Etape du Dales

This event is rarely blessed with the best weather and with temperatures at the start well into single figures the prospect of riding over such bleak and exposed terrain wasn't inviting.
I had arranged to meet Robin, who replaced his other half at the sign-on, and we located running Graham from Heptonstall sporting his retro Molteni jersey. The VS representatives of Dougie and John Dwarty were also ready to go - John getting back after a long lay-off due to back trouble. Emma from Hebden Bridge also joined us so we had a decent grupetto, trying to get warmed up on the back road to Kettlewell.
Up Langstrothdale and a blue sky was appearing, so was the Harrogate Nova group who are usually some of the fastest round so we tagged along, riding that bit quicker than was good for us. Inevitably we let them go at Fleet Moss as our group was now scattered over the slopes.
We re-grouped after a lengthy stop at Hawes but as we started on Buttertubs Pass things started to fragment again so in true selfish style I pushed on, the desire to post a decent time overtaking my responsibility to our group !
By now the sky was blue, the wind light and favourable and all was well with the world as I solo'd over Tan Hill which I don't remember ever being as pleasant. Things were not so good with Dwarty who had a puncture, thankfully just after the Buttertubs descent - but he had Robin for company.
This was a rare occasion that, despite still being bloody hard, it was a pleasure to see the stunning views on the road over to Nateby and from the Coal Road.
I rode on my own till Stainforth when I joined forces with a Harrogate Nova guy to share the work over to Halton Gill down Littondale and  for the last gasp to the finish.
With such good conditions it was my best ever time. Robin and Dwarty were not long coming in, uncannily with the same time to the second ! - well inside Gold time, Dougie also gold just seconds inside 7 hours. Emma, unfortunately, was just 17 seconds the wrong side of 7 hours !
Graham discovered what Pete H has known for a while, competitive running and cycling often don't mix - he came in a while later, but not sure of his surname I haven't got his time - which he may thank me for !

Mel:6 hours 26 mins.   Robin & John; 6hrs 46mins (photo).  Doug: 6 hrs 59 mins. Emma: 7 hours. 

Wednesday Wandering

Thanks to Pete for the 'foot-note' in the post below. I hear from Robin that a grand day out was had in the dales and hopefully we will have a first hand account on the Blog before long.

Meanwhile, giddy with excitement at this sudden turn of good weather I propose to potter round the full summer loop this Wednesday 23rd starting 7pm on the canal bridge in Luddenden Foot.

Etape du dales tomorrow ... a congregation/parliament/murder/concatenation/neap (collective noun?) of condors setting off at 8am from rugby club at grassington and up into a north easterly, evidently we might just reach double digit temperatures by mid-day, so bring the sun bloc as an ironic gesture.

In an idle moment watch this film ... aaahhhhhhh, the halcyon days of yesteryear when cycling was 'in the water' of the place:

http://film.britishcouncil.org/we-of-the-west-riding

Enjoyed the film Robin, we'll have to try the communal singing on the next club run - good luck to you and Mel, and any other Condors who my be there in tomorrows Etape', won't be there myself as over in the Wolds and Howardian Hills again, riding the East Riding 200 Audax and I know that Brian is road racing south of the Humber and Grimpy's travelling down to Malvern for the latest round of the Percy Stallard National Series. I'm sure he wouldn't admit it but Brian appears to be finding his form with a 56min ride in the Drig. 25 last weekend handing out a beating to such youngsters as VS's Andy Marshall  (should never have left the Condor) and Danial Shaw of the Imps - not bad for someone who enters the last year of his 7th decade next week!   Grimpy has been busy travelling the country recently taking a 3rd behind World Masters Champion, Mike Allen, at Chester last week and a 1st at Worcester a few weeks earlier. Pete Smith is back in the bunch but still recovering from a nasty bug and Simon, who's road racing down in Lichfield today, has started adding points to his recently acquired 3rd cat. licence.  We had 3 riders in round 2 of the Summer 'Cross series at Todmorden last Weds evening with Adrian Lord just edging out Richard with Steve Cavell not far behind. The race was won by Crosstrax's Neil Crampton with former mate from Monday evening mountain bike rides, Chris Taylor, now riding for Pedalsport, an excellent 2nd.  I'm going to be missing for a few weeks from Thursday - surgery on the foot - I've been told by the Doc. I'll be out of action for about 6 weeks but I'm hoping it won't take that long - unfortunately I'll be missing next Sat's Condor RR so good luck to all our riders especially Damian who's returning to the bunch for the first time for several years.            PeteH

