Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Kim on 24 September, 2018, 02:46:36 pm

Title: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 24 September, 2018, 02:46:36 pm
Date is confirmed, so we might as well start a thread...

https://twitter.com/YorkRally/status/1044207896488292352
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Butterfly on 24 September, 2018, 09:17:30 pm
Good plan. We'll almost certainly be there.  :D
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 September, 2018, 09:19:08 pm
Yeah yeah it's on my list. Along with Mildenhall. Just like this year. And last year and the year before that and...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: RichForrest on 24 September, 2018, 09:56:47 pm
We plan to be there.
Planning to take the week before off and ride down from the ALC meet at Beadnall Bay the previous weekend   ;D
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Canardly on 24 September, 2018, 09:57:10 pm
Missed it last year. Possible.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: rachel t on 01 October, 2018, 09:52:56 am
just to let people know, bookings are now open on the website http://yorkrally.org/visitor-information/campsite-bookings/ & by post using the booking form on the website

Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Butterfly on 31 December, 2018, 07:50:10 pm
We've booked.

A reminder that today is the last chance for super early bird tickets.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 27 May, 2019, 08:48:18 pm
Is there anyone going to the rally who might be able to give me and my trice a lift?. I am happy to contribute to fuel costs. I can probably ride one way .I use a train one way  but I cannot guarantee that can get the trike on   :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 27 May, 2019, 08:59:29 pm
Can't help there, as I'm going by train.

Just realised that while I'd booked train tickets, I hadn't actually booked any camping (due to general uncertainty over whether barkata was coming or not[1]).  That could have been embarrassing.


[1] We decided not, on mobility grounds.  It's a large site, and a lot of walking/cycling to get around, which is asking for trouble with the current state of her hips.  Hoping that she gets that sorted by next year.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Arellcat on 03 June, 2019, 04:54:57 pm
I will be there on the Saturday, but camping in my usual SEEKRIT place.  I will be in the locale on the Sunday but I might go to the NRM or exploring depending on the weather.

Going by train again this year as I'm not hiring a car just so I can bring the velomobile.  Unfortunately, impecunity means having to hang the bike on the way down, but it'll be ok as long as the Great British Public don't break my mirrors as they hurry on and off the train.  I'm booked on a HST for the return run, and I have no idea what the bike space is like.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 03 June, 2019, 11:07:08 pm


I'm booked on a HST for the return run, and I have no idea what the bike space is like.

Is it a Cross Country (XC) HST, or an LNER one?

As far as I can remember, XC HSTs have a van space which is empty of racks and such like contraptions - just lean the bike on the wall/lay it on the floor as preferred. I laid my bike on the floor on the basis that it saved it from falling over!

LNER HSTs have a "hang it from the front wheel" type of rack in the van space, with either a Velcro or adjustable snap-clip tie-down to stop the back wheel from swinging about.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 03 June, 2019, 11:24:24 pm
As far as I can remember, XC HSTs have a van space which is empty of racks and such like contraptions - just lean the bike on the wall/lay it on the floor as preferred. I laid my bike on the floor on the basis that it saved it from falling over!

On the odd occasion I've ended up on one of these, I've leaned my bike against the mesh wall and secured it via a combination of a Wilko light-duty ratchet strap (which solves all sorts of bikes-on-trains problems, as well as functioning as a lightweight racing workstand[1]) and the parking brake.

I generally avoid the HSTs, though.  Having to find staff and run to the other end of the train is type-2 fun at Mordor Central.


[1] In combination with a suitable tree/gate/etc.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 03 June, 2019, 11:30:58 pm


As far as I can remember, XC HSTs have a van space which is empty of racks and such like contraptions - just lean the bike on the wall/lay it on the floor as preferred. I laid my bike on the floor on the basis that it saved it from falling over!

On the odd occasion I've ended up on one of these, I've leaned my bike against the mesh wall and secured it via a combination of a Wilko light-duty ratchet strap (which solves all sorts of bikes-on-trains problems, as well as functioning as a lightweight racing workstand[1]) and the parking brake.

I generally avoid the HSTs, though.  Having to find staff and run to the other end of the train is type-2 fun at Mordor Central.


