Early start, arranged with Kev Young to call at his house at 7am to get the train at 7:52 to auld reekie. So set off at 6:10 . Got there in plenty of time and we set off for the train, stocked up with crisps and juice at station's w h smith and made our way to coach a, where our bikes were booked in, only to find that passengers weren´t allowed in. We opened it anyway and found a wee guard's van, the guard appeared and we had to hang our new bikes by the front wheel, we were assured they were secure enough, so we reluctantly toddled along to the other end of the train - coach g.
The journey passed without incident, we made our way through a crowded train until we got to the back, coach B, closer to our bikes . At Haymarket, Edinburgh we alighted and the guard had already placed our bikes on the platform. We asked him if we could get them through the disabled exit but it was locked so we carried the bikes plus panniers up the stairs, which is no mean feat.
Just outside the station, there was a cycle "route 1" mileage sign denoting 168 miles to Aberdeen, one of the guards took our photo and we set off on our journey, 10:30 am. Kev's dad had done a reconnaissance for us, so we knew to wheel our bikes around the corner and we were off, we got to the edge of Edinburgh via a disused railway line and quiet roads. At a junction that was sign posted S Queensferry 2 ways, Kevin started off in one direction and I went in another, completely in error, there were some local cyclist stopped at this junction and I heard them shout that the way I had accidentally favoured was the most scenic way, so I chased after Kev and we headed along the recommended route. Indeed it took us into the grounds of a stately home and we ended up following the south firth of forth coast to S. Queensferry and over the bridge to N Queensferry. There is always something exciting about crossing a wide stretch of water on a bike.
At N. Queensferry, Kev had arranged to meet his pals, Donny and Burty who live in Edinburgh, we arrived there just before 12, at the same time as our lunch colleagues, perfect timing. After a good lunch we set off and arranged to meet Donny and Burty at Kinghorn, 25 miles up the coast, they would be on 4 wheels and we would be on 2 wheels.
Kev and I set off towards Inverkeithing, on to Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland and Kinghorn, we were following the coast along quiet roads and dedicated cycle routes. We had to head in land at Burntisland and encounted our first steepish hill on our way to Kinghorn.
After a refreshment at Kinghorn with Donny and Burty, we cycled back up the hill and in land and then back to the coast at Kirkcaldy, where we then headed uphill and inland again towards Glenrothes. We were booked in to the Laurel Bank hotel at Markinch just a few miles from Glenrothes, after 45 miles covered, we arrived there around 6pm and had a cycle around to find the Indian restaurant where we planned to dine that night. We couldn't find it so after a wash and a shave we went for a walk into the town and still no luck so we went for a pint in Jamies, where they had Tennents 60 shillings on draft which almost compensated for the news that the barmaid had for us - the Indian restaurant was now closed down ! Disaster. We went across the road to the chinese which had to substitute for the spicier cuisine we were seeking.
We had a dram each, back at the hotel and it was the beddy bye-byes. Kev promised an Indian the following night in Carnoustie, our next resting place on our east coast tour.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Deeside - Angus Glens Cycle Camping tour - Day 4
Day 4 - Thursday 17th June 2010.
Got up at 7am, slept from 1:30 til 6:30 - 5 hours, pretty good by my camping standards, so far. This is my last morning on the open road - until my next tour. This should be a short day, only 40 miles until home, have averaged 60 miles the previous 3 days. That has been taking it easy but have enjoyed it all the more.
With tent packed up and last cereal bar consumed, set off at 8:30, thought I'd take the side road to Fettercairn, mistake, very hilly and 5 miles instead of 4, still not disastrous, "main" B road would have been better. Went straight through Fettercairn towards the dreaded Cairn O' Mount. Got to the bottom at around 9:15, I was dreading it as I have struggled up it before, unladen from the Fettercairn side, it is only 2 miles of a climb from that side but it starts off as a 16% gradient near the Clatterin Brig Cafe but I'm sure it gets steeper close to the top, there is a respite in the middle but weighed down, I had to stop and rest a few times, nevertheless I managed to pedal my way to the top.
After a long rest at the top of the Cairn O' Mount, I set off downwards, there are a few surprises on the way down with a couple of short steep climbs just to stop complacency. Stopped at Banchory for the standard tea and scone refreshment. Just 17 miles until home, it was pretty hot now and I was heading past Hirn and looked down for my water bottle and it wasn't there. Not sure if I'd left it at the top of the Cairn or a thirsty passer-by had taken a fancy to it in Banchory ?
Eventually made it home after a good 3.5 days and 220 miles with good weather and scenery.
Final itinnerary was:
Day 1 Home (Kinellar, Aberdeen) - Braemar (56 miles) - Camp at Braemar
Day 2 Braemar - Glen Clova Hotel via Glen Prossen (60 miles) - stay at Glen Clova Hotel bunkhouse.
