Around the world in 80 (Satur)days

Von Trapp?

2010-08-22T20:38:00.002+01:00

Well, more water has been passed since I last graced these pages, and many miles covered.....I don't know if it's cheating to add the totals up over the last few weeks despite having failed to blog them individually....
So it was with these thoughts and many others that I pointed the front wheel onto the National Cycleway this morning, starting at the village of Kilbarchan and headed south west towards Irvine and the Western shoreline. A strong headwind greeted me, along with lots of walkers, and a game of dodge the dog walker ensued, but it was al good humoured, with lots of smiles and shouts of "Aaargh! Get oot of tha Waar!"

With the screams still echoing in my ears, I attempted to make myself as small as possible to cut down on resistance and settled into a rhythm. I had an amusing pause at Kilbirnie to figure out the map, and then joined the local 'B' roads for the rest of the journey. I hit some great inclines, and some steep descents, twisty, turny, wooded back roads, and some lovely scenery, despite the inclement weather. The further I went, the wetter and windier it got, but I persevered, and was rewarded with the sort of country roads and little fields that reminded me of my youth, as I cycled along, I hummed long forgotten tunes and reminisced about walks with my Father and his dogs, childhood movies, favourite books.

I was suddenly in a "Sound of Music" moment, and shuddering, put such thoughts out of my head.... carry on like this my boy, I told myself, and you'll be sporting an outfit made from curtains and comtemplating a sing song everytime it thunders.

At Kilwinning, I reached my destination, and paused in the now torrential rain to put on my raintop, and check my texts, before heading back the way I came. With the wind behind me I kept up a steady pace, but found stopping a challenge on the downhills, as the saturated wheels and road reduced friction to an alarming level. I returned to my car, having completed a 39 mile round trip in 2hrs 50, which wasn't the fastest, but was a steady pace, and I didn't pause the stopwatch when i stopped for directions or rainjacket application.

My three previous trips out were a little more local, and were filled with the excitement of almost being wiped out by a Mini who failed to look when turning right, being completely outpaced by a fellow cyclist who, with his far superior fitness, co-ordination and use of timing left me wallowing in his wake, as he tore up the asphalt on the infamous Crow Road hill climb behind Lennoxtown... and the time I stopped completely in awe as the Arab Emirates 777 superjet banked overhead, looking like a spectacular paperknife tearing across the sky..... of course there was also the incident of the wasp getting caught in the helmet airvent, and the encounter involving the stoat, a garden gnome and the banana milkshake, but those will have to wait.

So, I can confirm a total mileage of 116.4 over the last couple of weeks, but feel that in the up and coming "Time Trial" this will not stand me in good stead, as a certain Ironman has now purchased a superior machine, the type thing upon which legends are made and records broken...... perhaps I could just make the tea?

Have fun folks.

Dark Knight

Deja vu?

2010-07-09T14:46:00.003+01:00

It was a little remiss of me to take a trip out, and fail to log it, only to remember the journey with the assistance of one's Garmin, which announced delightedly that on a previous occasion, (a week ago, to be exact) the same distance was travelled, in exactly the same time.....

So, a week has passed since the last time I headed out on the metalled highway, the roadside a blur of drystone walls, farmhouses and startled coo beasties... And a week away from the wheels does seem to have done good things, as my initially complaining legs soon felt loostened up and stronger, inclines were tackled with more vigour, downhills were raced over, and the long climb to the top of the Campsies was, well, panted up, with much groaning and whining, but it was positive groaning.....

I do wish there was a speed camera at the base of that hill, as I tore into Lennoxtown after the long fast descent I confirmed I was exceeding the regulatory speed limit by almost 10mph, and a small thrill of lawlessness ran through me, I confess! I will endeavour to remain under control though.... The trip was uneventful to be honest, enjoyable, a small shower near the end of the route and some failed traffic lights added an element of the unknown, but not enough to have Mulder and Scully reaching for their raincoats.....

On returning to my humble abode, I pondered the difference there would be betwixt this powerhouse roadtrip and my previous outing, how much time had I shaved off? Had I twisted the laws of pyshics, arriving home before I left, without the use of the international date line? Was the tarmac still smokin' from my passing by, A tin registration plate, spinning on it's end, as a testimony to my time travelling speed?

No. The distance travelled, 28.3 miles, or 45.6Km. The time for said distance 1.57.12
the previous time for the same distance......1.56.57.

I have therefore come to the conclusion that getting fitter does'nt make you faster, it just means you wont ache as much the next day....... today, I wonder when the aching will stop...... :-)

The Supercomputer in the Batcave tells me that my combined distance for the two outings is 91km, and promptly issued me with a fine for my speeding in Lennoxtown.

Where's the hammer? Stay safe, Dark Knight.

Alpe D'Huez lives up to its reputation

2010-07-05T21:18:00.003+01:00

The memory has ironed out the ascent of the 21 bends to the top of Alpe D'Huez at just under 6000ft. The smell of burning clutch permeates the nostrils as you search for your next breath.

Today was a refresher. It was steep. It was hot. It was humid . And it was breezy!

The col du CArnock may be steep but Alpe D'huez is relentless. The prize was a cool beer watching the Tour stars do their stuff on the Bar TV.

On a positive note, no precipitation to deal with on the descent.

Tomorrow is another day. Day 1 of the altitude training for the Col du Carnock complete but it was tough

A royal day out

2010-06-27T22:52:00.002+01:00

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

We're gonna Ride.....Forever.....

2010-06-27T14:56:00.002+01:00

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

The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind .......... the answer is blowing in the wind

2010-06-23T23:07:00.004+01:00

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

Climb Every Mountain....well, Hill.

2010-06-23T19:48:00.004+01:00

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

Fun in the sun!

2010-06-22T21:04:00.002+01:00

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

Bigman flies ................ over handlebars!

2010-06-20T23:44:00.003+01:00

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.

7 miles in the sun....

2010-06-20T17:43:00.002+01:00

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.

Like a circle in a spiral, a wheel within a wheel.....

2010-06-19T16:03:00.002+01:00

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

...and a week off

2010-06-18T18:43:00.004+01:00

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

Bigman scorches Col du Cleish as Scotland rocks in sunshine

2010-06-17T23:06:00.003+01:00

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

Carnock Epic training starts today....

2010-06-17T16:45:00.002+01:00

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.....

Return of Knight Rider

2010-06-16T22:06:00.002+01:00

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

Return of the three amigos

2010-06-16T21:56:00.003+01:00

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

Batting over the Water

2010-06-16T10:21:00.003+01:00

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. :-)

Dark Knight, Bright Day.

2010-06-14T21:31:00.002+01:00

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!

Mid summer leads to Dark Knight.....

2010-06-12T21:00:00.003+01:00

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

Mechanicals and the joy of real food

2010-06-07T14:03:00.002+01:00

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!

Late injury scare forces Ironman out of World Cup Squad.......

2010-06-06T14:53:00.005+01:00

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

Auld Toun 10k

2010-06-02T22:45:00.002+01:00

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

Col du Cleish Clamber brings out lite night riders

2010-06-02T22:30:00.002+01:00

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

A speed session in Fort William

2010-06-01T22:50:00.003+01:00

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

Phew, what a scorcher!

2010-05-31T18:54:00.003+01:00

It was Bank Holiday Monday and not too many people taking it off as a holiday. My plan was to weather watch and make plans nearer the day. I had a list of chores to do ............ which would b fine if the weather was rotten.

As the weather forecast became more accurate, it was clear the chores would have to wait. Central Scotland was going to basque in brilliant sunshine all day Monday.

After bagging the Cairngorm Climbs on Saturday, there was another ride I have been keen to travel along. It is the Lochearnhead Circuit. One hundred and one miles round trip through some of the finest scenery Scotland can throw at you.

I woke up at 5:00am with the big orange thing shining brightly and not a cloud in the sky nor a breath of wind ( but that would change) As Wee Yin woke at 07:00 to head to work, I leapt out of bed and headed down for an ginormous bowl of porridge to set me up for the day. Aberfeldy was forecast to be the hottest spot in Britain at 18 degrees and so it was full summer gear but with a shower jacket in my back pocket in case we had a 'Michael Fish' moment.

I left the house at 08:15 and headed up over Mont Veknockhill. The views across to the Wallace monument at Stirling were superb. Crisp and clear as a bell. Today was going to be awesome.

As I climber up Fit One's Folly at Yetts of Muchart ( he does not like this hill) I thought of Fit One warming up the pen to push some more paper. I am so fortunate to be able to take advantage of this weather.

The route through Glen Devon was everything you would expect. The lambs growing fatter bouncing about the field cheering as I flew by. The river sparkling as it tumbled over rocks making its way back down to the Forth.

I considered popping into Cafe Kriss to sample the cakes in Auchterarder but it is still early and I had many miles to do. I wanted to get round in 6 hours whilst enjoying the scenery rather than just head down battering out the miles. This was a day to be savoured rather than devoured.

I always imagined the hill climb through Crieff was larger and steeper. It certainly was when we used to travel through the Small Glen on our way north on family holidays many years ago.

Turn onto the Comrie road the wind was picking up from the East becoming my friend. Several times the direction of the wind changes as I flew through different glens. In no time I had arrived at St Fillans, the little village at the end of Loch Earn. It seemed to be moving at a snails pace. And why should it move any faster. It is a beautiful place. Fishermen fished from the banks as others just read the papers on benches and the sun showered everyone.

By this time I was getting a little hungry however I know of a fine cafe at the Lochearhead sailing club which happened to be 49 miles from home. Perfect timing. I thought of The Duracell as I selected from the menu. Bacon and Egg roll - the choice of champions. And in an instant it was gone.

My timing was going well with an average speed of 29.1 kph. Well inside my target time of 6 hours. And so I enjoyed a 30 minute break watching the sailing fraternity messing about on their boats and generally busying themselves with boat type chores.

As I left Lochearnhead village, memories flooded back of the the day Duracell, The Fit One and myself completed one of our early challenges - cycling from Inverness to Dunfermline via Killin and Callander ( just to add some miles and keep it real). 222 miles covered in 23 hours. We took a power nap in the bus shelter. I would like to say it was comfortable. It was welcome but not comfortable!

The road down the side of Loch Luibnig is not the most enjoyable. The views are stunning however the road is narrow and frustrated, impatient, driver ( ironically) out for a day of pleasure frequently cut you up and race passed where no space exists. I was glad to be arriving in Callander. It is an amazing place on Bank Holidays. The entire population of Glasgow descends on this little village to stock up on 'bargain' factory shop prices for rain wear! And today was no different.

The wind was now in full throttle and strong out of the east. The route back to Stirling is fairly exposed and so it was a case of head down and do the miles. Other than a trucker giving me blast on his horn because he could not pass, the journey to Stirling was uneventful. You can see the Wallace Monument from four miles out and it was a welcome sight.

