10 June - Brian's Hilly Time Trial

Brian has asked if anyone fancies riding in the club hilly TT next week 10 June.
And if you don't then please come along to support the event by helping to marshall from about 6pm at the Greetland Sports & Social club to get your orders.
Ian

3 June - Skipton & back

Report on the Skipton & back - for times see below

Well, my excuse is that I was late. Nothing new there then. Fortunately Robin Holt was late as well and caught me at Five Flags. We could then team up and do bit & bit to try to catch the bunch. This involved Robin doing a bit of work on the front and me doing a bit to hang on to his back wheel for as long as possible.
We started to catch CTC members in Keighley and despite our shouted encourangements none of them fancied joining on the back of our little train. Then past Crosshills some yellow jerseys and blue jerseys hove into view as we got sight of clubmates from Imps and Condor, including Jancice and Paul Gower. Just before Skipton we waved at the peleton as they set off "back". They were strung out with plenty of VS jerseys at the front. Then came a precession of riders in varying states of weariness who had been blown out or decided to ride at their own pace. I took a (preplanned) opportunity to drop in with John Lumb and let Robin chase on at full gas, with thanks for the great help he gave me on the way out.

John & I could then chat and cruise along (well, we did try a little harder than that to start with, but only until everyone else was safely out of sight in front of us). I went the wrong way at the roundabout and mistakenly lead John over the level crossing, otherwise of course he'd have followed the fully authorised route. Andy Mann had been held up at the lights and was delighted that we'd caught him up by taking this short cut. He was 'delighted' again as our clean run through Keighley undid all of his hard work and we caught him for a second time at some more lights. I couldn't resisit then following Andy up Ingrow, leaving John to suffer alone. However, the Condors regrouped in Denholme so we could finish together, where we learnt the story of what had been happening up at the sharp end of the ride:

1.22.39 John Doherty - VS Cycles

1.22.41 Sean Smith - Imps

1.22.45 Martin Cleminson - Imps

1.22.50 Melvyn "the Condor" Hartley - Condor

1.22.50 Neil "the dying swan" Dyson - Imps (a great ride!)

1.23.15 Johnny "the bonk" Perry - Condor

1.23.24 Chris Thompson - VS

1.24.19 Martin Croft - Imps

1.24.50 Dan Shaw - Imps

1.26.21 A. Hunt - VC Bradford

Then a little later we have:

1.26.50 Robin Holt (but remember he set of 5 mins late and rode alone - so a great elapsed time)

1.27.33 Steve "Basher" Barker

1.32.07 Phil "Trudders" Trudgill - a brand new Condor member who, in true Condor style, halfwheeled Pete Horne all the way across the line

1.32.07 (and a bit) Pete "I'm not bringing you again" Horne

1.39.31 John "el Presedente" Lumb

1.39.31 Ian Robinson

Finally, thanks to the Imps & the CTC for organising the ride - including particularly Paul Hickey & Chris Crossland. The food in the Pineberry was appreciated by those who waited around - it must have good because it was all gone in seconds!

[old post]
This Wednesday is the new Skipton & back which combines the old Imps and CTC rides into one event. Be there early from 6.45pm to sign in. If I'm late by 10 minutes as usual then hopefully you will all have started without me & I can go steady instead.
The start is in Denholme at Whitakers joinery factory - where we usually meet on a Sunday. The flag drops at 7pm prompt.
Turn second roundabout going into Skipton [I think this means the little mini-roundabaout rather than going all the way up to the castle]. Both ways via Crosshills to avoid level crossings. Finish at the farm shop above Thornton Road crossroads. Food afterwards at the Pineberry.

31 May - MTB heaven

It is muddy bikes this week. And it looks like shorts & short sleeves.
For what of a better suggestion, let's meet 08:30 at my house.
The route might be a reverse of the Stanbury-Wycoller loop and hopefully we can fit in a visit to the cafe in Heptonstall.
Pete Horne also mentioned a 200k Audax starting Burnley way and going round Tan Hill see http://www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm.
Ian

Blame it on the Boogie

Sorry guys I have to own up, I sort of gave up, on Sunday, on the long drag from Airton over Scalebar to Settle.

I could blame it on my gears which were misfiring, and my injured knee which, to be fair, was giving me jip, but this really doesn't wash, so, perhaps I should blame it on the deadening effect of three hundred flat and steady miles over the previous weekend, and then, for good measure, blame my age.

On reflection, none of this will do; might just as well blame it on the boogie. Truth is, as I say, I sort of gave up; not really a good plan with Robin and Melvyn, on the front, tapping out tempo.

You'll be pleased to know I gave myself a good kicking on my solo ride from Settle back to Keighley.

