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Calderdale
CTC
April - September
2015
This magazine is produced twice yearly and distributed free
to all CTC members resident in the area. This is made
possible through generous support from advertisers and
benefactors.
Occasionally there may be changes or additions to activities
listed here. Up to date details are available on our web site
at: http://calderdalectc.org.uk
The Calderdale CTC Gazette welcomes contributions from
members and friends. Please contact Chris Crossland - Tel:
01422 832853 email: chris.crossland@halifaxctc.org.uk
Calderdale CTC Gazette
April - September 2015
In this issue
3
4
Weighty matters with Chris
Crossland
Online
http://calderdalectc.org.uk
Twitter
@ctccalderdale
Facebook CTC Calderdale
Other Cycling Clubs
in Calderdale
CAR ASSISTED RIDES
For easy cycling somewhere
different
5
CALDERDALE CTC SPECIAL
EVENTS Rides and rallies, events,
6
CALDERDALE CTC AUTUMN
TINTS Group cycling for cyclists of
Calderdale MTB
Web-based community of mountain bike riders.
Weekly evening rides from Salterhebble
dave@calderdalemtb.co.uk
suppers, something for everybody
www.halifaxmtb.co.uk
Calderdale Tri Club
Saturday morning training rides from Mytholmroyd
calderdaletriclub+secretary@googlemail.com
www.calderdaletriclub.co.uk/
any ability, age or gender
8
Fast(ish)training runs with a cafe stop
11
including road racing, time trialling, touring, social
rides, club runs etc.
PedalSport Cycling Club
01422 361460
www.pedalsport.co.uk
mark@pedalsport.co.uk
For disabled children and young people.
Specialist bikes for all abilities.
Tel: 01422 358621 (term time only)
Todmorden Harriers
Cycling and running on the fells and roads
01706 810967
www.todharriers.co.uk
bev@todharriers.co.uk
VS Cycles Racing Team
01484 715230
enquiries@vscycles.co.uk
WEST YORKSHIRE CTC
CYCLING EVENTS
Social events and sporting rides to
suit everybody
13
Autumn Audax Events
VERY popular rides
14
CYCLE QUEENSBURY
Getting Queensbury Cycling
15
Ravenscliffe School Cycling Club
CALDERDALE CTC THURSDAY
EVENING RIDES
Exploring Calderdale’s highways
and byways
Halifax Imperial Wheelers Most types of cycling
01274 604715
andrewmann412@hotmail.com
www.halifaximps.blogspot.co.uk/
CALDERDALE CTC WEEKEND
RIDES Sociable cycling on easy,
club, and long rides.
10
Condor Road Club
petehorne@yahoo.co.uk
http://condorroadclub.blogspot.co.uk/
A WORD FROM THE
SECRETARY Graham Joyce writes
THE FUTURE OF WEST
YORKSHIRE CTC
ANOTHER DAY IN JUNE
John Whiteley makes new friends
Published by CALDERDALE CTC, the
local member group of CTC (Cyclists'
Touring Club), the national cycling
charity.
Secretary Graham Joyce, 3 Ewood
Court, Hebden Bridge HX7 5QX
Tel: 01422 885071
Email: secretary@calderdalectc.org.uk
www.vscycles.co.uk
A WORD FROM THE SECRETARY
Welcome to CTC members living in Calderdale and
adjoining areas of Bradford. I hope you have
managed to keep riding safely through the cold grey
days of winter and, like me, are looking forward to a
good spring and summer season of cycling. Despite
the weather we have been getting some great
turnouts for our winter rides, regularly seeing 15 or
16 on a Sunday and over 20 on the Wednesday
rides – we must be doing something right! I expect
that we, as a club, are benefitting from the
renaissance in cycling that I spoke about this time
last year, as we looked forward to the Tour de
France coming to Calderdale.
We are beginning to see some of the 'legacy' actions
that were promised when the planning began for the
Tour's visit. The local authorities across Yorkshire
signed up to delivering a range of actions called
"More People Cycling More Often". As a club we
have, and continue, to play our part in this. A major
investment in cycling infrastructure across West
Yorkshire was announced recently under the Cycling
Ambition initiative, supported by £20m of
Government funding. In Calderdale planning work is
due to commence on building a traffic free route
from Todmorden to Brighouse, mostly using the
route of the canal towpath and incorporating the
already improved sections of National Route 66.
Crucially, this will go on to Cooper Bridge,
completing the 'missing link' and joining the route
through Huddersfield to the Colne Valley. In total
we can expect to see a 35km surfaced cyclepath
costing around £6.5m. This all helps to get more
people out on their bikes for leisure and for
accessing work.
The CTC nationally is also committed to increasing
levels of cycling and improving cyclists' safety. As a
membership organisation, the CTC has always
changed with the times, adapting to changing needs.
However, if you follow the threads in the CTC
Forum website, you may have noticed that some of
the recent changes have created quite a stir. Things
recently came to a head when the operational
decision was made to make the Technical Officer
redundant, citing lack of demand for his advice and
services. This follows the closure of the Touring
Department a few years ago. With limited resources,
difficult decisions do sometimes have to be made
and resources are being re-deployed towards
campaigning work and support for member groups
(like ours). We have yet to see what form this
support might take but, in the meantime, we are
doing what we can to increase participation locally
with our improved website and communications.
We are grateful to Kevin Merrison for his work in
this respect.
Despite the upsurge in cycling nationally the CTC
national membership is static, which must be a
matter of concern to CTC National Council. The
perceived move away from meeting the specific
needs of 'cycle tourists' towards becoming "the voice
of all cyclists" has yet to win universal support. We
have two new Councillors, Martyn Bolt from
Kirklees, and Lizzie Reather of Leeds Cycling
Campaign representing Yorkshire and the Humber
on the Council and they are trying to get to grips
with these changes and keep us informed. I am
conscious that most of our local group members may
not be aware of these changes or feel they have the
opportunity to engage in the debate. However, you
are free to express your views to your Councillors
and to use the CTC Forum website:
www.forum.ctc.org.uk
Personally, I share some of the concerns about loss
of member services for cycle touring but a lot of
information and help can be gained from web
sources and social media. It also makes me question
how much interest there is in traditional cycle
touring, as opposed to say, utility cycling and
challenge rides e.g. sportives. Most cyclists I know
are happy to spend a day out on a club run or a
sportive ride or Audax event, but I know fewer and
fewer who undertake multi-day cycle tours in the
UK or abroad. This seems odd as we all travel more
than ever before, but not by bike it seems - if I am
wrong (which I hope I am!), please let me know.
