Strathconon

A lovely saturday morning and not playing golf. I therefore decided it was perfect to do a small run in preparation for tomorrow.

 

Left home at approx 9.10 am and headed out towards Marybank via Aultgowrie. Takes in the initial route from Tuesday night with a great descent at the end. As commented on previously by Bob and John, you do get this sense of loneliness out on the road when not surrounded by other Carbonauts. In order to relieve this feeling, for the first time I took the MP3 player and was serenaded along by ZZ Top, The Smiths, Scooter, UFO and finally The Hamsters.  Might think about compiling a competitive music collection CD to rival Power Ballads and Driving Ballads. Call it "Hindos LEJOG training Power Cycling Ballads".

 

Anyway, now not feeling so alone, I carried on up Kinnahaird (although I keep saying it never gets easier, I keep being drawn to go up it) and finally into Contin. From there took a left towards Loch Achilty. Nice single track road which is by far not one of the best road coverings ever, but some good undulations and several surprise elevation changes. Testing climbs. Only short but good. Finally reached the half way mark at 15 miles at the Meig Dam.  Decided to stop 5 minutes and take in a few carbs and a drink. Quite a warm day and having not long been up, breakfast was still not kicking in.  Will be important to ensure on LEJOG, that we have rest after breakfast to ensure it is in the system.  Whilst there bumped into an old fishing buddy from the Scrabster days a few years ago. Alex. Had a chat with him and he has offered a donation to the sponsorship. Bonus.  Thanks Alex.

 

Cracked on from there and down back towards Marybank. Never realised but a headwind all the way, but still maintained a good pace.  Had a few stupid mistakes on gearing selections which really threw me out. Finally reached Marybank and after 7.4 miles of headwind, I was sort of changing my mind about tackling back up The Brae back to Aultgowrie. It is a good descent, but hills are sent to try us. As we have all said and it is an entry at the beginning of the blog pages, "Pain is temporary, Quiting lasts forever". With this in mind, chose to go up the Brae. Believe me when I set off, I wasn't looking forward, but head down and before I knew it, I was at the top. Had to stand the last 50 yards or so, but got there. A nice gentle climb followed. Most of the run back from there to Muir is gentle undulations again with  a few testy rises, but nothing major. Back into the Muir and up Balvaird and back home. 

 

Final distance, 28.5 miles (by CatEye) in 1 hour 39 mins riding time. Average 17.2 mph.  Cracking warm morning, but a bit chilly in the shade. 

 

It will be good to get back out with the boys again tomorrow for a nice merry jaunt out east this time.  Looking forward to it. Lets just pray there aint much wind, as it is pretty open out there.

 

Anyway, off now to chill and do some weeding in the back garden. That time of year again.

 

Hindo

Sunday Plan - Morayshire

You've heard of the 'Rumble in the Jungle' and the 'Thrillah in Manilla' but now, The Carbonauts bring to you: "The Foray into Moray" as the team head for Elgin on Sunday 1st May in an atempt to break the 100 mile barrier for the first time, as a team and individually.

 

The plan is to meet up at Tore around 7:30am on Sunday morning then head towards Inverness and out to Elgin, via Nairn and Forres.

 

This is sure to be the toughest training run so far but the team feel ready for it. We have just 7 weeks until we travel to Lands End so completing this objective will give us a huge lift and will prove that we have what it takes to hit the 100 mile mark in a day.

 

I may even bring my camera along on Sunday to capture some photos from the trip!

 

Cheers

John

Cracking Part 2

Well, the other week I went around the Strath as I reported, a total of 27.4 miles in 1 hr 40 mins.

 

Tonight with Martin Kerr, threw in another twist with a good climb up to Marybank, followed by good descent. Into Strath up Kinnahaird and then back through Dingwall, Tore and finally Mulbuie. Altogether a total of 29.4 miles by the CatEye in 1 hr 42. Average speed, 17.2 mph.

 

I must admit I had a sidewind out of Strath, but kept the average speed up. Up to Tore was a bit of a torture with a headwind. However, Tore top Muir was another 28 mph constant run to the Muir (aided by that tail wind).  Flagged a bit due to not much drink back towards Muir, but got second wind. Through the S bend near Brians, was picking up again and motoring, when 2 guys passed me. What????  Needless to say it was a motivator to stick with them until Mulbuie turn.

