CLUB SOCIAL MONDAY 7TH: LINLITHGOW

It will be the FIRST Monday of the month so go along to the THE FOUR MARYS in Linlithogow on the 7th. Have a chat and swap DVDs books and magazines.

Third Monday of the month

8.30pm the Black Bull, Mid Calder

First Monday of the month

8.30pm The Four Marys on Linlithgow Hight Street

See you there!

Second 10 TT series race tonight

There were a few course PBs last week, which shows how riders are improving.Get some points on the board by riding the second event in our 10 race TT series.

Non-members: If you are not a member of any other club you are welcome to ride one race as a taster session.

NOTE CORRECTED START TIME
Sign on: 7pm-7.15pm in lay-by near Bridgend on B9080
Start: 7.30pm

Remember
1. Please don't park in the Lay-by where riders sign on, unless you are a volunteer for the night.
2. Read the risk assessment

3. Don't turn within 100 Meters of the start or finish
4. Take care when exiting the lay-by, make sure there are no riders on the road

5. Don't ride through the lights in Winchburgh if they are red
6. Follow the highway code

7. Have a fun!

All the information here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/10tt

Tan lines all round

White legs turned brown at the weekend, the new kit order arrived just in time for the splendid weather. Here area a few photos from our saturday club runs (www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns)



From Left: Donald, Graham, Neil, Mike, Bill, Freddie, Gary, Craig, Steve, Neil, Allan, Mark, Tobias, Ian

Rob Hemesley, Steven Fleming, Isla Hall and Ian Robertson stop for a break in Linlithgow, while on the East Calder ride

Rob and Neil show off their new West Lothian Clarion Colours.

Ride the Chaingang every tuesday

The club's chaingang or training ride meets every Tuesday at 7pm to ride around the Whitehill Industrial Estate in Bathgate. The bunch are split into groups of different abilities and ride about 20 laps around the 1 mile circuit. Great training and ideal for improving group riding skills.

The small circuit means that if you get dropped you can easily miss out a lap and then jump back on to the pack as they come by again

What is a chaingang? www.edinburghrc.co.uk/news/281/185/Riding-in-a-Chain-Gang
For a location map click here

Jonathan on the podium

Well done to Jonathan Buckley who continues his great form by getting on the podium, with a third place, an the Scottish XC MTB (Masters section) race at Aberfoyle on Sunday.

Jonathan said "I was in 2nd place until half-way round the final lap but unfortunately succumbed to cramps in my hamstrings but just managed to hold on!



Also spotted at the event, in team kit, were fellow Clarion riders David Mason and sons Jamie and Cameron.

David posts his report here:

Round 3 of the Scottish Cross Country Mountain Bike Series was staged in sunny Aberfoyle with a good field of over 240 competitors.

The course was just over 3 miles long, fairly short, but with very technical rutted single track. Aberfoyle has been seen as a bit of a mudfest in the past but the recent heat wave meant that the course was very dry and ran fast on the downhills on practice day. The overnight rain however presented a very different course for riders on the Sunday with the rooty downhills catching quite a few riders out.

The West Lothian Clarion had 3 competitors at the event.

Jamie Mason (12) was competing in the Juvenile category and found the course to be well within his capabilities and found enough energy for a sprint finish which saw 5 riders separated by only 16 seconds. Jamie finished very content in 18th place.

David Mason had a slightly different opinion of the course racing in the "open". Having covered "heart attack hill", a gruesome cycle/push up a very steep start, in good time he found the downhills more challenging and lost a few places in the closing stages of lap 2 due to a few unchoregraphed dismounts. Still finished a reasonable 11th place.

The real star however was Clarionista Jonathan Buckley who finished the Masters in 3rd place just 4 seconds behind 2nd having completed 4 laps losing out to cramp on the final lap. A well deserved podium finish.

Next months venue is Fort William, bring it on !

Club 10 TT record smashed - again!

Congratulations to Steve McCaw who has smashed West Lothian's 10TT record for the third time in two weeks.

Our prolific record breaker rode the West Ferry 10 course in 21.25 on Saturday morning

The event was well organised by, new club, VC Glasgow South and was ridden in excellent racing conditions, Steve said "It was really warm with a slight breeze and I managed to do my fastest of the year which was very pleasing. The event winner was Ian Grant from Dooleys with a 20-28. There was a section for "Old school" riders who had to use a 'road bike with no aero bits' which was a novelty, Think I might have a couple of beers tonight!"

Pick up your kit - No really!

The club kit has finally arrived

Email Bill on Bill.Young[AT]monoconsultants.com to organise collecting your items between 6.30pm and 9.00pm tonight from Bill's hill top retreat.

