As this was our first run we were a bit
nervous. The weather had been great
since Wednesday, though typically the weather forecast said that Sunday it would
change. Arrived at Sarn Park
Services on a lovely sunny day to find 14 cars in the car park (apparently a
club record), although this was with the help of Lindsey’s best friend of 20
years (so she couldn’t refuse really) and her husband in their ‘V’ reg.
Spitfire – drafted in just in case no-one else turned up!
We were reduced to 13 cars almost immediately, as Paul decided to take
his ‘shine mobile’ home as rain was forecast.
The obligatory group photographs were taken, though many further
opportunities were missed throughout the day, as we didn’t like to tell the
more experienced (old) members what to do.
Setting off towards Ogmore Vale, we
quickly realised that trying to keep so many cars together was no picnic as we
were split at the first set of traffic lights exiting the car park! With further splits occurring at the next roundabout and the
next set of lights (all within the first half mile), it was reassuring to have
Clive and Penny always visible in their banana yellow MX at the rear, keeping in
touch like Norman Collier over the intermittent walkie talkies, whilst ensuring
nobody got lost.
Up over the Bwlch Mountain pass with
great views of the now scenic Rhondda Valley then descending down into Treorchy
before once again ascending the Rhigos Mountain pass whilst slipstreaming an
expectant Ice Cream Man to the car park at the top.
No sooner had we stopped to admire the view, when the run veterans were
drinking coffee from flasks, and I was asked by one through a mouth full of
biscuits, where the first toilet stop would be (it comes to us all, apparently).
Leaving the car park and a dejected Ice Cream Man (13 cars – not one
sale), we descended to Penderyn and on towards Merthyr Tydfil via the Llyn Onn
Reservoir on fast undulating roads. Stopping
for a hastily added toilet break at Garw Nant (thanks, Mark J), we travelled on
into the Beacons National Park past more reservoirs on great roads and with
picturesque views to Talybont on Usk. Over
the swing canal bridge, we passed a very old petrol pump, last used by the now
famous oldest car in the club, and quickly on to the Coach and Horses car park
in Upper Llangynidr to put the roof up, as it had now started to rain. Off again over the mountain road towards Beaufort and down
into Crickhowell where we spotted an orange MK2 like Mark S’s and on to the
Nantyffin Cider Mill for lunch. The
food and surroundings were great as we were seated around the cider press, the
service was slow, though there were 24 of us.
On returning to the car park we met a
potential new member and details were exchanged. Off
again after lunch through Brecon town where two cars peeled off (one
accidentally), then via Libanus, Defynnog and Ystradfellte and through some
great winding country lanes to drop down into Glyn Neath to the car park of the
Angel Hotel where we were re-joined by Julie and Bill who had peeled off
unintentionally at Brecon and spent the last ¾ of an hour furiously
route-reading trying to catch up with us, with encouragement from local farmers. The drive ended here, as there was easy access to the M4 for
those heading west. I was relieved,
though a little sad when it was all over. Members
said they had enjoyed the day, and were looking forward to our next attempt
(though they did all stay and talk about us in the car park when we left!).
I apologise to anyone that I haven’t managed to
insult in this report – maybe next time!
On a serious note, thanks to everyone for making it
a really enjoyable day for us.
Ceri
and Lindsey
As this was our first run we were a bit
nervous. The weather had been great
since Wednesday, though typically the weather forecast said that Sunday it would
change. Arrived at Sarn Park
Services on a lovely sunny day to find 14 cars in the car park (apparently a
club record), although this was with the help of Lindsey’s best friend of 20
years (so she couldn’t refuse really) and her husband in their ‘V’ reg.
Spitfire – drafted in just in case no-one else turned up!
We were reduced to 13 cars almost immediately, as Paul decided to take
his ‘shine mobile’ home as rain was forecast.
The obligatory group photographs were taken, though many further
opportunities were missed throughout the day, as we didn’t like to tell the
more experienced (old) members what to do.