Condor Road Race saturday 26th May

Condor Road Race test blog from JG
We need your help saturday 26th at Greetland community centre HX4 8JG
Race Lead Cars I have kind support from Derek Browne, My son Neil Plus Ian has offerred but ideally we need him judging
So i need another lead vehicle?
Signing on I have Ross (Seans wife), Dave Saline & hopefully Pete
We need a volunteer to be at Greetland for 8.00 to assist Brian to fix signs at junctions and start area.
Plus marshalls at the course junctions
Look forward to seeing you all at Greetland at 9.00 and later in bar for Pea & Pies
Robin, Damien, Melvyn & Peter Smith are all racing
For a copy of programme/ start list just Email me
  

Sunday 13 May (part two)

ill be at keighley roundabout 9am if anyone is out there, maybe airton, settle, bentham, tatham fell, slaidburn and back over barnoldswick, colne, widdop (or herders)

- I hope you had a good ride there Robin. I considered it but, not feeling at all fit, took myself up to the duck pond at Rhylstone and back through Hetton/Gargrave and that was quite far enough. [Ian]

Sunday 13th May

Got a 300k Audax tomorrow so will be resting on Sunday.

Sunday 6th May

Just myself, Damien and Mel turned out for yesterdays ride. With the sun shining and a helping breeze we made our way swiftly to Feizor via Cononley, Bank Newton and Wigglesworth arriving at the cafe just before 11am.  It was just the day for sitting outside caff's enjoying the spring sunshine and I felt in such a good mood that I ordered a full english breakfast - in retrospect a mistake - nothing wrong with the food, just too much for a comfortable ride home (I even had to leave a slice of toast and some black pudding). Mel was fancying Bowland Knotts for the return journey but I was feeling less ambitious and we compromised by taking a trip round Wham, Long Gill (7 gates), Paythorne, Horton, Baa'lik, Laneshaw Bridge and the Herders. I was no match for the two racing men on the hills and they eventually gave me the slip for the last time on the climb from Oxenhope to Leeming, me taking the quieter back road I got to the Lamb Inn, couldn't see them, so thinking one of them must have punctured went all the way back down to Oxenhope - no sign of them so I had to go back up the hill again before eventually finding Damien sat waiting at the top of the Dog & Gun climb.
A good sociable 92 miles and back home in time to watch Cav's win in the Giro.

Sunday 6th May

8.30am Denholmgate, 9 at Keighley roundabout tomorrow, hoping to sample a Feizor breakfast.

Sunday 29th April Red Rose Ride

Did anyone turn up? Did anyone set off? Did anyone make it back?

Decided against the bike today; instead, short run at 9, showered by 10, coffee and cake by 11.

Just about to crank up the heating, puff up the sofa and tune in to Eurosport, ready for Wiggins' victory over Luis Leon Sanchez in the Tour of Romandie.

Who says I can never make the right selection?

