RyanF

Some great weather and hard racing. I made a bit of an arse of things -  id lined up on the front row but somehow managed to go frin the front row to last row before the race even started After that was burning matches closing down gaps rather than burning matches moving up the field. There was a split in the lead group midway through the race - no use blaming anyone but myself here, if i had been further up the group i'd have been alright. But i wasn't. Went past the guys that lost the wheel and pegged it at a few metres for a lap or two but couldnt close it then it started going out again. 3 of us chasing  then eventually catching some others that were dropped then some others further back.  Finished 22nd, i think there was about 20 in the lead group. Enjoyable day but also a bit frustrating too.
 
Jess was 3rd (and best 4th cat). Looked the strongest in the womens race, but riding against those with lots more experience so got mugged on the last lap. 3rd is still a great result though. Jess Millar did really well too - possibly first junior.

Really Fun day! Sun and Carbon wheels are a good mix. I was pretty chilled coming into race, with no real expectations, bit too chilled as I took a practice lap before my race when there was none and started at the back of pack. Struggled to get near front and when break came was behind about 10 riders off and couldn’t make gap. We had a group of about 20 but only 4 of us putting turns in front(even after some polite requests). Finished mid 20s I think.. had a blast, top fun.
 
Gummers looking real strong riding on the front the first few laps. The Jets super strong as usual with some great results. Jan was going well in the 3/4 really fast race but he looked out of position when the split came. I left just before Jess finished and she was in front group with 6-8 other riders with a big gap, I would put money she finished top as she looked really strong.
 
 
Thanks Martin and Jets for rollers and Support, great showing from the club

That was indeed a wind. By the time we hit Houston there were only 7 left in front bunch due to cross wind scatter job between Port Glasgow and Bridge of Weir. Alan was unfortunate puncture victim at Houston. Jan did miss the split, but to put in context the split was John A, Ross C and Gregg. Jan chased them on his tod into 4th with me, Ian and Barry not able to close the gap to Jan and coming in 15 secs back or so.
 
Fun days

Well done to all who took part for the first week.  I get the feeling i'll be getting in the neck when i add the extra points to the spreadsheet after next thursday from those that didnt have an attempt
1. Iain Mct 25.0mi/h 1:43 (6 points)
2. Paul L 22.0mi/h 1:57 (5 points)
3. Paul Mcd 21.5mi/h 2:00 (4 points)
4. Ryan 19.5mi/h 2:12 (3 points)
5. Colin 18.9mi/h 2:16 (2 points)
6. Graham F 17.6mi/h 2:26 (1 point)
7. Ian H 17.5mi/h 2:27 (1 point)
8. Anthony T 16.0mi/h 2:41 (1 point)

That felt as tough as last week yet managed to last a little longer before breaking point (hopefully I didn't hold anyone up getting around the moving road block on hill by Knapps) then maintained a decent solo pace to the end, thanks to all for a good night.

Good night , I know Charlie is missing but as I can say there are a few taking his place as the wheel sucking king

#controversy
#200swissfrancfine
#parallelspreadsheetgenuinepoints

Some possible changes to the World Champs this year. What are your thoughts?

First. Would anyone prefer it to change to a couple of 10 week leagues? A spring - summer one and a summer - autumn one. The reason for this is if someone is injured or misses the first few weeks then it's not going to set them miles back for the rest of the year playing catch up. In between each 10 week block then there will be a couple of weeks where something different can be tried - perhaps an APR or two if there is enough interest.
 
Alternatively just stick to the one competition same as last year (which was over 23 weeks i think)

Second. Changing the course from time to time to keep things fresh. it will mostly be the usual chaingang route but as the nights get lighter then every so often this will change to the extended loop (route as normal, then back through Bishopton past the Monkey House and finish at the Houston 30) and also the Sewing Bee route to give a different sort of challenge and mix things up a bit.
 
I had thought about altering the scoring so there were more placings available (eg for the first 5 up the Clune and first 5 at the finish) but i think this might make things a bit difficult to remember so instead of this how about a weekly strava segment challenge?
 
This will run alongside the Thursday nights, and is for a virtual points jersey and will give those who cant make a Thursday a chance to take part.
Every week i'll pick a strava segment and the fastest riders on that segment over the course of that week can get points - 6 points for 1st, 5 for 2nd, 4 for 3rd and 3 for 4th, 2 for 5th. 1 Point for everyone else that completes the segment. This will run Monday to Sunday and you can have as many attempts at setting a time as you like. The scores will get added to the following weeks chaingang score. The points jersey will also be a seperate competition that runs all through the summer so you dont need to take part in the chain gang to take part in this.