Day 3 Glen Clova - Glen Esk campsite including Glen Esk (64 miles) - camp at Glen Esk (nr Edzell)
Day 4 Glen Esk - Home (40 miles) via Cairn O Mount - home to my own bed.
Got up at 7am, slept from 1:30 til 6:30 - 5 hours, pretty good by my camping standards, so far. This is my last morning on the open road - until my next tour. This should be a short day, only 40 miles until home, have averaged 60 miles the previous 3 days. That has been taking it easy but have enjoyed it all the more.
With tent packed up and last cereal bar consumed, set off at 8:30, thought I'd take the side road to Fettercairn, mistake, very hilly and 5 miles instead of 4, still not disastrous, "main" B road would have been better. Went straight through Fettercairn towards the dreaded Cairn O' Mount. Got to the bottom at around 9:15, I was dreading it as I have struggled up it before, unladen from the Fettercairn side, it is only 2 miles of a climb from that side but it starts off as a 16% gradient near the Clatterin Brig Cafe but I'm sure it gets steeper close to the top, there is a respite in the middle but weighed down, I had to stop and rest a few times, nevertheless I managed to pedal my way to the top.
After a long rest at the top of the Cairn O' Mount, I set off downwards, there are a few surprises on the way down with a couple of short steep climbs just to stop complacency. Stopped at Banchory for the standard tea and scone refreshment. Just 17 miles until home, it was pretty hot now and I was heading past Hirn and looked down for my water bottle and it wasn't there. Not sure if I'd left it at the top of the Cairn or a thirsty passer-by had taken a fancy to it in Banchory ?
Eventually made it home after a good 3.5 days and 220 miles with good weather and scenery.
Final itinnerary was:
Day 1 Home (Kinellar, Aberdeen) - Braemar (56 miles) - Camp at Braemar
Day 2 Braemar - Glen Clova Hotel via Glen Prossen (60 miles) - stay at Glen Clova Hotel bunkhouse.
Day 3 Glen Clova - Glen Esk campsite including Glen Esk (64 miles) - camp at Glen Esk (nr Edzell)
Day 4 Glen Esk - Home (40 miles) via Cairn O Mount - home to my own bed.
Deeside - Angus Glens Cycle Camping tour - Day 3
Day 3 - Wednesday, 16th June 2010
Had a good nights sleep in the Glen Clova bunk house, had one of Hilary's cereal bars for breakfast, these have come in handy and I've got one left for my last morning on the road tomorrow.
Set off down Glen Clova at 8:50, sun shining and now temperature is a lot warmer, actually started off in short sleeves for the 1st time on the trip. Glen Clova is idilic on a sunny day, many birds can be seen as you cycle down the road.
From Dykehead, at this end of Glen Clova, headed towards Edzell, again these roads are very up and down but with legs fresher, at the beginning of the day, made Edzell, 30 miles down the road by 11. Had a cup of tea and scone at a coffee shop in Edzell and bought a sandwich for my lunch picnic at a shop next door.
Cycled 2 miles, north to Glen Esk campsite, my plan was to pitch my tent and leave my luggage there so that I can go up and down Glen Esk unburdened. The campsite was a bit more basic than Braemar but in a nice spot, the tent pitches are at the bac,k on their own, I was the only tent there. I cycled up to the camping area and there was a rope across but I lifted it and went and pitched my tent. This tent (vango helium 200) I've got is ideal for cycle camping, very light and easy to pitch.
After the tent was pitched, I went to check out the facilities, the thing is, the toilets are so far from the camping area, I cycled to them. When I cycled back to the tent, I ran right into the rope across the entrance, I think this must be a trap especially for cyclists. Luckily the rope snapped and I just have a scar across the bridge of my nose.
Anyway I set off up the Glen Esk Road, which is 15 miles and 15 miles back. It was with some in trepidation, as I had met a chap in the Edzell coffee shop who had said that it is uphill going but easier coming back. Indeed, I can say, I never really noticed it's gradient on the way up, I think it was because my bike was a lot lighter without the camping paraphernalia.
Glen Esk was well worth the trip, I had read it was the most unspoilt Angus Glen and I think its a great spot, the amount of wildlife at the road side was a revelation, rabbits, red squirrel, countless birds and 2 Red deer grazing in a field at the far end at Invermark. There is also a museum two thirds along with a cafe. Hilary and I are planning a trip again soon. At the far end, I had my sandwiches by the river Esk, an ideal spot for a picnic. I guess the cycle up Glen Esk must be more uphill as the cycle back to camp was more downhill than not.
Got back to camp by 4 and managed to catch the camp receptionist and pay my £10 for the tent. I forgot to mention the mantrap in the form of the rope across the tent area, I did drape some greenery over it so it was more visible during the rest of my stay.
I headed down to Edzell for my dinner and tucked in to steak pie at the Tuck inn cafe. Went to the Panmuir Arms down the street to watch the world cup, Uruguay 3 - S. Africa 0, S. Africa had a man sent off but Uruguay deserved a win.
