I was up and about early so I thought I would take the dogs out early before it got too warm.
6.45am I was out of the door. We went across to the moorland that is diagonally opposite our house. I didn't need a jacket as it was already warm enough for just a t-shirt (when I say JUST a t-shirt, I mean on the top half of course). We did a route from there that we often do. Down the moor, on a little road and down the other moor. Cross the road and down a track at the side of the farm where we get our eggs.
It's lovely farm, country round this bit until we get to another track. This could be lovely too but the owner leaves the gate at the far end open and it is used as a fly tip. What a mess!
Anyway back to a fair bit of road walking and back into Birkenshaw village. The dogs know where to cross as much as I do so Bear is very quickly showing me the way. We go back through the churchyard where 'my' grandma and grandad's ashes are buried. I say 'my' as they were no relation except by marriage, they were my ex husband's grandparents but even after we divorced they insisted that I should not stop visiting and they always treated me as a grand-daughter and I was more of a grand-daughter to them than my ex's family were.
Then up the main road, winding our way through an estate and we arrive back at the road between the two moors. It was a pleasure to be out so early and it be so warm. An hours walk done before breakfast.
After breakfast I got into my cycling gear. I was meeting Ady and Helen at 10am. I was to decide on the route we were taking today. So I suggested we do part of the route to Hull that we will be taking on the actual ride.
All in agreement and off we went. A lot of the first part is on quite busy roads but eventually we turned off down a big hill. Wheeeeeeeee! Not looking forward to the return journey up there though. We go through lots of different scenarios from here, fairly built up, suburban, urban, farmland. The smells are wonderful today, Rape flowers and May flowers being the main ones.
Eventually we hit Castleford but we go a little further and there is Junction 32. It is a big outlet centre but not an indoor one. When you are out of the shops you are outdoors. We walked round to Thorntons chocolate shop and cafe and chain the bikes together within sight. Helen got us a table and then moved two tables back into the shade.
When we came to sit down Helen realised that she had put her money down on the original table in a little plastic bag. It was nowhere to be seen. Nobody had sat there but the bag had gone. We still got fed and watered. We chatted for a while and then set off back.
Ady said he knew a different way back to the original route that would cut off a mile or two so we let him lead. After a couple of miles he asked if I knew where we were. I didn't and nor did Helen or I. So we cycled on. I noted that the road was heading towards Wakefield so if nothing else I knew my way back from there. We asked someone who confirmed Wakefield was straight on.
So we carried on until we got to a t-junction and suddenly I knew exactly where I was. We worked our way through the maelstrom of traffic in the city centre and found that several times at lights we were next to a white Range Rover. We all thought this was quite funny. The driver and passenger were joining in our laughter too.
After leaving the town centre we joined a long straight A road. Not horrible but constantly uphill for several miles. We chugged on until we came round a roundabout. I knew that the road after the roundabout doesn't look like a nasty hill but it is very sneaky and when I first started riding this a few years ago I had to stop twice on this bit.
Helen and I got up it but then a van started hooting and I heard Ady shouting (he is re-knowned for this so I didn't take much notice). When I looked back I couldn't see him so shouted to Helen that he was 'off the back'. We stopped and waited. He eventually caught us up but had fallen off and that's why the van was hooting.
A drink, a breather and we were off again. This was probably one of the harder bits as we were tiring and it was hot. Another long straight slightly uphill road, Drighlington by-pass and we arrived at a Shell Garage where Helen and Ady bought drinks (I was nearly home and my Camelbak had sufficed) and then we did the hill back to where I dropped out and went home.
45 miles done and dusted.
A few hours rest from exercise and then I was off to aquarunning. Amy, our instructor, was on a mission tonight. It was like a bootcamp in water. That's how I like it though, no point in paying to just have a wash after all.
Friday, 25 May 2012
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Walking - A Little Hill
Well just for a change I wasn't cycling. I was out walking with the Ramblers. We were on a coach ramble. The coach takes us a little further away than normal and today's treat was Pen-Y-Ghent - one of the Three Peaks of Yorkshire.
