How it started

On a camping site in the North of France in June 2003 we  enjoyed a glass of wine or more.. Then the idea for a Montgomery hills run 2004 suddenly was born.
Back in the Netherlands we presented a first plan to a number of Kaptein enthusiasts, but the majority did not like the first plan .....
They had lots of arguments:

• Hotels and restaurants in the UK are too expensive.
• Ferry companies are pirates.
• Wales is more than 700 km and that is too much for just 3 days in Wales.
• Petrol is expensive.
• Left-hand traffic and hills are too steep.
• Dangerous winding roads with sheep.
• It is now Summer 2003 and too early to decide about a possible run in August 2004.
• It always rains in Wales.

At last 5 participants decided to take part of this challenge. A lot of effort was put in the preparation of the event. A redbook with all kind of schedules, lists and maps, appeared quite useful afterwards. We had two cars, five mopeds, a lot of spares, tools, camping stuff and our personal luggage.  One month before we left two more participants were willing to participate, but the British-Dutch organization had already decided to stop further participation.

Main conclusions

• You do not see many "bloody tourists" in the UK. Squeezing tourists in touristic areas has become a national hobby.
• However, prices in restaurants and pubs in the country are fair.
• Our campingsite Bacheldre in Churchstoke was fine and cheap.
• Crossing the Channel has not to be expensive: P&O Calais - Dover was a good choice. By early booking you can save 50%. There is nowadays even a better crossing.
• 1400 km and for some of us 2000 km was a long drive.. Wales is quite impressive. We are still regretting that we could not stay a bit longer.
• Petrol and diesel are expensive! LPG is the best choice for your car (45 pence / liter). We had two cars running on LPG. ;>)
• In Wales you need a motor cycle or at least a very strong moped.  Riding on the wrong side of the road has never been a problem for us.
• British cars drive very fast on narrow winding roads. They do not expect any cycles after a winding. Cycling is too dangerous!
• The weather was perfect, except the evening when we arrived.

 
 
Final Conclusion

When you plan everything well, the UK is affordable. We had a wonderful time in Wales; We enjoyed, the runs,  the views, the cycle  museum  and the hospitality of Stinkwheel's author Dave Beare and his wife Lizzy during the BBQ. Finally we want to thank Dave and Phillipa for organizing the Montgomery hills run 2004. Well done!
 

 
Kaptein, Team Wales


Some impressions of this remarkable run.

Local war lord from Friesland	Dad's army
Embarking in Calais (P&O-Ferries)	A Dutch NACC-member in Newtown Wales
Stop in Newtown	Mr. D. pulling a SP93

Rural pulchritude ?	Back on the Bacheldre camping site
Fine tuning and tank replacement	View from Montgomery on 7 counties
Montgomery Castle	Signboard at Montgomery Castle

National Cycle Collection in Llandrindod Wells, Powys	Most roads in Wales are dangerous for cyclist...
Eiffel tower cycle: lower part	Eiffel tower cycle: upper part
Eiffel tower cycle explanation	Raleigh signboard

Raleigh with mobylette engine	At the end of the world: tractor driving
Barbecue at Dave's in special T-shirts	A Welsh mannequin showing the run shirt
Sunset in Wales	Address for ordering Stinkwheel Saga Episode 1

Another sunset in Wales	Montgomery hills run 2004
Perfect views and killing hills	Many events on the first of August
NACC camping corner	Bacheldre water mill  1746

Bacheldre water mill	Here lives a miller
Wheat flour production	Entrance
Kerry Lamb in Kerry , where they give you a good pint	Kerry, are here the roots of the new president of the USA?

Just a jolly slope	Wales is paradise for motor cycles
Impression of a Welsh road	Back home