7 mile stitch....

I'm following a marathon training regime set out by the marvellous Sam Murphy. I rate her running books more than most others. Her starting out training programmes are good and I've completed 2 marathons using her marathon plans.

Running is a complete release to me - it was a stunning morning - beautiful blue sky and Fife at its best. The plan said run for an hour at a steady pace. So that's what I did. Well almost an hour, 55 minutes and just over 7 miles done.

Running gives me the chance to think and relax. I enjoy the solitude of the road and the opportunity to listen to good music. The time passes easily and I feel exhilarated as the endorphins kick in. As they say old age doesn't come alone and my hips are evidence of this. I always felt my body had the mileage of a 25 year old on the clock. What I mean is that although I'm in my prime at 45 now I've only really been running for a few years and therefore my joints have only done the running of a younger person. Now I think I'm beginning to feel the miles and the reality of training hard may have to be given some thought....

Decided to do Ironman UK next year and I suspect that will be my last.....

Who knows....

I didn't get a stitch today but couldn't think of a better header!

Mountain biking tomorrow. Can't wait.

Record rides and 5 mile runs....

What a day. Record breaking.....

My bike was looking great - new chainset fitted. I decided to fit my tri bars in preparation for the Carnock Epic in a couple of weeks. I fitted them wrong - probably as you'd expect. I didn't find out this crucial fact until later in the ride.

So feeling in Ironman mode (I was wearing my Ironman Austria top) I set off. Braked to turn corner 1 and my brakes stuck. Disaster. I stopped. A quick check of the bike revealed my own stupidity - I'd fixed my tri bars around the brake cables - doh! Anyway, yanked the cable and the brakes came loose and I was was off again. 30 odd seconds lost....

The saline climb seemed easier with my new compact chainset - not Mont Ventoux but a good start to the Carnock epic course. I was flying. I reached the Forestmill cafe turn feeling strong but slightly frustrated - my right tri bar was loose and part of the challenge was holding it up while in the tuck position. I managed to stay low most of the way to the turn and realised things were going well.

The path was busy but not excessively so and I managed to keep a good speed up to the Carnock turn off. I was left with the Col Du Carnock - it was easier on the compact. A final spin at the top, down the hill and I was home in a PB OF 58:46 - A full minute off the previous best. YE HA!

The gauntlet is truly thrown down....

I know the boys are up for it and will be back to give the challenge a good go.

I had a wee run later in the day. 5 miles at 8minute mile pace. I was expecting to be knackered but once I got moving I actually felt pretty good. I love running......

Chainrings and indoor spins.....

I woke up feeling tired. A bad sign usually but when the alarm goes off at 6:30 and you didn't venture to bed until 12:30 tiredness is inevitable.

I've not got as much work as I'd like, usual summer quiet time, so my thoughts turn to other things. The new shimano chainset arrived yesterday and I'm joining the ranks of the compacts. The regular chainset boys and girls will be sniggering but after following the bigman up most of the hills recently I thought I'd give it a bash. It's all about the bike I've come to realise and not about fitness and strength......arf arf.....

So I took my bike to local repair centre along with my recently ebayed chainset - it will take a week he announced. I was disappointed, I was keen to get out on it quickly but I smiled and said there was no rush....

Mid afternoon it was back - ready to roll. I picked it and set off home. Then the huge dilemma....

New chainset, open road beckoning or cut the grass. What to do? The weather looked dodgy not only for today but for the next few days so believe it or not I cut the grass. I counted dragging the mower through soggy grass as cross training which added to my 40 minute run of this morning made me feel I'd had a reasonable day.

Moonwalker arrived home and announced her physio was coming over. No excuses. That was me off to my spin bike for an hour. It was a cracking set following the instructions of the Sufferfest. I peeled myself off the bike a hot sweaty mass! Not an attractive sight! My diet is going well and if I can keep working at it I'm sure I'll be in good shape for Loch Ness.

So hopefully I'll get to try the bike tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be awesome!!!!

Memories of Alpine Traning Camp - Mont Ventoux

Wedensday 1st July 2009

Height - 6561ft

Distance - 21km

Height gain - 4500ft

Max gradient - 12%

Avg Gradient - 8%

The forecast was claiming temperatures to exceed 100 degrees fahrenheit over the next week and so we decided to make the three hour car journey to Provence the previous day to allow for an early start for THE BIG ONE.

Having set off around mid-day, we made a Decathlon stop in Orange ( part of a historic family cultural experience) before heading to Bedoin for base camp. Literally. we were staying overnight in a two man tent. The overnight provided the opportunity to have a holiday within a holiday and being between jobs required budget constraint.

First task in Bedoin was to identify a 'suitable' campsite. The first choice was a four star - relative luxury and promoted its passion for nature. Well, that is what I thought it meant. As we drove up the road to the entrance, the enclosed 6 foot wooden fence was a curious observation not previously seen in any campsite we had previously visitied. On arrival at the main gate the reason became clear for a couple of reasons - one the sign was more explicit in its defition of Naturisme and second, if there was still any doubt, a couple in their sixties were making their way to reception. They could not have been going there with the purpose of purchasing anything as there was nowhere to carry money ..... enough said, and a quick u-turn took us to campsite number 2.

The reception hut looked like it had been constructed from driftwood and much green moss type algi covered the visible caravans. Onto site number three and the temperature is approaching 38 degrees .......... outside!

A fine looking swimming pool set overlooking the valley with the reception office a part of the owners villa style accomodation. so far so good. The toilets were clean and well looked after and so we checked in - 11 euros for the night for a tent and two people. Within budget. The initail pitch had some fine views over the valley however the beach type shingle on the hard standing area was not conducive to a comfortable nights sleep. A revised pitch was agred - less scenic however a better nights sleep - we thought!

We walked down to the village to stroll amongst the shops and streets of this village so famous, as the only route up Ventoux used by the Tour because it is the hardest of three access roads. Unrelenting the guide book warned. Bedoin is a beautiful village with picture postcard style restaurants and street cafes. Whilst it does attract road bike cyclists, not in the same volume as the Alps.

We ate at Relait du Mont Ventoux which featured as the Tour passed by this year. The food was superb. A good value 3 course meal for less than 20 Euros. Clearly, only one seating was the custom and we enjoyed sitting on the street side on a balmy summers evening with crickets in the trees, an accordianist playing french stuff in the background. Carbing up in this atmosphere was a great experience.

We returned to the campsite around ten o'clock as the bells in the church told the village the time. I had no idea campanology was a nocturnal exercise.

At eleven, on the chiming of the bells we decided it was time to snuff out the mosquito protection candle and retire to our 'castle' en Provence. we had a big day ahead.

At twelve o'clock, it was assumed that the bell ringers would knock off cos it was getting late. At one o'clock we decided they must really be enjoying this hourly rendition. At two o'clock, the repertoire was twice as long as one o'clock but hardly tuneful. More like a name that tune competiton. I heard the bells at three however woke at 04:10 concerned that something might have happened to the bell ringers as I did not hear the four o'clock bells, only to be re-assured by Mrs Bigman that they had indeed chimed. I relaxed.

At 6:45 we decided to enter the day, gald we would not have to listen to the Bedoin capanoligists practising their limited repertoire for another evening.

