leisurely cafe stop next Sunday for a change ?  

Reliability Ride - 24 Feb 2013

Halifax Imperial Wheelers

Would like to invite you to join them for their

Annual Early Season Reliability Ride

Taking place on

Sunday 24^th February, 2013

Start Point: The Ritz Ballroom, Brighouse

Finish Point: Cross Keys, Siddal

Meet at 8.30am to register your details
for a scheduled 9.00am start

2013 Reliability Ride      80 in 6      Start at 9.00am

Start Ritz in Brighouse

Odsal Top - Queensbury - Keighley - Skipton - Rylstone (duck pond) - Gargrave - Broughton - Elslack - Laneshaw Bridge - Stanbury - Oxenhope -  Hebden Bridge - Mytholmroyd - Cragg Vale - Ripponden - Barkisland - Elland to finish at the Cross Keys  Siddal

Last section of route as per 2014 Tour de France !

A shorter easier 60 miles also available

Odsal Top - Queensbury - Keighley - Crosshills - Cowling - Laneshaw Bridge - Wycoller (option) - Laneshaw Bridge - Stanbury - Howarth - Oxenhope - Hebden Bridge - Luddenden Foot - King Cross - Siddal - Cross Keys.

Entry Fee of £2.00 per person payable on the day in exchange for a route sheet

NWP - The Short One

As requested, a few words about the short version of North West Passage. This was my first tour of the easy route, having previously flogged round the long one or stayed safely at home. And it was good. Especially at a pace where we rarely, if ever, got out of breath. There was time to chat, and to enjoy the pleasant countryside. I might do that again.

Our group of about a dozen riders formed as the 9am massed start got broken up by various sets of lights. We trundled and never really considered trying to close the gap on the next group. Brian however decided that the pace was a touch too easy and took off at high speed toward Summit, not to be seen again. According to my trip computer we were about 5 minutes slower up Blacko than the VS fast lads doing the full route, but the cafe at Gisburn was still open and we made ourselves comfortable over tea and butties for quite a long time.

Vicar started the long route at 8am but realised the error of his ways at Settle and turned back, finding us about ready to leave the cafe. The next part of the route is the best, through Bolton by Bowland, East and West Bradford and on to Whalley, where the lanes meandered and the afternoon sun gave a pleasant warmth. Haslingden Moor dragged a bit into the wind but Owd Betts gave no problems and we were soon on the last leg through Rochdale (and not, as I've always experienced previously, on our last legs). Pies, peas & pints were enjoyed back at the Spring Inn while waiting for the hard men to finish.

Wednesday & Sunday

A cold and damp east/north easterly wind was blowing today but although the skies were grey at least it was dry. To take advantage of a helping wind on the way home we headed out to Wharfedale where the weather was several degrees warmer with occasional blue sky breaking through the grey.  Peeps had come up with the idea of trying the relatively new tearooms at The Strid and it turned out to be an excellent suggestion. For some reason I hadn't expected it to be as good as it is; warm spacious and welcoming it will no doubt become a regular Wednesday venue.
The return journey was made over Eastby Brow which, as planned, was made far easier due to the tail wind and always worthwhile for the stunning views from the summit. All was going well up Ingrow with Paul D setting just the right pace, but unfortunately JK became possessed with that uncontrollable desire to inflict pain, it afflicts him each time he hits Hermit Hole Bends - after breaking up the peloton he died, but it was too late, the adrenalin was now pumping round Peeps legs and he attempted to finish off what John had started, all to no avail however as Paul D reigned supreme as King of the Tip Top.

Sunday 24th February
Its the Imps Reliability Race Ride this Sunday, sets off at 9am from outside the Ritz in Brighouse but you will need to get there at least 15 minutes earlier to sign up - £2 - bring correct change. Basic details for the long route route can be seen on the Imps Blog (link from this blog).

North West Passage

When I logged on a few minutes ago I was disappointed to find that no one else had beaten me and already  blogged a report for last Saturday's North West Passage. I usually like to add a few photos when I add a report to the blog - helps pad things out and sometimes people find them quite entertaining such as when I get a shot of one of our members riding through deep floods or pushing there bike through snow drifts. Alas, although I lugged my faithful Lumix (290 grams) around the 130 miles I had no time to think about photos (although that's not quite true - I thought about photos several times but unfortunately a sense of urgency always takes over when you've paid your 5 quid to enter an Audax - if this just happened to me I would be worried but the same appears to happen to 90% of people who enter these non-competitive tourist events).

