Dennis

Aileen and I will be leaving the clubrooms at 9.30 on the tandem for a 3 hour club run at 'soft tappin' pace. Anyone who is not looking for a longer or faster ride is welcome to join us. And who knows, there may be a customary visit to a cafe somewhere... Dennis

Riders were: West - Chung, David, Craig, Lesley, Donald, Kenny, Aileen, Kevin, Campbell, John Central - me, John C, Stephen, Alan, Darren, Brian, Grahame, Wilson East - Dave The bunch of 19 made its way from Blackwood to Glentress, via Lesmahagow, Coalburn, Sandilands, Carmichael, Tinto, Thankerton, Biggar, Skirling, Blyth Bridge, Meldons, Eddleston, Peebles, against a very cold north east wind. Helly Hansens, leg warmers and wind jackets were the order of the day. Two turned back at Biggar (family duties (John C, and bottom bracket problem, Alan), leaving 17 to complete the 100 miles (sorry, 99.2 according to Lesley - I always round up... ). We hit some light rain as we passed Tinto, and the normal beauty of the borders countryside was somewhat dulled by the cloudy weather. By the time we reached the Hub at 56 miles, some of us were actually shivering, especially the two guys who forgot their jackets. However, we were undaunted and, returning via Stobo, and following a cafe stop at Broughton at 70 miles, the sun came out and the whole tone of the day changed. Minds were set on the Wiston Big Hill at the 85 mile stage and those with legs 'were allowed' to go off and have a go, before regrouping at the top. Two of the objectives of the run were to keep the bunch together the whole way, and to try to finish as fresh as we were at the start. I would say both were met, but some may not quite agree with the second one. Somehow, this 100 miles did not feel like 100 miles. (ok, it was only 99.2!) Weather aside, this run was enjoyed by all and we all rode well together, taking turns at the front (including me ) and trying to ensure, with the usual fantastic banter, that the two main objectives were met. Speaking as one of Aileen's pilots, one of the revelations for me was the way in which Kenny and Aileen rode this run. The first 25 miles in particular were very lumpy and they were up there all the way. Not even off the saddle! It's always hard work on a tendem keeping up with a bunch on short steep hills and rises, where the pace fluctuates, but this did not appear to be any problem. Even the Big Hill didn't phase them, and any thoughts I may have had about 'just staying with the tandem' quickly went out the window! Well done to Kenny, as he only started riding the tandem last week! Kenny, you've got the job! 1600 bike miles with no punctures was good and, apart from the bottom bracket problem and a couple of jumping chains, we had no techy problems either. The lady running the third cafe stop says that she thoroughly enjoyed having this bunch of people for tea, soup and cakes! Roll on next year... Dennis

Hi Chung, p/c is ML11 9RS, but when you get here, turn from the main road left into Southfield Road, and not right into Vere Road. And don't worry, there are no farmyards.... Dennis

Yes, the weather is not going to be quite as hot as last week, but maybe that's a good thing in a way. I'm sure we will enjoy it, whatever the weather. We now have a bunch of 22 - 12 from JWCC, 4 from EKRC, 3 from RACC and 3 from the far east. We will be leaving at 9.30am to travel east, but don't be alarmed when we set off in a westerly direction. It's all to do with techy stuff, like road surfaces and mileage. For any strays on the M74, call 07775974982 or 01555 895 616. (Remember it'll take about 45 mins from Johnstone to Blackwood (as a guage) and we'll be setting off at 9.30. Best to aim for arriving at about 9 if you can. ) Looking forward to seeing you all and having a great day out. Dennis

Change that to 20 - three more from South Lanarkshire... Only 10 spaces left. Dennis

An update for Sunday. The number of confirmed riders is currently 17, including 11 from the Joansin: me Chung David Craig Lesley Donald Kenny C Aileen Kevin Campbell John plus 3 from South Lanarkshire and 3 from East Lothian It's not too late for more names... Dennis

Hi Billy, I won't be out tomorrow on the club run, but have a good one! Dennis

Thanks to Kenny C and Kevin for offering to help Aileen join us on this run. So far, there are about 15 in the bunch, from the Joansin, Royal Albert and the Dunbar area. Come on, let's make it a round 20, or even 30. If the EK guys can do it, we can do it! The 100 mile route has now been set in stone (with occasional bits of tarmac ) and has a new 12 mile start, otherwise it's the same as last year. Sections of the roads are twisty-turny, uppy-downy, with numerous long, flattish stretches, and the only big hill comes at the 84 mile stage. It's not a big hill, really. Not normally... I was over much of the route today (by car ) and the scenery is absolutely stunning at this time of year. So, if you are fit and really want to ride 100 miles, in scenery that equals in places the likes of France and Switzerland, and in user-friendly conditions, this is for you. Hope you can come along. More details in the first post above. Dennis