Hope you all had a good day and see you next Sunday!

Richard (Vicar)

PS What's happened to Brian? I passed him going up Ingrow - you won't be surprised to know I was in a car, he was on a bike - at first I didn't recognise him, not a hint of Condor blue but pretty in pink - has he lost the faith?

Sunday 24 May - Bowland Knotts

The twins have a plan to ride sensibly and steadily this Sunday on the quiet lanes of Lancashire away from most of the traffic. I'm hoping for an early cafe stop in Settle on the way there.
Meet Denholme at 8:30, Keighley at 9 and we should then find Nigel & Melvyn at Steeton traffic lights for 9:15 (don't ask - wait, on second thoughts, go on ask them, it'll slow them down a bit if they have to talk as well as ride). Cheers, Ian

Announcements from British Cycling

Regional Road Race Championships
The Regional Board is promoting the Regional Road Race Championships on 31 May 2009 on the Denby Dale course with the race HQ at Penistone Grammar School. An additional 15 marshals are needed to assist on the day between 9am and 2.30pm. Please would you ask around your club members for volunteers. Please contact Jason Metcalfe: telephone 01484 432043 mobile 07912 221092 email Jason@hanson-cs.co.uk for further details or with offers of help. Your assistance is much
appreciated.

The Ryedale Grand Prix
Marshals and helpers are urgently needed for this event on 7 June 2009 based at Duncombe Park, Helmsley in the North Yorkshire Moors. The added bonus of volunteering to help at this event is a free entry to the Ryedale Rumble, one of the most spectacular sportives in the country, on 9 August 2009. Please contact Bob Howden: telephone 01924 379443
mobile 07739 892 056 email bobhowden@grasscrete.com

Grass Track racing @ Roundhay

Racing has re-commenced at Roundhay Park in Leeds for the new season of racing. Following extensive drainage work, the track is at it's best for years. We offer competitive racing for kids, seniors and veterans. Under 14's ride on freewheel bikes while over 14's (including adults) ride fixed wheel. There are a variety of races throughout Monday evenings on offer plus a regional championship planned for the 13th July. The league will be in the form of a series with 9 races out of 13 to count.

Dates are: 11th & 18th May; 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th June; 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th July; 3rd & 10th August 2009 (weather permitting). Signing on from 6.45pm, racing starts at 7.15pm. Entries will be on the line only & cost £ 7.00 for Seniors, £ 5.00 for Juniors & £ 3.00 for Juveniles. Contact details are: Mandy Parker Tel:07917 860292, Email: mandyparker2@ntlworld.com Website: http://www.cycleroundhay.co.uk/ In Person: On racing Mondays 18:30 onwards at The Pavilion, The arena, Roundhay Park, Leeds

Spot Grimpy

This is a photo taken at a road race at Foulridge in 1959 - can you recognise Grimpy?

Has a ride been organised for next Sunday? If not can I suggest 0830hrs Denholmgate for Silverdale or perhaps Buckden triangle with refreshments at Zarenas

Secret email posting

You can now post to the blog by email using a top-secret email address.
Send your message to "condorroadclub.[secret]@blogger.com".
Where [secret] = the bits of your bike with hubs, spokes and rims!

Another diary date - Condor Cross 31 Oct 09

This year, the Condor Cross is on Saturday 31st October 2009.
John was unable to get a Sunday Date in October or November any free Dates were unavailable at Bradley Woods.
Because it’s a Saturday event we are combining the VETS & Senior races so less time on site for helpers.

Future events

A few local events that may be of intrest to fellow Condors :-

Saturday 9th May 'Buttys Brid Trip' 300k Audax from Meltham
Sunday 10th May, Colne Valley Mountain Bike Challenge
Sunday 17th May, East Riding 200k Audax
Saturday 30th May, Dales Grimpeur 200k Audax (Patley Bridge)
Sunday 7th June, Halifax Sailing Club MTB Challenge
Sunday 14th June, Red Rose Ride, 200k Audax from Halifax
Saturday 4th July, Humber Bridge 400k Audax
Sunday 5th July, Pennine MTB Challenge, Pole Moor
Sunday 12th July, Manchester Loop 200k Audax, Denshaw
Sunday 19th July, Brimham Rocks 200k Audax

Ride Report - Burnsall cafe

I was pleased to see Pete, Vicar and Nigel had hung on at the start - one of the advantages of saying you are going to come on a ride is that folk then kindly give a couple of minutes grace to latecomers. One day I'll make an extra effort to set off in good time. They even accepted my suggestion of going over Eastby Brow, but the return route through Thorpe and Gargrave made better use of the strong westerly breeze. The strong tailwind was a real help and the pace was sensible, so for once this flock of Condors crested a hill pretty much as one bunch. Robin had joined us in Keighley, along with Steve who is now out of hibernation and traing for the Etape du Dales in a couple of weeks. The extra loop up Greenhow was discussed but then rejected and we were in the cafe at Burnsall by 10:30. The early stop was welcomed by Vicar after a late night. Pete was gravely dissapointed not to get his customary cake (and told us so) but the boys were eager to be back on their bikes.

