Sunday, March 09, 2014
Foreign Parts
Following the example of Paul Daly I thought that you might like a picture of a migrating Condor temporarily over in California and having a quick ride after work with the ocean in the background. They have a dedicated bike path for miles along the coast - parallel to and separate from the main road. Its a tough life.
Thursday, March 06, 2014
Sunday 9th March
Chris is riding the Circuit of Pendle time trial on Sunday morning, it start/finishes somewhere near Whalley so I'm planning to have a ride out there and give him a shout of encouragement.
Meet 9am Hebden Bridge, probably return over Widdop or the Herders.
Meet 9am Hebden Bridge, probably return over Widdop or the Herders.
... my friend, we thought they'd never end.
Peter is being rather cryptic there about our day out in the high peak, so I'd better fill you in. Peter hasn't, for example, mentioned putting his cape on near the top of Holme Moss (when it then promptly stopped raining), while we gently pottered on. The forceful headwind though prevented his regrouping and our caped companion seemed to take ages descending down the southern side of the hill.
Eventually we reconvened and Peter immediately overruled our suggested shortcut, insisting instead that we gallop for Glossop. Well, the cafe there is just *so* nice, and I did welcome the 'fast breakfast'.
The Snake then called, again into a variable wind. Damien did a sterling service to pace me along when stronger legs (and lungs) took the remainder of our group a few yards ahead. Over the top we then delighted in a flowing descent toward Ladybower, though eventually realised that Pete and Steve had tailed off and were nowhere to be seen. Well they can't have taken any wrong turns - there aren't any. And the traffic was still flowing well so they weren't blocking the road with an accident. So it had to be a minor mechanical. If fact it was two, with Peter successfully repairing his front puncture on the 2nd attempt. Meanwhile, we'd taken solace at a tea van and were trying to stay warm.
Next came the Strines. Always a delight, though now we'd turned to put the breeze on our backs and were ready to make good steps toward home. But Pete had other ideas and promptly broke a spoke, thus suffering a further mechanical malady. Eventually the wheel could be made to *just about* run through the frame, though in a rather wobbly fashion and now with only one brake that left Pete understandably cautious especially on the downhill bits.
So that's how we then limped back to Huddersfield where, after having said our goodbyes, Damian apparently caught the same misaffection and promptly snapped a gear cable. The western section though had homes to go to while it was still Sunday. Little good it did us - 'blue van man' seemed intent on killing at least one of us on the narrow road up to Ainley Top. There you go. Same again next decade - its the Dales for me from now on!
Eventually we reconvened and Peter immediately overruled our suggested shortcut, insisting instead that we gallop for Glossop. Well, the cafe there is just *so* nice, and I did welcome the 'fast breakfast'.
The Snake then called, again into a variable wind. Damien did a sterling service to pace me along when stronger legs (and lungs) took the remainder of our group a few yards ahead. Over the top we then delighted in a flowing descent toward Ladybower, though eventually realised that Pete and Steve had tailed off and were nowhere to be seen. Well they can't have taken any wrong turns - there aren't any. And the traffic was still flowing well so they weren't blocking the road with an accident. So it had to be a minor mechanical. If fact it was two, with Peter successfully repairing his front puncture on the 2nd attempt. Meanwhile, we'd taken solace at a tea van and were trying to stay warm.
Next came the Strines. Always a delight, though now we'd turned to put the breeze on our backs and were ready to make good steps toward home. But Pete had other ideas and promptly broke a spoke, thus suffering a further mechanical malady. Eventually the wheel could be made to *just about* run through the frame, though in a rather wobbly fashion and now with only one brake that left Pete understandably cautious especially on the downhill bits.
So that's how we then limped back to Huddersfield where, after having said our goodbyes, Damian apparently caught the same misaffection and promptly snapped a gear cable. The western section though had homes to go to while it was still Sunday. Little good it did us - 'blue van man' seemed intent on killing at least one of us on the narrow road up to Ainley Top. There you go. Same again next decade - its the Dales for me from now on!
petehorne6 March 2014 22:11
I would have thought you were too young to remember Mary Hopkin
Monday, March 03, 2014
Those were the days
Thats enough about yesterdays club run other than we completed our circuit of Blackley, Holme Moss, Snake Pass and Strines - now lets just forget about it.
Great photo of the late John Cooke demonstrating the sort of riding we remember him for - long gone but never forgotten (being urged to the line by a youthful Clive Williamson - well he was only in his 40's).
- Enjoyed the nostalgia Pete - Cookie at full flight was a formidable force ! I think it was 1976 when I camped for the week at Harrogate Festival with John. It was an eventful week, John was never far from trouble - disqualified in a time trial after reports of draughting behind a hay wagon & blamed for putting someone through a shop window in the town centre crit ! Still, his 'win at any costs' attitude could have got him far in this sport.ReplyDelete
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Yes, I remember John complaining about a hay wagon getting in his way going up Penny Pot Lane - if I remember correctly he recorded the fastest time, beating some of the country's top riders.
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Sunday 2nd March
Tomorrow, meet Elland Bridge 9am, Le Tour in Yorkshire route through to Longdendale then the Snake and Strines. Cafe stops at Glossop and Langsett.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Imps Reliability
A mild and dry morning certainly encouraged a large turn out at the Ritz, a total of 93 riders signed up for the two distances including a good number of Condors although it was difficult to spot everyone in the crush.
Knowing it was prudent to get away amongst the front of the group I soon found myself on the front taking Halifax Road and Shelf Moor Rd to Queensbury along with Padiham Chris and Damian. My brother appeared alongside at Keighley and the 5 miles or so on the front to Crosshills is probably the longest I have ridden with Nigel for 3 years, and at a good tempo. He seems to be getting his enthusiasm back and is even tec'd up with Strava regularly telling me his and other peoples performances.
Nige pulled off at Crosshills and waited for other short routers to join him, Grimpy and Brian soon appearing. We were still a sizeable group enjoying a tail wind out to the duck pond and as usual it was a bit hairy on the narrow road to Gargrave but I did manage a quick word with the elusive Robin looking very retro in his russet jacket, that and his Fixie bike bike being amongst the very few things not stolen by the nice people who raided his garage a few weeks ago.
