Lots to post about this week!
I road the Arthur Metcalfe. 17 riders in the Square. This swelled to 21 Clifton riders by the time we left the HQ and there may have been others in the event. The group of 21 soon grew even bigger as usurpers joined us. The group was just too unwieldy and traffic couldn't get past, so I for one one was quite releaved when it splintered on Terrington bank. Sorry to those left behind - hope you managed to form a groupetto.
What was left of the Clifton main group pushed on and swept up more riders till, by the time we got to Great Barugh, I counted 37. Good to see the Clifton boys and girls taking plenty of turns.
The next big selection happened at Nunnington. A young lad went up the road, some of us followed and before we knew it there were just 6 of us with nobody else in sight. Climbing Coulton we had Mussy and ex international Dave Stephens on the front. Behind the conversation stopped. Even Mussy's shoulders were rocking when, just before top, Dave kept the pace going but lifted his hands from the bars, sat up and started eating a banana... now that just taking the.... The only thing I was likely to be chewing on at this point was my stem!
By Ampleforth, Saun, John Savage and me couldn't hold on any longer and drifted backwards. Mussy and co were never out of sight, but we were never going to get back on.
What a ride. Hardest I've ridden all year by some way. 70+ miles in about 3-45 over very heavy roads. My quads are twitching while I type this. Much better event than last year. We didn't have that dull circuit around Borobridge (just one long circuit around Ryedale) and the staggered start quelled most of last year's testosterone.
Hope every one else had a safe and enjoyable ride.
Weekend Roundup
Moderator: Moderators
I was one of the 17 riders in the square but had already made other plans for what was my first post-race-season week of rest. Did I want 75 miles of challenging hills? Nooooo! I wanted a sunny pootle among autumn tints and, after riding with the Clifton peloton up the Easingwold city limits and then peeling off, that is just what I got. Well, 60 miles in just over three hours just so I didn't feel too much of a slacker but it was wonderful exploring the backroads out past Ripon at the end of what has been the finest September's weather I can recall. Nice to see the club out in force for the Metcalfe, too.
To add to the Arthur Metcalfe post...
I rode in from the square with the Clifto group, I was very surprised at how many people were there, considering it was only 8:20. Pleasantly surprised though, you always get that 'Good, this means I wont have to do much on the front' thought...
So then we rolled out of Easingwold at quite a fast pace (by my standards at least) which went on... and on... in fact, it never really did slow down except at hills and junctions. The Clifton Express rode on, but by somewhere around Wombleton I couldnt keep up any longer, and drifted out the back, only to find Danny about 100 metres behind, who had spent the entire ride trying to join the group but couldnt quite reach it.
I the went further back, and worried for a brief moment theat would mean I'd have to do the rest all alone, but luckily I managed to join the next group at Nunnington, formed mainly of a selection of other riders dropped off from the Express. The bakery at Hovingham seemed tantalisingly appealing, so thankfully we stopped there and I could get my breath back over a pasty.
Three of us, me plus a couple from Ilkley, set off together again, and rode at a far nicer pace, no more than 20mph on the flat. We happily followed the seemingly well signed route, blissfully unaware that somebody had been sabotaging the direction arrows, until we ended up in Carlton Husthwaite. We were sure we werent meant to go there, and a look at the map confirmed this.
So... on to Easingwold... or so we intended... we decided to try to regain the route by climbing out of Husthwaite, but didnt realise the map meant us to turn right at the crossroads on the way up. A we approached the T-junction at the end, we could see some Clifton riders, and thought 'ahh, were back on track'... however, these had gone striaght on by Newburgh Priory (due to lack of signage) and told us we needed to go back the way we came... oh dear, another scenic detour!
Eventually we made it to Easingwold at least, relieved that we hadnt gone wrong again. Now it was just the small matter of getting back tio Melbourne!
I didnt have to go completely alone, I managed to find some people riding back to Malton, so there was some company for a bit. It was a pretty easy ride back, with the added bonus of meeting Kevin on the way, that gave me an extra psychological boost to get home, which I did at about 5. for Willhub, it ended up as 198.5 Km (123.3 miles), at an average of 26.9 Kmh (16.7 mph), and using 9398 calories (for any dieticians who are interested). Definately worth its 2 points!
