It was a dark and dismal morning, on a week that had seen rain. When all roads led to Brackla with the Pacers there again. They came down from the valleys, they came from far and wide (Pencoed and Ewenny), there were 4 of us riding out, to Duffryn and Tyn-y-coed.
So, me. Paul, fresh from his training camp and "shoe incident". Chappie, reminiscent of a young Alenjandro Valverde, but with a more expensive gilet. And Angelo, looking cool on his classic De Rosa.
My understanding is that some concerns were raised at the recent club meeting that we were failing utilise footpaths round the back of Castle Bingo and eager to rectify this I lead the group along some footpaths round the back of Castle Bingo, because I'm old and can't read the map on my Wahoo without squinting.
Enthused by this unusual deviation we pressed on, out towards Llantrisant before peeling off onto some interesting lanes through Rhiwsaeson (look it up) where an unusual experiment inolving an infinite amount of mud and a finite amount of road had been taking place.
We headed across to Taffs Well and then up to Caerphilly where Angelo was distraught to learn we weren't heading up the mountain, but instead on the shiney, clean lanes through Draethen. The mist was still hanging in the pine forests, and would have made a lovely picture if we hadn't arrived at a slippery looking corner every time I tried to get my phone out.
Skirting Newport and on to the flats where the gradient (or lack of) was proving tough for some with a concerted zone 2 group effort. Ever the gourmands we stopped at Penarth Marina on Paul's recommendation to sample some artisan patisserie. Took a look at the queue and went to Coffee & Co next door.
Suitably refueled Chappie noticed he was running an hour late on the schedule he'd agreed with Mrs Chappie and transformed into Filippo Ganna for the return leg around Barry and onward to Llantwit Major.
It was here decided to split with Chappie and Angelo continuing towards Bridend while Paul and I tootled around the coast roads through St.Donats and Ogmore by Seaand were rewarded with sparkling views across the Bristol Channel.
A lovely day when the mist lifted. Looking forward to some proper October weather soon.
