Saturday, March 10, 2007
11 March - out west toward Slaidburn
Meet 09:00 at Luddenden Foot for a run out west toward Slaidburn. The riverside cafe does great bacon and egg sandwiches, or can we only go there when it is sunny enough to sit outside?
Friday, March 02, 2007
4 March - Blubberhouses
RARE PHOTO OF GRIMPY LEARNING TO RIDE HIS FIRST BIKE
We meet Denholmegate 0900hrs for the Blubberhouses route in reverse - Barden via Cringles or Eastby Brow, Stump X Caverns, Greenhow, Duck Street, I suggest instead of dropping down to Blubberhouses we turn left and go to Otley via Fewston & Norwood Edge. Cafe stop either at Stump X Caverns cafe or at Otley.
We meet Denholmegate 0900hrs for the Blubberhouses route in reverse - Barden via Cringles or Eastby Brow, Stump X Caverns, Greenhow, Duck Street, I suggest instead of dropping down to Blubberhouses we turn left and go to Otley via Fewston & Norwood Edge. Cafe stop either at Stump X Caverns cafe or at Otley.
Monday, February 19, 2007
N.W.PASSAGE Audax Sec's report
SPORTIVE - FULL OF CYCLISTS WHO LIKE TO THINK THEY ARE RACING
AUDAX - FULL OF CYCLISTS WHO LIKE TO THINK THEY ARE NOT RACING
Thats what Bob Johnson (VC167) told me just before he shot off up the road to join a break of 3 or 4 that had developed on the way up from Tod. to Holme Chapel.
Once again we were blessed with Spring like weather for the North West Passage. Whilst it was disappointing not to see Brian or Grimpy on the start line we did have a good turn out with Nigel, Melvyn, Ian, Pete R, Richard and myself together with Andy Marshall, Martin Clemenson & Daniel Shaw.
It was the largest entry I've ever seen for the 200, so much so that we were set off in four seperate groups. This took the Condors by surprise, we had to set off in the 3rd group so for the first five minutes or so we had to work our way up to the lead group. We settled down near the front, said goodbye to that early break up the Burnley Road. West Pennine's star rider, Daniel Shand being the driving force in the break; rumour was that he had promised hid dad that he would be back to the Spring Inn before 3'o clock.
I was surprised that no Condors chased down the break (Philip would never have let them go without a Condor present). When we reached Blacko I realised that they had been biding their time waiting for the mountains. Richard and I 'lost intrest' at this time and drifted off the back of the bunch. (Nigel tells me no one in the group had put the hammer down, "we just rode in the group", obviously he did'nt look behind or he would have seen that the 'group' was spread out all the way back down the climb). I got over the top of Greystone intending not to chase but inevetably found myself in a group of four with myself and Dennis from West Pennine doing bit and bit eventually pulling back the bunch just as they rode into Settle.
At the check in the Naked Man cafe Pete Round took pity on an old man and let me push in to get my card stamped. A quick banana and a swig of energy drink and I jumped back on the bike with the stated intention of getting to the top of Buck Haw Brow before I was caught by the bunch. I got up Bukka', slipped it onto the big ring and settled down to evens waiting for the arrival of the mob. I was still waiting as I approached Cowan Bridge. I wound it up to 25's thinking I might just be able to get through the Kirby Lonsdale check before being caught; then the inevitable happened, I was'nt just pulled in but passed by an express train travelling at 30+ mph. My heart swelled with pride as I saw that the bunch was being driven by a flock of Condors, resplendent in full team kit, together with Andy (who may now be wearing a VS jersey but will always really be a Condor).
We got to Devils Bridge, cards stamped, mix energy drink, eat banana and sneak off whilst the others are chewing bacon butties and waiting for their tea to cool. According to my computer I had averaged just under 19mph to KL so I was expecting it to be harder than it was on the return leg, down through Lancaster to the Priory Cafe at Scorton, the computer rarely going below 20mph. Egged on by the fact that I had'nt been caught by the Condors I did'nt loiter too long at Scorton, just mixed a fresh bottle, ate two yogurt covered 'Eat Natural' bars whilst having chat with Harry Benson who was telling me how much he admired 'Ginley's' exploits on the world stage. Thinking of the old adage 'out of sight, out of mind' I jumped back on the bike before the other Condors arrived.
