Four Welsh counties ride (Flintshire, Clwyd, Powys and Denbighshire)

This is another of my favourite training rides on quiet Welsh roads and lanes. July 23rd was hot and sunny with on-road temperatures peaking at 32 deg C!! A cooling breeze and the bulk of the climbing being through forested areas helped. The long descent to Nantglyn was treacherous with collections of gravel and moss and algae on the steeper sections making breaking hazardous (actually impossible!) Over 8 hours on the bike, nearly 7,000 feet of climbing in 92 miles should help put me in good stead for the 12 hour coming up next month.

Llyn Brenig, with Wind farm in the distance

From West Kirby via Dee Marshes then Northop and Mold, over the Rainbow and Bwlch Pen Barras to Ruthin. Then up to the Denbigh moors via Bontuchel, Cyfylliog and the Clocaenog forest. Steep descent to Pentrellyncymmer, then climb again to Llyn Brenig reservoir. Long trecherous descent to Nantglyn and eventually Denbigh. Back via Rhiewbel, Nannerch, Sychden, Northop and Dee marshes

Steep descent to Pentrellyncymmer