As a fine spring day with plenty of sunshine this was a great 60 miles and no-one finished on their knees. Well, maybe Steve did seem a tiny bit tired as he went back over Cock Hill. I did hear him say something about how the wind had changed since this morning and, gosh, he was so delighted that now there'd be a headwind going back as well...

Sunday 3 May 2009

As a suggestion, how about meeting 08:30 at Denholme Gate this Sunday and we'll pick a route from there. Nigel & I both expect to be out. All others welcome.
Ian

Sunday 26th April Off Road On Road?

I really need the miles so Pete's suggestion of Howstean Gorge sounds good. If that's still on I'll join Pete at Shelf, if not I'll hose my mountain bike down and join you at Wainstalls.

Pete, I don't have your number so if Howstean's still on could you give me a call on 07810830752 or post confirmation.

Richard

Pennines & pack-horse tracks

Anybody fancying an alternative to the "braying on"road runs of late is welcome to meet at Ians on Sunday at 09.00 on knobbly tyred steeds.(Ian 01422 246696 or Nigel 01422 249395)

Spring Sprung

Great day out, sorry I don't have time to write a full report (busy packing the caravan). Perhaps someone would like to add their own perspective of the days tour.

Anyone fancy Howstean Gorge next Sunday - via Pool - Shelf Roundabout 8.30????

ps......Note to Ian.......always recce' the last 500yds

Spring into the Dales

Next Sunday, 19th April, Spring into the Dales, 9am Hebden Bridge £3.50. Be there.

Easter Sunday 10th April

Planning to meet for Easter's ride at 8.30 on Sunday at Denholme Gate. Destination dependent on the way the wind's blowing



May be worth checking Saturday if you intend to ride. (mobile 07810830752)



Ian's asked me to remind John and Gary who rode with us a couple of weeks ago that they're welcome to join us again.



Richard

Road race results - Condors take 1st & 2nd

Despite mistakenly starting with a younger age group Brian managed to take 1st place overall in the LVRC Barton-on-Humber Road Race last Saturday. To add to the Condors successful day Grimpy not only took 2nd place overall but also won the primes points category.

Seacroft Wheelers RR - 29th March

After the blustery (and snowy!) start to the weekend it was a relief to wake up early on sunday morning to see blue skys and not a breath of wind! After a quick scout of the course I was a bit alarmed to see big patches of ice scattered around some of the corners, but they'd quickly melted as soon as the sun hit them.

So, to the race. After the 5 minutes of neutralised riding to the start line we were off on a rolling start and the attacks came quick and fast. The field wasn't letting anything go today and every break away on the first 3 laps of the circuit was reeled in by the bunch. One group of about 7 got away for a good half a lap but then were chased down by the pack after a quick injection of pace by Team Chevin Cycles. At the start of the 7th lap it was clear it was going down to a bunch sprint and the pace quickly wound up. I finished comfortably in the top half of the bunch, but out of the points. A definate success for an early season race, just need to work on my sprints and picking out the right wheels to follow!

"Summer Time and the weather is freezing"

Hi Richard. Thanks for the post. Yes we are out and it looks like tomorrow will be cold but clear. Still, it'd be just as well to wrap up warm and maybe give that winter bike one last outing.
The plan is to meet at Whittakers in Denholme Gate at 09:00 (new summer time - equivalent to 8am GMT), or 09:30 at Keighley roundabout. Get your thinking caps on for a good route to a nice cafe, maybe one that we haven't been to in a while. My apologies to Janis Joplin for the title of this message!
Ian

Tomorrow 29th March

Unlike the rest of you I did the right thing on Mothers' Day last week and am now looking forward to my reward. Anyone out tomorrow?

Text or post (new mobile 07810830752)

Something aFoot

The last of the CCA rides is listed as Luddenden Foot this Sunday at 08:30. We may as well take that as a start and work on from there. Robin and Neil both seemed keen when we spoke on Wednesday. Anyone else fancy joining us? The route is open to offers. How about up Cragg, then see how we feel. The forecast is for cold & cloudy with a westerly breeze so maybe the regular summer route is an option or Isle of Skye with a tailwind? The chances are it will stay dry so I think that the best bikes might be in order, Ian

Spring in Slaidburn

The blog has been surprisingly quiet for the past couple of weeks. I think the training runs proposed by Sean worked well earlier in the year but have probably now finished as the faster riders peel off to race and the potterers carry on pottering.

