Day 20 : 22.7 miles - Llandovery

Had a mad busy day with the family, so only managed a quick early evening bimble around the lanes near Llandovery. Really glad I did as it happened.

I was cycling along the quiet lanes and stopped for a quick photo of yet another beautiful piece of Welsh natural beauty, when a tandem whizzed by. I heard the female bark instructions to the poor male pilot to tell him to turn their bike around as she also wanted a photo. She calmly took her camera, snapped away and they set off again at speed. I quickly jumped on my bike and caught up. This gave me a great opportunity to spark up conversation with them.

It turns out, Stuart and Ruth, both nearing 80 years old were on a cycling tour of Wales on their tandem trike. They were heading for their B&B in Llandovery so I joined them for the ride back.

They were really belting along the lanes, and I was having to keep a good pace to match them.

It also turns out that the friendly couple used to race in their day, some races close to my home in Berkshire. As the conversation continued I begin to realise they were very committed racers back in their day, with Stuart having completed 504 miles in a 24-hour period on one occasion. You work out the maths. That's a bloody impressive achievement.

We chatted some more about cycling in general and soon we arrived at their B&B. I cheekily asked for their photograph, shook hands, and I wished them well for their onward journey. Not before I told them what a true inspiration they were. They almost seemed embarrassed by the attention, as I guess to them, what they were doing was entirely normal.

See, that's the thing i love about cycling. Tonight I have had the chance to meet two cyclists who are a true inspiration. Two (near) 80 year olds, happily taking on a trip that most people half their age would not even attempt. But more importantly, doing something that they both still love.

Stuart and Ruth, you are truly inspiring and I wish you both a happy and safe trip.