Mark O

Kenny,
 
Do the route you've highlighted. Only one climb of note and that is coming out of Kilbirnie. Long but not to steep and there are a few flatter sections. Largs to the Bishy roundabout on the westferry is pancake, with a single bump at Wemyss Bay. Another small incline up to Bishy and your home.
 
Alternatively take the track down to Longbar/Kilbirnie then head up to Beith and Barrmill and come watch the racing. Someone will be riding back and will be happy to lead you back to Johnstone via the bowfield and Howwood.
 
M

Flanders was going to a one off for me too but am glad I ventured back to the pave. At the Ronde the distance and the hills are the main deal with the cobbles thrown in. Here it's all about the pave. The upper body takes a pounding and like many others I found it difficult to squeeze a bottle for a drink at the end of the secteurs. Entering the Arrenberg was a special moment and the ferocity of that 5 star secteur really let us know what we were in for. Despite the challenges we kept the bunch together and everyone rode well ( even if Chung looked more than a little shell shocked !). I'm afraid I ENJOYED it !

ROUBAIX
Thoroughly enjoyable trip. thanks lads
Martin picked me up on Thursday am a tad later than planned. we were of course taking the tourist route to Hull via Edinburgh and North Berwick to pick up his mates Gavin and Andy. not a problem except when we got to Gavin's he was at Tesco shopping.He soon returned only to tell us that Tesco were wanting paid for his groceries and he had forgotten his wallet. That's the problem with the big supermarkets you lose that personal touch and trust so we persuaded Gavin to stuff the groceries so we could get on the road. Phew he agreed but then disappeared to pack his bag. so a bit more than a tad late we headed off to North Berwick for Andy. A slicker move here though I could tell that Andy was disappointed at me for declining his kind offer of a cuppa before we left. heading south the 3 amigos were exchanging banter about previous trips to Hull and how they nearly missed the Ferry. How comforting. anyway we arrived with 10 mins to spare and the only person to check the clock was me. I collected the passports for 'passport control'. Oops Gavin then spotted that his passport expired on Friday. Hey ho missed at British end and we got through.
Met other lads on Ferry and we had a great night.
Friday
bit of a problem entering Belgium as their diligent man on passport control spotted the expired passport but after a call to his head office he told us all well and we were off to Lille. Excited. We travelled in a 3 vehicle convoy. 17 km in to route I spotted a police car in the rear view mirror with its lights flashing. As it passed us it slowed down and I thought that big Alan was about to get pulled for speeding but no we were pulled over. Yip Gavin had entered the country illegally so we were escorted all the way back to zeebrugge police station. police were very nice and 3 hours later we were back on road. Chung did text me..." Hi charlie, it's Chung here. Everything ok with yous? Why are your car being picked up by the police? We'll meet at the hotel in Lille & hope everything is ok! Cheers Chung "
Nice leg loosening run to the famous Roubaix velodrome for registration. It did not disappoint and was looking forward to finishing there on Saturday. Returned to hotel for early night as early start following day
Saturday
Up at 3.30am. Had slept like a log and felt great. We had an interesting journey to stadium and got bus to start. Bit of a blow as had a puncture to front before the off but with my usual dexterity eventually changed tube and joined others at the start. Cinq ,Quattre,trois, deux,un BANG we were off.Rolled out then realised I had forgotten to set my strava so stopped to put on. Took me over 10 mins and179 beats per minute before I caught the joansin peloton. Good warm up on a very misty morning. Thereafter I can simply say that I had a thoroughly enjoyable day on my bike. There was not a bad moment . Chapeau to Chung for sticking it out after the shock of the first pave but he and the rest of us got stronger and stronger with every bit of pave roubaix had to offer.
Sunday
Arenburg forest to watch the pros. Brilliant day. Stopped off at pub on way to ferry to watch end of race. Once again a bit tight for time but I had given up caring.
Ta to my joansin team mates and Gavin and Andy for a fantastic weekend.
Already looking forward to next years tour
 
 

Fellow pave specialists can you send your various photos amd comments, thots anecdotes etc. I want to compile a bundle to send Alan C for the website. Easier if you send your stuff to my work email - mark.o'[email protected]
 
Fab weekend, even if pave hurts. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Another foreign sortie to add to the Joansin annuls. What's next is my feeling right now. We need to welcome our honorary east coast contingent of Andy and Gav to the fold. Two top blokes.
 
M

Fellow pave specialists can you send your various photos amd comments, thots anecdotes etc. I want to compile a bundle to send Alan C for the website. Easier if you send your stuff to my work email - mark.o'[email protected]
 
Fab weekend, even if pave hurts. Wouldn't have missed it for the world. Another foreign sortie to add to the Joansin annuls. What's next is my feeling right now. We need to welcome our honorary east coast contingent of Andy and Gav to the fold. Two top blokes.
 