[1] In combination with a suitable tree/gate/etc.

Thinking on, I used to use a hook-ended bungy cord for the same thing back in the day when I was resident in Mordor. I used to have to do the "sprint down the platform at Mordor Central because the train is the wrong way round *again*" far too often for my liking as well.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 03 June, 2019, 11:33:47 pm
TBH, the only way I'd manage to *sprint* down the platform at Mordor Central would be if I took the chainring guard off and attempted to mow the crowd down zombie-apocalypse style.  It's nearly always crammed.  Usually with people who are taller than  a) me   and  b) the person with the orange hi-vis and the carriage key..
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 03 June, 2019, 11:35:44 pm
I will be around at the Rally again this year. I have been talked into commissairing the BSCA national and Yorkshire regional grasstrack championships on the Saturday. I'll be the taller and uglier commissaire with a beard!
Feel free to say hello, although not during a race please! I lose count of the number of laps and make the kids ride too far!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: tatanab on 04 June, 2019, 08:41:28 am
I will be there as part of the Tricycle Association contingent.  This year we are celebrating our 90th year and plan to have a larger display of machines, parts, photographs etc.  Undoubtedly some of us will be at the BHPC event on the Sunday.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 04 June, 2019, 11:18:47 am
Ah yes, I'll be doing the BHPC try-to-find-the-velodrome-without-getting-lost challenge again.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Karla on 04 June, 2019, 11:27:17 am
It's easy. 

Step 1: Go to the university
Step 2: Point yourself away from civilization and proceed into the outer wilderness, in the direction that looks most bleak and least inviting.  Trek half a mile into said wilderness.  You are now at Campus East.
Step 3: Continue in the direction that looks even more bleak and unforgiving than where you already are.  Proceed for another half a mile until the roads start to decay, the wind bites through your clothes unabated and the whole place has a distinct air of Mad Max dystopia.  You have now reached the sports village and the velodrome is on your right
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: andrewc on 04 June, 2019, 01:29:20 pm
the whole place has a distinct air of Mad Max dystopia. 

Mad Max: Beyond Velodrome.   Starring Kim as "Auntie Entity"  :D
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 04 June, 2019, 01:31:39 pm
the whole place has a distinct air of Mad Max dystopia. 

Mad Max: Beyond Velodrome.   Starring Kim as "Auntie Entity"  :D

I'm going to need some bigger shoulder elbow pads...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 04 June, 2019, 02:38:31 pm


It's easy. 

Step 1: Go to the university
Step 2: Point yourself away from civilization and proceed into the outer wilderness, in the direction they looks most bleak and least inviting.  Trek half a mile into said wilderness.  You are now at Campus East.
Step 3: Continue in the direction that looks even more bleak and unforgiving than where you already are.  Proceed for another half a mile until the roads start to decay, the wind bites through your clothes unabated and the whole place has a distinct air of Mad Max dystopia.  You have now reached the sports village and the velodrome is on your right

Pretty much bang on, especially the bit about the decaying roads.

And the wind! Definitely the wind!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Luke on 08 June, 2019, 11:14:01 am
I’ve booked a pitch, so I’ll be coming.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 10 June, 2019, 03:59:56 pm
PSA for anyone interested in the BHPC Wacky Races Mad Max Beyond Velodrome event on the Sunday:

Official discussion here: http://forum.bhpc.org.uk/2019-round-5-york-sunday-23rd-june_topic6916.html


[1] Bonus points for anything bought for less than 50 quid at the rally auction on the Saturday (http://forum.bhpc.org.uk/the-york-rally-22nd-23rd-june_topic6905_post65285.html#65285).
[2]  O:-)
[3] Translation for non-sportsists:  Go as fast as you can, and when someone rings a bell, it's nearly over so go a bit faster.
[4] Translation for non-sportsists:  Go as fast as you can for one lap, with nobody else on the track.  You probably get a run-up.  Bonus points for endurance waiting-for-your-turn in fully-enclosed machines if the weather's hot.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 10 June, 2019, 07:23:10 pm
Just to add to Kim's excellent description of circuit and track racing, the busway (Lakeside Way) is currently closed around the back of the Theatre, Film and TV department and the Ron Cooke Hub due to the road surface deteriorating to the point where individual bricks are popping out of the road when buses drive over it! (1) I think there is a diversion round it, I shall try to remember to go in that way tomorrow and check.
 
