Alpe d'Cragg

Above sounds like a good day out - Chris is up for it and I'm tempted to do a few ascents just for fun.

Sorry to see from Grimpy's blog that there as such a disappointing response from Condor members for marshals for the road race last Saturday - its a good job that the Imps are more willing to help.

I returned from 10 days in Scotland on Sunday with a few more Munro's under my boots, feeling keen to get on the bike again joined 12 others at Hipperholme Xroads for the Monday evening mountain bike ride. It was warm and sunny and the tracks were dry as we made our way through Shibden Park and up to Beacon Hill, then down through Siddal to Salterhebble, Copley and a wonderful circuit round Norland Moor from where we dropped down to Black Brook. Dizzy with the smell from newly mown fields we pottered along the canal bank and up through Sunny Vale to sample the summer ales on offer at the Travellers.

Road Race and what we want to do in future?

Surprise! Surprise! The event seemed to be successful and the majority of the competitors enjoyed it. Entries were less than expected due to a number of factors including clashing with the yorkshire vets championship. 

With hindsight we had just one missed marshal location, which was the T-junction prior to the turn under the motorway. We were blessed with brilliant sunny weather.

My entry summary explained the type of event including the reservoir service road and the short steep climb.

However since the original event idea the Yorkshire water service road condition seems to have improved, yes there are holes but arguably no more than often found on our poor main roads. We had one puncture which I understand wasn’t on this sector.

The riders were able to race across this section and everyone climbed the scammonden wall successfully including 74-year-old Mick Ives.

Melvyn put in his usual high caliber performance finishing 3^rd in the 50/55 cat. (see his blog for more details)

Competitors said that the drag into the wind to Buckstones was perhaps the most difficult sector of the course? After the event (in for a penny) I asked if they would be up for repeat event next year the answer was what seemed like a full house YES.

Mick Ives suggested the event ought to be a Stallard next year? Hang on?

Firstly club events are only possible with member’s support and thankfully the following: (I do hope I haven’t missed anyone?) Alan, Steve, Brian, PG, Sandy and Kevin (professional motor bike marshal) provided their kind assistance. I had just one apologize for absence. Whilst we have limited club members, maybe 30 no doubt Peter can provide the correct number its not a great percentage. I moved a number of years ago to Saturday to minimize any Sunday ride clashes. Without our imperial wheelers friends the event would have been a flop. The following imperial wheelers assisted, Steve, Hoppy, JK, Neil (lead car), Mark (First Aid), Martin & Gale (course sign erection etc.). Dave Salem, Huddersfield star (signing on & marshaling). Derek Browne vehicle support and my son Neil’s lead car. You tell me am I doing something wrong? I believe I inform everyone through the blog was it four times? Yes ok on reflection we don’t have meetings and I should have got in touch personally? Like most things organizing anything takes time, particular with a new course, we don’t have team help.

Finally guys were in this together, don’t you want to put something back? Maybe we are just a collection of cyclists who just want to ride our bikes and blog about the rides etc.

Enough said I’m not taking my bat home I’ve had my moan? Lets make a date to have a positive discussion later this year. (Assuming you want to)?

Cheers Grimpy

The weak end - Club RR & Etape du Dales

Getting too old for weekends like this but at least the weather was a blessing. Grimpy's new experimental road race circuit got mainly a thumbs up from the few that rode it - just 14 in my ABC event and 16 in the D's and older.
Basically it was a head wind grind from Scammonden to Buckstones, fast descent down Nont Sarahs & to the Dam wall, a flat rattle along the wall and then a painfull heave up the service road to the finish point, not forgetting the stinging little ramp that puts you back on the Scammonden Road. Repeat another 4 times.
Our race split on the first lap and I was with 5 others at the front. After one lap my legs decided this early tempo was just over my limit and I dropped off to be eventually caught by 3 others, finishing 6th and 3rd of the C category.
Grimpy and the Club are very grateful to the helpers that turned out, many of the Imps and the Condor 'old guard'.

