Thought I'd just beat the rush of Metcalfers...
Since the race season's over and the recovery season is upon us (well, upon me, anyway) I headed out with a group of six on Kevin's ride yesterday. I always enjoy these; partly it's nice to be riding slow enough to string an entire sentence together while talking, and partly it's always a joy to experience the care that Kevin puts into route choice and generally making sure everyone gets the most out of the ride. Yesterday it was a route out to Thixendale and south to a cafe stop at Pocklington. It was like Kev's Secret Kingdom - we saw about five cars in a couple of hours, along lovely roads amidst the best of the early autumn countryside. Great stuff.
Weekend round-up, 25th/26th
Moderator: Moderators
I was a Metcalfer! The check-in ladies told me 179 riders tackled the 4 rides on offer today. The organisers were very pleased with the turn out as it enabled them to raise more money for charity than last year, which obviously was great news.
A huge contingent of 80-100 started the long route of 120k. Most were adopting a ‘no pit stop’ strategy en route. I managed to fall for a classic ‘trap for young players’ by positioning myself too far back on the starting grid which caused me to miss latching on to the front group as they sped off (not that I could have stayed with them anyway!). I began next to Jon G but then immediately lost him in seconds in the start mayhem – sorry Jon! I decided to slot into a 2nd group of hopefuls forming to chase down the front group, which had me ‘off the bit’ at a very early stage. I was joined here by fellow Clifton triathlete, Martin. The first selection point through Terrington sorted out the potential stayers. I was then delighted to catch up with Mal who had decided to drift off the front group. By the time we headed North into the wind, we had a core group of around 20 still trying to chase down the front-runners, who I might add were going like a bat out of hell and in fact we would never see again.
Somewhere along that north-bound stretch, Mal decided to ‘back off’ and after a quick chat, he kindly waved me on. At Marton, the ‘through ‘n’ off’ stuff started and I knew it would get ugly. At this point, I stupidly decided to set myself the personal challenge of trying to hang on to this group of hard-nosed racers to the finish. We came upon the next selection point in no time, ie. the hills around Nunnington and Hovingham. Every time I glanced back, more of our group had gone AWOL. By the time we hit the main road to Oswaldkirk, there was only seven of us remaining, which made my determination to ‘hang on’ even greater.
Through the hills around Ampleforth, Kilburn and Coxwold, it was serious teeth-gritting time. I had to dig deeper than a Chilean miner to hang on to the group. Just as I started believing I would make it home with them…disaster!! As we turned off the main road near Newburgh Priory onto the final 4-mile stretch of flat road, I went for my water bottle…and somehow dropped it! I was sooooooo disappointed!
I’d done all the hard work to stay on and then lost it in sight of the finish with my second numpty error of the day. By the time I’d gone back and picked it up, my group of 6 had put c.400 metres into me and, with the wind on our backs for the finale, I simply couldn’t close the gap.
I arrived back at HQ solo, smack bang on 1.30, making it exactly a 4-hour blast. When I went inside, Howard, Ian, Shaun and Dave were camped at a coffee table looking like they’d been there since midday! Today was an exhilarating ride, a fantastic, rolling course and a great one to really challenge myself. It was also very nice to have a tailwind on the 20 mile ride home, which enabled me get back by 3!
D.
A huge contingent of 80-100 started the long route of 120k. Most were adopting a ‘no pit stop’ strategy en route. I managed to fall for a classic ‘trap for young players’ by positioning myself too far back on the starting grid which caused me to miss latching on to the front group as they sped off (not that I could have stayed with them anyway!). I began next to Jon G but then immediately lost him in seconds in the start mayhem – sorry Jon! I decided to slot into a 2nd group of hopefuls forming to chase down the front group, which had me ‘off the bit’ at a very early stage. I was joined here by fellow Clifton triathlete, Martin. The first selection point through Terrington sorted out the potential stayers. I was then delighted to catch up with Mal who had decided to drift off the front group. By the time we headed North into the wind, we had a core group of around 20 still trying to chase down the front-runners, who I might add were going like a bat out of hell and in fact we would never see again.
