P McDonald

Ok minor change of plan for the final. Slot 4, the sweeper role is up for grabs, step forward Charlie, Billy, Ginty, Colin or Andy.
And there is always the mibeez aye mibeez naw squad who might manage a last minute appearance Alan, Ian and George.
So many permutations, what call to make !
Must be terribly stressful being a DS

I knew if I made enough stupid suicide attacks one would pay off. First in scratch after attacking with 2.5 laps to go. Also 2nd in devil after sitting at the front for 24 laps, a tactic which works for someone with no sprint. Highly recommended coaching point.
 
Fine performance from the Jets in the youth/junior groups. Danny was podiumed out and the girls were  very strong amongst some really fast boys but could not quite hold on past about 20 laps of eyeballs out racing.

Enjoyable night in B1. First up 40 lap points, wasnt really in the race until about 6 laps to go when i attacked, ended up getting a good gap which was quickly closed down with a couple of laps to go but managed to hold it off on the line. However didnt get enough points for it to matter. Next a 16 lap scratch, couple of riders attacked from the gun, one of them only lasted a few laps and the other was about a half lap ahead. I was sure he was going to be brought back so i was too lazy and let others close it down while i was thinking about the sprint - however too many others were thinking the same so he managed to stay away. I was badly positioned for the sprint anyway so didnt make any difference. Last was an Olympic devil, rode it from the front for all but 1 lap until there were 3 of us left but by then had nothing left and quickly went backwards. However pleased with that considering my recent record in devils.

Jealous

So I have monitored bogs bunch progress and noted the form of our team. And it's time for the first assignment of the season. It's a bit of fun and gives a purpose to next Saturday's ride. If anyone at all uncomfortable with their role just tell me. For the sake of team you should let me know at Largs if you don't think you can do it.
 
Team mission - get Alex B over the line first at next Saturday's bogs bunch.
How it will be done,
First of all Iain, me, Alex, Alan to get in line 3km from home, in that order. Somewhere near back of remaining bunch.
Role 1 - Iain. The take control role. From approx 500m ( over the top of the final drag I think ) wind it up as hard as you can. You are responsible for pulling us to the front and bossing the bunch for 200m. Then drift to the side into the prevailing wind.
Role 2 - me. The final lead out. Sprint off Iain's wheel as hard as I would for the line. But I am going 150m earlier than I am able to sprint full out for. My job is to ensure no one can come up to challenge for the sprint and to give Alex an air pocket. Then drift off and leave Alex.
Role 3 - Alex. Nominated sprinter role. When you have luxury of lead out your responsibility is to come off the wheel at a point you believe you can accelerate all the way to the line. Difficult to gauge but only one way to find out. And fight every cm to the line.
Role 4 - Alan. Sweeper role. Job is to stay on Alex's wheel and not, absolutely not, let anyone else into the line. Same applies to me and Alex. Purpose is that anyone who latches on has at least 2 bike lengths to make up in the final 150m or so. When Alex goes you keep riding but do not sprint. Yes it's annoying for others but it's what a lot of the pro teams do. You have this role because you are not confident in your jumping gears !
 
Any other JWCC present in the final 2km has 3 options
 
1) wild card attack whenever you like to make someone else work
2) join in the train behind Alan to give double sweeper coverage
3) if you are feeling good join the train behind Iain and in front of me but you must let Iain know so he can start earlier. And be confident you can keep it stringed out for 200m
 
I believe we can do this. My only doubt can be summed up in two words. Greg O. He is capable of coming from 6 back to rip the sprint. I know how to deal with that and it would involve multiple attacks from the bottom of the Kilwinning drag to get him pumped but that would leave a very unpredictable and shredded bunch coming into the final so would not be as much fun and practice opportunity for the team.
 
So have think and make your commit either public or privately,
 
This plan is based on current predictable form so please do not take offence if I not included you in the specific roles. There are at least 4 guys I expect may be present and ready to slot in between Iain and me.
 

