West Lothian Roadies

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  • grantus
    grantus Posts: 690
    Good idea. I had been thinking whether we could do something as a club reliability ride but not sure what sort of organisation would be required for this?

    Anyway, back on topic - any of those dates are fine for me.

    An alternative out-and-back without the need for cars could be an ochils loop perhaps over the sheriffmuir road to Gleneagles then through Glendevon to Dollar and back.

    However, I'm happy to 'go with the flow' as I've never cycled in the Loch Tay area and would like to give it a try - same with the South Lanarkshire run or perhaps even a trip to the Lowther Hills.

    Either way - count me in!
    www.westlothianclarion.co.uk
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    good one fathead

    I'm happy with any of those dates but would prefer a ride starting in the usual place so the Tweed valley is good for me - I've not been that way so would like to give it a go.
    Grant's idea is also a good one too, I've been that route myself and it is a fine ride.

    os 65
  • Fat Head
    Fat Head Posts: 765
    ok, we'll let things rumble on here for a few dates then we'll settle on something

    the ochils are a good suggestion
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    Piece about our thread on Bikeradar news here:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/s ... orum-19102

    OS65
  • BillR1
    BillR1 Posts: 271
    At last we are famous :P

    Just to say that we have the following members attending the turbo session tonight:

    Bill
    Stevie
    Matt
    Sadiq

    If you intend appearing please e mail me or post here.

    Bill
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    If anyone needs a lift to Bill's Savage Garage from Linlithgow (eg El Campesino) let me know...
    OS 65
  • ElCampesino
    ElCampesino Posts: 146
    Is it called the President's run because the president's buying a round at the pub stop?

    Matt, thanks for the offer but I can't make tonight. Might join you next week, though.

    Nice article. And what a fine bunch of riders.

    And last but not least, the Tweed Valley sounds fine. I am going up to Perthshire on Friday so would prefer another route for the PR.

    Yours etc.

    EC
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    The club is trying to build a knowledge base of favourite rides so that it'll be easier to figure where to go on the Sunday runs.

    This ride might be a bit too tough for a Sunday run but its a great ride if you are feeling strong, and want to get in some hard miles. You have to go along some scrappy - but fairly quiet roads - to get the reward of riding in the Carron Valley

    http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Li ... Linlithgow

    Anyone got a favourite ride they'd like to share? Post it on Bikely.com.

    OS 65
  • ElCampesino
    ElCampesino Posts: 146
    For a second I though you've found one that doesn't go to Slamannan.

    But it's like a black hole, isn't it? It seems impossible to ride in the central belt without going through it.

    EC
  • TP01
    TP01 Posts: 26
    Bill

    I'll be along tonight for the turbo session. See you all then.

    Mike
  • BillR1
    BillR1 Posts: 271
    Here is a favourite route of mine for consideration soon ?? obviously tking in Slamannan

    http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/La ... Linlithgow

    See you all tonight.

    Bill
  • grantus
    grantus Posts: 690
    http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Li ... l-and-Back

    Oops, no Slamannan!

    Couple of nasty wee climbs though - first one from Tamfourhill Road up to the Battle of Falkirk Monument then from Longcroft up Doctor's Brae, under the M876 and into Carron Valley.

    I must admit to not knowing the roads on the way back once you leave Grangemouth however I was just playing with the Bikely 'follow the road' feature at that point to get back to Linlithgow on traffic free roads :lol:
    www.westlothianclarion.co.uk
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    Nice one Grant - it solves a few problems - like how to get a good route around Falkirk.
    The road from the Carron valley to Shielbrae is rewarding - the views across Scotland are incredible.

    Went up to Bill's Hanger of Anger yesterday - 5 of us got a good work out and had a good laugh. It's a really good training session, well worth doing and much better than being on yer tod.

    Plus you don't have to have loads of fitness to take part - you can go at your own pace and not get left behind!

    OS 65
  • grantus
    grantus Posts: 690
    Hi Matt,

    The road up past North Third is nice as you say. Only thing is the surface up Earl's Hill and down to the other side to the Fintry end of the reservoir isn't very good to be honest but it is quite a tiff climb, especially when there's a wind of any sort as you get up to around the 400 metre contour.

    As for the turbo sessions - they sound perfect! No chance of getting dropped!

    Anyone with any plans for this weekend?

