Mark O

Ginty,
 
The A82 is probably no more or less busy than what you'll ride around here - no different to A75 over the Rest, IMO. Usual nutter or 2 to be contended with as always, but most stretches are fine. Fast bits, (car wise) will be across Rannoch Moor - long straights but good visibility. Will be exposed if it's at all windy on the Moor. Only other section you'd might want to switch on for would be the stretch that runs at the foot of the Aonach Eagach Ridge just past the Buachaille. Narrow and twisty with anyone stuck behind a caravan or bike getting impatient.......what's new.
 
As Al suggests early start would be sensible and draft the odd tourist bus if you can. Pity you weren't doing it this week as the weather and views would have been the dog's. Lochside after Tarbet - I just wouldn't bother. Clocks will have changed by the 30th surely. Mind your muddies!!!!
 
Enjoy.
 
M

This is the sportive that Paul mentioned. The name says it all! Surely that will be tough enough for any of us, with the added bonus of good weather.
 
La Sufrida (The Suffering) 30th May 2015
One of southern Spain's best sportives. 193km or 125km around the stunning Ronda area. With over 5000 mts of climbing in the longer event this is a great test. The race is timed with chips and has plenty of food stops, and a great goodie bag.

Back from hols, so should be good for a turn out. No comment on fitness after 2 weeks off the bike and heroic consumption of Italian red stuff. 09.30 at Miller St.

Ritchie et al,
 
I think we should let this one rumble on until september and then start a sub forum similar to LBL within which we can post formalised arrangements and have other threads going for ideas and general chatter. Keeps things simple for now.
 
M

Gents,
 
Liking the posts on this. Chalets would be a good idea to help manage the costs, and as Alan says open the trip up to as many as possible. From a quick look at the webpage link on Alex's post the chalets work out at around 100 Euros per week per person regardless of size. I think we should aim on the whole for a full week Monday to Monday if flights and accommodation arrangements permit. Paul your comment on a 5 day trip is duly noted and in no way dismissed, others might wish to take that option also and it would be open for consideration. 
 
I know these continental trips tend to be the preserve of the 'main bunchers' but I think it is worth stating that there is absolutely no reason why other club members can't get involved doing their own thing route/ride and sportive wise (short routes are available) as necessary and be part of the social/recovery aspect in the evenings.
 
A quick recap on numbers. Thus far we have Paul McD, Paul L, Alan McB, Alex, Charlie, Darryl and myself (7) with the unconfirmed/undecided as Billy and Robster (2). Not a bad initial core bunch. Anyone else interested?
 
To those who have already stated their interest and those who might still do so, could I suggest we make an initial cut off  for notes of interest by the end of September, after which we move to provisionally book agreed accommodation and then look in detail at potential flights and transfers. Also, as of Septemnber, can we have only one person posting on each piece of the jigsaw - accommodation, flights and sportive registration etc - as the threads on these trips get mighty confusing if everyone is chipping in with thoughts and ideas. We can have forum admin set up a sub folder in the forum at that time.
 
All good
 
M

Gents,
 
Liking the posts on this. Chalets would be a good idea to help manage the costs, and as Alan says open the trip up to as many as possible. From a quick look at the webpage link on Alex's post the chalets work out at around 100 Euros per week per person regardless of size. I think we should aim on the whole for a full week Monday to Monday if flights and accommodation arrangements permit. Paul your comment on a 5 day trip is duly noted and in no way dismissed, others might wish to take that option also and it would be open for consideration. 
 
I know these continental trips tend to be the preserve of the 'main bunchers' but I think it is worth stating that there is absolutely no reason why other club members can't get involved doing their own thing route/ride and sportive wise (short routes are available) as necessary and be part of the social/recovery aspect in the evenings.
 
A quick recap on numbers. Thus far we have Paul McD, Paul L, Alan McB, Alex, Charlie, Darryl and myself (7) with the unconfirmed/undecided as Billy and Robster (2). Not a bad initial core bunch. Anyone else interested?
 
