A WINTER RIDE TO WHITECASTLE
25/01/04
I cycled out on a cold clear dry Sunday morning to meet Nick in Usk at 10:00. I had a strong head wind as I cycled through New Inn and Glascoed. As we left Usk to cycle up the lane to Llandenny the winter feel to the ride took its place. Thankfully there was a fair bit of climbing to warm us up. The downhill sections just blew cold air over us. However it was an enjoyable ride to Raglan where we stocked up with a few supplies for our lunch later on. Our ride from Raglan took us though the now barren winter landscape of the countryside. The winter country had a Smokey smell to it, as we went through the cider orchards of north Gwent, which were devoid of apples! It was now pleasant riding, before long we arrived at Llantilio Croessenny and then climbed the lane to Whitecastle. Here we ate our food and then climbed the top of the castle tower to view the surrounding mountains. It was now time to ride home, it was cold now as we descended the hill back to Llantilio, from here we took our usual route home through Llanarth and then to Goytre. From here we decided to take the main road home to have a fast ride to arrive back at 14:45....43 miles.
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