The Last Post

So long, fare well ... it looks like other social media options have overtaken the blog. Thanks for visiting and we enjoyed the ride.

Sunday Sojourn - 29 April

For our club run this week the suggestion is that we meet Keighley 9am for a dabble with Darnbrook and cafe at Airton.

Red Rose Ride

We have to thank Steve T for the club ride this week. He's put forward the notion of a gallop to Glasson Dock with the Red Rose Ride. That'll be the 2nd Audax in as many weeks!

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-99/

route at

http://www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk/event/red-rose-ride-2-3-2/?instance_id=455

See you there?

Spring into the Dales

At last it's officially spring and we can ride into the dales on best bikes in shorts & short sleeves*.

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-162/

See you in Mytholmroyd in time to enter, chat, drink tea and leave at 9am.

Cheers

Ian

* yeah, right.

Sunday in Settle

https://www.strava.com/clubs/3556/group_events/299228

Meet 09:30 at Keighley roundabout.

Sunday 25 March - BB or DD?

John Lumb II might be getting a bit over-enthusiastic but has suggested doing the Batley Bash this Sunday and I'm tempted to tag along (but let the main bunch go!).
https://www.facebook.com/events/513784345687271/
https://www.strava.com/clubs/23291/group_events/258653?new=true

Anonther option, which Pete Horne is apparently 'interested' in, is the Delightful Dales 200k Audax starting from Clithero at 8am BST (yep, clocks go forward) and going up Park Rash and the Coal Road. Yeah, I won't bother giving you the link for that one ...

2018 Road Races - your help needed please!

Imps RR 2018 on Saturday 21^st April

The Imps race has moved to Bodington Cycle Circuit, Brownlee Centre University Of Leeds LS16 8NA off the Otley Road. It’s a 1 mile circuit  with 3 separate events O40’s at 10.00, O55 at 11.15 and O65’s at 12.30. Each 1 hour plus 2 laps. As you are aware without the imps support we wouldn’t be able to run our event so if a few Condor members can help I’m sure it will be reciprocated in July. Many thanks. 

Condor Road Race 2018 on Sunday 1st July 

We are again using the Scammonden circuit. To ensure its success we need your kind support for marshalling and judging from 9.00 am, race start time 10.00 at Barkisland. Sign on and rolling start at Greetland sports and community centre HX4 8JG.   

Thank you                                                        

John Ginley

Garage Clearout

You help is needed please to create some space in the garage!

I'm happy to get rid of these wheels in return for a couple of pints, suitable for anyone on rim brakes and running 9 or 10 speed Shimano. Give me a shout on the next ride or usual social media thingys. Either pop round to collect or perhaps arrange a swap at the club dinner on 3rd March.

SRAM S30AL Sprint wheelset (There is a review HERE).

Reynolds Stratus Pro Wheelset:

Kysrium ES rear wheel (For some reason I've got two of these - but no front wheels to match).

Kysrium front wheel (with a black hub)

Club Luncheon & Presentation

Robin Hood, Cragg Vale booked for 1pm Saturday 3rd March. Roast beef followed by apple crumble. £14.50. Organiser is Phil Sanderson. All welcome (you don't have to be a Condor).
please book your place by letting Phil or Pete Horne know or via CRC Facebook page.

HDR Reliability - Womersley

This year's series of 'ride to the sun' events got off to a good start on Sunday. Condors in attendance included JL2, Melv, Andy 'Maverick Velo' and 'Oakworth Steve' who'd all done the decent thing by riding out to the start. Plus the Wainstalls Wimps in a car, but which was very handy later to squeeze in a third bike and give Steve a boost back toward home with tired legs. John Ginley was present and going well, but hiding his Condor colours under a plain top.

My suggestion was to have another PACT (Pete's Annual Condor Treaty). Or at least a TRUCE (Trundle Round United Condor Expedition). However, in the absence of our illustrious leader to police the ride, it didn't last. The start was flat out from the moment we left the cricket club. (Trundle Round - Unless Condors Excited). Eventually we managed to let the fast lads go, perhaps encouraged by the number passed at the side of the road with various problems.  When it did settle down, we'd then find that Condor riders were littered all over the peleton, and I suspect that the fast start caused a few aching legs later on. (Thrash Round Until Condors Expire).

A sharp bend in Kirk Smeaton seems to have done for several people, including John Lumb II who went down hard with no warning. Bars askew and bent gear hanger then added insult to bodily injury. Refuelling and regrouping in Womersley hopefully helped him recover, while the athletes carried straight on. The second half of the ride could then be taken steadily and the headwind kept enthusiasms in check until the final couple of hills back up to the giddy heights of Liversedge: I was very glad not to be dragging back up to home at 1000ft and could drive instead.

It is Drighlington next week, and all welcome to join in. Please don't be put off by the write-up. I'm sure that some of us took pleasure from some small parts of it. Remember: a cycle ride is to be endured, not enjoyed.

AGM Minutes

Minutes

CONDOR ROAD CLUB AGM

Monday 22nd January 2018

Members Present (18) - Gordon Turner, Peter Horne, Melvin Hartley, Steve Thewlis, Andy Myers, Nigel Hartley, Ian Robinson, J.D. Smith, Paul Gower, Paul Priestley, Kevin Brown, Ian Wellock, Brian Sunter, John Ginley, Phil Haigh, John Lumb (2nd), Neil King, Phil Sanderson.

Apologies for Absence  - Nil

Minutes of AGM 10/10/16 - Accepted unanimously as a true record.

REPORTS

General Secretary - Confirmed 2018 BC and CTT affiliations had been paid. Nothing else to report.

Tresurer - Up to date accounts were presented by Paul Gower and accepted as correct.

Racing Secretary - J.D. Smith reported on the clubs racing successes during 2017 :-

John Ginley:

1^st UCI World Masters CycloCross (Zilvermeer MOL Belgium Dec 2017) 075

2^nd UCI World Grand Fonda Road Race 100km (Albi France Aug2017) 075

UK               1^st  LVRC 065 series in 070 Cat.

                     2^nd LVRC Nat Crit Champs 075 Cat

                     2^nd LVRC Stallard Series 070 Cat

                     2^nd TLI Nat RR 070 Cat

Brian Sunter:

2017  VTTA  National  Champs   15 mile  3^rd                                                     

2017  VTTA  National  Champs   25 mile  2^nd

2017  VTTA  National  Champs   30 mile  2^ND

2017  VTTA  National  Champs   50 mile  1^st

^{British Age Records:  10mile   21.08,    15mile   34.56,      25mile   55.12.}

^{National VTTA Short Distance BAR   3rd}            

^{Yorkshire Short Distance BAR  1st}

Melvin Hartley:

2nd Imps RR,     2nd  Clifton RR,       1st Condor RR.

Election of Officials - All re-elected unopposed -

President, Brian Sunter

Treasurer, Paul Gower

Racing Secretary, JD Smith

Secretary, Peter Horne

Annual Dinner & Presentation - It was agreed to once again hold the Dinner & Presentation at the Robin Hood, Cragg Vale. As all the Sunday dates considered clashed with cycling commitments  Phil Sanderson is to explore the possibility of holding the event on Saturday 3rd February.

Any Other Business -

John Ginley confirmed that the LVRC Condor Road Race would be held on Sunday 1st of July.

Paul Gower proposed that long standing members Eric Walker and Phil Tempest should be awarded life membership. The proposal was seconded unanimously.

Neil King proposed that the club become involved in the organisation of new fund raising sportive for Overgate Hospice to be held on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September. There was general agreement.

AGM Monday 22nd January @ The Travellers, Hipperholme. 8pm

AGM Monday 22nd January 2018. 8pm at The Travellers, Hipperholme.
A bit later than normal (I blame my exile in Queensbury). Please try and attend and let me know if you have anything for the agenda.
JD is hoping to be updated with 2017 results so we can work out who's won the silverware. I think Road Race, TT and Off Road may be easy to sort but we need total distances for the Audax/Sportive/Reliability Trophy (total distance ridden in 2017 in organised non races, ie Audax's, Sportives and Reliability Rides).
Please mention the AGM to any Condors you may come across in cafe's, pubs or hospitals.

For those not aware the Condor Road Club Facebook page has more or less taken over from the Condor Blog. Access it here https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=condor%20road%20club   or just go on Facebook and search for Condor Road Club.

Lost Sheep on Isle of Skye

In the absence of our good shepherd Peter, the rest of us lost sheep will have to make our own way. The suggestion is Isle of Skye meeting in Hebden Bridge at 9:30. Cafe to be decided but probably Holmfirth.

Silverdale Sunday

Several members have entered a strangely named Audax in York this weekend: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-611/ and for everyone else we can offer a regular club run from Keighley 9:30am up to Silverdale and Settle.

Sunday 24 December - Christmas Eve Ride

Peter has proposed meeting 09:00 in Denholme (09:30 Keighley) and heading to the cafe at Airton.

Sunday 17th December

Meet Denholme Gate 09.30 or Keighley 10.00 for Pecket Well via Trawden.

Grimpy Retains Worlds Title and Paul's Triumph in New Zealand

News is filtering through from Belgium that our very own Grimpy (aka John Ginley) has today retained his UCI World Masters Cyclo Cross title on the demanding purpose built course at Mol.

Congratulation from all your team mates John, perhaps now you can give us an easier ride next Wednesday.

Whilst John has been conquering all before him, our Southern Hemisphere team has been riding high in the antipides. Here's Pauls report of his recent MTB win.

85km Huka Challenge

Firstly congratulations to all the Pyskil Team for outstanding performances and the many PB's that are just reward for all the training and commitment in the build up.

Being from the "Dark Side" I fancied the Huka this year and entered with the normal intention of having a few training/recce' rides to get a feel for the course. Unfortunately I only managed a very limited couple of rides when assisting NZ Fire Service run their National Champs there last month, however I did ensure I climbed the "Grinder" that would be included twice in the race to assess one of the biggest climbs.

