Clifton CC

First well done to everyone who managed to complete their first 100 mile plus ride, the weather was just what we need for cycling and when we get it, it makes all the wet dark days in the winter worth the wait.
28 riders started the ride in 2 groups, 14 I believe in the A group and 13 in the K, plus Mark Finch who started late and caught us at the cafe in Barton. We had a slight mishap in the K group when my bottle dropped out of the cage and rolled down the group from me at 4th to Dave I anson somewhere at the back, who unfortunately was brought down suffering cuts to his hand, elbow and knee some time after the cafe stop and before we got to Keadby Bridge. But fortunately with several peoples help, we stopped the flow of blood and Dave was able to continue, but we arrived after closing time at Goole just after 4.00 so no teas etc. I clocked 117 miles door to door and the average was 15.4 mph.
I would like averyone who as done rides in the challenge series to start putting their ride list together, so that we can get a running total of riders with their points on the web site. Once I know how we can collate this information I will post again here with instructions how to send it to me. Bernard

A thoroughly enjoyable day with great company marred only by Dave's 'off' but which he shook off and continued in true pro cyclist style. Many thanks Bernard for guiding us round some great traffic free roads. At times one could image one was in Belgium. A grand day out!

kind regards David

A proper big day out indeed! As Bernard said, we split in to 2 groups with the A Group being bolstered by a few who normally ride at other times and By Kev N who joined us at Barmby Moor.

Blue skies and a gentle tail wind nudged us southwards towards the Wolds with the group staying tight the whole way and plenty of riders taking their turn to drag us along. The only split came when we reached the only significant climb of the day, the beautifully named Trundlegate taking us out of South Newbald and up onto the Wolds. At this point the climbers among us decided it was time for legs to be stretched with 2 of the more youthful members, namely Ben and Jonny taking the honours just ahead of John ( who, I have to say, had shamelessly sucked my wheel most of the way up) and myself!

Fast undulating roads thereafter delivered us safely to Humber Bridge and the crossing over to France ( or wherever it is the Humber Bridge goes to) passed without incident. A very pleasant hour or so followed taking lunch sat out on the decking in the sunshine at the bird sanctuary at Barton sur Humber. Somebody (I honestly can't remember who) did comment that it was a bit disappointing being so close to the Humber Bridge and not being able to see it while we had lunch. There's no pleasing some people, is there?!

The big skies and quiet roads of North Lincolnshire continued to make cycling an absolute joy as we crossed our third bridge of the day at Keadby and the headed north up the west bank of the Trent and then east along the Ouse to Goole and took our second café stop of the day at the Waterways museum where most of us opted for an ice cream and a soft drink, with the exception of Tony who decided a pint of John Smith's was better all round in terms of carb loading and thirst quenching at the same time.

The change of direction after Goole meant that we picked up a cross tail wind for most of the way back with speeds nudging in to the low 40's kmh wise or mid 20's for those of us who haven't quite converted yet. This meant that we arrived back in York well ahead of schedule at around 5.15pm with 119 miles on the clock at an average speed of 18.7mph/190km at 29.9kmh.

Well done to everyone involved. For such a large group to stay together for that sort of distance is a fine achievement of which we can all be proud. Many thanks to Bernard for putting it all together!

As Bernard mentioned in his report, 14 A Riders left the Square for the 3-Bridges Challenge Series Ride and Kevin joined us at Bubwith. Beautiful conditions for cycling, we made swift progress and were soon crossing the Humber Bridge and eating al fresco at the visitor centre cafe on the south side of the river. Then it was onto the Boat Museum at Goole and back to York for just after 5pm. Some really strong riding, no navigational issues and we only had to regroup once - at the top of the Trundlegate climb. Bang on 120 miles door to door for me and we averaged 18.5 mph.

An early start on Sunday morning, did I really set my alarm for 4:30am, I cycled over to the track at York Sport Village to join Andy Johnston, a cross-section of very enthusiastic Go-Ride members and some conscripted adults (they perked up after the coffee arrived!) for several live broadcasts on the B.B.C. What a fantastic advert for our Club and fine testimony to the hard work that Andy, Billy and all the other coaches and parents do with our junior section. Despite it being the school holidays, we had a great turnout of kids of all ages and a special mention to the guys who came over from Otley Cycle Club.

Coming on top of the news that Anna Docherty had secured two 4th. places, one silver and a gold (in the Madison) at the A and Junior National Championships at Derby and has been invited to join Liv CC – Epic Coaching, it was a fine week to be a member of Clifton Cycling Club.

Well done, and thanks, to everyone involved.

Great day out with the inters on Saturday. Some strong riding by the other riders in the group
helped speed us along on some(for me) different roads than I usually ride.
Two stops for refuelling and a fast pace back into York. I lost contact prior to Elvington
as I couldn't maintain the pace being set
Rode through York,New Earswick,Strensall and home.
A long day on the bike, 145miles on the clock, a lower average than the rest of the group of 17.2mph
but ok for me.
Days like Saturday with the sun shining and a good group just can't be missed, even though I felt absolutely drained when I got home.
Cheers guys for a good ride(the push did help Rich)!

Just to reiterate others comments, a really good ride on Saturday and definitely some strong pulls on the front by others . I can probably say for once I may have arrived home before the rest of you which doesn't ever happen after I branched off at Bubwith and headed through north duffield to Selby. I still covered 130 miles for the day but got home just after 5pm.

Not sure I'm upto riding in next week and doing the into the west ride though, I know I do some mileage but 140 miles round trip from York is pushing it for me , so may have to wish the regulars a good ride. If anyone wants a normal 10 am ride next Saturday at inters pace let us know. If there's some interest then I may be upto that.

Jon