jamesdunlop

Well despite the very heavy rain this was still a great run. I thought originally that the roads would be busy but the event was mostly on minor roads which were virtually traffic free. (Maybe the extreme weather warning put some drivers off though). I was thoroughly soaked by the time I rode to the JWCC club hut TO START THE EVENT but with a few others I was off at 08.00hrs, The only problem I was aware of was a large explosion on the descent of the Crow Road, which was Gerry McCartney and his tandem partner's front tyre. This sadly took them out of the event, as the best was still to come. I was very glad of the cuppa at Fintry control, and I should also go back to the Tourist Board shop in Aberfoyle and apologise for leaving a trail of water from the door to the counter, where I also left a large puddle, as I got my very soggy card stamped. (Same story at the cafe in Drymen, where I slithered across their wooden floors leaving a trail of water that must have looked like they had been visited by 'the creature from the black lagoon'). The Duke's Pass was more like a river, with dislodged stones across the road in places making the climb more interesting. A tour of Loch Katrine followed. I actually thought I was riding up a feeder stream at one time, until I saw one of the feeder streams! Can't see Glasgow being short of water this year. The scenery was spectacular, despite the rain. I had no real problems except that my route card got so wet it started to disintegrate and I had slight problems route finding on the back roads to Jamestown. Hopefully everyone else got back within the time limit and there were no other incidents. My thanks to Campbell, George and Dave for organisation and support. I hope to be back for another shot at it next year. (I'm off to shake some more water out of my bike and change the paper in my shoes).

Yup. Very fast night despite the conditions. You didn't mention the thunder and lightening. I was worried about Colin's umbrella acting as a conductor as we stood on the finish line. Glad you were holding it Colin! Anyway the times were... Distance 10 17.5 25 1st Ian Grant 21.14 37.12 52.38 2nd Stevie Blom 22.05 38.16 54.00 3rd Jim Daly 23.23 39.54 56.12 4th Mike Ferguson 24.34 43.14 1.01.41 Excellent rides despite very wet conditions. Well done to all. A quick mention also for Frank Kennedy who turned up at the last minute and bravely decided to ride despite the rain having turned to a deluge by then. Unfortunately he punctured and did not finish. Special thanks to Colin who brought along a digital stop watch, and an umbrella. Cheers, Jim.

Stevie, 1st man off at 19.00hrs. Remember it's westferry, and not Uplawmoor as stated. See you there. Jim.

I'll volunteer for timekeeping for this if someone can get the watch to me. Either bring it along, or let me know where I can pick it up.

George, I can take a turn at the timekeeping on Tuesday 20th, and I should also be available for the 3rd June, as I'll be just back from holiday then. Could someone bring the watches to the event or drop them off for me. John's bike shop in Johnstone would be handy for me if they will not be at the event. Cheers, Jim.

This sounds good to me Kenny, I'll be along on Thursday. Cheers, Jim.

Sean, Sorry, I can't commit to buying these right now, so if you get another buyer don't keep them for me. I will probably be upgrading later in the year, but can't justify it just now. Cheers, Jim.

For those of you who are coming to the wedding reception of Louise and I on Friday 23.02.07 there will be a bus leaving Ludovic Square, (Johnstone's second square just down from the police office and next to the baths) at 18.15hrs. It will then pick up at Old Sneddon St right outside Paisley railway station, at 18.30hrs. Then finally at Glasgow west end right outside Partick police office, at 19.00hrs, getting to Culcreuch Castle for 20.00hrs. The celebration will be a celidh, with a buffet at 22.00hrs. The bus will leave Culcreuch around midnight, and return, dropping off at the various pick up points. Please let me know if you are coming, and if you require transport, where you will be boarding the bus. The bus is a modern single decker coach, and will not be an antique as originally planned. Thanks. Jim.

For those of you who are coming to the wedding reception of Louise and I on Friday 23.02.07 there will be a bus leaving Ludovic Square, (Johnstone's second square just down from the police office and next to the baths) at 18.15hrs. It will then pick up at Old Sneddon St right outside Paisley railway station, at 18.30hrs. Then finally at Glasgow west end right outside Partick police office, at 19.00hrs, getting to Culcreuch Castle for 20.00hrs. The celebration will be a celidh, with a buffet at 22.00hrs. The bus will leave Culcreuch around midnight, and return, dropping off at the various pick up points. Please let me know if you are coming, and if you require transport, where you will be boarding the bus. The bus is a modern single decker coach, and will not be an antique as originally planned. Thanks. Jim.

Some of you will know that Louise and I have decided to end seven happy years of co-habiting by getting married on Friday 23rd February 2007 at Culcreuch Castle in Fintry. I would like our old (and not so old) friends to come along to the celebration which will start at 20.00hrs that night in the castle. As I am too miserable to send out personal invitations, I would like you all to know that you are invited, and that there will be a bus available on the night picking up from Johnstone, Paisley, and Glasgow's west end,and returning after the event. Please spread the word, and let me know if you can make it, and if you are bringing a wife/husband/partner so that I know numbers for the evening. Once I know numbers I will confirm the times and pick up points for the bus. Hope to see you there (and at the presentation dance). Jim Dunlop

Kenny, This was a very bad year for me. Have a look at Jim's book of excuses pages 27, 49, and 148. I did very little after the Larbert A.P.Rs. I did two 25s, best was on 30.05.04 (Championship) when I did 1.01.05. No 10s, or much else. Anyway, here's to 2005! Jim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KENNY, I know It's late but would you have seven tickets left? If so I'll send you an S.A.E. or call by with a cheque. (Three couples and one O.A.P.)....No, I'm not the O.A.P.! Jim Dunlop ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE OF YOU. SEE YOU SOON , JIM&LOUISE.

KENNY, COULD I RESERVE SIX TICKETS FOR THE PRESENTATION DANCE? I'LL LET YOU KNOW ASAP IF I NEED MORE. TA. JIM DUNLOP