ARCHIVE Maybe Maerdy, Maybe Not...

More from the archive... a blast from the past. I hope you enjoy.

The plan for our ride this day had been to start at Pontypridd, head northwest up NCN 881 past Maerdy to where it joins NCN Route 47, turn right and head back. Simple enough, eh? Well, as time was running short and we needed to get back, we made the decision to head over the mountain, ie "take the short cut".

All smiles as we turned out of Fernwood and headed up into Blaenllechau...

So began the climb...

and climb...

and climb...

and climb...

and climb we did.

Joanne suggested we stop at the top for lunch for the fabulous views.

Proud smiles and cameras document the ascent...

and silliness with the video camera...

and lunch of course!

The background... see the background?

But all was not as it seemed (or as we were told...). For what was ahead...

Wazzup?... Oh, that's up.

At every turn was another spectacular view... (and a valid excuse to pause, catch your breath, and pull out the camera.)

Onward we climbed...

Will said we climbed over 1000 feet that day? And it felt like it! It was truly spectacular and yet another surprising adventure in Wales for this very fortunate cyclist.

We did make it to the top.... we did ride over 40 miles... and what a fun day.

[ Click to view a larger version of the route ]

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And I cannot forget, before we head home...

"Mr. Fix-it"... fixes signs again. Awesome buddy. It was a great day gang.

Thanks again. Seeya down the road!