We have set up some "training dates" for the coniston - running from sunny Horwich - Mike and Martine taking responsiblity for routes and providing showers followed by soup/bread - cake baking volunteers welcome!

H-wags welcome - (Husbands, wives and girlfriends ...) - you can watch a dvd, take a local stroll and call in a cafe, try a some "runner spotting"with binoculars from the house ....

We will be aiming to do some hilly miles - but time passes quickly in the company of good folk. The list of mileage and route will be updated as we work it out! We can offer short cuts for anyone wanting less distance. Most will involve some time on the fells.

The dates are Sundays 10:00am

Sunday 7th Jan 07 Burnt Edge
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=608820
It will be muddy (very) so do not wear your best new white trainers! approx. 9 miles 1000ft climbing - you will need a hat, gloves, windproof jacket and thermal layers, plus decent socks (Sue!). Expect to be out for about 1.5 to 2 hrs.

If the weather is really really ..... foul then we have a contingency route - Yarrow and Pike
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=608839 - this is a lower level more roads and tracks taking in the delights of Rivington and back via Rivington Pike approx 9.5 miles 600 ft climbing - less if you cheat and miss out the Pike! Expect to be out for about 1.5 hrs.

Sunday 28th Jan Yarrow and Pike (If not done on 7th ..)

11th Feb TBC

4th March - Limbrick
A long one! - 11.5 miles - some tracks but mainly on roads - we are getting close to the 28th some distance is needed! Expect to be out for about 2 hrs.

If you need details of location/a life get in touch. Be useful to know who is planning to come!

If you are thinking about your new years cycling resolutions then take a look at Cyclosport UK - the site has info about cycle sportives in the UK (and abroad for the more adventurous! - Mike and I can advise on medical documentation ........ )

www.cyclosport.co.uk/events.aspx

For anyone who has not found this is a great tool www.gmap-pedometer.com which uses Google Maps and allows you to map out and measure your route from the comfort of your own home! You can do the Coniston 14 in a few minutes! You need to use the OPTIONS section at the top navigate to the UK.

You can also save it to impress your friends or refresh your memory!

Here is where Glynis, Dave, Sue, Julie, Martine and Mike went on Sunday across the Rivington tundra. It was a typical day on the moors - sun, rain, wind, mud and general wildness! All got totally wet and happy and even happier after Moroccan soup at chez M&M. Rematch is set for 7th Jan!

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=580918

Found this whilst surfing ........

The Polka Dot Challenge and the Spud Riley Memorial ride are 100 mile bicycle rides organised on the lines of the classic Italian Gran Fondo events. The Polka Dot starts in South Manchester and covers eight of the major climbs that have featured in famous tours such as the Milk Race, Pru Tour and the Tour of the Peak. As with most Gran Fondos the ride has an “easier” option of 70 miles which includes just four of the climbs. The Spud Riley starts at the same South Manchester venue and also covers 100 miles through Derbyshire and Staffordshire, there is a 54 mile option.

For both rides the whole route and all the climbs are fully sign posted and at the start of each climb is a sign describing the name of the hill and the distance to the summit. Food and drinks are provided at two feeding/control points on the route.

The dates for the 2007 events are:

The Polka Dot Challenge Gran Fondo - 17th June 2007
The Spud Riley Memorial Gran Fondo - 26th August 2007

Entry forms for the 2007 Polka Dot ride will be published on this site on December 16th 2006. www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk