WITH Spring having officially started, Fullarton Wheelers took full advantage with a range of rides and training throughout the week.

On Wednesday evening seven Club members took part in in one of the year’s early ‘crit’ training sessions.

Roadworks meant that a different circuit to the usual was used, but, despite strong cross winds effecting performance, averages were well into the 20s mph and top speeds achieved were over 30 mph.

Thursday evening saw a club night-time ride with 17 Wheelers meeting at the Gailes and heading out on a circular route through Irvine, Kilwinning and Stewarton before returning to the starting point. The ride was about 25 miles for most and an average of 19 mph was achieved on a cold but dry night.

On Friday a couple of the club’s members kept the FWCC colours flying in the velodrome as they took part in a pre-work training session. Working with riders from other clubs on a combination of endurance and sprint exercises.

The early Spring sunshine at the weekend meant that club members went on a range of rides to enjoy the perfect conditions for cycling. On Saturday a dozen Wheelers took part in the regular fast paced Largs run, a dash out from Kilwinning to Largs and back with a break for refreshments in the Bagel Basket.

The blue skies and warmer temperatures also tempted some Fullarton Wheelers recruits on to Arran for the classic lap of the island.

Fifteen riders turned out at Irvine Cross for the Sunday Run. With glorious sunshine and little wind on the best day of the year so far, it was decided to head south and tackle the scenic coastal route around the Pennyglen, near Maybole.

Leaving Irvine, the group sauntered at a leisurely pace through Loans, Prestwick and Ayr.

After a quick stop outside the Brig o' Doon in Alloway a large number headed for home, citing Mother's Day and a number of other excuses as the reason.

This left only four to carry on the original route; climbing out of Alloway onto the Maybole high road before turning towards Culzean and then heading back towards Ayr via Pennyglen. Stunning views of Arran and Ailsa Craig were to be had as the four made their way along this undulating stretch of road.

It was a great day for a run with individual riders covering anything from 30 to 60 miles.