Unfortunately, this decline has become part of the
rationale for dispensing with touring and technical
services despite the increase in general leisure riding.
Our own club continues to thrive, and 57 members
and partners attended our recent Annual Dinner and
Awards evening where our previous CTC Councillor,
Arthur Spurr, spoke about his passion for cycling and
his 10 years on CTC National Council.
Sadly, Arthur's former colleague on National
Council, our other representative, John Radford,
died in November 2014, about 15 months after
being involved in an incident with a car that led him
to suffer serious head injuries. John's death came just
days after the driver involved had been found guilty
of causing him serious injury by dangerous driving.
The charge has since been up-rated to causing death
by dangerous driving and a further trial will follow.
John's contribution to cycling in Huddersfield and
West Yorkshire was almost as immense as his
participation. As President of Huddersfield CTC and
past President and Secretary of West Yorkshire CTC,
and as a friend and cycling companion to many, he
gained the respect of CTC members. For his cycling
exploits in Paris-Brest-Paris and other long distance
endurance events, he earned the respect of many
more. Over 150 cyclists paid tribute to him at a
memorial service in Meltham.
We lost another cycle touring stalwart when Frank
Branch, who many will remember, died shortly after
Christmas. Frank was a civilised and witty man
whose prodigious strength allowed him to cycle up
hills in improbably high gears and who seemed to go
faster after two or three pints of best bitter than
before. Sunday rides were sometimes embellished
with his bursting into song as he demonstrated the
power of his prodigious lungs. His long distance
cycling exploits were also extensive with Paris-BrestParis in 1991 featuring strongly in his stories of long
and fast rides of yore.
Finally, our summer rides programme is featured in
this Gazette with a number of new ride leaders and
some new destinations. Details can also be found at
www.calderdalectc.org.uk. Once again our thanks
go to Martin Bird for pulling this together, despite
having a badly broken leg due to a fall on black ice.
On April 5th our Thursday evening rides commence
with a supper run to Mount Tabor, while on April
12th we have the ever popular Spring into the Dales
and Leap into the Aire Audax events. If you haven't
been on one of our club rides before, come and give
us a try some time – you will receive a warm
welcome.
There is also a full events programme with noncompetitive events ranging from 16 miles to 600
kilometres.
The South Pennines Walk and
Ride Festival runs from12-27
September, and once again we
hope to see some of our Sunday rides included in
the programme. See www.walkandridefestval.co.uk
for details, as well as our own website.
Graham Joyce
Secretary, Calderdale CTC
THE FUTURE OF
WEST YORKSHIRE CTC
The reforms of local CTC groups instituted by CTC
National Council some years ago have had some farreaching effects. Gone were the District Associations and
Sections which older members had grown up with. In their
place came member groups, both formal and informal.
Some former sections took the chance of leaving District
Associations, and some groups became informal to escape
the bureacratic but very sensible requirements involved in
organising rides and events, as well as managing funds.
West Yorkshire CTC lost Huddersfield CTC which craved
independence, but continued to operate with formal group
Calderdale CTC and informal group Leeds CTC. With the
demise of Leeds CTC, the question arises of what future
there is for West Yorkshire CTC. Most of the membership
activity is in the Calderdale CTC area. and most of the
work is done by Calderdale CTC members, who duplicate
their activity across the two groups.
The West Yorkshire CTC Committee has considered the
situation and identified 4 options for the future:
1. Continue as we are.
2. Disband West Yorkshire CTC
3. Convert West Yorkshire CTC to an organising committee
4. Merge West Yorkshire CTC and Calderdale CTC
The West Yorkshire CTC Committee has agreed that
members should be consulted before a decision is made at
General Meetings of West Yorkshire CTC and Calderdale
CTC (where appropriate).
The Committees of both groups will obviously have their
say in representing themselves. If any individual members
have a view on the issues involved, I would be pleased to
hear it. Likwewise, anybody who would like more
information on the issues, you can phone me on 01422
832853 or email to chris.crossland@halifaxctc.org.uk
Chris Crossland
Secretary, West Yorkshire CTC
Calderdale CTC
CAR ASSISTED RIDES
There are 2 car assisted rides planned this year,
10 May to COXWOLD
Meet at Stump Cross 8.30 am
26 July
PEAK DISTRICT
Meet at Stump Cross 8.15 am
The rides are easy paced, up to 30 miles on quiet
lanes and cycle trails, and suitable for all ages.
Transport has been a problem in the past so if you
would like to come and can offer (or require)
transport, please let me know in plenty of time. Tel:
01422 2582782102
Reid Anderson
Calderdale
CTC
SPECIAL EVENTS
April - October 2015
Thursday 2 April OPENING THURSDAY EVENING
SUPPER RUN to The New Inn, Mount Tabor. Meet at
7:00pm at Halifax Pool. Please book in advance;
Saturday 20 June
THE 3 COASTS 600 and THE EAST & WEST COASTS
600 A choice of 600 km routes with 40 hours time
limit. A significant achievement for all cyclists. Meet at
5:45am.
Sunday 21 June
contact John Keighley 01422 345968
THE GOOD COMPANIONS 202km. A test for all keen
cyclists. Meet 7:45am
Sunday 12 April SPRING AUDAX RIDES
All starting at Mytholmroyd Community Centre Contact
Chris Crossland 01422 832853
SPRING INTO THE DALES. 115 km. A test for keen
racing, touring and fitness cyclists. Meet at 8:45am
LEAP INTO THE AIRE. 58 km. Scenic ride for club
and leisure cyclists. Meet at 9:45am
Both start at Mytholmroyd Community Centre.
Contact Chris Crossland 01422 832853
Sat 27 June through Sun 28 June
MORECAMBE MIDNIGHT MIDSUMMER MADNESS
130 miles Standard Ride The popular Morecambe
midnight ride. Breakfast and a snack included in the
entry fee. Meet at 11.30 pm Saturday, at The
Sunday 19 April WEST YORKSHIRE CTC MEET at
Addingham. Meet 8:45am at Morrisons, Illingworth.