I shared a birthday with my brother earlier in the week so it was probably right I shared in his mechanical misfortunes yesterday. I persuaded Mr. Dwarty to meet me for the Etape, unfortunately I didn't see Chris Smith at the start who was down to ride.
The organisers insisted on despatching us in groups which, as well as causing long delays, meant we were fighting past slower riders on the narrow roads from Grassington. As my rear tyre caught an unseen rock I commented to John that I had managed to puncture before Kettlewell one year - only to get that sinking feeling as my tyre deflated, just 2 miles out.
We were soon back on the road, in with a group from the  Hudds Star Wheelers, to the Hawes feed where we pushed on over Buttertubs. Catching a slower rider on the bends near the bottom of the descent I braked hard and my front tyre instantly emptied itself of air. As I cursed and started to change it John came back up to join me, dismounting to the gentle hiss of his own rear tyre deflating. Now down to just one tube between us and the gas cartridges long gone we were hoping that was it, but on the climb from Long Row Johns rear tyre blew again. Closer inspection revealed a dislodged rim tape but by now we were deflated ourselves and settled on a steady ride round enjoying the sun and scenery, gratefully collecting more spare tubes (and sandwiches) from the event support at Tan Hill.
A landslide had caused a route change, going straight on at Tan Hill to take a lovely route into Kirby Stephen and out to Nateby. With a head wind all  the way to Stainforth it was tough going and John was spent as I pushed on over to Halton Gill finishing in 7hrs 8 mins - almost an hour slower than last year.
It was a great atmosphere at the finish, enjoying a pint and a sausage butty whilst making our excuses and meeting up with Chris Sylge who was also flying the Condor flag.
I hope we'll hear how Chis Smith enjoyed his day, and talking of hard riding distance men, a mention for Paul Ward who I think lives Mirfield way. He rode out to Grassington, rode round in a little over 6 hours and, thanks to the Strava spy, rode back via Cockhill to clock 201 miles. Hardman.

    

Unchained Malady

A warm and pleasant day for a ride out on quiet roads over Deerplay. I think this was a first for Oakworth Steve, but we all enjoyed the great views. I was going extra slowly to enjoy them even more, while Steve Barker seemed intent on using his newly-acquired fitness like a puppy with a new toy. Luckily Nigel was on hand to offer advice and urge restraint.
There was panic on the streets of Whalley as we found the Abbey tea rooms firmly closed and the only other buttie establishment in town was full to overflowing. A keen sense of smell then came to the rescue - leading us to the farmer's market in a car park round the corner, which included sausage man (home-made, premium blend, freshly roasted) and coffee man (likewise).
The ridge road took us back toward home (this being only a pleasant potter), until Nigel decided to come to a screaming standstill. A broken gear hanger left his deraillieur dangling, until it got caught in the spokes and locked the rear wheel. Just as well it happened at 4.5 mph on the crest of a rise, not 45 mph on a fast downhill section. A repair was attempted but the chain had twisted and declared useless. That left Nigel on his hobby-horse - a bike without transmission being just a pretty useless ornament.

We rolled on to Barrowford, pushing our non-peddling partner, whereat Nigel took time to inspect the local architecture and sample the local fayre while waiting for a lift home (pub built 1605, Blonde Witch ale, and Sue the super-star wife for that's the second lift back this year!). Meanwhile we completed our intended route over Herders, into a cooling breeze/nagging headwind, to return safely home.

Another option - 18 May

For anyone *not* doing the etape du dales we're meeting in Hebden Bridge at 9am on Sunday for a run westwards taking in the delights of Bacup and such. What could be better?

Fred Whitton 2014

Maybe I'd been rather blase about the 'toughest sportive in England' with next to no preparation or training beyond a couple of steady club runs. But ... I made it. And it were a good day out after all.

Yes, the scenery was great - I'd forgotten how lovely the Lakes are. No, I didn't have to walk - both Hardnott and Wrynose were tackled on the bike. Yes, it rained a fair bit, but it was also fair - at least for a little bit. No, I've no plans to enter the Fred for next year, but Yes I'd do a ride in the Lakes again soon if I could.

I rode under the colours of 'Team Imediate' (one of the sponsors who kindly organised my entry - many thanks Patrick!). Adrian Lord was the sole representative of Condor RC. Of course, that being the case, I had to let him finish in the faster time.

