A fine morning dawned to see three riders in King’s Square for the annual iconic Black Mountains Ride. We set off at 7:00 and soon picked up a fourth rider. On a variation to the usual route, we crossed the Wye at Hoarwithy, and picked up a fifth rider soon afterwards. Clear skies meant we could see Hay-on-Wye, and the climb out of it from a long way away, and by the time we arrived, coffee and sustenance was needed by all, and provided by the Old Granary.
After Hay, the long climb to Craswall proved too much for one member, who was observed in pedestrian mode. The long descent to Pandy meant that the climb was soon forgotten, although the steep climb up Campston Hill brought back the memories, and provided fine views of Ysgyryd Fawr (clearly vowels are rationed in Waies to one per Mountain). A pleasant road took us down through Grosmont to Part-y-Seal and a fine Cream Tea.
Some good roads with a nice tail wind were followed by some poor and hilly lanes, which resulted in unmentionable things being said of the ride leader, but soon we reached Goodrich and were on familiar territory. Return was through Walford and Pontshill. When we reached the A40, everyone had had enough, and a collective decision was made to return on the A40. The ride was treated to the sight of the Vice Captain struggling over May Hill, but in the end, all returned safely, and without getting wet.