Kids club Dirt Crit

01 Dirt Crit, a set on Flickr.

Photos from the Club's Dirt Crit at Kinneil House, the last round of our five race series

Kingscavil Hill Climb Start Sheet

A Superb turn out, many thanks to all the riders for supporting the event

Kingscavil Hill Climb
16 October 2011
Kingscavil Hill By Linlithgow

YOUTH C
1 Ellie Park Glasgow Riderz YF 09:31
2 Lusia Steele Johnston Jets YF 09:32
3 Lorna Doyle YF 09:33
4 Iona Crawford YF 09:34
5 Helen Mitchell Stirling Bike Club/Wallace Warriors
6 Sean Flynn Edinburgh RC YM 09:36
7 Joe Nally Hardie-Bikes YM 09:37
8 Ryan Ewing West Lothian Clarion YM 09:38
9 Stephen Dent West Highland Wheelers 09:39
10 Cameron Mason West Lothian Clarion YM 09:40
11 Charlie Johnston Glasgow Riderz YM 09:41
12 Joshua Grahame - YM 09:42
13 Lewis Martin Hardrock CC YM 09:43
14 Adam Loney Ythan CC YM 09:44
15 Laurie Cunningha Ythan CC YM 09:45

YOUTH B
18 Emma Borthwick Edinburgh Road Club YF 09:48
19 Alana Steele Johnston Jets YF 09:49
20 Katie McLean Johnston Jets YF 09:50
21 Lulu Bartlett Edinburgh RC YF 09:51
22 John Macleod Edinburgh RC YM 09:52
23 Kieran Robbins East Sutherland Wheelers 09:53
24 Lewis Champion Perth United YM 09:54
25 Mark McGuire Tay Titans YM 09:55
26 Ben Forsyth Edinburgh Road Club YM 09:56
27 Rhys Donnelly Glasgow Riderz YM 09:57
28 Cameron Greatore Edinburgh Road Club YM 09:58
29 Harry Johnston Lomond Roads CC YM 09:59
30 Stuart Balfour Edinburgh Road Club YM 10:00
31 Sam MacNeil Peebles CC YM 10:01
32 Jack Crombie Carnegie Cyclones YM 10:02

YOUTH A
34 Louise Borthwick Edinburgh Road Clu YF 10:04
35 Flora Gillies Peebles CC YF 10:05 b
36 Kate McCullough City of Edinburgh Race ub10:06
37 Kate Johnston Edinburgh Road Club YF 10:07
38 Cameron Balfour CNPORBEA YM 10:08
39 Connor Telfer Hawick YM 10:09
40 Gavin Shuttleworth Velocity44 YM 10:10
41 Zak Loney Ythan CC YM 10:11
42 Iain Paton Square Wheels YM 10:12
43 Hamish Carrick Edinburgh Road Club YM 10:13
44 Ed Salthouse Edinburgh Road Club YM 10:14
45 Aidan Quinn Glasgow Ivy Cc YM 10:15
46 Sean Noon Edinburgh Road Club YM 10:16
47 Ayrton Pellet YM 10:17
48 Andrew Scholes West Lothian Clarion YM 10:18

SENIORS
50 Debbie Pollard West Lothian Clarion FV 10:20
51 Fiona Crawford Kinross CC FV 10:21
52 Julie Hutchison Hervelo F 10:22
53 Sandra Scally Hervelo F 10:23
54 Katie Carmichael Hervelo F 10:24
55 Nicola Johnston Hervelo F 10:25
56 Natalie Shering Hervelo F 10:26
57 Amanda Brown Hervelo F 10:27
58 Sharon Doyle Sandy Wallace Cycles 10:28
59 Matt Ball West Lothian Clarion V 10:29
60 Jarlath Flynn Edinburgh Road Club S 10:30
61 Ian Cowden Johnstone Wheelers V 10:31
62 Julian Darwell-Sto Eedinburgh Road Club V 10:32
63 Frank Anderson West Lothian Clarion V 10:33
64 David Gibson Pentland Triathletes V 10:34
65 Craig Adams GSS Racing Team S 10:35
66 Stephen Crawford Kinross CC V 10:36
67 Billy Mitchell Stirling Bike Club/Wallace Warriors 10:37
68 Dougie Robertson Berwick Wheelers V 10:38
69 Alan Dent West Highland Wheeelers 10:39
70 Joe Larner Edinburgh Road Club S 10:40
71 Kenny Christie Johnstone Wheelers S 10:41
72 Jeremy Evans Un-Attached S 10:42
73 Mark Munro City of Inverness CC S 10:43
74 Jason Barnes Glasgow Nightingale CCS 10:44
75 David Griffiths Glasgow Wheelers S 10:45
76 Graeme Scott GRC S 10:46
77 Brendan Denahy Edinburgh Road Club S 10:47
78 Paul Gareze Lomond Roads CC S 10:48
79 Grant Craven West Lothian Clarion S 10:49
80 John Paterson Dumfries CC S 10:50
81 Buchanan Paterson Stirling Bike Club S 10:51
82 Tom Worthington Vortex R.T S 10:52
83 Ramsay Muirhead Johnstone Wheelers S 10:53
84 Ruaridh Shuttlewo City of Stirling S 10:54
85 Arthur Doyle Dooley’s Cycles RT S 10:55

