Looking through the members list in a 25k radius from Gourock (where yours truly resides) there seems to be a reasonable number of riders in the area.

Those familiar with the local trails will know that there's tons of 1st class riding to be had, while those without contacts or the time to spare for exploration must wonder about the potential.

Ours is a sociable sport & while some enjoy going out on the hammer most also like easier paced rides in company.

I'm not proposing (or opposing) the formation of any sort of club, but with the number of riders in the area it makes sense that we should at least make an effort to make ouselves known to one another.

I've met a number of individuals & ridden with a couple of informal groups who use the area, all seem pretty decent punters who would get on well with one another.


So, how about a wee discussion on this thread to get things going & see what would suit.

I've trawled the members list & will send the address of this thread, once it has been posted, to the relevant punters.

If you're not on that list feel free to join in.

Kenny, I would be interested in meeting up and going out for a cycle in a couple of weeks time after work when it starts getting abit lighter at night. Or perhaps on a sunday afternoon. What routes do you normally do?

Ross

Thanks for starting the ball rolling Ross.

Evening rides sound good & are the sort of thing the thread is meant to generate.

But, no lights? You're missing out mate!

I ride plenty of runs based on the Greenock & Kelly Cuts combining them with singletrack links that many will be familiar with.

My favourite is the microtrack over Jock's Hill from near Scroggie Bank & over to the OLR before going on through Garshangan Farm, up to Whitlelees, back to the OLR & over to the reservoirs at Overton before climbing back up to Scroggie Bank & following the micro/singletrack from 243734 all the way to the wee bridge over the cut above Pennyfern. After that it's usually a scoot along the Cut to one of the descents behind Branchton or IBM.

There are bags of variations that might include me falling off for the hundredth time as I try to descend Dunrod hill above Cornalees. It all depends on riding conditions, mood & the company at the time.

Keep an eye on he thread & you could maybe send me an e-mail if you want to go on to a mailing group I'll create for this

Kenny, there are a few riders from the Naval base near you...they came over to ride with Stirling Bike Club a few weeks back...seemed keen to get out and explore the local area more as well.

I'll try and dig out his e-mail (he posted a message on the club website) and e-mail him the address to this thread...

Kenny,

I've riden round the cut quite alot and done different variations on it. But I'm not sure if I've done the route that your referring too! More often than not though I come from the Inverkip/ IBM side of Loch Thom round to Cornalees. Also sometimes cycle upto the daff dam up the back of Inverkip through the forestry and occassionally down to Largs via Loch Thom. But I have to say that I ain't done nothing since the end of October so will need to get back in the swing of things. Feel free to include me in your group list.

Ross, I'd hope that ther would be a range of fitness & abilities in any ride organised here & it will be good to see you out wheter at your peak or not.

At the risk of stifling spontineity & in the knowledge that there are folk waiting to see how things develop before committing themselves can I suggest an easy shortish loop based round the Cut from Cornalees.
A starting time could be arranged that would suit everybody. Those less obsessed could just enjoy a leisurely circuit while the more enthusiastic might extend the loop afterward (before?) to suit their addictions.

That way everyone gets something out of it.

Hi Kenny
We've spoken before, both knowing Steve Millar. The Wemyss Bay mountain bike scene at the moment seems to be attracting lots of downhillers and freeriders. We've just started a downhill team called the Psyclopaths and took part in our first event at Innerleithen. Taking up downhill as a 30 something, mad I hear you say. Well we've got a good bunch of lads that x-country as well so we would be pleased to meet up with any other local riders. We've just started to design, in conjunction with the Wemyss Bay woodland committee, a new mountain bike freeride area in Wemyss Bay, so that's something for the future. We've also started working on the Woods besides the power station, if you like 6' drops and other obscene obstacles we'd love to see you down there (with a spade). Looking forward to meeting up with you all, Mark

Good to hear fom you again Mark, can you send me an E-mail for direct contact, mine is.

falloffalot@aol.com

I'm in contact with David, from Aerobikes, on a regular basis & he keeps me informed on the scene down there.

Hopefully we'll get a few more folk expressing an interest here before we announce a date for a meet. I was thinking maybe mid April to give a chance of decent weather. There's about 1/2 a doz others, not registered on BM who are interested & willing.

Hi Kenny,
Good to hear from you. I am certainly keen for a meet and some good riding. To be honest , i'm more of a touring cylist and would be keen to hook up with others for some extended laden trips, however off-road certainly interests and would like to learn more.....Still managing to get out on a regular basis over the Winter, and still a daily commuter, so fitness not to bad, although not the fastest in the world...sorry to say it, but long live the triple chain ring....please get in touch when a date has been arranged, and look forward to meeting you all....Bob

Oui, vive le triple!

Laden sounds good too. I normally do a couple of tours a year with various folk.
Last year I did a trip into Culra Bothy & one to the Corrievreckan. The latter was gash, tidewise & will have to be repeated to see/hear the whirlpool in its full glory.

I'll get in touch with you later, as requested, Robert.

That sounds good kenny, last for me was the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness, nice solo ride using forest tracks and towpaths and keeps well out the way of the A82 (mostly)...
Would be good to see longer day rides as well, especially as there is plenty of good riding in Argyll and a regular ferry service or perhaps singletrack in Arran over a weekend come the better weather....i'll drop u my e-mail for updating...

Regards Bob

I've e-mailed the respondants & those who chose to reply direct.
A run is proposed, starting from Cornalees car park next Saturday (05/04/03) meeting at 10:00hrs.
Nothing too hard, maybe over to Garshangan & back via Whitelees Cott & up by Scroggie Bank then down to the Cut via the singletrack leading past the dams, followed by one of the drops from the cut?

All welcome, even those yet to respond.

Dear All,

Inverclyde Council is compiling a contact list of individuals who cycle within the area with a view to holding a meeting for cyclists on the new Access legislation and the establishment of an Inverclyde Access Forum. If you would like to be contacted on this matter please e-mail janice.boyd@inverclyde.gov.uk or call 01475 712417 asking for Janice Boyd or Alan Williamson

jlkj

You do realise that Kenny's last post was nearly 6 years ago ?