Ramsay

Anyone fancy a spin round to Dunoon on Friday? Planning to leave Beith at 8am, so I'll be at the south side of the Erskine Bridge at 09:00 - 09:15ish. Route is just going to be the standard - Helensburgh, Arrochar, Rest & Be Thankful, Strachur, Hunters Quay Ferrry and back over the hill to Beith. Should still be well over 100miles though. Forecast at the moment is sunshine and showers. Might be tempted for something a bit more local if it's going to be really wet. (will see later in the week). Hope to have some company. Cheers Ramsay

I'm currently sitting in the office waiting for a client to come in and sign off some work. He said he'd be in by 4.30 and it's now 5.50! Was hoping to get my first evening ride of the year in (not on the turbo), as it's not raining, but that's now not going to happen! Anyway, 6 months of evening rides to come (less one).

Well, I've now done my first road race (APR). As Paul said, Tony and I started in group 1 (phew). The group stayed together at a fairly variable pace for about 2.5 of the 5 laps. We were then caught by the group Paul was in and I managed to stay with them for about half a lap, but annoyingly couldn't keep the pace on the flat after doing ok on the wee climbs. I did the next 3/4 of a lap on my own (as a TT) and consistantly about 200 metres behind the group of four that Paul was in. I was then got caught by Ross Creber and two others and held with them until I got back up with Paul's group. Once again I got onto the flat, back towards the finish area, where I got dropped again! Yet another 3/4 of a lap solo. WIth only about a third of a lap to go, I then got caught and fairly quickly dropped by a group of about 8-10. Tried to get on with them, but legs were gone after TTing for 10-15miles! Anyway, finished. Not first, not last and no incidents. Tony - Sorry I didn't see you at the end. I had to get off to go to work. Good day out in the sun. Might even try it again, although, won't be persuaded to do a spell by guys from the scratch group again! Ramsay

I'd like to ride the first 2 TTTs, but will time keep at the 3rd (i.e. - 15th April) and will see after that. Anyone keen to partner? Will go Norman-No-Mates if needs be! Ramsay

I'll be there. Presume the start is just off the A8 roundabout on the Houston road (bottom of the hill)? Ramsay

I've been thinking about the Drumlanrig ride (2nd May) for a while and I think I even mentioned it to Darryl a while back. If there was a few JWCC riders going, I would be keen. I'm riding the Etape du Dales two weeks later, so it would be a good warm up. Probably not going to do any more, as I generally want to concentrate on shorter race events and also the entry fees for sportives is often a bit much to be doing lots of them (I'm too Scottish!). Anymore takers for the Drumlanrig? Ramsay

Great effort guys! Sounds like hard work, but maybe a bit of fun?? Good photo of Matt on the charge. Ramsay

All that can be said was it was a tough day out in terrible weather!

Darryl, Sounds good. See you there. Ramsay

I know the first super 6 is on, but are there any takers for a brisk run on Saturday morning? I'm open to suggestions. Cheers Ramsay

Can't make the APR on 14th, but just about to send off entry for Moscow APR on 28th. Will be first ever road race, so I will also definetly insist on 1st group. How hard can 35.5miles of racing be? Good luck on the 14th. Ramsay

What sort of excuse is "started a new job and won't have time for riding"!! Surely there is always time for riding. Although there is often not time for enough riding. Does seem a bargan though, for someone with much shorter legs than me. Perhaps I'm too suspicious of internet "bargans", but as there are no pedals on it and it is being sold for less than a 1/4 of the original price after only 200miles of use, it makes me think it might have fallen off the back of a truck somewhere! Ramsay

Just had a look at the 09:00 bunch route. I'm amazed that Paul and I managed to follow your trail for so long, but not surprised that we didn't find you! Still, we did have a good blast round some back roads, even if it was at a much faster pace than both of us were expecting. Thanks to all helpers, bakers, soup makers etc.. Great to see so many people out (we did pass the 09:00 bunch as we were heading back down the track). Ramsay

I'm away to play in the snow for a bit, but will be back for whatever is planned on Sunday 1st March. Ramsay

Really sorry to hear the tragic news about Davie. He was one of the first club members I met when I joined and I got to hear some of his legendary banter on the few club rides I did with him. My condolences go out to his family.

Anyone keen for 10am? Jim, presume you will be out at 10? Martin, you keen? Anyone else? See you at the club house. Ramsay.

I'm in! Great fun last year and a good work out. Kenny - Ignore my comments on your "10m Hilly Time Trial" post about the APRs, as I hadn't noticed/read this post yet! Ramasy

I'm keen. Not really bothered when. Confined events appear to be predominantly Tuesdays, so Thursdays would be good. I would prefer the Peesweep APRs to a hilly 10TT though! Ramsay

Kenny, I have an old kettle in the house, so will bring down to club house tonight, if I make it out of work in time. If not, then I will not be able to bring it down until next Thursday or Sun 15th. Ramsay

As the others have said, thanks to Martin & Kenny for organising a great night. Also thanks to Ian and the band (I'm sure I have seen you guys play before!?). First presentation dance I've been to and will definetly be going again. A thoroughly enjoyable night, even if I did feel rotten in the morning after drinking one too many beers! Cheers Ramsay

Kenny, Any news on the kit? Ramsay

When I take my bike on holdiay I usually go to a bike shop and get an old cardboard box and pack the bike in that, but they don't wear very well and tend to tear open when wet! Also requires a lot of tape etc.. Anyone have any thoughts on what is best; a bike carry bag, a bike carry box (hard plastic) or should I just stick with using cardboard? Bike bags are certainly much cheaper than boxes, so I would need a lot of convincing that a box is better... Any thoughts?

Jim, I'll join you at 10. If you drop me, I know the way home! Ramsay

Darryl, Not going to make it out tomorrow. I'm off mountain biking with a friend who is moving to Abu Dhabi next week. See you next weekend. Cheers, Ramsay

Paul, 08:35 at the cross?