Condor Road Race Reminder

The event is this Saturday 17th May HQ as last year, Greetland Community and Sporting assoc. HX4 8JG. We need your kind support for marshalling duties from 9.00. If you have a whistle please bring it along to warn others of approaching riders.

The riders will be leaving HQ at 9.45 for the start by Scammonden Reservoir at approx 10.00. 

Look forward to seeing you and trust the event can be as successful as last year 

Cheers 

Grimpy  

Updates

Well done to Brian who on Bank Holiday Monday travelled down to Aylesbury for the Veterans National 10 mile Time Trial Championships where he secured the bronze medal being only 10 seconds away from gold (in fact if he had been born 2 weeks earlier he would have taken the gold medal). His time of 21 minutes 15 seconds broke his own over 70's national record by 2 seconds.

Meanwhile Grimpy, not content with single day racing travelled down to Worcestershire for the LVRC Abberley's 3 day stage race.  Day one started with a 2.5 mile prologue in the morning where he rode tactically, saving himself for the afternoon road race. He hung in there on Sundays stage 2 but even he admits to suffering on Mondays hilly stage 3.  However he came through to be the only survivor in the over 70's category.

Not surprisingly John hadn't fully recovered for todays social run from Shelf Roundabout. Early rain saw 10 of us rushing down the Greenway and up to Ossett, over the Horbury Junction railway bridge and into Newmillerdam Cafe for 11.30.
However they were only short showers and all too soon Peeps was mustering the troops keen to hit the road again. Brian, having missed his usual high mileage Tuesday was feeling fresh and ticking off a few names in his black book whilst JK, overtrained and not recovered from the previous evenings time trial, suffered from the lack of team mates once Robert Stanger retired with a mechanical at Upper Denby. I pointed out to Martin that his Imps team mate needed help but he just referred to an incident back in the 70's, when as a young inexperienced sprog JK had left him and thought that it would be an appropriate time to get his own back.

Pocklington Pedal Sportive - Wolds Apart

My sympathy on Saturday morning for the clubmates setting out at 5am in sub-zero temperatures on the 'Wiggy 300' was obviously misplaced. The temperature had increased by the time John Doherty and myself left Pocklington for many of the same roads as the 'Wiggy' - and what a joy those roads are, especially in the glorious sunshine.

It's 100 miles of long roads under big skies and takes in some wonderful villages - Wetwang, Sledmere, Warter, Thixendale, Fridaythorpe and then a loop to Stamford Bridge returning via Millington. It is all pretty lumpy terrain and when the road goes uphill it seems to be for a very long time. With bright sunshine, the rolling hills and some narrow gritty roads we could almost imagine Tuscany and the Strade Bianchi !
With 3 different distance rides and several cross-overs there is lots of room for confusion and several riders missed out parts of the course rendering the electronic timing a bit pointless - the organisers did ask riders to clarify their route and promised to improve signing for next time. We found ourselves passing the same riders twice - pushing on as we were in pursuit of a good time, stopping just for a puncture and some fine sandwiches and flapjack at the Stamford Bridge feed.
According to Dwartys Garmin we covered the full 100 miles, with a bit added for one slight detour, and were timed at 5hrs 30 mins, over 18mph average.
Great riding in fantastic countryside that we rarely visit.

Pottering With Pete

Pottering With Pete

Four riders set off this Sunday morning. Oakworth Steve, Pete Horne, Myself and a long missed Steve Barker, who is going really strongly at the moment.

Skipping on past Skipton and on under Kilnsey Cragg, where here 4 became 3 as Steve Barker peeled off to Arncliffe. Thank God, we could knock the pace off a little!

On to Kettlewell, where both me and Oakworth Steve realised the very same thing. Although Pete had missed the 300km Audax on the Saturday, he was to prove he could burn the same number of calories on the Sunday, by adding in a few lumps and bumps along the way. 

Below are a few of the hills we tackled,

Park Rash, (Leaves the legs with a burning irritation!)

Cam Gill Road

Trapping Hill

Greenhow Hill

With a great cafe stop at How Stean Gorge on the way and fair weather. Good practice for the smaller gears and out of the saddle action.

But pottering!!!  Seriously??? HA HA!

