Clifton CC

A rare opportunity for a 2 ride weekend for me:

Saturday afternoon was the Red Route Recce as trailed elsewhere. Just self and Muzzy in the end. I've long been of the impression that MTBing and Muzzy should be a match made in heaven - he just needs a day/ride that gets him going - was this to be the day to light the fire...?

5 mins into the ride and I had to tell him that we weren't following mtb protocol - we hadn't stopped to discuss new shiny bits yet.... but this was a trend that was to continue. Indeed, we covered the whole route with barely a foot down. But it was a great ride, one of my best off road for some time, and I caught Muzzy grinning like a Cheshire Cat a few times. We were sailing past riders all the way round and Paul joked that we must look like we know what we're doing - little do they know....

Can report that there's still a diversion around a closed section and the whole route is currently 32km - so still worth doing. Looking forward to the event next week - have no pretentions, I know my limitations, just want to support this "event with a difference".

8 riders in The Square today for the Sunday clubrun. Langdale End is a tough ride. There're no mountains, but lots of hills and some very heavy roads. Took an early cafe in Thornton-le-dale, very civilised. TonyG and Mussy had already taken an early bath. Left RichardD, AndyG, Dan, Broomy, self and young Owen, newly in York from Wales. We were plagued by a few light showers in the afternoon, but nothing can spoil that road up Troutsdale for me.

Special mention for Owen, who rode sensibly all day and will be a useful wheel to follow on future clubruns. He took a big hunger knock in the last few miles but toughed it out admirably. I will henceforth officially nickname him after Welsh hero (Owain) Glendwr (if my 14thC history is correct)!

Good effort Rob and Muzzy. We'll have you on our weekends away next.

Ahem...so what time did you do then? Set the bar.

Yes Rob is correct we covered the route with barely a foot down - although there were several sections where, I for one, had both feet down! I'm trying to remember what other "hard" mountain bike rides I've done this year and can only recall a circuit of Kielder on the lakeside path I did in April although I do a few miles around about with Peter most weekends. New shiny bits? I had Nigel fit a new headset in the week and unsieze my forks if that counts? Oh and I borrowed Caths wheels which offers an incredible weight saving of half a stone. I think we can say we did maintain forward momentum at all times although there were five or six downhill bits I walked and a couple Rob probably would have walked in hindsight. Managed one low speed crash on one of the steeper descents resulting in an eye watering bar end in the groin and as special momento of the day - four chainring puncture wounds in my knee. But it was a great afternoons ride and the route was not to busy which suited me. I'm really just too cautious for this game - there looked to be a few of the decents that looked totally unrideable but probably werent. No problem on the climbs though. I think Rob had the edge - better on the decents, the tricky bits. I was ok on the fire roads and short climbs. I was pretty much saying "are we nearly there yet" after 2 hours. Physically and mentally pretty drained. Luckily we were. Not really sure I should be disclosing the time - 2hrs 9 min something riding time according to Rob.

Had a window of opportunity Sunday morning so out with the Sunday ride as far as Kirby Misperton and back via Grt Barugh, Butterwick, Hovingham and Farlington. Back by 12:20. Was fitting scotia beading to a laminate floor by 13:05. This is not a job I recommend after 2 days hard cycling. I'm in bits today.
I can however confirm that Tony G has procurred his first ever winter bike today with proper mudguards. Now there is no excuse for anyone!

Went out on Saturday with Bernard's group going round the previous weelends Audax route. Very enjoyable ride with good company, Howsham, Malton, Coneysthorpe, Slngsby, Nes, Nunnington, Ampleforth, Coxwold, Huswaite, Easingwold. Ampleforth was very busy so we went to Coxwold cafe.

Had a solo ride on Sunday afternoon, Castle Howard, Slingsby, Ness, Salton, Great Barugh, Ryton, Malton, Kirkham, Barton and home.

Some really muddy roads, definitely time for mudguards (and mudflaps).