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Post by manuel6b on Dec 22, 2011 12:06:08 GMT 1
Tow path run on again tonight starting from Lisburn Civic Centre. Meet at 6:45 for a 7 pm start. Back for 9:10-9:30. Looks like a nice evening.  |
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Post by manuel6b on Dec 23, 2011 14:18:55 GMT 1
A really nice mild evening last night for the tow path run. There are still a lot of colds (man flues?) around at the moment so the turn out was lower than expected. Alan and Torchy were there along with the return of John S and Gibson (new father only second time out on the bike in the last 6 weeks and still getting used to 4 hours sleep).  We set off just after 7 with Torchy and me on the front. The tow path was quiet, hardly a walker or a cyclist about. Tail wind into Belfast. Over the footbridge with Alan leading us around towards the Ring. Crossed over and then I lead down the very slippery neetle lane. We didn't give Torchy the pleasure of shooting past us on the road section, instead we made him lead off. He still shot off though. Left turn into Minnowburn and then around Shaw's and up to the trees. Torchy weakened on the climb letting me get in front with Alan. As we headed for the first small climb Torchy came shooting past. There was no 'letting' him win this one. He was well clear. As I started up the climb I seen the lights coming through of another rider. I expected Alan but it was John S who shot past me. All regrouped for the return loop and headed towards the car park. I got out the front first getting ahead of Alan and hoping to get a jump on the others. No such luck. John 'Pro rider' S came through at a gallop and flew up the climb. Git! I was nearing the top when Gibson went past as well. All gathered up again in the car park with some of us taking some layers off as it was really barmy. I could have done with fingerless gloves and shorts!! Alan lead us around the loop before dropping back to let me take over. John S again went past on the hill climb back to the car park. Gibson passed me here as well. All out and back to the tow path. Torchy said he was pushed for time and went left (must have been something good on TV  ) So the four of us headed for Stranmillis then turned and went back through the Meadows. Nice run through here. John S and Alan leading the charge but I managed to take over at the Malone entrance. Managed to hold off John S through the dips. All back on the path for quick run to Shaw's bridge. John S up first. I think the lad now trains full time and lives in a forest somewhere...! Only one shadow man out tonight. Alan had a 'lie down' just past the right hander as his front wheel slipped on a branch. Quick run up to the running track. I then lead the way down the BMX jumps and got my exit correct this week. John S was all over the place on his approach but still managed to power out. Gibson exited correctly and Alan just took the side exit. Quick run back to Lisburn. I was well outside by comfort zone keeping up with Alan. The after Hilden John S came through and Alan goaded and chased him back to Lisburn. I think Alan 'took' him on the final stretch!!! Gibson jumped away as well, good going for a man suffering sleep deprivation! I brought up the rear. Knackered. Super night. Looking back to 2010 we only managed one night out in December and that was the 30th. Fingers crossed we will continue these nights for the rest of the winter. Distance around 23 miles. Average - no idea despite two of the riders having fancy gizmos on their bikes!!! It felt quick though. |
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johns
Club member 
Posts: 173
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Post by johns on Dec 23, 2011 21:12:05 GMT 1
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