Having just returned from two cycle free weeks abroad I find myself hankering after some quality riding time on the lanes and byways of God's own county.
Anyone up for a ride, perhaps up to Nidderdale with a Bacon and Egg sandwich at How Stean Gorge? Other venues and cafes willingly considered
Let me know either by phone 01484 602288 (mobile caput) or through the blog
Richard
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunter success
Now it is no surprise that Brian has won an event, but I am a tad surprised that it seems to have been reported first in the Liverpool Daily Post. What's more, I can't find anything posted yet on the VTTA website for this championship event:
Sunter takes title
Aug 27 2008 Liverpool Daily Post
CYCLING: Brian Sunter, 65, of Condor RC is this year’s winner of the VTTA National 50-mile championship.
He gained a plus of 48 minutes and 10 seconds after producing an actual 1 hour 56 minutes 53 seconds for the J4/16 course at Goostrey. Stockport Clarion CC’s Derek Hodgins (74) just snatched second place with an actual 2.09.09 to give him a plus of 47.21. Third place went to 73-year-old Frank Kerry of Lancashire Road Club after recording 2.08.29 to gain a plus of 47.20.
For the original article click here.
Sunter takes title
Aug 27 2008 Liverpool Daily Post
CYCLING: Brian Sunter, 65, of Condor RC is this year’s winner of the VTTA National 50-mile championship.
He gained a plus of 48 minutes and 10 seconds after producing an actual 1 hour 56 minutes 53 seconds for the J4/16 course at Goostrey. Stockport Clarion CC’s Derek Hodgins (74) just snatched second place with an actual 2.09.09 to give him a plus of 47.21. Third place went to 73-year-old Frank Kerry of Lancashire Road Club after recording 2.08.29 to gain a plus of 47.20.
For the original article click here.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Happy Holidays ...
Unlike this chap I'm leaving my laptop computer and mobile phone at work so there will be no blogging from me for a week or two...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
27 July - 9am Hebden Bridge
Apologies for the very late post - I've been outside enjoying the sunshine.
It is just as well I didn't tell you about plan A because we've had a change of mind and gone with plan B instead = 9am at the lights in Hebden Bridge.
Meanwhile good luck to Johnny Perry who is racing tomorrow. Also Vicar & Grimpy will be winding up their summer series cyclo cross with the final race this Wednesday at Huddersfield New College - if you fancy cheering them through!
It is just as well I didn't tell you about plan A because we've had a change of mind and gone with plan B instead = 9am at the lights in Hebden Bridge.
Meanwhile good luck to Johnny Perry who is racing tomorrow. Also Vicar & Grimpy will be winding up their summer series cyclo cross with the final race this Wednesday at Huddersfield New College - if you fancy cheering them through!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
20 July - bikes and bbq
So far the plan for Sunday 20 July is another mtb ride starting 9am from Wainstalls. And, if you bring a fleece and a wooly hat, you'd be welcome along at a bbq at Ian's from around 3pm on Sunday afternoon. Give me a ring if you are coming. I've got heat, meat, wine, buns and beer. What more do you need? Well, maybe some thermal underwear ...
Thursday, July 03, 2008
World Wide Scoop
| On an unbelievably hot, sunny day in Provence on his birthday (Tuesday 1st July 2008) an ex- Tour de France winner look alike, otherwise known as our President, began the ascent of the Ventoux from the Bedoin side. There were frequent stops during the 22 kilometres of torture to chew over the immensity of the task. And to seriously consider turning back. But onward and forever upward he flew into the Condor record books, and of course cloud at the top, to be the first ever Bird of the Andes to conquer The Giant of Provence. When I saw John at his holiday home that evening to celebrate his birthday, he looked awfully ill. But a few shots of Cote de Rhone revived him to tell us all the tale of his epic challenge ride. Let us all raise our glasses to his achievement. An exiled Condor, Philip |
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Melvins 'Mega' Sunday
In the absence of a report from Mel (better known in Ilkley simply as 'The Condor' - see below - I've borrowed Earthdreamers report from his blog - I'm sure he won't mind.
Mega Challenge
The day of the Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge started at the the ridiculously early time of 3.30am. With Cacophony sadly absent, El Cid drove Chills and myself down to Ruthin to arrive just after 6am with light drizzle falling - marking the end of my long run of perfect weather on events. There we met up with Knacker and Spectre, and also The Condor. The climbing started pretty much right way, the route going straight up Bwlch Pen Barras from Ruthin. This actually suited me better than a fast roll-out on the flat and I felt good on this first climb, having difficulty holding the reins, so to speak. At the summit of the pass we seemed to have lost El Cid and my guess (knowing his canny judgement of pace) was that he was just determined to take a steady start and conserve his energy for later. I felt that I should probably be opting for the same strategy but I was enjoying myself too much and felt that we had a good group together already. In the absence of El Cid at the front of the peleton, The Condor was co-opted, in an unspoken kind of way, as surrogate team leader. The only problem with that was that he's a class apart from the rest of us, but what the hell. I decided to go with the flow!Even in the intermittent drizzle the scenery was stunning. I've only visited this part of the country sporadically, and after each trip I pledge to visit more often because it is just so beautiful ... before somehow forgetting. I've now made the pledge again. Another long, more gradual climb out of Ruthin (again) and then the Horseshoe Pass towards Llangollen. I was feeling comfortable on the start of this climb but as my group picked up another group the pace seemed to increase just a notch and I decided to be conservative and hold back. I was thinking of El Cid, with his masterplan, ready to come steaming over the Bwlch-y-Groes with the rest of us twiddling away on dead legs. I felt like buying into that plan!It was good to have some space and be able to look around at the incredible landscape rather than the back of someone's wheel. It was just so pretty. A small part of me wanted to stop and take it all in, but I already had sight of the road descending on the other side of the valley and a much bigger part of me was driven on by the prospect of those long sweeping bends. So, a very rapid and exhilarating descent into the Vale of Llangollen before taking the road out to World's End. This section was really lovely, a little back lane of a road, snaking its way up a hidden valley underneath