HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride
A strong wind had been blowing from the west and the south for a couple of days and the proposed route for today’s ride was south west. Strong winds are good for some things, like flying a kite, errr, and turning windmills and other stuff that I can’t think of now. But strong winds are not good for cycling into, not good at all. So it came as a relief when the winds had died down a bit for this Sundays ride. In fact with lighter winds and the sun shining you could almost imagine it being summer. Although Peter still turned up at the Golden Lion carrying a water proof for the weather forecasts predicted heavy rain showers. No such wimpy water proofs for Steve, Matt and Sean though, oh no, they are made of sterner stuff.
With the weather in mind however a route was decided towards Staindrop with the option of going to Bishop Auckland instead if the wind got up bad again or the rain made an appearance. Sean’s bike had been overhauled with new gears and chain and he was a bit apprehensive on the hill up to Elwick. He was also muttering about having to ride up the hill, I can only think he didn’t want to wear his new gears out.
At the top of the hill the wind was in fact a bit stronger and the higher the road went the stronger the wind got. The route was out through Trimdon to Ferryhill taking in the climb up into the town, then along the exposed road to Kirk Merrington. All the while heading in a general south westerly direction.
At Bishop Auckland it was decided to press on to Staindrop going via West Auckland and the football statue commemorating the village being the home of the first ever world cup winner. Following the A688 into the head wind Sean made an official complaint that the ride was too long. But fortunately this was not far from the descent past Raby Castle and the cafe stop.
The cafe was the country cafe tea room and all seats were reserved. Oh no thought Peter, more complaints. But fortunately there was time for a quick stop before the tables were needed for Sunday lunches. Beans on toast and bacon sandwiches were the order of day and a nice touch was the scissors provided to open the sachets of ketchup. Definitely above and beyond normal service for the hospitality sector.
With the cafe stop done the next question was, would the wind be behind us on the way back? And the answer was a very definite yes.
The cycling got easier and only the climb up to Bolam and Peters unnecessary waterproof falling out of his jacket pocket slowed things down on the return journey. The way was mainly downwards as well so it was practically a case of freewheeling back to town.
Another coffee stop was called for as we passed the Welly and even though the dark clouds were rolling in the rain kept away.
So a ride of two halves but each enjoyable in its own way. 65 miles with over 3000ft of climbing at a steady average pace of around 14 mph.
Club/Racing News
On Wednesday night, it was Week 3 of 7 of the HCC T107 – 10 Mile TT League from Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park. On the night rain was predicted and the wind was strong again. The rain never showed, but this may have deterred some as only 4 riders took part this week with 2 of which from HCC competing. Phil Wright was first home for the club in 29:21 followed by the consistent Tony Cheshire in 31:34. Well done to both! The event was won by Ryan Hall in a great time of 22:12. Full results can be found below.
After Week 3 of the League, Phil Wright is leading on actual points with 27pts and also leading on Standard points with 29pts. Although there is still 4 weeks remaining, so a lot still to play for. There is a weeks break next week whilst the Croft Tens are running, therefore this competition will continue from the 22nd June.
On Saturday evening, Phil Wright had travelled to Levens near Kendal for the Springfield Financial Racing Team 10 Mile TT on the L1015 course with 69 other riders, only for the event to be cancelled once he arrived. With a 6.13pm start, this was a bit disappointing after preparing all day for the event. But Phil as keen as ever decided to ride his own simulation of the L1015 course the day after in a great time of 26:39. Well done Phil and I’m sure you will have another TT lined up soon!
Other great rides to note. Lee Morley is currently on holiday in France and instead of having a nice relaxing holiday, as soon as Lee arrived, he cycled straight up the famous Alpe d’Huez climb! Lee has also cycled up many other well known routes during his stay, such as the Criterium du Dauphine stage 7 finish climbing into Vaujany, the Croix De Fer and Col du Glandon to name a few. Great cycling Lee with some stunning views. Enjoy your holiday!
Strava Club Leaderboard
This week Lee Morley took the top spot with 204.1 miles and an incredible 24,708ft climbing, with some great mileage and climbing in the French Alps and over the Cols. Stephen G Rhodes was 2nd with 192.5 miles and The Thirlwind was 3rd with 164.5 miles. Superb guys, a great week of cycling! A big well done goes to Matthew Johnson for the biggest single ride of the week with 70.0 Miles! This week 10 riders went over the 100 mile mark for the week – Lee Morley, Stephen G Rhodes, The Thirlwind, Richard Nichol, Max Headwind, Steve Scanlon, Peter Sanderson, Graeme Coates, Trevor Jones and Tim Summerton. Well done to all. This week 24 riders put miles on the board, well done to everyone! This week has shown there are more riders starting to get out on their bikes and more reaching the 100 mile for the week mark! Keep up the good work all!
