Congratulations to John, the 2013 LVRC National Criterium Champion - a title achieved even though he was riding last years bike.

Brian was also on the top step of the podium a bit nearer home, taking his first win in his new category at the Tom Simpson Memorial Race in South Yorkshire.

Paul Daly also had a good weekend, riding his first event since signing for the Condor he finished 4th fastest (out of over 200) in the Overgate Hospice MTB Challenge. Team Hope's Jack Clarkson recorded the fastest time.

Another exceptional ride was that of Paul Gower who was Condor's sole representative in the CTC Calderdale Midnight Ride. Leaving the Oddfellows Rooms in Halifax at the witching hour and having to don waterproofs at the 1st traffic lights they rode throughout the night into a cold headwind to Morecambe before returning over the Bowland Fells for refreshments at Weatherspoons in Halifax. Paul clocked about 140 miles home to home, I hope I'm up to doing the same in my mid 70's.  I saw him out training today and he told me he was feeling tired - I wonder why?

Reading Mel's Blog I was happy to see that I wasn't the only Condor who was suffering on Sunday. A good turnout for this time of year saw Phil, Richard, Damien, Robin, Steve, Simon and myself head towards Feizor via Slippery Ford, Cowling, Earby and Wigglesworth. Robin and Steve missed a treat by turning for home at Wigglesworth, missing out on probably the best bacon, sausage and egg sandwiches in the world. We made our way home via Wham, Long Gill, Gisburn, Colne and Widdop with Damien's attacks being matched by Simon who was showing no fatigue following his 600k exploits the previous week. For the 2nd week running I ran out of steam and rode the last 20 miles on empty legs - Damien has been kind enough to tell me its probably due to my age and the poor form is probably permanent.

The Monday night mountain bike rides are going really well, a great route in ideal conditions last night took us over Beacon Hill down to Salterhebble, North Dean Woods, Norland and Ringstone, returning home via Black Brook and the canal bank, stopping at the Rooster for refreshments. We were joined for the 1st time by Elland mile-eater Mike Thompson who has recently purchased his first ever mountain bike, and an old friend of the Condor, Pete Bates.

The Fred Whitton trip has been postponed untill Saturday.

Ravensthorpe 120 mile ride

September 1 at 8:00am

Meet Mirfield library

Alex Millman OK everyone the 120 ride is back on for another year and all your support in making it a great success is very welcome. The formate is as always with a mass start from Mirfield with a tea stop at Tadcaster (at this point those wanting a shorter ride can return 60miles approx round trip) and then on for Sutton Bank for Dinner. Return via Boroughbridge and refreshments at Morrisons and then home.

Remember this is not a race but a great social event for all to enjoy so can I please have all your support in holding it together. 

There is no support vehicles so everyone needs to be able to make it under there own steam so any breakdowns (mental/physical/mechanical) need to be resolved by friends and family.Please carry a phone.

Everyone who owns or can borrow a bike is welcome to join us so please spread the word to all friends and cycling clubs that you may know.

Hope to see you all on the 1st Sept 07.45 for departure at 08.00.

LVRC National Criterium Champs 15th June

An eventful day ended with a CONDOR win in the over 70's cat.
It was my first ride at the hillingdon venue close to Heathrow.  The circuit is in a small country park,
just less than 1 mile long, wide and yes amazingly smooth tarmac with a couple of undulations and nice smooth bends. Weather conditions were just before the start heavy rain,windy almost a gale, although during the event it remained dry. I punctured twice once before the start and whilst panicking (the chimp kicked in) i managed to replace the rear wheel inner tube. Turned out this was my best decision as it allowed me to have spare wheels at the start line which i needed, my new rear tub blew after 30mins of the race. Luckily criterium rules allow wheel changes until 5 laps to go.
Derek Wooding (team Mick Ives) as provided a detailed race report  which you can find on the LVRC web site. www.lvrc.org/latest_news.asp   Derek had a great ride and mindful of Mick Ives out sprinting Brian at Bashaw Eaves i kept my eye on Derek and Mick eventually getting a wonderful lead out from Derek to get the jersey.

Honest thats me in the centre on the podium shot (a Graham Watson special?)

well thats the easy bit, got to follow Pete around the Fred Witton route on wednesday that will be fun??

