AYR Roads/Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club members were amongst hundreds of cyclists who headed for Ayrshire at the week end. With the club represented in no less than five events. Six club members joined over 300 others from throughout Scotland in the Pedal the Park Sportive, promoted by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and Ride 63 Community Cycling Club.

Organised by David Hill of Ayr Roads, the event is staged over a 100 km course that starts at Lochwinnoch and takes in a route through Renfrewshire before turning down the coast through Inverclyde, and then inland into the hills above Greenock, Loch Thom and then homewards with the 'sting in the tail' climb of Fairlie Moor. The event was well supported with the proceeds going to the deserving cause of CLIC Sargent in Scotland.

Ayr Roads riders also featured in the 3 Castles Duathlon, promoted by Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club on Sunday. The event featured a 5 km distance run, followed by a 27 km bike race run over the Pennyglen Circuit, ending with another 5 km run. The main event was won by Roads member, Calum MacDonald with Toni McIntosh of the Roads club taking third in the ladies race.

Elsewhere, Roads members joined a field of one hundred time triallists in the Fullarton Wheelers Spring 10-Mile Time Trial at Irvine. The winner of the event was Douglas Watson of Icarus Racing in a time of 20:33. Carrick Cycling Club, of Armstrong, Robb and Skilling took the team prize.

Undoubtedly, the best performance was that of junior rider, Dylan Hughes of Spokes Racing Team who recorded 20:46 to take second prize.

Ayr Roads times were:

Michael Curran 22:52; Jody Gerrard 24:00; Harry Brawley 24:05; Craig Allison 24:12; Duncan McArthur 24:49.

Other Roads members took part in the Cronberry Classic Time Trial on Saturday. The event doubles up for the South West Scotland Championship. The Roads fielded three riders, with Marcus Shields returning the best performance, followed by John Gemmell and Iain Fisher. The winner of the event was David Griffiths of Pro Vision Scotland who recorded a time of 40 minutes 59 seconds, over the seventeen mile course and a new course record. Kenny Armstrong of Carrick CC took the South West title with Catherine Logan of Fullarton Wheelers taking the ladies title. The best team was Loudoun Road Club who had Marc Anderson third and another two riders in the top 10.

Meanwhile Ayr Burners Cycling QTS made full use of the pleasant conditions last weekend with many members enjoying various rides and events.

Sunday saw a fully booked balance bikes session take place in beautiful Belleisle Park which saw the 'Sparks' enjoying a morning of fun and games on two wheels, with the older kids - aka 'The Flames' - getting involved in some set activities aimed at the youngsters who have progressed to pedal bikes.

The Pedal the Park Sportive on Sunday attracted hundreds of riders to Lochwinnoch and the Clyde Muirshiel Park for a challenging 100-kilometre ride in aid of CLIC Sergeant. The testing route featured the best scenic spots of Inverclyde along with its toughest climbs including the Greenock Cut, Loch Thom, and The Fairlie Moor giving a total ascent of over 4000 feet. Five 'Burners' enjoyed an excellent event that was well organised by the Ride 63 Club.

Six members of Carrick Cycling Club were in action last weekend with two Time Trials and an off-road challenge on the teams itinerary.

Saturday saw three CCC riders take to the start line in Sorn for the Cronberry TT. The 17-mile circuit features over 900 feet of ascent with some steep leg sapping climbs thrown in to favour the lightweights. Kenny Armstrong of Carrick utilised his climbing ability to claim second place with a time of 42 minutes and 36 seconds, with teammate Brian Yates finishing strongly in 8th with a 45.39. David Fulton completed the Carrick line up, coming home in 26th position overall.

The focus turned to the A78 on Sunday where four members were on the start sheet for the Fullarton Wheelers 10 mile Time Trial. Douglas Watson of Icarus Racing would prove to be the fastest rider of the day with an impressive time of 20 minutes and 33 seconds in windy conditions with a North Westerly wind hampering the racers. Carrick CC showed their strengths with three members in the top ten placings from over 100 starters. Kenny Armstrong displayed no signs of fatigue from Saturdays efforts to post a time of 21.01 and hence claiming 2nd place, with teammates Mick Robb and Mark Skilling taking 4th and 9th positions with times of 21.12 and 21.48 respectively.

On the off-road front Simon Woodliff completed the 'Dirty Riever' Ride on Saturday - A 200 Kilometre loop on the forest tracks and trails surrounding Keilder Water and the Northumberland National Park. Simon finished the task in just over 8 hours with an eye watering ascent totalling 11,500 feet.