Loop the Loop

Out of interest does anyone know how fast a thistle plant grows?

I ask that because of my own observations of a large patch of them which sit in the grass verges in and around the tarmac circuit that is the new traffic free cycle track in my home city of Hull, Yorkshire.

On our tuesday evening blast around the 1km loop there was nothing to see above the meadow-like environment and yet by friday the thistles were standing strong and resolute at half a metre above the coarse grass.

My son remarked in jest, although perhaps touching with reality in the Professional cycling ranks that the exceptional growth spurt may be down to users of the track discarding the contents of their drink bottles on that home straight. If riders like myself, a bit tubby and creaky in muscle and limb can put in an enhanced performance with just an energy gel and some isotonic liquid then imagine what such vitamins and minerals might do in the plant world. Miracle ride makes for miracle grow!!

We start off slowly on our evening laps. This serves a dual purpose of easing in our legs to what will be an increasingly strenuous effort over the proceeding 60 minutes of the paid booking and also to scare and flush out the wildlife that has a superb habitat in the grassland. It is a protected environment in that it is highly unlikely that a two wheeled patron will venture off the metalled surface unless overcome by fatigue, a mechanical or an horrific lack of concentration.

Within a couple of laps accompanied by idle chit chat and a discussion on any recent televised World Tour races the impromptu bush-beating results in the madcap exit from the sanctuary afforded by the lush vegetation of a few small rabbits, a couple of voles and other creatures so swift and fleeting that they are unidentifiable apart from being members of the rodent family.

We have on each of our visits had sole use of the track.

That is not down to under-use, indeed the facility is very well frequented by organisations, clubs, charities and council block bookings so much so that I have to ring up to make sure that there is public use coinciding with our intentions.

Every other wednesday is for a local Cycle Racing Team, alternate fridays similarly and on weekends there are training sessions and taster-type races for those smitten by the bug of cycling in general.

Our exclusive time slots are good in that we are gradually learning how to ride the tortuous layout which comprises a main start/finish straight, a sharpish left hander leading to a 180 degree loop, a twist and turn to a paralell straight to the main one and then a sweeping turn to complete a full circuit. Other two wheeled traffic would complicate such reconnaissance trips.

I say that we have has sole use which is true although we are definitely not entirely alone. Large sea gulls sit around on the fenced surround for two flood attenuation basins in the middle of the track and periodically swoop low directly in front of us as we gather speed. The pitch black crows are not at all intimidated by the flash of lycra and the slick click of gears and insist on hopping about in the gutter and perilously close to our path. That is a bit off-putting and I can easily imagine the mutual carnage from a bird attempting to fly through a spoked wheel.

The hour session does pass very rapidly or I should say that mainly depends upon my physical state. Tiredness or lower motivation makes for a dragging clock but in reasonably full flight and fitness it seems as though time flies.

There are likely to be teething issues with this tremendous facility for cyclists in the city.

Historically the site flooded as it sits just below the  banks of the River Hull but hopefully the drainage has been adequately designed to prevent this, even in the most extreme weather. There are a few holes in the fence onto the river bank and we have during our sessions come across dog walkers and idle youths who should simply not be there. I am all for the grassland surround as it is a haven for wildlife although should it be allowed to run riot it could be a problem.

The biggest hiccup was however with the keypad controlled gate and we had, a couple of weeks ago, to telephone the Sports Centre to send staff out to open it as the passcode would not work.

It is a very welcome albeit a long overdue recreational amenity for the enthusiastic and budding cyclists of Hull, present and future.