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Monday 5 April 2010
............ and a celebration of a year of experience
Many have asked me the question - was it all worth it?
One year ago, my previous employer and I decided it was time to part company. The Epic Caper gave me a focus to train for a life experience should new employment not come my way in early course.
I was fortunate that new employment did come my way ( but not before a month cycling in the French Alps) and so the challenge of fitting training in with work and family commitments along with other stuff became an extra challenge.
The Epic Caper brought friends together frequently to enjoy the cycling experience and share 'war stories'.
Our 'victory send off' party turns out to have had more in common with Ally's Tartan Army Epic Caper than perhaps we had planned. Like the Scotland team of that era, you could say we left the Cape Epic undefeated!
But a lot of people had a great night and we raised almost £2000 for Aberlour Child Care Trust in doing it.
At the international party on the Friday night in Cape Town many participants were pleased to meet the Scottish contenders and the camaraderie amongst all competitors was fantastic.
The night after the crash, I would be taking spin too far to say I was anything other than severely disappointed, partially for everyone who had helped us on our journey. But accidents happen. The individual ( a Belgian) was very apologetic. It was after all an accident. Some might say the Scots were a serious threat and there was a plot to stop them winning at all costs. However this would too far a stretch for even a Jason Bourne assignment. It was an accident.
On reflection the next day, we were in South Africa, in the heart of the wine region, in 30 degrees plus. What is there to bemoan!
By the end of the week we had climbed a huge pass and cycled the route of the Argus Cycle race in cluding Marshalls Peak above, visited the end of Africa - the Cape of Good Hope, and seen some stunning scenery.
And so to the question - was it all worth it?
Most definitely.
Would I do it again - not a chance!
I hope to see all 2269 blog followers on the new site - Around the world in 80 (Satur) days, coming to a sceen near you
A Sad Farewell to the Epic Caper
It's just over a year since Bigman and I were fortunate to gain entry in the 'toughest mountain bike race in the world' and what a year it has been.
This will be my last post on the Epic Caper site (except for one more to send a link to the new blog site that we are about to start!) and I suppose that I wanted to reflect a little on what the year has meant to me personally.
It has been a year that I will remember and I have a terrible memory. From the first shout of excitement as Moonwalker won our entry to the disappointment of the crash and ultimately to the realisation that this wasn't about the Cape Epic as a race it was about us as people.
I have learned so much about myself during this past year. All the events I've done have been long distance solo efforts without a team mate. This race was the first I've done with a race partner. He may say with 12 months of experience that I should stick to the solo races!! The year also wasn't just about the 2 of us doing the race. In reality it could of been any 2 of the Posse travelling.
It's not all about the guys cycling. Our support crew with Wingman at the helm have been immense. Nothing too much trouble and wise council when required. The support and friendship that I personally have found around the group that I'm proud to call my friends has made the experience one of the best. You all know who you are and you are top people.
The experience of working as a team has really helped me in life. I have learned so much from the guys and girls who supported us riding out in the sun, rain, wind, hot (not often), cold (more often) and dark taught me about playing a team game and learning to hopefully be a better person as I move on. Time will tell on that one I suppose.
Bigman was a top team mate and great to be around. We gained an intuative knowledge during the year when to speed up or slow down based on how each other is feeling. It is interesting but you definitely have good and bad days on the bike - some days the legs are lead and others when preparation has been exactly the same are dreadful. So we worked together at the pace of the slowest with the Bigman dropping back to my pace or vice versa.
The encouragement of knowing that someone is watching for you is great and I think it's something that we have in the posse.
So on to a new challenge. There will be another blog with hopefully more contributors from the posse and something that we can all enjoy and take part in. I'll leave it to the Bigman to explain the detail and I'll do the techy bits and set up the Blog......
Link to follow.
Thank you all - it's been a blast!
John
This will be my last post on the Epic Caper site (except for one more to send a link to the new blog site that we are about to start!) and I suppose that I wanted to reflect a little on what the year has meant to me personally.
It has been a year that I will remember and I have a terrible memory. From the first shout of excitement as Moonwalker won our entry to the disappointment of the crash and ultimately to the realisation that this wasn't about the Cape Epic as a race it was about us as people.
I have learned so much about myself during this past year. All the events I've done have been long distance solo efforts without a team mate. This race was the first I've done with a race partner. He may say with 12 months of experience that I should stick to the solo races!! The year also wasn't just about the 2 of us doing the race. In reality it could of been any 2 of the Posse travelling.
It's not all about the guys cycling. Our support crew with Wingman at the helm have been immense. Nothing too much trouble and wise council when required. The support and friendship that I personally have found around the group that I'm proud to call my friends has made the experience one of the best. You all know who you are and you are top people.
The experience of working as a team has really helped me in life. I have learned so much from the guys and girls who supported us riding out in the sun, rain, wind, hot (not often), cold (more often) and dark taught me about playing a team game and learning to hopefully be a better person as I move on. Time will tell on that one I suppose.
Bigman was a top team mate and great to be around. We gained an intuative knowledge during the year when to speed up or slow down based on how each other is feeling. It is interesting but you definitely have good and bad days on the bike - some days the legs are lead and others when preparation has been exactly the same are dreadful. So we worked together at the pace of the slowest with the Bigman dropping back to my pace or vice versa.
The encouragement of knowing that someone is watching for you is great and I think it's something that we have in the posse.
So on to a new challenge. There will be another blog with hopefully more contributors from the posse and something that we can all enjoy and take part in. I'll leave it to the Bigman to explain the detail and I'll do the techy bits and set up the Blog......
Link to follow.
Thank you all - it's been a blast!
John
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Sad farewell to Bigman...
Well Bigman is off to the airport uncertain of his flight and ultimate destination i.e. will he make it back to Edinburgh or be stuck in Heathrow.
It has been a fantastic caper and I suppose in some respects I owe him one. The fall with all it's pain and anguish at getting knocked out almost as we started, proved to be the making of an amzing week. We travelled and saw sights and places that will stick in the memory.
All negative thoughts were banished by our cycle around the Argus route. It was a roasting hot day and included a few monster climbs. Bigman was back on form pushing the pedals and pounding up the hills with ease. I had my usual puncture which we fixed on the Chapman's Paek climb and there are worse places to have to fix a puncture than looking out over Houts Bay.
This country is stunning. The people that we've met have been so welcoming and helpful. I love it.
We're over in a place called Swellendam staying in the funkiest guest house - it's amazing.
So we'll wish the Bigman a safe return and head off for the Epic Holiday part deux......
It has been a fantastic caper and I suppose in some respects I owe him one. The fall with all it's pain and anguish at getting knocked out almost as we started, proved to be the making of an amzing week. We travelled and saw sights and places that will stick in the memory.
All negative thoughts were banished by our cycle around the Argus route. It was a roasting hot day and included a few monster climbs. Bigman was back on form pushing the pedals and pounding up the hills with ease. I had my usual puncture which we fixed on the Chapman's Paek climb and there are worse places to have to fix a puncture than looking out over Houts Bay.
This country is stunning. The people that we've met have been so welcoming and helpful. I love it.
We're over in a place called Swellendam staying in the funkiest guest house - it's amazing.
So we'll wish the Bigman a safe return and head off for the Epic Holiday part deux......
Out of African adversity comes opportunity
It is Tuesday afternoon on a sunny Cape Town and Bigman awaits information on whether his BA flight tonight will be impacted by the strike. The Ironman has headed off with Moonwalker to the African Wilderness. We wonder whether the wilderness is ready!Today was always planned as a day for reflection. 20:20 hindsight shows the title of our adventure as wholly appropriate. It was indeed an epic caper.
As Bigman watched the cloud base known as 'the table cloth' move over table mountain against a scorching midday sun with the harbour area in front oozing with people and boats moving around each busy in their own lives, a Hagen Daz in hand, it is difficult not conclude this has indeed been an experience.
The people in South Africa have been fantastic, incredibly friendly, and always keen to assist.
The cycle around the Argus route (110km road bike race from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope and back with 30,000 participants in cluding Lance Armstrong run 2 weeks ago) on Sunday will be a memory that sticks with us both for an eternity. The climb up Chapmans Peak was awesome and the cliff side drops only served to dramatise and phenomenal vista. One of the many unplanned experiences on our epic caper.
Conclusions will be drawn on these pages over the coming days and the plans are already forming for next years Epic Caper which might include Around the World. For now it is time for Out of Africa ........................ maybe!
Monday 29 March 2010
Franschoek - A hill of Alpine proportions....
Sadly the pictures will have to wait until I return but I did capture some good one's as Bigman's rehabilitation allowed a venture out on the bikes.
I go back to Friday. It was damp and cool as Bigman and I ventured out of our fab hotel and packed the bikes into the car. We've learned that nothing is safe in the car and therefore have become very skilled at stripping down and re-building bikes.
We set off to the foodies paradice of Franschoek. It's another stunning village at the base of another set of stunning hills. South Africa is similar to Scotland except we don't get the wide expanse of valley floor between imposing hills. The pass achieved 3 dots on the map and we were reliably advised by our host Nick that it was the toughest hill climb in the county. There was one other that was equally tough but he wasn't absolutely convinced the car would be there at the end of the hill climb so after a nano second's consideration the idea was consigned to the bin.
I wouldn't say that the Bigman was 100% but he was keen to try out the bits that were still causing discomfort. So we set off on a 1,800 feet ascent. It actually proved to be fairly simple but we both enjoyed getting out on the bikes and I'll forward the pictures later to show the hill and the climb.
The blast back down was great fun and we rolled up to the cafe with pancakes at the forefront of our minds. No pancakes. Disappointed tea and coffee was ordered.
We sat watching the rain fall on the bikes when a local walked past and did a double take on the numbers - we still have the Cape Epic numbers stuck to the bikes. He stopped and spoke to us at length about biking, the race and he was interested in our story. He was genuinely impressed that we had taken part. It didn't matter to him that it was only one day. What mattered was that we had made the start line and had taken part. It was a brilliant boost to the pair of us and when he shook our hands to leave our heads were held high and I certainly felt pride at what we achieved not only in racing but making the start.
We felt so encouraged we decided to go and find a pancake place. The Cape Epic has certainly added a few more pounds than anticipated!!!
I'll blog the story of the Argus Route tomorrow.....
I go back to Friday. It was damp and cool as Bigman and I ventured out of our fab hotel and packed the bikes into the car. We've learned that nothing is safe in the car and therefore have become very skilled at stripping down and re-building bikes.
We set off to the foodies paradice of Franschoek. It's another stunning village at the base of another set of stunning hills. South Africa is similar to Scotland except we don't get the wide expanse of valley floor between imposing hills. The pass achieved 3 dots on the map and we were reliably advised by our host Nick that it was the toughest hill climb in the county. There was one other that was equally tough but he wasn't absolutely convinced the car would be there at the end of the hill climb so after a nano second's consideration the idea was consigned to the bin.
I wouldn't say that the Bigman was 100% but he was keen to try out the bits that were still causing discomfort. So we set off on a 1,800 feet ascent. It actually proved to be fairly simple but we both enjoyed getting out on the bikes and I'll forward the pictures later to show the hill and the climb.
The blast back down was great fun and we rolled up to the cafe with pancakes at the forefront of our minds. No pancakes. Disappointed tea and coffee was ordered.
We sat watching the rain fall on the bikes when a local walked past and did a double take on the numbers - we still have the Cape Epic numbers stuck to the bikes. He stopped and spoke to us at length about biking, the race and he was interested in our story. He was genuinely impressed that we had taken part. It didn't matter to him that it was only one day. What mattered was that we had made the start line and had taken part. It was a brilliant boost to the pair of us and when he shook our hands to leave our heads were held high and I certainly felt pride at what we achieved not only in racing but making the start.
We felt so encouraged we decided to go and find a pancake place. The Cape Epic has certainly added a few more pounds than anticipated!!!
I'll blog the story of the Argus Route tomorrow.....
Thursday 25 March 2010
In search of a classic grape....
Well Bigman and I headed out into the winelands with our wonderful guide, Ilene.
Ilene guided us round to 3 different wineries and made sure that we had a glass of red in our hands by 10.30am - a first for both of us I'm glad to say. We tasted a number of wines of all the different grape varieties that are grown in the regiona and learned much of the issues and challenges that this stunning country curently faces. We must of been the first Scots ever to limit the size of the samples provided and our hosts looked in shock as we stopped the liberal libation.
Our second stop was at a winery that offers specially made chocolate to compliment various wines that they produce. The first was a rich dark chocolate that was served with a shiraz, the second was a cabernet sauvignon served with rock salt chocolate (Bigman hates salt in his chocolate we discovered but somehow squeezed down the red that went with it!!!) and the third was a pudding wine with a milk chocolate. It was unusal but worked well. The coffee after went down even better.
Then it was off to Dornier - they own a plane making company as well. We didn't need any planes to fly!!! Anyway we sampled an array of fabulous wines before sitting down to lunch. Bigman has taken up food photography and is becoming a dab hand at framing picture of lasagne and pancakes. All those desperate to see the holiday snaps will now be gripped in anticipation of what will be a mouthwatering if not scenic tour of the Western Cape! Today it was fishcakes while I plumped on the local veggie flatbread.
After that it was back to sit outside in the cold breeze that was whistling round our sumptuous accomodation.
So dinner tonight might be a light affair - both stuffed from lunch.
We heard some sad news that a rider died on Tuesday morning at the race. He passed away in his sleep - James Williamson a 26 year old Australian. Very, very sad and we remember his family in our prayers.
The epic adventure continues with a trip to the coast in the morning with the aim of collecting the bikes from race HQ at night. We have decided to ride the Franschhoek Pass on Saturday - it's going to be Epic. The Bigman reckons his arm will have recovered sufficiently by then which is great news.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a wee bit warmer than today - we could do without it being a Scottish summer down here at the moment!
Ilene guided us round to 3 different wineries and made sure that we had a glass of red in our hands by 10.30am - a first for both of us I'm glad to say. We tasted a number of wines of all the different grape varieties that are grown in the regiona and learned much of the issues and challenges that this stunning country curently faces. We must of been the first Scots ever to limit the size of the samples provided and our hosts looked in shock as we stopped the liberal libation.