Jonathan smashes club TT course record

Results of for the first race in the 2010 10TT Race Series

1. J Buckley 23m12s
2. M Ball 23m13s
3. S McCaw 23m26s
4. S McDowell 26m09s
5. A McCrimmon 26m16s
6. J Howison 26m36s
7. B Young 27m14s
8. C Humphries 27m47s
9. D McTurk 27m58s
10. T Beattie 28m37s
11. R Hemesley 29m20s
12. L Gow 30m31s
13. A Richards 30m40s
14. D Campbell 31m40s

Points after round 1

1. J Buckley 20
2. M Ball 19
3. S McCaw 18

=3. Neil Fraser 18
5. S McDowell 17
=5. L. Callaghan

7. A McCrimmon 16
8. J Howison 15
9. B Young 14
10. C Humphries 13
11. D McTurk 12
12. T Beattie 11
13. R Hemesley 10
14. L Gow 9 (Leading Women's series)
15. A Richards 8
16. D Campbell 7

Find out more about the club TT series here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/10tt

First race in TT series tonight

Get some points on the board by riding the first event in our 10 race TT series.

NOTE CORRECTED START TIME
Sign on: 7pm-7.15pm in lay-by near Bridgend on B9080
Start: 7.30pm

Remember
1. Please don't park in the Lay-by where riders sign on, unless you are a volunteer for the night.
2. Read the risk assessment

3. Don't turn within 100 Meters of the start or finish
4. Take care when exiting the lay-by, make sure there are no riders on the road

5. Don't ride through the lights in Winchburgh if they are red
6. Follow the highway code

7. Have a fun!

All the information here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/10tt

Dales, Vales and Gales

Read how Michelle got on in the Etape du Dales here: http://tinyurl.com/36xcekh

Niall rides 10 Under the Ben

Seasoned MTBer Niall Thomson rode in club colours in the 10 hour Mountain bike marathon on Saturday. He did well too, finishing 5th in Vet Trio - 13 out of 94 in the overall Trio.

More details here: www.nofussevents.co.uk/

Impressive turn out at the club's first Go-Ride session

23 kids took part in the first traffic-free kids club session last night. Boys and girls aged between 6 and 12 participated in three fun activities and then finished off with a two-lap handicap cyclo cross race.

Kids secretary Ewen Fulton, Welfare officer Kerstin Bonau and kids club President David Mason, handled the paper work while the coaches, Andy Dunlop, Simon Fagan and Matthew Ball organised the routines.

The evening session started at 6.30 at the Linlithgow Leisure Centre and the majority of the kids even cycled to the start with their parents.

Each week the format stays the same, the evening begins with a bike, helmet and clothing check to make sure cycles are safe, to check the kids have a CE standard helmet (fitted correctly) and to check they aren't wearing clothes that can get caught in their bike's moving parts.

Following on, one of the coaches takes the riders through a fun warm up, normally consisting of gentle exercise and a game of tag or simon says

This week, we split the riders into three age groups, with each group rotating around the three activities.

Simon set up a Scooting and Running drill, to get the riders used to handling their bikes. Andy ran a Funnel Game, which gets the kids used to riding side by side and in a group. Matt looked after a Stop Box activity, which improves braking and stopping.

The two lap cyclo-cross race, around the perimeter of the field, caused a great deal of excitement amongst the riders. To even out the ages, the younger riders were set of before the older ones.

After the dash for the line, the riders recovered with a gentle warm down, before heading home for a well earned rest

Many thanks to everyone who supported the evening, the riders and parents and especially all the coaches and organisers who have given up a lot of free time in getting the club of the ground

Find out more about the kids club here: http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/kidsclub

Survey into Women's cycling

If you are a women and a ride a bike please help cycling for women become better by filling the survey highlighted below

A survey into women’s cycling is now live at http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/484185

The survey never asks for any personally identifiable information (like your name, email address or contact details) and the anonymous results are freely accessible to anyone interested in making cycling better for women. Hopefully our results will be able to shape the future of cycling in the U.K.

With thanks from

David Winton
East Region Cycling Development Coach
Tel: +447908 673219
Email: david.winton@scottishcycling.org.uk

SCOTTISH CYCLING
Caledonia House
South Gyle
Edinburgh
EH12 9DQ

Tel: 0131 317 9704

Third fastest Sea to Sky time

Andy Hemingway is the first member this year to test himself on the Sea-Sky route and clocked the third fastest ever time.

Andy said "I did this a few weeks ago, starting/finishing at the correct points in a painful 1hr 08 mins 27 secs."

All time hall of fame
1. Matthew Ball 1.01.12 (2009)
2. Steve McCaw 1.02.58 (2009)
3. Andy Hemingway 1.08.27 (2010)
4. Craig Marshall 1.08.49 (2009)
5. Mike Ewart 1.09.30 (2009)
6. Bill Young 1.09.34 (2008)
7. Steven Fraser 1.22.57 (2009)
8. Allan McCrimmon 1.28.36 (2009)

2010
Andy Hemingway 1.08.27

SEA TO SKY CHALLENGE
The club's P2P2P test to see who can ride the fastest between Blackness-The Knock-Blackness.
Route: Blackness-Knock-Blackness

Start and Finish: Lamp post closest to Blackness Castle
Turn: Left hand junction just over brow of the Knock
Timing: Total time including stopping at junctions and for traffic.
Risks: Don't take any. On no account should any rider endanger themselves or others in the pursuit of a time. Treat the ride as a normal training ride, riders must obey the traffic laws and Highway Code at all times.