Back to the campsite and I think I slept better this time in my tent, still not as good as my own bed though. Managed to keep the copious amount of midgies out of the tent, those that did get in didn't seem as vicious as the dreaded west coast variety.
Had a good nights sleep in the Glen Clova bunk house, had one of Hilary's cereal bars for breakfast, these have come in handy and I've got one left for my last morning on the road tomorrow.
Set off down Glen Clova at 8:50, sun shining and now temperature is a lot warmer, actually started off in short sleeves for the 1st time on the trip. Glen Clova is idilic on a sunny day, many birds can be seen as you cycle down the road.
From Dykehead, at this end of Glen Clova, headed towards Edzell, again these roads are very up and down but with legs fresher, at the beginning of the day, made Edzell, 30 miles down the road by 11. Had a cup of tea and scone at a coffee shop in Edzell and bought a sandwich for my lunch picnic at a shop next door.
Cycled 2 miles, north to Glen Esk campsite, my plan was to pitch my tent and leave my luggage there so that I can go up and down Glen Esk unburdened. The campsite was a bit more basic than Braemar but in a nice spot, the tent pitches are at the bac,k on their own, I was the only tent there. I cycled up to the camping area and there was a rope across but I lifted it and went and pitched my tent. This tent (vango helium 200) I've got is ideal for cycle camping, very light and easy to pitch.
After the tent was pitched, I went to check out the facilities, the thing is, the toilets are so far from the camping area, I cycled to them. When I cycled back to the tent, I ran right into the rope across the entrance, I think this must be a trap especially for cyclists. Luckily the rope snapped and I just have a scar across the bridge of my nose.
Anyway I set off up the Glen Esk Road, which is 15 miles and 15 miles back. It was with some in trepidation, as I had met a chap in the Edzell coffee shop who had said that it is uphill going but easier coming back. Indeed, I can say, I never really noticed it's gradient on the way up, I think it was because my bike was a lot lighter without the camping paraphernalia.
Glen Esk was well worth the trip, I had read it was the most unspoilt Angus Glen and I think its a great spot, the amount of wildlife at the road side was a revelation, rabbits, red squirrel, countless birds and 2 Red deer grazing in a field at the far end at Invermark. There is also a museum two thirds along with a cafe. Hilary and I are planning a trip again soon. At the far end, I had my sandwiches by the river Esk, an ideal spot for a picnic. I guess the cycle up Glen Esk must be more uphill as the cycle back to camp was more downhill than not.
Got back to camp by 4 and managed to catch the camp receptionist and pay my £10 for the tent. I forgot to mention the mantrap in the form of the rope across the tent area, I did drape some greenery over it so it was more visible during the rest of my stay.
I headed down to Edzell for my dinner and tucked in to steak pie at the Tuck inn cafe. Went to the Panmuir Arms down the street to watch the world cup, Uruguay 3 - S. Africa 0, S. Africa had a man sent off but Uruguay deserved a win.
Back to the campsite and I think I slept better this time in my tent, still not as good as my own bed though. Managed to keep the copious amount of midgies out of the tent, those that did get in didn't seem as vicious as the dreaded west coast variety.
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Deeside - Angus Glens Cycle Camping tour - Day 2
Day 2 - Tuesday 15th June 2010
Woke up pretty early after an "okish" night's sleep at Braemar, got up at 7 but by the time, I packed, sleeping bag, mat and tent, washed and had one of Hilary's excellent cereal bars for breakfast it was 8:20 before I left the campsite it was a sunny but chilly morning, indeed the weather had been dry but coldish the whole trip so far.
I headed off towards the Glenshee ski centre, which was 9 miles up the road. The road was quiet and the birds were singing, a glorious morning, I wasn't sure just how hard the climb was going to be up to Glenshee, especially fully loaded, but it turned out that only the last 2 miles were steep and not nearly as hard as coming up from the other side, which I have done "unloaded" before. I had to have a short rest at the top though.
After the top you get the payback for the uphill struggle, a more confident descender would enjoy it more but I had my brakes on so that my loaded momentum didn't run away with me, after the initial steep downhill it does get shallower and so my brakes didn't overheat.
I took a very short detour through the spital of glenshee hamlet but not much to see there. After 20 miles down the road from Braemar I found my turnoff for Glen Isla/Kirriemuir, Kirkton of Glen Isla is 7 hilly miles down this road, these glen roads are very undulating and quite hard going when carrying luggage. I got to Glen Isla and found that the shop is only open Monday and Thursdays, so I couldn't buy any food for my lunch so I just headed off towards Glen Prossen.
