Three set off early this morning, cold start but weather promising to warm up. Blasted out towards Neath, via Llanharan, Cefn Cribbwr, Port Talbot with a strong tail wind. Average speed still at 20mph+ by the time we reached Pontardawe. Took a wrong turn and added a few miles by going via Ystradgynlais. This also gave us a taste of the wind we would end up fighting most of the way home.
A short sharp climb at Cwnllynfell, showed up what the tailwind had been hiding, we were all on tired legs! No chance to ponder this too much as Upper Brynamman and the climb over the Black Mountain was soon upon us. For those who haven't been up it, it is rather like the Bwlch climb in gradient and length and equally exposed. Luckily today the wind was across and over the right shoulder, so not hindering too much. Fantastic decent toward Llangadog, we had decided to miss out the 'roman road' as it would be very exposed to the wind, so taking the long way around to Llangadog and Llandovery. Section from Llandovery to Sennybridge took its toll as it was a gradual climb and pretty much into headwind so a coffee and panini in the cafe at Sennybridge was most welcome.
Headed out for what was to be the last climbs of the day, Devil's Elbow and the climb out of Ystradfellte, both steep and by now absolute torture, although Rob seemed as comfortable as usual climbing (apparently it hurts just as much going steady, as pushing himself). Jason and I were in survival mode.
Rhigos and Bwlch were no longer an option and we took the direct route home via Aberdare and the A4054 via Pontypridd.
Great ride, think 'epic' is fair description, weather held out and apart from main road from Llandovery, pretty good on the traffic front.
