Welsh Coast 2 Coast Cymru Day 4 :- Fords Aplenty

Starting off from Pontrhydfendigaid at 10am we headed towards the Abbey and  had some photos quickly before setting off

From here we headed up into the mountains and started climbing up a single track which ran parallel to a road used by logging trucks  so we were glad to avoid those. 

Weather was overcast and reminded us of 'Gorillas in the Mist'   Here's a view from the top

From the top if the climb, the tracks were amazing!!  Miles and miles of fast flowing track which was peppered by lake like puddles and interweaving crossings with the river 

Including one section where both river and road ran together

I even managed to fall in and got soaked on the last crossing

As the road and the river finally parted ways things continued to improve with the track continuing to descend quickly as we began the approach to Llyn Brianne which involved a lot of climbing. The views were amazing however. 

From the top of the viewpoint we headed down towards a big hill climb. Here's a picture of the hill climb looking back from the top

Continuing around the lake, we started up a logging road which mountain bikers were not supposed to ride along. Oops !

From here we started our approach to Llanwrtyd Wells down and along some tracks with horses and views

We even received a fly past by a Tornado  jet

Arriving in Llanwrtyd Wells we stopped for lunch and a short rest and started off for Brecon before the legs got too cold on the second half of the day. 

This half contained a section that we were a little concerned with, that was due to the fact that we were going through a military training ground.  Here's where we started

The tarmac on this road was superb, totally smooth & better than any other road we've been on. Passing a few soldiers here and there. Lots of landrovers and army trucks too. 

Carwyn impressivley charged ahead in this section and lead the way all across the training area. The rest of us had time to enjoy the view a bit. 

From Sennybridge we made our way down the valley towards Brecon. Views were still good too 

The road to Brecon seemed to go forever and after a while we eventually got there. 

Arriving in the B&B, we were impressed with how welcoming and accommodating out hosts were. the Bridge Cafe in Brecon is HIGHLY recommended ! 

Again. Thanks for reading. Remember to sponsor us on this  adventure by following this link http://bit.ly/12X8ZmH  

Here's our track for the day http://my.viewranger.com/track/details/MzY3MDUz

Update on day 5 to follow ! 

Welsh Coast 2 Coast Cymru Day 2:- Bye Bye North Wales

The day started well. Looking out of the window provided a view of a dry and bright day. 

A fantastic spread and cooked breakfast at the Cross Foxes in Trawsfynydd set us up nicely for the day ahead. Here we are getting  ready :- 

Joe wanted us all to know that he had brand new white socks to wear today which were going to be filthy by the end of the day. 

As we started.. a long and steady climb lead us above the A470 towards Coed y Brenin. 

I caught Peter on a couple of times

The track linked to the fire roads in Coed y Brenin where we reached the visitor centre for cake. Mmmmm 

 We were also accosted by a  fat chaffinch who wanted most of our cake for itself. As you can see, it can barely support itself on its legs. 

We headed off on the Minotaur trial a blue route in Coed y Brenin. 

From Coed y Brenin we followed cycle path #8 all the way down to Dolgellau for lunch 

Following a quick lunch we headed off for  the first of two big hill climbs. My knee had been hurting all day which forced me to take it slower than I wanted :( there was a good view of Dolgellau on the way

 

Once we finally got to the top of the big climb arrived at the Cadair Idris valley. Following the cycle track we traversed the valley where we found a stark warning :- 

Eventually cutting  across the a487 and started the last big climb in earnest as we could see rain clouds approaching behind us. 

Half way up the big climb. The rain arrived. So time to quickly put on some waterproofs. 

After finally getting to the top the climb we headed down the valley. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too good for pictures. But I tried : 

From the bottom of the valley we followed the river for Corris :-

Rain was as incessant as yesterday but we knew we were close to the end.. so with a good pace we headed down to Machynlleth. 

Crossing the Dyfi over the footbridge marked our leaving North Wales and entering mid Wales and arrival at Machynlleth !!! 

