Is this the real thing or is this just fantasy? asks The Bigman

With the weather threatening heavy rain, there was confusion in the training camp today, not to mention a bit of role reversal. Bigman sported the shorts and no waterproofs whilst The Ironman displayed a weakened resolve and covered up with a heavy duty waterproof jacket.

The route was Ironman's favourite, down the cycle track to Clackmannan, hang a left into the town and down to the Forth via Kincardine. The route then follows the cycle route to Culross, Torryburn and back to Cairneyhill before the ascent of the Col de Carnock. A 30 mile round trip for the Bigman and slightly less for the Ironman.

Bigman was clearly feeling confident that his puncture would not be repeated as he only had one spare inner tube for the outing. The ride was smooth and the brisk wind on the return leg brought some pain to the thighs as the team pounded the pedals. No pain......no gain, so the slogan goes!

This would be the first time the Madone had experienced the Col de Carnoc. Would the gearing make a difference was the question on the mind of Bigman as Ironman wound up the cogs on the climb he calls 'home'. Bigman could see the grin on his face as he eagerly attacked the 'warm up' ascent ( as defined by The Ironman).

Bigman checks the topography, 'is this the real thing or is this just fantasy', he cries to The Ironman. 'It's just fantasy' fires back the answer! The real deal has still to come just around the next corner. Before you could say 'bohemian rhapsody' the road darkened and the Col was in your face. The road surface was wet due an earlier shower, which would make the ascent even more treacherous. There is no roadsign indicator however a safe estimate would suggest it is a 25% gradient. Not one for the feint hearted.

The Madone was everything she promises to be with only a slight skid and burning of the rubber on a damp, dark patch of the road. A momentary pausing of the Bigman's heart and the tyres that survived the etape tack attack are gripping the surface once again carrying the Bigman to the top and bright sunlight breaks the darkness of they crest the Col de Carnoc

In the end, once again, the rain danced around the Epic Pair washing clean the roads before they arrived on their journey, criusing through the countryside with the greatest of ease. The only water visible was from perspiration as the duo drove into the brisk easterly.

A well earned bowl of soup and bagels was the order of the day at Chez Ironman, washed down by a fine cup of tea on the verandah of his new office block in brilliant sunshine. Anotehr 30 miles nearer Cape Town. Life is good