Thanks to Chew and Brothersmith for fantastic company and putting up with me
Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Moderators: Bearbonesnorm, Taylor, Chew
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Bearbonesnorm
- Posts: 24197
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:53 pm
- Location: my own little world
Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
I'll let Chew finish this off when he returns (seeing as it's really his trip and he's going all the way) but I just thought I'd start something off by showing you the intrepid threesome up the Great Orm.
Thanks to Chew and Brothersmith for fantastic company and putting up with me
Thanks to Chew and Brothersmith for fantastic company and putting up with me
May the bridges you burn light your way
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Brothersmith
- Posts: 561
- Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2011 5:36 pm
- Location: South of the Peak
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Cheers Stuart, I had a great time and thanks both for putting up with a slow newbie :D
I am now sat at my desk wishing my legs would work and planning my next escape
I am now sat at my desk wishing my legs would work and planning my next escape
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Bearbonesnorm
- Posts: 24197
- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:53 pm
- Location: my own little world
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Newbie ? ... looks like you'd got the hang of it hereI had a great time and thanks both for putting up with a slow newbie
May the bridges you burn light your way
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
I'm home!!
A bit damp and smelling like a wet dog
Sure the people on the train loved that.
396k with a few diversons. I'll post some stuff up later once i've had several baths and some tea.
A bit damp and smelling like a wet dog
Sure the people on the train loved that.396k with a few diversons. I'll post some stuff up later once i've had several baths and some tea.
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Brothersmith
- Posts: 561
- Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2011 5:36 pm
- Location: South of the Peak
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
I found smelling unpleasant and looking like a tramp always guarantees you a seat to your self :D
Well done though Chew, did the weather hold out?
Well done though Chew, did the weather hold out?
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
The weather was mostly good, but more of that later...
Northern Chapter
So me and Brothersmith arrived in Colwyn Bay to be greeted by Stu, Dee & sunshine. After some chatting it was time to set off to the 'start'. These bikes arent going to ride themselves.
Up to the north of Great Orme for a piece of cake and a brew before heading southwards
After knocking out the first section of road riding it was time to head up into the hills.
After that it was a case of climbing over the hill to Ffestiniog. It would make a great decent if you were going northwards, but we wernt, so a bit of riding and an bit of pushing, but the lure of chips was pushing us on.
The chips were disappointing
Then it was a case of pushing on to find somewhere for the night before the light dissapeared.
The next morning started off damp, but we managed to avoid the rain.
During the decent through Coed y Brenin, my GPS seemed to have had enough and decided to jump ship, bouncing on its leash against my front wheel. No damage done but the mount needs to be modified for next time.
On the ride onto Dolgellau we got caught in a heavy shower and after hiding under a tree for a while, we decided to push on as standing under the tree wasnt working and i was getting rain down the back of my neck.
After an all day breakfast in Dol, we decided to take the direct route to Mach to speed up progress after the long lunch stop and slower going on the damp ground. It should have been straight forwards...
While we were passing around Cader Idris, the guys from the RAF were out on one of their training runs. Amazing to see and hear the jets at such low levels. You felt they were that low you had to duck everytime they went past. If you had been on top of Cader, they would have been below you. 8-)
After that it was the tarmac climb over the top, where they are digging a huge hole in the ground for the smallest water pipe you've seen, and making a mess of it.
Then there's the fast decent off the other side. Shold have been a bit more careful, but riding with others seems to allow me to push a bit harder. Unknown to me there was a truck comming up the same single track road. After seeing him at the last minute, it was a case of trying to srub as much speed off as possible before putting it in the hedge, rather than under the truck.
No harm done except a scratched arm and knuckle.
After that it was a case of being a bit more gingerly, until we arrived at the Spar in Mach to refuel.
After that it was a case of pushing on some more out of Mach. Just one more hill Malc. Hope it was only type B fun?
Then just down the other side to the winter bivi spot to try and get out of the wind which was howling across the valley.
In the morning it was time to say goodbye and head on my own.
Its great to ride with others and share the experience. Thanks to Stu and Malc for tagging along.
Northern Chapter
So me and Brothersmith arrived in Colwyn Bay to be greeted by Stu, Dee & sunshine. After some chatting it was time to set off to the 'start'. These bikes arent going to ride themselves.
Up to the north of Great Orme for a piece of cake and a brew before heading southwards
After knocking out the first section of road riding it was time to head up into the hills.
After that it was a case of climbing over the hill to Ffestiniog. It would make a great decent if you were going northwards, but we wernt, so a bit of riding and an bit of pushing, but the lure of chips was pushing us on.
The chips were disappointing
Then it was a case of pushing on to find somewhere for the night before the light dissapeared.
The next morning started off damp, but we managed to avoid the rain.