the ancient Offa's Dyke. It somehow seemed out of time and World's End a remarkably appropriate name. I had been steadily overtaking small groups of riders and once the climb kicked in I felt myself going well, again having difficulty holding in the reins. Up on the top there was a great high moorland section with a following wind before a steep descent to the first feed station, where I met up with my group again.Knowing the next section was a little intricate and without any big climbs, I got in and out quickly and rejoined the gang. This part of the course is a bit of blur in retrospect, pretty enough but without any significant landmarks. All I do remember is that it started raining at the top of the climb out of Rhosemor and that it was definitely rain rather than drizzle, and whereas before there were breaks in the cloud to suggest a shower, now the sky was uniformly grey. There was a sense that this might now be the order of the day. And, space-head that I am, I had forgotten my waterproof! Once again, I backed off the pace a bit and took the Moel Arthur climb on my own before soon rejoining the group at the second feed station. Although it was raining and everyone was wet, spirits were very high, possibly down to the wonderful fare on offer here. The pasta was a revelation, so combined with several cheese sandwiches and a slice of malt loaf, I had quite a feast. This kind of 'normal' food is just so much better than energy bars. And somehow I think the body knows what it needs.Just before we left, El Cid arrived, claiming that he wasn't just taking it steadily, but that he couldn't keep up with us. I still wasn't sure. He was only 5 mins adrift after 60 miles and we'd had the advantage of riding together a lot of the way! Anyway, off into the rain, with a lot of water now on the road and loads of spray. Not that I actually found it particularly unpleasant, except perhaps for my hands going numb. It was a shame that the landscape was now hidden in mist, but I was still thoroughly enjoying this amazing sense of journey, joining together places, some that I've driven through on odd occasions, others, like Denbigh, that have only previously existed as names on a map. We were soon on the infamously billed "Road to Hell", over the moors to Cerrigydrudion, in the rain and into the wind. It should have been hell really, but it actually passed without too much pain. A lot of that might well be due to the good company I was keeping, The Condor, Chills and Spectre all doing more than their fair share at the front, along with a few other strong lads who had joined us. Feeling guilty, I did try to get to the front on one occasion, but I didn't last long before I got swept up. As the elder statesman of the party, perhaps it is my privilege to get towed around! But the pace must have been quite good because I think we dropped Knacker at this point, and he had been riding strongly up to here.The section from Cerrigydrudion to Bala passed very quickly and in better weather. The clouds were breaking and the stunning landscape re-emerged from hiding, offering us a glimpse of the big mountains of Snowdonia to the west. We were soon at the third feedstation, the 90 mile point, and the time seemed to have passed very quickly. If this was a regular event we would be close to finishing, and I have to say that the legs felt better than they usually do at that stage. And it certainly didn't feel like I'd been conserving much energy. Just after leaving we met El Cid just coming in, so he was still just a matter of a few cheese sandwiches behind us on the road. Was he still being canny? Would we soon see him come flying past on one of the big descents?To be continued ...
Posted by Earthdreamer at 29.6.08
Mega Challenge
The day of the Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge started at the the ridiculously early time of 3.30am. With Cacophony sadly absent, El Cid drove Chills and myself down to Ruthin to arrive just after 6am with light drizzle falling - marking the end of my long run of perfect weather on events. There we met up with Knacker and Spectre, and also The Condor. The climbing started pretty much right way, the route going straight up Bwlch Pen Barras from Ruthin. This actually suited me better than a fast roll-out on the flat and I felt good on this first climb, having difficulty holding the reins, so to speak. At the summit of the pass we seemed to have lost El Cid and my guess (knowing his canny judgement of pace) was that he was just determined to take a steady start and conserve his energy for later. I felt that I should probably be opting for the same strategy but I was enjoying myself too much and felt that we had a good group together already. In the absence of El Cid at the front of the peleton, The Condor was co-opted, in an unspoken kind of way, as surrogate team leader. The only problem with that was that he's a class apart from the rest of us, but what the hell. I decided to go with the flow!Even in the intermittent drizzle the scenery was stunning. I've only visited this part of the country sporadically, and after each trip I pledge to visit more often because it is just so beautiful ... before somehow forgetting. I've now made the pledge again. Another long, more gradual climb out of Ruthin (again) and then the Horseshoe Pass towards Llangollen. I was feeling comfortable on the start of this climb but as my group picked up another group the pace seemed to increase just a notch and I decided to be conservative and hold back. I was thinking of El Cid, with his masterplan, ready to come steaming over the Bwlch-y-Groes with the rest of us twiddling away on dead legs. I felt like buying into that plan!It was good to have some space and be able to look around at the incredible landscape rather than the back of someone's wheel. It was just so pretty. A small part of me wanted to stop and take it all in, but I already had sight of the road descending on the other side of the valley and a much bigger part of me was driven on by the prospect of those long sweeping bends. So, a very rapid and exhilarating descent into the Vale of Llangollen before taking the road out to World's End. This section was really lovely, a little back lane of a road, snaking its way up a hidden valley underneath the ancient Offa's Dyke. It somehow seemed out of time and World's End a remarkably appropriate name. I had been steadily overtaking small groups of riders and once the climb kicked in I felt myself going well, again having difficulty holding in the reins. Up on the top there was a great high moorland section with a following wind before a steep descent to the first feed station, where I met up with my group again.Knowing the next section was a little intricate and without any big climbs, I got in and out quickly and rejoined the gang. This part of the course is a bit of blur in retrospect, pretty enough but without any significant landmarks. All I do remember is that it started raining at the top