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