A different plane

This is a write-up of a day from early June when I was on holiday on Skye; a favourite place.

It may come as a surprise to some people but cycling is not my only sporting passion. I love golf and before that I used to be a little obsessed with hillwalking and climbing. Somewhere in between the last two lurks scrambling. This is essentially very easy rock climbing where normally you don't bother roping up. So it tends to be quicker but still has a great air of excitement about it. For me it allows access to some great places that walkers can't really reach and satisfies the rock climbing itch that still exists.

In Britain there's one range of hills that are tailor made for scrambling on; the Black Cuillin on Skye. They are vary different from anything else in Britain the rock is fantastic for climbing on. The one downside is that the hills are still evolving, often rather fast which leads to some loose rock. you just have to be careful.

There was a time when the Significant Other was roped (no pun intended) into scrambling on these hills and I did the route finding and the worrying. For one reason and another a few years ago I ended up employing one of the mountain guides on Skye to do some of the more "pointy bits", which in truth the SO wasn't really interested in. Without going over old ground Paddy McGuire ignited some more passion in me for this type of activity and in the last few years I've been re-employing him for more fun in the hills.

So here we were meeting at the Sligachan Hotel on a Sunday morning in June looking at a beautiful blue sky with a day's climbing in front of us. As it my want I asked if we might attempt a thing called Amphitheatre Arete, one of the lesser requested routes from Paddy's clients. Paddy agreed and after a little drive around the corner we were soon walking up towards the cliffs of Sron na Ciche.

Walking in

I was glad the walk in was short as it was already hot and even more glad to have picked this route as we should be in the shade for most of the climbing. I hadn't realised the one downside of this at this point but more of that later. We arrived at the start of the route quickly enough and I was surprised to see a number of other climbers on routes right beside ours and even some in the little gully we were going start up. We put harnesses and helmets on and Paddy got the rope out. It's always good to have some insurance and I was to find it very useful on this route. This is where the line between scrambling and rock climbing becomes blurred. Sections of this day were well within my comfort zone and we moved un-roped but others were places where I definitely liked the security of a rope and the experienced guide.

I was to find the security of the rope useful almost immediately. It's a funny thing, scrambling. There were moments in the day where the objective danger of a fall was far greater than from the first few feet of the gully we were in but about 10 feet of the ground I already felt nervous. I even began to wonder why I'd picked this route. Maybe Paddy did too as he passed the rope down. One reassuring point came from the party of 3 in front who also admitted to having to use the rope here when they hadn't planned on it.

With the rope attached the moves came more easily and soon we were moving upwards again without its assistance. After another little problem where I couldn't follow Paddy's route that we circumvented by something I preferred the look of but that hadn't looked obvious at first we arrived at the base of the Amphitheatre that the route is named after. And this is exactly was I was meaning earlier when I mentioned getting to less easily reached places. This Amphitheatre has been formed by two huge areas of steepening slabs in the middle of this huge rock face (around 1km in length and up to 300m high). And standing underneath it was amazing. To think I was going to climb up some of it and then across it before reaching the far edge (the arete) to climb to the top was even more amazing.

The first problem was that the access to the slabs we wanted to climb on was up a shallow groove that was seeping despite the dry weather Skye was experiencing. Not a route for a wet day I guess. We decided that it was dry enough but that I would use the rope's security again. So Paddy set off leaving me to watch the rope and to let him know when it ran out and I would need to climb. As the person going second, and the less experienced (by a long way), this is a nervous time. Here you are standing in the middle of a very large rock face without the ability to get off it without the person who is now some considerable distance from you. Even if that distance is only 50m! Paddy arranged a belay (a contrivance which allows him to secure the rope, and me, to the rock) and then I climbed up the groove. It was wet and it didn't seem easy though I really enjoyed the climbing. Regardless of how easy it would be to a proper rock climber I thought Paddy's ability to climb this without the protection I had was very impressive indeed.

A little more of wet slab above the groove deposited us on the main slabs. What a situation! Then we started across on our way to the edge. Easy at first the ledge we were following got narrower and because the hill side was getting lower below us I began to feel more exposed. I was very pleased with myself when I managed to make some dainty little moves across a small section that seemed to hang above the corrie floor. All without a rope. Here we started to work our way up a little too and then we arrived at the arete. Almost immediately I found myself in a position where I felt more nervous than I wanted to. Paddy suggested the rope and I was grateful to accept. Of course the payment for the upcoming security was the requirement to wait for Paddy to climb ahead and find his belay. The problem this time was that I hadn't picked the best spot for a rest. I was standing on two small footholds, very secure but it was not easy for me to move around. Try standing on two half bricks for any length of time to see what I mean. And, of course, I couldn't afford to fall off because I was trying to get more comfortable. I did my best to find a nice position and took some photos as I waited for the call to climb.

The view from my stance

After what seemed an age (probably 10 minutes) I got my opportunity. The climbing was lovely but I was really, really glad of the rope. Even with it you get a little nervous because you don't want to fall, or even slip. And I want to climb nicely and in control to make my guide's day as easy as possible. I arrived at the belay and Paddy suggested another section where he would climb first. I wasn't unhappy with this. I had a nicer stance this time and enjoyed both the waiting and the subsequent climbing. It was also here that I realised the downside of climbing on a shady cliff. Every time I looked up (a requirement in climbing) I ended up looking straight into the sun. Oh, the fun.

The path looks a long way down

After that we had a longer section where we could un-rope and we progressed together. One of the great things about these days out is the conversation. Wide ranging and almost constant the climbing flies by as you work your way ever upwards. It was a surprise to me when Paddy announced we had reached the crux of the route. Surprised because I knew from the route description that the crux was pretty much right at the top. And I wasn't ready for this adventure to be over yet.

Looking down the arete from below the crux

The crux consists of a large triangular block sitting right on top of the ridge. At the grade I climb at it isn't possible straight on but, luckily, there's a way around. It's an interesting way around though. You need to go round the right hand edge of the block where you suddenly find yourself above the long gully that defines the right hand side of the ridge. I was glad I was on the rope for this bit. You shuffle along a little until a very obvious foothold comes into view. The only problem is that it's a bit of a step up to get on to it and it takes a little bit of working out how to get all your limbs in the right place to achieve the step up. I also wondered what would happen if I had missed and come off. Not a pretty thought. A quick painful pendulum to the opposite wall of the gully was my guess. However, a little shimmy and there I was above the crux with a little more climbing to reach Paddy and relative safety.

That left a little more scrambling (more interesting than I thought it would be) to get to the flat top of Sron na Ciche and lunch. We picked a wee knoll on the south west side of the wide ridge that gave us a comfortable seat and great views out to Rum and beyond. I'm not sure I've seen better days in the Cuillin. Our day wasn't quite over as we needed to walk back down which always takes longer than you think it will. On this occasion though it was great just to soak of the views. I kept looking back at the cliff we'd climbed thinking "Really? I went up that!". That's an oft thought thought of mine on Skye.

Looking back

Now I just can't wait to get back.

An attempt at the 200

Any of you reading this who have read the rest of this blog will know that it is my goal this year to ride 200 miles in one day. And not any old 200 miles, but a long slog over two of Scotland's climbs with a good bit of riding before and after. After some deliberation I have now made an attempt. Here's what happened.

Just a few days after the year's longest day allowed enough daylight for me to consider doing the ride. And with that in mind I got up just before 4a.m. and was organised enough to leave the house just after 5. The bike computer registered my start at 5:11. Early, even for me.

A slight westerly wind slowed my progress to Abernethy and then seemed to hurt me on the way to Perth. Localised wind conditions never cease to amaze and frustrate me. I was expecting a little help up on this section. Getting away so early meant Perth was very quiet. Even so I witnessed a fantastic piece of driving when a driver changed their mind and went straight on from a right only lane, right across my path. No indication, no nothing. I was enjoying myself too much to care overly and I shared an opinion with another cyclist before getting on my way.

The section to Blairgowrie was delightful. I think the wind gave a little help here and I loved it. One downside was being passed by a female cyclist on the way back to main road from Stromontfield. I had just eased over to allow a van to pass on this barely-wide-enough road and on my way back to my usual riding position I looked back to find her coming past. I wasn't racing and I wasn't letting my inner chimp have a say. But interestingly enough a little ramp in the road allowed my spinning to catch up her out-of-the-saddle effort. Then at the junction she was a little all over the place getting her phone out to look at the map. We had a quick discussion about our respective routes and then we were off to enjoy our outings. She was one of a very few cyclists I saw on what was a lovely day.

I arrived in Blairgowrie pretty much on schedule and a little after the small supermarket I had started from the last time I was there opened. A quick stop for more water, sorting out the drinks and the food in my pockets and then I was off for a trip up Glenshee. Almost immediately there is a fairly steep climb. I didn't feel good on this and started to feel the effects of the slight cold that had begum to trouble me on the previous Thursday evening. This had left me with a tickle in the back of my throat and and my nose was blocking up a little. I knew then that I had some decisions to make.

Through Bridge of Cally (thanks for the traffic lights that only change for cars) and onward up the glen I started to plan my exit strategy. Should I try the climb up to the ski centre and then come back? Should I just turn round now? Could I ride to Spittal of Glenshee and turn there? Eventually I settled on the idea of taking the road from Glenshee to Kirriemuir and using that to explore some of the 200 mile route that I hadn't done; the bit from Edzell to Alyth.

