Christmas Party

Gentlemen

Not sure if you all are aware that we have booked our 2011 christmas OneForTheDitch party at the Craven Arms Giggleswick on the 10th December.
Please can you let us know if you are able to go or unable to go as we need to know numbers.
Dress code is Kilts with black tie
We will update with costs shortly
For all of you still to pay any outstanding monies for shirts please can you get to Steve Hopley ASAP,
Updates to follow

Tour Shirts

Gentlemen

As per my previous blog a while back, monies owed for the Tour T Shirts is £25, while I apologise for the amount you will appreciate the actual costs which our kind sponsors contributed considerably.

This money needs paying asap to Steve Hopley, Vince or myself, failure to pay will result in for-fitting your place on the 2012 tour so prompt payment would be appreciated.

great ride today, will get some pics sorted tomorrow

Catch you all later

Stuart and Tarmac and Fred paid their £25 on Sat 20th to Steve Hopley so thanks lads for paying promtly

Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains

Gentlemen
I am not sure what the position is with regards 2012 tour unless a decision has been made, however Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains where mentioned, I have sent an e-mail to the Switchbacks team to get some prices, looks great, see what you think?


http://www.switch-backs.com/mountain-bike-videos-films-movies-youtube-freeride-spain.html

have a look at the videos!

Chamonix the Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BELzsrPjD4o

enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEjq-tbscY

Another music delight enjoy guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEjq-tbscY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFjPJEKf8vQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFjPJEKf8vQ

Gentlemen
Another music picture delete brought to you by Big Mick, wont upload in here for some reason, anyway Gents lets see some efforts.

See some of you later

 

Tour Shirts

Gentlemen

Matt Focker has received the invoice for the shirts which is considerably more than originally thought, need to check what we are being charged for however it is looking like we will have some moneys to pay to settle the bill which in all fairness I have always said, once I have vetted the invoice and spoken to Trevor I will have a definitive amount, chances are its going to be a little more than thought.

on a brighter note for those who have not yet looked follow the links below



http://youtu.be/s_bVqc70Heo

http://youtu.be/0OKaVH_3f4g

http://youtu.be/4Yx1ebNTxFw

McAndy and Dangerous

Its a big boat Andy ''Yer i know!''

Laird McDougal

The Laird McDougal posing for a family photo having just bought The Isle of Arran, well done your lairdship...

Tis the wee boat

I canny wait for the boat trip

onefortheditch Groupies

Hot McTotty

onefortheditch Arran tour 2011

It was a close run competition but there had to be only one winner in 2011 Arrans got talent and that had to go to Baz with his impression of the Holy Island in the background.Baz explained that it has taken many years to perfect this feat.

T'was Fun Mctourists

Tired, emotional and drained - but bloody hell did we laugh!!

Here we go

that's it gentlemen
15 Min to go
have a great tour

Sponsors

http://youtu.be/0OKaVH_3f4g


we`d like ti thank ar spancars

for helping with oor toor

for shirtin all thi bikin lads

fri ridin Arron moor

we`ll raise a glass a whiskey

an drink a pint ar ti

an proudly show tha logos

of ar sponsors clear ta see

there`s Barbara and there's Trev

third year i di recall

tha lovely wee Harts Head

who`s hospitality welcomes all

an over at Erics, Game Cock

the wee pub is bonny

an headin tha barstaff

shall say this only once johnny

An ni ta oor sponsored bikin bits

escape bikes have enlisted

tis tha tha place ta take yar bike

when its broken and twisted

so a big team thank you ta oll ar sponsors

wed like ti raise tha glass

and continyi ti support thi

by spendin hard earned brass

Mines Just Arrived. Thank the Lord!!

coont doon

Well gentlemen, we are down to 6 days before we`re on our way, for those who don't know what's happening
enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLEFM0MLCY4

You've been framed

£250 ???

Man Down

You go ahead, leave me here, I'll only slow you down!!

