A few familiar faces on the above photo at start line with Simon yesterday evening, Pinkie & Mick Collins to his right. The race was won by Halifax's Jack Clarkson who now rides for the Hope Factory Team. Whilst Simon hasn't yet repeated his win from several weeks ago he's happy with his progress - he's a busy life, racing again on Saturday at Blackpool then helping with the marshaling at the Imps LVRC race on Sunday. Simon's sons Adam and Nathan, riding for Kirklees Cycling Acadamy are picking up 1st's and high placings every week in the schoolboys category's - Nathan being ranked 7th Nationally in his age group.
I havn't seen Pete Smith's name in the results for a few weeks but I see Brian has been trying out his new time trial bike with a 1st on standard in a 25 in the North East a few weeks ago and a 27mph+ 10 miler on a Hull course last week. Brian and Grimpy travelled down to Staffordshire last Sunday to ride the first round of the LVRC Percy Stallard National Road Race Series, Brian taking 3rd in his age group in a bunch sprint with Grimpy finishing in the same group but insisting he was just making the numbers up as he recovers from a dose of man flu.

Thanks to Robin for the Spring into the Dales report - I can't believe he wrote it - I could understand it! - it has been suggested someone must have hacked in to his blogger account. The Condor had another good turn out in the event (the lure of the rice pudding?) with Paul Gower, Paul Priestley, Richard Burnham, Pete Whiteley, John Lumb, Chris Sylge and Adrian Lord being seen enjoying the sunshine and views as well as those mentioned in Robins report.

Spring into the Dales

The sun, and a few legs were out, the wind cold, the pace up Cock Hill moderate, then it started to ramp up a little behind a Star Wheeler turning a big gear. Danny started to moan - he moans every year about how unfit he is, and always seems to be there abouts at the end - but the Star Wheeler stopped wheeling at the top, leaving us to get on with it with a thinned out group. Those with thinning hair were left to work on the front whilst the young un's tucked in, poor dears, a bit early for them possibly. Over The Herders, past the first checkpoint and on towards Gargrave we were going well en masse until some man-woman assemblage in a Ford Focus decided to try and drive through us. Mustering a primitive instinctual spasm worthy of the backward primal swamp of which they might be, say, middle-ranking occupants, said drivers (the passenger was very vocal and involved, shouting something loud, repeatedly, about being in the way and their having a baby) decided, because there was no room either side and they were not about to be held up at a junction by flocking cyclists, that there was, however, a route straight on, if they could only manage to knock one of cyclists out of the way, which they duly did, finding one of the rock racing guys the most viable option. Amid ensuing shouts and frayed tempers we all felt a bit down; it put a right dampner on things, bloody cars. Thankfully not hurt, but his rear wheel punctured/buckled, he and his mates sorted through the niceties of accident aftermath. We hung on about ten minutes not really knowing what to do other than hanging about in witness sympathy, then said our goodbyes and went on with the second group who'd caught us by this time.

After Gargrave we let Pete Horne do a bit of pulling as he seemed to want to be at the front, after having done his usual pottering on and seemingly still unable to understand that he is better off waiting and riding in a group. The Condor in him is too strong for mere reason to find a grip. Tiring of following Pete, and he just tiring, we left him over the hidden back roads to Thorpe and rolled breezily through Appletreewick, Bardon Tower, Bolton Abbey and then past the family farm and gated road on up and over the steep climbs to Grafton and the top of Cringles. It was about here that I noticed Mick Collins was still in the group, having been strangely absent at the front all day, perhaps hiding his glamorous brown tights and matching brown kepi because he did not want to show the rest of us scruffy buggers up, what with looking both really really cool AND being at the front pulling us all along, we could not have psychologically managed with both, so he gallantly stayed at the back. Yes, it must have been that. He took a long 30 second turn going onto Keighley, before dropping back to help Danny, who still seemed to be hurting from his initial effort up Cock Hill, but who also still seemed to be with us. Up Ingrow it started to heat up with Melvin showing off his form and the rest of us hanging on. By Cock Hill we'd lost the guy from Halifax with the very natty bike (sorry, crap at names) and Danny had finally had enough, and then me and my legs just stopped by the first set of roadworks despite my not working all that hard, then the Murt Racing lad from Haworth who'd been doing more than his share all day, and Lo! Mick decided he had been gallant enough in hiding his tights under a bushel at the rear of the bunch, and so now felt able to try and keep with Melvin (which he did, after Melvin waited a bit) and then push on for home. So order back was Melvin, Mick, Murt and then Me ... but they let me break the skin of the rice pudding.

