Welcome! For cyclists in Brighouse, Halifax and Calderdale. Training and club runs - with a cafe stop (or two).
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Sunday March 6th
Slaidburn was mentioned.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Janice - Thanks
I will get there just not soon enough - today as possibly been a better day.
Fortunately Ian I don't get downstairs soon enough to update you on Jeremy Kyle at this moment in time - hopefully I won't get desperate enough to switch it on in later weeks.
Thanks again everyone
Janice
Monday, February 28, 2011
Imps Reliability
A strong turn out in Brighouse, which included some very handy looking guys, worryingly suggested that this could turn into another 'Batley Bash'.
The early selection took place on the climb up Sowerby New Road which was taken too fast for the first cimb and it whittled the field down at an early stage.
Despite Robin's and my attempts to take Cock Hill at a steadier pace the inevitable attacks came and by Pecket Well the road was littered with riders in varying levels of pain. Ian can testify to this as we passed him having a gentle saunter up the hill. I got back to Robin before the top, he had clung on longer, taking his body to places it didn't want to go and with the front group gone I was looking forward to a much less painful ride - that I might even enjoy! Imagine my dissapontment when, just after Oxenhope, the group had waited for us to rejoin.
The ups and downs from Connonley to Gargrave were painfully dismissed and then, much to my surprise - and relief, over half the group turned for home declaring they were doing the 'short one' !
Robin also decided to have his own ride home and just 10 or so riders headed for Airton at a more sensible tempo, although the lumpy road to Hetton is uncomfortable at any tempo.
As the wind came to our backs my only worry was surviving the considerable trademark 'stings in the tail' provided by J.Kaye with his usual relish.
The elastic started stretching on the Cow & Calf, and Baildon Moor and by Moorhead Golf Club it had well and truly snapped. Sean danced away with Carl (I think), the unknown fell runner, with Andy R (aka Eric) in pursuit leaving Dwarty and me to grind it out to the Pineberry, finishing around 13.50 and an average just over 17 mph.
In the pub I learned that Nigel had called it a day at Pecket Well - a case of 'Akbar's revenge' from an indian the night before. Surprisingly Neil had also aborted. However several Condor stalwarts had got round, Brian and Grimpy, Pete H looking unblemished after doing the short one and El Presidente was on his way back in.
Now then, anyone for a sedate club run to a nice cafe next Sunday ?!
Hey Mel, good to see the write-up, glad we had someone at the front (or nearly there) to do a report. I had to put up with some criticism for entering the 65miler rather than the 80 but after studying the route, the weather forecast, my knees and my birth certificate I convinced myself that it was the right thing to do - I was right - as I predicted I went straight out of the back going up to Sowerby. I was happy to be alone for most of the way to Gargrave rather than grovel at the back of the bunch although it didn't stop me feeling *******ed by the time I got to Gargrave - the beauty was that I had time so sit in the cafe for an hour, drink tea, eat cakes and chat to other *******ed cyclists before riding back with Everard and Damian for a very enjoyable couple of hours at the Pinebury.
Well done JK for attracting such a good field, I think John said there were almost 70 turned up for the ride and judging from the banter at the finish everyone had enjoyed it.
By the way the 'unknown fellrunner' referred to by Mel is Karl Gray, he's certainly not unknown in fellrunning circles, a winner of many running races and the current Yorkshire Fellrunning Champion - he also got under 6¼ hours in last years Fred Whitton which I suspect is the fastest ever done by a rider from Calderdale - I hope he enjoyed the ride and look forward to seeing him out on local rides again.
I hope that Melvyn still fancies a sedate run to a nice cafe by the time next Sunday comes around, looking at the route sheet for the following weeks Todmorden Loops a more restful Sunday will do everyone good. It would help Danial a lot - especially on the catering side - if you pre-enter, he's set up a web site http://www.todmordenloops.co.uk/ so entries can be made at the press of a button. Whether you pre-enter or not it promises to be a great ride taking you to places you may never have been before.
Pete H
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sunday 27th Feb
Missed a few Sundays and a few Wednesdays and I'm beginning to forget what you guys look like.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Janice
On behalf of all of us we wish you a speedy recovery.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Rites of Passage
The Spring Inn was just damp and cold with no white stuff to be seen, except on the cars of trans-pennine entrants, until the usual ragged assortment of riders reached Todmorden. My enthusiasm was also tested by a wave of cold slush from a passing car at Cliviger and I feared we wouldn't see Gisburn but Blacko was clear and the scene of the usual sparring from riders who should know better.
The VS train took up the front running and we didn't hang around in Settle - keen to get warmed up again on Buckhaw Brow.
