Grand Fondo Cymru

Time: 5 hours 49 Minutes
Position: 47/381

Spent bank holiday Sunday in Snowdonia competing in the Grand Fondo Cymru. The event was my first test of climbing in the mountains and thankfully I passed! I found my legs coped well with the long gradual climbs and I’m feeling more confident about the Tourmalet. The route took us through some beautiful scenery in Snowdonia and gave me a good taste of what France could be like.

I rode the first 50 miles with Tim and Phil. We worked together to set a steady pace and ensure we didn’t over cook the first part. I really enjoyed riding with these guys as we kept each other motivated. They’re also pretty awesome at descents, mountain bikers at heart. One saw us overtaking a coach down from Betws-y-Coed! I eventually split from them on the return leg after hitting several climbs; we just naturally split to our own pace.

Throughout the first part of the ride the weather had good, a little overcast but pleasant to ride in. The return leg turned wasn’t to be so kind. The wind picked up and the rain lashed down. On one flat section I was managing 6 mph in my lowest gear fighting horizontal rain and hail. This was to be followed by a 4k climb that saw you come to a standstill of you stood up! It was a horrible climb made worse by seeing so many people giving up and walking. I kept a mantra going in my head “the faster you spin the faster it’ll be over”. Cresting the summit I was freezing and had pins and needles in my hands. This made the descent interesting to say the least. By the end of the downhill I was even colder and my heart rate had plummeted to the low 120’s. I made myself spin faster and got the blood pumping to the legs.

The wind and rain made up my mind about doing the Grand route as I was soaked through. I opted for the medio and slightly regretted it. I finished with plenty in the tank, sprinting the final few miles and through Bala town. But on the upside I recovered quickly and was able to drive home and enjoy my evening.

There were some inspiring performances from everyone in the group. Tim finished a minute behind me. He’s got one hell of a quick finish and I think it would have broke me if he’d caught me as he did on the Cornwall Tor! Phil seems to be getting stronger and stronger and kept up a good pace. Alex made it in after rinding with a flat for most of the way; I take my hat off to this guy for how much he’s improved. Paul was defeated by the elements but put in a strong performance – managing 120k and cresting the windswept climb. Andy sailed off into the distance early on completed the Grand. Effort of the day has to go to Mark though for completing the Grand route. This guys got some grit to opt for that route in those conditions. I saw him as I was driving home and didn’t fancy the mountain he had to climb.

PS – A big thanks to my Nan and Grandad for putting me up the night before, a full belly and a good nights sleep really helped!

See the race photo

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