Storm Amy battered Dolgellau overnight and redoubled its efforts through the morning, with arguably higher wind speeds and greater volume of rain than the day before. Plus the temperature dropped markedly.

Our B and B politely but firmly ushered us off the premises at 10am. We had discussed our options the night before and we soon decided that the only sane choice was to stay put in the town and await the forecast improvement in conditions early in the afternoon.

We hung around cafes and a small craft fair for three hours before, jittery with caffeine overdosing, finally setting off just after one, with the rain, at least, having eased up.

We opted for a slight adjustment to our route, riding straight up the valley to Coed-y-Brenin mountain bike centre, rather than a higher approach over the hills.

From there we climbed up the old Sarn Helen Roman road. This was awash, but also steep, rocky and distinctly technical in places. It also opened up amazing views on all sides, including the jagged Rhinog mountains to the West, and the high peaks of Snowdonia to the North.

As the non-e-bike representatives, John and I performed a valuable duty, checking the depth of “puddles” (never has a word seemed so inadequate) we encountered with some frequency, on behalf of our electrically assisted companions. Apparently water and electricity don’t mix. John and I were happier to be referred to as “puddle gineau pigs” than “dipsticks”, the alternative that was also doing the rounds. Wet feet have been a feature of the ride to date.

In return, Dave, Liz and Richard covered most of the gate opening duties. As with day 1, this was a ride of many gates, mostly modern and easy to open, but with occasional antique exceptions which gave way to cyclists with varying degrees of reluctance.

Liz also shouldered the burdens of chief photographer and dispenser of fig rolls and apples, our emergency rations.

The route took us on a memorable lap of Trawsfynydd reservoir. This wildly varied section included a couple of violent and wetting squalls; a delightful herd of upland horses; some unexpectedly fun slate singletrack; a massive hydroelectric dam and the two enormous concrete buildings which housed the nuclear power station (now being decommissioned) for which the area is well known.

The closing few miles were back on the Sarn Helen “road” through muddy fields, past the remains of a Roman fort, before a tarmac diversion to our overnight hotel in Llan Festiniog. We finished the day in sunlight, tired but happy that we’d avoided the stormy conditions of the morning and survived a surprising tough day of riding.