Gruelling Glen Devon re-visited

With 35 miles under his belt, the Bigman joined Ironman for an ascent of the Glen Devon Pass. The target destination was Auchterarder and the climb from the south is gentle after Mont VeKnockhill. Ironman wrestled with clothing decisions, arm warmers on or off, waterproof jacket on or in pocket. Decisions, decisions. Eventually, after a coffee and Mama Ironman shortcake, it was arm warmers nil, showerproof jacket in pocket and they were off.

The rumble of the touring car acceleration at the eponymous race circuit was only matched by the duo as they blasted up the hill out of Saline hot on the wheels of two Dunfermline Club Cyclists. They joined the chaingang and matched the club cyclists accelaration to draft all the way up to the crossroads in the shadow of Mont VeKnockhill. A farewell salute to cycling brothers and it was time to face into the MontVeKnockhill. The only wind was that created by themselves. The temperature was warming and rain clouds danced tantalisingly around the hills however the sun was shining on the cyclists.

As they breezed past the Powmill Cafe Bar, a cycling club was out in force enjoying a respite and eyed the pair with awe and respect. It's a funny thing about cyclists, you see some other cyclists and you feel the need to hoist in the gut, push out the chest and pump up the pace ................... if only until you are out of sight!

As the duo sped along side Glen Devon Reservoir, an inbound call from The Fit One who is down in Ilkey procuring tandems for a local charity he supports. He has just been caught speeding on a drooped handlebar tandem in a thirty mile an hour speed limit. Sounds like the Duracell will need to arrange bail.

The scenery through Glen Devon is majestic. Ironman has never driven or cycled through this road and commits to taking Mrs Ironman to the hotel they pass for a lunch. It could be in the car or it could be on a tandem ............... the choice will be hers.

The downhill into Gleneagles is everyhting the Bigman had remembered. They powered downhill at over 20mph and that was not even pedaling. The return leg would be interesting to say the least.

With the later start, the pair were in need of sustinance. A local, recommended the Cafe Kriss. It alledgedly had the best home made cakes in Auchterarder. No mean feat, I hear you exhale!
The Cheese and Ham Chiabattis were magnificent amply supported by a range of salad dressings for the accompanying salad. On asking for insider information on the best cake, the boys were advised not to pass up the world famous Cafe Kriss apple and toffee pie, heated of course, and with dripping fresh cream. Bigman has promised to keep this a secret and so please do not share this with anyone else. Ironman had so much cream, the plate could not accomodate and it gushed onto the table. The service was brilliant and friendly. The boys will be back here in the future.

With much chatting going on, the boys failed to notice the turning and felt that whilst joining the A9 might have been a quicker road, it brought with a health and safety risk that the Wingman would not condone ( had he been here). A 180 degree turn had them back en route to the gruelling Glen Devon Pass. It was 4 miles long and straight up. Ironman was psyching out the Bigman with comments like - 'let me know when the hill begins for real' and 'let me know if I am going too fast'.By this point the Bigman has already done around 65 miles today and his legs are beginning to tell his brain this. Ironman notes this in his log for later when they are on Mont VeKnockhill.

The gruelling Glen turns out to be surprisingly straight forward andthey average 20kph up to the telegraph pole which marks the watershed. No longer will 'the glen' feel like a mountain, more like a dumyat.

The run down the other side was tremendous all the way to the foot of Mont VeKnockhill. Ironman decided to push for the top with Bigman clamping onto his wheel. Ironman can be generous but not when he can small weakness in a cycling buddy.His big heart turns to Ironman steel as he pounds the pedals. They reach the first crest together and spy two cyclists in the distance. This is a sign for Ironman to step up the pace again. Bigman responds, eventually, and closes the gap. The cyclists in front grow larger as the gap closes. Ironman resolves to catch them before the summit. Bigman passes the Ironman and grits his teeth as the final assault of the ascent beckons. 50 yards to go and the guys on bikes are girls and they are motoring. Bigman can smell Ironman on his tail ( metaphorically speaking). Ironman's front wheel enters the view of Bigman. They pass the girls who must feel they are standing still. An unfair self criticism as the boys are doing 27mph up hill. The Bigman crests the summit one gear from the smallest cog and breathes a sigh of relief.

As they descend to the crossroads, the spectating cows nod with respect as the flying cyclists pass their field.

Another great day out. Bigman has completed 86 miles on a cracking day with good climbs and great company. Another milestone passes ........................ they are now only 39 weeks until the Epic Caper and the fitness levels are rising faster than a Gordon Ramsay loaf.