The first of my holidays finally arrived. It had been a very long, cold and wet winter. The one nighter to Rye a couple of weeks to test the tent went better than expected considering it was my first time. But didn’t really qualify as a vacation.

This one was also a first. Instead of riding to my destination I hired a van. I could have used a train but my luggage would still be very restricted. It also enabled me to visit my sister in Cornwall.

I was able to pack plenty of clothing and food. The only issue was securing the bike. Some of the tiredown rings were buried by pooly positioned holes cut into the wooden floor lining. And my idea to use old innertubes in lieu of strapes will take a little refining.

That aside the whole process of getting to Cardiff was stress free. I set off expecting a lot of delays due to traffic. It was the Friday before a bank holiday. It was therefore very surprising to be crossing the Prince of Wales bridge much earlier than anticipated. I was likely to be at my accomodation before check-in, even with a relaxed motorway services lunch break.

I’ve been to southern Wales before, but it was by land only. It felt a little more special this time, an impressive bridge helped, then seeing the The Celtic Manor Resort on the hill added another layer. Although it being a golf resort lessens the appeal slightly. That and the cost of rooms.

I then saw signs for a Roman fort and Amphitheatre at Caerleon. The town would definitely be more invititing if there wasn’t so much traffic passing through it. Although I guess I contributed to it due to my desire to see the ruins.

It was possible to get away from the noise for a short period down a lane at the back of the site. It followed the wall of the fort. And had some nice views with unexplained statues. I don’t think they’re Roman.

It was a bit chilly as I left the house on Saturday. How many layers is always a tricky decision especially when the previous day was very hot. I got it about right, a little chilly at the start; warming up thanks to the many climbs. I quickly left Cardiff, I chose the place I did because it was right at the edge of the city, but still close to a supermarket. I soon. surounded by nature.

Some of which were too steep and uneven to ride.

That included both descents and accents. The garlic lined paths lead to the steepest downward action, I was lucky to be able to stop before building too much speed.

After castell coch it went the other way, a tough push for about a quarter of a mile.

As is nearly always the case, the top of a hill provides great view.

I passed many museums. A lot of them former pits.

Lots of small rivers were crossed by many bridges.

It was incredible how many gravel trails and disused railway lines were available on my route. 

Far more than I’ve found in Surrey and Kent.

I got home around 13:00 and had some lunch. I wanted to take full advantage of the weather but was still frustated at one aspect of my morning ride - the route I’d taken. It was either a Garmin or RideWithGPS issue. Everytime I entered a town or city it would send me in loops, I had to use my phone to get me out of the death spiral. It’s done it a few times now. I think it must be the Garmin, I swap between Komoot, RideWithGPS and the Garmin app for planning. All can on occasion give the same grief. Maybe it looses the GPS or the feed becomes less reliable. Newer units have added more satalite systems. It’s too new, to me, to replace though.

The landlord lives next door and saw me arrive. He suggest Cardiff Bay would be a good choice. Not too far away and interesting. So after I’d eaten I headed off. All was okay until I was within a couple of miles of the bay. I once again gave up and followed instructions from my phone.

It was unexpected, or at least a lack of knowledge, when I came across the Welsh parliament building.

And a very impressive bay area.

An FYI about Cardiff Bay if you visit. If you need the public convenience there are a lot of restuarants that you could use if you’re a customer. But what if you’re not? I initially didn’t want to eat so looked for the former. It’s hidden on the first floor of Mermaid Quay behind Zizzi’s, near the centre management suite. It took me far too long to discover this I can tell you.

On the way back to the lift I stopped at the Giggling Squid to take a look at the menu. I was starting to feel hungry.

I rode home, and had a second dinner. Riding all day makes me very hungry.

I’ll wrap up now, there is a limit impossed by the blog host on the number of pictures I can include. More will follow in a few days.

Another benefit to van travel are timely posts. Previously I would wait until returning from the trip to write it. Being able to bring my laptop makes it easier, quicker and I don’t have to remember everything for so long.

I’ve can also backup video from my other camera. I’ll edit the footage into a full length feature. I know you can’t wait to see that.