Greetings from over t'other side of the Pennines! Hope everyone is keeping well! Just thought I'd give you a few updates of what I've been up to. After the track leagues finished for the year in April I've been concentrating on the road for a bit, doing plenty of circuit races and the odd road race, including the British Universities Road race championships (which the elite riders made sure hurt...a lot). I've been making a fair bit of progress with my performances in the circuit races and criteriums. Exams put stop to my training for a bit but I'm getting back on it this week with the new Tameside crit series in Ashton.

Had a great day out yesterday at the British Universities Track Nationals down at the outdoor track at Halesowen racing against a pretty tough field. The day was dominated by the professionals and elites but was good experiences and brilliant to get the legs spinning again!

Ian and Robin will be pleased to know I've mastered the art of the puncture repair now and apparently my speedy repairs were enough to merit employment by the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative store in Manchester so I'll be working there most of the summer. I hope to be back for the Imps Road Race (hopefully for a race, if not then join the chaps on a ride). See you soon!

13 June - Red Rose Audax

Starts 08:00 from The Oddfellows Rooms, Coleridge Street, Halifax - full details here.

Ride Report: A lovely trip out of town and on to Crossills at a steady pace like we meant to be out all day. Slowly the blue jerseys of the Condor flocked together and the yellow of the Imps did likewise.

I talked the others into stopping at the cafe in Whalley for some early refuelling. Melv was keen to press on and have a full fry up at lunchtime but I had an empty feeling and welcomed the butty & coffee. John "el presidente" Lumb took time out of his busy ceremonial duties to join us here and ride with the commoners. Mr Gower was going well, but I think he was glad of the company from John to moderate the pace.

At Bashall Eves we found the LVRC race in progress and offered our encouragement as we saw Sean Smith flash past (no time for a chat - this was serious riding). Then up through Trough of Bowland with riders from the "Roses Round" sportive.

As we left our SECOND cafe stop a few spots of rain were felt. "Never mind its only a passing shower" says Nigel. The rest of us stopped for our capes and that caused a split. We abandoned Paul & John in true Condor style, so that we could press on through the wet and try to stay warm. Melv departed for home in Padiham but Mick Collins and his mate Simon came up to offer a good pair of wheels for the journey back round Burnley and along the valley toward Halifax. By the time we got back to Mytholmroyd Nigel agreed that it might have been "rain" after all. By this point I think that the miles were starting to tell and smiles were in short supply. It was more like grim determination to get the job done, but at least we could take advantage of the fine spread laid out at the finish thanks to Dave Dodwell & his team.

6 June - mtb for the sixth week running

"The Widdop Switchbacks"

For some reason the knobbly tyres beckoned again this week. Three of us set off in shorts, short sleeves and light rain over top Withens. The charity ride from Fly Flats sailing club set off just as we got there and Robin was all for joining in. He has too much competitive spirit. Nige & I rode steadily on. Then a little-used moorland crossing from top of Stairs Lane over to Walshaw reservoirs and out on to the Widdop road to descend Big Jack on the tarmac. Nigel has been itching to go onto the new Sustrans bridleway (near the cattle grid), where we hit a long (and steep) set of freshly minted hairpin turns. We did then get a quick blast of a descent on these berms followed by another up. Maybe this route should be done the other way round soon to take advantage of all this downhill. The track brought us out onto Upper Gorple which we climbed to the top. Then right to the Gorple reservoirs and picked up the Pennine Bridleway to Heptonstall. Safe at last in our cafe of choice, though we were a bit muddy and splattered. I felt much better after the regulation butty. Slipped our way down blue pig and then an alternate climb (mostly paved) onto Sandy Lane and Old Town. That just left the nice run over Midgley Moor catching up with the tail end of the charity rides and job done.

Weds 2 June - Skipton and Back

Ride Report: It was a very pleasant sunny evening for the 40 odd riders that assembled at the start (sorry, I think that should have been "40-odd" ...; no, hang on, maybe I was right the first time). Anyway, this bunch included a small smattering of blue Condors among the yellow jerseys of the Imps, VS, CTC and other friends.

The steady start through Denholme and down into Keighley gradually wound up (and up, and up) until we were flying along the Skipton Road with Chris Thompson doing most of the work into the breeze while I and a dozen or so others hung on behind. The turn put the wind behind us and the pace went up again as the Smiths, Sean and Niall, took turns with Chris.

