Gerard Deeley

A big woo-hoo for smashing my previous PB by 44 seconds!  After a long break away from the TTs I was cycling down in the blustery wind thinking that anything under 18min tonight would be an achievement.  Well done to all of the other riders and to Richard and Ian for officiating, especially good to see Ian on the mend after him punching a moving car.

Well done Gerard and Alan on the PBs! Gerard your on fire!

Thanks to Richard and Ian for the timekeeping and push off last night and well done to the PBers

Well done to all, especially Gerard on a great time ...
 
Douglas (jets) - 20.10
Alan Mcmillan - 18.53
Gerard - 16.59 PB
Alan T - 17.09 PB
Billy - 17.02
 
All adults paid, £12 for the club coffers

A big woo-hoo for smashing my previous PB by 44 seconds!  After a long break away from the TTs I was cycling down in the blustery wind thinking that anything under 18min tonight would be an achievement.  Well done to all of the other riders and to Richard and Ian for officiating, especially good to see Ian on the mend after him punching a moving car.

A big woo-hoo for smashing my previous PB by 44 seconds!  After a long break away from the TTs I was cycling down in the blustery wind thinking that anything under 18min tonight would be an achievement.  Well done to all of the other riders and to Richard and Ian for officiating, especially good to see Ian on the mend after him punching a moving car.

I have been encouraged to put this up by Chung and am not sure what's etiquette- so here goes.
 
GHK playing fields at Anniesland Cross to just before the pier in Dunoon. Starting at 2145 and finishing hopefully before 0700 (there's a reason for this which I will come onto later). Now I know you top guys are doing 100 for fun at the weekends, but maybe crank that up to 200 to make a more equal comparison and for the audax guys- maybe 350!!!
 
So my good friend Gordon from the Glasgow Nightingale (a very good junior cyclist in his day, which is code for.. this could be boring for him but he's coming along as my super domestique) chose the 109, why? we're members of a cycling club and wouldn't dream of doing less!!!!
 
So we set off at 2200 in the third group of 20ish riders by mistake as all the 109s were in the first group- but we didn't know. A total of 68 starting. Anniesland cross to Helensburgh with a stop in Helensburgh for those that wanted- we didn't stop.
 
Then we were joined by 4 guys who wanted to "take spells" which lasted 20 mins before I said to Gordon "let them go as 20mph at this stage going up the road by Faslane will only end in disaster for me", and so we did. Then we hit the loch long road in complete darkness, pedalling past a lone chap and onto Arrochar. A quick stop at Arrochar to allow the midges their supper and fill the bottles. (At this stage I started feeling sorry for the lone chap we passed on the loch side- so when he arrived at Arrochar we asked him to join us- I mean - come on- it's not a race!!)
 
So Bob sat in for the next haul, up the 'rest and be thankful' and despite dropping the speed to 5 mph before we got to the climb, he asked us to go on and thanked us for the company.  Now it was very, very dark. No noise and two cars passing us all the way from Arrochar to the top of the RABT. But wait,  what yonder be that commotion at the top of the Rest- A bloody disco no less- that's right, a disco- or a night club as you young people call it nowadays! So we pulled over to see what was 'gong down with the young crew'. Crispy cakes, coffee, tea and 'Insomnia' by Faithless being played at full pelt (now for you Neil Diamond lovers, Faithless are a hip and happening pop group). How cruel those organisers can be playing Insomnia at 0100 at night!!,  In saying that I did feel very sorry for the couple who had parked their campervan just up from the discos and until then were probably having a peaceful and relaxing evening.
 
So on we pushed to Strachur, all the way with not a sight of a car or another cyclist, although we did see some flashing lights over the other side of loch Fyne heading towards Inveraray!
 
Through Strachur and onto Kilfinnan,  narrowly missing the drunk walking in the middle of the road on his way home who wished us all the best, well,  we think that's what he said! 
 
The sportive splits at Strachur- those doing the 77 are held here until 0300 so that they are not in Dunoon until the coffee shop is open- they go straight up the Glen Branter/ Loch Eck road to Dunoon. The 89ers go along the Colintriave road - as I call it-  to then climb up and over to Loch Striven and we headed along the Otter Ferry road to meet up with the 89ers on the Colintriave road after going through Tighnabruiach.
 
I have done the Tighnabruiach to Starchur road before, but not the other way and I have to say that with no visual references, just smells (wild garlic, cows and lavender) and the little light you have from the front of your bike, this bit wears you down.
Met a few guys along this bit, some on their last legs or as we renamed them-'got excited and stared too quick', two that thought they were lost, but didn't want to join us - or as we called them- we started too quickly but are just kidding  that we are lost so that we can get a break and two from the earlier group of four we met who just so happened to be looking at a mechanical at the top of the wee climb out of Otter Ferry and breathing heavily or as well called them- 'should have done the 77'!
 
By the time we had a bottle fill up and yet another crispy cake at Kilfinnan the dawn chorus had just started.
 
