Keen to please, our hotels cook took H at his word this morning when Kev was asked what he'd like on his omlette, 'throw it all on' said Kev and WOW she did !
We left town with its unique market hall sitting right in the middle of a round about and immediately started to climb on those punishing 50-100 mere hills that just seem everywhere in Wales !
Working our way out of a beautiful valley we ascended a plateau on winding forest roads complete with a beaut dam backdrop.
Feeling like a pick me in the heat we stopped at a 1640's pub out in the middle of nowhere and had a 1640s version of a Pepsi Max, warm flat syrup (no ice available) that was pretty close to one of the worst drinks i have ever had !
Two more grinding kms had us reach the routes high point at 509 metres for stunning views down the valley with more imposing Mtns in the background.
H with a yell of glee let the sails out and quickly accelerated to 70 kms an hour on the narrow road. I was a little more circumspect, given that parts of the road had sharp corners and minimal fencing, electing instead to remove another millimeter or two from my disc pads !
We descended 15+ kms to the market town of Machynlleth calling it a short day with a decided lack of accommodation in the next 30-40kms
Having booked in to a pub a short walk revealed how hot it was with little wind and radiant heat making it feel like it was in the mid 30's !
It was pointless watching the ashes given our deplorable batting so H put the bikes in for a quick health check, Kev's gears slipping and my brake cable casing worn through to the metal.
Not much to do other than hibrenate , watch the golf and pull out the Welsh maps although the Dutch cyclist we bumped into yesterday simply told us to expect hills all the way !
After last year you should have been careful what you prayed for!!! It seems that you're the only one complaining of the heat Mike, Kev's probably revelling in it. You'll just have to come back next year and hope for something in between. I'm really enjoying reading about your adventures, keep up the good work.
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