Moel Siabod 19-11-11

I was with you in spirit

Can't wait to see the pics tomorrow to cheer me up on these very dark & windy nightshifts

What a day, what a route.... big climbs and one mother of a descent from the summit of Moel Siabod, that was intense to say the least. Thankfully we made it down in one piece.

The main push/carry climb was a killer followed by a superb tough ride up the ridge climb to the summit.

All in all, a brilliant day in the Welsh Mountains and plenty of different weather conditions but thankfully no rain. The mist and low cloud made taking photos a bit of a challenge and the mega super slippy rocks made staying on the bike and even walking a huge effort.

Going through a gate next to a house a few miles into the ride an elderly woman pounced upon us spouting on "This is not a vehicular path you know!!!", "You're not allowed to take those things up there.", Jeff was very polite to her and she soon disappeared back into her house cursing us under her breath.

Thanks to Jeff for a very interesting and challenging route.

Sod the morning, she's watching Strictly!!!

This was gonna be a test as to whether I had my mojo back after 8 weeks off, and it was just the ticket


So we left Capel Curig at just after 9 this morning (much to Gus's disgust ) and the cloud was a little low but the forecast looked good.




We made our way to Dolweddelan through the leavey fireroad and took in the Sarn Helen with Moel Siabod peering high above us.


























and from there we headed to the forestry by Roman Bridge, not before being told by a resident that the path we were on was not for vehacular access












Then it was the up the fire road to the lake, a stunning place









After a quick jelly baby fix it was a very slippy way to the edge of the lake for the very tough slog up the climb

















































Yeah!! ;D ;D





and a wee birthday tipple (much to the ramblers disgust ) well it is my birthday ;D


Then the descent, which proved to be a tad on the technical side for which the gnarly boys would've loved
On the way downpicking our way through the cloud it suddenly dispersed and we were left with the views we were hoping for
























































And what a view to finish with just 30 seconds from the car



So the mojo left me for just a little while and the trick was to keep off the bike and do a belter when I was ready, and today I was ready

Now I'm even more gutted that I couldn't make it than I was when you posted it up

If that ride is not done again on a weekend when I don't have the kids, I'm banning the lot of you

Fantastic pictures from the both of you which really capture the epicness of it all. Glad the weather stayed sweet for you.

Sandi and myself walked down the same path you came down a while back, and it made me think that you caould ride down it. Looks lke I was right

Great pics fellas! That's looks like a route with a sense of achievement attatched! Fair do's for getting that ticked off!

Well done boys and I'm still a bit miffed that I couldn't make it but the pics help take some of the disappointment away

Gus...I only have to look at this picture to understand your feelings on trail centres

Thing is, there's no uplift service