Mark O

Good stuff Jan. I will like a few others pay on collection if that is in order. Cheers Mark

Must admit I was surprised with my time (another 50 secs off previous PB) Didn't check my time as I crossed the line as I had my computer set to ave speed. This was 23.4 mph which if my abacus is to be believed would give me 17min 56sec for a measured 7 miles. Which in all honesty would be in line with my expectations. Notwithstanding, my computer read outs have always been on the high side time wise compared with the official time keeper's, probably due to my luddite tendancies when it comes to setting these things up. Not allowing for a margin for error, a sub 18 minute effort for me which is still better than last week and still a PB therefore I'm not caring. Regardless, hats off and thank you to Ben for timekeeping on a night when I'm sure he'd rather have been riding. Course record looming soon perhaps. Mark

I'll be there M

I'll be there. Mark

Absolutely shocked to hear the sad news of Jim's passing. I only had the pleasure of cycling with Jim on 2 occasions, the first of which had Jim encouraging me to join the Wheelers and needlessly going out of his way to show me how to get to Miller Street. I can't claim to have known him well but he appeared a genuinely nice bloke, who will be sadly missed. I extend my heart felt sympathies to Jim's family and friends at the is most difficult of times. Mark

I'm in. Mark

Davie, 8.20 on the track. Paul if you are turning out meet you on the track at Semple Loch.

Billy's comments go to the heart of the matter and the question I posed earlier. What is the intention of the Thursday evening run? I think if this can be established then everyone knows what to expect when they turn up - hard blast for an hour or so or technical riding within strict guidelines to improve everyone's skills, bunch riding and bike handling regardless of how fast they can ride. I have no real preference and will do either as I've discovered I've got a competitive streak in me as well as being a bit OCD. Suggest evening in pub for full and frank exchange of views to put this to bed. Without a clear plan of attack we'll end up achieving nothing before the winter sets in. Suggestions as to venues dates etc welcome. Pettied lips and rattle chucking not permitted. Mark

Guys, Tend to agree with Davie on this one. I'm still fairly new to all this bunch, chaingang, through and off riding malark and my comments should be taken in that context. However, I think we need to clearly establish and define what exactly it is we are trying to achieve on a Thursday evening; a hard work out with a cracking pace on or developing a well founded level of skill and understanding. If the former, fine I'll hang on to a wheel and do my bit at the front for as long as I can before getting shelled. If the latter then I'd suggest we learn to walk before running. If this means a slower pace for a couple of sessions until we all master the basics to a reasonable level then so be it, after which we can start to crank up the pace as required and as proficiency allows. Either way I'll still be out when I can 'cos fundamentally I just want to ride my bike. Perhaps this is an opportunity to get some fresh eyes in on what we're doing and get some of the club members who do race and are far more experienced to keep us right. As a suggestion in the interim perhaps we can set a max speed to start with, say 20mph, and sit at that until we get in to the swing of things over a couple of rotations ironing out problems as we go. Then increase incrementally say 1 mph every set number of rotations over the course of the session. Lead man sets the speed and the rest adhere to it, if its 22mph you go through at 22mph. If the group breaks up, regroup and revert to starting speed and repeat. For a final work out, for those who fancy it, no limits along the Georgetown in terms of speed but try to keep group going for as long as possible if you can't do a stint at the front - don't, let the man behind through and if you get shelled in last 2 miles, you get shelled. To continually ramp up the speed any earlier, and I'll plead guilty to that charge on occasion, is akin to the climbers not waiting at the top of the Clune and leaving those at the back to try and catch on again. Guarenteed to have 2s and 3s all the way back to Crosslees. My head is above the parapet and the above is merely a couple of suggestion as to how we might want to move forward (no pun intended),will welcome constructive pot shots. Cheers Mark

Stormin' Ben. Absolutely Stormin'. With impromptu pit stop thrown in Wow! Mark

Davie, see u at 6.00. Sun will be oot between the hrs of 9 am and 5 pm tomorrow, during which time i'll no doubt be chained to desk!!!! Kenny, the bus shelter just beyond the Crosslees roundabout. no doubt there will be someone loitering from 6.30 onwards. Mark

Have managed to dodge cocktails and dull chat tonite. Woo Hoo!! I'll be there. Davie, if you are pedalling to Crosslees from Kilbirnie give me a heads up when you intend to set out and I'll meet you on the track. Mark

I'm up for this. Will be heading for Gourock via Largs. Mark

Excellent turn out tonight and the rain stayed off. Vote of thanks to Mike for time keeping and to Ian for assisting. PB for me, as a true individual TT. Mark

Might be up for this, despite unfeasibly early start for a Saturday morning. I assume the services of Scotrail are proposed in catching early ferry. Count me in. M

50/50 for me. Doing corporate cycling day on Thursday. Dry kit and beer consumption could swing it either way. M

Not going to make this one. Working!!!! M

I'll be there M

I'm up for this (APR) or indeed whatever is agreed upon after enforced no biking evening on Tuesday - a plague on all employers' houses! Will check thread before heading home for lastest consensus. M

Gonna give this one a miss this week, to much on at the minute. Hope it stays dry Cheers Mark

where do I sign? I'll be there barring unforeseen circumstances. M

Looks like APR has been binned for this week. Hilly run it is then. 6.30 start really tight to get home from work and even drive out to Crosslees. I do intend turning up this evening as I fancy a run out, however 5 - 10 minutes grace would be appreciated!!! Cheers Mark

Work permitting I intend to be there. Davie, not certain if I'll be headed along straight from work or heading out from kilbirnie. Will post or txt nearer the time once I know how my day is panning out Mark

Butcher's bike with tri bars - sensational. Joking aside simply stunning Ben!

Me too Mark