Tent packed up and breakfast in the village with fresh croissants and we were on our bikes by 7:45 and even then it was hot. Our thinking was not original. Several cyclists had already started their climb. One of the unique features of Mont Ventoux climb is that 15km of the 21km is in the trees and you have no sense of teh height you are gaining other than messgaes from leg muscles to brain. The first 5km average about 4.5% as you weave your way through vinyards - a gentle warm up. The the fun begins. The next 8km double the average gradiet to 9% with nothing under 8.7% in each km covererd, it is constant, it is wearing. In the Alps the switchabcks offer respite as they generally are almost flat. Not here. The corners resemble the sides of a velodrome track banked high and a gradient count of 10% in themselves! The guide books advise you to take it easy on the lower slopes and use lower gears than planned to avoid burn out before the difficult bits at the top. I needed no second invitation. With no wind in the trees, the flies were a constant nuisance constantly bathing in the torrents of perspiration running down my face, which all added to the 'experience'.

After the first 13km the gradient eases to 7% for 3km which takes you to Chalet Reynard at 1419m. You have 600m to climb over the next 6km. To give local perspective, this is twice the height gain of the Col du Cleish climb in 3/4's of the distance. The thought of coffee quickly dispelled from Bigman's brain, as Mrs Bigman pushed on past onwards to the top effortlessly ........or so it appeared.

At Chalet Reynard, I know we will do it. We still have 'fuel in the tank' and it has taken less than 90 minutes. It is how and the air is noticeably thinner however not unbearable. In a recent blog I read about the Etape de Tour apparently around one third of participants walked some stages of this climb. We are doing well.

The last 5 km give you a good view of the radio mast and buildings at the top however no view of the snaking nature of the road to get there. The white mountain top resembles a road through the desert. Apparently, it was caused by people in medieval times taking the trees from the top to make ships. With the winds synonomous with this area, all the soil was blown away when unprotected and has never grown anything since.

The last 5km has no gradient less than 9% with the last two averaging 9.5% with some stages up to 12%. Tom Martin masked the gradient well as he led the peleton to the top recently however as you watch spectators maintain the pace of the bikes you get some relative perspective of their pace using big cogs to drive forward.

With 2 km to go , you pass the Tom Simpson memorial stone. the British rider who collapsed and died at this spot during the 1967 Tour de France. The records of the event indicate his final instructions were to 'put me back on my bike'.

A quick health check re-assures me, Mrs B has no requirements to learn the whereabouts of the insurance policies!

Mont Ventoux was the scene of a grudge match between seven times Tour winner, Lance Armstrong, and Italy's Marco Pantani in 2000. Pantani was one of cycling's great climbing greats and matching his pace that day helped Armstrong win the Tour. So he allowed Pantani to win the stage. The proud Italian, who died in 2004, never forgave Armstrong for not fighting for the stage win. He said it demeaned his victory.

There is good camaradory amongst cyclists encouraging each other to the top. Past Chalet Reynard, where three acees points come together, everyone has the same aim on this road. To conquer Mont Ventoux. Amongst the biggest and most brutal of climbs in the Tour circuit. This is a mountain where the wind is never you friend as you twist and trun, rocking and rolling up the gradient.

And then you arrive. It is done. With almost a sense of anti-climax, the hardest climb in the tour is done and you have something left in the tank. As you look over the Provence region, you let your mind wander to the Tour gladiators who will fight out, what is expected to be the deciding stage of this years Tour as the penultimate stage of the 2009. Photographs taken, sights swallowed and it is time to leave the tourist shops and stalls and back on the bike for the descent. But not before a couple of French Air Force Mirage jets fly overhead. Both climbing from the valley below, one turns upside down as he flies over, whilst the second flies through the col below the toursit spectators.

The heat haziness means we have limited expectation of clear photographs of the magnificent vista on each side of the the mountain. Below you is the valley of the Rhone, to the south the Mediterranean, and to the east, the Alps. Memories will need to come from within. As we descend wearing our 'I dun it' grin, respect is shown from open shirted, perspiring, panting, cyclists on their way up in what is now 90 degree plus heat.

It has been a great experience to have climbed the BIG ONE.

We celebrated with a coffee in Bedoin before saying our farewells to one of the Tours great climbs knowing that as we watch the penultimate stage of this years Tour live on television, we will have shoulders back and head held high thinking those immortal words of that great Welsh rugby fan , Max Boyce, "I was there".

Bigman suffers piston seizure

Bigman's pistons were creaking after the punishment taken yesterday in the sprint finish on the climb stage (albeit not quite Hors Categorie) in the morning with a view to getting Mrs Bigman to her meeting on time and then the alledged gentle turning of teh pedals in the afternoon with the Ironman finishing on teh Col du Carnock which is definitely an Hors Categorie in gradient if not in distance.

Today it was time for a gentle turning of the pedals out to the Aberdour ascent and back. It was to be an easy ride to stretch the legs. An easy ride including the Aberdour Ascent is a paradox, but that describes the Aberdour Ascent. It is a riddle wrapped in an enigma surrounded by some of Fife's finest scenery.

The strong south westerly was neither your enemy nor your friend twisting and turning, buffeting this way and that. There was no expectations of record setting today. Well, perhaps a lighthearted attempt at improving the Ascent time. In the end the pain in the legs was too much and the record could only be improved by a few seconds to 4mins and 7 seconds. Bigman kept thinking of the Ironman catch phrase.......No gain without pain :-)

The circuit time was just over the hour which was fine as no attempt was being made on the General Classification time and a few incidents on the way would not have helped.

It was good to turn the pedals. On the return weigh-in, the weight was nestling tantalisingly just over the 13st and 8lbs. A little more pain required to wring out a quarter pounder that would set new record.

Still, eight months to go before the day of reckoning on Table Mountain.

It was just an easy ride out this afternoon

Today was a game of two halves. In the morning, inspired by a bright sunny dayBigman and Mrs Bigman decided to speed across teh forth Bridge to the Linlithgow Canal Bistro. It was a stiff south westerly. One of those wind directions that prevents easy progress, however unlikely to support you in your return journey. The view from the bridge was cracking. In days like these Scotland is a picture postcard and the scenery lives up to the reputation.

Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the bistro cafe. The cakes were limited in choice and devoid of flavour. It must have been an off day cos usually the investment in the journey to this stop provides greater returns than a bank share!

They flew back to the bridge and up through Inverkeithing. On cresting the climb Mrs B noticed she had 11 minutes to be at a meeting in Dunfermline. Bigman was despatched to fetch the car and so it was pedal to the mettle up and over Masterton climb and then up over the Garvock Ascent. Before he could park his bike in the garage, change his shoes and reverse the car out of the driveway, Mrs B appears pummeling down the hill in a sprint finish that even Mark Cavendish would have been proud of. With her light frame and Alpine climbing experience she is fast becoming a Tour contender.

With Mrs Bigman off to a meeting a wee txt to the Ironman, and a rendezvous was set up to do some reconnaisance work on the Col du Carnock International meeting route in late August.

Neighbours in Carnock have reported strange lights across the fields after midnight. Is it Aliens making crop the circles? Is it criminals pursuing their professions? Or is it the Ironman getting in some extra training to claim the Carnock crown in his home country. All this Tour spectating is building national pride in the metropolis of Carnock.

It was agreed to have an easy ride to allow time to take in the climb lengths, the number of bends, and analyse the gradients both up and down. The stiff Westerly was not going to make the journey easy. A reasonable pace was maintained up to Saline with the Ironman confirming they were only a minute off his record time. That was fine. It was, after all, an easy ride. Down the Saline brae and dogs cowered behind hedges as the whoosh flew past, both at a reasonable pace.

