Last bivi of 2011? Anybody fancy it?

[Matt]

neoprene surfing boots!

Must hunt out mine.

You two have more 'gear' than Howard Marks.

Will the bar mitts be making an appearance?

[Taylor]

Already have done on the official winter hang.

Depends on how cold it is.

I expect you have more than Halfords in roof racks though.

[Ian]

There's a way in from the south that avoids the water crossings.

All you'll need is a sleeping bag and mat, some thing to cook and cook on and your normal riding gear for a winter ride, plus coal and beer.

[Bearbonesnorm]

There's a way in from the south that avoids the water crossings.

I'm looking at the BW that enters the forest from roughly the NE ... could be a proper death march

[Ian]

Afon Arban? Yes, that is a death march if I recall - starts off OK but gets worse as you become increasingly committed. Also, the bridleway into the forest isn't at all good - not entirely sure it links up with the forest road as I tried (and failed) to find it when planning the Polaris event a few years ago.

[Taylor]

There's a way in from the south that avoids the water crossings.

I vote for this way.

[Ian]

Right then, while I'm in a dictatorial mood:

For those approaching from the south: 12pm, 30 December 2011, outside the Spar* in Llanwrtyd Wells ready to roll for a 20 mile pootle up to Moel Prysgau, aiming to arrive at around 4pm.
Return to Llanwrtyd the following morning via a different 20 mile route.



* not to be confused with the Spa in Llanwrtyd Wells.

[Taylor]

Bit of an oxymoron that isn't it?
Voting and dictatorship?

[Ian]

Your ability to influence an outcome by voting is only an illusion :twisted:

[Ian]

So anyway, had a proper look at the map.

Lots of good trails actually north of Llanwrtyd. I've missed the Real Ale Wobble for the last couple of years, but there's some good forest bridleway and fireroad through Nant-y-cerdin and a good hill top bridleway to Abergwesyn and then fireroad through Nant-yr-hwch to top of the Devil's Staircase. Eye watering descent down the Staircase and fairly straightforward byway/ fireroad up to Moel Prysgau. About 20 miles, bit of climbing but nothing to strenuous. Should have nice views if the weather plays ball.

Return route: exit south from Moel Prysgau, road down to Llyn Brianne then bridleway over to Abergwesyn and (soft option) road to Llanwrtyd or (better option) fireroad into Irfon forest and some more nice bridleway into Nant-y-cerdin and back to Llanwrtyd via off road.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I shall see you fellas there then, might just have a stab at the Afon Arban bridleway as a way in ... so expect me wet

[Taylor]

I'm just working on my menu. :D
Whats the stove like? Has it a flat top?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Whats the stove like? Has it a flat top?

Flat(ish) I seem to recall.

[Matt]

Gear is packed and I'm winding down at work......

:) Happy days, feel more excited about going out on the bike than xmas itself

[Bearbonesnorm]

Happy days, feel more excited about going out on the bike than xmas itself

Does this mean that your kipper is happy once more?

[Matt]

Not yet, but 10 says off work should help