Weekend roundup - 15/16 May

[Broom Wagon]

Ok, I know the weekend's not over yet, but I'll start this off. Saturday was the usual training ride for me. Lovely day, not that I could take in the scenery. We did the usual training loop, Gally Gap, Malton, Terrington. I struggle like Billyo on this loop but I have to admit in terms of training, the varied undulations work as far more effective interval training than I could ever do on my own.

The youngsters on the ride Mr B and Mr C, dished out the punishment, leaving us old gippers struggling in their wake. Thank goodness old Mr Bixby , was taking it easy this week, if those three had started knocking lumps off each other what a torrid ride it would have been for me. As it was I was doing my usual dying swan act whenever the road went up. Even when we did a bit of flat stuff at the end the legs complained mightly whenever I asked them for a bit of work. Still the way Paul and Ian rapidly became small dots in the distance suggested that even if my legs had been tickety boo it wouldn't have made much difference.

I've been really hoping that with the number of races I've entered and these training rides that by August I'd be able to class myself, for the first time ever, as a bona fide road racer. I'm starting to think, now, I'm really not going to be able to make that silk purse out of my pigs ear.

Also the impressive ride by the fit young lady, along, cycling in trainers rather made a mockery of my Carbon Fibre bike, cycling shoes and 20ish years of cycling. Ho Hum.

[PhilBixby]

As per previous post, a pleasant Saturday training ride with sunshine and vaguely warm conditions; tanlines aren't exactly full-on yet but at least the knees have moved on slightly from pearly white. Excellent ride by newcomer Jess who clearly has talent and determination, and also by the un-named fella who set off some ten minutes after us when his mate failed to show up and chased us solo, eventually arriving on the tail of the bunch, bathed in sweat, somewhere around Terrington!

As noted, I took it steady and kept an eye on the back-markers, only hauling myself properly out of the saddle when Benny put down the challenge on the climb into Sheriff - it was his Chevin kit that did it, I just couldn't help myself.

Broomwagon's being unfairly harsh on himself; second race of the year and he put in a creditable ride at Thursday night's EYRRL - definitely looked like a road racer, and didn't see him dropping off the pace yesterday either. Good to see how one or two other Saturday regulars have come on over the months too - sometimes you don't notice the progress because you ride with the same people, but with cycling the hard work usually pays off.

[Broom Wagon]

Hope my previous post didn't come across as too self deprecating, I'm going just as well as I was last year, with substantially less miles in my legs, which is nice. And I don't mind saying the people I spend most of my time cycling with now, are pretty useful.

But I'd like to turn up at a TLI or a 3/4th CAT race, be the sort of cyclist capable of getting in a break and working and who knows get a place. I hope it doesn't sound conceited but I don't think (when going well) I'm hugely off that, but whether that 10% or 15% extra power that could make me that sort of cyclist is there to be accessed. Through more training/eating better/sleeping more/drinking less beer (no no that's unreasonable )?

But whatever, I'm enjoying my cycling as much as ever, and enjoyed my last race, so I'll keep on plugging away.

[Jess]

Also the impressive ride by the fit young lady, along, cycling in trainers rather made a mockery of my Carbon Fibre bike, cycling shoes and 20ish years of cycling. Ho Hum.

I am actually blushing. You & Phil both being very generous there - I was absolutely knackered & hanging off the back by the time we got to Malton!

Seriously though, I had a really good ride - can't tell you what the scenery was like, or indeed where we went really since I was concentrating on the fire in my lungs & the pain in my legs, but hey - I said I wanted 'a bit of a challenge' so I reckon that's what I got!

Many thanks to Phil, who was brilliant and Chris, who both rode with me when I dropped off & didn't laugh at me (too much) on the last couple of hills.
As for the guys in front, I have to say, seriously impressive. If I ever manage to keep up with you (unlikely) I will be over the moon!

Anyway, bought some new shoes today and my membership's in the post, so I might see you on Thursday night....

Jess

[Rob]

Sunday Clubrun for me. Just me and Andy in The Square, was it something I said? Good ride though, classic route past Brimham Rocks to Pateley, then back over Jordan's to Masham and home via Grewelthorpe, Ripon and Bish Monkton. It was a good day for kite flying and we came back at a fair old lick. Clear air and big views. Loads of riders out, in 1s and 2s, maybe some of them were Cliftonites?

See you next week for the Runswick Bay ride.