Our second stop was at a winery that offers specially made chocolate to compliment various wines that they produce. The first was a rich dark chocolate that was served with a shiraz, the second was a cabernet sauvignon served with rock salt chocolate (Bigman hates salt in his chocolate we discovered but somehow squeezed down the red that went with it!!!) and the third was a pudding wine with a milk chocolate. It was unusal but worked well. The coffee after went down even better.
Then it was off to Dornier - they own a plane making company as well. We didn't need any planes to fly!!! Anyway we sampled an array of fabulous wines before sitting down to lunch. Bigman has taken up food photography and is becoming a dab hand at framing picture of lasagne and pancakes. All those desperate to see the holiday snaps will now be gripped in anticipation of what will be a mouthwatering if not scenic tour of the Western Cape! Today it was fishcakes while I plumped on the local veggie flatbread.
After that it was back to sit outside in the cold breeze that was whistling round our sumptuous accomodation.
So dinner tonight might be a light affair - both stuffed from lunch.
We heard some sad news that a rider died on Tuesday morning at the race. He passed away in his sleep - James Williamson a 26 year old Australian. Very, very sad and we remember his family in our prayers.
The epic adventure continues with a trip to the coast in the morning with the aim of collecting the bikes from race HQ at night. We have decided to ride the Franschhoek Pass on Saturday - it's going to be Epic. The Bigman reckons his arm will have recovered sufficiently by then which is great news.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a wee bit warmer than today - we could do without it being a Scottish summer down here at the moment!
Wednesday 24 March 2010
To the winelands and beyond....
Well after a day in Worster we drove down to the wine region with a wee hotel called River Manor in Stellenbosch - it's stunning. Nice spa place that will form base camp for the next few days.
So today was a very relaxed day. We pottered down through Franschoek, a really beautiful town with some lovely coffee shops and some machine gun toting police people. Not sure what they were doing but they were busy.
Bigman has replaced lasagne with pancakes as the food of choice and more were ordered this morning. Every coffee shop seems to out do the last. It's been an epic trip!
Our plans are fluid and with Bigman's arm improving by the day we're thinking about riding the route of the Arghus - a road bike race south of Cape Town as well as Franschoek Pass. The pass is a significant climb and if the arm is up to it we'll do it.
Also looking at riding the route of the Argus - a road bike race of 110km - looking forward to it......
Had a wee run to loosen off the legs today - it was great to get out in the warmth.
So wine tour tomorrow - should be fun!
So today was a very relaxed day. We pottered down through Franschoek, a really beautiful town with some lovely coffee shops and some machine gun toting police people. Not sure what they were doing but they were busy.
Bigman has replaced lasagne with pancakes as the food of choice and more were ordered this morning. Every coffee shop seems to out do the last. It's been an epic trip!
Our plans are fluid and with Bigman's arm improving by the day we're thinking about riding the route of the Arghus - a road bike race south of Cape Town as well as Franschoek Pass. The pass is a significant climb and if the arm is up to it we'll do it.
Also looking at riding the route of the Argus - a road bike race of 110km - looking forward to it......
Had a wee run to loosen off the legs today - it was great to get out in the warmth.
So wine tour tomorrow - should be fun!
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Tom, Dick and Harry strategy deployed without camp guards knowledge
The Cape Crusaders are now following the Cape Epic from the comfort of a B & B in Worcester and support the local brewery turnover. The quality of the administration for the event is unbelievable A tented city is constructed to support the entire caravan including full television coverage. However, if you are not racing during the day, there is not much to do other than share war stories with fellow participants.
The boys decided to 'tunnel' out of the camp and explore the Western Cape before re-joining the race for the finale on Sunday in Lourensford where Watershed will be playing live.
The service in South Africa has been fantastic. The camaraderie amongst the cyclist has also been phenomenal............. for the most part. At dinner last night, we shared a table with a lady of German extraction who was massively disappointed with the man she had paired up with for the race. He had not measured up to the 'marketing material'. She felt her previous female partner from last year was much stronger. Noticeably, her current male partner was not present at dinner! Clearly enjoyed enough tongue soup for one day!
With the Wingman on paternity leave, the duo had to resort to commercial arrangements for car transport ( and not a pedal car). As we waited for the Avis Car to arrive, a fellow competitor who had broken a rib, was waiting on his car from Avis. He subsequently directed his delivery ladies to our waiting position and they gave us a lift back to Worcester, their nearest depot, where they could fix up a car. This avoided the need for us to return to Cape Town to pick up a car.
It also removed the need to make a decision on where we would next visit on our 'new' South African tour destination.
In Worcester, we visited a clothes shop to buy a wardrobe as our normal kit was waiting for us in Cape Town and lycra cycling kit without the bike stands out a bit!
The tourist information office fixed us up with a brilliant guest house with the most amazing views over the mountains ............................ and The Cape Epic goes past the drive end tomorrow!
With the Duracell not travelling with the Posse, The Ironman is taking up the challenge of feeding The Bigman. Not an easy challenge. Product identification in Pick 'n' Pay was the first challenge. When a lemon looks like an orange, and a tomato is mistaken for a Royal Gala apple, you know the outcome is going to be interesting. No complex issue with buffalo mozzarella on this trip. Bigman was sent for the flour and on a 50:50 chance, got it wrong.
On return to the B & B, we were invited down for a beer as Bill had arrived home from work. Did we fancy a beer? After considerable time for reflection, The Ironman was first to make the stairwell. He is so fast!
A great chat and some really interesting insights to life in South Africa and then it was time to return to the self catering to watch highlights of today's Cape Epic on TV whilst the Ironman creates a masterpiece.
Tomorrow we are taking a drive through the mountains to Stellenbosch to sprinkle some more Scottish humour with unsuspecting South Africans.
The boys decided to 'tunnel' out of the camp and explore the Western Cape before re-joining the race for the finale on Sunday in Lourensford where Watershed will be playing live.
The service in South Africa has been fantastic. The camaraderie amongst the cyclist has also been phenomenal............. for the most part. At dinner last night, we shared a table with a lady of German extraction who was massively disappointed with the man she had paired up with for the race. He had not measured up to the 'marketing material'. She felt her previous female partner from last year was much stronger. Noticeably, her current male partner was not present at dinner! Clearly enjoyed enough tongue soup for one day!
With the Wingman on paternity leave, the duo had to resort to commercial arrangements for car transport ( and not a pedal car). As we waited for the Avis Car to arrive, a fellow competitor who had broken a rib, was waiting on his car from Avis. He subsequently directed his delivery ladies to our waiting position and they gave us a lift back to Worcester, their nearest depot, where they could fix up a car. This avoided the need for us to return to Cape Town to pick up a car.
It also removed the need to make a decision on where we would next visit on our 'new' South African tour destination.
In Worcester, we visited a clothes shop to buy a wardrobe as our normal kit was waiting for us in Cape Town and lycra cycling kit without the bike stands out a bit!
The tourist information office fixed us up with a brilliant guest house with the most amazing views over the mountains ............................ and The Cape Epic goes past the drive end tomorrow!
With the Duracell not travelling with the Posse, The Ironman is taking up the challenge of feeding The Bigman. Not an easy challenge. Product identification in Pick 'n' Pay was the first challenge. When a lemon looks like an orange, and a tomato is mistaken for a Royal Gala apple, you know the outcome is going to be interesting. No complex issue with buffalo mozzarella on this trip. Bigman was sent for the flour and on a 50:50 chance, got it wrong.
On return to the B & B, we were invited down for a beer as Bill had arrived home from work. Did we fancy a beer? After considerable time for reflection, The Ironman was first to make the stairwell. He is so fast!
A great chat and some really interesting insights to life in South Africa and then it was time to return to the self catering to watch highlights of today's Cape Epic on TV whilst the Ironman creates a masterpiece.
Tomorrow we are taking a drive through the mountains to Stellenbosch to sprinkle some more Scottish humour with unsuspecting South Africans.
The boys are back in training
Whilst waiting for the car to arrive from Avis, the boys headed for a coffee shop reputed for its cakes.
A couple of pancakes with fresh fruit and maple syrup later, it was time to meet South Africa!
Posse Ecosse
A couple of pancakes with fresh fruit and maple syrup later, it was time to meet South Africa!
Posse Ecosse
Monday 22 March 2010
It's the journey that counts
Everything had gone to plan so far. We were transferred to the start line at 6:00 and the excitement grew as local riders arrived.
The start was a bit of a mellee with broken stones forming the first climb of the day. We were fortunate the start of the day was overcast however that would change later in the morning. During one stage whilst we had to queue to go down the descent we chatted with a guy from RBS .
This was around the time The Ironman received a warning about snakes in the bush! At the descent we saw a fellow cyclist somersault over his handled bars whilst still cleated in. He was unharmed however it was a stunning sight.
After the first water stop we had a cracking down hill on tarmac before turning onto a landrover track full of sandpits. They were murder.
It was during such a ‘traverse’ Bigman was taken out by a following rider. South Africa has wide barren spaces however this chap chose to share space. And in an instant, Bigman was down, handle bars pointing in a different direction to the wheel. The Ironman fixed up the bike whilst a passing medic applied some first aid to the cuts and scratches.
Not long after this we arrived at the next feed station and then a climb. It was timely as the cramp began to set into his legs. Cramp like he had never experienced before. The medics at the food station put it down to aftershock of the dunt. When climbing the next hill, his legs locked. He looked more like the Tinman that buddy to the Ironman. By the time we climbed the hill, the sweep wagon was now providing personal support including the odd white powder and coke for the cramp.
At a forest section Bigman lunged into a river section using pace to carry him through. A rock on the river bed had different ideas and the rock won. Fortunately he was able to get the cleats out of his pedals and managed to avoid a dooking. However, the legs locked again and the Ironman had to wade in and massage the legs. The medic in the sweep wagon felt this was worth a photograph!
The next climb was on broken path and had to be walked for anything other than the technically gifted. At the top we managed to use momentum on the similar rough stuff on the way down.
At the last feed station we were by now up against the clock. We were encouraged to go for it. 28km with two hours to go seemed doable until we arrived at another stage that required walking. Cramp set in once again and he time was crawling away.
The road was rough and just kept going up. The game was up. Sense prevailed and we enlisted the assistance of the sweep wagon. When reviewing the sections still to come before the finish, it was the right decision.
And so was the journey worth it. With out a doubt. Our intro to this blog says it all. The friendships we have built on the bike and the encouragement we have received from many reading this blog means the journey has been worth it. As Little Nemo reminded me last night, it is a learning experience.
South Africa is a beautiful country and we are off to explore it ……….. in a car
The start was a bit of a mellee with broken stones forming the first climb of the day. We were fortunate the start of the day was overcast however that would change later in the morning. During one stage whilst we had to queue to go down the descent we chatted with a guy from RBS .
This was around the time The Ironman received a warning about snakes in the bush! At the descent we saw a fellow cyclist somersault over his handled bars whilst still cleated in. He was unharmed however it was a stunning sight.
After the first water stop we had a cracking down hill on tarmac before turning onto a landrover track full of sandpits. They were murder.
It was during such a ‘traverse’ Bigman was taken out by a following rider. South Africa has wide barren spaces however this chap chose to share space. And in an instant, Bigman was down, handle bars pointing in a different direction to the wheel. The Ironman fixed up the bike whilst a passing medic applied some first aid to the cuts and scratches.
Not long after this we arrived at the next feed station and then a climb. It was timely as the cramp began to set into his legs. Cramp like he had never experienced before. The medics at the food station put it down to aftershock of the dunt. When climbing the next hill, his legs locked. He looked more like the Tinman that buddy to the Ironman. By the time we climbed the hill, the sweep wagon was now providing personal support including the odd white powder and coke for the cramp.
At a forest section Bigman lunged into a river section using pace to carry him through. A rock on the river bed had different ideas and the rock won. Fortunately he was able to get the cleats out of his pedals and managed to avoid a dooking. However, the legs locked again and the Ironman had to wade in and massage the legs. The medic in the sweep wagon felt this was worth a photograph!
The next climb was on broken path and had to be walked for anything other than the technically gifted. At the top we managed to use momentum on the similar rough stuff on the way down.
At the last feed station we were by now up against the clock. We were encouraged to go for it. 28km with two hours to go seemed doable until we arrived at another stage that required walking. Cramp set in once again and he time was crawling away.
The road was rough and just kept going up. The game was up. Sense prevailed and we enlisted the assistance of the sweep wagon. When reviewing the sections still to come before the finish, it was the right decision.
And so was the journey worth it. With out a doubt. Our intro to this blog says it all. The friendships we have built on the bike and the encouragement we have received from many reading this blog means the journey has been worth it. As Little Nemo reminded me last night, it is a learning experience.
South Africa is a beautiful country and we are off to explore it ……….. in a car
Sunday 21 March 2010
Race Day - not in the script....
Well these are the words that I didn’t expect to say by we’re sadly out of the race.
The day had started very early with a 4am call and the hotel managed to put on a fine spread for the Epic Racers. We were then shuffled on to buses and transported to the start a good 2 hours before the start.
Everyone was busy doing bits and pieces to themselves and their bikes and the Bigman and I were pretty relaxed. The start gates opened and joined the chute about half way up. There was still an hour to go. Behind us we had an entire Indian family in the chute with the racers, shooting video’s and photo’s. it was a tad chaotic.
We were entertained by a helicopter filming from the skies. The pilot was simply outstanding swooping this way and that. We all waved in regulatory manner as you do when a film crew point a camera in your direction.
Then we were off. The race started and as usual the pushing and shoving began. The start soon led to the first hill. Immediately we were backed up and everytime someone in the group stopped everyone stopped. It was frustrating and very stop start. It was also very technical with lots of difficult rocky outcrops and loose stuff. But we made it and with a sense of relief the pack began to thin out.
More people were still flying past on the descents and I almost wiped out on bump on the track. I was lucky.
We were then faced with a really technical single track section. Some steep drops on very loose gravel. We were going well but our progress was halted with a puncture. I was about to turn the bike over when a guy mentioned about the snakes and suggesting it wasn’t the wisest place to stop.
So I grabbed my bike and ran the next few km – think it was the best option as the stuff Bigman got over was really challenging!
The trail kept backing up and we were forced to wait continually. Everyone was chatting and having a laugh. The guy in front of me was called Andrew and it turned out his granny was a Macleod. Obviously that was the side of the family from which he got his bike handling skills cos two minutes later he went head over heels into the bushes!
We fixed the puncture in double quick time and set about making up lost time. Sadly I then encountered my next problem and was forced to run the next few km with one gear. Fortunately it was a hill so it was fine and a fellow racer shared some lube with me and the gears loosened off.
