Just a short one today

Short cycle today:

Inverness -> Muir of Ord -> Beauly -> Kirkhill -> Inverness

32 Miles, at average of 16.4 mph. 2 Hour run.

The wind really started to get up once I was close to home - can't seem to get shot of the wind at all over the last couple of weeks!

The best news was that the bike seemed to run well (fingers still firmly crossed)

Cheers
John

Marybank Cycle day

Well, as I committed, I was determined to attend the Annual Cycle Day which runs from Marybank Hall, up Strathconon and back to the hall. A total of 38 miles. 

 

Having played golf at Invergordon and been battered around by wind and rain, the likes I have never seen in Invergordon before and walking straight into a steel bar after the game, as I lied in bed Saturday morning with a sore forehead and listening to the wind howling through the trees, I was not overly enthused.

 

However, convinced the wind was going to die off for 10 am, I got myself up, ready and had breakfast. A nice large bowl of Quaker oats, topped with milk mixed Protein shake and creatine.

 

Having decided that there was a very high chance of rain I went out with the rain jacket on, which turned out to be the wrong decision. When I got to Marybank, it felt as though it had rained on the inside.  So, I left wallet and phone with Anna at the hall (thanks Anna) and prepped for the start at 10 am.

 

Hard to say just how many riders there were, but when I signed in, I was given number 119. So I would say 130 ish at a good guess.  Many would take a bus with the kids to the top of Strathconon and ride back the one way. Others, would go part way and back or all the way.  I had committed to the full 38 miles.

 

My intention, after having driven the road a few nights earlier and knowing my current form speed, was a personal goal to completion the full ride in 2hrs 20 minutes. Time would tell.

 

10am came and all were unleashed on the road to Strathconon.  Knowing not to burn out too quick the initial pace was steady, but 1 mile in I thought too steady, so picked up the pace to catch a group who were out in front. At this point I had no idea on how many were in front. They had a good rhythmic pace and steady through the initial ups and downs up to scatwell  and Meig.  This pace in the group remained pretty constant and by the time we were nearing the end of the first 19 miles before turning back, I noted we were sitting at about 16.7 mph average. Note, the wind was full on all the way up the glen and the outwards section is all up hill.

 

The group in front of me consisted of 6 people and I noted the guys from square wheels coming back (3 of them). I then calculated I was sitting around 10th to 11th.

 

As we turned to head back with no stop, I took on large quantity of liquid energy drink and continued. The group in front now started to pull off and I decided to stick with them. Passing several of the group I concentrated on 1 group of 5 at the time. However, we dropped another and carried on. The pace was quick, but I was holding ground with the group and enjoying the experience.  At 1 point I hit a bit of a pot-hole and my Bianchi bottle did a quick disappearing act. As naffed off as I was, I was not going back for it.

 

By the time we hit the Meig Dam, I had noted the average speed had increased to a nice 18.5 mph. Well impressed as I had never sustained this speed over that distance. pushing on into the undulations back to Marybank, I will admit I started to feel it. Probably due to lack of carb intake, but it is difficult to unwrap nutrigrains when riding at 24 mph. My own fault. Took more drink and pushed on. 1 of the group in front starting losing ground with his group, so I stuck with him.

 

Nearing the end we got some idiot slowing us up in a car, but eventually saw sense and pulled over. The next hill I took my chance and powered past and tried to put some distance between us.  This worked for a short period, but he soon caught me back as I slowed to recover.

 

The final mile or so is slight uphill and to our surprise we ended with a stiff headwind. I commented that I hadn't got the final sprint in me, but after spying someone in blue ahead, I decided enough was enough and maybe move from 7th to 6th was possible.  Sprinted up the straight but pipped by about 3 seconds.

 

I must admit, my initial target of 2 hr 20 was smashed as when I checked the CatEye I had completed in 2hr 1min. Average 18.6 mph. And, I was admittedly knackered. I had pushed myself the whole way and loved every single minute of it. It was a fantastic experience, one which I will have to repeat on other events in the near future.

 

The final 5 miles ride home to the Muir I took my time. the legs had totally cooled off and I could feel the previous 38 miles with every pedal stroke. Robbo had come down to the ride and met me there with a nice can of Tennants which I drank before I left. Cheers Alison.

