Interesting one this week... I always profess to being a sprinter and never really take on any rides over about an hour or two in length but when my pal, Russell, laid down a challenge to ride 100 miles in a day, I thought why not!

So I got my permission slips signed off in the appropriate order, the boss of the house then the boss at work.  They all gave me permission to disappear for the day, so with no excuses left I signed up.  

My experience with long hauls are invariably, I can manage for about 2-3 hours then I basically Bonk / Hit the wall.  So with that in mind Russell picked a fairly flat route with plenty of coffee stops.  After that we signed up a third, Neil, an old pal from the Edinburgh days.  Neil had done a few 20 mile efforts so far this year and understandably thought the jump to 100 would be a bit of a stretch but agreed to roll out with us for the first 5 then catch up later on (with help from his car) and ride another 15 with us near the midway point.  

So with the plan hatched we set off from our base at the Scotland Hotel in Pitlochry, we followed the Etape Caledonia route, anti-clockwise ("Widdershins" as we call it back in Shetland... which means, against the sun).  There are a couple of short lumps coming out of town then it's basically flat for the next 40 miles (check my Strava tab at the top of the web page for all the route and ride details).  Immediately I thought it was a stunning area, definitely worth a visit if just for the easy loop of Loch Rannoch.  We pitched up after 43 miles back at Kinloch and stopped for what we thought would be a 15min coffee but the cake looked so nice we had a go at that... then wedged in a panini too.  So, 45 mins later, all fuelled up and ready for more, we set off up Schiehallion, which I knew next to nothing about, but was pleasantly surprised when I found myself at the top in reasonable time without having blown any gaskets (these winter sessions on the turbo trainer must be doing something).  

We cruised down the other side taking in the scenery and trying to remember where we'd decided to slip in an extra 18 miles to the route to get up to the full 100, as per the original challenge.  Once we got to Loch Tay we headed North West and put in a bit of a loop.  We stopped off at a local pub for a "Bio-break" as some of my American friends call it.  We took the opportunity to check over the bike, stretch the back, have a few slugs of water and an energy bar.  We clambered back onboard and set off in the direction of Aberfeldy.  From miles 80-85 I started to feel a bit tired on the climbs, so after some cajoling, I persuaded Russell to pull in and get a magic coffee.  5 mins later we were back on the bitumen and feeling like we were almost there, but not wanting to take any risks of me getting a relapse we stopped social riding side by and took 1 mile turns pulling at the front... every time I sucked onto Russell's wheel my heart rate dropped by 10-15 beats and I was able to get my strength back.  Before I knew it we were approaching the familiar sights of Pitlochry.  We'd got there at mile 99 for me so Russell, who'd already completed his 100 (due to sensibly checking his bike out for a mile or two after reassembly that morning), rode with me for the extra mile to make sure we crossed the imaginary line together.

Now, 24 hrs later, I feel a lot better.  The only signs being, a slightly enflamed right Achilles and both shoulders in need of a rub.  But I feel good enough to meet up with the Wheelers for 40-50 miles tomorrow, while the boss of the house takes the boy out for a swim... next weeks Blog may well be about juggling work, families and a time consuming cycling habit.

I spent Saturday night cleaning up the bike, putting on a new chain and mudguards and generally laying out all my tools and spares that I thought I might need for my Sunday morning outing with the Wheelers.  I had a big bowl of pasta and drank lots of water to give myself o fighting chance of making the distance.

I set off from the house at 08:45 giving myself plenty of time to get to the rendezvous point on South Deeside Road.  There were a few small rolling hills and 36miles from home we crossed over at the Dinnet bridge (west of Aboyne).  Along the way I picked up plenty of useful tips and hints about group riding and the lads were very welcoming.  With my confidence growing and feeling surprisingly well I decided to challenge on a couple of sprint 30's (bunch sprints to the 30mph signs, Cav wouldn't have had a look in).  It broke up the miles and offered something for everyone.

Ash Wednesday tomorrow and the chance for a 'Mulligan' with regards all the things we said we would give up at New Year.  For me, that means bye-bye to traditional confectionary (sweeties and chocolates).  

Another week indoors.  Seems like this weather is never going to give part timers like me a break!

Started this week in Shetland (google this website: www.cycleshetland.com for more details on routes and options around Shetland) getting ready for "Up Helly Aa".  The squad I'm involved with will be the Jarl squad (the ones in the picture that grow their beards and dress as vikings) in 2017.  So until then it's mostly about the drinking and dancing... and good God did we ever do that.  For me the drinking started at 5pm on Tuesday and finished at 8am on Wednesday morning after dancing my way through 11 halls with our rhythm and blues band.  2hrs sleep later I was up getting ready to go to the airport.  10mins before arriving at Aberdeen airport we hit the worst turbulence I've experience in over 30 years of flying, just as my hangover was hitting full swing!  Safe to say Wednesday night was a write off!

I'd managed a pretty decent spin and weights session on Monday and I squeezed in a run on Tuesday afternoon so I didn't feel too guilty about missing Wednesday.  Thursday came and went without any reasonable form of exercise, although the diet was surprisingly good.  Friday the weather was good enough to try the commute and I was keen to try out my all singing and dancing rear lights (equipment updates to follow) and my new Garmin 500.  Safe to say I was well chuffed with both and the commute wasn't too disappointing either considering it was my first time out and about for almost 3 weeks.  I think my interval spins have increased my power but the lack of miles seems to have taken it's toll on my stamina.

Saturday was a family day and nothing happened on the bike front.  Today (Sunday) went as well as could have been expected.  The wheelers were shaping up for an 80 miler and without my mudguards I didn't fancy spraying guys in the face for 4 hrs and I genuinely didn't think I'd complete an 80 miler so I opted for a 25 miler a bit closer to home with a few high intensity bursts. I managed 2 KOM segments on Strava that I've had my eye on for a few months and a respectable 2nd place on another one that I found on Friday (see my STRAVA tab at the top of the page for details).  

The fresh air today has given me a well timed boost and I'm going to amp up the milage this week to try and get myself best places to take advantage of the Cairngorms once the weather breaks for spring.