So all in all, we're all agreed that today was better than yesterday. We've showered, eaten and looking forwards to long day to Pontrhydfendigaid tomorrow :) 

Here's a link to our track for today :- 

http://my.viewranger.com/track/details/MzY0NDky

Thanks for reading the blog and please sponsor us by supporting the Altzimers society by following this link http://bit.ly/12X8ZmH

Welsh Coast 2 Coast Cymru Day 1: Wet & Wild

This was the day of days. Quite easily the longest, most brutal and utterly, totally and uncompromisingly wet day of our entire lives ! Yet highly satisfying ( now that we have showered, eaten and rested) 

We arrived in Conwy and it was raining. 

 

Setting off a little later than planned @ 10am and off we went. 

Biking through the Conwy valley was more technical than expected made more so due to the the  incessant rain. 3 miles in and we had our first puncture and not to do things by half. Carwyn had picked up 3 ! 2 in the back with one in the front. Not a good start !! 

Carwyn working hard there as Joe and Peter got suck into some flapjack.  Luckily the homeowner nearby helped To fill the wheels with his compressor. 

Onwards through the rain up the Conwy valley  eventually. We recached Gwydyr forest and off into the Forrest we went. It was STILL raining. 

From the Forrest we went down to miners bridge didn't take too many photos of this bit. Primarily because this part of the ride was grim due to all the slow progress which was exasperated by... the biblical rain. 

At this point we'd seen misty rain, small rain, heavy, painfull and apocalyptic ! Lol

From miners bridge we headed up parts of Sarn Helen and shortly after half way we had lunch shortly before 2pm. Lunch was not a glamorous affair. We stood  under a tree which offered little protection.. ate soggy sandwiches and lied to Joe. 'Only another 3 hours' somewhat of a underestimate !! 

With raised spirits after lunch and riding on fire roads which were more like rivers providing suitable entertainment we headed down towards the a470 near Dolwyddelan.  Crossing the A470 we headed for Ty Mawr a national trust site which lead us to parts of the Penmachno trail. 

After a lot of climbing AND ..... Rain we kept heading through a valley which would lead us to Cwm Penmachno. Here's a picture of the trail with some bluebottles 

Eventually we reached Cwm Penmachno amid some fantastic views. Sped down hill for the bottom of the valley where we  rode towards the head of the valley to ride/walk up the quarry to get over the hill to get to Cwm Teigl. Once we got to the top there was some amazing views

Here's a view of the Quarry works and the view down to Penmachno. Pity you can't see the rain !! Which was still falling ! 

Riding down Cwm Teigl was spectacular. Nothing else I can say to describe it. See your yourself 

At this point we were on the home strait. Had to walk the bikes for a bit. Found the A470 and headed full speed for Trawsfynydd. It was 7pm at this point !! 

We reached the power station

 And headed for the pub where we were staying ! By now the rain had finally stopped !! 

Wet, tired debilitatingly cold, we were relieved to reach Traws after 10 hrs of riding !!! 

Follow the link below to see our track which is around 46 miles and equivalent to over twice the height of Snowdon ! 

 http://my.viewranger.com/track/details/MzYzNTIx

Thanks for reading the blog ! Please help us support the Altzimers Society by donating though this site http://bit.ly/12X8ZmH

Diolch am ddarllen. Mynd I Gwely wan! 

Thanks for reading. Off to bed now ! 

Penwythnos olaf o reidio - Last weekend of riding

penwythnos olaf o reidio - last weekend of riding

Wel dyma ni.. Y penwythnos olaf o reidio cyn y trip mawr! Ag yn ddigon ffodus, roedd y cefn yn teimlo 100% gwaith yn well.. diolch i'r drefn!

Well here were are! the last weekend of training before the big trip! ag fortunatley enough my back has been feeling 100% better ... thank goodness!

Es i allan nos Wener am un o'r reid byr ogwmpas Bangor, Minffordd a Pentir ayyb.. a chware teg.. er gwaethaf y seibiant.. roeddwn y coesau yn teimlo'n ffantastig:)

I went out Friday night for one of my quick rides around Bangor, Minffordd, Pentir etc etc and fair do's.... even with time off .. my legs were feeling fantastic on the ride! :)

Nes i ddim cymryd llunia yn anffodus.. ond dyma'r track :-  

Apologies that I didnt take any photos but here's my track

Ar ddydd Sul, mi aeth Carwyn a finnau am drip ar y beic.. a just dilyn ei'n trwyna... ac roedd hi'n drip da a lot hirach nag roeddwn ni'n disgwyl. Dyma lun o fy hoff fynydd .. yr Eifl..  a trac y siwrne

On Sunday, Carwyn and I went out for a trip on the bike.. just followed our noses really.. it was a nice trip and much longer than i expected.. Here's a photo of one of my favourite mountains.. Yr Eifl and the track of the trip :- 

Saith diwrnod i fynd!!!! Seven Days to go!!!