I was still feeling reasonable at Longridge, suffered as usual up through Salesbury but whilst freewheeling down the Blackburn By-pass began to wonder if I could stay away (not that its any sort of race of course). I managed to swallow two more 'Eat Natural' bars as insurance for 'Owd Betts'. Oswaldtwistle Moors did'nt seem as bad as usual - must have been a tail wind - Owd Betts also seemed easier than before - perhaps its because I was'nt having to attempt to stay on someone else's wheel. An easy free wheel down through Rochdale to check in at the Spring Inn at 3.45 and that was it for the umpteenth time - the weather just gets better and better (I remember the days when we rode through snow storms over Oswaldtwistle Moors - on fixed as well).
Andy, Nigel, Melvyn & Ian finished about 4pm with Pete and Richard not far behind. Martin & Daniel also finished at about the same time. I was amazed how fresh and happy everyone looked at the finish - must have been the weather.
Sorry there are no photo's but I couldnt bring myself to take another one of Condors sat in a pub, people might get the right impression.
AUDAX - FULL OF CYCLISTS WHO LIKE TO THINK THEY ARE NOT RACING
Thats what Bob Johnson (VC167) told me just before he shot off up the road to join a break of 3 or 4 that had developed on the way up from Tod. to Holme Chapel.
Once again we were blessed with Spring like weather for the North West Passage. Whilst it was disappointing not to see Brian or Grimpy on the start line we did have a good turn out with Nigel, Melvyn, Ian, Pete R, Richard and myself together with Andy Marshall, Martin Clemenson & Daniel Shaw.
It was the largest entry I've ever seen for the 200, so much so that we were set off in four seperate groups. This took the Condors by surprise, we had to set off in the 3rd group so for the first five minutes or so we had to work our way up to the lead group. We settled down near the front, said goodbye to that early break up the Burnley Road. West Pennine's star rider, Daniel Shand being the driving force in the break; rumour was that he had promised hid dad that he would be back to the Spring Inn before 3'o clock.
I was surprised that no Condors chased down the break (Philip would never have let them go without a Condor present). When we reached Blacko I realised that they had been biding their time waiting for the mountains. Richard and I 'lost intrest' at this time and drifted off the back of the bunch. (Nigel tells me no one in the group had put the hammer down, "we just rode in the group", obviously he did'nt look behind or he would have seen that the 'group' was spread out all the way back down the climb). I got over the top of Greystone intending not to chase but inevetably found myself in a group of four with myself and Dennis from West Pennine doing bit and bit eventually pulling back the bunch just as they rode into Settle.
At the check in the Naked Man cafe Pete Round took pity on an old man and let me push in to get my card stamped. A quick banana and a swig of energy drink and I jumped back on the bike with the stated intention of getting to the top of Buck Haw Brow before I was caught by the bunch. I got up Bukka', slipped it onto the big ring and settled down to evens waiting for the arrival of the mob. I was still waiting as I approached Cowan Bridge. I wound it up to 25's thinking I might just be able to get through the Kirby Lonsdale check before being caught; then the inevitable happened, I was'nt just pulled in but passed by an express train travelling at 30+ mph. My heart swelled with pride as I saw that the bunch was being driven by a flock of Condors, resplendent in full team kit, together with Andy (who may now be wearing a VS jersey but will always really be a Condor).
We got to Devils Bridge, cards stamped, mix energy drink, eat banana and sneak off whilst the others are chewing bacon butties and waiting for their tea to cool. According to my computer I had averaged just under 19mph to KL so I was expecting it to be harder than it was on the return leg, down through Lancaster to the Priory Cafe at Scorton, the computer rarely going below 20mph. Egged on by the fact that I had'nt been caught by the Condors I did'nt loiter too long at Scorton, just mixed a fresh bottle, ate two yogurt covered 'Eat Natural' bars whilst having chat with Harry Benson who was telling me how much he admired 'Ginley's' exploits on the world stage. Thinking of the old adage 'out of sight, out of mind' I jumped back on the bike before the other Condors arrived.
