Sarn Helen Day 7

If you have read any of this blog before you will have noticed a changed recently. The spelling, grammar and general content has been drastically better. So, today it is my turn.

I found getting up and getting going today pretty hard work. This morning was raining, we cant really complain because the weather has been very good for us. The morning routines were quiet, maybe that was because I was quiet. We set off to join our first proper bit of the Sarn Helen, where the actual road went. We were both pretty excited about this and had been told it was a great days riding through some amazing scenary. We had a gradual climb to start up towards the mynydd Illtud from our camp in Aberan, this was ok but I just couldn't get comfy on the bike and at one point there was even a synchronised bum shuffle. We had had a tip to look for a gorse bush and a finger post and not to turn off till then. It was a great tip thanks again to Bikes and Hikes. The Roman Road was straight...but quite bumpy. This track seem to pass quickly which was good, we crossed onto a minor road passing Forest Lodge and this is where things slowed down a tad. The track was good just very bumpy and our bottoms were not in the mood. this contoured arounds for a couple of kilometers before a short climb lead to a short descent which lead to a climb with loose boulders the size of dinner plates strew all over it. No chance. Once up though the going improved, still bumpy, still not comfortable. the summit of Bryn Melyn was a welcome sight and we stopped for our first snack. It felt like we had been going forever but it was just 13km, I broke out todays treat, JELLY SNAKES. The descent to the road was slow and technical, but i did get to see the designated wild camp at Lliaen Elia which is one to remember.
A few days ago we had a stand off with some sheep, today was a real treat!!! We were able to see a group of farmers round up their flocks with quads and dogs (That bits just for Leo, we saw a big digger too). The next stage was back on bumpy forestry track, steady progress was made but the constant pounding of the saddle into the backside was taking its toll. A brilliant descent to an 'unrideable' river. Bikes and Hikes warned us of the lack of stepping stones but they have a new bridge, its not getting washed away any time soon. Another steep climb (no neither of us cleaned it) and more bumpy track but lurking among this section was some excellent litttle rock slabs, Bennett you would be proud of the Hillyer. At the road, LUNCH....the best part of the day!!! We have the maps printed on A4 sheets, each map is a moral boost and for me,the last map was a real boost, until I realised that we had a decent to 230m followed by a steep climb through the forest up to 581m. This part also passed through an 'active motorsport area' which basically means lots of track that are on no OS map. Thankfully no real issue but it just slowed us down.The views were starting appear but the background noise of engines revving was spoiling it, oh well at least they aren't driving on our track...oh wait whats that, a motorbike...about 300 of them passedus every few minutes for the enitre 12km. Most were great, they slowed smiled and said hello, others were not. The climb just went on............and on..........and on. The bikes had churned up the mud so it was like riding in gloop, today was the first day I really wanted a granny ring.

The descent was worth it, about 3.5km of bassically no pedalling. Ruts in the ground added interest but as we descended further the San Helen had its best section of the route. Loose stone, rocky slabs, water, ditches and plenty of exciting moments. If your in the area find a way to do it.

From here it was roads to camp, the last road was uphill. it finished me off and i was very grateful for the Berry Bonanza and fruit juice.