Some of these segments will be climbs, some will be flat, some will be sprints and some longer efforts. I'll try to choose a stretch of road that doesnt feature on regular club runs and also try and spread it out around the area so everyone has a local one to attempt a few times when the wind conditions are just right.
 
 

A bit of a baptism of fire for me for my first track racing session.
 
In the C group for 3 races.
 
First was a 15 lap scratch. Managed to stay in sort of the right position and take a win on the line. (£10 prize money! Get in!)
 
I was warned by JWCC riders that following that I'd be marked and no-one would close breaks, etc.
 
Second was a 32 lap sprint race with sprints every 8 laps. At 24 I thought I'll maybe get points at 16. At 16 I hoped I'd maybe get points at 8. At 8 I thought I need to get points at the end. I was well positioned with 1.5 laps to go when I was cut up and pulled up and the front bunch I was in disappeared up the track. Finished nowhere.
 
Third race was a 20 lap scratch. All going well. Got to the front and then no-one behind me. I was just hung out and when I got close to half a lap clear I was torn between going for it and pulling up to let the bunch catch me. Note to self:,pull up! I just kind of stayed in nomans land for around 5 laps and when I was inevitably caught I managed to stay with the front group. At the sorint I was in a bunch of 7. In 7th and had nothing left to pull. So a 7th.
 
Great day, and learned some important tactical lessons (and won a tenner!)

Also a big shout for our new member Mark, there was a 6 lap scratch race for non qualifiers in the Kieren and Mark won it. I realise that may sound a bit condescending but it is most certainly not, there were 12 decent B group riders in there including the mighty Jan and Paul L. Well done Mark, I think Paul L was up ther too but can't remember quite where
 

Think Big Al wins performance of the night - he can sprint and count at the same time, most of us can only do one at a time!
 

I pm'd details yesterday, although ive just noticed my mailbox is full so the message might not have got around to everyone.
 
Anyway here is the message
 
-----------------
 
Some details for Sunday,  you will already know most or all of this but i'm just copy and pasting the same message to everyone to save time

Directions:

The velodrome is at the Emirates Arena. The quickest way to get their from Renfrewshire is head along the M8 then before you get to the Kingston Bridge take the fork to head along the M74 follow that until exit 1A and leave there. Take a left off the exit ramp, then a right straight after this and head towards Shawfield dog racing stadium, follow the road as it sweeps round to the left goes past Richmond park. After 'Clyde Gateway' police station the road sweeps to the right just follow than and you'll see the emirates arena (its right next to celtic park). Alternatively just stick on your sat nav to 1000 London Road, Glasgow, G40 3HG.

There is plenty of parking. After you park head to the main entrance - there is a front desk, go up to them and say you are there for the Johnstone Wheelers club track session and they will let you through the barrier. Go through the barrier and take a left and go past lockers / vending machines and then down the stairs to the velodrome. Once down the stairs and through the door you walk under the track and that is where the hire station is. Most of the hire bikes will be waiting for you here however there might be a few that are in use if their is club on before us so you may need to wait until they finish before you can get them. There are changing rooms if you need them, although i wouldnt leave anything in these - either get a locker (50p which is returnable) or just leave your bag in the track centre - most people do this. There are plenty of seats here to leave your stuff.

Our track time is 5pm - 7pm however aim to get there between 4.30pm to 4.45pm so you have time to get ready, sort the saddle height and so on.

What to bring:

A helmet is required. Clothing is up to you but basically summer cycling kit. In addition to this a lot of track riders will wear a lightweight baselayer (either vest, short sleeve or long sleeve) under their jerseys / skinsuits and also gloves (mitts or summer weight full gloves) which i think is sensible although it is not essential. Glasgow Life actually recommends to wear long sleeves but i'll leave that up to you - if your only long sleeve cycling top is a winter one then you'll be roasting. Sunglasses might be useful as they help prevent eyes watering. If eyes watering isn't problem for you riding outside then you probably wont need them inside either. Bring some water to have a drink when you are track centre. There is a fountain where you can refill this plus vending machines if you want something different. Unfortunately the cafe closes at 4pm on a sunday. If you have rollers then it would be a good idea to bring them along and it will mean you can spin your legs while off the track but they are not essential and you can always have a shot of someone elses. Also remember to bring your shoes and/or bike too if you are not needing to hire them.


Some do's and don't:

Remember to keep pedalling! If this is your first time using a fixed gear bike then it might feel a little strange at first - your legs get pushed through the pedal stroke as you go forward (similar to how some spin bikes feel). It's not more difficult than riding a bike with a freewheel it's just different so important to remember not to try and freewheel until you get used to it.