Vicar

PeteH replies,   You must be getting soft Richard, the weather conditions just added some spice to the event. You were not alone in your defeatist attitude as I was the only Condor to ride (Simon did come and keep me company as far as Whalley Abbey but having raced on Saturday never intended doing the full route). We rode with VC167's Bob Johnson and Jason from Greetland (think thats the right name) who I suspect was disappointed at the non appearance of Melvin and Robin with whom he'd enjoyed a brisk pace in the Spring into the Dales a couple of weeks ago.
As Simon tucked into his full english breakfast at the Abbey Tearooms the rain got heavier and the wind grew stronger. We were joined on the next stage - to Glasson Dock - by the now legendary Bob Bialek complete with his Crocs. Once we reached the foothill's of the 'Trough'  Bob the Croc had a moment of madness and made a full on attack. Bob J and myself, being old stagers, ignored his behaviour but Jason, mounted on a thoroughbred race steed could not ignore the insult to his state of the art (cycling specific) footwear, chased him down and disappeared over the summit in lone splendour (he was not seen again - wasn't at the Lantern O'er the Lune cafe and not at the finish - and had mentioned earlier the he didn't know the route - would love to know how he got on).
After a welcome break at the cafe we eventually emerged to even heavier rain. Fortunately there was some north in the wind direction so it wasn't all battling head winds, although strong gusts were at times bringing me almost to a standstill.  I was managing to keep warm enough and felt comfortable but the required strength was not there in my legs and I was unable to keep up with the Bobs and finally said goodbye to them on the road from Longridge to Whalley and arrived back at the appropriately named Oddfellows Rooms just after 5.30pm.

Sunday 29th April

Red Rose Ride tomorrow, 8am Oddfellows Rooms, Coleridge Street, Halifax - bring rain jacket.

Imps Derek Smith Mem. R.R.

Definately not the sort of day to be atop Norland Moor.
Many of the brave souls who had made the start were all jammed in the bus shelter by the Moorcock, trying to avoid a nasty cold squall which threatened to wash the last glimmer of enthusiasm out of them.
Brian, Grimpy and myself made up the Condor contingent - with other hardy flock members around the course marshalling.
Overshoes & gloves were in order and I decided that 'cracking on' would be the best policy to keep warm and avoid the mucky spray - and so it was I found myself in a break on the first lap- feeling very uncomfortable. On lap 5 of 10 I decided to let my 2 partners go - knowing my meagre contribution to the work wouldn't be missed. I ground out the next 5 laps on my own only to get caught by the bunch on the line. I gallantly allowed 6 of them passed and finished 9th in the race.
Ah well, maybe one day I will collect an envelope off John Kaye like Brian did for 3rd in his group, Grimpy finished 5th.
Thanks to Sean, John and the team and also the Condor members who helped on the day.
We can do it all again in a few weeks in Grimpy's promotion on Sat. May 26. (I can't wait !!!)

A few familiar faces on the above photo at start line with Simon yesterday evening, Pinkie & Mick Collins to his right. The race was won by Halifax's Jack Clarkson who now rides for the Hope Factory Team. Whilst Simon hasn't yet repeated his win from several weeks ago he's happy with his progress - he's a busy life, racing again on Saturday at Blackpool then helping with the marshaling at the Imps LVRC race on Sunday. Simon's sons Adam and Nathan, riding for Kirklees Cycling Acadamy are picking up 1st's and high placings every week in the schoolboys category's - Nathan being ranked 7th Nationally in his age group.
I havn't seen Pete Smith's name in the results for a few weeks but I see Brian has been trying out his new time trial bike with a 1st on standard in a 25 in the North East a few weeks ago and a 27mph+ 10 miler on a Hull course last week. Brian and Grimpy travelled down to Staffordshire last Sunday to ride the first round of the LVRC Percy Stallard National Road Race Series, Brian taking 3rd in his age group in a bunch sprint with Grimpy finishing in the same group but insisting he was just making the numbers up as he recovers from a dose of man flu.

Thanks to Robin for the Spring into the Dales report - I can't believe he wrote it - I could understand it! - it has been suggested someone must have hacked in to his blogger account. The Condor had another good turn out in the event (the lure of the rice pudding?) with Paul Gower, Paul Priestley, Richard Burnham, Pete Whiteley, John Lumb, Chris Sylge and Adrian Lord being seen enjoying the sunshine and views as well as those mentioned in Robins report.

