7 pacers out this morning on a bright and breezy day, making the trip down to 'dip our toes' in some of the cycling available on the Gower.
Steven, Mark R, Mark N, Rob, Jayson, Chris G and myself. Headed out via Tondu to Maesteg and the climb up Bryn. Mark R leading the way whilst the rest of us tapped out our own pace. In hindsight think i was going too hard and would suffer later in the day! Steven not feeling great (manthrax) and already suffering decided to head back when we hit the Afan valley. It seems this was a good decision as he was passed on the way home by a woman, on a mountain bike, in trainers. Apparently he wasn't too upset as she didn't have a shopping basket on the bike. That would have been the final insult!!
Started up the Afan valley before turning off to Pontrhydyfen and the climb up Cimla. A short sharp climb which always hurts, not sure who led the way up here as Rob and Mark were too far ahead to tell.
Continued on towards Swansea via Bonymaen, series of lumps adding to the tiring legs. Passed the planned coffee stop to do a quick loop into the Gower, Rob and Mark racing up Mayals Rd and inflicting further pain on us with some 'speed play' over Fairwood Common.
Like a pair of kids was the comment from the rear of the pack!
Reassembled for the few miles back into Swansea and well earned coffee and cake at the marina.
A tailwind saw us keep a good tempo up Fabian Way and onto Baglan where we picked up Steve Landeg who hitched a lift back as far as Margam. Jayson and Rob kept the pace up from Margam which saw the 'old man' in the field and Mark Nott struggling. the climb up to Cefn Cribbwr saw the pack finally split for good with 4 continued on to Sarn while Mark and myself limped back to Brackla via Laleston
Another good work out in the bank.
