Jr and I (Bigmnan) had planned a family weekend in Braemar which would include a return to the Desside climbs of a few weeks ago witha bit of variety thrown in for good measure. We would reverse the route and include a coffee stop in Ballater.
The sun was in the sky and the forecast was dry and so shorts with only light shower blouson was the chosen kit.
JR wanted to have a 'social ' cycle however as we powered out of Braemar the hot air billowing from his nostrils faster than a BP oil spill meant this as going to be no tourist outing!
At Crathie , we checked for Phil and Lizzie out for donder on their bikes however they were not at home. A sharp left and the climb was instant. These country roads have obstacles rarely seen around Fife. A fellow roadie was off his bike searching in the heather for something. He had been flying down the hill and hit the cattle grid at 40 miles per hour and lost his bottle ............. his water bottle. The road surface around the grid was as rough he was lucky his bottle was all that was thrown from the bike!
As we climb through the trees, with limited wind, the flies buzzed around my head as perspiration oozed out of my head. With movements remnant of the karate Kid, I upped the pace to try and loose them. JR merely smiled at the antics from afar.
In no time the climb was complete and the views towards the Cairngorms were spectacular. It was a brake burning drop down to Glen Gairney and the road down to Ballater. Some freshly laid chips on the road brought back less than positive memories of the 'sand pits on the Cape Epic routes. Slow speed was the order of the day.
A fine spot of lunch which would have been fit for Duracell consumption was enjoyed by all and then it was a breeze back upstream to Braemar for a nice cool beer.
64km round tip towards the circumvention
Sunday, June 27, 2010
We're gonna Ride.....Forever.....
Well, those Are the words to the song..... they may have meant horses....
So, as yesterdays planned attack on the roads of East Dunbartonshire was called off due to a large lunch and the resulting snooze, this morning I needed to make amends...
I rose early to catch the start of the IM France on the internety gadget thing (laptop) but missed the start, as they are an hour ahead of us.....Anyhoo, as I watched, the swimmers were exiting the flat calm blue waters of the Med and running for their bicycles. I had some breakfast and followed their example :-)
Again I climbed from Milngavie over the hill to Strathblane, swapped waves with the cycling club who were congregated in the carpark of the Kirkhouse inn, and swiftly turned right toward Lennoxtoon. The day was overcast, and reports of the hottest day on the planet were obviously wildly exaggerated, but never mind.
Messages from the engine room (knees) suggested that power was low and warp factor nine was not be to expected, and I almost called off my hill climb as a result, but decided to give it a shot anyway. I made a stronger start at the base, whilst being careful not to blow a gasket, and found my pace was slower, but steadier. At the summit, with a following breeze, I chose to follow the road over to the far side, into the valley of Fintry; where the elves and pixies live. Apparently.
The downhill is exciting, lots of twisty turns, made all the more dramatic thanks to an appalling road surface, "Dodge the crater" was a new game I invented, these must have been left behind by marauding Orcs, or dinosaurs, some had Grass growing in them! Once my pulse was more normal, I coasted into Fintry, and turned my trusty steed back to face the hill. A quick nudge in the flanks, a glance at the flight deck, and a stern word with engineering, and we blasted back the way we'd come.
The climb back up was less painful, although, at one stage an interesting "POP" from my left knee made me wonder if things were coming undone, and a light shower washed me down as I made my ascent. Over the top and down into Lennoxtown again and invigorated, I turned left and followed my now familiar route to the A803, and then Kirky, Bishbrigs, Beardsen and finally home.
Today's spin took in two happy hills, and a total of 42 miles, (67.5km) in 3hrs 3 mins. Not bad. :-)
On reaching my door and the comfort of the couch, I again tuned in to IMF, Lots of competitors were now on the run section, and shortly after this, while I did a quick impression of a drowning mutt at the pool, the winner of this years event finished......
It's enough to wear you out, isn't it?
Later Folks
Dark Knight
So, as yesterdays planned attack on the roads of East Dunbartonshire was called off due to a large lunch and the resulting snooze, this morning I needed to make amends...
I rose early to catch the start of the IM France on the internety gadget thing (laptop) but missed the start, as they are an hour ahead of us.....Anyhoo, as I watched, the swimmers were exiting the flat calm blue waters of the Med and running for their bicycles. I had some breakfast and followed their example :-)
Again I climbed from Milngavie over the hill to Strathblane, swapped waves with the cycling club who were congregated in the carpark of the Kirkhouse inn, and swiftly turned right toward Lennoxtoon. The day was overcast, and reports of the hottest day on the planet were obviously wildly exaggerated, but never mind.
Messages from the engine room (knees) suggested that power was low and warp factor nine was not be to expected, and I almost called off my hill climb as a result, but decided to give it a shot anyway. I made a stronger start at the base, whilst being careful not to blow a gasket, and found my pace was slower, but steadier. At the summit, with a following breeze, I chose to follow the road over to the far side, into the valley of Fintry; where the elves and pixies live. Apparently.
The downhill is exciting, lots of twisty turns, made all the more dramatic thanks to an appalling road surface, "Dodge the crater" was a new game I invented, these must have been left behind by marauding Orcs, or dinosaurs, some had Grass growing in them! Once my pulse was more normal, I coasted into Fintry, and turned my trusty steed back to face the hill. A quick nudge in the flanks, a glance at the flight deck, and a stern word with engineering, and we blasted back the way we'd come.
The climb back up was less painful, although, at one stage an interesting "POP" from my left knee made me wonder if things were coming undone, and a light shower washed me down as I made my ascent. Over the top and down into Lennoxtown again and invigorated, I turned left and followed my now familiar route to the A803, and then Kirky, Bishbrigs, Beardsen and finally home.
Today's spin took in two happy hills, and a total of 42 miles, (67.5km) in 3hrs 3 mins. Not bad. :-)
On reaching my door and the comfort of the couch, I again tuned in to IMF, Lots of competitors were now on the run section, and shortly after this, while I did a quick impression of a drowning mutt at the pool, the winner of this years event finished......
It's enough to wear you out, isn't it?
Later Folks
Dark Knight
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind .......... the answer is blowing in the wind
Gallactic star date Monday 21st June
It was a cracking evening and one of those nights you just know you will regret not getting in some miles.
Off with the pinstripe and on with the Lycra resplendent on full Scotland colours. we may not be there in person but we are their in heart and indeed and been and gone, if not conquered!
After business lunch and fully carbed the cause seemed appropriate to go for an extra big loop by evening standards.
Mont VeKnockhill was the first 'scalp' on my belt. Little Nemo was heading home in the car as I wound my way up, not even noticing her flashing the car lights, such was my focus.
The breeze was positively warm and blasting out from the west. As I climbed teh Fit Ones favourite small climb (not!) up to Yetts my path was blocked by a tractor and trailer. I opted to pace myself by tailgating up to the junction.
