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In search of Gwibili Jwibilees

, single track and yet more ice cream

Friday May 31st and Wales was to be the destination for the holiday weekend.

Paul and Kev set off early as they didn't have to bother with work and went on a reccy trip round Gwydyr Forest at Betws-y-Coed - a place we would re-visit on Tuesday. (Thank goodness MBR did a write up on Wales or my spelling would be challenged).

After work the rest of us made our way to Trawsfynydd Holiday Village at Coed-y-Brenin to stay in 2 wooden chalets - a somewhat cosy arrangement but nonetheless fun. Having picked up Nic, a life's supply of tuna, smelly hard boiled eggs and loo roll, we were making good progress until disaster struck. A rather loud bang was ignored by both of us as we continued on the outside lane of the M60. When I decided to exit the motorway and someone passed frantically pointing at my wheel, we could be in denial no more - it was a puncture. The AA had no record of my existence so we had to turn to the nice man in the RAC courtesy of Nic, by which time the police had also joined in the occasion. But within half an hour we were motoring again and the RAC man and policeman were probably having indigestion from my flap jack.

We made it in time for last food orders at the local pub meeting up with Pete, Rosie, Kate, Greg, Dave and Rob and enjoyed a quiet evening in eager anticipation of the next day's offerings.

As Saturday was the best forecast for the weather we opted to do the longest trail - Karrimor (26m). Well loaded up with tuna and egg sandwiches (they always squash the best) we headed off. Not long into the route though we had another mechanical - surprisingly with Kev - that bike has been so reliable lately(!!!!) His rim smashed - something to do with riding with no brake blocks they tell me. So it was off to the bike shop to get re-built and hire a trusty steed. While they were gone we did a quick Sport route (15m) where the delights of Coed-y-Brenin were quickly revealed - I can only liken it to riding your bike on a roller coaster - complete with squeals - just don't take your hands off. That ticked off we met up with Kev and Nic and re-started Karrimor.

We didn't quite make it to the end but did find the best tea stop - fantastic cakes and the opportunity to cuddle a sheep (there are photos for any interested parties). Also spotted a couple of nuns on mountain bikes.... With firm resolve to complete the Karrimor next day we headed home to the pub and met up with Liz and Simon. (Who were wandering where on earth everyone was from the promised return at 5pm (it was 8pm!) after having had a gentle stroll along the railway track from Dolgellau to Barmouth to ease legs in.)

Sunday arrived with a wet start but that was fine - there was football to watch and be disappointed with after a draw and a full English to demolish courtesy of Kev - even those vegetarians were seen eating bacon!

By the time it was all over the sun had appeared and off we went - sandwiches and all. We finished the Karrimor and hit some of the MBR route - 16 miles for the afternoon and we were in party mode especially after our little off piste adventure.

Some tired legs walked a 6 mile route around the Orienteering course instead.

We decided to drive to a local hostelry recommended by Rob and Liz told Greg she was taking Greg's Puma for a waaaa ptch waaaa (ask Pete). Back to the holiday camp for Rob's very sweet Banoffee Pie (Liz had raced around Dolgellau to find the double cream just in time as the Spar closed at 10pm - just to prove she could drive fast really!) and Pete and I decided who could feel sick the quickest by going on the swings.

Back inside and it was all happening - so much talent in not just one club but one section. We had table climbing; blowing the 10p over the beer glass; the cornflake packet game (some had never seen so many styles and yet successful attempts to pick up a ever decreasing packet in their mouths! A fit lot!) and carrying the 10p in clenched buttocks - we'll get the obstacle course set up in Scotland Nic! Rob scored a perfect 10 for his diving prowess in the cornflake game, and then Greg took an impromptu Salsa class.

Monday morning and rain stopped play to start with but by the time we were organised the sun had got his hat on again and we attacked the MBR and Red Bull routes - loads of fun there - covering 29 miles in the day. We were well satisfied that we had covered just about every foot of track on offer and loved it. Back to the chalet where Kate, Liz and Simon bade us farewell (they just couldn't take any more tuna!).

Rosie made us a fine meal of jacket spuds, tuna, etc and we opted for a quiet night in front of the Gwibili Jwibili concert. Not quiet for long - we had some aspiring singers among the group and the evening went rapidly downhill - I fear for the springs in the settee (BOUNCE!)

All packed up on Tuesday and we headed north to Betws-y-Coed and a relatively new trail at Gwydyr Forest. We were not disappointed - 17 miles of forest tracks and single track with big grin factors - man made tracks are ace aren't they Kev?!

All made for a fantastic weekend - thanks to Liz for organising the accommodation and Nic and Paul for the great food shop - we just need to adjust tuna stocks and think about air freshener next time! In all a maximum of 125 miles was covered depending on who you're prepared to believe.

Look out Glentress!!

Judith

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003