 

Headed off up the hill, which never seems to get easier and back home. Tea waiting (thanks Pet). Love Ya. xxxx

 

Anyway, now chilling and having early night.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo

Three Quotes

To be a cyclist is to be a student of pain....at cycling's core lies pain, hard and bitter as the pit inside a juicy peach. It doesn't matter if you're sprinting for an Olympic medal, a town sign, a trailhead, or the rest stop with the homemade brownies. If you never confront pain, you're missing the essence of the sport. Without pain, there's no adversity. Without adversity, no challenge. Without challenge, no improvement. No improvement, no sense of accomplishment and no deep-down joy. Might as well be playing Tiddly-Winks.
Scott Martin

 

I have always struggled to achieve excellence. One thing that cycling has taught me is that if you can achieve something without a struggle it's not going to be satisfying.
Greg LeMond

 

Cycling is unique. No other sport lets you go like that - where there's only the bike left to hold you up. If you ran as hard, you'd fall over. Your legs wouldn't support you.
Steve Johnson

 

 

John

Even darwin had a bike

Bob

Easter Sunday - The Hill from Hell

Woke up this morning and was almost tempted to leave cycling for the day since I would be riding solo anyway, and it was Easter and there were Easter Eggs....but that's not the Carbonaut way!

Decided to head for Drumnadrochit with an eye on 'that hill' between Drum and Beauly.

I left home and through Inverness Town Centre then South/West down the A82.

The A82 is not the greatest road to cycle on at the best of times as cars often travel a bit too fast for my liking but today was even more hectic as most people were out and about for Easter. I had one or two occasions where cars slipped past very close to me which made me a bit nervous - obviously hanging back and waiting until the other carriageway was clear was not a suitable option for them...!

Anyway, despite a headwind (do they just WAIT for Sunday cyclists!!??) I got to Drumnadrochit in good time. I then branched off west towards Milton..

So I decided to tackle the big hill with its 15% Gradient for 0.75 of a mile. Doesn't seem too far but it's ALL sheer climbing. I had to get off, about 600 yards into the climb and that really broke my rhythm and my spirit if I'm honest. I got off the bike a further two times before reaching the top of the climb. My bike was in it's lowest gear, I tried sitting and standing for sections but I just could not work through the climb. Once at the top though, it was a pleasant run down towards Beauly, Inchmore, Bunchrew then home...a route which is becoming very familiar to me!!

Distance covered today was around 41 miles - my average speed was 16.1 mph which I think is pretty good since the big climb held me back at 5 or 6mph for its duration. I also missed the other Carbonauts today. It's amazing what a difference it makes even having another 1 team member with you as opposed to cycling solo.

Reflecting on the run, I am really pretty disappointed about not making it all the way up the climb without getting off the bike. I had only cycled about 19miles before I tackled it so I felt I was reasonably fresh. Thankfully this small section is pretty exceptional and I shouldn't expect to face it every day - but there's still the lingering desire to complete it properly...maybe with the support of the rest of the carbonauts.....

John

Lancashire Expedition

Well, after having to go to Halifax last week, I felt guilty about the fact that I would be leaving the buike behind. Staying down for the weekend, and knowing that it would be an early finish Thursday, decided that a ride was the perfect way to finish the day.

 

With 24 degrees that day, I knew drink was the most important.  So changed at my Mums and got the stuff together and off. Took a route out from Chorley down to Euxton and then along to Standish and Worthington. As I knew my brother goes to work on his bike, decided to wait the 10 minutes and ride home with him. 13 miles down at that point. And more importantly, some good climbs.

 

After chatting at my brothers for 1/4 hour or so, I got on my way and headed out of Chorley again in the opposite direction towards Bolton. Took a route out over Rivington into Horwich and then to outskirts of Bolton. This takes in probably one of the best dragging hills anywhere. 6 - 7% for approx 2 miles but busy.

 

From bottom of there headed out to Westhoughton and another good climb, before heading back to Chorley via Coppull. that is where I grew up and was good to cycle round there for the first time in approx 27 years. Much quicker too these days coem to think of it.

 

Finished up back at Mothers at a final 42.7 miles in 2 hr 42 mins. Just 15.5 mph, but not surpising with the climbs. Some only short but a test.

 

Had no other mishaps like Bob and punctures, but a pleasant ride.  The main event for me was on Monday when I managed to find a shop which would repair spokes (well replace). Nice chap in Green Machine in Horwich. Thanks for your quick turnaround on that job, much appreciated.

 

Back home now and gonna go and cut my grass.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo

Flying solo

Well, a wee bit disjointed this week-end, John is enjoying a family Easter and no doubt tucking into lots of chocolate, Hindo is away sparking clogs in his native Chorley and the Doc has man flu so it was left up to the founding father to fly the flag for the carbonauts today.

