A slightly later than planned start to the end of season group training sessions, the first of which took place on Saturday 25 October.

As was the case last year, the rides aren’t intended to enhance physical ability as such, but more to work on group riding skills, which are perhaps just as important for events such as the East Yorkshire Road Race League.

 

As was the case for the first session last year, the weather was glorious, although the temperatures brought out my bib tights for the first time since last February. I nearly wasn’t out at all, though, as I was still riddled with a bad cold I’d picked up during the week.

 

I managed to get to Skidby for 9.30 and was joined by Matthew Johnson (also nursing a cold), Neil and Mandy Dean, Andy Carroll, Rich Guymer, George Leighton and the ever charismatic Mike McAllister, who of course was on hand for the photos.

 

As the group was less than in full health, the distance was to be a little shorter than planned.

 

We headed out via the conventional route of Little Weighton, Walkington, Bishop Burton and on towards the Etton road race course, where we decided to partake in a bit of through and off. I half expected to have the group working a bit dysfunctionaly with a few none racers in there, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Everyone was clear on what was required and that effortless working motion was apparent.

 

However that all came to an end when we encountered a horse on the windy back stretch of the course. The first riders navigated their way passed the horse successfully, but the latter two of Neil and Andy had to take evasive action into a ditch, as the horse started to backtrack in towards them. Fortunately no harm was done, just a few muddy jerseys and out of line brake callipers.

 

We soon regrouped and despite having to move out the way for a horse truck where back into the swing of things. It was at this point when Mandy decided to ease up and save her legs for a running race she had on the Sunday. The group continued to function well over the hill leading to the start and finish line. Andy was in particularly fine form and showed no strain from the gradient, which was pleasing to see.

 

We did another half a lap and decided to head to the climb of Arras, a relatively steady climb that was made tougher with the day’s headwind. George was unperturbed by the conditions and hit the front at a strong pace. I was suffering with my cold so I couldn’t hack the pace for too long. Fortunately the climb ended before the strength in my legs did.

 

 

 

We descended into Sancton and carried on towards Newbald, where we encountered the easier of the two climbs out of the village (not Trundlegate obviously!). It was backwind too, so when the pace was upped by Matt and George, it was a struggle to keep up. Fighting illness and the gradient, I couldn’t quite hack the pace and was about 50 yards in arrears when Matt and George eased up at the start/finish line of the road race course at the top of the hill. I decided to carry on and meet up with the others at the junction with Trundlegate near High Hunsley with George tucked behind me.

 

We regrouped at the junction with Matt proclaiming that his chain had come off which was the reason he wasn’t with us (yeah whatever, heard that one many a time). Andy was suffering with a bit of shoulder pain but nevertheless was climbing fairly well and wasn’t too far behind with Neil. Mike rolled up and then took the opportunity to get some more photos in before we headed back.

 

I for one was glad the climbing was over, my legs were not firing at all and my strength was diminishing by the mile. Fortunately it was mainly downhill, apart from the sharp ascent out of Little Weighton, which left me off the back once more. We eventually went our separate ways when we got to Skidby leaving a ride distance of 40 miles at an average of 17.4mph.

 

Despite how I felt, it was a top ride with lovely weather and good company. Rider of the day I think has to go to Andy for his group work and his improved climbing ability, all of which will bode well for 2015.

Hopefully next week we’ll be in better health and get a few more miles in.

 

Take a look at Mike McAllister’s photos from the ride

 

Mark Walker
HTRC Road Race Secretary
road@htrc.co.uk