Weekend Report

First of all congratulations to Adrian and Richard for another successful completion of the Three Peaks, the hardest cyclo-cross in the world.
As can be seen from the above photo, the less competitive among us chose the undisputed delights of Feizor Cafe for a relaxed feed before making our way to Helwith Bridge to clap in the leading riders and sample the variety of fine hand pumped ales on offer at the race HQ. There is no disputing that the homeward journey didn't flow quite so effortlessly as the wind assisted outward leg (Dom will certainly agree with that).
It's the Autumn Classic, Seasons of Mists Audax next Sunday, 9am from the Salem Community Centre, Hebden Bridge. As with all Chris Crossland's events, a ride not to be missed.

Sunday 25th September

Meet 0830hrs Denholmgate or 15 minutes later at Oxenhope (junc. Hebden Bridge/Stanbury Rd) for an exciting route to Helwith Bridge to watch the finish of the 3 Peaks Cross. Intended route is via Laneshaw Bridge, Fanny Grey's, Paythorne and Feizor Cafe.

Ride Report 18/9/11

It was a bit of a relief when the start of the Social Season only attracted three riders, Ian, Brian and myself. We had a very sociable outing making our way to Burnsall Cafe via Silsden and the back roads through Kildwick and Bradley and over Eastby Brow to get to Burnsall by 10.30. The cafe was already filling up with cyclists (including 1989 World Professional Pursuit Champion Colin Sturgess). After a leisurely break we returned via Appletreewick (surprised to see camping field full to capacity), Barden and Cavendish and then taking the gated road and up through Draughton, sticking to the unclassified roads down to Silsden.
We said goodbye to Brian at Steeton, Ian and I climbing over Steeton Moor and dropping down to Gooseye, an effort which required a refuelling stop at The Turkey (Cragg Vale bitter - highly recommended). Fortified we made our way to Oxenhope via Oakworth and Haworth Bottom. At Oxenhope, after being shouted at by a Sunday driver (sorry Nigel) we were lured into the Bay Horse by the thought of the Old Spot bitter, unfortunately we had to make do with Black Sheep and a chat with some of the mountain bikers who were finishing the Hospice MTB Challenge - not a great day for mountain biking by the look of many of the finishers.
The beer must have gone to my head because instead of heading straight home over the Dog & Gun climb I went with Ian over Fly Flat and was near death by the time I got home at 3pm.

Unfortunately the local Cyclo-Cross results are not being made available on the net so I havn't been able to track the results of our 3 Peaks aspirants, Richard and recent recruit (or re-recruit after 1st being in the Condor 20 years or so since), Adrian Lord. Good luck to you both next Sunday and remember, its the taking part that counts.

Sunday 18th

I'll be there, 8.30 Denholmgate tomorrow. I've been out of touch myself for weeks now but there are a few snippets of news that I've heard recently which I feel ought to released to the waiting world via the Blog.
The main news being the first ever success by Condor Road Club members at the (in)famous Paris-Breast-Paris 1200k Audax. Simon Fortune and Daniel Webb successfully completed the event. Simon, who completed the route in an astounding 61hrs, has promised to do a full report for the blog once he's woken up.
Brian ended his racing season with another win at last Sunday's East Coast Road Race on a circuit based at Burton Fleming. This was a counting event in the Percy Stallard National Series. Brian tells me that he has not got enough qualifying events to take the series overall and Grimpy, who I am led to believe was lying joint 1st in the series, must have fallen asleep during the race and failed to add to his points total.
I see that Robin was racing last Saturday, taking 2nd in the Up The Butress hillclimb at Hebden Bridge, that must have been even harder than going on a clubrun.

Sunday 17 Sept 2011

I'm thinking of 08:30 at Denholme and 09:00 at Keighley for Cringles, Draughton, Embsay, and coffee at Burnsall. The forecast for tomorrow is for better weather than today, though that wouldn't be hard ...
It feels like we've had a long off-season over the summer (well maybe you've been riding but I haven't done much). I'd better get back out there now before the snow starts falling again.

Brian Hanson

Sadly, I must report that our clubmate Brian Hanson has lost his fight against cancer and died last Monday.
Brian, who was in his early 70's, joined the Condor Road Club in the late 1950's and had unbroken membership to the present time. With his wife Muriel stoking the tandem many happy hours were spent touring the lanes especially on the Condor Friday evening social rides back in the 60's. A lover of the cycling social scene he was a noted after dinner speaker. Always a smile and time for a chat Brian will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
A service will be held at Park Wood Crematorium at 11.15am Monday 12th September.

