An old set of photos, nicked from another forum of my first bikepacking (March this year) trip in the Elan and Claerwen Valleys:

Looks damp from here

Claerwen

Bike loaded and ready to go

Before

4 speed cassette (32x14/17/21/27)

4 speed

I think it's this way

Esgair Perfedd

Penygarreg reservoir

Penygarreg Reservoir

Claerwen reservoir

Claerwen reservoir

You don't say?

Motor vehicles prohibited

Afon Claerddu

Afon Claerddu

Ready for the night

Outside

The view from my bed

Inside

In the morning

Nant Egnant

It just wouldn't be Wales without a spot of liquid sunshine :)

Was that a loop from Rhayader Chris?

Yep. Rhayader > Maen Serth > Esgair Perfedd > Craig Goch dam > cycle track to Garreg Ddu dam > up past the church to Ciloerwynt > Claerwen Res. > Claerwen Farm > L @ Teifi Lakes to bivvy spot.

Retrace to Claerwen the next day > S of the river to Llanerch Cawr > Gro Hill > The Clyn > Dolafallen bridge > Rhayader. Lovely.