VC Revolution - Wales MTB Weekend

Six of us took a long weekend away at the end of September with the aim to hit the best that North Wales has to offer. Our thanks go to Wayne of Air Options for organising it all. All six of us had a great time. Although I’m sure we all at some point questioned our sanity whilst riding the many torturous climbs, through the pouring rain, and along the rivers that had formed and down the rock strewn descents that threatened to break a bone at the slightest mistake!

Day one – Test riding new trails with sheep

Wayne had planned that we’d make the 3.5 mile journey by bike from the hotel to Wales’ newest trails in Penmachno. It was found in the Oct issue of MBUK so we all felt he wasn’t leading us into anywhere not already proven. It had rained all night long and showed no sign of letting up, even after us all making our full English last as long as possible. Eventually our sense of adventure took over so we thought bollox – put on our waterproofs and just went for it.

What came next no one except the crafty racing snake Wayne was truly prepared for. A torturous six miles of climbing later we reached the summit, wet and wishing we were on the golf course (or is that a certain club) in Porto Benuse! The following single-track claimed two crash victims, with Ayo sliding down the hill having lost grip, and Darren head butting a bank having flown over the bars. He tried to convince us all his crash was in sympathy for Ayo, but no one was having it.

What we all were amazed by was the simple lack of mud considering we were literally riding along torrents of water in places. It quickly occurred to us that the trail builders had taken advantage of the rocky landscape and that you spent much of your time bouncing over stone. The level of grip was way beyond what you might expect giving you the confidence to push the limits of the bike you were on.

Next was a bizarre sheep encounter that I’ll certainly not forget. Having flown down some single-track to join the fire road for what turned out to be a short distance before darting back into single-track once more, I collected a couple of sheep that were on the fire road and tried running down the single-track as means of escape. I tell you what, Steve Peat would struggle to keep up – these hardened mountain sheep can shift. I was concentrating so hard on keeping up with the woolly athlete in front I was unaware I was being chased by his mate. Both lamb cutlets took an early exit off the edge off the trail into what seemed certain injury – oh well – they can bounce!

Day two – Coed y Brenin and smiles

We’d all heard about the fantastic facilities at Coed y before, and today we were going to just turn up, argue about which of the five trails to ride and enjoy. The weather was dryish and the temperatures were higher than yesterday. Proof of this was the state of Ayo after the first climb – never have I seen a man sweat so much. The MBR trail took our fancy – “only” 410m of climbing and a short 12 or so miles. The descents were roller coaster fantastic and the climbs seemed easier after what we’d ridden yesterday. It was apparent to see just how much more conditioned the lads were after one days riding.

Deano was ripping it up MX stylie with a big smile on his face after threatening to punch Wayne in the baby makers for making him ride the climbs yesterday. The trails were busy and all was good – perhaps we all felt inspired as a round of the British MTB Series was going on one of the trails across the road As the trail came to an end by the river, the trail Gods sent us up the hillside just to punish us for all the beer we’d drunk the night before! Three miles of steep and challenging climbing awaited those with strong hearts (that’s Darren with a 242bpm!!) and minds. It was all worth it mind, as this view greeted us at the top.

Day three – back for more at Coed y Brenin

After a Saturday night out in the town with Wayne trying his best to turn us all alcoholic, we were eager to try out a different trail at Coed y. This time it was the Red Dragon trail – longer and with more climbing than yesterday. It turned out just as epic as the ride the day before, taking in some of the MBR route and adding its own toxicating mix of rough downhill and 1st gear climbs. Half way round we found this little gem of a café run from the porch of someone’s house. It all felt very civilized as we all enjoyed soup and cake whilst the steam rose from six sweaty muddy men.

I got a chance to race ahead a little and grab some good footage of the guys riding – the aim being we can at least show the grand kids in later life that we were half good at something! The day ended with an intense maintenance session – wondering we all avoided a puncture and why Mr Maverick’s seatpin and rear shock had died!

Day 4 – I don’t want to die of a Welsh hillside.

Three of us had the enthusiasm and permission to stay on and ride the Marin Trail very near to the hotel. The weather was worse than Fri but we’d committed our soul in the pursuit of all experiences mountain biking and we were prepared to be judged no mater what the conditions. As always the trail started with a more than is decent amount of climbing – but it was wholly essential today just to warm us up!

Nearing what we hoped to be the top the trail, it opened out next to a lake and the scenery has to be the best of all the areas we’d riding in. It’s just a little hard to admire when you’re battling against cold driving wind and rain. I’m not dramatising when I say it felt like we just had to survive the day – I’ve really not experienced anything quite like it. This trial would be a blast to ride in the sunshine. Well, survive it we did and the shower back at the hotel felt soooo good.

We returned, knackered and bruised in places – looking forward to going back. I can categorically say that you’ve not mountain biked until you’ve ridden in Wales. All the MTB centres have had time and money spent on them and it shows. They’re closer than you think – and worth selling your body to make it there at least once a year.

Paul Thomas