Sunday November 3rd - Pacers

[Rob Jones]

how about some big hills this Sunday if we get a break from the weather...before winter proper kicks in!

[Andy H]

As you know, I'd normally be up for this and prepared to suffer.  Unfortunately I have a real bad case of the lurgy and feel like............

Despite this I shall try and draw up a suitable plan action and endeavor to make it Sunday!

[Andy H]

This is one we did some time ago, makes me feel dizzy looking at it. 

http://connect.garmin.com/course/3242174

Hoping for a miraculous recovery!

[Jason T]

I hope to make this Sunday... that is if any of my bikes will be ready as both are having work done in the shop.

Guess I'll also see some of you this evening at the AGM.

[Jason T]

Bloody Hell; Smilog -> Lanes up past the Mint -> Llanwonno  -> Rhigos -> Bwlch

Happy to give this a go if people are willing to put up with my slow climbing capabilities.

I can't say that I've been up to Llanwonno from the Ferndale side, I hope it's not as bad as coming up from Ponty and White Rock (probably is  .

[Andy H]

Not quite as steep but longer.

And don't worry about climbing you're quicker than me.

Weather may be an issue and don't know a good coffee stop! 

[Rob Jones]

Which one do you refer to as Smilog Jason (and you not allowed to say Smilog)?

Suggest we skip Llantrisant Forest (mucky and slippy)

Fingers crossed for a quick recovery Andy. Otherwise I read in Cycling Weekly a few days ago that when you have a cold, you should MTFdown (rather than up). You can damage your heart otherwise they say (permanently). So if you are still not feeling great then perhaps posted route is not the best plan. I'm sure you know that mind and it does look good on screen.

In addition to the ones Jason mentioned, did I see Aberdare to Maerdy and Penycoedcae on there too!?! Sure looks like a good winter challenge!

[Jason T]

Smilog would be the one you suggest skipping, Llantrisant Forest, which goes around the back of Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

If the weather is Ok then we might be able to sit outside Servini's in Aberdare which is around the half way point (unless there's a Costa or whatnot to be found when on the route):
https://maps.google.co.uk/?ll=51.712741,-3.443525&spn=0.000791,0.002064&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=51.712741,-3.443525&panoid=8dTDzl3MVIhAw06k_CE_2A&cbp=12,34.72,,0,8.95

[Andy H]

No Maerdy or Pencoedcae, we'd have to go back overLlanwonno to get back to Rhigos/Bwlch combo and not sure where to fit in Pencoedcae. 

Now that would be a long day!

Rob, I've literally done nothing since aborting chaingang with a puncture on Tues. Starting to improve v. slowly but will wait and see for Sunday

[Steven]

Mark N, Jason S and I are riding from Cardiff to Chester- If anyone fancies a flatter ( but slightly longer) route- please join us!

[Rob Jones]

Good luck with that guys - strong cross wind all the way.

Looking windy tomorrow (strong westerly easing through morning). An alternative might be to take advantage of the wind and let it help us up the valley from port Talbot to bwlch summit.

Certainly wouldn't want to be up high heading into that wind for any length of time. The route Andy has in mind does seem to largely avoid that scenario, and if wind does ease later could work out quite nicely. There is a risk however we could have tricky crosswinds as we head back over rhigos and bwlch! Bring it on!!

[Andy H]

Keeping an eye on the forecast and as usual seems to change slightly every time you look.

Seem certain to catch a shower or two, just hope the wind isn't too strong!

On a personal note whilst not feeling 100%,  I'll be out in the morning.

[Jason T]

Mark N, Jason S and I are riding from Cardiff to Chester- If anyone fancies a flatter ( but slightly longer) route- please join us!

I've just returned from Forza at Llantwit and I could just about keep the car on the road... hopefully you'll make it up there in a fairly decent time with this wind.

[Rob Jones]

We did Andy's long hilly route today as planned. Andy H, me, Wayne and Jason. Mark R also for about half the ride - took the flat route back from Mountain Ash as not feeling good.

It was steady pace and quite pleasant weather (if a bit chilly) as far as Aberdare where we stopped for a very good value coffee in the High St. Then it was over the Rhigos and Bwlch mostly into the wind, making for a really tough last 30 miles.

Just as we were enjoying the sunshine, out of nowhere we took a drenching (including some painful hailstones). Good route, good company - cheers

http://app.strava.com/activities/92939457

[Jason T]

Pretty basic Rob, but Garmin Connect tells me:
10℃
Feels like 7℃
18 mph W wind
Humidity 71%