Tow path 3 Jan 2013

[manuel6b]

Tow path run on tomorrow night. Lots of new year resolutions kicking in. I've had 2 inquires already to see if the run is on.

Racing season won't be long coming round!

[manuel6b]

Super night out last night. Big turn out.
We started out just after 7 pm with John S on his new 29er, Gibson C, Garry W, Ronan, Brian and Ben (!), Marty McA on his CX bike and Bobby on his hybrid.

Brian and Ben set off a few minutes ahead of us and were flying down the path. The rest of us set off at a quick pace with Marty and Gibson on the front driving us on. We finally caught the Wilsons at Seymour Hill bridge when the pace eased off a bit.

At the footbridge Bobby went on ahead and, lo and behold, Barry Van K was at the back of the group. He had rode up to the Civic Centre, arrived 5 minutes after we had left but still managed to catch up with us on his cx bike. Barry stayed at the back of the group riding in his heart zone.

All over the footbridge regroup on the other side. I lead off along this stretch trying to see if I can keep away from him on his 29er. Thankfully John was still getting used to the bike and took it easy on the corners.

All regrouped at the gravel path up towards the Ring. As this was a climb I was blown off the front group and tried to keep up with the back of the 29er. Busted!

All gathered up at the end of the Ring. At this point Richard F (spy) joined us on this single speed. We had a sprint race across to the far side of the Ring. First time since last winter! I won this one

All together again we headed down 'Ronan's way' back to Minnowburn. Gibson lead us through Shaw's and then on into the trees. More charging around the hills with the big climb up Vomit Hill being won by John. I lead off around the loop but was passed on the way back up to the car park by Gibson, Ronan and Garry. Ben was riding really well, keeping up the adults easily. When we exited the trees and returned to the tow path I expected Brian and Ben to turn for home but no, they headed with the rest of us to Stranmillis. A quick burst through the Meadows with John S zipping past me on the climbs! The dips were a killer. I was busted by this stage. Marty had had a little 'off' through this section, something about the brakes on the cx bike not being as good as discs!!

All headed off then back towards Shaws. The bridge is out but Barry took us off road back onto the path and over the main bridge. Brian and Ben skipped Cardiac Hill, Ben was keen but Brian was busted

That left the Strava nut Marty rushing up it. The rest of us gathered up where the shadow men gather (no sm there last night).

Back down through the trees to the tow path. Gibson and John S set off sharply from the group. Garry W set off to bridge the gap. I lead the rest until we caught up with Brian and Ben who were still motoring!! No sign of the front two stopping after the narrow metal bridge (a usual regroup spot). They were on a mission. John S won the sprint back. The main bunch were just happy to be back. Barry Van K cycled then on home. That's the difference between S3 and S2!

A great run. I've really missed the group heading down the path. There is a magic number when a group of cyclists start to lift the pace like last night. It doesn't happen when 2, 3 or 4 go out. It seems rude then but after that, when there are enough riders then there are always those who are ready to push the pace and not worry if the group splits as there are enough riders to ensure no one gets left behind. I needed that run. I wish we had been doing these since October. They would have really helped my cx season.

Hopefully we can get a gang out next Thursday.

[barryvankellett]

The difference between S2 and S3?
Cycling home at that time is simply a relaxing experience as the Commanding Officer is asleep in bed and doesn't realise you have been out on your bike for 4 hours!

I couldn't be riding over on my MTB on the road, it'd be too slow and mind numbing, but on the cross bike it is a really good spin down from HQ.

Fair dues to Ben, no dabs on those steep climbs.