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HANDBOOK

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Welcome! Simply, thank you for supporting our event. For 2013 we have six individual races running: two audax rides, three

closed circuit youth races, and one classic road race. I’m going to stick my neck out and call that a cycling festival.

Our festival takes place in the Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park, an aspiration fast becoming a reality. We are pleased to have

South Ayrshire Council and South Carrick Community Leisure on-board for the festival, organisations that are

showing real commitment to cycling and driving the cycle park project forward.

New for 2013 is the SCCL Youth Criterium. We’re going to be cheering on the next generation charge as they charge

around Victory Park in the shadow of Cavendish, Boardman, Elliot and the other great British professionals who rode

here in the Girvan 3 Day Stage Race.

The 200km Highwayman Audax is a personal highlight of mine. We were very disappointed not to run the 2012

event over the ‘strada grigio’ of the Carrick Forest Drive so it is great to be back. The surface of both the Raiders and

Carrick Forest is dynamic, if you haven’t done so yet you really must ride these soon.

This year we run the 48th edition of the David Bell Memorial Race. It has a fearsome reputation given its terrain, but

in 2012 we saw some spectacular racing with the winning move emerging from a group of 11 on the final ascent of

the Byne. South African Christopher Jennings was a worthy winner, now ploughing a pro career in France with the

top La Pomme Marseille team. It is a new course for 2013, and it will be interesting to see how the race pans out.

Personally I’m going to position myself on Carleton, to see the bunch swoop along the coast to Lendalfoot before

tackling this fantastic climb for the first time, while Ailsa Craig gatecrashes our photos.

Thanks to my co-hosts, Blair Wyllie and Andy McKinlay, and to our category sponsors DigitalMyWay, Savoy Park

Hotel and Wm Grant and Sons. This event would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteer hours put in by

members and friends of Ayr Roads Cycling Club.

On behalf of the organising team, have a pleasant and successful weekend.

Cheers!

Christopher Johnson

Race Organiser

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Contents 48th David Bell Memorial Race ................................................................................................................................. 4

Past Winners ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Start Sheet .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Route Details ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 Map: ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Race Schedule: .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Spectator Information ....................................................................................................................................... 10 David Bell Biography ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Rider Information .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Race Officials ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

The Highwayman Challenge .................................................................................................................................. 15

100km Populaire ............................................................................................................................................... 15 200km Randonneur ........................................................................................................................................... 16 Retro Bike Competition ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Forest Drives: A How To Guide .......................................................................................................................... 18

South Carrick Community Leisure Youth Criterium ................................................................................................ 19

Age Categoires: ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Race Schedule: .................................................................................................................................................. 19

Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park ........................................................................................................................................ 20

Acknowledgements: .............................................................................................................................................. 22

The Ayrshire Alps Cycle Festival is brought to you by:

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48th David Bell Memorial Race Sunday 10th June:

48th South Carrick David Bell Memorial Race

National A Road Race

Starting From South Park Avenue 1100

Along with the Drummond Trophy and the Tour of the

Trossachs, the ‘Davie Bell’ is a monument of Scottish

Cycling. A gruelling race, for most riders it is enough just

to finish. The winner can rarely be assumed the

strongest. As early selections are formed, the hopefuls

must decide when is too early, and when the winning

move is being made. Expect a small group to remain

together right up until the closing lap. Whether we see

a sprint to the line or a lone victor is anyone’s guess.

The Prize

Riders will be competing for the 48th David Bell

Memorial Trophy – an award specially commissioned for

the race and presented by South Ayrshire Council.

There will be two category winners prizes:

The King of the Mountains award is presented by

DigitalMyWay.co.uk

The Under 23 award is presented by Savoy Park Hotel

In addition to the trophies, riders will also be competing

for their share of the total prize fund of £1,500 as

follows:

1st £300 6th £80 11th £30

2nd £220 7th £70 12th £20

3rd £180 8th £60 Ayrshire

rider

£50

4th £150 9th £50 U23 £75

5th £100 10th £40 3rd Cat £75

Licence Points:

The 48th South Carrick David Bell Memorial Road Race is

a National B Series Event – riders in places 1-20 will

qualify for licence points as follows:

Position Nat B Road Points

Position Nat B Road Points

1 60 11 15

2 52 12 13

3 45 13 11

4 40 14 9

5 35 15 7

6 31 16 6

7 27 17 5

8 23 18 3

9 20 19 2

10 17 20 1

‘Best of Bs’

The South Carrick David Bell Memorial is part of the

2013 Scottish Cycling National Road Race Series. Points

are awarded as follows:

Position National RR Series Points

Position National RR Series Points

1 60 11 15

2 52 12 13

3 45 13 11

4 40 14 9

5 35 15 7

6 31 16 6

7 27 17 5

8 23 18 3

9 20 19 2

10 17 20 1

The ‘Best of Bs’ is currently being led by Ben Greenwood

of Team IG Sigma Sport

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Past Winners

Year Rider Team

2012 Christopher Jennings Rapha Condor Sharp

2011 James McCallum Rapha Condor Sharp

2010 Evan Oliphant Endura

2009 Ross Creber Endura

2008 Gary Hand Pedal Power

2007 Evan Oliphant DFL CyclingNews Ltspd

2006 Jason MacIntyre Equippe Velo Ecosse

2005 Steve Kenny Kuota Biemme

2004 Jason MacIntyre Team Velo Ecosse

2003 Jason MacIntyre Team Velo Ecosse

2002 Tim Allan Pro-Acta Expressa

2001 Duncan Urquhart Team Velo Ecosse

2000 Jason MacIntyre Team Velo Ecosse

1999 Graham McGarrity Aberdeen Multisport

1998 Drew Wilson Clark Contracts RT

1997 Richard Moore Sandy Wallace Cycles

1996 Drew Wilson

Optimum Performance

RT

1995 Andrew Wright Paisley RT

1994 Graham McGarrity Aberdeen Multisport

1993 Keith Mailer Moray Firth RT

1992 James Millar Erskine CC

1991 Roddy Riddle Moray Firth RT

1990 Andy Matheson Musselburgh Road Club

1989 David Millar Chryston Wheelers

1988 David Hassan Glasgow Wheelers

1987 Willie Gibb Johnstone Wheelers

1986 David Millar Chryston Wheelers

1985 Steven Finnigan Greenock R.C.

1984 Graham Barclay Greenock R.C.

1983 David Millar Chryston Wheelers

1982 David Millar Glenmarnock Wheelers

1981 Norman Lindsay Musselburgh RC

1980 David Whitehall Glasgow Regent

1979 Jamie McGahan Glasgow Wheelers

1978 Andrew Brunton Glen R.C

1977 Robert Millar Glasgow Wheelers

1976 Alan Beveridge Glasgow Nightingale

1975 Maurice Laing Perth United

1974 Michael Daly Glasgow Nightingale

1973 John Curran Ayr Roads CC

1972 Dennis Mitchell Glasgow Nightingale

1971 Sandy Gordon Glasgow Wheelers

1970 Sandy Gordon Glasgow Wheelers

1969 Brian Linklater Stamperland Wheelers

1968 Fraser Connell Johnstone Wheelers

1967 Billy Bilsland Glasgow Wheelers

1966 Scott Savage Glenmarnock Wheelers

“They’d talk about The Nic, Glenalla, the Screws and

these climbs just sounded surreal almost mythical so the

Davie Bell has always had an aura” Graham McGarrity

“To win the Scottish version of The Tour of Peaks was

always an ambition, to pull it off was a dream!” Roddy

Riddle

“I can remember that first win well even though it

was thirty years ago. It was regarded as one of, if not

the hardest race on the calendar.” David Millar

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Start Sheet

Correct at time of print,

subject to change

1 Gary Maher Ayr Roads Cycling Club 2nd 2 Collin Humphrey Achieve-Skinnergate Racing 1st 3 Ian Taylor Ciclocostablanca.com 1st 4 Lucy Coldwell Breast Cancer Care Cycling Team 2nd 5 David Reed Deeside Thistle CC 3rd 6 Stephen Russell East Kilbride Road Club 3rd 7 Gary Jeffers East Tyrone Cycling Club A1 8 Kieran Montgomery Edinburgh RC 3rd 9 Ayrton Pellet Edinburgh RC 2nd U23

10 Richard McDonald Equipe Velo Ecosse/Montpeliers 2nd 11 Andrew Whitehall Equipe Velo Ecosse/Montpeliers 1st 12 Finlay Young Equipe Velo Ecosse/Montpeliers 2nd U23