High Moors Sportive

I made a big mistake. I agreed to a barbeque the night before in the misguided belief that I would restrict my drinking and get an early night and failed miserably.
The attraction of this event was discovering some new roads and with John Dwarty, Martin Croft & Dougie Burnside we left Appleby with the sun breaking out.
First climb, Stainmore Common over to Middleton in Teesdale was enjoyed with a tail wind and then up again over Bollihope Common until a hair-pin on the descent to Stanhope in Weardale when a  spoke snapped in Johns front wheel. (Damian's Zipps last week, my FSA seatpost now Johns Racing Zeros - they just don't make gear like they should - no matter how much you pay).
We continued after a lot of adjustment to get the wheel to clear the brake but he was relying on a rear break only - which didn't really matter because all the roads seem to only go uphill ! A steep pull from Stanhope gets you over Muggleswick Common - miles and miles of bleak nothingness, but no traffic either.
It was a lot greener alongside Derwent Reservoir before a feed/check at Blanchland then it was more bleakness over to the Rookhope Valley and up to Allenheads before climbing Burtree Fell back over to Weardale.
A brief respite down Weardale allowed me to relieve my cramp but I was really beginning to suffer with the relentless climbing only for the hideous climb of Harthope Moss to rear up in front of me. We were turning back into the wind and this swine, the highest point at 629m (& the highest road pass in England) even had a special warning sign for 'cyclists to be aware of severe weather, at any time' !
Another feed/check near Langdon Beck and we were on the drag over Harwood Common and the small matter of Hartside Pass before getting back on the lanes of the Eden Valley but by now I was in a world of pain and allowing John to do most of the work.
We came in with 6 hours 21mins and just a duo with younger legs faster at 6.05. Martin 6.38 and Dougie 6.45
It was a beautifully scenic ride on roads we had to ourselves but  it was also 170k and 10,400 feet of severe pain. It would be a nightmare in bad weather (Martin & Dougie confirm) and I hope to avoid places with the name 'Common' for quite a while.

Shots of the dales from two weeks ago. Shots from the rear are 'in' you know. Prizes for guessing the location. Steve Barker can feel free to enter too. He had no idea, even though he was there.

Next Sunday, Fred Whitton next Wednesday and Merino Retro Kit

Great day out with the Wednesday Club yesterday saw a dozen of us make our way for lunch at the excellent cafe at Gisburn, via Oakworth, Herders and Ba'lick. We returned to Calderdale over to Colne and Widdop.

Next Wednesday, so long as the weathers looking reasonable, a few of us are going to ride the Fred Whitton route in the Lakes. Peeps, Grimpy, Paul D and myself have signed up so far and we're intending to start from the car park round the back of Wheelbase at Staveley at 8am.

Simon has a weekend free from London-Edinburgh-London training this coming Sunday, the 16th, and has expressed a desire to visit his favourite cafe at Feizor, so with that in mind can we meet at Denholmgate at 8.30am with a view to heading there via Slippery Ford and Earby with a return journey via Gisburn, Colne and Widdop.

Force GB of Liversedge are making me a few Condor retro jerseys in sportswool, I have seen the ones they have made for 3RT and can confirm that they make some excellent kit, they're also doing me some matching black bibshorts - I'm not ordering any for stock so if you fancy some please let me know. Click on the images below for a larger graphic.

Bits and pieces from the weekend

For many of us its been an Audaxing weekend with CTC Calderdale's Chris Crossland again running his popular 3 Coasts 600k ride on Saturday and the Good Companions 200k for the softies on the Sunday.
I was with the softies which also included Mel, Damien, Big Phil, Paul Daly, Pete Whiteley and Mick Collins.  Single Simon, who since a bad experience the Lincoln 400 a few weeks ago has discovered the advantages that derailleur gears had put us all to shame by riding the 600. He didn't just have a very fast 600 (sub 29 hrs) he also looked as if he was enjoying it as we crossed him just after Cliviger, sitting up, smiling and waving - I was very impressed from a man who had ridden nearly 400 miles.
Good weather encouraged a brisk pace as the Condors took turns at the head of a dwindling peloton - too brisk for Mick Collins who had to retire at Whalley (on the outward journey) in desperate need of a full English breakfast. Notable incidents en-route included Damien breaking a spoke in the rear wheel of his super-dooper v.v.v.v.expensive Zips and Mel's saddle clamp breaking which required him to ride the last 15 miles or so with his saddle in his back pocket - sounds dangerous to me. I was the the 1st our group to crack, suffering from too much big gear work on the flatlands to Glasson Dock I was found wanting when we hit the hills over to Chipping and finally lost contact just before Whalley. Phil and Paul also lost contact before the finish as Pete, Damien and Mel gave an exhibition of power and speed. Ade Hughes of North Cheshire Clarion has blogged an account of his ride here - http://ade2010lejog.wordpress.com/

