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

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).

 

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