Mick Boyle

I've just read Kenny's post about wee Wullie, what a real shame. Wullie was one of these guys who made going to drum ups a real joy and an education. You could listen to him for hours and was a guy who bridged the gap between the "old" days and what we thought back in the 70s was the modern age of cycling! A cheerier wee man you couldn't have wished to meet and a gentleman through and through. If you had to define the words "cyclist" and "Johnstone Wheeler" Wullie was your man. I'm just so sorry I didn't find out in time to go and pay my respects. Mick

Paul The feedback I'm getting is that my friend was not too impressed with the standard of driving, a bit crazy to be honest. If I picked her up correctly it seems that you can buy a driving license over there for 30 dollars or so, not sure about a test but it doesn't really inspire confidence.. She was in non-touristy areas but maybe it's safe to assume that they are all nut jobs. She didn't see many cyclists either on her travels. Hope this helps..... Mick

Hi Paul Happy New Year to you and everyone else. I have a Canadian friend who recently spent several months teaching in Mexico. She did a bit of travelling around so might have an idea of the standards of driving etc. I'll find out what I can. Cheers Mick

Damn! Just when I was going to make a comeback!! You must have known! Seriously, delighted to hear your news Kenny. Totally well deserved. Hope everything goes well for you on the Misty Isle. I'm sure there will be misty eyes when you go. Hopefully catch up before then.. Cheers!! Mick

Hi Kenny Could I have a cap and a pair of track mitts please? I'll give Pat the money to give to you at the Polo if that's ok. Cheers Mick

Has anyone had problems with their Pedal for Scotland registration? I entered on-line on 7th August and the money came off right away (funnily enough) but not a sausage since Guy at work entered long after me and got all his stuff through no problem last week. Tried emailing them last week but not a dickie bird. Just wondered if it's just me... ps next time the bunch is planning on heading through Milton of Campsie let me know and I'll get the kettle on Mick

Ouch! That sounds a bit nippy Kenny - hope you recover soon. Mick

Kenny You may not be able to answer this but is there any mention of how this fits in with the Glasgow Riderz youth cycling club which, as you know, has been going for a few years and is absolutely crying out for volunteers! Is this a new venture altogether or are we (Riderz) going to benefit from this? Maybe SC can answer this one? Last Saturday we had nineteen kids and only two trainee coaches. For anyone interested in helping out, Glasgow Riderz meets at 10am to 12 noon on Saturday mornings at Bellahouston Sports Centre at the bowling pavilion. Kids of all ages and abilities catered for. Mick

Thanks for the good advice guys, that's most appreciated. Mick

Looking for some help here, guys & gals, if any "older" riders out there can oblige. A colleague at work has asked me to help her find out information about her dad's cycling career. His name is Andy Stenhouse and according to his daughter was a member of the "Corkerhill Wheelers", a club I have never heard of (but I am only a young thing - no laughing, Mr Macdonald!) I would guess we would be talking about the Fifties/Sixties here. It seems that Andy was very particular about keeping all of his bits of paper, licences, medals. trophies etc safe and sound, but unfortunately the whole box full went missing at some time or other. His daughter is trying to piece things together without his knowledge, hopefully getting copies of licences although I doubt if that's possible? Andy lives in Linwood and still very active on the bike. If anyone knew him from those days or can piece anything together it would be really appreciated. You can send me a private message if you wish. Cheers Mick

Dennis I've never met you yet, friend, but have read of you. Sorry to hear of your illness and hope you make a quick recovery. From one Wheeler to another. Mick (even slower than Kenny Mac)

Robert, I'm being careful not to be too critical of the track because I know that a lot of work has gone into getting it to the stage it is at, but I have to agree with your sentiments a wee bit. I first had a look at the track a month or so ago from the grassy hill overlooking it. Now, I am not an expert on velodromes only having seen one (Newport) in 30 years cycling and have never ridden one yet, but my first thoughts were, "where are the bankings?" Granted the diggers were still in and a lot had still to be done so I assumed that it was early days.Maybe the bankings are there and you have to be on the track to see them I was a Bellahouston last weekend for the Youths circuit race and had a look at what stage it was at. And to answer your question, Yes, there is a kerb running round the inside. Whether this goes round all of the track or only on the bends I can't say, but should there be a kerb on a velodrome? It seems pretty obvious to me that for safety there should not be. Hopefully there is still work to be done that will sort that out. From initial anticipation of a great facility, I have to admit to an initial feeling of disappointment and the feeling that we may have missed a great opportunity here (hopefully not). Maybe I was expecting too much. I will be involved with the Saturday sessions with the Glasgow Riderz youth club based there so we will see how things transpire. Anyway, once the indoor velodrome is built we won't have to worry! Cheers Mick

Give them hell, Katrina!! A whole Nation will be pushing those pedals with you from start to finish! Looking forward to seeing that Saltire flying high and proud! Mick

In case anyone is interested, the film about the CSC team, "Overcoming", is on at the GFT this weekend. It's being shown as part of the Glasgow Film Festival, showings at 8.30pm tomorrow (Friday 17th) and 4.45pm on Saturday 18th. Lots of weird & wonderful films being shown. Just make sure you pick the right one or you could find yourself on a journey of self discovery awakening hidden depths to your psyche that you didn't know existed..... ....and wished you had never found Does anyone remember the time 20-odd years ago when we all piled up to the GFT to watch "Breaking Away"? Still one of the best cycling films, "Team Cinzano" and all that! "Mama, the Italians are coming!" ..... ....you had to be there! Ciao Michele

Hi Iain Thanks for the info on this great site. You get a great reception on the car radio while sitting on the M8 at Townhead every morning- and you get plennnnnnnty time to listen! or should that be For the record I got it as far as Lenzie the other night before it faded while I can pick it up faintly as far as Anniesland every night on the way home from work. Celtic Connections - what January was made for! Mick