Oddfellows Rooms, Unity House, Coleridge Street,
Halifax. Details from David Dodwell 01274 815936
Tea, coffee, cakes etc., provided. Please bring a packed
lunch Contact Chris Crossland 01422 832853
Saturday 4 July CALDERDALE CYCLE QUEST
Sunday 3 May LE TOUR DE YORKSHIRE Your
chance to ride the Calderdale part of Stage 3 of the
2015 Tour de Yorkshire, and then watch the race come
through. Meet 8:30 am at Elland Bridge
Contact Reid Anderson 01422 258278
Saturday 9 May NORLAND CIRCUIT RIDES
A choice of standard rides to suit cyclists of all ages: 16
miles in 2 hours for newcomers and youngsters, or 36
miles in 3 hours for the more experienced cyclist. Meet
1:45pm at Norland Town Bus Stop, Clough Road,
Norland, Sowerby Bridge. Details from Charlotte
Bromley 07724 838837
Sunday 10 May CAR ASSISTED RIDE for easy cycling
somewhere different. Meet at 8:30 am at Stump Cross
to go to COXWOLD Please contact Reid Anderson
01422 258278 if you would like to come along.
Saturday 23 May A choice of 400 km. events for
enthusiasts, to be completed in 27 hours.
NOT QUITE THE SPURN HEAD 400 - a flattish
400km ride & THE OLD 240 - John Whiteley’s
favourite: a hilly 400km ride, Meet at Mytholmroyd
Community Centre 5:15am.
Contact Chris Crossland 01422 832853
Wednesday 3 June THE TREVOR LEVER MEMORIAL
HALIFAX TO SKIPTON & BACK RIDES: Can you cycle
from Halifax to Skipton and back inside 2 or 2½ hours?
The 32 miles rides start at The Causeway Foot Inn, 13
Causeway Foot, Halifax HX2 8X X (approx. 4½ miles
North of Halifax on A629). Meet at 6:45pm. This event
is jointly promoted with Halifax Imperial Wheelers
Contact Chris Crossland 01422 832853
Meet at the Alma Inn, Cottonstones at 9.30 am. Use
the map to plan your route to a wide variety of
controls. Each control has a value: the nearer controls
are worth less, the further controls more. You have 2
hours to visit as many controls as you can. The rider
who collects the most points is the best Cycle Quester!
Finish at the Moorcock Inn.
Please email organiser Graham Lloyd to reserve a map:
egrahamlloyd@yahoo.co.uk
Sunday 26 July THE OTHER FLEET MOSS
RANDONNEE
Classic 200 km. trip into the Yorkshire Dales, and back
via Lancashire lanes. Meet 7.45 am at the Oddfellows
Rooms, Unity House, Coleridge Street, Halifax.
Contact Chris Crossland 01422 832853
Sunday 26 July CAR ASSISTED RIDE for easy cycling
somewhere different. Meet at 8:15 am at Stump Cross
to go to the Peak District Please contact Reid
Anderson 01422 258278 if you would like to come
along.
Thursday 24 September CLOSING THURSDAY
EVENING SUPPER RUN Details to be arranged.
Contact John Keighley 01422 345968 for details
Sunday 11 October AUTUMN AUDAX RIDES
SEASON OF MISTS 105 km. Challenging touring in the
Yorkshire & Lancashire hills. Meet 8:45am
MELLOW FRUITFULNESS 55 km. Not quite as hard,
really! Meet at 9:45am.
Both start at Mytholmroyd Community Centre.
Contact Chris Crossland 01422 832853
Calderdale CTC
AUTUMN TINTS
RIDES
Contacts
Colin Chapman
Carol Hare
Paul Barnes
John Sutcliffe
Graham Firth
John Schorah
Leslie Baker
Group cycling for
cyclists of any ability,
age, or gender
Colin Chapman writes:
Spring has sprung (officially)
and with Winter now
behind us (??) we can look
forward to warmer
weather, shorts, ice creams
etc.
Destinations for all rides are listed
below. Should you wish to join us,
just turn up, or, if you have any
queries, please ring me or the ride
leader on the numbers listed or email
autumntints@ctccalderdale.org.uk
Despite the perils of Winter, rides have continued to
be well supported & we have only needed to cancel
them on three occasions. Thanks & well done to all
riders.
Calderdale CTC Autumn Tints draws on the history &
tradition of the Autumn Tints Cycling Comrades which
was originally founded to attract cyclists over 50 to
ride together. In line with the open ethos of CTC
activities, we now invite cyclists of any ability, age or
gender to take part, & promise a warm welcome to
all, whether an inexperienced rider or someone who
would like to try riding within the safety and
camaraderie of a group.
Rides are held every Wednesday & Saturday, at a
steady pace &, wherever possible, on quiet & often
very scenic routes.
Occasionally, after our Morning Coffee stop, the group
will divide. The main group completing the full ride,
whilst those preferring a gentler ride, cycling a shorter
leisurely run of about 15-20 miles.
DATE
Start
01422 834342
01422 340638
01274 670958
01422 365420
01422 355239
01422 345170
07580 835265
Ride Start Points
GB
SHL
SBB
SBL
WVGC
WC
Godley Bridge,New Bank, Halifax
Salterhebble Locks (Basin), Halifax
Sowerby Bridge Baths, Station Rd.
Sowerby Bridge Library, Hollins Mill Lane
West Vale - Garden Centre
Windmill Court, Causeway Foot
York Cycle Rally Weekend - June 19th-21st
We are holding a social Camping/Caravaning
weekend at this event & invite all to join us.
Members can pre register at www.yorkrally.org or
using the booking form previously circulated by me.
Entering Calderdale CTC Autumn Tints under Group
Name will ensure all members will be grouped in
the same area.
Everyone welcome, so come & chat, socialise, drink
beer or wine, BBQ & even, maybe, go for a ride!
Please contact me should you require further details
or have any queries.