 

The final hill to Rose Croft was a killer yesterday but thankfully I can report no detrimental effect on the legs today at all. They feel fantastic.  So jobs around the house with cleaning the garage as the main priority which I have almost completed.

 

Anyway, that completes my account of yesterday and a total days riding of a completed 48 miles.

 

Cheers

Oh what to wear is the question?

Well, only 4 weeks away now and the thoughts have now turned to what to take on this epic in terms of clothing for our social evenings. Not having a Tuxedo and with my suit needing a clean from my recent trip away I am somewhat perplexed by how I should dress in the evenings.

I would have thought that the other carbonauts would be strutting there stuff in the attire befitting there status, no doubt "The Doc" will take his smoking jacket, Hindo his leopard skin thong set and I.T johnny his velour tracksuit.

Me, as discussed with Hindo earlier, just enough underwear and a toothbrush should suffice and this will also cut down on the luggage especially if I wear all the underwear and discard 1 pair daily - where to keep the toothbrush though?

Bob

A bit of competition

Cycling home tonight, I was just coming off the Kessock Bridge when I began closing in on a fellow cyclist.

As we crossed at the pedestrian crossing together he moved off in front of me. 50 yards along the cycle path and I overtook him, I said "Hello" on the way past...

As I turned onto the Longman, this same cyclist overtook me. I was doing a decent pace so to me, it was clear that he was trying to make a point!!

Move forward 400 or 500 yards and I began chasing him down closing in on him at the Millburn Roundabout. I glided on past him and up the Old Perth Road. I thought that would be that.

I was wrong!

Halfway up Old Perth Road and he overtakes me, I can see he's really pushing himself to get past me. But to his credit, he kept a good pace up and arrived at the top of Old Perth Road about 10 yards in front of me!

I had a lot of fun - so, whoever you are, thank you for making my cycle home more interesting and stirring my competitive spirit into action. I feel so much better for it tonight!!

;)

John

Windswept & Interesting

Interesting cycle in today.

 

I'm windswept

 

John

Record and Goal Achieved

After the report back in March about the Mountain Bike run I regularly do, I can now happily report that I have finally achieved my goal on this.

 

First time out for a while in March, I managed to wipe off 7 minutes from my best time in late 2010 from 50 minutes to 43 mins 15 secs. My second attempt I knocked off an additional 45 secs to 42 mins 30 secs.  I then set myself a target to get sub 40 minutes.

 

So this afternoon, after spending a relaxing day at the Black Isle showground at the Moray Firth Radio charity car boot sale, I decided while Pet relaxed and watched a film to go out on the same circuit.

 

Stopwatch at the ready and started as I got going from home, I headed out at a cracking pace out towards the old railway line. I can honestly admit, that by the time I got to the crossing over the Mulbuie road, I thought my thighs were going to spontaneously combust, they were burning that bad. I however pushed on. At the top of the wood, they were worse, but settled down by the time I hit the road section from Blairdhu B&B back to road to Spittal wood.  That climb, burned me up again and this is a long drag. Pushed on, over the old bridge and back on to the old railway line. Now nailing it, I was blissfully unaware of the time standings, but pushed as hard as I could.

 

The final stretch of the road up to Rose Croft was tough and I was giving everything.

 

Stopping at the house I reached over, stopped the watch and rolled down to the garage. As I stopped, I glanced at the watch to see what my time was.  38 mins, 31.2 secs.

 

That wiped a further 4 minutes of my best from March. I must admit, that was the hardest training I have done, but enjoyed every second of it. Now it is time to shower and relax.  Might even have a beer.

 

I am no longer going for any faster times on this as I have managed it in the time goal I set in March. Will keep this up however, as after just getting Pet a new bike, I will be going out with her around here but at a more sedate pace.

Cheers

 

Hindo

Variations on a theme??

Well tonight a change from the norm. 20 minutes on static bike, full body weight session then 1 hour on the turbo. All before dinner. Lol.