A good turnout of 9 for Monday evenings mountain bike ride with Paul Daly taking us on a route round Shibden, Beacon Hill, Trooper Lane, Southowram, Brookfoot, Wellholme, Norwood Green, Judy Woods and Chelsea Valley. I wasn't alone in having tired legs from the previous days efforts but Simon appeared unaffected by his weekends mega-miles.

After the ride we enjoyed a pint at the Cock o' the North Shed where something strange happened - see below

Pottering section - 9am Keighley

Not having the legs to keep up with the fast lads, the slow section are meeting 9am Keighley roundabout for a steady ride somewhere warm and sunny. With a cafe stop.

Plenty of pictures were taken on our MTB jaunt last Sunday, and will be posted as soon as Robin's hand has healed enough to type ...

Trevor Lever Memorial 'Road Race' (to Skipton & back)

On one hand this was a more disciplined ride than some in the past. No-one took advantage by jumping lights or fighting past traffic, some riders even corrected their mistake of turning early at the by-pass roundabout (unfortunately some didn't get back on). However there was clearly a tactical battle simmering between the 3RT & VS Cycles lads with only a handful prepared to work.
There was still a fairly large group at Ingrow as 'Bin-man' Thompson opened proceedings. A smaller group of 8 or so were left at the tip top with myself and Paul Daly having to suffer the numerous attacks by younger legs. It came to a sprint for the Halifax sign at the cutting with young Alex getting there before Mick Collins, then myself just getting round Dom.
My certificate - efficiently prepared and handed out to those in the pub afterwards, says 1 hour 22 mins.  
Thanks Neil Dyson, Hoppy, Chris Crossland and others helping on the night. Looked like a record turn-out in great weather.
I heard complaints from some 'senior' riders that Peter had earlier taken the Wednesday run over some of the hardest hills around, so that is perhaps why he didn't show up !

Planning to make the Good Companions 200k on Sunday, as are several others I spoke to, especially with the weather looking so good. Next Sunday the 16th I am joining some of the V.S. lads on the High moors sportive from Appleby taking in new terrain around Teesdale and Weardale.

Results?

I hear tell that last nights Skipton and back was a great success, anyone got some results to post?????

Whats happening

Good turn out Monday evening and excellent weather for off-roading. We headed over to Bradley Woods, Deighton Woods, round the back of ICI and up Nab Hill to Upper Heaton and down to Lower Hopton then heading home via Hartshead, Clifton and Wellholme Park. Same again next Monday, 6.30pm Hipperholme Crossroads.
It looks like I'm in danger of losing my Audax/Sportive Trophy this year, since we rode the Wiggy 300 Simon has managed Audax's of 350k, 400k & another 300k and this coming weekend will be attempting a non-stop 3 Coasts 600k from Mytholmroyd (6am from the Community Centre - entries accepted on the day).  I'm going to ride the Good Companions 200 on the Sunday, 8.30am from the Community Centre.

Trevor Lever Skipton & Back Memorial ride

Trevor Lever Skipton & Back Memorial ride

Hello everyone...a reminder that the annual CTC/Imps organised Skipton and Back ride which is being re-named as the Trevor Lever Memorial Skipton and Back Ride in memory of Trevor will take place on Wednesday 5 June.

Starting from the usual place outside what was formerly Whittakers at Denholme departing at 19.00.  

The usual small entrance fee will be charged.  Please bring some loose change....

The event will finish this year at the Causeway Foot Inn which has Landlord and Black Sheep and where chip butties will be available for a small fee.........

Mountain Bike's Monday 3rd

I've missed the last couple of Mondays and I'm not sure if anyone's been out so this is a reminder/confirmation that our Monday MTB (social) ride will be meeting at Hipperholme Cross Roads at 6.30pm tomorrow.

Barkered at Barden Tower

We are meeting 9am tomorrow at Barden Tower in Wharfedale for mtb ride. 'Seve' Barker has a map. And a plan. Oh dear.

