Burnsall Report

 

Christopher Smith christophersmith920@gmail.com 

 

Nov 8 at 10:58 PM

Winter-Burnt to Burnsall

 

The view from my bedroom window this morning, was that of Stoodley Pike shrouded in the mist and low cloud which has hung all of the past week. Wrapping up warmly I prepared myself for what looked on the forecast to be an awful wet day. The ride from Todmorden over Cock Hill was cool and dry with early morning sun and voices of ruffling grouse. But this was not the flavour of the day.

Upon setting wheel into Keighley, the rain had made its approach apparent. A group of young guns were also congregating most of which didn't look prepared for a long winter ride. Sure enough the more sensible Condor men set pace onto Crosshills, Cononley, Gargrave, Winterburn and Cracoe. Spray mixed with rain, into general dampness, We took the little back road to Burnsall, which was as ever littered with gravel and potholes but remains a favourite!

The cafe at Burnsall IS one of the best, not serving fast food ,but good food QUICKLY! Club kit was discussed, as was the history of the 3 peaks cyclocross, with Phil Rawnsley, who reminisced about its humble beginnings. Comment was passed on the over-engineering of my club-man guard extensions. With some things in life lads, size really does matter, and this is one of them......... ha ha! 

Let us remember the age old winter rule "Thou' shall ride with FULL guards, or suffer the wrath of the CONDOR!" 

Un-caped we went on to Appletreewick, Bolton Abbey, Ilkley and Otley. Up the Chevin, legs were starting to tire and a strong head wind made homeward a battle.

Another great day in the saddle! 

 

Chris Smith

This Weeks Best Buy

Keep winter OUT! No more cold wet hands I used these ontop of a normal winter weight glove, although ski style gloves would easily fit underneath. My gloves and hands remained Completely warm and dry ALL day! They roll up nice and small perfect for the jersey pocket. 

Extremities Tuff Bags GTX

A true waterproof and wind proof mitt, Fully seam sealed GORE-TEX shell. Technical lightweight overmitt with a small pack size.

 

 

Sunday 8th November, plus international news

In the absence of other suggestions for tomorrows club ride we'll meet 9am Denholmegate - 9.30 Keighley for Burnsall, via Winterburn on way out and back Ilkley/Otley.

Whilst we're enjoying an Autumn of relaxed social riding our international team were last Sunday racing in the Cranleigh K2, a 200k event in New Zealand. Described as the toughest 1 day cycle challenge in the Southern Hemisphere our own Paul Daly, seen above with his trophy, won his age category by over 17 minutes. Great ride Paul, we can assume you are getting on well with the new bike.

Dinners & CTC Insurance

Imps Dinner & Presentation Saturday 28th November

 

I don't know if anyone would be interested but i attached a menu for our dinner.

 

We don't have long speeches,in fact no speeches,  no welcoming and toasting going on - just a beautiful meal, presentation, raffle and then dancing to live act.

(Well last year was the first time in many a year we've had a live band but they went down so well - I've got another band lined up for this year.

They'll be playing mostly hits from the 50s/60s and ensure me they'll have everybody up dancing - which last years band did the instant they started playing.

 

i have just 8 places left if anyone is interested.

 

John & Maureen, Brian & Danuta, Paul & Alwyn and John & Linda are all ready booked

 

Could you post if you think anybody might be interested

 

thanks

Janice  Janliz@scartop.freeserve.co.uk>  

Halifax Wheelers Menu 2015

.doc

Download

Wednesday Club Christmas Dinner Weds 16th December

Robin Hood at Cragg Vale has been booked again for this years Wednesday Vets Christmas Dinner. Meal booked for 1 o'clock. I'm taking bookings now (£5 deposit).  I can be contacted on 07549 821349 or petehorne@yahoo.co.uk.

CTC Club Membership

Our club membership has once again been renewed and members of Condor Road Club can obtain CTC 3rd party insurance without paying for full membership of the CTC. Our club membership number is 8017806.  Go to http://www.ctc.org.uk/membership/affiliate-membership-for-cycling-clubs-and-groups-of-all-types-and-sizes for details.

Sunday 1st November. Airton.

Denholme 09.00, Keighley 09.30 (GMT) this Sunday for a spin up to Airton. One club member has expressed a desire to get there via Arncliffe but if we don't feel up to it I'm sure we can talk Melv into another route!

Hill Climb Champs - Chris' Report

   

A Corinthian Endeavour

The National Hill Climb Championship 2015

Chris Smith      5.21.0      99th Overall

Thank you to everyone who came to give me some encouragement up Jackson Bridge today. It was again an amazing turnout with a huge field of top riders from all over the country. I feel honoured and very humbled to have been chosen to take part in this years National Hill Climb Championship. After 13 climbs I was keen for today to come, the last event of the racing season. All my nervous energy seemed to disappear as soon as I began my painful accent. I apologise but all in between the start line and finish line was a blur. I was kindly caught by a marshall at the top who I couldn't thank enough.