Chris Smith

Etape de Yorkshire

The Etape de Yorkshire is a sportive taking place on Sunday the 8th of June. It follows route of stage 1 of the Tour de France, except it starts from Leeds Grammar School and finishes at the Yorkshire Showground at Harrogate.  Its £30 to enter which may sound expensive but does include a fully timed route, pre and post ride food, 3 feed stations en-route, changing rooms and showers (and a sag wagon).
Details and entry here         http://www.riderhq.com/events/67196/etape-de-yorkshire      and here           http://www.cyclistsfc.org.uk/events/etape-de-yorkshire-8th-june-2014/

I've just sent my entry off but I've blogged these details just in case, like Grimpy, you can't find details of the event.

A few updates

About a dozen assorted Condors and Imps enjoyed a potter round the lanes and lunch at Wetherby on the Wednesday run. We made our way there via Bramhope, Weardley and Netherby and once refreshed returned through Aberford, Fairburn Ings and Dewsbury from where we got onto the Spen Valley Greenway.  Once coming off the Greenway we discovered that Mr Gower was no longer with us - he'd drifted off the back and punctured - and had no pump - so had to wait for a passing cyclist to take pity on him - there must be a lesson in there for us all.   Hats off to Richard, who with 80 plus miles in his legs joined Steve Cavell in the evening to ride the 1st round of the YCCA Summer 'Cross series at Newsome.

Paul Daly's also been busy, having a couple of visitors over here from Belgium he introduced them to some of Calderdale's scenic back roads (such as Trooper Lane) on Thursday, then just in case there legs weren't tired enough he took them round the Mary Townley Loop on Friday - Flanders will be a welcome rest for them when they get home.

I know its probably too late now but as neither Padiham Chris or I rode the Wiggy 300 today (as originally intended) we've arranged to meet at Keighley at 9am Sunday for a ride up into the Dales - Park Rash and Coverdale being on the agenda.

Imps Road Race and Red Rose Ride

The Imps LVRC Road Race on Saturday was run off at a blistering pace in fine and dry conditions with Brian waiting until the penultimate lap to make his attack, securing yet another win in his age category whilst Grimpy policed the bunch then secured 2nd place for himself.
Whilst our super-vets left it until late in the race to attack there was no such patience shown by the youngsters on the over 50's race with Mel being joined by our good friend Mark Saddler and a couple of others forming a hard working break as early as the 1st of the 10 laps of the longer Norland circuit.  The were eventually joined by 2 others and working hard throughout stayed away until the finish with Mark and Mel securing 4th & 5th respectively.

On Sunday, whilst Brian, John and Mel were resting on their laurels, Padiham Chris, Paul Daly, Oakworth Steve, Adrian and myself signed on for the Red Rose Ride 200k Audax where we were joined by Martin Croft and Dougie Burnside of VS Cycles plus about 30 others.
Many thanks to Dave Dodwell and Calderdale CTC for organising such a good day out, and another big thank you to Dave for the photos.

As ever it was a hectic climb out of Halifax through Dean Clough and up Ramsden Street to Ovenden, Illingworth and over the cutting to Denholme.

Once through Keighley things were settling down and we enjoyed the back lanes to Steeton before taking full advantage of the tail wind from Crosshills over the Moss and into the Red Rose county.

The helping wind blew us along the ridge to Whalley and into the Forest of Bowland. The normally feared Trough of Bowland came and went and we enjoyed a super fast run-in to our control and lunch spot at a surprisingly quiet Lantern o'er the Lune cafe at Glasson Dock.

After a restful lunch sat in the sun outside the cafe breathing in the sea air we eventually decided that progress was needed so the 8 of us, 3 Condors, 2 VS's, Flat Earth Bob from VC167, Dutch Mike from Cappuccino and Mancurian Nathan left the seaside behind hoping that the wind had now swung round from the east - it hadn't!  A good pace was set down to Garstang but from there it was due east, directly into the wind. We stayed together to Longridge but from there Chris switched on to overdrive and was coasting up the many undulations without slowing down. There was no way I could hang on and I was left to view a splintering pack disappear into the distance as I battled the headwind alone for the last 40 miles eventually arriving back at the Oddfellows Hall at 4.20pm, 20 minutes behind Chris who had finished alone with Paul hot on his heels.
Another memorable day out, thanks once again to Dave and the team.