Cool Hand Dug

2OO Hours

How your money is spent

Total monies paid in 20 x £260 = £5200

Premier Inn Ayr/Prestwick       = £590 = £29.50pp
Bibby's coach hire                     = £1750 = £87.50pp
Kilmory lodge Arran                 = £600 = £30pp
Ferry                                            = £172 = £8.60pp
Tour Misc (secret) inc shirts   = £485 = £24.25pp
Breakfasts/Pack ups (Arron)   =  £500 = £25.00pp
Sponsorship                               =£100

Total                                            = £4200 = £210.00pp


Leaving                                       = £1000 = £50.00 pp

                                                                                                                   
CASH BACK FOR EACH PERSON OF £50 TOWARDS THEIR SPENDING MONEY 

If anybody needs any more additional information just let me know, the misc costs include weakness cards and T Shirts (not tour) and some treats!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Dr Evil

21 fortheditch

Saturday 14th May

Sponsors

This years sponsors confirmed

I would personally like to say a big thank you to all and I am sure the regards are mirrored by all the team.

look forward to seeing you all today

Ah'm no drunk, Hic!

Ah'm no drunk, Hic!

Lead kindly torch, 
amid the encircling gloom. 
Old Homers jist left the booser, 
but he canny find his room. 

The nicht is dark an’ fuzzy, 
an’ old homers lost his bike. 
An’ he canny ride wi’ oot it, 
an his kilts too bleedin tight. 

You take the wide waist, i"ll take the thin waist and i"ll be in Scotland afore ye.

Further accusations are now coming to light that a certain member has purchased a kilt which is several sizes to large to allow for expansion on tour. yes expansion on a cycling tour, i ask you gentlemen which is the most finable offence, a kilt slightly too small or one that is several sizes to large. what sort of atheletes are we???,

Kilts that fit

Gentlemen and assassins and bikers of the night
I call upon this evening in a hope of shedding some light
I cani go into detail, or finger unfounded fools
But there are some ere amongst us who are no playing to the rules
We need to round the low life by our local CID
To find those hiring tartan with waist size far tooo small to see!!
you thank its big and clever, but the time will shortly tell
That moontain biking Arron will surly turn to hell!
So use this evenings e-mail to worn of times ahead
that wearing Kilts too small for yee, thus fines yeill surly dread.

Watch ooot!!

http://tartanista.com/measure-kilt/

make sure its tartan!!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plain-Black-Outfit-Sporran-Flash/dp/B003WJIZKS/ref=sr_1_6?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1304883871&sr=1-6

Isle of Arran Tour 2011 – The Sleeping Warrior Tour

Isle of Arran Tour 2011 – The Sleeping Warrior Tour

The following information we help you plan for the tour ensuring you are prepared and know the correct meeting/departure times, programme plan and equipment you require to enjoy the best tour ever, 2011.

Thursday 9^th June 2011

4.00pm           Meet at Settle Swimming Pool

4.45pm           Depart for Premier Inn Ayr/Prestick (Bibby’s Coach)

9.00pm           Arrive Ayr

10.00pm         Bed

 Friday 10th June 2011

7.15am           Breakfast

8.00am           Depart Premier Inn Ayr, Bibby’s Coach to Adrossan

9.15am           Check in Ardrossan

9.45am           Ferry crossing to Brodick, isle of Arran- 50 minute ferry crossing (CalMac Ferry ‘onefortheditch’ Booking Reference – 1345654)

10.00am         Cycle to Accommodation (There are three ways of cycling to the bunkhouse one 17.7 miles, 16.1 miles and 13.7 miles respectively, to be decided on the day)

12noon           Food and Flyer

3.00pm           Arrive Accommodation - Lodge Bunkhouse, Kilmory information already on the blog - www.kilmoryhall.com/

3.30pm           Friday Ride – Coastal Ride to ‘Blackwaterfoot’ and beyond

7.30pm           Evening Meal to be decided

Saturday 11th June

8.15am           Breakfast Lagg Hotel (Full Scottish)

10.00am         Depart – Best Ride Ever (Black route - 40km) - www.arranbikeclub.com/cycling.htm

7.30pm           Evening Meal to be decided                       

Sunday 12^th June

8.15am            Breakfast Lagg Hotel (Full Scottish)

10.00am         Depart for Brodick Ferry Port

1.00pm           Check In Brodick

1.50pm           Sailing Time

3.00pm           Bibby’s Coaches Collect Ardrossan Ferry Port

8.00pm           Home

Additional useful information – What you need to bring and more

Enough clothes for the trip including your kilt, remember you will have to carry all your own clothing and equipment once we are on the ferry.  Motorised transportation of any kind is strictly forbidden once we have arrived on Arran, that includes the use of public transport.  This is a biking tour, so let’s bike!

