The Balmaha challenge

Well that was tough Csaba my work mate challenged me to cycle to Balmaha and back before 8pmon Sunday evening which seemed very easy discussing it over lunch. By the time I got around to setting off it was close to 4,30 and just raining by the time i was over cock hill it was pouring down, with the wind in my face making very tough going. It was just after 6pm when i passed through Drymen, thinking great very close now but it was another 10 mins away finally got there only to move when my picture was being taken. I quick sandwich and back to Drymen to pick up cycle route7. A very good road surface quite a climb up into the Queen Elizibeth forest which i'm sure woul offer some great veiws if it wasn't for the heavy low hanging rain clouds, I pushed hard for the top and was rewarded with a great 15mins free wheeling in to Gartmore nice nd flat to Aberfoyle, back on to the main road with 35 mins from Braveal to be back in Callander, I was feeling very tied by now so Cock hill was very hard once over the top i kick thought the gears and out back to my restaurant just as the 8pm news was finishing on the kitchen radio. Did it 47 mile round trip in 3;27. I'm really doubting being able to cycle100 miles a day!!!

great cycle today

well took advantage of the good weather and cycled to killin on Wednesday. I decided to use the road instead of following cycle route 7. This was to see the other side of the glen and to see if the climb up to the top of Glen Ogle was as tough, wow what a climb just over 3 miles from Loch Earnhead to the top. When I finally reached the top it was a simple ride then to killin. Lunch was great I meet some family at the falls of dochart inn and we sat outside and enjoyed there hot smoked salmon open sandwich with salad and fries. That said I probably shouldn't have finished Abby's fries of because the climb back out from Killin steep, I followed the cycle route back to the crest then on the road down the hill great fun. I will do this route again total distance 44 miles allow 4 and half hours to enjoy lunch.
I do need to replace brake shoes and I also lost a bolt from my shoe cleets. I hoping Jamie at Mounter bikes will help me out he has a cycle hire shop in the square here in Callander.

back to training

Well after 2 weeks off with a bad back I managed to get some time this evening to get out. It was a lovely sunny late afternoon with the sun shining and only a few clouds. I decided to cycle from Callander around Loch Venachar through brig a turk pass the end of Loch Katrine up the dukes pass until the lower forest drive. The first 10 mile where beautiful with breathtaking views of the snow covered Benn A'ne and Benn Venue the water on the lochs reflecting the landscape like a mirror words just don't do it justice, I've taken some photo from a view point but even they are a poor second to the real thing. I continue to be amazed at the natural beauty of the Trossachs.I would recommend it if you like breathtaking scenery and cycling or walking you could spend a week here and take a different route every day.