| West Yorkshire Super Randonneur |
The Old 240
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Wetherby 100 Brimham Rocks 200 The Other Fleet Moss Randonnee 200 km LINKS |
An anticipated field of over 50 riders was whittled down by a combination of sickness, injuries, and unexplained absences to a bare 35 riders who set out full of optimism from Mytholmroyd on Saturday morning, 10 May. A tailwind assisted everybody up the long climb of Cock Hill out of Hebden bridge, with Jimmy Froggatt and Simon Doughty leading the charge. It assisted the riders northward through the majestic Yorkshire hills on a course which climbs frequently and relentlessly and does not shirk any climb in seeking out great country. Rob Webb on recumbent was equipped with GPS which will hopefully provide us with an altitude figure for the ride - too late to claim AAA points for today, but maybe next year.... The climb of Hartside was accomplished in bright sunshine for most, and the cafe at the top was the venue for lengthy stops and serious eating for most. Organiser Frank Branch, following the riders while driving his mobile home, got the vote for being the best-dressed organiser in AUK, and also the porridge-eating championship. For the descent to Alston and the climb of Yad Moss, riders wrapped up as darkness drew on and the temperatures fell. It was here that a headwind cam into play, one that would dog everybody with increasing effect for the rest of the ride. As the hills took their toll, riders became slower, and the full effect of the climbing spread the field out. Barton came and went as average speeds slowed dramatically. The advantages of owning a motor home became apparent, as riders took turns to sleep for short periods in a comfortable bed chez Branch. At Gargrave, David Dodwell and Alan Roadley were ensconced in the palatial bus shelter dispensing food and drinks to tired bodies and encouraging them to make the final effort. As speeds dropped further, the wind got up and the final climb and subsequent descent of Cock Hill were quite difficult for many, but 30 riders did make it to the finish. A difficult ride? YES. Many people's finishing times were 2 or 3 hours slower than normal for this distance. A rewarding ride? Through such landscapes of majesty - DEFINITELY.
FINISHERS
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