Author Archive
Glossop 22.08.10
23/08/2010 by Doug.
This was a ride of two halves. At the start were Captain Alex, Sky John, President Phil, Metal Mike, Martin Lucas, John, Geoff and me. The pace was steady as we went out to Glossop. This was a fine route – a long way round to Uppermill. It was lovely scenery almost all of the way. Well done to Mike – I am guessing that this was his longest ride yet on his road to recovery – but I, for one, was very impressed with his determination. To ride a bike with his “device” on his lower leg is some accomplishment. Roll on the day it comes off!
We stopped at the petrol station cafe and fed our faces. This was very nice scran indeed – beans on toast with an egg on top and a pot of tea.
From there we split up. Alex and I were determined to go over Snake
Pass and the Strines and invited anyone else who wanted to come along. Sky John didn’t know what to do – he had seen the Strines , but only from the “easy” side; and he had seen the profile of Snake on some You Tube thingy or other. He sat, frozen, on his bike outside Barclays Bank in Glossop whilst the others went out towards Woodhead and Alex and I headed up the road. I turned back and said to him “Don’t be a p**f, come with us”. And he did. It’s amazing what a few words of encouragement can do!The route over Snake and Strines was thoroughly enjoyable. I hammered it up Snake, followed by Alex, and John was left to pedal a couple of minutes back – but he did it with ease. We regrouped at the top and descended into the valley and up to Strines. John obviously had some mental block about Strines Moor, but when it came to the tough bit he did just fine. We rode up together, side by side, letting Alex off the leash (!) and all the trepidation was forgotten as he nailed that hill! To reflect on the day’s climbing we had a pint of coke, crisps and coffee in the pub beer garden in Langsett, overlooking the reservoir. The staff in the cafe had been obnoxious, once again, as we queued to get served, so we turned and left! It was a good decision.
From there we hammered it home. 85 miles, 15.3mph average speed. Well done to Mike and Sky John on this one – good ride from both lads.
Lynda’s Ride 8th August 2010
09/08/2010 by Doug.
The route for this year’s ride was different to the previous three years. We arrived at 6am outside Sowerby Bros Cycles, and about 30 of us lined up for the start. Alex, Craig and Howard Newton, and I represented the Thorpers.
We cycled to Morecambe, suffering two punctures through
Bradford, picking up Craig, who had slept in but managed to get ahead because of our unscheduled stops. A morning stop in Settle, 47 miles in, meant that we could gorge ourselves on sandwiches and drink tea, courtesy of some very kind folk and good organisation.
Afterwards Alex and I decided to stretch our legs and up the pace. Actually we hammered it a bit. It provided some entertainment – we did it for a good 8 or 9 miles and the group spread out. We actually arrived in Morecambe for 11.30am and had time to “see the sea” before the second group arrived. We then went for lunch at a Church Hall - pasta, cakes, coca cola, tea, and coffee were all provided.
The trip back was the hard bit. We had averaged nearly 19 mph going to the coast, but we had some monster climbs on the way back. The Trough of Bowland was truly magnificent – and Widdop Moor played its part in sapping the strength in the legs. Some youngsters joined us on Widdop. Dave rode back with them and gave the “okay” for everyone to hammer it back. We duly obliged.
A very large group played “cat and mouse” at the end – and with all those miles in our legs we all took turns on the front and put in speeds of up to 31mph from Elland to Mirfield. It added to the fun of the day – and we all finished with smiles on our faces.
Our average was 16.5 mph by the end, but the climbs were relentless for the homeward journey. The total mileage was 148 miles. Was it better than the traditional route? I didn’t think so on the journey out; but the return route was outstanding. The other route is more “epic”, but this one was more interesting and more enjoyable, and logistically better – we didn’t have to start and finish in different places.
Hopefully we may have alleviated a little suffering by raising some money for Kirkwood Hospice. A huge thank you to Dave Sowerby for once again organising a marvellous day. I enjoyed myself very much, and it was a privilege to take part.
Cycling Weekly this week - page 74
23/07/2010 by Doug.
For those of you who think that I do not have a heart, and that I am a complete ****, I was the one who saved the day. Jack soldiered on, of course. Please read “hard nut of the week”.
Tomorrow
23/06/2010 by Doug.
Tomorrow (Thursday), Carlos and I are heading up towards Grassington/Burnsall for a hilly ride . If anyone else is interested in coming along, you are most welcome. We aim to start at 9.30 ish and could meet at the library at that time. Please reply below. Cheers.
