The Posse welcomed a new member today. The Shredder had a tadge of apprehension in joining the Posse on the Saturday morning outing.
He was joined by the usual bandits, The Ironman, The Fit One, Santiago and The Bigman as they headed out on a frosty morning with ice clad cars at 08.30 in the morning as the sun climbed in the sky.
These are the kind of days where the views can be crystal clear yet the bends may hide catastrophe with small areas of black ice, enough to take out a cyclist on skinny road tyres that grip very little road at the best of times.
With a depleted Dark Knights Posse on Wednesday, there was much news to catch up on. Concerns about jobs, challenges around the volume of work to be done and limited time to do it, challenges around fitting in family responsibilities. A challenge shared is less of a burden.
John Lennon once wrote, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Saturday morning Posse outings give you the chance to live in that moment whilst sharing it with others.
The Shredder was tearing up the road as the Posse headed up and over Mont VeKnockhill towards Yetts of Muchart. The scene was like viewing the landscape through a camera filter. The bowns were very orange against a skyline that was bluer than blue. One of these dramatic landscape often captured in calendars.
The plan was then to head to Milnathort in pursuit formation maximising efficiency as the team cut through the icy cold air. As the posse cruised along the road, a buzzard glided along in front of the posse as if seeking to be part of the team. It flexed its massive wingspan puffing out its chest, proud to be leading the Posse. An amazing sight that may have lasted for only minutes however had the posse transfixed on the ease with which it moved through the air.
The Shredder had the added 'benefit' of being extra cool with his cycling shorts and fingerless mitts. A quick call to Santa Claus and Winter Longs have now been added to the Christmas List.
It may have seemed harsh on his first outing with the Posse, however it has to happen some time and so today was as a good a day as any to tackle the North Face of the iconic Col du Cleish.
And so, after refreshments in the cafe in Kinross, The North Face was the target. The steepest part is at the start of the climb. Bigman encouraged The Shredder by helping him understand that burning lungs that feel like bursting was a good sign as it acted like a barometer for his fitness. The Shredder confirmed his lungs were bursting, and on fire, his legs felt like lead, but he could still feel his fingers. The Fit One confirmed this was a good sign as it demonstrated he was still alive! The Posse belief in positive mental attitude and always seek to encourage.
With loads of encouragement and no physical aid, The Shredder arrived at the crest of the Col du Cleish. He is now truly a member of the Posse.
It has been some time since the Posse has had a road bike race at the Bus Museum sprint. The Fit One was chatting away about technical bike maintenance training and was tucked in behind Santiago. To chase down a break he would have to first move clear. The Ironman was pondering when to make his move when the peace was shattered by Bigman pummelling the pedals to build a lead on the downhill stage before the road reared up in front of him. Santiago moved down on the tri bars and kicked down eventually passing Bigman and looked good to win the sprint when, with the virtual finish line in sight, the power drained from his legs faster than the Wingman downs a pint of cider at the Seven Kings on a Friday evening!
Bigman powered passed however The Ironman continued to pursue with steel in his eye. Bigman managed to hang in there but, without question, Ironman was a new man from the Thursday evening outing. Clearly the iron lung is back!
Meanwhile, The Fit One was conducting an assessment as to why his pedals were turning so fast without pace to match? Cruising in the middle ring was the answer.
It was another fantastic day out with the Posse and 64 km nearer the Cape Epic. It will take many more Col du Cleish climbs to get prepared for stage 3 of the Cape Epic.
Showing posts with label santiago. Show all posts
Showing posts with label santiago. Show all posts
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Friday, 30 October 2009
Oops I did it again.....
The bigman reminded me a couple of weeks ago about an email I wrote to him with the idea that we do the Cape Epic together. I suggested in the email that my ironman days were done and I needed a new focus. I maybe was too fresh after my dreadful swim in New Zealand and the experience (Ma)clouded my judgement.
But I still have business to do with ironman and my aim is to go for sub 14 hours - although in my heart I hope to do closer to 13 hours. A big improvement from my two previous 15 hour efforts.
