SUN at last but for one day only.



Whitefarland, Isle of Arran

Great cycle yesterday. Still windy but the SUN was shining and what a difference it made. Battling against the wind then turned a corner at Whitefarland and the above scene of tranquility appeared, makes it all worthwhile. Cycled 45 miles over the Boguille to Lochranza then down to Blackwaterfoot and back over the String.  It is the first run I really felt the benefit of my training, 2700 ft climbing and I could have cycled on.  Felt fit and full of energy.  Today, wet and windy again, surprise,surprise, but went out and did another 25 miles, 900ft climbing.  Felt great, no aches and pains. Also walked to the village with the grandchildren.   Must try and do more though,  think it is still not enough.

Hostel in San Diego Booked

Made contact with 'Joe' who cycled America this year 2011, with the ACA group. He lives near San Diego and has offered to transport me plus bike to the Hostel where I plan to stay. The trip leaves the Hostel, San Diego on Mon 12th March so I will arrive there on the Thursday. This will give me a few days to recover from jetlag and meet fellow travellers. Plans are beginning to be put in place now. Makes it all seem closer

Winter Training in Scotland - Absolutely Miserable

Training is getting harder,  managed 150 miles last week.  The weather has been appalling for anyone never mind a cyclist. Very, very windy and wet.   Still I have cycled  6 days out of 7 and on my rest day last week the wind was 80mph. Fed up putting so many clothes , socks and shoes on. 4 upper layers, 1pair shorts, 1 fleece leggings, 2 pairs socks-1 waterproof, 1 pair shoes and 1 pair overshoes. I keep warm, only my feet getting numb, but I am constantly covered in mud as is the bike. Fed up having to wash and lube it, every time I have been out, when all I want to do is get inside and relax. The joys of training in Scotland in winter.  Hope it all pays off as I don't think I can do anymore

Another Puncture. What is Going On???

Had another puncture, 2nd in a month,  rear wheel this time.  What is happening - I have had no punctures in years and years of cycling over thousands of miles and now 2 in the same month. Can't believe it, anyway I am getting new tyres for America, Foldable Marathon Supreme 700x28. Any comments on these tyres welcome.  Still, this is great practice for me and I managed to change the back tyre (slowly).  Only problem I have is closing the QR lever but that is a matter of strength and correct tension.  Will have to work on it or ask a passing friendly redneck!! 

Wind, Wind,Wind Go Away.

What weather, wet and windy.  What a battle, like cycling straight uphill and so dangerous if a gust catches you. Fed up with it as it is affecting my mileage, have to use exercise bike which I hate. Pounding away on the bike and going nowhere fast. Wish it would get cold and calm. Starting using overshoes and waterproof socks when out.  Feet feel warmer but will reserve judgement until the snow comes then see how warm they are.  Toasty at moment. 

Training with Vanda and Archie.

Vanda and Archie, whom I cycled with in India, came to stay for a few days.  Vanda is cycling in India again, next February, so wanted to do some training.  Unfortunately, the weather was against us and we only managed 26 miles on Wednesday ( 2080 feet climbed ) and 35 miles ( 2640 feet climbed ) on Thursday.  I should add though that they arrived at 11.00 o'clock on Weds so daylight was against us. It was great to have their company and I thoroughly enjoyed their visit.  Archie is remarkable, at 84 years he cycled straight over the String Road, elevation 750 feet over 2 miles.   Vanda's determination and guts see her through and I'm quite sure come next February she will cruise up to Kalimpong, West Bengal, elevation 5000 feet, (for her 3rd time) without any problems.  We feasted well when they were here, east meets west, curry, haggis and red wine.  What a combination but it all went down well.

Puncture at Last

Yippee.  At last I have had a puncture.  All the years, and thousands of miles I have cycled and not one puncture.  Perfect setting for 1st puncture - in garage just about to go out and noticed front tyre was flat. Managed to change tube and put tyre back on.  A little bit of glass was the culprit.  Now I know I can do it - next time it will probably be out on the road with wet and windy conditions.  So happy!!!!