AGM - Wed 14 Sept 2011

The AGM has been organised (by Trevor Lever and Paul Gower - thanks chaps) for:
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Shepherd's Rest, Sowerby Bridge
prompt 9pm start - pie & peas ordered for 9:30
- please confirm to Trevor or Paul if you are coming so we order the right number of pie & peas
Secure parking for bikes at rear of pub through gate.
Apologies from John Lumb (el presedente will be in France) and from me (in Germany that day).

CONDOR CROSS - Wellholme park on Sunday 23rd October ( Yorkshire points event 6) - see http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/?series_id=95
John Ginley would appreciate a hand setting up, marshalling & packing up on the Sunday + one really helpful volunteer on the Saturday morning too. Please see John for more details.

Ian

MTB - last of the summer whine

Tomorrow morning ... 8am ... The Co-op carpark Hebden Bridge, on mountain bikes, ending up at Heptonstall cafe a few hours later.

Here are a couple of pictures from the ride. As you can see it was mostly flat and easy. A stalwart Condor friend Mr Dyson joined us, together with Graham, a whippet-thin young runner friend of Robins. In case you're in danger of getting them confused from that description, Neil is the one in the yellow Imps jersey.
From this hellishly early start we rose from the Co-Op to London Road and up to the Pike, through the rock garden and over the back to the White House at top of Blackstone Edge. The moorland crossing involves plenty of dips and dodges, and had us jumping off our bikes with joy & elation several times (see photo - it doesn't look so steep or boggy in a picture does it?). A fast & flowing descent dropped us down to the Canal at Littlebrough, though Robin insisted on a dead end detour to the local golf club first - maybe that's where every Volvo driver secretly wants to be on a Sunday morning? A butty stop at the lay-by was welcome, followed by a return ascent to London Road and a final thrilling descent  under our original wheel tracks to Hebden Br. (you go through a tiny arched bridge under track that we used on the outward leg, with the option of then off-piste riding through the woods to follow). Graham hadn't done this one before and was suitably impressed. Neil hadn't done this one before and was suitably and sensibly cautious by taking the on-road option for the last part. All happy and only three of us had any blood/wounds/scratches at all by the end so a good day in the hills.

change of plan ... heptonstall weaver's square for 7.30am ...sounds early I know ... otherwise there is a very very pacey mtb ride from nigel's house at 9am ... over the hill for a bacon and egg bun and back again i believe

We did. It (the ride) and they (the bacon & egg buns) were excellent. Looking forward to more of both. - Ian

Cross Bike for sale

Columbus Cyclo-Cross bike for sale £250. 56cm frame, 8sp STI with new chain & new 12/32 casette, new chainset 34/48, new rear changer, SPD pedals. Call me on 07549 821349 or e-mail petehorne@yahoo.co.uk .

......................................................................SOLD.............................................................................

Ryedale Rumbled

Thanks to Peter - As the pictures show it was a hard day (for some of us) and if you go back through the pictures a couple of shots you can see Roger and Stefan, a friend from Ilkley, who joined us for the ride. (Not to mention the nice lady who was between us at this point !)

We all started together (not the lady) but they weren't accepting entries on the day so Robin and Stefan weren't timed. I was glad of a few more wheels to share the work on a dry but windy day. The pictures are on Blakey Ridge, the first of 3 hor categories, the second was a pig called Caper Hill and the third Rosedale Chimney, all with parts at 1 in3 - with plenty of lumps in between.

Unfortunately a late cassette/chain replacement left me with a 39x25 bottom gear which I just couldn't grind up Rosedale and forced me to walk the steepest bit. (I'm back on a 28 sprocket now !)

It was great to be on different roads and in some stunning scenery. It was Robins first time in the area and he seemed to enjoy it, so much in fact that he dropped off over Wheeldale Moor so he could properly appreciate it.

We finished with 6 hrs 12 mins for 111 miles at 18+ mph.
I am not around for the next two weekends, but its about time I blew the the dust off my mountain bike !

