Training Log Archive: ba-ba

A spin North to Barnhill - where Orwell wrote 1984 - with Tom Brunt. A few ups and I'm no match for Tom's cycling ability, but he seemed happy to sit up and wait for me. The last 4 miles north were on rough cart track so my Boardman went where no Boardman should go. Longest bike ride by about 90mins - about 48miles, with 8 in the middle being cyclocross

Event: Jura
 

Jura. 19th. Winner: Hector Haines 3:06:30 (123%)

Cracking day on Jura, a world away from last week! Boggy on the first climb and down to 3 arch bridge but other than that pretty much perfect - descent off Pap 1 is in a bit of a bad way though. Set off steady, aware of the last week and lack of rest (small tents lead to poor broken sleep). Can't really say I was racing but wanted to get around sub 4 to get my tumbler, quicker than last year if possible (3:53). Was surprised to catch Spyke heading up Pap3, and even more surprised to see Tim Budd catch me at the lochans before Corra Beinn. Had Nigel Woods in my sights heading to the bridge, but he went off along the road like a stabbed rat, and I was happy to cruise it in for a sub 3:50. Great day out, great to see the strength of Alan Smith (V50 in road shoes) everywhere and Manny Gorman going up hill. And an epic run by Hector for the record.

Took a pedal out to the bridge to see the back markers and wonder where Roger was. The cheer for his V70 prize (last place, 7h+ after 'stress testing every cut-off') was brilliant.

Opted for a lie in so got the later ferry straight into Port Askaig rather than a cycle across Islay from Port Ellen to Askaig. Loads of folk waiting at the Lochranza ferry terminal. Nice ride from Claonaig to Kennacraig (6 miles) where I bumped into Rick Stu and Dan from Todmorden. Cheeky kip on the ferry (as well as checking out the paps with Glossopdale). Had a meal at the hotel in Askaig whilst everyone waited and fought over the ferry to Jura. Cycle to Craighouse (8 miles) before a very easy spin up the road to the bridgewith DP (6 miles)

Walked up Goatfell in cracking weather fr thefirst summit view of the trip!
Then cycled over to Lochranza. Got caught in a downpour as I hit the top of the Boguille and got soaked. Thankfully there was a SYHA in Lochranza which saved my bacon!

Arrochar - The Cobbler and Ben Ime. Didn't want to do too much before Jura, even though the Arrochar Alps route was calling. Cobbler new favourite mountain?

Walked up Ben Lomond. Up the Ptarmigan, down tourist path. No view on top but a nice day lower down.

26.3km From Salochy down Lomond to Dryman and back.

Trail run from Salochy. Put a bit of effort through the legs and felt OK.

Had a fantastic cooked breakfast in Troon before heading north to Loch Lomond. Had a shuffle to try and ease the legs. Got caught in some shitty forestry work.