Colin Chapman 01422 834342
TIME
COFFEE STOP
DESTINATION
10:00
9:30
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
Windmill Court
SHIPLEY GLEN
Watergate, Hebden Bridge HOLLINGWORTH LAKE
Cookhouse Café, Slaithwaite MARSDEN Motorman's Café
The Village Bakery, Queensbury BINGLEY Five Rise Locks
Windmill Court
SCAR TOP Granary Tea Room
Watergate, Hebden Bridge TODMORDEN Morrison’s
Motorman's Café, Marsden DELPH Edna’s Cosy Café
Wetherspoons, Brighouse TONG GARDEN CENTRE
J’s Cafe, Scholes
DEWSBURY MARINA
LEADER
APRIL
Wed 1st WC
Sat 4th SBL
Wed 8th WVGC
Sat 11th GB
Wed 15th WC
Sat 18th SBL
Wed 22nd WVGC
Sat 25th SHL
Wed 29thGB
Carol Hare
Colin Chapman
Colin Chapman
John Sutcliffe
Paul Barnes
Carol Hare
Colin Chapman
Graham Firth
Paul Barnes
DATE
Start
TIME
COFFEE STOP
DESTINATION
LEADER
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
9:30
9:30
Wetherspoons, Brighouse OAKWELL HALL
Carol Hare
Morrisons, Waterloo
CANNON HALL
Paul Barnes
Windmill Court
KEIGHLEY Morrison’s
Graham Firth
Robin’s Nest, Rishworth
HOLLINGWORTH LAKE
Colin Chapman
Bennett's Eggs, Hightown OAKWELL HALL
John Sutcliffe
Windmill Court
OTLEY CC Club Room
Paul Barnes
Robin’s Nest,Rishworth
DELPH Edna’s Cosy Café
Colin Chapman
Cookhouse Café, Slaithwaite HOLMFIRTH Corner House Cafe
John Schorah
Wetherspoons, Brighouse MIRFIELD Café Nosh
Leslie Baker
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
Old Town CC
HAWORTH Villette Café
J’s Cafe, Scholes
DEWSBURY MARINA
Bolster Moor GC
MELTHAM Ivy House Cafe
Wetherspoons, Brighouse OAKWELL HALL
Windmill Court
OTLEY CC Club Room
Watergate, Hebden Bridge HOLLINGWORTH LAKE
YORK CYCLE RALLY - Camping Weekend
Café Nosh, Mirfield
NEWMILLERDAM
Baguettes, Wyke
TONG GARDEN CENTRE
Colin Chapman
John Sutcliffe
Paul Barnes
Carol Hare
John Schorah
Graham Firth
Colin Chapman
Paul Barnes
Leslie Baker
Carol Hare
John Sutcliffe
Colin Chapman
Graham Firth
Paul Barnes
Graham Firth
Colin Chapman
John Sutcliffe
Colin Chapman
Graham Firth
John Schorah
Colin Chapman
Paul Barnes
Carol Hare
MAY
Sat 2nd SHL
Wed 6th WVGC
Sat 9th WC
Wed 13th SBL
Sat 16th GB
Wed 20th WC
Sat 23rd SBL
Wed 27th WVGC
Sat 30th SHL
JUNE
Wed 3rd SBL
Sat 6th GB
Wed 10th WVGC
Sat 13th SHL
Wed 17th WC
Sat 20th SBL
Sat 20th/Sun 21st
Wed 24th SHL
Sat 27th GB
9:30
9:30
JULY
Wed 1st WC
Sat 4th SHL
Wed 8th WVGC
Sat 11th GB
Wed 15th WC
Sat 18th WVGC
10:00
9:30
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
Wed 22nd GB
Sat 25th SBL
Wed 29th SHL
9:30
9:30
9:30
Windmill Court
SHIPLEY GLEN
Wetherspoons, Brighouse SCHOLES J’s Café
Motorman's Café, Marsden DELPH Edna’s Cosy Café
Baguettes, Wyke
CROW NEST PARK
Windmill Court
OTLEY CC Club Room
Ambry’s Community Café, Almondbury
SHELLEY Dearne Lea Café
J’s Cafe, Scholes
TONG GARDEN CENTRE
Robin’s Nest, Rishworth
HOLLINGWORTH LAKE
Wetherspoons, Brighouse DEWSBURY MARINA
9-30
9:30
10:00
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
9:30
9:30
The Village Bakery, Queensbury BINGLEY Five Rise Locks
Watergate, Hebden Bridge COLDWELL ACTIVITY CENTRE
Windmill Court
SHIPLEY GLEN CAFÉ
Kelly’s Café, Birkby
SHELLEY Dearne Lea Café
Wetherspoons, Brighouse MIRFIELD Café Nosh
Windmill Court
OTLEY CC Club Room
Robin’s Nest, Rishworth
HEBDEN BRIDGE
Café Nosh, Mirfield
BRETTON PARK
Watergate, Hebden Bridge TODMORDEN Wetherspoons,
9:30
9:30
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
9:30
10:00
9:30
Bolster Moor Farm Shop MARSDEN Motorman's Café
Paul Barnes
Watergate, Hebden Bridge HOLLINGWORTH LAKE
Carol Hare
Baguettes, Wyke
TONG GARDEN CENTRE
John Sutcliffe
Wetherspoons, Brighouse DEWSBURY MARINA
Graham Firth
Windmill Court
OTLEY CC Club Room
Colin Chapman
J’s Cafe, Scholes
CLECKHEATON
Crown Café Leslie Baker
Cookhouse Cafe, Slaithwaite DELPH Ednas’ Cafe
John Schorah
Windmill Court
KEIGHLEY Morrisons
Colin Chapman
Old Town CC
TODMORDEN Wetherspoons
John Sutcliffe
Colin Chapman
John Schorah
Leslie Baker
Colin Chapman
AUGUST
Sat 1st GB
Wed 5th SBL
Sat 8th WC
Wed 12th WVGC
Sat 15th GB
Wed 19th WC
Sat 22nd SBB
Wed 26th SHL
Sat 29th SB
SEPTEMBER
Wed 2nd WVGC
Sat 5th SBL
Wed 9th GB
Sat 12th SHL
Wed 16th WC
Sat 19th GB
Wed 23rd WVGC
Sat 26th WC
Wed 30th SBL
Calderdale CTC WEEKEND RIDES
April - September 2015
There is a packed ride list this season, catering for all our riders,
including two car assisted rides, a Cyclequest, Audax and other
events. Our Regular Rides are easy-going affairs where the group
stays together. The pace is quite relaxed (around 10 mph with stops),
with lots of opportunities to chat and enjoy the scenery.
Wherever possible these are on quiet roads.
NEW RIDERS ARE WELCOME.
Look at our web site www.calderdalectc.org.uk
and follow us on Facebook (CTC Calderdale) for ride reports and
notices.
Any queries, contact the ride leader, event organiser, or me
(mrtn.bird@googlemail.com)
Martin Bird
We aim for all our rides to have quiet routes designed by
experienced cyclists who lead the way and ensure that nobody gets
left behind.
Short Rides are up to 30 miles long at a
moderate pace.
Club Rides are generally around 50 miles, with
a pace that cyclists of moderate experience can
cope with. The group aims to stay together the
whole of the ride.
