Author: Barry

Hello all,

It’s around this time last year that a handful of us took part in the 5 Ferry Road Challenge.  It was my favourite road ride of last year and it turned out to be a fantastic day.  So, with some pressure I’ve organised it to take place on Saturday 3rd of September.  Now, it will be weather permitting.  There is no need to book train & ferry tickets in advance, so pulling out last-minute if the weather is atrocious will be ok.

The plan is to get the train from Central Station to Ardrossan for the first ferry, the last ferry drops us at Wemyss Bay, so we’ll catch the train from there to Central.  It’s an all day event, incorporating 4 cycle sections & as the title suggests – 5 ferry crossings.  We covered around 50 miles & some commuting miles.  It’s not a race, but a good pace is needed especially for the Arran section.  The scenery & views are spectacular.  Last year we even managed to catch earlier ferries towards the end – thus meaning more time in the pub!

The ferry ticket can be purchased at the Ardrossan Harbour (Hopscotch 4 & 5 ticket – £18.95), and the train ticket direct from Central on the day.  I can’t seem to get a fixed price on the rail ticket, but last year it was about £9.

I have tried to attach a map & timetable I’ve created but haven’t quite grasped the workings of WordPress (that’s your cue Ryszard).  So, for now please email me at barry.mears@gtg.co.uk and I’ll forward it on.

Please show your interest by leaving a reply.  I recommend only road bikes are used, as mountain bikes with slicks will be a hell of a slog.

Cheers

Barry

Hi all,

My road bike has been feeling left out this year and especially during the last few days of the Tour de France.

I don’t have the time to attend an away/epic ride on Sunday (I would love too), so does anyone fancy a 30-50 mile ride starting early. I need to be back for 2pm, so a 10am start? I’m up for route suggestions too, I was gonna do the Crow, Carron Valley & Tak probably in reverse this time.

Thanks

Barry

Hello all,

The Beginner Rides which started at the beginning of May have, so far been very successful.  We’ve increased our membership and introduced more women to the club (I have to put that in for the equal opportunities part).  To continue with the rides, we need your help with running these rides. 

We’re looking for volunteers to help for a couple of hours out on a Wednesday night.  So far we’ve been allocating two club members to a ride and you’ll have access to tea & biccies in the club hall afterwards along with the jet wash. 

So far, the majority of volunteers have been committee members along with a few dedicated & willing club members……….you know who you are, thank you.

It’s a great opportunity to introduce folk to the club, along with the social aspects of getting together in the club hall.  So, put your name forward and let us know if a particular Wednesday is good for you or not.

Many thanks

Barry

Hello all,

This is the final role call for all those who haven’t yet informed me via wordpress reply.  We’ll be buying the food and drink later in the week,  so an idea of numbers would be appreciated to ensure we’ve brought enough.

So far, I count 13 including myself from the replies.  I know that there may be more coming from discussions on Saturday, but a show of hands would be a great help.

I’m open for suggestions to ride times too.  The BBQ kicks off at 6pm, but by the time it’s heated up and we’ve faffed, we’ll probably be eating around 7pm.  I’m up for heading off from the visitor car park around 3pm if anyone wishes to join me?

Regards

Barry

Hello all,

It’s that time of year again when we host the fabulous GMBC BBQ at Mugdock Park.  This is free to all paid up members.  We have provisionally booked the pitch for 6pm onwards on Saturday 11th of June.  I attended my first one last year, the banter was great, the food was well cooked and it’s a great social night that allows you to meet fellow riders who also attend the different rides we have.  Partners and kids are especially welcome too.  The pitch is at the pond, a minutes walk down from the visitor centre.

We’d like for you, as members of the club to say yea or nay to attending that evening, as we need a headcount to gauge the amount of food.   So please let us know if you can make it and the size of your party (preferably a reply on wordpress).  There will be enough food and refreshments available, but please feel free to contribute if you wish.  Please bring your own bottle should you wish to get trolleyed.

A few folk have spoken about a ride in the park before the BBQ, then feasting post ride.  So, if your interested please make yourselves known. 

There are various options for getting there, some cycled home and back (lights probably needed depending on a late stay).  There is the option to get a return train from Glasgow Queen Street to Milngavie, then walk/cycle to Mugdock.  Or drive as it’s free parking and I’m sure there will be folk with space in their cars.

Let’s make it the best BBQ to date and this is the perfect opportunity for the great new members to meet with the more seasoned members of the club.

Best regards

Barry

Nine of us turned up for last nights Beginner Ride.  Unfortunately, the only official beginner was Claire.  So, we split the ride, one half led by Luke whilst myself, Claire & Sandy headed along the Westie. 

We all met up at a couple of points along the way, and after grouping at the bottom of Flux, we headed up Rosie’s, then a left towards the pylons.  Luke & co did a few of the trails in the woods, whilst I tried to convince Claire to do Jackies Root, but she decided to wait whilst Sandy and I had a quick blast.  A regroup at the hole in the wall, then we started heading back, with Luke & co branching off to tackle the steep trails at the castle.  The rest of us headed back, via Snakey and opting for the road back.

The majority of the trails are nice and dry at the moment, although on Tuesday, that crackin’ descent after Dawns Pinky Root is still very bogey, it tried to eat my front wheel and left leg, but just managed to pull free…..there was chatter about leaving me!

A big thanks to Sandy, as Claire felt he was great at communicating & coaching, he spent a lot of time riding alongside, whilst I led the way…..and luckily I didn’t have to sleep on the sofa.  Also a big thanks to the other GMBC members who showed their support.

Barry