Condor Road Club

Sunday 12th July

2009-07-11T16:32:00.002+01:00

For anyone fancying a potter tomorrow I'm meeting Brian at 8.30 at Denholmgate with the intention of being home for one o' clock (ish)

Sunday 5 July 2009

2009-07-03T17:28:00.003+01:00

For want of a better plan, let's meet at Keighley roundabout for 08:30 on Sunday morning and make a route from there.

I've heard that Robin wants a long ride maybe over Tatham Fells. Others (Steve, Neil, me) want to be back home for mid afternoon - although I expect that it is only to watch the Tour and the Tennis final on TV, rather than for some DIY or gardening. So maybe we set off to Setlle and then make separate tracks from there. Ian

Three Peaks Cyclo Cross Update

2009-07-03T17:21:00.001+01:00

Entry form back on website but only until Sunday evening!

www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk

Vicar

Birthday Party

2009-07-03T17:20:00.005+01:00

I'm having a party for my 40th at the Cat I'th Well in Wainstalls, Saturday 18 July 2009. Free BBQ from 5pm, live music from 7pm. More details in the next Beak newsletter. Let me know if you can make it! Ian

It is amazing what you find search the web. This photo of the pub (from here) dates from around 1924. Some of the pickled onions on the bar have a similar vintage. Most of the customers are slightly newer.

Carol Jamieson

2009-07-03T17:16:00.006+01:00

Last Sunday I had a chance meeting with two old friends - Paul Hickey and Paul Gower who I hadn’t seen in years, it took me back to my youth and wonderful memories of a time when I was far fitter than I am today!

30 years ago as a young lass, I joined the Condor Road Club and met some fantastic people and enjoyed wonderful club runs, not to mention some very boozy exploits! Character building is the term I think that best serves this part of my life!

Cycling has always been a part of my life though I am often a spectator these days rather than a participant.

I now live in Guiseley, am married and have a 14 year old son who despite my best efforts prefers football to cycling.

I run a charity called Andrea's Gift which raises funds for brain tumour patients and research in Yorkshire, and each May, we have an annual 65 mile cycle ride from Wetherby to Scarborough. I will let you know the date for 2010 and maybe some of you will join us, it would be fantastic to see you all again.

For my own pursuits, in 2005 I attempted Letape du Tour in the Pyrenees with a bunch of doctors I work with on the charity. Sadly I was time eliminated before the major climb - col d'Aubisque so I was unable to claim my medal, but it was an amazing event.

Your friend in cycling
Carol xx

http://www.blogger.com/profile/00073866291452231105

Three Peaks Cyclo Cross

2009-07-01T12:51:00.002+01:00

Entry form for this year's event went on the Three Peaks web site at 12pm last night and was withdrawn by midday today as demand was "excessive".

I managed to download, complete and post my entry form but I'm not sure whether other Condor regulars, (John,Ian,and Robin) will have been so lucky (I still don't know that my entry will be accepted).

In the past preference may have been given to long standing entrants and those from local clubs, but the whole event has become a lot slicker recently and more organised so I'm not sure whether there will be latitude for the organisers to make decisions on grounds such as these. This said I'm sure Rob Jebb will get a ride whenever he puts his application in!

If you're a disappointed Condor it may be worth a quiet word with the organiser John Rawnsley if you know how to contact him - he may have gone to ground however - I guess he'll be getting a lot of calls at the moment.

The Vicar

Sunday 28th June

2009-06-27T16:05:00.002+01:00

Meeting Trudders & Kev Brown at 8.30am at Flappit Pub for potter up round the Buckden triangle and back early afternoon if anyone is looking for a few steady miles tomorrow.

Sunday 21st June

2009-06-20T21:33:00.002+01:00

Wasn't sure whether anyone would turn up so wasn't sure whether to drag myself out of bed at such an early hour. Now we seem to have a ride I think I will see you tomorrow.

Richard (Vicar)

Sunday 21 June 2009

2009-06-20T19:59:00.002+01:00

I'm planning on joining Pete Horne for the run out to York Rally. See you tomorrow at Shelf roundabout Pete.

