BRECON BEACONS GRAVEL EPIC- 22ND MAY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

From the contrasting urban backdrop of Merthyr Tydfil to the wild and remote landscape of the Brecon Beacons this ride promises a bit of everything. The terrain can be challenging in places and this is one of our tougher rides but you can expect to be rewarded with trails taking you through stunning scenery where sometimes the biggest challenge is deciding where to stop to take the best photo! A real gravel epic with stunning gravel sections and quiet backroads in this glorious part of Wales.

DISTANCE: 80KM | ELEVATION: 1,500M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 4/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 4/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 60%

Terrain & Bike Choice:The route terrain has a huge contrast from smooth tarmac to rocky technical tracks making any bike and tyre choice a compromise. We’d recommend picking a tyre with a decent amount of tread for the off road sections and one in a larger volume size to smooth out some of the bumpy sections. The route can get challenging on a gravel bike in places and some riders may find a mountain bike would also be a good choice for this ride.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Beautiful forest tracks on the #CENSOR# Trail

 – Wild & remote off road sections in the Brecon Beacons

 – One of the most beautiful parts of Wales with a route packed full of amazing views

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Tredegar: 80km, 1,500m

Starting from Parc Bryn Bach we pick up the first few miles following the cycle paths skirting the edge of Merthyr Tydfill with the urban background bringing a sharp contrast to the remote countryside we’ll pass through later in the ride as we head into the Brecon Beacons. Our route will take in sections of the #CENSOR# Trail mixing quite lanes and gravel forest tracks as well as taking you into some of the Brecon Beacons more remote areas and over higher ground. The trails do get rocky in places along with steep climbs that mean some short sections of hike a bike should be expected for most riders but you’re rewarded with a route that takes you into some stunning remote places with views for miles on a clear day.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 4/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

A mostly off road route on fast and flat forest tracks, this event is ideal for gravel bikes with 40mm all round tyres. A mountain bike will be fine but slower, road bikes are not suitable.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?

We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.

WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?

The ride starts and finishes in Parc Bryn Bach in Tredegar. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?

We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.

WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?

You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.

WHEN WILL I GET MY GPX FILE

Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ROUTE GPX

GPX sent to you a week before the ride with a full route description & packing list.

FEED STOPS

We have feed stops approx every 30kms with fruit, cakes, coke, water, hydration tabs & tasty ride nutrition from the experts at Outdoor Provisions.

FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS

Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.

RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH

After an epic ride, grab a pint, coffee or cake at the end. Free parking for the day, toilets & bike wash also included in your entry.

BIKE RENTAL & MECHANICS AVAILABLE

New to gravel riding? Hire a Pearson Off Grid gravel bike for the day. We also have mechanics on site to support with any issues before & during the ride.