After the hospital I was amazed to still be in touch and feeling good, so it seemed a good idea at the time to help out. Well I tried ... and then I blew. Straight from my turn on the front to out the back just in a few metres. The lights in Keighley saved me ( a patented "make the lights stay at red for ages" zapper in my pocket saw to it that the front group would wait until I was back on) . The big guns then pulled away up Ingrow as expected while Daniel Shaw, Everard and myself took it in turns to drop each other until we saw sense and settled into our own chasing group by Tip Top. I was slightly surprised to see a waving flag at the finish, but it turned out to be an Imps rider pulling a kiddie-trailer. It was a struggle, but just about I got past him in the sprint for the line ...

Thanks to the Imps & CTC for organising this joint outing. We must do it again next year.

Ian

Jointly promoted by CTC Calderdale & Halifax Imperial Wheelers

The Start Point: - Whitaker & Co, Denholme Gate, ride via Crosshills (DO NOT GO THE LEVEL CROSSING WAY) to the Bay Horse Roundabout where re-trace the route again you go via Crosshills & not the level crossing back beyond Whitakers where you veer left to -

The Finish Point: - at the Keelham Bank Farm Shop.

£3.00 entry fee to include Pie & Pea Supper at The Pineberry, Queensbury. Supper will be served to you on presentation of your Numbered Ticket (given on entry).

Meet at 6.45pm for 7pm start

30 May - Spring Bank

Just so you don't think that there aren't any Condors riding bikes here is what 've heard recently:

1. The Etape du Dales was "hard".

2. Melv rode to Dalbeattie in Scotland last weekend. Just because he could.

3. Its been very quiet on Wednesday nights with just a couple of riders each time, though apparently last week the two of us went up Cragg just behind Damian & the VS Cycles brigade and just in front of Emma from Hebden Bridge, so maybe all that's needed is a bit more coordination.

4. This Saturday the hard men rode a long audax from Richmond. If you want your name on the trophy then you'd better start logging some serious miles. Mind you there has even been a suggestion that our audax cup should be for average mph rather than miles in total - or is Melv getting mixed up with the BAR?

5. There was no ride posted on the blog so I went out on mtb with Robin this Sunday. We explored the delights of Todmorden Moor (after Studeley Pike & the rock garden) crossing the road at Portsmouth and then doing Upper Gorple, Walshaw Dean, Crimsworth Dean, top of stairs & water channel to finish downhill to home for once. The first two hours went really well - if mostly uphill and into a stiff westerly. The three hours after that I began to flag just a little. Arrived home as an empty husk. Revived later by Timothy Taylor.

Condor Hilly TT - 9 June 2010

CANCELLED - due to roadworks. Sorry chaps.

If you want to ride the club hilly TT its on 9 June. Ring Brian for entry details on Hx 376 136. There is club silverware at stake for the fastest Condor. Even Ian won the trophy a couple of years ago. Mind you he was also the slowest Condor that year as well - down to being the only club member to take part.

22 May - Condor (off-) Road Club

For want of a better suggestion its the Orange again for me tomorrow starting 9am from mine. In shorts and short sleeves -woo hoo. Must remember the suncream ...

Ride report - hot and steady. 28 degrees as we left home. Up over Withens and along the drainage channel to top of Stairs Lane with a pleasant westerly keeping us cool. We caught up with some keen chaps but Nige insisted we let them go on the climb to poo barn. Walshaw and then Upper Gorple including a great singletrack diversion that was new to me (is this the famous "Burnley Bumps"?) . Short hop along the road. Duke's cut and into Heptonstall for a stop at the superb Towngate Tearooms.

Blue pig descent, bit of a walk up to Pecket Well and then more dry singletrack across Warley Moor. Down into Luddenden's happy valley where slight boggy patch grabbed my front wheel and I was over the bars (again), but fortunately had a very soft landing in said bog.

Home dirty & happy - can't wait for next time. Ian

Well?? - what happened?

I'm still eagerly waiting for a blog report of our alternative Fred Whitton ride last week. And I'd be delighted to get a blow by blow account of the duel in the Dales Etape.

C'mon chaps - get typing. Either that or I'm hoping to keep you talking all the way up Cragg Vale ...

Ian

Summer MTB Challenge for Overgate Hospice

I've been emailed details of the Summer Mountain Bike Challenge for Overgate Hospice.

