FWS 1991 – Roddy Riddle
To kick off our former winners’ series, we invited Roddy Riddle to answer some questions about his Davie Bell win in 1991. His was an astonishing ride, and clearly marked him out as a force over the next few years!
Start of with a hard question why don’t you, I’ve got to tell the truth I’m not sure!
Roddy representing Scotland in the Girvan - How I wanted a pair of Briko Stingers too! Short of pictures, we have stolen liberally from Roddy's facebook archive - thanks
I got away in the early move which stayed away, I punctured and took a while to get a wheel so I ended back in the peloton, on the Nick O Balloch myself and my brother Kenny got away, we got a good gap and after a crazy decent of Tairlaw summit we recaught the break, with about 20miles to the finish we turned left and went up last climb, it split up and I ended away with Davie Gibson and maybe a couple of other riders, Davie attacked a couple of times coming back in the rolling road past Butlins holiday camp, when we got to the last roundabout just before the finish it was a slight uphill I made my move and won my 1st and only Davie Bell.
I had ridden a 10mile TT the day before which I broke the course record on so I knew my form was good, at the start Andrew Ferry who had just returned from New Zealand with the Scottish team at the Commonwealth Games said to me “You’re the favorite for today, word has it you’ree the man on form” To win the Scottish version of The Tour of Peaks was always an ambition, to pull it of was a dream!
The main reason was because I had been riding well I was getting selected for races further afield, so missed out doing a lot of races I liked!
Up in the moors its pretty similar to many of the roads up here, I rode the SCU hill climb up a climb opposite Butlins [Carwinshoch on the Carrick Hills - ed] when I was younger and got bronze, great safe quiet roads’
This was 1991. While Boris stood around on tanks putting down a coup, Riddle was leading another over in the Scottish racing calendar
When Andrew Ferry told me I was favorite it gave me a boost, but it was won with strong work from Kenny on the Nick and our crazy decent off Tairlaw.[Andy won the Girvan 3 day in 1987, and a few club 10s while a member of ARCC- ed]
Yes it has value, if it didn’t I wouldn’t remember it so well, outwith winning stages in Givan it is well up there as far as my Scottish wins go.
I knew it was a record that suited a road rider, so I split my season into two, first part I rode my normal stage races, the Girvan, Ruban, Ras and a few others add to this single day road races and time trials this was to give me my foundation, second part included travelling to Meadowbank to to various tests etc, my races were now only time trials on fixed. It was one of the nights where I peaked 100% it was like I couldn’t hurt myself, then I hit 47mins and don’t remember too much about the last 13mins, its by far the toughest race of my career!
coverage of Roddy's hour record in the comic
Only that anyone with the power to win the Davie Bell and who can time trial well could go on and go for the hour.
Richard was always going to be talented, all I did was steer his traing in the correct way, he had a great period around 1997, he was winning nearly everything he entered so to be honest I don’t. [we'll come back to Richard and get the full story later]
With up and coming riders getting help from Braveheart which is ran by Alan Millar and ex pro Brian Smith, it has never been a better time for riders who show potential, so many good stepping stones up to Team Sky!!
Give the race major respect it needs it, look at the profile well in advance and if you want to win simulate your training to suit.
Behind the counter in Bikes of Inverness - the shop he has run with his brothers since 1988
I was diagnosed with type1 diabetes in 2008, at 40yr old. It is quite rare to get type1 in later life, it is normally something that affects people from childhood. Sir Steve Redgrave also was diagnosed at same age!I have my diabetes well under control, it has not made much difference to my life.I wanted to do something big to raise awareness for diabetes, so a friend David Brandy suggested I do the hardest running event in the world the Marathon Des Sables, its a 155mile 6 day running race through the Sahara desert….http://runningsahara.com/the-mds/If by me showing that a type1 can compete and race the MDS and it gets people with and type1 and people at risk of type2 doing exercise its job done!
The most scenic race in the UK?
We took this picture in February 2011 in the run up to the 46th edition. Heading south alongside Loch Doon looking into the heart of the Galloways. The few miles of tranquility before the road turns to dust. A beautiful day and a beautiful view.
The 2012 Course et Parcours – Treasure Hunt
The organisers of the 47th South Carrick David Bell Memorial RR have provisionally agreed on a route. We believe it has all the right ingredients for a classic race – Forest Roads, Ayrshire Alps, Town finish, stunning scenery and no opportunities to nap…
A map of the route was posted on this website today – but no clues; you will need to find it! 
The first person to find our sneaky hidden ‘Easter Egg’ map wins two free innertubes!
Remembering the 46th Davie Bell!
This report was first published on the 5th June 2011.
The 46th David Bell Memorial Road Race lived up to its promise as epic, when pre-race favourite James McCallum flew across the gravel roads to win on Sunday. The event, promoted by Ayr Roads Cycling Club / Harry Fairbairn BMW was billed as the hardest single day road race in Scotland, and with only 35 finishers of the 80 strong start sheet no one was going to claim otherwise!
