Matlock

Rideout to Wales 17th March 2002

Dull start the day but at least its not raining, confirmed with Geoff everything was go so we met up at the McDonalds car park
at Bassetts Pole, Slim arrived 10.15 we waited until to see if anyone else was going to turn up 'til 10.30 and departed.

(Slim, Geoff and bikes at Bassetts Pole)

Went via A5 Cannock fairly uninterrupted ride and stopped just outside Weston Park to meet up with Mike Butler on his
TL1000. morning was turning out to be sunny periods interspersed with clouds, got caught in a little shower round Telford,
then it cleared up again.

(Waiting for Mike Jon & Geoff)

Through Atcham, Ellesmere, Overton, Ruabon as we approached Llangollen it got ominously dark the rain started and the
wind blowing, we rode in rain up the Horsepass which just added to the bleak look of the place, stopped at the Ponderosa
Cafe on the top for coffee and refreshments. Stayed for about an hour by which time the Rain had stopped.

(The Ponderosa Cafe)

Down into Mid Wales heading towards to lake Bala along some marvellous biking roads long straights and sweeping curves.
Stopped at the visitors centre at Lake Bala for 15 minutes to catch our breath

(Visitor centre Lake BALA)

The journey home took us over the mountains, onto the A5 via Shrewsbury. About 20 miles from home the rain came in with
a vengeance. I arrived back at 5pm very wet externally (fortunately I have a good quality waterproof coat) thinking perhaps
Wales was a bit ambitious for the time of the year but good to be out on the bikes and blow away the winter cobwebs.