Caerdydd, Monday 18th August

[garynortheast]

I'm riding down to Caerdydd at around 11am on 18th, and coming back the following day, probably around mid afternoon. Anyone want to join me for part of the ride, or meet up for a coffee somewhere.

This is the route I'm taking.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vvttABqJCZ524amg7

[garynortheast]

The weather is looking good for this at the moment. I shall leave home reasonably early so that I can have a relaxed ride down. I'm planning on stopping somewhere on the way for some lunch, possibly in y Fenni.

Looking forward to this now.

[garynortheast]

I had a look at the map for this and thought I might stop in Aberhonddu, at The Hours Café in the grounds of the cathedral. I've stopped there before and it's an absolutely beautiful spot with the café serving great food and coffee.

Unfortunately, it's not open on Mondays or Tuesdays . So I shall do a slight detour at Libanus, just south of Aberhonddu and give the Caffi Canolfan Ymwelwyr Parc Bannau Brycheiniog a try. Apparently they have vegan options but mostly baked spuds with various fillings. Ah well, better than a poke in the eye with a pointed stick!

[Sir Trev]

Have a lovely time Gary. This time next year I hope to be retired so may be up for the odd trip over to your stomping grounds.

[garynortheast]

Thanks Trevor. This is more of a working trip than leisure, in that I'm riding to Caerdydd to pick up a hire van, and then driving to Exeter to bring daughter Eleri back to Caerdydd for her final uni year.

Not looking forward to the two hour slog in the van from the capital to Exeter. The ride down to and back from the van hire place should be fun though.

[garynortheast]

Got back last night at around 7.45. The ride down to and back from Caerdydd was enjoyable and pretty trouble free. There was some congestion here and there but I was able to filter through that. I stopped for a bite and a cuppa on the way down and had this view

The ride around and back out of the city from the van rental place near the docks was remarkably straightforward; A4232 all the way to the M4, off two junctions later and follow the signs for Aberhonddu. Just 3½ hours back to home.

The drive in the van from Caerdydd to Exeter on Monday evening and the return trip from Exeter loaded with all of daughter Eleri's stuff on Tuesday morning was a bit tedious, but all done without any drama. She's now in her final student flat for the next 12 months till she finishes her degree next year.

An enjoyable if tiring couple of days overall. Total bike miles over the two days was about 250 miles, van miles were 220. I slept the sleep of the dead last night!