Last Sunday

Turnout was down to six; in fact when I first looked out of the window on Sunday morning, saw it was pouring down and then received a text from Simon giving his apologies due to illness I could have been tempted to stay dry and warm myself. However as Big Phil was calling en route to Denholmgate I donned my cycling kit plus my winter weight rain jacket and was somewhat surprised when opening the garage door I was met with blue skies and even a weak sun. Things were looking up, Phil told me he was not feeling all that great himself so that gave me another boost so, after removing my rain jacket, we were away, battling strong gusty winds over to Keighley collecting Richard on the way. After collecting Mel, Chris and Mr Oakworth (I'm sorry to be so rude but I don't know your name), we had a free ride on the Paul Milnes train towards Skipton. I was feeling very happy, almost effortlessly gliding along behind a large group being towed into a stiff headwind.   

However Melvin's legs were becoming twitchy, he just couldn't cope with an easy ride so we turned left at Vietnam Bridge and fought the winds ourselves through Carleton, Broughton and Bank Newton. We then proceeded in a southerly direction passing through Horton, Barnoldswick and past Fanny Greys to Barrowford, where, much to Richards delight and relief, we took elevenses at the Heritage Centre (note to Ian - you need to be there before 11 to have bacon included - we had failed by minutes and the boss would not deviate - rules are rules - having said that I must add that it is a good cafe).
Once fed and watered we followed Mel on a direct route through Colne, up Church Clough to Coldwell and  over Widdop and a refreshment break at Heptonstall.
Not a drop of rain all day, reasonable temperatures and a good route made me wonder why I'd ever contemplated going back to bed.

 Next Sunday Chris and I have signed up for the Winter Solstice Audax - I understand that entries have now closed so if you haven't got your entry in its too late.

Sunday 9th Decmber

A good turn out last Sunday so we'll stick with the same formula - 9am Denholmgate/9.30 Keighley.  Think we will decide on a destination at the meet depending on weather and road conditions.

Trevor Lever

I think I have been in denial after Paul advised me about the accident last Friday, indeed I had to ring him again on Saturday to enquire if he was sure it was true? Normally we fall off and survive unfortunately Trevor didn’t.

It was an honour to know Trevor, a guy who never said a wrong word about anyone, who worked tirelessly for his community, club and his company. I met him through his son Michael on those early Monday mountain bike runs and later on the Thursday social runs. He then disappeared for a while due as I recall with back trouble. However over the last few years, as he’s been gradually winding down from his Avocet business he became fitter and more active. Indeed this summer you will recall he cycled with Doreen on the tandum all the way from southern France to the UK.  

Trevor was a delight to be with having the unusual ability to communicate easily with everyone he met. He was someone who just got stuck in, typical was his outstanding contribution to the Condor Cross events. I recall it was the first event we ran at Rastrick High School, himself and Michael decided that part of the course in particular the start area was overgrown so on the Saturday before the event they arrived with a mobile lawn mower to bring the course to almost cricket pitch standards.

It was this attention to detail that always impressed everyone. For years he handled the cross signing on, he was so precise, for example at the end of the event I got the prize envelopes and the cash account -done. Likewise he always attended the club a.g.m. and organised the agenda and the subsequent report in his own amicable style.

We live in a world of politics, false promises and excuses galore however every so often someone transends this crap and stands out- yes you can do it and keep promises. That for me was Trevor who will sadly be missed by everyone he touched. Like Peter said our hearts go out to Doreen, Michael and the Family.

Trevor

Condor Road Club members will be all too aware of the sudden and tragic death last Thursday night of our long standing member, friend and former president, Trevor Lever.

Trevor at last years Wednesday Club Christmas 'Do'

After his usual Thursday evening ride with the Imps/Condor Social run Trevor was with a small group riding down Godley Lane on his way home when he lost control and fell from his machine, losing conciousness when hitting the ground. He was taken to hospital but staff were unable to save his life.
I have spoken to many Condors since this terrible incident and our hearts go out to Doreen, Michael and all the family.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 12th December at 12.45pm at Park Wood, Elland, HX5 9HZ

Condor in Cycling Weekly Kevin Brown

Bike Bums roadside repairs no.2 / Sunday 2nd December

(Bike Bums roadside repairs 1)

A massive turn-out of 18 were on hand this Wednesday to offer advice to John, when he was the less than proud owner of the 3rd split rim in recent weeks - the common thread appears to be that you have to be a member or former member of the Halifax Imperial Wheelers and the split must occur when at the furthest point from home. 

