Day 7 -52km Porthmaddog to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

Well wasn't expecting to end the trip today but when you lose your 2 most gears what can you do

Slept bad last, woke myself with my snoring a half dozen times! Room was fine just I was so tired and I should have used 2 pillows as I always snore the worst when I'm flat on my back. 

Up early and out by 0630. The ride up to Caernarfon was fantastic. Climbing out of Porthmadog and looking I was greeted with spectacular views of the mountains of Snowdonia. 

The ride was almost exclusively small back roads and disused narrow-gauge railways. Lots of dog walkers and thousands of sheep in the fields as far as the eye could see at times. 

Caernarfon was a welcome breakfast and where I was at last able to remember to buy some lip balm as my lips are getting quite dried out. 

The route to Colwyn Bay my original end for today was along the coast and I had already decided to skip Angelsey as I had no time, however I wanted to visit the village with the longest name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

I was well on my way when a slightly annoying click turned in to full blown gear failure. Was faced with a decision, abort and find a bike shop that can fix Brompton gears or fi is and use the last couple of days for something else. As it was I was going to stop tomorrow so decided to abort and go see my mother. 

Not the end I was planning but it was a good effort 650 km in 7 days of which 3 were either very short (day 1) or half days (day 3 with Tom and today). 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/3Y05II6w5zb

Day 6 - 112km Aberystwyth to Porthmadog

Bloody seagulls, a lumpy bed and i kept banging my arm against the wall didn't make for the most restful nights sleep. Also my body especially my legs are very tired

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Made a flask of tea and one of those instant porridges as no idea when and if I will get breakfast.

The road was quiet and nothing like yesterday with all the hills being easy to moderate. The best thing was there were no fast sections with blind corners and the countryside was nice.

Reached Machynlleth in time for some breakfast and a qell earned rest. My legs are struggling with the hills so I am Jo way making it to Caenarfon, instead Porthmadog will have to do. This means I need to replan, either I do Angelsey and get back as far as Colwyn Bay or I skip amh head to Liverpool

The ride to Barnmouth was awesome. Quiet roads, few roads and interesting things to see. Had a sandwich in a cafe called the Bath House which got its name from when it used to be used for washing slaves

Harlech castle looked as impressive as ever https://youtu.be/XSEU5zHgcTc

Arrived in Porthmaddog in good time so found a reasonably priced room in somebodies bungalow.She wasn't in when I turned up but she showed up in good time. I don't have much luck with these private bookings recently (had 2 with AirBnB go wrong) but utvall turned out well

After a shower got changed went up town but not much to see. All shops were closed and very few restaurants 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/P5VmrSHh4zb

Day 5 - 115km Haverfordwest to Aberystwyth

Bah typed a whole post and then it somehow got lost!!

Woke at 0500, made a flask of tea and ate a Welsh cake and a handful of nuts. Was on the road my 0600

My god the hills and worst of all the wind!! Why do I do this? Why don't I have a motor!!

Took hours but eventually I made it to Cardigan where I had breakfast.

The next part was down the main road and looked very familiar as we had came this way by car last year. 

Arrived at Aberystwyth and fixed (I hope) my data problems by buying a UK sim

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/E8tgPGSJ2zb

Day 4 - 126m Llanelli to Haverfordwest

Almost too tired to write up today's ride. The hills and the headwind were at times brutal. I also seem to have ost data which made navigation a nightmare, went wrong so many times!!

Was awake early due to the dawn chorus, it's been a while since that has woken me up. Tom was already moving around so we sat in the kitchen and chatted while made me some chicken sandwiches. Was on the road early.

Getting out of Llanelli wasn't easy with no directions but eventually found the way. Awesome bike path following the coast. Actually the national route 4 was well marked and almost completely avoided any major roads

Old canals and old railways plus empty back roads made for a very pleasant. Only issue were the hills which my bike really can't do. Apart from the 125km cycled my fitbit says I've done 26000 steps and I agree

Once I left pembrook I was cycling north and straight into a headwind which drained me both physically and mentally. Decided to call it a day and change my plans for to.orrow, no St David's

Pretty awful Katsu Curry at weatherspoons . Early night tonight as breakfast isn't included which is fine as I want an early start 

Check out my activity on Strava: https://strava.app.link/q4BP41QV0zb