James solos home to victory
Riders enjoyed good conditions as they signed on at the race headquarters in Straiton, just a dry light breeze from the east. As the convoy rolled out and the race hit the opening circuit around a short nine mile loop to loosen up the legs there was an explosion of activity. The race didn’t dip below 30mph once, as an attack by Matt MacDonald (thebicycleworks .com) and Callum Wilkinson (Endura Racing) looked like a dangerous move.
A full field signed up for the 2011 'Davie Ding-Dong'
A good crowd based itself in Straiton to cheer as the riders passed through their village on the way to the D&J Dunlop Hill prime on the Largs climb. Despite featuring so early in the race many top riders were already being spat out the back as the young mountain bike star Grant Fergusson (Boardman Elite) showed off the strength that had netted him a top result at the Offemberg World Cup event the week before.
Entering Straiton on Lap 1
The convoy had no trouble negotiating the difficult right hand junctions through Dalmellington towards Loch Doon as local Police did a superb job of helping the many marshals with traffic. As the race hit the banks of Loch Doon, event organisers had goosebumps all over – after nine months of organisation the sight of a full peloton racing along under the shadow of the Merrick was breathtaking! Pity the riders who had no chance to admire the scenery; with the countdown to the Forest Road beginning there was attack after attack to ensure the strongest men were on the front and out of trouble. Service vehicles were fully deployed as riders succumbed to a quick succession of punctures – even before the gravel track began!
FOREST ROAD:
At full speed past Loch Riecaw and on to Loch Braden, the race was easily recognisable by the big clouds of dust followed the riders. A group of fifteen gained an advantage before returning to the road, just as Kenny Armstrong, the only remaining home rider suffered an ironic puncture just metres before the tarmacadam re-started!
Tete de la Course - above Loch Riecaw
Coming into the Sinclair Scott Sprint at Straiton for the final lap, Callum Wilkinson showed off the skills that marked him out as a pre-race favourite. On the climb a group of four broke away including McCallum, Wilkinson, Peter Murdoch (Team Cyclelane) and Scott MacCrae (Leslie Bike Shop). No one in the diminished 25 rider peloton seemed willing to chase, and the gap quickly established itself at 90 seconds. By the time the race returned to Loch Doon the gap was still growing at over two minutes. Fed up waiting, Gordon Murdoch (Team Cyclelane) made a bold solo bid to counter the attack and had a well established gap of 45 seconds by the time the pack returned to the Forest Drive.
While James McCallum was vying to launch his solo bid to glory at the front, it was local heroes Trevor Wilson (Dales CRT) , Gareth Barnes and Neil Walker (both Walkers CC) who were putting in valiant rides to stick with strong men such as Commonwealth Games runner up George Atkins (Velo Ecosse) and Neil Souter (GS Metro). Climbing up to Loch Braden exhaustion was evident, as riders struggled to keep traction and momentum on the loose gravel. Grant Fergusson reported to have popped as he disappeared from view in the official race car mirrors.
The forest dustbowl - Carrick Forest Drive
Up front James McCallum was turning a 20metre gap into over a minutes lead as he flew down the descent of Tairlaw. As marshal Paul Torrance observed at the notorious S-bend over Tairlaw bridge ‘That lad McCallum can go round a corner’!
Behind him Peter Murdoch was putting in a courageous effort to rejoin the remains of the break following a puncture, while behind brother Gordon soldiered on alone – now over a minute clear of the bunch.
McCallum turned into Straiton to a huge cheer, time to salute to the sky and dedicate the win to his wife’s late grandfather. A little later Peter pipped MaCrae and Wilkinson for 2nd place, and Gordon got a hero’s welcome for his super fifth place solo effort.
First finisher from the home club was Kenny Armstrong in 29th position, after losing time waiting for service.
Ann Galbraith - heroine to the race organisers - awards James McCallum
Councillor Ann Galbraith was on hand to present the winner with the stunning slate trophy, specially commissioned for the event. A visibly delighted James McCallum was quick to praise the organising team, and more especially Councillor Galbraith for her help and support preparing the race circuit.
Having cited the Davie Bell as the one Scottish race he ‘had to win’, winner McCallum told Ayr Roads to “Keep pushing the boundaries, today was awesome and epic! The trophy is ace too!” – before spraying the organiser Chris Johnson with Champagne
6th place finisher Eddie Addis of Velo Ecosse praised the post race catering as “Awesome! I’ll be back next year”
Walkers Cycling Duo Gareth Barnes and Neil Walker called the course ‘visionary’, both delighted with top 20 results.
The next major event fixture of Ayr Roads Cycling Club is the Scottish Hill Climb Championships on the 23rd October.
Champagne reception
School Poster Competition!
Thank you Heather Riach (age 7) for your poster competition poster!