Quickly the Forestmill turn off was upon us. This has all the hallmarks of a do or die junction and will deserve respect. There will be no prizes for hospitalisation on this event.

There has never been an accident on the International col du Carnock meet. Okay so there has never been an International Col du Carnock meeting but lets not allow the facts to get in the way of sensationalist journalism. The 300 readers of this blog are all highly intelligent. Who else would read such quality stuff?

After debating whether the car behind was letting us cross the road for the right hander to the rod leading down to the cycle track or just lining up his grill for mounting a madone on the front we shall never know however the guys crossed the carriageway and with a single motion were flying down the hill with warp speed back up to 25mph. After all this was only an easy ride.

A few bystanders on the cycle path looked bemused at these lycra clad middle aged men blasting their way along the path however always showing resepct for fellow path users even if this was not reciprocated by the woman with five mussled lurchers. The dogs could say nothing, their master choose to not reciprocate pleasantries.

The Col rushed towards the pair and then the sky came down to meet them as the mighty Col pointed skywards .................... and it was done. The end achieved in a time of XX mins. With the competition for Carnock Crown hotting up, it would be inappropriate for me to divulge the time.

It was after all just an easy ride this afternoon :-)

40 miles covered in the morning, and another 28 covered in the afternoon, we are another step closer to the Epic Caper in South Africa. At the weigh in post outing this afternoon, Bigman was down to 13st 8lbs equaling the pre Alping Altitude Training Camp ( which had required much re-hydration)

The metrics are heading in the right direction. what could possibly get in the way of an even leaner, fitter, faster Bigman?

Contador might have a race on his hands.......

The text lit up my phone at lunchtime. Fancy getting out on the bike later in the afternoon it beeped. We agreed 4.15pm at Carnock....

The bigman appeared on time - one thing on his mind - the Carnock Epic. Lets run the course.

We set off, timers clicked into action and we pedalled off up the wee hill out of Carnock. The bigman said let's take it easy - words that weren't really meant to be taken literally. We started at pace. I felt rusty and a bit tired but I was determined. I think yesterday's 11 mile run was still in my legs but I really had no excuses as the bigman had already completed a 40 mile tour earlier in the day.

He was pushing and I was hanging on. A regular tale recently. I felt like I was holding him up - not only felt but knew, there was no doubt he was faster than me. We reached the top of the climb to Saline a good 50 yards apart - I was behind. I checked my watch and we were a minute down on my previous best but then we weren't going for the record were we!

We turned into a really stiff westerly - it was hard going. The bigman was in front I was gasping for air behind. Everytime I moved in front to take my share he moved to one side to confront the breeze. I was pretty sure he wanted to do the ride unsupported. We reached the cafe at the end of the Saline Road and turned gleefully away from the head on wind. The downhill past the pig farms was a joy (despite the whiff of lingering pig poo in the breeze!).

Time was passing slowly! We were moving quickly - well the yellow peril was and I was still in the same grit the teeth and stick in. We were held up a few times on the path by dogs, people and small children. Some of the folk with dogs looked at us with disdain and our thanks remained unacknowledged. Frustrating cos it is after all a cycle path....

Anyway back to the col du Carnock, our local Alp D'euz. The bigman was flying up the hill. I was out of the saddle breathing out of everywhere. At the top there was no time to relax. The final push and we were back - 63.11 (edited - error notice by Fit One) on the clock. An amazing time for the 31.4km course.

All of the training is paying off....

PS The bigman's gone and got work. I wonder if it will affect the training regime......

Ironman gives it all .................... too soon.

For the first time this week, it was settled sky and the team was all available for our Saturday morning outing. Bigman, Ironman, The Fit One, and Santiago.

Bigman even took the opportunity to leave behind the winter jacket and longs but still took preventative measures to include the overshoes. In Cycling, there is only one thing worse than a wet shorts and that is wet feet.

Ironman was on the spare bike as he waits for a delivery of 'go faster' spokes and the Fit One is having a 'go faster' big ring fitted to his Scott and so they may both be at a disadvantage today. The bookies will sleep easy today confident that the clever money may not have been wisely invested.

They sped up Mont VeKnochill and out to Yetts of Muckhart and then up Glen Devon to Auchterarder. It was indeed a glorious day to be out amongst the hills and glens of Scotland.

A fine coffee stop at Kissa Cafe in Auchterarder and they were carbed up for the climb back up through Glen Devon. Ironman and Bigman had a good head of steam and zoomed up the climb at about 24kph with the chasing pack behind. Santiago and the Fit One were holding back as they will be taking part in the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris tomorrow so have have decided to hold something in reserve.

A short sprint competition took place as we approached the hotel. santiago had been looking good int eh earlier spreints and so he was kept in the dark about th finishing line Iromant hs foottal and spd in what he felt was an unassailabe lead. ah the impetuous nature of youth. So many before him, in their search for Tour stage glory, have gone too fast, too soon,. And so it came to pass, Bigman tucked in behind Ironman, with 20 yards to go eeked past him on the outside in time to cross hene much to the audible disappointment of the Ironman.

As the radio version of a replay took place over the next couple of miles, the pace lightedned to allow for recovery time before teh final climb of teh day back over Mont VeKnochill, our local Mont Ventoux. There was no LAnce, no Contador, the Schleks were busy and Bradley had anotehr important date and so it was left to Ironman, Santiago, The Fit One, and Bigman to fight it our for the polka dot jersey of the day. Fresh for his alpine altitude training camp the Bigman had teh metres in his legs to hold off the young pretenders.

77km covered at an average speed of 26kph is a good average given the climbs. Only slightly slower than their kindred spirits on the other Mont Ventoux!

It's not about the bike.....

Today was a cracker. The weather, company and coffee stop all combined to make it a cracker.

I set off from the house on my old bike, the blue one from the France photo, the spoke that was burst is still in the shop. The Fit One kindly told me that only Fat Gits burst spokes.......

Anyway met the guys at the usual road end - we set off in the sunshine up Knockhill. We had a full squad - the bigman, fit one and santiago. The Fit One wasn't feeling very fit - he'd been a bit moby dick on the way up to meet the boys but soldiered on regardless. The concluded view is that 3 weeks of intensive training has resulted in a bad bout of Overtraining. A few days rest will do him good.

As an aside a couple of the boys are off to Paris for the day tomorrow to watch Contador on his parade lap - they are going to have a great time! Personally I'm very jealous - I'll watch it on ra telly!

Anyway the route was agreed as being over Glendveon again to Auchterarder for coffee at Cafe Kriss. The climb through Glendevon was stunning. I use the word climb with caution given the alpine adventures of the bigman - it was a climb for the rest of us!

Santiago and the Fit One went off on one on the downhill and left myself and the bigman in there wake - the old bike was rattling down - I felt like Scotty on the Enterprise 'she can't take anymore!' as the old bike charged downhill....

The coffee stop was as good as ever - great cakes! We like a good cake!

Our return trip was great fun - the bigman and I led the climb up to Glendevon - it's not a difficult climb and we kept the speed up at 16mph most of the way up. I led the bottom section and the bigman took us to the top. A shake of hands as we crested the rise recognised a good effort.

At the top the fit one suggested a race to the hotel in Glendevon. The next few miles became a tactical battle. Would anyone go for it? How would the pelaton react? We pedalled a few miles waiting to see what was going to happen. Nobody was exactly certain where the hotel was so it was cat and mouse....

