Thanks Mark for all your efforts in setting up this event - I thought your were almost apologetic at the depart when talking about all the “gratuitous climbing” ahead of us!
Thanks too to Brian the chef - the sausages and bacon were excellent; Andy & Siobhan were helpful and cheery at a time when it was sorely needed; Tony & Kathy I saw all too briefly...
With Mark’s words of warning not to get carried away in the first two sections still echoing in my head, I bombed down to Monmouth in the peloton and mostly clung on to some fast riders to Llandovery. After that the climbing really started, the day got really hot, and my wheels came off... or at least the cogs on my rear cassette. Limped into Pontrhydfendigaid where a garage mechanic applied a large hammer to both loosen and tighten them up again. (Stunning views and 60~70 vintage cars but not many bike shops…)
The cooler and flatter night sections had me moving again - the TLC at Barmouth was a boost and the bed at Llanrwst was the most comfortable I’ve ever known! Sadly the acquaintance was brief - in less than two hours it was time to get up and go. The climbing seemed to start immediately and last the whole (95km) stage and as temperatures hit the tar-melting stage again I was not helped by a navigational issue.
Climbing out of Newtown a bit of shade in a field proved too tempting and my ride was effectively over... but a couple of hours later I was battling on with the help of ice-cream in Knighton and falling temperatures. Pleased to see David in Leominster - didn’t mean to leave you behind - as you easily caught me up the first two times you stopped, I figured you’d do it a third.
Mixed feelings: cycled every km and climbed every metre (+ some), but way OOT.
One thing for sure - it is a great route. Would love to try again (just not anytime soon!).