Braemar wasn't for me, not on this trip

It was quite hard to make this choice but I felt that I really didn't have the legs to go over to Braemar and then come back over Cairn O'Mount. I might have got up the first one, but I couldn't guarantee refreshment at the cafe at ski centre and didn't want to get stuck out there or suffer due to lack of fuel. So, a turn off it was and an excuse to ride some new roads. There's something I really enjoy doing.

The ride down to Kirriemuir was great. A short little climb out of the glen and then the road dropped into, and down, Glen Isla. There were chances to shorten the route further and go straight to Alyth and I did take one before giving myself a good talking to and turning 50 yards down the road to rejoin my intended route. While mostly downhill there are also a few short, sharp climbs in this glen. Enough to keep the legs occupied. I must go and ride this road the other way round. A 17 mile road mostly uphill, but nowhere at a stupid gradient, should be good training.

The lovely road down Glen Isla

With about 2 miles to go to Kirriemuir I came across the junction I wanted for the road back to Alyth. Sadly this also meant a turn back into the westerly wind. Unfortunately this had freshened, or so it felt, and the road also dragged uphill. Not steeply, and it would have helped if I'd changed down to the small chainring, but it was enough to sap my energy and mental strength. The next challenge was a road closure and a diversion. Following my nose got me onto very small back road that took me back to the main road with a little way to go to Alyth. I have to say that I struggled here; the call of refueling with water and a sit down in Alyth was a siren in my head.

With much more time than expected I decided to take a longer stop than I would normally. A comfortable wall and convenient bike stand made for a very pleasant stop. Less so the second hand cigarette smoke from a fellow wall-sitter. Very annoying. They sat next to me; do I look like a man who wants someone else's smoke? Slightly grumpy but refreshed I set off for home.

Last time I rode this part of the route I suffered into a south easterly wind so it was with pleasure that I rode home this time with a westerly. Mostly across me it didn't really hurt and on some sections, like Riverside in Dundee and the cycle path outside St. Andrews, it was a positive boon. The climb from Newtyle was a lot easier this time round and while I didn't race up it, I didn't suffer either physically or mentally this time.

Tay Rail Bridge - home beckons

Just before home I passed the 200 km mark. Not exactly what I wanted but on a day which wasn't perfect, and on which I wasn't in perfect shape, I can live with it. What I didn't want to live with was the crowd for the circus taking place on the playing fields. It slowed me down!

I had one more surprise. I arrived home and on going into the kitchen found a bottle and a recovery drink sachet all ready for me beside the sink. What a lovely Significant Other I have!

It went down a treat

Aftermath

After I'd made my decision to cut the ride short I spent some time thinking about the attempt and what it meant for getting the 200 done. I came to these conclusions:

• it's not going to happen in 2013. Fundamentally I'm not fit enough, and I haven't done enough long rides,
• if I'm going to aim for 2014 then as well as the hill climbing training I also need to ride a few more 120-140, even 150 mile rides,
• I still need to work on my hydration and nutrition; my stomach is never entirely happy after a few hours,
• I need to make my saddlebag lighter, or me,
• I need to find a way of cooling my head down. My current helmet is too warm!

I'm sure there are other things I will take from this ride as the days go by but for now these will do.

My cold got worse once I was back home so perhaps my assessment of my own condition was spot on and despite my normal "shut up legs" attitude (thanks Jens) the decision to turn around was the correct one. When you are an amateur it is very important to enjoy the cycling and live for another day.

Ride

Exploring further afield

Since the Sportive it's been a hectic time. Work's been busy, I've been trying to get a little golf in, I had a long weekend on Skye (and one day's fantastic scrambling on the Cuillin) and, of course, there's been some cycling thrown in.
Along with the normal 20-mile routes early in the morning I've done a few longer ones as well. Including two memorable ones I'd like to share. These two routes form a large part of my 200 mile challenge and were a good excuse to explore some new roads. And it's this new roads exploration that keeps me interested. New roads, new challenges, new scenery etc are all good.

