Considering the grim weather forecast we had surprisingly decent weather for today's amble around the Vale. There were 12 starters this morning, although we were soon joined by 2 more club members on route, as well as the phantom cyclist who overtook us on at least twice and was later identified as Paul Nicholas who was in a mad dash to catch up with the Pacers. We followed the Coast Road out through Ogmore and Southern down to St Brides before hitting the Lanes towards Llantwit.we then headed North towards Welsh St Donuts before dropping down to A berth in where we stopped to observe the 2 minutes silence.
At this stage, realising that Cowbridge would be packed due to Remembrance Sunday, I decided to tweak the route and we enjoyed the cheeky little climb up to Old Norman's Cafe before stopping for tea and cake at Hannah's Diner. Up to the break the pace had been very restrained, and even the couple of stray Pacers were behaving themselves. It was left to Mal 'lone break' Jones to push the pace along. However, after the stop to refuel and a gentle ride through a by now quiet Cowbridge, it all kicked off once we hit the hill out of town. Once we reached Llandow the pace picked up and a small group led by Clayton and Craig chain ganged back to Wick, Ewenny and home. The total distance today was 46 miles at an average speed of 16.4 mph, although pace wise it was a tale of two halves. Overall a very enjoyable, drier than expected ride. Out today were:
Ron
Tom
Chris Reed
Adrian - Newbie and a strong rider and ex-racer
Jon Saunders
Jonathan Spinks
Terry
Tony
Roy 2
Clayton
Craig
Andy's dodgy knees
Mal ' lone break' Jones
The Phantom Cyclist
Mark P
Damn, forgotten one! Someone help me out!!
Mark
