Anyone up for a “B” ride ?

On Friday I was pleased to hear from Geoff that we had an enquiry from a rider, called Dai, who was riding 100 mi per week and fancied a group ride. True to form the weather forecast for Saturday was appalling. Much as I like cycling my appetite for riding in “Heavy rain” is not too great. As it happened the situation had improved by 8:00 Saturday so  all looked well for introducing someone new to the club. I thought a spin round the “Standard Blue Ball” would give Dai a taste of what the club was about.

Dave and I arrived at a Similar time as did another New Rider, James, originally from Bristol and “…did a bit of commuting!” and then Dai. Dave Canned the opportunity for a Blue Ball suggesting bad weather was making the road tricky, Rick Rocked up ready for some cross contour riding, cobbles and generally “Clough” conditions. Next to arrive were Aaron and Ray, Geoff swallowed hard and we all set off at a steady pace, assisted by a good tail wind to Pike End.

It became obvious that both Dai and James were up for a challenge and were pretty competent bike riders, OK they gave the descent off Blackstone Edge the respect it deserves but when it came to the Hills they were unfazed. On the steep section through Pike end James made it look like a Pint of Bristols finest Smiles Bitter, Flat and without any froth at all!

The tail wind seemed to be helping us through Barkisland, Norland and then The Cobbles around Sowerby. I was “Cloughed” Dai conformed to club etiquette riding at conversational pace, problem was I wasn’t  in any state for conversation, Aaron sailed passed seemingly floating above the stone setts. We arrived at Luddenden Foot for an alternative reverse Blue Ball with a Variation, the variation being steep lane and Craggies Cafe and some other tricky Gradients. Geoff and I rode together and Geoff asked if I was slowing down for him, I explained that I was maxed out !

The Cafe was welcome and conversation was of the usual High quality, I didn’t get a chance to discuss the Espresso quality with Rick but the Espresso seemed OK to me ! Jeronimo joined us at Craggies, a Mallorcan cycling fanatic with a love of Calderdale.

Thankfully we only had half a Cragg to go and I was happy to ride in the Vacuum that Dave and Rick created at the front. The descent down Blackstone edge was most welcome.

“B Ride?” It certainly was a “B” ride “B*****y Hard!”