So, if the Arenig Fawr fell race on Saturday was the "main course", then the "dessert" was cycling over two of Wales' 500-metre passes over the next two days. Sunday's ride, which was actually a loop enclosing the fell race course, included the Dol-y-moch road (531m) from Llanuwchllyn to Trawsfynydd. As I walked my bike up one of the steeper sections, I was passed by a group of about ten cyclists puffing their way up. But they were cheating: none of them had a pannier loaded with Sunday lunch; and I bet they all had bottom gears considerably lower than my 34 inches.
I have never been to Trawsfynydd before; and I am not impressed. It's an industrial village with no industry; which is common enough in Wales; but far worse, it has no ice-cream shop! It's 3pm on a sweltering Sunday afternoon, and I can't get an ice-cream.
Then on Monday, I had to get from Bala to Machynlleth to take the train home. There's a sensible route from Bala to Machynlleth; and there's the Bwlch-y-Groes (544m). Well, I wouldn't want to be accused of being sensible. The ascent from Llanuwchllyn was tough: except for two very short sections, it wasn't steep enough for me to get off and walk; and my panniers were loaded not just with lunch, but everything I needed for four days away, including fell running kit. The descent, on the much steeper south side, was terrifying; I stopped several times to let my wheel rims cool down. During one of these stops I was rewarded with the sight a large raptor, at first flying low over the valley, then finding a thermal and gaining height rapidly as it circled. It all looked so effortless; what a contrast to my cycling!
Reply With Quote