 

Headed off from Avoch 8:45am and headed for Ullapool, thought I would try and crack the 100 mile mark for the 1st time, however a combination of a dodgy back, a cough, rain and wind I made it to Corrieshalloch Gorge before deciding enough is enough. How is it I had a headwind both bloody ways!!!

 

Found it really hard on my own, quite strange really missing the other 3. found myself shouting "hole", which must have seemed odd to anyone that saw me.

 

Back in Avoch 4:15pm, did not stop for any lunch although I did stop at Tarvie tea room and for a cuppa and a chat with the very nice girl there.

 

Another 1st for me today was a puncture, on the way back had to stop opposite the Ord distillery where to my surprise a very nice and attractive young lady come out from one of the houses to ask if I was okay, must have been the tights that attracted her.

 

Anyway, puncture fixed and home for an estimated 88miles, also thought it would be nice if we crack the 100 miles together.

 

The lonesome carbonaut

Beer beats water for hydration

GRENADA, Spain(UPI) -- Researchers at Granada University in Spain said drinking beer after strenuous physical activity can be beneficial for the body.

The scientists said their study found beer can help dehydrated people retain liquid better than water alone, The Telegraph, a Britsh newspaper, reported Friday.

Professor Manuel Garzon, who led the study, said the bubbles in beer can help quench thirst and the carbohydrates in the beverage can help make up for burned calories.

The study involved a group of students asked to perform strenuous activities at a temperature of about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Half of the students were given a pint of beer after their exercise and half were given a pint of water. Garzon said the hydration affect on the beer drinkers was "slightly better" than the sober group.

Juan Antonio Corbalan, a cardiologist who has worked with Real Madrid football players and Spain's national basketball team, told The Telegraph he has long recommended beer to professional sportsmen after exhausting activities, as the drink is optimal for rehydrating the body.

 

This is going to be a good trip !!!

Bob

Protein Intake

Well, I don't think I'll be running short of Protein any time soon....

 

....since I swallowed about 300,000 small flies between North Kessock and Redcastle this morning.

 

I'm telling you, it's like it's raining sand on your helmet when you pass through a swarm of these things - and guaranteed you'll have one in the corner of each eye by the time you pass through them. That's even when wearing glasses whilst cycling..

 

Not a great experience and I'm looking forward to them disappearing in the coming weeks/months!

 

John

Sunday Cycle - Black Isle Tour!

The Carbonauts arranged a Sunday Cycle this week since Bob was back from the US and everyone was again available. The plan this week - a circular tour of the Black Isle.

I left Inverness around 10:25am and met up with Grant and Keith in Tore. They had cycled in from Kirkhill and Muir of Ord respectively. From there, it was off to Avoch to meet with Bob. Unfortunately Bob was still struggling with a chest complaint, but, being the champion that he is, decided to come along with the lads anyway.

From Avoch, the team headed through Fortrose and Rosemarkie before staying on the main road and towards Cromarty. Up to this point, we were benefiting from a tail wind which helped push us along, however that all changed when we left Cromarty and began the Westward return journey. The wind was a-howlin' in our faces all the way through Jemimaville, where Keith realised that he had a broken spoke. Undeterred, the team pressed on towards Balblair before splitting at Shoreton. Keith wanted to get back whilst his wheel was able to carry him and poor Bob was stilling feeling a bit poorly..

Myself and Grant headed along the B9163 through Alcaig and into Conon Bridge where we treated ourselves to a fly Ice Cream since it was such a stunning day! You can't beat a Magnum....

From Conon, it was onto the A862 and through Muir of Ord and Beauly before Grant peeled off left and up towards home (Kirkhill).

I continued along the A862 and back through Inchmore and Bunchrew - arriving home in Inverness around 3:50ish.

Total Distance: 67.7 Miles
Average Speed: 14.9 mph

John

Cycling to Work

Cycled into work Tuesday and Wednesday - the wind finally seems to have dropped to an acceptable level on the ride in on Wednesday!

 

Due to this fact, I managed to get into work in around 49 minutes (13.7 miles so average around 16.6 mph)

 

I plan to cycle in for the rest of the week also and myself and the rest of the Carbonauts are looking to arrange a cycle for Sunday although currently no firm plan as to destination.

 

John

Sunday In The Sunshine

What a fantastic day weather wise. Left work after lunch and cycled to North Kessock and up to Tore again. Unlike Saturday I carried on to Conon Bridge on the A835 hoping to get up to 40 miles for the day. Next time I'll use the cycle path on the other side of the road as it was a wee bit busy with fast traffic. However if I'd stayed on the path I wouldn't have got the fantastic freewheel down the hill to Conon - 30 mph most of the way! Back through Muir of Ord and home to Kirkhill. Disappointingly (!) only 35 miles for the whole day but my arms got a bit of sunburn so maybe just as well. Sunblock definitely required for next long trip. The other definite bonus of the warm weather is no more runny nose issues!

