Clifton CC

T’was pretty cold in the Square at 10.00 on Saturday, with the icy conditions seemingly putting off a few. Five of us joined the Intermediate Ride to Thornton Le Dale: Shaun W, Dan (as distinct from Young Dan last week), Jon G, ‘Cable Guy’ and myself. We made it just past the end of Stockton Lane when Cable Guy’s gear cable had a terminal meltdown, hanging loose and locking him into his biggest gear. We tried to resuscitate but it was pronounced dead at the scene, so Cable Guy had no choice but to turn around and limp back to York. With all our focus on the broken cable though, we forgot to ask Cable Guy his name!…very sorry.

Under clear skies with little wind, we headed on towards Howsham and Leavingham, trying to be very careful on icy corners. Despite our care, Jon still managed a decent ‘Dancing on Ice’ impression, coming down as he approached an intersection - thankfully nothing damaged but pride. We then came across Heather riding in the opposite direction, TT grimace on her face, giving her mountain bike a thorough shellacking.

With early season climbing legs still a bit soft, Setterington Bank was as tough as ever. The pace then ramped a bit as we headed through Rillington and Yedingham before dropping down into Thornton Le Dale for a well-earned break. We knew Rob’s Sunday crew intended to be at the same cafe the following day and wondered briefly whether we should ask the waitress to say we’d left our bill for them!…we couldn’t bring ourselves to do it though.

The trip back to York was uneventful. It was my first time on the private farm lane to avoid the main Malton-Pickering road, which worked well. We then chose the Amotherby, Terrington, Sheriff Hutton route back. A great ride, good mileage and nice company…thanks guys.

Next week, the Reliability Ride on Sunday…Birdsall Brow awaits!

D.

As stated joined the ride to Thornton le Dale. And as also stated hit the deck near Howsham. I think it was diesel at the junction. Was virtually at a standstill when the front wheel just went from under me. The bike was fine however originally thought I wasn't injured but on my way home my right wrist began to hurt slightly, the cold didn't help but it had become fairly stiff by home. But 24 hours later it's fine having had some rest and a couple of painkillers, just a slight sprain I think.

As for the ride brisk pace through out and I was feeling it around Amotherby on the climb from the main road. Not my favorite climb as it comes quite often at end on the way back to York. The little drags just before Terrington summed the day up though as iwas pushing quite a low gear at this point and losing the wheels. A little bit of cramp didn't help either. But once we'd reached the crossroads at Sherrif Hutton felt better and even kept a decent pace on my way home thanks to the lack of wind.

Good to get some miles in though and I'm sure the stamina will return with a few more rides. Just need to get used to the pace.

Will hopefully be out on the reliability next week unless the weather is really bad. The forecast is abit iffy at the moment but from experience that usually changes several times before then

Jon

Not much more to add to what Darren and Jon have already said but an enjoyable ride. Was quite fast at times but managed to chew on the handlebars and keep going. 73 miles door to door at 17.2mph average and home for 3:30pm. Thanks to all especially Shaun. Reliability ride for me next Sunday.