Tow path 5 January 2012

[manuel6b]

First run of the new year.

According to the weather forecast the winds are to die down and it is to be a clear night, 7^o.

See you there at 6:45.

[garry]

Was down the tow path today there are couple of large trees down across the path about 0.5 miles after lady dixon

[manuel6b]

Cheers Garry for the 'heads up'. They must have cleared the trees at that point. We found a few others down elsewhere though.

After another vicious day of wind and rain it was great how it had abated again by the time we gathered up at the Civic Centre. Martin McA was there to spend his Christmas money buying a kit bag full of goodies but then he didn't stay for the ride out. New guy Ronan came along in his shorts. There was the return of Pedals Pete. John and Gibson were back for more and along with Alan and me we had 6.

We set off around 7:05 for a quick pace down the path. Alan and Pete were enjoying the tail wind and pushing each other on. Far too quick for our new guy Ronan. Ronan and I stayed at the back and caught up at the usual spots. Over the footbridge we headed for the Ring. Lots of puddles on the way round. Ronan and I met the other 4 at the far side of the Ring where they had met up with another group of MTBers. This night cycling is really catching on!!

All down through a slippery nettle lane. Nice spin down the road with nobody shooting off the front. We stayed together to the trees. Alan was leading out initially but had gearing issues, as had John and Ronan managed to weave through them to get up the climb first. I took over the lead. Great run through here. I stayed out the front enough to keep John S off my back for the first 'mini' climb. After the gather up John and I stayed at the front, riding, watching, gaining speed, watching... ready for the big climb up vomit hill to the car park. John and I were neck and neck. I reckon I got this one, just ;-)

As soon as Alan and Ronan arrived in the car park they lead off. No rest for Ronan then Alan!!

A quick zip around this loop with John getting the climb back out. I was at the back ensuring we didn't lose anyone.

All down the tow path again. The four went right, Ronan and I went left. We headed for Shaw's and took on cardiac hill. Damn near killed the lad! Short rest then Ronan and I descended through the trees, up to the running track and BOTH successfully out through the dip at the end of the BMX jumps.

We were taking it easy on the way back. After the Hilden crossing we hear the shouts of the other four as they came zipping past us. As the last man went through Ronan says "sure you go on and get them". I thought about it for a second or two and then said "Why not". I tore after the back marker Pete, got past him, caught Alan who was flagging at this stage and then really had to push hard to catch Gibson and John who were side by side. It took me until Drinker's Bridge to get behind them and I opted for Gibson's wheel as he looked to be moving in front of John. We were cracking on at a fair lick. John S reacted to Gibson's move and pulled up beside him again. I was essentially stuck behind the two of them and I could sense Pedals Pete behind me. Finally there was a gap and a shimmied between the front two and then buried it. Home first by a comfortable length. Pete didn't get the gap between the guys.

Of course I had not gone as hard as the other 4, skipped out the Meadows and had had a nice run back with Ronan. Supposedly Pete was pushing hard from the BMX jumps and the other 3 had a devil of a job to hold onto him. Going too early Pete!!!!

Overall a great run. Super evening. Mild and dry on our return.

Roll on next week!!

[johns]

The grassy bit coming of the path at the meadows was very slippery we had 2 fallers through here not mentioning any names but Alan and I got through ok.

Was a mighty quick run back up the towpath with Pete setting the pace most of the way. Have to admit he did manage to get past me n Gibson just before the end.

[ronan]

Well I was the new guy Ronan.Thanks to all for letting me tag along,especially Martin who looked after me well.I enjoyed my status as a protected rider for the night! Sorry if it ruined your night Martin.I certainly enjoyed it (I think) despite having to endure warp factor speeds for most of the night! I remember looking at my clock and seeing stars after 18 mins and thinking this must be what it's like just before you die!!...and only 2 more hours to go! A serious eye opener in terms of pace.Very impressive guys.

You'll all be disappointed to hear that I'm planning to be there next week,sorry! I promise I'll try harder!!

Thanks again to all for making me welcome.