Thanks Chris and co. for organising the event so well once again, especially those who cook (and we noticed the welcome bread pudding addition this year), and I hope the guys in rock racing kit got back/round OK

Robin

Sunday 15th / Monday 16th

Don't forget, Spring into the Dales, this Sunday, 0900hrs Hebden Bridge.

Now the evenings are staying lighter longer we are starting a Monday evening sociable mountain bike ride meeting at Salterhebble locks (in an attempt to attract those who can't find Brighouse). 6.30 start and its planned to have the innaugural ride round Norland Moor and Stainland. There's 4 or 5 already signed up, all are welcome - be there.

Wednesday 11th April

Attention Wednesday Club riders - this Wednesday a group of our regulars will be riding the 'An Icecream Wensdae' 100k Audax from Marple around the Cheshire lanes. It had been intended to recruit more riders for this event on last weeks Weds ride but the weather put paid to that so if you fancy riding it contact Peeps or Paul Hickey for details.

There's also a mini Ronde van Calderdale leaving the Ritz, Brighouse, 7pm.

Easter Sunday

Denholmgate 8.30 for anyone not on Easter duties - I'm hoping to have a steady ride to Feizor, perhaps via Malham and Stainforth.

PeteH says: Myself, Steve Cavell, Damian & Pete W set off from Denholmegate. Steve turned at Skipton, Pete & Damian then commenced a private half wheeling competition on the road to Gargrave - I say it must have been their own private competition because they left me. Unfortunately Pete must have been going so fast that he missed the turning for Malham. To my surprise Damian was sat waiting for me so we pottered up to Malham expecting Pete realise his error and catch us up. Alas this was not to be - the parachute must have failed to open and we didn't see him again. This appeared to have a calming effect on Damian who in the main rode sensibly except for brief episodes where, for no apparent reason, and without warning, he put the hammer down. Knowing Damian quite well I just ignored his antics, eventually he disclosed that he's found a website called Strava where he uploads his Garmin details and compares times on certain sections of roads (usually climbs) with other like minded cyclists - nothing like a relaxing ride in the Dales to de-stress.
From Malham we went up the east side of the Cove then on to Darnbrook and Arncliffe stopping at Cracoe for bacon and sausage sandwiches (crispy bacon and 4 sausages - very good). Just over 80 miles and home in time to watch a magnificent Paris-Roubaix.

Don't forget, Spring into the Dales, Sunday 15th April.
Imps LVRC road race Sunday 22nd
Red Rose Ride Sunday 29th - both Audax's can be pre entered on-line.

From the Broom Wagon - Ronde Update

Pete asked for my report - well pretty uneventful, realised I had no chance of staying with the group as we hit the climb from Colne Bridge to Bradley Bar so I dropped back and linked up with the last group on the road, David and Trevor,

We made slow but steady progress and managed to ride all the climbs until the Shibden Wall; David made it up, Trevor and I didn't. The stop and the refreshments at Ploughcroft provided a natural break and the opportunity for me to turn and make my way back to Roberttown.

All in all an enjoyable day, more enjoyable, for sure, than my first Fell Race yesterday, the "Bunny Run" at Howarth - that's another story entirely and probably not for this blog....

Cavell - I'm looking for you!

Ronde Report

A glorious if chilly morning for a very challenging ride. I hear that some members headed for Slaidburn instead of venturing to parts unknown. Peter was always up for the cobbles and the' Vicar' even put in an appearance as well as Neil.
Mick Collins' excellent route took in many roads I knew, some I didn't, and a few I don't want to know !
The long drag from Cooper Bridge to Outlane was taken by the group of 20 or so at a speed the wrong side of ''comfortable' and when we hit the first cobbled 'burg' at Stainland Dean the more youthful legs were dancing away from me. We re-grouped with about a dozen of us for a steady ride up to Buckstones but Sean joined us at Pole Moor and a new urgency seemed to join with him as we charged down through Slaithwaite and up the cobbles to Salendine Nook.

From Brighouse I was on more familiar, but no less painful roads. By the Hough the zip had left most legs and 'Shibden Wall' was no fun at all. More welcome was Mick and the team at the top with drinks and bananas.
After the feed a few riders headed home, and after Gibb Lane up to Mount Tabor a few more wished they had joined them. Down to Luddenden and then the realisation that I hadn't really examined the route as the route signs sent us up the almost impossible Old Lane (the provision of a hand rail says it all). At least the organising 'tifosi' were at the top shouting encouragement.
You know it's a tough day when the Jowler seems like a breather. Brother Nige appeared to offer encouragement, or was it pity ? We were now down to six riders over the Haworth Old Road and Cockhill to pick up a welcome tailwind down the Calder Valley. Up the cobbles again at Woodhouse Lane and another surprise as we were directed up Wakefield Gate. After Exley bank only (!!) Trooper Lane left to conquer and with some vocal encouragement from Mick and the team we were there - Paul Ward taking the honours with Eric close behind.
A very satisfying day out. Thanks go to Mick and his helpers for a well organised day, a pity more riders didn't turn up for our own 'classic'.

