DavieB

Weekend of 26th is OK for me.... Davie

Ramsay, Agree the venue is the issue but if you could find somewhere it would be a good way to spend some of the darker evenings. Might take a run down to Irvine tomorrow to see if the Walkers sessions are not just a figment of my imagination (it's certainly possible!), if I was feeling better I might even take the bike. D

Kenny, To confirm I am still keen on getting some coaching tips (and actually competing at some races!). In terms of Saturday I am doubtful as I am still feeling under the weather, so anything I do at the weekend is likely to be on the light side and if it is just me and Jan as maybe's at present it looks like it may not happen anyway. I know the good people at Walkers Cycling Club run mid-week floodlit sessions (at Irvine Beach Park) so I don't know if this is something anybody else would be interested in if a suitable time/venue could be arranged i.e. Garnock Rugby Club grounds is one possibility. Being mid-week it would also please Mrs "B" as a "skills" session on Saturday, followed by race on Sunday may be construed as taking the proverbial. Interested in what others think! Davie

Planning to be there - tried the entry central today only to discover it was too late so hopefully there should be no probs entering on the day. Davie

Yes well done all it looked like a good, fast open course looking at some of the photos posted elsewhere. Couldn't make it myself on Sunday but will definately be through next weekend. I like the sound of some organised cross training as well! Davie

Looks like I may join you as it is likely my 2010 'cross debut will have to wait till next week - nae shoes an' nane of my size in the shops! Charlie - just saw your post re. Girona fees so I will get details from you on the day if this is OK. Greg - good chance to discuss return of your carrier (sorry; should have got it back to you before now so feel free to call me all the names under the sun!) Davie

Cheers Mul ....no worries re. the lift and hopefully see you on Sunday. FYI ....seen the following announcement on Scottish Cross website so you might want to check it out.... Meadowmill Cyclocross - NO U12s RACES Due to concerns about the capacity of facilities and car parking at Meadowmill, there will be no Under 12 races at this round of the Scottish Cyclocross Series.

All, Interested in doing as many events as possible through the 'cross season and was wondering if anybody is interested in some car pooling to some of the further off events starting with Meadowmill on Sunday. I can fit one other bike on roof rack of a Nissan Almera but this is my limit unless anybody has a boot mounted carrier. If you are interested, post up, PM or give me a shout on 0774 5992795. Cheers, Davie

Great to see so much interest in this, it must be the lure of the hallowed ground James - fantastic work with the travel costs it is looking good. Will we let the post run for a couple of weeks to see if anybody else is interested before meeting up? The next obvious thing to consider is accomodation (location, budgets etc). I imagine the fellows who have braved the pave previously will have some thoughts on this as well. This is just like being at work - shameless delegation Davie

Tom, At least in Flanders you shouldn't have too much trouble absorbing the required amount of carbs. Make mine a Trappist. D

Billy, Should make it out on Sunday. Possible route plans.... The painful option: the Thursday hilly route except instead of heading home after Kilmalcom go over the back road to Greenock, up Brisbane Glen and then back via Haylie (or Fairlie for true masochists). The confusing route: North Ayrshire magical mystery tour to coast, gravel, coo sh*t and pot holes guaranteed - the Fairlie is mandatory on this one Anybody else got any ideas. D

Martin - cheers for taking up the reins, I'm feeling a bit guilty now. I was on some very bizarre ferry websites today , so you have got further than me. the one price I managed to get was a bargain at £864 per FOOT passenger, the other times I didn't even get that far A pub night sounds no' a bad idea once we get a committed group together to try and finalise plans if only to see this board game first hand. D

Martin, Plan to be to as many races as possible for some regular a*$e kickings. I see the seniors are riding seperate races this year so there will be no 90 year olds for me to pace myself against in an Albert v's Stybar type duel for last place Anyways the real reason I am getting in touch is to say that there is some interest in a bunch of us trying to do Tour of Flanders sportive next year and was wondering: A. If you are interested; B. If you can offer some good advice in terms of getting over there, where to stay etc. The discussions between myself, James, Billy and Charlie (so far) are posted on the Audax/Long distance forum under the Etape Caledonia heading. Cheers, Davie B frae the Glen'G

All, Just to confirm that I have now entered and used the code word. Charlie a bed for the night would be most apppreciated and the fee most acceptable. Re. Flanders will progress with details and post up ASAP as it seems to have generated some interest - the more the merrier Davie

Billy, It will be tough on my wee legs but I would be planning on doing the full 260Ks as I think half the experience is doing what the pros. Some more info in link attached and I will post any more details as I get them.... http://www.cyclosport.org/article.aspx?id=253 Also fancy the Etape du Tour (or Marmotte or Gran Fondo event) so it would be good if we could get a group of like minded people together and get it organised ASAP as I believe the biggest challenge with these is actually getting signed up for event//flights/accomodation etc. Davie

Charlie, You've talked me into it I will book tonight....it's for a good charity after all. However I am still considering what fee to charge for domestique deluxe duties Also really fancy Drumlanrig so it would also be good to get a committed group together for this and go for a time as by the sound of it is a really good test of (wo)man and machine. I have been mentioning it for a while but really still fancy a continental trip and the Tour of Flanders Sportive is one I would really like to do. An iconic race so something to tell the grand weans about. It gets better as it is completed the day before the pros race which I would plan to stay and watch along with a few beers - proper beer I may add - and soak up the unique atmosphere. The full "pro" event is not for the faint hearted 260Kms and ALL the cobbled climbs so anybody including myself would have to be in top condition to do it, a good incentive for me to shed some more pounds, and I would leave the carbon rims at home (PAVE ALERT!). Entry I believe is on the day but I am going to start finding out a wee bit more about accomodation and the logistics of getting there. Now I've officially shown my hand - if anybody is at all interested let me know. Cheers, Davie.

Paul, No problem I will meet you at 09:10. Davie

Paul, Are you cycling from LochW to the Georgetown? If so do you want to meet on the track (at Castle Semple car park) at 9:30? Will call or text if I can't make it in the morning - I have your number. Cheers, Davie

Thanks for the info Ramsay..... checked the web-sites and it looks like great fun but will give it a miss as no MTB at present. Cheers, Davie

OK for me too.....already paid. Davie

Colin, Never been down before - is the route possible with 'cross bike or is full MTB set up essential? Davie

Charlie, See you there....

Is there anybody not doing Pedal for Scotland who fancies a run on Saturday or Sunday? Not too fussed about route but looking for 60 plus miles at a decent pace. Anybody interested post up. Cheers, Davie

My heart says "yes"......my wife says "NO" Enjoy

Charlie, Another brillant night on a classic course with everybody going well. Getting an absolute flogging at the crit seems to have done me some good so a highly recommended training tool Davie