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.