PeteH says - An epic route, 'the hardest day I've ever had on a bike' was how Neil described the route and I'm not going to argue. Fortunately Mick and his team looked after us very well and are already planning next years 'Ronde'.

We were expecting a larger flock of Condors - perhaps I shouldn't have blogged the route! As Mel says above it was the wrong side of comfortable going up the drag to Fixby. I was riding with Simon and told him that I was going to have to let moto 1 go or there was no way I would make it round the full course. Fortunately Simon's legs were also hurting (he'd been racing at Darley Moor the previous day) so he dropped off to keep me company as our man for the classics, Mel, and Neil disappeared up the road. Brendon from 3RT and a lad from Tod who in the 80's used to ride for the Imps joined us as we set a more civilised pace.

Dropping down to Stainland Dean we could see that Moto 1 had disintegrated up the first cobbled climb of the day. Our quartet rode out of the top together and as we approached Ringstone Edge I heard a familiar voice sat in behind us, it was Neil who had been blown out of the leading group and missed a turning and was now happy to have found a less urgent grupetto to ride with.

We were having a smashing ride round the quiet lanes of the Colne Valley, that was until we were caught by VS's Chris Thompson who'd also been off course, Chris's presence had us having to work hard again. Our group split, Neil and I begged him to leave us alone but he stayed with us until the first feed station at Ploughcroft where he left with another victim, Ivan Boyes of HSW (nether finished - probably still riding round the upper Calder Valley looking for RVC direction signs).

Shibden Wall had been the defining moment for several RVC riders including Simon and Neil. We made our way towards Gibb Lane but Simon decided to call it a day and Neil was feeling the pull of his nearby home, having ridden out to the start he had no need to go to the finish to pick up his car. He told me he had blown; I pottered on alone, at the top of Gibb Lane I looked back but no one was in sight so I continued to push the pedals round with only myself for company. Luddenden's Old Lane, Jowler, Cock Hill, Woodhouse Lane, Wakefield Gate and Exley Bank came and went. Just Trooper Lane left, I'd managed to get so for without putting a foot down on any of the climbs and with weary determination managed to make it a full house.

Once at Southowram a load was lifted and I felt really good for the ride back to Liversedge.

I hadn't been back long when to my surprise Neil walked in, he'd ridden through his bad patch spurred on by fear of having to tell the Wednesday club he had packed.

I'm not sure what happened to Richard, I was told he retired at Brighouse but the photo above is on Shibden Wall so I look forward to hearing his account.

Thanks to Jonathon Jolly for the photos. A donation will be made when I work what to do.

Ronde van Calderdale 2

Picture shows a young Sean Kelly leading up the climb of Lee Lane, Shibden (christened Shibden Wall for the race) in the 1988 Tour of Britain (think I've got the year right), in third place is eventual stage winner Joey McLoughlin with Chris Walker behind Joey. Thanks to Gordon Turner for the photo.

Further to Ian's note the route for Sunday is :-

Start Spen Valley Sports Centre (parking, changing rooms & showers)/Roberttown/Cooper Bridge/Fixby/Ainley Top/Outlane/Stainland Dene/Krumlin/Buckstones/Pole Moor/Bradshaw/Slaithwaite/Golcar/Salendine Nook/AinleyTop/Brighouse/Brookfoot/Hipperholme/Stump Cross/Northowram/Shibden Wall/Wheatley/Ovenden Wood/Mt Tabor/Luddenden/Booth/Jowler/Wainstalls/Oxenhope/Cock Hill/Old Town/Midgley/Luddenden Foot/Sowerby Bridge/Woodhouse/Wakefield Gate/Salterhebble/Exley Bank/Trooper Lane/Southowram/Brookfoot/Brighouse and back to HQ via Cooper Bridge.

Distance is more like 75 miles than the 90 miles stated.

There will be 2 feed stations on the way round - sounds good value for £3 - with a continuation of the good weather forecast this should be a classic day out.

Note that retro/vintage kit not compulsory (although I do have a few of the retro Condor black & white kit still available at a good price).

