Chasers 16 June 2019

[RichardB]

Here's the route for Sunday, I did say I'd post a longer ride with some climbs this week as there are a few of us doing the Iron Mountain sportive later in the month. The current weather forecast is warm with light rain showers and fresh breeze. If it deteriorates I'll review the route.

https://www.strava.com/routes/19552853

Direct route out to Neath on the A48 and through Briton Ferry - Neath Valley - Glynneath - Hirwaun - Aberdare - Maerdy Mountain Road - Ferndale - Porth - Pontypridd - Church Village - Talbot Green - Llanharan - Penoed - Home

Just over 70 miles with just the two main climbs up the Neath Bank and the Maerdy Mountain. We can have the coffee stop in Aberdare which is half way in terms of distance or later in Costa Pontypridd.

Tom, I had to revise the planned route due to the Sportive taking place on the Bwlch.

Hope to see you all Sunday.
Richard
 

[RichardB]

And option to drop down from Porth to Tonyrefail and home for anyone wanting to reduce the distance a bit.

[Andy H]

I'll be out, always look forward to climbing Maerdy mountain after coffee and bacon rolls! 

[RichardB]

I'll be out, always look forward to climbing Maerdy mountain after coffee and bacon rolls! 

Be good to see you out again, I haven't done the Maerdy climb for some time, will be interesting.

[Tom]

Not to worry Richard-I may need to be back early to open all my Father's Day presents!I'm away on Sunday week but plan to get out with the Chasers as much as possible whilst this glorious Summer weather lasts

[RichardB]

Weather not looking good so will probably give Maerdy a miss and drop down to Pontypridd through Mountain Ash and Abercynon.

[RichardB]

7 of us out today, me Andy Chris G Richard L Karl Roy2 and Matt. Followed route as planned knowing we were likely to come across the rain somewhere en route. Some light rain up the Neath Valley followed by persistent heavier rain from Glynneath to Aberdare. We were all grateful for the shelter of Bradley’s and coffee and cake. We came out of Bradley’s into sunshine and it remained sunny and dry all the way home. Andy headed down to Pontypridd through Abercynon while the rest of us tackled the climb of the Maerdy mountain road. A mechanical for Andy 3 miles from home required a rescue call to Mrs Harries. It was extremely windy over the mountain but the combination of the wind and sun dried out our wet clothing. We all enjoyed the descent through Ferndale and Porth down to Pontypridd with long turns on the front from Chris who was very strong all morning. We hit a stiff head wind then from Tonteg all the way home. Chris and Roy peeled off at Pontyclun for home and then Karl and Richard at Pencoed leaving me and Matt to ride on to Bridgend. Thanks all, enjoyed that today. Neither me or Andy are out next Sunday so can one of the other regulars post a ride next week please.

[Andy H]

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMKikob5suVGHozumczhdOVMHgjQZSN3GBHTFkj