I took on the Cambrian Coast Sportive Big Dog route on Saturday which was one of my main objectives this year. I was a bit apprehensive prior to the event, having only done 500 miles on the bike since my shoulder op in March, but decided to give it a go thinking I could always divert to one of the shorter routes.

A cloudy but dry Aberdyfi saw me set off at 8am. A flattish trundle to Tywyn and on to Arthog. The usual route goes over the bridge to Barmouth and then back over the Mawddach estuary on the rickety wooden bridge at Penmaenpool. The Barmouth bridge is closed so the route was diverted along the Mawddach Trail which is an old railway line. No problem for me but when I got to Penmaenpool and headed back towards Arthog on the road I saw dozens of cyclists heading in the opposite direction. This caused me to doubt my nav skills but I carried on and turned left up to Cregennen Lakes which was a steep 15% + series of hairpins.

Once at the lakes at the first feed station it became clear that the reason that I had earlier seen cyclist going in the opposite direction was that they didn't want to take their precious machines on the trail so did an out and back on the tarmac to Penmaenpool and back to Arthog.

A ride down into Dolgellau and then up to Cross Foxes and feed station 2. It started to rain on the way up to Bwlch Oerddrws so I stopped, with others, to put a waterproof on. They were amused that I put an OR hooded running jacket on rather than a fancy skintight expensive cycling one and their amusement increased when I passed them on the drop into Dinas Mawddwy sounding like a yacht with billowing sails!

Once in DM the jacket was off as was the rain and I took it steady up to Llanymawddwy as I knew what was coming. At the bottom of Bwlch y Groes I selected my lowest gear and ground it out. Two young lads came alongside me, one of whom pushed on the other saying "he's a machine". I replied " don't try to keep up with him as its a long drag" but off he went dancing on his pedals. Guess what. Three quarters of the way up I passed them both, sheepishly pushing their bikes. They weren't the only ones.

Whilst there is no shame in running out of steam I was quietly amused as I passed some very expensive bikes, which included Bianchi, Pinarello and a Specialized Tarmac, being taken for a walk by their riders!

I found BYG a lot tougher than on my recce but I had 3'000feet in my legs this time but once over the top, and half way around, the drop into Llanwychllyn was lovely. The next 15 miles of single track gated road towards Trawsfynedd was fantastic. Very lumpy and remote, apparently known as "The Ranges". Views over to Arenig Fawr and Rhobell Fawr. Shortly before reaching Trawsfynedd a left took us into Coed y Brenin, fantastic views of the Rhinogs, and over more lumpy terrain to the picturesque village of Llanfachreth, start of Ras Rhobell Fawr which I shall be at on Nov 6th.

Downhill to the main road and then steeply up through Brithdir to Cross Foxes before a short climb and then a fantastic downhill and predominately flat run in through Tywyn and the finish in Aberdyfi.

A total of 100 miles, 9'850 feet in 7hrs 32min excluding feed station stops. All hills climbed without stopping and really chuffed to get around considering how little cycling I have done. Shoulder a bit sore though now, mainly from pulling on the bars and also from the numerous cattle grids!

A really well run event with great feed stations supplying Sausage Rolls, Bananas and Flapjack. I carried my own food but all I consumed from it was one gell on the climb up to Brithdir but I wish I hadn't as it made me feel sick!

If a tough scenic ride floats your boat then I would recommend this.

I just need to get around the 3 Peaks in a decent time now and this years goals complete.