Clifton CC

Off to Kippax for the Steve Rigby Memorial RR, after opening the curtains to steady rain and muttering unreasonable curses - it's really been a pretty wonderful spring for cycling, but I just wanted it wonderful today too. Muzzy and Tim completed the Clifton contingent on the start line, and we were led off for a neutralised first half-lap to work out where the potholes were on the fast descent through Ledston (answer:- pretty much everywhere, with gravel washed off the fields inbetween). My good intentions and positioning up front in the bunch came to nought on the second time down the hill, with either pothole or gravel causing a rapid rear-tyre puncture, and the morning's second bout of swearing. Clip-clopped up the hill to help the marshals, and did 2x20's on the turbo when I got home to burn off the frustration. Am now serene.

I did the Derek Smith LVRC race this morning along with Skymoos and Dave C. Tough little course really with some lumpy bits and v. difficult crosswinds. From where I was sat Darren was at the sharp end of things and seemed instrumental in forcing the usual early break. After 4 -5 laps, us in the chasing bunch were advised by a friendly Marshall that we were 3 mins down on the leaders. He stopped telling us after that - no doubt we were a good half hour down come the finish! Such was the lethargy in the bunch or (more aptly) "groupetto" of about 12 that we were actually caught by the Cs and Ds about halfway. Once we let them thru we finally settled down to doing some proper work (better late than never!) and actually hoovered up a few riders plus (rather confusingly) another group (I don't think that it was the Cs and Ds again!). Anyway, I enjoyed the ride nonetheless. I had to get off pretty quick afterwards so I did not get chance to have a word with Darren or Dave to see how they got on.

Cam, at the end there was just 5 of us left in that break, you must have finished quite well up in that second group because I have an envelope with some cash in it for you. PM me if you like but I'm sure I'll see you sometime.

Hi all
Travelled over to Kippax for the Steve RigbyRR.A pretty tough circuit with rough sections and windy sections and a decent climb that if you are not positioned well the exposed top section sorts you out.About half way through the race a couple of startled horses could have caused a bit of damage to us and the race was neutralised for 1 mile.Back to racing i was feeling ok and the laps kept ticking by Paul Bennett making a break with 5 others for second place worth mentioning and Paul M eighth after an uphill sprint for the line out of the bunch.I came in mid bunch after a decent showing in what is one of the harder courses i race so a bit inbetween feelings.1Good to be active in a 50 mile race and getting stronger with more races but2 a bit dis not having enough in tank to get a place .Exellent morning though.50MILES @22.5MPH 2HRS 10 MINS

Wiggy 300

I was jokingly allocated a theme for this write up but I decided not to use it, some stories simply stand up by themselves. This was one of them.

Four of us tackled the Wiggy 300 – Rob “the legend” O, Andy “the legend” G, Shaun “the legend” W and me, Darren “make up the numbers” N. Dave Ch also rode the event, as did Danny C.

I’ll summarise this event in the way I tackled it, that is, to divide the ride into 4 quarters - I promised myself not to think beyond each quarter’s destination point on the way round. This proved to be a great strategy and helped remove the daunting nature of the distance.

Q1: Wigginton to Malton – Loop of the Wolds via Pocklington, out past Bainton, Sledmere, West Lutton, Duggleby and Malton (91.6km / 56.9m)

We rode out of Wigginton at 5.00am – the need to jump out of bed at a time starting with 3 was the one of the day’s many challenges. The field was full of cyclists from another planet: the core audaxer – retro 70’s lycra, broad horse saddles, a few panniers and hardened, craggy faces. The run to Malton via the Wolds was done in fairly quick time, the roads were quiet and the temperature mild. Two young, spritely types from Rapha Condor powered past us early and then sat about 200m ahead of us. Rob, who was navigating magnificently, saw they were not getting away from us so he made a great call to deliver a surge and jump onto the back of them, …and there we stayed for many miles before they got jumpy on some climbs. We arrived at Morrisons in Malton ahead of schedule, but worryingly, I had already ventured my full list of pre-prepared witty banter topics for the day’s ride. I’d have to wing it from now on

