Sun 30th Sept – Campsie MTB Raid

Myself and Alison are planning the following ride this Sunday (30th Sept), as an alternative to the 5 ferries which has already been posted on the calendar (also a fantastic ride). Please confirm interest, if you are intending to ride with us.

Ready to ride at 10:00AM prompt on bridge beside Kirki Puffer on Kirkintilloch Main Street, then (1) On canal bank ride to Queenzieburn then climb to Birkenburn Reservoir, (2) Return to Milton of Campsie and do loop behind primary school, (3) Cort-ma Law – choice of either up Crow Road or techy climb behind Big Al’s at Clachan of Campsie (I only intend to ride up just past the sheep shelter as cannot drop my seat post enough for the descent – atleast that’s my excuse), (4) Cafe stop at Tea Room at Clachan of Campsie (bring a lock) then (5) Return via Lennox Forrest (harder) or Old Railway Line – (easier).

Additional Notes:

1. There is alot of climbing on this route, but that should not put anyone off coming along. The stronger climbers should repeat the climbs and there are plenty of options to split and recombine and make the day enjoyable for everyone. It’s a good ride and easy for people to bail if they are short for time.

2. There is a car parking area beside the church but might be busy on Sunday Morning. There is also a big car park at Sainsbury’s – but they have a 3 hr limit sign up. Also, there is parking around the council offices.

3. Public Transport from City Centre – best option would be to get the train to Lenzie. If you are doing this let me know and I can meet you there (early enough to allow us to get to Kirki Puffer for 10:00AM – only a 5 minute ride).

4. If there is some interest, I will put this on the calendar.

Wednesday Club Ride

A great ride last night for the 4 of us who were out on the 745 ride, and we bumped into Ryszard who was out with a couple of 7pm’ers.

Trails were not as wet as of late and weather was spot on, as was the tea that was just brewed when we got back to the hall – thanks Graham 🙂

The traditional Wednesday night ride is great fun at this time of year – proper dark for that added dimension, so c’mon folks, get your lights sorted out and get out there – it would be good to see the numbers back up a bit on this, the longest running of the club rides !

Premium Rush

Anybody considering a jaunt to the cinema may like to check out Premium Rush. It’s basically an extended high-adrenalin bicycle chase across Manhattan, and while the plot would struggle to fill a side of A5, it’s gripping watching a crazed courier on a brakeless fixie ploughing through the traffic while trying to evade his car-driving pursuer – the stunts are amazing.  Leave your brain at the door, hang on, and enjoy the ride.

After that, found myself pedalling a bit more furiously on the way to work today – despite being on the hardtail I got drafted by a lycra-clad roadie ;~)

The Highland Warrior

Kai is the son of friends of mine (Morgan and Makiko). Kai has been diagnosed with Anelgman Syndrome. Don’t know what that is? Watch this…

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2158872007402

This weekend I am taking part in a Half Ironman distance triathlon (The Highland Warrier). 70.3 miles of swimming, cycling and running (running probably in it’s loosest possible term… by the time I pull my running shoes on I will be lucky to be staggering along). I want to raise as much money as I can to support the research and development for a cure for Angelman Syndrome. Research that could directly help Kai.

To put into context what I am attempting, the longest triathlon I have completed before now is a Sprint distance event (16.5 miles). Please give me motivation and pledge your support. How much is not so important – what is important to me is that as many people as possible pledge some support as I will be using the thought of the number of people supporting me to keep me going on the day.

Thank you to the club members that have already donated, I really appreciate it, but there is always room for more names on the list! Go on, please sponsor me here – http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnBennie

 

 

 

Lights – advice needed!

Hi Folks,

After a couple of midweek rides in the dark, it has become clear that my front light is quite simply not up to the job.  Fine on the road and on wider paths (like the Westie), but being on any narrow trail with twists and bumps is quite simply terrifying!

After looking at different lights on different websites, it has all become a wee bit confusing.  Most will be using Lux or Lumens as a guide to their strength, so these seem like the most appropriate base to compare, but what levels should I be looking out for?  I’ve seen some quoting 100 as great for offroad, but others saying 300 as a minimum; it all seems to depend on the actual type of light or even brand.  Can someone shed some light (pardon the pun!) on what I should be looking for?  And any ideas about specific lights, I’m aiming around the £50-£70 mark (but would stretch a bit if it’s worth it!), that would be a good buy?  Your help will be much appreciated!

Cheers,

Graeme