Iain Cowden

Thanks Ian. Unfortunately I won't make it to-morrow night - laid low by a dreaded virus - haven't been on a bike since last Tuesday night's session! All the best for the festivities/holidays. Iain

Hi Stuart Sorry to hear this - all the best for a speedy recovery. Not too long till the Skye Training Week - what more incentive could a guy ask?! Iain

Hi All Hope to be along too - will aim to be at the ferry for around 9.30am. See you then Iain

Sounds like a plan - I'm sure James said something about gentle rolling hills and fine dry weather! See you all Sat. Iain

Glad to hear you're Ok Frank. It was certainly an unusual run out! Despite the downpour and drama folk remained in good cheer and after the monsoon stopped it was actually a pretty good morning. After the broken handlebar/puncture we just headed back via Gateside, Greenacres and Bowfield to the clubrooms. Nice to meet Richard and Jonny for the first time. I ' ve never seen the track between Elderslie & Canal Street quite so flooded - we'd have been better off in a canoe! See you next time guys. Iain

Me too. Iain

I'm planning to be along tonight too - needs must after a week in Rome eating & drinking as Romans do! Iain

Hi Kev At least it was dry! We were quite lucky as it had been wet all week and was wet also on the Sunday. The scenery was superb and for once we were able to see it all. It was predictably a a real tough shift - the combination of distance, elevation and perhaps most wearing, the wind. It was a 20 odd mph S Westerly all day, gusting higher at times, which meant for the last 50-60 miles it was pretty much in your face. Kenny was really strong tho' and that saw us thru'. It was great to do it but neither of us has entered for next year yet - probably still too sore & weary! None of the hills individually were too steep or long but the accumulation certainly got to us. We were happy just to get round in just a bit under 9 hours, averaging I think about 15mph. The first rider round was a remarkable 6 hours 36 mins. We were about in the middle. Both of us were really glad not to be doing it on our own. Unlike other Sportives it would have been a bit hit and miss to try to find a compatable group on the day to work in - people were generally in ones and twos or small groups. I would consider doing it again but a bigger group would help a lot. At this time of year in that location, weather is always going to be a challenge. Had it been wet and cold it would have been even more a war of attrition. The half distance (65 miles) has proportionally even more climbing (7,800 feet). There are plenty comments/other accounts on the event website. A big thanks to Kenny for his company, effort and support on the day, not to mention prompting me to consider it in the first place! Iain

Me too - the memories of my last attempt as a 15 year old have just about faded. For the avoidance of any understandable doubt that was not in the past 3 years! Iain

Many congratulations Kenny and all the best for the new post! Thanks too for all your encouragement over the past couple of years. Iain

Kenny Like others I'd a notion to ride this but can marshall if required - I'll be down at the 10s to-morrow and hopefully next week. so we can see what's what. Iain

Hi Greg The date is Saturday 26 September (the long week-end). The site gives you the route and the climbing to be done - probably enough to dissuade a sane person! Cheers Iain

Hi Martin Sorry - won't be able to make tonight's race . Cheers Iain

Thanks Ramsay - see you then. Cheers Iain

Thanks again for the timekeeping Mike - above and beyond in the conditions. We may even have dried out by the week-end! Iain

I am intending to ride down too. See you then Iain

Like Frank the others in the group look a bit rapid to me! Still I'll give it a go if there's no-one quicker. Iain

I will be along too - see you then. Iain

Martin I'm Ok for the 23rd - it'll save me from the Hilly 10TT at Langbank! See you then. Iain

I am keen to have a go at this too - happy enough with either course if there's a viable number. Iain

Just to echo the comments of others - 2 PBs and 2 wins in a week or so! Well done Greg Iain

Sorry for the late post Martin - I'll be along too. Iain

Sorry folks - have just picked this up at home. Will drive down tonight and marshall or (like Kenny C) help with timekeeping so I can do it another night. Whichever is the greatest need. Iain

30th @7pm fine for me too. Iain

Thanks also to Kenny S and Frank for organisation and timekeeping respectively. A good work out on a tough course. Huge thanks to Mike (pre TT) and Kenny R for the technical assistance. The latter post TT, in the wake of sudden failure to proceed due to self-destructing expensive Italian components. Almost in the space it took me to reach for the mobile to call "taxi for Cowden", Kenny had assessed the situation & effected running repairs which saw me safely home without further mishap. I was and am very grateful for the assitance and general support. Just as I thought it was a morning better spent in bed, Jim reminded me (quite rightly) that it would all have happened next time I was out anyway! Thankfully today's run on the winter bike was uneventful. Iain