Through Newport

22 May 2016 Europe

We planned for a shorter day to take advantage of good weather so we could do some laundry and air out our tent and rain gear. Little did we know we’d be riding on one of only 7 working transporter bridges in the world.

Carrie and I arrived at the transporter bridge unsure what to do. We expected to see a regular bridge. The bridge "driver" set us straight. — Carrie and I arrived at the transporter bridge unsure what to do. We expected to see a regular bridge. The bridge “driver” set us straight.

What’s a transporter bridge? I too didn’t know until this morning. You know those zip lines that tourists ride on in jungles in foreign countries? Well imagine a motorized zip line that can take cars from one side of a river to the other. This bridge was built at the beginning of the 20th century, before long bridges were possible. We were the only passengers during our zip across. It was unexpected and fun.

I'm standing in front of a building at an old estate that has become a park. We stopped here for lunch. — I’m standing in front of a building at an old estate that has become a park. We stopped here for lunch.

We didn't get to see Downton Abbey, but this old estate wasn't too shabby. — We didn’t get to see Downton Abbey, but this old estate wasn’t too shabby.

After a trip to the grocery store, we started heading to the holiday park we planned to call home for the night. On our way, we came to a road closure. A uniformed last let us know that the road was closed because a bicycle race was under way. Cool! Not five minutes later some police motorcycles cruised by, followed by a sole cyclist, making effort at a solo breakaway victory. Moments later the rest of the pack whizzed by.

Professional cyclists buzz by for a good show.

After waiting for the road to reopen, we got to ride on a nearly motor vehicle free road until we reached out destination, a nice holiday park outside of Newport.