Eight of us took part in this ride starting from Carew and taking in Cresswell Quay, Templeton, Stepaside, Wisemansbridge, Saundersfoot, Tenby and St Florence before returning to Carew.

The Met Office had forecast heavy rain for the day but they were, once again, very wrong in their predictions – not a drop of rain fell throughout the day, the temperature was just right with the sun only breaking through briefly on a couple of occasions. The most noticeable weather was the wind. It was blowing quite strongly but the lanes which we rode had good hedges and high banks providing great shelter. Emerging from Pleasant Valley to Wisemansbridge for our lunch stop gave us a gusty picture of what we had been sheltered from. Very bracing but not cold.

We took lunch at the Wisemansbridge Inn which has recently been refurbished after a fire and very good it was too. Good platefulls of food. None of us could eat any more than a main course. No, I tell a lie! Trevor had an apple pie and two dollops of ice cream. But then that’s Trevor for you – he has the advantage of height.

We had a bit of trouble with Colin as usual but Mike was on hand to deal with the situation.

A short stop on the bridge above the A477 just to see what we were missing.

We rode through the old tramway between Wisemansbridge and Saundersfoot which gave Trevor the opportunity to use his head light. The beam on his face was stronger than the beam of light so he seemed happy enough.

We came out of Saundersfoot via Stammers Road which avoided St Brides Hill and the steep hill up to Twy Cross and cruised into Tenby through Tudor Square, down St Mary’s Street and on to the Esplanade and that’s when the wind hit us. The gusts were so strong and from the side that we struggled to stay upright but we are a tough lot and made it to John Cardy’s to have a quick check on the builder’s progress. Fortunately John’s shed was already erected in the right place so there was no need for a work detail to move it. For those who don’t know, that is just a tiny tease for Trevor (and if you don’t know what I mean you really should come on more rides).

A stop at St Florence for tea and welsh cakes especially cooked by my Mum that morning before heading back to Carew and the cars.

But first we had to have a group photo.

Then I had to wrestle the bike back from my Mum.

Now you will want to know who won the prize draw for the wine. Well, Colin was the lucky one but he very graciously donated it back as a prize for the draw at the next Away Day on the 18th October. If this becomes a habit Trevor will never have to reach into the funds for a prize again.

Altogether a really brilliant day out, good company, favourable weather, varied scenery, satisfying lunch stop and great fun.

And the moral:
Never let pessimism stand in the way of enjoyment.

Next Away Day courtesy of Des on Wednesday 18th October:

A ride from Llanwrtyd Wells to Llandrindod Wells – for enjoyment’s sake
be there!!