Bethlehem 2022 - December 11

[RobC]

Following a long, formal meeting of the Bethlehem comittee last night we've decided to heavily pencil in December 11 for this years trip to Bethlehem [1]. For anyone new to the club this is a chance to get a festive [2] 90 miles [3] under your seasonally expanding belt.

Whilst the prospect of a 40 mile grind to Ammanford followed by an ascent of Black Mountain from the boring side might not immediately appeal, you will be richly rewarded with a photo of you and several skinny(ish) old men feigning a smile by a battered village sign that you can post on Facebook and enjoy the adulation of that aunt in New Zealand you've never actually spoken to.

Coffee and cake in picturesque Llandeilo and the dawning realisation it's starting to get dark and you're only half-way round has made this the must-do OVW annual ride. Likely start from Brackla at 08:30. More, although not many more details to come. But probably a route for you to load onto your Garmins.

[1] UCI extreme weather protocol permitting

[2] actual mood may not be festive

[3] traditionally there is a shorter Chasers route starting in Margam, that in recent years the rise of the Werthers Original generation has pushed out to Neath. Watch this thread for more details.

[Scott]

Does anyone have a GPX for this years Bethlehem route from Neath? Is there a confirmed time to meet there?

Thanks

[RobC]

Here is the route : https://www.strava.com/routes/3773326

Andy should be along to tell you where the weak and infirm start from. Much more "fun" from Brackla though.

[Scott]

🤣🤣

[RichardB]

9am from Neath Leisure Centre. Over the Black Mountain and back with coffee stop In Llandeilo, that’s it. Oh yeah and wrap up warm.

[Mark B]

I would like to go from Brackla but at a steady pace. Any non-Pacers fancy it? We could set off 15 mins before the Pacers

[Reece0]

Might join you mark. Need to sort out my plans for later in the week.

[Steven]

Mark, you will be fine, their bark is worse than their bite. Just put a rope around Rob and let him give you a tow!

[Richard L]

Mark - as a committed Chaser I'm planning on riding my first full Brackla / Bethlehem trip this Sunday

[Mark B]

Thanks for the replies. I’ll be at Brackla for the start then. See you then.

[Andy H]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2654447

Barely getting above freezing, all day.

What are people's thoughts? 

I was out this morning and it was bloomin' freezing, bit sketchy with ice and slush in one or two spots.

It will be colder again going over the Black Mountain! 

Asking for a friend 

Warmer but possibly wetter following Sunday

[Mark B]

Most of the route is likely to be gritted. We would probably need to be “sensible” on the descent of the Black Mountain though. But then again, I am an optimist! I concede that it will be a more serious undertaking in these temperatures but with appropriate kit and a dose of common sense (🙄), I’m happy to still give it a go.

[Andy H]

Fair comment, let’s keep an eye on the weather. I know it’s snowing in Aberystwyth 

[Andy H]

Met Office has Brynamman with a temperature ‘feels like’ -7°c.

I’m not going up mountains when it’s that cold unless I’m skiing!

Will give it a miss tomorrow.

[Mark B]

I agree. Prudent to give it a miss. I’m going to do a much shorter ride on the gravel if anyone is interested.