eidemaddin
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Just Ride.
- Thread starter Jim
- Start date
RETRACING THE STEPS OF MY YOUTH
As a 'reckless youff' of about 16 years of age, cycling was all I lived for (Oh and underage drinking and unobtainable girls!). Along with my lifelong friend Tony we would plan cycle tours for our summer breaks. One year we decided to cycle up though Wales to end up at picturesque Angelsey the small island off the North West coastline. Never did make it all the way as on about day five Tonys bike played up at Machynlleth, so we spent all our money eating and drinking in one night!
Although the whole ride was scenic, one of the roads we travelled stayed in my mind all these years, the B4520 from Brecon to Builth Wells.
Sunday was forecast to be the last sunny day of an unexpected warm two weeks; as a cold wet weatherfront was due to arrive overnight.
Up at 6.00am I went to the workshop and togged up in leathers I fired up The Brat for the trip. The plan was to start at Abergavenny Oasis Cafe for a bacon butty and cup of Rosie Lea. It's the bikers cafe that a lot of us two wheeled fans start or end our trip at. I arrived only to find a dozen bikers waiting for the cafe to open! Apparently new owners now open at 10.00am on Sundays. Oh poop, onwards we go.
Abergavenny at bottom right, Builth Wells at top left, Brecon mid left.
AABERGAVENNY TO BRECON A40:
Looking towards Brecon along Usk valley.
Panoramic (Non-stitched) view looking back towards Abergavenny from near Langorse Lake. The glory of the Welsh hills.
Section is 21 miles. follows the valley floor of the river Usk, one of Wales top Salmon rivers. The road is quite fast in the early morning with little traffic. Lots of early bikers about, and I'm getting neck ache from nodding acknowledgment and camaraderie. The sun filters through the lush deciduous tree branches that line the road as it dips and turns along the riverside. The only 'fly in the ointment' are the 20mph speed limits through the many small villages. 30 minutes later I'm in Brecon and take a stop. A walk around looking for breakfast is fruitless as its too early and nothing is open.
Brecon nestled in the green hills; sits on the banks of the river Usk and the Bercon / Monmouth canal.
BRECON to BUILTH WELLS B4520:
This is the road. 17 miles of whoop de doo road! Map shows 32 minutes but constant stops to take in the views makes it an hour.
The road climbs steadily out of Brecon town past the castle and an old church. The old houses soon peter out and the road heads off into fine countryside.
This road drops and climbs into and out of many lush and densely wooded small valleys with streams that head to the Usk. The temperature changes in and out of these areas is noticeable even through my leathers. The road is narrow in places and you have to stay alert; many sharp blind bends & crests could catch out the unwary.
Eventually the road climbs up onto a plateau of moorland with extensive vistas of the welsh countryside. The area feels quite remote at first, and I feel somewhat small in this landscape.
A little further on and I come across some serious warning signs. The Ministry of Defence own most of this upland area, and use it for weapons testing.
Red flags were flying and gates closed preventing me and others venturing onto the Live test site. I could hear explosions off in the distance.
Not wishing to become a target myself I decided to move on. The road up here is like a race track, super smooth tarmac and clear views through all the bends. Once over the top of the moor the road again drops into woodland and it's almost Hobbit like. One spot reminds me of Fairy Wood on the Isle of Man (look it up). All to soon I approach Builth Wells an old Welsh midland town. I head down to the riverside and park up to take a rest.
Builth Wells is situated on the banks of the river Wye (Another great Salmon river). It forms the border between England and Wales.
The river starts in the Welsh mountains takes a diversion into England, doesn't like it and comes back to Wales!
I stop to chat with another biker from the Birmingham area in England. He regularly travels on his BMW S1000R super naked to Wales for the fine roads and countryside. I take in the beauty of the river and watch the fish swimming in the clear waters. Time to move on.