Q2: Malton to Ripon – Direct route westwards via Hovingham, Easingwold and Cundall before Ripon. (52.9km / 32.9m)

After a quick cuppa at Morrisons, we headed West towards Ripon. We were nicely synchronising turns on the front and were bowling along at a great pace. Shaun was itching to excite the tempo a bit however Rob had him under a tight rein. Just as the sun started poking through at the top of the climb after Hovingham, Rob’s chain had a heart murmur. He squashed the offending link back together and we powered on. As we approached Ripon, we had averaged just under 29kph or 18mph. It seemed fast and again we were ahead of schedule. We tucked into some lunch outside the café. We’d been riding for just under 6 hours over 90 miles and it wasn’t even 11.00 am! Rob conducted some extra surgery on his chain and we were ready to head North to Richmond. Andy said “who’s up for another club run” as we tackled the second half.


Q3: Ripon to Stokesley, via Richmond – Route North via Bedale, Catterick and then Richmond. Then retrace eastwards via Great Smeaton and Crathorne before Stokesley. (92.5km / 57.5m)

On the way out of Ripon, Rob’s chain had a near-fatal heart attack and blew up. Pleasingly though, we performed a perfect open-heart surgery operation without the need for anaesthetic and we were on our way again within 10 minutes! Again we moved along nicely and arrived at Bolton on Swale in good time for the final push into Richmond. The drag up the hill turned into a complete dog. We didn’t stay in Richmond long, just enough time to re-supply essentials. As we headed out, it unfortunately started to rain quite heavily. I was banished to the back of the Group because I was the only one who couldn’t respond to the weather forecast with mudguards, quite a cunning ploy I thought! The next 30 miles was a wet affair in heavy rain, although thankfully the temperature stayed mild. Andy and Shaun did a magnificent job on the front through this section. The sun poked out just before Stokesley where we de-caped and headed towards a fantastic café called ‘Uno Momento’ in the main street – great service, great food and the owners really fussed over us to the extent that they came outside and virtually waved us off!

Q4: Stokesley to Wigginton – Direct route southwards on the lumpy B Road up Clay Bank, through the valley at Bilsdale, Helmsley, Gilling East, Stillington and then Wigginton. (64.9km / 40.3m)

This was always going to be the hard leg. The very long slog up Clay Bank was followed by another long climb to get out of Bilsdale. Andy was starting to grow wings at this point and powered us down the long descent into Helmsley where we stopped for a coke. 20 miles to go, 2 climbing sections left, one to get out of Helmsley and one through East Gilling. Andy towed everyone through the climbs and I was running on fumes. Once over the top, Andy rode like an animal on the front as we lined out and powered over the last 15 miles in team time trial mode at speeds averaging 25-30 mph! My brain had liquefied and I spent the entire time focused on one thing: Shaun’s rear mech from a distance of about a foot! Then out of the murky gloom came the most beautiful sight I’ve seen for a long time, like glorious beacons in the half-light, the Wigginton traffic lights! We’d done it.

It was a day of 1sts and there was much emotional backslapping at the end. Rob did a sensational job to navigate us round while importantly keeping a very close eye on speed management. Shaun has had a rough year to date but he put it all on the line this day, heroic! Andy achieved ‘true legend’ status in my mind as well as entry into the cycling hall of fame by towing us through the last quarter – absolutely monumental performance.

The last couple of weeks proved to me once again, not that it needed proving, that the camaraderie in a well-bonded group provides an infinitely richer experience than a solo chase for a time. Helping each other through the desperate low points, enjoying and sharing the highs together - there’s simply nothing better.

We finished at around 6.15pm, about 13.25 hours after we had gone over the top at dawn. I think our average speed exceeded 18mph but I’ll let others confirm that. I had 192 miles on my clock but the other 3 were riding home to York so I’m expecting them to report double tons d2d. It was an incredible day, one that will live in my memory for a long time to come. We were only beaten back by a group of 5, two of which were the Rapha Condor guys. I dare say they did not enjoy their café stops like we did however!

My heartfelt thanks again go to Rob “the Legend” O, Andy “the legend” G and Shaun “the legend” W. Each of you were absolutely magnificent!



