THE Fullarton Wheelers’ cyclocross cavalcade rolled on this week to the Stirling hamlet of Plean, somewhat depleted, with only veteran Scott McKendrick making the journey east.

The cavalcade of one arrived to find a section of the course closed due to ice, but with an extra muddy climb thrown in to give a full 40 minutes of racing. It really was a day for the hardcore.

Following last week’s stunning last place there was no hesitation in selecting the same singlespeed racing bike.

After a degree of faffing about at the start with his race number McKendrick was off, along with 55 of Scotland's finest cyclocrossers.

With the single speed machine holding its own and – in his own words - his finely tuned bike handling skills to the fore, McKendrick was indeed going well, even to the extent of passing some riders (many of whom had fallen or had a bike mechanical issue). Pushing on, gliding through the mud, jumping the hurdles and cornering like it was a straight, McKendrick was well and truly in the zone. All humour aside, a final placing of 31st meant he was ahead of many riders who, the previous week, finished 20 to 30 places in front.

The winter season is well and truly upon us, and with it, a slightly more flexible approach to winter riding. On Saturday, in a break from the normal Largs coastal run, the group of six FWCC riders headed inland…for breakfast. The destination was the Tribeca Café in Giffnock, and to get there required a steady run to Stewarton then onwards to Newton Mearns. Climbing out of Newton Mearns after a five egg omelette is an achievement, but the gradient on the old A77 route back to the Coast is favourable.

The distance covered was approximately 50 miles which, unfortunately, still wasn’t enough to offset the amount of sugar consumed in the course of breakfast.

Twelve Wheelers turned out at Irvine Cross for this week's Fullarton Sunday Run.

With a light breeze and mild temperatures for the time of year the bunch set off South at an easy pace passing through Loans and making for Monkton. Taking on the climb out of Monkton the group made their way towards Mossblown before crossing the River Ayr at Gadgirth Bridge.

Next up was the back road to Springs and Trabboch. Turning onto the Fox Hollow road the bunch stopped at Gemmell's Garden Centre for rolls, soup and a well-earned cuppa.

The riders made their way home via Stair, Tarbolton and Dundonald; with some opting to climb Dundonald Hill. A good social run with around 45 miles for most.