Went for a tramp around Betws today...nice enough day so why not. Walking round the tent display that took up a third of the park was random enough, then this puppy goes & lands. Nearly double drama as the young lad who's never seen a helicopter before runs out to greet it, but disaster averted. Had sausages for lunch too. Win.

Actually turned out to be a lovely day. I was actually quite excited to hit the mud with the new tyres on, but the trails were as dry as a bone! Unbelievable, but a really nice surprise so pushed on up to the top. Hooked up with a couple of local lads who showed the way to a couple of trails I'd not found before - and more importantly who were very patient with my combined slower pace and falling off skills. What I'd forgotten is just how much riding with others makes you push yourself & ride harder than you do on your own - even more so if those riders have better bike skills. Stories...

Brand new Maxxis Swampthings about to get thrown on the bike Let's see if the Welsh mud can defeat THESE bad boys heh heh!

I am a fan of snacks. There, I said it. I'm in the comforting routine of munching on oaty, fruity bars most days, & they're as mandatory as tyre patches & goggles when out riding. So imagine my unrestrained joy when presented with this little creation as an alternative - figs, pineapple, apricot, oats, raisins, honey (& probably more) & not an additive or plastic wrapper in site. Genius. Jen, you are a bakey angel. x

The rides over the Easter weekend have really fuelled the appetite for biking. I realised that I haven't ridden (seriously) since 2008 and that made me sad. I realised you can't call yourself a biker just because you own a bike! So, what to do? Sure, trips out at weekend are the end goal but even with the light nights, the motivation after work is sorely missing (would write about not being bothered going to the gym, but I can't be bothered) Time to do something I've wanted to do for ages... BIKE TO WORK! Done two days this week & I think that's quite enough for the moment. I'm lucky...

Battling a late night & too much pop, I was persuaded to hit the mountain & was soooo glad I did. Pushing my way up to the top, I was overtaken by a Dad & 2 x lad combo... he breezed past with of the kids on a bike trailer! Oh, not a great start to the ride but as he slowed to match my walking pace (!) we got chatting & turns out he's a biker too (not just a casual Sunday rider) from New Zealand. He'd been a sponsored rider & had won the New Zealand championships in a certain class. OK, so I don't feel SO bad now! Anyway we chatted about local rides & the state of the trails...

Possibly the nicest day of the year, but got up a little bit late to sort myself out for a ride so after some short deliberation, decided that the mountain will have have to wait until tomorrow. So, what to do? Easter Sunday...hmm, I know..let's head for the crowds....SEASIDE! Quick trip down the road, & a blustery walk up the pier, & its time to spend some of those 2p's! Forgot quite how addictive penny drop machines can be. As with much of this stuff, I really don't seem to have a great technique, so left it to the seasoned pros to drop the jackpots. Wow, do some people take this seriously...you...