SpokeSpoke nn’’ WordsWords StirlingStirling BikeBike Club/WallaceClub/Wallace WarriorsWarriors July 2010

The first half of 2010 has seen an active and successful time for Club Rides 2010 the club. After the virtual winter shut-down riders were keen to get back out into the hills and the road and we appear to have hit MTB the ground running with regards to club rides. Thurs 7:30pm, Kings Park In addition, we have a few new events on the calendar this year. Monday and Wed ad-hoc rides - see message board These include the road TT series,being organised by Robin, and a Sat 9:30am, Costa Coffee (9am for cake & coffee) summer BBQ, which will probably be somewhere central such as Sunday away days: check forum Aberfoyle.This will provide a ride, food and a rare opportunity for baggy shorts and lycra to mingle together! The showing of Women’s Ride - Mon Evenings (Check forum) NWD10 proved to be very popular and the MacRobert cinema Away days: check forum are keen to continue this in the future.The annual TrashQuest was also very successful and not only cleared the woods of rubbish, Ad-hoc rides: see forum, especially in summer! but also helped prove to the local community that we as a club treat our local environment with the respect it deserves. Road Saturday 10am, The Peak The Warriors are still running at maximum capacity with weekly • Development/social group speed variable coaching sessions. Scottish Cycling attended the recent Warriors • Middle group: 16-18mph CX at the Uni and were very impressed with what they saw, in • Fast group: 19-20mph addition two new Level-2 coaches will be available at the end of – cafe stop after: Corrieri’s, Causewayhead the summer which will take some pressure off Donald and Steven. Sunday 9am, The Peak On the racing side SBC has established itself as one of the top • Fast group 19-20mph clubs in .We have our first senior national champion for Tuesday 7pm, Chalmerston Road several years with Jane Barr taking the Scottish Womens National • Chaingang (Summer Months) Road Race title - a brilliant result and a testament to all her hard training. Robin has continued where he left off last year and been Away days: roughly monthly, check forum a major force in the Super6 series.We are in the top 5 overall club rankings for the series. Robins 2nd place in the Sam Robinson RR Wallace Warriors behind Endura pro Evan Oliphant was a fantastic performance but Thursday 6:30–8:30pm, Beechwood Park he was disappointed with 'just' 8th in the Mens national road race. Richard McDonald took 8th in the Mens XC champs and many other riders competed strongly in different categories. Last but not least Jack Barrett is proving to be one of the strongest Junior Committee Information road riders in Scotland and after a string of good results has been Chairman: Mark Baugh selected to ride for the Scottish Junior team on the continent. Secretary: Jamie Donohoe All this and its barely July.... – Club Chairman Mark Baugh Wallace Warriors Chairman: Keith McLean Treasurer: Gordon Paul Development Officer: **vacant** MTB Rep 1: Callum Wilson MTB Rep 2: Jo Cooke Road Rep 1: Archie Johnstone Road Rep 2: Stuart Easton Race Rep: Robin Wilkins Press Officer Owen Philipson Welfare Officer: Iain Binning Webmaster: Richard Barton Coaches: Donald Mclean Steve Field Katy Baxter Charlotte Crerar: new coach joining soon! John Reid: new coach joining soon!

Page 2 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

Road — club time trial series 2010

The 2010 club time trial series is now underway.Three of the six races have been held, on the last Thursday of each month, with the 5 mile, the first 10 mile, and the 25 mile already contested. On a breezy night in April, the riders congregated at the Kippen roundabout and were heartened to find the wind in their favour. This led to some excellent times that will do wonders for the confidence. Ian King powered to first place in 10 minutes 8 seconds. 2nd was triathlete Andy Turnbull, coming in only 4 seconds behind at 10:12. Rounding out the podium was Rob Wilkins in 10:20,disappointed not to have made his pre-race target of breaking the 10 minute mark. Special mention to Sam Shaw, who was riding his first ever TT and did a solid 12 minutes dead. Sam is on the Cycling Plus reader team and he is featured in the magazine over the coming months as he aims to break his goals. Rob Wilkins won the 10 in May, which was a tight affair. Andy Turnbull reckoned he was level with Rob, with Ian King 10 seconds down at the turn, but the eventual winner (Rob) put in over 40 seconds over his nearest rival on the back straight, finishing in a blistering 21:36. This event also saw the first appearance of the famous Mark “Leadlegs” Leadbetter, who rode 24:00 dead. STOP PRESS: at the end of June the 25 mile TT was 5 mile Time Trial — Sam Shaw, 12 minutes, photo Steven Cook won by Ian King in: 55.30, out to Buchlyvie and back along the A811.

