Today was another cracking day of sunshine. A 'cool down' run was organised with The Fit One and Bigman, to get a chance to spin the pedals and feel a piece of flat road underneath the tyres after the 95 miles of significant undulations yesterday. The Doc was also visiting from Kirkaldy and keen to get a few miles under his belt.
They met at the home of the Fit One and decided to take in the views from the Forth Road Bridge and head to the canal side bistro near Linlithgow which has tables outside. Perfect for a such a perfect day. The winds were light and out of the east.
Bigman opted to wear his pokerdot King of the Mountains cycle top which was purchased as a souvenir after the first Lejog in 2006. As he rolled up to the home of the Fit One, a wry smile appeared on the face of the Fit One. Red rags have been known to have less effect on a bull than wearing the King of the Mountains jersey on an outing with The Fit One. If the rise on the road is more than 100ft, you had better live up to the reputation of more famous hillclimbers or be prepared to enjoy a main course of humble pie! You wear the jersey and fail to venerate The Fit One at your peril.
The views from the Forth Bridge are spectacular at most times of the year, however, a summer's day dramatises the spectrum of colours. It should never be taken for granted that such fantastic scenery lives on our doorstep. There were hordes of walkers and cyclists of all shapes and sizes out enjoying the vista.
They breezed towards the canal bistro and the first 100ft plus climb meandered into view. The pace increased with all the subtlety of an MP's expenses claim. The Fit One gasped, he was in the wrong gears as the Bigman crested the rise. The humble pie was taken off the menu for a bit longer. Then disaster struck. No, not a puncture for the Bigman. The bistro was shut for the afternoon.......... no coffee ............no cakes!
After a helping of disappointment the three headed for the Winchburgh road to face into the breeze back to Dunfermline. The Fit One tucked down on his tribars and cut through the wind with great ease. Bigman and The Doc benefitted significantly from drafting along behind.
As they entered Inverkeithing, The Fit One shot off up the hill faster than the air from an inner tube on a tack infested Etape road. Humble Pie was being put back on the menu as the threesome approached the Masterton Mound, a chunky vertical climb shorter but similar to the Uig climb of yesterday. The last 100+ ft climb of the day and at the end of the 32 mile circuit. The Fit One took out a metaphoric 'insurance policy' proclaiming an issue with his gear transmission from the big front cog to inner ring. The Doc would analyse the symptoms and proclaim the prognosis later. This was neither the time or the place. To the uninformed observer it may be down to lack of use, as the Fit One rarely uses the small cog as he has the ability to emulate the cycling style of the great Jan Ulrich using a hammering technique to great effect.
50 ft gone and the Bigman is in front. 100ft gone and the Fit One is dancing on the pedals, eating up the road and closing in on The Bigman fast. With the smell of humble pie oozing towards the nostrils of The Bigman, he stood up and kicked down and opened a gap between him and the Fit One and crests the rise first. The humble pie is back in the freezer. The Bigman can choose a different main course from the menu, but only for today. Tomorrow it could be so different.........
After the weekly five a side football, The Bigman weighs in as a checkpoint from the exercise over the weekend. A new record has been recorded. 13st 7lbs. Amazing. How light can this Bigman get. He is on the verge of becoming the Wee man
Sunday 31 May 2009
Climb every mountain....
Just following up the Bigman's post - what a weekend! Amazing course, sooo many hills, scenery that stopped your breath and Lanzarote type weather.
We decided to take the scenic west coast route to Skye - a good call because we passed the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum and the bigman bought coffee and cake. The temperature was rising but some of the driving was unbelievable. Cars struggling round corners and taking up half of our side of the road. The worst piece of overtaking resulted in a van having to pull into a parking pace to avoid an oncoming car. Without the parking place there would have been fatalities - really scary stuff. We struggled to work out why people would take such daft risks but there you go.
We arrived at Saucey Mary's to find that the booking had been lost and it looked initially there might be no room at the Inn - after some faffing around we were given room 1. After dinner we wandered out to watch an amazing sunset both of us feeling blessed to be right then and there - it was truely awesome.
On return to Suacey Mary's I noticed the guitar man warming up in the bar - directly below our room. I realised at this point it was going to be a long night....
We sat in the bar enjoying? a mixed performance only brighten by the solo performer singing all by myself as a reflection of the number of people listening in the bar. The pool table beckoned. As we racked the balls the bigman enquired the rules when we got to the black. I thought yee ha here we go! Turned out the bigman is not quite the novice I thought and I retired back to my seat 0 and 4! The Hustler was in town.....
At 11.50 after the time we had retired for tea in the room, we settled into the short bunks and lay back to reflect on a fab day. This reflection was shattered by the twang of 'Ruby Ruby Ruby' played slightly out of tune - it was a nightmare - an hour later he finally brought the torture to an end. I lay, pillow over my head with 'Ruby Ruby Ruby' pounding through my head. The last time I looked at my watch it was 2.20, the bigman was gentle snoring and there was still some light in the sky.
Saturday woke warm and muggy - it was quite like that outside the room as well!
We drove up to Portree taking in the final climb from Slighagen and the glorious 6 mile decent into Portree. The race was very well organised with cheery marshalls controlling activities efficiently.
After the usual pre-race faffing, the bigman was ready way before me and sat on his bike adding useful comments every time I locked my car like 'are you wearing your bike shoes?' (I wasn't!), shoes on lock car, 'are you wearing your helmet?' (I wasn't!) - finally we made our way to the start. When we arrived the 150 odd competitors seemed to have rocked up before us and we were directed to the back of the queue. One poor lad had a punture before his race started.
We were off - the first climb up to the old man of Stoer flew by and we were motoring along. We grabbed the back wheel of a guy from Edinburgh Road Club and with the benefit of slipstream were whisked along - the bigman grabbed his turn at the front with relish and I hung on at the back. During the first big decent we lost him - well I lost him and the bigman - the bigman waited for me and we lost the back wheel. Bouyed by the speed we rocked along making good time.
At Totternish, we turned - the wind was everywhere, the was no respite. Being in the slipstream seemed to make no difference as the wind knocked you this way and that. Once we reached the west coast we were so exposed and the wind made progress a challenge. It was here we hit the biggest climb of the day. A beast that took us up to the plateau above Uig. We reached Uig tired from the effort but hopeful of some shelter from the wind.
We were warned about the climb out of Uig and started it in a group of 6 or 7 pedallers - we soon separated ourselves and moved ahead of the group - the wind was dead against but we worked brilliantly as a team sharing the load and moving at a reasonable pace. One of the boys from the climbing groug caught us and joined our pelaton - we were beginning to work really well - the bigman pulled out to move to the front and pop the wheel punctured - disaster. He changed his wheel, I broke the valve whilst doing my share of the pumping but it seemed to have no effect and some 15 minutes later we were off - the bigman has shared what happened next and we stopped again.
I was flagging on the road to Dunvegan - it was a tough 19 mile stretch and I was so glad to see the marshalls at the feed station. We stopped loaded up and enquired about the route back - some 32 miles to go. We were told 2 climbs one of which was a category 2 and we'd be back in Portree.
The stretch from Dunvegan to Slighagen was murder. We both fell in to silence (a very bad sign!) and ground out mile after mile - constantly climbing and having to pedal downhill into the gusting gale. At one point we were on a fairly steep decent when I checked my speed - 24kmh - no reward for all the climbing. The 22 miles to Slighagen we without doubt the toughest I've faced on my bike. The combination of strong wind and hills was a huge challenge but we worked together, encouraged each other and made it to the next feed station.
The last 9 miles were a joy - the climb out of Slighagen went unnoticed and we blasted back to the finish.
The jorney back flew by as relived the experience. It was my first road bike race and I really enjoyed it, not all of it but I think sometimes the experience of doing a major challenge is better after rather than during. Yes there were points I'd have happily packed in but working in a team you play your part and it helps you through the tough points. Having to go to the front into a gale to take your share certainly builds character.
The bigman is excellent company and we laughed lots during the race, worked really well as a team and I know that we will get through the Cape Epic working this way.
It was an amazing trip!
We decided to take the scenic west coast route to Skye - a good call because we passed the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum and the bigman bought coffee and cake. The temperature was rising but some of the driving was unbelievable. Cars struggling round corners and taking up half of our side of the road. The worst piece of overtaking resulted in a van having to pull into a parking pace to avoid an oncoming car. Without the parking place there would have been fatalities - really scary stuff. We struggled to work out why people would take such daft risks but there you go.
We arrived at Saucey Mary's to find that the booking had been lost and it looked initially there might be no room at the Inn - after some faffing around we were given room 1. After dinner we wandered out to watch an amazing sunset both of us feeling blessed to be right then and there - it was truely awesome.
On return to Suacey Mary's I noticed the guitar man warming up in the bar - directly below our room. I realised at this point it was going to be a long night....
We sat in the bar enjoying? a mixed performance only brighten by the solo performer singing all by myself as a reflection of the number of people listening in the bar. The pool table beckoned. As we racked the balls the bigman enquired the rules when we got to the black. I thought yee ha here we go! Turned out the bigman is not quite the novice I thought and I retired back to my seat 0 and 4! The Hustler was in town.....
At 11.50 after the time we had retired for tea in the room, we settled into the short bunks and lay back to reflect on a fab day. This reflection was shattered by the twang of 'Ruby Ruby Ruby' played slightly out of tune - it was a nightmare - an hour later he finally brought the torture to an end. I lay, pillow over my head with 'Ruby Ruby Ruby' pounding through my head. The last time I looked at my watch it was 2.20, the bigman was gentle snoring and there was still some light in the sky.
Saturday woke warm and muggy - it was quite like that outside the room as well!
We drove up to Portree taking in the final climb from Slighagen and the glorious 6 mile decent into Portree. The race was very well organised with cheery marshalls controlling activities efficiently.
After the usual pre-race faffing, the bigman was ready way before me and sat on his bike adding useful comments every time I locked my car like 'are you wearing your bike shoes?' (I wasn't!), shoes on lock car, 'are you wearing your helmet?' (I wasn't!) - finally we made our way to the start. When we arrived the 150 odd competitors seemed to have rocked up before us and we were directed to the back of the queue. One poor lad had a punture before his race started.
We were off - the first climb up to the old man of Stoer flew by and we were motoring along. We grabbed the back wheel of a guy from Edinburgh Road Club and with the benefit of slipstream were whisked along - the bigman grabbed his turn at the front with relish and I hung on at the back. During the first big decent we lost him - well I lost him and the bigman - the bigman waited for me and we lost the back wheel. Bouyed by the speed we rocked along making good time.
At Totternish, we turned - the wind was everywhere, the was no respite. Being in the slipstream seemed to make no difference as the wind knocked you this way and that. Once we reached the west coast we were so exposed and the wind made progress a challenge. It was here we hit the biggest climb of the day. A beast that took us up to the plateau above Uig. We reached Uig tired from the effort but hopeful of some shelter from the wind.
We were warned about the climb out of Uig and started it in a group of 6 or 7 pedallers - we soon separated ourselves and moved ahead of the group - the wind was dead against but we worked brilliantly as a team sharing the load and moving at a reasonable pace. One of the boys from the climbing groug caught us and joined our pelaton - we were beginning to work really well - the bigman pulled out to move to the front and pop the wheel punctured - disaster. He changed his wheel, I broke the valve whilst doing my share of the pumping but it seemed to have no effect and some 15 minutes later we were off - the bigman has shared what happened next and we stopped again.
I was flagging on the road to Dunvegan - it was a tough 19 mile stretch and I was so glad to see the marshalls at the feed station. We stopped loaded up and enquired about the route back - some 32 miles to go. We were told 2 climbs one of which was a category 2 and we'd be back in Portree.
The stretch from Dunvegan to Slighagen was murder. We both fell in to silence (a very bad sign!) and ground out mile after mile - constantly climbing and having to pedal downhill into the gusting gale. At one point we were on a fairly steep decent when I checked my speed - 24kmh - no reward for all the climbing. The 22 miles to Slighagen we without doubt the toughest I've faced on my bike. The combination of strong wind and hills was a huge challenge but we worked together, encouraged each other and made it to the next feed station.
The last 9 miles were a joy - the climb out of Slighagen went unnoticed and we blasted back to the finish.
The jorney back flew by as relived the experience. It was my first road bike race and I really enjoyed it, not all of it but I think sometimes the experience of doing a major challenge is better after rather than during. Yes there were points I'd have happily packed in but working in a team you play your part and it helps you through the tough points. Having to go to the front into a gale to take your share certainly builds character.
The bigman is excellent company and we laughed lots during the race, worked really well as a team and I know that we will get through the Cape Epic working this way.
It was an amazing trip!
Saturday 30 May 2009
The Skye adventure proves to be a game of two halves ............again!
What a superb day out on the Island of Skye. Bigman and The Ironman travelled up to Kyleakin on Friday evening and re-visited Saucy Mary's Hostel. Wih the Ironman having a more musical talent, the Bigman will leave him to recount tales of the ballads of Saucy Mary in his version of events. Suffice to say that sleep deprivation was suffered by both! After a healthy plate of chilli corne carnie and fish, by Bigman and Ironman respectively, they both indulged in a carb induced sticky toffee pudding washed down by ice cream. ...............Ironman is starting his diet tomorrow.
The temperature inSkye was 22 degrees at 06:30 when they rose to begin preparations for race day. A good size portion of porridge supplemented by bananas provided a good start to the day. Bigman mixed up his chewy banana slices with raisins and a sprinkling of the Ironman purple energy jelly beans. Departure at 7:00 meant we would arrive at Portree at 8:00 in time to register and get ready for the off. The marshalls were well organised and even provided a spare tube - they must have heard about Bigman's Etape experience ........... one for spare kit box he thought!
The race began with a staggered start at 9:00 in 26 degrees and a strong wind out of the south east. The wind would be their friend for the first 20 miles however for 60% of the race they would be battling a headwind. A target finish time of 6 hours 30 minutes was agreed.
A top speed of 72.9kph was recorded by Bigman on the first section. They were flying. An interesting location for the first food stop at the bottom of a hill in Staffin. We had pre-arranged we would use the food stops and to fill bottles with water given the temperature and the fact we would be climbing almost 10,000ft of ascent. At Hungladder, some 27 miles on, the nature of the ride changed. The battle was not only the climbing but also a head on wind that seems to vary its direction of travel so as making it difficult to take shifts at front.
At the 41 mile mark just before we turned towards Dunvegan, the return of the Etape struck. Bigman got a puncture. Now you would have thought tfrom his experiences a couple of weeks ago he would be well experienced at changing tyres. On re-mounting his bike after replacing the tube, he was literally pedalling squares with a flat area of the tyre. After a few hundred yards they had to stop again to replace the tube which appeared to have a kink in the tyre. Some thoughts about abandoning the enlarged race and taking the smaller 55 mile race, took place however the second tube sorted the problem and they were back on their way. 30 mins were lost from time and so the target remained for 6 hours 30 mins of elapsed time.
The trip out to Dunvegan had the wind on our backs and we were able to make good time. At Dunvegan the real challenge began. Around 31 mile back to Portree with the majority uphill and against the wind. The race marshall advised there were only two hills. What she did not advise was that the first lasted for 20 miles! This section was the toughest for the Bigman. Near the Glenbrittle turnoff, the road looked like it had a steep downhill followed by a sharp climb. At this point Bigman was trying to remember who it was that had the original idea for this outing. Fortunately the road wound north and down to Sligachan for the final climb however wind assisted. With Ironman shouting down the Kilometres to travel and the time left to complete within 6 hours elapsed time, the pair melted the tarmac with an average speed on the last 9 miles of over 35kph. Pretty impressive considering they had climbed 10,000ft of ascent over 95 miles. They completed the ride in 5 hrs 55 mins.
The Isle of Ske has many awesome views and this was a crackerjack route. The views around the headland and down to Uig were amazing. The guys felt very honoured to have such brilliant weather in such a beautiful part of Scotland and not a midge in sight! Mind you, neither did they see the Three Chimenys Restaurant so highly acclaimed by the Ironman
When they travel to Cape epic the total climbing over the eight days is 48000ft over 8 days and so this outing was a great test of current fitness with only 41 weks to go. On the way back to Dunfermline, the team stopped for Fish and Chips in Pitlochry. Ironman's diet will start again tomorrow..........................
