Kenny MacDonald

This reliability brings back memories of the time I did a track stand at traffic lights at the bottom of Sinclair Street . The local church had just come out and the congregation was streaming across the road . When the lights went to green  I jumped on pedals to get a quick getaway . Only to end up on the deck in a heap , as the chain had snapped LOL  much to the amusement of the rest of the bunch. I wish I could say it was my super strength but alas it was a batch of dodgy chains . I can recall at least 4 other club members suffering a similar fate that season.
Another memorable reliability run round that circuit was stopped by the police just after Cardross . Our bunch was about 25 strong and we had caught the Glasgow district CTC who had about 30 in their bunch . A Police inspector pulled us over and told us to ride in single file , realising this would cause even more of a hold up for traffic we duly obliged without any discussion . It was a sight to behold as the group rode into Helensburgh in one long line .
ps it took an eternity to get to back of bunch when you had done a spell

This reliability brings back memories of the time I did a track stand at traffic lights at the bottom of Sinclair Street . The local church had just come out and the congregation was streaming across the road . When the lights went to green  I jumped on pedals to get a quick getaway . Only to end up on the deck in a heap , as the chain had snapped LOL  much to the amusement of the rest of the bunch. I wish I could say it was my super strength but alas it was a batch of dodgy chains . I can recall at least 4 other club members suffering a similar fate that season.
Another memorable reliability run round that circuit was stopped by the police just after Cardross . Our bunch was about 25 strong and we had caught the Glasgow district CTC who had about 30 in their bunch . A Police inspector pulled us over and told us to ride in single file , realising this would cause even more of a hold up for traffic we duly obliged without any discussion . It was a sight to behold as the group rode into Helensburgh in one long line .
ps it took an eternity to get to back of bunch when you had done a spell

This reliability brings back memories of the time I did a track stand at traffic lights at the bottom of Sinclair Street . The local church had just come out and the congregation was streaming across the road . When the lights went to green  I jumped on pedals to get a quick getaway . Only to end up on the deck in a heap , as the chain had snapped LOL  much to the amusement of the rest of the bunch. I wish I could say it was my super strength but alas it was a batch of dodgy chains . I can recall at least 4 other club members suffering a similar fate that season.
Another memorable reliability run round that circuit was stopped by the police just after Cardross . Our bunch was about 25 strong and we had caught the Glasgow district CTC who had about 30 in their bunch . A Police inspector pulled us over and told us to ride in single file , realising this would cause even more of a hold up for traffic we duly obliged without any discussion . It was a sight to behold as the group rode into Helensburgh in one long line .
ps it took an eternity to get to back of bunch when you had done a spell

This reliability brings back memories of the time I did a track stand at traffic lights at the bottom of Sinclair Street . The local church had just come out and the congregation was streaming across the road . When the lights went to green  I jumped on pedals to get a quick getaway . Only to end up on the deck in a heap , as the chain had snapped LOL  much to the amusement of the rest of the bunch. I wish I could say it was my super strength but alas it was a batch of dodgy chains . I can recall at least 4 other club members suffering a similar fate that season.
Another memorable reliability run round that circuit was stopped by the police just after Cardross . Our bunch was about 25 strong and we had caught the Glasgow district CTC who had about 30 in their bunch . A Police inspector pulled us over and told us to ride in single file , realising this would cause even more of a hold up for traffic we duly obliged without any discussion . It was a sight to behold as the group rode into Helensburgh in one long line .
ps it took an eternity to get to back of bunch when you had done a spell

This reliability brings back memories of the time I did a track stand at traffic lights at the bottom of Sinclair Street . The local church had just come out and the congregation was streaming across the road . When the lights went to green  I jumped on pedals to get a quick getaway . Only to end up on the deck in a heap , as the chain had snapped LOL  much to the amusement of the rest of the bunch. I wish I could say it was my super strength but alas it was a batch of dodgy chains . I can recall at least 4 other club members suffering a similar fate that season.
Another memorable reliability run round that circuit was stopped by the police just after Cardross . Our bunch was about 25 strong and we had caught the Glasgow district CTC who had about 30 in their bunch . A Police inspector pulled us over and told us to ride in single file , realising this would cause even more of a hold up for traffic we duly obliged without any discussion . It was a sight to behold as the group rode into Helensburgh in one long line .
ps it took an eternity to get to back of bunch when you had done a spell

