Sunday, 13 May 2012
The end
That's it, 442 miles in just over 5 days. We were told a staggering fact that the record for end to end Ireland over approx 380 miles is just under 19 hours !!!
So how did we all get on? Thanks to The Doc and his planning we had overall very good accomadation and did not get lost once - great job!
James, Keith, Chris and myself had to do very little apart from cycle. Tony gave great support, always there on time and sorting out the digs,
Fantastic scenery and really good roads, a lot of climbing but well worth the trip.
Once again would like to say that these tours are done for one thing, which is to raise money for the Highland Hospice and we would like to thank everyone for their support.
One sentemce from each to sum up their week:
Keith - excellent ride, excellent scenery and excellent companionship.
James: excellent ride, excellent company and a great experience.
Grant: good cycling, good company just wish I was a bit fitter!!
Tony; brilliant roads
Bob: great trip with a great bunch of lads for a very worthy cause
So, until next year we would like to say a big thankyou to all those that have supported us throufh donations or messages - we do appreciate it.
The Carbonauts 2012
So how did we all get on? Thanks to The Doc and his planning we had overall very good accomadation and did not get lost once - great job!
James, Keith, Chris and myself had to do very little apart from cycle. Tony gave great support, always there on time and sorting out the digs,
Fantastic scenery and really good roads, a lot of climbing but well worth the trip.
Once again would like to say that these tours are done for one thing, which is to raise money for the Highland Hospice and we would like to thank everyone for their support.
One sentemce from each to sum up their week:
Keith - excellent ride, excellent scenery and excellent companionship.
James: excellent ride, excellent company and a great experience.
Grant: good cycling, good company just wish I was a bit fitter!!
Tony; brilliant roads
Bob: great trip with a great bunch of lads for a very worthy cause
So, until next year we would like to say a big thankyou to all those that have supported us throufh donations or messages - we do appreciate it.
The Carbonauts 2012
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Finish
Well, it was as previous with a "Now what?" At the end.
However, a great 6 days with great guys to ride along side in some fantastic settings.
Cheers to all the lads for their great rides this week and also a big thanks to Tony for all his support. He did a great job for us all!
Thanks to my other half, Pet too for letting me out to play again. A great experience and you should join us some day!
Cheers
Hindo
However, a great 6 days with great guys to ride along side in some fantastic settings.
Cheers to all the lads for their great rides this week and also a big thanks to Tony for all his support. He did a great job for us all!
Thanks to my other half, Pet too for letting me out to play again. A great experience and you should join us some day!
Cheers
Hindo
Hedging
It took a very strange twist when James and Tony went to hedge and a face popped out of the middle of the hedge and said "hello"
The first thought was a Leprechaun but it turned out to be a pervert who wandered off up the moor.
The first thought was a Leprechaun but it turned out to be a pervert who wandered off up the moor.
Congratulations Carbonauts!
Congratulations on another great achievement, guys :)
Have a well-earned 'black one' tonight in Belfast on me!!
ITJ
Have a well-earned 'black one' tonight in Belfast on me!!
ITJ
IMG00138-20120512-1351.jpg
Hedging abuse
Serial hedges James and Chris upset a local man by hedging in front of his house. Although the house was some way away this incident should merit headlines in the Cardonagh Evening Herald.
Friday, 11 May 2012
End of day 5
Well, we have arrived at Bridgend, we stopped for a quick drink at St Johnston which is only 9 miles away and it took us 1hr and 20 mins to get here. The reason for this is The Doc (our route meister) instructed Tony to take the shortest route which he duly plotted and this took us up the side of a very steep hill!
We have gelled as a team and the girls (keith and Chris) are still happy with their gel saddle bags. They have become so girlie they were seen shopping in !Ballybofey for Always, lycra leotards and roller skates. So, just waisting now for our meal and will finiish off tomorrow with a 30 mile ride. Please remember although we are having a good time it is for The Highland Hospice and any donations are welcome.