Only 21 miles left and I am well inside my time limit. I consider taking the coast route but decide instead to fight the cycle track with its steady climb it, at least, may offer more protection from the constant drone of the wind.

And then Dunfermline arrived. By now the legs were feeling a little toasted and I felt like I could devour a scabby horse. The final climb (small rise) to the Carnegie Baths felt like ascending Everest.

Arrived at home. Job done in 5 hours and 36 minutes. The second half had less climbs however the wind took its toll. The stats 161.6 km covered ( 101 miles). 7216 calories burnt off and an average speed of 29.1 kph.

This was a fantastic route, on a fantastic day. we are so lucky to live in a country with such beauty on our doorstep.

............ and still managed to cut the grass this afternoon!

Skyriders first ton

2010-05-31T15:15:00.003+01:00

We changed the route slightly to suit more people: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/-lothian/377127515281493513
Headed off at 8.30 after some peanut butter on toast, loaded with a couple of new bars, homemade flapjack and some nuun tablets to try. Apparently electrolytes are up there with oats and scones.

We had a bit of a stop-start first 40km until a couple of slower riders dropped off. In hindsight it was actually a pretty good tactic to start to the day, as there were a couple of short sharp and long slow climbs to contend with and we saved a whole lot of energy on those (blether and bike comparing) stops to regroup.

I couldn’t believe it when we were approached Innerleithen for tea and a scone. Already!? I’d not needed to eat much at all in those first couple of easier hours, which is not like me, so was fair excited at the prospect. I’d give it a 6 out of 10 on the scone-o-meter. Only because they tried to fob me off with a cheese one instead of fruit; which would have just been plain wrong.

Reinvigorated and on the road again, we caught sight of some mountain bikers on route to a big glentress event. Wouldn’t fancy taking one of them up the etape!

Peebles was a blast from the past and it was then I realised how far we were from home. Felt like quite the adventurer :)

We worked well as a group, taking turns at the front and working with the wind, until he group got smaller again at the 100km mark at Penicuik. Then there were three and we headed back home (for them at least) back to West Lothian. The tiredness kicked in for Nic (our little grasshopper) at that point. I felt for her; the most she’d done so far was 100km. It’s that point where everyone just gets their heads down and the chat dries up. But that girl is determined! I encouraged her to keep eating small amounts and drink her flat coke and she perked up a little.

My longest up till now had been the caley etape (130km), so I started to feel the fatigue set in about 150km. We should’ve had a proper lunch! I’d pretty much eaten everything I’d brought so I just willed my legs to move until I was reunited with the car and my big-bag-of-biscuits-of-oaty-goodness, hooray!

We were very proud of ourselves and I set off home for a big bowl of lentil soup, pork chops, roast tatties, chocolate brownies, ice cream, hot chocolate… and a big bowl of cereal before bed. I love this cycling business!!!

Bigman meets Big Yin

2010-05-30T23:08:00.008+01:00

The weekend had arrived and I had arranged to meet up with JR in Braemar to do some monumental mountains. The locals are just surfacing after one of the toughest winters on record. I am wishing we had invited The Duracell as he has a snow plough attachment for the Dawes.

Turns out,we were not the only team out testing our legs on the biggest climbs in the Cairngorm Mountain Park. As we entered Braemar around 09:15 Team Garmin sped through the village en route to ascend the Lecht and the infamous Corgarff to Tomintoul road. I wonder if tehy have checked it is open yet?

The forecast was a dry sunny, if chilly, day, however you can never tell in these parts. It has a climate of its own. JR was sporting the fingerless mits however I was less brave and had full winter gear on.

The first part was supposed to be 'downhill' following the route of teh Dee passed Lizzie's ( Queen to you ) house at BAlmoral then onto Ballater before hanging a left at the metrolpolis of Dinnet. Not a lot happens at Dinnet and today was no different. There seemed to be lots of older people with day nap sacks on their backs and trousers tucked into their boots heading off into the woods. JR tells me that is what people do around here. Mmmmmmmmm?

Time to get back on the bikes methinks. The stretch to Dinnet had been at around 32kph however the wind out of the east masked the downhill well!

And so the climb begins. Zips undone and we ascend over to Strathdon leaving the silvery Dee behind us as it continues its tumble down to Aberdeen.

Many of the fir trees on the edge of the road have been well browned with the frosts during the winter, JR tells me the temperature was down to minus 20 for several weeks during the winter. Enough to freeze your cones off, I guess.

As we drop down into Strathdon, the scenery is masked by a cloud of drizzle that grows to a shower. JR has done some reconnaissance for lunch and the Colhousie Hotel appears. There is a choice, take it or leave it. The sign says cyclists welcome and the landlord is very friendly and so we stopped. Just as well as we did not pass another hotel until returning to Braemar.

He asked were we part of the group of 12 booked for 12:30. Answer : no. Amazing he says . you go all year seeing no cyclists and in one day two parties appear!

A good helping of lentil soup washed down by full fat coke followed by some macaroni and we were ready for the road. But not before the second group arrived. As they inspected JR's new Cube, I recognised one of the riders from about 20 years ago. And then another comes through the door. Turns out teh cycling club from Elgin had come over the Lecht for a day outing. The Corgaff road must indeed be open. They had spotted the Garmin crew going over the Lecht at around 11:00. They must have been motoring.

And so with the rain stopped, we mounted our bikes and hit the road again. Next on the tourist trail was going through Lonach. The Lonach games ( a big event in these parts) has as its Cheiftain The Big Yin whose house we passed. We were going to pop in for Bigman meets Big Yin photo shoot however time was short and so we passed on our way. I confess to being surprised to see large yellow wellies mounted on the large wrought iron gates! I guess he wants to protect his privacy.

The turn off for Braemar arrives. This is the start of two monumental climbs back over to Strath Dee. And they start immediately. JR, resplendent in his light frame sets off like a whippet. I restrain from chasing after and set the heart rate to ascent mode and settle in to a steady pace. I have never ridden over these hills and so have no idea when the top will arrive and do not want to be caught out by a false crest only to find another one.

The scenery is stunning with views across the the Eastern CAirngorms and to Lochnagar to the south. Loads of tourists ( relatively speaking) are stopped to takephotos of the views .......... or maybe they have heard the posse is on tour!

The first climb is done and a steep descent into the valley preceeds the next sign. There is a hump back bridge with an excessive hump. We had earlier spotted an unusual road sign indicating a lorry rocking on the bridge with wheels on either side. A new one on me<

The first climb was much steeper and longer than the second asn we quickly shot over the crest and started the descent. JR was flying down the twisting road like a man in the zone. My brakes a re a tadge dodgy and the road spews you out on to the main road at a T junction and so I was a little more reserved.

On the main road and it is up hill to Braemar. JR says his legs are toasted however this does not prevent him pursuing a 30 kph pace along the riverside for 9 miles back to Braemar.

As we entered Braemar the rain started to come back on however we had enjoyed an almost rain free day in the most stunning scenery and climbed some monsters.

100km further circumvention around the globe

Bigman

Needs must - fitting in the training....

2010-05-30T19:55:00.004+01:00

After a fantastic afternoon at Taste and sampling a few fine Scottish beers it was necessary to build training into a busy schedule.

So I was up early and set off on the bike to cycle to Church in Leith. The plan was to pedal over and change in the loo before joining Moonwalker in the service. She was brining the car and we were to rendevous at 10.20am ish - enough time to wash, change and load the bike into the car.

It was a fresh morning with imposing rain clouds all around. I stuck on my jacket and hoped that the rain would be avoided. It was great setting off early on a Sunday - no-one was on the road and I had a friendly westery pushing me along at a good old pace.

I was going at a cracking pace and was ahead of schedule when I crossed the bridge. I saw the Sunday morning group from Carnegie Harriers, our own Skyrider's running club. I slowed down to 13.5kph ( they were fair shifting! ) and shared the craic with the guys for a few minutes. I aim to be brave enough to go along to a few sessions soon!

After the bridge I chose to head down to Crammond. The numbers of bikers increased as I reached the Crammond brig hotel. It was good to see families out riding together.

As I climbed out of Crammond a taxi turned directly into my path. I wasn't a happy bunny and almost feel off as I struggled to get my feet out of the cleats in time to share my thoughts with the taxi driver. I wasn't rude I just suggested that they should be more careful in future.....

The rest of the route took me down to the Crammond Esplanade - it was busy with dogs and runners. I blasted along at speed avoiding said dogs and runners. I remembered my first Edinburgh Marathon when I was going well at the 14 mile mark in Crammond and then fell apart at mile 19! Anyway I finished and learned much about myself and took that experience into the same race next year....

The trip through the town was stop start - I do love the open roads of West Fife. I made the trip in 1.10 and it was just 35km. Really enjoyed it.

Moonwalker appeared just in time and after a quick change I was good to settle into a different sort of energising activity.

I've put the bike into the car to take it to Fort William and I'm hoping for a balmy evening and getting a few miles knocked out in the Highlands!

Ironman

the stuff of the devil and ducks

2010-05-28T17:03:00.003+01:00

I'd better get out on the bike sharpish as so far have amassed 666kms... lets hope its not a sign of things to come...

This week saw just a couple of hill sessions so far with fellow Skyriders. Quote of the week has to be from one of crew (who hasn't been getting the miles in, shall we say) who procraimed a quarter of the way up our first rep - "wait, I thought training was supposed to be fun?" He managed 4, us girls did 6. I think he's scared now.

Training, my friend, is not fun. Its hard and it hurts us all, but it makes us stronger.

Wish me luck tomorrow - am going for my first bigun of 100 miles... well 111 actually - http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/east%20calder/701127503730482094

I'm sure I'll live to tell the tale. Not like one of my fellow skyriders who ended up with a broken collarbone this week after a duck flew into her front wheel. No, really....

Been a while.....

2010-05-27T22:02:00.002+01:00

Good to see the posse blogging - great stories and inspiring tales of triumph in adversity.

The last week has been one of much training both on the bike and on my feet. After the heat at the weekend the days have cooled significantly.

i'm planning to do the Dunfermline half marathon in a few weeks time so time on the bike has been briefer than i would have liked.

Bigman has told the story of last night's burn around to Powmill. It was a cracking evening and we moved at a good pace - I was chuffed to be able to hang on to iconic back wheel of the madone. It was great to train at pace and my muscles (few and far apart as they are) smouldered under the pressure of the pace.

I'm training at Taste of Edinburgh on Saturday - few more pounds to worked off after....

Life is good!

Bigman catches taxi at Powmill

2010-05-27T21:34:00.002+01:00

It was a bad day at the office. One of those days when the last thing you want to do when you get home is change into cycling gear an go out and do 2000ft of climbing over 40km in company wit a non competitive type!

But you know that is absolutely the best thing to do!

And so it came to pass, I arrived home to find the Ironman on my doorstep keen as mustard.

