The Ron Kitching Sportive for me on Saturday. 55 names on the start list but I reckon no more than a dozen took off at 8:00am on the long route – maybe the cancellation of the York Cycle Rally had taken its toll. I luckily found Ian H at registration so we did it together, pretty much on our own. One bloke tried to tack on near Castle Howard on the way back but blew up spectacularly. We also saw 2 or 3 others in the Fadmoor village hall feed station, including Vincenzo Nibali’s twin brother, who spent his time having photos taken with all the cake ladies!
The route took us up to the northern end of the Moors to Danby via Blakey Bank and then back via Little Fryup. Physics students would know the term for when opposing forces counter each other – well, the blustery south-westerly blowing right up our backsides to help us up and over Blakey was perfectly countered by the wind emanating from the opposite direction due to the climbing effort. Unfortunately, the same south-westerly made the long climb up Little Fryup an absolute shocker. We chose the sociable option of riding side by side rather than the more efficient 2-up approach, even though this had us both facing the breeze all day. The route took us back through Appleton Le Moors while the Rosedale Chimney option was also available for psychos. Having done Spurn Head only 6 days before, Blakey and Fryup were enough for me. Ian wanted extra value for his money and decided to take up the Chimney option, leaping over it on the Big Ring! – this could have been the reason for him feeling sick as a dog for the remainder of the day. We had arranged to hook up again on the other side at Marton village hall for cakes. We lucked out with the weather, it rained all around us after Marton but never actually on top of us.
Don’t know what to make of the cost – either it cost me 18p per kilometre for a bike ride or I had the most expensive fruit scone ever sold in a village hall. There’s hardly any mention of charity on the Ron Kit ride page but they claimed it was for a good cause. At least we bagged two challenge series points each, - and that’s my goals achieved for the year. Huge thanks go to Ian for making it a great day as I was fully expecting to spend it in the solo TT position.
D.
Weekend Roundup 22nd & 23rd June
Moderator: Moderators
Well, the Sunday Clubrun was a good deal cheaper, though we did have to pay for our scones.....
Good to be doing a simple route after all the epic rides recently. Lots of new faces this year and there was a group of 9 in the Square. Tackled Cockayne loop anti-clockwise and included Surprise View as a little bonus. It was a "fresh" day and we were repeatedly hit by squally showers, but the moors looked lovely - much more verdant than usual... With Dan, Andy and Marcus on gate duty we made good progress.
Only extra excitement of the day was my combination lock "jamming". The cafe owner lent me some tin snips and I did a few stretching exercises to warm up my muscles for the expected force I was going to have to apply.... well, you can guess the rest......!
Back in York at a smidge after 3.
Next week's challenge ride will be a bit longer
- check out the other thread. If you're planning a more sensible 0900 ride I suggest you post your intentions - reckon you'll get quite a bit of company....
Good to be doing a simple route after all the epic rides recently. Lots of new faces this year and there was a group of 9 in the Square. Tackled Cockayne loop anti-clockwise and included Surprise View as a little bonus. It was a "fresh" day and we were repeatedly hit by squally showers, but the moors looked lovely - much more verdant than usual... With Dan, Andy and Marcus on gate duty we made good progress.
Only extra excitement of the day was my combination lock "jamming". The cafe owner lent me some tin snips and I did a few stretching exercises to warm up my muscles for the expected force I was going to have to apply.... well, you can guess the rest......!
Back in York at a smidge after 3.
Next week's challenge ride will be a bit longer
- check out the other thread. If you're planning a more sensible 0900 ride I suggest you post your intentions - reckon you'll get quite a bit of company....'A' group/Inters followed Kev's suggested route out over Settrington bank and West Lutton before grinding into the westerly back through Sledmere etc to Millington for lunch. 6 riders only: Finn and Jen, John C, Mike H, 'Obri Coaching Racing Kit Man and self.
After a leisurely lunch the sprints for village signs kept things interesting and we were soon back.
A slightly miserly 73 miles this week - can we have a few more please Kev whilst the longer summer days last?
After a leisurely lunch the sprints for village signs kept things interesting and we were soon back.
A slightly miserly 73 miles this week - can we have a few more please Kev whilst the longer summer days last?
