Ian Porteous

Tough day. My heart went from 90 to 170 in 10 mins. Worked with a Falkirk and Fullerton boy and caught George. Sat behind Falkirk boy but he lost wheel of Fullerton fella so we just worked together for rest of race. Great camaraderie and crossed line together just behind Colin who to be hfair was on his own for a long stretch in to headwind .
Not too despondent as I have to take credit for keeping George interested in racing and it's nearly April.
Well done alex
Away to lick my wounds

Cheers Iain! Hopefully a knowledgeable rider is a fast rider!

Hey Chung, that was me! Looked comfortable??? Dying inside!
 
Bit of a baptism of fire. Very fast from the off, managed to stay with the front group until the completion of the first lap (think I crossed the line second) but then we had to do it all again.
 
We had a 47 second lead half way up the A77 second time round, but only three of us working. Ended up with a group of 4 or 5 young whipper snappers on our tail by the end of the A77 who sat back until the steep section towards Stewarton then made a break. I stayed with a group of 6 that tried to chase them down. Got to within 50m before the final turn onto Clunch Road.
 
Guy in front lost chain momentarily which caused a slight split but I was done. Caught and passed a couple on the final stretch, but the main (second) group crossed the line without me. I had nothing left. Came between 10th and 15th (I think 13th but not sure).
 
Lessons learned.
 
Eat something during the tailwind of the A77!
Get the right gear up the final stretch and get my lazy ass out the saddle for the final push!
 
Great day though.

A few (stupid) questions from a first time racer...
 
Is anybody planning on riding over to fenwick?
If driving, are you wearing your race kit there or do you get changed into/out of gear there?
Is anyone planning on hanging around after race 1 to watch race 2?
If so will there be food & drink available?
 
I'm sure I'll think of some more later... I'm a worrier

With George in group 2 we have an added incentive to go fast and try to keep the dreaded lurgi at bay! You should fit a bell to your handlebars George.

Ian, I think they wanted the good looking guys off first for some decent pictures!

We noticed!

Think this is it. Don't try opening it on your mobile though, doesn't work very well.
 
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1012137

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

Cheers guys! Have to thank Charlie for dragging me home after a surprisingly early self destruction. Was too strong for me to hold his wheel even into a headwind! And Alan looks like he's out for the overall win in liege! Unbelievable ride - so powerful he keeps breaking his bike!

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

Just had a bike fitting from a life member of JWCC - Drew Wilson (Visual Bike Fit). It's a mobile service so he comes to your home. Took just over 2.5 hours and bike feels much nicer than previously, though out on the road will let me know the difference for sure. Good one to one, personal service.
 
Cleat positioning, stem length, height, bar rotation, lever positioning, seat post height and saddle position all changed. Thankfully he didn't suggest stabilisers...
 
Not sure the rules on contacts etc, so left them off this post, but he was asking after you all.

Excellent day including (as I pointed out to anyone who would listen) the traditional dragrace to Largs, into low sun glare, soaked and blinded by spray.
 
Ian Archibald and Jim C got bored and opened a gap at Burnhouse which Alan bridged in an impressive bonkers solo effort.
 
The mighty Lindsay and I chased the first three all the way to Barrhead.
 
Geeky analysis confirms very fast times out of Kilwinning which explains why I am typing this lying down.

Much better size bunch about 20 today and a pretty fast pace all the way. Weather forecast of dry = haha.
If your name was Alan then today was your day. Both Alan's hanging tough with the bunch which was down to about 7 or 8 at Burnhouse after a hard Kilwinning drag. Alan McB looking very strong spelling through but I reckon Alan McL was hiding it under a bushel
Cannot report what happened after that as as it was a bad day at the office for me and I blew before Lugton, totally. And wee ringed home.
It can be a bit off putting when you have a day where you perform below normal, for those newer to this game all I would say is one of the truest quotes I ever heard was 'good days and bad days'. It just happens, don't go changing things dramatically etc.
 

Well done all! Gritty 2-up indeed and 10th place on Strava segment between greenock and inverkip gives a measure of work ethic. I was busted though by largs. I'm still shaking off lurgy but chapeau to Chas for a monumental effort getting around after that. Alex hope you're okay. Sounded nasty to say the least.
 
I have to say even leaving renfrew there was a smell of blood in the air. The couriers were all looking kitted up and determined. I think there was a plan to mash it up.
 
Heading out tomorrow for easier miles but no reliability for me.
 
Andy

One of the couriers (not sure his name) mentioned to me that he had read about our intended plans for the finish
 
Maybe an idea for later on in the season (when the racing starts) to have the road race viewable by members only?

It was fun not the best day not to take pain killers back was signing at Largs so went up the Healy with Alex and Iain now watching Saint mirren which is even more painful
Just a note on how hard it was was sitting at the back 27 mph 300 watts

Listen to young Ian-a face fit for modelling (balaclavas)

No Mr Sore knee may I be excused from the turbo hell of a Tuesday night you can't

Dare I make a joke about faces for radio?

It's shaping up to be an exciting and nail biting interim pop at Kilwinning! George vs Billy. Who will win? Sky sports negotiating broadcasting rights

Loving the forecast! Circulating winds providing a tailwind to Addrossan, and then a tailwind to Barrhead. And some sunshine.
 
Only downside is that it's the BBC forecast so it will probably be snowing with a gale force headwind all day...
 
Very hopeful for Saturday. Reckon football is a very early kick off.

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

I'll be along to add some panache to a dour Tuesday. Bagsy a club turbo & a berth next to Big Mac so I look skinny.
 
Are there any club turbos left?

I'll be there to help you out!