13 Ryan Fenwick Gala Cycling Club 2nd U23 14 James McPake GJS Cruise Racing 2nd

15 Ross Clark Glasgow Ivy CC 3rd 16 Daniel McShane Glasgow Road Club 3rd 17 Alex Coutts Herbalife-Leisure Lakes Bikes.com 2nd 18 Giles Drake Herbalife-Leisure Lakes Bikes.com 1st 19 Gary Hand Herbalife-Leisure Lakes Bikes.com Elite 20 Andrew Hawdon Herbalife-Leisure Lakes Bikes.com Elite 21 Marc Anderson Loudoun RC 3rd 22 David Lines MG-Maxifuel Pro Cycling 1st 23 Marc Mclean Out Of The Saddle 3rd 24 Jamie Kennedy Paisley Velo Race Team 1st 25 Peter Murdoch Paisley Velo Race Team 1st 26 Chris Smart Paisley Velo Race Team 3rd 27 Bradley Stokes Pedal Power RT 2nd U23

28 Alastair McCauley Phoenix CC A1 29 Paul McInally Rock and Road Cycles 3rd 30 Scott McCrossan Rock to Roll Cycles Ltd Elite U23

31 Mark Stewart Team ASL360 1st Junior 32 Ben Greenwood Team IG Sigma Sport Elite

33 Andrew Hale Team Leslie Bike Shop 2nd U23 34 Evan Oliphant Team Raleigh Elite

35 Sean Gordon Team Thomsons Cycles 3rd Junior 36 Keith Laird Team Thomsons Cycles 3rd

37 Andrew Cox TheBicycleWorks. Com 2nd 38 Steven Lawley TheBicycleWorks. com 2nd 39 Gary Davidson VC Astar Anderside 2nd 40 Lewis Oliphant Velo Club Edinburgh 2nd 41 Peter Ward Velo Club Edinburgh 3rd 42 Jack Barrett Velocity 44 Stirling 2nd U23

43 Greig Brown www. Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk 2nd 44 Arthur Doyle www. Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk 2nd 45 Stuart MacGregor www. Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk 2nd 46 Stuart McCluskey www. Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk 2nd U23

47 Alastair McNicol www. Dooleys-Cycles.co.uk 2nd 48 John Brown Private 2nd 49 Robert Friel Private 2nd

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Route Details

This 48th edition of the David Bell Memorial is 82 miles

long, and features 6400ft of ascent.

The route has been designed to allow for aggressive

racing and good spectator opportunities.

The race route features three of the climbs in the area

commonly referred to as the ‘Ayrshire Alps’, including

Carleton, The Screws and The Byne.

The climb of Carleton features for the first time in the

history of the race. It will come as a shock after just

seven miles of flat riding along the coast. A steep

bottom ramp past the ruined Carleton Castle settles into

a slog up the moor. As the riders climb Ailsa Craig can

be seen rising out the water behind them.

The highpoint of the race, The Screws, is best known for

the great descent off it. However, our riders are going

the wrong way. The gradient ups on a couple of the

tight corners, but this is essential a steady slog.

The Byne is a steady drags up a shallow gradient.

However, with four laps to cover it will be a real test of

stamina.

The DigitalMyWay award for the King of The Mountains

will be decided over the climbs of Carleton, The Screws

and the Byne, based on a points system as follows:

1st: 15 points

2nd: 10 points

3rd: 5 points In the event of a tie, highest placing on Carleton will win.

The race concludes with a final lap of the Victory Park

criterium circuit.

Climb Profiles:

Carleton:

Distance: 2.2km

Elevation Gain: 127m

Average Gradient: 6.8%

Max Gradient: 15.6%

The Screws:

Distance: 2.9km

Elevation Gain: 113m

Average Gradient: 4.8%

Max Gradient: 13.9%

The Byne:

Distance: 4.5km

Elevation Gain: 154m

Average Gradient: 3.7%

Max Gradient: 10.4%

Sponsors of Ayr Burners Youth Cycling Club

Good luck at the SCCL Youth Criterium

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Map:

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Race Schedule:

Distance Miles

Distance

KM Average 40kph

Depart 11:00

Ceremonial Lap - Left Turn Coalpots Road

Roundabout - A77

0 Neutral Zone End 0km 11:06

5 Left Turn - Carleton Climb 8.3 11:18

6.5 GPM Carleton Summit 10.5 11:21

8.1 Left Turn - B734 Direction Pinwherry 13.1 11:24

10.5 Left Turn - unmarked road north 17 11:31

11.2 Left Turn - A714 Direction Girvan 18.1 11:33

12.4 Right Turn - B734 Direction Barr 20 11:36

18 Left Turn - Barr Village - The Screws 28.9 11:49

19.6 GPM The Screws Summit 31.6 11:58

22.3 Right Turn - B734 onto Quarry Road 36 12:03

23.1 Left Turn – B734 Direction Girvan 37.2 12:05

24.6 Left Turn - Coalpots Road 39.7 12:08

26.5 Roundabout - A714 Direction Newton S 42.7 12:13

29.4 GPM Byne Summit 47.3 12:20

30.2 Left Turn - Dinvin Road - Direction Old Dailly 48.7 12:22

37.8 Left Turn – B734 Direction Girvan 60.9 12:37

39.4 Left Turn - Coalpots Road 63.4 12:41

41.2 Roundabout - A714 Direction Newton S 66.4 12:46

45 Left Turn - Dinvin Road - Direction Old Dailly 72.4 12:52

51.4 Left Turn – B734 Direction Girvan 82.8 13:10

53 Left Turn - Coalpots Road 85.3 13:14

54.8 Roundabout - A714 Direction Newton S 88.3 13:18

58.6 Left Turn - Dinvin Road - Direction Old Dailly 94.3 13:28

65.2 Left Turn – B734 Direction Girvan 104.9 13:43

66.7 Left Turn - Coalpots Road 107.3 13:46

68.5 Roundabout - A714 Direction Newton S 110.2 13:49

75.2 Left Turn - Dinvin Road - Direction Old Dailly 116.2 14:00

78.67 Left Turn – B734 Direction Girvan 126.6 14:16

80.2 Left Turn - Coalpots Road 129 14:19

81.7 Left Turn - South Park Road 131.6 14:23

82 FINISH 131.9 14:24

The 48th edition of the David Bell Memorial is based on three circuits. An opening long loop stretches from Girvan to

Lendalfoot before going cross country to Barr. This is followed by four laps of the Byne-Assel Valley circuit. Finally

the riders complete a lap of the Victory Park Circuit and the welcome sprint to the line.

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Spectator Information

The route of the 48th David Bell Memorial has been designed with the spectator in mind! With circuits and climbs,

roadside fans have the chance to view the race on multiple occasions without ever coming into conflict with the

convoy. We’ve picked out the top five spaces to view the race:

1. Victory Park, Girvan – Not only will you have the chance to see the race come through four times, the

finishing sprint up South Park Avenue is always a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Race departs at 11am, Finish

ETA 1420

2. Carleton – Weather permitting, this has got to be the most beautiful section of the course. A thin ribbon of

asphalt running up the side of the wild Ayrshire coastline above Lendalfoot. Pity the riders though – it is

going to be a shock for the peloton with just 7 miles of racing in their legs! ETA 11:18 after 10km

3. The Screws – With sixty miles in the legs our riders return to the ‘Ayrshire Alps’ for the climb of the Screws, a

beautiful twisting ascent leading onto the plateau with fantastic views of Ailsa Craig and the Firth of Clyde.

Worth it for the scenery alone, racing action is the icing on the cake! ETA 11:50 after 28km

4. The Byne – Spectators on the Byne get great value with the racing passing four times. With a clear view back

down the valley to Girvan, make the most of the final stages of the race. 1st passage ETA 12:20 after 47km

5. Twitter – If you are unable to join us on race day, you can still stay up to date online via our twitter feed

@AyrRoadsCC #daviebell48

We kindly ask that spectators do not try and go against the flow of the race convoy – there should be ample

opportunity to see the route in several places without disruption.

The Favourites

Evan Oliphant – Team Raleigh

Evan is enjoying what is possibly his greatest season to date, having secured overall victory in the 2013 Premier

Calendar series against the best pro riders in Britain. Already a double winner of the Davie Bell, a third win

would take him closer to David Millar’s record.

Gary Hand – Herbalife Leisure Lakes Racing

A former winner and current Scottish Champion, Gary Hand will be keen to make an impression on the hill roads

he knows well. With the support of his Herbalife Leisure Lakes few would bet against a win from a man so

popular he had his own #TeamHand fanclub at the Glasgow National Road Race!

Ben Greenwood – IG Sigma Sport

Ben comes to us with some frustration. The perennial hardman of UK racing, he has unfinished business on

the roads of the David Bell Memorial. British Hill Climb Champion in 2005, Ben will be a heavily marked man.

Not shy of work, expect to see him in the main break of the day!

Gary Maher – Ayr Roads Cycling Club

Local rider Gary Maher of Prestwick may be a wildcard for the win, but is favourite to lift the Davie Bell memorial

trophy for first rider from the host club. Gary already has a win to his name this season along with a string of

good results, but will require a herculean effort to become the first home winner since John Curran in 1973.