The pull up Townhill road eased off some of the days frustration and we powered up Cleish with Ironman pulling away as we crested the Col du Cleish.

Heavy clouds danced around us but dared not dump a dollop on the posse.

On descending the North Face, we upped the pace to a 30 plus kph as we sped to Powmill. In the end I got on the back and Ironman carried me all the way to Knochill turn off.

The very thought of arriving at the return point insired more energy and her climb was relatively effortless as we discussed a range of issues in society.

The trip down through Dunfermline to the Carnegie Baths resembles a road somewhere in Beirut. The holes are now joining together to become whole!

After a solid outing the time did not reflect the effort with a credible 90 mile circuit.

A small malt eased away any remaining tension

Bring on tomorrow

Bigman

Doc heal thy self!

2010-05-27T21:29:00.001+01:00

As one of the founding members of "Team turtle" I thought I would let you into my etape experience. Arrived mid afternoon with speedy "Doc junior". We had planned to stay in a tent at Blairatholl on the Saturday night. When I phoned up for a bed and breakfast a few weeks earlier the women I spoke to just laughed and told me she might be able to get me a room in 2011.

Set up tent and everything was looking good, had preregistered. Then I discovered I had forgotten my camping mat and things started looking less ideal. Woke about 5.30am to discover the tent was soaking and "Doc Junior" was impossible to wake. Got to Pitlochry at about 6.30am and set of to find a quick breakfast. Bought a bacon roll and a coffee. Was quite looking forward to it when Doc Junior said what's that plastic thing on everyones front wheel. Bugger the timing chips were still in the car.

Ran back to the car part with now only 15mins to my start, I almost choked on the bacon roll. Anyway we started the etape with chips secured in place, 50 meters down the path Doc Junior drops his expensive glasses case. Decide to turn round and pick it up so that he did not get a roasting when he got home. Everything went relatively well until the Schehallion climb. With the exception that I had lost speedy 10 miles earlier. Started up the climb and my chain started to slip. The next thing I knew I had broken many teeth off my cassette. Then to add insult to injury I got a puncture.

Some how managed to cut my finger changing the tube. Managed to limp home in a shamful time. The bike jumped with every revolution from 50 miles onwards . It reminded me of my first moped that did not have a second or fourth gear!

100k a day? another time maybe

2010-05-24T23:01:00.000+01:00

Both Sat and Sun were planned 100k days. Sat started out well, leaving the Kingdom early (albeit a bit worried about my lack of suncream / pale skin combo) and met up with some fellow skyriders with the ERC. It was hot, hot hot and a great insight into what it might be like over in France.

They tell me that after we broke up into smaller groups at Dalkeith, we ended up through East Lothian and into the Lammermuir hills. I have to say, it was probably the most enjoyable three hours I've spent on the bike so far as it went so quickly, chatting and socialising and enjoying the scenery. It's reassuring to have a little more confidence in group riding situations now and be able to chat to people instead of worrying about causing an accident all the time.

Stopped into Chris's for a quick bite to eat (no scones, sadly. homebaking doesnt tend to feature much in his house) before leaving him to watch the footie ( NB. INSIDE on the most beautiful day of the year?!)whilst I enjoyed the sunshine heading back over the bridge to the Kingdom, racking up 108km. Good work, felt great and on track for a double whammy 100km.

Gave the bike a - KABOOM! - well deserved clean and even used my chain cleaning gadget thing. I'm turning into a right bike geek.

Sunday had plans to go out later in the day because a. its a bit cooler and b. it meant I could actually spend some time with my long suffering boyfriend instead of the bike for a change. Sadly, grand plans were all but scuppered with the onset of really dodgy tummy. A momentus ocassion as its the first day I've skipped training so far in 4 months. Ended up sitting in the house (close to the loo) studying away intently instead.

Ah well, better than an accident on the bike! :D

Bigman's crown slips as Wee Yin 'dances' to Bus Museum Sprint victory

2010-05-23T22:27:00.000+01:00

It was another cracker of a day. The forecast indicated overcast and showers however the sun blazed over Fife setting up another fine day and another opportunity to bag some miles.

Wee Yin and myself set off for an afternoon cup of coffee at Loch Leven's larder, a mere 54 km round trip.

A good pace was set from the beginning as we sped up Townhill Road and the heart began to pump blood faster. We are several weeks away from returning to the French Alps but the weather was a nice reminder of things to come.

Loch Leven's larder was absolutely heaving with folk walking dogs, cycling, pushing prams and taking time to enjoy the wonderful scenery and the great cakes.

The return trip was a tadge more challengng with a strong wind out of the west. The 12 % climb up the north face of Col du Cleish - a further reminder of some alpine climbs to come.

A return to Dunfie just in time for a brew of tea before heading to the fives and another opportunity to burn off even more calories.

Between us we chalked up another 108km around the world

............ and then there were two

2010-05-22T23:49:00.000+01:00

I awakened to a brilliant sunny day with the temperature already over 20 degrees.

The posse was meeting at Chez Fit One at nine o'clock with the intention of circumventing the two bridges over the Forth, a distance of 66km.

In the Posse was Santiago and pardner, The Fit One, Ironman and me (Bigman).

The assembled Posse headed over the bridge on peleton style. The last time I remember enjoying such heat as this early, on the road bike, was the morning we climbed Mont Ventoux last year. That was epic. Today would be just as epic.We met a fellow cyclist, clearly distrusting of the weather forecast, as he had full winter longs including red luminous over shoes!

The posse were in minimalist mood,with Santiago the only posse member with a jacket on. The winding roads around Newton were pleasant to meander along. Santiago and Pardner were heading to Parklands Bistro for coffee and went a different route. The residual posse of three headed along the main road towards Boness. On a slight climb, we lost sight of the Fit One. After a small detour we picked him up only to find he ahd a problem with his rear hub . To continue would have been foolhardy and he planned to join Santiago for coffee and return home. He planned to call the Doc for emergency repairs.

And then there were two.

With great speed we sped through Grangemouth which spewed us on at Skinflats and onto the flat road leading to the Kincardine Bridge. We were blasting along at 38kpm. A cracking pace. On crossing the bridge we met the man with the red luminous overshoes, still wearing his winter longs!

We blasted back to Culross where we enjoyed a refreshment in the garden of the cafe before re-mounting to head home. On the climb up to the Rosyth road a fellow roadie came into view and he was wheeled in before the second half of the hill.

My crankshaft has been coming loose since the Etape, and so the return through Cairneyhill provided and excellent opportunity to get Bill at Hardie Bikes to sort the problem. The service, as always was magnificent. After recounting tales of last weeks Etape, I was back on the road heading home after a cracking day out.

Another 66km of circumventing the world completed.

Burntisland blockade beats Bigman

2010-05-22T23:41:00.000+01:00

Last night, on returning from work, the temperature was reading 23 degrees. This weather had to be enjoyed to the full.

The plan was to do the Burntisland Beaster and return along the coast road via Aberdour, enjoying panoramic views over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. I would finish the ride by climbing the Aberdour Ascent.

I guess the omens were not good when the GArmin ran out of juice after 5 miles. I climbed up over the Burntisland Beaster and as I dropped down the other side a motorist heading in the other direction flashed his lights and tooted his horn. I put it down to the friendliness of Fifers and whizzed through the speed sign which flashed 'slow down' to my pleasure. Turning left and started the climb back over to Aberdour only to find the road closed to cars and pedestrians. Getting passed the fence looked difficult which suggested intruders were not welcome.

Nothing else for it but to climb back up the Burntisland Beaster.

I opted to skip the Aberdour Ascent and head directly back to Dunfie.

A good 40 km done on a cracking summer evening

Bring on tomorrow

Bigman

Training miles

2010-05-21T12:23:00.000+01:00

Us Skyriders have a lot of hours in the saddle normally. But with only 8 weeks to the bigun in le France, well, lets just say its starting to ramp up. Right now am averaging a scone a day, sometimes two.

So far this week, have tried to get as much commuting in as possible to ease the load on my ever-diminishing social life. It needs a bit of thought as I actually a. live in Dunfermline and b. work in Dunfermline, so quite often involves a detour.

So far this week I’ve managed 150km detouring. Tomorrow am out with the ERC for some group practice, then down to Biggar on Sun morning for a family lunch. The aim was 350kms this week.

Next week should be easier to fit in as I start my new commute from the Kingdom to the land of the Livi, need a practice run soon which will be fun!

Happy riding this weekend all!

Bigman goes for another personal best on the Powmill time trial

2010-05-20T22:30:00.000+01:00

What a cracking night.

The temperature gauge on the car was showing 20.5 degrees and so it was definitely a night for the bike.

I opted for the 40km route over Col du Cleish and back over Mont Veknockhill via Powmill.

The strength in my legs felt like I wanted to go for some new personal bests. The Garmin was strapped to the handle bars and so no 'showbiz' stats would be possible.

The climb up Cleish was easy and a new pb set, smashing previously recorded times. On analysing my ride stats on Sunday in the Etape, I was 14 minutes behind the winner on the climbs and 18 minutes on the flats. If I can pull some time back on the climbs I can break the 4 hour barrier. I have 51 weeks to execute my 'kill the hill' strategy to perfection.

Next it was time to whizz round to Powmill. The road was quiet and the cool self created breeze was refreshing. The only problem was picking the black flies from between my teeth! Nourishment perhaps, tasty not.

Travel time to Powmill, another personal best. Would there be energy in those post Etape legs to keep up the pace over Mont Veknockhill?

It felt good and the climb was ascended in little over 14 minutes. Now into the tuck and head full pelt down into Dunfie. The road from Wellwood to the Carnegie Pool resembles the moon surface bumping and tossing you about like some bucking bronco trying to throw his rider.

The lights are in my favour and no loss of pace as we enter the home straight. Head down across the mini roundabout and it is done.

A new personal best for the Powmill route - sub 90 minutes.

A cracking night.

Forecast for the weekend looking good with a 25 degree forecast. Rock on

Duracell and The Marathon Man go west ..........then east...........then north!

2010-05-20T22:18:00.000+01:00

This is the official report.
Sunday .. Dunfermline to Melrose. Distance travelled= 70 miles. Body Count: Duracell one puncture, one bungee clip stuck in gears( all before leaving Dalkeith). Marathon Man, no fatalities. We stayed in the Youth Hostel in Melrose and ate approximately 3000 calories of pasta each ( followed by a family size bag of crisps. Marathon Man said it was to replace the salt we lost as we cycled)

Monday, our biggest cycle 90 miles ( big miles by the way, big, over hills with heavy panniers on poor road surface , miles). We ended up in Nenthead , the highest pub in England. it is marginally lower than Everest. We stayed in the Miners Arms and kept it real by enjoying their own brand of bitter( Mesage to Fit One, it was only 3.6% so in a sense we were simply readjusting that delicate chemical
liquid ratio in our bodies as all dedicated sportsman do).