The Three Peaks of Yorkshire is a challenge event where you have to complete all three hills, and the walk between them, in less than 12 hours. The total mileage is around 24.5 miles. I've never done it but my partner, Peter has on several occasions.
Anyway, today was one little peak of 691 metres. It was a 9 mile walk in all.
The weather was a little overcast but reasonably mild as we set off from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. We got going as a group.
Through a churchyard and along a lane and then passed through a gate that had the marker on that told us it was 1.5 miles to the peak. 
As we started the ascent Isobel and I took it steady but soon found we were getting quite a way ahead of everyone else.
As we got higher up Isobel started slowing a bit but I plodded on at no particular speed. I waited every so often and another lady caught me up. We chatted as we went up. Then the next time we waited her friend caught us up. I could still see Isobel who was way ahead of the main group but now a fair distance from us. I kept checking she was okay.
At about this time a man passed me wearing shorts. As he passed he nodded and said hello and I said 'I know you. You're Councillor Kris whatsit' He smiled and said he used to be. Bummer forgot he probably wasn't a councillor anymore. He didn't stop.
Then we got to the steep climb. This is where I started to slow a bit and a man from our group caught up. So the two ladies and this man, Steve were now ahead of me. I kept waving to Isobel and encouraging her on. In my mind there was a steep climb and then a slope to the top but my mind had obviously played tricks on me. There was a steep climb, a path and then another steep climb. By this time the sweat was pouring into my eyes.
After the last climb there was then an uphill path that felt more like it was flat and there, at last, was the trig point. Isobel was the fifth of our group to arrive at the top and we just waited for the rest while we had our lunch. I was proud of her for doing it especially without any audible complaints.
The view was pretty good but slightly cloudy.
When we had all rested and eaten we set off on the downward route. This was further over to the upward one. We chatted on the way down with various people and when we were on the flat again I looked back at the peak we had just climbed with a sense of satisfaction.
We got back to the coach and got changed. Then did a bit more walking back into the village for a nice cuppa and Isobel had a milkshake. A few of the Ramblers were in there so we had a chat with Mr Dawson, who we also know from canoeing.
The coach came into the village to pick us all up and we ended the day with a carvery meal at The Craven Heifer near Skipton.
The Three Peaks of Yorkshire is a challenge event where you have to complete all three hills, and the walk between them, in less than 12 hours. The total mileage is around 24.5 miles. I've never done it but my partner, Peter has on several occasions.
Anyway, today was one little peak of 691 metres. It was a 9 mile walk in all.
The weather was a little overcast but reasonably mild as we set off from Horton-in-Ribblesdale. We got going as a group.
As we started the ascent Isobel and I took it steady but soon found we were getting quite a way ahead of everyone else.
As we got higher up Isobel started slowing a bit but I plodded on at no particular speed. I waited every so often and another lady caught me up. We chatted as we went up. Then the next time we waited her friend caught us up. I could still see Isobel who was way ahead of the main group but now a fair distance from us. I kept checking she was okay.
At about this time a man passed me wearing shorts. As he passed he nodded and said hello and I said 'I know you. You're Councillor Kris whatsit' He smiled and said he used to be. Bummer forgot he probably wasn't a councillor anymore. He didn't stop.
Then we got to the steep climb. This is where I started to slow a bit and a man from our group caught up. So the two ladies and this man, Steve were now ahead of me. I kept waving to Isobel and encouraging her on. In my mind there was a steep climb and then a slope to the top but my mind had obviously played tricks on me. There was a steep climb, a path and then another steep climb. By this time the sweat was pouring into my eyes.
After the last climb there was then an uphill path that felt more like it was flat and there, at last, was the trig point. Isobel was the fifth of our group to arrive at the top and we just waited for the rest while we had our lunch. I was proud of her for doing it especially without any audible complaints.
The view was pretty good but slightly cloudy.
When we had all rested and eaten we set off on the downward route. This was further over to the upward one. We chatted on the way down with various people and when we were on the flat again I looked back at the peak we had just climbed with a sense of satisfaction.
