Weekend Round Up 19/20 December

[Tony]

Twelve ventured out for the abridged A-ride to Millington. We had Graham, James, KevN, JonG, Stu, Pete, IanH, Dr. Dave, a couple of K-ride refugees: DaveI and JohnC, plus a new guy, George and myself all in good spirits, eager to get a workout and enjoy a Christmas lunch at Stu's place.

Except for, or perhaps I should say because of the strong southerly winds, the weather was amazing, it was at least 12C when we left the square, and I understand it reached the mid-teens. Everyone had expected the worst, including a shower, and we were quickly doffing jackets, arm and leg warmers once we got out of town. At the first comfort break Dr. Dave treated us to a rendition of The Full Monty, literally getting down to his shorts and socks to shed excessive base layers.

Stu had to return early to supervise the festive cooking and somewhere along the way, DaveI took a shortcut and said he'd meet us at the top of the Kirby Underdale climb, which he did.

The headwind was relentless climbing out of Thixendale up to Huggate and again cruising down the wind-tunnel valley to Millington. We stopped to regroup at the Millington junction, where we learned that George had got a flat. Ian scouted out the cafe and declared it open, so we took a vote and piled-in for a quick caffeine infusion (btw, cafe is also open Boxing Day).

Suitably refreshed we made a reasonable pace on the route back to York, arriving just in time for the festive repast at Stu's pub, whereupon the wounded warriors JohnB and DaveC met us, along with another guy Greg (?). Graham even managed a detour for a little Christmas shopping before arriving at the pub

Despite the wind, it was truly a glorious day out (the last time I road a bike in December was in Cuba two years ago) with most riders in shirt sleeves and some down to shorts. Our pace was off a little at 26Kph (no doubt due to the wind), and I completed 95Km, climbing 717m.

It was fantastic to enjoy a meal with the group and connect with a few guys who we'd not seen for a while. Thanks to Stu and his team for putting on a splendid festive spread, and the cycling-oriented pub quiz was a great idea Congrats to JonG's team Lotto on the decisive victory on the quiz!

The days combativity award goes to Dr. Dave, who despite not haven ridden for a while, dug very deep to hang on and took a few pulls at the front.

Several riders expressed interest in a Boxing Day ride, so I'll check the forecast and cafe options, before posting something mid-week.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[Jon G]

Another good ride on Saturday. Just what was needed to work up an appetite for an excellent Christmas lunch put on by Stu at the cross keys, thanks Stu

Also great idea of the cycling pub quiz but I really have to thank Greg for his help before he had to leave which enabled team lotto to victory

Let me wish all Clifton riders a merry Christmas and let's hope the mild weather holds for the weekend if there is going to be a ride on Boxing Day

Hope to be out if there is one

Jon

[Dr Dave]

Glad to finally get out again last Sat. Thanks to all the regulars who helped tow me round - shocking how quickly you can lose fitness once you've been out for a while. Must get back to reg rides and occ turbo sessions

[Rob]

We are so lucky. Fabulous ride again on Sunday including everything you could wish for a grand day out: some of the best cycling roads in Europe, great company, super light, lots of miles. There were 6 takers this year, JohnS thought 120miles would be enough and headed home from Hawes. The rest all completed the course; Simon, Muzzy, Steen and AndyG. Strong consistent riding from all.

Paul and I had plenty of time for some reminiscing.. Sunday was 25deg warmer than in 2010, but the atmosphere still managed to throw some challenges at us, this time in the form of some strong winds on the high ground and quite a bit of rain on the return leg from Leyburn..... but by then it didn't really matter. I personally dug very deep (more so than for a very long time) in the last hour and I had to sit on our door-step for a while to gather composure when I got home. My compatriots, on the other hand, looked fresh enough to ride around again.....

Merry Xmas chaps, great ride.

Not out for the next 2 Sundays, but the 10th January I'll badge as the New Year Revolution clubrun. It'll be a classic 70odd miler, ideal for satisfying that NY promise to yourself.

[paulM]

Tan Hill for me. Myself and Rob have plenty of previous experience but this one was just about the Carling club run! The BBC had been advertising the end of the world around Hawes around early afternoon on Sunday. However the slog up Wensleydale was not that bad, perhaps we just got there early? The wind was from the S/W so we were never really in it all day and it wasn't as intensely cold as most of the rest of our previous rides. We were blown up Buttertubs and across the top. We got a proper soaking at the top of Swaledale but again the wind was behind us so didnt seem that bad, but turning the corner past the old Youth Hostel at Keld saw one of the best rainbows I've ever seen. The decent from Tan Hill was a challenge in a gusty cross wind and not much better on Leyburn moor. But we were up on time and left the second cafe stop before dark and although we did have some heavy rain, again there were only short stretches of headwind. As always some great group riding and I was pleased I managed to hold it together all day and arrive home in reasonable shape which isn't usually the case. I think this is the 11th time we've done this Solstice ride and I'm sure Rob is of the same opinion that one day our luck will run out. Thankfully Sunday wasn't that day!

Merry Christmas!