The number of houses started to increase. I drifted to the back of the pack. Dropped 10 yards off the back. The time was now, more and more houses, an old bike and my lack of sprinting ability. I decided to go for it. I wound it up, warp speed 2 was achieved and I cruised past the pelaton leaving bewildered cyclists in my slipstream. I had it. I could taste the victory. I'd left the pack and I was on the road to a momentous victory.

The next moment Santiago, crouching tiger hidden tri bars, flew past - it was like I wasn't pedalling. A second later the Bigman cruised by. My chance was gone. I was done. But then a chance, Santiago had missed the Sprint race announcement and slowed down. I was catching. More and more houses came to view.....

Bigman sensed the danger and moved ahead of Santiago but he was uncertain of how far to the hotel. I was catching by the second. The finish line just round the corner I knew I had a chance. I kicked hard on the pedals, sucking hard on the clean Glendevon oxygen and for the second time felt the whiff of victory in my nostrils. I was there. Then the 'shadow' appeared. Small to start with but quickly darkening the bright sunshine.

In a streak of yellow he went past, I was spent, nothing to give, he was gone. Gutted.

Victory for the bigman.

It was great! The race was fab. I was on my old bike but don't think it made a difference to the outcome of our race - it's not about the bike it's about sheer leg strength and the bigman is in good shape. I'm on his tail though......

The trip home was straightforward. Bigman blitzed Knockhill - showing his true climbing prowess - he is a machine. I cut off to Saline and was home.

It was truly a grand day out.......

The Alps - Bourg d'Oisans

Saturday 27th June 2009

Distance - 16km

Height gained 50m

Max gradient - not worth mentioning!

This indeed was a real rest day, like all good tours. If it is good enough for Contador, it is good enough for Bigman.BOurg is a pretty little village that caters for ski-ing, walking and biking with one main thorough fayre where it all happens.

A great spot to watch the world and their expensive bikes go by.

The Alpes - Col d'Ornon and Villard Reymond ascent

Sunday 28th June

Statistics

Distance 52km

Height gain - 4062ft

Max gradient - 12%

Avg Gradient n/a

It was another cracking sunny day and the plan was to climb the Col and watch the annual Vaujanay sportive which ascends 12350ft over 173km.

Once again, the scenery was awesome and the views across the Romanche valley to Alpe d'Huez made you respect even more the challenge achieved earlier in the week in climbing the 21 famous bends.

Roads on stilts, hairpin hugging twists, the climb up the valley had it all.

The road racers were now pelting downhill towards us, sometimes on the wrong side of the road on blind corners. With no closed roads and a steep cliff face to one side and a sheer drop to the other, this felt a dodgy practice. It makes you wonder what all the fuss is about in the Caledonian Etape. The highest numbered cyclist we spotted was 2560 so a few riders taking part.

As we crested the Col, I spotted a fellow cyclist sporting the Scotland cycling top. Turns out he hails from Fife and is in France for a week. Today is a warm up for next Saturday's Marmottes race - climbing 16,250ft over 175km and including, Col du Glandon, Col do Telegraphe, Col du Galibrier, and finishing with a 'sprint' up Alpe d'Huez. Maybe next year, I suggest in a non-commital sort of way.

As we finished our coffee in the Col Hotel, we headed back to the junction that would take us up again to the Village of Villard Reymond and a climb up through the gorge. The ascent was everything that ws promised in the guide book. The drop at the unprotected single track roadside was so severe, we cycled up the wrong side of the road!

It had been hoped to cycle down the other side of the mountain however the road was a mountain track and not well suited to road bike tyres and so we returned by the same route to avoid the risk of puctures.

A walk with the Moonmutt.....

It was balmy when I ventured outside at 6:45 this morning - maybe it was me rather than the weather that was balmy setting off for a run so early. It was a good day for running - warm, no wind and the sun glinting through the clouds. Today was a tempo run - a steady pace for 25 minutes - not too challenging but enough to raise the heart rate. As I got back to the house Moonwalker was heading out the door with the Moonmutt so I decided to join them on the morning wander.

We did our usual circuit chatting about the day ahead and moonwalkers upcoming Cairngorm Challenge - we're heading up for a training weekend in a week or so and I'm looking forward to getting out on the mountain bike again.

When I got home I decided to jump on the spin bike and did an hour's training the company of the Sufferfest podcast. It's a great training set that get everything moving and gives you a hard workout. Spinning is really all about you. You have control of the resistance - the less you add the easier the workout and vice versa. I cranked the resistance up for the 2 big climbs and spookily given the Bigman's post of today coasted down the virtual Col Du Galibier (on the podcast) as I recovered.

If you want a good spin workout search for the sufferest on the podcast section of itunes - they give a good workout with great music - I must add a link to the website to the page....

Tomorrow I'll run and spin again - need to look at my programme to see what needs to be done. The weight is coming off and I remain just under 14 st - the plan is working.

The Alps - Les Deux Alpes.

Friday 26th June 2009

Statistics

Distance - 24km

Altitude - 5360ft

Height gain - 3022ft

Max gradient - 7.8%

Avg gradient - 10%

Having cycled up 15000ft of height gain over the first three days, it was time for an easier day! So we plumped for the other side of the valley and climbed the less daunting Les Deux Alpes which has a mere 10% maximum gradient but still a stiff average at almost 8%.

The Fit One's hero and copycat cycling style, Jan Ulricht won the Tour de France in 1997 when he was only 23 and was expected to dominate for years. In 1998 he led the race before the stage from Grenoble to Les Deux Alpes. It was a stage full of mountains. Marco Pantani attacked on the Col du Galibrier and won alone on Les Deux Alpes. Ullrich lost 9 minutes on this stage and lost the tour.

In 2002 the stage was won by Santiago. Not our Santiago but Santiago Botero, a columbian.

The bends only number 10 and count you down to the summit ski village similar to the Alpe d'Huez. For most of the bends views across the Romanche valley are blocked by vegetation.

However shorlty before you arrive in the village you are rewarded with phenominal views across Lac du Chambon below and over towards Col du Galibrier.

The gradient is fairly steady and the village was arrived at within the hour. As Alpine ski villages go, this is fairly unimpressive. It is clearly trying to build seasonal business through downhill mpountain biking trails and with several 'bikers' wearing mega knee pads and full helmets it is clearly buildingacustomer base. It seemed strange to cycle past people wearing ski suits who had just returned from ski-ing on the glacier whilst we cycled in shorts and short sleeved shirts.

The return to the car was fairly uneventful although the ascent and descent were rewarded with re-hydration at a well positioned hotel over looking the barrage du Chambon acquainted by several other 'roadies' in blazing sunshine.

Mrs Bigman sets a new personal best to Lochleven's Larder

Still in holiday mode, Bigman and Mrs Bigman headed out for 'social' cycle. Well, that was the plan initially. It is difficult to classify the ascend of Col du Cleish in significantly less than 30 minutes a social cycle! With the International Col du Carnock Classic shortly to be contested it would be inappropriate to provide the specific climb time.

It was a fine sunny day and they breezed up through kinross to the Lochleven's LArder coffee stop for carb intake in teh form of Apple Pie and Scones washed down by a fine Earl Grey tea. As teh arrival at the coffee shop was within the hour, a record time for Mrs Bigman, the rewards were well deserves.

On the return leg, a stiff wind out of the west proved an opportunity to build muscle as the pair drove hard up and over Cleish only to be welcome by a downpour that lasted about 4 minutes but felt like it managed to deliver 4 gallons of water and then after 400 yards not a sign of water on the road. One for Arthur C. Clarke to explore. Not that they are paranoid!

