MTB Sunday 17th Sept

Meet Salterhebble Locks 9am for Stoodley Pike, Blackstone Edge, Hollingworth Lake Windy Hill, Buckstones etc.

Sunday 27th August, Club Run

 

Club Run for Sunday 27th August, meet Shelf roundabout at 9am - thinking about heading up to Ripon then west to the head of Nidderdale.

Thank's from Gordon

Condor Road Club founder Gordon Turner (aka The Ancient Britain) passes on his thanks and best wishes to all those members and friends who attended his 90th birthday bash or sent him congratulatory messages for reaching this momentous milestone in such fine fettle.

Sunday Club Run & Monday evening social

This Sunday 20th August, meet Denholme Gate 8.30 or Keighley 9am, destination to be democratically decided on the day, all welcome.

Monday evening social, an informal club meeting is to take place at The Travellers, Hipperholme at 8.30pm On Monday 21st August. All welcome,

13/8 - Darnbrook Doddle

If you haven't entered the Tan Hill 200 already then it is now too late and there is no EoL.

So instead we can offer you 9am KEIGHLEY for Airton via Darnbrook.

Ian

Sunday 13th August

This Sunday, 13th August, Tan Hill 200 Audax. I know we'd been talking about a day in Punishment Park this coming Sunday but that's now on hold to make way for a full 1st team attendence at the Tan Hill 200.
Looks like a superb route starting from Padiham at 0830hrs - Free breakfast before the start and refreshments (supper?) at the finish, full details on the Audax UK website.
Confirmed Condor entries so far - Gary Mitchell, John Lumb, Paul Daly, myself plus the legendary Jason Hemmingway, guesting with the Condor from the Old Brods CC.

Club Run - Sunday 6th August

Meet Shelf Roundabout 9am for Birkin via Bottom Boat. Return round Eccup, about 80 easy miles. All welcome.
Amended to 9am

HCH: Hebden-Chipping-Hebden

We wish Simon well on the LEL and meanwhile need something more pottersome and gentle for the rest of us. Hence a proposal to meet 9AM at HEBDEN BRIDGE on Sunday for a jaunt out west toward Chipping, and back. Flat roads all the way and a tailwind home, but possibly bring a cape.
Cheers, Ian

Saturday 15th July

                                        
                                           Weds Vets, Burnsall, 12th July 2017

I'm not able to make it out on the bike again this Sunday but I'm meeting Simon at 6.30 at Brighouse on Saturday 15th for a trip out to the east coast to have a look at some of the Sustrans trails including the old railway line from Hull up to Hornsea. Feel free to join us for a much flatter ride than recent weeks.

Weekend, 8th & 9th July

 

Gary is riding the Bowland 200k Audax  on Sunday (8am Denshaw). Anyone fancying joining him, full details are on Audax UK website.

I can't make it for a long day on Sunday so I'm riding the Hartside 200 from Aldbrough St John on Saturday - entries still open.

Good luck to Brian on Saturday as he defends his Vtta National 25 mile Championship at Newmarket.

And congratulations to Mel for winning his age category in last Sunday's Buckstone's Road Race. Mel's been in brilliant form this season, last weekends success following on from the previous Sundays overall KoM in the White Rose Sportive.

REMINDER MARSHALLS/SUPPORT FOR OUR CONDOR EVENT THIS SUNDAY JULY 2ND

Response has been limited and we need your kind support. To those who have responded a big thanks. If i have toted the numbers up correctly we need 5 more marshalls from approx. 9.00 at Greetland Community Centre HX4 8JG. Course scammonden as last year. The event which starts in Barkisland at 10.00 should be over by 12.30. Cheers 

Club Run - Sunday 25th June

Meet 8.30am Hebden Bridge (Park Gates). A bit of a change of direction, following quite a bit of last weeks Good Companions route out to Cartford Toll Bridge and back through Garstang and Chipping. About 100 miles but easy terrain  and a tail wind home.

