No gain without pain ........... really?

Bigman was on the search for employment today and so cycling was going to have to wait. With a fair wind he would b able to get back to Dunfermline in time for an early evening trip out. Things went well and he was able to 'hit the rubber' at 16:00 having had a successful day.

He flew down to Cairniehill and out to the eponymous town of Clackmannanshire. with a strong easterly he was enjoying the feeling of speed and the wind rushing through his hair ........ both of them.

The return leg would not be his friend. He battled into the rising cycle track and wind pushing, a good pace of 22mph. The pain was rising and the mind games start to play. Where is the whitehouse on the horizon - a sign the track is starting to level and only three miles to go. He imagines the Ironman pushing the pace however the Ironman would get off a the white house to 'enjoy' the Carnock crusher climb( crushes you psychologically at the end of a run) and an easy pace could be stolen without anyone knowing. But when Bigman looked in teh mirror that evening, his face would reveal the secret. Cycling is all about the constant battle with self and the desire to constantly improve your performance. Others may inspire and encourage, however, the real power comes from the engine within which runs on the oil of spirit.

By the time the final rise had been completed the pace was down to 17mph and the heart was pumping. It had been a good workout and another small step in the epic caper mammoth challenge.