After a day when I did little else but sleep, lounge around and eat, I felt no better than the day before. I still felt like the flu was about to start. As a result, my approach today was to take it as easy as possible and I’d decide my destination at lunch time.
The ride started out really easily beside the Wye, but as soon as I left the river, I climbed a series of short very steep hills that had me wondering how far I’d actually get. The hills might be tiring, but they make for sweeping views of the hills and valleys which are consistently stunning here in Wales.
I had lunch in Rhayader which was the first sizeable town of the day. I picked out a cafe just before 2pm and walked in. I ordered a coffee and some food, but the lady serving me insisted on a table number before taking the order. So I looked around – no free tables here. I walked towards the next section of the cafe but she told me that it was closed. Ok …I walked to the other section and looked around – nothing, came back spotted one outside and said I’d sit there. She replied “the kitchen is closed now”. Aaaaagggghhh. Not happy at all. I felt like I was on Candid Camera. I finally got them to warm up a couple of pasties and then I calmed down. Moral of the story – never upset a hungry cyclist
Over lunch, I decided to stop at the 52km mark in Llanidloes. Otherwise I would have an extra 40kms through some big hills, and I simply didn’t have that effort in me. I rang a few places and finally found a reasonably priced place in town and booked for two nights. They are expecting more than 20mm of rain tomorrow so I’ll put my feet up for the day again.
The ride to Llanidloes was difficult in part, but absolutely stunning. I’m getting used to this.
I pulled into Llanidloes and quickly found the Red Lion, unpacked my bike and checked in. I did this at the same time as two Scotsmen who were here fishing – Graham and Neil. Neil’s nephew had ridden from Scotland to New Zealand 12 years ago, so he had all the right questions and comments about my bike and my trip. They’re both great guys and we talk over dinner at the Red Lion.