Open 10 TT report

Giles Perkins from North Cheshire Clarion reports on our first ever Open 10 TT, which incorporated the National Clarion Clarion 10TT Champs.

Despite quite a few riders travelling from south of the border for West Lothian Clarion's open 10 mile Time Trial on Sunday it was former Scottish Cycling Union hour record holder Steve McCaw (West Lothian) who claimed the 2010 Clarion National '10' title with an impressive time of 22.01.

With clear skies, a beautiful backdrop and a strong headwind on the outward leg, 70 plus riders signed on for West Lothian's first open "10" (which incorporated the Nation Clarion Championships) on the gently rolling Cambusbarron (MI 10/1R) course. As well as the sizable Scottish time trial contingent, 18 Clarion members from Bury, Bolton, Fenland, North Cheshire and West Lothian took to the start line.

In the Clarion championship, 2nd and 3rd places also went to West Lothian members, Jonathan Buckley with a 22.23 and Matthew Ball at 22.29 with the only non-West Lothian member to claim Clarion honours being Fenland's Lindsay Clarke who won the Women's championship with a 25.01. West Lothian's Julie Dominguez was second (28.01) and Sarah Smith from North Cheshire, in her first ever TT, picked up the bronze (30.36).

In the overall open event, the top 3 places were separated by just 3 seconds with Carlos Riise (Shetland Wheelers) clinching glory with a time of 21.15.

Credit goes to Organiser, Tobias Bauer, and all the volunteers for staging a well organised, friendly and fun event! Given that West Lothian are hosting the Easter Meet next year - we've now got high expectations!

Special mention also to Team Wiggle's Jez Hastings who rode from his home in Islay to West Lothian and back (as part of his Team Wiggle Tandem training), a round trip of in excess of 340 miles!

Placing Start No Name Club cat time Ave Speed (mph)

1 71 Riies, Carlos Shetland Wheelers V 00:21:15 28.24
2 76 Cusik, Jim Glasgow Couriers V 00:21:16 28.21
3 3 Hunter, Richard Perth United V 00:21:17 28.19
4 79 Gordon, Tom Dooley's Cycles RT V 00:21:22 28.08
5 47 Taylor, Alastair Musselburgh RCC V 00:21:45 27.59
6 50 Gibson, David Dooley's Cycles RT V 00:21:45 27.59
7 65 Sim, Ian Glasgow Couriers S 00:21:50 27.48
8 67 Humphries, Ian Deeside Thistle V 00:21:54 27.40
9 60 Grey, Sean Dooley's Cycles RT V 00:22:00 27.27
10 74 Thomson, Alan Glasgow Wheelers S 00:22:00 27.27
11 57 McCaw, Steve West Lothian Clarion V 00:22:01 27.25
12 77 Hennon, Matt Inverclyde Velo S 00:22:14 26.99
13 46 Buckley, Jonathan West Lothian Clarion S 00:22:23 26.81
14 7 Ball, Matthew West Lothian Clarion V 00:22:29 26.69
15 15 Newman, Scott Inverclyde Velo S 00:22:29 26.69
16 69 Lettice, Tom Edinburgh Road Club S 00:22:30 26.67
17 17 Adamson, Christopher Musselburgh RCC V 00:22:41 26.45
18 48 Underwood, Andrew Glasgow Wheelers S 00:22:47 26.34
19 37 Rowat, Andrew Musselburgh RCC V 00:22:50 26.28
20 45 Millar, David Glasgow Couriers V 00:22:52 26.24
21 20 Graham, Gordon Hugh Fullarton Wheelers V 00:22:54 26.20
22 10 Horner, Andy Bury Clarion V 00:23:02 26.05
23 64 Clarke, Jon Glasgow Wheelers S 00:23:04 26.01
24 30 Hall, James Sandy Wallace Cycles V 00:23:13 25.84
25 66 Solway, Alan Kennoway Road Club V 00:23:15 25.81
26 27 Mackenzie, Colin Edinburgh Road Club V 00:23:18 25.75
27 40 Timmins, Derek Musselburgh RCC S 00:23:19 25.73
28 42 McCarter, George Inverclyde Velo V 00:23:19 25.73
29 55 Wilson-Young, JessicaEdinburgh Road Club F 00:23:25 25.62
30 35 McLean, Christine Shetland Wheelers FV 00:23:40 25.35
31 44 Mir, Sadiq West Lothian Clarion S 00:23:46 25.25
32 14 Smith, Peter Glasgow Wheelers S 00:23:49 25.19
33 13 Mason, James Ayr Roads V 00:23:52 25.14
34 43 Pritchard, David Kennoway Road Club V 00:23:52 25.14
35 6 Hunter, Victoria Sandy Wallace Cycles FV 00:23:54 25.10
36 63 McGill, Alasdair Deeside Thistle V 00:23:56 25.07
37 8 McGarrity, Gerry Inverclyde Velo S 00:24:01 24.98
38 72 Griffiths, David Glasgow Wheelers S 00:24:02 24.97
39 33 Kirkham, Douglas Musselburgh RCC V 00:24:03 24.95
40 53 Robinson, Derek unattached V 00:24:03 24.95
41 22 Anderson, Paul Musselburgh RCC V 00:24:08 24.86
42 25 Wards, David Fullarton Wheelers V 00:24:10 24.83
43 38 Jones, Graham Hunter Edinburgh Road Club V 00:24:10 24.83
44 23 Clarke, Ian Fenland Clarion V 00:24:18 24.69
45 36 Duncan, Allan unattached V 00:24:21 24.64
46 58 Taylor, Bob Dooley's Cycles RT V 00:24:22 24.62
47 28 Easson, Eric Glasgow Wheelers V 00:24:25 24.57
48 18 McGowan, Craig Law Wheelers S 00:24:31 24.47
49 54 Ferguson, Mike Johnstone Wheelers V 00:24:35 24.41
50 4 Laing, Andy Musselburgh RCC V 00:24:53 24.11
51 32 Kane, Martin Pedal Power RT V 00:24:56 24.06
52 5 Hastings, Jez Team Wiggle V 00:24:59 24.02
53 34 Clarke, Lindsey Fenland Clarion FV 00:25:01 23.98
54 68 Begg, Vicky Alison Johnstone Wheelers F 00:25:08 23.87
55 41 Speed, Alistair Fife Century RC V 00:25:17 23.73
56 12 Clarke, Steven Fenland Clarion V 00:25:21 23.67
57 11 McCrimmon, Allan West Lothian Clarion V 00:25:42 23.35
58 73 Carey, Rosalind Perth United FV 00:26:12 22.90
59 56 Humphries, Colin West Lothian Clarion S 00:26:19 22.80
60 75 Goode, Christopher National Clarion V 00:26:39 22.51
61 70 Nicholson, Jenny Deeside Thistle FV 00:26:40 22.50
62 49 Lawson, Alistair Musselburgh RCC V 00:26:44 22.44
63 51 Cooper, Robert Law Wheelers V 00:26:49 22.37
64 19 Perkins, Giles North Cheshire Clarion V 00:26:54 22.30
65 16 Maass, Tersius unattached S 00:26:57 22.26
66 26 Dominguez, Julie West Lothian Clarion F 00:28:01 21.42
67 31 Kennah, James Law Wheelers V 00:28:17 21.21
68 39 Bisset, David Bolton Clarion V 00:28:33 21.02
69 29 Brown, Andy West Lothian Clarion V 00:28:44 20.88
70 1 Waldron, Stephen West Lothian Clarion V 00:28:59 20.70
71 9 Smith, Sarah North Cheshire Clarion, F 00:30:36 19.61
72 62 Edgar, Charlotte Glasgow Tri Club F 00:31:08 19.27
73 2 Laffoley, Gavin Fife Century RC YM 00:31:34 19.01
74 21 Lowden, Elaine Glasgow Wheelers F 00:32:36 18.40
75 24 Wylie, Katie Falkirk BC FV n/a n/a
76 52 Middleton, Jim VC Glasgow South V n/a n/a
77 59 Armstrong, Allen Sunderland Clarion V n/a n/a
78 61 Fletcher, Isobel Glasgow Wheelers FV n/a n/a

