Not sure where to start with today's ride report, suffice to say it was a bit of a debacle.
Started by choosing a route that headed out into the worst of the weather. First apology.
We then lost a rider shortly after Laleston. Sincere apologies to Simon, new rider who I hadn't even managed to welcome to the ride. By the time the call came through that somebody was off the back, we were starting to climb up to Cefn Cribbwr. Terry backtracked and when he didn't catch us up I rode back down to Laleston by which which time there was no sign of either of you. We had to assume that you'd had to abandon. Second and very sincere apology, we try hard not to leave any riders out on the road and especially first timers. Hope we'll see you again and I can introduce myself and apologize in person.
Terry meanwhile had cut across country and was bravely trying to catch the group, who were in fact behind him! Well it is the 'panto' season.
Just as we were starting to get into a rhythm Nick then punctured, stopping again just as the rain and wind picked up proved to be too much for Hannah who succumbed to the cold and had to call for the support crew.
Terry had by this time reached Cimla, wrong way, and reported that the weather was getting even worse out west. His forecasting skills are better than the BBC as we were to discover riding down Harbour Way. It lashed it down and gusty winds meant riding was becoming 'interesting'. Luckily there was no disagreement at my suggestion that we call it a day and about turn. With the wind at our backs riding became marginally more comfortable, just the sloshing of water in the Goretex boots to contend with. Did add a couple of miles on by going Water St, quick tour of Nottage and Three steps hill back to Bridgend.
Still think it beats being on the turbo but only just!
Will pay more attention to the weather next week, as well as any new riders out with us
See you next Sunday