Sunday 20.06.2010
15/06/2010 by Doug.
Myself and one other (Carlos Sastre) are setting off early on Sunday (6.30am) with a view to getting a few more miles in. This is subject to the weather forecast not being foul, of course; and I propose to confirm the arrangement on Saturday evening by further comment on this blog entry. If anybody else is interested in this early start you are most welcome to join us. The destination will be confirmed on the morning - it will either be Helmsley and Sutton Bank or How Stean Gorge depending on the wind direction. The ride distance will be 100 - 110 miles (ish). Please confirm your interest by comment on this entry (and remember to read the blog again at 9pm on Saturday evening to double check the arrangements). Cheers.
GYBR
07/06/2010 by Doug.
This was a truly brilliant day. Martyn, Howard, Craig, Carlos and myself all set off early from Wetherby racecourse and were in the first 12 riders to arrive. We had a stop after 35 miles and then pressed on to Filey where we had a proper lunch. Having “seen the sea” we turned and rode back, stopping in a beautiful Wolds village for coffee and a scone halfway. The weather was warm and humid except for half an hour on the way back when the heavens opened and it bucketted down.
This ride was not as flat as one would expect. There were a couple of one in four hills - one of them a real drag where I raced a Malton Wheelers rider to the top (as did Martyn). The best part of the day was, however, the company. We laughed all the way there and back, covering 140 miles at an average of 16.7 mph. We all took turns at the front and shared the work, and it was very rewarding stuff.
Another “must” for next year, and a good reason to do more “long” rides.
Richmond Sportive 29.05.2010
29/05/2010 by Doug.
What a shame about the weather today. Had it been warm and sunny it would have been a perfect day. However, long sleeves gillet, full fingered gloves and knee warmers were the order of the day. It rained virtually all day - some of it was very light, however.
The day was still splendid despite the weather. For £15 there was a top route, three feed stations and a hot meal at the end - Etape eat your heart out. I did the 100 mile 5 dale route which took in, amongst other climbs, Tan Hill, Fleet Moss (the hard way, from Hawes) and Park Rash. This is a hard ride, but a rewarding one. I saw Jack, briefly at the begining, and I understand that Craig was going to do the ride too. A shame that there weren’t more club members there. I missed silver by 4 minutes this year, but knocked 22 minutes off last years time, which I am delighted about. I was very tired at the end and suffered, strangely, with a bout of hiccups for about an hour after scoffing my hot meal. I sounded like a Drunk on a Friday night with a belly full of ale.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record - everyone should do this ride.
Great Yorkshire Bike Ride 05.06.2010
25/05/2010 by Doug.
So far, me, Bolty and Craig are doing this ride. Brad may also be doing it too, but with his good lady, Ange. We are riding back from Filey, which will make a round trip of 130 - 140 miles. Is anybody else interested? If so, it would be good to have you along - it should be a good day.
WYCOLLER - SUNDAY 23.05.2010
23/05/2010 by Doug.
This has to be one of the best club runs that I have ever been on. Present at the start were myself, Ben, Martin Lucas, Dave, Craig, and Maurice. El Capitano couldn’t be there due to sickness, but standing in for him was Carlos Sastre.
We took a very hilly route over to Keighley and stopped as Rossis for a brew. Maurice decided to go his own way from there (lovely new bike, by the way). The rest of us then took off via yet more hills to Wycoller where we were welcomed at a new cafe (highly recommended). There we sat in the sunshine and enjoyed lunch, chatting about the issue which has caused some friction amongst club members, namely the speed of the club runs. Everybody had their say and took into account the views of others. It is noteworthy that although the pace of this run was brisk over the hills, those who got to the top first waited for the others, with no ill feelings.
Anyway, we set off back over Widdop for yet more climbing and some fantastic descending too, and home via Sowerby Bridge and Clifton. What made this ride rather special was the route; the weather (hot!), and the company. 70 miles were covered at an average just short of 15 mph - not bad because we went up some monster climbs.
In the words of the untrendy outdated 80’s pop group, “Haircut 100″ - Fantastic day!
CLUB RUN SUNDAY 23.05.2010
21/05/2010 by Doug.
I have been requested by the powers that be to inform one and all of the destination for this week’s club run. The destination is Wycoller via the undulating route. There is a good cafe to enjoy either a F.E.B. or baked beans on toast with an egg on top, or just a scone - take your pick, the combinations of tasty fare are just mind blowing, apparently. I have heard one good weather forecast at least - but who knows? At the risk of putting you all off, I shall be there - hope to see many more.
