Post by manuel6b2 on Oct 17, 2008 9:44:32 GMT 1
Big turn out of 11 riders last night!
I had met Trevor earlier (6:30) to go around the cyclo cross loop before returning to the car park. We then went around the CX loop again this time with BL and Alan in tow. BL managed to get a puncture which delayed the 'kick off'. Trevor had to leave and it was the eleven of us that set off around 7:20 at a nice steady pace on a great, dry night if a little cool with a light wind. In the convoy of lights we had the 'core' towpathers (Stewart, Alan, BL, Peter Swann and me) plus old hats Noel, Gary and Ronnie. Brothers Dennis and Kenny were there along with good friend of the club Paul McMinn (Ards CC). Alan and I were pace setting from the off, passing small groups of young people out enjoying the evening (and a few cans!).
All crossed over the footbridge and heading to Giant's Ring. The route was a little muddy but was holding up well under tire. At the gate into the ring I stopped to take some photos (will post later). Across the Ring using BL's route then out and back towards the tow path again.
Down at Belvoir we all headed along our normal route until the crossroads where Dennis and Kenny turned back leaving the rest of us to enjoy the climbs. Back at the car park BL was not feeling great. To help him to keep up we selected him to lead. That way he could set the pace. This did not stop BL going at a rate of knots along the path! Following BL can be a challenge as he has a great habit of not declaring the sharp lefts or rights and either doesn't brake or has nice silent brakes unlike mine which lets everyone know there is a bend/drop ahead. ;D ;D
;D ;D 
Once back onto the tow path proper both Paul McMinn and BL turned and headed back. The rest of us headed for Lagan Meadows with Gary and I leading. Again more youths out but all were in good form and there was no hassle from them. Good quick pace through the Meadows with everyone negotiating the final drop to the tow path again (some without lights!!!
). All heading off at a good pace with Alan and I still leading them out. Back at Shaw's bridge, Ronnie, Noel and Gary (some of the top men in our club ) decided to skip out the big climb and headed back to base.
The 'core mtbers' (Stewart, Alan, Peter and I) did the climb up to Malone House then I lead them down through the trees and up to the running track. The pace was fairly settled as we headed into the BMX area. Stewart took a tumble here (no significant damage to him (or his bike).
The 'core 4' then headed back with Alan and I in front again. At Hilden Stewart pulled away ('and then there were 3').
Back for 9:40. BL not there for our distance, average speed etc but we are guessing it was around 22-24 miles at around 12 mph.
Hope to see more there next week.
I had met Trevor earlier (6:30) to go around the cyclo cross loop before returning to the car park. We then went around the CX loop again this time with BL and Alan in tow. BL managed to get a puncture which delayed the 'kick off'. Trevor had to leave and it was the eleven of us that set off around 7:20 at a nice steady pace on a great, dry night if a little cool with a light wind. In the convoy of lights we had the 'core' towpathers (Stewart, Alan, BL, Peter Swann and me) plus old hats Noel, Gary and Ronnie. Brothers Dennis and Kenny were there along with good friend of the club Paul McMinn (Ards CC). Alan and I were pace setting from the off, passing small groups of young people out enjoying the evening (and a few cans!).
All crossed over the footbridge and heading to Giant's Ring. The route was a little muddy but was holding up well under tire. At the gate into the ring I stopped to take some photos (will post later). Across the Ring using BL's route then out and back towards the tow path again.
Down at Belvoir we all headed along our normal route until the crossroads where Dennis and Kenny turned back leaving the rest of us to enjoy the climbs. Back at the car park BL was not feeling great. To help him to keep up we selected him to lead. That way he could set the pace. This did not stop BL going at a rate of knots along the path! Following BL can be a challenge as he has a great habit of not declaring the sharp lefts or rights and either doesn't brake or has nice silent brakes unlike mine which lets everyone know there is a bend/drop ahead. ;D ;D
;D ;D 
Once back onto the tow path proper both Paul McMinn and BL turned and headed back. The rest of us headed for Lagan Meadows with Gary and I leading. Again more youths out but all were in good form and there was no hassle from them. Good quick pace through the Meadows with everyone negotiating the final drop to the tow path again (some without lights!!!
). All heading off at a good pace with Alan and I still leading them out. Back at Shaw's bridge, Ronnie, Noel and Gary (some of the top men in our club ) decided to skip out the big climb and headed back to base. The 'core mtbers' (Stewart, Alan, Peter and I) did the climb up to Malone House then I lead them down through the trees and up to the running track. The pace was fairly settled as we headed into the BMX area. Stewart took a tumble here (no significant damage to him (or his bike).
The 'core 4' then headed back with Alan and I in front again. At Hilden Stewart pulled away ('and then there were 3').
Back for 9:40. BL not there for our distance, average speed etc but we are guessing it was around 22-24 miles at around 12 mph.
Hope to see more there next week.