Ronde van Calderdale

RVC - Ronde Van Calderdale - 90 mile reliability ride - this Sunday 1st April, 2012
Starts 09:30 from Spen Valley School
According to t'interweb: 

Spen Valley Sports College‎

Roberttown La Liversedge WF15 7LX 01924 325 676 spenvalleysportscollege.co.uk‎

The ride is a local version of the infamous Tour of Flanders and will include numerous cobbled climbs. 
So it also might come to be known as "Mick's cobbled-together ride". 
... RETRO and VINTAGE KIT is the order of the day with a special prize for the best dressed rider.
see http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/335447969840167/
Any further details you need - contact Mick Collins directly on 0787 292 7351 or email collins2802@hotmail.com

MTB Sunday 25 Mar 2012

Meet 09:00 at Co-Op in Hebden Bridge on MTB for fun  in the hills. The clocks go back tonight so that means an early start.

Everest Challenge 2012 - The sound of Music.

Good luck to Phil who left these shores yesterday in what is to be an attempt to become the first Condor Road Club member to conquer Everest. Phil's progress can be followed on /http://everestchallenge2012.co.uk/

Condor RR - Norland Circuit - 26 May 2012

CONDOR ROAD RACE NOTICE:
JOHN GINLEY NEEDS YOUR HELP TO MAKE our LVRC road race a SUCCESS.


Saturday  26 May 2012  - Race starts at 10am prompt
Distance 8 laps (36 miles) round the usual Norland circuit, open to riders 40 age +

Event headquarters: Greetland Community and Sports Association, Rochdale Road, HX4 8JG.

We are looking for help from all Condor club members and any other friends who can kindly spare a couple of hours watching others riders suffer. Meet from 9.00 at Headquarters. 

It’s on a Saturday to avoid missing your Sunday ride/race/sportive, the race will finish before 12.00 noon.

Riders will assemble in the layby opposite Moorcock Inn on Moor Bottom Lane, proceeding westwards to bear left into Butterworth End Lane and up through the finish area at Gallows Pole Hill, proceed to the junction with Rochdale Road (B6113) (4xMarshalls ) where left with care, continue for approx. two miles before turning left (3xM) into Turbury Lane for 1 mile crossing Clough Moor Bridge with care (2xM) and proceeding on Clough Road into Norland Village. Bear left (3xM) onto Moor Bottom Lane for approx 1½ mile to pass through the start and, soon after, the finish area. 

To Marshall the course we need (4 + 3 +2 +3) = 12 in total

In return for your help either free pea & pies or a pint will be supplied, event cars will also have fuel support. Please contact John by email: johnginley@btinternet.com  or home tel:  01274 601567 to advise him what support you can provide whilst cheering on the condor flyers who we are expecting to ride.

NIGEL (Hartley) - I've put in an entry for you already ...

The Imps are also promoting a road race on Sunday 22^nd April same venue/course and they are looking for some support which we hope will be kindly reciprocated at our event - volunteers needed - please contact Sean Smith on 01422 341101. Many Thanks .

Race Round Up

Whilst some of us were enjoying sunshine and temperatures in the teens as we were being hammered up the Nick o' Pendle, the more ambitious members were racing for real.

Grimpy, Pete Smith and Brian had travelled down to Husbands Bosworth to take part in the LVRC road race, the Fleche Waltonne. Whilst Brian was unfortunate to puncture with a lap to go John and Pete battled on through the rain and sleet on muddy single track roads. Three riders were away in what was a successful break with Pete making a lone effort to bridge the gap with 2 or 3 miles to go he had to be satisfied with 4th place - which after last summers serious crash he must have been very pleased with. John, the world masters cyclo-cross champion, took his first road race win of the year in the 'F' category (at this rate his new Willier steed will soon have paid for itself).

Simon Fortune had also made the trip down to the Midlands on Saturday to ride in the Barkston Circuit League near Granthan. He finished feeling frustrated after allowing himself to become boxed in for the gallop and was placed 10th. However his journey was not wasted as his sons, Adam and Nathan, riding for Kirklees Cycling Academy, took 2nd and 1st places respectively in their schoolboy categories.

Sunday 18 March 2012 - "Some mothers do 'ave 'em"

We ignored the potential delights of Mothering Sunday and gathered at the appointed early hour in Hebden Bridge - me, Pete H , Neil, Mr Barker & Robin. Starting with a steady climb up over Long Causeway we followed the route of "seasons of mist" out on the ridge road toward Whalley. I thought an early tea stop was in  order but we continued on to do a loop round skirting Waddington and swiftly through Colne to attack Widdop.




Mr Barker has decreed a plan which involves meeting at half-eight in Hebden Bridge.

From there out to the wild west of Whalley, Downham and back over Widdop. If anyone is keen we can start over long causeway. All welcome.

Ian

Club Run Silverdale

MTB Report - Studley Pike

Well done Simon - we look forward to reading your full write-up soon.

Meanwhile, a small group enjoyed a day on the hills. I met Robin and Steve in Hebden, along with Chris & Graeme (two mates of Robin's and potential Condor recruits). Taking ourselves up to Studley Pike for a play in the rock garden we had a surprisingly dry & clean route covering about 30 miles in total. There are some more pictures here on Flickr, but really the only shot that matters is this one outside the cafe in Heptonstall. Our pleasant rest in the sunshine was as always complimented afterwards by flying down the Blue Pig descent. But the camera was safely stashed in my pack for that bit, plus the others were too far ahead ... Ian.

Fortune wins at Tameside

After being DNF in his first 2 road races Simon today didn't just find his way to the finishing line but sprinted away from the bunch to win in style. What a great achievement for someone who only 2 weeks ago had never raced on a bike ( I'm assured that last years Paris-Brest-Paris was not a race). Congratulations from all Condors, I'm looking forward to hearing a blow by blow account .

Today's Club Run
We eventually made it around the Silverdale route after several postponements due to adverse weather. We were a depleted pack due to the alternative attractions of a mountain bike ride from Hebden Bridge. Myself, Damian, Richard and Pete W battled the headwinds from Denholmgate collecting Nigel at Keighley (yes that's correct, Nigel - I wonder if its now Melvin's turn to go missing for 6 months).
Nigel turned off at Rylstone leaving the four of us to fight the winds in the hope that once we turned up the Silverdale road from Halton Gill we would pick up a bit of tail, but that wasn't to be as the breeze funnelled down towards us between Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent.
The road from Stainforth; sun, clear blue skies and tail wind made all the effort worthwhile. Predictably on the 1st sunny Sunday of the year, Settle was packed to capacity so someone came up with the bright idea of going down to Hellifield Station where we were assured the cafe is always fairly quiet (or so he said). Anyway I was wrong the station cafe was full with a Harley-Davison motor cycle convention and the staff (all one of him) was moments away from a heart attack. Now in desperate need of a cup of tea we made our way to the Dalesman at Gargrave via Bell Busk - success at last - cholesterol butties and tea - just the job after 60 odd miles without a break.
From Gargrave home we had the usual burn up with Pete W, recently returned from a weeks training block in Tenerife, again inflicting pain on us mere mortals (there is speculation that his fat rear hub hides an electric motor not a power meter). 92 miles @ just over 17mph.

Sunday 11th March

I'm not going to suggest Silverdale for tomorrow in case I put a curse on the weather - we'll keep it to 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley and take it from there.

MTB alternative option - 9am from Co-op car park in Hebden Bridge - give me a ring/text if you are thinking of coming. Route will involve going 'over the hills and far away'. And a cafe stop, hopefully. Ian.

RVC - Ronde Van Calderdale - 90 mile reliability ride

RVC - Ronde Van Calderdale - 90 mile reliability ride - 1st April, 2012
A 90 mile reliability trial starting from Spen Valley school on the 1st April. Its a local version of the infamous Tour of Flanders and will include numerous cobbled climbs. Route will be fully sign posted but you will also be given a route sheet.
Certificates at the end for various finishing times.
Hopefully one or two feed stations but this will be confirmed later.
... RETRO and VINTAGE KIT is the order of the day with a special prize for the best dressed rider. Check out the pictures from last yrs event for inspiration
Price to enter will be £3.00
Start time will be between 9.30AM
Money raised will go to Kirklees Cycling Academy.
This is a ride using open roads and the highway code must be followed at all times


http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/335447969840167/
Any further details you need - PLEASE could you contact Mick Collins directly on 0787 292 7351 or email collins2802@hotmail.com ***AFTER 8TH MARCH***
Best wishes
and good luck to all who attempt it

Sunday 4th March

After two hectic weekends its back to usual tomorrow, 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley for a hopefully steadier ride into the Dales - suggest perhaps Halton Gill and Silverdale or if the weathers not too good we can turn left at Arncliffe and go over Darnbrook to Malham.

Didn't do either of the above routes - weather not so good and I was suffering from a cold. I met Melv on the way down to Keighley but by that time I'd decided to get home for lunch so I left Mel at Skipton and he disappeared up on the Grassington Road with Chris Young and some lads in BC Talent Team tops and came home via Bolton Abbey and Otley. It was 2° and sleeting, there were numerous cyclists out in Wharfedale and I was amazed to see many wearing shorts and track mitts - they must be 'ard.
PeteH 5/3/12

New club clothing order has arrived, Steve Cavell and I have been out all morning making deliveries from my saddlebag but I need a rest now so if you want to arrange to collect yours give me a call on 07649821349 or 01422 205547. Note that I have got a bit extra for stock so give me a call even if you didn't order but have now decided you need something.

