I had a great weekend that started with a beer at the Euston Tap on Friday evening before jumping on the train to Shrewsbury along with a few other riders.
I found Chris N at the HQ and pitched my tent next to him before drinking his beer. This was my first night of camping since getting back from our 2016 tour & I was shocked at how small my one men tent was compared to the massive three person tent from last year.
Chris & I set off at 7:45 and had a good ride through Herefordshire, tho neither of us really knew where we were as it's an unfamiliar area. The 17% climb before Brockhampton was an unexpectedly tough climb & proved to be the worst of the whole ride.
Once Chris and I got into the Golden Valley we knew where we were & somewhere on the Boughrood we're picked up my a small group that kind of stayed together until Cwmystwyth.
The Elan Valley & Van of Delights was magnificent. After Aberystwyth it felt like we'd broken the back of the ride. I really enjoyed the climb out of Aberystwyth along the A44 as I chatted with Ian (from Manchester) & we made good progress to Audax Hackney control at Trefeglwys. I tried to have a conversation with Ivan, but every sentence I uttered was interrupted by an annoying coughing fit, despite feeling fine. The gnocchi seemed like an inspired menu choice.
The final leg involved Ian trying to time trail along every main road, even when the route would turn into a side road & I'd've to shout out "right! RIGHT!!" to keep him on track. With 15km or so to go we came across the police dealing with a car that a muppet had parked on it's roof in a narrow lane. It was an impressive piece of parking. After lifting the bikes over the glass we were pretty much home.
After some much appreciated food at the arrivee I fell into my tent having completed a great ride and another SR series.
Thanks to Chris and Ian for the company & all the helpers who made the ride possible.