Once on the Milnathort road the wind kicked in. The average speed to Milnathort was an impressive 40kph. Says more about the wind. It felt great. As Lance would describe, a 'no chain moment'
If only all summer's evening could be this good. At Kinross the pace was a little lighter as payback time arrived and the headwind eased the enthusiasm. The views as I climbed back over the Col du Cleish were as stunningas ever.
With the journey time comfortably under 2 hours a personal best was on the cards ( and I had not set out for one) I set a target of hitting the driveway in sub 2 hours. I imagined the Fit One ahead on the Bus Museum straight and Ironman closing in behind , pursuing his favoured stealth strategy. The boys helped me achieve a PB of 1 hour 55 minutes for the 56km route averaging just under 29km per hour.
Fantastic
It was a cracking evening and one of those nights you just know you will regret not getting in some miles.
Off with the pinstripe and on with the Lycra resplendent on full Scotland colours. we may not be there in person but we are their in heart and indeed and been and gone, if not conquered!
After business lunch and fully carbed the cause seemed appropriate to go for an extra big loop by evening standards.
Mont VeKnockhill was the first 'scalp' on my belt. Little Nemo was heading home in the car as I wound my way up, not even noticing her flashing the car lights, such was my focus.
The breeze was positively warm and blasting out from the west. As I climbed teh Fit Ones favourite small climb (not!) up to Yetts my path was blocked by a tractor and trailer. I opted to pace myself by tailgating up to the junction.
Once on the Milnathort road the wind kicked in. The average speed to Milnathort was an impressive 40kph. Says more about the wind. It felt great. As Lance would describe, a 'no chain moment'
If only all summer's evening could be this good. At Kinross the pace was a little lighter as payback time arrived and the headwind eased the enthusiasm. The views as I climbed back over the Col du Cleish were as stunningas ever.
With the journey time comfortably under 2 hours a personal best was on the cards ( and I had not set out for one) I set a target of hitting the driveway in sub 2 hours. I imagined the Fit One ahead on the Bus Museum straight and Ironman closing in behind , pursuing his favoured stealth strategy. The boys helped me achieve a PB of 1 hour 55 minutes for the 56km route averaging just under 29km per hour.
Fantastic
Climb Every Mountain....well, Hill.
Once again the Dark Knight took the nosebag off his trusty steed and headed out onto the highway ready to do battle with dragons, trolls and the traffic.
I turned toward the back road out of Milngavie and was soon faced with the hill at the back of the reservoir, a good cardio workout which always gets my leg muscles twanging..... I passed through Strathblane and headed toward Lennoxtown with a challenge in mind....... at the village centre, I turned left, and began the climb up the side of the Campsie Fells. The road begins with a steep incline which settles down after a couple of bends, and climbs for 3 miles to the summit point, amusingly, halfway up the hill, a small sign invites cyclists to "Keep Going!" and had I had the energy to laugh, I may have sniggered a little. At the top, I wheeled my steed around opposite a small layby, below a soaring pair of buzzards and began my descent. Even with a strong headwind, the Garmin recorded a descent speed of 36.8mph which got me grinning!
The 274 mt/5km ascent took 24 minutes to achieve, the run back down to the village a mere 8 mins :-)
Once back in the village I continued along to Milton of Campsie, and when the road merged at the T Junction with the main A803 I turned and headed for "Kirky", "Bish'brigs" and Bearsden. At Dobbies I again took the hill that led me to Hillfoot, and from there climbed over to Bearsden Cross. At the cross I turned right, and after a short "First one to the lights" chase with another cyclist, who, I might add, outpaced me easily, and left me feeling a little foolish, (He could not have been a day over 14, was wearing a rucksack, riding a steelframed bike from a museum and wearing his school uniform) :-/ I attempted to regain some credence and blasted back into Milngavie as fast as my legs would carry me. My extended hill climb added another 7.3 miles to my route, bringing today's total to 32.4 miles or 52.1 Km, all completed in 2hrs, 18 mins.
The day was a little cooler than we've had of late, with strong winds and an overcast sky. Needless to say, my highly toxic sweat still rained on the road surface, but there was, one hopes, a little less than usual. I know, you did'nt need to know that last bit.....
Oh, and did I mention my award? Won on last Saturday's Total Wipeout Award Show?
"Best Trip and Fall of Series 3" If anyone wants a signed photo, please send your cheques to........ :-)
Speak soon Folks.
Dark Knight
I turned toward the back road out of Milngavie and was soon faced with the hill at the back of the reservoir, a good cardio workout which always gets my leg muscles twanging..... I passed through Strathblane and headed toward Lennoxtown with a challenge in mind....... at the village centre, I turned left, and began the climb up the side of the Campsie Fells. The road begins with a steep incline which settles down after a couple of bends, and climbs for 3 miles to the summit point, amusingly, halfway up the hill, a small sign invites cyclists to "Keep Going!" and had I had the energy to laugh, I may have sniggered a little. At the top, I wheeled my steed around opposite a small layby, below a soaring pair of buzzards and began my descent. Even with a strong headwind, the Garmin recorded a descent speed of 36.8mph which got me grinning!
The 274 mt/5km ascent took 24 minutes to achieve, the run back down to the village a mere 8 mins :-)
Once back in the village I continued along to Milton of Campsie, and when the road merged at the T Junction with the main A803 I turned and headed for "Kirky", "Bish'brigs" and Bearsden. At Dobbies I again took the hill that led me to Hillfoot, and from there climbed over to Bearsden Cross. At the cross I turned right, and after a short "First one to the lights" chase with another cyclist, who, I might add, outpaced me easily, and left me feeling a little foolish, (He could not have been a day over 14, was wearing a rucksack, riding a steelframed bike from a museum and wearing his school uniform) :-/ I attempted to regain some credence and blasted back into Milngavie as fast as my legs would carry me. My extended hill climb added another 7.3 miles to my route, bringing today's total to 32.4 miles or 52.1 Km, all completed in 2hrs, 18 mins.
The day was a little cooler than we've had of late, with strong winds and an overcast sky. Needless to say, my highly toxic sweat still rained on the road surface, but there was, one hopes, a little less than usual. I know, you did'nt need to know that last bit.....
Oh, and did I mention my award? Won on last Saturday's Total Wipeout Award Show?
"Best Trip and Fall of Series 3" If anyone wants a signed photo, please send your cheques to........ :-)
Speak soon Folks.
Dark Knight
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Fun in the sun!
I've been working hard - honestly it's been busy!
So today I packed in just before 5pm and jumped on my bike for another, more relaxed bike around the Carnock Epic course. 32km of west Fife's most beautiful scenery....
So after a quick visit from the fit one and the fit one's daughter I was off. Not much to say about the ride other than it was hot, windy and great fun.
Love my bike!