Latest News

A couple of reports from last weekend -

Melvin looks like he had a great ride in last Sundays Ryedale Rumble, finishing the 111 mountainous miles (Blakey Bank, Rosedale Chimney to name just 2 of the climbs). He finished 2nd fastest out of the 100+ finishers (I know its not a race - but most of those taking part don't), 18 seconds slower than his friend Roger Palfreyman whom I assume he rode round with, these two were a long way ahead of the rest of the field - the web site I gleaned this information from had a link to www.cyclingimages.co.uk on which I viewed some really good pics of our hero doing his Tommy Voeckler impressions climbing what looks like the road up to Blakey Ridge and gurning on Mel's wheel appears to be Robin although I can't find him on the result sheet ?

The weather certainly looked better over the NY Moors than round the MT Loop. Just 4 turned up for this classic mountain bike route, Steve Cavell, Paul Daly, Paul's mate Mark and myself. We set off from Callis Bridge up to Blackshaw Head in slight drizzle; to cut the story short it just got heavier. Steve, as he'd always intended, headed off down the road to Tod from the Holme Chapel road crossing. The rest of us got about 3 quarters of the way round by which time we were soaked to the skin and frozen so we headed home on the road - it took me a good hour to stop shivering once I got home - think we'll have to try it in Feb or March when we're more likely to have good weather.

Brian and Grimpy were riding the latest event in the Percy Stallard Vets Road Racing Series, the Alford Wheelers event down in Lincolnshire. Grimpy, who was defending his lead in the series finished 5th, with Brian 2nd to Richard Booth.

Sun 7th August

Reminder - Mary Townley Loop backwards, tomorrow, 8am Callis Bridge - there will be at least 3 there - Steve Cavell, Paul Daly and myself.

The Other Other Fleet Moss

I arrived at the Oddfellows Hall with more than a degree of uncertainty; seven hours in the saddle always seems excessive. I had a plan to split at Kilnsey and head alone up Littondale over Darnbrook or possibly Silverdale and back via Malham. For some reason I failed to make the turn, you know how I love to follow a wheel, and found myself in a group heading up Wharfedale to Kettlewell, Buckden and the climb of Fleet Moss.

I nearly didn’t make this group at all having been comprehensively dropped by all and sundry on the climb out of Halifax,I was however lucky to be caught by Simon who’d been delayed by chain problems who then paced me back to the second group comprising Pete H, Big Phil, JK from the Imps and Paul a fell running mate of Pete’s.

Simon Pete and JK dropped off up Fleet Moss leaving myself Phil and Paul to make our way to Hawes past Helwith Bridge (start finish of the Three Peaks – less than two months now) to Settle where our no stop strategy allowed us to pass the first group who were enjoying their bacon butty repast in Ye Olde Naked Man making us, for a while at least, leaders on the road!

This situation only lasted until Mitton where we were caught and passed and the natural order was reinstated. The pack reshuffled at this point resulting in me dropping off the pace, losing my erstwhile comrades but linking up with Dougie. We made our way back to Halifax together just in time to see Melvyn depart for home.

Pete and Simon appeared about 20 mins later Pete declaring that it hadn’t been his best day and that he was heading off for his bed; better day for me, no really bad patches and my second 200k of the summer.

Richard

The Other Fleet Moss Audax

No steady saunter round the Dales & Lancashire lanes for some of us - Messrs Thompson & Doherty of our V.S. friends had other ideas.
Off from the gun up the hills out of Halifax just left Dougie, Damian & myself with the V.S. duo and there was no breather until a re-group and re-fuel in Hawes, Pete H and others were arriving as we left.
After another hard & fast leg down Ribblesdale I was grateful that sense prevailed and we enjoyed a welcome sit down in the Naked Man Cafe in Settle.
The next leg through the lanes to Whalley was taken at a more reasonable pace and we caught Richard and a few others at Mitton, who were doing a good job 'pushing on' at the 'tete'.
By now some friction was appearing in the group as Damian refused to take the front, a situation amplified by the fact that we could regularly hear the loud freewheel on his lovely new Zipp wheels, a constant reminder of the easier ride he was having.
Dwarty's patience ran out at Read and the pace went up enough to lose everyone but Chris, myself and the indomitable Damian. It took the slopes of the Burnley by-pass to finally dislodge him with Chris and myself glued to Dwarty's wheel and pulling Voeckler-esque faces with the pain, in any case Damian re-joined us again at the next traffic lights.
A fast bash down the Calder Valley and this being a hot and humid day our old enemy 'The Cramp' was preparing a visit, first for Damian at Ludd. Foot and then Chris at Friendly. In true clubmate style Dwarty and I pushed on for first to the buffet.
7 hours 30 mins. (6 hrs 30 riding time) Fastest 58mph on Fleet Moss.