Spring into the Dales

The sun, and a few legs were out, the wind cold, the pace up Cock Hill moderate, then it started to ramp up a little behind a Star Wheeler turning a big gear. Danny started to moan - he moans every year about how unfit he is, and always seems to be there abouts at the end - but the Star Wheeler stopped wheeling at the top, leaving us to get on with it with a thinned out group. Those with thinning hair were left to work on the front whilst the young un's tucked in, poor dears, a bit early for them possibly. Over The Herders, past the first checkpoint and on towards Gargrave we were going well en masse until some man-woman assemblage in a Ford Focus decided to try and drive through us. Mustering a primitive instinctual spasm worthy of the backward primal swamp of which they might be, say, middle-ranking occupants, said drivers (the passenger was very vocal and involved, shouting something loud, repeatedly, about being in the way and their having a baby) decided, because there was no room either side and they were not about to be held up at a junction by flocking cyclists, that there was, however, a route straight on, if they could only manage to knock one of cyclists out of the way, which they duly did, finding one of the rock racing guys the most viable option. Amid ensuing shouts and frayed tempers we all felt a bit down; it put a right dampner on things, bloody cars. Thankfully not hurt, but his rear wheel punctured/buckled, he and his mates sorted through the niceties of accident aftermath. We hung on about ten minutes not really knowing what to do other than hanging about in witness sympathy, then said our goodbyes and went on with the second group who'd caught us by this time.

After Gargrave we let Pete Horne do a bit of pulling as he seemed to want to be at the front, after having done his usual pottering on and seemingly still unable to understand that he is better off waiting and riding in a group. The Condor in him is too strong for mere reason to find a grip. Tiring of following Pete, and he just tiring, we left him over the hidden back roads to Thorpe and rolled breezily through Appletreewick, Bardon Tower, Bolton Abbey and then past the family farm and gated road on up and over the steep climbs to Grafton and the top of Cringles. It was about here that I noticed Mick Collins was still in the group, having been strangely absent at the front all day, perhaps hiding his glamorous brown tights and matching brown kepi because he did not want to show the rest of us scruffy buggers up, what with looking both really really cool AND being at the front pulling us all along, we could not have psychologically managed with both, so he gallantly stayed at the back. Yes, it must have been that. He took a long 30 second turn going onto Keighley, before dropping back to help Danny, who still seemed to be hurting from his initial effort up Cock Hill, but who also still seemed to be with us. Up Ingrow it started to heat up with Melvin showing off his form and the rest of us hanging on. By Cock Hill we'd lost the guy from Halifax with the very natty bike (sorry, crap at names) and Danny had finally had enough, and then me and my legs just stopped by the first set of roadworks despite my not working all that hard, then the Murt Racing lad from Haworth who'd been doing more than his share all day, and Lo! Mick decided he had been gallant enough in hiding his tights under a bushel at the rear of the bunch, and so now felt able to try and keep with Melvin (which he did, after Melvin waited a bit) and then push on for home. So order back was Melvin, Mick, Murt and then Me ... but they let me break the skin of the rice pudding.

Thanks Chris and co. for organising the event so well once again, especially those who cook (and we noticed the welcome bread pudding addition this year), and I hope the guys in rock racing kit got back/round OK

Robin

Sunday 15th / Monday 16th

Don't forget, Spring into the Dales, this Sunday, 0900hrs Hebden Bridge.

Now the evenings are staying lighter longer we are starting a Monday evening sociable mountain bike ride meeting at Salterhebble locks (in an attempt to attract those who can't find Brighouse). 6.30 start and its planned to have the innaugural ride round Norland Moor and Stainland. There's 4 or 5 already signed up, all are welcome - be there.

Wednesday 11th April

Attention Wednesday Club riders - this Wednesday a group of our regulars will be riding the 'An Icecream Wensdae' 100k Audax from Marple around the Cheshire lanes. It had been intended to recruit more riders for this event on last weeks Weds ride but the weather put paid to that so if you fancy riding it contact Peeps or Paul Hickey for details.

There's also a mini Ronde van Calderdale leaving the Ritz, Brighouse, 7pm.

Easter Sunday

Denholmgate 8.30 for anyone not on Easter duties - I'm hoping to have a steady ride to Feizor, perhaps via Malham and Stainforth.