Ironman
So today I packed in just before 5pm and jumped on my bike for another, more relaxed bike around the Carnock Epic course. 32km of west Fife's most beautiful scenery....
So after a quick visit from the fit one and the fit one's daughter I was off. Not much to say about the ride other than it was hot, windy and great fun.
Love my bike!
Ironman
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Bigman flies ................ over handlebars!
Galactic Log Saturday 19th June
A fine day with the sun blazing in the sky but a howling wing straight out of the North east fresh from the North Sea.
A bit of a social outing planned today with Duracell, Ever Ready (spouse of Duracell) The Wee Yin,and Myself (Bigman).
The target was to enjoy fine summer sun, babbling brooks, and go insearch of Scotland's finest glens.
We did not have to travel far before enjoying some superb views towards the Wallace Monument at Stirling from eh top of Mont VeKnockhill. Next it was up to Yetts of Muchart and through Scotland's secret glen and passed the former residence of Hercules , the performing bear. Neither Wee Yin not Ever Ready had cycled this way before and found the the scenery took their breath away. The steady ascent played its role in also taking their breath away. In no time the crest was crossed an the four mile downhill into Dunning commenced.
The Dunning locals were up and around as the tractors abandoned randomly strewn across the main street, engines still running, whilst their owners went into the corner shop to buy the rolls and papers.
It was abreeze along the flats to Auchterarder as vintage cars sped passed tooting their horns in respect for the Dawes.
Cafe Krista beckoned but not before ascending The Lang Town, and it is not an inappropriate name! The climb goes on and on.
Some carbing up on pancakes, streaky bacon, topped with maple syrup was the popular choice to carry the posse up Glen Devon.
The Police and Army Cadets were out in force to ensure the Posse made a safe exit from Auchterarder. There was also a parade taking place and they benefited from the extra security brought out for the posse.
The climb up Glen Devon was a breeze. Well actually the North East breeze carried the posse up no problem and would carry us home. At eh head of the climb there were some road works. Being of a generous nature to fellow road users, Bigman was keen to way through cars to avoid delaying them through the single track. What he did not notice was the impending traffic lights and Duracell correctly and appropriately moving out. He slammed on his brakes to avoid a collision. Now disk brakes on the Trek are very effective and the bike stopped in an instant .......... but Bigman did not. I flipped over the handlebars conscious of the bike now being between me and the Sky....... not a normal riding position and landed with a thump. Only pride was injured and we were soon back on our way.
On passing the Milk Bar at Powmill, an ice lolly was required to carry us up and over Mont VeKnockhill
A great day out in blazing sun and and a cumulative 332 km nearer the beginning of our journey.
A fine day with the sun blazing in the sky but a howling wing straight out of the North east fresh from the North Sea.
A bit of a social outing planned today with Duracell, Ever Ready (spouse of Duracell) The Wee Yin,and Myself (Bigman).
The target was to enjoy fine summer sun, babbling brooks, and go insearch of Scotland's finest glens.
We did not have to travel far before enjoying some superb views towards the Wallace Monument at Stirling from eh top of Mont VeKnockhill. Next it was up to Yetts of Muchart and through Scotland's secret glen and passed the former residence of Hercules , the performing bear. Neither Wee Yin not Ever Ready had cycled this way before and found the the scenery took their breath away. The steady ascent played its role in also taking their breath away. In no time the crest was crossed an the four mile downhill into Dunning commenced.
The Dunning locals were up and around as the tractors abandoned randomly strewn across the main street, engines still running, whilst their owners went into the corner shop to buy the rolls and papers.
It was abreeze along the flats to Auchterarder as vintage cars sped passed tooting their horns in respect for the Dawes.
Cafe Krista beckoned but not before ascending The Lang Town, and it is not an inappropriate name! The climb goes on and on.
Some carbing up on pancakes, streaky bacon, topped with maple syrup was the popular choice to carry the posse up Glen Devon.
The Police and Army Cadets were out in force to ensure the Posse made a safe exit from Auchterarder. There was also a parade taking place and they benefited from the extra security brought out for the posse.
The climb up Glen Devon was a breeze. Well actually the North East breeze carried the posse up no problem and would carry us home. At eh head of the climb there were some road works. Being of a generous nature to fellow road users, Bigman was keen to way through cars to avoid delaying them through the single track. What he did not notice was the impending traffic lights and Duracell correctly and appropriately moving out. He slammed on his brakes to avoid a collision. Now disk brakes on the Trek are very effective and the bike stopped in an instant .......... but Bigman did not. I flipped over the handlebars conscious of the bike now being between me and the Sky....... not a normal riding position and landed with a thump. Only pride was injured and we were soon back on our way.
On passing the Milk Bar at Powmill, an ice lolly was required to carry us up and over Mont VeKnockhill
A great day out in blazing sun and and a cumulative 332 km nearer the beginning of our journey.
7 miles in the sun....
It was a cracking day in Fife so I went out for a blast on my feet.
Running is so different from bike training. I think you need a different state of mind for running. Biking requires agility of mind as you watch the cars approaching, care at junctions and avoid pedestrians wandering out into the road. It was wonderful to be able to don a Tee and shorts and head off up on the Oakley, Blairhall loop.
I spent the time reflecting on a few things that have happened this week and some of the challenges that lie ahead.
My band, Father Jack, played the Carnock Music Festival last night and it was a fab evening. We had the place bouncing and dancing the night away - I know that we went down well from the post event feedback. If you go to our Myspace page we'll load up a couple of songs recorded on the night. The PA was provided by Kore Audio - it was the best I've ever used and the set up was immense.
It was great to see the Fit One, the Doc and Doc junior as well as Santiago who had all come along to support. It was good fun.
We'll see if time permits much training this week but hopefully it will.
Running is so different from bike training. I think you need a different state of mind for running. Biking requires agility of mind as you watch the cars approaching, care at junctions and avoid pedestrians wandering out into the road. It was wonderful to be able to don a Tee and shorts and head off up on the Oakley, Blairhall loop.
I spent the time reflecting on a few things that have happened this week and some of the challenges that lie ahead.
My band, Father Jack, played the Carnock Music Festival last night and it was a fab evening. We had the place bouncing and dancing the night away - I know that we went down well from the post event feedback. If you go to our Myspace page we'll load up a couple of songs recorded on the night. The PA was provided by Kore Audio - it was the best I've ever used and the set up was immense.
It was great to see the Fit One, the Doc and Doc junior as well as Santiago who had all come along to support. It was good fun.
We'll see if time permits much training this week but hopefully it will.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Like a circle in a spiral, a wheel within a wheel.....
Another glorious Scottish day! No twisted evil grins but having spoken to the folks "Dahn Saath" who reported the weather as cold and windy, I thought it would be a sin not to make the most of the sunshine we have here.
