Sam's Inverness for a celebratery meal.....
Saturday, 18 May 2013
IMG00209-20130518-2029.jpg
Sam's Inverness for a celebratery meal.....
Last night - curry!
Job done - cycle finished - and Carbonauts and WAGs at Sam's Indian Inverness!
Now, what should the next challenge be!!??
ITJ
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Now, what should the next challenge be!!??
ITJ
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Day 7 completed. Day 8 coming up
We left Thurso on Friday morning and went the north road to John O'Groats for a coffee.
From there we carried onto Wick and then onto Dunbeath for lunch.
After lunch came the climbing! Firstly the hill at Dunbeath and then the Berriedale Braes. We all made it up the braes without too many problems, had a short stop in Helmsdale and then onto Golspie where we stopped for the night.
Tea was fish and chips from the Trawler in Golspie.
Daily stats:
Miles: 90
Ave spd 14.5
Elev 4623ft
Now we're getting ready to welcome Ian and Alistair for the last ride into Inverness. We hope to be there for about 3 or 4pm
ITJ
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From there we carried onto Wick and then onto Dunbeath for lunch.
After lunch came the climbing! Firstly the hill at Dunbeath and then the Berriedale Braes. We all made it up the braes without too many problems, had a short stop in Helmsdale and then onto Golspie where we stopped for the night.
Tea was fish and chips from the Trawler in Golspie.
Daily stats:
Miles: 90
Ave spd 14.5
Elev 4623ft
Now we're getting ready to welcome Ian and Alistair for the last ride into Inverness. We hope to be there for about 3 or 4pm
ITJ
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Friday, 17 May 2013
Lunch at Dunbeath
Stopped at Dunbeath for a very welcome lunch at Dunbeath Tearoom . Been a long run this morning. The afternoon will consist of a few climbs, including the Berriedale Braes!
Toasties, rolls and tea the order of the day!
ITJ
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Toasties, rolls and tea the order of the day!
ITJ
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Thursday, 16 May 2013
Thursday in Thurso
Carbonauts arrived in Thurso at around 5pm tonight.
Took in some fantastic scenery throughout the day, passing through Loch Eribol, Tongue, Bettyhill amongst other places.
We stopped off at a lovely tea room in Bettyhill and were given a £20 donation from a couple of ladies who Keith helped with repairs to their bike.
There were a couple of animal-related incidents today. A sheep jumping across the road almost put paid to Grant and a herd of wandering cows upset Bob's rhythm whilst moving from Sutherland into Caithness!
All Carbonauts fed and watered - Charlie Chan's Chinese in Thurso was our choice for tonight.
Tomorrow we land in Golspie, hopefully.
Todays stats:
Mileage: 75 miles
Elevation: 4500 feet
Average speed: 12.5mph
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Took in some fantastic scenery throughout the day, passing through Loch Eribol, Tongue, Bettyhill amongst other places.
We stopped off at a lovely tea room in Bettyhill and were given a £20 donation from a couple of ladies who Keith helped with repairs to their bike.
There were a couple of animal-related incidents today. A sheep jumping across the road almost put paid to Grant and a herd of wandering cows upset Bob's rhythm whilst moving from Sutherland into Caithness!
All Carbonauts fed and watered - Charlie Chan's Chinese in Thurso was our choice for tonight.
Tomorrow we land in Golspie, hopefully.
Todays stats:
Mileage: 75 miles
Elevation: 4500 feet
Average speed: 12.5mph
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Donation
Irene and Alison, a couple of lovely ladies we came across in a Bettyhill tea room kindly donated £20 to our charities.
Hindo carried out some running repairs to one of their cycles as it had thrown a spoke.
Thankyou ladies.
Hindo carried out some running repairs to one of their cycles as it had thrown a spoke.
Thankyou ladies.
Day 6 - Durness to Thurso
Today we're heading East and right along the north coast to Thurso. Sun is out at the moment, would be great for it to hang around all day!
Time now for Breakfast..
ITJ
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Time now for Breakfast..
ITJ
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Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Day 5 Completed
We have arrived in Durness. Been a long day with a lot of climbing. Rain managed to stay off though, until near the end.
Wind was a factor today also, blew from the north which was our general direction.
Lunch in Kylesku was nice, tried Cullen Skink for the first time. Very nice :)
Off now to Smoo Cave Hotel for a bite to eat!
