Wednesday, August 25, 2010


For sale - Dolan crossbike, 56cm seat tube, alum frame/carbon forks full mudguard rack & bottle eyes, Fizik saddle, 8sp STI,
£200 ono. Contact Pete Horne 07549 821349 or petehorne@yahoo.co.uk
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Monday, August 23, 2010


As planned I met Mick in Brighouse, James joined us at Elland Bridge (bit of a worry meeting James, looking strong and on a new bike with the latest technolgically advanced 29" wheels; Mick always waits for me but would he do so if he had James to race against? - but my fears were short lived - he'd been riding the Blackpool Nocturne the previous evening and was happy to have a steady ride). When Nigel & Melvin met us on the canal bank the other side of Sowerby Bridge things started to get dirty; the canal bank did anyway. A steady ride up Colden Clough was disrupted when Mel spotted 2 or 3 MTB'ers ahead and had to chase them down, fortunately it coincided with Mick requiring a comfort break so there was no pressure on me to chase after him. Once through Colden we joined the M.T. Loop over to Widdop where Nigel was able to give his sibling advice on the art of descending. On the road over to Thursden then over the cattle grid an up that pig of a climb towards Colden. At the top of the climb we turned right onto the new bit of Pennine Bridleway which leads to the old bridleway at Boulsworth Dyke. Down to Wycoller for refreshments then back up the track and onto the road at Watersheddles Ressy. It was road all the way home for me (puppy rearing duties) leaving the hard men to head back to Calderdale via Stairs Lane and Limers Gate. A good social morning out, about 47 miles and home for 1pm.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Grimpy does PB

In todays West Peak Grimpeur the usual suspects from the Condor and the Imps were joined by Grimpy making his debut. Not only was it his first mid week Audax but at the age of almost 68 he managed a personal best by taking refreshments at 3 cafes in one day (Marple Co-op, Tittesworth Reservoir Visitor Centre & Buxton Laundrette Cafe). Another good day with plenty of climbing points to add for our Audax Altitude Award badge.

If anyone fancy's a MTB ride next Sunday (22nd) I'm meeting Mick Collins at Brighouse at 8am, we're riding on the canal bank to H.Bridge then going up Colden Clough, Widdop, Boulsworth, Wycoller Cafe, Stanbury then whatever way back we decide on the day. Persons living in the wilds of upper Upper Calderdale could meet us en-route.
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Saturday, August 14, 2010

Audax's

Myself and other assorted Condors & Imps have been riding the Peak Audax Grimpeur Series, 5 Wednesdays from the end of July to the end of August - here's a few photos. There's 2 left if you fancy a day off work.
Last Wednesday it was the White Peak, a 105km circuit with nearly 8000ft of climbing. A navigational cock-up split the main bunch in Hayfield with Peeps and Brian (plus others) following the road to Kinder Downfall (ignoring the no through road signs). Myself and Everard kept faith in my GPS and soon corrected ourselves but Paul and Brian placed their faith in three lads who 'looked like they knew where they were going.'
Anyhow we re-grouped at Monyash cafe where we spent an hour or more being noisy before riding back together to the finish at the Ring o' Bells, Marple (Robinsons excellent ales)
Forthcoming Audax's

5th September - Northern Dales 200km

19th September - Bradwell Grimpeur 120 or 200. I'm hoping to ride the 120km event. They're organised by Danial Webb, he lives in Tod and has joined the Condor. Danial is also organising an Audax on behalf of the Condor, the 'Todmorden Loops', 100km, on the 13th of March next year so make sure you keep in shape this winter. Brian, Richard and myself rode one of Danial's events in the Peaks last autumn and in addition to a great route the catering both before and after the ride was second to none.

3rd October - Season of Mists, Hebden Bridge - a Condor favourite
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