Set off for Brackla with some trepidation this morning.
Almost a week off the bike with the 'lurgy', rubbish weather forecast and 60+ hilly miles to look forward to!
However the weather behaved itself as 5 pacers set off via Llantrisant for the Rhondda fach. Stayed on main roads to Ferndale and first climb of the day up to Llanwonno. With a tail wind Mark Rosser set the early pace, despite feeling unwell. Rob soon took off at the front leaving the rest of us to grovel to the top. A careful descent through the forest as autumnal leaves and pine needles made for a slippery surface.
Sharp kick up to Perthcelyn, where Mark headed home, before dropping into Mountain Ash then Aberdare, where the Baguette express had excellent value cappuccino and welsh cakes.
The section from Aberdare up to Rhigos was a slog into a headwind which in turn became a slog up the Rhigos, at least until the switchbacks where the lee of the mountain offered some protection. Jason and Rob set the pace with Wayne and myself bringing up the rear. Joined by a cyclist who was on his way back to Pontardulais, (rather him than me as he had the Bwlch and about 30 miles of headwind to go).
Descent of the Rhigos was interesting in a crosswind and left the final climb of the day up the Bwlch. By now I was starting to flag, so the headwind climbing the Bwlch was most unwelcome. Fortunately the sun was shining and we quickly descended to Nantymoel to get the first and only soaking of the day. Short sharp shower with a hint of hailstones, to provide the sting. Grovelled over the common and got back to Brackla with that usual tired but happy feeling!
Garmin show 63 miles and 5800 ft of elevation gain, so not a bad mornings effort
thanks for the company, see you next week
