The link to the website in English language:

Many have asked about photos of the event.  Some have been taken and these are in process of being uploaded onto our site.  This may have to wait until we have completed the new www.merlincycleride.co.uk web page.  However when they are up on the site they will be available to down-load free of charge.

The Steve Glynn story (updated) - see news page - photos of Steve's presentation at Condor evening in County cycles coming soon>

I registered for Merlin Ride 2011 and chose the 70 mile route known as the Cothi.  The new Trumin Time chip system allocated me rider number 394.  This meant nothing to me at the time, however I would realise in a few hours exactly how lucky I was going to be.

Having been given my number and time chip and having secured them onto my bike, I waited along with some 350 other cyclists for the start of the ride. 

I stood in amongst my peers, dressed in my lycra, and waiting patiently for the start.  I was really looking forward to getting on my Ridley Orion and giving it some serious punishment.  My target for the Cothi was under 4 hours.

I was confident with my route choice and preparation.  I knew the climb up the Black's was going to be a challenge and the descent was something that filled me with excitement.  All that was standing between me, my Ridley and the open road was that bloke Phil Edwards who just would not shut up.  I remember saying to myself.  Come on Edwards start the race, we are not interested in all of this stuff about how good the event is going to be, get on with it.

Then he got this Irish hat and asked Jane Davidson to make a draw for a Condor bike.  I had seen the black Condor on the stand by the registration.  I recall looking at it and thinking; this is a fix, there is no way anyone is going to win that.  Then I was told that the bike would be a bespoke build for the winner.  What a laugh, that is not going to happen.

So there I stood, not a cloud in the sky, desperate to get on the road.  Jane Davidson put her hand in the hat and gave a yellow paper to Phil, he put the bull horn to his mouth and said 'The lucky number and winner of the Condor bike is rider number 394.'

I was elated, forget the start, forget the ride, lets have my new Condor now.  I put my hand in the air and was summoned to the front.  Life was a blur of excitment, I felt like a 5 year old again.  I had to pinch myself, this was a surreal moment and one I will never forget.  Cameras were pushed into my face and I was holding my new pride and joy, a Condor Italia.

Then reality kicked in, where is the catch, what is this going to cost me.  Peter from County Cycles put his arm around me and said: ' Steve this is free, costs you nothing, if you want to add to the package that is a matter for you.'

I could not believe it then and I still can't, probably worst of all though is the wife does not believe me either.  All I have had since Sunday is aggro from her.  Please help me out here, but how do you explain a brand new bike in the garage?

Anyway, the Cothi Ride.  What an experience.  This was my first Sportive, it certainly won't be my last.  All my concerns and worries disappeared.  I heard a Police radio declare that the road was clear, Phil waved his arm and we were off.  I crossed the blue mat and knew my time would be recorded by Trumin.  I could not believe how the equipment could record so many times simultaneously.  It was perfect.  I have never ridden in a group before, imagine a group of 350 all off together.  We did a Tour de France trick of going different ways around the round abouts.  I thought that must look quite impressive.

First hill out of Porthyrhyd was hard, 9% we were told, hey it was nothing for me I had two bikes under me and both from County Cycles.

The large group soon broke up and I settled into a group of five or six.  I could not believe the Police and civilan motor cycle marshalls.  I think they were from Carmarthen Motor Cycle Club.  What a wonderful feeling, we did not have to worry about cars cutting us up or abuse being shouted.  

Riding through Cefneithin made you feel very special, most of the community were out on the roadway cheering you on.  Fantastic.  Before I knew it we were travelling at 30MPH down through Carmel and out to Llandeilo.  This was the first opportunity to see the ridge of the Black Mountain.  I remember looking away to the East and seeing the land mass that forms the Brecon Beacons.  Not a cloud in the sky and the escarpment of the Black Mountain with Carreg Cennin castle in the foreground.  What a view, but I knew in a few short hours I would be working hard to climb over the mountain.

From here we rode straight through Ammanford Square.  Once again Dyfed Police had done the necessary and made sure our route was clear.  There were pedestrians standing in shock as they saw rider after rider cycling through the town.

On leaving Ammanford we came to the first feed station.  I did not stop, but it was then that I noticed this was the Wales Air Ambulance Display vehicle.  Of course the ride is intended to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support and TY Hafan, but I did not think they actually earned the money.  How fantastic, we can actually see and meet the guys who we are raising money for.  That seemed to me to bring the ride into clear focus.  This is not all about me and my bike.  It is all about helping each other.

Once through the Amman Valley, its out onto the open mountainside of the Black Mountain.  How fantastic, the only other thing on the road other than the bikes were the Welsh mountain ponies and foals.  Following the long and never ending climb its time for another smile. Yes it's down hill on the Ridley, the carbon frame is light enough to be thrown around with gay abandon.