I rode in from the square with the Clifto group, I was very surprised at how many people were there, considering it was only 8:20. Pleasantly surprised though, you always get that 'Good, this means I wont have to do much on the front' thought...
So then we rolled out of Easingwold at quite a fast pace (by my standards at least) which went on... and on... in fact, it never really did slow down except at hills and junctions. The Clifton Express rode on, but by somewhere around Wombleton I couldnt keep up any longer, and drifted out the back, only to find Danny about 100 metres behind, who had spent the entire ride trying to join the group but couldnt quite reach it.
I the went further back, and worried for a brief moment theat would mean I'd have to do the rest all alone, but luckily I managed to join the next group at Nunnington, formed mainly of a selection of other riders dropped off from the Express. The bakery at Hovingham seemed tantalisingly appealing, so thankfully we stopped there and I could get my breath back over a pasty.
Three of us, me plus a couple from Ilkley, set off together again, and rode at a far nicer pace, no more than 20mph on the flat. We happily followed the seemingly well signed route, blissfully unaware that somebody had been sabotaging the direction arrows, until we ended up in Carlton Husthwaite. We were sure we werent meant to go there, and a look at the map confirmed this.
So... on to Easingwold... or so we intended... we decided to try to regain the route by climbing out of Husthwaite, but didnt realise the map meant us to turn right at the crossroads on the way up. A we approached the T-junction at the end, we could see some Clifton riders, and thought 'ahh, were back on track'... however, these had gone striaght on by Newburgh Priory (due to lack of signage) and told us we needed to go back the way we came... oh dear, another scenic detour!
Eventually we made it to Easingwold at least, relieved that we hadnt gone wrong again. Now it was just the small matter of getting back tio Melbourne!
I didnt have to go completely alone, I managed to find some people riding back to Malton, so there was some company for a bit. It was a pretty easy ride back, with the added bonus of meeting Kevin on the way, that gave me an extra psychological boost to get home, which I did at about 5. for Willhub, it ended up as 198.5 Km (123.3 miles), at an average of 26.9 Kmh (16.7 mph), and using 9398 calories (for any dieticians who are interested). Definately worth its 2 points!
I also did the Arthur Metcalfe ride today riding out from the square at 8:30am. Was my first decent length ride since the Ryedale Rumble back in August so was unsure who I was going to get on.
I set off in the rather large Clifton group and managed to split into the first group on Terrington. I felt quite good I think due to the tailwind but then moved up to the front as it seemed when the headwind kicked in. I did a few miles up front with Ben but had to drop back as I was starting to feel the pressure. Managing to keep on the back, I rolled on for a few more miles until the group split once again on some hill (no idea which one!) I was then on my own. I could see Ben and a couple of others about 100Mtrs in front but just couldn't catch until just before Ampleforth where we all stopped at the shop for some much needed energy boosters. Having only left home with 4 funsize MilkyWays I was quite under prepared! Ben and the others set off just before me but I couldn't catch them up so completed the rest of the ride on my own.
I got back to Easingworld just after 2pm where there were a few Clifton riders. I had a quick coffee and a slice of cake then set off with them back to York returning home at 3pm with 103 miles on the clock at an average speed of 17.58mph!
Legs now feel heavy and tired but that's the challenge series gold medal in the bag! A very enjoyable day (most of the time) with great company and good Autumn weather.
I set off in the rather large Clifton group and managed to split into the first group on Terrington. I felt quite good I think due to the tailwind but then moved up to the front as it seemed when the headwind kicked in. I did a few miles up front with Ben but had to drop back as I was starting to feel the pressure. Managing to keep on the back, I rolled on for a few more miles until the group split once again on some hill (no idea which one!) I was then on my own. I could see Ben and a couple of others about 100Mtrs in front but just couldn't catch until just before Ampleforth where we all stopped at the shop for some much needed energy boosters. Having only left home with 4 funsize MilkyWays I was quite under prepared! Ben and the others set off just before me but I couldn't catch them up so completed the rest of the ride on my own.
