DRUMNADROCHIT -CANNICH - M of O - TORE -KILLEN -ROSEMARKIE-AVOCH - 80.25 MILES
Sunday 27th March
Holidays over and ready for a challenge. Speedy was away racing in Elgin so i set out by myself just before 8am with an extendable route in mind. I figured that if the weather was kind and i felt ok i would just keep turning those pedals till i ached. So that's what i did..... it was a great day weather wise and the wind wasn't a problem so i just cruised along till i got to about 50 miles and i stopped for lunch. Before i got back on my bike i did a quick check .............
Legs feel ok - tick .....arms ok - tick ........ back ok - tick tick tick......
I was good to go the long way home, so i thought i would aim for 80 miles my longest ride yet. However after about 65 miles all of a sudden i started to ache, i was getting pretty uncomfortable, my last climb from Munlochy to Killen was quite tough as the tiredness kicked in. A few miles on and i'd never been so happy to see a hill, only a month or so ago i would have made my hands numb from holding on to the brakes so hard, but yesterday i was delighted to fly down the hill to Rosemarkie at 30mph and let myself recover for a minute or two. When i arrived home, I got off my bike and my body ached, my back, my bum, my shoulders, my hands.... you get the general idea i'm sure. I was dreading how i would feel this morning but surprisingly i was fine.
After six and a half hours on my bike i was aching and exhausted, but that was yesterday, today i was ready to do it all again. 100 miles .............bring it on ;-)
Monday 28 March 2011
A9 Adrenalin
AVOCH - KINGUSSIE - 61 miles
My first attempt at reaching a 100 mile ride was unfortunately cut short last Sunday. We left early in fresh conditions....As we started to climb out of Inverness we could see there was still heavy snow on the higher ground. With a slow 30 mile climb to start with in snowy conditions, i'd perhaps underestimated how challenging this ride would be.
When we reached Tomatin it became apparant the cycle route was still snow covered, so we had to brave it on the A9 for parts of the journey. For those of you who know the A9, you'll know its mad enough driving on it never mind cycling on it. So we alternated between the main road and b roads where we could untill we reached the Slochd Summit. Here's a couple of snaps .........
As we approached Aviemore the wind was wild and i was wobbling about on my bike so we stopped for some lunch. We kind of knew by this point that 100 miles was not going to be doable, so we called it a day in Kingussie and away i went on my holidays for a week....
As for relaxing....no chance...when i'm not cycling in the snow i'm abseiling and doing vertical obstacle courses ... GLADIATORS READY !!!!!!!!!
My first attempt at reaching a 100 mile ride was unfortunately cut short last Sunday. We left early in fresh conditions....As we started to climb out of Inverness we could see there was still heavy snow on the higher ground. With a slow 30 mile climb to start with in snowy conditions, i'd perhaps underestimated how challenging this ride would be.
When we reached Tomatin it became apparant the cycle route was still snow covered, so we had to brave it on the A9 for parts of the journey. For those of you who know the A9, you'll know its mad enough driving on it never mind cycling on it. So we alternated between the main road and b roads where we could untill we reached the Slochd Summit. Here's a couple of snaps .........
As we approached Aviemore the wind was wild and i was wobbling about on my bike so we stopped for some lunch. We kind of knew by this point that 100 miles was not going to be doable, so we called it a day in Kingussie and away i went on my holidays for a week....
As for relaxing....no chance...when i'm not cycling in the snow i'm abseiling and doing vertical obstacle courses ... GLADIATORS READY !!!!!!!!!
Saturday 19 March 2011
The wheels on my bike go round and round, round and round, round and round
The LEJOG team met last night for a wee update and things are progressing nicely. We have finally confirmed our route and things are also moving with all the promotional stuff. Keep your eyes open, you might see a familiar face in the local press soon ;-) We've also decided to arrange a post LEJOG Ceilidh which is being held on the 12th of August, so keep it free in your diaries.