Spending Money – A stack of emergency twenties should do, however banking facilities are available on the island in case of catering/keg emergencies, see link below for bank locations:-

www.maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBS_enGB321GB322&prmd=ivnscm&resnum=1&biw=1659&bih=822&wrapid=tlif130474972324010&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=location+of+banks+on+arran&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=banks&hnear=Isle+of+Arran&ei=nubETdfJKcyChQfqiNHoAw&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CAoQtgMwAA

Biking shops on Arran (useful numbers)

Arran Adventure Centre                   01770 302244
Arran Power & Sail                           01770 302377
Brodick Boat & Cycle Hire              01770 302868

Accident and Emergency - www.arranhealthgroup.co.uk/arranhealth.htm

There are practices based in Brodick, Shiskine and Lamlash who provide branch surgeries in Whiting Bay, Lochranza, Pirnmill, Kilmory and Corrie villages, and there is a community hospital in Lamlash

Lamlash Medical Centre                  01770 600516

Accommodation - www.kilmoryhall.com/

Bring a Towel – that’s it!

Biking Bit - What you need to bring:

Fully Serviced Mountain Bike

All biking clothing + spares

2 Inner tubes                          GT85 Oil or equivalent

Puncture Repair Kit              Chain Lube

Tyre Levers                                        Chain Links   

MTB Multi Tool                                  Pump

First Aid Kit                                        Cable Ties    

Insulation Tape                                  Camelbak or equivalent

Catering - www.lagghotel.com

I have provisionally booked breakfast, pack lunches and evening meals at the Lagg Hotel – at the next tour meeting we need to confirm our exact requirements

The Lagg Hotel
Lagg, Kilmory,
Isle of Arran,
Scotland,
KA27 8PQ

Email: info@lagghotel.com

The Lagg Hotel                                  01770 870 255

Transportation

Bibby’s Coach to Ayr

CalMac Ferry to Arran

Peddle power on the island

CalMac Ferry to Ardrossan

Bibby’s Coach to Settle

Just a reminder of last years tour !

Thieves Moss April 30 2011

Lovely

Grand Day Out

what a view

Three Peaks Race Day Ride!

Kevin, living the dream

Good Evans the wedding day is here

Well after 10 years of courtship the Royal wedding day is here, Willis and Kevin will be busy preparing for the party later

Hopefully I will be showing the release of the long awaited, "Chamonix the Movie" if I can convert the files.

Anyway see you all later

 

Kilmory Lodge Bunkhouse Kilmory Isle of Arran Scotland KA27 8PQ

The village of Kilmory is half an hour's drive by car from the ferry terminal at Brodick. It's a haven for walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and anyone interested in outdoor pursuits. Golf, pony trekking, fishing, quad biking, climbing, paragliding are just a few of the activities available nearby. What about strolling along one of the many footpaths, forest tracks or beaches. Within a few minute's walk of the Lodge Bunkhouse is Kilmory Beach, the best kept secret on Arran. Half a mile of deserted sand.

Two hundred yards away is the village of Lagg were you can find Lagg Hotel - why not relax and enjoy a break from the kitchen, treat yourself to a bar meal in the beautiful gardens.

http://www.lagghotel.com/

There are three ways of cycling to the bunkhouse one 17.7 miles, 16.1 miles and 13.7 miles respectively.

The bunkhouse is a purpose built extension to the existing Kilmory Public Hall. Completed this year, we welcomed the first guests in May 2005. We hope to attract groups of all descriptions, clubs, work groups, families, musicians, special interest groups such as birdwatchers, walkers, hill climbers in fact any type of group is welcome.

We can sleep a minimum of 15 up to a maximum of 23 in 4 rooms. Two dormitory style rooms sleeping 8, and two 'leaders' rooms sleeping 3 and 4 respectively and both of these have ensuite facilities.

There are ample toilet and shower facilities for the dormitory guests. We provide bedlinen for the single bed size bunks including sheets and duvets, but guests have to provide their own towels.

Kitchen / Dining area

The modern, well equipped kitchen/dining area is on the first floor and gives views over the Firth of Clyde. Microwave, fridge freezer, and dishwasher are all provided.

This is the only social area of the bunkhouse but has ample space and is well furnished with tables and chairs and everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Within the kitchen is a large drying /airing cupboard with hangers for your outerwear and it also provides extra storage

Take note about the towels!  