On Friday for a leg loosener and a bit more familiarisation I took Lynda for a spin out on the first 30kms of the course along the very scenic river past Huka Falls and on to the Aratiatia Dam and back. Whilst helping her with one of the little climbs she fell off and the air was blue!! I let her calm down and eventually really enjoy the ride 

I entered Group 2 with the predicted time of 5 hours that seemed about right having checked last years performances. Whilst lining up I noticed in Group 1 a NZ Fire Sevice rider who had come second in the Champs and had won the over 60's Huka category last year  (just over 5hrs) and who was only slightly younger than me! I purposely kept quite and hoped to see him later in the race?

We started and the pace was reasonable with two riders one in NZ Army kit and the other an under 18 from Kerikeri who were clearly working hard passing other enthusiastic Group 2 riders, I latched onto them and by the time we passed the Bungy Jump off Spa Rd we were leading the Group. We started to reel in Group 1 riders and after approx 6kms I saw the Fire Service rider heading a group of 5 riders, we quickly (and quietly) passed .them at a good pace that we maintained until we entered the woods (approx 25kms) leading somewhere into the Craters Park.

The trails were riding well and again we caught and passed several riders until we latched onto a very good group led by 2 Ladies who were controlling the pace and riding beautifully and were especially talented on the interesting twisting terrain and descents! 

We finally reached the first ascent of the Grinder and rode it very steadily and I resisted the urge to push on, over the top we held out our arms for an Hawian style bangle to be placed over and kept proving we had climbed it during the second ascent. The descent was very fast and part way down I shipped my chain causing me to stop and quickly sort out before chasing back on. Once out into the open the terrain changed to barron, dry, loose and twisty stuff that if you forced too hard would have you sliding over the edge! I was right on the Girls wheels with 4 guys on mine when without warning the ground gave way causing my front wheel to slide out throwing me and the bike tumbling down the embankment that was covered in sharp brambles. The guys asked if I were okay and I told them to crack on, with difficulty I untangled myself and the bike and scrambled back up to the track checked the bike, my arm was bleeding from a few deep scratches I removed some obvious prickles, checked that my half eaten banana and gels were ok and set off!

Plenty of adrenaline flowing now and after a couple of kms I latched back onto the Group and settled down for a few kms. I suddenly felt something was missing and reached for my pump, it was missing and had come out in the the tumble. This was worrying but no way of changing things so fingers crossed and a bit more stress! I recognised we were approaching the Grinder again and this time I couldn't wait  and pushed on hard quickly getting clear and catching another rider who I rode with almost to the end.

I ate the remainder of the banana a second gel, had a drink from my bottle that was getting down and might run out. I had passed two stations and knew there was another somewhere and would/should take on fluid there.

There was about 20kms to go I felt good when we came out into the open and the last drinks station I stopped and downed 3 cups of electrolyte and the helpers commented on the blood and I smiled and said I was getting too old for this .

I recognised the tracks near to the Craters car park that twisted you around the Ferret and Tourist trap. I was on my own at this stage and the Ferret seemed to go for ever making me think was I doing it twice when without warning I hit something hard that stopped me dead and threw me off, my right leg (hammy) cramped badly and I feared I might have punctured my front wheel! Thankfully no damage just a fright and reconcentration!

We caught several of the short course riders including one very talented young man who I followed through tight single track for a couple of kms before passing and congratulating him, one for the future.

We were approaching the woods before the lookout over Taupo and I thought we must be doing another loop as I had about 73kms clocked? I recognised the track and mentioned it to another rider who said no its straight to the finish, I didn't need any more encouragement and accelerated across the field up the incline across the temporary bridge  down across the field up Ferry Rd where we were camped and merged into the finishing straight rubbing shoulders with a startled roadie, keeping the hammer down until I crossed the timing mat "no repeat of last years balls up"!!

I had no idea of time throughout the ride and at times whilst climbing in a group felt to be losing time. I am happy with the 4hrs 35mins thinking it might have been longer. I finished 19th overall (230 riders) winning  my category with plenty in the tank recording 78kms and expecting another few kms, I will know for next time and as always its about preparation. Definitely Group 1 next time.

Fantastic event extremely well marshalled by cheery people (thank you all) and very well route marked.  Come on you Roadies consider some proper riding next year?  Lynda's still removing prickles.

Bonus Condor Jerseys

I've been sent a couple of extra club jerseys by mistake by Force GB . Both are size 'medium' but that is too small for me. I'm looking for a club member that they would fit to give them a good home. That means up to 38" chest and someone who looks more like a racing snake than a frequenter of public houses.

If you are interested then let me know and we can arrange a handover.
Ian

12 November - 9am Keighley

With Peter committed to the Eureka Audax, Uncle Nigel suggests meeting 9am in Keighley headed for Burnsall on what hopefully will be a dry and sunny day out.

Sunday 29 Oct - West Marton

The suggestion this week is 9am Keighley (put your clock back and get an extra hour in bed) for a roaming route to West Marton.