Tow path 21 Feb 2013

[manuel6b]

Now that race season has begun it's time for some training

Hope to see a good group out this Thursday night.

[manuel6b]

Nice night out on the path. John S, Garry W and I represented the "racers" with Bobby and a man who's face I recognise but who's name has escaped me, let's call him David for now.

All 5 set off just after 7 on a clear, dry, slightly windy but very nippy night down the tow path from Lisburn towards Belfast.

Garry and I at the front with John S tucked in behind us and Bobby and 'David' at the back. A good fast pace right down to the footbridge. All over with Bobby and 'David' heading out along the road leaving the 'racers' to head towards the Ring. John on his big 29er lead the way with me on his rear wheel and Garry on mine. No race across the Ring, no fun without Kyle and Ronan.

Back down to Minnowburn then onto Shaw's and into the trees. I lead around the trail with John nipping past at the first mini climb. John then 'let' me beat him up Vomit Ridge. He was on my wheel all the way around the loop and, try as I might to block him passing me on the way back up to the car park I 'let' him get past.

Back down through the trees and out to the tow path for a quick run to Stranmillis. Nice steady run through the dips of Lagan Meadows. Back onto the tow path for a quick run back to Shaw's. Given the problems we had last time getting back to the tow path after Cardiac ridge we opted to skip it and put in a quick run home. Somewhere along the way I got a slow puncture. We stopped twice to put air in the back tyre. Thanks to John for the lend of his pump.

In the final run back into Lisburn John S and I were riding side by side with Garry tucked in behind. No big sprint from the bridge as normal but there was a 'gentlemanly' type, slow, steady increase in the pace. Subtle, the upper bodies giving nothing away, no words exchanged, just eyes front and legs going around just a bit quicker. With the lights of the civic centre looming the pace was stepping up, John clicked his gear, I kicked and pulled away to take the "win". I know Garry was itching to get through but there was no gap.

Great training run.

Looking forward to Sunday's race in Ormeau. Don't forget to sign up guys!!!