The Hill Climb

by Matt Clinton

You look up. It's less than 100 yards to the crowd at the top. It's an eternity before you get there. Your lungs are rasping, your legs burning, unwilling to make another pedal stroke. You still force them on to the finish. Between the sweat and the semi-conscious you crawl closer, time is moving indefinably slow until there it is, the line.

A metallic taste fills your mouth. You gasp for oxygen as a marshal gives you a push to freewheel up the road. You stop, place your bike down and collapse by the roadside trying to remind yourself why exactly you did this.

A quick delve into your memory, it's been a long season, you've road-raced and time-trialed through all conditions, but the the weather's suddenly turned. There's a chill in the air as each day the leaves turn increasingly brown and line the roads. You've still got some form. You've got your bike and a hill. And then there's your unhinged possession to see how fast you can get up this hill.

It's always September's fault. The weather's not changed by now, you're riding on a high of the last few races and you accidentally fill in some entry forms. There's no going back now. Several weeks later the startsheet drops through the letter box, reminding you that pain is imminent.

The day finally arrives and it's time to park up, looking uncertainly up towards the summit of the monstrous hill ahead of you. Wrapped up warm, you sign on and pick up your number, cold hands pinning it on to the back of your skinsuit. Putting the winter layers on over the top, a ride up the climb really makes you think why you've entered, let alone donned your dossard! Yet there it is, at the back of your mind as you breathe in the sharp, cold air; the competitive urge to race up this torturous gradient.

The re-con has gone well, but as ever you've pushed yourself a tiny bit too hard. Turning at the top you descend back to the car, the cold wind biting as you do so. Grudgingly you pull your turbo from the boot of the car, open the legs out and fit your bike to it. Hopping on, you spin your legs out from the effort to scout the climb, getting the blood flowing and the lungs opened up. There's another reminder it's going to hurt.

A whiff of embrocation drifts across the car park as you try and focus on getting warm; there's a rider rubbing his legs, the blood rushing to the surface, his legs turning red. You look over to the start, riders are off already as you try and catch the number on their back, working out how long you've got left to start. The minutes quickly tick down, you don't feel like you've got much further with warming up than 15-minutes ago; but it's now time to face up to the torture you're about to endure.

Stripping off your layers, you breathe deep in preparation for the coming influx of autumn air. There goes your minute man as you take off your last jersey, the final protection from the elements as you roll to the line in your skinsuit.


The time keepers are wrapped up warm as you place your back wheel on the stone there to keep you on the line. Leveling your pedals, hands grab your bike holding you steady. You clip in, look up and breathe deep. “30 seconds....”

“20... 10.... 5...4..3..2..1.. go.”

It's slow motion as you push your pedals round for the first time. As you start your second pedal stroke you start to gain some momentum as you remind yourself not to ride too hard off the line. But there it is, you're already fighting the gradient as you try and keep your pace. Settling down into the saddle, you force against gravity, legs feeling the pain already as you attempt to control your ever increasing breathing.

The gradient kicks, you're out the saddle, scrambling for that extra gear. It's not there, you're already at the bottom of the block as you drive yourself to turn the pedals at this unnatural cadence. The lactate's already building, your legs are now burning like never before.

Rocking from side to side, you give it all to carry on up this cruel gradient, jerking the pedals round in a manner you're unaccustomed to. It's now a tunnel. You hear unrecognizable cheers, the occasional shout of your name, they spur you on despite the desire to stop.

The tunnel narrows, your vision dims and yet you still persist in exacting this sadist desire to reach the top. More cheers spur you on as you hit your limit and the line appears, it's not far to go.....

Last Weekend - Next Weekend

In his final preparation for next Sunday's National Hill Climb Championship Chris was thwarted by the cancellation of the Nelson Wheelers Hill Climb on Saturday, Chris was restricted to only one race at the weekend, the Nick o' Pendle Climb on Sunday. With a head wind up the Nick he recorded a time several seconds slower than last year but achieved 10th place overall behind comeback man, former multi national champion, Jim Henderson.

 

Whilst Chris was sprinting up the Nick, Simon and I were enjoying cycling at a more leisurely pace with a circuit around the Vale of York. After the superb Autumn weather we have been experiencing for several weeks the conditions were a little disappointing, with damp roads and drizzle I chose the mud-guarded Audax bike. Unfortunately several weeks of riding the best bike had softened me up and the bike felt to be sticking to the roads, a problem not shared by Simon who was getting stronger as the day progressed, as illustrated by the fact that when we split after 130 miles he rode to a Strava PR on almost every segment for the remaining miles.

Sunday 25th October
Its the National Hill Climb Champs this coming Sunday, on the Jackson Bridge climb, near Holmfirth. Amazingly 240 entries have been accepted with the 1st rider off at 10.30am, with the riders starting at 1 minute intervals that's 4 hours. I was pleased to see that Condor's only representative, Chris has been seeded to start with the fast men near the end of the field, number 225, with a start time of 2.15pm.
This gives us the opportunity to have a good ride before getting to Jackson Bridge to give Chris vocal encouragement so I'm suggesting we meet at Elland Bridge at 8.30am (that's a good sleep in as we turn the clocks back Sat night).

Falling Leaves 200

For those who haven't been seduced by Ian's promise of an ultra hard and gruelling MTB ride (with a brief mid-way café stop), here's the route for the Falling Leaves 200 - an idyllic potter in the Vale of York with a relaxed, laid back luncheon in one of Pocklington's greasy spoon bistro's and a (almost) guaranteed tail wind return, here's the route in .GPX format for you to upload to your Garmin (other GPS devices also available) 
https://www.strava.com/routes/3471211
https://www.strava.com/routes/3471465

Some muddy options - 18 Oct

Thanks Peter for the 'Season of Mists' write-up - it was a good ride on a fine day and could have been bettered only by a brief mid-way cafe stop. Yep, Shibden Park hosts two days of cyclocross racing this weekend. Robin has entered on Saturday and Grimpy on Sunday so feel free to support your club-mates and take advantage too of the Belgian beer, frites & mayonnaise on offer. See britishcycling or rapha for details.

A mountain bike ride has been proposed for Sunday starting 9am in the Co-Op car park in Hebden Bridge. Ominously, Steve Barker said 'I know a route' so it will probably involve several miles of bog with a raging headwind ... apparently 200k with Mr Horne is now looking a more attractive option, if only I knew how to get to Brighouse.

Updates & this weekend

Thanks once again to Chris Crossland and CTC Calderdale for promoting the Season of Mists Audax last Sunday. To add to the organisation which gave us a great route and rider care beyond comparison we were blessed with an ideal autumn day (which hopefully has banished the nightmare memories for some of the weather on Spring into the Dales).
The Condor were once again there in force, I won't try to mention everyone because I would no doubt miss out some names but a few names must be recorded on this blog. Firstly Paul Gower, who only days before his 78th birthday attacked what must be the hardest 100k events in the country and completed it with a smile on his face. He was kept company be Peeps, who although 4 or 5 years younger than PG was only days away from having a new knee fitted (hope its all gone okay Paul and its not too long before we're having to reprimand you again for winding it up on the Wednesday ride).
Another ride of note came from Steve Thewlis who I believe is the only person to have completed every edition of the event (please correct me if I'm wrong Chris). Steve was looking strong but disappeared after the last check at Colden Tea Rooms having problems with the drive chain and broken rear changer hanger. After spending some time converting the bike to single speed he finished the event with a broken chain stay on his carbon Trek.
At the sharp end Graeme Brown blew the field apart on the first climb up to Heptonstall but was soon joined by Mel together with our old mate Mark Sadler, now in the colours on HD Revolutions. I understand that Mel was the driving force and was there at the end to perform the traditional breaking of the skin on the rice pudding.
Personally, after a struggle up through Heptonstall I settled down with clubmates including Ian, Garry Traviss, Phil Haigh and Steve T plus Simon and Chris S who both had to short circuit due to other commitments, Simon at the BMX track at Manchester Velodrome and Chris had an appointment with The Rake at Ramsbottom. We had frequent meetings with Potholer Bob of CTC Calderdale who pulled no punches when expressing his opinion of cyclists who ride in groups and insisted on riding behind us up-hill and in front down-hill. We also had the pleasure of riding with the 3RT boys who we found loitering on a street corner in Chatburn looking lost. They were good company until half way up Widdop when upon realising they were no longer lost the speed went up and I was left floundering.
I could ramble on for a long time about an action packed 4¾ hours but its my bedtime so I won't.

Whilst one event per weekend is plenty for me Chris managed to fit in three; Jackson Bridge and Holme Moss hill climbs on Saturday and The Rake on Sunday. After his victory on Blackstone Edge the previous week he was up against the top climbers in the country in these events and although he didn't get any brown envelopes filled with cash this week he proved his progress by beating last years times. Keep it up Chris, you're doing a great job flying the flag for your club.

 

Falling Leaves 200 - Sunday 18th

Its a descent weather forecast for this coming Sunday so to make the most of the fag-end of the cycling year I've planned and exciting 200k circuit starting in Brighouse and travelling through the lanes to the south of York for a café stop at Pocklington and the returning through the lanes to the north of York, over Aldwark Bridge and through Wetherby on the way home. Only myself and Simon have shown the necessary enthusiasm so far but if you fancy joining us be at Sainsbury's Roundabout in Brighouse at 8am.

