A missive from Captain C
Morning All
Excited by the brief glimpse of spring early in the week and a freshly serviced bike along with a large delivery from wiggle, I was all set for a afternoon of intense training, however the drive to work some what dampened my sprits.
Returning from work at lunch time with the wind still gusting and the rain still falling, I saddled up, complete with new waterproof jacket and a rucksack packed with all the things I deemed necessary for my ride and the days on the C2C.
Leaving the gate I headed towards Jackson bridge and took the challenge of Butt lane towards Hepworth, moving on up to Boshaw and then tackling the the off road route to Flight Hill, dodging the masses gathered to watch Hade Edge FC.
Chuffed with my rate of climb up the rough track I emerged happy but slightly damp, in true Carling attitude “it’s beginning to look a little brighter out there”. Swift work was made of the decent around the Winscar res finding myself at the Stanhope Arms and the start of the muddy trail towards Penistone.
Having read Richards blog early in the week I took this opportunity to refuel before tackling the track, spurred on by the sight of an 8 year old girl just arriving at the picnic area, happy but muddy and also taking part in a charity ride, I jumped back on and off.
Whisking along at good pace nodding my head at other riders taking part in the charity ride I could hardly keep the grin from my face, big puddles, lots of mud at last some enjoyment from this training, although I must add I feel in the direction of Penistone it’s slightly downhill. Such was my speed I missed the exit lane to Millhouse, but feeling fresh I decide to make a slight route change and bat on to the Station.
Dropping back into Penistone I noticed the lack of front brake and the bike having just been serviced made me a little cross! Up and around the Town centre and back towards Thurlstone, rejoining my intended route, well Saturday wouldn’t be Saturday without saying hello to my favourite dog. Once again the decent on the single track proved tricky but taking careful selection of my gears I concentrated on the climb in front, (yet to be achieved by any member of the team), with a couple of cogs too much I only managed to get a little further than last week, but again with optimism I knew one day I’ll get it right!
With a spring in my step I pushed to the top of the narrow track, deciding to refuel at last weeks service point, as the clouds darkened and the wind whipped up, the rain beginning to fall a little heavier I jumped back on, forced the pedal down to hear the familiar sound heard just 7 days prior, yep you guessed it...broken chain!
The expletives began, the bike shop who said it would be fine being repaired had been crossed of my Christmas card list and then a sense of calm came across me as I undid my new rucksack and unpacked all the necessary equipment to get me back on my way, whistling while I worked happy in the knowledge that all these hiccup's would only make me stronger and better prepared for the real thing.
Back on the bike I set off again, however the cold wet wind had really started to tell and I struggled to get heat back in my body and legs as I climbed back towards 5 lanes End. Looking at the clock and disappointed with my mileage I headed for home a cold and wet rider, I convinced myself to take a little off road section I know, and pushed on around Ebson House and down Fulstone to home, as the odometer clicked over the 20 mile mark. Arriving home cold, very wet and muddy, I can only pray for better weather in May.
Yours
Captain C
A Sermon from Now then Vicar
Yes I arrived back from Derby at 1545 and tried to ring James who was most likely by this time looking for a part of his bike in Thurstone (how annoying). Anyway with no answer from James I pulled out of the homestead and headed off through New Mill village on one long climb to Victoria; swinging a right at the top O’ the hill into the murk.
I then headed on what was remembered as downhill, but was actually more uphill towards the forestry at the top of Home Styles Res. making a good time, pace inspired by the driving rain and desperation to get off the road and onto some tracks.
By now I’d hit the forestry, had to dismount to jump the stile and threw the bike down the track up past the building and down Hades really enjoying the technical side of the riding. This inspired me to find a slightly alternative route through the wood which meant I has to dismount once over a fallen tree. Then down a steep narrow incline, dismounted at the bottom and pushed out for 50 yards before remounting and riding round the res and out onto Choppards, turning right up the hill to Hade Edge.
The last time I was on that hill I was chasing Tim to the top. It all felt good so I made a left at the band-room and across to the windmill taking a farm track down to Scholes and then continuing across the road to another track leading down towards Cinderhills. This was a very boggy technical section which saw me dismount in the usual involuntary way, over the handle bars on two occasions.
By this time I was wet through anyway and was having a ball. All tiredness gone from the adrenalin rush (while James was looking for his brakes). Dropped off the back of Cliff and quick sprint down the hill home all in 1 hour 40 ish. Don’t know how far but it was great fun and the shower after it felt great.
I really am enjoying the cycling. Now the sponsorship, that's another challenge.
Now then Vicar
Great inspiration fellas!!!
And so what have we learnt-
1) It's clear to see that we will need at least three chains in the support vehicles, purely for Captain C (Kit Man please take note!)
2) It seems that if you read the sermon carefully Now then Vicar appears to be cross-training rather than pure bike riding, what with throwing bikes, walking, log hopping and sometime riding- (think he's just showing off really!)
Please help keep these guys training hard by Sponsoring them and spreading the word, any amount you can give will help our charities greatly!
Racing
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