Blairgowrie Loop

This ride was done on a lovely Thursday afternoon. Not too hot, not too cold. Perfect. All apart from one thing. The wind direction. More on that later. Apologies for the lack of photos from this ride. There are two reasons for this. The first is simple; I didn't really see anything I wanted to photograph and the light was very flat. The 2nd reason is more difficult. I'd like my blog to be bright and vibrant with lovely photos but that all gets in the way of actually riding. Tricky!
Back to the ride. The wind propelled my through Fife and towards Bridge of Earn. These roads I have travelled before so it wasn't until I started to cycle up the road toward Perth that I struck new tarmac. The road from Bridge of Earn to Perth becomes dual carriageway for a time and I found the adjacent cycle path a safer option here. As soon as the road went back to two-way I was back on the road and soon in Perth.
Perth has it's own difficulties to navigate, bridges, cycle lanes and required changes of lane. But with quiet traffic and an assertive attitude I was clear of the town quickly enough.
I was riding on the main road from Perth to Blairgowrie at the point but turned off to try a quieter road which would also save me some climbing. It was great although I did have some interesting sounds as larger stones from the road surface hit my frame. Luckily none hit me! Quiet roads also tend to provide good places for "comfort" breaks and this was no exception.
I rejoined the main road later and then had to deal with more traffic. One memorable incident was being overtaken on a dead straight road with two vehicles coming in the opposite direction. They had to slow and take avoiding action. I shrugged and waved my apologies and was pleased to get similar (and friendly) responses back from the drivers.
Blairgowrie came and went without incident and I climbed north east on a back road towards Alyth. Once again I was avoiding the traffic and taking the opportunity for a new climb. The breeze that occasionally nagged at me on this section was a sign of things to come. The views south across the valley were superb and well worth the extra effort.
I got to Alyth (a lovely run down the hill brought me in) and stopped at the local shop to refill my water bottles. I also took the opportunity to eat one of the sandwiches I had brought. A saddle bag is a wonderful thing for that.
I set off again. And then the trouble started. That nagging breeze was now in my face and I knew deep down that I had around 35 miles to ride before I saw home. All pretty much in the same direction. Not a pleasant thought. Meigle brought traffic road works. And then the road started to climb as it approached Newtyle. And it kept rising. With the wind in my face! This was the low point of the ride. And when I turned off once again to find a quieter road my legs started to complain too. This back road was a mistake as it added extra climbing and extra twisty riding to the route. Not a good idea, and I way well use the main road on my 200 mile road. Again, the views made up for and I arrived in Birkhill.
From here the road into Dundee was delightfully downhill. And then I managed to find my way through the Technology Park and onto the cycle path beside Riverside in Dundee. The most fun of this part of the ride has to be taking the lift onto the Tay Bridge. Going south on the bridge is uphill which was slow.
So were the roads through Tayport, Leuchars and Guardbridge. And then one final challenge, to climb the hill up to Strathkinness. I really do hate the cycle path that much. The hill was a challenge with a good amount of my granny gear. Then at least the road went downhill and took me, albeit slowly, home.
I was pleased with the time taken to do the route (including the stops) and pleased that I survived the long miles into the wind. But it was a wake up call. As the next ride would be!

Ride

Deeside

10 days later I was off exploring again. I had ridden in between but just on well known local roads, racking up the miles for Strava's May Massive challenge. As I did this I became more convinced that I should go and have a look at the northern loop of my proposed 200 mile ride. I'm a lucky cyclist in that I have great support from my Significant Other and they were quite prepared, insistent even, that they would provide car support for such a venture.
And that's how I ended up riding out of Blairgowrie on a Sunday morning. I'd tooled up outside a small convenience store in the back streets which I have no doubt provided the few locals up early enough a sight for sore eyes. Again I knew this ride was going to be tough but there was no way I was prepared for how tough.
The planned route was from Blairgowrie, through Glenshee (over a high pass) to Braemar, through Deeside to Aboyne and then south to Edzell over another big hill called Cairn o'Mount. 90 miles with the option of another 30 to Alyth to scout out the whole northern loop. Having two big hills in the route can fool a rider into thinking that the route will consist of the following sections flat, up, down, flat, up, down. I'm not that stupid and I had actually looked at the profile in more detail.
Sadly this meant I knew about the steep climb I reached almost immediately after leaving Blaigowrie. And the one out of Bridge of Cally. Knowing about them doesn't make them easier. What I had missed was just how steep some of the little ramps through Glenshee are. I suppose I should have worked it out as I knew I would climb a fair way to get to the bottom of the morning's main objective. The climb up to the ski centre from the floor of Glenshee.
It really starts at the Spittal of Glenshee where the hills start to crowd the road but it's gentle enough here. It rolls its way to below the pass. I always climbed more than I lost but there's a certain resentment when you climb 30 feet and then lose 15. And I could see the headwall, and the road, getting ever closer without the large gain in height I would have liked. The steep bit also started ok. Put the bike in a sensible gear and don't worry about the speed. I reckon I was about a third of the way up it when I ran out of gears. Don't worry I thought just slow the cadence down and which yourself up. Then the heart rate started to rise a little alarmingly. I'm always worried when it gets above 170 and more so if I can't see the top of the rise. I kept going. The road gets steeper, I got slower and my heart rate got higher. I had to remove my steamed-up glasses so that I could see. And then finally, to my shame, I had to stop. I walked the final 0.2 of a mile and just before the top I swung my leg over again and got cycling again. My heart rate had settled nicely on the walk. A sign of some fitness I guess.
I waved to the SO parked in the car park about 1/4 of a mile further on and indicated I was ok and they could meet me in Braemar. The descent was fantastic. A main road gave me all the reward I felt I was due but it was tinged with some regret that I'd had to get off. I also started to worry about the second big climb of the day. Still, I had about 45 miles to go before I needed to worry about that. There's a lovely back road into Braemar on the other side of the river from the main road and, although it's a little rougher and it goes through a golf course, it's well worth taking. I met up with the supply wagon, refuelled and was on my way.
I've holidayed in Deeside before but never ridden the roads so it was great. And the riding continued to be easy. Again the a good look at the profile indicates why. From Braemar to Aboyne is 28 miles and drops 749 feet. So it is more down than up. And despite there being a few ramps on the quiet south Deeside road it was an absolute delight to ride. This smaller road is reached by taking the turn for Balmoral and then keeping on going. Best, in my opinion.

South Deeside road

A planned meet-up in Aboyne was very welcome as was some more substantial food. The SO had scouted the town for me and informed me I was ok for provisions when it comes to the 200 miles. At this point I was beginning to have my doubts about that challenge but that's what these exploration days are all about. I set off again.
The road to the bottom of Cairn o'Mount is not exactly flat and I began to suffer on the steeper sections again. I began to rail against any downhill sections of which there were still quiet a few. And I knew that on the route I had picked there was still one pretty steep section to be negotiated before the main event. I got up this small steep section and it was there that I had an epiphany. I was too hot. A comfort stop at the top of the climb gave me the chance to remove the gilet. I stuffed it in the saddlebag. Handy things saddlebags, but heavy. And heavy doesn't help on the climbs.
Of course, what goes up must come down and the penalty for the climb I'd just done was a drop to the road junction for Cairn o'Mount. I really did dislike that. 8 miles said the sign post. 8 miles and an elevation difference of around 1150 feet. Sadly with the up and down this changes to 1500 feet of climbing. Not a pretty statistic for me.
What can I say? I rode most of it. It's not that horrendous I'm sure but it has some very steep bits in it and towards the top there's not much relief. There are ramps of 12 and 14% and longer bits of 5-10%. All very nasty indeed. Of the 8 miles I reckon I walked about 1/2 a mile. I also stopped a lot near the top. The wind was in my face, the bike was heavy, I was heavy. I can't say I enjoyed it much. Despite the scenery being very nice indeed. I was being given a lesson in over-reaching myself.

Looking at what I'd struggled up on Cairn o'Mount

Near the top I could make out two passes and, delighted that I was nearly as high as both of them, I felt I had it in the bag. Except the road doesn't take either of the passes, it goes over the the "mount" between them. The clue is in the name.

One of the fake passes

I arrived at the Cairn. I stopped beside my car and straddled the bike too tired to get off. A few comforting words from my SO but I was pretty much beyond comforting at this point. A shame for them, because I don't expect I was much fun. Not at this high point anyway.
I had still earned my descent though and I loved the high speed, no pedalling action for the 2 miles it takes to drop 1000 feet. I don't get how anyone could cycle up that way, but they do. And for fun! I did stop at the slightly lower car par and take a couple of photos. What a view.

Just below the summit of Cairn o'Mount - looking south

Then it was back to proper cycling. Again it was still mostly downhill but it was into the breeze which had stiffened during the day and was now properly annoying me. I arrived in Edzell a bit battered and tired. There was no way I was adding on the optional 30 miles to Alyth. That would just have been a pedal stroke too far.

Which way to Alyth? No chance....

The bike went on the top of the car and I grumped about the fact that I wouldn't even be attempting my long ride and we set off home.

Ride

Aftermath

A wee while has gone by now since I did the rides. I've had time to reflect. I also had time to see my personal trainer. He pointed out that it was still a pretty good effort and that I probably have all the miles in the legs that I need but I need some more high intensity hill climbing to fall back on. So I'm on a diet of hill repeats now. Energy sapping, leg churning, heart exploding hill repeats. Lovely. But if it makes the 200 possible I'll do it. I've also had a lot of encouragement from friends who are mostly of the opinion that if I walk 3/4 of a mile in 200 so be it. I'm still propelling the bike. I'm not sure I agree with that but we'll see.
On reflection I also think I overheated on the Glenshee climb and, as much as I would like to say I recovered from that over the next 40-odd miles, I don't think I ever really got back my composure after that. Lesson learnt. Strip down before the climb.
You've probably gathered this already but, yes, I will at least be attempting the 200 this year. Life is about challenges and if you fail trying then at least you've tried. Hmm, try getting your inner chimp to be happy with that.

