robster82

Eleanor's Flowers in Brodick dispatched these to our kind supporters and helpers in Corriecravie
Arran Flowers.pdf

Hi Paul
 
Thanks! Being philosophical in situations like this often boils down to trying to see things in a broader or different perspective. As in 'it could have been worse', or ' actually a broken leg allows you to catch up on your reading". So, am I being philosophical? Am I f**k
 
Actually I'm happy to report I am at home now and looking forward to watching the rest of the Giro.

Absolutely gutted about today!
 
Speedy recovery mate.

Hi guys Claire here. Darryl wanted me to let you all know that he is ok and wants to thank everybody for taking such good care of him. He is now in the rah ward 23 and it has been confirmed he's broken his femur. Surgery probably tomorrow. Will keep you all posted. Thanks claire

As you were all joint last as well as joint first  it wouldnt be right to award  full points to everyone incase Jesus smites me! 
 
6 points in total up for grabs for the Clune  so i think joint first/last gets you a 3rd of that so 2 each
3  in total for the intermediate - joint first/last 1
12  in total for the Georgetown - joint first/last 4
 
So 7 points each with the attendence point making it up to 8.

Points have to be shared equally eg if it was worth 3 then 1 each!!!!
 
That's why Alex and I, pipped each other at each points section!!!
 
Don't want you lot getting extra free points!!!

Time? Possibly torture

Well lADs, some things to think about. Wind looking even more suitable now, still showers but less then a DAy or two ago. It changes by the DAy,
On the one hand ADverse weather will make it even more epic,
On the other it will make it challenging and possibly even silly if weather bAD enough,
 
From what I know the status of the immortality candiDAtes is as below but would really appreciate an update from each
 
Alex B - mibeez hope you feel better
Jan Ullrich - yip
Robbo McEwan - yip pending anyone setting their house on fire
DArryl - yip
Alan McLean - yip
Andy Gummers - yip
James S - yip
Colin - yip
JuDAs van tool - nope, so prodigal son not reADmitted to the fold just yet
Alan McB - unlikely with knee DAmage
Gregg O - dunno
Mark O - yip
Paul L - please let us know Paul
 

oops, that was mean speed. Forensic analysis confirms 29mph ish for top few k from Imachar.

Oh no a brisk southerly means the big guns will sitting at 30+ mph up the west side of island which made my wee skinny legs go pop last year!

Oh no a brisk southerly means the big guns will sitting at 30+ mph up the west side of island which made my wee skinny legs go pop last year!

I was going to wear old kit too for same reason. I have checked the rulebook and old or new is fine so long as blue and yellow.
 
Can everyone please ignore the extra summer 1515 ferry service. Please note it does not exist for the purposes of this exercise so dismiss it from your minds. The only ferry that matters is the 1355 from Brodick. We have to catch that ferry to complete the Official DA. Any deliberate slacking of pace, blocking the front, going through slowly, to catch "the later ferry" will be dealt with severely and receive a DNF.
 
Complete defaillance, jour sans, total bonkfest are the only acceptable reasons for late ferry and will of course not be regarded as a DA but may be mentioned in dispatches as a worthy attempt. Personally I expect the man with the hammer to give me a call somewhere around Machrie on the second lap.

Sitting tonight with some recovery juice and thoughts turned to DA. In terms of strategy I am thinking as below but welcome other thoughts and suggestions,
 
- single pace line, straight to back just like the pro's do on a long TTT
- pace regulated at SA pace plus a little bit extra from the start
- looking like a decent number so probably about 30-45 secs on front which will mean a spell every 4-5 mins
- important point is do not increase pace, keep it smooth as possible with guy swinging off easing back and going straight to back, no macho keeping the power on to make the next guy work to come through
- if you are having a good moment then go a bit longer on front before elbow flick
- elbow flick is mandatory, we do not want people behind accelerating to get through and do a spell
- be realistic about your personal ability, flick that elbow as soon as you start to let the pace drop or preferably before
- communication is critical. I will take personal responsibility for making the call to up or down the overall pace with the help from my data friend whom I hope will have the last but one single stored for up to the second pace comparison on his Garmin (I will contact you separately Jan to check out your thoughts on this)
- mechanicals, sorry but we all sign up for not stopping, it is just not feasible, I really hope it does not happen to anyone,
- please think about your personal strengths and play to them, obvious examples would be Robbo or James leading on the climbs into the headwind or Jan and Alan doing longer turns on the flat. But, and this is the really important bit, if you are particularly strong at one discipline please remember others are not so ride to the teams abilities rather than your own,
- the best team player will lead the team within their abilities on their preferred terrain but will sensibly pull back when it does not suit them,
- it is very likely most people will have a crisis in confidence or form at some point, it is just fine to either miss spells or roll through for a very short spell
- it is not fine to miss spells without shouting to the team that they should drop in in front of you
- when a single line goes round a corner or makes a descent round a corner the line always stretches with gaps opening, remember the first guy can take the best line and see the pot holes etc but everyone behind cannot, if you are on the front the very best thing to do is hold back for a few seconds to let the line reestablish itself, this is best for the team effort,
- and finally, shout out the pot holes for the team behind,
 