Don't know where the above motley trio came from - must have just turned up for the photo shoot!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j3h-hE-4X4Q

Le Tour Yorkshire - A few things you need to know

If you're coming up for the Tour de France there a few things you need to know.

M.YOUTUBE.COM

This coming weekend, 26th/27th April

14 riders out today for an interesting route round some of the quietest unclassified lanes Kirklees can offer. The highlight of the day must surely have been the Mur de Cartworth immediately before the descent to our lunch spot at Holmfirth.  After a morning packed with ups and downs I was a little surprised when Grimpy's suggestion of a return journey over the Isle of Skye and Buckstones was eagerly taken up (although I noticed 4 of our party sneaking off in the opposite direction after lunch).

This coming Saturday its the Imps/Derek Smith Memorial Road Race round the longer version of the Norland Circuit. Brian, Grimpy, Damien and Mel are on the start sheet. We have a reciprocal agreement with the Imps regarding marshalling so if your'e available be at Greetland Community Centre in time to be allocated your duty and be in-situ for 10am.  Organiser is Martin Gargett.

On Sunday its the Red Rose Ride, the Calderdale CTC 200k Audax which goes over the Trough of Bowland to Glasson Dock. Starting from the aptly named Oddfellows Rooms, Coleridge Street, Halifax at 8am.

An Easter Quatre

Four riders set out today to the sound of peeling church bells, Damian, Paul Daley Pete Horne and Myself, on what was a cool but thankfully fine Easter Sunday Morning.

Thanks to Pete's great knowledge of all those little quiet back lanes, we enjoyed some of the best sections of the Tour route.

Briefly, taking in Grassington, Kettlewell, Starbotton and Kidstones Pass. All of which into a headwind.

Admiring Wenslydale out towards Aysgarth and Thornton Rust and a cafe stop at Bainbridge. I couldn't help indulging in a toasted hot cross bun, after all it is Easter! Damian's combination lock became no more as it gave up the ghost and would not release, leaving Pete and Damian attached! Out came the Blacksmithing skills. I tried not to smile as I swiftly cropped though it and soon we were away.

Fleet Moss was enjoyable with the wind at our backs. Oughtershaw, Yockenthwaite and Hubberholme whizzed by.Hardly any traffic at all. We played KOM all the way home. We are so lucky to have such great roads right on our doorstep.

Fairish miles clocked up today, good practice for next weeks Red Rose Ride.

Good riding. Good roads. Good weather. Good company.

"That'll do!"

Chris Smith

Easter Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday

Meet 8.30 Denholmgate/9am Keighley for club run - if weathers okay suggest, Kidstones/Wensleydale/Fleet Moss.

Another RVC report here - http://coolsierras.com/2014/04/17/a-reet-load-ocobblers-the-rvc-2014/

Easter Monday mountain biking - as usual, 6.30pm Hipperholme Crossroads

Spring Unwound

Meanwhile, at the back of the peleton, the slower riders have their own potterings to report.
I'd no intention of going with the main Condor gang after a couple of weeks away from the bike. A very steady pace up Cock Hill saw me passing and then being caught again by various small groups of riders while watching the blue and white bunch stretch ever further ahead. Drawing on the years of being taught how to suffer round a ride, I settled in to my own pace.

Vicar caught me up in Oxenhope and we had a steady ride over to Earby in the pleasant company of a CTC chap and a couple of riders from Pendle Forest CC. Oakworth Steve joined us at the refreshments ready for the next leg to Gargrave. The little road through Thorpe is one of my favourites and was enjoyed with plenty of time to admire the view. A cafe stop at Burnsall had been planned and was duly executed, picking up Nigel there just finishing his sausage butty. Damien had taken sustenance too but declared felling unwell and was off straight home.
So the four Condors (Steve, Nigel, Richard, Ian) carried on and sprang from the dales back toward home. Personally I like the Draughton climb but the younger Hartley started to feel weary here and unclipped to stretch his legs. Steve looked like he was having a very easy time but was always happy to maintain just the right pace. We got back just in time for the second (maybe third?) round of rice pudding to be brought forward from the kitchens (the first lot having long since gone). Now I know that there is more rice pudding out the back in reserve, I'll never again race to be first back!