The coach came into the village to pick us all up and we ended the day with a carvery meal at The Craven Heifer near Skipton.
Friday, 18 May 2012
A Little Ride Alone.
Feeling very positive today, Wednesday 16th May, so decided I was off for a bike ride on my own. Several people have said they would meet up with me in the past but with one thing and another it has never happened and I have often talked myself out of going out but I don't know why!!!
Anyway that nearly happened again today. Eventually though I left home at 11.30 am and headed towards Queensbury. This is an area of Bradford that borders Halifax and is the highest point in Bradford. Therefore, as you can imagine, it is somewhat uphill to the village. After much huffing and puffing I eventually got there.
When you think that you are finally on the top of the world, well Queensbury, there is more uphill to come. Straight through at the lights, that's a first, and a little more climb and I was at the top. A little further through the village and the downhill starts a bit but it is open moorland here. Then it's downhill along the road towards Denholme.
Before you get to Denholme though there is a stretch of road that is uphill again. Not horribly uphill but there is a strong headwind and I feel like I am losing the battle up here. At last I get to the lights and another first, straight through these ones too. Then it is a pleasant slightly downhill ride into Denholme village. Not forgetting the sharp turns where various pieces of deceased car lie next to remains of walls. Both villages have some interesting older properties and some great views.
After that is is not too bad going although again there is open moorland and headwinds to try and put me off. I might be slow but I am determined! I pass the Flappits, rocky moorland where there was a lot of motorcycle off roading activity for over 50 years but the council have closed it recently due to 'Health and Safety' As I'm heading down here at speed my phone starts ringing. No way can I or will I answer that now!
Now there is a long, downhill stretch that is quite busy and heads into Keighley. Wheeeeeeee!
Arriving in Keighley my first thought had been to head back from there but I was enjoying myself enough to carry on a bit more so I headed for Utley and Eastburn. This is the old road to Skipton before the bypass was built. You see so much more on a bike than you ever do in a car. There are old properties that are converted into care homes, big old manor type houses and you can only imagine what they were like in their hay day.
Arriving in Eastburn the railway crossing barriers were down and we had to wait for two trains in opposite directions passed through. An Asda lorry was very impatient with me when the barriers lifted as the lane was too narrow for him to pass me so he tried to harrass me by revving loudly right behind me. Eventually I escaped him and was on the bypass back towards home.
The bypass provides a fast route back into Keighley and I then leave it to go to a lovely little sandwich shop in Riddlesden. The owner remembers me from the last time I went in and she remembers that I am doing a charity ride to Germany and back.
Having eaten I set off again and decide to get on the canal towpath. I felt happy and at home on here as I have done this many times. Originally I was going to leave it in Shipley town centre but decide to leave it at Saltaire to see if the climb is a little less traumatic than out of Shipley. It certainly has fewer people around to see me climbing, red-faced, up the hill. I come out at a very busy, notorious roundabout.
I waited my turn and made sure it was safe for me to go. Then an idiotic driver of a flat bed van (Bingley Fencing)looked me straight in the eye and pulled out right in front of me and stopped! I braked hard and didn't have a problem stopping but that was no thanks to him.
Straight back into Bradford after that and through the city centre and my last long climb up Manchester Road, not steep but a fair distance. A quick drink at the top and I was on the last leg home.
Forty one and a quarter miles precisely.
Anyway that nearly happened again today. Eventually though I left home at 11.30 am and headed towards Queensbury. This is an area of Bradford that borders Halifax and is the highest point in Bradford. Therefore, as you can imagine, it is somewhat uphill to the village. After much huffing and puffing I eventually got there.
When you think that you are finally on the top of the world, well Queensbury, there is more uphill to come. Straight through at the lights, that's a first, and a little more climb and I was at the top. A little further through the village and the downhill starts a bit but it is open moorland here. Then it's downhill along the road towards Denholme.
