East Calder Saturday run

Neil Lovette send in this report from the east Calder run:

A pre-chilled group of six met at East Calder Sports Centre at 08:30 on Saturday, and after some debate on the routes which may or not be iced, headed out west through Mid Calder and along the A71 before turning south at Bellsquarry. Although temperatures were sub-zero, the morning sunshine provided a little heat. However, as we approached Pates Hill and then Auchegray beyond we disappeared into freezing fog, where temperatures fell to -6C. The roads were pretty much ice free, but the same could not be said for us riders who sported various amounts of frosted coatings.

As we approached Carnwath we broke out of the fog, and stopped at the Apple Pie cafe for some welcome hot drinks and cakes/bacon rolls. Heading east back along the Lang Whang we rode through glorious sunshine, with superb views of iced covered hills and forests. All in all we covered approximately 40 chilly miles.

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

Saturday Run from LInlithgow

19 riders rolled up to the sports centre in Linithgow at 9.00am. The group was split into a larger active group of 13 and a smaller social group of 6 riders.

Andy in the Active group sends in this report:
A fantastic turnout today, I think 19 is a record turnout for a club run. The groups headed out together and then split into social/active groups at Bridgend. I went on the active ride for a change, with 12 others. The roads we travelled weren't too icy, apart from some white frost in places, especially through Almondell park.

Once we got up onto the Lang Wang we had a bit of a chain gang session down to the West Calder junction. It was a great workout, a bit tight on my fixed wheel but enjoyable! I had around 42 miles when I got back, including the run over in the morning from my home in Bathgate.

If we get that number of riders out on a day when our water bottles are icing up , who knows how many will be out on hotter day!

Neil Fraser, also on the Active ride said "I really enjoyed today's run - well I enjoyed it once we'd safely passed all the icy/snowy bits! It was such a great day to be out on the bike that I didn't want to go home, so I detoured by Dalmeny on my way back to Bo'ness."

Social Group
Matt lead the social group and thoroughly enjoyed the ride and said "It was nice cycling without getting hot and bothered at the social pace, much easier to take in the country side on this clear but cold morning"

"We could see the Active group in the distance as we rode up the hill at Bridgend but lost sight after we stopped to regroup at the top."

"Because of all the road closures and icy lanes, we ended up picking our own route around West Lothian: Faucheldean, Broxburn (Kevin pointed out a Herbies Bikes on Greendykes Road, a shop that warrants a proper visit I think) Along the A89 and then, left, onto the back roads to Pumpherston and to Bathgate."

"At Bathgate the group split, Andy, Jim and Ewan headed home via Torphichen and Dick, Kevin, Dean and I rode over the Knock for some descent views of the Forth valley."

Ewan said "I had a really enjoyable morning out. The social group ride flew by as it was good to get time to chat to people and I didn't even notice the first hour and a bit. It'll be nice to be out one day without getting frozen toes, but if the trade off is a beautiful clear day like Saturday , then it's probably a price worth paying!"

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

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

East Calder Saturday ride report

Neil Greer send in this report about the East Calder Saturday run:

"Three of us (myself, Neil Lovett and Grant Craven) braved the wintery conditions on Saturday and , after all having had some skittish moments en oute to the East Calder rendez vous, decided, initially, on a low level type route. We therefore headed out to West Calder via the A 71 then turned North towards Blackburn/Bathgate.

"Conditions were very foggy - down to just 50 metres in places and road surfaces "challenging"....After climbing up the big hill in Bathgate we decided - maybe foolishly on reflection! - to head up to the Knock as there seemed to be the faint prospect on "the sunlit uplands"...No - not at all - just even more challenging surfaces and the sound of breaking ice at one stage! We then went past the KWM to Linlithgow for a welcome cake stop at Cafe Rondo.

"Replenished, we headed via Threemiletown to Kirkliston where we think we may have passed the other Sat. social ride coming in the other direction at about 11 am (7 or 8 riders?). After dealing with a broken spoke (me!) we then went on to Newbridge and Ratho before returning to East Calder. Overall 38 miles at c. 14 mph - given the conditions, we were pretty happy with that."