The temperature inSkye was 22 degrees at 06:30 when they rose to begin preparations for race day. A good size portion of porridge supplemented by bananas provided a good start to the day. Bigman mixed up his chewy banana slices with raisins and a sprinkling of the Ironman purple energy jelly beans. Departure at 7:00 meant we would arrive at Portree at 8:00 in time to register and get ready for the off. The marshalls were well organised and even provided a spare tube - they must have heard about Bigman's Etape experience ........... one for spare kit box he thought!
The race began with a staggered start at 9:00 in 26 degrees and a strong wind out of the south east. The wind would be their friend for the first 20 miles however for 60% of the race they would be battling a headwind. A target finish time of 6 hours 30 minutes was agreed.
A top speed of 72.9kph was recorded by Bigman on the first section. They were flying. An interesting location for the first food stop at the bottom of a hill in Staffin. We had pre-arranged we would use the food stops and to fill bottles with water given the temperature and the fact we would be climbing almost 10,000ft of ascent. At Hungladder, some 27 miles on, the nature of the ride changed. The battle was not only the climbing but also a head on wind that seems to vary its direction of travel so as making it difficult to take shifts at front.
At the 41 mile mark just before we turned towards Dunvegan, the return of the Etape struck. Bigman got a puncture. Now you would have thought tfrom his experiences a couple of weeks ago he would be well experienced at changing tyres. On re-mounting his bike after replacing the tube, he was literally pedalling squares with a flat area of the tyre. After a few hundred yards they had to stop again to replace the tube which appeared to have a kink in the tyre. Some thoughts about abandoning the enlarged race and taking the smaller 55 mile race, took place however the second tube sorted the problem and they were back on their way. 30 mins were lost from time and so the target remained for 6 hours 30 mins of elapsed time.
The trip out to Dunvegan had the wind on our backs and we were able to make good time. At Dunvegan the real challenge began. Around 31 mile back to Portree with the majority uphill and against the wind. The race marshall advised there were only two hills. What she did not advise was that the first lasted for 20 miles! This section was the toughest for the Bigman. Near the Glenbrittle turnoff, the road looked like it had a steep downhill followed by a sharp climb. At this point Bigman was trying to remember who it was that had the original idea for this outing. Fortunately the road wound north and down to Sligachan for the final climb however wind assisted. With Ironman shouting down the Kilometres to travel and the time left to complete within 6 hours elapsed time, the pair melted the tarmac with an average speed on the last 9 miles of over 35kph. Pretty impressive considering they had climbed 10,000ft of ascent over 95 miles. They completed the ride in 5 hrs 55 mins.
The Isle of Ske has many awesome views and this was a crackerjack route. The views around the headland and down to Uig were amazing. The guys felt very honoured to have such brilliant weather in such a beautiful part of Scotland and not a midge in sight! Mind you, neither did they see the Three Chimenys Restaurant so highly acclaimed by the Ironman
When they travel to Cape epic the total climbing over the eight days is 48000ft over 8 days and so this outing was a great test of current fitness with only 41 weks to go. On the way back to Dunfermline, the team stopped for Fish and Chips in Pitlochry. Ironman's diet will start again tomorrow..........................
Friday 29 May 2009
The sun shines....and it's midnight
The bigman and I arrived at Saucy Mary's in Kyleakin.
Tomorrow's challenge looms large in the sunset - can't wait!
Tomorrow's challenge looms large in the sunset - can't wait!
Thursday 28 May 2009
Exclusive ..........Ironman suffers early loss in the battle of the bulge
With only 24 hours gone since the Ironman announces he is to focus on shifting 'the bulge', he has failed the first battle. When entertaining a client at lunchtime today, he felt it only polite to accompany his guest in digesting a plateful of chips.
This blog commits to keeping its readers up to date with the truth about the battle of the Bulge. Bigman is taking control of the catering arrangement for the Skye trip. A health pasta dish at Saucy Mary's Hostel on Friday evening will be followed by porridge for the breakfast with dried chewy bananas for food intake during the event.
Ironman has made mention of a fine 5 star restaurant called 'The Three Chimneys' which is located half way around the 95 mile course that he thinks is well worth a visit! Watch this blog to find out whether Bigman and Ironman stop for a three course lunch or do they feast on Tesco chewy bananas?
A chat with Craig at Hardies today confirmed that a compact chainring will help the Bigman on his climbs with limited impact on his speed on the flat. You would have to be doing over 40 miles per hour on a 34/12 to outpace the max cadence! Not much chance of this happening and it will be good to have some 'spare gears' commented the Bigman.
Ironman is packing the Stinger honey juice for sustenance on the Skye event. He is not one for the other gels which play havoc with his digestion. It is going to be a big climbing day and the team have set themselves the challenge of coming home in 6 hours 30 mins.
Tomorrow the guys are travelling up to Skye and so will have a rest day. They were out this afternoon for the 30 mile circuit of yesterday however agreed to keep the pace sensible and both spun on the small cog for most of the journey to keep the pace in check. It was a lovely summer afternoon although there were several stages where the flies were a bit of a pest and limited the conversation to avoid swallowing. Let's hope the midgies in Skye have not yet awoken from hiberbation!
This blog commits to keeping its readers up to date with the truth about the battle of the Bulge. Bigman is taking control of the catering arrangement for the Skye trip. A health pasta dish at Saucy Mary's Hostel on Friday evening will be followed by porridge for the breakfast with dried chewy bananas for food intake during the event.
Ironman has made mention of a fine 5 star restaurant called 'The Three Chimneys' which is located half way around the 95 mile course that he thinks is well worth a visit! Watch this blog to find out whether Bigman and Ironman stop for a three course lunch or do they feast on Tesco chewy bananas?
A chat with Craig at Hardies today confirmed that a compact chainring will help the Bigman on his climbs with limited impact on his speed on the flat. You would have to be doing over 40 miles per hour on a 34/12 to outpace the max cadence! Not much chance of this happening and it will be good to have some 'spare gears' commented the Bigman.
Ironman is packing the Stinger honey juice for sustenance on the Skye event. He is not one for the other gels which play havoc with his digestion. It is going to be a big climbing day and the team have set themselves the challenge of coming home in 6 hours 30 mins.
Tomorrow the guys are travelling up to Skye and so will have a rest day. They were out this afternoon for the 30 mile circuit of yesterday however agreed to keep the pace sensible and both spun on the small cog for most of the journey to keep the pace in check. It was a lovely summer afternoon although there were several stages where the flies were a bit of a pest and limited the conversation to avoid swallowing. Let's hope the midgies in Skye have not yet awoken from hiberbation!
The diet starts once more....
Well a mixed day of training.
Good day - 4 mile run, easy pace and no ankle pain
Bad day - Cheese and tomato toastie with CHIPS (these were not ordinary chips, they were fabulous chips!)
Good day - 30 mile bike on the Culross Circuit with the bigman, easy pace, leg loosener prior to Skye
So the diet lasted 24 hours before the pull of chips won me over - zero tolerance!
The bigman chose to use today to build muscle by doing every climb seated. He's an awesome climber and is looking good for Saturday. We swallowed quite a bit of added protein today - the flies on the cycle path were out in force - I certainly didn't need much tea when I got home! It was a much more gentle pace than yesterday's thigh busting thrash. We were even able to chat!
We popped in to Hardies Bike Shop in Cairneyhill - the bigman has ordered his wee cog for alpine ascents later in the year. You get great advice and we were able to chat through the relative benefits of 29 inch wheels on the mountain bike - doesn't sound gripping conversation but he had the bigman and I facinated at the option.
I got home to wee note posted under a plant pot at the door from my wife to say she was in the pub and to come and get her on return. I thought great a pub tea! Good call! Then I noticed a daisy chain at the door, her friends car still in the drive and my phone buzzed - 121 - missed calls x 10 - oops - I'd locked her out. She'd borrowed a tenner from her piano teacher to buy a drink, cancelled her piano lesson until tomorrow and killed an hour and a half in the pub. Not normally a problem but when you wearing your training kit and have just been out training for 90 minutes.....
She's a forgiving woman fortunately!
So light tea to make up for the chips, a bit of work and getting packed for the trip to Skye and my day is almost done. Another cracking day!
Hopefully we'll be able to post an update from Saucy Mary's tomorrow evening.
Good day - 4 mile run, easy pace and no ankle pain
Bad day - Cheese and tomato toastie with CHIPS (these were not ordinary chips, they were fabulous chips!)
Good day - 30 mile bike on the Culross Circuit with the bigman, easy pace, leg loosener prior to Skye
So the diet lasted 24 hours before the pull of chips won me over - zero tolerance!
The bigman chose to use today to build muscle by doing every climb seated. He's an awesome climber and is looking good for Saturday. We swallowed quite a bit of added protein today - the flies on the cycle path were out in force - I certainly didn't need much tea when I got home! It was a much more gentle pace than yesterday's thigh busting thrash. We were even able to chat!
We popped in to Hardies Bike Shop in Cairneyhill - the bigman has ordered his wee cog for alpine ascents later in the year. You get great advice and we were able to chat through the relative benefits of 29 inch wheels on the mountain bike - doesn't sound gripping conversation but he had the bigman and I facinated at the option.
I got home to wee note posted under a plant pot at the door from my wife to say she was in the pub and to come and get her on return. I thought great a pub tea! Good call! Then I noticed a daisy chain at the door, her friends car still in the drive and my phone buzzed - 121 - missed calls x 10 - oops - I'd locked her out. She'd borrowed a tenner from her piano teacher to buy a drink, cancelled her piano lesson until tomorrow and killed an hour and a half in the pub. Not normally a problem but when you wearing your training kit and have just been out training for 90 minutes.....
She's a forgiving woman fortunately!
So light tea to make up for the chips, a bit of work and getting packed for the trip to Skye and my day is almost done. Another cracking day!
Hopefully we'll be able to post an update from Saucy Mary's tomorrow evening.
little cogs......
What can I add to yesterday's blog to give a better picture of the training ride.....
True
The weekly diet has started again.....no doubt I'll be posting the same message next week. It's difficult to stop eating the quantity of food I was eating while ironman training - given I've cut down on training considerably it's only got one place to go and that's straight to my gut!
Been out for a 4 mile run this morning and depending on today's diary might manage to venture out with the bigman later today.
What he thinks he need a compact chainset for I'm not sure - he has no limit at the moment. Little cogs and the bigman whatever next.....
True
- It was windy
- We went to the bike shop to ask about the bigman getting a compact fitted to his bike
- We pushed hard all the way round
- We were pretty fast
- We both felt strong and in good shape
- We both were wearing far too many clothes - 2 layers and a jacket was a tad OTT
- The Bigman hadn't eaten lunch - I had
- I didn't drag the Bigman round in fact I spent much of the time struggling to keep up
- The Bigman tucked in behind - the truth is the Bigman bore the brunt of the wind (hopefully he'll do the same with 24 deg and 17mph southerlies forcast!)
- My heart rate monitor didn't break 100 - my heart was pounding like the bass drum in a heavy metal band
The weekly diet has started again.....no doubt I'll be posting the same message next week. It's difficult to stop eating the quantity of food I was eating while ironman training - given I've cut down on training considerably it's only got one place to go and that's straight to my gut!
Been out for a 4 mile run this morning and depending on today's diary might manage to venture out with the bigman later today.
What he thinks he need a compact chainset for I'm not sure - he has no limit at the moment. Little cogs and the bigman whatever next.....
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Ironman spreads malicious gossip ..............
Bigman had a busy schedule today. At the end of that busy day was an outing with the Ironman. Now, it has become common knowledge that the Ironman has been passing around mailicious gossip that the Bigman is fitter than the Ironman. This gossip has gathered more momentum than Santiago on a downhill!
The gossip inspired the Bigman to visit the gym at the start of the day for a 1 hour workout on the step machine, treadmill, and weights in prepapration for the outing later in the day. This was followed up by a 1 hour 'cool' down in the steam room and sauna with a few laps of the pool thrown in. He was prepared to be at least half the fitness of the Ironman.
Before the outing Bigman managed to squeeze in a couple of meetings as part of his strategy to regain employment but only managed half a sandwich for lunch. This was not the best preparation for accompanying the Ironman.
16.30 was the planned meeting time, enabling the Ironman to visit our favourite bike shop, Hardies in Cairneyhill, to pick up some stingers for the Skye trip on Saturday. Bigman wanted to enquire about the compatability of his gear mechs for a compact chainring. He has a 52/39 chainring which gives little scope on the climbs. You easily and quickly arrive at the end of the gear changes with the horizon still sitting higher than you and you just have to dig deep. He had hoped he might be able to put on a compact before the weekend to help with the 9913 ft of climbing! It is not looking good. A long slog looks to be the order of teh day for the Bigman. He hopes the Ironman will be patient.
As Bigman and the Ironman blasted into a strong westerly wind on their normal 30 mile route, the Bigman took some opportunities to tuck in and enjoy the drag effect. Notwithstanding this, the Ironman struggled to get his heart rate monitor to read higher than 100. As the commentator in Taupo said - You are THE Ironman'
Both riders were keen to keep the pace up and so they melted back up the cycle track to Dunfermline with wind assistance. In true Ironman fashion, he decided the run had not been long enough and came into Dunfie to do an extra loop. Repect. Meanwhile the Bigman went home to wipe away the significant perspiration which now blocked half his glasses............... just a pity it covered the good eye!
At the evening weigh in, the Bigman is back at a record breaking 13st 8lbs after the days exertions. A plate of pasta rarely touched the sides as he carbs up for the Skye trip.
The gossip inspired the Bigman to visit the gym at the start of the day for a 1 hour workout on the step machine, treadmill, and weights in prepapration for the outing later in the day. This was followed up by a 1 hour 'cool' down in the steam room and sauna with a few laps of the pool thrown in. He was prepared to be at least half the fitness of the Ironman.
Before the outing Bigman managed to squeeze in a couple of meetings as part of his strategy to regain employment but only managed half a sandwich for lunch. This was not the best preparation for accompanying the Ironman.
16.30 was the planned meeting time, enabling the Ironman to visit our favourite bike shop, Hardies in Cairneyhill, to pick up some stingers for the Skye trip on Saturday. Bigman wanted to enquire about the compatability of his gear mechs for a compact chainring. He has a 52/39 chainring which gives little scope on the climbs. You easily and quickly arrive at the end of the gear changes with the horizon still sitting higher than you and you just have to dig deep. He had hoped he might be able to put on a compact before the weekend to help with the 9913 ft of climbing! It is not looking good. A long slog looks to be the order of teh day for the Bigman. He hopes the Ironman will be patient.
As Bigman and the Ironman blasted into a strong westerly wind on their normal 30 mile route, the Bigman took some opportunities to tuck in and enjoy the drag effect. Notwithstanding this, the Ironman struggled to get his heart rate monitor to read higher than 100. As the commentator in Taupo said - You are THE Ironman'
Both riders were keen to keep the pace up and so they melted back up the cycle track to Dunfermline with wind assistance. In true Ironman fashion, he decided the run had not been long enough and came into Dunfie to do an extra loop. Repect. Meanwhile the Bigman went home to wipe away the significant perspiration which now blocked half his glasses............... just a pity it covered the good eye!
At the evening weigh in, the Bigman is back at a record breaking 13st 8lbs after the days exertions. A plate of pasta rarely touched the sides as he carbs up for the Skye trip.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
The Fit One bursts into Perry Como karaoke ........
In typical Scottish cycling fashion, the Fit One and Bigman headed out for an evening of climbing training on the Cleish hill and Mont VeKnockhill prepared for climatic experiences at different ends of the weather spectrum. Bigman sporting the full winter gear with the only concession being a light waterproof jacket, The Fit One with the fingerless mits, lycra shorts and short sleeved shirt. In truth the right gear was somewhere in between - Bigman too hot and The Fit One a tadge chilled.
