Well, I'll start it this week as I'd like to hear how the first race of the season went? Was all that time at 113% Lactate Threshold worthwhile?
Sundy clubrun was well attended and Dave C took the chance, wisely, to split the group at the top of Settringham bank. Some brave souls headed round Langdale end, Bernard took a splinter group more directly to Thornton le Dale. I couldn't be out all day unfort. so headed back from Snainton, but got the thick end of 70miles done without a stop. Helen would approve.
Weekend Round Up
Moderator: Moderators
Only 4 riders on the 'H' ride this Saturday - Howard, Shaun, Chris C and myself. Haxby, Bulmer, Slingsby, Welburn. At this point Chris, not fully recovered from a viral type bug, sensibly turned back leaving the three of us to loop Bransdale anticlockwise before a lunch at Beadlam grange - one of my fav cafe stops!
After lunch my legs just weren't there so I wheel-sucked whilst Shaun and Howard pulled steadfastly via Helmsley, Ampleforth, Yearsley, Brandsby, Huby, Tollerton and town. Home reasonably early - 87 miles at 17.5 average.
P.S. Blimey, I think I'm developing 'Willhubitis' with the ride stats - hope I can resist Garmin Acquisition Syndrome
After lunch my legs just weren't there so I wheel-sucked whilst Shaun and Howard pulled steadfastly via Helmsley, Ampleforth, Yearsley, Brandsby, Huby, Tollerton and town. Home reasonably early - 87 miles at 17.5 average.
P.S. Blimey, I think I'm developing 'Willhubitis' with the ride stats - hope I can resist Garmin Acquisition Syndrome
The MTBers continued their round Britain Tour of Forests and A&E Centres this weekend with a weekend trip to Glentress and Innerliethen in the Scottish Borders.
Accommodation was courtesy of a, very well equipped, Bunkhouse on the doorstep of Glentress where 22 (ish) of us holed up for the weekend. Glentress on Saturday, with its extensive network of man made trails, natural routes and skills/jump park kept everyone entertained. Chris, Jez, Debs, Tom and Rach knocked up some superb food in the evening for us all followed by some party games and an iPod music quiz.
Sunday we headed to Innerliethen for the tougher trails there and to watch some, bone-crunching. downhill racing in the Forest (ouch!).
Mild conditions, hardly any moisture and a great crowd made for a really enjoyable weekend.
Roll on Builth Wells at Easter!
Accommodation was courtesy of a, very well equipped, Bunkhouse on the doorstep of Glentress where 22 (ish) of us holed up for the weekend. Glentress on Saturday, with its extensive network of man made trails, natural routes and skills/jump park kept everyone entertained. Chris, Jez, Debs, Tom and Rach knocked up some superb food in the evening for us all followed by some party games and an iPod music quiz.
Sunday we headed to Innerliethen for the tougher trails there and to watch some, bone-crunching. downhill racing in the Forest (ouch!).
Mild conditions, hardly any moisture and a great crowd made for a really enjoyable weekend.
Roll on Builth Wells at Easter!
Hey, don't fight it Dr. D; you know acquisition is imminent! In the meantime, here's my own Garmin's log to be going on with:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/2311825
Interestingly (for me at least!) my max HR seems to be depressed by about 10bpm on this trip. Maybe I need to change the strap unit's battery? or perhaps recharge my own personal one...?
Despite the above, another great day out although conditions on the moors were noticeably worse than down in the vale of York. Beadlam Grange, as Dr D says, provided us with great food. It's very popular; they struggled to accommodate just three of us and not just because we were sporting Spandex, I hope at least!
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/2311825
Interestingly (for me at least!) my max HR seems to be depressed by about 10bpm on this trip. Maybe I need to change the strap unit's battery? or perhaps recharge my own personal one...?
Despite the above, another great day out although conditions on the moors were noticeably worse than down in the vale of York. Beadlam Grange, as Dr D says, provided us with great food. It's very popular; they struggled to accommodate just three of us and not just because we were sporting Spandex, I hope at least!
Best day to be out since October I reckon. Set off under grey blustery skies but the sun soon broke through and stayed there. Managed two favourite valleys - Millington and Thixendale, back via Leavening Brow, Barthorpe and Buttercrambe.
A very sociable day out for the nomates rider - said hello to the Beverley Ironmen, the guy on the adaptive recumbent (arm-powered) who I usually see on the Selby bike path was out at Millington, saw a lone Cliftonite battling up the hill at Barthorpe and just caught up with Mick from Crockey Hill (or so he claimed...) on my way home. HubStats: 53 miles averaging 17.9mph.
tom
A very sociable day out for the nomates rider - said hello to the Beverley Ironmen, the guy on the adaptive recumbent (arm-powered) who I usually see on the Selby bike path was out at Millington, saw a lone Cliftonite battling up the hill at Barthorpe and just caught up with Mick from Crockey Hill (or so he claimed...) on my way home. HubStats: 53 miles averaging 17.9mph.
tom
I skipped the customary season-opening Neil White Memorial RR at Stokesley (which usually has the start delayed to allow ice to thaw off the road surface) and spent a bit more quality time with my HR at 113% of Threshold on Saturday; yet more sprint repeats (I really ought to be getting the hang of it now) and a couple of brisk but steady hours in the sun on, appropriately, Sunday. First race still just under four weeks off.