 

Whilst on the turbo, (and not being distracted from my true intention of the training session) I got thinking, during recovery periods, on the thought I left in last nights blog.  The turbo trainer potentially holds many variations in order to enhance your training requirements. Let me enlighten you with our thoughts. These were considered in a brief conversation today with my Carbonaut buddy Dr. Andrews:

 

1. Uphill. Simply prop the front wheel up to increase the resistance of your ride. This can give you anything from a gentle rise to the North Face of the Eiger (chock size dependent obviously and also space availability. You may also need a harness.

 

2.  Wind resistance. As I found out last night you can get wind hitting different directions dependent on atmospheric conditions. Employ a fan and strategically position it to give you desired effect depending on how your workout should proceed. This can be combined with the front wheel chock to enhance the difficult on a multidimensional level.

 

3.    Swirling winds. Simply purpose a tower fan with the oscillation mode ability and position again to give you that all round wind battering effect.

 

4.    Increased resistance. Ring up some attachment to the seat post (preferred location) and attach something like a small trailer. This will give you the additional weight to pull. Especially suited to riders who wish to increase their cycling power performance. I haven't tried this yet as I am limited for space in the garage until after the car boot on Sunday. Also I don't have a trailer, but Alan over the road has a good one. Might be able to use this on a Sunday while he is at church.

 

5.    Altitude training. This again is a tricky one if you are stuck for space and would require quite a bit of internet research to get the correct effect. Simply build an air tight canopy around your turbo trainer and attach to a good industrial rated vacuum system. Employ atmospheric pressure monitoring also. The internet research comes in by choosing the country and altitude at which you would like to ride and set the atmospheric pressure of your new cocoon to give you what you require. Note: Please ensure that there is some means of controlled air ingress to your tent in order to prevent death by suffocation and lack of oxygen.

 

6. Altitude and heat. Again research the country as above but with natural temperature profiles. Rig up some good quality infra red heater lamps and have them thermostatically controlled. This way you can have the right altitude and heat.

 

7.    Altitude, heat and wind. As points 5 & 6 but with the inclusion of the fan system. Please note however, the inclusion of the fan may cause pressure variations and lead to severe ear popping issues over time.

 

8.    Should you decide to choice a dessert area for your ride, enhance your experience by rigging up a fine sand drizzle into the air stream to give you that wind blown and sand blasted effect. Other effect may be to borrow the Iguana off your neighbours and have it running around on the ground as you train. At least it gives you something to dodge occasionally.

 

9.    Sun tanning. Don't ever forget this important factor of why we cycle in the summer months. Cycling is by far one of the best ways to achieve that not quite all over tan. Well I mean you get partial arm coverage and with only hair on your thighs as you have had the bottom half of your legs waxed, you will end up looking like a chicken with brown legs below the Knee.  But as long as you keep short sleeved polo shirts on when not riding, who is to know. To experience in the atmospheric pressure and temperature controlled cocoon environment, simple obtain an ample rated UV sun bed mobile upright unit and position to suit. I would advise directly in front where it will catch both arms and legs. However, to give you the overall experience you could build an arc slow moving platform which will move the light incrementally from left to right to give you the riding south over time natural sun movement. Would advise strong UV protection glass and a good factor sun cream. Be good to see during the depths of winter when the neighbours comment on your tan and you reply "That's the benefits of cycling my dears"!

 

10. Undulating terrain. Get some competent engineer to give you a pneumatic height adjustable chock which can be preprogrammed to numerous level changes as you ride. That way not only can you only go down, level or up, but you can constantly change and mimic the ride to Elgin that myself and Carbonaut Bob experienced only several weeks ago.

 

So as you can see from the above, the turbo trainer gives you endless possibilities on how you can enhance your riding and training experience within the confines of your own home. Be adventurous and try new things to give you the overall riding experience.

 

If anyone has any other thoughts on this, please feel free to let me know and we can publish.

 

Enjoy your training, and don't forget you heard it here first.

 

Cheerio

 

Hindo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weekend Catch Up

Better late than never - here is quick update on my weekend. While not getting anywhere near John's epic trek to the foothills of the Cairngorm mountains I did manage to get out on both days. Still recovering from the dreaded cough I thought two 40 mile trips would be more achievable than one big ride.