If you don't like the fun fair don't do it.  If you want a 'rush' then this is the only legal way to get it.  What a laugh, I have never ever had such an experience.  Yes I have been over the Black's before, but never in a group flying down the technical descent, on the edge and back.  I think the Carmarthenshire County Council should install a bike lift because I could do it all day long.  This must be the best descent in Wales, which probably means the UK.  I am fortunate I live here, if I did not I would be back every weekend.

First stop for me was Llangadog. Are those Macmillan helpers real.  I suggest a Formula One Team should employ them as a pit stop crew.  My bottle was handed over and before I knew it, it was filled with High 5, I had two bananas and a handful of gels.  For Peter and Phil's information, I also got my £30 back in Zip Fit and fig rolls let alone the bike.

We then continued as a group and ended up into the Cothi Valley.  What can I say about the climb out of Brechfa, it was very hard at the end of the ride, but having climbed up to Horeb I will not forget the descent down to Nantgarredig Square.  I had been told that there were marshalls around so was not too concerned, however I also know how bad the junction was.  I could not believe that there were three marshalls dressed in the Lime Green shirts, one looked like a mini roundabout, I think he was in charge.  They were very professional and waved us through and on our way in no time.  Peter and Phil: 'Can we have lime green ones next year too?  Black is good, green looked fab.'

After Nant Square its across another 'listed building' you call a hump back bridge with beautiful views of the river Towy and up past Y Polyn.  From here it was a breeze over to the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

I was directed to the finish line by some huge signs and rode over the blue mat.  Trumin was live there and then, but I did not know that.  My time has been recorded at 4hours and 55 seconds.  Now I am gutted, If I had not stolen those extra Zip Fits at Llansawel I would have made it under 4 hours.  Better luck next year I guess.

As soon as I came to a stop I was attacked by an attractive young lady with a pliers.  I thought my end had come.  What a shame after all the luck I had had during the day.  To my relief she went down on her knees in front of me.  Luck is in again, I also get a new wife!  Then she whipped off my Trumin Tag and got up to attack someone else.  

Although talking of luck, it brings me back to the Condor.  So off the Ridley and into the tent for a look at the Condor trade show.  What a bike.  Condor were there with some of their products and I have to say they look fantastic.  I found Sandra, Peter's wife from Merlin Cycles, North Dock, Llanelli and asked her what the next steps were.  I was invited to County Cycles the following Tuesday to discuss the options.

I was then given a pasta meal which was very welcome, I had a drinks bottle and some other stuff then just to push my luck further I had a free massage from Gethin of Alleviate Physiotherapy.

9am on Tuesday, I am outside County Cycles in Cross Hands.  The shop was open and when Peter arrived we went upstairs and sat for about half an hour with a cup of coffee discussing the way forward.

The Condor Italia that I won would be built specifically to my specification. So the first thing was to have a free Cycle Fit session with Peter.  I could not believe this.  Peter worked out the frame size and advised on all the best angles and lengths etc. 

I have still not fully decided between a compact or 53 chainset as I am waiting for the frame to arrive.  I have chosen a white Italia frame, with white seat and bar tape.  It will have a Shimanno group set as that is what I have on the Ridley Orion, which one is the issue.  I get Sora free, do I pay extra for 105 or Ultegra?  If you have got this far reading about me, why don't you give me some adivice.  You can send your specification to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

I will carry on with my story and will have some photos of the bike etc. in a few days time.   All I want to say at this stage is:  I recognise how lucky I am and am really grateful to Merlin Cycle Sports Ltd for putting on the Merlin Ride.  I believe that it is a fantastic event and I have seen how the whole community has benefitted from it.  You only have to get out on the route on a weekend to see how much evidence there is of increased cycling in the area.  Can't wait to have my Condor and can't wait to go to the Condor evening at County Cycles, Crosshands at 6 30pm on Monday 25th July.  Peter and Sandra extend a warm welcome to you all and will have all the latest products from Condor there for you to see. ( ring or email to confirm booking or you might be disappointed, numbers are limited - 01269 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

 Notes of gratitude from Merlin 2011:

Hi
Just wanted to say thanks for a great ride last Sunday, beautiful weather and a beautiful Cothi route.
The whole event was very well organised and everybody involved was friendly and extremely helpfull. ( I was one of the two that found ourselves 8 miles from Brecon. Support was there quickly and once the laughing ( at our expence) had subsided we were taken back on route.
So for that I thank the landrover team.
Cheers guys, see you next year.

 Hi,

I did the Merlin ride on Sunday and it was probably the best day I've ever spent on a bike. Great organisation and a truly wonderful route. I'll definitely be back next year!

Thanks,

James

 would like to thank everyone involved in this years merlin ride what an experience i had the organisation was second to none the feed stations were excellent and the meal was an awesome suprise this was only the second cycle event i have done so when i choose the merlin route i was being a bit gutsy but im glad i did i will be back again next year many thanks simon