Phew, what a scorcher!

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!