Dougie Da Rosa

Shaz,this trip looks awfy popular.Spoke to Brian Smith tonight at coaching and confirmed his intention to come along,but as he is so busy just now doesnt get time to reply to you.Please include him along wi' myself,Stevie Blom and Martin Mullholland.I agree it would be a good idea to get together soon to discuss and maybe get deposits from folk so as your not let down.Cheers,Dougie. :wink:

Thats me cleared it with the boss so Im in if you can find space. 8)

Im thinking about it.

For me Friday is not the best of nights to be out of the house.I would prefer either a monday or thursday if possible.I have made arrangements for being there this Friday as I do not wish to miss any of the info Brian is giving.

Not a problem to me either as long as we get sufficient notice.

Al.I take on board what you are saying but agree to a point.I said I had noticed a difference and this I most defiitely have.It only took me maybe three rides to and from work thinking about it and concentrating and now I feel it is second nature,be patient.If you think for one minute that I ride through Govan thinking about anything other than getting through the place asap then you need to try it,what a place!!

If anyone is thinking of buying Graeme Obrees book then can I make a suggestion?.If you visit the official website you can request a signed copy of the book even with a personal message for 10 pounds.I am going to the Fundraising dinner on Friday night and can collect them for you,no Im not paying too!Let me know if you require me to do so.

I couldn't agree more with what has been said.Everyone should come along at least once as Brian is giving up his valuable time and deserves support even in the way of a donation however small towards the Braveheart Cycling fund.Do not think that if you do not compete that you shouldn't come along as even setting your bike up correctly can make a massive difference,so see you at next seminar.

Well done folks.Gerry have you seen the baby Colnago's that they sell?!! If not Martin M has one!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck.

So 7 of us headed out on a lovely crisp morning to climb the Ross and then back over the String.Up out of Brodick or as Harry's story ends (Braw-Dick)ask him yourself,Harry and I at the front controlling the pace with everyone else sitting proud we must have looked like an Alky Anonymous day out on bikes.We turned onto the Ross and upwards,OH MY GOD that hurt and it showed on the faces and the speed at which we slowed had to be seen to be believed,that's what a night on the bevvy and a big brekkie do to you,not to mention the 90 miles the previous day.Darryl and Scott took off followed by Mark and Ian,Craig,myself and Harry.Mark kindly dropped back to give Craig and I a wheel,cheers man.I got a wee breather then strangely caught Ian who had dropped his Oakley nose piece trying to take off his specs and couldn't get clipped back in again.We met the fast two at the top and regrouped to decide route as time was not on our side for ferry times.We decided to head back down and head round coast before going back to hotel.On the climb out of Lamlash I found a lovely pair of Oakley glasses which I was well chuffed with until Ian claims them as his in cafe,they had fallen out his pocket going uphill,that's why I let him go in front you see!!Back at hotel we discover I have made dog's dinner of ferry time and have to wait for next boat so we just had to go to sauna,steamroom and pool to kill time while dreaming of long days on bikes.We caught the 2 o'clock ferry back and within an hour and a half of leaving Ardrossan everyone was home safe and sound,and tired.We covered 145 miles at the weekend ate and drank a load had many laughs and general opinion was......When are we coming back? Watch this space folks!! Special thanks to..Ironman for your company on saturday and for towing us to boat,Martin for taking our bags in your car,our respective partners for allowing us away and to all the attendees for a blast. Apologies to Mrs M and family for not returning Martin on time and to Stevie's mum for not returning her boy in the health in which he left you!! Thanks also to you for taking the time to read this wee story,but believe me when I say.......YOU DIDNAE HALF MISS YERSEL'