Be careful using Sat-Nav, as you can wind up on the wrong side of the circuit on an unmade road - today's school visit saw one minibus do exactly that.

If driving, it's probably best to head for the Grimston Bar Park & Ride on the A1079 and follow the signs for the Sport Village from there.

I'm probably going to be around from about 12:30 on the Sunday, so if you have any problems come and find me. I'll be the one in a bright red York Sport polo shirt (unless it's raining, in which case I shall be wearing a black York Sport waterproof waterproof!)

Your friendly York Sport Cycling Attendant!

(1) It's a brick paved road, laid in an area with a very high water table and around 8 buses an hour running along it! I'm amazed that it has lasted this long, to be honest.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 10 June, 2019, 07:32:26 pm
Be careful using Sat-Nav, as you can wind up on the wrong side of the circuit on an unmade road - today's school visit saw one minibus do exactly that.

Yes, Google Maps suggests that you can access the site from Low Lane.  You can't, there's a cycle circuit in the way (see the satellite view for enlightenment).


Quote
It's a brick paved road, laid in an area with a very high water table and around 8 buses an hour running along it! I'm amazed that it has lasted this long, to be honest.

Surely the whole point in such a surface, apart from sending a subtle message to car drivers, is that it can be lifted and re-laid when the ground shifts without having to wastefully replace all the material.  I believe those clever cloggies have a special machine for doing it.

Of course, this is BRITAIN, and proper maintenance is unpatriotic, or something.  At best they probably have a University-of-Kent-style man-with-a-wheelbarrow-full-of-sand, doomed to a sisyphean task of roaming the footpaths in search of wobbly slabs.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 10 June, 2019, 07:40:25 pm
It's a brick paved road, laid in an area with a very high water table and around 8 buses an hour running along it! I'm amazed that it has lasted this long, to be honest.

Surely the whole point in such a surface, apart from sending a subtle message to car drivers, is that it can be lifted and re-laid when the ground shifts without having to wastefully replace all the material.  I believe those clever cloggies have a special machine for doing it.

Of course, this is BRITAIN, and proper maintenance is unpatriotic, or something.

Maintenance? What's that? I don't think that part of the road has been touched since it was laid roughly 10 years ago! They'd have to deal with York's (in)famous ASBO Geese to get to it!

The bit further down, which is single track, so has buses going both ways in the same wheel tracks, was replaced with tarmac a couple of years ago. By that point, the wheel tracks had subsided by so much you could get pedal strike on the non-subsided centre of the road! Kids from the cycling club referred to it as "The Arenberg Trench" (see Paris - Roubaix passim).
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 10 June, 2019, 07:43:28 pm
Ah yes, you can't beat a bit of pavé on a low-racer.   :hand:  :sick:
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 10 June, 2019, 07:53:42 pm
My employer often uses block paving for port pavements, supporting 100t axle load reachstackers and hugely channelised traffic (equivalent to dozens of HGVs an hour). Designed and constructed properly and with a smidgeon of maintenance, block paving will perform well through its 20 year design life. Eight buses an hour isn't that tough to design for.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 10 June, 2019, 07:57:03 pm
My employer often uses block paving for port pavements, supporting 100t axle load reachstackers and hugely channelised traffic (equivalent to dozens of HGVs an hour). Designed and constructed properly and with a smidgeon of maintenance, block paving will perform well through its 20 year design life.

That's the thing, I'm pretty sure it wasn't designed and constructed properly. The first problems started within a couple of years of opening! Build cheap, build twice - to paraphrase the old saying!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 11 June, 2019, 10:23:43 am


I think there is a diversion round it, I shall try to remember to go in that way tomorrow and check.