The next section was tar and we flew. We climbed with ease passing many bikes. Stopped at the water stop and fuelled up and blasted our way down the hill to the next section. This is where is got tough again. Sand. Lots of it nd it was like glass. We kept up a steady pace overtaking more and more bikers.
This is also where things started to go wrong. Bigman’s back wheel was unintentionally clipped and he took a big fall. The damage to bike and body wasn’t good. A medic patched him up while I fixed the bike.
We set off once more but it was obvious Bigman was in pain not only was he cut from the fall but his arm was badly jarred. We ploughed on but it wasn’t long before leg locking cramp set in. I think this was a reaction to the fall – a form of shock.
We fought on. The miles passed slowly with many bouts of cramp. He was in agony. I would have given up but Bigman kept going and going. We climbed hill after hill some walking some biking but with a steely determination he fought the pain and kept going.
The support crews were immense but eventually they caught us up and told us our time had run out.
He was awesome today. In agony there were no complaints. I learned do much about a man of character and commitment.
I tell more tomorrow. One thing I will say is that he did us all proud today and it’s an honour to be his teammate.
So we’re out – we’ll need to sort out things in the morning but until then……
The day had started very early with a 4am call and the hotel managed to put on a fine spread for the Epic Racers. We were then shuffled on to buses and transported to the start a good 2 hours before the start.
Everyone was busy doing bits and pieces to themselves and their bikes and the Bigman and I were pretty relaxed. The start gates opened and joined the chute about half way up. There was still an hour to go. Behind us we had an entire Indian family in the chute with the racers, shooting video’s and photo’s. it was a tad chaotic.
We were entertained by a helicopter filming from the skies. The pilot was simply outstanding swooping this way and that. We all waved in regulatory manner as you do when a film crew point a camera in your direction.
Then we were off. The race started and as usual the pushing and shoving began. The start soon led to the first hill. Immediately we were backed up and everytime someone in the group stopped everyone stopped. It was frustrating and very stop start. It was also very technical with lots of difficult rocky outcrops and loose stuff. But we made it and with a sense of relief the pack began to thin out.
More people were still flying past on the descents and I almost wiped out on bump on the track. I was lucky.
We were then faced with a really technical single track section. Some steep drops on very loose gravel. We were going well but our progress was halted with a puncture. I was about to turn the bike over when a guy mentioned about the snakes and suggesting it wasn’t the wisest place to stop.
So I grabbed my bike and ran the next few km – think it was the best option as the stuff Bigman got over was really challenging!
The trail kept backing up and we were forced to wait continually. Everyone was chatting and having a laugh. The guy in front of me was called Andrew and it turned out his granny was a Macleod. Obviously that was the side of the family from which he got his bike handling skills cos two minutes later he went head over heels into the bushes!
We fixed the puncture in double quick time and set about making up lost time. Sadly I then encountered my next problem and was forced to run the next few km with one gear. Fortunately it was a hill so it was fine and a fellow racer shared some lube with me and the gears loosened off.
The next section was tar and we flew. We climbed with ease passing many bikes. Stopped at the water stop and fuelled up and blasted our way down the hill to the next section. This is where is got tough again. Sand. Lots of it nd it was like glass. We kept up a steady pace overtaking more and more bikers.
This is also where things started to go wrong. Bigman’s back wheel was unintentionally clipped and he took a big fall. The damage to bike and body wasn’t good. A medic patched him up while I fixed the bike.
We set off once more but it was obvious Bigman was in pain not only was he cut from the fall but his arm was badly jarred. We ploughed on but it wasn’t long before leg locking cramp set in. I think this was a reaction to the fall – a form of shock.
We fought on. The miles passed slowly with many bouts of cramp. He was in agony. I would have given up but Bigman kept going and going. We climbed hill after hill some walking some biking but with a steely determination he fought the pain and kept going.
The support crews were immense but eventually they caught us up and told us our time had run out.
He was awesome today. In agony there were no complaints. I learned do much about a man of character and commitment.
I tell more tomorrow. One thing I will say is that he did us all proud today and it’s an honour to be his teammate.
So we’re out – we’ll need to sort out things in the morning but until then……
Saturday 20 March 2010
Epic Date - Race Day -1
The day started at 07:50 with an overcast morning and a slight coolness.
Breakfast was another fining carbing opportunity – bowl of fresh fruit,omelette with cheese, washed down with a large bowl of porridge. It was a feeding frenzy, last seen when devouring’s a supply of Duracell Chilli Con Carne made for 8 and eaten by four at Carbisdale Castle last May early in the training plan.
Registration was along at the V and A Waterfront – a 3 mile journey providing an opportunity to turn the legs and road test the bikes.
The noise and sense of expectation and anticipation was enormous. We picked up our branded hold all that will carry our race week equipmwnt along with wrist bands to access services, T shirts, Absa Cape Epic buff, and loads of other goodies.
After a coffee on the waterfront, the Ironman popped off to the pharmacy for some Immodium. Both the bike and the Ironman are running smoothly!
A phenomenal bicycle stunt artist performed amazing tricks at the amphitheatre to a crowd of onlookers.
We returned to the hotel to arrange our equipment for the week. It is amazing how your luggage expands to fill the available luggage space.
We then returned to the Waterfront for a bite to eat and some people watching before attending the rider briefing at 14:30. We shared the shuttle bus with a couple from Colorado who had spent 28hours travelling to get here. Lynn had done the Cape Epic three years ago. Her top tip – enjoy every day and take care of your butt.
For lunch.Bigman went for the Thai chicken to avoid further feedback from Little Nemo about travelling all the way to South Africa and having Lasagne for lunch yesterday. The Fit One also spotted the side of chips ……… choice of champions!
The briefing session included a who’s who of cycling with olympic gold medallists taking part and world champions. The Col du Carnock champion did not get a mention but Scotland got an extra cheer as the countries represented were announced one by one.
After another coffee, it was time for a Hagen Daz before heading back to the hotel to load bikes into the truck at 17:00. Dinner was a buffet at 18:30. With a 04:30 start tomorrow it is going to be an early night.
Tomorrow a year in waiting will arrive.
Bigman
Well it’s been a cracker – started off damp and miserable – it wasn’t any better outside!! The good news is that we both got a good night’s kip and woke up feeling refreshed and ready for a day of administration and organisation.
Breakfast was of the champion variety with the hotel putting a spread on that was Olympic in it’s proportions but to a really high quality. It’s fair to say that we tucked in and enjoyed the last day of ‘normal’ food before we suffer the rigours of the energy bars and drinks.
After breakfast we jumped on the bikes and headed down to the race centre at the V & A waterside. We paused and remembered the posse heading out on their journey to, we guessed, Loch Levens Larder. It was GREAT to be back out on the bike – not so sure I’ll be shouting that out tomorrow but today it was just fantastic.
With a slight breeze pushing at the remaining strands of the Bigman’s heid we peddled in to town past the stunning Football Stadium that will host many a game during the summer (or winter here) of football. It is a huge place that has hosted 3 trials games successfully and it is looking likely that those travelling to Cape Town will enjoy an experience of a lifetime.
Registration was uncomplicated. We signed in and grabbed our bags and T shirts before heading back to pick up our new dongle. The dongle is our favoured method of getting news home and with it and a friend’s Karen’s laptop we should be able to communicate with the world. I passed it off as being a business need as well. Ahem.
I, of course, being too chatty for my own good left my passport in the shop and return visit was required later to collect said passport.
We biked back to the hotel and packed the ABSA bags we’ve been given for the race. Somehow we both managed to arrive with one bag and yet have managed now to fill two. I think Bigman is the Paul Daniels of packing because he seems to have managed to create twice the amount of stuff he started with. I think he’ll like the comparison – not a lot!
After lunch it was back for the race briefing. We went to the wrong place. It was a shame that they advised us of being in the wrong pace because it didn’t half go on. We went thro the leagues of nations who are racing and I’m pleased to say that Scotland got a shout belying our limited numbers.
We sneaked off before the end as they interviewed the potential winners. I’m not sure that we actually didn’t leave because the Bigman was hacked off that they had missed us out but maybe he’ll fess up to that in his blog. More shopping for the stuff that bungs you up when in need, water and honey left us enough time for a coffee and ice cream before our taxi took us back.
Dinner was buffet in the hotel – it was fine. The hotel has been fantastic letting us leave our bike bags and other stuff in a secure store. Not sure they’ve worked out it’s for a week but time will tell.
Tomorrow is a new day. Our reason for being here has arrived. We’re as ready as we’re ever going to be and the good news is that I’ve seen 3 racers fatter than me so far. Always a comfort!
The other news is that our cycle shirts reign supreme. Karen Kelly of Karen Kelly Designs has provided us with ‘the’ top of the race. Nothing yet has come close and I suspect that we will get many an admiring glance en route tomorrow. She’s done us proud and we’ll enjoy wearing the shirts.
Bigman’s getting serious about the race – he’s checking out the route for tomorrow. 117km with 2,190m of climbing. We’ll let the racing snakes go before plotting our route to victory.
The quote of the day came from the Deputy Council Leader in Cape Town who told the assembled audience at the Launch Party that ‘in Cape Town we take our partying seriously!!!’ – maybe he used to worked in Glasgow for Stephen Purcell who knows!
Hopefully the laptop and connection will work tomorrow. We’re both looking forward to getting started. We know it’s going to be a challenge but having completed the North Face of the Col De Cleish on many occasions we’re ready!
Until tomorrow my friends…….
Ironman
Breakfast was another fining carbing opportunity – bowl of fresh fruit,omelette with cheese, washed down with a large bowl of porridge. It was a feeding frenzy, last seen when devouring’s a supply of Duracell Chilli Con Carne made for 8 and eaten by four at Carbisdale Castle last May early in the training plan.
Registration was along at the V and A Waterfront – a 3 mile journey providing an opportunity to turn the legs and road test the bikes.
The noise and sense of expectation and anticipation was enormous. We picked up our branded hold all that will carry our race week equipmwnt along with wrist bands to access services, T shirts, Absa Cape Epic buff, and loads of other goodies.
After a coffee on the waterfront, the Ironman popped off to the pharmacy for some Immodium. Both the bike and the Ironman are running smoothly!
A phenomenal bicycle stunt artist performed amazing tricks at the amphitheatre to a crowd of onlookers.
We returned to the hotel to arrange our equipment for the week. It is amazing how your luggage expands to fill the available luggage space.
We then returned to the Waterfront for a bite to eat and some people watching before attending the rider briefing at 14:30. We shared the shuttle bus with a couple from Colorado who had spent 28hours travelling to get here. Lynn had done the Cape Epic three years ago. Her top tip – enjoy every day and take care of your butt.
For lunch.Bigman went for the Thai chicken to avoid further feedback from Little Nemo about travelling all the way to South Africa and having Lasagne for lunch yesterday. The Fit One also spotted the side of chips ……… choice of champions!
The briefing session included a who’s who of cycling with olympic gold medallists taking part and world champions. The Col du Carnock champion did not get a mention but Scotland got an extra cheer as the countries represented were announced one by one.
After another coffee, it was time for a Hagen Daz before heading back to the hotel to load bikes into the truck at 17:00. Dinner was a buffet at 18:30. With a 04:30 start tomorrow it is going to be an early night.
Tomorrow a year in waiting will arrive.
Bigman
Well it’s been a cracker – started off damp and miserable – it wasn’t any better outside!! The good news is that we both got a good night’s kip and woke up feeling refreshed and ready for a day of administration and organisation.
Breakfast was of the champion variety with the hotel putting a spread on that was Olympic in it’s proportions but to a really high quality. It’s fair to say that we tucked in and enjoyed the last day of ‘normal’ food before we suffer the rigours of the energy bars and drinks.
After breakfast we jumped on the bikes and headed down to the race centre at the V & A waterside. We paused and remembered the posse heading out on their journey to, we guessed, Loch Levens Larder. It was GREAT to be back out on the bike – not so sure I’ll be shouting that out tomorrow but today it was just fantastic.
With a slight breeze pushing at the remaining strands of the Bigman’s heid we peddled in to town past the stunning Football Stadium that will host many a game during the summer (or winter here) of football. It is a huge place that has hosted 3 trials games successfully and it is looking likely that those travelling to Cape Town will enjoy an experience of a lifetime.
Registration was uncomplicated. We signed in and grabbed our bags and T shirts before heading back to pick up our new dongle. The dongle is our favoured method of getting news home and with it and a friend’s Karen’s laptop we should be able to communicate with the world. I passed it off as being a business need as well. Ahem.
I, of course, being too chatty for my own good left my passport in the shop and return visit was required later to collect said passport.
We biked back to the hotel and packed the ABSA bags we’ve been given for the race. Somehow we both managed to arrive with one bag and yet have managed now to fill two. I think Bigman is the Paul Daniels of packing because he seems to have managed to create twice the amount of stuff he started with. I think he’ll like the comparison – not a lot!
After lunch it was back for the race briefing. We went to the wrong place. It was a shame that they advised us of being in the wrong pace because it didn’t half go on. We went thro the leagues of nations who are racing and I’m pleased to say that Scotland got a shout belying our limited numbers.
We sneaked off before the end as they interviewed the potential winners. I’m not sure that we actually didn’t leave because the Bigman was hacked off that they had missed us out but maybe he’ll fess up to that in his blog. More shopping for the stuff that bungs you up when in need, water and honey left us enough time for a coffee and ice cream before our taxi took us back.
Dinner was buffet in the hotel – it was fine. The hotel has been fantastic letting us leave our bike bags and other stuff in a secure store. Not sure they’ve worked out it’s for a week but time will tell.
Tomorrow is a new day. Our reason for being here has arrived. We’re as ready as we’re ever going to be and the good news is that I’ve seen 3 racers fatter than me so far. Always a comfort!
The other news is that our cycle shirts reign supreme. Karen Kelly of Karen Kelly Designs has provided us with ‘the’ top of the race. Nothing yet has come close and I suspect that we will get many an admiring glance en route tomorrow. She’s done us proud and we’ll enjoy wearing the shirts.
Bigman’s getting serious about the race – he’s checking out the route for tomorrow. 117km with 2,190m of climbing. We’ll let the racing snakes go before plotting our route to victory.
