Clifton CC

Seeing Phil's post I think it's about time we had a thread dedicated to events surrounding Le Tour this year. There's lots of events happening over the next 3 months and it's sometimes difficult to find out about them all.

What's everyone got planned?

To kick things off, Gill and I went to Ripon Cathedral on Friday for an evening with Graeme Obree. Fantastic venue, albeit a little chilly. For all those that know about Graeme and his problems you'll be pleased to know he's doing just fine now but, as you can imagine, it was far from the polished, organised or politically correct evening that a normal after dinner speaker might present. Just Graeme and a projector with some slides which between them, very randomly, recounted his history with cycling, his world record, drugs, the Tour, washing machines, Chris Boardman, club mates without mudguards ...it was all there.

He came across as a completely honest, modest and passionate rider who clearly doesn't give a hoot about trying to follow the crowd. For a cycling enthusiast it was an entertaining and interesting couple of hours. Anyone who didn't know Obree's background or with no interest in cycling might have come out slightly bemused though.

Well, the Sunday Gang's contribution to the celebrations is "Le Tour avec Clifton", the week before on 29/6. Much of stage 1 is on roads well traveled by the Mighty C. Our aim is to ride the best bit, starting in York, as a long Sunday Clubrun.

The route will be up the Vale of York to Middleham, then Coverdale and descend Park Rash to join the official route at Kettlewell. Then it's Kidstones, Buttertubs, Swaledale, Grinton Moor, Leyburn. Then a traditional and fairly direct route, off piste, through the lanes back to York. Top of head estimate is 220km, maybe 9 hours in and out of the saddle, so we'll set off early.

There'll be a lot of riders on the road that day - cafe situation might be a bit sketchy.

No advance entry required, no fees, no licence. Just watch this space and turn up. Clifton riders and trusted guests only please.

Oh, and you'll get 3 Challenge Points for your efforts!

Part of the route will be particularly busy as it's the White Rose Classic that day. It starts in Ilkley and goes to Hawes (via Fleet Moss) before turning off towards Garsdale Head. About 185km and 3000m of climbing. Bring it on!!

Not strictly a Tour event but the Dales Grimpeur Audax from Pateley Bridge. 200k on May31st.
Go to the Audaxuk site to enter a modest £5 I think.

You get to mess your self up over many of the same roads as the Tour. In the company of the cream of British Audax cyclists. It has been organized by our Neighbours at Hambleton Road Club in Northallerton.
Bearnard has given it I think 4 challenge points so it will have a few hills. I am going to give this one a go.

Steen