All three split rims have been successfully bodged up using zip ties and the unlucky riders have managed to ride home - the morel of the story being, always put some zip ties in your saddle bag (or check your rims).

Sunday 2nd December   May I suggest another attempt at last weeks aborted route over to Barrowford for breakfast and back via The Old Silent.    9am Denholmgate or 9.30 Skipton Road roundabout, Keighley. 

Sunday Cycling With GPS Data

GRIMPY WINS ANOTHER JERSEY

Grimpy's trip down to Warwickshire last Saturday was rewarded with another jersey to add to his collection of National and World Champions garments, that of the LVRC over 70's National Cyclo Cross Champion. I understand that it was not easy conditions. Much of the course was in deep mud, with a 100yds steep run up each lap — the descents were really tricky, with riders sliding all over the place, but with out any form of accident, such was the skill shown by some of the most experienced riders in the sport.

John took the title from former multi national and world champion Mick Ives. A great confidence booster as January approaches, when he will be crossing the Atlantic to defend his World Championship title in the USA.

As John was basking in glory in the Midlands a small group of us were battling the winds and squally showers nearer to home. The planned route over Sutton Moor was cancelled and a lower level alternative was chosen. We were joined by Paul Milnes and Des Fretwell up the Aire Valley and over to  Cracoe where we turned right towards Thorpe with the intention of visiting Burnsall Cafe. However Des informed us that the Burnsall staff are taking their winter break so we did a left at Thorpe and made our way to Hebden via Grassington.

An excellent alternative choice, we were warmly received and fed with as good a bacon, sausage and egg sandwich as you are likely to get anywhere. I cannot deny that it was a wrench to leave the establishment but the weather was taking a turn for the better as we made our way down Wharfedale through Appletreewick to Bolton Abbey where, with the temperature rising and the sun attempting to push its way through the clouds we stopped to remove outer shells. It was straight home from there, over Cringles and down to Silsden where Mel took a left to practice his hill climbing on the Robin Hood. With Mel gone some of us may thought that we were going to have a nice steady ride back through Keighley but Chris had other ideas as he came to the front talking lovingly about his new 55 tooth chainwheel - how good it must feel to be young.

Sunday 25th November

Same again - 9am Denholmgate/9.30 Keighley - back via Herders and Old Silent as suggested by Mel - can I suggest a loop round Keighley Tarn, Sutton Moor with a cafe stop at the Heritage Centre, Barrowford.

Addingham to Flasby Fell

Condors with The Falcon

It seems the mention of a pint attracts a good turnout.

Mick Collins, Mark and a friend from the 3RT club joined Pete H, Pete S, Everest Phil, Padiham Chris and Simon- a late arrival due to Pete H sabotaging his new bike the previous night. (After helpfully replacing Simon's  compact chainset for a standard 39/53 Pete left the front changer in the same position to ensure it ground away on the chainwheel and kept Simon's enthusiasm in check.)

After roadside repairs and 2 punctures we had a leisurely breakfast at Airton. With the late Autumn sun shining on the limestone landscape we didn't feel a need to rush.

A pint of Timothy Taylors finest at The Falcon Inn at Arncliffe was the reward for the lung-rasping climb over the Cove and Darnbrook. Settled by the fire Pete H was transported back to the seventies, the last time he visited, and little has changed except, as Pete reminded me, I am old enough to drink legally.

We dragged ourselves away after 3 pints as some people were a long way from home (Mirfield and Padiham !) and so we engaged a more 'urgent' pace down the main road to Skipton causing some stretching of the elastic on the numerous undulations. Padiham Chris finally lost permanent contact leaving Skipton and texted Peter later to apologise for this shocking display of weakness for which he was duly forgiven. (only because he has to leave home soon after 7.00AM to join our rides).

A grand day out.

