Alan Fox

So frustrating sitting twiddling my thumbs in the office again on another fine cycling day. However I did get in 2 decent rides last week while in N. Ireland. Some really good quality roads around Belfast. Worth thinking about for a weekend jaunt in the summer.

Two adult tickets for me please.
Thanks

Dear Cycling Club
 
I am delighted to announce that Poppyscotland, Scotland’s leading veterans charity, have just opened entries to their first ever cycling event!  In the year which sees the centenary of the start of the First World War there is no better way to commemorate than by encouraging every cyclist you know to take part in the Poppyscotland East Lothian Sportive on Sunday  21st  September 2014.
 
We have partnered with Musselburgh Road Cycling Club and Leith Cycle Co. to organise what promises to be a truly great event.  The event offers two distances, one for the Sportive novice and the other for the more seasoned rider, so please spread the word to everyone!
 
https://poppyscotlandsportive.eventbrite.co.uk
 
I would be so grateful if you would be kind enough to forward the link to our event entries page onto your cycling contacts it would make the world of difference. 
 
 
 
For any and all enquiries, please contact Marianne Craig, Events Fundraiser on 0131 550 1578 or on email at [email protected]
 
Kindest regards
 
Marianne Craig | Events Fundraiser 
www.poppyscotland.org.uk

Hi Alan,
 
Me and a mate from work are doing this. Heading to Skye on the Fri. Not sure I'll cope due to lack of miles so not sure what company we'll be!
We were hoping to latch onto a group...not necessarily the fastest.

600KM BORDERLANDS ROC TREVEZAL ROUTE 12TH JULY 2014
 
ALL A WEE REPOT OF MY 600KM RIDE
 
AFTER ALAN AND I DOING THE 300 LAST WEEK ON LEWIS & HARRIS & THE HALF A 200 ON THE SUNDAY IT WAS OF TO DO A 600 THIS WEEK END. THAT WAS 381 MILES AS IT WAS JUST LONGER
.
STARTING GALASHIELS AND CONTROLLING SAMYE LINGS TIBETAN CAFÉ, ALSTON, BARNARD CASTLE BACK TO ALSTON, JOHNSTONEBRIDGE SERVICES ON THE M74, MOFFAT BACK TO GALASHIELS THEN OUT TO BERWICK AND BACK VIA MOREBATTLE & WOOLER TO TRYPS IN & OUT OF ENGLAND.
 
SO IT WAS UP AT 04:00 TO DRIVE TO GALASHIELS FOR THE 07:00 START THE TALK WAS WHEN WILL THE RAIN START, IT WAS A COOL START BUT WARMED UP NICELY AS THE MORNING WENT ON. VISITING THE PEASE OF THE CAFÉ IN THE TIBETAN MONASTERY. THEN OF TO ALSTON VIA LONGTOWN WE STOP FOR FOOD AT THE SPA THEN OF TO ALSTON YOU GO VIA BRAMPTON WHICH IS FLAT THEN IT’S A GENTILE RISE TO ALTON THE HIGHEST MARKET TOWN IN ENGLAND. FROM THEIR, THERE IS A PRETTY SEVER CLIMB UP COBLES TROUGH THE TOWN THEN CONTINUING ON TO THE TOP OF YARD MOSS HERE IT WAS A HEAD WIND HERE BUT YOU JUST WORK AWAY AT IT. THE DESCENT TO BARNARD CASTLE WAS GOOD BUT ALL THIS DOWN MEANS YOU HAVE TO BACK UP IT ON THE WAY BACK TO ALSTON. FOOD OUT THE COOP WAS GOOD SITTING IN THE SUN IT WASNIECE 124 MILES DONE ONLY 257 MILES TO GO.
 
