Carnock Epic training starts today....

The inaugural Carnock Epic was held on the last Saturday in August 2009 and to give people time to train and clear your diary it will held on the last Saturday of August this year as well. Start time 4pm with riders going out at 1 minute intervals followed by the Posse Ecosse Barbeque and annual get together.

So with this in mind I jumped on the bike at lunch time with the target to do the 32km course in less than 60 minutes.

I went into my office early with a view of getting work done and dusted as soon as possible and getting out on the bike for an hour. The sun was high in the sky and it was great to feel the heat on my back as I set off up to the Saline turn off.

The first climb up to Saline felt easy and I think the South African training is still in my legs and I was feeling reasonably strong. Turning left at the golf course I flew down the hill and round the bend to head to Forestmill. There was a strong head wind so I got down low on the handlebars and pushed through at a good pace. At this point I made a mental note to re-fit my tri-bars.

The good news is that the Council has resurfaced a section of the road near Forestmill removing a section of badly rutted road.

I for a change didn't unclip as I turned on to the cycle track - almost fell off before I put my head down and blasted up the hill. No punctures this time and the climb up the Col was not too bad. Mission accomplished with the job done under my 60 minute target. How long will remain a mystery but it was a goodish time.

So the gauntlet is thrown down once more - with a large posse on the start line the race is going to be a blast.....