I was still feeling reasonable at Longridge, suffered as usual up through Salesbury but whilst freewheeling down the Blackburn By-pass began to wonder if I could stay away (not that its any sort of race of course). I managed to swallow two more 'Eat Natural' bars as insurance for 'Owd Betts'. Oswaldtwistle Moors did'nt seem as bad as usual - must have been a tail wind - Owd Betts also seemed easier than before - perhaps its because I was'nt having to attempt to stay on someone else's wheel. An easy free wheel down through Rochdale to check in at the Spring Inn at 3.45 and that was it for the umpteenth time - the weather just gets better and better (I remember the days when we rode through snow storms over Oswaldtwistle Moors - on fixed as well).
Andy, Nigel, Melvyn & Ian finished about 4pm with Pete and Richard not far behind. Martin & Daniel also finished at about the same time. I was amazed how fresh and happy everyone looked at the finish - must have been the weather.
Sorry there are no photo's but I couldnt bring myself to take another one of Condors sat in a pub, people might get the right impression.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
North West Passage
Saturday the 17th February is the date (not Saturday the 10th - a rumour spread by the Imps, and not Sunday the 17th - confusion tactics being circulated by Ian). 8am from the Spring Inn for 200k or 9am for the 120k event.
Sunday the 25th of February meet outside the Ritz in Brighouse at 0900hrs for the HCA Reliability Ride. John Kaye has been busy working on an exciting new route for this year.
Forthcoming local events to note in your diary -
Sunday the 25th of March, The Red Rose Ride, a Chris Crossland 200k Audax taking us over the Trough Of Bowland to Glasson Dock for a greasy butty and a pot of tea then back to Halifax for the feast.
Sunday the 15th of April, 'Spring into the Dales' 110k Audax, another Chris Crossland event starting only a few yards away from Pete Round's front door in Hebden Bridge. It says in the handbook '2 cafe stops', I'm not sure if these are compulsory but I hope so. Its been rumoured that once Ian was out of our sight last year he took a short cut so we'll have to keep an eye on him this time.
Sunday the 25th of February meet outside the Ritz in Brighouse at 0900hrs for the HCA Reliability Ride. John Kaye has been busy working on an exciting new route for this year.
Forthcoming local events to note in your diary -
Sunday the 25th of March, The Red Rose Ride, a Chris Crossland 200k Audax taking us over the Trough Of Bowland to Glasson Dock for a greasy butty and a pot of tea then back to Halifax for the feast.
Sunday the 15th of April, 'Spring into the Dales' 110k Audax, another Chris Crossland event starting only a few yards away from Pete Round's front door in Hebden Bridge. It says in the handbook '2 cafe stops', I'm not sure if these are compulsory but I hope so. Its been rumoured that once Ian was out of our sight last year he took a short cut so we'll have to keep an eye on him this time.
Monday, February 05, 2007
11 Feb - 09:30 Brighouse
This is the last Sunday run before North West Passage on the 17th so you'll be wanting to get plenty of miles in.
Meet 09:30 in Brighouse outside VS Cycles (www.vscycles.co.uk).
Ian
Meet 09:30 in Brighouse outside VS Cycles (www.vscycles.co.uk).
Ian
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Thursday 8 Feb - Track Night
Pedalsport (King Cross Cycles) run regular trips to the track at Manchester Velodrome as training sessions for all levels. Beginners welcome. See www.pedalsport.co.uk for full details.
4 Feb - Silverdale in the sunshine
Eleven riders set out from Denholme in warm, bright sunshine for this day out in the dales. JohnG's world championship medal must have been weighing heavy round his neck because he turned for home at Arncliffe with Daniel for company, while Damien was last seen pedalling on toward Kettlewell.
