Roll call first;
Harpo, Greg, Paul, Chappers, Dave, Nigel (part, due to recovery from surgery) and I.
I had planned to go out with the Chasers as the idea of an ice-cream on the sea-front was particularly appealing! However, Harpo was nice to me at Brackla and in a moment of weakness I agreed to go out with the Pacers instead. I had seen the route and noticed all the climbing was in the first half of the ride. We went up some near-vertical climbs to Llan, then Maesteg, Cymmer, the Bwlch and the Rhigos. Dropping down to McDonalds for much needed refreshment. I had noticed at this point that the average was below 14mph and that that was a first for 3 hours of a pacers ride. I should have kept my mouth shut as we then headed down the valley and took the hilly left hand side option to Neath and then a brisk ride down Harbour Way and back through the lanes to Laleston.
However, that was only half the story. I covered 75miles and over 5,000 feet of climbing, which is probably the longest ride for me all year and certainly the most climbing. I was suffering and to their credit, the Pacers nursed me for most of the ride, under the instruction of road captain Harpo Rowe! They even managed to form a force field around me on the way back, meaning I could ride at over 30mph, despite feeling like I was going to cramp up at any time!
So for those Chasers thinking about going out with the Pacers, I can say you will be looked after and cared for!
(Steven Madeley was not paid for this glowing article about the Pacers, but he did get a free Latte and Chocolate Muffin at McDonalds, which may have influenced his views!)
