Monthly Archives: August 2014

Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre

Not specifically a Biker’s Cafe but situated in the midst of some of Wales’ finest roads and with loads of indoor, outdoor and parking space.

This is a 20th Century reservoir built by the Liverpool Corporation and more recently adapted to host watersports, walking and MTBs. There are miles of trails (both upland and lowland) and it is only 50 yards from the B4501 – one of my favourite roads.

The perfect place to stop for a coffee if you are exploring the B roads.

Here’s the view from the outdoor seating area. It looks like the tide is out (just those thirsty Liverpudlians I guess…)

Llyn Brenig Cafe 3 Aug-14 (Custom)

Inside looking towards the lake:

Llyn Brenig Cafe 2 Aug-14 (Custom)

Inside looking towards the counter:

Llyn Brenig Cafe 1 Aug-14 (Custom)

It can be found at LL21 9TT

More details: www.llyn-brenig.co.uk

The Riverside Inn Aymestrey

Not a biker’s cafe but a real pub with real beer, real food and a real welcome!

Riverside Inn Aymestrey

This was our lunch stop on a recent trip to North Wales. I picked it for location (half way) and because of the recommendations and reviews on the web.

Arriving at just before 2pm, we were just in time for food. The landlord invited us to use the dog-friendly corner and we were joined by Arnold our Springer Spaniel (better than being locked in the car…)

The cricket was on the radio as well.

We had steak sandwiches which came on a slate and were very juicy. The melted cheese is sourced locally from the Monkland Cheese Dairy, which is just up the road (and the subject of one of my “Cafes to visit” articles)

www.theriversideinn.org

Aymestrey, HR6 9ST

On the A4110 near Leominster on the River Lugg.

More pics:

Riverside Inn 2 Aug-14 (Custom) Riverside Inn Aug-14 (Custom)

New Boots

[Tyres, that is…]

My Tiger 800 came with 4500 miles and OEM Pirelli Skorpion tyres. They look OK from a dual purpose, jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none perspective, but at 8,400 miles they are squared-off and knackered. Riding over any sort of road irregularity reminds me of 1970’s bikes…

So, deep breath and ask the price of Michelin’s brand new Pilot Road 4 Trail tyres.

Here are the dead Skorpions (that would make a good name for a rock band?):

Pirelli Skorpions (dead)

And here are the breathtakingly beautiful Michelins:

Michelin Pilot Road 4 Trail 110/80 Front

Michelin Pilot Road 4 Trail 150/70 Rear