Long Rides are more suitable for cyclists with
experience: the pace is faster and the distance
at least 70 miles and sometimes 100 miles or
more in a day.
Standard rides & Audax events marked **
offer the chance to ride a set distance inside a
set time limit. For more details, see the West
Yorkshire CTC Events Calendar on pp.11-13.
Date
Meet
MEETING POINT DETAILS for all weekend rides
Please note that the times given on the rides lists are the
times to meet and that the rides should start 15 minutes
after this time.
EB
Elland Bridge, bus shelter on A6025 leading
to A629
KX
King Cross, One Stop supermarket
My
Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene
Avenue
Nor
Norland Town bus stop near Church/School
SB
Sowerby Bridge Market (Wharf Street)
Hx
Halifax - Oddfellows Rooms, Coleridge Street
SX
Stump Cross Inn, Stump Cross, Halifax
Time
Destination
Type
Leader
8:45
SHELLEY
Short
Dave Power
April
5
12
12
19
EB
My
My
I
26
SB
8:45** SPRING INTO THE DALES 115 km. Audax
** Entries to
9:45** LEAP INTO THE AIRE 58 km. Audax
** Chris Crossland
8:45** CTC WEST YORKSHIRE / HUDDERSFIELD CTC RIDE-OUT MEET
12 noon, Addingham Village Hall
Club
Graham Lloyd
8:45
HOLLINGWORTH LAKE
8:30
TOUR DE YORKSHIRE
Short
Alan Simpson
May
3
9 Sat
10
10
17
EB
Nor
SX
SX
EB
23
23
My
My
Club
Reid Anderson
** Charlotte Bromley
HORBURY BRIDGE
Short Keith Robinson
CAR ASSISTED – COXWOLD
Reid Anderson
QUEENSBURY FAMILY FUN RIDES
Short Reid Anderson
To arrive at bottom of Station Road, Queensbury, at 10.00 am
THE OLD 240 400 km. Audax
** Entries to
NOT QUITE THE SPURN HEAD 400 km. Audax
** Chris Crossland
13:45** NORLAND CIRCUIT RIDES 16 & 36 miles
8:30
8:30
8:30
5:15**
5:15**
Date
Meet
Time
Destination
Type
Leader
SX
KX
8:30
8:30
NEWMILLERDAM
TOWNELEY HALL
Short
Club
Keith Robinson
Dave Dodwell
My
EB
My
My
My
EB
Hx
KX
8:15
8:15
WADDINGTON
SLAITHWAITE
5:45** The 3 COASTS 600 km. Audax
5:45** The EAST & WEST COASTS 600 km. Audax
8:15** THE GOOD COMPANIONS 200 km. Audax
8:15
MYTHOLMROYD to meet the Audaxes
23:30** MORECAMBE MIDNIGHT RIDE 130 miles
8:15
UPPERMILL
Club
Short
Graham Joyce
Dave Scott
** Entries to
Alma
My
SX
KX
Hx
SX
SX
9:30** CALDERDALE CYCLEQUEST Start at Cottonstones
May
24
31
June
7
14
20 Sat
20 Sat
21
21
27
28
July
4 Sat
5
12
19
26
26
26
8:15
8:15
8:15
8:15**
8:15
8:15
** Chris Crossland
Short
Long ** Dave Dodwell
Short John Southworth
Graham Lloyd
BARNOLDSWICK
Club
Kevin Merrison
KIRKSTALL
Club
Alan Simpson
HAWORTH
Short
Dave Power
THE OTHER FLEET MOSS RANDONNEE 200 km. Audax
**Chris Crossland
HEPWORTH
Short
Dave Power
CAR ASSISTED – PEAK DISTRICT
Reid Anderson
August
2
My
8:15
To be arranged
9
EB
8:15**
MARSDEN
Club
Reid Anderson
JOHN RADFORD MEMORIAL RIDE organised by Huddersfield CTC.
For details please contact Peter Charnley 01484 539715
HOLLINGWORTH LAKE - Scenic Group Standard Ride 36 miles
16
23
30
SX
I
EB
8:15
8:15
8:15
HAWORTH
SKIPTON
HOLMFIRTH
Short
Alan Simpson
Club John Southworth
Club
Reid Anderson
DEWSBURY
PADFIELD
LITTLEBOROUGH
CROSSING THE WATERSHED
Short
Club
Short
Club
** Simon Roberts
September
6
EB
8:30
13
EB
8:30
20
KX
8:30
27
My
8:30
October - Advance Notice
11
My
8:45**
My
9:45**
SEASON OF MISTS 105 km. Audax
MELLOW FRUITFULNESS 55 km. Audax
John Keighley
Kevin Merrison
Simon Roberts
Graham Joyce
** Entries to
** Chris Crossland
** Denotes a ride/event included in the West Yorkshire CTC Events Calendar
RIDE LEADERS
For further details concerning a particular ride or event, please contact the designated ride leader or
organiser, who will be pleased to answer any enquiries.
Reid Anderson
01422 258278
Kevin Merrison
07538 049200
Martin Bird
07720 350466
Dave Power
01422 647509
Charlotte Bromley 07724 838837
Simon Roberts
07954 176928
Chris Crossland
01422 832853
Keith Robinson
07802 923547
Dave Dodwell
01274 815936
Dave Scott
07455 907270
Graham Joyce
01422 885071
Alan Simpson
07443 895430
John Keighley
01422 345968
John Southworth 01422 365470
Graham Lloyd
egrahamlloyd@yahoo.co.uk
Calderdale CTC
THURSDAY EVENING Rides
DATE
START DESTINATION
LEADER
APRIL
2
9
16
23
30
HP
Opening Supper Run
to The New Inn, Mount Tabor.
Details from John Keighley
01422 345968
HP
MEMORIALS RIDE
EB
STAINLAND
SX
THORNTON
EB
POLE MOOR
JK
AS
DP
DD
GE
KX
SB
SX
EB
JS
AS
DD
SR
MAY
7
14
21
28
MIDGLEY
CRAGG VALE
THORNTON
NORLAND
JUNE
Wed 3
**STANDARD RIDE to Skipton
and back in 2 or 2½ hours.
Meet 6:45pm Causeway Foot Inn
CC
4
11
18
25
EB
SB
EB
SX
SCAMMONDEN
STEEP LANE
CASTLE HILL
SUNNY VALE
GE
GJ
JS
AS
SB
I
EB
KX
LUDDENDEN DEAN
ST. IVES
RESERVOIR RIDE
BOULDERCLOUGH
DP
DD
JS
DP
JULY
2
9
16
23
30
**STANDARD RIDE to BUCKSTONES
and back: 25 miles in 2 hours.
