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Friday.
This weekend we were off for some trail-riding in North Wales, the plan changed slightly as originally we were taking the bikes up in a van but Steve had man-flu so Paul and I decided to ride up and Tony and Leigh towed their bikes up on Leigh's trailer.
I set off early and met Paul just north of Brecon, the weather was drizzley so when we got to Llanbrynmair we stopped in this cafe for a warming coffee
When we came out of the cafe the weather had really picked up so we decided to try a few trails near Mallwyd
We carried on via really scenic back roads and got to our accomodation in good time. Tony and Leigh arrived about an hour later as they had been stuck in a queue on the M5 for two hours, they were desperate to get a couple of hours trail-riding in so we set off for the Wayfarers trail.
Passing some land-rovers.....
Me looking down the Wayfarers trail......
We made our way back before darkness to our accomodation for the night....
It was a bit 'cosy' for four of us and after a few beers there was a fair bit of farting and snoring but we got a decent nights kip.
Saturday.....the main event
There were a few thick heads in the morning but after a full breakfast we set off towards Bala for fuel and a full days trail-riding.
Leigh came across this sign after a couple of lanes so we were on the right track.....
Tony had a close one on the next lane as a branch of a tree lodged itself through the peak of his helmet
Great navigating by Tony meant that the lanes came one after the other...
Some of the lanes were hardly used and the views were fantastic
Next up was this climb up the hill, it was superb as the ground had just enough give in it for great traction......
Then it was down the other side which was quite hairy in places........
then when we got to the bottom there was more fun to be had as we bounced across huge rock slabs laid out across the boggy moor. no piccies I'm afraid as I was to busy hanging on to the bars
At the end of the slabs was this cute bridge crossing the stream, time for a rest.......
We headed down into Barmouth and crossed the esturary (spelling) by riding the path on the railway bridge, this really pissed-off some of the walkers and cyclists on the bridge while we all thought it was great.
Then there were some long lanes to be ridden near Cader Idris......
Tony coming through on his DR-Z 400E.....
We got to Machynlleth about 4.00 pm where we were joined by our host (Kevin) on his Africa Twin, we started heading back towards base and after passing Lake Vrynwy and riding up a mountain pass Kevin shot off on this track at a fair old pace. As we crested the top of the hill he came to a sudden halt and we discovered that his chain had snapped in two places !!
It was starting to get dark now and after an initial attempt by Paul at repairing the chain with two split-links we decided to tow him along the trail until we got to tarmac. Tony stepped forward for the towing duties and I was amazed at what a great job he did towing the heavy Africa Twin with his DR-Z.
If you look closely you can see the tow-rope going from peg to peg....
The trail went on for about four miles and it was getting very dark, Tony did a great job towing and Kevin did a great job freewheeling on the down sections on that heavy beast with no engine breaking.
When we got to the tarmac Leigh and Tony set off to get their trailer while Paul and I waited with Kevin. We eventually got back to Kev's place and after a quck change of clothes we went to eat and re-live the day over cans of lager and cider.
to be contd
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Oh, and a very nice RD04 HRC coloured Marathon Replica
which was hard to believe as the puncture was sudden with immediate deflation of the tyre.
Originally Posted by Paul-S
Lookin forward to getting up there myself next year
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