The day started brightly - sun rising in the east, warmer than of late and a day working at home which equals an hour out on the bike at lunchtime....
The fit one turned up and we set off after I'd removed the loose and ill fitted tri bars. The aim was to do a fast circuit of the Carnock Epic route. The benefits of the compact chainset are beginning to pay off as I felt strong and climbed the hill to Saline with ease and fast! We turned the left and flew down the hill as the rain began to start. I'm fairly convinced that the bigman is the rainking and seems to generate a good sprinkling of the stuff every time he comes out with me. In Aviemore, heavy showers were forecast but with no bigman present there was no rain.....
Anyway, with the fit one struggling to see through his rain spattered shades we turned off towards Forestmill. Speed was good but as it turned out not fast enough to avoid a wasp, a sharp yell from the fit one heralded the sting - on the kneecap. We stopped. The clock stopped and the dream of a fast run was dashed. We set off with the fit one rubbing his wounds.
The rain turned really heavy but we soldiered on deciding not to take the short cut - a huge temptation. At the turn we were behind time but we had stopped....
The cycle path was a long drag, the wind seemed to have turned and we seemed to be fighting a head wind. Our pace slowed slightly as time passed quickly. We discussed gear ratio's and cadence - not hugely exciting but interesting if you bike. There is a definite efficiency ratio that I'm still working out. How do you get the best out of your leg strength to maintain the highest speed....
The final turn took us up the Col Du Carnock - a breeze with my new gearing. The fit one laboured behind only to discover that his brakes were faulty and had gripped the wheel - maximum effort and a great training tip!
So we finished 66 minutes - less the time stopped for the sting. A good days work done.
Tomorrow I need to run and probably spin....
Showing posts with label Fit One. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fit One. Show all posts
Monday, 3 August 2009
Saturday, 27 June 2009
Mad dogs and english eh well scots men......
It was a cool, damp, dank day in Fife when the Fit One rolled into Carnock. The plan was to reverse the route we did last weekend because of a stiff easterly but as we travelled the plan changed - plans are meant to change and be flexible.
The Fit One has a new set of wheels. A Felt black assassin - deadly uphill and silent as night (compared to the grumbling Scott of a few weeks ago!) For the price he paid it seems pretty good value with a compact chainset on the front, decent gear changers and wheels.
I, on the other hand, was pretty dishevelled (edited for another heinous spelling mistake picked up by moonwalker!) with no matching kit and wearing tri shorts because all of my shorts are in the wash!
We breezed down the hill to Cairneyhill, through to Newmills and then took the first change in route to add the climb up to Upper Valleyfield. We then had the benefit of the downhill into Culross. Culross was busy with tourists but we didn't really notice because being pushed by the wind we were moving at pace.
Just as we were going through Culross a brown dog, unattached to a lead or owner decided to cross the road regardless of 2 bikes moving at pace towards him. He stuck his nose out into the road and it was almost removed! Fortunately, he stopped just in time and a mild swerve took us past him.
The climb up to Clackmannan was easier with the wind behind and we were admiring the Fit One's bike so much we almost crashed into the back a of blue car parked on the road. That wouldn't have been a first for the Fit One who was once pedalling through Torryburn with the Bigman when a parked car got in his way and next thing he was enjoying the comfort of the back seat - albeit in the midst of shattered glass! Fortunately on this occasion we avoided a similar outcome.
We took the road up to Forestmill and then the Fit One urged a second change of direction to take on the Col De Carnock instead of the potter home through Saline. I agreed. Last time we went down the link road that connects the road to the bike track I got a puncture so I was slightly concerned but either the winds or a road sweeper had cleaned the road of thorns and pointy things and we sailed on to the bike path.
Our second dog encounter was with a black lab on the path - it appeared, wandered around and as we approached watchfully entirely disappeared - no idea were it went. Our third dog encounter was weaving our way through a couple of kids with a spaniel. The Fit One sped through them with a warning shout - no problem. I on the other hand took my time, so much it allowed the dog to dive in front of me. I wobbled, swung left and missed him.
