We were reminded again of guide Marianne's local knowledge when we found a cracking Barmouth seafront cafe for lunch, very welcome. Coming into this village brought back happy childhood holiday memories for Ben who told us of regular Bishop fam ily outings in summers long gone. Our guide had chosen not to attempt this challenging section of our route but she was there as we joined the tarmac near Dyffryn Ardudwy. Ian had by now grown to enjoy the benefits of his new electric start XR400 after getting an aching right leg starting the other XR. Vess had arrived and got his camera out pretty smartly here, he got some good pics. The descent was across some very wet and marshy land with large slabs of stone making an ancient trading roadway leading to the very picturesque Pont Scethin pack horse bridge. The mountain itself is 750 metres and our track crossed the ridge at 572 metres, and yes, it was snowing up there! A steep old climb and Rod found the limit of trials tyres on the grassy slope, but some assistance from Mike A, got the Gas Gas up there.

The road along the north bank of the river took us to one of the highlights of our ride, Pont Scethin on the southernmost peak of the Rhinog mountains, Diffwys. The bridge was recently made toll free as part of the Wales Coastal Path. Interesting crossing of the Mawddach on a railway bridge with a wooden path along side the train track. On to the Dysynni Valley and then climbing over the seaward end of Cader Idris with great views of Barmouth Bridge and the Mawddach Estuary.

We rode most of the best lanes in the area and made our way to Machynlleth and on to Happy Valley, a fantastic rocky 3 mile lane which we all enjoyed although a brush with one rock cost one of our guys h is light switch, more of that later. We got away just after 9.30 am after a little plug changing fun for Vess and straight into the trails behind Nant Yr Arian MTB centre. and our guide Marianne on a Honda CRF 250L.Nine of us made the icy early morning start on the day after Boxing Day on a mixture of bikes, easiest just to list them: The two day Christmas trail ride is now a bit of a regular club outing and the latest ride was led by Marianne Walford of Trail Rides Wales from The George Borrow Hotel in Ponterwyd. Words: Rod Jones Pics: Vess Ponterwyd Mid Wales

Rally championship 5.30 patch