So this evening, along with Santiago, I entered The Outlaw. An ironman distance event which comprises a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile marathon - a grand day out! I'm really chuffed that Santiago is going to join me in the quest for IM 2010. There is no doubt that Santiago has the strength of body and mind to be an Ironman next August. The training will be significant and the time commitment will be consuming.
My personal hope is that I'll complete the Cape Epic and be strong on the bike. I've just done Loch Ness marathon so I know what that takes. My swimming is the issue. I've been fortunate to get to know a swim coach and with his help my hope is I'll sort out the technique by going back to basics........it's going to be tough.
So back on the treadmill (literally) and a plan is going to be created around my major goal of finishing the Cape Epic.
It was an odd birthday present from Moonwalker but one of the best.......
But I still have business to do with ironman and my aim is to go for sub 14 hours - although in my heart I hope to do closer to 13 hours. A big improvement from my two previous 15 hour efforts.
So this evening, along with Santiago, I entered The Outlaw. An ironman distance event which comprises a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile marathon - a grand day out! I'm really chuffed that Santiago is going to join me in the quest for IM 2010. There is no doubt that Santiago has the strength of body and mind to be an Ironman next August. The training will be significant and the time commitment will be consuming.
My personal hope is that I'll complete the Cape Epic and be strong on the bike. I've just done Loch Ness marathon so I know what that takes. My swimming is the issue. I've been fortunate to get to know a swim coach and with his help my hope is I'll sort out the technique by going back to basics........it's going to be tough.
So back on the treadmill (literally) and a plan is going to be created around my major goal of finishing the Cape Epic.
It was an odd birthday present from Moonwalker but one of the best.......
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
The Fit One's power pummels pedal
It was billed as an open event to anyone who was remotely connected with the posse to come and try 'Cycing under the stars'. Climbing Col du Cleish for those who may not be entirely confident cycling in the dark ........... except for lights, of course.
Turns out to be not a great night to launch. The Ironman was still recovering from his fantastic time in the Loch Ness Marathon. Junior II was unable to provide the engineroom for the Creepy Coupe, Santiago was otherwise engaged, The Duracell has not yet got energy back from the weekend,meaning the Ant Hill Mob would not be present on Chugga Boom and to top it all, Bigman having made a dash for the 17.00 train from Glasgow to get home in plenty time, got stuck on a train that broke down 7minutes after leaving Queen Street Station and did not get home until almost 3 hours later. Lady Luck ws not having a good evening .......... so far.
On the positive side, The Fit One led the posse well accompanied by The Marathon Man, who was trialling his inaugural journey under the stars. In addition an un-named alias joined the posse for the first time. On the basis he makes a return visit next Wednesday, an appropriate alias shall be awarded.
The night was superb with a carpet of stars showing Perth and Kinross. It was not too cold at 10 degrees and a great night was had by all.
And Lady Luck continued to be postied missing. The Fit One demonstrated his Jan Ullricht style of cycling by pushing so hard on th pedal he managed to sheer it off. Not to be discouraged, and in an Ironman sort of way, he pedalled manfully with one leg back to Dunfermline.
What a hero. It will no doubt have built even greater strength for next week when the Creepy Coupe returns.
Turns out to be not a great night to launch. The Ironman was still recovering from his fantastic time in the Loch Ness Marathon. Junior II was unable to provide the engineroom for the Creepy Coupe, Santiago was otherwise engaged, The Duracell has not yet got energy back from the weekend,meaning the Ant Hill Mob would not be present on Chugga Boom and to top it all, Bigman having made a dash for the 17.00 train from Glasgow to get home in plenty time, got stuck on a train that broke down 7minutes after leaving Queen Street Station and did not get home until almost 3 hours later. Lady Luck ws not having a good evening .......... so far.
On the positive side, The Fit One led the posse well accompanied by The Marathon Man, who was trialling his inaugural journey under the stars. In addition an un-named alias joined the posse for the first time. On the basis he makes a return visit next Wednesday, an appropriate alias shall be awarded.
The night was superb with a carpet of stars showing Perth and Kinross. It was not too cold at 10 degrees and a great night was had by all.