The next day was supposed to be our "easy" day. We dropped down from the penines into Newcastle. mileage 65 miles. We got confused about which branch of the cycle path to follow.. it was complicated one said Sunderland the other Newcastle. We went on the Sunderland one. Once back on track we found our own Newcastle guide who was cycling back from work. He cycled all the way into town to make sure we wouldn`t get lost. Obviously we look like we need that sort of care in the community ( Image thinking that we might get lost!). At night we stayed in whitley Bay which is a dump. We got a good meal but it took about 30 minutes to find a pub which (a) was open (b) did not have strippers.. think you get my drift.

Next day was a bit frustrating. We had an " incident" on the track, MArathon Man fell as he stopped and couldn`t get his cleats out. In classic domino effect he knocked me down.Status Report was one grazed knee ( MM). One jarred shoulder( me) and one broken front mudguard for da Dawes. The cycle paths near Berwick were literally across fields with cattle and sheep in attendance. Has to be said that they didnt trouble us, probably because the dawes looks and travels like agricultural machinery .

It was Marathon Man's birthday so I resolved to buy him a slap up Italian meal. It took so long to cycle through the fields that we were to late for anything other than chips eaten on a bench, at least it was cheap! total mileage 80 miles.

Last day over Lammermuir Hills to Edinburgh a good days cycling except for dodgy start in me committing an unforced error in selecting a route going south not north(!) Marathon Man was , as usual, very gracious. Diaster for the dawes on top of the hills . I lost the top ring . End result was that I was even slower than normal. we decided to split up in Gifford so Marathn Man could make it home in time for his family birthday celebration.

I then zig zagged my way to Dunfermline ( like a cross eyed homing pigeon). I went from Gifford to Tranent then Elphinstone then back to Musselburgh through Leith then 11 miles on cycle track through all parts of Edinburgh before getting to the bridge. Mileage was I think 80 miles.

Summary. company excellent, weather incredible, route planning dodgy in parts. Total miles 390 ( or thereby)

The Duracell

One Etape down, one to go... best bring my own scone though…

2010-05-18T23:25:00.000+01:00

It seems fate that I joined the posse when I did – just in time for a ‘wildcard’ entry into the Caley Etape.

Roll back to March when my Orbea and I first met; I have to be honest and say I didn’t try that hard to get a place. I just thought, well, that it looked a bit too much, too soon. I’m only a girl, after all (which, by the way, is pretty apparent by my shocking driving, witnessed first hand by ironman and bigman, thank god it was only a mini posse that night…)

To hang! I thought, life’s too short! What’s the worst that could happen… sore legs? Well, I’ve done many a hill race where I was sure there would need to be an amputation afterwards. I could handle it.

I’d had my bike serviced on the Monday, new cleats (I think I thought I could run in them at one point) and training had been going well. Up till then the most I’d ever done was 70 miles in 5 hours. I’d make it a fun day, I thought, chat, eat and watch the world go by. I was sure I’d make it back in about 5 ½ hours, just in time for lunch. I sold it to Chris on the promise of a long lie till then.

And so it was.

We met the posse in a top secret location to share plans, investigate goodie bags (no Chris; that isn’t a gel) and have our nutritionally balanced pre race dinner. (The cullen skink was a great tactic, one timely belch and nearby riders would fall off. I have a lot to learn from the Ironman.) Chris in particular got into the spirit of the carb-loading with a choc fudge cake. Do not underestimate the energy requirements of the support crew.

Tack talk made me nervous, so the posse led me to their top secret bike bunker to loan me a spare inner tube. I saw the intricate mechanics of bike labelling and marvelled already at the colourful array on offer. Some old, some new. But no others with green handlebars. I felt slightly smug.

We had decided to stay in a hostel. It was a step up from camping, or so you would think. I don’t think those campers had a sleepwalking granny around. Let’s just say, I’m glad I had adrenaline to rely on. The good luck texts from fellow skyriders started coming at 6.30. Sitting in the car in cycling kit, eating my honey nut shreddies and banana, I felt the sense of adventure welling up inside me. A couple of months ago, I didn’t even have a bike and now, here I was. Flipping madness :)

A final decision on layers (3 thin ones with armwarmers and my waterproof stuffed in my jersey). Food, check. Water, che…. shit no water! Took my shoes off and dashed back in. Another quick bathroom trip. Wrestled with overshoes then decided against them. I’d borrowed them in case of bad weather but just didn’t feel comfortable. Gosh, look at the time; I’d better be going, I need to find Dave! Off down the hill, could hear a slight commotion, then - BAM!

Wow, so colourful! So chattery! Like a big cross country event… only… much cleaner… more clothes… and with bikes attached. Oh, hang on! There’s Dave in his Team Sky shirt… wait, hang on, no its not. Ah, there he is, definitely him, as he has the matching socks too (and so this went on, until I realised that about 50% of riders had at least one Team Sky item of clothing on… d’oh!)

Oh wait, they were calling my wave. Right, left, what? Where? I still hadn’t found Dave, thought out any kind of strategy or looked at any maps. Bugger it, I’d just have to go. I’d be back for lunch in no time.

So off I went. And went and went. Passing all sorts of folk. Up over the Queens View. The piper was a welcome sight. I waved and gave him a thumbs up. Christ, he was out on a Sunday morning before 8am and had probably been doing a wedding last night.

I got a bit frustrated at the hills, having to slow down to deal with some bottlenecks. For once I was glad for some descents. I guess it’s the payoff of starting in the last group; the upside of course is that you pass people all day.

In my naivety, I thought there’d be plenty of banter and group work (a maxi-posse, if you will) but somewhat woefully, found myself in my own company most of the day. Well, I say on my own. But most times I turned around to find a train behind me. It made me chuckle. Well, I guess I was tanking it compared to most people in that group. I passed the time by monitoring the numbers. Anyone under 2000 had obviously had a puncture and as they set off again, I tried to match their pace. I seemed to weave my way though any 4000’s and into the 3000’s quite quickly. Before long it was totally random and I was surprised how many people had dropped off the pace. There were still no pals to be had though, as soon as I caught up with people, I seemes to pass them.

My only tiny bit of strategy and recollection of the route map was that schehallion was soon after the Tummel ended. With that, I chowed down a flapjack whilst still flattish. Oats, as the rest of the posse will contest, are our friend.

I had been excited about Scheallion and was not let down. It made my legs feel alive and I smiled at myself. I nearly burst out laughing to hear the groans of grown men in parts.

I smiled and waved at everyone the whole way around, thanking them for the support. Everyone was so friendly. I had a real lump in my throat at times, especially with the kids. Rattling bells and banging pans. Heartwarming. ‘It’s a girl! One professed to her mum loudly ‘Look, she’s going really fast’

That really made my day. I hope she got on her bike later too :)

Somehow, it was only 10 miles to go. I texted Chris. Then 5 miles to go, another text. Wait, it can’t be? I’d been looking out for Logierait and managed to change down and stay in the saddle. I’d saved plenty of energy so seemed to zip up. Even then, I was still passing people. Whats this? One mile to go, surely not? I’d had to stop to fiddle about with my bike computer at one point, but surely I couldn’t have done it in under 5 hours?

Pitlochry! Mats! Crowds and clapping and Chris waving and taking a photo. Unclipping from my bike I said a silent thankyou for helping me around. It was my longest ride by 11 miles, but you know what, I felt pretty good.

I met a couple of fellow skyriders who assured me that actually I was closer to 4 ½ hours… what, me?? Double checked my computer, maybe they were right, you know!

Chris met me with a huge hug and - THE BIGGEST SCONE I HAD EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!!! A scone of dreams. Which I wolved down with gusto. I could only have ever dreamed about a scone that size. Seriously, I would’ve traded in my medal for it.

Overall, I did 4.37. I was 6th in my age category, 78th female and 1570th overall. Pretty good considering I wasn’t racing!

Next year, a better starting position and a bit of riding strategy will make all the difference I think. I've some goals in mind but will revisit them a bit closer to the time. Heavens, there’s a couple more sportives, the Etape du Tour and, who can forget, the Col du Carnock before all that again though :)

Caledonian Etape 2011 Challenge has started....!

2010-05-17T20:43:00.000+01:00

Before the ink is dry on the results web page, the competiton has started for 2011. So far, Bigman, JR, and Santiago have signed up for next year.

Indeed, only hours after scaling the mighty heights of Schehallion yesterday Santiago was accepting bets that he would be sub 4 hours next year. It may have been the heat, or even exhaustion speaking, however the challenge has been laid and confirmed in his seeding request for next year.

Rumour were rife that Santiago was spotted out training earlier today.

Further research into the King of the Mountains confirms Bigman takes the title amongst posse members.

Game on!

After two years of waiting, the day is finally here.............

2010-05-16T20:32:00.000+01:00

It has been 730 days in waiting. The Tacks attack fiasco of last year meant, in reality, having to wait two years to attempt a challenge on my PB (Bigman) from the previous real Etape. That year, 4 hours 13 minutes had proved a surprise even to me, as well as many others.

The field had widened with over 4500 entrants to this years race. Each one vying to be home faster than the Posse Ecosse, such is the brand awareness of the Posse.

Participants travel from far and wide to compete against the Posse. And the Posse continues to grow with younger members such as Skyrider, joining the ranks.

Such is popularity that we have to keep our over night accommodation a secret from the paparazzi. Whilst some were in exuberant comfort of a B& B ( Windsor Gardens), others in a hostel, others made a bed for the night in their car as a decoy from the real home of the Posse Ecosse.

And so in a damp morning around about 06:45 the Posse gathered as a virtual team amongst thousands of other participants each with their allotted start time hoping for a solid ride and the potential for 12 months of glory ahead as the Caledonian Etape 2010 posse champion.

A sparkling year of glitzy events awaits the champion. Bigman, this year was in a class of his own, in the over 50's. The chances of him at least winning this crown were high, even if the uncompetitive Ironman repeats his Col du Carnock victory to take the double.
It was a slow countdown with a range of speeches, none of which were audible.

And the then we were off.The world appeared to pass me. I had decided to race to my own pace on the climbs and join the groups for the less mountainous sections. The pipes droned as we left Pitlochry and there was much jostling for position as the teams sped expectantly out of Pitlochly for the 2010 etape.

At the left hander towards Tummel Bridge, things were starting to settle down. It was a stiff wind out of the west as we cruised towards the Queen's View with the sound of the pipes in the distance alerting riders to the proximity of the crest of the climb. Everyone was passing me however I was resolute in my game plan.

Cresting the Queens view I joined a pack and settled into the pace, chatting to fellow riders. Peleton cycling takes a surprising amount of concentration. Watching the front rider to see if they are picking up pace, whilst watching the wheel in front for any unusual movements. A rider in front reaching into their pocket for food or taking a drink from their bottle can be a warning that they are not concentrating, the risk of an accident is increased. Also riders who are unfamiliar with the corners can be taken by surprise and fly into a ditch, like the RAF team member from last year.

