Day 2!

Right, first things first - we want some comments on the daily posts and the photos - best way for all of you to keep us motivated on this tough week!

Ao onto day 2 - Well what can we say other than Exceptional... We're starting to feel a bit guilty that we're enjoying this too much. Raising money for good cause is supposed to hurt and include a reasonable amount of suffering... Now don't get me wrong, there are definitely aches and pains, skin missing from places that really shouldn't ever miss skin, energy levels dropping below zero and some general moaning and whining. But when it all comes down to it, we're all agreed that today was one of the best days the four of us have ever had on a bicycle. 

Not only did Wales gift us with weather sent from the Heavens, but our route (superbly chosen by Martin) took us through some of most stunning scenery and quietest roads we've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.

And so the scene is set...

Breakfast at the Horseshoe Inn in Rhayader was more than satisfying and we set off up the Élan Valley feeling full but confident. 

We soon stopped though as my (Kel) gears started playing up again... Oops sorry chaps. Problem sorted 2 mins later and we were literally flying up the huge climb up the valley. Very enjoyable, but no particularly silly moments for me to mention... Élan valley was awesome - have a look at the photos in the gallery as there are plenty!

We shot down a fast descent around an hour later and ended up in Devils Bridge where there was a reassuringly large Cappuccino beckoning. We did our best to resist but we're only human after all... We drank up, cracked on and headed up to 'the Arch' at the top of the next climb and bumped into an ex-army bloke from Warminster who took a group photo and regaled us with a story of the town we were due to stay in later than night. I'll mention the story if I don't run out of steam.

Riding through a stunning detour section recommended by the Cappucino man, we couldn't help but stop for photos evey 10 minutes. After eventually getting a bit fed up with the slower pace, Martin flew past at 60km/hr giving Pete and Kel a 'come on lads!' and then barely avoided a mad welsh sheep who had homed in and almost sent Martin flying down a hillside... Amusing at the time, but I guess you had o be there...

Honorable mentions for other moments of the day:
1) a bumpy bone jolting ride down to Tal-y-bont. Painful.
2) Kel was fascinated by a Ride Safely sign (lovely shade of yellow) and managed to collide and wrap himself around it quite effectively
3) It was the next feed and hydration stop and Pete and Kel needed a quick fix. Red Bull was not available (after being banned in Wales), so the boys got to try out the weird and wonderful Welsh energy drink 'Pussy'. The boys were smiling all afternoon.
4) Lunch. Bruv Senior was dying, so we got him in a couple of Shandies with his welsh stew which seemed to sort him out for another 20 miles. He stopped moaning until then which was a welcome relief ;-) I suspect he might break out the tow rope tomorrow.
5) the last big notable moment was the tow path to the coast - it was a bit like the Paris Roubaix, dust flying everywhere but loads of fun! I'll load some pics up later..
6) Almost Last but not least was the 40% climb in Harlech - the lads struggled but made it - steepest road in the UK! 
7) Proper last but not least - we finally made Beddgelert where we are staying for the night. One giant lamb shank, several pints, 2 bottles of Shiraz (refueling is both scientific and expensive!) and a flip flop competition later I am signing out!

Until tomorrow! And a lot of rain :-(






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