To those who have already stated their interest and those who might still do so, could I suggest we make an initial cut off  for notes of interest by the end of September, after which we move to provisionally book agreed accommodation and then look in detail at potential flights and transfers. Also, as of Septemnber, can we have only one person posting on each piece of the jigsaw - accommodation, flights and sportive registration etc - as the threads on these trips get mighty confusing if everyone is chipping in with thoughts and ideas. We can have forum admin set up a sub folder in the forum at that time.
 
All good
 
M

Another splendid Arran adventure.
2 new inductees to the 56 loop Darryl and Charlie. First time it's been done with a puncture en route. And the Laurel and Hardy moment when Alan tested the braking power of a gilet in the front wheel, thankfully he is ok !
2 new inductees to the 56 plus 50 challenge, Jan and Ian.
Good bunch of 7 on loop 1 were fairly comfortable for the target ferry when with 10 miles to go QC Chas punctured. Resulted in a much harder effort to get Charlie and Darryl to complete the 56 challenge for the last 10 miles. This took its toll on me and the two Alan's as we dropped away at various points into lap 2. But we are made up for Charlie in particular who really ended himself to get the single ( think it was the thought of Billy having done it and he hadn't ). Darryl put in a lot of the work knowing he was heading back after the one lapper.
Jan and Ian put in a truly stonking performance to join the exclusive 56 plus 50 club.
Thanks for coming guys, I think the JWCC roll of honour now reads ( I was thinking about a scroll for the clubrooms )
 
Single lap hall of fame ( have I missed any )
Me, Alan McLean, Alan McBride, Mark O, Colin, Davie B, Fergus, Judas Toole, Darryl, Charlie, David Thompson, Billy, Jan, Ian Arch,
 
56 plus 50 Hall of Fame
Me, Jan, Ian.
Also Greg O and Andy Mullen from other clubs.
 
 
I hope this will motivate more people to want to join the Halls of Fame.
 

Guys/Girls,
 
I thought I had posted up details of an initial run. Evidently whatever I typed I didn't post, DUH!!!
 
Let's aim for an initial ride out on Wednesday of next week (6th May). Leaving Miller Street at say 6.45pm.
 
Easy roll down the track to Lochwinnoch and perhaps Kilbirnie. I'll be at the club rooms early to assist with any set up issues/questions if necessary and do a quick bike check. Just bring yourself, your bike, a helmet, an open mind and a sense of humour. Leave your egos, fears and misconceptions at home these will not be necessary.
 
Cheers
 
Mark

Ross/David
 
Just turn up on Sunday at the clubrooms at 09.00. Looks like a reasonable group heading out and the guys will look after you. Enjoy.
 
M

This wheeler managed to get a small cycling role in a video about taking a bottle of Islay whisky from the mainland back to Islay for the Whisky festival. To celebrate it's return, a few lads cycled round all eight Islay distilleries with cycling blogger Brian Palmer (of the washingmachinepost) before sampling a dram of the good stuff. I'm the one looking knackered on the red BMC, wishing I was on the Cervelo Di2 instead

 
Here's the video link, don't forget to turn up the sound. The music is by Skerryvore and it's a belter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xx_SiGDEzo
 
 
 

No, he was walking the dog.
 
However I will claim Ginty coming off the squinty, this morning. Treble point score for the rhyming qualities

Phone Chung!
 
Had similar luddite episode when fiting new cassette. Usual take everything off and lay it out and replace with new components in same order. Simple oversight on my part resuting in hours of 'what did I do wrong/miss out'.
 
Called Chung - Damascus moment as a result. Sorted.
 
Davie B converted to Shim!!!! must check local temperature in Hades just in case.

Kenny,
 
If I'm around happy to help out for a while.
 
M

A gentle spin up to Lochwinnoch, practicing spelling round, and riding in formation. A very good effort. We split up at Lochwinnoch, with Jane and Christine returning on the track, and the rest of headed for Kilmacolm. It kind of splintered up after that with people selecting their own routes home.
 