Sunburn in Slaidburn - 26 May 2013

We intend a steady (very steady) ride there and back, meeting 9am in Hebden Bridge - so far its Seve Barker, Nigel & myself but more wheels would be welcome. Give me a call if you'd like us to expect you at the start. Cheers, Ian

Ride report:

And we did. And it were good.

This photo comes from the top of a quiet lane somewhere in Lancashire. Well, you have to turn off a 'Quiet Lane' onto an even smaller and quieter lane, not far from 'Cow Ark', and suffer a bit of a climb over the ridge. The next bit is great though - a big dipper straight down and straight up again where your speedo can read in excess of 25 mph (or even twice that figure). Best off all, reaching this bit of the 'Roman road' means that you are now only a few miles away from the cafe stop.

We were pleased to be joined by Richard (vicar), and by an old friend Jonathan Noble - welcome back to the Condor. Hills were taken (mostly) at a sensible pace, leaving something in the tank for the way back. Nigel shared his latest recipe for marinaded lamb. We sat outside the cafe in Slaidburn soaking up the rays. We pottered home in time for tea and lashings of lemonade. Let there be more of the same next week.

CONDOR ROAD RACE

CONDOR ROAD RACE MAY 18^TH RESULT & COMMENTS

First a big thanks to everyone who helped with the promotion. We had Condor members, Halifax Imps and lvrc support. When I inspected the course on friday I found a number of diversion signs and an increase in traffic volume. Further examination revealed the main road below the bottom section of the course was closed. I contacted the contractors who informed me it would be closed for a few days and the council had fixed the diversion route. So a decision was reached to use the shorter course to reduce the section on the diversion route.

The weather before the event start was normal for 2013, heavy rain and cold (around 8C). However as the BBC would say light rain prevailed throughout the event.

Whilst the weather reduced the starter’s I was concerned that the increased traffic volume would create problems. I took the decision to follow race 3 and from this vantage point I was able to see how effective experienced marshaling techniques can be. Result, even with relatively heavy traffic, riders were able to pass through the junctions safely. I also noted that as recommended in lvrc race rules a following vehicle does provide increased safety. The dilemma we organizers have his finding enough support to implement this ruling? 

Finally I cannot emphasize enough the help and support from everyone who turned up to ensure the event ran smoothly. We just Managed - Many Thanks 

Whether you are riding sportives, road races or whatever someone as to organise them or they don't happen?  

The full Result can be shortly found on the LVRC web site 

Congratulations go to Condor & Imps riders:

Sean Smith Halifax Imp Won Race 1 

Melvin Hartley Was 3rd in Race 2

and Paul Priestley Finished 2nd in cat G in Race 3 

Cheers JG 

A few more updates

Chris climbs away from Ullswater

Congratulations to Padiham Chris who on Sunday, in wet and windy conditions, recorded 7hr 35min in his début Fred Whitton Challenge.

A good turn out for Mondays off road ride. Despite several of us having tired legs we went down to Sunny Vale and up Walter Clough Lane to Southowram, down Ashday Lane, along the top of Elland Park Wood then down through the bluebell carpeted woods to Elland.

From Elland it was up Hollins Hey Road to Old Lindley and on Turley Cote Lane, down through the deer park and up to Stainland. We then took a right off Beestonley Lane through Stubbing Wood and Black Brook to West Vale and Elland before jumping on the canal towpath which led us to Brookfoot and the Rooster.
More of the same next week - 6.30pm, Hipperholme Crossroads (I'll have to give my apol's though - away in Scotland).

My First 300

WIGGY 300, 11 May 2013 - Reflections from Everest Phil

Having completed a small number of 200km audax rides it was suggested I might like to consider a 300km one. Well I was more than a little apprehensive but was informed that the Wiggy 300 on 11 May 2013 is relatively flat and that we would be going very steady.

