Sunday saw the latest running of the CWCC “Castleton 50 in 4” Challenge Ride, the final Challenge ride of the season.
Dark, brooding skies put some riders off turning up (you know who you are) but others just manned up, dusted down their Gabbas and got on with the job.
After a quick briefing in the Sports Village car park, the riders set off.
The skies regularly looked threatening throughout the morning and the roads were clarty & ‘orrible, making some look like they’d ridden a cyclo-cross by the end. Thankfully no major “offs” were reported, other than Nick Smith’s saddlebag. Another one for Dave’s book of excuses – “my saddle bag slipped”.
50 hard-fought miles later, Chris Sleath of Adept was first man back to the cafe, closely followed by team mates Adam Pinder & Shaun Tyson, with Ben Reynolds not too far down either. A good showing by the Adept lads. First Wheelers home were Toby & Ross (an amazing ride for two youngsters) and then Andy Curson, who timed his breakaway from “Deisel” Dave & “Van” Moy to perfection to claim his place in the queue at the cafe ahead of the rush.
Man by man (and woman) the riders all ended up safely back at the cafe, The Old Chapel Tearooms in Castleton, for food, banter, excuses and their hard-earned certificates.
There was even an interloper who hadn’t done the ride but who jumps at the word “cake”.
Thanks as always to the organisers and official Keepers Of The Rolls, Bryan, Margaret & John. You have to wonder just how many challenge rides Bryan and Margaret have attended in their years as Wheelers, the events really aren’t complete without them.
A final bit of farce at the end, when the Inept Adept lads couldn’t find the key to the bike lock (kindly provided by the cafe) and feared a hacksaw was going to be needed. Thankfully the key was found before any top tubes were vandalised.
Many thanks to all who turned out. See you all again next year for another great series of Challenge Rides.
Cleveland Wheelers 