Yee Olde Trippe Report III

[Orson]

A quick jaunt across the pond to ride some of Wales' finest tarmac. From Shropshire, it was a short hop across the Welsh border and soon after that you begin the climb towards Snowdonia



The road angles up sharply to access the Pass of Llanberis. The leaden skies provide a somber blanket over the terrain and perhaps adding a mysterious and foreboding nature. I've begun to appreciate riding in damp weather. Just not TOO damp.



Through the Pass of Llanberis and then begins the decent to the coast. On the coast at Caernarfon is the brutish Caernarfon Castle



Onwards to Anglesey Island off the northwest coast of Wales. Stopped to watch the kite surfers before getting a hotel room in Holyhead where the ferries leave for Ireland.




The following morning I head back to the mainland in a light rain then turn southwest out onto the Llŷn Peninsula.



I find a hotel near Abersoch with a nice view over Abersoch Bay



The next day dawns bright and clear





I stopped at the village of Portmeirion where the 1960's cult TV show, The Prisoner was filmed













Harlech Castle, held out for a seven year siege during the War of the Roses



Approaching the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct



Built by the famed Thomas Telford, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was completed in 1805



After returning to spend the night with my friend in Shropshire, I head back into Wales, this time heading south along the magnificent A483. Undulating Welsh tarmac.



Seeing this outside my hotel window, I knew what was going to be on the menu



Heading towards the Brecon Beacons National Park



At times, the roads opened up and let you stretch the bike's legs although, other sections were almost like motocross



Misty mountain top



Descending thru the Black Mountains



Tree shrouded esses





I enter England thru the Shropshire Hills. While the hills are smaller and the roads narrower than in Wales, I found the scenery to be quite enjoyable. I'll have to explore this area more thoroughly some other time.





Trip Statistics:
Days: 5
Mileage: 750
Constable spotting: 4 (all ignored me)
Bee stings: 0

[Sport-Touring]

[Daniel Kalal]

it's hard to beat riding in Wales.  Nice shots.

[garry]

Nice photos Orson. I have to save some vacation time in 2017 or 2018 to extend a work trip to the UK and go on a tour for a week, perhaps with SWMBO as pillion.

[Daniel Kalal]

About the only difference while riding in left-drive countries is the fact that the kick-stand is still on the left side, so when you pull over to the curb, the bike sometimes leans over much too far for comfort.  "Orson, do you find yourself crossing over to the right side of a road on the back-country roads when you stop for a photograph?  I know I do.



I guess the other difference is that lifting your left hand to wave won't be seen.  Perhaps that explains all the leg-lifting you'll see in the U.K.

[Orson]

I try to avoid parking on the right since, that is what led to my accident in South Africa  

The Thruxton side stand already has a mighty lean to it even on a level surface.

[Ironchef]

Beautiful!

[Blue is Best]

I always enjoy looking at these types of pictures to see the different types of country and architecture.