Grassroots of Ayrshire cycling event in Loans

The first week of April has for generations of Ayrshire cyclists heralded the start of club confined events.

The club ‘ 10’ mile time trial has been at the grassroots of bike racing in Ayrshire for over a century.

The first evening ‘ 10’ was held last Thursday night on the Loans course.

As expected; a cool evening and with a face wind from the turn prevented fast times.

Yet two personal best times were recorded.

Young Iain Fisher took two minutes off his pb with a fine ride recording 25: 01 for the course.

Considering that Iain spends months at sea as a marine engineer, his was the best performance of the night.

Andy Hill too recorded a pb, and like Iain is not a regular time triallist.

Newcomer Archie Arthur in his first ever race was well pleased also with his effort.

The best time of the night was that of Calum MacDonald, who recorded 22: 44.

Other times: Thomas G. Hill 23: 10; Scott Knox 23: 33; H. Brawley 24: 04; D. McArthur 24: 23; I. Fisher 25: 01 pb; J. Gemmell 25: 29; Archie Arthur 26: 56; D. Hill 27: 20 pb.

Ayrshire Clubs were represented in the Hilly Time Trial promoted by the Carrick Cycling Club.

The route was from Dalmellington to Carsphairn and return.

Winner of the event was Douglas Watson of GTR Racing Team in a time of 39: 25 for the 18 mile course.

Mark Skilling of the promoting club posted a fine time of 41: 59.

Calum MacDonald of the Roads club recorded 45: 00 and super vet John Gemmell 51: 42.

Sunday also featured the club’s first league event of the season.

The hill climb from Dalrymple to the summit of the Ballycoach had thirteen competitors as well as a fair number of supporters from the club’s Sunday run.

Calum MacDonald secured his second win of the season with a fine time of 7: 51.

Other times: Graham McLeod 8: 38; Ed Clifton 8: 45; Scott Knox 9: 23; Bobby McGhee 9: 47; Toni McIntosh 9: 51; Ross Mulvennan 10: 03; Iain Fisher 10: 09; Tony Garnett 10: 43; Aileen Fisher 11: 14; Colin Armstrong 13: 00.