The annual Anglesey Circular ride took place on a damp morning starting in the town of Menai. Seven mighty wheelers took on this challenge.
Anglesey is an island in Wales, off the mainland’s North West coast. It’s known for its beaches and ancient sites. The island is accessed by the 19th-century Menai suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge, rebuilt in the 20th century.
What lay ahead was one of the hardest rides on the Frodsham Wheelers calendar. It has an epic status so it had to live up to its name. The route took the riders anti clockwise starting from the town of Menai and covered 100 miles of hilly terrain. The route is rugged with endless amounts of short and steep climbs which in total has over 2500 metres of accent. The route stays as close as possible to the coast line, this gives the best coastal views but the hilliest route possible. The mighty wheelers wouldn’t have it any other way.
With a quick bike check the riders set off heading to the coastal town of Beaumaris. Within the first 5 minutes of riding a quick left turn off the main road took the group up a very steep 25% climb. Some were smiling and some were not as the reality of a very hilly route dawned on the riders faces. A quick drink and catch of breath, the group rode on through the showers although the temperature was warm.
A south westerly wind was against us so the going was tough but this didn’t dampen the spirits. A steep 25% down to Allt Bron meant a 35% climb back out. This was very challenging as the lanes were slippy due to the rain and lack of sunlight caused by the dense trees overhead. The mighty wheelers conquered just like they always do.
The route twisted high up on terraced lanes and close to the sea. To give you a sense of how close the riders went to the sea, on occasions you could feel the spray from the ocean against your face as were only feet away from it. You don’t get that in Cheshire.
Café stop was planned was in the town of Valley after 59 miles. Unfortunately for the group, ride leader Daniel Emmett had told them the café was on 47 miles. The joy on their faces when they reached 47 miles. All I can say is that the ride leader wasn’t very popular for the next 10 miles as the route was tough.
On a coastal road near Llanfaethlu we were greeted by a tractor blocking the lane. Rather odd you say but not in Anglesey. A quick clamber over a very large red tractor to speak to the farmer, we were granted permission to pass. The farmer was herding cows who didn’t sound too happy. Not sure the farmer had seen so much lycra before.
The next section of the route took us anti-clockwise around Holyhead. The route hugs close to the coast line and is popular for holiday makers and water sports enthusiasts. The first village we passed through was Trearddur Bay. A true gem of a place with incredible views across the rugged coastline. A great opportunity was taken to have an obligatory club photo.
The most iconic location on Anglesey is the famous South Stack lighthouse. If you’ve never seen it I would recommend you do. This was the icing on the cake for the riders, the main objective in doing the ride.
South Stack lighthouse was built in 1809 and is located on the summit off the small island of Holy Island. The riders finally reached South Stack and for the riders who have not seen it before there were gasps of amazement. Plenty of pictures were taken before the group set off for the final 30 miles Via Holyhead.
The remainder of the route was in a headwind and zig zagged through tight country lanes. On occasions you could see Neolithic burial tombs set back in the landscape. This gave you a true sense of the Islands history.
Menai was reached at 5pm and all finished safely. A truly magnificent day riding with great friends.
Thanks to all who completd the Anglesey Epic
Daniel Emmett
Mark Stevens
Stuart Lundstrom
David Arrundale
Brigid Wilde
Kate Litherland
Gareth Preece
This could be you………….Come along and join the mighty Frodsham Wheelers.https://www.frodshamwheelers.co.uk/