Now, another 7 miles down the road, I came to my turnoff towards Glen Prossen, the road was really up and down and quite tiring. The weather was warming up, my plan for food now was to go up and down Glen prossen and then have lunch at the hotel at Dykehead. Now I had been up Glen Clova before and its scenery was the reason I wanted to do this tour but I must say I was a bit disappointed with Glenprossen, it might be because that parts of it were pretty steep and it was offering to come on rain and I was getting hungry but it didn't seem to provide the same views as it's more famous neighbour. I went up as far as Glenprossen village and then crossed over to the otherside which wasn't so hard going.
When I got to the bottom of the glen at Dykehead, to my dismay I found that the hotel there only served lunches at the weekend, it was 13:00 by now and I was starving. So I decided then that I would do Glen Clova now I knew the hotel at it's far end did food, if I hurried I should be able to do the 10 miles to there before 2. So I set off and luckily found that Clova is not nearly as hilly as Prossen indeed it seemed to be more downhill and I got to the Glen Clova hotel for 13:45, it turned out that they served all day anyway so there was no need to hurry but I was glad to get a meal there and watched the last half-hour of the New Zealand - Slovakia game, when New Zealand equalised to make it 1-1 in the last minute.
The food and beer is good at Glen Clova and I didn't really want to go to Kirriemuir it was just that it seemed to have the nearest campsite. I had already done 60 miles that day and I noticed the hotel had a bunkhouse, I picked up a leaflet and saw that it was £14 for a bunk so I inquired if they had one for me and luck would have it that the 2 man room was booked but the guests weren't coming anymore. So I got the room all to myself for £2 more than pitching my tent at Kirriemuir, not a chance to miss.
I had my dinner at the hotel while I watched the Brazil- N Korea game, 2-1, N Korea did ok but Brazil deserved to win and will be contenders. Got a good night's sleep there and even got my bike into the room as well.
So I was ahead of schedule and now I could aim to do Glen Esk tomorrow and leave an easier day on my way home on Thursday.
Woke up pretty early after an "okish" night's sleep at Braemar, got up at 7 but by the time, I packed, sleeping bag, mat and tent, washed and had one of Hilary's excellent cereal bars for breakfast it was 8:20 before I left the campsite it was a sunny but chilly morning, indeed the weather had been dry but coldish the whole trip so far.
I headed off towards the Glenshee ski centre, which was 9 miles up the road. The road was quiet and the birds were singing, a glorious morning, I wasn't sure just how hard the climb was going to be up to Glenshee, especially fully loaded, but it turned out that only the last 2 miles were steep and not nearly as hard as coming up from the other side, which I have done "unloaded" before. I had to have a short rest at the top though.
After the top you get the payback for the uphill struggle, a more confident descender would enjoy it more but I had my brakes on so that my loaded momentum didn't run away with me, after the initial steep downhill it does get shallower and so my brakes didn't overheat.
I took a very short detour through the spital of glenshee hamlet but not much to see there. After 20 miles down the road from Braemar I found my turnoff for Glen Isla/Kirriemuir, Kirkton of Glen Isla is 7 hilly miles down this road, these glen roads are very undulating and quite hard going when carrying luggage. I got to Glen Isla and found that the shop is only open Monday and Thursdays, so I couldn't buy any food for my lunch so I just headed off towards Glen Prossen.
Now, another 7 miles down the road, I came to my turnoff towards Glen Prossen, the road was really up and down and quite tiring. The weather was warming up, my plan for food now was to go up and down Glen prossen and then have lunch at the hotel at Dykehead. Now I had been up Glen Clova before and its scenery was the reason I wanted to do this tour but I must say I was a bit disappointed with Glenprossen, it might be because that parts of it were pretty steep and it was offering to come on rain and I was getting hungry but it didn't seem to provide the same views as it's more famous neighbour. I went up as far as Glenprossen village and then crossed over to the otherside which wasn't so hard going.
When I got to the bottom of the glen at Dykehead, to my dismay I found that the hotel there only served lunches at the weekend, it was 13:00 by now and I was starving. So I decided then that I would do Glen Clova now I knew the hotel at it's far end did food, if I hurried I should be able to do the 10 miles to there before 2. So I set off and luckily found that Clova is not nearly as hilly as Prossen indeed it seemed to be more downhill and I got to the Glen Clova hotel for 13:45, it turned out that they served all day anyway so there was no need to hurry but I was glad to get a meal there and watched the last half-hour of the New Zealand - Slovakia game, when New Zealand equalised to make it 1-1 in the last minute.
The food and beer is good at Glen Clova and I didn't really want to go to Kirriemuir it was just that it seemed to have the nearest campsite. I had already done 60 miles that day and I noticed the hotel had a bunkhouse, I picked up a leaflet and saw that it was £14 for a bunk so I inquired if they had one for me and luck would have it that the 2 man room was booked but the guests weren't coming anymore. So I got the room all to myself for £2 more than pitching my tent at Kirriemuir, not a chance to miss.
I had my dinner at the hotel while I watched the Brazil- N Korea game, 2-1, N Korea did ok but Brazil deserved to win and will be contenders. Got a good night's sleep there and even got my bike into the room as well.