We have gelled as a team and the girls (keith and Chris) are still happy with their gel saddle bags. They have become so girlie they were seen shopping in !Ballybofey for Always, lycra leotards and roller skates. So, just waisting now for our meal and will finiish off tomorrow with a 30 mile ride. Please remember although we are having a good time it is for The Highland Hospice and any donations are welcome.
IMG00388-20120511-1949.jpg
Rather fetching I think and he should dye his tips red!!
3rd stop
Balybofey, up over the mountains from Donegal and a nice long run into an average size village with traffic that would equal Glasgow during rush hour. A mix of wraps and puddings then off to our last stop, The Final Frontier hotel at Bridgend.
The Doc is holding up with his lumpy knee thanks to a concotion of drugs (not the social type).
Group hedging took place this PM so we are once again as one.
Better day today with some fantastic scenery.
The Doc is holding up with his lumpy knee thanks to a concotion of drugs (not the social type).
Group hedging took place this PM so we are once again as one.
Better day today with some fantastic scenery.
Weekly report
Hi there,
You must be almost done by now. I bet you all are looking forward to the end of the journey and to the spa relaxation afterwards (mineral water, green tea, head massage, acupuncture stress (and sore bottoms) relief, etc).
It's been very quiet here without you, in fact way too quiet. We've all been following your blog, jealous of you - what a blast you must be having!
No issues to report (superintendents, lab, maintenance, etc might have a different opinion though). No unauthorised personnel have been sitting in Bob's or Grant's chairs. Keith's one is more popular though. And I must say Keith's chair is much more comfortable than mine!
Well done to all of you and looking forward to seeing you all on Monday. I will however have some earplugs handy.
See you soon,
Olga
The Knee!!
Put the knee away, you’re putting the office at Inverness Royal Academy off their tea break!!
But, we know a good massage therapist who can massage it better!!
Good Luck with the rest of the day………………………………….. We are rooting for you all!
Carole Matheson
5th day 1st official stop
Bundoran, Docs knee appears to be holding up so a quick sandwich and coffee stop the plough on through to Donegal. Brief shower and strong headwind coming out of Sligo but made it up and over and weather now seems a wee bit better.
Skies now blue and forecast good for rest of day.
Lots of private hedging going on so need to regroup and team hedge.
Skies now blue and forecast good for rest of day.
Lots of private hedging going on so need to regroup and team hedge.
Day 5 1st incident
The Doc has had the 1st occurence of vertical cycling when Marjorie refused at the 2nd hurdle. The Doc has a lumpy knee and Marjorie a bent brake block but both fit to resume.
Going Well
Sounds like you're making great progress but with my knowledge of Ireland you could be anywhere. Hope you get to some down hill soon and remember to stop at the sea.
James leave some food behind for the natives!
Have a safe trip back.
Best wishes
Mike Packer
Mike Packer
5th day
Just about to set off and heading for Donegal for lunch. Nice Italian meal last night but there is a lot to be said for bungalows, trying to get up and down 2 flights of stairs with Douglas Bader legs is not my idea of fun!
Not the nicest place we have stayed but it was dry and warm after a soaking yesterday.
Not the nicest place we have stayed but it was dry and warm after a soaking yesterday.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Carneys!
Sent from my Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S
4th day
Atfter lunch we headed for Sligo with a brief stop in (and not for a) Tubbercurry, Onward the intrepid 5 ploughed the path through wind and rain only to get lost in Sligo town centre. After asking most of the population and getting directions to everywhere but our accomadation we eventually found it. Busy little place but 1st impressions it not the nicest place we have visited, this is more Inverness size rather than the quaint small towns we have frequented, Looking forward to a better day tomorrow, today has been quite a challenge, especially coming into Sligo on the hard shoulder of a dual carriageway.
4th day lunch
Now in Swinford and it has been chucking it down all day, all soaked through and now wearing latex gloves under the cycling gloves that Chris procured from our 1st stop. Team hedging this morning, apple pie and ice cream for dinner and James is eating a day as much as a small village consume in a week
Keeping us amused!!
Well done, sorry you are so wet, shall I come along with my hairdryer?
If it's a consolation it is raining heavily here!
The office at Inverness Royal Academy are all glued to your blogs..........keeping us amused!!
Keep it up!! ;-)
Carole Matheson
If it's a consolation it is raining heavily here!
The office at Inverness Royal Academy are all glued to your blogs..........keeping us amused!!
Keep it up!! ;-)
Carole Matheson
4th day
Ballinrobe to Castlebar and it is non stop rain, all soaked and cold and sitting in a very nive bistro type establisment dripping. Highlight of the day so far is Hindo's rendition of "I'd like to teach the world to sing" in the stylle of the pub singer.
Message from Petra
Hi to you all,
hope your all well and doing good would say wish i was there but i am happy being at work sorry.
Take care and be safe thinking of you all ,to my hindo love and miss you make sure you come back in one peice xxx The Cush meister
xxxxPetra Cushion
hope your all well and doing good would say wish i was there but i am happy being at work sorry.
Take care and be safe thinking of you all ,to my hindo love and miss you make sure you come back in one peice xxx The Cush meister
xxxxPetra Cushion
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Balinrobe
Well, day 3 over and now in accomodation. The Riverside Hotel. To help Tony locate it he checked the website and went searching for the house in the setting depicted. No river anywhere but it is located in the vicinity of a small stream and a car sales garage.
Hedging is now becoming an art form and our expectations on the quality of the country hedges is increasing. We are now seeking well trimmed topiary to satisfy our calls of nature.
Chris is hedging quite regular (normal), James is hungry so he is OK and Grant now shouts prior to venting. Bobs camel condition is subsiding and normal operation is resuming. Tony is still seeking fishing locations.
For those who don't know, clarification of terms:
Hedging - the use of hedgerows to relieve oneself
Top venting - to clear ones nose whilst riding
Bottom venting - self explanatory.
Now off out for evening nosh and black stuff.
Hedging is now becoming an art form and our expectations on the quality of the country hedges is increasing. We are now seeking well trimmed topiary to satisfy our calls of nature.
Chris is hedging quite regular (normal), James is hungry so he is OK and Grant now shouts prior to venting. Bobs camel condition is subsiding and normal operation is resuming. Tony is still seeking fishing locations.
For those who don't know, clarification of terms:
Hedging - the use of hedgerows to relieve oneself
Top venting - to clear ones nose whilst riding
Bottom venting - self explanatory.
Now off out for evening nosh and black stuff.
IMG00114-20120509-1616.jpg
Living on a Prayer...
Well guys, I reckon you’re about halfway through now?
Hope all has been going well for you – have been checking the blog and keeping your location up to date for you..
..Wish I was there with y’all!
Hopeful that you’ll want to do something next year coz this Carbonaut will be there!!
Infact, I am training for it already....
All the best - and just think, right now you’re just about as far north as Dublin/Liverpool.
By tonight, you’ll be further north than Chorley (Chorley)
Cheers!
ITJ
Lunch at Kilcolgan
37 miles so far and stopped for a bit of lunch at a much more reasonable hour, deciding now on dual carriageway or back roads, Stopping tonight at Ballinrobe.
Little message for the Carbonaut back home, IT Johnny you would love this.
Little message for the Carbonaut back home, IT Johnny you would love this.
3rd day 1st stop
Ballyvaughan for those that are following the blog. Big climb out of the town but amazing corkscrew descent into here. All well and going good, no rain yet but more wind!!!
Any comments on the blog would be welcome
Any comments on the blog would be welcome
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Orbry
Forgot to mention that after her tantrum on the way down A9 and blowing a tyre, Orbry today suffered a fall and ended up with a dislodged gear arm. After some essential TLC, she is soldiering on in good style and showing good promise to seeing the tour through. We wish her well.
2nd day
Started in true carbonaut style when The Doc said we would go around the mountain and I'm sure you can guess where we actually went!
The 2 girls are happy with their gel saddles discussing over dinner who's bottom is softer.
Strange terrain, we appear to climb hills constantly but still end up at sea level, thought the ferry port was at the top of a hill.