On Sunday 10th June 2012 the best cyclists in Britain will line up in Girvan for the 2012 South Carrick David Bell Memorial – the 47th running of this classic Scottish bike race.
David Bell was a local cyclist and journalist who wrote under the name ‘The Highwayman’. For more than 30years he wrote a popular column in the Ayrshire Post about his adventures by bike, including ‘mountain biking’ long before mountain bikes existed!
The race is run in his honour, and the winner will need to ride 100 miles across the toughest climbs in South Ayrshire. The organisers at Ayr Roads Cycling Club are working with local partners to make sure the race is a success, and hopefully be shown on TV in 2013.
The South Carrick David Bell Memorial is a community-led event, supported from South Ayrshire Council and South Carrick Community Leisure, and we would like you to get involved!
We are asking school children across the South Carrick area to design the artwork for all the race publicity. The winning designs will be used on everything from the event Facebook page to huge banners to be hung on the side of the Stumpy Tower in Girvan.
Primary School Competition:
South Ayrshire Council have kindly agreed to us hanging banners on the Stumpy Tower in Girvan. The best two designs will be created into huge banners that will be seen by everyone driving through Girvan. As well as seeing their design made into huge public art, the two winners will win the right to start the race. The theme of the poster is “South Carrick welcomes the 2012 David Bell Memorial Road Race”.
Competition rules:
- The competition is open to pupils from the South Carrick area, including Ballantrae, Barr, Barrhill, Colmonell, Crosshill, Dailly, Kirkmichael, Straiton, Sacred Heart, Girvan and Maidens Primary Schools
- Designs must be in portrait format, and four times as high as they are wide (e.g 50cm tall, 12.5cm wide)
- Entries must be submitted by the 16th March 2012
- Entrants must agree to have their design used by race organisers to promote the race
- Entrants must provide their name, age, school and class teachers details
Secondary School Competition:
We are looking to create a brand identity for the David Bell – a bold and eye catching logo to be used on all event material as the event grows over the next five years. We are not designers, so your help is essential! The logo might capture the unique scenery of Ayrshire, the history of the event, or even the future. You can present your logo as either a website banner, or incorporated into a poster in A3 scale. As well as the opportunity to have your artwork used for a national event, the winner will also win the chance to follow the race in an official race convoy vehicle – the best way to watch the drama unfold!
Competition Rules
- The competition is open to pupils from the South Carrick area, including Girvan and Carrick Academies
- Designs must be A3 portrait for posters, or as a banner 5x as wide as high (e.g. 1000 x 200 pixels).
- Entries must be submitted by the 16th March 2012
- Entrants must agree to have their design used by race organisers to promote the race
- Entrants must provide their name, age, and school details
Competition entries should be sent to:
CYCLE RACE POSTER COMPETITION c/o Ronnie Sinclair, Carrick Buildings, Henrietta Street, Girvan, KA26 9AL
47th EDITION – SUNDAY JUNE 10TH 2012
The South Carrick David Bell Memorial is a unique sporting event, piting the tops cyclists in the UK against each other, but also the unforgiving and spectacular landscape of the hill and moor roads of south Ayrshire. The race features several sectors of unpaved forest road, and is rightly regarded as a ‘Monument’ of Scottish Cycling.
The race pays tribute to David E.T. Bell – aka the Highwayman, a founding member of Ayr Roads Cycling Club. Recent victors include Rapha Condor Sharp’s James McCallum, Team Raleigh’s Evan Oliphant, and the late Jason MacIntyre. 2012 promises to be bigger and better than ever before!
The South Carrick Davie Bell is a promoted by Ayr Roads Cycling club thanks to the generous sponsorship of South Ayrshire Council and South Carrick Community Leisure. We are delighted to have secured the backing of Jamieson Plant Hire Maybole and JM Paterson Ltd Kirkoswald. The race is a unique community venture with big ambitions!
Details of the 2012 route are still being finalised, but we can confirm it will contain at least one section of Forest Drive, and a visit to the Bell Memorial at Rowntree Toll. Race distance will be 160km and featuring over 2000m of vertical ascent. And hows about a little teaser…
Current champion James McCallum has confirmed he will return to defend his title with a full Rapha-Condor-Sharp team. Meanwhile Scottish registered Endura Racing will be looking to perform strongly on home territory against the likes of Herbalife Leisure Lakes, Vanilla Racing, Velo Ecosse and others. More teams are being announced every day so keep an eye on www.southcarrickdaviebell.org for more.
For details of the 46th David Bell Memorial Road Race held on the 5th June 2011 click here
For more information, contact Race Organiser Christopher Johnson on 07754 503509, or by email at ayrroads@gmail.com
The South Carrick Davie Bell is a promoted by Ayr Roads Cycling club thanks to the generous sponsorship of South Ayrshire Council with the backing of the South Carrick Community Leisure