As we lined out on the routine bash to Kirby Lonsdale we failed to notice Dougie had not re-gained contact and he was left to chase us to the butty wagon, not easy as we were enjoying the only tail wind of the day and clocking 30 mph plus. I thought this was a poor show by VS and wouldn't ever expect the Condor to treat a club member in this way.
The day continued to improve as we headed west and by Blackburn the roads were almost drying out - and yes, Longridge high street hurt like normal, and that horrible bit under the motorway as you start the final climb to Owd Betts, and the legs were screaming as we go over the top too fast for comfort, and we just have to take to the pavement instead of stopping at the temporary lights or we wouldn't have finished at 3.50pm - maybe 3.55 instead !
The day looked better after a pint and pie and peas but then this event always seems better looking back.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Sat 19th North West Passage
More details on the Audax uk link.
As one club member put it "its the easiest 210 kilometres you'll do all year!" Though it looks like the weather may let us down for the first time in years, hope for a good Condor turn out in both events.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A few photos from the dinner
My cheap little compact didn't cope too well with the lighting in the Works but I'll blog the photo's anyway although they are rather late due to my internet connection being down.
I ( like others) had been looking forward to seeing a report of last Sundays Silverdale ride - there's not much I can say, I couldn't see myself lasting long with the main bunch so I set off early going through Denholmgate at about twenty to nine and with the help of a tail wind averaging about 16mph to Halton Gill. Just before Halton Gill I caught Lumby and PG who had parked their cars in Keighley. We rode together into the wind and rain over Silverdale to Settle expecting to be caught by the main bunch. Having reached Settle we were happy to retire to the Naked Man for the usual tea & b&e butties. We hadn't been there long before the peloton swept down into town, wet and cold they had decided not to stop. I couldn't have passed the cafe myself but I can understand not wanting to go through the distress of having to get going again after sitting wet though for an hour - it was hard work but it did help me make my mind up that I am going to ride the 80 miler this Saturday rather than the full distance NW Passage so good luck to the hard men doing the full distance -see if you can do that without a stop as well.
ps I have heard a rumour that Robin was struggling last Sunday - is this true?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Monday, February 07, 2011
Windsday Run
Sunday, February 06, 2011
message to "Stu"
I've been reading some of your blog and the routes you go on seem interesting.
I've only just moved to Hebden Bridge and wonder if I can come out with you on Sunday please?
I'm a fairly capable cyclist but the maximum I've ever cycled is about 50 miles, so I understand if I get left behind!
If it is possible, I was wondering where is the best place to meet you as it looks like you maybe going through Denholme and Keighley.
Maybe I'd be best going straight up from Pecket Well to Keighley?
Also, do you have lunch out or do you all bring enough food for the trip?
Thanks in advance
Stu
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Late notice Sunday 6 Feb - 10am at Brighouse
Friday, February 04, 2011
Condor Dinner
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Be Prepared
Photo - a view taken by Danial during loop 2 of the Todmorden Loops.
Don't forget the North West Passage on Saturday 19th February, for anyone not fancying the full 130 miles don't forget there's a 'short' version which is only about 80 miles. Sounds like there is going to be a good entry from Calderdale.
The following weekend John Kaye from Halifax Imps is organising what used to be the HCA Reliability Ride starting from outside The Ritz in Brighouse at 9am Sunday 27th Feb.
TODMORDEN LOOPS Two weeks after John's event - Sunday the 13th of March - our own Danial Webb is organising the 1st ever Todmorden Loops audax. Whilst he is will accept entries on the day he has set up a website http://www.todmordenloops.co.uk/ which gives full details of the route plus a simple to use facility to enter on-line. If you are a member of Audax UK, CTC or British Cycling entry is £5, if not its £7 - this includes refreshments before, during and after the ride. Pre entry will help Danial, especially with the catering.
Note: sorry about the photo, it refuses to attach to the blog.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Waddington Report
Once fed and watered I heard a rumour that a return journey via Downham, Pendle and the Herders was being planned, there was no way I was going to keep anywhere near the peloton over those climbs so I made plans of my own - Whalley, Padiham and Tod. Brian, Richard and Kev Brown volunteered to keep me company - things were looking good - but then Ian and the two Pete's (Whiteley & Smith) gatecrashed the party and my plans for a steady potter home were in tatters.
I hope someone blogs a report about the Pendle/Herders route home - I have heard a few snippets which may or may not be correct - one is that Mel had a go at half wheeling Steve Robinson (no surprise there then) but Steve gave as much if not more than he got. Also that our new man, Stuart, was left to fend for himself in unfamiliar surroundings somewhere on the top of the bleak pennine moorlands - in fact I have been given a ticking off by the club treasurer, Mr Gower, for throwing him to the wolves before getting £6 subs off him - hope you found your way home alright and we look forward to seeing you again.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sunday 30th January
Thats the destination tomorrow, Waddington Cafe. Mel says he has an easy route planned via Bank Newton and Bolton by Bowland. He has also told me that the bunch will not get split up - I guess I will find out tomorrow if he is telling the truth on either issue. As usual Denholmegate 9am or the roundabout at Keighley 9.30.
