by | July 3, 2011

Ross Colnago Wins His First Prime


He may only be in his first racing season but Ross is already taking prizes. On Saturday 2nd of July he rode the Glasgow Wheelers Arthur Campbell Memorial Road Race. The race was held on the Stewarton Circuit. Ross rode the supporting race which had a field of 80. He managed to break away and take the Hill Prime. However on the last lap Ross got caught up in a crash just before the line. Bad luck Ross but remember its your first season and youre already taking prizes.

The Glenmarnock Wheelers would like to wish the Glasgow Nightingale rider, who was injured in the crash, a speedy recovery.

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by | July 3, 2011

Kevin Hughes Wins Silver at the Special Olympics


Glenmarnock’s very own Olympian writes from the Special Olympics in Athens.

I have had two very interesting races lately. My start was fantastic but  on my second lap I heard a bang!  It was my back tyre and I still had two laps to go. I was well ahead and a quarter of the way around the track  when my coach caught up to me on the back of a motorbike carrying my spare bike. He had never been that scared in his life. So I changed  bikes but it was a bit wee and the saddle is a woman’s saddle, very  uncomfortable. I finished the race twenty seconds behind the American  who came first. I got silver!

Today I was on the track doing a warm up when I got stung by a bee on my armpit. Had to get cream and ice on it. I’ve got a geat picture of me doing my road race, head down bum up. I might be fourth or third and I won’t find out until tomorrow. It was 41c today, racing in this heat is very tough. One of my team mates who was in the division before me might have a broken a bone, he’s in hospital the now. He had a crash with someone  from Ecuador. My wee blue bike is up against carbon fibre bikes, time trial bars, it’s doing fantastic. It might need a new paint job  though.

Kevin Hughes

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by | July 3, 2011

Nutty Fat Man Rides From Sunset To Sunrise


Martyn’s Solstice Story

Many moons ago when the world was young I decided that I would like to ride overnight as near to the Summer Solstice as possible. Last weekend I fulfilled this ambition and can only say what a tremendous experience it turned out to be. After a “long lie” on Saturday Irene and I took a leisurely drive up to Glencoe, changeable weather all the way up, sun, grey, rain, but, we arrived in the sun and dry. I had a number of different routes in mind but in the end we opted to go over the Ardgour Ferry. Once over we would ride out through Strontian and out to Ardnamurchan Point then back and up to to Lochaillort and back down the road through Glenfinnan to Fort William. My companions on this adventure were my Godson, Addy and my old friend Bob, who  last cycled with me on LEJOG the first time.

We spent the afternoon snacking and my meal at night was a mix of Pasta and Pizza, unfortunately no beer. At 20.30 hrs Irene took us to the Ferry and over to the “Inn at Ardgour” where we stopped for a drink before leaving at 21.30. One of the reasons for this choice of route was that we would be riding into the sunset then riding back into the Dawn. As we pedalled off it was dry and bright although a bit cloudy and although we decided we would take it easy we set a good pace right over to Strontian. From there the road is quite lumpy and mostly single track but one of the best things about the whole  ride was that it was like cycling on closed roads. This was Saturday night and until we hit the Glenfinnan road we saw 4 cars and a Coach! Legs still feeling fresh at Salen we turned right and headed for Ardnamurchan Point and it became really lumpy as darkness fell. I think this was an advantage in that we couldn’t see the hills as they kept coming and those few miles seemed to go on forever. Unfortunately it also became quite damp until we went up a very long hill. At the top we could see that we only had about a mile to go, all downhill, to the Point but we were all tired and decided we would turn where we were and head back. Bob was suffering from cramp every time he put pressure on his pedals and we still had a long way to go. I have to say though that we were still enjoying ourselves and looking forward to riding into the sunrise. It was at this point that we realised just how long the hill we had just come up was. It seemed to take us an age to get down and quite a bit of brake rubber burnt off!

A bit of advice if you ever decide to do this ride, keep off the centre of the road as it seems to collect all the loose stuff. It is quite easy to lose your front wheel but we managed to get through unscathed.  It didn’t seem to take us very long to get back to Salen where we stopped at the closed Pub for a wee rest. Addy had been leaving us very easily on the hills but then his lights failed so he had to stay with us. Bob was still suffering the cramps but, as usual not complaining unless asked. We knew we still had a long way to go but there was only one more big hill before Lochaillort. And the big hill was just that, big. It’s one of those hills where you think you have done it when you start to go down but that’s just a breather before another long uphill section. Addy left us standing. I felt I did good but, Bob suffered and had to stop to stretch a couple of times.

By this time it was daylight and the lights were off but it was damp again. At Lochaillort, where you meet the Fort William road we stopped for a rest. Addy was working all day and he was going so well that I suggested that he set off in front of us and not wait, which he did. Bob and I set off steadily. We had another stop at Glenfinnan Monument but not for long as the midges were looking for breakfast and we appeared to be at the top of there Menu. So, off again and then the heavens openned and it absolutely threw it down until we stopped at the Fort. Irene picked us up at the Petrol Station at Morrisons. After 110 miles it was 2 weary riders who got into the car but we all agreed despite everything it was a great ride and experience. Many thanks to my 2 companions who were led into the dark by a nutty fat man and of course to Irene whos “back up” was yet again invaluable.

Martyn Eastwood
 

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by | June 9, 2011

Club Championship Dates Announced


Ok folks the dates for the club hill climb and 10 mile time trial championships have been set.

Saturday 18th of September, 10 mile time trial on the A77 course

Saturday 1st of October, hill climb on the Bonnington Hill course.

Some fierce competition can be expected this year.

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by | June 9, 2011

Two Golds For Kevin Hughes


Our Special Olympics Squad member, Kevin Hughes, had a great trip to the National Disability Championships. Kevin won Gold in both the 15 Km Time Trial and 20 Km Road Race. This is a great boost for Kevin who has been training hard for the Special Olympics in Athens. Well done Kevin. Below is Kevin in action.

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by | May 31, 2011

Pump It Up For Michael Nelson – Track Pump Raffle


Thanks to the Zen Master of Bicycle Mechanic’s, Willy Bain, we have a high quality Blackburn Track Pump to raffle. All proceeds will be going to Kilbryde Hospice, our nominated charity this year, in memory of Michael Nelson. This pump is worth nearly £40 and the tickets cost £1. So dig deep and give Garry Quinn your money. The draw will take place on Wednesday the 15th of June. Garry Quinn can be contacted at garrycquinn@msn.com . Sorry folks this raffle is only open to club members.

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by | May 27, 2011

Kilbryde Hospice


Ok folks its not long to go now and the team need your help to raise some money. Club members Billy, Gary, Steven, George, Peter and Trefor will be cycling from Lands End to John O Groats in a relay. We will team up in three pairs and ride for 2 hours, resting for 4, non stop all the way. We are doing this to raise money for Kilbryde Hospice in memory of Michael Nelson. Please click the  Just Giving button on the right of the screen and give us some money. You could also add the button as a favourite on your Facebook page. Ask all your friends to donate as well. Any club members wishing to help gather sponsorship money please email redethel69@btopenworld.com for a sponsorship form.

Thanks

The End to End Team

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