Reliability Ride 2012 - Thank you

On behalf of John and myself thank you for supporting what has now become known as 'JK's Early Season Reliability Ride '

I thought John had been kind in his route plan this year - but i'm getting snippets now that it was not so.
As I drove over to Keighley early afternoon I did see a few 'pained' faces at various stages of the Ingrow.

At least compared to the NWP the weather was kind to you

Also thank you to some of you for spreading the word to other clubs as I'm sure I was taking entry fees from members of 'clubs' that I don't have a contact for.

We had a record 92 entries who paid the entry to start out on their chosen distance and only a few didn't see it through to the end!

Best wishes
Janice

Halifax Imps Reliability Rides

As can be seen from Zappers video there was a good turn out at the Ritz for yesterdays Imps Reliability Rides. 92 riders including current GB internationals turned up on a dull but mild February morning and paid their £2 for the privilege of riding either the 82 mile or the 62 mile routes.
We were led out of Brighouse towards Bradford by the Condor's World 'X Champ, Grimpy and Condor's VTTA British record holder, Brian. The routes split at Bankfoot, the long route turning left along Bradfords ring road and up Thornton Road eventually fragmenting on the Dog & Gun road from Denholme to Oxenhope. Whilst we did re-group briefly splits occurred again over Penistone Hill and there appeared to be an unspoken understanding amongst most of the Condors that we would stick together as Moto 2.
Melv and Robin had gone on ahead with the lead group (although Robin soon decided that discretion would be the better part of valour and waited for us over the Herders). By Laneshaw Bridge we had a good little group including Brian, Neil, Robin, Pete Smith, Simon (who had made his road racing debut the previous day at the Velo 29 Pursuit Series on the Croft Circuit in North Yorks - and he says he enjoyed it!). Somewhere over the exposed moors we had lost Grimpy and Ian - we took it steady up Emmot Lane but seeing no sign of them we pressed on towards Colne Edge. Knowing the next significant land mark was Fanny Greys we went up to Foulridge and left onto the Fanny Greys road. Moto 1 had taken a more circuitous route - we had in fact taken over a kilometre off their route and were now in front of them, they caught up as we approached the A59 north of Barnoldswick, our comfortable world was shattered and it was back to sprinting up hills and fighting for space as we passed through Horton and north through Nappa towards Hellifield.
I was riding with Robin about 18 or 20 back from the 'tete de la course' who were rather too focused on keeping the speed high and missed the right turn to Hellifield, Robin and I being the first to turn we of course found ourselves leading the peloton so we had a good dig over to Otterburn and Airton. the bunch split again towards Winterburn and Hetton where our gruppetto of mainly Condor's re-formed stopping at Cracoe Cafe for a well earned snack (although Brian and Neil decided to press on without a break).
Whilst at the cafe Ian and Grimpy turned up - Grimpy rode straight past, Ian came in the cafe but decided not to continue with us so it was me, Pete S, Robin, Simon and Brenden from 3RT who continued the route through Linton and Grassington eventually teaming up with John at Hebden.
Appletreewick, Barden, Bolton Bridge and Addingham passed swiftly beneith our wheels. The route then took us over Cringles where we were priveledged to witness Robin having a bad day (sorry Robin - did'nt know you'd gone till well down the other side). On the road to Keighley Simon set a brisk pace but the previous days racing caught up with him as we hit Ingrow. I went to the front to keep the pace steady, Grimpy shouted to me that the group was splitting so I slowed - at which point he charged past me so Pete an I sat on him till he blew.
Our remaining trio pottered on towards the finish at the Pinebury catching several Condors nearing the end of the shorter route, Doreen valiantly pushing Trevor from the rear of their tandem and Paul G sprinting out of the saddle up the Keelam climb the smell of Black Sheep bitter already fortifying him.
An enjoyable hour or so re-hydrating and chatting ended a great day out - many thanks to the Imps John Kaye and Janice Saleem for organising the ride.
PeteH
ps I heard a rumour that Melvin blew - is this true?

Mel says -
It is true !! I blew big time after spending most of the day outside my comfort zone and, as Uncle Neil keeps reminding me, not eating enough. My first cereal bar went under the following pack when I dropped it and the second bar had no effect on me, neither did a gel consumed at Addingham. I had been shot out on the drag from Winterburn - got back at Cracoe then out again from Hebden! Moto 1 then went the back way via the Cavendish so I got back to them at Bolton Bridge - only to decide on the Cringles that I didn't want to be there and dropped off again! By now I was light headed and needed to stop at the Co-op in Denholme for a sugar fix - and I wasn't alone! A much harder day than it should have been, but then this ride usually is !By Mel on Halifax Imps Reliability Rides on 28/02/12

Sunday 26th Feb

JK has devised a new routes for this Sundays Halifax Imps Reliability Rides - just over 80 miles for the longer ride and 20 miles or so less on the shorter route.
Signing on is 8.45am outside the Ritz in Brighouse for both events (£2, please have correct change). Both finish at the Pinebury, Queensbury.