What is left of my memory remembered to go that way on the way to work today (take that Gabapentin!! ) - the busway is indeed blocked off with some cones and barriers, but in true University of York fashion - nay, tradition - there is no actual signed diversion. From that point, just keep heading East on the vaguely yellow tarmac "Campus Cycleway" and take the 45° fork to the right. There is a building directly in front of you, go round that building (The Ron Cooke Hub) and head for the bus stops on the other side of it. This will drop you back on to the busway, with the circuit and velodrome in the distance.

Of course, the busway could be fixed by then...




...and we will have developed porcine aviation!!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Arellcat on 12 June, 2019, 02:34:19 pm
Going by train again this year as I'm not hiring a car just so I can bring the velomobile.

Since my P-38 is currently broken, change of plan: I'll join you on the lightweight pitches at the racecourse.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 19 June, 2019, 12:05:11 pm
In other news, it looks like I might have finally used up the rain.  Forecast looks suspiciously lacking in wind, too...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 19 June, 2019, 07:42:25 pm
I am half  considering riding to London and folding the trice into a bike bag and coming up by train  . I'm not sure how practical it is though  :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 19 June, 2019, 08:41:21 pm
Are Grand Central trains still a thing?  They're supposedly quite bike friendly... Perhaps a Yokshire correspondent can advise?
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 19 June, 2019, 09:20:06 pm
Yup, Grand Central are still very much a going concern. They have got rid of their HSTs (to East Midlands Trains) and are currently using class 180 "Adelante" trains - which appear to be somewhat more reliable than their classmates at Hull Trains.

This link takes you to their bike & large luggage policy:

 https://www.grandcentralrail.com/travelling-with-gc/on-board/cyclists-luggage/

Sorry about the long URL, but I'm on my phone!
There's probably a link to seating plans and ticket sales somewhere on there as well.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 19 June, 2019, 10:04:10 pm
Many thanks  Kim and yorkie. That's very useful  :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 19 June, 2019, 10:17:22 pm
No problem! Should have added a disclaimer that other train operators are available, etc. 

Up to a couple of days ago, I would have added that getting Hull Trains to Selby and riding the last 14 miles to York was another option. Sadly, given that Hull Trains currently have 0 (yes, zero!!) working class 180s out of 4 and only one cobbled together HST to cover 3 diagrams, I would advise against trying to travel with them for the foreseeable future!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 20 June, 2019, 04:16:32 pm
I have now got orange digital cardboard and will ride into London in the morning. I hope to ride back to slough after the rally  :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 21 June, 2019, 02:28:42 pm
I've successfully crammed myself, an unwieldy bike and too much luggage onto one of CrossCountry's finest...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: CrinklyLion on 21 June, 2019, 04:40:29 pm
I have finished work and am sitting on an actual chair in my house (about half way bwtween the rally site and the rushing-around-in-circles location) with an actual kettle nearby ready to refill my coffee cup when necessary.