"Fingers crossed for next week... "

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

Linlithgow Saturday Run 28th November

A group of 11 set off with the intention of splitting up into the 'Active' and 'Social' groups after a couple of miles. We had a close shave when a car tried to overtake the group as lorry came in the opposite direction. It reinforced the need to be aware of the dangers on the road when cars are driven by irresponsible people. After this incident we stopped and checked whether everyone was happy to continue in the misty conditions.

After this the group split and headed off to South Queesferry via Blackness, Philipstoune, Kirkliston and back through Winchborough and West Binney to Linlithgow

The conditions were cold but the county looked pretty with rays of sun disolving the mist as the morning continued. In the Active group, Lesley and Neil and new guy Simon rode strongly through out the ride. Congratulations to Alan who became a father for the second time when his daughter was born two weeks ago.

Tobias led the social group and said "The social run went very well indeed and I am pleased to see that more and more women are joining us on regular club runs. After the two groups split, we headed through Philpstoun and down to and past Hopetoun House to the Queen's Ferry. We then had a democratic vote on whether to carry on to Dalmeny or loop back via Dundas Mains and Duntarvie. We decided to do the latter and arrived back in Lithgae with frozen feet around half eleven. A cold but nice ride."

In the group photo: From Left: Simon, Melwin, Neil, Tobias, Crawford, Lesley, Alan, Debbie, Eve.. not pictured Steve

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.

Weekend Rides

West Lothian Dogs
Originally uploaded by westlothianclarion

Saturday run
With many regulars riding Spotives at the weekend the club runs still managed a good level of participation. It might be tough getting up for the 8.00am start but the riders can get in a load of miles and be home for elevenses!

Matt, Bill, Stevie, Steve, Dave and Andy set off through Westfield, Avonbridge, Slamannan (of course) and past the wind farm then back towards Torphichen.

Bill, feeling the effects of his recent trip to the States said "We had a good ride at a reasonable 15 mph with some hill efforts and good group riding for the entire 30 miles. Great to see people still willing to turn up on a poor weather day and put the miles in. The rain started on our way home but only for the last mile, so managed to miss the heavy downpours. Back home for 10.30am!

Sunday Run
Allan, Mike and Melwin met up at the Cross in Linlithgow for 9.00am Allan said "We covered 43 miles at a gentlemanly and sociable 14.5mph along the two Bridges route (including the new Kincardine Bridge)"
Melwin is getting stronger each week, Allan said "Melwin did OK, slightly off the back at times but we weren't trying to burn anybody off so he was there at the end, still smiling and saying that he had enjoyed the ride"

Club run details here

Weekend Riding

Saturday's club run saw a group of 5 riding along some new roads at the Eastern end of the County. Malcolm lead Peter, Matt, Dave and Andy over his regular training routes at the foot of the Pentlands. 

The ride began with the ascent of the Knock and then a quick left at the top, along a road we don't often use, to Dechmont. We headed back towards the Alps and then to Kirkliston where Dave nabbed the 30 sign. New comer Dave looks built for sprinting and and has a good turn of speed... with a bit of conditioning we might have our very own 'Cav'!

We continued on into uncharted territory for most of the group, Malcolm has kept these glorious local roads close to his chest, he says he finds our regular routes to Slammanan more of a thrill!

These early starts mean you can build up the miles, by 9.30 we'd been on the road for an hour and a half and had bagged 20-odd miles. Nevertheless our tummies were rumbling and we jumped at Malcolm's offer of a refuel at his gaff. But first we took in one of his hilly local circuits which ended up in Balerno and then Cafe 'Wake' in Ratho. Malcolm's better half, Jackie, served us coffee, and what looked like, the top tier of their wedding cake. (Thanks for the hospitality!) The four remianing riders headed back to Linithgow, with a tiring Dave still managing to bag a couple more 30 signs before his legs finally gave up.

Three riders were out on the steadier Saturday ride which meets at the bottom of Boness Road in Linlithgow. Newbie Melwin rode out on his fabulous new Gios with Jim and Steve, along a flat route based along the Edinburgh road. Melwin is starting to get in the miles so it won't be long before his enthusiasm translates into 30-sign sprints!