I know the code. The Audax is a cycling sport in which participants attempt to cycle long distances in a pre-defined time limit and it is non competitive. The sport originated in Italy and audax is derived from the word “Audacious”. The word means extremely bold daring and reckless – everything follows a pattern and I started thinking I should I do this. The potential certificate the Brevet d’Audax was also a consideration. However, my final decision was based upon the reassurance of the other riders that this would not be a eyeballs out ride! We would be looking at a very steady ride! Well I took this at face value

Well the weather forecast for the 11 May was not good. As the weather forecast was not good I decided I would take my winter bike.  I read up on Wiggy ride and it said much of the ride is in the sticks so make sure you take all you need for the ride! Well I think I took everything except the kitchen sink.  I think all the other riders were more than a little surprised by the weight of the seat stem pack. I had to get out of my warm bed not much after 2:30 in the morning in preparation for a 5 am start in Wigginton near York. The weather initially was dry, a little windy and the sky was blue.

We made a good start and initially the riders kept together for the first 50 plus miles. This was very enjoyable. We saw deer, rabbits, ducks etc and I must say that not only was the scenery beautiful but the pace enabled you to take it all in. Then for no apparent reason (perhaps a little hill) or more likely a need to prove one self, the pace picked up and we continued to do 20 plus miles an hour, irrespective of the terrain. Well by the time we were approaching Ripon I was starting to struggle a little and was just dropping of the back of the group – we had about 90 miles in. I eventually got to Ripon and headed for the center of the city to re-group– my first mistake. I could not find the other riders so I then decided to sit by the cathedral and have a snack. I thought should I drop out and take in a few pubs and take a leisurely ride back to Wigginton. This might have been the decision of a sane and sensible person but I am not one of those but I did give it some very serious thought. I read the instructions and made my way to the rendezvous in the park. I found the group as they were preparing to leave the café – so no hot meal or sit down. They gave me a little pep talk and made it very clear I should continue and forget about the pubs and an easy ride back to Wigginton.  I had not left Ripon when the seat stem pack holding bracket collapsed. There I was with a heavy cycle pack and no way to secure this to the bike! Well it was like the scrap heap challenge and with tie wraps and bits of leather it was made good! I was starting to think that my luck might change but then I noticed that rain was becoming more and more likely

The ride continued at a fairly fast pace and at this point I was feeling a little tired and hungry but was advised I would be able to get a drink at Richmond but there would be no opportunity to have a sit down in a café until Stokesley.  Well I dropped of the back again and thought I would do my ride. Unfortunately, this did not happen! Peter Horne wanted to ensure I completed so he generously decided to cycle with me. Well what does not kill you makes you stronger. Peter has hopefully made me stronger but it might be a few days before I see if this is the case!
When we arrived at Stokesley we had completed 150 miles and we went into an Italian restaurant and had a spaghetti Bolognese. It was fantastic! This enabled me to muster the energy for the final but harder 40 miles.
The last 40 miles went surprisingly well. I think the body might have closed down a little and got used to the pain. It was probably a simple as not long to go and the finish looked on. When we did get back to the community center  - it was heaven. I could sit down, drink tea and eat lovely cakes.
I joked with the young lady who organised the Audax.  Well she did look younger than Pete and her cakes where very nice. The lady was apparently a very keen rider and has been on TV and has completed more Audax’s than Pete. However, the best bit was she promised me aWiggy 300 Audax certificate. I will have to think were I put it – any suggestions!

Phil Purdy

Pete Horne says, 
You can tell from reading the above he'll be back for more.    Although it was a bit windy we were lucky to miss the rain, although it was apparent from the state of the roads at places that we had only just missed the downpours, in fact I think that Mel, who was 20 or 30 minutes ahead of us on the last section from Stokesley did get caught in a hail storm.  As ever Mel was going well and was the strongest in the event, I was more than happy to drop back when Phil went through a bad patch although when he suddenly found his legs after about 160 miles I was beginning to have regrets. Simon, on his single free was yo-yoing, unable to pedal fast enough on the fast sections but always catching up again. Phil, Simon and I finished together (thanks for waiting for me) having averaged about 17.5mph for the 189 miles, Mel finished half an hour or so ahead but waited at the finish to greet us before heading off home to prepare for his birthday celebrations the following day.

Mel14 May 2013 10:01

Well done Phil - glad you came around & sort of enjoyed it! The weather contributed to a great day although I understand Phil prefers more 'extreme' conditions. Highlight was the spag. bol. & then a glorious ride over Chop Gate to Helmsley. The wind made it a hard run-in it but could have been a lot worse. Pete has declared 300k is his limit, however I quite fancy the 'Old 240' 400k in August !?