Frank Lauder memorial was run on the Beith road . Started at bench outside Bird in Hand Hotel ( inscription reads rest and be thankful)  went out through Howwood to turn at roundabout at Lochwinnoch road end . Retraced to finish back at start. A hilly course which was won regularly in 70s with a low 23 or odd high 22. This course and Lugton course were the standard in 60s-70s and was used a few times in 80s . The bypass made it a right turn back into howwood and this was the end of the course , it started to go out of favour when pedestrian crossing was installed at High school but was used with a marshall for memorial event . Frank Lauder was killed riding course when he collided with a milk tanker ( 50s or early 60s ) and memorial trophy was made in his honour .
Kenny MacD

Frank Lauder memorial was run on the Beith road . Started at bench outside Bird in Hand Hotel ( inscription reads rest and be thankful)  went out through Howwood to turn at roundabout at Lochwinnoch road end . Retraced to finish back at start. A hilly course which was won regularly in 70s with a low 23 or odd high 22. This course and Lugton course were the standard in 60s-70s and was used a few times in 80s . The bypass made it a right turn back into howwood and this was the end of the course , it started to go out of favour when pedestrian crossing was installed at High school but was used with a marshall for memorial event . Frank Lauder was killed riding course when he collided with a milk tanker ( 50s or early 60s ) and memorial trophy was made in his honour .
Kenny MacD

Frank Lauder memorial was run on the Beith road . Started at bench outside Bird in Hand Hotel ( inscription reads rest and be thankful)  went out through Howwood to turn at roundabout at Lochwinnoch road end . Retraced to finish back at start. A hilly course which was won regularly in 70s with a low 23 or odd high 22. This course and Lugton course were the standard in 60s-70s and was used a few times in 80s . The bypass made it a right turn back into howwood and this was the end of the course , it started to go out of favour when pedestrian crossing was installed at High school but was used with a marshall for memorial event . Frank Lauder was killed riding course when he collided with a milk tanker ( 50s or early 60s ) and memorial trophy was made in his honour .
Kenny MacD

Cal Mac announce special ticket scheme between themselves and Western Ferries during Wemyss Bay regeneration work.
checkout Calmac FB page for details    cant get link to paste

Tommy Neilson a former member sadly passed away last week , he is survived by his son Ian and daughter Sylvia. Sylvia was a member of our very succesfull ladies team when she raced winning Scottish medals. Ian was a hillclimb / roadman who won many club and open events. The funeral takes place on Tuesday 2pm at Woodside crematorium in Paisley . Please spread the word so any older members who knew them can attend.
Tommy lived in Linwood and for many years was a regular on the roads in Renfrewshire and a stalwart of the Cloch drum up when he retired . He supported club at many events throughout the years both social and sporting.

Richie we used to have a library of books at clubrooms where people signed them out and returned when read , not sure if its still there but could be resurrected if not currently being utilised.

Harry Tweed Jnr. has started a facebook page on all things relating to Scottish cycling history. If you havent seen it worth a visit its called :-  all bikes .
I will be posting some club pictures results etc from the past.
Kenny MacD
 

Members of an older age will recall me videoing riders on road and TT bikes each winter at turbo sessions . Playing back views from all angles helps riders see quickly not just position on bike but pedalling technique . We had a stock of mirrors also at that time collected from jumble sales which riders used to do own set up checks. The aforementioned Drew Wilson never trained without a mirror ( maybe that is why he runs a bikefit business now ? ) He would also ask for copies of his bikefit sessions to take home and analysis. Drew also does wind tunnel testing so something to consider for a group session ?

Members of an older age will recall me videoing riders on road and TT bikes each winter at turbo sessions . Playing back views from all angles helps riders see quickly not just position on bike but pedalling technique . We had a stock of mirrors also at that time collected from jumble sales which riders used to do own set up checks. The aforementioned Drew Wilson never trained without a mirror ( maybe that is why he runs a bikefit business now ? ) He would also ask for copies of his bikefit sessions to take home and analysis. Drew also does wind tunnel testing so something to consider for a group session ?

