exposed

there's loads of group rides here, i rarely ride alone.

today though, i rode 4hrs, going from Cardiff through Abercynon, (tried to avoid dual carriageway and ended up in Quaker's Yard instead, hilly, nice but wrong valley!, no choice but to get on the main road then) and up the Cynon valley to Hirwaun, to test out the legs on the Welsh National Hill-Climb TT course, the race is on the 25th. It's basically climbing from out of one valley towards the next, over the notorious Rhigos, spoken of in hushed tones. only one switchback, what's the big deal? deceptive, steeper than it looks
Very exposed. Weather conditions fluctuate wildly from one valley to the next...
howling wind, had to hold tight on to the bars and even so almost got blown sideways off
driving sleet on top of the ridge
stinging arms, cheeks, lips like needles piercing
careering downhill, looking around for shelter, none to be found
besides, i can't stop as i'm losing heat rapidly,
short sleeved, glad for the gilet and the alpaca hat that fits nicely under helmet
but going down so fast on a desolate wet mountain road in the sleet and gusts...is hard
(but not like Minnesota winters)
thinking of the Alps Mortirolo Andy Hampsten pic, anyone got a newspaper i can stuff up my jersey?
this is the Rhondda!
into Treherbert, civilization again, never too far in Wales,
weather-beaten buildings,
crumbling, people
Spirit crushed yet undefeated
last town at the top of the valley, dead end? or just dormant?

riding close to the desperate, ragged limit, dying to get home and dry off and a hot cuppa and eat something, anything
WALES! WAAAAAAYYYYYYY-UUUULS!