I got back to Easingworld just after 2pm where there were a few Clifton riders. I had a quick coffee and a slice of cake then set off with them back to York returning home at 3pm with 103 miles on the clock at an average speed of 17.58mph!
Legs now feel heavy and tired but that's the challenge series gold medal in the bag! A very enjoyable day (most of the time) with great company and good Autumn weather.
I can confirm the hot pace from the off for today's Arthur Metcalfe but thankfully splitting the start meant the dodgy racing of past years didn't happen. As was said the deciding selection happened at Nunnington, I saw the move go but had absolutely no ability to produce a chase. The rest of the route passed without event and the best part of the day for me had to be being lead by Mal down the Paris-Roubaix-esque farm/cycle track, definitely one to go back and explore again.
Saw a couple of riders with battle scars, including one guy with ripped shorts and who probably won't be able to sit comfortably for a couple of weeks but glad to hear everyone from Clifton sounds like they had a good day.
Saw a couple of riders with battle scars, including one guy with ripped shorts and who probably won't be able to sit comfortably for a couple of weeks but glad to hear everyone from Clifton sounds like they had a good day.
I'll concur with all the above with regard to the speed, it often felt more like a race than a supposedly restrained Audax. I gues that's what happens when you let the road racers set the pace!
Was happily sitting in the wheels and staying in touch until the top of Nunnington, when I realised Rich was no longer with me - I'd promised to ride with him -and freewheeled to the cafe in Hovingham where John, Viginie and Danny joined us for a leisurely pot of tea and some cake. Our group of 5 then set off at a much more sedate pace, until Danny rode away at Ampleforth, leaving 4.
I realised the sign was wrong before Coxwold, but in the absence of further signage in the village we climbed up past Newburgh Priory before meeting Arthur et al at the junction, whereupon we descended an interesting byway/farm track to the finish.
In the Galtres centre I planted the seed of "egg and chips as the perfect recovery meal" in Virginie's head, which lead to her setting a fantastic pace on the way home! A good day and over 100 miles by the time we made it home. I believe that the faller mentioned by Ben is my MD! He's in work today, so no major damage done and he still finished ok.
Was happily sitting in the wheels and staying in touch until the top of Nunnington, when I realised Rich was no longer with me - I'd promised to ride with him -and freewheeled to the cafe in Hovingham where John, Viginie and Danny joined us for a leisurely pot of tea and some cake. Our group of 5 then set off at a much more sedate pace, until Danny rode away at Ampleforth, leaving 4.
I realised the sign was wrong before Coxwold, but in the absence of further signage in the village we climbed up past Newburgh Priory before meeting Arthur et al at the junction, whereupon we descended an interesting byway/farm track to the finish.
In the Galtres centre I planted the seed of "egg and chips as the perfect recovery meal" in Virginie's head, which lead to her setting a fantastic pace on the way home! A good day and over 100 miles by the time we made it home. I believe that the faller mentioned by Ben is my MD! He's in work today, so no major damage done and he still finished ok.
-
like my bike
- Posts: 697
- Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:19 pm
- Location: The East
The MTBers had a good turnout for the day out to Hamsterley Forest. Good to see yet more new faces and RichT's young family in tow (didn't know they made Camelbacks that small!).
Cracking weather all day gave us ample chance to explore the Black Route, the new Red XC Loop and the Downhill and 4X Courses plus some other bits. The place, although smaller than Dalby's network feels a bit more 'rootsy' with lots of tough trails, locals doing insane things on the Downhill Course and spectators. Craig's Tea Shop feels somewhat different to Audrey's at Dalby. No Tea and Buns on a garden bench, just warm cans and chocolate off the counter then sit outside on the mud whilst downhillers whistled past at head height off one of the jumps.
Thoroughly recommend it as a break from Dalby Forest.
Cracking weather all day gave us ample chance to explore the Black Route, the new Red XC Loop and the Downhill and 4X Courses plus some other bits. The place, although smaller than Dalby's network feels a bit more 'rootsy' with lots of tough trails, locals doing insane things on the Downhill Course and spectators. Craig's Tea Shop feels somewhat different to Audrey's at Dalby. No Tea and Buns on a garden bench, just warm cans and chocolate off the counter then sit outside on the mud whilst downhillers whistled past at head height off one of the jumps.