Cycling

A variety of terrain awaits the cycling enthusiast and if you don't have your own bike with you, bicycles of all types are available for hire on the island. The 56 miles around the island are a long but popular route and villages along the way provide many opportunities to enjoy fine views. The String road, across the middle of the island, is a testing route but you will be rewarded with spectacular views to the hills. There are many forestry roads now open to the public where you can test yourself and your bike!

http://www.arranbrewery.com/brewery.asp

http://www.arranwhisky.com/Home/

Scotch Drink

Gie him strong drink until he wink,
That's sinking in despair;
An' liquor guid to fire his bluid,
That's prest wi' grief and care:
There let him bouse, an' deep carouse,
Wi' bumpers flowing o'er,
Till he forgets his loves or debts,
An' minds his griefs no more.                                         Solomon's Proverbs, xxxi. 6, 7.

Let other poets raise a fracas
"Bout vines, an' wines, an' drucken Bacchus,
An' crabbit names an'stories wrack us,
An' grate our lug:
I sing the juice Scotch bear can mak us,
In glass or jug.

O thou, my muse! guid auld Scotch drink!
Whether thro' wimplin worms thou jink,
Or, richly brown, ream owre the brink,
In glorious faem,
Inspire me, till I lisp an' wink,
To sing thy name!

Let husky wheat the haughs adorn,
An' aits set up their awnie horn,
An' pease and beans, at e'en or morn,
Perfume the plain:
Leeze me on thee, John Barleycorn,
Thou king o' grain!

On thee aft Scotland chows her cood,
In souple scones, the wale o'food!
Or tumblin in the boiling flood Wi' kail an' beef;
But when thou pours
thy strong heart's blood,
There thou shines chief.

Food fills the wame, an' keeps us leevin;
Tho' life's a gift no worth receivin,
When heavy-dragg'd wi' pine an' grievin;
But, oil'd by thee,
The wheels o' life gae down-hill, scrievin,
Wi' rattlin glee.

Thou clears the head o'doited Lear;
Thou cheers ahe heart o' drooping Care;
Thou strings the nerves o' Labour sair,
At's weary toil;
Though even brightens dark Despair
Wi' gloomy smile.

Aft, clad in massy siller weed,
Wi' gentles thou erects thy head;
Yet, humbly kind in time o' need,
The poor man's wine;
His weep drap parritch, or his bread,
Thou kitchens fine.

Thou art the life o' public haunts;
But thee, what were our fairs and rants?
Ev'n godly meetings o' the saunts,
By thee inspired,
When gaping they besiege the tents,
Are doubly fir'd.

That merry night we get the corn in,
O sweetly, then, thou reams the horn in!
Or reekin on a New-year mornin
In cog or bicker,
An' just a wee drap sp'ritual burn in,
An' gusty sucker!

When Vulcan gies his bellows breath,
An' ploughmen gather wi' their graith,
O rare! to see thee fizz an freath
I' th' luggit caup!
Then Burnewin comes on like death
At every chap.

Nae mercy then, for airn or steel;
The brawnie, banie, ploughman chiel,
Brings hard owrehip, wi' sturdy wheel,
The strong forehammer,
Till block an' studdie ring an reel,
Wi' dinsome clamour.

When skirling weanies see the light,
Though maks the gossips clatter bright,
How fumblin' cuiffs their dearies slight;
Wae worth the name!
Nae howdie gets a social night,
Or plack frae them.

When neibors anger at a plea,
An' just as wud as wud can be,
How easy can the barley brie
Cement the quarrel!
It's aye the cheapest lawyer's fee,
To taste the barrel.

Alake! that e'er my muse has reason,
To wyte her countrymen wi' treason!
But mony daily weet their weason
Wi' liquors nice,
An' hardly, in a winter season,
E'er Spier her price.

Wae worth that brandy, burnin trash!
Fell source o' mony a pain an' brash!
Twins mony a poor, doylt, drucken hash,
O' half his days;
An' sends, beside, auld Scotland's cash
To her warst faes.

Ye Scots, wha wish auld Scotland well!
Ye chief, to you my tale I tell,
Poor, plackless devils like mysel'!
It sets you ill,
Wi' bitter, dearthfu' wines to mell,
Or foreign gill.

May gravels round his blather wrench,
An' gouts torment him, inch by inch,
What twists his gruntle wi' a glunch
O' sour disdain,
Out owre a glass o' whisky-punch
Wi' honest men!

O Whisky! soul o' plays and pranks!
Accept a bardie's gratfu' thanks!
When wanting thee, what tuneless cranks
Are my poor verses!
Thou comes-they rattle in their ranks,
At ither's a-s!

