Lesley Scally

Well what a great day out!!! Six of us met up at the Western ferry (me, Dennis, Liam, Chung, Mike and Colin) and made our way across the water. A bit breezy to start with, with many of us wishing we'd put more clothes on, until we passed Sandbank and made our way up the drag towards Tarsan Damn where things started to heat up a bit. Round Loch Striven and up the sharp and painful climb where we regrouped before a fast descent down the other side where we flew past Kenny and Bill on their return leg home. Headed on and up the long climb to the view point before starting the descent down on into Tignabruich where we stopped to refuel at Susys cafe before continuing on to Otter Ferry. A steady ride along the coastal road back towards Strachur where we were nearly wiped out by a stupid van driver, who brushed shoulders with Mike and had the cheek to shout at us for going to fast . Back along Loch Eck, thankfully with a bit of a tail wind, and made it back to Hunter's Quay just in time for the ferry arriving. 1st prize goes to Mike who clocked up approx 120 miles having cycled from Paisley, followed closely by myself, Colin and Liam who did 100 miles having cycled from Kilbarchan, Bishopton and George Town - and then Dennis and Chung with 70 miles and a journey home in four wheels instead of two. Long hard day, I'm just glad we had a tail wind from Gourock back to West Ferry and Bishopton and glad to have Colin on the front towing us along Cheers Lesley

Hi Chung, Difficult to say when we would be back at Gourock - depends on how quickly you want to cycle and what ferry we can catch - maybe 3.30/4.00 pm? We can also alter the route dependent upon how much time people have when we get there. So lets meet at ferry for 10.30 am. That gives those who want to meet at the normal time at the clubrooms, time to cycle to the ferry. Anyone who plans to cycle from the clubrooms, let me know and I'll join you! otherwise I'lll make my own way to the ferry from the house. Lets hope the weather holds up!! xx Lesley

Hi Dennis, Yeh, I can fix the B&B and give you the details, not a problem. Will do the same for others once I know whose going up on the Saturday morning or the Friday night. Cheers, Lesley

Great, so looks like we may have 8 people in total for weekend of 5th and 6th July: Lesley + Donald Dennis + friend Dave? David + Joyce Frank Chung Any more takers before I start to make B&B enquiries? Regards, Lesley

How about a wee boat trip this Sunday? We could take the Western Ferry (the red one) from Gourock to Hunters Quay (Ticket £3.80 return if bought in shop in Gourock). Head off round Tighnabruaich, Otter Ferry and Strachur. Can wait til the day to decide what direction we want to go in first. What about meeting at the ferry around 10 ish or later if people want to cycle from the clubrooms to the ferry. Run is approx 75 miles ferry to ferry. Obviously further if you want to cycle from the clubrooms to the ferry and back!! Cheers, Lesley

A healthy gathering was formed at the clubrooms (me, Dennis, David McK, Martin, Jim, Greg, Liam, Stuart and James MacD) and then made our way out towards BoW and a brisk pace onwards to Kilmacolm and down into the back of Greenock where David left us to head for home. Over the Old Largs Road and down through Brisbane Glen into Largs where Liam and Stuart disappeared, only to be found a few minutes later in Greggs the bakers stocking up on supplies!!! On to Fairlie and over the Moor Road, where Liam and Stuart's supplies must have kicked in, as they took off, hot on the heals of James who pipped them to the post, leaving the rest of us for dust. Quick decent into Dalry where we stumbled across Mike, who jumped on our wheel and got us back to Lochwinnoch, where we all went in separate directions. Jim, Martin, Mike and I, headed up over Jonshill, past Banbrock Farm and down into BoW and then onwards to home. Great run on what turned out to be a lovely day. Cheers, Lesley

Hi Dennis, Yeh that's no problem, I can also make the 5th and 6th July. Anyone else interested in going that weekend, then post your intentions here so we can get an idea of numbers. Cheers, Lesley

All, Thought we should avoid the Bridge this week, since it has claimed 2 victims over the last 2 weeks runs. So proposal for this week is: Brisbane Glen (via BoW, Kilmacolm, Greenock), along coast and up Dalry Moor, down into Dalry, Kilbirnie and Lochwinnoch - to this point 45 miles - with optional cafe stop and for those that don't want to hang around, then a short journey back along the cycle track will have you home in good time. For the rest, of us, we can grab a few extra climbs, leaving Lochwinnoch over Jonshill and down into BoW via Torr Road, back to Clubrooms via Houston. Approx 60 miles in total. Hilly route. See you then. Hope the weather is a good to us as it has been over the past few weeks. Cheers, Lesley

