Given the weather overnight it was pleasing to see such a strong turnout for today's Chasers ride up to Penygraig and down to the Vale. 9 riders out today Angelo, Steven and Mark R stepping down from the routeless Pacers group, Karl and Denise having ridden on permit with the Pacers last week, Scott and Carl proving that their days of riding with the Amblers are well and truly over and finally Mark J and myself.
On orders from above the raindrops ceased right on time for our 9am departure, with us heading out towards Llanharan before the ascent of the Smilog and up through Tonyrefail and climbing again to Penrhiwfer. Dropping down into Penygraig we sped up with Karl and Mark setting the pace through to Pontypridd.
Carrying on through Pontyclun and onto Cowbridge I was forced to concede to a rebellious coffee seeking hoard who couldn't wait for the planned stop in Llantwit and we ended up in the outside hanging gardens of Costa. Resetting the route to St Mary Church we rode through Llanmaes before Denise, smarting from the cancellation of the Welsh Championship but still determined to dish out as much hurt as possible to anyone in her vicinity, started the smash fest for home. We broke up slightly on the road to Wick but in general stayed together well as a group. A good morning out.
See you all next week.