It may be a cycle path but it's not a place for speeding bikes.
We turned to face the Col. This time the Fit One, slipped down a gear or 2 and the benefit of the compact gears he flew up the hill and appeared at the top without a bead of sweat to cross his brow. I bounced up. I love the Col - it's my favorite hill. It has a fairly even gradient up to about 30m from the top when it gets steeper until the turn to the drop down to Carnock.
My fourth encounter was with the neighbours Bull mastiff who escaped from the back garden was out and about - not where he should have been. He's just about 6 months old and a bundle of fun. I managed to persuade him back to the garden.
It was a day for mad dogs and scotsmen!!
Another great day out. I probably wouldn't have gone out today without the encouragement of the Fit One. The value that our friends bring to the journey is incredible and if we have the Fit One pushing us to train we will be fitter and better prepared next March.
Tomorrow's a run day......
The Fit One has a new set of wheels. A Felt black assassin - deadly uphill and silent as night (compared to the grumbling Scott of a few weeks ago!) For the price he paid it seems pretty good value with a compact chainset on the front, decent gear changers and wheels.
I, on the other hand, was pretty dishevelled (edited for another heinous spelling mistake picked up by moonwalker!) with no matching kit and wearing tri shorts because all of my shorts are in the wash!
We breezed down the hill to Cairneyhill, through to Newmills and then took the first change in route to add the climb up to Upper Valleyfield. We then had the benefit of the downhill into Culross. Culross was busy with tourists but we didn't really notice because being pushed by the wind we were moving at pace.
Just as we were going through Culross a brown dog, unattached to a lead or owner decided to cross the road regardless of 2 bikes moving at pace towards him. He stuck his nose out into the road and it was almost removed! Fortunately, he stopped just in time and a mild swerve took us past him.
The climb up to Clackmannan was easier with the wind behind and we were admiring the Fit One's bike so much we almost crashed into the back a of blue car parked on the road. That wouldn't have been a first for the Fit One who was once pedalling through Torryburn with the Bigman when a parked car got in his way and next thing he was enjoying the comfort of the back seat - albeit in the midst of shattered glass! Fortunately on this occasion we avoided a similar outcome.
We took the road up to Forestmill and then the Fit One urged a second change of direction to take on the Col De Carnock instead of the potter home through Saline. I agreed. Last time we went down the link road that connects the road to the bike track I got a puncture so I was slightly concerned but either the winds or a road sweeper had cleaned the road of thorns and pointy things and we sailed on to the bike path.
Our second dog encounter was with a black lab on the path - it appeared, wandered around and as we approached watchfully entirely disappeared - no idea were it went. Our third dog encounter was weaving our way through a couple of kids with a spaniel. The Fit One sped through them with a warning shout - no problem. I on the other hand took my time, so much it allowed the dog to dive in front of me. I wobbled, swung left and missed him.
It may be a cycle path but it's not a place for speeding bikes.
We turned to face the Col. This time the Fit One, slipped down a gear or 2 and the benefit of the compact gears he flew up the hill and appeared at the top without a bead of sweat to cross his brow. I bounced up. I love the Col - it's my favorite hill. It has a fairly even gradient up to about 30m from the top when it gets steeper until the turn to the drop down to Carnock.
My fourth encounter was with the neighbours Bull mastiff who escaped from the back garden was out and about - not where he should have been. He's just about 6 months old and a bundle of fun. I managed to persuade him back to the garden.
It was a day for mad dogs and scotsmen!!
Another great day out. I probably wouldn't have gone out today without the encouragement of the Fit One. The value that our friends bring to the journey is incredible and if we have the Fit One pushing us to train we will be fitter and better prepared next March.
Tomorrow's a run day......
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Conquering the Col De Carnock
The Fit One rocked up to the house at the back of six tonight. Changed and ready to roll out on an extended Saline loop.
It was the best day of the year with the car temperature peaking at 27deg - it was cooler at 6pm but still just fantastic. You can imagine why the europeans from warmer climbs enjoy biking so much because tonight was a joy. If the bigman had been with us even he might have donned short sleeves and no gillet! But then again maybe not....