Condor Road race & Wiggo

Wiggo-no hes not riding our event? but i found someone whose slower than me on descents or has the chimp taken over we will see tomorrow on the first mountain top finish guess he needs a rant from shane sutton - its not looking good?  
Anyway reason for post anyone who wants a pdf of the race details just Email me 
Cheers 

CONDOR ROAD RACE saturday 18th May

A polite reminder to those who haven't responded so far, we need everyone to support the event, latest position is: 

Start sheet/programme done and we have 3 lead cars assigned, 2 judges alocated,need at least another.

Have a number of marshalls more needed? we have again the kind support of Ross Smith for signing on and with a bit of luck Richard Booth will be assisting - although in his case if he's late (travelling from teeside) another volunteer is required? 

Need a volunteer to support Martin Cleminson who will be posting all the major warning signs on the course to be at Greetland Community HQ for 8.30?

I will be at the HQ from around 8.15 on saturday meanwhile you can contact me visa Email on johnginley@btinternet.com or mob 07973 328995.

Hopefully if i can do it and blogging allows i will attach both the rider list and race programme to assist everyone. 

Meanwhile i would like to thank everyone for there kind support. 

Finally club members riding are Damien, Melvin and young Peeps also Sean Smith from the imps.  

Sorry i can't attach a pdf but i have managed to use a feature on my PC which takes a pic of screen and gives you rider list & programme notes hope they are useful? see you saturday 

Cheers  

  

Whats been happening

As far as I know it was a quiet weekend on the racing front and with both road races and time trials being cancelled  on a regular basis I have to wonder if we are witnessing the death of cycle racing on open roads in this country.

Melvin and myself left the clear blue skies of West Yorkshire to ride the re-arranged Wheelbase Classic Sportive which started outside the Wheelbase shop at Staveley, just the other side of Kendal. We were amazed at the numbers who turned up for this ride, over 200 for the long route and almost 400 on the shorter ride. We were setting off in groups of 20 or 30 at three or four minute  intervals. You could choose your start time, for the long course, between 8.30 and 9.30. I chose 9am hoping that Mel would start a bit later and settle into a reasonable pace before he caught me - alas, this was not to be and he joined me on the timing mat along with domestiques of the stature of former Olympian Des Fretwell. Fortunately we got separated on narrow lanes cramped with cyclists shortly after the start.
The route took us on quiet lanes to the north and east of Kendal before a timed climb of Barbondale over to Dent then the climb over Kingsdale, into strong winds and persistent rain to the feed station at Ingleton Community Centre. To cut the story short it started raining just after the start and just got heavier, I was soaked to the skin. I couldn't stop shivering at the feed and probably loitered there too long hoping that sweet tea and buns would warm me up. The route then took us up to Ribblehead and back to Dent, then north from Sedbergh on singletrack roads before crossing the M6 and meandering back to Staveley. During the ride I had teamed up with Phil Rawnsley of Bradford RCC and we worked well together keeping each other going and eventually finishing together with about 30th fastest times of 5hrs 27min. Mel was up there in the top ten with 4.46 (photos on the Sportsunday website show Mel taking pace behind a mountain bike - must be a story there) but Paul Daly, lacking team mates to ride with slumped to 5.35.
A very hard day weather-wise but a good, challenging route.

Just four out for the bank holiday evening MTB ride, Damian, Simon, Dom Turner and myself. We enjoyed tracks up through Chelsea Valley to Coley, Norwood Green, Judy Woods, Shibden Valley, Beacon Hill and Sunny Vale.  Good social riding - just what was needed after a hard Sunday - same time, same place next Monday - Hipperholme Cross Roads, 6.30pm.
Hope its a steady ride next week as Mel, Big Phil, Single Simon and myself have a 190miler, the Wiggy 300, on Saturday.
Good luck to Padiham Chris next Sunday making his debut at the Fred Whitton.

Mountain Bike Monday

Eight attended at Hipperholme X Roads to take advantage of the sunshine, blue skies and dry conditions under-wheel for this weeks mountain bike ride. We headed down Badger Lane and up to Beacon Hill and along to Bank Top. Down Trooper Lane taking a left at the end of the cobbles and then down Whitegate, past Paris Gates and onto the Hebble Trail where we were amazed by the numbers of Stainland Lions running along the Trail. We followed the canal on to Copley and made our way up through North Dean Woods and on to do a circuit of Norland Moor coming out at the Spring Rock and dropping down past Bondina to follow Black Brook to West Vale. Then it was over Workhouse Lane and down Gog Hill to Elland Bridge and the canal bank to Brookfoot and up Sunny Vale for refreshments at the Travellers.

