Into the Valleys of the Rhonda

I was up reasonably early for my travels into South Wales – having decided to go home via Wales, and what Mountain Bike trails I could find.

Having left Gerard and the family- Sarah giving me a bumper packed lunch and Lemon Tart, which would last me two days,thanks Sarah !), and stocking up at a nearby Sainsbury's I travelled through Bristol, and across the new Severn Bridge, and having to pay £5-70 to enter Wales (some may wonder whether it’s worth it !?)

I then traversed South Wales passing Newport and Cardiff, and to Afan Forest http://www.afanforestpark.co.uk/ , and park. I went to the second of two centres – Glyncorrweg http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/WalesNeathPortTalbotAfanForestParkAfanForestParkGlyncorrwgMountainBikeCentre, where I found the basic campsite – with electric hook up, for the princely sum of £5 per night !, although a shower would cost me £1 extra !

Having got there early afternoon, I decided to have a ride this afternoon, and so decided to go on a Red trail ‘White’s levels’ http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Afan_Forest_Park/Whites_Level/Whites_Level.aspx , which seemed to follow old miners tracks, and rocky tracks uphill or quite some distance (actually 550 mts +), and as I neared the top I was reminded of ?

Who wishes to own up ?

I did get ‘slightly lost for a while, but managed to re-find the trail, with some local help, and continued crashing up, across, and finally down the tortuous Rocky descent 

My wrists were really aching, as I held on for dear life, and the rocks continued to pound at me and the bike, and just as I thought it was easing slightly, I ended up having to cross a long length of boardwalk, with quite severe drops off to one side , Oops ! Then it was back through the trees, and rocks towards the Valley base, and home for the night !

and what a night…. the stars came out in glorious fashion, very little light pollution, clear skies and loads to see…although not for long, bed beckons !