Well it may only have been the baby Dragon that I tamed but there was plenty of climbing, sweat cascading down my face as a full waterfall which I got glimpses through of stunning Welsh scenery in glorious sunshine. Cracking day for a bike ride 🙂

Oooh it wasn’t half hot mum out there but not complaining after recent wet & cold events I’ve endured this year. Disappointed no ice cream van at the top of the first climb though, sheep still there looking for free food.

13321739_10154248940938792_5417940163424492421_n — 7am Early start & its already hot

13327475_10154248941213792_7444531133352972032_n — Fab start/finish for all

I signed up for the 100km Macmillan route as I was riding for them I thought I had to do that option ! But will challenge myself next time with a longer distance and already signed up taking advantage of the early-bird 2016 riders offer, we pay less than this year but only available for 24 hours to commit – so I’m doing the Medio, 95 miles and more mountains for my money, not quite ready to take on the Devil distance though.

Only in Wales can you be hit mid ride on the back with a stray rugby ball flying over a fence 🏉 Many apologies were sent my way and as I stayed upright no harm done.

Great event, well organised, marshalled and signed, plenty of food and especially liked the potatoes & salt at feed station. Would recommend this ride as there is a distance for all to take on. The roads were mostly quiet, just a few extra roadworks & traffic lights to halt progress and some traffic build up in towns. I was interviewed as a Macmillan rider at the feed station for BIKE TV so will see if I made the cut or on the digital scrap heap on Thursday night.

Macmillan looked after its riders with a VIP tent to meet, relax have some food & drink before & after, chat to others, plus the free post ride massage was nice. There was 700 riders for Macmillan the official charity for the ride and we were all supported and encouraged along the route by organisers, spectators, each other on the road.

Challenging but rewarding ride, I got STRAVA PB’s on all segments on the three mountains I’d ridden before. Thank to Claire & James, Chippenham tri for organising that Little Dragon ride back in May. Maybe the new shiny 29 rear cassette & chain helped ! Thanks to fellow Pirate Duda for fitting for me.

13310544_10154248941038792_3605447688650621714_n — Shiny new cassette & chain

Coolest medal I have had – my own yellow jersey with polka dot ribbon. L’Etape & Human Race have taken over from Wiggle with plans to get Tour de France starting on these routes within coming few years. We were following the actual Le Tour signs and a touch French commentary and history added to the occasion.

13339629_10154248945513792_6608085936565294848_n — My own Yellow Jersey for the day

Crossing the finish line after 4:30 hours sweating in the saddle, we got our yellow jersey medals, CoCo Vita coconut water, Erdinger Alcohol free chilled beer, SIS recovery glup and plenty of water. Saw Lyndsey for Chipp Tri at finish looking as hot & sweaty as I was but she’d done the Medio. I heading back to check in at Macmillan tent for massage, a cuppa & chat before heading home.

Need more friends to ride with me next year to improve on my selfies and get better photos !

Screenshot 2016-06-07 10.57.18

Must get up into Brecons to practise the Devils Elbow ahead of next year. Or even back to PortTalbot and ride the route again.

If anyone wishes to add a little to my Macmillan sponsorship please click here it’s not too late. This is my only sponsored event this year.

Swim, Sweat and Gears

Triathlon, fitness, fun – inspire & support

L’Etape Little Dragon Ride

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L’Etape Little Dragon Ride

Macmillan Cancer Support

We support people affected by cancer to make sure no one faces cancer alone

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