The gA MTB club recently headed to the Afan Valley in South Wales for an unofficial trip, incorporating Bike Park Wales (BPW), Cwmcarn, and even a sea swim, into the adventure. A whopping 15 riders in total came for all or part of the weekend. MTB Club leader Beth summarised the weekend’s activities…
"An advance party started with a day at BPW, setting the trip off to a great start with achievements on trails new and old. The following morning we braved the wind and rain and headed down to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast for a dip. Then followed two days in the Afan Valley, with a warm up day on Blue Scar and the red Penhydd trail. The main event followed the next day, with some of the group taking on the Y Wal climb and White’s Level descent, and the rest the whopping Skyline trail; 46km (+20km to get to the start and back!)."
"After a rainy start to the trip we were blessed with sunshine with which to enjoy dramatic views of the Brecon Beacons. Rocky single track descents combined with flowy trails through pine forests and mossy banks, past waterfalls and springs, and at one point we emerged from the shadiness of the forests to see Swansea Bay stretching out before us."
"On the way home to Surrey some of the group stopped off at Cwmcarn for a lap of the red Twrch trail, while others opted for a recovery hike to the Twmbarlwm Iron Age fort. Good old faithful Welsh weather resumed, but for some this might have felt refreshing after the sweat and sunburn (yes, really!) of the day before."
gA-ers never rest - once back in Surrey planning has already begun for the next adventure, riding the South Downs Way 28-30 July. See Dawn’s post on Spond for more details and join the What’s app group if you’re interested.