So I was ahead of schedule and now I could aim to do Glen Esk tomorrow and leave an easier day on my way home on Thursday.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Deeside - Angus Glens Cycle Camping tour - Day 1
Day 1 - Mon 14th June 2010
This was day 1 of my planned tour of the Angus Glens, plan is:
Day 1 Home (Kinellar, Aberdeen) - Braemar (54 miles) - Camp at Braemar
Day 2 Braemar - Kirriemuir campsite via Glen Prossen (61 miles) - camp at Kirriemuir
Day 3 Kirriemuir - Glen Esk campsite via Glen Clova (51 miles) - camp at Glen Esk (nr Edzell)
Day 4 Glen Esk - Home (66 miles) via Glen Esk and Cairn O Mount - home to my own bed.
Day 1 set off at 9:10am, was ready to set off at 08:00 but rain came on and waited for it to go off. Cycled to Ballater for lunch via Dunecht, Midmar,Tarland,Burn O'vat, this is quite a hilly route but roads are quiet and a very scenic route as I expect my whole tour will be. Everyone has to stop at the "Queen's view", 2 miles this side of Tarland as the view is always amazing, the queen always picks a good spot for a view.
This was my first cycle tour where I actually was camping as well so carrying a tent, sleeping mat and bag as well as clothes took a bit getting used to but my Hewitt touring bike is great for carrying loads. I managed to pack everything into 2 medium panniers and a bar bag but it was a bit of a cram.
After a brief stop at the royal's viewpoint its a freewheel down to Tarland and then straight through to Burn O'vat, didn't stop there as had visited a couple of weeks before. It was then down onto the N Deeside Rd to Ballater. I noticed a disused railway line which was cyclable as I got closer to Ballater, I enjoyed cycling on it. I had done around 36 miles by this point so stopped for some lunch, I got there around 11:45 so looked round the village and found a pub that looked like it would be showing the world cup, Holland was playing Denmark at 12:30. Just when I went into the almost deserted Barmoral Bar, 3 other customers arrived and they asked for the TV to be switched to the football, they were Dutch and were desperate to see their team in action. I had a baked tattie and watched the 1st (goal-less) half of a boring game so I got back on my bike and continued my journey, this time on the S. Deeside Rd. I believe game finished 2-0 to Holland so the Ballater Dutch contigent would have been happy.
When I had done about 4 miles after lunch along the quiet and scenic S. Deeside Rd towards Barmoral another cyclist came up along side me he was on a racing bike but seemed quite content to go along at my "fully-loaded touring pace" so we chatted about bikes and weather but at Barmoral he headed up towards Corgarff and I carried on towards Braemar, back on the N Deeside Rd.
I got to Braemar at around 14:50, had a look round the tourist shops, a cup of tea and a scone at the old bakery, the standard CTC cycling snack. I went to Fife Arms and watched the second half of the Japan - Cameroon game which wasn't that great but that has been the norm for the world cup so far, too many mediocre teams that only can defend, 1-0 Japan.
After the game went to pitch my tent at the campsite. Braemar campsite was very nice and not too bad at £9 for pitching my wee 2/1.5 man tent. I got my bearings and settled in, ate my packed "lunch" for my tea and then headed into the village to watch the Italy - Paraguay game, again not a great game but not as bad as some, 1-1.
Back at the campsite, not sure if I got that much sleep not convinced my 3/4 length sleeping mat is comfy enough but I did get some sleep.
This was day 1 of my planned tour of the Angus Glens, plan is:
Day 1 Home (Kinellar, Aberdeen) - Braemar (54 miles) - Camp at Braemar
Day 2 Braemar - Kirriemuir campsite via Glen Prossen (61 miles) - camp at Kirriemuir
Day 3 Kirriemuir - Glen Esk campsite via Glen Clova (51 miles) - camp at Glen Esk (nr Edzell)
Day 4 Glen Esk - Home (66 miles) via Glen Esk and Cairn O Mount - home to my own bed.
Day 1 set off at 9:10am, was ready to set off at 08:00 but rain came on and waited for it to go off. Cycled to Ballater for lunch via Dunecht, Midmar,Tarland,Burn O'vat, this is quite a hilly route but roads are quiet and a very scenic route as I expect my whole tour will be. Everyone has to stop at the "Queen's view", 2 miles this side of Tarland as the view is always amazing, the queen always picks a good spot for a view.
This was my first cycle tour where I actually was camping as well so carrying a tent, sleeping mat and bag as well as clothes took a bit getting used to but my Hewitt touring bike is great for carrying loads. I managed to pack everything into 2 medium panniers and a bar bag but it was a bit of a cram.