We knew the blustery south westerly wind was going to make trouble for us and the pain started on the climb from Elslack with riders scrambling for shelter from the walls or from fellow riders and we crawled past the radar station with the avarage speed getting severely dented.
Thankfully the wind was more helpful over The Herders but by the right turn at Oxenhope our numbers were severely depleted . Just 8 of us left battling the wind over Cock Hill and then the real punishment - over the exposed section of Cragg Vale where we were also battered by a rain shower just for good measure. As my head was bowed looking at the road I pondered how 'useful' the new road markings are, regularly informing me just how far it still is to the top and how long a kilometre can take in these conditions.
The surviving 8 comprised representatives from most of the local clubs VS, Sowerby Bros, Ravensthorpe and 3RT and, predictably, Eric kicked off the final showdown on Ripponden Bank with myself managing to share the KOM honours with him this time. Unfortunately Gareth, who probably had the strongest legs, dropped his pump and had to stop and retrieve it. Eric still insisted on leading a charge up the final drag from Elland and along Siddal just to make sure our legs were well and truly shot.
There was good banter over ale and pies afterwards as the survivors slowly drifted in with Pete Horne complaining of much suffering and a 'lost' Padiham Chris who had found his way back via Brighouse !
I think this is one of JK's best routes, weather permitting. Thanks to Janice, Andy et all.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
JK's Early Season Reliability Ride - 23 Feb 2014
A post by Ian with a message from Janice on behalf of John ... hey we're now a social network ...
This coming Sunday we have the pleasure of the the JK (Halifax Imps) early season torture - OOPS - I mean reliability ride (Yes same joke different year).
Sunday the 23rd
February, 2014
from the usual start point outside the Ritz Ballroom in Brighouse.
Same finish point as last year - Cross Keys Inn, 3
Whitegate, Siddal, Halifax, HX3 9AE.
In fact it's the same route as last
year - taking in part of the route of Stage 2 of The Tour 2014
In the hope we can set you off on
the scheduled 9am start signing on will be from 8.30am BUT to help
us achieve this it would be a big help if you could PLEASE PLEASE bring the correct change
for the ENTRY FEE of £2 with you rather than paper notes
2014 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 56 miles option is:-
BRIGHOUSE – ODSAL – QUEENSBURY – KEIGHLEY- CROSS HILLS- LANESHAW
BRIDGE- OLDFIELD – HAWORTH – OXENHOPE – HEBDEN BRIDGE – LUDDENDENFOOT – KING
CROSS – SIDDAL – CROSS KEYS.
Please stay safe, be
sensible and remember it's a reliability ride NOT a race
Monday, February 17, 2014
Mini NWP Report
Must have been something good on daytime television this Saturday as there were many DNS's at the North West Passage. I admit that weather did look pretty grim as my brother-in-law, Rob, and I drove over Blackstone Edge into the driving sleet towards the start. Rob was visiting for a few days from his home in Scotland and had had the good sense to resist my suggestion that we should ride the 200k event but did agree to ride the Mini NWP, at a mere 75 miles.
As we drove west from Littleborough towards Rochdale I was quite impressed, considering the weather, at the number of riders being blown eastwards along the A58, almost 50 starters. Rather illogically considering the weather conditions, there were only twenty odd riders for the shorter event, I was pleased to see that Simon and Cragg Vale's Jonathan Emberton were there and we soon formed a disciplined quartet at the head of the field.
A lot more west in the wind than had been forecast gave us plenty of variety, tail wind to Tod, head wind up the valley over Cornholme, tail wind over the Greystone climb then a head wind through Bolton-by-Bowland and on to the Waddington check.
The cafe was unusually quiet, we loitered there for an hour or so sitting on chairs that the staff had quickly bin-bagged upon first having sight of us. After a leisurely lunch and tea drinking session the cheerful staff armed themselves with mops ready for our departure .
It took a while for the cafe legs to get going again with Simon and Rob beginning to pay for a lack of winter miles but their prayers were answered when we picked up helping breezes over Oswaldtwistle Moors and Old Betts.
Rochdale was looking as good as ever on the long fast descent from Owd Betts and although we spent what seemed like about half an hour at red traffic lights through the middle of town we were back at the Spring Inn 20 minutes before we were due (due to the lower max. average speed requirement on the Mini).
Well done to Mel, Chris and the VS lads, only 10 or 15 minutes slower for the 209k than what would have been likely in good weather.
North West Frontier
As Saturdays grim weather was no surprise we were able to dress accordingly with robust wet weather gear. The local grupetto of only 6 contained the V.S. trio of Dwarty, Binman Chris & Eric as well as Padiham Chris and Dave Leckenby who I had travelled out with.
A helpful tail wind to Blacko helped soften the conditions but as we tacked around into the cross headwind on the climb Binman Chris sensed my desire to push-on and he made the move, with the 6 of us now making up the front group.
We didn't hang around in Settle and, trying to retain as much body heat as possible, we fumbled with Audax cards not even taking our gloves off. Taking turns at the front we battled the A65 in the cross headwind. The advantage of tri-bars was well demonstrated by Dave Lec with an instant 10% upping of the speed when he hit the front. I had to protest when the only available shelter for me was on the white line at the back of the resulting echelon.
As tradition dictates we enjoyed a very welcome hot sandwich and brew at Kirby Lonsdale and with the rain almost stopped I rewarded myself the luxury of a dry pair of gloves. Bob from VC167 tagged onto us as we left for a stiff slog down the Lune Valley but after Lancaster the wind was starting to nudge at our backs.
A quick re-fuel at Scorton and we were back to the 6 of us again and on the lumpy road to Longridge the tail wind saw Binman and Eric setting a good pace that had several legs complaining.
Meeting a red light at almost all the junctions around Blackburn allowed us a welcome breather before Haslingden Moor and we were all together for the inevitable 'kicking-off' on Owd Betts with Eric taking the KOM prize. Three of us descended to Rochdale with Eric and Binman dissapointed that my street knowledge couldn't lead them back to the Spring Inn first - but with the new tram system all the roads have changed again and after negotiating a few back streets we found the right road and were joined at a junction by Dwarty and Dave who had come around the ring road.
