Winter Rides Round up.

The top of Shibden Wall

Sunday’s ride to Tickhill marked the end of the winter club rides. After a particularly harsh, cold winter there was lots of evidence that better days are ahead. We’ve passed the Spring Equinox and the first of the spring classics, Milan San Remo, has been completed. On the road to Tickhill, there was a perceptible rise in temperature; some sunshine and a couple of summer bikes were on view.

Martin, very proud, wearing the latest in fashion,  courtesy of the annual club awards!.

It’s been an eventful winter. Numbers of active members are steadily increasing. Despite four Calder Clarionistas riding the 200k Red Rose Audax, there were still 16 riders out on the runs to Tickhill and Askern. The faster pace of the main group has created a larger ‘B’ run group, often to the same destination. The ‘C’ group usually aim for a slightly shorter run The midweek morning rides have become firmly established and a Saturday morning social run is imminent now the spring is here. 

Richard, Carl & Alan taking in the view over the Holme Valley  at Totties.

The ‘big off’ at Ackworth was just one of a number of incidents and unusual occurrences this winter. There was the tumble on the tram lines in Sheffield, the long period when snow curtailed any safe cycling, the plastic bag in the rear mech saga, the phantom pothole and unusually for Calder, an incident free Boxing Day ride.There was an incident packed ascent of Shibden Wall on a run to Hebden Bridge, damp patches on seats in the Ossett Tap after a wet ride and chains snapping near Thunder Bridge.