Meet 7:00 pm at Junction of New Hey
Road & Brighouse Road, near Ainley Top
SR
AUGUST
6
13
20
27
SB
I
KX
KX
COTTONSTONES
LEEMING
WAINSTALLS
STOCKS LANE
DS
DD
HN
MB
NORWOOD GREEN
LUDDENDEN DEAN
JAGGER GREEN
Closing Supper Run
AS
DD
GE
JK
SEPTEMBER
3
10
17
24
SX
KX
EB
HP
details from John Keighley
01422 345968
**Denotes a ride/event in the West Yorkshire CTC Events
Calendar. More details on pp. 11-13
These rides use the longer evenings to explore roads,
lanes, and sometimes tracks within an easy distance
of Halifax. While we aim to finish the rides during
the hours of daylight, we do sometimes get carried
away so please remember to bring some lights with
you.
To take part, meet at 7:00pm for a 7:15pm start,
except for Wednesday 3 June when meet 6:45pm
for a 7:00pm start at The Causeway Foot Inn, 13
Causeway Foot, Halifax HX2 8X X (approx. 4½ miles
North of Halifax on A629). Yes, this ride is still on a
Wednesday.
Martin Bird
MEETING POINTS
EB
HP
KX
I
SB
SX
Elland Bridge
Halifax Pool
King Cross - One Stop supermarket
Illingworth - Morrisons Service Station
Sowerby Bridge Market, Wharf Street
Stump Cross Inn
LEADERS
AS
CC
DD
DP
DS
GE
GJ
HN
JK
JS
MB
SR
Alan Simpson
Chris Crossland
Dave Dodwell
Dave Power
Dave Scott
Graham Ellis
Graham Joyce
Holly Norris
John Keighley
John Southworth
Martin Bird
Simon Roberts
07443 895430
01422 832853
01274 815936
01422 647509
07455 907270
07590 487603
01422 885071
07908 378585
01422 345968
01422 365740
07720 350466
07954 176928
West Yorkshire CTC
CYCLING EVENTS 2015
As usual, the cycling events in this calendar cater
for riders of all abilities. Standard Rides and Audax
events offer the opportunity to complete noncompetitive touring rides over a variety of distances
inside usually generous time limits. Audax events
are organised under the rules of Audax United
Kingdom, the long distance cyclists’ association,
and are part of a national calendar, attracting riders
from all over the country. Standard Rides are local
events offering a little more informality but with a
similar sense of achievement. More details can be
obtained from the organisers or the Events
Secretaries. Contact details are on Page 13.
Sun 15 Mar
8.00am
THE RED ROSE RIDE 200 km. Audax
START The Oddfellows’ Rooms, Coleridge Street,
Halifax
ENTRY FEE £5.00
ORGANISER Dave Dodwell
Through the Trough of Bowland to the Lancashire
Coast and back.
Sun 12 Apr
10.00am
LEAP INTO THE AIRE 58 km. Audax
START Mytholmroyd Community Centre
ENTRY FEE £4.00
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
58 hilly km with 2 café stops, taking you from the
Pennine centre of Hebden Bridge into Airedale,
and back again, with a generous time allowance
based on a minimum speed of 8 kph.
Sun19 Apr, 12 noon
CTC WEST YORKSHIRE / HUDDERSFIELD &
DISTRICT CTC RIDE-OUT MEET
at Addingham Village Hall
ORGANISER Harry Wilcock / Chris Crossland
Tea, coffee, cakes etc., provided. Please bring a
packed lunch
Sun 3 May 8:30 am
LE TOUR DE YORKSHIRE
START Elland Bridge
ENTRY FEE Free
ORGANISER Reid Anderson
Group Ride on the Calderdale part of the 2015
Tour de Yorkshire culminating in the chance to
watch the race go past on its final stage.
Sat 9 May
2.00pm
NORLAND CIRCUIT RIDES
START Norland Town Bus Stop
ENTRY FEE
50p
ORGANISER Charlotte Bromley
16 miles in 2 hours, or 36 miles in 2½ or 3 hours
Sat 23 May
Sun 12 Apr
9.00 am
SPRING INTO THE DALES
115 km. Audax
START Mytholmroyd Community Centre
ENTRY FEE £4.50
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
115 hilly km with 2 café stops, taking you from the
heart of West Yorkshire into the foothills of the
Dales and back again, with a generous time
allowance of 9h 5m based on a minimum speed of
12 kilometres per hour.
5.30am
A choice of 400 km. events: The Old 240 is scenic
and challenging, the Spurn Head less so unless the
wind blows.
THE OLD 240 – 400 km. Audax
START Mytholmroyd Community Centre
ENTRY FEE £8.00
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
One of Audax UK's toughest and most scenic
events, climbing its way through classic Pennine
landscapes
NOT QUITE THE SPURN HEAD 400 km. Audax
START Mytholmroyd Community Centre
ENTRY FEE £8.00
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
The Café at Spurn Point has closed and been
removed, but a lot of the event remains, and the
Isle of Axholme replaces the sand and pave.
Wed 3 June
7.00pm
32 miles in 2 or 2 ½ hours
controls are worth less, the further controls more.
You have 2 hours to visit as many controls as you
can. The rider who collects the most points is the
best Cycle Quester! Please email organiser to
START The Causeway Foot Inn, 13 Causeway Foot,
reserve a map:
Halifax HX2 8X X (approx. 4½ miles North of
Halifax on A629)
ENTRY FEE 50p
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
(In association with Halifax Imperial Wheelers)
egrahamlloyd@yahoo.co.uk
THE TREVOR LEVER MEMORIAL
HALIFAX TO SKIPTON & BACK RIDES
Sunday 26 July
8.00 am
THE OTHER FLEET MOSS RANDONNEE
200 km. Audax
START The Oddfellows’ Rooms, Coleridge Street,
Sat 20 June 6.00am
Halifax
A choice of 600 km. events
START Mytholmroyd Community Centre
ENTRY FEE £10.00
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
THE 3 COASTS 600 - 607 km. Audax
Stage 1 (383 km): to Bridlington, then back to base.
Stage 2 (224 km): to Blackpool & Glasson Dock,
then to the weighvers' seaport of Hollingworth
Lake; returning home on England's longest
continuous downhill road.
