Richie Cross

Have to agree with Greg. Cycling and jwcc should be for all, not just for the middle aged and middle class. It's bad that cycling has become the new golf, no need for jwcc to become one of those elitist type clubs. There's something romantic about the blood sweat and tears of nailing yourself on the bike, whether it be on mid week training runs, long hard Hilly club runs, challenging sportives or racing. It would be amazing to also do this abroad, pricing out fellow club m8s to amble around the country side to then retire to a king size duck feather duvet just seems wrong ... treat the wife/boyfriend whomever if that's your bag... hard days cycling, enjoy the beer, somewhere to rest the head, simple.
 
I'm laying it on a bit thick but you get the point

Only upside for me today is watching my favourite race - Paris Roubaix - live :-)
 
I hope Boonen get the perfect retirement present he deserves today, by winning it for the 5th TIME & by doing so it'll be unprecedented - Go Boonen!

^ Who the f@#k is that guy ^

I have been contacted by a Top Supplier and they have offered to supply Skinsuits developed especially for JWCC members, Let me know if you are interested??
 
Once I have a list of interested members I will get back in contact with Ann Summers

Oh, aye, the early start is the only way you can squeeze in a couple of hours' riding at 3 degrees Celsius on what's otherwise likely to be the warmest day of the month.   

Jan, if we are talking strava segments, I think I just broke a Strava record, 1.8 miles in 33 mins at 4.4mph but I stayed upright !
That came immediately after a 1000m climb. Never known anything like it, did not know road or when it would end. Average gradient 13% but there were sections I was honking out the saddle and weaving in a 34-28.
Jani Brakovicz holds the segment at over 9mph which is mind blowing, Ivan Basso is 4th.
 
Teide assault tomorrow

Despite Roberto's warning I rode my first proper TT today.
 
For sale: Planet X Exo3...
 
I had watched the BBC "Wheel of Fortune" weather forecast change each hour of Saturday and went to bed happy the strong winds and heavy rain forecasted by the BBC had eventually landed on overcast with a bit of wind, only to wake to heavy rain and strong winds being forecast again.
 
The course is a 15 mile drag down the A71 to Carnwarth with a 15 mile drag back up. I had thought 1:15 was a good target (averaging 24mph).
 
The first 15 miles were torturous with heavy headwinds, showery conditions and far more hills than I can remember (very similar to Roberto's description). Struggled to hold 15 mph at times and my mind just counted down the miles to Carnwarth when surely the tail winds home would be epic! Think I was close to 50 minutes at the turn and reset my target to get under 1:30!
 
What a route of two halves! Holding 30mph for long periods and frequently 40mph + I watched the potential time tumble. With the tail winds and surprisingly fresh legs I spotted, caught and passed a fair few riders before rounding a summit corner for the final sprint to the line stopping my Garmin at a tad over 1:21. Not sure what final time was as results not posted yet.
 
Great spread laid on by West Lothian Clarion, including the fabulous chocolate Guinness cake. A great end to a most enjoyable 80 mins of torture!

At last, he's taken the hint
 
Was out yesterday. Would have been too fast for you.

Heading down with Daryl, what is your arrangements, I've got 2 cycle carriers, possibly Eric going as well

Slowly but Ta for asking

Splendid run for the middle group. By common consent a bunch of us stuck it to the Man and stopped at the Bagel Basket. Here I am shown demonstrating their world famous Bagel Stack. Life expectancy : 5 mins.
One broken chain on the Haylie was quickly fixed and we enjoyed classic views of snowy Arran. It looked so close you could cycle around it a couple times easily.

I have tried this on a number of occasions but never really managed to get it of the ground
So looking for runs 60 plus also looking to do a month of runs so let's start from April and May .
The rules anybody who comes out in the faster longer bunch can and should come up with a run and if possible a date to do it . Must be on roads from 60 miles upwards .
The bunch won't leave anybody behind but there is always a but if you come out you have to be fit enough for the distance and the terrain, pace changes with the terrain.
So let's get your suggestions post below

Yes although diabetes may have taken me by then....

Charlie...you can keep me and Greg company and I can resurrect my domestique pacing duties of old
 
Billy will be too busy battling with Le Bison!!

Charlie...you can keep me and Greg company and I can resurrect my domestique pacing duties of old
 
Billy will be too busy battling with Le Bison!!

Hi. I went to see him when I left the clubrooms this afternoon.
By the time I found Ward 61, he was just getting the good news to be allowed home

How about this Charlie? Much more sedate and safe.

Guys
Massive thanks for your kind messages and to those of u who visited me in hospital. Don't think I was great company but your kindness and support really touched me especially at a time when I was feeling quite melancholic.Not got much recollection of crash. Remember a young fella nearly taking me out about 3 laps earlier then remember being in 3 rd last lap as had made decision to go for sprint with 2 to go. Unfortunately crashed on bend of 3rd last lap.Had no idea what caused crash. Remember guy telling me I had been out cold for 90 secs. In ambulance another rider involved in crash told me that he and another fella touched wheels and came down. I presume they took me down but if any one heard anything different please let me know. Also are the other riders ok.
I sustained a left neck femur fracture left rib fractures a head injury and a few bruises.The consultant told me that femur op went well but unfortunately chest X Ray today
Showed a very small left pleural effusion so my recovery may be longer than I first thought.
This has been my 3rd serious bike crash in as many years so time for me to pause & reflect. My wife is already trying to invoke 3 strikes and you are out rule. I have already conceded track cycling but jury still out for the road but as Prof Gunson recovered from a far more serious crash than mine feel it would be rude not to keep him company for the first part of a run at least.
Once again many thanks for your remarkable support
Charlie

Hi. I went to see him when I left the clubrooms this afternoon.
By the time I found Ward 61, he was just getting the good news to be allowed home

I've managed to cook custard donuts, jam donuts and apple donuts. Really chuffed. They look good.
 
I've also managed to realistically recreate tesco donut bags...

Needs a Black Knight club prize.
 

around 1.25

I shall see you at dawn at the foot of the alpe.
 
McCusker is my second.

Or the road

Excellent turnout. Big bunch (16?) for the middle group.
A pretty nifty pace too (average 17 mph) for me!
My winter miles must be paying off as I didn't get dropped on the climbs! (not bad for an OAP!)
Tried to call you Chung when we waited after the Wall but no reply so we pressed on.
Thanks to those who provided refreshments.
Can somebody bring some milk next week?

Got up, had my coco pops, fell asleep on couch.
 
Will do something later.
 
Apologies to those who turned up purely to get a selfie with me.