Paul shows he’s a flier for the Roads
McSkimming wins the final league event
Paul McSkimming took the spoils when Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club held their last league event of the season, over a technical cyclo cross course at Craigie on Saturday.
Paul was closely followed by young Iain Fisher, with 10 seconds separating the other club members of Alex McAllister, Scott Knox, Robert Kelly and Bobby McGhee.
The third round of the Scottish National Cyclo- Cross Series took place on Sunday in Strathclyde Park, Motherwell six Roads members competing in various race categories.
Promoted by East Kilbride Road Club, the event attracted a sell- out entry with over 600 cyclo cross riders from over Scotland taking part.
Janet Erskine finished fourth lady while in the youth race, Ollie Kelly finished tenth in a field of over 100.
On the vets scene, Fraser Tait put up a great performance finishing 18th with John Gemmell in the upper half of the field.
In the seniors’ event, young Ian Fisher riding his first competitive cyclo cross race, put up a strong performance, followed by Ollie’s father Robert.
With fine weather on Sunday, the club run headed out into a stiff breeze, taking in northern roads by way of Dundonald, Kilmaurs and then over by Fenwick, Waterside and Galston, before riding homewards with a good tailwind by Crosshands, Craigie and Underwood. A distance of 55 miles.
The midweek run, also benefited from a tailwind homewards from their northerly sojourn which took them by Dalry, the Haley Brae, Brisbane Glen and Loch Thom, before a stop on the return leg at Largs. A distance of 75 miles.
The Roads club has always prided itself in helping with local charity work and last Wednesday, chairman Alex McAllister and club captain Bobby McGhee supported a Scottish Association for Mental Health fundraising ride round Arran.
The purpose was also to raise awareness about the high suicide rate amongst Scottish young people.
Two young lads were cycling round the island, then climbing Goatfell, and the next day sailed a dingy from Lamlash across to Prestwick Sailing Club.
Alex and Bobby acted as ‘ domestiques’ to the riders, dealing with any mechanicals, keeping the pace up, drafting when required and generally offering advice and above all moral support. The youngsters have so far raised more than £ 1000.
A teenage mountain biker from Prestwick has been voted most improved rider at Walkers Cycling Club.
Daniel Merrilees, 14, only took up the sport 2 ½ years ago with his dad Gary after hiring bikes at Drumlanrig Castle.
But his quick progress won him a trip to Tenerife to take part in a promotional video for adventure holiday company, Adrenalin Rehab.
Daniel flew out with dad Gordon, 51, who is also a club member.
The week’s shoot involved both road and mountain bike riders with various locations in the sunshine island, including drone camera footage.