Our most popular photos on flickr

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

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

1. Club photo with spin class bloke

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

2. Shona Young

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

3. Tuesday Night chain gang route

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

4. July 4th 2009 club run

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

5. Most Meritorious Section

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

6. Race face

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

7. Club photo 2010

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

8. Time trail ace

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

9. 2009 Open Hill climb poster

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

10 Dirty club run

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

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

CLUB SOCIAL TONIGHT in Mid Calder

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

Third Monday of the month

8.30pm the Black Bull, Mid Calder

First Monday of the month

8.30pm The Four Marys on Linlithgow Hight Street

See you there!

5 mile development TT Results

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to John Michael on winning his first ever TT!

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

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

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

National Clarion Drinks in Bridge of Allen

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

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

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

When? 7pm Saturday

West Lothian Clarion 10TT Start Sheet

Start list

Start time Rider Club Cat

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

2 09:02 Laffoley, Gavin Fife Century RC YM

3 09:03 Hunter, Richard Perth United V

4 09:04 Laing, Andy Musselburgh RCC V

5 09:05 Hastings, Jez Team Wiggle V

6 09:06 Hunter, Victoria Sandy Wallace Cycles FV

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

8 09:08 McGarrity, Gerry Inverclyde Velo S

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

10 09:10 Horner, Andy Bury Clarion CC V

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

12 09:12 Clarke, Steven Fenland Clarion CC V

13 09:13 Mason, James Ayr Roads V

14 09:14 Smith, Peter Glasgow Wheelers S

15 09:15 Newman, Scott Inverclyde Velo S

16 09:16 Maass, Tersius unattached S

17 09:17 Adamson ChristopherMusselburgh RCC V

18 09:18 McGowan, Craig Law Wheelers S

19 09:19 Perkins, Giles North Cheshire Clarion CC

20 09:20 Graham, Gordon Fullarton Wheelers V

21 09:21 Lowden, Elaine Glasgow Wheelers F

22 09:22 Anderson, Paul Musselburgh RCC V

23 09:23 Clarke, Ian Fenland Clarion CC V

24 09:24 Wylie, Katie Falkirk BC FV

25 09:25 Wards, David Fullarton Wheelers V

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

27 09:27 Mackenzie, Colin Edinburgh Road Club V

28 09:28 Easson, Eric Glasgow Wheelers V

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

30 09:30 Hall, James Sandy Wallace Cycles V

31 09:31 Kennah, James Law Wheelers V

32 09:32 Kane, Martin Pedal Power RT V

33 09:33 Kirkham, Douglas Musselburgh RCC V

34 09:34 Clarke, Lindsey Fenland Clarion CC FV

35 09:35 McLean, Christine Shetland Wheelers FV

36 09:36 Duncan, Allan unattached V

37 09:37 Rowat, Andrew Musselburgh RCC V

38 09:38 Jones, Graham Edinburgh Road Club V

39 09:39 Bisset, David Bolton Clarion CC V

40 09:40 Timmins, Derek Musselburgh RCC S

41 09:41 Speed, Alistair Fife Century RC V

42 09:42 McCarter, George Inverclyde Velo V

43 09:43 Pritchard, David Kennoway Road Club V

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

45 09:45 Millar, David Glasgow Couriers V

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

47 09:47 Taylor, Alastair Musselburgh RCC V

48 09:48 Underwood, Andrew Glasgow Wheelers S

49 09:49 Lawson, Alistair Musselburgh RCC V

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

51 09:51 Cooper, Robert Law Wheelers V

52 09:52 Middleton, Jim VC Glasgow South V

53 09:53 Robinson, Derek unattached V

54 09:54 Ferguson, Mike Johnstone Wheelers V

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

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

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

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

59 09:59 Armstrong, Allen Sunderland Clarion CC V

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

61 10:01 Fletcher, Isobel Glasgow Wheelers FV

62 10:02

63 10:03 McGill, Alasdair Deeside Thistle V

64 10:04 Clarke, Jon Glasgow Wheelers S

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

66 10:06 Solway, Alan Kennoway Road Club V

67 10:07

68 10:08 Begg, Vicky Alison Johnstone Wheelers F

69 10:09 Lettice, Tom Edinburgh Road Club S

70 10:10 Riise, Carlos Shetland Wheelers V

The Drumlanrig Tearfund Challenge Report

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

Clarion riders finishing times

104 miles
Stephen Fleming 7:07

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

43 miles
Mark Paul 3:00

A link Michelle Gregory's blog report here

East Calder Group venture into Fife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Club Jerseys arrive on Friday

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

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

5 mile development TT this Thursday

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

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

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

Register by 7pm, start will be at 7.15pm

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

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

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

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

Bealach Beag

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotland to host 2011 Easter Meet

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

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

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

See you there!

Introducing the New Kids Club Secretary

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Douglas

Douglas Corbett
Originally uploaded by westlothianclarion

Douglas Corbett from Brightons joined up at the end of April

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

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

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

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

Club 10TT record Smashed

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

Congratulations Steve!

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

Steve said:

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

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

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

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

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

Planned attacks on Etape Caledonia

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

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

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