BUILTH WELLS to ABERGAVENNY A470 - A479 - A40
This is a much faster route back to Abergavenny. The road can be attacked if you are so inclined. These days I like to progress swiftly and safely, more akin to my Advanced Rider training. The Brat can still hold its own as I pass a few Crotch Rockets I followed, watching them comically hanging off their bikes to try and scrape a slider! Honestly it laughable. A few speed jockeys can however show me a clean pair of heels. Oh the lack of fear in the younger man.
On the way I notice a castle structure I have not seen before at Tretower, but I miss the turn and will have to visit another time.
Google image.
Back at Abergavenny and it's now lunchtime. I am rather hungry by now as I have been riding since 7.00am this morning without breakfast.
The Oasis cafe is open and I get a sausage sandwich and a cup of tea, which is most welcome. Suitably refreshed I stroll amongst the bikes and take a few piccies:
Unusual green Benelli 800.
My two favorites of the day:
And of course The Brat
A great ride and highly recommended.
Ads.
As a 'reckless youff' of about 16 years of age, cycling was all I lived for (Oh and underage drinking and unobtainable girls!). Along with my lifelong friend Tony we would plan cycle tours for our summer breaks. One year we decided to cycle up though Wales to end up at picturesque Angelsey the small island off the North West coastline. Never did make it all the way as on about day five Tonys bike played up at Machynlleth, so we spent all our money eating and drinking in one night!
Although the whole ride was scenic, one of the roads we travelled stayed in my mind all these years, the B4520 from Brecon to Builth Wells.
Sunday was forecast to be the last sunny day of an unexpected warm two weeks; as a cold wet weatherfront was due to arrive overnight.
Up at 6.00am I went to the workshop and togged up in leathers I fired up The Brat for the trip. The plan was to start at Abergavenny Oasis Cafe for a bacon butty and cup of Rosie Lea. It's the bikers cafe that a lot of us two wheeled fans start or end our trip at. I arrived only to find a dozen bikers waiting for the cafe to open! Apparently new owners now open at 10.00am on Sundays. Oh poop, onwards we go.
Abergavenny at bottom right, Builth Wells at top left, Brecon mid left.
AABERGAVENNY TO BRECON A40:
Looking towards Brecon along Usk valley.
Panoramic (Non-stitched) view looking back towards Abergavenny from near Langorse Lake. The glory of the Welsh hills.
Section is 21 miles. follows the valley floor of the river Usk, one of Wales top Salmon rivers. The road is quite fast in the early morning with little traffic. Lots of early bikers about, and I'm getting neck ache from nodding acknowledgment and camaraderie. The sun filters through the lush deciduous tree branches that line the road as it dips and turns along the riverside. The only 'fly in the ointment' are the 20mph speed limits through the many small villages. 30 minutes later I'm in Brecon and take a stop. A walk around looking for breakfast is fruitless as its too early and nothing is open.
Brecon nestled in the green hills; sits on the banks of the river Usk and the Bercon / Monmouth canal.
BRECON to BUILTH WELLS B4520:
This is the road. 17 miles of whoop de doo road! Map shows 32 minutes but constant stops to take in the views makes it an hour.
The road climbs steadily out of Brecon town past the castle and an old church. The old houses soon peter out and the road heads off into fine countryside.
This road drops and climbs into and out of many lush and densely wooded small valleys with streams that head to the Usk. The temperature changes in and out of these areas is noticeable even through my leathers. The road is narrow in places and you have to stay alert; many sharp blind bends & crests could catch out the unwary.
Eventually the road climbs up onto a plateau of moorland with extensive vistas of the welsh countryside. The area feels quite remote at first, and I feel somewhat small in this landscape.
A little further on and I come across some serious warning signs. The Ministry of Defence own most of this upland area, and use it for weapons testing.
Red flags were flying and gates closed preventing me and others venturing onto the Live test site. I could hear explosions off in the distance.
Not wishing to become a target myself I decided to move on. The road up here is like a race track, super smooth tarmac and clear views through all the bends. Once over the top of the moor the road again drops into woodland and it's almost Hobbit like. One spot reminds me of Fairy Wood on the Isle of Man (look it up). All to soon I approach Builth Wells an old Welsh midland town. I head down to the riverside and park up to take a rest.