I might nip down to say hello later though :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: andrewc on 21 June, 2019, 06:20:52 pm
Forecast looks good.   Hope you all have a wonderful time.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Blodwyn Pig on 21 June, 2019, 08:46:33 pm
Hmmmm! I will make it one day  :facepalm:, have fun all those that made it!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Canardly on 21 June, 2019, 09:38:32 pm
Dealing with domestic issues here. Enjoy!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 June, 2019, 07:22:17 am
Just contemplating finding some breakfast after watching a couple of balloons launching early on. All good fun out on the Knavesmere.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Butterfly on 23 June, 2019, 09:42:38 am
It's been a lovely rally so far. We're camping in the pointy yellow/Orange tent in the lightweight section.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 23 June, 2019, 04:51:01 pm
Finished the BHPC rushing about.  My lungs hate me.  Deano and Karla appeared to cheer me on for different bits, and may have somewhat different impressions of my racing performance as a result...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 23 June, 2019, 05:18:18 pm
Finished the BHPC rushing about.  My lungs hate me.  Deano and Karla appeared to cheer me on for different bits, and may have somewhat different impressions of my racing performance as a result...
I didn't see Deano, but I did see Karla at York Sport. It was also nice to meet you fleetingly, hope the flying lap on the 2-up 4-wheel contraptionamajig didn't harm your BHPC efforts!  ;)
I'm not sure, but I may have seen cycleman at York Sport as well - came along on the ride to the velodrome, on an elec-assist Trice?
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 23 June, 2019, 06:45:01 pm
Probably not cycleman, his trike was hors de combat this morning due to a combination of BB problems and total failure of the electric assist system.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Socks on 23 June, 2019, 07:48:26 pm
Great weekend.  Good weather, caught up with lots of cycling friends, did the retro ride on my 1964 Moulton.  Drank beer, ate a very nice diavalo pizza from the van in the arena.  Looked at various interesting bikes at the veteran bike club, trike association, and trade show.  Bought a few bargains including a lovely campag triple chainset for the recumbent. And a healthy lunch today (chips with curry sauce) before heading home.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: RichForrest on 23 June, 2019, 07:57:53 pm
Great weekend, good to see people again that we only usually see at York.
Went up this time with no bikes as weather and car cycle rack issues meant not taking one camping over the previous week.
Came home with one though after buying an immaculate 1981 Dawes Shadow for the grand price of £25  :o
Need to find room in the shed now!  ;D
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 23 June, 2019, 08:50:58 pm
Probably not cycleman, his trike was hors de combat this morning due to a combination of BB problems and total failure of the electric assist system.
Ah, no problem. Hope he's managed to get it sorted!
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 24 June, 2019, 03:27:14 pm
Probably not cycleman, his trike was hors de combat this morning due to a combination of BB problems and total failure of the electric assist system.
Ah, no problem. Hope he's managed to get it sorted!

Last seen heading Torslanda-wards in Red Ted.  Butterfly deserves a medal!   :thumbsup:


I was one of the last off the field this morning.  There was some heavy rain last night (which I mostly slept through on account of Piriton[1] and general exhaustion) but this morning was warm and damp, without being muddy.

Kudos to all involved for a much healthier-looking Rally this year, with well-populated camping fields and various stalls[2].  Especially notable were the showers, which were plumbed in to a sufficiency of water and - crucially - mains electricity, allowing them to run all day with a corresponding reduction in queueueues.

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/york2019/2019_06_21_23_03_44.sized.jpg)
The sky on Friday night.

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/york2019/2019_06_23_10_28_31.sized.jpg)
Silly bike racing (no decent pictures as it was every man, woman and indeed dog[3] on the track at once for the race).


[1] My shins were suffering from an allergic reaction to the mistake in the 50k audax route, which involved Comedy Off-Roading through Grass Which Is Taller Than Your Bike.
[2] The BHPC were there, but the marquee and assorted materials weren't, due to a last-minute family emergency.  We parked assorted silly bikes outside the ICE stand and loitered.
[3] A rogue Jack Russel broke through the fence and decided to chase Slash.  I discovered this as it was doing the cyclepath dither in front of me on approach to a bend, while something red and rumbly with less than optimal vision approached rapidly from behind...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 25 June, 2019, 08:33:01 pm
PSA for anyone interested in the BHPC Wacky Races Mad Max Beyond Velodrome event on the Sunday...

Provisional rushing-about results are now up:  http://forum.bhpc.org.uk/2019-round-5-york-sunday-23rd-june_topic6916_post65469.html#65469

Kudos in particular to:
- James for doing the whole thing on a bike he'd learned to ride the day before, in trainers.
- Sunday Trains™ for greatly lowering David L'Hostis' average speed.
- Slash for defying gravity on the velodrome.  I swear he was almost horizontal.
- Various Jeffs/Geoffs for ensuring the first race failed the Cycling Bechdel Test.
- Everyone involved in the retro analogue timing process.

(The Jack Russel was presumably disqualified for not wearing a helmet.)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Arellcat on 25 June, 2019, 11:35:24 pm
This was my 9th York Rally/Cycle Show/Rally, and it finally dawned on me that it's more about meeting people than buying things, or in my case, not buying anything.  Friday afternoon I spent by the river, and enjoying the sunshine in the Abbey of St Mary and the adjacent Edible Garden, before pitching up at the race course.  Saturday I spent reading and pottering about the Rally.  This year I managed to avoid the elderly Welsh guy with the extremely wiry grey hair and impenetrably strong accent, helped mainly I assume by my being in disguise, having not brought the velomobile.  Lunch was a definitely-not-vegetarian :-\ chicken burger.  After dozing in the sunshine and then in my tent for an hour or so it was time for the Velovision* ride t'pub in t'evening.  I wore extra layers as a precaution, but still got cold.  In a magnificent departure from tradition (pizza), I had the fish and chips, which was pretty good.