It was the usual finish around 4 o'clock with Padiham Chris just behind after being out-pedalled on the descent of Owd Betts prompting advice on turbo training or chain gangs to get his legs spinning more !
Once we were out of our wet gear and sat in the pub with a pint and pie it didn't seem like such a bad day after all, as someone said - you are more likely to regret the things you don't do than the things you do.
Lets hope for dry roads for the Imps Reliability on Sunday.
A helpful tail wind to Blacko helped soften the conditions but as we tacked around into the cross headwind on the climb Binman Chris sensed my desire to push-on and he made the move, with the 6 of us now making up the front group.
We didn't hang around in Settle and, trying to retain as much body heat as possible, we fumbled with Audax cards not even taking our gloves off. Taking turns at the front we battled the A65 in the cross headwind. The advantage of tri-bars was well demonstrated by Dave Lec with an instant 10% upping of the speed when he hit the front. I had to protest when the only available shelter for me was on the white line at the back of the resulting echelon.
As tradition dictates we enjoyed a very welcome hot sandwich and brew at Kirby Lonsdale and with the rain almost stopped I rewarded myself the luxury of a dry pair of gloves. Bob from VC167 tagged onto us as we left for a stiff slog down the Lune Valley but after Lancaster the wind was starting to nudge at our backs.
A quick re-fuel at Scorton and we were back to the 6 of us again and on the lumpy road to Longridge the tail wind saw Binman and Eric setting a good pace that had several legs complaining.
Meeting a red light at almost all the junctions around Blackburn allowed us a welcome breather before Haslingden Moor and we were all together for the inevitable 'kicking-off' on Owd Betts with Eric taking the KOM prize. Three of us descended to Rochdale with Eric and Binman dissapointed that my street knowledge couldn't lead them back to the Spring Inn first - but with the new tram system all the roads have changed again and after negotiating a few back streets we found the right road and were joined at a junction by Dwarty and Dave who had come around the ring road.
It was the usual finish around 4 o'clock with Padiham Chris just behind after being out-pedalled on the descent of Owd Betts prompting advice on turbo training or chain gangs to get his legs spinning more !
Once we were out of our wet gear and sat in the pub with a pint and pie it didn't seem like such a bad day after all, as someone said - you are more likely to regret the things you don't do than the things you do.
Lets hope for dry roads for the Imps Reliability on Sunday.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Sunday 16th
Anyone keen for a ride on Sunday is welcome to join us in Hebden Bridge at 9am for a trip out west to Whalley - and back, of course. Slowly. On flat roads. With a cafe stop.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Saturday 15th, North West Passage
Hope the weathers a bit better this coming Saturday, either way it will be good to 'break the ice' in 2014 with the umpteenth running of West Pennine's classic North West Passage.
8am at the usual starting point, the Spring Inn, Rochdale for the 200k ride or 9am for the 120k. Don't worry if you haven't already entered, entries are being accepted on the day.
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Three go to Burnsall
The rain was easing as we rode north from Keighley, we turned left at Vietnam Bridge to chance the back lanes to Gargrave, the Aire north of Carleton was just inches below breaking its banks but gave us a dry run up to Broughton and over to Gargrave. We then put a loop in around Winterburn enjoying a tail wind through the quiet back lanes to Hetton and on to Cracoe and that most wonderful of Dales lanes through Thorpe and onto Burnsall.
Refreshed, we enjoyed a helping wind down through Appletreewick and Storiths Lane to the Cavendish. The sun was now shining, as we approached Beamsley Chris confessed that he had never been to Langbar so we did the decent thing and took him up there, it felt a lot easier than it does at the end of the White Rose Classic!
On then through Otley, up the Chevin and down through Esholt before hitting the busy Shipley to Ilkley main road where the traffic was at a standstill due to a horse in he middle of the road doing an impression of a bucking bronco, a terrified rider unable to control her steed. Fortunately our fearless farrier was at hand to spring from his own (two wheeled) steed and rescue the damsel in distress by grabbing the halter and leading the anxious equine away to a quiet side lane.
Our perfect day was rounded off by a potter up to Thornton and the Great Northern Trail to Queensbury. Hope Chris negotiated Todmorden safely!
Friday, February 07, 2014
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Wednesday Ride Report
With heavy rain forecast the Wednesday ride was down to eight, myself, Hoppy, JK, Peeps, Martin, Mike, PG and Grimpy. Mike announced that he was going to Newmillardam whether anyone else was or not; so we went with him, on the Greenways to Ossett then down to Horbury Bridge and Crigglestone where the predicted rain started.
We took a long leisurely lunch watching the rain bouncing down outside. It eventually bated just before 1 o'clock when Grimpy led a charge for the quickest route home, the main roads round Pugneys. As the day appeared to be brightening up I decided it would be a shame to rush home so I said my goodbye's and pottered round the back roads through Notton, High Hoyland, Upper Denby, Farnley Tyas and Castle Hill.
NOTES -
If you're intending to ride the Ronde van Calderdale get your entry in now - only a few spaces left.
Sunday 9th Feb - 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley, club run - suggest a ride over Waddington area.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Sunday's ride : Silverdale
Looking like an 80s indie band mistakenly diverted onto a cycle outing (fronted by Oakworth Steve aka Mr Kool Glasses), here is a snap of the happy group taken at the top of Silverdale.
Whilst Grimpy was pursuing a misspent youth watching YouTube (see previous blog) the rest of us were busy preparing for the North West Passage (less than 2 weeks to go) by following our traditional warm-up route round Silverdale.
And what a great days ride it was, with temperatures soaring up to 6 degrees and a fresh south westerly breeze we (thats Nige, Ian, Damien, Chris, Steve and myself) decided to attack Silverdale from the Stainforth end. Occasionally a plan works and today was one of those rare occasions, for not only did we enjoy a helping breeze over Silverdale but to my surprise the wind also blew us down Littondale with Nigel and Damien making the most of the fast conditions establishing a gap on the descent down to Halton Gill and consolidating their advantage down the dale to Arncliffe where someone, who asked to remain nameless made the lighthearted observation that although Nige takes a larger waist fitting he shares his jeans (sic) with Mel.
Nigel waited for us at Arncliffe but Damien was now on a mission to get to Cracoe Cafe as soon as possible and rode off alone to take the direct route whilst the rest of us had a potter round Grass Woods, Grassington and Linton (looking at todays Strava ascents for the Grass Woods climb there's a Simon Fortune on the board - could this be the same Simon Fortune, also affectionately known as 'Single Simon' who once upon a time rode with us - and who was supposed to be coming out with us today?).
After a long, long, rest at Cracoe Cafe we headed straight home via Skipton and Keighley with Chris doing a magnificent job, resisting his natural urges and setting a comfortable pace for us up the Ingrow climb.
More of the same next week!
Whilst we have been enjoying the mildest winter in Yorkshire for many years Paul Daly has been having to endure day after day of hot, sunny weather out in New Zealand. The above photo shows Paul flying the Condor colours at the end of last weekends 90mile Taranaki Challenge where he finished as 1st vet60. Oh-dear, I was hoping he would be taking it easy and come back a couple of stones overweight.
BUCKSTONES FLANDERS -CONDOR ROAD RACE saturday 17th MAY 2014
I was hoping to make the sunday run this week, but did a shorter ride so i could be back to see the battle between Svn & Stybar in the Elite Cyclo Cross world champs.
The speed and skill plus the quality of live streaming, remember when it used to freeze and if you switched to full screen it was all hasy now its better than live TV. On the main point of my blog.
Ive been asked on a number of occasions to describe the course for our new challenging road race.
Hopefully the following details will clarify the route.
Complete 8.25 mile circuit is highlighted in red on map below
The section through scammonden reservoir including the concrete wall climb is shown in more detail below.
The circuit finish is approximately 300metres along lower scammonden road reached after exiting the climb through the yorkshire water top gate.
Complete circuit description:
Start on lower scammonden road, riders will then turn left on short road to the tee junction with saddleworth road (B6114), left with care for approx. 3 miles to buckstone moss tee junction. Turn left with care onto new hey road (A640) continuing for approx. 3 miles to turn sharp left down hey lane proceeding to cross junction with pinfold lane to turn under motorway and then left onto YW service road. Through YW access gate (open for event)
along unsurfaced track (keeping on LHS) to meet intersect with concrete embankment up steep concrete climb (scammonden wall 100m long @ 20%+) to exit YW gate (again open for event) and turn right onto lower scammonden road to finish.
1 lap = 8.25 miles
event 1 start time 10.00 (5 laps) A,B groups O40's
event 2 start time 10.03 (5 laps) C,D groups O50's
event 3 start time 10.05 (4 laps) E,F,G groups O60's
Event headquarters: Greetland community & sports centre HX4 8JG (as norland circuit)
I have applied for max of 40 riders in each event (total 120)
Again for a successful event we need your kind support and assistance. so please keep Saturday 17th may free to help. I envisaged we will need a similar number of marshal's and support staff as on the norland circuit.
My first volunteer requirement is for signing on? I will be back with more details closer to the event. I am hoping that not only will the event give a sporting challenge but will also provide lots of entertainment. Please spread the word so we get a good field.
To enter riders must join the LVRC (fee £20) which gives access to 250+ events in the UK.plus event fee £11.00. enters open 8 weeks prior to the event using the rider hq web site. Full details will be found in the LVRC web site found by googling LVRC.
Meanwhile as last season we need your support for the halifax imps RR,so they can as usual reciprocate and assist us on May 17th. This year's imps event uses the norland circuit and is on saturday morning April 26th. In the absence of Sean Smith, the event is being run by Martin Gargett.
Cheers Grimpy
The speed and skill plus the quality of live streaming, remember when it used to freeze and if you switched to full screen it was all hasy now its better than live TV. On the main point of my blog.
Ive been asked on a number of occasions to describe the course for our new challenging road race.
Hopefully the following details will clarify the route.
Complete 8.25 mile circuit is highlighted in red on map below
The section through scammonden reservoir including the concrete wall climb is shown in more detail below.
Complete circuit description:
Start on lower scammonden road, riders will then turn left on short road to the tee junction with saddleworth road (B6114), left with care for approx. 3 miles to buckstone moss tee junction. Turn left with care onto new hey road (A640) continuing for approx. 3 miles to turn sharp left down hey lane proceeding to cross junction with pinfold lane to turn under motorway and then left onto YW service road. Through YW access gate (open for event)
along unsurfaced track (keeping on LHS) to meet intersect with concrete embankment up steep concrete climb (scammonden wall 100m long @ 20%+) to exit YW gate (again open for event) and turn right onto lower scammonden road to finish.
1 lap = 8.25 miles
event 1 start time 10.00 (5 laps) A,B groups O40's
event 2 start time 10.03 (5 laps) C,D groups O50's
event 3 start time 10.05 (4 laps) E,F,G groups O60's
Event headquarters: Greetland community & sports centre HX4 8JG (as norland circuit)
I have applied for max of 40 riders in each event (total 120)
Again for a successful event we need your kind support and assistance. so please keep Saturday 17th may free to help. I envisaged we will need a similar number of marshal's and support staff as on the norland circuit.
My first volunteer requirement is for signing on? I will be back with more details closer to the event. I am hoping that not only will the event give a sporting challenge but will also provide lots of entertainment. Please spread the word so we get a good field.
To enter riders must join the LVRC (fee £20) which gives access to 250+ events in the UK.plus event fee £11.00. enters open 8 weeks prior to the event using the rider hq web site. Full details will be found in the LVRC web site found by googling LVRC.
Meanwhile as last season we need your support for the halifax imps RR,so they can as usual reciprocate and assist us on May 17th. This year's imps event uses the norland circuit and is on saturday morning April 26th. In the absence of Sean Smith, the event is being run by Martin Gargett.
Cheers Grimpy
Friday, January 31, 2014
Sunday 2 Feb - road to anywhere?
The forecast looking alright for Sunday - if not sunny then at least dry with a fair southwesterly breeze.
