THE URBAN MOUNTAIN
24/07/03
It was 19:00 when we
left, on a Wednesday evening, to ride over one of our favourite climbs, the
British mountain, which heads northwards over Pontypool. Our route took us
along the cycle track to Pontypool; we then stated climbing to the small group
of houses known as the Tranch. From here there is a narrow lane which climbs
out of the houses and quite remarkably leads into open mountainside in a few
minutes. This part of the ride is very steep, but was easily assailed after
reaching for our lower gears. The ride over to the village of Pantygasseg
was quick as was the climb to the slopes of the British mountain. We have
cycled here many times but it never ceases to amaze me at how quiet and remote
this road seems, as it is only a few minutes from the town. Another feature
up here we have noticed is that on the top of the mountain it is strangely
devoid of wind! After taking in the night air, we lit the lamps and dived
down the mountain into TalyWaun and then on home through Pontypool.
Click a photo to see full size image.