Stirling Bike Club Time Trial Series Thursday 29th April: 5 miles A811-Kippen r’bout 1 Ian King 10:08 2 Andy Turnbull 10:12 3 Robin Wilkins 10:20 Thursday 27th May: 10 miles A811-Kippen r’bout 1 Rob Wilkins 21.36 2 Andy Turnbull 22.19 3 Jim Hall 22.43 Thursday 24th June: 25 miles A811-Buchlyvie 1st Ian King: 55.30 2nd Kenny Kentley 56.48 3rd Graeme Hay 57.22 Thursday 29th July: Kilo (1km) – sprint starting at Thornhill, towards Kippen roundabout. Thursday 19th August: 10 mile TT – usual course. Thursday 26th August: Wallace Monument climb. Ian King – 5mile TT winner in 10 minutes 8 seconds, 25(ish)mile winner 55:30

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 3

MTB — events 10 under the Ben Summer

Several teams went up to Fort William to ride the 10 Unlike the obvious transition from Winter to Spring, the hour marathon event 10 under the Ben organised by coming of Summer around these parts is more subtle.You NoFuss events. could be forgiven for thinking that Spring and Summer almost blend into one. Look closer though, and there are Barry Paterson aka Bazz, who is one of the Wallace clear differences to be seen while out mountain biking on Warrior coaches, rode the event solo and put in the local trails, such as the disappearance of the bluebells, some serious mileage, completing his target of five the increasing volume of birdsong and the onslaught of the laps in 8 hours 19 minutes. stinging nettle. Bazz said: The weather at the event was miserable and For me though, by far the most important change is thanks there had even been a fresh dusting of snow on the hill to our northerly latitude. At this time of year we can tops in the morning of the event. realistically expect to be mountain biking on open hillsides without lights until 10pm or later, with darkness not At the 5 lap point I had achieved my target and had really arriving until after 11pm. Gone are the Spring evenings enjoyed the event. I thought about doing another lap but that have people rushing home from work or school, thought it better to finish on a high than try another when skipping their dinners and rushing out on their bikes to I had nothing left in the tank and might possibly injure catch the last glimpse of daylight.We can now casually eat myself. – well done Bazz, top ride. dinner, spend time with family and head out after 7pm safe Beagleboy provided his usual entertaining write-up in the knowledge that we still have hours of daylight left to on the club message board, having ridden with enjoy. This late evening light is something that all us Sharon, Lesley and Libby in the mixed quads category. mountain bikers long for as we sit at home on a cold, wet Tales of pelting rain and a bone chilling wind sounded Winters evening, preparing for a dark, muddy ride. grim, but his legendary “spirits” were certainly not dampened and the team took 3rd place! Beagy is So far, Summer 2010 has brought beautiful, warm sunny vowing to come back next year and compete in the weather.The trails have dried out completely, and it is now pairs with John Reid. possible to ride the local hill without a single puddle.

Richard Barton and Pete from Flying Fox also rode At this time of year rides become more sociable as more in the quads, with two other guys from the shop – people venture out onto the trails and stopping for a chat Michael and Declan.They completed two laps each. (more often than not about tyres) offers a pleasant break from the riding. Club riders also tend to organise away day rides in the summer as usually the weather, or at least the temperature is more pleasant than any other time of year, recent destinations for away days are as varied as the West Highland Way, Glen Artney and even Torridon. (see P6) Many more club riders sign up for races in the summer.As well as the Scottish Cross Country (SXC) series there are endurance events that are either entered as teams or individuals such as the 10 under series and the Merida Marathons. Not only are these events a great challenge, they are also a great way to socialise and bond with other club riders at the campsites and race areas. Now that the summer solstice has been and gone, the countdown has begun to the next season and we should try our best to get out and make the most of the light evenings.There really is no better time than right now to get out on your bike and enjoy the plethora of great local trails we have here, so what are you waiting for?! 10 Under The Ben — Aonach Mor / Ben Nevis, photo NoFuss Events – STEVEN SMITH