So I have monitored bogs bunch progress and noted the form of our team. And it's time for the first assignment of the season. It's a bit of fun and gives a purpose to next Saturday's ride. If anyone at all uncomfortable with their role just tell me. For the sake of team you should let me know at Largs if you don't think you can do it.
 
Team mission - get Alex B over the line first at next Saturday's bogs bunch.
How it will be done,
First of all Iain, me, Alex, Alan to get in line 3km from home, in that order. Somewhere near back of remaining bunch.
Role 1 - Iain. The take control role. From approx 500m ( over the top of the final drag I think ) wind it up as hard as you can. You are responsible for pulling us to the front and bossing the bunch for 200m. Then drift to the side into the prevailing wind.
Role 2 - me. The final lead out. Sprint off Iain's wheel as hard as I would for the line. But I am going 150m earlier than I am able to sprint full out for. My job is to ensure no one can come up to challenge for the sprint and to give Alex an air pocket. Then drift off and leave Alex.
Role 3 - Alex. Nominated sprinter role. When you have luxury of lead out your responsibility is to come off the wheel at a point you believe you can accelerate all the way to the line. Difficult to gauge but only one way to find out. And fight every cm to the line.
Role 4 - Alan. Sweeper role. Job is to stay on Alex's wheel and not, absolutely not, let anyone else into the line. Same applies to me and Alex. Purpose is that anyone who latches on has at least 2 bike lengths to make up in the final 150m or so. When Alex goes you keep riding but do not sprint. Yes it's annoying for others but it's what a lot of the pro teams do. You have this role because you are not confident in your jumping gears !
 
Any other JWCC present in the final 2km has 3 options
 
1) wild card attack whenever you like to make someone else work
2) join in the train behind Alan to give double sweeper coverage
3) if you are feeling good join the train behind Iain and in front of me but you must let Iain know so he can start earlier. And be confident you can keep it stringed out for 200m
 
I believe we can do this. My only doubt can be summed up in two words. Greg O. He is capable of coming from 6 back to rip the sprint. I know how to deal with that and it would involve multiple attacks from the bottom of the Kilwinning drag to get him pumped but that would leave a very unpredictable and shredded bunch coming into the final so would not be as much fun and practice opportunity for the team.
 
So have think and make your commit either public or privately,
 
This plan is based on current predictable form so please do not take offence if I not included you in the specific roles. There are at least 4 guys I expect may be present and ready to slot in between Iain and me.
 

Evening all, sounds like I missed a fantastic bogs bunch today. Just about over my man flu and will be there at 0945.
May have to sit in a bit for 5 miles as the only activity since last Sunday has been nose blowing

Was that not Johnny?

Bring some air and your pump this year Paul 😉

A good night at the track. Picked up 5th in the 12 lap sprint, would have done better but for the lack of a kick. Picked up 2 points in the points race by taking 3rd in the first sprint, didn't contest the second and couldn't get into place to contest the last two. Managed to stay in the devil for 16 laps by taking the front on the free lap and TT-ing my way round holding the front more or less until I got eliminated, feeling a bit hard done by there. A bit slower pace tonight as a few of the regulars had been promoted to the B's, and that probably helped a bit.

Enjoyable night in the Bs - first up 42 lap points, didnt contest the first couple of sprints then bridged to a break which fell apart pretty quick but got a 4th in one of the sprints. Just followed wheels after that. Next was a 16 lap scratch, really fast pace from the gun and things were strung out and i was getting shouted at by someone for losing the wheel in front by the second corner of the first lap! Pace continued to be fast and after about 5 laps or so a rider had got a gap and i looked round and realised i also had a bit of a gap too so pushed on, eventually caught him and we worked together for a bit. Caught with about 3 laps to go and I end up leading out the sprint then going backwards. Was rather painful!
 