The quote of the day came from the Deputy Council Leader in Cape Town who told the assembled audience at the Launch Party that ‘in Cape Town we take our partying seriously!!!’ – maybe he used to worked in Glasgow for Stephen Purcell who knows!
Hopefully the laptop and connection will work tomorrow. We’re both looking forward to getting started. We know it’s going to be a challenge but having completed the North Face of the Col De Cleish on many occasions we’re ready!
Until tomorrow my friends…….
Ironman
Friday 19 March 2010
Impossible is nothing
Having gained the advantage of ‘free’ additional sports bag through booking in July last year, we had to pay for excess baggage ………… not for the Cape Duo, but for the bike containers which resembled Bill Hardie’s stock room. On reflection it probably was Bill Hardie’s stock room.
One could have been forgiven for thinking the French rugby team were queueing to board the Cape Town flight. A party of 14 french geriatrics were wielding zimmers, walking sticks and shoulders to barge their way through an orderly queue to board a plane patiently waiting for everyone to board. Not content, they deployed a strategy of putting their knees into the back of seats of passengers in fronF o avoid the seats being reclined. If it was not so pitiful, it might have been like a scene from Mr Bean.
After boarding the Heathrow flight to Cape Town last night at 21:45 Bigman had the aisle to keep him company whilst The Ironman had the company of a South African national who works in London between him and the window. He was soon regailing his new companion of his exploits in Ironman New Zealand last year. And before the wheels had been safely stowed in the plane, she was asleep!
Eleven hours later and a full five hours of sleep the destination is below us. As you leave teh airport, the iconic image of TAble Mountain is the first thing you see. Arrival In Cape Town and everything could not have worked better. Really friendly people eager to make all visitors welcome. The coach carried the bikes,the Cape Duo, and other bikers to the hotel where the bikes were assembled ready to race.
But not before the duo strolled along the promenade in searing heat before retiring for a carbing up exercise in a little Italian restaurant over looking the Atlantic Ocean.
At the International party at the V&A Waterfront Park 54 countries and 400 riders (out of 1200 riders) were represented. Only two from Scotland (replendant in national coloursand on the board publicizing countries represented))and the Cape Duo are already prizewinners from an impromtu Q and A session. Their prize …………….. a copy of the 2010 Cape Epic DVD.
Everyone is mega excited for the start of the race.
Don't Stop Believing.....
It’s been a day to remember. I can’t quite believe that I’m here. 12 months of preparation we arrived in Cape Town.
The journey to London went as planned and it was in London the fun began. We seemed to be sharing the flight with some particularly annoying French people. There was no queue where they were going and just barged everyone out of the way to get to the front of the queue. The pain in the French didn’t stop there though because Bigman has a small but very effective French lady sticking her knees into the back of his chair for the entire flight.
The Auld Alliance was severely tested but Bigman being kind of spirit let it go and put up with the inconvenience.
Otherwise the plane journey passed painlessly with both of us managing a good amount of sleep. Sleep on the plane isn’t like normal sleep as the days merge into a big blaumonge of days becoming one. The first steps off the plane are always exciting. I’d followed a large German lady who had to sidestep her way down the aisle for fear of getting jammed between the seats so when eventually the heat hit me it was very welcome.
We grabbed a shared bus back to the hotel. My bike bag was thrown on first followed by Bigman’s and then the assorted luggage of the other passengers. There was still time to squeeze on another couple of bikers. So the top bags were removed, the driver was just about to throw another 2 bikes on top of mine when I cried out in anguish and pain, for my poor bike, and he stopped and re-ordered the bikes so mine was on top. I could hear the crack of the carbon forks and was grateful that no damage was done.
The hotel is in a grand location and will suit us just fine for a couple of nights. The organisiation swings into full effect tomorrow with the launch, race briefing and bike hand over. Tonight was the party for the overseas racers. It was great fun. Hopefully the Bigman will load a few photo’s later……
So we plan a reasonably early night before matters take a serious turn tomorrow. We found an amazing restaurant at lunchtime today, which served fantastic food at really good price. The waiter was excellent and at the end of lunch passed us the bill. We gathered the cash, put it in the cheque cover and thanked the waiter for an excellent lunch. He asked if we would return. We replied positively and with a generous smile were on our way. Well our smile turned out to be our only generous act as we’d underpaid the bill and instead of leaving our kind waiter a tip had short changed him!! I wonder if we are still welcome!
It’s a beautiful place Cape Town and we’re looking forward to more exploration tomorrow.
The journey to London went as planned and it was in London the fun began. We seemed to be sharing the flight with some particularly annoying French people. There was no queue where they were going and just barged everyone out of the way to get to the front of the queue. The pain in the French didn’t stop there though because Bigman has a small but very effective French lady sticking her knees into the back of his chair for the entire flight.
The Auld Alliance was severely tested but Bigman being kind of spirit let it go and put up with the inconvenience.
Otherwise the plane journey passed painlessly with both of us managing a good amount of sleep. Sleep on the plane isn’t like normal sleep as the days merge into a big blaumonge of days becoming one. The first steps off the plane are always exciting. I’d followed a large German lady who had to sidestep her way down the aisle for fear of getting jammed between the seats so when eventually the heat hit me it was very welcome.
We grabbed a shared bus back to the hotel. My bike bag was thrown on first followed by Bigman’s and then the assorted luggage of the other passengers. There was still time to squeeze on another couple of bikers. So the top bags were removed, the driver was just about to throw another 2 bikes on top of mine when I cried out in anguish and pain, for my poor bike, and he stopped and re-ordered the bikes so mine was on top. I could hear the crack of the carbon forks and was grateful that no damage was done.
The hotel is in a grand location and will suit us just fine for a couple of nights. The organisiation swings into full effect tomorrow with the launch, race briefing and bike hand over. Tonight was the party for the overseas racers. It was great fun. Hopefully the Bigman will load a few photo’s later……
So we plan a reasonably early night before matters take a serious turn tomorrow. We found an amazing restaurant at lunchtime today, which served fantastic food at really good price. The waiter was excellent and at the end of lunch passed us the bill. We gathered the cash, put it in the cheque cover and thanked the waiter for an excellent lunch. He asked if we would return. We replied positively and with a generous smile were on our way. Well our smile turned out to be our only generous act as we’d underpaid the bill and instead of leaving our kind waiter a tip had short changed him!! I wonder if we are still welcome!
It’s a beautiful place Cape Town and we’re looking forward to more exploration tomorrow.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Up, up and away...
D-day has finally come as the Bigman puts it! Despite the challenges of connecting trains, planes and automobiles (not to mention 'helpful' BA groundstaff) the Bigman and Ironman have now taken off from Heathrow on their Epic Caper. Good luck from the posse and we look forward to the first blog from South Africa. Hope you manage to put your bikes back together again ;)
Little Nemo and The Wee Yin
Little Nemo and The Wee Yin
Wednesday 17 March 2010
We're leaving on a jet plane.....
Well the time is now. Our bags are packed. The posse ecosse is leaving tomorrow.
No stone has been left unturned, no list left unticked, nothing left to chance and we're as well organised as 2 not very organised can be!
Big thank you to everyone who has sent a supportive message - it's been much appreciated.
I'm swinging between excitment and nervousness. The journey to get here has been amazing. The people that have been part of the journey have been fantastic and incredibly supportive from both our partners, the posse, the people who have been there with physical or verbal support, to the folk that we've met on the route. It's been superb and thank you all.
We've formed a great team that will be tested in every way. There is no doubt that the challenge that lies ahead will push us to the extreme. Whilst I'm so excited that the time to head off has arrived I'm equally sad that this part of the journey is coming to an end. It's been uplifting.
So on to South Africa. We arrive on friday morning and no doubt the rest of the daytime will be spent re-building the bikes, sorting out kit and getting aclimatised. On Friday evening we'll be sporting our scottish rugby jerseys at the International welcome party. The calm before the storm.
My bike bag weighs an absolute tonne so who knows what they will say in the airport tomorrow. Mum's cake is in with the bike......
So we'll blog when we can which will hopefully be regularly so keep checking back here and see what's happening in the Cape Epic 2010.
It's time - see you on the other side.....
No stone has been left unturned, no list left unticked, nothing left to chance and we're as well organised as 2 not very organised can be!
Big thank you to everyone who has sent a supportive message - it's been much appreciated.
I'm swinging between excitment and nervousness. The journey to get here has been amazing. The people that have been part of the journey have been fantastic and incredibly supportive from both our partners, the posse, the people who have been there with physical or verbal support, to the folk that we've met on the route. It's been superb and thank you all.
We've formed a great team that will be tested in every way. There is no doubt that the challenge that lies ahead will push us to the extreme. Whilst I'm so excited that the time to head off has arrived I'm equally sad that this part of the journey is coming to an end. It's been uplifting.
So on to South Africa. We arrive on friday morning and no doubt the rest of the daytime will be spent re-building the bikes, sorting out kit and getting aclimatised. On Friday evening we'll be sporting our scottish rugby jerseys at the International welcome party. The calm before the storm.
My bike bag weighs an absolute tonne so who knows what they will say in the airport tomorrow. Mum's cake is in with the bike......
So we'll blog when we can which will hopefully be regularly so keep checking back here and see what's happening in the Cape Epic 2010.
It's time - see you on the other side.....
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Race Profile - Day 1
Stage 1:
Date: 21 March 2010
Start/Finish: Diemersfontein to Ceres
Distance: 117km
Climbing: 2190m
Stage 1 will see riders leave the charming Diemersfontein Wine Estate in the heart of the Wellington wine region. Riders will face a rude awakening of their legs with some immediate steep climbs, leading them to forest single track and more steep climbing on dirt tracks taking the race up to the tarred road of Bainskloof pass. The smooth tar descent is well-known for its tight turns and riders need to stay alert heading down into the windswept farmlands. Next up is a 5km climb on smooth dirt tracks through Kluytjieskraal. Over the other side, they will find themselves surrounded by mountains, with no sign of civilization, followed by a short rocky climb taking them back over the mountain ridge. The descent offers fantastic vistas over the Tulbagh and Wolsley valley which riders will soon traverse to reach the final stretch, the gruelling sting in the tail – a 12km long railway line section over iron sleepers and sharp stones into Ceres.
JR Rocks
There have not been many photos of JR out training this year however we caught up with him clubbing at the Victory Send Off Party getting in some extra training for the Posse Ecosse outing to the Bealach later this year.
10 more minutes until D Day
And now the final hour is fast approaching. It is 23:50 and Departure Day fast approaching.
It is all but done except for 800 km over 8 days ascending 49000ft. We might do a wee extra loop of the Witches Hat on Day 3 to pass through the 50,000 ft barrier for a laff!
The Posse Ecosse are representing Scotland in South Africa and all Bigman's equipment shouts about it. Scottish saltire on the Bike box, Scottish adress labels about 24 inches wide making sure the destination is obvious to all baggage handlers.
It is well known across international circuits that a common language exists amongst baggage handlers.
"Fragille" means this is really difficult to break but plaese try anyway.
The Ironman is a walking bike shop come chemists with all sorts of lotions, potions and spanners. We only hope he does not get the wet lube mixed up with the Sudacream at 05:00 hours when the headtorch is failing in the darkness!
Bigman has had a tough shift in a number of things whilst cramming in the training and so when he boarded the 17:45 to Dunfermline tonight, there was only one thing on his mind ........... the start line.
The Fit One has arranged a Posse Ecosse outing on Saturday in celebration of the Cape Duo qualifying for the finals in South Africa. He has made no secret of his intention to win the Bus Museum Sprint with a weakened peleton. The Duracell has other ideas!!!
It has been fantastic to receive so many calls and texts with support and each and everyone looking forward to daily reports on the blog.
With 05:00 starts and up to 10 hours per day in teh saddle you are gauranteed to receive a full unabridged outpouring of emotions. For the feint hearted, please do not read!
And so the Cape Duo say Abientot, til next we blog again
It is all but done except for 800 km over 8 days ascending 49000ft. We might do a wee extra loop of the Witches Hat on Day 3 to pass through the 50,000 ft barrier for a laff!
The Posse Ecosse are representing Scotland in South Africa and all Bigman's equipment shouts about it. Scottish saltire on the Bike box, Scottish adress labels about 24 inches wide making sure the destination is obvious to all baggage handlers.
It is well known across international circuits that a common language exists amongst baggage handlers.
"Fragille" means this is really difficult to break but plaese try anyway.
The Ironman is a walking bike shop come chemists with all sorts of lotions, potions and spanners. We only hope he does not get the wet lube mixed up with the Sudacream at 05:00 hours when the headtorch is failing in the darkness!
Bigman has had a tough shift in a number of things whilst cramming in the training and so when he boarded the 17:45 to Dunfermline tonight, there was only one thing on his mind ........... the start line.
The Fit One has arranged a Posse Ecosse outing on Saturday in celebration of the Cape Duo qualifying for the finals in South Africa. He has made no secret of his intention to win the Bus Museum Sprint with a weakened peleton. The Duracell has other ideas!!!
It has been fantastic to receive so many calls and texts with support and each and everyone looking forward to daily reports on the blog.
With 05:00 starts and up to 10 hours per day in teh saddle you are gauranteed to receive a full unabridged outpouring of emotions. For the feint hearted, please do not read!
And so the Cape Duo say Abientot, til next we blog again
Less than 48 hours to Cape Town
Blog watchers are growing at a phenominal pace. We are now at 1955 highly intelligent followers. Will the Cape Duo make the 2000 followers before the start of the race on Sunday?
Will the funds for Aberlour Child Care Trust beat the target of £2000.
Watch this space!
Will the funds for Aberlour Child Care Trust beat the target of £2000.
Watch this space!
Nightmare on the hill
The nervous excitement is starting to affect the sleep patterns of Bigman. Normally a solid eight hours a night man, thoughts of day 1 distance of 120 km and day 3 - the Witches Hat serve to make it a restless night.
Following a broken tooth last week, courtesy of kellogs, thanks to an understanding dentist ( who is a keen cyclist but not yet managed to join the posse for an outing) an impromptu surgery visit was on the cards for the morning. There was an opportunity to rise and shine and hit the gym at 7:00 for a bit of loosening up on the step machine followed by 200 sit ups and then a wee 45 min on the bikes. It was amazingly quiet ............ or maybe not so amazing!
A couple of hours work and then it was time for the dentist. With his half his face frozen, dribbling along the high street, there was an opportunity to pick some last minute items like luggage tags and an Ecosse sticker for the bike box.
