I thought I would kick of this week.
There was 2 of us for the club run. Rob and I headed out through Wetherby,Kirby Over-Blow and over Bland Hilll. I had been worried about how gusty it might be going over there, I have some scary memories, but it was so calm. Rob felt it was almost spring like. The cafe at Darley Mill was closed for decoration andwill not be re-opening until March. We stopped at Summerbridge instead for a bacon sarnie and crumble. Came back to York via Bishop Thornton (sign of the times the Drovers Arms has closed down)crossed the A61,Stavely, Arkendale and split after Marton with Rob going back to York over Aldwark Bridge and I went home to Bishopthorpe via Whixley, Cattal etc.
It was a good ride and I hope other people had a good weekend.
Weekend Round Up
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I did manage about 47miles on Friday as I was going to Scarborough Hospital for a visit to do with my job. I cycled from York to just past Malton where a collegue gave me a lift the rest of the way. I even managed to get paid 20p per mile for it! Still it was dark and I did get snowed and rained on (in the morning) so not that pleasant.
Being tied up Sun i headed out late Sat am toward Hutton le Hole to find cafe shut there too - but pub served a v nice soup and sandwich along with pot of tea.
Pretty much followed the shorter of the Ron Kit routes and despite cooling off mid afternoon and being a bit of a step up from my normal 2 hour routes v enjoyable.
Plenty of ice about on side of road and a few puddles felt crunchy under wheel. The ford by St Gregory's had enough water, running at a fair old speed, to send me up onto the footbridge.
As an aside what do they put in grit? Either something has changed or chains are made out of butter nowadays.
Pretty much followed the shorter of the Ron Kit routes and despite cooling off mid afternoon and being a bit of a step up from my normal 2 hour routes v enjoyable.
Plenty of ice about on side of road and a few puddles felt crunchy under wheel. The ford by St Gregory's had enough water, running at a fair old speed, to send me up onto the footbridge.
As an aside what do they put in grit? Either something has changed or chains are made out of butter nowadays.
Family visit on Sunday but got out on Saturday - wooohooo. Waited until lunchtime as it all looked very pale and crisp first thing. Another hour's-worth of sprint drills followed by a pleasant, vaguely sunny ride out through Skipwith, Bubwith and probably various other 'withs while keeping the pedals spinning round briskly. Coughed for about an hour afterwards - freezing cold air really isn't good for you! Last week of Base training coming up, then it gets serious...
Lots of riders on Saturday so there was a 'B' ride as well as the usual 'K' and 'H' rides.
The 'H' ride consisted of Howard, Chris C, Dave C, Jon G, Ian H and myself. We set off down Stockton Lane as usual but shortly after leaving York the race had to be neutralised to avoid accidents as we gingerly tiptoed the first hour to avoid falls on the shiny/icy roads through Bossall to Howsham. Then the roads seemed better and we were able resume normal pace along the Castle Howard straight, through to Nunnington, then across to Ampleforth. On the short sharp pull out of Ampleforth we passed Kevin and his 3 charges going the other way as they sped down the hill issuing the usual exhortations to greater efforts. As a result of this a break got away consisting of 3 riders....which the bunch caught again at a quick drinks break at Bylands Abbey.
Somewhere along the road to Kilburn (EDIT: see below!) the group fragmented - and due to a misunderstanding one rider went to Raskelf alone on a minor detour whilst the remainder went via the intended route. Fortunately we all regouped at the cafe where a very pleasant hour or so sped by before following the usual Alne/Tollerton route back to town.
The 'H' ride consisted of Howard, Chris C, Dave C, Jon G, Ian H and myself. We set off down Stockton Lane as usual but shortly after leaving York the race had to be neutralised to avoid accidents as we gingerly tiptoed the first hour to avoid falls on the shiny/icy roads through Bossall to Howsham. Then the roads seemed better and we were able resume normal pace along the Castle Howard straight, through to Nunnington, then across to Ampleforth. On the short sharp pull out of Ampleforth we passed Kevin and his 3 charges going the other way as they sped down the hill issuing the usual exhortations to greater efforts. As a result of this a break got away consisting of 3 riders....which the bunch caught again at a quick drinks break at Bylands Abbey.