NEXT SUNDAY - I could consult my 'Good Beer Guide' or suggest a route bringing us back via the Herders and The Old Silent at Stanbury which is always agreeable at this time of year.

Sunday 18th November

Simon and I were very lucky with the weather at the 'Eureka' audax last Sunday, just 20 mins drizzle in the early morning and blue skies for the rest of the day for our 133.8 miles circuit of Greater Manchester, the Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire.
May I suggest a shorter ride this Sunday; meeting 9am Denholmgate/9.30 Keighley for Airton cafe (I've heard a rumor that if you get there before 11am you're now allowed to have an egg in your bacon buttie). It's  a good forecast so I thought we could return via Malham and Darnbrook and perhaps sample a pint of gravity delivered draught at the Falcon at Arncliffe - yes, I think that sounds like a good idea!

Sunday 11th November

Good turn out last Sunday, Grimpy, Pete Smith, Robin, Ian, Mel, Richard, Padiham Chris and a guy from Oakworth. We took a left in Silsden and followed the back roads over Draughton Moor but were greeted by icy surfices down the other side. We then took the scenic route over to Barden via Embsey and Eastby Brow, again being greeted by ice over the summit - far too early in the winter for ice and salt - some are still riding their best bikes - or is that a new winter bike Richard?
On through Appletreewick to Burnsall only to  find that the cafe was already bursting at the seams. Deciding against queuing for a table to become vacant we made our way via Thorpe to Cracoe where there was ample room in the farm shop cafe. Once refreshed we headed for home through Gargrave, Elslack, Cowling and Oakworth saying goodbye to the majority of the peloton at various road junctions as members sought out speedier (and flatter) routes home.

This Sunday myself and Simon, plus possibly Pete Smith and Mel (although they may have changed their minds due to missing the closing date) are riding the 'Eureka' audax from Cheadle out to the Wirral, south across the Dee and round the back of Chester and Wrexham returning through the Cheshire plains.

Sunday 4th November

Meet Denholmgate 9am or Keighley roundabout 9.30 for Burnsall cafe via Silsdon, Draughton and Eastby Brow.   Return Thorpe, Gargrave, Elslack, Cowling and Slippery Ford.

Condo Cross

Many thanks to the great response and support from the condor and imps, I hope I can recall everyone, Trevor, Pete H, Adrian, Brian, Simon, Sandy, Peeps, Pete S, PG, Steve, John, Kevin, John P, JD and Gordan, along with Imps stars, Hoppy, Richard and Texan hatman Dave.

No major incidents, weather well some rain, ground soft/muddy just minor tumbles no reported injuries, considering many stars were at the rapha event our entries were similar to last year’s with 68 U12’s and 88 Vets. Everyone got stuck in erecting/dismantling the course, marshalling and signing on. Plus we were able to witness when time allowed amazing signing on tent erecting scenes (yes its goes this way, no it doesn’t and so on-I propose back to the scout camp venue?)

Plus the kind assistance from YCCA members, Phil Thackary, Norra , Fred Rothwell & Clare. The only negative aspect was complaints to me from the parks dept. concern dogs getting muddy in the main field due to the ground being cut up? I explained that normally the ground returns to its normal state soon? staying cool - you can't win them all. 

Anyway Well Done
Posted by Grimpy

Road Tricks

Impressive stuff.  Perhaps Ian's off-road technique could be improved by riding his Pinerello ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZmJtYaUTa0

Johnny Berry

Sadly I must report that our old club mate John Berry died last Friday, in hospital, in Huddersfield. John, who was 79, had not been in good health for a couple of years and had been living in sheltered accommodation in Elland. He had been admitted to hospital a week earlier suffering with shingles, pneumonia  was given as the cause of death. The funeral will be at Park Wood, 11.15am Tuesday the 6th of November.