Save the Women's Road Race at the Dumfries BikeFest

Women's Road Race at the Dumfries Bike Fest is in danger of being cancelled due to lack of entries, says club member, Joyce Blair.

The closing date for entries was supposed to be 17th May but they've moved it to Wednesday 19th in the hope of more competitors. The race will take place on 30th May.

Joyce says "There's a real drive on at the moment to increase women's racing in Scotland I'm thinking about signing up for it and the only events I've done so far are the Lake of Menteith APR Feminine and the Etape Caledonia. Anybody else fancy it?"

For More details click here

Our most popular photos on flickr

A year ago our Flickr gallery had received 2500 views, this year that figure has jumped to an astonishing 10,000 views.

As ever, peoples' taste throws up some odd results, here is a run down of our top 10 most popular photos so far:

1. Club photo with spin class bloke

Still at number 1. The rather odd 2009 club photo, with an unnamed spin class instructor.

2. Shona Young

Mrs Young modelling the club kit moves up 3 places to number 2.

3. Tuesday Night chain gang route

A map of an industrial estate goes straight in at number 3.

4. July 4th 2009 club run

Another new entry, a good turn out on a perfect day to ride a bike.

5. Most Meritorious Section

Cold knees not proving as popular this year: this photo moves down 3 places

6. Race face

Anth Robson only took part in one time trial but his photo remains popular, down three places from last year.

7. Club photo 2010

A great turn out at Linlithgow Palace in March, quite rightly goes straight to number 7, but can it topple last year's club photo from the number one spot?

8. Time trail ace

Our women's TT champ, Julie Dominguez takes the number 8 spot.

9. 2009 Open Hill climb poster

Craig Marshall, carving up Kingscavil, featured on the poster for our first ever open event

10 Dirty club run

Down 4 places but still in the top 10. Why on earth is this photo popular?