Two weeks ago a couple of us westerners made the effort to get to the start in Brighouse for 8.30 but found just ourselves there. We then battled round with a windy ride over Isle of Skye.

Last week I went to the start at Denholme and agin the only other person there was Vicar. Still, we had a pleasant run to Cracoe & back. We spotted Grimpy out by himself - does anyone have any news or results of John's trip to the World Champs on 31 Jan?

This Sunday the forcast was for bright sunshine and a stiff north-westerly breeze and I'm happy to report that we got both. Robin had gone out on his own but was diverted by The Condor coming over Cock Hill and came with us instead from Hebden Bridge out through Burnley. From my viewpoint riding behind them, it seemed like The Condor was no less than a half-wheel in front at any point. Still, I was grateful for the shelter and it got me through Whalley feeling fine. Robin then announced a pressing lunchtime appointment back home and turned early while the twins & I followed gorgeous empty roads (including one big dipper that really should be on Blackpool seafront) out to Slaidburn. The road back through Tosside is 8 miles all downhill and, with a strong tailwind, is what best bikes were made for.

After I'd been pleading for mercy on Ingrow, Nige told me off for climbing too fast up the old road from Oxenhope over to the windmills. Still, I was chuffed to do 85 miles and have enough energy left to walk down the pub afterwards. Mind you, I was alseep on the sofa by half way through the film that evening ...

NW Passage

Anyone doing this on Saturday (at least I think that's the day)? Spending 8 hours wandering around the flatlands Lancashire wondering where you are. Better than watching Final Score.

Robin - a new poster

I found this comment hidden away on the blog - see the 18th of Jan. i'll do Robin a favour - since he has written so much - and put it here for all to see. Mind you, I've just now read it all the way through and he's not being very complimentary you know. Ian/Kris.

robin said...
It seems a way back, but as it is the last time I rode a bike I can remember just, and I ought leave some comment as it will make a change from Ian always doing it. So Steve and I meet at Peckett Well as usual, so as to get extra hillage in before meeting up with 'the bunch that never waits' on its way through from somewhere that goes by the way of Denholme, a place that is really only ever 'by the way', somewhere to go through without really noticing. The bunch comes through and without stopping Steve, myself, The Condor and someone resembling Kris Kristofferson in his post- Barbara Streisand bust-up days, but who turns out to be Ian, jump on the back. We all get sleeted on. Neil has a rubbish rear mudguard. I complain. Someone complains I have a rubbish rear mudguard. Meantime the rear of Damien's jersey has been visited by a slug falling with the sleet .. one of those minor natural anomalies the religious-minded like to call 'signs' miracles, or someone has ejaculated on his back. Either way his jersey looking a mess from behind. We hit the main road to Skipton. No slowing. No going the back way. Bray on. The Condor is enjoying it. On front is Irish John (as he seems to be known on this blog) and his mate, whose name I cannot remember, so I am going to call him Johnsmate (that's how names started back in the day anyway, so it might catch on). They seem to be going too well for what is early season. John explains a little later he is thinking of entering the Lincoln GP later in the year. The speed begins to make more sense. Through Skipton, then bump along the tardy road to Grassington. Car sounds horn, cyclists raise fingers; cause and effect still in place, the universe is still ticking over despite the credit crisis. We near Grassington and we are faced with a well planned mutiny as a group of three break free from the authority of Captain Speed. Neil, Kriss and Damien flat line their own way to Malham would you know, leaving the Sean, Niall, The Condor, John, Johnsmate, Steve and me to maintain some kind of order. Speed begins to pick up as a kind of gesture to this self willed jettisoning of 'load' from the group hold. Then Johnsmate snaps his HG70. You could say bad riding, but not so. Just rubbish chains. The sleet comes back in time to whiten the dirty puddle in which Johnsmate tries to wash his oily hands. To restore cosmic balance the rest of us take a piss. And so past Kilnsey, then west up to Arncliffe and thence into the chastening embrace of a snow shower as we climb up and over. The Condor and Steve make some kind of pact about defending club honour and send me up the road to try and keep with John and Johnsmate. I am the one with appropriate gear ratios for coping, evidently. Women's gears Damien calls them - he wouldn't be seen dead with anything like these plate-sized cogs on his bike. I hit maximum spin and stay there. No deviation. Johnsmate has not been to this hill before and thinks he spies the top. It looks like the top, but is one of those all too familiar tease-tops that we all experience but never learn from. He sits back down. The snow is rather thick now. The road is white, we are white. Can't see much. We go up by not really looking, until we feel the third cattle grid. Then we wait for a strung out group, terminating in Niall, who appears chipper enough, though also appears without a coat. He must be hard or something. Sean lifts the mood by telling us all it is downhill to Malham now; we have all ridden this route countless times before (apart from Johnsmate)and know this to be crap. The snow has cleared of course. It was waiting for the climb and has spent itself. We tease our way through the limestone, until we hit the cafe. I decide to go on, not wanting to lessen my status as the one who is always wanting to get home. This of course is a mistake because I pop half way up Ingrow, and unable to cope psychologically with losing height down to Oxenhope and then having to re-climb it up Cock Hill, I opt to go back through Denholme, which this time round remains by my way for much longer than usual. My mistake was not, however, as big as Steve's, who stopped at the cafe. Niall had done the sensible thing and phoned mum for a lift home, The Condor had taken himself off onto the lonely heights of some lesser visited dale, leaving Steve to try and fend with the wake of fast disappearing first cats. Hee hee. He eventually did the sensible thing too, and phoned for a lift home. Evidently the mutineers were supposed to have been waiting at the cafe to act as a kind of return home go slow insulation, but for some reason they weren't there. Too dissolute to be let in probably, what with the stains and red neck beards and crap bikes and all.
4:34 PM