THE EAST & WEST COASTS 600 603 km. Audax
Like The 3 Coasts but more time in the Fylde, less
time in the hills and only 2 coasts!
ENTRY FEE £5.00
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
Up North and over Fleet Moss to Hawes, then back
by Yorkshire and Lancashire lanes.
Sun 21 June 8.30am
THE GOOD COMPANIONS
200 km. Audax
START Mytholmroyd Community Centre
ENTRY FEE £5.00
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
Join the riders of the Coasts 600 km. events as they
are on their last legs on the last leg of their ride.
Sat 27 June through Sun 28 June
Start 12:00 midnight Sat
MORECAMBE MIDNIGHT MIDSUMMER
MADNESS 130 miles Standard Ride
START The Oddfellows’ Rooms, Coleridge Street,
Halifax
ENTRY FEE £10.00
ORGANISER Dave Dodwell
The popular midnight ride to Morecambe.
Breakfast and a snack included in the entry fee.
Sat 4 July Registration and Staggered Starts
9.30 am-10.30am
CALDERDALE CYCLE QUEST
START The Alma Inn, Cottonstones
ENTRY FEE £2.00
ORGANISER Graham Lloyd
Use the map to plan your route to a wide variety of
controls. Each control has a value: the nearer
Thursday 30 July 7.00 pm
25 MILES IN 2 HOURS Standard Ride
START Junction of New Hey Road & Brighouse
Road, near Ainley Top
ENTRY FEE 50p
ORGANISER
Simon Roberts
Sun 2 August
JOHN RADFORD MEMORIAL RIDE
START Fairburn, near Castleford
Ride organised by Huddersfield CTC. For details
please contact Peter Charnley 01484 539715
Sun 9 August
8.15 am
SCENIC GROUP RIDE - 36 miles
START Elland Bridge
ENTRY FEE 50p
A scenic route to Hollingworth Lake and back
ORGANISER
Simon Roberts
Sun 11 Oct
9.00am
SEASON OF MISTS 105 km. Audax
START Salem Community Centre, Hebden Bridge
ENTRY FEE £4.50
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
Challenging Autumn touring in the Yorkshire and
Lancashire hills.
Sun 11 Oct
10.00am
MELLOW FRUITFULNESS 55 km. Audax
START Salem Community Centre, Hebden Bridge
ENTRY FEE £3.50
ORGANISER Chris Crossland
Autumn touring in the Yorkshire & Lancashire hills.
OTHER DATES TO NOTE
YORK CYCLE RALLY
20-21 June
at the Knavesmire, York
CTC BIRTHDAY RIDES
18-25 August
at Newton Rigg College, Penrith, Cumbria.
CONTACT DETAILS
West Yorkshire CTC Events Secretary Chris Crossland, 14 Stanley Street West, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 1EF Tel: 01422
832853 Email: chris.crossland@halifaxctc.org.uk
Other Organiser Details
Charlotte Bromley 07724 838837
David Dodwell
01274 815936
Email: dmdodwell@gmail.com
Graham Lloyd
Email: egrahamlloyd@yahoo.co.uk
Simon Roberts
07817 218128
simonroberts4713@gmail.com
Harry Wilcock
0113 2584818
For more details of West Yorkshire CTC Audax events, including route sheets and ride photographs, look at
http://www.westyorkshiresr.org.uk
Most of the West Yorkshire CTC Audax events can also be ridden as “Permanent” events, i.e. they are available to ride all
year round at the rider’s convenience. For most enjoyment, it is of course better to ride with others on the day of the
event. There are more details on the above website.
West Yorkshire CTC Awards
West Yorkshire CTC makes awards to its members who
(3) Season of Mists 105 km. Audax or Mellow
complete any events in this calendar as detailed below.
Fruitfulness 55 km. Audax
To qualify you must be a member of the CTC and
plus at least four other events, with the four rides
resident in the area of the Association. Taking part in the
totalling the most points to count. The rider amassing the
ride automatically enters you in the scheme.
most points will win the President's Cup. In the event of
Award
Min. No. Rides Min No. Points
a tie the other rides completed will be taken into account
Medal
3
25
- the highest number of points from the minimum
Plaque
4
45
number of rides until the tie is broken.
Gold Award
5
60
The Centenary Cup will be awarded to the junior
Special Award
6
70
member with the highest tally of points under the
The awards scheme aims to reward continuing
Awards Scheme. A junior member for the purpose of this
achievement over several years. The highest award you
award is someone aged 16 years or under on the 31st
can win when first entering the scheme is a Plaque.
October of the year in which the rides are undertaken.
Higher awards are achieved in yearly progression to the
Published by West Yorkshire CTC, a
Special Award. The scheme allows you to have one year
member group of CTC, the national
out without having to revert back to the beginning.
cycling charity.
How to earn points: Points are awarded for each
completed event at the rate of 1 per 10 miles or 16
kilometres rounded to the nearest whole number, with
half point rounded up, e.g. 50 miles in 5 hours – 5
Come and join us on the
points, 32 miles in 2 or 2½ hours – 3 points, 200 km.
Audax – 13 points. West Yorkshire CTC permanent
Calderdale CTC
Audax events also earn points, but at the abbreviated
Autumn Audax Events
rate of 1 point per 100 km. or part thereof to the nearest
Among our most popular rides
whole number as above. Other events where a distance
is not specified earn points as determined by the West
(about 180 riders last year)
Yorkshire CTC Committee, e.g. Tour de Yorkshire - 5
SEASON OF MISTS
points. Nominated organisers of Association events (one
9.00 am start
per event) receive points as if they had successfully
105 hilly kilometres with 2 cafe stops
completed the ride. Organisers must apply for these
and
points to the Events Secretary. Only actual points earned
by riding will count for the following trophies.
MELLOW FRUITFULNESS
President's Cup: As a senior rider (someone over the age
10.00 am start
of 16 on Oct 31st in year of event) members
55
hilly
kilometres
with 2 cafe stops
automatically enter this competition by taking part in any
ride. Points awarded are as per the awards scheme
Sunday 11 October 2015
above. To qualify you must complete two of the
Start: Mytholmroyd Community Centre,
following events
Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd
(1) The Red Rose Ride 200 km. Audax or The Other
Details from Chris Crossland Tel: 01422 832853
Fleet Moss Randonnee 200 km. Audax
Email: chris.crossland@halifaxctc.org.uk
(2) Spring Into The Dales 115 km Audax or Leap Into
Web: www.WestYorkshireSR.org.uk
The Aire 58 km. Audax
CYCLE QUEENSBURY
- The Third Year
Dave Dodwell reports
3 years ago, Queensbury’s 150th Anniversary was the
catalyst for new cultural, campaigning, and
recreational Community Groups to start up. Cycle
Queensbury was one of them. Our aim is to ‘get
Queensbury Cycling’ by helping people overcome
obstacles to cycling like lack of skills, experience,
confidence, or bike! We’re not a Cycling Club and
don’t organise regular rides, but are affiliated to
CTC, and have 3 National Cycling Instructors on our
Committee. So we have a certain amount of clout,
and where we can’t do things ourselves, we can
point would-be cyclists to local cycling events.