After a brief stop at the royal's viewpoint its a freewheel down to Tarland and then straight through to Burn O'vat, didn't stop there as had visited a couple of weeks before. It was then down onto the N Deeside Rd to Ballater. I noticed a disused railway line which was cyclable as I got closer to Ballater, I enjoyed cycling on it. I had done around 36 miles by this point so stopped for some lunch, I got there around 11:45 so looked round the village and found a pub that looked like it would be showing the world cup, Holland was playing Denmark at 12:30. Just when I went into the almost deserted Barmoral Bar, 3 other customers arrived and they asked for the TV to be switched to the football, they were Dutch and were desperate to see their team in action. I had a baked tattie and watched the 1st (goal-less) half of a boring game so I got back on my bike and continued my journey, this time on the S. Deeside Rd. I believe game finished 2-0 to Holland so the Ballater Dutch contigent would have been happy.
When I had done about 4 miles after lunch along the quiet and scenic S. Deeside Rd towards Barmoral another cyclist came up along side me he was on a racing bike but seemed quite content to go along at my "fully-loaded touring pace" so we chatted about bikes and weather but at Barmoral he headed up towards Corgarff and I carried on towards Braemar, back on the N Deeside Rd.
I got to Braemar at around 14:50, had a look round the tourist shops, a cup of tea and a scone at the old bakery, the standard CTC cycling snack. I went to Fife Arms and watched the second half of the Japan - Cameroon game which wasn't that great but that has been the norm for the world cup so far, too many mediocre teams that only can defend, 1-0 Japan.
After the game went to pitch my tent at the campsite. Braemar campsite was very nice and not too bad at £9 for pitching my wee 2/1.5 man tent. I got my bearings and settled in, ate my packed "lunch" for my tea and then headed into the village to watch the Italy - Paraguay game, again not a great game but not as bad as some, 1-1.
Back at the campsite, not sure if I got that much sleep not convinced my 3/4 length sleeping mat is comfy enough but I did get some sleep.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Etape Caledonia 2010
The big day has arrived, got up at 5:30 and consumed part of the, hotel provided, packed breakfast, it did the job. We knocked on Jackie's door, she was ready to go as well. I gave my bike a once over all was ok, I chose to use my Scott aluminium bike instead of my carbon fibre bike as it has compact double gearing as opposed to the triple on the the carbon bike. I prefer the compact double and having done the course, 3 weeks previously, I realised that that the compact had ample gears for me as the climb isn't too long and steep.
With both bikes on top of the car we set off at around 6:15, my start time was 7:32 so that gave us plenty of time to get there. We arrived at Pitlochry ay 6:40 and tried to get to the car park where I had booked parking online, earlier in the week. The road was already closed and we were directed to a diversion, we gave up and just parked at the side of the street back up Moulin Rd.
The high street was jammed with a huge throng of cyclists and there didn't seem to be any organisation but I was wrong, further up the street there were large single letters displayed, denoting the "wave" that was starting. Now they were letting people go off in groups of 200 every 2 minutes, I was allocated number 3269 so I was in the 17th wave, wave Q. So dead on 7:32 I had managed to get myself to the starting point and I was off.
Now since the run was 81 miles, I was planning to pace myself but with the heat of the moment I just started off hell for leather. The pace was pretty fast but I was feeling good and soon I came to first of the climbs, to the "queens view" at loch tummel. The good thing about the compact double, I can seem to climb in quite a high gear and tend to overtake quite a few on the uphills, so it felt good, especially since the roads were closed so no problem overtaking on the right hand side.
Once at the top its pretty undulating until Loch Rannoch where it flattens out, pretty much all the way round it, so the pace carried on being fast all the way to the Schiehallion climb at the 45 mile mark. Indeed I wondered if I could keep this up all the way round, you really needed to keep your wits about you, with 3200 cyclist starting in front of me I was always among cyclists all the time and you had to make sure that no one was coming up my right when I was overtaking.
I stopped, for the 1st time, at the food stop at the bottom of the Schiehallion climb and ate half an energy bar, the climb starts off quite steep but after a couple of miles it levels out and the next 3 miles is just undulating really. The top is at the 50 mile point and knowing you only have 30 miles to go is a good feeling.
The downhill isn't very technical and can be done quite quickly, even by myself, and I'm rubbish at descending. Just after the bottom there is a right turn which takes you on a 10 mile dogleg up and down a glen towards Fortingall, this is a really nice road but at this point, after 55 miles or so, I felt it was a struggle, I think for the first time I noticed there was a headwind but I new that this was only for 5 miles and at the head of the glen when we went back the otherside of the river it would be behind us. I stopped just as we were heading back and had a drink and the other half of my energy bar, 21 miles left to go.
Now back down the glen we joined the "main" road between Weem and the A9 for about 12 miles until Logierait, I found this bit a slog 3 weeks ago, so I was a bit wary, I stopped at Weem and had a drink at the food stop there, 15 miles to go. I then realised that the time was around 11am so if I kept going at a reasonable pace, I could not only finish in under 5 hours but under 4.5 was possible. Although the peleton was more spread out now there were still quite a few around us and we kept overtaking each other so it wasn't as bad as I thought, I was still feeling ok.