Richard came in not long afterwards - undecided whether he had enjoyed the day or not - I know the feeling.

Mary Towneley Loop - 7 August 2011

Pete Horne asked me to blog this up:

"I've arranged a MTB ride next Sunday around Mary Towneley Loop (backwards) meeting 08:00 prompt at Callis Bridge"

My helpful comments:
1. Is Pete any good at riding backwards? Maybe he is. At least riding backwards it's more difficult to fall on your face.
2. Oh I see. Riding the route backwards. Not his bike.
3. Callis Bridge is the car park on the right about 1 mile out of Hebden Bridge on the A646 toward Tod.

4. C'mon Nigel you know how you love this route. Maybe its lovely when its not tipping down with torrential rain like last time.

5. Very sadly, I can't make this ride.

Wednesday Ride

Paul's new Boardman made its debut on today's club ride creating many admiring glances from from the congregation. Unfortunately Grimpy still had tired legs from last weeks exploits in the Alps so Paul wasn't allowed to give it full throttle. We wound our way through the traffic on the busy roads between Bradford & Leeds but soon made it to the quieter backwaters around Eccup Reservoir, Netherby and Sicklinghall to lunch at Wetherby. The home leg was taken through Knaresborough and on the Beryl Burton Cycleway up to Killinghall then back down to Penny Pot Lane and Bland Hill with an interesting diversion down to Dob Park en route to Otley. A steady 80 miles were recorded on an overcast but dry and warm day - good preparation for next Sunday's 'Other Fleet Moss' Audax - 8am Oddfellows Rooms, Halifax.

Sun 24th Ride Report 2

Five Condors were toeing the start line outside the church hall at Fairburn last Sunday for the Brimham Rocks 200k Audax - Paul G, Trevor, Peeps, Big Phil and myself together with Paul H & Everard from the Imps and another 30 or 40 long distance stalwarts. The start was reminiscent of the start of last Fridays stage of the Tour; eyeballs out from the gun. Myself and Big Phil, an Audax virgin until the Good Companions a few weeks ago but now astride a state of the art 14lb Cube speed machine lodged ourselves at the front in the hope of controlling the pace. This we did until the first slight incline over to Kippax where Elland's Mike Thompson and a lad from Liverpool Century became impatient at the speed dipping below evens and darted through to the front.
By Barwick in Elmet there were only 5 of us left at the front including Phil and myself, the rest of our lads were sticking together and a significant number of other participants had followed a VC167 led short cut straight up the side of the A1 to Wetherby. 2 kms of bridleway between Barwick and Bramham reduced our numbers to 4, we stuck together to the Knaresborough control, the VC167's had already left, a quick banana and Coke and we were off in pursuit; or we would have been if Mike hadn't forgotten the combination for his bike lock. After trying most combinations between 000 & 999 we hit lucky and were again eating up the road. Peterborough Man disappeared at the Bedlam climb (later found out he'd punctured). Mike came through too fast for me up the same climb, Phil chased him down and sat on his wheel but I had to chase all the way over Brimham Rocks and down into Pately Bridge before getting back.
The 3 of us had a quick drink and bite to eat at the How Stean check then it was back down to P Bridge where we crossed Everard, the Paul's, Peeps & Trevor all of whom appeared to be riding strong and were in good voice. It was then over to Blubberhouses and on to Otley, we were catching remnents of the VC167 which spurred us on to the Weirside Cafe Control where we found the leaders on the road sunning themselves and taking refreshments.
A quick drink and a bun and there were now 8 or 9 of us rushing to get on our bikes worried we were going to miss the bus. The bus soon split up the road up to Farnley with Mike and Bob Johnson setting quick pace, Phil paced me back as we descended to Leathley and a couple more got on round Castley. On the road to Sicklinghall Bob said he knew how to avoid the dreaded Kearby Brow and deviated right from the route, Phil and me, wanting to keep on roads I knew stayed on the published route but the others followed Bob - this worked a treat because when they returned to the route proper we were half a mile ahead steaming along to Wetherby. They chased with Bob and a guy from Holme Valley Wheelers catching us in Wetherby but the other 2 being left in the chase.
We worked together now through the lanes to Askham Bryan and the Naburn Lock checkpoint with the wind behind us helping us to turn the big gears. Phil and Mike nipped away from Naburn whilst I was only half way through my bottle of Coke and if it hadn't been for Bob I would not have regained contact. We rode in echelon to combat the cross winds through Cawood, Thorpe Willoughby and Hillam by which time we were down to 3, Phil, Bob and myself. Just through Hillam, with less than 2 miles to go Bob had an attack of cramp - I was tempted to put the hammer down but then I remembered that less than an hour earlier he had dragged me back to the front so we soft pedalled back to Fairburn together.
A great day, good company, good weather, mainly quiet roads and no mishaps, 123.2 miles, ave.speed 17.3mph.
All Condors and Imps finished in one piece and I look forward to hearing the tales of their days. If you look on
http://ade2010lejog.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/brimham-rocks-200-audax/
you may recognise some of our gang.

