"SOSNOS" 2009

Hi folks, apologies for the time length in between updates, the personal life has been hectic the last few weeks, but as the run draws closer I promise to be better at updating. Days 4, 5 and 6 are now planned under route info, I will get the rest finished soon.

Training has been going moderately well, getting lots of miles in, though do need to throw some longer ones in to build the stamina.  I have even managed to drag some friends out for a cycle!

The bike has had a good service by www.bikesbyjohn.co.uk and is running very well.

Full of the cold, but it was a nice day so off I went, I really hurt now! Only 35 miles! Need to get up to 60.

click for video

Day 3 planning now complete. Takes me from Johnstone up to the campsite in Strathyre. A couple of good ascents on this day, and a long day at 64 miles.

Another few bits and bobs purchased for my mighty trip across Scotland.

Got a grounsheet whci I gave cut to the size of my tent. Just gives that extra layer of protection for tent and keep cold and damp off me when sleeping.

Also got a slighly more compact cookeset, Gelert ascent III

Also got a multimat kumfie, last year i sat on my jacket, but I think this will be much better.

Also going to add a new page with links to sites where I get kit from or just any other general info.

Its just as well I took my bike to Aberdeen to get some miles in, as usual when I get home the weather is howling gales! Does using the wii fit count as training?

Working in Aberdeen just now instead of Offshore. Took my bike up on the train with my new panniers so I can keep up the cycling. Bottom Bracket gave out on way up, but thanks to the speedy delivery of wiggle and the help of a friend with the loan of some tools its all fixed.
Been cycling up round Kirkhill Forest which is a pleasant ride, though as I don’t finish till 1800 it can get quite dark and spooky.
Oh and Liz, if your reading, many thanks for your donation.

Popped up to Go outdoors today and got myself a few more bits of kit that I need.

A life venture pocket first aid kit

A life venture micro fibre towel

2 plastic sporks

Took the train down to Ayr from Johnstone then cycled the 40 miles back, my first proper long run of the year (yes I know its March). It snowed this morning and it was a winter wonderland but by lunchtime it had all melted and the sun was out so off I went. Its part of route I am taking on my run so it was a good recce. Due to the bad weather the gym traing has been been full on.

Got a gymn programme sorted out this week to complement my cycling training and also to allow me to keep some sort of traininggoing in his awful weather. I have to be honest and say I am not gettng that many miles under my belt, bring on ome nice weather. Firts break in this lousy wather and I am going to get a nice long run in. In the meantime I have plotted day 2 of my cycle (see sub page route) and drafted a equipment list. Items marked in red are stuff still to buy. Please feel free to critique my gear list with comments.

Trailed my daughter from Johnstone to Kilmacolm today, really strong headwind combined with it being uphill made it a really good work out. Going home was much easier.

After seeing cycling hero Mark Beaumont the other day at his lecture, by sheer chance I bumped into his grandmother. She stoped to ask about trailer and mentioned she was going to tell her grandson about it and he was the guy the cycled round the world! We had a wee blether about his exploits after that. Its a small world.

Bike and Trailer

Went to see Mark Beaumont in Edinburgh this evening, inspiring stuff. If he can batter out 18000 miles then I can do a measly 500 ish! Plus I should not have to worry about being kidnapped of be bitten by snakes!