Daily stats:
Mileage: 70.6
Average speed: 10.6mph
Elevation: 6084 feet
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Wind was a factor today also, blew from the north which was our general direction.
Lunch in Kylesku was nice, tried Cullen Skink for the first time. Very nice :)
Off now to Smoo Cave Hotel for a bite to eat!
Daily stats:
Mileage: 70.6
Average speed: 10.6mph
Elevation: 6084 feet
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Tuesday, 14 May 2013
Day 4 Completed
Team have arrived in Ullapool after a really tough day out in the north-west highlands.
From Shieldaig we passed through some really stunning scenery, to Kilnochewe, Gairloch, Poolewe, Aultbea, Dundonnell and on to Ullapool.
Weather was really cold, lots of sleet, though winds were fairly favourable. Tomorrow we're off to Durness..
Today's stats:
Mileage : 95.1
Elevation: 6606 ft
Ave speed: 13.3mph
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From Shieldaig we passed through some really stunning scenery, to Kilnochewe, Gairloch, Poolewe, Aultbea, Dundonnell and on to Ullapool.
Weather was really cold, lots of sleet, though winds were fairly favourable. Tomorrow we're off to Durness..
Today's stats:
Mileage : 95.1
Elevation: 6606 ft
Ave speed: 13.3mph
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Donation
Thanks to Claire and Richard Munday from the Kinloch guest house at Shieldaig for the great accomodation, home-cooking and £20 donation to our cause!
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Monday, 13 May 2013
Day 3 Completed
Tough day today, lovely run to Kyle from Broadford and then on through to Lochcarron for lunch where Martin Kerr joined us for the afternoon's festivities!
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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Day 3 Completed
Tough day today, lovely run to Kyle from Broadford and then on through to Lochcarron for lunch where Martin Kerr joined us for the afternoon's festivities!
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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Day 3 Completed
Tough day today, lovely run to Kyle from Broadford and then on through to Lochcarron for lunch where Martin Kerr joined us for the afternoon's festivities!
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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Day 3 Completed
Tough day today, lovely run to Kyle from Broadford and then on through to Lochcarron for lunch where Martin Kerr joined us for the afternoon's festivities!
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
------------------
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
------------------
Day 3 Completed
Tough day today, lovely run to Kyle from Broadford and then on through to Lochcarron for lunch where Martin Kerr joined us for the afternoon's festivities!
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
------------------
After lunch, we headed for the Bealach, stocked up on drinks etc and headed up the hill.
It was a huge climb, such a tough and relentless 6 mile uphill slog, but we all got there in the end. At the top, it actually started snowing heavily! This changed our plan slightly so we decided not to go down to Applecross and instead came back down the Bealach and onto our accomodation for the night in Shieldaig.
Daily stats:
Total Mileage: 56 miles
Average Speed: not much
Total Elevation: lots
Time for Venison casserole - first time for me trying Venison!
:)
ITJ
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Lunch in Lochcarron
Carbonauts all in cafe in Lochcarron, prep'ing for attack on The Bealach this afternoon!
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Leaving Skye
Day 3 already upon us and all Carbonauts fed and watered. Lovely breakfast here at the Hebridean Hotel, Broadford.
Everyone in good spirits and looking forward to making our way towards firstly Lochcarron for lunch then up over Bealach and onto Applecross before stopping for the night near Shieldaig.
ITJ
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Everyone in good spirits and looking forward to making our way towards firstly Lochcarron for lunch then up over Bealach and onto Applecross before stopping for the night near Shieldaig.
ITJ
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Sunday, 12 May 2013
Day 2 Completed
Finished day 2, glad we've now reached accommodation. Been a cold, wet and windy ride today. We were all shivering as we got off the ferry at Skye. We warmed up a little, thankfully, on the final 16 miles to the hotel.
Day 2 stats:
Mileage: 95
Average speed: 14mph
Elevation: 4561
Tomorrow: Bealach Na Ba!
:)
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Day 2 stats:
Mileage: 95
Average speed: 14mph
Elevation: 4561
Tomorrow: Bealach Na Ba!
:)
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Location update
At ferry terminal in mallaig, waiting for 4pm ferry. All wet and cold but in good spirits!
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chase the pain
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-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Wheeler <wheelerscots@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 07:52:11
To: <carbonauts@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: chase the pain
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane Wheeler <wheelerscots@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 12 May 2013 07:52:11
To: <carbonauts@hotmail.co.uk>
Subject: chase the pain
Hi brave carbonauts, good luck on this epic. Aubrey sends her regards to the gang. Remember Bob spin those legs and chase the pain!!
Good luck with the hedging and beware of owls....
J.Wheeler (carbonaut)
Email the Carbonauts!
Please remember you can send emails of support, encouragement or otherwise to the carbonauts at carbonauts@hotmail.co.uk
We'd love to hear from you!! :)
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We'd love to hear from you!! :)
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Day 2 - up early!
6am alarm gas just sounded - everyone getting up early for a 7am breakfast and 8am departure to make sure we reach Mallaig ferry terminal for 3.30pm.
Porridge or full scottish? Or both?
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Porridge or full scottish? Or both?
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Saturday, 11 May 2013
Day 1 completed
Day 1 done, 75 miles in. We are currently in Laggan at the lovely Laggan Gaskmore hotel (just off the old A9 (the old A9))
Great lunch at Chaplins in Grantown-on-spey and only real incident of note was Grant almost mowing down a couple of pedestrians who were, rather cheekily, on a pedestrian crossing.
Nice run today, tomorrow is longer and more pressure-filled since we need to make the 4pm ferry from mallaig to skye..
Today's vital stats:
Mileage: 75.4
Average speed: 14mph
Elevation gained: 3331 feet
Hangovers: 2
ITJ
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Great lunch at Chaplins in Grantown-on-spey and only real incident of note was Grant almost mowing down a couple of pedestrians who were, rather cheekily, on a pedestrian crossing.
Nice run today, tomorrow is longer and more pressure-filled since we need to make the 4pm ferry from mallaig to skye..
Today's vital stats:
Mileage: 75.4
Average speed: 14mph
Elevation gained: 3331 feet
Hangovers: 2
ITJ
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Thanks to Mrs ITJ
Great breakfast at number 6, big thankyou to Mrs ITJ from all the team, it got us off to a great start
The Carbonauts
The Carbonauts
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
4 Days....
Can’t believe there’s only 4 days to go now.
The pieces are all coming together though– new tyres (will bring, not install from the outset), gel saddle cover on order! (Just in case), training miles being racked up, sheer panic setting in……
Yes, all coming together nicely.
ITJ
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Quick Speed Interval
After a bad session on Saturday, which I take full responsibility for, I thought better redeem myself and feel better by putting in a good session.
Took my favourite route of the moment down through Strathconon to the Meig Dam and the returned via Loch Achilty (My new swimming pool in the next few weeks), Contin and Marybank. 27 miles which were quite hard going on the way out as a stiff headwind. Return was a bit of a hit and miss with wind direction. But some assistance in sections which felt good.
Back to the Muir and the hill home. No real issues other than the first section over the Meig Dam. Called Lumpy Bumpy on Strava. Was adamant I wanted a PB so nailed it. However, it don't get its name for being a smooth road. Very pot-holed and gravelly. Lost back end 1 time and front end unsteady, all I saw was a fast approaching tree and a sharp drop into a deep ravine. How I saved it and never went down, I have no idea, but all I do know is I got my PB!!! 1 Mile in 2:34. :-)
Dinner now, but what shall I have?? Chicken me thinks
Hindo
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Sunday stroll to the Port
Out for another Sunday cycle with Grant, one which I would have thought would have been less demanding than the day before with "Hindo" and yes a nice wet, windy and a bit chilly at times on the run out (who needs all those beauty treatments for you skin when a driving hail shower will clean your face up nicely!!)
A lovely lunch in the Carnegie hall cafe on arrival, well worth a visit I must say just a pity we had to leave as whilst eating our lunch the ever increasing wind could be seen whipping up the sea hmmmm, time for a hard slog back out the road and it did not let us down felt like a 35 mile hill climb...... Although we did get some encouragement from a rather boisterous Golden Retriever who had no intention of leaving our leg's attached to our bikes or body for that matter!!
Anyway made it back and followed Grant to Kirkhill (who put in a respectful 92 miles) were I set off to do a PB with regards to a 100 mile cycle and after a much needed re-fuelling I managed 104 miles so well chuffed with that result and another good Sunday run with Grant.. Thanks
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Strathconon to Inverness
First outing with Tony and decided as I was not 100% to stick local. Headed out to Strathconon and Meig over Aultgowrie and Marybank. Pace was good and Tony rode really well. Above normal pace slightly, but offered to slow but assured not. Can't be too bad as he achieved 15 PRs on the outing section on Strava. Well done Tony. I got 1!!