During the decent through Coed y Brenin, my GPS seemed to have had enough and decided to jump ship, bouncing on its leash against my front wheel. No damage done but the mount needs to be modified for next time.
On the ride onto Dolgellau we got caught in a heavy shower and after hiding under a tree for a while, we decided to push on as standing under the tree wasnt working and i was getting rain down the back of my neck.
After an all day breakfast in Dol, we decided to take the direct route to Mach to speed up progress after the long lunch stop and slower going on the damp ground. It should have been straight forwards...
While we were passing around Cader Idris, the guys from the RAF were out on one of their training runs. Amazing to see and hear the jets at such low levels. You felt they were that low you had to duck everytime they went past. If you had been on top of Cader, they would have been below you. 8-)
After that it was the tarmac climb over the top, where they are digging a huge hole in the ground for the smallest water pipe you've seen, and making a mess of it.
Then there's the fast decent off the other side. Shold have been a bit more careful, but riding with others seems to allow me to push a bit harder. Unknown to me there was a truck comming up the same single track road. After seeing him at the last minute, it was a case of trying to srub as much speed off as possible before putting it in the hedge, rather than under the truck.
No harm done except a scratched arm and knuckle.
After that it was a case of being a bit more gingerly, until we arrived at the Spar in Mach to refuel.
After that it was a case of pushing on some more out of Mach. Just one more hill Malc. Hope it was only type B fun?
Then just down the other side to the winter bivi spot to try and get out of the wind which was howling across the valley.
In the morning it was time to say goodbye and head on my own.
Its great to ride with others and share the experience. Thanks to Stu and Malc for tagging along.
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Brothersmith
- Posts: 561
- Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2011 5:36 pm
- Location: South of the Peak
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Some great pics there Chew and dont worry was type A fun all the way, except on that last hill out of Mach :D
I am afraid I didn't get many pics (think it came from trying to keep up ).
IMG_7277 trim by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7278 by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7284 edit by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7285 edit by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7286 edit by Brother Smith, on Flickr
I am afraid I didn't get many pics (think it came from trying to keep up
).IMG_7277 trim by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7278 by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7284 edit by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7285 edit by Brother Smith, on Flickr
IMG_7286 edit by Brother Smith, on Flickr
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Looking forward to the next chapter :)
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Thanks for the route Ian.
Southern Chapter
So it was off on my own from here. Its a bit different riding on your own, you're aware thats theres no back up if things go wrong, so everythings done at 80% rather than 95%.
Continued on down to the petrol station in Ponterwyd for some breakfast, but kept my shirt on Taylor
Starbars seem to be infultrating Wales, so it seemed rude not to.
After that it was onto trails i know well, through the forest and past Nantsyddion, down to the Arch, back through the forest over to Teifi Pools
Despite the wet ground it wasnt too bad on the decent down to Strata Florida Abbey.
After there i knew there would be little chance of supplies until i got to Llanwrtyd, so it was a case of sweet talking the girl in the Abbey centre to refil my water bottle and buying some rocket fuel waffle/caramel treats to keep me going
The original plan had been to stop at Moel Prysgau and check out the new snug, but it was too early in the day to stop, and would have put mileage pressure on the remaining days, so i decided to push on.
Out of the forest to the Chapel at Soar y Mynydd, then over to the Doethie Valley. The view from the top was amazing. Would love to ride down there when its dry, but 3 times down there and i've come away disappointed 3 times :(
The day was drawing to an end so it was a case of finding a flat piece of ground at the bottom of the valley. Managed to find a nice flat area near to the stream so that i had plenty of water for tea, and stock up for the next day. Also getting better at pitching the tarp as well. Practice makes perfect.
In the morning it was over to Llanwrtyd. Dropped out of the forest to Dina Mills, to the church. Dont know whos funeral was going on, but it seemed like the whole of mid Wales had turned out to pay their respects. It seemed rude for me to pass by with my hub clicking and brakes squeeling, so i decided to pay my respects as well, and wait for the service to finish before i passed through to have a pub lunch in Llanwrtyd and stock up on supplies.
Continued on my way and back onto tracks i know from the TransWales, into the Becons, with Pen y Fan on my left. A few hours later, and Pen y Fan is in front of me. Where are we going Ian?
Hadn't covered as many miles as i had hoped today, but opted to stop early where i could see there was good cover and get an early start, rather than pushing on and risking not being able to find somewhere suitable for the night down the road.
Final day, a long way to go and a damp and overcast morning, with low level cloud. Caught up with a group of girls on their DoE outing, partially lost and planning on going over Fan Gyhirych with limited visability and no track to follow. I had a strong word with them about thinking of following their intended route (I wouldnt have gone over there for all the tea in Yorkshire). Hopefully they saw sense and made other plans.
After that it was a case of following the track down and picking up the Sarn Helen route to the coast.