Ian

Pictures from the Red Rose

2009-06-19T11:38:00.005+01:00

Thanks for Criss Crossland, David Dodwell and helpers for running another great ride last Sunday with the Red Rose Audax out to Glasson Dock.
The sky threatened showers but carrying a cape in my pocket all day made sure that it stayed dry (which is a small price to pay). The 55 or so riders who set off from Coleridge Street quickly strung out through Halifax town centre as we made our way up past the new B&Q and out onto Keighley Road. The route then includes a lovely little hill as a detour at the back of Keighley which, if ridden slowly, I'd go back and do again. Through Barrowford we then took a climb onto and along the ridge, where these shots were taken on Croft Top Lane. As you can see, the Condors made an effort to split up here so that we could each get separate photos - rather than coming through as one big flock!

I was half considering packing at Whalley but carelessly arrived while the front group were still there and so was encouraged to carry on. A quick shot of coffee got me back on my bike and out to Mitton and Whitewell. The Trough of Bowland is a great road, but steep enough to split us up again. We saw lots of riders coming the other way - there must have been another event/sportive going on. Still, the Lantern o'er the Lune cafe was a welcome sight and we were all ready for a big plate of lunch (except Bob Johnson of VC167 who made do with a scone and a ham sandwich - I think you can tell who the fit ones are).

The run back through Garstang and Ingelwhite soon had me gasping for breath so I settled into my own rythm and enjoyed the scenery alone for the most part, occasionally bumping into the front group at stops in Longridge and Whalley. Then there was the satisfaction of arriving back to complete the ride - and have a cup of tea!

2009-06-18T22:26:00.002+01:00

Anyone fancy a ride out to York this Sunday to visit the York Rally at Knavesmere? 8am at Shelf Xroads, ride out via Wetherby, have a look around the exibition then back home.

old cycling friends 002

2009-06-12T19:44:00.003+01:00

----- Original Message -----
From: "Allan Simcock"
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 11:54 AM
Subject: Emailing: old cycling friends 002

The enclosed photos were taken almost fifty years ago, we were all in the IMPS at that time except the lady (Ive forgotten her name).We all used to go to Blackpool for the September break these photos were taken in the "Huntsman".

old cycling friends 001

2009-06-12T19:42:00.004+01:00

From: Allan Simcock

The funeral of Phillip Smithies took place today in France attended by Paul Gower. I knew Phillip fifty years ago when he joined the IMPS of which I was a member and club secretary .Phil was a private person having been raised by his father, his mother died when he was quite young. He was used to looking after himself and enjoyed his own company. the enclosed photo was taken in blackpool roller skating about 1960 (ISH) FROM LEFT Jez Revell, ME, Brian Sunter Phil Smithies Graham (not a cyclist a mate of Brians)

Wednesday Night, Sunday Morning

2009-06-04T22:10:00.002+01:00

Question "How many people work at Bradford Council?" - Answer, "About half of them" - well, unfortunately, on Wednesday night I was one of that half.

I had planned to ride a 'cross in Huddersfield and then, as time ran out, I thought I might join you, knobly tires an' all, at Whittaker's and then, as more time ran out, I thought I might see you at the pub; finally I decided not to bother and went home for a fish and chip supper and a bottle of Timmy Taylor's.

Never mind, on Sunday, I did get out with the usual suspects and I had a grand old day, even managed to drop Nige and Ian on the last dig up from the Caty - a little scrap to sustain me through the week. (By the way Steve, perhaps out of politeness, we didn’t mark the bacon and egg sandwiches - my score 8.5 out of 10 definitely in the top quartile and well worth another visit)

Finally, really sorry to hear about Philip - didn't know him well and didn't know he was ill so a bit of a shock to me.

Richard (Vicar)

Philip Smithies

2009-06-04T16:59:00.000+01:00

I'm sorry to say that Philip Smithies died yesterday (3 June) in France after his long illness.

photo of "Grimpy"

2009-06-03T20:35:00.003+01:00

Alan Simcock emailed this into the blog:

The photo of "GRIMPY" brought back memories of other "Condor" members I have not seen in many years. The guy with the beard is the late Alasdair Cammeron.Other condor road club members in the photo are from the left, Dave Holmes, Lou Hesp, Jimmy Cotton, the guy with the beard is the late Alasdair Cammeron. - Alan

Grimpy is of course the cheeky chappie in the centre holding his bike.