So 9am Denholme and 9:30 Keighley could be good and then off wherever the fancy takes us (slowly, in my case, and with an early cafe stop, please). From last week's report is seems that the lie in wasn't a bad idea ... except that now my so-called 'training' is even further behind the real athletes. Ah well, we can always form A & B groups and send the fast lads off to do a couple of extra hills.
So 9am Denholme and 9:30 Keighley could be good and then off wherever the fancy takes us (slowly, in my case, and with an early cafe stop, please). From last week's report is seems that the lie in wasn't a bad idea ... except that now my so-called 'training' is even further behind the real athletes. Ah well, we can always form A & B groups and send the fast lads off to do a couple of extra hills.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
2013 Club Champions
Brian took the time trial trophy for the 30th time since 1975. During the year he broke the National over 70's time trial record for ten miles, took the silver medal in the Vets national 30 mile championship and the gold medal in the vets national 50 by an astonishing 4 minutes on age standard.
John snatched the 2013 Road Race Trophy, he won the 2013 LVRC National Criterion Championship whilst Brian won the National Road Race Champs (with Grimpy 2nd and Peeps 5th). The deciding factor was John's magnificent overall victory in the season long Percy Stallard National Series.
On the CycloX front John is the current age related National Champion in both the British Cycling and LVRC versions of the event and was silver medalist in the UCI World Championships held at Loisville, USA
There were two outstanding qualifiers for the Audax/Sportive trophy, Simon Fortune and 'Padiham' Chris Smith. In 2013 Simon became the first Condor to complete the classic 1400km London - Edinburgh - London, he also completed a 200/300/400/600 series, and in a normal year would have taken this trophy with ease. However with Chris now on the scene the bar has been lifted, a glance at the Audax web site revealed that Chris had logged 13,134 Audax kilometres (which included just short of 300,000 feet of climbing) and this doesn't include sportive s such as the Fred Whitton and the Mill & Hills.
Sunday 26th January
Water, Water Everywhere!
Todays Riders
- Melvin
- Chris
- Irish John (VS Cycles)
- Dougie (VS Cycles)
- Adrian (British Cycling Disabled Team)
It was head down, ass up as we were buffeted by blustery squally showers. A fast ( ish ) pace was essential to avoid the ill effects of the cold setting in on Lycra clad bones.
Typical winter training. Clinging on to the wheel in-front whilst avoiding rain filled pot holes. Sleety snow started as we approached Cracoe with Minus 1 degree C registering on Johns Garmin. A hind puncture was the only thing to slow Melvin, which was efficiently attended to, as the rest of us shivered pathetically, and we were soon again rolling along.
A warm welcome at the Cafe was appreciated with great hospitality as usual. Once refueled and thawed, we hoped the weather would fair a little. It didn't!
Pressing on regardless past Bolton Abbey we enjoyed our first glimmer of sunshine Splitting at Addingham, Keighley and Ingrow we made our separate ways home, to enjoy the satisfying post-ride feeling which is only obtainable by getting out there and turning a crank.
" Winter Training rides, Win Summer Races " APPARENTLY!
Chris Smith
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Sunday 26 Jan
I know that many of you are keen to get out, even when tomorrow is predicted to be 'slightly damp'.
In the absence of a better suggestion, shall we say 9am Denholme, 9:30 Keighley and take it from there.
It's the club dinner tonight, and so possible that some people might prefer a lie-in tomorrow ...
In the absence of a better suggestion, shall we say 9am Denholme, 9:30 Keighley and take it from there.
It's the club dinner tonight, and so possible that some people might prefer a lie-in tomorrow ...
Monday, January 20, 2014
Sunday 19th January - Ride Report
Condor Provides a "Fearsome Visage"
Today's Riders
- Ian
- Damian
- Nigel
- Richard
- Chris
- Neil ( IMPS )
A sensible and well disciplined ride today. The poor start in the weather didn't put off the keenest of Calderdales cyclists, with a large number of groups assembling at Keighley Roundabout.
We thought it would be useful to check that Ye Olde Naked Man was still open and fully operational, as this is a control point for The North West Passage ride, held in a few weeks time.
After being kindly towed on main roads out of Keighley we threw a left to Cononley via Vietnam Bridge. Back lanes gave a safe route filled with wildlife to Gargrave. Airton flashed by with the whizzing of wheels. The road over Attamire was strewn with occupying Highland cattle, with horns to skewer an unsuspecting cyclist given the opportunity.
Damian was keen to achieve KOM status, so of course I had to give a little challenge in the name of sportsmanship. Neil was off the back here for a short while as the dreaded BONK set in for him. Im sure he'll be back to normal fitness given a few more 'Training Rides'.
Limestone showed its rugged beauty as we had a technical decent past Scalebor to Settles market place. Of course Ye Olde Naked Man, dating back to 1663 has had plenty of years to perfect bacon butties and beans on toast.
We briefly refueled and chose flatish back roads via Rathmell and Wigglesworth to rejoin the main road to turn up to Bank Newton, which this time last week resembled a glacier. We churned our way up past Acecroft Holsteins (excuse the pun) towards Parrot Brow.
A speedy pace kept up as we approached Keighley with all riders climbing Ingrow ( even Ian who had showed true training grit, to pass his 4x4 to prove to himself he still had enough left in his legs ).
Here we split to ride home in the bright winter afternoons sunshine. Thanks for a great ride guys!
Chris Smith
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Sunday 19 Jan - We Settled for Settle
Chris has volunteered a detailed report - to follow later.
A rare action shot of the Condors taken 'in flight' on the way back toward Carleton. Photos were also taken in the cafe at Settle and may be added later (assuming anyone wants to see yet more shots of some lycra-clad blokes enjoying mid-ride refreshments). Richard had just put in a good turn on the front but, from his expression here, perhaps he wasn't appreciating our comments about this rare event needing a commemorative picture?
Monday, January 13, 2014
BC National Cross Champs
Anyway i gave PG instructions on my iPhone to take pics but somehow he managed to take 6 of the guy who was second in my cat but none of me??
For the record i won the O70’s cat (not to difficult only 2 finishers- mick ives was ill- PG said he didn’t start because coach PG was present?) as a saving grace i would have been 2nd in O65’s.