North West Passage - High Winds & Hailstones

There will be a tale to tell from each rider of this fine day out. My version has some highs and some lows, through the dark satanic hills of post-industrial Lancashire, some "gentle breezes" and a "light shower" just for good measure.

Leaving home I thought twice about my jacket. The glowing dawn sky promised a bright day ahead. But it was lying. I'd seen the forecast and threw a cape in the car. Chatter at the start still debated the merits of pocketing vs donning rainwear as the first drops started to fall. By 8am it was mildly damp. By Todmorden it was torrential. By Blacko the bucket-sized raindrops were bouncing back up to handlebar height. I decided that a jacket was probably a good idea after all.

Through all this, Pete Horne, who had grabbed the head of the peleton leaving Rochdale,  held grimly to that position for mile after mile until Gisburn, thankfully keeping VS Chris and others off the front and holding the pace to a manageable level. That all changed when "The Condor" forced his way forward after finally losing patience with a fluorescent pannier frame. He spread his wings to rid the flock of this irritant, and swiftly dumped Neil out the back on a series of little rises.

Now I was wavering between "uncomfortable" and "into the red" at this point, using well-rehearsed survival tricks to slip a few lengths back on each of the ups and regaining contact on the downs. The thing is, Neil is one of my riding heros, and he's been going very well recently, including nursing me home at the end of a recent club run. So if he is in trouble, I'm probably pushing too hard, considering the length of the ride, and it would be prudent to ease off & save something for later. Plus, if I slip back too, then maybe the message will go forward that the pace is just that smidgeon too hard.  

It didn't work. There was just me, Neil, and some wolves. It was a long, exposed 5 miles to Settle. I got my head down and dragged the Imp along. Maybe it was penance for the things I'd said earlier about his racing cape looking like a diaphanous negligee (see photo for details - I think an "empire waist" will be making a comeback soon for many professional cyclists, it seems so ordinary now to have the elastic around the hem of your jacket rather than round your lower chest).

At Settle we wrung water out of gloves and, letting the faster lads bugger off, formed 'Moto 2' to tackle Buck Haw Brow at a steady pace. Robin emerged from the pack, now minus his purple hooded anorak (yet another eccentric sartorial statement), to start our group over the next 20 miles to Kirby Lonsdale. We cheerily waved to the fast lads as we swept past them - they had stopped at the side of the road to admire Sean's broken chain and chat to the friendly locals in a white van who seemed to have a problem with dozens of cyclists being on the A65. Which gets us to the butty van for a welcome hot cup of tea - in the sunshine - while it was now Brian's turn to get busy with a chain tool.

[Sorry - these are the most boring photos ever on our blog. And the lads don't look happy do they?]

The scenery gets a little better in the Lune valley, even if we were now into the teeth of the wind. Sensibly hidden about 4 or 5 wheels from the front I was surprised when the VS crew suddenly, at a pre-arranged signal of "broken spoke", pulled off the road and left me unexpectedly exposed. There was no avoiding it and a pull had to be done, but thankfully not for long. It took a long time to remove a layer at the first set of lights we came to, they turned green, and now I was returned safely to the back of the pack.

Which was a mistake. Apparently a criterium had been organised through Lancaster town centre and being on the back gave the full concertina effect of sharp braking and hard accelerations, followed by a 25mph charge out of town on the A6. I'm not sure what we were racing for, but we were going to be there first.

And so to Scorton. The Priory has changed hands and taken against cyclists, so most carried straight on, hoping to catch up with Pete, single Simon and big Phil who had pottered on earlier. They were never to catch them though, because they were in the Barn cafe opposite - with Pete wresting with a super-size portion of soup and a gigantic fruit scone (eyes - belly - slightly hungry?).  At Robin's insistence we loitered for a pot of tea, just to be sociable. I think he's now strongly in favour of multiple cafe stops on each ride.

Which just left Longridge, Blackburn (where I suffered ten minutes of power failure, legs didn't want to turn at all, thankfully solved with a museli bar & a gel - I'm grateful that my companions waited here), Haslingden Moor and Owd Betts. I felt strong on the finish and we were led back without trouble, even if we did have to force Pete to the side of the road in order to let Simon get back on after some lights. The setting sun put out a red glow to highlight Rochdale's many scenic charms, while a black cloud lowered and then threw hail at us in the last 5 minutes to the finish. But we didn't care because we were back, in the pub, 130 miles, and its only February.

