| Misled by the
new BBC weather graphics into believing that
Saturday in the Welsh mountains would be clear
with a very occasional shower and that Sunday
would be a wash-out, the team showed their
flexibility by moving the event forwards byt 24
hours. Unfortunately the BBC forecast proved to
be a triumph of image over substance. Crossing
the Severn Bridge, the view of the "Croeso i
Gymru" notice was obliterated by lashing
rain. Arriving at
Llanthony, the rain had ceased, for what turned
out to be just long enough to convince the team
to get far enough away from the car park to make
it psychologically impossible to turn back.
What followed was hour upon
hour of pain punctuated by the sound of gears
being changed down too late, the splash of yet
another huge puddle, the squeal of Paul's
combined air-horn and disc brake, and an
occasional cry of anguish on the descents.
Having reached the summit,
the team were aghast to see on the horizon a line
of incredibly fast moving cyclists blazing a path
towards them. Fears that this was the Corsham
Running Club's super-fit mountain bike expedition
were allayed when the sound of engines was heard.
Several spills were taken
during the day, none more spectacular than when
Pete was attacked by a rare Welsh mountain lion
at the bottom of the final descent. Adele
deserves special mention for her over-the-handlebar
effort. Gary hid his concern behind a mask of
sangunity (this may not be a word, but it sounds
good - ed).
The total reduction of
sperm-count from the day's abuse of delicate male
bodies was considerable.
Thanks to Paul and Joc for
their leadership, motivation and map reading.
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