Tow path 19 Jan 2012

[manuel6b]

Tow path run on again tonight.

Newcomers always welcome. Meet at 6:45 at the back of the Civic Centre in Lisburn.

[manuel6b]

Another great night on the tow path. Wet and windy during the day then the weather settles for the evening spin. Gathered in the car park were John S and Gibson, Kyle and Alan, Ronan (3rd week now), Mark (2nd week now), welcome visitor Stevie P (Banbridge CC) and me. I had borrowed Adrian's MagicShine light to see if it was any good.

We set off just after 7 for a brisk pace down the path. We didn't get far when it was all stop as John S had picked up a puncture from a protruding nail in a piece of wood on the path. Fixed quickly but Gibson rushed him to get going early and his rear wheel wasn't fully inflated.

We pushed on, Kyle was going too well and had to be reeled back in to keep the group steady. Stevie and I took over the lead. Across the footbridge we headed for the Ring, I lead for a bit before Alan and Kyle took over. We lined up for the sprint across the Ring but I went too early and of course this helped to get across first. Down neetle lane. The light was brilliant.

Back to the road heading for Minnowburn. I was leading off but not going hard. I could see the light approaching and the swish swish of the cranks going round. It was Gibson, going for glory. I max'ed it to give chase but could only get to draw along side him, running out of road and I knew I had nothing left. I backed off but Kyle came through and just took the 'win' to get to the left turn first. Good push!

In through the trees without Stevie who headed home. Nice spin through here with John S at the front. The tree was still blocking the path on the first loop. Regathered at the gate. John S and I slugged it out up the short hill before riding side by side heading for Vomit Hill. Trying to ride calm but ready to pounce is one of the fun aspects of these runs. As we approached the hill John went for it. A bit early I thought. I charged after him. I heard a clunk of gears from John's bike which allowed me to push past to get to the car park first. That was another good interval done!!

Alan lead the group around the car park loop. I took over and managed to ensure I got back to the car park first. Behind me was John, chasing hard.

Out to the tow path, turned for Stranmillis, then back for the Meadows. We stopped to let John S get more air in his rear tyre. Alan and I lead off. Nice run through the dips. Back to the path. Nice run back to Shaw's. All up for Cardiac Hill. John S and I were last through the gate. I cut across the grass to get ahead of the others. John S did the same but better. He got to the front and got up the hill first. I dropped in behind Kyle. It was a good wheel to follow until after the pain tree when he slowed and I tried to go past. The gap was narrow. I was forced onto the grass. No grip. Had to get off and push the rest of the way up the hill.

We all gathered up quickly and Alan lead us off through the trees and up to the running track. I was getting calls from Davy Y but we kept missing each other. We met another bunch of riders out who told us of a lone cyclist trying to find us. Couldn't get through to Davy on the phone so we pushed for home. Lots of success getting out of the dip at the end of the BMX jumps. We had the wind in our faces on the way home. I was barking orders to keep the two lines tight (Badger would be proud!). We met Davy Y just before Lambeg. He then joined in with us for the build up back to Lisburn. Alan and Kyle were on the front. Gibson and I were tucked in on the second row. We were pacing it well. The pace was increasing. At Drinkers Bridge the pace upped. Alan faded. Gibson went past Kyle. I jumped onto Gibson's wheel and then went for the pass. Good God that man can shift!!! I was beyond 'red' at this stage. Clean busted but I managed to take the 'win'.

Great night. Back for 9:30. Adrian's Magic Shine light was a success. I called round to his house later and bought my own one!!

[adrian]

Good man Marty . Dellboy Finnegan has more in stock, don't be shy hehe