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reubenbarrett
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2011 7:44 pm
- Location: Tadcaster Road
17 in the Square for the 8:45am ride and we were joined by 2 en route making 19 in total. I think this is the biggest group for this ride and it is on the limit of an acceptable number to send out as one group. There were a few new faces which is great.
We headed westwards on one of the training ride regular routes through Tadcaster, Thorner and then headed back via Sherburn and Cawood. The headwind on the way out was significantly eased by the size of the group and we flew back on the return leg with the tailwind. The weather was very kind to us and we avoided the forecast showers with only light rain for about 5 minutes.
We were fairly organised until Sherburn with regular stopping and re-grouping which was great. At Cawood it all went a bit wrong with half of the group stopping and the other half continuing on before we had a chance to re-group which then left a few in the middle not knowing what to do.
I waited for those who had fallen off to re-group and then we set off a couple of minutes later. We picked up several dropped riders on the way to Naburn.
Just a gentle reminder to everyone - the 8:45am ride is a group social ride, not a race training ride or a chaingang. That means looking after each other and, if someone goes get dropped, regrouping at junctions or the top of hills. This group will have a range of abilities in it so I am sure that re-grouping will be necessary quite frequently. There will be some people who are new and don't know their way back so it's really not on to keep riding and letting people fall of the back. Of course, if someone wants a gentler ride home on their own and knows their way back, that is fine.
Everyone has a responsibility to look after the others in the group and I don't think we should have a whole string of dropped riders on a group social ride even if we are only 5 miles from York. Just my two pence.
We headed westwards on one of the training ride regular routes through Tadcaster, Thorner and then headed back via Sherburn and Cawood. The headwind on the way out was significantly eased by the size of the group and we flew back on the return leg with the tailwind. The weather was very kind to us and we avoided the forecast showers with only light rain for about 5 minutes.
We were fairly organised until Sherburn with regular stopping and re-grouping which was great. At Cawood it all went a bit wrong with half of the group stopping and the other half continuing on before we had a chance to re-group which then left a few in the middle not knowing what to do.
I waited for those who had fallen off to re-group and then we set off a couple of minutes later. We picked up several dropped riders on the way to Naburn.
Just a gentle reminder to everyone - the 8:45am ride is a group social ride, not a race training ride or a chaingang. That means looking after each other and, if someone goes get dropped, regrouping at junctions or the top of hills. This group will have a range of abilities in it so I am sure that re-grouping will be necessary quite frequently. There will be some people who are new and don't know their way back so it's really not on to keep riding and letting people fall of the back. Of course, if someone wants a gentler ride home on their own and knows their way back, that is fine.
Everyone has a responsibility to look after the others in the group and I don't think we should have a whole string of dropped riders on a group social ride even if we are only 5 miles from York. Just my two pence.
I'm really impressed that you've got stuck in and got this ride off the ground. It's got critical mass and appears to be happening week in - week out. On flat roads like you did this week, and even up to the middling hills, you should really be aiming not to drop anyone at all - no regrouping necessary. It's much more efficient to ride at a pace that everyone can handle and keep the weaker riders in the wheels. When you've got 19 riders, getting the message up to the front to "knock 10W off" can be a challenge - so all have to be aware. Also, you'll find that the rider that's actually struggling will generally not shout up - so again, we have to look out for each other.reubenbarrett wrote:Just a gentle reminder to everyone - the 8:45am ride is a group social ride, not a race training ride or a chaingang. That means looking after each other and, if someone goes get dropped, regrouping at junctions or the top of hills. This group will have a range of abilities in it so I am sure that re-grouping will be necessary quite frequently.
I was asked to write a page about group-riding a while back: http://www.cliftoncc.org/road_riding/group_riding - I think its still applicable...