of the climb out of Rhosemor and that it was definitely rain rather than drizzle, and whereas before there were breaks in the cloud to suggest a shower, now the sky was uniformly grey. There was a sense that this might now be the order of the day. And, space-head that I am, I had forgotten my waterproof! Once again, I backed off the pace a bit and took the Moel Arthur climb on my own before soon rejoining the group at the second feed station. Although it was raining and everyone was wet, spirits were very high, possibly down to the wonderful fare on offer here. The pasta was a revelation, so combined with several cheese sandwiches and a slice of malt loaf, I had quite a feast. This kind of 'normal' food is just so much better than energy bars. And somehow I think the body knows what it needs.Just before we left, El Cid arrived, claiming that he wasn't just taking it steadily, but that he couldn't keep up with us. I still wasn't sure. He was only 5 mins adrift after 60 miles and we'd had the advantage of riding together a lot of the way! Anyway, off into the rain, with a lot of water now on the road and loads of spray. Not that I actually found it particularly unpleasant, except perhaps for my hands going numb. It was a shame that the landscape was now hidden in mist, but I was still thoroughly enjoying this amazing sense of journey, joining together places, some that I've driven through on odd occasions, others, like Denbigh, that have only previously existed as names on a map. We were soon on the infamously billed "Road to Hell", over the moors to Cerrigydrudion, in the rain and into the wind. It should have been hell really, but it actually passed without too much pain. A lot of that might well be due to the good company I was keeping, The Condor, Chills and Spectre all doing more than their fair share at the front, along with a few other strong lads who had joined us. Feeling guilty, I did try to get to the front on one occasion, but I didn't last long before I got swept up. As the elder statesman of the party, perhaps it is my privilege to get towed around! But the pace must have been quite good because I think we dropped Knacker at this point, and he had been riding strongly up to here.The section from Cerrigydrudion to Bala passed very quickly and in better weather. The clouds were breaking and the stunning landscape re-emerged from hiding, offering us a glimpse of the big mountains of Snowdonia to the west. We were soon at the third feedstation, the 90 mile point, and the time seemed to have passed very quickly. If this was a regular event we would be close to finishing, and I have to say that the legs felt better than they usually do at that stage. And it certainly didn't feel like I'd been conserving much energy. Just after leaving we met El Cid just coming in, so he was still just a matter of a few cheese sandwiches behind us on the road. Was he still being canny? Would we soon see him come flying past on one of the big descents?To be continued ...
Posted by Earthdreamer at 29.6.08
Sunday, June 22, 2008
White Rose
From the photos online here, here and here (oh, and here) it looks like our chaps had a good day for the White Rose. Timings are listed as Melvyn 6.49, Doug Burnside 7.33, Damien 8.22. Can any of you post the full story?
Even closer to home I see that some Condors were there at the Pain in the Pennines - including Doug (7.08), and Mr Gower (9.18). That's for the long 'un. Well done Paul, you are putting the rest of us to shame. And El Presedente was there too doing the 60 miles in 5.35.
Next, a mystery for you. There will be a prize for the best answer. Who is the elusive 'Graham Norton'? He rode the Etape this year and the White Rose amongst others as a "Condor". I've even seen him in a club jersey once upon a time at the North West Passage. But have you ever spoken to this most shy of riders? (More importantly, asks Gower, has he ever paid his club subs ...).
Thusday 26th is the Otley crit. Let me know if you want a lift over and we'll sort out who is going.
And next Sunday is the Dave Lloyd mega-challenge - 140 miles of pain as explained here. Now it is no surprise that Melv has entered - and Steve has too but is wishing he hadn't. So there might be a place going if you want it ...
Ian
Even closer to home I see that some Condors were there at the Pain in the Pennines - including Doug (7.08), and Mr Gower (9.18). That's for the long 'un. Well done Paul, you are putting the rest of us to shame. And El Presedente was there too doing the 60 miles in 5.35.
Next, a mystery for you. There will be a prize for the best answer. Who is the elusive 'Graham Norton'? He rode the Etape this year and the White Rose amongst others as a "Condor". I've even seen him in a club jersey once upon a time at the North West Passage. But have you ever spoken to this most shy of riders? (More importantly, asks Gower, has he ever paid his club subs ...).
Thusday 26th is the Otley crit. Let me know if you want a lift over and we'll sort out who is going.
And next Sunday is the Dave Lloyd mega-challenge - 140 miles of pain as explained here. Now it is no surprise that Melv has entered - and Steve has too but is wishing he hadn't. So there might be a place going if you want it ...
Ian
Monday, June 02, 2008
June events
4 June - The packed programme this month begins this week with the Imps run to Skipton & back on THIS WEDNESDAY June 4th. Start prompt at 7pm at Denholme (by the joinery works as usual - get there early to sign in). Turn second roundabout going into Skipton. Both ways via Crosshills to avoid level crossings. Finish at the farm shop above Thornton Road crossroads. Food afterwards at the Brown Horse in Coley. Hicko will book food by mobile subject to starters.
8 June – Red Rose 200k Audax sse Chris Crossland's website
10 June is the Brighouse Criterium from 7pm. See brighousecircuitracing.co.uk or phone Chris Volkes at VS Cycles on 01484 715230, Marshalls needed& volunteer helpers welcome – or at least come along for the free spectator sport.
11 June – a reminder to everyone on entering & helping that Brian’s time trial is on Wednesday June 11th. I suspect you can still can get an entry if Brian gets a phone call (or even an official entry form!) by Wednesday 4th as he's on hols till then. Meet at Greetland Sport & Social for 6.30 to get organised.
15 June – Pain in the Pennines – see the Imps website
8 June – Red Rose 200k Audax sse Chris Crossland's website
10 June is the Brighouse Criterium from 7pm. See brighousecircuitracing.co.uk or phone Chris Volkes at VS Cycles on 01484 715230, Marshalls needed& volunteer helpers welcome – or at least come along for the free spectator sport.
11 June – a reminder to everyone on entering & helping that Brian’s time trial is on Wednesday June 11th. I suspect you can still can get an entry if Brian gets a phone call (or even an official entry form!) by Wednesday 4th as he's on hols till then. Meet at Greetland Sport & Social for 6.30 to get organised.
