Back and Forth again.....

The sun was shining, the bikes were calling and it was a chance to have a good intense training run.

I joined the Bigman after lunch and we set off into another cold but fab winter's day - something about days like today that bring out the best of Scotland.

The wind was up from yesterday and noticably from the west as we made our way over to the Fit One's to collect the roadie for the adventure. We were going to places that I didn't know and once more Bigman and I shared a 2 Ronnies conversation as he attempted to explain our route with me asking the questions he'd just answered. If that made any sense to you then I'm sure you'll understand the nature of our conversation.

On collecting the Fit One we headed down through Rosyth and on towards the Forth Bridge. I would like to say that crossing the bridge is a joy but on sunny days it is littered with kids playing, photo taking tourists and people out to have a good time. We were not out to have a good time, we were out to train (although we were having a good time!) and people kept getting in the way. Occassionally throwing themselves in front of the bikes in an effort to join the posse. It was quite a surprise that we managed to avoid the thrill seekers playing chicken as we made our way accross.

The Bigman is used to such events and shouted a warning to those in impending doom but the noise of the wind took his efforts towards the rail bridge where trains were probably stopping on hearing the shout 'BIKES'.

Once through the tourist trap we turn onto the Linlithgow Road. It was a brief encounter as we made a sharp exit onto the minor roads that lead towrads Winchburgh. The Bigman was pushing hard and I trailed along in the wind break created - we were motoring. Winchburgh is an old mining town and not an area I know very well so on arrival we turned immediately right to head back to the next village.

The chase started. Like the whacky races the Fit One set off at a fearful speed with the Bigman just behind. I missed the peleton take off and was struggling to keep vaguely in touch. The Fit One was leading out with the Bigman tucked in behind. They belted down the road assisted by teh westerly. Next thing I looked up and the Bigman was overtaking. The Fit One started to drop back and as I went past he shouted that his legs were gone. It was down to me to haul in the Bigman. I went after him. We arrived the next village and I spotted the speed gun - 27mph it boldly proclaimed - the boys wre flying.

We reached the turn for Dalmeny and set off up the short but steep hill that leads to the village. The Fit One had recovered and was leading the way shouting encouragement. It wasn't much of a hill in all truth and we were at the top without many wasted breaths.

The brige back was slightly quieter although a number of the punters that we'd seen on the way out were still making the journey back and forth. The last climb was back up to Dunfermline and we were home.

Not sure how far but a great day out. Good that the Fit one joined our tour and another day's training chalked off the board. Back to the gym tomorrow.

The good news is that the dyas are noticably longer and it's not far off spring. 7 weeks today the Cape Epic starts. I feel that I'll be ready now. Focus on diet, keep the traing up and we'll be grand for the start in March - almost next month.....