Dragon Rally 2008
Words and Photos By Ian Vessey
After the Snowrun, Julian said "Why would anyone want to do the Dragon Rally?". Good question. (Also, why does anyone do the Snowrun for that matter?).
Well this year, we may have found an answer.
The weather forcast looked excellent so a scenic route was planned. Me and Glen left Berry Hill at 8am, picked up Kev at Mitcheldean and headed cross country to join Carl and Dave at the Little Chef near Hope-under-Dinmore. From there we turned West from Leominster, across to Kington. A bit chilly and misty in places across here, but as we went over the hills at New Radnor, and dropped down to Crossgates, the sun shone and the temparature crept up.
A full English at the Crossgates cafe was eagerly consumed and then we continued to Rhayader, then up to Llanidloes via the twisty St. Hermon road just for the hell of it. From Llanidloes we went up the fast twisty road past the Llyn Clwedog reservoir, then turned left and took the scenic back road through Dylife to Machynlleth. Brilliant road this, twisty singletrack in places but an excellent surface, and incredible views over Machynlleth and Cadair Idris in the late morning sun as the road crests the pass by the Star Inn.
Down then into Machynlleth for fuel for Dave's Buell - only got a little tank - then on the main road around Cadair Idris, through Dolgellau and up past the old Nuke at Trawsfynedd. Then it was right off the main road at Tan-y-Bwlch along a real twisty to Llanfrothen and right again to Nantmor and on to Beddgelert.
The camp site was only a few hundred yards out of the town, but as always, we had to go to the 'control' a mile up the road to get a sticker for the bike and to get our tickets stamped. Back to the campsite, we picked a handy spot in the sun and were soon set up, tents erected and airbeds inflated.
It was still only about 1:30 and a lovely warm sunny day, so a short trip around the mountains was in order. Back out onto the A498 we turned right and rode gently up the valley and across to Capel Curig soaking up the scenery. Left here took us through the mountains on the A5, past Llyn Ogwen and down the valley to Bethesda. Just after here we stopped for yet more petrol, and followed the signs back towards Llanberis. The ride up the pass was superb and shortly after rejoining the A498 a stop for photos was made.
Once back at the campsite we settled in for the evening and took a tour to see who was about. The sun descended over the hills and the temparature started to tumble. Shortly after the sun had gone, we all stood about like a bunch of nerds and watched the Internation Space Station whizz across the sky brightly illuminated by the sun (Kev is chief nerd - he had looked up the times on the Internet). We met a few old friends in the marquee later including Yoshi, but after a few beers decided to take the short walk into the town. The pub was a lot warmer than the marquee! I'd had enough by 10pm and wobbled back to my tent, followed soon after by the rest of the gang.
The morning came as a bit of a shock - I knew I should have kept my socks on - it was bloody cold - minus 'a lot'. The tent was frozen inside and out and everything outside had turned white. People started to stir as the sun rose over the hills, someone let off a load of fireworks just to be sure all were awake, and the sounds made by a couple of people who had had far too much to drink the night before were enough to get us out to face the cold.
By 10am we were all sufficiently conscious to pack up and head for home. The route was more or less the reverse of the way there. The first 15 miles or so were ridden very delicately as there was so much salt on the road, but the roads slowly improved as we travelled south.
The views were equally stunning as the day before. Eventually we reached Crossgates for a cuppa. At this point I left the gang and headed off to Knighton for tea with my mum.
So why do we go to the Dragon Rally? Because it's something to do in February. Because when the weather allows, the ride there and back is absolutely brilliant, with good roads, little traffic and great views. And of course there's a bit of a social when we get there. Mind you, when the weather's bad it's truly horrid!