PeteH says: Myself, Steve Cavell, Damian & Pete W set off from Denholmegate. Steve turned at Skipton, Pete & Damian then commenced a private half wheeling competition on the road to Gargrave - I say it must have been their own private competition because they left me. Unfortunately Pete must have been going so fast that he missed the turning for Malham. To my surprise Damian was sat waiting for me so we pottered up to Malham expecting Pete realise his error and catch us up. Alas this was not to be - the parachute must have failed to open and we didn't see him again. This appeared to have a calming effect on Damian who in the main rode sensibly except for brief episodes where, for no apparent reason, and without warning, he put the hammer down. Knowing Damian quite well I just ignored his antics, eventually he disclosed that he's found a website called Strava where he uploads his Garmin details and compares times on certain sections of roads (usually climbs) with other like minded cyclists - nothing like a relaxing ride in the Dales to de-stress.
From Malham we went up the east side of the Cove then on to Darnbrook and Arncliffe stopping at Cracoe for bacon and sausage sandwiches (crispy bacon and 4 sausages - very good). Just over 80 miles and home in time to watch a magnificent Paris-Roubaix.

Don't forget, Spring into the Dales, Sunday 15th April.
Imps LVRC road race Sunday 22nd
Red Rose Ride Sunday 29th - both Audax's can be pre entered on-line.

From the Broom Wagon - Ronde Update

Pete asked for my report - well pretty uneventful, realised I had no chance of staying with the group as we hit the climb from Colne Bridge to Bradley Bar so I dropped back and linked up with the last group on the road, David and Trevor,

We made slow but steady progress and managed to ride all the climbs until the Shibden Wall; David made it up, Trevor and I didn't. The stop and the refreshments at Ploughcroft provided a natural break and the opportunity for me to turn and make my way back to Roberttown.

All in all an enjoyable day, more enjoyable, for sure, than my first Fell Race yesterday, the "Bunny Run" at Howarth - that's another story entirely and probably not for this blog....

Cavell - I'm looking for you!

Ronde Report

A glorious if chilly morning for a very challenging ride. I hear that some members headed for Slaidburn instead of venturing to parts unknown. Peter was always up for the cobbles and the' Vicar' even put in an appearance as well as Neil.
Mick Collins' excellent route took in many roads I knew, some I didn't, and a few I don't want to know !
The long drag from Cooper Bridge to Outlane was taken by the group of 20 or so at a speed the wrong side of ''comfortable' and when we hit the first cobbled 'burg' at Stainland Dean the more youthful legs were dancing away from me. We re-grouped with about a dozen of us for a steady ride up to Buckstones but Sean joined us at Pole Moor and a new urgency seemed to join with him as we charged down through Slaithwaite and up the cobbles to Salendine Nook.

From Brighouse I was on more familiar, but no less painful roads. By the Hough the zip had left most legs and 'Shibden Wall' was no fun at all. More welcome was Mick and the team at the top with drinks and bananas.
After the feed a few riders headed home, and after Gibb Lane up to Mount Tabor a few more wished they had joined them. Down to Luddenden and then the realisation that I hadn't really examined the route as the route signs sent us up the almost impossible Old Lane (the provision of a hand rail says it all). At least the organising 'tifosi' were at the top shouting encouragement.
You know it's a tough day when the Jowler seems like a breather. Brother Nige appeared to offer encouragement, or was it pity ? We were now down to six riders over the Haworth Old Road and Cockhill to pick up a welcome tailwind down the Calder Valley. Up the cobbles again at Woodhouse Lane and another surprise as we were directed up Wakefield Gate. After Exley bank only (!!) Trooper Lane left to conquer and with some vocal encouragement from Mick and the team we were there - Paul Ward taking the honours with Eric close behind.
A very satisfying day out. Thanks go to Mick and his helpers for a well organised day, a pity more riders didn't turn up for our own 'classic'.

PeteH says - An epic route, 'the hardest day I've ever had on a bike' was how Neil described the route and I'm not going to argue. Fortunately Mick and his team looked after us very well and are already planning next years 'Ronde'.

We were expecting a larger flock of Condors - perhaps I shouldn't have blogged the route! As Mel says above it was the wrong side of comfortable going up the drag to Fixby. I was riding with Simon and told him that I was going to have to let moto 1 go or there was no way I would make it round the full course. Fortunately Simon's legs were also hurting (he'd been racing at Darley Moor the previous day) so he dropped off to keep me company as our man for the classics, Mel, and Neil disappeared up the road. Brendon from 3RT and a lad from Tod who in the 80's used to ride for the Imps joined us as we set a more civilised pace.