Wel.. mae'r amser bron iawn yma!!!!  Dim ond 7 diwrnod ar ôl cyn i'r siwrne ddechrau !!! Dyma lun o'r siwrne o Gonwy i Gaerdydd i chi cael gweld. Mae'r cyfraniadau i'r dudalen JustGiving yn dod i mewn hefyd.. cymerwch gyfle i edrych ar y tudalen os gewch chi gyfle ! http://www.justgiving.com/WelshCoast2CoastCymru

Well the time is almost upon us.. Only 7 days to go before the journey starts!! Heres a photo of the route from Conwy and Cardiff for you to see. Donations from the JustGiving page have been coming in.. take some time to visit the page if you have the opportunity! http://www.justgiving.com/WelshCoast2CoastCymru

Codi arian i achos da !!!!! Raising money for a good cause !!!!

Wedi siarad gyda Carwyn, Joe a Peter, mi gytunwyd y byddem yn cychwyn codi arian ar gyfer achos da wrth reidio ar draws Cymru. Felly, rydym wedi cychwyn tudalen ar Just Giving er mwyn casglu ar gyfer y Gymdeithas Alzheimers. 

Felly os ydych yn darllen hwn, byddwn yn hynod o ddiolchgar os byddech yn dilyn y ddolen isod a rhoi'n yn hael er mwyn cefnogi achos da!

http://www.justgiving.com/WelshCoast2CoastCymru

Diolch yn fawr!!! 

After speaking to Carwyn, Joe and Peter, we agreed that we'd begin raising some money for a good cause while cycling off road across Wales. As a result, we've started a new Just Giving page to begin raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

So, if your kind enough to be reading this, I'd be very  grateful if you'd follow the link below and kindly donate as much as you can to this worthy cause.

http://www.justgiving.com/WelshCoast2CoastCymru

Many Thanks!!

Rhys

Diwrnod hir yn Llanrwst - Long day in Llanrwst

Diwrnod hir allan ag ogwmpas Llanrwst.. fel y rhedwyr oedd allan in force ogwmpas y dref y bore hwnnw! Long day in and around Llanrwst today. There were runners out in force around the town for a race like us.. they were in for a wet day! 

Roedd Carwyn wedi creu llwybr o tua 30-35 milltir ar gyfer y diwrnod, ac roedd o’n awyddus i drio allan ei deiars newydd.. Nobby Nics gan Schwalbe.. rhaid i mi ddeud.. ar ôl cael sbin ar ei feic.. ma’ nhw'n deiars 'grippy', swnllyd a cyflym.  Yn anffodus, wrth reidio ei feic, ac fel roeddwn ni'n newid y ger... mi dorrodd y chaen! Wel o’n ni'n teimlo bach yn euog i ddeud y lleiaf.. Yn ffodus.. roedd gan Carwyn powerlink sbâr, nath galluogi fo rhoi'r chaen yn ôl at ei gilydd.  PHEW!! Mi fysa rhaid i ni'n dau cerdded yn ol hebddo.
Carwyn had made a route of around 30-35 mile and he was keen to try out his new tyres... Schwalbe'r Nobby Nics and I have to admit that they're both grippy, fast and noisy. As I was looking as I was having a go on Carwyns bike and while changing gear.. the chain snapped!.. luckily, Carwyn had a spare powerlink which he used to put the chain back together. PHEW!! it would have been a long walk home without it! 