I understand that Ian is planning a MTB ride on Sunday meeting in Hebden Bridge, possibly calling in at Shibden Park on the circuit to spectate at the Rapha Cross (where Grimpy's racing, plus possibly Robin - I'd better let Ian update the blog on that one).  I'm going to bed.

Chris - flies up Blackstone Edge for 1st place

Just logged on myself to remind everyone about Season of Mists this coming Sunday but I see I've been beaten to it - expecting a good turn out from the Condor who should be well represented throughout the field. Its a shame it clashes with quite a few other local events this weekend (Mills & Hills Sportive, Calderdale MTB Marathon, Spagers Ride) but the Mist's will, as always, be Condor's main event.

Now for the serious stuff, a big congratulations to Padiham Chris. He had a comparatively quiet weekend with only 2 races. On Saturday he rode the Rossendale RC climb up Woodplumpton Road to Crown Point taking 8th place.

He was obviously saving himself for the West Pennine climb up Blackstone Edge on Sunday where he was fastest, his first win in open competition, well done Chris.

Yes, I know its not Blackstone Edge but its the best I can do.



Season of Mists - 11 Oct 2015

With no club ride being posted up last weekend, I'd better get in early with a reminder that this Sunday it is the Season of Mists ride from Mytholmroyd Community Centre - meet 8:45 for 9am start.

http://www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk/event/season-of-mists-2/?instance_id=398

A hilly 100 kilometre ride from Hebden Bridge, into the Ribble Valley, with a  generous time limit based on a minimum speed of 12 kph and a maximum of 24 kph. So that's at most 14.9 mph. Suits me.

3 Peaks & 4 Climbs



Excellent result from Robin in the Peaks, especially considering the puncture and the fact he was 'taking it easy and enjoying himself '. Can't wait to see how he goes on next year when he's going to prepare properly. Congratulations also to Adrian Lord who completed the race for the 5th time recording 5.24.16, 10 minutes faster than his partner Nerys Rolinson who was representing Tod Harriers. Todmordens Stu Horsfall, who several Condors will remember from our ride round the Mills & Hills route a few months ago had an excellent ride recording a time of 3.58.35 despite falling victim to 3 punctures. It really was a perfect day for the event, competitors and spectators alike.

 

On the hill climb scene Chris' preparation for the National Champs at Jackson Bridge at the end of October continues at a pace. He kicked off his Saturday on the Rivington Pike climb near Bolton with a 3rd place overall before making his way back to Luddenden for the Halifax Imperial Wheelers climb up Stocks Lane.

 

 

Chris, off number 17 in a 32 strong entry powered up towards Mount Tabor in a time of 5min 51secs and finally had to settle for 9th place overall behind the winning time of 4.57 recorded by Tom Bell of Fluid Fin Race Team (whoever they are).

On Sunday he chose the Lancaster CC 2 Stage Climb on Conder Bottoms and Jubilee Tower where he returned to the podium with 3rd overall.  Well done Chris, the mere thought of riding 4 hill climb races over one weekend tires me.

 

3 Peaks report

Peak is oft used as an adjective for performance, but yesterday it just meant the end-point of steep slopes of grass, or of rock, or of a rock/grass mix, all of which shared the common quality of being interminably long.

I set off with Jamie (from that there down South with all its well appointed refinements) in what must be one of the warmest ever starts of the event. With admirable restraint, showing the wisdom of my years, I took the start as a prelude not a finale. Jamie shot off, and was next seen going down Pen y ghent as I was ascending, still in my 'prelude' mode, though now apparently knackered despite having been assiduous in my commitment to easy rider-dom. Strange that.

In between I had managed to take some time off the 'racing' to look over the inversions marking the valleys beneath Ingleborough. The restful mist felt quite alluring in contrast to my gel-fuelled, stuttering movement. Then down over soggy turf, watching riders take 'headers' into hidden sink holes and somehow avoiding such myself, up the steps of Whernside whose differently spaced risers were clearly there just to piss you off, down the rocky drainage ditches and along sneaky pathways to one side or other that avoided all the sharp edges and sharp tongued expletives, along the road to the foot of Pen - y - Ghent having been gathered into what seemed like an Ilkley Club cycling train complete with a very clean engine, then, after seeing Jamie coming down, pretty much coming to a halt myself as cramp (first time ever) set in.

More gels sorted that out, then descending up top at a rocky bottle neck I got a rear puncture (tired rider error of course) which at least meant I could rest a few minutes whilst fumbling with canisters that stuck to the skin (forgot about them being so cold). A rather too cautious descent down the remainder of the hill (the slight paranoia of a repeat puncture) found me coming into Helwith Bridge at 4hrs and 20 seconds, 156th.