Dropping down to Stainland Dean we could see that Moto 1 had disintegrated up the first cobbled climb of the day. Our quartet rode out of the top together and as we approached Ringstone Edge I heard a familiar voice sat in behind us, it was Neil who had been blown out of the leading group and missed a turning and was now happy to have found a less urgent grupetto to ride with.

We were having a smashing ride round the quiet lanes of the Colne Valley, that was until we were caught by VS's Chris Thompson who'd also been off course, Chris's presence had us having to work hard again. Our group split, Neil and I begged him to leave us alone but he stayed with us until the first feed station at Ploughcroft where he left with another victim, Ivan Boyes of HSW (nether finished - probably still riding round the upper Calder Valley looking for RVC direction signs).

Shibden Wall had been the defining moment for several RVC riders including Simon and Neil. We made our way towards Gibb Lane but Simon decided to call it a day and Neil was feeling the pull of his nearby home, having ridden out to the start he had no need to go to the finish to pick up his car. He told me he had blown; I pottered on alone, at the top of Gibb Lane I looked back but no one was in sight so I continued to push the pedals round with only myself for company. Luddenden's Old Lane, Jowler, Cock Hill, Woodhouse Lane, Wakefield Gate and Exley Bank came and went. Just Trooper Lane left, I'd managed to get so for without putting a foot down on any of the climbs and with weary determination managed to make it a full house.

Once at Southowram a load was lifted and I felt really good for the ride back to Liversedge.

I hadn't been back long when to my surprise Neil walked in, he'd ridden through his bad patch spurred on by fear of having to tell the Wednesday club he had packed.

I'm not sure what happened to Richard, I was told he retired at Brighouse but the photo above is on Shibden Wall so I look forward to hearing his account.

Thanks to Jonathon Jolly for the photos. A donation will be made when I work what to do.

Ronde van Calderdale 2

Picture shows a young Sean Kelly leading up the climb of Lee Lane, Shibden (christened Shibden Wall for the race) in the 1988 Tour of Britain (think I've got the year right), in third place is eventual stage winner Joey McLoughlin with Chris Walker behind Joey. Thanks to Gordon Turner for the photo.

Further to Ian's note the route for Sunday is :-

Start Spen Valley Sports Centre (parking, changing rooms & showers)/Roberttown/Cooper Bridge/Fixby/Ainley Top/Outlane/Stainland Dene/Krumlin/Buckstones/Pole Moor/Bradshaw/Slaithwaite/Golcar/Salendine Nook/AinleyTop/Brighouse/Brookfoot/Hipperholme/Stump Cross/Northowram/Shibden Wall/Wheatley/Ovenden Wood/Mt Tabor/Luddenden/Booth/Jowler/Wainstalls/Oxenhope/Cock Hill/Old Town/Midgley/Luddenden Foot/Sowerby Bridge/Woodhouse/Wakefield Gate/Salterhebble/Exley Bank/Trooper Lane/Southowram/Brookfoot/Brighouse and back to HQ via Cooper Bridge.

Distance is more like 75 miles than the 90 miles stated.

There will be 2 feed stations on the way round - sounds good value for £3 - with a continuation of the good weather forecast this should be a classic day out.

Note that retro/vintage kit not compulsory (although I do have a few of the retro Condor black & white kit still available at a good price).

Ronde van Calderdale

RVC - Ronde Van Calderdale - 90 mile reliability ride - this Sunday 1st April, 2012
Starts 09:30 from Spen Valley School
According to t'interweb: 

Spen Valley Sports College‎

Roberttown La Liversedge WF15 7LX 01924 325 676 spenvalleysportscollege.co.uk‎

The ride is a local version of the infamous Tour of Flanders and will include numerous cobbled climbs. 
So it also might come to be known as "Mick's cobbled-together ride". 
... RETRO and VINTAGE KIT is the order of the day with a special prize for the best dressed rider.
see http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/335447969840167/
Any further details you need - contact Mick Collins directly on 0787 292 7351 or email collins2802@hotmail.com

MTB Sunday 25 Mar 2012

Meet 09:00 at Co-Op in Hebden Bridge on MTB for fun  in the hills. The clocks go back tonight so that means an early start.

