Welsh Shakedown Day 3

Final day of the Shakedown and the odd noise the DRZ is making is on my mind.  Im not keen on the idea of riding to remote places on a failing bike.  Ken suggest trying some stuff and given his bike fixing prowess yesterday, i listen.  I tighten and lube the chain,  its stretched and has wear/rub marks on the outer edge.  I realign the rear wheel, add some engine oil and pack it in the van.   

We decided to travel a few miles east in the vans where we've spotted some byways on the OS map,  20 miles of byway that we stitch together into a route for the GPS devices.  (Seen on the map on the 'Shakedown Day 1' page.

We find a place to park and unpack.   A woman from the farm house pops her head out and asks us to be respectful and careful of the horses. We of course agree.

The first section of the route is rock at sea level, followed by a rutted muddy lane where one of us gets stuck and then we start to ascend.  The vista opens up as we climb giving great views and some challenging surfaces. 

Even though we're high up in the hills some of the land is boggy which provides great sport.  Each of watching the other hoping to film him getting stuck!

As we proceed the route can only be seen on the OS map and by the red arrow markers on gate posts. There is no defined 'path' in many places, we are in the open wilderness, the feeling of freedom is tangible and i've seldom felt like this in the crowded country of England.  Loving Wales! 

We continue through the fields and eventually join a short section of road before the next lane begins.  We follow it passed a Tea Room and it seems to stop in a farmers yard,  the old farmer is there in an ancient tractor.  He's a jolly old boy and points the in direction (through his yard) of where the lane goes, but its closed by the council.  

Jason shouts through his helmet 'Didnt someone say Tea and cake?'  He's full of good ideas!

The bike has been running well today, ive not heard the odd sound for miles and im full of scones and Tea. A good day.  

We return to the vans and pack both mine and Jasons bike into his van, they're both heading to Heathrow for shipping. The next time i see the DRZ will be in Toulouse...