Cyclocross season starts 2nd October!

Further to Lyndsey’s email about the Mugdock cross race, it should be mentioned that the season starts on 2nd October at Irvine. Cyclocross is racing is brilliant, really cheap to enter, can be ridden on MTBs – even basic ones, and ‘only’ last an hour. The courses are short and great for spectating, seems to be a lot of families turn up and there is even a kids race too. I prefer this to big races like 10 under the ben as there is more atmosphere on the course and the odd cowbell to cheer you on, sometimes fun is to be had in the winter conditions… like riding what is essentially a road bike with slightly nobbly tyres in the snow! It would be great to see more GMBC riders out there – in fact some courses like Mugdock favour MTBers I rekon.

The events are well organised and all the info is up to date on the ‘cross website – http://www.scottishcyclocross.org.uk/

Saturday 29 October – Pitlochry

Hi there
So if you are not doing Sam’s Lakes trip, here is an alternative day trip. For the last few years I have been up in Pitlochry at this time of year (the autumn colours will be amazing) and I have done some of the ‘Escape Route’ routes. I will post these nearer the time.

Chris

2nd October – Ciaran Path & Devil’s Staircase (optional)

Hi there
Some of you may remember Andy Oz from 2008, he’s back over here for a few more weeks and I suggested that the Ciaran path would be a suitable send off, it is also been on my wish list to do for some time. Suggest armour and 10am start at Kinlochleven or Devil’s Staircase.

Here are some route options:

http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=gcbamomaypwnjlyt

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/mbr-top-uk-route-in-scotland

Chris

Another Weekend Away Trip – Lake District – End of Oct

Hello peeps,

Another Weekend Away Ride! We haven’t had any all year, and now four come along at once!

If you are keen to join us, four of us are heading to Keswick on Friday 28th Oct to Sun 30th Oct.  I’m tackling Whinlatter Forest Park and the Altura Trails, but if anyone has any ride suggestions, please feel free to post a comment. 

Accommodation is at Denton House Bunkhouse – it’s £15 per night, tea/coffee, linen included but they recommend bringing a duvet/sleeping bag.  It’s in Keswick & the trails are a close drive away.

I’m booking the bunkhouse on Monday so we don’t miss out, so if you’re keen, please let me know before then.

Cheers

Barry

Club Weekend Away Rides – Any interest??

Hi all,

Not meaning to state the obvious or tread on anyones toes, but just to recap – there are two weekend away rides planned on the calendar, with the addition of Dawns early November away ride. 

Firstly, the September weekend of 23rd – 26th, there’s the Pitlochry/Ballater/Braemar ride.  The location is up for discussion, so please feel free to comment.

Secondly, the last weekend of November 26th – 27th, we have the Dalbeattie/Mabie/Ae Weekender.

Finally, we have Dawn organising a weekend away in early November, weekend of the 4th -6th.  See post  http://glasgowmbc.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/long-weekend-in-aviemore/

An early show of hands from anyone interested in these away rides will allow us to organise accommodation.  It’s already getting difficult to find places, the longer we leave will result in not finding anywhere to stay.

Thanks again

Barry

5 Ferries Update – Trains now unavailable!

Hello all,

I spoke with the Duty Manager of Scotrail Central station this morning.  He’s informed me that the Ardrossan line train from Central isn’t running for the next 4 weeks due to maintenance and that the return trains from Weymss Bay are generally busy with commuters (I did notice that last year).  Due to this, he stated that we’d probably be refused onto the trains as there won’t be enough space for passengers & bikes.

So, for the folk that still want to attend the ride, we need to drive & car share.  There are two options for this; Continue reading

Saturday pub run

Hi All

Just a wee reminder about the second social “Saturday pub run” of the year.
Tomorrow (10th sept).  The weather from the BBC is white cloud and some drizzle. 

The route is as follows.  Carbeth Inn, Blane Valley Inn, Glazert Hotel,(or Swan Inn) Kinkaid House Hotel, The Stables, Weatsheaf Inn and finally finishing off in Milngavie at Cyan.
Bear in mind the usual stuff about Pubs sell more than just beer.  You can have soft drinks, tea, coffee etc.  (On the last trip we did find it hard to get a scone for Phil so scones are off unless you bring your own.)  We will set off at 10 am.
You are welcome to join for as little, or as much, of the trip as you wish depending on the time you have available.

Times wise we will be in the Carbeth for just after 11am and if we say roughly an hour between pubs we will not be far wrong.  The only exceptions being the long run from Blanefield to Lennoxtown and when we stop for lunch it will probably be a longer stop.  Times will always be approximate as there may be drink involved!!
This social event is about having fun, a lot of laughs, good food, camaraderie and a bit of cycling thrown in for good measure.
Make sure, if you are doing the whole thing, that you have planned to be out most of the day as time flies when you are having fun.
All the best.
Groundskeeper John  (My mobile is 07999 525 959 Keep in touch)

Cross bike ride – Glen Tilt

Hi all,

For those of you with Cross Bikes….
I’m planning going to Glen Tilt this coming Saturday and meeting for 9:30 at Blait Athol. I have 4-5 enthusiastic riders going along at this time.

Weather looks favourable!

You will need to sort out your own transport, but would be good to get a few others from the club along.

Cheers
Ross