David McKellar

In case anyone is looking for a cafe stop in Lochwinnoch the Scotland Gym complex appears to have closed and the cafe and bar with it. (This is where the Don Smith was held last year.) The only other cafe in Lochwinnoch is the one at the cross in the village.

I will not be available for any runs for the next 4 weeks is there anyone willing to take over this bunch for the rest of December and the first Sunday in January. I am also unavailable to take Aileen out on the tandem over this period so if anyone wants to help out piloting for Aileen send her a PM.

I will be at the clubroom at 9.30 going out with Aileen on the tandem for a 3 hour run. Easy winter pace steady run

Just a reminder that the webite for entries to this event opens at midnight on Sunday 2 December. The dates are Bealach Mor (the big one) Saturday 6th September 2008 and Bealach Beag (the wee one) Saturday 10th May 2008. The event sold out very quickly this year and will probably do so again. http://bealach-na-ba.co.uk/bealach-na-ba/event_BNB.htm

Kenny Hope you get back to full fitness real soon, I have to admit that when we got the phone call from big Alan on Saturday afternoon for a nano second some of the bunch thought it was a wind up. But then we said no they would be more likely to tell us that the car had caught fire and all our gear had been burned to ashes See you back on the bike

With the Wanlochhead run only one week away lets try and get some miles under our belts but at a gentle pace. The plan is to head out over the bridge and head for sunny Helensburgh but with a twist . Then over Sinclair Street and back via Balloch. Usual 9.30 start with anyone meeting at the bridge around 10.15, after last week I will be bringing my sun block

I know that you are reading this blog because you have a love a bikes and all thing cycling that is why I am not going to make any comment on the link to this BBC news website. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scot ... 095134.stm

Aileen and Ellen were the fastest qualifiers in the 3km pursuit in 3:40 and were up against the New Zealanders in the final. Despite windy conditions in the afternoon they managed to get into the same straight as them and just maintained that to the end and won the gold medal. A bit slower in the final, 3:45. Well another step on the rung towards China next year.

Just a reminder that the second group of spin classes starts at Linwood Sports Centre at 7.30 Wednesday 14th November and continues for the next 6 weeks. These classes are a great workout to help you keep up your fitness level during the winter. We have been averaging around 12 to 14 per class and the are enough bikes to take up to 20. You will need a drink and a towel. The new bikes have double sided pedals, SPD (mountain bike) pedals on one side and flat pedals with toe clips and straps on the other. The classes are designed for cyclist and are great fun while being a good workout. Wives, family and friend all welcome, remember and excess money goes into club funds. Why not come along and try out the first night before you decide to sign up for all six classes. Cost are £3.50 per class or £21 for all six.

A couple of stalwards were missing Dennis and Chung speculation that last week's long run had taken it's toll This meant that Jim D, Zdanik, Frank, Mike and yours truly set off for the Erskine Bridge. At the bridge we found Donald, Lesley and Campbell catching some rays in the bus shelter. Crossing over the bridge we joined up with Coroline, Steve, Ronnie, Sarah and Joyce so unlucky for 13 of us set off for Drymen and the sounthern Trossachs. Sun was out pace was just right for the time of year, no one looking to win gold everyone well behaved. A great run up to Drymen where a cafe stop was the democratic decision only Frank and Mike opting for the fast return over to the Queens View and back to Milnegavie. Graduation honours for Caroline, Joyce and Steve moving up from the 30 Milers. Rumour has it that the ladies day turn out is a precussor to Johnstone Wheelers ladies section spring training camp in a warmer location watch this space for more news

Aileen has just won the gold in the kilo with a PB of 1.09.9 unfortunately this will not be a new world record as the track has just been re-laid and not officially checked. The Germans were second 4.5 seconds behind and USA team were third. Aileen goes in the pursuit tomorrow.

Just a reminder to watch out for Aileen Mcglynn who is competing in the UCI Para-Cycling Pan-American Open Championships in Colombia from 8th to 18th of November. No doubt see her and Ellen picking up some more bling when they race this weekend. Wish her luck

Usual Sunday bunch starting off from the clubrooms at 9.30 depending on the weather plan to head north around the edge of the Trossachs. Anyone meeting at the bridge we will be there between 10.00 and 10.15 on the north side at the football pitches. Weather forecast for Sunday not too bad 9'C light winds chance of light showers. Steady winter run with some light climbing and the chance of a cafe stop

I will be out with Aileen on the tandem and will be at the clubrooms for 9.30 for a as yet to be determined route See you there

A kind of wet start may have dampend the spirts but still 10 of us set off from the clubrooms. Darryl, Simon, Mike, Campbell, Dennis, Jim D, Joyce, Caroline, Claire and myself set off for Ayrshire out to Howood and onto the track to Glengarnock by which time the consensus was to head out to Kilwinning and that Largs could wait for another day Trying to keep everyone in the wee ring we went over the climb and across the Dalry Rd the laddies section having opted for the shorter version by cutting off before the climb Good run back to the Bowfield and down into Howood to catch sight of the 30 miles on the Beith Rd and a pusuit ensued to catch up. I turned off before the clubrooms so don't know where they caught the bunch but I did catch sight of Kenny Mac and son turning off for home. Good to see Claire back on the bike again showing her hubby the way No Frank or Chung but they were out on Saturday with Aileen and me so no black marks All mudguards present and correct