With all of the rain we have had over 'summer' the trail was waterlogged and after much carrying and trying unsuccessfully keep my feet dry, a decided to ditch the bridleway and head onto the forest roads down into Neath.
Thats when the heavy rain started and made a bit of a soggy end to the trip. Arrived in Swansea in reasonable shape, and after picking up some more food i pushed onto the Gower.
The rain continued and after spending ages sheltering in a bus shelter deliberating to continue in the rain or just stop the trip here, there was a break in the weather, so i decided to push on Port Eynon, and call it a day at the southern point of the Gower.
Southern Chapter
So it was off on my own from here. Its a bit different riding on your own, you're aware thats theres no back up if things go wrong, so everythings done at 80% rather than 95%.
Continued on down to the petrol station in Ponterwyd for some breakfast, but kept my shirt on Taylor
Starbars seem to be infultrating Wales, so it seemed rude not to.
After that it was onto trails i know well, through the forest and past Nantsyddion, down to the Arch, back through the forest over to Teifi Pools
Despite the wet ground it wasnt too bad on the decent down to Strata Florida Abbey.
After there i knew there would be little chance of supplies until i got to Llanwrtyd, so it was a case of sweet talking the girl in the Abbey centre to refil my water bottle and buying some rocket fuel waffle/caramel treats to keep me going
The original plan had been to stop at Moel Prysgau and check out the new snug, but it was too early in the day to stop, and would have put mileage pressure on the remaining days, so i decided to push on.
Out of the forest to the Chapel at Soar y Mynydd, then over to the Doethie Valley. The view from the top was amazing. Would love to ride down there when its dry, but 3 times down there and i've come away disappointed 3 times :(
The day was drawing to an end so it was a case of finding a flat piece of ground at the bottom of the valley. Managed to find a nice flat area near to the stream so that i had plenty of water for tea, and stock up for the next day. Also getting better at pitching the tarp as well. Practice makes perfect.
In the morning it was over to Llanwrtyd. Dropped out of the forest to Dina Mills, to the church. Dont know whos funeral was going on, but it seemed like the whole of mid Wales had turned out to pay their respects. It seemed rude for me to pass by with my hub clicking and brakes squeeling, so i decided to pay my respects as well, and wait for the service to finish before i passed through to have a pub lunch in Llanwrtyd and stock up on supplies.
Continued on my way and back onto tracks i know from the TransWales, into the Becons, with Pen y Fan on my left. A few hours later, and Pen y Fan is in front of me. Where are we going Ian?
Hadn't covered as many miles as i had hoped today, but opted to stop early where i could see there was good cover and get an early start, rather than pushing on and risking not being able to find somewhere suitable for the night down the road.
Final day, a long way to go and a damp and overcast morning, with low level cloud. Caught up with a group of girls on their DoE outing, partially lost and planning on going over Fan Gyhirych with limited visability and no track to follow. I had a strong word with them about thinking of following their intended route (I wouldnt have gone over there for all the tea in Yorkshire). Hopefully they saw sense and made other plans.
After that it was a case of following the track down and picking up the Sarn Helen route to the coast.
With all of the rain we have had over 'summer' the trail was waterlogged and after much carrying and trying unsuccessfully keep my feet dry, a decided to ditch the bridleway and head onto the forest roads down into Neath.
Thats when the heavy rain started and made a bit of a soggy end to the trip. Arrived in Swansea in reasonable shape, and after picking up some more food i pushed onto the Gower.
The rain continued and after spending ages sheltering in a bus shelter deliberating to continue in the rain or just stop the trip here, there was a break in the weather, so i decided to push on Port Eynon, and call it a day at the southern point of the Gower.
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Nice one Chew. Shame about the weather, but quite typical of how its been around here lately. Well done for sticking with it.
Doethie is a funny track - best done in a dry spring I think, or possibly when the ground (and water) is frozen solid and you have studded tyres on...
Doethie is a funny track - best done in a dry spring I think, or possibly when the ground (and water) is frozen solid and you have studded tyres on...
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Just change the background for Ponterwyd petrol station......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q56M5OZS1A8
That's me that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q56M5OZS1A8
That's me that is.
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Nice one Chew. Was at Moel Prsygau 2 wks ago
New snug is toastie. Fire about the right size for the room
New snug is toastie. Fire about the right size for the room
2924 miles per Gallon
Re: Welsh C2C (or coast to home in my case)
Bringing back great memories, especially of the near 30 degrees at this time last year, hey Ian.
Well done for completing it.
So what is it with that incredibly small pipe out of Mach. Confused the hell out of me at the WRT :?:
Well done for completing it.
So what is it with that incredibly small pipe out of Mach. Confused the hell out of me at the WRT :?:
The old git in the yellow socks