Training so far this week ......
6 Hours in the gym
Saturday's Ride
Avoch-Rosemarkie-Mount High-Culbokie- A9-Tore-Munlochy-Avoch - 35 Miles
An enjoyable but very very windy ride. You know its really windy when your almost static coming down the hills, i kind of felt a bit robbed of my recovery. Never mind, bizarrely my average speed was the highest it had ever been, I'm not sure how that works ?!?!?!?
Great news on the cold fingers front, off i went this afternoon, with vaseline covered hands, then surgical gloves, running gloves and also seal skin gloves......it totally worked a treat but the real test will be tomorrow at 1500 ft as we head down the A9.
The plan for tomorrow is to meet early on the Kessock Bridge and cycle as far down the A9 as we can. We are being met in the region of Pitlochry and then i will continue South (by car) to Centre Parcs where i will probably spend the whole of Monday in the spa recovering......So adios for now, an early night is called for, I'll let you know how we go ....wish us luck its going to be a hard ride ;-)
Training so far this week ......
6 Hours in the gym
Saturday's Ride
Avoch-Rosemarkie-Mount High-Culbokie- A9-Tore-Munlochy-Avoch - 35 Miles
An enjoyable but very very windy ride. You know its really windy when your almost static coming down the hills, i kind of felt a bit robbed of my recovery. Never mind, bizarrely my average speed was the highest it had ever been, I'm not sure how that works ?!?!?!?
Great news on the cold fingers front, off i went this afternoon, with vaseline covered hands, then surgical gloves, running gloves and also seal skin gloves......it totally worked a treat but the real test will be tomorrow at 1500 ft as we head down the A9.
The plan for tomorrow is to meet early on the Kessock Bridge and cycle as far down the A9 as we can. We are being met in the region of Pitlochry and then i will continue South (by car) to Centre Parcs where i will probably spend the whole of Monday in the spa recovering......So adios for now, an early night is called for, I'll let you know how we go ....wish us luck its going to be a hard ride ;-)
Sunday 13 March 2011
WHITE OUT !!!
Snowy day, oh snowy day, please oh please go away,
Leave your flakes in another land and bring me sun and a golden tan.........
This weeks training ..........
5 hours in the gym, spinning, body pumping, etc, etc
Saturday's Ride
Avoch-Munlochy-North Kessock - hmm somewhere i cant remember- over the a9- Culbokie- Cromarty. 40Miles
I spent most of the week watching the weather forecast like some kind of geek. After much debate on Saturday morning we decided to brave it and go out for a ride. Its great to have Richard to train with but especially at times like this when he gives me that extra push i need to get my kit on and get on my bike.
So of we went on our wee ride, i cant deny it, it was really flipping cold, should we really be having snow in March ?? Six miles from Cromarty the feeling in my fingers go AGAIN ....i really need help with this ....( polyproplene glove liners, vaseline , any more ideas ?? ) We arrive in Cromarty, met by the cavalry, but even after a hot black coffee and a cuddle from Heidi i still opted for a lift home. The ride was cut short. So as the snow fell, we drove home ;-( i don't like giving up !!!
Anyway, Sunday arrived an so did more snow .....so cycling was a no no........
Just two more things to report this weekend....Speedy ran his 2nd half marathon in treacherous conditions in under 90mins, go RICHARD.......... and Scotland lost to England but only just !!!
Here's some pics....
The good .....
The bad......
And the ugly ......
So as this weekend comes to an end and i hear the wind blowing like crazy outside i remember why I'm doing this. As i sit here on my laptop in my cosy cottage i spare a thought for the young girls and women in Kolkata much less fortunate than me. I know that whatever discomfort i feel from training in bad weather its nothing compared to what they deal with on a daily basis............ there's no more motivation than that ......
Leave your flakes in another land and bring me sun and a golden tan.........
This weeks training ..........
5 hours in the gym, spinning, body pumping, etc, etc
Saturday's Ride
Avoch-Munlochy-North Kessock - hmm somewhere i cant remember- over the a9- Culbokie- Cromarty. 40Miles
I spent most of the week watching the weather forecast like some kind of geek. After much debate on Saturday morning we decided to brave it and go out for a ride. Its great to have Richard to train with but especially at times like this when he gives me that extra push i need to get my kit on and get on my bike.
So of we went on our wee ride, i cant deny it, it was really flipping cold, should we really be having snow in March ?? Six miles from Cromarty the feeling in my fingers go AGAIN ....i really need help with this ....( polyproplene glove liners, vaseline , any more ideas ?? ) We arrive in Cromarty, met by the cavalry, but even after a hot black coffee and a cuddle from Heidi i still opted for a lift home. The ride was cut short. So as the snow fell, we drove home ;-( i don't like giving up !!!
Anyway, Sunday arrived an so did more snow .....so cycling was a no no........
Here's some pics....
The good .....
So as this weekend comes to an end and i hear the wind blowing like crazy outside i remember why I'm doing this. As i sit here on my laptop in my cosy cottage i spare a thought for the young girls and women in Kolkata much less fortunate than me. I know that whatever discomfort i feel from training in bad weather its nothing compared to what they deal with on a daily basis............ there's no more motivation than that ......
Sunday 6 March 2011
132.68
What a week .......
This weeks Lejog Training RECIPE
4 hours in the gym
10 hours on the saddle
3 great bike rides
16 hills
An abundance of highland cows
The odd frog (apparently)
Plenty of sunshine
Far to many jelly babies
And one hundred and thirty two point six eight miles
If you didn't catch that, i said 132.68 miles
Mix together over one week and you get one big smile from me ;-))))
Ride two of the week....
Ullapool - Tore - Munlochy - Killen - Rosemarkie - Fortrose - Avoch - 66.85 miles
Definitely the most enjoyable ride yet, Richard and i rode in beautiful sunshine most of the way from Ullapool to Avoch on fab quiet (ish) roads. As the miles clocked up the weather got better. We spent most of the ride chit chatting about nothing imparticular just cruising along enjoying the weather and the scenery, we made a couple of stops, one at Tarvie to say hi to Rich's neighbour and then again just down the road at Roggie Falls for a picnic lunch. Isn't life hard ;-)
As we cycled back towards Dingwall we both felt just dandy and climbed the hill to Tore like pro's ;-) (you can tell i'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself this week ) To make up the miles we did a quick mini loop in the Black Isle and arrived back in Avoch clocking up just over 65 miles. I went to bed that night tired but happy.
Ride No 3
Avoch - Culloden - Cawdor - Nairn - 29 miles
I decided not to run the Nairn 10k today but instead cycled to meet everyone who was ...........A huge well done to Mark, Richard and Christina, i'm so proud of you all. Great times, great effort.
So Speedy..... was it wise to cycle 66 miles the day before a 10k ?? at 39 mins i don't think it did you any harm ;-)) Maybe we should make it 96 next time, perhaps you'll run even faster .....
So with our first 100 mile ride in sight, i end this week feeling positive, energised but ready for a long bubble bath and a large glass of wine.
This weeks Lejog Training RECIPE
4 hours in the gym
10 hours on the saddle
3 great bike rides
16 hills
An abundance of highland cows
The odd frog (apparently)
Plenty of sunshine
Far to many jelly babies
And one hundred and thirty two point six eight miles
If you didn't catch that, i said 132.68 miles
Mix together over one week and you get one big smile from me ;-))))
Ride two of the week....
