Towpath trouncing

[doc]

Is there anybody goin' for a bit of a charge down the aul towpath from island centre to cutters and back on thursday night on the mountain bikes. Time for the lites to go back on the mountain bike's bars. Dark nights back again.

[manuel6b2]

Ian,

We will be on the tow path every Thursday night over the winter months. Hope to see you down at the Civic Centre this Thursday at 6:50.

Definitely lights on time !

[doc]

Martin,

Would'nt you know it, sods law, the night im looking away from work on time they spring a last minute rush job on you. TYPICAL!!!!
Hope you had a good run down tonight. I will be there next week all being well, maybe junior will be there too.

[manuel6b2]

Ian,

You missed a good night. Weather was perfect. We had 10 out including the regulars, Alan (Lance), Dennis, Stewart, as well as an honoured visit from Trevor. The others included Kenny, Jonathan and Robert who were here last week and newcomers Pete and Willy. Trevor and I set off early for a quick check on the route for the planned cyclo-cross race ahead of a meeting with the council.

The others went off before we came back but waiting just beyond the bridge for us. Trevor and I were at the back of a good paced group with the regulars setting the pace. With twilight approaching there was still a good clatter of dog walkers out.

After the first break to regroup I moved up to the front with Stewart and Alan. Up and over the footbridge to the other side, we all headed for the Ring. The route round was as dry as a bone, perfect condition. We waited as always on the group to reform at each of the stiles as some were tackling the Ring for the first time.

Out the far side and the down into the overgrown lane for a fast dash back to the road. Down the road and back onto the tow path along Shaw's and into the trees again. Two of the group (Kenny and Robert) split here. It was a fast burst through the trees with Dennis attacking on every climb (full of energy after his great season on the road bike), with me fighting him on every climb. Out of the trees and back onto the tow path where another 3 left the group including Trevor who took Willy and Jonathan back to base. That left the three regulars, me and new guy Pete. We charged on towards Stranmillis before turning and heading for another quick burst through the Meadows with Dennis and I still fighting it out on the hills (we even managed to clip handlebars )

The pace was steady on the run back home with all chickening out of the Malone House Climb (Dennis needed to be home to watch CSI re-runs!). Dennis and Stewart were leading the group home with Alan, Pete and I tucked in behind.

After the steel bridge Dennis dropped from the front to left someone else take the lead. Pete stepped up to charge along beside Stewart. Pete is normally a runner but cycling was not alien to him and his fitness (reported 5 minute mile and half marathon runner) soon shone. Stewart left at Hilden, and he was the lucky one. Pete and I were at the front with Alan and Dennis in behind and I was busting a gut to stay on the shoulder of Pete. I didn't want to come up beside him, or heavens forbid go in front, as I felt this one had more power held in reserve... . It didn't help to have Lance shouting "take him Marty, take him! Don't let him get back first...etc etc". This kind of attitude was more common in the past when the road racers used to haunt this route but after many a near miss the pace had become more civilised. I decided not to heed Lance and just clung on to Pete's shoulder. This pace was much quicker than I go during a XC race !!!

All back for just after 9. Meet up with Trevor, Jonathan and Willy again and took this photo.




All in all a great night. I am looking forward to next week already.