I know Muzzy was pinning a number to his back on Sunday - how'd it go??
I know Muzzy was pinning a number to his back on Sunday - how'd it go??
As Rob mentioned the group of 9 split at the top of Settrington Bank, Bernard leading a group of 5 and 4 of us, Rob, Nigel, Shaun and me headed to Snainton where the group became 3.
We had a great ride up Troutsdale, Langdale end, Forrest drive back to Thornton Dale. I was experimenting with my low fi idea of mounting my normal camera on the bike, I got a few interesing videos descending through Dalby etc.
Back via Kirby Misperton, Amotherby, Castle Howard and Strensall. I clocked 88 enjoyable miles. Sorry, nobody with a Garmin on our ride!
Bernard, how did you get on?
We had a great ride up Troutsdale, Langdale end, Forrest drive back to Thornton Dale. I was experimenting with my low fi idea of mounting my normal camera on the bike, I got a few interesing videos descending through Dalby etc.
Back via Kirby Misperton, Amotherby, Castle Howard and Strensall. I clocked 88 enjoyable miles. Sorry, nobody with a Garmin on our ride!
Bernard, how did you get on?
I can report a pleasing day at Stokesley in the season opening Neil White Mem Pursuit - 6 laps (55miles) of a circuit around Seamer / Hutton Rudby & Tame Bridge. Took Cycleworks Ali Kay so its the first time I've had a world champion in the car!
Started with the 3rds in the 2nd of 4 groups. Worked hard on the first lap and a half but only 5 or 6 in a group of 20 plus doing consistent turns - the others being Paul Bridgen and Malton Whs Colin Baldwin & Matt Enticknap. Needless to say we were caught by the 2nd cats in under 2 laps. The combined groups reeled in the front group of 4ths at the start of the 4th lap and we were all caught by the scratch group a mile or so later. A small group of 6 then got away - Al, Kev Dawson, Kev Byers, Dan Smith + 2 others never to be seen again. A fast lap in the bunch thinned that out and thats how it stayed. Dan Smith got away approaching the finish with Al leading through the last corner approaching the finish only to be baulked by a car which deliberately slowed in front of the chasers. Smith took the win with Al finishing a disappointed 6th. I came in with the bunch but pleased as one of only a handful of 3rds to remain in that group along with Paul B.
Had a bad back for a few days (replaced by sore neck & legs today!) - the sort that sucks the power out of your legs so wasn't sure how I'd fair - so happy with the performance on a windy /mild day.
No Garmin stats but we kept turning lap left and it hurt at times keeping that 2 inches from the wheel infront (actually thats a lie - 4").
Started with the 3rds in the 2nd of 4 groups. Worked hard on the first lap and a half but only 5 or 6 in a group of 20 plus doing consistent turns - the others being Paul Bridgen and Malton Whs Colin Baldwin & Matt Enticknap. Needless to say we were caught by the 2nd cats in under 2 laps. The combined groups reeled in the front group of 4ths at the start of the 4th lap and we were all caught by the scratch group a mile or so later. A small group of 6 then got away - Al, Kev Dawson, Kev Byers, Dan Smith + 2 others never to be seen again. A fast lap in the bunch thinned that out and thats how it stayed. Dan Smith got away approaching the finish with Al leading through the last corner approaching the finish only to be baulked by a car which deliberately slowed in front of the chasers. Smith took the win with Al finishing a disappointed 6th. I came in with the bunch but pleased as one of only a handful of 3rds to remain in that group along with Paul B.
Had a bad back for a few days (replaced by sore neck & legs today!) - the sort that sucks the power out of your legs so wasn't sure how I'd fair - so happy with the performance on a windy /mild day.
No Garmin stats but we kept turning lap left and it hurt at times keeping that 2 inches from the wheel infront (actually thats a lie - 4").
I was up with the MTB section at the weekend (about 24 of us in total) trying out my new MTB. Me, Paul Scott, Richard Hedges and Willowtrousers managed 3 hours of riding in Hamsterley forest on the Friday afternoon, mainly failing to keep on the trails due to lack of observational skills looking for the small red arrows. On Saturday we cycles the red route at Glentress in the morning followed by the blue route in the afternoon. Spooky woods was so good we did it three times:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvGvXJT05x8
Though all the trails are of a very high standard. I was particularly impressed with the how fast and flowing the blue route was!
Sunday had us move on to Innerleithen doing the red route. It starts with a fantastic 400 metres of climbing followed by some very fast decents. I for one had a couple of times when I had to lock anchors with some particularly nastily drops. One double drop had you landing with your front wheel on the edge of the next drop potentially sending you over the handlebars.
