Super Saturday Six

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.