M

Folks,
 
The kit has arrived. Have had a sneaky peaky and it all looks excellent, I'm certain you'll all be vwry pleaaed with it. I intended to start distributing the kit on Saturday as part of the sponsorship launch event at Thomson cycles, so get along if you can.
 
Cheers
 
M

Folks,
 
The kit has arrived. Have had a sneaky peaky and it all looks excellent, I'm certain you'll all be vwry pleaaed with it. I intended to start distributing the kit on Saturday as part of the sponsorship launch event at Thomson cycles, so get along if you can.
 
Cheers
 
M

Guys/Girls,
 
While frequenting our favoured watering hole with the main bunch in Largs at the weekend, Mr Bagel Basket (Dennis) advised me that he has placed a couple of inner tubes, tyre levers and pump behind the counter at the cafe for club members' use, should anyone get caught out with more flats than they can handle.
 
I think this is a fabulous gesture by Dennis and one we as a club should acknowledge by continuing to drink his coffee, eat his cakes and leave his fixtures and floor soaking wet when we leave. Dennis has mentioned on more than one occaision that he, Laura and the staff do enjoy our custom and give the place a real buzz when we turn up. It's good to know we are most welcome at the Bagel Basket, whatever condition we turn up in, and the club's general friendliness is appreciated beyond the cycling world.
 
M

I'm heading in later Mark, will pick one up for you.
 
Paul

Guys/Girls,
 
While frequenting our favoured watering hole with the main bunch in Largs at the weekend, Mr Bagel Basket (Dennis) advised me that he has placed a couple of inner tubes, tyre levers and pump behind the counter at the cafe for club members' use, should anyone get caught out with more flats than they can handle.
 
I think this is a fabulous gesture by Dennis and one we as a club should acknowledge by continuing to drink his coffee, eat his cakes and leave his fixtures and floor soaking wet when we leave. Dennis has mentioned on more than one occaision that he, Laura and the staff do enjoy our custom and give the place a real buzz when we turn up. It's good to know we are most welcome at the Bagel Basket, whatever condition we turn up in, and the club's general friendliness is appreciated beyond the cycling world.
 
M

Guys/Girls,
 
While frequenting our favoured watering hole with the main bunch in Largs at the weekend, Mr Bagel Basket (Dennis) advised me that he has placed a couple of inner tubes, tyre levers and pump behind the counter at the cafe for club members' use, should anyone get caught out with more flats than they can handle.
 
I think this is a fabulous gesture by Dennis and one we as a club should acknowledge by continuing to drink his coffee, eat his cakes and leave his fixtures and floor soaking wet when we leave. Dennis has mentioned on more than one occaision that he, Laura and the staff do enjoy our custom and give the place a real buzz when we turn up. It's good to know we are most welcome at the Bagel Basket, whatever condition we turn up in, and the club's general friendliness is appreciated beyond the cycling world.
 
M

Morning All,
 
A quick update on the club kit order. I spoke(emailed) Raffy at Pactimo yesterday to find out how things are progressing. I'm advised that the kit should be getting dispatched today (8th April) and will be in transit for 4-5 days. All being well the kit should be in my possession by Monday/Tuesday of next week.
 
That being the case, I'd like to tie up distributing the kit to everyone the following weekend at the sponsorship launch event that Thomsons Cycles are organising. So, in addition to free beer and food, carbon bling, George's scintillating conversation, with the new kit being handed out there is no reason not to come along on the 19th.
 
The above presumes that the dates I've been given are correct and that there are no unforeseen delays in shipment. If there are any changes to the above I will inform you all on this thread.
 
Cheers
 
Mark

Guys/Girls,
 
While frequenting our favoured watering hole with the main bunch in Largs at the weekend, Mr Bagel Basket (Dennis) advised me that he has placed a couple of inner tubes, tyre levers and pump behind the counter at the cafe for club members' use, should anyone get caught out with more flats than they can handle.
 
I think this is a fabulous gesture by Dennis and one we as a club should acknowledge by continuing to drink his coffee, eat his cakes and leave his fixtures and floor soaking wet when we leave. Dennis has mentioned on more than one occaision that he, Laura and the staff do enjoy our custom and give the place a real buzz when we turn up. It's good to know we are most welcome at the Bagel Basket, whatever condition we turn up in, and the club's general friendliness is appreciated beyond the cycling world.
 
M

Guys/Girls,
 
While frequenting our favoured watering hole with the main bunch in Largs at the weekend, Mr Bagel Basket (Dennis) advised me that he has placed a couple of inner tubes, tyre levers and pump behind the counter at the cafe for club members' use, should anyone get caught out with more flats than they can handle.
 
I think this is a fabulous gesture by Dennis and one we as a club should acknowledge by continuing to drink his coffee, eat his cakes and leave his fixtures and floor soaking wet when we leave. Dennis has mentioned on more than one occaision that he, Laura and the staff do enjoy our custom and give the place a real buzz when we turn up. It's good to know we are most welcome at the Bagel Basket, whatever condition we turn up in, and the club's general friendliness is appreciated beyond the cycling world.
 