The remaining eight "enjoyed" the climb over Silverdale and down into Settle for the cafe stop. Overcome with enthusiasm they they "enjoyed" even more going over Attermire to Airton. As long as you didn't stop to fix a loose mudguard, the happy band then had an easy run down to Gargrave for the route home.
Fantastic weather and clear visibility made it a great day to be out for early Feb.
The remaining eight "enjoyed" the climb over Silverdale and down into Settle for the cafe stop. Overcome with enthusiasm they they "enjoyed" even more going over Attermire to Airton. As long as you didn't stop to fix a loose mudguard, the happy band then had an easy run down to Gargrave for the route home.
Fantastic weather and clear visibility made it a great day to be out for early Feb.
Monday, January 22, 2007
28 Jan - Downham
We made our run out to Downham as planned, even if a strong headwind forced an early pit-stop at Whalley. The quiet little lanes around Rimmington were a pleasure - though perhaps not for Neil. Maybe the 2nd pint at the Condor dinner meant he was a tiny bit dehydrated? We expect you back in top form next week Neil. Meanwhile PeteH is doing the write-up of the dinner - to follow!
Grimpy grabs bronze at World Champs
John took the Bronze at the UCI World Masters Cyclo-Cross Championships 2007 held in Zilvermeer Mol, Belgium on Saturday 20th January. Fantastic!! - congratulations John.
First three in event:
1 Martens Herman (Belgium) Time 35’ 15”
2 Mike Ives (GBR) 36’ 49”
3 John Ginley (Condor Road Club) 37’ 00”
Next GBR rider was Ian Small in 13th place.
We even have this quote from the man himself: "Fast race, poor start, eventually caught Mike Ives but couldn’t hold him. I was pleased to get on the rostrum and collect my UCI world medal and my Duvel beer, but I'm not too sure about the flowers.
ps Peter - please note the clean jersey with no mud"
Thanks to Andy Kerr (MI racing) who took the photos.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
AGM 18/1/07
The Condors flock together for the Annual General Meeting at Greetland Community Centre, Wednesday evening, 18th January
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
21 Jan - Airton / Settle
We met 09:30 Denholme Gate as usual. Though fewer in number than the past couple of weeks we were joined at the start by a welcome "new" face Blair Buss, and then by Chris Young for a few miles into Gargrave. Hopefully all had an enjoyable if wintery ride and got home safely.
Ian
Ian
Monday, January 15, 2007
Malham Arncliffe 14th Jan
Just introducing myself to the blog and testing it out really.
Hard run on Sunday - hanging on by the time we reached Malham only to find we weren't having the cafe stop in Malham but Cracoe! It's a bloody long way over the top to Cracoe when you're already spent at Malham.
Dragged myself round though and feel pleased with myself for that! Thanks lads (Ian, Melvyn, Sean and Andy) for waiting for me on a couple of occassions.
Hard run on Sunday - hanging on by the time we reached Malham only to find we weren't having the cafe stop in Malham but Cracoe! It's a bloody long way over the top to Cracoe when you're already spent at Malham.
Dragged myself round though and feel pleased with myself for that! Thanks lads (Ian, Melvyn, Sean and Andy) for waiting for me on a couple of occassions.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Wednesday 17 Jan - AGM Greetland 9pm
A bumper turnout saw us struggling for chairs at the AGM at Greetland Sports & Social Club on Wednesday 17 January 2007.
1. All ordinary meetings will now be at the PUZZLE HALL INN in Sowerby Bridge but continue to fall on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month. The next meeting is 21 FEB at 9pm.
2. New club officials:
All hail our esteemed new president Mr JOHN LUMB. There was a vote of thanks to the outgoing president TREVOR LEVER, who now moves to the post of press secretary.
There was also a vote of thanks to the outgoing secretary PHILIP SMITHIES who is (we hope) now going to be taking life easier after a long service to the Condor committee. The new general secretary and webmeister is IAN ROBINSON.
JD SMITH continues as racing scretary, and PETE HORNE as mtb/Audax secretary.
