chung

Finally recovered enough to write a bit!
 
Another fantastic day of weather in East Lothian for a great event on some hilly country roads. Mike Ferguson and I were along for another TT outing on a hilly course, and it was a cracker!
 
Two laps of an 11.5m course made it interesting as there were more people than usual to chase down! The course begins with a slightly uphill start, then plunges into East Saltoun with a couple of (well marshalled) junctions to negotiate and then downhill for a couple of miles, easily mid 30's and I passed my first victim at 43mph after 4 minutes. There was steady uphill and some 33mph flats with the tailwind for the next few miles, then came a challenging downhill with a couple of sharp "red flagged" corners. Not for the faint hearted!
 
It got interesting at the 18minute point as Stuart Balfour, a wee slip of a boy who regularly wins the 'A' races at track league, caught me just at the end of the biggest hill. He was on his second lap and flying, he went off number 5 and I went off 33. I knew he was going to well up the standings at the end, and I did the maths on how much he had taken out me and where we were at, and realised I was doing quite well. We started on a long undulating section heading back towards the finish line and I managed to power up, push myself well into the red and pass him again at speed. He caught me again on the last hill before lap 2 but I overtook him at 40 on the start/finish straight for the start of lap 2 for me.
 
I hit lap 2 spurred on and knew I was going to be well inside my target of 60 minutes as I started lap 2 on 29 minutes. Knowing exactly what was coming I managed to keep pushing and caught another 5 or 6 riders on the way round. Great fun!
 
So, I finished up getting the prize for 3rd (I was actually 4th in the end) as Gary Robson 14secs in front of me got the 1st Vet prize. Stuart Balfour ended up just about 1 minute in front of me and he won overall, impressive for a junior!
 
I was quite pleased with the day out, as I left with my petrol paid for in prize money and 3 minutes faster over the hour relative to everyone there that I'd competed against already this year. That said, I did have to actually lie down a couple of times mid conversation on the pavement while chatting to Jon from Glasgow Wheelers afterwards.
 
Bring on the flat stuff!

Aberfoyle only 25 from bridge Chung so prob Clachan of Campsie for cafe. Could push miles out and get to Callander to eat but will likely be time limits for many.

Flanders was going to a one off for me too but am glad I ventured back to the pave. At the Ronde the distance and the hills are the main deal with the cobbles thrown in. Here it's all about the pave. The upper body takes a pounding and like many others I found it difficult to squeeze a bottle for a drink at the end of the secteurs. Entering the Arrenberg was a special moment and the ferocity of that 5 star secteur really let us know what we were in for. Despite the challenges we kept the bunch together and everyone rode well ( even if Chung looked more than a little shell shocked !). I'm afraid I ENJOYED it !

ROUBAIX
Thoroughly enjoyable trip. thanks lads
Martin picked me up on Thursday am a tad later than planned. we were of course taking the tourist route to Hull via Edinburgh and North Berwick to pick up his mates Gavin and Andy. not a problem except when we got to Gavin's he was at Tesco shopping.He soon returned only to tell us that Tesco were wanting paid for his groceries and he had forgotten his wallet. That's the problem with the big supermarkets you lose that personal touch and trust so we persuaded Gavin to stuff the groceries so we could get on the road. Phew he agreed but then disappeared to pack his bag. so a bit more than a tad late we headed off to North Berwick for Andy. A slicker move here though I could tell that Andy was disappointed at me for declining his kind offer of a cuppa before we left. heading south the 3 amigos were exchanging banter about previous trips to Hull and how they nearly missed the Ferry. How comforting. anyway we arrived with 10 mins to spare and the only person to check the clock was me. I collected the passports for 'passport control'. Oops Gavin then spotted that his passport expired on Friday. Hey ho missed at British end and we got through.
Met other lads on Ferry and we had a great night.
Friday
bit of a problem entering Belgium as their diligent man on passport control spotted the expired passport but after a call to his head office he told us all well and we were off to Lille. Excited. We travelled in a 3 vehicle convoy. 17 km in to route I spotted a police car in the rear view mirror with its lights flashing. As it passed us it slowed down and I thought that big Alan was about to get pulled for speeding but no we were pulled over. Yip Gavin had entered the country illegally so we were escorted all the way back to zeebrugge police station. police were very nice and 3 hours later we were back on road. Chung did text me..." Hi charlie, it's Chung here. Everything ok with yous? Why are your car being picked up by the police? We'll meet at the hotel in Lille & hope everything is ok! Cheers Chung "
Nice leg loosening run to the famous Roubaix velodrome for registration. It did not disappoint and was looking forward to finishing there on Saturday. Returned to hotel for early night as early start following day
Saturday
Up at 3.30am. Had slept like a log and felt great. We had an interesting journey to stadium and got bus to start. Bit of a blow as had a puncture to front before the off but with my usual dexterity eventually changed tube and joined others at the start. Cinq ,Quattre,trois, deux,un BANG we were off.Rolled out then realised I had forgotten to set my strava so stopped to put on. Took me over 10 mins and179 beats per minute before I caught the joansin peloton. Good warm up on a very misty morning. Thereafter I can simply say that I had a thoroughly enjoyable day on my bike. There was not a bad moment . Chapeau to Chung for sticking it out after the shock of the first pave but he and the rest of us got stronger and stronger with every bit of pave roubaix had to offer.
Sunday
Arenburg forest to watch the pros. Brilliant day. Stopped off at pub on way to ferry to watch end of race. Once again a bit tight for time but I had given up caring.
Ta to my joansin team mates and Gavin and Andy for a fantastic weekend.
Already looking forward to next years tour
 