YOUTH E
15 Alison Mitchell Stirling Bike Club/Wallace Warriors
16 Patrick Barnes Glasgow Riderz YM 11:16
17 Andrew Turner West Lothian Clarion YM 11:17
18 James Dunlop West Lothian Clarion YM 11:18
19 Lewis Steele Johnston Jets YM 11:19
20 Luke Ross West Lothian Clarion YM 11:20
21 Findlay Gilmour West Lothian Clarion YM 11:21

YOUTH D
23 Anna Flynn Edinburgh RC YF 11:23
24 Emma Forsyth Edinburgh Road Club YF 11:24
25 Audrey Doyle YF 11:25
26 Eilidh McFadden West Lothian Clarion YF 11:26
27 Cathy Mitchell Club/Wallace Warriors YK 11:27
28 Alison Bryce West Lothian Clarion YF 11:28
29 Rory McGuire Tay Titans YM 11:29
30 Alex Ball West Lothian Clarion YM 11:30
31 Alexander Dent West Highland Wheeelers lYerMs 11:31
32 Jamie Johnston Glasgow Riderz YM 11:32
33 Duncan Crawford YM 11:33
34 Martin Johnstone West Lothian Clarion YM 11:34
35 Ruaridh Bell West Lothian Clarion YM 11:35
36 Andrew Oxley West Lothian Clarion YM 11:36

Our hand crafted podium has been delivered

Last week we put a call out to members to see if anyone could build a podium in time for the Kingscavil hill climb.

Within minutes Iain Elliott had volunteered his father-in-law Ron Day.

Ron is a retired carpenter and knows his dove tail from his bridle joints. In a couple of hours Ron had designed the podium, a set of three pods that sit one inside the other when stored. Ron worked through the evening and the next day it was ready to pick up!

Ron said "I went down to the lumber yard but the wood was really expensive so I found some odd bits in the garage and used them instead"

The Podium is very robust and stores easily, on Ron's advice we'll glue sand to the top for grip, and when we get a spare moment we''ll get it painted yellow by more Clarion elves.

Thanks Ron, a fantastic job, a big thank you from the Clarion for all your hard work.

Club member of the year shortlist announced

Six members have been shortlisted for the club member of the year, the winner will be announced at the Champions Dinner on Saturday October 22nd


1. David Dourley
Not only is Dave doing the business with the club kit again (with the associated problems that will inevitably occur with sizing, quality etc.), but has also volunteered to organise the club hill climb, and taken part in many of the club activities throughout the year. It could not have been easy balancing his shift work and family commitments with being so active with/for the club.

2. Angus Gallie
Angus has made a massive contribution to the club this year, supportive of his fellow riders, volunteering to marshal and organising our biggest event of the year - the Kingscavil Hill Climb. He sets an example for others to follow. He has also been representing the club on the competitive front too - getting 5th in the World Duathlon Championships for his age group. Supported and helped out at the TT series and Easter Meet, particularly the Sportive.

3.Simon Fagan
Simon has continued to contribute to club life, not only is he a committed coach for the kids club, winning awards along his way, but he also represented the club and Scotland at the school games as a coach. Simon has continued to develop his skills by gaining his trail leader qualification and adding an MTB bolt on to his coaching certificate. He won the first quarterly SC coaching award and helped organise many great events over the year including the BBQ ( He cooks up a mean onion relish worthy of the award itself). Simon also volunteered as the commissaire for the kids grass track races at Easter. As well as coaching he has also raced in the club's hill climb and taken part in numerous sportives.

4. Neil Heyes 
Neil has helped the club in a number of ways this year, volunteering at the Easter meet and organised one of the social rides. At the TDF social he found a great venue, he volunteered at the 10TT series and took part in many of the races, he even represented the club in the TTT championship! Neil also volunteered to get up at 5.00am to represent the club as a marshal at the MSCA 50TT. Neil also took part in the Night Ride again this year - an all round club member

5. Steve McCaw
Steve has been an outstanding racer this year and a superb ambassador for the club and cyclesport. Breaking national indoor and outdoor track records including setting a new outdoor hour record. At the Clarion track champs he broke 5 national records and then went on to dominate the track championships. He has advised club members on how to get into racing through his advice on the forums and has also volunteered as a helper on the club 10TT series.

