middleagecyclist
Call me MAC
- Location
- Prestwich, Manchester
Not speeded up (how dare you suggest such a thing!) and too much wind noise to keep the broken 'witty banter' i'm afraid. Glad you like.
England : Lancashire ColinJ's 103 km or 107 mile 'Back from the Dead' forum ride Sat 29/03/14
- Thread starter ColinJ
- Start date
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robjh
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire - almost Essex
Well maybe 'witty' was putting it a bit strongly. Your soundtracks will definitely be an improvement on anything I may have said
OP
OP
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I know what you mean, but you look good on a bike so I wouldn't worry about it!It's weird seeing me cycle.
robjh
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire - almost Essex
First a huge thankyou to @ColinJ for thinking up and organising the whole thing. The numbers who turned up were a measure of your success, but also meant that I got to say little more than ‘hallo’ to you, and never got to discuss Dalehouse Lane and other wonders of the Coventry area.
Thanks too to @tubbycyclist for guiding the intrepid three from Hebden Bridge to Whalley in the morning. And my apologies to @SatNavSaysStraightOn for impudently asking to see her leg without even introducing myself first.
The big surprise of the day was realising that I already knew @dr_pink and @totallyfixed from a parallel universe where they go by the names of Helen and Steve, and were on a Cambridge club run a few weeks back.
I enjoyed meeting many other familiar and less-familiar CC names too – you know who you are.
A picture from the top, with yours truly in the foreground
My day started at 7 am when I rode off into the morning mist of Blackshaw Head, down the steep hill and arm-shaking cobbles of Heptonstall (never again!) into Hebden Bridge, where I found Paul -OH of @hopless500 - and @tubbycyclist. The Hebden Bridge Three then set off for a little 20-mile warm-up to get to Whalley, which included time for me to stock up with pork pies at a butcher’s in Read.
Despite some uncertainty at the start, a fast group of about 15 people soon established itself, and we all stayed more or less together to Glasson Dock. We were at the top of the Trough by about 11.30, and then came the miles of joyful freewheeling descent that some people here have captured so well on video. It was a good little café with excellent milky coffee, although I never did find the smokehouse that I had heard lurked somewhere round the back.
The first section back over the coastal flats was into a savage wind, but it was rarely so bad once we got a few hills around us. We were a bit less organised on the way back, and people would disappear down different turnings, only to reappear a few junctions later (or not) and we were a small select group for the final return to Whalley. Four of us took refuge in the Swan pub while we waited for the main group to get back, and dr_p slavered over carbon porn in the bike shop next door.
I swapped a few tales back at the Spring Wood carpark, and despite @Steve H's offer of a lift I decided to push on back to HB on my own on the bike and make up the century. But it was harder than the way out! HB at 8 pm seemed particularly cold and windy, and I don’t even want talk about the climb back up to Blackshaw Head. A brilliant day, and 114 miles cycled.
And some more pics of the day :
Thanks too to @tubbycyclist for guiding the intrepid three from Hebden Bridge to Whalley in the morning. And my apologies to @SatNavSaysStraightOn for impudently asking to see her leg without even introducing myself first.
The big surprise of the day was realising that I already knew @dr_pink and @totallyfixed from a parallel universe where they go by the names of Helen and Steve, and were on a Cambridge club run a few weeks back.
I enjoyed meeting many other familiar and less-familiar CC names too – you know who you are.
A picture from the top, with yours truly in the foreground
My day started at 7 am when I rode off into the morning mist of Blackshaw Head, down the steep hill and arm-shaking cobbles of Heptonstall (never again!) into Hebden Bridge, where I found Paul -OH of @hopless500 - and @tubbycyclist. The Hebden Bridge Three then set off for a little 20-mile warm-up to get to Whalley, which included time for me to stock up with pork pies at a butcher’s in Read.
Despite some uncertainty at the start, a fast group of about 15 people soon established itself, and we all stayed more or less together to Glasson Dock. We were at the top of the Trough by about 11.30, and then came the miles of joyful freewheeling descent that some people here have captured so well on video. It was a good little café with excellent milky coffee, although I never did find the smokehouse that I had heard lurked somewhere round the back.
The first section back over the coastal flats was into a savage wind, but it was rarely so bad once we got a few hills around us. We were a bit less organised on the way back, and people would disappear down different turnings, only to reappear a few junctions later (or not) and we were a small select group for the final return to Whalley. Four of us took refuge in the Swan pub while we waited for the main group to get back, and dr_p slavered over carbon porn in the bike shop next door.
I swapped a few tales back at the Spring Wood carpark, and despite @Steve H's offer of a lift I decided to push on back to HB on my own on the bike and make up the century. But it was harder than the way out! HB at 8 pm seemed particularly cold and windy, and I don’t even want talk about the climb back up to Blackshaw Head. A brilliant day, and 114 miles cycled.
And some more pics of the day :
OP
OP
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
smokeysmoo
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bolton, not very far from Nob End
I can remember going to Glasson Dock with my folks when I was young. I had an Aunty who lived on the Burlingham residential caravan site at Garstang HERE.
Anyway, after we'd visited her my Dad would invariably drive through to Glasson Dock and we'd have our tea on a boat restaurant that was moored on the left just before you went over the locks.
Does anyone else remember the boat and can you recall what it was called back in the late 70's early 80's?
[EDIT] just had a look on Google maps and the boat is still there, all be it boarded up and fenced off, but I'm sure it had a different name back in the day, anyone?
Anyway, after we'd visited her my Dad would invariably drive through to Glasson Dock and we'd have our tea on a boat restaurant that was moored on the left just before you went over the locks.
Does anyone else remember the boat and can you recall what it was called back in the late 70's early 80's?
[EDIT] just had a look on Google maps and the boat is still there, all be it boarded up and fenced off, but I'm sure it had a different name back in the day, anyone?
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
My affirmative response to the ride invitation seemed a tad hasty when I saw how many people signed up - and even more so when I saw how few were dropping out as The Day grew ever closer but I busied myself on the hills and tried to ignore the reality of meeting so many people. My worries vanished before the ride even started - it's hard to be anxious when you've got a fit of the giggles after a giant (aka @Steve H ) picks you up and dangles you several feet off the ground (see @potsy and @Biscuit's photos). So with the ice well and truly broken, I relaxed and tried to get a photo of the crowds.
However, since no professional Cat Herders had turned out, that was abandoned and the speedy lot led us out of the car park. I saw them vanish down the hill ... and didn't see them again until Glasson Dock!
As everyone has said, the morning started off cold and grey so not only was there a distinct lack of scenery, it was also a bit too chilly to stop at the side of the road, especially after the descent into Whalley. My body's not used to doing 35mph before it's had a chance to turn the pedals more than once or twice and it took a while to warm up after that - the sight of my average speed dropping after that start didn't help! That said, this milestone needed recording (spot the southern tourist
).
I managed to lose everyone because of the stop and had a good time chasing them down. Every now and then I'd spot them in the distance and as the miles ticked by, so that distance shortened until I was finally able to nip past the backmarkers and home in on my quarry, potsy, who was in the perfect place for a proper scalping: the start of a small rise, preceded by a downhill stretch. I upped the cadence, swooped down the hill and grinned from ear to ear as I shot by him.
The git got me back that afternoon on one of the return hills when my legs had stubbornly settled into a rhythm whilst his had their second wind but I knew that was coming - the look on his face as I passed was a gem to treasure.
The temperature was slowly rising along with the hills above us and once we'd bounced over the cattlegrids marking the borders of the fells, I decided to stop and remove a few layers and admire the view for the first time that day.
Looking back at the road already cycled...
...and the one to come:
The climb itself was a lot easier than I expected - and by easier I meant that I made it up and was able to talk once I got up there! Actually, the summit came as a bit of a surprise. There was a motley crew of cyclists in all shades and shapes of lycra gathered in a lay-by and I honestly thought it was a rest point before the last push to the top. It took a while to realise that the relaxed attitude and banter meant it was all over!
This is the photo I was taking in @MikeW-71's video.
Also at the top:
I had a bit of a brainwave just before setting off and put my jacket and long gloves back on... good thing too with the speeds I hit. Got to 40mph for the first time this year at some point, though not on the descent leading into this corner, thankfully!
I'd hoped to get a photo of @phil_hg_uk and @potsy coming down there but they gave chase and caught up with me too soon.
The locals weren't particularly impressed by our efforts:
...and the guys left me behind again.
Despite the numerous stops for jelly babies and 'bo, I was pretty hungry by the time we got to Glasson Dock and this put a smile on my face:
I stopped smiling once the wind picked up my bacon and threw it several feet away. Never mind, a bit of dirt never hurt nobody. (Did I mention I was hungry?)
