"Pain in the Beattocks"

Oh I've missed the pain, it starts with a tingling sensation, which then develops into an uncomfortable burn, and then with 25 Kilometres to go, its numb bum syndrome...

'Tweaking' a hamstring whilst trying to break Usain Bolts' 100m record on 'The One Show' last week, hampered my training. (If you were wondering, I did break it, eventually. 9.20 seconds - in a car!). So, leaving Glasgow in the sunshine - yes you read that right, I said sunshine - it was always going to be a tough day at the office.

Skyride is having the desired affect! I saw more cyclists today than I did throughout the whole of the first leg between Manchester and Glasgow! 4 times Gold Medallist Sir Chris Hoy was at yesterday's Glasgow Skyride. People flocking to get a glimpse of their hero. And do you know what? He had time for every single cyclist. A true legend, and a top bloke.

We ended up grabbing a bite to eat with the main man, (or "The Hoy Hoy" as Matty calls him) and his colleague Charlie last night. Steve and I had 2 routes planned, "The Hoy Hoy" suggested we try route 'B'. Who were we to argue...

It was just one long uphill, with head wind the whole way! I must buy Sir Chris a beer when I see him next...to say thanks!

What a pain in the Beattocks. A little village just off the M6, the finish line - for day 1! Time to get back into routine - ice bath, a large amount of food and some rest. "No Will, I don't want to play tennis".

STATS

63 miles

4hrs 28mins

3024m Ascent

Avg speed 14.0mph

Calories: 3173