Somewhere along that north-bound stretch, Mal decided to ‘back off’ and after a quick chat, he kindly waved me on. At Marton, the ‘through ‘n’ off’ stuff started and I knew it would get ugly. At this point, I stupidly decided to set myself the personal challenge of trying to hang on to this group of hard-nosed racers to the finish. We came upon the next selection point in no time, ie. the hills around Nunnington and Hovingham. Every time I glanced back, more of our group had gone AWOL. By the time we hit the main road to Oswaldkirk, there was only seven of us remaining, which made my determination to ‘hang on’ even greater.
Through the hills around Ampleforth, Kilburn and Coxwold, it was serious teeth-gritting time. I had to dig deeper than a Chilean miner to hang on to the group. Just as I started believing I would make it home with them…disaster!! As we turned off the main road near Newburgh Priory onto the final 4-mile stretch of flat road, I went for my water bottle…and somehow dropped it! I was sooooooo disappointed!
I’d done all the hard work to stay on and then lost it in sight of the finish with my second numpty error of the day. By the time I’d gone back and picked it up, my group of 6 had put c.400 metres into me and, with the wind on our backs for the finale, I simply couldn’t close the gap. I arrived back at HQ solo, smack bang on 1.30, making it exactly a 4-hour blast. When I went inside, Howard, Ian, Shaun and Dave were camped at a coffee table looking like they’d been there since midday! Today was an exhilarating ride, a fantastic, rolling course and a great one to really challenge myself. It was also very nice to have a tailwind on the 20 mile ride home, which enabled me get back by 3!
D.
Well I hoofed myself off to Hever Castle, for my last Triathlon this year.
Absolutely LOVED the bike section - 40k of rolling hills. Posted a fast time in some good company, and had great pleasure in overtaking some blokes on VERY fancy looking machines....
Sadly though, I was not fast enough to make up for my appalling Swim and run times.
Lake was bloody freezing & I couldn't get going at all - swallowed about a pint of dirty lake water and just seemed to get colder, no matter how much flailing of my arms I did.
Then I forgot to eat, or drink as I was enjoying the bike so much -so I was about dead when I got to the run. (and my feet were STILL numb)
Finished a not too shameful (but could have been A LOT better) 26th I think.
Overall an enjoyable day, but mostly due to the bike. Does beg the question as to why I'm bothering with the swimming and running bits.....
Hope the Metcalf went well for all.
Absolutely LOVED the bike section - 40k of rolling hills. Posted a fast time in some good company, and had great pleasure in overtaking some blokes on VERY fancy looking machines....
Sadly though, I was not fast enough to make up for my appalling Swim and run times.
Lake was bloody freezing & I couldn't get going at all - swallowed about a pint of dirty lake water and just seemed to get colder, no matter how much flailing of my arms I did.
Then I forgot to eat, or drink as I was enjoying the bike so much -so I was about dead when I got to the run. (and my feet were STILL numb)
Finished a not too shameful (but could have been A LOT better) 26th I think.
Overall an enjoyable day, but mostly due to the bike. Does beg the question as to why I'm bothering with the swimming and running bits.....
Hope the Metcalf went well for all.
I couldn't make the Metcalf due to my son's rugby commitments on Sunday which was a shame as I really enjoyed it last year.
However I did manage to get out on my mountain bike on Saturday morning. Unfortunately I was Billy No Mates again when I turned up at the start just outside Pately Bridge on what was a cold but sunny morning.
The route up Nidderdale is one of my favourite rides. A steep climb at the start gets you nicely warmed up and the path then descends and runs along the side of Gouthwaite Reservoir to Ramsgill. A picture postcard blue on Saturday. Across the road and then up the valley on a mix of stony paths and grass fields lead to a steep climb and then nice fast descent on a farm track drops you past How Stean. The road climb up to Middlesmoor is tough and then continues to climb on a rocky and technical track up to the top of the moor. A brief look back showed Nidderdale in glorious colour. Fantastic.
Once on top of the moor a short slog into the wind is rewarded with a very rocky descent to Scar House Reservoir .
