Condor Road Club: Sunday 27th Feb

Condor Road Club: Sunday 27th Feb

Sunday 27th Feb

Anything planned for tomorrow?

Missed a few Sundays and a few Wednesdays and I'm beginning to forget what you guys look like.

Janice

For the information of all her friends in the Condor, Janice was the victim of a hit & run driver on Burdock Way last Sunday. She suffered fractures to the pelvis, she is home now but as been told that it will be very painful for quite some time and she expects to be out of action for at least 3 months.
On behalf of all of us we wish you a speedy recovery.

Rites of Passage

The recent enthusiasm shown for the North West Passage was well and truly dampened by Saturdays early snowfall, of which Calderdale seemed to get more than its share, resulting in me being the sole Condor in the company of a strong VS showing of Dwarty, Chris, Andy M, Andy R, Dougie and Martin Croft. Clearly Condors choose to nest at higher altitudes.
The Spring Inn was just damp and cold with no white stuff to be seen, except on the cars of trans-pennine entrants, until the usual ragged assortment of riders reached Todmorden. My enthusiasm was also tested by a wave of cold slush from a passing car at Cliviger and I feared we wouldn't see Gisburn but Blacko was clear and the scene of the usual sparring from riders who should know better.
The VS train took up the front running and we didn't hang around in Settle - keen to get warmed up again on Buckhaw Brow.
As we lined out on the routine bash to Kirby Lonsdale we failed to notice Dougie had not re-gained contact and he was left to chase us to the butty wagon, not easy as we were enjoying the only tail wind of the day and clocking 30 mph plus. I thought this was a poor show by VS and wouldn't ever expect the Condor to treat a club member in this way.
The day continued to improve as we headed west and by Blackburn the roads were almost drying out - and yes, Longridge high street hurt like normal, and that horrible bit under the motorway as you start the final climb to Owd Betts, and the legs were screaming as we go over the top too fast for comfort, and we just have to take to the pavement instead of stopping at the temporary lights or we wouldn't have finished at 3.50pm - maybe 3.55 instead !
The day looked better after a pint and pie and peas but then this event always seems better looking back.

Me? Struggling? Well it was soooooo bad that I was dropped on the Old Road and suffered the ignominy of being offered a gel to get me back home which was all downhill. It started out well enough, rain with no prospect of relief, a head-down pull through Skipton then Grassington and before you know it you are in Lyttondale and there is no going back other than over the top to Settle. The way back was wetter if that is possible, a contributing headwind, long turns on the front gradually got shorter, until I couldn't make any gesture to such by Keighley. Ingrow grew as it went on, as it can do from time to time, then the slope up to windmills not only grew but steepened. It seemed to make sense to go up it a bit like a tractor ploughing a sloping field, only there is a point to ploughing a field, and I did not have much in the way of a point in mind when i was trying to go up the hill. I have not ridden since. Even today I took one look at the snow and went back to bed. Neil the Indomitable no doubt went to the start and rode, maybe The Condor too. Nigel the Baster I know did not, maybe sympathising with my wasted reputation he too stayed back at home this morning rather than enter The Passage. Besides, he will have had some marinade to rub into something. For those that did not ride today anything doing tomorrow. I am going out in the cold fog, maybe to repeat the ploughing up Bowland Knots or some such, accompanied by the calling of a murder of crows.

Sat 19th North West Passage

A late reminder to anybody up for a challenge on Saturday, the NW passage audax (210k) starts at 08.00 hrs and the mini one at 09.00 from the Spring Inn, Rochdale.
More details on the Audax uk link.
As one club member put it "its the easiest 210 kilometres you'll do all year!" Though it looks like the weather may let us down for the first time in years, hope for a good Condor turn out in both events.

A few photos from the dinner

My cheap little compact didn't cope too well with the lighting in the Works but I'll blog the photo's anyway although they are rather late due to my internet connection being down.

