Sabbath report

A tempest of biblical proportions was raging as I left home for today's club run, if the weather forecast hadn't sounded so confident that after initial rain it would brighten up and the temperatures would soar to 6 or 7 degrees I may have considered giving it a miss. I was sure no one else would venture outdoors in this weather but I was wrong, soon after passing through Queensbury, four VS's, Chris, JD, Eric & Martin came storming past me,  I momentarily caught their rear wheels but couldn't stay the pace and was spat out of the back - being dropped on the way to the start was not the perfect beginning to the day. We all re-grouped at Keighley being joined by Richard, Sean, Mel, Pete W and Oakworth Steve.  Mel was of the same opinion as me, that, considering the encouraging forecast we ought to venture to our stated destination, Burnsall, via Cringles, Kex Gill, West End and Greenhow. I volunteered to lead the Z team whilst the A team shot off up the road without glancing back.  

I'm not sure if it was intended or if he just missed the boat but Richard hung back with me as we watched the fast lads disappear into up the road. We saw in the distance that Steven was being shed from the fast lads peloton as they approached the summit of Cringles and he looked happy to join the Z's on the descent to Addingham, but in truth never really recovered from the trauma that had been inflicted by his earlier efforts.

The three of us kept together over Kex Gill, West End and Greenhow as we were buffeted by high winds and blinded by hail, we even had to work hard going down past Stump Cross Caverns and hit deep water for the 1st time on the road to Hartlington. I was more than happy to reach the cafe at Burnsall where we found the A team tucking into their baked beans. After loitering there some time we made our way back to the security of Calderdale via Thorpe and Gargrave hitting more flooding on the road from Broughton to Carleton - did you return by this route Mel?
78.2 miles at an average speed of 13.2 mph, not very fast was it,  I can assure you we hadn't been taking it easy but we had enjoyed a memorable day out.

Sunday 27th Jan

Usual time, 9am Denholmgate/9.30 Keighley for Burnsall - plenty of route options so we can decide on the day depending on conditions.

Feizor report

I was both surprised and relieved when I looked out this morning and saw that it hadn't frozen overnight, perhaps Feizor was now more of a possibility than it appeared yesterday. I hung around at Denholmgate till a few minutes after the published 9am meet but no one else arrived so I made my way Keighley where I met Mel at the bottom of Ingrow. We noted Padium Chris' bike was resting outside the cafe and pottered on to the roundabout where we were eventually joined by Sean, Simon and the aforementioned Chris, now dangerously re-fueled.

We made our way on the backroads to Broughton and towards Gargrave. Mel, Sean and Chris were keeping 22mph going up the rises, I was found wanting on the first of these rises and watched the above trio disappear into the distance. Simon, perhaps a little hampered by the mountain bike tires on his hybrid bike hung back to keep me company but decided to turn at Gargrave whilst he was still feeling strong - after witnessing his condition in the latter part of last weeks ride I dare not attempt to change his mind.
I made my way to Feizor by riding straight up the A65, not a route I normally take but, alone, with lighter than normal traffic, it proved to be a good choice.
The hard men got to the cafe about 30 minutes later having ridden a somewhat longer and harder route; Airton, Attermire, Settle, Helwith Bridge and Austwick. I quickly finished my sweet course thinking I could sneak off whilst they were still at the trough - trouble is they don't appear to eat much at all and on seeing me make a move they donned helmets and came with me - or to be more precise I sat on their wheels as they did bit and bit, until I finally said goodbye (or would have done if I'd had breath to spare) coming out of Hellifield. I was pleased to get 83 miles on the clock when I got home (just before 3pm), if I can steadily increase that each week till the NW Passage I will be more than happy.

Sunday 20th January

It may be rather optimistic but the plan is to meet at the usual times, 9am Denholmgate - 9.30 Keighley roundabout for Feizor. The A Team getting there via Settle, Little Stainforth and Austwick and the Z Team going straight there from Settle, up Buck Haw Brow. Looking at the weather just now we may have to amend on the day.

Its been a cold week but eight of us managed a day of minus temperatures on the Wednesday run when we elected to have an easyish ride up to Rylstone Duckpond and down to Gargrave cafe (home of the poorest bacon & sausage buttie its ever been my misfortune to eat).

 We were able to cool off a bit en-route, firstly to watch Everard sort out a rear wheel puncture, shortly after Peeps entertained us whilst sorting his snapped 'double clanger'.

Sunday 13th January

A short postscript to answer Melvyn's thought bubble in Pete's post.

Along with Pete and Simon I too was dropped by the A group on the climb out of Skipton and was left in no man's land not knowing whether to chaise with absolutely no prospect of getting back on or drop back to the B group and miss out on the climb from Arncliffe to Malham via Darnbrook. I chose to do the Darnbrook ride on my own hoping that I might rejoin the group at Airton cafe which I did, just after the photo shoot.

