I arrived at Margam park at approx 8.30am, the car park had a buzz of quiet chatter amongst riders, many completing their last checks before they headed down to the start.
The start was well organised with riders self sorting themselves by their expected finishing time. We were set off in groups of approx 50 riders at a time.
I commenced my epic journey at 9.11am the plan was to complete the course within 6hr 30min, and keep to an average of 13 mph.
I was excited to finally be riding on what would be one of my longest riders, in my bag I had plenty of food, and gels to keep me going.
In my mind I'd split the ride into 3 phases. The first stage would include 25 miles out to Aberkenfig, then on towards Maesteg then on towards Neath.
This 1st phase went really well and I managed to keep my average speed to 16-18 mph.
The second phase of the ride would see us head from Neath, towards the Dulais Valley which is slow gradual climb, I passed the 1st feed station as I'd arranged to meet Amanda and the girls at the top of Coelbren for more food and drink.
At the top of Coelbren I was so pleased to see my family, it means so much to see them as their support really makes as difference. At this stage of the ride it was half way, and my split was approx 2hr 30m, 30min ahead of schedule, however the tough bit was still to come.
The 3rd phase would take towards Glynneath, up the infamous Rhigos bank which was the 1st of two long climbs of the dragon ride. the 1st climb would take me 40min to complete, climbing 917ft, covering 3.3 miles.
I was pleased to be over the top of Rhigos and heading towards Treorchy a fast 6 mile decent. At this stage I had covered 57 mile, and it marked the onset of two things extremely painful cramp which would last for the rest of the ride, and 2nd climb up.
This final climb almost forced me to retire from the ride, the cramp in my legs at times was unbearable, the climb to the top was 5 miles long, ascent of 1196 ft which took me 56 min to complete.
Before the decent to Cymmer I stopped at the last feed station for food, malt loaf, and the last of my gels.
It was all down hill from here, and I made it back to Margam Park in 6hr 25m 16s.
72 hours after the race I feel refreshed, and so pleased to have accomplished another 1st.
Well done Andrew, great achievement and excellent time on a tough ride. You can drag me around the same course when the plaster comes off if you like.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob, As soon as your fit, we will arrange a day, we can head from Neath -> Glynneath -> nail to the 2 climbs then head back to Neath from Cymmer. Its a fab ride :-)
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