James is not well, just the one meal tonight.
Hedging is going well but is becomming a tad public.
Bob actually went for a pee during the day putting paid to the rumour that he is part camel.
Great meal tonight, couple of pints of the black stuff and bqck to the digs.
The 2 girls are happy with their gel saddles discussing over dinner who's bottom is softer.
Strange terrain, we appear to climb hills constantly but still end up at sea level, thought the ferry port was at the top of a hill.
James is not well, just the one meal tonight.
Hedging is going well but is becomming a tad public.
Bob actually went for a pee during the day putting paid to the rumour that he is part camel.
Great meal tonight, couple of pints of the black stuff and bqck to the digs.
Blogmeister
Can't believe that after 4 days away our Blogmeister is sick of blogging.
We will hold a vote tomorrow to see who gets in to replace him.
We will hold a vote tomorrow to see who gets in to replace him.
Late lunch
Just stopped for quick lunch at Kilrush, Orbry is not well so James is nursing him through, Toastie and coffee then back on the road, should make hotel by 7pm
Hard day with the wind!
Hard day with the wind!
Gel
In defence of recent slanderous statement from our blogmeister, on mine and Chris's use of gel covers. Well, why not when you have comfort at hand. How many people sit on the floor when they have a comfy sofa???
Shannon Ferry
1st stop day 2
1st break at Kilflynn, sandwiches and coffee ( 1 Latte) now off to Tarbet to catch Ferry across The Shannon.
Monday, 7 May 2012
Dinner
We have come to realise that James has hollow legs, he ate his burger before we had even started then sat poised, hovering around The Docs steak and Hindos curry. He followed this by snorting a large bread and butter pudding.....we don't feel safe if there is cutlery around!!
1st day
That's one down, arrived at the Waterside Inn at Kilorglin at 18:45 ending a 88 mile day.
Great day, both newbies fitting in well. Only one incident to report, Marjorie has lost her back mudguard and has to bear the indignity of completing the trip half naked. The Doc has taken this well and carried out the removal himself.
Fantastic scenery during the 2 climbs over the mountains, Tony has some really good pictures. Off for a bite to eat and a couple of glasses of the black stuff.
Great day, both newbies fitting in well. Only one incident to report, Marjorie has lost her back mudguard and has to bear the indignity of completing the trip half naked. The Doc has taken this well and carried out the removal himself.
Fantastic scenery during the 2 climbs over the mountains, Tony has some really good pictures. Off for a bite to eat and a couple of glasses of the black stuff.
IMG00097-20120507-1730.jpg
Lunch
Stopped at Kenmare for lunch, 55 miles in and all good. Fair climb over the mountains but great scenery.
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1st stop
Bantry, roads are really good and weather nae bad. No incidents so far and next stop Kenmare.
Tony has found the Irish pub of the year for our 1st stop, "THE WATERFRONT".
Tony has found the Irish pub of the year for our 1st stop, "THE WATERFRONT".
Good Luck Carbonauts!
Good Luck Carbonauts – The world will be watching…
…well, a few of us will, anyway!
~Carbonaut John
1st day
Just lerft Stanley house heading for Mizen head and the start. We have another donation of 20 euros from the landlady. Slight hold up for Hindo's morning weight loss. All fit and ready to go, no hangovers and full Irish breakfast!
New boy James is to manly, riding naked from the waist down with no saddle.
New boy James is to manly, riding naked from the waist down with no saddle.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
2nd night
Well, we have made it to Schull after picking Chris up from Cork airport. Stopped at Skibbereen where we shopped in a Tardis, a small shop that ended up like Tesco's. Great views from the digs and just out in The Black Sheep for a top up of Guiness! Unfortunately we may have to delay our start for a few days as there is live music tonight.
Technical
Bob our chief blogger is having technical issues and blogs are not sending. Bear with us until we resolve the issue.
