GT220 cyclists complete epic ride of Wales Just over a year ago after the George Thomas Charity Raft Race a seed was planted for a new challenge that we could undertake to raise more money for the charity. That initial idea developed into a 251 mile cycle ride from Amlwch at the tip of North Wales back to Whitchurch in Cardiff. Through completing the ride the team hope to collect over £6000 in sponsorship money. Thursday 31st The gang arrive at 8.30am to load up and board the minibus that will take us to Amlwch in North Wales and the starting point for the trip back to Cardiff. Over 6 hours later at 3.10pm the challenge that was a year in the making really begins and we head out of Amlwch en route to our first stop in Porthmadog some 46 miles away. The weather which will predictably dominate many conversations is warm and dry with a bit of breeze, all very happy about that. Anglesey gives a nice roll up and down for 17 miles and soon brings into view what looks like Lord of the Rings scenery in front. Snowdonia looking dark and menacing in the clouds. Menai Bridge provides our first photo call at 4.20pm A quick blast into Caernarfon sees us climb up into Snowdonia National Park and the first of many highlights. A beautiful run past lakes and peaks following the river into the picturesque Beddgelert and a well earned pit stop. From here another hours ride into our first nights stop in Porthmadog. The team fuel up with a decent curry in readiness for day 2. Friday 1st Today sees the first full day of cycling from Porthmadog to Aberystwyth 72 miles away. Its a dull and damp start with the forecast wet for the entire morning. As we pull out of Porthmadog and past the Ffestiniog railway line the forecast proves right as the rain continues to fall but nevertheless the route does prove to be scenic along the river and through the woods as we make our way to Harlech and Barmouth. Harlech throws in a pretty severe climb just after the impressive castle as the rain continues to fall. We are up on the coast road now and getting thoroughly soaked, Barmouth in the distance cannot come soon enough. Barmouth proves to be another huge highlight simply down to the sheer accommodating nature of the Belle Vue cafe. 10 cyclists completely soaked with wet and dirty bikes all headed inside and more or less took over the entire cafe. Coffees, teas and cakes brought warmth to us all and gave us time for a little light relief and clothes change. Thankfully during this stop the weather eased, the sun broke and amazingly we would hardly see the rain again over the rest of the ride. We bid our fairwells and head down to the iconic bridge parting with the support vehicle as it made its way along and around the estuary as we crossed the wooden train and footbridge. Our first fall of the trip came here as Alex quickly realised that hard on the brakes on a wooden surface does not go together. Sorry about the laughter Al. A lovely afternoon was soon materalising as the sun carried us along the coast road through Tywyn to Aberdovey and a fish and chip lunch after 44 miles cycling. A nice and straightforward run along the estuary out of Aberdovey and round Machynlleth saw us towards Aberystwyth and our finishing point for the day at the University. We would reach it at 5pm. The student accommodation was the resting place for the night after some good food in the University restaurant and a few beers in the town. Not sure what the British Chess Championships taking place in the University made of all these lycra clad cyclist walking round but they seemed to be having fun. Saturday 2nd The talk of the pevious evening over dinner and even over breakfast was of the impending weather warning and the image of Wales under rain clouds all day as seen on the forecast just an hour before we left. We ate breakfast watching the rain falling solidly. At 9am as we checked out the rain stopped and quite amazingly we would begin our longest day of 85 miles in the dry. Our second full day would see us tackle Aberystwyth to Swansea via Carmarthen and Llanelli. The first stretch was a lovely run to Aberaeron along nice and easy rolling roads with some wonderful views out along the coast. It was here that the next fall took place. Neil found it very hard to negotiate starting from a side street after a lets all hide the van and the bikes whilst two of the team go to the toilet prank and ended up flat on his side in front of a full high street of shoppers and tourists! Sorry about the laughter Neil. A few concerns grew along the way due to the impending climbs heading towards to Llandysul but with every up comes a down and the route from Aberaeron took on a roller coaster effect as the momentum coming down each hill took you well up the next one. A fierce downhiller into Llandysul proved a very opportune moment to stop for a breather. Now there had been substantial planning for the entire route but nobody could take credit for stopping next to covered bus shelters just five minutes before the rain hammered down for 20 minutes as the thunder echoed all around. With the rain gone and the sun back out it was time for the next 17 mile dash to Carmarthen, only slightly delayed by Jon providing our final fall by getting his wheel stuck in a drain. Proper cycling shoes mean there is only one way that is going to end up. Sorry about the laughter Jon. Something to do with a Mcdonalds lunch had everyone revved up and we made good progress in just over an hour. Our late lunch stop saw Andy lose all control and dropping milkshakes and food everywhere so desperate was he to get the food into his mouth. Sorry about the laughter Andy. Just one last climb out of Carmarthen meant it was a long run down to Burry Port and the start of the Millennium coastal path section. 7 of the team had previously ridden this route the other way as part of the 100 mile Cardiff to Tenby route which was done in horrendous 35mph winds into the face. It was nice to get one back and ride downwind on the cycle friendly surface. A quick coffee and welsh cake stop and then it was onto Swansea. A straight forward run to the end of the cycle path and then Gowerton and the converted rail track through Clyne Gardens. Final run along the sea front saw us into the offices at DW Harris with a very welcoming buffet after 85 miles for the day. With only the shortish run to Cardiff left for the final morning it was time for most of the crew to really relax and enjoy the Swansea night life. Sunday 3rd Nice breakfast in Frankie and Bennys saw the team fueled and ready to head out just after 10am to begin the final stretch to Cardiff. Port Talbot, Margam and Pyle quickly came and went as we headed into Bridgend. Through Bridgend and onto Pencoed, Llanharran, Llantrisant and Pendoylan. The whole team riding into the family welcome at Whitchurch Tennis club just before 3 pm. The team of 10 cyclists and 2 support crew had covered some 251 miles each and amazingly there wasn’t a single puncture or bike issue to speak of. The challenge couldn’t have been done without considerable support from many people so the whole GT220 team would like to thank: All our families for supporting us throughout the training and ride and the lovely homecoming welcome. David W Harris Solicitors for providing the teams jerseys and hospitality in Swansea. Cosywarm for providing the invaluable support vehicle and support team. Ffynci Mynci for covering the fuel costs. Step Forward Physiotherapy for looking after many aching limbs. Apollo Minibus hire for getting the team to North Wales and Safewear UK for printing the yellow jerseys. Amlwch to Porthmadog 46 miles Porthmadog to Aberystwyth 74 miles Aberystwyth to Swansea 85 miles Swansea to Cardiff 46 miles The GT220 cyclists from left to right: Paul Roberts, Steve Bibby, Rich Harries, Andy Clarke, Ray Calder, Steve Williams, Jon Ling, Ross Pearce, Alex Renwick, Neil Lewis. You can still support the team, visit: https://justgiving/GT220/
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 06:00:00 +0000
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