Challenge Rides 2012

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:24 am

Was thinking of incorporating a similar number of big adventures into the Sunday Clubrun programme next year. Would be interested in your thoughts. Would anybody plan and lead something?

In April we did the Thixendale Sprirograph, which was a blast! Suggest we do it again.
Instead of Robin Hoods Bay we could do Runswick Bay.
Instead of Spurn Head G. had suggested Lincoln. Fancy leading it Greg?
Last I heard, Pete Grey Mem wasn't going to be run in 2012, so we could resurrect the traditional Yorks Alps route.

Instead of Ullswater Overnighter, I had an idea to do a Roses Midnight Ride. Leave York at midnight and ride to Lancaster and back. Out over the Forest of Bowland, early lunch in Lancaster, back over The Dales. Would be a bit shorter than Ullswater, but hillier. Should be able to get back before it gets dark again! Something to aim for

In addition to the above am sure the club will count the usual list of local audaxes and sportives.

Anyway, let me know thoughts on these or any other ideas you have. Post here, PM me, or chat on a Sunday....

Jon G · Post by **Jon G** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:17 pm

Rob you should definitely do the Thixendale ride again, it was one my highlights of 2011.

Also spoke to Greg in the sq. this morning and he mentioned your plans for the York-Lancaster ride which i think you also mentioned on the Ullswater ride.

I'm definitely up for some new challenges in 2012, will have a think and keep you posted Rob if anything comes to mind for sone Sunday rides that can double as 'challenges'

Jon

RichardD · Post by **RichardD** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:17 pm

I like the idea of the midnight ride. How about trying to time it for a full moon? No saturday ones in 2012, but Fridays 6th April, 31st August or Sundays 6th May, 30th September will be close. Alternatively, you could take a chance on the Persieds meteor shower over the weekend of August 11th?

G. · Post by G. » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:21 pm

If anyone wants to get used to night riding before going on one of Rob's epics, Simon's put up the dates for the 2012 Friday night rides to the coast here, the York -> Sunny Scunny -> Humber -> Hull ride is April 27th.

As for Lincoln, umm, I'm trying not to get roped in to too much in the third year of my phd. Sorry about that. To make the Lancaster ride really challenging, we could always try to get there and back in under 8h22m, Nim Carline's current record. Anyone fancy a go?

If you want something else long, I was thinking of extending the Three Bridges route up to Hornsea and through Thixendale to give an extra ~215km option. Does anyone fancy recce-ing that?

Darren N · Post by **Darren N** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:46 pm

The Lancaster ride sounds interesting…not that I enjoy riding at night! I recall briefly discussing a West coast option with you on the Ullswater ride but it seemed too far. A dip of the front wheel in the coastal waters near Lancaster is a nice alternative. Richard’s idea of riding to the tune of howling wolves sounds suitably freaky.

Regarding the PGM, is the Yorkshire Alps route the 2010 version via The Stang & Fleet Moss when we rode into a hurricane and were almost blown into North Wales? I’d be happy to do my bit and lead that one if you’re looking for a volunteer […provided you don’t slot it anywhere near the Olympic Games period in late July/August because I’m unavailable with work commitments.]

As an aside, it’s the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year too so everyone gets an extended holiday weekend on 2nd – 5th June. People may take the opportunity to get away that weekend which may influence your scheduling of rides.

Remember also that the Dales Grimpeur has died a tragic death and there’s no Ryedale Rumble in 2012 due to the Olympics.

Darren