50 mile Reliability Ride – Sunday 25th January 2015
The first ACME reliability Trial of the year was to be the 50 mile tour out to Newport then onto Cardiff and to finish in Llantrisant. Nine riders setting off at 9.30am were pleased the weather was reasonably mild and dry after the cold rides the previous weeks.
A steady pace from the start was the order of the day to complete the ride in 3½ hours as they set off down the valley to the first big climb up Nantgarw hill to Caerphilly. Splits occurred within the group on the steep gradient, but with a regroup over the top members again got into a comfortable rhythm with the help of a tailwind through Machen and on to Newport.
A headwind was the next challenge along the exposed “Flats” coast rode through Wentlooge, this was made easier with organised teamwork , the group taking turns on the front making it more bearable as they rode for Cardiff. A puncture delayed the group as they rode through the capital city and once repaired they set off on the final hilly miles to Llantrisant.
The hills once again caused a split as two groups developed through Groes-Faen and the following sets traffic lights adding further disruption for the riders. Finally the end was in sight and the final straight past the Royal Mint was a welcome relief as all the riders finished within minutes of each other.
Completing the ride in 3¼ hrs were Steven Williams, Jeff Rees, Ross Morgan, Paul Harries, Simon Kinsey, Tony Davies, Tavis Rees, Tom Stoddart & Phil Andrews. (In no particular order)
Other members pictured out for a less strenuous ride were Dave Roberts, Chris Thomas, Alec Morris, Kerry Lewis and new member Craig Weeks.
