Tow path 8 March 2012

[manuel6b]

So who's up for the tow path run tomorrow night?

[colinr]

not for me this week. parent/teacher stuff ...

[manuel6b]

I received a lot of 'cry off' text messages this week with just 2 confirmed. I showed up at 6:50 and found the two (Kyle and Mark F) waiting for me. Then along comes Stefan and then a very unexpected face, Bobby A! On a hybrid bike. So that made 5 of us. Lovely evening, no rain, path dry, tail wind on the way to Belfast.

Mark and I rode up front. The group split a couple of times when we crossed the roads. Bobby was tucked in behind us with no lights on (as he was conserving power) with Kyle and Stefan at the rear. At the footbridge Bobby decided to stay with us for the trip around the Ring. This despite rigid forks and slick tires.

No racing across the Ring tonight. Instead with sauntered across admiring the clear sky, lights of Belfast off in the distance and a yellow moon just above the horizon. A perfect night for cycling.

We took Ronan's route down to Minnowburn but all slowed up for the steps to let Bobby see the chicken route on the right.

Into Minnowburn then onto Shaw's. We stopped again to check to see what Bobby wanted to do, bail at Shaw's or keep going. He chose to keep going. We went into the trees and followed our usual path up around the climbs. On the approach to Vomit Ridge Kyle was taking it easy but Stefan was going for it. That sparked Kyle into the charge! Behind chasing hard was Bobby. On the approach I noticed we were a man short. Went back to pick up Mark whose chain had come off. I was last up the hill.

I then lead around the loop and was unchallenged for the return to the car park. All exited the trees and back to the path. Bobby stayed with us as we went to Stranmillis. Turned for the Meadows. Nice run through here. We avoided the grass bank and just took the gate route instead. Good run through the dips.

Stefan and I then lead back to Shaw's. Bobby and Mark skipped Cardiac Hill. Kyle, Stefan and I tackled it. Down through the trees and up to the running track. The three of us went down the BMX route with Stefan taking his route through the jumps (although almost making a mess of one of his landings!). He shot out through the dip back to the path first, followed by me then Kyle where we met with Mark and Bobby. All 5 back to Lisburn. The pace was getting quick with Stefan and Bobby on the front. I was suffering knee pain again and just backed off. Mark was also struggling.

Stefan left at Lambeg. Kyle and Bobby got back first with Mark then me a good bit back.

Great run out again.


Anyone know a good physio who understands cycling injuries??? I need to sort out this knee issue.