Builth Wells is situated on the banks of the river Wye (Another great Salmon river). It forms the border between England and Wales.
The river starts in the Welsh mountains takes a diversion into England, doesn't like it and comes back to Wales!
I stop to chat with another biker from the Birmingham area in England. He regularly travels on his BMW S1000R super naked to Wales for the fine roads and countryside. I take in the beauty of the river and watch the fish swimming in the clear waters. Time to move on.
BUILTH WELLS to ABERGAVENNY A470 - A479 - A40
This is a much faster route back to Abergavenny. The road can be attacked if you are so inclined. These days I like to progress swiftly and safely, more akin to my Advanced Rider training. The Brat can still hold its own as I pass a few Crotch Rockets I followed, watching them comically hanging off their bikes to try and scrape a slider! Honestly it laughable. A few speed jockeys can however show me a clean pair of heels. Oh the lack of fear in the younger man.
On the way I notice a castle structure I have not seen before at Tretower, but I miss the turn and will have to visit another time.
Google image.
Back at Abergavenny and it's now lunchtime. I am rather hungry by now as I have been riding since 7.00am this morning without breakfast.
The Oasis cafe is open and I get a sausage sandwich and a cup of tea, which is most welcome. Suitably refreshed I stroll amongst the bikes and take a few piccies:
Unusual green Benelli 800.
My two favorites of the day:
And of course The Brat
A great ride and highly recommended.
Ads.
Last edited:
Wow! Really stunning scenery, what a nice ride! I really enjoyed the report and all the photos!
Thanks Bob, I try and make my ride reports interesting. One day I hope Taffy will make the ride; maybe one day.Wow! Really stunning scenery, what a nice ride! I really enjoyed the report and all the photos!
Been seeing you report on Taffy's health. I've an idea. I'll post it in you build thread.
Very nice part of the world. I'm visiting a bit further west shortly down at Little Haven. Years ago I used to spend a lot of time in Newport.
Awesome!
Last June, took a trip down South to Key West and cruised the dragon on the way down. 5-6k miles -ish. My 10 year old stator started failing so I swapped in my spare somewhere in Texas. No problems after that.
Attachments
Last edited:
Woodstock1976
XS650 Enthusiast
I guess that says enough about the reliability of an XS650.
Just got back from the first ride in a little over a month. Been nursing some broken ribs and waiting to get my front wheel back. Got a new tire put on yesterday so today I just had to go for a short ride into the mountains. Wow that felt good.
I wasn't expecting how long it has taken to get better.Ouch! Been there before, that hurts!
LISTEN TO THE WEATHERMAN.
Well the weather telly people are saying that after six weeks the sun is going in, and the clouds are coming out; typical for a British Bank Holiday, to upset all the family travellers. Anyhoo, I decided to take the opportunity for a quick run out on The Brat before the inevitable rain arrives. My unplanned plan was to start at Chepstow and cross the River Wye into England, a rare thing for me, a Welshman, to do and just go where my nose takes me.
Outbound Route
Chepstow to Symonds Yat East:
My first stop is at the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge:
This was the main gateway between England and Wales (opened 1966) until the Second Severn Crossing was built (opened 1996).
I love this bridge as it was really the first of its kind and formed the basis of most other suspension bridges of this type.
The cross section of the 'deck' is almost like an aircraft wing to allow airflow over and under the structure to lessen any detrimental wind impact.
The bridge replaced the old Aust Ferry crossing which took ages and carried only a few vehicles each way. The alternative was a long round trip via Gloucester and back down the West side of the Severn.
Chepstow to St Briavels:
I dont cross the Severn Bridge but instead turn left off the A48M and into Chepstow, my start point. This old town has a magnificent castle set high upon the cliff face over the River Wye, which joins the Severn river just a mile or so further downstream. I have written about this castle on a previous ride out, so heres a picture of this great structure. In the summer we have music festivals in the grounds with top rock and folk artists.
