Lesley Scally

So we (myself, Dennis, David and Joyce McKellar) opted for the Hopscotch 2 ticket and started our day by taking the ferry from Weymss Bay to Rothesay and squeezed in a lap of the island, but unfortunatley, our timing meant that we just missed the last few finishers of the TT. Did manage to see a few of our clubmates returning as we headed for the next ferry from Rhubodach to Colintrive. Joyce waved us off at the ferry and made her way back into Rothesay, whilst David, Dennis and I headed home from Colintrive via Loch Striven, Tarzin Dam and into Dunoon - brilliant roads and hardly a car in sight. Was great to feel the heat of the sun on our backs as we climbed up the drag to the Tarzin Dam. A quick coffee stop in Dunoon before taking the ferry back over to Gourock. An unfortunate incident with a pier and a pair of zipp wheels meant a lift home for me at the other side - and let me just say, the sound of crushing carbon would even bring tears to a glass eye!! - I think my days are now numbered . Having stolen David's transport home, he had the pleasure of enjoying the lovely sunny day for a bit longer as he cycled home from Gourock!! and Dennis headed back to his car at Weymss Bay. A lovely day out and nice to see so many cyclist buzzing around Bute. Cheers, Lesley

Hi Kenny, 1 x short sleeve jersey - size 1 please. Cheers, Lesley

All, With the various events taking place over on the Isle of Bute this weekend, I thought it might be a good idea to head over and support some of our clubmates who are racing. Propose getting the 10.15 am ferry from Weymss Bay to Rothesay. So to give time to get ourselves organised, buy tickets etc, suggest we meet at the Weymss Bay ferry terminal at 9.45 am (remember Weymss Bay not Gourock!!). Could do a lap of the island with options to then take ferry from Rhubodach to Colintrive and then cycle back over the Tarzin Dam to Dunoon and take the ferry back to Gourock then short cycle back to Weymss Bay for anyone who has left a car there (can take benefit of Hopscotch 2 ferry ticket). http://www.calmac.co.uk/hopscotch_route2 Or simply cycle round the island and take ferry back to Weymss Bay. Can decide on the day, before we buy our tickets. Would be good to also see some of the 9.00 am 30 milers - think it is around 30 something miles round the island so you are all welcome to come along and join us for all or just part of the way! Hope to see a good bunch! See you tomorrow 9.45 am at the ferry. Cheers, Lesley

Jim, myself, Dennis and Mike headed off from the clubrooms on a magical mystery tour of Ayrshire led by Jim. We started by heading towards Howwood and took a practice run up the Howwood Hill climb, before coming out at Bowfield. We then headed through Dunlop and Stewarton and from then on in most of us were completely lost as to where we were - I did see some road signs for Knockentiber, Loans, Dundonald, Kilmarnock and Prestwick airport before doing a round trip up by a transmitter and Highgrove House Hotel somewhere near Troon. Then followed signs back to Kilmarnock and eventually managed to sort of retrace our steps back via Dunlop, Lugton and Greenacres with a final sprint for the 30 signs just as we came back into Johnstone - abley won by Jim and closely followed by myself. Great to get a run in nice weather for a change - 57 miles on some good roads and good company. Cheers, Lesley

Hi Jim, I'll be out tomorrow. Haven't got my brain into gear this week to plan a route yet. Will see what folks feel like tomorrow. See you at 9.30 am. Cheers, Lesley

All, Just a quick reminder that I won't be out the normal club run on Sunday 7th Sept. Will be up in Kinlochewe for the Bealach (with a few other JWCCs). Any of the usual suspects want to volunteer for chief route planner for this Sunday?? Cheers, Lesley

