Lynn and Steve are club 25TT champs

Last night 11 riders competed in our inaugural 25TT championship. Racing secretary Grant Craven came up with a superb roller coaster route along the Lang Whang to Carnwath and back.

Steve McCaw was fastest, almost getting under the hour, in a time of 1.00.06 with Matthew Ball 14 seconds behind and Iain Elliott securing third spot.  The women's race was tightly contested too with Diane Cox losing out to Lynn Gow by just 21 seconds.

It was a perfect evening for a race, with many riders commenting on the beautiful sunset accompanying them on their return to the finish.

Well done to all the competitors. And a big 'thank you' to Grant who organised, Brian Mcllellan and Stephen Henely at the turn and the time keepers Ian Roberston and Gordon Bonallo (who had to fight off a swarm of midges) 

Results:
1 Steve. McCaw 01:00:06
2 Matthew. Ball 01:00:20
3 Iain Elliott 01:05:27
4 Stephen Darling 01:08:24
5 Grant Craven 01:10:25
6 Dave. Dourley 01:14:30
7 Malcolm. Webb 01:15:35
8 John. Hanlin 01:21:48
9 Tom. Beattie 01:22:12
10 Lynn. Gow 01:23:29 (First woman)
11 Diane. Mackie 01:23:50

Neil and Tobias complete the Paris-Brest-Paris Audax

Neil Fraser and club president Tobias Bauer have just completed the massive Paris-Brest-Paris Audax - a huge achievement . Tobias rode the 1200kn in 87 hours 36 minutes and Neil completed the ride in 71 hours 29 minutes

Neil sends in this early report:

Big thanks to everyone for you words of encouragement and congratulations. It was a tremendous ride, hard at times but some of the best experiences I've had on a bike too. I'll try to write a proper ride report in a week or two but at the moment my brain is a bit scrambled and I've spent all today either sleeping or eating.

Some random recollections -

The heat queuing at the start. Over thirty degrees and while I stayed in the shade as long as I could the fast groups that started first were kettled in at the start line for over an hour in full sun.

After waiting all afternoon finally getting to start in the 3rd group of 500 riders at just before 7pm. All my plans for sensible pacing went straight out my head as racing down a dual carriageway with police outriders (for the 1st 20km or so) was just too much fun.

The funny bikes - full enclosed recumbents, back to back tandem recumbents, tandems, tricycles, tandem tricycles, rowing bikes, vintage bikes, triplets... some folk like to stand out from the crowd.

The support on the road - in many villages, day or night, there were people standing at the side of the road clapping and shouting words of encouragement. Toddlers to pensioners, they all seemed genuinely pleased to have 5000 cyclists passing through. Many offered water, coffee and snacks free to anyone who wanted them.

The rigid organisation of the Seattle Randonneurs. They were riding to a schedule target of 56hours 40minutes and were so disciplined I'm sure they would have slowed down if they thought they were going to be early. All had full mudguards with extenders and when the rain came on I got sent to the back of the group. What a punishment that was.

The Italian groups were hard work to sit in as they seemed so chaotic, but I can't knock their cycling as those guys and gals could really shift. I dropped out of one group full of Italians after a couple of hours just to get some peace and quiet, they were so noisy.

Hotfoot. The one real negative for me out of the whole three days was hot foot. I got several attacks of it at various times and the only way I could deal with it was by backing off the pace.

Leading a 20-strong bunch down a 50kmh descent at midnight in fog and starting to fall asleep. The sensible thing to do would be to stop right away but I wasn't thinking too clearly and persevered for a few miles before eventually stopping to take a couple of ProPlus.

On the last day I had a puncture whilst riding with Robert McCready (Inverclyde Velo). Robert started pumping up my tyre as I was putting my tools away. Before I could take over at the pump a French TV crew turned up and started filming him. So Robert had to finish off the tyre himself!

The thing that makes this event so special is the camaraderie on the road and in the controls. Never sat in a control without having a conversation with someone, never felt isolated on the road even when I was (by choice) riding alone.

Chapeau to Tobias on his first PBP - I knew he was capable of doing it, I suspect his only problem will have been the lack of decent veggie food in the controls. 1200km on boiled rice or macaroni!

ENTER OUR CLUB 25TT CHAMPS!