 

Saturday saw me setting off from Kirkhill and up to the Muir before heading off to Loch Achility via Aultgowrie Bridge, Marybank and Contin. I continued past the loch and on to the dam and went a few miles up Strathconon before stopping for a wee snack. Then back home through Scatwell, Marybank and Beauly. 42 miles at a steady if unspectacular pace.

 

Sunday was the old faithful Strathglass circuit, only this time in reverse. Kiltarlity first, then over the hill to Eskadalemuir and Struy. I can report that the hill out of Kiltarlity is much steeper than the climb up from the Glass coming the other way. Stayed on the back road all the way up the power station at Fasnakyle and then stopped for a sandwich and a cuppa at the shop in Cannich. Felt about 100 years old for the first half hour after lunch, for some reason my knees were really sore. Eventually got going properly again and arrived home having done another steady 42 miles.

 

Rounded off Sunday with a two hour walk with Mary and the dogs up at Abriachan - actually felt better when we got back than before we set off!

 

So felt quite pleased to have done some miles after nearly two weeks away from the bike but really worried at how much being ill had taken out of me.

 

Determined to get on a fast track back to health cycling to work is now a must. Went home via Aigas last night and actually felt a bit of extra zip in the legs over the hour I was on the road.  20+ miles over the whole day isn't much but every little helps. Will try and get away a bit earlier tonight and do a bit more.

 

So as long as Bob doesn't bring another killer virus back from the States I'm hoping for the best.

 

Grant

 

 

Windy tonight innit!!

Well, after doing Turbo last night, the first thing on my mind as I left work was "I will go for a ride". All day I noted it was windy, but the thought came as I walked across the car park, that it wasn't that bad. So, home, change and out.

 

Decided would do the Redcastle route out to Kessock Bridge, back up the cycle path and the back over the A835 and back to Muir across Mulbuie.  In total by CatEye at 20.8 miles. I was under the impression it was further than that, but no it ain't. Validated it on Bike Route Toaster which gave it 20.46, but slight variation on my route I think.  Always difficult to get an accurate route when you jump cycle paths to roads etc.

 

Anyway, nice pleasant pace down the shore road to North Kessock. However, the wind which I thought wasn't that bad was blowing hard. I couldn't work out whether it was side on, behind or head on on this stretch. Pushed on to Kessock irrespective. Kept a nice steady pace of around 20 - 22 mph which wasn't overall too bad tonight.  Once at Kessock, took the slip road up to the cycle path which I had heard tales about. Only ever been down it before so I thought I knew what to expect.  Got half way up and thought not bad. Suddenly a car appeared. Only a single track road and knew if I stopped I would lose all momentum. So just carried on and the driver stopped. Good Man. Right at the top,the hill takes a kick upwards and a sharp turn to the left and another kick upwards. Down into bottom gear and standing up I managed to push the full distance. Decided to crack on and not stop for breather. Right Choice. Nice surprise in the ride that was.

 

Followed cycle path from there under the flyover and up to Tore. It was just as I got onto the road section of the cycle path that I realised that the change in direction etc meant I was going to have to ride back to Tore and over the tops with a howling wind in my head. It was then I took the advice of Carbonaut John on riding in the drops. Good man. Grabbed down and pushed on.  If your not used to it, it is awkward to start with, but good position into the wind.

 

As I got onto the path up the A835 I realised that the wind was more to the side so I know as I turned onto the Mulbuie road, it definitely would be into the face. Correct. After almost becoming a goner under the wheels of a Honda 4x4 at the T Junction (not saying that the driver never saw me, I reckon it was more a fact that I was wearing my England top). I think she was eager to get somewhere and obviously had no patience to wait for an England top wearing cyclist struggling with his pedals and trying to negotiate the crossing of a busy A road.

 

As predicted the head wind was ridiculous. All the way in howling wind (in the drops) and pushing like a demon in a low gear to try to keep good pace.  It ain't a bad road with a gentle climb for about 1 mile and then downhill.  Turned off into Balvaird road and final stretch to home. This is undulating but mainly downhill. Back up on the bars and head wind or no headwind I was pushing it. 26 mph for the final stretch before the main descent to home.

 

Finished up at 20.8 miles in 1 hr 6 minutes and average of 18.1 mph.  I must admit this was a last minute decision ride, but God did I enjoy it.