At Logierait, with only 4 miles left, there is a left turn up a very steep hill, I was prepared for this and went down to my small front ring. It is pretty hilly the last 4 miles and I did slow down but I think I could allow myself that.
Heading up Pitlochry high St for the finish felt good and there was a crowd there, including Hilary, cheering us on. I reckoned my time was around 4hrs 20mins and I was fair chuffed, I had said under 5.5hrs but was hoping for under 5 but to do it under 4.5 was unbelievable.
At the finish I was shepherded into a line and I detached the widget from my front hub and hand it in, I got my medal at that point as well. I was still astride my bike and was so exhausted, I struggled to lift my leg over, to get off my bike.
I headed back to the finish to find Hilary, I waited for Jackie to come in, I thought I would have to wait a while but not at all, she came in after 4hrs 38mins which was a great time, especially since she was still recovering from a broken arm she got when training in Majorca in February.
I met a few guys I knew at the finish and everyone seemed to have a great day, apart from Scott and Pete, who I know as they came out on winter CTC runs to get used to cycling longer distances. Pete had hit the rear wheel of a bike in front and crashed, the forks of his carbon fibre bike were actually fractured, luckily he wasn't badly hurt himself. Scott's gears gave way 30 miles out and he had to do the remaining miles in single speed, not much fun.
All in all, it was a great day, I found out, by text, my actual time was 4hrs 15mins. There was a good atmosphere with cyclists ruling the roads for a change. My result was:
81 miles - 4hrs 15mins - av speed: 19 miles/hr - 724th out of 3634.
Much better than I expected. Mind you Graeme Obree did it in 3hrs 33 and was in the top 20, the first place doing it in 3hrs 29. Maybe next year ! No way, I think I have peaked already.
With both bikes on top of the car we set off at around 6:15, my start time was 7:32 so that gave us plenty of time to get there. We arrived at Pitlochry ay 6:40 and tried to get to the car park where I had booked parking online, earlier in the week. The road was already closed and we were directed to a diversion, we gave up and just parked at the side of the street back up Moulin Rd.
The high street was jammed with a huge throng of cyclists and there didn't seem to be any organisation but I was wrong, further up the street there were large single letters displayed, denoting the "wave" that was starting. Now they were letting people go off in groups of 200 every 2 minutes, I was allocated number 3269 so I was in the 17th wave, wave Q. So dead on 7:32 I had managed to get myself to the starting point and I was off.
Now since the run was 81 miles, I was planning to pace myself but with the heat of the moment I just started off hell for leather. The pace was pretty fast but I was feeling good and soon I came to first of the climbs, to the "queens view" at loch tummel. The good thing about the compact double, I can seem to climb in quite a high gear and tend to overtake quite a few on the uphills, so it felt good, especially since the roads were closed so no problem overtaking on the right hand side.
Once at the top its pretty undulating until Loch Rannoch where it flattens out, pretty much all the way round it, so the pace carried on being fast all the way to the Schiehallion climb at the 45 mile mark. Indeed I wondered if I could keep this up all the way round, you really needed to keep your wits about you, with 3200 cyclist starting in front of me I was always among cyclists all the time and you had to make sure that no one was coming up my right when I was overtaking.
I stopped, for the 1st time, at the food stop at the bottom of the Schiehallion climb and ate half an energy bar, the climb starts off quite steep but after a couple of miles it levels out and the next 3 miles is just undulating really. The top is at the 50 mile point and knowing you only have 30 miles to go is a good feeling.
The downhill isn't very technical and can be done quite quickly, even by myself, and I'm rubbish at descending. Just after the bottom there is a right turn which takes you on a 10 mile dogleg up and down a glen towards Fortingall, this is a really nice road but at this point, after 55 miles or so, I felt it was a struggle, I think for the first time I noticed there was a headwind but I new that this was only for 5 miles and at the head of the glen when we went back the otherside of the river it would be behind us. I stopped just as we were heading back and had a drink and the other half of my energy bar, 21 miles left to go.
Now back down the glen we joined the "main" road between Weem and the A9 for about 12 miles until Logierait, I found this bit a slog 3 weeks ago, so I was a bit wary, I stopped at Weem and had a drink at the food stop there, 15 miles to go. I then realised that the time was around 11am so if I kept going at a reasonable pace, I could not only finish in under 5 hours but under 4.5 was possible. Although the peleton was more spread out now there were still quite a few around us and we kept overtaking each other so it wasn't as bad as I thought, I was still feeling ok.
At Logierait, with only 4 miles left, there is a left turn up a very steep hill, I was prepared for this and went down to my small front ring. It is pretty hilly the last 4 miles and I did slow down but I think I could allow myself that.
