Tour of Pembrokeshire Cyclosportive 8th June 2008

Report: Richard Thompson

Firstly an apology to anyone from the club I have missed out on this report that did the 64 mile route.

 I have now been cycling in Pembrokeshire for 12 years and this was the best days cycling I have experienced. The event was superbly organised with an informative website, early publication of the route, smooth entry process and plenty of updates prior to the event. On the day it had a ‘big event’ feel about it with over 450 cyclists taking part. It was fantastic to see the roads full of cyclists. There were plenty of volunteers, good facilities at the start/finish including tea and massage and the feed stations were well planned and stocked.

Best of all, it had brilliant weather.

Club members cycling the long route (about 115 miles) had arranged to start at 08.00 along with Steve P and his mates. So after some last minute adjustments to bikes we rolled out across the timing mat at Folly Farm at 08.20 as a good sized group of 8. It was already warm. Rolling roads led us to Narberth, and across the A40 to Bethesda. After a steep descent we started a climb (just how many times would that happen) up into the Preseli’s, heading for Maenclochog. Through Maenclochog, the villagers were lining the road 4 deep offering us water and coca cola as they sprinted along besides us struggling to keep up. I think I spotted ‘the tdf devil’ at one point manically encouraging us on. Yes, I was definitely getting hot.

 Most of us riding were nursing ambitions of a sub 8 hour finishing time (about 15mph average riding speed). It was salutary to realise we were already behind schedule. We continued upwards to the steepest part of the climb and the highest point of the day, the Col du Preseli. The views were sensational and I swear I could see Ireland. No sheep on the descent as we descended rapidly, then more gradually into the Gwaun valley. Appreciative comments from Steve Pryke’s mates about the fantastic scenery. They were lucky. I had never seen it like this before.

Thoughts started to turn towards the first feed at Goodwick (33 miles) but first the organisers turned us off a perfectly good road heading for Fishguard, at Llanychaer Bridge, so that we could climb a short section of 25%. However this did give us a spectacular descent on smooth curving roads(such a rarity in Pembs-usually twisting and rutted ) down into Lower Town with the price to pay for this descent of another  steep  climb back out. This first section had demonstrated that Neil had the wheel to follow and that Alex’s drinking schedule of 10ml/kg hour might actually be appropriate today. Did I mention that the sun was out?

 A short break and we pressed on. Narrow  twisting roads made group riding more difficult although the scenery compensated. Unfortunately at some stage James became detached (sorry James) but most of us had our work cut out concentrating on keeping up with Neil who was maintaining a good pace. There were plenty of short steep descents followed by the inevitable climbs out of the North coast villages along this section. Alex showed at the front for a long section on the run into St David’s (had he peaked  too early?). Onto the bigger roads after St David’s so more traffic (it was a gorgeous day on a summer weekend after all) and of course more hills including Solva which was a real grovel for everybody.

Newgale, at about 66 miles was the  second feed station and it was big morale boost to see so many friendly faces (thanks to you all). Banana, pee (good sign), mix your white powder with water, sandwich, group photo and with that we were off again. I was now beginning to feel confident that I could finish this, as long as I kept eating and drinking. Route continued along the coast to Nolton then to Broadhaven. For some reason I didn’t really notice any of these climbs (wind behind us?)and was feeling really good. Alex kept up his drinking (as per schedule), but admitted to a ‘bad spell’ between Newgale and the Cleddau  bridge. Rhiannon had one water bottle only (with water) but was looking really strong, offending the ‘cyclists’ by turning large gears up the hills as the rest of us dropped down to the ‘granny ring’. I guess the proof is in the pudding ( she was getting to the top sooner than the rest of us! )It was definitely getting warmer as we headed south. 

Through Johnston and onto Rosemarket and onto the  big roads again at Honeyborough. Over the bridge through Pembroke and then climbs through Hundleton lead to some splits in the group. It now appeared as if by some unspoken rule that the privilege of shelter amongst peloton would have to be fought for and the ‘devil take the hindmost’. That was not a good place to be.

 Alex had to dig deep to rejoin Neil, Rhi and myself but managed it just as we turned west to head out to Angle and into the first serious wind of the day. It was hot, we’d done 85 miles and now it was windy. I think Steve and Dave got detached here and as Steve put it ‘left to chew wind on our own’, but to be honest I was purely concentrating on survival at this point, focused on the wheel ahead ( I promise you it was Neil doing all the pushing Steve!).In a long line we followed the wheel ahead, Neil sitting on the front.  At last we turned south and got the wind behind us as we headed through Fresh West and Castlemartin to the last feed  at Merrion where we were all reunited (with just a few  recriminations). All through this section we had been picking up odd riders some of whom stayed with us temporarily before slipping back. At this point 90+ miles we knew we were going well and on target for 8 hours as long as we didn’t bonk badly.

We kept up a good pace down to Stackpole and up the 16% climb into the village. Twisting lanes led us down into Freshwater East and the last major obstacle before the finish. And what an obstacle it was. The only factor in our favour was smooth tarmac and a wide road. It was steep and it was slow. We ascended in our contrasting styles and by the top our group had split into 3 with Alex being caught in the middle and forced to chase on his own.

The roads to Tenby were a bit tedious, at this stage you just wanted to finish.  Tenby to Kilgetty had some lumpy roads and a lot of traffic. This was possibly the least enjoyable section of the whole route but at least it led to the finish. I understand from Alex that he almost made contact with us at Tenby but then lost it again on the hill out.  Character building stuff.

By now we were passing lots of riders, possibly finishing the 64 mile route, but to be frank I didn’t care to enquire. Finally the pull through Begelly and the Folly Farm entrance came into view. I must admit on previous visits I haven’t been that enthusiastic at its sighting but on this occasion I was ecstatic. A couple of minutes later Alex arrived and not long after Steve and Dave finished. We were all under 8 hours and according to the award system (time dependent based on age and gender) received Silver for the men and Gold for Rhiannon.  I’m sure we all had a great sense of achievement. 

James must have had a bit of an epic as I’m sure he must have ridden most of the way on his own making his achievement even more worthy.

Context: There were 17 riders under 7 hours and Rhiannon had the fastest woman’s time for the 115 mile ride-a great ride.

Times for club members below:

Rhiannon Ace	7:41:47	Gold
Richard Thompson	7:41:55	Silver
Alex Ilyatt	7:43:33	Silver
Steve Pryke	7:51:21	Silver
James King	9:16:06	Bronze

 

This was a brilliant event and highly recommended. I hope it repeats next year.