Mark O

Haven't been anywhere near the Thursday chain gang in too long a while, so my comments are tempered with that in mind and should be read in the open, positive context in which they are offered. Jann's post is uncomfortable reading, hence the post. One should look out for one's club mates and have their and your own safety in mind over and above the fun level being enjoyed. People have jobs and families to consider and while most understand and accept a level of risk they have a right, I think, not to be exposed to unwarranted risk by other's misguided or selfish actions - I think that's a given. Yep, mistakes and misjudgements happen but when they do you've got to learn from them. I have always taken the view that the chain gang was a training exercise and not a race. Every bit to do with learning and developing ' at speed' bunch riding skills as it was about building or honing fitness IMO. A bit of very welcome sport/fun was thrown in towards the end of the run along the Georgetown, but even then the start of the sport crept out to BofW if not before - mia culpa on occasion. If the ethos is now, as suggested by Darryl it might be, to merely drop people and continually ramp up the pace, surely it defeats the purpose of it being a training exercise, where fellow club mates can develop fitness and skills in a non race environment to allow them to enter the racing scene suitably equipped. Definitely misses the point if guys are getting it wrong for sake of points on an in-house spreadsheet or because they just don't understand or care about what's going on. Take a newish rider who is spending the whole time merely hanging on. They are not going to learn anything other than how to hang on. And if they are riding at their limits their technique/discipline will be ragged - Billy's point above of not going through and a single line - but not knowing what to do to correct things - accident waiting to happen perhaps. My understanding was the chain should not be broken if at all avoidable (not always doable in practice and guys will get pinged off the back but certainly the goal to aim for). Therefore ideally you have 2 clear lines working as a single unit to maintain that unit's best pace - not necessarily that of the strongest/weakest rider. If there are 2 clear lines of riders and the lines are correctly worked, there should be no need except in extreme circumstances for someone being force across the white line, and even then the guys at the front can give a call and manage the group's line/pace to suit. Personally I think if the chain is being smashed in the first mile or so, those getting shelled out would be as well riding the course solo from the get go. If you've not got 2 lines then you've not got a chain. If this is happening every week, then the 'APR esque' approach suggested may be valid to rank riders' abilities. Galeb, you mentioned looking over your shoulder. One shouldn't need to look behind. It's the rider behind's responsibility to ensure he is not half wheeling you (the rider in front), allowing to change your line when required without a touch of wheels. You can't see your rear wheel but he can, and should position himself accordingly adjusting his line to yours. Harks to the point about bunch skills. The same rider behind you shouldn't be coming through until its his turn. If he's doing it right then no need to look behind. If he ain't doing it right then a word in his ear and some learning required on his part. I'm liking the suggestions put forward but perhaps a general re think of the aims of the Thursday chain gang are needed, even if only to refocus minds and have everyone clear on what's expected of them and what can be expected from the exercise itself. I say this in full knowledge that things may have moved on since I last turned out for a Thursday evening run. On a wider point, is there a potential duty of care on the part of the club to ensure rider safety if the chain gang is being 'run' or posted (advertised via the website) by JWCC? No doubt someone will correct me on the legalities. Nonetheless, in our mad litigious world I could envisage a situation where someone is seriously wiped out and accuses another rider of being reckless, only for that 'reckless' rider to claim JWCC had a responsibility to ensure the ride was properly conducted. Is this potential for liability increased if non JWCC riders are taking part? I genuinely don't know the answer, so over to the committee. Might catch up with you guys for a bit over the summer if events allow it. In the meantime stay safe guys, enjoy the miles and have fun in the sun while it lasts. M

That looks a sore one, George. Good to hear you're on the mend, but wishing you a speedy recover nonetheless, mon ami. When I read the thread title I thought Asda had started doing a line in cycling attire. Going by the photo I should be looking in the butchery counter. M PS Were you really doing a TT or just dookin' for fritters? On the bright side it'll be Hallowe'en soon enough by which time you'll be More Gruffalo Than Bison