I ( like others) had been looking forward to seeing a report of last Sundays Silverdale ride - there's not much I can say, I couldn't see myself lasting long with the main bunch so I set off early going through Denholmgate at about twenty to nine and with the help of a tail wind averaging about 16mph to Halton Gill. Just before Halton Gill I caught Lumby and PG who had parked their cars in Keighley. We rode together into the wind and rain over Silverdale to Settle expecting to be caught by the main bunch. Having reached Settle we were happy to retire to the Naked Man for the usual tea & b&e butties. We hadn't been there long before the peloton swept down into town, wet and cold they had decided not to stop. I couldn't have passed the cafe myself but I can understand not wanting to go through the distress of having to get going again after sitting wet though for an hour - it was hard work but it did help me make my mind up that I am going to ride the 80 miler this Saturday rather than the full distance NW Passage so good luck to the hard men doing the full distance -see if you can do that without a stop as well.

ps I have heard a rumour that Robin was struggling last Sunday - is this true?

A few more photos

What's doin' tomorrow? Up and over some fell or 'ought. Silverdale maybe, so Keighley roundabout at 9.30? I thought I should check. Last week the prospect of trying to ride in the wind with a bunch of hung over roadies weaving themselves from nowhere to nowhere found me reaching for the real bike and taking to the hills. Met a bunch of off-cumdens from London Dynamo (a behemoth of a club renowned for clogging up Richmond Park and wearing aloofness like a pair of well polished epaulettes) who were far too quick to allow me to meander. I took them along Steve's path through the slate quarries by Ogden just so I could get a rest. They were very polite about having to ply through northern bog in the midst of a hoolie, maybe they enjoyed it.

Windsday Run

This test post is to say I am now 'tooled up' for blogging and in a position to respond to any future comments from Mr. Horne (see Waddington Report).

Yesterday was an unholy battle with the wind with several riders decided to abort before Scammonden (and no Pete - I wasn't on the front!) - and respect to the brave V.S. guys who continued over the Isle of Skye.

Ian didn't mention that himself, Nige, Neil and me returned to The Works for a very civilised 'Full Works' breakfast ! We did decline the ale though.

message to "Stu"

Hi Stu

Thanks for your comment.

Yes, that's fine, give me a call 07966713158 if you need more info. Keighley is probably best for you.

I think the blog may have mentioned, just once or twice, that we do tend to stop in a cafe mid-ride. Its the only reason I go out on my bike.

Ian

Hello

I've been reading some of your blog and the routes you go on seem interesting.
I've only just moved to Hebden Bridge and wonder if I can come out with you on Sunday please?

I'm a fairly capable cyclist but the maximum I've ever cycled is about 50 miles, so I understand if I get left behind!

If it is possible, I was wondering where is the best place to meet you as it looks like you maybe going through Denholme and Keighley.
Maybe I'd be best going straight up from Pecket Well to Keighley?

Also, do you have lunch out or do you all bring enough food for the trip?

Thanks in advance
Stu

Late notice Sunday 6 Feb - 10am at Brighouse

Sorry for the last-minute change of plan, but the weather and the late night at the club dinner forced a re-think.

The wind definitely won today. I was beaten. Flattened. Blown over.

The 9 miles from Elland to top of Buckstones took well over an hour. And that's with the luxury of having a wheel to follow including, at least twice, a helpful push from a stronger rider to shove me back into the safety of the mother ship. We turned for home in Denshaw over windy hill. Going down under the motorway I glanced down at my computer. 51.8 mph it read, and I was now just about going the same speed as the wind ...

Condor Dinner

I've been asked to remind members attending tomorrows club dinner to bring something along for the raffle

Be Prepared

Photo - a view taken by Danial during loop 2 of the Todmorden Loops.

Don't forget the North West Passage on Saturday 19th February, for anyone not fancying the full 130 miles don't forget there's a 'short' version which is only about 80 miles. Sounds like there is going to be a good entry from Calderdale.

The following weekend John Kaye from Halifax Imps is organising what used to be the HCA Reliability Ride starting from outside The Ritz in Brighouse at 9am Sunday 27th Feb.

