War of the Roses…

Photo courtesy of Neil Hendry

Photo courtesy of JoozeD

Sounds and smells akin to a scrabbling team of liniment smeared horse’s waft through the cobbled enclave, as floundering footed racers search for grip.  The essentially simple task of hooking a stud or cleat into a greasy sett, and levering oneself inch by inch up the hill, and ahead of your nearest rival, seems insurmountable at times, and an experience I will not forget in a hurry. 

I refer to the infamous ‘Chimney’ – an approximately 100m long, near vertical (it felt like it to me at least!!) cobbled climb, which was doable for the top boys and girls, but a real test to the rest.  The gruelling course threw everything it could at the riders – I say riders, but for large sectors of the very muddy loop, terms such as joggers, walkers, sloggers or draggers may be more fitting.  It’s difficult not to use the old ‘No Man’s Land’ cliché, but I find it difficult to come by words more fitting.

 

To continue the War theme further, and fully expose my very limited historical knowledge, I understand Todmorden to have had a long history of battles between flamboyantly dressed Lancastrians and Yorkshire People and, judging by the turn  out the other Sunday this, now thankfully peaceful tradition, is set to continue.

Todmorden provided a brilliant course and a brilliant day out, oh and a free Duvel to boot.  Roll on next year.

Cheers