Ride with the Clarion on Sundays

A steady social ride of around 45 miles leaves the Cross in Linlithgow every Sunday at 9.00am. Groups of 4 or 5 have been riding out since the new year, with Allan McCrimmon leading the way. Why not come along on our club run around the local lanes?

To find out more about our Social rides, go to our main website here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns

Get out for a social Sunday run

Allan sends in his report from Sunday's Valentines day club run. "There were three riders out today, me Denis and newbie shaun. We had already decided on the two bridges route, which we rode with a few variations compared to the normal route"

"We started by going up and over the Flints to Boness, just to warm the legs and finished the ride by popping over to Blackness, then up to the Bonsyde Hotel and then dropping back down into linlithgow at sun microsystems."

"We rode at a good pace and stayed together well, even clocking 29mph on the town's speed monitor going into cairneyhill. The weather was fantastic with hardly a breath of wind, when we crossed the forth bridge the water was millpond flat.

"A great ride thanks to Denis and Shaun, It would be great to see more Clarion members out on our Sunday morning Social ride."

Denis said "It was a really enjoyable run today. The distance was 43 miles with a 16 mph average. That last hill was a bit of a leg burner!"

All the ride details here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns

Saturday 13th Club runs

LINLITHGOW GROUP
Both groups set off separately on the Dalmeney loop that Andy had posted on the forum. We decided to avoid the rough stuff at Hopetoun House and rode the whole way on the B roads.

Four riders were out on the Social run (Tobias, Michelle, Dean and Jim) and I think 11 on the Active ride (Craig, Jamie, Donald, Simon, Graham, Gary from Pedal Power, Neil, Col, Me and joined later by Stevie and Bill)

We rode steadily down to the Dalmeny Estate, via Blackness, Philpstoun, Kirkliston and Winchburgh. The group rode cohesively with slick changeovers on the front. On the hill out of the Estate Simon and Graham pressed on at the front splitting the pack but we waited and regroup at the top. Average speed to this point was 18mph.

As we chatted and refuelled, we met 2 members of a new women's cycling club based in Edinburgh, they cracked on towards the Forth Bridge and we headed to South Queensferry where Bill and Stevie joined us.

The way back to Linlithgow is predominantly up hill, we took a route to the north of Kirkliston and down to Hopetoun and then headed up the Steps, over the canal and railway bridges before stopping to to regroup at the junction with the 10TT course.

With Bill on the front we took the B8046 into the Alpes at the Three Mile Town, the pace steadily rose as we motored up past the top of Kingscavil before, those still in the group, went their separate ways.

Bill said "Stevie and I couldn't make the start but we rode today's, pre-determined route. in reverse to catch the bunch. This is an advantage to anyone that wants to hook up with the group during a ride because the routes are published in advance on the forum"

"A great ride at a reasonable pace and everyone stayed fairly well together within the group, so for an active ride I thought it worked very well."

Tobias led the Social group and said "Dean, Michelle and I met Jim near Tesco and persuaded him to join us. We followed the standard route along the B9080 to Dalmeny, through the estate and back via Dundas Castle and Philpstoun. I didn't have a computer but I think the average speed was about 14mph. Good coherent group and I was particularly impressed with Dean who hadn't been on a bike since September."

EAST CALDER GROUP
"There were fewer members out than usual on Saturday, mainly due to the school holidays" says Keir Bradie. Debbie, Ian Keir and Steve met in the sub-zero temperature at the East Calder Sports Centre at 8:30am.

Keir continues "It was agreed to stay on low main roads, due to the temperature and risk of ice. Making for Linlithgow we skirted through Livingston, navigated by Steve, on a tour of the town's bike paths appreciating avoiding the A71."

"Back on tarmac, we made for West Calder and over the back road to Bathgate. We skirted the Bathgate Alps, taking the lowland route out of Bathgate, past the Sports Centre and onto Torphichen. By now the first, almost warming, rays of sun were picking us out, the ride was most pleasant."

"The decent from Torphichen into Linlithgow was fun, as ever, a bit of over exuberant braking by Steve on his Boardman bike, saw his back wheel attempt to overtake his front, but it was collected without an off!

"Into Linlithgow and the usual teas, hot choc and cakes at the Cross. It was cold heading back outside, but the drag up to Winchburgh on the TT course started to warm us up. We saw marshals from Edinburgh Road Club clearing some warning signs after their Duathalon that morning."

"Right hand turn at Winchburgh and left round Niddry Castle, then over the A89 and into the farm roads towards Almondell, legs tired but sun in our faces."

Ian, Debbie and Steve all heading to Mid Calder & Belsquarry, I headed back along the Drumshoreland Road, I returned to Kirknewton through Almondell. A great day, gentle speed, average 13mph, 35miles for me, probably nearer 40 for the other three."

All the ride details here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns

East Calder Saturday ride report

Neil Greer sends in this report about the weekend's run out of East Calder:

After all the bad weather in January the EC Social Group finally managed to gather for the 1st ride of 2010. 5 of us met up at the Sports Centre (myself plus Neil Lovett, Grant Craven, Steve ( a colleague of Grant's ) and new Clarion member Ian Robertson from Mid Calder), After some discussion we decided to join up with Ken Ord and 4 of his work colleagues who were meeting at Hermiston (5 miles East) for their 1st day's training for a team from Sky who are entered into the Etape du Tour. As none of us had done any serious riding for several weeks a "gentle leg spin" was the agreed order for the day...

Shortly after 9 we therefore set off into the mist and headed via the back lanes to Ratho and over the climb towards Wilkieston (1st Puncture for Ian...) then through Newbridge to Wynchburgh where we headed West towards Linlithgow along the TT route. Banter was good, the pace steady and the group stayed together well. Stopped after 22 miles for the "compulsory cake stop" at the Park Bistro at c 10.30.

10 hot chocolates later we decided to head back toward Bridgend then go up Kingscavil; this was the 1st time for me, so took the opportunity to get up a good head of steam on the downhill approach - only to puncture right on the bridge! Was someone trying to tell me something? We then headed West towards the Knock only for Ian to puncture for the second time after just a few miles.....Undeterred and repaired we resumed the approach to the Knock where visibility deteriorated but road surfaces - grit aside - were still safe (if you avoided the potholes, of course...).

After the descent into Bathgate we then headed towards Livingston where, despite all the roundabouts, managed to ride chain-gang style for a few miles, upping the pace. Peeled off towards Pumpherston then at Mid Calder some of the group headed home while the rest either returned to East Calder or Hermiston. All in all about 40 miles at about 14 mph; thoroughly enjoyable, but a "gentle leg spin" over those climbs - don't think so....! "

All our rides information can be found here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns

Sunday Run 7th Feb

Allan sent in this week's report about the Sunday's run:

"There were four clarion members out this morning, Denis, Eve Neil and I and we kept it pretty local: Philpstoun, Hopetoun Estate, Queensferry, Dalmeny Estate, Kirkliston and Whinchburgh."

"Neil had a spectacular blow out at Dalmeny which ripped the sidewall of his tyre, he was unable to continue and had to phone for the emergency services (his wife) to come and collect him. The rest of the group continued and had a good tailwind all the way back to Linlithgow. Ride time was about 2 & a half hours, not sure on milage but I think Denis will post up as he had a computer."

The Sunday run looks like it has attracted a good core of ridrers, why not get out and swell the ranks of this social ride.

All the club run information here: http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

Linlithgow club run, Saturday 6th Feb

14 met up in the rain at Linlithgow Sports Centre: New member, Dave, first timer Sean, 2nd timer Neil and the usual crowd: Andy H., Bill, Stevie, Neil, Simon K. Angus, Sadiq, Graham, Jamie, Mike and Matt.

We headed out to Muiravonside at a steady pace but Dave and Sean were struggling to stay with the group, so we decided to spilt into the Social and Active rides at the Roundabout.

We then headed up to Slammanan and Longriggend, the group rode cohesively and there were good changeovers on the front, so the majority got a chance to set a steady but decent pace. A couple of riders yo-yo-ed off the back of the active group when the gradient increased.

At Longriggend we regrouped, had a quick blether then set off back towards Avonbridge. We passed Sean and Dave going the other way at Limerigg and gave the Sociable duo a wave. Bill then set a faster pace on the front and Stevie, Andy, Mike, Simon, Graham and I followed. As we approached the outskirts of Avonbridge, no one could stay with Mike 'Cavendish' as he blasted past to reach the 30 sign first. The sprint was a bit like the last stage of the 2009 TDF. Like Mark, our Mike was about 5 or 6 bike lengths out in front.

After the sprint the group split with the majority heading home towards Linlithgow via Torphichen but Andy, Graham, sadiq and I made our way to Blackridge to ride a few more miles.

A great turn out for such a grey, wet day, and it was good to meet Sean.

Dave Hills sends this Social Group report "As we gathered at Linlithgow sports centre on Saturday morning there were high hopes that the two newcomers, Dave and Sean, would be able to stick in with the Active group by hanging on at the back. The turbo sessions had been going well since the festive over indulgence and no one had dropped us yet in our garages!"

These illusions were shattered before we even had time to warm up, as the group left Linlithgow and proceeded to climb out past Muiravonside Park and on towards Avonbridge. Despite the best attempts by Matt to keep the group together, the pace was just too fast when the road started to climb any more that 2%."

"The inevitable decision was taken to split the group and it was a matter of minutes before the active group disappeared into the mist around Standyburn. Slowly we warmed up and the pace picked up as we carried on through Avonbridge, California, Shieldhill, Slamannan and Limerigg."

"On the road to Caldercruix we even passed the active group coming the other way. At Caldercruix we turned left onto the A89 towards Armadale and back to Linlithgow. All in all, about 35 miles at 16 mph."

"Sean and I concluded that if there was ever a race that combined flat stretches with downhill then we just might enter."

All our rides information can be found here: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns

Weekend ride reports

Linlithgow Saturday rides

Although it was cold on Saturday morning, the bright winter sunshine, dry roads and clear views across West Lothian made it a great day for riding a bike. 14 riders were out on the Social and Active rides that left the Linlithgow Sports Centre at 9.00am.

Club Captain, Andy said "It was a fantastic turnout today, myself, Matt, Lesley, Jamie, Donald, Neil, Graham, Simon F, Steve and new riders, Ryan and dad Neil set off in one group up to Torphican. We met up with Bill, Stevie and Simon K. in the centre of the village and then split into the Active and Social groups."

"I took the social group, via Bathgate, Blackburn, Addiewell, Woolfords, Auchengray, Forth/Climpy, Fauldhouse, Blackburn and home. It must have been a fairly relaxed Active group, as the social group was on their tail and had them in sight to Woolfords. In the tortoise and hare scenario maybe they were just a rabbit today!"

"Thanks to everyone who supported the run today, who knows how many will be out on a hot summers day!"

The Active run rode along the same route as the Social ride. At Woolfords they realised the Social group was just behind, so the group picked up the pace. This didn't suit everyone and three riders were shelled out the back, with one or two picked up by the following group. Six riders continued and stayed together for the rest of the faster paced club run.

New member, Simon Kenny said "I really enjoyed the Active run, the pace was demanding but that's what I wanted, great fun and look forward to joining the gang for much more cycling shenanigans"

Linlithgow Sunday ride

Sunday run stalwart, Allan McCrimmon sends in this report "It was a cold morning but the roads were dry and the sun was shining with just a light breeze when Dave, Malcolm, Lewy, Eve, and myself set off. We opted for the two bridges route, out through Polmont Grangemouth and Skin Flats."

"The speed detector at Cairnyhill clocked the group at 22mph but overall I think the average for today was around 15mph, distance, about 40 miles. Well done to Eve, as I think this was her biggest run so far. Thanks to everyone for the company and I hope to see you all again next weekend."

All club run information can be found on the main website:

http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

Weekend club runs

SATURDAY RUN
Nine riders set off from Linlithgow on Saturday. Andy W, Steve, Tobias, Andy H, Neil, Jamie, Simon from Torphichen, Angus and Louis sorted themselves out into the Social and Active groups and headed towards the South of the county.

Andy H. was in the active group and says "Despite cold, drizzle and filthy roads, spirits were high, probably because we were all just glad to be actually back out cycling after a month off outdoor cycling with the snow."

"We went to Winchburgh, Broxburn, Almondell Country Park, East Calder, A70 for a bit, West Calder and Bathgate. The Strange Cycling Event of the Ride award goes to Angus’ cranky Crank. It snapped off (it was that cold!) at icy Almondell leaving the metal crank/pedal attached to his shoe but not to the bike! He had to phone for a taxi home. Simon punished us with Puir Wife’s Brae out off Bathgate and then Cairnpapple to finish off an energetic 40 miles."