TODMORDEN LOOPS Two weeks after John's event - Sunday the 13th of March - our own Danial Webb is organising the 1st ever Todmorden Loops audax. Whilst he is will accept entries on the day he has set up a website http://www.todmordenloops.co.uk/ which gives full details of the route plus a simple to use facility to enter on-line. If you are a member of Audax UK, CTC or British Cycling entry is £5, if not its £7 - this includes refreshments before, during and after the ride. Pre entry will help Danial, especially with the catering.

Note: sorry about the photo, it refuses to attach to the blog.

Waddington Report

A very good turn out yesterday, several new faces in the bunch including Holme Valley champion Steve Robinson; a rather fast looking guy with a VS top on, I hadn't met him before but I think he is called Andy (apols if I've got that wrong), and a recent immigrant to Calderdale, Stuart Harper. Not having been out with us previously Stuart had been concerned about whether he was up to the pace but he looked comfortable all morning. We went the planned route to Waddington. Pete Whiteley broke his chain at Broughton so we had a welcome rest whilst he got his hands mucky - I was tempted to potter on a bit by myself at this point but Neil pointed out the error of my ways - I was cursing him half an hour or so later as I was struggling to keep on the back of the bunch up those long, straight, gradual inclines before the descent to Bolton by Bowland - why is it that every time Mel goes to the front my legs and lungs hurt - it wasn't like that 35 years ago -mind you he didn't ride club runs on Ksyrium ES's back then, that must be the reason. Due to having to be home early we said goodbye to Grimpy, Dougie, Chris Brown and VS Andy before lunch.

Once fed and watered I heard a rumour that a return journey via Downham, Pendle and the Herders was being planned, there was no way I was going to keep anywhere near the peloton over those climbs so I made plans of my own - Whalley, Padiham and Tod. Brian, Richard and Kev Brown volunteered to keep me company - things were looking good - but then Ian and the two Pete's (Whiteley & Smith) gatecrashed the party and my plans for a steady potter home were in tatters.
I hope someone blogs a report about the Pendle/Herders route home - I have heard a few snippets which may or may not be correct - one is that Mel had a go at half wheeling Steve Robinson (no surprise there then) but Steve gave as much if not more than he got. Also that our new man, Stuart, was left to fend for himself in unfamiliar surroundings somewhere on the top of the bleak pennine moorlands - in fact I have been given a ticking off by the club treasurer, Mr Gower, for throwing him to the wolves before getting £6 subs off him - hope you found your way home alright and we look forward to seeing you again.

Sunday 30th January

Thats the destination tomorrow, Waddington Cafe. Mel says he has an easy route planned via Bank Newton and Bolton by Bowland. He has also told me that the bunch will not get split up - I guess I will find out tomorrow if he is telling the truth on either issue. As usual Denholmegate 9am or the roundabout at Keighley 9.30.

I understand that Paul Gower is intending leading a smaller but more sociable group to Waddington from somewhere in the Calder Valley.

Worlds masters cyclo cross zilvermeer- mol

A report from the man himself....................................................................................

Finished 4th again, worse still again behind Vic Barnett who was 3rd. On the positive side I felt I wasn't running on empty (I finally managed to train hard for 3 weeks and even race 3 times). 1st was a big dutchman Theo Broere followed by a little belgium Romhan Boelens ( new guys to me)
The course was great a lot different than previous years due I guess to new UCI rules and site alterations, not quite Alton Towers on sand but great fun.
The secret is to accept some sections you just can't ride others you have to hit slow and then push through the sand in a big gear. The rest is hard pack forest land fast (big ring) with great cambers, some hand built wide steps interwound with tarmac and a man made jump. Just got to mind the pine trees?
I again had a poor start, my fault couldn't get my jacket off at the start line over my dam gloves reminds me off some guy with no key for his lock?
Off course a BC official is helping Vic I look at him requesting assistance and he ignored me?
noted
international star?, still I pay my fees?
By the time we get out of first sand section I am 6th, move up to 5th then take half a lap to get past a french guy. I can see the first three but thats it i can't get nearer, no excuses i'm going ok and get better each lap thro the sand passing lots of younger females who started earlier nice views although no takers?