Climbing the steepest way out of Milngavie, legs were soon complaining, but happier once at the top, I followed the route I took earlier in the week, doing my best to keep a decent pace. At mile 11 I had a craving for pizza and Peroni, that was nice. I did a loop that with a couple of extra hills thrown in for good measure. Nothing seriously stressful I confess, (apart from the one which I hit in completely the wrong gear) but they took my mileage up to 25.1 in 1 hr 43mins.
Happy to report that my legs, despite having filed an injunction against my brain for charges of miss-use, have agreed that todays 40km have left no additional scars :-)
Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Cheers, Dark Knight
Climbing the steepest way out of Milngavie, legs were soon complaining, but happier once at the top, I followed the route I took earlier in the week, doing my best to keep a decent pace. At mile 11 I had a craving for pizza and Peroni, that was nice. I did a loop that with a couple of extra hills thrown in for good measure. Nothing seriously stressful I confess, (apart from the one which I hit in completely the wrong gear) but they took my mileage up to 25.1 in 1 hr 43mins.
Happy to report that my legs, despite having filed an injunction against my brain for charges of miss-use, have agreed that todays 40km have left no additional scars :-)
Enjoy the rest of the weekend,
Cheers, Dark Knight
Friday, June 18, 2010
...and a week off
Last week saw our Scottish etape recce; travelling through West Lothian, Midlothian, Falkirk, Clackmannan, Fife and Perth. A grand day with some belting climbs; chainganging thorough Glendevon and a stop in Dunning for lunch. Note to self: never eat a spicy chicken mayo baguette with chips before spending the rest of the afternoon climbing... eugh. I am back on the scones and cereal bars now.
It's been such beautiful weather for cycling lately; a real pleasure. It was a shame to have a rest week this week - on account of a week long fitness instructor course - having only 25km in the saddle vs a whopping 290 last week.
Next week is a belter though with a weekend in Pendle which will add another 320+ to the circumnavigation. Things are ramping up with l'Etape in sight!
Skyrider
It's been such beautiful weather for cycling lately; a real pleasure. It was a shame to have a rest week this week - on account of a week long fitness instructor course - having only 25km in the saddle vs a whopping 290 last week.
Next week is a belter though with a weekend in Pendle which will add another 320+ to the circumnavigation. Things are ramping up with l'Etape in sight!
Skyrider
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Bigman scorches Col du Cleish as Scotland rocks in sunshine
It was another scorcher across the central belt this afternoon. As I hopped off the train and into the car, the temperature gauge was screamin 28 degrees. Once we were mobile it calmed down to 24.5 degrees but still deserving of a decent trip out on the Trek.
Dinner was prepared for consumption on the patio with a cool beer chaser. The diet of champions I hear you shout.
It certainly was not going to make for a personal best. To the point that the Garmin worked out there was no point in monitoring this outing and konked out after 30 minutes! The second reason was it had no juice.
There was very little wind and it was a joy soaking up the sun and scenery ascending and descending Col du Cleish before sprinting along the flats to Powmill before ascending Mont VeKnockhill. I am not sure whether there was an event on at the race course but there were plenty of boy racers on the road with dark windows and exhausts silver shiney and surplus to requirements.
The Ironman has started his Carnock training regime already. I have decided to pursue a different strategy for this years event. I am going to target the seniors class and will leave the competing to the youngsters.
Another 40km completed.
Already looking forward to the sunshine forecast for the weekend
Bigman
Dinner was prepared for consumption on the patio with a cool beer chaser. The diet of champions I hear you shout.
It certainly was not going to make for a personal best. To the point that the Garmin worked out there was no point in monitoring this outing and konked out after 30 minutes! The second reason was it had no juice.
There was very little wind and it was a joy soaking up the sun and scenery ascending and descending Col du Cleish before sprinting along the flats to Powmill before ascending Mont VeKnockhill. I am not sure whether there was an event on at the race course but there were plenty of boy racers on the road with dark windows and exhausts silver shiney and surplus to requirements.
The Ironman has started his Carnock training regime already. I have decided to pursue a different strategy for this years event. I am going to target the seniors class and will leave the competing to the youngsters.
Another 40km completed.
Already looking forward to the sunshine forecast for the weekend
Bigman
Carnock Epic training starts today....
The inaugural Carnock Epic was held on the last Saturday in August 2009 and to give people time to train and clear your diary it will held on the last Saturday of August this year as well. Start time 4pm with riders going out at 1 minute intervals followed by the Posse Ecosse Barbeque and annual get together.
So with this in mind I jumped on the bike at lunch time with the target to do the 32km course in less than 60 minutes.
I went into my office early with a view of getting work done and dusted as soon as possible and getting out on the bike for an hour. The sun was high in the sky and it was great to feel the heat on my back as I set off up to the Saline turn off.
The first climb up to Saline felt easy and I think the South African training is still in my legs and I was feeling reasonably strong. Turning left at the golf course I flew down the hill and round the bend to head to Forestmill. There was a strong head wind so I got down low on the handlebars and pushed through at a good pace. At this point I made a mental note to re-fit my tri-bars.
The good news is that the Council has resurfaced a section of the road near Forestmill removing a section of badly rutted road.
I for a change didn't unclip as I turned on to the cycle track - almost fell off before I put my head down and blasted up the hill. No punctures this time and the climb up the Col was not too bad. Mission accomplished with the job done under my 60 minute target. How long will remain a mystery but it was a goodish time.
So the gauntlet is thrown down once more - with a large posse on the start line the race is going to be a blast.....
So with this in mind I jumped on the bike at lunch time with the target to do the 32km course in less than 60 minutes.
I went into my office early with a view of getting work done and dusted as soon as possible and getting out on the bike for an hour. The sun was high in the sky and it was great to feel the heat on my back as I set off up to the Saline turn off.
The first climb up to Saline felt easy and I think the South African training is still in my legs and I was feeling reasonably strong. Turning left at the golf course I flew down the hill and round the bend to head to Forestmill. There was a strong head wind so I got down low on the handlebars and pushed through at a good pace. At this point I made a mental note to re-fit my tri-bars.
The good news is that the Council has resurfaced a section of the road near Forestmill removing a section of badly rutted road.
I for a change didn't unclip as I turned on to the cycle track - almost fell off before I put my head down and blasted up the hill. No punctures this time and the climb up the Col was not too bad. Mission accomplished with the job done under my 60 minute target. How long will remain a mystery but it was a goodish time.
So the gauntlet is thrown down once more - with a large posse on the start line the race is going to be a blast.....
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Return of Knight Rider
The dark knights mob were out in the light nights. Only 5 more days until the nights start getting darker once more and Christmas becomes ever nearer.
In fact next Christmas is now nearer than last Christmas!
Whilst the temperature was soaring to 21 degrees the cloud base prevented the posse from any risk of being burnt in the sunless evening!
With no wind it was a pleasant outing up to Col du Cleish and as we crested the summit we were rewarded with the sight of a hot air balloon drifting Pertshire ahead of us.
