The train journey up to North Wales passed by quickly and event free, as my mind ran through final logistics and mental checklists. A fry-up in Prestatyn made for a good start 🙂

It was lovely to get a photo under the sign again, nearly ten years after ending there on foot on my Offa's Dyke walk. I knew biking it for my second time on trail was a lofty goal, but you have to dream big!

BRUTAL climb out of Prestatyn on slick rock. Some nice views over the coast, until the clouds came in. This is the North Wales I remember!

After "iron-manning" it up the steep/wet/slick trail clearly designed for feet, through fog and up and over so so many stiles and kissing gates I was happy to get to the top and start descending (on my "mountain bike"). Big mistake, I skidded and came off the trail and my bike almost immediately.

Taking shelter under a tree I decided that a bike was not the right tool for the job. Wet, muddy and with sore arms (from repeatedly lifting my bike) I took shelter under a tree and consulted my map for an alternate route.

I ended up taking quite country roads to my hotel in Llangollen. The day had taken its toll on body and ego! A pub dinner, shower and comfy bed helped.

Going over the Aquaduct again was such a treat! I was so lucky to be there for another boat crossing. The sun was out and there were many boats out on the water, big smiles all around 🙂

Very thankful for Simon's local knowledge, because of him I had a lovely day riding along the canals... flat all day. What a great way to see a slice of history, and very pleasant riding. The complete opposite day to the one before, which was greatly needed.

I had a lovely roast at the family-run Bradford Arms Hotel in Llanymynech which I highly recommend.

Having loved ones waiting beside the road bearing a sign with your name on it may be one of the greatest honours bestowed. I can't wait for you to come and visit us!

Last night Simon showed me the current OS offering by helping me plan my route for today, on the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The mostly paved quiet country lanes made for good progress across the rolling Welsh countryside. Lovely riding and I met many interesting people along the way.

At a pub at Newbridge on Wye I discovered that I had lost my wallet. Gutting!

My four day route is one-way and I didn't have any time to waste, so I phoned the post office where I last used it and emailed Don, a friend I had made along the way and hoped for the best, figuring I would cancel the cards by the end of the day.

Thankfully ApplePay exists and I was at least able to pay for my beer with my phone.

A long story made short and I had my wallet back within 24 hours! Another cyclist had "run it over" and because my phone number was not in the wallet (an omission to be corrected!) some detective work was required. My good Samaritans employed the power of the web (Google search) to make contact with my family using the contents of my wallet (thankfully I had a business card from a hotel down the road from my parent's house). Thank you to the multiple people involved in getting my wallet back safely!!! An added bonus to the wallet incident was that I got to spend some extra time with my sister, because she drove out of her way to pick it up and bring it to me. Thanks Ruth!

Made it to my friend's place before dark: very happy and VERY tired!

Setting off at first light heading into the mountains with my best mate Dave was the perfect start to my last day. With the sun rising in the sky we started our ascent up into the Black Mountains. Dave knows this route well, so it was nice to not worry about navigation as much and just concentrate on the conversation.

Some lovely riding together, I was very sad when we got to his turn-around point. I has a really big day ahead of me to make it to Cardiff, he had to return home back over the mountains.

I had a lovely stop in Usk, where I chatted with a fellow long distance cyclist and met up with my uncle Charles, who had picked the perfect spot for lunch. I miss you British pubs!

Aiming for Cardiff by dark, my afternoon was spent making miles and enjoying the ride.

It's been a while since I visited Cardiff, the city where I spent a 10-year chunk of my life. Some mixed feelings, but mostly excited to see my (other) best friend Claire... and her shower!