WITH the racing season now underway, riders from Fullarton Wheelers Cycling Club took part in two events at the weekend.

On Saturday the club were able to enter three teams into the Musselburgh Road CC 3-Up time trial.

The 24-mile course was made up of three laps of a rolling course and in fair weather conditions, for early season, all three teams put in great efforts. The first Fullarton members home were Darren Kean, Gordon Stead and Gordon Graham who came fifth in a time of 58:18. Next in 24th place were Derek Skinner, Stevie Watters and Sean Barron in 1hr4 min25sec, despite losing Sean to a puncture during the race, and then in 30th spot, Alan McCall, John Todd and Chris Blakely in 1:7.47. All the riders were please with their efforts and enjoyed a well run event by the Musselburgh club.

The fact they had raced the day before did not stop three of the Fullarton riders returning to race, on home territory, in the Mad March Classic individual time trial, hosted by Velo Club Vitesse.

On a 12.7-mile looping route taking the Torranyard Road before switching across to Stewarton and back towards Irvine, Darren Kean was the first FWCC rider home, taking eighth spot in 31:10, then Gordon Graham in 11th with 32:57, also taking the V50 prize for the event, and then Chris Blakely in 14th with 33.55. These were excellent performances on a second consecutive days racing and the riders were suitably encouraged by the Fullarton supporters on the climb into Stewarton.

The Club’s Sunday social ride was also well attended this week. A sunny morning with very light winds greeted the 19 who turned out at Irvine Cross. A hilly route taking in the Eaglsham Moor Road was planned before stopping at an old favourite of the club -The Rendezvous Cafe, Kilmaurs.

Leaving Irvine via Stanecastle, the group made good progress to Stewarton where they climbed the Glasgow Road and were rewarded with a view of the city basking in the spring sunshine. After a fast descent the riders took a right to Malletsheugh and on to Newton Mearns Cross, taking the turn off to Eaglesham village.

Next up was the challenging climb out of Eaglesham to the Whitelees wind farm, with some battling each other to the top. A fast descent into a slight breeze then picking up the A77 southwards had the bunch within striking distance of Kilmaurs in no time.

The usual suspects again did battle for the 'famous' sprint to the 30mph limit on the edge of the village.

In the cafe everyone was greeted with warm hospitality, good coffee and hot breakfasts.

After re-fuelling, the riders split, a group of seven heading south to do more climbing battle on Dundonald Hill.

It was a great day out with around 45 to 55 miles for most.