It’s almost time for my annual week away cycling to get away from work, people etc. A proper bit of downtime I really enjoy. The rules are simple. Remote, good (new) cycling routes + a pub within walking distance. I booked quite late this time as I was unsure where I would be after hurting my back and being off the bike for months over Winter but I’ve recovered and back to fitness now.
This year I’ve opted for Wales again but a bit deeper into SW Wales nearer Cardigan this time. I enjoyed last year’s trip so much I nearly booked the same place again but decided I should try somewhere different again and my mate lives down there so looking forward to catching up with him for a ride too.
The plan is the same. I get up super early next Saturday and drive to mid-Wales (Llanidloes) to ride Glorious Gravel’s Cambrian Mountains Gravel Epic. I normally baulk at paying just under £70 for an event but, for me, this one is worth it. It’s a long, hard and pretty arduous 120km route with a shed load of climbing but it’s a superb route and sets me up for the week.
Last year it took around 6.5hrs so given I can’t get into my accomodation until late PM, by the time I’ve completed the ride and driven there it’ll be time to check in. Sunday will be off, maybe a spin to loosen the legs and find the pub then Sally joins me on Tuesday for most of the week. She’ll be working in the day and I’ll be out on the bike exploring and writing my rides up on the night after the pub!
I’ve been looking at the maps and planning some routes out to the coast and the Preseli mountains. I don’t think it’s as steep as mid-Wales but lumpy enough to make it interesting. But more important, it’s going to be quiet!
Can’t wait
Adios
Enjoy 🙂 Looking forward to the reports 👌