Much the same thing happened on the return home only it was the climb out of Gargrave that did for me. Notwithstanding the days trevails I still enjoyed the ride and I topped  off the day by driving across to Peel Park Bradford to see Ian Field win the Senior race in the National Cyclocross Championship

Sunday 13th Jan ride report

First of all a get well soon message to Sandy who was run down by a car that failed to give way from a side road as he was riding down through Portsmouth (not the Hampshire one) on Friday - bruised and sprained but nothing broken (except his bike).

Numbers were down this week but the quality was there. I set off a bit early in case it took me longer than usual to get to Denholmgate but a bit of a tail wind got me there at 5 to nine so instead of hanging around for ten minutes getting cold then getting dropped on the way to Keighley I kept going and met Mel at the roundabout. We were eventually joined by the above athletes plus Richard (who was late for the official photo shoot).
The route for the day was Arncliffe, Darnbrook, Malham and down to Airton Cafe. Simon and I nearly missed the boat as, in company with the Milnes lads, a brisk pace was set to Skipton. On hearing the route the Milnes boys promptly turned left on the approach to Skipton looking for less demanding pastures.
On the advice of my personal trainer (aka 'The Wife') I had never intended riding the full route so when Mel, Pete, Padhiam Chris, Richard and a couple of other lads forgot to slow down on the incline out of Skipton on the Grassington Road, Ian and Simon were considerate enough to hang back and nurse me to Cracoe where we turned left through Hetton and Winterburn to make it to Airton just before the egg curfew time of 1100 hrs.
We had a very civilized, leisurely breakfast (delighted to be joined by Nigel who, despite insisting that he has fallen out of love with cycling had ridden a longer hillier route than us to get there) and were just about to leave when the 'A' Team arrived pumped up with adrenalin after attacking the limestone escarpments to the west of Arncliffe, I had no desire to sit and watch them fight over scraps of raw meat so after a quick photo to confirm to myself that I had made it from crutches to Airton in half the expected time Ian, Simon, Nigel and I left, hoping to get up Ingrow before the wolves got scent of our trail.
The coffee and walnut cake appeared to have increased Ian's hematocrit to almost Lance Armstrong levels as he chased down the VC Bradford/Pennine team on the Keighley Road, the rest of us taking advantage of his slipstream. If the elastic broke for me at Hermit Hole bends - it exploded for Simon, who recovering from a virus and chronically short of miles in the legs over the last few months, died a thousand deaths. I loitered at Flappit  top for quite some time but eventually had to leave. Sean caught me at Mountain and informed me he had passed Simon on the moor before Manywells and sounded surprised that he hadn't jumped on his wheel - LEL training starts tomorrow.
Same times next Sunday - 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley.

Don't forget, 8.30pm, Travellers, Hipperholme, Tues 15th for Condor RC meeting
     

Grimpy does it again

At Peel Park, Bradford this morning John illustrated once again his dominance in the over 70's age bracket when he romped home to a clear win in the 2013 National Championships.

He may look confident in the above photo, at todays start line, but it hadn't all been plain sailing, the guy to his right is Stuart Walters, Kettering CC, who 6 days earlier had beaten John in Round 6 of the National Trophy Series at Derby, there was also the ever present threat from former Pro and Natioal Champ, Mick Ives.

John also managed to puncture a brand new tub whilst warming up, I imagine that got the adrenalin flowing - I know it did for his right-hand man, Paul Daly.

Good luck in America next week John.

Read This

2013 CLUB SUBS DUE, £6.00 TO HON. TREASURER, PAUL GOWER 

For starters I'll just remind everyone that the National 'Cross Champs are being held at Peel Park in Bradford this coming weekend and Grimpy will be in action in the vets race at 11am on Saturday - make sure you're there to cheer him on in his last race before jetting off to America to defend his world title


If you were at the AGM three months ago you will remember that we decided that we should have a club meeting at least every three months - so here is notice that there will be a Condor Road Club meeting next Tuesday, the 15th of January, at The Travellers Inn, Tanhouse Hill, Hipperholme. There's an exciting agenda including plans for the Condor Cross this autumn and final plans for the club dinner including working out who's won any trophies for the 2012 season - so results are required from members who have been racing and details of distances achieved in sportive's and Audax's.

