[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Aye, the effort was intense at times Stevie and always feels good once you’ve finished knowing you’ve giving it your best.

I fell for the arch as well. The trouble with setting a distance is you don’t know precisely where it is going to finish and there was no reconnaissance as the circuit wasn’t a currently available ride option. I could have done a recon by setting up a Meetup with at least one other rider and choosing the route from the Meetup options… I’ll try that next time.

I hope my brother Allen was doing his fair share of the work.

More feedback from others would be welcome.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Well that was a tough circuit tonight. I hadn’t realised there was so much climbing involved…. over 1500 feet in the end. I think there were 21 starters but only 14 finishers. Perhaps people didn’t fancy the route or there were a few out on there bikes in the decent weather.

Apologies for there being no Broom Wagon this week. I thought I’d have a wee crack at racing it myself for a change.. boy did that feel like a wrong decision after a few laps keeping up with Darren. Possibly the hardest effort I’ve made since I last road a crit for real in the 1985 Girvan 3-day (36 years ago and I’ve never forgotten the beating I took).

Anyway, Well done to all who finished. Not so much typing for me this week.

Race Result (No a race):-

1. Darren Kean, 54′ 41″, 279W, 3.51W/Kg.
2. Jim Frew, +00’11”, 255W, 3.43W/Kg.
3. Gordon Graham, +00’13”, 301W, 3.67W/Kg.
4. Drew Agnew, +02’13”, 217W, 3.57W/Kg.
5. Philip Murrison, +05’34”, 233W, 2.62W/Kg.
6. Allen Graham, +05’37”, 218W, 3.04W/Kg.
7. Stevie Watters, +05’41”, 216W, 2.70W/Kg.
=8. Ian Anderson, +06’14”, 204W, 2.63W/Kg.
=8. Simon Porter, +06’14”, 210W, 2.80W/Kg.
10. Tony Williamson, +06’21”, 218W, 2.51W/Kg.
11. Dave Walker, +07’04”, 249W, 2.68W/Kg.
12. Russell Mowat, +08’25”, 167W, 2.95W/Kg.
13. Alec Currie, +11’05”, 217W, 2.56W/Kg.
14. Catherine Logan, +13’02”, 148W, 2.72W/Kg.

Again, the finishing times can be a wee bit funny. I crossed the line just in front of Jim Frew but he must have started further back than me. It’s a pity the start lineup isn’t accross the road instead of along the side.

Great stuff from Darren. When you made the decisive attack I was already well in the red and no chance of going with it. The climbs on each lap got progressively more difficult. In a real crit you can see other riders going full gas but on Zwift you’re just hoping their finding it as tough as you are.

What are people’s thoughts on the courses available on Zwift? Does it attract more riders if it is a longer flatter course or indeed if it is more of a sociable ‘keep the bunch together’ ride? I might tick the ‘stay together’ option next week if that helps more riders to join in. With this option it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go, the bunch always stays together.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Hi Howie,

Aye, getting the tech working can be a wee bit of a pain. Hopefully see you Zwifting soon.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

It looks like fine warm weather in those far southern parts Chris. Perfect for outdoor riding. I’ll keep the rides going while we are still restricted under Covid and hopefully see you in a couple of weeks.

There’s a few of us approaching 60… and way too fast ☹

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Hi Steve,

Wi-Fi working ok in Stornoway 😃. I’ve had a look to see if the crit option is available but it looks like it’s not….

“Note: Meetups cannot be held on “event only” routes, or on the event-only maps Crit City and Bologna.”

I’ll have a wee look for another course and post tonight.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Hi Dave,

There was a point where I was dithering and thinking about coming back for you but wasn’t sure what the issue was. I almost suggested to Catherine and Joe we wait. In the end we were getting too close to the finish.

I’ll have a look at the crit Steve, maybe not for next week as I’m away just now. Looks interesting though. There would be no need for a Broom Wagon in that one.

Cheers, Gordon G.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Gordon Hugh Graham.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Gordon Hugh Graham.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Well done to all who took part again tonight. We seemed to lose a couple of riders along the way and Dave W maybe had a couple of issues at the start. Anyway, just a wee quick report of the results tonight as I’ve an early start in the morning.

Young Cameron Muir is putting his swimming fitness to good use on Zwift. He canny quite put out the big Watts that Darren does but the W/Kg seems to be what count on Zwift. I was too far back to see anything but I’m told these two blew it to bits on the Box Hill climb. The Killie boys were saying it was brutal at the front. Great stuff.

