CLWYDIANS
Sunday 1st February
A hardy group of 20 woollies made up of Roger, clone, Spud, Spesh, Kiwi, Rocket Lockett, Chunk, Jonesy, Pieman, Turnerkid, Julian, Tyre, Tracey, Mr and Mrs Sidge, Hendy, Nige, Mike m, Paddler and myself, arrived on a very cool but crisp and clear day in North Wales. The route was to be a 23 mile loop in and around some of the finest hills in North Wales. Once everyone was truly wrapped up we set off. It wasn’t too long before progress was halted with the first of the days mechanicals. Tyre with a loose cassette was saved by the ingenuity of Nigel’s toolkit and the amazing hypercracker. (Beer owed) whilst Tyre was fixing this Tracy discovered the first of the days punctures.
Off we set again rolling through some spectacular views and making great progress due to the harder than normal ground conditions. A quick straw poll vote of extending the ride to take in a few more sections was passed and all agreed (except me!) to extend the ride to around 28 miles.
Off we set winding up the hillsides on beautiful ridgelines with panoramic views as far as the eye could see. The group walkie talkies proved useful for keeping in comms as the Sidge’s suffered with frozen drive train and dodgy hire bike issues.
Further puncture problems ensued with Tyre fixing his rear to keep rolling despite a dodgy tube. Tracey had a small off, resulting in a bruised finger which she put down to Jonesy’s interference however he denies this. A brief lunch stop due to the cold and then a long technical climb and rolling section next to the ancient wall tested weary legs and wind resistance of all whilst expertly dodging the motorbike trials competition that was taking place on the hill side also. After a not too long wait in the comfy heather for the back marker (sorry) the group set off for a cracking decent and then a long fire road drag back to the cars.
Stats for the day included, 1 off, 5 punctures (boo) no tubeless incidents (hooray) one bruised finger, plenty of mickey taking on the walkie talkies, 44km (28 miles), 1395 metres ascent and a scary top speed of 38.4 mph.
All retired to the pub for a pint and chat and to thaw out numb fingers and frozen toes. All in all an excellent day in beautiful conditions in one of the nicest areas of the country to roll two wheels on. The stuff great days are made of.
ARTILLARY DAVE
Rogers Photos
Kiwi's Photos
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