Part two coming soon..........
However, since no professional Cat Herders had turned out, that was abandoned and the speedy lot led us out of the car park. I saw them vanish down the hill ... and didn't see them again until Glasson Dock!
As everyone has said, the morning started off cold and grey so not only was there a distinct lack of scenery, it was also a bit too chilly to stop at the side of the road, especially after the descent into Whalley. My body's not used to doing 35mph before it's had a chance to turn the pedals more than once or twice and it took a while to warm up after that - the sight of my average speed dropping after that start didn't help! That said, this milestone needed recording (spot the southern tourist
).I managed to lose everyone because of the stop and had a good time chasing them down. Every now and then I'd spot them in the distance and as the miles ticked by, so that distance shortened until I was finally able to nip past the backmarkers and home in on my quarry, potsy, who was in the perfect place for a proper scalping: the start of a small rise, preceded by a downhill stretch. I upped the cadence, swooped down the hill and grinned from ear to ear as I shot by him.
The git got me back that afternoon on one of the return hills when my legs had stubbornly settled into a rhythm whilst his had their second wind but I knew that was coming - the look on his face as I passed was a gem to treasure.The temperature was slowly rising along with the hills above us and once we'd bounced over the cattlegrids marking the borders of the fells, I decided to stop and remove a few layers and admire the view for the first time that day.
Looking back at the road already cycled...
...and the one to come:
The climb itself was a lot easier than I expected - and by easier I meant that I made it up and was able to talk once I got up there! Actually, the summit came as a bit of a surprise. There was a motley crew of cyclists in all shades and shapes of lycra gathered in a lay-by and I honestly thought it was a rest point before the last push to the top. It took a while to realise that the relaxed attitude and banter meant it was all over!
This is the photo I was taking in @MikeW-71's video.
Also at the top:
I had a bit of a brainwave just before setting off and put my jacket and long gloves back on... good thing too with the speeds I hit. Got to 40mph for the first time this year at some point, though not on the descent leading into this corner, thankfully!
I'd hoped to get a photo of @phil_hg_uk and @potsy coming down there but they gave chase and caught up with me too soon.
The locals weren't particularly impressed by our efforts:
...and the guys left me behind again.
Despite the numerous stops for jelly babies and 'bo, I was pretty hungry by the time we got to Glasson Dock and this put a smile on my face:
I stopped smiling once the wind picked up my bacon and threw it several feet away. Never mind, a bit of dirt never hurt nobody. (Did I mention I was hungry?)
Part two coming soon..........
phil_hg_uk
I am not a member, I am a free man !!!!!!
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
From the map, I'd assumed that the hardest cycling would be in the morning and that although the return leg would have its own hilly challenges, it would be much easier than the morning. Ha! The wind had other ideas. Not satisfied with stealing my bacon, it refused to relent and as other have mentioned (once or twice), the first few miles after the stop weren't the easiest on the ride, despite being the flattest.
The wind battering the long grass in the above photo is what this lot were battling just out of shot:
A few miles up the road, we encountered the first "hill". It took us up from 11 meters above sea level to 32. I found it a ridiculously difficult climb and was dreading the remaining 30 miles but once I'd finally slogged my way to the top, was thrilled to see that everyone else (mostly) was just as dazed and confused. Phew, not just me!
I think this is when we got confused about who was with us and who had gone on ahead ... once we reached Glasson, Potsy and I did an extra 3 miles as we headed back the way we'd come looking for the invisible lost cyclists and completely confused a woman walking her dog who we passed three times in total.
Back on track, we soon realised that although @ColinJ is Mister Super Speedy up dem hills, he can't be relied upon when it comes to navigation and I got to do a smug dance after he tried to take us back the way we'd come and then had to concede defeat. Blamed the GPS, naturally...
Back in the hills, the wind eased and the sun was lovely and warm. Well, I thought so... Some wimpy northerners clearly disagreed.
I don't know he managed it, but @phil_hg_uk was a never-ending supply of sweets. Luckily my new camera has got a good zoom or I would never have known to cycle back and benefit from his generosity!
