Alan Fox

Started out with Campell from Symington (nr Biggar) at 08:00 on Sat in high winds and rain. This was the theme for the day, although the lesser spotted sun did make an appearance in the afternoon. Leg 1 took us Southwest over the Crawick pass to Sanquhar. I did suck wheels for most of this after I struggled on my first 206km Audax a couple of weeks ago. Campbell did take a fair share of the spells at the front. Leg 2 headed North East to Crawford via the Mennock pass and Scotland's highest village Wanlockhead. Fuelled by my new energy food (bagels with jam, peanut butter and banana) I was feeling good, until we turned South West into a vicious head wind for a 30km leg 3 to head over the Dalveen pass to Thornhill. This section included the last 15 miles of the Drumlanrig sportive route. For those familiar with this, I was pedalling down the descent in my small chainring at about 12mph at times! Thanks to Campbell for doing more than his fair share at the front of our two up. Thornhill brought a welcome lunch stop before heading South East through the scenic Ae forest. The waterproofs came off in this leg 4, but the wind was relentless. Leg 5 was a straight North from Lochmaben to Moffat and a refuel for Campbell in the chippy. About a hundred miles in the legs at this point and the Devil's Beeftub climb out of Moffat awaiting us for the return to Symington. Climb was brutal. Long, long, long. Kept shifting to lower gears that didn't exist! Campbell spun up with his triple...cause for thought.... Despite the weather, great day on the bike and great company. Completed in around 9 hours in the saddle (I think) with about 130miles on the clock. A welcome bowl of soup with coffee and cake at the end sealed a great day.

Paul - think it may be time for an Audax...reasonable pace and cafe stops.....

I'm in...

Chung, Are you still heading out Sun?

I'm in....

Can't make it now...

Another Audax entered in the North East... http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-704/ Company welcome!

Which bank is it? I'll meet in BOW if I'm going...don't wait if I'm not there.

Billy, Where's the start and what time?

See you at 9...

Still planning to head out on Sun - anyone else?

Campbell, Need the miles, still planning to turn up on Sun. Can manage a 9 start if that suits better?

Campbell, Tried to enter event below...now full. Sat 18 Apr 2015 - 300km Merse and Moors from Musselburgh. May just go along and do the route unofficially!

Chung, Yes...early morning start on the day. I can get two bikes in the boot if you want a lift.

Entered this Audax with Campbell.... http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-149/ More company welcome. Chung - no excuses this time...you know you want to....

Rather than be dropped on the Don Smith I've entered my first Audax of the season.... http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-27/ Campbell already entered. More company welcome.

May be of interest to some... http://www.nofussevents.co.uk/event/Dunoon-Ride-and-Run/3000/

Campbell, Hope to join you for a few of these (but not PBP!) if I get my fitness levels up... Also, what's the significance of a National 400 Audax (appart from the increased price tag!)

Tail end of summer.... http://www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com

..... http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-136/

Al, Like this third option... Old Military Roads including the Lecht. This would be my preference if I'm not on holiday. http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-136/

Meet at club rooms 08:15? Anyone know the way to Kilmarnock??!!!

Two adult tickets for me please. Thanks

Late entry made for Moffat Sportive. Looks like being the last of the season. Think that makes a micro bunch of 4 wheelers....

Just over 8 hours until entry opens....