Carl's first rodeo. Two days in Rhayhader.

 "I don't know whether I enjoyed it or endured it", said Carl,  my brother in law, as we drove back after a weekend off-roading in Rhayhader Wales. 

There was Carl on his 125, complete with L plates, Jason on his KTM525, Damo on a new EXC500, Steve on the new  CRF300l, and me on the trusty, and well traveled, EXC500.

It had rained a lot in the preceding days and we were expecting wet boots. Even in dry conditions the land around this part of the country seems to gather all the water from miles around and store it in puddles, like Great Britains great drain. 

Carl's WR125 getting a  helping hand from Jason. 

Below, our first big water crossing. What could possibly go wrong?

 Carl's line was good, balance good, speed good, and then at the last minute, just before the embankment, he veered off like he was following the curve of a banana and dropped the 125 in the drink!

Luckily it didn't suck any water into the engine and, aside from being wet to his pants, Carl was good to go. 

The trip had come about as Jason's old friend, Damo, had recently passed is his bike test. We regard Wales, and in particular, the Strata Florida, a right of passage for new riders. Above, from left to right, Carl, Steve and Damo.

Above, Steve looking purposeful on the CRF. He'd clearly had years of bike experience, deftly jumping and lifting the 300 around the terrain like and agile mountain goat. 

It had been a wet day and we returned to the Horseshoe B&B to dry.  I remember watching Carl attempt to drink a coffee, spilling it with hands trembling like a leaf. Brilliant. 😆

The following day was bright blue, but we were less bright, having enjoyed one too many Guinness at the Elan Bar. 

It didn't take long to get into the swing and the water crossings keep you keen. 

At the time of writing Russia had just started an invasion of Ukraine.  Whilst the war was at the other side of Europe, our military had closed off much of the surrounding countryside and we had to detour. 

The detour led to the road above named 'military road' on the GPS. Arrow straight and smooth as a billiard table, it was a joy to ride through the scenery. Almost idyllic in the spring sun, but the soldiers and heavy artillery kept you focused on leaving promptly and without photos. 

I think that's Carl and Jason in the photo above, avoiding what looks like a river, but it's just another puddle!!

Above, Jason looking every bit like an off-road guru. . It's always the same, as soon the cameras out we're all on the pegs, upright like Meerkats!  

We'd completed the lion's share of the final day and decided to take in one more easy lane. "The last one is always the hardest" said Jason as we moved towards the start of the  forest.

And how right he was! The recent storm had felled a number of trees turning an easy track into an enduro paradise. Loved it, but it did leave a few blowing out of their arses!  

If you can handle Wales, you can handle anywhere. 

Congratulations to Carl and Damo on getting it done!  Good to meet you Steve. Always great to catch up with my old traveling companion Jason. 

Where next...