Jamie had been 'in' a good while, but had the patience to be waiting to introduce me to his mates who had a picnic hamper at the finish replete with olives, stuffed sun dried tomatoes, knäckebrød and mackerel paté, which was pretty empty by the time we finished with it. I guess any watching Condors had long since flown by then. Onto next year now, where I will have, I think, a different strategy from 'taking it easy'; advice welcome as to what it should be: 'train for it properly'; 'don't bother ...'; 'ride with a smile'; etc. etc..

 --

We were there. And have a picture to prove it. You were even seen and noted at the finish, Robin, but looking rather a wizened and hollow husk. You went straight past your cheering clubmates, pints in their hands so unable to applaud, perhaps headed toward the promise of olive-stuffed tomatoes and whatever else it was you mentioned - I don't even have those fancy foreign letters on my keyboard. Anyway it was a fantastic warm dry day for this time of year and we all had a lovely time. Ian.

Helwith Bridge - the second wave

For anyone who feels that Peter's proposed ride is a tad too early and/or a smidge too far we'll be setting off an hour behind - 9:30 from Keighley - for a more direct route.

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th

 Busy weekend coming up, its the Imps Hill Climb on Saturday on Stocks Lane (2pm). I understand there are about 30 entries including 6 or 7 Imps and our own Chris Smith. I'm hoping to be on the hill to give Chris some verbal encouragement and joining him afterwards in the Lord Nelson for the usual formalities. Not content with one hill climb he's down for the Lancaster 2 stage climb on Sunday, Conder Bottoms at 10am and Jubilee Tower at noon. Good luck Chris, I hope you're having a few days rest beforehand.

 

On Sunday its also the Classic 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross. Adrian Lord is once again representing the Condor and is joined this year by Robin Holt.  Adrian had a great ride in the event last year so here's hoping it goes as well for him this year. Robin was talking down his ambitions when he was out on the club ride last Sunday saying he intends to take it easy and enjoy himself. Sounds like a good strategy but not easy to stick to when you're surrounded by 650 who are racing. May the Gods smile down on both of you. 

 

I can only think that the above photo must have been taken before the start of the 1995 event judging from the smiles and the clean kit. Lots of the same names can be seen on this years start sheet that were also taking part 20 years ago (but not the 3 in the photo who are not just older but also wiser). The 1995 event was won by Andy Peace in 3.08.00 (Andy also won the 3 Peaks Fell Race in 1995 in 2.52.52). A 20 year old Rob Jebb finished 5th in 3.21.43, Rob has since won the race a record 11 times and is favourite again this year.

As last year we are meeting at 8am Denholmgate or 8.30 Keighley to ride up to Cold Cotes to pick up the race. This worked well as we got there just as the leaders came down to the road from Ingleborough. We'll then be riding round to the finish via Chapel le Dale & Ribblehead giving us ample opportunities to admire the athletes in action and see the finish whilst enjoying a sandwich and a beverage at Helwith Bridge.

Weekend Report

 

Chris rises to the challenge.

Above picture taken last Saturday evening at the Hardwick Hall Nocturne Hill Climb. Chris tells me it was a great event with floodlighting, loud music and cheering crowds. All sounds a bit too exciting for me. He says he felt strong recording a time of 1.46 against the winner Peter Cocker's time of 1.24.

Grimpy was also in race action at the weekend competing in the LVRC East Coast Road Race, the final counting event in the season long Percy Stallard Series. He finished 2nd in his age category to Bill Cotton, a result which means John has had to concede Series honours to the younger man.

The less competitive amongst us went on the Easyriders ride up to the superb café at How Stean Gorge. Due to the terrain it wasn't quite as easy as the previous weeks run up Wharfedale. The original plan had been to go straight up to Ripon and Masham on the fast but easy roads but the heavy traffic was spoiling the riding so at Pool we took a left and meandered up to Nidderdale on the back roads.

I'm delighted to report that Ian and Robin found their way to the start at Shelf to join Nigel, Richard, Oakworth Steve and myself. Mel joined in from the top of Pool Bank and we can blame him for leading us on a circumnavigation of Almscliffe Cragg through over a mile of fresh cow clap liberally coating the road surface (Robin was nearly in tears as he witnessed his beautiful new mauve coloured frame - and matching socks - and baby pink Rapha jersey, become splattered with blobs of brown). We even found a few lanes that Mel, our expert on that neck of the woods, hadn't been on before and arrived at the café well before mid day.

With 50 odd miles in before lunch we took a more direct route back to Calderdale choosing the lesser known Peat Lane to climb over to Wharfedale and thereby avoiding the dreaded Geenhow Hill. Richard, who had been lacking the super form of the previous Sunday, was unfortunate enough to puncture twice on the return journey but apart from that all once again enjoyed a super day in the Dales.

Easyriders - Sunday 20th Sept

 This coming Sunday, 20th Sept, as discussed on the easyriders ride last week, we're intending to go to How Stean Gorge Café for lunch. Meeting at Shelf Roundabout at 8.30am. The intention is to make our way out to Pool via Apperley Bridge & Yeadon, up to Masham and over the moors to Lofthouse.

