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

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

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

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!

Fantasticmrmatt wrote: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

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

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

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

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.

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:

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!