Four riders from a field of over 40. Good luck all! (all images from team or riders own website)

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David Bell Biography

David E T Bell - “The Highwayman“

Founder member of Ayr Roads Cycling Club

From 1930 until his untimely death in the Spring of

1965, David E T Bell a gardener and nursery man took

the readers of The Ayrshire Post with him on his

cycling journeys and adventures. Writing under the

pen name of The Nomad and then The Highwayman,

David was never idle. His motto, “If I rest I rust”

described him most aptly. David had an irresistible

urge to discover what lay round the next corner on his

chosen route.

Born in Brydekirk, Dumfriesshire in 1908, David

explored countless places throughout Britain and

Ireland, and also cycled on the Continent after the

Second World War. He was most at home however,

in his favourite, native South West Scotland,

describing the scenery he loved, and writing of the

history and mood of the countryside through which

he pedalled miles after mile, in search of some elusive

target he had set himself.

David intuitively captured the camaraderie and

friendly banter of his era in the halcyon days of

cycling, before the motor car ruled the road, writing

of shared experiences, around the common-room fire

of a favourite Youth Hostel, or of events out on the

open road with his fellow cyclists and companions.

Solitude suited him equally well and he would write in

meditative fashion of his day’s progress, telling of the

changing scene, as the miles dropped behind his

restless wheels. He took the bad days smiling with

the good.

Thousands of readers throughout the years followed

his wanderings and exploits. The name Highwayman

was probably a bit misleading, for David was an

exponent of the byway and of rough-stuff cycling –

abandoning recognised routes for tracks and open

hillsides.

He was the all-round dedicated cyclist. His weekly

column was sadly missed, by a legion of followers

after his death in April 1965. So intense was the

devotion he evoked in his companions and readers

that they built a monument to him in the heart of the

country he loved best – within sight of the Merrick

and its neighbours in the Ayrshire and Galloway hills,

he knew so well.

Peter Blane

Cycling the Merrick

One week the Post published a letter from a reader

who had gone to the summit of Merrick on a pony. He

closed his correspondence with the challenge, 'It only

remains for someone to make the ascent on a bicycle.'

The Highwayman rose to the bait and, with four

friends, set off through the mist covered Minnoch

Valley heading for Merrick. Riding and walking,

sometimes using a sling to carry their bikes, they

progressed slowly up the hill, some of them collapsing

and gasping for breath, while Davie's pal, Harry

Fairbairn kept up a constant monologue, 'Jings this is

smashing. I never saw anything like this.' Eventually

they reached the summit and took a photograph to

record the feat.

Then followed the descent of the sloping ridge of the

Neive of the Spit to Ben Yellery 'one hectic mile of

crashing and bumping that

smashed my back

mudguard.' From Ben Yellery

they covered another 2,000ft

(610m) at a slower pace to

finally descend through

granite boulders to Loch

Trool. From www.theaa. com

Two printed collections of Bell’s work exist: Highwayman (1970:

Ayrshire Post) ASIN: B0030CBYKK

The Highwayman Again (1990: Scottish & Universal

Newspapers) ISBN: 0950064726

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Rider Information

RACE HEADQUARTERS

The headquarters of the event are at Girvan Academy:

62 The Avenue, Girvan, South Ayrshire, KA26 9DW.

The most convenient direction to approach the

academy from the North is to head south on the A77

and enter Girvan. After passing the large ASDA store

on your right, make a left turn onto Montgomerie

Street. Continue until the small square at the end of

the road and turn left onto the Avenue. Girvan

Academy is at the end of this street on your right hand

side.

Changing facilities including showers are available.

PARKING IN GIRVAN

There are two car parks at the school – we request

that all teams use the larger west car park, leaving the

smaller one free for convoy vehicles.

SIGNING ON

Sign on will open at 09:00 in the main hallway. All

participants will be required to surrender their racing

licence at sign on. These will be returned in exchange

for race numbers after the event.

Riders will be given 3 numbers and instructions on

how to position these to benefit photo finish will be

indicated at sign on.

It is essential that Riders do not wear anything that

will obscure your number from race officials and

judges.

RACE START

The 48th David Bell Memorial will officially start at

11am. Competitors are required to attend the rider

briefing by the start/finish line on South Park Avenue

at 10:50.

RACE RULE NOTES

The race will be run under the rules of British Cycling

so no surprises in store.

1. Riders MUST move into to the left side of the

roads when motorcycles and race convoy

vehicles pass.

2. Any team service vehicles wishing to support

their riders must first contact the Chief

Commissaire. Vehicles over 1.6m in height

will not be permitted in the race convoy.

RACE SERVICE

Neutral service will be offered at the 48th David Bell

Memorial.