Thanks to cycleman for the chat on Sunday and listening to me vent for a time. :-[ I wasn't feeling very sociable all weekend because of previous non-bike related STUFF.  And despite my peaked cap and sunglasses, I got too much sunshine: if I'd known, I'd've brought my red iridium lens and not the blue.  The inside of my tent reached 40.5ºC on Saturday afternoon. :o

Also on Sunday while Kim, Slash, Jeff, Lee et al were navigating the York racing circuit at ludicrous speed, I was navigating the Ouse cycle path at a very unludicrous speed, in search of historic tramway remains and a decent lunch (the venue for which TJ and Butterfly had simultaneously chosen).  Later I went in search of my hostel for the night, which I'd booked on account of
The hostel was lovely, though, and I had a great conversation over dinner with an American tech and travel writer.  Monday's weather arrived while I was in the railway museum, so my sleeping bag (which I'd left attached to the handlebars unobtrusively under a waterproof¥ rucksack cover) got soaked anyway.  My bike more or less fitted into the dangly space on the LNER HST, which at least was better than the XC Voyager's equivalent on the way down.  I arrived at Waverley to rain and cold, so everything is back to normal.

* Velovision Legacy ride, perhaps.  I didn't see Peter Eland at all this weekend; I don't think Howard came to York this year; and I haven't heard any recent news from poor Simon Webb.
† Also not vegetarian.
¥ Not actually waterproof.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 26 June, 2019, 01:01:15 am
This was my 9th York Rally/Cycle Show/Rally, and it finally dawned on me that it's more about meeting people than buying things, or in my case, not buying anything.

Agreed.  I don't think I got round to seeing all the trade stalls this year.  I missed the usually excellent[1] Spa Cycles, for one.


Quote
This year I managed to avoid the elderly Welsh guy with the extremely wiry grey hair and impenetrably strong accent, helped mainly I assume by my being in disguise, having not brought the velomobile.

That's one of the defining features of York - so many people you know and chat to every year who you somehow never get round to knowing the names of.  (Being a woman with an unusual bike never helps in this regard, as everyone seems to know who you are already.)

It was good to see cycleman at York for the first time in ages, even if he did use up all his luck by getting the trike on the train on the way up.  (Fingers crossed the repairs aren't too expensive!)  Glad you got to go on one of the social rides before the gremlins set in.  Also nice that Butterfly+Nye were able to ride up (albeit with a bit of Sustrans cyclocross).


Quote
despite my peaked cap and sunglasses, I got too much sunshine: if I'd known, I'd've brought my red iridium lens and not the blue.  The inside of my tent reached 40.5ºC on Saturday afternoon. :o

I'm fortunate in that I got my annual sunburn over and done with at Easter, even if I did make up for it with allergies.  The Goths In Hot Weather Tent (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=37171.msg2305363#msg2305363) was on form - I've concluded that it's a pretty much ideal York Rally tent: Stable in the wind, cool in the heat[2], dark in the morning and (important new discovery) just enough headroom to sit in a Helinox inside when it's chucking it down.  I'll forgive it a bit of getting dripped on when opening the door, and the fact that I temporarily lost several BLACK objects to the inner when packing it up.  The spare porch makes a good binbag storage facility for overnight rustle-minimisation.

I noticed some of the motor campers were using big tents with similar technology.


Quote
My bike more or less fitted into the dangly space on the LNER HST, which at least was better than the XC Voyager's equivalent on the way down.  I arrived at Waverley to rain and cold, so everything is back to normal.

Dry in Middle earth, but the wind had followed me home, just to make the overloaded Baron a bit more exciting.  Interesting to see your Rans in the flesh, I don't think I've met one before.  Good luck sorting that fork out for the P38, that was rotten luck.