D.

No racing for me this weekend, instead a ride down to Newbald to check out the circuit for next week's Hull Thursday RR. Felt a bit precious about the shiny racing bike and decided to switch back to winter bike + guards given the verge-to-verge puddles on the road outside. I hadn't gone four miles before a van hit one such with perfect timing, giving me a proper helmet-to-cleat soaking. Luckily the warm breeze soon dealt with the damp.

The route took me on some unfamiliar pretty backroads from Holme to North Cliffe and thence on to Sancton. Dozens of purple rhododendrons beside the North Cliffe road were an unexpected treat.

The Newbald course looks good with a big twisty climb out of the village, plenty of shelter from hedges and no real potholes (but plenty of gravel and cracked surfaces).

57 miles in 3hours overall. Hoping for fine racing weather next Sunday...

It was the MTBO National Championshps for me this weekend down in Stafford. I came 3rd in the middle distance on Saturday, so was very happy with that as the whole GB team were there! The nav was just fine, and the tracks were amazing, proper nice single track with jumps and even a downhill course. I was enjoying my ride a lot. And when the control wasn't where I thought it was, I'd normally stop and read the map again, but on Saturday I had faith in myself and just carried on because I knew I was right! That's new for me! Result

On Sunday it was the sprint championship around an army base. I was doing well in the prologue so I decided to try and plan ahead a bit so I could crank it up a notch - big mistake! When I looked back up I took the next left like I was supposed to and it was all wrong. I got lost, and spent 11 mins getting un lost in a half hour race! So I got in the 'B' final for losers! Came 2nd in that (another GB girl messed up the prologue too and beat me in our final!)

Cyan Skymoos wrote:Cam, at the end there was just 5 of us left in that break, you must have finished quite well up in that second group because I have an envelope with some cash in it for you. PM me if you like but I'm sure I'll see you sometime.

Wow!....thanks Darren....I had no idea. I am really chuffed and can't wait to get my hands on one of those fabled "brown envelopes". I should be down at the chaingang on Tue....otherwise when you see me. I will send you a PM with my address though if you feel like sending it in the post

Darren -you are very modest....where did you finish on Sunday?

Hi cam, I doubt I'll be on the chaingang, and I haven't got a race for 4 or 5 weeks so I've opened the envelope and I'll put a cheque in the post for you. Calm down it's only £15. I'll send the brown envelope so you can frame it.
A lot of the A cats packed and I think you finished about 12th but you were 3rd A cat rider...well done, it's always worth finishing the race, especially on an hard day like yesterday, when all the soft tappers are climbing off for an early shower.

Not sure about modest, everyone will know about it when I've had a win

On Saturday I did the Alpine Rootz 18 TT along with John C, Chris C, Tim R, Steve S and Nathan.

It was raining for the 1st few going off and was wet roads throughout which made for one or two tricky descents. The route was interesting and the roads generally in good condition. Well done to the rest of the Cliftonites, especially Nathan who was only 1 second off being 1st Juv. I got an envelope for 2nd 60+.

With slightly aching legs and a wet morning, set off for the Derek Smith LVRC. By the time we started the roads were dry and in good condition. The course was tough but interesting. Near the end of the 1st lap found myself 50 yds up the road so kept up the effort but they closed me down on an uphill bit, stayed in the pack until the 4th lap when about 5 of us had to stop for a rearing horse, the rest seemed to attack and by the time we caught back up at the start of the finish climb I was spent and lost touch. Did another lap and then called it a day. Well done to Darren and Cam.

Dave

Fred Whitton Challenge for me on Sunday with Gill & Paul Crane. My longest road ride to date (not to mention the ascent!). We had sideways rain for the majority, but it changed to gorgeous sunshine just in time for HardKnot and Wrynose. c80miles was a low point for me, and was counting down to the next feed station - I was cold/shivering and wanted a cup of tea (and I don't even drink tea!). 8h 38min for me (with one tea stop), 8h 34 for Gill (no tea stops) and something with a 7 infront of it for Paul (with 3 tea stops!!). Knees ache today but otherwise appear to be fine! Resting up this week for Etape Du Dale next weekend, and then it's back to mountain biking for me

As Lisa mentioned, Fred Whitton this weekend for some of us.

