Mad dogs and english eh well scots men......

It was a cool, damp, dank day in Fife when the Fit One rolled into Carnock. The plan was to reverse the route we did last weekend because of a stiff easterly but as we travelled the plan changed - plans are meant to change and be flexible.

The Fit One has a new set of wheels. A Felt black assassin - deadly uphill and silent as night (compared to the grumbling Scott of a few weeks ago!) For the price he paid it seems pretty good value with a compact chainset on the front, decent gear changers and wheels.

I, on the other hand, was pretty dishevelled (edited for another heinous spelling mistake picked up by moonwalker!) with no matching kit and wearing tri shorts because all of my shorts are in the wash!

We breezed down the hill to Cairneyhill, through to Newmills and then took the first change in route to add the climb up to Upper Valleyfield. We then had the benefit of the downhill into Culross. Culross was busy with tourists but we didn't really notice because being pushed by the wind we were moving at pace.

Just as we were going through Culross a brown dog, unattached to a lead or owner decided to cross the road regardless of 2 bikes moving at pace towards him. He stuck his nose out into the road and it was almost removed! Fortunately, he stopped just in time and a mild swerve took us past him.

The climb up to Clackmannan was easier with the wind behind and we were admiring the Fit One's bike so much we almost crashed into the back a of blue car parked on the road. That wouldn't have been a first for the Fit One who was once pedalling through Torryburn with the Bigman when a parked car got in his way and next thing he was enjoying the comfort of the back seat - albeit in the midst of shattered glass! Fortunately on this occasion we avoided a similar outcome.

We took the road up to Forestmill and then the Fit One urged a second change of direction to take on the Col De Carnock instead of the potter home through Saline. I agreed. Last time we went down the link road that connects the road to the bike track I got a puncture so I was slightly concerned but either the winds or a road sweeper had cleaned the road of thorns and pointy things and we sailed on to the bike path.

Our second dog encounter was with a black lab on the path - it appeared, wandered around and as we approached watchfully entirely disappeared - no idea were it went. Our third dog encounter was weaving our way through a couple of kids with a spaniel. The Fit One sped through them with a warning shout - no problem. I on the other hand took my time, so much it allowed the dog to dive in front of me. I wobbled, swung left and missed him.

It may be a cycle path but it's not a place for speeding bikes.

We turned to face the Col. This time the Fit One, slipped down a gear or 2 and the benefit of the compact gears he flew up the hill and appeared at the top without a bead of sweat to cross his brow. I bounced up. I love the Col - it's my favorite hill. It has a fairly even gradient up to about 30m from the top when it gets steeper until the turn to the drop down to Carnock.

My fourth encounter was with the neighbours Bull mastiff who escaped from the back garden was out and about - not where he should have been. He's just about 6 months old and a bundle of fun. I managed to persuade him back to the garden.

It was a day for mad dogs and scotsmen!!

Another great day out. I probably wouldn't have gone out today without the encouragement of the Fit One. The value that our friends bring to the journey is incredible and if we have the Fit One pushing us to train we will be fitter and better prepared next March.

Tomorrow's a run day......