Wild on Wales

[Orson]

I've been remiss in my duties and haven't posted pictures of my foray into Wales. For the UK lads this may be old hat but I thought I'd post to give the Yanks & Canuckians a view.

 

Wales most definitely lives up to the hype in British bike magazines. I came away thoroughly chuffed (Brit slang) about the Welsh roads

 

On the first day, I left the shropshire town of Whitchurch and promptly crossed the frontier into Wales. Before long I was into the Cambrian Mountains with its picturesque towns of Llangollen & Betws-y-coed. From there, I veered north towards the coast to the seaside town of Conwy and its massive fortified castle.

 

Here is a shot of the north coast of Wales. Conwy Bay looking west towards the rugged Isle of Anglesey.

 

The following day, I had made arrangements to meet some of the UK lads of v11lemans.com for a tour of some of northern Wales' finest tarmac. The appointed meeting place was the Ponderosa Cafe at the summit of Horseshoe Pass just north of Llangollen.

 

Parked up at the Ponderosa Cafe.

 

After wolfing down a full English breakfast, we made our way with Baldini leading the way. These blokes don't dally! They ride quickly but not recklessly, taking good lines through the corners and none of this knee out histrionics It made things easy for me as I could see their braking points as well as which way the road was turning. We blasted up I-5 towards the Snowdonia peaks. Nearing the coast near Caernarfon, we turned inland through the spectacular Pass of Llanberis

 

From there we headed towards the western coast of Wales, stopping for a spot of tea near a classic railroad station. Wales was full of turn of the century locomotives. Here, a flotilla of Guzzis park up for tea (or is that a gaggle of Guzzis?). The sight and sound of 4 Guzzis roaring through the Welsh valleys really made my senses tingle Whether the Guzzis or the locomotive have the most torque is certainly debateable

 

After stopping in the seaside village of Llandfendigaid for another dose of fish & chips we headed inland, the terrain really reminded me of the hills of Marin county in northern California. The roads were mostly smooth, fast sweepers which was good since Guzzis & fast sweepers go together like coffee & cream.

 

We finally ended up in Welshpool at about 6 P.M. After all the hard riding, we stopped at a pub to quench our thirst. While nursing a pint, I marveled that the lads kept such a brisk pace without fear of the rozzers. I had read much about the rabid police enforcement in Wales. They said you had to pick your spots and that most of the enforcement came on weekends. After bidding our farewells, we made our separate ways home. Martin easily taking the Iron Man award having another 150 miles to ride. I returned to Whitchurch and promptly collapsed in bed without food or a shower.

 

The third day, I decided to make an overnight trip to southern Wales. I made my way south along A483. South of Newtown, the A483 turns into a rollicking rollercoaster ride. BIG fun with more fast sweepers interspersed with the occassional tight bend made for a thrilling ride. South of Brecon I was into the Brecon Beacons National Park. I made it as far south as Cetn-coed-y-cymmer before having to turn and head north if I was to make it back to Whitchurch the next day.

 

When I reached Llandovery, I started looking for a place to stay. Everywhere I stopped was full up! I suddenly remembered that it was Friday. On top of that, this was the weekend that the World Rally Car boys were doing their Rally of Wales. I continued north, stopping at every inn along the way with no success. Finally made it to Builth Wells which was far enough north to be away from the rally fans. I found a decent hotel with a pub downstairs (is there any other kind?).

 

The following day would be my last. I decided to head back to Snowdonia in hopes of getting some better pictures with sunshine. That was the plan anyway. Unfortunately, as I got closer to snowdonia, the clouds moved in. Still there was no rain so, I wasn't complaining. I continued north along the A470 through tiny quaint villages with names I couldn't pronounce.

 

Early morning on the A470 heading north towards Rhayader, Mid-Wales.

[Orson]

Somebody's house near Oswestry, Wales.

 

Approaching Snowdonia.

 

Heading back to Whitchurch.

 

All in all, i had a great time in Wales. Although the skies threatened to rain every day, I never received more than a smattering of rain. I was very impressed by the quality of roads in Wales. Fast sweepers to your heart's content. It's kinda like Northern California without the sunny weather.

 

I look forward to returning in the spring!

[Guzzirider]

Great pics! :

[Martin Barrett]

Our day out together was great and I to am looking forward to doing it again in the spring.

 

I liked the picture looking down on your Tenni and back on that lovely S bend before the lay by.

 

Glad you got your tyre sorted and able to get some more riding in before you had to head back

[callison]

Whoa Guzzirider, that is some great looking Yorkshire pudding in your avatar!

[Guzzirider]

Whoa Guzzirider, that is some great looking Yorkshire pudding in your avatar!

65988[/snapback]

 

I wish I could claim credit but I got it from Google.

 

The ones I make are much thicker!

 

Guy