The Quick Quacks wear Cardigan
May 2008
Photos Robbie's Photos BBs Photos
Being enthusiastic Deb and I headed over to Cardigan a day earlier than most and arrived in time to enjoy the best sun of the weekend and drink wine sitting by the cliff's edge. Nice hotel, good view and (a rare event this) some half decent beer. The early arrival meant that we had Friday to explore the area, something of a luxury on a QQ trip. We started with a trip to Cilgerran Castle, a 12th /13th century fortification above the Teifi (everytime I see that name I can't help thinking taffy, don't know why). We arrived just before the ticket guy, which led to a little confusion as the gates were locked. It's a good castle to wander around and certainly worth a little side trip. Off the back of the castle is a path that winds down to the river and a coracle centre (not the National Coracle Centre). From here we wandered round to the churchyard of St Llawddog (for which read Lawrence) and took a gander at the Ogham stone. With the eye of faith the writing is still discernible. Next up was Fishguard for a lunch of, to be honest, pretty ordinary fare in a cafe. Before eating we explored the town and the coastal path. The path is part of the Pembrokshire Coastal Path.
After lunch we went back North and stopped at the burial chamber at Pentre Ifan. It is worth the trek over to Wales just to see this place. It is very atmospheric, though Deb says it does not give off the same vibrations as Avebury. The whole thing was once buried under a 120 foot long mound. Nearby is the Ty Canol National Nature reserve. Once we had absorbed the atmosphere we carried on to a jewellery design studio near Llechryd where Deb bought herself a pair of earrings. When finally we were done admiring the craftsmanship we returned to the hotel to await the arrival of fellow Quacks.
Despite the unfortunate absence of some who had to drop out, there was an excellent turnout for this meeting. I think there were 31 or 32 bikes (no doubt someone will correct me). The Friday night band warmup was most enjoyable and we had an excellent evening full of anticipation for the run to come. The only cloud was that poor Huw was clearly under the weather, unable to sing and not fit to ride.
Saturday dawned, groups assembled and off we went. I was in the Swaledale group being led by CtC. The road surfaces on this section were pretty challenging in places and group leaders seemed to have trouble sticking to the route, which in some ways was fortunate for many as they missed the massive cow pat slick, I think it was on the B4338. I was not overtaken and yet when I trundled into Aberaeron who did I see having coffee but the Beulah group, cheats.
The next section to Laugharne was full of interesting bits of road. One part was so interesting I took a very close look at the tarmac, I think it was on the B4302, this is not recommended. Too fast for the prevailing conditions will always be the final analysis, but I think there may have been a contributary road surface issue.... I was sufficiently annoyed I just picked the bike up and carried on. Lunch in the shadow of the Castle was very pleasant.
The next section took us via Fishguard to St David's. At New Inn 3 members of Swaledale bailed and went back to the hotel. At Croes-Goch the leader of the Swaledale's bailed and went back to the hotel... This left me, Hazel and Yoav to continue on to St David's. There followed a "spirited run", to use Hazel's words, down the A487 to St David's. Afternoon tea was taken in the rather excellent refrectory. I was fascinated by the engineering that had put an upper floor in without damaging the structure of the building. Deb and I spent a long time exploring the Bishop's Palace so Hazel and Yoav went back to the hotel by themselves.
The last leg over the Preseli Hills was delightful. I think I enjoyed the company of the Welsh Mountain group and then the Beulah group, but again I expect someone will correct me. Fortunately the rest had obviously done Huw some good and he was able to sing. The band put on a great performance (as they do). Bikes, beer and music, does it get any better?
There were a couple of other casulaties. Sally also dropped her bike early on and Mike L's spat it's dummy and refused to play. I am sure it will be chastised appropriately.
Sunday's meeting was pretty straightforward, though amazingly we found we had caught up with our planned runs and so had to make more plans, Shame, not. If I remember correctly we are looking at west midlands for May and Scotland for September. Since then a return trip to Wales has been suggested for May 2010! Some people continued their fun over into Ireland, Dave for charity and fun, the others just for fun. The rest of us had to find our way home, another QQ trip over, but more to come. Roll on September!