The Annual Club Social Trip took place on the weekend of 12/13 October. Eighteen members met in Porth for the start of the event which, once again, had been superbly organised by Eddie Blayney. Club Chairman, Jeff Matthews, started the riders on their way before providing support and photography duties with his ‘sidekick’ Chris Thomas. Additional support was once again carried out by ‘The Blayney Crew’ who always manage to cheer everyone up with comments on how difficult it is to drive up the hills!
After riding down to Ponty and up the Cynon Valley the group descended to Glynneath before negotiating the climb towards Onllwyn. The route went through the Swansea valley before climbing again through Brynamman and the foot of the Black Mountain. The group enjoyed a ‘longer than expected’ pub lunch in Ammanford before pushing on towards Gorseinon.
Due to the long lunch break it was decided to ‘CUT OFF THE CORNER’ of the intended route. At this point the riders found themselves at the mercy of a very dangerous entity – a club chairman with a map!!!
Jeff managed to find a little climb that our recently departed ‘Mr 20 per cent’ Ian Humphries would have loved. After a ‘gentle mile or so’ he received lots of quiet ‘gratitude and praise’ for his route selection. Gerald, in particular, really seemed to enjoy the diversion. Chris later reassured everyone that they had not laughed once while driving up this climb.
After seventy miles (from Porth) the day’s ride ended at ‘The Dragon Hotel’ in Swansea. The riders and support group enjoyed a fantastic three course meal before engaging in some ‘serious rehydration’ in the big city.
On Sunday morning the group enjoyed breakfast before heading for home on a shorter route. After negotiating the busy roads towards Port Talbot it was a left turn to the Afan valley and the constant and steady climb to the bottom of the Bwlch. By this time, the weather had closed in and the group splintered on the climb as riders found the pace which their legs (and hangovers) allowed them to ascend.
All the riders would like to thank Eddie for organising this trip. The route, accommodation and food were excellent. Many thanks also to Darren and crew who carried the luggage and provided welcome support and encouragement. Thanks to Chris and Jeff for the photographs – and for the little diversion ‘NOT’…………
The Photo Gallery has lots of photos of the event.