As there was a downhill competition on there. We did watch some of the of the racing and then had a look round all these huge great bikes with their £1200 Fox 40 forks etc.
Even though I a bit of a whippet up hills Chris was still faster than me up when it got technical (as for down I felt I was stationary in comparison). As far as downhills I thought I was going fast when only five people passed me!
We did manage to have two riders in A&E for minor damage and some hunfreds of pounds worth of equipment damage. With hubs breaking, rear mech hangers going, damaged rear mechs, a broken spoke and Paul Scott having four punctures.
Thanks to Paul Crane for organising a fantastic weekend.
Paul Scott’s comments:
Not only did we have a great weekend of riding, Kailzie Bunkhouse was absolutely superb… It easily and comfortably accommodated all 20+ plus of us, and the facilities, including the purpose built bike wash and bruisingly powerful showers were very welcome after a long day of riding! Also wanted to say thanks to the tremendous volunteer chefs for providing us with an amazing feast on the Saturday evening! You have raised the bar mighty high! (Jeff Note: I put on two pounds eating two main courses and three different desserts).
Thanks everyone for a really memorable weekend and thanks especially to Paul Crane for making it happen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvGvXJT05x8
Though all the trails are of a very high standard. I was particularly impressed with the how fast and flowing the blue route was!
Sunday had us move on to Innerleithen doing the red route. It starts with a fantastic 400 metres of climbing followed by some very fast decents. I for one had a couple of times when I had to lock anchors with some particularly nastily drops. One double drop had you landing with your front wheel on the edge of the next drop potentially sending you over the handlebars.
As there was a downhill competition on there. We did watch some of the of the racing and then had a look round all these huge great bikes with their £1200 Fox 40 forks etc.
Even though I a bit of a whippet up hills Chris was still faster than me up when it got technical (as for down I felt I was stationary in comparison). As far as downhills I thought I was going fast when only five people passed me!
We did manage to have two riders in A&E for minor damage and some hunfreds of pounds worth of equipment damage. With hubs breaking, rear mech hangers going, damaged rear mechs, a broken spoke and Paul Scott having four punctures.
Thanks to Paul Crane for organising a fantastic weekend.
Paul Scott’s comments:
Not only did we have a great weekend of riding, Kailzie Bunkhouse was absolutely superb… It easily and comfortably accommodated all 20+ plus of us, and the facilities, including the purpose built bike wash and bruisingly powerful showers were very welcome after a long day of riding! Also wanted to say thanks to the tremendous volunteer chefs for providing us with an amazing feast on the Saturday evening! You have raised the bar mighty high! (Jeff Note: I put on two pounds eating two main courses and three different desserts).
Thanks everyone for a really memorable weekend and thanks especially to Paul Crane for making it happen!
I was in the MTB group that journeyed to Scotland for the most AMAZING weekend!
Starting with a splinter group of me, Chris and Mike hitting the blue trail for a night ride in Glentress Forest on Friday evening.
Excellent for focusing the mind for the following two days of fun in the Glentress and Innerleithen Forests. Absolutely in love with the descent from Minch Moor which has vastly improved in the last 18 months with a new trail. AWESOME!!! Get me back up there quickly!!!! 
Note to Paul Scott - if you put weight on at the weekend - you weren't trying hard enough on the trail!!
Starting with a splinter group of me, Chris and Mike hitting the blue trail for a night ride in Glentress Forest on Friday evening.
Excellent for focusing the mind for the following two days of fun in the Glentress and Innerleithen Forests. Absolutely in love with the descent from Minch Moor which has vastly improved in the last 18 months with a new trail. AWESOME!!! Get me back up there quickly!!!! Note to Paul Scott - if you put weight on at the weekend - you weren't trying hard enough on the trail!!
Joined the Saturday intermediates for a brisk ride to Brandsby, departed off the back on the climb up to Yearsley and then wended a weary way home via Crayke. Impressive sight of the day - Claire restarting the climb after shipping her chain at the bottom and dancing on the pedals like a good 'un in hot pursuit. Last time I saw such a determined recovery was Ullrich in the 1998 tour on his was to Plateau Bieille after puncturing - check out you tube if you want to see (music's a bit cheesy though)
link - I think
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuCF3IVF848
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuCF3IVF848
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bernard turgoose
- Posts: 231
- Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 8:21 pm
Hi on the Sunday ride we split at Settrington and took the direct route to Thornton le Dale, but with a slight diversion to Ellerburn to try to kill time before the cafe to allow the langdale enders to catch us up in the cafe. After waiting until nearly 1.00 we decided to press on and returned via Old Malton, Menethorpe, Kirkham etc. Back in York just before 3.00 with 77 miles up; what a brilliant spring like day after all the cold & dullness of recent times - let the spring continue !!
Bernard
Bernard