EricL

Yes, hope to be along too....if there are no objections! 'the slowest guy'

Hi Chung, definitely interested in the workshop.

Aim to be along too...heading for Houston then GT to Red Smiddy for 9.20.

Enjoyed that ride (good post Billy), bitterly cold early on and stayed pretty chilly until climb out of H'burgh but once in Glen Fruin and beyond the day turned to glorious sun, at times we rode above and through the mist. Picture postcard views down the Clyde from Coulport and Cove. Mechanicals (dropped chain) nearing the top of two separate climbs set me back but thankfully the bunch waited. Worked hard in the pacy (for me)' through and off' which certainly helped 80 miles pass quicker, legs felt the difference last night and after a short spin session today would be happy to go again! Agree with comments above, nice coffee stop and good company.

As an aged novice I must point out that everything is a challenge! However to set few marks for 2017, here goes; 1. Ride out with the Chain Gang. 2. Keep the Chain Gang in sight. 3. Ride abroad. 4. SA! 5. Bealach na Ba. 6. Stay motivated to never give up! E.

Admiring the optimism for Sunday morning.....so will say possible for now. Just to get my lager 'Therapeutic Use Exemption' sorted for Saturday!

5.00 a.m. alarm, crawl out of bed quietly to get to Glasgow Green for 06.15 and a 06.45 start, sporting the JWCC blue and yellow colours, 115 miles (3 miles added due to missing a turn) and over 2,300 metres climbing later completed in 7 1/2 hours, tired and sore! First few miles up Stewarton Road thinned the riders out effectively, however from there all the way to Muirkirk and beyond a strong south-westerly head wind was in play, bit of a 'blow' having to pedal hard downhill! Up and over transmitter hill and several other impressive uphill challenges all unknown to me before today eventually destroyed the legs, a long solo day became as much a mental as physical battle. That said, the downhills are fast, too fast for me...oh yes, the sun shone brightly for much of the ride too! Well organised and signed, even with my self inflicted orienteering mishap, enough feed stations to bring to mind the saying "an eating contest with a bike ride attached'! ....Done it now, however to be honest unlikely to do it again.

strong squad, enough JWCC firepower in there to take this thing!

Well done Chung, terrific organisation of this event, everything appeared to have been thought of and in place, well done to all the support teams particularly our first aider Paul who was faced with a rather nasty accident, oh and the cake and sandwich makers!

got the 110 mile 'big belter' on same date, good luck with tour of bute.

Chung, I'm on holiday just now however will do what I can for you on return, no previous experience! Robbie, I'd ride down too if you are ok with company, early start needed, under 2 hours?...not sure of distance. cheers, Eric

I have the most recent style of JWCC gilet by Pactimo, used but clean, in large but feel I could be in a medium! By chance if any member has looked in the mirror, misjudged their sizing and got a medium when really they should have owned up to being a large then please PM me to see if a swap would work. p.s ...got the same sizing doubts about my short sleeve jersey! cheers, Eric

may the road rise up to meet you... may the wind be always at your back.... or at least not in your face!!! cheers

Yeah, sneaked it after a long time ahead, you did well, ranked 1,084 of over 42,000 with some big points contributions from most of your riders. It was fun way to add a little extra interest in the tour.

Sorry can't make the ride tomorrow.

Hey Richie, your team of climbers is coming on strong! De Gendt has been a great 'wild card' pick, hopefully everyone stays upright to the finish on Sunday. Only lost Gerrans so far (I think) pity as he could have contributed, Tosatto disappointing as I thought he was a bit of a sprinter.

Yes Paul, heard enough legends about C11 so I should find out what it's about!

Well done to all five riders this bright and breezy evening! Tom 24.47 Emma 26.19 Gerard 25.55 Ian 22.09 Richard 21.37 No PBs declared, entry £££s to Iain C/Richard Iain C holding up and pushing, EricL time keeping.

Pleased to be hanging on in the top 1,000(!) Rest Day then depart again...long way to go, yet much can change...'aggregation of marginal gains', someone once said!

Wet, but we still managed to roll along at a decent pace with enough climbing thrown in to satisfy. Back in time for TdF and tennis as planned. Chung took the climb to top of Crow Road, well done, Paul back out after holidays, Iain after being 'on it' last night, David out for second soaking this weekend! Now, where has summer gone?

https://www.calmac.co.uk/faqs/planning/arran-cycling-information Here is the link to Calmac recommended advice for groups of cyclists travelling by ferry at busier times, i.e. weekends. They cannot guarantee places if busy, so probably best to arrive at Ardrossan in good time to join the queue.

Hi Chung, should the weather forecast improve then it's 'yes' from me.

a good haul of points today, can't say my team is riding to a plan...more free-styling!

Carol, sadly can't be there....on beaches of Italy!

Team submitted, let Le Tour commence!