Last edited by Rob on Mon Jun 24, 2013 6:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reuben speaks much sense! For many reasons I've had a poor year and not got out very much at all so are struggling for fitness but I did go out on my first 8:45am a couple of weeks ago. As this Saturday it was a big group with many new (to me) faces but this ride was quick with a few riders wanting to show off their fitness, well on the hills but didn't seem to do much work on the front on the flats 
I felt out of my depth on this "social" ride, made my excuses and found my own way home. The regroups were few and far between but thanks Tony for dropping back for me. We did loose a new comer somewhere en route so lets hope he got back ok. I will be out again but a little group discipline goes a long way
I felt out of my depth on this "social" ride, made my excuses and found my own way home. The regroups were few and far between but thanks Tony for dropping back for me. We did loose a new comer somewhere en route so lets hope he got back ok. I will be out again but a little group discipline goes a long way
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Cyan Skymoos
- Posts: 525
- Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 1:46 pm
I visited some friends in Cambridge and rode the ECCA 100, which was clearly an afterthought and not the real reason for going down there at all! Unfortunately I drew the number 13 - not that I'm superstitious but it meant I had to start at 5:13am, so I had to get up at 2:30 to get there on time! Anyway, I pinned it on upside-down in the traditional manner, but then my computer stopped working after about 5 miles. Clearly the upside down trick didn't work, so next time I may pin the number back to front and inside out too. Bernard, would that be a problem? Anyway, I managed to fix it by re-adjusting the sensor on the move, and managed not to lose any fingers to the spokes in the process, so I guess that the upside down number trick must have at least some worth
There was a stiff wind all morning, rather like last year's national 12 as it happens. What is it with me and windy TTs? I finished in 4:28:17, which was enough to beat my friend by 20 seconds! There are people in the club who can beat that, but it'll give you a nice target to aim for come the YCF 100 in mid July. I shan't be there as I'll be organising ...
The Three Bridges / Bridges and Beaches
These are happening on Saturday July 13th this year, and start at Stamford Bridge scout hut, and are worth 2 and 3 challenge points respectively. You can enter in the post, online at the links or on the day - although I'd prefer one of the first two options as it allows me to plan the catering.
The Three Bridges is a regular 100 mile (161km) club event which starts at 09:00 and takes you on a loop of East Yorkshire via the Humber Bridge and Boothferry Bridge. The Humber Bridge is probably the second hardest climb on the whole event. There's usually a fast group that blasts round in five and a bit hours, then there's everybody else who enjoys the cafe stops and takes (quite) a bit longer. There's plenty of food at the end, plus a friendly organiser. If you haven't ridden 100 miles before, it's an ideal place to start. It's also probably the easiest 2 challenge points on the calendar.
The Bridges and Beaches is something a little more challenging that I cooked up last year. This starts at 08:30 and heads out through Thixendale to Bridlington seafront before weaving its way through the lanes of East Yorkshire to the Humber, where it rejoins the Three Bridges route. It was enjoyed by all who did it last year: Here is the write-up of one satisfied customer. Why not test yourself and give it a go this time round?
There was a stiff wind all morning, rather like last year's national 12 as it happens. What is it with me and windy TTs? I finished in 4:28:17, which was enough to beat my friend by 20 seconds! There are people in the club who can beat that, but it'll give you a nice target to aim for come the YCF 100 in mid July. I shan't be there as I'll be organising ...
The Three Bridges / Bridges and Beaches
These are happening on Saturday July 13th this year, and start at Stamford Bridge scout hut, and are worth 2 and 3 challenge points respectively. You can enter in the post, online at the links or on the day - although I'd prefer one of the first two options as it allows me to plan the catering.
The Three Bridges is a regular 100 mile (161km) club event which starts at 09:00 and takes you on a loop of East Yorkshire via the Humber Bridge and Boothferry Bridge. The Humber Bridge is probably the second hardest climb on the whole event. There's usually a fast group that blasts round in five and a bit hours, then there's everybody else who enjoys the cafe stops and takes (quite) a bit longer. There's plenty of food at the end, plus a friendly organiser. If you haven't ridden 100 miles before, it's an ideal place to start. It's also probably the easiest 2 challenge points on the calendar.
The Bridges and Beaches is something a little more challenging that I cooked up last year. This starts at 08:30 and heads out through Thixendale to Bridlington seafront before weaving its way through the lanes of East Yorkshire to the Humber, where it rejoins the Three Bridges route. It was enjoyed by all who did it last year: Here is the write-up of one satisfied customer. Why not test yourself and give it a go this time round?