Yes, a Funday indeed. I think Martin and Tony were with us to the bridge too. When Ginty and Claire left us, I was in the act of changing a tube after puncturing. Managed to snap off the valve when blowing up the new tube, and had to change it again. Frank noticed that I was now losing the place big time and masterfully took over. The remaining six went into Killearn, along to Fintry and up the Crow Road backwards, so to speak. Mike and I let the others go and we re-grouped in Lennoxtown, after meeting bouts of heavy winds on the way up, and a superb descent on the other side. Great Cafe stop at Clachan of Campsie, then along to Strathblane, Bearsden, Bridge and home via Georgetown Road. Sixty seven miles in good company, dry weather and fine scenery when the eye remembered to look sideways. Dennis

Suggest leaving clubroom at 9.30am and heading for Crow Road and Fintry. Cafe-baggers' needs will be met. Any takers? Dennis

How about going down to West Kilbride by an inland route, then coming back right up the coast and home via Bishipton? Leave clubroom at 9.30am? Rainshowers are due at 11am and 1pm (under trees for the former and in a cafe for the latter?) Dennis

Great that you will be coming, Chung, and sorry if you can't make it, Simon. Good luck on the WHW, though; sounds great. I'll be out on the club run on the tandem with Aileen on Sunday, so hope to see you there. Dennis

A bit later than usual, and by popular demand, this year's run will be held on Sunday, 7th June. All are most welcome to come along for this run in fantastic Borders countryside. Free entry. Start - Blackwood Hall 9.30am To get there via M8 through Glasgow, switch to M73 then M74 till J8 Proceed 300 yards to Canderside Roundabout Turn left on B7078 3.5 miles to Blackwood Proceed past church and school on left to small crossroads at corner shop Turn left - Blackwood Hall is 100 yards up on the right [should take about 40 minutes from Johnstone to Blackwood on a Sunday morning] The route will take in Biggar, Broughton, Stobo, Meldons, Eddleston, then Peebles and the Hub cafe at Glentress - where lunch will be served (at your own expense). One of the main objectives of this run has been to keep the group together for the whole distance. It's an exercise in pacing, stamina and looking after each other, as well as enjoying the scenery, ra banter and meeting the objective! As usual, Morag said she will be laying on (free) soup and cakes afterwards - not to be missed! If you are interested in coming along, please post. Looking forward to seeing you on the day. Dennis

Hi Frank, Thanks for your post. However, I cannot now go out as planned anyway. I hope you have a good run and that the weather is kind. Dennis

Will be at clubrooms at 9.30 for a 50 mile run with, hopefully, a dry cafe stop. Dennis

Those with long memories may remember my wee effort way back in April when I 'used' the Blackwood/Peebles 100 mile run to kick off the fund-raising for this instrument. As some club members kindly donated to this fund, I have attached a link to a ‘photo showing me in a 'handing over' presentation at Wishaw General Hospital last week. The purchase and hand-over were delayed due to various difficulties relating to the charity that deals with the hospital, as well as the no small matter of VAT. In the end, I bought the cardio memo direct, for £565. The ‘photo shows the retiring consultant, Dr R Baxter (who sorted me out last year!), and some of his staff. The box containing the cardio memo is being presented by me to the recently appointed consultant, Dr C White. One of our club members, David Jack, has been able to obtain from his firm a further £500, which will be sent in due course to the charity, with a request that they use this money to buy a second cardio memo. Fantastic work, David! I understand that the hospital is the only one in Scotland, which has made these instruments available to patients with heart rhythm problems. They are used to record palpitations and 'faint conditions' at the time they occur, and to send the data down a 'phone line, in order that proper and immediate diagnosis can be made by the hospital. I raised money for this small project because the hospital did not have many cardio memos, otherwise my own treatment would have been much quicker. After that, I didn’t want someone else having to wait as long as I did. A BIG thank you to all who donated. Dennis http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj26 ... C_0015.jpg

Oops, just seen the forecast too - will play it by ear... Dennis

I'll be there for the 9.30 run - Largs might be ok. Dennis

I just posted without tinkin! Aileen and I will meet you at the Bridge at around 10am. You just can't keep people away from that Drymen cafe... Dennis

Great cafe in Drymen - I'll be there! Dennis

Your very own clubmate, Aileen McGlyn, will be on telly tonight - 'Pride of Britain' on ITV between 8 and 10 - possibly towards the end of the programme. Dennis

Only one real hill, huh? See you at the clubrooms. Dennis

I think the ferry cost was about £7 or £8, but can't remember for sure. The mileage from and to Wemyss Bay was 53 miles. Yes, it was a great day oot, right enough, and it took a while to recognise what the ball in the sky actually was. Dennis

to see a few pics from last Sunday, click on http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj26 ... pt%202008/ then click on 'slideshow' Dennis

Like the coo's tail, here are more pics of the great weekend we had in July. See Lesley's report of 7th July for the detail. Any pic with more than 5 riders was taken at Appin or on the way back to Oban. The others were taken on Mull. Sorry about the mixed up order. Dennis http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj26 ... in%202008/