Also don't go too slow around the banking. Above about 13mph (15mph is better though) and you will be fine, below this and your tyres are at risk of slipping. If you are feeling tired and need a break then it is better to come down and ride around the apron for a breather or come off and get a drink. It is natural to be nervous riding on the banking for the first time but when you feel nervous remember to keep pedalling and dont back off too much.

Keep a straight line when riding, if you are going to move up or down the track check over your shoulder before doing so. Be predictable, don't swerve erratically in front of other riders, try and not overlap wheels and so on. Basically you all know how to ride in a group on the road so none of this should be a problem.

See you on Sunday!
 

It would be nice to do Arran as a normal run during the summer any date in July

Sportful Total comfort was my bib short of choice for lejog

Guys
Massive thanks for your kind messages and to those of u who visited me in hospital. Don't think I was great company but your kindness and support really touched me especially at a time when I was feeling quite melancholic.Not got much recollection of crash. Remember a young fella nearly taking me out about 3 laps earlier then remember being in 3 rd last lap as had made decision to go for sprint with 2 to go. Unfortunately crashed on bend of 3rd last lap.Had no idea what caused crash. Remember guy telling me I had been out cold for 90 secs. In ambulance another rider involved in crash told me that he and another fella touched wheels and came down. I presume they took me down but if any one heard anything different please let me know. Also are the other riders ok.
I sustained a left neck femur fracture left rib fractures a head injury and a few bruises.The consultant told me that femur op went well but unfortunately chest X Ray today
Showed a very small left pleural effusion so my recovery may be longer than I first thought.
This has been my 3rd serious bike crash in as many years so time for me to pause & reflect. My wife is already trying to invoke 3 strikes and you are out rule. I have already conceded track cycling but jury still out for the road but as Prof Gunson recovered from a far more serious crash than mine feel it would be rude not to keep him company for the first part of a run at least.
Once again many thanks for your remarkable support
Charlie

Billy and I droped in to see Charlie tonight he was in good form all things considered. Operation on his hip/upper leg area went well and now has some nice titanium, doctors reckon 12 weeks recovery. Hopefully sooner!

This reliability brings back memories of the time I did a track stand at traffic lights at the bottom of Sinclair Street . The local church had just come out and the congregation was streaming across the road . When the lights went to green  I jumped on pedals to get a quick getaway . Only to end up on the deck in a heap , as the chain had snapped LOL  much to the amusement of the rest of the bunch. I wish I could say it was my super strength but alas it was a batch of dodgy chains . I can recall at least 4 other club members suffering a similar fate that season.
Another memorable reliability run round that circuit was stopped by the police just after Cardross . Our bunch was about 25 strong and we had caught the Glasgow district CTC who had about 30 in their bunch . A Police inspector pulled us over and told us to ride in single file , realising this would cause even more of a hold up for traffic we duly obliged without any discussion . It was a sight to behold as the group rode into Helensburgh in one long line .
ps it took an eternity to get to back of bunch when you had done a spell

Frustrating day for my yesterday. A suspect mechanical ended up in a snapped chain on the Clune. Big thanks to Chung and Steven K for stopping to support. Chung's famous mechanical support got me home, the guys a legend! Glad to hear the scones went down well! See you all next Sun.

Got up, had my coco pops, fell asleep on couch.
 
Will do something later.
 
Apologies to those who turned up purely to get a selfie with me.

Glorious solo northside attack! 
 
Over the Bridge - Kyber Pass - Crow Rd - Drymen - Crofthamie - Back over the Bridge n Home.
 
Found a nice wee no frills cafe in Drymen called Skoosh.
 
 
Cheers

The paper mache of Arran was my first school project. And my daughters. And my other daughters. And I will write in my will my solemn wish that my grandchildren .... Ok enough for now. Off for a bath with my Arran Aromatics bubble bath soak and a bottle of Arran beer.
 

Some things are so rare and so exclusive that only 2 exist in the entire world,
 

Lovely to be back out on the road again. And with a great JWCC turn out too! After 30 miles the twinges started so played it safe and headed for home. A nice 50 miles, yule log and hot bath. Not a bad start to the day!

Large and impressive JWCC bunch today, was good to see. What an excellent day it was, sorry did not join for coffee but was trying to keep the bogs bunch momentum going for the Saturday mornings in January, February etc
 

Felt the pace hard until I got binned. By the time I got back to the back and ready to go back up the line my heart rate hadn't gone down much!! Good run back with Ryan but it down to a bad day but by the time i got home I was totally emptied. I have felt better after some bad nights out!!