Flickr also contains photos of many of our club members, so if you want to put a name to a face, take a look at: the members' gallery

CLUB SOCIAL TONIGHT in Mid Calder

It's the third Monday of the month so some along to the Black Bull in Mid-Calder tonight, loads to talk about from the weekend's riding. Bring DVDs books and magazines to swap too.

Third Monday of the month

8.30pm the Black Bull, Mid Calder

First Monday of the month

8.30pm The Four Marys on Linlithgow Hight Street

See you there!

5 mile development TT Results

Replicating last year's first club TT of the year, the weather provided some atrocious conditions last night. It meant only 6 riders entered the 5 mile development ride, our lowest ever turnout for the summer series.

It was cold, windy and wet, the time keeper's fingers were numb and took at least half an hour to painfully thaw out. Nevertheless, 4 hardy/bonkers (delete as applicable) wore shorts! Their legs needed a shave so I guess the hair would have provided some insulation.

Many thanks to Andy, young Blair (last years junior series winner) David, Dean, and first time testers Grant and John-Michael for ignoring the wintery conditions and giving it a go. Also to Tobias and Kerstin for pushing off and cheering and hanging around getting cold and to Steven and Graham who remeasured the course and sorted out the risk assessment.

David McTurk said "Really enjoyed last nights mini tt. I forgot how enjoyable the TT series was"

Congratulations to John Michael on winning his first ever TT!

Hopefully we'll get a bigger field next week when the 10TT series starts proper and points are awarded.

Results
1. 14.57 John-Michael Howison
2. 15.57 Grant Craven
3. 16.25 David McTurk
4. 17.22 Andy Brown
5. 18.54 Dean Campbell
6. 19.39 Blair Campbell

All the TT series details here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/10tt

National Clarion Drinks in Bridge of Allen

Have a drink with fellow club mates from other Clarion Sections in Bridge of Allen on Saturday evening. They're up to ride the National Clarion 10TT so lets ply them with drinks to slow 'em down!

Email Tobias on bauert[AT]tiscali.co.uk for more details

Where? Westerston Arms (34 Henderson Street - Bridge of Allan - FK9 4HR).

