Muddy Care Blog Week 15
Phase 4 – E Cycling
After Lockdown 1
Sunday 2nd September 2020
Written by Jacko
We began the day by all meeting up by one of the lay byes of the reservoir. We all agreed to meet up at 11:30. myself & mum where a tad late on arrival though, due to getting lost on the way. We’d been to Tal y bont before, but never to the post code we were supposed to meet. So we were circling around the reservoir for nearly an hour. The reason this took so long was mainly due to the lack of phone service. We got there in the end.
We arrived at the site, meeting and seeing each other for the first time in 6 months was nice. Can’t speak for everyone else, but it was almost quite relaxing just seeing other people after such a long time. A nice time to sit down, have a chat and a quick bite to eat. Whilst having our dinner Claire took the time and got us all up to date on the new COVID rules & regulations. A lot was discussed and took a while. Glad we talked about it though. Most of what was explained was expected, but it was still reassuring to hear. Claire was very thorough. We each were handed out hand gel, a long wearing face mask and other essentials.
Once we were finished with our talk Luke & Olivia from Drover Cycles turned up, got us all kitted & fitted. Soon later, after explaining the route we would take, we were on our way.
We started off on nice flat ground going across the edge of the reservoir where we’d soon come across a path that ran adjacent with the reservoir for about 7-9km. The path was mostly flat, but having saying that, a lot of it was bumpy terrain. From about a mile to the end there was a steady incline. This was easy for the rest of the group. A bit more challenging for me. Because I struggle with my balance, I have to ride on a recumbent electric bike. The excess weight certain played a part. Lee & Olivia were by my side though giving me an extra push when I needed it.
We’d finally reached the halfway point. We there took a breather for 5 minutes just glancing on the scenery of the valley. It was quite foggy, but not enough to stop us enjoying the view. After having to go through lockdown and not being allowed to go out for so long (as I was shielding), it was quite special to just unwind and admire everything. Luke from Drover Cycles then said our way back to our starting point was a walk in the park and all downhill. We were all quite relieved. Luke then said “There’s just one thing”. The next section is downhill, but it’s quite steep and quite windy. Be careful” he said. He was right to say so. Never had we been faster on a bike I think and this was constantly applying the breaks as well. Many words come to mind. Exciting, scary, tense, focused. If I had to choose own though. It would be exhilarating.
We all met up at the bottom/ lower part of the hill where all of us were in the same boat. Our hearts racing and just sharing our own experiences on what just happened. Gotta admit. This was quite special. Us all laughing about it, whilst being scared/ anxious at the same time. Fair to say most of us were put out of our comfort zones, but glad we went through it. Together as a team.
As we started to calm down a bit and catch a quick breather, Luke told us that the worst was over. We still had to go downhill, but it was now at an easy gradient. How true that was. It was nice to just sit back and enjoy it, the ride and the country side. Very little pedalling was needed. Don’t think I changed gear more than five times. This continued for about 5km. The last 100m or so a steady pedal was needed to reach our destination. Back where we first started.
A truly magical day. Good company which led to plenty of conversation. Did not feel like we’d done the distance that we had. Quite confident on saying that I’ll remember this day for a long time. Would definitely recommend this.