Nine at usual, nine thirty Keighley roundabout ... Ian is still on his winter bike on account of the Pinarello being outed as an object of 'style over function' ... so its hard and fast on the lightest bikes you've got ............................................................................................................................................................................................PeteH writes - I'll have to give my apol's for tomorrow but want to advise you all about Wednesday evening - Mick Collins and his mates have organised a ride in celebration of The Tour of Flanders - its 6.45 for 7pm outside the Ritz in Brighouse. You will have guessed that the ride takes in several of the local cobbled climbs and finishes with chilli rice & chips at the Clough House at the top of Rastrick. Retro kit is the order of the day (but not compulsory). All Condors are invited - they had a similar event last year which I understand was very popular. ps. if you want to order supper let me know and I will contact organiser

Whilst the traditionalist, stiff backs were venting themselves hard on yet another ride through Keighley and into the Dales, the Condor Off-Road Club (Luddenden Valley Section) took to the rich tracery of dry trails round 'ere abouts Hebden Bridge way, weaving in and out of this and that: sheep, hippies, ramblers, sheep, gates, sheep.

First insight of the day went to Nigel who observed how, when riding dry trails, the stones appeared looser, nay they became errant, dangerous libertarians, freesayers, Levellers, who without notice to their betters would simply jump up from the ground and irritate the steady, patrician, well-appointed rider from atop his hiearchy, with neither by-your-leave nor tugged forelock. So it is not only sticks that the cautious cyclist must watch for, but stones as well. We hastened to some tarmac round Widdop (as in pic) for respite.

Second insight to Ian, who noted how a mental image (in this case the bacon and egg barm held on promise at Heptonstall) can grow without conscious control, first in content (in this case to include sausage), then in size (to become really quite large, perhaps preluded by some cake), until finally becoming the only object of concern to a knackered mind (when riding up to Mays at the end of a long long stretch the barm had become to all intents and purposes a direct equivalent to the entire world).

Last insight is mine, commenting that the less you think the better you ride ... don't aim, don't steer, don't look at obstacles ... it was mentioned that if thoughtlessness was a qualification for riding well I should be just fine

So we went on, all of us that little bit more intelligent ... or less, maybe

Faizor Sunday 27th March

Pretty darned good day in the Dales; Yorkshire, particularly North Yorkshire on a bright spring day truly is ‘God’s own County’ I joined the three Petes, Stu originally from Bristol, Melvyn, Mick Collins, and Single Simon (sorry Simon don’t know your second name) at Keighley, we then proceeded through Gargrave and Airton towards the promise of bacon sausage and egg sandwiches at the intriguingly named hamlet of Faizor. We had Paul G and Paul H for company until Skipton and Brain until Airton where he turned. We then made our way through Malham up west of the Cove and over to Silverdale where we turned left and dropped down in to Stainforth. At this point we lost Simon who had to return home alone, single speed when he shipped his chain and managed to bend his rear mech hanger Faizor for those not in the know is about three miles north west of Settle at the end of a no through road, it might accurately be described as off the beaten track; little wonder then that this was the first visit for all except Pete H. We approached using a short cut over a rough track and dropped in to the village; the café and the staff exceeded expectations.

As we sat outdoors taking in the heat of the early spring sun life was good; so good indeed that we found it difficult to leave, however after Pete H and Mick had fortified themselves with apple crumble (who would have thought it on a bike ride) we readied ourselves for the journey home. As ever, for me, it was a battle for survival; I believe our route was through Wigglesworth and Paythorne however by the time we reached Gisburn I was ready for my own company and my own pace so I headed towards Skipton on the A59 whilst the bulk of the ride made their way home through Laneshaw Bridge and over Herders. Melvyn returned in the same direction as me but I didn’t see too much of him after the first couple of hundred yards; he did look round to see where I was at the top of the first drag but I waved on his way and thankfully he got the message. Postscript: Pete H had suggested that his route home might be quicker and he might well have been right. As I approached Queensbury having stowed my bike in my car at Denholme I noticed Pete H and Pete (?) ahead of me; unfortunately I was unable to berate them for riding two abreast as they took a left fork before I caught them - bugger! PS I believe Pete has some photo's that he plans to upload

PeteH writes - What we didn't know was that PaulG had punctured on that pothole on the Gargrave road, the one that most of us hit whilst we were in a lineout behind Mel. Fortunatly Paul Hickey was more observant and stopped with Paul whilst repairs were made, they then made their way to Airton cafe.