THE CLIMB UP TO THE TOP OF YARD MOSS WAS GRADUAL SO YOU COULD KEEP A FARE SPEED UP ON IT. THE DESCENT TO ALSTON WAS FAST & OVER TO QUICKLY. IT’S THE SPA SHOP 19:00 IT WAS LOOKING GREY TO THE WEST & NORTH BY THE TIME I CAME OUT THE SHOP THE LIGHT RAIN HAD STARTED. SO I PUT THE OVER SHOES ON BUT BY THE TIME I SET OFF IT WAS OF SO JUST PUT THE RAIN JACKET IN THE POCKET FOR EASY ACCESS. THE RUN TO DOWN TO LONG TOWN WAS GOOD NO RAIN BUT THERE WERE SOME REAL WET ROADS, IT WAS ONLY A MATER OF TIME. I HAD MY HART ON A FISH SUPPER IN LONGTOWN BUT IT WAS SHUT A SATURDAY NIGHT SO ROUND THE CORNER FOR A MEAL DEAL IN THE SPA, WHAT WOULD WE DO WITH OUT SPA. 186 MILES DOWN WERE NEARLY HALF WAY.
 
IT WAS DARK NOW WITH THE HEAVY CLOUD SO LIGHTS ON & OFF WE GO TO JOHNSTONEBRIDGE SERVICES THIS ROUTE USED IN QUIT A FEW AUDAXS SO I NEW THE ROAD TO IT, JUST BEFORE KILPATRICK FLEMING THE RAIN STARTED IT WAS HEAVY TILL I GOT TO THE SERVICES. ITS TIME TO HAVE A DESCANT BRAKE SAY 45 MINUTES SO IT WAS AN ALL DAY BREAKFAST LARGE COFFEE, PINT OF MILK, CAN OF JUICE. DEW TO BEING SO WET I WAS QUIT COLD SO THE EXTRA JACKET, LEGGINGS AND HAT WENT ON AND IT WAS OF INTO THE NIGHT TO MOFFAT WERE IT WAS A QUICK CALL AT A BANK FOR A BALANCE TO PROVE TIME OF BEING THERE. THEN UP THE A708 BY THE GRY MARRS TAIL AND SAINT MARYS LOCH TO SELKIRK AND GALASHIELS THERE FOR 05:00 IN THAT STRETCH OF 40 MILES ONLY 3 CARS PASSED.
 
IN GALASHIELS ITS CHANGE OF CLOTH TO DRY ONES MORE FOOD, THAT I HAD IN THE CAR & I HEAD OF EAST O MOREBATTLE NO NEED TO STOP AS IT’S A INFORMATION CONTROL WHICH WAS WHAT THE NAME OF THE SHOP(MOREBATTLE VILLAGE SHOP) GOING IS HARD AS ITS VERY LUMPY YOUR IN BORDER COUNTY, ITS IN ITS NATURE. MOREBATTLE TO WOOLER & MORE HILLS I WAS GLAD TO REACH WOOLER COOP WAS OPEN SO WENT FOR TOP UP OF FOOD 76 MILES TO GO. THEN OF TO BERWICK NIECE ROLLING HILLS, BERWICK IS REACHED IN NICE SUNSHINE BY THE SEA AND GUESS WHAT MORE FOOD THEN THE RETURN JOURNEY TO GALASHIELS. JUST AFTER WOOLER I START TO SEE THE OTHER RIDER ON THE WAY OUT THIS IS ALWAYS A BOOST TO YOU AS YOU’RE ON THE WAY HOME FROM WOOLER TO GALASHIELS THEIRS A HEAD WIND PLUS THE HILLS BUT YOU JUST GET ON WITH IT. PINT OF CIDER AT THE TEMPLE HALL HOTEL IN MOREBATTLE THE PENULTIMATE CHECK POINT. GALASHIELS IS REACHED AT 17:00. SO SOME FOOD, SHOWER & A SLEEP BEFORE DRIVING HOME TO WHAT THE FOOTBALL. 35 HOUR FOR 381 MILE, GOOD DAY & NIGHT RIDE PARIS BREST PARIS 2115 HERE WE COME ALL BEING WELL.
 
