As we leave Poplar 2000 services, for a ride to Wales and the Slate Caves at Ffestiniog, there are sixteen bikes with a few passengers. It is dry but with rain forecast in the afternoon. We head for the A49 down to Nantwich, then the A534 and by-pass Wrexham and head for Llangollen and the Horseshoe Pass. Then we get onto the A5 and head for Betws-y-Coed for some dinner. As we travel along the A5 we got the flash and thumb down signal from some motorists and soon find the blue camera van parked at the end of a long straight. We slow down to a steady 60mph until we’re out of sight and then return to the original pace of 70- 80ish.

When we all get to Betws-y-Coed and tuck into our dinners, we find out that not everyone had seen the camera van and one bike was passing another that had slowed down. We will find out in the next couple of weeks whether or not the offender has escaped a fine and points on his licence (Editors note - Yes, they did !!!)

After dinner we fill up with fuel and head for Ffestiniog and the caves. The rain has arrived by this time, but is only light. On reaching the caves, the leader misses the sign and carries on through Ffestiniog and heads for Bala. After a few miles he realises that some of the group may have stopped at the caves. After a short phone call the group is back together again and we carry on for Bala on drier roads.

We park by the lake and take few photos before calling in the café for a warm drink. Then we have a change of leader and Phil leads us up the A494 and then home on the M56.

Apart from missing the caves, the day went well. We welcomed some new members to the group and hope they enjoyed the ride and will be back for more. The next ride is to the Peak Caves in Derbyshire in three weeks time. Hopefully the weather will improve by then, but, hey, what’s a few raindrops when you’ve got fantastic company and a full Sunday on the bike. See you all on the 24^th April. And bring a friend

Some pictures: