DAY 1

Flat, Flat, Flat, Flat, UP!

Hello again! 

It’s the evening of day one and having cycled 82 miles from Angel Square to Bala, Wales it’s a safe shout to say it’s been a long day. After an early 0630 start (like the pro’s we are) and a full English for some or croissant for others, we collected our transport home from the lockup and ventured over to the stunning new Co-operative Group HQ at Angel Square for the obligatory photographs and send off.

"Which one is mine?"

Following which, we made our way out of Manchester passing the MUFC Old Trafford stadium (booo!) en route to Lymm, Frodsham and then Chester where we stopped for lunch at the Blue Moon Café. There were a few teething problems before this stop which involved a couple of riders getting up close and personal with the tarmac (no names – you know who you are). A particularly funny moment was Liz Metcalfe standing stationary, clipping into the pedals and then ‘Timberrrrr’ing’ into the grass verge at the side of the road in slow motion (Sorry Liz) – Hannah McCormick found this pretty hilarious too and is probably laughing even now at the very thought.

So, back to the actual cycling. After lunch we departed with Steve Round following an excellent showing on the first 40 miles and the scenic riverfront of Chester, continuing South-West towards Pen-Y-Fordd before the first real ascent of the day up Sunspot Climb. The reason for it’s name may well be the fact that it is a lot closer to the sun….compared to where we started ascending from at least.

Fortunately, our faithful support crew were there as ever to greet us with an array of cakes, drinks (non-alcoholic) and other tools to repair punctured wheels and bonked riders. The advantage of the slow drag to the top was that it was effectively ‘downhill’ for the next 23 or so miles to Bala.

 

Once in Bala and having regrouped many of us enjoyed a well-earned beer, cider, vino, and/or pepsi before heading out for an all you can eat buffet at a local pub. That’s another advantage of a day in the saddle, you can eat whatever you want and in unlimited quantities.

Tomorrow is expected to be a long day and one which will takes its toll on most riders/bikes so I’m going to join my fellow @CLSCyclists and bid you good night.

Happy Reading.

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Neil waving farewell!