When? 7pm Saturday

West Lothian Clarion 10TT Start Sheet

Start list

Start time Rider Club Cat

1 09:01 Waldron, Stephen West Lothian Clarion CC V

2 09:02 Laffoley, Gavin Fife Century RC YM

3 09:03 Hunter, Richard Perth United V

4 09:04 Laing, Andy Musselburgh RCC V

5 09:05 Hastings, Jez Team Wiggle V

6 09:06 Hunter, Victoria Sandy Wallace Cycles FV

7 09:07 Ball, Matthew West Lothian Clarion CC V

8 09:08 McGarrity, Gerry Inverclyde Velo S

9 09:09 Smith, Sarah North Cheshire Clarion CC F

10 09:10 Horner, Andy Bury Clarion CC V

11 09:11 McCrimmon, Allan West Lothian Clarion CC V

12 09:12 Clarke, Steven Fenland Clarion CC V

13 09:13 Mason, James Ayr Roads V

14 09:14 Smith, Peter Glasgow Wheelers S

15 09:15 Newman, Scott Inverclyde Velo S

16 09:16 Maass, Tersius unattached S

17 09:17 Adamson ChristopherMusselburgh RCC V

18 09:18 McGowan, Craig Law Wheelers S

19 09:19 Perkins, Giles North Cheshire Clarion CC

20 09:20 Graham, Gordon Fullarton Wheelers V

21 09:21 Lowden, Elaine Glasgow Wheelers F

22 09:22 Anderson, Paul Musselburgh RCC V

23 09:23 Clarke, Ian Fenland Clarion CC V

24 09:24 Wylie, Katie Falkirk BC FV

25 09:25 Wards, David Fullarton Wheelers V

26 09:26 Dominguez, Julie West Lothian Clarion CC F

27 09:27 Mackenzie, Colin Edinburgh Road Club V

28 09:28 Easson, Eric Glasgow Wheelers V

29 09:29 Brown, Andy West Lothian Clarion CC V

30 09:30 Hall, James Sandy Wallace Cycles V

31 09:31 Kennah, James Law Wheelers V

32 09:32 Kane, Martin Pedal Power RT V

33 09:33 Kirkham, Douglas Musselburgh RCC V

34 09:34 Clarke, Lindsey Fenland Clarion CC FV

35 09:35 McLean, Christine Shetland Wheelers FV

36 09:36 Duncan, Allan unattached V

37 09:37 Rowat, Andrew Musselburgh RCC V

38 09:38 Jones, Graham Edinburgh Road Club V

39 09:39 Bisset, David Bolton Clarion CC V

40 09:40 Timmins, Derek Musselburgh RCC S

41 09:41 Speed, Alistair Fife Century RC V

42 09:42 McCarter, George Inverclyde Velo V

43 09:43 Pritchard, David Kennoway Road Club V

44 09:44 Mir, Sadiq West Lothian Clarion CC S

45 09:45 Millar, David Glasgow Couriers V

46 09:46 Buckley, Jonathan West Lothian Clarion CC S

47 09:47 Taylor, Alastair Musselburgh RCC V

48 09:48 Underwood, Andrew Glasgow Wheelers S

49 09:49 Lawson, Alistair Musselburgh RCC V

50 09:50 Gibson, David Dooley's Cycles RT V

51 09:51 Cooper, Robert Law Wheelers V

52 09:52 Middleton, Jim VC Glasgow South V

53 09:53 Robinson, Derek unattached V

54 09:54 Ferguson, Mike Johnstone Wheelers V

55 09:55 Wilson-Young Jessica Edinburgh Road Club F

56 09:56 Humphries, Colin West Lothian Clarion CC S

57 09:57 McCaw, Steve West Lothian Clarion CC V

58 09:58 Taylor, Bob Dooley's Cycles RT V

59 09:59 Armstrong, Allen Sunderland Clarion CC V

60 10:00 Grey, Sean Dooley's Cycles RT V

61 10:01 Fletcher, Isobel Glasgow Wheelers FV

62 10:02

63 10:03 McGill, Alasdair Deeside Thistle V

64 10:04 Clarke, Jon Glasgow Wheelers S

65 10:05 Goode, Christopher National Clarion Cycling Club V

66 10:06 Solway, Alan Kennoway Road Club V

67 10:07

68 10:08 Begg, Vicky Alison Johnstone Wheelers F

69 10:09 Lettice, Tom Edinburgh Road Club S

70 10:10 Riise, Carlos Shetland Wheelers V

The Drumlanrig Tearfund Challenge Report

The Drumlanrig Tearfund Challenge starts from the stunning Drumlanrig Castle. The route options are 104 miles 7000ft of climb or 83 miles with 6000ft of climbing, including the Tour of Britian Cat 1 climb of Mennock Pass and a 43 mile option. All three routes include the legendary 20% Dunnregan Brae. The ride is split into two rides - you can take as long as you like on the lunch break as it doesn't count towards your overall time.

Clarion riders finishing times

104 miles
Stephen Fleming 7:07

83 miles
Malcom Wake 5:34
Michelle Gregory 6:01
David Hills 6:10

43 miles
Mark Paul 3:00

A link Michelle Gregory's blog report here

East Calder Group venture into Fife

Last Saturday saw the East Calder group complete thier final preparation for the Etape Caledonia, Neil Lovett tells the story

We had a eclectic mix of riders for the East Calder Saturday ride; comprising, ladies first. unless going up hill, the majority of the 'Red Devils' ladies group from Kirknewton (Isla, Leslie, Julie and Miriam), Ken from the Sky Etape team and Rob, John and myself of the usual riders. The Red Devils are so called for their similar red jackets for those not of the know. The route of choice (although none other being offered) being to head north across the Forth Bridge towards Dollar before striking east to and returning home via the Cleish Hills and Kelty.

Heading out of East Calder, we immediately hit some confusion with the ladies team having verbal calls as opposed to our hand signals. The sudden loud shout of 'hole' from the back of the peleton left us male riders breaking hard in somewhat confusion. Was there a puncture already, had Grant Craven somehow sneaked onto the back of the group to claim a further notch in his tube of punctures? After a brief clarification we set off again with the occasional calls from the back of 'hole', 'bump' and 'car' puncturing (poor joke) our route to the Bridge. The sun was out and although chilly with a moderate head wind the ride was looking to be more than enjoyable.

The ladies also offered a different perspective to our normal route finding, with the advice of short cuts we could have taken and did we know the hills were really steep on the road we were on. Is there such a thing as 'back peleton riders'? (forgive me Lesley, only joking) Well, I admit I did know it wasn't the most direct route and that there were some steep hills, but that was part of the enjoyment - I think.

Returning to the ride, we headed up through Crossford and Saline (silent 'e' apparently) and to Powmill through superb rolling countryside on quiet roads. We got to see near and distant views of homes of various relatives of the ladies as we passed by, including stopping outside Lesley's ex-boyfriends house - amicable parting allegedly. Julie left us on this section due to time constraints. Powmill Milk Bar provided our cafe stop, where a quick reshuffling of our parked bikes was required, as we had blocked the owners shelves for selling plants and had also received the advice not to scratch her car (mmmm.... we were more concerned about scratches to our bikes - its all relative). Once in we were faced by a long counter filled with cakes, fruit pies etc, etc. This was going to prove a difficult choice, so to avoid disappointment a number of the group elected to obtain two samples of the offered fare - wise move. Isla who had decided upon an overstuffed with cream double meringue made a stunning save as the tray it was on lost contact with the counter running shelf, and with only a minor loss of whipped cream.

The next stage ran further east, through very quiet, scenic, and mostly pot hole free roads to the foot of the Cleish Hill. Cleish Hill for those who have not been up it, rises, from north to south, approximately 500ft to height of 900ft with dramatic views overlooking Loch Leven and beyond. Ken showed us a clean pair of cycling shoes on the ascent, while the rest of us 'cruised' up - note use of exclamation marks. Heading generally south via Kelty, Crossgate and Inverkeithing we had gravity and a tail wind pretty much in support all the way for a quick return to the Forth. Taking an unofficial short cut through the Queenferry Hotel on the north approach, raised a query from one of the girls of, 'where are were we going?' John's suggestion of "for a pint" was not unfortunately taken seriously - shame, as it should be part any athlete's training schedule.

