What a fantastic day.
After the gathering at the start, of eager(ish) souls all trying to still digest their breakfast, we waited for the go.
Whilst we were waiting, we were treated to up-close scrutiny of Kev’s nice new red (pink) handlebar tape.
Which I believe is now for sale on the forum… (http://wvcc.roflforum.net/t954-free-pink-handlebar-tape)
As we patiently waited, we were also treated to a local circus act, comprising of the no-hands trackstand, from resident entertainer, Dave.
The crowd were enthralled…
Setting off only to a slight chill, we were treated to the initial ‘warm-up’ climb up to the Pen-Y-Pass car park. A slow ascent for me (Ady), had me chatting to Rob Dacey about how hard it was starting with such a climb. I tapped past him in my granny gear, reserved only for Mow Cop normally.
Clearly inspired, Rob then freewheeled past me up hill, sandwiched between us riders and Graham’s van. It’s a mystery to me how he did this, even now… 😉
Things got very quickly better for our group (the grupetto), as we tapped along the road to the junction near the cafe, then descended quickly to Betwys y Coed. A steady climb out, and we were on the A5 hammering towards Cerrigydrudion, ready for our trip through the Clocaenog forest.
Some of us even looked happy(?)
Over the A5105 had us enjoying some of the best road cycling you could possibly get, in fantastic weather, cool, only a light breeze, bright sunshine, challenging climbs and fast descents. Inspiring.
Speaking of descents, as we approached Ruthin, the descent is someting to be savoured, and Kev, Eleanor, Ewart and me did indeed savour a fanastically fast descent to the town, vocally enhanced by Eleanor’s evil laugh at having dropped Andy on the descent(!)
The cafe saw the entire group in a feeding frenzy, and joined by Craig and the the Sunday run who came out to meet us.
After lunch, we pushed the pedal hard up the hill and re-grouped at the Clwyd Gate, before the inevitable dash back through Loggerheads. This saw the inevitable splits.
Even the grupetto got a bit of speed on after Loggerheads, and after it slowed, enoyed a more leisurely (?) pace through the lanes, and back through Kinnerton, Chester, through Delamere, where the only delay was the rest of the group waiting for me, dropping my gloves twice from my back pocket.
Those of us who arrived back at Moss Farm felt a sense of achievement and relief!
A cracking weekend was had by all, and a group thanks must go to Graham for his expert organisation and support, and to Graham, Ann, Steve, Caroline, Elaine, Lyndsey and Dave Hinde for their tireless support vehicle work!