Ride the dramatic route starting on the Lang Whang, it will be a superb test of your riding abilities

Date: Thursday 25th August
Time: Meet 6.30pm for a 7pm start. On map reference parking would be as shown between Little Vantage and Auchinoon with the start west from the parking.
Timekeepers: Ian Robertson and Gordon Bonallo
Route: Harperigg Reservoir to Carnwath RAB and back
Marshalls: Still need 2 marshalls at the Carnwath roundabout. Any volunteers? The route is similar to the 10TT series i.e. straight out to a roundabout and back. Marshalling times would be approx 7.15pm to 8pm.
Start location map

Club TT 18th August 2011

Club TT 18th August 2011, a set on Flickr.

Photos from the last race in our Summer TT series

National Clarion Track Championships: Saturday 17th Sept

National Clarion Track Championships: Saturday 17th Sept

On Saturday 17th September at the Manchester Velodrome (6pm till 10pm) it's the National Clarion Track Championships (organised by Bury Clarion). 

West Lothian's Steve McCaw will be attacking some of the shorter distance records during the programme - interested in coming to cheer him on?

The packed programme of races will include;

• 200m flying Time Trial
• 2km Pursuit
• 5 mile (32 lap) Scratch race (20 lap for the 'B' group)
• Points race
• Devil take the Hindmost
• Team Pursuit

All bunch race will be split into 2 groups ('A' and 'B'), the Omnium Champion will be decided on the best 3 events. There are prizes for all entrant and Clarion only categories (also includes trophies).

Entries for racing should be made on the standard BC Track entry forms - please ask the NCC Secretary for forms and details if you are interested (you will need a track bike, and they cannot be hired from the Velodrome). Entries close Monday 12th September.

Former World Champion and reigning Olympic champion Rebecca Romero is now confirmed as riding this event!

For those interested in spectating - we'll find out details in the meantime.

TDF Social: Gallie wins stage 14

30 odd riders took part in the Tour de Bathgate Alpes club run on Saturday 16th July. The route took in 19 climbs in the Bathgate alps with the bunch split into two groups.

Steve McCaw pipped Brian Mcllelan to be unofficial king of the mountains .

After the ride everyone headed over to the Linlithgow Sports Club to watch stage 14 of the Tour de France.

The club was packed with Clarion members and guests, either in 'civvies' or or still wearing their mucky jerseys.

Organiser Stephen Henley had sorted out a superb spread for lunch - pizza, salad and lasagne was washed down with a few pints form the bar.

Stephen also sorted out a sweep for the stage winner so we were all glued to the TV in the last 20km to see if our selection was in with a chance.

Angus Gallie even surprised himself by winning the sweep, he didn't realise that he had the winning name in his possession until the final kilometre, as Jelle Vanendert crossed the line he was presented with a magnum of wine.


Stephen said "Thanks to everybody who made it today. There were about 25 riders out for the Tour of the Bathgate Alps and nearly 40 members were able to make it for the social afterwards in the Linlithgow Sports Club. It was great to see such a good turnout."

Thanks go to Neil Heyes who sorted out the venue and to Simon Fagan who helped out in the Kitchen with Stephen and Neil. Andy Weaving and Mark McCabe were the ride leaders so thanks to them also.

What you said:

A big thanks to Steve, Neil and all who contributed an excellent event. As far Matt and his torturous route around the Bathgate Alps I merely repeat Octave Lapiz's proclamation to the 1910 tour organisers...assasins
Ian Robertson

Great run today, good to see new and old faces again. thanks to Stephen and crew for all the grub, cheers.
Andy Weaving

Was a great social yesterday, good to see everyone again. Thanks to all the organisers, great venue too.
Ali McQuillen

It was a great day, we had a new rider out on the active group - Malc Webb from Winchburgh who I hope was not put off by such a hilly route, and decides to join up ! The social after was good fun with food, drink, conversation and Tour coverage.
Steve McCaw

As for the route, 3500 feet of ascent in 36 miles. 3 hills with 18% gradients plus, even going up Kingscavil was not the steepest part at a mere 16%. A great training loop to keep in mind, but hopefully not a regular club run route!!
Jim Macdonald

Big thanks to Stephen and all who were involved in the organisation of this great day. Magic!
Also, initially posted on another thread, but more appropriate here.
My new best friend...JELLE VANENDERT !!!
Angus Gallie

Club confined TT: week 6 - Iain rides fastest time of the year

Iain Elliot has improved by a massive 5 minutes since riding his first time trail in May and last Thursday rode to the fastest time of the year, with a 24.09.

Iain's first place moves him to within shouting distance of John Michael Howison and and Brian Mclellan, the mens' series leaders. With just 4 races to go it looks like this year's racing will be the most exciting yet with 3 contenders neck and neck.