On sunday I went to the world cup meeting at Hoogerhieme in NL
No UK juniors, Helen Wyman was 3rd on the grid finishing 8th.
The elites race was amazing, incidently all the top guys use shimano electronic gears, got to be good to work ok in cross? The course was 3Km, includes starting & finishing on a flyover some serious mud and they were still lapping in around 6mins
Neil Albert won

23 Jan - Farne Hill takes no prisoners

Hi Richard. Thanks for the write-up. Glad to hear you had an OK ride in the end.

The right turn from the A629 goes to Farnehill, which was a new route for me, but Andy Marshall assured us that he knew the way. We passed a few pleasant houses then turned up a decidedly unpleasant hill. It was a bit of a shock after the flat stuff and had several people on the ropes immediately. A crest and a right turn let most of us rejoin the troop, but our Condor team-mate wasn't to be seen and was eventually left for dead by the lead riders. I'll not say who gave the deciding shout, but sadly I won't ever be in a position to return the favour and leave him behind.

It must have been a while since Andy was last up here, but we followed his lead onto a super-smooth back road. The tarmac was enticingly perfect, but the road was a dead end. Maybe the top brass in the Aire valley road repair dept lives here? So after struggling up we freewheeled back down and then followed signposts to Draughton, getting us back to the familiar route across the Cringles. Then to Halton East and, staying on the back roads, through Appletreewick to Burnsall (cafe too busy; Andy turned here) and over Thorpe.

We were a long time in Cracoe cafe (as Robin predicted - he set off straight home), but I was glad of my "cyclists special" when it eventually came. By the way, searching for "Jacksons of Cracoe" provided this image of a full breakfast - recorded by some Japanese traveller. And we think their food is strange ... what would you make of this if your main diet until then had been rice, sushi, veg and healthy noodles!

That just left a familiar route home and, surprisingly, I was still in contact in Keighley. Some temporary lights on Ingrow must've upset Nige and he launched a stinging (but inevitably short-lived) attack along the pavement. That encouraged a split, with me now tapping out a steady rhythm in a rearguard posse along with Neil and ChrisT (not sure why he was back here, something about a dodgy knee I think).

Well Waddington has been mentioned again for next week. Usual starting point - 9am Denholme and 9:30 in Keighley.

Club meeting this week Jan 26th - let me know if you want pie & peas ordering.

Works dinner - menu choices to Paul G as soon as you can please.

Sunday 23rd January 2011

After cleaning the Jackson Pollock from my right jacket sleeve (palette of greens and yellows with a splash of white), right sleeve? - Westerly out Easterly home, I am now able to consider today’s ride and put the day into perspective.

After a couple of weeks off the bike; ear infection throat infection general kak at work I suppose today was always going to be challenging – and so it proved. I briefly made contact with the ride in Keighley; the early signs were not promising, -they rode past me, the good ol’ boys from VS were tapping out a brisk rhythm, Pete W looked like he’d lost a couple more pounds, Brian had resorted to his summer bike and Melvyn had a steely, take no prisoners, look in his eye - I tucked in nevertheless.

Someone had whispered ‘Cringles’ so when we flew past the turn to Addingham, my spirits lifted and I began to entertain hopes that we might be heading on towards Cracoe and Grassington and that, subject to me hanging on out of Skipton, I might have a wheel to suck for at least a part of the day.

It was not to be, the VS were aware of an alternative route over Cringles that involved a sharp right at the left to Cononeley. As the road ramped up I slipped away, not, unfortunately, in to death’s sweet embrace but in to a sort of purgatory that lasted until I accepted that there was no point in chasing, at which point I settled in to my own rhythm and began to enjoy the day.

By the way I did briefly make contact with the run again. I’d made my way to Cracoe Café (second best sausages in Yorkshire) and as I was about to leave in they trooped; Burnsall apparently was too busy. I resisted the temptation to hang around and made my own way back, once bitten twice shy.