15 June – Pain in the Pennines – see the Imps website
Saturday, May 31, 2008
1 June - 0900 in Keighley
I'm told by a reliable source that the Hartley twins are meeting by Keighley roundabout at 0900 tomorrow 1 June, and we are all welcome to join in. I'll be there and peddaling slowly.
The route is uncertain but may well involve Bowland Knotts and the cafe at Slaidburn.
As it happens the Imps run (i.e. the "real" Condor run from the runs sheets) is meeting 0830 at Denholme for Settle with a stop at Gargrave.
Cheers, Ian
The route is uncertain but may well involve Bowland Knotts and the cafe at Slaidburn.
As it happens the Imps run (i.e. the "real" Condor run from the runs sheets) is meeting 0830 at Denholme for Settle with a stop at Gargrave.
Cheers, Ian
Monday, May 26, 2008
Windy Day
It seems that most riders are elsewhere this weekend, what with it being a bank holiday and the start of half term. Still, three of us got out today on mountain bikes for a great ride with wind mostly on our backs. We went from Wainstalls, over Brown Knoll and Limer's Gate, Crimsworth Dean, Walshaw, Lower Gorple, Wragley Woods and then snuck back from Hebden Bridge along the Sustrans route without ever having to battle a headwind.
As a club, the Condors didn't really get into the CCA ride organised by the Imps this Sunday. My fault for not putting the word round in time - sorry. Still, there are more joint rides coming up soon like the Skipton runs, etc.
Meanwhile, following on from Pete's post below, many of you will have seen and admired Melv's new yellow rain jacket and maybe even ridden along behind its ample proportions. However, I think we may have made one too many adverse comments about that jacket and Melv has seen the need to pass it on to another good home. In fact it is now being put to good use by members of the Scammonden sailing club ...
As a club, the Condors didn't really get into the CCA ride organised by the Imps this Sunday. My fault for not putting the word round in time - sorry. Still, there are more joint rides coming up soon like the Skipton runs, etc.
Meanwhile, following on from Pete's post below, many of you will have seen and admired Melv's new yellow rain jacket and maybe even ridden along behind its ample proportions. However, I think we may have made one too many adverse comments about that jacket and Melv has seen the need to pass it on to another good home. In fact it is now being put to good use by members of the Scammonden sailing club ...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Below is an extract from Earthdreamers blog on the Cyclosport website. Who could the MH be?
Synchronicity19/05/2008
It was the Harrier's Monday night cycle run tonight and it was again amazing not too feel any real tiredness in the legs. Not a single niggle or ache or tightness. What a completely different story to the Three Peaks, after which I could barely climb the stairs for two days. Just a small group out tonight, but running out towards Askwith we were joined by MH (whom we'll call The Condor) who had finished the EduD in a classy 6.37, including a puncture. We were only joking at the end that we never seem to see each other out on the road locally. Indeed I can't ever remember seeing The Condor out before (we only seem to meet on events, having first got introduced on a trip to do the Etape du Tour 3 years ago), and, here, the very next day, he was! He joined us up Askwith Hill and round the loop to Low Snowden before carrying on to Otley and it was good to catch up properly and for me to be able to seek a bit of advice from someone with so much experience and pedigree! He had knocked big lumps off his best FW and EduD times, so it seems that everybody out there is getting fitter ... or perhaps just more confident of their ability?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
news just in ... Etape du Dales
Remember the tickertape reports on Grandstand on a Saturday teatime?
Well here is the latest from our chaps at "thee tap" as I hear it called round here.
Robin Holt 6:17:12
Melvin Hartley 6:37:43
Steven Barker 7:09:00
Richard 'Vicar' Burnham 7:33:24
Damien Hill 7:33:54
Detailed timings are up on the website here, but I'm looking forward to hearing the full hill-by-hill and blow-by-blow account in the Cat I'th' Well on Wednesday.
Ian
Well here is the latest from our chaps at "thee tap" as I hear it called round here.
Robin Holt 6:17:12
Melvin Hartley 6:37:43
Steven Barker 7:09:00
Richard 'Vicar' Burnham 7:33:24
Damien Hill 7:33:54
Detailed timings are up on the website here, but I'm looking forward to hearing the full hill-by-hill and blow-by-blow account in the Cat I'th' Well on Wednesday.
Ian
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Message from Grimpy
Peter,
I am getting some company jerseys placing an order shortly I attach the proof.
It’s with a company called Kalas.
Before ordering I wondered if anyone in the club was interested in purchasing?
A change from condor on occasions?
The sample they sent looks OK ?
I went for a fairly dark arrangement to suit old men like me??
I am afraid I have never done blog stuff and wonder if you can put this item on the blog for me?
Price wise you are looking at approx £35 per item ( shorts or short sleeve jersey)
You can find size guide on http://www.kalaswear.com/products/sizeguide.html
I also have two size samples shorts & jerseys in small & large at PENNINE
Anyway more important how did you do in the Fred Whitton on Sunday.
Brian did a 52 40 (40 something not sure on exact seconds) on Saturday in was it the nunbrook wheelers 25 I think?
I said what position did you finish – not sure there was a few 51’s
John sent me the above e-mail asking me to put it on the blog - he also sent me an attachment with the artwork for his Pennine kit but try as I may I cannot upload it onto the blog so if you would like to have a look e-mail John at jginley@pennineuk.com
Well done to Melvin who knocked about half an hour off his previous best time for the Fred Whitton lowering the Condor record for the route to 6.42.35 giving him 54th overall out of 823 finishers. Dougie recorded 8.19.19 and Martin Croft from the Imps 8.29.06, these times were over an hour slower than my time last year so I suspect there must be a story of misfortune yet to be heard.
I am getting some company jerseys placing an order shortly I attach the proof.
It’s with a company called Kalas.
