The rain clouds cleared at 10.30 as we led 26 mx5s out of Tesco’s car park at Pontardawe and the scene was set as the sun shone out of an almost clear sky. We joined the A 474 which took us via Bryncoch into Neath. Turning onto the B4287 we entered “God’s Country” driving through the pined valley of Cimla and onto Pontrhydyfen, the birth place of Richard Burton where we had Photographs taken by my mate Graham as we passed under the old viaduct.
Taking the A 4107 we continued through the beautiful sunlit Afan Valley to Cymer and then the rugged mining valleys of Croeserw – Caerau and Nantyffyllon. From there on into the old market town of Maesteg, following the road to Tondu and Aberkenfig and onward to our comfort stop at Sarn Services. Here we were joined by 3 more mx5s.
After a short stop, we started out on the second stage of our run through Bryncethin via Heol-y-Cyw common to Pentre Meyrick, on through the Vale of Glamorgan to Llantwit Major. Following the lane past the Gate Lodges to St Donats on to St Brides Major where we met up with some lost mx5 who had been led astray (thank you Brian). Ogmore by Sea offered us fantastic views over the Bristol Channel, past the rivermouth and Castle and onto Merthyr Mawr estate and it’s quaint narrow dipping bridge, joining the A 48 towards Stormy Down.
It was here that I decided to make a slight change to the route and take the remaining group along Porthcawl seafront and then onto our venue at our HQ –The Grove Golf Club where 51 ravenous members sat down to an excellent and plentiful Sunday lunch.
Judith (& Sheila) and I would like to thank everyone who supported us by attending our run. A special thanks to those that travelled long distances to join us including those from Bristol, Pembroke, Mid and East Wales, and also Maureen & Richard who joined us for Lunch.
Many thanks to Emma and the staff at The Grove for the excellent lunch and service they gave us. They did us proud especially as I had to raise the numbers attending several times.
Finally I would like to thank Judith for her valuable input into making the run possible (she was on the Piste last Sunday) and to Sheila my co-pilot who sat in for her.
A good 61 mile run and weather to match it. Thank you all.
Dave