M

no I did go back to largs, I droped 1p in the bb and went back for it, couldn't b botherd going back to port Glasgow so took the short rout home(shame on me)
 
niai

Yip

sun is out now. Feel cheated!
 
Coutts did you pedal all the way back to Largs. I'm certain I saw you head for the Clune. Clearly delusional after today's effort.

Mark
You should know by now that this will not be sensible but I commend your commitment to. The Jane Austin theme

The latest up date as to delivery fresh off the emailing thingy. My earlier post was based on the no can do a rush order and the dates discussed last week. The good news now reads -
 
 
Hi Mark,
At present the estimated shipment date is 8th April 2014. You will then need to add about 4-5 days for travelling.
Thanks
Raffy
 
We might have kit in place for the Jim Daly Memorial. Will miss P2R but that was always a serious possibility. Will keep everyone posted.
 
M

The latest up date as to delivery fresh off the emailing thingy. My earlier post was based on the no can do a rush order and the dates discussed last week. The good news now reads -
 
 
Hi Mark,
At present the estimated shipment date is 8th April 2014. You will then need to add about 4-5 days for travelling.
Thanks
Raffy
 
We might have kit in place for the Jim Daly Memorial. Will miss P2R but that was always a serious possibility. Will keep everyone posted.
 
M

Well done to all for taking part and to the winner Adam

Hi Guys, Well done to those who took part on a wet and gusty morning.
 
Here are the results
Adam Hazle 33.28
Alan T 35.06
Graham 36.07
Andy 37.12
David 40.12
Karen 40.48
Mary 43.00
Carol 43.31
Boyd DNF
 
Will send photos to Alan for the website, David, Adams dad sending me some too.
 
Thanks to Len for sorting the STOP/GO Roadworks to give priority to the cyclists and to Ian for timekeeping tuition and doing most of it.
 
Hope that your rear wheel got you home OK Boyd.

Managers only Alan, got a Del Boy bunnet too!
 
under 2 hours left.
 
Ok update on where we are at.
 
I am very pleased to advise that all minimums have been met. Up until a few minutes ago we were still short on the ladies' kit. Our very generous sponsor Thomsons Cycles have stepped in to ensure that no one was going to be left without the new Johnstone Wheelers club kit. I think this is extremely commendable act on the part of Allan and he should be duly applauded for this. I'll take this opportunity, if I may, to offer a vote of sincere thanks on behalf of the committee and the club at large. Thank you Allan.
 
Allan has agreed to hold this additional kit at Thomsons Cycles should anyone wish to purchase it in the coming weeks.
 
Just to keep everyone in the loop,the whole order will be delivered to me. I will post up details of dates and distribution when I have that information. Currently production time is 5 weeks. I am trying to negotiate a rush delivery with Pactimo, however more on this in due course.
 
Again thanks to Allan for his generous assistance and to you all for engaging with this new set up. I'd also like to mention the assistance we've had from our long suffering account manager at Pactimo, Raffy. She has had to put up with me making her life miserable over the last month or so and has resolved a few minor panics during the design process and during the ordering process including personally calling one of our members over a payment issue. All successfully resolved.
 
I'm now off for a stiff drink.
 
M

Managers only Alan, got a Del Boy bunnet too!
 
under 2 hours left.
 
Ok update on where we are at.
 
I am very pleased to advise that all minimums have been met. Up until a few minutes ago we were still short on the ladies' kit. Our very generous sponsor Thomsons Cycles have stepped in to ensure that no one was going to be left without the new Johnstone Wheelers club kit. I think this is extremely commendable act on the part of Allan and he should be duly applauded for this. I'll take this opportunity, if I may, to offer a vote of sincere thanks on behalf of the committee and the club at large. Thank you Allan.
 
Allan has agreed to hold this additional kit at Thomsons Cycles should anyone wish to purchase it in the coming weeks.
 
Just to keep everyone in the loop,the whole order will be delivered to me. I will post up details of dates and distribution when I have that information. Currently production time is 5 weeks. I am trying to negotiate a rush delivery with Pactimo, however more on this in due course.
 
Again thanks to Allan for his generous assistance and to you all for engaging with this new set up. I'd also like to mention the assistance we've had from our long suffering account manager at Pactimo, Raffy. She has had to put up with me making her life miserable over the last month or so and has resolved a few minor panics during the design process and during the ordering process including personally calling one of our members over a payment issue. All successfully resolved.
 
I'm now off for a stiff drink.
 
M

Mark
 
Thanks very much for all your efforts on behalf of the club to organise and coordinate the club store and new kit. Thanks to Allan too in stepping in to purchase additional kit ensuring minimum numbers are met for production.
 
I think the kit looks really great and a really nice refresh!
 
Andy