The Edge Cycleworks 'Big' Shop Ride

The Ceiriog Valley

Sun 18th December 2011

The attrition rate was high on this ride even before it started. Last minute Christmas drinks, bugs and nicked bikes accounted for four for those who said they’d come. As I drove through the freezing sleet I wondered if the others would bother! With relief I saw Colin and Anne arrive at Glyn Ceiriog, then things improved even more when blue patches appeared in the sky.

As we climbed out of the village on tricky, icy roads the sun came out and transformed the bleak surroundings into a sparkling, snow covered winter scene. It was an understatement to say we were glad to be riding.

As planned, the big ride wasn’t big in distance but the combination of water, mud, ice and snow made the riding tricky. The climbs felt steeper, the descents more technical and on the flat the snow dragged at our wheels. But we enjoyed the challenge and were rewarded with stunning views at the top of every hill.

At the halfway point we reached the top of my favourite descent to find a trail repair notice. While there is a section that needs doing I remember the loss the Allt y Badi, a fantastic local descent that was flattened from top to bottom. On the way down I was distracted, cataloguing the fun stuff I hoped wouldn’t disappear. Bad move, my front wheel disappeared in a water covered hole followed by a slow mo’ over the bars, chest slam into a boulder.

I struggled for breath, groaning like a zombie hoping I wouldn’t have to explain this to my pregnant wife. But I recovered quickly and, while painful, there was no swearing when I coughed, so no broken ribs…probably. My Garmin was dead though. Its fight with a rock ended with a black smudge of LCD’s along the bottom of the screen. Then the sky went dark, the temperature dropped and it started snowing.

Just in case my rib prognosis was optimistic it was time for a bail. We were half way round with not many options. So, while I cut out the next climb and add a lane, we still got to ride most of the route and enjoy lots of fun and beautiful riding through the snow.

At the top of the last descent there was also a ‘straight back to Glyn Ceiriog’ option down a lane. Anne expressed the desire to go straight back as her feet were freezing. Another short cut was fine and the ice covered lane still gave us a fun descent.

Despite my aching side and everyone’s cold feet we returned to Glyn Ceiriog after 4 1/2hrs of fantastic winter riding. It had been a wonderful experience, especially as it ended pint in hand with our feet propped up next to an open fire.

Happy Christmas and hopefully I'll see you on a ride next year!