Amblers Club Run - Sunday 27 December

[Mark Pope]

The forecast is reasonable tomorrow, dry(ish) with a brisk breeze from the South, so ideal for shedding the 3 kilos gained yesterday in a single sitting! I was tempted to join Andy's 'gentle' jaunt across the flats to Wales' premier city but decided that a sound thrashing was on the cards and thought better of it. So for those who fancy an amble around the Vale instead  I propose the following route:

Brackla - Ewenny - Ogmore - Southerndown - St Brides - the Lanes - Llantwit - St Athan - Aberthaw - Rhoose - Porthkerry Park - the Barry Island Dash - Cold Knap - 5 Mile Motorway - Gwern-y- Steeple - Welsh St Donuts - Aberthin - Cowbridge - Nash Crossing - the Ridge - Tair Cross Down - Ewenny - Brackla

It's 52 miles with a coffee stop options at Barry Island and Cowbridge (or both as it's Xmas). I may also tweak the route to avoid 5 Mile Lane. We'll still be home in plenty of time to watch the Dragons stuff the Blues on S4C too! What more could you ask ! See you tomorrow at 0930.

Mark

[Tony M]

Hate 5 mile lane!

[Mark Pope]

I have a plan B for 5 Mile Lane!

[Tony M]

Good. Do you have plan B for the weather?

[Mark Pope]

6 hardy souls turned out for today's amble around the Vale. Unfortunately the dry(ish) weather conditions didn't appear until about 30 minutes from the end of the ride. It was grey, wet and murky for most of the ride, although it remained quite mild for December. Due to the conditions we tweaked the route slightly, hence it was shorter than planned at around 50 miles. We headed out around the Coast Road and through the lanes to Llantwit before doing a loop of the Airport and back home via Green Dragon Lane, Cowbridge and Llandow.

 We had coffee at Costa's in Cowbridge before splitting at Llandow where Terry and Tony headed back to Ewenny via Death Valley and Mal and I swam home across the Ridge. Paul Longhorn made a welcome return to the Amblers before leaving us at Aberthaw and Chris Reed wisely rode home early as he was suffering from a chest infection. Despite the grim conditions and what felt like a comfortable pace, we averaged around 16.5mph for just over 50 miles, with 648 metres of climbing. Out today were:

Terry
Tony
Paul Longhorn
Chris Reed
Mal
Mark P

Next Amble is planned for Tuesday when we might take in a pub lunch at the Plough and Harrow.

Mark

[Chris Reed]

Sorry for bailing so early and without any notice - was not a happy puppy - the fact that i'd forgetten my waterproof eventually made my mind up!

If I feel better I'll be there Tuesday!