CLUB NEWSLETTER November 2024

What a day it was...

This was the second of two sessions, and it was amazing that the rain held off. We had a total of 19 kids turn up looking super excited knowing they were going home with a brand-new bike.

But as with all life there is no such thing as a free lunch. They had to go through two hours of pure fun on the bike to earn their reward. It was a joy to see the kids progressing from the first session a month ago. It’s also amazing to watch the pride on the faces of the parents/guardians.

We also had 13 kids turn up that would be doing their first session. We look forward to giving them their reward on the next visit.

We also were running an adult RUAR session at the same time. Some brave parents, 13 total, took to their bikes. Some remembering how it’s done, Others needing bit of coaxing and coaching.

The early bird catches the worm. But the early goat just gets the hump!!

We set off from Newton at dawn on route to the ferry port at Troon (A change route from the planned Ardrossan due to technical fault and cancellation). The trip across the Firth of Clyde was spectacularly calm. Although our stomachs were in turmoil as the lounge area was permeated with the scent of bacon rolls. But alas none were for sale or rent! On arrival at Brodick we had coffee at ‘CopperWheats’…a very useful place as you can store luggage here at a very reasonable price of £3.

We rolled out on bikes on the planned clockwise route around the island. A gentle westerly wind and clear blue skies gave us a boost as we immediately headed up hill and over to Lamlash with views across to the Holy Isle. We then followed the gorgeous undulating coastal road all the way round to Blackwaterfoot. We stopped here for ‘lunch’ at an appropriately named ‘on a Roll’ café.

We then headed north towards Lochranza. Passing sunbathing seals on the way and views across to the Kintyre Peninsula. A slight north westerly headwind kept the pace of riding to a civilized sprint!! Arriving at Lochranza is like arriving on a movie set.

The 13th century Lochranza castle sits on a promontory surrounded by sea and mountains. It is believed the Robert The Bruce landed at Lochranza on his way to claim the throne of Scotland in 1306. That said, we were more concerned by the looming climb. A 4km long climb with approx. 200m elevation and with 75km in the legs already it presented a real challenge.

It is a beautiful climb and the descent down to Sannox is a joy. From Sannox it was a fast dash with slight tail wind back to Brodick. We re-grouped at the CopperWheats coffee shop and put warm clothes on and picked up luggage.

We then headed for a snack at Crofters pub where plenty carbs were devoured and even a bit of beer/cider. Tired bodies boarded the ferry for the return to the mainland. The drive back home was a tough gig for those that provided vehicles. A big shout out to them.

The Goat was well satisfied with the day and pressed me for details of our next outing... watch this space!

Sometimes it is okay to blow one’s own trumpet...

As a relatively new cycling club, Galloway Hillbillies has some very talented individuals indeed.

Three such individuals qualified and competed in the World Gravel Championships earlier this month...

Bruce McCleary, Sofia Christiansen and Frankie Lochrie

What an experience. 181km of classic Belgian terrain. Cobbles, farm tracks, crazy roads through towns... not to mention the sketchy full gas start into a footpath alongside a river... "don't turn right!" Racing in the 40-44 age group but being on course behind the elite race meant that we got to soak up the full atmosphere of the crowd along the route from Halle through the ancient Brabant forest. The highlight though was undoubtedly passing through the finish twice in Leuven on the final circuit loop, the noise was incredible We also managed to get the full Belgian experience by staying with a local family in Halle we met at the first edition of the Gralloch. Local ride Koen (who finished 20 seconds ahead of me after a great race all day) and his wife Nelé looked after us with airport pickups, course recons and post-race frites and local beers! It's so fantastic that 3 Hillbillies made it over to Belgium for the event and just highlights how valuable it is that we have a qualifier every year in Gatehouse. I was hoping for around the 6hrs mark and in the end came in 181st out of 232 starters in 5hrs 58 minutes. Overall, just happy with competing in the event and being part of it...

oh, and that MVP didn't lap me on the finish circuit!

Before you read this, I have to offer a note of caution, if you intend to try racing for the first time, please do not use my preparation and experience as a guide of good practice...

In the week leading up to the event I hadn’t even considered taking part, gravel racing was not something I had ever considered, and it had also been several years since I last competed. I had contacted the race organizer looking for a late entry and had been told the event was full and it was unlikely that I would get place so I had resigned myself that it would have to be next year I would give it a go.

My race preparation consisted of the following:

The Saturday before I was invited to a 100km road ride only to find

out 30km into the ride that it would be a 100mile ride. My first 100mile ride in several years, yes, I had been hood winked by so called friends who found this amusing. Tuesday was our usual Mountain Bike night ride, but I decided that I would do some extra and instead of the usual 90-minute ride I did double that. Thursday night social gravel ride turned into a flat out 40-mile blast where I competed against a younger generation on gravel bikes while riding my cross-country mountain bike. Being a stubborn old git, as some will know I put a lot of effort in to making sure they didn’t see I was destroyed. This would have been a great week's riding had I not got an email on the Friday morning to say it was my lucky day and they had in fact, managed to squeeze me into the race. This was met with excitement but shortly after reality set in. At this point I had neither raced a gravel event before nor did I own a gravel bike. I spent the next few hours trying to produce a plan but was eventually rescued by Harry Barr who very kindly leant me his Kinesis Gravel bike and Sam from the Breakpad, and her team prepared the bike.

Race day arrives and I’m in Gatehouse where I was given some sound advice by Mia (lectured actually) on my nutrition or lack off and made to buy some snacks to take on the journey. Being of the older generation I was a later start and did a warmup which

consisted of two laps of Gatehouse high street. I must add it was amazing to see all these cyclists and their support buzzing about the town. Gatehouse really embraces this event and is setting an example to all our towns and villages about what can be achieved locally. As I am sure you have gathered by now there was no real race strategy, my plan was just to hang in there and get round without crashing or any requirements for a defib.

The weather in the day was kind to us and even though the sun was out I managed to get round without the need for any factor 50 sun protection on my very fragile skin. The race itself was great, I managed to chat with people from all over the country as I made my way round the amazing course which offered some spectacular local scenery. At least 3 or 4 other competitors commented on our beautiful area and how lucky we are.

The course offered right from the start some tough ascents and technical descents as well as fast flowing flatter sections including a short stretch of road. The Kinesis gravel bike took everything in its stride and eventually I got a little bit more confident on the rougher descents, but I must confess to having a few butt clenching moments. The pace of the race is what surprised me most, the groups who started after me didn’t take long to reel me in and leave me in their dust. I eventually completed the race in a respectable 3: 31: 07 and have to say that I loved every minute of the day. I will be back next year I think

and may even do better prep in advance if the day.

Well, done to everybody who took part, the organisers and to the local community who fully embraced this event, the whole atmosphere of the evet was awesome.

To finish I would like to share thought and vision with you:

How amazing it would be if the old railway line from start to finish was opened as a multi-use trail for everybody to enjoy.

Dear All

Winter begins and we head into dark.

GallowayTheGoat and I would like to reach out to all of you and thank you for your continued support. Please take this opportunity at this changing of the clocks moment to check that your membership is up to date.

By continuing to renew your membership and pay fees the club continues to thrive.

Being a Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club member means that you get the benefits of:

Newsletter with members events, early entry and discounts to Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club races. Membership also gives you 10% off at The Breakpad Bike Shop, The Café at Kirroughtree, Studio Velo, CD Cycles and Kirkcowan Cycles.

Thank you in advance of your support,

GallowayTheGoat