6. Tom Beattie
Tom has been a stalwart member this year, he has invested an incredible amount of time and enthusiasm into club activities. He stepped in to organise the TT series and helped make it the most successful yet, he set up and ran the very successful Wallace Monument hill climb (even after a night shift!). He has participated in club runs and club racers and has then gone on to enter open events too. He marshalled for the club at the MSCA 50TT. He has encouraged others to take part in club activities and supported both our teams at the TTT champs. Tom has also managed Steve McCaw's hour record attempts, making sure all the logistics are in place so that Steve just has to think about the riding.

Thank you

A massive thank you to all the members who responded to the call for volunteers at the Kingscavil hill climb on 16th October, Organiser, Angus Gallie has been inundated with offers of help.

As Angus says "Clarionistas, you're the best!"

Sadiq Mir: 2011 West Lothian Clarion BAR champ

Congratulations to Sadiq who is the club's 2011 Men's Best All Rounder. Stephen Darling and Grant Craven were the two other members who completed all the qualifying events. The trophy will be awarded at the Champions evening on 22 October. Get your tickets now!

Our sportive is made up from the average speeds af a rider's best 10TT, 25TT, 50TT and a sportive.

Results:
10, 25,  50, Sportive = Total
Sadiq Mir: 26.706,  24.390, 24.367, 13.494 = 22.239
Stephen Darling: 23.092, 22.704, 22.503, 20.475 = 22.193
Grant Craven: 22.360,  21.682, 21.684, 20.030 = 21.439

Sadiq will also be awarded the Tour de Trossachs Trophy, presented to the highest placed club member in that event. Here he is slogging up the Dukes pass in last year's race:

Champions Party

Not long before our Champions party... better buy some tickets

Saturday 22 October at the Linlithgow Golf Club.

The evening starts from 7pm and includes a three course dinner including tea or coffee.

Following dinner there will be the annual presentation for our 2011 champions.

During the evening there will also be a quiz and raffle. Members and their guests are welcome to join the evening’s celebrations.

The cost of the evening is £10 per person (includes meal) and places must be booked in advance (before Friday 14 October) by e-mailing socials@westlothianclarion.co.uk (please advise any specific dietary requirements).

Cheques should be made payable to “West Lothian Clarion” and posted to Stephen Henley, 64 Tantallon Gardens, Livingston EH54 9AT.

This is a great opportunity for us all to come together as a club and celebrate our achievements during 2011. Places are limited so please book your place early to avoid disappointment.

Linlithgow Golf Club House is located on Braehead Road within easy walking or cycling distance from Linlithgow High Street. There is no specific dress code for the evening however as this is our annual Champions Evening we do ask that you dress smartly.

Kids Welcome

Awards handed out on the night:

Sea to Sky Records
TT Records
Hill Climb (Men and Women)
TT series (Men and Women and Junior)
25 TT (Men and Women)
2-up TT
Freewheel Champion
Tour de Trossachs Trophy
Best All Rounder (BAR) (Men and Women)
Kids club rider of the year
Kids club most improved (boy and girl)
Member of the year

More track records broken by Steve McCaw

Steve McCaw travelled down to Manchester on the 17th of September to take part in the National Clarion Track champs, before the championships began, the Clarion donated some track time so that Steve Could attempt some indoor record. Here Steve picks up the story

We arrived at the track around 5pm after pitching our tent in Glossop, and started to get our bikes ready. All the officials were there and the chief one took me through the protocol for my record attempt, there is a report here: www.owenphilipson.com

Major thanks go to Tom, Julie and Matt for all the support to achieve these records.

Once this was over I had to recover a bit while all the riders started to get ready for the racing. Riders were split into "A" and "B" groups for the Clarion track Championship which was run as an Omnium. Matt and I were in the "A" group and Julie was in the "B" group..

There were a number of "guests" riding who livened things up a bit but not being Clarion members they could not score points, Rebecca Romero was the Major guest and it was interesting to see her going through her pre event routines with the rest of us. The other really fast guests were Peter Ettles and Courtney Rowe, both seasoned track riders.First up was the Flying 200m to select the riders for the sprint final.

