08/05/2011 by BenBlyth.

This morning saw a large collection of old and new Thorpers and non Thorpers at the start this morning.

The riders in attendance were: Fry Up, Doug, Alex, Mad, Paul B, The Dutchman, Al, Lady McCall, Ben, Andy C. Also in attendance, in Fry Up’s bid to be responsible for every new member, were Mr X and Mr Y (Sorry, I am awful with names chaps. Phil, if you could let me know again below, we will hopefully remember after a little practise.)

The run destination was a surprise this week so we were delighted to find it would be Winnats Pass via the Strines with a couple of other climbs thrown in along the way.

Before anyone had chance to head back home we headed towards the clouds hanging over Huddersfield, soon to be joined by some of the Sowerby boys.

The route took us swiftly through Huddersfield and in to Honley, where the Sowerby boys took off leaving us to face the first climb up and over the moors towards Langsett. The group split out a little over the first climb but fortunately I was able to get hold of Jack’s wheel and get dragged to the top, soon to be followed by Doug, then Mad, then the rest of the bunch.  The strong headwind we had faced made a long climb a lot tougher and gave us a taste of the rest of the morning.

A swift decent to Langsett reservoir saw Phil and friends head off (hope it was a good ride chaps) and the rest of us head to the Strines with the exception of Paul B who, having had enough of the wind went home via Sheffield (hope you got a tailwind home Paul!).

The strines taken the opposite way to normal were a real treat for us. The wind, whilst still a headwind was cut out by the landscape a little and the climbing and descending was a real treat. Al again was the first over again followed by Jack, Ben and Doug. Doug however, had already managed to open up a can of whoop ass on the first Strine and beat Jack to the top, something he mentioned a couple of times throughout the ride!

Everyone was riding very strongly and there wasn’t much rest before we left the strines and headed to Ladybower Reservoir. A very, very strong set of riders pulled through the cutting block headwind with a really strong pace being set all the way to Hope. Particular credit to Al, Doug, Jack and McCall for taking long turn’s.

A welcome meal was wolfed down in Hope where we were joined by members of the Millman clan, including William who was going all out to impress Jack in his Orange Cycling T-Shirt. Reasoned and mature conversation flowed with no p!ss taking, mocking or goading of any kind (Believe that and you will believe Osama Bin Ladin is due to turn on Batley lights this Christmas).

Replenished, we headed to the climb we had discussed on the way out. Winnats Pass.

Al was up first, followed by me, Jack, Doug, Andy, Steve, Mad and Alex. “That wasn’t too hard” said Al at the top. With barely a bead of sweat on him it was concerning that this statement was perfectly true, for Al, not the rest of us!

More really strong riding from everone  made for a fast pace over to France (well, Chapel-en-le-Frith) where we finally turned north to get the treat we had hoped for all day. A tailwind.

The wind, and strength of everyone out meant we sped up the Chunel climb before heading down in to Glossop. The top speed recorded on the decent to Glossop was over 50mph by Jack, with the rest of us very, close to that. Top speed of the year for Jack and great descending.

Jack, Al, McCall and Andy left us at this point as Alex, Mad, Doug and I stopped for another drink in Glossop before heading home over yet more climbs, Woodhead pass, and down to home.  Delightfully assisted by the tailwind I was able to reach 53mph down the Moss. After having clocked 49.3mph earlier I was determined to not miss the 50mph here!

I must say, right from the start today, I have never ridden with such a strong group, everyone was on form in far from ideal conditions. The route was absolutely splendid and today was up there with my most enjoyable days ever on the bike.  Thanks for being a pleasure to ride with chaps.

My stats for the day:

86.26 miles,

15.7mph average,

53.6mph top,

7678 feet of climbing!!!

2 very tired legs.

Ben

P.s - For the avoidance of doubt, Osama WILL NOT be turning on Batley lights this Christmas.

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19/04/2011 by BenBlyth.