Thoroughly recommend it as a break from Dalby Forest.
Yes, I am certainly feeling the effects of the Arthur Metcalfe ride today. 100 miles at an av of 17mph in the end but the first 60 were closer to 20 mph. As said I decided to join Rich, Chris , Ginny and Danny at Hovingham for a break before prceeding back to Easingwold at a more sensible pace. However I did have to ride the remaining distance witha broken seat rail when it decided to go after the desent into Hovingham. It was rather an uncomfortable ride back but it could have been worse it could have been the seat post.
Jon
Jon
-
bernard turgoose
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:21 pm
Our select group after the first split at Terrington comprised of Dawn, Elaine,Willy & I, we had a very pleasant ride, which is what I thought these charity rides were all about - so we ambled round stopping at Nunnington around 12.00 & then left having had a Howard style lunch at about 13.00. We also spotted the wrong arrow after Kilburn, but didn't see any other signs, but did wonder if the Byeway route to Easingwold was the correct way. But with no sign we continued until Crake & then turned right for Easingwold, a couple more hills than the official route - but some how still 5 miles short of the 75 - what did others make it ?
Bernard
Bernard
Looks like a Clifton jersey...like my bike wrote:Anyone ride the 3 Peaks ???
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eddieallen ... 346982373/
Last edited by photoBen on Mon Sep 28, 2009 8:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I also did the Arthur Metcalfe I went in the car to Easingwold as I wanted a fast ride round and not get home too late.
Set off with the first group along with Tim J, the pace was fast and I felt quite good all the way averaging over 20 mph, but going up the hill after Hovingham I had a Pu****re in the the rear tyre so watching the group disappear I replaced the tube got the wheel back on started to change the gears up to a low gear ready for the rest of the hill then the cable snapped where it connects to the shifter so I decided I would have to head back to the finish the shortest way I could as there was no way I wanted to struggle round the rest of the route in top gear.
Pity as I was really enjoying the ride, still I had a good workout and luckily I have already got enough points for the series.
Ian H
Set off with the first group along with Tim J, the pace was fast and I felt quite good all the way averaging over 20 mph, but going up the hill after Hovingham I had a Pu****re in the the rear tyre so watching the group disappear I replaced the tube got the wheel back on started to change the gears up to a low gear ready for the rest of the hill then the cable snapped where it connects to the shifter so I decided I would have to head back to the finish the shortest way I could as there was no way I wanted to struggle round the rest of the route in top gear.
Pity as I was really enjoying the ride, still I had a good workout and luckily I have already got enough points for the series.
Ian H
Definitely a ride of two halves.
Stayed with the front bunch to Nunnington and was surprisingly comfortable and having a good ride at a pace well above my norm. Nunnington, however, seems to have been the nemesis for numerous people - in my case a serious shooting pain up the inside of my leg brought me to an abrupt halt. My sincerest apologies to anybody behind me who had to check their speed or take evasive action to get round me.
After that it was a steady ride back, including the Paris - Roubaix diversion with PhotoBen just for the hell of it.
Stayed with the front bunch to Nunnington and was surprisingly comfortable and having a good ride at a pace well above my norm. Nunnington, however, seems to have been the nemesis for numerous people - in my case a serious shooting pain up the inside of my leg brought me to an abrupt halt. My sincerest apologies to anybody behind me who had to check their speed or take evasive action to get round me.
After that it was a steady ride back, including the Paris - Roubaix diversion with PhotoBen just for the hell of it.
As Mark reported 6 of us Howard, Andrew, Shaun, TomF, Mark had a great day. Castle Howard, Appleton, Rosedale, Egton Bridge, Whitby(great F & S shop recommended by Tom), Grosmont, Stape, Pickering, Riseborough, Malton, and back to York via Kirkham Abbey for me.
I was going to do the Aurthur Metcalfe on Sunday (entered it) but started to come down with a cold.
Dave
I was going to do the Aurthur Metcalfe on Sunday (entered it) but started to come down with a cold.
Dave