All riders are requested to provide a full set of wheels

(front and rear). As a minimum, riders holding

number 1-40 will supply rear wheels, Riders holding

numbers 40-80 will supply front. These will be

collected at race sign on

On single track road service will only be offered

at suitable passing places to avoid obstructing the

passage of the race convoy. If you are

unfortunate enough to puncture, continue to the

nearest passing place

EQUIPMENT Competitors are responsible for their own machine, and must ensure it is in a road worthy condition. FIRST AID We are pleased to have secured the services of EFAR Scotland, a professional first aid team who will follow the race as part of the convoy. Much as we respect their training and qualifications, try and not visit them!

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On fifth approach to Girvan

turn right onto the Avenue to

complete half circuit of Victory

Park

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Race Officials

Chief Commissaire John MacMillan

Commissaire 2 Hugh Sinclair

Commissaire 3 Paul Mullan

Moto Commissaire Richard Todd

Lead Car 1 Andy McKinlay

Lead Car 2 Neil Campbell

Service Team 1 Mick Robb & Owen Ross

Service Team 2 Paul Torrance & Adam Stevens

Service Team 3 Craig Gilmour

Broom Wagon Driver John-Paul Baxter

Judge Team 1 John Johnson & Martin Gobert

Judge Team 2 Peter Ferrier, Paul Gibson & Aaron Gibson

First Aid EFAR Scotland & Calum Hume and Colin Armstrong

Photo Finish Bill Dunscombe & Sandy Glover

Timekeeper Blair Wyllie

Organiser Christopher Johnson supported by Blair Wyllie & Andy McKinlay

The race jury will consist of:

John MacMillan (Chief Commissaire)

Paul Gibson (Chief Judge)

Chris Johnson (Race Organiser)

Race Radio:

We will use the following CB channels:

Race Radio UK CB Channel 32

Backup UK CB Channel 23 Should channel 32 fail

Please conform with established radio etiquette

Race Role Out Order:

The order for race vehicles to assemble on South Park Avenue is:

Lead Car 2 – Neutral Service 2 – Comm 2 – Lead Car 1 – Judge Team 1 (for neutral zone only)

Riders

Chief Comm – First Aid – Neutral Service 1 – Team Service – Comm 3 – Neutral Service 3 – Ambulance – Broom

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The Highwayman Challenge

About

The Highwayman Challenge gives riders the chance to experience the terrain of Davie Bell country and the Ayrshire

Alps in the company of other sport cyclists. Both 100km and 200km events are run under the regulations of Audax

UK.

An Audax is NOT a race, but it is still a real test similar to a marathon. All participants will be issued with a ‘Brevet’

card which they will stamp at controls along the way. However, these controls are only open for a certain length of

time – adding to the challenge! There is a maximum, as well as a minimum speed required and all riders must

average between 15km/h and 30km/h in order to qualify as having ‘completed’ the event.

100km Populaire

We’ve reversed the route of our 100km ride, taking us south east from Girvan, straight up the challenging ‘Byne’

climb and along the beautiful remote ‘Knowe’ road, a favourite with Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire cyclists. After the

first control at 35km riders will turn north to Bargrennan (no stop this year so don’t fear the midgies!). From

Bargrennan the road begins its long, slow and wearing 10mile drag up towards the Bell Memorial and the climb of

Tairlaw Shalloch. Riders will be rewarded with the exhilarating descent down towards our 2nd control at Straiton,

with the opportunity to take on refreshments. From here we turn west and charge back along the Girvan Valley

towards home.

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Controls:

The Highwayman Challenge 100km will feature 4 controls along the route. Registered participants will receive a

detailed route and brevet card detailing these controls before the event.

Distance Checkpoint Opens Closes

0km Girvan 9:00 9:00

35km Knowe 10:10 11:20

80km Straiton 11:40 14:20

101km Girvan 12:24 15:48

200km Randonneur

Our 200km follows the route of the 100km Populaire as far as Knowe. From here its on to Newton Stewart and the

Queen’s Drive as far as Clatteringshaw and the first section of ‘Strada Grigio’, the 10mile Raiders Road. After the

Stroan Loch control we head cross country to Moniaive. The roads are sticky, but a tailwind should help on the pull

up to Dalmellington and Loch Doon. The Carrick Forest Drive drops riders half way up Tairlaw, where a fast descent

to Straiton offers a breather before the last stretch to Girvan.

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Controls:

The Highwayman Challenge 200km will feature 7 controls along the route. Registered participants will receive a

detailed route and brevet card detailing these controls before the event.