Page 4 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

Wallace Warriors — news

It's been great to see so many Warriors braving the elements on cold winter nights, and thanks to the coaches for keeping the sessions running when a warm couch and cup of tea were very tempting. Warriors away days The first Warriors Away Day ride was on Saturday 27th March at Gartmorn Dam. Membership The number of Warriors Club Members is ever- growing - certainly judging by the number of club jerseys on display at the sessions, and we would encourage all non-members who are regulars to join Stirling Bike Club. We have a maximum number of children per coach and if we reach that limit, it is club Pre-race: relaxed, but also with a sense of anticipation members who will have priority. Membership costs £10. You get the right to wear the Warriors colours Scottish Championships XC at Fort William with pride, discount at loads of local bike and outdoor Well done to the Wallace Warriors who were once again to shops, and too many other perks to mention.You can the fore at the Scottish Championships with loads of riders join online on the Stirling Bike Club website. Look for competing and several on the podium. the link saying “join Stirling Bike club” or ask for a The Scottish Championship XC was run alongside the Fort membership form when you sign in on a Thursday William World Cup event, which attracts nearly 20,000 night. spectators to see the country’s top senior downhill, cross- Call for volunteers country and four-cross riders in action. We still need more parents/carers to come forward as The XC course was very technical with lots of downhill, and volunteer coaches. We have come close to having to a mixture of rocky sections, boardwalk to climb and descend, cancel sessions recently due to coaches being loose gravelly corners and roots. Everyone tackled it unavailable. The more coaches we have, the less reliant extremely well, although there were a few spills on the loose the club is on just a small handful of people and the gravel. more we can spread the work and have sufficient cover. There was some tough competition and most Warriors had Remember it is only through the generosity of a few to battle it out against older riders (and midges). volunteers that the Warriors exist at all. So ask not what the Warriors can do for you, but what you can do Erika Allen came 2nd in the Under 14 girls category, for the Warriors. The club can support volunteer (1 lap) racing well against older riders and finishing only 1:20 coaches through their training - So ask a coach or behind.Aidan McAleenan was also riding in the U14 boys. committee member for more details if you want to do The men's open category followed (2 laps), with great racing your bit. – Donald Maclean from the Warrior Dads - and 3 top ten places. Oliver Samphier powered round to take the win, with Douglas Sword in 2nd place and Tim Allen was 10th.

Rhona Callander finished 2nd in the Under 12 Girls category, with Katie Allen 3rd and Philippa Samphier 4th. Great riding! Mum Brenda Callander was persuaded at the last minute to upgrade to the Lady Vets category and also finished on the podium, making it a family affair!

Findlay Sword also enjoyed his first SXC race and competed well in the P4-5 boys race. Other riders who raced well and represented the Warriors at national level were Logan Dow, Murray McNeish, and Jonathan Kerr.

The Primary School races took part in the middle of the day- with more podium places. Rhona Samphier 1st in P1-3 girls. Wallace Warriors after competing at the Ingliston Crits Series Calum Reid 2nd P1-3 boys.

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 5

Warriors — competition & rider profile

Rider profile: Erika Allen

Erika has been with the Warriors just over a year and took a podium spot last year at the XC championships at Fort William, following that up with another great result this year in the U14 category. Her younger sister Katie also got a podium and Dad Tim rides too. How long have you been cycling?

Warriors U12 girls Rhona Callander 2nd and Katie Allen 3rd on the podium For as long as I can remember! What do you like about Wallace Warriors? The coaches give you great tips to improve your style and attitude. It's fun and a great place to meet friends and rivals! Where is your favourite place to ride? Anywhere in Scotland as long as there's some technical sections and swoopy singletrack. I also can't wait for the Velodrome to be finished so I can ride there and compare it to .

ErikaAllen 2nd U14 girls: Wallace Warriors on the podium – AGAIN! I hear your name a lot in race reports- what's your best result? Probably this year's youth XC sprint race at the World Cup in Fort William where I was 2nd. Now that I'm in an older age category the competition is harder, so I managed to beat some really good older riders. Do you have any specific bike plans this year? What are you looking forward to? I'm going to continue the SXC series as I'm really enjoying it. I'm also going to go down to the British Champs (representing Scotland!) and I'm looking forward to another biking holiday in the Alps!

Erika and Rhona before the race Do you watch any worldwide cycling events? I always go to the Fort William mountain bike World Cup and I watch the others on the internet. This year I am also going to watch two other World Cups when I am on holiday in the Alps. I sometimes watch road races and I love watching the track events. What type of cycling do you like best? I've tried all sorts of cycling (XC, downhill, road, cyclo- cross, track) and I really enjoy all of them, but I prefer cross country as it is more technical and I have been doing it the longest. I will continue to do them all so I have a range of cycling skills. – Thanks Erika, good luck for the rest of the year.

