Wharfedale Section

It seems that Peter has engineered a very civilised culture of cafes and lanes at the moment - I would have loved to join in, but after a couple of Sundays off it was back to hard graft for 112 miles in the 3 Counties Challenge sportive.
A glorious day for a ride out by the estuary at Arnside and then inland to Kirby Lonsdale, Barbondale & Dent. I started with Mick Lever who was happy to let me go when the terrain got lumpy. At the Dent feed strong man Roger Palfreeman appeared and knowing he was fastest by over 20 mins. round the recent 'Le Terrier' sportive I apprehensively left Dent with him, and then watched him dance away up the Coal Road, however being a decent bloke he soft pedalled down Mallerstang and we got together for the lovely lanes from Kirby Stephen to Ullswater. Despite its fantastic setting the road by Ullswater is hideously rough, and busy on a day like this, and your reward at the end is the sight of Kirkstone Pass rising into the sky, but in your mind its downhill all the way from the top. In fact there is still plenty of little niggling climbs over to Staveley and Crook and then down the Lyth Valley to Levens and the finish at Milnthorpe.
My time was 6 hours 29 mins - Roger was fastest by 5 mins as he started later, but the gap would have been much greater if I had not spent a considerable time sat on his back wheel !
Mick Lever came in with 7 hrs 19 mins and Martin Croft of the Imps at 7 hours 21 mins - this included going of course via 'Oxenhope' - but I assured him it must have been Oxenholme !

This Sunday - the 10th, I am joining Brian at the Clifton CC vets road race in East Yorks. Looks like the cafes and lanes will have to wait a while longer.

Weekend news round-up

A nice steady 60 miles with 2 cafe stops - why can't every day be like that. Just four of us turned up at Luddenden Foot on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. It was good to get off the valley road, potter up Mytholm Steeps and enjoy extensive views of the Upper Calder Valley and as far afield as Pen y Gent and Whernside from the Long Causeway. We took mid morning tea (55pence a pint) with our comrades at the Clarion Tea Rooms - a magical place - if you haven't visited, you should, either by bike or on foot but if you want anything more substantial than tea and muesli or chocolate bars take your own. After a good hour sat in the sun and chatting to the regulars we made our move. Roughlee, Borrowford and Nelson then on the Seasons of Mists route up past Coldwell Tea Rooms to Widdop.

I had hoped to get a few group pictures of the ascent of Widdop but with Damian's new wheels refusing to drop back to the bunch and with Richard worrying about whether his hair was straight my photographic ambitions were thwarted.

Such was the relaxed atmosphere of the ride that as we approached Heptonstall there was a suggestion that we may stop for a coffee at Steve's magnificent establishment. This idea was taken up with enthusiasm by all, the coffee (and the free refills) and the flapjack were 1st class. Richard left for home but Damian and myself escorted Ian up to Mt Skip, on Heights Road and round by Jeruselem Farm for the final sprint up Jowler to deliver Ian almost to his front door.

On the racing front Brian had another busy weekend, 8th overall in the Vets National 10 mile Time Trial Championships in Cumbria on Saturday evening with an actual time of 21min52secs, (+9min53secs faster than his age standard). He and Grimpy travelled to the Yorkshire Wolds on Sunday where Brian took 2nd and Grimpy 4th in the Vic Sutton Memorial Road Race, the same positions that they achieved in the previous weeks road race when Brian went on to record 1hr55min the following day in the Otley CC 50mile time trial.

There's a few local Audax's coming up soon, Paul Gower's ordered a brand new all carbon fibre speed machine and he's looking for people to hammer in the Brimham Rocks 200k on the 24th and the following Sunday (31st) Chris Crossland is putting on 'The Other Fleet Moss Randonee' 200k from Halifax.

Sunday 3rd July

In the absence of other ideas may I suggest an 8.30 meeting at Luddenden Foot tomorrow for an easier run than last week, up Mytholm Steeps and along the Long Causeway, taking a trip back in time by having refreshments at that monument of the Socialist movement, the last surviving Clarion Tea Room at Newchurch. We could then follow the Season of Mists route back over Widdop and be home early/mid afternoon. Don't miss this chance for a bit of social history and a ride over the fells in the summer sunshine.

Weekend reports

"Its harder than the Etape' du Dales" was what one 2011 Etape' veteran was heard to say during yesterdays Coverdale club run. Whether it was on not, one thing was certain, the weather was a lot better. A good turn out saw Damian, Grimpy, Robin, Ian, Neil, Simon, Mick and myself leave Denholmgate at 8.30. Dissapointed not to pick up any more Condors at Keighley we nevertheless made good pace to reach Kettlewell in very good time.

