Cambrian Mountains Gravel Epic

Yesterday was an early start. I’d set a 5.45am alarm to be away by 6.15am but I was awake just after 5 so I got up a bit earlier which gave me time to have a bit of breakfast without rushing. Sally was still asleep so I quietly loaded up the car and I was away at 6.15am.

The sat nav took me up the M5/M6/M54 then onto A roads into mid-Wales. There is a more direct route about 15 miles shorter but this was the fastest. ETA was 8.20am. Perfect as the event roll out was anytime between 8am and 9am so this gave me plenty of time to get ready.

The journey was faultless. At that time of the morning, the motorways and roads are all empty so I arrived bang on time. The event HQ was Llanidloes RFC where we all parked at the end of a couple of pitches. I took my bike off the roof. I’d opted for my Dolan GXC for this one as I was sure I’d need the lower gears it gave me (30/34). I’d swapped my gravel tyres over the day before so it was ready to go. All I had to do was fit a frame bag with my powerbank, cable and gels.

I rolled up to register. No queues. I quoted my name, I was ticked off and given my number, which doubles as a timing chip, and a couple of cable ties to fit it. Fitting it was easy although it had to be slightly off-centre because of my Garmin mount and bell.

Back at the car I dismantled my road bike and popped it in the back of the car for security. I let some air out of my tyres as I’d pumped them up hard to seat them properly yesterday. I considered leaving my keys by a wheel as I have done in the past but my pockets weren’t that full so I took them with me this time.

I rolled upto the start where a marshal took my number. The small group in front rolled out and we rolled to the line under the start arch and listened to a quick briefing on hazards, the routes (the medium got canned because of farmers, livestock and gate issues). Then at almost bang on 9am we were away.

The first part was a narrow path which ran parallel to the main road and popped out at a dead end which looked like old main road. In fact I think the RFC car park is part of the old main road too. This took us into the centre of the town, we rounded an old building that sits in the middle of the road and then we began the first climb of the day destination Clewedog Resevoir.

The roadies pretending to be gravel riders (a bit harsh!, I’m only jealous lol) were already up the road. In one big group. You can spot them a mile off. Dripping in Rapha or Le Col. Aero gravel bikes probably worth north of £4-5K. Deep section carbon wheels. Sun tanned (maybe fake), aero helmets. There was a time when I would have gone with them but looking at my Strava stats, I hadn’t climbed this much on a ride since riding the Alps in 2016 so I forced myself to dial it down a bit and enjoy the scenery.

It wasn’t long before we were riding 20% pitches. A long one too. I was in first gear riding steady but the guys I were with were already fighting their bikes and breathing out their arses. I spoke to one of them and he proclaimed he ‘..hadn’t been riding much’, which I suspected was a bit of ‘shit cyclists say’ as this was not a parcours you attempt if you haven’t prepared to some level. Hmmmm… 🙂

After some fearful descents and climbs we eventually hit the shores of Clewedog Reservoir which was quite calm. The surface only broken by the small wake of fishermen in boats. This was the only part of the course I’d ridden before on a tour in 2018. A stunning part of the country but it was only the start.

It had been all tarmac so far but it wasn’t long until we hit our first real gravel in Hafren Forest and began the first really big, long climb of the day. Perfect gravel. The height gain was immense which gave way to jaw-dropping views across the valley which made me think how similar to Canada or Scotland it was.

The gravel road snaked around the forest, keeping me entertained with some nice descents and sharp(ish) bends to keep me on my toes. I’d opted to ride in quite a thick gilet. The sun on my back made me think I was going to cook later but every time I dropped out of the sun and felt the chill, I was happy it was the right choice. What was annoying was my front brake. I’d forgotten my pads were contaminated so every time I braked, a screech echoed around the valley scaring off any would be wildlife.

Just before the first feed we were treated to a short steep rocky section, almost a rock garden better suited to MTB’s. I negotiated it fine but everyone knew I was coming. At the bottom the route continued to the right or it was left over a narrow footbridge, 50m of singletrack and a steep, rocky climb to the feed station setup in a car park. I opted for the feed as I needed the loo too. I had no idea where I was though which is the bit I really like about this type of riding.

Feed done I was off and following a big chap on a bike. A big 6ft+ strapping guy but actually looked good on a bike. He stopped at the foot of the next climb and I left him and caught a laughing group of mates all in loud button up shirts. Nothing aero about them, just having fun, which is what it’s all about.

We exited the forest on a farm track and reached the first bit of tarmac for some 15km. Here the route split with short going left. There was a big group of riders hanging about talking but I was with a little group now. We crossed the road and began the first testing section of the course. A thin, sinuey bit of single track with a steep drop-off to the right peppered with slimy mud and deep puddles keeping us wondering what’s in them. Choosing the right line was paramount but the real trick was letting a couple of MTB riders go first and find that line for you as I did.

After no traffic for so long, to pop out on the busy A470 was a shock. It was about a km to the 2^nd feed. A few cars were queueing behind riders a little further on and a guy towing a caravan forced his way past into my space behind the car in front. I let it go but he came to a stop on a short rise to I went around him. As we entered the village of Langurig where the road narrowed, clearly intent of getting ahead again he came past close in the car and then drifted left where if I hadn’t braked his caravan would have hit me. I banged on the side of his van. I had about a 30cm gap. C**T!! I was livid and if I hadn’t had to immediately turn left to the feed, I’d have chased and done something I would regret. Just simple impatience putting me in danger to save a few feet and a second or two.

