Alan Michael

Thanks Iain for time keeping, Well done all who rode today. Alan McB  :twisted leer well done! 
 

Knew that aero helmet would pay off Alan!
 
Well done all.

Your rear mech hanger snapped.(sound like I know what I'm talking about) should be easy to fix, but to get the bike running well might take a bit more tlc.

Sorry you're still struggling, Alan-feel guilty that it might have been me who smited you.
 
You'll be back smashing it soon enough tho.

Alan you did a grand ride today. At least you have a clear learning point from the run - know the route and be sure to remember it when you are out your tree with exertion.

If no one's keen then I'll join you Allan.

Well Porto did not think I would get chance so soon to return your phrase
" what is it they say Form is temporary class is permanent"
Ps I know I will regret saying this soon but live for the moment

With the endless wet runs round the coast and another predicted for Saturday is there interest in an alternative this week to take advantage of the MILD and DRY weather !
Looking wet in our neck of woods but dry south of Ayr.
So suggestion to do the Ayrshire Alps run on Saturday from 9am at usual spot south of Ayr.
About 65 miles. 7 significant climbs. Its the Don Smith on Sunday which will likely be fast, so steady between climbs. Those that want can go harder on climbs.

If I'm able to make it I'll enter on the day. 😉

Thinks it's about 80 with lots of up the way miles

Great effort to everyone yesterday. The pace was awesome and hard. Big congrats to Alan in getting the 30 off big Jim and Ian!!
Andy

Felt good today, though after a long spell on the front my legs were burning, when Jim and Mr Archibald came through at pace they dropped me, found myself in a bunch of 5 or so that quickly started to dwindle, ended up me Alan McLean and an extremely strong girl (not sure of her name) but we weren't catching them so I decided to try chase them down on my own (this nearly killed me ) managed to catch them (just) Then A Couple Of Wee Games By Jim To Try drop Me, Again, but I hung in and managed to take them both in the sprint. ☺ (I did have my summer bike though) as ian and Jim were quick to point out lol.

Good run today but tough. A split just before Adrossan had me pulling 35 to catch back on. Similar on the Kilwinning drag. Back of the bunch before I knew a split had happened. Managed to drag back onto the front bunch on my own but was fairly spent after that and the bunch trundled off. Myself and a guy from Glasgow Vics worked together and were only 75m off the back of the front group by the Lochlibo turn. No chance of catching on but kept trying. Turned off at Lugton into brutal headwinds for a decent ride home. Leg properly grubbed now.
 
Well done Alan. Great effort, especially after having to drag back on on your own. (The strong girl is Lindsay...)

Well done guys. Especially Alan- they wouldn't have mentioned your good bike if they'd beat you

Felt good today, though after a long spell on the front my legs were burning, when Jim and Mr Archibald came through at pace they dropped me, found myself in a bunch of 5 or so that quickly started to dwindle, ended up me Alan McLean and an extremely strong girl (not sure of her name) but we weren't catching them so I decided to try chase them down on my own (this nearly killed me ) managed to catch them (just) Then A Couple Of Wee Games By Jim To Try drop Me, Again, but I hung in and managed to take them both in the sprint. ☺ (I did have my summer bike though) as ian and Jim were quick to point out lol.

Ok I'll give it a try. From unpopular Alan.

Have you checked the leaderboard for the Renfrew Winter bunch KOM yet Richie ?

😕 feeling bad now lol. Could probably manage tomorrow but my thinking is take it easy get rid of this cold so It doesn't set me back for longer. Just hope my plan works. 😷

Lower than neck don't train

😕 feeling bad now lol. Could probably manage tomorrow but my thinking is take it easy get rid of this cold so It doesn't set me back for longer. Just hope my plan works. 😷

Enjoy! Sounds a cracking run. Work is fab!...

Jealous

Sorry bigman busy tomorrow but if your off next week i should be available
 
Cheers
 
Robbie

Sorry, knee isn't quite right yet, maybe next week.

So I have monitored bogs bunch progress and noted the form of our team. And it's time for the first assignment of the season. It's a bit of fun and gives a purpose to next Saturday's ride. If anyone at all uncomfortable with their role just tell me. For the sake of team you should let me know at Largs if you don't think you can do it.
 
Team mission - get Alex B over the line first at next Saturday's bogs bunch.
How it will be done,
First of all Iain, me, Alex, Alan to get in line 3km from home, in that order. Somewhere near back of remaining bunch.
Role 1 - Iain. The take control role. From approx 500m ( over the top of the final drag I think ) wind it up as hard as you can. You are responsible for pulling us to the front and bossing the bunch for 200m. Then drift to the side into the prevailing wind.
Role 2 - me. The final lead out. Sprint off Iain's wheel as hard as I would for the line. But I am going 150m earlier than I am able to sprint full out for. My job is to ensure no one can come up to challenge for the sprint and to give Alex an air pocket. Then drift off and leave Alex.
Role 3 - Alex. Nominated sprinter role. When you have luxury of lead out your responsibility is to come off the wheel at a point you believe you can accelerate all the way to the line. Difficult to gauge but only one way to find out. And fight every cm to the line.
Role 4 - Alan. Sweeper role. Job is to stay on Alex's wheel and not, absolutely not, let anyone else into the line. Same applies to me and Alex. Purpose is that anyone who latches on has at least 2 bike lengths to make up in the final 150m or so. When Alex goes you keep riding but do not sprint. Yes it's annoying for others but it's what a lot of the pro teams do. You have this role because you are not confident in your jumping gears !
 
Any other JWCC present in the final 2km has 3 options
 
1) wild card attack whenever you like to make someone else work
2) join in the train behind Alan to give double sweeper coverage
3) if you are feeling good join the train behind Iain and in front of me but you must let Iain know so he can start earlier. And be confident you can keep it stringed out for 200m
 
I believe we can do this. My only doubt can be summed up in two words. Greg O. He is capable of coming from 6 back to rip the sprint. I know how to deal with that and it would involve multiple attacks from the bottom of the Kilwinning drag to get him pumped but that would leave a very unpredictable and shredded bunch coming into the final so would not be as much fun and practice opportunity for the team.
 
So have think and make your commit either public or privately,
 
This plan is based on current predictable form so please do not take offence if I not included you in the specific roles. There are at least 4 guys I expect may be present and ready to slot in between Iain and me.