CAMPBELL

Started out with Campbell at 06:00 from Stornoway in glorious sunshine after a night on the gym floor (Campbell went with the luxury bedroom option!) The weather held all day with the exception of a heavy shower whilst enjoying a Stornoway Black Pudding/Egg roll on the Butty Bus. A bonus to have sun and no midges for the whole day.
Stunning scenery down the west coast of Harris to Leverburgh at the Southernmost tip was better then I remembered from my last visit. White sandy beaches stretching for miles. A pleasure to cycle. Returned from Leverburgh on The Golden Road on the East of Harris. Different scenery and a roller coaster road. If you're ever on Harris then I recommend a pedal on this road.
Returned back to Lewis via the one major climb of the day (covered from the North and South.) Not as bad as I thought it would be...not too steep, but long drag. Scenery on Lewis not as good, long stretches of straight roads through barren landscape. Near the Callanish Stones there was also the matter of a short, sharp 15% climb...not ideal after carrot cake.
Last 30 odd miles from the Butt of Lewis lighthouse to Stornoway was hard work into a head wind and on a road that always seemed to be going up. Legs got no reprieve.
Garmin reported over 10,000 ft of climbing over the 188.8 miles in 13hr 13min of cycling.
In contention for best day on a bike to date for me and rice pudding never tasted so good...

Started out with Campbell at 06:00 from Stornoway in glorious sunshine after a night on the gym floor (Campbell went with the luxury bedroom option!) The weather held all day with the exception of a heavy shower whilst enjoying a Stornoway Black Pudding/Egg roll on the Butty Bus. A bonus to have sun and no midges for the whole day.
Stunning scenery down the west coast of Harris to Leverburgh at the Southernmost tip was better then I remembered from my last visit. White sandy beaches stretching for miles. A pleasure to cycle. Returned from Leverburgh on The Golden Road on the East of Harris. Different scenery and a roller coaster road. If you're ever on Harris then I recommend a pedal on this road.
Returned back to Lewis via the one major climb of the day (covered from the North and South.) Not as bad as I thought it would be...not too steep, but long drag. Scenery on Lewis not as good, long stretches of straight roads through barren landscape. Near the Callanish Stones there was also the matter of a short, sharp 15% climb...not ideal after carrot cake.
Last 30 odd miles from the Butt of Lewis lighthouse to Stornoway was hard work into a head wind and on a road that always seemed to be going up. Legs got no reprieve.
Garmin reported over 10,000 ft of climbing over the 188.8 miles in 13hr 13min of cycling.
In contention for best day on a bike to date for me and rice pudding never tasted so good...

Have now entered this Audax starting in Stornoway....
 
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-119/
 
Planning to leave car in Ullapool and catch the ferry to Stornoway on the Fri night. Crashing at event HQ gym on Fri and Sat night and returning on the ferry to Ullapool on the Sun.
As usual, company welcome.
 
Cheers

Was waiting on Al's detailed Garmin report, but he must be out of internet reach again...
Early 05:00 departure was required to make the 07:00 start. However, we missed the main bunch start (comfort break) and ended up on our own. This was the pattern for the rest of the day. Started off in light rain, but this cleared for most of the rest of the day with the exception of two heavy downpours in the afternnoon.
Scenery outstanding all the way with several of the roads smooth tarmac to match. No vertical gradients to speak of, but many long drags to sap the strength. In fact, had to suck Al's wheel for several miles on the return leg to Langholm when I was toiling up a 10 mile 'slope' after about 130 miles. I knew I would suffer on this - it was a two up TT at around 25mph on the way out! Eventually recovered with a red bull!
Finished the run at 21:23 with 195 miles on the clock. MacDonalds never tasted so good. Probably around 13 hrs in the saddle and I have the backside to prove it.
Despite 3 cafe breaks and a couple of 'shop' stops, lesson for me is that I need to take more real food (and red bull) on board. Think my stomach was rejecting gels late on.
Great day on the bike and good to hit the milestone. Strange feeling sitting at 100 miles and realising you're just over half way.
Dawes Tourer now on order and beard coming along nicely.
Planning next trip to Stornoway at start of Jul for the next 300km. All welcome....