 

Back a bit sore today but I put that down to gardening and then searching for my dogs in the dark on the Aird last night. Just don't ask...........

 

Grant

First Blog

Well the peer pressure has finally got to me and I've decided I better start blogging as well. Today is Sunday and I've got used to the idea of cycling uphill into the wind for a couple of hours with my fellow team members. However with Bob in the USA and with me being Duty Manager we decided to do our own thing this weekend - so I've missed out on the pain fix.

 

To make up for it I've cycled into work yesterday and today - only 6.5 miles each way. To get a decent run on Saturday after work I went along to North Kessock, up to Tore and then back to the Muir and home again - around 30 miles for the day altogether. Today I'll aim for 40 before I end up at home.

 

With the sun shining it was time for the shorts this morning, I hope the pale legs didn't frighten too many people!

 

Hope to start cycling to work this week, depends on being able to stop the sheep feeding duties at home, otherwise have to get up far to early. If I can get this started - with a long ride home - then the tedious work on the Turbo can be saved for rainy days.

 

Will update on the sheep progress later!

 

Grant

Round the Black Isle

Day 2 of back to backs.

 

After last nights 27 miler with a good few climbs I decided this afternoon to drop around the Black Isle.

 

Left Muir of Ord out on the A832 and passed Grant coming the opposite way.  Good to see the team committing to their task. I hope he blogs his training run.  At Tore, stuck with the 832 straight through past Munlochy, through Avoch and Fortrose and on to Cromarty.  Stopped for 5 minutes to take on board some nourishment andthen on through Jemimaville.

 

I was thinking of taking the long hill up and then through Killen, but decidd to see what turning right would bring. Must admit, this turned out to be quite a long drag up as well, with some good steepish bits thrown in.

 

Road was out through Culbokie, across the A9 and then through Easter Kinkell, Mulbuie and then finally back home to Muir of Ord.

 

Total mileage by CatEye was 46.45 miles in total riding time of 2 hrs 48 minutes. Average speed was 16.1 mph.

 

Elevation and mileage graph attached.

 

Diagnosis so far. Friday 27 miles, not bad. Got about 6 hours sleep, full round of golf and then 46.5 miler again today. Verdict - (answers on a postcard please) Not bad. Can certainly feel it in the thighs, but we won't be averaging 16 miles per hour.

 

Cheerio

 

Hindo

Cracking Training Run

 

Well tonight was a beautiful night for a ride so took the above route.

 

Left Muir of Ord and headed out towards Marybank and out to the main road to Contin.

Took a right up Kinnahaird (killer hill) to Strathpeffer. Into Strath and on into Dingwall and

on to Maryburgh.  From the Maryburgh roundabout took the cycle path up the A835 to Tore.

At Tore, took the right (via the cycle path to avoid being flattened by heavy traffic) and back

down to Muir of Ord.

Back in the Muir took the Mulbuie road to complete the ride with a nice 1.5 mile climb.

Perfect way to finish the evenings ride.

27.4 miles in 1hr 40 mins. Average speed 16.7 mph.

For the first time, I had the delights of riding without the rain jacket. Set off with it, but

after climbing Kinnahaird, decided to shed it. Only option I had was to securely wrap it

around the cross bar. This provided muchannoyance as the thighs rubbed it with every stroke.

Ever so slightly, but just enough to do my head in.

 

Roll on tomorrow PM when I will tackle the Black Isle me thinks. A route of approx 50 miles

followed by one on Sunday of similar. Want to now push the boat out and do back to back

distances to see how the legs hold out.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo

3 Consecutive days cycling to work....

.....3 consecutive headwinds!

 

JM

Wet Weather So Turbo

Well, what can I say.  Thought last night it might be well decent to get out for a spin tonight. Checked the weather and far near decided that it may be time to build an Ark.

 

However, seeing that I couldn't be bothered to "GOPHER" wood, I decided on dedicating time to catch up and re-ignite the Turbo training.

 

Threw on the shorts (Assos was a must as well) and headed out to the garage.  As I hadn't used it for a couple of weeks, mainly due to the fact the garage was a tip after I re-arranged it to change my oil in car, I hadn't really thought about the recent increase in temperatures.  Grant quite kindly notified me of the fact that he noticed it the last 2 nights and finished surrounded by a puddle. However, it turned out he was right.