As we drifted back to Dunfie, we passed through some roadworks traffic lights with the other end around several bends. As we doddled along a perfect surface a van charged towards the assembled posse. Not sure who got the biggest surprise. NO near miss however it does serve to remind you oof teh risk in cycling. Thoughts are with the family of the 37 year old cyclist killed on at the weekend in Kirkliston on a part of the road the posse frequent
Sobering thoughts.
Another 25km nearer the start
In fact next Christmas is now nearer than last Christmas!
Whilst the temperature was soaring to 21 degrees the cloud base prevented the posse from any risk of being burnt in the sunless evening!
With no wind it was a pleasant outing up to Col du Cleish and as we crested the summit we were rewarded with the sight of a hot air balloon drifting Pertshire ahead of us.
As we drifted back to Dunfie, we passed through some roadworks traffic lights with the other end around several bends. As we doddled along a perfect surface a van charged towards the assembled posse. Not sure who got the biggest surprise. NO near miss however it does serve to remind you oof teh risk in cycling. Thoughts are with the family of the 37 year old cyclist killed on at the weekend in Kirkliston on a part of the road the posse frequent
Sobering thoughts.
Another 25km nearer the start
Return of the three amigos
Tuesday evening
After what seems like an age, The Fit One, Ironman and myself ( Bigman) had a rendezvous in the main street of Lorado (otherwise known as Crossgates). Even the tumble weed was present as we drifted to the ghost town and headed off towards Burntisland. With The Fit One a late call off a couple of Saturdays ago and no ride out last Saturday there was much claik to catch up with.
It was a tremendously calm evening with limited road rage an the weather was also still. Ironman was encouraging me to go for a new PB on the Aberdour Beastie, even offering to act as pacemaker. If his last support effort was any measure to go by, pace making is probably doing that profession a dis-service!
In any event I have been over carbing at the weekend and so the light weight of the Madone would have been more than compensated by the mid rift bulge. Tonight would be a recovery ride .............. recovering froma weekend of over indulgence.
At eh crest of the col, The Fit One back by a different route.
A great night our and another 42km around the globe
Bigman
After what seems like an age, The Fit One, Ironman and myself ( Bigman) had a rendezvous in the main street of Lorado (otherwise known as Crossgates). Even the tumble weed was present as we drifted to the ghost town and headed off towards Burntisland. With The Fit One a late call off a couple of Saturdays ago and no ride out last Saturday there was much claik to catch up with.
It was a tremendously calm evening with limited road rage an the weather was also still. Ironman was encouraging me to go for a new PB on the Aberdour Beastie, even offering to act as pacemaker. If his last support effort was any measure to go by, pace making is probably doing that profession a dis-service!
In any event I have been over carbing at the weekend and so the light weight of the Madone would have been more than compensated by the mid rift bulge. Tonight would be a recovery ride .............. recovering froma weekend of over indulgence.
At eh crest of the col, The Fit One back by a different route.
A great night our and another 42km around the globe
Bigman
Batting over the Water
Decided to give ones legs a workout yesterday, because after a 18 yr break, I need to keep reminding them how to peddle. I set off in the direction of the Clyde, and climbed out of the "Bowl" that is Milngavie, heading for the Erskine Bridge. Having crossed over to "the other side" i.e, south of the river, I took the road through Erskine, and then turned right towards Houston. This area is very flat, a pleasant relief after the hill climbs of earlier, and I made good time, as the initial 6 miles had taken 26 minutes! In Houston I turned left passed the chippie, which was sadly shut, and then entered Crosslees, from there, climbed the hill into Kilbarchan village. Stopping there for a sandwich and a cuppa with a friend, Scotlands Leading Bridal and Evening Wear Design Emporium (Thank you for my lunch) I topped up my water bottle, made my farewell and returned home by the same route. The last leg of the trip from the A82 into Milngavie was tough, at 33 miles my legs had had enough; and I took a short break to drink and recover before tackling the hill. That was conquered with more ease than I had expected, and I coasted back into Milngavie, wheezing but triumphant! At a T junction in Milngavie, A smell awakened my senses.... It was gorgeous! Really sweet, you could taste the goodness in the aroma.... A guy about 50ft away had opened a can of Energy drink! My fatigued mind had homed in on the closest source of glucose available! I would have mugged him for it, but I did'nt have the energy to get out of my peddles! So, a much slower ride out, and in two parts, the first 17.5 completed in 1hr 18 mins, the return leg, about 1hr 40! This was followed by some exceptional cramp at about 3am this morning, but all in all, with the light breeze and lots of sunshine, a very enjoyable ride. 35 miles or for you metric types 56 km. :-)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Dark Knight, Bright Day.
I decided that as 48hrs had passed since the Ironman had re-introduced me to the velocipede, it was time to see if my legs would forgive me, and so after some coin flipping over heading North or South, I left Milngavie at 4.17 this afternoon with a jaunt in mind. Heading North, I immediately began to climb out of the city boundary, and past the reservoir, This gave me a wake up call, as my legs and lungs both rebelled, and demanded a bus or taxi... but with some careful cajoling, I managed to coax my wheezing body up over the first few wee hills and got on the high ground which looks across to the Campsie fells. After a speedy downhill in to Strathblane I turned right and headed for Lennoxtown, the road undulates along, with some short sharp inclines and a few sweeping bends, the traffic was light, drivers considerate and I was pleased with my initial pace. The complaining had stopped in my Quads and the lungs operating again, so I switched on the mp3 player, (plugged into one ear only, so I could hear traffic)and trundled along listening to some very cheesy 80's tracks. I then began to think about peaking too soon, and wondered for a considerable time what my "Lactate Threshold" was; I decided it must be a problem created by having too many cows to milk; I can imagine the mooing must distract you.... Passed through Lennoxtown, I then onto Milton of Campsie, and stayed on the back road until it met the main A803, where I turned right and headed back, timed the lights in Kirkintilloch well and was soon turning right toward Torrance. The traffic was much heavier, but the road is quite wide and nothing scary occurred. A short spin right at the Bardowie roundabout and I was almost home, again I timed the lights as i reached Milngavie beautifully, but was rewarded by my legs suddenly deciding they did'nt want to climb the last wee incline and I found myself crawling over the brow of the hill, swept left, and found myself home. 21.5 miles, 1hr, 16 mins. No big hills such as I encountered with the Ironman, but plenty of bumps to encourage use of the "Flight Deck" which is just about the best invention since, well, the wheel!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Mid summer leads to Dark Knight.....
I would love to say that it was a balmy summer early evening but sadly it wasn't - it was a cool dull afternoon. I met our latest member of the Posse Ecosse, Dark Knight, in the car park at the Stirling University Management Centre in Bridge of Allan.
