An enjoyable ride around the Vale today with a mixed Ambler's/Pacers group of 15 Oggies setting off from Brackla. I only just made it in time as for the second time in 4 years I managed to drive from Barry without my cycling shoes. However, as before I was saved from a wasted trip by Tony Mansell who kindly lent me his shoes, complete with the right cleats. In fact they were so comfortable I haven't returned them yet!
Today's ride took in Ewenny, Cowbridge, St Fagans, Dyffryn Gardens and the Lanes around Llantwit Major and despite the block headwind on the way home we kept to a distinctly un-Ambler's like pace. We stopped for coffee and cake at Dyffryn Gardens before cutting through the lanes to Llancarfan and Llancadle to avoid the worst of the wind before a straightforward thrash home. The nifty pace, considering the wind, had a few of the Ambler's chewing their handlebars but everyone seemed to (perversely) enjoy it, although we did manage to lose Nick and Rich somewhere near St A than, which wasn't the best birthday present for Rich Bowmer
. Today's ride was a shade under 50 miles, with around 2000 ft of ascent. Out today were:
Toestrap Steve
Steve 'bling bike' Chapman
Sergeant Major Harpo
Neil Poulton
Jason
Nice
Lead
Neil 'the beast' Bartlett
Andy's Dodgy Knees (plus go faster wheels)
Rich Bowmer (51 today)!
Nick Langley
Craig
Dave W
Jonathan Spinks
Mark P
Phew, that's it (I think). Next week, the Mumbles (complete with a neutralised zone - Pacers, I'm bringing a gun!
