I rode the 400 with Flatus and Graham G. The first part out to Lake Vyrnwy with a tailwind was fast and furious. A tactical wee stop meant we fall out of the large group we'd ended up at the head of and things calmed down.
Lake Vyrnwy was looking stunning as we cycled along the shoreline. We took it sensibly up Bwlch y Gros, enjoying the fantastic scenery & ignoring the few drops of rain. I found it odd riding up this climb knowing I'd ridden it in September on fixed and, apart from the very top section, finding it all okay. I guess when one doesn't have the options of gears it is just case of getting on with riding.
The next section across Trawsfynydd mountain road was brilliant. I must have ridden this road back in 2011, but the weather was terrible and it all felt new to me. It's nice being able to link the main road sections I know from things like the BCM 600 together. Another quick stop at Trawsfynydd control meant we were quickly on our way to Pen y Pass. I really like that climb as I find it the perfect gradient to tap out a good rhythm. Flatus and I are waiting for the photo from the top to find out who won the sprint for the summit.
The stop at Pete's Eats was possibly a mistake as it was baking inside & all three of us had a slow ride to Bangor digesting food. On the BCM 600 I dislike the Llanberis to Bangor section and it was the same today. At least it's not far.
The first part across Anglesey was a tad dull after all the amazing mountain views, but the coastline ride back made up for the inland section.
Then all we had was the ride along the A5. In the evening light it was an incredible trip. The gradients are perfect, the traffic light after the first little bit and I enjoyed spotting all the old toll houses, mile markers etc that one misses when driving. Not having to think about navigation made this a mentally much easier section.
The food at Llangollen was great and we then sorted out warm clothes for the last leg. It was a shame to leave the A5 and get back onto some smaller roads with gravel and potholes to dodge in some cases. We still made decent progress and finished just before 1am covered in grime and bugs. I used the outside tap to clean myself off before collapsing in my sleeping bag to dream about a fantastic ride.
Many many thanks to John, Linda, Edwin, Daniel and the other helpers.
Bwlch y Grows
Trawsfynydd
Riding onto Hollyhead
Audax glamour: sat outside Waitrose at Menai Bridge & getting disapproving looks from the customers heading in and out of the shop
Ogwen
Sunset on the A5.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1629390482