Neil & Phil & friends on Nick o' Pendle for the Tour of Britain



Easyriders Report

Having an Easyriders ride proved to be very popular. Simon and I were joined at Denholmgate by Mick Collins, Martin Gargett and Damien, the latter having recently returned from Spain where he he's been putting in his final preparations for the social season. At Keighley we found Nigel and Richard sat on the bench by the roundabout sunning themselves. We dallied there a while acknowledging passing cyclists and enjoying the esprit de corps our sport enjoys before we gave up any hope of Ian turning up; although, once again, as soon as we got the pedals turning I caught the sound of his deep section carbons drumming along the road behind me. It seems we're all easyriders now.
It was a beautiful early autumn Sunday morning as we sped through Skipton, the church bells heralding our passage and the slight incline up Grassington Road a pleasure that only Easyriders can appreciate. No one dropped off the back and all took their turn at the front. We were up to Buckden, round the triangle and back down to Madame Zarina's by 11am having been joined by Mel on our return journey to Kettlewell and having covered about 45 miles at an average of just under 18½ mph.
I thought the timing of the café stop had been well planned, between the breakfast & lunchtime busy periods, however others had obviously been thinking along the same lines and it was bursting at the seams. We were accommodated in the back garden where bacon, sausage & egg sandwiches of average - not bad but not great quality and size were eventually delivered.
The return journey was made down the back roads through Conistone, Grassington, Hebden and Appletreewick to the Cavendish Pavillion and Bolton Bridge where again our new easyriding approach kept the peloton together.
Being unable to face Keighley twice on such a lovely day we took the back road through Beamsley down to Ilkley where we sampled a pint of Mary Jane at the Bah't At. Keighley Gate had been discussed for the route home but with Damien being concerned for the welfare of his expensive Zipp's and Mick having cracked yet another frame (bb on his Van Nick Ti) we erred on the side of caution and went up the Cow & Calf and on to Dick Hudsons - and an error it was, these roads being used as racetracks by weekend motorists eager to keep within a few feet of the car in front ignoring the narrow roads, blind dips and bends.
Mel said goodbye at Burley Woodhead, the rest of us going over to Bingley and Harden and up Bents Lane to Harecroft where Damien showed us just how successful his social season preparation has been by blowing up big time, however in the true spirit of easyriding we waited and offered encouragement rather than the usual tactic of just riding off.
More of the same next Sunday ? How Stean Gorge has been mentioned.

Sunday Easyriders Section

I've arranged to meet Simon at Denholmegate at 8.30 tomorrow for an easy ride up to Buckden Triangle and back down to Zarina's for lunch. All welcome.

Well done to Chris who chose the Hull Thursday Hardriders 25 to debut his newly acquired disc wheel today. Despite windy conditions he recorded a time of 58.43 which gave him 5th place overall.

6 Sept - Silverdale option

For those of us who don't know where Mirfield is, because it is way too far east from our home turf, we'll offer an alternative ride. Meet 9am in Keighley for a trundle up to Silverdale. I'd even suggest a lunch stop at the Falcon Inn in Arncliffe to get the social season off to a good start.

It looks like the Sutton Bank ride was well attended - looking forward to a full report. Meanwhile four more Condors met in Keighley at or about the appointed hour and took full advantage of the bright, sunny and warm conditions. The back roads to Settle were a pleasure and we had time for cofee in the sunshine, followed by scenic Silverdale. No pictures I'm afraid - there was no stopping these lads once they got going..

Then a rattle down Littondale with an increasing tailwind for a pint and lunch at the Falcon. Fuelled up for the ride home we even took in the pleasures of Addingham Moorside before tackling Keighley and the home roads. The picture below is in Arncliffe - I tried to get one outside the pub but then thought, for a change, of trying to show Condors on their bikes. As you can see, two of them tried to leap off again before the shot was taken.

Ravensthorpe Charity Challenge, Sun 6th Sept

This coming Sunday Ravensthorpe will be holding their annual Sutton Bank challenge ride. Its a 120 miler starting in Mirfield, 7.45 for 8.  The route can be seen at https://www.strava.com/activities/79230850 . There will be feed stations at Tadcaster on the way out and Wetherby on the return leg. A minimum donation of £5 is expected and all moneys raised will go to Kirklees Cycling Academy.  Condor's Simon Fortune (KCA Coach) will be there at 7.30 collecting donations.

Its always a well supported event with a wide range of speeds you're sure to find a group riding at the right speed for you. I'm hoping to get down to Mirfield but I'm not planning to do the full route.

A bit of nostalgia - specially for Mel & Pete

Its nearly 40 years ago but I'm sure I won't be the only Condor who remembers riding down to Winnats in 1977 to give Melvin a cheer in the National Hill Climb Championships.  