John joined the Condor Road Club in 1950, shortly after the formation and is easily recognisable in the above photo taken at the 1952 club dinner at the Royal Hotel, Brighouse (top right, stood behind Gordon Turner). I first knew John in the early 70's as a regular on club runs and and a reliable helper at CRC races and time trials. His bikes were always immaculate and frequently replaced (most of Tony Parrish's stable being originally owned by John). His racing career was more or less over in the 70's but I do have a vivid recollection of John riding the Otley 12 hour on the 12th of September 1976. It was a pig of a day, trees were being blown down and roads were being blocked and it was also the coldest September day that I can remember. Of the 94 entries only 28 finished the event (even B.Sunter was dnf!), one of the finishers being, of course, John, who just missed being third counter in the winning Condor RC team by 1.6 miles to Allen Cooke. I remember John telling me months later that he was still unable to fully open his hands, not having recovered movement after 12 hours clenching the handlebars - happy days - R.I.P.

Don't forget - 8am Sunday morning at the car park by the ford at Welholme Park for course construction.

Worried about missing my Sunday miles I've arranged to have a potter up to Kettlewell with Big Phil on Saturday morning. If anyone fancies coming along we should be passing through Denholmegate at 9am.

Punishment Park
Superb weather for our trip to the Peaks last Sunday. A small but select group met at Brighouse and went to  Glossop via Holme Moss. After the cafe stop Brian and Richard headed for home whilst Pete Smith, Simon and myself headed over the Snake and down to Ladybower marvelling at the views as the miles passed effortlessly beneath our wheels. It was then everyone's favourite road, The Strines, as far as Lansett where we celebrated the social season by having another cafe stop before returning to Calderdale via Farnley Tyas and Almondbury.

Anyone looking for motivation to keep the pedals turning as the weather turns colder and the evenings darker should consider coming with us to ride the Eureka 200k Audax on 11th of November - enter on-line -
 http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/12-609/

Condor Cyclo Cross

CONDOR CYCLO CROSS EVENT WELLHOLME PARK

Its our cross this Sunday 28^th October, we need your help to make it a success, please see notes from Trevor and my News stuff sent to Halifax Courier & the Echo below. I have hopefully sorted, parking which will be in works car park as last year, showers available at Brighouse sports centre (still awaiting confirmation), I have a meeting with parks dept. tomorrow to sort out course and hopefully toilets. We also have a coffee van which will hopefully be at the bottom end of the main field. Phill Thackery is also coming at 8.00 to no doubt sort the field route (as last year) whilst we concentrate on the hillside and the viaduct top. Fred Rothwell advises me that he will bring the prepared start sheets and numbers.  

         Trevor’s notes

John described the course which will be at Wellholme Park, Brighouse. Two course building teams will be required on Sunday morning at 08.00.Team Leaders will be John and Peter.

We need as many members as possible to turn up on Sunday morning for course building and of these at least 6 will be required for marshal duties. John asked that all available members contact him very soon to confirm their attendance. Full details of the event available from John.He will also confirm if Swimming Pool facilities are available for showering/toilets  and also if we can use the Bowling Green toilets .Trevor will organise the “signing on” and supply tent, tables and chairs.

PR

A cyclo cross event his being run by the local Condor Road Club this Sunday (28^th October) under British Cycling regulations & rules.

Cyclo Cross events are off road cycle events run over varied terrain (grassland/tracks), mainly rideable but with some dismounts over circuits of 2 to 4Km in length ( shorter for U12’s), duration 15 to 60mins + 1 lap. They require fitness and bike handling skills. Unlike our Olympic and Tour De France stars, UK riders are not among the world elite as the sport is dominated by Belgium super stars such as Sven Nys and Neil Albert (each said to get £10K per race appearance), but this may change if as rumoured the sport becomes an Olympic winter event. The circuits are marked out with poles and plastic tape, riders are timed with seperate events for U12’s, Youths, Vets/Woman & Seniors/Juniors. Yorkshire events this season have seen increased fields of over 100 riders particular in the veteran races attracting riders from all over the north England.

Entry is on the line, participants need a british cycling racing licence or alternatively pay a supplement to the entry fee. U12’s entry is only £1 with no supplement, they ride a short  course on the main flat field. Normally subject to entries 3 races are held for girls and boys U12’s, U10,s and U8’s. In these age groups because of the flat terrain any bike can be used, so bring your children along and try to be at wellhome park around 45mins before the start time to sign on and practice.  

The wellholme park circuit is a Yorkshire series event and the course users the rear field beyond the stream, the wood hillside and the old railway embankment. One steep climb which has around  a 40% gradient goes up the central wooded hillside, watch out for ex national champion Chris Young who was the only rider  to ride all the way to the top on each lap in last years event.

