Dagfields (Short Ride) – 19th February 2012

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Well the week long wait and the daily grind at work is all worth while when you have a club run like today. Despite a chilly, and in some cases according to the Winsford division, a slippery start to the morning, the sun was out in full force and by the return ride home the roads were bone dry and the temperature just right.

A good crowd rolled up at the British Legion and split into two comfortable groups both destined for Dagfields, a nice easy flat ride in preparation for Llanberis next weekend. The long group did a long loop while the short ride, to allow the roads to clear up, went direct through Middlewich, Warmingham, edging on Crewe and then into Haslington.

Talk was all about Llanberis next weekend with Rich Munro signing up members for his Grupetto. Steve Thomas made a special guest appearance, sitting on the front, keeping tempo. We encountered a couple of slushy sections but apart from that the roads were fine.

After great service and food we headed back home as the long group arrived to take our place. We were joined by Kevan, who in advance of hearing of an epic Whitegate clash of the titans, skipped lunch to head back home. The route back home went through Audlem, before taking in an never ending road up (avec headwind) into Nantwich, Wettenhall, Winsford and into Northwich.

Once again Steve Thomas sat on the front and drove home the bunch; with already a very good 40 miles in the legs some riders were starting to feel it and the bunch became splintered. After a quick re-group, the tempo dropped back and those still finding their legs for the 2012 season were nursed back home.

Meanwhile at the head of the bunch, a breakaway had formed. I can’t remember everyone unfortunately but it did contain Kev, Pete, Graham Gregory and would you believe it Steve Thomas. Crowds gathered from as far as those exiting the church and midway up the climb Pete attacked. Wood and Underhill had the legs to follow. Wood sat behind, eyes fixed on the wheel in front. He could see a shadow behind him and knew he wasn’t alone. Wood could see the bridge before him. So many have won here, great names: Armstrong, Wiggins, Evans, Schleck and Dave McKay. Then Underhill attacked, Wood knew it was too soon to go but followed his wheel. Underhill, out of the saddle, surged forth. Wood followed. Wood’s heart monitor screamed for him to stop or you will die, and then Pete came through. Wood knew it was over. Who won? I don’t know, I didn’t see. I could just about roll over the bridge.

We re-grouped after the bridge and headed home. I had 60 miles on the clock when I rolled in. A great day, great weather, brilliant company and cheers to Al for the route. See you at 8am Saturday for Llanberis!

Delamere Off Road ride Sat 18 Feb

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Meet at Delamere Station cafe as usual for 10am start. A couple of hours or so around the forest before lunch, then possibly over to Ashton and Tarvin to the famous packhorse bridges. This used to be a regular route back from Chester and many older club members will remember them.

“Ah – poor fools they’re with Kempy”

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Well as El had got up at 6 and cycled to work, I felt guilty enough to turn up for my first Saturday training ride.  I was wide awake anyway El doesn’t do anything quietly!

Six intrepid souls were there, Alan K, Andy P, Kev C, Jon Conboy, Jules and myself.  In view of the frosty conditions it was decided that we would go toBangor on Dee.

I don’t know about you but when somebody tells me that a cycle ride is going somewhere I naturally assume that this is the destination and a suitable café will be supplied.  You cannot imagine my horror on entering said destination to be informed that the café was at Two Mills!  Cyclists are bloody weird and it is particularly difficult to go through and off whilst sobbing.  Anyway a good pace was maintained and a casual observer may have thought we were a well oiled team in our matching kit and even though I say so myself good form as a chain gang.

All was going well until Kev C had an energy gel and then decided that we were being watched by Sky Cycling scouts and he would seize his chance to impress them.  The pace went up considerably with him and Alan taking it in turns to lead,   We entered the café wild eyed and covered in snot.  All heads turned to look at us in horror and then like a Mexican wave the expressions on the faces turned to one of understanding and sympathy as they spied our leader.  I even heard one of them turn to their companion and in a rather too loud voice say “ Ah – poor fools they’re with Kempy”

Good banter in the café whilst we waited for our food.  Then back towards the forest and the inevitable race.  Mention must be made of  Andy Pool, not only does he ride to and from Sandbach to do the ride but he has a bike bag on his handlebars slightly bigger than Sherpa Tenzing’s rucksack and he still takes his turns on the front and drives the pace along.

