I was feeling pretty good on Saturday morning, so I thought I'd go for a relatively fast one.
Eventually settled into steady pace with Dr Jason, Simon Gent and Team Rapha -- who stopped for some reason mid-way to Bronllys.
Rode on from Bronllys with Simon, John Barkman, 'Gernod' and 'Rob'. This group grew considerably as we picked up a number of riders; Rob was going well, riding very strongly into the wind, pacing us up the hills.
A fast descent to Bow Street was unfortunately not possible due to motor traffic blocking the way. I took a long turn on the front from Bow Street to Machynlleth. The gentle first part of the climb was taken at break-neck speed. Although I couldn't keep up on the steeper bit, I had regained contact by Cross Foxes.
The ride to Pen-y-Pass was taken fairly gently after all our earlier efforts -- thanks to strong, steady riding from John, Gernod, et al. Still -- we got into Menai at 7pm, my fastest ever 300.
As always, I grovelled on part of the return to King's (the bit around Waunfawr). The road behind Snowdon always picks me up though, even more so this time, with clear skies and a tailwind. The climb up to Trawsfynnydd was a grind as ever, but the descent through the trees in the twilight, with an almost-full moon was just spectcular. Got back to King's at 10.45pm, time for dinner, dry clothes, and a quick chat with TOBY (heading off into the night like a bloody loon). Bedded down in the lounge for 4 hours -- earplugs in, woolly hat pulled down over the eyes, lovely.
Woke up fairly refreshed, hooked up with the others, hung on up to Cross Foxes and hammered it down to Aberhafesp. I love Aberhafesp, it always signals the start of my good mood on the Sunday. Team Rapha had overtaken us overnight; so had a quick chat here about forthcoming articles and photos (sadly, I will not be featuring).
I finally got some proper legs on for the climb-of-two-halves over to Knighton, followed by yet more hammering to Weobley, we took the main road route, which is a 234% improvement.
Over Llancloudy (bleugh, gotta do it), and etc to Monmouth. Then a mad, mad, mad race to Tintern. Uphill at 42kph at one point -- how is this even possible after 600km?
Anyhoo, got to Bulwark at approximately 2.45pm exactly -- to find TOBY and Bunbury (kettle on, good man!) both awaiting Mark's return from Dolgellau. I resisted the urge to rifle through the pile of Brevet cards on the table and change their finishing times.
Thanks to all for company, helping, pacing, beer, kebabs, etc, etc.
A most excellent day-or-so's riding.