Good run today in mostly dry conditions. Myself, Dennis and Campbell left the clubrooms heading towards the Erskine Bridge via the George Town. We picked up Ronnie at the North side of the Bridge and then carried on via Hardgate where we picked up Simon and pal (sorry didn't catch your name!). Onwards through Bearsden, Torrence, Milton of Campsie and then into Kilsyth turning left up the killer climb of the Tak-Ma-Doon Road. A short re-group at the top before enjoying the descent. A nice steady run along the Carron Valley (well at least for Dennis and I, while Ronnie and Simon's testosterone battled it out at the front ). At the road end we said goodbye to Simon and friend who headed off in the direction of Drymen while the rest of us headed to the hotel in Fintry for a spot of lunch. Just managed to avoid a bit of a down pour before heading over the Crow Road to Lennoxtown. Sorry Campbell/Ronnie, we seem to have lost you somewhere as you didn't appear behind us on the Crown Road. Assumed you opted for a different route home!!. So, Dennis and I carried on into Strathblane where our luck changed and the rain came . From Strathblane we took the main road back into Milngavie, Hardgate and then along the main road back to Erskine Bridge where I left Dennis who headed back to the clubrooms. All in all good day's cycling with only the last section of the run in the rain - total 77 miles. xx Lesley

Simon, Was planning on taking the most direct route and heading into Bearsden after Hardgate. Dennis, Possible cafe stop at Lennoxtown or Drymen (although that will make the run a bit longer). See you tomorrow (unless its pouring!!) Cheers, Lesley

All, Planning a longer route this weekend in preparation for the Bealach. Heading over Erskine Bridge towards Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Kilsyth over the Tak-ma-Doon Road into the Carron Valley and then back over the Crow Road. Approx 75-80 miles. Hope to see a good crowd. Lets hope we don't get too wet!!! See you at the clubrooms at 9.30 am. Cheers, Lesley

Sorry guys, haven't been out for past few weekends - too much socialising and wine drinking and consequently sore head . Hope to be out next weekend and will post a run - Bealach is nearing so may need to make it a long one!!. Have a great run today! Cheers, Lesley

We opted to wimp out of the Crow Road for this weekend given the darkening skies above. Instead the consensus was for a tour of the Renfrewshire back roads. Five of us (me, Jim, Mike, Frank and Stuart) headed out to Houston and over the back roads in the direction of Bishopton, turning off to the left towards Kilmacolm. We veared off to the right instead of going up the drag of West Glen Road and then turned left at the back of Finlayson and over the Gunpower into Kilmacolm - Stuart and Jim playing cat and mouse as they chased after each other on the climbs leaving the rest of us for dust. Once in Kilmacolm, we opted to take Knockbuckle Road onto the back of Auchentiber Road and then down onto the back of the Whin. We continued along and then took a right over by South Newton and then onwards to Torr Road and back into BoW, Houston, Monkey House, Bishopton where I left the rest of the guys who decided to get a few extra miles in. A much shorter run this week due to changable weather conditions. Lets hope it's better next week. Cheers, Lesley

Hi All, Not sure what the weather will be doing this weekend. If stays dry, possible route over the Erskine Bridge and out towards Drymen, Arnprior, Fintry, Crow Road. Otherwise will do something more local. Will decide tomorrow morning and see what the rest of you fancy. See you at 9.30 am anyway. Cheers, Lesley

All, Like many of the rest of you, I'm planning to do the Erskine Hospital ride this Sunday so no plans for a normal 9.30 am bunch run (unless those who aren't doing the ride want to organise something amongst yourselves). For those of you that are planning to do the Erskine run, how about meeting at Erskine Hospital at 8.00 am (or thereabouts) for a departure time of 8.30 am. This will give us time to get registered, pick up ferry tickets and get ourselves together in a group ready to leave at 8.30 am? See you Sunday. xx Lesley

