FORTHCOMING EVENTS

A good picture of Mick Collins shortly before he was caught on the last lap at the Brighouse Town Centre races last Tuesday (pic. from BC website). Note the map holder left attached to his bars after the 3 Coasts 600 Audax. Just proves that all that beer at the Catty must be good for you. Mick attacked with 4 laps to go - if he'd waited another lap he may have won the £200 first prize.

As Ian mentions, last Saturdays Rumble was a tough course but its only as hard as you make it. The photo's are approaching the summit of Blakey Bank, a climb that has been used for the National Hill Climb Champs. There was a really long descent following that climb along Blakey Ridge and down to Castleton and then east down Eskdale. Then a loop over the moors took us to Rosedale and the 2nd 'Hors' category climb up Rosedale Chimney ( 1 in 3 and another former National Hill Climb Champs climb). Following the Chimney it was down to a feed station at Hutton-le-Hole. Some big gear work followed as the course headed south and into the Howardian Hills around Castle Howard. The third feed was at Ampleforth School. Only 20 miles to go from Ampleforth but they were not easy miles. Another Hors' cat climb up White Horse Bank to bring us out at the top of Sutton Bank and I was expecting a steady run in for the last 10 miles or so but with only three or four miles to go to the finish we were turned left to visit Rievaulx Abbey and the steep climb from Rievaulx to the main road - I was beginning to lose my sense of humour and I know Melvyn felt the same. As mentioned by Ian, Melvyn recorded the third fastest time, what Ian did'nt know was that if Mel had'nt soft peddeled riding with me for the first 20+ miles he would without doubt have recorded the fastest time of the day. I was quite happy with 18th overall and 1st over 50. A very good route, everything well organised and a lovely change of scenery - put it in your diary for next year ( its going to be in August in '08).

FORTHCOMING EVENTS -

Sunday 8th July - Brimham Rocks 200k Audax, one of the CTC West Yorkshire Series, a nice steady ride with checks at cafe's at Knaresbourough, Howstean & Otley.

Sunday 5th August - Pendle Pedal Sportive - did this last year, its a really good route and well organised.

IMPORTANT!!!!!! Entry forms for the 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross go live on the web on Sunday the 1st of July - you must enter early to avoid disappointment.

26 June - Brighouse Criterium

It was a good night and very enjoyable to watch from the sidelines. There were quite a few local riders to cheer on, including Daniel Shaw (Hx Imps), John Dogherty and Paul Dixon (VS Cycles) and of course our ex-member Andy Marshall (VS Cycles). Photos from the British Cycling website http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/.

Start of the Elite race

The lead group. Tom Barras is third wheel and went on to win the sprint finish.
See also http://www.brighousecircuitracing.co.uk/

23 June - Rydale Rumble

Peter and Melvyn both had a fine ride in the Rydale Rumble on Saturday 23 June. The detailed results show Melv finishing in third place just five minutes outside the top time. Peter took the steadier option but wasn't far behind at the finish in 18th place. The only comment I've heard from them was that it was "hard".

See http://www.bcyorkshire.com/html/the_ryedale_rumble.htm.
Thanks to http://www.cyclingmages.co.uk/ for the sample photos. They have big versions available to buy there for this and several other rides.

ELMET CRC 12 HOUR - NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 29TH JULY 2007

Keith Lawton from CTT has alerted clubs to the plight of the Elmet CRC who are running the Nat '12' Champs in our region: they are short of marshalls for the event. Anyone who can help? Please ring Ray Charles on 01757 269287 asap.

12 hour(and 24 hour) events are the ultimate spectator sport. Rider after rider increasingly suffering as the day wears on. Perhaps Brian will ride it. It will then be the opportunity of a lifetime to see him suffering all day.

Otley Crits Tonight 20th June

Anybody going to watch Otley Crits tonight. See you for a pint at Rose & Crown next to Chevin Cycles about 7.30.

White Rose Classic

Photos from the web - 2 from last weeks WRC and 2 recent TT photo's of Brian

Good Comapanions 200k tomorrow, 8am Mytholmroyd

Ryedale Rumble Sportive next Saturday.........Melvyn and myself have entered, Neil & Robin are reported to be on the verge of doing so. Great course round the North Yorks Moors National Park.

10 June - White Rose Classic

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Neil had a "whale" of a time on his new Orca, and Melvyn apparently looked "fin-ished" by the tail-end. Still, they posted a very respectable sub-7hrs for a top-30 placing, with Mr Ingham also along for the ride. Pete Horne was also doing well with a 7.29 and well inside the top 100. Although strangely there are no photos of Peter ...