Somewhere along the road to Kilburn (EDIT: see below!) the group fragmented - and due to a misunderstanding one rider went to Raskelf alone on a minor detour whilst the remainder went via the intended route. Fortunately we all regouped at the cafe where a very pleasant hour or so sped by before following the usual Alne/Tollerton route back to town.
Last edited by Dr Dave on Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:51 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Firstly, let me just say to Dave and Howard as I am writing this I got home safely in case you were wondering where I disappeared to on the run in back to York. I decide to take the route as recommend by Kevin back to the bike path and turned right at the lights. Chris saw me but I wasnt sure whether you waited for him.
As Dave as said above I joined Hiowards ride to Raskelf. I certainly felt it when I arrived home having covered 103 mile. I was strugglling a little prior to the cafe stop , that climb past the Priory even though I d done it before was tough and felt longer than I'd remembered. The food revived me and manged to kepp pace on the way back to York.
I had a couple of hairy moments on the icy roads but stayed upright and annoyingly my chain fell off on the climb to Kilburn which resulted in losing touch with the rest of the guys. Howard and Chris however turned back. One tip thogh never asked ramblers whther they have seen any cycliists pass by, Despite ony a few minutes passing by they couldnt remember. Despite this it was an enjoyable ride.
PS sorry guys for not pushing the wind up front but I would of slowed you down.
As Dave as said above I joined Hiowards ride to Raskelf. I certainly felt it when I arrived home having covered 103 mile. I was strugglling a little prior to the cafe stop , that climb past the Priory even though I d done it before was tough and felt longer than I'd remembered. The food revived me and manged to kepp pace on the way back to York.
I had a couple of hairy moments on the icy roads but stayed upright and annoyingly my chain fell off on the climb to Kilburn which resulted in losing touch with the rest of the guys. Howard and Chris however turned back. One tip thogh never asked ramblers whther they have seen any cycliists pass by, Despite ony a few minutes passing by they couldnt remember. Despite this it was an enjoyable ride.
PS sorry guys for not pushing the wind up front but I would of slowed you down.
Joined the 'B' ride on saturday, by far the largest group, it started with a mere 11 riders, but quickly grew to 13 or 14 somewhere just past the A19.
Bernard led us on a route to Knaresborough via Boroughbridge and Ripon, but avoiding Beningborough Hall on the way out, so no repeat of the horse incident two weeks ago!
Despite the cold, the roads did not seem too icy, and the sun quickly warmed the air up, so it was a pleasant ride to the cafe along a generally rolling, but not particularly hilly, route.
However, when we reached Knaresborough, we discovered to our shock that the usual cafe was full! Instead, we went to another cafe on the riverside, which was... interesting. It was cheap, had fast service, and also did good sized portions, but it wasnt the usual cafe stop food, such as sandwiches or soup; instead, there seemed to be many sausage, beans and chips being served, and suchlike.
The route back was also very nice and interesting. It was the 'normal' way as far as the old A1, but then went onto a cycle path beside it rather than over the bridge. I'm not entirely sure which direction we took from there, but it involved Wetherby and Tadcaster, as well as a few surfaced cycle paths. We then approached York from the south, and I went as far as the cycle path by Bishopthorpe, and went back to Elvington with Steve that way, then from there cycled home to Melbourne, which ended up as just over 90 miles for me by the time I got back.
Thanks to everyone for slowing down when I got tired near the end, and to Bernard, Brian and Claire for giving me some food/drink for energy! Also, thankyou Steve for riding with me back as far as Elvington, and occasionally having to wait for me, I'm sorry for not taking a turn at the front! Hopefully if I keep at it, I'll stop getting tired on the rides!
Bernard led us on a route to Knaresborough via Boroughbridge and Ripon, but avoiding Beningborough Hall on the way out, so no repeat of the horse incident two weeks ago!
Despite the cold, the roads did not seem too icy, and the sun quickly warmed the air up, so it was a pleasant ride to the cafe along a generally rolling, but not particularly hilly, route. However, when we reached Knaresborough, we discovered to our shock that the usual cafe was full! Instead, we went to another cafe on the riverside, which was... interesting. It was cheap, had fast service, and also did good sized portions, but it wasnt the usual cafe stop food, such as sandwiches or soup; instead, there seemed to be many sausage, beans and chips being served, and suchlike.
The route back was also very nice and interesting. It was the 'normal' way as far as the old A1, but then went onto a cycle path beside it rather than over the bridge. I'm not entirely sure which direction we took from there, but it involved Wetherby and Tadcaster, as well as a few surfaced cycle paths. We then approached York from the south, and I went as far as the cycle path by Bishopthorpe, and went back to Elvington with Steve that way, then from there cycled home to Melbourne, which ended up as just over 90 miles for me by the time I got back.
Thanks to everyone for slowing down when I got tired near the end, and to Bernard, Brian and Claire for giving me some food/drink for energy!
Also, thankyou Steve for riding with me back as far as Elvington, and occasionally having to wait for me, I'm sorry for not taking a turn at the front! Hopefully if I keep at it, I'll stop getting tired on the rides!
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BroomWagon
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:27 pm
- Location: Elvington
How very dare you Dr Dave 
.
My first club run for some time. I had intended to ride with Howard's lot but riding down Elvington lane on the way in, the amount of ice had me seriously contemplate turning round as the better option. So when I got to the square and Bernard suggested a "middle way" group I was more than happy to join that, rather than riding in my red zone with Howard's lot and no doubt ending up on my back through not concentrating on the road.
Thanks Bernard for making sure we all had an accident free ride.
.My first club run for some time. I had intended to ride with Howard's lot but riding down Elvington lane on the way in, the amount of ice had me seriously contemplate turning round as the better option. So when I got to the square and Bernard suggested a "middle way" group I was more than happy to join that, rather than riding in my red zone with Howard's lot and no doubt ending up on my back through not concentrating on the road.
Thanks Bernard for making sure we all had an accident free ride.
Last edited by BroomWagon on Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I know Dr Dave is joking but on while we're on this subject, isn't that the purpose of the Saturday social ride? Simply to go for a ride in good company and hopefully someplace nice.Dr Dave wrote:photoBen wrote:
I enjoyed the chance to head west and the non-stop riding at a decent pace without it ever feeling like a race.
Whatever next? Carradice saddle bags, Brooks saddles, Beards and sandals
When I joined the club I always chose Kevin's ride but now I'm a bit stronger I thought it would be better to move on, so I wasn't ruining a first time out for a new member by splitting the group etc and also as much for my benefit to get a consistent pace for the whole ride.
Bernard's group was perfect for me this week and in time I want to go on to Howards run, maybe then the 'racing' will really be in full flow.
There are so many arguments for what rides to do to improve as a rider it can be hard to know what to do for the best. Riding with better riders helps for sure but going at too high a pace and being dropped or hurting yourself to keep up won't necessary be a benefit.
I've only been riding in the 'road' side of the 'sport' for 18 months. I'm still young and have a plan to improve but without getting bogged down in theory and numbers.
This is starting to look like a rant but it was never meant to be, maybe it's just the result of a long day at work.
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BroomWagon
- Posts: 280
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 8:27 pm
- Location: Elvington
I guess we have to remember how lucky we are in Clifton CC that there are often so many choices available.