What a Corker of a day it was today - best one yet weather wise - certainly made up for our wash out last time we attempted this run. Me, Dennis, Chung, Mike, Stuart, Daryl and Campbell left the clubrooms at 9.30 and headed out towards Houston where we picked up Joyce. Along the George Town and out towards the Erskine Bridge where we left Daryl and picked up Donald. I'm glad to say we made it over to the other side of the Bridge this time before a victim was claimed. This time Stuart, with worn out tyres (I don't know students these days ). Anyhow, being a bit creative with a brick wall and a bit of garden weed blocker (yes see if you can work that one out ) we got him back on the move until at least we got to Magic bikes where 2 new tyres were purchased which meant he could continue the run to Kilcreggan with us!! Campbell then left us and met up with Ronnie and made there own way over to Kilcreggan. Our stop off at the bike shop held us up a bit so we opted not to go over the killer climb from Renton to Cardross - much to the relief of most. So we headed on towards Helensburgh, by Faslane and into Kilcreggan where we grabbed a quick bite to eat and met up with Campbell and Ronnie again. We all then headed off through Kilcreggan and up the Military Road, turning left eventually and back over the Glen Fruian road. It was a scorcher , and by the time we passed Duck Bay it was heaving with cars and people, luckily we managed to negotiate out way round them all coming out into Balloch and then home via Dumbarton and Bowling, Bridge and George Town (well you guys did and Donald and I cut off to Bishopton). Great day in brilliant conditions - 85 miles. Cheers, Lesley

Since our last attempt to do Kilcreggan a few weeks ago was a wash out (literally), I thought we would give it another go. Heading out over the Bridge to Helensburgh (may take the back road from Renton to Cardross over the killer climb just for a laugh!!! ) then onwards to Kilcreggan for cafe stop at our old favourite on the front . Heading back via Culport and old Glen Fruin Road, Duck Bay. From clubrooms and back estimate between 70-80 miles. Hope the weather is kind to us this time... See you Sunday. Cheers, Lesley

A group of 8 (me, Frank, Dennis, David McK, Liam, Stuart, Howie and Campbell) departed from the clubrooms at 9.30 am. A good day's cycling was had, although a bit blustery at times expecially heading out via Bridge of Weir and over Auchentiber Road onto the back of the Whin. Sorry Campbell we seem to have lost you somewhere on Auchentiber - hope you got your technical problem sorted. Then there were 7 - who hurteld down the Whin into Greenock, where David, myself and Frank nearly ran over a dog wondering across the road only then to get verbal abuse from the owner . We carried onwards past IBM and took a left turn up the drag to the visitor centre at Corniles where it was time to put on the rain jackets as a shower decided to drop on us!!. Headed over Brisbane Glen into Largs were we opted not to have a cafe stop (must be a first!!) and head up the Healy Brae instead. Helped along by a great tail wind we battered along into Kilbirnie and then along the cycle track where we bumped into Asima who tagged along with us back to Johnstone. See you all again next week for more. Cheers, Lesley

All, Heading out as usual from the Clubrooms at 9.30 am. Proposed route - BoW, into Kilmacolm, along Auchentiber Road down Whin Hill into back of Greenock and then head over to Brisbane Glen (from the IBM side for a change) into Largs, then onto West Kilbride. Back to clubrooms via Dalry. I need to be back a bit earlier this Sunday so will probably head for home over Healy Brae rather than carrying on to West Kilbride. See you Sunday. Cheers, Lesley

The thought of a "less hilly" ride proved to be a popular option this weekend as 8 of us left the clubrooms (me, Frank, Dennis, Chung, Campbell (just back from doing Etape), Colin, Stuart and new guy Stuart (just back from doing the Marmotte). We enjoyed cruising along the new surface of the Georgetown road and made our way over the Erskine Bridge where we picked up David, Joyce and Simon (good to see you guys out again ). Onwards to Milgavie and then over the Kaiber pass into the back of Strathblane where we opted for the straight road by Glengoyne Distillary turning left eventually towards Croftamie and then onto Drymen, where we soaked up the rays and tucked into some bacon rolls and carrot cake at the Pottery Cafe. It was a struggle to drag ourselves away and get on our bikes, but eventually we did and headed for cycle route 7 (much of which has now been resurfaced) back towards Bonhill, Dumbarton and back over the Bridge. Great day and nice to get a run in the sunshine for once. Good to see some new faces and some old familiar ones again. Hope to see you all out again for more action next week!!! Cheers, Lesley

Wasn't planning to go over the Crow Road this weekend. Thought about keeping it less hilly for a change