Murray McNeish in action: U10 boys category

Page 6 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

MTB — summer rides MTB club rides MTB away rides MTB club rides (Thursdays, Kings Park 7:30pm, and As soon as the weather picks up, MTB away days and Saturday’s 09:30 at Costa Coffee) have been well informal rides start to be organised. There is no rigid attended and offer something for virtually all ability of structure for these, and they tend to be planned on the rider, including good company and banter. club forum. Summer is in full swing some cracking rides have already been enjoyed by club members. It’s worth mentioning one of our MTB reps Jo, who's in training for the Kielder 100 mile off-road marathon, is At the end of May, the tough Glen Finglas to Balquidder currently suffering from a nasty knee injury. Get well route was tackled by Steve B, Craig aka Beagleboy, Lian soon and good luck for the Kielder 100. and Ross L. Their route took in the side of Loch Venachar to Brig o’ Turk, climbing through Finglas and Craig Lapsley, aka “Beagleboy” is the former MTB rep heading North, climbing up by Allt Gleann nam Mean and stalwart of the MTB club rides. He reports loads of and descending through river sections and superb new riders turning up recently at club rides, with lots of unfolding scenery to the Tea Rooms at Balquidder.They enthusiastic people and good riders: One wee 'pocket then continued on to Glen Ample, and from Steve B’s rocket' who stands out in particular is Lian, who not only can report and a subsequent thread on the forum, there is rip the legs off most of us, but she then has the cheek to light much disappointment at the ‘sanitisation’ of this trail,but up a fag at the top of the climbs! it is still a good ride, albeit a much less challenging one. The local trails have a lot to offer ranging from flat trails through the University and Mine Woods to the north, with some areas having optional technical descents and chicken runs, to the climb up Dumyat and the myriad of trails and variations in the Ochils. To the south Cambusbarron quarry and woods, and the challenging North Third Cliffs provide a massive amount of variety within just a few minutes ride. Come out with the club to discover some of the local area! MTB rep Jo said: lighter nights mean lots of ad hoc evening rides - Thursday’s still the club ride, but check the board for others, especially Mondays and Wednesdays...

Picture by Ross Lorimer, Glen Finglas to Balquidder ride at the end of May

Picture by Pete Moulding aka Pedro – away ride to Laggan Wolftrax Picture by Jo Cooke: an epic sunrise ride up Dumyat on the longest day

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 7

MTB – summer rides & Scottish XC MTB XC Championships

As well as the Wallace Warriors (see page 4-5), several senior riders rode the XC champs at Fort William.The course was tough, as expected, and was described as “a real test”.

Lesley Yarrow raced ladies G-vets category and took 2nd place. Richard MacDonald took 8th in the Elite/Expert, over six laps with Lettie Chambers 7th in the Elite/Expert ladies.

Douglas Shearer, an SBC member who races for Innerliethen Cycles, also raced the Elite/Expert but had bad luck, puncturing on the lap 1 and losing 10 minutes. Kenny Kentley also rides with SBC but races under Velo Ecosse/Montpeliers colours and was 3rd in the hotly contested male vets.

Picture by Steve B – descent to Balquidder, May away-day ride Keiran Hay rode the Masters event and was 12th. Keiran had high hopes but found the technical stuff and skittery conditions tough and by the end, said he was quite happy just to reach the finish with his body in one piece! John Reid competed in the Vets category in the afternoon and as Tim Allen said - ‘managed not to puncture’!

As John said, its great to see more SBC senior mountain bike riders getting stuck in at races. The number of competitors has been increasing and it’s clear we have some of the best mountain bikers in the country.

Oliver Samphier contested the Male Open category, over two laps and won it- great result. Douglas Sword was 2nd and Tim Allen 10th. These guys are ‘Warrior Dads’ – check out the warriors page for more info and coverage of the kids’ results.

Picture by Crispin (no not that Crispin) – Glen Kinglas Glen Kinglas

An away ride in June was tackled solo by Crispin Horne (aka Crispin2), heading out from Bridge of Orchy.

Described by Crispin as “possibly the best days biking in my life”, this ride started with grippy forestry trail and a long descent to Glen Orchy. Admittedly there was a fair amount of tarmac but the stunning scenery made up for that. The scones at Cruachan Visitor Centre are reported to be great.

Crispin enjoyed a strong tailwind up Loch Etive and after a dry June the river was almost non-existent and Scotland's own mini-Moab rocks were fun as ever.

It was so warm at Loch Dochard I popped in for a dip (that's another of the things to do before you are 40-50 ticked off). The finale took in the WHW hill from Inveran back to the car park.

MTB away trips are organised informally on the club message board – all members can post messages and suggest routes, arrange transport and share their photos and reports.

Page 8 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

SBC at the XC championships! (in more ways than one!) The Sprocket Man’s multiple podium places

Another Stirling Bike Club member featured on the podium at Fort William recently, unbelievably in the World Cup Downhill and Four Cross, AS WELL as podium places at the Scottish XC Series and the Scottish Mountain Biking Championships.

Who is this incredible rider I hear you ask? None other than craftsman Kenny Wilson, who makes the trophies for all the above competitions. Kenny makes the trophies using metals such as cast iron, brass and bronze, Scottish slate, and various bike parts like sprockets and disc brake rotors.

Kenny has also kindly supplied the the club trophies for the Wallace Warriors, the SBC Christmas awards dinner and the Plean Cyclocross. In addition he is currently assembling a new piece for the upcoming Battle of the Braes road race.

Kenny professional name is The Sprocket Man and you can see examples of his work here or on his website at http://www.thesprocketman.com. Stirling Bike Club has it’s own page on this site so club members can see a picture of several the trophies that are presented across the club.