Just to remind everyone the 63rd annual dinner is due to be held at Bailiff Bridge Community Centre (HD6 4DX) on Saturday 2nd of February 2013, 6.30 for 7pm. (Note that this is one week later than usual)

MENU

STARTERS

Homemade vegetable soup

Creamy garlic mushrooms

Salmon fish cakes with sweet chilli sauce

MAIN COURSE

Traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding

Roast pork loin with crackling & apple sauce

Individual fish pie

Vegetarian option

PUDDINGS

Sticky toffee pudding and custard

Sherry trifle

Cheese and biscuits

Coffee & mints

COST : £23.00 per person (complimentary wine included)

Please contact Paul Gower (01422 201533) with numbers and choices asap and at least by 20th January.

(or let me know petehorne@yahoo.co.uk and I'll pass details on to Paul - or you could click comments tab on this blog entry and leave details) 

Sunday 6th - Kick Off

Dry roads and mild weather encouraged a good turn out for the first 'training' ride of the year with a good showing from V.S. Cycles, Condor and Imps, (Sean being late and chasing solo all the way to Kettlewell Cafe).
Progress was halted briefly at Threshfield while several riders decided that was far enough and a reduced group carried on to Kettlewell and Zarinas Cafe, (including a slimmed down Lumby who had made an earlier start). An even smaller group pushed on to Buckden (Chris T, Young Alex and me) requiring us to bolt our breakfasts quickly if we were to join the rest for the return ride.
We left Kettlewell in 3 groups, agreeing to return via Hetton and Gargrave where we re-grouped for the ups and downs back to Keighley. We were close to a brush with the law at the traffic lights after Cross Hills when 'stragglers' from the climb from Connonley (you know who you are!) took the customary but highly un-sporting short cut through the cul-de-sac causing others to jump the lights if they wanted to stay with the group - all in view of Mr. Plod waiting at the lights who was using his horn to express his displeasure at this recklessness.  I left them all to do battle with the Ingrow while I had my own personal battle home over East Morton. 
More of the same next Sunday -  perhaps via Arncliffe &  over Darnbrook to Malham & Airton cafe ? (We may miss the egg 'cut-off time'  though !).
Other news; Nigel was spotted on the road having a ride to the Duckpond & back but he tells me the distance has unfortunately taken a toll on his 'saddle area' !
And  - how is Pete H recovering ? Hope to see him back soon, after all there are only 5 more Sundays to the N.W. Passage !

PeteH says
Recovery going great - back on the bike albeit shortish flattish easy rides so far (could become addictive) - managed 32 miles on Sunday (Spen Valley & Calder Valley Greenways  and canal bank). It took 4 and a half hours but that includes stopping to chat to people on 5 occasions, main difficulty is getting on and off the bike.   I intend to get up to Denholmgate for 9am next Sunday and to have a potter up to Airton Cafe by the flattest, easiest route available and return by a similar route.

New Years Day Ride

'9 for 9:30' - Kettlewell - 6 Jan 2013

This Sunday sees the return of regular club rides. It makes sense to stick with 9 at Denholme and 9:30 at Keighley for a few weeks - keeps it simple.

The 'A' group will no doubt want to go up to Buckden, while the B's (and C's) will be heading straight to Zarina's cafe in Kettlewell.

New Year's Day 2013 - a ride report

We did meet outside VS cycles as planned, but the shutters were down on the shop and a chill breeze drove us along the street to find shelter. So instead of drooling over the latest carbon fancies in the bike shop, we had to make do with second best and admire the lace in the window of 'Brief Encounters' ladies lingerie instead.

Pete Smith joined us shortly after the photo-op, reporting that 'just two lads' were to be seen at the Ritz.  They would be coming our way and would surely catch up soon, so we pottered on and I grabbed the front to keep the pace under control - a move that worked very well, for a while. Through Huddersfield and in short order we were scouting Holmfirth for suitable (open) cafes. Emma's tearooms provided refreshment, but sadly won't be appearing in my forthcoming 'Guide to bacon & egg butties of West Yorkshire'.  The tea was nice though, and at least the lightweight sandwich didn't hold me back too badly up the back road to Upperthong.

Padiham Chris thought we should all stop to enjoy the view from the top of the hill and let the fierce, scouring wind cool us off after the hard ascent, while he changed a front punture. Turning on to Isle of Skye road propper, Brian marshalled the troops to do sensible turns. Chris evidently wanted to study the scenery some more, this time with a rear puncture. Only Brian stopped to keep Chris company while he battled with home-made mudguard attachments, the rest of us being ignorant of his plight. Richard B eventually turned back to investigate while we sheltered in a shallow dip. Declaring all was well (or at least as good as it was going to be), we were released to press on into the slight draught/whiff/zephyr. Having done my turn at the front, inevitably the elastic just stretched too far on the next rise. Fortunately, I could then get the benefit of extra training alone without the inconvenience of my four clubmates to shelter behind. Names have been added to the book, should I ever get fit enough again to return the favour (unlikely at this rate).

