Twin Dragon Run (22nd April – 25th April, 2023)
We started at Cadbury Garden Centre near Congresbury and made our way up to Bristol to cross the Avon Gorge over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This is the last time that we’ll be able to use cash in the barriers as they’ll be converting to card only payments in July; most inconvenient to motorcyclists who don’t have anywhere to safely keep a debit card to pay the toll. The road across The Downs is always busy and is rather tedious when you just want to get going!
Once over the old Severn Bridge (M48) we went past Chepstow castle and over the River Wye to make our way up through the Forest of Dean on B roads to Ross on Wye. The coffee stop was just after Ross at the Pengethley garden centre, where we met up with a lot of our members who had opted to join the route here.
Suitably refreshed we set off again to make our way up to Kington and Knighton on some lovely B roads and up the River Teme valley to Newtown where there was a stop for petrol, food etc. After this we took the back road from Newtown to Llanidloes, then used the main A470 and the wonderful A44 from Llangurig to Aberystwyth, which I remember from the 1980’s when I travelled this road to stay with the in-laws.
As we arrive at the hotel (Marine Hotel) on a Saturday, the car park is always packed, so we have to park our bikes neatly to get them all in. After checking in it was time to try and find out what had happened to two of our Dorset members who hadn’t been seen on route. As we were sitting down for our evening meal Dan, then Dave, arrived just in time to dine with us and tell us their stories about the journey.
DAY 1 was 172 miles for those who started from Congesbury, and considerably more for others who rode up from Hampshire to join us.
On Sunday there was a route provided but was a day when members could choose to do other things i.e. take the narrow gauge train up to Devil’s Bridge or sort out any problems with the bike!
The set route went up the coast through Borth to Machynlleth, then around the Dovey estuary which was the best I’ve seen it, with high tide filling the estuary and it was so calm it looked like a lake. The coffee stop was at the Talyllyn Railway station in Tywyn, where we were allowed to park our bikes down by the station. Several people took the narrow gauge train up to Abergynolwyn and back.
The return route went through Llanbrynmair, then over the hills past Llyn Clewedog to Llanidloes for a lunch stop. After this there was some exploring of minor roads through valleys and hills to make our way back to the hotel. Even though we had showers in the hills it was dry and sunny in Aberystywth, so it was time for a stroll along the prom for an ice-cream!
DAY 2 was 111 miles through some of Wale’s best roads for motorcycling.
The forecast for Monday was wet and it started raining after breakfast. There was no point in having another coffee and sitting it out as the rain was forecast for the whole day. Wet weather gear on and bravely set off for the hills and valleys through Cwmystwyth to the Elan Valley and into the visitor centre for coffee; you can see why the reservoirs are built here with so much rain falling that day!
After a long break it was back on the bikes to make our way to the Plough Inn near Llandeilo. As we arrived the skies brightened and the sun came out, which made us feel better. Trying to dry out wet motorcycle clothing when away from home is always a challenge, trying to make sure the puddles that form under them are in the bath or the shower!
Dave Boon’s presentation, with badges and year bars – Dave and Ashley have full sets!
Left to right: Ashley Davies, Ruth Pope, Richard Hutson, Dave Boon, Bryan Pope, Philip Ham, Dave Mullard.
That evening, after the splendid meal we had a presentation to Dave Boon to mark his 38 years of organizing the Twin Dragon event, which he instigated in 1982. Had it not been for the Foot and Mouth outbreak and the more recent Covid epidemic, he would have completed 40 years. He was heartily thanked for his organization of this event and the enthusiasm instilled into of all those people who have taken part over the years. As someone commented, it could become addictive!
DAY 3 was 92 wet miles through a soggy mid Wales.
Tuesday morning was bright and sunny, spirits high for a dry ride home. As the weather was perfect we toured down to Glanaman so that we could ride over the Black Mountain Pass, then over the hills to Sennybridge. With a small diversion off the A40 we called into the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) visitor centre for a coffee break, surrounded by stunning views of the surrounding mountains – a real treat.
After going past Brecon we headed off down the River Usk valley and along the back road beside the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, thus avoiding the ride through Abergavenny. This route took us to the historic Chain Bridge then into Usk before making our way on minor roads to the Old Station Café near Tintern for another break and a chance to say goodbyes as people made their separate ways after crossing the old Severn Bridge.
DAY 4 was 132 miles with some stunning roads and views followed by some gentle riding before having to navigate Bristol again.
Over the four days there were various bike issues to sort out with charging problems, throttle cable breaking and ignition problems, but what would old motorcycling be without the tales to tell and the experience gained to make the next tour even better!
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