After Storm Desmond had left his trail of destruction, we were hoping for a more comfortable ride with a pleasant weather forecast. A dry ride over Cock Hill with a stonking tailwind, meant that I arrived at Keighley in record time, just in time to cape up for a torrential downpour! Condors gathered including Oakworth Steve, Ian, Nigel, Robin, Pete Horne and Myself.
Steve and I set pace toward Skipton, into the wind (which had been my friend, now our foe). I suffered on this stretch and was glad when we turned for Gargrave, to de-cape, (from here on we needed waders!)
Through Little Stainton towards Nappa, we took back lanes bound for Bolton by Bowland. Fields lay under water, fences submerged as river banks bulged. Puddles became deeper on the roads until finally at Sawley it was at its deepest. People abandoned vehicles as we rode through the currents , with Ian pointing out that it had finally reached his head set! Robin caught a fish in his water bottle as Pete emptied a newt from his shoe.
SAWLEY
The cafe stop at Waddington was welcome if not a bit soggy. Toasted sandwiches all round as the route home was discussed. Finally Upham via Downham was agreed followed by Barnoldswick and Widdop. We wrang ourselves out, as the Condor in full flight sped homeward.
The beautiful landscape opened up before us. Even on this grim December day, where else should we be?! Robin was so excited climbing Widdop's Big Jack that he snapped his rear hanger, but fully prepared with a new component, fixed it road-side, while we took refuge and fine ale in the Packhorse! We bidded adieu to Pete and Robin from here.
Definately one for the memory bank!
Cheers chaps! Chris.
This weeks Best Buy!
Admittedly not my own purchase but I was so impressed by this product modeled by Ian I just had to give it a mention! I have never seen a jacket repel water so effectively, water off a duck's back, need I say more?
Rapha Pro Team Race Cape
A highly technical, waterproof jacket cut for race conditions.
Being lightweight and durable a three-ply fabric developed exclusively for Rapha, race-ready tailoring that stops fabric flapping in the wind, and smart finishing touches such as zipped cuffs and fully-taped seams. It easily packs down to stow in your back pocket. The Pro Team Race Cape has a slim fit, cut for the long-and-low riding positions of modern racers. A dropped tail keeps road spray off of the back of your jersey, and the fabric’s slight stretch allows the jacket to keep its shape over fully-loaded pockets. The updated zip has a thick pull tab with a textured back for easy use when wearing gloves, and the zipped cuffs make it easier to put on or remove the jacket while on the bike.
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