    I think I may opt for a Saturday run this week as Saturday evening sees a Baby Head-wetting session in store for me so I don't fancy a 60 miler on Sunday!

    I quite fancy trying Bill's run out through South Lanarkshire if anyone is interested? If so I would set off from Cumbernauld and meet up around Whitburn or Blackburn and do the rest of the ride from there (weather permitting of course! :oops: )
    www.westlothianclarion.co.uk
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    It was SLEETING! on my way to work this morning plus it took me 20 minutes longer than normal. I was nice and toasty in my winter gear though, but urgh, what a horrible morning for October...
    OS65
  • grantus
    grantus Posts: 690
    It's lovely through in the West :D
    www.westlothianclarion.co.uk
  • dm10599
    dm10599 Posts: 60
    My car was being serviced on Tuesday so I left it at the garage and I set off from Doune, Callander round Loch Katrine and then up to Stronaclachor (probably not correct spelling) then back to Callander to start work at 2pm via Aberfoyle. Fantastic weather all the way with the exception of 5 mins or so of snow as I cycled towards Callander on the A84

    I was up over Clackmannan, Tillicoultry, Bridge of Allan and back to Larbert today and did'nt expect it to be so warm. Just had letter from Gore who have tested my goretex jacket which is 1 year old and found it to be faulty.

    The returns manager tested it within 72 hours and has sent me confirmation that once I purchase a new jacket they will reimburse me the full cost. FANTASTIC CUSTOMER SERVICE

    At last I can wear a jacket that is new and I've not had for over 10 years

    David
  • Fat Head
    Fat Head Posts: 765
    ok, ok, after a tense phone vote in which all the proceeds really did go to charity and no lurid phonecalls were made to OAPs the president's run is set:

    PRESIDENTS RUN

    MEET LINLITHGOW CROSS, 0900, SUNDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

    70ish MILES, HEADING VIA SLAMMANAN AND SHOTTS TO BIGGAR THEN BACK VIA THE WOOLFORDS, BLACKBURN, BATHGATE

    ROUTE http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/La ... Linlithgow

    This ride is open to all who want to attend, whether they be affilitated to our group or not. Feel free to join us. Make sure your bike is in decent working order and any niggles you have at the moment are sorted out. Bring a couple of inner tubes as Lanarkshire roads have lots of bits missing from them. Mudguards very welcome to prevent the rider behind you drinking slurry. The aim of this run is to complete the ride as a group so the bunch will move at a pace that allows all riders to keep up. It is easier to cover more distance quicker in a bunch by sitting in at the back so dont be put off.
  • richara3
    richara3 Posts: 153
    Hi guys this is my first post so take it easy on me...

    I really like the sound of this ride but I think my fitness level may leave me getting a taxi home from biggar.Its not the distance that I think will be a problem ...more the speed at which I think you guys will be traveling!

    You see , I am a cycling newbie . Most of my cycling is just an 8 mile round trip commute averaging 22-24 mph in one direction and 12 mph in the other.(From the top of the Quarry brae in Brightons to the old BP) On flatter runs 15 mph with the odd burst up to 19-20mph isnt too dificult . I dont know what would happen over 70 odd miles though but I am guessing it would not be pretty!

    I suppose I am looking for someone to be honest with me and say "stay at home mate you will be well out of your depth", or "come along its just a gentle ride out."

    I would be riding a specialized tricross sport with a panier rack :lol:

    I dont want to be holding everyone up so speak your mind...I think that a 70 miler may be a bit much for my first time out with you guys but if you can point me in the direction af a group that go for ride outs more for fun than full on training then that would be appreciated.

    Thanks
    Andy

    Doh! I should have checked earlier..I am nights that weekend.. Still, if you pass someone on a tricross with panniers, say Hi..you wont get a response though ....I wont have the breath :D
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    edited October 2008
    Hey Andy
    Welcome to the thread! You made the right choice buying a Tricross - an Ideal bike for the West Lothian tarmac (or lack of).

    Here's what I suggest. Members on this forum have started a local club and we meet for club runs every Sunday and Saturday morning why not join us and see what you think?

    Saturday Ride: Meet at the Korean War Memorial between Bathgate and Linlithgow at 9.am every Saturday
    About 25-45 miles at a steady pace - no one gets left behind and we stay pretty local to Linlithgow.

