Wandering Wales

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Day three began with the weatherman calling for “improving” conditions, whatever that means. As I left the hotel, it was still raining but I sought consolation by telling myself “it’s gonna improve”. Three hours later, I was still muttering “it’s gonna improve” as the rain continued to pelt down. At the village of Cwmystwyth, I cross over the Cambrians along a narrow single track.

Finally, at around 3 PM I got a respite, as the sun peeked through. I’ll be the first to admit that the Thruxton is a bit of a poser’s bike, the Triumph struggling to keep up with faster, more powerful competitors on the open roads, yet when the roads become tight and narrow like this, the little twin mill really enters its own element. The engine’s healthy torque is accompanied by what has to be one of the most enjoyable soundtracks in all of motorcycledom. The twin’s snarling bark never lets you forget you’re on a proper motorbike. There’s just something intrinsically right about riding British iron on British roads. The two seem to be perfectly compatible with one another. When you’re out by yourself on a lonely backroad, listening to that lovely rumble, it’s all to easy to imagine that you’re back in the 1960s when the British motorcycle industry ruled the world. It’s a shame the engine doesn’t have about 20 more horsepower.

Fortunately, I play dodge’em with the rain clouds for the rest of the afternoon, only getting a few sprinkles here and there. At around 4 PM, I pulled up and took stock in my situation. I was soaking wet and right now would be a nice place for a hotel to materialize before my eyes. While staring at the map, I noticed a lake with the word “Hotel” written next to it. Strange. It must be nice if it appears on the map. I head towards the lake and, sure enough, there’s a hotel overlooking Lake Vyrnwy. Quite a nice one too. It turns out the Lake Vyrnwy hotel is a former hunting lodge for the city leaders of Liverpool. I get a nice room with a view of the lake. More importantly, the room has a hair dryer so that I can dry out some of my soaked gear.

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Photos

Lake Vyrnwy
Late afternoon rainshowers over Lake Vyrnwy

Rainy Ride
Heading north under ominous skies.

Village
A multi-hued Welsh village.

Single Track
Crossing the Cambrians along a narrow single track

Cambrian Mountains
Continuing across the Cambrian Mountains under threatening skies.

Sunshine
Nearing the middle of Wales at around 3 PM, the sun began to tease me.

Threatening Skies
...but threatening clouds loomed ahead.

North Of Llanidloes
Passing a lake north of the town of Llanidloes.