Clifton CC

Did the Keith Carter race on the Newbald circuit this morning with Richard and Martin. Lovely sunny morning for a race!.. Big, big field. Got caught on the wrong side of a crash early on on the narrow gravelly section of road but chased back on. I then slid out myself on the corner of Townend Road. Can't blame anyone but myself. Although the surface was bit damp I think I either touched the brakes or got out of the saddle too soon (thinking of the climb ahead probably). Unfortunately 2 others came down with me. Sorry guys No real damage to the bike and I felt ok so hopped on and got going again. I was never going to catch the main group but sprinted up to 5 guys which then became 2 of us then 4 then just 3 of us at the end. They both rode away from me going up the Mur de Newbald on the last time but at least I got some cycling miles in at a decent pace which I definitely need. Good "form" is still some way off I think. Even if I hadn't crashed I don't think I would have been in the mix at the finish. I did see Richard who looked like he had pulled up with a flat. Not sure how Martin got on. Closer inspection later revealed some road rash on my left hip and knee and a sore hand/wrist (it's ok..it's not the one I drink beer with ) but nothing serious

The Newbald course is notorious for punctures and so it proved. Plenty of others at HQ when I got there. Tried to stay up at the front to be safe and avoided any mishaps for about three laps. Was feeling ok when on the decent ran over one of the many muddy patches presumably containing flints and stones. Double puncture, instant deflation but manged to stay upright after a wobble. Gashes in the side walls of both tubs which are now in the bin. Hope Martin had better luck. Hope you heal quickly Cam.

Not a good race for Clifton then. I crashed on the narrow, gravely section on the first lap.

Managed to land on my face which was no fun but only have a small scab on my chin - thank you, beard.

By the time I'd picked myself up and sorted the bike out, the race was long gone.

I think I've had enough of these weekend races for a while

Wanted to thank Dave and everyone who gave some time up to make the Scotton 100 happen again this year.

We had a fantastic day for it. If last year was the year of the gale - wind and rain. This was the year of the standing water and mud. We all looked the part when we got back. Even bigger thanks to anyone who had to clean the hall.
Still a bit too shot to go into too much detail. Got the fasted time I have done so far 3.45 still another 4 minutes 59 seconds to shave off it. So will have to do it all again next year.

Steen

Bad luck in the RR chaps - I always liked that course too....
Just 5 took to the lanes with the A* group on Sunday. Fabulous riding day, and super roads. Remembered why I'd not climbed Blakey bank since last century (!) then took us on a little extension beyond Westerdale Ford (not many extra km, but a lot of extra climb.) The new café in Castleton has a view to die for.
Then back via Fry-up dale and Appleton.

All in all, a great day cycling. 160k, 2000m climb.

See you next week.