Sunday 24th July - Set Feizors for "stunning"

Denholme 08.30 or Keighley 09.00 for a steady road ride to the dales,we will be riding at autobus pace hoping to get back just inside the elimination time.

Ride report: Three met at Denholme (Ian, Nigel, Vicar) and we were joined by two more at Keighley (Melv, respendent in new "radiant" cycling gear from Italy, and Richard II, dressed all in black). Up through Gargrave, Airton, over Attermire down into Settle going steady on the descent in my case past the previous scene of a broken collarbone. Then up again over Buck Haw Brow to the fabled Feizor and enjoyable butties outside Elaine's tea rooms. The sun shone brightly all day and we had these dales pretty much to ourselves. Pottering back home we took advantage of a stonking tailwind and it was all going really well.
Until Bank Newton. Where Paul Milnes & friends caught us up and we had to try instead to look like proper cyclists for a while. It went OK initially with a reasonable tempo to Broughton and on to Carleton, where I even made it up the slight rise into the village intact. However a series of kamikaze attacks by Nige caused a yo-yo effect of chasing to catch him up followed by a screaming halt when we caught him. The finish was a lined out burn-up back to Keighley where our fiends dispersed. I was glad now to switch off up Ingrow and left Vicar to go on ahead. Back home for 2pm and time to take in the sun before watching the final stage of this year's grand Tour. I'm tempted, just about, to consider the Other Fleet Moss next week. Ian

General chat

As you can see from the above photo Tony Parrish is still effortlessly sprinting up hills at 70 - Congratulations Tony.

Its also good to see Pete Gravenor clipped into the pedals again after recent surgery.

Brian is still setting the example for the rest of us to follow on the racing scene taking silver in the Veterans National 50 Mile Time Trial Champs in Cheshire last Saturday to follow up on his category win in the Clifton CC Road Race the previous Sunday (how did you go on Mel? - I was expecting a full report on the blog). Grimpy travelled down to Essex the same day to defend his lead in the season long Percy Stallard Veterans Road Race Series, he took 2nd place behind Richard Booth to retain his lead but its looking tight at the top.

Whilst on the subject of Grimpy, many of you will know that last Sunday he began the last week of the T de F, riding the last six stages of the Tour 2 days in front of the actual Tour - todays 'Queen Stage' which finished at the top of the Galibier, Grimpy was due to ride on Tuesday - as you will have seen on TV it was snowing on the Galibier on Tuesday and 'cyclists were being rescued from the mountain', I look forward to hearing how John fared.

This coming Sunday its the Brimham Rocks 200k Audax starting 8am from the village hall at Fairburn, just north of Castleford, its a flat start, lumpy in the middle with a flat fast finish, we have 3 or 4 Condors pre-entered and 1 or two entering on the day - not a bad weather forecast and good training for the following weeks Other Fleet Moss 200.

MTB option

I just logged on to say we've arranged mtb with Robin, Nige and young Johnny Perry meeting 9am at the Co-op in Hebden Bridge, all welcome. Pete - its not too late to switch to the dark side and come with us.

Sunday 17th July

No other preferences aired so I'll stick my neck out and say 8.30 Denholmgate/9am Keighley for Ribblehead & Hawes (subject to change on the day if weather poor).

10 July - mtb potter

Nige & I plan to potter round on our mountain bikes this Sunday - 9am from mine. All welcome. Are you interested Neil?
You could drag us away to another start point if you'd prefer, just let me know. Ian

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.