Returning to East Calder, we cut through Almondvale Park after covering 66 miles at an average speed of 13.5 mph and total cumulative climb of 4,400 ft. Again another terrific run and great company. It is good luck to all those riding the Cally Etape next Saturday, and particularly the Red Devils - don't get too good mind.

See our club run details on our website: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns

Club Jerseys arrive on Friday

The club Jerseys, and possibly other items of kit, will be ready to pick up on Friday

Email Bill on Bill.Young[AT]monoconsultants.com to organise collecting your items between 6.30pm and 9.00pm from Bill's hill top retreat.

5 mile development TT this Thursday

The club's TT season kicks off this Thursday with a 5 mile development time trial on our Bridgend-Kirkliston course. If you've not ridden a TT before, and want to test your legs against the clock, come along and ride our half distance event.

The shorter course is an amended version of the 10 mile route so it starts and finishs on the B9080 just east of the petrol station on the west side of Winchburgh. Riders will head east through Winchburgh - Kirkliston - round the roundabout and back westwards along the B9080 to the start finish line.

This TT is not part of the points series, so, unfortunately no points up for grabs (for either riders or assistants).

Register by 7pm, start will be at 7.15pm

REGISTRATION
Register in the large lay-by on the east-bound carriageway, just West of Bridgend Farm.

Please aim to arrive early, register and pay your £1 entry fee before 7pm, 15 minutes before the start time of the whole event. Please register and gather in the lay-by. The marshalls can choose to decline any registration after this time. Faster riders should take later start times (ie: higher race numbers) when signing in - no false modesty!

Please help the smooth running of this event by NOT parking a car in this layby. It’s recommended that only marshalls or those bringing heavy items (eg: signs) park in the layby.

Please read the risk assessment and Dos and Don'ts, on our website: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/10tt

Bealach Beag

This year's Bealach Beag was a great success, the weather was bright and sunny and the event was well marshalled and organised. club members have commented on how great it was to be cheered on by locals as they rode through the highland villages.

Bill Young said "What a fantastic event and so well organised too! It was good to meet all my fellow Clarionistas at the ride. Well done to Hands on Events and all the volunteers but also the public support in every village."

Andrew Baird said "It was the first time out for me: what an incredible event! I met Malcolm Wake on the big climb. Shortly after I got lost in a lone battle between legs and mind - the last two hairpins felt excruciating - but reached the top in 43 mins"

Grant Craven said "Managed to reach the top of the Bealach in 44 minutes, ready for the big descent which was was awesome! It was fast and scary but well marshalled on the steep corners, as I sped past riders who had overtaken me on the climb. It was over all too quickly and I arrived at feed stop in good spirits but this soon changed when confronted with full force of wind round the peninsula"

David McTurk said "During the last 10 miles I flew past riders on the decents at up to 41mph and saw the same people fly past me up the hills. This happened 5 or 6 times but it kept me going up the climbs, and gave us something to blether about and keep our minds off the last wee bit. I finished this year in 2hrs 56 so very pleased. I'm going to aim for more weight loss for next year and a sub 2hrs 50 time."

Finishing times (time to top of Bealach in brackets)
Bill Young 02:53:06, 70th (01:05:15, 38th)
Stephen Mcdowall 02:53:13, 71st
David McTurk 02:56:52, 79th (01:10:59, 82nd)
Grant Craven 02:58:31, 89th (01:08:38, 61st)
Douglas Corbett 02:59:03, 92nd (01:12:20, 94th)
Malcolm Wake 03:11:49, 152nd (01:15:57, 157th)
James McDonald 01:26:00, 273rd (03:40:48 274th)

Scotland to host 2011 Easter Meet

West Lothian Clarion will be organising and hosting the 2011 National Clarion Easter meet. It will be a great opportunity to show off our country to fellow cyclists from south of the border, many riding in Scotland for the first time.

To find out what Easter Meets are all about, and discuss the planning of next year's event, including which town will host the meet, come along to our first meeting on Thursday 13th May at 8.30pm at 106 Avontoun Park, Linlithgow

Accommodation and possible towns have already been investigated, bring some ideas and let us know what you think. It's your chance to have a say in the 2011 Easter Meet.

See you there!

Introducing the New Kids Club Secretary

A big thank you to Ewen Fulton from Mid Calder who has joined up to become the Secretary of the kids club.

Ewen says "I'm a recent victim of the force of darkside! Now enjoying skinny tyre's, compact geometry and big chainrings. Before this I was into moujtina biking and entered a few races, varying from DH to XC with everything inbetween. Still enjoy the mountain biking and it's neiches. After recent addition to the family, hoping to get back out on bike again soon.

My Bikes: Giant SCR Ltd (commuter / road bike); Orange 5 Pro; On-one scandal; On-one inbred 29er; On-one inbred special edition, built up as singlespeed and an Orange subzero - now sadly deceased after a holiday in the alps."