 

Good to read Campbell's post, I also cycled to the start for 08:00, and set off having in mind to keep with a bunch at least for the headwind section from the Erskine Bridge to Dumbarton. I held on to Campbell's group until about Balloch when the undulations on the A82 had me thinking about the approaching Glen Fruin and the hills beyond and I decided to save some energy for later. There was a vicious cross wind when coming down from Glen Fruin on the military road, but going up Long Long to Arochar it was behind me and could cruise along with minimal effort, By 11:50 I was in a cafe in Arochar in the company of about a dozen other cyclist enjoying a coffee and a caramel slice. From there it was over the Rest And Be Thankful and on into a headwind to Strachur. I'm not sure when the rain started, but by the time I went into the cafe in Strachur (13:40) I was soaked and the cafe floor was like an ice-rink as the rain dripped off the cyclists already there. The cafe was somewhat overrun with all the extra business and ran out of soup shortly after I arrived, but I just had coffee and cake before heading off on what turned out to be the toughest section of the course to Ardlamont. This must have been at the peak of the storm with strong headwind and driving rain as far as Otter Ferry, but after that the wind eased and there was even the occasional sun! I was at the Ardlamont checkpoint at 17:10 and looked forward to a tailwind back to Dunoon, but in the way of these things after the worst of the weather the wind seemed to both drop and veer to the north so it wasn't much help through Tighnabruaich or up to Loch Tarzan, though after that it was a fast and easy run down to catch the ferry. I got to Hunter's Quay just after the 19:30 ferry had left, so had a few minutes to wait for the 20:00 one, There ended up being 5 of us on the ferry, 3 of whom had only a minute or so to spare. From the ferry there was just a couple of miles to the finish point where refreshments were waiting for us.
 
Overall it was a good run made more challenging be the weather, but it didn't rain all the time and sometimes it was a favourable wind! My GPS tells a different story from Campbell's as I recorded 143 miles and 11,832 ft, the mileage may be accounted for by different start and end points I don't think that can explain 1,700 ft difference in assent.
 
Graham.

River Loch & Glens 200Km 13 April 2014
 
Forecast was not great for this, high winds, driving rain & cold weather. It did not disappoint.
Relaxing cycle down to Gourock for the 08.00 o’clock start got there in time for a cup of coffee before the start. There were around 35 starts. We set off with a brisk pace due to the tall wind that soon changes as we crossed the Erskine Bridge. It was up through Glen Fruin and onto Arrochar to first check point 10.55. Roll & tuna washed down with a Can of ginger bear for me. Then of to Strachur. Strachur was were the fun started rain, wind hills and more rain, I was going well so did not mind you pays your money and go for it. Strachur to Tiganabruich via Ardlamont point (15.10) at the Ardlamont check point. Tiganabruich for more food top up then over to McInroys Point for ferry to Gourock timed it niece, short run to the finish (18.00). Cup of coffee we chat with the finishers so far, the ride home with tail wind & in the house for (20.00). 161 miles in the bag gps says 10111 feet of assent. Legs felt like it.
 
Campbell
 
Ps GrahamF how did you get on?

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Well, this is morning after our Paris Roubaix & we all survived to tell the tales!
 
I just want to echo Billy's comment, indeed this was extremely HARD both for man & machine.
170km, 28 sectors of horrible pave which tried it's very best to throw you off the bike, but amazingly we all manage to stay up right and finished in one piece. In fact I don't think I've actually saw anyone fell off on the Pave, although Big Al Yullie had a wee incident, he clip the kerb on a road section while trying to "protect" me of some bollards ahead, what gent! :-)
We were also lucky on the mechanical front too, only one puncture, one dropped chain & a few lost bottle between the lot of us, not bad at all everything considered.
 