Sunday 18th June - Good Companions

Its the Good Companions 200k Audax on Sunday, 8.30am from Mytholmroyd (thats right 8.30am). Hopefully we may have sight of Simon and Mick Collins who should be on the last third of the 3 Coasts 600 which starts at 6am on Saturday. Gary's down for the 200 and I'll be joining him although I'm not intending to do the full route as I'm due home for 4ish so from Cockerham I'm heading east and picking up the route again just before Chipping and missing out the Hollingworth Lake bit.
--
Oh dear Peter - cutting rides short again! I've arranged to meet Barker in Hebden at 9am to follow you keen chaps out west on similar roads. We will be missing out the Hollingworth Lake bit as well. Have a good day. Ian.

Gordon's 90th 'do'.

As most members will know, our founder, and for many years our chief administrator and timekeeper extraordinaire, Gordon Turner, will soon be celebrating his 90th birthday. He invites all members and friends to join him on Wednesday the 19th of July at Rastrick Bowling Club (bottom of Toothill Bank, op Junction Pub). He'll be there from 2.30pm and a buffet will be available from 4ish. It is anticipated that festivities will continue till about 7ish.

CONDOR BUCKSTONE FLANDERS RR ON SUNDAY JULY 2nd Marshall's/Support

Sorry for cock up below i was looking what i put up last year 

and it inserted it straight in. Anyway's i need your kind assistance

for our event which is again on the scammonden circuit.

Firstly thanks again for everyone's kind support last year. 

Riders will leave HQ (Greetland Community Centre) at approx. 9.45,

Marshals required from approx. 9.00 with event finish at approx. 12.30.

Please put it your diary. To meet safety requirements we need in total

approx. 15 members and/or friends. Look forward to seeing you,

got my prayer mat out hoping for the same great response as last year.

I have already had some notable members who are missing due to other

commitments, so if you are aware of any non members who can assist 

please ask them to kindly come along everyones welcome.

For your SAT NAV the HQ post code is HX4 8JG

Many Thanks 

Cheers Grimpy

Sunday 11th June

Hopefully the weather will be a bit better tomorrow. I've arranged to meet Simon at 8am at Brighouse for an early lunch at Birkin. Simon's then intending to ride back to Leeds where he's meeting wife & kids to spectate at the World Series Triathlon. I may come back to Leeds or put a longer loop in depending on the weather. All welcome to join us.

Sunday 4 June - Slaidburn

I've been instructed to blog a ride starting at the more genteel and gentlemanly hour of 9am from the convenient and convivial location of Hebden Bridge with the intention of reaching the sunny and salubrious cafe at Slaidburn. All are welcome and we plan to be home in time for lashings of ginger beer.

Sunday 28th May

A bit easier than the previous 2 weeks, Bainbridge via Fleet Moss, home via Kidstones and Cavendish. Meet Denholme Gate 8am or Keighley 8.30

3 World Champions

On the start line at this evenings cyclo-cross in Myrtle Park, Bingley were 3 world Champions. Ian Taylor (o.40's) Tom Pidcock (junior) and our very own John (Grimpy) Ginley (0.70's)

Club Run - Sunday 21st May

Meet Denholme Gate 8am or Keighley 8.30 for Feizor (or Settle) via Malham Cove and home via Bowland Knotts.

Sunday 14th May

I've arranged to meet Simon at Denholme Gate at 8am (8.30 Keighley) for a ride round the Coverdale/Nidderdale circuit with cafe stops at Kettlewell and  Greenhow.

World Masters Games Report -from the horses mouth

World Master's Games 2017 - "Mountain Bike and Road Races"

Having moved to New Zealand in 2015 I had accepted that my racing days at Worlds level were over and then last year it was announced that the Master's would be held in Auckland! Should I or shouldn't I enter the mountain biking well it would be rude not to. Further researching the Games it was $300 to enter for the Bronze package and considerably more for Silver and Gold and being a careful Yorkshireman (deep pockets and short arms) Bronze it was.

However there was a silver lining I could enter as many events as desired for the same fee so although not a Road racer I might a well have a go!

My training was going well and I knew I was hitting form at the right time, I had trialled a new Scott 29er mtb having used my old faithful Giant 26er successfully for years. Having overcome several doubts regarding the difference this would offer I had become in tune with the new girl and was very happy with her. (I've had an affair with all the girls as they perform really well and never answer back).

