FULLARTON Wheelers have now started to move into their winter programme of both social and competition rides. The AGM meant there was no Club run on Monday, so the riding week kicked off on Tuesday night with a new social ride under the lights.

Ten Wheelers gathered at the Gailes hotel at 7pm and set off, at an easy pace, on a circuit through Irvine before heading south to Loans, Barassie and Troon.

The ride included a few sprints for those so inclined and by the time the riders got back to their starting point they had completed about 20 miles in I hour 15 minutes. This ride will be running on Tuesday’s through the winter and is ideal for those who may fancy trying a Club ride for the first time. Helmets, and lights, are essential for to participate in this ride.

At the weekend it was competitive riding for Wheelers both in the warmth of the velodrome and the mud of cyclo-cross.

Fullarton's off-road department were well represented at the inaugural race of the Scottish Cyclocross season with the full elite squad in attendance in what can only be described as 'muddy conditions'.

In the women's race both FWCC riders finished in the top 10 - an astounding performance in a hotly-contested field... Catherine Logan in a seasons best seventh place and Lorna Sloan not far behind in 10th spot despite opting to ride with no brakes - a decision she later regretted as she hurtled spectacularly off course on a tight left hander and careered through the safety tape into the crowd.

In the senior men's race, Dave Walker clocked a sterling performance - sometimes even managing to stay on the bike to finish just outside the points. Scott McKendrick put in a cameo performance in the Vet40 race unfortunately having to retire with a mechanical after only three laps.

Fullarton Wheelers were represented at the Glasgow Sprint Grand Prix in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, by partially sighted tandem 'stoker' Natalie Jamison and her 'pilot' Fraser Maitland.

The event consisted of two days of Track Racing featuring Match Sprinting, Keirin and Paracycling Tandem Racing alongside Individual and Team Pursuit for riders from across the UK.

Having only paired up as a tandem crew 5 weeks before the event, Natalie and Fraser had to draw on all the coaching provided by both Glasgow Life and Scottish Cycling to take to the track in match and 1000m sprints against the tandem riders of Team GB.

When asked about her thoughts of the event Natalie commented: "It was a fantastic experience and has provided me with the inspiration to be representing my country as a Paracycling athlete."

Fraser added: "It was certainly intimidating looking over my shoulder during the match sprints to see current world and Olympic champions, but Natalie's determination and enthusiasm for the challenge made it an enjoyable and truly unforgettable experience."