You don't get this regularly or in such numbers in many cycling clubs. It is a fact that the Club aught to be proud of that riders who turned up on Saturday had a choice of (I'm estimating, but I'm sure I'm not that far out):
a) 50-60ish miles at the pace of the slowest rider and within reason, Kevin would allow that to be anything from av. 12-16mph
b) 75 miles @ av 15+mph
c) 75 miles @ av 16-17mph
(Will, pls don't obsess over the av. speeds, yes, it does depend on wind direction & wind speed, whether you are leading or following, terrain etc).
Racing each other on a 'socialable' ride is fair game assuming that all are up for it and that you don't try to race up every pimple between the square and the cafe, thereby shredding others who are riding either a more measured effort or are just not quite as fast. If we really want to race then there are plenty other opportunities for training in chaingangs or billing a 'training' ride, not currently available on a Sat am.
One of the things we have to remember is that club cycling will always have the 'fastest' rider and the 'slowest' rider. Most will never make the former and most are lucky enough not to be the latter. But IMO we are a club who embraces the cyclist out to enjoy a ride and those that want to race top end. Long may it continue!
I feel like Helen now when she referred to the 'pulpit' at the Annual dinner! Apols for preachiness, but I have climbed the mountain (I may not get there with you) I have seen over the other side and......... the view is fantastic (and aren't club rides are about sharing the view?)
Hey ho, see you at the w/e
ClaireG
You don't get this regularly or in such numbers in many cycling clubs. It is a fact that the Club aught to be proud of that riders who turned up on Saturday had a choice of (I'm estimating, but I'm sure I'm not that far out):
a) 50-60ish miles at the pace of the slowest rider and within reason, Kevin would allow that to be anything from av. 12-16mph
b) 75 miles @ av 15+mph
c) 75 miles @ av 16-17mph
(Will, pls don't obsess over the av. speeds, yes, it does depend on wind direction & wind speed, whether you are leading or following, terrain etc).
Racing each other on a 'socialable' ride is fair game assuming that all are up for it and that you don't try to race up every pimple between the square and the cafe, thereby shredding others who are riding either a more measured effort or are just not quite as fast. If we really want to race then there are plenty other opportunities for training in chaingangs or billing a 'training' ride, not currently available on a Sat am.
One of the things we have to remember is that club cycling will always have the 'fastest' rider and the 'slowest' rider. Most will never make the former and most are lucky enough not to be the latter. But IMO we are a club who embraces the cyclist out to enjoy a ride and those that want to race top end. Long may it continue!
I feel like Helen now when she referred to the 'pulpit' at the Annual dinner! Apols for preachiness, but I have climbed the mountain (I may not get there with you) I have seen over the other side and......... the view is fantastic (and aren't club rides are about sharing the view?)
Hey ho, see you at the w/e
ClaireG
As Claire says, there's a choice of Saturday rides available. "My" one certainly isn't a race, I prefer to think of it as a "spirited" ride to and from the cafe! With plenty of regrouping stops (if required) en route. If you want an idea of anticipated pace then Claire's figures are a good guide or you could always look at the Garmin logs I link to most weeks. For example, last week's Settrington Bank route was despatched at an average of (let me just have a look at the link) 17.4 mph. (Sorry Will, my Garmin only reports speeds to 1 decimal place!)
Rest assured JonG that I knew you got back to York OK on Saturday; I made it my business to ensure that you did! In fact on Saturday, the only reason for the slight split in the group was that after waiting for quite a few minutes on the side of the road to regroup, some riders went on whilst myself and ChrisC retraced the route until we "found" JonG who, as he says above, had had a bit of a "mechanical".
I don't think you'd find riders doing that in a race would you? - I wouldn't know because I've never done one, yet!
Rest assured JonG that I knew you got back to York OK on Saturday; I made it my business to ensure that you did! In fact on Saturday, the only reason for the slight split in the group was that after waiting for quite a few minutes on the side of the road to regroup, some riders went on whilst myself and ChrisC retraced the route until we "found" JonG who, as he says above, had had a bit of a "mechanical".
I don't think you'd find riders doing that in a race would you? - I wouldn't know because I've never done one, yet!