Hitting it......

[Timolgra]

The combination of 'Longshanks' away, blue skies, half a pack of baccy, full tank of gas and I was wearing sunglasses was no contest to my alternative plan for the day ....painting the shed ....it was time to hit it

My moods not right, c'mon get y'self together, start with a brew.

A blast over Denbigh Moor, the back road from Pentrefoilas and onto one of my favourite's, the stretch from Ysbyty Ifan up to the well, I like it because the bike can spend as much time in the air as you dare ....then right through Penmachno and onto through back road to Betws.

Looking back to Ysbyty

Time to go

Should've had a piss on the way, bustin' after a coffee, there's no choice but use the loos.

The bastards want 20p, not much you might say .... a fucking fortune if you can't find 20p.

A root through a stash of stuff on the bike buys relief.

 

[Timolgra]

Snowdon was in fine form and remembered the many times I've been up to the top right from the age of 10,....... the slog of the miners track, views from the Pyg track and thrill of Crib Goch.

There's a track I used to ride below where the above photo was taken, (you've guessed it, by the ice cream van) but there was a No Access sign at the start of the gravel climb and this being a 'sensitive' area I though to give it a miss.

Anyway this was the track during my airhead phase

A couple of miles before Beddgelert I take a small left, a beautiful and quiet road.

Back on the bigger road and another left, another of my favourites towards the lovely mountain, Cnicht, except this time I want to explore the head of this valley which is a dead end.

I wasn't the only one enjoying the sunshine

 

[Timolgra]

Getting closer

I've been to some fantastic places on bikes but today, this house at the end of the track was as stunning as anywhere I've seen.

I looked longingly at the building you can just make out at the head of the valley but daren't go charging ahead, Welsh farmers aren't always as enthusiastic at getting to out of the way places as I am.

I decide to just enjoy my surroundings until a plan comes together ..... surely there must be a way....

And sure as eggs is eggs, roll a smoke and there's a plan.

I back track to another house and get chatting to the owner ... he seems ok and tells me there's an old track leading up to that building which is a hydro electric plant, he says the farmer's away and I can ride across his field to the track, right oh then

It's easy enough with just a few holes to dodge

 

[Timolgra]

I love these dead end Cwms in Wales, particularly if they're empty

Lots of evidence from old mine works all around this area

I spent quite a while enjoying this quiet place

Not a soul in sight ....just how I like it

Just me and my bike

Well it was just me and the bike......... until a police helicopter started circling the top of the mountain, it seemed to be on serious business so it's time to leave this place

But I'll give the bridge a miss

And think of where to next

 

[Flipfly]

Soooooooooo envious, exactly the kind of day I enjoy but get to do rarely.

 

[stevemersey]

Lucky so and so. I went up that little road past Cnicht for the first time last Sunday and have been wanting to go back and explore the area and been looking at the maps the last two evenings. Was thinking of taking the Mrs there at the weekend. Lovely pictures.

 

[Timolgra]

Back on the rough plan that was evolving in my head and there's a few gates on this road

I get my first view of the coast over Porthmadog

Another gate

Then a better view

I can almost see Shep's beard flowing in the wind in the background on the Lleyn

Onward

To the next gate

I stop briefly at Llyn Mair, it brings back happy memories ..... happy because it was after walking around it nearly 20 years ago my ex wife and I agreed to divorce

 

[Tobers]

Looks very nice - great ride. My eyes have burst due to the excessive colour saturation on the images though.

 

[(RIP) andrewgsadv]

Tim ,some spectacular scenery there ,unrivalled anywhere I can think of. When the weather is right, well simply stunning. My mind is now made up. Going to come down to Snowdownia next week. Bit of a Mr and Mrs escape on the bikes. Julie doesn't know yet shhhhhh.
Maps are out, save some of the sunshine for us. B and B search. Thanks for making me mind up sir.

 

[Timolgra]

On to Trawsfynedd, I'm starving.

Trawsfynedd is very, very Welsh, I used to live a few miles away.

I go into the Spar shop expecting a reception similar to the Slaughtered Lamb from American Werewolf in London.

Under my breath I practice in my best Welsh "S'mai .... Snickers .... Diolch yn fawr"

I needed have worried, the little old lady clutching an armful of half rotten fruit beckons me to the front of the queue, I said my bit anyway ....I'll never know whether the words spoken to me in Welsh meant "Beware the moon, stay on the road .........

Snickers seem so small these days, I remember when .....

Hmmmmm

Bustin' for another pee, except this time it was free

 

[Nutty]

You're a lucky, lucky man.

 

[Bounce]

Tim, some awesome pics taken....breathtaking scenery.....location should be considered for a GSer's weekend

 

[Timolgra]

I nip down to Ganllywydd, a couple of my best friends who are avid bikers will be there ..... at work

We drink tea, talk bollox and agree to meet up this weekend

Then the blast back, Traws to Bala past my old house, Llandrillo road to Corwen then......a little lane to finish off with

Quick stop

Home's that way

With 'Longshanks' away this is the only stiff one I'll have tonight

 

[Timolgra]

Tim, some awesome pics taken....breathtaking scenery.....location should be considered for a GSer's weekend

I did one years ago using some of these roads based up on the Lleyn.

This was my recce ride for it in 2001

Apart from the foray up the Cwm I've known, ridden, driven, walked etc. all these roads for a very long time .....why would I want to ride them with a bunch of GS'ers

 

[Bounce]

I did one years ago using some of these roads based up on the Lleyn.

Apart from the foray up the Cwm I've known, ridden, driven, walked etc. all these roads for a very long time .....why would I want to ride them with a bunch of GS'ers

Well you could always lead a ride out Tim....you don't have to stay..

 

[Timolgra]

Well you could always lead a ride out Tim....you don't have to stay..

Good one

 

[Bounce]

Good one

The pics are superb Tim. I went on Dr Alfs spirited ride to Wales recently and was utterly dumbstruck as to how beautiful Wales is....as a road ride, it was magnificent; I'm looking forward to getting some off road time in over there too....

 

[DrAlf]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading through that. Great trip report and a lovely day out. I'd love to pick your brains some time on the lesser known best roads of North Whales

 

[Possu]

Great pics Tim

 

[merlings1200]

Nice pics Tim...........if I was you I would be hoping it's not going to rain tomorrow and get that shed painted before Ange gets home.