After the cafe stop we had made our way to Wigglesworth not by the convensional route but by a scenic tour of Rome, Wham, Hesley & Long Gill - about 9 miles of singletrack, gated roads - not one motor vehicle seen.

After Richard and Mel abandoned us for the joys of the A59 we made our way via Barnoldswick to Kelbrook. I could see that the boys were getting bored with fast smooth roads so we took to the back lanes again and went to Laneshaw Bridge over the hills and through the 50yard ford by the golf course. Stu from Bristol (AKA Stu from Hebden Bridge) had been strong all day but was now feeling the distance and dropped off the back. Pete Smith suddenly remembered that he needed some speed work prior to pinning a number on next weekend (the first time for over 25 years) so he went for the Herders prime.

We regrouped at the top and pottered on to Stanbury expecting Stu to catch up - he failed to appear, Pete W volunteered to wait.

Great route, excellent cafe, good weather - halcyon days.

Sunday 27th Reminder

Its back to 9am Denholmgate or 9.30 at Keighley roundabout tomorrow with the intention of lunching at Feizor.
Don't forget that clocks go forward tonight.

Race Report

Whilst most of us were enjoying a springtime saunter around and about Bowland and Glasson Docks the hard men were down in Leicestershire riding the LVRC Fleche Waltonne road race. You probably won't be surprised to hear that Brian and Grimpy were 1st & 2nd in their age group. Brian tells me he almost missed the break which went on the first of five 10 mile laps. He was daydreaming at the back of the peloton and didn't see 5 riders clip off the front. However once he realised what was happening he bridged the gap alone - he was the only 'F' category rider in the break. Grimpy won the sprint from the chasing group making it a one/two for the boys in blue.

Just a reminder - Spring into the Dales - Sunday 17th April

If you fancy a change of scenery before the Dales I thought I might ride the Sheffrec Full Monty 200k on 10th April, its a circuit of the Peak District from Malin Bridge, north of Sheffield.
There's also a couple of 100k Audax's from Marple on Weds 13th.

Red Rose Ride

Sunday sermon was again taken from the book of Audax and a congregation of almost 60 riders departed the aptly named 'Oddfellows' Rooms in Halifax to seek the light (the light being the Lantern O'er Lune Cafe in Glasson Dock).

Fine weather the day before had tempted several of us onto our best bikes and we were quietly optimistic, setting off in cold but dry conditions although a chance of rain was forecast for the far West, however a headwind slog over Cowling was rewarded with heavy drizzle at Laneshaw Bridge which was to stay with us till the afternoon - the stuff that its not worth cape-ing up for but you slowly get drenched and filthy.

A front group of 10 or so arrived at Whalley Abbey where J Kaye elected to attend matins and a few others took bread. In the Condor style we 'pushed on' with Pete H, Neil, Mick Collins, Pete W and Simon who was suffering the penance of riding a single freewheel.

After a good pace over the Trough we were soon heading across the flats into Glasson where Pete H unwittingly inspired a 'Cafe Charge' but unfortunately the tide was in and being unable to part the waters we had to splash through 10 inches of flooding to add to our discomfort, Neil panicking that it may be salt water, set to attack his beloved Orbea.

Re-charged with chips and beans etc. we headed back discovering that the expected tail wind was now a persistent Southerley, nagging and chilling us, but by Whalley the roads had dried and with the scent of home the pace was lifted, enough to eject Pete H at Read.

Pete W then did some good work on the front which he spoiled at Rose Grove by sprinting through an amber light, despite shouts of protest, and leaving the rest of us waiting on red. Clearly this act could not go unpunished and an angry Neil charged off in pursuit banishing Single Simon to complete the ride alone. Pete W was reeled in as we started the descent to Cliviger and left on the front until he was tired enough to be dropped. Mick C's good pace down to Tod ensured Pete couldn't get back on and with a rejuvinated Neil we clattered down the Calder Valley on a road which must be up for the countrys' worst road award.

Back to the Oddfellows' just after 4.00 to the welcome baking and sandwiches of those CTC ladies, and the ceremonious breaking of the skin on a rather fine home made rice pudding.

Hear endeth Sundays lesson. Praise be to Chris Crossland and his team.

NEXT WEEK Pete H would like to share the delights of Feizor, near Settle with us.
The usual Denholme 9.00/ Keighley 9.30 - but don't forget the clocks change !