It was a beautiful evening with light winds and good to get the heart pumping and the muscles working in advance of the Cuillin challenge at the weekend.
To the karaoke. It was as The Fit One climbed Mont VeKnockhill in the shadow of the Bigman. Either the beautiful evening inspired the Fit One into a burst of lyrics or The Bigman was powering uphill too strongly. Whichever it was, The Fit One burst into song with Perry Como's 'Its Impossible'.
A good 24 mile outing climbed at a good pace and both riders feeling ready for a substantial carb intake on retuning to Dunfermline.
It was a beautiful evening with light winds and good to get the heart pumping and the muscles working in advance of the Cuillin challenge at the weekend.
To the karaoke. It was as The Fit One climbed Mont VeKnockhill in the shadow of the Bigman. Either the beautiful evening inspired the Fit One into a burst of lyrics or The Bigman was powering uphill too strongly. Whichever it was, The Fit One burst into song with Perry Como's 'Its Impossible'.
A good 24 mile outing climbed at a good pace and both riders feeling ready for a substantial carb intake on retuning to Dunfermline.
Monday 25 May 2009
78 not out....
The ironwife and I are down south for a couple of days. The weather is hot and we're having a fab time.
Today's question is whether I should give up biking and take up another sport. I didn't bike today but I did do a 3 and a half mile run with a friend. Great fun around the canals and great pennine way - stunning scenery and flat.
Anyway, played golf today and scored a 78 - so maybe it's time to can the biking malarky and take up golf more seriously. Played like a dream - 9 bogeys, 2 birdies and 7 pars - for me exceptional.
So the bigman has sorted the flights and my excitment about the Cape Epic is uncontainable! My step father in law's son has raced it. He's a proper mountain biker so I'm looking forward to catching up with him for a blether for tips and advice.
I was reminded of the last trip out with the bigman and a quote about differentiating the coffee runs from the training runs. Sounds like today was the latter and I look forward to 90 minutes of hard graft on Wednesday when we're out next.
Today's question is whether I should give up biking and take up another sport. I didn't bike today but I did do a 3 and a half mile run with a friend. Great fun around the canals and great pennine way - stunning scenery and flat.
Anyway, played golf today and scored a 78 - so maybe it's time to can the biking malarky and take up golf more seriously. Played like a dream - 9 bogeys, 2 birdies and 7 pars - for me exceptional.
So the bigman has sorted the flights and my excitment about the Cape Epic is uncontainable! My step father in law's son has raced it. He's a proper mountain biker so I'm looking forward to catching up with him for a blether for tips and advice.
I was reminded of the last trip out with the bigman and a quote about differentiating the coffee runs from the training runs. Sounds like today was the latter and I look forward to 90 minutes of hard graft on Wednesday when we're out next.
Is Skye the limit?
Whilst the sun was having a rest day, the temperature continued to remain high and so the Bigman took the opportunity to go climb training on Cleish. A round trip over 20 miles, the focus was on driving the drive chain hard whilst remaining seated on the saddle. Four climbs of Cleish later and a not insignificant amount of fluid expended, he returned to Dunfermline satisfied that he had 'enjoyed' a nice taste of the weekend 'fun' to be had on Saturday's 95 mile trip around the northern peninsula of Skye. The topography has more ups and downs than an episode of Coronation Street. Bigman and Ironman are hoping for 6 hour time over the 9913 ft of ascent.
The Bigman is just hoping the Tacksman has used all his ammo on the Etape :-)
The flights to South Africa were booked today and so we are another step closer to John and Dereks Epic caper on the Cape Epic 2010.
The Bigman is just hoping the Tacksman has used all his ammo on the Etape :-)
The flights to South Africa were booked today and so we are another step closer to John and Dereks Epic caper on the Cape Epic 2010.
Sunday 24 May 2009
Waist of space......
Well an exciting day - Newcastle relegated, England win against West Indies and I buy a pair of 32" waist jeans.
In reality, I don't really care about the other events but to be wearing a pair of 32" jeans is a major achievement. They may be loose fitting and may equate to other brands 34" but i don't care - as of today I'm a 32". Now I know also that some guys wear a 32" jeans that are really a 38" or 40", you know the type buttoned just above the top of the legs, gut hanging over the top of the folded over waist line. Well, mine are not like that - even the girl in the shop suggested I was a 32" - I liked her and though she was great at her job!
The last time I was a 32" labour was in power, sadly Blair or Brown wasn't the PM and you have to go back to the leadership of Callaghan for me to be in a pair of 32's. However, I've been out for dinner with my inlaws and the 32" may not fit any longer! So for one day and one day only I might have been a 32". The chocolate banoffie pie was worth the sacrifice!
No biking for me today but another cross training run bagged. I've just remembered a great story of a run a few years ago when on a summers day similar to today I was plodding up through the next village to ours called Oakley. On my right I spotted a group of youngsters sitting on the roof of a derelict building. As I approached, they shouted 'hello', I waved back encouraged by the support. Next thing I heard was another of the lads shouting 'run fat' now I was expecting the next words to be 'boy run' and it would have been if the wag sitting beside him hadn't added 'old' to make the heckle 'run fat...old....boy run' - even I laughed. The neds are switched on in these parts!
I retire to bed shortly a (fat) happy man.....wearing my 32" jeans.
After all, it might be a dream......
In reality, I don't really care about the other events but to be wearing a pair of 32" jeans is a major achievement. They may be loose fitting and may equate to other brands 34" but i don't care - as of today I'm a 32". Now I know also that some guys wear a 32" jeans that are really a 38" or 40", you know the type buttoned just above the top of the legs, gut hanging over the top of the folded over waist line. Well, mine are not like that - even the girl in the shop suggested I was a 32" - I liked her and though she was great at her job!
The last time I was a 32" labour was in power, sadly Blair or Brown wasn't the PM and you have to go back to the leadership of Callaghan for me to be in a pair of 32's. However, I've been out for dinner with my inlaws and the 32" may not fit any longer! So for one day and one day only I might have been a 32". The chocolate banoffie pie was worth the sacrifice!
No biking for me today but another cross training run bagged. I've just remembered a great story of a run a few years ago when on a summers day similar to today I was plodding up through the next village to ours called Oakley. On my right I spotted a group of youngsters sitting on the roof of a derelict building. As I approached, they shouted 'hello', I waved back encouraged by the support. Next thing I heard was another of the lads shouting 'run fat' now I was expecting the next words to be 'boy run' and it would have been if the wag sitting beside him hadn't added 'old' to make the heckle 'run fat...old....boy run' - even I laughed. The neds are switched on in these parts!
I retire to bed shortly a (fat) happy man.....wearing my 32" jeans.
After all, it might be a dream......
Saturday 23 May 2009
Wet wet wet - I feel it in my fingers.....
What a day! Relegation for my boys! Gutted!
As Bill Shankley said 'It's not a matter of life and death....it's more important than that!' The first division awaits and in reality it will probably be more fun to watch the team win from time to time rather than rocking up to see them struggle.
Anyway on to business. It was another good run. The Gillespie Road Wheelers turned up about 15 minutes early - a first. I wasn't ready - not a first! The Bigman oiled my bike. The fit one tuned up his bike. Santiago chilled and I ran about getting ready.
Once on the road, we worked well as a team and we're moving fast through the green fields of West Fife. I chatted to the mountain biker who told me he was looking to get into road biking but wasn't sure how to go about it. I pointed him towards Dunfermline Road Club - hopefully he will get going because he was impressive on his mtb.
Coffee and cake is always the highlight of the biking trips. I know I should pass but temptation is hard to pass especially when it comes to a paradice slice cake!
The trip was a bit of a struggle in the rain - miserable. We took a detour to see my wife training for the moonwalk which was cool - then hammered home through the rain. A wee sprint challenge on the way home left me trailing in the wake of the bigman and fit one. I was well placed as the pace picked up mid hill. I was just about to claim the hill climb prize (in my head) when the guys turned on the power and left me.
We're all backing Santiago in his tri tomorrow......
A post blog note. Thanks to the bigman for coming over to move the shed - he's a good man!
As Bill Shankley said 'It's not a matter of life and death....it's more important than that!' The first division awaits and in reality it will probably be more fun to watch the team win from time to time rather than rocking up to see them struggle.
Anyway on to business. It was another good run. The Gillespie Road Wheelers turned up about 15 minutes early - a first. I wasn't ready - not a first! The Bigman oiled my bike. The fit one tuned up his bike. Santiago chilled and I ran about getting ready.
Once on the road, we worked well as a team and we're moving fast through the green fields of West Fife. I chatted to the mountain biker who told me he was looking to get into road biking but wasn't sure how to go about it. I pointed him towards Dunfermline Road Club - hopefully he will get going because he was impressive on his mtb.
Coffee and cake is always the highlight of the biking trips. I know I should pass but temptation is hard to pass especially when it comes to a paradice slice cake!
The trip was a bit of a struggle in the rain - miserable. We took a detour to see my wife training for the moonwalk which was cool - then hammered home through the rain. A wee sprint challenge on the way home left me trailing in the wake of the bigman and fit one. I was well placed as the pace picked up mid hill. I was just about to claim the hill climb prize (in my head) when the guys turned on the power and left me.
We're all backing Santiago in his tri tomorrow......
A post blog note. Thanks to the bigman for coming over to move the shed - he's a good man!
Bigman acquires hair
Today, the plan was for a 55 mile trip to Stirling and back along the Foothills to Milnathort and back over the Cleish. The Fearsome Four - Bigman, Ironman, The Fit One, and Santiago. With a combined aged of almost 200 years, these muscular men represent experience. (Okay so Santiago wears a corset but no-one needs to know)
They assembled at 9.00am ready for the off, picking up the Ironman whilst passing through the leafy suburbs. The Fit One has damaged his knee and so has called off his triathlon event tomorrow. Santaigo is also suffering from a knee strain but will make the triathlon tomorrow. When we arrived to collect the Ironman he announced he had broken a fingernail however would still be able to join us. They had quickly moved from being the Fearsome Four to resembling bit part actors in the TV drama Holby City.
As they hammered down the cycle track to Alloa, they were chased by an enthusiatic biker who demonstrated impressive fitness by hanging on ( metaphorically speaking) to the pack for 9 miles with an average speed of 24 miles per hour. The Ironman was impressed. The fact the biker was on a mountain bike was all the more impressive!
Through Alloa they sped, upping the pace to over 26mph, chain- ganging to maintain the pace all the way to Corrierie's Cafe. The Bigman went for the calorie counting apple pie. The Fit One, had recently read that scrambled egg and toast was good for the energy levels and voted for the sensible option. Meanwhile, Santiago studied the pink Santini cycle top in the glass frame on the wall with envy.
The journey back along the Foothills led the team headlong into a dose of precipitation straight out of the east. Only the Bigman had checked the weather and brought a waterproof jacket. The three amigos looked like droont rats. As they 'sailed' through Tillicoultry, they passed Mrs Ironman who was out training for the Edinburgh Moonwalk. walking on water ( or more appropriately rivers) is clearly one of her many talents. Clearly this was a day for WAGS as Mrs Bigman and Mrs Duracell were out on their own expedition to Lochleven's Larder in advance of the WAG's cycling expedition to Arran shortlyand will include Mrs Wingman. There will be a special WAG's blog telling many tales. Watch this space!
Tilli brought a decison to make a sharp exit over the hill to Forrestmill to escape the weather front.
It was a good decision as on the other side of the hill, it looked like it had not rained. As they approached Saline, a hare shot out from the verge as if to dart across the road. After 12 inches it observed the Bigman pummeling down on him at around 25 miles per hour. As if in momentary suspension, they shared a surprised gaze. The hare was also wearing a worried look with the wringles on his forehead looking more like excavations crafted by a JCB . And so would most folk with 6 foot 2 inches of 14st hammering down on you ( The hare is lucky this was not last Christmas as it would have been 15st) In an instant the hare piroetted 90 degrees and lept over 5 foot in the air narrowly missing the Bigman's ear and doing a fly past for the Ironman who was travelling in the Bigman's draft. An absolutely amazing sight. The Bigman is keen to read the Hare's blog this evening on his perspective of events.
By comparison the remaining journey was uneventful. A short climb up in Saline and over to Gowkhall where the Fit One cut through the air with his tribars making way for an easy passage for the Bigman and Santiago.
The shortened journey ( 44.6miles) allowed for the Ironman to drag Irondaughter to the 7 Kings to watch his beloved Caledonian Thistle compete in gladiator style to survive in Premier League football next season. If the Caley Thistle had competed they may have survived the drop. Bigman joined the Ironduo after half- time. It is not unreasonable to assume that you need more than one shot on goal to win a game. Caley were not marked present and the scipt was written. On the positive, the Ironman will not have to travel as far next season to watch as they will visit Dunfie twice next season. The Bigman ponders what the result might have been if the Ironman had been playing?
A brilliant documentary earlier this week tracked the success of 7 times tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. ( A poster displaying each win hangs in the home of Bigman - his hero). A quote from Lance at the end of the programme resonated with the Bigman. 'It is not crossing the finishing line that is important, it is crossing the starting line'. As Ironman and Bigman crash towards their big 2010 Epic Caper in only 42 weeks and 6 days, there can be no more meaningful lesson for them to ponder in many areas of their lives.
They assembled at 9.00am ready for the off, picking up the Ironman whilst passing through the leafy suburbs. The Fit One has damaged his knee and so has called off his triathlon event tomorrow. Santaigo is also suffering from a knee strain but will make the triathlon tomorrow. When we arrived to collect the Ironman he announced he had broken a fingernail however would still be able to join us. They had quickly moved from being the Fearsome Four to resembling bit part actors in the TV drama Holby City.
As they hammered down the cycle track to Alloa, they were chased by an enthusiatic biker who demonstrated impressive fitness by hanging on ( metaphorically speaking) to the pack for 9 miles with an average speed of 24 miles per hour. The Ironman was impressed. The fact the biker was on a mountain bike was all the more impressive!
Through Alloa they sped, upping the pace to over 26mph, chain- ganging to maintain the pace all the way to Corrierie's Cafe. The Bigman went for the calorie counting apple pie. The Fit One, had recently read that scrambled egg and toast was good for the energy levels and voted for the sensible option. Meanwhile, Santiago studied the pink Santini cycle top in the glass frame on the wall with envy.
The journey back along the Foothills led the team headlong into a dose of precipitation straight out of the east. Only the Bigman had checked the weather and brought a waterproof jacket. The three amigos looked like droont rats. As they 'sailed' through Tillicoultry, they passed Mrs Ironman who was out training for the Edinburgh Moonwalk. walking on water ( or more appropriately rivers) is clearly one of her many talents. Clearly this was a day for WAGS as Mrs Bigman and Mrs Duracell were out on their own expedition to Lochleven's Larder in advance of the WAG's cycling expedition to Arran shortlyand will include Mrs Wingman. There will be a special WAG's blog telling many tales. Watch this space!
Tilli brought a decison to make a sharp exit over the hill to Forrestmill to escape the weather front.
It was a good decision as on the other side of the hill, it looked like it had not rained. As they approached Saline, a hare shot out from the verge as if to dart across the road. After 12 inches it observed the Bigman pummeling down on him at around 25 miles per hour. As if in momentary suspension, they shared a surprised gaze. The hare was also wearing a worried look with the wringles on his forehead looking more like excavations crafted by a JCB . And so would most folk with 6 foot 2 inches of 14st hammering down on you ( The hare is lucky this was not last Christmas as it would have been 15st) In an instant the hare piroetted 90 degrees and lept over 5 foot in the air narrowly missing the Bigman's ear and doing a fly past for the Ironman who was travelling in the Bigman's draft. An absolutely amazing sight. The Bigman is keen to read the Hare's blog this evening on his perspective of events.
By comparison the remaining journey was uneventful. A short climb up in Saline and over to Gowkhall where the Fit One cut through the air with his tribars making way for an easy passage for the Bigman and Santiago.