5 Women rode the TT - equalling the record turn out from the ladies. Michelle Gregory's 1st place moves her closer to series leader Mandy MacColl with Diane Cox and Debbie Pollard not far behind.

It was good to see Alison McQuillen back on her bike and riding her first TT after illness. With Louise Rattray joining the club, we now have 23 women in the section, which bodes well for some competitive racing in the 4 remaining races.

WEEK 6 RESULTS

1st place, 20 points, Iain Elliott, 24:09
2nd, 19 pts, Frank Anderson, 25:06
3rd, 18 pts, Brian McLellan, 25:53
4th, 17 pts, Steve Darling, 26:53
5th, 16 pts, Steve Fleming, 27:34
6th, 15 pts, Grant Craven, 27:49
7th, 14 pts, Graeme Horne, 28:05
8th, 13 pts, H Williamson, 29:13
9th, 12 pts, John Hanlin, 29:17
10th, 11 pts, Jim MacDonald, 29:19
11th, 10 pts, S Bain, 30:21
12th, 9 pts, Michelle Gregory, 30:37 (1st lady)
13th, 8 pts, Diane Cox, 31:01 (2nd lady)
14th, 7 pts, Debbie Pollard, 32:43 (3rd lady)
15th, 6 pts, Alison McQuillen, 39:15 (4th lady)
16th, 5 pts, Louise Rattray, 40:21 (5th lady)

TT SERIES RESTARTS ON THURSDAY

Our TT series restarts after the summer break on Thursday - there are 5 races left each week until mid-August

Whether you're racing for the series win or just for your own PB come along on Thursday evenings and support the series, and maybe earn some bragging rights into the bargain.

IMPORTANT - To run the series we require two volunteers each week, one timekeeper and one pusher off, neither job is terribly difficult and if you've not done it before, instructions will be given and there will be plenty people there to keep you right. If you're going to race in the series then you should volunteer at least once throughout the series, when you volunteer you will be awarded series point so that you don't lose out, (in fact for some of us these are our highest scoring weeks).

Click here to volunteer here: TT series forum

Please post up on the forum to volunteer for specific dates, I would like these roles to be filled at least two weeks in advance so that we can organise the handover of the TT equipment bag to the next volunteers each Thursday evening as far as possible.

The full details are here http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/10tt.html

All riders should fully familiarise themselves with the risk assessment.

The series dates are noted below, lets get the volunteer slots filled as early as possible to ensure the smooth running of our series.

Dates for the series:

There are 5 races left in the 10 race series with the overall league still up for grabs in both the women's and men's events. Your best 7 results count towards the sries

The TTs run every Thursday on the following dates:

TT6: 21st July

TT7: 28th July

TT8: 4th August

TT9: 11th August

TT10: 18th August

Registration is between 7.00 and 7.15. Race starts 7.30pm

Linlithgow club run, Later start time on Saturday

Remember folks, the Linlithgow club run has a later 11.00am start this Saturday 

We are riding the Tour de Bathgate Alpes before arriving at the Linlithgow Tennis club for the Tour de France Social

Route: http://www.bikely.com/map...h/Tour-de-Bathgate-Alpes

Social group ride leader: Andy Weaving
Active group leader: Mark McCabe

All the details here: Saturday Tour de Bathgate Alpes and TDF Social

East Calder Ride
Biggar Route - meet 8.00 am
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/434342

Sunday 19-Jun-11
Meet at the Cross in Linlithgow for 9.00am
Route: decided by participants on day

Ride with us this weekend

Neil Greer sends in a reminder about this weekend's rides, there were 37 riders out last Saturday - a club record. We split into 3 groups so we had a social, active and hyper-active rides!

Hi All,

I shall be away for the next 3 week-ends, so this is just a reminder of where all the details can be found about the forthcoming Club Runs: See this link -

http://westlothianclarion.yuku.com/topic/2037/Club-Runs-for-next-3-Months-to-6th-Aug-2011

SATURDAY
LINLITHGOW
Saturday July 9th
Route: Forth-Climpy
Start: 9.00 am
ROUTE http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Climpy-Forth
Ride Leader(s): TBA - Please volunteer

EAST CALDER
Saturday July 9th
Route: Avonbridge Loop
Start8.00 am
Route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/394450

SUNDAY
Meet at the Cross, Linlithgow at 9 am, route to be decided on the day.

SATURDAY 16th JULY
Please also note that on Saturday 16th July there is the annual Tour de France Club Run / Social which, this year, starts at 11 am and tackles some of the climbs in the Bathgate Alpes before giving riders the opportunity to settle down and watch one of the key stages of this years TdF with some refreshments; details can be found under Club Events click here

There is already a lot of interest for this one, so make sure you register your interest (on the thread) if you want to be sure of your pasta!