2 Feb 09 - Splitting in Settle

The boys in red - Melv, Sean, Niall & Vicar - pressed on ahead while Damien & I mounted a rear-guard action up the climb to Settle from Airton by Scalebar Falls. The front group had already ordered by the time we reached the Naked Man. Still, the snow was holding off and we'd had a relatively easy time in the cold easterly wind so far.

Vicar then took a chance and asked us to hang on for "5 minutes" while he ran a quick errand in Settle. However, it was a tad cold standing outside the cafe and we couldn't hang about for long. As soon as one wheel "pottered on" up the road the rest had to follow, trying desperately to warm up. Even stopping to put a jacket on didn't allow Vicar to catch up, and sadly we then split up and, I suspect, each took of us different routes. Sean had stayed with me but I had to let him go up the road and hopefully meet with his lad in Gargrave. I had a slow & steady ride back alone - and I've rarely been so glad to see Keighley!

Comment from Vicar:

Ian, I was back in less than five minutes but you were gone. I did chase but can only assume I followed a different route because I didn't see any of you guys for the rest of the day. I took the direct route down the A65 then right at Broughton to Gargrave then through Carleton and Cross Hills.

I was surprised to see your car at Keighley but even more surprised, as I was loading my bike in to my car, to see Sean (without his lad) come past me heading towards Halifax. Sean was a good 2mph faster than me out of Airton to Settle so he should have arrived at Denholme, I would guess, 20 mins to half an hour before me- there must be a story there.

I seemed to come back pretty fresh all things considered but that may be more perception rather than reality (nobody half wheeling me, able to go at my own pace etc etc). It may also have something to do with my eating strategy; lots of energy bars, gels, a bacon sandwich and cake. Hope to see you next SundayRichard
2:12 PM

Johnny Perry said...
Sounds good, I see Vicar's been up to his dissapearing tricks again! My bike's now been rebuilt with shiny shim sham parts (thanks Ian!) so i should be out riding again as soon as this snow stops!
5:23 PM

Club Dinner 31 Jan 09

The Condors were a bit thin on the ground at the club dinner but many visiting friends from the Imps, West Pennine, VS cycles and the CTC ensured we had a good do. Thanks again to Paul Gower for organising and he deservedly took home "Club Person of the Year" trophy. I'll do a full report and maybe even some minutes of the AGM soon.

Silverdale this Sunday?

We're meeting at Denholme again this Sunday (1 Feb). I don't know if it's too early in the year for Silverdale but as we're meeting a little earlier this week (9am) I guess it would be feasible. Any opinions?

Route for Sunday 18th

We're setting off from Denholme Gate this week. Could I suggest Arncliffe via Kilnsey, return via Malham Cafe then home? Any other suggestions or variations?

Grimpy does it again (and again)!

First off we have a report of John's success winning his age in the North of England Championships held at Hetton Lyons Country Park on 3 January 2009.
Then it was another victory last Saturday 10 Jan 09 at Peel Park in Bradford taking first 65+ in the National Championships. Brilliant! Gower and Brian were there for support and to cheer him on.
I wonder if we can get the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships 2009 live on BBC Grandstand? It is the same day as the club dinner - 31 Jan - so John may have make a difficult choice which to attend.