 

It was cold and wet and we were probably glad to get into the pub in Castleton after the event for a few swift pints to give our legs the necessary anaesthesia for the ride home over Strines.

 

If you study the results list there will be many names that are known to fellow Condors, Mel of course, then Pete Smith who at that time was serving in, and riding for the Royal Navy. Pete was beaten by 6 seconds by former Condor Brian Jennings who was riding for the Imps. The Imps had a full team entered, Brian being backed up by Hoppy and Nick Boylan.
Jez Lindley led Huddersfield Star Wheelers to the team title, one of many won by the Star in the 60's & 70's. Jez is still seen out occasionally with 3RT. He was backed up by Phil Grimes & Chris Raw. Phil's still very fit racing with the Halifax Harriers and winning Vet.60 awards.

Arncliffe and Airton - 23 August

Away to Arncliffe and Airton

This Sunday Morning saw 5 Condors meeting at a bright and sunny Keighley

• Ian
• Steve Barker
• Richard
• Nigel
• and Myself

A steady well paced ride led us out in the morning sun toward Skipton and Threshfield, where we were picked up by a large fast group. Varied Jerseys and numerous clubs but briefly looking around the peloton I recognized Bin Man Chris and Dewsburys long distance man Paul Ward.

Rattling on toward Kilnsey our band of 5 were enjoying the rapid pace but were quiet shocked as instead of bearing right to Kettlewell, the peloton was going our way, left to Arncliffe. Thankfully the young guns had to stop in a gateway (strong legs but weak bladders!). We pottered on up Brookes Lane to climb over to Malham quickly being enveloped by the chasing fast group.

The Cove Road

Nigel chatted a while to find out that these boys werent intending to stop at all and with this pace we bidded them adieu and let them on their way!

Descending to Malham was dicey after the previous heavy rain storms had washed a considerable amount of loose gravel and some sizeable rocks across the road. Nigel remonised about the days in road races where they'd employ " A stiff Broom on them bends!"

The cafe at Malham was looked to be at bursting point with folks enjoying the mid summer sun, and also busy with cars so we pottered on to Airton.

Sitting out in the sun we enjoyed lashes of tea and an almost perfect bacon and egg bap, which rated 5 on Ian's egg-o-meter! The Gentlemen of The Condor like nice baps!

Picking up a couple of riders on our way we approached Gargrave and Broughton. Through Carleton on low lying roads to tackle the Cononley Bastard!

Thanks to Ian for picking a sensible wind assisted route. After all Summer will soon be over, so lets make the most of it!

Chris Smith

Sunday 23rd

My plan so far is 9am in Keighley for a wander up the Dales. The SE wind is forecast to pick up after lunch but I'm struggling for a route that would make good use of the breeze - ideas welcome. Ian.

Mountain Biking with Peter

Due to hols only two intrepid off roaders departed from Brighouse last night. Peter decided on a steady night with a route down the canal to Norland and onto Rishworth. Conversation started with Brian's amazing national veterans title wins in the last 2 weeks. Completing the 50 champs in a 1hr 50 and a week later winning the 30's championship. Even Ian Cammish congratulated Brian although he did point out the front carbon wheel he purchased was inserted wrong way round having the backend of the carbon blades hitting the air turbulence instead of visa versa.Still better than my Marie Townley loop challenge, which I managed to get lost my excuse anti clockwise loop instead of clockwise with Peter and Simon the week previous. Still whilst one hour down on fastest managed to come in 7th out of 45 finishers.  
Prior to the salterhebble basin I expected Pete to turn towards Clay House, to take the climb up to norland. Straight on, expectation then up to norland on the gravel road from copley? No straight on again seemingly Peter was taking me on a Paul Daly route? We arrived at the new road bridge opposite Lloyds data center crossed the bridge to take an immediate left and right under the railway bridge. 
Pete then took a left onto a bridleway like road. I pointed out the signs 'private no bikes etc.'Pete uttered 'no wonder we got abuse on this route with Paul' A sharp right led us to a bramble edged narrow climb heading in the general direction of what I would describe as the road below the once called blue ball pub. The first section was full of relatively large loose stones eventually the terrain eased and it was a pleasant pull in a low gear. After a sharp right we continued upwards. 
Initially I was maybe 10m behind Pete but gradually I brought him back when all of a sudden Pete keeled over in what looked an innocuous slow motion fall straight into the bramble bushes with his MB lying on top of him.Immediately I noted a large portion of skin was removed from his calve area leaving the muscle exposed. It was clean almost like you could expect from a surgical operation. How’s that happened? Looking for some sharp object none? 
Unfortunately Pete had fallen onto his chainring. I said better get down to find some transport so I departed with Pete following at a steady pace. Got to the bridge to realize I left my iPhone at home having been in iCloud land trying to load some data from my Mac.Pete arrived to organize ambulance support. Luckily he wasn't loosing much blood good job as he ended up giving the call center (thought it was in India) continual instructions on our location. 
Paramedic arrives at Copley old bridge, more discussions I’m organized up to the traffic lights to direct him. He arrives in a few minutes in his Skoda estate, pleasant guy even cycled? Peter meanwhile was coping real well after enquiring if he needed anything - Viagra? Blood pressure and heart rate monitored he was deemed fit to be transported to A & E. 
I contacted him this morning to find he had 19 stitches and unfortunately will be out of action for sometime. Indicating the Vuelta Espana starts on Saturday he said he closed the Eurosport account. I said he needed to contact father who used the Eurosport streaming player on his smart TV for £4 per month. That’s a turn up when you go to PG for PC advise?Anyway Pete’s s on the mend and wont be able to direct our Wednesday rides for sometime?  

Sunshine in Slaidburn

Its back to road bikes this week for the sunny roads of Lancashire out to Slaidburn. 9am at the lights in Hebden Bridge.

It may have been decidedly chilly and autumnal first thing but the roads were indeed sunny out to Slaidburn. The only problem was that the dappled sun through the leaves left Robin unable to focus clearly on the road ahead under some trees, resulting in a snakebite puncture from a nasty hole. The next issue was that our intrepid companion had forgotten his tubes and pump, but we sorted him out. I suspect that he'd spent rather too long choosing exactly the right set of matching jersey, shorts and cap from an extensive wardrobe. Here's hoping that the modelling contract will follow soon:

Much to our amusement ...

BUTTY REPORT: a rush of orders lead to a long wait and service below the usual standard. Nigel had to wrestle the rind from his bacon and our search for a sufficiently study teacake* must continue. The Riverside cafe scores 5 eggs out of the maximum half-dozen for their efforts this week.

*We'd ridden so far that apparently they are now barms, or possibly baps, in these here parts.

Mountain Malarkey

Taking inspiration from Peter's jaunt last week I'm going to play out on mtb this Sunday.

Meeting 9am in Hebden at the main traffic lights and take it from there.

Feizor - ride and cafe report

I'm glad that the mtb ride went well for Peter but what's with the 71.5 miles! I though the MT loop was only 40-odd. Maybe our intrepid colleagues took a wrong turn at some point? 

Meanwhile, the road runners had a lovely day out to Feizor as planned, going out by the 'flat' route over Attermire (taking great care on the descent into Settle) and back by the 'less flat' route down from Eldroth over Bowland Knotts, Elslack, Cowling Pinnacle and Slippery Ford.

Steve, Steve, Andy and Robin were out and hopefully had a good time. I'd say that the pace was rapid and unrelenting. Others might use less generous terminology. At least there were smiles when we stopped and had our photo took at the peak of our ride (note the clean and mud-free appearances). Soon afterward we met Dougie and John from VS doing the same ride but the other way round, so it was clearly the route du jour. The sky looks leaden here but the sun did come out closer to home.

Now for the most important bit - our ongoing series of cafe reports. Elane's Tearooms certainly gets top marks for location, friendly and welcoming staff and an inviting decor and atmosphere. The wipe-clean seats are a bonus should any muddy mountain bikers visit these parts. They sadly lost points for the quality of the teacake which was in no way up to the task and just instantly fell apart, and for the seemingly deep-fried bacon which repeated unpleasantly for the next couple of hours. So I'd give an 'egg-rating' of 4 eggs out of a maximum half-dozen.

Robin was keen on Tatham Fells next week, but that could be too much like a repeat ride?

Mary Townley

I think if Ian had been with us today he would have changed his mind about the Mary Townley Loop. The route ticks all the mountain biking boxes and the weather today was just right, not hot, not cold, a light breeze. There were puddles in places from yesterdays downpour and we did get a little dirty but I'm happy to report that the muck washed off in the shower.
Grimpy, Simon and I left Callis Bridge at just turned 8am and were back there 6½ hrs later having stayed together throughout sharing gate opening duties equally. A perfect day really, no punctures, no mechanicals, no crashes, no getting lost and no 'bonking', the only downside being Grimpy's new mountain bike getting dirty.

,

May it all go as well for John next Sunday, he's entered the MT Loop Sportive - I'm going to stick to once a year.

Fancy Feizor?

For the road ride this week we've arranged 8:30 in Keighley to go over Bowland Knotts via Feizor cafe.

It has of course been highlighted that this is the week when Peter is mountain biking in the upper Calder valley, but I think its is a tad damp on the trails and MT loop can be done too often. Once every 5 years is enough for me round there.

It would be nice to ride together one day but it seems that the upper and lower valley sections of Condor are instead destined to orbit each other like a form of quantum entanglement. Maybe it is something to do with the home (blue) and away (black) club jerseys?