THIS year the French and Italian mountains have become a Mecca for Ayrshire cyclists. Dave Clifford of Ayr Roads/Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club has just returned from a memorable tour of the Dolomites in the eastern Italian Alps.

Dave joined a group of Ayrshire cyclists from Walkers CC, Kilmaurs and Fullarton Wheelers, Irvine.

The Dolomites are a spectacular range of mountains of the region. Dave and company rode an extremely challenging route taking in 13 Cols totalling an amazing 43,000 feet of climbing in six days and covered a distance of 250 miles.

They started from Belluno and ended at Lake Como. Of the major climbs, the Stelvio and Gavia are the most famous and feature regularly in the Giro d’Italia tour.

At 9,000 feet, the Passo dello Stelvio is the most feared and one of the most photographed roads in the world. It is the highest of the Eastern Alps. The road has changed little since it was built in the 1820s. Its northern side features 48 hairpin bends.

A two-up team team time trial replaced Ayr Roads ten mile time trial on Thursday night.

Seven club members took part, with three teams of two and one solo rider. The event was held over the sporting coastal course from Doonfoot to Pennyglen before turning and taking the Maybole High Road to the finish at the Burgh boundary, Doonside - a distance of just over 15 miles.

Conditions were good although a strong north westerly breeze hindered the riders on the return leg.

The fastest on the night was Brian Yates, who lost his partner, Simon Woodliff at the Castlehill climb at Croy due to a mechanical problem.

Brian recorded a fine time of 38 mins 22 secs
Other times were:
Ed Clifton and Scot Knox 40:30
Craig Robertson 42:15
Bobby McGhee and Lee Cuthbertson 43:25

On Saturday in windy conditions, Ayr Roads had two club members taking part in the District 25 Mile Time Trial promoted by Cycling Time Trials Scotland.

Alex McAllister returned a fine time of 59 minutes 28 seconds and Michael Curran 59:44, both finishing well up in the field.

The winner and Gold medallist was Douglas Watson of Icarus Racing in 53:17 with Catherine Logan and Jennifer Nicol of Fullarton Wheelers, taking Gold and Bronze respectively.

The midweek run took in one of the most scenic routes of South Ayrshire, when club members headed by way of Straiton, and the Shalloch-on-Minnoch climb, before the descent into the Minnoch Valley.

From there it was by the Nick o’ Balloch and its Brandy Well and Witches Brig to North Balloch. Both reminders of ancient Carrick and its folklore.
From North Balloch It was then by Barr and the climb of “The Screws” before rejoining the Girvan Valley and home roads. A mileage of nearly 70 was recorded.

Next week-end Ayr Roads club will head for Lake Windermere. Last year’s Scottish coast to coast run was such a success, that by popular demand twenty club members signed up to this year’s event. Club members will set off from Ayr with their destination Bowness on Windermere, a distance of 145 miles. 

After an overnight stay they will head home on the Sunday. Calum Hume organiser of the event was delighted with the response, which looks as though it could become an annual event.