Not the beginning - Ridgeback Panorama 50 miles

This is a blog that will hopefully follow my adventures on my touring bicycle bought new in the winter of 2009. It is not however as the title says the beginning, like most people cycling has been with me since childhood.

I have hit my mid 40's and I have been keeping myself very fit and I have harbored an ambition to complete a tour route of Scotland that I have attempted twice but failed in my earlier years.

So before the next attempt can be taken on I realise that I need to do a fair bit of ground work and planning, so initially this blog will be about the preparation and training to get me onto my eventual journey.

That eventual journey will be a round trip of Scotland of at least 1000 miles, maybe more if I take in some of the Islands. Now I know that this is chicken feed to some of the amazing adventures others have achieved on there own bikes, but everyones own personal achievements are theirs to keep forever and a challenge no matter how big or small is good for the soul.

It makes sense to combine my fitness with something I have always loved doing and Scotland is just a such a beautiful country to explore. I have been chalking of a fair bit on my other two wheels, yes the ones you don't pedal and I just never tire of its unspoilt beauty. I owe it to myself to see other parts of the world which I am sure are just as mind blowing but I feel very fortunate to have this adventure on my doorstep.

What have I done so far, I bought the bike last year, then moved house and only really now have I started to explore the new bike, I had a quick run in the winter just to try it out.

First off was a run to my brothers in Kinghorn, a 18 mile adventure, a good chance to try the steep hill leading out of Aberdour and some normal road cycling, the bike took it in its stride and a Hasty return in almost darkness made it interesting. But it was very enjoyable and really no effort at all.

14/08/2010 27.8 miles
I picked out a route that would give me a good mixture of terrain, from Dalgety bay I headed out to the Otterson Loch road, a very steep long climb, a good test for the bike and its rider. After spending my youth on standard 10 speed racers, I can't help but be amazed by how well modern gears destroy hills.

Once at the top of the Loch road you eventually hit a T junction, I headed down to the Orrick Quarry road, a fast decent and a great reward for the climb.

I proceeded out on the Orrick Quarry road a long stretching road, typical of central Scotland.

I took the turn off for the Puddledub road, this road stretches across to the small village of Auchtertool. From there I took the road that leads to the old Torbain road towards Lochgelly, a welcomed break after the Auchtertool stretch which has a few good steep climbs.

I headed down into Kirkcaldy and headed down the New road an down towards Beveridge Park and out onto the other end of the Orrick Quarry road. I turned off on to the Jawbane road that leads to the back of Kinghorn and stopped of at the kissing trees for a few snaps.

Down to my brothers for coffee and a biscuit and then I ventured back the way I had cycled the other week in the dark. This time in bright daylight, once at Aberdour I headed through the park back to Dalgety Bay.

A great day out, cycled the whole way with my bum on the seat, so a good sign for whats to come. in September myself and a friend are heading up north for a 140 mile circuit over 2 to 3 days, tough torrain but mostly a route I have done before. Information to follow.

Happy Cycling to All