Updates

14 turned up at Shelf Roundabout for the Wednesday run, we skirted Bradford via Undercliffe and Eccleshill to Baildon Bottom then went to Otley via Esholt and on up Wharfedale to lunch at Cavendish in the company of Super Sid, his Endura team and other assorted British Pro's. After lunch we headed on the back road to Barden and Appletreewick where Peeps treated us to an impromptu demonstration of common mistakes made when repairing a broken chain.

After Burnsall and Linton it was full speed ahead back to the damp, cold fog of Calderdale.

Brian kicked off his racing season last Saturday in the North Mids VTTA 18km time trial. He's been grumbling for weeks trying to convince us all that he isn't going well but still managed 2nd place on standard, only 4 seconds off the win in a field of 83 finishers (if he isn't going well how must the 81 he beat be feeling?)

At the moment its a good forecast for Sunday's Red Rose Ride - 8am at The Oddfellows Rooms, Coleridge Street, Halifax.

Loops photo's

These are the photo's that should have appeared on the Todmorden Loops report

Todmorden Loops, 13th March

What a great day we had on Sunday, 1st class venues and catering and a route that enhanced appreciation of the aforesaid facilities. About 70 indecently cheerful cyclists met at St Mary's Church Crypt, Todmorden for a pre-ride breakfast including coffee & croissant's a' la T de F all kindly prepared by Danial Webb who was organising this Grimpeur Audax under the auspices of the Condor Road Club.

0900 hrs and it was straight in to one of the hardest climbs of the day, Up Doghouse Lane towards Sourhall. The double chevrons on the map should have warned riders what to expect but many appeared to be taken by surprise coming to a dead stop in the narrow lane requiring those behind to do likewise. Paul and Lumby had both ridden up in recent weeks whilst on recce's but both were forced to walk on the day. Mel and Chris Taylor were the 1st to the top closely followed by Pete Whiteley and Nigel. After taking a few photo's I began my pursuit over Crown Point, Deerplay & Sharneyford to the Lumbutts Church control where hot drinks. cakes and banana's were supplied. To my surprise the leading riders were still there, 'Oh no,' I thought, 'I hope they're not going to make me ride with them!' My fears were soon dispelled when Mel, Chris & Pete set off. Nigel & Peeps waited for me to finish my drinks and together with Emily, a track racing. time trialling triathlete from the Waterfoot branch of Manchester Wheelers we made up a sociable quartet for the remainder of the event.

The next major climb was from Hebden Bridge past Dodnaze to Mt. Skip. From there it was on to Midgely, down to Mytholmroyd and up Crag Vale in to a head wind. Although it had been rather cold and wet at the start we now had clear blue skies, sunshine and magnificent views to take our minds off the hard road ahead. Down to Littleborough and back to Lumbutts Church for more refreshments. Mel & Chris had left but Pete was still there; he had been dropped up Dodnaze and had spent the rest of the 2nd loop trying but failing to make contact and had now decided to call it a day; try as we might we could not dissuade him. I had 2 mugs of tea to wash down several home baked cakes and had just decided to try the coffee and ginger cake next when Emily instructed us that it was time to go. As always we did as we were told and set off down Lumbutts Clough and up to Cross Stone Church. Now it had been a long time since I had been on that road from Cross Stone to Great Rock and the sight of the climb ahead left me whimpering. 'Its not as bad as it looks,' said Nigel - he later apologised for misleading us.

The rest of the route didn't seem too bad after what had gone before - Blackshaw Head - Widdop - Worsthorne and a tail wind to help us over Long Causway (although it did appear to be helping Peeps more than the rest of us - good job he didn't know where he was going). Down through Cross Stone and back to St Mary's Crypt for a 5 star lunch. Mel and Chris had been back ¾ hour (1st back of course although I probably shouldn't mention that, it being a non-competitive event). Paul, John & JK came in about hour later - I'm sure it was a day that will be referred to many times over the coming months, enjoyed by all, thanks once again to Danial and his team.

Don't know whats happened to the photo's - I'll try again later.

Sunday March 6th

A return to meeting at Denholme 9.00 & Keighley 9.30 was suggested for tomorrow.
Slaidburn was mentioned.

Janice - Thanks

Oh this is a first but thanks Ian for inviting me on as I just want to say thanks to all in the Condor who sent their good wishes home with David on Sunday and also for the posting on here because that's where most seem to have found out the news about me.

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

Imps Reliability

It seems to fall on me again, as the Condor correspondent from the 'front' line - well not quite the front. That position was taken by better men than me for most of the ride - mainly Sean.
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

Condor Road Club: Sunday 27th Feb

Condor Road Club: Sunday 27th Feb

Sunday 27th Feb

Anything planned for tomorrow?

