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I had a fantastic experience riding the Trans-Cambrian MTB route at the weekend- 174km over 3 days. Eight of us did it with a guide. Amazing scenery and great company.
I had a difficult autumn and winter with severe depression and exhaustion, and although I continued riding my bike through it all, I was really struggling with energy. So, it took weeks of persuasion, cajoling and pressure from Mr Pea and 2 friends before I finally agreed to do it. I really thought I couldn’t manage it but I did. And I really enjoyed it. It was hard work but I think my fitness will have improved, and 3 full days of fresh air was good.
😀
well done.
Is this the one on the bike packing website?
Great route isn't it? You enjoy the massive downhill on loose slate?!
It’s a fabulous route
Fantastic!
What were ground conditions like? We there large sections where you had to walk the bike, or was it all rideable?
It was a great weekend Vicky and as I said at the top of the last climb you rode very strongly.
Thank you to your group for making me feel welcome - I was a bit apprehensive booking on by myself but glad I did.
The ground was a bit boggy on Day 1 where there’s quite a lot of riding on grass, and lots of streams and deep puddles especially on Day 2 but it was almost all rideable. I can only think of 2 very short sections that we all walked up because the ground was too soft.
The descents were great, especially on the 3rd day.
Hats 🎩 off cause it’s a tough old route.
Nice one. We did it in September and it was pretty horrendous conditions. Day 1 wasn't too bad but the moor was very wet and sapping. And full of sheep poo! Day 2 was wet and cold and it's a big day, was very glad to roll into the blue boar, day 3 was biblical but the descents were fab 🙂 Phill and Polly are great guides and the scenery is stunning.
We went back the weekend before your TC to ride the trails around Rhyader with Phill guiding. Couldn't believe how much dryer it was. Was watching your TC on twitter. first pic at the Horse and Jockey reminded me of our trip but it looked a bit better after that.
There's an post linked from our ride last week: http://pickled-hedgehog.com/?p=4105 - both are sweary tho and NSFW!
I really felt like I'd achieved something after finishing. Hope it was the same for you especially coming off what sounds like a tough few months.
Nice one! There's some long draggy sections on the TCW, I did it in March last year and it was a bit damp (don't think it was as damp as Alex got) and ended up pushing downhill at one point near Dylife! I thought the section past Claerwen Dam and on towards Cwmystwyth went on a bit but it was horizontal rain at that point so I might not have been in the best of moods 😉
Quick Q - where's the Blue Boar?
Sorry Blue BELL: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1475272-d4107589-Reviews-The_Blue_Bell_Inn-Llangurig_Powys_Wales.html
Ah, right. Thought it might have been there. Only been in it the once a couple of years ago.
stuc- it was great to meet you, and thanks for your company and for inspiring us to climb faster!
We got soaked on the first day, it rained most of the day, but thankfully held off for the next two days.
Just googled this - looks epic!
Must add this to my list of rides to do.
Nice one! Glad to hear that it helped you so much after a difficult spell over winter. I had a tough winter for similar reasons (plus the added complexity/difficulty/joy of a new baby), and i'm dying to do a big ride like that as a reward for coming out the other side.
The TCW looks a brilliant route, and it's been on my wish list forever, as I lived and biked on the edge of the Cambrians for years and it feels like 'my' special mtb place! You may have just helped me decide to make it happen!
Who did you do the guiding with? Were you staying in bothies/B&Bs or camping?
This is the chap you want
philstasiw@mac.com
He and Polly have this off to perfection.
Done it twice, first time dryish and warm, second time, with Alex , very very wet and wild. Rather think I might make it three.
Yes, we did it with Phill and Polly, and stayed in B&Bs. They are excellent guides. They have a FB page called MTB Wales.
Thanks Vicky, Rob, Alex and Stu, all very kind words and in return, you are all lovely people to ride with! Our webpage is www.mtb.wales and just go to the Trans page, and bookings. However it might be 2019 now for many as we are fully booked with a waiting list, but even that would soon come round. Thanks, Phill & Polly
Well done - must be a great feeling to have completed it in spite of your misgivings. Chapeau!
I've gotta say, that looks great. One on the 'maybe' list for next year...