The shortened journey ( 44.6miles) allowed for the Ironman to drag Irondaughter to the 7 Kings to watch his beloved Caledonian Thistle compete in gladiator style to survive in Premier League football next season. If the Caley Thistle had competed they may have survived the drop. Bigman joined the Ironduo after half- time. It is not unreasonable to assume that you need more than one shot on goal to win a game. Caley were not marked present and the scipt was written. On the positive, the Ironman will not have to travel as far next season to watch as they will visit Dunfie twice next season. The Bigman ponders what the result might have been if the Ironman had been playing?
A brilliant documentary earlier this week tracked the success of 7 times tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. ( A poster displaying each win hangs in the home of Bigman - his hero). A quote from Lance at the end of the programme resonated with the Bigman. 'It is not crossing the finishing line that is important, it is crossing the starting line'. As Ironman and Bigman crash towards their big 2010 Epic Caper in only 42 weeks and 6 days, there can be no more meaningful lesson for them to ponder in many areas of their lives.
Friday 22 May 2009
Aberdour Ascent record smashed by the Bigman
It was a cracking summer's evening with a strong westerly wind when the Bigman set out to demolish the Aberdour route record and consign previous records for the Ascent to the annals of history and folklore. (Ironman can regail his previous accomplishments on the Aberdour Ascent when next entertaining pensioners in a hostel)
The Madone had been recently cleaned and oiled and so it should have been possible.
With a blistering 27 mins and 43 seconds to the halfway point, the record looked to be in the bag. Memories of the halfway point in the Etape came flooding back. Surely lightning could not strike twice?
The awesome Ascent brought darkness to a sky that until the approach shone brilliant sunshine. Bigman entered the zone.
He contracted with myself to accept some pain to beat his previous record of just under 5 minutes. And it was worth the pain - 4 minutes and 11 seconds - He took a double take. What a performance.
After taking 2.5 seconds to metaphorically pat himself on the back, it was back to focus on doing the double by bagging a route record which previously stood at 59 minutes. It was into the wind. Approaching Crossgates roundabout with 46 mins on the clock, it was going to be tight and the traffic would need to be on my side. Approaching the Woodmill road junction and the traffic was backed up. He pondered that this was not going to be the day. At the bottom of Garvock Hill the clock showed 54 minutes. It was doable and the question was by how much rather than 'if' it could be broken. He stayed on the big cog and tasted some more pain. The lactic acid was building in his legs but he knew if this was the Ironman, he would take it in his stride. He likes pain.
Grinding the Garvock, there was no choice, the prize was worth it.
Arrival - 56 minutes and 53 seconds. He felt great. All that cleaning had made the difference.
After all, it's all about the bike.
The Madone had been recently cleaned and oiled and so it should have been possible.
With a blistering 27 mins and 43 seconds to the halfway point, the record looked to be in the bag. Memories of the halfway point in the Etape came flooding back. Surely lightning could not strike twice?
The awesome Ascent brought darkness to a sky that until the approach shone brilliant sunshine. Bigman entered the zone.
He contracted with myself to accept some pain to beat his previous record of just under 5 minutes. And it was worth the pain - 4 minutes and 11 seconds - He took a double take. What a performance.
After taking 2.5 seconds to metaphorically pat himself on the back, it was back to focus on doing the double by bagging a route record which previously stood at 59 minutes. It was into the wind. Approaching Crossgates roundabout with 46 mins on the clock, it was going to be tight and the traffic would need to be on my side. Approaching the Woodmill road junction and the traffic was backed up. He pondered that this was not going to be the day. At the bottom of Garvock Hill the clock showed 54 minutes. It was doable and the question was by how much rather than 'if' it could be broken. He stayed on the big cog and tasted some more pain. The lactic acid was building in his legs but he knew if this was the Ironman, he would take it in his stride. He likes pain.
Grinding the Garvock, there was no choice, the prize was worth it.
Arrival - 56 minutes and 53 seconds. He felt great. All that cleaning had made the difference.
After all, it's all about the bike.
Thursday 21 May 2009
It's not about the bike....
The bigman is slowly evolving from mild mannered former banker into Lance Armstrong.
I hung on in the slipstream today breathing through anything that would pass air as my lungs gasped to keep up with the express train in front. He was relentless. The climb up Knockhill is blazoned in my memory as he flew up, on the big ring of the madone, seemingly effortlessly and with space in the tank.
The bigman also has a big heart and he kindly slowed on a number of occasions to let me grab the slipstream every time I fell off the train. It was a truly inspiring climb. Made me wish I'd been doing more spinning recently!
It's fair to say that the bigman is in excellent shape at the moment and the training regime has really paid off. So post cycle I reflected on the pace and strength that the bigman has managed to develop. Obviously, it can't be down to all the dedicated training he's been doing and effort in recent trips to the gym so I racked my brain to work out the secret behind the phenomenon. I suppose it should have been obvious without thought but I think I've cracked it. He cleans his bike after every trip. I worked out that the significant weight advantage that this creates gives him a massive advantage on hills.
Having worked this out, I took my own bike out this afternoon and gave it good clean, oiled and greased bits and packed it away for the weekend. This work will rewarded as I too glide up hills passing less clean, slow bikes.
Now I'm guessing this genius solution will be tested on our planned 60 miler on Saturday but in the meantime it gives me a crumb of hope until I have to think of something else on Saturday!
Whilst cleaning the Trek, I noticed that my recently acquired racing tyres had a huge hole in the back tyre. I suspect that a big blow out is imminent so back to the online store Wiggle to see what deals they have on tyres.
So, I suppose, Lance is right, it's not about the bike it's about how clean you keep it!
I hung on in the slipstream today breathing through anything that would pass air as my lungs gasped to keep up with the express train in front. He was relentless. The climb up Knockhill is blazoned in my memory as he flew up, on the big ring of the madone, seemingly effortlessly and with space in the tank.
The bigman also has a big heart and he kindly slowed on a number of occasions to let me grab the slipstream every time I fell off the train. It was a truly inspiring climb. Made me wish I'd been doing more spinning recently!
It's fair to say that the bigman is in excellent shape at the moment and the training regime has really paid off. So post cycle I reflected on the pace and strength that the bigman has managed to develop. Obviously, it can't be down to all the dedicated training he's been doing and effort in recent trips to the gym so I racked my brain to work out the secret behind the phenomenon. I suppose it should have been obvious without thought but I think I've cracked it. He cleans his bike after every trip. I worked out that the significant weight advantage that this creates gives him a massive advantage on hills.
Having worked this out, I took my own bike out this afternoon and gave it good clean, oiled and greased bits and packed it away for the weekend. This work will rewarded as I too glide up hills passing less clean, slow bikes.
Now I'm guessing this genius solution will be tested on our planned 60 miler on Saturday but in the meantime it gives me a crumb of hope until I have to think of something else on Saturday!
Whilst cleaning the Trek, I noticed that my recently acquired racing tyres had a huge hole in the back tyre. I suspect that a big blow out is imminent so back to the online store Wiggle to see what deals they have on tyres.
So, I suppose, Lance is right, it's not about the bike it's about how clean you keep it!
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Cross training.
Summer has begun in Fife. Temperature's soaring and the finest of Fife tattoo's are all out for inspection!
No biking for the bigman today. A rest day. Has the world stopped turning?
I decided that it was time to give the achilles a wee run out. It has been a problem since I did the Alloa half marathon in March. My physio kicked off the recovery with some excellent work that got me mobile again and since then I've started back out plodding the stunning countryside that surrounds the village. West Fife is vastly under-rated but in my view it is a fine place to live.
So my run extended to all of 3 and a bit miles. The achilles survived and gives me hope that I'm well on the way to full recovery. I was supposed to be running the Edinburgh Marathon which is at the end of May but sadly that was canned by the injury.
Sadly the Fit One and Santiago are both out for Skye due to other commitments leaving the bigman and myself to fly the colours of the Gillespie Road Wheelers. I understand that a separate, more attractive, tour is departing to Arran the same weekend as the trip to Skye. We wish them well on the Tour de Arran and eagerly await to find out who will be wearing the yellow jersey!
I'm sure we'll all come back with some great stories.
The bigman plans a wee run out tomorrow and I might join him if work permits.
My thoughts have turned to what I'll wear for the Skye Sportive. Seemingly unimportant choice unless you're an overweight 45 year old biker. Every race whether biking, running or triathlon I'm the fat, round one lurking around in unfeasibly tight lycra - I hate it! At the Ironman the majority of triathletes are racing snakes. On the move and in the pack I feel ok because sometimes I can beat a snake or two but on the whole I would like to join the racing snake class and not stick out or have bits sticking out of my top.
The bigman is shrinking. I'm not. It might be time to say goodbye to Gu Puddings, cakes, chocolate and the odd beer but then there must be some benefit to all the training I do and life is for living innit!
No biking for the bigman today. A rest day. Has the world stopped turning?
I decided that it was time to give the achilles a wee run out. It has been a problem since I did the Alloa half marathon in March. My physio kicked off the recovery with some excellent work that got me mobile again and since then I've started back out plodding the stunning countryside that surrounds the village. West Fife is vastly under-rated but in my view it is a fine place to live.
So my run extended to all of 3 and a bit miles. The achilles survived and gives me hope that I'm well on the way to full recovery. I was supposed to be running the Edinburgh Marathon which is at the end of May but sadly that was canned by the injury.
Sadly the Fit One and Santiago are both out for Skye due to other commitments leaving the bigman and myself to fly the colours of the Gillespie Road Wheelers. I understand that a separate, more attractive, tour is departing to Arran the same weekend as the trip to Skye. We wish them well on the Tour de Arran and eagerly await to find out who will be wearing the yellow jersey!
I'm sure we'll all come back with some great stories.
The bigman plans a wee run out tomorrow and I might join him if work permits.
My thoughts have turned to what I'll wear for the Skye Sportive. Seemingly unimportant choice unless you're an overweight 45 year old biker. Every race whether biking, running or triathlon I'm the fat, round one lurking around in unfeasibly tight lycra - I hate it! At the Ironman the majority of triathletes are racing snakes. On the move and in the pack I feel ok because sometimes I can beat a snake or two but on the whole I would like to join the racing snake class and not stick out or have bits sticking out of my top.
The bigman is shrinking. I'm not. It might be time to say goodbye to Gu Puddings, cakes, chocolate and the odd beer but then there must be some benefit to all the training I do and life is for living innit!
Tuesday 19 May 2009
3 seasons in one day....
It was a funny day today. We'd arranged that the bigman would collect me and we'd head out for an hour and a half on the bike before soup and sanies at mine.
We left in Spring, had a glimpse of summer and headed home in Autumn having completed just over 40km in the hour and a bit out round the Clackmannan / Carnock circuit. It's a great route. The first 12 km is on the cycle track - great because you can blether. At the end of the track you turn towards Clackmannan, past the castle and then on to the wee road that links it through the green fields to Kincardine. Flat, wide and no cars - fab!
The road was shut due to roadworks - little evidence of much ongoing work but the carriageway had been ripped apart and we picked our way through rubble to Kincardine. The cycle route through Kincardine is pretty well signposted, yet still I almost took out the bigman on a left turn he realised I hadn't seen and then he turned off in the wrong direction - concentration was at a premium today!
We decided as we pedalled round to venture to Skye for the Skye Sportive which will be held in Portree.
It's a 95 mile trip with one or two wee hills - to quote Scooby Doo - Yikes!
The website is http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/Events/Skye/skye.htm which will give you more details of the race.
The Fit One is considering coming up and maybe Santiago will join the party with a bit of luck!
So I've booked Saucy Mary's for the pre-race banter and we're looking forward to a wee west coast adventure!
So no blowouts, punctures or ice cream. Life is back to normal. Normal can be so good!
We left in Spring, had a glimpse of summer and headed home in Autumn having completed just over 40km in the hour and a bit out round the Clackmannan / Carnock circuit. It's a great route. The first 12 km is on the cycle track - great because you can blether. At the end of the track you turn towards Clackmannan, past the castle and then on to the wee road that links it through the green fields to Kincardine. Flat, wide and no cars - fab!
The road was shut due to roadworks - little evidence of much ongoing work but the carriageway had been ripped apart and we picked our way through rubble to Kincardine. The cycle route through Kincardine is pretty well signposted, yet still I almost took out the bigman on a left turn he realised I hadn't seen and then he turned off in the wrong direction - concentration was at a premium today!
We decided as we pedalled round to venture to Skye for the Skye Sportive which will be held in Portree.
It's a 95 mile trip with one or two wee hills - to quote Scooby Doo - Yikes!The website is http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/Events/Skye/skye.htm which will give you more details of the race.
The Fit One is considering coming up and maybe Santiago will join the party with a bit of luck!
So I've booked Saucy Mary's for the pre-race banter and we're looking forward to a wee west coast adventure!
So no blowouts, punctures or ice cream. Life is back to normal. Normal can be so good!
Monday 18 May 2009
Bigman prepares for blowout
Having had a 'bad day at the office' yesterday, it was with some trepidation Bigman accepted an invitation from the Fit One to go out for a 30 mile loop across the Forth Road Bridge via the Bistro on the canal near Linlithgow.
Armed with a rucsack and 14 spare inner tubes, he set off confident in his new found skillset with rubber patches, glue, a piece of chalk, and sandpaper.
The weather was precipitous for most of the journey, however the strong winds provided a good drying wind for the five minutes the sun popped out from the clouds. Are you, the reader getting a good picture of how exciting this ride was?
The bistro is superb and one of the finest in the area. Despite their resembling a pair of divers fresh from the nearby canal dripping in water, they were offered the finest leather sofas and made most welcome. The trip back was equally as grim and it was a case of head down and pound it out.
On the plusses, it is always good chat when out with the Fit One. The world sleeps more soundly safe in the knowledge they are solving all its problems as they melt the miles. The Fit One is off to do his first triathlon event next week and Santiago, his partner in crime, has thrown down the gauntlet.
They were feeling all the better when they hit Dunfy, the legs having been loosened up after yesterdays exertion. ...................... and no-one had a puncture
It has been interesting to read the raging debates on the Scotsman online blog about the 'for and against' debate around the Etape. Many commentators missing the point that it was an incredibly dangerous and malicious thing to do and no way to resolve a debate.
The best comment made the point that freedom for all requires us to respect our neighbours. It is not about doing whatever we want. Tomorrow, Bigman has a ride out with the Ironman.
Perhaps he will buy Bigman an icecream in acknowledgement of the special circumstances surrounding yesterdays race?
Armed with a rucsack and 14 spare inner tubes, he set off confident in his new found skillset with rubber patches, glue, a piece of chalk, and sandpaper.
The weather was precipitous for most of the journey, however the strong winds provided a good drying wind for the five minutes the sun popped out from the clouds. Are you, the reader getting a good picture of how exciting this ride was?
The bistro is superb and one of the finest in the area. Despite their resembling a pair of divers fresh from the nearby canal dripping in water, they were offered the finest leather sofas and made most welcome. The trip back was equally as grim and it was a case of head down and pound it out.
On the plusses, it is always good chat when out with the Fit One. The world sleeps more soundly safe in the knowledge they are solving all its problems as they melt the miles. The Fit One is off to do his first triathlon event next week and Santiago, his partner in crime, has thrown down the gauntlet.
They were feeling all the better when they hit Dunfy, the legs having been loosened up after yesterdays exertion. ...................... and no-one had a puncture
It has been interesting to read the raging debates on the Scotsman online blog about the 'for and against' debate around the Etape. Many commentators missing the point that it was an incredibly dangerous and malicious thing to do and no way to resolve a debate.
The best comment made the point that freedom for all requires us to respect our neighbours. It is not about doing whatever we want. Tomorrow, Bigman has a ride out with the Ironman.
Perhaps he will buy Bigman an icecream in acknowledgement of the special circumstances surrounding yesterdays race?
Bigman sets record new record at morning weigh in
After thinking no records were set at yesterday's Etape, the Bigman bounced on the scales this morning and recorded his lowest weight since records began!
13 stone and 8 pounds. He is fast becoming half the man he used to be.
Hill climbs just got easier
13 stone and 8 pounds. He is fast becoming half the man he used to be.
Hill climbs just got easier
Don't let the tacksman get you down.....