We flew through Tummel Bridge in remarkable quick time to cheering crowds and on a par with last year. I felt good. At the climb between Tummel and Kinloch Rannoch I was once again dropped, only to regain the pack when we were back on relative flat. The whizz round Loch Rannoch was both stunning and speedy. I was in a pack all the way round and passed the half way mark in just under 2 hours.

I approached the scene of carnage from last year with trepidation looking for any sign of inverted bikes and oodles of discarded punctured tubes. There was no carnage, just the impending climb up over Schehallion. As I climbed I showed a mark of respect to the scenes of my six punctures last year. Gladly and with rejoice, I made the junction and headed down the other side. I was pleased to have space on the road and caught some other riders to form a new peleton that carried me all the way back to Logierait and the climb back over to Pitlochry. Once again I was dropped by faster cyclists on the climb.

As I enter Pitlochry, I started to hammer down on the pedals and prepare the correct gear for the climb up the High Street. With spectators cheering loudly, I under whelmed everyone by making my chain jump off!

A quick stop and guiding it back on and I was off again to much pleasure from the waiting and expectant crowd. As I entered the finish stages I wanted to thank everyone for their encouragement and support. Waving in regal way to the crowds on both sides

No doubt the organisers were mightily concerned that there would be another ugly protest. Instead I can only record my gratitude and appreciation for the many who turned out so early and throughout the day to make this a most memorable day out in beautiful Perthshire.

And to the stats. My time was 4 hours and 4 minutes and I finished 418th, in the top 10 percentage of entrants. In my class I was 47th out of almost 600 participants in the 50-59 category. 6,118 calories burnt and 3800ft of ascent, with an average heart rate of 152 bpm.

As we said our farewells to Dorothy at the B & B, we have already booked our accommodation for Caledonia Etape 2011. Bring it on!

The Fit One snatches defeat from the jaws of victory

2010-05-16T20:24:00.000+01:00

The wekend startd with a warm up supported by The Fit One up to Loch Leven's Larder. It was a brisk pace but nothing too strenuous to burn the legs.

A round trip of 50 km in brillia sunshine was a perfect way to start the weekend and keep the muscles from seizing before the etape tomorrow.

We 'cofffeed' for about an hour, sorting the problems of teh world as Lochh Leven sparkled in the spring sun shine.

The Ironman was taking his trusty steed for surgery at HAlfords and so was not able to make the trip out.

The Fit One had not been over Cleish for some weeks and was 'pleased' to be re-acquainted!

At the Bus Museum Sprint, it too a late announcement from The Fit One that he was off. I was alittle startled by the young pretender, but left him to take the lead for a short period, giving him the sense of defeat being snatched from teh jaws of victory with afew turns of teh pedal remaining before the virtual finish line.

The undefeated title will ultimately go, however these youngsters will need to get up earlier if they wish to remove Bigman's crown

Posse v the Etape....

2010-05-16T17:21:00.000+01:00

The day started cloudy. Bigman opened the curtains of our shared accommodation and in a slight depressed tone announced the overnight rain. Looking for a plus side he added at least the overcast skies will have kept the temperatures up. It still felt pretty chilly when we eventually ventured out.

Breakfast was porridge. Porridge is one of the finest starts to the day imaginable with slow energy release providing sustanance on a long ride. Tea, toast and much chat was shared with our fellow guests as we nervously prepared for the day ahead.

Bigman and Santiago were starting with the elite athletes at the front of the pack and after a hasty farewell it was the last I saw of Bigman until we bumped into each other post race. I'll leave the others to share their stories and let them tell of their own successes but this is my race.

I was nervous. I'm not keen on road races as I always fear being in a crowd of other riders who you don't know and can be unpredictable. I was starting at 7.10am. Getting to the starting pen was the biggest challenge given the numbers of riders but eventually I made it to the start line and before I could worry any further we were off. I was right at the back of the pack, in fact so far back that I thought that I was going to be left at the start.

After yesterdays tinker by Halfords my bike was a dream and I soon got up to speed. This translated into a racing heart which was bizzare because it also seemed to be in my throat at the same time.

The road out of Pitlochry is a gentle rise before turning towards the climb up to Queens View. I found I was moving well and started picking off people on the way up the hill. Before we started we were at the top greeted by the pipers at the top. It was a great incentive because you could hear them from a long way back and the noise increased as you climbed.

At this point no groups had formed and on the decent I suggested to a fellow rider that we get ourselves organised. It didn't happen but fortunately a speeding group went by and I latched on the back. It was good to get in the pack. The benefits are massive. while you might go along at 30kph on your own you can get up to 40kph in the pack.

Just before the turn around at the end of Loch Tay there was a big crash about 15 yards ahead of me. A wheel was clipped and the rider shot over his handlebars and into a wall. I hope that he is ok.

The turn meant that the wind was from behind and it was time to push on. I met another Dunfermline rider and we shared a few stories for a few miles but I couldn't hang to the pace and dropped off. This was bad news as I had to do the next few miles by myself.

The climb up Schallion wasn't too bad but I was slow. I've let my fitness drop since our trip to South Africa. Another crash on a small decent on the climb was a reminder of the dangers.

the top was a welcome sight and I certainly didn't challenge in the King of the Mountains competition. I was lucky that I had the decent all to myself. It's steep!

By the time we reached the bottom I was tiring. I joined another group and ploughed on. This was fine but they soon dropped me again. A rider in front made a mistake and a gap formed. I wasn't concentrating and when I looked again was the group was gone. Once you fall even a few metres back you're done.

The majority of the rest of the trip was a solo affair with very few riders around. I felt I was going too slowly but my legs were gone. I had the turn at Logierait to myself. It's a 90 degree turn that can be trouble because once turned the road goes straight up. The last few miles are a killer. It rolls up and up and the occasional down so I was pleased to see the one mile to go sign.

It was great to see the Fit One shouting encouragement on the finish line and I turned into the chip return. It was done.

My stats were that I finished in 4 hours 11 minutes and 24 seconds in 606th place. I was chuffed to finish so high out of 3,600 riders.

Not too bad for an old git! I soon bumped into Bigman and we shared our journey.

It's been a fantastic day!

caledonia etape - the race is on...

2010-05-15T23:04:00.000+01:00

We're all hoping for a tack free race tomorrow. The posse is well represented with JR, Bigman, Santiago, Skyrider and me taking part. Sadly the shredder has been forced to withdraw due to injury.

The forecast is looking favorable if a little chilly. The boys and girl have however sufficient kit to keep an entire peloton warm. I think we're all going to be overdressed but we'll see in the morning.

Updates will be posted after the race.....

Testorone splattering around in the ether!

2010-05-13T19:59:00.000+01:00

The plan was for a blast out 40km last night but at 07:30 hours the weather, verging on sleet, did not look inviting. A quick text to the Ironman put him on notice I would not be doing a winter circuit!

As it turned out, it was a cracking springlike evening with a mild wind with a mild bite.

As Skyrider called it, a mini posse, met around 18:30 to climb Col du Cleish, out to Powmill and back over Mont Veknockhill.

Skyrider got a good sense of a 12% on the North Face albeit going down.Skyrider is signed up for Sunday and so the posse is going to have good representation. The Fit One is travelling up to soak up the atmosphere and buy ice creams for finishers.

Over 120k nearer the end of circumvention

The testorone has started flowing already with Fergie style psycobabble filling the ether via text. Ironman claims not to be competitve but starts 10 minutes behind Bigman. The heat from his nostrils will be noticeable even with a 10 minute gap. Spare a thought for JR who is only 2 minutes in front on the start line. Just a gulp away and almost visible from the start ............... always remembering ........he is not competitive!

Even Skyrider is talking of PB's in a non competitive sort of way.

Only Santiago is actively talking his way off the pole position on the start line. Look out for the photies along with other celebs scuh as Mark Beaumont.

Ironman is trying to get everyone else in smmer kit by passing around surious rumours the temperature is forecast at 30 degrees for 07:00 in teh morning.

I will not be fooled. It is full winter gear for me and Iintend to just enjoy the outing. I am a firm beleiver that it is the taking part that is important.

If I win the 50+ class race amongst Posse participants I will be satisfied and may go on to seek to make it two in a row next year.

To any participant, may all your tacks be small ones!

Bigman

PS Has anyone heard from the Shredder who was last seen climbing Cleish in November as part of his training for the Etape?

Last weekend’s cycle rides.

2010-05-13T16:35:00.000+01:00

A quick dash home on Friday afternoon to find G (JR junior) in spring like tog weight 4.5 - IE shorts and light jacket. This certainly was a surprise as the car temp gauge indicated the outside temp as 8 deg C and falling.

A text message earlier in the day alerted me to the fact G must have overheard my cry for a cycling partner and there he was looking "Keen and Lean". Sometime later I appeared more suitably clad to survive the worst of any North East blast. OK this is beginning to sound oh so familiar I know, but getting the right combination of base layers, mid layers and outer shell is so important. Boil in a bag is no fun but infinitely better than the pain of hands flooding with warm blood while de frosting by the fire.

The jury is still to check the distance travelled on Friday night but “Lean and Keen” does not necessarily convert to beating the old man home. The way I remember events, I was home and dining before G staggered in the door.

Early Sunday morning and the plan was to cycle out by Tough, Towie across to Logie then turn east and home via Tarland. This route is 49 miles door to door and takes in many wonderful views on near deserted roads. The sun was up and shinning through clear blue skies, trouble was the temp gauge was now reading 5 deg C with a very stiff wind coming out of the North West.

Fully togged to level 12, toes clipped in and away I go, yes just me on my own again so perhaps waiting for the young un might have been the better decision, then again the final sprint for the line is so important to all roadies.

An easy session in the gym on Monday night just to spin out Sunday’s sore legs. A knock on the door Wednesday night takes me out for a leisurely off-road ride around the tracks of Castle Fraser, a cup of tea and a good news with the boys.

The ETAPE’s on Sunday so time now only to check over the bike, add an extra bottle cage and stuff another inner tube into the saddle pack, but will two be sufficient!!!

Looking forward now to meeting up with the posse and our B&B friends at Windsor Gardens (www.windsorgardensbedandbreakfast.co.uk).

JR.

Tritastic and Chaingang

2010-05-11T22:59:00.000+01:00

Right, I don’t want to get into the habit of being a chatterbox on this thing. But, then again; I am a woman.

Sunday I had my first Triathlon. A baby one, not many kms to add to the pot but hey, it was my first. Sadly enough had a near drowning episode in the pool but was saved by my beautiful Orbea (who needs a knight in shining armour when you have a road bike waiting in transition!!)