Personally, I think this was the hardest thing I've done on a bike!
I knew this was very hard but when having not done enough training due to my recent fight with a bollard, it wasn't ideal for me but I decided to do it anyway given the fact I paid & organized it already not to mention getting new set of wheels built for this.
It was an early 4am start to a really chilly day but weather improved as the day went on.
 
Anyway, 13 of us set off as a group eagerly waiting to hit the first sector of Pave. But when I hit the I first, boy did I feel like crying, it was nothing I've ever experienced before. I had my hands on the drops thinking if something happens I'm close to the brakes, I've been told only the either ride on the drops or top, never on the hood. While on the pave, you & bike are thrown violently from all directions with absolutely no control of the bike at all, this of course slows you right down & this just makes it much worse. I have to admit I want to quit after the first sector, I was deliberately looking out for some support vehicle or broom wagon. Luckily I got a toll from Tom & Andy (Martins Eastcoast pal) and manage to get through 6 sectors before we rejoined the group waiting at the first feed stop. By then I was still in sh*ty mood as I did not enjoy one second of it at all.
 
At this point I must say a big THANKS to all my fellow wheelers - Al, AllanM, Billy, Charlie, Greg, Iain, Mark, Martin, Paul & Tom and Martin's 2 friends Andy & Garvin for getting me through this. They waited, regroup, feed & water me along the way. I honestly think that I wouldn't have done it without you guys help.
 
As the sector came thick & fast I manage to felt a lot more comfortable on them to the point of date I say "enjoyed" them. But the 5 star "Trouee d'Arenberg" was the worst of all, big massive stones stopping every momentone of you have of going forward & it's long and straight. The sectors are graded 2-5 stars, 5 being the hardest of course and there was three 5 star ones. In a way, this wasn't a bike ride in the usual sense but more an obstacle course, as Chris Boardman said "the PR is a circus show"!
 
After a long day on the saddle, we all made it to the famous Roubaix Velodrome as one big group, riding the track & finishing altogether - pure brilliant. One fellow English PRer on the road summed it up quite well, "that's some Sunday Club run you guys are doing"!
To be honest, I got a bit emotional when I cross the finish. I honestly did not think I could make it, but again I want to thanks my team mate for getting me through this!
 
Now, we going to watch how it should be done proper!
 
Thanks for reading
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Enjoy guys and please take care of Chung, what with his track record.....
Well jealous, not of the ride but the beer and wine before and after!
Stay safe guys
Iain

Tip for those sharing a cabin or hotel room with me....good ear plugs!

Chaps, I have a tip - bollards are tougher than you imagine, so try to ride round them!
 
 
Seriously though, my tip of the day would be to put a "Chain Catcher" on to avoid dropping your chain.
 
Bad luck with your new tyre puncture, Allan! I suppose its better to have t now than on the day

Paul,
 
I can't see anything at all in your picture!
 
Cheers

Thanks to everyone for their well wishing messages, and the guys (I think it was Tom & somebody) for tending to me while I was laying on the A77 cycle track!
 
I could make up some heroic & brave stories, but the truth is I just didn't see the bollards as I had my head down what with the wind in your face.
I think "SpecSavers" should make an advert out of my misfortune! Priceless material.
 
Tom, I think bollards in Chinese translate to something like "boll"x" :-)
 
Anyway, I'm currently lying on the bed in the A&E department ward at Crosshill hospital, tucking into my tea of veggie soup & smoked haddock with boiled tatties. Nice! I still need my food even when I'm no cycling though.
 
I'm ok but for the cuts/bruise to the face. Doctor said I seems to be fine after checking me thoroughly but I need to stay over night to be observed for precautionary reasons.
Hopefully I'll get the clear tomorrow morning and be let out!
 
I can't seem to remember all the things happened while I was lying on the ground, but hopefully I didn't say anything rude or stupid.
 
The ambulance crew were first class, the doctors & nurses in here are great, but come on - NO Milan San Remo on the telly. I need to speak to the hospitals trustees management when I get out. This matter needs to be address for future for sure!
But guys, please don't tell me who won as I hope to watch it hopefully when I get out tomorrow on Sky+! Cheers
 
As you can see, I've got plenty time on my hands in here. So feel free to text/post me jokes or funny cycling stories if you wish, for me to kill time!
 
Thanks again guys & hopefully I'll see you all next Sunday. (I don't think there's any bollards on next Sundays route ........ is there?)
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Thanks to everyone for their well wishing messages, and the guys (I think it was Tom & somebody) for tending to me while I was laying on the A77 cycle track!
 
I could make up some heroic & brave stories, but the truth is I just didn't see the bollards as I had my head down what with the wind in your face.
I think "SpecSavers" should make an advert out of my misfortune! Priceless material.
 
