Newsletter - September 2001

  2001 Australian Pursuit Race - Part II

The second running of the Mintlaw - New Pitsligo 22 mile APR on the 21st August was held under less favourable conditions than its predecessor a month earlier. Overcast skies and blustery winds greeted the ten riders at the start line, with the constant threat of rain fortunately never materializing.

The ten were split into 4 groups based (loosely) upon ability, with the first group setting off a full ten minutes before the last. Out on the road all of the groups were working well, with old hands Steve Argo and Mike Harper putting in quick and fluid turns in the scratch group. This enabled them to catch first Eck Whyte then Donny McLean just after the turn at New Pitsligo, Lorna having broken clear earlier (must have been those illegal tri-bars - Ed).

Donny managed to hold on valiantly as Charlie Allan was also caught. Despite a few powerful turns at the front Donny started to feel the pace and drifted off the back as Charlie took a more conservative approach to towing the group. Further down the road Alan Yeatman was ploughing on alone in a fine solo effort. Lorna was next to be caught by the Steve / Mike / Andy Turner / Charlie group, and managed to tag onto the back for quite a while until the pace was upped once more on one of the headwind drags.

As the riders approached the finish it was clear that the scratch men were not going to catch the leaders on the road, with Dave Harrison having to wait for over two minutes for the second person to cross the line. With around 3 miles to go the Steve / Mike / Andy / Charlie group could see the lone figure of Allan Yeatman looming on the horizon and set about quickly reeling him in.

Mike made a dig with about 1 mile to go but Andy was quickly onto his wheel to close the gap. With the line in sight and nobody wanting to lead out the sprint Andy swerved off and braked, forcing Mike to come through. Mike lead all the way to the line to be pipped in the last few metres by a fast finishing Andy, with Charlie coming past to take 4TH on the road. Steve and Mike finishing together, having dragged the group for most of the return leg. Allan Yeatman survived by the skin of his teeth to take a fine 2nd place.

With several lone breaks and 'bunch' sprints a fine time was had by all - especially in the pub afterwards when Charlie got in beers for essential fluid replacement!

Final Result

Paul

  Two Up Time Trials

Results of Race One - June 12th

1st Mike Harper and Stephen Argo (55.01)
2nd Russ Allan and Andy Turner (57.54)
3rd Charlie Allan and David Carnegie (1.01.40)
4th Donnie Mclean and Graham Parley (1.11.32)
5th John and Bill (1.12.53)

Unfortunately Bill Dallas and Alan Yeatman did not get a time due to Alan having a puncture.

My thanks go out to Dave Allan for marshalling near Shire Brae plus Linda Milne for keeping me company.

Results of Race Two - August 7th

1st Mike Harper and Stephen Argo (54.58)
2nd Andy Turner and Dave Allan (56.56)
3rd Lorna Adam and Paul Winters (1.09.25)

David Harrison completed 1 large circuit with Lorna and Paul but unfortunately he took bad leg cramp so he had to walk part of the way back.

Many thanks to Flora for time keeping and for Russ who cheered us on near Shire Brae.

Lorna

  2001 Australian Pursuit Race - Part I

Read Paul's report of the first APR by clicking here.

  Open 10-Mile Time Trial 12th August (Bob Souter Trophy)

Read the results of the TT by clicking here. Read about the Bob Souter Trophy here.

  The 6th Guides, Cubs & Scouts Cycle Run to Udny Station

On Sunday the 24th June at the very end of National Bike Week I dragged along friends, family, guides and scouts on an organised fun cycle run up to Udny Station on the old railway line. As luck would have it, the heat was on, yes the sun was shining and it was gloriously hot, absolutely perfect cycling weather. Everyone turned up to register at the Guide hut before the mass departure and spirits were good as you could see the excitement with the younger participants eager to get going including Norman Fraser a new-born cyclist at 65 years young.

There was no wind to slow the pace down and only some minor technical problems occurred en-route which was dealt with most professionally by our on the day "Bike Doc" Ian Jones attending to that. On arrival at the Udny Arms Hotel there was still the same number of happy and sweaty faces now glad to have made it to the food and drink easing their rumbling tummies that accompanied them on the run up. As usual the adults found the bar very quickly and the kids ate their macaroni/ burgers as though they were racing against each other. The hotel as usual did an excellent job of catering for us and there were plenty of leftovers for seconds, which was soon dealt with by our hungry mob stocking up for the return trip.

I am glad to say that my Mum and Uncle joined us, being even older than Charlie Allan! And whilst speaking to Charlie several days before my event I told him that it was not a TT so no racing with the kids and leaving them all behind. On the day I got a very pleasant surprise to see Charlie looking rather casual with his YCC top plus his punters shorts and delighted to see his wife Fiona joining us for the day. I spoke to most of the participants on the cycle run and everyone agreed that they had a great time and enjoyed their day in the beautiful Formatine countryside.