And Lady Luck continued to be postied missing. The Fit One demonstrated his Jan Ullricht style of cycling by pushing so hard on th pedal he managed to sheer it off. Not to be discouraged, and in an Ironman sort of way, he pedalled manfully with one leg back to Dunfermline.
What a hero. It will no doubt have built even greater strength for next week when the Creepy Coupe returns.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
The Duracell duels with Range Rover
With the Ironman tapering down for his Nessie Marathon next week, a flattish route was the venue for today's outing on the road bikes.
With The Fit One unavailable for team selection today, the posse was made up of some old favourites. Santiago has not been on his bike since the Col du Carnock International meet at the end of August but has now got over his disappointment on not achieving a podium position. Similarly, The Duracell returned to the saddle with the posse for the first time since the Col du Carnock meet. It feels like so long since the Marathon Man last came out with the posse, that it was probably around the time some bloke was talking about taking a giant step for mankind. Bigman and The Ironman made up the complement.
What a cracking day. A stiff breeze out of the west would make it a challenging push out to the wild west. Stirling and the Corrieri's Cafe was the target destination. The sun was shining brilliantly and the temperature was racing up to 17 degrees. Bigman was taking no chances and went for full winter fleecy longs. Santiago has missed the changing season and was resplendant in summer gear. The Duracell had full change of clothes for all seasons in his saddle bags.
The Ironman joined the posse on the cycle track to Clackmannan having done a wee 4 mile jog to warm up before coming out. The banter along the cycle track to Clackmannan was tremendous as the pairings changed enabling each rider to catch up on what had been happening in the lives of others. The watching dog walkers tipped their forehead in recognition of the posse as it passed by. Perhaps they are part of the 650 highly intelligent blog watchers reading these pages. Many people of all shapes and sizes, ages and sports were represented on the cycle track today. The sun has that affect on people.
The miles sped past as the posse chatted their way to Stirling with limited race activity. Well not until the smell of fresh coffee reached the nostrils of the Duracell. The Duracell is a renowned connosseur of fine coffee and after the last roundabout he drove his spurs into the Dawes and over a 300 yards distance wound up to warp 9. Santiago was shaken as the wake from sonic waves washed by. Bigman spotted the move and slotted into the wind tunnel The duracell had created. In reality, he was sucked in as he was following just behind as warp power was achieved.
The traffic was moving slowly ( around 25 mph) and so Bigman 'road the wave' of a transit van all the way to the cafe.
It would be inappropriate to report who ate what. Suffice to say three of the posse enjoyed a fine hot segment Apple and Caramel tart doused in vanilla ice cream to build carbs for the return journey.
A decision was made to return by a different route. The posse would climb to Fishcross and ride along the ridge towards Coalsnaughton. The views acorss the Ochil mountain range was superb with Castle Cambell near Dollar looking magnificent as it clung to the hillside. On the way though Fishcross a young and impatient driver rammed his fiesta (complete with go faster tinted glass windows, bazooka looking exhaust pipe, and AC/DC blasting out the sun roof)(at least he has good taste in music)in to first gear and put his pedal to the metal. The smell of burning clutch took Bigman back to Alpe d'Huez with lorries and busses wrestling with the gradient.
Why the need to rush, when there is so much to look at. No time to stand and stare ..........
The Famous Five turned onto the link road across to Forestmill Cafe which includes a slight rise before you reach the cafe. With the exception of the entry to Stirling the ride had been peaceful with limited bursts of testorone induced acceleration. Santiago was about to change all this. As the climb arrived he eased to the front. Bigman sensing the increased urgency moved to match the pace and effortlessly tracked Santiago up the climb. The Marathon Man, showed his lack of match fitness by claiming to not recognise a race was taking place! He missed the signs.
As The duracell approached the junction with the Saline road he shared a wee tip with The Marathon Man about how to beat the junction without losing momentum. Unfortunately on this occassion a 4 litre Range Rover was approaching from the West. Having a rapid risk assessment, The Duracell concluded teh likelihood of the Range Rover coming off worst in the duel wa slight and not one to be banked upon. The Duracell wisely gave way.
