Something Welsh for summer - Big Bear.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Just a little introduction to something I've been working on, that's now, nearly complete.

It's a 500+km circular route through Wales, that should hopefully be both challenging and enjoyable depending on your definition of both words. It could be started from any point but there are train stations at 4 points, so you can let the train take the strain should you wish.

As you can see, it goes both up and down, so those who don't like climbing needn't worry.



A final test ride to complete before putting it into the public domain.

[whitestone]

Hmm.

I looked at the max and min elevation and had an evil thought Could you find somewhere below nominal sea level, i.e. somewhere only accessible at low tide but not subject to tidal races or anything dangerous, it would make pacing and timing interesting

[BigdummySteve]

More down than up

[Bearbonesnorm]

More down than up

Let's call it flat

Mike and myself are going to ride it next week. Once I'm sure it all works as intended, I'll release the details.

[johnnystorm]

Bonzer.

A big round route that can be completed along with the Cambrian 500 and Trans Cambrian . It'll look like crosshairs....*



* cue having it in your sights comments.

[Ian]

More down than up

Let's call it flat

It's like 5% gradient on average. Pffft. Easy

Mike and myself are going to ride it next week. Once I'm sure it all works as intended, I'll release the details.

Are you going to make a full week of it and ride the Cambrian Trail too?

[slarge]

Ian, is the Cambrian 500 route the same as published? (I seem to remember you talking about updates?)

I was planning a ride in April, but this has the advantage of logistics - an update after Stu and Mike have test ridden this loop will give another option.

What did we do before all these ITT routes?

[Ian]

Steve, yes Cambrian 500 = Cambrian Trail. Website has the final route GPX available to download. Possibly a tiny bit more accurate than the one you had last time, but no route changes as such.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Are you going to make a full week of it and ride the Cambrian Trail too?

No, Mike will have to return to work at some point. The entire west mids fire service will grind to a halt without him

[Dave Barter]

Are you going to make a full week of it and ride the Cambrian Trail too?

No, Mike will have to return to work at some point. The entire west mids fire service will grind to a halt without him

You mean the section in charge of the holiday booking forms

[Bearbonesnorm]

Happy to report that this is very nearly ready for 'release'. A couple of slight alterations have increased the length to just over 530km but have probably made the going easier.

So far, the consensus seems to be that 3 days might be possible but they would be very long, hard days and require good conditions but 5 days should be achievable at a brisk(ish) pace. You know me, I like badges so hopefully, I'll make a momento of completion available for anyone making it round in one go.

More to follow

[slarge]

I did a test ride of the first 300km, and it is a corker. Some wildness, civilisation, food, water and the odd hill thrown in. Thoroughly recommended!

[Bearbonesnorm]

I did a test ride of the first 300km, and it is a corker. Some wildness, civilisation, food, water and the odd hill thrown in. Thoroughly recommended!

Can't be bad, only a couple of weeks on and already fond memories

[Richard G]

Shame I have no space on my calendar this year or I'd give it a go.

I guess I could do it on a whim later in the year if I find myself with a block of good weather though.

[slarge]

I did a test ride of the first 300km, and it is a corker. Some wildness, civilisation, food, water and the odd hill thrown in. Thoroughly recommended!

Can't be bad, only a couple of weeks on and already fond memories

I was loving it whilst riding Stu. Scenery, wildlife, nice weather, dry trails, how can that not be a perfect ride. Plus a lovely lady in the pub at somewhere. Must find my way back there...

[Bearbonesnorm]

Plus a lovely lady in the pub at somewhere.

Perhaps that'll motivate a few

[GregMay]

I'd be interested Stu, may do something to re-ignite my enjoyment of riding post Divide.

[Mariner]

Is the route available to download yet?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Is the route available to download yet?

Not yet but soon, very soon.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Okay, I'm still trying to put this into some slightly formalised context but for now, if anyone would like a copy of the gpx file, email me and I'll forward it across.

The route will show the start / finish point as Knighton but there's no reason why you couldn't start at any point. It passes through a number of places with train stations and decent parking but remember the route runs clockwise.

Expect a good mixture of terrain and reasonable re-supply.

[GregMay]

Send it on Stu. Will be interested as part of CTR Training.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Electronic mail incoming.

[In Reverse]

remember the route runs clockwise.

Oh really?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Oh really?

Always one ... always you

[javatime]

Yes please, have pmd you.