 
Some practicalities
 
- we make a stash about 500m from ferry for spare bottles, food etc, so poly bag or similar with provisions for 2nd lap should be brought along
- the stop time will be about 4 minutes max so think ahead on quick changeover of bottles, food etc
 
Look forward to your comments and additions. I can't wait to give this a bash as I Truly believe that everyone is up for dong whatever they can to make it happen.
 
DREAM IT, BELIEVE IT, ACHIEVE IT

How about those that help out at one of the events will get 10 chaingang bonus points?

Yes full route for me

Yes full route for me

As Director of cycling for Thursday night chain gang I hereby find that Paul Robbie Billy and myself are entitled to the bonus points. There was one post by Ian advising of " possible" roadworks and that we may have to take detour. At no time was it agreed on forum or before we set off that we " shall" take detour. Big Alex was clearly pecking as in admission was Daryl. Big Al was overcome with illness and was not thinking straight. Paul Ian & Colin were just following the wheels of McTavish & Michael and would have followed them in to river I on the other hand despite losing your wheels at roundabout manfully chased the true routers. Having lost your wheels to suck made this stretch particularly hard so can not agree your untrue route was tougher
Clearly I am above self interest and the fact that I am getting 3 extra points has no bearing whatsoever. Indeed I did consider that the 4 true routers should be the only counters for Clune and Georgetown but in true Jwcc spirit I have not gone that far. Having heard all submissions final decision to be made by Ian McTavish ( Director of Racing)and on checking my rule book this decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Apr was good but did notice that chasers were all in a line behind Alan though to be fair Daryl And Billy did most of work in our group. Also noticed that some members were in chase group when they should have been in first group but on this occasion only no disqualification

Bickering over detours and short cuts. What next? PEDS, hidden motors, sticks in spokes, bonus points for riding mass produced tat and handicaps for using Italian stylish quality components (see other thread). Poor Charlie now getting dragged into to mediate and restore order.
 
Green jersey competition descending into eh.......... point scoring posting frenzy. Yis wur warned,so yis wur.

If I took the short cut don't think I'd sleep see tonight

Well I did. Seemed to be quite rapid on the w/f and so when Alex shouted 'short cut' due to road works, I didn't need asking twice. But, when you all decided to do the Clune anyway, well, mentally, I was already halfway up the shortcut

Me either, thank god we never took a SHORT cut.

Enjoyed the chase tonight, next time maybe a 90 second gap for the first group?
 
I thought there was going to be roadworks thats why went off the west ferry however we still did the whole of the Clune! However im in a generous mood so 3 bonus points for those that did the full route.
 

Tough evening as usual. Can't believe the Robster let the Cooriers steal the Stewarton 30 after my lead out. Legs still nipping. Definitely felt off the pace at times last night. Hope I'm not incubating germs!!!!

thread bump
 
Sarah was riding the TdYorkshire this weekend. Only following the World Champ's wheel!

I was doing a wee hill route today (the torturous head wind up Gleddoch made it all the more fun...) and have sussed something that can equal La Sufrida both in distance and climbing.
 
Start at the West Glen side of Netherton. Apply suntan lotion. (Optional). Up Netherton climb and descend all the way into Langbank, up Station Road and continue up Gleddoch climb. At top turn left into Gallahill Road and climb to the pylon. Descend back to start of Netherton climb.
 
Repeat for a total of 24 times. 120 miles, 5,400m climbing. Plus allow 15 miles return cycle to the start gives you La Sufrida! Make it interesting by having a glass of either sangria or mateus every 5th lap.