I believe Robin has never ridden up Park Rash - and he still hasn't - On seeing the Giant of Wharfedale in the distance he remembered an urgent appointment and decided he needed to head for home, unfortunately Ians magic carpet, which had been moving majestically for the previous 35 miles also faltered and headed with robin down the back road to Conistone.
The rest of us continued our merry way dancing on the pedals without a care in the world as Park Rash hurried by beneath our wheels (although John was spotted putting a foot down momentarily, we accepted his explanation that he had only stopped to take his glasses off) . A tail wind down Coverdale; through West Scrafton and East Witton, past Jervaulx and up the climb to Ellingstring. A head wind then slowed our progress towards towards Nidderdale. Neil was getting a bit grumpy but insisted that he wouldn't stop till How Stean, 'cos thats what it said on the blog'. Mick and Simon had obviously recovered well from the previous weeks 600's and Damian was showing us the benefits of continental training camps and chain gangs. Grimpy (who had been road racing the previous day) was riding roads he'd never been on before and enjoying it. There was a bit of a burn up over the moors after the reservoir's - started by Damian trying to half-wheel Mick, but Mick and Simon proved peerless over the moors and gently eased away.
Unfortunately Damian broke a spoke on his super-doopa Ksyrium rear wheel descending down to Lofthouse, as happens with these expensive modern super fast wheels one broken spoke rendered the wheel useless, it was jamming at both sides of the chain stays, so much so that in attempting to freewheel down to lofthouse he rubbed a long gash in the sidewall of the tyre which settled beyond doubt that he wouldn't be riding again that day. No mobile signal so we made our way to How Stean Cafe where we were allowed to use the land line. No response at relations numbers, then we tried Big Grinner, who many of us know from the good old days of the Condor Monday evening mountain bike rides, what a star, he immediately volunteered to carry out the mercy mission - Grinner - for acting above and beyond the call of duty you are now an honorary member of The Condor.

After an all day breakfast we set off for home. Neil was worried we may take him somewhere he didn't want to go so he was allowed to choose the route which was Pateley, Yorke's Folly, Menwith Hill, Norwood Edge, Otley, Canal Road and Manchester Road, a route that was enlivened several times by Neil giving impromptu break dancing demonstrations. A hard ride but we were all still smiling at the end.
Addendum (means "hanger-on" in Latin): Thanks to Pete Horne for the write-up, and for Pete Smith I'll add my commiserations & best wishes for a speedy  recovery. 
I've just not ridden enough recently to keep up the cruising speed of a Condor outing all day. After controlling the pace through Skipton and on to Cracoe with my brief spell on the front, it was a pleasant few miles to Kettlewell being swept along at the back of this fine flock. However, getting detached on a gentle rise told me my legs were starting to go and I decided, after only a short deliberation, to hedge my bets and join Robin heading south back along the quiet side of Wharfedale. We went up & over Storiths, just for the hell of it, and then Robin rode away from me on the flat to Addingham. That's where I begged him to bugger off leave me in peace so I could trundle home at my own pace. I'm glad to hear that the rest of you conquered Coverdale in style and what a stalwart coming to the rescue of Damian after his wings got clipped. 
Ian

Pete Smith

Wishing you a speedy recovery Pete an a return to your bike in the not too distant future.

Janice (Imps)

Ps. If Petes not a blogger please could someone pass on my good wishes - thanks)

Sunday 26th June

Its a good forecast for Sunday so its 8.30 Denholmegate/9am Keighley for Kettlewell, Coverdale & Pateley Bridge. Put a banana in your back pocket - its a fair way to the cafe at Howstean.

News Round Up

I'll start with the bad news, Pete Smith's progress towards the top of the podium has been put on hold following a training accident on last Thursday's chain gang. He fell heavily after hitting a deep pot hole on Wakefield Road near Sowerby Bridge and sustained a fracture to his pelvis and several ribs - he spent 2 nights in hospital and expects it to be 6 to 8 weeks before he can ride again - I spoke to him yesterday and he sounds to have accepted the enforced lay off with a positive attitude and is looking forward to being able to come out and hammer us again before the year is out - best wishes for a speedy recovery form your fellow Condor's.
With Pete's absence from the bunch just Brian & John were left to fly the Condor flag at last weekends top Veterans Road Race, the Tom Simpson Memorial Race at Harworth. They didn't do a bad job as well with Brian 1st and Grimpy 2nd in the F age group they couldn't really have done better.
There was a disappointing turn out from the Condor at the Good Companions 200k Audax last Sunday, just Richard and myself who were joined by a mate from Monday mountain bike rides, 'Big Phil' Purdy, who was putting the finishing touches to his preparation for this Saturdays Arctic Marathon (running) somewhere in the north of Norway.
We soon established ourselves in the leading group being joined by Bob Johnson of VC167, Nigel from ABC Centreville and a lad from Peterborough. A head wind for the 1st 50 miles or so ensured we had something to look forward to on the homeward leg. Whilst it was raining in Calderdale the roads were dry by Longridge and the weather got better all day. We passed many weary looking riders who had set off at 6am the previous day to ride the 3 Coasts 600, the 1st of these was Mick Collins (well we didn't actually catch him because he was going the other way having almost finished - he was hours in front of any other riders - our own Simon Fortune was also riding the 600 and I was expecting to see him not far behind Mick but I've heard a rumour that he blew-up sometime during the early hours somewhere in darkest Lancashire and seeking shelter from the wind and rain booked in to a hotel for a few hours sleep - I told you the previous week you should ride the GC with us sensible lads).
After a stop at Glasson Dock we had 60 miles of tail wind to look forward to - to my surprise the wind hadn't swung round and hadn't disappeared it was actually pushing us along very nicely - too quick for me - I was finding the undulations over to Chipping hard work - Bob kept going off the front then letting us catch up before doing the same again. Richard had been riding strongly all day and appeared unaffected by the changes in pace and Big Phil was lapping it up, being his first ever Audax he was in heaven. With 50 miles to go to the finish I told them not to wait for me, I wanted to ride at my own pace. I got to Whalley Abbey Cafe control and they had stopped for tea - I carried on expecting them to catch me on Burnley Bypass or Blackstone Edge; they didn't. I got back to Mytholmroyd CC at 4.30, Phil and Bob came in 10 minutes later and Richard came in at 5pm looking knackered but happy to finish his first 200k Audax.
Happy Birthday to former Condor; the Halifax Imps own Paul Hickey, 65 today, we celebrated this milestone yesterday by dragging him over Slippery Ford & Elslack to have a birthday lunch of sausage butties and chocolate cake at Hellifield Station. The fun continued all afternoon as we followed a reverse Spring into the Dales route to Earby, Black Lane Ends, Herders, Pennistone Hill and the Dog and Gun.

