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
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Deja vu?
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.
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.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Alpe D'Huez lives up to its reputation
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
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
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A royal day out
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
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.....
Well, those Are the words to the song..... they may have meant horses....
So, as yesterdays planned attack on the roads of East Dunbartonshire was called off due to a large lunch and the resulting snooze, this morning I needed to make amends...
I rose early to catch the start of the IM France on the internety gadget thing (laptop) but missed the start, as they are an hour ahead of us.....Anyhoo, as I watched, the swimmers were exiting the flat calm blue waters of the Med and running for their bicycles. I had some breakfast and followed their example :-)
Again I climbed from Milngavie over the hill to Strathblane, swapped waves with the cycling club who were congregated in the carpark of the Kirkhouse inn, and swiftly turned right toward Lennoxtoon. The day was overcast, and reports of the hottest day on the planet were obviously wildly exaggerated, but never mind.
Messages from the engine room (knees) suggested that power was low and warp factor nine was not be to expected, and I almost called off my hill climb as a result, but decided to give it a shot anyway. I made a stronger start at the base, whilst being careful not to blow a gasket, and found my pace was slower, but steadier. At the summit, with a following breeze, I chose to follow the road over to the far side, into the valley of Fintry; where the elves and pixies live. Apparently.
The downhill is exciting, lots of twisty turns, made all the more dramatic thanks to an appalling road surface, "Dodge the crater" was a new game I invented, these must have been left behind by marauding Orcs, or dinosaurs, some had Grass growing in them! Once my pulse was more normal, I coasted into Fintry, and turned my trusty steed back to face the hill. A quick nudge in the flanks, a glance at the flight deck, and a stern word with engineering, and we blasted back the way we'd come.
The climb back up was less painful, although, at one stage an interesting "POP" from my left knee made me wonder if things were coming undone, and a light shower washed me down as I made my ascent. Over the top and down into Lennoxtown again and invigorated, I turned left and followed my now familiar route to the A803, and then Kirky, Bishbrigs, Beardsen and finally home.
Today's spin took in two happy hills, and a total of 42 miles, (67.5km) in 3hrs 3 mins. Not bad. :-)
On reaching my door and the comfort of the couch, I again tuned in to IMF, Lots of competitors were now on the run section, and shortly after this, while I did a quick impression of a drowning mutt at the pool, the winner of this years event finished......
It's enough to wear you out, isn't it?
Later Folks
Dark Knight
So, as yesterdays planned attack on the roads of East Dunbartonshire was called off due to a large lunch and the resulting snooze, this morning I needed to make amends...
I rose early to catch the start of the IM France on the internety gadget thing (laptop) but missed the start, as they are an hour ahead of us.....Anyhoo, as I watched, the swimmers were exiting the flat calm blue waters of the Med and running for their bicycles. I had some breakfast and followed their example :-)
Again I climbed from Milngavie over the hill to Strathblane, swapped waves with the cycling club who were congregated in the carpark of the Kirkhouse inn, and swiftly turned right toward Lennoxtoon. The day was overcast, and reports of the hottest day on the planet were obviously wildly exaggerated, but never mind.
Messages from the engine room (knees) suggested that power was low and warp factor nine was not be to expected, and I almost called off my hill climb as a result, but decided to give it a shot anyway. I made a stronger start at the base, whilst being careful not to blow a gasket, and found my pace was slower, but steadier. At the summit, with a following breeze, I chose to follow the road over to the far side, into the valley of Fintry; where the elves and pixies live. Apparently.
The downhill is exciting, lots of twisty turns, made all the more dramatic thanks to an appalling road surface, "Dodge the crater" was a new game I invented, these must have been left behind by marauding Orcs, or dinosaurs, some had Grass growing in them! Once my pulse was more normal, I coasted into Fintry, and turned my trusty steed back to face the hill. A quick nudge in the flanks, a glance at the flight deck, and a stern word with engineering, and we blasted back the way we'd come.