There was a wee bit of debate about the finishing positions on the Killie Zwifter’s WhatsApp group. We think when everyone starts in a line the one’s at the back get a quicker time than those near the front if they go over the finish line at the same time. I think I was over the line before Catherine and Joe but I started near the front and ended up with a slower time 😁.

Anyway, Race Results (No a race):-

1. Cameron Muir, 48’46”, 242W, 3.72W/Kg.
2. Darren Kean, +00’07”, 290W, 3.65W/Kg.
=3. Jim Frew, +02’08”, 248W, 3.33W/Kg.
=3. Kevin McNulty, +02’08”, 234W, 3.44W/Kg.
5. Drew Agnew, +02’11”, 213W, 3.50W/Kg.
6. Ian Anderson, +02’13”, 245W, 3.14W/Kg.
7. Alec Currie, +03’43”, 281W, 3.31W/Kg.
8. Philip Robertson, +03’44”, 220W, 3.37W/Kg.
9. Chris Staples, +04’42”, 200W, 3.01W/Kg.
=10. Stevie Watters, +05’14”, 220W, 2.75W/Kg.
=10. Allen Graham, +05’14”, 216W, 3.01W/Kg.
12. Colin Broadfoot, +05’20”, 223W, 2.82W/Kg.
13. Philip Murrison, +05’22”, 251W, 2.79W/Kg.
14. Colin Gillies, +07’12”, 243W, 2.79W/Kg.
15. Ian Hackney, +07’19”, 272W, 2.78W/Kg.
16. Gordon Stead, +07’19”, 236W, 2.95W/Kg.
17. Gordon McLarnon, +08’32”, 223W, 2.73W/Kg.
18. Joe Boyle, +09’45”, 180W, 2.33W/Kg.
19. Catherine Logan, +09’46”, 150W, 2.76W/Kg.
20. Gordon Graham, +09’47”, 237W, 2.89W/Kg.
21. Dave Walker, +11’27”, 246W, 2.65W/Kg.
22. Russell Mowat, +13’15”, 157W, 2.77W/Kg.

I’m working up in Stornoway for next few days but hopefully I’ll have next week’s route posted in a couple of days. If I can’t find the time to research one I’ll re-use one we’ve already done. Anyone have any particular likes?

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Hi Chris,

I rode up Box Hill in 2004 with Graeme Obree. We were out with about 50 others and Graeme felt the need to rip the legs of everyone. I clung on for dear life and was third to the top. Aye, it was a tough one but I don’t aim to replicate this effort on Monday 😄.

Colin, We couldn’t possibly sin bin Derek…. not before the top of the climb anyway 😄.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Oh, and one other thing! I believe there was a bike change took place at the start when one of our riders realised he was on his TT bike. Good to know you can do a change during the event and a very impressive and quick change it was too. I’ve got visions of the said rider travelling many miles to the start of the road race, opening the boot of the car…. and exclaiming ‘Oh Feck!’….

Still, even the top pros do bike changes in the TTs now.

Great stuff,

Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Aye Dave, I saw you were missing. I’ve inadvertently missed a couple of Meetups, one being my antivirus software buggering things up and another being my laptop PSU switched off and battery dying. Preparation is everything 🙄. Hopefully you manage next week.

Stevie W, I’m still waiting on the envelope arriving… I’m sure we agreed 1st class next day delivery and cash was fine. Derek, if you want to reverse the result with Steve next week I’m open to offers. You canny beat the expert advice of an old has-been (perhaps never was 😃).

Anyway, I’m now scratching my head for a route for next week. Hopefully get one sorted in next wee while.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Well done Natalie. Next week you can target 25 or 30k. You were going well before you stopped.

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

It’s a shame you missed the ride Philip. You were certainly on the list of riders going but I can see you are now on the list of ‘Not Going’. I’m not sure if that could have been undone at your end or if I have to resend the invite.

Probably worth taking note of my mobile number and a quick call if it happens again (07719 300 510).

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Well done everyone. 29 finishers tonight with one or two dropping out with software issues. First of all, if you’re reading this Natalie J, how did you get on? I know you’ve said you are happy to ride at your own pace but I’m never happy to leave someone behind.

Although it’s no a race (honest)… my old mate Jim Frew managed over the line first again. He’s an experienced road man from years ago and has been doing Zwift for a couple of years now but I expect he would be sitting in and no expending energy until the decisive move was required 🙄.

Fantastic to see oor Darren mixing it with the Killie boys. On my Killie boys whatsapp group it was noticed there was someone putting out big Watts. Great stuff Darren… no a proper race but back at the top where you belong. JT and Chris S not too far behind either. I didn’t see the battle at the front but I’m feeling the pain thinking about it 😄.