The conditions made for careful choice of clothing as it was raining heavily at the start but forecast to clear to sunshine late on. The heavy rain made some passes quite tricky. I was managing to spin my wheel climbing in the saddle on Honister, which was a good warning for the descent. There seemed to be more than the usual share of riders going straight on at bends on the descents too.

I had a reasonable ride and was hoping to get in under 7.30. All was going well until the skies opened as I topped Whinlatter. This added to the cocktail of a strong, cold headwind and fast descent. At that point I realised I'd not quite got the clothing right with short finger gloves and short sleeve jersey. At least I had a race cape unlike some others. After the next climb, the appropriately named 'Cold Fell', I couldn't feel my hands and was shivering quite badly so decided to take a 'time out' for a while to warm through again. A hand dryer and 3 cups of hot tea later and I was on my way again but all hopes of <7.30 were gone. But at least I felt safe on the last 2 descents to live to tell the tale.

Nobody has mentioned Dawn who completed it also and I think deserves a huge round of applause. It's (arguably) one of the toughest rides you can do and yesterday, with the weather, tested most of the riders so well done Dawn.

Thanks Paul, I think you sped past me on the descent off Honister, really good time, well done. Very well done also to Gill and Lisa. This was definitely one of the toughest rides I've ever done, and at the same time one of the ones I've enjoyed the most (I can say that now I've finished!).

I set off at 6am to give myself a fighting chance of being able to finish, and arrived back in Coniston around 4:30. It was a shame about the rain for the first half of the ride, which made the descent off Kirkstone Pass quite frightening, but by the time I reached the second feed stop the sun was out and I was pleased I didn’t have to walk up Hardknott in the rain!

It was an amazing day, real lows and plenty of highs. I thought about giving up quite a few times, but the support of other riders and spectators really spurred me on and kept me going - although the person who told me Cold Fell was "a bit draggy" was slightly underestimating it!

It was a great day - the organisation was first class, everyone along the route was really encouraging, the feed stops very well stocked, and the cheers and cowbells on the climbs were fantastic!

As mentioned I managed 8th place at the Steve Rigby Mem RR at Kippax. The popular opinion is that this is a great road circuit but I appear to be in a minority of 1 in finding it a bit tedious and slightly dodgy. That and the fact that in 23 years of occasional racing on it I've never had so much as a sniff of a result. So in wet conditions and with a steadily increasing wind I spent 49 and a half miles of the 10 lap 50 mile race successfully avoiding potholes, manholes, parked cars, oncoming cars, horses, other riders, other riders low flying water bottles and punctures. By the time we took the last corner approaching the finish, the bunch of 60 was a bunch of about 15 with 5 riders up the road so there wasnt much left to go for. But the prize money and points were down to 10th place so I attacked on the right up the finish climb probably a bit too early as I was caught in the last 100yds by a couple of riders but managed to hang on for 8th. Not one of my better performances and definitely not as sharp as I would have liked to have been but pleased to come away with something. No fiver in an envelope though - it was a tenner! It makes the deep clean required to bike, shoes, kit and self seem worthwhile.
Well done to Tim for staying in the right part of the race all race. All you need now is a trick up your sleeve! and to Cam and Darren for their successes.

Well compared to everybody else this weekend including the Wiggy 300km crew and and the Fred Whittoners sorry forgot the racers (by the way well done guys) my riding was a very sedate Selby Bike Ride on Sunday which embarrassingly was only 40 mile (55 miles including my ride in and back) albeit ridden at and average speed of 20mph which for me is saying something. Yes the ride is pan flat and not the most scenic but is for charity and is ridden by everytype of cyclist going. Rode most of the ride with 2 young fellow cliftonites from Towton which certainly helped the pace.

This ride as become abit of a tradition to do every year since it was one of first long rides I did some years ago bit compared to rides I've done since it is abit of an anticlimax now without wanting to take anything from it.

Jon