Sunday 19th June

Just a reminder - Mytholmroyd Community Centre tomorrow for the Good Companions 200k Audax - starts at 8am.

Weekend round up

The much travelled Brian went down to East Anglia last Saturday to compete in the Veterans National 25 mile Time Trial Championship. He turned out a magnificent time of 55min 22secs (which is 25min 55 secs faster than his age standard) which gave him 7th place overall out of the 130 finishers.

Also making a (not quite so) long journey was John who travelled to Audlam, Cheshire to ride the LVRC National Road Race Championships finishing 10th in his age group, the winner being Richard Booth.

Pete Smith continued his climb up the podium on Sunday at the Doncaster Wheelers Road Race at Harworth. He clipped off the front after only 4 miles of the 45 mile race being joined by John Elliot of Alford Wheelers and the vastly experienced Mike Allan riding for Pro Cycle Hire, Majorca. Pete and Mike Allan worked well together to make the move successful but Allan jumped away with one mile to go leaving our man to win the sprint for 2nd place. Pete's had several 3rd places this year so he was happy to go one place higher in this his comeback season. I'm not going to put pressure on him by saying that it surely won't be long before he steps up to the top of the podium.

To continue Richards report of last Sundays club run; after he left us at Otley we went on the back road through Askwith to Ilkley where we ended up with the likes of Team Sky Pro, Jeremy Hunt and the Barass's, et al on our wheels. In order to shake them off, instead of going past the golf club towards Beamsley we cunningly went straight ahead at the junction, to Middleton Moor and Langbar. This not only got rid of the Pro's but tested Simon's legs almost to breaking point - Simon, the Condor's most recent signing and better known as single Simon was, as you may have guessed, riding single freewheel, this didn't stop him and Mick dropping me. However I did have a trump card - they didn't know where they were going. Once we got together again and they were nattering that it was time for a full english so we took the more direct route from Langbar to Buffers Cafe at Storiths (see photo).

We left Buffers just as the first drops of rain began to fall; down through the ford and past Cavendish, on to Halton East and Draughton, through Silsden to Steeton as the rain got gradually harder and the temperature fell.



In an effort to avoid Ingrow we then went up to Steeton Moor and Keighley Tarn (I was sure this route would have Simon faultering - but no - they just rode away from me again). Turned right at the Tarn and left to Laycock and Goose Eye, on Holme House Lane (just to find out if cobbles are slippery when wet) and through Oakworth to Ebor Lane and Haworth Bottom.

From Howorth Bottom we went on Victoria Road and the double chevronned Brow Road - bingo - Simon faultered and had to walk the last few metres to Oxenhope Road. He didn't faulter for long though and rode up the Dog & Gun climb with ease. I must admit it was getting pretty grim by this time, the rain got harder and the temperature, a balmy 17 in the morning was now down to 8 - I was glad to get home, put my feet up, nurse a can of Guiness and watch Bradley win the Dauphine.

Sunday 12th June

Only four turned up at the Ritz Brighouse, Pete, Mick, Simon and myself. I was a little surprised given that it was such a warm sunny early summer morning but I hadn't read the weather forecast, others obviously had.

Not the prettiest route out skirting Bradford on the ring road but we eventually got to Esholt and the scenery got a little better. I think the ride was heading for Bolton Bridge but I turned at Otley as I had some work to finish for Monday (just finished now).

I didn't take the direct route home but headed for Ilkley and returned to Bradford via the Cow and Calf and Baildon. Got caught in the downpour that didn't stop all afternoon heading out of Brighouse but as I only had a further half hour to go it wasn't too bad.

Will be interested to know how the other three got on, Pete and Simon were in shorts and Simon short sleeves; the prospect of 30 plus miles home in that rain would not be pleasant

Richard

Updates - Brian medals in National Champs.

Brian is pictured here receiving his medal for third place in the VTTA National 30 mile Time Trial Championships after travelling down to the Home Counties a couple of weeks ago.
He went a couple of places higher last Sunday when he won his category in the Bashall Eaves Road Race. This was a counter in the LVRC Percy Stallard National Series, Grimpy took 3rd which promoted him to overall category leader after three races in the series; a great honour and huge motivation for the rest of the races. I have spoken briefly to Pete Smith who was also riding, he tells me that it was a pig of a day, cold & wet with strong winds to add to the fun. He cramped up as the sprint approached, hoping to relieve the cramp he cotinued for a 15 min warm down after the line during which time he got so cold he had to be helped off his bike. Mel was on the start line for the over 50's but doesn't appear in the top 6 results so I look forward to hearing about his race. Sean Smith took a good win for the Imps in the 45's age group.

