PTW

10am start from the usual place, the plaza. After last weeks mountain challenge, tomorrow will be a nice flat ride. The largest climb of the day will be the Col de Briton Ferry Bridge, onto Swansea, then Clyne Valley, Gowerton, Llangefelach, Llanelli and a pit stop at Pwll. Retrace our steps for the return journey.

10 Riders set off to Llanelli today, comprising of Me, Spot, Selwyn, Mark Hillier, Griff, Mike Hall, Mark Thomas, Ian Wyle, Gareth Howe and New boy (Soon to be a member) Carwyn.

With Me and Spot on the Front we kept a decent enough pace at the front until the Swansea Prime…. Spot Looked at me, I looked at him, No words were spoken……. We went for it. I just managed to nick it but it did take an effort of 918 Watts to do it…. Leaving me Stuffed.

We Picked up Jeff Bruce at Swansea and the happy crew then headed for the Clyne valley. At the Loughor Prime, I covered the attacks well and made the fatal mistake of easing just before the line to see Selwyn rip past and pip me on the post. Note to self “It’s not over until the Fat bloke sings….. And he doesn’t start singing until he’s crossed the line”.

The “Double Point” Carmarthenshire Prime on the Lougher Bridge comes shortly afterwards and I was still recovering after the sprint with Selwyn. In to the Roundabout I was On Spot’s wheel thinking this is the place to be. JD wasn’t out so there was no worry about anyone taking the shortest route around the roundabout. When all of a sudden Mark Hillier came ripping past to take the Prime closely followed by Mike Hall.

Spot Seemed to smart at this, and took the Llanelli Prime shortly afterwards to receive the encouraging words of “About Time Spot” from Selwyn.

As there was only two real climbs on this route, on the climb just before the café Mike Hall asked “Does this Count?” as he took off….. Failing to wait for the reply….. Spot shot off to tell him it does……. just as he passed him at the top taking the KOM points. At this time I punctured so I left the boys go on to the café and I arrived shortly afterwards.

On the return Leg Selwyn was itching to get the County Prime and the pace got quicker and quicker. There was a fear that we were going to lose riders off the back and the pace eased just as we got to Lougher Bridge. As the Pace Slowed, Spot took his chance and went in a 53x13 to easily take the Prime from a grumbling Selwyn. He did have a point…… There were bodies all over Loughor….

We re-grouped and as some of us wanted to call in to Morriston Hospital to See Colin Speakman who is recovering after a stroke, we headed back through Gorseinon and Penllergaer. Luckily I was the first one to see the Gorseinon sign and managed to take another prime.

On the Climb out of Gorseinon I said Spot, The watts are too high people will be hanging on “But there’s a Sign” he said…. and sped off into the distance.
A little further up the climb we heard the shout “GLASS” followed quickly by a PSSHHHHH! And the reply Yep that’s it… as Mark Thomas punctured.
That was the end of Hostilities as Me, Mark Hillier and Ian Wyle turned off towards Morriston Hospital only to have Spot turn up and come flying past to take the pant Lassau Prime… I ask You.

All In all, a great days ride, Good banter as always and a pace that allowed everyone to Join In.

Green Jersey Me GUYS…. I GOT SPOT IN THE PRESTIGOUS PENTYLA PRIME..... SO I CLAIMS THE JERSEY AND THE JUDGES DECISION IS FINAL

KOM SPOT
Route can be found on http://connect.garmin.com/activity/177750302