It gets better! Kenny is starting to build up contracts in Europe and the USA, and is currently designing the trophies for the Irish National DH Champs and awards for Specialized, Kenny Wilson’s Scottish XC Series trophies (yes, that Specialized!) and is always on the lookout for Recycle your old bike parts commissions. Stirling Bike Club will also be organising a collection of Many thanks to Kenny for his generous donations and old bike parts that Kenny can use in his trophies, clocks discounts. He is providing raffle prizes for the club Christmas bash, and also has some other exciting SBC-branded items in and other items. It’s a good way to recycle dead parts the pipeline – watch this space! and thank Kenny for supporting the club. www.thesprocketman.com The best items to donate are chainrings, cassettes/sprockets, disc brake rotors, lockrings, spokes, spoke nipples, and aheadcaps. Kenny is a creative guy, and can make all sorts of wonderful creations from these old parts.

You’d have thought the mountain bike parts would be the dirtiest apparently it’s the roadie parts that take an age to get clean. Perhaps it’s all those long miles on grimy roads, or perhaps the mountain bikers just keep their bikes more spick and span.

The Christmas bash may be the best place to do this: it will be the largest congregation of club members without their bikes, because nobody wants to lug a bag of old chainrings and rotors around when they are out riding.

I am thinking of gathering a big box of parts and sending it up to Kenny. Please watch the club message board for more details.

Kenny’s trophy for Time Triallist of the Year, won in 2009 by Graeme Hay – Owen

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 9

Commuting & road safety

Commuting tips, or: “How good are you Department for Transport guidance is for traffic islands at the primary position?” to have a cycle bypass or to be used with a 20mph speed limit to mitigate the hazard. I have been delivering cycle proficiency training to adults and children for 2 years and have noticed that few Stirling council have been made aware of the hazard people are familiar or comfortable with riding in the these islands are causing. On Torbrex road a mixture of full time and part time 20mph speed limits are to be “primary position”. The “primary position” is not introduced near the Primary and High Schools, which something from the karma sutra, it is jargon for taking will help mitigate the hazard there. the lane or riding in the middle of your lane. On Polmaise Road and Pike Road the council are 35 years ago, cycle proficiency,told riders keep to the left. “monitoring the situation.” Meanwhile they advise that I first came across the primary position reading cyclists should use the primary position or “position “Richards bicycle book” where he advised “if you can themselves in such a manner that discourages unsafe keep up with the traffic then ride with the traffic.” manoeuvres from being performed by drivers”. Today the set text for modern cycle training is Cyclecraft If you have read this and your reaction is “Yes, that’s all by John Franklin. I do recommend it to everybody who very well but what about…” then I do recommend you rides on road – be they novice or expert.As a cyclist it’s get a copy of Cyclecraft, Franklin will have something the best £10 you can spend on road safety. useful to say.Alternatively ask a Cycle Instructor: I offer a 20% discount for members of Stirling Bike Club! Cyclecraft has pages of text and diagrams describing how and when to use the “Primary Position”, but the – ANDREW ABBESS summary is: The primary riding position should be your normal riding position when you:

• can keep up with the traffic • need to emphasise your presence to traffic ahead • need to prevent following cars from passing unsafely

“It is important when sharing the road not to impede others but you are justified in impeding others if it is to protect yourself.” When you do move left to help other road users (the secondary position) don’t get closer than 0.5m (1 foot) to the edge of the road.

So why am I describing the primary position in a newsletter for skilled and experienced cyclists? In the last five years, many councils including Stirling have increased traffic-calming on 30mph roads, to reduce accidents and encourage people to walk and cycle more. Often this consists of traffic islands along a road. In Stirling this has been done on Torbrex Road, Polmaise Road and Pike Road. Several experienced adult cyclists have experienced problems with these.

Franklin describes centre islands as "some of the most potentially hazardous places on the roads today. Here too you should adopt the primary riding position at the approach, but be ready for the driver who overtakes regardless and then pulls in sharply to the left to pass the island. Signalling right can sometimes assert your right of way, but you must always be prepared to move left quickly and hold on." http://astore.amazon.co.uk/abbesscycletraining-21/detail/0117037400)

Page 10 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

Road: Scottish championships Scottish RR Champs Scottish TT Champs Evan Oliphant (Endura) lead his team to a 1-2-3-4 at the Scottish road race championships at a sunny, windswept Arthur Doyle is the Scottish 10mile and 25mile Time Trial course near Eaglesham. Endura had several riders that chamption again, but Stirling riders gave a strong showing in wanted to win, but track/crit specialist James McCallum both races. Doyle took the titles with a 52:54 25, which is a new record for the Freuchie (Fife) course, and a had to settle for 2nd Gary Hand, 3rd. Defending champion Ross Creber fought to the end for 4th. Ian King rode well within the hour in 58:59, with Graeme Hay Stirling’s Rob Wilkins was the first to attack and got into also comfortably under in 59:20, both PBs I believe. Anda-Jay Burgess (racing under Sandy Wallace Cycles) did 1.02.17. the early break that stuck.Three Endura riders bridged up to this group and whittled it down to five, at which Anda-Jay also rode the Scottish 10 mile championships at point the attacks started and Rob was left on his own. Corpach outside Fort William and was 6th lady in 25:11. I would have given anything to hung on for 4th, but wasn't to be, he said. Ross Creber was chasing hard and Rob was pegged back and eventually finished 8th - still an excellent result.

