Five of us left Pencoed this morning, Mark, Richard, Greg, Wayne and myself. The weather looked like it was brightening up after the early showers and we were all keen to get going as the advertised presentation and sign on was 10am and 11am start. It wasn't long before the heavens opened and a good old soaking. The route I planed on the garmin was doing a good job until Pontypridd and I couldn't make out where it wanted me to go! Luckily Greg came to the rescue and we were soon back on track. Nice stretch of road from Ponty all the way to Aberdare but it didn't look that lumpy on the route planner. We arrived in Aberdare bang on schedule in time to watch the presentation and take a few pictures outside the team buses, the start was now 10:45 so we couldn't get back into town to watch the race come through but we did watch them come out of Aberdare park. Took the opportunity to follow the back of the team team cars for a bit ( always a favourite for me ) being cheered on by spectators unsure if we were part of the race or not. First coffee stop of the day then at Bradley's in Aberdare, ( going there again ) We must of had all the weather seasons in the space of 10mins but a nice outside seating area and good coffee. Wayne decided to come straight back as he hasn't done much riding, Refuelled the rest of us headed for the Rhigos! strong wind and rain made the climb interesting, and descending even more so. Second coffee stop of the day in Treorchy and everyone going for the bacon option except me thinking about the climb to come. After eventually getting served we were off again, the wind still blowing but at least it wasn't raining, over the Bwlch and Llangeinor I started to regret not eating and could feel the hunger Knock coming on. Mark done a massive effort on the front all the way into Bridgend dropping Greg and Richard off, Mark and me continued on around the coast ( Mark still on the front ) for some extra miles. Mark turned off for home and I went solo to Cafe Velo for all I could eat.
Great day out, Thanks for the company guys, always one of my favourite rides of the year!