We set off and climbed up to Saline, the easterly wind blew us down to Forest Mill. It was magic - a warm breeze and we were flying. We turned up to Clackmannan chatting away, ignoring the speed and enjoying good craic. We were surprised that we were moving as fast as we were giving we weren't really trying.
When we turned into the wind it didn't seem so bad so we kept the speed on all the way back to Cairneyhill via a new loop along the coast that The Fit One knew. I'd not been that way before but it was really scenic and a nice alternative to the main road.
Through Cairneyhill we turned to face the Col. The Fit One nervously flicked at his gears. He cycles with a 54 big ring on the front - a serious big ring. The guy in Hardies bike shop told us recently that you would need to be travelling at over 40mph to need more than a 50 big ring. So you can imagine the speed the Fit One can generate when on the his big ring flat out.
Anyway, back to the gears. His front derailleur has been jamming and he's not been able to change down to the small front climbing ring. The col was getting closer. The Fit One looked over and said 'I'll just have to do it on the big ring' - I knew that if he did this feat he would become a local legend but kept my mouth shut....
The col was approaching, the big ring was straining and The Fit One was flying.
At the bottom of the hill you can look up and see the white house at the top of the hill - it seems a long way - with this in site I heard a crunch and a yee ha from behind - the Fit One had changed gears.
We turned over the cycle path and crossed the bridge, took the final turn and started the climb. A pretend 4 wheel drive appeared behind - you know they call them Freelanders - for people that think they want a four wheel drive but end up with a big car. The car squeezed past the Fit One and then drove up behind me. I had decided to rip up the hill and was kicking the bike from side to side taking up a fair amount of road. Next thing I knew there was a blast of the horn and the guys pushed past forcing me into the grass verge - I was really hacked off - if he'd waited it would have cost him all of 30 seconds but he couldn't wait. At one point I thought I might get hit by the car but fortunately he missed.
Anyway The Fit One managed to share a word of encouragement with him and he had his window open so hopefully he understood a concise and clear message about his driving skills.....
We reached the top and glided back down to Carnock. It had been a fab ride 45km in 1:30 - a good average speed with a few decent climbs in excellent conditions with good company.
Hopefully out again tomorrow......
It was the best day of the year with the car temperature peaking at 27deg - it was cooler at 6pm but still just fantastic. You can imagine why the europeans from warmer climbs enjoy biking so much because tonight was a joy. If the bigman had been with us even he might have donned short sleeves and no gillet! But then again maybe not....
We set off and climbed up to Saline, the easterly wind blew us down to Forest Mill. It was magic - a warm breeze and we were flying. We turned up to Clackmannan chatting away, ignoring the speed and enjoying good craic. We were surprised that we were moving as fast as we were giving we weren't really trying.
When we turned into the wind it didn't seem so bad so we kept the speed on all the way back to Cairneyhill via a new loop along the coast that The Fit One knew. I'd not been that way before but it was really scenic and a nice alternative to the main road.
Through Cairneyhill we turned to face the Col. The Fit One nervously flicked at his gears. He cycles with a 54 big ring on the front - a serious big ring. The guy in Hardies bike shop told us recently that you would need to be travelling at over 40mph to need more than a 50 big ring. So you can imagine the speed the Fit One can generate when on the his big ring flat out.
Anyway, back to the gears. His front derailleur has been jamming and he's not been able to change down to the small front climbing ring. The col was getting closer. The Fit One looked over and said 'I'll just have to do it on the big ring' - I knew that if he did this feat he would become a local legend but kept my mouth shut....
The col was approaching, the big ring was straining and The Fit One was flying.
At the bottom of the hill you can look up and see the white house at the top of the hill - it seems a long way - with this in site I heard a crunch and a yee ha from behind - the Fit One had changed gears.
