The ongoing bitter sectarian feud between the Pacers and Chasers groups yet again bubbled over on the streets of Bridgend yesterday. Heated words were heard being exchanged at the strategic Heol Y Cyw crossroads, with cries of “All you think about is your mountain metre metrics” emanating from the Chaser group, the Pacers responded with taunts of “You’ll gain nothing from Zero Elevation Riding”.
The fiercely independent Chaser group sped off in the direction of Rockwool with the scathing words of chastisement ringing in their ears. From then on it was purely a matter of pride as the Chasers sought to climb their own hills and vaguely follow the suggested route.
Thoughts of a ceasefire and a meet up in a café on a politically neutral venue in Pontypridd were off the table after the short lived but bloody skirmish. As the Pacers continued their quest through the much-vaunted October snow-capped hills of Glynogwr, the Chasers - Mark, Karl, Chris, Scott, Tim and Rich L sought out their toughest hills of the year as they crested The Chapel Row Climb and down into Hendreforgan.
Gilfach Goch, Tonyrefail, Llantrisant and Beddau passed in a flash before settling on Bradleys where Mark astounded all onlookers by consuming a culinary masterpiece of banana on toast (brown of course).
From Pontypridd the Chasers knew that that they were on safe and more importantly flat roads as they 10 mph average slowly rose through Tonteg, Church Village, Pontyclun, Cowbridge and the pan flat coast road through Wick, Death Valley and home.
No doubt there will be further harsh words when the feared adversaries face off outside Physique next Sunday.
