I can’t believe how quickly time goes … the 2015 WRT is over and a seventh year ticked off. Really, where does the time go? Although entries have risen from less than 10 to more than 160, the WRT still retains an almost sub-grassroots feel and maybe that’s the appeal?
 |
| The ‘fun’ is all around you. |
If the majority of cycling ‘events’ only attracted 160 entrants, then they probably wouldn’t go ahead, they’d be classed as unviable and any that did proceed would almost certainly be seen as a never to be repeated failure. So, it’s a good job that the Welsh Ride Thing, its supporters and its riders have a slightly different take on what represents success and failure.
On a few previous occasions, I’ve said that ‘Bikepacking’ (or any other name you care to use) will never become popular or mainstream and it won’t but when you’re already involved in the ‘scene’ it can sometimes be difficult to see … because to you, it’s normal. You already sleep in a ditch, so do your riding buddies. You think rigid forks are a good idea, £250 spent on a sleeping bag represents a sound investment and Pot Noodles actually taste okay … the remaining 99% of the cycling world think you’re a mentalist! Embrace it, be proud and know that what you enjoy will never be watered down by the mainstream because due to its nature, bikepacking is self regulating.
This year we raised £2489 for the Air Ambulance … an outstanding failure in anyones book ;o)