 

I think in future to get  used to riding into the wind I am going to employ the use of fan on the Turbo and also chock up the front wheel to go up hill. I will however remove this for the cool down section and freewheel an easy downhill section to finish. Will keep you posted on how I get on.

 

Cheerio now.

 

Hindo

The bad luck just continues

I remember, on my way back from Carrbridge on Sunday, that I began to experience a problem with my lovely shiny bike. It's very hard to explain but there was a kind of 'clunking' sound coming from the pedals and/or gears. I checked the pedals to make sure there was nothing loose, and there was indeed no play in them at all.

But the clunking continued every now and then on the way back, and - perhaps luckily - I made it home in one piece. I think I just assumed the bike was tired!!

On Monday when I left for work the clunking was still there. I figured I would just leave it until the weekend then get it into Dryburgh Cycles in Dingwall. 5-6 miles into the cycle, I heard a loud thud - I visually inspected the bike and could see nothing wrong so I continued on.

A mile or so further on and I heard a 'ting-ting' type sound. Looked at the back wheel and there was a bent and broken spoke, together with a buckled wheel!! Happy days!

I gently cycled on to work, careful not go too fast or hit a bump with my compromised wheel. I made it in enough time so that was fine. My good friend and fellow Carbonaut Keith agreed to take me to Dingwall and get the bike into the shop at lunchtime.

Paul gave me a lift home in the evening, which was very much appreciated.

On Monday evening, I decided that I wouldn't let this stop my training progress so I dusted off the old hybrid bike, oiled it, adjusted the gears and checked the tyres (which were both still hard since its last use 2 months ago).

On Tuesday I headed out my normal route and what happened at the caravan park between North Kessock and Redcastle? Well, a puncture of course!!! And who didn't bring puncture repair kit since was only using the bike 'as a one-off'? Me!!!!

I actually laughed when I'd seen what had happened. Somehow, it wasn't surprising!

My very kind manager Paul once again bailed me out and picked me up so I am eternally grateful once again for his help.

Tomorrow - Wednesday - I'm driving in.

And I'll be taking orders for lucky white heather via my website: http://www.whysomanyjaggedlittlestonesonourroads.com/


:)   ->   :S   ->   :(

John

Sunday Cycle - 102 Miles before lunch!

Since all the other Carbonauts had 'stuff to do' today I decided to get out into the countryside with my trusty bicycle-friend and make up for last Sunday's lack of miles!

I decided to start early so that I could be back to do family stuff for most of the day. I got out of bed around 5am and was out the house shortly after 5:30am (once I had loaded up with some porridge)

I made my way towards Culloden and joined the A96 for a few moments before slipping left towards the airport and then Ardersier. From there I continued on to Nairn and Forres (I was soaked to the skin on this stretch of A96) then I turned south and made my way to Grantown-on-Spey via the A939. The miles between Forres and Grantown were very long and tough ones. I had a side/headwind for the duration and also it was mostly uphill!! See below, Grantown is between 30 and 50 miles on my journey:

From Grantown, I headed west to Carrbridge where I stopped and took half of a sandwich on board. The route I planned forced me to double back on myself about a mile and a half to catch the B9007 towards Nairn via Ferness. It was more uphill to begin with (see 62 to 67 miles above) but then it settled a bit before giving me a lovely section of downhill (except for a very nasty little climb at around 77 miles, after crossing a small bridge nr Ardclach). I was pretty knackered by the time I reached Nairn and I knew I had another 16 miles ahead of me with no alternative but to cycle them!

But I got my head down and cycled through, curiously, a headwind going back West. I find this particularly odd because I clocked an Easterly wind at the Norbord stack at Dalcross on the way out, and a Westerly coming back in. Proof, finally, that the wind does change to meet you head-first, when you're cycling!

Eventually I got home at around 12:55 lunchtime and I am not at all embarrassed to tell you that I was absolutely shattered from this cycle trip. Forres to Carrbridge was very tough. There were no extreme uphills but it was just so constant and unrelenting. I fell in the door, headed to the shower and lay in bed for an hour. What a relief!