We arrived in Pitlochrie just after 10am - the weather was bright and sunny and the mood around the finish line was expectant. It was 10.15am when we took our position just after the finish line to catch the triumphant photo's of the team as they crossed the line.
My wife and father in law headed off for coffee (and ice cream for the bigman) and but I remained at my alloted post in fear of missing the big moment. At 10.45am the winners appeared. I grew increasingly excited hoping that the bigman would not only beat his 4 hour target but smash it out the park. As the clock ticked round past 11am I texted my wife to cancel the ice cream as there was a whisper of a problem on the course.
The presenter was vague as to what was happening but explained that some of the riders had been delayed and everyone would be moving again shortly. As time marched by it became more obvious that there was a huge problem - I sadly missed a call from the Bigman at 11.17 - when I realised I called back immediately but it was too late. It turned out to be a request to drive up to the top of the hill with more tubes. Some support crew I turned out to be.......
The Fit One went through the finish line about an hour after his anticipated time and explained that they had been stopped due to tacks on the road. There are many jokes about the cost of road tacks but I don't feel they are appropriate. I really felt for the riders yesterday. I got the impression that everyone did there best to enjoy the day but the delays, lost time and punctures must have been abjectly demoralising. Another friend texted me to say he'd met someone who had packed in after 19 punctures. Can't have been a great day but he must be a whizz with glue, rubber and chalk by now!
The amount of organisation, value brought in to the local community and goodwill that an event like this creates is huge and the protesters only served to steel the resolve of many riders to come back next year. I for one will be signing up as soon as entries open. I really hope that they catch the people who did this malicious act and they are treated harshly by the courts. As a minimum they should be forced to clear up all of the tacks that must be strewn at the side of the road.
So the Dunfy squad all finished and I was proud of them all. Despite what had happened they remained upbeat and the bigman, unknown to him, gave me a lesson in grace and how to make the most of a difficult day. When I called him last night he talked of human spirit, the bond between bikers, the stunning scenery and not of the fact that he had been ahead of target when the punctures started.
We left Pitlochrie, disappointed for the many riders that had trained for the race and those that had travelled long distances but buoyed by the camaraderie shown. The race is not always about winning it's about the journey to the finish.....
My wife and father in law headed off for coffee (and ice cream for the bigman) and but I remained at my alloted post in fear of missing the big moment. At 10.45am the winners appeared. I grew increasingly excited hoping that the bigman would not only beat his 4 hour target but smash it out the park. As the clock ticked round past 11am I texted my wife to cancel the ice cream as there was a whisper of a problem on the course.
The presenter was vague as to what was happening but explained that some of the riders had been delayed and everyone would be moving again shortly. As time marched by it became more obvious that there was a huge problem - I sadly missed a call from the Bigman at 11.17 - when I realised I called back immediately but it was too late. It turned out to be a request to drive up to the top of the hill with more tubes. Some support crew I turned out to be.......
The Fit One went through the finish line about an hour after his anticipated time and explained that they had been stopped due to tacks on the road. There are many jokes about the cost of road tacks but I don't feel they are appropriate. I really felt for the riders yesterday. I got the impression that everyone did there best to enjoy the day but the delays, lost time and punctures must have been abjectly demoralising. Another friend texted me to say he'd met someone who had packed in after 19 punctures. Can't have been a great day but he must be a whizz with glue, rubber and chalk by now!
The amount of organisation, value brought in to the local community and goodwill that an event like this creates is huge and the protesters only served to steel the resolve of many riders to come back next year. I for one will be signing up as soon as entries open. I really hope that they catch the people who did this malicious act and they are treated harshly by the courts. As a minimum they should be forced to clear up all of the tacks that must be strewn at the side of the road.
So the Dunfy squad all finished and I was proud of them all. Despite what had happened they remained upbeat and the bigman, unknown to him, gave me a lesson in grace and how to make the most of a difficult day. When I called him last night he talked of human spirit, the bond between bikers, the stunning scenery and not of the fact that he had been ahead of target when the punctures started.
We left Pitlochrie, disappointed for the many riders that had trained for the race and those that had travelled long distances but buoyed by the camaraderie shown. The race is not always about winning it's about the journey to the finish.....
Tacksman may have brought deflationary pressure however the consumer confidence remains high
It was a barmy winters evening on a Saturday in mid May in Pitlochry when we arrived to witness the monsoon season in Pitlochry. The Caledonia Etape already looking like an ominous ride the next day. How prophetic!
Bigman, The Fit One, JR - fresh from his oilfields in the north,we headed for the administration centre. The team who organise the Etape each year are so efficient. Always well organised and happy to help. On the way we browsed the bike shop. It was doing a roaring trade in inner tubes - 3 for £15. How prophetic!
After meeting with Santiago who was being hosted in a tent in Faskally, we went to register for the event. Goody bags were handed out with the usual aray of gifts from a range of sponsors. This year we benefitted from Adidas body odours - one for him and one for her - Mrs Bigman's christmas pressie has never been sorted so early in the year.
Next it was off for some carb intake. The Bibo cafe menu on the high street looked perfect. Even better was the customer centric approach to service. When asked when they stopped serving evening meals, we were told 'when it gets quiet'. This is hugely different from a previous experience in Tongue when we missed lunch serving by 5.5 minutes - and we only wanted soup. We each had the choice of champions, an excellent bowl of Lentil soup rammed down by a plate of Chilli Pasta bake.
It may not be obvious, however, amongst our happy band is culture vulture. The Fit One wanted to be back at the B & B early to catch the voting and final songs on the Eurovision song contest. To keep myself focussed I browsed my pocket copy of The art of war by Sun Tzu. Tomorrow, the crown was in play for the final year before joining the masters in 2010. In the room that night as the Fit One slept, you could smell the anticipation.
We arranged for Santiago to join us for breakfast at the Windsor Gardens B&B. It has got to be the best B& B in the Highlands. The owners, David and Dorothy Stewart were absolutely delighted to welcome us into their home. The Fit One learnt the meaning of 'shooting a texan heart' as he shared stories of his own gamekeeping experience in the heart of Clackmannan. Dorothy also agreed to let us use the showers on our return. There was no indication which of our personal hygiene made her feel the need to offer us a shower. Maybe it was Santaiago in the tent. However he will never sleep in the that tent again as when he arose in the morning he neetly folded the poles, gathered the canvas, and promptly dumped it in the bin - disposable tents - you heard it first here!
We trundled down to a heaving high street ready for out start times. Bigman was away first at 7:00 with JR and The Fit One off 2 minutes later with Santiago due later with full intent of gatecashing the early start time.
The early rain shower was easing as the gun went off and the 2009 Etape set off like a cork from a botttle, full of expectation. Bigman felt good. Stocked up with porridge and muesli for breakfast and his pockets stuffed with energy gel and dried honey coated bananas.
We climbed to the Queen's view in no time at all with minor skirmishes. Only one chap from the RAF team flew off into a ditch, after failing to take a corner on a downhill stretch and bounced like a remnant from the 633 squadron. He picked himself up and was quickly back on his bike. The Etape throws a few sharp bends after downhills and constant concentration is required. By the time we got to Kinloch Rannonch the peleton in which Bigman was travelling was making good average speed of 20mph. He was on track for sub 4 hours as the second half is generally faster. Round Loch Rannoch and the waving and cheering crowds inspired continued high speeds. After 40 miles, Bigman was 4 minutes inside the 2 hour mark and looking good for a sub 4 hour. He felt good, he looked good.
And then things changed..............
A 'closed road' protester had sprayed carpet tacks all over the road. It was mayhem. The leading peleton had crumbled faster than a digestive bisciut dipped in a cup of tea. Inverted bikes everywhere as earlier riders sought to repair the damage of multiple burst tyres. The Bigman knew something was wrong when the Madone felt more like a Dawes! Dismounting he spotted 3 tacks in the front tyre and subsequently to realise he had two in the back. Just as well he brought 2 spare inner tubes. A prompt change over got him quickly back on his way but not before the Fit One had passed checking that he was okay. He subsequently confessed to wearing a smug grin under that concerned exterior. It was shortly to be extracted from his face, by four punctures along with his temporary crown thanks to his choice of foodstuffs.
Three hundred yards later, the Bigman was once again counting the cost of the protest with another tack in his back tyre. This required him to break into the puncture repair kit. At a prssure of 120psi road bikes are not noted for being brilliant with repaired inner tubes, however it did the job, for the meantime. A great Dunkirk spirit was building amongst the riders as each sought to make sure the other was sorted and on their way, sharing resource, but not the tubes - there were no more! Bigman shared his current tube changing space with a fellow from London called the Londoner. He commented on his love of the Scots direct vernacular. As one chap from the Glasgow area passed, he enquired as to whether our ailment was as a result of the Tack Attack. When Bigman responded in the affirmative- the rider from the west commented 'the B******s'. It needed no more to be said as he passed on his way.
Near the top of teh steepest part of the climb, the Bigman landed another puncture in the back tyre. The inner was now resembling a patchwork quilt however this quilt was not to hold its patch. A few miles along the road and the tube was leaking air to the point that it had to re-pumped every 300 yards. This was not good. The Bigman managed to finish the climb and get to the food station where the Mavic wheel team were able to make an improved repair. Surely now it would be clean run home. Nope. Three miles down the descent and another puncture. With floppy ears and a Duracell impression on his face he pleaded for a spare tube as the packs went by. One guy stopped and offered him his last tube conditional upon if he gets into trouble the Bigman would stop for him. Deal. Bigman did not catch his cycle number however it epitamised the spirit amongst the participants. The Bigman plodded home in 6 hours 34 minutes.
Every rider Bigman spoke with agrees the locals have been brilliant and have made the festival a joy to attend. They cannot be held responsible for a few uninformed types who put peoples lives in danger. The weather was fantastic. The scenery was fantastic. Bigman did not achieve his sub 4 hours, however it bacame unimportant. He was able to help fellow cyclists in need and made new friends. He will be back next year.
PS The Fit One has greed there was no race and the Bigman keeps his title!
Bigman, The Fit One, JR - fresh from his oilfields in the north,we headed for the administration centre. The team who organise the Etape each year are so efficient. Always well organised and happy to help. On the way we browsed the bike shop. It was doing a roaring trade in inner tubes - 3 for £15. How prophetic!
After meeting with Santiago who was being hosted in a tent in Faskally, we went to register for the event. Goody bags were handed out with the usual aray of gifts from a range of sponsors. This year we benefitted from Adidas body odours - one for him and one for her - Mrs Bigman's christmas pressie has never been sorted so early in the year.
Next it was off for some carb intake. The Bibo cafe menu on the high street looked perfect. Even better was the customer centric approach to service. When asked when they stopped serving evening meals, we were told 'when it gets quiet'. This is hugely different from a previous experience in Tongue when we missed lunch serving by 5.5 minutes - and we only wanted soup. We each had the choice of champions, an excellent bowl of Lentil soup rammed down by a plate of Chilli Pasta bake.
It may not be obvious, however, amongst our happy band is culture vulture. The Fit One wanted to be back at the B & B early to catch the voting and final songs on the Eurovision song contest. To keep myself focussed I browsed my pocket copy of The art of war by Sun Tzu. Tomorrow, the crown was in play for the final year before joining the masters in 2010. In the room that night as the Fit One slept, you could smell the anticipation.
We arranged for Santiago to join us for breakfast at the Windsor Gardens B&B. It has got to be the best B& B in the Highlands. The owners, David and Dorothy Stewart were absolutely delighted to welcome us into their home. The Fit One learnt the meaning of 'shooting a texan heart' as he shared stories of his own gamekeeping experience in the heart of Clackmannan. Dorothy also agreed to let us use the showers on our return. There was no indication which of our personal hygiene made her feel the need to offer us a shower. Maybe it was Santaiago in the tent. However he will never sleep in the that tent again as when he arose in the morning he neetly folded the poles, gathered the canvas, and promptly dumped it in the bin - disposable tents - you heard it first here!
We trundled down to a heaving high street ready for out start times. Bigman was away first at 7:00 with JR and The Fit One off 2 minutes later with Santiago due later with full intent of gatecashing the early start time.
The early rain shower was easing as the gun went off and the 2009 Etape set off like a cork from a botttle, full of expectation. Bigman felt good. Stocked up with porridge and muesli for breakfast and his pockets stuffed with energy gel and dried honey coated bananas.
We climbed to the Queen's view in no time at all with minor skirmishes. Only one chap from the RAF team flew off into a ditch, after failing to take a corner on a downhill stretch and bounced like a remnant from the 633 squadron. He picked himself up and was quickly back on his bike. The Etape throws a few sharp bends after downhills and constant concentration is required. By the time we got to Kinloch Rannonch the peleton in which Bigman was travelling was making good average speed of 20mph. He was on track for sub 4 hours as the second half is generally faster. Round Loch Rannoch and the waving and cheering crowds inspired continued high speeds. After 40 miles, Bigman was 4 minutes inside the 2 hour mark and looking good for a sub 4 hour. He felt good, he looked good.
And then things changed..............
A 'closed road' protester had sprayed carpet tacks all over the road. It was mayhem. The leading peleton had crumbled faster than a digestive bisciut dipped in a cup of tea. Inverted bikes everywhere as earlier riders sought to repair the damage of multiple burst tyres. The Bigman knew something was wrong when the Madone felt more like a Dawes! Dismounting he spotted 3 tacks in the front tyre and subsequently to realise he had two in the back. Just as well he brought 2 spare inner tubes. A prompt change over got him quickly back on his way but not before the Fit One had passed checking that he was okay. He subsequently confessed to wearing a smug grin under that concerned exterior. It was shortly to be extracted from his face, by four punctures along with his temporary crown thanks to his choice of foodstuffs.
Three hundred yards later, the Bigman was once again counting the cost of the protest with another tack in his back tyre. This required him to break into the puncture repair kit. At a prssure of 120psi road bikes are not noted for being brilliant with repaired inner tubes, however it did the job, for the meantime. A great Dunkirk spirit was building amongst the riders as each sought to make sure the other was sorted and on their way, sharing resource, but not the tubes - there were no more! Bigman shared his current tube changing space with a fellow from London called the Londoner. He commented on his love of the Scots direct vernacular. As one chap from the Glasgow area passed, he enquired as to whether our ailment was as a result of the Tack Attack. When Bigman responded in the affirmative- the rider from the west commented 'the B******s'. It needed no more to be said as he passed on his way.
Near the top of teh steepest part of the climb, the Bigman landed another puncture in the back tyre. The inner was now resembling a patchwork quilt however this quilt was not to hold its patch. A few miles along the road and the tube was leaking air to the point that it had to re-pumped every 300 yards. This was not good. The Bigman managed to finish the climb and get to the food station where the Mavic wheel team were able to make an improved repair. Surely now it would be clean run home. Nope. Three miles down the descent and another puncture. With floppy ears and a Duracell impression on his face he pleaded for a spare tube as the packs went by. One guy stopped and offered him his last tube conditional upon if he gets into trouble the Bigman would stop for him. Deal. Bigman did not catch his cycle number however it epitamised the spirit amongst the participants. The Bigman plodded home in 6 hours 34 minutes.
Every rider Bigman spoke with agrees the locals have been brilliant and have made the festival a joy to attend. They cannot be held responsible for a few uninformed types who put peoples lives in danger. The weather was fantastic. The scenery was fantastic. Bigman did not achieve his sub 4 hours, however it bacame unimportant. He was able to help fellow cyclists in need and made new friends. He will be back next year.
PS The Fit One has greed there was no race and the Bigman keeps his title!
Saturday 16 May 2009
Ironman bribes Bigman exclusive
In order to motivate the Bigman to go for the 4 hour time ( 13 minutes faster than last year or a 5% improvement for the business types amongst you), the Ironman has promised to wait at the finishing line at 11.00 am tomorrow with an ice cream.
The deal is, if Bigman gets there within 10 minutes past the 4 hour mark, it is his to eat. If not, then the Ironman postpones his weght reduction strategy for 24 hours!
The Bigman is a generous soul and is keen to assist Ironman in his targetted weight reduction strategy!