Thanks for reading this long, long post. It's done now....

Buchaille Beag Sportive

The Start

The alarm clock went off at 4:15. A bit early even for me. Up and onward including the bowl of cold porridge prepared the night before. It wasn't pleasant but in the end I think it did the trick. Then out and put the bike on the top of the car. All set and off I go.
This was the start to the day of my first sportive. I had entered the Buchaille Mhor/Beag Sportive after my friend Vic was persuaded to do the same by two of his commuting pals. Neither of us had got the training miles we would have liked but unfortunately events don't wait for you to be ready. I picked up Vic and his other friend Mike and then we really were off. The drive across to Glencoe was uneventful and very pleasant as we drove through the southern Highlands.
By the time we got to the Glencoe mountain ski centre there were already a number of cyclists getting rready for the event. We signed in and got our numbers. Here's mine;

Sportive number

This was an auspicious number as we had decided to do the short version of the sportive which is 86 miles. Of course it doesn't work if you calculate everything in km, where I'd have needed number 140!

The Event

After a little bit of faffing about (changing, bike prep and pocket stuffing) we were ready to go. Mike had been met by a mate of his (Stewart) and they were looking for a faster time than we were so although we left together we knew we wouldn't be with them for long. The organisers were letting riders off in small groups to minimise the impact on the main road through Glencoe. That being said we soon caught up the group in front and we were still with Mike and his mate when Vic's commuting pals (Ally and Steve) also caught us up. At this point I was thinking we might be able to hook up for a while at least and get a tow for the first few miles. Sadly it wasn't to be as Vic's chain popped off when we went over the top of our first hill. And this set the day's format.

Back on the road again we had a lovely descent into Glencoe. A little bit of wind meant that the speeds never got stupid but we soon caught up and overtook the stragglers of the larger group we had been in. Mike, Stewart, Ally and Steve were nowhere to be seen. My main worry about this event had been about riding with other cyclists. I needn't have worried, we didn't see many riders for the rest of the day. Those we did were either going very much more slowly or just hammered past us. Luckily for out egos there weren't so many of the latter.

Having dropped into Glencoe the ride for the next 50 odd miles rolled along without any big hills, just the occasional short sharp incline and some longer drags. The highlight of this section was the applause and encouragement we got from a family beside the road. That was great; it made me feel like a real cyclist.

Vic was suffering with a sore back so we were containing the pace and taking it easy during this middle part of the ride. This gave rise to my day's main entertainment. At around 20 miles I saw a rider in the distance with a bright yellow top on. We dragged him in ever so slowly catching him just before the first feed stop. However, he was faster in and out of the station and it took us a long time for us to spot him again. And even  longer to get past. Where? Just before the 2nd feed stop where the same pattern played out.

We took a longer stop at this feed stop because I knew that from here it was mostly uphill and I wanted Vic to get a decent respite for his back. Back on the road we turned off the main road onto a small Highland B road. Granted the surface wasn't as good but it was virtually traffic free which made a nice change. This road works its way up Glen Orchy and steadily gains height in small steps, none too steep but a few steeper than I would have liked. We passed a rider who we'd met at the feed station who had instructed us to give him some encouragement. We did our duty.

For most of this beautiful glen we rode behind two girls, catching them up ever slow slowly. They had plenty of puff left to chat all the way whereas we just rode on in comparative silence. The occasional "are you ok?" or "isn't the scenery nice?". Eventually the girls went single file and we slipped by. I found it interesting to see how long it took to get past people and also then how fast they seem to drop behind. I think it is a perception thing as later in the glen we could still hear the girls despite feeling that they should be miles behind.

Rejoining the main road at Bridge of Orchy brought us to the last section of the day. A drag from the hotel, a fast descent from there and I was at Loch Tulla right beside the bottom of only true climb of the day. You may have noticed that I said I. Vic had given me clear instructions that I was to ride at my pace for this bit. While I had been keeping my eye out for him, I wasn't aware that his chain had popped off the chainring again as we came off the long drag. Otherwise I think he would have been right there with me.

The climb itself wasn't exactly hard but it wasn't easy either. Definitely a case of popping the bike in the granny gear and finding a rhythm. I managed that and worked my way up the hill. The worst thing about this part of the ride was the traffic; especially the motorbikes. I've written about this before but they really do need to give cyclists more respect. I know that I now have very little sympathy for motorcyclists who complain about their treatment by car drivers.