Was waiting on Al's detailed Garmin report, but he must be out of internet reach again...
Early 05:00 departure was required to make the 07:00 start. However, we missed the main bunch start (comfort break) and ended up on our own. This was the pattern for the rest of the day. Started off in light rain, but this cleared for most of the rest of the day with the exception of two heavy downpours in the afternnoon.
Scenery outstanding all the way with several of the roads smooth tarmac to match. No vertical gradients to speak of, but many long drags to sap the strength. In fact, had to suck Al's wheel for several miles on the return leg to Langholm when I was toiling up a 10 mile 'slope' after about 130 miles. I knew I would suffer on this - it was a two up TT at around 25mph on the way out! Eventually recovered with a red bull!
Finished the run at 21:23 with 195 miles on the clock. MacDonalds never tasted so good. Probably around 13 hrs in the saddle and I have the backside to prove it.
Despite 3 cafe breaks and a couple of 'shop' stops, lesson for me is that I need to take more real food (and red bull) on board. Think my stomach was rejecting gels late on.
Great day on the bike and good to hit the milestone. Strange feeling sitting at 100 miles and realising you're just over half way.
Dawes Tourer now on order and beard coming along nicely.
Planning next trip to Stornoway at start of Jul for the next 300km. All welcome....

Was waiting on Al's detailed Garmin report, but he must be out of internet reach again...
Early 05:00 departure was required to make the 07:00 start. However, we missed the main bunch start (comfort break) and ended up on our own. This was the pattern for the rest of the day. Started off in light rain, but this cleared for most of the rest of the day with the exception of two heavy downpours in the afternnoon.
Scenery outstanding all the way with several of the roads smooth tarmac to match. No vertical gradients to speak of, but many long drags to sap the strength. In fact, had to suck Al's wheel for several miles on the return leg to Langholm when I was toiling up a 10 mile 'slope' after about 130 miles. I knew I would suffer on this - it was a two up TT at around 25mph on the way out! Eventually recovered with a red bull!
Finished the run at 21:23 with 195 miles on the clock. MacDonalds never tasted so good. Probably around 13 hrs in the saddle and I have the backside to prove it.
Despite 3 cafe breaks and a couple of 'shop' stops, lesson for me is that I need to take more real food (and red bull) on board. Think my stomach was rejecting gels late on.
Great day on the bike and good to hit the milestone. Strange feeling sitting at 100 miles and realising you're just over half way.
Dawes Tourer now on order and beard coming along nicely.
Planning next trip to Stornoway at start of Jul for the next 300km. All welcome....

Was waiting on Al's detailed Garmin report, but he must be out of internet reach again...
Early 05:00 departure was required to make the 07:00 start. However, we missed the main bunch start (comfort break) and ended up on our own. This was the pattern for the rest of the day. Started off in light rain, but this cleared for most of the rest of the day with the exception of two heavy downpours in the afternnoon.
Scenery outstanding all the way with several of the roads smooth tarmac to match. No vertical gradients to speak of, but many long drags to sap the strength. In fact, had to suck Al's wheel for several miles on the return leg to Langholm when I was toiling up a 10 mile 'slope' after about 130 miles. I knew I would suffer on this - it was a two up TT at around 25mph on the way out! Eventually recovered with a red bull!
Finished the run at 21:23 with 195 miles on the clock. MacDonalds never tasted so good. Probably around 13 hrs in the saddle and I have the backside to prove it.
Despite 3 cafe breaks and a couple of 'shop' stops, lesson for me is that I need to take more real food (and red bull) on board. Think my stomach was rejecting gels late on.
Great day on the bike and good to hit the milestone. Strange feeling sitting at 100 miles and realising you're just over half way.
Dawes Tourer now on order and beard coming along nicely.
Planning next trip to Stornoway at start of Jul for the next 300km. All welcome....

Was waiting on Al's detailed Garmin report, but he must be out of internet reach again...
Early 05:00 departure was required to make the 07:00 start. However, we missed the main bunch start (comfort break) and ended up on our own. This was the pattern for the rest of the day. Started off in light rain, but this cleared for most of the rest of the day with the exception of two heavy downpours in the afternnoon.
Scenery outstanding all the way with several of the roads smooth tarmac to match. No vertical gradients to speak of, but many long drags to sap the strength. In fact, had to suck Al's wheel for several miles on the return leg to Langholm when I was toiling up a 10 mile 'slope' after about 130 miles. I knew I would suffer on this - it was a two up TT at around 25mph on the way out! Eventually recovered with a red bull!
Finished the run at 21:23 with 195 miles on the clock. MacDonalds never tasted so good. Probably around 13 hrs in the saddle and I have the backside to prove it.
Despite 3 cafe breaks and a couple of 'shop' stops, lesson for me is that I need to take more real food (and red bull) on board. Think my stomach was rejecting gels late on.
Great day on the bike and good to hit the milestone. Strange feeling sitting at 100 miles and realising you're just over half way.
Dawes Tourer now on order and beard coming along nicely.
Planning next trip to Stornoway at start of Jul for the next 300km. All welcome....