Still aching never had so much off the bike to contend with ideally you should have change bike each 1/2 lap. Trainer PG really struggled as they wouldn’t give him any pit water,
Funny really because one lap i came in to find he disappeared, turns out he was on other side of pit still trying to clear the mud.
Still aching never had so much off the bike to contend with ideally you should have change bike each 1/2 lap. Trainer PG really struggled as they wouldn’t give him any pit water,
Funny really because one lap i came in to find he disappeared, turns out he was on other side of pit still trying to clear the mud.
Grimpy actually riding
Ian Taylor and Andy Peace were in there element in the O40’s race. Craig just seems to float on mud, wins vets then comes third in elite race
still he’s only 44?
Can't wait for a sunday soon in hell, meanwhile i'm having a detrain with Maureen - see you soon
Slide into the Dales
The sub-zero temperatures scuppered the original plans for Sunday. My intention was to start with the Ilkley CC lads at 8.30 for Halton Gill and then join the Condors at Feizor but with minus 4 and a freezing mist hanging in the Wharfe Valley they changed plans and after a circuit around Skipton with them I met the 7 Condor stalwarts at Uttley. Pete Smith, Pete H., Ian, Nige, Damian, Steve and Chris.
It was decided that, dismally, the main roads would be the safest policy but after Gargrave we were lured onto the quiet lanes to Bell Busk where we found our first ice flow - dumping Pete Smith from his lofty perch painfully onto the ground. Nursing a sore hip Pete decided to limp homewards and after Ian and Chris had also been horizontal we were all very twitchy and reduced to walking at the first sign of any shiny bits.
This slow progress resulted in us being thoroughly nithered by Hellifield and so we headed for a warming at the railway Station Cafe there.
After tea, butties and talk of railway things we lined out and headed down the main road to Gisburn and through Barnoldswick, Foulridge and the back lane to Laneshaw Bridge. Despite the temperature rising to a balmy 1 degree we played it safe and avoided the Herders instead taking the main road over the Moss where Pete H installed himself on the front in order, I suspect, to keep Padiham Chris off it.
I turned at Steeton to return over the Cringles after a steady and sensible ride - even Damian was holding back, perhaps tempered by his ride with the chain gang to Buckden the day before - unless it all kicked off after I left them ?!
Next Sunday - another attempt at Feizor perhaps ?
It was decided that, dismally, the main roads would be the safest policy but after Gargrave we were lured onto the quiet lanes to Bell Busk where we found our first ice flow - dumping Pete Smith from his lofty perch painfully onto the ground. Nursing a sore hip Pete decided to limp homewards and after Ian and Chris had also been horizontal we were all very twitchy and reduced to walking at the first sign of any shiny bits.
This slow progress resulted in us being thoroughly nithered by Hellifield and so we headed for a warming at the railway Station Cafe there.
After tea, butties and talk of railway things we lined out and headed down the main road to Gisburn and through Barnoldswick, Foulridge and the back lane to Laneshaw Bridge. Despite the temperature rising to a balmy 1 degree we played it safe and avoided the Herders instead taking the main road over the Moss where Pete H installed himself on the front in order, I suspect, to keep Padiham Chris off it.
I turned at Steeton to return over the Cringles after a steady and sensible ride - even Damian was holding back, perhaps tempered by his ride with the chain gang to Buckden the day before - unless it all kicked off after I left them ?!
Next Sunday - another attempt at Feizor perhaps ?
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Today's Vets Ride and next Sunday 12th Jan
A very reasonable turn out of 12 for the first of the new years Wednesday Vets Rides. It was a slight variation of the Bolton Bridge cafe circuit in that Mike Beecham took us up through Allerton and down to Sandy Lane and Cottingley to avoid Manningham before joining our usual route through Esholt and Otley. All present; Paul G, Paul P, JK, the Stanger Brothers, Mike B, Everard, Brian, Grimpy, Hoppy, PC Chris and myself appear to have survived the festive season in reasonable shape (although most would deny this) and it was Grimpy, fresh from recent success at the LVRC National 'Cross Champs and International duties in Switzerland last Saturday who took the honors on the Ingrow climb but there will be many more battles before the year is over. Good luck to John in next Saturdays BC 'Cross Champs at Derby.
Sunday 12th January
Thanks to Richard and his i-phone for the above pic. taken at Hebden cafe last Sunday, I was eventually served with that mammoth bacon & sausage sandwich when everyone else had finished their lunches, I had no time to chew it, it had to be swallowed whole.
Next Sunday its again 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley roundabout - perhaps Feizor? - gives us options of main roads or back lanes depending on weather conditions.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Grimpy's Cross News ?
Just done only my 3rd & 4th cross's of the season
Third Event
December 29th LVRC Nat Champs
Sorry about the quality of pic, gave my iPhone to another non technical winner? I'm flanked by the Jewson duo Mick Ives and Graham Clements struggling to get my jersey on. If i recall correctly i was 25th in the overall the winner was Darren Atkins who is presently leading the BC nat trophy series. For you old sods like me you will remember his Father the great John Atkins. Superb course at Moreton Morbury, fantastic decent but due to my condition lots of heavy breathing.
Fourth Event
World Masters UCI champs 4th Jan 2014- Venue Gossau in Switzerland (about 20km from Zurich)
An eventful trip.
I made the decision to go a few days before the event dreaming i had the condition?
Took the north sea ferry and drove down to Mulhouse in France close to the
swiss border for my overnight stay leaving me with about 100mile trip to the venue.
Arrived via sat nav.(how did we mange without it), in reasonable shape considering the long drive on Saturday morning about 3 hours before the event start time at 13.00. Signed on to the 65 + championship event with no over 70's cat. The last time i road in the over 65's i was 5th but that was 3 years ago? Still because i was an ex world champ i was on the front row of the grid. So with ego built up the gun fired and we were away. Off road into the glue and down the first decent, Vic Barnet (2013 over 65's world Champ) falls but i stay on and go through the pits in 5th place. But already my bike is clogging up due to the conditions (5C in the swiss alps in January) we need some snow. Reality jumps in I've no support just a spare bike which i dropped in the pits, i did ask Mick Ives if Jewson team support could assist. ' Best you take yourself so you remember where it is'? Still you can float when you are in the grove and have the condition?