Pleased to have cracked the 100 mile barrier finally, but the thought of this for 10 consecutive days, scares me!

Distance: 102.2 miles

Avg Speed: 15.4 mph

Duration: 7 Hours

:)

John

Smooth as a Dolphins Beak

Well here we go guys. Yep, in the interest of Health, Safety and aerodynamics, the legs are now hairless from the Cycle short line down.  Nova, our in-house beautician here at home in the Muir, donated her time and materials for the good cause of the Hospice tonight, to total remove the leg foliage.

 

Needless to say, she didn't want to stop there and wants the full monty. But no I have declined.

However, I may well book her for the Mankini line in June.

 

See attached photo for the Dolphin look.

 

Cheers

 

Hindo.

 

PS. Just let me know and I will book you in at your convenience. Well as long as it doesn't clash with Coronation Street or Eastenders as she is busy then.

Strathconon Again

Well another lovely evening was upon us and a nice gentle breeze (I thought). Got home and decided that I would go out up to Strathconon again. Becoming quite a usual ride for me now. I like it ok. It has several nice testy elevation changes and a good workout.

 

Aim was to leave home up over Aultgowrie, through Marybank and up to Meig dam. However, after failing to find me cycling top and then a nice long conversation with a neighbour about our impending voyage up the country, I managed to get underway at around 5.40. Plan was as promised Pet I swould be back in time for her getting home from her outting at 6.30. So hammer down and off. All was going good and I enjoyed the flit up towards the Meig. Keeping good steady pace and enjoying the view. Luckily, no heavy traffic. However, I did almost end up potentially being laid down on the next bit of tarmac as almost collided with a road resurfacer. Thank god the brakes work.

 

Due to time constraints, decided I wuold only head out to 11 miles from home and then head back. Tood a drink, spun the bike and headed back. It was at this point I realised, the light breeze was only a cover for the true extent. The reason I was keeping good pace outbound was the fact it was behind me. Turned and hey presto, bloody headwind. Convinced it would be behind me again by Marybank I hastily continued. Never did.

 

Reached Marybank and then all the way back on the A832 it was howling in my head. Not too bad, only about 5 miles home.

 

Got home, surprisingly in 1 hr 5 mins for the full 20 miles. Averasge of 17.7 mph.  Was well impressed as I thought the wind was going to kill my time.

 

Arrived home, off the Bianchi and into the garage to find Pet had already left. So inot the house, SPDs off, trainers on and off out on the mountain bike for leg 2.  She had been gone about 10 - 15 minutes, so I knew I would catch her.  Trust me, the change instantly from road to mountain bike is a very testing thing. From being on something as light and agile as the Bianchi, to the feels like concrete filled cast iron steel alloy lead framed MTB is a killer.  Hammered along the old railway line and caught her just at the start of the hill climb to the top of Spittal Wood. Lou Lou the Dalmatian was with her and at 13 years, doesn't do too bad for an old bitch. Bless her.

 

Off up along the top of the wood and down the centre to the railway line. Almost came a cropper at one point but saved it.  Also decided the bike is crap at wheelies (or is that me???).

 

Stuck with Pet and stopped a while to give the dog a drink and ten headed off.  Again decided I would do my blitz along the forest road and up over the bridge and down to meet Pet on the railway line again. Hit the road at a blistering speed (well feels like it to me) and must to my dismay, a huge deer leapt out about 20 yards in front of me and off into the forest. Must admit that it was a close thing, but on my way. Climb the hill at a good rate tonight as the old legs were warm and down to meet Pet. She weren't there. Ummh.  Doubled back and could see her ahead talking to some folks with Dalmatians. Unusual.  Stopped also for a chat and then realised quickly that with being hot, the mosquitos (or whatever the hell they are) decided to feast on my legs. Now some few hours down the line and still feeling it.

 

Anyway, finally completed the whole 26 miles and went out for dinner. Chippy and I had a pizza. Lovely.

 

Don't know plan for tomorrow, but may well include another quick ride out in the afternoon, distance to be determinwed based on weather.

 

All for now, over and out till next time.

 

Hindo

Sundays jaunt - and then there were two!!