Andy W. rode in the social group and says "The two fatties, Tobias and I, decided to be the social group but we all set out together as far as Bridgend. We then meandered over through Faucheldean,Winchburgh, Broxburn and Almondell country park to East Calder."

"We met up with the faster group again as they had stopped due to a broken crank on Angus's bike, after making sure he got sorted out with a taxi we cycled on to the lang wang. We continued along here for aroung six miles and then went down through Harburn and West Calder and home."

"I had cycled about 42 miles including my run over to L'gow before the start. New member Simon certainly has some miles in his legs, he stuck in well with the active group and hopefully he'll be out on many more runs. As for Tobias and me, we need more miles, less beer and less lbs on the scales, but today wasn't a bad start."

SUNDAY RUN
Melwin, Allan, Mike, Graham (who had cycled over from Caldercruix) and Matt set off from Linlithgow at a steady, social, pace to Dunblane and up on to Sheriffmuir, before the weather closed in and it started to snow. The group decided to return back to lower ground and make their way back to Linlithgow following the same route.

Route: Linlithgow, Polmont, Grangemouth, SkinFlats, Airth, Stirling, Bridge of Allen, Dunblane. About 55-60 miles in total.

Matt said "A good social ride, the group kept together well. Despite the social pace, my legs were sore afterwards and Mike says his were too, I suspect Melwin will take a few days to recover..."

All the ride details can be found on the website

Spin class club run

Desperate to go on a club run, Clarionistas from all over the county took part in spin classes at the weekend. Nine members descended on Linlithgow Leisure Centre on Saturday, Malcolm took part in the EICA Ratho spin class and a few members from the East Calder group attended the Craigswood Sports Centre in Livingston.

At Linlithgow, Bill, Stevie, Denis, Steve, Neil, Jamie, Craig, Ewan and Alan came out of the class with faces of varying shades of pink. They all seemed to benefit from the work out and there was a good bit of banter afterwards over a coffee in the cafe.

If you haven't been to a class before, some bikes can take spd shoes on one side of the pedals. It gets very warm in the class so wear your cycling gear, and take a towel and drink in with you. The Linlithgow class requires all participants to register on their system for free, before the start, so arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Click for more information
EICA Ratho
Craigswood Sports Centre
Linlithgow Leisure Centre

Pass the salt

Looks like the spin class club runs are even more inviting: The amount of grit West Lothian Council has in stock has now reached critically low levels, says the council's web site.
Read more

Next club run is a spin class!

West Lothian Clarionistas are going stir crazy, many having been snow bound for three weeks. To make sure we get a club run this Saturday Bill came up with the idea of attending a spin class at the Linlithgow leisure centre.

When? Saturday 9th
What time? 8.40am for a 9am start
Where: Linithgow leisure centre

• You don't need an induction to go spinning
• There are 36 newly refurbished bikes
• The classes do get quite busy but you cannot prebook - first come first served
• You DON'T have to be a member of the sports centre or Excite you WILL have to register on their system, so you'll need to go along 5 or 10 minutes earlier to have enough time to do that, or you could go along before Saturday to register.
• Wear your clarion summer kit, it'll be your only chance for a while.

UPDATE FROM THE EAST CALDER CREW

Neil says "for those who'd like a later start the Craigswood Sports Centre in Livingston has a similar class starting at 10.15 - not sure how many spin bikes they have though... for more details click here

Malcolm also says "For those further to the East, there's one that starts at 10am at the EICA Ratho, I tried one last night and they've got a new fleet of bikes." For more information click here

Weekend ride reports

Unsurprisingly, due to the state to the roads, few riders made it out on the club runs at the weekend. Saturday's weather was so bad that Bill even opened up the Hangar of Anger for an indoor club run!

Allan brrrrravely made it to the Cross on Sunday, here is his report "I wasn't surprised that no one showed for the Sunday run given the conditions. The icy roads meant it took me a little longer to get out of Philpstoun, so I didn't get to the Cross till 9.05 am, there wasn't anyone there and the snow was just coming on so I didn't hang around"

"I headed out on the Edinburgh Road through Winchburgh and Kirkliston, and because it was still snowing, I turned and retraced the same route. The ride was uneventful and nothing of interest happened, the distance was only about 20 miles ridden at a reasonable pace, just fast enough to keep me warm and slightly out of breath and took about an hour. I should add it took me longer to clean and lube my bike than it did to get it dirty!"