Disaster 6 weeks out and I pull a hamstring on the turbo, this resulted in little training for the next 3-4 weeks (when I wanted to  complete the final ramp up) and finally several visits to the physio for hopefully a miracle. I must give a shout out here to Marcel (Bureta Physio) for acupunture and exercises. Slowly and with the assistance of a tight restriction bandage I could train a bit harder. (Thank you Quintain for the referral). I would definitely get to the start line no matter ......

We travelled to Auckland on Saturday to register and start to feel the atmosphere. Registration was smooth although I thought it a bit tight not including a tee-sheet in the bronze pack? Sunday we moved initally to Woodhill Forest for a recce' ride and then to Helensville Campsite for the night.

Starting my recce' I joined an Aussie rider already numbered up so I knew he was in the category below me I had decided to ride it using the 26er having had the Scott serviced and race ready. The Aussie rode very strong and I think was testing me a little, no worries this was not the time and I had to be careful with the hammy. We had a good brisk ride and I wished him well for the following day. The course was easy to navigate, very fast and flowing and not overly technical Grade 3 in places at best, thankfully it did have sufficient climbing to be able to do some damage!

We set up camp in Helensville and the wait began, started to get a bit nervous but tried not to overthink my strategy after all how many times have I been in this position?

 

 

Monday 24th April - MTB Race Day

Met some Auckland mates who I had trained with a few times over the months who were starting at 8am. Another part of my preparation included several trips up to get intimate with the course.

Chris and Alicja arrived to support Rob and myself so we put the jug on and started to talk Chris over to the dark side?

Time to warm up there was a lot of activity with races having already started spectators looking for good viewing points and the tannoy system making announcements and commentating. Finally it was my turn, the younger category (60-64) were called forward seeded and gridded then my category. My number was 701 and I anticipated being gridded on the front line but no several riders were called by name and eventually the rest of us could come forward. The starter threw in a wobbler saying both cats were starting together so I was right at the back and a little annoyed!

We were off and I immediately noticed two from my category starting fast and working through the younger ones. These were the ones to mark I latched on and before the top of the climb one rider dropped off but the leader was pushing hard. I sat on his wheel whilst we passed riders and soon we were into the single track forest, the pace was comfortable and I planned to sit for the first lap and see how he fared on the main climb. About two thirds around he made a slight mistake and had to put a foot down I had to pass or stop so pressed on and put in a little kick to see how he reacted, by the top of the climb I could not see him so I pressed on and by the end of the lap my key supporters, spotters and timekeepers (Lynda and Holly) said I had taken 35 seconds out of him.

Coming through the start/finish area I had caught the commentator off guard and he had double take before calling my name! I pressed on hitting the hill hard and by the end of the second lap was 2 minutes up. Starting the last lap I caught the Aussie I ridden with the previous day I asked him his position he said he was fourth I told him to latch on and work together we might get him a medal? We caught and passed the rider in third but I started to drop him again, I pressed on and caught the second placed rider (another Aussie) he panicked a bit and I calmed him down and told him to ride smooth.

We rode together and on the tight single track forested ridge and descent to the finish he passed a back marker who slowed me until I could get past. I had passed all but two of the younger category and was one and half minutes behind that category winner. I would have liked a level start with him?

I had won and the race was uneventful, the hammy was okay and waiting around for the medal ceremony I was asked by lots of people who I was and where had I come from. The lad who was second was local from Helensville and clearly a pre-race favourite having been seeded first at the start. I had beaten him by over three minutes and third place by ten.

On the podium we all received our medals and a unique cap with Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist printed on it.

The event was well organised, marshalled and supported and a special thanks to all the riders who allowed passing without difficulty or complaint.

Saturday 29th April up to Auckland again for the Road Race, set up camp at the Bruce Pulman Park. It rained heavily all night and the wind was howling. I decided not to recce' the route having previously ridden most of it before the changes were made!

Sunday 30th April Race Day

Warmed up around the carpark and joined the assembly 15 minutes before the start. Whilst we were waiting to be called forward a whole row of linked railings blew over indicating how the conditions were.

