A weekend in Wales

The variety of life. I spent the weekend in Wales friends and members of our mountaineering club at a mountain hut. Young and old(er) people, all very active in mind and body. I always enjoy the banter at these meets and the wide range of interests and characters. It was Neil, Ian and me, planning to ride all weekend where everyone else was there for the hiking. We arrived on the Friday evening in the camper loaded up with bikes after a 3hr drive into the Welsh mountains. The Hut was very full so Neil and I were in the camper. After a good evening sampling steak and ale pie and chips washed down with real ale down the local pub it was time to retire, a days biking ahead. Up with the roof on the 'Dub. It looked like a clear if rapidly cooling night. Pretty soon, as is customary for both a 'boys' weekend and mountain weather things soon deteriorated. 40mph winds, driving rain and a bit of snow for good measure, swept in. The van was shaking side to side with the wind and Neil decided that 'downstairs' was a better option, even if it meant being a lot closer to me and my bio gas production plant; freshly stocked with pie and real ale! One of the few times where you could 'hear' the wind down the valley before you felt it hit. According to Neil both from inside and out!

Saturday dawned and it was horridble(sic); driving rain, misty, low visibility and still windy. None of us felt up for a good ride, but the forecast was for it to clear by lunchtime so we headed out after a leisurely breakfast towards Penmachno and the trails in the Gwydyr Forest near to Betws-y-Coed. After a stop in Betws for a Welsh cake and some trail supplies (Waterproof shorts for Neil) it was time to head out, the weather, whilst cold, had cleared.

We got the bikes out, a trio of Nicolai full sussers, and got changed. I had forgotten all my over shorts! Just lycra and waterproof trousers in my bag. This was to prove a fortunate error!

We headed out and the trail went up and up and up. all the rain had left lots of standing and running water, the trails were firm with plenty of rocks but it was like riding in a stream, pretty hard going and very cold. Soon everyones feet were water logged and cold but I was the only one without frozen legs too. Luck not judgement.

Plenty of single track, some fire road and then suddenly towards the end of the ride freezing rain, hail and snow! it didn't matter, the last two descents were fantastic single track fun.

No doubt this would be a lot more fun in the dry but it was worth it to be out in the hills and for the last two descents. Ace. 

We had a man down on one of the corners during the last descent but he seemed ok. I really enjoyed the trail and was happy with the 29er ride, different but good. Ian was out on his new AM and getting the setup sorted. Seemed to be enjoying himself.

After emptying out the freezing water from our socks and getting warmed up in the camper van some nice hot homemade Butternut squash soup was the order of the day.

Back at the hut we had a great evening with plenty of food and drink. Lancashire hotpot went down a treat for Neil and I whilst everyone else pulled together with a Pork chop, apple and cider dish. Looked good.

Sunday dawned with fresh snow but clear. We packed up and headed for the trails at Llandegla, unfortunately only to find they were closed due to snow, added to this, it turns out Neils 'off' the previous day had injured his shoulder more than he realised so as an expression of solidarity we elected to get lunch and return to the family early for a Sunday roast dinner...

Not a bad way to spend a weekend. I'll get some pictures up soon.