A respectful group of 11 left the clubrooms on a beautiful sunny morning (me, Donald, Dennis, Chung, Mike, Kenny Mac, Liam, David, Greg, Martin and new comer Stuart). Headed down the Georgetown en route to the Erskine Bridge where we picked up Colin, Graeme, Frank, Campbell and Stephen and said goodbye to Kenny Mac and Dennis who had to return for home. Over the Bridge, Dumbarton, Bonhill, Balloch, Duck Bay, then over the old Glen Fruin road where David and Martin left us to return home. Onwards to Glen Douglas and up a real leg bender of a climb where we regrouped and were re joined by Colin and Greg who opted for the "slightly easier" option . Great descent down into Inverbeg and along the road to the tearoom at Luss, where Chung's eyes were bigger than his belly and young Greg had to bail him out, and even then Chung still managed to leave with a "doggy bag", just in case he got hungry later on . Back home via Balloch, Bonhill and back over Bridge. Great day out with everyone sticking together and riding strongly. Roll on next week!!

All, Was wondering if anyone is interested in a day/weekend away in Oban/Mull. Suggestion would be: Saturday 28th June: 10.00 am ferry from Oban to Mull, full loop of Mull 87 miles with option of smaller loops of 50 and 70 miles for those who don't want to do the full 87 miles. Ferry back to Oban with optional overnight stay in Jim Montgomery's B&B in Oban (Rita & John Montgomery's brother). Ferry approx £10.00 return; BB approx £20-£25 per night. Mull is one of the most beautiful islands in Scotland with stunning views and opportunities to see, sea eagles, golden eagles, wild sea otters and the stars of Balamory. Sunday 29th June: Short drive up to Corran ferry and 85 mile loop round Moidart, through Strontian and Salen, passing through Kinloch Moidart and returning along the road from Mallaig towards Fort William and back along to Corran ferry. Possible stop at Clachaig Hotel in Glen Coe on route home for a bite to each. The scenery around Kinloch Moidart is stunning and well worth a visit. Open to all who are interested in some of the nicest cycling in Scotland (or the JWCC West Coast Sportive/Challenge Weekend ). Come one or both days, whatever you fancy. Post if interested and I'm happy to co-ordinate B&B and ferry tickets. Dates not set in stone, open to other suggestions but thought end of June would be good for longer days. Cheers, Lesley

Meant to say, Glen Douglas route approx 70 miles round trip from JWCC Arrocher route approx 80 miles round trip from JWCC See how we fell on Sunday, Oh and did I mention there is a nice tearoom in Luss?? See you then. Lesley

Hi All, Sorry guys, not getting off to a good start as a 'substitute' Captain. Fourteen hour working days this week, meant I couldn't wait to log off the computer so didn't get round to posting a run - you all beat me to it. Fine with the proposed route to Arrochar, sounds good, thanks for the suggestion Dennis. (I'll save the ferry trip and Tighnabruaich for another time ) ps know of a good cafe in Luss if anyone has time. Look forward to it and see you all Sunday. Lesley

A group of 7 (Moi, Dennis, Chung, Frank, Campbell, David and Liam) left the clubrooms en route for Lake of Menteith. Further down the road we were joined by Donald at the Erskine Bridge and unfortunately Frank had to return to attend matters at home. Nice steady pace onwards to Buchlyvie and Arnprior and on round the Lake to the road end where Liam then said his goodbyes and carried on his way back to Stirling. The rest of us headed on and over the Pipe track where Campbell put in some good efforts in practice for the forthcoming Etape. Welcome break at Dyrmen Cafe where bacon rolls and carrot cake were enjoyed by all, especially Chung who'd spent most of the morning sipping coffee, reading the paper and nursing a man flu waiting on us to return!!! After a most enjoyable afternoon basking in the rays, time to get back on the bikes and finish the last 30 odd miles back to Johnstone. Great day, weather and company. Total of 84 miles. Here's to next week.