A good 43k run with fine refreshments.

Bigman then headed into the Gym for a 60 minute workout to do some upper body work along with cardiovascular stuff on the running machine a step machine. On the running machine he achieved an impressive 10miles per hour for 60 seconds with teh heart rate remaining within 80% max heart rate. A good workout and he is starting to shed the French kilos!

The Alps - Cols du Lautaret and Galibrier

Thursday 25th June 2009

Statistics

Col du Lautaret - Height 6690ft

Col du Galibrier - Height 9230ft

Height gained - 6955ft

Distance - 70km

Max gradient - 9% and 12 % respectively

Avg Gradient - 3.8% and 8% respectively

If Alpe d'Huez was amongst the most brutal of Tour climbs, then Galibrier is amongst one of the highest. Indeed, it is one of the highest roads in Europe.

The Col du Lautaret is a pass that forms the main road from Grenoble to Briancon and a major traffic route from France into Italy with Turin just a few miles further. The Col d'Izoard climbs out of Briancon and towads Italy which we will climb later on in the training camp.

As you climb from the valley floor, at least the one at the foot of Alpe d'Huez, you pass through dramatic scenery in the Romanche Valley. When you arrive at the 'Barrage du Chambon', another hydroelectric dam, you see the most magificent blue lake stretching into the distance as mountains sides throw themselves up steeply from the blue water. We taste our first experience of cycling through alpine tunnels. Where they are short, it is not a problem. Where they are long they require nerves of steel. The lighting, if present, is not great and not helped if you fail to remove sun shades! As vehicles enter the tunnels you only here a deep rumble approaching and unless a straight tunnel ( not many in hillsides) then you cannot tell initially whether the vehicle is a car or a truck ( makes a diference if it is going to hit you) or whether it is coming towards you or from behind. It was in a 750m tunnel that we had our first altercation with a French truck driver in the aptly named Tunnel do Grand Clot. The driver had clearly received a new Klaxon for his Christmas and was

keen to share this with cyclists as he went by in tunnels. Speaking personally, I am surprised I did not hit the tunnel roof. It was not a pleasant experience. In a wide open space it would have been loud. In an enclosed tunnel barely wide enough for two cars let alone a truck it was surprising in execution and deafeningly audible. I thought about how the Fit One would have reacted and filed that thought for later. The remaining tunnels, of which there were many, became white knuckle affairs and one was motivated to cycle through at pace.

As you climb through the trees with the crystal clear water running alongside the road back down to the lake, the Glaciers of Le Meije check your progress from 12935ft above you. The ice cliffs are a stunning sight , especially when contrasted against the green hill-sides. On this occassion I managed to get Mrs Bigman to agree a coffee stop was appropriate to study the glaciers.

A few switchbacks thrown in for good measure and soon the Col du Lautaret was on the horizon. However, visibility is not always a good thing as it is a long slow climb winding in the horizon.

The Col resembles Sauchiehall Street ( busy city centre street in Glasgow, for international readers and those from Edinburgh who have not yet ventured further west than Livingston) on a Saturday afternoon. Road bikers, lycra clad appear from three roads as they converge at the Col resplendant with tourist tac stalls and a couple of restaurants. There is a common aim for all cyclists and it is the ascend of the Col du Galibrier, a pass over into the Maurienne valley and towards Bourg St Maurice the finish and start point for two stages in the tour this year.

During a descent from the top of Galibrier, the Col was the scene of the first of only three fatalities in the 106 year history of the Tour de France. In 1935 the spanish rider Francesco Cepada crashed there and sufferd head injuries. He died three days later. The Tour last climbed this route in 2008 on the way to Alpe d'Huez.

Quickly after leaving the green pastures, the mountains turn to brown rocky crags on the horizon and snow fields appear by the roadside. You are reminded that you are about to cimb to over 9000ft on your bike as the warm air is diluted with a chilling wind. After a couple of more twists in the road the Klaxon Krew came into sight parked at the side of the road. After quick resume of the feedback repertoire I had heard the Fit One previously deliver in rapid fire resembling a gattling gun shooting words faster than you can shout 'circle the wagons', and then having to work out which I could translate into French, I expressed surprise and dis-satisfaction at his decision to sound his Klaxon in such an inappropriate place. Well, that was the gist of the meaning anyway. It may well have been shortened to Vous etes un idiot accompanied by gesticulations which are universally recognised across Eurpoe.

A portly chap returned fire through his bushy,salad clad, moustache and started to run up the 8% gradient to continue his delivery. It may have been 6 steps, it may have been 8, either way, the intent did not match the reality. I felt he may now realise what it feels like to be Frank Schleck when Lance Armstrong puts his foot down. So much for the entende cordial. Well it was not him who would have to do the washing that night!

You are given no clue as to when and where the col will appear. The constant switching backwards and forwards either has the wind helping you or pushing you backwards and the gradient does not ease. It is 8 km from Col du Lautaret with a max gradient of 12% and average 0f 8% over that 8k. There is no easy way to claim success on Galibrier.

The first Tour de France rider to cross the Col was Emile Georget in 1911. Georget, Paul duboc, and Gustav Gavrigou were the only three riders who did not have to dismount and walk the last part of the climb. No pressure Bigman, I thought.

And then it appears. High above your head, you see cars and campervans forming a snake like line crawling up the route to the top.

You are reminded of Tour history as you pass a memorial to the fouder Henri Desgrange. This is just before you pass a tunnel enabling cars to avoid crossing the Col. Bikes are barred!!!

As I took the penultimate switchback the road raises its game to 12% and there is the professional photographer expecting you to shoot him your best smile through clenched teeth. 'Bon courage' comes back the encouragement as he passes you a web address lest you forget how you are feeling at this moment................. a pain portrait.

I focussed on the team back home and the encouragement they would provide if they were here with me. I stood on the pedals as I rounded the final bend and counted to 50 pedal revolutions and awarded myself a seat again.

Who would know if I replicated his forefathers and walked the last 100 yards? I would. I have climbed 7000ft over 35km without any descent and I am not getting off now.

And there it is. A magnificent view down to the Maurienne Valley.

It is done.

A few minutes spent sharing the excitement of the achievement with fellow champions and it is back down. 35km of down hill ranging from 21% to 4%.

Mrs Bigman has had another brilliant day, savouring some of the worlds most beautiful scenery from the 'comfort' of her saddle. But that is another story!

Tomorrow's ride will feature the Fit One and Santiago whose heroes play a big part on the Tour folklore of Les Deux Alpes, another ski resort Tour finish. But that is for another day.

Bigman's gone mad.....

The plan was to meet up for an hour. The day looked promising. The sun shone all morning and it was looking good for our 2pm rendevous to take on the Carnock Epic course....

I got up early and jumped onto the treadmill - it's great having one in the house cos you can run in whatever you fancy - today it was my boxers. Not got the physique of a greek olympic athlete....yet! So with my interval session done I headed off to the office knowing that I'd get out later on the bike. Intervals are where you alternate between fast and steady pace to raise your heart rate and increase performance.

As I mentioned it was muggy and warm - good news. The bad news came at about 1:30 - rain - not just any old rain but heavy downpours of the stuff. Bit a mixed summer so far. I wonder what has happened to the promised scorcher! So I called the bigman and suggested that we delay. I suppose I wimped out, a pathetic effort from one who is aiming to take on the Cape epic next year.