Before you get to Denholme though there is a stretch of road that is uphill again. Not horribly uphill but there is a strong headwind and I feel like I am losing the battle up here. At last I get to the lights and another first, straight through these ones too. Then it is a pleasant slightly downhill ride into Denholme village. Not forgetting the sharp turns where various pieces of deceased car lie next to remains of walls. Both villages have some interesting older properties and some great views.
After that is is not too bad going although again there is open moorland and headwinds to try and put me off. I might be slow but I am determined! I pass the Flappits, rocky moorland where there was a lot of motorcycle off roading activity for over 50 years but the council have closed it recently due to 'Health and Safety' As I'm heading down here at speed my phone starts ringing. No way can I or will I answer that now!
Now there is a long, downhill stretch that is quite busy and heads into Keighley. Wheeeeeeee!
Arriving in Keighley my first thought had been to head back from there but I was enjoying myself enough to carry on a bit more so I headed for Utley and Eastburn. This is the old road to Skipton before the bypass was built. You see so much more on a bike than you ever do in a car. There are old properties that are converted into care homes, big old manor type houses and you can only imagine what they were like in their hay day.
Arriving in Eastburn the railway crossing barriers were down and we had to wait for two trains in opposite directions passed through. An Asda lorry was very impatient with me when the barriers lifted as the lane was too narrow for him to pass me so he tried to harrass me by revving loudly right behind me. Eventually I escaped him and was on the bypass back towards home.
The bypass provides a fast route back into Keighley and I then leave it to go to a lovely little sandwich shop in Riddlesden. The owner remembers me from the last time I went in and she remembers that I am doing a charity ride to Germany and back.
Having eaten I set off again and decide to get on the canal towpath. I felt happy and at home on here as I have done this many times. Originally I was going to leave it in Shipley town centre but decide to leave it at Saltaire to see if the climb is a little less traumatic than out of Shipley. It certainly has fewer people around to see me climbing, red-faced, up the hill. I come out at a very busy, notorious roundabout.
I waited my turn and made sure it was safe for me to go. Then an idiotic driver of a flat bed van (Bingley Fencing)looked me straight in the eye and pulled out right in front of me and stopped! I braked hard and didn't have a problem stopping but that was no thanks to him.
Straight back into Bradford after that and through the city centre and my last long climb up Manchester Road, not steep but a fair distance. A quick drink at the top and I was on the last leg home.
Forty one and a quarter miles precisely.
Back Along Last Week's Ride
The morning was cool but bright. There was a threat of rain according to the forecast but no sign of it at this time of the day.
Shock and amazement!!! Dean turned up, as planned, at my house. It wasn't his mum's birthday (inside joke) and he had his bike and all necessary items for the day (with the exception of glasses but I leant him a pair). We went and picked up Richard from his house and off we went.
Arriving in Otley, people slowly started turning up and unfolding their cycling life from their cars. What a turn out - 13 of us today. Only two missing, one because she has just had a pot removed from her broken ankle.
Someone decided we were doing the same ride as last week and this didn't displease me. So we set off on the by-pass towards Ilkley. We were avidly practising our shouts to each other and there was a plan in place to make Adrian and myself be just behind Mike, our beloved leader. A bit of psychology there so that we don't get left behind. Having said that we have both come on in leaps and bounds but the Leisure group are a strong set of riders this year.
After crossing the river (via a bridge that is just in case you thought we were intrepid enough to wade across with our bikes held aloft) we carried on along the country lanes that undulate enough to make me puff and pant at times. Then there was a shout 'puncture' Adey had had to stop and change his inner tube so the rest of the group who were further up the hill stopped and had a chat. With us today for the first time were Liz and Adam who are strong riders but hadn't been out training with us before. Liz was trying to remember names.
Anyway puncture repaired and off we went again. Next stop was the fountain feature near Bolton Abbey. Peter (our photographer) wanted us to all pose for a photo there. After various adjustments to clothing (ooo err) photos were taken to Peter's satisfaction.