The climb back out the otherside is less fun but once on the top of the grouse moor the track is fast (especially with a tailwind) but rocky enough to keep you on your toes until you hit the road at the top of Jordan Moss.
Across the road and then a very fast descent with half a dozen well placed drainage ramps keeps the adrenaline flowing
before the final long fast and rocky descent back to Ramsgill and a final push back alongside the reservoir on the road.
2.5 hours all told, glorious autumn weather and fantastic views. The ride takes in everything from lowland fields to remote moorland and stiches it all together with some tough climbs and grin inducing descents.
If you fancy a change from the likes of Dalby but haven't got a full day I can't recommend this route highly enough.
I great morning on the bike
John
However I did manage to get out on my mountain bike on Saturday morning. Unfortunately I was Billy No Mates again when I turned up at the start just outside Pately Bridge on what was a cold but sunny morning.
The route up Nidderdale is one of my favourite rides. A steep climb at the start gets you nicely warmed up and the path then descends and runs along the side of Gouthwaite Reservoir to Ramsgill. A picture postcard blue on Saturday. Across the road and then up the valley on a mix of stony paths and grass fields lead to a steep climb and then nice fast descent on a farm track drops you past How Stean. The road climb up to Middlesmoor is tough and then continues to climb on a rocky and technical track up to the top of the moor. A brief look back showed Nidderdale in glorious colour. Fantastic.
Once on top of the moor a short slog into the wind is rewarded with a very rocky descent to Scar House Reservoir
.The climb back out the otherside is less fun but once on the top of the grouse moor the track is fast (especially with a tailwind) but rocky enough to keep you on your toes until you hit the road at the top of Jordan Moss.
Across the road and then a very fast descent with half a dozen well placed drainage ramps keeps the adrenaline flowing
before the final long fast and rocky descent back to Ramsgill and a final push back alongside the reservoir on the road.2.5 hours all told, glorious autumn weather and fantastic views. The ride takes in everything from lowland fields to remote moorland and stiches it all together with some tough climbs and grin inducing descents.
If you fancy a change from the likes of Dalby but haven't got a full day I can't recommend this route highly enough.
I great morning on the bike
John
I always say that if you want to book a late Summer holiday find out when the MTBers are having their annual 2 day tour because the weather's always good.
This year we did a (mainly) off road tour of the South Dales and Forest of Bowland. Starting early Saturday at Coniston Cold we meandered our way NE into the Dales before heading West in a big arc over the open moorlands, through Settle for lunch and on into the ancient Forest of Bowland. We stopped for a play in Gisburn Forest Trail Centre for a couple of hours before continuing on to Slaidburn Hostel for the night.
Evening entertainment was a usual 'lively' affair helped by a big group meal and plenty of Old Peculiar at the local.
Sunday was equally glorious weather as we headed further West onto the fells, taking in one of the best descents I've done in ages, before heading back towards to cars via the quiet lanes and tracks. Probably one of the toughest trips we've done at 80 miles, 2700m climbing, the biggest group we've ever had(14), the most females on a trip and we arrived in daylight - which is another first.
This year we did a (mainly) off road tour of the South Dales and Forest of Bowland. Starting early Saturday at Coniston Cold we meandered our way NE into the Dales before heading West in a big arc over the open moorlands, through Settle for lunch and on into the ancient Forest of Bowland. We stopped for a play in Gisburn Forest Trail Centre for a couple of hours before continuing on to Slaidburn Hostel for the night.
Evening entertainment was a usual 'lively' affair helped by a big group meal and plenty of Old Peculiar at the local.
Sunday was equally glorious weather as we headed further West onto the fells, taking in one of the best descents I've done in ages, before heading back towards to cars via the quiet lanes and tracks. Probably one of the toughest trips we've done at 80 miles, 2700m climbing, the biggest group we've ever had(14), the most females on a trip and we arrived in daylight - which is another first.
Last edited by Tullio on Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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m-k-lewis@msn.com
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I switched codes for the weekend, spending it with some baggie trousered brethren!
We did the C2C with the off road options. 216km, 4700m of climbing.
I am pretty sore today I have to admit!