Members of an older age will recall me videoing riders on road and TT bikes each winter at turbo sessions . Playing back views from all angles helps riders see quickly not just position on bike but pedalling technique . We had a stock of mirrors also at that time collected from jumble sales which riders used to do own set up checks. The aforementioned Drew Wilson never trained without a mirror ( maybe that is why he runs a bikefit business now ? ) He would also ask for copies of his bikefit sessions to take home and analysis. Drew also does wind tunnel testing so something to consider for a group session ?

42 ring was the most favoured as it was easy to aquire   and I recall winning using a variety of cogs from 17 - 21 depending on weather conditions.
When it was run in conjunction with Regent I know Steven McGinty won using fixed regularly and quite a small gear on one occassion 42 x 23 . Most top club riders went sub 1:40 to win trophy with Pat Boyle , Ian Neilson,John Fitzpatrick, Rick Stephen and myself going sub 1:30 on a few occassions plus Steven McGinty sub 1:30 on a few occassions and equalling record of 1:26 at that point .The record of 1:26 at that time was held by Jim Speirs a long time member of the club and he was presented with the old trophy when it was replaced as it was full . In past fixed was the choice for all hill climbs open , nat champs etc , and still is used regularly in British champs. The winner of Scottish champs at Lyle Hill in Greenock was DQd for not having brakes on his bike a few years ago. One inspired club rider took his seat pillar/saddle off to lighten his bike , he fell off at the first corner LOL
On another occassion my brother punctured twice and won the junior with his 3rd. attempt up the climb. I broke my chain 3/4 of way up and  got a rerun on mechanical grounds also  to win on second attempt. Worst conditions I ever experienced were howling gale blowing downhill along with torrential rain which meant rivers running down hill  and best was howling gale blowing you up hill when everyone did PBs

42 ring was the most favoured as it was easy to aquire   and I recall winning using a variety of cogs from 17 - 21 depending on weather conditions.
When it was run in conjunction with Regent I know Steven McGinty won using fixed regularly and quite a small gear on one occassion 42 x 23 . Most top club riders went sub 1:40 to win trophy with Pat Boyle , Ian Neilson,John Fitzpatrick, Rick Stephen and myself going sub 1:30 on a few occassions plus Steven McGinty sub 1:30 on a few occassions and equalling record of 1:26 at that point .The record of 1:26 at that time was held by Jim Speirs a long time member of the club and he was presented with the old trophy when it was replaced as it was full . In past fixed was the choice for all hill climbs open , nat champs etc , and still is used regularly in British champs. The winner of Scottish champs at Lyle Hill in Greenock was DQd for not having brakes on his bike a few years ago. One inspired club rider took his seat pillar/saddle off to lighten his bike , he fell off at the first corner LOL
On another occassion my brother punctured twice and won the junior with his 3rd. attempt up the climb. I broke my chain 3/4 of way up and  got a rerun on mechanical grounds also  to win on second attempt. Worst conditions I ever experienced were howling gale blowing downhill along with torrential rain which meant rivers running down hill  and best was howling gale blowing you up hill when everyone did PBs

42 ring was the most favoured as it was easy to aquire   and I recall winning using a variety of cogs from 17 - 21 depending on weather conditions.
When it was run in conjunction with Regent I know Steven McGinty won using fixed regularly and quite a small gear on one occassion 42 x 23 . Most top club riders went sub 1:40 to win trophy with Pat Boyle , Ian Neilson,John Fitzpatrick, Rick Stephen and myself going sub 1:30 on a few occassions plus Steven McGinty sub 1:30 on a few occassions and equalling record of 1:26 at that point .The record of 1:26 at that time was held by Jim Speirs a long time member of the club and he was presented with the old trophy when it was replaced as it was full . In past fixed was the choice for all hill climbs open , nat champs etc , and still is used regularly in British champs. The winner of Scottish champs at Lyle Hill in Greenock was DQd for not having brakes on his bike a few years ago. One inspired club rider took his seat pillar/saddle off to lighten his bike , he fell off at the first corner LOL
On another occassion my brother punctured twice and won the junior with his 3rd. attempt up the climb. I broke my chain 3/4 of way up and  got a rerun on mechanical grounds also  to win on second attempt. Worst conditions I ever experienced were howling gale blowing downhill along with torrential rain which meant rivers running down hill  and best was howling gale blowing you up hill when everyone did PBs

