Garry McGivern Travelsonabike2 is bicycle touring in Wales on Wednesday, the 20th-November-2024. Treforest up to Merthyr Vale then back on myself to Newport. 48 miles. Today didn’t go as planned.
It was a chilly start to the day with a hard frost. So, I delayed my start and didn’t leave my accommodation until 6.30. Just to give it a chance to warm up and maybe thaw out a bit. I don’t think it did, but at least I wasn’t cycling in the dark for so long. I left Treforest and was cycling along the Taff Trail. (it was the same route I’d come in on on Monday) I was heading to Brecon.
Things were going well, albeit a little slow. The roads were a little slippery, and so was the track, but okay to cycle on. I could see in the distance that it looked as if it was snowing, but hoped that it wasn’t. Unfortunately, it was, and pretty hard, and soon, I was in the thick of it. I pondered whether or not to continue, and I did for a while. But the snow was falling too heavily.
After looking at the weather forecast, I decided it was probably wise to stop and turn around. According to my phone, it was going to rain (although it was snowing) for the rest of the day. So I turned around at Merthyr Vale. I always like the idea of cycling in the snow, especially when it’s falling. But the reality is that it’s not fun. It’s cold, wet and a struggle to see the path.
After turning around, I wasn’t too sure where I was going to go and changed my mind several times as I cycled along. Eventually, I found my way to Newport and decided to stop. I had found a campsite, but they didn’t take tents in the winter because the ground is too wet. What’s the matter with these people, bloody Caravan and Motorhome Club! Hence, I ended up in a hotel. I’ll have a look at the map tonight and decide where I’m going to head tomorrow. Hopefully!
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