Weekend Round-up, 12th-13th

[Dr Dave]

10 Inters this morning: Richard, Jon G, Karl, Graham, John B, Scott, Matt, Kev, Craig and self. After last week's exertions a steady pace was the order of the day. Leavening bank saw a few eager climbers demonstrating their prowess whilst the remainder played possum and kept their powder dry. Settrington bank was tackled steadily then we swooped down to the A64 for the drag across to the Moors. Heading to Yedingham at a steady 24 mph gave the first inkling that the return might be somewhat more challenging than anticipated but we put such thoughts to the back of our minds and headed steadily up from Snainton to Troutsdale, splitting up along the way and regrouping at the T junction.
Turning West along Langdale it quickly became apparent that the impression formed earlier was correct - the Met Office had seriously underestimated the South-Westerly breeze and we would be ploughing into it for the next 45 miles. Undeterred we progressed to Dalby Forest Drive in 2s and 3s before grovelled up the climb that precedes the swoops and turns that make the Drive one of my favourite roads. The headwind detracted a little of the exhilaration (aka speed!) but we soon climbed up to the toll booth before descending gratefully to the cafe for a well-earned lunch stop.
Several breakfasts were consumed (even though 2pm had passed) and we were soon on our way again. Volunteers for the front were dwindling as the miles and gradients were starting to take their toll but we progressed steadily until Jon G kindly punctured just before Amotherby so that we could have a rest before the drag up the hill towards Coneysthorpe. Graham then followed his example before the ascent through Terrington -thanks to both for the consideration lads!
A few riders were finding the gradients hard work but we kept together well in the main.The final climb to Sheriff has seldom felt steeper and the wind as resistant as ever during the miles to Strensall but soon we were back in York with another enjoyable Inters ride behind us.
Over the past few weeks we've had some really enjoyable rides - thanks to all for the company and banter. Next weekend - Easter Saturday - I feel another century beckons: Jordans or Bilsdale north to south perhaps?

Edit: please ignore route suggestions - see below

[craigdabrown]

First Inters ride of the season for me, talked into it during the excellent awards evening the previous night. Dr. Dave has done a great job in taking on and leading these rides and the guys have certainly stepped up the pace since the last time I joined them. To be honest, I struggled for most of the day and a big thank you to everyone for their efforts at the front, their encouragement, for waiting for me at the top of the steep climbs and at the bottom of the fast descents. Arrived home with 99.68 miles on the Garmin, so a quick lap of the block took it to over 100 and eased the leg pain slightly.

[Karl M]

(Post deleted. In trying to think what would be best for all, I was inconsiderate to one and that’s wrong. Sorry.)

[Steen Berg]

Enjoyed the awards evening on Friday felt the informality of it worked well. Possibly people mixed well because of it. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.

Scotton today was great. Hard in the head wind at the end. The extra bit Dave added on was great from Fawdington. One of the puddles must have come over the tops of my wheels. I added on my own bit of about 5miles towards the end which gives me something to improve on for next year. Most seemed please with the ride lots of us had an extra adventure by getting lost. As Heather said to me that's part of it and she should know.

Thanks very much Dave and all who made it happen. One of the best events of the year for me. Just give the guy with the arrows a few more.

[Allan]

Only 4 takers for the 0845 ride this week, led once again by Tony G. We all enjoyed the route out towards Poole and the tailwind on the way back made for a speedy ride. 62 miles non stop and back for 12.30.

[pete p]

Only Andy G & Myself in the square for the club run this morning. We battled the headwind out to the cafe @ Bolton Abbey. Then once refuelled we had a monster tailwind all the way home. Garmin tells me 95 miles door to door

[craigdabrown]

Can I just say that I had absolutley no issue with the length or pace of the Inters ride on Saturday. Our route was well documented and I simply found it a bit of a struggle on the day because, due to personal circumstances, I'd only manged a couple of "K" rides this season. That was entirely my fault.

We should take into acount that the extremely mild winter has resulted in most riders being ahead of the game, with regard to fitness, for this time of year and the ride on Saturday appeared to be well within the capabilites of the reguar Inter riders.

I was simply disappointed in my own efforts and can't emphasise enough that everyone in the group regularly asked how people were doing, we regrouped whenever necessary and the sronger riders, as well as putting in long shifts at the front, also dropped back to pace other riders back into the bunch.

I was really impressed with how the other guys were riding and how Dave had taken the lead with these rides. I wanted to make the effort of giving an Inters ride a go again but simply bit off a bit more than I could chew on the day.

Hope this clears things up.

Craig

[Tullio]

A weekend of assistance from me.

