Tow path 20 November 2008

[manuel6b2]

Another terrific night out on the tow path. The BBC had predicted rain for 6pm but it never showed up and no-one complained !

In total there were 9 out tonight. Stewart, Ronnie, the Gibson brothers, Alan (without wee brother Dennis who managed to damage his eye while out motorbiking, get well soon!), BL, two from Smurf's gang, Marty and young Drew and not forgetting me!

Noel arrived late (again) and we had to wait until he made himself look beautiful before we managed to head off around 7:15. The path was dry with only occasional patches of leaves from the recent high winds. We had a bit of a cross wind tonight that made us work hard during the exposed sections of the path. Alan and I lead off keeping the tempo fairly steady. At the footbridge Smurf's gang went straight on promising to meet us at Shaw's bridge (they never did... )

Alan and his big light lead on the other side with me at his back wheel. There were some mumbles about not going to the Ring tonight but I knew that Dennis would only shout at us for not going and besides, on such a great dry evening it would have been a shame not to. The grip was much better along the lanes on the way to the Ring and Alan even managed to stay upright for the first time. After a quick blast across the centre we headed back onto the road before it heading into the nettle run. Ronnie was up front but age must have been catching up to him as he was holding up Gary, me, BL and the rest.

At Shaw's bridge we headed for Belvoir. Again the ground was dry and the atmosphere in the forest was wonderful. We had expected to pick up Smurf's crew in the forest as we had done the last time but this didn't happen either. Heading up the hill towards the car park it was Noel, Ronnie and I pushing to get to the top first. With only a quick once around the car park to recover it was back into the trees for the loop back to the car park again on the other side. Unlike last week, there was no rest before we headed off again with Alan taking the lead. Over the bridge and back to the tow path, BL and Noel went left and home while the remaining 5 headed for Belfast. Zipping along 'Ronnie's Run' (minimum speed limit 20 mph) it was Alan and myself who were setting the pace. We turned at Stranmillis and headed into Lagan Meadows. Another excellent blast through the Meadows with me leading and Ronnie right behind. Getting the sling shot right to exit the two dips is still something I am working on.

All back to the path and Alan went ahead to lead the pack back. I went up front to join him and the others happily tucked in behind to stay out of the wind.

At Shaw's bridge all 5 of us went for the 'pull' up to Malone House. Ronnie lead us onwards through the trees with no incidents this week other than Ronnie missing the turning to get up to the race track ! At the far side I lead off with Ronnie behind as his lights were fading. Down through the bumps I managed to get down and out of the mud pit at the bottom for the first time in a long time. Whoohoo!

Ronnie and I then lead the other three back to Lisburn. There was a slight drizzle for this section which did not dampen spirits. Not long after the metal bridge the rain stopped and we enjoyed the rest of the trip back with no one wanting to jump to the front to set a higher pace.

All back for 9:10. Given as this was the same route as last week it would be approx 25 miles coming in at just less than our average time last week.

Next Thursday our first 'Grand Night Out' will take place in Ballynahinch. Parking will be in the big car park on the way into Ballynahinch from the Lisburn direction. Be there for 7pm. Ronnie is leading us Luckily BL also knows these routes.

See you there

[martymcfly]

At the footbridge Smurf's gang went straight on promising to meet us at Shaw's bridge (they never did... )

Guys, once we left you at the footbridge we decided to do some mountain biking ;D
We went up around Mary Peters track to the playing fields above and rode some of the singletrack trails zig zagging right back down to the tow path almost at Shaws Bridge. Then over into Belvoir and again rode singletrack trails before heading up to the carpark and a loop of the far side of belvoir park, we intended going out via Galwally Ave to Forestside to ride the road around Ormeau Embankment but the new metal pedestrian fence/ cage was not bike friendly
So back to main Belvoir car park and down through Belvoir onto the tow path to Shaws, across to Mary Peters and up onto Upper Malone, down the road and into Lady Dixons, back down onto tow path and straight home.
By the time we got back you guys had long gone, hope to hook up again sometime, at least for the draft down the tow path ;D.

Great weather as already stated, trails in fair condition (some mud) and average speed of 19mph.......

[shea]

Is there anything different about the grand night out - rather than the towpath.... are we meant to dress up formally, is it still a mountain bike run ?

[manuel6b2]

Stephen

For the gents, it is black tie
For the ladies, full length gown

There are a number of dress hire shops available locally. Please specify that you will be mountain biking in the attire and they can ensure that the trouser leg is kept narrow to avoid snarling up in the chain.

Meeting at 7pm in Ballynahinch. There will be champagne / bucks fizz to start followed by a 2 hour excursion by MTB hosted by the lovely Ronnie. After which we are planning a three course meal in the Primrose where there will be a choice of duck, boar and pheasant.

Hope to see you + 1 there.

[shea]

my main problem is how to keep my gown out of the chainset, the bicycle clips are not effective. but set me aside a pint of champagne and I don't think i'll worry.

I'll see you there.

[Bob P]

Nov 27, 2008 9:13:26 GMT 1 shea said:

my main problem is how to keep my gown out of the chainset, the bicycle clips are not effective. but set me aside a pint of champagne and I don't think i'll worry.

I'll see you there.

Turn the bike the right way up. It's obviously sitting on its handlebars & seat