Day 29
Belles Reunion
So, were we finally going to make it? The Gods of chance had certainly put every obstacle in our way. The hills, the heat, the distance, but when we woke this morning Tom and I knew barring a disaster we would get to meet up with our fellow Belles Pam and Catherine.
The Belles were formed during the first lockdown. Each week about 20 of us took part in complicated challenges, set by me, but rules only understood by Mike of Team Coast Busters. We had four teams, and fiercely competed against each other whilst trying to stay fit and sane during lock down.
The Sustrans route was flat, the old disused railway line we had camped by morphed into an equally flat old road which took us straight into Caernarfon and the stunning castle. It inspired us so much we decided to partake of a local tradition, the full Welsh Breakfast, and equally stunning it was too. Wal Café Caernarfon, thank you!
From there it was a short beautiful ride to the Menai Bridge, or Pont y Borth in Welsh, designed by Thomas Telford. Opened in 1826 it was the world’s first suspension bridge, having taken just seven years to complete, and rather marvellous it is too. Simply stunning to look at, and equally stunning views from the bridge. Unfortunately bikes and cars share the same lane and we had our first awful driver experience of the trip, shame.
Our destination, the Anglesey Arms, was next to the bridge. After all that stress we were finally there. The staff were welcoming, the drinks in the shady garden even better. We watched the final of the Tour, wept tears of anguish for Cav, but even so what an achievement matching Eddie Merckx’s record of 34 stage wins.
As we went downstairs, Catherine, Andy, Pam and David walked into the bar. After completing the most laborious track and trace system ever invented, we all sat down for a wonderful get together.Hopefully not spoilt by very slow service! So wonderful to meet up with friends, thanks Belles.