Further down the field, Nigel, Vicar and myself had our our personal battles to fight. My problem came with hills - just no power for climbing. Given that the ride went over Norwood Edge, Fleet Moss, Coal Road, Dent head, Silverdale and Langbar for a total 3911 metres of climbing this was something of a setback. The only consolation was having Nigel leave me for dead at Hawes (and rightly so given the state I was in) but then catching him up at Malham for a companionable ride to the finish, despite some mechanical troubles.

Sat in the sun on the grass at the finish with pint in hand, this wasn't a bad ride as we swopped tales and watched other riders arrive in even more wretched forms. But I'm not rushing to enter another "challenge" ride for some time. Roll on some easy Wednesday night rides instead!

(thanks to http://www.cyclingimages.co.uk/ for the pictures - go there if you want to purchase)

6 June - Imps Skipton & Back

The best thing about this ride? ... the sandwiches and cheese platter at the Brown Horse! Thanks to the Imps for laying on the excellent tea.

There was a good turnout of around 30 riders, including a last-minute charge from the VS Cycles contingent to make the start line just in time. The usual fast pace then took us out against a nagging easterly wind with a small band of strong riders doing a lot of the work on the front. After coming though once very briefly, I soon realised why so many people were vying for position at the back of the bunch.

The early turn on the outskirts of Skipton was a welcome point in the ride as we could then get a small breather on the slightly downhill return to Crosshills. Of course, what goes down must then go up and the "fun" of Ingrow wasn't far away. This hill sorted out the weaker riders and I soon found myself trailing slowly off the back. Encouragement came fairly quickly though when some others began to drift back too.

It was all over by the time I got to the finish, and I had to wait until the pub to hear how Neil would've done even better in sprinting for the line if only he'd known where the finish line was!

3 June - Tatham Fells

Another great ride through the Trough of Bowland. We had a fast run straight up to Settle but - horrors! - no cafe stop yet. Instead the Hartley twins encouraged us to go on right over Tatham Fells before finally reaching Slaidburn. The sandwiches and the setting are both great at the Riverside cafe, but at 58 miles from home it was about 7 miles too far for my legs.

Things recovered as the food & tea worked into the system for the run home. A grand total of 102 miles and another fine day on the bike. Ian

VS Cycles Brighouse Circuit Races 26th June

Please make a note in your diaries for this event.

Got some mighty fine riders entered and it will be fast and furious around this tricky circuit.

So will be seeing any Condors flying around with numbers on their backs or just supping pints???!!!

CONDOR R.C. AMBLE 8TH JULY 2007

The first family walk will be on Sunday 8th July from Luddenden Foot via the Cat i‘th Well for lunch.
This is a circular walk of some 8 miles through very pleasant and varied countryside.
It is hilly but not too strenuous and is very suitable for children. WARNING: Cyclists should be fully “walking fit”
START: Luddenden Foot car park by the bridge.
TIME: 10.15
LUNCH: Cat i’th Well 12.30 --?
FINISH: Luddenden Foot 4.00
The pub serves excellent value meals, including sandwiches, and any cyclists should note that the beer is also rather good.
The Landlord would appreciate some idea of numbers so will you please let Trevor know if you will be attending.
Phone: 01274 874789 Email: trevor@avocet-dyes.co.uk

20 May - Etape du Dales

A lovely day to enjoy the great scenery of the dales. We had quiet roads, no hassle from cars and good weather. In fact it was so sunny I've got sunburnt knees. And oh yes, it nearly slipped my mind, and there was seven hours of suffering in the saddle too ...

Despite the various hardships I think all will be pleased with their ride on the day.

Robin flew round hard on the wheel of his mate Jamie Newall for the fastest Condor time yet. Melvyn followed close behind and posted a very respectable overall time.

Many thanks to Neil and Martin (Hx Imps) who joined me just for company and ended up working tirelessly all day on the front. I'd have been really grovelling in the latter stages without these two for support.

2007 Results:

Greg Ketteringham 6:02:21
(Greg was first back - just so we know what to aim for next year)

Robin Holt 6:29:12
Melvin Hartley 6:42:18
Ian Robinson 7:29:38
Richard Burnham 7:36:56
Nigel Hartley 7:58:06
Peter Round ???? - no result available

2006 Results

Andrew Wrigley 06:10:34 (first back)
Greg Ketteringham 06:20:20 (improved to 2007 winner)

Ian Robinson 6:57:18
Robin Holt 6:59:08
Nigel Hartley 7:04:38
Peter Round 7:17:57
Peter Horne 7:25:25

For full results see http://www.etapedudales.co.uk/

Pictures will follow on http://www.kennedyimages.co.uk/index.asp

"GOOD AS NEW" ITEMS FOR SALE

1. Integrated Cinelli 'Angel' Tri-Bars, complete with Shimano brake levers and bar end (very slick) changers. Super fast time trialling capability.
2. Rondelli padded, bike bag. One lady owner (Paulette).
3. Hard shell bike box complete with straps and internal foam padding. Virtually baggage handler proof.