After weeks of confusion,deliberation and polite discussion(disagreement!)9 hardy souls made it onto the ferry for Arran at 9.30 on saturday.The day began with a 7.30 departure from the Bird.We were joined on the ride by Ironman Crombie who obviously had been kicked out of bed because no-one in their right mind would be out at that time in late October.Once of the ferry we dropped our bags at hotel and set off round island.Before we began to climb the Boguillie the rain started but undettered we battled on and at times it was quite painfull on the face,not that Darryl noticed as he smoothly clicked the gears and turned the pedals until I shouted first to top buys the first round!that soon put paid to his heroics.Alongside him Scott,Mark and Ian moved ever closer to the top,followed by Martin,myself,Craig and Harry who just slid(quite literally)off the back.We waited at the top for Harry who on arrival smiled and then proceeded to give us a lesson in descending the Demon Way!.Next stop was Catacol bay for lunch which was well earned due to rain and mileage covered since brekkie.Soup and sandwiches were order of the day washed down with some alchohol which I do not recommend when riding a bike uphill later.After this we made great pace around island with everyone working their wet socks off at the thought of 'more drrrrrink'at the hotel.The climbs out of Whiting Bay and Lamlash were particularly unpleasant but the style of this bunch had to be admired for their teamwork,so much so that Im sure Stevie was asked by the Hen Party in Macks Bar if we were Pro's when actually I think half of them could well have been!! if you know what I mean?.We had grand food that night at great prices washed down with Arran Blondes and Arran Darks(that Hen Party again you ask!).We haeded back to the hotel for the Australian theme night which was awesome,the place was bouncing,the drink was flowing and we were in awe at some of the sights which our bleary eyes had to contend with.Ithink last to bed was Martin as he spent so much on booze he couldn't afford his room,or make it out next morning on his bike.He used the excuse of a cold but he seemed alright earlier in the day skipping up those hills,eh Martin?As for Stevie B he was drinking and smoking like a beagle in a laboratory so no surprise he stayed in too,he said it was to watch some game on the telly played by men with odd shaped balls!! continued.....

:? :twisted: Hmmmmmm?Will think about it.

Right thank Ugo for that!! :wink: (Ugo De Rosa that is,GOD).We are sorted. 6 riders leaving B in H at 7.30,meeting Martin and Ian at ferry,(Mark Logan coming along for ride?).Big Harry will meet us on Arran later.I knew we would get there eventually.Dont forget your speedo's if you want a swim or a sauna!!

Guys,further to Scott's message he mentions riding along A737.Is it just me or is that not a great idea as that road is a bit of a bummer at the best of times?Darryl and Alfredo,have you guys rode to ferry before and if so how long did it take?and would we be safe leaving at 8 for 9.35 boarding?Harry is planning on making 12.30 boat as he is out on friday night and doesn't fancy an early start,and will meet us on island.Dougie.

My preference is to ride to ferry and get round island including a lunch stop.If this means leaving at 8 if this is enough time to catch early ferry then so be it.Has anyone not given their shout yet?

Ian,the first train to Ardrossan is at 11.15 from Glasgow on saturday.It connects with ferry mentioned previously.Are bike numbers not limited on trains these days?unfortunately as it is now winter timetables for trains and feries we are a bit limited for times which limits our riding time.Harry Lambie reckons we leave B.I.H. at 9.30 for 12.30 train,arrive in Brodick,dump gear then ride over Strang before chillin' out in hotel.Sunday is a pain as we need to get 12.30 boat as next one is 16.30 and will almost be dark then.

Can I have some feedback please on whether you would like to catch ferry at 12.30 which would allow riding to Ardrossan but due to time would not allow time to ride round island,or taking some cars to ferry at 9.30 and riding round island. I am easy but would prefer to ride round island,so at a push if we dont have cars then I would ride to ferry too.Does that make sense? :?

That's it folks we finally have the 9 members required to fill the accomodation.With late entries from Mr Mullholland,Craig Leckie and Happy Harry Lambie we are making final arrangements with the local constabulary to ensure that we are put on a ferry to return home sometime next sunday!! I will check ferry times and post a message this wek soon about fery times and departure details.As mentioned before it would be good to meet up with other members for a wee ride around Arran either Saturday or Sunday if you fancy it?,just let us know so that we can make arrangements,Cheers,Dougie.

Thanks Darryl I will give Mark a ring tomorrow night.I take it you are getting better by the day?

We still need another two bodies for Arran on 25th,if we dont get anyone then we will have to draw straws and Martin Mullholland will be getting the short one!!!

Wait till I read that again,David Millar riding a race in Scotland in May,great,but what if it rains will he still turn up?!

Can I have two and a half as my wee dog loves a good night out too!!

Kenny,here goes with my tuppence worth. a)I got a wee tingle down my spine at the thought. b)Would give me target to train for through winter. c)Am in process of reading Lance's training book! d)Would justify to my wife my rather expensive steed!!! e)Would like to be part of strong team representing club at these events and a workhorse for team-mates with greater finishing potential than myself. f)Even in adversity I can manage a smile Right that's my shout in.

Lucky sod's.Will keep an eye oot fur yeez on the telly.

As you are all an honest looking bunch I wont require your deposit just nowas I will get it from you on departure :? .As it stands we have Myself,Stevie Blom,Scott D,Iain Manson,Martin Mulholland, Darryl and Alfredo Binda(who are you anyway?)all signed up.We need two more or one will have to pull out or be chopped off list which I hope we dont get to.Any questions please dont hesitate to ask me and I will do my best to ignore them!! .Could Alfredo please contact me privately so that I know who you are? Thanks,Dougie.