Jan, How you commute by bike can be greatly influenced by the work environment and what you do for a living. Rolling up to a building site a tad sweaty is a million miles away from loitering in a pool of sweat in a plush office in nasal range of your colleagues. Shower facilities - brill; if not I'd recommend Life Adventure dry wash - liquid soap the evaporates with use. It works, end of. For the commute A small a back pack as you can get away with is my preference. I'm lucky enough to be able to leave work attire (suit and shoes) in the office (office move means I now have a locker and a shower!!). So shirt/top, socks and smalls folded neatly and in seal-able plastic bags (keeps clothes dry) and into back pack with usual gubbins. A 6 mile commute won't see them crumpled. Panniers scare me. I've seen riders with what would appear to be half their wardrobe in a huge pannier on the right side of the frame. just waiting to get clipped on a close pass. No thanks. additional comments should be read in the style of Baz Luhrmann, Ride just left of centre and don't give an inch unless completely necessary. Don't ride in the gutter, that's where drain covers live. The next place after that is the kerb. Assume you'll not been seen by drivers, even if you're lit up like a Christmas tree!! Don't filter thru traffic unless you're on a red light. It's easier just to sit behind the car in front, the driver behind you will squeezing your space if you let him. Ride your bike like you'd drive your car in town but don't wear headphones, your ears are like a second pair of eyes. Assume pedestrians are car drivers who have lost their vehicles, the rules of the road don't apply here either. Use the bus lane to the full. Wear lycra, everyone will hate you, but you will arrive in comfort and not overheat. Eat breakfast at work, a ride in on empty will do you good Choose good tyres.

Perhaps I'll see you lot on the road somewhere near Fenwick/Stewarton around 10ish as an unofficial interloper.....then again perhaps not. If our routes cross fine I'll jump in the bunch for a mile of two, if not dinnae worry I'll be doing what needs doing. T minus 6 weeks.

Rob, a coast run would leave me tight for time - need to be in the city centre around noon. Stewarton, Kilmaurs and thereabouts for me. Catch up soon. M

Robster, by some quirk of fate I'm off work on Friday. Aiming to get out myself for a couple of hours. What's your plan? Not been out much of late and took December off completely. It would be steady miles at best. Cheers M

No chance of 5. Max 3, and still you might need to watch the headroom especially around the rear door. A people carrier of the Citreon C8 variety or similar might be a shout. Possibly 4 boxes and 4/5 bodies doable - rear seat down and mid seat split. Sizes for potential vehicles will be on most website I'd have thought.

GuARRANteed Paul will eventually work up to recruiting a bunch of TA squaddies!!.......what have I done???!!!

An appearance from the lesser spotted skinny a real possibility.

Confucous says "Chung is wise!".....that is all.

I concede defeat on this one. A 3 way share of a bottle of merlot for Richard, Doc McL., and Billy. All partly correct in assessing my folly without the aid of diagrams. I have failed to find the sweet spot where the play disappears but the steering is not stiff. The bike shop beckons alas. Tune in next week to the Skinny Workshop for another nail biting episode of bike maintenance for the uninitiated, where we’ll be looking at how not to lube your chain!!

All pointers, advice and guidance duly welcomed and noted. For those following this cliff hanger of a thread, there are no discernible gaps between the crown of the forks and the lower extent of the headtube, nor is there a discernible gap between the upper extent of the headtube and the cap (now), albeit the top bearing still is sitting a mm or so proud, which does look wrong and isn't what I was expecting. Will fettle some more this evening based on the comments above and report back. I am working on the premise Ribble have sent me the correct HS, as I specifically asked for the HS for the 365 frame and forks. To be honest they all look pretty much the same to my untrained eye, and if Mr Bain can call it wrong them I'min good company by default. I reckon I have over tightened the HS bolt and compressed the bearings. I didn't use a press to install the HS when I put the bike together originally, although Ginty was on hand to steer me in the right direction. Currently looks like a 3 way share of a bottle of Lidl Chiraz or Merlot among Richard, Doc McL and MacBagel making a late charge on the rails. If I capitulate and revert to the LBS all bets are off. Photos are all too horrible for a forum where youngsters might lurk.