I ride into Chepstow and pass through the ancient Town Gate. Part of the castle fortifications that surrounded the whole town area back in Ye Old Days.
And I continue down the high street to the old Wye Crossing bridge at the bottom of the town; a single track structure of ironwork.
Passing over the bridge the road takes me up Castleford Hill for a few miles then I turn off left onto the Coleford road The B4228.
This road skirts along the East Bank (English) of the river Wye, through lovely lush green woodland and arable farmland for miles.
Passing along the way the Devils Pulpit
overlooking Tintern Abbey far below on the West banks of the River Wye.
Legend has it that not so long ago human sacrifices were offered up to the Devil himself here, as well as more common chickens and rams etc....
Nice place for a Barbie? It does have a spooky feel when you go there; and strange how it overlooks such a remarkably holy place
.
The road turns inland here across more agri farmland, which is now showing plentiful supply of food crops. The road is lovely here, well surfaced and full of bends and fast sections as it dives into and bursts out of the dense forestry. Soon I come to St Briavels, a lovely small village with a castle, church and pub. I stop here to take a walk around the village and breath in the fresh air.
This castle is also a Youth Hostel where walkers and other travellers can get accommodation; or just visit.
I choose not to take a drink at the pub, although I have in the past and can recommend it.
St Briavels to Coleford and onto Symonds Yat East.
I continue along the B4228 which is more open and fast going. After several miles I come to Clearwell, an old market town. It to has a castle of note, and interestingly also has an expansive set of caves you can visit. Many open drift coal mines were oprating here (now defunct); and also much Iron ore was excavated. The caves are now open to the public with safe walkways and imaginative illuminations inside.
I continue through Coleford and onward to Woodland Road which plunges in and out of more dense forest that tumbles down the sides of the River Wye Gorge. Along the way I come to Yat Rock a well known viewpoint high above the river through the woods. I pull in only to find the council have set up large parking areas for all transport and a toilet block for which they now charge £6.00 for a short stay! Last time I was here it was free and you just peed behind the nearest tree!
I guess the view is worth the admission fee?
From here I enjoy sunny roads through the forest, and the road drops endlessly down towards the river.
As I reach the valley floor I take a very sharp left turn onto a single track road to Symonds Yat East.
Its here I stop at the Saracens Head Pub for refreshment.
I park up outside the pub and gladly remove biking gear; it's very warm today and my leather jacket is heavy.
This is a great pub with really good food which you can take Al Fresco! I Choose a pint of HPA ale from the Wye Valley Brewery just up the road.
I sit amongst a few others enjoying the fine weather and beautiful location. The beer is very refreshing.
There is a Hand Ferry that crosses the river at this point for public to get across. Many years ago there were a dozen of these at numerous points up and down the river. Today this is the last working one. I spend an hour walking around enjoying the views and wildlife.
As you can see Im sitting well above the river on the bankside. But as I enter the pub there is evidence of the most recent flood in the area in 2020.
On the entrance to the bar the flood level is marked on the wall.
The floods that year were devastating to communities up and down the river. Thankfully it's a rare occurrence.
Now it's back to the bike for the run back towards home.
Part 2 will follow...........
Ads.
Well the weather telly people are saying that after six weeks the sun is going in, and the clouds are coming out; typical for a British Bank Holiday, to upset all the family travellers. Anyhoo, I decided to take the opportunity for a quick run out on The Brat before the inevitable rain arrives. My unplanned plan was to start at Chepstow and cross the River Wye into England, a rare thing for me, a Welshman, to do and just go where my nose takes me.
Outbound Route
Chepstow to Symonds Yat East:
My first stop is at the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge:
This was the main gateway between England and Wales (opened 1966) until the Second Severn Crossing was built (opened 1996).
I love this bridge as it was really the first of its kind and formed the basis of most other suspension bridges of this type.
The cross section of the 'deck' is almost like an aircraft wing to allow airflow over and under the structure to lessen any detrimental wind impact.
The bridge replaced the old Aust Ferry crossing which took ages and carried only a few vehicles each way. The alternative was a long round trip via Gloucester and back down the West side of the Severn.