Missed a few Sundays and a few Wednesdays and I'm beginning to forget what you guys look like.

Janice

For the information of all her friends in the Condor, Janice was the victim of a hit & run driver on Burdock Way last Sunday. She suffered fractures to the pelvis, she is home now but as been told that it will be very painful for quite some time and she expects to be out of action for at least 3 months.
On behalf of all of us we wish you a speedy recovery.

Rites of Passage

The recent enthusiasm shown for the North West Passage was well and truly dampened by Saturdays early snowfall, of which Calderdale seemed to get more than its share, resulting in me being the sole Condor in the company of a strong VS showing of Dwarty, Chris, Andy M, Andy R, Dougie and Martin Croft. Clearly Condors choose to nest at higher altitudes.
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.

Me? Struggling? Well it was soooooo bad that I was dropped on the Old Road and suffered the ignominy of being offered a gel to get me back home which was all downhill. It started out well enough, rain with no prospect of relief, a head-down pull through Skipton then Grassington and before you know it you are in Lyttondale and there is no going back other than over the top to Settle. The way back was wetter if that is possible, a contributing headwind, long turns on the front gradually got shorter, until I couldn't make any gesture to such by Keighley. Ingrow grew as it went on, as it can do from time to time, then the slope up to windmills not only grew but steepened. It seemed to make sense to go up it a bit like a tractor ploughing a sloping field, only there is a point to ploughing a field, and I did not have much in the way of a point in mind when i was trying to go up the hill. I have not ridden since. Even today I took one look at the snow and went back to bed. Neil the Indomitable no doubt went to the start and rode, maybe The Condor too. Nigel the Baster I know did not, maybe sympathising with my wasted reputation he too stayed back at home this morning rather than enter The Passage. Besides, he will have had some marinade to rub into something. For those that did not ride today anything doing tomorrow. I am going out in the cold fog, maybe to repeat the ploughing up Bowland Knots or some such, accompanied by the calling of a murder of crows.

Sat 19th North West Passage

A late reminder to anybody up for a challenge on Saturday, the NW passage audax (210k) starts at 08.00 hrs and the mini one at 09.00 from the Spring Inn, Rochdale.
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.

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?

A few more photos

What's doin' tomorrow? Up and over some fell or 'ought. Silverdale maybe, so Keighley roundabout at 9.30? I thought I should check. Last week the prospect of trying to ride in the wind with a bunch of hung over roadies weaving themselves from nowhere to nowhere found me reaching for the real bike and taking to the hills. Met a bunch of off-cumdens from London Dynamo (a behemoth of a club renowned for clogging up Richmond Park and wearing aloofness like a pair of well polished epaulettes) who were far too quick to allow me to meander. I took them along Steve's path through the slate quarries by Ogden just so I could get a rest. They were very polite about having to ply through northern bog in the midst of a hoolie, maybe they enjoyed it.

Windsday Run

This test post is to say I am now 'tooled up' for blogging and in a position to respond to any future comments from Mr. Horne (see Waddington Report).

Yesterday was an unholy battle with the wind with several riders decided to abort before Scammonden (and no Pete - I wasn't on the front!) - and respect to the brave V.S. guys who continued over the Isle of Skye.

Ian didn't mention that himself, Nige, Neil and me returned to The Works for a very civilised 'Full Works' breakfast ! We did decline the ale though.

message to "Stu"

Hi Stu

Thanks for your comment.

Yes, that's fine, give me a call 07966713158 if you need more info. Keighley is probably best for you.

I think the blog may have mentioned, just once or twice, that we do tend to stop in a cafe mid-ride. Its the only reason I go out on my bike.

Ian

Hello

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

Late notice Sunday 6 Feb - 10am at Brighouse

Sorry for the last-minute change of plan, but the weather and the late night at the club dinner forced a re-think.

The wind definitely won today. I was beaten. Flattened. Blown over.

The 9 miles from Elland to top of Buckstones took well over an hour. And that's with the luxury of having a wheel to follow including, at least twice, a helpful push from a stronger rider to shove me back into the safety of the mother ship. We turned for home in Denshaw over windy hill. Going down under the motorway I glanced down at my computer. 51.8 mph it read, and I was now just about going the same speed as the wind ...

Condor Dinner

I've been asked to remind members attending tomorrows club dinner to bring something along for the raffle

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.