Myself and Alan Fox planning to do this - any other takers ? A day out with multiple cafe stops and new roads.
 
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-789/

http://www.mapmyride...-route-16739901
 
http://www.mapmyride...-route-21540598
 
http://www.mapmyride.../view/393250438
 
http://www.mapmyride.../view/432835956
 
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/429875340

Now entered this event.
Planning to drive up early (very!!!!) Sat a.m.
Company welcome.

Now entered this event.
Planning to drive up early (very!!!!) Sat a.m.
Company welcome.

Hi All
 
I'm thinking of riding the Langholm Sportif next Sunday. Anyone fancy doing it - treat it as a club 'away day'?
http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/rideit-langholm-sportive-ride-18th-may-2014

Trying to generate interest in Sportives/Audax by posting an event list. I'll keep this updated if it proves worthwhile...give me a shout if you want any others added.
Despite what Billy says, you don't need a beard to enter!
 
1. 27th Apr. Tour de Lauder S http://www.tourdelauder.co.uk
2. 3rd May Drumlanrig S http://www.drumlanrigchallenge.btik.com
3. 18th May Langholm S http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/rideit-langholm-sportive-ride-18th-may-2014
4. 24th May. Cairn O Mount S http://cairnomountchallenge.org.uk'>http://cairnomountchallenge.org.uk
5. 1st Jun. 3 Pistes S http://www.3pistescycle.co.uk
6. 8th Jun. Mull S http://www.mullcyclosportive.co.uk
7. 22nd Jun. Braw Lads. S. http://www.galacc.co.uk/sportive/braw-lads-baw-breaker-2014
8. 5th Jul. Golden Road and Standing Stones A http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-119/
9. 27th Jul. Tour of the Shire. S http://www.entrycentral.com/touroftheshire
10. 23rd Aug. Skye S http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/?page_id=24
11. 30th Aug. Highland Perthshire Challenge. S http://cairnomountchallenge.org.uk

Great day yesterday at Drumlanrig. The organisers Rolf & Dave and all their helpers are really appreciative of the Wheelers support over the years.
 
Their Fort William Lochaber 100 event is just as good as Drumlanrig with a fantastic route and even more home baking to wade through. Plenty of B&Bs, caravan parks & camping for the Friday night to bring a social element to the trip!
 
Saturday 6 September 2014
 
http://www.tearfundcycling.btck.co.uk/Lochaber100
 

I'll be there

Just wondering. Anyone willing to explore the alternative option for getting in that Iain mentioned few posts back - getting in as part of a club entry? if it's only me, I probably won't bother. Need to get it sorted by later this month. Billy, Tom, Iain + others, do you fancy entering as team?

I'm in (with return travel to Pitlochry.)
Diet starts now ???!!!

ALL
JUST FOR INTEREST I WILL BE DOING THESE EVENT ALL BEING WELL. LETS HOPE FOR SOME GOOD SUMMER WEATHER.
CAMPBELL
 
Sun 13 Apr 2014 - 200km - 08:00 from Gourock Rivers Lochs and Glens 200km
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-169/
 
Sat 21 Jun 2014 - 200km - 08:00 from Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire Katrine Kapers Revival
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-204/
 
Sat 05 Jul 2014 - 300km 06:00 from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Golden Road and Standing Stones
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-119/
 
Sun 06 Jul 2014 - 200km - 08:00 from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Outer Hebrides Island Hop
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-111/
 
Sat 12 Jul 2014 - 600km - 07:00 from Galashiels Borderlands Roc Trevezal
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-25/
 
Sat 09 Aug 2014 - 400km - 07:00 from Galashiels, Over the Hill and Back
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-108/

Unfortunately(?!) I don't get back from my Easter break until late on the Sat night and can't make the Skylark. Maybe next year...