Well explained Valkyrie (I too have to declare an interest).
Sportives are the flavour of the months and it is a fact that they attract more riders than Audaxes(?) – see John M’s Kinross Sportive on Easter Saturday.
I am not a huge fan of the Sportive movement myself but as Neil says, most cyclists know what a Sportive is and are prepared to pay for the privilege of riding one. Still, it will be a excellent event and you all know you want to ride it (good value for money, too)
Roll up, roll up!
As to the political orientation of the West Lothian Clarion, we are proud to be part of the long history of the National Clarion and enjoy the company of riders from other sections but like the rest of the Clarion are non-political. There are still some older members who remain true to the socialist and working class roots and principles of the club but on the whole this is not the reason why members join these days.
In the past, members had to be socialists to join but this requirement has long been dropped. Many new members are probably (and sadly?) not even aware of the political history of the Clarion.
So, we just want to ride our bikes in good company, encourage more people, including children, to cycle, participate in events and give something back to cycling in Scotland by organising a few things ourselves.
And hell, it works.
EC