This week's award for the hardest rider in the club has got to go to Allan!

Boxing Day Gut Buster Classic

This weekend's club runs

Allan will be at the Cross in Linlithgow on Sunday for 9.00am, and says "Not a great forecast for the weekend but i'm planning a ride from the cross at Linlithgow 9am along to Cramond and back, aprox 25 miles, if anyone wants to join me, I'll see you Sunday."

The 'Social' and 'Active' Saturday rides will leave Linlithgow Leisure Centre at 9.00am but there won't be an East Calder Saturday ride this weekend.

Saturday's weather looks like it will be more inclement than Sunday's, if its raining, the Linlithgow group will be sheltering at the entrance of the Leisure Centre but if the roads are icy there may not be many people turning up.

All our ride details can be found at http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

Foggy Forth

Sunday's temperature inversion along the Forth Valley.

Saturday ride report

It looks like the fog persuaded most people to stay at home today, nevertheless two riders made up the group at Linlithgow Sports Centre. Here is Andy's report:

Just two people out on todays run myself and Mike. We waited to around 9:10 am and then set off. Our route took us along to Bridgend, Faucheldean, Winchburgh, Broxburn through Almondell country park to East Calder then the sustrans route to Kirknewton this involved about half a mile of what could only be described as a cyclo cross track.

From Kirknewton we went up Leyden road to the LangWang, this is were the fun began, the visibility went down to about 50 yrds and was baltic, patchs of black ice and puddles frozen, it was like a frozen waste land. We then turned of the LangWang and down through Harburn to West Calder, Blackburn, Bathgate and then we went our seperate ways.

Although it was cold and a very moist fog as we were soaked it was good to be out if not a bit exciting. Had about 41 miles when I got home including my ride over to Linlithgow, so Mike would have had around the same by the time he got back. Hope to be out agin soon.

All our ride information can be found at: http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

Group riding

Our re-launched Saturday club runs have been a great success with more people participating than ever before. In October we started categorising our rides into three types: 'Social', 'Active' and 'Training' so riders could choose a group that suits their level of fitness.

Before you come on a ride, read the ride guidelines and descriptions for each type of club run so you know what to expect. While on the ride, keep to the ride descriptions appropriate for your group, so the club runs remain consistent from week to week.

Riding in a group is very different to cycling on your own, you have to alter your riding style to accommodate other riders and think of how your actions will affect the group as a whole.

• Keep your pace steady, don't accelerate uphill or sprint - a group can easily lose its cohesiveness.
• Communicate your intentions to your fellow riders and other road users
• Warn of any hazards like pot holes or debris
• It is important to be consistent, if the group is riding single file, ride single file, if the group is riding two-up then ride two up.
• Fit mudguards
• Never ride more than two abreast

GROUP SKILLS WORKSHOP
Our second Group Skills Workshop is at 3pm this Sunday at the Mill Road Industrial Estate, Linlithgow Bridge. All the details here
Come along and improve your confidence and acquire valuable skills for Sportives and road races.

RIDE GUIDE

1. 'Social' rides
This ride is ideal for people coming out with the club for the first time. The pace is steady and the average speed is about 13-15mph over mixed terrain. No one will get abandoned but riders can get dropped on climbs, if this happens the group will wait and regroup. If you find the pace too high please SPEAK UP so the speed can be slowed or the route altered to get you home safely. Riders are assumed to be self supporting and, while the group might have a café stop, this is not guaranteed, and riders should carry adequate food and drink. If you don't feel up to this level of riding we can put you in contact with the local Cyclists Touring Club.

2. 'Active' rides
This ride is aimed at people who want to improve their fitness. The pace is steady with an average speed of about 16-19mph so you need to be fit to participate. The pace is kept up over climbs and there is sometimes a sprint at the end. Rides tend to be between 30-40 miles and don't wander too far from the start. The group will aim to accommodate a reasonable range of abilities but those significantly slower than the general pace of the group should be prepared to navigate their own way home. The Social ride will roughly follow the same route so you can drop back and ride home at a more leisurely pace.