Finaly, PAUL GOWER has kindly agreed to carry on as treasurer which means he'll be after you soon for 2007 membership subs - still at the bargain rate of only £6 ...
1. All ordinary meetings will now be at the PUZZLE HALL INN in Sowerby Bridge but continue to fall on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month. The next meeting is 21 FEB at 9pm.
2. New club officials:
All hail our esteemed new president Mr JOHN LUMB. There was a vote of thanks to the outgoing president TREVOR LEVER, who now moves to the post of press secretary.
There was also a vote of thanks to the outgoing secretary PHILIP SMITHIES who is (we hope) now going to be taking life easier after a long service to the Condor committee. The new general secretary and webmeister is IAN ROBINSON.
JD SMITH continues as racing scretary, and PETE HORNE as mtb/Audax secretary.
Finaly, PAUL GOWER has kindly agreed to carry on as treasurer which means he'll be after you soon for 2007 membership subs - still at the bargain rate of only £6 ...
14 Jan - Malham / Arncliffe
Meet 09:30 at Denholme Gate as usual.
Last year we had a run to the cafe at Malham and then over to Arncliffe. Same again?
Last year we had a run to the cafe at Malham and then over to Arncliffe. Same again?
Friday, January 12, 2007
Fred & others
For anyone who tried and failed, or considered entering but did'nt I recommend that you view www.bikeit.eclipse.co.uk . It includes a photo tour of the full Fred Whitton route plus a map. It also covers other sportive's including the Bealach-na-BA.
Photo - Summit of Newlands in the 2006 Fred
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Grimpy on the podium at the National Cyclo-Cross Champs, Southamption, 6th January 2007
Well done John (please remember to take a clean jersey to change into for the Worlds Podium)
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
7 Jan - Kettlewell
Start the new year off in style with the traditional Condor run to Kettlewell. Meet 09.30 at Denholme Clough.
It looks like the cafe in Waddington didn't want to accept our hard-riding team when this photo was taken on the Season of Mists ride and they had to eat their muesli bars outside on the pavement instead. Thanks to Chris Crossland's fine collection at www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk.
It looks like the cafe in Waddington didn't want to accept our hard-riding team when this photo was taken on the Season of Mists ride and they had to eat their muesli bars outside on the pavement instead. Thanks to Chris Crossland's fine collection at www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
24 Dec - Chrismas Eve Ride
Meet 0910 at Crossroads pub Wainstalls; 0930 denholme gate; 1000 keighley roundabout
A gentle-ish potter to try and keep the mince pies at bay.
Let me know if you are thinking of coming.
Ian
A gentle-ish potter to try and keep the mince pies at bay.
Let me know if you are thinking of coming.
Ian
Thursday, December 07, 2006
1 Jan - PETER'S NEW YEARS DAY HANGOVER CURE
Prior warning of Peter's half-wheeling contest. 10.00am Brighouse outside VS Cycles.
Puzzle Hall for a 'Hair of the Dog', via Holmefirth, and the Isle of Skye.
Puzzle Hall for a 'Hair of the Dog', via Holmefirth, and the Isle of Skye.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
17 December - Riley's Treat
Time to dust down your singing voice and get ready for Paul Gower's annual rendition of three ha'pence a foot. Robin Hood pub in Pecket Well from lunchtime onwards.
There will be a ride first. Details to follow.
There will be a ride first. Details to follow.
Monday, October 30, 2006
1 October - Season of Mists
Last outing this year for the best bikes. Time to wrap them in cotton wool for the winter, at look forward to Spring into the Dales to start off the 07 summer season.
Friday, August 25, 2006
3 September - Spud Riley
woodford, cheshire for sportive jaunt in south peaks and dovedale
start any time from 8am to 9am
entry on the line £20
start any time from 8am to 9am
entry on the line £20
20 August - other fleet moss randonee
A bit murky and cool for the middle of August, but a healty turnout from the Condor. Thanks to Chris Crossland and the crew for organising the ride and the good spread at the finish.
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