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The Doc pointed this out in a very high pitched squeal as if he was being nutured without anaesthetic
1st evening
Our first evening passed without incident but not without several pints of the black stuff. Tony's uncle made a surprise visit and we collected 30pounds fron the bar towards the fund. All fed and watered and now off to pick up Chris from Cork. One incident worth a mention was when Bob followed the van through the barrier and was hit on the head by the barrier coming down!! Belfast is a really nice place.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Ferry
Conversation discussing the nearest Halfords in Belfast which is in Madrid street:;
Tony 'first time I was in in Madrid Street in Belfast I was chased by a German Shepard"
Grant "what was he doing there, he was a long way from home"
Tony 'first time I was in in Madrid Street in Belfast I was chased by a German Shepard"
Grant "what was he doing there, he was a long way from home"
We're off
Blowout
Well we have started well. In rebellion over something which we don't know, Orbry has had. Tantrun and blown her rear tire off the rim in the van on the way to Perth. Hope she settles down before we hit Ireland.
Sure she will be fine,
Sure she will be fine,
Monday, 30 April 2012
A little Sunday run !
Well for all those Carbonauts followers 3 of the team for Ireland had our last training run with a little trip out to Portmahomack.
I cycled form Avoch and The Doc from Kirkhill and we met up with Hindo at the Muir. Set off just after 09:30 and went up through Dingwall then on the back road to Evanton.
Tried to get a cuppa at Jolly's house but he pretended he wasn't in son on we went and arrived at our destination at 12:59, which was not bad as The Doc said we would get there at 13:00.
After a wonderful lunch, a mixture of homemade and Co-op supplied we started the return and in keeping with Carbonauts strategy it was not long before we had to stop for a hedge watering, a ploy instigated by Chris.
A nice ride back, stopping at Alness for the annual Carbonauts ice cream and back through Dingwall where I made the foolish judgment of leaving my chums and heading home via Everest - at least that it was it felt like going up from Maryburgh over the top and down to Tore.
Varying distances due to starting points but we think Hindo managed 78 miles, The Doc 90.3 and myself ended the day with 102.
Five days before we leave for LeJig, need to put the cycles away now and concentrate on Guinness.
This years new editions is James Wheeler in for IT Johnny and Tony Kelly in for Felipe Filop. We will miss the guys but I am sure they replacements are more than capable of stepping up to the plate.........just trying to find out if there is anywhere in Ireland twinned with Lancaster !!!!
Bob
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Brick Run
Saturday 24th March.
Lovely and planned a bike ride and run as a good warm up.
After running to work Friday and cycling to work Wednesday and Thursday, I thought it would be a good time to start conditioning the legs to this format.
Cycle was good, 16 miles (8 miles out and back) towards Aigas. Initially legs felt a bit iffy, but by the 6 mile mark felt good and pace was picking up. Turned the 8 mile and then felt real good. Pace picked up again and a good average. The final section of the Aigas road back to Lovat bridge I was a steady 22 - 23 mph. Same pace back into Beauly and Muir of Ord. Arrived home at ave 17.4 mph and a total 56 mins. So it was off the bike and ino running shoes.
Run was along the old railway line to Mulbuie Road and then right and back round to Home. A total of 2.8 miles. As I hadn't really had a high cadence on the bike (ave 80 rpm) legs were heavy and getting into a pace was hard. Legs felt heavy. But it is all about conditioning. The run was hard going, probably as I had too many layers. Stopped around the 1/2 way mark to remove cycling top down to base layer. Also odd running in thick padded shorts and leggings. Know next time to strip off.
Still not bad in 26 minutes, but need to reduce the stop frequency and up the pace.
Good overall. Race pace would equal bike section over 25 miles at 1 hr 18 mins. Similar terrain. Run section equates to 58 minutes. On target so early, but could be quicker with fewer stops. Yesterday about 10 as I was overheating and legs not working proper.
Keep going.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Out on my own....