All agreed that it had been a good couple of hours, many of us have been away from the mountain bike for quite some time and we agreed that we had forgotten just how much fun it is to get off-road on fat tires.
 Same again next week (May Day bank holiday) 6.30pm, Hipperholme X Roads.

Hitler loses all of his KOMs on Strava

Ride to St Ives

Melv - thanks for the blog entry. I thought there was a maximum average speed in an Audax? Did you have to wait outside the finish until it was opening time?

Meanwhile, a small group of Nige, Steve Barker & myself pottered round on mountain bikes going all the way to St Ives and back. That's St Ives near Bingley, rather than Cambridgeshire or Cornwall. The wind was pretty kind - on our backs most of the day - and it didn't rain until after we were safely home. The route is great fun with section after section of interesting riding, plus a finish up Stairs Lane just for fun.

There was no time for taking pictures but here is a fine view from a previous ride a couple of weeks back (going up Hey Head Lane climbing from the valley bottom right up to the top of Long Causeway near Duke's Cut). I bet most of that snowdrift is still there. Ian.

Wet Rose Ride

It was no comfort to learn that most of Yorkshire had stayed dry till later on Sunday, when we had got soaked and cold in the Red Rose County.
The rain was forecast so I chose the winter bike and many of the 47 riders had already donned waterproofs and overshoes when we left the Oddfellows. The depleted Condor presence was just Simon and myself and I was pleased to see V.S.'s  Dwarty and Martin Croft had decided this was a more rewarding day than the 75 mile Brian Robinson Ride. Paul Daly joined us at the start with the offer of helping with the considerable headwind over the Moss to Laneshaw Bridge, which almost required an out of saddle effort on the downhill.
Paul left us at Colne and on the Pendle climbs Simon was wrestling with his single free as myself, the V.S. duo and two lads from Calder Clarion pushed on to Whalley with the rain already appearing.
A re-group at the Abbey checkpoint soon fell apart as Dwarty decided that attack was the best form of defence against the worsening weather. Over the Trough it was just 4 degrees with the strong cold wind cutting through our wet gear.
The sheltered lanes through Dolphinholme and Galgate gave some respite till we were almost brought to a standstill by the fierce wind crossing the estuary to Glasson Dock. The cafe here is always a very welcome break and we re-fuelled hoping for an easier ride home. The Calder duo arrived, eat and promptly departed, as did Simon, without eating, instead choosing to claw back time on his single-free handicap.
The south westerly wind didn't let us off the hook till we turned off the A6 for the lumpy road to Longridge and it was big ring all the way as we caught and left Simon and the Calder duo. After Longridge there was no holding Dwarty and I clung onto his wheel with Martin. He did slip briefly onto the little ring for the top part of the Burnley by-pass.
Back to the Oddfellows before 4 o'clock to the welcome sight of the famous Halifax CTC post-ride spread. (With an outstanding selection of home baking Peter!).                

Single Simon says -

Red rose ride was as usual well organised and despite the lacking number of flocking Condors (Melvin and Myself only) we were in for another treat.  As usual Condor RC headed the group out of control and on through the town centre and out to towards Denholme.  As soon as we hit the first climb, I steadily dropped to the back of the front group where I stayed until the climbs after Colne (kept company by a struggling Bob Johnson always nice to see, and a guy I met on PBP, Jon Rowe).  After controlling quickly at Whalley, Jon and I found ourselves at the front but it was short lived and that would be the last time I’d ride with anyone to the finish in Halifax!

Trough of Bowland was wet and a strong headwind but just about rideable on the single speed.  I controlled at the café in Glasson Dock but decided to make up time by continuing on and not taking advantage of the full breakfast delights.  Irish John, another guy from VS, Melvin and several guys from Calder were all tucking into food.  I managed to hold off the chasing group to just before Longridge when the train of VS/Mel flew past.  The heavens continued to lash it down and surprisingly I felt in good shape to Whalley humming tunes and smiling to myself…..it must have been the effects of the red bull I’d had at control in Longridge.  The final up and over to Tod finishing with the valley tail wind to Halifax, ended a wet but thoroughly enjoyable day out.