Ian

10 June - Brian's Hilly Time Trial

2009-06-01T17:33:00.003+01:00

Brian has asked if anyone fancies riding in the club hilly TT next week 10 June.
And if you don't then please come along to support the event by helping to marshall from about 6pm at the Greetland Sports & Social club to get your orders.
Ian

3 June - Skipton & back

2009-06-01T17:26:00.008+01:00

Report on the Skipton & back - for times see below

Well, my excuse is that I was late. Nothing new there then. Fortunately Robin Holt was late as well and caught me at Five Flags. We could then team up and do bit & bit to try to catch the bunch. This involved Robin doing a bit of work on the front and me doing a bit to hang on to his back wheel for as long as possible.
We started to catch CTC members in Keighley and despite our shouted encourangements none of them fancied joining on the back of our little train. Then past Crosshills some yellow jerseys and blue jerseys hove into view as we got sight of clubmates from Imps and Condor, including Jancice and Paul Gower. Just before Skipton we waved at the peleton as they set off "back". They were strung out with plenty of VS jerseys at the front. Then came a precession of riders in varying states of weariness who had been blown out or decided to ride at their own pace. I took a (preplanned) opportunity to drop in with John Lumb and let Robin chase on at full gas, with thanks for the great help he gave me on the way out.

John & I could then chat and cruise along (well, we did try a little harder than that to start with, but only until everyone else was safely out of sight in front of us). I went the wrong way at the roundabout and mistakenly lead John over the level crossing, otherwise of course he'd have followed the fully authorised route. Andy Mann had been held up at the lights and was delighted that we'd caught him up by taking this short cut. He was 'delighted' again as our clean run through Keighley undid all of his hard work and we caught him for a second time at some more lights. I couldn't resisit then following Andy up Ingrow, leaving John to suffer alone. However, the Condors regrouped in Denholme so we could finish together, where we learnt the story of what had been happening up at the sharp end of the ride:

1.22.39 John Doherty - VS Cycles

1.22.41 Sean Smith - Imps

1.22.45 Martin Cleminson - Imps

1.22.50 Melvyn "the Condor" Hartley - Condor

1.22.50 Neil "the dying swan" Dyson - Imps (a great ride!)

1.23.15 Johnny "the bonk" Perry - Condor

1.23.24 Chris Thompson - VS

1.24.19 Martin Croft - Imps

1.24.50 Dan Shaw - Imps

1.26.21 A. Hunt - VC Bradford

Then a little later we have:

1.26.50 Robin Holt (but remember he set of 5 mins late and rode alone - so a great elapsed time)

1.27.33 Steve "Basher" Barker

1.32.07 Phil "Trudders" Trudgill - a brand new Condor member who, in true Condor style, halfwheeled Pete Horne all the way across the line

1.32.07 (and a bit) Pete "I'm not bringing you again" Horne

1.39.31 John "el Presedente" Lumb

1.39.31 Ian Robinson

Finally, thanks to the Imps & the CTC for organising the ride - including particularly Paul Hickey & Chris Crossland. The food in the Pineberry was appreciated by those who waited around - it must have good because it was all gone in seconds!

[old post]
This Wednesday is the new Skipton & back which combines the old Imps and CTC rides into one event. Be there early from 6.45pm to sign in. If I'm late by 10 minutes as usual then hopefully you will all have started without me & I can go steady instead.
The start is in Denholme at Whitakers joinery factory - where we usually meet on a Sunday. The flag drops at 7pm prompt.
Turn second roundabout going into Skipton [I think this means the little mini-roundabaout rather than going all the way up to the castle]. Both ways via Crosshills to avoid level crossings. Finish at the farm shop above Thornton Road crossroads. Food afterwards at the Pineberry.

31 May - MTB heaven

2009-05-30T11:25:00.004+01:00

It is muddy bikes this week. And it looks like shorts & short sleeves.
For what of a better suggestion, let's meet 08:30 at my house.
The route might be a reverse of the Stanbury-Wycoller loop and hopefully we can fit in a visit to the cafe in Heptonstall.
Pete Horne also mentioned a 200k Audax starting Burnley way and going round Tan Hill see http://www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm.
Ian

Blame it on the Boogie

2009-05-25T20:22:00.006+01:00

Sorry guys I have to own up, I sort of gave up, on Sunday, on the long drag from Airton over Scalebar to Settle.

