Monthly Newsletter - Sept 2026
Updated: Aug 29
Coming Up in September
Sat 5th Social Ride
Sun 13th Randonee, Crieff
Sun 20th Pilgrim’s Way Gravel Ride
Tue 22nd FCP Chaingang sessions restart
FCA Midweek Time Trial League
With only 1 event remaining in the league TT series, that means both hill climbs are behind us and racing returns to flatter lands.
However, that should not detract from the fantastic achievements made by DCC members on both the Cleish and Falkland hills.
Last week on Cleish: Ross Thomson, Chris Kumesu-Egri, Adrian Hay, and Jon Spokes all finished in the top 10 and Rachael Cottier was 1st lady (14th overall).
Wednesday 26th Aug, racing moved back to Falkland for the climb up to Craigmead car park: 1.7 miles of pain and misery (in my opinion) up a 7.4% average gradient.
As well as being #19 in the series, this event was also the 2026 Fife Cycling Association Hill Climb Championship - open only to FCA affiliated clubs and members.
Winner of the FCA Female's competition (again) was Rachael, finishing 15th overall and second lady on the night. In the Open event, Jake Brown achieved an excellent 3rd place (6th overall on the night).
In addition to Jake, there was another top 10 placing for Jon (9th in 10 minutes dead - note for Jon: must try harder) and Paul Lund was pipped by a couple of seconds for 10th place.
Final league positions are almost, but not quite determined. To have the best chance of finishing high in the leagues, it is almost essential to ride in the maximum number of counting events, as this is used as a multiplier. This year that number is 15. There may be a few minor positional changes, but it is looking good for DCC riders.
Findlay Watt
Addendum
The FCA have a 2-Up event on Sunday 6 September near Freuchie. DCC have to provide marshals. Please contact Angela Dixon if you can help. Marshals should be finished by 11.
Focus on Safety
Accidents in recreational cycling are thankfully relatively rare. However we still need to be well prepared for any such eventualities.
Over the years there have been a number of occasions where we needed to get in touch with an emergency contact for a member out on a club ride.
All DCC members can make sure that they have noted their emergency contact details when renewing their British Cycling membership. However as DCC uses Spond registrations for all rides, the best way is to provide details by adding them under your Spond profile. This ensures that a ride leader can very quickly get your contact’s number.
Adding Your Emergency Contact Details to Your Spond Profile
Open the Spond App on your smartphone.
On the Home screen tap on your profile picture, top left.
On your Profile page, tap on Group Memberships >
On the Group memberships screen tap on any one of the Dunfermline Cycling Club groups. (e.g. Bun Runs)
At the bottom of the next screen, you will see the Emergency Contact field. Tap the pencil/edit icon on the right and enter the mobile number of the person who should be contacted in case of emergency.
You can see an example from DCC Website Members’ section here https://7b7edd87-68db-44ef-823d-79c24606a8c9.usrfiles.com/ugd/7b7edd_a5989b337e5341ca9756014c50623d31.pdf
Limitless Report - Mark Conlan
Limitless, is British Cycling's inclusive cycling programme which provides cycling opportunities for disabled people, regardless of age, impairment and ability.
New Disability Inclusion Officer.
Matt Hamilton is a keen cyclist (MTB) and para-athlete. I have met with Matt to help a young local rider learn to cycle and Matt has also come to visit Fife Cycle Park and gone for a pedal around Lochore Meadows, he is keen to introduce a 'standard' for adaptive cycling routes.
Para-cycling Event
After a successful delivery in 2025, British Cycling have invited DCC to host the event again in 2027. The club is still to make a decision on this. If we go ahead it will require planning and volunteer support.
Adaptive Bikes
ICE Trike Handcycle has recently been launched and is getting some good reviews,
Our test drive of the ICE Trike Handcycle at Wheels Cycle Centre in Callender went well. I would propose that DCC consider investing some (most) of the Limitless funding in this equipment.It is based on a 'tadpole' design (two front wheels) and is very different to the handcycles at Fife Cycle Park. There are some pros & cons and we concluded that a test ride at FCP would be a good idea.
Adaptive Cycling
The sessions at Fife Cycle Park are going well, I am there on Thursdays 2-4pm and Fridays 9am-5pm. They are open to anyone, children and adults. Every session is different. Local NHS physiotherapists and A&E doctors have visited and are spreading the work about the facility to help promote cycling as part of rehabilitation.
Cycling Without Age
This group are currently using the Tri-shaws based at Pittencrieff Park and there may be an opportunity to collaborate with them in the use of adaptive cycling.
Women’s Secretary Report
Social Rides
We’ve had a good run of social rides but lower numbers across the summer led to a rethink and Saturday we had the first of the new rides. It now leaves the Glen Gates at the same time as the bun runs (so the leader can go with the bun run if no one comes) it will now be once per month. This ride saw 7 go out with 4 being prospectus members
We still need someone to help with promotion- from posting about upcoming events to commenting on others’ posts and sharing. This will generate social media algorithms to show the posts to more people. Please volunteer if you can
Cyclocross
I did my first ever CX event on Saturday at Haugh + Cross, Aberdour. It was a great - well organised, family/friendly event. Super to see Carnegie Cyclones junior cycle club and DCC there. A special mention to Mark Conlan for all the work he must have put in.
Please make sure you are using the clubs coms channels. We have the woman’s members Facebook groups DCc woman I post regularly in there. We also have the members Facebook, public instagram and public Facebook. The newer added WhatsApp group is an aim to create engagement and promote events so please join this also if you are interested
Mountain Biking
After a much fun MTB holiday in Morzine I’m going to offer a few evenings this month to meet up at Lochore Meadows. I will promote these in the Woman’s Group. If you aren’t on Facebook please let me know if you are interested.
Cheers
Rachel Payne
Save the Date
The Tour of the Kingdom returns on Sunday 6th June next year and will be starting and finishing at The Steadings in the Glen.
Could club members please consider adding the date to their diaries for either entering it or volunteering in the set up and or being a marshal.
You’ll receive volunteer points for every event you help out at for the club.
Last year the event was a sell out but we need volunteers for it to run effectively.
Thank you.
Janet Dunsmore
September Social Ride.
You are invited to the ride which meet at the Glen Gates for 9.00 on Saturday 5th September. This ride will be an abbreviated version of the Bun Run - around 30 miles - route dependent on those attending. It will have a nice café stop and be a friendly social (12-14mph), no drop ride. If you would like to attend, - sign up on Spond
This ride is open to non-members for their 2 try-us-out rides so do share
Looking forward to seeing you
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