We rolled out of Mach' and proceeded up the climb to the top of the bwlch. We rode, pushed and carried some new trails which eventually deposited us on the estuary. By 7.30pm we were sat in a little cafe / bistro in Barmouth eating lovely homemade lasagne and supping mugs of tea.
Some time just before 9.00pm, we remounted and made our way out of town and back into the high ground until it was time to stop. We arrived at our favoured overnight spot around 10.00pm, setting up camp was swift but Mike wanted a play with a pocket woodstove which meant we didn't actually get a last brew until midnight
Wheels starting turning around 9.00am the following morning and we trundled into Porthmadog just 3 minutes after the cafe stopped serving breakfast. Undeterred we ordered something else from their range of locally sourced, hand-crafted loveliness and sat outside watching the world go by.
A hilly morning became an even hillier afternoon. It was tiring work, so an afternoon tea stop was taken at Traws visitor centre (smashing cornflake and date cake) before heading over to Coed Y Brenin and the evening's accommodation.
A strange evening unfolded, it started off quiet for the two heros of the story but by morning had involved, a vanishing stag party, members of the scouse branch of the KKK and 8 other forum members - a sore knee did a good job of keeping me awake, so although first up, I certainly wasn't best dressed.
We said our farewells and hit the road. Progress was slow but eventually we reached the top of the bwlch that signified the long descent into Dinas and our final cafe stop before home where we indulged in a double helping of toasties, coffee and tea.
Two days after getting home, I'm struggling to walk and probably should have pulled the plug when my knee first went on Thursday but then I'd have missed all the food and fun. Thanks to Mike for good company as ever and opening all the gates because I couldn't get off my bike
