Vyrnwy leg breaker 25/05/13

As he's still getting over a cold, le patron jettisoned his original plans to do the Elan valley, opting instead for what he promised would be an easier ride to Vyrnwy and back. Patron, Robbo, Lantern, Candle, Ronnie, Hughesy, Tudor, Craig, Vino and Beast met at the usual muster point, and early form soon came to the fore as Tudor, Craig, Beast, Ronnie and Robbo attempted to stay with Vino up the drags - big mistake! Mental note to self - a 200+ pound bloke cannot stay with a 150 pound bloke on the steep ones! The peloton rocked up to Vyrnwy cafe in dribs and draps, and after appropriate refuelling we set off on the homeward leg, with le patron promising a nasty climb. Great, can't wait. We could have merrily rolled along the Tanat valley but that would be boring, wouldn't it. Instead, a short detour to Llanrhaeadr deposited us at the foot of stinging, sinuous, frost addled excuse for a road which is surely only used by 4x4 tractors 99% of the year. The gradient and the miles took their toll as hitherto unbreakable crapis cracked under the pressure, and admitted they were tired. Nevertheless, 3 splinter groups pressed on as hard as they could, and Chirk couldn't come quick enough as riders endured Wrexham County Borough Council's version of the Paris-Roubaix, otherwise known as the appalling bone shaking tarmac of the Ceiriog valley. Quite a tough 'un today!

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide