We were joined today by Derek Thomas, a local Headteacher, and his friend Ian. Jess was still half asleep when it was time to get going, especially as it was raining. Needless to say, Dave, who doesn't mess about with anything, sent Mike and I up to help her with her stuff, and we set off not too long later.
Bearing in mind most of her male companions were roughly twice her age, she set off at a furious pace which none of us could keep up with. We assumed she was going to stop at the prearranged tea and buns stop in Brecon. On our arrival, she was nowhere to be seen, and after about an hour of searching she was found, having started the main ascent up towards Storey Arms. This was a gruelling ride, really strong headwind, and at least Jess stayed behind to coax her Dad up the mountain. They were fabtastic! We stopped for another breather just after the summit, as we all recognised we needed a rest.
Jess and Dave stayed back, whilst Derek, Ian and I blasted off towards Cardiff to meet up with our welcoming party. Jess arrived with her Father literally minutes after the appointed time, a masterful piece of pacing. Dave wasn't so happy to be carrying her makeup bag for the group pictures, and soon unloaded it onto someone else.
The greeting provided by our friends, all of whom have been very supportive was heartwarming. Thank you all very much, it meant a lot to us all.
Derek announced after this arduous stage that he'd only been out training on his bike once. He gave an amazing account of himself, and is still looking for his underpants after several hours on a razor blade of a racing saddle.
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