The old coach road is fun - cycled 80% of it, fell all over the place for 15% of it, swam the remaining 5%.
It is a great route though, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Nice to be back on tarmac though!
Mark
We did the C2C with the off road options. 216km, 4700m of climbing.
I am pretty sore today I have to admit!
The old coach road is fun - cycled 80% of it, fell all over the place for 15% of it, swam the remaining 5%.
It is a great route though, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Nice to be back on tarmac though!
Mark
I swung off the front of the lead group on the Metcalfe ride on the way upto Coulton, suffered a total systems failure and got dropped. I hate that climb.
I carried on with Howard upto the Helmsley road but really couldn't face another 20+ miles back to Easingwold, I just couldnt see the point. So I went left and took the tail wind home. Pity really as I'd felt fine upto that point. But there were some strong and some clever riders at the front disappearing up the road whilst there was some carnage behind. But I wasn't too disappointed as I still had nearly 80 miles in at nearly 20 mph door to door when I got home and Macmillan cancer support got a tenner which was the main reason I was there.
A good ride by Howard and apologies for not sticking with you, mate but honestly you would have been quicker on your own! Can you ride like that with a number on your back? You need to try it next year just to say you've done it!
I carried on with Howard upto the Helmsley road but really couldn't face another 20+ miles back to Easingwold, I just couldnt see the point. So I went left and took the tail wind home. Pity really as I'd felt fine upto that point. But there were some strong and some clever riders at the front disappearing up the road whilst there was some carnage behind. But I wasn't too disappointed as I still had nearly 80 miles in at nearly 20 mph door to door when I got home and Macmillan cancer support got a tenner which was the main reason I was there.
A good ride by Howard and apologies for not sticking with you, mate but honestly you would have been quicker on your own! Can you ride like that with a number on your back? You need to try it next year just to say you've done it!
Cheers Paul and no worries, my wheels started to come off too on the climb out of Hovingham.
An interestingly intense day for me. I found it much harder towards the end than I anticipated I would and after being dropped by the lead half dozen or so out of Hovingham I fought to the end to get back to them. At one point I was only 20 yards or so off ‘em but just couldn’t close it… Got round in 3hrs 30 min dead and felt much more more tired than my average heart rate suggested I should.
Memorable events of the day for me:
Seeing DaveC, resplendent in Clifton colours, leading the front group for mile after mile during the initial part of the ride.
Going into the red (and having to stay there) in order to stick on PaulM’s wheel up Terrington Bank.
Repeatedly finding myself on the front for longer than I thought fair despite much elbow twitching on my part. At one point I resorted to the inelegant tactic of moving to one side, having a quick lifesaver look, and then jamming my brakes on – crude but effective!
“Breaking away” with, ahem, 20 miles to go only to find that the map on the t’internet seemed at variance to the road signage. So I stopped, waited and then had breathless discussions with about 20 others concerning the route to be taken…ah well.
Great to find out from the lovely ladies at the end that we’d raised over 2k for Macmillan Nurses.
An interestingly intense day for me. I found it much harder towards the end than I anticipated I would and after being dropped by the lead half dozen or so out of Hovingham I fought to the end to get back to them. At one point I was only 20 yards or so off ‘em but just couldn’t close it… Got round in 3hrs 30 min dead and felt much more more tired than my average heart rate suggested I should.
Memorable events of the day for me:
Seeing DaveC, resplendent in Clifton colours, leading the front group for mile after mile during the initial part of the ride.
Going into the red (and having to stay there) in order to stick on PaulM’s wheel up Terrington Bank.
Repeatedly finding myself on the front for longer than I thought fair despite much elbow twitching on my part. At one point I resorted to the inelegant tactic of moving to one side, having a quick lifesaver look, and then jamming my brakes on – crude but effective!
“Breaking away” with, ahem, 20 miles to go only to find that the map on the t’internet seemed at variance to the road signage. So I stopped, waited and then had breathless discussions with about 20 others concerning the route to be taken…ah well.
Great to find out from the lovely ladies at the end that we’d raised over 2k for Macmillan Nurses.
I love my Pit Bull