Post by manuel6b on Nov 9, 2023 0:00:38 GMT 1
19 November 2015 was the last tow path run. In 2015 we had only went out 3 times. It had run its course. Left to die. A memory of happy evenings.
But then, like a Phoenix from the flames, Martin starts a WhatsApp group in June 2023 and adds in a few of the old names from his phone directory. The group was called "Tow path MTB old school". The John Belushi line from The Blues Brothers "We should put the band back together" was added. Not knowing if there would be any response from these old farts, Martin was pleasantly surprises by the positive response. A few messages were exchanged in the following months but then, the first date was set. Unfortunately it clashed with a storm which put much of the tow path underwater. Undeterred a new date was set. Wednesday 8 November 2023. Almost 8 years since the last tow path run.
Gathered up at the Civic Centre was team "The Losers" from the trail quest days, Alan, Dennis and Stewart. Added to this group was Ronan. Martin arrived, late, complaining about lyrca shrinking over the years. Off we set. Dennis and Stewart up front on a pace that didn't suit Martin and Ronan. At the P stop, Martin and Stewart took over the lead. Up and over Gilchrist bridge, heading for Giants Ring. A great mild evening, clear skies and stars out. The climbing was a wake up call. Lots of heavy breathing. We got to the Ring. No sprinting across it. Martin lead the group over in a sensible fashion. Out the other side and we took Ronan's way (up towards the Terrace Gardens) back to Minnowburn. Under Shaw's Bridge and headed for Belvior. OMG the climbs! Down through the forest and then up Vomit Ridge. Crikey!!! A quick spin around the woods taking care not to get lost. More bloody climbs. Back to the car park for another tough climb. Easy going section then back to the tow path itself. Nice steady spin home with Dennis and Martin on the front. Alan badgering Dennis to sprint for the finish as he was sitting on Dennis' wheel. Martin just did a blocking motion to keep Alan from coming through. Alan is now on the naughty list - yellow card for trying too hard - the whippet! This should be a steady tow path run. For old men. Stewart said he hit a new high on his heart rate, over 180.
A great night out. Lovely to see everyone again. Hope to do it again next Thursday.
But then, like a Phoenix from the flames, Martin starts a WhatsApp group in June 2023 and adds in a few of the old names from his phone directory. The group was called "Tow path MTB old school". The John Belushi line from The Blues Brothers "We should put the band back together" was added. Not knowing if there would be any response from these old farts, Martin was pleasantly surprises by the positive response. A few messages were exchanged in the following months but then, the first date was set. Unfortunately it clashed with a storm which put much of the tow path underwater. Undeterred a new date was set. Wednesday 8 November 2023. Almost 8 years since the last tow path run.
Gathered up at the Civic Centre was team "The Losers" from the trail quest days, Alan, Dennis and Stewart. Added to this group was Ronan. Martin arrived, late, complaining about lyrca shrinking over the years. Off we set. Dennis and Stewart up front on a pace that didn't suit Martin and Ronan. At the P stop, Martin and Stewart took over the lead. Up and over Gilchrist bridge, heading for Giants Ring. A great mild evening, clear skies and stars out. The climbing was a wake up call. Lots of heavy breathing. We got to the Ring. No sprinting across it. Martin lead the group over in a sensible fashion. Out the other side and we took Ronan's way (up towards the Terrace Gardens) back to Minnowburn. Under Shaw's Bridge and headed for Belvior. OMG the climbs! Down through the forest and then up Vomit Ridge. Crikey!!! A quick spin around the woods taking care not to get lost. More bloody climbs. Back to the car park for another tough climb. Easy going section then back to the tow path itself. Nice steady spin home with Dennis and Martin on the front. Alan badgering Dennis to sprint for the finish as he was sitting on Dennis' wheel. Martin just did a blocking motion to keep Alan from coming through. Alan is now on the naughty list - yellow card for trying too hard - the whippet! This should be a steady tow path run. For old men. Stewart said he hit a new high on his heart rate, over 180.
A great night out. Lovely to see everyone again. Hope to do it again next Thursday.