Uphill...

We assemble at a multi storey car-park in very chilly,Cardiff Bay,15 setting off at 9.30 but losing 30 mins searching for toilets! As we make our way around the Bay, Richard gets a puncture so a few stay to help him. Within a few miles we bump into a "Welly Wheeler" cyclist, Martin, on his tour of Wales. After a brief gossip we cycle on a good tarmac path through a massive riverside park, picking up Geoff and Penny, fresh from their son's wedding in Brum. At a cosy cafe we also pick up Marilyn and Roger. The trail takes us through Aberfan, alongside the memorial garden. Mertha Tydfil is next, full of ubiquitous rows of identical, gardenless,terraced houses. Out into countryside, tall limestone escarpments replace slag tips and small mountain streams bubble into the Taff. Near our highest point,1440ft, is the disused rail tunnel that was once the highest in the UK. The river now reminds us of the Dart as it tumbles over rocks and Ian G spots a Dipper by an old stone bridge. Those of us in the advance group wait down by large Pontscilli reservoir and realise there were 4 missing. Alarmed at the delay we stop the first passing car to hear there has been an accident. As later transpires, the tandem has slipped on a wet cattle-grid, throwing Janet off and breaking her arm (Ian broke a finger). First on the scene were some brilliant off duty policemen who provide first aid, and then kindly take the tandem on to Brecon, whilst the 4 wait in the cold for the ambulance. Ian and Janet eventually join us at our hotel at 10pm, having spent the evening in A & E in Abergavenny. The rest of us had enjoyed a very convivial meal at the youth hostel, where some were lodged.




Tour miles to date: 56

Location:Cardiff to Brecon