Thee, Ferintosh! O sadly lost!
Scotland lament frae coast to coast!
Now colic grips, an' barkin hoast
May kill us a';
For loyal Forbes' charter'd boast
Is ta'en awa?

Thae curst horse-leeches o' the' Excise,
Wha mak the whisky stells their prize!
Haud up thy han', Deil! ance, twice, thrice!
There, seize the blinkers!
An' bake them up in brunstane pies
For poor damn'd drinkers.

Fortune! if thou'll but gie me still
Hale breeks, a scone, an' whisky gill,
An' rowth o' rhyme to rave at will,
Tak a' the rest,
An' deal't about as thy blind skill
Directs thee best.

Scottish Nobel Prize-winning poet

Famous Scottish Nobel Prize-winning poet RustyCrutch McDougal was spotted by the OneForTheDitch Saturday riders at Erics Game Cock at Austwick.

 RustyCrutch McDougal

OneForTheDitch welcomes PC into the group

OneForTheDitch recognises PC ....! efforts during recent rides and welcomes him to the group with open arms, we are keeping his real identity a secret for security reasons.

Willie Gorbachev

Get well soon Willie

Rules

Rules

You need to think about what you want to take, as you will have to ride with it, Tour shirts will be worn from setting off to reaching destination on the island of Arron.

Kilts must be worn (no tartan shorts) you can wear your biking shorts underneath for comfort.

You can use your imagination if you choose (Mc Twatty has shown some good inventiveness although I personally have not seen his mums dress.

You will need to also carry with you some basic bike parts which will be agreed at the next meeting

 

Think about a party trick as we are going to have Mc X Factor (Arrons got talent) 

some shirt sizes where guessed at, take a look at what has been chosen on your behalf, if you would like to change it contact Mc BigMack

watch this space for updates

First official meeting

The first of the final countdown meetings took place at the Harts Head last night at 21.00 hrs., attendees

• Mc Bollock
• Mc HuskyHopley
• Mc Goodevens
• Mc Duggle
• Mc BigMack
• Mc Homerharrison
• Mc Willi Gorbache
• Mc Thumb
• Mc wheresmecycletrousers Throup
• Mc Ironman
• Mc sonofaclothman Spencsley
• Mc Wasp

apologies

• Mc Bigbaz tripple cheese
• Mc wheremyhandgoes Russ
• Mc Dangerous
• Mc Inthekitchen Chef
• Mc InIreland Nails
• Mc ootthepheasants Rob
• Mc eemipaintbrush Fred
• Mc Tanktop Taylor

A full programme will be posted shortly by Mc Goodevens, however here is a brief summery of the nights inclusions.

Shirt Fitting, we are going to be having two tour shirts, one dress and the other a base layer, the following is a list of chosen sizes, if you feel it is wrong then you must contact Mick asap before we go ahead with the order

1. Mc Bollock,                                        Base Layer L-XL,  Fox Shirt L
2. Mc Goodevens,                                   Base Layer L-XL,  Fox Shirt L
3. Mc HuskyHopley,                                Base Layer 2-XL,  Fox Shirt XL
4. Mc Duggle,                                          Base Layer L-XL,  Fox Shirt L
5. Mc BigMack,                                       Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL
6. Mc Homerharrison,                             Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL
7. Mc Willi Gorbache,                             Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL
8. Mc Thumb,                                         Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL
9. Mc wheresmecycletrousers Throup,    Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL
10. Mc Ironman,                                       Base Layer S-M,     Fox Shirt M
11. Mc sonofaclothman Spencsley,           Base Layer L-XL,    Fox Shirt L
12. Mc Wasp,                                            Base Layer S-M,    Fox Shirt S
13. Mc Bigbaz tripple cheese                     Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL 
14. Mc wheremyhandgoes Russ                Base Layer 2-XL,  Fox Shirt XL
15. Mc Dangerous,                                    Base Layer L-XL,  Fox Shirt L
16. Mc Inthekitchen Chef,                         Base Layer 2-XL,  Fox Shirt XL 
17. Mc InIreland Nails,                              Base Layer XXL,   Fox Shirt XXL
18. Mc ootthepheasants Rob,                     Base Layer 2-XL,  Fox Shirt XL
19. Mc eemipaintbrush Fred,                     Base Layer 2-XL,  Fox Shirt XL
20. Mc Tanktop Taylor,                             Base Layer 2-XL,  Fox Shirt XL