The climb back up was less painful, although, at one stage an interesting "POP" from my left knee made me wonder if things were coming undone, and a light shower washed me down as I made my ascent. Over the top and down into Lennoxtown again and invigorated, I turned left and followed my now familiar route to the A803, and then Kirky, Bishbrigs, Beardsen and finally home.
Today's spin took in two happy hills, and a total of 42 miles, (67.5km) in 3hrs 3 mins. Not bad. :-)
On reaching my door and the comfort of the couch, I again tuned in to IMF, Lots of competitors were now on the run section, and shortly after this, while I did a quick impression of a drowning mutt at the pool, the winner of this years event finished......
It's enough to wear you out, isn't it?
Later Folks
Dark Knight
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind .......... the answer is blowing in the wind
Gallactic star date Monday 21st June
It was a cracking evening and one of those nights you just know you will regret not getting in some miles.
Off with the pinstripe and on with the Lycra resplendent on full Scotland colours. we may not be there in person but we are their in heart and indeed and been and gone, if not conquered!
After business lunch and fully carbed the cause seemed appropriate to go for an extra big loop by evening standards.
Mont VeKnockhill was the first 'scalp' on my belt. Little Nemo was heading home in the car as I wound my way up, not even noticing her flashing the car lights, such was my focus.
The breeze was positively warm and blasting out from the west. As I climbed teh Fit Ones favourite small climb (not!) up to Yetts my path was blocked by a tractor and trailer. I opted to pace myself by tailgating up to the junction.
Once on the Milnathort road the wind kicked in. The average speed to Milnathort was an impressive 40kph. Says more about the wind. It felt great. As Lance would describe, a 'no chain moment'
If only all summer's evening could be this good. At Kinross the pace was a little lighter as payback time arrived and the headwind eased the enthusiasm. The views as I climbed back over the Col du Cleish were as stunningas ever.
With the journey time comfortably under 2 hours a personal best was on the cards ( and I had not set out for one) I set a target of hitting the driveway in sub 2 hours. I imagined the Fit One ahead on the Bus Museum straight and Ironman closing in behind , pursuing his favoured stealth strategy. The boys helped me achieve a PB of 1 hour 55 minutes for the 56km route averaging just under 29km per hour.
Fantastic
It was a cracking evening and one of those nights you just know you will regret not getting in some miles.
Off with the pinstripe and on with the Lycra resplendent on full Scotland colours. we may not be there in person but we are their in heart and indeed and been and gone, if not conquered!
After business lunch and fully carbed the cause seemed appropriate to go for an extra big loop by evening standards.
Mont VeKnockhill was the first 'scalp' on my belt. Little Nemo was heading home in the car as I wound my way up, not even noticing her flashing the car lights, such was my focus.
The breeze was positively warm and blasting out from the west. As I climbed teh Fit Ones favourite small climb (not!) up to Yetts my path was blocked by a tractor and trailer. I opted to pace myself by tailgating up to the junction.
Once on the Milnathort road the wind kicked in. The average speed to Milnathort was an impressive 40kph. Says more about the wind. It felt great. As Lance would describe, a 'no chain moment'
If only all summer's evening could be this good. At Kinross the pace was a little lighter as payback time arrived and the headwind eased the enthusiasm. The views as I climbed back over the Col du Cleish were as stunningas ever.
With the journey time comfortably under 2 hours a personal best was on the cards ( and I had not set out for one) I set a target of hitting the driveway in sub 2 hours. I imagined the Fit One ahead on the Bus Museum straight and Ironman closing in behind , pursuing his favoured stealth strategy. The boys helped me achieve a PB of 1 hour 55 minutes for the 56km route averaging just under 29km per hour.
Fantastic
Climb Every Mountain....well, Hill.
Once again the Dark Knight took the nosebag off his trusty steed and headed out onto the highway ready to do battle with dragons, trolls and the traffic.