Gradually i am past by a few riders and am going backwards quick. So its into the pits and onto my spare bike. Fatigue easer's and i start to move with less pain. The welcome bell sounds but the spare bike weighs more than PG's machine and its getting clogged up. I pass the pits and my girl friday (lovely young girl whom I've never met) shouts I've jet cleaned your bike i smile saying dreams do come true?
Away on the light machine and up goes the speed and my moral, i catch one guy with a stars and strips jersey and see another ahead who i thought i caught on the line. But computer result shows same time and behind him still i was only sprinting for 8th. So sorry guys best i could do was 9th? still they were all younger than me? Well it makes me feel better. Also if you are going to win you have to race and train in your specific event. So next year i'm resolving to get in better shape? Its the long drive back -still i found a new friend but don't tell maureen.
Finally i see i will be able to get an hammering on the road soon on the sunday (training) runs, but before that it's the BC national champs in Derby this Saturday.
Cheers Grimpy
Third Event
December 29th LVRC Nat Champs
Sorry about the quality of pic, gave my iPhone to another non technical winner? I'm flanked by the Jewson duo Mick Ives and Graham Clements struggling to get my jersey on. If i recall correctly i was 25th in the overall the winner was Darren Atkins who is presently leading the BC nat trophy series. For you old sods like me you will remember his Father the great John Atkins. Superb course at Moreton Morbury, fantastic decent but due to my condition lots of heavy breathing.
Fourth Event
World Masters UCI champs 4th Jan 2014- Venue Gossau in Switzerland (about 20km from Zurich)
An eventful trip.
I made the decision to go a few days before the event dreaming i had the condition?
Took the north sea ferry and drove down to Mulhouse in France close to the
swiss border for my overnight stay leaving me with about 100mile trip to the venue.
Arrived via sat nav.(how did we mange without it), in reasonable shape considering the long drive on Saturday morning about 3 hours before the event start time at 13.00. Signed on to the 65 + championship event with no over 70's cat. The last time i road in the over 65's i was 5th but that was 3 years ago? Still because i was an ex world champ i was on the front row of the grid. So with ego built up the gun fired and we were away. Off road into the glue and down the first decent, Vic Barnet (2013 over 65's world Champ) falls but i stay on and go through the pits in 5th place. But already my bike is clogging up due to the conditions (5C in the swiss alps in January) we need some snow. Reality jumps in I've no support just a spare bike which i dropped in the pits, i did ask Mick Ives if Jewson team support could assist. ' Best you take yourself so you remember where it is'? Still you can float when you are in the grove and have the condition?
Gradually i am past by a few riders and am going backwards quick. So its into the pits and onto my spare bike. Fatigue easer's and i start to move with less pain. The welcome bell sounds but the spare bike weighs more than PG's machine and its getting clogged up. I pass the pits and my girl friday (lovely young girl whom I've never met) shouts I've jet cleaned your bike i smile saying dreams do come true?
Away on the light machine and up goes the speed and my moral, i catch one guy with a stars and strips jersey and see another ahead who i thought i caught on the line. But computer result shows same time and behind him still i was only sprinting for 8th. So sorry guys best i could do was 9th? still they were all younger than me? Well it makes me feel better. Also if you are going to win you have to race and train in your specific event. So next year i'm resolving to get in better shape? Its the long drive back -still i found a new friend but don't tell maureen.
Finally i see i will be able to get an hammering on the road soon on the sunday (training) runs, but before that it's the BC national champs in Derby this Saturday.
Cheers Grimpy
KETTLEWELL 5th Jan 2014
There was a time when the first Sunday run of the new year, billed as a "training run", heralded the start of longer and harder rides to build fitness after a social season.Unfortunately for some of us,in this era of all year round Audaxi and sportives, a high level of fitness has been maintained by many members for whom a jaunt to upper Wharfedale presents no challenge whatsoever.
Half a dozen Condors, mainly from the above group, left Keighley accompanied by a similar number of Paul Milnes Cycles chaps at a fair gallop with Damian and Padiham Chris pulling on the front, my computer reading numbers starting with a 2 most of the time! A more sedate pace ensued after Skipton when Pete Horne took a turn, although from my position hiding near the back we could see that some condors were eager to push on, overlapping and bunching up behind Pete and impeding passing traffic. It didn't go unnoticed by others in the group who were shouting for a more disciplined peleton. Perhaps some of us need lessons in "club"riding?
The cafe being shut in Kettlewell we thundered through and took the back road to Conistone at just about maximum safe speed for a winding, greasy, twig and branch strewn country lane, to arrive at the Old school house in Hebden, and still only 10 past 11!
Breakfast allowed a chance for some stragglers to catch up including our own Richard (the vicar) who had lost contact coming out of Skipton. Peter decided that porcine based products were the best fuel for the return journey and promptly ordered a sausage and bacon butty, not helped by the power cut shortly after our arrival, this monster of a sarny eventually arrived as some people were paying and donning helmets!
Poor Pete didn't even have time (or room) for flapjack or some other delaying frivolity.
Appletreewick and the back road to the cavendish were cracked off in ever decreasing numbers of riders after breakfast and Addingham Moorside selected as the route back to the Aire valley. I knew at some point my legs would start complaining and they duly obliged on the start of this climb, Melv, Damian and others jousting for the summit as me, Pete and Oakworth Steve brought up the rear.On cresting the hill I was suprised to see that they had waited for us and we descended to Silsden where we picked up Richard who had gone over cringles.
Damian, who had been having his own forays off the front all day in the style of a scout sent ahead to see if the way is clear, finally disappeared into the distance before Keighley and we were left in the company of the Pennine cycles group for a sensible climb of Ingrow. I really could have done without that strengthening southerly wind and accompanying rain as I battled over Fly Flatts to home.
Half a dozen Condors, mainly from the above group, left Keighley accompanied by a similar number of Paul Milnes Cycles chaps at a fair gallop with Damian and Padiham Chris pulling on the front, my computer reading numbers starting with a 2 most of the time! A more sedate pace ensued after Skipton when Pete Horne took a turn, although from my position hiding near the back we could see that some condors were eager to push on, overlapping and bunching up behind Pete and impeding passing traffic. It didn't go unnoticed by others in the group who were shouting for a more disciplined peleton. Perhaps some of us need lessons in "club"riding?
