Archive for March 2010
Ravensthorpe on the Cobblestones
30/03/2010 by jack the flying dutchman.
After having done the Cape Argus for the second time - this time less windy, but still - and only beaten by Mr Armstrong by 1 hour….. - I represented our club on the Flemish Cobblestones. This Sunday I did the E3 Harelbeke cyclosportive. The pro’s did this one on Saturday, and many of the banners and stuff was still out. The wind seems to follow me, because as in South Africa, this time it was windy again. The E3 includes 11 of the famous Flemish cobblestone climbs (well not all cobblestones…) and I have to say, that hurts - I think my shoulders were more painful than my legs. Anyway, lots of cyclists (must have been close to a 1000) with very good food, clear road signs and hard hard work. The sportive is shorter than the pro-race as they leave out the starting boring part - it’s just a bit shy of 140 km with around 1400 mtr climbing - it includes amongst others the Oude Kwaremont, de Kluisberg and de Patersberg (which are in the Tour of Flanders as well). De Patersberg goes over 20% on cobblestones without a gutter (de Kwaremont has at least some concrete for parts on the side). My brother and I did the ride just under 5 hours, getting us an average of around 27.5 km/h.
Would be a great clubride for next year - see the pro’s on Saturday and do the sportive on Sunday!
Jack
where to go?
30/03/2010 by phil johnson.
To the new members amongst us may not know, pocklington and Brian robinsons ride have been adopted as club runs, both falling on a sunday. The latter requires paying for ,Martyn can you give the last date for entrie and possably put them on the calender please. That leaves the question where to go? as the calender is empty. Alex do you want to fill in the blanks or does anyone want to nominate somewhere.
The Captain has landed!!!!
29/03/2010 by Al and Sarah.
Home that is !!………Very unexpected and in my opinion a little too soon but Mr determination himself was not going to stay on ward 15 any longer ! So armed with a single stick he’s back home. Sarah
North Midlands Cycling Federation 25 Mile Time Trial
29/03/2010 by Alastair.
The weather forecasters predicted wind speeds of 15 mph and gusts of 25 mph. I had considered being a non-starter but having pulled a similar trick at the same event last year, I was determined to give this one a go.
It’s certainly not the fastest course you’ll ride, nor is the surface particularly favourable. However; 2 Thorpers were in attendance for an early season test of their fitness. Despite John Lancaster trying to put me off riding with a disc wheel, I rode one anyway. The disc was a good idea, the 65mm front wheel was not such a good idea and I was blown all over the place! The first 7.5 miles to Crowle were very fast indeed due to the vicious tail wind - I must have averaged 31 mph to the first RB. Once around the first turn the wind ensured that the speed would dip well below 25 mph and I struggled to control the bike for the next 12.5 miles!
At the second RB and approaching 20 miles the average speed was not great so I had to have a storming last 5 miles to try and go under the hour. The last 5 miles was more of a side wind and therefore I was unable to generate the kind of speed that I had maintained for the first 7.5 miles. However, I just managed to duck under the hour. The event was won by Julian ”Rambo” Ramsbotton who knocked out a 54:37! Results as follows:-
Alastair Wareham - 59:54
John Lancaster - 1:04:42
Full results here:- http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=43880
Wentworth or the 3 cafe run
28/03/2010 by Martyn.
Was it the wind, was it losing an hour or was it death by blogging? Anyway one or two familar faces were missing at the start but we had 10 ready to roll
Martyn,, Martin , Dave Hirst , Dave Falkingham, Phil R, Phil J, Craig, Ian Taylor,John, and Geoff , set off at a steady pace in the wind via Huddersfield and new mill. Where Ian peeled off ( down to 9)
We met Derrick on the road to Honley and then went up Jackson Bridge, on the climb El pres recommended the Windmills as service might be faster!!
John’s chain got stuck on his new Trek and had to have surgery.
Sadly the usually excellent service at the Windmills went wrong and after about 30 mins and they hadn;’t even started cooking we bailed out, across the ridge to Wortley and then via Chapletown to Wentworth
Cafe 2 at the garden centre was heaving so we retraced and went to the twee little house, which wasn’t bad but limited choices.
Back home via Worsborough and Darton Martin rode at his own pace (8 left) the group were all together until the climb through Bretton where Craig eased back ( 7 little Thorpers riding on the road and the little one said!)
At Midgely Geoff, John and Dave F chose the Flockton route, whilst Martyn, 2 Phils and Dave h went down to Middlestown and Thornhill
Good weather despite the wind and an enjoyable ride which ran out at 103 Kms from home at an average of 22.6 if someone ant to translate into English?
For those interested, we stuck together on the flat and rode the hills at our own speeds easing up and regrouping where needed .
Martyn
Club Clothing Stock
28/03/2010 by AndyCal.
An update on the level of stock, particularly for new members.see attached link. Clothing StockIf anyone needs any gear that is not in stock you can order direct from the Impsport website by clicking on “view club shop” and typing the password “de5ruf3swe”.Obviously prices are higher for individual orders. Impsport bulk ordering policy has changed this year but if we order over 15 items we qualify for discount. Therefore, if there is enough demand let me know, but don’t forget delivery will be 28 days from ordering.At the moment I am in the process of trialling clothing from another supplier ( at my own expence, not freebies). However first impressions are not the best. I will give a full evaluation and feedback when complete. Also, I am looking to trial a poloshirt in green with the Ravensthorpe emblem and again I will let you know if it will be available.Andy.
Windmills Run
27/03/2010 by Martyn.
A blustry day didn’t stop a good turn out from meeting at the Windmills cafe.
Lewis Hirst brought his dad ( Dave) from outside Shelley, and was probably wishing on the way back they had parked at the bottom of the hill instead of the top, but he is a determined rider and as his strength increases he’ll be one to watch
Pres phil, Craig J, martin L , Martyn B, david B, Les and his dad ( Is saturday a lads and dads day?) Jonathan ,Nick Craddock, John Ainley and little dave from the road club were all there
The wind was as harsh on the way back but at least it was dry and a good excuse to take the summer bikes out, yes bikes without mudguards and saddlebags do exist, I was shocked.
A great ride to ease people into cycling and there are a number of spots where people can park and ride form at first if they want
Allez les verts
Club Jerseys
26/03/2010 by Ben.
Do we have any in stock at the moment? I would be interested in getting one or two if possible? If someone could let me know how I go about getting some it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Ben
TINTS RUN
26/03/2010 by D.B.MILNER.
Wednesday 31 st. meet 9am Thornhill rectory park near pitch @put golf for run to ex Alamo and possible Rothwell park.
new rider?
26/03/2010 by Martyn.
I recently sent an email around Mirfield highlighting the club rides for people who had got bikes for Xmas, got bikes in their shed etc.
i have had a reply from a former Thorper, who last paid subs in 1990, Dave Falkingham ( Phil R will remember him?)
Dave is hoping to be out on Sunday, I don’t know his fitness, bike or whatever so if he turns up …….
