Tour of Pembrokeshire - 12 June 2011

Otherwise known as "a day out in the rain" and wind!!

Report by David Astins and Val Brown

Rain. Wind. Cold. Dreary car park. Rain. Hello Alex, why are we here? Rain and wind . Colder than I was a few minutes ago. What to wear? Bib shorts, long sleeve top, rain jacket, overboots. Hope that's enough. Rain. and wind

We're off (me, Alex & Phil). Rivers on the road, twigs crashing to floor. Must be October. Begelly, it's Richard & Val. Hello Richard & Val. Fancy seeing you here. Clunderwen, left turn. Alex "did we cross the A40"? Yes we did Alex, that big roundabout. Probably missed it because glasses wipers were not working - it was raining a tad at the time - and windy.

I think the wind is behind us. I think. No brakes to speak of. Phil, fancy a turn on the front? "No."

Finally Roch, left towards Simpson Cross. Ahh, now there's the wind. Told you so. Grind. Rain. More wind. Broad Haven, had to pedal down Haroldston Hill. Not funny. Feed station. Toilet (could have stayed in there). Welsh cake. 6mins 50secs and we're off again, just as Richard & Val arrive. Val going really well.in the wind and rain - did we mention that?

Broad Haven hill. At least the hills keep my legs warm. Joined by a couple of wheel suckers (must be mates of Phil). Hang on, Phil hits the front. Johnston. Neyland. Not enjoying this now. Alex looks strong. Get some shelter. from the wind.

The Cleddau Bridge is exposed, isn't it? very wet and windy. Climb to Pembroke, not fun. Out to Lamphey, what a grind. Fog? No, smoke! Some dingbat burning a shed or something. Ahh, that sign says 10 miles to go. A mental lift. Finally Tenby. Phil loses contact. Alex still strong. Long grind out of Tenby. Saundersfoot, all downhill from here. Across the seafront, I smell chips. Chips.. And we're home, 4hrs 29mins of, err, riding in the rain and wind. Someway off the 3:45 target. Shelter.

Alex, I can't lift my bike on the roof. Thanks. Soggy pasta, very welcome. Oooh, look, a chocolate muffin. Hello chocolate muffin. Adios chocolate muffin. Hello hot tea. Time to go home and sleep. Zzzzzzz.

(Well organised event, really cheery marshals considering the weather, I will be back! Can't argue with that for £20. I cannot understand anyone who did the 112 mile route today - nutters.)

ps - did I mention the rain and wind and cold? ?

Results for Club nutters - sorry I mean members below!

Dave's Garmin download for event

Full results