Before ordering I wondered if anyone in the club was interested in purchasing?
A change from condor on occasions?
The sample they sent looks OK ?
I went for a fairly dark arrangement to suit old men like me??
I am afraid I have never done blog stuff and wonder if you can put this item on the blog for me?
Price wise you are looking at approx £35 per item ( shorts or short sleeve jersey)
You can find size guide on http://www.kalaswear.com/products/sizeguide.html
I also have two size samples shorts & jerseys in small & large at PENNINE
Anyway more important how did you do in the Fred Whitton on Sunday.
Brian did a 52 40 (40 something not sure on exact seconds) on Saturday in was it the nunbrook wheelers 25 I think?
I said what position did you finish – not sure there was a few 51’s
John sent me the above e-mail asking me to put it on the blog - he also sent me an attachment with the artwork for his Pennine kit but try as I may I cannot upload it onto the blog so if you would like to have a look e-mail John at jginley@pennineuk.com
Well done to Melvin who knocked about half an hour off his previous best time for the Fred Whitton lowering the Condor record for the route to 6.42.35 giving him 54th overall out of 823 finishers. Dougie recorded 8.19.19 and Martin Croft from the Imps 8.29.06, these times were over an hour slower than my time last year so I suspect there must be a story of misfortune yet to be heard.
Monday, May 12, 2008
News Update
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday 11th May, MTB Run
Nigel and Ian climbing towards Scammonden A great day out, a fantastic route (courtesy of Nigel) and brilliant weather (my sunburnt arms are testamony to that).
Fortunately some kind soul picked up the contents of my saddle bag in Norland and handed them in to the police station in Halifax. I won't make the same mistake again!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Sun 11 May - MTB run
Just out of interest I put "condor" and "mtb" into Google - but I didn't expect to find a picture of a chap on a bike doing an impression of a Condor :)With various members off enjoying the Fred Whitton ride in the Lakes, this seemed a good weekend to have a change of scene and get the mountain bikes out. Nigel recently treated himself to a new steed so I think he is keen to get his money's worth. Meet 9am at Nige's in Wainstalls or ring me if you've a better plan.
If you'd prefer a road ride then the Imps runs sheets says they will be meeting at Shelf roundabout (by the VW garage) at 0830 for a trip to Wetherby via Bilton.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Summer Series round 1
Richard, John & Steve after Round 1 of the YCCA Summer Series at Oakbank School, Keighley on Wednesday evening 7/05/08
Steve concentrating hard on one of the many tight corners
Grimpy leading the Condor team and en-route to another V60 victory (also 1st V50)
Richard caught putting his foot down on one of the steep bankingsSaturday, May 03, 2008
Sunday 4th May
Half eight at Denholme - nine at Keighley for tomorrow's run.
(half an hour earlier than usual - looks like we might be in for a long day!)
Richard
(half an hour earlier than usual - looks like we might be in for a long day!)
Richard
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Sun 27th April - Wet in Whalley
We did meet and we did ride out first to Whalley - where Vicar was glad of the ecumenical bacon & egg barm at the Abbey cafe. After that we roamed the lovely little lanes of lancashire before finally heading for home over the herders. Thanks again for waiting for me chaps. Ian.
The plan is to meet at Hebden Bridge at 9.00am, I guess for a ride out to the west but after that I'm not sure!
Might be worth checking with Ian (who's in contact with more of the Sunday stalwarts than me) before you set of to confirm the ride's still on,
Richard
I'll be there Richard (with a jacket on i suspect), sounds like Nigel & Melv will be out and Steve too. Any body else who reads this is welcome to come along.
Ian
The plan is to meet at Hebden Bridge at 9.00am, I guess for a ride out to the west but after that I'm not sure!
Might be worth checking with Ian (who's in contact with more of the Sunday stalwarts than me) before you set of to confirm the ride's still on,
Richard
I'll be there Richard (with a jacket on i suspect), sounds like Nigel & Melv will be out and Steve too. Any body else who reads this is welcome to come along.
Ian
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Spring into the Dales - first reports
Not feeling particularly strong after a serious lack of miles so far this season I took the short-cut from home straight over Top Withens to Oxenhope to miss out Hebden Bridge and the first long climb of Keighley Road/Cock Hill. My lone start meant an easy ride at my own pace over the Herders to Laneshaw Bridge - although turning into the headwind up to Black Lane Ends made me (almost) wish for a wheel to follow. I'd expected to be caught in Earby and loitered there for a good few minutes chatting before getting a bit cold and riding on to Gargrave on my tod just to keep warm. Still, I was far better dressed than the triathletes at West Marton - it was no whether for sleeveless tops, especially if you'd just jumped out of a warm swimming pool somewhere.
I was just about to set off at Gargrave after a few words with the Kershaw family marshalling the control point there when the first of the 'proper' riders turned up - some looking more weary and haggard than others. The look on Melv's face told everything about their ride up to that point but he soon revived and we rode together to Cracoe. However, it wasn't ever going to last for me at that pace and I gratefully let the bunch go to dive into the cafe. The tale is that they then had a lovely time and rode together at a brisk pace all the way to the finish - sorry, that was just a fairy tale.
Riding on through Thorpe and back down to Burnsall I passed many riders and then spotted a couple of decent looking wheels a little way ahead. It turned out to be Irish John (Dogerty) of VS Cycles with his mate "very Irish" Justin on a visit here for a few days from Ireland. Now this meant good company all the way back over Addingham Moorside and on through Keighley. Since Justin's legs had blown somewhere back near Gargrave it also meant that I could stay with them without going too far into the red myself and finished the ride back over the same short cut feeling fine and looking forward to the next outing.
Meanwhile, Robin and other vets were pinning on their race numbers for 12 circuits of Norland Moor in the LVRC event. A small group including Sean Smith went away on the second lap and stayed out of reach. Sean finished third I think. Robin did his bit to lead out the sprint for the main bunch - and then found out why they were all so keen for someone else to go first into the headwind as his legs faded within sight of the line...