Whilst Richard and Steve Cavell were missing from the latest round of the Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Summer Series Ian Wellock made a rare appearence at the Colne Valley High School race (speed training for the 3 Peaks?). He finished just over a minute behind Grimpy (1st V60) which will have given him a target for the next round at Kippax on the 15th June.

On the Audax front Danial Webb booked his ticket for this years Paris-Brest-Paris 1200k event by completing a 600k ride last weekend. Whilst on the subject I'll remind you all that Chris Crossland's, 'Good Companions' 200k Audax takes place on Sunday 19th June, be ready to start at 8am from Mytholmroyd Community Centre. The below pic. shows Ian & Nigel leaving me for dead on Blackstone Edge in the 2007 event after I'd dragged them round for 190k (at least thats how I remember it).

If anyone fancies coming along I'm meeting Mick Collins and one or two others outside the Ritz in Brighouse at 9am tomorrow (12th) for a hopefully steady 70 or 80 miles with cafe stop.

1 June 2011 - Skipton & back

SKIPTON & BACK CHALLENGE 2011

(WEDNESDAY 1st JUNE)

Jointly promoted by CTC Calderdale & Halifax Imperial Wheelers

Can you cycle from Halifax to Skipton & Back inside 2 or 2.5 hours?

The Route

The Start Point: - Whitaker & Co, Denholme Gate, ride via Crosshills

(DO NOT GO THE LEVEL CROSSING WAY) to the Bay Horse Roundabout where re-trace the route, again you go via Crosshills & not the level crossing back up to & beyond Whitakers where you veer left to -

The Finish Point: - at the Keelham Bank Farm Shop.

£3.00 entry fee to include Supper at The Brown Horse, Coley

Meet at 6.30pm for 7pm start

PLEASE ALLOW YOURSELF TIME TO COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FORM AT THE START

Hope you can join us and please pass the word around to anyone that may not read this but that maybe interested

Richmond 5 Dale Sportive

Tan Hill again ! -and in the same strong westerly as two weeks ago. It's 100 miles and Gold is set at 6 hours - a tall order in these conditions.
The route heads north from Richmond on quiet lanes to bring you over The Stang to Arkengarthdale, then right to Tan Hill for the first check at Keld. At this stage there are a few more wheels to share the work but its still tough going. We catch Dougie and Martin Croft who decide to let us go, obviously trying to enjoy their day out.
Birkdale Moor over to Nateby and we grip the bars tight on the exposed descent - not a day for deep section rims. The wind is kind to Garsdale and then blasts us down to Hawes for the next check.
The 80 mile route goes straight back to Richmond but we turn right up the steep side of Fleet Moss which, thankfully, is reasonably sheltered.
The fun starts down Langstrothdale with the sun coming out and a howling tail wind and I am on my own. After the check at Kettlewell the fun stops because we go over Park Rash with 80 hard miles in the legs - I catch a young guy and persuade him that Gold is still possible so we grind it out together and then fly down Coverdale with the tail wind - fantastic and almost car-free !
Left in Middleham up to Leyburn and then its painfully lumpy over to Swaledale and my legs are complaining. To make matters worse my new friends computer just clicked over 6 hours so he stops working and leaves it to me.
I get my print-out at the HQ showing I managed Gold but I am more in need of the chilli & rice.
This is a well organised event and they allow you the option of chosing the 50 or 80 mile return at the check points - which many chose to do on such a hard day.
Just over 100 riders did the 100 mile event with only 6 inside the 6 hours. I was pleased with 5 hours 48 mins. and 3rd position. The fastest was 12 minutes quicker than me (but the 2nd only 2 seconds quicker !).
Martin Croft 6 hours 21 mins and Dougie Burnside 6 hours 43 for silver.

Sunday 22nd May report

Gale force winds, hail & rain failed to deter the Condor hard men last Sunday (although it did reduce mileage somewhat). Seven made their way to Hellifield Railway Station cafe via Keighley, Broughton & Airton. On the road to Otterburn, prompted by a downpour, I made the mistake of stopping to don my rainjacket; big mistake, should have known better, the positive was that after several miles battling alone into a fierce headwind it was none other than The Condor himself who dropped back to help me reclaim the comfort of the peloton.

What a star that chap at the cafe is, coping alone he soon delivered steaming teapots and sandwiches stuffed to overflowing with sausages -just the job for hungry athletes.

