HCC Sunday Social Cafe Ride
With a cold start to the day, but promises of a sharp temperature rise within a couple of hours, wasn’t enough to deter Sean from wearing some very suspect cycling tights and socks to keep warm. Whereas Matt and Steve S braved the start of the day in shorts and a sensible gilet option. The route today was along Catcote Road to the black path and round Greatham back lane and beyond. Although the main rule of the day was, as quoted by one member “I am riding no more than 1.5 hrs before reaching the cafe stop”. (No wonder Peter’s gone on holiday ha)
With this in mind, the three club members continued their journey in high spirits with some good conversation along the way, towards Norton Avenue, along Darlington back lane and all the way to Sadberge before heading to Middleton One Row for a cafe stop at the Devenport at precisely 1hr 32mins into the ride. It seemed like a lovely summers morning, just as forecast and the threesome lapped up the nice weather with the ‘scenic view’ and a couple of Cappucinos, Americanos and Blueberry scones.
Nicely re-fuelled, the route back was towards Long Newton, then upto Redmarshall and onto Wynyard Road where Steve S did his duties as a domestique by carrying Matts water bottle and front pannier bag whilst Matt attempted a PR segment on the Hors catégorie – Wynyard Bank. The conditions were good and Matt achieved his PR with an excellent attempt, well done Matt. On the other hand Sean decided to take it easy with Cadburys Caramel and the three met at the top of the climb.
They then took the route back into town through Billingham and back along Greatham back lane and then around Dalton back lane to Elwick Rise, past the Golden Lion where they said their goodbyes for another great Sunday club ride as good friends with a mutual love for cycling or maybe coffee? The distance covered today was 50 miles at 14-15mph.
Club/Racing News
On Sunday, Paul Thirling competed in the Tan Hill Time Trial in the wonderful setting of Arkengarthdale starting in Reeth. With 29 riders starting, Paul finished the gruelling hill climb in 12th place in 41:50. The event was won by 17yr old Matthew Cole of Team Bottrill in 35:09.
Strava Club Leaderboard
This week The Thirlwind claimed the top spot in the general classification with 132.0 miles, Tim Summerton was 2nd with 96.7 miles and Trevor Jones was 3rd with 70.5 miles.
The Thirlwind also took this weeks King Of The Mountains polka dot jersey with 6,493 ft of climbing. The biggest single ride of the week was by Trevor Jones with 70.5 miles.
This week only 1 rider joined the 100 mile club for the week – The Thirlwind, well done!
This week only 13 riders put miles on the board out of 49 Strava HCC members. Well done to everyone! Achievements to note, well done on a great week for the Thirlwind all round, to Tim Summerton also for a good week of cycling achieving 2nd spot overall. I have noticed some riders have started using Indoor training now as the weather gets colder and nights get darker, but however you add the miles in enjoy your cycling!