Llanwrda I Caio

Cracking little random race which starts from Llanwrda and finished in the little village of Caio 7 miles later. With no idea of the route I started steady and tried to gain a little speed as the race went on. A huge hill 2 miles in I showed gd legs to push the pace and pass the front runners. Settled down with JT to get some time on the others and hit some gd pace. But then after a couple of bad navigation errors we hit a cross road with no flags for direction. With little idea of the route we waited for GP who knew the route. After 6-7 min of walking and faffing  we finally found a farm route which was flagged we continued on but with a mile left we got lost again. Turning on to an A Road we finally had sight of Caio but just when I put the hammer down for a sprint a group of 4 runners join the road from a footpath 100 ahead and my head dropped. Finished with a laugh as the race was bit of a flop. Fair play to JT  who  actually passed the other group on the line to take the win, a reward of a Gallion and a soft toy.

Ras y wyddfa 2013

Top race which I completed in 2010 and somehow felt a late entry would be a gd idea. With Moel Siabod in the legs I felt pretty gd and confident of a low 1h 23 time. S4C even turned up at work to make an interview of me and my antics. Drive up early morning and grabbed a coffee and cake at caffi gwynant before heading to the mad house of Llanberis. A very hot day it was going to be a testing run, started steady before settling to a decent pace following 1st lady. Very gd climb in 54 min, 5 min up on 2010. Started the decent in gd form and grabbed a gel which somehow wrecked my guts, had to stop due to a cramp and lost a few minutes. Started the decent pissed off and frustrated! Steady decent home with no risks taken i arrived down in 1 28. 5 min slower down the mountain. Great day but should have grabbed a better time. Straight to York for a Stag trip afterwards to drown the pain. 

Moel Siabod 2013

A mountain I was yet to walk or run and with its peak always visible from miles around i was looking forward to this climb as a warm up for snowdon. A decent field set off in hot conditions up the fforestry road with a gradual climb, single track soon followed before hitting the mountain. Felt comfortable up to 3rd and gaining with every stride. Arrived at the rocky summit with a massive crowd hanging out on the top. Got caught half way down and settled for 4th, technical run down with plenty of large stones, tough finish with the legs shot by the end. 4th 54min. Straight into the river for a cool down and a gd feed of cawl provided by the Siabod cafe. Gd day but suffered for the rest if the week.

Aber 2 Amsterdam

Castles Relay - Dinas M to Foel

Got signed up to the following leg from last year and instead of finishing I was starting in Dinas M and on the route to Foel. The run followed the main road and at times it was a bit hairy with the stream of vehicles passing close. Top field of runners always good to stretch my ability. Lost touch with the leaders early on but held on top 10 position with a fast finish. Superb crowd at the finish saw me come in 8th out if 80. 

Ras yr Hafod 2013

With a long distance cycle trip around the corner I was always in doubt if I should make the trip to the Hafod but an early trip from work found me cycling the 20 miles to the start line. A superb setting of Rivers, tree's and single track it's a top race. A limited field of 16 athletes was a disappointment but still contained enough talent to make it a tough race.

I pushed hard after the first mile and made it a task of thrashing out the first lap and settle into a rhythm for the 2nd. No Sign of any runners I enjoyed the second lap and finished strong. Jumping on the bike I headed for home before the light stopped play. Not a bad nights work.

41min - 10k.

Sarn Helen Castles Relay on the weekend.

Tour series 4th Cat

After finally given in to the new bike, fitting issues!! I polished the Scott and set about my plans for the night. Another wild night expected a late change of course proved a great move with less straights and more twists. A course which would suit my skinny sticks and cornering skills. Set off ready to finish in one piece this year, but after 10meters I was in the barrier. My training partner missed a pedal and ploughed us all into the wall. Bent handle bars and leavers I was happy to call it a day but remembered the bonus of a lap out if you are held up due to an accident or technical. On lap 2 I slotted myself into the 2nd group and went about pursuing the leaders. Put a few good shifts on the front and somehow managed to avoid some nasty crashes. With 5min to go I was in the lead pack and feeling strong. Last lap I attacked and went for glory, last corner with a lead I got held up by some back markers. Having to brake and manoeuvre I lost my momentum and got picked to the line to finish 2nd. Thrilled to have been competitive but really should have grabbed the win. 

Sunday was the end to the festival weekend with a 105m bike ride with the boys. Awesome day with 9700 ft of climbing it was testing but very enjoyable. Cracking weekend.