Thanks go to Neal Healey & West Pennine for organising and to the Spring Inn for a fine tea at the finish. 

ps Nigel sends his regards. He'd love to come out with us but his bikes all now have a SORN (statutory off-road notice) and he needs to contact DVLA (defunct velocipede licencing agency) ...

Club run sunday 12th february

Thanks to Zapper for the above video - good quality as well - is photography now dead?
In the absence of Robin, Melv and Sean it was a nice steady ride up Wharfedale. I met Ian, Zapper, Pete Smith, Pete Whiteley, Neil and Brian at Denholmgate and we were joined by Steve at Keighley. We had originally been considering Halton Gill and Silverdale but with the temperature at zero and a report of cyclists having to walk 2 miles of the route a few days previously due to ice we decided to continue up Wharfedale, around Buckden triangle and back down to Madame Zarina's at Kettlewell for a bite to eat.
After lunch we headed home down the eastern side of the valley crossing the river at Bolton Abbey and returning to Calderdale over Cringles and Ingrow.
The temperature had improved considerably by mid day (5°) and a brisk pace was maintained.
Unfortunately Pete W felt the need to attack at the start of the Cringles climb just as Ian was beginning to feel the distance (35 miles a week's probably not quite enough preparation). The others chased after him whilst Ian and I took a more leisurely approach.
As Ian and I approached the lights at Steeton they changed to red so we nipped along a couple of back streets to avoid them, blissfully unaware that our club mates were waiting for us at the lights. A tail wind to Keighley helped keep the speed well above evens and we were rolling along nicely as we hit Ingrow.
I was expecting to have sight of our erstwhile colleagues once around Hermit Hole bends and was impressed that their obvious speed had already taken out of sight; that was until Pete W came up alongside me and explained what had happened (I'm ashamed to admit I was not a little amused). We were soon together again and the pace increased as we approached Cross Roads. The tension was intense as we passed the entrance to the tip, Pete W began to pull away from me but was no match for Zapper who went round him 50 metres to the summit to take a fine victory (making it 1 each as I understand Pete W took the Cringles climb).
I guess its all good preparation for next Saturdays North West Passage.
PeteH

Sunday 12th Feb

Robin - we waited till after 9.30 at Keighley - you must have been late - can't think why - surprised you didn't catch us on the road to Cracoe - looking at your miserable photos the weather must have taken a turn for the worse - either that or you need to ditch the phone and get a Lumix FT2 with Leica lens, guaranteed waterproof to 33ft and shockproof to 6.6ft (invaluable on any Condor clubrun).
Neil and I have Silverdale marked in our diary's for tomorrow but that's not written in stone and can be varied depending on the weather - I'm getting tired of having to dodge patches of ice.
Usual time then, 9.00am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley.

Well Pete there were some more of us out on Sunday, we waited at 9.30 at Keighley and nowt were seen of other Condor colours, so Steve and I went our lonely way whilst others stayed in bed, or, as in your case, spent their time taking pictures at the start of the ride rather than actually getting on their bikes in good time. We ended up at Cracoe in the end, after much meandering o'er back roads shrouded in mist. Your pictures look a little brighter than I remember it ... perhaps you have one of those filters on your camera where everything is pumped up to number 11? Or perhaps my phone camera has a melancholic filter, as befits current times, or it was simply compensating the light balance when confronted by the somewhat violent hue of orange being sported by Steve's latest piece of clothing, which somewhat surprisingly has lasted him more than a couple of months without being ripped or doused in Stihl Saw oil. I lost the competition for who can last the longest without complaining of cold hands, weak southerner that I am.

Sunday 5th Feb in pics.

I wasn't really surprised when no one else turned up at Denholmgate yesterday but as the roads were clear, the temperature was okay and no more snow was forecast I decided to have a gentle potter up into the Dales.

I wasn't expecting anyone in Keighley either but was joined by Richard and we agreed that Burnsall Cafe would be a good target to aim for (fast becoming a weekly destination for the Condor).

Not a lot of work had been done on the roads north of Cracoe but we were in no hurry and the snowscapes were more than worth the effort.

Its not often that we are the only cyclists in the Wharfe View on a Sunday morning.

Sunday 5th Feb

9.00 Denholmgate 9.30 Keighley, I was intending to suggest a bit longer ride tomorrow till I looked out of the window - unless there's some improvement it may be no ride at all.

Sunday 29th

And the photo to go with Ian's account of the day:




Taken at the bottom of Eastby Brow, if you look hard enough you'll see Robin making yet another repair to his rapidly disintegrating chain (replacement on it's way yet Robin?)