[Dr Dave]

Yes, good training ride on Saturday. Legacy of France trip meant legs were a bit tired but managed to keep up most of the way round. I'm sure riding at a faster pace can only be good for me - maybe if I keep at it I'll get to be 'race-capable' one day!

[Tullio]

The MTBers headed to Glentress Forest for a joint weekend with York Mountaineering Club. About 20 riders out in total.

2 days of excellent weather (albeit a little chilly when stationary), great forest and moorland trails and a good crowd. Silver medal for the weekend goes to Lisa who, on Saturday, rode from the Bunkhouse to the Forest, rode the Black, Red then Blue Routes, then rode back again, then cooked everyone dinner whilst complaining she didn't find it hard enough. She would've got a Gold medal but whimped out on Jiri's Czech Vodka session and had an 'early night'.

Sadly the trails claimed a victim and Dan spent the afternoon in A&E and is now resting for a few weeks. Get well soon Dan!

[PhilBixby]

"...maybe if I keep at it I'll get to be 'race-capable' one day!"

Just come out to the EYRRL one Thursday evening and enter on the line - you'd be fine! Next one on 27th and should be at least four Cliftonites out there...

[MikeG]

It was the Etape du Dales for me on Sunday. 7 and a half hours riding 112 miles with 8 significant peaks to scale. With a 20 minute break at Tan Hill Pete and I still came in under 8 hours for a silver medal. It doesn't sound like much until you see the route profile! I didn't see any other Clifton jerseys, and I won't next year either as I'm still in the mindset that won't be signing up for that again!!

I have to add that the route signage and feed stops, not to mention all the marshalls and helpers were all first rate and the best I've encountered on any event of this sort.

Malcom Elliot came in with the fastest time about 2 hours before us which seems unfeasibly quick. He's quite handy for an old gimmer, and makes a bit of a mockery of my age related performance excuses. We got passed by Ed Clancy and Stephen Burke too while they were laughing and joking doing wheelies up one of the 25% grades (show offs!). We did get some revenge later on though by flying past them at high speed - but only because they'd stopped for a picnic

[paulM]

Did an LVRC Elderly Gentlefolks roadrace around Barton & Middleton Tyas near Scotch Corner on Sunday. Not an area that supports much in the way of road racing so a change of scenery for me. 5 laps of a rolling 11 mile circuit on a windy day. The pace was far from gentle in the 40 -50 age group and a decent size, high quality field meant a tough race. I was merely a visible rather than physical presence for this one, being a bit short of the racing miles, but did manage a couple of appearances at the front rather than off the front. A break got away after half distance and stayed away leaving the rest to sort out the very minor placings. I didnt so much unleash my sprint for the line as open the door and let it wander out. A worthwhile day nontheless and glad to actually get round in something and survive to fight another day. Darren Bendelow put in a more worthwhile contribution in preparation for the BC Div Champs that now isnt.

[Broom Wagon]

Dave, you are race capable, well you're better than me anyway. As Phil says the EYRRL on the 27th is the one for you. Get yourself TLI membership and turn up. If you need a lift there let me know.

No excuses will be accepted. If I'm out on Sunday you'll have to drop me to get away from the nagging.

And while we're at it, what about you Mr H, you were going like a train on Saturday. We could make a good show in the 2nd group.

Mindst you, I've taken my eye off the ball training wise a little for various reasons so I'll probably let the side down and be out the back

[mal]

All this talk of racing - it sounds positively exhausting! I managed to sleep in on Saturday, resulting in a late start to take myself round 86% (cut out the Cherry Burton/Beverley bits) of the Big G wolds grimpeur 100 mile route - cast iron social commitments precluding participation on the due day. It's a really good ride and if extra places become available I'd encourage anyone to have a go, even if the roads are familiar. Glorious blue skies, lots of clear bright sunshine, blossom and greenery in evidence round quiet country roads. Only downside of starting part way round, as I did, was that the birdsall/thixendale/hanging grimston/acklam climbs came right at the end and not half way round.

[Dr Dave]

"...maybe if I keep at it I'll get to be 'race-capable' one day!"

Just come out to the EYRRL one Thursday evening and enter on the line - you'd be fine! Next one on 27th and should be at least four Cliftonites out there...

Can't make the 27th but thanks to you and Steve for the encouraging words. I am getting the sense that I'm almost there - now need to get work/diary/calendar organised to get me on the start line!

Mind you I think that Mr Cameron and his chums have it in mind to have me at my desk 24/7 - and take a paycut for the privilege