 

1 Hour 15 mins of Carmichael Training Systems cycling for cadence and well and truly sorted. Can't believe that a Turbo Training looking all innocent, can force your body into some much work. But its does. And as per the comment in the previous paragraph, I finished the session looking like I had actually sat outside in the rain.

 

Nevertheless, a good shower afterwards soon sorted me out followed by lovely dinner. Actually increased my overall average speed and cadence but mainly noticed that my average heart rate during the session has reduced somewhat. Think the cycling may be helping me out.

 

Anyway, tomorrow night may be a road session weather permitting. Forecast looks good and therefore if it is, may go for a brief 30 miler.

 

Hindo

Guilt trip....but spinning

After not being available for Sundays outing and reading the blog I was beginning to feel a wee tinge of guilt running through my thighs, however you will be pleased to hear that I attended a spinning class in Evanston Recreational center on Friday and have booked in for 3 more classes this week.

 

Bikes are a bit strange after getting used to the ones in Black Isle Leisure centre, and the humidity and altitude has my throat drying up after 5 minutes - but I am still trying. Training lapsed at the week-end as the natives took to the bars and I felt obliged to follow, but as you may be aware this is also part of my training.

 

Thought I may take this opportunity to extol the virtues of spinning and for me to say a big thanks to all the guys at the Black Isle leisure centre, especially Laura and Charles. I will go into it at length at a later stage, suffice to say it has done me the world of good and if you are contemplating it...go for it!!

 

Bit disappointed to hear Grant has not joined the vertical cycling league yet.......give it time!

 

Bob

 

Sunday Cycle - Inverness -> Cannich

On Sunday there was no Bob so the remaining 3 Carbonauts, John, Grant & Keith, took a leisurely cycle out to Cannich. An 'Innuendo Free Day' as someone put it.....

I left Inverness at around 9:25 and met up with Grant at the Old North Inn near Kirkhill at 10am. The plan was then to meet Keith at Lovatt Bridge around 10:30 but Keith, being as keen as mustard (really, what's that supposed to mean!?) cycled down to meet us about halfway between Beauly and Kirkhill.

From here, we turned Southwards onto the A833. See the elevation guide below. This part of the trip was pretty hilly (on the chart below, this is the climb(s) between 15 and 22 mile mark.) It was a gruelling climb but at the top we were rewarded with a 3/4 mile 'extreme' downhill which was actually not that easy given that it was a 15% gradient and there weren't really any long stretches, lots of corners so fingers on the brake levers pretty much all the way!

Once we got to be bottom of the hill, we took a right and cycled the 10 miles towards Cannich. About 2 miles into this leg, it began to rain very heavily. My fingerless gloves were clearly not the right idea! I was absolutely freezing, numb feet and fingers. Eventually, the rain subsided and the sun came out to warm us up. The second peak you see in the graph above is the climb into and the subsequent free-wheel down to Cannich. We didn't go straight there though - we agreed to add another 4 miles onto our course by going up and around Fasnakyle Power Station.

I should mention that we faced a headwind all the way from Inverness to the Power Station at Fasnakyle (perhaps with a little break in between, when we were just climbing hills instead!)

We stopped for some refreshments in Cannich - the Spar shop providing us with a great cup of tea/coffee (thanks Keith :)) and some chocolate!

From here we left and travelled down the A831 back down towards Beauly (Cannich to Beauly is around 17 miles on this road). It was a very uneventful cycle back and seemed to be mostly slightly downhill but with a lovely tailwind). Only a couple of small inclines - notably at the Aigas Golf Course.

At Beauly, Keith left us and went back home to Muir of Ord. Myself and Grant carried on along the A832 for a few miles before he peeled off and back up to Kirkhill. I continued along the main road through Bunchrew and Clachnaharry and got home around 3pm.

Tough old cycle today - knees feeling it a bit! But thankfully no 'Horizontal Cycling' incidents to be added to the list :)

Total distance today: 67 miles

John

Hats Off to Assos

Well, for the last few months, suffering is not the way I would ultimately describe it.

But, with the hints given on web reviews, this Assos Chamois Creme is literally a

wonder Product.

 

If you want to avoid the discomfort of saddle sore on your long or short rides, it is a

must. I was sceptical, but todays 55 miles has proved it to me.

 

Purchase and follow the manufacturers guidelines (closely) and enjoy the ride.

 

If Graham Nelson should read this at some point, then thanks for the tip.  This will

definitely be my best buddy on the LEJOG in June.  Cheers

 

Hindo