Ian King Scottish 25 TT - picture by www.veloresults.co.uk Rob Wilkins in the early break - picture by www.veloresults.co.uk

Chasing, trying to hang on for 4th - picture www.veloresults.co.uk Mark Baugh dropped out: championship races are always tough!

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 11

Jane Barr: Scottish women’s road champion

On the 2nd lap, on the longest hill of the course, Natalie Creswick of Twickenham piled on the pressure and held a strong pace all the way up the hill, and the bunch split. Five riders broke away and in Jane’s words, it was pretty brutal and I had to dig deep to stick with them. At the top we started to chaingang and kept the pace high to make sure the break stuck. Claire Williamson was dropped, leaving Jane the only Scot in the break of four. After working together the escapees got a lead of 4:35, and at this point Jane started to believe she could win the title, all she had to do was hang on.

Stirling Bike Club Chairman Mark Baugh added his congratulations:“The club has had various national champions in different age groups and disciplines over Jane Barr of Stirling Bike Club won the Scottish the last few years, including veteran and junior men's women's road race championship in Dumfries in May. road champions and a mountain bike champion, but a Claire Williamson 2nd, Kerry Lang 3rd. Senior champion has eluded us until now. It's all down The Women's National road race was run as part of to Jane's hard work and ability, and its great to see that the Dumfries Bikefest which included events in the effort paying off, long may it continue.” mens and women's National Circuit race series, and the fourth round of 's Premier Calendar Natalie Creswick again increased the pace up the last Series.These races attract the top riders in the UK, and hill, trying to make a break, but the riders held her the women's field included semi-professionals such as wheel. Coming into the headwind near the finish, at Catherine Williamson (Rapha Condor CC), and Hannah about 800m Jane decided to take one more turn at the Barnes (Motorpoint Marshals Pasta). front and then sit on for the finish, but it was a turn too many and she got stuck on the front: I slowed down Kara Chesworth (Dysynni CC ) won the sprint for the trying to save energy for the sprint, made sure I was in the victory from Natalie Creswick (Twickenham CC ) and right gear to attack if anyone tried to come through. At Catherine Williamson (Rapha Condor CC ). Jane Barr 200m the sprint started and they came round me, I tried was the first Scot to cross the line in 4th place and was to catch a wheel but my legs had nothing left so finished crowned Scottish Women's champion. 4th but was ecstatic at winning the Scottish Champs! Jane said: on the first lap, the whole group was together, This follows other recent success, as Jane took third a couple of girls pushed up some hills but it was place in a Vets/Women's road race earlier in May, and nothing serious to break the field up. On the last 7th in a British Series road race in June. All this on top section of the lap, where there was a headwind, it was of her place in the Gold 4 Glasgow squad, that is clear no-one wanted to take the pace and the speed working towards a women’s cycling team for the dropped quite dramatically. I just sat in and sheltered 2014. watching for the break.

Page 12 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

Road — away trips / racing

Away day rides Road Race recap – EDDIE COWLE Road away day rides are organised roughly once a month, from around April. These can be as close as Loch Tay or The first half of the 2010 season has been the most Peebleshire, down to Cumbria or up to Moidart or the successful so far for the club with riders competing North West of Scotland. The away days are organised on the across various categories and achieving great results. forum/message board on the club website. Below are a couple of photos from the recent trip to Moidart. It starts early but after hard work over winter, Robin Wilkins and Eddie Addis decided to take on the Tour Foreign trips Doon Hame Premier Calendar event in early April to Away trips are organised every year in the spring, partly to test themselves against UK elite riders and further raise get some training in, but also to enjoy a sunnier, warmer the profile of the club. Unfortunately Rob's double climate and enjoy company. As with many events, these trips puncture on stage one ended his race early, but Eddie are advertised on the club forum/message board. survived this 'sufferfest' finishing a creditable 76th out of This year there was a trip to Majorca, as well as a trip to the 100 starters. Italy, which has become a regular slot in the calendar, with the Belvedere Hotel in Riccione, near Rimini having become Although Eddie's season was ended prematurely by a firm favourite. It is truly a cycling-friendly hotel, with bike illness, Robin continued 2010 where he left off in 2009; hire, a secure store room, bike wash area, laundry service, results such as 2nd in the Sam Robinson and 8th in the cycle routes and guides. See www.belvederericcione.com if National Championships mean he's now well on the you fancy it for next year. The hotel and club have built up a way to his 1st cat licence. good relationship recently with our regular visits. One of the club’s new racers, Jane Barr, hit the ground As usual the Stirling contingent enjoyed rides with the other cyclists staying at the hotel which include a “Long and Easy running in 2010 with a series of top 20 finishes Group” and a fast bunch. culminating in 3rd place in the Falkirk BC May Day Gallup. Jane continued to ride strongly during the early season and in late May all the hard work paid off as she was crowned Scottish Women's Road Race Champion following a hard fought event in Dumfries. Another rider who has caught the eye in the results section is ex MTBer Richard McDonald. Having swapped his knobbly tyres for slicks, he was frequently dishing out the pain on club rides indicating strong potential on the road scene. Following some solid results in the early races his season has now taken off with 1st place in the Lothian Flyer Road Race and 2nd place in Super 6 B race all in the same weekend.