Ar ôl trin y chaen.. mi aethom dros fynydd ac i lawr tuag at Capel Curig, ar ôl dilyn yr A5 am chydig.. aethom fynydd dros fynydd arall.. Lot o ddringo yma.. ac i lawr am Ddolwyddelan.  O Ddolwyddelan, mi gytunom ni i fynd ymlaen gyda dolen hirach y siwrne ymlaen am Benmachno. After fixing the chain, we followed a path that took us over a mountain and up to Capel Curig. Following the A5 for a little while, we headed right and over another mountain.. Lots of climbing here followed by a varied decent down to Dolwyddelan. We agreed to ride the longer length of the route,so ahead we went to Penmachno.

Yn anffodus, roedd y ddolen yma yn galetach nag roeddwn ni'n disgwyl. Wrth ddringo dros y mynydd o Ddolwyddelan i Benmachno.. mi ddiflannodd y llwybr mewn cors wlyb.. felly lot o wthio'r beics a traed gwlyb!
This stage of the route was much harder than we expected. By riding up the mountain from Dolwyddelan to Penmachno, the path quickly evaporates into a wet bog... so instead of riding, there was a lot of bike-hiking!

Wedi i ni gyrraedd coedwig Penmachno, mi aethom ogwmpas y mynd er mwyn ail ymuno a'r A470 ger Dolwyddelan. Erbyn i ni gyrraedd yr A470, roeddem wedi colli gormod o amser wrth gerdded drwy'r gors.. ag achos hynny, mi benderfynom ni mynd yn ôl am y car wrth feicio am Betws y Coed ac wedyn ymlaen am Lanrwst a'r car.
Once we eventually reached Penmachno forest, we rode from the valley around the mountain so that we could reach the A470 by Dolwyddelan. By the time we reached the A470 though, we'd lost too much time with all the bike-hiking over to Penmachno, so we took to the road, and headed back to Betws and then Llanrwst to the cars.

Dyma ychydig o luniau y cymerais ar y trip. Here's a few photos I took on the ride :-

Glaw yn Coedwig Gwydir 14-04-13

Dydd Sul arall ar y beic.. ac ar ôl yr eira o benwythnos diwethaf, roeddwn yn awyddus i osgoi unrhyw awgrymiad o eira na chwaith ardal ble fydd gofyn i gerdded y beic.

Ar ôl edrych yn ofalus ar fapiau dwi wedi lawr lwytho drwy Viewranger ar gyfer y trip, mi ddechreuais lunio trip newydd. Wrth gyfarfod a Carwyn yn y maes parcio ger y goedwig, mi ddechreuon ni ar ei'n siwrne. A cyn i mi fynd ymhellach, rhaid i mi gydnabod y ffaith bod hi'n bwrw glaw yn ddrwg.. na... roedd hi'n uffernol!

Hyd yn oed efo waterproof ymlaen o’n ni'n socian! Ond na fo. Dyna ydi natur beicio ynde.. rhaid cario ymlaen!

Er gwaetha'r glaw enbyd.. gafon ni siwrne dda.. welon ni bont sydd wedi gweld dyddiau gwell.. yn ogystal ag arwydd i un ochr gan y perchennog dwi'n cymryd.. mae'n swnio braidd yn anhapus bod gan neb diddordeb yn ei bont annwyl.

Mi aeth gweddill y reid yn eithaf da er gwaethaf y glaw, gwlyb, depressing. Rhywle yn y mynydd uwchben y Ty Hull er Capel Curig, mi dorrodd cadwyn Carwyn. Pan roeddwn arfer beicio mynydd, roedd y fath broblem yn arwain at alwad ffôn i ofyn i riant ddod i nôl fi..

Yn ffodus, roedd Carwyn y diwrnod cynt wedi buddsoddi mewn linc's sbâr i'r gadwyn.. gydag ychydig o 'elbow grease' lwyddon ni drin y gadwyn ac i ffwrdd a ni yn llawn hyder ar ôl perfformio llawdriniaeth lwyddiannus ar y beic.

Mi aeth gweddill y siwrne yn weddol rwydd.. nai ddim son gormod am y ffarmwr doedd ddim yn hapus gyda ni'n defnyddio ei giât pan ddylwn ni fod wedi defnyddio llwybr troed cyfagos.

Erbyn diwedd y siwrna.. sychodd y tywydd a gododd y cymylau i gynnig ychydig o olygfeydd braf o ddyffryn Conwy i ni gael edmygu.. Dyma ychydig o luniau a'r manylion y reid isod :-