First the revised Awards evening on Friday where I had pleasure in helping to dish out some awards to deserving members. What a list of achievements too and a good range of ages from 13 to 76 I think. Really good to see so many of the Go-Ride community there too, both riders and parents. They are such an important part of the Club these days. Well done to the organisers.

Yesterday I gave a hand at the Scotton to let Dave ride it for a change. Great weather and a big field of riders as usual. It has the feeling of a real Classic event too; no frills - just ride.

On the thorny topic of Club ride length, and in Dr Dave's defence. The Inter Ride has grown over the years out of riders wanting a full, challenging day on the bike. In the past distances have always crept up as weather improves and days get longer and why not, after such a wet winter. The distances I stated in the ride descriptions were only ever meant to be a guide and it's down to those doing the rides to decide amongst them what sort of ride they want. That's the way it's always been and I think we should appreciate that someone's relieving Kevin a bit to help choose routes and lead.

[dave c]

I did the Scotton 100 on Sunday, great event. I ended up on my own most of the time but had a good trouble free event. Only incident was coming off on the grassy rutted section by the side of the motorway. No harm done and straight back on.

Many thanks to Dave, Paul and the other organisers/helpers for a great event and amazing food at the end.

Cheers

Dave

[Dr Dave]

Further to recent postings, deletions and general communication I have started a separate thread where I hope a well-meaning and thoughtful discussion of options for future Saturday rides might take place. Ideally all riders who participate in the Saturday rides should feel able to contribute so that we can hopefully all understand each other's wishes and perhaps produce a consensus that will satisfy many - I fear that to completely satisfy all is a lofty aim but may be over-ambitious.

[mikeh]

Lonely ride for me on Saturday. Having controlled my alcohol intake at the awards evening (I didn't have any), I set off early to the Dales. The weather forecast told me that I wasn't going over Buttertubs so I aimed for Leyburn on my own. Great ride, pretty direct through Boroughbridge, Ripon, Masham, and toasted tea cake at Leyburn. Wardrobe malfunction at Thirn produced a broken zip on my jacket that needed safety pin closure whilst I was drinking my tea. I had always wanted to go into that huge building on the square. They had one packet of pins left. I came out of the cafe to a Wizard of Oz style whirling wind, heavy grey clouds, and horizontal drizzle.

I headed home much the same way as I came in with some slight variations. Very strange meteorological conditions meant that I could feel the rain blasting into my face but the roads were dry. Very strange. Puncture about 3 miles from Ripon was quickly and easily changed without fuss and I arrived home with 108 miles and a crumb on the clock.

Working in Hawes tomorrow (Tuesday) so taking the bike and sneaking a cheeky loop over Buttertubs so I know what to expect when I add it to the above ride when the weather is more appealing.

[Darren N]

I had a Big Day Out in the Scotton 100 on Sunday, joining Ian H to escort the event organiser, Dave I’A, on his first ‘official’ ride of the event. I rode my MTB, seemingly a dying breed of only around a dozen in a field of 100. The wind made it a lot tougher than usual, particularly over the final 10. The three of us were laughably reduced to Old Crocs by the end - I had returned from a monster ski trip the night before and resembled a cycling airbag – big lungs but no legs left. Ian H ached all over as he recovered from injury and we’d led poor Dave too quickly in the first half so he was also on his last legs. In hindsight, we should have called in to the Ripley Café and spent 3 hours reading the papers over a coffee. Nevertheless, there were still some positives – Dave set an inaugural PB for the event and Ian and I set our fastest time this year for the course! Huge thanks to my riding partners for the BDO.

Big thanks also to Dave and the gang for another sensational event, it’s one of the highlights of the year for me, not to mention another commemorative mug for the cupboard. Also, many thanks to York Cycleworks for their kind support of the event.

D.

[Allan]

Perhaps a bit late for the weekend but I will chip in again anyway.
Broke up for a weeks holiday at noon today and the bike was begging me to take it out.
I decided to take my first trip around Cockayne this year and what a cracker! 14 degrees and clear skies, only a slight headwind on the return leg to Carlton, loads of lambs, but more importantly I felt like a lottery winner as both gates were held open by walkers as I ascended the hill. That must be a first on a solo ride??
76 miles, 1230 m of climbing, a respectable (for me) 16.7mph average and I never unclipped once.
Happy days.
Not out for this weeks 845 - hope you all enjoy

[paulM]

A week late I know as been away but I'd just like to say thanks to Dave and everyone involved in the Scotton. It was as superb as ever. Lady luck is yet to shine on me in this with a puncture on one of the "easier" stretches at Skelton meaning a long lone ride before picking up some company. But even I managed to follow the direction arrows this time! This is a unique event that must tick a lot of boxes for those who turn up every year not least the £1600 raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. There are times and some great photos further South on the Discussion board. But dont tell anyone as it will fill up even quicker next year!