As stated, 'Withins' is a good race. not far over the county border from you

Details; http://woodentops.org.uk/index.php?topic=withins

 

Race-route (glorious in good weather, can be a slog in bad... https://plus.google.com/photos/110439573756197443848/albums/5800214895924027761?banner=pwa

 

 

 

I ran the Withins, but really 'just for the race, not a place', as I started very near the back (one of the last couple of dozen out of the quarry, where we start)

 

Made up a few places, at points where I could get past, without falling into holes hidden in the heather. or the peat was too deep

Then, later on, when it got drier/wider/grassier, after the 'Top Withins', a few more places

There were a trio of your members attending, looking at the results;

Chris Smale

Andy Berry

Angela Donlan

You may find them in the photos? (Chris Jones & Mick Fryer were both out on the route)

http://woodentops.org.uk/index.php?topic=home&subtopic=morephotos&photoyear=2015

 

 

New (road) bike ordered..........................

Arrived last Wednesday day

Rather nice, if I do say so myself

Not what I'd originally specced up, for myself, but management curtailed that plan, so I had to re-strategise

 

Edited 14 October, 201510 yr by Richard A Thackeray

I want to start doing some time trialing, what would be a good bike to start with? I don't want to spend a fortune but I don't want to look like I'm on 60's tech either!!!!

Some good deals on Cannondale CAAD 8 at Paul's cycles.  Could be used for general training and you could put some clip-on TT bars on it.

 

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p0/Road-Bikes/Racing-Road-Racing

I ran the Withins, but really 'just for the race, not a place', as I started very near the back (one of the last couple of dozen out of the quarry, where we start)

 

Made up a few places, at points where I could get past, without falling into holes hidden in the heather. or the peat was too deep

Then, later on, when it got drier/wider/grassier, after the 'Top Withins', a few more places

There were a trio of your members attending, looking at the results;

Chris Smale

Andy Berry

Angela Donlan

You may find them in the photos? (Chris Jones & Mick Fryer were both out on the route)

http://woodentops.org.uk/index.php?topic=home&subtopic=morephotos&photoyear=2015

 

 

Arrived last Wednesday day

Rather nice, if I do say so myself

Not what I'd originally specced up, for myself, but management curtailed that plan, so I had to re-strategise

yep I will forward those links to our website dude, he might not have those photos

my first post in thie thread but any of you guys doing The Wiggle Purbeck Hill-a-Saurus MTB:

 

https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-purbeck-hill-a-saurus-mtb/

 

I'll be there and would be nice to know whether any Briskodians are going too...

Sorry, way too south-wards for a Yorkshire lad like me

 

 

 

 

 

Matt

Re; Thornes Park CX
Yes, I know I'm not on the bike, but if you scroll back, to look at the previous few images, there was a stalling/congestion on the 'lump', so no chance of riding up it
Easier to get off in advance, than try to ride, lose all momentum & more time

 

Another album

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/88966689@N05/21388346738/in/album-72157656554504123/

 

 

 

 

I ran the Withins

 

Arrived last Wednesday day
Rather nice, if I do say so myself
Not what I'd originally specced up, for myself, but management curtailed that plan, so I had to re-strategise


 

 

 

 

Not a great place at 'Withins', but as stated, I just went to run, not to try for a (decent) place
186th/313 @ 1.01:12

Crossing 'Bronte Bridge', on the back
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vfr750j/21922994169/in/album-72157659724028502/lightbox/
 

 

As for the 'new arrival'?

 

 

Ultegra 11-speed groupset
172.5mm cranks

53/39 rings (may change for a '36'?)
12 - 25 cassette
42cm 'bars
120mm stem
 

 

Bars re-wrapped since this photograph;

 

'Flite' dates back to 1994, when it was acquired for my (then new) Dyna-Tech 755Ti

 

 

 

 

Have been quite busy lately & not had much time to come on here.  I'm now a Parts & Accessories retailer for Raleigh UK, it now means I can get hold of a lot of nice products (Lusso/Moon/Michellin/SRAM/Muc Off & many more) & of course, Raleigh & Diamondback Bikes.

 

I couldn't make the Rapha cx racing this weekend, I really wanted to-go but was busy with DIY jobs I've been promising to-do for SWMBO to allow her to extend her business. Looking at some of the pictures, it was a tough course & quite gloopy

Any forum members discovered the delights of Zwift yet?

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

Any forum members discovered the delights of Zwift yet?

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

I guess the obvious answer is 'no' and the second thought, is what is it?!  I've had a look and it seems to be some sort of system for turbo trainers?

 

John

John, it's a 3D VR cycling "game". If you've got an ant+ speed sensor, or power meter or smart trainer, an ant+ dongle for your computer and a suddenly winter turbo training is fun.. Sort of. Amazing how the time passes chasing down people from different countries. There are also organised rides by various Facebook groups, tonight is a steady 30miler!

