Clifton CC

At the end of the Thixendale Spirograph ride yesterday I sprinted for the green light at Monk Bar, instead of preparing to stop. I disappeared into the sunset, so can I therefore thank everyone for a very enjoyable day out and, in particular, Bernard, for his organisation and navigational skills .

Thanks again,

Phil.

Park Rash on Sunday. Some good riding from our group of 12. The roads were a little busy in the morning, partly as I was trying to keep the route as benign as possible before the rigours of the afternoon.
Slight headwind on Park Rash itself, not much of one, but I was giving it full berries anyway and the wind risked proving the straw that broke the rider's back. A bit murky at the top and a long damp descent to follow.
The flattish miles home passed smoothly to give 118miles door to door for me (sorry I short-changed you a little there...) Just under 7 hours riding time.

The Sunday Irregulars are mostly riding the Wiggy 300 next Saturday. If you plan to be out on Sunday it would be worth posting on the forum to maximise the chance of some company.

R

Great ride with Rob and 10 other good riders over to Park Rash. It was as painful as I thought it was going to be. I wouldn't say I rode over it but rather through it. Wonderful fit of cramp had me lying on the road on the way up but at least that stopped me having to hang around in the murk at the top! I was at West Tanfield before I lost the cramp all together but I can't say it detracted from a great day in the saddle.

Many thanks to all for a great ride and Rob in particular for getting me through the day. I for one was not counting my change when I got home. Legs remarkably good today. I mustn't have been trying hard enough.

Thanks to Rob for expertly marshalling us around Park Rash. I have memories of both failing and falling on my first attempt at this climb and it has retained an aura of malevolence for me ever since. Yesterday was the first time I felt I was properly in control up it - probably because I only had 60 or so moderate miles in the legs rather than the 80+ 'Fleet Moss & others' legs that usually accompany Park Rash. Even so I took my time rather than blasting up and once more found that pacing myself up climbs is infinitely preferable to starting at the bottom with a bang and ending at the summit with a survival grovel.
I have always enjoy the ride along Coverdale and so it proved this time. The overcast skies may have served to keep the hordes away as it seemed as if we had the road to ourselves
Thanks to all for the company!

Yes, thanks Rob for a grand day out. One thing I must take you to task over though is your timekeeping. You were a minute late into Tockwith. Detention and a page on 'why it is important to be punctual' for you.

And Dr Dave - pacing?? There are two speeds for that type of incline - flat out or walking!! I'd have gone for the latter if it hadn't been too steep to get my feet out of the pedals.

Thix Spirograph for me. Set off from the square with Bernard's steady group. Shortly after Skirpenbeck the inters split with 8 including myself, Matt, john B, Graham, Simon, broomy, Kevin and Ian. After the first climb we were joined by Richard. Once the light rain stopped about lunchtime it soon dried out and was pleasantly warm in sunny intervals. Had abit of fun trying to convince everyone we were going the correct way, especially when we saw asign pointing to Thixendale but went straight past. I was following a previous years garmin route of Robs original Spirograph but once we started I could remember the sequence quite well. Suffered only 2 p*****es despite the atrocious road surfaces. Thanks for ride guys and for waiting at t he top of each climb. Some strong rides form some including Simon who we found out in the cafe usually joins the training ride (explains a lot).

Jon

Thanks for leading the ride Jon, it was a good day out.