robster82

Ok minor change of plan for the final. Slot 4, the sweeper role is up for grabs, step forward Charlie, Billy, Ginty, Colin or Andy.
And there is always the mibeez aye mibeez naw squad who might manage a last minute appearance Alan, Ian and George.
So many permutations, what call to make !
Must be terribly stressful being a DS

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

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.
 

Ah!! Got a right kicking today. Spat out just before lugton. Ta to Robbie who towed me to Barrhead. Had a miserable ride home & still licking my wounds.
Well done Porto. Wish we had left you now

Well done Charlie. Can you give me Dr Ferrari's number?

Despite the Armageddon conditions there was a bunch of over 20 who experienced the full range of Scottish winter with heavy rain, light rain, icy rain, sleety rain, driving rain and plain rain. There was the odd bit of sunshine too. Plenty JWCC present. The main roads were ok if you were carful however it was not an issue after Inchinnan as there was an almighty downpour which melted everything. Bunch stayed together to top of Kilwinning drag then rapidly disintegrated. By sprint time in Barrhead there were only 4 left !
Chapeau to all who found their inner Flandrian today and toughed it round

Bbc weather says go ride yer bike after 9am

Andy Gumley Doc McLean and myself were the renfra bunch today. 50 hilly miles done in challenging conditions. Thoroughly enjoyed it with a lovely stop. @ Alan's local coffee shop in Kilmalcolm

Brisbane Glen was indeed excellent. But what a day for mechanicals with George, Iain, Ian (twice) and Charlie all being hit with punctures.
Not that it mattered on such an excellent day, great way to end the year. Leisurely stop at BB as well where Robbie decided to go for a full Bhoona with side dishes

Ritchie Provan & Colin were met by self and Iain just as they were leaving bogs. I was on lash last night and took me a while to get things together so apologies to Iain for keeping him waiting. Upside was that Iain got a lot of PBS on georgetown rd on way to Renfrew.
We then had delights of a headwind and heavy rain all way to Largs. Pretty painful. Scott from Inverclyde velo joined us just after skelmorlie . Hurrah a bit less time at front. We hit Largs looking like drowned rats. Met Billy mac there. He had ploughed a lone furrow there from Red Smiddy. Chapeau. Billy went up haylie brae as he had an urgent meeting with tommy Craig. Billy was in Alan Sugar mode. The rest of us carried on to west Kilbride picking Andy Gumley up en route. At Dalry Andy left us and we took kilbirnie rd back.
Tough day on bike but hot soak in bath after was delightful
Hope the shirkers are able to join us next week

I think we should be more concerned with the fact there were no saltires or blue face paint today pace was very good from Largs onwards (albeit with a slight tailwind), much more consistent pace with stronger riders taking longer turns & those suffering still managing to contribute at the front.
 
All miles are good miles, and no miles are bad miles

8 x JWCC in the bunch of 10, an excellent effort. Weather was fine with no rain after Langbank. The wind was challenging up the coast mind you. For those out today doing LBL that is an excellent first 75 miles in the kitty

Robbie
You are welcome only one rule you look after me and stick it into Charlie at every opportunity