Race: Ras Fawr Llanddoged, Conwy Valley (12.5k)
Time/Position: 49.39 (3rd from 40)
The little lanes above the Conwy Valley give wonderful views over the Carneddau: one of my favourite areas, so I've been meaning to do this long-established race for many years. Finally got the opportunity to coordinate it with a family outing today, and thoroughly enjoyed the event. Given its location, it's hardly surprising that the race is tough and hilly. Fortunately, the Gran Fondo bike event in April 2014 took the same initial hill from Llanddoged up to the top road, so I had prior knowledge of its gradient! A very steep start leads to a couple of brief (very welcome) interludes before climbing viciously again. It goes on for at least 3k, then continues (albeit less viciously) along the ridge. I pulled into third place on the hill, and there I stayed, well behind the two leaders but with a comfortable gap on the rest of the field. Beautiful running, in complete isolation, on empty lanes with the Carneddau stretched out in front. The final 5 or 6k is largely downhill, although there is one sharp sting in the tail just before the finish.
No comments:
Post a Comment