It was a cold morning and for two pins I would have decided against going on the ride. Sadly no-one managed to come up with two pins, I pleaded and pleaded but not a pin could be found. Anyway that would have shown total irresponsibility and a lack of leadership on my part so perhaps it was fortunate that, temporarily at least, the world as I knew it was pinless.

I donned some extra clothing because I knew I would need it and I took a spare pair of gloves (the fingerless ones have already been consigned to the ‘summer clobber’ bag). Martin had ‘phoned to say that his brother had reported an accident on the road between Southgate and Gowerton which was apparently caused by ice so we would have to be especially careful on the cycle path. Oh dear!

The track from Black Pill to the Railway Inn is always cold because the trees make sure that it is always in the shade and so it was that as I neared the start point my fingers and toes had already begun to send messages of protest to my brain. So, how many, if any, slightly insane riders would be waiting for me? Well, there seemed to be one at least. Why, its none other than jaunty Phil Jones the genial linguist. And crikey, here comes David Naylor – a man proud to be too tall for his own good. Three is not too bad for such a day, but wait, a stranger approaches – its Simon Spooner who has cycled all the way from Pontardawe! To those of you who do not know, Pontardawe is about 14 miles away so he would have left home at about 9.00am.

So, in fairness to him and to show complete respect for his dedication and bravery we hereby agree to deny ourselves the luxury of complaining about our own discomfort.

We were soon joined by John White, Chris and Ken and Jeff Brewer and set off to meet the others at Pont y Cob Road little knowing that we had left too early for Andrew who was then left with the task of trying to catch us up.

Isn’t role reversal a satisfying thing!

We reached a relatively tropical Pont y Cob Road where we were joined by Martin and Mike Brewer. Ursula had been there some 30 minutes earlier but had gone on ahead. There was a reason for this which I cannot possibly go into and if you really want to know you must make enquiries directly with her. Mike came up with the exciting news that the new cycle track bypassing Loughor was being worked on, this is great news. The stretch from the Loughor bridge to Llanelli has had a great deal of work done on it recently and it is much improved, what an exciting time to be a cyclist!

We had only reached the Corus works at Trostre and Andrew was beginning to ask about our intended route and the lunch stop, we knew that we only had a short time left to enjoy his company. I think he was really quite reluctant to shoot on ahead particularly as our eyes were welling with water but he was gone before we could reassure him that it was only because of the cold weather!

At least, we thought, he will have hot drinks lined up for us when we finally arrive.

Chris and Ken peel off to make their homeward journey when we reach Burry Port and Simon turns off at Pembrey to start his long journey home. We hope to see him again soon.

We reach Time for Tea at Kidwelly and I get gently scolded for not having warned them of our impending arrival. We looked around for Andrew’s treat of ‘hot drinks for all’ but both drinks and Andrew were conspicuous by their absence. However Ursula was there so that was ok then. We were soon joined by that incorrigible rascal, the dapper Bob Smith fashionably dressed in a retro donkey jacket – elegance personified!

But where was Andrew? He should have been there before us, for an unendingly long two seconds we worried ourselves sick and then decided that we may have, totally inadvertently, sent him on to Ferryside. Mike Wood arrived and removed his ear muffs, he thinks he can fool us into thinking that they are part of his ipod, but we know the truth. He settles down with Bob Smith and are soon into deep conversation about Honda Gold Wings. Andrew finally arrives and, yes he did go on towards Ferryside.

I had printed out the programme for the new year and distributed them to the assembled crowd. The programme from now on will be inspired by the riders and January promises some really different and enjoyable routes so they fell quiet as they digested its contents. Suddenly I was aware of a very tall man coming towards me brandishing his orange coloured ride sheet. Oh dear, I thought.

“Ah Bob,” said David Naylor (for it was he) “can you tell me where ASDA is in Llansamlet?”

“Certainly,” I said “if you get on the motorway and head eastwards and get off at junction 45….”

“No, no” he interrupted (politely) “can you point to it on the map for me so I can work out the grid reference. I like to have the grid references.”

I peered at the map and finally located ASDA, “Its about there” I said dropping a finger on the spot.

And that’s when I learned that you should never say “about there” to a retired engineer.

“Can you be precise?” he asked so I took his pencil and marked the spot. He went away happy.

We continued with our conversations and a short time passed. A long shadow revealed itself across our table and I looked up to see David again with his orange coloured sheet and OS map.

“Where will we be meeting in Ferryside?” he asked.

“Right opposite the café by the level crossing” I said “there’s a car park there, you can’t miss it.”

He passed me the pencil. I found the spot and was about to say “Its about there” but mercifully checked myself in time “Exactly there,” I said.

He returned to his table soon but was soon back. “Just one last question” he promised “where exactly will we be meeting at McDonalds, Briton Ferry?”

“Ah yes” I said “do you want the left or right side of the road?”

He slapped me playfully over the head and said “Silly boy”

As always we had a really good meal at ‘Time for Tea’ but it was soon time to head for home. As this is one of our longest routes and the days do not come much shorter, it seemed prudent to just go back the way we came.

And here you are, you have read this far all the time wondering what on earth all this has to do with the French Connection. So I had better tell you otherwise I shall be plagued with your questions.

We stop at Pembrey to regroup and Martin asks if we know about a gravestone relating to Napoleon. Well none of us are as well versed in local history as we might like to think we are so we said “No Martin, what’s all this about a gravestone relating to Napoleon then?”

“Well, I’ll show you,” he said “follow me.” This was beginning to feel like one of John Cardy’s rides. And that’s another thing – where on earth is he today?

Anyway we followed Martin into the churchyard and there embedded into the church wall is this plaque which states that a young lady called Adelaine Coquelin, aged 12, who lost her life in the shipwreck of the ship ‘La Jeune Emma’ was buried in the graveyard. Adelaine was niece to Josephine, consort to Napoleon. What greater French connection can you get than that?

Answers on a postcard please!

It was getting dark by the time I got home and the temperature was falling again but it was, after all our doubts, a good day.

Have an enjoyable Christmas and try and join us for a short run along the sea front on Boxing Day.

Happy pedalling

Lew Spokes

Working on the new track (photo David Naylor)		An icy bridge (photo David Naylor)
A short break (photo David Naylor)		On the way home at Burry Port
The marina at Burry Port		Shucks! The cafe appears to be closed.
Low sun at Llanelli		This slot was reserved for John Cardy
The French Connection