Welsh Jaunt this Friday

[PaulinBont]

Blame the current storm! in drier times you'll see the big bikes tackling it without much drama....good effort nevertheless (thumbs)

[skulkerboyo]

I'll go back and nail it in better climes. Was a choice between the ruts with lake sized holes in or the ruts that were streams. It was muddy beyond. Some of the b roads were flooded. It was bedlam but still very enjoyable.

I've got some skills to pick up before I try anything like the Taffy dakar though. All my life a road rider so off-road is challenging. The alps probably not the best bike to start with for the muddy stuff. Also I feel like I'm a bit short for it. 5"10 and can't put feet flat. This is a first for me on a bike - totally different feel to anything I've ridden.

She handled my pathetic low speed ditch well. Better than I did.



I'm running avon Distanzias. Came with the bike and got a few thou left in them - they seemed ok but got clogged up quickly. Lots of spinning. I'm a heavy bloke at 100kg though so even with my weight on the front I don't suppose it makes much difference.

Any resources for off-road/lane riding? I'll just keep going out until the bike gives up or I do otherwise.

Also the signs on that road by the cattle grid - says no vehicles - area of scientific interest etc but I assume that means the part that isn't track? I am allowed to be up there?

[PaulinBont]

Yep, all long as you stay on the track and don't go 'off piste'.

The SSI and the Roman forts are about 3km in.

If you look up 'Y Pigwn' on Google Earth you'll see the obvious outlines of the forts which are superimposed on top of one another

[garyboy]

yep ... stick to the track of roman road
as this is an SSSI
with wildlife 'n stuff.
parking only within 15 yards
patrolled by giant newts ..

[PaulinBont]

We should do the Roman Road again soon Gary (thumbs)


Lamb Dinner in the West End Café (thumbs)


Sarn Helen and a cuppa in Glan Usk (thumbs)

[garyboy]

sounds good Paul B)

when it gets a bit warmer and drier (man flu and bad tetchy teeth at mo)

tho I must admit lack of confidence at the river crossing,
and at the next gate up the hill after the crossing (big cliff escarpment with loose rocks ... [seems like to me, anyway])
.. done it on smaller bikes but still learning on the ttr600 (`perpetual novice` aka `wimp`)


I got (cheap) bar risers and manual chain oiler ready to fit .. plus the forks need oil seals .. plus no lights at mo? .. apart from that .. ready to go :pinch: :whistle:

o .. and worn rear tyre and needs oil change and service
(not that i am one to make excuses just coz its cold and wet) :laugh:

[PaulinBont]

Sounds like a case for Big Al....massive TLC

[garyboy]

[PaulinBont]

Cross his palm with chokkie bikkies and he'll show you the luuuuurvvve, and help you out, you should have seen how he transformed Sweet Pete's bike ......it was impressive, I can't say he is cheap or he'll take it the wrong way !

[garyboy]

hmmmm .... ok .. I will pm Big Al now B)