Watch this space for an update on the Ice Cream war
The deal is, if Bigman gets there within 10 minutes past the 4 hour mark, it is his to eat. If not, then the Ironman postpones his weght reduction strategy for 24 hours!
The Bigman is a generous soul and is keen to assist Ironman in his targetted weight reduction strategy!
Watch this space for an update on the Ice Cream war
Ironman buys dress
In shock revelations, today's pre Etape bike had to be cut short to make sure the Ironman was home in time to assist Mrs Ironman buy a new dress.
Clearlt still 44 weeksto go until our Epic Caper in South Africa. Note to self, must check for shopping malls on teh 800k route :-)
Clearlt still 44 weeksto go until our Epic Caper in South Africa. Note to self, must check for shopping malls on teh 800k route :-)
Ironman in race night shocker......................
It was billed as a gentle event on the eve of the Caledonian Etape to keep Bigman's finely tuned engine lubricated and in tip top performance ready for race day. The Fit One was due to rendezvous at 08:15 he clearly had worked out the Ironman's ploy.............. he was nowhere to be seen. Was this a conspiracy? Were the Ironman and The Fit One conspiring to surrepticiously remove the crown from the widely parted head of the Bigman before he enters a class of his own next year in the masters class? The Pitlochry Echo will be full of the scandal if the hypothesis turns out to be true, and may even be full of the scandal if it turns out to be false.
The Ironman turned up with the Trek, with Bigman relegated to the Bataglin to avoid water from the road splashing the Madone. There was no competition. The Ironman pummeled the pedals up over Cleish leaving the Bigman to scramble for scattered remnants of oxygen in the wake. The Bigman 'bonked' on the eve of his big day, 364 days in waiting. It took a wide berth to pass the grin on his face as Bigman past Ironman on the downhill stretch.
A stop at the Powmill Milk Bar was required to replenish the fuel. The 'tank' of Bigman could only only be matched by the emptiness of the Ironman's wallet. Both were in need of replenishment. The credit crunch comes to Carnock.
The Ironman then proceeded to climb Mount veKnockhill like something out of Tam o'Shanter poetry. The Bigman could only hang on in a show of defiance that it is really not about the bike.
Is there a conspiracy? Has the Bigman burnt out for tomorrow? Which bike will he ride in the Etape? Will the Pitlochry Echo hold the front page? All will be revealed in tomorrow's post race analysis which you can only read here........................... unless you subscribe to the Pitlochry Echo!
The Ironman turned up with the Trek, with Bigman relegated to the Bataglin to avoid water from the road splashing the Madone. There was no competition. The Ironman pummeled the pedals up over Cleish leaving the Bigman to scramble for scattered remnants of oxygen in the wake. The Bigman 'bonked' on the eve of his big day, 364 days in waiting. It took a wide berth to pass the grin on his face as Bigman past Ironman on the downhill stretch.
A stop at the Powmill Milk Bar was required to replenish the fuel. The 'tank' of Bigman could only only be matched by the emptiness of the Ironman's wallet. Both were in need of replenishment. The credit crunch comes to Carnock.
The Ironman then proceeded to climb Mount veKnockhill like something out of Tam o'Shanter poetry. The Bigman could only hang on in a show of defiance that it is really not about the bike.
Is there a conspiracy? Has the Bigman burnt out for tomorrow? Which bike will he ride in the Etape? Will the Pitlochry Echo hold the front page? All will be revealed in tomorrow's post race analysis which you can only read here........................... unless you subscribe to the Pitlochry Echo!
Friday 15 May 2009
3 days to until the Etape
It was a cracking evening tonight as the Bigman and The Fit One sought to benefit from a fine albeit blustery evening to squeeze in a last few miles before 'pistols at dawn' ( okay it is 7.00am however live with the poetic licence) on the High Street of Pitlochry on Sunday. Squatted down on his tri bars The Fit One cut through the air with ease.
Contact was made with the third amigo from last year - the Aberdeen One. He claims to have done little or no training recently and is only going to enjoy himself. We have all heard this approach before. It is like the Ironman saying I am off out for a short jaunt. 3 hours later and 112 miles under his belt, he returns claiming to have enjoyed the warm up!
We will be wary :-)
Santiago is taking a different approach to warm up and plans to camp out in a tent the night before to loosen up his muscles. This is either a new training routine or madness taken to a new level. Time will tell.
Contact was made with the third amigo from last year - the Aberdeen One. He claims to have done little or no training recently and is only going to enjoy himself. We have all heard this approach before. It is like the Ironman saying I am off out for a short jaunt. 3 hours later and 112 miles under his belt, he returns claiming to have enjoyed the warm up!
We will be wary :-)
Santiago is taking a different approach to warm up and plans to camp out in a tent the night before to loosen up his muscles. This is either a new training routine or madness taken to a new level. Time will tell.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
The Un-named alias joins the peleton
After yesterday's brilliant experience, the Bigman received a text from an alias yet to be named inviting him to join him on a bike ride this morning. This could not be refused. It would have been impolite, more sun was forecast, it would have been madness. At 9.00 we met at the home of the unnamed alias who recently purchased a new Carerra road bike and agreed this was a day to visit the coffee shop with the finest views in Perth andKinross - Loch Leven's larder. We blasted up through Townhill so fast I can hardly remember the hill. The heat in the sun kissed our unshaven legs as we pounded into the easterlywind. A couple of Lejoggers were making their way over the Cleish. One was walking with his bike. The Bigman lifted the worried burden from his brow by letting him know he was only 25 years from the top. He returned a reluctant smile. He was carrying a sleeping mat on the rucksack on his back. Having recently done Lejog in 62 hours, Bigman knew his journey had some tales that best remain untold.
They flew past the Birdwatching cafe at Vane farm and up to Scotlandwell. What awesome scenery we have in Scotland.
In short order they arrived at Loch Leven's larder. Bigman flashed his loyalty card which was met with an appreciative smile. Bramble and Apple pie was on the menu. Yahoo! They made it a double. Mrs Bigman phoned from her work during the rest and he shared the views across the telephone. Something must have happened with the signal as he appeared to get cut off abruptly.
As they started back on the road, Bigman could smell the intrepidation oozing from the unnamed alias. The wind was their friend, however he had not yet made an acquaintance with the Cleish and The Bigman was once again aboard the Madone.
The unnamed alias is an experienced marathon man and knows the value of breathing. One key strategy he shared was to focus on breathing out. Apparently the other half of the respiratory pattern takes care of itself if you get the first half right! Just goes to show you are always learning!
A good climb was had by all and we breezed down the other side. It is great to cycle in Scoland.
They flew past the Birdwatching cafe at Vane farm and up to Scotlandwell. What awesome scenery we have in Scotland.
In short order they arrived at Loch Leven's larder. Bigman flashed his loyalty card which was met with an appreciative smile. Bramble and Apple pie was on the menu. Yahoo! They made it a double. Mrs Bigman phoned from her work during the rest and he shared the views across the telephone. Something must have happened with the signal as he appeared to get cut off abruptly.
As they started back on the road, Bigman could smell the intrepidation oozing from the unnamed alias. The wind was their friend, however he had not yet made an acquaintance with the Cleish and The Bigman was once again aboard the Madone.
The unnamed alias is an experienced marathon man and knows the value of breathing. One key strategy he shared was to focus on breathing out. Apparently the other half of the respiratory pattern takes care of itself if you get the first half right! Just goes to show you are always learning!
A good climb was had by all and we breezed down the other side. It is great to cycle in Scoland.
Gone with the wind ............
After a brief soujourn to Glasgow for a business meeting the Bigman was keen to blow the industrial cobwebs from his hair and turn the pedals for the first time since the monsoon season started in Scotland, at some point during the Highland Adventure ( actually just when the Ironman joined us. Is he the rainmaker? Discuss.) After providing unsupportive feedback to Mrs Bigman that he would not be allowed to leave his grass so long, we were out on the road faster than you can say 'here is the lawnmower'. After mounting the Cleish ( the fastest it has ever been climbed on a Monday in May since records began) we dropped down to Cleish village where we decided to extend the ride by about 10 miles as were going sooooo fast. On the straight we opened the legs and put the head down and went for it. Heart pumping, lungs bursting, legs like pistons, there was not enough oxygen for both athletes to use the same space. This felt good.
The wind was not our friend. The Ironman commented that we must having been moving faster than the wind as no matter which direction we travelled we had a headwind. This happens when you cycle with The Ironman.
Luckily I had the Madone out as it was nice and sunny however I did go through a puddle and put a splodge on the frame. It has now been removed. The Madone breezed through the wind over dell and dale. What a lovely machine. It's not about the rider........... it's all about the bike.
The wind was not our friend. The Ironman commented that we must having been moving faster than the wind as no matter which direction we travelled we had a headwind. This happens when you cycle with The Ironman.
Luckily I had the Madone out as it was nice and sunny however I did go through a puddle and put a splodge on the frame. It has now been removed. The Madone breezed through the wind over dell and dale. What a lovely machine. It's not about the rider........... it's all about the bike.
Cleish Climb Clamber
On sunday, with the rain falling all around and a window in the weather opening faster than an Everest Double Glazing salesman's closing pitch, the Bigman made a dash for an explosive climb up the Cleish before the rain set in again. 30 minutes to the top from his door is the fastest time he has ever achieved it on a Sunday in May since records began. What a speed, what a record, what a man.
The Fit One Snaps his chain faster than a BBC repeat...
On Saturday The Fit One set off on a mammoth ride with RBS around Midlothian. Some 10 miles into the ride he snapped his chain as they climbed the A7 with the hammering pumping pedal style of Jan Ulrich. Given the chain had already been shrunk in previous repairs there was nothing else to do but coast back down the A7 for 5 miles with literally NO CHAIN! After a short visit to a local bike shop, The Fit One has returned to the road keen to ooze extra miles into his schedule before the BIG one at Pitlochry on Sunday - The Caledonian Etape - Will the Bigman retain his title as king of the mountains ( okay so there were only three of us, however it is good for the confidence)
Watch this space for Sunday evenings announcement of the results
Watch this space for Sunday evenings announcement of the results
Hanging on to the bigman's lycra....
Met up with the bigman for an hour and a half sortie in the late afternoon spring sun. It was a stunning day and Fife was at its best.
The bigman picked me up at the house and we went over to his. I'd selected my 1970's 531 steel bike - the bigman pulled the Trek Madone 5.5 out of the garage. I was in the presence of greatness (that was the bike!). No rain forecast, sunny conditions it was without doubt a day for the Madone. At this point I regretted not taking my Trek out as well. The bigman on the Trek is awesome - accelerates effortless whilst climbing. I was going to well to hang on to his lycra....
We left the bigmans house and headed through Townhill and up to Cleish. The first hill was tough. The bigman has just recovered from a chest infection and I seemed to have picked one up - I think this was purely physcosematic once I saw the Madone coming out of the garage! I was left in the turbulence (dirty air to coin a formula 1 expression) as the biman shot off towards the top of the hill with me gasping for air and quietly praying for a puncture! Sometimes prayers are not answered the way we hope and I had no excuses....
The hill starts in Dunfy, through Townhill and then heads up Cleish - I suppose the bottom of Cleish is really in Dunfermline. The views from the top as we crested and looked out over Fife and up to Stirling were magnificent. You could see for miles and miles and miles. The bigman flew down Cleish with his brakes screaming at each turn. I took a more leisurely path to the bottom of the hill being a big fearty.
We truned towards Powmill and the bigman suggested a wee blast. He was off quicker than an MP asked about his expenses and soon opened up a 5m gap. I then had the moment of choice whether to grit my teeth and catch him or just let him go and meet up in Powmill. I decided to go for it, closed the gap and hung on as best I could. It was fantastic. The road was quiet and we were melting the tarmac. Well the bigman was and hung on at the back. We reached Powmill throughly knackered but really happy at the sprint we'd just completed.
We turned up the Knockhill road. It's a quiet road except on race days. We were riding 2 abreast and the road was quiet when this camper van went past blaring his horn. Twit. It's legal to ride 2 abreast (except when the police in Perth don't know the Highway Code!) and the fright you get when some donkey blares his horn is more likely to knock you off. For a brief second I considered trying to race the bigman up the final climb next to Knockhill race track. A foolish idea as he just put the power on and disappeared ahead.
We turned down to Saline in single file to avoid the commuters heading home and then it was back to Carnock.
No chain breaks, punctures or drama to report but a fab way to spend an hour in great company.
The bigman picked me up at the house and we went over to his. I'd selected my 1970's 531 steel bike - the bigman pulled the Trek Madone 5.5 out of the garage. I was in the presence of greatness (that was the bike!). No rain forecast, sunny conditions it was without doubt a day for the Madone. At this point I regretted not taking my Trek out as well. The bigman on the Trek is awesome - accelerates effortless whilst climbing. I was going to well to hang on to his lycra....
We left the bigmans house and headed through Townhill and up to Cleish. The first hill was tough. The bigman has just recovered from a chest infection and I seemed to have picked one up - I think this was purely physcosematic once I saw the Madone coming out of the garage! I was left in the turbulence (dirty air to coin a formula 1 expression) as the biman shot off towards the top of the hill with me gasping for air and quietly praying for a puncture! Sometimes prayers are not answered the way we hope and I had no excuses....
The hill starts in Dunfy, through Townhill and then heads up Cleish - I suppose the bottom of Cleish is really in Dunfermline. The views from the top as we crested and looked out over Fife and up to Stirling were magnificent. You could see for miles and miles and miles. The bigman flew down Cleish with his brakes screaming at each turn. I took a more leisurely path to the bottom of the hill being a big fearty.
We truned towards Powmill and the bigman suggested a wee blast. He was off quicker than an MP asked about his expenses and soon opened up a 5m gap. I then had the moment of choice whether to grit my teeth and catch him or just let him go and meet up in Powmill. I decided to go for it, closed the gap and hung on as best I could. It was fantastic. The road was quiet and we were melting the tarmac. Well the bigman was and hung on at the back. We reached Powmill throughly knackered but really happy at the sprint we'd just completed.
We turned up the Knockhill road. It's a quiet road except on race days. We were riding 2 abreast and the road was quiet when this camper van went past blaring his horn. Twit. It's legal to ride 2 abreast (except when the police in Perth don't know the Highway Code!) and the fright you get when some donkey blares his horn is more likely to knock you off. For a brief second I considered trying to race the bigman up the final climb next to Knockhill race track. A foolish idea as he just put the power on and disappeared ahead.
We turned down to Saline in single file to avoid the commuters heading home and then it was back to Carnock.
No chain breaks, punctures or drama to report but a fab way to spend an hour in great company.
Thursday 7 May 2009
Oh what a night...................
After having a couple of days off after the Highland Adventure ( and to shake off a chest infection I had developed) I returned to teh gym this morning for a two hour workout. One hour in the gym and one hour in the sauna and steam room.
I had agreed to check in with The Fit One to see whether he was a free for a quick one hour ride this evening. He was free and so it was game on.
We agreed the Aberdour Ascent was the target destination ................ or that was the plan! After cycling 50 yards the chain came off the front ring twice. Not a good start. After picking up The Fit One on route we hammered down to the docks and over the Inverkeithing hill.
Blasting our way out of Inverkeithing, I found myself on a spin bike shouting the famous words of Lance armstrong ......... NO CHAIN! Only in my case it was true. The chain had snapped and landed in the middle of the road. Just as well I had my chain splitter in my pocket. After a few minutes, a tidy job was completed and we were on our way once again. We breezed up the slight rise to Aberdour and turned left towards the Aberdour Ascent. We had just climed the steepest part when my back wheel seized. As I was standing up at the time, I felt myself being hurled towards the handlebars. Fortunately the backwheel released and control was re-established only for me to find the chain had snapped at the point where I had fixed it so recently.
At this point it was time to call the fifth emergency service - Mrs The Fit One - as my emergency service was not available for callouts. Synonomous with his title, The Fit One cycled back home whilst I shared a warm journey in the car.