Contact Philip on 01422 300254 (home) or 01274 433167 (work).

Traing run map on bikely.com

I recently discovered this natty little tool for creating and sharing routes/training runs etc. As a test I have tapped in the Wednesday night training run. I thought it may be useful, especially for anyone new, who gets stranded in Lancashire after getting dropped out of Milnrow!
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Condor-RC-Wednesday-Training-Run-7pm
Please let me know of any mistakes, I had to make up the last bit down to Puzzle Hall having never made it myself! You can also view the elevation profile if you go to the 'Show' tab then select 'Elevation Profile'. Cheers, Daniel

13 May - 08.00 Denholme

This Sunday there is a suggestion we meet 08.00 at Denholme and then plan a run from there. Pateley Bridge and Masham have been mentioned. See you there - or 08.30 in Keighley. I'll be bringing a rain jacket ... Ian

6 May - Bank Holiday Weekend

Nmbers are down this weekend with several people away. Despite the poor weather forecast, Ian & Nigel are meeting at Luddenden Foot for 08:00 on Sunday for a run out west. Let one of us know if you are coming.

Sunday 29 April - 8am Denholme Gate

This Sunday we are meeting 08:00 at Denholme Gate for (yet another) run over Silverdale and on to Settle. All good practice for the Etape du Dales in a few weeks.

Our heroes at the Imps Road Race

22 April - Imps Road Race

This news just in from Grimpy, our racing correspondent :

Brian is really going well. I spent nearly 40 miles being dragged around in MOTO 1 with Brian and five others in the Halifax Imps Pete Fryer race yesterday on the Norland Circuit. I occasional went thro but I don’t think Brian missed a turn. It’s a great feeling and a shock to the system getting up speed in a breakaway, even when on my old Colnago still with mudguard on from winter.

I think Brian was third overall (2nd in age group) I just managed to stay with them coming in last in the break (7th) in pain.

Sunday 22nd April

I don't think anything has been arranged as yet. I'm only intending going for a local potter around the lanes finishing up at Norland to give our lads a shout in the Imps RR (hoping to get a few pic's for the blog). If anyone fancies the same let me know either on this blog or call me on Hx 205547. I had in mind going over Outlane to Marsden then perhaps over the Floating Light and back over Buckstones - meeting at Elland Bridge at 0830hrs?

The folowing Saturday I've entered the VC167 300k Audax from Wigginton (York) - so if you want a good excuse to put your feet up all day Sunday why not come along.

Spring has sprung

THREE HAPPY CONDORS HAVING RE-FUELED FOLLOWING THE SPRING INTO THE DALES

Commiserations to the ill & injured - it is unlikely there will ever be such a perfect day for the event again. Melvyn, Lumby, Richard, Clive, Paul and myself represented the Condor. Melvyn and I found ourselves with a sporting group which included Pete Whiteley, Mick Collins, a butcher from Hebden Bridge, a triathlete from Luddenden Foot, a doctor from Sheffield, a boxer from Stainland and a sprinter from VC Briganti. Spurred on by perfect weather conditions a cracking pace was sustained throughout the ride. Mick Collins and his mates 'pulled a fast one' by racing away from the Keighley checkpoint whilst others were still being served, however divine intervention struck in the form of Mick sustaining a puncture at Pecket Well allowing us to offer our sympathy to him as we passed him by the roadside on our way to finish at 1330hrs.

15 April - Spring into the Dales

From www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk:

A hilly 110 kilometre ride from Hebden Bridge, into the Yorkshire Dales, with a generous time limit based on a minimum speed of 12 kph and a maximum of 24 kph.

Start: 9:00 am Sunday 15 April 2007 at Salem Community Centre, Salem Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire.

Brief route details are as follows: -
Hebden Bridge - Oxenhope - Stanbury - Laneshaw Bridge - Earby – West Marton – Gargrave - Cracoe – Burnsall – Bolton Abbet - Addingham - Silsden - Keighley - Oxenhope – Hebden Bridge.

Sadly I won't be out but hope you all have a great ride in the warm spring sunshine. Make sure a Condor rider is the first to fly home to the finish as usual ...

Easter Runs?

Anyone planning to be out this Easter?

An Easter break ...