So we then swooped down to Cavendish Pavilion, crossed the bridge and faced our fears (or mine at least). Having said that I wasn't fearful this week I felt more like it was a challenge. There were several of us who weren't there the week before and didn't have an inkling of the hill to come. Up the first hill, down the first drop and up the second hill or as much as I could manage. I wasn't the only one by any means. When I was nearing the top, pushing my bike, I heard Dean shout from a way back 'Is this the hill you were telling me about?' I confirmed it was and he said 'thank God'
So we eventually arrived in Burnsall and descend upon the kiosk that sells food. We took over a fair section of the seating area and awaited the food, bacon and egg butty for me and a cup of coffee. At this stage there is plenty of banter and joking going.
The time comes for us to set off back again. Peter waits on the bridge to get some shots of us but we decide to have a laugh and take the turning towards Grassington. We only went a little way up and then turn round and come back just as he is about to pack up and follow us. He gets some good shots of us all laughing.
There are some small, fairly steep hills through Appletreewick so the front riders await the rest of us in a layby. As I was just about with them Neil fell off his bike from a standstill! He has done this a few times as he can't get his feet out of the SPD fast enough. He seemed to hit the deck quite hard and was a bit winded. He got up and carried on.
On the way back we got a bit strung out. I was at the head of the main group but Mike and one or two others had disappeared from my view. 'Off the back' came through to me but I had no one to pass it on to. I carried on in the vain hope of finding Mike but Phil pedalled past me and said he would catch them up. Apparently Dean was struggling and getting further behind.
We all re-grouped further along. Then, joy of joys, I got up a hill that had defeated me the previous week. The journey back was pretty uneventful until we got to The Lido in Ilkley. We waited for Adey and Richard as there was no sign of them. As we were chatting I turned round to see Neil fall off his bike again, literally just missing a passing car by a second or so. That was scary! Rich phoned me and said Adey had a puncture again and not to wait any longer so off we went again.
On the by pass I spotted someone in a van with a caravan in the layby. It was only one of our 'Sports' group, Dave Holdsworth, so I waved. I then caught up with Mike who hadn't seen him. Chatting to Mike I kept up the good speed and landed back in Otley at the head of the group for a change. Dave followed us to the car park and we had a chat.
Then Neil told me he had fall number three!!! A crash with Deano. He looked a bit shell shocked by this time. Poor guy, he hadn't had a good day.
Shock and amazement!!! Dean turned up, as planned, at my house. It wasn't his mum's birthday (inside joke) and he had his bike and all necessary items for the day (with the exception of glasses but I leant him a pair). We went and picked up Richard from his house and off we went.
Arriving in Otley, people slowly started turning up and unfolding their cycling life from their cars. What a turn out - 13 of us today. Only two missing, one because she has just had a pot removed from her broken ankle.
Someone decided we were doing the same ride as last week and this didn't displease me. So we set off on the by-pass towards Ilkley. We were avidly practising our shouts to each other and there was a plan in place to make Adrian and myself be just behind Mike, our beloved leader. A bit of psychology there so that we don't get left behind. Having said that we have both come on in leaps and bounds but the Leisure group are a strong set of riders this year.
After crossing the river (via a bridge that is just in case you thought we were intrepid enough to wade across with our bikes held aloft) we carried on along the country lanes that undulate enough to make me puff and pant at times. Then there was a shout 'puncture' Adey had had to stop and change his inner tube so the rest of the group who were further up the hill stopped and had a chat. With us today for the first time were Liz and Adam who are strong riders but hadn't been out training with us before. Liz was trying to remember names.
Anyway puncture repaired and off we went again. Next stop was the fountain feature near Bolton Abbey. Peter (our photographer) wanted us to all pose for a photo there. After various adjustments to clothing (ooo err) photos were taken to Peter's satisfaction.