I understand that Paul Gower is intending leading a smaller but more sociable group to Waddington from somewhere in the Calder Valley.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Worlds masters cyclo cross zilvermeer- mol
Monday, January 24, 2011
23 Jan - Farne Hill takes no prisoners
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday 23rd January 2011
After a couple of weeks off the bike; ear infection throat infection general kak at work I suppose today was always going to be challenging – and so it proved. I briefly made contact with the ride in Keighley; the early signs were not promising, -they rode past me, the good ol’ boys from VS were tapping out a brisk rhythm, Pete W looked like he’d lost a couple more pounds, Brian had resorted to his summer bike and Melvyn had a steely, take no prisoners, look in his eye - I tucked in nevertheless.
Someone had whispered ‘Cringles’ so when we flew past the turn to Addingham, my spirits lifted and I began to entertain hopes that we might be heading on towards Cracoe and Grassington and that, subject to me hanging on out of Skipton, I might have a wheel to suck for at least a part of the day.
It was not to be, the VS were aware of an alternative route over Cringles that involved a sharp right at the left to Cononeley. As the road ramped up I slipped away, not, unfortunately, in to death’s sweet embrace but in to a sort of purgatory that lasted until I accepted that there was no point in chasing, at which point I settled in to my own rhythm and began to enjoy the day.
By the way I did briefly make contact with the run again. I’d made my way to Cracoe Café (second best sausages in Yorkshire) and as I was about to leave in they trooped; Burnsall apparently was too busy. I resisted the temptation to hang around and made my own way back, once bitten twice shy.
PS In case you were wondering Tesco Value Range Chipolatas
PPS If you want a run report I suggest you ask someone who was on it
Saturday, January 22, 2011
23 Jan
Thursday, January 13, 2011
16 Jan - Airton - with report
Monday, January 10, 2011
Latest News
At Derby on Saturday Grimpy kept the Condor colours to the fore taking the silver medal for his age group in the National Cyclo-Cross Championships. Former professional 'cross rider Vic Barnett snatched gold but judging from the photo John was happy enough with the result after a season interrupted by a knee injury. We all wish him good luck at the World's in a few weeks time.
Sunday Training............. It was a bit blustery but a balmy 2 degrees encouraged a group of 15 to hit the road to Zarina's. Unfortunately Martin Kemp punctured early; it is usual for the group to wait when someone punctures so early into a ride (unless they really really beg to be left) but, perhaps due to the enthusiasm new year always brings, or it may be we were concentrating so hard to keep up to a rejuvenated Pete Whiteley and Brian we hadn't realised he'd punctured; anyway such etiquette was dispensed with and we carried on, fortunately Dougie showed more decency and waited, they caught us at the cafe. The rest of us proceeded at a fast pace (or so it seemed to me) until the next incident where Niall Smith was thrown from his bike after hitting a pothole on that pig of a climb out of Skipton on the Grassington Road. This unfortunate event prompted several other Smith's (his dad Sean and comeback man Pete) to launch an attack. I saw it as a chance to have a breather but once Niall had recovered a little he spent a minute sat behind myself, Brian, Robin and Steve then shot past us intent on catching the peloton. Robin and Steve, not wishing to be tempted by the fruits of Madam Zarina's establishment, turned at Kilnsey the rest of enjoyed the break at Kettlewell.
We returned to Kilnsey then crossed over the Wharfe to Conistone, through Grassington and Linton and back to Cracoe. Brian and myself continued towards Skipton whilst the everyone else chose the harder alternative of Hetton, Gargrave etc. I look forward to hearing how the ride developed.
Brian and I shared the pace until Ingrow where I was unable to do my share on the climb and just sat in, to really cheer us up, as we passed the tip close to the top, a group of three riders in Pennine kit, including a rather good looking blond girl rode straight past us.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Madam Zarina's
I can confirm that, unlike last year, Zarinas Cafe will be open tomorrow
Stop Press...........Grimpy takes silver at 2011 National Champs. John today lost his National Cross title in the mud at Derby to former cross professional Vic Barnett.
Sunday 9th Jan
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Violence marrs Wednesday Ride
A full report is expected from our man on the spot, Neil Dyson (now almost recovered from the mental scars left from the Cragg Vale girls on mountain bikes incident)