The 2^nd feed was a god send. Savoury food! I gorged on a few cobs of Ham and Cheese and Cheese and Pickle to the point that when I left and started the next big climb I felt a bit sick lol. But it would pay off.

The route took me part way back along the A470 and then left onto a narrow lane that quickly pitched up steeply and just carried on relentlessly until we hit the forest again. This shorter section of forest gave way to open moorland ending with another tricky descent. We crossed a stream on another footbridge. Here we were greeted by probably one of the worst ‘roads’ I’ve ever seen. The guy ahead had stopped to check the map and make sure we were meant to be riding it, it was so bad. Either side of a narrow section of tarmac were 2ft deep holes. Littered with debris. I assume it had all been washed away in floods at some point. Further up the guy was off walking and I had to stop as there was no way past. We hiked to the top (about 50m) and then began one of the scariest descents I’ve done in a while. Big puddles across the trail made me very nervous I would drop down a 2ft hole. I left the rider in front of me, although slower, carry on and find the line but the bugger got smart! He stopped and let me past so he could follow me lol! Luckily you could just see the outline of a bit of narrow tarmac down the middle, just under the water with the mirky depths of big holes left and right. Further on it improved and I was able to let go and race all the way down to the bottom but one really deep puddle came up over my shoes and soaked my feet. At the bottom I met another rider just closing a gate which he kept open for me. I stopped and said that was bit mad to which he proclaimed it was ‘..fucking insane!’ lol. I’d have to agree. I’ve never see a trail like that.

I was back on tarmac now and able to enjoy a lengthy section of the trans-Cambrian mountain road that starts in the Elan Valley and heads east/west over towards Aberyswyth. We climbed east and eventually topped out. I was able to enjoy the views across the open moorland before a right and a drop down towards the famous reservoirs and dams.

Here I caught a lovely lady riding solo. We chatted and it turns out she lives in Birmingham. She told me she had considered riding The Gravelton a couple of weeks ago and laughed when I said that’s me, the guy that organises them. Small world. We rode together for a bit and stopped at the amazing dams for photos. It’s weird been in the Elan Valley knowing the water flows all the way to Birmingham via gravity. No pumps! The NCN route that runs parallel to the road is a nice gravel path but was peppered with gates. My bell was useful here to warn walkers and cyclists I was passing.

Finally at the foot of the valley I hit Feed #3. Just sweet stuff again except a packet of Salt n Vinegar crisps to keep the cramp away. I drank a lot of fluids here and refilled my bottle. I didn’t hang around too long. The sun had gone in and I actually felt a bit cold. Legs were holding up though. 40km to go.

I left on my own and rode on the road for a bit which switched onto a path until the outskirts of Rhayader village. Baulked by traffic briefly in the town, I got going and turned off the A road which started with a few gentle lumps but the forest high up ahead made me suspicious that was where we were going and I was right. The road pitched up and climbed relentlessly until the tarmac ran out and entered another forest section. More gravel gave way to some rutted farm tracks, gates and another fast but tricky descent with more gates. We love gates in the UK.

Here I was treated to a nice surprise as the final feed appeared out of nowhere. The last 20km had gone by in a blink of an eye and I’d only seen one rider ahead in the distance. Another nice surprise at this feed were hot drinks, so I treated myself to a tea with a bit of sugar just for the final push. The food I’d gorged on at Feed #2 was now paying off as I felt good bouyed by the fact I only had 20km left now. I was ready to open the taps now and empty the tank.

Initially setting off on my own, I caught 3 riders a little further on but dropped them on what turned out to be the final big gravel climb of the day. Here I passed a couple more riders. I was pushing bigger gears now too but my bone-dry transmission was making some odd noises and felt like it was beginning to slip a little in low gears. It is worn so a new one may be incoming when I get back. What seemed like the start of the final descent to Llanidloes seemed to give way to never ending steep, little punchy climbs that seemed to sap chunks of energy I had left.

The Garmin had a wobble at one bend. The signs clearly said left but the Garmin said straight on into a farm. When it complained I was off course I actually turned around and went back to check and the signs definitely pointed left. I bit the bullet and carried on the descent and a little further on I picked up another confirmation sign so I guessed they had to reroute but failed to tell us.

I knew I was getting close to the end now and when I saw a sign Llanidloes 2 miles and popped out onto a B road I knew the climbing was done and went for it. The legs felt really good and I blasted down the last mile even sprinting for the sign! I dropped into town and retraced the route up the dead end back onto the path. The finish was only metres away now and then it loomed into view.

I finished on my own. Tired, a bit sore but not smashed. 70 odd miles, 6.5hrs and 2000m+ of climbing done. I was greeted with a nice wooden medal and had a chat with a marshal before rolling off to put on jacket, get some cash and have some food and a free beer. I struggled with the food, my guts don’t do well eating immediately after an event but I knew I had to eat something, so I persevered.

Bikes on the car, I eventually left. I only had about 45 minutes to drive to my accommodation for the rest of the week, just north of Llanwyrtd Wells.

Rest day today. I’ll be back on the bike this week to explore the local scenery so look out for more blogs in the coming days.

So for now. Adios.