Chepstow to St Briavels:
I dont cross the Severn Bridge but instead turn left off the A48M and into Chepstow, my start point. This old town has a magnificent castle set high upon the cliff face over the River Wye, which joins the Severn river just a mile or so further downstream. I have written about this castle on a previous ride out, so heres a picture of this great structure. In the summer we have music festivals in the grounds with top rock and folk artists.
I ride into Chepstow and pass through the ancient Town Gate. Part of the castle fortifications that surrounded the whole town area back in Ye Old Days.
And I continue down the high street to the old Wye Crossing bridge at the bottom of the town; a single track structure of ironwork.
Passing over the bridge the road takes me up Castleford Hill for a few miles then I turn off left onto the Coleford road The B4228.
This road skirts along the East Bank (English) of the river Wye, through lovely lush green woodland and arable farmland for miles.
Passing along the way the Devils Pulpit
overlooking Tintern Abbey far below on the West banks of the River Wye.Legend has it that not so long ago human sacrifices were offered up to the Devil himself here, as well as more common chickens and rams etc....
Nice place for a Barbie? It does have a spooky feel when you go there; and strange how it overlooks such a remarkably holy place
.The road turns inland here across more agri farmland, which is now showing plentiful supply of food crops. The road is lovely here, well surfaced and full of bends and fast sections as it dives into and bursts out of the dense forestry. Soon I come to St Briavels, a lovely small village with a castle, church and pub. I stop here to take a walk around the village and breath in the fresh air.
This castle is also a Youth Hostel where walkers and other travellers can get accommodation; or just visit.
I choose not to take a drink at the pub, although I have in the past and can recommend it.
St Briavels to Coleford and onto Symonds Yat East.
I continue along the B4228 which is more open and fast going. After several miles I come to Clearwell, an old market town. It to has a castle of note, and interestingly also has an expansive set of caves you can visit. Many open drift coal mines were oprating here (now defunct); and also much Iron ore was excavated. The caves are now open to the public with safe walkways and imaginative illuminations inside.
I continue through Coleford and onward to Woodland Road which plunges in and out of more dense forest that tumbles down the sides of the River Wye Gorge. Along the way I come to Yat Rock a well known viewpoint high above the river through the woods. I pull in only to find the council have set up large parking areas for all transport and a toilet block for which they now charge £6.00 for a short stay! Last time I was here it was free and you just peed behind the nearest tree!
I guess the view is worth the admission fee?
From here I enjoy sunny roads through the forest, and the road drops endlessly down towards the river.
As I reach the valley floor I take a very sharp left turn onto a single track road to Symonds Yat East.
Its here I stop at the Saracens Head Pub for refreshment.
I park up outside the pub and gladly remove biking gear; it's very warm today and my leather jacket is heavy.
This is a great pub with really good food which you can take Al Fresco! I Choose a pint of HPA ale from the Wye Valley Brewery just up the road.
I sit amongst a few others enjoying the fine weather and beautiful location. The beer is very refreshing.
There is a Hand Ferry that crosses the river at this point for public to get across. Many years ago there were a dozen of these at numerous points up and down the river. Today this is the last working one. I spend an hour walking around enjoying the views and wildlife.
As you can see Im sitting well above the river on the bankside. But as I enter the pub there is evidence of the most recent flood in the area in 2020.
On the entrance to the bar the flood level is marked on the wall.
The floods that year were devastating to communities up and down the river. Thankfully it's a rare occurrence.
Now it's back to the bike for the run back towards home.
Part 2 will follow...........
Ads.
Attachments
WEATHERMAN RIDING: Part 2
Symonds Yat - Monmouth - Raglan - Usk
Leaving Symonds Yat I retrace my way back along the single track lane. A short quick ride through some countryside to the A449 / A40; roadworks for the whole way to monmouth, but I easily filter through the holiday / roadworks traffic. Monmouth arrives soon enough so I turn into the town and ride through. It's a busy day with lots of people enjoying a cold drink outside the numerous pubs in the sunshine. I take a back road B4293 out of town which rises up steeply to the rolling hills above Monmouth towards Chepstow. I then turn off right onto the Raglan Road which dips and dives through several stunning valleys through Llansoy and back over the A449 into Raglan. This little village is dominated by the nearby castle of Raglan, one of the most impressive structures in Wales.