Only had a very quick look this morning as they arrived just as I was leaving for work but they look good.

 I will be down the club room’s on Thursday to pass them out. If anyone has any alternative delivery options they would like to choose let me know.

Two Dog’s - Your jersey should be here for Thursday. It seems though, that when the others were on their way, yours had dropped off the back…

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14/04/2011 by BenBlyth.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Two Dog’s,

I have had confirmation from Shutt that the Jerseys have been completed at the factory (They were made by genuine Oompa Lumpa’s) and are due in to Shutt headquarters tomorrow.  The very helpful Jessica will then be sending them out to me to arrive early next week.

Providing all run’s smoothly I will then be able to dish them out at the club room’s on Thursday which will be just in time for the Brian Robinson Challenge and Pocklington event’s which was the original aim. (Edit: No it won’t, it will be just after. Sorry chaps. Two Dogs, I apologise, you were correct!)

Thanks to everyone who has bought one and helped out with the designing etc. Fingers crossed they are everything we have been hoping for.

There are just a couple of exceptions to the Thursday rule unfortunately:

Jack - The one for your brother will not be ready for a couple of weeks.

Jeremy, Tina - Unless you are passing the club room’s on Thursday you will have to wait for the postmen and women to do their stuff between Denmark and West Yorkshire over the next few days.  I will send them as soon as I have them though.

Doug - You disgust me.

McCall - They are still struggling to find the pink leopard skin latex inner you were after so them may simply have to line it with rubber gloves which should give the same ‘feeling’.

Ben 

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01/04/2011 by BenBlyth.

Now I know this won’t directly affect anyone in the club but would be worthwhile being aware bearing in mind we have the Brian Robinson Challenge and the Pocklington ride coming up.

Riders in UK sportives are now subject to random Drugs Tests.  One rider has already been prosecuted after failing a test earlier this year.

Just beware if anyone has been taking any medicine’s etc lately the impact it could have further down the line.

More info here.

Personally I think it is a good thing, anything making the sport more professional can’t be bad but we will have to think about everything we eat etc in future.  If you visit the WADA website you can get hold of the banned substance list to check anything you are taking.

Ben

Posted in Sportive, Drugs? | Print | 4 Comments »

28/03/2011 by BenBlyth.

I have this morning finally placed the order for the jerseys following collecting (most) of the cash.

 If anyone outstanding (you know who you are, you have been text!) can send me through the cash as soon as they can that would be great.

Jerseys should be around three weeks and I will then arrange getting them all to you as soon as I can.

Peace out.

Posted in Club Clothing | Print | 3 Comments »

21/03/2011 by BenBlyth.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Doug,

We have 20 orders in for the Jersey’s.  I have received payment from pretty much everyone now (subject to a couple of cheques in the post).  I am putting the order in with Shutt so hopefully we will have the jersey’s within 4 weeks.  Any last minute changes, let me know ASAP (ideally by phone call) as payment will be sent to Shutt by the end of this week.

Final order list is:Andy Cal     -     x2 (both medium)

Phil Rounding -  x1 (medium)

Mick the Ref -    x1 (medium)

Rich C    -          x1 (small)

Dave H    -         x1 (medium)

Jack    -            x1 (medium)

John S    -         x1 (medium)

Mad John -        x1 (large)

Brad -                x1 (large*)

Doug    -            x1 (large*)

Alex -                x1 (large) 

Jeremy Frain -    x2 (medium and large) 

Geoff    -            x1 (medium) 

Les -                 x1 (large)

Ben -                 x1 (medium)

Fry Up -             x1 (large)

McCall -             x 1 (medium) 

Sky John -         x 1 (medium)

Speak now or forever hold your peace (not ‘piece’ McCall)

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03/03/2011 by BenBlyth.

All,

Thanks all for confirming the orders etc to me for the 120 year jersey.

We have to pay up front for the jerseys so I will have/will be contacting you all separately to confirm payment method’s etc however, to ensure I have not missed anyone please ensure you are on the list below and I have the correct sizes ordered for you.

