Thanks Mark for another great ride, there were times we rode for over an hour without encountering a car, bliss..... all the controls were exemplary, quick and efficient and as always weather guaranteed!
As usual, weather not as bad as predicted, it was wet but if you were dressed for the occasion this was not a problem, it was windy but I never felt as risk except the for the final section of the Severn Bridge which could have been walked if required. It wasn’t cold unless you didn’t have the right amount of layers on for your needs.
Stage one was on the whole shielded from the wind by hedgerow
Stage two was tougher, the Wye Valley was shielded so it was only the section from Alensmore to Monmouth that was challenging, however you were shielded during the climbs and there were a few of those including the infamous Llancloudy that was a lot easier than I remember during the final leg of the BCM
Stage three was fine, the wind was slightly behind you for the majority of the stage
Stage four was excellent, the fabled tailwind carried us back to arrive with little effort
It was great to see the usual suspects and welcome back Joolz who I rode with for a while and as usual appeared to be taking it all in his stride.
Unfortunately my riding partner Jason had to DNF @ Chepstow due to a knee issue. GWS Jason
I rode the last stage and a half with (Newport) Jack, thank you for the excellent company
Next up: Mr. Pickwick's March Madness
