Bwlch y Groes loop

Road cycling: Bala-Bwlch y Groes-Vyrnwy-Hirnant Pass-Bala
Distance: 50k
Almost certainly the final ride before the Alpine trip, so it was a bit of a shame that I was forced to dramatically shorten the intended route due to bad weather. Light drizzle as I negotiated the undulating road south of Llyn Tegid before starting the 8k climb up Bwlch y Groes. In theory, this long and gentle side of the famous pass replicates Alpine climbs reasonably well, but in reality it is for the most part a typical British climb which kicks up quite steeply at the start before levelling off for at least 3k. It ramps up again towards the top, and remains a very fine climb by UK standards. Steady drizzle became heavier at the top, with misty views of dank moorland. I had thought this was a brief weather window in a very wet week, but the rain was quite heavy at the pass. At least it gave me an excuse not to descend and reclimb the notorious Mawddwy side of the pass! Instead I descended, in horrible weather, the lovely rollercoaster road to the shores of Vyrnwy. Round this, then up the excellent climb through Aber Hirnant. This has a few sharp 20% sections at the start, then eases somewhat before steepening again through a conifer forest to gain a fine open section to the top. Great descent to Rhos y Gwaliau and back to Bala. This route was the exact opposite of the route I took last time I cycled in the Bala area, in 2004 on a mountain bike. Two hours for the round this time, not nearly enough bike-specific training given the looming reality of Galibier, Izoard, Ventoux and the rest, but it will have to do.