Last year, we:
Helped our local Tesco staff to Cycle to Lapland
and raise money for Diabetes UK;
Organised a Winter Warmer get-together on
the Great Northern Railway Trail;
Ran an Easter Ride and Egg Hunt on the Trail;
Organised another Family Fun Rides Day, with
the help of Calderdale CTC members. Over 200
people cycled a total of 1115 miles (equivalent of
the first 10 stages of the Tour de France!);
Ran a series of nine short (approx. 2 hour) Local
Led Rides exploring the back lanes and tracks
around Queensbury.
Ran Bikeability Training courses in 3 of the 4
Queensbury Primary Schools for 80 children;
Helped Queensbury Cub Scouts to gain their
Cycling Badge, with support from Firth Cycles
Provided cycle training to a number of
participants of the Queensbury Triathlon;
Planned our very own Tour O’ World cycle
ride, a 17 mile route passing 11 place names from
around the world. Pick up a route sheet and a
clue find card from Firth Cycles. Find the route at
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5306533
Loaned out bikes from our small fleet of loan
bikes which have been donated by the Community
and refurbished;
Supported the campaign to turn the old
Queensbury Railway Tunnel into a cycle route;
See http://www.queensburytunnel.org.uk
Ran a Commuter Cycle Challenge for local
organisations, won by Keelham Farm Shop.
This year we are repeating the successful Family Fun
Rides day, on Sunday 17 May. Can you help out on
the day? Contact us on the email address below.
We are also funding a feasibility study for safe cycle
routes in and around Queensbury.
For more information visit our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/cyclequeensbury/
or website www.cyclequeensbury.org.uk or email
cyclequeensbury@gmail.com
ANOTHER DAY IN JUNE
John Whiteley makes new friends
I reported an interesting “….One day in June….”
a couple of years ago – and it happened again last
year.
My “Plan” was Hawes for lunch, up Widdale to
Ribblehead, down to Chapel-le-Dale, Ingleton
and home. That was the “plan” anyway. I’d
started early and was passing the Flappit when I
caught another cyclist, who “…..travailed and was
heavily laden….”. It being early morning and
quiet I came alongside him. He told his tale; he
was on a LEJOG with two mates. He’d broken a
spoke and his mates had gone on ahead to find a
bike shop. It was early and still cold and
depressing, and knowing the bike shop in
Keighley I said I’d keep him company. It was slow
going, but eventually we came to Aire Valley
Cycles, where his two mates waited. It was before
shop opening time, but the sign on the door said
“closed Wednesdays” – and it was Wednesday.
Another cyclist appeared, obviously heading for
work but, being friendly and helpful as we cyclists
are, he led us to another bike shop – one I never
knew existed in Keighley. The proprietor was a
star – and whilst he replaced the spoke the lads
told me their story. They were Sheffield
University students; they’d just finished their
finals and were celebrating by cycle-camping
Land's End - John O' Groats (LEJOG) They’d done
their LE-Sheffield section, rested for a few days,
and now they were on Sheffield-JOG. The only
map they had was a motoring atlas, and they
were on ‘A’ roads all the way. They’d ridden the
A629 from Sheffield and pitched on a rugby field
that night, which turned out to be Ovenden Park!
They were intending following the A629 to
Skipton, and taking the A65 to their next
overnight at Kendal. I asked how they were
finding the ‘A’ roads, and using student adjectives
they described the experience. They hadn’t been
on any quiet lanes!
I couldn’t leave three young lads to their fate on
the A65, now could I? I could show them our
usual quiet lanes, at least as far as Kirkby
Lonsdale, and they were pleased to accept my
offer. They were amazed at how quiet and
relaxed the route on “our lanes” is. We came off
the A629 at Crosshills, and went – pay attention
here because it’ll stir memories – Connonley,
Carlton-in-Craven, Broughton and then Gargrave,
we took the old 100-in-8 route to Bell Busk,
through Otterburn and to Hellifield where we
repaired to the station buffet. I had some of my
sarnies with a cuppa, one of the lads got fish and
chips but the others didn’t. Clearly they were of
varying financial means. I bought them some
chips and tea – I felt a bit awful at not feeding
them more, but I hadn’t come financially
equipped to feed two growing students.
They were loving the scenery, and the relief from
heavy fast moving traffic. We were back onto the
lanes at Long Preston – crossing our well
remembered ‘Cow Bridge’ and then by way of
Wigglesworth, Rathmell, Giggleswick and Eldroth.
By this time they were getting low on blood sugar
(when I told them they were “bonking” they
thought I’d gone mad! – I explained!) and we had
to go by way of Clapham station to get to Ingleton
to buy food at the co-op. It’s only about 5 miles
then to Devil’s Bridge, and the lads were tiring.
The A65 is mainly downhill from Ingleton and it
was quiet at the time, so it wasn’t inappropriate
to use it for those final couple of miles. We parted
company there.
I’d had such a good time with these youngsters –
refreshing to be with them with their optimism
and total lack of cynicism – and their lighthearted sense of humour. What I had to notice
was that, whilst they were clearly not cyclists in
our sense of the word, there they were with bikes
loaded with tents, sleeping bags, stoves, tins of
food etc, hardly any cycling in their background,
and whilst we were not exactly cracking the pace,
they were game and up for such a ride. I
remember those days myself – I could just jump
on my bike and be off. Now I have to keep up
with it because if I don’t – it hurts.
I came back into Ingleton for my lunch and rode
up to Chapel-le-Dale and Ribblehead. The day
was drawing on and my plan to visit Hawes was
thwarted. I headed down Ribblesdale to Settle
and – well – I don’t need to describe the rest.
For all your cycling needs
Cycle Sales and Service
46 Westgate, Cleckheaton,
West Yorkshire BD19 5EY
Tel: 01274 861747