A Winter Weather Treat...31st December 2006 (Elan Valley)

Starting from Crossgates spirits were good - even on the climb up to Abby-cwm-hir. Although it was quite windy we were reasonably sheltered and it didn't really bother us - even though there was quite a bit of debris on the roads which caused two punctures before Rhayader.

Things really started to change after Rhyader. As we got nearer to the summit of the big hill out of Rhayader we were more exposed to the wind which was straight ahead in our faces and made a normally difficult climb very punishing. This was nothing compared to what was to await us at the top of the climb. At that height and with the wind blowing straight down the valley it was extremely difficult to stay on the bike and descend safely. Andy Mears was blown sideways off of his bike and it took a good 10 minutes to descend what would normally take about 3! - very uncomfortable, especially as it was also raining quite heavily at this point. I would recomend it though for an effective face scrub!

Things did not get much better once we were down into the valleys as the wind was again straight in our faces - at some points computer readings were measuring our progress at a speed of 6 miles an hour - nice once we rounded the lakes and the wind got behind us though. Trouble is that at this point the rain, which after the summit had eased somewhat -decided to fall with a vengeance.

Everyone got cold after stopping for a third puncture just short of the visitor centre and it was agreed that it would be better to curtail the planned loop to take in Llandrindod and head straight back to Crossgates instead.

With the wind behind us, and with everone focussed on a hot cup of tea at the cafe at the end of the ride this section went quickly, despite the by now persistent rain.

I think that I shall put this one down to memorable as opposed to enjoyable. There was a strong sense of cameraderie, having survived what was one of the most challenging rides that I can recall. Thirty seven miles covered in 2 hours and fifty minutes of cycling - with an out and back time of over three hours.

Pete Ding.