Girvan 0km 08:00 08:00

Knowe 35km 09:10 10:20

Stroan Loch 79km 10:38 13:16

Moniavie 111km 11:42 15:24

Loch Doon 162km 13:24 16:48

Straiton 185km 14:10 20:20

Girvan 208km 14:56 21:52

These controls will be conveniently located for refreshment breaks, being close to local conveniences and smashing

cafes (but don’t spend too long gabbing, remember the clock is running!)

We will have a sweeper going round the course to ensure that no one is left out on route at the end.

Please note – the passages of the Raiders Road and Carrick Forest Drive involves 16miles of unsealed forest road –

the racers covered this on 700x23mm tyres, so mountain bikes not required. However we would recommend you

carry a couple spare tubes just in case!

Parking

Highwayman participants should note that Victory Park will be closed to traffic from 1430 to 1730 to accommodate

the SCCL Youth Criteriums. We’d encourage you to stay and cheer on the young racers, but if you do expect to finish

during the afternoon please do not leave your car within the circuit – INCLUDING GIRVAN ACADEMY CARPARK. The

school and strip will be open throughout and marshals will help you cross the circuit.

Retro Bike Competition

The Highwayman Challenge celebrates the life of David E T Bell, a pioneering cyclist and explorer of the rough stuff.

Davie took his old touring machine up the top of the Merrick and Ailsa Craig, and never once complained about lack

of hydraulic disc brakes or suspension.

To get into the spirit of adventure, we are encouraging those who wish to ride the audax on a retro bike. This must

be at least 15yrs old and look suitably ‘ancient’ to your average 12yr old!

You will be competing for a special prize, plus a wee bottle of premium product from our Davie Bell sponsor William

Grant & Sons.

To enter the Retro Bike Competition, you must notify our chief judge when you arrive at sign on. He will take your

name and details, and a photo of you with your machine. The winner will be decided by the time the riders return to

base-camp with trophy awarded.

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Forest Drives: A How To Guide

Former Commonwealth Games rider, Great Britain

Team Manager and 2011 David Bell Strata Grigio

‘survivor’, Neil Walker shares his top tips on how best

to ride the unsealed Carrick Forest Drive.

Riding the “Strada Grigio” is a great experience, right

up there with the cobbles of Paris Roubaix, it is a huge

disappointment that the elite race won’t be covering

these fantastic roads, but those brave enough to

follow in the tyre tracks of the “Highwayman” will be

rewarded! In 2011 I used a pair of Vittoria Pave

tubular tyres, which are 24mm wide, rather than the

usual 22mm. These have a heavier tread pattern and

give tonnes of grip, and are less susceptible to

punctures, whilst still being fast and light.

There are a few important things to consider to get

through unscathed – equipment choice and

preparation, and line-choice and riding style on the

un-sealed roads.

Tyres - If you can, use a tyre which has some tread to

it – just a shallow file tread is better than a slick tyre,

giving more traction, and being less susceptible to

cuts. Make sure your tyres are in good condition –

check for cracks, cuts and foreign objects (most

punctures are caused by something you’ve picked up

on a previous ride – so pull out thorns, stones or

glass). If your tyres are worn or badly cut, consider

replacing them before the event.

Pressure - Make sure you have them pumped up hard

enough to avoid pinch flats, but soft enough for a bit

of grip and comfort. 100psi is fine for most riders, less

if you are a flyweight, and more if you are a

Clydesdale!

Positioning - Riding the gravel roads requires lots of

concentration – make sure you are alert and looking

well ahead for potholes, and larger stones. Try to ride

in the tyre tracks of cars, where there are fewer

stones, rather than the edges of the road, or the

centre.

Stay loose - If you do have to ride in the looser gravel

to avoid other riders, potholes or when cornering, stay

relaxed – tense riders tend to puncture! When you are

tensed up you can’t absorb the bumps with your body,

so relax your shoulders and arms, and be prepared to

allow the bike to slide a little on the stones.

Spares - And finally, make sure you take a couple of

inner tubes and a good pump, just in case!

If you have been persuaded to renew your tyres, take

a trip to Walkers Cycling in Kilmaurs and speak to Neil

directly.

Proud sponsor of the 2013

King of the Mountains

Trophy

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South Carrick Community Leisure Youth Criterium Famed for hosting the Saturday night criteriums stage

of the Girvan 3day Easter Stage Race, Victory Park will

once again close for bike racing.

