No sooner had I arrived back at The Cottage and got unpacked from rock climbing, then it was time to re-pack into cycle mode and head to the Lleyn Peninsular for a cycle tour with Clare.
Our original plan had been to spend four days touring around the coast, but with tomorrow's weather forecast almost guarantying thunderstorms and heavy showers, we decided to make today a day tour, going lightweight and returning to the comfort of The Cottage rather than spend the next day in a soggy tent! We set off from Caernarfon Castle, heading west along the Menai Straits. As we cycled, I was looking at the water and imagining Pete and I kayaking our next section, which would take us through this channel and out to the West Coast of Anglesey. Today there was a strong tailwind - great for biking, but making choppy waters for kayakers.
Although the cycle route is quite close to the main road west, it's on a separate track so safe from speeding cars. The long straight sections allowed us to get some speed on and we both enjoyed powering on under our own steam. We arrived in Trefor in time for a late lunch picnic by the sea. The weather was still warm and muggy and a few spots of rain fell after we'd eaten.
Curled up on a rock, we both fell asleep for twenty minutes after lunch as the raindrops fell. Thankfully, the rain didn't amount to much and we were both soon stripping off layers as the air temperature remained very warm even though there was thick hazy clouds above us.
From Trefor, we rode inland on small country lanes were we came across virtually no traffic (or people for that matter!); just the odd farm and house here and there. It felt really exploratory as we circumnavigated through the old woodlands and lanes around the mountain of Bwlch Mawr.
Apart from the chirping of birds, all was silent as we rolled past the high hedges, which were all bright with wildflowers. We passed some amazing looking highland cows and big buzzards floated overhead. All the views looked different. Amazing that we were so close to home really.
We rejoined the Number 8 Cycle track at Bryncir (near the A487 that goes to Porthmadog) and took another rest by a river.
By now we were both starting to feel tired as we'd traveled 40km at this point. Sitting by the river, we ate the last of our supplies and psyched up for the final stretch back along the old railway track to Caernarfon.
It was a hard ride back, but we'd both said that we fancied pushing our bodies a bit, so couldn't complain. In any rate, it was a beautiful section of cycle path and being free from traffic, meant that we could take in the views much better. As we rode, a green woodpecker flew alongside us at one point! It was really brightly coloured. Finally, the turrets of Caernarfon Castle came into view and we rolled into the castle square under blue skysunshinehione. We were too late for any open air cafes, but the chip shop provided us with fuel in the form of sausage and chips, to enjoy on the castle steps, while looking out to sea. We felt like we'd just won the marathon.
There was live music playing outside the Anglesey Pub next to us, so we sat listening while eating chips, soaking up the evening sun and revelling in having completed our longest ever UK bike ride. The GPS had recored 63km and nearly 600m of height climbed too. We felt deservedly tired and revelled in the feeling.
Chips finished, we rolled over the foot bridge and into the back of the waiting van. Hot showers, hydration, more food and comfy bed were our next priorities...
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