42 ring was the most favoured as it was easy to aquire   and I recall winning using a variety of cogs from 17 - 21 depending on weather conditions.
When it was run in conjunction with Regent I know Steven McGinty won using fixed regularly and quite a small gear on one occassion 42 x 23 . Most top club riders went sub 1:40 to win trophy with Pat Boyle , Ian Neilson,John Fitzpatrick, Rick Stephen and myself going sub 1:30 on a few occassions plus Steven McGinty sub 1:30 on a few occassions and equalling record of 1:26 at that point .The record of 1:26 at that time was held by Jim Speirs a long time member of the club and he was presented with the old trophy when it was replaced as it was full . In past fixed was the choice for all hill climbs open , nat champs etc , and still is used regularly in British champs. The winner of Scottish champs at Lyle Hill in Greenock was DQd for not having brakes on his bike a few years ago. One inspired club rider took his seat pillar/saddle off to lighten his bike , he fell off at the first corner LOL
On another occassion my brother punctured twice and won the junior with his 3rd. attempt up the climb. I broke my chain 3/4 of way up and  got a rerun on mechanical grounds also  to win on second attempt. Worst conditions I ever experienced were howling gale blowing downhill along with torrential rain which meant rivers running down hill  and best was howling gale blowing you up hill when everyone did PBs

Spied 2 wheelers in Ian Milnes video from Skye sportive shared on club facebook

Why drop anything ? Add them to existing calendar if there is a demand. Ifnot supported next year they can removed again. If you can get volunteer timekeepers run as many confined events aspossible to cater for all riders. In past APRs were popular so we ran them regular and even a series of hill climbs on a variety of climbs for a few years.l

Ideally a closed road circuit where multiple races can be held back to back ( we need an Ingliston in the West) this would allow beginners women races as well as Vets categories. Paul and Mul will remember when we ran a series of crits at Glengarnock when the surface was good . Different club running events weekly . The circuit was fast safe and very tough to get a breakaway , tough uphill finish toward Beith road to sort out finishers. Mul will also remember plans for closed road circuit at Linwood sports centre from early days of Jets. They have a circuit in Jersey where this type of racing takes part weekly . Its in a local park and when the flags are flying dog walkers ,joggers etc know to keep roadway clear . Maybe a dream but so was a Velodrome a few years ago . Good to see WOSCA moving forward with the help of Mr Mulhooligan well done !!

Ideally a closed road circuit where multiple races can be held back to back ( we need an Ingliston in the West) this would allow beginners women races as well as Vets categories. Paul and Mul will remember when we ran a series of crits at Glengarnock when the surface was good . Different club running events weekly . The circuit was fast safe and very tough to get a breakaway , tough uphill finish toward Beith road to sort out finishers. Mul will also remember plans for closed road circuit at Linwood sports centre from early days of Jets. They have a circuit in Jersey where this type of racing takes part weekly . Its in a local park and when the flags are flying dog walkers ,joggers etc know to keep roadway clear . Maybe a dream but so was a Velodrome a few years ago . Good to see WOSCA moving forward with the help of Mr Mulhooligan well done !!

This is the big one in terms of Short Distance Championships within the club .
categories usually include Juvenile , Junior , Senior . Ladies , Veteran 40 , 50 ,60 and H/Cap hope weather is kind to you and we see a good turnout for first Club Championship of the year
Kenny MacD

Courses used in past as alternatives to Georgetown
a) start at entrance to road leading to Chivas bond on outskirts of Gateside , head south to turn left onto Lugton road .
Head East to turn left at Canny Man ( Parrafin Lamp) and head toward Beith finish at Gateside sign approx 7mile.
Was used for chocolate series a few years ago.
1 lap of Barrmill circuit start and finish at old social club art RNAD. In reality you can start and finish a variety of locations on circuit
c) Start at entrance to Gleddoch hotel head to turn at Houston r/b retrace to finish at bottom of climb to Gleddoch approx 7 miles
d) start at top of hill on RNAD Barrmill circuit just before the left turn on the circuit at Barrmill village ( heading in opposite direction from normal ) head toward Dalry and turn left at B707 head South to turn left onto Lugton road . Thru Burnhouse and turn left onto Barrmill road finish at Barrmill sign approx 7 mile This was used as a road race circuit when I ran the LVRC easter stage race
These are a a few options used successfully in past
Kenny MacD