Our intention was to cycle from Swansea to Pontardawe, do a circular route around Pontardawe and return.There was no pressure, we would just cycle up the valley, see how far we could get and return.It was a beautiful day, ideal for cycling.

Cycling from home to the meeting place proved a little difficult as Swansea had decided to stage their first ever half marathon.Although the race had almost finished by our "cycle off" there were still crowds of people amassed near the Waterfront museum, turning the area into a cycling slalom course.

This event had also sabotaged Sian's attempt to hire a bike locally and so she borrowed my bike no. 2--sorry Sian, not my best one.

Jeannette was patiently waiting, Sian and I soon arrived and off we pedalled.

Gela was to join us on route.

We managed to cross the Parc Tawe roundabout unscathed and headed in the direction of the Liberty Stadium, passing that landmark, and making our way to the Fendrod Lake where we cycled on the east bank of the watercourse.

We had started with a plan--I had promised to show Jeannette, who is new to Swansea, the Go Outdoors store.

We arrived there very soon and Jeannette went in to purchase some waterproof trousers--- which made me wonder if she knew something I didn't, mmmm. . . . . .

Meanwhile Sian and I made for the Asda store nearby for her to pick up a packed lunch thus avoiding a rumbling tum.

We then all met up again and Gela soon joined us.

She was so pleased to be cycling with us and back on her bike after a little lay off.

We then followed the route under a tunnel and beside the river and passed Ynystawe and then over the new bridge at Clydach where we joined  the canal.We soon came to Coed Gwilym park where we stopped for a leisurely lunch, and a well earned rest.

I think the others could have stayed there soaking up the sun all day but I managed to prise them away and very soon we were continuing, with the river on one side and the canal on the other, coming to Pontardawe quite quickly.

The picnic benches outside the Pontardawe Inn were very enticing and we just had to stop for some welcome cooling refreshments.

On we went along the main street in Pontardawe, quite empty of people of course on a Sunday afternoon and then we re-traced our steps--or wheels!!!--back via Clydach, Ynystawe and back to Gela's waiting car.

The three of us then continued to Swansea where Jeannette lingered in the town centre and Sian and I continued back along the Swansea Marina and promenade, ending up at my house.

I had described this cycle ride as 22 miles but by detouring slightly we ended up doing a very impressive 28 miles and all agreed we'd had an excellent days cycle.

Of course had I known when I planned my cycle ride that Swansea would be hosting a half marathon I could have entered us for that TOO, a GOC first, West Wales very own duathlon!!

Better planning next time maybe??!!