Ok, firstly thank you to all that had something useful to offer and took the time to do so. I have had another bash at this one and have eliminated the play in the HS hurrah........but now the front forks are very stiff to turn. Seems that in my unquestionable mechanical ignorance I’m still missing something. Any further constructive thoughts. Chung - will give you a call in the morning.

Gents, Did not touch or adjust plug/bung - still insitu and assumed to be doing its job. Top most spacer is proud of steerer tube (I put everything back exactly as it was taken off). I may have mistakenly put pressure on the frame rather that the head cap prior to tightening stem bolts. Richard, I'll follow your advice to tighten up the head cap bolt before the stem bolts and see if this works. I'm afraid the subtleties of extreme fettling are lost on me. Very much the case of monkey see, monkey do, monkey redo ad finitum until correct or penny drops when it comes to mechanical side of stuff. Cheers M

Hopefully an easy one for those far more adept at these matters than me. I'm replacing the headset (integrated) on my winter bike. After a few false starts as to which size etc., I reverted to the original supplier of bike and HS in order to ensure the correct fit. I spent yesterday fitting the HS. I removed the various parts, carefully setting them out in the order they were removed and in the correct orientation, then matched the new HS parts with these before reassembling everything. All going well - no left over parts and various parts inserted in correct order etc. The HS appears to have been fitted correctly - it looks right to my untrained eye. However there is, in my opinion, excessive movement in the HS/front fork when I apply the front brake and rock the bike, - probably 2-3 mm, with the top bearing cover visibly moving. This is more than there was previously and more, by comparison, with my summer bike. The upper most bearing is sitting about 2mm proud of headtube. Is this correct, or should in sit flush? Gentle persuasion did not suggest this bearing wanted go be inserted further into the frame. Is there anything fundamental that I am missing? Any constructive advice or tips welcome. (the winner might attract a bottle of red recovery fluid) Cheers Mark

I might trap for this. However we have folks over from Ireland this weekend so will need to play it by ear. Depends on what's planned. If I'm there, I'm there if not don't wait. M

Turned out quite nice after the early soaking. No more rain for the remainder of the ride. Still a bit blustery though. Good cafe stop in Femwick before the turn for home. Cheers for the company gentlemen. Enjoyed that. 60 on the score card - nice. M

Charlie, Moscow route sounds good, I can bale on the return thru Fenwick. I might struggle to be at Miller Street for 09.00. Got dog to sort out, and he's not on good form. Would you object to a 09.30 depart? M M

Heading out tomorrow for about 3 hours. Lumpy/rolling route intended. Looking to stay close to home so the Howwood/Stewarton/Eaglesham area in my sights. Aim to be on the road between 09.00 and 10.00. Company welcome and flexible as to meeting point. Not interested race pace session. Inclines to be attacked but cruising the flats/downhills. Post up or pm if interested. Might do a cafe before limping home. M

Short notice on this one I fully accept, however....... I'm joining a small bunch of guys from the east I ride with occasionally for a bit of a social ride around the Pitlochry area this Friday (15th). I have space for one one bike on the car rack, therefore an open invitation is extended to join us on a first come first claim basis. An early start is promised with us meeting up at 10am in Pitlochry. 50-60 miles with lunch/coffee stop. The weather does look to be improving. If interested let me know and we can sort out pick up arrangements. M

Happy Birthday Darryl. As much as I'd love to join you I've too much on Saturday pm. and can only fit in a local route. Enjoy. M

Gents, if Saturday is a goer and Galston/Transmitter Hill the route then I'll meet you at Fenwick. 09.45 or thereabouts. Post holiday bale out options would be welcome!

Aim to be there Charlie. Intending to bale out at Neilston, will I get round without lights still.

Nice to hear you boys got it dry. I could see a massive rain shower over towards the Mearns area and beyond yesterday evening. Next week definitely not happening for me. Working on Islay. Cameo appearance(s) penciled in for September, when I get back from my hols. Charlie, domestique duties will of course be resumed. M

Charlie, I'm afraid business has scuppered my return to the fold this week. Next week looking in doubt also. Tour de Islay anyone??