Invitation from Allan & Lorraine

Will you please pass the word round to all the riders that know me. I have EMAILED all the lads I have EMAIL addresses for but many I don't have, also include the IMPS.

Cheers

Allan



Above should read, Allan & Lorraine are moving to pastures new and invite you to a leaving party on Friday the 11th of December at Halifax RUFC, Ovenden Park, Keighley Road, from 1930hrs, buffet provided.
RSVP ASAP to allansimcock1942@gmail.co.uk or 01422 257270

Lothersdale Lanes

 

Lothersdale Lanes

After a week of what has seemed to be a constant torrential downpour, it was a pleasant surprise to see a dry gap, with a cold sunny morning for our club run. With the previous days scattering of snow mainly thawing, my ride to Keighley was bracing but wrapped up warm, it was great to feel the Witch of Winter snapping at my face. Speaking to Steve Barker briefly on Cock Hill, he explained he wouldnt be playing out, having got sodden everyday on a roof last week.

4 Condors met at Keighley, Ian, Nigel, Oakworth Steve and myself. The route was discussed and so we set course, jumping on the back of a large group which provided a tow out to Cononley. Onward to Broughton and Gargrave. We passed around the back of Bank Newton to find refueling and refreshment at The Pantry Cafe West Marton. This little wooden refuge is a great place taking up what seems to be an old fashioned fueling station/ mechanics workshop. In fact we were so impressed that Ian rated it at the top of the egg-o-meter with a full half dozen score!

 

Just as we had finished remodeling Shimanos shifting technology, improving Zipps rolling-resistance and generally putting the world back together, 2 bedraggled riders came through the door. Pete Horne and Single Simon, who had taken a hilly route via Keighley Tarn. As proper gentlemen of the Condor we waited for them to dine, slurping the last dead dregs of the teapot, to set off together. It was south-east to Elslack, Ian punctured but was soon back to his usual self, (fully inflated!). Lothersdale awaited us,  which was lovely as Ive never ridden these roads and a few great climbs. We reversed a section of Sping into Dales and over the Herders. A deviating zig zag led us to The Old Silent where we partook in a naughty beer!

A shorter than normal route but as always a great ride with great blokes!

 Cheers Chaps!

Chris

 

This Weeks Best Buy

Continental TOURRIDE tyres.

 Check these out. Not for everyone, I understand but I think they are a sensible all round winter option. Although according to Peter when fitted to my Winter machine arn't heavy enough to control the pace, Ha ha!

22 November - a suggestion

Every now and then I'll click on the blog to see what's happening. After what feels like several weeks of looking at Chris's new mudguard extension, let's get a plan together for this Sunday. Mind you, most of us have been looking at his back wheel all year. That's due of course to all of the sterling work that Chris has done at the front of the group, and nothing at all to do with the rest of us being older and slower, or me hiding at the back whenever possible.

My suggestion then is to meet 09:30 in Keighley. Not sure of the route yet but a potter round some lovely lanes in Lothersdale followed by a pint in the Old Silent could be a plan. Wrap up warm 'cos there is forecast to be a chill northerly, and we won't be going very fast either (hopefully).

Joyce Turner

On November 8th, at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Joyce Turner, one of the founder members of the Condor Road Club in 1949, our first treasurer and wife of Gordon passed away peacefully.
The funeral service and committal will be held at Huddersfield Crematorium (Fixby) on Thursday 19th November at 1.15pm, afterwards at Rastrick Bowling Club, Toothill Bank.

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.