Putting the pedal to the metal

Ten members of Ayr Roads/ Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club were amongst hundreds of cyclists who took part in Pedal the Park Sportive on Sunday.

David Hill of the Roads club was again one of the main organiser’s of this popular event.

Promoted by the local Community Cycling Club, the event supports CLIC Scotland, helping children and their families affected by cancer .

The event, now in its third year, takes in a 100km circuit with over 4,000 feet of climbing.

Starting from Lochwinnoch, the route headed for Bridge of Weir before turning down the coast through Inverclyde, and then inland into the hills above Greenock to Loch Thom and then homewards with the ‘ sting in the tail’ climb of Fairlie Moor.

All Ayr Roads competitors completed the circuit despite a spate of punctures.

Ayr Roads members also featured in the 3 Castles Duathlon, promoted by Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club on Sunday.

The event featured a 5km distance run, followed by a 27km bike race run over the Pennyglen Circuit.

In the main event, Calum MacDonald took second place with Toni McIntosh taking second in the ladies race.

Calum dropped a place from last year’s event when he took 1st, whereas Toni improved her placing from 3rd in 2017 to 2nd this year.

Meanwhile, Paul Rodwell, and young Iain Fisher represented the club in the Peebles Cycling Club’s Road Race on Saturday.

This 55 mile Road Race was staged over the Border’s hillier terrain.

On the final climb before the finish, Paul was sitting in the leading group of riders.

Paul put up a great display in the lead out to the finish and was amongst the top twelve finishers in this hard fought race.

At the time of going to press, the final standings have not been released.

Peebles was also the venue on Sunday for the early season classic hilly time trial which follows a scenic 25 mile loop over the Meldon Hills.

This Scottish Cycling National Olympic Time Trial Championship promoted by Edinburgh Road Club attracted some of the best of Scotland’s Time Triallists, who favour the hillier terrain.

Ayr Roads and Loudon Road Club represented Ayrshire.

The fastest Ayrshire rider was Marc Anderson of the Loudon club with a fine 59.46 .

Ayr Roads rider Mark Warters was second fastest Ayrshire rider with 1.02.41.

Thursday night’s conditions were much more favourable than last week for the evening

‘ 10’ Mile Time Trial on the Loans course.

No less than seven club members secured personal best times.

Times: Calum MacDonald 21.37; Tom G. Hill 22.51 pb; Scott Knox 23.04 pb; Harry Brawley 23.33; Jody Gerrard 23.38; Craig Allison 23.42; Duncan McArthur 23.52; John McKie 24.01 pb; Ross Milvenan 24.33 pb; Grant Young 24.46; Bobby McGhee 24.50 pb; John Gemmell 25.37; Aileen Fisher 26.46 pb; Archie Arthur 26.46 pb.