Tow path 16 Feb 2012

[manuel6b]

Looks like a dry mild evening for the tow path run. Two in so far (+ me), three cry offs.

6:45 back of Civic Centre in Lisburn.

[manuel6b]

Only now getting around to writing up last week's tow path run.

Beautiful evening, warm, rain free and light winds.

Wes rung at 5 to 7 to say he was on his way. He didn't get there until 7:10 so we had a late start. Out were John S & Gibson, Kyle, Ronan and Davy Y.

Ronan and I lead off. Pleasant run down to the footbridge. All across and heading for the Ring. Davy Y acted as starter for the sprint across the Ring (I won .

We skipped neetle lane and headed down Ronan's way (he descended this like a stone, I couldn't keep up!!). Down to Shaw's and on into the trees. I was at the back of the bunch as we headed for the first short climb (John S got this one). I was lying behind John S and Kyle heading for vomit hill. I couldn't get close to their back wheel on the approach to the hill and when they hit the incline they were gone, I had no answer. There was a debate afterwards about the 'finish' line but I think Kyle got the polka dot jersey and John S the yellow.

Around the loop with me at the front but John S came past me for the climb back to the car park "like I'd stopped"

All back to the path, Davy Y was wilting but decided to stay with us as we headed for Stranmillis. Gibson and I were at the front. We caught some of the other lads out on the path. Gibson whooshed around the first two and then powered off around the next one leaving me on my own with the others a good bit back. Crikey that Gibson one can shift!

Nice spin through the meadows with me out front until the exit from the second dip when, guess who, John S came past. That boy can climb!!!

All back to the tow path for a brisk run back to Lisburn. After the steel bridge I got John S and Ronan up front. Ronan faded at the short sharp climb before the arched bridge which let Kyle and Gibson move up. Kyle on the front beside John. As we approched the final 'straight' it was Kyle and Gibson on the front with me tucked in behind Kyle. Thankfully Gibson wasn't going for the sprint but Kyle did. I saw him take off. I wasn't sure I could catch him, but then I see a momentary pedal slip and then I pounced. Burst past Kyle, head down, heart rate at maximum, take the win!!! ;D

Great night. Roll on tomorrow night for more fun.