Great night on the tow path. Despite the heavy rain and wind earlier in the day by the time we gathered for our weekly run from Lisburn to Belfast and back the night was mild, dry and little wind. Perfect conditions.
Out were Colin R, Davy Y, Adrian, Raymund, Gibson, Alan, Stewart, Trevor 'torchy' (coming up from Shaw's bridge to meet us at the Civic Cente) and the first timer Brian W. Bit of a delayed start as Adrian had to drive back to get his helmet and Alan was late arriving. We set off just after 7. The tow path was quiet, hardly anyone on it. Raymund and I lead off. Nice run, over the footbridge with Alan and Stewart leading the attach on the other side of the river (both with slick tyres on!).
Good run up to the Ring with Brian W and me on the front. All lined up at the Ring. Alan set off first like the hare at the greyhound course. We then shot off after him.
Out of other side and down through a slippery nettle lane. It is amazing how much quicker I am going through this lane at night than when we went through for the trail quest. Ignorance of what is under the tyre is bliss.
Back onto the road and Torchy didn't let us down, he zipped past to get to the corner first. I gave chase but had to admit defeat.
Around Minnowburn, Shaw's then into the trees. Torchy was at the front, I was half way back. Up the first climb which Adrian 'won'. Around the loop and we set off for the second climb. I managed to hold off Brian W for this one. Around the car park loop and another charge up the hill for the return to the car park this time with Brian W and I neck and neck (and Adrian trying but somehow not succeeding in squeezing between us.
Back down and along the water's edge, over the bridge and back to the main tow path. Torchy turned left for home, I think it was to get back to watch X Factor America!! The remaining 9 headed for Stranmillis. Turned and headed through the Meadows with Alan and I up front. Alan skipped the 'over hill' bit before the climb up to the Malone Road entrance. Alan and I then lead off around the dips which I managed to get out of first.
All up and we headed back to Shaw's bridge. Up Cardiac hill with Brian W showing us all how it should be done. A simple challenge for him. Davy Y climbing up in big ring (or middle ring
).
Alan and I then lead the crew back through the trees. Seen other MTBers out fixing a bike.
Up to the running track Raymund was a bit behind. The majority of us took on the BMX jumps and all (?) of us managed to get out of the dip at the bottom. Raymund set off first saying for us to catch him. I delayed the others as I tried to sort out a noise on my rear disc.
We took off at quite a pace trying to catch the old dog!!
I was struggling to keep up with Brian. On and on we pushed. We had to slow after the steel bridge to get everyone back on again. Brian W and I still at the front but after a while I started to fade and dropped out the back. Behind me I seen a light so I pulled up to wait for the straggler. Turned out to be two, Colin and Davy. They told me to push on to try to catch the rest. No chance. I pushed hard but barely seen a light in the distance. Meet Stewart standing at Lambeg bridge. I still pushed on on my own. No mission. Got back to find out that Brian got home first.
Good run, really enjoyed it. 23 odd miles, average 12 something.
Looking forward to next Thursday.
. I won that one in my head, you're soo competitive Martin.