Andy Cal     -     x2 (both medium) - Paid

Phil Rounding -  x1 (medium)

Mick the Ref -    x1 (medium)

Rich C    -          x1 (small)

Dave H    -         x1 (medium)

Jack    -            x1 (medium)

John S    -         x1 (medium)

Mad John -        x1 (large)

Brad -                x1 (large*)

Doug    -            x1 (large*)

Alex -                x1 (large) - Paid

Jeremy Frain -    x2 (medium and large)

Geoff    -            x1 (medium)

Les -                 x1 (large)

Ben -                 x1 (medium)

Fry Up -             x1 (I need your size Phil)

I think (hope) I have not missed anyone.  I have checked the blog, my texts, email and the orders I took at the dinner.  If you have been missed, do accept my apologies but let me know on here and or via text/email.

I would like to collect all the cash by Friday 18th March at the latest. Please let me know if this isn’t do-able.

McCall, you were uming and ahing, are you going for one (let me know because the size you may need they will have to put a bulk material order in)?

Also a big shout out (I seem to have turned in to a 90’s DJ) to Jeremy Frain who is currently over in Saudi Arabia. Jeremy’s partner Tina got in touch with me and we will have two jerseys winging their way out of the country when they are ready!  Jeremy used to ride with the club and keeps up to date via the blog (you see Doug, even people on the other side of the world will know you are not to be left alone on a farmyard).  Jeremy, Tina hope you enjoy the jerseys and if you are ever over in the UK we would love to see you on a club run!

Word up.

Ben

Posted in Club Clothing | Print | 11 Comments »

25/02/2011 by BenBlyth.

Afternoon campers,

This ‘pamphlet’ will be handed out at the dinner however, it makes sense to take orders on here as well:

Following much discussion, it was decided that a ‘one off’ special edition jersey would be produced to celebrate the 120^th Anniversary of the club. 

Various discussions were held, during both club runs and via the Blog, resulting in the attached design being agreed on by a majority vote. 

The cost per jersey is dependant on the overall number we sell and I have included the table showing the costs below.  Judging by initial interest I expect we will receive between 10 and 24 orders therefore the anticipated price is £77.50.

1-9 = £89.00 

10 - 24 = £77.50

The Final Design

See here for the agreed design.

Who is making the Jerseys? 

We will be ordering the Jerseys to be custom made by Shutt Velo Rapide who are a local (Ilkley) based company.  They started up in 2009 and have a very good, and growing, reputation for excellent quality kit combined with exceptional customer service.  All their materials are UK sourced where possible and the Jerseys are made in Yorkshire. 

What about the Jersey itself?

The Jerseys are made from Sportwool.   

Sportwool is a lightweight, composite fabric consisting of a layer of machine-washable superfine Merino wool next to the skin and a layer of tough, easy-care polyester on the outside. 

Benefits of Sportwool

As a result of Sportwool’s unique construction: 

Ø      The wearer feels cooler more quickly and formation of liquid sweat is delayed.

Ø      Liquid sweat is carried away from the skin to the outside of the fabric, leaving the inside dry and resulting in less ‘clammy’ garment cling.

Ø      The wearer stays cooler when exercising.

Ø      ‘Post-Exercise Chill’ is reduced.In addition, Sportwool is elastic, provides UV protection and does not retain odours 

The Jersey has been designed specifically for us and will include the text “120 Years Limited Edition” embroidered beneath the collar along with “Ravensthorpe CC est 1891″ across the chest.

 Sizing 

Please see the sizing guide on Shutt VR’s Website

Should anyone fall in-between or outside these measurements, let me know and I expect Shutt will be able to tweak a bespoke jersey to fit.

How to Order 

I will be passing round an order sheet at the dinner to collect orders.  

I will be taking payment up front and we anticipate the Jerseys will be ready in 4-6 weeks from placing the order. 