Was the third slowest swimmer (lets not go into detail on the times, sniff, its good that I just survived) but pulled it together and came 8th overall, 2nd novice home and bagged myself a prize. Can’t argue with that. Ironman will be happy to know that I well and truly have the bug now… roll on the next!

Tonight I headed out to do the chaingang route through in West Calder with some of my fellow skyriders. I forget the exact stats and figures but you can find it all here: http://pedalpowerrt.com/news/133-chaingang-2010.html

Basically it’s about 50km and you cycle as fast as your little legs will let you to keep up with the proper cyclists. Nic and I (lets call her Grasshopper, as she’s even more novice than I :D) decided to head of a little earlier than the rest because she was feeling a bit under the weather. A little warm up to the start line and we were off!

We had a rare old girlie gossip and surprisingly, for the first time ever, no novice missing-our-bottle-holders or forgetting-to-clip-out-at-junction-and-toppling-off to report of! The proper cyclists caught us with 2km to go in a big ‘whooooooosh’ But disheartened we were not. We still covered the course in an average speed of 16.4mph. (On top of that there is one big scary hill which instils me with the fear; but I showed it who was boss at 36mph on the drops… progress indeed!)

It is with great pride I (attempt to!) add my first ever solo amount to the globe effort… 55k plus (ahem, my rather piddly) 10 from the Tri. Its all a pedal in the right direction though!

Skyrider...? Ok then :)

2010-05-11T22:53:00.000+01:00

Well hello posse eccose! Folks normally call me GMac, but ‘Skyrider…’ works for me!

I was well and truly inducted to the fab posse guys on Sat just past. A big bowl of cereal, and a lie in compared to some other training days - I like these guys already :) - and I met Ironman . I’d heard a lot about him via Moonwalker already, but anyone who greets me with an offer of tea is definitely a decent kind of fellow.

Amusingly, he seemed particularly concerned about my attire; and I of his (lets just say it was a great induction to how many layers its possible to wear) but I knew I’d be just fine. Now, I’m not being sexist, but I am a woman and I do seem to have to pedal at twice the speed of any of these guys. And that generates a lot of heat.

As a token gesture, I put on my buff to show that I respected the more experienced cyclist of the two. We were still building rapport after all.

So off we went, my knowledge of roads is sketchy at best so I won’t even attempt to tell you where. Met up with four more posse peeps somwhere else (told you!), then spent the next while climbing and chatting. Great banter from these guys! (I would say it was the highlight of the day, but if a scone features anywhere then nothing else comes close…)

Before I knew it the boys were careering off down a steep hill with gravelly bits and tight bends (ok, melodramatic I know, but I’m allowed to be a girl sometimes) Quite frankly I was glad to get to the bottom. Give me a climb any day! Practice makes perfect though.

Acht, I’ll stop blethering now, as you know the rest from there on.. it went pretty much like: tea, scone, home. A grand day and looking forward to the next escapade.

Ps. I thought it would be fun to find out how many training kms I’ve done since my Etape training started in Feb. Nearly fainted when I added it up to be 930 miles / 1500km… would it be a really big cheat to add it on...?? :)

Super Saturday Six

2010-05-09T21:46:00.000+01:00

It was a fab morning - cold and fresh with the sun breaking through the white clouds that floated over the Carnock skyline.

Our new addition to the Posse, Skyrider or whatever she calls herself, arrived sporting light early summer kit and fingerless gloves. I had laid out my full winter kit. A newbie I though, she's going to freeze. So with the wisdom of Solomon I put on layer after layer to avoid the keen easterly wind. I wasn't going to be too cold I though. Let me say now that one of us got the clothing spot on and it wasn't me! Next week I'll be texting Skyrider for wardrobe advice!

Anyway we set to meet the boys at the usual corner. It was an excellent surprise to see so many out - the sun and fair conditions attacted the cream of Dunfy's biking talent.

The route was my favorite and after the climb up Knockhill I reached into my back pocket for my trusty blackberry to take a photo. Sadly somewhere in the process the phone flew out of my hand and bounced across the A823 to what I assumed would be its ultimate destruction. Fortunately no cars appeared and apart from a few scratches it survived the drop.

Bigman and the Fit One lead the way over Knockhill and were at a fair head of steam as they crested the hill. It was a great sight to see the group all flying along the road.

The next climb up to Yetts O Muckhart is hated by some and loved by others. The road is in good condition and once you get in the groove you can knock off the miles easily. Skyrider had blended in with the group and chatting away as we worked our way over the hill to Dunning. She is easy company, good to chat with and knowledgable about biking and running techniques as well as nutrition.

We had a good blether about my weight. I'm not the skinny guy in the group and Skyrider provided a few good ideas, you could say food for thought but better not cos I'd eat it!

Coffee at our usual stop in Auchterarder was excellent as ever and that allowed us extra strength to push hard up Glendevon. It's a brilliant climb. Not too tough and one that can be pushed hard. I love it.

After the big climb I joined a peleton that Skyrider and Santiago had formed. It was great sharing the headwind and working in a mini chain gang to defeat the elements and speed along sharing the load by leading at the front. We all took our turns until we crossed on to the smooth tar at Muckhart. I glanced at my speedo and we were motoring along at 50kpm so I was quite surprised when Bigman cruised up onto my shoulder with the Fit One and Junior 2. They must have been moving!

The climb up Knockhill was straightforward and as time was pressing and Junior 2, Skyrider and I pushed for home.

It was a fab day. Great company, good chat, top cafe and a classic ride.

Bigman keeps the engine from over heating

2010-05-09T20:45:00.000+01:00

Another cracking afternoon and the opportunity to bag some sunshine with with some hill climbs could not be missed.

Bigman headed for the Powmill loop taking in the climb over Col du Cleish and the sprint along to the Powmill Milkbar before climbing back over Mont Veknockhill.

After a good day out yesterday, the focus was on keeping the rev counter (heart rate monitor) below 160bpm and checking the performance against the last time.

The result was an improved time over the piece and that was inclusive of the traffic lights in Dunfermline conspiring against me as I zipped through Dunfie and headed for the virtual finish line.

Another 40km further around the globe

The maginificent six ride out of town .............

2010-05-08T22:41:00.000+01:00

It was a big day in so many ways, The sun was forecast to shine all day, it was the last training Saturday before the Caledonian Etape, and a massive Posse of 6 was scheduled to leave town at 09:00 hours.

Junior II was back from winter resting, The Fit One was fresh from his Triathlon success, as was Santiago, The Ironman was in full winter regalia minus the Ralph Lauren belt and overtrousers, and Bigman ( me) was looking forward to a brilliant day out. A special guest appearance was being made by Skyrider, a new addition to the posse. Skyrider is in training to do the Etape du Tour this year which is from Pau up an over the Tourmalet covering 180km. It is mighty long mighty mountainous and mighty hot. Should be fun. Well our route had the mountains, it had some distance, but minus the heat.

The route was 83km taking in one of Scotlands greatest secret glens through to Dunning, zip along the 5 mile flats to Auchterarder to the Cafe Krista and then back up through the 3 mile climb through Glen Devon and back over Mont VeKnockhill.

There was a chilly wind out of the North east. JR must be out training again. The chatter was volumous as we climbed up out of Dunfie, up and over Mont Veknockhill. Both Santiago and Junior II were sporting shorts. To be honest, Junior II is so young he is still wearing shorts!

We past the point where The Ironman chewed tarmac during our winter training rides and gurgled those immortal words from Simson on Mont Ventoux 'get me back on my bike'. OK a bit melodramatic and untrue however it is only a blog.

The chatter was so volumous during the climb to Dunning, I had to move forward to keep some focus and make sure we kept a reasonable heart rate in preparation for the Etape next week. The 4 mile run down into Dunning was a fantastic ride. After a number 1 haircut last week, it would be stretching things to say the wind ran through my hair but you get the idea.

Cafe Krista was no disappointment with an array of fine cakes spreading over the table.

And then it was time to het the road again and face the might Glen Devon climb. In order to burn some muscle, The Ironman and I set off to raise the heart rate and push ahead up the hill. The analysis on the Garmin shows a climb of the 2.4 miles in 10 minutes, giving an average speed of 14.4 miles per hour on a gradient maximum of 9% and pace. It felt good, with an alignment of cadence and breathing. The silver waters of the Devon were sparkling as we cycled by . Lambs in the fields were shouting 'allez, allez, allez, as we motored past.

Skyrider has yet to learn to love the hills. Mont Veknockhill provided a perfect opportunity to have a positive mental attitude towards them.

A great day out and in one outing we have added 498km of distance to our global circumvention. Over the 4005ft of ascent, Bigman burnt 3525 calories, and could now safely consume 7 Tesco finest triple chocolate muffins without feeling any guilt. The pace was not fantastic at 15 miles per hour however there was a heavy headwind and loads of chat.

Looking forward to next week

Bigman

JR trains and the Bigman struggles in a resultant South Westerly

2010-05-06T20:23:00.000+01:00

Clearly the high passes in the North East of Scotland have re-opened after a long winter. Good to see JR joining the ranks of journalist extraordinaire.

Clearly Junior II is still on the turbo trainer in the garage. Nobody has chapped the door to let him know hibernation is over and the black stuff is back visible!

Tonight, I managed to grab a quick sprint around the Aberdour Ascent. Well quick is not quite the correct description. With a very fresh wind out of the North East (JR Country) it was difficult to build pace on the way out. The Garmin confirms the theory as the way out was slower than the same route last week, yet the climb was faster and the return was faster. The Wee Yin is sleeping much better as I recount the statistics from my Garmin before turning off the light. She is now asleep before the light is off. I cant imagine why?

A cheeky wee 31km added to around the world challenge and enough to get the heart pumping faster than you can say au revoir Gordon Brown!

Bigman

Motivation returns

2010-05-06T15:01:00.000+01:00

The prospect of riding a bike in the north east of Scotland during the last 5 months has not filled me with great excitement; consequently I have not been out recently so it’s about time I was reacquainted with my bike.
With the ETAPE looming and being press ganged into the around the world challenge, although it did take a couple of explanations of the rules before I withdrew my one year holiday request from work, that finally I was motivated and spinning the wheels again. Indeed so motivated I went out and bought a new bike under that wonderful bike to work scheme.
The 163Km suddenly added to the score board was not clocked up on one ride but over a couple of shorter rides and two longer routes around what I call the Bennachie loop. A wonderful 31 miles, the bigman no doubt has different memories of the route, cold, wet and windy perhaps.
Most of my miles are usually solo experiences with time to shake down the stresses of the week, but I am looking forward to members of the posse finding time to enjoy with me the delights of North East Scotland and the long climbs of the Cairngorms. B&B is always available, pitch your tent in the garden or park your caravan on the drive!!
No CV or interview was required and as past performance is no guarantee of future performance no worries on that front either, so before I could say “Lance Armstrong” I’m in the posse and my great journey around the world begins.
JR.

