Ho Hum. Got back at about 1:30 p.m. after a slow and cold ride home. Didn't fall off this time.....but ran into a bit of snow about five miles from home.
The trip there was a bit more exciting. Approaching the Conrah Hotel turn off a few miles south of Aberystwyth I made the mistake of bimbling along in close moving traffic and didn't react quickkly enough when the large BMW car in front started braking heavily. I promptly locked the front wheel and fell off. Idiot, buffoon, old-enough-to-know-better award winner for the day. Entirely my fault. Most embarrassing of all when I picked myself up a passing nurse rushed up, took me to the side of the road, forbade me from moving my head and called the ambulance despite my protestations of being relatively injury free, bar pride and a bruised hip. They checked me over and gave me the OK to continue with a broken mudguard and indicator. Oddly my right boot lace snapped in three places which supports a theory of mine that in accidents bike boots almost always come off.
Stopped in Aberystwyth for a new bootlace, handlebar straightening, waterprrof leggings and food.
First night was a cracker - snowy field, clear skies for most of it and a babbling river. Fine food was prepared by Julian, a venison stew, and a fire (eventually) lit. A beautiful spot, almost like daylight with a bright moon reflecting off the snow. Simon was the last arrival shortly after darkness fell and had tackled some heavy snow over the latter part of his journey which honoured us a few times with its presence. Cold enough to freeze the condensation inside my borrowed tent but comfortable enough as it didn't rain. I discovered that I had crushed my cooking gear in the 'off'.
Bit of excitement in the morning re a certain bike cured using the skills of Jethro and vast spares stock of Andy M. I swear he could assemble a complete bike out of what he carries, whilst Julian and Val need never go home again but could live out of his. Nice to meet Richard and Marika too. My apologies for the Chili Vodka.
Pretty straightforward trip to the windy Isle - in every sense Rob G (who knows what I mean) - whom I was fortunate enough to bump into on Brittania Bridge, not literally.
As for the racetrack, what can I add ? A better Dragon than I expected really more despite the venue than because. Fortunately the famed wind held off - other than that emanating from some members of the party. Lots more folk turned up, too many to mention by name, but were split up by the new layout. Some of the pitches were poor, rocky and wet. Overall I thought turnout was down, probably because of the heavy snow elsewhere. Nice badge this year. The usual alcohol inspired nonsense, rendered mildly disturbing by Val continually peering up the skirt of a fallen Yorkshireman whose breathing I occasionally had to check. Different band as well. More apologies for the Chili Vodka, I blame Boyd whose absence was felt, along with Steffan who really should have been there to enjoy the first night especially.
My conclusion, a better Dragon than the venue promised.
Richard
PS. Recipe hint - Chili Vodka in Hot Chocolate.
