Now that was tough! Great day out with truly stunning scenery all the way, everything Dave had promised. Weather was generally ok, however a tough headwind out to Harlech and cross wind all the way to Llangelynin had sapped all my strength so I was unable to fully capitalize on the super tail wind back to HQ.
I was unsure about whether I could ride the Bwlch. I have rode it many times from Llyn Vyrnwy side and dropped down to Dinas Mawddwy so I knew what I had to cycle up. Several years ago I had been in the support car for the club, and due to the awful weather, had seen club riders much,much stronger than me all resorted to pushing their bikes. To see ex-cat 1 racers pushing their steeds was truly unbelievable (
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0JZHtviwz5icTE5QW5WSTBYZzg/view). I usually ride 50/36 12-25 and had decided to put a 11-28 on the back. I decided against the 34 up front at the last minute and hoped I would not regret it. I was already tired when I got to Dinas Mawddwy so I had an ice cream, some apple juice and half a Cadbury's Whole Nut to top up the stores. Water bottles filled it was time for the off.
I rode with anticipation to the foot of the climb. On the sharp right handed bend in the wooded section I remembered I had seen club mates pushing by this point already. At a few places I looked up and saw a ribbon of tarmac unfeasible snaking up the side of the mountain. Thought of "could I do this?" went through my mind, there were no real alternatives to circumnavigate the bwlch without putting extra miles in. I was quickly in bottom gear and out of the saddle, looking at floor, not wanting to look up. A couple of cars came down which almost caused me to stall, stopping was not an option as I wouldn't get started again. The couples in their cars had disbelief written on their faces as this (clearly) madman crawled his way up the hill. A couple of sections I was able to move it into the 25 ring for no other reason than to allow me the pleasure of changing back into the 28. I battled with my demons which were telling me to stop and push. I agreed with my self that I just needed to get to the barrier section and would then think about walking from their. I knew in my mind that in reality there was no way I would get to the barrier and then push but it was easier to concentrate on smaller sections. Every time I thought I couldn't do it a tailwind would come and give me a helping hand. I got to the barrier section and pushed on, it can't be far now surely. I rounded at the corner and there it was, the cross at the top. To say I was overjoyed was an understatement, I was happier to see that cross than a pilgrim on a pilgrimage and it felt almost like a deep religious enlightenment. A real sense of relief came over me and I started to laugh to myself. Me, little old me, had dragged his sorry ass all the way up the Bwlch without putting a foot down or pushing a single foot. I was glad it was all over, I knew from her I would get back to the arrivee, even with the Hirnant pass in the way.
A top day out which will no doubt stay with me a long time. Next time it'll be with a 11-32 on the back!
