LOTHERTON HALL 31.01.2010
Captain Alex cannot be a***d to write the report this week, and so it falls to me. He has assured me that he will fill in the blanks as I did not make a list of everybody who attended. However, here is my best recollection: me, of course, Alex, Mike, Becky, Milly, Mike the “ex ref”, Jack, Alastair, John, Fry up Phil, and Bolty. Also, making his first appearance was Colin, who travelled from Greater Manchester, as apparently the Ravensthopre CC is worth the journey. Hope you come back and ride again, Colin. I just have a feeling that I have missed one person off the list, but no offence intended. I had thought about missing Bolty off, but he was there, large as life, again; and twice as loud.
Today was a very good ride indeed. The weather was cold, but sunny and dry with no discernable wind. We had a fast ride out to Lotherton Hall and covered the 30 miles in under two hours. The first bit of the route was a tough climb up to the A642 from Mirfield. A baptism of fire, you might say. We regrouped for a fast ride into Wakefield where Alastair almost fell off having hit a patch of ice on the descent. It was a fair old wobble, and a bit feminine really, but he recovered well. We then headed through Normanton to Castleford and up Mary Pannal Hill, turning off to Lotherton Hall.
Everybody was in the mood for a few more miles, so we took the long route back via South Milford, Byram-cum-Sutton, Darrington, East Hardwick, and Ackworth. We then continued through Wakefield and finished off with the long hill from Horbury Bridge. 72 miles at an average of 15.2 mph were covered, which is an excellent distance and time for the winter.
Bolty and Phil pulled out early, and a couple suffered; but this was a thoroughly enjoyable day and a route which I suggest we do again in the future. I hope that the turn out continues to be high as the routes just seem to be getting better and better each week.
Doug
January 31st, 2010 at 06:10 pm
Sounds like you all had a good run today. Sorry I couldn’t make it I was down in Exeter/Torquay watching the footy.
Is anyone out next Sunday before the dinner?
January 31st, 2010 at 06:38 pm
What an epic ride. Absolutely fantastic route back from Lotherton Hall. You can’t beat fast winding country lanes, minimal traffic, sunshine and excellent company.
I was hugely impressed with the cycling ability of both the young females today. How come they haven’t joined RCC instead?
My stats for today:-
85 miles
16.2 average
max heart rate 399 - this was incidentally just after I hit that patch of ice and did a bit of dance to regain my balance. Talk about shi**ing myself!!
See you next week.
January 31st, 2010 at 07:22 pm
They should join - it’s a proper cycling club!
January 31st, 2010 at 07:41 pm
Just remembered that Les Dawson was out today.
January 31st, 2010 at 09:23 pm
Thanks Doug and yes you left poor old Les out! how could you..Fantastic ride today and well done to the girls again and the other new riders.. Ben and anyone else interested there is still a club run next week but just out to Holmfirth and then back for the grand dinner.
January 31st, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Les comes out on his annual club run and the poor bugger gets left off the list:-(
Sorry I could not make what sounded like a great ride, love the roads over there, fast, winding and rolling.
Will not be out to Holmfirth next week becuase i will be sorting out the dinner from mid-morning, I’m slipping down the table at an alarming rate!
January 31st, 2010 at 11:59 pm
I set off at 0830 to make the start for 0900 but only got to the top of my road before surrendering and turning back. The frost was so thick that it was sticking to my tyres and making them into snowmen.
Anyway i went out on my own at lunchtime for a few hours. A lovely day again, pity I missed you all.
See you at the do.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:22 am
You can view yesterdays excellent route here - http://www.mapmyride.com/edit_route?r=439126501946087280
February 1st, 2010 at 11:23 am
I’ll try that again - http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/from-mirfield/718126501974494008
February 1st, 2010 at 07:07 pm
Hi All
Just wanted to say thanks to you all for making me feel so welcome yesterday.First time out with a club and did not know what to expect but Doug had given you all a big build up and I was not let down. Hope to see you all soon.
Alex/Sara thanks for your hospitality yesterday, will bring my own milk next time.
Colin
February 1st, 2010 at 09:49 pm
Great route back Doug, Milly and Becky thoroughly enjoyed it but I’m not so sure about Mike (cycling and Jack Daniels don’t mix) but I bet it cured his hangover!! You fast lads must have missed the mars bar break at Horbury on the way back…that must be why you’re so fast!! See you all Sunday morning
John