On Sunday Neil, Jim and David met up at the Cross and headed around the two bridges route Jim said "We used the new Clackmannanshire bridge and the connecting cycle paths, before finishing, Etape du Tour style, with a haul up Kingscavil (which I hit did at a steady 3.9 mph - any slower and I would have fallen off!). All in it was 45 miles, but at 17mph average, not 15. Sorry! No sprints though, although these guys can motor up hills like nobody's business! Great run and I was suitably sleepy on Sunday afternoon"

Weekend Ride Reports

Sat run 18th April
Originally uploaded by westlothianclarion

The new, earlier, summer start time of 8.00am for the Saturday run has thinned out the pack a little but the dedicated are managing to get in a good ride and still get home for elevenses!
Last Saturday Mike, Neil, Peter, Calum Matt and newbie Melwin set off for an easy first hour to Kirkliston and back to Linlithgow so Melwin, on his clunker, could get used to riding in a group for the first time. Melwin is pretty keen and has already invested in a fine retro Gios racer since the ride. Rather worryingly for the rest of us, he is a student and says his course finishes in May so he can dedicate himself to training for the next three months!
After we dropped Melwin off in Linlithgow the rest of the group rode along the Boness ridge to Polmont then up to California, Avon Bridge and Back to Linlithgow along the River Avon. Mike was the sneakiest on the day, managing to win most of the 30-sprints.

Five riders were out for the Sunday run, Jim, Neil, Jim, Newbie Dave and Johnny.
Jim says "With Neil setting a cracking pace, we went out to Winchburgh, Avondell, Newbridge, some roads I'd never seen in my life, Kirkliston, up onto the top of the hill, past Hopetoun Fishery and then back onto the old A9 at Threemiletown. 28 miles and average speed of between 17 mph, despite the hills. It was a beautiful day, and for once, hardly any wind. 
Modesty prevents me from saying who claimed the 30 sprint at Winchburgh but I paid dearly for it as I was knackered when these guys were powering up the hills at 15mph plus at times. 
I went out again in the afternoon for a spin around the Bathgate Alps, via Preston Road, Cairnpapple, the Knock, Bangour, back up from Dechmont to Ochiltree, and back to Lithgae. Just a great day to be out, so I made the most of it!"

Alternative Saturday ride

If you don't fancy slogging up to the Korean War Memorial for an 8.00am start on a Saturday, Allan Black meets up with Jim and a few others at the Bottom of Bo'ness road opposite to the 4-in-1 takeaway in Linlithgow every Saturday at 9.00 for a less frenetic ride around the lanes. See start map here

Saturday run Summer hours

The clocks move forward one hour on Sunday 29th. This Saturday's run will be the last one starting at 9.00am. On Saturday 4th April the the run will start at 8.00am from the Scottish Korean War Memorial. For more details about the club runs go here

Saturday Run Report 7 March

Eleven riders set off from the Korean War memorial. Bill, Stevie, Andy & Mandy (on a tandem), Mike, Angus, Dick, Ross, Malcolm, Craig and another 2 Andy's headed off in the direction of Torphichen, where bill takes up the story "On the decscent towards the village I heard the thrashing of pedals and new it was a 30 attack, A victory for Malcolm with less than a mile into the day.
We made our way towards Westfield and it was Mike who took the downhill 30 into the village from a long way out closely followed by Malcolm again. I led the group towards Bridgehouse from Westfield for the first gradient of the day and the bunch were soon split as this wee hill goes on for ever. We regrouped at the top when the tandem appeared and then set off towards the glorious Slammanan, via the Heights road which would lead to Blackridge if you were that brave!
Angus was only out for a short run, so he headed home at the kennel junction. The next climb of the day to Slammanan split the group again but we had a good work outl. We regrouped at Slammanan and we were accosted my a masked terrorist! that turned out to be just a local laddie, wearing a full balaclava, a scarey place if you ask me!
The route was now out towards Longriggend into the full-on west wind. Myself, Stevie, Andy,Mike, Dick and Ross got the pace up and held it quite well until the Limerigg turn where we waited for the gang soon to arrive.
Malcolm headed home due to time constraints. The fixed wheels were useless on the fast wind assisted descents and very soon Stevie and I were swamped by the gang as they benefited from their gears. The 30 sprint at Limerigg was won by Mike again and the route back to Avonbridge was torture at cadence over130 on a fixed wheel.
A big welcome to Andy who braved the route on his TT bike, he was still smiling as we bid our farewells.
Rgds, Bill"

