A far better outlook than last greeted those at the club. The sun even poked it’s nose out briefly. Still, Jim took no chances, equipping the broom wagon with snorkel, goggles and flippers. Just in case like….
The black swans in the pond in Hoofield Lane were impressed.
Llanberis can be a smiling assassin, and despite the confident start and relatively painless ride to Ruthin, the deadly ‘Sportsmans’ had other ideas.
A bock headwind met the riders who had huffed and puffed up Denbigh High Street, as I was charging my car in Morrisons(!) and shopping for toilet roll…
Grimacing and painful pedalling was then met by a few spots of rain…
By the time the time that the riders were in Betwys-Y-Coed, the cloud had descended and the rain battered and lashed riders relentlessly.
It should be noted here, that Syd and Pat stopped for tea and scone. You have to see the unedited, non wide angle image of the biggest scone that I have ever seen!! See gallery below..
On with the story..
Along the A4086 towards Pen-Y-Pass, the howling wind blew in all directions, further slowing progress for all riders. Most riders wishing for the Pen-Y-Pass ascent to come quickly, so they could at least get it over with and descend to sanctuary!
A mix of red-eyed, soaking wet, and in some cases borderline hypothermic, riders arrived.
By 6:30pm, showered and changed, the riders were then warmed up and full of chatter about the day.
Preparing for dinner, and of course having the executive suite rather than a room, Kevan saw no need to bring shoes with him, and enjoyed the best in luxurious hosting from the hotel. Luxury usually only afforded to the most prestigious of guests in the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.
The Underhills are used to such accomodation…
…and facilities…
..and hospitality.
Dinner was guzzled with gusto, and a relaxing pint afterwards was enough for most riders, who retired to their slumber.
Sunday was a much nicer start than Saturday. What could be in store? Would the wind change direction, accompanied by short sharp showers? Not really. A tailwind brought the first riders flying down to Ruthin, and a steady stream of groups and individuals after.
Only about 3 riders in the vans, and everyone else was off up the Bwlch before grabbing a 5 minute breather and haring home like riders possessed!
A very enjoyable weekend I think for most. Thanks to Jim as organiser, and all the helpers.
Another top WVCC weekend, made all the more pleasant by not-too-many-dramas (slippers aside)!
Some images in the gallery below, for your amusement or reliving of the horror!!!