Getting the Corran Ferry over to Ardnamurchan for the Moidart away day ride With over a dozen riders currently racing regularly for the club, it is impossible to cover all the strong rides that have taken place so far this year and performances from the clubs younger riders such as Jack Barrett give an indication that there is plenty more to come in the future. One common factor that seems to help all the riders develop is the Tuesday night training run that is now enjoying a strong attendance allowing for multiple groups to cover all abilities. The effort required for this session is as close to real racing as you can get and seems to be bringing novice riders quickly up to a competitive level. Hopefully this will help the club achieve even more great results during the rest of the 2010 season! Graham Walsh and Archie Johnstone soaking up the rays on Moidart

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 13

Road — racing

Jack Barret’s season

Jack started the season with a bang, taking 2nd place in the first Scottish Power Renewables “Sup6r Six” Series of road races at Gifford. He was in the mix all day, getting into one breakaway, and then pulling away with the winner Craig Dale, a strong triathlete, near the end. He immediately jumped up from 4th category to 3rd, and entered the A race of the second Sup6r Six, the Duncan MacGregor near Dunfermline. Rubbing shoulders with pros and 1st and 2nd cat riders, did not seem a problem and Jack managed a solid bunch finish on the tough hilly circuit. He also raced the Dave Campbell, a tough E123 event, and placed 18th in the Jack Murray junior trophy. Jack’s ambition was obvious with his disappointment at this finish, expressing frustration that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and missed the crucial split. The Dundee Stage Race is another tough test, taking in a hill climb prologue and two road stages. Jack put it a lot of team work chasing breakaways with Callum and Mark B, to try to win the race for team leader Robin. 18th place in the Sam Robinson RR was a great result, coming

Peter Cullen riding the track at Dundee in a bunch of chasers 5minutes down on the leaders. Jack beat lots of strong and experienced riders in this event. Outwith Scotland, Jack has been testing himself against Britian’s top juniors in the Somerset Junior Road Race in April, the Tour of the Isle of Man stage race in May and the Tom Simpson RR in June as part of an informal Scottish team of juniors. If 6am interval training over the winter wasn’t a big enough indication of Jack’s committment, he is travelling to Belgium in the summer to test himself in races over there. All the hard work and results are paying off too, with selection to the Scottish Junior team having just been confirmed, for the Tour of Valomrey stage race in France in July. – well done!

Jack Barrett playing the team role in the Dundee Stage Race

Eddie Cowle and Callum Maclean in the Duncan MacGregor (2nd Super6) Jack Barrett, 18th Place in the Sam Robinson Sup6r Six

Page 14 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

Bike reviews Argon18 Galium

Road Racers Eddie Addis and Mark Baugh have both invested in full carbon Argon18 bikes from Flying Fox (below). Eddie has the Gallium but hasn’t ridden it since going down with glandular fever after the Tour Doon Hame – I didn’t want to get it dirty! he said. The bike can be sold as a frame-only, and have the customer’s groupset transferred over. Mark Baugh being a Campagnolo devotee went for this option: I bought the Argon18 frame as a replacement for my Giant TCR carbon. I liked the Argon18s firstly because all the reviews were good, they look nice and you dont see many around yet. It reminds me a lot of the Cervelos with the flat toptube and a mix of oversize and thin tubes about the frame, the seat stays are nice and curvey going down to a rather oversized bottom bracket and all these without doubt Transitions Covert contribute to a very stiff and responsive frame. Chris Philipson in Switzerland – not a club member but a Some of the reviews mentioned the ride being quite harsh but name that the clever ones among you might recognise as this is something I definately havent noticed and if anything is familiar – bought the Transitions Covert from Flying Fox in an area of improvement over the Giant. The Giant was always May, and it is now a brand carried by the shop. a nice bike to climb on and the Gallium feels much the same, the biggest difference I can comment on so far is on the It’s a burly all mountain machine with 160mm front travel and descending with the Gallium an extemely easy bike to handle a slack head angle that can handle some really big hits. The on speedy descents such as the Dukes or Crow. Overall a geometry and rear shock are designed well though, so it can great bike, highly recommended, now I just need to stick climb excellently too. It is intended to be ridden aggressively some better components on it! and takes something from both cross-country and downhill bikes. The drivetrain features an internally-geared front mech: has to be seen to be believed!

