Carbonauts in Cromarty!

Carbonauts (minus Chorley) on a training run Avoch to Cromarty. IT Johnny in attendance!
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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

Carbonauts 2 - Lets go mad in Ireland

Ireland, May 2012

"The Carbonauts" are on the road again

 

Bob

What next for the Carbonauts

Well we are some weeks now since we finished and we are just in the throws of finalising all the donations so we can hand over the hard earned cash to the hospice. So where are they now I hear you ask and how has this event changed the Carbonauts.

 

Here is an update:

 

Hindo has become a serial blogger, after finishing the cycle and having Bianca surgically removed he has not been able to put her down and pines for Bianca as a homesick Norwegian pinning for the fjords. Take a hint Hindo and stop blogging....you can do it...or contact bloggers annonymous!!

 

The Doc took a while to re-adjust..and walk upright again. Became a semi recluse on his small holding and took comfort in his sheep once again but still takes Marjorie out once in a while! Stop blogging Hindo

 

IT Johnny has found fame and is planning a tour of the country with David, a book deal is in the offing and several dates have been planned for the public to meet them. He has been approached by Simon Cowell with regard to a new programme, "The Arse Factor" which he is very excited about. Don't do it Hindo!

 

Ian has taken the end of this journey the hardest and is currently undergoing therapy to come to terms with not being able to abuse Tesco and Morrisons staff and and down the country. He has found it difficult to let go and spends many nights sleeping in the van and can even be found in layby's offering strange drinks to passing cyclists. Hindo..stop it!

 

Me, well I have taken it in my stride..a very small stride I might add. It has taken some time for my legs to regain momentum and be able to put on foot in front of the other but life goes on. Menstrual is tucked away and having a nice break, a well deserved break after all her efforts. Has it changed me in anyway...yep

 

We will blog (not you Hindo) the finale when we have a figure and meet with the hospice, so until then.....keep watching

 

 

Bob

Sunday Spin Round Northamptonshire

Well, as planned, had a run out this morning in the lovely countryside.

Left Milton Keynes at around 9.10 in a very drizzly condition so had my jacket on. Headed out old A5 to Stony Stratford and then on to main A5 up through Towcester and Weedon till taking right turn to West Haddon. Pre-picked a route of about 10 villages and back to Northampton.

Another first for me as I had zero refuelling stops. Ensured well stocked up with energy gels / bars and drinks. Stopped once to take off jacket and then every 3rd village to get the next 3. Full refuelling on the run. Odd experience but it is possible.

Total today at 61 miles in 3 hrs 24 mins. Total time door to door, 3 hrs 33 mins. Ave at 17.4 mph.

Managed to miss all rain apart from MK end and a short spell on A5.

Amazingly I thought it was flat round here but definitely not. However, some beautiful villages visited (briefly). Will submit full route when I get to a PC.

Cheers

Hindo.