The paparazzi arrived on schedule to take shots (in the dark) of the Cape Duo in the driveway. One footie fan on the way to the Dunfermline game enquired as he went past what was the big event. He was suitably underwhelmed when the boys advised it was the Cape Epic!
Only two more sleeps to and we are off.
The shopping is almost done and the bike and the bags are all packed.
No begins the search for teh item we have forgotten. At present, we do not know what it is?
Following a broken tooth last week, courtesy of kellogs, thanks to an understanding dentist ( who is a keen cyclist but not yet managed to join the posse for an outing) an impromptu surgery visit was on the cards for the morning. There was an opportunity to rise and shine and hit the gym at 7:00 for a bit of loosening up on the step machine followed by 200 sit ups and then a wee 45 min on the bikes. It was amazingly quiet ............ or maybe not so amazing!
A couple of hours work and then it was time for the dentist. With his half his face frozen, dribbling along the high street, there was an opportunity to pick some last minute items like luggage tags and an Ecosse sticker for the bike box.
The paparazzi arrived on schedule to take shots (in the dark) of the Cape Duo in the driveway. One footie fan on the way to the Dunfermline game enquired as he went past what was the big event. He was suitably underwhelmed when the boys advised it was the Cape Epic!
Only two more sleeps to and we are off.
The shopping is almost done and the bike and the bags are all packed.
No begins the search for teh item we have forgotten. At present, we do not know what it is?
Monday 15 March 2010
Time stands still for no man ................ except the Cape Crusaders
The fans have started arriving early to see the Caped Duo meet the Press as part of the 'Victory send off' celebrtions. A brass band is also marching in the background playing Queen's 'I love to ride my bicycle'.
The countdown to Cape Epic 2010 was going swimmingly and the Caped Duo could follow the clock on the blog as the weeks, hours and minutes counted down. With less than one week to go , the clock appears to have blown a fuse!
Perhaps it was the Ironman grinding out the 'hills' on his spin bike or perhaps Bigman has flooded the works with his sweat. Who knows. The key thing is we are 72 hours from take off to the Cape Epic 2010 and the beginning of our Epic Caper.
It is a mixture of nervous tension and pent up excitement. We both just want to get there, get the bikes re-built, and cross that starting line. It will only then be when 52 weeks of training through all sorts of wet, windy (and that was just in the gym)ice, snow, fog, freezing, experiences will all have been worthwhile. we have yet to find someone who is saying South Africa is not worth visiting. Cape Town is stunning and that is what we expect to find when we step off the plane to a tumultuous welcome. We expect the welcome to be a bit like Elvis touching down at Prestwick ...................... or maybe not!
What ever, the bags are packed, the bike box has been re-packed for a third time, and there is no more space ..........except for the team shorts which have still to arrive. It is anticipated to be uncomfortable down under but doing it without shorts is not advisable.
The Ironman picked them up on his way to Fort William and his weekly visit to the one man gym inthe Fort.
Tomorrow, the paparazzi are coming to take pictures of the leaving party. It is anticipated that the car parking will be difficult and so autograph hunters are advised to come early. You could be forgiven for thinking it is down the Cape Duo popularity .............. but more likely it is down the the Pars playing local rivals Raith Rovers in a crunch local derby.
The time is now....
I knew that today would come but it seems to have come sooner rather than later.
My last trip to the Fort William gym has been and gone. I did a short 45 minute spin followed by some stretching. I bade farewell to the gym until I'm back in 4 weeks time in the knowledge that if I haven't done it yet it's too late.
Funny how quickly time has passed and from the moment that Bigman and I were accepted into the race a year has passed like a single breath. I picked up our shorts today from www.thecyclejersey.com - Brian was telling me about some experience gained doing endurance races which I will take with me - now what did he say tonic water contains quinine which helps avoiding cramp.....
Do we add gin.....
Oh I can't remember!!
We're a year older, a year wiser and a good deal fitter. The witches hat which is day 3 still looms large in my head. As I drove up north I looked at the hills around me thinking I need to cycle up about twice the height of any of the hills that surrounded me. A sobering and scary thought.
If anyone fancies giving a day of the Cape Epic a go. Take your bike to Fort William, cycle to the top of Ben Nevis, turn round and head just under half way down the hill before turning the bike and heading back up to the top again. You get the picture. It's going to be a massive challenge - I've echoed my words from yesterday to emphasise the magnatude of the race ahead.
Our challenge is to finish. No more that will be enough. I believe we can do it. We're a strong team but I suspect any of the Gillespie Wheelers would form a strong team that could go and do the same challenge we're doing.
We're not doing this just for us or even for charity, we're doing it for all of our training partners who have lived and breathed the journey with us. They are the inspiration that has kept us going, dragged us through the dark winter days and nights and been a constant source of advice and information.
It seems appropriate to thank the posse now with the training done and we go as representatives of the finest collection of bikers I've been honoured to meet. We thank each and every one.
So I've packed my case, not entirely but almost. I have a list and friends were taking the mickey out of me at lunchtime when they glanced at my list and it included such basics as 'bike, helmet, shorts.....' - well I'd hate to forget my bike.
Or would I......
My last trip to the Fort William gym has been and gone. I did a short 45 minute spin followed by some stretching. I bade farewell to the gym until I'm back in 4 weeks time in the knowledge that if I haven't done it yet it's too late.
Funny how quickly time has passed and from the moment that Bigman and I were accepted into the race a year has passed like a single breath. I picked up our shorts today from www.thecyclejersey.com - Brian was telling me about some experience gained doing endurance races which I will take with me - now what did he say tonic water contains quinine which helps avoiding cramp.....
Do we add gin.....
Oh I can't remember!!
We're a year older, a year wiser and a good deal fitter. The witches hat which is day 3 still looms large in my head. As I drove up north I looked at the hills around me thinking I need to cycle up about twice the height of any of the hills that surrounded me. A sobering and scary thought.
If anyone fancies giving a day of the Cape Epic a go. Take your bike to Fort William, cycle to the top of Ben Nevis, turn round and head just under half way down the hill before turning the bike and heading back up to the top again. You get the picture. It's going to be a massive challenge - I've echoed my words from yesterday to emphasise the magnatude of the race ahead.
Our challenge is to finish. No more that will be enough. I believe we can do it. We're a strong team but I suspect any of the Gillespie Wheelers would form a strong team that could go and do the same challenge we're doing.
We're not doing this just for us or even for charity, we're doing it for all of our training partners who have lived and breathed the journey with us. They are the inspiration that has kept us going, dragged us through the dark winter days and nights and been a constant source of advice and information.
It seems appropriate to thank the posse now with the training done and we go as representatives of the finest collection of bikers I've been honoured to meet. We thank each and every one.
So I've packed my case, not entirely but almost. I have a list and friends were taking the mickey out of me at lunchtime when they glanced at my list and it included such basics as 'bike, helmet, shorts.....' - well I'd hate to forget my bike.
Or would I......
Sunday 14 March 2010
Bigman baffled by Bike Box
Today was one of the toughest challenges to date. You take one bike, one bike box, and Bigman and it should be straight forward for Bigman to fit the bike in the bike box. After all the trades description act indicated products have to be sold fit for purpose.
So first you remove the seat post. Still it does not fit.
Then you remove the handle bars. Still it does not fit.
Then you remove the forks. Now it begins to look as if it will fit.
It is a bit like one of those puzzles you see in Christmas Crackers. All the bits fit in the box. You just have to work out which way. Eventually you get so far, that the final strategy of sitting on the lid makes it shut.
There have been many reviews about bike boxes and they all carry a common theme. You know it should fit , It is just a matter of how! .......... and time ....... and patience!
Bill Hardie of Hardie Bikes has been very generous in supplying many parts sales or return which at least defers any further spending (wwww.hardiebikes.co.uk). Really helpful.
Spokes, gear cables outer and inner, tubes, patches, spare chain links, chains, patches, you name it was in the kit box.
The SIS energy bars and powder will keep Bigman motoring on the toughest of days. Passing through the airport security check may be a hoot and resemble a trip to Slovenia when ooodles of mini mars bars spilled across the conveyor belt when the eagle eyed 'observer' asked Bigman to empty his bag!
Four days left until we fly out to Cape Town and the nerves are growing. Loads of people wishing the Posse Ecosse all the best as they will not meet again until the duo return just re-inforces how close the starting line is. This time next week day 1 will be all over!
And teh Suacream will be in overdrive. Hold that thought!
So first you remove the seat post. Still it does not fit.
Then you remove the handle bars. Still it does not fit.
Then you remove the forks. Now it begins to look as if it will fit.
It is a bit like one of those puzzles you see in Christmas Crackers. All the bits fit in the box. You just have to work out which way. Eventually you get so far, that the final strategy of sitting on the lid makes it shut.
There have been many reviews about bike boxes and they all carry a common theme. You know it should fit , It is just a matter of how! .......... and time ....... and patience!
Bill Hardie of Hardie Bikes has been very generous in supplying many parts sales or return which at least defers any further spending (wwww.hardiebikes.co.uk). Really helpful.
Spokes, gear cables outer and inner, tubes, patches, spare chain links, chains, patches, you name it was in the kit box.
The SIS energy bars and powder will keep Bigman motoring on the toughest of days. Passing through the airport security check may be a hoot and resemble a trip to Slovenia when ooodles of mini mars bars spilled across the conveyor belt when the eagle eyed 'observer' asked Bigman to empty his bag!
Four days left until we fly out to Cape Town and the nerves are growing. Loads of people wishing the Posse Ecosse all the best as they will not meet again until the duo return just re-inforces how close the starting line is. This time next week day 1 will be all over!
And teh Suacream will be in overdrive. Hold that thought!
Spinning cd's and bikes....
Spent some time with the band today messing around with music - great fun as ever.....
So once I done my bit I set off home for a spin set on the static bike in the gym. To be honest my knee was playing up yesterday and with my hip having been eased off by the massage people at Keavil House on Friday I just took it easy and turned the pedals for an hour or so. It's helped my knee which now feels much looser.
The Bigman took part in an alternative exercise regime. It's called fitting the mountain bike in to the flight box. By all account a book and DVD will follow and it's a disappointment, alledgedly, that this afternoon's wrestling match was not filmed. By don't worry internet people I will be there to video the unpacking. I would imagine that with the passing of time, increase of frustration and eventual forcing of the lid of the bike box a clear safety zone will be created in the hotel foyer with a fan of catchers established to pick up the flying pieces as the box explodes to life.
So after a small amount of calculation, internet investigation and guesswork I'm pretty certain the Bigman will have expended more energy in the packing of the bike compared to the hour I spend on my bike!!!
I need to dismantle the beast at some point this week.....
This time next week stage 1 will be done. The last few weeks have absolutely disappeared and the time has flown in.
It's going to be fantastic.
So once I done my bit I set off home for a spin set on the static bike in the gym. To be honest my knee was playing up yesterday and with my hip having been eased off by the massage people at Keavil House on Friday I just took it easy and turned the pedals for an hour or so. It's helped my knee which now feels much looser.
The Bigman took part in an alternative exercise regime. It's called fitting the mountain bike in to the flight box. By all account a book and DVD will follow and it's a disappointment, alledgedly, that this afternoon's wrestling match was not filmed. By don't worry internet people I will be there to video the unpacking. I would imagine that with the passing of time, increase of frustration and eventual forcing of the lid of the bike box a clear safety zone will be created in the hotel foyer with a fan of catchers established to pick up the flying pieces as the box explodes to life.
So after a small amount of calculation, internet investigation and guesswork I'm pretty certain the Bigman will have expended more energy in the packing of the bike compared to the hour I spend on my bike!!!
I need to dismantle the beast at some point this week.....
This time next week stage 1 will be done. The last few weeks have absolutely disappeared and the time has flown in.
It's going to be fantastic.
Friday 12 March 2010
Lean Back and Don't Spanner It.......
Final preparations are in full swing with the last bits and pieces being picked up on Monday - bib shorts have been selected and the Cape Town 2 is almost ready to roll.
I had a final play about with the bike and have fitted my spring loaded seat post - hopefully given this much respect to my bum will pay dividends later during the race!!
I phoned a good friend of mine who is a proper downhill mountain biker. I talked him through the Witches Hat, a 5,500ft climb before a 5,500ft decent. He choked at the thought of the climb but then I could almost hear his mind drifting off as he imagined the decent! He advised to let the bike do the work and to 'lean back and don't spanner it!' I am assuming that to spanner is to spectatularly crash. I have no intention of spannering it and if I get close to spannering I have no doubt that Bigman will be more than the required 2 minutes apart ensuring he doesn't spanner it!
So this time next week we'll hopefully be preparing for the international party to greet visitors who have travelled to the race which is doubling up as the pre-marathon party I think. It's going to be fun!
I took a call from the local press today - I've got no idea what rubbish I told him but I did get the opportunity to big up our Charity at the website at the top of the page! So if you read this and feel you want to, you know where to go to give.....
I had massage today down at Keavil House Hotel. It was fantastic. The people in the massage centre were excellent and my hip feels more relaxed than it has for a while.
I'm beginning to feel in control as the trip is organised, we've managed to miss the BA strike action by one day and I'm ready on the work front to. I'm away for over 3 weeks so it is inevitable that I will have to deal with issues whilst on holiday but somehow I look forward to that side of the holiday as well. I'm not good at doing nothing!
I had a final play about with the bike and have fitted my spring loaded seat post - hopefully given this much respect to my bum will pay dividends later during the race!!
I phoned a good friend of mine who is a proper downhill mountain biker. I talked him through the Witches Hat, a 5,500ft climb before a 5,500ft decent. He choked at the thought of the climb but then I could almost hear his mind drifting off as he imagined the decent! He advised to let the bike do the work and to 'lean back and don't spanner it!' I am assuming that to spanner is to spectatularly crash. I have no intention of spannering it and if I get close to spannering I have no doubt that Bigman will be more than the required 2 minutes apart ensuring he doesn't spanner it!
So this time next week we'll hopefully be preparing for the international party to greet visitors who have travelled to the race which is doubling up as the pre-marathon party I think. It's going to be fun!
I took a call from the local press today - I've got no idea what rubbish I told him but I did get the opportunity to big up our Charity at the website at the top of the page! So if you read this and feel you want to, you know where to go to give.....
I had massage today down at Keavil House Hotel. It was fantastic. The people in the massage centre were excellent and my hip feels more relaxed than it has for a while.
