Wednesday 6th June and we all gathered at Llandovery for our Away Day. 12 of us in all set off towards Rhandirmwyn where we crossed the Gwenffrwd and continued north west towards Cwrt y Cadno.

It was a lovely road, very little traffic with hills that were, in the main, modest. There were many glimpses of red kites effortlessly playing in thermals. At one point I just stood watching, totally mesmerised as it floated gently, gracefully twisting its body before turning back on itself. But one thought bothered me - why on earth does it need thermals this time of year?

Lunch was a bit later than usual due to the scarcity of pubs which were open and at about 1.15 we arrived at the Edwinsford Arms at Talley and settled down outside in the sun to peacefully refresh ourselves. We talked of many things, rides that we'd been on, the intricacies of the welsh language and such things. Now you do not expect to be interrupted in a quiet place like Talley but suddenly -

PSSST

We turned and looked towards Martin's bike just in time to see the front half dip an inch as all the air escaped from his tyre.

Now all cyclists are quick thinking and spreading ourselves around the neighbouring outbuildings was but the work of an instant. Any doors that were locked we kicked open. We meticulously searched each room, each dark corner and Colin was despatched up the chimneys. Come to think of it that was a bit risky.

But the Talley Snipers had hit their target and disappeared, possibly mingling with some foreign tourists.

We returned to our tables exhilerated by our response. Its not often that you get the chance to use your training - never before has a door been kicked down in anger!

Ten minutes later -

PSSST

We turned and looked towards Martin's bike just in time to see the rear half dip an inch as all the air escaped from his tyre.

This time we were too tired to respond and behaved according to the alternative method of dealing with the enemy - ignore them and they'll go away.

And they did as it happened.

And that gave Martin the opportunity to repair his stricken bike before we made the last part of our journey.

Now I usually travel to and from these Away Days with The Great John Cardy but this week he had gone on his own little Away Day to Lanzarote and was probably at that same moment battling against the wind for which the Canary Islands is renowned. This meant that I was giving Mike Brewer a lift and I had promised him that I would get him home for 5.00 because he had rather an important bowls match. Modesty forbade him from mentioning that he was the star player (we can only guess!). Clearly it was important that he got home in time.

And we were short of time!

The two of us struck out ahead of the others, shortly to be joined by Andrew. We had no time for slacking on hills, this was riding on the limit (it was certainly mine!). Looking on the map now I can see that we took a wrong turning and reached the A40 too soon which gave us a couple of miles or so on an uncomfortably busy main road but we were soon at the turning to Llangadog and had the relief of a quieter road.

But have you noticed these days that direction signs no longer give distances. I'm not sure which I prefer - to think that you only have about 4 miles to go or have the reality of knowing that its actually 7?

It was an Away Day worth waiting for and next month we have two - John Cardy will lead us out of Tenby and beyond the Cleddau on the 4th then Trevor and Colin's trip on the 25th takes us to the Whitemill / Abergorlech region. We visit Landshipping and Lawrenny in August and in September we circumnavigate the Preseli mountains!

So Martin - when were you last in Talley and what on earth did you do to upset the natives?

See you next time

Lew Spokes

The Group at Cwrt y Cadno		The sign at Cwrt y Cadno
These things happen!		One down, one to go
A rather unusually shy Colin		A rather usually stern Colin
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