I was just about to set off at Gargrave after a few words with the Kershaw family marshalling the control point there when the first of the 'proper' riders turned up - some looking more weary and haggard than others. The look on Melv's face told everything about their ride up to that point but he soon revived and we rode together to Cracoe. However, it wasn't ever going to last for me at that pace and I gratefully let the bunch go to dive into the cafe. The tale is that they then had a lovely time and rode together at a brisk pace all the way to the finish - sorry, that was just a fairy tale.
Riding on through Thorpe and back down to Burnsall I passed many riders and then spotted a couple of decent looking wheels a little way ahead. It turned out to be Irish John (Dogerty) of VS Cycles with his mate "very Irish" Justin on a visit here for a few days from Ireland. Now this meant good company all the way back over Addingham Moorside and on through Keighley. Since Justin's legs had blown somewhere back near Gargrave it also meant that I could stay with them without going too far into the red myself and finished the ride back over the same short cut feeling fine and looking forward to the next outing.
Meanwhile, Robin and other vets were pinning on their race numbers for 12 circuits of Norland Moor in the LVRC event. A small group including Sean Smith went away on the second lap and stayed out of reach. Sean finished third I think. Robin did his bit to lead out the sprint for the main bunch - and then found out why they were all so keen for someone else to go first into the headwind as his legs faded within sight of the line...
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
20 Apr 08 - Spring into the Dales
I said SPRING dammit. Rode home tonight into a chill north wind and a sprinkling of rain just for an extra fun topping. Still wearing gloves and full tights!
After last year's fantastic weather I can pretty much guarantee that this Sunday's "S-i-t-D" will be colder and/or wetter. Still, anyone want to join me in a steady-ish potter round? I fear that I may have to let the fast lads go pretty early on and save myself for Cock Hill on the way back.
Here (almost) is a picture of the fast-moving Condor bunch on this ride in 2005. I'm at the back - just hanging on!
Mind you I could just ride by myself like Vicar did last year poor chap ... http://condorroadclub.blogspot.com/2007/04/spring-has-sprung.html
Ian
After last year's fantastic weather I can pretty much guarantee that this Sunday's "S-i-t-D" will be colder and/or wetter. Still, anyone want to join me in a steady-ish potter round? I fear that I may have to let the fast lads go pretty early on and save myself for Cock Hill on the way back.
Here (almost) is a picture of the fast-moving Condor bunch on this ride in 2005. I'm at the back - just hanging on!
Mind you I could just ride by myself like Vicar did last year poor chap ... http://condorroadclub.blogspot.com/2007/04/spring-has-sprung.html
Ian
Sunday 13th April
Pretty poor showing for the Hebden Bridge and all points West run. I was determined to ride because next weekend is a write off for me (daughter's 21st) and I was encouraged by a text from Ian on Saturday evening that suggestetd that he'd be out in the morning.
It would seem however, that the snow dusting the tops changed Ian's mind - and for that matter Robin's and Steve's - as I was the only rider sheltering in the cinema entrance when Nige rolled up en route to Lancaster to meet his wife and son.
As Nige so sagely said as we pressed on into the drizzel, you don't regret the times you ride but you do regret the times you don't (well something like that) and he was right, the further west we got the dryer it got and the dryer it got the happier we were - to the extent that by the time we entered the red rose county we were able to shed a layer and start to enjoy the day.
It would seem however, that the snow dusting the tops changed Ian's mind - and for that matter Robin's and Steve's - as I was the only rider sheltering in the cinema entrance when Nige rolled up en route to Lancaster to meet his wife and son.
As Nige so sagely said as we pressed on into the drizzel, you don't regret the times you ride but you do regret the times you don't (well something like that) and he was right, the further west we got the dryer it got and the dryer it got the happier we were - to the extent that by the time we entered the red rose county we were able to shed a layer and start to enjoy the day.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
13 april - hebden bridge @ 9am
It all seems a bit quiet recently. Is it just that everyone is STILL waiting for spring? I've dusted down my best bike and looked lovingly at all the carbon, but not had a chance to ride it yet. Good weather must be coming soon ...
This week we're meeting at the traffic lights in the centre of Hebden Bridge for a run out west - wherever the fancy takes us. All welcome.
Ian
This week we're meeting at the traffic lights in the centre of Hebden Bridge for a run out west - wherever the fancy takes us. All welcome.
Ian
Saturday, April 05, 2008
distant friends ...
Saturday, March 29, 2008
30 March - what is going on?
Here is a snap from the BC website of our heroines in action on the way to a gold in the women's pursuit. It has been great to see the track cycling on ordinary BBC2 television. It is even on at a sensible hour. How good is that!Again I have to give the club run a miss this week. For those of you who are out, how about meeting 9am at Denholme for a run up the dales. Don't forget to put your clocks forward by the hour!
Monday, March 17, 2008
April Events for your diary
First let me congratulate Andy Marshall who followed up his 3rd place in last weeks Featherstone Hilly with his first (I think) open time trial win yesterday in the Yorkshire Road Club hilly 10 which was run on a circuit from Addingham.
Brian was also in the thick of the action with 17th place overall and 3rd on age standard from 78 finishers in the North Mids 18k time trial in Nottinghamshire on Saturday, an event won by current British Best Allrounder Kevin Dawson.
I hope the mountain bikers had a good day on Sunday, the weather being better than forecast. I managed to break my Racelight frame on the Gargrave run on Saturday so had ride my cross bike on Sunday. I've shod it with 35mm Schwalbe touring tyres which make a comfortable but heavy ride. I was only going out for the morning to do a circuit round Skipton, Embsey, Bolton Abbey, Ilkley, Otley & home for lunch. I did get involved in some bib & bit with a couple of whippersnappers on the back road from Beamsley to Otley. We were joined briefly by Grimpey who'd been going the other way. He showed us how hills should be climbed but after taking the Askwith prime turned round again and went on his way alone, serching the lanes for a club to go out training with.