On a serious note, this was a beautiful moment, peace, the low light on the hills, the gentle lapping of the loch wate,  the birds singing and...... BLOODY HELL WHERE THE **** DID THAT ROE DEER COME FROM AND WHY DOES IT WANT TO PUT IT'S HEAD INTO MY FRONT WHEEL!!!-  locked up, skidded to the side and managed to miss it on a fairly fast decent. A close one and a the lesson learnt?.- Roe deer are just as mad as Italian cycling fans on a stage of the Giro!!
 
 
So on to Tighnabruiach the site of many a classic shinty match and up the hill out of this lovely village- by now this hill is tough.
 
Onto the hill up to the descent down into Loch Striven and now feeling tired, not n the legs, but just sleep tired.
Dawn has fully broken and the front lights are off, no cars and just some nice pedalling until we get onto the last undulating climb up to Loch Tarsan. This was tough, but we knew that after this it is just rolly road all the way to Dunoon.
And so with a tail wind just after hunters quay helping us to the finish we roll along easily at 19 mph, tired, weary and covered in midges onto the salubrious electrical tape on the road which signified the finish line.
 
Post ride-  we enjoyed the free roll and sausage and then prepped for the next stage of this sportive- Oh yes and you thought it was finished?
 
At 0645 one of the boats that they normally use for booze cruises, came to pick up those that had paid for the return trip back up the Clyde to the Science Centre. Now,  I would have to say that I was very sceptical about this, but it was well worth it. Even if you wanted to just sleep, dance at the dance thingy on top deck with free cans of alcoholic beverages, sit down stairs chat and drink coffee or as I did stay up deck to see parts of the Clyde I had never seen before. We past the very large cruise ship at Greenock, all the stands for the speed boat racing,  the Waverley past us just at Renfrew on its way 'doon the water'- all lovely
 
We arrived at the Science Centre at 1000 just as the Glasgow mens 10k was starting which provoked all those warming up to come and see what the hell was going on. As we clambered off with our bikes, making throw away comments of, (needs to be done in a slightly RAF posh voice )"yes-just rode through the night to a disco thingy at the top of the Rest and decided to carry to for a bit. Venison at Kilfinnan, before scaling the hills of Cowal- just the 109 today, but back for more next week- enjoy your plod!"
 
And so the Dunoon Chase the Moon sportive was over- in summary- well worth it and well worth doing next year, a great experience shared with a great friend, well organised and plenty of provision at each stop. So whether your a 'pushing it to do 77' or a 'bring on the 109' it isn't a race, but good fun.
 
And finally- the flashing lights on the other side of the loch?? the two boys who we met earlier at Faslane, who didn't turn off at the big signs for Dunoon- needless to say.... they missed the Boat!
Alan
 

Cheers to Iain and Richard well done to Alan and Gerald for PB just as well Coutiee was working as that ride could have cost me
Hey two in three days not bad though

Thanks to Ian and Richard for the formalities tonight, and well done Gerard on a sub 17 PB.
I didn't think it was a particularly fast night, cool with a strong Southerly, but while it didn't seem to get in the way going out, it definitely helped on the way back.

A big woo-hoo for smashing my previous PB by 44 seconds!  After a long break away from the TTs I was cycling down in the blustery wind thinking that anything under 18min tonight would be an achievement.  Well done to all of the other riders and to Richard and Ian for officiating, especially good to see Ian on the mend after him punching a moving car.

I'm assuming being Father's Day today, most of us got the permission to do what we want - ride me bike :-) hence the fair size turn out at the Bridge this morning.
 
I counted 10 to begin with:
Andrew, Campbell, David C, Eric, Paul C, Ritchie, Ryan, Tom, myself & Murray (Ryan's mate), then with Darren (Ritchie's colleague from work) joining us in Strathblane making a total of 11 bodies for today's run.
 
It was a ride of 2 halfs - the forecast was for light rain pretty much everywhere, but we seem to have been blessed with fairly dry weather up till when we got to Drymen were upon the heavens opened & it was wet from then on.
 
The Crow was un-usually quiet given the fact it was part of todays Trossachs Ton route, however we did encounter a fair number of riders along the valley before & after the Crow, no wheels for us to follow I'm afraid, they were going the opposite direction anyway. Crow road done & Paul left us to head to Killearn instead as he was struggling for time, which left the remaining 10 for a quick blast towards Aberfoyle. A quick decision was made to have a café stop at Drymen after the PipeTrack, instead of one in Aberfoyle. Not a good move as the usual place we frequent - The Pottery was closed (shut down or moved) so an alternative café was fold after Murray controversial suggested that we should head to the local village pub :-)
The wee café we found on the main street was a bit overwhelmed by 10 hungry cyclist demanding food & drinks all at once, but they cope well & it was much appreciated by all.
 
The latter part of the ride after the café stop was wet & but at least on some quiet roads until we got back to Bonhill, where the sound of the passing cars on wet road are deafening
 
As the norm for me, stayed on the Northside of the river to head home solo & bid fairwell to my fellow Wheelers at the Bridge. Hope everyone got home fine to be showered by lovely Father's day presents :-)
 
Thanks again for the wheels & great company today to make what was a wet day in the end into a fab Fathers Day ride for me at least, hope you guys enjoyed it too!
 
