Craig

Stevie you don't have to go to Switzerland to get this stuff, in fact your Italian mate could have helped you out! In most countries, apart from Italy, EPO has strict prescribing licences - in short it is usually only given to those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer (they cannot make any red blood cells) or those with kidney failure (they cannot make any red blood cells either). So, the point of this is The number of EPO prescriptions per annum in the UK and France are about 20% of those in Italy. The populations are comparable, Italy is in fact smaller. So Italy has the greatest availabillity of EPO, but a decreased need for it! Brian, it is good to hear your views on doping and as an ex pro (you not me) it must rile you to hear people saying such things. I read an article by Jaque Anquetiel's brother (may have been Bobet's brother, but anyway) , who is a journalist and was a little known pro, no where near as good as his brother. As most people know Jaque was overt in vocalising his use of stimulants and other potions. His brother thought this was wrong - talking about it rather than actually doing it. When asked why he retorted. "If a person uses drugs that is their problem and they should deal with it. I have never used drugs in my cycling, but no one will believe that. I and other cyclists are robbed of our innocence when someone does this." On the other hand, as a cycling fan it is hard to know what to think when Alex Zulle said "Of course I use EPO I am a professional cyclist"

Thanks for guest spot gents. Some truly bad weather was experienced and I was thankful of the heated seats in the car on the way home. Craig

Cheers Stephen I'll see you there. Thanks for the description of the course, just to check is it to the west or east of Beith? Scott- do you think you'll make it up in time? Craig

I'll be there Craig PS that is assuming that I can get a start - Scott said the event is not limited to JWCC only?

Etape du tour of Scotland would be fantastic - they get 1500 entrants in the Wicklow 200 each year, if this could be organised with partial road closures and good marshalling it would be a huge event for Scottish cycling. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scott how do you go about pursuing this? Presumably there is now a crime reference number that you give to the BCF. If the police were at the scene and took details of the crash site etc then it should be apparent from the report what happened and the woman should be charged with a traffic offence. Do you have to contact the police to say that you wish to have the matter reported to the procurator fiscal and want charges to be brought to the driver? There should also be an A&E report and reference number that the BCF lawyers will probably want. Lastly, did you get her insurance details? Presumably it is them that will pay the bill and therefore the matter should be brought to their attention, either by yourself or the BCF lawyers. I think you should pursue this, although I appreciate that life is short, this may be a hassle and in the end will it make a difference? I think it will make a difference in quite a few ways - people will see it as an example and it may encourage them to report dangerous driving towards cyclists more often. It may pave the way for more complaints if you are subsequently able to offer more advice on how others can bring complaints. This woman will undoubtedly alter her behaviour in response to this incident, especially if she is charged. Remember the brick throwing incident in Port Glasgow and the concerted effort that we all made to report the behaviour of the locals to the police? There was definitely a plus side to all that hassle. In short I think it is worth it and I am keen to help in any way Craig ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If there is a reliability run this Sunday, and I make it in time, I'll bring the DVD with me - Blue Ribble bike. Craig ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have it on tape - still to check the DVD. They could have made it a 2-3hour epic, but it only lasted half an hour. It's amazing how slow a cadence he uses, it makes him look as though he's going really slow, and yet there is 32mph on the clock. An individual! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scott the video is in the machine, and the recorder is set. I also have someone in work primed to record with a DVDR, but I cannot guarantee this medium. I do not look forward to that run round the trossachs. Why did I stop cycling again, oh yes, it was that bricking I got in Port Glasgow. May see you at the weekend if the new arrival has not made an appearance between now and then. Craig ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dougie, Scott is so up to date he doesn't have a video recorder, they are so last generation. At least he'll be able to tell us exactly where he is, what his heart rate is and how many watts he is creating when he is missing the program. Sorry Scott, couldn't resist it. Craig Hope the hotel facilities are to the full 4 stars. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a documentary on the great man and his machines - BBC1 10.30pm Tuesday 8th Feb. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For all your computer needs, spares & repairs - PC Express, Love Street, Paisley 0141-561-0323 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------