I was barely recovered by the time I was up but since it was only a one lap effort it wasn't too bad and I got 2nd fastest with a 12.9. Julie did a PB of 13.6 which under the circumstances was good as her warm up was compromised by helping me out with the computer program for my earlier record attempt. On to the points race where i just didn't get going until the end where I picked up some points on the last two sprints. legs were sore but I actually felt better afterwards, maybe they appreciated getting "flushed out".

The next event was the scratch race, it started gently enough which was appreciated, then at half way I saw Peter and Courtney move up through the bunch and then Bang! the race was on. The pace really went through the roof and I ended up in a chasing group of three with Romero towing us round like a derny, it was great being paced by her as she is quite tall so you get good shelter and she doesn't have any "kick" so nice and steady. Eventually though she blew and I had to pass her and try and bridge to the leaders, the end came before I could make it across but I picked up some valuable points.

Next up was the Pursuit, I didn't ride this, I rode the sprint instead as I knew my legs would be tired, but Matt was riding - against Romero! At the start Matt pulled his wheel over and there was a false start, so Matt had to ride later on instead, I think he was having a few teething problems with the borrowed bike. In the pursuit Final Ettles got a victory over Romero - exciting to watch! In the Team pursuit WLC fielded a team of three and we were up against Romero, Rowe and Ettles. We did our best and rode a good steady race but we were outclassed, still I think Matt and Julie enjoyed it, it would be good to field a team that could compete for the massive "Czech" trophy on offer to the winners.

The last event for the "a" group was the "devil" I got a dream ride in this as Matt was blasting away near the front and I sat on his wheel getting a good tow, the field soon got whittled down and I was looking around so that I would make the final selection of four. I could see Romero on the inside so got my bars in front of hers and kept her in the "box" however this backfired a bit I eliminated Matt instead, oh well sorry Matt, but it was me or someone else! I picked up 2nd in this at the finish so got a good dollop of points.The "b" devil was controversial as Julie was pulled out when she was clearly not last over the line, but mastakes happen and its not possible to do anything about one like that afterwards sadly.

The Sprint final was a walk over for me as my opponent pulled out so in the end Peter Ettles won the onmium and I was 2nd overall and highest Clarion rider on the night. I got my prize presented By Rebecca Romero and managed to have a short chat with her afterwards and wished her luck for the 2012 Olympics. I think we all enjoyed a good nights racing, Matt is now planning what sort of track bike to buy for next year so watch out, track racing is addictive!

Indoor vets records held by Steve
5k 6.39.5 (old rec 6.42.3)
10k 13.14.9 (old rec 13.32.3)
20k 26.38.7 (old rec 27.17.7)
5mile 10.39.9 (old rec 10.52)
10mile 21.25.1 (old rec 21.45 All records R.Caspell 1995)

Vets outdoor hour record
171 laps in 60 mins, 21.05 seconds per lap or 42.822kmkm/h average

Picture by http://www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk/

We're in the Guardian Bike Blog

Were were called up last week by Guardian Blogger Andy Ward. He was writing a piece about the rise of cycling clubs and wanted to find out how we are getting out with our kids section.

Read the piece here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2011/sep/20/cycling-clubs

Welcome to two new committee members

Tom Beattie was unanimously voted in as our new President after Tobias Bauer stepped down at the AGM.

Tom has been a mainstay of the club since 2009 and in 2011 contributed a great deal of time volunteering on club and open activities and competing in time trials.

Duncan Harvie joined the club this year and has stepped up to be the club's Welfare Officer. This new post is crucial for the future development of the club and is one recommended by our governing body Scottish Cycling.

Congratulations to both and welcome to the committee


The 2011-12 Committee
Communications Secretary: Andrew Baird
President: Tom Beattie
Race Secretary: Grant Craven
Rides Captian: Neil Greer
Secretary: Matthew Ball
Social Secretary: Stephen Henley
Treasurer: Michelle Gregory
Welfare Officer: Duncan Harvie
Women's Coordinator: Debbie Pollard

The 2011 Champions Evening

The 2011 Champions Evening

Saturday 22 October at the Linlithgow Golf Club.

The evening starts from 7pm and includes a three course dinner including tea or coffee.

Following dinner there will be the annual presentation for our 2011 champions.

During the evening there will also be a quiz and raffle. Members and their guests are welcome to join the evening’s celebrations.

The cost of the evening is £10 per person (includes meal) and places must be booked in advance (before Friday 14 October) by e-mailing socials@westlothianclarion.co.uk (please advise any specific dietary requirements).

Cheques should be made payable to “West Lothian Clarion” and posted to Stephen Henley, 64 Tantallon Gardens, Livingston EH54 9AT.

This is a great opportunity for us all to come together as a club and celebrate our achievements during 2011. Places are limited so please book your place early to avoid disappointment.