Back through Strath, Dingwall and overto Tore where we rested for a coffee then on into Inverness. Round the shore road and then the back road to Beauly. Thats where it went wrong.
Aftewr retuning home from Egypt with really bad guts and the last 2 days diet of enough to barely feed a family of 4 mice, I really should have known better. Bowl of Golden Grahams for breakfast and a coffee, 2 bottle of drink, 4 gels and 3 chewee bars. Got through 2/3 of it, but the calorie shortage kicked in and never gave in until home. Coasted home on tick-over. Last 13 miles into the headwind was not great.
A good outing and I wish the team a good ride out to Portmahomack tomorrow. Hope the weather is kind. Tony you will be fine.. The additional push will buffer the legs and help a beter output in the long run!! Trust me.
Hindo
Hard Going!!
Well another run under the belt........ first with Keith and possibly the last haha my poor leg's and lung's were fighting hard to keep the pace but all good training at the end of the day.
Just as well he was not 100% fit or it could have been a short lived run.... looking forward to tomorrows outing to the Port at a more subdued pace but thanks again for the training run Keith a hard going first 30 of 58 miles :)
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Monday, 15 April 2013
Week-end outing - that's going out not coming out!
Well after a minor mishap on Friday night when I fell down a set of stairs and hurt my back and elbow I was slightly concerned how my week-end would turn out. Having set out for a ride with Tony on Sat and another with Grant on Sunday I left the house with some trepidation and a lot of crossed fingers - a trick I picked up in Ludlow 2 years ago!
Set off from Avoch and met Tony in Beauly, cycled out for a nice lunch of soup and toastie at Cannich. Fed an d watered we set off again heading for Drumnadrochit (passing the notorious hill and not even considering it at this stage) we arrived at the Nessie centre where Mr. Kelly purchased me a strawberry ice cream complete with strawberry sauce.
Off again down the A82 which was full of happy motorists all waving their fingers at us (local custom of greeting so I believe) we made our way into Inverness where I branched off for the night and left Tony to make his way back to Beauly.
Sunday morning I had a re-think, back was pretty sore so I wimped out of the day ride and instead had a little 20 miler back home. Good to get out on the road at last and looking forward to another one next week-end! Meanwhile in Egypt Keith will be browning himself and acclimatising for the West Coast weather......
Carbonaut Bob
Only 4 week's :(
Hmmm scary thought
Feeling a bit more confident than I did a week or so ago after trying to get the miles in after the rib failure............
Few good run's out this week on day's off and for a change not on my own so thanks Bob and Grant for the company....... so hope to get out again this weekend after the beloved night shifts.
ITJ you just keep up that standard of training and I might manage to see your back wheel now and again lol
Tony
4 Weeks to go!
Only 4 weeks to go until LeFling – Number 6 and back (A Carbonauts Tale)
I, for one, have not put in very many serious road miles just yet but managed to cycle to work a few times recently, and cycled in today right into a ferocious headwind along the Beauly Firth towards Muir of Ord.
However, I know that the cycle-gods will have taken pity on me and will ensure a nice helpful tailwind on the way home tonight.
It’s only fair isn’t it?
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Spring - don't you just love it
Good intentions today for a long ride but work up to snow - so instead here are some pictures of my sheep enjoying the nice weather!
Instead spent an hour on the turbo
Friday was better - day off work and got out for 60 mile run with some hills.
Cheers
Grant
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Saturday Outing
Well after a drought of decent weather to venture out, decided that Saturday was my only option this week as I was on Rabbit duty again. Don't ask!
Headed out to do at min 60 miles and some hills. Rest assured I found several.
Route was out to Strathconon via Aultgowrie, Contin, Strathpeffer, Dingwall, Alcaig, Duncanston, Culbokie, over Mount Eagle, down to Avoch, Munlochy, over past Black Isle Wildlide to Drumsmittal and home via shore road through Redcastle.
59.7 miles with a grand total of 3,347 feet climbing. Total of 3 hrs 37 mins. Really pushing.
Got home and realised that the legs didn't really want to know me for about 20 minutes. I think they were taking it personally that I had punished them! Lol. They have since forgiven me and all back to normality for now.
