Chairman's Blog

Parking on the prom

Sunday May 3rd saw Jan and I getting up early to head out for our first run with Chris as runs co-ordinator – a ride-out starting at The Black Cat Garage to Barmouth.

Having met up at The Chase with Nigel and Jo, and Dave and Elaine, we made our way along the A55 to Caerwys where we picked up Alun and Sheila then on to Llandudno Junction where we rode onto the forecourt of the Black Cat Garage. We were soon joined by Chris and Amy who was rather surprised as the Wings just kept turning up. We even had Martin from Crewe come along for the ride

As everyone fuelled up and the start time arrived 9 Wings set off down the Conwy Valley towards Betws Y Coed where we were scheduled to meet up with Pete Hodge on his trike.

The Chairman bought the ticket

Sure enough, he was waiting for us in the petrol station where there was no room for 9 more Wings to pull in. Having passed the petrol station we all met up in a nearby hotel car-park.

We then set off along one of my favourite roads – the Crimea Pass – from Betws Y Coed to Blaenau Festiniog. This road is a dream road for the Wings, having fast sweeping bends which allow good progress and few places where interest wains. On top of this, the scenery is quite stunning as you travel up the pass.

Leaving Blaenau on the A496 Road, we then headed toward Maentwrog and on towards Harlech.

John and Marilyn's House with visitors

Sweeping around a gentle left hander I spotted a red Wing on the left hand side of the road and passed the message via CB – no less than Kevin and Sandra hoping to tag onto the ride as we pass. A mile later we have an extra Wing in the column.

We passed below the castle at Harlech and carried on until we entered Barmouth, where we turned onto the prom and immediately found a place to park all the Wings together. Time for Nigel to go snap happy and catch the scene for posterity.

With a ‘return to bike’ time set we headed off for different eating places around the town, or set up the picnic if you came prepared.

Nigel's signature shot

Following refreshments we reassembled and were led along the road towards Dolgellau, where we had an appointment with Marilyn’s cakes.

John and Marilyn live in Dolgellau in a lovely house built on the side of a mountain (or so it seems). The estate is built on the side of a hill and entry into the estate is quite steep. I did not quite expect the serious slope that John and Marilyn have to drive up everyday to get to their garage, so I chickened out of riding up it. I saw the effort that others were putting into it and decided that a more level parking area was needed – cue in some friendly neighbours who have previously given permission for Wings to park on their level drive.

Bala Lake - Changeover of trikes

Having parked the bikes we entered into John and Marilyn’s House to be greeted with a table full of food for us to eat, and a kettle that was set to permanently be on. We were able to refresh and have a great chat. Of  course, we had a photos session by Nigel in the rear garden. He managed to get the high shots without using a pole as well!

Following our tea and biccy break we said goodbye to Kevin and Sandra and we headed up to Bala, where we parked at the top of the lake and met up with Carl and Maureen, but said goodbye to Pete Hodge, who cut back across country towards Anglesey.

Yet another small gathering at The Chase

After a break at Bala we then head for home via Corwen and Ruthin. Cue Joanna who offered coffee to everyone still with the group so off to The Chase we went for a very welcome coffee to close a very enjoyable ride-out before we all split to our own homes.

A very enjoyable ride and visit to Barmouth.

As always, Nigel has recorded the trip on the web-site under Barmouth Rideout.

DT