Last edited by G. on Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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craigdabrown
- Posts: 353
- Joined: Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:19 pm
I decided to head home on Saturday afternoon in order to watch the British Road Racing Championships in Glasgow on Sunday. For that reason, I wasn’t able to commit to a whole day with K Group and chose to give the 8:45 ride a go instead.
As mentioned previoulsy, there were 17 riders in the Square and as we departed it suddenly occurred to me that I’d never actually been on a Club Ride without Kevin – scary! The pace was pretty comfortable during the first part of the ride and I actually found myself on the front at one point – although I think I was maybe a tad enthusiastic without Kevin’s controlling influence and probably stayed there too long and tried to push it a bit harder than I should have.
From Scholes onwards, the pace increased and during the only rain shower we encountered I was definitely a bit slower and more tentative on the descents and around the corners than the main bunch but we had a number of stops to re-group. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden as fast as we did with the tailwind around Sherburn and was definitely hanging on in the midst of the group at that point but it felt Ok.
At Cawood, the ride was split by the traffic lights and Reuben shouted that we should re-group but the front group were already a bit too far ahead. As usual, I dithered and ended up on my own between the two groups but it wasn’t an issue as I was quite happy to ride back as fast as my legs, or my head, would allow. That said, it was nice when Reuben and another rider caught me up and provided a fast tow back into York.
Thanks to Reuben and the other riders who gave me the odd pointer when required. I really enjoyed the ride, as it was slightly different to what I’m used to, and I hope to be out again sometime in the future. It definitely complements the existing Saturday rides and comprises of sufficiently experienced riders to ensure that any issues with pace, re-grouping etc. can be ironed out.
I also really enjoyed the Road Racing in Glasgow. It was great to see professional riders tackle the streets and inclines I’d cycled on while working in Glasgow and provided a bit of a taster to watching the Tour riders on the roads around York next year.
Craig
As mentioned previoulsy, there were 17 riders in the Square and as we departed it suddenly occurred to me that I’d never actually been on a Club Ride without Kevin – scary! The pace was pretty comfortable during the first part of the ride and I actually found myself on the front at one point – although I think I was maybe a tad enthusiastic without Kevin’s controlling influence and probably stayed there too long and tried to push it a bit harder than I should have.
From Scholes onwards, the pace increased and during the only rain shower we encountered I was definitely a bit slower and more tentative on the descents and around the corners than the main bunch but we had a number of stops to re-group. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden as fast as we did with the tailwind around Sherburn and was definitely hanging on in the midst of the group at that point but it felt Ok.
At Cawood, the ride was split by the traffic lights and Reuben shouted that we should re-group but the front group were already a bit too far ahead. As usual, I dithered and ended up on my own between the two groups but it wasn’t an issue as I was quite happy to ride back as fast as my legs, or my head, would allow. That said, it was nice when Reuben and another rider caught me up and provided a fast tow back into York.
Thanks to Reuben and the other riders who gave me the odd pointer when required. I really enjoyed the ride, as it was slightly different to what I’m used to, and I hope to be out again sometime in the future. It definitely complements the existing Saturday rides and comprises of sufficiently experienced riders to ensure that any issues with pace, re-grouping etc. can be ironed out.
I also really enjoyed the Road Racing in Glasgow. It was great to see professional riders tackle the streets and inclines I’d cycled on while working in Glasgow and provided a bit of a taster to watching the Tour riders on the roads around York next year.
Craig
Clifton’s mountain bikers enjoyed a weekend trip away at Glentress in Scotland- a mecca for MTB’ers.
It started a few weeks ago with a stream of emails sent to each other titled “Glentress-Food” and that set the spirit for the trip!
25 of us gradually arrived during Friday at our “bunk barn” accommodation, including our team mascot dog ‘Toby’ who made it feel like a family atmosphere. Then we started on some serious preparation: not with carbo-loading on pasta, bike adjustments and an early night, but instead with alcohol and going to sleep at 1 am.
Saturday morning we split into 2 groups, based on how much fork suspension travel you had- the Steady group averaged 4 inches of travel and the Fast group closer to 6 inches.