We were on the road again before mid-day, into gusting, heavy showers on the road to West Marton and Earby. The cunning plan had been to follow in reverse the Spring into the Dales route over Bleara Moor and Black Lane Ends to the Herders and Oxenhope. However, group negligence allowed Robin & Mel to go to the front together and by Thornton-in Craven I had lost the necessary enthusiasm for getting hammered into the ground over that hill out of Earby so I announced that I was going to go around the hill via Foulridge to get to Laneshaw Bridge. Nigel was all for it but Mel and Robin were keen to gain altitude points. I was at the front with Mel at Earby when as expected he turned left for the high road. Ian came alongside me and we battled against head winds and very heavy rain as Ian remarked on how aptly named Foulridge is. At this point I was surprised when Robin came through to the front - he should'nt be there, he'd turned off at Earby with Mel hadn't he?. Glancing back confirmed that only Mel alone had left the safety of the bunch to tackle the high road. Once we got to Laneshaw Bridge we caught sight of Mel a few hundred yards up the Herders Climb. Robin shot off like a man possessed and soon caught him, at one point I thought Nigel was also going to chase, but he soon saw sense as we all settled into a more realistic rhythm. Richard was riding well, as he had been all day, Ian's new Dogma was effortlessly floating higher and higher, and Steve, 1st time out for many months due to being busy building a new wing onto Pecket Well Palace, was looking very strong.

We re-grouped over the top and split up at Oxenhope where Richard, Mel and myself were caught up in a torrential downpour going over the Dog & Gun climb, at least it was on our backs, if the others had the same shower it must have been hell riding into it.

Sunday 22nd May - cafe run

Here is a photo link: http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/photo10053194.html showing Melv & Neil in the midst of their enjoyment over Tan Hill. In a word, that etape ride looked "grim". Chapeau to all you chaps for suffering it.
I'd suggest a more reasonable potter this week to some nice cafe (ideally with doilies and a tablecloth) for cake and a pot of tea. Locally. In the sunshine. Lets meet 9am Denholme & 9:30 Keighley.

Etape du Dales

I always seem to be more apprehensive about this event than any other. I am familiar with the severity of the route but add in the invariably poor weather and it can be a painfull day - and as I watched the weather deteroriate over the previous week I wasn't happy.
Even opting for knee-lengths and long sleeves it looked like overshoes and gloves were in order - rolling out with Neil and Robin, Grimpy having failed to re-appear after confessing to some difficulties in the toilet department. Richard elected to do his own ride and 'enjoy' it. Joining us was Roger Palfreeman who some may remember from his early days in Calderdale - his close encounter at speed with a sheep down Blackstone Edge was a memory that kept coming back on some of the days hairy descents.
Despite the cold and wind it wasn't bad on the road with Fleet Moss, Buttertubs and Low Row not so exposed to it. Tan Hill got harder as we dragged the usual accumulated group of 20 or so up that long and exposed hideous road.
Despite making a quick stop at Tan Hill for a sarnie we were cold by Keld and faced the delights of Birkdale Moor as a light rain started. At this point Robins legs decided to give out and he silently disappeared. We expected his appearance at Nateby after his usual manic descending but with no sign - and also no reports of an incident, we pushed on with Roger who set a blistering pace up to Garsdale as the wind came to our backs.
Thankfully Roger caught his wife at the feed station and opted to ride back with her so Neil and I tackled the Coal Road in the mist and rain with Neil now complaining about cramp, amongst numerous other things. Through the mist I could see Peeps in front climbing strongly so I pushed on,
hoping that under 7 hours was still possible for a Gold.
The wind was kinder down Ribblesdale and a belting tail wind over to Halton Gill and down Littlondale helped me back faster than last year with Neil in not far behind for Gold as well.
Robin rode back with Roger and wife - and Roger, being a sport doctor explained that Robin's leg problems were due to him running in a race last weekend - I don't think that diagnosis required a doctor !
Nice to see Pete and Mick Collins at the finish - they had a civilised ride to Feizor Tea Room - now that seems a wise way to spend a Sunday !
TIMES:
Fastest - Harrogate Nova Trio - 6.20
Mel - 6.41.39 14th / Neil - 6.49.07 23rd
Robin - 7.07.20 / Peeps - 7.42.18 / Grimpy - 7.48.14 / Richard - 7.54.53


Grimpy's First Sportive - THE TRUE STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From the man himself