Ullapool - Tore - Munlochy - Killen - Rosemarkie - Fortrose - Avoch - 66.85 miles
Definitely the most enjoyable ride yet, Richard and i rode in beautiful sunshine most of the way from Ullapool to Avoch on fab quiet (ish) roads. As the miles clocked up the weather got better. We spent most of the ride chit chatting about nothing imparticular just cruising along enjoying the weather and the scenery, we made a couple of stops, one at Tarvie to say hi to Rich's neighbour and then again just down the road at Roggie Falls for a picnic lunch. Isn't life hard ;-)
As we cycled back towards Dingwall we both felt just dandy and climbed the hill to Tore like pro's ;-) (you can tell i'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself this week ) To make up the miles we did a quick mini loop in the Black Isle and arrived back in Avoch clocking up just over 65 miles. I went to bed that night tired but happy.
Ride No 3
Avoch - Culloden - Cawdor - Nairn - 29 miles
I decided not to run the Nairn 10k today but instead cycled to meet everyone who was ...........A huge well done to Mark, Richard and Christina, i'm so proud of you all. Great times, great effort.
So Speedy..... was it wise to cycle 66 miles the day before a 10k ?? at 39 mins i don't think it did you any harm ;-)) Maybe we should make it 96 next time, perhaps you'll run even faster .....
So with our first 100 mile ride in sight, i end this week feeling positive, energised but ready for a long bubble bath and a large glass of wine.
Friday 4 March 2011
Is it Saturday yet ??????
I'm feeling like a child waiting for Christmas ..............I cant wait to get out on my bike....sunshine, rolling hills, fresh air, hurry up Saturday, chop, chop ..... i want to do some miles ;-)
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Get on yer bike .............................
Goodbye fake lashes, high heels and glam Glasgow, I'm back in my sports gear and back on my bike
So whats new ???
It's the start of a new month and a whole new set of mileage challenges. Its not long now before the nights get lighter so i'll be able to get in a few evening rides as well.
I fear that soon i will have to give up a few hours a week at my beloved gym. Never mind its not that bad, infact its not bad at all, with so many beautiful places to cycle, i'm totally spoilt for choice.
I've been out for a wee ride today around the Black Isle and it was ace, fresh, but not too cold, nice clear skies and snow covered mountains. Isn't it funny how you see things differently when you're out on your bike.
So where have i been ?
Avoch-Rosemarkie-Cromarty-Balblair-Culbokie-Munlochy- Avoch - 35 miles
Everytime i go out now i discover something new and today my biggest find was unlike when i'm in the gym, i much prefer listenning to a bit of Rock rather than Dance music....it felt quite liberating cruising down the quiet country hills singing along with the Kings of Leon. 'if you call me now baby, i'll come a running ' wooooooo clearly all this fresh air is going to my head ;-)
Moving on ........Here's a link to a nice pretty graph if anyone wants a look at today's ride ....
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/70906276?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d6e6de309cfbae9%2C0
Roll on Saturday - Fingers crossed for reasonable weather -Ullapool here we come .......
So whats new ???
It's the start of a new month and a whole new set of mileage challenges. Its not long now before the nights get lighter so i'll be able to get in a few evening rides as well.
I fear that soon i will have to give up a few hours a week at my beloved gym. Never mind its not that bad, infact its not bad at all, with so many beautiful places to cycle, i'm totally spoilt for choice.
I've been out for a wee ride today around the Black Isle and it was ace, fresh, but not too cold, nice clear skies and snow covered mountains. Isn't it funny how you see things differently when you're out on your bike.
So where have i been ?
Avoch-Rosemarkie-Cromarty-Balblair-Culbokie-Munlochy- Avoch - 35 miles
Everytime i go out now i discover something new and today my biggest find was unlike when i'm in the gym, i much prefer listenning to a bit of Rock rather than Dance music....it felt quite liberating cruising down the quiet country hills singing along with the Kings of Leon. 'if you call me now baby, i'll come a running ' wooooooo clearly all this fresh air is going to my head ;-)
Moving on ........Here's a link to a nice pretty graph if anyone wants a look at today's ride ....
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/70906276?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d6e6de309cfbae9%2C0
Roll on Saturday - Fingers crossed for reasonable weather -Ullapool here we come .......
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