PS In case you were wondering Tesco Value Range Chipolatas
PPS If you want a run report I suggest you ask someone who was on it

23 Jan

Its 9am at Denholme again this week going through Keighley for 9:30. Route to be discussed. Bolton-by-bowland and Waddington have been mentioned but lets see. If El Presedente or others would like to join in en route maybe give me a ring just after nine & maybe by then we will have decided where we're off to!

Ian

16 Jan - Airton - with report

Quick report -

It was "rather damp". Increasing to "wet" by midday. But getting a bit better later on.

We had a full turnout of a dozen or more riders. How many more would come on a sunnier day I don't know. So there we are in jackets at the start and we met with a few more in Keighley. Out along the back road through Connonley and Carleton, then gathered pace towards Gargrave. I'd had my money's worth out of my back tyre and it went "phut" loudly. A couple of kindly souls stayed with me (sorry about the broken tyre lever Nigel), but it was not the weather to hang about. The racing lads set off over Darnbrook without a break. Repaired, our smaller group went on to Gargrave (closed) then Airton, arriving damp and leaving very cold. John Lumb came in as we were making to go, so he took advantage of our wheels for the way back. It took me until Broughton to start coming round again and lift the spirits. Another puncture on Ingrow (sorry - again) delayed us enough for the fast boys to appear in ones and twos, so obviously the "A" ride had blown apart in the end. I wasn't the only one nursing a poorly bike - Chris T had a broken spoke to contend with. Still, it got me home and I've made sure to put a new tyre on right away. Ian

It has been decreed that this Sunday we'll be heading for the cafe at Airton. It has been mentioned, in passing, that some keen lads might get there by going over Darnbrook. Others might be finding more sensible routes. However you do it, I hope that you have a good ride.

ps. There is of course a slight issue, in my opinion, with the cafe at Airton. My views on bacon butties without egg are well-known. It simply won't do. And, furthermore, no decent butty ever came with a limp bit of salad on the side. So I'll be going there under sufferance, but, for good harmony, I'll try not to mention this point again.

pps. Do you know how hard it is to find an image on the web of a good bacon & egg butty? Naked women and people doing stupid things aplenty. Or am I looking in the wrong places? This one has all of the right ingredients, but will you just look at the state of that egg. And are those seeds on the top of the bun? The bacon might be passable. At best it gets an RBE* rating of only 3/10.

RBE* - Robinson's Bacon & Egg rating. Soon to replace Michelin stars as a guide to eateries worth visiting.

Latest News

At Derby on Saturday Grimpy kept the Condor colours to the fore taking the silver medal for his age group in the National Cyclo-Cross Championships. Former professional 'cross rider Vic Barnett snatched gold but judging from the photo John was happy enough with the result after a season interrupted by a knee injury. We all wish him good luck at the World's in a few weeks time.

Sunday Training............. It was a bit blustery but a balmy 2 degrees encouraged a group of 15 to hit the road to Zarina's. Unfortunately Martin Kemp punctured early; it is usual for the group to wait when someone punctures so early into a ride (unless they really really beg to be left) but, perhaps due to the enthusiasm new year always brings, or it may be we were concentrating so hard to keep up to a rejuvenated Pete Whiteley and Brian we hadn't realised he'd punctured; anyway such etiquette was dispensed with and we carried on, fortunately Dougie showed more decency and waited, they caught us at the cafe. The rest of us proceeded at a fast pace (or so it seemed to me) until the next incident where Niall Smith was thrown from his bike after hitting a pothole on that pig of a climb out of Skipton on the Grassington Road. This unfortunate event prompted several other Smith's (his dad Sean and comeback man Pete) to launch an attack. I saw it as a chance to have a breather but once Niall had recovered a little he spent a minute sat behind myself, Brian, Robin and Steve then shot past us intent on catching the peloton. Robin and Steve, not wishing to be tempted by the fruits of Madam Zarina's establishment, turned at Kilnsey the rest of enjoyed the break at Kettlewell.
We returned to Kilnsey then crossed over the Wharfe to Conistone, through Grassington and Linton and back to Cracoe. Brian and myself continued towards Skipton whilst the everyone else chose the harder alternative of Hetton, Gargrave etc. I look forward to hearing how the ride developed.
Brian and I shared the pace until Ingrow where I was unable to do my share on the climb and just sat in, to really cheer us up, as we passed the tip close to the top, a group of three riders in Pennine kit, including a rather good looking blond girl rode straight past us.