I turned toward the back road out of Milngavie and was soon faced with the hill at the back of the reservoir, a good cardio workout which always gets my leg muscles twanging..... I passed through Strathblane and headed toward Lennoxtown with a challenge in mind....... at the village centre, I turned left, and began the climb up the side of the Campsie Fells. The road begins with a steep incline which settles down after a couple of bends, and climbs for 3 miles to the summit point, amusingly, halfway up the hill, a small sign invites cyclists to "Keep Going!" and had I had the energy to laugh, I may have sniggered a little. At the top, I wheeled my steed around opposite a small layby, below a soaring pair of buzzards and began my descent. Even with a strong headwind, the Garmin recorded a descent speed of 36.8mph which got me grinning!
The 274 mt/5km ascent took 24 minutes to achieve, the run back down to the village a mere 8 mins :-)
Once back in the village I continued along to Milton of Campsie, and when the road merged at the T Junction with the main A803 I turned and headed for "Kirky", "Bish'brigs" and Bearsden. At Dobbies I again took the hill that led me to Hillfoot, and from there climbed over to Bearsden Cross. At the cross I turned right, and after a short "First one to the lights" chase with another cyclist, who, I might add, outpaced me easily, and left me feeling a little foolish, (He could not have been a day over 14, was wearing a rucksack, riding a steelframed bike from a museum and wearing his school uniform) :-/ I attempted to regain some credence and blasted back into Milngavie as fast as my legs would carry me. My extended hill climb added another 7.3 miles to my route, bringing today's total to 32.4 miles or 52.1 Km, all completed in 2hrs, 18 mins.
The day was a little cooler than we've had of late, with strong winds and an overcast sky. Needless to say, my highly toxic sweat still rained on the road surface, but there was, one hopes, a little less than usual. I know, you did'nt need to know that last bit.....
Oh, and did I mention my award? Won on last Saturday's Total Wipeout Award Show?
"Best Trip and Fall of Series 3" If anyone wants a signed photo, please send your cheques to........ :-)
Speak soon Folks.
Dark Knight
I turned toward the back road out of Milngavie and was soon faced with the hill at the back of the reservoir, a good cardio workout which always gets my leg muscles twanging..... I passed through Strathblane and headed toward Lennoxtown with a challenge in mind....... at the village centre, I turned left, and began the climb up the side of the Campsie Fells. The road begins with a steep incline which settles down after a couple of bends, and climbs for 3 miles to the summit point, amusingly, halfway up the hill, a small sign invites cyclists to "Keep Going!" and had I had the energy to laugh, I may have sniggered a little. At the top, I wheeled my steed around opposite a small layby, below a soaring pair of buzzards and began my descent. Even with a strong headwind, the Garmin recorded a descent speed of 36.8mph which got me grinning!
The 274 mt/5km ascent took 24 minutes to achieve, the run back down to the village a mere 8 mins :-)
Once back in the village I continued along to Milton of Campsie, and when the road merged at the T Junction with the main A803 I turned and headed for "Kirky", "Bish'brigs" and Bearsden. At Dobbies I again took the hill that led me to Hillfoot, and from there climbed over to Bearsden Cross. At the cross I turned right, and after a short "First one to the lights" chase with another cyclist, who, I might add, outpaced me easily, and left me feeling a little foolish, (He could not have been a day over 14, was wearing a rucksack, riding a steelframed bike from a museum and wearing his school uniform) :-/ I attempted to regain some credence and blasted back into Milngavie as fast as my legs would carry me. My extended hill climb added another 7.3 miles to my route, bringing today's total to 32.4 miles or 52.1 Km, all completed in 2hrs, 18 mins.
The day was a little cooler than we've had of late, with strong winds and an overcast sky. Needless to say, my highly toxic sweat still rained on the road surface, but there was, one hopes, a little less than usual. I know, you did'nt need to know that last bit.....
Oh, and did I mention my award? Won on last Saturday's Total Wipeout Award Show?
"Best Trip and Fall of Series 3" If anyone wants a signed photo, please send your cheques to........ :-)
Speak soon Folks.
Dark Knight
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