The climb over to Gowkhall was a gentle affair with the scenery being inhaled. A great day out covering 45 miles through some of Scotland's finest scenery. Great to be out with such a fine group
With The Fit One unavailable for team selection today, the posse was made up of some old favourites. Santiago has not been on his bike since the Col du Carnock International meet at the end of August but has now got over his disappointment on not achieving a podium position. Similarly, The Duracell returned to the saddle with the posse for the first time since the Col du Carnock meet. It feels like so long since the Marathon Man last came out with the posse, that it was probably around the time some bloke was talking about taking a giant step for mankind. Bigman and The Ironman made up the complement.
What a cracking day. A stiff breeze out of the west would make it a challenging push out to the wild west. Stirling and the Corrieri's Cafe was the target destination. The sun was shining brilliantly and the temperature was racing up to 17 degrees. Bigman was taking no chances and went for full winter fleecy longs. Santiago has missed the changing season and was resplendant in summer gear. The Duracell had full change of clothes for all seasons in his saddle bags.
The Ironman joined the posse on the cycle track to Clackmannan having done a wee 4 mile jog to warm up before coming out. The banter along the cycle track to Clackmannan was tremendous as the pairings changed enabling each rider to catch up on what had been happening in the lives of others. The watching dog walkers tipped their forehead in recognition of the posse as it passed by. Perhaps they are part of the 650 highly intelligent blog watchers reading these pages. Many people of all shapes and sizes, ages and sports were represented on the cycle track today. The sun has that affect on people.
The miles sped past as the posse chatted their way to Stirling with limited race activity. Well not until the smell of fresh coffee reached the nostrils of the Duracell. The Duracell is a renowned connosseur of fine coffee and after the last roundabout he drove his spurs into the Dawes and over a 300 yards distance wound up to warp 9. Santiago was shaken as the wake from sonic waves washed by. Bigman spotted the move and slotted into the wind tunnel The duracell had created. In reality, he was sucked in as he was following just behind as warp power was achieved.
The traffic was moving slowly ( around 25 mph) and so Bigman 'road the wave' of a transit van all the way to the cafe.
It would be inappropriate to report who ate what. Suffice to say three of the posse enjoyed a fine hot segment Apple and Caramel tart doused in vanilla ice cream to build carbs for the return journey.
A decision was made to return by a different route. The posse would climb to Fishcross and ride along the ridge towards Coalsnaughton. The views acorss the Ochil mountain range was superb with Castle Cambell near Dollar looking magnificent as it clung to the hillside. On the way though Fishcross a young and impatient driver rammed his fiesta (complete with go faster tinted glass windows, bazooka looking exhaust pipe, and AC/DC blasting out the sun roof)(at least he has good taste in music)in to first gear and put his pedal to the metal. The smell of burning clutch took Bigman back to Alpe d'Huez with lorries and busses wrestling with the gradient.
Why the need to rush, when there is so much to look at. No time to stand and stare ..........
The Famous Five turned onto the link road across to Forestmill Cafe which includes a slight rise before you reach the cafe. With the exception of the entry to Stirling the ride had been peaceful with limited bursts of testorone induced acceleration. Santiago was about to change all this. As the climb arrived he eased to the front. Bigman sensing the increased urgency moved to match the pace and effortlessly tracked Santiago up the climb. The Marathon Man, showed his lack of match fitness by claiming to not recognise a race was taking place! He missed the signs.
As The duracell approached the junction with the Saline road he shared a wee tip with The Marathon Man about how to beat the junction without losing momentum. Unfortunately on this occassion a 4 litre Range Rover was approaching from the West. Having a rapid risk assessment, The Duracell concluded teh likelihood of the Range Rover coming off worst in the duel wa slight and not one to be banked upon. The Duracell wisely gave way.
The climb over to Gowkhall was a gentle affair with the scenery being inhaled. A great day out covering 45 miles through some of Scotland's finest scenery. Great to be out with such a fine group
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
9 mile burn.....
Running is like nothing much else. As you run the endorphins kick in and the natural high is amazing. You feel released of all tension and your mind is able to drift and think in a way that allows you develop creative ideas and thoughts that really build solutions to the challenges in life. I love it.