They did eventually wait though down in Upper Mill, letting Brian & Chris catch up too, which took us slowly on to Denshaw and up & over 'windy gap' at Jn 22, where at last a decent tailwind made for a great run down the valley, to be met by many colleagues in the Works. Our cycling bretheren had turned up much earlier and selflessly waited nursing half-a-pint for our belated arrival. They then stayed sociably with us, and some even had another pint on the table as the main riding group had taken their restorative tonics and headed off for home.

New Year's Day 2013

Best day of the week tomorrow for weather. I intend to make the most of it and get out for the traditional New Year's Day hangover cure. Brighouse 10am, Holmfirth for an early cafe stop then Isle of Skye and back to the Works at Sowerby Bridge.

Hope to see you tomorrow

Richard

I understand that Mick Collins and a few more Ritz Rebels are planning to meet outside Ritz at 10am for the above route - I wish I were able to join you.

Pete

Sunday Final

The weather is looking grim but I will be at Keighley 9.30  - if anybody else can drag themselves away from the fireside and the mince pies for the final Sunday ride of 2012. Airton cafe always seems a welcoming venue in this weather. Maybe returning via Elslack & Laneshaw Bridge.

Sunday 23rd December

I'm still on crutches so can't arrange a ride for tomorrow - I don't know if anything has been arranged but not blogged? - what I have been told is that Rileys Treat is on for tomorrow and at the usual venue, the Robin Hood at Pecket Well. Unfortunatly I will not be able to attend so I'll wish everyone the seasons greetings, get back to my book and dream of the day when I'm back on the bike.

LATE ENTRY
Padiham Chris is intending to be at the roundabout in Keighley at 9.30am on the off chance that someone will turn up.

Wednesday Wheelers Christmas 'Do'

 In my enforced absence Mike Beecham took a few snaps and sent me a short report relating to the Wednesday Wheelers Christmas Lunch.

The Christmas ride out meal for the Wednesday riders got off to a dry start with the usual indecision of the route (Grimpy favouring the more challenging ride via Windy Hill!!!). Downhill to Brighouse and a leisurely ride on the canal path to Elland, then over to West Vale. This is where I left the lads who went via Wheelrights Mill up towards the motorway then straight over Pole Moor to The Rose and Crown. John Lumb and a few other riders pushed up the hill from the other side of the hill to swell the group

I made my way back home to pick up the car, not wanting a wet ride back. Reached the pub at 12.30 where the lads had been sampling the handpulled for the last hour. An hour later, great quantities of turkey, beef and Brussels sprouts were being piled on top of the beer! This combination makes for a good ride back home so I'm told.

 John Kay did the honours by thanking Pete Horne for the organisation of the meal (funny thing its the second year running he's missed out), then he thanked Paul Gower for picking up the money and sorting out the finances on the day. Finally he proposed a toast to our sadly missed friend and fellow rider Trevor Lever, a sentiment that all those there echoed.

As forcast, the heavens opened. The brave rode back, Derek Needham and myself took the easier way back on four wheels.

Winter Solstice

Only a short report about yesterdays Winter Solstice Audax - thats because I didn't get very far. As I drove on the M62 over Windy Hill at 7am I couldnt believe our luck. It was 4 and a half degrees and as morning dawned it promised to be a clear, dry and mild day.  I met Padiham Chris in a car park in Bredbury,   It was his first ever 200k Audax, he was obviously chomping at the bit and the sight of his 55 tooth chainring had me shaking in my Sidi's.
A full field of 75 riders were all excitedly chatting about the prospects of the day, the best weather for weeks. Chris and I were soon into our stride, rolling through the Cheshire lanes with a full head of steam and feeling stronger with every mile that passed beneath our wheels.
24 miles into the days route, now 5 degrees plus, a sunny Sunday and most motorists had gone to worship at the Trafford Centre. We Followed my trusty Satmap to a left turn at Lach Dennis and were bowling along without a care in the world when my wheels suddenly, quickly and unexpectedly slid sideways and I hit the black stuff. I remember thinking as I was sliding down the road that I hadn't bounced very well and when I did come to a stop I had trouble getting to my feet again, the whole width of the road being like a skating rink covered in black ice. Chris, who'd been a few yards behind me had also hit the deck but soon recovered his composure. I didn't, to cut a long story short I ended up at Stockport A & E with a fracture to the pelvis - I don't think its a serious fracture but I guess I'll be off the bike for a few days (or weeks!).
Due to the state of this road there were many retirements among those who had been behind us but Chris showed his metal, completed his debut 200 and promptly paid his subs to join Audax UK for 2013.
Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Christmas Tour 2010

3RT Christmas Tour

Sit by the fire and enjoy  last years 3RT Christmas Tour

Michael Stocchero 13 December 12:44 https://vimeo.com/55515207

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.