We turned over the cycle path and crossed the bridge, took the final turn and started the climb. A pretend 4 wheel drive appeared behind - you know they call them Freelanders - for people that think they want a four wheel drive but end up with a big car. The car squeezed past the Fit One and then drove up behind me. I had decided to rip up the hill and was kicking the bike from side to side taking up a fair amount of road. Next thing I knew there was a blast of the horn and the guys pushed past forcing me into the grass verge - I was really hacked off - if he'd waited it would have cost him all of 30 seconds but he couldn't wait. At one point I thought I might get hit by the car but fortunately he missed.
Anyway The Fit One managed to share a word of encouragement with him and he had his window open so hopefully he understood a concise and clear message about his driving skills.....
We reached the top and glided back down to Carnock. It had been a fab ride 45km in 1:30 - a good average speed with a few decent climbs in excellent conditions with good company.
Hopefully out again tomorrow......
Monday, 8 June 2009
Gillespie Wheelers....
At the fabulous Loch Leven's Larder yesterday......
The rogue's gallery, from the left - the new wheeler, Fit One, Santiago and the Bigman.
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Scott(y) and 4 Trekies!
Another fantastic day out - 77km on a cold but sunny afternoon. Odd weekend - the forecast was for a dry Saturday and a wet Sunday. As usual completely wrong and it was the other way round.
We were joined by a new member of the Gillespie Wheelers today - a suitable name is up for grabs...
The Bigman had winter kit, Santiago, the new Wheeler and the Fit One were in summer kit and I was in a mix of summer and winter kit. Turned out the Bigman was probably more right than wrong....
We met at the usual junction and flew up Knockhill, it's a cracking climb and helped by a brisk easterly we breezed up the hill. We turned past the Powmill Cafe, up to Yetts O Muckhart and then turned into the cold easterly. We blasted the 8 miles to Milnathort - sharing the load into the wind and keeping up an 18 mph average (aka warp factor 1!) good going. The Fit One was doing his Scotty impersonation - 'she's can't handle this captain she's breaking up!' - the good news is that he has all the bits to repair his bike so hopefully the Scott (Enterprise) will be fully functioning next time we hit the black holes in the road.
When we stopped in Milnathort we paused briefly to discuss which cafe to go to - Loch Levens Larder won the vote hands down especially with the Bigmans discount card bringing down the costs. It was baltic sitting outside so we didn't hang around - I'll post a wee picture I took later. He'd been in and paid so quickly we were stopped on the way out by one of the staff who thought we were doing a runner! We laughed off any embarrassment and were on our way.
The blast home was a treat with the wind helping. The climb up Cleish seemed easier than usual - the bigman breezed up first with me on his Lycra tails. That left the final sprint up to the Bus Museum - 1st Bigman 2nd Fit One 3rd Ironman - I thought I'd timed it perfectly but no chance - left in the wake of the sprinters!
So the ride might not be as enterprising as the title but it was pretty stella anyway!
We were joined by a new member of the Gillespie Wheelers today - a suitable name is up for grabs...
The Bigman had winter kit, Santiago, the new Wheeler and the Fit One were in summer kit and I was in a mix of summer and winter kit. Turned out the Bigman was probably more right than wrong....
We met at the usual junction and flew up Knockhill, it's a cracking climb and helped by a brisk easterly we breezed up the hill. We turned past the Powmill Cafe, up to Yetts O Muckhart and then turned into the cold easterly. We blasted the 8 miles to Milnathort - sharing the load into the wind and keeping up an 18 mph average (aka warp factor 1!) good going. The Fit One was doing his Scotty impersonation - 'she's can't handle this captain she's breaking up!' - the good news is that he has all the bits to repair his bike so hopefully the Scott (Enterprise) will be fully functioning next time we hit the black holes in the road.
When we stopped in Milnathort we paused briefly to discuss which cafe to go to - Loch Levens Larder won the vote hands down especially with the Bigmans discount card bringing down the costs. It was baltic sitting outside so we didn't hang around - I'll post a wee picture I took later. He'd been in and paid so quickly we were stopped on the way out by one of the staff who thought we were doing a runner! We laughed off any embarrassment and were on our way.
