Fantastic turnout this morning, counted 27 may have been one or two more by the time we set off.
An upward trickle from the Amblers meant that FIFTEEN pacers set off on out 'lumpy' route.
Steven, Steve C, Toestrap Steve, Terry A, Neil, Mark, Chris G, Allan, Haydn, Haydn's mate 'Towser'? Wayne, Chris R, Jayson,Ben and me. We met up with Rob at LLantrisant for a total of SIXTEEN pacers, I think the most I've seen on a club run. After the warm up of Heol Las and Ynsymaerdy we headed on to Tonypandy and the climb up to Trebanog, I could see we were in for a tough day as the climbers headed off into the distance Allan leading the way but Ben, Neil and Jayson also making it look easy. Quick decent into Penygraig (lost Chris Reed with a broken spoke-hope you made it home ok) then down towards Pontypridd and the toughest climb of the day Penycoedcae.
Rob and Ben setting the pace, with Allan and Haydn making an effort to catch them. The grupetto had formed by this time with Steven, Wayne and myself keeping our own pace at the rear.
Fast section to Church Village, Treforest and Taffs Well and the grind up Heol Goch to Pentyrch. No idea of the order up here as the gap from the front riders to the rear of the group was growing by each pedal revolution, rear guard was joined by 'Towser' who had been going really well until this point. (Badly in need of an energy bar, it turned out as found his form again for the rest of the ride).
Powered through the lanes tO P.S.E. and the Gwern - Y - Steeple climb. At this point the 'promoted' Amblers tried to put the boot in, with 'turbo' Terry and Neil (who looked like he was on EPO sandwiches) stormed to the front, the majority of the Pacers sitting at the rear and wondering whether to revoke their invite to ride with us!!
Steven and myself then led a gallop over the moor to Llancadle and Steven hitched a ride to Llantwit behind a tractor while the rest of the group got caught by the traffic light at East Aberthaw.
Cafe stop at Velo in Llantwit, well deserved and badly needed in my case, legs were shot by this time. Bravely attempted to set the pace after the cafe stop but was soon hanging off the back.
Talk on nutrition on Friday, quickly forgotten as I've just eaten my body weight in Dark chocolate and Doritos but feeling great, so think I'll wash them down with a beer!
Excellent ride, at a good pace, with pretty good discipline in the group today.
Good to see some Amblers move up (I think!) and welcome to possible new members.
