Page 153 - Classics Issue

WHERE MEN ARE MEN AND SHEEP ARE NERVOUS …and offered us a well-earned resting point before attempted a downhill off-road water-flled route called the Strata Florida that would start our decent towards the campsite. By now tiredness had set in and I was feeling drained – I should point out that Ade is younger, ftter and does this more often than me! We got a little way into this route before I called time and suggested we navigate some roads back to base, this however caused us to get a little lost and required a pretty urgent search for refuelling. Finally, after nearly an hour’s ride we were back in Llandovery, the backside was feeling a little delicate and we were again required to stop for beer before slumping back into the chairs at camp.Showered up and a walk into town for a few beers followed by the obligatory kebab with the hottest chilli sauce I have ever had anywhere in the world including the Caribbean and Far East, I had a numb mouth for about 40 minuets afterwards and I am not sure who their target audience was for a sauce of that magnitude and I like it hot.Another great night’s sleep apart from the chilli sauce still burning my lips and windpipe and we awoke to a slightly warmer morning but sadly it was time to head home, we packed up the tent, loaded the bikes and were on our way, stopping briefy in Pontypool for breakfast before attacking the M4 for an uneventful journey home other than to discuss how great it had been and when we are going to do it again.In summary, we a cracking couple of days, we spent very little money, mainly on fuel for us and the bikes, the campsite I think was all of £50 for 2 nights with full use of all the facilities including a slightly sketchy Wi-Fi. We road for miles and miles without seeing another sole around 80 on the frst day – mainly off road and 150 on the second. We saw some stunning scenery, plenty of wildlife and enjoyed good food and local hospitality, all within a few hour’s drive of London. I really was impressed and will be back for more for sure. Yes, the weather helped and I am not sure it would have been such an epic experience had we not been bathed in sunshine and there was some challenging riding that required concentration and a little dexterity, but most of all it was a great way to exercise, unwind and leave the city behind for a few days, very refreshing, thank you Wales – I will be back…1.618 Machines is going to be exhibiting our newest offering at the Bike Shed London 26-28 May 2017 at Tobacco Dock London, please come and see us.153