It has an impressive gatehouse shown below
I would like to dither for a while in Raglan village, it's a place where Mrs C and I are looking for a house to move into.
Time is running short and I need to get moving. Out of Raglan and onto the Usk road things speed up as The Brat stretches the legs; the long suspension just soaks up the bumpy country roads and I pass a few 'sport bike' riders who struggle with the lumps and bumps. I'm soon in the town of Usk, another lovely little village situated on the banks of the River Usk. This is another town we would be happy to move to.
Usk Square above, with the Castle hidden in the trees above the church in the background. I have time to visit the castle briefly.
The last image is from the castle looking down at the village.
From Usk its a short and fast road back towards home through Caerleon the village of my birth.
Caerleon was one of only three Roman Legionnaire Garrisons in the UK. As well as the huge barracks there was an Amphitheatre for entertainment and barbaric executions; also a hot & cold Bath House which has now been excavated. An excellent museum tells the full story.
Less than a quarter of the garrison barracks have been excavated. Most of the stones were taken by other settlers to build the castle and later houses in the village.
Above is the Amphitheater which would have had a wooden superstructure above the stones seen here.
The Roman baths that have been excavated and are now a museum.
From here its a short ride back to my lockup / workshop.
All in all a nice days ride.
Ads.
Symonds Yat - Monmouth - Raglan - Usk
Leaving Symonds Yat I retrace my way back along the single track lane. A short quick ride through some countryside to the A449 / A40; roadworks for the whole way to monmouth, but I easily filter through the holiday / roadworks traffic. Monmouth arrives soon enough so I turn into the town and ride through. It's a busy day with lots of people enjoying a cold drink outside the numerous pubs in the sunshine. I take a back road B4293 out of town which rises up steeply to the rolling hills above Monmouth towards Chepstow. I then turn off right onto the Raglan Road which dips and dives through several stunning valleys through Llansoy and back over the A449 into Raglan. This little village is dominated by the nearby castle of Raglan, one of the most impressive structures in Wales.
It has an impressive gatehouse shown below
I would like to dither for a while in Raglan village, it's a place where Mrs C and I are looking for a house to move into.
Time is running short and I need to get moving. Out of Raglan and onto the Usk road things speed up as The Brat stretches the legs; the long suspension just soaks up the bumpy country roads and I pass a few 'sport bike' riders who struggle with the lumps and bumps. I'm soon in the town of Usk, another lovely little village situated on the banks of the River Usk. This is another town we would be happy to move to.
Usk Square above, with the Castle hidden in the trees above the church in the background. I have time to visit the castle briefly.
The last image is from the castle looking down at the village.
From Usk its a short and fast road back towards home through Caerleon the village of my birth.
Caerleon was one of only three Roman Legionnaire Garrisons in the UK. As well as the huge barracks there was an Amphitheatre for entertainment and barbaric executions; also a hot & cold Bath House which has now been excavated. An excellent museum tells the full story.
Less than a quarter of the garrison barracks have been excavated. Most of the stones were taken by other settlers to build the castle and later houses in the village.
Above is the Amphitheater which would have had a wooden superstructure above the stones seen here.
The Roman baths that have been excavated and are now a museum.
From here its a short ride back to my lockup / workshop.
All in all a nice days ride.
Ads.
Wow! What wonderful "ambling" grounds you have. 
Wow! What wonderful "ambling" grounds you have.
Cheers ggggGary,
I amble here, I amble there, I amble fu#kin’ everywhere.
Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet.
What a great travelogue Adam! It’s so enjoyable for desert dweller like myself to see such green, lush and historical countryside! Thanks for the guided tour of your beautiful part of the world!
