CTC Ayrshire

The Ayrshire section of Glasgow D.A. was formed in 1987.
We try to provide a program of runs to suit all levels of cyclist.

For the more experienced rider, we have a Main club run, normally on the second Sunday of each month.
The Main club events are approx. 30-60 miles in length and are usually quite scenic ( i.e. can be hilly !! )
In late Autumn and Winter months, a pub/restaurant/cafe lunch stop is normally organised.
In warmer weather, the normal practice is to carry your own food to eat somewhere along the route.
The pages containing the detail of each run specify which of these options is used on a particular event.

For those who feel 30-60 miles is too much there is an Easy Going program.
Easy runs generally take place on the last Sunday of each month.
They are cycled at a more leisurely pace and are normally a maximum of approximately 25 miles.
This does not mean that they do not contain hills.
Merely that they are tackled at a more leisurely pace than on the Main club events.
Easy Going events will generally average 8-10 m.p.h. on the road.

This year, there will be no "formal" lunch stops and an earlier start time.
This means participants should bring their own preferred snacks to consume during the event.
Easy Going events will start at 10.00am, unless specified otherwise, and will feature one or two, 10-15 minute stops, to allow the snacks to be consumed.

For those who prefer something more filling than snacks, we are attempting to locate start/stop points near to a pub/restaurant/cafe.
Anyone who wishes to, may then visit these establishments for food.

We have a program of Ladies Only outings which take place every first Saturday of the month and are usually no more than 15 miles long.

The Main run program is supplemented by Special runs which can be anything from a mountain bike outing to a longer than normal road run.

The majority of these outings are aimed at the more experienced rider and are not really suitable for beginners or cyclists who think 20 miles is a long way !
Some of these runs are all day affairs, starting at 9a.m., and not returning to the finish point until 7 p.m. on occasion.
Add in the time to get to, and return from, the actual starting points (e.g. Aberfoyle, Cairnryan} and these really can be full day outings.

It is advisable to contact the Run Leader mentioned for each outing.
He/she will be able to give more details of the outing from which you can determine if the outing is going to suit your abilities..
For example, one outing was 55 miles, but contained a lot of hills and a short section of forestry track, whilst another consisted of cycling approx. 15 miles before walking uphill to bag a Munro ! Walking gear and backpaks were as important as cycling gear...

It is left to the run organiser to decide what type of outing this will be.
While being categorized as "Special" runs, these outings DO NOT require special bikes unless otherwise indicated.
A few of these outings have involved an element of gentle off-road or good forestry track in the route.

Although racing bikes shod with 18mm tyres would not be comfortable on some of these rides, neither do they require mountain bikes shod with big knobbly tyres. As a general guide, bikes with 25mm tyres would be able to tackle any of our runs. Less than this and there may occasionally be some short stretches which you would consider walking.

The only recommendation would be that, as most of these runs are generally off the beaten track, take adequate food with you as there are not too many shops/hostelries to stop at !!

For more info on the content of these special runs, phone the contact number at the bottom of this page or e-mail us.

During 2005, we introduced a program of weekday rides.
They will take place during daytime hours. These are not evening mid-week events.
Weekday rides range from 25 to 40 miles in distance although the occasional ride may be longer.
All Mid-Week Rides will travel at a moderate pace, something like that of an Easy Ride or,
perhaps a little faster, depending on the group membership, weather, terrain to be covered and the 'mood of the day'.
Bring your own food ! All weekday rides involve picnic lunches. Normally, there are no pub/cafe stops.

The Club also organizes open events throughout Ayrshire during National Bike Week.
In the past we have organised 5 mile and 10 mile challenges, 15 and 30 mile runs and other family orientated outings.
Starting points have included Ayr, Irvine, Kilmarnock and Troon but vary each year depending on the
programme of events.

Additionally, for the more serious rider, the club organizes Audax events.
For 2008, we are offering only one distance - 150km.
More detail and entry forms can be found here

All cyclist's are welcome to take part in CTC activity.
If you see a run which you would like to try - come along and, if you like us and our informality, you can join later.

The Club's newsletter SADDLEBAG is available, free to members or, on subscription, ( £2 for 4 issues) and it will keep you up-to-date with local activity.

Members who wish to contribute articles to SADDLEBAG can submit their articles to Drew Moyes at the address below or can e-mail them using the link below.

For additional information on Ayrshire CTC please contact Drew or Pat at 01290 550276 (Phone / Fax)

or write to Drew Moyes at
3 Glebe Avenue.
Mauchline KA5 6AE

Please include your name and address in any correspondence so that we may post some information to you.

Alternatively you can for additional information or for submission of articles for SADDLEBAG.

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