Heading up Pitlochry high St for the finish felt good and there was a crowd there, including Hilary, cheering us on. I reckoned my time was around 4hrs 20mins and I was fair chuffed, I had said under 5.5hrs but was hoping for under 5 but to do it under 4.5 was unbelievable.
At the finish I was shepherded into a line and I detached the widget from my front hub and hand it in, I got my medal at that point as well. I was still astride my bike and was so exhausted, I struggled to lift my leg over, to get off my bike.
I headed back to the finish to find Hilary, I waited for Jackie to come in, I thought I would have to wait a while but not at all, she came in after 4hrs 38mins which was a great time, especially since she was still recovering from a broken arm she got when training in Majorca in February.
I met a few guys I knew at the finish and everyone seemed to have a great day, apart from Scott and Pete, who I know as they came out on winter CTC runs to get used to cycling longer distances. Pete had hit the rear wheel of a bike in front and crashed, the forks of his carbon fibre bike were actually fractured, luckily he wasn't badly hurt himself. Scott's gears gave way 30 miles out and he had to do the remaining miles in single speed, not much fun.
All in all, it was a great day, I found out, by text, my actual time was 4hrs 15mins. There was a good atmosphere with cyclists ruling the roads for a change. My result was:
81 miles - 4hrs 15mins - av speed: 19 miles/hr - 724th out of 3634.
Much better than I expected. Mind you Graeme Obree did it in 3hrs 33 and was in the top 20, the first place doing it in 3hrs 29. Maybe next year ! No way, I think I have peaked already.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Eve of Etape Caledonia 2010
Sat 15th May 2010 - Day before Etape Caledonia
Set off on Saturday at around 8am, picked up Jackie from the CTC in Aberdeen, set off south to Pitlochry. On the way down we passed several cyclists around Laurencekirk, they were doing a time trial on the A90 ! The A90 is a road that is so busy that I try to avoid it on my bike at all costs.
We got to Pitlochry at around 10:30 and it was packed, eventually Hilary got parked at the side of the main street, all car parks were full. We ambled our way down to the registration point, which wasn't too busy. Managed to register and get our goodie bags, which contained a couple of zipvit energy bars and gels, packets of gouji berries, our "race" numbers and "widget", which attached to the front wheel hub and electronically registered our start and finishing times.
After registration, we drove to Aberfeldy where there was a "cycling festival day" going on, there were children racing round a grass track, mountain bike cycle stunts and various stands. Graeme Obree opened the fete and was presenting the prizes, we spoke to him and he had his road bike there which he built himself, it was painted pink ! It had very narrow handlebars but it only weighed 16 lbs, which is about the same as my Scott CR1. I don't think I'll be overtaking him tomorrow.
After a coffee and cake at a cafe/bookshop we headed back to Pitlochry and soaked in the atmosphere as more and more cyclists were arriving, not sure if all 4500 were there yet. Late afternoon we headed to Kirkmichael, where we were booked into the Kirkmichael hotel, about 12 miles east of Pitlochry. Trying to book anywhere closer was deemed impossible.
The Kirkmichael hotel was very nice, the food and beer was good, although I only had 1 pint, due to my newly found health conscious "sportsman" status and it being the night before the big event. They also made us a packed breakfast next morning as we would have to leave around 6:15 to be sure to get to the start in time.
Set off on Saturday at around 8am, picked up Jackie from the CTC in Aberdeen, set off south to Pitlochry. On the way down we passed several cyclists around Laurencekirk, they were doing a time trial on the A90 ! The A90 is a road that is so busy that I try to avoid it on my bike at all costs.
We got to Pitlochry at around 10:30 and it was packed, eventually Hilary got parked at the side of the main street, all car parks were full. We ambled our way down to the registration point, which wasn't too busy. Managed to register and get our goodie bags, which contained a couple of zipvit energy bars and gels, packets of gouji berries, our "race" numbers and "widget", which attached to the front wheel hub and electronically registered our start and finishing times.
After registration, we drove to Aberfeldy where there was a "cycling festival day" going on, there were children racing round a grass track, mountain bike cycle stunts and various stands. Graeme Obree opened the fete and was presenting the prizes, we spoke to him and he had his road bike there which he built himself, it was painted pink ! It had very narrow handlebars but it only weighed 16 lbs, which is about the same as my Scott CR1. I don't think I'll be overtaking him tomorrow.
After a coffee and cake at a cafe/bookshop we headed back to Pitlochry and soaked in the atmosphere as more and more cyclists were arriving, not sure if all 4500 were there yet. Late afternoon we headed to Kirkmichael, where we were booked into the Kirkmichael hotel, about 12 miles east of Pitlochry. Trying to book anywhere closer was deemed impossible.
The Kirkmichael hotel was very nice, the food and beer was good, although I only had 1 pint, due to my newly found health conscious "sportsman" status and it being the night before the big event. They also made us a packed breakfast next morning as we would have to leave around 6:15 to be sure to get to the start in time.
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