Tom, I think bollards in Chinese translate to something like "boll"x" :-)
 
Anyway, I'm currently lying on the bed in the A&E department ward at Crosshill hospital, tucking into my tea of veggie soup & smoked haddock with boiled tatties. Nice! I still need my food even when I'm no cycling though.
 
I'm ok but for the cuts/bruise to the face. Doctor said I seems to be fine after checking me thoroughly but I need to stay over night to be observed for precautionary reasons.
Hopefully I'll get the clear tomorrow morning and be let out!
 
I can't seem to remember all the things happened while I was lying on the ground, but hopefully I didn't say anything rude or stupid.
 
The ambulance crew were first class, the doctors & nurses in here are great, but come on - NO Milan San Remo on the telly. I need to speak to the hospitals trustees management when I get out. This matter needs to be address for future for sure!
But guys, please don't tell me who won as I hope to watch it hopefully when I get out tomorrow on Sky+! Cheers
 
As you can see, I've got plenty time on my hands in here. So feel free to text/post me jokes or funny cycling stories if you wish, for me to kill time!
 
Thanks again guys & hopefully I'll see you all next Sunday. (I don't think there's any bollards on next Sundays route ........ is there?)
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Thanks to everyone for their well wishing messages, and the guys (I think it was Tom & somebody) for tending to me while I was laying on the A77 cycle track!
 
I could make up some heroic & brave stories, but the truth is I just didn't see the bollards as I had my head down what with the wind in your face.
I think "SpecSavers" should make an advert out of my misfortune! Priceless material.
 
Tom, I think bollards in Chinese translate to something like "boll"x" :-)
 
Anyway, I'm currently lying on the bed in the A&E department ward at Crosshill hospital, tucking into my tea of veggie soup & smoked haddock with boiled tatties. Nice! I still need my food even when I'm no cycling though.
 
I'm ok but for the cuts/bruise to the face. Doctor said I seems to be fine after checking me thoroughly but I need to stay over night to be observed for precautionary reasons.
Hopefully I'll get the clear tomorrow morning and be let out!
 
I can't seem to remember all the things happened while I was lying on the ground, but hopefully I didn't say anything rude or stupid.
 
The ambulance crew were first class, the doctors & nurses in here are great, but come on - NO Milan San Remo on the telly. I need to speak to the hospitals trustees management when I get out. This matter needs to be address for future for sure!
But guys, please don't tell me who won as I hope to watch it hopefully when I get out tomorrow on Sky+! Cheers
 
As you can see, I've got plenty time on my hands in here. So feel free to text/post me jokes or funny cycling stories if you wish, for me to kill time!
 
Thanks again guys & hopefully I'll see you all next Sunday. (I don't think there's any bollards on next Sundays route ........ is there?)
 
Cheers
 
Chung

Won't be out on Sunday. AndrewD and I are doing a charity cycle for Sports Relief from the velodrome heading north east of Glasgow, followed by some P2R training on the cobbles of Glasgow!

Cheers Chung, yeah will aim to meet up at bridge, what time are you planning? Looking to head out this Sunday as need the miles. May have a couple of new joiners if I can talk them into coming
 
Cheers mate
Iain

The latest up date as to delivery fresh off the emailing thingy. My earlier post was based on the no can do a rush order and the dates discussed last week. The good news now reads -
 
 
Hi Mark,
At present the estimated shipment date is 8th April 2014. You will then need to add about 4-5 days for travelling.
Thanks
Raffy
 
We might have kit in place for the Jim Daly Memorial. Will miss P2R but that was always a serious possibility. Will keep everyone posted.
 
M

Over a hundred miles what's a few miles here and there
It will be my last big run before PR down in Manchester the week after so good for me

The 7th Edition of Blackwood to Peebles and Back 100 Mile Run will take place on Sunday, 15th June.
 
This run winds its way from the nooks and crannies of Clydesdale to the scenic beauty of Tweeddale, and will take in several big climbs along the way.
 
Johnstone Wheelers riders are always welcome to join the Royal Albert lads and lasses and some of you have been involved from the start.
 
Unusually, this run is not about racing each other. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s about the group staying together for a 100 miles, with the stronger riders encouraging those who are not so strong; learning to pace oneself over such a long distance; and everyone getting back to Blackwood feeling as fresh as the day they started!
 
The pace is usually about 15-17mph and riders should try to be fit enough to last the distance at this speed.
 
We have lunch at the Scots Pine Café near Peebles and return to ‘Morag’s Café’ at Blackwood for the usual laid-on refreshments.
 
The only charge for the day is lunch at the Scots Pine (and any optional café stop on the way home).
 
Everyone is most welcome to take part. Please post here if you’re in. Thanks.
 
Dennis