Five Amblers set off today for a jaunt around the Vale. Initially the group consisted of Paul, Jonathan, Richard, Haydn (wisely taking a break from the Pacers) and myself. We passed Tom on route but met up with him again half way round when he decided to turn around and ride with us to Cafe Velo. However, although we didn't realise until later, we were also chased almost all the way round the route by a determined but late arriving Roy 1. Due to the grim weather forecast we stayed quite low and headed across the Common to Brynna, Llanharan, Talbot Green and then took the Cowbridge Road to Aberthin where we turned off into the lanes to Welsh St Donuts and Gwern-Y-Steeple. We had the pleasant experience of catching up with Cardiff Ajax Ladies where the visual and olfactory experience improved significantly.
Despite the forecast the conditions weren't too bad throughout the ride and we cruised on through the lanes via Flemingston and St Athan to Cafe Velo. After a welcome cuppa in Llantwit (paid for by Haydn who'll have to lay a few more bricks this week to cover his costs), we took the shorter option and returned home via Death Valley. As we cut out the Coast Road our total distance from Brackla to Brackla was only 45 miles. However, that's not bad considering the time of year and the weather.