The Dark Knight is starting a training plan that will take him to his first triathlon shortly. The plan needed a new road bike and a shiney Giant was purchased during the week. A new helmet, shoes and sunglasses were todays acquisitions - it's an expensive sport triathlon!
So we admired the new kit with a biker's appreciation, we like our kit and set off to Dollar. 'I've not been on a bike for years' claimed the Dark Knight so we set off at a steady 32kph - he looked comfortable. The foothills road was busy and as it weaves through the villages we held back speeding traffic. Some drivers are patient other take daft risks to pass the posse.
We completed the first 10 miles in half an hour with the Dark Knight easily coping with the speed and the hills. We turned in Dollar to head up the hill to Dollar Beag and onwards to Fishcross. The hill from Dollar is reasonably imposing and a decent test on a first time out. The Dark Knight coped admirably and like his bike was a Giant climbing at a good speed with no grumbles.
He's bought a well spec'd bike and we were still moving well.
After Fishcross we turned back down to foothills road and headed home to the final climb back up to the car park. I had a wee blast back up the hill and we arrived back at the cars happy with our days ride. 38km comleted an hour and twenty. Very good for a first time out in years.
We'll know not to take it easy next time!
Ironman
The Dark Knight is starting a training plan that will take him to his first triathlon shortly. The plan needed a new road bike and a shiney Giant was purchased during the week. A new helmet, shoes and sunglasses were todays acquisitions - it's an expensive sport triathlon!
So we admired the new kit with a biker's appreciation, we like our kit and set off to Dollar. 'I've not been on a bike for years' claimed the Dark Knight so we set off at a steady 32kph - he looked comfortable. The foothills road was busy and as it weaves through the villages we held back speeding traffic. Some drivers are patient other take daft risks to pass the posse.
We completed the first 10 miles in half an hour with the Dark Knight easily coping with the speed and the hills. We turned in Dollar to head up the hill to Dollar Beag and onwards to Fishcross. The hill from Dollar is reasonably imposing and a decent test on a first time out. The Dark Knight coped admirably and like his bike was a Giant climbing at a good speed with no grumbles.
He's bought a well spec'd bike and we were still moving well.
After Fishcross we turned back down to foothills road and headed home to the final climb back up to the car park. I had a wee blast back up the hill and we arrived back at the cars happy with our days ride. 38km comleted an hour and twenty. Very good for a first time out in years.
We'll know not to take it easy next time!
Ironman
Monday, June 7, 2010
Mechanicals and the joy of real food
The Auld Toun came around rather quick. So much so I’d not had the chance to get any running in to see how my legs would feel. Ach well, It’ll not kill me, I thought.
Well, it’s a hilly auld course and lets just say my legs felt my PB! Doused myself with my freeze-gel-stuff the next morning and pondered how on earth I’d make our 35 miler with fellow skyriders later.
As it turned out, the answer was ‘barely’. Those legs of mine just refused to cooperate, plus my chain fell off going uphill (eek) meaning I was at the back of the group for once. Plus I had a deep sports massage booked in after. One word: PAINFUL. Thank god for a rest day on Friday. Legs refused to move me from my desk and I had to walk to the restaurant in bare feet later on that night; with my heels in my handbag :) All for a 10k run!
Sat (as I am sure you all know) was The Most Glorious Day That Ever Was. tm.
Even my new armwarmers were left in the car; minimalist it was. The girls both were choked with the cold so went with the shorter sportive route of 71 vs 111 miles after all. We took our time, meandering through the scenery, watching some hot air balloons!, chatting and enjoying the warmth. Through the granites again for the second weekend in the row and tried to beat my top speed on the descent. A beautiful smooth climb and descent, it’s rapidly turning into one of my favourites.
Innerleithen saw the first food stop. And stop we did. We were taking it easy. I’m slowly getting a bit tired of sweet bars, gels and drinks. So had the biggest smile ever to be handed a ham roll and bag of crisps . We were the happiest girls in the world, cramming our crisps into our piece and having a wee picnic on the grass. Those volunteers knew about it too; we thanked them profusely and told them how they’d made our day.
From Innerleithen, we passed though Clovenfords, Blackhaugh and Fountainhall; admiring the gorgeous houses, flowers, wildlife and stone bridges. It was picturesque beyond words and we all felt hugely patriotic; each of us deciding which of the quaint little houses we would like. Mine was a tiny white cottage with a holly tree and a field full of bluebells. Another food stop saw another roll, crisps and a flapjack, before heading back towards the long slow, smooth climb of the granites. The road surface at Middleton wasn’t as great though and I ended up with a puncture to contend with… my second mechanical this week; but all great practice.
We rolled into Bonnyrigg content, well fed and slightly more tanned ladies indeed. What a great day.
This week sees training as usual, culminating in our long run on Saturday – the carefully put together ‘Etape du Livi…’ - distance and climb wise as close as we are to get to the real thing, so I am told. As long as the food is good; I’m there!
Well, it’s a hilly auld course and lets just say my legs felt my PB! Doused myself with my freeze-gel-stuff the next morning and pondered how on earth I’d make our 35 miler with fellow skyriders later.
As it turned out, the answer was ‘barely’. Those legs of mine just refused to cooperate, plus my chain fell off going uphill (eek) meaning I was at the back of the group for once. Plus I had a deep sports massage booked in after. One word: PAINFUL. Thank god for a rest day on Friday. Legs refused to move me from my desk and I had to walk to the restaurant in bare feet later on that night; with my heels in my handbag :) All for a 10k run!
Sat (as I am sure you all know) was The Most Glorious Day That Ever Was. tm.
Even my new armwarmers were left in the car; minimalist it was. The girls both were choked with the cold so went with the shorter sportive route of 71 vs 111 miles after all. We took our time, meandering through the scenery, watching some hot air balloons!, chatting and enjoying the warmth. Through the granites again for the second weekend in the row and tried to beat my top speed on the descent. A beautiful smooth climb and descent, it’s rapidly turning into one of my favourites.
Innerleithen saw the first food stop. And stop we did. We were taking it easy. I’m slowly getting a bit tired of sweet bars, gels and drinks. So had the biggest smile ever to be handed a ham roll and bag of crisps . We were the happiest girls in the world, cramming our crisps into our piece and having a wee picnic on the grass. Those volunteers knew about it too; we thanked them profusely and told them how they’d made our day.
From Innerleithen, we passed though Clovenfords, Blackhaugh and Fountainhall; admiring the gorgeous houses, flowers, wildlife and stone bridges. It was picturesque beyond words and we all felt hugely patriotic; each of us deciding which of the quaint little houses we would like. Mine was a tiny white cottage with a holly tree and a field full of bluebells. Another food stop saw another roll, crisps and a flapjack, before heading back towards the long slow, smooth climb of the granites. The road surface at Middleton wasn’t as great though and I ended up with a puncture to contend with… my second mechanical this week; but all great practice.