Last was the Devil, first out. My recent record in the devil is awful, i used to do pretty well in it but the last 3 are 1st out, 2nd out, 1st out. Alan put in a good performance here staying in for most of it.

Richie got the sprint and well done to him. 'Twas very close. It just makes me more determined.
The very encouraging thing is that there were 4 x JWCC in the final selection of about 10 which means we should practice some attacking tactics and lead out plans for the final. Yes it's hard, yes you might blow, but it it will sort you out for road racing if that is your desire.
And there are a few more JWCC knocking on the door of being in the final.
Magnificent effort from Charlie who hung on all the way then put in a sustained cameo in the last couple of miles to string it out. ( yes Billy it was Charlie you should be afraid )
Andy and Alex both very strong and I reckon you guys held back just a little as you were not too sure of protocol etc. so next time you can get it all out. The rules about pace etc are that there are no rules from Kilwinning.

A very early post to say not me this Saturday. Newcastle bound with boat and athlete.
I have every confidence the JWCC contingent will make its mark as always

I'm up for 0945
Andy, I'm taking car to Johnstone as road still got quite a lot of slush which will freeze tonight.
Is route still up the wall at Port G as it might be better to go up the whin to avoid the wee back road which might well be ice and slush

I'm up for 0945
Andy, I'm taking car to Johnstone as road still got quite a lot of slush which will freeze tonight.
Is route still up the wall at Port G as it might be better to go up the whin to avoid the wee back road which might well be ice and slush

Ian there r worse things in life than getting a doing from an old man but just now can not think what they could be. Great day for me hung on till the end and that's a first

Despite the Armageddon conditions there was a bunch of over 20 who experienced the full range of Scottish winter with heavy rain, light rain, icy rain, sleety rain, driving rain and plain rain. There was the odd bit of sunshine too. Plenty JWCC present. The main roads were ok if you were carful however it was not an issue after Inchinnan as there was an almighty downpour which melted everything. Bunch stayed together to top of Kilwinning drag then rapidly disintegrated. By sprint time in Barrhead there were only 4 left !
Chapeau to all who found their inner Flandrian today and toughed it round

Billy, that's you got a TT bike, track bike, road bike & a cross bike.
 
Are you just going to keep going until you find a cycling discipline you are any good at?
 
Cycle polo bike must be next

Too much too soon I think. Sore, freezing, in agony... basically one of the hardest days on the bike. But glad I did it (I think)

Despite the Armageddon conditions there was a bunch of over 20 who experienced the full range of Scottish winter with heavy rain, light rain, icy rain, sleety rain, driving rain and plain rain. There was the odd bit of sunshine too. Plenty JWCC present. The main roads were ok if you were carful however it was not an issue after Inchinnan as there was an almighty downpour which melted everything. Bunch stayed together to top of Kilwinning drag then rapidly disintegrated. By sprint time in Barrhead there were only 4 left !
Chapeau to all who found their inner Flandrian today and toughed it round

Alan, front of sheriff court 0945 ? Then down Love St to swing bridge.

Correct race Alan. Don't know why entries not showing. Might be the organiser has not logged in and confirmed or something.
 
Best just get entered.
 

A few JWCC have entered Fenwick including me

I see in the calendar there is a race at Straiton 28th March for 3/4. Entry opens 25th Jan.
There is also a WOSCA race provisionally 29th March for 2,3,4 - not on BC yet.
Having ridden the 2,3,4 last year I would recommend the Straiton race to be much more viable.
The 2,3,4 was a bit beyond me, Andy and Colin last year.
However the conundrum is that 6 JWCC are guaranteed entry to the 2,3,4 as its a WOSCA. Not so the Straiton which will prioritise Ayrshire club riders.
If you feel flush and fit enter both.
I plan to enter the Straiton and if I don't get in I'm sure I'll dream up an Arran type challenge that weekend

I would wager the Czech style 'cross at Rouken Glen was more fun...