11 pacers started out on the revised route via Gilfach, Penrhiwfer and Llanwonno. Steven, Allan, Chris G, Chris R, Haydn, Wayne, Rob, Jason, Toestrap Steve, Mark Nott and myself. Steven led us out at a sensible pace to Blackmill and the first climb of the day at Glynogwr. The usual partition occurred with two distinct groups, the climbers (Rob, Allan TS Steve, Jason, Mark and Haydn) and the 'autobus' Steven, Chris R, Wayne and me, with Chris G yo-yo-ing between the groups on his 15 kilo winter resistance training bike. In two minds whether to sit in or bust a gut and stick with the climbers, he ended up doing a bit of both. Mark Nott on his first winter club run looking strong early on but would he pay for it later?!
Continued over Gilfach Goch with a regroup at the top before the gentle climb up Penrhiwfer and descent into Penygraig. Weather holding fine but as we made our way up the Rhondda Fach we could see the mist and clouds on top of 'Tylorstown tip'.
After the softening up of the first couple of climbs we dropped down from Ferndale and through the switchbacks onto the Queen climb of the day up Llanwoon. Always a favorite, the climbers soon opened a gap while the rest of us grovelled our way up. Descent through Llanwonno forest is also a favorite but in today's wet conditions, was taken with care! Cheeky climb out of the forest to Perthcelyn where we observed 2 minutes silence.
With most of the climbing done, all thoughts were now on the coffee stop, we decided on Duffryn Gardens but had a brainwave as we headed for Tongwynlais. new coffee stop for all of us and worth revisiting. Ride fragmented slightly after the cafe as Rob headed for Cardiff and the group left 4 behind!
(sorry guys lack of communication). There was plenty of communication from Haydn when they chased us down later near St Fagan's!
Chris R and Jason pealed off in Rhydlafar.
Steven, Haydn and myself led us through the lanes to P.S.E., Welsh St Donat's and City. Steven looking stronger as the day went on, put in a big effort to lead the sharp climb up from Graig Penllyn, probably sensing Mark starting to suffer.
Coasted from Treos back to Brackla, to end another enjoyable club run.
p.s. Haydn always moans about going over Glynogwr and Gilfach, so as captains prerogative I now wish to rename them Haydn's humps.
Thank you and see you next week