My special thanks must go to hubby (Mark) for being the 1st Aider, Ian Jones the Bike Dr plus Jack and Charlie the travelling marshals. Without these volunteers events like this would not happen. A great day was had by all and I hope to see more of you there at next years run, as it's a really great day out.

Lorna

  The Gran Fondo

After riding the Etape Du Tour in 2000, Mike Harper moved on to Italy for 2001 and tackled the Gran Fondo Campagnolo. Click here to read all about it.

P.S. If anyone is interested in riding the Gran Fondo next year, please contact Mike.

  2001 Confined Time Trial Series

The series results table is too big to show in a web page. You can download it as an Excel spreadsheet or as a text file.

Results compiled by Flora Mason.

  Stolen Bike

Steven Miles' road bike was stolen recently. If you see or are offered a bike answering the description below, or you're offered a road frame or quality bike components by someone who makes you suspicious, please contact Steven or the Police.

Frame
Olagnero Frame Peach coloured with some golden detail overlaid around each tube.
Columbus Thron sticker and Colne Valley Cycles sticker on seattube.
Stainless Steel water bottle holder with 1996 TourDeFrance Commemorative buttons.
Bottle holder fixed with Anodised Blue titanium bolts.
Steven's name in black on top tube near headset.
Chrome forks and chrome chainstay.
Wired for Cadence computer.

HandleBars
Cinelli Ergo racing handlebars, minor damage to black handlebar tape.
DuraAce brakes/shifters.

Seat/post
X-Lite seatpost with El Diablo yellow and red embroidered seat, fixed with quck release bolt.

Chainset
DuraAce cranks 53/39 with Time Attac Carbon Grey pedals, 170.5 crank length.
DuraAce bottom bracket, DuraAce front mech, DuraAce 9 speed Rear mech wired for 8 speed, slight damage to rear mech – scratched near bottom jockey wheel.
8 sprocket DuraAce cassette.

Wheels
Mavic Open pro wheels, blue finish, standard spoke pattern.
Ultegra Hubs, Ultregra Quick release skewers.
Shimano 105 brake calipers.

Substantial reward offered , contact 07050 256103 or Aberdeen Police Station.

  Free to good (or bad) home

Its been sitting in my shed for 3 years and I'm getting sick of it!

Raleigh Lizard 18-speed Mountain Bike 16 inch frame, 24 inch wheels. Needs new rear wheel (if you're good with a hammer you may be able to repair it), saddle and gear levers, otherwise in good condition. Would suit 12(ish) year old.

Contact Graham Ward on 01358 724192

  Alan Cameron Middleton Trust

Are running 3km and 10km fun runs on Sunday 16 September, starting at 2pm at Gordon Park, Ellon. As well as riding as an individual or as part of the Ythan CC team, around 32 stewards are also required. Entry classes include a family category - first parent and child over the finish line will win! Entry is £3.50 for age 17 and over, £1.50 for under 17's. Entries will be accepted until 1.45pm on the day of the race, but to pre-book, contact Graham Gerrard for an entry form (01358 721599).

  Ellon Gazette

The Ellon gazette are looking for news to publish. They will consider any contribution, and are especially interested in photo opportunities. If you are interested, the Ellon gazette can be contacted on 01224 618315.

  Pedal for Scotland

Annual event, cycling 50 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Barnardo's Scotland & Children 1st are the charities to benefit. Entry fee £7.50, more info on www.pedalforscotland.co.uk or 0131 657 4393.

  Action Research

AR are running a sponsored cycle ride - the Scottish Border Reiver Challenge Ride, on Sunday 16 September, in Galashiels. Choice of 102, 72, 32 or 12 mile circular routes. More info contact 0131 4469212 or e-mail sbrcr@action49.freeserve.co.uk.

  Alpine Bikes

Alpine bikes on Holburn Street in Aberdeen (www.alpinebikes.co.uk) are offering a free chain cleaning kit worth £20 with every stage 2 and stage 3 service. A stage 2 service costs £35 and is described as a "comprehensive health check". A stage 3 service costs £65 and they will "essentially strip down and rebuild the bike". Contact the shop to book. They are also considering running bike maintenance classes at the shop in Aberdeen, as the classes run in Glasgow were hailed a great success. Classes will run subject to demand, register your interest with them either at the shop, or on the website.

  Next Newsletter

Any race reports, items for sale, tips, general chit-chat for inclusion in the next Newsletter should be sent to Linda Milne.