Ride to Twyford, Reading

[MacDaddySV]

Now that the bike is fixed, I'm thinking of going down to Twyford this Friday, and stay at a mates till Sunday.

From where I live in Bangor this is approx a 260 mile trip, and will be the furthest Ive actually been on a bike.

Here's the thing . . . .I'm undecided whether to go across (A55) and down the M6 . . .which takes me most of the way and will be quicker . . .OR to head down through (Snowdonia) Wales as far as I can, then cut across below Birmingham somewhere on the map (e.g. near Worcester).

I know the M6 will be quicker and easier, but dont really fancy spending that much time on a motorway, plus there's no real rush! :)

I really can't decide, but am more inclined to do the 'through Wales' one, unless anybody can convince me otherwise! :)

Has anybody got any useful tips for such a trip . . . such as "get the bus" maybe? :D

:smt100

**Note: I wont have to think about this on the return trip, as the bike will be shoved into the back of me mates van for the return. :D

[fatneck]

The Wales (minimum motorway) route gets my vote.

[Jester666]

Take the twisty route!!

There's nothing worse that motorway boredom!

It may take longer but you'll have so much more fun.

[Baph]

TBH, that route down to Birmingham depends on your riding experience.

If you're happy to overtake cars left right & centre on a single carriageway road, at NSL speeds, then the A5 can be very good fun. Just watch out for coppers on the weekend, especially if it's sunny.

I ride down the A5 fairly often, and I'd prefer it to the Motorway.

EDIT: Tips? Well, for the A5 particularly, overtake after hazards. It removes so much effort as the bike will easily outrun almost everything you see. Again, police are keen on the A5.

Other than that, just plan it so you don't have to rush too much. Give yourself time to chill for a couple of miles if you need to. There's nothing worse than a long journey when you're under pressure of time.

If you really have time to spare & want to play in the twisties, I'd consider heading down to Dolgellau then over the A458 to pick up the A5 at Shrewsbury. I'd also be tempted to go via Harlech if you really don't mind taking your time about things.

[MacDaddySV]

:( Trips been postponed till next week now!

Cheers fellas, the A5 looks like it may be the solution . . . .didnt realise it went that far down! Thanks Baph ;)

Although I still went out on the bike today for a good few hours round Snowdonia, reminded me how nice it is to be able to p*ss off on the bike and reset the brain!

[carlos]

Stuff the A5, head south a little and pick up the A44 which will take you all the way to Oxford. Then hit the back roads through Henley to Twyford, cracking roads, you won't be disappointed.

[MacDaddySV]

Stuff the A5, head south a little and pick up the A44 which will take you all the way to Oxford. Then hit the back roads through Henley to Twyford, cracking roads, you won't be disappointed.

Will give it a look up, whilst Ive got a week to think about it,

Cheers :)