Having cycled 355 miles, over 5 days, and climbed several thousand feet, it is bewidering that the chain should choose to pack in at this point. With the Caledonian Etape just days away I shall be investing in new chain tomorrow. Perhaps the Ironman and I should pack plenty of spare chains for the Cape epic next year!
I had agreed to check in with The Fit One to see whether he was a free for a quick one hour ride this evening. He was free and so it was game on.
We agreed the Aberdour Ascent was the target destination ................ or that was the plan! After cycling 50 yards the chain came off the front ring twice. Not a good start. After picking up The Fit One on route we hammered down to the docks and over the Inverkeithing hill.
Blasting our way out of Inverkeithing, I found myself on a spin bike shouting the famous words of Lance armstrong ......... NO CHAIN! Only in my case it was true. The chain had snapped and landed in the middle of the road. Just as well I had my chain splitter in my pocket. After a few minutes, a tidy job was completed and we were on our way once again. We breezed up the slight rise to Aberdour and turned left towards the Aberdour Ascent. We had just climed the steepest part when my back wheel seized. As I was standing up at the time, I felt myself being hurled towards the handlebars. Fortunately the backwheel released and control was re-established only for me to find the chain had snapped at the point where I had fixed it so recently.
At this point it was time to call the fifth emergency service - Mrs The Fit One - as my emergency service was not available for callouts. Synonomous with his title, The Fit One cycled back home whilst I shared a warm journey in the car.
Having cycled 355 miles, over 5 days, and climbed several thousand feet, it is bewidering that the chain should choose to pack in at this point. With the Caledonian Etape just days away I shall be investing in new chain tomorrow. Perhaps the Ironman and I should pack plenty of spare chains for the Cape epic next year!
Monday 4 May 2009
Highland fling......
What a fab day. Despite the weather and 2 punctures we've had a great day.
The chat was great. When I arrived at the luxury apartment, the guys made me really welcome. Dinner was excellent as was the malt! The room and bed was comfy enough but the state of the place was unbelievable - all the owner's stuff was lying round the place in piles of clutter. Outside the house was equally messy. There was a bizarre shed tied on to the top of an old caravan chassis with steps up to it and it seemed to form makeshift accommodation. All very odd.
The day started with a bang as the bigman said - just to add a wee footnote to that story. The wingman had repaired the previous puncture and changed my damaged tyre. It was after we'd pumped the tyre that it blew up with a bang. I have to confess that I assumed that the repair had blown. How wrong was I. The repair had held and the tube had split at a joint! The wingman's repairs are for life! I was grateful that they didn't fill the tyre with porridge as was considered - think of the mess post blow out!
The caravans were genuinely scary. They didn't seem to know the width of the caravan at the back of the car. Maybe this was the first weekend that people have towed the caravan after a winter in store. The A82 is a dangerous road and very busy. The 3 bikes afforded us some protection but we ended up riding quite defensively.
I believe that villages are already bidding, in Tour De France style, for next year's trip to pass through their town. The economic boost to the community is significant. Scones, burgers, coffee, pizza, fish and chips et al all profitable sales opportunities when the amigos hit town.
The guys are the best and have made my short journey with them really good fun. So a personal thanks to wingman, duracell and the bigman.
Had to say I did have a huge giggle when a few miles out of Dunfy I discovered that the bigman is considering a Dawes purchase. I wonder if he'll keep up with Duracell in the great Dawes ride off!
The chat was great. When I arrived at the luxury apartment, the guys made me really welcome. Dinner was excellent as was the malt! The room and bed was comfy enough but the state of the place was unbelievable - all the owner's stuff was lying round the place in piles of clutter. Outside the house was equally messy. There was a bizarre shed tied on to the top of an old caravan chassis with steps up to it and it seemed to form makeshift accommodation. All very odd.
The day started with a bang as the bigman said - just to add a wee footnote to that story. The wingman had repaired the previous puncture and changed my damaged tyre. It was after we'd pumped the tyre that it blew up with a bang. I have to confess that I assumed that the repair had blown. How wrong was I. The repair had held and the tube had split at a joint! The wingman's repairs are for life! I was grateful that they didn't fill the tyre with porridge as was considered - think of the mess post blow out!
The caravans were genuinely scary. They didn't seem to know the width of the caravan at the back of the car. Maybe this was the first weekend that people have towed the caravan after a winter in store. The A82 is a dangerous road and very busy. The 3 bikes afforded us some protection but we ended up riding quite defensively.
I believe that villages are already bidding, in Tour De France style, for next year's trip to pass through their town. The economic boost to the community is significant. Scones, burgers, coffee, pizza, fish and chips et al all profitable sales opportunities when the amigos hit town.
The guys are the best and have made my short journey with them really good fun. So a personal thanks to wingman, duracell and the bigman.
Had to say I did have a huge giggle when a few miles out of Dunfy I discovered that the bigman is considering a Dawes purchase. I wonder if he'll keep up with Duracell in the great Dawes ride off!
Ironman blowout gets the attention .........
Today was the final paragraph of the end of the beginning - The Highland Adventure. The plan was for 65 miles through Callander, Stirling and onto Dunfermline. The Ironman had joined us for the victory final 65 mile stage. Even last night the excitement was high, the tension exuding from surprising angles. Who could have thought that so much unrest could be caused over a block of Mozarella cheese or Buffallo Mozzarella balls? Only the masterchef, Duracell, could dare to send the Wingman back to the supermarket for the correct Mozzarella. It was all an indication of the heightened tension about the last stage. Who was going to blow up first?
The tension spread to the eight Dundee ladies sharing our hostel accomodation. So much so that they left for the next stage of their Rob Roy distance walk having left one of their party in the toilet, unnoticed.
It was pervassive.
We listened to the wind whistle through the night, and the rain pelt down outside. The break of dawn brought no change to the weather. Within half an hour of departure we were as wet sa teh £10 note of teh Duracell's john Bul printing set. On the climb over into Glen Ogle, the sun teased us with a shimmer through the rain. But it was only the warm up act for more downpours. Caravanners were really interested in our travels. It is the only reason we could find to explain why they should want to get so close. And get close they did with a few close shaves. I would love to say the journey to Callander was an experience to remember ................... but I can't. It was without question an experience to file in the 'forget it' box. I have cycled this road many times in fine sunny weather and the views over Loch Luibnig are stunning, but not today.
The coffee shop in the square in Callander brought a lift in our spirits with some fine fruit scones and nice hot fresh copy. The Duracell shared a route introduced to him by the Fit One which would take us off the main road and spit us out in Doune. This led to a good chat as we cycled and was a tremendous route with good views of the tumbling torent ............... that is, the one following the river bed rather than emanating from the sky!
Around Doune the weather faired better, and the roads dried. We blasted down past Blair Drummond Safari Park. The Duracell suggested we pop into see the Wingman's relations in the monkey house however time was short and lunch at one of the finest Italian cafe's in Scotland awaited the team - Corriellie's in Bridge of Allan. It has a been a friend to cyclists for many years with iconic imagery bedecking the walls. Even a pink version of Santiago's recent cycle wear hangs proudly above the tables. With the whiff of pasta filling our nostrels just 2 miles short of our target stop, we experienced only our second pucture of the trip, and of the day, and both on the Ironman's Peugot 531. The first happened before we left the hostel. Busy powering air into his tyre up to a pressure befitting his alias - 130psi, the tube exploded. It is a complete surprise that one of the ladies did not need to be resuscitated, such was the bang. However, it may have been the cause for the extended toilet visit referred to earlier! The second puncture was soon fixed and lunch ordered. Several pizzas and a pasta dish later and we were back on the road.
The cycle track from Clackmannan to Dunfermline is a superb surface for all types of bikes and we battered along at over 20mph, wind assisted.
And in no time at all, it was over. 355 miles, 5 days, three men and their machines and the Highland Adventure was finished. We tried to assess the best and worst hostel, the best and worst stretch, or the best and the worst moment. It was impossible. Everything about the trip was brilliant albeit in different ways - the food, the fellowship, the accomodation, and the experiences we shared together over the five days.
we had traversed Scotland from the East to West and hugged the coastline from Ullapool to Skye, and onto Fort William and experienced the magnificent Rannoch Moor in splendid sunshine. The Wingman has captured the long and the short of it in many pure dead brilliant photographs which will remind us in the years to come of the End of the Beginning - Highland Adventure.
Footnote
As for Curlie, she has been adopted by the Duracell and his family ................ subject to approval by the notorious Tiger...........
The tension spread to the eight Dundee ladies sharing our hostel accomodation. So much so that they left for the next stage of their Rob Roy distance walk having left one of their party in the toilet, unnoticed.
It was pervassive.
We listened to the wind whistle through the night, and the rain pelt down outside. The break of dawn brought no change to the weather. Within half an hour of departure we were as wet sa teh £10 note of teh Duracell's john Bul printing set. On the climb over into Glen Ogle, the sun teased us with a shimmer through the rain. But it was only the warm up act for more downpours. Caravanners were really interested in our travels. It is the only reason we could find to explain why they should want to get so close. And get close they did with a few close shaves. I would love to say the journey to Callander was an experience to remember ................... but I can't. It was without question an experience to file in the 'forget it' box. I have cycled this road many times in fine sunny weather and the views over Loch Luibnig are stunning, but not today.
The coffee shop in the square in Callander brought a lift in our spirits with some fine fruit scones and nice hot fresh copy. The Duracell shared a route introduced to him by the Fit One which would take us off the main road and spit us out in Doune. This led to a good chat as we cycled and was a tremendous route with good views of the tumbling torent ............... that is, the one following the river bed rather than emanating from the sky!
Around Doune the weather faired better, and the roads dried. We blasted down past Blair Drummond Safari Park. The Duracell suggested we pop into see the Wingman's relations in the monkey house however time was short and lunch at one of the finest Italian cafe's in Scotland awaited the team - Corriellie's in Bridge of Allan. It has a been a friend to cyclists for many years with iconic imagery bedecking the walls. Even a pink version of Santiago's recent cycle wear hangs proudly above the tables. With the whiff of pasta filling our nostrels just 2 miles short of our target stop, we experienced only our second pucture of the trip, and of the day, and both on the Ironman's Peugot 531. The first happened before we left the hostel. Busy powering air into his tyre up to a pressure befitting his alias - 130psi, the tube exploded. It is a complete surprise that one of the ladies did not need to be resuscitated, such was the bang. However, it may have been the cause for the extended toilet visit referred to earlier! The second puncture was soon fixed and lunch ordered. Several pizzas and a pasta dish later and we were back on the road.
The cycle track from Clackmannan to Dunfermline is a superb surface for all types of bikes and we battered along at over 20mph, wind assisted.
And in no time at all, it was over. 355 miles, 5 days, three men and their machines and the Highland Adventure was finished. We tried to assess the best and worst hostel, the best and worst stretch, or the best and the worst moment. It was impossible. Everything about the trip was brilliant albeit in different ways - the food, the fellowship, the accomodation, and the experiences we shared together over the five days.
we had traversed Scotland from the East to West and hugged the coastline from Ullapool to Skye, and onto Fort William and experienced the magnificent Rannoch Moor in splendid sunshine. The Wingman has captured the long and the short of it in many pure dead brilliant photographs which will remind us in the years to come of the End of the Beginning - Highland Adventure.
Footnote
As for Curlie, she has been adopted by the Duracell and his family ................ subject to approval by the notorious Tiger...........
Sunday 3 May 2009
Wingman eats his way across Rannoch Moor ..........
As we awoke this morning to fresh snow on the Ben, it was clear today was going to require men with mettle. The Duracell was to assume the temporary mantle of the Ironman, choosing to start the day with shorts and fingerless mitts – wisdom or madness, only time would tell. It was a dry start with a strong westerly wind which would be both our friend and our foe. The Duracell took a break from preparing breakfast and so the fry up was off the menu. Only the slice of Bigman’s porridge recipe would protect the athletes from frostbite and tiredness. ( It was not enough for The Wingman who managed to sneak in a cheeseburger and chips before 10.00 to maintain the carb count) ……………( it did not act like Radweld for the Duracell either as we still had to stop after 3 miles for a comfort break ……… again!)
The Fort was very quiet apart from the lone camper on the foreshore grassy bank. We wonder whether the owner really knew the pitching position.
Loch Lihnne was looking resplendent as the rain swept in from Mallaig heading ion a northerly direction. The Dawes gears were dropped and we upped the pace to miss the impending hosing. The strategy failed. Around Onich, it started to rain like it had not rained for days. Previous blogs indicate this is not a true reflection of the weather we have ‘enjoyed’. At Ballahullich a decision was required – coffee now or wait for the fast approaching sunshine and from the west and enjoy the 10 mile climb up through Glencoe in brilliant sunshine. We opted for plan B. Duracell agreed to plan B on the basis he could achieve a wardrobe change after drying out. Not every plan by the Bigman works out perfectly. We were moving so fast we were ahead of the ‘fast’ approaching sunshine. In fact, sunshine did not arrive for another 10 miles. As we approached the crest of the Pass of Glencoe, the Wingman was taking shots of the superb mountain scenery. Awesome. If it was not for the cheddar cheese dripping from his chin we may have remained ignorant to the carb induced moment that took place in the metropolis of Ballahullich village.
At this point, it is appropriate to publish the fact that the Wingman confessed to advising the Ironman ( who was joining us later) not to bring a pudding. Could it be down to the Cheeseburger he had just gorged?. The Duracell rebuked the Wingman with an instruction to the Bigman to advise the Ironman to ignore the ‘monkey’ and bring on the pudding.
It was about this time, that the Duracell made a request to the Wingman for a photograph where he was presented as being taller. After a short interlude, embracing a quizzical look, the Wingman in a stroke of genius asked the Bigman to stand in a ditch. Apparently Mrs Duracell will be pleased!
Coffee and scones were the order of the day at the Kinghouse Hotel. The view of Buchail Etive More out of the picture window was amazing. Magnanimously, The Wingman donated his shortbread to the boys on the bikes ……….. or was it sheepishly.
The trip across Rannoch Moor was one of the most memorable of my cycling experiences. There is nothing and nowhere that beats the breathtaking scenery of the
moorland in brilliant sunshine. Many have made the traverse, less have tasted the scenery with clear views however it is worth persisting to experience it.
The mild climb from Bridge of Orchy to Tyndrum held bad memories from a previous century ride. Today we were magnificent and modest. The Dawes was eating up the road. As an aside, the traverse was the finest road we have travelled over the 4 days which is more than can be said for the last section to Killin.
The Real Food Restaurant in Tyndrum served up a fine haddock supper supported by date cake. The Wingman, being on a seefood diet, went for the black pudding supper washed down by DIET Irn Bru.
The journey to Killin was virtually down hill for circa 20 miles rocket fuelled by the fish.
The Braveheart Backpackers Hostel was something special. It has to be experienced to be believed. A special benefit was the we company were afforded in the form of eight youthful ladies on a journey following the Rob Roy way. The Ironman regaled them with his manly experiences in the New Zealand Ironman. One by one they made their excuses and headed off to bed tired by the energetic enthusiasm with which the Ironman retold every moment of his 15 hour experience. The Ironman has some making up to do tomorrow. Having requested some pudding and port, he managed the pudding but pretended the port must have been a joke. He has not spent enough time on tour with the Duracell to understand we do not joke about port on tour.
It is now 23:22 and the Glenfarclas is draining faster than the laptop battery. Technical hitches with the hostel has meant this blog will not be uploaded until we find civilisation.
Tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is the final day. Tomorrow is the end of the end of the beginning. To quote a Churchillian quote from our trip …………. Oh yes!
The Fort was very quiet apart from the lone camper on the foreshore grassy bank. We wonder whether the owner really knew the pitching position.
Loch Lihnne was looking resplendent as the rain swept in from Mallaig heading ion a northerly direction. The Dawes gears were dropped and we upped the pace to miss the impending hosing. The strategy failed. Around Onich, it started to rain like it had not rained for days. Previous blogs indicate this is not a true reflection of the weather we have ‘enjoyed’. At Ballahullich a decision was required – coffee now or wait for the fast approaching sunshine and from the west and enjoy the 10 mile climb up through Glencoe in brilliant sunshine. We opted for plan B. Duracell agreed to plan B on the basis he could achieve a wardrobe change after drying out. Not every plan by the Bigman works out perfectly. We were moving so fast we were ahead of the ‘fast’ approaching sunshine. In fact, sunshine did not arrive for another 10 miles. As we approached the crest of the Pass of Glencoe, the Wingman was taking shots of the superb mountain scenery. Awesome. If it was not for the cheddar cheese dripping from his chin we may have remained ignorant to the carb induced moment that took place in the metropolis of Ballahullich village.
