Mid summer leads to Dark Knight.....

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