It's on June 20th from 9am at Elland Recreation Ground, Hullen Edge Road, Elland, HX5 0QY

A personal challenge over 23 miles of testing terrain around some of Calderdale’s best bridleways and tracks. Elland - Greetland - Copley - Norland - Barkisland - Krumlin - Scammonden - Sowood - Stainland - Lindley Moor - Elland

£12 per person or £15 on the day - contact Laura Ramsden, Overgate Hospice, 30 Hullen Edge Rd, Elland, HX5 0QY - or ask Ian for an entry form.

Tuesday 11th May message for Pete Horne

Pete

You mentioned a "Fred Whitton" ride this Tuesday starting at Staveley. Is this still on? If so could you post the details - starting time and starting location. I'll try to contact you tomorrow but I don't seem to have your 'phone number.

You could try and contact me tomorrow evening on 01484 602288 after 7 if you prefer (mobile currently out of action)

Many thanks

Richard

Sunday 9 May - MTB again!

Hi chaps it feels more like March than May but I suppose we should still make the effort.

Good luck to Pete on the Audax from Richmond, and anyone else who is on for the long miles.
Robin has demanded mountain bikes again. Apologies. 08:30 at Robin's. Ring me if you need directions. The route is open for discussion but let's see if we can get this wind behind us all day.

Ride report - mostly for my record because it was a great route. Mytholmroyd, Spencer Lane, Studley Pike, rock garden, Warland reservoir (Melv put the hammer down now that we were on a flat track), cross at The White House & through the "badlands" to Pennine Way bridge over the M62, descent round & down under mway to Hollingworth Lake (and we got here all off road!) . Quick road section to the canal bank the past Summit locks to Tea wagon (at last). Right over canal bridge up Deanroyd Lane onto steep climb (part of Mary Towneley loop) . Walk and & admire the view. Lumbutts Rd to Mankinholes. London Road again. Descent to Hebden Bridge including the little underpass (be careful here on this slightly technical descent - or else be a better rider than I am. Never mind only my pride was hurt). Sustrans back to Lud Foot & Goitside track up from Ludd to home.
Ian

Sun 2 May - mtb nine at mine

The suggestion for this Sunday is to get the mountain bikes out again. So far its Nige, Steve & myself starting from my house in Wainstalls from 9am. Route to be decided but Copley and the Deer Park have been mentioned. Ian.

Ride Report - Withens, Ogden, Back Lane, Manywells Brow (past the tip - we get to all the best places, you know), pick up signs for "Calder-Aire Link", through the woods, Wilsden Old Lane, Narrow Lane, R&L onto climb to St Ives (cafe!), "Altar Lane", L&R across sandy moorland onto Bingley Rd to Crosshills, Haworth, out to Stairs Lane (& some walking for me) , drainage channel to Fly Flats & 2nd drainage channel to finish off Warley Moor.

Sunday 25th cont.

Thanks Richard, its always a relief when it isn't me doing the yo-yoing. It was great to be on the Coverdale & Upper Nidderdale lanes, shame more did'nt make the run. The highlights (in addition to the great route) were definitely the all-day breakfast at How Stean (thanks both for the loan) and Mel puncturing going up the steepest bit of Park Rash (I did consider pottering on whilst he changed inner tubes but decided he would only make me regret it later).

I'm riding a 300k Audax on Saturday (Vale of York & Wolds if anyone else fancies it) so I'll be taking a day off on Sunday. The following Saturday, 8th May, I've entered the Swaledale Outdoor Club's 160k 'Daves Dales Tour' from Richmond. I think Mel said he is going to join me, its only £4 or £5 to enter and is equal to any Sportive (and good training for those of you who have entered the following weeks Dales Etape). The following Tuesday (11th) a group of us are having a steady potter around the Fred Whitton route, starting and finishing Staveley rather than Coniston (to save on the driving). Its an 8am start and there's an open invitation for you to join us.

Sunday 25th April

Just a short word of thanks to Melvyn and Pete for getting me round yesterday's Kettlewell Coverdale Nidderdale run - especially the last third of the ride where I was yo yo-ing off the back on all the hills. Not sure what it is; the legs the cardio or the resolve that gives up after 60 miles - probably all three - a full systems collapse!

Hope to see you for more of the same next Sunday

Richard

Sunday 25th April

0830hrs Denholmgate for Kettlewell and Coverdale. Mel will be at Keighley roundabout.

Spring into the Dales

A fine day on Sunday and a good attendance from the Condor - some highs and some lows

First the lows

Being passed going up over the Herders by a Huddersfield Star Wheeler rider, of Clydsdale proportions, dropping him on the descent only to be passed by him once again on the following climb - gravity sucks but it would seem it sucks more for some than for others!