Saturday Ride 28th Feb

Nine riders were out on the Saturday run this week. Bill, Stevie and Mark turned up at the Korean war Memorial riding their fixed wheels along with regulars Angus, Andy and Andy plus new riders Dick, Ross and Graham. The group headed off to the Dalmeny Estate.

Bill said "It was a good bunch today and we really enjoyed everyone's company. My legs are quite stiff already, it was no easy feat against the head wind on the way back. It's funny how you think it's so easy, then you turn and wham the wind hits you full on! Ross did well and it was good to meet Graham. After the ride I called Mark and he said that he struggled today, no wonder, cycling 12 miles there and back to Livingston plus the ride, ouch! Thanks to Angus for his hints on fixed wheel riding, he has a wealth of knowledge. We rode about 40 miles"

Dick said"Thank you all for a great ride today. first time out with the club, and you all really made my mate and I more than welcome. The banter was good and the riding equally so. Thanks to all who pulled on the front, being new, I tended to wheel suck a lot of the time so to all you guys that took the wind right in the fizzer, chapeau!"

Saturday Run Report 21 Feb

Another good turn out for our Saturday run, Bill sent in this report: "Eight of us today and nearly nine if Steve had made it on time to the KWM. I took the group on a bit of a mystery tour, but we eventually went through, wait for it! Slamannan! The head wind was hard going and myself and Stevie led the group for most of the way via the wind turbines and eventually back to Avonbridge where we regrouped and headed home towards Torphichen. Highlights today: Craig surprised us all by sneaking an early 30 sprint only 2 miles into the ride. Malcolm took the next one at Slamannan by a nose or a wheel or something and I got a puncture, again! Don't know who won the Avonbridge sprint as I told everyone to head off to save them getting cold whilst I changed a tube. My moment of glory came when I took the Westfield sprint, at last I have one in the bag! All in all a great run today with some big efforts into the wind and on the hills so everyone should have benefited from the pace. Thanks to Jonathon and Peter for taking turns with me and Stevie on the western leg after Slamannan. Good effort by Craig on a reasonably fast paced ride because he's not used to this style of riding. Looking forward to next Saturday and we may even get the fixed wheels out hopefully, Rgds, Bill"

Forum Frenzy

The club's Forum has been a great success in it's first week. There are already 18 members who have added 149 posts, with an average of 20 posts a day, the site has received a total of 6570 visits. The most popular topics are the Hangar of Anger (22 posts), Personal Bests (11 posts) and the Weekly 10 TT (15 posts).

It's a good place to visit if you want to know what the club members are up or if you are looking for a ride partner or want to see who'll be out on the club runs. If you are not on the forum yet, go and have a look and start posting!

Saturday Run Report 14 Feb

Mark sent in a report about the Saturday ride:
"I headed over to the KWM leaving Livingston at 8.00am and meeting up with five riders at 9.00. Mike, Neil, Angus, Steve, Peter and myself headed over the usual roads through Torphichen, Westfield, Avonbridge, Slammannan (Yeah!) Longriggend and back to the KWM via Avonbridge, Westfield and Torphicen. One sprint to me at Avonbridge from Waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyy out! And one to Mike at Westfield by a wheel. Mike and I then headed over the tops and down to Faucheldean (where we didn't sprint but I won the lunge) and up to Winchburgh. Mike then headed back to Linlithgow and I headed home through Kirkliston, Newbridge, East and Mid Calder and back to Livi. 58 miles in total for me and the two turbo sessions this week have really hurt my legs today.
It was a good run on very dirty and potholed roads....Bring on the summer (not that the potholes will be fixed!)"