The cafe being shut in Kettlewell we thundered through and took the back road to Conistone at just about maximum safe speed for a winding, greasy, twig and branch strewn country lane, to arrive at the Old school house in Hebden, and still only 10 past 11!
Breakfast allowed a chance for some stragglers to catch up including our own Richard (the vicar) who had lost contact coming out of Skipton. Peter decided that porcine based products were the best fuel for the return journey and promptly ordered a sausage and bacon butty, not helped by the power cut shortly after our arrival, this monster of a sarny eventually arrived as some people were paying and donning helmets!
Poor Pete didn't even have time (or room) for flapjack or some other delaying frivolity.
Appletreewick and the back road to the cavendish were cracked off in ever decreasing numbers of riders after breakfast and Addingham Moorside selected as the route back to the Aire valley. I knew at some point my legs would start complaining and they duly obliged on the start of this climb, Melv, Damian and others jousting for the summit as me, Pete and Oakworth Steve brought up the rear.On cresting the hill I was suprised to see that they had waited for us and we descended to Silsden where we picked up Richard who had gone over cringles.
Damian, who had been having his own forays off the front all day in the style of a scout sent ahead to see if the way is clear, finally disappeared into the distance before Keighley and we were left in the company of the Pennine cycles group for a sensible climb of Ingrow. I really could have done without that strengthening southerly wind and accompanying rain as I battled over Fly Flatts to home.
Thursday, January 02, 2014
Early Season Events
A few dates you may wish to enter in your diary.
Saturday 15th February The North West Passage 200k Audax, 2014's first 'Monument', the oldest Audax on the calender and supported by the Condor since the 70's.
Sunday 23rd February Halifax Imps Reliability Ride, same route as last year, a bit hilly with 'Le Tour in Yorkshire' run-in.
Saturday 8th March Yorkshire Gallop 200k Audax, a circuit of the Vale of York Racecourses.
Sunday 16th March Ronde van Calderdale Recce' A look at the cobbles to come on the 6th of April. Meeting at Brighouse 9am, joining the official route at the top of Rastrick and missing out the Fly Flat and Cock Hill sections.
Sunday 23rd March Todmorden Loops 100k Audax. One for the hardriders, catering 2nd to none, enter on-line via the Audax UK website http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-995/
Sunday 30th March Wheelbase Spring Classic. Excellent and popular sportive route from Staveley, a reasonable entry fee and good feed station.
Sunday 6th April Ronde van Calderdale - need I say more - a classic sportive on our doorstep promoted by our friends from Kirklees Cycling Academy and 3RT. You can relax for the rest of the year after finishing this. Enter on-line https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/102030/Ronde-Van-Calderdale-2014
Sunday 13th April Spring into the Dales, 110k Audax. A perpetual favorite brought to us by CTC Calderdale, enter here http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-162/ Who will have the honor of breaking the skin on the rice pudding?
Saturday 26th April Imps LVRC road race. Condor will be helping with marshaling so if you're not riding the race your assistance is required.
Sunday 27th April Red Rose 200k Audax. Another CTC Calderdale day out with lunch at Glasson Dock, http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-99/
Saturday 15th February The North West Passage 200k Audax, 2014's first 'Monument', the oldest Audax on the calender and supported by the Condor since the 70's.
Sunday 23rd February Halifax Imps Reliability Ride, same route as last year, a bit hilly with 'Le Tour in Yorkshire' run-in.
Saturday 8th March Yorkshire Gallop 200k Audax, a circuit of the Vale of York Racecourses.
Sunday 16th March Ronde van Calderdale Recce' A look at the cobbles to come on the 6th of April. Meeting at Brighouse 9am, joining the official route at the top of Rastrick and missing out the Fly Flat and Cock Hill sections.
Sunday 23rd March Todmorden Loops 100k Audax. One for the hardriders, catering 2nd to none, enter on-line via the Audax UK website http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-995/
Sunday 30th March Wheelbase Spring Classic. Excellent and popular sportive route from Staveley, a reasonable entry fee and good feed station.
Sunday 6th April Ronde van Calderdale - need I say more - a classic sportive on our doorstep promoted by our friends from Kirklees Cycling Academy and 3RT. You can relax for the rest of the year after finishing this. Enter on-line https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/102030/Ronde-Van-Calderdale-2014
Sunday 13th April Spring into the Dales, 110k Audax. A perpetual favorite brought to us by CTC Calderdale, enter here http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-162/ Who will have the honor of breaking the skin on the rice pudding?
Saturday 26th April Imps LVRC road race. Condor will be helping with marshaling so if you're not riding the race your assistance is required.
Sunday 27th April Red Rose 200k Audax. Another CTC Calderdale day out with lunch at Glasson Dock, http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-99/
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
New Years Day Ride Report and Sunday 5th Jan
SUNDAY 5th Jan
Meet Denholmegate 9am or Keighley 9.30 for Wharfedale. Note that the cafe at Kettlewell is closed so we will have to decide cafe on the day depending on the weather.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Annual Dinner, Prize Presentation and Disco
CONDOR ROAD CLUB
64th ANNUAL DINNER, PRIZE PRESENTATION & DISCO
TO BE HELD AT – BAILIFFE BRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Victoria Road, Bailiffe Bridge, Brighouse, HD6 4DX
SATURDAY 25th JANUARY 2014
Meet at 6.30 for 7.00pm
MENU
STARTERS
Winter vegetable soup
Creamy garlic mushrooms
Homemade salmon fish cakes
MAINS
Traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding
Slow roast ‘Lamb Henry’ with minted gravy
Individual fish pie
(V) Vegetarian option
PUDDINGS
Rhubarb crumble and custard
Chocolate torte & ice cream
Cheese & biscuits
Coffee & mints
COST : £ 23.00 per person (complimentary wine included)
Please contact Paul Gower with numbers and choices by 11th January 2014 - Latest
Thank you
Paul Gower: 01422 201533
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