Waddington Report

A very good turn out yesterday, several new faces in the bunch including Holme Valley champion Steve Robinson; a rather fast looking guy with a VS top on, I hadn't met him before but I think he is called Andy (apols if I've got that wrong), and a recent immigrant to Calderdale, Stuart Harper. Not having been out with us previously Stuart had been concerned about whether he was up to the pace but he looked comfortable all morning. We went the planned route to Waddington. Pete Whiteley broke his chain at Broughton so we had a welcome rest whilst he got his hands mucky - I was tempted to potter on a bit by myself at this point but Neil pointed out the error of my ways - I was cursing him half an hour or so later as I was struggling to keep on the back of the bunch up those long, straight, gradual inclines before the descent to Bolton by Bowland - why is it that every time Mel goes to the front my legs and lungs hurt - it wasn't like that 35 years ago -mind you he didn't ride club runs on Ksyrium ES's back then, that must be the reason. Due to having to be home early we said goodbye to Grimpy, Dougie, Chris Brown and VS Andy before lunch.

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.

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.

Worlds masters cyclo cross zilvermeer- mol

A report from the man himself....................................................................................

Finished 4th again, worse still again behind Vic Barnett who was 3rd. On the positive side I felt I wasn't running on empty (I finally managed to train hard for 3 weeks and even race 3 times). 1st was a big dutchman Theo Broere followed by a little belgium Romhan Boelens ( new guys to me)
The course was great a lot different than previous years due I guess to new UCI rules and site alterations, not quite Alton Towers on sand but great fun.
The secret is to accept some sections you just can't ride others you have to hit slow and then push through the sand in a big gear. The rest is hard pack forest land fast (big ring) with great cambers, some hand built wide steps interwound with tarmac and a man made jump. Just got to mind the pine trees?
I again had a poor start, my fault couldn't get my jacket off at the start line over my dam gloves reminds me off some guy with no key for his lock?
Off course a BC official is helping Vic I look at him requesting assistance and he ignored me?
noted
international star?, still I pay my fees?
By the time we get out of first sand section I am 6th, move up to 5th then take half a lap to get past a french guy. I can see the first three but thats it i can't get nearer, no excuses i'm going ok and get better each lap thro the sand passing lots of younger females who started earlier nice views although no takers?

On sunday I went to the world cup meeting at Hoogerhieme in NL
No UK juniors, Helen Wyman was 3rd on the grid finishing 8th.
The elites race was amazing, incidently all the top guys use shimano electronic gears, got to be good to work ok in cross? The course was 3Km, includes starting & finishing on a flyover some serious mud and they were still lapping in around 6mins
Neil Albert won

23 Jan - Farne Hill takes no prisoners

Hi Richard. Thanks for the write-up. Glad to hear you had an OK ride in the end.

The right turn from the A629 goes to Farnehill, which was a new route for me, but Andy Marshall assured us that he knew the way. We passed a few pleasant houses then turned up a decidedly unpleasant hill. It was a bit of a shock after the flat stuff and had several people on the ropes immediately. A crest and a right turn let most of us rejoin the troop, but our Condor team-mate wasn't to be seen and was eventually left for dead by the lead riders. I'll not say who gave the deciding shout, but sadly I won't ever be in a position to return the favour and leave him behind.

It must have been a while since Andy was last up here, but we followed his lead onto a super-smooth back road. The tarmac was enticingly perfect, but the road was a dead end. Maybe the top brass in the Aire valley road repair dept lives here? So after struggling up we freewheeled back down and then followed signposts to Draughton, getting us back to the familiar route across the Cringles. Then to Halton East and, staying on the back roads, through Appletreewick to Burnsall (cafe too busy; Andy turned here) and over Thorpe.

We were a long time in Cracoe cafe (as Robin predicted - he set off straight home), but I was glad of my "cyclists special" when it eventually came. By the way, searching for "Jacksons of Cracoe" provided this image of a full breakfast - recorded by some Japanese traveller. And we think their food is strange ... what would you make of this if your main diet until then had been rice, sushi, veg and healthy noodles!

That just left a familiar route home and, surprisingly, I was still in contact in Keighley. Some temporary lights on Ingrow must've upset Nige and he launched a stinging (but inevitably short-lived) attack along the pavement. That encouraged a split, with me now tapping out a steady rhythm in a rearguard posse along with Neil and ChrisT (not sure why he was back here, something about a dodgy knee I think).

Well Waddington has been mentioned again for next week. Usual starting point - 9am Denholme and 9:30 in Keighley.

Club meeting this week Jan 26th - let me know if you want pie & peas ordering.

Works dinner - menu choices to Paul G as soon as you can please.