25 deg C, 51 miles, 1800m of climbing. This is the furthest and highest I've been on the via Narone 7 so far. Hopefully the gradual ramp up of distance and hills is making the difference. After today, I think currently I could've done more miles, but no more climbing. The ride today didn't feel like it was overstretching, but still felt like a challenge, so just about right then.
With such a good weather forecast, 2 interests were combined this weekend and the via Narone was loaded up into the back of the Sunbeam. Leaving at 19:30 on Friday, the 2 hour drive down to BuilthWells was reasonably straightforward, with the A483 between Newtown and Builth being particularly entertaining with a never ending series of sweeping bends, twists, climbs and descents.
Some flies were harmed in the making of this weekend
The campsite and event village were at Penmaenau farm just beside the Royal Welsh Showground. Already, at 21:30, the field was well over half full, and there would be many more to come during Saturday as the MTB run on the Sunday is far more popular than the road series. The grass is very long and pitching the tent means flattening it all first, even then it takes the pegging out before the tent stops floating a few inches off the ground. The "facilities" are a bit basic, with a dozen or so portaloos and a couple of trailers with showers in - they're going to be causing some queues after the MTB runs on Sunday, I would guess.
Sleep was a bit fitful - a combination of getting comfortable, a bit of nerves about the ride, but mainly The Jam tribute band at the scooter rally in the field next door. The morning was very bright and the field was wet with a heavy dew. Warm already. I woke at 5:45 and had a bowl of cereal then went back off to sleep. At 7:30 a smaller amount of cereal and a banana formed second breakfast, with a large cup of tea from the event marquee finishing the job off at 8:30, ready for the off.
Then I discovered one of my mitts was missing but re-tracing steps didn't help. The Chain Reaction guys were still busy setting up their stall, but dug out a set of Endura mitts for my and very kindly(!) sold them to me. But then the credit card machine couldn't get a signal to it was back to the car to get some cash. So rather than an 08:30 start it was 09:16 when I finally went under the starting kite.
So the 51 mile route started with a gentle climb up the main A road to Newbridge and from there on in was a very enjoyable combination of climbs, descents, smooth roads and beautiful scenery. A particular favourite part of the route for me was the run along the valley bottom beside the river from Abergwesyn to Llanwrtyd Wells via Cwm Irfon which was very picturesque with the sunlight sparkling on the water and the mist of bluebells under the trees. I only had to do one bit of walking (yes, I know, even one bit is disgraceful) but it was only 100m or so as the route turned back on itsself at Cynghordy and climbed the extremely long haul up over Crychan Forest. 2 feeding points along the route were welcome with High 5 drinks top-ups, bananas and choccie one sides. The complete route map is here.
Back at the event village, 3 hrs and 55 mins later (and 3 hrs 44 mins of actual riding time) and there was a very welcome cup of tea and chunk of cake available. The computer says 50.33 miles, 13.2 mph average speed, 42.7 mph maximum speed. That'll do, but was hoping for a sub 3 hr 30 min time. Next time maybe. Norwich City College Extreme Sport Therapy Unit were on hand to offer a free massage in return for a donation to their unit. I would recommend anyone to make use of this service - it's now late in the evening and I've had no stiffness in the muscles at all. Packed the tent away and then availed myself of a veggie salsa wrap from the food stall in the main marquee.
Took a bit longer to get home as the roads were a bit busier and had to drop into Tesco at Newtown for some 99 Super Unleaded, plus, with the window open due to the heat, the 'beam was even noisier than usual. Still great fun though.
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