So we then swooped down to Cavendish Pavilion, crossed the bridge and faced our fears (or mine at least). Having said that I wasn't fearful this week I felt more like it was a challenge. There were several of us who weren't there the week before and didn't have an inkling of the hill to come. Up the first hill, down the first drop and up the second hill or as much as I could manage. I wasn't the only one by any means. When I was nearing the top, pushing my bike, I heard Dean shout from a way back 'Is this the hill you were telling me about?' I confirmed it was and he said 'thank God'
So we eventually arrived in Burnsall and descend upon the kiosk that sells food. We took over a fair section of the seating area and awaited the food, bacon and egg butty for me and a cup of coffee. At this stage there is plenty of banter and joking going.
The time comes for us to set off back again. Peter waits on the bridge to get some shots of us but we decide to have a laugh and take the turning towards Grassington. We only went a little way up and then turn round and come back just as he is about to pack up and follow us. He gets some good shots of us all laughing.
There are some small, fairly steep hills through Appletreewick so the front riders await the rest of us in a layby. As I was just about with them Neil fell off his bike from a standstill! He has done this a few times as he can't get his feet out of the SPD fast enough. He seemed to hit the deck quite hard and was a bit winded. He got up and carried on.
On the way back we got a bit strung out. I was at the head of the main group but Mike and one or two others had disappeared from my view. 'Off the back' came through to me but I had no one to pass it on to. I carried on in the vain hope of finding Mike but Phil pedalled past me and said he would catch them up. Apparently Dean was struggling and getting further behind.
We all re-grouped further along. Then, joy of joys, I got up a hill that had defeated me the previous week. The journey back was pretty uneventful until we got to The Lido in Ilkley. We waited for Adey and Richard as there was no sign of them. As we were chatting I turned round to see Neil fall off his bike again, literally just missing a passing car by a second or so. That was scary! Rich phoned me and said Adey had a puncture again and not to wait any longer so off we went again.
On the by pass I spotted someone in a van with a caravan in the layby. It was only one of our 'Sports' group, Dave Holdsworth, so I waved. I then caught up with Mike who hadn't seen him. Chatting to Mike I kept up the good speed and landed back in Otley at the head of the group for a change. Dave followed us to the car park and we had a chat.
Then Neil told me he had fall number three!!! A crash with Deano. He looked a bit shell shocked by this time. Poor guy, he hadn't had a good day.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
A TRIPLE WHAMMY
This weekend has seen quite some exercise in one way or another.
Saturday 5th May 2012
Today was Disabled Cycling Club day but instead of the usual messing around the park where we are based. A day was organised a little further afield - down the Spen Valley Greenway.
Bikes were loaded in various vehicles and people too. Isobel and I met them at the top of the Greenway as we don't live too far away. Bikes were allocated and checked and just before we set off Isobel's tyre popped. Richard Taylor was quick to get a new tube in there and pump it up but he then noticed the wheel was badly buckled so we swapped it for the day with the spare one that they had brought up from the container.
All bikes sorted and all people allocated to instructors we set off down the Greenway. I had James who was on a two wheeler with stabilisers and Kirsty who was on a two wheeler. Almost as soon as we had set off Kirsty had a bit of a problem with the bike and while we were sorting that out James shot off with another group so I lost him.
I chatted to Kirsty and we eventually came across Rich and Steve Farleigh trying to repair little Charlie's bike. His pedal had dropped off. I lent them some tools and set off again with Kirsty. Not long after Steve and Charlie caught me up and Steve asked if I could watch Charlie as well Kirsty.
Kirsty has balance problems and last year she was riding a trike, then progressed to a two wheeler with stabilisers and then to a two wheeler without stabilisers. So when she fell off I wasn't really surprised but she picked herself up, dusted herself down and said 'Its alright, I'm a tough cookie'
A bit later she veered into a member of the Skyride who were coming the opposite way. She was very apologetic and said she felt bad but the other person had realised it was an accident. Anyway we carried on and Charlie had a little tumble. He is only seven, doesn't have any problems but was a game little lad.
At the bottom we turned round along with Richard Tearle's group and we headed back. Charlie was beginning to lag a little but kept going. We eventually got back as far as Tesco where we all met up. This is where we all had our lunch. Charlie was going to get on the minibus but I persuaded him to do the rest of the ride.
I was so chuffed and proud of the whole lot of them but particularly proud of 'my' two who completed the whole ride, 15 miles.
Sunday 6th May 2012
The day dawned bright, cool but sunny. Richard and I were first to arrive at Otley Car Park and bit by bit 8 of us turned up. Gareth was a first timer with us.
After a quick chat it was decided that, as Mike wasn't there to lead us astray, we were heading towards Bolton Abbey and then we 'would see' what happened from there.
There were eight of us out and about today. Seven quite fast people and me! So off we sprinted!!!! On the by pass on the bottom road towards Ilkley, over the river and past Nell Bank. Occasionally there was a bit of banter but not so much from me as I was, as usual, at the back.
We were soon near Bolton Abbey and Peter decided he wanted to take some photos of us on the stepping stones there. I was first across followed by Steve and then Phil. The others wimped out and crossed the bridge.
After this diversion we got back on the road and then dropped down to Cavendish Pavilion where we weren't sure what was happening but it soon become evident that it was just a toilet stop before we carried on to Burnsall.
Across the bridge and then uphill, not too bad but then we came to more of an uphill and I got a round of applause for getting there without stopping albeit behind everyone else. A steep downhill ensued and then came THE UPHILL. OMG (for want of a better phrase) I tried but failed so walked up the rest of the way as did virtually everyone else (phew). First time in four years that I have got off and pushed my bike up a hill.
After that everything was an anti-climax. Lots of lumpy bits but we got to Appletreewick without any major traumas. Here Peter Davison pulled up to point out a bench that said 'In Memory of Peter Davison' So we got a photo of him laid on it in a funereal pose.
Then we carried on to Burnsall where we stopped at the kiosk for a bite to eat and a drink. One bacon and egg butty and a cup of coffee and I was ready for off again.
The return journey was not easy but there was no great mishaps so we did well. When we got to the Ilkley by pass there was a front-runner group who totally vanished from view. Richard and Neil held back to support me and we bombed up there at 17/18 mph although the others had managed to touch 23 mph! Felt good when I finished although it did feel like more than 40 miles.
Monday 7th May
Bank Holiday Monday was quite a nice morning so we decided to go to the seaside and see if Peter's mum was in. We loaded the dogs into the back of the car, a kite and my bike.
When we got about 20 miles away from Mablethorpe I changed to wheel power. Peter and Isobel carried on their journey in the car. I thought it would be a relatively easy ride as Lincolnshire isn't renowned for it's hills however I had not thought about the coastal headwind and lack of cover along the route!
I set off fairly quickly but soon slowed down to around 11 mph. To my credit though I kept going and had a good but uneventful ride into Mablethorpe. I met up with Peter and Isobel and we went onto the beach to walk the dogs and fly the kite.
There wasn't a lot of people about and the weather was beginning to look a bit threatening but we had about an hour of flying and ball throwing before the weather took a turn for the worst. Sowe returned to the car and I got changed.
Then we visited Peter's mum and her husband Derek. A nice cup of coffee and a lot of chat later and we were off on homeward journey again.
What a lovely Bank Holiday Monday!
Saturday 5th May 2012
Today was Disabled Cycling Club day but instead of the usual messing around the park where we are based. A day was organised a little further afield - down the Spen Valley Greenway.
Bikes were loaded in various vehicles and people too. Isobel and I met them at the top of the Greenway as we don't live too far away. Bikes were allocated and checked and just before we set off Isobel's tyre popped. Richard Taylor was quick to get a new tube in there and pump it up but he then noticed the wheel was badly buckled so we swapped it for the day with the spare one that they had brought up from the container.
All bikes sorted and all people allocated to instructors we set off down the Greenway. I had James who was on a two wheeler with stabilisers and Kirsty who was on a two wheeler. Almost as soon as we had set off Kirsty had a bit of a problem with the bike and while we were sorting that out James shot off with another group so I lost him.