A bit of a start cock up been up all night unable to go to the loo
Finally made it after long delay at start following signing on and then returning for my tag.
Having missed all the fast star club members I start on my own around 8.05 deciding in my state to see how i feel and if possible enjoy the countryside on roads new to me.
I had leg warmers 2 undervests, a jersey, arm warmers, overshoes & 2 gillets + mits ( no gloves- mistake) but I was still cold.
A number of fastmen passed me and I decided to latch onto a group led by a young roadman from I think a Fred Minter Club?
Bronze legs, shorts looking cool as we approached fleet moss he was overheating so he removes his top jersey on the move whilst wandering from side to side -- I couldn't believe it? Then ahead of us one rider just fell off his bike for no apparent reason maybe he missed a gear
I took it steady down fleet moss and never saw this group again.
As an aside I was surprised the number of riders going back to grassington all the way from fleet moss to buttertubs many just in jerseys & shorts?
I took a short break at Hawes you then climb Buttertubs and at Low Row take a left up the first steep climb.
A few were walking but I managed ok decended to the ford and walk over the bridge.
Then it was upwards & onwards to the top of Tan Hill into the headwind. Dave Smith explained to me a week earlier that it was a long drag, your not kidding.
Stopped for some food waiting in line for promised hot goodies.
But after sometime the queue didn't subside so eventualy i grab a banana and proceeded on my happy way. What a view?
Took it steady down to lower ground the weather began to get better? it started to rain, i stopped at the village before Nateby to gaze at the water cascades ( quite impressive)?
I then latched onto a group with there own support vehicle, the vehicle kept stopping to take action shots asking me to politely piss off which i duly did.
Three miles before Nateby I noted that we entered Cumbria,
At Nateby you turn South to begin the return to Grassington with a nice cross wind and heavier rain (the least scenic section)
I arrived at the Moorcock Inn check point (69 mile ?) to be greated by nice ladies with sandwiches; scoffed them and set off again.
After a short distance the turn off to Garsdale Station appeared --whoops this looks steep, it turn out to be the famous coal road but it was made easier by the tail gale wind.Lots of signs advising you to smile for action picture. Sure enough at the top of the hill through the low cloud a camera man appears with what looked like a home made lens cover i duly smiled and slowed down so he could take two flash actions shots checking he got me I started the steep decent and as usual I was passed by serious descenders.
Up through the viaduct to Newby Head I pass a struggling heavy set guy in blue racing gear and then turn right into the head wind with rain driving straight through me, the temperature seems to be getting lower and I'm freezing.
To my amazement the guy in blue catches me and says do you know Ian Robinson? whoops he's on my wheel for the next few miles and as we take a left at ribblehead he apologises for not being able to come through - most unusual?
After over 60 miles riding on new roads i am am now on familier ground joining the three peaks route to Horton in Ribbledale.
First rise and the man in blue goes backwards I am then joined by a young scouser and we make tracks to Stainforth into more driving rain.
I arrive at Stainforth approached by tag collectors, these guys and girls are quick to take your tag to record your time but don't realise it takes this old bugger a minute to undo his zips to get to the neck holding tag. By this time I am shivering getting and turning blue, so this time its straight off up silverdale and thankfully its a tailwind all the way back.
I arrive at Grassington freezing find my car key with the thought of changing in the car but realise this is bad idea, I instead make it to the changing room to get an excellent HOT shower and at last by blood starts to circulate again and I'm in one piece.
So this is a sportive I guess, excellently organised, a bit like a reliabilty trial, without the need to check directions and with feeding spots.
Though to many its just a group race, well its an experience I hope the next time i'm in a better state an the weather is more like summer.
Can't say its worth £40 but what the hell its for a good cause.
The Condor stars & friends did us pround getting under 7 hours in those conditions - rock on.
Special mention to Neil who says hes only been on is bike twice in 2 weeks and thats on the Thursday pub run. Also to my age group
Dave smith who did i think a 7.30, peeps who only starting riding again seriously 2 years ago? not forgetting Richard who like me went round on his own but unlike me as done less ridding recently
Cheers
John
END

Generally observations

A number of young girls

Sunday 15th May

Good luck in tomorrows Etape du Dales to Mel, Grimpy, Peeps, Robin, Neil, Dav and possibly Richard (who was going to try to get a late entry) - if the weather stays like it has been today it will sort the men out from the boys. Hoping to see a riders report on the blog tomorrow evening.
If the weathers not too bad I'm going to have a steady potter round the Pocklington Pedal course, a hundred and some mile meandering route round the Yorkshire Wolds - Mel did the Sportive a couple of weeks ago and recommends the route (I understand he was the fastest rider out of about 100 taking part).

Derek Smith Memorial RR - some pics

Don't forget - if you click on a photo you can see a larger image

Imps Road Race -Derek Smith Memorial.

I found a link at the bottom of the Imps website results page showing my last road race was the Australian pursuits in 2002 - 9 years later I am back on the same circuit, not knowing what to expect.
Finding myself in a break of 6 on the first lap I just went with it, until my legs were screaming just too much, not being used to riding at this tempo for so long. The last time up Turbury Lane, as riders started jousting, I decided 6th position wasn't a bad result and sat up to let the pain subside.
My apologies to Pete and others anxiously waiting for me to take the last bend and launch up to the line in first place, like the old days.
Congratulations to fellow Condors- Brian 1st in age group, and Pete Smith and Grimpy third in their groups. I was the only one without a prize.
Next Sunday I am back on more familiar ground, grinding out a hilly 112 miles in the Etape du Dales - no less painfull ! I believe Grimpy has been talked into riding and Robin and Neil are up for it.

Sunday 8th May

We have 4 riders in the Derek Smith Memorial Road Race on the Norland circuit tomorrow (10am). I, together with other Condors will be up there to give them a shout and get a few photos. For full details of route and riders see the Halifax Imps web site - there's a link from this site.

mtb heaven

With apologies to Pete, we've been having a great time on the mountain bikes recently. We'd better stay off any footpaths though.
The western section took to the knobbly tyres on Wednesday for an evening run. Setting off in sunshine and finishing well after sunset. Actually we sat waiting and watching the setting sun from the trig point on High Brown Knoll while Robin whizzed back and forth looking for the rest of our small group (we'd sneaked a shortcut while he had bombed ahead like an excitable spaniel). Then down Limer's Gate, Grain Water Bridge, Poo Barn, Walshaw, Gibson Mill, Sandy Gate and back to Old Town as night approached. That just left Midgley Moor in the deep gloom and Catherine House descent by less than candlelight. I'll have to get some decent lights ...
Ian

MTB for sale

One careless owner.