Linlithgow Golf Club House is located on Braehead Road within easy walking or cycling distance from Linlithgow High Street. There is no specific dress code for the evening however as this is our annual Champions Evening we do ask that you dress smartly.

Kids Welcome

Club Hill Climb and Freewheel champs on Saturday

Saturday 10th September 2011

Meet to sign on 9.00am, aiming for first rider off at 9.30am adjacent to Kingscavil Church an unnamed road off the B9080 If driving to the event please do not park near the course there is space near Kingscavil Church or alternatively in the Cemetary car park, if parking please be considerate of other road users.

The event is a timed 0.9km hill climb which takes place on a narrow road and is open to traffic so care should be taken when making your way to the start and during the event. Once all competitors have completed the climb there will be a free wheel competition from the top of the hill opposite Kingscavil looking north (not Kingscavil) 

Read terms and conditions of event 

HILL CLIMB INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Sign on at dedicated marshals/starters vehicle and receive allocated competitors number 

2. Make your way to the bottom of the climb 

3. Wait at starting point but do not block the road 

4. When asked to start move into allocated position on left hand side of the road and await starters instructions 

5. Once given count down commence climb and stay on the left hand side of the road at all times, DO NOT WEAVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE ACROSS THE ROAD 

6. Once you have completed the climb make sure you stay clear of the event finish line and park your bike in a safe place. Do not block the road 

FREEWHEEL COMP INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Once all competitors have completed the Hill climb the downhill free wheel competition will commence. Cranks will be zip tied to chainstay to prevent pedaling. 

2. When instructed by the Marshall/Timekeeper please proceed to the start line of the free wheel competition at the top of the climb closest to KIngscavil church, not Kingscavil Hill 

3. Once given instruction to leave the dedicated starting line you must keep to the left hand side of the road during the descent 

4. When your bike comes to a stand still after the descent, the judge will mark where you stopped with the chalk provided and put your initials on it. 

5. Once your efforts have been marked please move to the side of the road out of the way of other competitors and collect in the layby after the bridge 

6. Do not ride back up the hill towards fellow competitors as this could prove dangerous given the narrow width of the road.

Marshalls Duties

Time keeper at bottom of hill - Lee Mellor

Pusher off - Harvey Williamson

Time keeper at the top - Crawford Geddes

Marshall no.1 - Andy Hemingway 

Marshall no. 2 - Eve Beech

Time keeping assistant at top - Angus Gallie

Clarion road champs: how close?

Please volunteer

We have a number of opportunities to volunteer, if you have NOT donated you time helping out on club activities yet, now's your chance.

LADIES CLUB RUN HELP WANTED
Sunday 4th September
Kirkliston 10.00am for 10.30
Role: ride guide

If you've enjoyed our Saturday rides over the last year but haven't had a chance to volunteer yet, why not help out on this Sunday's ladies club run? Organiser Michelle Gregory is looking for club members willing to help guide the groups around the route.

Please get in contact with Michelle on treasurer@westlothianclarion.co.uk

HILL CLIMB CHAMPS HELP WANTED

Saturday 10th September

Kingscavil

Role: Marshals, pusher off, time keeper

Help out at the hill climb, get in contact with organiser David Dourley: david.dourley@hotmail.co.uk

STEVE RACES TO BRITISH CYCLING RECORD

Steve McCaw, 48, from East Calder, has become the fastest cyclist for his age in Britain. McCaw, a multiple title winner and member of the West Lothian Clarion cycling club, broke the British over 40s hour record recently at the Meadowbank track in Edinburgh.

He completed a lung and leg-busting 171 laps of the 250 metres track in 60 minutes. His record-breaking average speed of 26.6 miles per hour smashed the previous record mark of 25.4 mph set in 1999. Among the officials scrutinising Steve’s ride was David Hoy, father of Olympic Champion Sir Chris Hoy.

Steve is an experienced track and road racer but an hour record attempt puts exceptional stress on mind and body. Once he hit the half way point the pain really started. “Sweat was pouring down my face and into my eyes, making it difficult to see. My shoulders and arms were numb. I couldn’t lift the speed any further. People began to cheer from the trackside. At last I saw the sign for three minutes to go and tried a final push. Then came the bell for last lap and the pistol shot to indicate that it was all over. I slowed down and collapsed on the trackside grass.”

West Lothian Clarion club secretary Matt Ball paid tribute to Steve’s achievement: “Steve is a fantastic athlete and has never lost the desire to push himself onto new levels. He is modest about his results but this one is truly special. It’s great to have such a personality at the club.”

Photos by Alastair Watson