AllanC

Jann & Kay, Thanks for that today; just what my legs needed. I was 30 miles door to door, although my rear tyre eventually popped completely at the club rooms, so I walked the last few hundred yards home, rather than sort it in situ. You'd think the residents of Johnstone had never seen a tubby guy in blue and yellow lycra pushing a bike before! Is "not knowing where I'm going" a legitimate reason for sitting at the back?? Great company and motivation. Thanks again.

I'll be there. I'll pay via bank transfer today. Allan

British Cycling, through Cyclescheme, are offering new members 12 months membership for the price of 9. Thats £18 instead of £24. http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/britishcycling To claim this offer, simply enter your Cyclescheme Promotional Code ‘CS12’ when you join online Offer only available to new British Cycling members paying by Direct Debit. Offer valid until 31st October 2012.

Is it ok to make payment via bank transfer to the same account I paid my membership to? Allan

Billy, I am now working until 7pm so wil not make Wednesday 18th. Allan

I know where that is. Thanks for the map Jann.

I don't know the area so could someone pop a map up or give me a postcode so I can look for it? I don't drive so will be cycling from Johnstone. Either night suits me, even though 18th is my birthday - dedication or what??

Billy, The only night I can't make every week is a Tuesday. I work usual office hours so any time from 6.30pm is perfect. Alternatively I'm free at the weekends, providing this doesn't clash with the planned club runs for the rest of the group. Allan

Does anyone fancy a few miles tomorrow morning / lunchtime (20-30 miles perhaps) - no route in mind yet. Cheers Allan

Billy, I'm interested in some coaching so count me in. Just let me know where and when. By the way, it looks like this post has been duplicated and I see Kay has replied to the other one - might be best to consolidate them. Cheers Allan

Kay, I have only just realised that this run was for today! I had it in my head it was for tomorrow. I hope you had a good run today. Allan

Room for 1 more? Allan

Billy, What is covered in the coaching sessions? Is it just riding technique or will you cover riding etiquette, training, nutrition, bike maintenance or anything like that? Allan

I've been looking at the plethora of energy bars and gels available online and I'm wondering if they really are as good as the manufacturers would have you believe (and would have you pay)? I'm beginning to think I would be just as well off stuffing a Mars bar or a banana in my jersey rather than spending the money they are looking for, but that might just be my frugal side coming out. Does anyone in the club use them and if so, do you have any recommendations? Any thoughts welcomed. Allan

Folks, thanks for the encouragement today on the Bowfield Hill. My legs and head were willing but my lungs were not. A sure sign of 6 months on the couch recovering from injury. However, a few rides per week and I'll be back in no time. I hope the rest of the run was enjoyable. Thanks again, and see you all next week. Allan

I saw the route but it looks a bit much for my first time out. I've been off the bike for a little over 6 months through injury but wanted to get back on it this weekend. What are the bail out options if I decided to pop along? Allan

Thanks Len, Said multitool and spare links on order! Cheers for the advice. Allan

Cheers Davie. I have a basic Shimano HG-73 that came with my Specilaized Allez a couple of years ago. I just wanted o get it off to give it a good clean, but I'll maybe look into the links you refer to to make life easier in the future. Cheers Allan

Thanks Richard. I've just found a little "how-to" video on YouTube and what you say is spot on. I've checked my chain and don't have any "special" links so I will need to split it in this manner. Thanks again. Allan

I'm thinking of buying a chain rivet extractor like this one http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-chain-rivet-extractor/. If I am careful enough, are the rivets re-useable or do I need to buy spare rivets? Cheers Allan

Although it doesn't conform to the minimum 6.8kg UCI Pro bike weight, this machine is something else at 2.7kg - lighter than a gallon of milk apparently. http://antranik.org/worlds-lightest-road-bike-at-2-7kg/

Someone at work sent me a great link to Fill That Hole, a website where you can flag up on a Google-style map potholes on your commute. Fill out some details (description, how big it is) and not only does it add it to the database, but the relevant authority is notified, saving you a good bit of work and also triggering their legal duty to maintain the roads. Even better, you can attach photographs, which means that (if you end up off your bike or with a damaged wheel) you may have evidence that the relevant authority knew of the pothole and had not taken any action to fix it, giving any claim you make a better grounding. Certainly worth logging a few. If it doesn't look like your route has many, try zooming in a few levels, as the full detail of flags doesn't appear until you're closer in. http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/ Cheers Allan

Jann, (edited order) Can you put me down for a pro gilet - XL long sleeve full zip jersey - XL Pro Windtex Jacket - XL Thanks Allan

http://road.cc/content/blog/48262-cyclings-tales-tache Andy Ward's thoughts on facial hair and cycling. I particularly like the music in the Ed Oxley video.

Thanks for all the advice Gents, very much appreciated. It's a more daunting prospect than I had been led to believe. More training and new equipment required I think. Thanks again. Allan