Comes a Time

Martyn Bury's pride & joy when purchased new in 1997. Admired for many years but hardly ever ridden he has decided its time it went to a better home.

 
COLNAGO SUPERISSIMO in Columbus steel tubing. 61cm from BB centre to top of top tube.
Campagnolo Athena 8 speed. Mavic rims & Cinelli bars/stem. Beautiful finish with lots of chrome.
Any retro loving interest contact Martyn: 01422 360270 / Mob. 07826 822855.

Spring into the Dales and Monday MTBing

A good turn out by the Condor for last Sunday's Spring into the Dales on a cool and windy day. I'd been a bit dis-organised and got to the start HQ at Mytholmroyd Community Centre with only minutes to spare before the start. Glancing round at the assembled hoards I saw President Robinson was there continuing his preparation for the Fred Whitton, also present were Mel and Padihan Chris looking like they meant business, Robin, Brian, Paul D and Grimpy (who should have points deducted for travelling to Mytholmroyd by car), Old Town Stewart, Nigel and Oakworth Steve were looking up for the challenge as were Lumby and The Vicar. I also caught sight of Damien toeing the start line although no one seems to know what fate befell him during the ride.

I must thank Paul Daly for dragging me round the route, I'd no legs for the climbs, was well off the pace by the top of Cock Hill and continued to be dropped on every subsequent climb, but with Paul's encouragement and pacing I was dragged back to the wheels of Brian & John. We found Robin loitering in Stanbury having been discarded by Mel and Chris who were long gone making light of the stiff head winds in the company of cyclo-cross star Chris Taylor and a schoolboy from Colden, Rob Scott.

After the Earby check the wind began to be a little more helpful and the miles began to pass beneath our wheels a little quicker as we passed through West Marton, Gargrave, Cracoe, Appletreewick and Bolton Abbey. Draughton Moor again had me grovelling and losing contact, but my super-domestique once again saved the day and we entered Keighley as a group of 5 Condor's and a couple of North Cheshire Clarions who had been astute enough to notice that the Condor's didn't need to waste time looking at the route sheet.

From the Keighley check the hammer went down, Robin begged a gel from Grimpy, it went straight to his legs, he jumped on the bike with Grimpy on his wheel, and ignoring all obsacles they were up the road before Brian and I knew what was happening. Brian displayed immense fortitude, eventually, just before Oxenhope, catching up. Paul once again waited for me although I was beyond being paced we rode together to finish a minute before 2 o'clock and enjoy the renowned CTC hospitality and a chat with Mel and Chris who had finished over half an hour earlier.

I think Mel should give us a report as to how the ride developed at the head of the field and who had the honor of breaking the skin on the rice pudding.

Mel16 April 2014 09:40

With just the 4 of us by Stanbury it meant a well disciplined and enjoyable ride with no-one attempting any heroics. Young Rob (almost 16) was strong but I was expecting him to fade later in the ride however when Chris Taylor expired at Oxenhope the youth took off and was next seen at Mytholmroyd ! I clung on to Padiham Chris & battled painfully over Cock Hill. We insisted that Rob deservedly performed the 'rite of passage' on the rice pud ! Surely a talent for the future.
Great to see so many on the ride - a grand annual day out.

We were again blessed with good weather for our 2nd  of our summer social mountain bike rides on Monday evening. There were 11 hitting the trails round Brighouse, Southowram, Claremount, Ploughcroft and Ambler Thorn with a couple of us calling at the Cock o' the North shed on the way home. 6.30pm Monday evenings at Hipperholme Xroads should anyone fancy joining us.

IMPS Road Race Saturday 26th April

Having just recovered from sitting on Robins wheel in the 'skip into the dales addax on Sunday' ( i'm sure Pete and/ or Mel will have the details up soon) my thoughts turn to the Imps RR ( Derek Smith Memorial) on Saturday 26th April.