So enjoy your riding, develop those tan-lines and let's hope Wiggo, Cav & co can do it for the Brits - is about time!

See you, hopefully, on the 30th.

Cheers,

Neil

Women's road coaching: 16th July

West Lothian Clarion are hosting a women's only road coaching session organised by Scottish Cycling coach Mark Young.

The club's Matthew Ball will be one of the coaches working with Mark

The session will take place on traffic free, smooth tarmc, in the car park of of Oracle in Linlithgow, it's the same location used by our kid's club.

Where: Oracle Linlithgow
When 16th July 10.am-2pm

There will be a maximum of 40 places so get in contact with Mark to secure a slot.

mark.young@scottishcycling.org.uk
Tel: 07968385695

West Lothian are having a Tour de France Social in the afternoon and riders are welcome to come along after the session details here: http://tinyurl.com/6kq4le6

Mark has 25 years experience as an SC level 3 road, TT and track coach, Matt is a level 2 road an TT coach.

LOCATION

View KIds club location at Oracle in a larger map

WHERER TO PARK: CLICK MAP TO ENLARGE

AGM: DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

The West Lothian Clarion AGM will be held at the Linlithgow Rose Social Club on Wednesday 14th September at 7.30pm

More details shortly

Thursday night is Tripple T night

During the Summer break from the TT series we are running training sessions on a Thursday evening at 7pm starting from the layby at Bridgend where the 10TT series sign on normally is.

The emphasis will be on group skills, getting riders ready for the Team Time Trial at the end of July

We'll be splitting the riders into equal ability groups so come along and get in some extra training

See you there at 7pm 

Tour De France Social and Club Run

Come along to our Tour de France Club Run and Social on Saturday 16 July.

CLUB RUN
"Le Tour de Bathgate Alpes" will replace the advertised club run, and start a little later, at 11.00am from the Linlithgow Leisure Centre

The route takes in in 19 of the climbs in our local cycling mecca.

Click to see Tour de Bathgate Alpes Route

After completing the ride head over to the Linlithgow Sports Centre to watch the tour live in TV and indulge in the free grub that we are providing

TDF SOCIAL
Location: Linlithgow Sports club in Springfield: http://tinyurl.com/6j8yuzf

ITV4 coverage starts at 11.30am and continues to 4.30, we'll be arriving at the venue for 1pm.

Please let Stephen Henley, our Social Secretary know if you are coming so he can buy the right amount of grub. Either by posting on the forum or emailing him directly

Forum: http://tinyurl.com/63gnwwh
email: socials@westlothianclarion.co.uk

Stage 14 which is described as follows:

Saint-Gaudens to Plateau de Beille 168.5km

"This short stage will involve no less than six mountain passes ensuring that it will be very tough: the Col de Portet-d’Aspet, the Col de la Core, the Col de Latrape, the Col d’Agnes, the Port de Lers, and the finish on the Plateau de Beille for the fifth time. History will remember that the winner on the Plateau de Beille has always worn the Yellow Jersey on the Champs Élysées podium. Will the tradition be maintained this year?"

So there you have it, don't miss:
1. A tough wee club run
2. Live coverage of the best stage in this year's tour
3. FREE food
4. Beer on tap
5. Cheer Brad on with your club mates

See you there!

Weekend club run details

Neil Greer sends in this weeks club run details

This week's club runs - on the other side of the Summer Solstice - are as follows:

SATURDAY
LINLITHGOW
Saturday 25-Jun-11
Route: LangWAng Route
Start: 9.00 am
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Lang-Wang
Ride Leader(s): TBA

EAST CALDER
Saturday 25th-Jun-11
Route: Carnwath / Apple Pie
Start8.00 am
Route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/463272

The forecast is showing 15C, Fair with a 2mph SW, so, whilst not what we may expect for Mid Summer, pretty much ideal rding conditions (and that'll be because a lot of Galas are now over!)

SUNDAY
Meet at the Cross, Linlithgow at 9 am, route to be decided on the day.

As for me, I shall be away with my family where all 4 of us are entered for the Northern Rock Cyclone - that's a 1st for us too! - so hope all goes well for those of you that can manage the Club Runs this week-end.

See you next week-end for the Combined Club run over the Two Bridges.

Please read our RIDE GUIDE before you come along on the rides


Please also make sure you've familiarised yourself with the route, don't expect others to know the way

Cheers,

Neil