Welsh ride thing 2012 route help

[bob]

WRT 2012 HELP PLEASE!
A couple of friends and I have entered the welsh ride thing this year, and am after some advice with route planning.
We're all hardened cyclists, but would like a more leisurely weekend this time, say 13 or so check points. But not knowing the area at all, would hate to miss some must see trails/scenery/pubs etc.
We are planning to 'bivvy' so b&b not req'd, well if it dries up a bit!
Any advice and local knowledge greatly appreciated. Cheers

[Bearbonesnorm]

If it were me (which it obviously isn't) and I had your criteria, I'd consider -

Going clockwise, head out in the general direction of Traws, then east(ish) over towards Llyn Tegid. From there turn south(ish) and head for home

[Nick]

Google pub/cafe/shop in <placename>

Use google streetview to wander the lanes

Use google earth to find stuff

Some nice trails in Tanat Valley

Nice cafes in Vrynwy & Pistyll Rhaedr area

Checkout grid squares on geograph uk

[Matt]

Biggest mistake we made last year when we did it for the first time was to try an use bridleways and off road routes wherever possible.

Next time I will be sticking to proven routes and fireroads!

[didnothingfatal]

Biggest mistake we made last year when we did it for the first time was to try an use bridleways and off road routes wherever possible.

Next time I will be sticking to proven routes and fireroads!

totally agree with that

[Taylor]

Thats too big a clue for a rookie
We had to learn the hard way.

[Chew]

Use something like this

http://gridreferencefinder.com/#

to plot on all of the grid references that Stu sent out, so you can get a picture of the 'shape' of any potential route, then just start to link up the ones you like the look of, until you get a route you like.

Plotting your own route is half the fun :D

[timothy.doran]

here is a bing map which might help you view the points
http://binged.it/ImBOS5

[Nick]

It's bloody mountain bike ride in Wales, not a road tour of the Norfolk broads!

Pushing up and then down again to the mast above Dollgellau was a particular highlight from last year.

Waist deep on the Monks Trod the year before.

It's a rite of passage.

[thomthumb]

Waist deep on the Monks Trod the year before.

It's a rite of passage.

+1000

i've been over it and everyone else should have to too. :twisted:

[bob]

Thanks for your input everybody. Got a custom OS map and plotted all points, route coming along nicely. Also following the WRT 2012 thread on page 1 and think I'm getting the concept now! Should be good fun, see you all in a couple of weeks!