Llangollen road loop

Road cycling: HK-Horseshoe Pass-Llangollen-Rhos-Minera-HK
Distance: 72k/44m
An early start, as it was vital to squeeze this longer ride in before forthcoming sportives. It went well, although the long climb up the Horseshoe was made considerably harder by a surprisingly strong headwind. This dropped slightly for the final climb, and the sun finally came out as I enjoyed the superb, exhilarating descent down to Llangollen. After a brief snack, quick flat riding (the only flat section on this loop) led to Trevor, before quiet roads lead north through Penycae to Rhos. Predictably hilly and windy over to Minera, but good cycling country. Then a detour towards Bwlchgwyn and down the Brymbo road to Hope and home. Felt comfortable throughout and deliberately took it easy by gearing down: small mileage (75k at most, 3:15 for the loop) but rendered a bit more challenging by the amount of climbing.

Clwydian run

At last, some improvement to the knee detected after seven long weeks. After a jog up Conwy Mountain, I managed the regular 10k road loop a few days later followed by the normal Collie run up Famau in a reasonable 1:20 last Friday. It still seems prudent to alternate running with cycling, so I waited until this evening for a longer outing: a jog from Llanferres over Foel Fenlli then a mini-loop up Famau and back over Fenlli. Some cramp/aches in the knee - still not right, but nothing too troubling.

Llanferres-Rhydtalog loop

Road cycling: HK-Llanferres-Rhydtalog-HK
Distance: 30m
Although I can now run very gently for short distances, it seems prudent to keep the recovery cautious by alternating ultra-slow jogs with longer bike rides (generally just the commute). This early morning outing was not as long as intended, as I couldn't spare the time, but was enjoyable: particularly the quiet and well-surfaced road from Llanferres over to Rhydtalog in welcome sunshine, then the very fast and long descent to Pontblyddyn. Around 1:45 for the loop.

Hope Mountain circuit

MTB Route: Hope Mountain MTB
Distance: 20m+
Managed to jog up Moel Findeg last night with no reaction from the knee - so jogged up and down a further four times, all very gentle but promising. I didn't want to risk overdoing it, so got the mountain bike out today in wet, stormy weather. Headed up Waun y Llyn, then along the old railway to Llanfynydd. Two large trees blocked the path, and were very difficult to pass, very muddy all the way. Enjoyed the steep climb back to Cymau, then extended the route through Llay and Burton past more fallen trees and structural damage. Will try another jog up Pen y Cloddiau tomorrow: a slow recovery could finally be on the cards.