Event start times and approx. race durations are:

10.30 Youths  duration 30mins

11.30 under 12s, U10 & U8’s duration approx.  15mins

12.30 Veterans/Woman  duration 40 mins

14.00 Senior/Junior  duration 60 mins.

Why not watch the events FOC to see the skill and speed of top uk riders.

We request dogs are keep on leads, any more information can be obtained by contacting the organisor John Ginley on 01274 601567, Email johnginley@btinternet.com . You can also check the

British Cycling web site under Cyclo Cross and events. 

 

Updates

Thanks to John Sutcliffe for the below Seasons of Mists photos

Great day out at the Season of Mists and good to see so many Condors at this Audax. There were about 120 riders at the start of the 100k route so I decided that the best plan was to get to the front as soon as possible and avoid getting balked by the masses.

I got through Heptonstall well placed but at the top of the cobbles a small group including Mel, Graeme Brown and VS's Chris and Alex were forging ahead, Robin almost missed the boat and did well to jump across. I was joined in the second group by, among others, Simon, Pete Smith, Chris Sylge, Dan from Pedalsport, Hebden Bridge butcher Dave Woodhead and Martin from VS. We picked up Pete Whiteley, who I presume had been spat out of the back of the leading group, just after Blackshaw Head and were making good progress round Burnley and up to Fence. On the Ridge just before Sabden Chris punctured so Simon and I waited in case he had problems. As we were changing the inner tube Peeps, Brian and Ian passed by followed by Hoppy who was riding with a Greetland fell runner.

 Once moving again we collected Hoppy at the start of the Nick o' Pendle climb and came across Brian, Peeps and Ian just before Clitheroe where Brian was struggling to sort a stiff link. From there we rode on together to the Waddington control where Pete Smith was waiting to join us.
From Waddington I had the dubious pleasure of riding with Peeps on the front of our grupetto over the long steady climb over Newton Fell. I hadn't been aware at the time but Ian went off the back followed by Brian who was having one of his very rare off days (the previous weeks de-training tour had obviously done what it says on the box).
The rest of us rode together through Slaidburn and Grindleton to the cafe at Downham where we found Brian. He declined to break bread with us and set off alone over Pendle where I understand he caught Ian. We loitered at the cafe enjoying the autumn sunshine and drinking tea and thinking how lucky we were to be enjoying such a great ride on such a perfect day.

Once refreshed we made short work of the hills over to Roughlee and Nelson being re-united with Ian at the Coldwell Tearoom check, Brian having ridden on alone. Riding up the Widdop climb from Thursden we were careful spread across the road hoping for a good team photo but unfortunately the mists had played havoc with camera sensors and many of the days photos were spoilt (luckily for Brian whom I understand was clicked walking this hill). Thanks once again to Chris Crossland and his team from CTC Calderdale.

AGM.

Not a massive turn out for the AGM but there wasn't a lot to discuss. Ian has stood down from his position as Secretary and I've stepped into his shoes as he takes over the reins as Club President. The Club Dinner will be at Bailiff Bridge Community Centre once again but note a change from the usual date. In 2013 it will be held on the 1st Saturday of February - a week later than usual - more details to follow.

Condor Cross

The Cross will be at Welholme Park again on Sunday 28th October. Helpers required. More details to follow.

Sunday 21st Oct

We're riding south for a change this Sunday, meeting 9am, Brighouse (bottom Hudds Rd) for Glossop and the Snake.

Spadgers Memorial Ride 2012

Season of Mists lived up to its name this year with inversions spreading out beneath us as we climbed up to the Causeway, the group thinning more rapidly than my hair, ending up withe seven of us who dipped and dug our way over the Lancashire fells without pause and much idle banter ... Graeme took the place of Alex this year as the group's 'blow up', though he made it to Colden before his legs gave up responding to his head,  I nearly echoed the condition on the very last rise near Blake Dean as Melvin and Chris put the foot on the pedal, yet, I hung on, anxious to get back for what, in the end, this ride is all about ....  the rice pudding ..... Ta to Chris et al., as ever, for organising

Contact details

The organisers of the Dave Rayner Dinner are trying to contact a couple of regulars, David and Angela Lomax. Would anyone know them and have a phone number? If so could you let me know?

Cheers, Sean

A few photos and a ramble

Numbers were depleted for this weeks Wednesday ride due to many being away on the Autumn De-Training Tour - although I've heard from one source that it was the toughest training he'd done all year. 

The 6 of who were there decided to head south in search of the sun - a good decision as it turned out, we had a dry day whilst I have seen reports of there having been heavy rain further north. We went over Emley Moor and did a loop round Ingbirchworth Windmills and Harden Clough before taking lunch at Holmfirth. 

 After lunch Steve, Peeps and I went searching the more remote areas of Kirklees looking for a suitable venue for this years Wednesday Club Christmas Dinner. Peeps may have had to wear out some shoe leather pursuing this quest but we did come across a sleepy little real ale pub on the border with Calderdale, The Rose & Crown at Cop Hill, who have kindly agreed to cook up the traditional Fayre on Wednesday 19th December. There's more room than last year so everyone who wants to come should be able to be accommodated.  Its 3 courses plus coffee and mince pies and costs £16.50 and according to Dave Saleem is a very good meal and good value. Let me know if you want a place reserving - I've promised to let them have final numbers early December. I'm wanting £6.50 deposit which should make collecting the balance on the day easy.

Just for those who hadn't already heard - the new section of the Great Northern Trail is now open, linking the Queensbury section to the Thornton bit.

Well done for surviving the wait and watch at Three Peaks those that made it ... I reckon that was harder than riding it in the weather we had. At least I had some rocky distractions to take my mind off the driving rain. I have to admit to not acknowledging anyone on the course other than Jamie (the cockeeneeey up from t'south wondering what all this northern fuss was about). It was maybe all that grass and moss I had in my ears from repeated failures to bunny hop the bog streams, and Jamie was only noticed because I knew he had a packet of jelly babies on him, and I was hallucinating food at the time. He gave me a handful at Ribblehead but ever desirous of more I stopped and knicked the whole family bag off him. I was then able to dispense these both to myself up Pen Y Ghent and others equally buggered, who on being told where they came from thanked Jamie for his nearly saintly existence, which is putting a little strong, given his tendency for mild deviance, but then saints were once sinners, so this could indeed have been the watershed moment for his goodness to have come through and bathe his life entire. Meantime, I was just bathing in peaty water. The start at Gill Garth began with a large puddle into which, all around, riders were having a dip. I had backed off a bit having had need of a slug of Ventalin - the wheezy cyclist's friend - so was able to take in the carnage without too much risk of being forced in there with them. The slope up Ingleborough was as lofted as ever, one guy I saw face plant on the very steep stuff and slide down on said face, bike pinning him to the turf for at least ten yards. Cold Coats found me breathing more easily and into a fairly steady rhythm, the rain not really allowing much else, and so the ride unfolded slowly; heavy going and soggy skin found me wanting food where usually I don't, though i'd no need of drink, the gods providing that form of bounty with divine largesse. Up Whernside was just steps steps steps, followed by the tricksy decent off Blea Moor that always provides some 'header' entertainment. There was a goodly crowd at Ribblehead in spite of the rain, all hollering and rattling their bells, which was good to hear albeit distantly (ears still full). Road to Horton was a right slog in the wind, but lightened by the sight of some old boy handing out what looked like Mars Bars from his front garden. And just for some symmetry the ride ended with another whopping puddle at bottom of Pen Y Ghent, which cleaned the bottom half of the bike-body ensemble rather nicely keeping my hairy legs camera friendly for the ascent. Saw Grimpy on way down, but he was wearing some bespoke kit I think, so the recognition was not instant, is this available to all of us I wonder? Finished 89th in 4.19 which for me felt fine. Next year of course ill be there, right? Season of Mists tomorrow I think.