I'm beginning to feel in control as the trip is organised, we've managed to miss the BA strike action by one day and I'm ready on the work front to. I'm away for over 3 weeks so it is inevitable that I will have to deal with issues whilst on holiday but somehow I look forward to that side of the holiday as well. I'm not good at doing nothing!
Thursday 11 March 2010
Bigman batman
Bigman has absolutely no appetite for studying the finer details of transfer times, insurance policies, sewing kits, and all such mundane activities.
Already the value of the pairing is shining through. The Ironman has immense appetite for dealing with all things mundane.At one point over the last few days, Bigman has felt guilt.....only for a millisecond......... and was about to offer to do something but then the moment passed and he did not want to remove the pleasure from The Ironman.
Tonight the bike went out to Bill Hardie for its final service before going into the case at the weekend. He provided some great advice on lotions and potions to keep you going when the head says no you need something to tell the legs to keep going. Images of The Fit One will float into their minds.
It is fast becoming a reality. The Posse Ecosse is ready for South Africa but is South Africa ready for Posse Ecosse. That is the question.
The paparazzi have been in touch with The Ironman to pick up on the story so far. It may lead to a special supplement being issued at the weekend. Especially if The Ironman starts regailing the press with tales of his Ironman exploits in New Zealand last year. That has prompted a thought with Bigman, he still has to buy earplugs.
It seems so long ago 51 weeks since Moonwalker tapdanced over the key board with the Posse Ecosse entry and here we are 51 weeks later. It is real.
Scotland are going to South Africa in 2010.
Loads of packing still to do for Bigman however that can be a weekend activity. Taper down this weekend involves watching Scotland win the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield.
The Posse Ecosse are wearing Scotland rugby colours at the international party in 8 days time in Cape Town , South Africa in 30 degree heat!
Already the value of the pairing is shining through. The Ironman has immense appetite for dealing with all things mundane.At one point over the last few days, Bigman has felt guilt.....only for a millisecond......... and was about to offer to do something but then the moment passed and he did not want to remove the pleasure from The Ironman.
Tonight the bike went out to Bill Hardie for its final service before going into the case at the weekend. He provided some great advice on lotions and potions to keep you going when the head says no you need something to tell the legs to keep going. Images of The Fit One will float into their minds.
It is fast becoming a reality. The Posse Ecosse is ready for South Africa but is South Africa ready for Posse Ecosse. That is the question.
The paparazzi have been in touch with The Ironman to pick up on the story so far. It may lead to a special supplement being issued at the weekend. Especially if The Ironman starts regailing the press with tales of his Ironman exploits in New Zealand last year. That has prompted a thought with Bigman, he still has to buy earplugs.
It seems so long ago 51 weeks since Moonwalker tapdanced over the key board with the Posse Ecosse entry and here we are 51 weeks later. It is real.
Scotland are going to South Africa in 2010.
Loads of packing still to do for Bigman however that can be a weekend activity. Taper down this weekend involves watching Scotland win the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield.
The Posse Ecosse are wearing Scotland rugby colours at the international party in 8 days time in Cape Town , South Africa in 30 degree heat!
Taper time begins with minor grumbles....
After our training session on Monday my body has begun to beg for mercy and I've developed a pain in the left hip. Nothing too bad just a grumble that needs to be sorted. So I'm off to meet a fizz in the morning who will hopefully push, pull and massage the broken bits back into place.
I feel better for a few days off and no running but with the weather being so fab the temptation to grab the shoes and get out in the sun has been immense.
I've spent the week getting organised and have managed to print out all of the information required for a successful trip. I managed to procure insurance yesterday. Mountain bike racing is a category 3 hazardous event. I noted rather somberly that allownace is included in the policy for repatriation in the event of death! However given my skills on a mountain bike anything steeper than the smallest incline will be walked rather than risk all in a speedy downhill.
So given the ever mounting cost of the trip I think the last thing I'll buy is a solar charger - I'm officially a geek! This might keep us blogging......
I feel better for a few days off and no running but with the weather being so fab the temptation to grab the shoes and get out in the sun has been immense.
I've spent the week getting organised and have managed to print out all of the information required for a successful trip. I managed to procure insurance yesterday. Mountain bike racing is a category 3 hazardous event. I noted rather somberly that allownace is included in the policy for repatriation in the event of death! However given my skills on a mountain bike anything steeper than the smallest incline will be walked rather than risk all in a speedy downhill.
So given the ever mounting cost of the trip I think the last thing I'll buy is a solar charger - I'm officially a geek! This might keep us blogging......
Tuesday 9 March 2010
Duck tape, tie wraps and tent locks.....
The Cape Epic is not only a test of endurance but a test of shopping and logistics.
The shopping is coming together with all but a few bits and pieces purchased. Logistics are not as easy to organise so in the spirit of the Bigman a list was prepared. It's a long, long list.
We need to be very well organised because the organisers give everyone a bag at the start and that bag is all you get. You padlock up your case each day and it's packed onto the baggage truck (we normally call our baggage truck Duracell!!!!) before being transported to the next camp site.
Daylight hours are short with the sun rising in South Africa at 6.45am and setting just after 7pm. So torches are going to be critical for evenings in the bush. I decided to buy a wind up torch to avoid the need to search for batteries.
Everything is slowly but surely coming together. With just over a week to go the next few days will involve massage, packing bikes and spending time with the family. I'm so looking forward to the trip and the challenge. The nervousness is slowly fading and the exitment building. It's going to be massive.
The shopping is coming together with all but a few bits and pieces purchased. Logistics are not as easy to organise so in the spirit of the Bigman a list was prepared. It's a long, long list.
We need to be very well organised because the organisers give everyone a bag at the start and that bag is all you get. You padlock up your case each day and it's packed onto the baggage truck (we normally call our baggage truck Duracell!!!!) before being transported to the next camp site.
Daylight hours are short with the sun rising in South Africa at 6.45am and setting just after 7pm. So torches are going to be critical for evenings in the bush. I decided to buy a wind up torch to avoid the need to search for batteries.
Everything is slowly but surely coming together. With just over a week to go the next few days will involve massage, packing bikes and spending time with the family. I'm so looking forward to the trip and the challenge. The nervousness is slowly fading and the exitment building. It's going to be massive.
Monday 8 March 2010
Sand, sun, sweat, saddles ................. a Cape cocktail
Is there any truth in the rumour that The Fit One took part in The Tour de France last year. This photo was taken in the stage before the peleton headed for the Alps.
Doesn't the guy in the Quickstep outfit look familiar?
Did you see the Fit One that day?
A day nearer the start. In 14 days we will be 25% through the race. A blog spotted by the Ironman provided a small concern for a split second. A lethal cocktail of Sand, Sun, Sweat, and Saddle brings a tear to a glass eye just thinking about the pain.
This evening The Fit One issued a challenge that he would beat the Bigman on the Bus Museum Sprint on his return from the Cape Epic. To even things up a little, The Fit One will have to liberally apply table salt to a healthy dose of Sudacream fused with some Deep Heat and applied evenly! That should just about provide simulation! ....... and equity.
The Ironman does not comprehend 'tapering'. He was banging out a 'conservative' level 15 and chatting away. He is in awesome form. Bigman managed to stem the flow today ensuring no mopping was required
Only 12 more sleeps until the starting line. The bike is off for a final service on Thursday and then packed up for the journey. Lots of lists, lots to do, mot much time to do it. Roll on the big day when we just have to turn the pedals.......a few hundred thousand times!
Taper time on the bike
As I wandered into the gym at Cowdenbeath I saw the Bigman already warming up on the cross trainer. By the time I'd dropped off my kit he was pounding out, in a shillings and pence way, reps on the spin bike.....
It was to be a blether session. Kit was discussed. In reality, we both need to read the kit list and make sure that we have everything that is required. We have both spent the resources of a small country to make this trip a success. Everytime you see something that you need the temptation is to say well it's only £20 but by the time you've had 20 of the £20 things the damage soon adds up. Fortunately Wee Yin and Moonwalker are very understanding woman greet the incoming mail with a smile and wonder which part of the extravagance has just arrived! We are lucky to have such supportive partners!
Memories of the send off party were shared and we laughed at some great tales of what was a superb night. We're blessed to have great friends and many people have donated kindly to the charity with donations marching relentlessly to the £2k target. We're not there yet so keep giving if you feel you can and want to.
The guys in band, Father Jack, also had a great evening and now we've listened back to the recordings are reasonably happy with the output. I'll send a link to Waveriders video once it's posted on You Tube.
After the bike was finished we did a few sit ups and we were done.
Sunday was another lovely day and a good chance for a ride with Moonwalker and Waverider. We made our way to the bike path and enjoyed a blast out together. Waverider is building confidence on the bike and by the end was flying along. A new biker is born and I look forward to him joining the posse soon!
So 7 working days left, 1 weekend and lots still to do.
The Cape Epic 2010 is truly upon us and with less than 2 weeks to go the excitment is building and building and building.
It was to be a blether session. Kit was discussed. In reality, we both need to read the kit list and make sure that we have everything that is required. We have both spent the resources of a small country to make this trip a success. Everytime you see something that you need the temptation is to say well it's only £20 but by the time you've had 20 of the £20 things the damage soon adds up. Fortunately Wee Yin and Moonwalker are very understanding woman greet the incoming mail with a smile and wonder which part of the extravagance has just arrived! We are lucky to have such supportive partners!
Memories of the send off party were shared and we laughed at some great tales of what was a superb night. We're blessed to have great friends and many people have donated kindly to the charity with donations marching relentlessly to the £2k target. We're not there yet so keep giving if you feel you can and want to.
The guys in band, Father Jack, also had a great evening and now we've listened back to the recordings are reasonably happy with the output. I'll send a link to Waveriders video once it's posted on You Tube.
After the bike was finished we did a few sit ups and we were done.
Sunday was another lovely day and a good chance for a ride with Moonwalker and Waverider. We made our way to the bike path and enjoyed a blast out together. Waverider is building confidence on the bike and by the end was flying along. A new biker is born and I look forward to him joining the posse soon!
So 7 working days left, 1 weekend and lots still to do.
The Cape Epic 2010 is truly upon us and with less than 2 weeks to go the excitment is building and building and building.
Sunday 7 March 2010
The final countdown ....................
Image courtesy of Fett Images (www.Fettimages.co.uk)
The music blared from the public announcement system around the High Street of Dunfermline as the Caped Crusaders toured the city in an open topped Citreon CV5 before heading to East End Park for a civic reception amongst friends and family for the Victory Send Off party. The paparazzi were there, represented by Fett Images (www.fettimages.co.uk) along with legal representatives Duracell and Co. and personal trainer The Fit One.
Everyone was celebrating the Fit Fat and Forty somethings (or maybe fifty) getting to the starting line in perfect shape. Okay so a couple of sherberts may have influenced the writer's opinion but heyho a bit of poetic license never did anyone any harm!
The gig warmed up with some cheesey music from Abba to the Monkeys and beyond. All the dignitaries were present including JR and family who managed to break through the ice cordon encapsulating the frozen north for much of the year. Junior 1 is still turning the pedals on his turbo in his garage and has been since September!)
And then the rock began, as in the We will rock you musical, the audience found rock and the stadium bounced to the sound of Father Jack. With over a hundred balding rockers of all ages, the stadium was bouncing with The Bigman and JR sharing status Quo type air guitar movements. A sight to behold let alone believe!
The food of champions was served up - stovies - before which The Fit One made a moving speech synonymous with a receipt of an academy award .......... or was it a gotcha award. He was most gracious in his thanks to all who had helped the Caped Duo achieve their fitness levels, wished everyone present a fantastic night, and encouraged everyone to make it a night to remember for the Posse Ecosse as they represent Scotland in South Africa in just under two weeks time.
By the time midnight struck even the fat lady had sung. A rolling presentation of cycling through the recent years amongst friends across Dunfermline and further afield brought back many positive memories of the great times past and encouraged folks for the great times ahead.
The designer of the cycling kit for South Africa was about to be presented with an unframed, unpacked shirt as a thanks for the fantastic design work, especially given the original concepts she was asked to work with!
However, even fantastic designers have to answer the call of nature. The crowd waited with anticipation for her return which appeared to go on for an endless period. And then it happened,. She returned. As part of her acceptance speech, she acknowledged never before had so many, waited so long, to provide such a rapturous applause for her return from the loo.
A big thanks to too many people who made a fantastic night even more fantastic.
On the dark days in sunny South Africa, The Caped duo will be carried up and over teh monstrous mountains with the support of those back home spiritually cheering them on.
The boys are well on their way to their target of £2000 fund raising for Aberlour Child CAre Trust thanks to the genrosity of many folks. You can help by visiting their Just Giving site.
Cape Epic strip launch
www.fettimages.co.uk
Epic strips are unveiled.....
It was with a huge amount of excitment and courtesy of the cycle jersey company that we were able to unveil the racing colours for South Africa - despite the shape and size of the models the tops look amazing.
They were designed by Karen Kelly of Karen Kelly Designs - a wedding dress designer who kindly branched out into sports kit.
We are so chuffed with the final printed design and the tops were given a warm reception by the people that attended the unveiling!
Duracell on extra charge
Spring is in the air with every sight and every sound ...................
What a cracking day. Brilliant sunshine, no wind, no chill factor.
It was time to taper down and what better way than to invite the Duracell to set the pace for the day. With the Dawes snow plough attachment having been removed after the fierce winter, The Duracell was in fine form rising out of the saddle to crest Mont Veknockhil en route to Yetts of Mucchart before hanging a right and speeding along to Loch Leven's Larder coffee shop. In fact, he had to be reminded to slow down several times as he roared along the road like some caged lion set free.
With diet and weight targets in mind, there was a skinny latte buried within the apple pie and ice cream orders that would provide a token gesture of respect twards the challenge in front of the Caped Crusaders.
It was good to enjoy the company of The Duracell as the posse discussed this years May adventure across Britain.
Just over 60k completed as part of the taper down and it felt good to be out on the bike with no pressure around time or pace, just turning the legs on a beautiful day with great friends.
The clock on the counter is now showing less than two weeks until the BIG day in South Africa. A cocktail of nerves and excitement............ all at the same time is brewing.
What a cracking day. Brilliant sunshine, no wind, no chill factor.