I didn’t ride anywhere near as quick as a couple of years ago but I did do it mostly on my own so I was quite pleased with how things are now starting to change round……just need to do a bit more effort and longer runs that we have planned in the calendar.

Pete Horne says -

I ate too much - I knew I would - Thats what the Fat Rascal Ride was all about.  A 7am start from Betty's in York, the group of over 30 who were doing the long ride took advantage of a helping wind to average over 20mph for the 1st 35 miles up to Bettys at Northallerton where we were given breakfast. It was then down to Bettys at Harlow Carr for the genuine thing, Fat Rascals plus tea and coffee, I later regretted not sticking to one Rascal but its difficult to resist when they're sat there winking at you. 

After Harlow Carr came the hardest section, into a strengthening wind over to Fewston and Ilkley where we were forced to eat sandwiches, sausage rolls and more Fat Rascals. A tail wind then blew us back to York via a marquee at Wighill that was dispensing tea and refreshments - its a good job we had a tail wind, I was so full I had to sit upright on the bike.

There were some fast lads out and I did suffer a bit with the changes of pace but we persevered long enough for the fast lads to run out of steam and Phil, Andy an myself were the first to finish - 130 miles at 17.6 mph in windy conditions - then 4 pints of the strongest beer they had at the Shed so I'm staying in bed Monday (at least until 6.30pm when I will be at Hipperholme X roads on the mountain bike ride).

Mountain Bike Ride, Mon 29th

Meet 6.30pm Hipperholme cross roads for Beacon Hill, Hebble Trail and Norland

Updates

Sounds like it was a good day at the Spring into the Dales even without the usual flock of Condors soaring over the mountains. As can be seen above Paul and John were at the head of the bunch but it looks like the Imps's Paul Hickey was handing out some pain. Lumby's now gone off to France for a couple of months recuperation. Mr Gower turned up for the Wednesday ride but was still suffering from Sunday's efforts and limped home alone after lunch.

Thanks to Dave Dodwell & John Sutcliffe, CTC Calderdale, for the photos

A good attendance for Wednesday's ride, we headed for Rascal's Cafe, on the waterfront at Knaresborough
via Weardley and Follyfoot and returned via Knox, Penny Pot Lane, Norwood Edge, up the Chevin, down through Esholt with a sting in the tail when Paul Daly made us go up the Golf Course climb from Saltaire.

Its CTC Calderdale's Red Rose Ride 200k Audax from Halifax on Sunday, I know Mel and Simon are intending to ride it but myself and Big Phil are over in East Yorkshire taking part in the Fat Rascal Ride, a charity event starting at Betty's in York and visiting Betty's Tearooms at Northallerton, Ilkley and Harrogate, Phil tells me we are to be fed limitless amounts at each of these establishments but he may have just been trying to focus my interest (it worked).

Last Mondays inaugural mountain bike ride went well with 7 attending for a ride taking in Cromwell Bottom, Southowram, Beacon Hill, Claremount, Shibden, Pepper Hill and back through Judy Woods and Bottom Hall to round the evening off at the Cock o' the North Shed at Hipperholme.
 Meet at 6.30pm again this coming Monday - meeting place not yet decided but will be blogged on Sunday.

I'm putting in a Condor team kit order in the next week or so, please let me know if you want some new kit, e-mail me at petehorne@yahoo.co.uk or tel.07549821349 or just come out for a ride and tell me. Have a look at the Endura web site and you can see whats available.

Halifax Imps LVRC Road Races 2013

Imps Road Race & Monday Mountain Biking

A disappointing end to todays Imps LVRC Road Race when, one and a half hours into the 44 mile event being held on the Norland Circuit, just as the racing was reaching its climax, a crash in the bunch of the 40 to 50 age section, believed caused by debris in the road, resulted in all the races being abandoned.
Our boys, Damian, Mel, Peeps, Grimpy and Brian were all still in the mix but, alas, we will never know what may have been. Organizer Sean Smith thanks Condors, Simon (ably assisted by Adam), Pete Smith, Steve Cavell, Richard Burnham and myself for assistance marshaling the event. Best wishes and a speedy recovery to those injured.

At 6.30 tomorrow evening (Monday 22nd) a few of us are meeting at the bottom of Huddersfield Road in Brighouse for a mountain bike ride followed by the odd pint at the Rooster.  This will be a social ride rather than training.

Ronde Van Calderdale 2013