Jessica Mann joins the MAMILs on the roads of Anglesey
I jump out of the car and take a fraction of a second to look around for the best vantage point.
The roundabout is already packed with onlookers and children. A grassy knoll is swarming with dog walkers. I choose a place on the verge in front of uniformed officers amongst a hand full of MAMILs – middle-aged men in lycra.
You know the type: they can be seen on weekend mornings, pedalling madly out of town or in the countryside trying to rack up miles.
It is not always a good look, but you have to give them credit for their dedication to their sport. MAMILs are persistent and rarely let adverse weather and friendly gybes stop them. If nothing else, the banter from their colleagues and cohorts drives them on, pushing them up the next hill.
I am in Anglesey for the Grand Depart with my own MAMIL, Stephen, and a cross breed dog, Roxie.
The mood is festive. Motorcycle cops zoom by in the dozens. Bells clang out. Fans shout “Allez, allez” as the first cyclists make it to the top of the hill before zooming past us to cross the Menai Bridge to the Welsh mainland.
They take just over an hour to ride almost 26 miles around the island. In less than a minute the peloton and support vehicles pass us and the Tour of Britain is on its way.
An opportunity to see the start of Stage One in Beaumaris was too good to turn down. But the prospect of exploring Anglesey itself was enough of an attraction on its own, and it was a quick decision to turn our spot of bike watching into a weekend away.
We stay at the suitablynamed Valley in the village of the same name, close to the west coast. It is a clean, dog-friendly inn conveniently located off the dual carriageway. The staff are jovial and go out of their way to help – even hoovering Roxie’s dog bed while we were out for the day.
With 125 miles of coastal path and 27 beaches, we wondered which stretch of sand would be best for Roxie. Not all beaches in Anglesey allow dogs. Some have bans from May 1 to September 30, so it is always a good idea to check first (anglesey.gov.uk or angleseyvisitor.com).
The staff at The Valley suggested we go to Aberffraw, a quaint village that once was the capital of North Wales. The town has all the necessities – shop, tea room, cafe and pub.
Parking is free and close to both cycle routes and footpaths across the dunes. I wave goodbye to Stephen and set off towards the beach with my four-legged friend.
We make a game of running up and down the sand dunes then take a leisurely walk along the coast back to Aberffraw. The tide is just starting to flow in, but there are still acres of clear beach making the closest people tiny dots on the horizon.
The estuary of Aberffraw creates a protected spot for paddling and swimming. Children run in and out of the water without fear of being knocked about by waves.
The tea room is a popular stop. The atmosphere is more like a garden party. I join the strangers laughing, noshing on cake, discussing the following days events while awaiting my lycra-clad husband.
The atmosphere the next morning is more like a festival than a sporting event. Presenters introduce the 20 teams. As the six cyclists from each team mount the stage, fans scream and cheer with enthusiasm normally saved for rock musicians. Groupies wait behind the stage for autographs and selfies with their favourite riders.
I am caught up in the excitement. The horn blows and riders fly past historic Beaumaris castle. Desperate to see more, I drag Stephen and Roxie to the next point of view for the tour. We make it just in time to the Menai Bridge: most people’s first view of Anglesey and our last glimpse of the Tour.
THE FACTS
Where to stay: Valley Anglesey, is a pet-friendly pub inn, with amazing staff. It serves good pub food and has a varied wine selection. My pick is a luscious Pinotage from Bellingham estate called Ancient Earth. Rooms start at £37.50.
Go to valleyanglesey.co.uk
What to do: Walk, cycle, go to the beach, visit historic Beaumaris Castle, or enjoy wildlife at one of the many nature reserves or gardens. visitanglesey.co.uk/en/things-to-do/activities/
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