Yep, it is a broken collarbone as confirmed by a trip to Halifax General on Sunday night. They took a nice picture something like the one here. It'll be two weeks (probably more) before I can even think about trying to get fit again. At least, that is my excuse now for the rest of this season ...

Thanks again to Brian and Neil who got my bike sorted while I adopted the classic "Napoleon Bonaparte" position with my right arm tucked into my jersey. Your help was great.

The train home didn't work out as planned, but I did manage to get through to Clare and organise a lift after a while. If only I'd had Ian W's mobile number to stop him as he drove past in Settle in a van!

I hope to be in the Puzzle on Wednesday - just sadly not by bike.

Ian

Denholme Settle and beyond

An eventful ride today (1st April).

Ian gave a new meaning to the phrase 'hitting the wall' when he - well - hit the wall descending in to Settle and had to take the rail assisted route home nursing what I fear, when the medics do their work, will be confirmed as a broken collarbone.

After threatening to turn at Settle Damien found a second wind and when I last saw him he was leading from the front. There's a moral for you there Damien stick at it, as the great Jos Naylor said it's 70% in the mind.

At some point, somewhere south of Gargrave, after about four hours on the limit, I lost my own personal battle, and to be quite frank, interest in the sight of Niel's back side and so decided to make my own way home. I'd hoped that the first real outing on my new best bike might give me an edge but every other b*****d was out on there's so no advantage there then. Moral for me Damien it's not the bike but the rider.

Hope you're well Ian - I might see you down at the Puzzle on Wednesday, but somehow I doubt it.

Roll Call:

Nige
Melvyn
Damien
Brian
Grimpy
Ian (part)
Niel
Me

Richard

1 April - Settle and beyond

There will be an "April fools" outing from Denholme Gate at 09:00 for a ride up to Settle via Airton and - if the weather looks good - home over Bowland Knotts.

NEWS UPDATE

Evening mountain bike runs started last Monday with over 30 riders meeting outside VS Cycles in Brighouse at 1830hrs. We had a good ride in superb conditions going up through Rastrick Woods, down a superb descent, over the railway line and through the fields to Elland. Through Elland Bridge Park, up Gogg Hill, through to West Vale and along the side of Black Brook to Elistones Lane. Then up to Upper Greetland, down through Copley Woods and back to the Red Rooster along the canal towpath. The rides will meet there every Monday at 6.30pm through to when the clocks change back. Although some occasionally stop at the odd pub on the way round the runs always finish at the Rooster where the landlord, Eddie puts on a free supper.

The racing season is several weeks old now with Brian and John once again flying the flag for the Condor. They rode the LVRC Australian Pursuits at Barton-on-Humber last Saturday with Brian taking his first win of the new season easily beating former Huddersfield Star Wheeler, Richard Booth with whom he had formed part of a three man break earlier in the race. Grimpy showed that he's carried over his cyclo-cross form from the winter to take 6th place.

Myself and Nigel flew the Condor colours in the 200k Red Rose Audax on Sunday. We were joined by Damian, former Condor Pete Whiteley, Mick Collins, Steve Robinson (Sowerby Bros) and a few more familiar faces whose names escape me. It was dry and sunny but certainly not the glorious NW Passage weather, with a stiff, cold easterly wind making the home leg of 60 miles from Lantern o'er the Lune cafe at Glasson Docks, hard work. Hard or not it did'nt stop Nigel putting in the lions share of the work an the way home, I was almost feeling sorry for him as he was left on the front into the blustery wind - but I soon got over it. I went through whats become a familiar format, dropped on the climbs, spend miles chasing alone, catch the bunch at the cafe, nip out of the cafe whilst the're waiting for their tea to cool, get caught, sit in till the next climb then get dropped again. It was good to see Clive Williamson at the start, he's rumoured to have made a full recovery now from being run down by a motorist over Cringles a couple of years ago, he's obviously full of confidence and I hope he enjoyed the ride.

25th March - Trough of Bowland & Glasson Dock

It's rumoured that the youngsters are going Youth Hostelling this weekend. The rest are meeting at the Oddfellows Rooms, Coleridge Street, Halifax for The Red Rose 200k Audax. Start time 0800hrs (don't forget to put your clocks forward).

18 March - 09:00 Denholme Gate

Meet 09:00 Denholme Gate with your winter kit on prepared for snow! Off north & then out west. A route was discussed but just now I can't for the life of me remember anything about it. Clearly I should listen more (or drink less) on a Wednesday in the pub. But Deuchars IPA is such a good ale...

Club meeting on next Wednesday 21 March 21:00 in the Puzzle Inn, Sowerby Bridge.