We rolled into Bonnyrigg content, well fed and slightly more tanned ladies indeed. What a great day.
This week sees training as usual, culminating in our long run on Saturday – the carefully put together ‘Etape du Livi…’ - distance and climb wise as close as we are to get to the real thing, so I am told. As long as the food is good; I’m there!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Late injury scare forces Ironman out of World Cup Squad.......
The morning started brightly. The sun was shining, it was warm and the Posse was heading out for a 65 miler around Stirling, Dollar, Milnathort and back over Cleish.
I was meeting the posse on the bike path. As soon as I got moving I felt a pain in my lower back. It was a shooting pain that lasted for a few moments and then disappeared. I assumed that I had pinched a muscle and that it would release itself in due course....
The guys were not at the junction so I pedalled up towards Dunfermline - chewing up many of the passing flies. No additional protein needed for the rest of the day. In the distance the posse rode with the sun pushing them along the path. Bigman, Santiago and an unnamed member of the posse appeared. Skyrider was off doing a 111 mile race and the Fit One wasn't feeling so fit having been laid low with a bout of the boak...
Having eaten a hearty fly breakfast I didn't feel the need to enjoy any more so suggested that we head down to the coast. A second spasm as we went down to Cairneyhill worried me. I don't get injured so I was concerned that I'd done some damage during the week. The pain went and I thought I'd see how it worked out.
We blasted down to Culross, eyeing up the cakes in the Biscuit Cafe we quickly moved on. We were all catching up and sharing the stories of the week. It was also good to ride along with the 'unnamed one' and find out what he has been up to since our last cycle together as part of the LEJOG non stop team.
After passing Longannet Power Station we bumped into one of the guys from Dunfermline Bike Club. He was an awesome cyclist having a Time Trial best of 1:58 for 50 miles - very impressive.
Bigman sneaked up on me to win the sprint to the top of the bridge that crosses the new Kincardine Bridge Road and with our Dunfermline CC friend powering up the hill into Clackmannan to claim bragging rights on that hill I felt my day was going to be a bit up and down. As we waved goodbye to the Dunfermline CC group that we'd caught my back went again. Man it was sore.
We headed across to Stirling with Santiago taking the wind and leading us through Alloa. We were going at about 38kmp when the lights changed. The unnamed one didn't notice this change whilst focussed on keeping up with the pace and was forced to take late evasive action to avoid the immovable object that we call Bigman!
We pushed on to the big roundabout outside Stirling and then took the road back to Dollar. The pain in my back had gone but as we pedalled back my leg seemed to go uncomfortably numb. Not sure what caused this but it sufficient for me to decide that I was straight home after coffee.
So after a fine cup of coffee and scone at Dollar Bigman set off to finish the loop while Santiago, the unnamed one and myself went off towards Saline and home. There is a big climb out of Dollar and the unnamed one took off like a rocket and climbed the hill at pace - I figured I'd found his handle - The Rocket! (unless anyone else has a better nickname) Having been cycling to and from Edinburgh to work he has built strength and fitness.
I was glad to reach home for a stretch out. My back and leg are both fine today and I hope it was just a trapped muscle or nerve.
I had completed another 69 km and have adjusted the blog to add the rocket and Santiago's milage - we await to hear of another epic Bigman trip! So it's with some sadness that I must announce that I am no longer available for call up the Brazillian or any other international football squad for the forthcoming world cup.....
Ironman
I was meeting the posse on the bike path. As soon as I got moving I felt a pain in my lower back. It was a shooting pain that lasted for a few moments and then disappeared. I assumed that I had pinched a muscle and that it would release itself in due course....
The guys were not at the junction so I pedalled up towards Dunfermline - chewing up many of the passing flies. No additional protein needed for the rest of the day. In the distance the posse rode with the sun pushing them along the path. Bigman, Santiago and an unnamed member of the posse appeared. Skyrider was off doing a 111 mile race and the Fit One wasn't feeling so fit having been laid low with a bout of the boak...
Having eaten a hearty fly breakfast I didn't feel the need to enjoy any more so suggested that we head down to the coast. A second spasm as we went down to Cairneyhill worried me. I don't get injured so I was concerned that I'd done some damage during the week. The pain went and I thought I'd see how it worked out.
We blasted down to Culross, eyeing up the cakes in the Biscuit Cafe we quickly moved on. We were all catching up and sharing the stories of the week. It was also good to ride along with the 'unnamed one' and find out what he has been up to since our last cycle together as part of the LEJOG non stop team.
After passing Longannet Power Station we bumped into one of the guys from Dunfermline Bike Club. He was an awesome cyclist having a Time Trial best of 1:58 for 50 miles - very impressive.
Bigman sneaked up on me to win the sprint to the top of the bridge that crosses the new Kincardine Bridge Road and with our Dunfermline CC friend powering up the hill into Clackmannan to claim bragging rights on that hill I felt my day was going to be a bit up and down. As we waved goodbye to the Dunfermline CC group that we'd caught my back went again. Man it was sore.
We headed across to Stirling with Santiago taking the wind and leading us through Alloa. We were going at about 38kmp when the lights changed. The unnamed one didn't notice this change whilst focussed on keeping up with the pace and was forced to take late evasive action to avoid the immovable object that we call Bigman!
We pushed on to the big roundabout outside Stirling and then took the road back to Dollar. The pain in my back had gone but as we pedalled back my leg seemed to go uncomfortably numb. Not sure what caused this but it sufficient for me to decide that I was straight home after coffee.
So after a fine cup of coffee and scone at Dollar Bigman set off to finish the loop while Santiago, the unnamed one and myself went off towards Saline and home. There is a big climb out of Dollar and the unnamed one took off like a rocket and climbed the hill at pace - I figured I'd found his handle - The Rocket! (unless anyone else has a better nickname) Having been cycling to and from Edinburgh to work he has built strength and fitness.
I was glad to reach home for a stretch out. My back and leg are both fine today and I hope it was just a trapped muscle or nerve.
I had completed another 69 km and have adjusted the blog to add the rocket and Santiago's milage - we await to hear of another epic Bigman trip! So it's with some sadness that I must announce that I am no longer available for call up the Brazillian or any other international football squad for the forthcoming world cup.....
Ironman
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Auld Toun 10k
It was a balmy night in Dunfermline - the old capital of Scotland.
Skyrider had called to say let me know that the Auld Toun 10k was on tonight. It's the hilliest course that I've ever taken on with some tough inclines. I met up with Skyrider and Santiago pre-race. Skyrider being more diligent set off to warm up - Santiago and I use the first kilometre to do that. Out of the decending sun appeared Duracell. He was supporting a relative who was also running who we'll call Nevis.
Nevis turned out to be a hill runner rather than a road runner and was competing in his first 10k for a couple of years. I respect all hill runners - their leg strength is awesome.
Anyway back to the race. It started in the park in the centre of town. It was slightly chaotic as the assembled field passed the starting gate and did a short circuit of the park before climbing a short and steep decent. I wasn't expecting that hill and as we ran along all around was the sound of heavy breathing. The course didn't let up with much of it either climbing or decending.
My mission was to try and break 50 minutes. Once things settled down I feel into an easy pace (until the hills) and started to enjoy running in my home town. The crowd was good, many runners appeared to be called John or rumours of my fame have spread accross town because all around was the shout 'come on John'! The support was immence.
Once we turned towards the last climb I saw Duracell - he shouted encouragingly - 'pain is temporary' - didn't feel temporary on the final climb.
The final turn was spotted with joy in my heart - I finished in 45.18 less than a minute outside my PB. So chuffed with that.
Maybe there is life in the old boy yet!
Ironman
Skyrider had called to say let me know that the Auld Toun 10k was on tonight. It's the hilliest course that I've ever taken on with some tough inclines. I met up with Skyrider and Santiago pre-race. Skyrider being more diligent set off to warm up - Santiago and I use the first kilometre to do that. Out of the decending sun appeared Duracell. He was supporting a relative who was also running who we'll call Nevis.
Nevis turned out to be a hill runner rather than a road runner and was competing in his first 10k for a couple of years. I respect all hill runners - their leg strength is awesome.
Anyway back to the race. It started in the park in the centre of town. It was slightly chaotic as the assembled field passed the starting gate and did a short circuit of the park before climbing a short and steep decent. I wasn't expecting that hill and as we ran along all around was the sound of heavy breathing. The course didn't let up with much of it either climbing or decending.
My mission was to try and break 50 minutes. Once things settled down I feel into an easy pace (until the hills) and started to enjoy running in my home town. The crowd was good, many runners appeared to be called John or rumours of my fame have spread accross town because all around was the shout 'come on John'! The support was immence.
Once we turned towards the last climb I saw Duracell - he shouted encouragingly - 'pain is temporary' - didn't feel temporary on the final climb.
The final turn was spotted with joy in my heart - I finished in 45.18 less than a minute outside my PB. So chuffed with that.
Maybe there is life in the old boy yet!
Ironman
Col du Cleish Clamber brings out lite night riders
It has been some time since the Dark Knight Riders assembled to clamber ip the mighty Col du Clesih.
But tonight was the start of a new beginning.
Miner's Daughter, wee Yin and Bigman (me) headed for the hills to see the sun rest for another day.
The colours looking over Perthshire were spectacular. Bright green fields. Bright blue sky acting as a backdrop to fluffy clouds dancing across the sky, all the while, not a breath of wind at ground level.
A few fellow cyclists were out on teh the road panting as they passed in search of teh elusive Posse Ecosse. They seek them here, they seek them there ............. and still no-one hs unmasked the cycling crusaders. I think that is enough!
I decided to toast the legs by descending the North FAce and returning by the same route. The Trek 1200 breezed up like a Dawes on steroids.
A great night and a cumulative 93km added to the circumvention
But tonight was the start of a new beginning.
Miner's Daughter, wee Yin and Bigman (me) headed for the hills to see the sun rest for another day.
The colours looking over Perthshire were spectacular. Bright green fields. Bright blue sky acting as a backdrop to fluffy clouds dancing across the sky, all the while, not a breath of wind at ground level.
A few fellow cyclists were out on teh the road panting as they passed in search of teh elusive Posse Ecosse. They seek them here, they seek them there ............. and still no-one hs unmasked the cycling crusaders. I think that is enough!
I decided to toast the legs by descending the North FAce and returning by the same route. The Trek 1200 breezed up like a Dawes on steroids.
A great night and a cumulative 93km added to the circumvention
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A speed session in Fort William
I arrived in Fort William, jumped out of the car and was surprised by the wall of heatthat hit me. Fort William, heat and sun not words even the local Tourist Board would shout regularly.
I finished work at 5.45pm and was on my bike just after 6pm. The road to Glenfinnan is pretty flat so I was able to stretch it out and get the wheels rolling. A couple of short delays halted my progress as I made my way through the rush hour traffic.
The road was not only flat but pretty good in terms of surface and I was moving along quickly. The wind seemed to be in my face but it felt like that all night so I think it was just swirling around. The bike is fab for relaxing body and mind. As I sped along the days hassles seemed to melt into the passing tarmac.
I only had a spare hour so turned after 16km to make sure I would get back in time. A quick check of the watch at the turn made me realise I was slightly ahead of my target to bike 32km in the available hour. With the boost of knowledge, and not being competitive, I put the foot down and pushed hard.
By the time I was on the outskirts of Corpach I was beginning to feel the pace in my legs. I was held up again at the junction back on to the A82 and wondered if I would meet my planned objective. Fortunately the hotel loomed close and mission accomplished. 32km in 57 minutes - I was happy with the effort and the training completed.
I'm doing a 10km race tomorrow night with Skyrider which will be fun. I doubt I'll go sub 45 minutes again as I feel slow on my feet but I'll give it a go and see what happens.
I also started Yoga tonight - pleased to say I survived. My neighbour across the road is starting a class in Carnock and I went along to be a crash test dummy as she weent through her routine. It was brilliant. So anyone fancy coming along next Monday at 7pm please let me know and I'll book you a place at Carnock Community Centre.
Hopefully the bendy bits will still be bendy tomorrow!!
Ironman
I finished work at 5.45pm and was on my bike just after 6pm. The road to Glenfinnan is pretty flat so I was able to stretch it out and get the wheels rolling. A couple of short delays halted my progress as I made my way through the rush hour traffic.
The road was not only flat but pretty good in terms of surface and I was moving along quickly. The wind seemed to be in my face but it felt like that all night so I think it was just swirling around. The bike is fab for relaxing body and mind. As I sped along the days hassles seemed to melt into the passing tarmac.
I only had a spare hour so turned after 16km to make sure I would get back in time. A quick check of the watch at the turn made me realise I was slightly ahead of my target to bike 32km in the available hour. With the boost of knowledge, and not being competitive, I put the foot down and pushed hard.
By the time I was on the outskirts of Corpach I was beginning to feel the pace in my legs. I was held up again at the junction back on to the A82 and wondered if I would meet my planned objective. Fortunately the hotel loomed close and mission accomplished. 32km in 57 minutes - I was happy with the effort and the training completed.
I'm doing a 10km race tomorrow night with Skyrider which will be fun. I doubt I'll go sub 45 minutes again as I feel slow on my feet but I'll give it a go and see what happens.
I also started Yoga tonight - pleased to say I survived. My neighbour across the road is starting a class in Carnock and I went along to be a crash test dummy as she weent through her routine. It was brilliant. So anyone fancy coming along next Monday at 7pm please let me know and I'll book you a place at Carnock Community Centre.
Hopefully the bendy bits will still be bendy tomorrow!!
Ironman
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