The blast home was a treat with the wind helping. The climb up Cleish seemed easier than usual - the bigman breezed up first with me on his Lycra tails. That left the final sprint up to the Bus Museum - 1st Bigman 2nd Fit One 3rd Ironman - I thought I'd timed it perfectly but no chance - left in the wake of the sprinters!
So the ride might not be as enterprising as the title but it was pretty stella anyway!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Bigman acquires hair
Today, the plan was for a 55 mile trip to Stirling and back along the Foothills to Milnathort and back over the Cleish. The Fearsome Four - Bigman, Ironman, The Fit One, and Santiago. With a combined aged of almost 200 years, these muscular men represent experience. (Okay so Santiago wears a corset but no-one needs to know)
They assembled at 9.00am ready for the off, picking up the Ironman whilst passing through the leafy suburbs. The Fit One has damaged his knee and so has called off his triathlon event tomorrow. Santaigo is also suffering from a knee strain but will make the triathlon tomorrow. When we arrived to collect the Ironman he announced he had broken a fingernail however would still be able to join us. They had quickly moved from being the Fearsome Four to resembling bit part actors in the TV drama Holby City.
As they hammered down the cycle track to Alloa, they were chased by an enthusiatic biker who demonstrated impressive fitness by hanging on ( metaphorically speaking) to the pack for 9 miles with an average speed of 24 miles per hour. The Ironman was impressed. The fact the biker was on a mountain bike was all the more impressive!
Through Alloa they sped, upping the pace to over 26mph, chain- ganging to maintain the pace all the way to Corrierie's Cafe. The Bigman went for the calorie counting apple pie. The Fit One, had recently read that scrambled egg and toast was good for the energy levels and voted for the sensible option. Meanwhile, Santiago studied the pink Santini cycle top in the glass frame on the wall with envy.
The journey back along the Foothills led the team headlong into a dose of precipitation straight out of the east. Only the Bigman had checked the weather and brought a waterproof jacket. The three amigos looked like droont rats. As they 'sailed' through Tillicoultry, they passed Mrs Ironman who was out training for the Edinburgh Moonwalk. walking on water ( or more appropriately rivers) is clearly one of her many talents. Clearly this was a day for WAGS as Mrs Bigman and Mrs Duracell were out on their own expedition to Lochleven's Larder in advance of the WAG's cycling expedition to Arran shortlyand will include Mrs Wingman. There will be a special WAG's blog telling many tales. Watch this space!
Tilli brought a decison to make a sharp exit over the hill to Forrestmill to escape the weather front.
It was a good decision as on the other side of the hill, it looked like it had not rained. As they approached Saline, a hare shot out from the verge as if to dart across the road. After 12 inches it observed the Bigman pummeling down on him at around 25 miles per hour. As if in momentary suspension, they shared a surprised gaze. The hare was also wearing a worried look with the wringles on his forehead looking more like excavations crafted by a JCB . And so would most folk with 6 foot 2 inches of 14st hammering down on you ( The hare is lucky this was not last Christmas as it would have been 15st) In an instant the hare piroetted 90 degrees and lept over 5 foot in the air narrowly missing the Bigman's ear and doing a fly past for the Ironman who was travelling in the Bigman's draft. An absolutely amazing sight. The Bigman is keen to read the Hare's blog this evening on his perspective of events.
By comparison the remaining journey was uneventful. A short climb up in Saline and over to Gowkhall where the Fit One cut through the air with his tribars making way for an easy passage for the Bigman and Santiago.
The shortened journey ( 44.6miles) allowed for the Ironman to drag Irondaughter to the 7 Kings to watch his beloved Caledonian Thistle compete in gladiator style to survive in Premier League football next season. If the Caley Thistle had competed they may have survived the drop. Bigman joined the Ironduo after half- time. It is not unreasonable to assume that you need more than one shot on goal to win a game. Caley were not marked present and the scipt was written. On the positive, the Ironman will not have to travel as far next season to watch as they will visit Dunfie twice next season. The Bigman ponders what the result might have been if the Ironman had been playing?