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

At the moment, I'm trying to persuade wife/SWMBO/'management' to let me buy one of the Ribble 'Sportive 365' frame/forks, with enough parts to make it simply a matter of swapping all the componentry across from my (blue Ribble) 'winter' frame
All I'd need would be head-set, 'deep-drop (57mm) brake calipers, seat-pin clamp, & (possibly) a front derailleur mount
The geometry is identical to the 'Gran Fondo, but the rear stays (or may be drop-outs) are slightly longer to allow mudguards & '25' tyres

Compare & contrast;

'Blue' (not showing my groupset/wheels)

 

'Gran Fondo' (not showing my groupset/wheels)



'Sportive 365'

However...........
Ribble have now 'thrown a fly in the ointment', by announcing the CR3, as a CX-er/commuter/winter bike
Just a pity it looks so damned understated, if it had been similar paint to the '365', or indeed bright yellow (or orange) as really befits a winter bike, I might have looked at one instead

 

It'd be okay with mudguards & a pair of '25'/'28' tyres, as a commuter/trainer (& maybe stripped down for a bit of CX racing??)

 

 

 

Edited 8 November, 201510 yr by Richard A Thackeray

You do realise that if you bought a bike from Argos, it would come with pedals

 

I assume this will be your replacement winter bike? The main question, will you use an CX bike for off-road duties or will it only be used for winter road mileage?

 

A friend of mine owns a Ribble CR1 (he isn't a fan of disc brakes), with the Ribble Carbon Cross forks, it's a great setup, lots of room for mudguards (although he never uses them), very durable & he covers a lot of off-road mileage.  This could be the best of both worlds.

Edited 12 November, 201510 yr by DarkPeakCycles

You do realise that if you bought a bike from Argos, it would come with pedals

 

I assume this will be your replacement winter bike? The main question, will you use an CX bike for off-road duties or will it only be used for winter road mileage?

 

A friend of mine owns a Ribble CR1 (he isn't a fan of disc brakes), with the Ribble Carbon Cross forks, it's a great setup, lots of room for mudguards (although he never uses them), very durable & he covers a lot of off-road mileage.  This could be the best of both worlds.

 

Yes, I know about the CR1, but fancy the CR3 (if not the Sportive)

It'd be a commuter/trainer

I know that overall braking ability isn't that different with rim v disc, as a wheel-rim/caliper brake is just a giant disc-brake anyway

I'm thinking in more prosaic terms - wet weather braking, the ability to run bigger tyres (maybe a '28' as a commuter), & the comparative lack of issues that a buckled (pot-holed) rim will cause, ie; not rubbing on rim-brakes

The CR1 is also practically the same as the 'yellow bike' hanging in my garage, that was a commuter a few years ago

And, yes, it would be used, for Cyclo-Cross racing, if I decide to participate in the YCCA 'summer series' (possibly a few bridleway-days too)

 

In which case, When are you ordering the CR3?

In which case, When are you ordering the CR3?

Undecided

The 'Sportive 365' appeals very much, particularly the fact of having an (almost) matching pair & it would be frame/forks, & bare essentials

 

The CR3, yes, it is logical, but I already have  a Cyclo-Cross bike hanging in the garage

My Ridley, the Gran Fondos predecessor is up for sale, & a Nurse at work is interested in it

If she buys it, the '365' would be (more than) self-financing.....................

 

Edited 13 November, 201510 yr by Richard A Thackeray

Ive just discovered this thread as I'm endeavouring to get back into cycling after about 20 years without it.

Principally due to my kids (10 & 7) being very keen and starting road & CX races!

Bought myself a Cannondale SuperX which is amazing, but too big for me. So that's up for sale on here.

Sold my old steel road bike recently (a Claud Butler) along with loads of TT bits as I used to race triathlon on it.

Also sold a Specialized Rockhopper after a little TLC as that was a little too small for me.

Still have my Pace RC200 with RC35 elastomer forks, Rhino cranks, Pace chainrings, Renthal bars, USE seat post, Pace hubs and Mavic rims. A truely special and unique bike built up by myself and one that I am loathed to sell.

My eldest now rides an Islabike Luath 24 and won his first (and only) road race on it. Has done OK in CX but is enjoying it and that is what matters.

SWMBO just falls off her bike - a Specialized Rockhopper and has no idea how to use the gears properly.

I've also just started an MSc in Sports Coaching and am researching the development of youth fitness and testing as they grow from child to adolescent. Physiology, psychology, biomechanics, anaerobic, aerobic, etc. It's a whole new world to me...

I hope to ride a CX race myself next season as long as I can get a bike that fits (which relies on me selling the SuperX first - any offers?)

Still have my Pace RC200 with RC35 elastomer forks, Rhino cranks, Pace chainrings, Renthal bars, USE seat post, Pace hubs and Mavic rims. A truely special and unique bike built up by myself and one that I am loathed to sell.

I hope to ride a CX race myself next season as long as I can get a bike that fits (which relies on me selling the SuperX first - any offers?)

Pace Research!!!

What a bike, I had a RC100, from 1990, to about 1997

Just the solid forks (RC30), Bullseye cranks, XT11 group

iI had Renthal bars, when I bought it (that model was specifically produced to Paces own design)

 

 

Pace Research!!!