Catching Ian and Steve at the top of Cock Hill, losing them on the Herders, catching them once again in Burnsall, but completely failing to make contact; I understand that just as I entered the village they entered the Wharf View Café to endorse their brevet cards with an unofficial bacon and egg sandwich, – sharp practice of the most despicable kind!

And now the highs

Dropping my friend from the Huddersfield Star Wheelers on the road in to Burnsall and never seeing him again all day - he who laughs last laughs longest - ha ha ha!

Catching John G and Pete Whitley just before Bolton Abbey and staying with them all the way to Keighley where John, who did not like the look of the queue at Rossi’s café, slipped away on his own

Leading a group of five up Ingrow; and riding three off my wheel. Yes, yes - I know this was hardly the leading group, but you must understand how sweet this felt having suffered for many years watching the elastic stretch and ultimately brake on this benighted hill.

Hope to see a few of you this Sunday - Denholme Gate at 9?

Sunday 18th April

Big weekend coming up - Spring into the Dales - 0900hrs Hebden Bridge - already committed are Brian, Grimpy, Paul G, Paul P, Everard -be there.

Shelley calling - anyone out there .......

After a week in North Wales nursing a heavy cold I was looking forward to a good sociable run last Sunday,(11th) but the blog was silent when I checked late Saturday night so I had to make do with a unaccompanied run in to the Peak District.

I'll be at Ludd Foot ready to take a good beating tomorrow night - hope to see someone then

Richard

A peak performance - Sun 4 April 2010

View Larger Map

Nigel's tour of the peak lead us over four consecutive crossings of the Pennines. At times it felt like we were going round in circles - see the map for details! Starting from Lud Foot we had a welcome visit from Pete Whiteley who, feeling sprightly and full of the joys of spring, led the pace up Cragg Vale to within sight of the top, but it was hard work for me all the way. We managed to split up on the descent but regrouped at Hollingworth Lake after only a few minutes faffing about. Next up came the "alpine climb" that apparently was a Condor favourite on the summer route in times past - "Buckstones Road" out of New Hey. I liked this one so much that I might be willing to go up it again some pleasant summer evening.

An early pit stop in Greenfield meant we were well fuelled for Isle of Sky - with a tailwind - over Wessenden Head. Skirting Slathwaite we headed back up the old main road of the A62 which now had a rather stiff breeze to contend with as we crossed back to the other side and saw the delights of Delph for a second time. That just left two big hills between here and home - first over Buckstones (with wind assist again), then up from Sowerby Bridge to Wainstalls.

As you can see I've found a "Link" option in Google maps. You can, if you were so inclined and didn't have anything better to do, follow the whole route round on StreetView - or you'd be welcome to join us on yer bike next time to see the fun for real. Well, I enjoyed it ...

Ian

Easter sunday

09,oo hrs bst on sunday at Luddenden foot for a road bike loop south taking in Isle of Skye for a change, hopefully at a more moderate speed than last week!

Sunday 28th March

How about the usual meeting place of Denholme 09.00/Keighley on Sunday,Slaidburn via Bowland Knotts.
Dont forget clocks go forward so it will be an early start.

Sunday 21st March

Just three of us at Hebden Bridge this Sunday; Steve, Ian and myself.

I nearly blobbed, but didn't, and was glad I'd made the effort as the route to Whalley Abbey was a revelation, a sharp right out of Hebden past Heptonstall and over the tops somehow managing to miss all major settlements. The fact that the skies cleared and the day warmed as we went served to lift the spirits and reminded me that if spring was not here already it was only just around the corner.

On the way home, fortified with coffee, bacon, eggs and fruit cake, I flattered to deceive, managing to stay with Steve on several of the minor category climbs only for both Ian and Steve to put me firmly in my place (several hundred yards off the back) on the hors category climb of "Hard Jack" before we descended, as a group, back to Hebden.

As I wheeled my bike in to the garage at the end of the day, I noticed that I had a slow puncture; on any other occasion I might have cursed my bad luck but the day had changed my perspective and I was able to congratulate myself on the fact that this puncture could be repaired at home and at leisure rather than on my haunches at the side of the road - sometimes I think my Sunday excursions are all that keep me sane!

Richard

21 March 2010 - Whalley Abbey

Not sure what is on offer this weekend but Steve & I are planning a steady run out to Whalley Abbey starting 09:00 from Hebden Bridge. You are welcome to join us if that suits you.