Madam Zarina's

I can confirm that, unlike last year, Zarinas Cafe will be open tomorrow

Stop Press...........Grimpy takes silver at 2011 National Champs. John today lost his National Cross title in the mud at Derby to former cross professional Vic Barnett.

Sunday 9th Jan

The traditional ride to Kettlewell and back has been discussed this week for the first of the training runs. Meeting at 9am Denholme Gate.

Violence marrs Wednesday Ride

BREAKING NEWS..........Violence today marred the inaugural 2011 Wednesday Ride. High upon the hills above Holmfirth a defenceless Condor was attacked by hungry cyclists.

A full report is expected from our man on the spot, Neil Dyson (now almost recovered from the mental scars left from the Cragg Vale girls on mountain bikes incident)

Happy New Year

Mild conditions made for a good turn out on the New Years Day ride including a rare appearance from the Brown's who will no doubt be giving us some pain in a few months as long as they keep it going.

Neil was rather annoyed to suffer two rear wheel punctures especially as he had been told that the tyres were puncture proof (when he bought them five years ago). A gentle ride was enjoyed by all and just to make Ian happy I managed to drift off the back going up the Gully towards Buckstones.

New Years Day ride

Just a reminder - 10am Brighouse for Holmfirth and Isle of Skye - should be at The Works, Sowerby Bridge half one to 2.30pm.

Training season.

That time of year again chaps! For anyone interested I've taken the liberty of posting meeting times up on the CCA site, 9am at denholme gate during January. Won't be there this week, we're away in Scotland at the moment. Have a good one.

Neil's Pie & Peas - 27 December

Neil Dyson very kindly has a regular "open house" bash each year, and the Condors are all invited. Call round for pie & peas, and help him go through a barrel of beer.

Monday 27th from 1pm. Highcliffe Drive, Highroad Well. Ring me if you need directions.

Also a ride beforehand from Post Office on Commercial St in Halifax at 10am.

Cheers! Ian

Neil says he was rather cold on Sunday but he's probably just been spending too long at home sat in front of the fire. Judging from the above photo taken by Irish John on his i-phone of Chris & Neil on the Long Causeway it was a glorious day. Shame most of us missed the joys of riding round the East Lancashire mill towns on black ice and elected to go via easier routes to the Robin Hood at Pecket Well for the long established 'Rileys Treat'.

After a 10 out of 10 breakfast at Steve's wife's establishment, Towngate Tearooms, in Heptonstall we sprinted up to Pecket Well. Buses, trains and walking boots had been the preferred choice of transport for the majority of revellers with Kev Shand being the only Rochdale lad seen to have arrived on a bike.

Quite a lot of Paul's had walked up from Luddenden Foot and having stopped for, as one of the Paul's put it, 'a gargle', at the Lane Ends en-route they were soon dancing on the tables and forgetting their lines (no names mentioned - see above pic.).

It was good to see Ian Wellock so far away from the Red Rooster - surprisingly he left early - probably to go to the Rooster.

Remember the serious stuff starts with the Kettlewell run, Sunday the 9th of January, 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley roundabout.
There's a very much less serious run on New Years Day from Brighouse, 10am outside the old VS shop for breakfast at Holmfirth and on to The Works at Sowerby Bridge via Isle of Skye and Windy Hill. If you're feeling too fragile we should be at the Works 1.30 to 2pm. There's a good chance there will be a not too serious ride on Sunday 2nd of Jan - if anyone has suggestions why not post a blog.