What a bike, I had a RC100, from 1990, to about 1997

Just the solid forks (RC30), Bullseye cranks, XT11 group

iI had Renthal bars, when I bought it (that model was specifically produced to Paces own design)

They were brilliant bikes. Ahead of their time. And British made.

I can't decide whether to sell it or modernise it!

It's still light weight even by modern standards for a XC MTB.

Keep it as it is!!
 

I think that's the answer you'd get on these two sites (f you've not previously seen them?)

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/

 

http://retro-pace-mtb.wikifoundry.com/

 

 

Also, I've ridden the downhiller, depicted in the link below, when my (near) namesake was riding for the factory, I still see him from time to time, at fell-races & cyclo-crosses (& still count him, his parents, & brother; Robert as friends)

 

http://www.pacecycles.com/pacecycles-heritage/

 

Richard & myself, back in about 1990-1991? (note the Sidi Cyclo-Cross shoes, quite a rarity nowadays, so I believe?)
http://retro-pace-mtb.wikifoundry.com/photos/album/87681/Rich+T%27s+RC100+%28%26+Other+Images%29/photo/4290536/NEMBA%2C

 

One of my collegues has just bought herself (on the 'Cycle 2 Work' scheme) a Cannondale 'CAADX'

http://www.cannondale.com/en/Great%20Britain/Bike/ProductDetail?Id=d776d709-f4c9-4845-bbb9-a3277f0d7446&parentid=622a6325-7132-482b-b1e2-302fbe5ed512

 

Now, another collegue & myself, are possibly going have to teach her some 'road-craft', after witnessing her head out the grounds, the wrong way up a one-way

Still, at least she is sensible enough to use lights (if not mudguards.........)
 

Grosmont
A left over from the 'Tour de Yorkshire' visit, back in May, & seeing as it's revisiting again this year, why take it down
Taken during the return from a short break in Whitby, for my 50th birthday


(Friday 3rd October 2015 - a couple of weeks, before my actual 50th)

Hope you can see this,as it won't allow me to upload an image, so it's URL'd from one of my FaceBook albums - set as 'Public Access'

 

 

 

Edited 25 January, 201610 yr by Richard A Thackeray

At the summit of snowdon last year, highly recommend it for anybody who loves their biking! The down definitely makes up for the climb!

 

Oh I recognise some names in here

*waves @ GolfChick*

Different user name over *there* but you should have a guess by my location (still not seen you out on the trails!)

Out with a few members of 'Wakefield Triathlon Club' last Sunday, that was fun!!!, if a case of 'Belgian Toothpaste' on one road

I'm on annual-leave all next week, so hoping to get a few decent rides in (& café stops?)
 

Edited 24 February, 201610 yr by Richard A Thackeray

I have to admit I've not been doing well with the cycling this year, I was pretty pleased last year as my mighty fat bike manager four CX races and three endurance races managing the entire year without a single mechanical until it decided to put its derailleur through the rear wheel on its very last climb of the year...couldn't really complain though as I was just out of town and no rush.  I had to walk the bike back on my own (my choice, didn't want to spoil the ride for the rest in the group) and was amused that I wasn't fussed at all about going through a pitch black forest on my own, wouldn't have been able to do that a few years ago as much as I dislike to admit that.

 

I took part in the 24 hour Strathpuffer again this time as a quad and it was really tough on me and the bike as it was quite warm meaning instead of the ground hardening up a bit in the cold, it was very, very muddy.  I managed to crash the bike on the first lap as well although unusually I got it on camera:

 

 

I'm thinking I should send it on to You've Been Framed to try and recoup some of my costs, the bike did survive fine but the event ruined it as the mud is quite abrasive so even cleaning it every lap the bottom bracket, pedals, mudguards, cassette and chain were all ruined.  I managed to get my six laps in which was what I was aiming for and was worried I'd screwed it all crashing on the first lap (the rigid is hard going on the joints anyway), finally got most of the bits replaced on the bike and had it out at the weekend:

 

 

I've been after a new road bike for a while as I want a cheap-ish one with hydraulic disc brakes but it keeps falling through for various reasons and then this brute turned up as an ex-showroom bike from Trek:

 

 

I've been wanting one of these for a while as I never use my 29er and fancy the 29+ for a faster summer bike but couldn't justify the cost, just as my road bike was delayed again this came up in the exact spec and size I was after so it was clearly meant to be.  What's pretty clever about it is its driveside chainstay design which means even though the wheel is enormous, it can have a comparatively short rear end on it:

 

 

Along with the sliding drop outs it means it can take 650b+ and 29 wheels plus it can run single speed even with a belt drive as the chainstay doesn't cross the chain.  It's still very much fat bike weather so I haven't had the 29+ out yet but a quick shot on the driveway is good so far, it feels almost like a giant BMX bike as it feels more agile than my 29er.

 

Also on the plus side the fatbike's repair costs have come to around £120 so far despite needing quite a bit of work, the road bike meanwhile needed two new tyres and front brakes coming to the grand total of £25.  

 

John

Edited 2 March, 201610 yr by JohnMcL7