Kings Park

There was a strong field for this race and an even stronger windchill factor. The snow made the course like riding through sand which was also rather unpleasant. I had high hopes for the race which were dashed on lap two. In the cold, despite a warm-up I pulled a muscle at the hurdles and was in bloody agony the rest of the race. I finished in 30th place which was my best placing of the season. Although I was last of the finishers I didnt end up last over all owing to riders who werent able or willing to finsih.
Im rider 30

Auchentoshan

Auchentoshan brought cheerier results than the week before. Dry weather and some brilliant singletrack made for some fun racing. I found myself moving up a group of riders and into my best result of the season in 35th. My favourite round so far.

Lochore Meadows Sadness

The muddiest event of the year so far was on the East Coast near Lochgelly for the Lochore Meadows Cylocross. Things were going so well untill 2 laps from home so much muck in my rear drailuer amd it explode.
The moral victory was mine however as I lifted the bike and ran a lap and a half to still finish the race. The picture is of the now dead rear part of the bike. The hanger is now my keyring.

It was freezing cold,mucky mucky mucky, and the Hub was too busy. Never the less it was good to get Stumpy out and round the red route at GT (with a touch of blue to finish).
Few new log rides and the new centre looks like it is going to be good.

Mugdock Park

Heres a few pictures from the cyclocross at Mugdock park. This was my favourite so far. I thought I did well but ended up 41st!!! Anyway a break for a couple of weeks before heading to Lochgelly.

Strathclyde Park Cyclocross 17.10.10

After a heavy case of sinusitis and a chest infection, maybe taking part at Strathclyde cyclo cross wasn’t the best idea and it certainly didn’t feel like it after 1 lap. I had thought though “Come last sitting at home or come last at the event!”
In the end I didn’t come last and surprised myself by overtaking a few people that I didn’t expect to on the last couple of laps. I even managed to get my photo without my mouth wide open panting for air!

Cyclo Cross

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Probably down to the fact I’ve done little or no mountain biking of note. That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been off roading of the two wheeled variety. As mentioned before I have also been the proud owner of a CUBE X-Race Pro cyclo cross bike. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=44411
With this in mind I decided to enter the Scottish Cyclo-Cross scene and with no regrets I am having a whale of a time. The first round was at Meadowmill where I placed 47th and second round was in Plean Country Park where a more cross country style course saw me finish 41st.
It’s great fun and there is a super atmosphere at all the races. I have been racing with Walkers Cycles and the team are very supportive with riders in all the disciplines (female, veteran and seniors)
The next round is Sunday 17th in Strathclyde Park.

Selkirk Marathon 2010

So I completed the 50k half marathon in Selkirk. Very hard as it was my first marathon. Ive done 50k loads but the 3 hill climbs were punishing especially the last one at 35k. I completed it in just undeer 4 hours.
It was the hardest cycle I've ever done but I'm looking forward to my next marathon and possibly a full one!

10 Under

So 10 under the ben was completed in some real rain. We achieved 7 laps as Team Trust me I'm a Stomach and came a credible 67th (the first 66 teams cheated by using skill and fitness).
Good fun though and great to be in a race. Next up a solo ride for me in the Slekirk Chain Reaction 50km

Fort Bill - Witches Trails

good days riding at Fort William Nevis Range on Saturday at the Witches Trails.
First ride of the day was a pore-race practice on the 10 Under the Ben course. Good and fast at some sections but for most part seemed like a blue run.
After a short break and a biscuit we tried the World Champs XC course. Steep steep steep uphill followed by a fantastic singltrack run all the way to the car park!

Craufurdland

Out riding at Craufurdland trails yesterday and there is a few new bits of singletrck and its all running dry and great just now.

Glentress

Took a trip to Glentress. Warm day but still snow at the top. Got a puncture and Chris nearly had a spectacular crash!

Whitelee 40 miler

Did a 40 mile loop from Darvel to the back of Whitelees windfarm then on down the A77 into Kilmarnock and back to Darvel. Great weather

Firetower Trails

Went to the Firetower Trail near Lochgilphead in Argyll and Bute. I was a bit dissapointed with it it. Biggest section was actually closed for forestry work and the rest was pretty average. The North Shore was quite good but not enought to make me get back on the bike for a second lap.

Dark Skies for "The Stomach"

THe Stomach made its race debut yesterday at Kirroughtree Dark Skies Race. The course was quite a tough wee 6km but fun none the less. To be honest we got our hopes up about a podium finish too soon. As we headed to the start line two riders from team GB were along side us. We were in the lead for the first 28 inches but after the four hours (2 in the dark) we came a creditible 16 having done 6 laps of the course(team GB managed 11). After the race there was a team there from Edinburgh Royal Observatory with a planetarium which was brilliant and the night sky down there was amazing. Definitely will go back next year.