!st race - 1st win

Brian got his 2010 racing season off to a familiar start last Saturday taking every prime and 1st place in the LVRC Barton-on-Humber Australian Pursuit. From the reports I have heard he went to the front from the start and that's where he stayed until the finish line with just one other rider left still glued to his wheel. Grimpy had been in a similar position until he punctured.
I understand that Sean was also riding with the B's but no one can tell me how far they were away from catching the leading group.

Brian, Grimpy & Sean were joined by Niall for the Sunday run which I'm told was run off at a moderate pace the three of them recovering from the previous days race

14 Mar 10 mtb run

A mountain bike run has been decreed for this Sunday- 08:30 at Robin's house in Booth. We've talked about going out west, and if at all possible ending up in Heptonsatll at Mrs Barker's fantastic cafe - also known as "Ted's Tearooms" if you've seen that unfunny comedy on BBC3 The Gemma Factor. Nice location, shame about the script ...

Sunday 14th March

I'll be missing again this Sunday; seem to have damaged a muscle or tendon just above knee. Although its now getting better a few more days with the feet up are needed. I've entered the Spring in the Peaks Audax a week tomorrow (20th) so I don't want to aggravate the injury.

Darnbrook (7 March 2010)

A short report:

We rode our bikes. Again.

Longer version:

We followed Pete's suggested route in his honour, with the man himself absent with a sore knee I hear, over Darnbrook from Arncliffe. After a great BSE - that's bacon, snorkers & egg - at the Muddy Boots Cafe (ranked 9/10 - the service was far too slow) we set off to find Brian who had ended up at Airton instead. He had got separated on the descent and then lost us among the thronging hordes of people that had come to park their cars in Malham.

Then we rode home. Very slowly in my case.

Ian

Sunday 7th March

Back to normal this Sunday after 2 weeks not racing - 9am Denholmgate.
I suggest we make another attempt at Littondale, Darnbrook, Malham Tarn and down to the cafe at Airton, Lumby's away in the Lakes this weekend so we may be allowed out of Arncliffe. We can decide on the route home over bacon panini's.

Racelight Express

The HCA reliability trial, now the Imps (John Kay) reliability trial is always a bit of a mystery tour; you never know what sadistic route he will come up with. Basically you meet up with other colourful souls on a street corner in Brighouse, queue to meet a man who asks you questions like "long one or short one?"(mileage) and "fast or slow one?"(time), exchange a sovereign for a piece of paper that condemns you to a few hours of self inflicted torture. It must be said at this point that the only answers to these questions for an aspirational Condor are "long" and "fast", even if you've hardly ridden a bike through winter.

It turned out the route was tame by JK's standards; a loop out to Otley, Burnsall, Gargrave and back, no hidden agenda in the form of 1 in 5 back roads, and so off we go to wallow in the delights Bradford ring road has to offer.

Melv and Robin set an admirable tempo from the start, only to be rudely evicted from the front by Pedalsport's Danny who decided more speed was needed, at least it thinned the group out into more traffic manageable portions, though the myriad of traffic lights undid his good work.

Pete Horne had been looking forward to the climb up to Yeadon airport, "Ialways get dropped up there" he complained at the start - and he did - just like he said. The power of positive thinking.

I meanwhile was doing my best to shirk any responsibility for cutting through the nagging north-westerly by hiding at the back studying rear hubs, becoming quite an authority on the design and construction of said items. Pool Bank, Otley, Ilkley, Bolton Abbey all went by in a Condor/VS cycles powered flash and we turned a more southerly direction at Linton.

The road gets lumpier after Hetton and the well regimented peleton got a bit ragged as people started to fade and drift off the back. The climbs out of Gargrave had Robin on the ropes and I was instructed to make his excuses at the finish as he headed straight home. Niall Smith too was shelled out; his Dad (Sean) declaring him "big enough to get back on his own now".

Ingrow saw the big guns firing and a steady pounding of the pedals by John, Chris,
Sean, Danny and Melv had me and Brian hoisting the white flag. I decided to drop off when the hub in front went into soft focus with stars dancing around my eyes; time to go through the one way door into the zen like place where pain diminishes and all is peace (see previous blog ref.north-west passage!)

Meanwhile back in the real world the elite are working each other over up by the tip at the top. Melvin, finding himself wanting, decides the best form of defence is attack and gets dropped for his efforts by Sean, Chris and John who nearly made a very close inspection of the roadworks. The soon to be racing trio finished first and Melv (who should be racing as well) consoled himself by dropping Danny on the last climb; well it would have been rude not to.

