Latest Ayrshire cycling: June 25

Jun 26 2009 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

TORRIDON, Scotland's adventure playground, was the destination last week for the far-travelled mountain bikers of Walkers Cycling Club.

The route had all the ingredients of a classic epic ride – breathtaking scenery, big climbs including steep hike-a-bike sections, and descents that pushed the daredevil bikers to the limit of their abilities.

Gavin Turnbull based the cycle on a recent MBR ride of 40km, a distance that doesn’t suggest a hard day’s mountain biking. However, tricky terrain and long climbs at the start slowed the group, taking them four hours just to complete the first 8km.

Steeper climbs and technical descents followed but the group worked together to beat off tiredness, sort pinch punctures and help one unfortunate rider who took cramp.

The last stretch was on road to the bunkhouse which the riders reached at 8pm, 10 long and weary hours after setting out, having climbed 6,000ft and lost as many calories in the process.

WALKERS CC riders Tommy Gribbon and Neil Walker overcame extreme conditions to both come close to their season best times on the famous ‘West Ferry’ course near Bishopton. Conditions proved testing with heavy rain throughout the day and a strong cross-headwind.

Neil Walker finished in 11th place with a time of 22.45 and Tommy Gribbon finished in 33rd place in 26.12. Club member Martin Shields, competing for Ayr Roads CC, posted a time of 25.45.

A SERIES of cycle rides for newcomers has been organised by John and Susan Walker of Walkers Cycling, Kilmaurs. Beginners are asked to bring along helmets and lights on the Thursday night outings on countryside roads. Meet at the shop at 7.15pm.

THE trekking twosome from Walkers Cycling Club took in the annual Dumfries pageant on their 50-mile cycle around the flatlands of the Solway Coast on Saturday.

AYRSHIRE CTC have an easy ride (average 25 miles) on Sunday, leaving from the Walker Hall, Troon, at 11am. Take along sandwiches if you are joining them. Details from Drew Moyes or Pat Standen on 01290 550276.

ROSS Creber delivered the win for the dominating Endura Race Team in the 44th edition of the David Bell Memorial Race, run by Ayr Roads CC at Straiton, on Saturday. Creber was the victor from a surviving group of six after a war of attrition across 70 miles of south Ayrshire’s steepest hill roads.

Team-mate and reigning Scottish road champion, Evan Oliphant took second, narrowly edging out visiting James Sampson of the Candi TV/Marshall’s Pasta team.

Winner of the David Bell Trophy for the first finisher from the host club was former professional Kilmarnock Football Club player, Mark Skilling, who said: “This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, ten times harder than football!”

The David Bell Memorial is run in honour of David E T Bell, better known as the Highwayman whose weekly cycling column in the Ayrshire Post reached a much wider audience than sporting enthusiasts. The year 2009 also marks the 20th anniversary of club support from Harry Fairbairn BMW who was joined as a sponsor this year by John Gemmell Coachworks.

THREE Fullarton riders travelled to Aberdeen on Sunday for the Scottish 25 mile time trial championship. Placings from 120 entries were: Gordon Graham 28th (56.49), David McLellan 37th (57.27) and David Wards 53rd (59.32).

Gordon Graham rode to sixth place in the Inverclyde velo 10 mile time trial at Bishopton on Thursday with a time of 22 mins 13 secs.

Ten Fullarton cyclists rode out from Irvine on Sunday morning for a trip on local roads and hills around Stewarton, Neilston and Uplawmoor, heading back via Dalry.

This Sunday Fullarton Wheelers are going to Arran for a social lap of the island. Anyone interested should simply turn up for the 9.45am ferry.

Fullarton’s two mountain biking aces have recorded good results at recent events.

Mary Wark became the first ever women’s Scottish champion in the Grand Vets class at Fort William last week. She was second on the day, but the only one to “qualify”.

Steve Flindall was 7th, his highest placing yet.

Their next event is the Corrieyairak Challenge, which combines 17 miles of difficult mountain terrain and 26 miles of Highland road, on Saturday, July 4.

ROAD diary dates, courtesy of Cycling Weekly: Sunday, July 12 – The Radar Ride, Wanlockhead (105, 65, 40 miles) www.pumpkinpartners.co.uk; Sunday, August 23 – Ken Laidlaw Scottish Borders Sportive, Hawick (160, 60 km) www.hamishdsmith.co.uk; Sunday, September 6 – Tour of Tweeddale, Peebles (90, 70, 50 miles) www.entrycentral.com; Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20 - Cycle Cairngorms Sportive, Aviemore (170,50 miles) www.cyclecairngorms.org; Saturday, October 31 – Braveheart Fundraising Ride, Kilmarnock (44, 20 miles) www.braveheartcyclingfund.com

MARK SKILLING: The ex-Killie player (left) says weekend hilly cycling event was ten times harder than football.