There were about 60 or 70 cyclists lined up for the 8am start of the long course, the weather was spot on and most of the usual faces were there. The VS boys looking fit and fast, VC167's attempting to look like they weren't planning to get out of breath and a good turn out from the Condor, Melvin looking relaxed and confident, Vicar looking a bit anxious, Single Simon on the bike that gave him his nickname,  Padiham Chris, a NWP virgin bursting with anticipation and enthusiasm, notable absentees being Brian and Robin. The Imps had sent along their top roadman Sean Smith to keep Mel in check and Paul Daly had filled his pannier with ham sandwiches to make sure there was no repeat of 6 days earlier.

I first rode this event in the 70's, possibly before AudaxUK existed and have learned that it is safer and easier to go straight to the head of the bunch whilst the pecking order sorts itself out behind. However its the first time Iv'e had the pleasure of being at the front of the NWP with Chris at my side (or half a wheel in front) and by Todmorden I decided it would be expedient to let someone else set the pace. However Chris told me he was staying at the front, he preferred being at the front would not be comfortable sat in, which I thought was a rather over  magnanimous gesture considering that there were 50 or so cyclists sat behind us who had so far been having a gentle tap.

Sean was the lucky man to replace me at the head of affairs and together with Chris they did a sterling job winding up the pace through Cornholme and  Cliviger scattering distressed cyclists throughout the valley as they spun their pedals towards Damians Drop Roundabout just before Nelson where a feeling of deja vu came over me as I witnessed the Padiham Peddler together with several others including Mel, hit the deck. Fortunately all were able to get up with no serious injuries or damage to bikes and we were soon on our way again although the once large (too large?) bunch was now split into small groups. Simon and I were pottering up through Blacko on the climb over Greystone when we were passed by Chris who assured us he was okay and set off up the road looking for Mel who he informed me was ahead. Mel and Sean then passed us and before long had caught and left Chris and once Paul Daly had rejoined us we got down to some hard work once again passing riders and catching Chris and staying together taking turns at the front till Settle.

After the Naked Man check Paul, Simon, Chris and myself set off together, Paul pulled away up Bukka' Brow and just on the brow of the hill Mel, Sean and the VS's overtook. Paul and I sat in for several miles,
unknown to us Simon had had to stop to make adjustments to his back wheel following an unfortunate touch of wheels earlier and Chris, who must have been suffering from a combination of working too hard at the front and falling off twice had become detached.

I Condor/Imp/VS train, more than ably assisted by Dave Leckenby of Ilkley CC was both organised and working very well, too well for me and I had to drop off up one of the many undulations en-route to Ingleton. Paul kindly dropped back to keep me company and we worked well together. We saw that Irish John had become detached and it inspired us to dig deep and catch him, trouble was I'd used so much energy to catch him I couldn't get past. We regrouped at the Kirby Lonsdale check where Paul and I decided not to loiter too long and set off down the Lune Valley, through the centre of Lancaster, with its magnificent displays of crocus' in full bloom and down the A6 to turn left to the Scorton check just before Garstang. We spent far too much time here, being the 1st riders at the check  the well oiled machine had not yet been started up and we wasted time queuing at wrong locations before being sent to the OIC of stamping cards. However this had given time for Simon, who had had to disconnect his rear brake to stop it rubbing, to rejoin us and we left with the addition of Dave Leckenby and VC 167's  Bob Johnson.

I always find the back roads between Garstang and Longridge sticky and Dave was setting a pace I knew I couldn't sustain so I drifted off the back, Simon stayed with me and Paul, who was looking comfortable, came back to us once he'd realised we had gone. The Condor/Imp/VS peloton caught us just after Longridge and we stayed together only untill the climb to Wilpshire and lost sight of them on the foothills of Oswaldtwistle Moor. Although this climb and the final climb, 'Owd Betts' could not be described as easy we all managed to keep the cadence going and were pleased to finish the event just after 4pm.

Best wishes to Mel and Chris who although battered and bruised still managed to be upbeat at the finish - hope it hasn't been too painful Sunday & Monday.

It appears that we had a very good turn out for the shorter route - I'm sure Ian or Nigel will update us.