Martin Gargett needs your marshalling skills. Trust you can kindly help. This year its on Saturday from around 9.00 again at the Greetland Community centre HX4 8JG. Using the norland moor circuit. Your help will i'm sure be reciprocated at our event on May 17th. 
Many Thanks 

Sunday 13th April

Spring into the Dales this Sunday, 115k of pure joy, the usual circuit taking us from the South Pennines up into the Dales and back. Good weather is guaranteed by Chris Crossland and his CTC Calderdale team, always a Spring highlight. If you haven't pre-entered get down to Mytholmroyd Community Centre with your £4.50 and an Audax entry form in time for a 9am start.

If you can't get there for 9am then ride the Leap into the Aire, half the distance and a 10am start.

Note the change of HQ - its Mytholmroyd Community Centre not Salem Community Centre,

Race reports - Grimpy began the defence of his LVRC Percy Stallard National Road Race Series in the best possible way near Worcester last Sunday by claiming maximum points.
Brian was away holidaying last weekend but put in a 27mph ave speed 10mile time trial the previous weekend.
Chris Smith's keeping it quiet but he rode the Working Wonders Cragg Vale Time Trial on the evening of the 3rd of April, he won the event with a 17 minute ride and now has the fastest ascent on the Robin Hood blackboard.

Ronde 3 - Chris Smith's report

A Crave for the Pave'

Old Lane

I had been looking forward to the Ronde Van Calderdale with its "novel"cobbled climbs for months. Id been told what a hard challenge it was and this made me even keener. But it turned out to be a very eventful event for me.

Less than 1 mile into the route I had a complete blow out to my rear rim. I knew it was irreparable at the roadside so I decided to jog back to the HQ, bike on shoulder, hoping some kind soul would have a spare rear wheel to lend.

I owe a massive thank you to Mark Saddler who not only lent me a wheel, but his cyclocross bike to carry on and tackle the epic course.

Armed with this trusty steed (complete with pannier racks) I knew I was well out of the front bunch but decided to plough on regardless. The cobbles were calling!

Working my way from group to group I negotiated the first loop of this very well signed route. I soon realized that I wasn't the only Condor to have suffered mechanically that day. Mel had hit a patch of scattered glass, and was rapidly repairing. Back together we carried on to soon find that Mels tyre had shredded and was again quiet flat. Being close to the Brighouse feed he suggested I carry on while he did what he

could to patch, ( the same happened to him last year also )

I was soon to realize that Marks bike performed quite well on the rough stuff as I sent it up the cobblestones ( wider tyres, comfy for your ass! )

Counting down the cobbled climbs I was becoming impressed as I was able to ride were most had to resort to dismounting. Old Lane was greasy in places, but steering to the drier areas, maintained traction to get me onward and upward, where Mark Saddler handed over a bannana and commented how good his bike looked (sarcastically).

Jowler, Fly-Flats and Cock Hill. A descent to Sowerby Bridge and the last few of these granite beauties. Here I seemed to be passing riders from all over who had traveled from afar to ride the best of what Yorkshire had to throw at them.

Trooper Lane did what it should and dissolved all but a few of the strongest. 3RTs Dan spurred me on as I maintained some power "Good tempo lad! Keep it up!" The lungs rasped, the legs stabbed and even my voice wavered as I politely shouted at those pushing, simply "COMING THROUGH!" 

With not a lot left in the tank, but not far to go I caught some strong lads and went to the front where I stayed to the HQ.

Here I chatted to Mel who had managed the repair but decided to cut out the Fly-Flats and Cock Hill section. We enjoyed an array of food and drink provided kindly by Asda for the feed stations. And a specially brewed bottle of Ronde Van Calderdale ale. GRAND!

A very eventful event. Cheers Guys.

