Day 4 started nice an early as we like, set off by 8:10am with another full days riding ahead of us.
We set off heading due south towards Barmouth on the coastal road.
No more than 10mins into the ride and we reached Harlech where a historic castle stands overlooking the bay. A quick pic and a gentle throttle so as not to wake the locals in the sleepy village and onwards we went. Rising up on the road that hugged the cliff we had a fantastic view over Pothmadog so we stopped for a another quick pic.
Within an hour of setting off we were in Barmouth and Russ was excited about FINALLY getting to cross the Barmouth rail bridge (over the years he's missed out on two dirt bikes trips with our Welsh friends to Barmouth so he's never been over the bridge and feels like his life is incomplete)
Stopping on the bridge for a pic and a train came along the tracks - I've been across the bridge several times on the little bikes but seeing a train was a first for me.
Our route from here headed back inland (East) along the estuary to an old Toll bridge which we paid 50p to cross then so we did a loop and went back across the rail bridge a second time to then hang a right (west) and continue down the coast passing through Tywyn and Aberdovery. This was a lovely flowing A road (the A403) which then headed inland following the river Dovey back to Machynlleth where we stopped for a lovely full English brekkie. Time now was 11:20 amd we were basked in sunshine sat outside as we ate our food.
Leaving Machynlleth we headed South West before cutting inland towards the Cambrian Mountain range where the real scenery started again. No sooner had we left the main A road we started climbing a single track mountain road and before long we were met with such amazing views. Looking up at the mountains and back down the valley to the sea. Over the head of the pass and dropping down the other side we were met with reservoirs. As we continued on I started to think to myself, "this looks familiar" and low and behold it was Nant-Y-Moch Reservoir where we've been with the Welsh guys on the enduro bikes. Last time we were here though the reservoir was really low. Not the case this time. Onwards around the edges of the reservoir and finally dropped into Ponterwyd where we hung a left for Devils Bridge (again! We passed through here two days ago)
Still headed south past Devils Bridge bridge and we saw lots of familiar exits/ entrances for green lanes which we've ridden on the dirt bikes in the past. Some lovely undulating roads until we got to Tregaron where we headed West and towards some more lovely roads across the mountains and the Forests around Strata Florida - another very well know green lane, popular with both bikes and the 4x4's as it has something like 11 river crossings along the length of the lane. At the end of the road we met two Dutch guys on enuro bikes who had come over from Holland with their bikes especially to ride the Strata Florida. Now thats dedication!! They said the water levels were high but fortunately didn't drown their bikes!
Onwards and continuing to skirt around the Lyn Brianne reservoir with more stunning views then another quick stop at the head of the reservoir for a look at the cascade of water to the river below - prime surf spot for a nutter like Steveo from Jack Ass.
Here we met a fellow Welsh biker who told us about lots of different decent biking routes to here, there and everywhere. We listened intently (read: couldn't get away!) then left and continued to follow our planned route.
At Llandovery we stopped at the Owls Nest biker cafe (a recommendation from the Welsh biker) for a coffee and a piece of cake - carrot cake for Russ, a custard slice for me.
Time was getting on now so thoughts were about where to possibly stop for the night. Sennybridge was the preferred option as the next places on the route were Merthyr Tydfil - which we felt may be too risky regards leaving the bikes overnight - or back to Bullith Wells but that was likely too far. Whilst we stopped at Sennybridge for fuel we got chatting with another retro biker - he was on a Rickman Matisse Mk5 Street Scrambler non the less. Very nice - and he suggested the Ancient Briton pub just below Sennybridge which we both knew well so thats where we ended up. £11/person/night, lovely clean and hot showers and the pub right next door where we had the most amazing Steak and Ale Welsh pie followed by Rhubarb crumble.
Great end to another great day. 170miles and another 10hrs riding today.