No wimping for the bigman - he stormed out on the knockhill loop in the rain. The weather is no barrier to a man on a mission. Given the sheer quality of the downfall including some lovely thunder and lightning (Although that may have been the big(mad)man blasting through Carnock in Back to the Future stylie!) I was stunned he set off. Mind you, he's so fit he probably was able to dodge the rain!

Tomorrow's a new opportunity and I plan another run - a steady tempo session and a spin set on the bike.

The back wheel has been delivered to the shop for a new (aero dynamic) spoke and I ordered a new Shimano compact chainset for the Trek. I don't think it will make a huge difference but it might make me think I'm better on the hills....

I finally weighed myself post holiday and I'm under 14 st and given the number of cakes I ate in Brittany some sort of miracle has occurred! Croissants must be a weight loss aid after all.....

Ironman mettle melts as Bigman bounces back

Fresh from the sunny Alpine mountains where there is more precipitaion comes from the brow than from the sky, Bigman was keen to benchmark his fitness levels on the Cols of Fife he has come to know and love. Ironman and him were due to go out today however rain stopped play as they say.


Bigman, having enjoyed 4 weeks of dry, warm cycling then decided he needed a doze of reality, banged on the winter gear and flew out the door in one movement thus avoiding any oportunity for re-evaluating the hasty decision. Whilst he has many miles under his belt, he also has beaucoup du kilo above le belt! .....hence the bouncing back. The investment today will remind him of teh winter months of training in this climate to come and will pay dividends on the Cape Epic.

It was serious precipitation as he left to climb up through Townhill targetting the Col du Cleish as the first test. A steady pace and limited pain in the legs he pushed harder into the strong easterly. The road easily gave way as he pounded up the hill, as if bowing before this alpine crusader, his 12 pack serving to break through the colliding wind in an aerodynamic way no peleton of 200 cyclists could compete with.

There was much debris on the road with high risk of punctures but even the mighty Lance Armstrong can get a puncture as we saw last week. Four weeks in France and not a puncture between Bigman and Mrs B however the French do sweep the cycle lanes!

Overthe top of Col du Cleish and it is decision time - opt for the shorter version and dash through the puddles back over Mont Veknockhill or take the scenic route via Powmill with the option for cake and coffee. Cake and coffe for a few extra miles seems like a good deal. He held a steady40kph along the rolling road to Crook of Devon supported by the wind from behind. It might even have been a good drying wind, if the rain had not continued to fall in torrents. The Powmill coffee shop in sight and another decision. Is he serious about the Cape Epic or is it all a bit of laff?. He is serious. No coffee, No cake, No rest. Back to the climb over Mont Veknockhill which would require him to turn into the wind. Every hill has a requirement to exert energy to move forward. The key difference in France was that there is no respite. even the corners on Mont Ventoux have a camber the height of an indoor cycling track bend. In Fife the hills have little 'shelves' where you can recover before the next push. And so it was, Bigman pushed on as if he was Lance himself ascending Alp d'Huez to claim victory. As the trees swayed in appreciation. and the thunder clapped overhead, it was good to be recognised.

The driving rain diluting the perspiration as it trickled with increasing accelaration into his eyes, the wind ensuring it reached the very recesses of the eyeball for maximum stinging effect, the muscles straining at the demand put upon them to climb faster than had been achieved before, aaaaaaaaah it is great to be cycling in Scotland. Bigman is loving this experience.

Cresting the top in the top gear provided an island of perverse pleasure in such a sea of miserable conditions.

A blast back down to Dunfermline and 45k had been bagged in a time that will need to remain secret as the internationally recognised cycling meet for the 2009 Col du Carnock Carnival is just around the corner.It would be inappropriate to divulge the fitness level. Suffice to say Bigman was not unhappy, with scope for improvement of the next few weeks.

The Alps - Alpe d'Huez

Wednesday 23rd June 2009 - Ascent of Alpe d'Huez

Statistics

Distance - 45km

Altitude - 6012ft

Ascent - 3737ft (over 14km)

Max gradient - 14%

Avg gradient - 8%

This was the big one ...................... a mecca for cyclists. Even as we cycled from the campsite along the valley floor to the foot of Alpe d'Huez in the village of Bourg d'Oisans, it was like a scene from the movie 'Stepford wives' as all the road cyclists made their way in the early sunshine to one of the most famous climbs on the Tour de France circuit.

Early pain was experienced as you try to crane your kneck upwards seeking out the village of Alpe d'Huez nearly four thousand feet above you to be covered in less than 10 miles.

Marco Pantani set the record for the climb in 1995 at 37 mins 35 seconds. ( The service bus takes 40 minutes!) An enjoyable climb will be a successful result and Pantani can rest easy his record is safe!

There was little or no wind as the first climb approached. Each of the 21 hairpin bends is numbered with the names of previous tour stage winners. Lance Armstrong is the first name on bend 21 for his 2001 victory. ( The bends count down to let you know you are getting closer!)

Alpe d'Huez first featured in 1952 when a local hotel owner convinced tour organisers to visit. It was 20 years before it reurned however has hardly missed a year since.

From bends 21 to 17 the climb is at its steepest at around 12/13% with the distance between bends at its shortest. After bnd 17 the gradient eases to a mere 8 - 10% until near the end.

After bend 21 I was passed by a fellow 'Trekkie' on his 2009 version of the Madone which had been fitted with a triple ring. He is spinning at a rate of knots a 78 rpm long playing record could have been banging our a tune. This does not seem like long term plan.

Mrs Bigman encouraged me to go for it. As I have been looking forward to this particular mountain, I did not have to be invited twice to burn some rubber in a measured way. The guide books advise you should leave some energy in the tank for the later stages. My fellow Trekkie was wound in and soon passed as he continued to spin at Vera Lynn pace. He puts up a 20 yard sprint however this energy is spend faster than a 10 euro note in a french coffee shop.

I opted for the steady cadence and allow the gradient to dictate the pace. The scenery is awesome ............. the road above looks terrifying. You never seem to see the whole story ahead as the road twists and turns keeping the next switchback secret until you have earned the right through gaining the height to tick off another bend. The tree lined route brings a range of aroma including the scent of burning clutches from the regular flow of tourist cars buses and lorries making the climb to the village.

One such driver, of a cement mixer heading down, clearly pursues a pastime of rally driving at the weekends evidenced by the attempt at accelarating out of a corner. Ordinarily this might be interesting to watch on TV however I had a front ringseat and had visions of mounting the Bataglin in a truckers trophy sort of way on the front of his cab. This is the type of road people don't get a chance to learn from their mistakes if they misjudge a corner.

It is a matter of balancing pace with stamina, The guide book states max gradient of 14% however you have no indication of whether you have passed it or whether it has still to come. Around bend number 9 you break out through the treeline and the fruits of your labours are laid out below you as the road twists and snakes spilling itself down the side of the mountain to the valley floor with the village of Bourg d'Oisans visble in the photograph below the cliff face.

As you approach each corner, the previous winners are named. It is surreal to think icons of the cycling world have cycled this bend having already done 150km and doing it much faster. At the village of Huez, 6km from the top, bystanders encourage sweating, panting, cyclists as they pass by with shouts ao Allez, Allez, Allez!

As you passed bend number 3, a professional photographer encourages you to smile in a, this is no problem and I am having fun, sort of way. And then you can return your face to contorted wrinkles resembling the 21 squiggly bends printed on 'Alpe d'Huez - I done it' T shirts. At bend 3, you have just 3 kilometres to go and the ski village is visible above your head. Compared to what you have just climbed, it is nothing. however the past is history and you still have several hundred feet to climb. Close is not success. You just have to focus. As you turn around bend 1 the road reaches up to a 12% gradient in one last effort to beat your will. And then you arrive, passing through a corridor of cafes, on the only flat section for 10 miles and then the finishing line is there before your eyes.