It was time to taper down and what better way than to invite the Duracell to set the pace for the day. With the Dawes snow plough attachment having been removed after the fierce winter, The Duracell was in fine form rising out of the saddle to crest Mont Veknockhil en route to Yetts of Mucchart before hanging a right and speeding along to Loch Leven's Larder coffee shop. In fact, he had to be reminded to slow down several times as he roared along the road like some caged lion set free.
With diet and weight targets in mind, there was a skinny latte buried within the apple pie and ice cream orders that would provide a token gesture of respect twards the challenge in front of the Caped Crusaders.
It was good to enjoy the company of The Duracell as the posse discussed this years May adventure across Britain.
Just over 60k completed as part of the taper down and it felt good to be out on the bike with no pressure around time or pace, just turning the legs on a beautiful day with great friends.
The clock on the counter is now showing less than two weeks until the BIG day in South Africa. A cocktail of nerves and excitement............ all at the same time is brewing.
Friday 5 March 2010
Not So Epic Training
It's been busy week with loads of work and a bit of training.
Wednesday was another spin day - 1 hour of spin to the dulcett tones of Noel and Deal or No Deal. I did a relatively hard session but it was only an hour and not the usual 2 hours which was nice for a change.
I followed up the spin with a weights session. There are small pec's developing under the moobs - nothing to blog about but still a start. Arnie should be quaking in his suit.
I took a call from Santiago suggesting a run at lunchtime. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it was warm. Not Cape Town warm but in the sun you felt the heat of the sun - it was great! We did the run down to Cairneyhill and then along to Crossford before heading back up through the Dean Plantation.
Santiago has a plan for the next 7 weeks to get ready for the Paris marathon. He seems confident of a get round strategy - I enjoy running with Santiago - he's good company and we are very similarly paced.
Today was a rest day.
Much of this week has been planning. Bike kit, medical kit, clothes and other stuff like insurances. We've been picking up the spares that we need for the bike. Bigman pointed me in the direction of an article in The Times and I wrote to one of the riders, Dennis Rink. His blog is http://www.live-cycle.co.uk/blog/ - it makes good reading.
He's sent us a kit list as well as a load of helpful tips - good advice from an experienced biker. His blog from last year's race did send a few shivers up my spine but equally made me aware that preparation and planning is key to a successful trip - now where is the Wingman's number!! A particular concern is a blistered behind - seems to be a common thread in many a blog. I found a product that claims to do the biz on the bum but with no reviews I have a few doubts. (Think I'll buy one - small risky investment that could be a good investment).
Tomorrow is a coffee run with a couple of hills thrown in. Loch Leven's larder, scones and latte's are calling! Hopefully the good weather will continue and the threatening showers will not materialise.
Not sure who's in the posse but Bigman will be out for sure......
Wednesday was another spin day - 1 hour of spin to the dulcett tones of Noel and Deal or No Deal. I did a relatively hard session but it was only an hour and not the usual 2 hours which was nice for a change.
I followed up the spin with a weights session. There are small pec's developing under the moobs - nothing to blog about but still a start. Arnie should be quaking in his suit.
I took a call from Santiago suggesting a run at lunchtime. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining and it was warm. Not Cape Town warm but in the sun you felt the heat of the sun - it was great! We did the run down to Cairneyhill and then along to Crossford before heading back up through the Dean Plantation.
Santiago has a plan for the next 7 weeks to get ready for the Paris marathon. He seems confident of a get round strategy - I enjoy running with Santiago - he's good company and we are very similarly paced.
Today was a rest day.
Much of this week has been planning. Bike kit, medical kit, clothes and other stuff like insurances. We've been picking up the spares that we need for the bike. Bigman pointed me in the direction of an article in The Times and I wrote to one of the riders, Dennis Rink. His blog is http://www.live-cycle.co.uk/blog/ - it makes good reading.
He's sent us a kit list as well as a load of helpful tips - good advice from an experienced biker. His blog from last year's race did send a few shivers up my spine but equally made me aware that preparation and planning is key to a successful trip - now where is the Wingman's number!! A particular concern is a blistered behind - seems to be a common thread in many a blog. I found a product that claims to do the biz on the bum but with no reviews I have a few doubts. (Think I'll buy one - small risky investment that could be a good investment).
Tomorrow is a coffee run with a couple of hills thrown in. Loch Leven's larder, scones and latte's are calling! Hopefully the good weather will continue and the threatening showers will not materialise.
Not sure who's in the posse but Bigman will be out for sure......
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Read all about it .....................
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/diet_and_fitness/article5930941.ece
Interval Session Puts Spring In Step
Back up in Fort William for a meeting first thing on Tuesday. So it was off to the gym for a interval run.
The usual crew were working out and the limited amount of kit was being used fully. So the run was all I managed.
It was enough to afford a wee treat at tea time though....
The usual crew were working out and the limited amount of kit was being used fully. So the run was all I managed.
It was enough to afford a wee treat at tea time though....
Monday 1 March 2010
The Fat Controller reeks havoc with Bigman training routine
It is Monday and the Scotrail employees are reeking havoc with the transport system. First the Fife Flyer to Glasgow is cancelled. Then, on the return journey, the Fife Flyer was spotted resting in its usual siding just outside Polmont as the Edinburgh train went by. Bigman hopped off the train to change at Linlithgow, confident in the knowledge the Fife Flyer would be along soon.
Not so. A darkened out train crawled past on its way to get in position for its journey tomorrow. And so Bigman had to wait on the next Edinburgh bound train before heading out to Inverkeithing and onto Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre for a workout in the gym before the spin class.
It is true to say the enthusiasm was low, however, as the music pumped out and the beat began to get faster the legs kicked into overdrive, the pours began to open, and the floods began!
It is a long day on a Monday when the weekend exertions have passed and you are 'fresh' for a Monday full of interesting events.
The Ironman is away on business in Fort William and enjoying the small yet perfectly formed gym in his hotel.
No doubt he is enjoying the pudding!
Just over two weeks to go and the sponsorship levels are mounting.
If you have not already donated to the cause, don't loose the opportunity!
Sunday 28 February 2010
Ironman demands more resistance
The plan was for the Cape Crusaders to head for the hills this afternoon. The Ironman was all for a three circuit route over Mont Veknockhill, back over the north face of Col du Cleish climb back up to the Knockhill crossroads and repeat three times.
The weather had a different opinion. At 10:00 this morning the sleet and rain was blasting the windows in Dunfermline. With temperatures in Cape Town currently 37 degrees, there felt limited value in 'acclimatisation' training in Fife this morning ............ or even this afternoon. Bigman wimped out and said he was off to the gym instead. And in a nanosecond, the Ironman was supportive of the decision.
And so it was. Off to Cowdenbeath to take in the second half of the FA League cup final whilst trotting out the miles on the step machine and then onto the bikes for the closing 10 minutes of the game.
The Ironman was on iron form. At one point he was complaining because the bike resistance only went up to level 25! He was awesome. Even at this tempo, with his head resembling a blonde brit who forgot to put on sun block in Costa Lot resort - beacon red - he could not replicate the swimming pool proportions of the Bigman's perspiration rate. He commented on concerns that the locals in south Africa might mistake the torrents in the drains as flash floods from the hills as opposed to the Bigman merely climbing a few mountain passes!
Bigman opted for keeping 'low tide' and sticking with a Witches Hat routine of level 15 and 60+ revs per minute.
And then to the mats for the obligatory 220 sit ups before moving on to the weights .
After The Ironman left there was 10 minutes back on the step maching whilst watching the biathlon cross country skiing. after the 10 minutes watching the activity on screen, Bigman felt he had taken the lead. If only footie fives had not called, he may have taken virtual gold in Vancouver, but it was not to be.
A final hour of fives, completed the three hours training regime for a Sunday afternoon and we are back into the week.
The Victory send off party is next Saturday evening with over a hundred friends and fellow cyclists coming to make sure we go. It is going to be a crackin night as everyone wants to have a cracking night.
The Posse Ecosse will all be there and the Cape Crusaders may break from their 'strictly low alcohol' consumption training regime.
The weather had a different opinion. At 10:00 this morning the sleet and rain was blasting the windows in Dunfermline. With temperatures in Cape Town currently 37 degrees, there felt limited value in 'acclimatisation' training in Fife this morning ............ or even this afternoon. Bigman wimped out and said he was off to the gym instead. And in a nanosecond, the Ironman was supportive of the decision.
And so it was. Off to Cowdenbeath to take in the second half of the FA League cup final whilst trotting out the miles on the step machine and then onto the bikes for the closing 10 minutes of the game.
The Ironman was on iron form. At one point he was complaining because the bike resistance only went up to level 25! He was awesome. Even at this tempo, with his head resembling a blonde brit who forgot to put on sun block in Costa Lot resort - beacon red - he could not replicate the swimming pool proportions of the Bigman's perspiration rate. He commented on concerns that the locals in south Africa might mistake the torrents in the drains as flash floods from the hills as opposed to the Bigman merely climbing a few mountain passes!
Bigman opted for keeping 'low tide' and sticking with a Witches Hat routine of level 15 and 60+ revs per minute.
And then to the mats for the obligatory 220 sit ups before moving on to the weights .
After The Ironman left there was 10 minutes back on the step maching whilst watching the biathlon cross country skiing. after the 10 minutes watching the activity on screen, Bigman felt he had taken the lead. If only footie fives had not called, he may have taken virtual gold in Vancouver, but it was not to be.
A final hour of fives, completed the three hours training regime for a Sunday afternoon and we are back into the week.
The Victory send off party is next Saturday evening with over a hundred friends and fellow cyclists coming to make sure we go. It is going to be a crackin night as everyone wants to have a cracking night.
The Posse Ecosse will all be there and the Cape Crusaders may break from their 'strictly low alcohol' consumption training regime.
Winter has a sting in the tail.....
The snow flakes were gently falling in the centre of Dunfermline. Sufficient flakes were falling to put the outdoor ride off for the Cape Town 2. There wasn't enough snow however to put off Moonwalker. She set off suggesting we were wimps.....
Moonwalker is taking part in Maggies Monster Bike and Hike - a 30 mile bike followed by a 22 mile hike. An absolutely massive challenge and I'm hugely proud of her for taking on such a big event. She's training hard and will be ready at the start of May for the race. I'm being support driver for the team and looking forward to being there for her for a change instead.
Anyway I met the Bigman for our customary 2 hour workout at the Gym in Cowdenbeath. They are going all electronic and soon we'll be issued new passes. No pass no gym. The gym police were very strict about the new rules.
The session was the usual 30 minutes on the cross trainer, 45 minutes on the spin bike, some sit ups and weights ( for the Bigman ) - I called it a day!
Moonwalker is taking part in Maggies Monster Bike and Hike - a 30 mile bike followed by a 22 mile hike. An absolutely massive challenge and I'm hugely proud of her for taking on such a big event. She's training hard and will be ready at the start of May for the race. I'm being support driver for the team and looking forward to being there for her for a change instead.
Anyway I met the Bigman for our customary 2 hour workout at the Gym in Cowdenbeath. They are going all electronic and soon we'll be issued new passes. No pass no gym. The gym police were very strict about the new rules.
The session was the usual 30 minutes on the cross trainer, 45 minutes on the spin bike, some sit ups and weights ( for the Bigman ) - I called it a day!
Saturday 27 February 2010
..................... the final countdown!
It was billed as D Day - the last massive ride out before commencing the taper period and less than 3 weeks until Cape Epic 2010 commences. Was it likely either of the Cape Crusaders were looking forward to freezing their juice bottles off trekking around Fife, Clackmannan and Stirlingshire mounting up the miles in order to ensure South Africa is an experience and not a survival test? Not a chance!
And so it was with mixed feelings the sight of four inches of snow overnight welcomed The Bigman as he pulled back the curtains at 07:30 this morning. Plan B swung into action and Bigman headed over to pick up The Fit One and head to Cowdenbeath for a morning of mixed disciplines.
The gym was empty and so the traditional warm up on the treadmill for 30 minutes at level 10 got the heart rate up to 130 plus and burnt off almost 400 calories whilst the Fit One danced along the treadmill to some funky tunes on his ipod. He was probably getting in some Michael Jackson 'moonwalk' impersonation practice for the Victory send off party next Saturday night.
Next it was time to warm up the abs to enable full deep breathing on the bike. A good 220 situps let the abs know it was time for a workout and to get action orientated to support the Witches Hat routine.
And then it came to the bike. The internal training has become the defacto standard.
Five minutes at 60 revs per minute on level 15 then shift the rpm up to 80+ for 5 minutes, finishing on a punishing level 20 at 60+rpm. The music channel beat normally helps however today it was all about Cheryl Cole making her video for the new solo album. Enough to make you pedal faster and finish sooner.
The Fit One was on the next bike to Bigman spinning at 140 rpm. There was competition however it was not about the bike. It WAS about the size of the puddle below the bikers. The Fit One has a tremendous capacity for perspiration. It definitely gets close to the Bigman but not quite. Today the sports assistant brought the mop over to Bigman's bike, sporting a snorkel and mask. Methinks he is taking things too far.
A wind down on the weights was the order of the day before heading to the swimming pool .............. the real one! It was extremely quiet except for half a dozen kids on inflatables 'zoomimg' across the swim lanes.
After a mixed stroke routine for a kilometre, it was time for some rest and relaxation in the sauna and steam room ............. and a tadge more perspiration.
After a good four hour session in the Leisure Centre it was time to return home ready for a chunky lunch and watch Scotland go down to the Italians.
On the Friday Posse Ecosse arrives in South Africa, they have an invitation to the International Party which includes participants from 47 countries. Each team has to sport international colours. The Posse Ecosse will be sporting the Rugby colours of Scotland. Bigman procured his kit today. Another purchase nearer the big day.
And so it was with mixed feelings the sight of four inches of snow overnight welcomed The Bigman as he pulled back the curtains at 07:30 this morning. Plan B swung into action and Bigman headed over to pick up The Fit One and head to Cowdenbeath for a morning of mixed disciplines.
The gym was empty and so the traditional warm up on the treadmill for 30 minutes at level 10 got the heart rate up to 130 plus and burnt off almost 400 calories whilst the Fit One danced along the treadmill to some funky tunes on his ipod. He was probably getting in some Michael Jackson 'moonwalk' impersonation practice for the Victory send off party next Saturday night.
Next it was time to warm up the abs to enable full deep breathing on the bike. A good 220 situps let the abs know it was time for a workout and to get action orientated to support the Witches Hat routine.
