We're Meeting Andy Lewis at Morriston Cross says spot. We'll have to hurry we're meeting him there around 10:40 So off we went. Accross Briton Ferry Bridge, over the cycle Track and all at a fair lick. Got to Morriston Cross and right on Cue, there was Andy Sunning himself outside the Cross Inn. I've spoken to Dai Abbot says Andy, He's meeting us at GCG Cafe.......
Having survived Morriston Hill, I was expecting a nice ride to Pontlliw, but no, that would be far too easy so lets turn right and head for Velindre. At one stage, Spot asked me have you got a compact on Les.... Yes I have and I've got no gears left at the moment as we heaved ourselves over some especially steep bit.........
When we got to the top of this mountaln I thought I'm sure if we go straight on there'll be a few nasty climbs but we should end up in Ammanford but no, having climbed this monster (And at one stage I did need Clampons and a rope) we turned left ending up...... yes you've guessed it just west of Pontlliw..... Well at least we avoided the main roads said spot.
Once again, to avoid the comfort of nice flat main roads, just as we got to Pontardulais we decided to take a right to Garnswllt before heading off to Bettws and Ammanford. Now anyone who has ridden this stretch of tarmac will know that what it lacks in width, it makes up for in elevation gain.
so once again Heart rates were raised lungs were made to work overtime and spot headed off into the distance.Once we got onto the Ammanford to Gwaen Cae Gerwyn road, I thought there would be some semblance of normality and settled in Behind Spot and Anfy who were chatting away merrily. The sun was out and all was well in Les world.
But then something seemed to pop into Andys head..... I think the logic was that if your legs ache going up hill, you need to make them ache for the shortest possible time. So lets go up every climb as fast as possible........
Soon we were strung out, Andy, Spot and Me bringing up the rear. And all this after the kicking I had yesterday...... What Joy.As expected, we arrived at the cafe shortly Joined by Dai Abbott, and then a few Minutes later By Gareth, Howe....... The Poached Egg on toast and tea was awesome as was going to be the return ride no doubt.
In fact the return ride was quite civilised, Dai had us all lined out down to Pontardawe but as we climbed up to Rhos, It was really nice to hear him say "Hang on a bit Spot, We've lost Gareth"
Normal service was resumed though when we left Andy, Dave and Gareth at Bryncoch leaving me and spot to ride home from Neath, which we did at 21 MPH average speed Along the Baglan dual carriageway I looked down to see 28MPH and a heart rate of 178.... YEEEEEARRRRRRGH my legs hurt.
A gentle ride back to Porthcawl had me home at 1:20 just in time for lunch.
Quotes of the Day....... Spot, Andy, and Dai, Remember that ride to Castle Cerenin, now that was really hard...........