To find outmore about the Kids Club, email ewen on : kidsclub@westlothianclarion.co.uk

Welcome to Douglas

Douglas Corbett
Originally uploaded by westlothianclarion

Douglas Corbett from Brightons joined up at the end of April

I have been cycling for as long as I can remember. As with most people I had a bicycle as a child. However unlike most people I didn't give it up in my teens. Apart from enjoying the fresh air and the freedom I also stuck with it for environmental reasons and successfully avoided owning a car until I was the grand old age of 30!

Upon the arrival of digital television and Eurosport I was shocked to discover that bike races other than the Tour de France actually exist! Paris-Roubaix , Milan- San Remo, Giro'd Italia etc have now inspired me to see cycling as more of a sport rather than simply a leisure activity. I also can't understand why these fantastic events don't have a higher profile in the UK.

I own several bikes and spend a ridiculous amount of time maintaining them. My best bike is a 2008 model Cannondale Six13. I have entered the Bealach Beag and the Etape Caledonia for the last two years and have signed up for both again this year. (and yes miraculously I managed to avoid the tacks) Currently I train for these events on my own, however I hope joining the club will inspire me to drag myself out of bed more often for weekend club rides.

Having already taken part in last years open hill climb event I was relieved at the warm and friendly nature of the club. I have been wary of joining cycling clubs in the past as they often appeared cliquey and elitist. I hope to meet more members on club rides in the future. I should be easy to spot. I'll be the bleary eyed one on a white Cannondale.

Club 10TT record Smashed

Steve McCaw broke the club's 10TT record by 28 seconds on the Westferry course today. Steve finished the race in a time of 22.06 and ended up 8th overall in the Inverclyde Velo event.

Congratulations Steve!

Julie Dominguez also rode the event and narrowly missed breaking her own club record. (time TBA). Julie also rode the ERC promoted Ian McCulloch Memorial TT on 5th May, finishing the event in a time of 29.17. The course uses the same road as our club 10 TT but runs in the opposite direction.

Steve said:

Julie and I rode the West Ferry ten mile Time Trial on Sunday 9th. I had an early start (no. 5) so we had to have breakfast at an ungodly hour, load the car and drive through to Bishopton. It was really cold before the start so i used rollers to try and keep warm while Julie used the plan of wearing all her cycling clothes plus jeans and hoody while sitting in the car!

Got the start feeling reasonably warm but kept leg warmers and top on to the last minute. Headwind out to the turn but not too strong, managed to settle into a good rhythm and got there in 12 minutes, change down a couple of gears, quick dab on the brakes and round the roundabout so really needed to turn the wick up on the return journey.

It was a good bit faster on the return leg and I didn't let up the pressure at all, and finished with a time of 22-06. Quite pleased as it wasn't super conditions although the course is quite flat and fast.

I was able to recover and get changed before heading out the course to cheer Julie on(she was no. 52), she was looking smooth and in the right gear (not too big or small) so yelled her on and noticed she was catching number 53 who must have passed her earlier and I also noticed that number 53 was riding out of the saddle on the flat, It turned out the saddle had parted company with the bike going round the turn ! Julie repassed 53 and forged on to the finish to get a time of 27-57 her best of the year and a good minute and a half better than Wednesday night.

Julie finished 2nd in the ladies event and got a prize while I was 8th in the open. We drove home and invested Julies' winnings in the pub later

Planned attacks on Etape Caledonia

Scot Tares from Skinny Tyres has sent in this worrying report about possible disruption to the Etape Calidonia on May 16th

Whether you are doing the Etape Caledonia or not, this may be of interest to you in terms of cycling and supporting the rights of cyclists.

ACRE (anti closed roads events) have set up a press conference for Monday 10th May at 10.30am at the Royal George Hotel, George St in Perth. This group have kept this press conference secret as they do not want anyone to come along and spoil their anti-cyclist point of view. This has been leaked out and it would be good if anyone who wants to go along to the Hotel on Monday morning with their bike was able to and could offer a balanced point of view to the assembled journalists.
 
The vast majority of people and businesses in Highland Perthshire support cycling and the Etape Caledonia as they realise the massive economic benefit that the event is bringing to the area. The spin offs are also potentially huge, so this group are not only trying to hamper a cycling event, they are actively being detrimental to the local economy. They have rather insensitively named their press conference "ACRE changes tack", in reference to the carpet tack incident that happened at last years event. They obviously find this funny, but for this incident was potentially dangerous for many cyclists on the road that day and for those Fathers, Mothers, Sons, Daughters, Brothers and Sisters who wanted to enjoy a safe and fun day out cycling, it was definitely not a joke and put them at great risk.
 
There are several ways you can show your sentiment against the ACRE group:
 
• Turn up at the Royal George Hotel in Perth at 10.20am on Monday 10th May with your bike to show your support for cycling in Highland Perthshire.
• Visit the Facebook page at Friends of the Etape Caledonia and join the group.
• Forward this email to anyone you know who is interested in cycling
• Send a Twitter message with the details to your friends and followers.