Tack reconnaissance squad hit the road

2010-05-03T19:53:00.000+01:00

It was the May bank holiday and Bigman, Little Nemo, and the Wee Yin were up for a little exercise whilst enjoying the spring sunshine.

What better way to spent a pleasant few hours than 'road testing' the route of the Caledonian Etape in search of residual tacks.

The route was not quite exactly the same as we headed along the south side of Loch Tummel before climbing over the shoulder of Schehallion to join the Etape route before it drops down towards Aberfeldy and back along to Logierait and over to Pitlochry.

It felt good to be back on the mountain bike.

We stopped for a bite of lunch at Weem. The hotel had a specia barbeque menu. Whilst the sun was shining , there was still a fresh wind and so we opted for the traditional indoors approach.

At the end of the day, we each covered a respectable 67km bolstering the team challenge up to 899km as a total.

The Lesser Linlithgow 50k run

2010-05-02T22:56:00.000+01:00

It was a bright afternoon with limited wind an opportunity to spin teh legs without any need for speed. Bigman headed across the Forth Bridge to teh Canal Bistro by Linlithgow.

With The Fit One on Triathlon duty ( he will tell his own tale of avera espped son teh bike section of 24mph) and The Ironman on 10K duty, the trip to Linlithgow was a solo outing.

Loads of people were walking and cycling across the bridge enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Below on teh water, Little Nemo was instructing in a becalmed environment. iNteresting how no wind is a blessing to one sport yet a pain to another.

It was a fine run with the heart rate rarely rising above 150bph. The Bistro was buzzing with Sunday Lunchers and only had a healthy dose of carrot cake to fuel the rocket bossters for the return leg before footie fives tonight.

On the return to Dunfermline, the statistics showed a calorie burn of 2,200, a distance of 50km and an average speed at a pedestrian rate of 16.3mph.

Tomorrow sees the return of the Trek 6700 which has not had an outing since the Cape Epic. The Wee Yin and Bigman are heading for the hills to enjoy some fantastic scenery and fine fayre.

Great Edinburgh Run 10k

2010-05-02T17:36:00.000+01:00

It was a great day in Edinburgh. The sun was shining and having been at a ball last night Moonwalker and I woke up in the Holiday Inn at the Zoo.

Lions seemed to featured in our life a lot recently but they were not to feature today. It was race day. After my brother had told me he was running a few weeks ago I decided to join him for the Great Run.

So we picked up Waverider and and set off to Holyrood Park. It was a cold and windy morning with the same biting easterly that had made our bike ride so tough yesterday. The traffic was no issue an because I had anticipated many delays we arrived on the Royal Mile far too early. Starbucks and a cup of tea was calling.

We were killing time when in walked the Doc. He was running with his son (or well behind him!). We shared a few stories as it's been a good few months since our last meet up at the Carnock Epic in September.

We completed our journey to the start standing behind the channel 5 presenters wondering if we were on ra telly - I didn't sky + the race so I'll never know. Then it was in to the penn and the usual frenzied warm up but since I never take part in said frenzy, I chose to warm up in my own way.

The warm up seemed to last forever but at least when he finished we were off almost immediately. The race started at the bottom of Arthur's Seat, a volcanic plug that dominates the Edinburgh skyline and the only way was up. We ran up the hill to the Commonwealth Pool. The road was packed. So many runners put themselves to the front of the race when in reality they are significantly slower than they should be and I was forced to weave through the log jam.

We ran down to and through the grassmarket with good vocal support encouraging the 6,830 runners that started. After heading up through to the Meadows, the route took us back down the Mound to Princes Street. This was the toughest section and I had to dig deep as my energy waned and grit took over.

Once at the bottom of the Mound the downhill allowed breathing to be controlled and with the crowds clapping you along in Princes Street Gardens I girded my running shorts and pushed again.

Past the back of the railway station and then back up to the High Street I knew it was downhill all the way. The last kilometre of the race was a joy. Fast and downhill. I was done.

A quick check of the watch revealed a 44.26 - a personal best by about 2 minutes. Happy days!

I finished 44th in my age group out of 419 people and 492nd out of 6,830 finishers. I'm delighted with the result and I had a blast.

My brother trained for 3 weeks and managed a very creditable 56 minutes with his father in law (in the 70+ age group) finishing in under an hour - a top 5 age group finsh. Impressive!

It's been a grand day out.

The importance of being earnest (about food)

2010-05-01T17:08:00.000+01:00

As Bigman has already told the tale of the tape I can only add a few personal reflections.

It was baltic and as I jumped on to the bike I immediately knew I'd made a basic error in glove selection. Anyway it was the time to meet the Bigman and the day was beginning, I'll be just fine I thought....

Bigman was early as ever, early in the wrong village and I was looking the wrong way when he appeared from the wrong direction. We then blasted off. A vain act we probably paid for later but as we blasted along I felt great and full of energy.

The chewy banana's were opened at Stirling. Being a donkey, I hadn't brought along any food which again was very very stupid. When it's as cold as it was today you burn more energy at a faster rate and I turned down the offered chewy banana's. Bigman munched his way through a handful of banana's and a bit of an energy bar.

The section to Milnathort was a nightmare and I just ground it out. The hill just goes on and on and the wind was relentless. I was shattered. The food strategy, of eating nothing, let me down and I had to stop the Bigman to beg a chewy banana. I was out on my feet with nothing to give. I did try and lead the Bigman along for about 2 minutes but he obviously had a bit more in the tank and took on the leadership into the wind.

My hands were frozen. I felt like stopping and phoning for a lift home but Moonwalker was out doin the Maggies Challenge today and therefore unavailable for driving. So I had no choice but to suck it up and keep going.

We turned at Milnathort and immediately I felt better with the wind behind. My fingers warmed and it was good to be pushed along.

Cleish was fine. The sprint at the bus station as Bigman said - I almost had him but left myself too much to do and was short by about a metre. I have to say it wasn't a bad effort given the speed the Bigman launched off at.

We didn't share much chat today. Once we turned into the wind we were both keen to get home.

I was a km less than the Bigman. The banana's kicked in once I got home.....

Need to think about what I eat on our next trip and during the etape in a few weeks time.

I'm hoping that the biking hasn't toasted my legs before the Edinburgh 10km tomorrow. I did a practice run earlier in the week and did a 49 minute training run which felt pretty comfortable. We'll see how we go tomorrow.....

Early start provides a wake up call!

2010-05-01T15:36:00.000+01:00

I had an appointment at lunch time to celebrate the first anniversary of a community space in teh local shopping centre and so had competing priorities. I wanted to get in a long run to build the mileage since South Africa and attend the celebration.

The Ironman had the answer. He wanted to 'test his metabolism' at the same time as we would be starting the Etape. Therefore it was agreed we would meet at Crossford at 07:30 for a 100km blast.

The Fit One and Santiago were resting as they have entered a triathlon in Dalkeith tomorrow. It is said that a world record is anticipated at the marathon event in Glasgow 2014 as the contestants head through the east end of the city. Perhaps Dalkeith will similarly inspire fast times tomorrow!

Clearly I was still asleep as I approached Crossford, went through Crossford, and arrived in Cairneyhill ( the next village) before I had realised my error. It was then I came to appreciate the feisty wind out of teh east, ice cold and doused in precipitaion.

I turned around and dragged myself back. By this time The Ironman was standing with arms folded looking for the arrival of Bigman out of teh east.

We splashed our was at a good pace towards Culross and onto Clackmannan, reviewing our respective week whilst motoring. The climb into Clackmannan is always an opportunity to send the heart rate atmospheric and today was no different. The run to Stirling after Alloa was at supersonic pace. Head down, no chat, just going for it> By Stirling we had completed just over 25 miles in less than 75 minutes meeting an average speed of 20 miles per hour.

We knew the story on the return leg would be different as we would be heading into the wind. And so it came to pass. The wind was surfing along the Ochil foothills pushing us back from whence we had come. On days like this, you just have to lower your head and pummel the pedals. Yetts of Muchart did not arrive quickly but when it did, it was a welcome sight. The last leg to Milnathort was a relative blast constrained only be the exhausting wind. We opted not to stop for coffee for a couple of reasons. One I was short for time and two we were both freezing from sweat clad clothes in a chill wind.

We agreed let's get this done. The Ironman was so hungry he even stooped so low as to eat Bigman's special diet chewy bananas. They would pay dividends late.

When you arrive in Kinross, there may be 15 miles to go but it feels like you are almost home with only the North Face of Col du Cleish between you and a hot shower.

We wound our way up the hillside and were both pleased to crest the col. It was a blast down the other side befoer we approached the bus museum sprint.

Given the journey we had , I decided to put some distance between me and the Ironman in the hope of persuading him that an attack was futile. As I sped down the start, I glanced behind to find him some 50 yards off the pace. The opportunity to spin my legs felt good with the wind behind, I was flying. As I flew up the hill towards the finish line I thought I would just check he had not gotten any crazy ideas!

And there on my shoulder, like some escaped parrot from Treasure Island sat the Ironman waiting to make his move. Having been exposed, the race began with only about 30 yards to go.

And in an instant, the line arrived. I managed to hold off the young pretender and I noted to myself to file that stealth strategy as one of the signature approached for the Ironman.

After making it home. the Garmin gave the stats, 4024 calories burnt over 96 km in 3 hours 40 minutes and feet feeling like two blocks of ice.

14 days to the Etape and much to do.

............ and the waters part for Bigman

2010-05-01T15:03:00.001+01:00

It was a cracking evening on Friday and looked like a perfect opportunity to get in a few miles before the big ride out tomorrow ( Saturday) with Ironman. He has been training every day and likely to be in awesome form, melting the road before him.

Seemed prudent to take a light rain jacket with me, otherwise, it was summer kit complete with pockets full of enthusiasm.

On cresting the Mont VeKnockhill, the landscape change to dark colours. It was a mirror image of the dark clouds above. A shower had just passed by and the streams of water could clearly be seen further along the glen. The roads were wet but the sun was shining on Bigman and I could feel the warmth on my face.

Without the waterproof shorts on, my shorts were getting wet from spray and you start to get that wet nappy feeling. Not that I have had that experience for a while, however I am often reminded it will not be long until I return to that experience. Maybe I am just readying myself!

Turning up to Yetts of Mucchart the dark clouds look even darker ahead. No point in pushing on to fast. I dont want to catch up with these clouds. The roads are under water fresh from downpours, yet I remain dry. Several cars play at 'soak the cyclist' as a piece of light entertainment. They are so witty.Seems an bit of an expense just to buy a 4 X 4 with chunky wheels just so you can drive through puddles to soak bikers.

after climbing towards Milnathort, I shift the gear and hit over 30 miles per hour, wind assisted. And in an instant, Kinross is in sight, recovering from another downpour. Can I keep this up?