Easter Sunday - mtb

The plan is a mountain bike ride this Sunday, because the trails are so dry and fast. So far it is me & Nigel meeting 9am in Wainstalls but headed probably across Sowerby to explore some less familiar routes. All welcome. ring me if you are interested and we can choose our route to meet up as suits you. Ian

Spring has Sprung

I liked the GPS plot of the route here http://ridewithgps.com/routes/334562 by "Mr Blood" which shows Cock Hill as the major challenge on this ride, and of course that hill is so good we did it twice. My ride was "steady" all day. Setting off right at the back I had to work my way up through the impressively large bunch. I found the Vicar and thought that a good pace to settle into, while Melv headed on up the road to catch the front group. That was the last I saw of Mr Hartley until we met again while he was descending Cock Hill going the "wrong" direction on his way home (so a third time for him) while I was still toiling toward the finish. Maybe Melv can complete the tale with a posting of the "real" ride, while I give you the social version.

Some wheels caught and passed myself and Richard coming out of Pecket Well going just 1/2 mile faster than we were and so, feeling a slight headwind, I hooked onto them. Sadly Richard didn't stay on so I left him and went with my new friends in a truly loyal Condor style. Taking this shelter to the top of Cock Hill, I then dropped away to Oxenhope with a couple of West Pennine lads and we thought we'd made good progress - that is until we caught "Bob" by Stanbury in his purple carpet slippers who'd obviously beaten us over Cock Hill (and in the end would beat me to the finish!).
Pete Horne was just up the road so I bridged across, and then Pete saw Everard just ahead so we flogged ourselves up to him too. Peeps was hanging in the wind at Laneshaw Bride to complete a quartet of Condors. Thus were bananas consumed and cards stamped at Earby. 
Stuart from Hebden Bridge (nee Bristol), being unfamiliar with these parts, made the fatal mistake of leaving his bike for five seconds while we clipped in and clipped up the road, so we had to wait and reunite at West Marton, which also gave Vicar a chance to make contact again. So on to Bank Newton for a short stop in the sunshine while Stuart fixed a puncture, while Everard and Peeps "pottered on". We caught them again just after Cracoe, and took the lanes of Thorpe at a leisurely pace. Thus to Burnsall for a very slow cafe stop, while other riders passed us by.
That just left the daunting Draughton climb, Cringles and into Keighley for the final control. Paul Hickey was outside taking sustenance but we were eager now for the finish and swiftly departed. On Ingrow I went too hard at the bottom and had to wait for my companions, and then I set the pace back down to Oxenhope. The early stages of Cock Hill were my glory too. But I'd done too much. The spirit willing while the legs weak. And no mercy was shown as, within sight of the top, these older and wiser heads rode past me. Smiling. The buggers.
Still, a fierce descent (with a tow from a tandem) meant that we four finished together back in Hebden Bridge for 2:45 or thereabouts. I understand that the front group had finished more like 1:15, but maybe they had been served quicker in their cafe stop ...

Sunday 17th April

Don't forget - Spring into the Dales - tomorrow 9am from Salem Community Centre, Hebden Bridge - 111 hilly Km - entry £4

Where is everyone?

Ian was wondering where some of the regulars were last Sunday so I thought I would update the blog with the result of my investigations. Enquiries have revealed that Brian, Grimpy & Pete Smith had opted for the easy option, instead of going on the club run they rode the Lindale Road Race at Grange-over-Sands. All three were in the over 60's race (Pete making his debut in the 'E' category - belated birthday greetings). I understand that they were caught and passed by the young vets but Brian and a few more over 60's re-caught the youngsters with Brian taking =1st in his category. When I spoke to Grimpy he didn't know his actual finishing position but he finished in the same bunch and just behind Pete who I'm told was working hard and had made several attempts to bridge the gap to Brian. I understand that Sean Smith won the 'B' age group in the same event. I was riding an Audax down in the Peak District but the less said about that the better.

Mr Sunter had warmed up for the road race by riding the Hull Thursday 10 the previous day clocking 21min 31secs (yes, thats almost 30mph).

The previous weekend our road racing trio had ridden the Barton Wheelers Australian Pursuit, an event that Brian won in 2010 but he was unable to duplicate the win this year. He tells me that he had more or less blown by the finish after he and eventual winner Rob Stones had spent the event working very hard to avoid the younger riders catching them. Brian took 7th, Grimpy 8th, I haven't seen Pete so I can't report on how he felt on his first race for several decades, however I did hear a rather humorous anecdote about how he was looking round for the bike checker before the start.

There was a good turnout of 28 for the Ronde van Calderdale last Wednesday evening including 4 Condors, Steve Cavell, Ian Wellock, Robin & myself. Pedalsport's Jack Clarkson took the mountains jersey with a fine ascent of Trooper Lane but he was outwitted in the final sprint into Elland by Mick Collins.

Fun in the sun - Slaidburn via Bowland Knotts

And what a good day it was! Just three of us met at Denholme (Nigel, Ian, Neil) and were joined by a fourth (Robin) on the way. Where is everyone? Can it be that this warm sunshine is keeping you all indoors?