And then it came to the bike. The internal training has become the defacto standard.
Five minutes at 60 revs per minute on level 15 then shift the rpm up to 80+ for 5 minutes, finishing on a punishing level 20 at 60+rpm. The music channel beat normally helps however today it was all about Cheryl Cole making her video for the new solo album. Enough to make you pedal faster and finish sooner.
The Fit One was on the next bike to Bigman spinning at 140 rpm. There was competition however it was not about the bike. It WAS about the size of the puddle below the bikers. The Fit One has a tremendous capacity for perspiration. It definitely gets close to the Bigman but not quite. Today the sports assistant brought the mop over to Bigman's bike, sporting a snorkel and mask. Methinks he is taking things too far.
A wind down on the weights was the order of the day before heading to the swimming pool .............. the real one! It was extremely quiet except for half a dozen kids on inflatables 'zoomimg' across the swim lanes.
After a mixed stroke routine for a kilometre, it was time for some rest and relaxation in the sauna and steam room ............. and a tadge more perspiration.
After a good four hour session in the Leisure Centre it was time to return home ready for a chunky lunch and watch Scotland go down to the Italians.
On the Friday Posse Ecosse arrives in South Africa, they have an invitation to the International Party which includes participants from 47 countries. Each team has to sport international colours. The Posse Ecosse will be sporting the Rugby colours of Scotland. Bigman procured his kit today. Another purchase nearer the big day.
Taper starts a tad early
I was so looking forward to getting out this morning for the final long bike ride. It was to put closure on a long and harsh winter's training.
Sadly it was not to be and it looks like tomorrow will provide our final opportunity for a decent bike set albeit subject to the snow melting which looks unlikely. It's been a long cold winter and I can't wait to feel the heat of the South African sun on my back.
Bigman and Fit One are off to the gym but my Passat has started making the strangest noises so it's next trip is the 3 miles to the garage to get fixed on Monday.....
So the training will continue for another week and then we'll start to enjoy the taper period as we prepare for the race which starts in 3 weeks time.
For the record the cheesecake wasn't that great and possibly not worth the hour I'll need to train to work it off......
Friday 26 February 2010
Answering the call of duty ..............
The Ironman was spotted in an Edinburgh restarant this evening tucking into the food of champions.
Last night he was pounding the pedals in Cowdenbeath without breaking sweat and claiming diet is the critical success factor.
The Blogsnoop spotted his pudding order arrive!
You read it first ................cheesecake, the choice of champions
Thursday 25 February 2010
Answering the call of duty........
It was a tough night. Three weeks to go and the session tonight felt like my first....
I picked up the Bigman at his house and we toddled off to the Gym. It was busy - full of Fife's finest muscle but fortunately the bikes seem to be relatively under used so we climbed onto two bikes and got on with the job. It seemed really hard, like pedalling through thick sand, we both felt tired. The combination of work, long hours and the constant training over the last weeks and months hit home to full effect.
Despite the tiredness we got stuck in and did 3 sessions of above 80 rpm for 5 minutes each interval. We spent the last 5 minutes with the bike ramped up to 20 and the revs over 60. It was hard but we did it. Only a few more to go......
We then did some sit ups followed by a set on the cross trainer.
It was a good feeling to get it done and set off for home. We truly answered the call of duty today. The weather looks set for more snow tomorrow - hopefully it won't materialise.
Time to think about kit, clothes and finalise food strategy.
I picked up the Bigman at his house and we toddled off to the Gym. It was busy - full of Fife's finest muscle but fortunately the bikes seem to be relatively under used so we climbed onto two bikes and got on with the job. It seemed really hard, like pedalling through thick sand, we both felt tired. The combination of work, long hours and the constant training over the last weeks and months hit home to full effect.
Despite the tiredness we got stuck in and did 3 sessions of above 80 rpm for 5 minutes each interval. We spent the last 5 minutes with the bike ramped up to 20 and the revs over 60. It was hard but we did it. Only a few more to go......
We then did some sit ups followed by a set on the cross trainer.
It was a good feeling to get it done and set off for home. We truly answered the call of duty today. The weather looks set for more snow tomorrow - hopefully it won't materialise.
Time to think about kit, clothes and finalise food strategy.
Food is the key to success
Bigman and The Ironman arrived at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre full of expectation. The motivation to come out on a rain filled, chilled winter evening was not running over however with only three weeks left until the Posse Ecosse fly out to South Africa for the Cape Epic 2010, every training opportunity counts.
Only one week left until the taper process begins.
The Ironman was powering ahead on the bike. The usual step machines were being used and so an alternative routine was called for.
The Ironman was turning the pedals like there was no tomorrow, pushing hard all the way to the virtual top. Bigman felt good however he could not keep up with pace and drive and determination of The Iron One.
After fifty minutes of interval training, The Ironman was some 5% further travelled. He is in awesome form.
Next the posse moved to the mats. Not for gymnastics but for the situps. Bigman crunched his usual 220 before taking a rest and doing some stretching.
The chat was about the tasks still to be completed. Not much time and too much to do.
On to the step machines and The Ironman was once again striding out.
Meanwhile, Bigman had bonked. With a busy day, the only food intake had been cup-a-soup at lunch time. He attempted a quick recovery with a mega pack of doritos on the train washed down by a Mars Bar. It was too little too late and the energy had drained from every sinew.
It is not a great feeling leaving a gym feeling drained of energy. Once again , a lesson learnt but not too late - Food is the key!
Only one week left until the taper process begins.
The Ironman was powering ahead on the bike. The usual step machines were being used and so an alternative routine was called for.
The Ironman was turning the pedals like there was no tomorrow, pushing hard all the way to the virtual top. Bigman felt good however he could not keep up with pace and drive and determination of The Iron One.
After fifty minutes of interval training, The Ironman was some 5% further travelled. He is in awesome form.
Next the posse moved to the mats. Not for gymnastics but for the situps. Bigman crunched his usual 220 before taking a rest and doing some stretching.
The chat was about the tasks still to be completed. Not much time and too much to do.
On to the step machines and The Ironman was once again striding out.
Meanwhile, Bigman had bonked. With a busy day, the only food intake had been cup-a-soup at lunch time. He attempted a quick recovery with a mega pack of doritos on the train washed down by a Mars Bar. It was too little too late and the energy had drained from every sinew.
It is not a great feeling leaving a gym feeling drained of energy. Once again , a lesson learnt but not too late - Food is the key!
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Cape Crusaders fix faster than a Klik Fit Fitter
Now what did Iain say about the direction to turn the spoke key?
The Cape Crusaders were in Alloa tonight on a mission.
To fix a bike in an environment no wise man would attempt to fix a bike. It was a cycling equivalent of Ray Mears survival in the bush. Lot's of deep and insightful questions like -'
Question - how can I stop dirt getting in my cables?'
Answer - pull the sleeve off your shirt and wrap it around your cables
Question - How can I carry so many tools?
Answer - Buy the Wingman a plane ticket to South Africa
Question - What if a car can't follow?
Answer - Buy The Duracell a plane ticket to south Africa
Question - What if I have a crack in my hydraulic brake cable?
Answer - You are probably in a vinyard, chill and enjoy a merlot
Iain is a gret guy full of knowledge and expertise. definitely Clackmannan's answer to Ray Mears and even offered to team up with The Ironman for CApe Epic 2011.
Bigman dropped before the race commences! Must be age descrimination
Preparing for unexpected and unwanted.....
It's been a long but interesting day. I took this photo on the way to Fort William this morning. Sometimes my job takes me to the best places in the world.....The white in the picture is a frozen loch - it was -10 deg as I drove through Glencoe.
After a trip to Fort William I arrived home mid afternoon after 5 hours in the car and thought to myself that work can wait. So I changed and jumped onto the spin bike.
I did a similar session to the Bigman's of last night. Ramping it up and speeding up as time elapsed. I enjoyed it and the couple of days of rest have done me good. I felt fresh and up for a hard spin set.
So I ploughed it out for 45 minutes. Then it was on to the weights and sit ups. I mixed upper body work with some core before finishing off with a few stretches.
This training malarky can be a great brain clearer. After a shower I headed out to the office and with the energy still coursing through my veins the work flowed and the focus produced excellent concentration. I looked up to see Moonwalker arriving home and suddenly it was 6pm and time to head off to bike maintenance.
The Fit One had other engagements and that left the Cape Town 2 to meet up with our patient and excellent teacher, Iain. I thought about a blog name and Re-cykler seemed appropriate. He was excellent and tonight's course was what to do in the event of an on course disaster. We learned how to true a wheel, fix broken gears, how to deal with damaged brakes, fixing a broken chain, a ripped tyre and broken gears. In fact any disaster that you could possibly imagine was discussed and the quick fix demonstrated.
We go to Cape Town fitter than we've ever been, with some degree of bike fixing knowledge, having researched the route and worked out nutrition strategies.
It's going to be a massive challenge both physically and mentally.
Monday 22 February 2010
Flash Floods hit Cowdenbeath
The Posse Ecosse will need to watch for speeding trains in South Africa
Bigman and The Fit One had a rendezvous at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre to pound a few kilometres and burn a few calories.
The Fit One had to go through an assessment centre as his pass only covers the metropolis of Clackmannanshire. The instructor took one look at the physique and immediately passed him as one who needs no more instruction. Immediately, like a caged animal, he pounced on the treadmill, plumbed in the ipod and started to move at pace.
Meanwhile, Bigman had to resort to immediately getting on the bike as the step machines were both occupied. 50 minutes made up of 5 minute intervals at 60 rpm and 80+rpm all at level 15 and then a burst up the Witches Hat ( DAY 3 climb) at level 20for the penultimate 5 minutes before winding down at level 5.
During this session, The Fit One had mounted the next bike and , had he been connected to a generator, he would have generated enough electricity to light up a small town with the pace of revolutions per minute. He set himself a challenge to 'catch up' with Bigman by cycling faster over a shorter period. Like so often on the Bus Museum Sprint, it was too little too late!
The Bigman excelled himself in spurting out a few gallons of sweat over the surrounding area. So much so, that notwithstanding Bigman making reasonable endeavours to tidy up after him, the attendant brought out a mop to clean the floor. This is a new record. According to the attendant he normally waits until Bigman leaves however tonight the volume was too much to leave on the floor!
Bigman headed for the situp mat and rattled off 220 before moving to a set on the weights. And then as a warm down, the step machine was available.
Over 1000 calories burnt off over the 90 minutes of hard graft. Another night nearer the Cape Epic experience of a lifetime.
The Posse Ecosse has put so much into this training, they will make it to South Africa even if they have to learn to fly a BA plane themselves!
Unite(d) we stand (and don't fly)
Well it was another day off for me. I felt a little tired today and that the penetrating cold from Saturday finally got hold of me. So I decided to take it easy.
Today's news about BA staff voting for industrial action was not great. There is nothing we can do other than hope that matters are resolved without the need for strikes.
Time will tell.
Today's news about BA staff voting for industrial action was not great. There is nothing we can do other than hope that matters are resolved without the need for strikes.
Time will tell.
Sunday 21 February 2010
A day of rest.....
It was another stunning day. We've been very fortunate these last few weeks. No snow, dry weather albeit cold.
The best thing was it was a day off. Rest is really important. 4 weeks today we start the race. I feel ready, I know that the Bigman is ready for the tough challenge that lies ahead.
We chatted about the route tonight. If you get a chance go and have look at the website and have a look at what we are in for. It's going to be tough, hot and painful - I can't wait!
I would say that my body is feeling the pain now. But as they say pain is temporary. Our goal is to finish. It doesn't matter where we finish as long as we finish.
We'll do it and the knowledge that people have sponsored our trip will give it focus and help push when times get tough.
The journey to date has been good fun and although the training regime has been tough it has been great because of the posse support network. Fantastic friends have been found and the support has been amazing.
A new week begins. I will go reasonably hard this week and next before starting the taper in a couple of weeks time.
The final countdown clock is truly ticking!
The best thing was it was a day off. Rest is really important. 4 weeks today we start the race. I feel ready, I know that the Bigman is ready for the tough challenge that lies ahead.
We chatted about the route tonight. If you get a chance go and have look at the website and have a look at what we are in for. It's going to be tough, hot and painful - I can't wait!
I would say that my body is feeling the pain now. But as they say pain is temporary. Our goal is to finish. It doesn't matter where we finish as long as we finish.
We'll do it and the knowledge that people have sponsored our trip will give it focus and help push when times get tough.
The journey to date has been good fun and although the training regime has been tough it has been great because of the posse support network. Fantastic friends have been found and the support has been amazing.
A new week begins. I will go reasonably hard this week and next before starting the taper in a couple of weeks time.
The final countdown clock is truly ticking!
The power of two is greater than two
In 2009 Cape Epic, when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
You would have thought that sub zero temperatures would have blasted away any self respecting bug from the lungs of the Ecosse Posse.
Not so, the bugs are made of special stuff in Fife. Bigman woke to the sound of a running nose. His nose.
It was running faster than an Ironman in the Invernessian Marathon - sub 4 hours!
It was with this heavy burden that The Bigman opted out of the 40km route across the bridge. The Fit One was off on special duty and the Ironman was on band practise duty and so there was no imperative, no duty of loyalty, and it was freezing cold once again.
Instead, Bigman took care of some small administrative tasks fully intent on heading for the gym for a two hour session before the Sunday Fives. and then four o'clock drifted by with just a few loose ends to tie up. And then five o'clock arrived. Just in time to hop in the car and do a few weight exercises and the obligatory 2200 sit ups.
And then it was time for footie. The Fit One was unable to make it and so one side was missing Scotland's number one keeper and only had four men. Each of these four men played brilliant attacking football, all at the same time exposing the defence to have little more value than a chocolate fireguard!
On returning to Chez Bigman, he conducted an analysis of the Cape Epic route.
Day 5 is a time trail over 27km ascending 860m. This will be seen as a bit of a rest day. A strategy has emerged through the mists of chaos. The riders will leave with the leaders in the field going last. With 300 teams leaving at 30 second intervals, it will be five hours before the team placed first heads out on the road. Bigman and The Ironman have a cunning plan.
They intend to take last position over the first four days so as to ensure an early placing on the time trial , thus avoiding the need to hang around for 5 hours. And then on day 6 and beyond they will power through the pack.............. and to infinity and beyond!
Alternatively their placing by day 5 may make the strategy pointless!
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