The village is bustling with crowds of fellow cyclists each wearing the same sort of smile from ear to ear. This is a village full of smiley people already re-writing their tale of how brilliant they were on the day they ascended Alp d'Huez.

Mrs Bigman is one of those claiming a personal triumph as she crossed the line to climb her highest ever peak.

What a day.

After suitable refreshments, the decent brings a new perspective, wearing a pemanent ' Am I not brilliant' smile as you pass the ascending kindred spirits.

My climb time was 73 minutes to complete the climb. I am happy with that time but ........................

I will be back to tame this alpine beast.

8 mile....

Today was a run day. Loch Ness is 11 weeks away and I thought some training might be beneficial. So I plodded out up the road through comrie and Blairhall, down to the cycle path and then up to Crossford and back home. 8 Miles in total.

I was pleased as I think that the biking has helped my aerobic capacity and running today was fairly easy - not fast - I was knocking out 5.14 minutes per km. My target is a sub 4 hour marathon and if I can keep up that speed I'll be well within the 4 hour target. Santiago is running as well and we hope to do a few of the longer runs together.

Running like biking is better in company!

Alps - Day 1 Cols du Croix de Fer and Glandon

Tuesday 23rd June
Col du Croix du Fer and Col du Glandon

Statistics
Distance - 63km
Height - 6175ft
Ascent - 4525ft
Max gradient - 12%
Avg gradent - 5%

It was a brilliant sunny day as we left the village to climb the two cols of Croix du Fer and Glandon. The early morning cloud invertion had the clouds slowly crawling up the mountain sides as they clung on to await a certain fate - burn out.

With similar trepidation, we turned the pedals slowly, not sure what 4500ft of ascent would feel like or even a 12% gradient. The climb to the village of Allemonde wsa gentle and the crystal clear green flow of melted ice water running alonng side the road was a welcome distraction to the epic climb ahead. The gentle climb was short lived. As we entered the village our eyes were met with a wall. This was a 'barrage' built to hold back millions of gallons of mountain water to generate electricity and our first experience of a switchback corner was the ascent of this dam wall. From here the road headed along a viaduct across the surface of the water similar to the Oban road north of Tyndrum.

A quick glance as we passed the hydrostation and we were into the trees and the never ending climbing began. I had a compact chainset fitted to the Battaglin before leaving the UK and already it is proving an excellent investment. It is not long before the small cog in the front and the big cog at the back are getting to know each other. Over the coming weeks they will spend a lot of time together! At several points of the road workmen make repairs to teh the ravages of winter. Not unusual I hear you say. But these guys were harnessed in an abseiling manner to allow them to work on the cliff faces at the side of the road. This road is usually closed October until May with several signs indicating that care should be taken as the road is may be submerged in torrents of water following heavy rain as the water barges its way through any obstacle in its haste to return to the sea.

At the next village, I was hoping Mrs B was felling ready for a coffee stop and enjoy the fine expansive view across the valley through the gap in the trees. Not so, keep going, was the instruction. I allow my mind to wonder at what she had been fed at the girls boot camp in Arran earlier in the month................ but kept that thought to myself.

It is with shock and dismay that we arrive at the sign indicating 12%. Not unreasonable I hear you asy given the guide book had said so. However this was a 12 % down to the valley floor and then back up the other side!

After 3 switchbacks, we came across the first sign warning of a potentially submersible road ahead. This was not in the guidebook.

A long slow climb through the trees continued until we climbed above the tree level. Awesome scenery exploded before our eyes. We approached another 'barrage' but not before stopping ot read a sign commemorating the Marquis (French underground) defense of the pass against a strong German force trying to escape capture by the allies.

A further three switchbacks and we have climbed to the level of the dam. It is so green. There is an enormous waterfall that drops dramatically from a cliff face. The mountains are incredibly green and the road winds itsway up into the distance. On the horizon is a building not too far from teh skyline. This looks like the col and lunch, given elenses were given a miss.

The long climb passes quickly as lunch is 'wound in'. The ski lift stations accessed from the other side of the mountain become visible on the mountain peaks. And then we have arrived. The views from teh Cols are stunning. Photoshoot complete and it is back down to the Hotel Glandon for lunch in sheltered sunshine 100 yards below us.

With teh thought of a 12% climb on the way down, the foor of champions ws duly ordered. 2 times omelettes with bacon cheese and a dose of pomme de terre. The Duracell would be proud.

The wind was now in your face and chilly so wind proof jacket were the order of the day for the 50kph descent.

Apart from the continued stunning scenery, the only other point of note was two men- middle aged- going commando in white lycra shorts. It was not a pretty site . Nothing left to the imagination, Mrs Bigman put the foot down to pass them on the 12% climb and return her gaze to the stunning scenery around us. It was assumed they shop at the same place as the fit one!

A few beers, a bottle of Pinot Noir, and a perfect day is complete.

Tomorrow is the big one - Alped'Huez.

PS if you want to see the pictures in full size just double click on them

Memoirs of alpine altitude training - Introduction

With the Cape Epic 2010 less than 40 weeks away, Bigman convinced Mrs Bigman that every opportunity must be seized to build fitness levels for the Cape Epic. And so it was agreed they should use this 4 week holiday to do some altitude training in the French Alps, 'bagging' as many of the climbs featured in the Tour de France as was physically possible whilst still saturating themselves in the local culture.

The next few blogs tells their story of trial and tribulation, of great heights scaled and great distances travelled, and of consuming some of the worlds most amazing scenery.

Bigman back bigger and better....

The bigman texted me to head out for a spin on his return from holiday. Many posts are expected and I anticipate days of being regailed of alpine climbs!

We met at the Saline junction and set off - nowhere in mind just wherever we fancied. We climbed up to Saline after a brief rain break sheltering under a tree. The first climb up to Saline gave me a taste of the trip ahead - the bigman blasted past me and climbed the hill in a big gear effortlessly. As I cruised up in his wake I realised just how much fitness he has gained while on holiday. I'm sure the hill training has really helped.

We turned right and headed towards the romantically named Vicars Bridge and then up to Dollar. We decided to bike to Bridge of Allen - it was a stiff westerly and we were heading right into it. Despite the wind we were flying - we kept the speed up at about 32kph into the wind. It was hard going but working together we kept up the speed and wheeled in to Bridge of Allen for coffee.

The bike back was revealing again. We had the wind behind and decided on the bike path. The bigman asked what speed we were doing - 32kph - he claimed 'I can't keep this average speed up'. It took me a while to work out what he actually meant - he couldn't keep it up but not because it was too fast but because we were going too slow!! He was strong today - chewed me up and spat me out trailing along behind. I need to get working on my fitness and the bigman has inspired me to renewed effort.

The bigman carried on up the bike path leaving me the Col De Carnock to negotiate - as I started I heard a clicking noise from my back wheel. I needed to get home so kicked up and made it home pretty sure that the effort of trying to stay with the pace of the bigman had caused me to break a spoke!

It was good to get out today. The Epic Caper is still over 6 months away but I'm now focussed on diet and training. Moonwalker and I worked through the diet plan for the week. I'm good at plans especially a plan written by someone else - I can stick to a plan. So day 1 - just over 2,000 calories taken in today and good calories at that. I'm on a mission.