One more small descent to the last ramp gave me a chance to stop and look back to check on Vic. I could see him not far behind and he had some company. That gave me enough confidence to ride on. The last drag gave me the opportunity to overtake my man in the yellow jacket one more time. We'd passed him near the end of the Glen Orchy but he'd re-passed me as I looked back. It was here that I finally gave my inner chimp  a little bit of free reign. There was couple out in front of me but I wasn't able to catch them on the climb. That left me working hard on the downhill to the turn off for the mountain centre. The wind was back here and not helping. A little way before the turn off I managed to overtake them.

However, we still had some work to do and I hadn't realised how much. The last 0.7 mile into the car park is still part of the course and it is uphill. It's also one of these little single track roads that looks like it was laid on the ground without any smoothing of the terrain. And closer to car park it gets very steep. This was definitely the hardest part of the day. The couple passed me on the lower slopes but I found my rhythm again  and managed to get by once more. Getting to the finish I unclipped and stood astride my bike, done in for a few seconds.

By the time I'd found the car and popped the bike beside it Vic was pulling his way up to the finish himself. A great ride considering the pain he was riding through.

Afters

I'd finished in 5:37 which was well within my 6 hour goal. With 5:15 of actual cycling in that it is proabably one of my fastest long rides ever. A great result. We met the others who'd been finished for about 45 minutes by the time we got there. That was a really impressive effort. I don't think we could have got close to that even without the chain difficulties.

Coffee, chat, then some more faffing about before the journey back to our part of the country. Thanks go to Vic and Mike for keeping me awake on the way home and also keeping me fed with wine gums and savoury flapjacks. Big thanks also go to Mike for popping the bikes onto the bike racks before we left Glencoe. I'm not sure I could have managed that.

I should also say that the organisation of the ride with signage, marshals and feed stations was superb. All the people involved made us feel welcome which was great. The feed stops were superb with lots of choice of fluids and food. Very welcome in any case. The other cyclists were all friendly, even those blazing past.

A great day out and I'm sure I'll do it again. Maybe the long one next time. And as a training ride for the planned 200 it was perfect. Although slightly worrying.

The ride

Is Spring here?

New Tech

Given the lack of road miles during March April has positively boomed with opportunities. It really started on the last day of March with the chance to go out and do a few more miles than I've been getting in recently. It was also a chance to try out my new purchase. With the plan to ride 200 miles in one day this year I decided to buy a proper saddle bag. After much deliberation I picked the Carradice Super C Audax Saddlebag along with the SQR Quick Release clamp  from the same company. Installation was relatively smooth, the only bug bear being the requirement to remove the seat post every time you want to put the clamp on and off. This may seem a minor point but my small saddle bag doesn't fit onto the bike with the clamp fitted. However, the small bag is almost at the end of its life (holes everywhere) so maybe I can find one that will fit with the clamp.
The quick release part is ingenious meaning that the bag just clips on and off. It does, of course, add a little weight to the bike which is noticeable at first but I got used to it. I'll just need to get fitter! For my test ride I popped my small bag in along with my waterproof and my small camera. For a day trip it will be just fine. Jersey pockets will still be used for food etc with the bag being used for the extras. Here's a couple of pictures of it attached to the bike.

From the back. See how it sits away from the saddle.

And from the side. Mudguards and bag - audax anyone?

When riding I felt no interference from the bag at all or any feeling of it swinging around. All very pleasing. Given I have a beard does this make me a typical audax'er?

Rides

The throes of winter are still not over and we have been plagued with easterly winds despite the weather being generally better. Living on the east coast that means that most of my rides recently have finished with me battling against the elements to varying degrees. The ride with the bag mentioned above had me in full tuck for a lot of the ride home from Newburgh trying to keep the speed up against the breeze. Hard work for me and my less than supple back.



The next ride was a bit of a departure for me. Straight from work with my colleague Vic, with whom I am doing a Sportive this month. 86 miles in and around Glencoe. With the weather not conducive to training, I have done little while Vic has only been doing his normal commute. By normal I have to say that 100 miles a week is pretty impressive, especially given the recent conditions. To give him some extra miles and hills we went out work. Good fun, especially the fast start. Of course, into the wind on the way home was not so nice.



Making the most of the weather I got in a mid week ride, again with a difference. I had the afternoon off, so left work, came home and went out. I got back to St. Andrews in time to pick Vic up again and repeat some of our earlier route before I came home once again and, of course, into the wind once again. My first 100km ride of the year and one that had an almost apline feel to it as the banks of snow were piled up high on the higher roads.



Sadly winter reared its ugly head for the next training ride. A flat spin around the Howe of Fife again with Vic; just trying to get some longer rides into his legs but this time wit nothing strenuous. The cold, the wind and the rain made it plenty tough enough, thanks. It beat being stuck at home and it is always good to have those kind of experiences tucked away for later. Into the wind on the way home again has to be hardening me up for something!