All, So far, weather looks to be fine for Sunday. Propose a run out towards Drymen via Kaiber pass with optional cafe stop for those who have time. Approx 60 ish miles. See you at the clubrooms at 9.30 am. Cheers, Lesley

Donald, myself and Chung left for Oban on Friday night, meeting up with Dennis and Dave in the pub later on to plan our route round the Island for the next day. Saturday 5th July - Mull We boarded the 9.30 am ferry from Oban to Craignure and once on Mull, opted to head in a clockwise direction in order to get the full benefit of a strong tailwind to help push us up the first of many climbs. After getting the first 2 climbs under our belts, we struggled into a strong headwind along the coast towards Salen, before turning North West and heading along some lumpy and challenging roads towards the North end of the island. We then decsended into Calgary Bay (white sand and clear blue water) for some much needed lunch. After lunch, having already done the hardest part of the route, we headed towards Dervaig and along a less lumpy road back to the ferry where we were briefly joined by a couple of local guys glad of some company. Made it back to the ferry with half an hour to spare where we chatted to a guy from Belgium who was cycle touring round Scotland. Back to B&Bs and then out for a much deserved meal and a few drinks. Great scenery, roads and even managed to have a dry day. Total of 82 miles. Sunday 6th July - North Oban With an offer from some local cyclists to give us a tour of the quiet North Oban roads, we opted to join them instead of heading to Kinloch Moidart. Seven of us (me, Donald, Chung, Dennis, Dave (friend of Dennis), Les Muir and Ian Murphy (Oban firefighters) headed out the back of Oban. They took us out and about some great back roads and then onto Castle Stalker cafe where we had some lunch and took in the lovely views. Upon leaving the cafe we were joined by Jim Montgomery and Robert (another Oban firefighter) and the 9 of us headed back to Oban via Port Appin and Connell along some more brilliant back roads. Total of 57 miles again in dry weather with just a few minor spits of rain as we approached Oban. Overall great weekend cycling on interesting roads, lovely views and fun company. I think we got the best of the weather and even enjoyed a drink in the sunshine at Loch Awe on our way back down the road on Sunday evening. Here is a link to a few pictures of the weekend: http://picasaweb.google.com/lscally1/JW ... n5thJuly08 Cheers, Lesley

Hi, Just a reminder that some of us will be away this weekend for our cycling tour of Oban/Mull and therefore won't be out on Sunday for the normal club run. Anyone planning to go out a normal club run on Sunday may want to post their intentions here. (ps. anyone still interested in joining us for a cycle round Mull - we will be getting the 9.30 am ferry from Oban to Mull on Saturday 5th July). Cheers, Lesley

Four hardy souls (me, Mike, Dennis and Stuart) headed off for the Erskine Bridge going via Houston and over the Monkey House for a change. We picked up Richard at the Bridge and then went on through Dumbarton and Cardross having to take shelter under a bridge just before entering Helensburgh to seek refuge from the tropical storm that happened upon us. It didn't seem for letting up, so Mike and Richard headed back for home, while Dennis, Stuart and myself decided to make a dash for the nearest coffee shop and sit it out. After some refreshments we opted to give Kilcreggan a miss and save it for a sunnier day!!. So we headed up Sinclair Street and then down into Duck Bay and back through Bonhill and Bowling where we were joined by Donald out for a short spin. 54 miles in rather wet and windy conditions, although we did get some opportunity to dry out a bit on our way back home when the sun decided to come out. Cheers, Lesley

All, Proposal for this week is run to Kilcreggan, however the weather is not looking too great so probably best to wait and see how the day turns out. Will be at the clubrooms for 9.30 am anyway. See you there. Cheers, Lesley

All, Probably won't be out this Sunday for the normal club run. Some how managed to get myself entered into the Cumbrae TT, (although having seen the weather forecast, I could be tempted to change my mind!!). Not sure if any of the usual suspects are planning to head out for a run. Audax is also on this weekend which some folks may be doing. Post here if you do intend to go out a 9.30 am so other know and can join you - although by the looks of it you may need a wetsuit. Cheers, Lesley