I've an 8 mile run planned for first thing as I get my Loch Ness Marathon training kicked in. I'm in pretty good shape from a run perspective.....

Until tomorrow!

Biking in Brittany.....

My old bike.....

A few weeks ago a good friend offered me the opportunity to use his cottage in France for a week. We jumped at the opportunity and have just returned from a fantastic week in Plogoff near Point Du Raz on the west coast of Brittany.

My research on the area lead to me to believe I was heading to flat area with little challenge. It was pretty flat but had a couple of excellent wee climbs just round the corner from the house. Riding in France is a joy. You are treated with respect, it's warm(ish) and cars give you so much space it's a joy.

I was excited about my first ride. The weather was warm but it was windy - off the west so every time I left the cottage I knew that I'd be heading back into the breeze. Completed 25km of undulating road constantly reminding myself to be on the right hand side of the road.



The days fell into an easy pattern. Get up, take my son (Waverider) to surf school. I am so proud of him. The weather was pretty mixed and getting up for 5 days to pull on a damp and cold wetsuit and jump into the Atlantic was more than I could manage. After a week of hard work he is a fully fledged surfer and has learned the technique and has the skill to confidently jump up on the board. He doesn't always stay on but is up on is feet doing something that I could never manage. Very proud dad!

Most days after picking up Waverider we'd set off to one of the villages in the area, sample the joys of the French bakers cakes (ate far too many!), wander the streets, enjoy lunch (are you picking up a theme!) and then head back to the cottage. Some mornings while Waverider was riding the waves I would run the coastal path - a glorious experience running up and down to the bays that line the west side of Brittany. The late afternoons became my ride time. I didn't want to spent too much time away but managed a couple of 40 to 50km runs which I enjoyed. I also did a little hill training on the roads near the cottage. Not the Alps but a good test.

France is the land of the bike and the number of older guys I saw on bikes was incredible. I think it must be in the blood. The bikes I saw were not all new but well maintained and obviously loved. I cycled past the same cafe most days and as I powered past would get a wee cheer from the people sitting out on the tables beside the road.

The holiday passed quickly, the weather got worse as the week went on but I feel refreshed. At least I managed 5 rides, 3 runs and despite a fair number of cakes, buns and the odd glass of merlot return home fitter and looking forward to getting back on the bike on the roads I love......

The training continues and the Epic gets closer.

Oh and the diet start today! Again......

Carnock Etape....

Today was a day to show the Fit One the route of the Carnock Epic. The 31.4km course will surely become a Fife classic.

The fit One turned up fresh from a 2 hour session in the gym and we agreed to take it easy. So off we set. The weather proved a bit more challenging than I think that we both expected. It was a stiff north westerly which set us back on the climb up to Saline. We shared thoughts about pushing the big ring v spinning. I'm a spinner (occasionally naked!) where as Stuart is a pusher - he will push hard on the highest gear that he can. I read or heard that if that is your technique you will increase your calf muscle size significantly.

We pushed along into the wind from Saline to Forestmill. The craic was good. Much discussion around the kit needed for SA and spares that needed to be carried - much stuff and much planning awaits.

The cycle path was fairly quiet which was cool and we moved along at a good average pace. The climb up the Col seemed easier than last time and we cruised down to the pub happy with the session. We weren't pushing and came in about 1:20.

When we got home Le Tour was on Le Telly so we watched a short section over a cup of tea wondering how long we could stick with the pelaton......

Not long I expect!

In a naked spin......

My car spends more time in the garage than on the road. When I bought my own slice of Germanic engineering I assumed it would be reliable, cost effective and good to drive. It's good to drive, unreliable and expensive but yet I love it.....odd really.

Since the car was indisposed, I had to run to get my mechanical steed after it had been poked, tested and given a clean bill of health. The run was hot and sticky and I arrived at the garage up to temperature.

Once I made it home it was time to bike through the Alps, spin down the Cols and put in a serious tempo ride through a couple of market French towns. Sadly I hadn't been whisked over to France but was stuck in my home gym on my spin bike watching a podcast. I love it. It was pretty hot and soon the clothes were discarded around the room - I made a rare sight when moonwalker walked in and caught me spinning in my state of undress! The naked spinner was born (well almost naked - one must protect the parts that could rub or chafe!)

So not a bad session overall with a 2 mile run and a full hour on the spin bike.

Another day closer to the Epic Caper and another day of training done. Life is good!

It's all getting very real......

Not done much training for the last couple of days. A combination of rain, work and the feeling that I've been not taking enough rest led to me taking a couple of days off. Forecast is a bit mixed again today so I'll probably settle for a long spin session tonight and maybe a wee run.

I booked our accommodation in Cape Town yesterday and it's all getting a bit real now. They have opened up the rider pages on the ABSA Cape Epic website and I've updated my profile. As I was doing this I wondered how many other 46 year old, over weight, over ambitious and slightly insane people were doing the same thing.

We booked 2 nights in a 4* hotel with food, transfers and no worries when we arrive which takes all the hassle away from getting ourselves to where we should be - we'll already be there!

The kit list states that we need 4 sets of cycle kit so I wrote to a supplier last night to get a quotation for the Silent Wolf Scotland team kit (although the name is still available for any massive sponsorship deals out there!) - so once we get the design back I post the graphics on here and anyone who is interested can place an order. It will be good quality and potentially rival Columbia in next year's tour as the shirt to be wearing (at least before the mountain stages!).

Lat night was a bit surreal - as I completed the form for accommodation, the reality of heading to SA kicked in and taking on what is a massive personal challenge. I'm excited, nervous, scared and motivated in equal measure.

My big challenge as I continue to harp on about is my weight. I'm holding as I was a couple of weeks back but not losing. After our holidays the big effort will have to start. That is a big a challenge to me as all the training possibly more so.........

So I'll start again on my quest for perfect form. We're not able to be perfect though which I suppose is a good thing.......

A perfect storm.....

The boys went biking without me. Moonwalker wasn't feeling great last night so I felt duty called.

Dr Zhivago I'm not but I do make an excellent cup of tea and can mop the most fevered of brows. I crept downstairs early and let her kip. When she appeared a bit later she was feeling better after a good sleep but the boys were long gone and probably nearing Linlithgow.....

So I cross trained. Shopping. Not ideal but walking the lengths of Debs endless racks of similarly looking clothes nodding haplessly, partly in fear, of the odd trick garment thrown in - 'how can you possibly like that!'

There is a fab coffee place in Stirling - a wee organic shop that sells amazing toasties and roast veg sandwiches - so lunch was a big success.

I decided to head out for a run after a long time on t'internet considering compact chain sets. Still not sure whether to fit one to the road bike so I went online and investigated the options. Needless to say I'm still wrestling in the dark!

So finally at 4.30 I went out for a run. I felt inspired by moonwalkers recent training and it spurred me on to go further than I'd planned. The run took me into Dunfermline and then back out the bike track. It was going to plan until I got about 2 miles from home. I passed under a bridge and the path heads due west for a couple of miles. The skies looked threatening - a gathering storm. So it was time to race Macleod v the gathering clouds. It looked like it was going to tip it down, my pace increased.

I wondered if I held my ipod in it's rubber case up in the air if it would save me from a lightning strike from above. I had visions of ending up more toasted than one of my mums roast dinners!

As I passed through the fields the rain started - to be honest it didn't come to much and my perfect storm was a damp squib. Every (ma) cloud has a silver lining......