All this fun and frivolity and we're back at the Pineberry and its barely half past one. Not much later Paul Gower and John Lumb roll in having completed the more sedate 50/60 mile route (as opposed to our 75/80) looking very fresh.

As Pete would say, especially when he trundles in at five past two having ridden most of it on his own, "it's not meant to be a race you know!"

From Robin

 

This year's North West Passage ... the very long enema audax across the flatlands of Lancashire, started as it always has with a large group of largely badly dressed cyclists meandering their way along the valley bottom into West Yorkshire, there to find the sun coming through the cold mist. For Yorkshireman Brian this change in the weather was part of the normal cosmic flow of events that pass between the county borders. Nothing remarkable. The gentle ascent from Tod was gently taken, save for Pete would decided to lead one of his main rivals for a top finish into a pot hole, causing said opposition to puncture whilst the cunning retiree from the force pottered on. John had a little dig somewhere toward the top. A sign of things to come later. Burnley was still asleep when we went through, so no abuse from the passing windows of slouch-mouthed family saloons. Barrowford was also asleep, but we woke up a bit on the climb, though a gentleman's pace was maintained throughout, allowing a larger group than normal to drift sedately upon the Naked Man. Cards stamped, save Nigel's, which was requisitioned by the stamper who seemed to have warmed to her bureacratic task with an almost soviet zeal for making the most of paperwork. Booker Brow witnessed another one of John's kicks, setting the singled-out train in motion, with him at front, then Chris who did take a really really long time to come round when being a team mate and all he should have come forward sooner, before the Condor then upped the pace massively ....  for about a second ...  and then dropped off into a far more doable rhythm and we pedalled briskly into Kirby. The burger bar at the bridge was standing in a pool of sunlight so warm and bright that even the feint pall of fat that always surrounds such mobile food outlets seemed almost a spring-like pollination. The people running the burger bar seemed to be practising for the how many operatives can you squeeze into a mobile burger bar competition ... they looked to be five twisting about in the trailer, and none of them were small. They made vegetarians wait until ALL the bacon eaters had been served. Quite right. Pete and Brian re-convened with the group, so we all of us set off to Lancaster on a very smooth run, back into the fog, because of course we were leaving Yorkshire. Then John let loose past Garstang. We kind of hung on. Many of the un-named we'd picked up coming into Lancaster got dropped, and we caught the front group just before Scorton. Pete was getting excited. Front group and all. Though not for too long, as we split up by the Roebuck. John and Chris had finally got fed up of dragging round a flock of tired Condors, so set off a pace leaving us, uncomplaining about being left, though the twins here decided they better start complaining about something, so found themselves suffering from cramp, which gave them ample opportunity to set up a brotherly grumble about the different types you might incur, classified according to a complicated categorization involving location, intensity, duration and shrillness of associated cry of pain. We managed the first hill through to Blackburn without too mucg ado, though I was of course hanging on, keeping quiet, but not as quiet as Brian, who was also hanging on it seemed, though less successfully, as he fell off just after the main raod. We mentioned this to Pete, and how we might wait, but Pete seemed reasonably happy with his reasoning that on no account should Brian be allowed to catch him up because we had the hill coming. Not sure the logic was there in this argument, but it seemed sufficient for Pete, who then put down some speed as though he were back working and had been given permission to sound off his nee naw siren. Even more encouraging for Pete (and I must admit for myself too, and maybe even Nige and the Condor), we found John and Chris by the road side trying to fix a ripped tyre with a discarded lucozade bottle and in time honoured Condor fashion sped past them whooping with delight that the the shoddy VS equipment had held them up. The last hill .. .something with Bets in the title i think ... is not really a hill unless you've 130 miles in your legs and are not that fit and then it is a slog at the top of which lies a dark and lonely inward place the door of which you knock at, get let in, and then accept it is only one way. Luckily, as in all previosu years, the rest of the route is downhill, and, aside from Pete's anxiety to visit the heavenly version of a one way door as he ventured to re-write the give way laws in favour of anything that was old and wearing a condor jersey, we found the end without much actual physical endeavour, which was kind of just as well, given I for one had nothing left to give. It was all worth it of course, because Condor had beaten VS in what will be the only event of the year when the two race head to head. So first and last blood to the blue streak and just goes to show it's always best to hand within the shadow of a VS wheel and then trust to the linguistic coincidence that 'fast' rhymes with 'last' . The ride finished as always with pie, peas and a one way chat with a someone who seemed content just to stare mutely into the middle distance. Oh those audax boys know how to have a good laugh.