Penhydd used to be amazing. Start with that rooty section at the bottom, then climbing forever through the tall dark pine trees, rain slitting down from cold grey skies. Finally reaching the top, turn right and then zipping along, slooshing through puddles, sliding and slithering over stones, then was it Sidewinder first? The grin as you realise how much fun it’s going to be, bursting in and out of the trees, the secret silence of Hidden Valley , rain forgotten, cold irrelevant, brakes squealing, a small part of your brain wondering if there’s enough pad left to be of any use, the rest not caring, and finally reaching the bottom, splattered in mud, soaked to the skin, snow starting to fall, pads worn to nothing, ready for a
nice
hot
cup
of
tea.