One way and another it was another 5 days before I got back on the bike. And this time it felt almost spring-like. I was still dressed for winter, the one concession being a short-sleeved shirt sandwiched between my windproof and base layers. It made a change from the long sleeved ones I have been wearing. A beautiful day with mostly dry roads apart from the the Hazelton walls to Newburgh stretch which was soaking wet. It's funny how road conditions can change so suddenly.
The one notable part of the ride was a new hill. I've come down this stretch of road plenty of times and always wondered what it would be like to go up. Now I know. It will definitely be attempted again. Now I know what it is like I'm sure it will be fine to do again. But it wasn't easy. No sir! For those of you interested it is the hill on the way from Freuchie to Kennoway via the back road, just after the A911. Try it if you want but you have been warned; it's not easy.
The customary wind had risen while I was out to make the ride home from Kennoway "interesting" (or slow as I like to call it).



I think Spring may be on its way. All I need now is for the wind to blow from the west to make my ride(s) home easier....

Observation

I've been trying quite hard recently to make sure my heart rate stays within reasonable bounds as much as possible. This should have the benefit of keeping me fresh for the latter stages of the ride as well as keeping my legs in good shape. Obviously, when your a bit more of a Clydesdale than a waif, hills are never going to be easy places to achieve this but I've been trying to set a good slow tempo (speed) before I need it in the hope that my heart rate will rise more slowly. The results are interesting. I am slower, especially on the hills, but I feel better for it. And it does appear to give me more for when I really need it. Like the hill described above.
And surely it's better to be able to cycle along and enjoy the view, the environment and the exercise than feeling like your insides are about to explode. Not that this will stop me pushing it on the turbo, or at spin class. But I suspect that's the place for it.

Safer in the garage

It was great to be back out on the road today. Having not been out since February I have been going slightly crazy looking at the back of garage door if I'm on the turbo or at the gym walls if I decide to go and train there. The weather was just warm enough and with no snow since yesterday the roads were nicely dry thanks to the March sun.

I needed my long-sleeved thermal, long sleeved shirt and long-sleeved windproof on today with bib shorts, longs and full fingered gloves. I was only just cosy, only needing to un-zip the windproof a little on the biggest climb of the day.
An easterly breeze kept me honest down to Crail and provided help on the way across to Anstruther where a traffic jam made me change my route and head up to Arncroach. On this road I had the kind of excitement I can do well without.

Approaching a little chicane type feature in the road I was aware of car right on my back wheel. The second bend sits in a little dip with a rise beyond and it's just a little narrower there than before or afterwards. So I went right, left and made sure I was riding well out from the gutter to go up the rise. And as I came out of the second corner "BEEEP" from the car behind. He overtook after the rise on the clear straight but as he went passed he made it plain he was unhappy that he couldn't overtake in the dip. I tried to make it plain that I decide where I ride my bike on the road, not him. I don't enjoy the conflict but I refuse to be intimidated. I'm always keen to let people past, if I think it is safe; not otherwise.

View Larger Map
Would you overtake on the outside of this left hand bend?

The rest of the ride was uneventful and I thoroughly enjoyed working against the breeze using a higher gear than normal and a lower cadence. It seems my gym work over the winter has given my legs a little more deployable strength.

The Ride

Idiot Road User of the Day

No prizes for guessing who. See above.

Road User of the Day

As the absolute opposite of the driver above great praise goes to the tractor driver, trimming the hedgerow from the road, who stopped all activity to make it safer for me to overtake him. Two very different experiences all within a mile of each other. He restored my faith in humanity a little.

Wind and route planning

With the terrible weather we've been having recently I've been reading about cycling more than actually turning the pedals over. And one of my favourite subjects is training and ways of making sure it's correct. One tip I have seen many times is to plan your circular routes so that you ride into any wind in the beginning hoping that when you come to ride for home you get a little assistance.

On the whole I think this is a great idea. There are many benefits in terms of energy saving, temperature control and, most importantly I feel, the psychological advantage of an easier ride home. But it is exactly this dimension that should be challenged. Every now and again plan your ride the other way around. Ride with the wind on the way out and work against the elements on the way back.

If you do this, and make it home under your own steam, then you gain the mental preparation for cycling against the wind when tired. This will be a benefit when you have to do it because the elements are against you when you can't choose your route. It's similar to going out in the rain. Once you get over the fear or feeling of injustice it becomes easier to deal with. It might not be ideal but sometimes we don't get what we wish for.

Living in a place where one direction faces the sea makes you realise that finishing a ride into the wind can have its benefits. I'd like to have the choice though! If you are lucky enough to have the choice try this out and put the experience in the bank.