The early morning rain and cool, blustery conditions seemed to put a few people off this morning. Both the Amblers and Pacers numbers slightly down.
5 pacers, Steven, Jason, Chris Reed, Haydn and myself set off west towards Swansea marina, Chris setting the early pace, until Roger's Lane where his lungs reminded him he'd been off the bike for a couple of weeks. Steven and me then took turns leading the group out to Margam and toward Port Talbot, where Haydn hit the front. This was to be a recurring theme, he was very 'excitable' this morning, doing long, hard turns on the front and 'kicking' on every rise we met. There was a very strong headwind this morning and the need to share the work was evident but we didn't tell Haydn!
Carried on via Neath and Skewen before dark clouds descended over Bonymaen, not metaphorical clouds but a real downpour, not on the forecast!
Soon got wet and cold but not far to the marina cafe, who seem to be more on their game these days and we were served promptly, with a chance to warm up and dry off a bit.
No dissenters when the suggestion was made for a quick return home via Fabian Way and Water St. Steven set a steady 25mph up Fabian Way before Jason, who was looking strong all day, took it up a notch pulling us along at 29-30mph along the new road past Port Talbot, Haydn hit the front towards the end of this section but was to pay the price for his efforts, when we hit the climb out of Porthcawl. Steven leading the way for the final drag home.
54 blustery miles and back in Brackla before the Amblers.