Alan rode away with consummate ease through the forest as we all gathered behind Kev C for second place.  Having let him lead to what I thought was to the 200m to go point, I showed my true character by trying to sprint away and steal the glory.  I really must try and take note of where I am in theForestbefore I make rash moves, needless to say both Jules and Kev easily caught me in the half a mile left before the sign.  Then back to Northwich, just over 80 miles in total  – a great ride with great company.

Posted by Kev

I think I can still see Alan and Dave

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Alan S left on the short run announcing – we’re off to Two Mills, the long run can go to Holt or anywhere else they want. We all looked at each other – I stupidly said we could go via Summertrees and the Candle Factory and then round the back way to Holt. Fine said Alan Kemp you lead, I had that sinking feeling of an Italian Captain falling into a life boat but decided to bluff it out. Ten of us set off toward Whitegate, Alan K, Dave Fearon (on a fixed!), Jon C, Kev C, Tim, Howie, Vince, John K and a friend of his who hasn’t been on a club run for 25 years whose name I have completely forgotten but for the purpose of this tale will call Newie (sorry I’m getting old and forgetful)

Alan announced he had had a tough ride yesterday and was so tired he could hardly sit on his bike. Ha ha ha ha, suffice to say on the way home Howie came up beside me and said ‘this has been great preparation for Llanberis, high winds, hills and a view of the back of Alan Kemp disappearing into the distance’. We went to Eaton, up Hollins Hill, down to Quarry bank, along to Willington Corner, up Chapel lane past Summertrees and back to Quarry bank. At this point my sanity and credibility were questioned as it dawned on some of the party that we had just been in a circle with a gratuitous hill thrown in. I got quite a lot of flack but I did my best Bernard Hinault impression and told them to go forth and multiply.

Then over to Burwardsley and Bickerton via Tattenhall for a couple more hills before a regroup. It must be said that Dave F is amazing, with his metronomic riding up the hills. How the hell does he do it on a fixed, if I could have caught him I’d have pushed him off.

We then regrouped and all agreed to pretend we were on a club run and keep the pace sensible and stay together. There was complete consent – yes you’ve guessed it as we set off Alan K and Jon C disappeared into the distance not to be seen again until Holt. A fine meal in a crowded restaurant and we all set off refreshed. A fairly uneventful return except Dave and Alan sat on the front the whole way back and talked. We were treated to everything from Alan’s competing in the Peace race to Dave’s early days of TT’ing as well as some interesting facts about early girl friends. It was better than a radio and apart from regular shouts from the rear of ‘half a rev’ they did a fantastic job in very adverse conditions.

All in all 65 miles of hard but enjoyable riding at this rate we’ll be ready for Llanberis.

Despite what it says below – Posted by Kev

Llandegla Sat 21 Jan

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Despite the gale we had a brilliant ride round the red and black trails, including the new bits of singletrack heading back all the way to the trail centre. Luckily we set off just before the trails were closed due to the high winds and found it almost unridable on the exposed sections. However, back in the forest it was very sheltered and we even had a bit of sunshine.

Giles led us on the ups and tussled with Matthew for the lead on the descents. Richard C was going well and Kev U, on a roll fresh from his NW CycloCross Association league category win, battered it up all the climbs. Kev C was going well and getting much quicker on the descents with Eleanor and Geoff from the Birkenhead North End enjoying it too. Steve A ventured up here for the first time and loved it, applying his BMX skills to the jumps and berms. Lionel took his youngster round the blue trail which was pretty tough on such a windy morning.

The new sections were excellent with some flowing jumps and berms and a few surprises to keep us on our toes. Quite a few tough climbs too for extra interval training. Don’t forget to get your entries in for Hit the North on 4 Feb.

To Prees and back

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Sorry about the dark photos – young Titch is studying photography at Mid Cheshire so clearly we need to get him to take them in future! The reason the top one is so bad is because the sun was so bright and was directly behind us – so it doesn’t give any idea as to just what a beautiful sunny day it was. We had a great ride today. Graham led us to Prees via Nantwich and Whitchurch, then back on a great route which took us via Malpas (where the photos were taken), the Peckforton Hills and then (to avoid the closed bridge at the Shady Oak) via Bunbury. It was icy on some patches but we took the descents carefully and there were no mishaps. We had a companiable group out today and our front riders set a sensible pace so we kept together most of the time. Our group included youngsters James (who did a big share of riding on the front for us) Titch (who is doing really well) and me (!), and then for the”grown ups” we had Graham, Jules, John Conboy, Alan K, Howie, Ady and Carol (thanks for goading me on up the hills Carol!) Paul joined us on the way out but dropped out with knee problems – Paul, we hope you’re OK…
I had 69 miles on the clock at the end of the day, and felt that I’d worked hard.