However, sometimes running feels like a really bad idea and you drag your feet to the door feeling like doing anything else but run. Today, it was the weather. The afternoon had been brighter than the morning but the clouds were heavy in the west, almost as heavy as my legs!
In any event I decided to risk it and as the Nike logo says 'just do it'.
The run around the west Fife villages under a dangerous sky took me away from the issues of the day and as always left me feeling better about the world.
Another run tomorrow with a bike fixing session to follow. Need to get ready for a ride out on Saturday and my good bike has a puncture while my winter bike has no brakes.....
Oh and Santiago has pre-registered for Ironman UK next year. Great news. A training partner for the long tedious runs!
However, sometimes running feels like a really bad idea and you drag your feet to the door feeling like doing anything else but run. Today, it was the weather. The afternoon had been brighter than the morning but the clouds were heavy in the west, almost as heavy as my legs!
In any event I decided to risk it and as the Nike logo says 'just do it'.
The run around the west Fife villages under a dangerous sky took me away from the issues of the day and as always left me feeling better about the world.
Another run tomorrow with a bike fixing session to follow. Need to get ready for a ride out on Saturday and my good bike has a puncture while my winter bike has no brakes.....
Oh and Santiago has pre-registered for Ironman UK next year. Great news. A training partner for the long tedious runs!
Monday, 31 August 2009
Wet work out .....
The weather as the bigman has alluded was pants. Grey skies and lots of rain. I let the bigman down as my plan was to join him on his epic plan - then a meeting got in the way. Then the meeting was cancelled. Then the rain became incessent. Then I worked all day. Summer in Scotland is something special....
I was just about to open a large bag of crisps this evening when my phone lit up with a text.
Santiago had just bought a new pair of runners and was heading out to his local club in Burntisland. It was half six and the text said it was a 7pm start. Instant decision - step away from the crisps and jump into the running kit. I was out and in the car trying to ignore the rain beating off the window.
It didn't let up and my decision to run was tinged with regret but a commitment is a commitment (unless work gets in the way). The group was about 20 strong which was impressive given the incessant rain. We warmed up with a jog around to the local park and then did 3 sets of intervals and sprints. All good stuff and exactly in accordance with my planned programme.
The company was good, the rain eventually began to settle down to constant drizzle - a good Scottish late summer evening!!
Santiago is good company and on the last sprint I suggest a wee race. We turned at the cone as instructed and raced the 40 metres to the cone accross the park. It wasn't like watching Ussain Bolt maybe his granny as we spinted up to the finish line. Santiago got off to a good start, I positioned myself on his right shoulder ready to attack and break the line. I shouted to let him know I was catching him, I should have kept quiet, he lifted the pace and was gone. I had no chance - he's the man....
I enjoyed the company out running and they seem a great bunch.
I'm hoping the weather will improve. It's time to check the lights out for the bike - the nights are fair drawing in!!
I was just about to open a large bag of crisps this evening when my phone lit up with a text.
Santiago had just bought a new pair of runners and was heading out to his local club in Burntisland. It was half six and the text said it was a 7pm start. Instant decision - step away from the crisps and jump into the running kit. I was out and in the car trying to ignore the rain beating off the window.
It didn't let up and my decision to run was tinged with regret but a commitment is a commitment (unless work gets in the way). The group was about 20 strong which was impressive given the incessant rain. We warmed up with a jog around to the local park and then did 3 sets of intervals and sprints. All good stuff and exactly in accordance with my planned programme.
The company was good, the rain eventually began to settle down to constant drizzle - a good Scottish late summer evening!!
Santiago is good company and on the last sprint I suggest a wee race. We turned at the cone as instructed and raced the 40 metres to the cone accross the park. It wasn't like watching Ussain Bolt maybe his granny as we spinted up to the finish line. Santiago got off to a good start, I positioned myself on his right shoulder ready to attack and break the line. I shouted to let him know I was catching him, I should have kept quiet, he lifted the pace and was gone. I had no chance - he's the man....
I enjoyed the company out running and they seem a great bunch.
I'm hoping the weather will improve. It's time to check the lights out for the bike - the nights are fair drawing in!!
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