Simon W took our group onto “Innerleithen red route” where we rode to the summit of Minch Moor at nearly 600 metres above sea level (the NY Moors is 300m in comparison). The great thing about the climbing was that it occupied you so much with hairpin bends, technical rocky bits and stunning views of pine tree-coated mountains, that it never felt like hard work. And the descent afterwards was designed to be as varied and as long as possible. So we swooped round berms (cambered bends), over drop-offs, ‘table tops’, rock gardens and twisting singletrack through forests. (As usual I was in a group well above my ability, so thanks to all for waiting a bit after the descents).
Lunch was had at a 50 seater café at Glentress built specifically for mountain bikers- it even had a bike shop attached. In the afternoon we rode Glentress’ Red route, returned to the café as part of a “two café stop strategy” (surely we deserve 2 Challenge series points?!) before tackling the Blue route at 6 pm.
The Blue route was perhaps the favourite ride of the weekend, because in parts you barely needed to pedal or brake and providing you stuck to a 10 inch wide well-worn line, the route threw you at up to 20 mph into bends and troughs and drops. A minute’s footage is here.
Re-live the whole Glentress red route descent here.
Saturday night saw the barbecue positioned under a porch out of the rain, with a conveyor belt of Jay’s excellent burgers and sausages feeding the troops, followed by a bit more drinking and laughs into the early hours of Sunday.
On Sunday, with both bike and body a little worse for wear, we did the best bits of Glentress Red and Blue from the day before. Then we had lunch at the café, hosepipe’d and GT85’d the bikes, loaded up the cars, said goodbyes and drove the 4 hour journey home.
We had a fantastic time on a concoction of adrenaline, caffeine, post-ride exercise ‘buzz’ and alcohol that made for a lot of chuckles and fun.
Thanks to Hannah W for arranging and everyone for making it such a great week-end.
It started a few weeks ago with a stream of emails sent to each other titled “Glentress-Food” and that set the spirit for the trip!
25 of us gradually arrived during Friday at our “bunk barn” accommodation, including our team mascot dog ‘Toby’ who made it feel like a family atmosphere. Then we started on some serious preparation: not with carbo-loading on pasta, bike adjustments and an early night, but instead with alcohol and going to sleep at 1 am.
Saturday morning we split into 2 groups, based on how much fork suspension travel you had- the Steady group averaged 4 inches of travel and the Fast group closer to 6 inches.
Simon W took our group onto “Innerleithen red route” where we rode to the summit of Minch Moor at nearly 600 metres above sea level (the NY Moors is 300m in comparison). The great thing about the climbing was that it occupied you so much with hairpin bends, technical rocky bits and stunning views of pine tree-coated mountains, that it never felt like hard work. And the descent afterwards was designed to be as varied and as long as possible. So we swooped round berms (cambered bends), over drop-offs, ‘table tops’, rock gardens and twisting singletrack through forests. (As usual I was in a group well above my ability, so thanks to all for waiting a bit after the descents).
Lunch was had at a 50 seater café at Glentress built specifically for mountain bikers- it even had a bike shop attached. In the afternoon we rode Glentress’ Red route, returned to the café as part of a “two café stop strategy” (surely we deserve 2 Challenge series points?!) before tackling the Blue route at 6 pm.
The Blue route was perhaps the favourite ride of the weekend, because in parts you barely needed to pedal or brake and providing you stuck to a 10 inch wide well-worn line, the route threw you at up to 20 mph into bends and troughs and drops. A minute’s footage is here.
Re-live the whole Glentress red route descent here.
Saturday night saw the barbecue positioned under a porch out of the rain, with a conveyor belt of Jay’s excellent burgers and sausages feeding the troops, followed by a bit more drinking and laughs into the early hours of Sunday.
On Sunday, with both bike and body a little worse for wear, we did the best bits of Glentress Red and Blue from the day before. Then we had lunch at the café, hosepipe’d and GT85’d the bikes, loaded up the cars, said goodbyes and drove the 4 hour journey home.
We had a fantastic time on a concoction of adrenaline, caffeine, post-ride exercise ‘buzz’ and alcohol that made for a lot of chuckles and fun.
Thanks to Hannah W for arranging and everyone for making it such a great week-end.
Last edited by Karl M on Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:47 am, edited 1 time in total.