Lapierre Zesty 314

Steven Smith test-rode a demo bike from Flying Fox recently – the Lapierre Zesty 314 (below right). This full-suspension bike features 140mm travel on the front and rear, and is billed as an all-day/enduro/XC machine. After riding it, Steven thought there was no need for more travel than the 140. With the dry, fast trail conditions that we have seen during May and June, Steven was finding some winning lines down the paths of Dumyat, Pendreich and Mine Woods during a late-night session when the trails were quiet. It was excellent, fast downhill and a great pedaller, there was a little bit of bob at the back when I was up out of the saddle climbing but not much. When seated it climbed perfectly. If I didn't already have a similar bike I'd be saving up for this one, he said. Callum also saw the bike and was impressed with the speed and handling on the technical downhill and cross country sections. A Lapierre Zesty 314 – one of the best all-day bikes around

Spoke n’ Words July 2010 Page 15

Stirling Bike Club in the community SBC Trash Quest 2010

At Stirling University on a Sunday morning in April, an enthusiastic group of around a dozen volunteers spent one hour in the woods removing and then sorting trash in order to “put something back” (or, to take something out) of the trails that are enjoyed so much for cycling and walking.

Stirling Bike Club's TrashQuest event coincided with a big clean-up effort throughout the country, as part of Keep Scotland Tidy's National Spring Clean. Volunteers from various communities were out in force around Stirlingshire.

Callum Wilson, Stirling Bike Club's mountain bike rep said: “The rain stopped and it turned out as a lovely sunny day. It was heartening that last years TrashQuest had really improved the lower crags but there was still plenty of trash to collect in other bits of the woods.”

Prizes were provided by Stirling Bike Club and Flying Fox Bikes of Alva for the volunteers who gathered the heaviest total trash collected, the single heaviest item and the most unusual item.

The winner collected 22kg of rubbish in the allotted one hour. Donald Maclean (Sport Stirling's Coach of the Year) collected the heaviest single item - a 7kg tyre, and the most unusual items included a can in a shoe, a floor polisher, a make-up kit, footballs, and tennis balls.

In total, 165.5kg of rubbish was collected, which is an increase from last year's 101kg haul.

Page 16 Spoke n’ Words July 2010

Stirling Bike Club sponsors and supporters

Flying Fox Bikes Variable Discount t: 01259 76 31 09 w: www.flyingfoxbikes.com

PETE MOULDING (aka Pedro) of Flying Fox Bikes talks to SBC

Wheels of Callander We have had a few issues to get our teeth into in the last few months, including Variable Discount our sign blowing off, leaks from upstairs and many other external factors! t: 01877 331 100 However, we are still smiling and while we are inundated with stock, we are w: www.scottish-cycling.com thinking of moving to larger premises. To busy ourselves further, we are going to change the company profile so we can prove the fact we are ethical and give money to good causes and charities. Watch this space!

We are very proud of our clothing lines in particular (Gore, Craft and Smartwool) and have been getting in a few nice bike brands recently. On the mountain bike side Lapierre, Yeti, and Transition have been added, and Look and Forme have come in on the road side. These join our existing mountain Rock & Road bike lines of Whyte, Marin, Kinesis and Mondraker, the Argon 18 and Eddy 10% discount clothing & Merckx road bikes, and the Haro BMXs. accessories t: 01786 834 888 We have a very loyal customer base, so thanks to those folk for coming in to w: www.rockandroadcycles.co.uk the shop and supporting us. We have also shown many people around the local trails and got them into our great sport. We are having a massive sale on many items in the next few weeks too.

On another note, we have recently sorted out a supplier for SBC shorts and Summits, Stirling jerseys so hopefully that means we will have some more for this year. If 10% Discount anyone would like any, please drop me a message through the website. t: 0845 601 0262 w: www.summits.co.uk Happy cycling, let's hope the glorious sunshine continues. Hope to see you on those dusty trails soon!

Stirling Cycle Repairs 10% Discount on Parts & Labour t: 01786 451 559 w: www.stirlingcyclerepairs.co.uk

Mark Leadbetter Cycle mechanic -Club Discount mob: 07838 250 177 Caption Competition - just for fun!