I then came across Neil, the two Paul's and JK coming out of the cafe in Otley. Neil was asking what has happened to the famed Condor Sunday training runs, in fact I'd seen Damien in Gargrave Cafe on Saturday and he was asking the same. All I can say is that at the begining of Feb I did suggest having some brisk Sunday group runs, unfortunatly the group element seems ending too soon in the day, I know the runs have always wound up and split up towards the end but it seems that we're not getting much further than Keighley these days before the hammer goes down. I've been thinking that for a while but presuming its probably just me thats getting old and knackered so I've just chosen to go on a brisk solo ride. Seeing Ian's blog last week makes me think perhaps it is'nt just me, in fact it reminded me of a paragraph from one of Matt Seatons excellent columns in the Guardian a few weeks ago in which he wrote -
'Cycling, done rightly, is a collaborative, social exercise: when you're in a group, you take your "pull" on the front and feel the wind on your face, while the rest sit in your slipstream, recover and chat. Then you peel off, and the next rolls through. In this participatory democracy, everyone gets to be a leader, everyone a follower. Riding on the front is a burden you take up willingly, a chance to show your mettle, but in a controlled, disciplined way. You just want to set a nice tempo: it's not about showing off, but about style and form and an instinctive awareness of what's right for the group.'
Ahhh! those halcion days.
That reminds me, the reason I logged on was to remind people of some forthcoming events to put into the diary.
Sunday 20th April 'Spring into the Dales' 8am from Hebden Bridge, good weather guaranteed entries to Chris Crossland, details on Audax UK website.
Sunday 27th April Kirklees Sportive An interesting 80 mile route starting and finishing from the YMCA at Salendine Nook starts by going over Buckstones, then back over the Floating Light to Marsden, right to Meltham, up to Wessenden Head, down to Holmfirth, over Holme Moss, Dunford Bridge, Jackson Bridge, Denby Dale & Colne Bridge. £15 entry on-line includes 2 feed stations. I understand that 120 have already entered including many of our local riders. I think its a local ride that will be worth supporting.
In search of some new lanes I've also entered a 200k Audax on April 6th, the Ironbridge 200, HQ at Holmes Chapel in Cheshire. If anyone fancies joining me let me know and we'll share transport.
Brian was also in the thick of the action with 17th place overall and 3rd on age standard from 78 finishers in the North Mids 18k time trial in Nottinghamshire on Saturday, an event won by current British Best Allrounder Kevin Dawson.
I hope the mountain bikers had a good day on Sunday, the weather being better than forecast. I managed to break my Racelight frame on the Gargrave run on Saturday so had ride my cross bike on Sunday. I've shod it with 35mm Schwalbe touring tyres which make a comfortable but heavy ride. I was only going out for the morning to do a circuit round Skipton, Embsey, Bolton Abbey, Ilkley, Otley & home for lunch. I did get involved in some bib & bit with a couple of whippersnappers on the back road from Beamsley to Otley. We were joined briefly by Grimpey who'd been going the other way. He showed us how hills should be climbed but after taking the Askwith prime turned round again and went on his way alone, serching the lanes for a club to go out training with.
I then came across Neil, the two Paul's and JK coming out of the cafe in Otley. Neil was asking what has happened to the famed Condor Sunday training runs, in fact I'd seen Damien in Gargrave Cafe on Saturday and he was asking the same. All I can say is that at the begining of Feb I did suggest having some brisk Sunday group runs, unfortunatly the group element seems ending too soon in the day, I know the runs have always wound up and split up towards the end but it seems that we're not getting much further than Keighley these days before the hammer goes down. I've been thinking that for a while but presuming its probably just me thats getting old and knackered so I've just chosen to go on a brisk solo ride. Seeing Ian's blog last week makes me think perhaps it is'nt just me, in fact it reminded me of a paragraph from one of Matt Seatons excellent columns in the Guardian a few weeks ago in which he wrote -
'Cycling, done rightly, is a collaborative, social exercise: when you're in a group, you take your "pull" on the front and feel the wind on your face, while the rest sit in your slipstream, recover and chat. Then you peel off, and the next rolls through. In this participatory democracy, everyone gets to be a leader, everyone a follower. Riding on the front is a burden you take up willingly, a chance to show your mettle, but in a controlled, disciplined way. You just want to set a nice tempo: it's not about showing off, but about style and form and an instinctive awareness of what's right for the group.'
Ahhh! those halcion days.
That reminds me, the reason I logged on was to remind people of some forthcoming events to put into the diary.
Sunday 20th April 'Spring into the Dales' 8am from Hebden Bridge, good weather guaranteed entries to Chris Crossland, details on Audax UK website.
Sunday 27th April Kirklees Sportive An interesting 80 mile route starting and finishing from the YMCA at Salendine Nook starts by going over Buckstones, then back over the Floating Light to Marsden, right to Meltham, up to Wessenden Head, down to Holmfirth, over Holme Moss, Dunford Bridge, Jackson Bridge, Denby Dale & Colne Bridge. £15 entry on-line includes 2 feed stations. I understand that 120 have already entered including many of our local riders. I think its a local ride that will be worth supporting.
In search of some new lanes I've also entered a 200k Audax on April 6th, the Ironbridge 200, HQ at Holmes Chapel in Cheshire. If anyone fancies joining me let me know and we'll share transport.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
16 march - road to nowhere
Robin has a full-day pass to play out on his bike and nothing has been arranged. I've had an enquiry from young Johnny too. What are we going to do?
STOP PRESS: a flurry of phone calls has come up with a plan. 9am at Nigel's on mountain bikes. All welcome to join in!