As founding father of "The Carbonauts" I decided that road work is a must despite the following:
Hindo: Sunning himself in Egypt (which has been twinned with Chorley - Chorley) while "Bianca" waits patiently in his garage
IT Johnny: Feeling his current weight is too much for "David" to bear and is using "Tahlulua" until he decreases in size
The Doc: Hurt his back whilst sitting down for his tea (that's what he told us) and suffered excruciating agony for several days and is now in recovery mode whilst "Marjorie" awaits her next challenge
New boy James: He has christened his mount "Aubrey" but was on shift last week-end so unable to join me
Ian: Probably in the Rocpool yet again!
So, oft I went for a little 40 mile road trip on my own with "Menstrual" and I must admit found it pretty boring and lonely without the troops. With the Irish cycle only 9 weeks away thought it better to get out alone rather than sit in doors thinking about it.
Feeling pretty good and will start to build up the miles over the next few weeks. Hope to get out with some of the team soon........
Bob
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Carbonauts in Cromarty!
Carbonauts (minus Chorley) on a training run Avoch to Cromarty. IT Johnny in attendance!
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Tuesday, 31 January 2012
First Ride Out........and Off!
With the end of January nearly here and just over 3 months to go before LeJig starts I thought it was time Marjorie and I had our first run out of the year. The turbo is ok but it doesn't beat freezing your toes and ears off.
With a day off work there was no excuse so I dusted Marjorie off, gave her some lubrication, checked her tyres and brakes and set off into the bright winter sunshine. The plan was to trundle up Strathglass to Struy, cross the river and return along the back road to Kiltarlity. The pace was geriatric (my fault, not Marjories) but it was good to be out again. However I was just heading back after crossing the bridge when I came upon a stretch of road totally covered in ice. So having failed to register in the horizontal cycling league in the whole of 2011 I currently have a 100% record!
I picked myself up, bruised but not broken, turned round and went home the way I'd come - couple of hours to do 26 odd miles! Very slow but at least its a start. Back to the turbo tonight.........
Grant
Sunday, 29 January 2012
First Brick Run
Well, after commiting, decidd would try a back to back cycle then run.
As the weather is not permitting road bike, decided to take the old MTB up around some usual tracks around Spittal Wood. Took a similar route as yesterday afternoon where I found out it is as muddy as hell. What I remember from the back end of summer as being pleasany to ride as it was dry is now a complete nightmare. Makes uphill treks a complete nightmare as back end spinning but a good leg workout. Only 6 miles but enough at this point in time.
Got home from the bike leg after 42 minutes. Transition involves park bike in garage and reclose. Into hallway, remove cycling trainers, running shoes on, neck remainder of energy drink, change from cycle jacket to running jacket and leave. Time in transition - 4 minutes.
Set out on run and to my surprise was moving well. Ran along old railway line and onto the Mulbuie road. Turned right and headed towards Muir of Ord. At the junction turned right again and back to Tarradale Hotel. Turned right again and back up the hill at Balvaird road and back home. Final time at top of drive at 1 Hr, 10 mins. Run section for the 2.7 miles 26 minutes. Not a flat route as quite a bit of climbing.
Still, got plenty of time to perfect these times. Run should be easier after a road section as legs wont be as heavy hit. (Hopefully).
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
The sad loss of Carbonauts Johnny
It is with great regret and sadness that we have to report the departure from the Carbonauts Team of IT Johnny, one of the founder members and integral part of the Lejog 2011 team.
IT Johnny has finally succumbed to relentless pressure for Mrs Johnny over a "pleasure trip" to Disneyland and will not be taking part in the "Carbonauts II - rejigged" Ireland 2012 tour. A replacement will be sought for this position, although I hasten to add it will be difficult to fill the saddle of one so natural and adept to the rigors of the open road.
Our guest from last year, the Iron Man of Bushey - Chris Ring, will again join our ranks but is also saddened by the loss of our friend and comrade, Johnny boy.
I personally feel a void in my short but fruitful cycling career, to see a man like Johnny cut down in the prime of his cycling life and forced to humble himself in front of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy is something that a man with a bike should not have to endure.
So, from being a "Carbonauts" to now a "carbon-not" we say adieu to our friend...goodbye IT Johnny, we will miss you but the Carbonauts legend will still go on !!!
Bob, Grant & Keith
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