GGCC Club Run, Sunday 2nd February 2025 - Galston/Strathaven with Drumclog Loop - 56 Miles
Please meet under the McLennan Arch on the green for 8:30am sharp start.
Following last week's cancellation due to the sketchy conditions following the big storm, we hope for a good turnout this week as we head for Strathaven via Galston. Leaving the green we will ride straight out to the Malletsheugh (Ivy) as normal and split into pace groups. From there we head down the A77, turning left just after the overpass onto the A719 towards Galston. We will then turn left and cruise along through Newmilns and Darvel, turning right at Drumclog onto the B745 and joining the B743 at Dungavel. From there it is a delightful chainy into Strathaven where we will stop for coffee / cake in the square. Afterwards, we head back to town via the A726 through E.K., onto the Kingsway and over Cathkin, and back to the Green through Rutherglen and Dalmarnock.
WE WILL STOP AT THE STRATHAVEN TOWN SQUARE FOR FOOD / DRINK BREAK.
There are a few choices for refreshments in the square, a couple of cafe / tearooms, a Greggs and supermarket too. Groups or individuals usually make up their own mind on arrival. But we do have a regroup and brief before setting off again.
We will go through some basic safety, first aid and basic bike maintenance before we set off from the arch so that everyone stays safe and knows exactly what’s happening on the ride.
The group leaders will be identified prior to setting off in order that each paced group runs as smoothly as possible.
For those of you who are first aid trained and have been issued first aid pack, can you please bring these along on Sunday (and each run you attend)
Ride Captains and Group leaders will decide on pace of group and arrange ride format.
There will be 4 pace groups, Steady, Challenge, Cheeky and Race.
Each group will make their own way back to Glasgow Green.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AT THE ROUTE PRIOR TO SUNDAYS RIDE.
Forecast is likely to be wet at the start but drying up towards the 2nd half. Temperatures around 6-7 degrees. with an 14mph S
/ SSW wind gusting to 30 mph.
Groups should contain between 8 - 12 riders.
All groups stay together and work together!!......this is a training ride not a race!!
Steady is steady and usually sit between 14 – 16 mph average.
Challenge should push your ability and sits about 16 - 18 mph average.
Cheeky Challenge is slightly faster and is around 18 - 20 mph.
Race Pace can and usually is consistently over 20 mph.
**Each group stays together and works as a group and does not drop anyone so nobody is left exposed and riding solo
**these are the averages you should expect over the course of the ride in the above groups and there will be sections ridden faster and some slower depending on road profile and conditions
**Please remember to communicate within your group. If you get split due to junctions, traffic, roundabouts then get back together. If you get split as someone is dropping off the pace then that rider steps down a group, (or steps up if going through to hard) **If you need to ask the group to slow up, we would suggest you step down as you may be in the wrong group
Please remember tubes, pump, levers, multitool and also please ensure your bike is in good working order, oiled, lubed, maintained and clean