But first a back history. Back in the dark distance days of 2009, I was a 17 stone smoker. I did a bit of mountain biking (always pushed the bike uphill) but that was about it. Then I decided to stop smoking and buy a road bike. For the first few weeks when I wanted a cigarette I went out for a five mile spin. One Sunday I went out 8 times. Through all of this I noticed I wasn't actually piling on the weight like the previous attempts at stopping, in fact just the opposite. I was actually losing 5 or 6 pounds a week. I was hooked so I shaved my legs and started buying the cycling magazines just like a man with a new hobby should.
Anyway I digress and back to the point my best day ever. Okay. I'd been riding about 5 months and still I avoided the big hills. My jersey was baggy, my helmet was a MTB one with the peak snapped off and I always had lights fitted. We were riding down Nant Gwynant towards the Llanberis Pass and I realised that I had to give it go. I fully expected to have to get off and push. The Pen Y Gwyrd hotel appeared, the turn right. I unclipped one foot in case I stalled. Granny ring engaged. Here goes......
I suspect there may have been a tail wind but I only went and did it.... with gears to spare....
I now considered myself a roadie. As for the descent into Llanberis.... well if you've seen The Incredibles and remember the little kid that waits for something to happen well you'll understand this, “That was totally WICKED”

My worst day.... mmmm. I suppose it would have been last October. I had the stupid idea of doing a sober month for charity and about 10 days in I went for a local ride in the Brecon Beacons. After the climb out of Glynneath to Aberdare I went over to Ystradfelte to do the long arduous climb to maen Llia. I had nothing, I wasn't so much pedalling squares as peddling Rice Crispies! It seems red wine is good for cycling after all. So I rode home. A simple 60miler. Disappointed in 60miles! Yeah I'm a roadie!!!!
So anyway about my expensive wheels and the epic climb I did a few weeks ago.......

Note: This article was restored from the archives. It's published creation date is inaccurate.