I chatted to Kirsty and we eventually came across Rich and Steve Farleigh trying to repair little Charlie's bike. His pedal had dropped off. I lent them some tools and set off again with Kirsty. Not long after Steve and Charlie caught me up and Steve asked if I could watch Charlie as well Kirsty.
Kirsty has balance problems and last year she was riding a trike, then progressed to a two wheeler with stabilisers and then to a two wheeler without stabilisers. So when she fell off I wasn't really surprised but she picked herself up, dusted herself down and said 'Its alright, I'm a tough cookie'
A bit later she veered into a member of the Skyride who were coming the opposite way. She was very apologetic and said she felt bad but the other person had realised it was an accident. Anyway we carried on and Charlie had a little tumble. He is only seven, doesn't have any problems but was a game little lad.
At the bottom we turned round along with Richard Tearle's group and we headed back. Charlie was beginning to lag a little but kept going. We eventually got back as far as Tesco where we all met up. This is where we all had our lunch. Charlie was going to get on the minibus but I persuaded him to do the rest of the ride.
I was so chuffed and proud of the whole lot of them but particularly proud of 'my' two who completed the whole ride, 15 miles.
Sunday 6th May 2012
The day dawned bright, cool but sunny. Richard and I were first to arrive at Otley Car Park and bit by bit 8 of us turned up. Gareth was a first timer with us.
After a quick chat it was decided that, as Mike wasn't there to lead us astray, we were heading towards Bolton Abbey and then we 'would see' what happened from there.
There were eight of us out and about today. Seven quite fast people and me! So off we sprinted!!!! On the by pass on the bottom road towards Ilkley, over the river and past Nell Bank. Occasionally there was a bit of banter but not so much from me as I was, as usual, at the back.
We were soon near Bolton Abbey and Peter decided he wanted to take some photos of us on the stepping stones there. I was first across followed by Steve and then Phil. The others wimped out and crossed the bridge.
After this diversion we got back on the road and then dropped down to Cavendish Pavilion where we weren't sure what was happening but it soon become evident that it was just a toilet stop before we carried on to Burnsall.
Across the bridge and then uphill, not too bad but then we came to more of an uphill and I got a round of applause for getting there without stopping albeit behind everyone else. A steep downhill ensued and then came THE UPHILL. OMG (for want of a better phrase) I tried but failed so walked up the rest of the way as did virtually everyone else (phew). First time in four years that I have got off and pushed my bike up a hill.
After that everything was an anti-climax. Lots of lumpy bits but we got to Appletreewick without any major traumas. Here Peter Davison pulled up to point out a bench that said 'In Memory of Peter Davison' So we got a photo of him laid on it in a funereal pose.
Then we carried on to Burnsall where we stopped at the kiosk for a bite to eat and a drink. One bacon and egg butty and a cup of coffee and I was ready for off again.
The return journey was not easy but there was no great mishaps so we did well. When we got to the Ilkley by pass there was a front-runner group who totally vanished from view. Richard and Neil held back to support me and we bombed up there at 17/18 mph although the others had managed to touch 23 mph! Felt good when I finished although it did feel like more than 40 miles.
Monday 7th May
Bank Holiday Monday was quite a nice morning so we decided to go to the seaside and see if Peter's mum was in. We loaded the dogs into the back of the car, a kite and my bike.
When we got about 20 miles away from Mablethorpe I changed to wheel power. Peter and Isobel carried on their journey in the car. I thought it would be a relatively easy ride as Lincolnshire isn't renowned for it's hills however I had not thought about the coastal headwind and lack of cover along the route!
I set off fairly quickly but soon slowed down to around 11 mph. To my credit though I kept going and had a good but uneventful ride into Mablethorpe. I met up with Peter and Isobel and we went onto the beach to walk the dogs and fly the kite.
There wasn't a lot of people about and the weather was beginning to look a bit threatening but we had about an hour of flying and ball throwing before the weather took a turn for the worst. Sowe returned to the car and I got changed.
Then we visited Peter's mum and her husband Derek. A nice cup of coffee and a lot of chat later and we were off on homeward journey again.
What a lovely Bank Holiday Monday!
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