Tow path 9 Feb 2012

[manuel6b]

After cancelling last week due to potentially icy conditions (-5^o), this week sees us back to the tow path with what feels like barmy conditions at +7^o.

2 cry offs & 2 confirms so far.

[rayme]

think i will give it a miss tonight It's wet & i don't want to get dirty.

[manuel6b]

Winter miles = summer smiles
Races are won in the winter

Clichés

Well that was one wet night. Raining at start, middle and end. Mild though, 7oC. A true test of manufacturer's claims of items being "water proof".

With some brake issues I was on my 'racing' bike. Glad I did (see below).

The path was full of puddles, visibility was very limited, it was like riding into a cloud.

Six fools out, The Losers (Alan, Dennis and Stewart), Ronan (still in his shorts) and Gibson (who was allowed out to play).

We set off around 7:05. The car park at the Civic Centre was getting very full with some function on. They guests were probably all feeling warm inside, enjoying refreshments and glad to be out of the rain.

We however set off at a steady pace into the gloom, Ronan and I at the front. Very few dogs walkers out.

At Lady Dixon Alan was asking for more speed so Ronan and I stepped it up a bit. We also took the decision to skip all the 'fun' bits and rather do a big push to the Waterfront and back.

The pace remained high up to Stranmillis and then was interrupted with the series of traffic crossings we had to negociate. The lead changed over a number of times with Alan, Dennis, Stewart taking turns at the front.

I kept wanting to be on the front though, as it was awful riding into the spray of someone else's back wheel.

On the way back, just before Hilden Ronan went down. Grazed knee. All up and away again quickly with Gibson sneaking to the front. I sat on his wheel for a good while before riding alongside him.

Visibility was still awful. On the approach to the finish Gibson and I were still going steady through Drinker's bridge. The pace then slowly increased. With the lights of the Civic Centre in sight I took off from the front. The bike was bouncing everywhere as I pushed hard. However, I hadn't the legs to get away from Gibson who passed me to take the 'win' by at least 4 bike lengths.

Great night out.

SO glad to get home, get the wet clothes off (splodge!), shower, warm clothes and cup of tea. Bliss!

Roll on next week, preferably without the same amount of water!

[johns]

What no hills?? Thats no fun!!