From 1430 until 1730 on the 17th August closed road

conditions will apply to allow the latest round of the

Scottish Power Renewables Youth Series. Racing is

open for Youth A, Youth B and Youth C Categories

Victory Park is a 1.2mile long circuit, with a slight rise

on ‘South Park Avenue’ followed by descent of ‘The

Avenue’

The event will be run under the regulations of British

Cycling (including gear restrictions). For full details on

racing rules

Age Categoires:

Youth C Under 12 born in 2001 or 2002 From 1st Jan of year in which 11th birthday falls to 31st December of year in which 12th birthday falls

Youth B Under 14 born in 1999 or 2000 From 1st Jan of year in which 13th birthday falls to 31st December of year in which 14th birthday falls (or upgraded from Youth C).

Youth A Under 16 born in 1997 or 1998 From 1st Jan of year in which 15th birthday falls to 31st December of year in which 16th birthday falls (or upgraded from Youth B).

Gear restrictions:

Gear restrictions are applied to young racers in a

move to reduce injury and improve tactics.

Gear restrictions for the SCCL Youth Criterium are as

follows:

Youth A: 6.93m

Youth B: 6.45m

Youth C: 6.05m

To check your gear size meets the restrictions get a

tap measures and mark the distance you can cover on

the pavement with chalk. Put the bike with the pedal

at 6 oclock position directly above the front marker.

Push the bike backwards and your pedal should do a

full revolution before reaching the other chalk mark.

Gears can be ‘blocked off’ using the adjuster screws

on the gears. If you are not sure how to do this don’t

worry – your bike will be checked by an official who

can show you what to do.

Race Schedule:

Practice: 1430-1500

Youth C: 1500-1530

Youth B: 1540 to 1620

Youth A: 1630 to 1715

Practice will not be possible on the circuit while racing

is on. There is small section of the school playground

where warm up and warm down can be done. Cars

will not be allowed onto the course during racing so if

you need to leave early make sure parent’s park

outside the course.

The organiser of the first SCCL Youth Criteirum is Andy

McKinlay.

A timing system will be in place and each rider issued

a chip at sign on (open 12:30 to 14:00). Please return

these with your numbers.

Entry online:

available at www.southcarrickdaviebell.org

On the day entry will be possible, closing at 1300.

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Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park

Following the 2012 David Bell Memorial Race, council

officials met with the race organisers to discuss future

plans for the race. There was the acceptance events

can generate a buzz in the build up, and a spectacle

on the day, but what happens afterwards?

With Glasgow 2014 on its way, ‘legacy’ is a popular

term. What legacy could the Davie Bell bring to

Ayrshire?

It just so happened, organisers had an idea up their

sleeve: an Ayrshire trail centre, but not for

mountainbikes, but road bikes. The Carrick area,

stretching from Straiton right across to the Girvan

coast has some of the richest road-cycling terrain

around. Why not take advantage of it?

A pilot website was established in September 2012.

Featuring 16 climbs, all graded like a ski resort, and

identifying the facilities already in place, the idea

quickly gained momentum. South Ayrshire Council,

via the South Carrick Community Sports Hub

commissioned a new site and ‘piste’ map that

launched in June 2013.

Signage , merchandise and a user login area of the site

are all set to follow the site, in a venture that could be

worth over £200,000 per annum to the local

economy.

The idea is simple: encourage cyclists to climb all 16

hills in the Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park. Over the course

of the festival weekend participants will climb five of

them.

If you haven’t already done so, visit

www.ayrshirealps.org to see the project vision for

yourself.

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Acknowledgements:

The Ayrshire Alps Cycling Festival is a promotion of

Ayr Roads Cycling Club / Harry Fairbairn BMW and

would not be possible without the commitment of its

membership, families and friends.

We are particularly grateful to our title sponsors,

South Carrick Community Leisure and South Ayrshire

Council. As organisers we could not ask for more from

our local authority and local community.

We are also delighted to have attracted the support of

a host of local businesses. Wiliam Grant & Sons,

based in Girvan have been incredibly generous with

their support, including premium brand drinks for our

race champions.

Thanks to DigitalMyWay.co.uk and Savoy Park Hotel,

both local businesses active in their support for

cycling. Not only do ACS Prestwick Ltd support the

event, they give a huge amount of support to the local

Ayr Burners Youth Cycling Club.

The Forestry Commission Scotland and Police Scotland

have been generous with their time and support.

Road closure and routing would not be possible

without the services of Coneworx Ltd with traffic

management.

We are grateful to the guidance and help of Scottish

Cycling, and their colleagues in Manchester.

The Ayrshire cycling community have also excelled

themselves, in particular the members of Loudoun RC

and Fullarton Wheelers. Cheers guys (but we still

intend to beat you at the Team Time Trial Champs!)

Here’s looking forward to a great weekend of racing,

and see you all again in 2014!

Race Committee – Ayr Roads CC