[1] Not that I tend to buy things from them at the rally, but having used them extensively online, it's nice to put faces to names, thank them for existing, and see some of the Sensible Bikes.  The part of me that forgets about saddles tends to lust after their titanium tourers.
[2] This is much more effective if there's a little bit of wind.  And, well, Knavesmire.  I had some chocolate in there on Saturday and it didn't even go bendy.  Some years ago I became rather unwell after dozing off in my Vango Banshee in similar conditions...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: tatanab on 26 June, 2019, 06:24:52 am
[3] A rogue Jack Russel broke through the fence and decided to chase Slash.
Did you see the stoat and rabbit cross the circuit at about 45 minutes?  This was about 50 yards from the top bend.  I saw a stoat run across the track, which was nice, but what was amazing was that it was being chased by a rabbit.  I did not see, but a rider a little behind me said that the rabbit caught the stoat and had it by the scruff of the neck.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 26 June, 2019, 08:16:04 am
Hi arellcat , it was great to meet and talk with you  :). Did you find any tramway remains?.
I used to work in a couple of  boat yards in the past and am interested in the  tramways, canals and railways.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 26 June, 2019, 08:33:54 am
Many thanks to those wonderful forumites who helped me over the rally.
Despite my problems I enjoyed York and the ride to beningbrough hall. The train back home from Manchester was comfortable and I got home about 9.00 pm   :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Kim on 26 June, 2019, 12:00:13 pm
[3] A rogue Jack Russel broke through the fence and decided to chase Slash.
Did you see the stoat and rabbit cross the circuit at about 45 minutes?  This was about 50 yards from the top bend.  I saw a stoat run across the track, which was nice, but what was amazing was that it was being chased by a rabbit.  I did not see, but a rider a little behind me said that the rabbit caught the stoat and had it by the scruff of the neck.

Missed that entirely.  Wandering dogs are one thing, but killer rabbits are a bit much!  We'll have to start carrying Holy Hand Grenades...
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: yorkie on 26 June, 2019, 01:52:13 pm
[3] A rogue Jack Russel broke through the fence and decided to chase Slash.
Did you see the stoat and rabbit cross the circuit at about 45 minutes?  This was about 50 yards from the top bend.  I saw a stoat run across the track, which was nice, but what was amazing was that it was being chased by a rabbit.  I did not see, but a rider a little behind me said that the rabbit caught the stoat and had it by the scruff of the neck.

Hmm, it's usually the other way around. Good to see that my pep talk to the rabbits has done some good!!  ;) :P :-D
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: campagman on 26 June, 2019, 07:58:59 pm
I enjoyed my time at York. I helped out again this year, which I'm happy to do and they look after the volunteers too. Saw most of the people that I expected to. My ride on Monday was only dampened by a couple of light sprinklings of wet, not as forecast. But I was woken by rain on Tue am. So I packed away in the rain and this hardly stopped for the next 50 mls. At least it was mild and I had a tail wind.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Arellcat on 26 June, 2019, 09:52:48 pm
Hi arellcat , it was great to meet and talk with you  :). Did you find any tramway remains?

I did, but you'd miss it if you stayed only on the bike path.  I spotted two bollards placed suspiciously close to a brick wall, which implied vehicular movement in days gone by.  Turned out the remains of the tramway are quite exposed:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48132597622_0a501dfdb7.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gkj9mN)
On the trail of rails (https://flic.kr/p/2gkj9mN) by beqi (https://www.flickr.com/photos/beqi/), on Flickr

It belonged to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and runs directly to the collection of brick buildings to the east, such as that in which you now find Cycle Heaven, that then formed the ordnance depôt.
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 June, 2019, 10:35:04 pm
It looks like a narrow gauge. Or is that just the photo?
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: cycleman on 27 June, 2019, 06:48:38 am
I think most tram lines are narrow gauge though I could be wrong  :)
Title: Re: York Rally 22-23 June 2019
Post by: Arellcat on 27 June, 2019, 02:20:54 pm
It looks like a narrow gauge. Or is that just the photo?

It was narrow; from memory the gauge was about 1 ft 6 in.