Everest Challenge 2012 - The sound of Music.

Good luck to Phil who left these shores yesterday in what is to be an attempt to become the first Condor Road Club member to conquer Everest. Phil's progress can be followed on /http://everestchallenge2012.co.uk/

Condor RR - Norland Circuit - 26 May 2012

CONDOR ROAD RACE NOTICE:
JOHN GINLEY NEEDS YOUR HELP TO MAKE our LVRC road race a SUCCESS.


Saturday  26 May 2012  - Race starts at 10am prompt
Distance 8 laps (36 miles) round the usual Norland circuit, open to riders 40 age +

Event headquarters: Greetland Community and Sports Association, Rochdale Road, HX4 8JG.

We are looking for help from all Condor club members and any other friends who can kindly spare a couple of hours watching others riders suffer. Meet from 9.00 at Headquarters. 

It’s on a Saturday to avoid missing your Sunday ride/race/sportive, the race will finish before 12.00 noon.

Riders will assemble in the layby opposite Moorcock Inn on Moor Bottom Lane, proceeding westwards to bear left into Butterworth End Lane and up through the finish area at Gallows Pole Hill, proceed to the junction with Rochdale Road (B6113) (4xMarshalls ) where left with care, continue for approx. two miles before turning left (3xM) into Turbury Lane for 1 mile crossing Clough Moor Bridge with care (2xM) and proceeding on Clough Road into Norland Village. Bear left (3xM) onto Moor Bottom Lane for approx 1½ mile to pass through the start and, soon after, the finish area. 

To Marshall the course we need (4 + 3 +2 +3) = 12 in total

In return for your help either free pea & pies or a pint will be supplied, event cars will also have fuel support. Please contact John by email: johnginley@btinternet.com  or home tel:  01274 601567 to advise him what support you can provide whilst cheering on the condor flyers who we are expecting to ride.

NIGEL (Hartley) - I've put in an entry for you already ...

The Imps are also promoting a road race on Sunday 22^nd April same venue/course and they are looking for some support which we hope will be kindly reciprocated at our event - volunteers needed - please contact Sean Smith on 01422 341101. Many Thanks .

Race Round Up

Whilst some of us were enjoying sunshine and temperatures in the teens as we were being hammered up the Nick o' Pendle, the more ambitious members were racing for real.

Grimpy, Pete Smith and Brian had travelled down to Husbands Bosworth to take part in the LVRC road race, the Fleche Waltonne. Whilst Brian was unfortunate to puncture with a lap to go John and Pete battled on through the rain and sleet on muddy single track roads. Three riders were away in what was a successful break with Pete making a lone effort to bridge the gap with 2 or 3 miles to go he had to be satisfied with 4th place - which after last summers serious crash he must have been very pleased with. John, the world masters cyclo-cross champion, took his first road race win of the year in the 'F' category (at this rate his new Willier steed will soon have paid for itself).

Simon Fortune had also made the trip down to the Midlands on Saturday to ride in the Barkston Circuit League near Granthan. He finished feeling frustrated after allowing himself to become boxed in for the gallop and was placed 10th. However his journey was not wasted as his sons, Adam and Nathan, riding for Kirklees Cycling Academy, took 2nd and 1st places respectively in their schoolboy categories.

Sunday 18 March 2012 - "Some mothers do 'ave 'em"

We ignored the potential delights of Mothering Sunday and gathered at the appointed early hour in Hebden Bridge - me, Pete H , Neil, Mr Barker & Robin. Starting with a steady climb up over Long Causeway we followed the route of "seasons of mist" out on the ridge road toward Whalley. I thought an early tea stop was in  order but we continued on to do a loop round skirting Waddington and swiftly through Colne to attack Widdop.




Mr Barker has decreed a plan which involves meeting at half-eight in Hebden Bridge.

From there out to the wild west of Whalley, Downham and back over Widdop. If anyone is keen we can start over long causeway. All welcome.

Ian

Club Run Silverdale

MTB Report - Studley Pike

Well done Simon - we look forward to reading your full write-up soon.

Meanwhile, a small group enjoyed a day on the hills. I met Robin and Steve in Hebden, along with Chris & Graeme (two mates of Robin's and potential Condor recruits). Taking ourselves up to Studley Pike for a play in the rock garden we had a surprisingly dry & clean route covering about 30 miles in total. There are some more pictures here on Flickr, but really the only shot that matters is this one outside the cafe in Heptonstall. Our pleasant rest in the sunshine was as always complimented afterwards by flying down the Blue Pig descent. But the camera was safely stashed in my pack for that bit, plus the others were too far ahead ... Ian.

Fortune wins at Tameside

After being DNF in his first 2 road races Simon today didn't just find his way to the finishing line but sprinted away from the bunch to win in style. What a great achievement for someone who only 2 weeks ago had never raced on a bike ( I'm assured that last years Paris-Brest-Paris was not a race). Congratulations from all Condors, I'm looking forward to hearing a blow by blow account .

Today's Club Run
We eventually made it around the Silverdale route after several postponements due to adverse weather. We were a depleted pack due to the alternative attractions of a mountain bike ride from Hebden Bridge. Myself, Damian, Richard and Pete W battled the headwinds from Denholmgate collecting Nigel at Keighley (yes that's correct, Nigel - I wonder if its now Melvin's turn to go missing for 6 months).
Nigel turned off at Rylstone leaving the four of us to fight the winds in the hope that once we turned up the Silverdale road from Halton Gill we would pick up a bit of tail, but that wasn't to be as the breeze funnelled down towards us between Fountains Fell and Pen-y-ghent.
The road from Stainforth; sun, clear blue skies and tail wind made all the effort worthwhile. Predictably on the 1st sunny Sunday of the year, Settle was packed to capacity so someone came up with the bright idea of going down to Hellifield Station where we were assured the cafe is always fairly quiet (or so he said). Anyway I was wrong the station cafe was full with a Harley-Davison motor cycle convention and the staff (all one of him) was moments away from a heart attack. Now in desperate need of a cup of tea we made our way to the Dalesman at Gargrave via Bell Busk - success at last - cholesterol butties and tea - just the job after 60 odd miles without a break.
From Gargrave home we had the usual burn up with Pete W, recently returned from a weeks training block in Tenerife, again inflicting pain on us mere mortals (there is speculation that his fat rear hub hides an electric motor not a power meter). 92 miles @ just over 17mph.

Sunday 11th March

I'm not going to suggest Silverdale for tomorrow in case I put a curse on the weather - we'll keep it to 9am Denholmgate, 9.30 Keighley and take it from there.

MTB alternative option - 9am from Co-op car park in Hebden Bridge - give me a ring/text if you are thinking of coming. Route will involve going 'over the hills and far away'. And a cafe stop, hopefully. Ian.

RVC - Ronde Van Calderdale - 90 mile reliability ride

RVC - Ronde Van Calderdale - 90 mile reliability ride - 1st April, 2012
A 90 mile reliability trial starting from Spen Valley school on the 1st April. Its a local version of the infamous Tour of Flanders and will include numerous cobbled climbs. Route will be fully sign posted but you will also be given a route sheet.
Certificates at the end for various finishing times.
Hopefully one or two feed stations but this will be confirmed later.
... RETRO and VINTAGE KIT is the order of the day with a special prize for the best dressed rider. Check out the pictures from last yrs event for inspiration
Price to enter will be £3.00
Start time will be between 9.30AM
Money raised will go to Kirklees Cycling Academy.
This is a ride using open roads and the highway code must be followed at all times


http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/335447969840167/
Any further details you need - PLEASE could you contact Mick Collins directly on 0787 292 7351 or email collins2802@hotmail.com ***AFTER 8TH MARCH***
Best wishes
and good luck to all who attempt it