Sometimes it's nice just to go out and play on your bike.

Alan M,
 
You'll be struggling with the club kit store due to there being no access to the store for anyone other than me at the moment. Pulling the new items together with Raffy at Pactimo at present. Keep an eye on this thread and on the members announcements section. I hope to have the store open very soon and will provide step by step instructions as to how to use the site.
 
M

Yep. Same time as last week. Will head for Kilmacolm I think.
 
M

We are on for a repeat of last week's ride tomorrow (Wednesday). 6.45 at Miller Street. Route and distance will be determined by who comes along, although we may venture off the track on the way back into Johnstone.
 
M

I've been thinking about hosting an easy taster bike ride on a Wednesday evening for a couple of weeks.
 
These proposed rides would be specifically aimed at adults who are new to the club or indeed non members who are new to cycling and want to give it a bash but are perhaps reluctant to try it. I guess you could view them as a mid week beginners/30 Milers rides.
 
The aim would be to allow new members and complete novices build their confidence on a bike and in being part of a bunch, as well as have an opportunity to ask questions or seek general advice about cycling and Johnstone Wheelers. And more importantly just get out on a bike and ride. This would not be a coaching session. The pace would be relaxed and social nor would routes be particularly hilly. Any bike will do so long as it's 'road worthy', a helmet would be compulsory and you don't need to be overly fit either.
 
Routes will be based in and around the cycle track and some of the more quieter roads. Start and finish point would be Miller Street. A start time to be confirmed.
 
At this point I'm trying to guage the level of interest in such rides. So if you are interested or know of someone who might be interested post up or drop me an email via the wheelers contacts list.
 
Cheers
 
Mark
 
 

Weather is total bobbins. Got soaked on ride to work, got soaked while at work this morning, will get soaked, no doubt, riding home this evening. Fed up with getting soaked and don't fancy 2 hours of it. Dummy spat and lip well and truly petted. No longer coming out to play this evening - couldn't face 2 - 3 hours...........eh getting soaked.
 
Whaur's the Sun? It's May!!!!!!!!!

Take it easy Alex. Good to hear the op went well. We'll see you back in the saddle before long.
 
M

Guys/Girls,
 
I thought I had posted up details of an initial run. Evidently whatever I typed I didn't post, DUH!!!
 
Let's aim for an initial ride out on Wednesday of next week (6th May). Leaving Miller Street at say 6.45pm.
 
Easy roll down the track to Lochwinnoch and perhaps Kilbirnie. I'll be at the club rooms early to assist with any set up issues/questions if necessary and do a quick bike check. Just bring yourself, your bike, a helmet, an open mind and a sense of humour. Leave your egos, fears and misconceptions at home these will not be necessary.
 
Cheers
 
Mark

Guys/Girls,
 
I thought I had posted up details of an initial run. Evidently whatever I typed I didn't post, DUH!!!
 
Let's aim for an initial ride out on Wednesday of next week (6th May). Leaving Miller Street at say 6.45pm.
 
Easy roll down the track to Lochwinnoch and perhaps Kilbirnie. I'll be at the club rooms early to assist with any set up issues/questions if necessary and do a quick bike check. Just bring yourself, your bike, a helmet, an open mind and a sense of humour. Leave your egos, fears and misconceptions at home these will not be necessary.
 
Cheers
 
Mark

James,
 
The club doesn't actually carry any stock kit. You order as an individual via the club store which opens on a periodic basis - usually two or three times a year subject to member demand.
There was an order delivered during March. I would anticipate a new order going in around August/September for winter kit. If there is enough demand for one before then I can request the store be opened. However, to avoid additional fees/charges there is a minimum club wide spend of £200.
Hope this clarifies matters
 
Mark

If Carlsberg did short punchy rolling evening bike rides in the sun with your mates, that was it. Total blast.
 
Cheers guys.
 
M

If Carlsberg did short punchy rolling evening bike rides in the sun with your mates, that was it. Total blast.
 
Cheers guys.
 
M