Chris Smith    

Ronde 2

I was just getting over another bought of man flu when a crash left me nursing wounds, missing the Wheelbase Spring Classic and worrying all week about not really being up to the challenges of the Ronde van Calderdale when I realised that there was a shorter alternative on offer, where I could still qualify for my hat and finishers bottle of 'Ronde van Calderdale' ale.  Only the cobbled climbs of Brighouse Wood Lane, Staups Lane, The Hough, Lee Lane, Gibb Lane, Luddenden Old Lane, Woodhouse Lane, Wakefield Gate, Exley Bank and Trooper Lane rather than the more difficult full route.
It was a good decision and took the self imposed pressure away from me to attempt to go beyond my comfort zone but still enjoy the camaraderie that the Ronde generates.
I rode out to the start at Spen Valley High School with Paul Daly who had been unable to secure an entry but was happy to keep me company part way around the route. We joined up with Ian Wellock who was also riding the shorter route and Richard Burnham who, having to be home by mid day had ridden out to wish his Condor club mates bon-voyage.
We were able to offer our support to Mel and Chris at the start of the full route, I could see that Chris was really up for a good ride - he'd even removed the mudguards from his loan bike, Mike Darke's old turbo bike, his preferred mount for the day due to its triple chainset.
Unfortunately neither Mel or Chris had luck on their side, Mel, for the 2nd year running falling victim to a shredded tyre whilst looking good for a top finish and Chris blowing the rear rim only a mile or so into the challenge then jogging back to the HQ pushing and carrying the disabled bike.
Chapeau to Chris who once back at HQ borrowed Mark Saddler's winter bike (three cheers for Mark who was busy on official duties) and set off to catch many of those who must have then been miles ahead of him - lesser men would surely have thrown the bike over a wall and abandoned. Not only did he complete the route but he rode all the climbs, even Old Lane which had earlier had Paul, Ian and me declaring to be un-rideable due to its wet, mossy surface.

Many thanks to Mick Collins, Kelly and the rest of the team from KCA and 3RT

Ronde Van Calderdale

Some rather good shots from Sunday,  

http://www.rvc.tomjagger.co.uk/index.html

Peter has promised a write-up but I can tell you that the day wasn't without incident - I badly cut a tyre early on and after struggling to patch it up I didn't want to risk a repeat of last year when I destroyed a tyre over Haworth Old  Road so opted for the shorter route home. Poor young Chris needed a bike change before The Three Nuns, barely a mile after the start. Still a classic day out though.

Monday Mountain Biking

Tomorrow, 6.30pm Hipperholme crossroads for this seasons 1st MTB evening - a shortish, easy ride (I hope).   Ronde van Calderdale report to follow.

Wheelbase Spring Classic

Go to  www.sportsunday.co.uk for photos from the event.

What a difference from last year when event was postponed due to snow and then run later in mist and heavy rain. This year with the temperature up and the prospect of sunshine the shorts were out for Chris Smith who joined myself and John Doherty. (Peter had sent his apologies due to a fight with the road surface somewhere - of which I hope we hear the full story soon.) I chose knee-lengths and gloves but was soon overheating as John set off like a scalded cat, with Chris struggling to hold a wheel through the twists and turns in the lanes around Kendal towards Kirby Lonsdale.
We got to Barbon with an average speed above 20mph and re-grouped for the climb of Barbondale which uncharacteristically was into a stiff headwind which made a usually fairly easy climb quite a battle. The climb was electronically timed and our time of 20 minutes was about the fastest.
A right turn on the cobbles in Dent takes us up Deepdale where the wind is helpful but as the road steepens John announces he has a puncture so we agree to wait for him at the Ingleton feed - after enjoying a wonderful wind assisted ride down Kingsdale.
After tea and fig rolls we head for Ribblehead into the headwind and sharing the work we pick up a couple of strong blokes to help us and we duly catch another group at Chapel le Dale. At this point 'white van man' performs a foolish overtaking manoevre attempting to turn left across us into the pub. The ensuing chaos sees Chris split off behind John and me and not aware of this we weren't to see him again till the finish.
Our legs started complaining on the fast run down Dentdale and then after Sedburgh it gets really painfull on the lanes around the Howgill Fells - but at least I could see the beauty of the fells this year.
We were back to Staveley in 4 hours 49 mins, for 81 miles, stalwart Chris just 5 mins later and soon reflecting on a grand day out, sat in the sun enjoying a pint from the Hawkshead Brewery and fine fare from the artisan bakery next door. It doesn't get much better.        

The Day We Met Bernard Hinault

A few more pictures - plus link to Planet X report - link below

http://www.planetx.co.uk/news/planet-x-news/q/date/2014/03/28/the-day-we-met-bernard-hinault?utm_source=The+Planet+X+and+On-One+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=