3. 'Training' rides
These rides are for people preparing for road racing, sportives and time trials. They normally follow a circuit and ride as a chaingang at an average speed of 20+mph and begin when the clocks change for British Summer Time. The group will not wait if you get dropped off the back.

All the club run details on the website: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

Weekend run reports

LINLITHGOW SATURDAY RIDE
Eight riders met up at the Linlithgow Sport Centre, Bill, Stevie M, Jamie, Andy H, Ewan, Matt, Stevie B and Jonathon all decided to participate in the 'Active' ride. Ewan complained of a hangover but it didn't appear to put off his riding too much, Bill and Stevie were out on their new winter bikes, very stylish even with mudguards. Bill's ride was tricked up with a power meter, which hit 888 watts at one point, serious stuff!

The group headed off through Linlithgow to the Boness ridge via Bonnytoun Farm, skirted Boness and jumped on to the Sustrans route to Inchyra Grange for views accross the Forth onward to Polmont and then kept climbing up the two-lump hill to California.

By this point the rain was starting to fall more heavily and I had to get home early, so headed to Linlithgow at Avonbridge while the rest of the group rode on up to Torphichen and then home. About 25-30 miles, pace wasn't as steady as previous weeks but a good ride even in the poor weather.

SUNDAY RIDE
Allan sends in this report for the Sunday club run:

Sunday was an excellent day for a cycle. There were five of us out, myself, Stevie, Dennis, Steve and Eve.

We headed out to the west through Whitecross then cut back over to the north along the top of the boness flints, down to Blackness, up through Philpstoun, along the Winchburgh road to 12 Mile Lodge and cut down through Hopeton Estate. We then headed through Queensferry, up into Dalmeny, down into Kirkliston and straight back along the 10TT course through Winchburgh and home to Linlithgow, giving us a run of about 35 miles.

We cycled at a comfortable pace but took slightly longer than antisapated as Stevie punctured in Hopeton Estate and Eve punctured at Kirkliston, 2 punctures in 1 day - a little unlucky. Thanks to everyone for sticking together as one group.

All the club run details can be found at: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

The Sunday run is back!

Clarionista, Allan McCrimmon, will be at the Cross in Linlithgow this Sunday for a 'Social' club run. If you fancy a ride around the lanes, meet up at 9.00am.

Everything you need to know about our club runs, including the Sunday run, can be found on the rides section of our website: www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/clubruns.html

The Saturday club run will meet as usual at the Linlithgow Sports Centre where an 'Active' group and a 'Social' group will leave at 9.00am.

Ride reports

Tuesday chain gang
John, Steve, Andy, Matt, Graham and Neil kept things ticking over nicely for 4 laps until Steve left for home. No one missed a turn and the pace was a steady 20mph, kept high by slick changeovers at the Back and front. Soon after Steve departed Graham and Matt tapped off the front and kept the pace high for a few laps, 6 completed by 7pm.
Ride details here

Saturday Ride
Malcolm sent in this report about last weekend's Saturday ride:
Fantastic turnout yesterday - I think we had 13 up at the KWM for the 8am start.
We headed down to Faucheldean where Bill tried to take the sprint by going for a long one. Mike lurked in the background and took us all out comfortably.
From there we headed into South Queensferry along the front and up the hill after the Hawes Inn, where, using my usual tactic of going when nobody's realised/bothered about the sign, I took an Ardenne style sprint halfway up the hill.
A quick loop through Dalmeny estate followed, with much discussion about its suitability for a crit circuit then we moved off towards Kirkliston. I tried to distract Bill by suggesting that we went fore a coffee at Craigie's Farm and he responded by putting the hammer down and cruising to Kirkliston. As if by magic, Mike appeared just before the 30 sign to take the spoils and I was still freewheeling when I turned off back down towards Ratho. Fairly restored my faith in cycling after my nightmare at the Skye Sportive.
Craig then picks up the story after Malcolm headed home: We cycled back to Linlithgow via Winchburgh, where I tried to sneak the 30 sign but I made the mistake of easing off then looking over my shoulder. Bill was coming up like a steam train and had the momentum to come past me at the sign. Lesson learned! We all then kept a steady pace back to Linlithgow where we stopped for 5 mins to have a chat and see who was going where. Ewan and myself headed up to the KWM and the others heading through to Falkirk or up to Standburn/Avonbridge. Another good cycle with the guys.