STOP PRESS: a flurry of phone calls has come up with a plan. 9am at Nigel's on mountain bikes. All welcome to join in!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
9 March - Silverdale conquered at last
The storms and snow that were threatened didn't arrive and a big bunch of well over a dozen riders set off from "base camp" through Keighley. However, like all epic tales, there were casualties and detours along the way. By the time the final assault began on the summit of the Silverdale climb only three riders remained ...
A left turn in Crosshills onto the back road to Gargrave was my plan - it is just that very few wanted to follow and that left four riders going one way and the rest heading out on the main Skipton road. The gang of four who put in the extra hill had to dig deep in the hope of catching the bunch by Carleton ... only to find that Steve and Robin had already blown the group apart chasing non-existent ghosts up the road. I doubt that they ever caught us, cos we weren't ever ahead of them. Nigel, Damien, Dougie and one or two more had waited for us and for a short while we were back into a group. Nigel then announced that he had an urgent appointment back at home with some cardboard boxes, Dougie went straight on in Gargrave - presumably straight to Cracoe because he was never seen again. The rest vanished into thin air.
On through Bank Newton, Paythorne and Rathmell we were making good progress into Settle with a tailwind, plus the odd hail shower to keep us on our toes. Damien was the next unfortunate to be taken by the gods of the road. He was with us going into Settle, but didn't come out the other side and there were no wheel marks to show where he might have gone. Was he taken by the Naked Man?
Having started out with so many riders, sheer bloody-mindedness at this point meant that we just had to complete the stated aim and go over Silverdale. The final three of Ian, Melv and Richard were left to enjoy a great wind-assisted climb over the 'dale and take in the fabulous views of Pen-Y-Ghent before dropping down to Halton Gill. A run down Littondale (on the left-hand side, of course, Peter) took us on past Kilnsley to the cafe at Cracoe and some award-winning butties. Fuelled up we then had a short final leg back home.
Now, if only we can find a way of riding together for more than five minutes we might be able to start some sort of cycling club :)
A left turn in Crosshills onto the back road to Gargrave was my plan - it is just that very few wanted to follow and that left four riders going one way and the rest heading out on the main Skipton road. The gang of four who put in the extra hill had to dig deep in the hope of catching the bunch by Carleton ... only to find that Steve and Robin had already blown the group apart chasing non-existent ghosts up the road. I doubt that they ever caught us, cos we weren't ever ahead of them. Nigel, Damien, Dougie and one or two more had waited for us and for a short while we were back into a group. Nigel then announced that he had an urgent appointment back at home with some cardboard boxes, Dougie went straight on in Gargrave - presumably straight to Cracoe because he was never seen again. The rest vanished into thin air.
On through Bank Newton, Paythorne and Rathmell we were making good progress into Settle with a tailwind, plus the odd hail shower to keep us on our toes. Damien was the next unfortunate to be taken by the gods of the road. He was with us going into Settle, but didn't come out the other side and there were no wheel marks to show where he might have gone. Was he taken by the Naked Man?
Having started out with so many riders, sheer bloody-mindedness at this point meant that we just had to complete the stated aim and go over Silverdale. The final three of Ian, Melv and Richard were left to enjoy a great wind-assisted climb over the 'dale and take in the fabulous views of Pen-Y-Ghent before dropping down to Halton Gill. A run down Littondale (on the left-hand side, of course, Peter) took us on past Kilnsley to the cafe at Cracoe and some award-winning butties. Fuelled up we then had a short final leg back home.
Now, if only we can find a way of riding together for more than five minutes we might be able to start some sort of cycling club :)
Friday, February 29, 2008
HCA: the very short one
It doesn't sound like Peter had a great ride, but he battled round the long route anyway and gets respect for that.
I was still standing around chatting at the start when I noticed a couple of Condor jerseys sneaking off up the road. This was the signal for all and sundry to jump on their bikes in a very disorganised start. Realising that the long hard ride was beyond my ability , I hung back and waited for John Lumb to catch me up. Meanwhile, Sean Smith passed me going the other way after a puncture had delayed his ride out, then not very long after he passed me again - this time going full gas to catch the lead bunch! el Presidente & I led a good group of Star Wheelers along to Elland, only to see those same wheels go away from us up Salterhebble. The lights by the hospital changed against us and that was the last we saw of anyone. This opening section of this route is just too hard to have a hope of staying together. Come on Mr Kay - give us something better next year!
After climbing steadily back up to Wainstalls it was time to cape up for the old road over Top Withens and down to Oxenhope, then a steady ride on to the deserted Dalseman cafe in Gargrave for butties and tea. John is teaching me all he knows about taking it steady and we abandoned the short route at this point and made our own very short route straight back to Keighley, up Ingrow and on to the Pineberry to see how everyone else had got on. JK was there to welcome us and hopefully he'll get the idea that this ride is just too much - it makes the 140 miles of the long North West Passage seem like a walk in the park.
I was still standing around chatting at the start when I noticed a couple of Condor jerseys sneaking off up the road. This was the signal for all and sundry to jump on their bikes in a very disorganised start. Realising that the long hard ride was beyond my ability , I hung back and waited for John Lumb to catch me up. Meanwhile, Sean Smith passed me going the other way after a puncture had delayed his ride out, then not very long after he passed me again - this time going full gas to catch the lead bunch! el Presidente & I led a good group of Star Wheelers along to Elland, only to see those same wheels go away from us up Salterhebble. The lights by the hospital changed against us and that was the last we saw of anyone. This opening section of this route is just too hard to have a hope of staying together. Come on Mr Kay - give us something better next year!
After climbing steadily back up to Wainstalls it was time to cape up for the old road over Top Withens and down to Oxenhope, then a steady ride on to the deserted Dalseman cafe in Gargrave for butties and tea. John is teaching me all he knows about taking it steady and we abandoned the short route at this point and made our own very short route straight back to Keighley, up Ingrow and on to the Pineberry to see how everyone else had got on. JK was there to welcome us and hopefully he'll get the idea that this ride is just too much - it makes the 140 miles of the long North West Passage seem like a walk in the park.
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