Keeping to the usual back roads we made our way north skirting Setttle and entering Eldroth then left from Keasden over Bowland Knotts. One of the Orbea riders engaged the lowest available gear and kept to a paced which (allegedly) engendered no pain or heavy breathing while the other Orbea soared away lightly. My new frame, while very pretty to look at, still has the same old transmission which chattered noisily and spoiled the ride somewhat. I assume that no-one else wanted to hear this clamer and hence I was left to climb alone. We regrouped at the top and even spent a second to look at the view, before plunging down toward The Riverbank Tearooms for butties in the baking heat of early April.

Robin had flown the nest (he went straight home missing out the cafe stop), which left the three of us making our way back by the flatest route known to Nigel and conserving energy at every opportunity. Coming over the old road to home feeling "rather tired" we found 98 miles or so on the clock and a still-decent average speed. I had neglected the sun cream and now have a cyclists sunburn to show for my day out, though it may have faded by the time we next ride in 20-odd degree heat.

(I've borrowed the image from http://peter.chesspod.com/blog/ - thanks!)
--
Meet Denholme 9am as usual, 9:30 at Keighley for one last desperate attempt to get fit before the Spring classic next weekend. That's S into the Dales of course

The route this week is up for grabs. Preferably somewhere we have heard of though and/or know how to get to. With a good cafe of course.

Ride Report - Blubberhouses

For those not lunching with mothers/wives/girlfriends (probably best not to let all three meet at once ...) there was the usual gathering in Denholme where Paul Hickey called in, being the sole representative of the Imps run, and where Neil & myself sheltered in the doorway of the deserted Whittakers just to let a shower pass over. Then quickly on our way we caught Paul again by Flappit and were joined by Robin on the descent into Keighley. The dry roads said that the showers were very localised, and Melv was sitting in sunshine chatting with a delegation form Paul Milnes cycles, including the man himself back on a bike for the first time in quite a while. A rattling good pace saw us over to Cringles and Mr Milnes was ejected backwards "thanks for waiting lads but don't bother waiting any more" were our instructions - so we didn't. Draughton and Bolton Bridge put us in mind of Blubberhouses - with a stonking tailwind. Oh no I thought, we're going to regret this later. However I quite like that climb, especially at my own pace, and then we bore left onto Greenhow, keeping our height and adding just a little more, to arrive at the Stump Cross Caverns. The teacakes were "greasy" and the service was slow, but Neil enthused about his sausages, giving 5/10 overall.
A sharp drop down lead us back to Appletreewick and on to Barden Tower, and up on the Embsay climb. Sadly our one main shower of the day caught us here with hail and wind, the leading trio of Neil, Melv and Robin had plenty of time at the top to cape up. I'd expected to see them instead in Skipton, if at all, but they waited for this slower rider with kindness above and beyond any normal Condor outing. That left a short battle though the traffic in town and,with the main road cracked off, we were back in Crosshills in no time, with possibly a bit of a tailwind still. It had veered from Southerly to Westerley just when we needed - how often does that happen?. The usual road led us back to gridlock in Keighley, and Ingrow passed in a blur. Oxenhope and the old road home for 60 miles in total and another grand day out.

Nine at usual, nine thirty Keighley roundabout ... Ian is still on his winter bike on account of the Pinarello being outed as an object of 'style over function' ... so its hard and fast on the lightest bikes you've got ............................................................................................................................................................................................PeteH writes - I'll have to give my apol's for tomorrow but want to advise you all about Wednesday evening - Mick Collins and his mates have organised a ride in celebration of The Tour of Flanders - its 6.45 for 7pm outside the Ritz in Brighouse. You will have guessed that the ride takes in several of the local cobbled climbs and finishes with chilli rice & chips at the Clough House at the top of Rastrick. Retro kit is the order of the day (but not compulsory). All Condors are invited - they had a similar event last year which I understand was very popular. ps. if you want to order supper let me know and I will contact organiser

Whilst the traditionalist, stiff backs were venting themselves hard on yet another ride through Keighley and into the Dales, the Condor Off-Road Club (Luddenden Valley Section) took to the rich tracery of dry trails round 'ere abouts Hebden Bridge way, weaving in and out of this and that: sheep, hippies, ramblers, sheep, gates, sheep.

First insight of the day went to Nigel who observed how, when riding dry trails, the stones appeared looser, nay they became errant, dangerous libertarians, freesayers, Levellers, who without notice to their betters would simply jump up from the ground and irritate the steady, patrician, well-appointed rider from atop his hiearchy, with neither by-your-leave nor tugged forelock. So it is not only sticks that the cautious cyclist must watch for, but stones as well. We hastened to some tarmac round Widdop (as in pic) for respite.

Second insight to Ian, who noted how a mental image (in this case the bacon and egg barm held on promise at Heptonstall) can grow without conscious control, first in content (in this case to include sausage), then in size (to become really quite large, perhaps preluded by some cake), until finally becoming the only object of concern to a knackered mind (when riding up to Mays at the end of a long long stretch the barm had become to all intents and purposes a direct equivalent to the entire world).

Last insight is mine, commenting that the less you think the better you ride ... don't aim, don't steer, don't look at obstacles ... it was mentioned that if thoughtlessness was a qualification for riding well I should be just fine

So we went on, all of us that little bit more intelligent ... or less, maybe