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I know this won't be a universally popular decision but after what happened last week (and reading the messages on here and talking to a few of you) then for the next couple of weeks we are going to experiment with splitting the chaingang into smaller groups. The reason for this is to try and improve rider safety and make things calmer, manageable and more controlled. Groups of about 8-10 should maximise safety, are most efficient for a chaingang while also giving a decent work out. If the numbers don't allow for three groups then will try two. It is important to remember however it is still a chaingang and training ride, it is not a social ride. The pace in the earlier groups will be a little slower but the idea stays the same - if you get dropped you still get dropped so know the route and be self sufficient. You can choose what group you are in however i'll give some guidelines for this. First group. If you take the short cut regularly then this is the one for you. If you get dropped on the west ferry or Bishy Hill then take this one. If you are a strong rider but feel relatively inexperiened and want practice riding in a chaingang then take this one. If you tried the chainy earlier in the season and were put off due to not feeling quite fit enough, then now is the time to give it another go. I will be leading this group. Second group. If you are capable of hanging on in the chaingang but find yourself regularly missing turns or find it difficult to move up without stalling in the line then you may have more benefit going in the second group and working rather than just sitting on in the third. Are there any volunteers to lead this group? Third group. Are you strong enough to spell through for all of chaingang and do you find parts of it relatively easy? Are you able to bridge gaps if the bunch splits and do you usually find yourself on the right side of these splits when they happen? Then third group for you. Paul will be leading. Be honest and realistic with yourself and (more importantly) to the other riders when choosing a group. It isn't a sign of weakness joining a slower group and nothing is set in stone, if you find one group too easy then you can move up the next week. Group 1 will leave at 6.25 and will take Heggies. Group 2 leaves at 6.30 and group 3 at 6.35 and both take the Clune. If Group 1 is caught by the top of Clune then they wait and restart behind the next group. Paul is going to post a few guidelines on good practice.

If anyone is running a book I'm good for a tenner Paul won't make it. He's going to need Galeb and Richie at least.

Where did u guys come from. Thought Still game was a tap in for the win. Going to get Alan McLean to officiate as that will at least get rid of Galeb & Mark as they will miss their start time. Clearly the 2 Iain’s will be distracted by clothing issues.

Iain desperately wants this trophy but he has been persuaded to risk all and sacrifice our superior aero knowledge and intellectual advantage. Road bikes it is! Road racing gear only. So if you wouldn't wear it in a road race you can't wear it tomorrow night. Iain will probably wear his Rapha gear and pink shoes but that's OK as long as he never turns up to a road race in them.

After speaking to some worthies (Charlie and Jan!) I thought I would take the initiative to post up a code of conduct for the JWCC Thursday night run. If those of us on the forum commit to this then it will happen. I would also propose to do a brief at start next week so our guests will understand if they are dangling out front alone for a bit ! This was written before Jan's post to try more than one group so it not quite as relevant now but principles still apply. My view is that it is maybe time to try more than one group – my personal view would be to try two groups first. Going to keep it simple , 1) We ride tempo on Bishy hill – not slow – but we don’t increase the power output 2) At the approach to roundabouts we have a 10 second period before and after when the outside line does not ride through and off. Ie. two parallel lines going at same speed as slower line. Purpose is to roll into and roll out of roundabout. Once 10 seconds out, the front guy on the outside line rolls through again and folks can put the hammer down as normal. This applies at Westferry on ramp (which is technically a roundabout anyway), Langbank, Woodhall and Houston roundabouts. 3) If bunch gets split at any roundabout or traffic light, the front group rides below tempo until regroup happens. If anyone has a constructive feedback then please post up, or post up to support this initiative to keep it safe but hard.

Iain McT and I are planning to race. Last year Charlie couldn't make it so the authorities on the day decided to postpone the event until the following week. Iain was very distressed and he has only just got over it.

I am coming out of retirement to ride with James

Ok guys, fess up, youse are just envious that I am one of only two people on the Planet to have done the DA😁😁

I will run the book ...anymore bets ?

Me and Marc will be riding. Iain and Ian you should consider road bikes for a proper challenge

Contrary to my post title - I managed NOT to get a soaking after all 🙂 Being Johnny-no-mates for the day, I opted to start from Glasgow instead of heading for the Bridge. Got to jump on a Bunch of "Lomond Roads" coming into Milngarvie, after introducing myself to them, I slotted into the group seamlessly since our Club colour are pretty much the same ........ very friendly Bunch of cyclist so they are 🙂 Pretty much got dropped off by them at the door step of Aberfoyle where upon it seems every cyclist in the Glasgow area was there, including Iain McTarvish & Jess. Got there so early that we sat OUTSIDE in the sun for more than an hour waiting for the Peloton to arrive - ETA 12.10noon. It was all good weather wise up till that point, but just as we were about to head up the Duke's, the heavens opened but luckily for me, I took shelter underneath a porch & stayed dry, while most must have got drenched up on the climb. Waited for the convoy & then the Race Peloton to pass, everyone (especially the Police Moto riders) look cheering & enjoying themselves, well, apart from the Riders :-) Then back down the climb & a detour with Big Ronnie Chard over the Lake of Monteith & another cafe stop in Kippon, then the Crow & home without getting wet at all. In fact, it was pretty hot later on the day, strange weather indeed! End up being a really nice day on the bike for me, loved it! Cheers

Tommy I am in A and E today so it is looking a bit doubtful I should ride on Tuesday at all.