'The Tour' Continues!...

It's now been nearly three weeks since we were peddling our way across Denmark and we've been missing out on some time in the saddle. We didn't have time to go back to Denmark today, but we did have time to explore a little of our local area at home here in Wales by bike. After a bit of planning and research, we found a place where we could hire bikes at nearby Caernarfon Castle.

Although the bikes we borrowed were fine for the day, it really showed up just how good the ones that we had hired in Denmark were. The ride was much smoother and the ergonomics and features of the Danish design were in a different league! Still, the sun was out and we had bikes, so we weren't complaining!

As neither of us has any desire to get involved with road riding and the inevitable traffic hazards, we had been pleasantly surprised to find that there are actually some cycle track networks around here. Setting off from the Castle, we followed the 'Number 8' Trail south, along an old railway track and then into the village of Talysarn, where we stopped for a cup of tea and a chat at a friends house.

From there, we headed west, out to the coast at Dinas Dinlle, where we stopped for a delicious picnic in the sunshine. Holiday style - yet so close to home!

There were a few discrepancies on the map, regarding the best way to get back to Caernarfon, so we gambled by taking a route which seemed to be a shortcut. All was going well until a seven-foot iron gate blocked the path! Reluctant to retrace our steps for some three or four kilometres, we decided to put our climbing skills to use and scaled the fence and lifted the bikes up and over!

The last section of our 'tour' was on country lanes and we saw very little traffic. The route took us along the banks of the Menai Straits, where we stopped to pick blackberries, as we had recently been given some apples. The ingredients of a fine desert were coming together!

At around 15:30, we arrived back into the town and after a few errands to the bank and watchmaker, we returned the bikes.

It was such a lovely afternoon, rather than return to The Cottage straight away, we decided to finish the tour, with a celebratory drink outside the pub right by the straits. After a respectable 43.5km, we felt suitably pleased with ourselves and were buzzing from the ride. Must find a way to get Denmark style bikes for ourselves!
Apple and blackberry pie was served in the evening! Delicious!