Sadly only Paul and I had interpreted 'best kit', (Captain's instructions) as club kit. We had to put up with Reece, Harpo, Gregg and Steve in non-matching assortments of Rapha, and in harpo's case, pastel surprise version 3.
Our sartorial shortcomings aside, what a cracking ride. Totally perfect weather - cloudless warm sunshine, light NE wind giving a gentle nudge on the way home. Pace was as hot as the weather - loads of PRs for me up towards Merthyr. The road from Cefn Coed y Cymmer to Talybont was spectacular, although busy with Bank Holiday traffic. Coffee and cake in Talybont (mobbed) - then we all suffered up Llangynidir - one of the toughest climbs in the area I'd say.
The way home was helped by a gradual downhill gradient from Beaufort, ans some good group riding, joined by a couple of strong looking blokes from Cardiff. Dehydration set in by Pontypridd, so second stop necessary, and into the air-conditioned interior of Costa - too hot to sit in the sun (contrast last week's ride!).
I left the peleton at Talbot Green (where I'd joined them earlier, so only 85 miles for me (but a 'Massive Effort' according to Strava) - easily a century for everyone else.
And of course - tan lines!
It was generally agreed that everyone's enjoyment would have been improved by not having to look at Paul and Reece's hairy legs - get the razors out boys - you know you want to.