That's my penultimate photo from the return leg. I spent ages chatting to @SlowerThanASluggishSloth who is as decent a guy as he isn't at all slow, which is to say his username is a false description under the Sale of Goods Act and I was sorry to see him peel off in Inglewhite. After saying farewell to both him and @hopless500, we made our way to Longbridge (quick diversion to Sainsbury's as I deemed it anything but peeing behind a hedge weather) and then to "home". Tired and with plenty of hills to test the stamina, I don't remember much about the last few miles though the setting sun behind the war memorial in Billington caught my eye as we paused to catch our breath.
65 miles, 3,657ft of climbing, an average speed of 12.7mph, a top speed of 40.1mph and a new love for this neck of the woods ... a massive thanks to @ColinJ for organising the ride, @Arch and NT for putting me up and dogsitting and everyone who turned out for the company, banter and laughs. And @Steve H for letting me take his bike for a test ride.
The wind battering the long grass in the above photo is what this lot were battling just out of shot:
A few miles up the road, we encountered the first "hill". It took us up from 11 meters above sea level to 32. I found it a ridiculously difficult climb and was dreading the remaining 30 miles but once I'd finally slogged my way to the top, was thrilled to see that everyone else (mostly) was just as dazed and confused. Phew, not just me!
I think this is when we got confused about who was with us and who had gone on ahead ... once we reached Glasson, Potsy and I did an extra 3 miles as we headed back the way we'd come looking for the invisible lost cyclists and completely confused a woman walking her dog who we passed three times in total.
Back on track, we soon realised that although @ColinJ is Mister Super Speedy up dem hills, he can't be relied upon when it comes to navigation and I got to do a smug dance after he tried to take us back the way we'd come and then had to concede defeat. Blamed the GPS, naturally...
Back in the hills, the wind eased and the sun was lovely and warm. Well, I thought so... Some wimpy northerners clearly disagreed.
I don't know he managed it, but @phil_hg_uk was a never-ending supply of sweets. Luckily my new camera has got a good zoom or I would never have known to cycle back and benefit from his generosity!
That's my penultimate photo from the return leg. I spent ages chatting to @SlowerThanASluggishSloth who is as decent a guy as he isn't at all slow, which is to say his username is a false description under the Sale of Goods Act and I was sorry to see him peel off in Inglewhite. After saying farewell to both him and @hopless500, we made our way to Longbridge (quick diversion to Sainsbury's as I deemed it anything but peeing behind a hedge weather) and then to "home". Tired and with plenty of hills to test the stamina, I don't remember much about the last few miles though the setting sun behind the war memorial in Billington caught my eye as we paused to catch our breath.
65 miles, 3,657ft of climbing, an average speed of 12.7mph, a top speed of 40.1mph and a new love for this neck of the woods ... a massive thanks to @ColinJ for organising the ride, @Arch and NT for putting me up and dogsitting and everyone who turned out for the company, banter and laughs. And @Steve H for letting me take his bike for a test ride.
Steve H
Large Member
- Location
- Brighouse in West Yorkshire
If anyone else has psychological issues that they need help with, just give me a shout. I'll happily pick you up and dangle you several feet off the ground. My other specialty solution is to use a very broad Yorkshire accent to tell you to "Pull yourself together woman".
OP
OP
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
For those of you who didn't pick up on it in the first few pages of this thread - I was getting extremely anxious about the burgeoning rider list too. I started thinking up negative scenarios and getting very stressed out. It wasn't until I let go of the worry that I finally started to look forward to the ride. I was still very nervous about it on Friday, especially because I was getting short of breath just sitting around the house. Actually, I wonder if anxiety is part cause of that problem ...?
Anyway, I'm really glad that you made the effort to come so far for the weekend and am chuffed that you (and everybody else, it seems) had a good day out on the bike!
That is the 3rd end-of-March forum ride that I have done, and I would be happy to make them an annual event. Maybe next year, we could revisit the longer but flatter 2012 route?
OP
OP
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
It worked for me!If anyone else has psychological issues that they need help with, just give me a shout. I'll happily pick you up and dangle you several feet off the ground. My other specialty solution is to use a very broad Yorkshire accent to tell you to "Pull yourself together woman".
SamR
Rider on the Lancastrian storm
- Location
- Lancashire
Just wanted to mention how much I enjoyed this ride. It was amazing to see so many people riding to celebrate Colin's recovery. Although I'm fairly new on here, everybody was so kind and friendly (and willing to help get me home when I bonked on the way back from Glasson) which really means a lot to me.
Biscuit
Legendary Member
- Location
- Pentlow - the land of the free
