Next Monday sees us setting off on our challenge ride from Alicante to Barcelona. The weather is looking really warm, this is a new venture and a challenge for both riders and the organisers. Its been a busy few weeks preparing for this cycling trip.
I have been repairing clients bikes, more recently a vintage bike which has presented its own challenges. 
​As the nights draw in its a good time to check batteries on your lights, so as to be seen when out on the roads. 
​Time to dig out the colder weather gear, and pack the shorts away until next spring.
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Rachel and I took part in the Castle Howard triathlon . 
. There was a great atmosphere on the Saturday afternoon, each team member must swim across the lake, then grab their bike and cycle before completing   their stage with a run before tagging the next member in the team.
​Fastest team wins.
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​It was great to see young members of families having a go along side their parents in other events held earlier in the day,
​all encouraging to see youngsters competing and keeping fit.Triathletes of the future.
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​Over 600 cyclists from near and far enjoyed an excellent day out in the Wolds on Sunday 22nd April. with a new Centurion route added to give a tougher challenge to the keen cyclists, this day out had something for everyone.
​Wonderful to see more ladies riding.
​There was a welcome bottle of Great Newsome Maille Jeune beer at the end of the ride along with a commemorative tee shirt. Pie and peas rounded the day off nicely, congratulations to everyone who took part and to Phil Haskins and his team of smiling volunteers.

​May saw a group of 12 lady cyclists plus Tim, set off in glorious sunshine from the front of York Minster on our first of this year's cycle holidays.
​The weather was perfect for cycling, a little chilly starting off in the mornings, but brilliant clear blue skies and very pleasant cycling during the day.
The whole group gelled well, and new friendships formed as we pedalled our way into Paris on the last day, making some great memories of the trip.
Champagne was opened and enjoyed under the Eiffel Tower before riding back to the hotel where we enjoyed a delicious meal. Journeyed home the next day via Eurostar, resting our tired legs.
​Mrs B's home made cakes were enjoyed by all.

Check out facebook york2paris for lots of photos of the trip.
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​Next cycle holiday goes this coming Tuesday 5th June with another group of keen cyclists. 

This October sees an exciting new ride devised by Phil Haskins and myself, after the success of the York to Paris cycle trips, which we will be running again this year.
Looking for a warmer climate Phil and I went last week to explore a new route, Alicante to Barcelona.
We plan on the trip taking five days again in October this year, and have 8 fellow cyclists already signed up.
If you are interested in either the York Paris ride, or the new Alicante Barcelona cycle holiday taking place later this year then please check out the following web site www.wolds-events.co.uk which features the Heart of the wolds Sportive in April, our York to Paris trips taking place on the following dates:

May 15th -20th
June 5th -10th
June 26th -July 1st

And finally the  Alicante to Barcelona October 2nd-8th.
Check out the following web pages for lots more info.
www wolds-events.co.uk

An autumn morning saw a group of thirteen cyclists plus followers and supporters of the City road club take on the challenge of riding up Spout hill near Brantingham to see who could ride up the steep climb fastest.
The thirten cyclists also took the challenge of the Brantingham dale hill too.
  It was a mixed group of ages, including a rider  from as far away as Pocklington.the group was well supported with marshalls and Geoff Backshall, time keeper and official, who freely gives up his time to support the riders. 
Thanks to all the marshalls and officials who make these events possible.
Next Wednesday evening see the last Cyclo cross race at Costello stadium.

It's almost time for the final York 2 Paris cycling trip of 2017. We have 14 riders who are all putting in their last few weeks of training ready for the event. Hopefully the weather will be nice for them. 
I've been out and serviced 4 of our riders bikes in the months leading up to the trip so they should all be nicely bedded in by now. So now I'm just looking forward to leading them all the way to Paris.

That will be our third trip of the year and by the end of it I'll have cycled well over 1000 miles. However, there's no letting up for me as we have 5 more York 2 Paris cycling trips planned for 2018 so I've got to keep in shape over winter ready for our first trip of 2018 in May. 

To this end I'll be taking part in the Vive Le Cross cyclo cross series consisting of four rounds all held at Costello stadium, Hull. They do one in Sept/Oct 2017 and there will no doubt be another series held in spring 2018. 
Between those I will be maintaining a solid base of fitness through the winter months. 

If you fancy booking on to one of next years trips please visit our website www.york2paris.co.uk   
​for further details.