At this point, it is appropriate to publish the fact that the Wingman confessed to advising the Ironman ( who was joining us later) not to bring a pudding. Could it be down to the Cheeseburger he had just gorged?. The Duracell rebuked the Wingman with an instruction to the Bigman to advise the Ironman to ignore the ‘monkey’ and bring on the pudding.
It was about this time, that the Duracell made a request to the Wingman for a photograph where he was presented as being taller. After a short interlude, embracing a quizzical look, the Wingman in a stroke of genius asked the Bigman to stand in a ditch. Apparently Mrs Duracell will be pleased!
Coffee and scones were the order of the day at the Kinghouse Hotel. The view of Buchail Etive More out of the picture window was amazing. Magnanimously, The Wingman donated his shortbread to the boys on the bikes ……….. or was it sheepishly.
The trip across Rannoch Moor was one of the most memorable of my cycling experiences. There is nothing and nowhere that beats the breathtaking scenery of the
moorland in brilliant sunshine. Many have made the traverse, less have tasted the scenery with clear views however it is worth persisting to experience it.
The mild climb from Bridge of Orchy to Tyndrum held bad memories from a previous century ride. Today we were magnificent and modest. The Dawes was eating up the road. As an aside, the traverse was the finest road we have travelled over the 4 days which is more than can be said for the last section to Killin.
The Real Food Restaurant in Tyndrum served up a fine haddock supper supported by date cake. The Wingman, being on a seefood diet, went for the black pudding supper washed down by DIET Irn Bru.
The journey to Killin was virtually down hill for circa 20 miles rocket fuelled by the fish.
The Braveheart Backpackers Hostel was something special. It has to be experienced to be believed. A special benefit was the we company were afforded in the form of eight youthful ladies on a journey following the Rob Roy way. The Ironman regaled them with his manly experiences in the New Zealand Ironman. One by one they made their excuses and headed off to bed tired by the energetic enthusiasm with which the Ironman retold every moment of his 15 hour experience. The Ironman has some making up to do tomorrow. Having requested some pudding and port, he managed the pudding but pretended the port must have been a joke. He has not spent enough time on tour with the Duracell to understand we do not joke about port on tour.
It is now 23:22 and the Glenfarclas is draining faster than the laptop battery. Technical hitches with the hostel has meant this blog will not be uploaded until we find civilisation.
Tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is the final day. Tomorrow is the end of the end of the beginning. To quote a Churchillian quote from our trip …………. Oh yes!
Saturday 2 May 2009
It's not about the Dawes ......................
After a healthy fry up, we left the mainland of Skye via the bridge to enter the Island of Britain. The only item in our possession with greater viscosity of Oil was the Dawes. A decision was taken by the Wingman not to interfere as it may affect performance. The target was 80 miles through some of Britain's most rugged country. The wind was strong from the South West and so we were in for support through most of the journey. It was a bright and sunny start and we were covering the miles in no time at all. Eilen Donan Castle was looking magnificent against a building cloud base of angry sky. The weather was closing in. We breezed along Loch Duich as the magnificent 5 Sisters of Kintail came into view. Awesome. We were making such good time the coffee shop at Shiel Bridge ws not yet open. This despite the owner managing to ignore the presence of the Bigman at the window. Now he has lost a bit of weight however not that much. We decided to push on to The Cluanie Inn having climbed up from Shiel Bridge, in total 30 miles having been completed. Lady luck ran out and the rain closed in. The Five Sisters were no where to be seen. The next 10 miles was a blur. Dark, drookit, and downhearted. That about summarises the mood. The Wingman retreated to the comfort of the Audi and resorted to handing out bananas through the window. And then the sun came back to reveal a dusting of fresh snow on the mountain tops. The Duracell had to do a change of clothes at the Inn, such was the precipitation. A scone and coffee later and we were off again. Loch Cluanie was looking magnificent and the sun had regained its warmth.
At the end end of the loch we turned right and began the long climb over to Invergarry. The views were absolutely magnificent. The Duracell was on top form and made it to the top of the climb first. The icing on the cake was the 8 mile descent to the village of Invergarry. The only interruption before lunch was an oriental chap with kamikaze tendencies attempting a three point turn on a blind bend on a steep part of the descent. Having gained much experience in the clear and precise communication used by the Fit One in such situations, I was armed with a wide repertoire of instructions. He desisted his manoeuvre immediately and I avoided becoming a mount on a Renault Scenic. A lunch based on the food of champions - Haggis Neeps, and Tatties was the order all round with even the Wingman partaking.
It is as well we overindulged on the carbs as the last 25 miles after lunch was not good. Very wet, tourists keen to savour our aftershave they came so close, and into a westerly meant it was a long journey to the Fort. Tired and wet we retreated to the local for a couple of sherbets before tucking into a fine chicken curry washed down by a Petit Chablis.
Tomorrow we head to Killin where the Ironman will join us for dinner at the Braveheart Backpackers guest house and then the last leg on Monday of our Highland Adventure.
PS Corrie is no longer travelling with us.
At the end end of the loch we turned right and began the long climb over to Invergarry. The views were absolutely magnificent. The Duracell was on top form and made it to the top of the climb first. The icing on the cake was the 8 mile descent to the village of Invergarry. The only interruption before lunch was an oriental chap with kamikaze tendencies attempting a three point turn on a blind bend on a steep part of the descent. Having gained much experience in the clear and precise communication used by the Fit One in such situations, I was armed with a wide repertoire of instructions. He desisted his manoeuvre immediately and I avoided becoming a mount on a Renault Scenic. A lunch based on the food of champions - Haggis Neeps, and Tatties was the order all round with even the Wingman partaking.
It is as well we overindulged on the carbs as the last 25 miles after lunch was not good. Very wet, tourists keen to savour our aftershave they came so close, and into a westerly meant it was a long journey to the Fort. Tired and wet we retreated to the local for a couple of sherbets before tucking into a fine chicken curry washed down by a Petit Chablis.
Tomorrow we head to Killin where the Ironman will join us for dinner at the Braveheart Backpackers guest house and then the last leg on Monday of our Highland Adventure.
PS Corrie is no longer travelling with us.
Head in a spin....
I decided to head out for a wee run today to test out the achilles which has been sore for the last few weeks. Must have got all of 50 metres before I turned back and went home. Desperate to do something I went over to the gym with my 'sufferfest' podcast for a workout on the spin bike.
I arrived, plugged in and got started. About 15 minutes later a woman wandered in and started speaking to me - to be honest I'd tried to pretend that she was invisible but she wasn't having it and tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to set up her bike for her. I unplugged the headset and in a slightly frustrated way fixed her bike. Whilst doing this I enquired why she was in the spin studio - turned out there was a class on in 10 minutes.....
That depressed me. The classes are good but not really what I wanted to do. So when the instructor appeared I duly joined the 5 other wanna be fit souls in the class. It was quite good and in the end I did just over 80 minutes of hills, sprints and drills.
The best part of today was hearing that Caley had beaten St Mirren!!!
I have the honour of joining the touring party tomorrow night in Killen. My bike is hopefully still attached to the bigman's car and I'm doing the last leg with the peleton on Monday.
I'm not sure who is wearing the yellow jersey tonight - by his own admission I think the bigman acknowledged that Duracell edged it yesterday. Mind you given he has a bike that is slightly heavier than most mere mortals could handle he probably deserves the yellow jersey for rocking up doing some serious climbs round the west coast and managing a good daily mileage. Although I suspect he's a bit like the film speed - once he gets the bike speed up it's impossible for him to slow the mighty steed down! He doesn't get his blog name for nothing!
I arrived, plugged in and got started. About 15 minutes later a woman wandered in and started speaking to me - to be honest I'd tried to pretend that she was invisible but she wasn't having it and tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to set up her bike for her. I unplugged the headset and in a slightly frustrated way fixed her bike. Whilst doing this I enquired why she was in the spin studio - turned out there was a class on in 10 minutes.....
That depressed me. The classes are good but not really what I wanted to do. So when the instructor appeared I duly joined the 5 other wanna be fit souls in the class. It was quite good and in the end I did just over 80 minutes of hills, sprints and drills.
The best part of today was hearing that Caley had beaten St Mirren!!!
I have the honour of joining the touring party tomorrow night in Killen. My bike is hopefully still attached to the bigman's car and I'm doing the last leg with the peleton on Monday.
I'm not sure who is wearing the yellow jersey tonight - by his own admission I think the bigman acknowledged that Duracell edged it yesterday. Mind you given he has a bike that is slightly heavier than most mere mortals could handle he probably deserves the yellow jersey for rocking up doing some serious climbs round the west coast and managing a good daily mileage. Although I suspect he's a bit like the film speed - once he gets the bike speed up it's impossible for him to slow the mighty steed down! He doesn't get his blog name for nothing!
Friday 1 May 2009
Exclusive - Duracell spreads Credit Crunch to the Highlands
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What an end to last night - Sweet Home Alabama sung by Father Jack live at the Ferry Bar and dedicated to the Highland Adventure by The Ironman. Technology is amazing today and the quality of sound through a Nokia mobile phone as the band played has never been experienced before.
After much snoring by an unknown person in our room, and another unknown person deciding to get up dressed and packed at 05:40 only to find him having breakfast in the dining room at 08:30 made for a restless night for the team. Being athletes at heart, we skipped the bacon croissants this morning and opted for an extra large dose of porridge distributed inequitably. Stories of the three bears were being banded about.
The weather was calm, despite forecasts au contraire. Only a slight wind kissed Loch Broom as it passed in from the west. The climb from Gairloch was steady up to the famous Corrieschalloch gorge. The broom was in full bloom and the adventurous rhodedendrums shooting buds early were amazing to view. Hanging a left and onward and upwards we climbed into the sunshine. A magnificent rainbow pointed our direction towards Aultbea and Guinard Island. As we headed west, the view down on Loch Broom confirmed we were on top form to have climbed so far, so fast. The Fit One would have been impressed, .........The Ironman would have been long gone!
Having crested the watershed, the downhill was longer than an Alpine championship run and ended with a coffee shop in Dundonnell overlooking Little Loch Broom, providing a superb variety of cakes, freshly brewed coffee., and a magnicifently warm welcome. 28 miles completed of the 80 target with only 2 hours gone which was a good pace given the terrain. The wind was to achieve everything that was promised in the forecast.
Back on the road and climbing again, the views were breathtaking (or was it just the climbing). We raced the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to the mouth of the loch. Across the crest of the hill, and Guinard Island exploded in front of us. Sandy beaches glowing in the sun, ocean blue sea melting into the blue skies and the only thing of concern was the coffee shop owner's warning of the Aultbea Ascent that would require even the world renowned Ironman to submit to a walk up. You could taste the apprehension in the air. With the Wingman shooting anything that moved .............with his camera ............... it would have been so easy to be tempted by the taxi service he was offering to the top of the ascent. We were made of tougher stuff! Whilst the Bigman managed on his lowest cog, the Duracell completed the ascent with cogs to spare. On the other side of the mountain the wind has developed significant strength and the sea was whipped up to a frenzy with significant white horses. We were slapped around like lottery balls on a Saturday night as we fought manfully to hold the bikes stable. The journey to lunch in Gairloch was going to be a long one. Lunch in the Mountain Coffee Bar was a very solid Sweet Potato Soup rammed down by the biggest Prune Scones witnessed in the history of mankind. It is just as well we had a solicitor in the company as his credit was not good. The Credit Cruch is spreading faster than you can say Swine Flu. 50 miles done. It's three o'clock and time to hit the trail again. With a galeforce wind from the west we were fired out of Gairloch like a cork out of a bottle ................ but more of that later! Loch Marie and the mighty Slioch, what a sight in the majestic sunshine. The Duracell has scaled twice in the past however we did not have time for the treble today. As we approached Kinlochewe, the skies darkened, the rainfall promised for today started to fall faster than a bank share price. After a quick committee discussion, the Duracell wanted to keep going ......... quel surprise, time for some sense and the Wingman was given the casting vote. 79 mile done, A warm A6 beckoned, and the chariot carried us over the bridge to Skye and the warm welcome of Saucy Mary's guest house.
It is everything we had imagined! Enough said :-)
Live in the bar, we are currently enjoying a light applejuice listening to a blues band called 'Wing and a Prayer. Which takes me onto tomorrows 76 mile trip to Fort William and a rocking Saturday night in the Fort.
After much snoring by an unknown person in our room, and another unknown person deciding to get up dressed and packed at 05:40 only to find him having breakfast in the dining room at 08:30 made for a restless night for the team. Being athletes at heart, we skipped the bacon croissants this morning and opted for an extra large dose of porridge distributed inequitably. Stories of the three bears were being banded about.
The weather was calm, despite forecasts au contraire. Only a slight wind kissed Loch Broom as it passed in from the west. The climb from Gairloch was steady up to the famous Corrieschalloch gorge. The broom was in full bloom and the adventurous rhodedendrums shooting buds early were amazing to view. Hanging a left and onward and upwards we climbed into the sunshine. A magnificent rainbow pointed our direction towards Aultbea and Guinard Island. As we headed west, the view down on Loch Broom confirmed we were on top form to have climbed so far, so fast. The Fit One would have been impressed, .........The Ironman would have been long gone!
Having crested the watershed, the downhill was longer than an Alpine championship run and ended with a coffee shop in Dundonnell overlooking Little Loch Broom, providing a superb variety of cakes, freshly brewed coffee., and a magnicifently warm welcome. 28 miles completed of the 80 target with only 2 hours gone which was a good pace given the terrain. The wind was to achieve everything that was promised in the forecast.
Back on the road and climbing again, the views were breathtaking (or was it just the climbing). We raced the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to the mouth of the loch. Across the crest of the hill, and Guinard Island exploded in front of us. Sandy beaches glowing in the sun, ocean blue sea melting into the blue skies and the only thing of concern was the coffee shop owner's warning of the Aultbea Ascent that would require even the world renowned Ironman to submit to a walk up. You could taste the apprehension in the air. With the Wingman shooting anything that moved .............with his camera ............... it would have been so easy to be tempted by the taxi service he was offering to the top of the ascent. We were made of tougher stuff! Whilst the Bigman managed on his lowest cog, the Duracell completed the ascent with cogs to spare. On the other side of the mountain the wind has developed significant strength and the sea was whipped up to a frenzy with significant white horses. We were slapped around like lottery balls on a Saturday night as we fought manfully to hold the bikes stable. The journey to lunch in Gairloch was going to be a long one. Lunch in the Mountain Coffee Bar was a very solid Sweet Potato Soup rammed down by the biggest Prune Scones witnessed in the history of mankind. It is just as well we had a solicitor in the company as his credit was not good. The Credit Cruch is spreading faster than you can say Swine Flu. 50 miles done. It's three o'clock and time to hit the trail again. With a galeforce wind from the west we were fired out of Gairloch like a cork out of a bottle ................ but more of that later! Loch Marie and the mighty Slioch, what a sight in the majestic sunshine. The Duracell has scaled twice in the past however we did not have time for the treble today. As we approached Kinlochewe, the skies darkened, the rainfall promised for today started to fall faster than a bank share price. After a quick committee discussion, the Duracell wanted to keep going ......... quel surprise, time for some sense and the Wingman was given the casting vote. 79 mile done, A warm A6 beckoned, and the chariot carried us over the bridge to Skye and the warm welcome of Saucy Mary's guest house.
It is everything we had imagined! Enough said :-)
Live in the bar, we are currently enjoying a light applejuice listening to a blues band called 'Wing and a Prayer. Which takes me onto tomorrows 76 mile trip to Fort William and a rocking Saturday night in the Fort.
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