Paisley Daily Express

Members enjoy flat loop

- Craig Ritchie

After the drenching of the previous weekend, Paisley Velo returned to cycling in somewhat drier weather this time around.

The Saturday bunch kicked off proceeding­s with another fast and flat loop to Gourock and Inverkip.

Other members headed out on a loop around Renfrewshi­re, with club runs headed to two destinatio­ns on Sunday.

The Wee Ring went round Renfrewshi­re, ending up at the Boarding House, in Howwood, for their café stop, and the Middle and Big Ring groups took themselves off to Strathaven. It was a good 50-mile ride, with one or two other riders extending their route, covering in excess of 60 miles for the day.

Meanwhile, Sam McGrath was going off-road at the Irvine Beach Cyclocross Race and clocked up a time of 58.01mins on a difficult and busy, but highly enjoyable course full of sand, big hills, mud and ‘hunners of bikes’.

A club spokesman said: “Sam’s really enjoying taking part in these races and we can see him improving as time passes — it’s no wonder he won last week’s Hill Climb Championsh­ip with legs powerful enough to see him do a sub-one hour race at Irvine.”

Continuing with the off-road theme, Simon Arnold also went out on his CX bike and took in the Old Kilpatrick hills in perfect conditions for some off-road fun.

Unfortunat­ely, Colin Sales was unable to start the Tour de Trossachs TT in Aberfoyle due to a stomach infection. However he was able to come out and enjoy a gentle ride with the Wee Ring group.

Meanwhile, Colin Powley hit the track with Gary Kelly at the Velodrome on Sunday evening, spending two hours on a new track bike, which was ideal training for the upcoming Track League.

This week, the club will be trying out night circuits at one of three courses in Hillington, Foxbar and Erskine.

Velo are also holding a bunch training event on Sunday morning at Inchinnan Business Park for new and existing members.

The group will meet at QBikes at 9am, but head to Inchinnan before the club runs after the session.

The Saturday bunch will meet at QBikes as normal at 8am.

 ?? ?? Uphill battle Sam McGrath was in fine form on the hills of Irvine — despite having to carry his bike Back in the saddle McGrath takes the more leisurely route of riding his bike. SCX photos by Gary Kelly
Uphill battle Sam McGrath was in fine form on the hills of Irvine — despite having to carry his bike Back in the saddle McGrath takes the more leisurely route of riding his bike. SCX photos by Gary Kelly

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