18 to Allgreave

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A fantastic turn out this morning with what must have been nearly 50 riders keen to start their 2012 fitness campaign – and anxious to get the miles in before the Llanberis weekend. The short group set off first (let us know how you got on) and I went with the long group, led by Graham, out to the big climb up to the Hanging Gate pub and over to Allgreave. This climb is steep! I couldn’t see the action from my lanterne rouge position but I gather Dylan and our climbers set a cracking pace over the hill, and then patiently waited at the top for those of us without the right gears/legs. It’s good to see Howie back in action, and his battle with his 42/24 gearing was something to watch – as was some of the zig zagging and general cursing that was going on from other riders. The photo shows one of the last climbs on the sharp corner before the cafe – where Andy broke his chain – and had to manfully walk the last kilometre uphill to get his beans on toast.

Graham led us back via Wildboarclough and the climb over Macc. Forest – by this time the drizzle and mist rendered glasses useless, (and the photo I took of us all at the top of the Forest just came out as fog). The descent to the reservoir and through Langley was fairly hairy in the wet.

Despite the poor conditions this was an excellent run – thanks to Graham and everyone for setting such a steady pace and keeping us all together – we had 19 at the start and remarkably still had 18 at the cafe (John Keen turned off early) and we all stayed together on the return leg until I punctured at Siddington and Kev and I stopped to fix it.

Ticks go to Graham, Dylan, Alan K, Kev, Kris, Jules, John Conboy, Andy, Howie, Elaine and eldest son Paul, Kevin, James Risk, Derek, Carol, new rider (and great climber) Neil, and another new rider (only 16 and doing really well) Titch. Thanks for your company!

Delamere Sat 7 Jan

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Despite rain on my window at 8.30am it turned into a sunny morning for an excellent ride round the singletrack of Delamere.
The smiles show how much we were enjoying it. Smashing to see some new faces joining Eleanor for some off road fun – Steve G, Rob (El’s collegue) and Adrian, as well as Steve A coming back for more – proving that we didn’t put him off for ever when he joined us on 29 Dec.
Like Steve G, Steve A showed his BMX background with excellent bike handling skills so that the narrow trails and tricky bridges were easily negotiated. If Steve A looks a little concerned in this picture it’s not because of the difficult terrain, but that outdoor swimming pool behind him which was overhauled by his team last week!

Rob’s riding style reminded us of Ross (praise indeed – he was the guy who used to be pictured in this blog header), with Adrian getting stuck in and loving it if the camera doesn’t lie.

We’re off to Llandegla next time, so watch this space.

Dave Astles RIP: Memorial Ride December 27th 2011

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Here is Dave with Nick and Alan, when they had all won their categories in the TLI National Champs. He was so proud of that win – and this morning there can have been few more moving sights than that of his son Mark, wearing his Dad’s national champion’s shirt, leading out about 100 friends from WVCC and many other clubs, on a memorial ride. We rode in two groups, on a beautiful almost spring-like day, along the Cheshire lanes which Dave knew so well, to one of his frequent haunts, the Ice Cream Farm at Beeston.

Mark must be very proud of his dad. Quite apart from his prowess as a cyclist, Dave was the nicest man you could meet. Everyone today had a tale about Dave – of his humour, his charm, his stories, his interest in everyone, and the way in which he would encourage everyone, young, old, male, female, fast or less fast – whether he was offering tactical advice about racing or training, or helping new riders to work out how to hang on to the back of the bunch on a club run – or in my case, just a simple “come on Ellie” when he knew I was flagging.

On the return leg today we rode together at a brisk pace, a bit too fast for chatting – and somehow he seemed to be there with us, his eyes twinkling, willing us on, taking pleasure and pride in the fact that so many people had turned out on such a beautiful day, all for him. I feel very privileged to have ridden with Dave, and whenever I’m out on my bike in the future he will, I know, be there with me, encouraging me. Our thoughts I know go to his family, for their great loss, and we hope that in their sadness, they take some small comfort from today.

RIP.

Delamere Thurs 29 Dec

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This is a picture from the last Delamere ride early December. If you haven’t been with us you might be surprised at the extent and quality of the singletrack in the forest. As usual, meet at the station cafe for 10am start. 2 hours or so before lunch back at the cafe and then another hour or so for any who fancy it in the afternoon.