I could blame it on my gears which were misfiring, and my injured knee which, to be fair, was giving me jip, but this really doesn't wash, so, perhaps I should blame it on the deadening effect of three hundred flat and steady miles over the previous weekend, and then, for good measure, blame my age.

On reflection, none of this will do; might just as well blame it on the boogie. Truth is, as I say, I sort of gave up; not really a good plan with Robin and Melvyn, on the front, tapping out tempo.

You'll be pleased to know I gave myself a good kicking on my solo ride from Settle back to Keighley.

Hope you all had a good day and see you next Sunday!

Richard (Vicar)

PS What's happened to Brian? I passed him going up Ingrow - you won't be surprised to know I was in a car, he was on a bike - at first I didn't recognise him, not a hint of Condor blue but pretty in pink - has he lost the faith?

Sunday 24 May - Bowland Knotts

2009-05-23T08:26:00.003+01:00

The twins have a plan to ride sensibly and steadily this Sunday on the quiet lanes of Lancashire away from most of the traffic. I'm hoping for an early cafe stop in Settle on the way there.
Meet Denholme at 8:30, Keighley at 9 and we should then find Nigel & Melvyn at Steeton traffic lights for 9:15 (don't ask - wait, on second thoughts, go on ask them, it'll slow them down a bit if they have to talk as well as ride). Cheers, Ian

Announcements from British Cycling

2009-05-23T08:14:00.002+01:00

Regional Road Race Championships
The Regional Board is promoting the Regional Road Race Championships on 31 May 2009 on the Denby Dale course with the race HQ at Penistone Grammar School. An additional 15 marshals are needed to assist on the day between 9am and 2.30pm. Please would you ask around your club members for volunteers. Please contact Jason Metcalfe: telephone 01484 432043 mobile 07912 221092 email Jason@hanson-cs.co.uk for further details or with offers of help. Your assistance is much
appreciated.

The Ryedale Grand Prix
Marshals and helpers are urgently needed for this event on 7 June 2009 based at Duncombe Park, Helmsley in the North Yorkshire Moors. The added bonus of volunteering to help at this event is a free entry to the Ryedale Rumble, one of the most spectacular sportives in the country, on 9 August 2009. Please contact Bob Howden: telephone 01924 379443
mobile 07739 892 056 email bobhowden@grasscrete.com

Grass Track racing @ Roundhay

Racing has re-commenced at Roundhay Park in Leeds for the new season of racing. Following extensive drainage work, the track is at it's best for years. We offer competitive racing for kids, seniors and veterans. Under 14's ride on freewheel bikes while over 14's (including adults) ride fixed wheel. There are a variety of races throughout Monday evenings on offer plus a regional championship planned for the 13th July. The league will be in the form of a series with 9 races out of 13 to count.

Dates are: 11th & 18th May; 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th June; 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th July; 3rd & 10th August 2009 (weather permitting). Signing on from 6.45pm, racing starts at 7.15pm. Entries will be on the line only & cost £ 7.00 for Seniors, £ 5.00 for Juniors & £ 3.00 for Juveniles. Contact details are: Mandy Parker Tel:07917 860292, Email: mandyparker2@ntlworld.com Website: http://www.cycleroundhay.co.uk/ In Person: On racing Mondays 18:30 onwards at The Pavilion, The arena, Roundhay Park, Leeds

Spot Grimpy

2009-05-14T18:22:00.000+01:00

This is a photo taken at a road race at Foulridge in 1959 - can you recognise Grimpy?

Has a ride been organised for next Sunday? If not can I suggest 0830hrs Denholmgate for Silverdale or perhaps Buckden triangle with refreshments at Zarenas

Secret email posting

2009-05-05T18:31:00.002+01:00

You can now post to the blog by email using a top-secret email address.
Send your message to "condorroadclub.[secret]@blogger.com".
Where [secret] = the bits of your bike with hubs, spokes and rims!

Another diary date - Condor Cross 31 Oct 09

2009-05-05T18:30:00.001+01:00

This year, the Condor Cross is on Saturday 31st October 2009.
John was unable to get a Sunday Date in October or November any free Dates were unavailable at Bradley Woods.
Because it’s a Saturday event we are combining the VETS & Senior races so less time on site for helpers.