Hopefully get a run out with the rest before May, but holidays coming up and trips back to Englandshire, so will see how time pans out.
http://app.strava.com/activities/46463930
Hindo
Headed out to do at min 60 miles and some hills. Rest assured I found several.
Route was out to Strathconon via Aultgowrie, Contin, Strathpeffer, Dingwall, Alcaig, Duncanston, Culbokie, over Mount Eagle, down to Avoch, Munlochy, over past Black Isle Wildlide to Drumsmittal and home via shore road through Redcastle.
59.7 miles with a grand total of 3,347 feet climbing. Total of 3 hrs 37 mins. Really pushing.
Got home and realised that the legs didn't really want to know me for about 20 minutes. I think they were taking it personally that I had punished them! Lol. They have since forgiven me and all back to normality for now.
Hopefully get a run out with the rest before May, but holidays coming up and trips back to Englandshire, so will see how time pans out.
http://app.strava.com/activities/46463930
Hindo
Thursday, 21 February 2013
Well done & thank you to Wed night spinners
Must say a big thanks to Angela and Kimberley, the 2 instructors from the Black Isle Leisure Centre Wed night spinning class at Fortrose. They baked some cakes and sold them at the class donating the money to the Carbonauts fund.
4 cakes (really nice) plus 1 forward order from Pete brought in a whopping £42 - Fantastic effort !!!
Also thanks to all those at the class that purchased the "to die for" cakes, may need to increase the cadence to get rid of the extra pounds that may result form these.
Once again, Thank you all......
Bob
Monday, 18 February 2013
RE Team cycling!!
Afraid I'm confined to the "Turbo Trainer" and short stint's at that!! and all this lovely weather to be missed but maybe next Sunday?? when I should be rested up suficiently to get out on the open road's again!!
As for the road condition along the Achilty ya had better get used to it, me thinks we will be finding a few bit's like that along the western sectoin of the ride!
And don't worry Hindo I have the Beallich covered ;) it's called the Revel Ltd o haha
Tony
Team cycling individually !!
Well, the "Team" is really gelling this year and all out the week-end....John went to Asda and back which is approx 2 miles !! The Doc went out on his own, as did Hindo and myself and no doubt Tony. So, we are all soing something .... just not together.
Still feeling the effects of man flu just popped out for a little 20 miler Sunday morning but felt a bit like Hansel & Gretal leaving a trail behind me from my running nose! Frightened the life out of some poor lassie who was out running, as I came up behind her and said good morning she actually jumped and shouted "shit" before nearly falling into the verge.
Hopefully we can get out as a team soon if the weather holds.
Tony has gone to the top of the "horizontal cycling" league table when he came a cropper the other week, as far as I am aware the rest of us are still vertical but I am sure it will not be long before Hindo takes the lead.
Not long now, May 11th is the start so we had better get some miles in,
Carbonaut Bob
Sunday, 17 February 2013
Meig
In addition to Grants solo effort, I found I had some time at 8.30 but was restricted for a long run so took the Strathconon route, Meig Dam and Achilty myself. Only 27 miles but all time would allow. Same again, came back into a bloody headwind, but I am getting used to it and will never learn.
In response to Grant, I agree the Achilty road is shit especially from the Dam by to the next hydro. After that is fine to short of the Loch.
If you gonna change Marj, look at the Giant Defy range as they do a good triple. I think it may be the Defy 4. Worth a shot.
Out of interest I was reading some forums on recommendations for gear ratios for the Beallach. Just a word that if you have a compact set-up of 50 / 34 and a rear 11 - 25 take a pair of hiking boots. Lol. Failing that get plenty practice at shooting up steep hills!!
:-)
In response to Grant, I agree the Achilty road is shit especially from the Dam by to the next hydro. After that is fine to short of the Loch.
If you gonna change Marj, look at the Giant Defy range as they do a good triple. I think it may be the Defy 4. Worth a shot.
Out of interest I was reading some forums on recommendations for gear ratios for the Beallach. Just a word that if you have a compact set-up of 50 / 34 and a rear 11 - 25 take a pair of hiking boots. Lol. Failing that get plenty practice at shooting up steep hills!!
:-)
I suppose it's time I blogged.......