A brilliant documentary earlier this week tracked the success of 7 times tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. ( A poster displaying each win hangs in the home of Bigman - his hero). A quote from Lance at the end of the programme resonated with the Bigman. 'It is not crossing the finishing line that is important, it is crossing the starting line'. As Ironman and Bigman crash towards their big 2010 Epic Caper in only 42 weeks and 6 days, there can be no more meaningful lesson for them to ponder in many areas of their lives.
They assembled at 9.00am ready for the off, picking up the Ironman whilst passing through the leafy suburbs. The Fit One has damaged his knee and so has called off his triathlon event tomorrow. Santaigo is also suffering from a knee strain but will make the triathlon tomorrow. When we arrived to collect the Ironman he announced he had broken a fingernail however would still be able to join us. They had quickly moved from being the Fearsome Four to resembling bit part actors in the TV drama Holby City.
As they hammered down the cycle track to Alloa, they were chased by an enthusiatic biker who demonstrated impressive fitness by hanging on ( metaphorically speaking) to the pack for 9 miles with an average speed of 24 miles per hour. The Ironman was impressed. The fact the biker was on a mountain bike was all the more impressive!
Through Alloa they sped, upping the pace to over 26mph, chain- ganging to maintain the pace all the way to Corrierie's Cafe. The Bigman went for the calorie counting apple pie. The Fit One, had recently read that scrambled egg and toast was good for the energy levels and voted for the sensible option. Meanwhile, Santiago studied the pink Santini cycle top in the glass frame on the wall with envy.
The journey back along the Foothills led the team headlong into a dose of precipitation straight out of the east. Only the Bigman had checked the weather and brought a waterproof jacket. The three amigos looked like droont rats. As they 'sailed' through Tillicoultry, they passed Mrs Ironman who was out training for the Edinburgh Moonwalk. walking on water ( or more appropriately rivers) is clearly one of her many talents. Clearly this was a day for WAGS as Mrs Bigman and Mrs Duracell were out on their own expedition to Lochleven's Larder in advance of the WAG's cycling expedition to Arran shortlyand will include Mrs Wingman. There will be a special WAG's blog telling many tales. Watch this space!
Tilli brought a decison to make a sharp exit over the hill to Forrestmill to escape the weather front.
It was a good decision as on the other side of the hill, it looked like it had not rained. As they approached Saline, a hare shot out from the verge as if to dart across the road. After 12 inches it observed the Bigman pummeling down on him at around 25 miles per hour. As if in momentary suspension, they shared a surprised gaze. The hare was also wearing a worried look with the wringles on his forehead looking more like excavations crafted by a JCB . And so would most folk with 6 foot 2 inches of 14st hammering down on you ( The hare is lucky this was not last Christmas as it would have been 15st) In an instant the hare piroetted 90 degrees and lept over 5 foot in the air narrowly missing the Bigman's ear and doing a fly past for the Ironman who was travelling in the Bigman's draft. An absolutely amazing sight. The Bigman is keen to read the Hare's blog this evening on his perspective of events.
By comparison the remaining journey was uneventful. A short climb up in Saline and over to Gowkhall where the Fit One cut through the air with his tribars making way for an easy passage for the Bigman and Santiago.
The shortened journey ( 44.6miles) allowed for the Ironman to drag Irondaughter to the 7 Kings to watch his beloved Caledonian Thistle compete in gladiator style to survive in Premier League football next season. If the Caley Thistle had competed they may have survived the drop. Bigman joined the Ironduo after half- time. It is not unreasonable to assume that you need more than one shot on goal to win a game. Caley were not marked present and the scipt was written. On the positive, the Ironman will not have to travel as far next season to watch as they will visit Dunfie twice next season. The Bigman ponders what the result might have been if the Ironman had been playing?
A brilliant documentary earlier this week tracked the success of 7 times tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. ( A poster displaying each win hangs in the home of Bigman - his hero). A quote from Lance at the end of the programme resonated with the Bigman. 'It is not crossing the finishing line that is important, it is crossing the starting line'. As Ironman and Bigman crash towards their big 2010 Epic Caper in only 42 weeks and 6 days, there can be no more meaningful lesson for them to ponder in many areas of their lives.
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