Big Al Posted November 15, 2006 Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 For those of you who don't know yet, I'm moving club for the coming season to Glasgow Couriers. Basically I want to make the most of my competitive years training and racing with like minded team mates. I need the push of being part of a competitive team and since losing my closest friend / training partner / rival at the club I haven't felt the pressure needed to train and race hard. I'd like to thank all those who have helped me over the last 2 years at Wheelers, particularly to Pete Bennell for his support and the loan of various pieces of equipment and wheels, and Kenny MacDonald for his advice and encouragement. Johnstone Wheelers is still Scotland's friendliest club and I'm going to miss the Sunday Run banter and the fantastic clubrooms that have been made into such a great training facility. The Holmes Dynasty will continue at JWCC in the form of my two nephews Andrew and William who have had a great start to their cycling careers in the last few months, i'll still be around to point them in the right direction (although they've got much more potential and time left to make a proper go of it! ), and my brother Martin who (when he can stay on his bike ) has caught the Bike Polo bug. Cheers and I'll see you on the road Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted November 15, 2006 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted November 15, 2006 Well, good luck to you Alan. Hope you find what you're looking for in the Couriers. But despite your note I'm still a bit mystified (but don't bother to put me right). I could understand it if you were a road racer where the team can be all important, but you are a timetrialist, so they won't be able to help you win and may positively hinder this, by riding faster than you! What is it I wonder that lures riders? Perhaps it is the 'work ethic' that the Couriers obviously have in spades, it's just sad that you don't feel able to train hard in a Johnstone jersey. Must be a male thing anyhow: our two most talented and successful members by far are both women and they have not felt it necessary to change clubs. So, good luck Alan. Keep well to the left DMcG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Sim Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Darryl, Leaving the road racing to the side as you say but forgive me if I am wrong, I am sure there was no entry from the Wheelers for the Scottish TTT despite having sufficient members. Maybe this is the lure of a club that races. Competition for places on a strong team can be a good carrot. With likes of Jason Mc, Obree etc. producing the results maybe a team gold is the only real chance for the mere mortals with jobs! Bit harsh to publicy question ones ambition but never mind I am sure Al isn't losing any sleep over it. See you soon, Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kenny MacDonald Posted November 16, 2006 Members Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Looking forward to seeing Glasgow couriers defeat Velo Eccosse next season. I personally wish Al all the success in the world as I did with Stevie B when he left. Johnstone wheelers is and always will be more than a racing club. That is what makes us stand out above the majority of clubs in Scotland. I hope that people will respect the wishes of members who move on to other clubs whatever their motive or motivation. They will not be the first or last cyclists to leave a cycling club to look for challenges elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2024 Subscriptions Darryl Gunson Posted November 16, 2006 2024 Subscriptions Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Hi Ian, thanks for the insight. Clearly Big Al is motivated. I wasn't questioning that at all. If your aim is to win Team TT medals, then clearly, as you point out, this can't be done if your club doesn't enter. If, however, your aim is to ride TTs to the best of your ability, then this can be done riding in a Johnstone jersey just as well as it can be riding in Couriers colours. See you soon Ian And once again, good luck to Big Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Sim Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Well I am sure the 4 of them whoever they are will be trying their hardest Kenny. Although I think Jason could win it on his own y last years pace!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Blom Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 My move to the Glasgow Couriers in my opinion was a good choice and i would not look back and think i made a mistake! I have a good team leader = Jim Cusick - the big man has got lots of experience at the top level with in scottish amateur cycle sport which is without doubt an added bonus + never mind his success which some of us can only dream about. The advise he has given me and others when you have to ride a TT out of your comfort Zone such as 50 TT + 100TT has made me and some of the others guys better all round. The club offer great support in Help at National 12 hr 50 mile TT + 100mile TT to riders who need to be fed! I can understand big al's reasons for leaving as they are just about the same as my own reason's........training 14 - 20 hrs per week during the winter is a big task for the working man and to do this with others who are on the same wave length as you makes life a bit easier and feels good to be part of a squad of guys in a team environment and who take Racing Seriously. Next season we will have a bigger squad with Alan Robertson joining us. We will be competing in the National events again especially the 12 hr and 100. As Ian mentioned earlier its far to difficult to win a medal on your own as the standard is high and demands many training hours to compete at that level. I just hope everyone can Respect fellow riders decision and wish them all the best and move on.......??? If you race all yr round you know what it takes you know how much it hurts and you know how much it costs and if you feel you want to be with a certain club because your friends are there or others who you get on with and its a good feeling then why the Hell not? Stevie B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions P McDonald Posted November 16, 2006 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 aw thi best Al, btw Stevie - wish I'd 14-20 hours a week to train, but than again at my age I'd be burnt out by end of January!! PMcD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougie Da Rosa Posted November 16, 2006 Report Share Posted November 16, 2006 Steady on guys!!! Best wishes to Al,it's your choice and need not feel you have to justify it to anyone mate. Anyway,TT'ing,road racing?,get a grip you lot.......Mountain Biking is where it's at!!!! Did I tell you I have entered the 24hr Strathpuffer wi' the guys fae the GRC?,You see, we can all ride together happily.Adios. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kenny MacDonald Posted November 17, 2006 Members Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 Aye Dougie but the GRC boys didnt realise it was a bike race They thought it was something to do with smoking the herbal stuff for 24 hours Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougie Da Rosa Posted November 17, 2006 Report Share Posted November 17, 2006 Whit?!! Kenny are you saying it's actually a 'RACE'?.I need to watch,I have a reputation to uphold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Leonard Posted November 20, 2006 Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Good to see you causing a bit of controversy Al!! I think Darryl hit the nail on the head - must be the hormones drawing you to couriers...oh, no, thats not what he meant was it?!?!? Anyways, i hope the move goes well for you, and i envy you your 14 hours a week!! See you soon. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kenny MacDonald Posted November 20, 2006 Members Report Share Posted November 20, 2006 Good to hear from you Dave Darryl was partly correct with the hormones part, Al considered joining our 2 famous females but couldnt afford the operation. Although he heard a Doctor in Belfast would do the op for a disc wheel and aerohelmet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Hickey Posted November 21, 2006 Report Share Posted November 21, 2006 All the best Al SH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon simpson Posted November 22, 2006 Report Share Posted November 22, 2006 Alan Shame to see you officially go but as with many other graduands of the J Dub thing we always look forward to seeing you on the road. best of luck You 'classroom' people must be glad the McCrone deal allowed you 20 hours a week off to train tho'. ss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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