Third Sunday in a row that I've been out on my own so time for a blog. Somewhere between 45 and 50 miles (speedo needs a new battery) on a gloriously sunny day. Up to the Muir, Aultgowrie Bridge, up Strathconon to Meig Dam, Loch Achilty, Contin and then onto Strathpeffer where I met up with Mary for a soup and cake lunch. Back through Dingwall, Conon Bridge and Beauly to home. Word of warning the road surface from Meig to Achility is sh*te in places.
Hopefully by the time we get out as a group there will be some fitness in the legs.
Big decision to make about Marjorie. She is running ok with her shiny new white mudguards but I fear she will need a few organ transplants if she is going to make the trip in May. For example no matter how much I tweak her I can't get all three chain rings - and I think I'm going to need the granny gear to get to Applecross. So do I spend the money or retire her for a young fancy model? Any recommendations for a roadbike that will take a triple chain ring?
Cheers
Grant
Saturday, 9 February 2013
First of the year!!
Well that was a painful stint out on the bike on "Thursday" yes I'm a bit behind but that will be a common site on Le Fling lol
But never the less 53 miles 700 meters of hill and 3 bruised ribs and 1 bonny bruise on my hip :(
Yes I had the miss fortune of an over the handle bar's experience on a down hill mud covered road!!
But alas the concern for my well being from my (soon not to be) carbonaut friend who asked is your bike ok!!
This must have been only because he seen I was breathing lol
Monday, 28 January 2013
1st run out 2013 - A lonely carbonauts tale
Like Hindo this was my real run out for this year, been spinning through the winter but wasn't sure on whether this was enough to keep the fitness levels up.....and suprisingly I felt quite good.
I also managed a 52 mile little jaunt but as Hindo was out with his new friends (and told us on Friday he wasn't going out on Sunday) I went out on my own......
Starting in Avoch and out to Cromarty, through Jemimaville and up past Resolis to Cullicudin. Right down onto the A9, over the Cromarty firth and into Dingwall, then through Maryburgh where upon I stopped at the resindence of fellow carbonaut Mr Kelly for a welcome cuppa and a 2nd mars bar. Short stop and off again, up through Connon, Muir of Ord, Tore and back to Avoch.
Felt a bit stiff...and the legs were sore as well, but nice to get the 1st one under my belt. Looking forward to the trip this year, if it's anything like the last 2 it will be a blast.
Fellow carbonauts...get ot there and get blogging !!! Need a team ride soon so wash the lycra and oil the legs as it is not long before we are off.
Carbonaut Bob
Sunday, 27 January 2013
First Outing
Well, after a brief run out on Bianca in very early January, today was her maiden distance and climbing day of 2013. A run out with some of the guys from the Tri-club. Out to Foyers and back round via Daviot and Nairnside back to Inshes Police station.
Total of 51.2 miles and a total of 1850 ft climbing. (For anyone checking out the Garmin activity, you will see the wrong elevation data. Forgot that even however gtechnology advances, you still have to point it at an Altitude level to start with) However, for first ride out, it felt like the 2800 as indicated.
Returned home and Bianca got her kit off and had a reet good clean up. Back to her best going out appearance now as per the picture.
Hindo
Monday, 7 January 2013
2013 - Number 6 & back
Well, here we go once again...Carbonauts back on the road and this time we are staying in bonnie Scotland!!!!
30th March see's the annual gig at The Ironworks, tickets at a reasonable £10 for a night of fantastic music with some really good bands - tickets will be available from The Ironworks box office or any member of the team.
11th May begins the road trip, 7 well fed idiots will be setting of around Scotland for a 7 day fling. The itinerary has yet to be finalised but I am assured that The Doc will have it all sorted come end of one of the months...hopefully before end of April.
So, breakfast at IT Johnny's then set off towards Nairn, Grantown, Newtonmore, Spean Bridge, Fort William, Mallaig, Skye, Applecross, up the west coast, across the top taking in the delights of Thurso and Wick, then heading back down to Inverness on the A9 for a well earned shandy back in Inverness.
Blogs should start coming thick and fast (with the exception of Hindo who is refusing to blog due to acute blogging syndrome) and once we get our training days sorted out you will be able to follow our progress.
Normal items will appear, updates of fitness (or lack of), the horizontal cycling league table; and a new money maker will be the Carbonauts calendar, all the team dressed only in cycling shirts and flip flops draped over our bikes.....should be an interesting pose with The Doc sprawled over Marjorie and IT Johnny getting up close and personal with David!
Nice to be back on the blog,
Carbonaut Bob
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