THE sixth and final round of the ever popular 2015 Scottish Cyclo Cross Series made its way to the idyllic Isle of Mull last weekend.

Perfect weather conditions greeted the four Ayr Burners riders who made the crossing, with the course set against the beautiful backdrop of Glengorm Castle. Harry McGarvie finished the under 16's Series impressively with a third place on Mull, which gave the young Burner a well deserved third place overall in the 2015 series standings.

Joanne Baxter also enjoyed a successful campaign, finishing in 11th place in the Open Ladies series, with more than 40 females taking part over the six races.

Ayr Burners recruits enjoyed a ride around the trails and paths of Rozelle Park in Ayr. on Sunday.

The group enjoyed a guided tour of the course that the Burners will use for the Doonbank Troffee CycloCross race, which is being held on January 24.

This Saturday the group are heading out for an informal two=hour road ride which departs Monkton Cross at 9.30am.

Meanwhile following the elation of gold medal wins in the Scottish National Cyclo Cross Championships, three Ayr Roads CC members were on the Isle of Mull on Saturday to compete in the last round of the Scottish Cyclo Cross Series.

Janet Erskine was accompanied by Fraser Tait and Brian Yates.

Despite two crashes and mechanical problems on the technical circuit Janet retained her position in the series and ended in third place in the overall standings. Fraser finished seventh in his category and Brian was 15th in an exceptionally strong field. The Mull event effectively is the last race of 2015.

While some club members will continue to compete in various cyclo cross events in the new year, most have now entered the part of the season which is more relaxed - a time to enjoy the camaraderie of riding together as a club and listening to the craic of fellow club members.

Coupled with these activities, Ayr Roads CC have an well-organised winter training regime for members and non members alike.  This takes the form of a turbo training session held at Prestwick Sailing Club on Mondays. from 7pm to 9pm.

The sessions are structured along to music each week, and carried out under the watchful eye of former World Track medallist, Vic Possee. 

You do not need to be a super fit cyclist, but the session does require the rider to bring their own turbo trainer.  Similarly, and as a great alternative to sitting in the saddle, club coach Scott Maclean offers circuit training session at Belmont Academy on Tuesdays, from 7pm until 8pm. 

Southern by ways to Girvan was the order of the day for the midweek brigade. Despite strong winds six club members followed the Corton Road to Dalrymple and then by the Girvan Valley, returning home by Old Dailly.

The club's Northern Irish contingent of Alan and Kathryn Thomson will leave shortly for Vietnam where they will spend New Year. Their itinerary will include a four day cycle trip from North Vietnam to the south.