Well, with "The Doc" still playing the man flu card it was left to the 3 remaining carbonauts to take up the 100 mile challenge and we planned to meet at Tore at 07:30. Not realizing that Tore had more than one meeting place i waited for 10 min's at the bus stop whilst Keith waited at the petrol station...and John was no where to be seen.

 

07:50(ish) we decided to make our way down the cycle route towards Inverness to see if we could spot our missing hero...and yes we spotted him approx half a mile down the road, wheel of and trying to change a tube. the damage was more than first thought and John had actually burst his tyre so in true carbonaut style akin to Captain Oates he insisted we leave him by the side of the road and carry on without him - basically told us to bugger off!

 

So, now 2 down off we went down into Inverness, over the Kessock bridge sticking to the immaculate cycle path that is as clean and smooth as a ploughed field and out onto the Aberdeen road heading for Elgin. We turned off at the airport road and went along the bottom road into Ardersier, then left up to Nairn. once in Nairn we had a prolonged break and a cycle along the beach looking for a public toilet where my riding partner had to make a small deposit.

 

Off we went again and quickly realised that the flat route we were taking was in actual fact far from flat, there was a lot of traffic and we took every opportunity to cycle left of the white line, not sure if this is a designated cycle path or just somewhere the local councils store their excess stones. I might add at this stage we were on a time limit here, Keith had to be back in the Muir at 3pm so we were watching the clock for a turn-around point.

 

We made it 5 miles from Elgin (which was the target) and at 45 miles on the clock we decided to head back, and as Keith pointed out it should be all down hill with the wind behind us. Something strange happens when out on these runs because this is not the first time we have appeared to climb more hills on the way back than were there on the way out.

 

Anyway, headed back to Nairn at a steady pace and stopped in Nairn for a pasty and a coffee where upon we sat outside a local bistro and discussed the fine cuisine on offer. Refreshed we were heading out of Nairn and a good pace of approx 20mph, got about 4 miles from Inverness when for the second week running I got a puncture, this time the back wheel. Keith leapt into action similar to that of a Maclaren pit stop crew member and within no time he had his hands on my tube, sorted it out and we were ready to get going again.

 

Into Inverness and up to Tore we arrived at Tore approx 2:30pm with 83 miles on the clock, hadn't taken into consideration the extended route out via Ardersier so we were not going to achieve our 100 miles, but as we both said it would be nice to do this as a team.  With both having 6 miles to get home we both detoured slightly and both finished on 92miles for the day.

 

The weather was nice (bit cold to start with), the company was excellent and it was a good run out. Taking into consideration the confused start, my puncture, the toilet stop and the 30mins in Nairn for a small break we achieved the 92 miles in approx 6 hours which I think is pretty damn good.

 

"The Doc" & "I.T Johnny" did say they would get out somewhere today....lets wait and see if they blog!!!

 

Bob

 

 

Foray to Tore....

What a stunning morning - very warm, very little wind. As I jumped on my bike this morning to go meet Bob and Keith, I had rarely felt more prepared for a cycle.

I had the right clothing on, the right supplies with me - I was well up for it...

Then "Pop" - my tyre exploded! - just a mile away from meeting Bob & Keith. First I thought it was 'just' a puncture and the spare tube I had with me would rescue me. But the reality was that when the tube popped, it took out the tyre too....ripped a hole in it.

When I put the new tube in and blew it up, it bulged and exposed the rip more and more with each pump action - clearly my day was over before it had really begun

I let Bob and Keith go on their way without me as clearly I would have to cycle the 7 miles back to Inverness very gingerly. Thankfully I made it in one piece and managed to pick up a couple of new tyres. One to replace this one, another as a spare incase this kind of nonsense happens again!

Still, it was a nice day in the garden with the kids, but I did miss my cycle and I'm already figuring in my head when I can next free up the time to get a cycle in. The cycle to and from work Tuesday to Friday is an absolute minimum.

Perhaps understandably I feel like I need to regain confidence in my bike, but that will only come with more saddle time.

I was delighted to hear that Bob and Keith completed a 90 mile cycle today and I appreciate that they've saved the 'big 100' for when we're all out together one day. Clearly they could have broken the 100 today but opted not to. Nice gesture lads! :)

John