The climb over Col du Cleish was uneventful other than the clock on the Garmin was creeping towards the two hour mark. I dont know what it is, runners and cyclists all like to finish before the numbers get to the hour or half hour and so it was, I was keen to finish before 2 hours.

The route down the South side of Cleish was taken at pace. The journey down through Townhill had the same focus and as I drew up at the driveway the clock smiled back at 1 hour 57 minutes and 15 seconds. Mission accomplished.

55 kilometers travelled, 2200 calories burnt in just under 2 hours at just over 17 miles per hour including a 12 % gradient on the North Face of Col du Cleish. ............ and still dry.......... well most parts!

Wednesday washout

2010-04-28T22:10:00.000+01:00

It was with the greatest intention, Bigman set out on his daily journey west confident in his intention to return full of 'beans' and ready to take on another mighty distance in aid of hitting peak performance on the Caledonian Etape.

It all went downhill from that point.

A late meeting call for 17:30 in Glasgow and the plan was dead.

Any hope of resurrecting died whilst sitting on the 18:45 train back to Auld Reekie to be told the train had a technical fault and could we all get off.

Returning home for 20:20 with the sun disappearing, so had the passion for an outing.

Maybe tomorrow!

Additional kilometres to circumvention zero

Banishing the Monday blues............ on a Tuesday

2010-04-27T21:23:00.000+01:00

As I travelled home last night there were loads of folks out exercising. I toyed with the idea of climbing on my bike however the sofa won ................... and anyway I had loads of chores to do.

Tonight would be different. Come hail, rain , snow or sleet, I would be on my bike 'gunning the garmin'.

Tonight the Aberdour Beastie was the target and would be a benchmark of fitness compared to the peak last year when the Beastie was tamed in sub 4 minutes. The wind was fresh and out of the south west which means more than 50% will be into the wind.

Dressed for a 'summer hosing' the legs felt strong as I climbed the 7% gradient that is Garvock Hill. A good one to wind up the heart rate. It blasted through 150bpm within the first couple of hundred yards. The voices were screaming ' you must be joking'. And then a rest as I zoomed down the other side heading for the wilds of Tough and out into the Fife wilderness. The pace was good and compared to the same period last year, the metrics were looking good.

As I climbed to the Burntisland roundabout the legs could give more but this was only Tuesday and I did not want to push too hard.

In no time the Aberdour Beastie was upon me. 300 ft of climb in less than a mile, on an 11% gradient (this Garmin is brilliant). The heart rate was at a blood vessel bursting rate of 177 bpm (Max recommended for a man of my age is 170 bpm but dont tell the missus, all insurances are paid up!)

The target had been to match the sub four minute climb and the result was .....................X mins, yy seconds. It is not that I am competitive however the Etape is just over two weeks away and some things are best left unsaid.

On return to Dunfie the overall stats were very pleasing for the outing with a couple of weeks to improve. Now it is time for food. Another 27km nearer circumvention of the globe!

PS Mark Beaumont is on the same starting grid as The Ironman at the Etape. Bigman shares the start line with Emma Carrick Anderson, the downhill skier, and Santiago, hero of the Paris Marathon.

Bigman

........... and then the sun came out.

2010-04-26T20:46:00.000+01:00

Sunday started with the garden getting a good hosing and the likelihood of getting a run today looking less likely than the Fit One winning a bus museum sprint!

And then the sun broke through and everything looked possible.

With no time to gather a posse, I headed out to conquer Col du Cleish and return by Mont Veknockhill. The Garmin was going to feed me all my data to sare with budding bloggers. Did you know the Townhill road has a gradient of 11% almost as steep as the mighty Ventoux. In future, I will pay more respect as I scoot up the 'brae'.

It is only beaten on today's run by Col du Cleish that matches Ventoux with a gut wrenching 12% as you crest the summit..Lance eat your heart out.

The pace along to the Powmill milkbar was a steady 19.9 mph into a feisty wee wind. And then the weather opted for a dose of precipitation as I climbed back over Mont Veknockhill.

As I had discarded much of Saturday's excesses, down to cycling shorts, ( wed did not get into shorts until June last year), it was a tad chilly.

After returning to Dunfie, another 41k was in the bag at an average speed of 27kph.

I will need to pick up the pace for the Caledonian Etape.

The start times have been published and I am delighted to got into the first hundred (out of 4500) to get away. It is going to be busy in the chasing pack!

Bigman back blogging

2010-04-26T20:32:00.000+01:00

It has been a week since the end of my travels from South Africa to the French Alps and now back to work with a bang!

The Caledonian Etape is just around the corner, three weeks, and more miles need to be put on the road bike clock.

Fear not, complete with a Garmin to record distances ( excluding economic metrics) gradients , heart rates, and a whole range of stats guaranteed to excite readers.

It started on Saturday with ride out to Loch Leven's larder on a fine and still spring morning wth forecasts of 16 degrees. I could not be fooled. Resplendant in full winter longs, fleecy buff and full winter gloves, I blew a gasket with major perspirtation. The Fit One was the only survivor of the original posse.

A good team distance of 185km

The joy of Trek's

2010-04-24T20:12:00.000+01:00

I set off early on a solo journey into a beautiful warm spring morning.

In the great words of Churchill - not the great leader but the advertising dog off the telly - Oh Yuss!!

I was on my Trek. It is a thing of beauty. Some people love their cars I love my my bike. The car takes me to work, the bike takes me to a place of happiness. It's not a new bike, it's not the best bike, it's not the fastest and it's not the most expensive but I love it.

Now I'm sorry if I'm going to get a tad emotional here but I feel at home on my Trek. The bike rides beautifully. I forgot how good it was to ride after a winter in storage. Unlike Lance, I believe it is about the bike. The bike becomes part of you and in effect the two become seamless. You operate at the most efficient levels for both rider and bike. I'm not the best but fundamentally gear selection to make riding effect and efficient is key to energy usage which is then key to speed. Speed over a long ride is affected by the amount of energy used. You want to make the ride efficient so that the energy spent allows you to finish strong.

Today was cool I looked at the other riders as they went past and they ranged from:

The orange clad hybrid rider.
The mountain biker with mirrors on his handlebars
Dunfy road club
A number of solo road bikers
A charity bike ride on the cycle path for a primary school

It was good to wave and acknowledge them all.

So I knocked off 33 miles off our global adventure. Life is good!

The weekend starts here!

2010-04-23T19:02:00.000+01:00

It's Friday, the weather looks good for tomorrow, the road bike is primed and serviced and it's time to start training again.

I entered another race today. I'm so weak willed it's frightening. It's called the Iron Monster - it's basically the First Monster Challenge but you do it by yourself rather than in a team. In an absolute bizzare twist it includes more mountain biking. Bigman will be shaking his head reading this after all I said in South Africa. As I say I'm weak willed and saw the race and really fancied it.

I suppose the option was the London Duathlon but somehow racing round London in the midst of the masses versus running and biking round the hills around Inverness actually meant there was no competition and to be honest the London Duathlon looked fairly easy compared to teh Iron Monster.

It comprises a 40km run over hilly terrain followed by 80km of mountain and road biking. Not sure how the logistics work out but I'll give it a go and see how it works out. I think I may have to drag the posse out for a bit of a recce one weekend - well if there are any willing volunteers.

Anyway, we have the challenge of the Etape in 4 weeks time which is going to be a huge race in itself. We all have our own targets for that race so will be training over the next month to achieve those. I'm also doing the Edinburgh 10km run in a couple of weeks time - I went out and did a wee 10km practice run yesterday to make sure that I could actually run the distance and I was fine. Quite pleased with myself. My twin brother, his brother in law and father in law are also running so it's going to be a bit of a family day out. Going to be fun.

I need to get back early tomorrow because of family stuff so I'm heading out on an early one leaving the bigman and fit one to head off to Auchterarder for what I'm sure will be a fantastic ride. Not sure what I'll do but I'll knock out a few miles.

It's going to be a fab weekend!

Delayed by volcanic activity.....

2010-04-21T08:03:00.001+01:00

We've not made a stellar start to our trip around the world. Sunday's afternoon outing was cancelled due to volcanic ash from Iceland with the fear that the speeds the Fit One and I were going to achieve would clog up our internal engines. We are highly tuned artherletes and any risk to the systems were not to be taken.

Bigman was in Bonnie Tyler mode and 'lost in France' - the volcanic activity cancelled his plane and he took to the road, train and boat to get home from skiing in a John Candy esk approach to travel (remember the brilliant Planes, Trains and Automobiles!)

So any rumour that it was rain and cold that kept the Fit One and I from denting the mileage is scurrilous and will be disputed vigorously.

We're heading out tonight - Bigman's house at 7.05pm for anyone interested in heading out for an hour's ride including the Aberdour Ascent. It's not Chapman's Peak or an Alpine pass but it's a good early season test and a chance to work off a few more of the holiday pounds.

Off and biking

2010-04-11T19:39:00.000+01:00

Well Waverider, Moonwalker and I took a trip out on the bikes to start the globe turning as it were.

It has already been a long day having flown in from South Africa first thing this morning. We had travelled back separately due to a mess up in flight arrangements (by me as you would guess). We had both, however suffered from space invaders on the long haul back. You know the sort, decides that his own seat is too small and wants most of yours. Not pleasant and didn't make for a restful overnight trip.

Having said that on arrival back in a sunny Dunfermline and having picked up Waverider we were all keen to get out on the bikes. First issue was to re-build my bike after it's 3 legged plane ride. foretunately none of the bits were broken and it was easy to re-assemble. Only issue came on pumping up the rear tyre - it exploded rather dramatically. My rear wheel troubles continue....

Anyway, the sun was shining and it was as warm as a Cape Town evening. We climbed the north side of the Col du Carnock before joining the bike path. We rode to the end of the path enjoying the freedom of the bikes after being cooped up on the plane.

The journey home proved interesting. Waverider was on the Cape Epic steed when due to oncoming traffic was forced to practice an emergency stop. He skidded to a halt. A few minutes later I glanced back, no sign of the warrior. So turning back I noticed a forlorn figure peering down at the rear wheel. Somehow the tyre had detached from the rim of the wheel and punctured the tube. Number 2 of the day....

I fixed the wheel in the knowledge that I need a new back tyre. I'd given Waverider the road bike and he set off home with Moonwalker. The final ascent up the Col and we were home. A short but hugely enjoyable ride out.

It's great to be home!

And in an instant they were back......................

2010-04-06T22:25:00.000+01:00

Back by popular demand.

The Posse Ecosse is back with a new challenge but the same old characters. From the frozen north (JR and junior I) to the Emarald Isle ( The Gasman), and all the way east to Kirkaldy (The Doc) right the way down to the far South in Dulloch ( The Fit One) and all the characters in between.

All the adventures of cycling around the world (24000 miles) in 80 (Satur) days.

Join the Posse ecosse for more interesting adventures .................. even more interesting but not disimilar than The Still Game mob!