Something old,something new, something borrowed,something brutal

As the embers of 2012 finally fade, its time for reflection.
To bask in past glories, and to look ahead at whats on offer for next year.
As 'The Mules' have evolved, so have our ambitions.
Last year saw record attendances on both sides of the Atlantic with, a variety of both regular and new members and events.
Le Tour -The 'Waves to wine' in California saw the Mules scale new heights, up the red zone topped mountains and to learn how to dance 'Gangman style' in a stretch limo.
John our choreographer was amazing.

The York  'shire' was temporarily abandoned as the Anglo Mules invaded Lancashire to seek 'The precious', a big ring being turned by the soon to be knighted Sir Bradley Wiggins.
Just like Sir Francis Drake he will be recognised by our monarch as modern day buccaneer whipping the arse of both the French and Spanish.

Next year both US and Anglo members eagerly await the result of the London Ride ballot to hopefully take part in the inaugural London Sportive - the first major closed road event of this type.

Over the next coming weeks here in the UK we will be choosing our rides for the year and i have provided a short list

14th April: North Lincs Sportive (Brigg) 100km (64miles)
 http://www.lincsquad.co.uk/events/north-lincs-cyclosportive/
As a local sportive I feel its one we should support, comming early in the season the weather is still unpredictable. Last year it snowed!!!!
I am up for this one

28th April: Heart of The Wolds (Driffield) 100km (64miles) or 134km (86miles) http://www.woldssportive.co.uk/


A new sportive has arrived which has borrowed bits from all the other local sportives and pretty much haas routes that encompass all roads used in our trainning rides
I am up for this one

4th May: Pocklington Pedal Challenge (Pocklington) 58 or 88 miles http://www.cliftoncc.org/challen/pocklington-pedal-challenge

Great local course but traumatised by gales tweo years ago when I had to pedal down all the hills.
Not sure about this one

 11th May: Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive (Lincoln) 76 or 100 miles
 http://www.itpevents.co.uk/events/the-lincoln-grand-prix-sportive.html

A classic course used in national events, finishing with a severe cobbled incline up Michaelgate.
This features in 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs.
Not for the faint hearted or lilly livered
Count me as the climb was on my bucket list


3rd June: Wiggle Tour of the Peak (Chapel en le Firth) 47, 65, or 98 Miles http://www.kilotogo.com/index.php?option=event_detail&event_id=64

Featuring the Cat and the Fiddle and the famous Winnats Pass (Above) one of the toughest climbs in 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs.It looks amazing
I have no choice
Count me in


23rd June: Flat out in the Fens (Peterborough) 77 or 112 miles
http://www.kilotogo.com/index.php?option=event_detail&event_id=66

Our annual event, fast paced, windy and the last 12 miles of 112 course feel like an extravegance.
for the last three years it was the hottest day of the year!!!!!!!
Count me in



7th July: White Rose Classic (Ilkley) 50, 84, or 110 miles
http://www.ilkleycyclingclub.org.uk/index.php?page=White-Rose-Classic

Maybe a bridge too far......I did this wonderfull course 5 years ago. It took me many hours and hurt lots
Its either this or big G Below for July......not both

End of July: Big G (Beverley) 100 km or 100 miles
Details not yet available

4th August: Ride London (London) 100 Miles
 http://www.ridelondon.co.uk/Events/100.htm

Both US and Anglo Mules await in anticipation for a place in this event.
If I dont get a place and other Mules do....I will pledge my support.

 1st September: Manchester 100 (Manchester) 100 km or 100 miles
http://www.bike-events.co.uk/

A yearly excursion to Manchester is now a ritual....
Count me In

29th September: Cambridge to Norwich (Cambridge) 77 Miles
http://www.bike-events.co.uk/Ride.aspx?id=368

I fancy this as a late season entry to be decided nearer the date

Hopefully my fellow Mules and readers may be inspired to join us
Happy New Year and keep Safe