We were off and the pace picked up quickly but remained comfortable we got to the rolling hills section and then the climb, it was a genuine test and quickly sorted people out crowning the top we hit the descent Fraser had warned me about. The first touch of brakes resulted in a rear wheel slide and a missed heart beat, I backed off a bit until getting past the corner covered in hay bails. We regrouped along the flat section and this formed a pattern for the next two laps. I anticipated a move on the last climb and ensured I was in the first three over the top six of us had created a good gap and this was the move of the race. We worked well although a couple of riders started to hide I felt strong and considered having a go about 5 kms out but resisted and thought it's going to be a sprint finish.

One of the riders snagged a pedal in his wheel and needed a replacement and sadly his race was done.

About half a km on the approach road to the turn into the finish unbeknown to me a rider had dropped back and launched a big attack on the other side of the road, he established a dangerous lead and had completely outfoxed us, it all became messy and I lost my wheel and subsequently came in 5th, three seconds behind the winner and a couple of minutes ahead of 6th place and others!!

I am disappointed not to medal but thats racing and well done to the others guys. Interestingly the rider who came 4th, one second in front of me was third in the mountain bike race 10 minutes down, umm food for thought?

Thank you to the Organisers and Volunteers who made it possible

The Games were clearly a great success and reminder of past experiences and I am glad I participated. I hope my account encourages you to participate, enjoy and experience the camaraderie and occasional competition in our chosen sport.

Defend the title in 4 years, watch this space.

Paul.

 

 

Paul Daly and Derek Smith Memorial RR (IMPS) Saturday 22nd April

Congratulations to Paul Daly on winning the world masters series mountain bike Championship well done super star. 

Many thanks to everyone who supported the imps event and who saw Melvyn's Great Ride
in Race 2. away in a 3 up break for most of the event finishing 2nd in his cat. Myself and Brian stayed with the peloton finishing 3rd and 4th in our cats we need to improve our sprint
Thanks again for your support. Pictures from the event can be viewed on the imps Facebook site.  

World Masters Games, New Zealand

Best wishes to Paul Daly who next Monday will be riding in the World Masters Games Mountain Bike Champs in New Zealand and the following Sunday in the Road Race. His main target has always been the mountain bike and judging from his Strava feed he's in good form although he has had a recurring hamstring niggle. Full details can be seen at http://www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz/

Sunday 23rd April - Red Rose Ride

Its Calderdale CTC's Red Rose 200k Audax this coming Sunday, 8am from Oddfellows Rooms, Prescott Street, Halifax.

The following Saturday, the 29th I've entered a 100k rough stuff Audax from Newby Wiske, North Yorks. Take a look at it on the AUK site, looks good and with a checkpoint at The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge it will be an excellent day out and leave Sunday free to watch the TdY travel through Calderdale.

California

I thought you might like to see a couple of photos from my recent ride ... there were some fine hills, and fine views but, as Peter requested, I'll say no more about it.

IMPS RR SATURDAY 22nd APRIL NEEDS YOUR KIND SUPPORT

Please support the  Derek Smith Memorial (imps) RR on Saturday 22nd. Marshalls/ Support needed from around 9.00/9.15. I'm sure as usual the Imps will reciprocate this support for our event in July.
HQ (HX4 8JG) as usual Greetland Sports & community Centre. Race starts at 10.00, Sean Smith is organising.
This year Sean due to police stipulation as had to reduce the field size and organise a temporary road closure. The police will i'm sure be monitoring the event so its important we provide as much support as possible to aid riders and safety. The event should finish by around 12.30 when i believe Pie & Pies will be available at HQ.  Many Thanks    

Sunday 26th - Foulridge

As requested Peter, I'm going to suggest 9:30 in Keighley (British Summer Time) for a short run over to the canal-side cafe at Foulridge, and then back over a hill or two - maybe Widdop.

If the weather behaves as forecast then I suspect the BEST BIKE will be getting a first outing of the year.

Sunday 26th March

Due to the excellent weather forecast for this weekend  I shoved in a late entry for the Yorkshire Gallop Audax on Saturday so I'm leaving it to someone else to arrange a club run for Sunday.

Sunday 19th March

Meet 8.30 Denholme Gate or 9am Keighley for Silverdale.

Andy Myers digit following his tumble in the 3RT Rely Ride