    Sunday Ride: Meet at The Cross, Linlithgow, 9.00am every Sunday, 55-75 miles, again no one gets left behind and we try to have a cafe stop but its not guaranteed. Some riders don't have the time to ride the whole distance so sometimes take a shorter route home

    Both groups ride at about 15 mph but they are fairly casual and we have a laugh.

    Why not come along and give it a go? - that way you can work up to the longer rides over a few weeks.

    A lot of newbie riders have come out with us over the last year and have really come on. You'll find you'll pick up a lot of useful advice from the more experienced riders in the group.

    Without working up to 70 miles, it could be a little tough for you and it could get uncomfortable - it takes a while for your back-side to get used to sitting on a saddle for a long time! and your leg muscles would really feel it too. Best to work up to the distance I reckon.

    All the best

    OS 65
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    edited October 2008
    Fat Head
    Looks like a great route, top work Mr President! And nice to see you've managed to take us through Slammanan too!

    I'll stick the details it in the mail out.

    Got friends staying this weekend so won't be out at all. Hope ya'll have some good rides.
    IT looks like its gonna be fabulous weather so we might get record turnouts on the rides...

    OS 65
  • OS 65
    OS 65 Posts: 415
    FYI
    The Saturday run now starts at 9.00AM.
    Meet: Korean War Memorial (Between Bathgate and Linlithgow)

    OS 65
  • SparkyP
    SparkyP Posts: 259
    Just back last night and had loads of posts to read :) .Its amazing what the dark nights do.

    FH (El Presidente)Count me in on the Presidents run.

    Who is out this weekend and what days? Looks as though i shall be out on Saturday.
    Forecast says SUN ,so nothing like the run last week from the Hardcore Four...

    Regards

    Mark.
    http://www.westlothianclarion.co.uk/
  • grantus
    grantus Posts: 690
    Hi Andy,

    sent you a PM.

    Just to re-iterate - you should come and give it a bash - good bunch of folk and not intimidating at all.

    Cheers,

    Grant
    www.westlothianclarion.co.uk
  • dm10599
    dm10599 Posts: 60
    Sadly I will have to give the week ends runs a miss as I am early shift.

    I am days off on Wednesday & Thursday the 5th and 6th November and plan to go out towards Linlithgow up Preston Road towards Bathgate to see where that takes me if anyone is interested in joining me. Plan to leave the house around 9am so should be at Linlithgow around 0945.

    Regards David.

    PS. I will be at the turbo session this week.
  • BillR1
    BillR1 Posts: 271
    Fathead,

    Glad you chose my route, it's a cracking run with a few sharp hills as well, especially Puir Wife's Brae in Bathgate at 70 odd miles :twisted: that will be good !!!

    I am off up round the Ochils on a 54miler tomorrow so hope everyone has a good run. May go out Sunday as well so look forward to meeting up with you then.

    Turbo session Tuesday as normal, mines for 7pm start at 7.30pm and finish at 9pm. No one get's dropped and it's a great training/social session.

    Bill
  • Roger_This
    Roger_This Posts: 136
    Hello W Lothian.

    Just getting into cycling and I like the sound of the Saturday run but as Emburger I'm not familiar with the Korean War Memorial. Can you post a Google map, or just give me directions?

    Cheers.
  • wakemalcolm
    wakemalcolm Posts: 909
    Roger_This

    Try_this:

    http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x ... search.srf

    If you can find Torphichen, it's about 2 ks east of there.

    Good club and well worth making the effort to find them. Where do you stay?
    ================================
    Cake is just weakness entering the body
  • richara3
    richara3 Posts: 153
    Cheers for the welcoming words guys. :D

    OS 65 your more than right about working up to the big miles..I remember the last 10 miles of my last long run :shock: .. A few Saturday and Sunday runs sound good though. I am night shift tonight so wont make tomorrow.


    Grantus.. My PM box is empty, unless Ive got it all wrong.
  • Roger_This
    Roger_This Posts: 136
    Malcolm - thanks for the map. I'm near Fairmilehead, Edinburgh, so anything west of Newbridge is a bit of a mystery to me :)

    Do you guys congregate by bike? I'd need to bring mine by car - I assume I can park within a mile or two..?

    Won't be this week, got man flu, but soon as I'm better.

    Cheers..

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