Tow path 13 Jan 2011

[manuel6b2]

We're out tonight on the tow path run.

Confirmations so far:
Kyle I, Raymund, Trevor N, Dennis, Alan, Adrian, Surfer Steve,

Cry offs:
Neill, Massimo

[manuel6b2]

Great night out on the tow path on Thursday. Biggest turn out we've had in ages. Mild evening, 10^oC, damp under wheel but no rain. Crackin night for a spin.

Out tonight were Kyle I, Raymund, Trevor N, Adrian (2 weeks in a row!!!), Surfer Steve (first time out this year), team "The Losers" (Dennis, Alan and Stewart) training for Sunday, Pedals Pete and me. Out for the first time with us was Davy Y and Colin. They had taken part in the last trail quest at Killinchy and were well used to the tow path run plus detours.

At 7 we didn't all set off, most of us did. Dennis had called to say he would be late and he was bringing Alan's bike with him. Pete and Stewart stayed with him. Surfer Steve and I lead the bunch on a pretty quick spin down the path. For such a mild evening there was no one out!! Not a dog walker in sight.

From the rest stop Steve and I still lead the pack down to the footbridge. All over it. Great to see another bunch of riders heading towards Lisburn on the other side of the river. We exchanged the usual "right lads" greeting. We pushed on for the Ring. Getting through the final gate we had to stop as Colin had got a puncture. Many innuendos being dropped by Davy while he helped Colin get sorted out!!! We were like a bunch of school boys

All off again, cross the Ring and then I got a phone call from Alan. Got those four to double back and meet us near Shaw's. Nettle Lane was a bit slippery tonight.

Now a bunch of 12 we headed for the trees. Super spin around there, group working really well together, I had lots of fun trying to keep up with Pete on the climbs. On the return to the car park we met another bunch lead by John B and Phil.

We pushed on back to the path and regrouped quickly. Another fast spin down towards Stranmillis. I got a shout from behind that Davy and Colin were getting dropped. I stopped and turned. As we were close to the other entrance to the Meadows I decided to slow down Kyle, Davy and Colin to get them to turn up the zig zag path instead. Davy had some trouble stopping in time, fell over and then I heard "splash". Quickly I reached for him as he had one arm in the water. I grabbed a leg and pulled. Close call.

All back on and we met the others at the gate into the Meadows. I lead off and then held the next gate. 9 passed me. Two (Colin and Adrian) took the overland route to avoid the gate. I caught up with them at the Malone entrance where they were waiting. Alan kindly let me lead through the meadows only to try to come up my inside on the climbs!!! I managed to hold him off. After a short wait at the exit for Davy to change a battery I was for pushing on when I heard the remaining 2 come down the hill. The cable on Kyle's light had come out. Not easy negotiating the dips without a light. Now back together we headed for Shaw's.

Another quick run. I was at the back making sure Adrian didn't get dropped. Back to Shaw's and Colin's light had run out. Davy and Colin decided to give Cardiac Hill a skip. I was last up the hill. Tough climb and not helped that the bunch waiting at the top set off as soon as I arrived. Good run down through the trees and up to the track. Everyone keeping together. Dennis and Stewart avoided the BMX jumps again. Raymund was almost joining us but turned around and joined Dennis et al via the path. The rest of us had fun exiting through the dip. All the pressure was on Adrian who was last through (unsuccessfully this time).

Adrian and I were at the back again. We joined the others just after the steel bridge. I then moved Adrian up to the second row, much better for him. He was riding really well tonight. Met Colin and Davy again at Hilden. Nice run back to Lisburn. The kids were out drinking on the path. Adrian and I were even offered a can of lagar!!! All back for around 9:15

I was knackered. It was after 11 before I had the strength to go out and wash the bike. Great fun!!! Roll on next week.

[adrian]

I have to agree, that was probably the first run I have really enjoyed - the weather held out, banter was good and was the largest turnout I've seen yet.

I'm still smirking at the run home. When we left Mary Peter's I couldn't get clipped in no matter how hard I stomped my cleats and by the time I did I had lost the back of the pack. Martin and I were trying to catch up and one point I said "Fake a puncture and we'll get these boyos to slow down a bit so we can catch up to Kyle" - very naughty I know! But luckily tactics weren't needed and we soon regrouped after the bridge at Lady Dixons. I slid into the second row with Martin and Alan on my wheel, Alan shouting tips as I tried to hold onto the whippets in front. I seem to remember Steve saying something about the 'race' - I shrugged it off, never being at the front and not quite sure what was coming up, simply trying to maintain the tempo - and before I twigged there was a loud "Gooooo!" as I dropped two pedal strokes and the crew roared past at Mach10. I could do nothing but laugh in their wake as they sped off with about 5 miles to go. Not sure who won in the end but I was absolutely busted!!

Thanks all.