155km by the time I got home & 20lb heavier due to the water all my gear have absorbed :-)
 
Cheers & lets hope next Sunday is dryer
 
Chung

I will take four please.

I will take four please.

Johnstone Wheelers 650PR_v02.pdf
 
As promised these fantastic water bottles have now been ordered for the Club.
 
PRICE £4 a bottle
 
They are of clear plastic body with the Anniversary and JWCC logos in blue print and a yellow cap with a soft spout. 650ml capacity.  They will have a measuring scale printed up one side too.
 
They should be here within 5 weeks time and we are taking advance orders NOW.
Please order by posting below the number of bottles you would like and I will arrange a date for payment and collection as soon as I have delivery confirmation.
 
I will attach the proof image when available. Now added 21/6
 
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: ï‚· Bottle & Cap produced from soft food-safe LDPE plastic. ï‚· Bisphenol A (BPA) is not used in any of the products. ï‚· Pulling Spout produced from special soft food-safe Thermoplastic rubber. ï‚· High quality printing ï‚· Dishwasher safe (bottom shelf cool settings only) ï‚· All materials are food safe & conform to EU regulation EU 1935/2004 ï‚· Made in Europe

Those of you who read the comic will have come across features they do on clubs the length and breadth of the country.
 
I think ours has a story to tell so have been badgering/trolling the editor to do a feature on us.
 
He has got in touch & promised a visit to do a ride and a feature on us in the next 2-3 months.
 
I'll let you know the date once it's confirmed.

I am glad you posted this one Graham. I will be there on the strict condition that there are two cake stops (minimum!).

Planning on a day out over the river on Friday.  Out via Dumbarton and Drymen to Aberfoyle, return via Lake of Mentieth, Killearn, Strathblane, Milngavie.  Coffee stop at Aberfoyle with a possible second one in Killearn.
 
A 70 mile loop from Erskine, suggest meeting at the bridge at 08:30, but could change that if another time suits others better.

Six riders on a cool, dry night with lots of grey cloud.
 
Wind speed recorded as 7mph NNE at Bishopton weather station. Temperature: 14.7 degrees. Air pressure a stonkingly low 996 hPa!
 
Times in the order the riders set off:
 
Graham  19:44 (pd)
Douglas  19:45 (Johnstone Jet) PB
Alan M    18:40 (pd) PB
Alan T     17:21 (pd) PB
Ian A       15:57 (pd)
Andy        22:44 PB
 
Thanks to Iain Couttie for holding up (and keeping me company.) A big well done to Andy on his Georgetown debut, and to the three other riders who PB'd. Good effort, folks.
 
£12 to be transferred into the club's account presently.

Thanks to Iain for holding up and to Richard for timekeeping and background data. Well done to the pb'ers.

We are meeting behind Amaretto at 0945 heading to Lochwinnoch and then Haylie Brae for a stop at the Bagel Basket, before returning through Brisbane Glen. Graham needs to be home before 1400 or his bike turns into a pumpkin! Post up if joining in and we will wait on you.

We are meeting behind Amaretto at 0945 heading to Lochwinnoch and then Haylie Brae for a stop at the Bagel Basket, before returning through Brisbane Glen. Graham needs to be home before 1400 or his bike turns into a pumpkin! Post up if joining in and we will wait on you.

After a brisk renfrew bunch yesterday I rode back from West End to Kilmacolm today in scorchio conditions. Dreamy ride along Kelvin Walkway, picked up canal at Maryhill all the way to bridge then Bishopton, west glen, home.
 
Canal boats, swans, fisherman, tailwind, even Clydebank Shopping Centre looked exotic in shimmering heat. Nice surface, signposts, loads of walkers and cyclists so slow but I was not in a rush. Off road from great western road to Erskine.
 
I see temp is forecast to drop about 10deg by weekend, really going to miss this.

A gorgeous evening for the gorgeous people to go as quickly as possible down the Georgetown Road TT Course.
 
Drum roll please...
 
Carol C paid 20m 23s
David C paid 20m 07s
Lusia S jet 18m 54s pb
Alan M paid 18m 51s pb
Emma M paid 18m 32s pb
Alan T paid 17m 34s
Richard paid 15m 33s
 
Congratulations to all of our riders for turning out and to those who got a pb.

A gorgeous evening for the gorgeous people to go as quickly as possible down the Georgetown Road TT Course.
 
Drum roll please...
 
Carol C paid 20m 23s
David C paid 20m 07s
Lusia S jet 18m 54s pb
Alan M paid 18m 51s pb
Emma M paid 18m 32s pb
Alan T paid 17m 34s
Richard paid 15m 33s
 
Congratulations to all of our riders for turning out and to those who got a pb.

Thanks to Gerard and David for officiating and well done to the pb'ers, Carol & Dave.