More 3 Peaks

Hats off to all 3 Peaks riders last Sunday, just to get round was a great achievement. I was pleased to see that Grimpy got the over 70's title but goodness knows how he must have been feeling setting off on the Autumn Tour the following morning. I rode up there with Melvin and the VS lads and took a bit of a hammering going off the back on the climbs, grovelling to get back on and then repeating the process several times. After an early lunch at Feizor Cafe we went up to Horton to spectate, the weather conditions up there varied between heavy rain and very heavy rain. Mel and the VS's retired to the Helwith Bridge Inn whilst I stayed in Horton getting wetter and colder. A couple of fellow spectators, Paul Daly and Dale Goodwin both offered me lifts home and I was sorely tempted but resisted. On my return to Helwith Bridge the others were just setting off back and I said my goodbyes as they glided off into the distance on the hill over to Stainforth.
By Settle I had warmed up again and with a tail wind I took the Attermire road over to Airton and down to Gargrave.  Suspecting that the usual route home through Broughton and Carleton may be flooded I made my way through Skipton and came across Mel and the lads just joining the main road at the Cononley junction. I wasn't with them long though, going off the back on that Hors Cat climb past Airedale Hospital.
I know how relieved Robin, Adrian and John must have felt at the finish of the Peaks - I was feeling pretty much the same on getting back to Hipperholme.
Hope to see a good turnout at the Season of Mists on Sunday.

Condor Road Club: Three Peaks 2012

Condor Road Club: Three Peaks 2012

Three Peaks 2012

Congratulations to Robin, (4h 16m)  John (5h 47m) and Adrian (5h 29m) for finishing this year's Three Peaks.

My name was on the start sheet but I was struck down with the lurgy and so I followed the race from under a quilt using the SportEvent Live Event Monitor that gave me 'real time' information of when each of our riders reached the top  and the bottom of each peak.

Most of the times look slow this year with the exception of the winner Rob Jebb who finished with an amazingly fast time of 3hours 9mins

Sunday 30th September 2012

8.30 am Denholmgate / 8.40 Crossroads (top of Ingrow) to cheer our riders on in the 3 Peaks CycloX.
Route Oakworth, Laneshaw Bridge, Fanny Grey's, Paythorne and Feizor Cafe.

Weekend Report

SUNTER WINS NATIONAL CHAMPS

Congratulations to Brian who yesterday won the veterans national 50miles time trial championship on a course in South Wales.
                                __________________________________________

Four made today's club run to the Clarion Tea House, a ride up the Heptonstall cobbles soon warmed us up and a tail wind ensured that we had a fast ride over the Long Causway and through to Fence, we were at the tea house well before 11 o'clock enjoying pint mugs of tea.

Being young Simon had been able to plan ahead and had some nice squashed sandwiches in his back pocket, Ian and Steve had not managed to plan so far in advance and looked rather crestfallen when they were unable to purchase bacon butties, fortunately I found 2 pork pies in my saddlebag and shared them with my 2 hungry clubmates - an action I was later to regret (the energy from the pies went straight to their legs).  That well known Glaswegian, Hardeep Singh Kohli was at the premises together with a Radio 4 recording team interviewing a couple of veteran cyclists and walkers for a show that to be broadcast I know not when - we were advised several times that we had to keep quiet or we would spoil the recording but it was very difficult to obey so after a photo call we left, but not before the chap who makes the tea gave me the above enamel brooch which has now taken pride of place in my badge cabinet - you should have seen the jealous look on Ians face.  We came home via Roughlee, Colne, Winewall and the Herders stopping off at the Bay Horse at Oxenhope to look at dirty mountain bikers who were finishing the Hospice MTB Challenge. We were expecting to see Grimpy who had planned to use the event to add the finishing touches to his 3 Peaks preparation but he'd given it a miss as he's been down with a cold. We did find Richard though who was bemoaning the fact that a certain top 100 place had been lost due to a navigational error but once he'd had a pint of bitter he looked happy again, telling us about the new racing bike he's ordered (far superior to Damian's I am led to believe). Richard had also ridden last weeks Holme Valley MTB Challenge finishing 48th out of 288 and appeared far happier with his form than he has been all summer - good luck in next weeks 3 Peaks.

NOTICE OF AGM
The AGM is to be held at 8pm Wednesday 10th October at the Cat I'th Well pub, Wainstalls HX2 7TR. Please make every effort to attend and tell other Condors whom you may chance upon over the next couple of weeks.