Please ensure this is passed on to anyone you think may be interested as once we have put the order through we will not be able to make additions. 

I will be bringing a Shutt jersey to the dinner for anyone who wants to look at the finish etc (please note, this isn’t a Ravensthorpe version, simply one of their ‘off the peg’ designs.)

If you want to order via this thread, please comment making sure you confirm your NAME, SIZE, QUANTITY,  EMAIL ADDRESS and a CONTACT NUMBER.

If you don’t want to put this info on the blog please see me at the dinner, email me at BenBlyth@HBoSPlc.com or Phone/Text me on 07766056907.

 Happy riding.

P.s - And no, we are not changing it to Black, Blue, Pink (McCall) or having “Doug is Great” as the text.

Posted in Club Clothing | Print | 10 Comments »

20/02/2011 by BenBlyth.

My local knowledge isn’t the best so if you are looking for a thorough description of today’s ride then you will probably get a better answer if you ask Doug and he isn’t even in this hemisphere. 

Now we have the official business out of the way, I will summarise today’s run.

Mirfield library was graced with the presence of, in height order, Al, Ben, Andy C, Jack, Paul, Mick the ref, Mad John, Phil R and Geoff.  Al, Andy and the Dutchman had been due to be time trialling this morning however, due to roadworks cancelling the event had made a last minute change of plan and, to the benefit of the rest of us, joined the club run.

We headed out of Mirfield in an easterly direction.  The terrible state of the local roads (Bolty, surely you can have a word…) made progress slow going but eventually we managed to join some quieter roads and managed to get in to a rhythm (fortunately everyone remembered to bring their favourite percussion instrument).

After heading east for a bit we then turned right and passed Barnsley on our left, the still day and slightly milder temperatures kept the mood up a lot more than it would have been if we had Saturdays snow and wind on the menu.

Before we knew it we had ticked off the 20 odd miles and arrived at Wigfield Farm/petting zoo where Paul and El Pres showed us how to make a Sheffield stand for 9 bikes actually accommodate 2!!

Fed and watered we headed back on the road, this time with the pace a little hotter. We headed west towards Langsett (not sure if we actually went through there though) before zig-zaging our way back to Mirfield via Denby Dale and Emly.

Half the way home, the pace was suddenly upped, not mentioning any names but Mad John put us all under some pain and the group was split with Jack and Al up ahead, Ben and John in no-mans land with the others following.  Jack, John and Ben joined up and took in a couple of tough little climbs near Emly before rolling off home.  Hope the rest of you made it home as tired as we were.

My stats for the day were 55 miles, a cold nose, 16.2 mph and 4,323ft of climbing.  As always with Ravensthorpe, a great route (hat tipped to Phil R), a jolly good laugh and some tired legs.

See you all at the dinner.

Posted in Club Run | Print | 10 Comments »

08/02/2011 by BenBlyth.

The nice people at Shutt have come back to me with a slight update on the Jerseys as per the comments received here.

Design Three is in effect the same with just a slight change to the typeface in the wording.  Also added is the wording “120 Years Limited Edition” below the collar on the back.  We thought if it was bigger it wouldn’t quite look right and may look a little cheap.  There is a one off fee of £20 for this then it is £1.50 extra per jersey.

Design Four is based on Alex’s comment about the Rapha Condor Sharp kit this year.  For obvious reasons we couldn’t exactly replicate this however we have tried to get the style.

Both kits have been designed based on the majority view that black isn’t safe however I have enquired with Shutt to see if we went with design Four we could do a black version for me and a few others who were keen (It would be the same jersey but switch the black and white).

Pricing:

Prices below are with and without VAT.

5-10     Jerseys - £74.14  - £89

10 - 24 Jerseys - £62.50 - £75

In addition, Ltd Edition embroidery is £20 one off then £1.50 per top.

I will let you know if we can do the black version of design two if people were interested.

Posted in Club Clothing | Print | 25 Comments »