Day 14: Llanidloes
Again I left about 9:30, as soon as I got on my bike it decided to start raining, not heavily but enough that I had to put on the wet weather gear. I had slept well so thought the day would be a doddle. Think again. It was a difficult start as I was immediately into hills which made settling into a rhythm very hard, I cycled into Dolgellau then began a long climb out in steadily worsening weather towards Machynlleth. After 4 or maybe 5 miles I hit a valley with some road works by this point the weather was horrible through the valley the wind and the rain got stronger, to the point where I couldn’t see. I think this had to be one of the lowest points on my whole journey. I struggled through to the town where I decided to shelter and eat, I saw the MOMA Wales (no lie) so I couldn’t resist going in. I had a lovely cup of hot chocolate and a little something to eat. The people there were really helpful and made me very comfortable, I also bought a book of David hern’s photography. When I left it was still raining but not so heavy so I headed on to Llanidloes I decided to follow the cycle route as it was shorter and off the main roads. Little did I know I was going to be cycling up a 550 odd meter climb. Anyway I picked my way out of town feel refreshed and more confident about the afternoon ahead, gradually the road started to steepen and then more abruptly, it seemed to go on forever, to cut a long story short after about 40 mins of climbing with sweat and depression setting in, I hit the top! I turned from tired and fed up to elation, the descent must of been as long as the assent 6/7 miles. It was sheer joy at one point I was hitting 34 mph after that there was another short climb, then a 12% of at least half a mile, followed by a 16% downhill. The first one I nearly hit 37 mph pure adrenalin rush absolutely wicked, I’m becoming a speed junkie. The brakes at the front need replacing but I’m hoping they’ll make it to Cardiff in a couple of days. Despite the weather and the highs and lows, and the very slow general pace, north Wales is truly spectacular. I have loved cycling through it so far and would love to come back with out all the luggage and do some of the hills again.
Today’s stats: Total 667 miles Today 40 Average 8 Calories 1547