Weather forecast for Sunday is okay, so lets take advantage of it. Here we go, proposed route for Sunday 25th May with some new roads for some of us!! Heading over Erskine Bridge, Bowling, Dumbarton and taking national cycle route 7 towards Croftamie, by passing Drymen to Buchlyvie, Anprior, round Lake of Menteith, by Gartness, over Pipe track back to Drymen with optional cafe stop then retrace steps back via cycle route 7 to Johnstone. Approx distance 80 miles. Steady run over rolling roads, with only "real" climb being Pipe track back to Drymen. Opportunity for rest at Drymen cafe afer approx 50 miles. Everyone welcome. See you Sunday. Lesley

I agree it is better to have the ride planned in advance so people can make an informed decision about whether they have enough time etc to come along on the run. So, I will volunteer my services and post the route for this coming Sunday - watch this space!! Cheers, Lesley

The 3 Musketeers (moi, Dennis and Chung), headed off on a beautiful sunny morning down the cycle track to Kilbirnie, then skirted round the outskirts of Dalry and on down the Heally Brae to Largs for traditional cafe stop. No effort required due to fantastic tail wind pushing us along. Different story however when we turned to go up Brisbane Glen!! Seemed like we hit a brick wall. Nevermind, on we soildered up Whinn Hill and into the back of Kilmacolm, through BOW and home via Houston. Great day out despite the howling head wind. Cheers, Lesley

Hi Guys, I'm coming out to play too - if I can remember where I put my winter tights and overboots.!!! Certainly didn't need them in Majorca - we had a cracking JWCC Ladies cycling week. Shorts and short sleeves were order of the day and it was great to feel the sun on our backs. Here's a few pictures from our Sunday run last week!! (and a few others). Check out the size of that strawberry cake. http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lscally1 Cheers, Lesley

Hi Dennis, I'll be there as well. Cheers, Lesley

Hi Chung, I'll also be out as usual at 9.30 am. Donald starts work at 10.00 am, so won't make it out with us. Cheers, Lesley

Hi Dennis, I'm definately up for that - so count me in. It was an excellent outing last year. I know you've been doing some DIY at home lately, so there's still time to get that 'pay as you go' box fitted to your toilet door. If last year is anything to go by, you could make a small fortune. Cheers, Lesley

Hi, Got confirmation this morning that Donald and I didn't get an entry. Not sure whether to be disappointed or relieved!!. Over 1,500 entries submitted within the first few hours. Were any JWCC folks lucky enough to get in? Cheers, Lesley

Hi Kenny, Can you order me the following: 1 x ladies shorts - size 3 1 x short sleeve jersey - size 2 1 x long sleeve jersey - size 2 Cheers, Lesley

Hi all, Last year we had great JWCC representation at the Fred Whitton Challenge in the Lake District. For those of you who are mad enough to do it again or brave enough to try it for the first time, or simply want to do the bits they missed out first time round - Chung!!! - entries open on 8th January 08. The link is below, but be warned you need to get your entry in quick. Places are usually filled very quickly. This is a great alternative for anyone who couldn't get into the Bealach. It's also less journey time to get there. The event is on Sunday 11th May 08. Still trying to build up the courage to put myself through it again!! http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk/ Cheers, Lesley

Hi Dennis, Would have loved to come out to play, but been suffering from a stinking cold all week and still not much better. Have a good one and see you all soon!!! Lesley

Well we didn't quite need the sun block this weekend!! Although Donald and I did still hang around the bus shelter underneath the Erskine Bridge in the hope of finding some rays whilst waiting for the bunch to pass - only to later find out that the rest of the bunch were swiftly at the Bowling road end!!! David, Chung, Mike and Frank (sorry if I missed anyone) set off from the Clubrooms on route to Helensburgh. Having missed them at the Bridge, Donald and I managed to get a tow along with some of the Inverclyde boys heading for a day out round Dunoon. We left them somewhere around Dumbarton and proceeded to timetrial to catch the rest of the JWCC - well Donald did, I was just trying to hand on!! Finally we caught them leaving Cardross. Continued on our way to Helensburgh and then over Sinclair Street, back through Balloch and Alexandria, opting not to stop for a cafe stop this time (maybe next time Chung). Only got caught in a few spots of rain in Helensburgh, other than that we were really lucky with the weather. Great sociable ride at a nice steady pace. Looking forward to the next one. xx Lesley