Quick Ride to Wales with XSR900
Old tour, posting for reference.
The map
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Details
Where does it start? Ace Cafe
Where does it end? Llyn Ogwen
How long is it? 311 miles
How long does it take? 7 hours (without stops)
What is the best time of year? Summer/Autumn
What is the best time of day? Sunset/Sunrise
Approximate fuel cost: £54.30 (fuel: £1.72L,MPG:45.5)
Places to stop:
- Ace Cafe
- Bwlch y Groes
- Lake Vyrnwy
- Pen-y-Pass
- Llyn Ogwen
CampSites:
The journey
I took the M40 until after Birmingham and followed the twisty roads passing through the Brecon Beacons National Park. I stopped at the Bwlch y Groes and Pen-y-Pass before heading to Llyn Ogwen.
The journey was enjoyable with a bit of rain. I mostly took the motorway until I reached the first roads in Snowdonia, just around Lake Llanwddyn.
From there, I took some twisty roads and enjoyed the ride and, admittedly, a good amount of rain.
The roads were great. The journey was filled with nature, fresh air and pleasing roads to enjoy a good ride.
The days were getting dark, so I headed to Lake Ogwen and set the tent.
I had no plan of where to stay; I only knew I wanted to stay next to a lake and brew a coffee at sunrise.
It was windy beneath the mountain. My first attempt to set the tent was proven unsuccessful, with the tent flying away. Under the clear sky and a half moon, I could see the sheep glowing in the field. This was when I realised there was a farm nearby. I found a corner spot near the farm, where the wind was milder. I set the tent, and the bike, heated some baked bins and tried to enjoy the rain and wind outside.
The night passed, and I couldn’t sleep well. The wind was unbearable, and the noises from the farm beside me were like a thriller.
When the sun rose, I set for my coffee.
I made an exceptional dark roast espresso, added a bit of sugar and hot water, and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee by the lake.
From there, I had a pleasant ride around with the bike and started heading back to London.
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