April 2005

Run Report – 13^th March 2005

Cut Off In The Pass

As I made my way happily alongside a resplendent Llyn Tegid with exuberant kids destroying the back seat of my long-suffering car, I spotted up ahead a group of odd cyclists. There were four persons upon four wheels (Graeme managed to get even this simple calculation wrong – Ed). A three-wheeled contraption the rider of which, to the delight of my already explosive children, seemed unable to sit evenly on the thing, opting to stick both legs out to one side and act the fool me thinks!

The jolly band of two tandems a solo and a trike trundled along, a little late I felt, as we were supposed to meet them at 11am and it was already 10.40, and they had a small hill to climb! Anyway off we went amid shouts of Allez Allez from my by now exploded kids.

On arrival at Llyn Vyrnwy car park I realised my mistake. I was to meet the better half of the Stephenson crew and take the sedate ride around the lake at our usual leisurely family pace. All was well after a brief wee wee stop. We were off.

Not long after starting we found the remains of the happy band of cyclists who headed for the pass. It appears that not all the intrepid gang made it, cut off in the pass I felt, maybe by the sheep that refused to move when we drove over some 30mins earlier. They have attitude (Altitude? – Ed) these Welsh sheep – they must have known we were going to win the grand slam!

We were sorry to hear Deb was unwell and had to turn back, but no explanation was offered for Les, the three-wheeled clown, so as far as we know he is still stuck with the sheep on the pass! (He was supposed to be in work and the mobile doesn’t work on the ‘wrong’ side of the Bwlch Y Groes – Ed)

Luke took us to a great little bird hide so we could eat our lunch, before we raced (literally between the Coleman Crew and the Lewis Trio) back to the car park. No time for the park as Dad had to get back to watch the rugby.

Good time had by all, see you next time.

Gra

We are once more getting close to the weekend of the Brian Chapman Audax for which we, by now traditionally, run the Menai Bridge control. This is our one opportunity to supplement our club funds annually.

This year the event is being run over the weekend of the 21st & 22nd of May. The riders will be leaving Chepstow at 6am on the Saturday morning and the quick ones start arriving, 300 kms later, in Menai Bridge at around 4.45pm.

Our job is to feed them and stamp their cards, for which we take some money, before packing them off back in the direction of Dolgellau for the long ride back to Chepstow.

We usually have a good response from volunteers who seem to treat the whole thing as a bit of a jolly.

So please put the date in your diary and contact Luke (01286 870653) if you can help.

Hi all.

Hopefully you've already got these dates in the diary and the camping equipment will be dug out for a sunny, fun packed weekend on Anglesey. To give you a few more details, the campsite is called the Bodafon Farm camp site, Sandy Lane, Rhosneigr, Anglesey and is owned by Alwyn (01407 810706).

I have been to the campsite, although it was not possible to inspect the facilities at that time - (a wet and windy off-season day). The site is fairly basic, i.e. a number of fields with enough room for kids of all ages to play and run around. There are toilet/shower facilities and I can't remember for sure whether the owner said there was a laundry room and fridge/freezer available for camper's use.

I have corresponded with the owner since then via email and confirmed we require camping for the Friday and Saturday nights. Alwyn has been very relaxed regarding the arrangements, not requiring definite numbers or any sort of deposit up front. (I think it's at the start of his season and before things get busy for him). We would however like to have an idea of who's out to play and I've said that we'd let him know rough numbers nearer the time, out of courtesy. Please contact Le Gary on 01286 870653 with your intentions.

The camp site fees per night are:

Adult £5

Children 50p or £1 depending on age

Camper van/Caravan £10 (covers 2 adults)

Alwyn is intending to have a limited number of electrical hook ups installed for this season, however these will probably be placed in a different area to the tents. Please let us know if you require a hook up point and we shall contact Alwyn to reserve them.

We're thinking of sticking to the usual format - that is day rides on the Saturday and Sunday with family ride options, a mass BBQ on the Saturday evening and some activities to keep you amused. We do not have to be away from the campsite by any particular time on the Sunday. There are a number of beaches for the children and kite fliers amongst us and some basic amenities in Rhosneigr itself within easy walking distance of the campsite.

If you have any questions, we'll do our best to find out the answers for you. Hoping to hear from you all soon.

Le Gary and Debbie

Everybody’s favorite uncle, Hugh Taylor, is about to set off on his second attempt to circumnavigate the coast of main land Britain. We wish him good luck and Bon Voyage.

He is taking the opportunity to raise some cash for prostate cancer research. If you would like to sponsor him then contact Auntie Ann (01745 353807).

Those other intrepid pensioners, the Browns, are once more stuffing their beloved Claud Butler into a plane hold to go wandering in the Pyrenees. We eagerly await postcards from afar from both parties.

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