And Ian Hackney worth a mention… no quite the performance of a bake-off champion but doing alright I’d say.

I had a long conversation with Stevie Watters beforehand about how to kick Derek Skinner’s backside. Stevie specifically stated… and I quote.. ‘ if I don’t finish in front of Derek I’ll have to sell my bike and take up golf’. Well, I gave Stevie the benefit of my years of cycling experience and knowledge and he kicked Derek’s backside with relative ease… ‘easy peasy lemon squeezy’ was what he said afterwards (he remembers the original advert).

Must mention Gordon McLarnon’s software didny crash. How did that happen? Gary Tank didny finish but had a very good excuse worthy of Gary Tank… he said it ‘wisny because ma mate Robbo was beating me, it was the software that crashed’. Plausible enough!

Well done to Callum Higgins. Left on the line, I went back for him and then got the shock of my life when he flew past and nearly knocked me off my my bike. These new chaps have plenty to learn about respect for their elders. I was 350W+ trying to get back up to him. Great stuff young Callum 🤨😄.

The Broom Wagon group were team of the week again. Grant, Catherine, Joe, Colin, Callum, me and very nearly Russell all working well together. Thanks to Colin for coming back to help out and I think Joe too. Another powerful finishing sprint by Colin putting plenty of time into the rest of our group.

Speaking of the sprint finish, I hope you liked the flat, straight, bonnie riverside view.

Anyway, result (no a race):-

1. Jim Frew, 47′ 52″, 249W, 3.35W/Kg.
2. Darren Kean, +00′ 13″, 282W, 3.51W/Kg.
3. Kevin McNulty, +00’15”, 225W, 3.31W/Kg.
4. John Todd, +00′ 49″, 285W, 3.10W/Kg.
5. Chris Staples, +00′ 59″, 227W, 3.41W/Kg.
6. Kevin Muir, +01′ 00″, 219W, 3.37W/Kg.
7. Drew Agnew, +01′ 16″, 216W, 3.55W/Kg.
8. Ian Hackney, +02′ 17″, 306W, 3.12W/Kg.
9. Chris Russell, +03′ 08″, 219W, 2.96W/Kg.
10. Stevie Watters, +03′ 11″, 224W, 2.80W/Kg.
11. Philip Robertson, +03′ 14″, 205W, 3.14W/Kg.
12. Willie Hannay, +03′ 33″, 208W, 2.98W/Kg.
13. Derek Skinner, +03′ 36″, 245W, 2.84W/Kg.
14. Allen Graham, +03′ 45″, 216W, 3.01W/Kg.
=15. Jim Ryland, +03′ 48″, 221W, 3.16W/Kg.
=15. Colin Gillies, +03′ 48″, 255W, 2.93W/Kg.
=17. Gordon McLarnon, +04′ 26″, 238W, 2.91W/Kg.
=17. Gordon Stead, +04′ 26″, 238W, 2.97W/Kg.
19. Ian Anderson, +04′ 42″, 247W, 3.17W/Kg.
20. Alec Currie, +04′ 44″, 238W, 2.81W/Kg.
=21. Tony Williamson, +04′ 45″, 219W, 2.74W/Kg.
=21. Simon Porter, +04′ 45″, 244W, 3.25W/Kg.
23. Colin Broadfoot, +10′ 12″, 198W, 2.41W/Kg.
24. Joe Boyle, +10′ 18″, 177W, 2.23W/Kg.
25. Callum Higgins, +10′ 19″, 227W, 2.61W/Kg.
26. Catherine Logan, +10′ 24″, 142W, 2.48W/Kg.
27. Grant Francis, +10′ 25″, 215W, 2.31W/Kg.
28. Gordon Graham, +10′ 26″, 199W, 2.43W/Kg.
29. Russell Mowat, +11′ 21″, 154W, 2.61W/Kg.

I’m not sure if anyone else had software glitches… I have a vague recollection of Simon having to catch up at the start. Maybe not.

Mikey, I hope your cooking for your son’s 18th was worthwhile… and Happy Birthday to him… you’ll now be able to take him out for a pint…. oh no, wait a minute….

Cheers, Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Remember to accept the invite on the Zwift Companion app Callum.

Gordon G.

[Gordon Hugh Graham]

Invite sent Callum. Try and get riding on a course by 6.50pm latest. ‘Join Meetup’ should appear about 6.55pm and takes about a minute to transfer you across.

I’ll be watching out for a ‘Broom Wagon’ group and sweeping up riders as we go.

Cheers, Gordon G.

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